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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's, by 
+A. Mildred Cable
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's
+       The Story of the Work in Hwochow
+
+Author: A. Mildred Cable
+
+Release Date: November 12, 2008 [EBook #27243]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Free Elf, University of Hong Kong Library,
+audreyii, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MRS. HSI.
+
+_Frontispiece._]
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S
+
+THE STORY OF THE WORK IN HWOCHOW
+
+BY A. MILDRED CABLE
+
+          _Of the China Inland Mission_
+
+          "Is it a dream?
+           Nay, but the lack of it, a dream.
+             And failing it, life's love and wealth a dream,
+             And all the world a dream."
+                                             WALT WHITMAN
+
+
+          LONDON:
+          MORGAN & SCOTT LTD.
+          12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.C.
+          CHINA INLAND MISSION
+          NEWINGTON GREEN, N. MCMXVII
+
+
+
+
+          TO
+
+          DR. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN
+
+          THE "APOLLOS" WHO
+
+          BY PRAYER AND SYMPATHY HAS "WATERED"
+
+          THIS WORK
+
+          THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+TWENTY-ONE years ago, on 19th February 1896, Pastor Hsi, to quote the
+words of his biographer, "was translated to higher service." Those who
+read the fascinating and wonderful story of his life by Mrs. Howard
+Taylor will at once be interested in _The Fulfilment of a Dream_, which
+is the story of the work in Hwochow, and gives the account of the
+carrying on of the spiritual labour of that remarkable man, and of the
+fulfilment of his dream. I think it is equally true that those who have
+not read Pastor Hsi's life will desire to do so after reading this book.
+
+It is a commonplace observation, but none the less true, that the story
+commenced in the Acts of the Apostles could not be finished by Luke,
+because the great activity, the commencement of which he recorded, is
+still going forward. Every tale of missionary endeavour moving forward
+"toward the uttermost part of the earth" is an added chapter. It has
+been given to Mildred Cable and her fellow workers, to labour in the
+apostolic succession; and then to Mildred Cable, to write this wonderful
+chapter.
+
+From my own standpoint the book is full of charm. While by no means its
+supreme value, the first impression made upon the mind is that of the
+naturalness of the story. The reader is made the friend of the writer,
+and listens to an artless and charming account of places and of peoples.
+My first reading of the book at one sitting (as all such books should be
+read), left me with a sense of the atmosphere of the missionary's life
+and surroundings. I was admitted into the actuality of everyday things,
+and was made familiar with the pathos and tragedy and humour of life in
+a land and among a people largely unknown to me.
+
+As I have said, this is by no means the supreme value of the book. That
+rather consists in something that grows upon you as you read. The writer
+does not state it in so many words, or very seldom, and certainly is not
+trying to persuade you to believe it, but there it is. I refer to the
+tender and yet strong revelation of the power of the Divine Grace, both
+in its sustenance of those who are called to missionary work, and its
+transforming power in the case of those who, often at cost, yield
+themselves to its call.
+
+In Chapters I., V., VI., VII., and VIII., the reader will trace the
+story of the development of the work, and a wonderful story it is.
+Chapters XI. and XII., containing first the story of Ai Do, and then a
+record of demoniacal manifestations, show the reader how these quiet and
+earnest workers are brought up against the big, naked, awful things of
+life; and also how being so confronted, they are unafraid and
+unconquered in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. The fact that I draw
+special attention to these chapters is not intended to suggest for a
+moment that the others are either uninteresting or unimportant. They are
+neither the one nor the other. For all that it is intended to be, the
+book is a whole, and is supremely precious, because it is manifestly a
+part of the larger whole of Christ's great emprise.
+
+With confidence and joy I commend the story to all those in whose heart
+burns the passion for the coming of the hour when our adorable Redeemer
+shall "see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied."
+                                             G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+
+
+
+AUTHOR'S PREFACE
+
+
+I WISH to acknowledge that apart from my co-workers, Evangeline and
+Francesca French, this book would have been impossible. To Mr. Albert
+Lutley, Superintendent of the China Inland Mission Work in the Province
+of Shansi, I am indebted for help and kindnesses which I can
+acknowledge, but never repay. I am also indebted to my Chinese
+secretary, Miss Wang, for her able reporting of the many interviews
+which the compiling of this book has necessitated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Chinese themselves say: "One mile alters the speech, and ten miles
+change the customs."
+
+In view of the fact that the Province of Shansi alone is larger than
+England and Wales, I wish it to be clearly understood that the usages
+and customs to which I refer throughout this book are local.
+
+
+
+
+EDITOR'S NOTE
+
+
+ALL personal names are spelt according to the system employed by the
+authoress, except where it has been necessary to modify this to retain
+the identity of someone mentioned in Mrs. Howard Taylor's _Pastor Hsi_.
+All place names are spelt according to the orthography of the Chinese
+Postal Guide, which system is now used in the standard maps of China and
+has been adopted by the larger missionary societies. Thus, Hoh-chau of
+_Pastor Hsi_ becomes Hwochow, T'ai-yüan becomes Taiyüanfu, P'ing-yang
+becomes Pingyangfu, etc.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                     PAGE
+
+  PROLOGUE                                            xix
+
+
+  CHAPTER I
+
+  MRS. HSI'S GIFT, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
+    OPENING OF THE STATION OF HWOCHOW                   3
+
+
+  CHAPTER II
+
+  THE BIG ROAD, INDICATING THE SITUATION OF
+    HWOCHOW IN THE PROVINCE OF SHANSI                  11
+
+
+  CHAPTER III
+
+  A NEW VENTURE, IN WHICH IS RECORDED THE
+    APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST MISSIONARIES
+    TO HWOCHOW                                         19
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV
+
+  THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY, BEING A RECORD
+    OF SOME WHO WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER
+    FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, AND OF MRS. HSI'S
+    EXPERIENCE IN THE BOXER OUTBREAK                   27
+
+
+  CHAPTER V
+
+  LIFE IN THE VILLAGES, AN INTRODUCTION TO
+    CHINESE HOME LIFE                                  37
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI
+
+  OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW, SHOWING THINGS AS
+    THEY SOMETIMES ARE                                 47
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII
+
+  A PORTRAIT GALLERY, WHEREIN THE READER IS
+    INTRODUCED TO SOME OF OUR FELLOW WORKERS           57
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII
+
+  WORK DEVELOPMENT, RELATING HOW WE SOUGHT TO
+    ENCOMPASS THE WORK, AND THE WORK
+    ENCOMPASSED US                                     69
+
+
+  CHAPTER IX
+
+  MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF
+    HER LIFE FROM WIDOWHOOD                            77
+
+
+  CHAPTER X
+
+  THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER                         85
+
+
+  CHAPTER XI
+
+  THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL, BEING THE
+    STORY OF AI DO                                     95
+
+
+  CHAPTER XII
+
+  THE POWERS OF DARKNESS, BEING A RECORD OF SOME
+    OBSERVATIONS IN DEMONOLOGY                        109
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII
+
+  THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG                       127
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV
+
+  A VISIT TO THE BASE, FROM WHENCE WE ARE AGAIN
+    SENT FORTH WITH FRESH SUPPLIES                    141
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+  THE BUILDERS, RELATING HOW THE SUPPLIES WERE
+    USED                                              151
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI
+
+  WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL, WHICH TELLS HOW
+    A LINK WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN WESTMINSTER
+    AND HWOCHOW BIBLE SCHOOLS                         159
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII
+
+  THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA, AN ACCOUNT
+    OF FRESH EFFORTS TO REACH THE MULTITUDE, AND
+    BRING THEM TO DECISION                            169
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII
+
+  LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND, RECORDING
+    HOSPITALITY SHOWN TO US BY THE OFFICIAL
+    CLASSES                                           177
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIX
+
+  THE REVOLUTION OF 1911, AND HOW WE WERE
+    AFFECTED BY IT                                    189
+
+
+  CHAPTER XX
+
+  CHANGED CONDITIONS, WHEREIN SOME, THOUGH
+    FOLLOWING A PATH OF ACTION, FAILED TO
+    UNDERSTAND IT                                     199
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXI
+
+  ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY, WHEREIN THE READER
+    IS INTRODUCED TO SOME WHO HAVE FAILED             211
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXII
+
+  PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK,
+    TELLING OF THE DAILY ROUTINE                      223
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXIII
+
+  A CASKET OF JEWELS, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
+    GIRLS' SCHOOL                                     233
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXIV
+
+  THE TREASURE HOUSE, WHERE THE READER IS SHOWN
+    THE LAPIDARY AT WORK                              247
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXV
+
+  CONCLUSION, BEING A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT
+    SITUATION                                         257
+
+
+  APPENDIX                                            263
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  MRS. HSI                                     _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                 FACING PAGE
+
+  A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER                                 82
+
+  PASTOR WANG                                         136
+
+  WOMEN'S BIBLE SCHOOL                                160
+
+  "PUPPY" AND HER MOTHER                              218
+
+  THE TEACHING STAFF                                  228
+
+  SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS                          236
+
+  LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG   252
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+THE spirit of the Confucian scholar Hsi met with its Master Christ, and
+overwhelmed by the vision yielded all to His control. Constrained by His
+love the souls of men were sought and won; led by His Spirit, churches
+were established in the faith; sharing His sufferings, their failures
+became his burden.
+
+In the darkest days the Hwochow Church has known, when many forsook
+their faith, he was strengthened by a dream, in which he saw a tree cut
+down to the ground, only to sprout again, and throw out branches
+stronger than before.
+
+In his dream, Pastor Hsi knew this tree to be the Hwochow Church. He
+knew that though it were brought low, it would revive, and by faith
+obtained the promise, the fulfilment of which is recorded in these
+pages.
+
+
+
+
+          When Thou wouldst pour the Living Stream
+          Then I would be the earthen cup,
+          Filled to the brim and sparkling clear.
+          The Fountain Thou and Living Spring
+          Flow Thou through me, the vessel weak,
+          That thirsty souls may taste Thy grace.
+
+          When Thou wouldst warn the people, Lord,
+          Then I would be the golden bell
+          Swung high athwart the lofty tower
+          Morning and evening sounding loud;
+          That young and old may wake from sleep,
+          Yea, e'en the deaf hear that strong sound.
+
+          When Thou wouldst light the darkness, Lord,
+          Then I would be the silver lamp
+          Whose oil supply can never fail.
+          Placed high, to shed the beams afar,
+          That darkness may be turned to light,
+          And men and women see Thy face.
+
+          When Thou wouldst slay the wolves, O Lord!
+          Then I would be the keen-edged sword;
+          Clean, free from rust, sharpened and sure,
+          The handle grasped, my God, by Thee.
+          To kill the cruel, ravening foe,
+          And save the sheep for whom Christ died.
+
+                                        Translated from Pastor Hsi
+                                              by F. L. F.
+
+
+
+
+MRS. HSI'S GIFT
+
+          "First love is the abandonment of all for the love
+          which has abandoned all."--Dr. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+                                      ". . . such men
+          Carry the fire, all things grow warm to them.
+          Their drugget's worth my purple, they beat me."
+                                        R. BROWNING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+MRS. HSI'S GIFT
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE OPENING OF THE STATION OF HWOCHOW
+
+
+MRS. HSI was in great mental distress. The blow she feared had fallen,
+and her husband was a prey to the bewitching power of the "foreign
+devils." How cleverly the trap had been laid. Firstly, the offer of a
+monetary prize for a classical essay--which he had won; secondly, the
+insistence of the foreigner on a personal interview with the writer, on
+the occasion of which, certain as her husband had been that he had
+tasted neither food nor drink under his roof, some means had certainly
+been found to introduce into his system some of that subtle foreign drug
+which, as every one knew, must eventually compel the victim to embrace
+Christianity and follow the "foreign devil" to the world's end. Thirdly,
+he had been invited to become the teacher of this dreaded man (Rev.
+David Hill), and she had foolishly yielded her consent. She had taken
+every precaution and had, on three occasions, sent for him on plea of
+her own illness during the time he was an inmate in the foreigner's
+household. His clothing had been carefully searched for traces of the
+magical compound, but in vain; nothing had come to light, and now here
+was her husband, one of the leading Confucianists of the district,
+declaring that, of his own free will and action, he had determined to
+follow--not the foreign devils--but this Jesus, around Whom all their
+preaching centred. He attributed this change of mind, evidently quite
+irrationally, to the reading of a book printed under the strange title
+of _Happy Sound_,--but perhaps even the sacred Chinese character might
+become a snare in their hands! Nothing but the influence of some
+powerful magic could have worked so complete a transformation. Even his
+intense craving for opium was gone, the Confucian writings which had
+been his constant companion were now neglected, and in spite of her
+entreaties and fears, the family gods were destroyed.
+
+During his stay at home he spoke constantly, both to her and in her
+hearing to many visitors, of the teachings of this Jesus Who, he
+explained to all comers, was the Son of the only True God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Time passed, and gradually her fears were somewhat allayed, so that she
+even consented to repeat certain sentences which, he told her, were to
+be used night and morning, kneeling, and with closed eyes. Her
+inclination to favourably regard what he told her grew, especially
+during his absences from home; for, strange to relate, she soon began to
+find herself under the influence of an unaccountable external power,
+which compelled her on each occasion of a visit from her husband to fly
+into an uncontrollable rage at the sight of him, and this despite her
+most determined resolution to the contrary. To her husband it was most
+distressing to see so gentle a woman thus transformed. As his own
+spiritual experience increased, he recognised in this an onslaught of
+the devil, and betook himself to prayer and fasting in order to discover
+how they had laid themselves open to the attack. It was then that there
+was brought to his remembrance the fact that, in a room at the top of
+the house, there stood a small idol responsible for the health of the
+family, whose existence Mrs. Hsi had been careful not to bring to his
+remembrance, and which had been overlooked in the general destruction.
+The shrine was instantly destroyed, and Mrs. Hsi was free of the
+tormenting spirit, and shortly afterwards openly confessed Christ.
+
+From that time their home in the Western Chang village was a centre of
+Christian activity. Through intense suffering Mr. Hsi had freed himself
+from the craving for opium, and he felt that, for the evangelisation of
+his native province, some means might be devised whereby the treatment
+of opium patients might be combined with widespread preaching of the
+Gospel.
+
+The more he thought of this the stronger the conviction grew that it was
+of God, and when, through the agency of a dream, a system of treatment
+was revealed to him, he accepted it as a revelation and at once prepared
+the medicine which proved successful beyond his highest expectations.
+After a time, men who had been delivered from the opium vice and led to
+Christ through the Refuges, were gathered into his home (which he
+called the Middle Eden) and trained for the work.
+
+This community life for so large a number was only made possible by Mrs.
+Hsi's enthusiastic devotion. The extension of the opium refuge work was
+rapid and widespread, and necessitated frequent absences from home on
+the part of Mr. Hsi, during which time a heavy burden fell upon his
+wife.
+
+Houses were rented in many towns and villages, and patients entering the
+"heavenly called refuges"[1] were numerous.
+
+The burden of one city, however, lay heavily upon the heart of Mr. Hsi,
+and he and his household constantly prayed together that Hwochow might
+be opened to the sound of the Gospel; but funds which seemed essential
+for the initial expenses of the venture were not forthcoming. His
+itinerant journeys frequently took him through this important centre,
+which was situated sixty miles north of his home.
+
+Day after day prayer was made, and Mrs. Hsi often heard her husband in
+the night watches, as he knelt alone in the court, plead with God that
+nothing might hinder what he strongly believed to be the Divine Purpose.
+
+One Sunday night she was wakened by the familiar sound. She knew that
+her husband, like herself, had gone to bed tired out by a long day of
+preaching, during which large numbers had joined their household from
+more or less distant villages. According to their custom, they had spent
+the day fasting; it was Pastor Hsi's habit to refer to the Scriptures
+direct for guidance on matters of daily conduct, and in the early days
+of his faith he feared to sin against the law of God by allowing fires
+to be lighted and meals to be prepared on Sunday. In accordance with his
+habit, he had arisen soon after midnight to give himself to prayer, and
+her ear caught the murmured sentences, "I beseech Thee, O Lord, open a
+way for Hwochow to hear the Gospel." As she listened, the sound of his
+voice brought conviction to her own mind that she was to be the human
+agency by which the Divine Will should now fulfil itself. In a flash,
+the path of duty was clear.
+
+At the back of her cave were large painted cupboards which contained the
+whole of her worldly possessions: bundles of handsome silk, satin, and
+embroidered garments, and a box holding the heavy jade and silver
+ornaments, which had been her husband's marriage gift. Leaving her
+_kang_[2] Mrs. Hsi unlocked the cupboards and spent the rest of that
+night in sorting their contents. All except a few cotton gowns were put
+to one side, and as the voice in the courtyard still pleaded for
+Hwochow, even the earrings were taken from her ears, the rings from her
+fingers, and the ornaments from her hair.
+
+He Who is worthy to receive accepted the offering, and her heart sang a
+song of thanksgiving as she murmured to herself, "Hwochow shall have the
+Gospel."
+
+Morning prayers at Middle Eden was an hour of joyful worship, and on
+this day Mrs. Hsi's heart was so full of happiness that she could
+scarcely wait until the full congregation had assembled before she,
+laden with her bundles, entered the room and placed them on the table,
+saying, "I think God has answered our prayers; I can do without these,
+let Hwochow have the Gospel."
+
+Every heart present must have been moved, for all could judge accurately
+what the sacrifice must be. She had offered her only worldly treasures,
+articles which her husband could not ask her to sacrifice, ready as he
+was to use in God's service all that pertained to their home.
+
+Surely the angels joined their song to that of the little Christian
+community that morning, as the words of their own pastor's hymn ascended
+with the sacrifice of praise:
+
+  "I hung for thee on Calvary, what dost thou still withhold from Me?
+   Thy strength, thy time, thy goods?
+   Oh say, what dost thou yet deny, My heart of love to satisfy?"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Heavenly Invitation Office ("Pastor Hsi's" translation).
+
+[2] The raised brick or mud platform, heated by a fire, used as a bed in
+North China.
+
+
+
+
+THE BIG ROAD
+
+          "Allons! whoever you are, come travel with me!
+           Travelling with me you find what never tires.
+           Whoever you are, come forth! a man or a woman, come forth!
+           You must not stay sleeping or dallying there in the house,
+           though you built it, or though it has been built for you."
+                                        WALT WHITMAN.
+
+          "The Master said: With coarse rice to eat, with
+          water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;--I
+          have still joy in the midst of these
+          things."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE BIG ROAD
+
+INDICATING THE SITUATION OF HWOCHOW IN THE PROVINCE OF SHANSI
+
+
+THE city of Hwochow is situated on the main road which connects
+Taiyüanfu with Sianfu, the direct route from Peking to the northwestern
+provinces. Along this road pass strings of camels, laden with the
+merchandise of Mongolia; thousands of donkeys, carrying bags of flour
+from the more luxuriant southern plains; cartloads of tobacco and paper
+from the large cities in the south of the province, and caravans of
+travellers; whole families packed into large carts moving to some new
+home; mat-covered litters swung between two mules and heavily curtained,
+in which the wives of an official are transported to their new abode;
+pedestrians, clad in sky-blue cotton, "yamen runners" yelling as they
+ride at furious speed to clear the way before them, and bearers of
+burdens combine to form a moving picture of interest and beauty upon the
+_Big Road_, as it is called.
+
+Not least interesting among the wayfarers are the Lhamas from distant
+Thibet nearing the end of their long pilgrimage to the famous holy
+mountain Wutai, where each one hopes to be granted the vision of the
+famous opening lotus. For many months, stretching into years, this hope
+has sustained them through the weary pilgrimage. From the threshold of
+their Lhama home they have walked every step of the thousand and more
+miles, some at every tenth, some at every fifth step, touching the
+ground with their forehead, and some measuring the whole length of the
+way with their outstretched body on the road.
+
+As the traveller enters Hwochow from the north, he crosses a bridge,
+passing on his right a large metal cow. Beyond, flows the Fen River, and
+before him is the city gate. To this brazen image is committed the
+important function of guarding Hwochow from flood, and so successfully
+does it accomplish its task that dryness and drought are the normal
+condition of the countryside!
+
+Turning to the east he faces the magnificent range of the Ho Mountains,
+in winter covered with snow, and in warmer seasons touched with the
+beauty of ever-changing colour. These mountains are part of the range
+which, farther north, is traversed by the famous Lingshih Pass.
+
+Excepting in the early summer months when patches of vivid green
+indicate the fields of growing wheat, the landscape is of a uniform
+shade which is best described as _khaki_. Owing to the friable nature of
+the soil formation known as _loess_, the traveller, whether journeying
+from north or south, finds himself in a succession of deep gullies.
+
+This wheat-growing land was formerly given over to the cultivation of
+the opium poppy, and for miles over the plain the wonderful iridescent
+bloom gave the appearance of a sea of changing light and shade as the
+wind passed over it.
+
+In the year 1908 a proclamation was issued forbidding the growth of
+opium under penalty of death, and so vigorously has the law been
+enforced that the poppy has completely disappeared from view, and no man
+is bold enough to openly grow that which has been forbidden by the
+authorities.
+
+For ten months in the year brilliant sunshine can be counted upon, and
+during that time, except for dust combined with heat or cold, the
+physical condition of a journey may be comparatively easy. Ease of mind,
+however, can only be attained by the philosopher who, putting away all
+thought of unseemly haste, shares the Easterner's pleasures of
+observation, contemplation, and wayside intercourse.
+
+The journey from Taiyüanfu to Hwochow is accomplished in five stages,
+and nothing will induce the carter to shorten or change them, though
+hours may have been wasted in some narrow gully where, spite his warning
+yells, his cart met another at a point where advance or retreat on
+either side were alike impossible. After fierce recriminations the two
+men each produce a pipe, and it is good practice for the impatient
+Westerner to see them sit on their heels and talk the matter over. Time
+passes, but the carter is untrammelled by any artificial measure
+thereof, and after endless discussion, amid comforting whiffs of
+tobacco, he proceeds to think of a plan whereby the deadlock may be
+overcome. How they manage to extricate themselves, one never knows! Some
+of the bank comes down, yells and shouts do their part, and at last the
+traffic, which may now amount to fifty waiting carts, slowly passes by.
+It is an everyday occurrence, and you ask, "Why do they not widen the
+road?" "Nobody's business," is the reply. "Who would spend the money?"
+
+It is, however, the rainy season that reveals to the full the horrors of
+Chinese travelling. The _loess_ is slippery beyond description, and the
+litter or cart in which you travel may be stuck for hours in a pit of
+greasy mud, black by reason of the coal dust so plentiful throughout the
+district, so deep that nothing but the mule's head is visible, the
+plunging body being hidden in the black mass. Your only hope at such a
+moment is to throw yourself with the grace of an expert gymnast on to
+the bank, thankful if you escape unhurt and only bespattered by mud.
+These pits are carefully kept in condition by a small group of men who
+appear, as by magic, to offer assistance at the suitable moment. No
+plight, however, excites their pity sufficiently to induce them to
+render help apart from a pecuniary reward of an exorbitant nature. Once
+within the city gates there is hope that you will soon find a shelter.
+You will have accomplished "the stage" which has been allotted from time
+immemorial. Marco Polo himself followed these stages in the year 1280 as
+we do to-day in the twentieth century.
+
+The main road runs through the city of Hwochow from north to south, and
+many inns invite the traveller to rest, the red scrolls at the door
+assuring him that "From the four seas men all gather to this great
+hotel," and that the fame of its food is far-reaching.
+
+Crossing this road from east to west is another important street where
+the official residence is situated. Here, most of the large shops are to
+be found and in the centre of the city is a fine tower, but all the
+smaller streets are alike, running between blank walls, from which
+access to as many as twelve courtyards may be through one small door.
+Numerous pigs walk unhindered up and down, acting as scavengers, and as
+such are not unneeded, for every one throws the refuse of the household
+out of the court door, caring nothing for the convenience of the public.
+
+Parallel with the Yamen street is another important thoroughfare known
+as Prospect Hill. Here stands the largest and most important temple in
+the city, and almost next door to this, with the money given by his
+wife, Mr. Hsi secured small premises and announced that he was opening
+an opium refuge, and was willing to receive patients. Particulars as to
+rules and expenses were widely published, and in this place the first
+results of the love and self-sacrifice of Mrs. Hsi were seen.
+
+
+
+
+A NEW VENTURE
+
+          "Love has a hem to its garment
+           That touches the very dust:
+           It can reach the stains of the streets and the lanes,
+           And because it can it must.
+
+           It dares not rest on the mountain;
+           It is bound to come to the vale;
+           For it cannot find its fulness of mind
+           Till it kindles the lives that fail."
+                                        GEORGE MATHESON.
+
+          "The world had begun to stare, she half
+          apprehended the fact, but she was in the presence
+          of the irresistible. In the presence of the
+          irresistible the conventional is a crazy
+          structure, swept away with very little creaking of
+          its timbers on the flood."--GEORGE MEREDITH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A NEW VENTURE
+
+IN WHICH IS RECORDED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST MISSIONARIES TO
+HWOCHOW
+
+
+THE first endeavour to bring the people of Hwochow within sound of the
+Gospel proved in every way encouraging. Numbers of men entered the Opium
+Refuge, and before long a nucleus of twenty were calling themselves
+Christians. The effort was, however, sterile so far as women were
+concerned, and Pastor Hsi knew the impossibility of establishing upon a
+solid basis a work which left untouched those who so largely controlled
+the home.
+
+The power wielded by the woman in China is immense, for while she may be
+despised and, in her young days, even ill-treated, her day of power
+surely dawns, and woe betide the man who has to combat the determined
+will of mother or wife.
+
+The question of providing women workers for Hwochow became a pressing
+one, and a visit from the Rev. Hudson Taylor was the occasion chosen by
+Pastor Hsi to bring before him the urgency of this claim[3]. His
+suggestion was that single women missionaries should be appointed who
+could give their time unreservedly to the teaching of women, and
+preaching. Mr. Taylor pointed out the difficulties and the
+misunderstanding which would make their lot far from easy, but these
+difficulties, Pastor and Mrs. Hsi felt, might be overcome, and willingly
+promised to give all the help which lay within their power. In any case,
+the claim of the women constituted a call to make a forward movement,
+and Mr. Taylor promised to give the matter serious consideration. By the
+end of that year, 1886, two Norwegian ladies had offered for the post.
+
+Miss Jacobsen, an idealist, strong, capable, and critical, gave herself
+whole-heartedly to the work for which she had come. Enthusiastic and
+independent in thought and action, she soon acquired the spoken language
+to a remarkable degree, and with a praiseworthy tenacity she studied the
+classical works of the Chinese, and at the same time could vie with most
+of the women in all branches of their domestic activities. Her
+extraordinary ability is a byword to this day amongst the people who
+knew her.
+
+She was accompanied by Miss Reuter, a lady of education and refinement,
+whose grace of manner and goodness of heart speedily endeared her to all
+with whom she came in contact. Varied as were the gifts and
+circumstances of the friends, they were one in desire and purpose. Their
+home was one small room, and here they dwelt and received all who came
+to them. They wore the Chinese dress, ate the Chinese food, and whether
+in their own home or in the villages where they preached, ever kept
+before them the one object of the salvation of souls.
+
+As pioneer workers, enthusiasm sometimes overstepped discretion, and the
+violation of Chinese custom in such matters as the public playing of
+stringed instruments and open-air preaching to mixed congregations, led
+to misunderstanding, and even to the gathering around them of some whose
+presence was far from helpful.
+
+Desire on the part of Miss Jacobsen to encourage in every way possible
+those who were already faced with persecution as they left idolatry, led
+to the preparation, each Sunday, of a simple meal which might be shared
+with any who walked long distances to attend services in the City
+Church, and who arrived weary and tired. Others, however, apart from the
+Christian family heard of this, and if matters of business brought them
+to the city, Sunday was considered an appropriate day to transact them,
+as thereby dinner might be obtained free. This naturally led to
+criticism on the part of the heathen, and many of the more independent
+and self-respecting people refrained from intercourse with a community
+of whom it could be said: "They believe for their food's sake." Acting
+upon the advice of Pastor Hsi, this practice was discontinued, the
+missionaries themselves willingly taking no food from morning until
+evening, that all might fare alike. It could but be evident to all
+concerned that the mistakes were those of love and enthusiasm, and such
+qualities do much to counteract any harm that might arise from unwise
+methods of expression. In every land, the world might well see more of
+the love that defies criticism, and forgets its own interests in
+whole-hearted devotion.
+
+Miss Reuter felt the importance of at once reaching the children, and
+opened a small school for the daughters of Christians. Three little
+girls were committed to her care, and these she faithfully taught, not
+despising the day of small things.
+
+She, with Miss Jacobsen, travelled from village to village with the
+evangelist Cheng Hsiu-chi, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
+Cheng was a native of Hwochow, and had, at Pastor Hsi's request, made
+ready the house for the missionaries when they came. As a young man he
+had wandered far in the paths of sin, and his mother, eager for his
+reformation, had spent no mean sum of money upon incense with which to
+seek the favour of the gods on his behalf. Seeing her devotion, his
+heart was touched, and he considered seeking refuge in a Buddhist
+monastery from the "fire of passion, hatred, and ignorance always
+burning in his heart." With this in view, he took counsel of a friend
+who had harboured similar ideals. This man had lately been a patient in
+the Refuge, where he had learnt of a stronger power to break the bonds
+of sin than fasting, penance, and self-discipline. With him Mr. Cheng
+attended a meeting of Christians where, meeting with Christ, he became a
+disciple. He returned home to face bitter persecution for refusing to
+pay the temple taxes; it was understood that no robbery of his crops, or
+ill-treatment of his person, would be punished by the village elders. He
+had finally no option but to leave his home and seek refuge elsewhere,
+rejoicing that he was counted worthy to suffer "for the Name's sake."
+
+He then helped Pastor Hsi in the Hwochow Refuge, and later took charge
+of the same work in new and hitherto untouched districts, returning from
+time to time to his own city.
+
+A strong admiration for Miss Jacobsen and her whole-hearted devotion
+awoke a consciousness that this feeling was not entirely on his side,
+and gradually, but surely, the difference of race and outlook was
+obliterated in the love which revealed to each the other's secret.
+
+Those to whom Miss Jacobsen in honour bound confided her purpose, did
+all in their power to prevent what it seemed might prove to be a
+catastrophe to the work. She was asked to leave Hwochow, and was sent to
+another province. Some years passed, but nothing could change the
+determination which saw in this union a possible wider sphere of
+usefulness and understanding of the people she had come to love;
+moreover, the mysterious something which caused her to know that "one
+man loved the pilgrim soul" in her, could not be ignored. To her trusted
+friend Pastor Hsi, however, she did turn for advice, and while many
+fellow-workers found it hard to express their indignation and regret,
+he, with a clearness of outlook only possible where there is absence of
+prejudice, told her that while he could not regard it as a sin for a
+Christian man and woman of different races to marry, he felt convinced
+that the time had not come for such unions to be desirable.
+
+As is usual in such cases where inclination runs contrary to the advice
+given, the latter was ignored, and in the year 1898 Cheng Hsiu-chi and
+Anna Jacobsen became man and wife. Painful as must have been the
+attitude of Westerners to Mrs. Cheng, a greater trial awaited her when
+she came to realise that the Chinese, both Christian and heathen,
+regarded her action with disapproval, and adopted so unappreciative an
+attitude both towards her husband and herself, that she found only
+critical antagonism where she had looked for sympathetic understanding.
+Mr. Cheng proved himself worthy in all ways of the confidence she had
+placed in him, and by self-sacrificing toil he, both before and after
+his wife's death, faithfully served the Lord to Whom he had yielded his
+life. In the year 1915 he too passed to his reward.
+
+Miss Reuter had some time previously married Mr. Stanley Smith; young
+workers who had joined Miss Jacobsen for short periods had been moved to
+other places, and when fresh appointments were made it was a time of
+great difficulty. It was not easy to replace those whose absolute
+devotion had won the love of the people amongst whom they lived; and
+while Miss Jacobsen's action necessitated her withdrawal from the staff
+of the China Inland Mission, and made further residence in Hwochow
+impossible for her, they could not forget that she was the first
+missionary who had come to them, and that they were losing with her the
+man who had been a help to so many of them in their early Christian
+life.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] It was on the occasion of this visit that Mr. Hsi was ordained
+pastor.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY
+
+          "Death is short, and life is long;
+           Satan is strong, and Christ more strong.
+           At His Word, Who hath led us hither,
+           The Red Sea must part hither and thither.
+           At His Word Who goes before us too,
+           Jordan must cleave to let us through."
+                                            C. ROSSETTI.
+
+          "On the other side of the River was also a meadow,
+          curiously beautified with lilies, and it was green
+          all the year round."--_Pilgrim's Progress._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY
+
+BEING A RECORD OF SOME WHO WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST'S
+SAKE, AND OF MRS. HSI'S EXPERIENCES IN THE BOXER OUTBREAK
+
+
+CHANGES in the staff at Taiyüanfu released for the oversight of mission
+work in Hwochow, Jane Stevens and Mildred Clarke.
+
+They might well shrink from the task facing them. Work in the provincial
+capital had been of so totally different an order, and life in a large
+community of foreigners had limited their sphere to the oversight of a
+small school for girls, and the instruction of women inquirers.
+
+None had felt more strongly the seriousness of the step taken by Miss
+Jacobsen, and they came to Hwochow with the determination that all
+should early understand the impossibility of intercourse outside the
+most rigid observance of etiquette, Chinese and Western. Feeling
+strongly that such an attitude on their part would be the most helpful
+factor in the gathering around them of better-class women, they
+faithfully carried it into practice. Men who were connected with the
+Church were received by them only under the most formal restrictions.
+Finding it impossible to eat Chinese food, a simple, but foreign
+_ménage_, took the place of the hitherto free-and-easy conditions.
+
+It was a severe test for Chinese and foreigners alike; desire for
+renewal of the former conditions of intimacy met with no encouragement
+from those who could not but constantly bear the past in mind, and who
+felt that, for the highest interests of the work, a new relationship
+must be established. This attitude was naturally regarded as aloofness,
+and was galling to those whose love had been set on the young
+missionaries fresh from Norway, with all the enthusiasm of youth, to
+whom they themselves had taught the language and who belonged to them as
+others could not.
+
+Miss Clarke gave her time to the Girls' School, the pupils of which now
+numbered nearly twenty, and those who followed her have reaped where she
+sowed. Often sad and weary she plodded on, but God in His time gave the
+increase. Miss Stevens, to the limit of her strength, and often beyond
+it, faithfully worked in the city and villages, suffering much which to
+her was intense hardship, and feeling keenly the isolation and lack of
+confidence amongst the people who misunderstood the course of action
+deliberately adopted. Thus, while bringing heartache to themselves,
+these missionaries were enabled to make easy the way to all who followed
+them.
+
+The year 1900 dawned. In the month of June the ladies closed school and
+gladly accepted an invitation from friends in their old station to
+visit them. To Taiyüanfu they went, and after many anxious days spent
+with the missionaries gathered there they, in obedience to the
+Governor's command, helpless to disobey, even though they suspected his
+treacherous promises of protection, moved to a house near his
+_Yamen_.[4]
+
+"Arrived at the house chosen for them, they made themselves as
+comfortable as possible for the night; and the next morning (Sunday,
+July 8) were able to examine their surroundings. They found that for
+their whole number (twenty-six, including children) there were only two
+comparatively small courts, the two inner courts being already occupied
+by the Roman Catholics. . . . When the fateful day (Monday, July 9)
+dawned, the foreigners evidently had no inkling as to what was to
+happen. Just before noon the sub-prefect called and took a list of all
+who were in the house, both foreigners and Chinese, saying it was by
+order of the Governor. . . . As was ascertained just a year later, when
+other Protestant missionaries returned to the province, the Governor had
+determined that on that day he would kill all the foreigners in
+Taiyüanfu. He evidently only took a few of the officials into his
+confidence, and one at least--the _Tao Tai_--strenuously opposed the
+course he was about to pursue, but unfortunately without result.
+
+"It must have been about two o'clock in the afternoon when he ordered a
+number of officers, with their soldiers, to accompany him, and mounting
+his own horse, led the way. He made as though he would go out of the
+city by the North Gate, but before reaching that point, he suddenly
+wheeled round and went to the house where the missionaries were
+confined. He there ordered their immediate arrest, and they appear to
+have made no resistance--as, indeed, it would have been useless. All who
+were found within the compound (Protestants and Roman Catholics) were
+seized; and it so happened there were several Chinese there on
+business. . . . No excuse was listened to, and all were marched off to
+the Governor's _Yamen_ between files of soldiers, where they were taken
+into the courtyard adjoining the street and surrounded by soldiers--not
+Boxers.
+
+"As to what really occurred, the whole truth will probably never be
+known, but from inquiries made on the spot, it seems certain that the
+Governor did not assault any with his own hand; but, having asked the
+missionaries where they came from, and being answered, 'From England,'
+and 'From France,' just gave the order, 'Sha' (kill) to the soldiers,
+who answered with a shout and immediately fell upon their defenceless
+victims, killing them indiscriminately."[5]
+
+The Church in Hwochow, Chaocheng, and Fensi had a marvellous escape. The
+Boxers, practising their mystic rites, overran the district. Whole
+families fled to the mountains, and no one was safe from robbery and
+violence. The mandarin of Chaocheng, fearful lest massacres should take
+place in the county under his jurisdiction and desiring at any cost to
+keep the peace, called together some of the leading gentry and asked for
+advice as to the problem facing them. "I know," said he, "that calling
+upon the Christians to recant will be useless, but can we not issue
+tickets to them upon which are the very words they use in entering the
+Church, 'I promise to repent?' There should be no difficulty in getting
+them to take these, for it will mean to them what they themselves
+preach, while to the anti-Christian fanatic it will be sufficiently
+satisfactory."
+
+Orders were accordingly issued that all Christians were to receive this
+official paper whereby their safety would be ensured. Large numbers in
+the Church regarded the mandarin's action as the overruling of
+Providence on their behalf, and accepted tickets which involved no
+verbal recantation of their faith. Others, amongst whom was Mrs. Hsi
+(now a widow), with more sensitive spiritual perceptions, refused to
+take advantage of even the semblance of a subterfuge.
+
+The Chaocheng mandarin, surrounded by his bodyguard, went outside the
+city gates to the place where the Boxers were practising their rites
+with the intention of burning incense in their presence, by which act he
+would acknowledge them as invulnerable and holy men. At the critical
+moment, however, one of them was said to have made a move as if to
+attack the official, who instantly called upon his bodyguard to seize
+the men, exclaiming: "These are insurgents, and no holy men; bind them,
+they are prisoners." As such they entered the city, and Boxerism never
+spread in the district. Thus did the Hand of God protect the hundreds of
+men and women who in these three counties were called by His Name, and
+while in many places few escaped the sword, the numerically largest
+Church in the province of Shansi was spared.
+
+Mrs. Hsi was in Chaocheng seeking to help the women in their troubles,
+when news reached her that her brother-in-law, Elder Sï, was stabbed by
+one of the local Boxers. Rumours followed rapidly, and she heard that
+her mother-in-law was in serious danger. She hastened to her home, and
+found matters worse than she had feared. There was no place in which to
+live, the house was destroyed, her clothes were stolen, and had it not
+been for the thoughtfulness of one missionary who, in the midst of
+personal danger, found time to buy and send to her some garments and
+bedcovering, she would have been in a sad plight. Her old mother could
+not walk, so badly had she been beaten by the robbers, and terrified,
+the two women crept to the fields and hid themselves. When night fell
+they returned to shelter and to get a little food, crawling out to their
+hiding-place before the cock crew each morning. Terror was upon the
+whole populace. The official had not been successful here, as in
+Chaocheng, in dealing with the movement, and the party of missionaries
+who had for some time been gathered in Pingyangfu were openly attacked
+and robbed by Boxer bands as they left the city under official escort.
+
+In loneliness and peril Mrs. Hsi and her aged mother cried to God, as
+the anxious, weary days passed by. The missionaries were gone, very many
+killed, others in hiding, and some, after perils and sufferings
+unspeakable, had reached Hankow. After some months came the additional
+sorrow of the death of her brother-in-law, Elder Sï, who had managed
+for her all matters in which she required help.
+
+Gradually the storm blew over, but those who passed through that period
+can never forget it. For Christ's sake they had suffered, and they could
+not again be as before. The Church in Shansi "had a new and powerful
+weapon" in her hands, "the power of her sufferings."
+
+A few months later, as soon as passports were available, the
+missionaries were back at their posts. There was much to tell and to
+hear, as old friends met and were able to recount all the wonderful
+deliverances of the past year. But how many vacant places there were!
+How could they be filled? Ripe experience and Christlike sympathy were
+needed to deal with the new situation.
+
+Some had, under pressure, in a weak moment, recanted; others had
+resisted this temptation, but fallen over the more subtle question of
+indemnity for property destroyed. The situation, moreover, was changed;
+foreigner and Christian alike were now in the ascendancy. Compensation
+for life and property was granted, and though the members of the China
+Inland Mission declined to accept this, their action was made the
+occasion of a laudatory proclamation which called upon the people to
+note and imitate such an exemplification of self-forgetting goodness.
+
+In the providence of God the lives of a few missionaries had been spared
+to return, and with the benefit of their experience, to help new workers
+to an understanding of a situation which, mishandled, would inevitably
+lead to disastrous consequences.
+
+Nothing could give Mrs. Hsi greater pleasure than to hear from her
+friend, Miss French, that Hwochow was to be her future centre. I, as a
+new worker, was to accompany her, and together we reached the city which
+was to be henceforth our home.
+
+The reception given by the very few Christians who gathered to meet us,
+was both cordial and critical. Miss French was welcome as being one
+whose reputation had long ago reached them, who had already paid several
+visits to the station, and whose Chinese, they soon remarked, was "as
+good as Miss Jacobsen's!" Of me they knew nothing, and I had to meet the
+gaze of many eyes and listen to the remark, before I opened my month to
+speak, that it was impossible to understand my words. I had only one
+asset, and that was the fact that this being my first station I should
+belong to them, and when the day dawned that would release my stammering
+tongue, the honour of having taught and trained me would be theirs!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[4] _Yamen_=law courts or Mansion House.
+
+[5] From _Fire and Sword in Shansi_, by Dr. E. H. Edwards.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE IN THE VILLAGES
+
+          "Great things are done when men and mountains meet;
+           These are not done by jostling in the street."
+                                               WILLIAM BLAKE.
+
+          "Arrived there, the little house they fill,
+           No look for entertainment where none was;
+           Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
+           The noblest mind the best contentment has."
+                                               WILLIAM SPENSER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+LIFE IN THE VILLAGES
+
+AN INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE HOME LIFE
+
+
+THE house at Hwochow, which we were to inhabit, was still in the hands
+of workmen. We therefore decided to delay the unpacking of our boxes,
+and to spend several months in visiting the homes of the Christians
+throughout the four counties for which we were then responsible. Our
+travelling paraphernalia was simple, luggage being limited to the amount
+that a small donkey could carry in addition to a rider. Clothes and
+books were tied up in large square handkerchiefs and distributed as
+evenly as possible, along with a folded, wadded quilt in a long bed-bag
+which, thrown over the donkey's saddle, reached nearly to the ground on
+either side. On the early morning of the day decided on for our
+departure, two donkeys thus laden stood at our gate. On to one of them I
+was hoisted, and took my first lesson in how to sit happily, perched
+high on the voluminous luggage with neither reins for my hands nor
+stirrups for my feet, for sometimes as long as twelve hours' travelling
+with but a short break for food and rest at midday. From village to
+village we wandered, received everywhere with cordial hospitality,
+pressed to extend our visit, and followed on our departure by the
+reiterated cry: "Come again, come again, come again soon!"
+
+All was fresh and delightful to me and brimful of interest, from the
+hour when I rode through the city gate, passed the great tanks of lotus
+bloom to the edge of the swift, shallow river, where my servant stripped
+off his shoes and socks to lead my donkey knee-deep over the ford.
+
+By narrow roads we travelled where the tall grain stood like a wall on
+either side, ripening in the fierce sunshine which bathed the landscape
+in a dazzling glare. Through occasional villages we rode, where the
+women called to each other to hurry and see the strange sight, and
+groups of naked and semi-naked children commented freely on the
+appearance of the "foreign devils."
+
+A few miles farther and the first stage was reached--a deep courtyard
+backing the hillside, from which had been hollowed a row of caves
+according to the economical method of the country. Scarcely any bricks
+are required for such building, and the deep, lofty, arched room affords
+the warmest shelter in our bitter Shansi winter cold, as it does the
+coolest refuge from the burning summer heat.
+
+"Come again, come again soon," and we were off again, refreshed by a
+delicious, beautifully cooked meal, and our hearts warmed by the evident
+pleasure which our visit had given and the cordial hospitality which had
+sought to let us know how welcome we were. And now we left the fertile
+plain and well-watered land which lay all along the river-bed to climb
+steep, stony roads, and follow narrow footpaths, where the difficulty of
+its broad load made my donkey step gingerly as near to the chasm's edge
+as she could secure a foothold, and I dug my knees into the soft bed-bag
+and longed for something on which I could get a grip. How pleasant and
+easy such journeying became before the end of that autumn's wandering,
+and how familiar the life of the village homes. Almost day by day the
+confused sounds took form to my unaccustomed ears, and I was soon able
+to differentiate quite clearly between the two inevitable questions,
+"How old are you?" and "How many brothers and sisters have you?" I
+ceased to cover myself with confusion, by answering that my brothers and
+sisters numbered twenty-three, and that my age was six--though now that
+the days of helpless shame are passed, I would not _not_ have made these
+mistakes, so keen is the enjoyment still felt when some one repeats the
+old joke, and all laugh merrily at the recollection.
+
+Happy, irresponsible days, in which I learned to know and love the
+Chinese. I saw them now to best advantage, simple, patriarchal,
+industrious and thrifty, extraordinarily resourceful, and independent of
+all that their own fields and farm do not supply. I saw the women's
+activities, and how they picked the cotton in the fields, spun and
+carded it, then wove it into strong cloth on the loom made for them by
+their own husbands; how they dyed the cloth with indigo of their own
+growing, and finally converted it into the garments, and even the shoes
+and socks, worn by the whole family. I saw how those same garments were
+wadded with a layer of cotton-wool as the cold season approached, and
+behold, the whole family was made proof against the severe onslaughts of
+the keenest frosts and bitterest winds. I saw how a measure of wheaten
+or maize flour, a vessel of water, and a few vegetables dug from the
+field were daily converted into the three meals on which young and old
+alike thrived, the men showing a muscular development and endurance and
+an agility unequalled by anything I had met in other countries. I
+learned to recognise their simple, unexpressed joys, and to realise the
+deep tragedies which lay beneath the surface of their laborious lives.
+
+I was in the midst of the province which--in the very year when I was
+born--had been swept by the horrors of a famine and pestilence which
+left whole villages with no other survivor than perhaps two or three
+wailing children, feeding on garbage torn from the grasp of the dead
+hand.
+
+My servant remembered the time well. His whole family had been wiped
+out, and he had escaped as by a miracle. "In those days, dogs ate dogs
+and men ate men," was the refrain of his tale, only too literally and
+absolutely true, for no man dared to venture on the lonely path leading
+from one village to another, knowing that the likelihood was that
+murderers lay in wait, and that a few picked bones alone would tell the
+tale even if, satiated with horrors to the point of indifference, any
+one cared to inquire of it.
+
+When I expressed surprise at the many rows of caves allowed to fall into
+utter ruin, and the traces of whole villages now returned to waste
+land: "Famine year," he would briefly answer, "dogs ate dogs and men ate
+men."
+
+I learned, too, why it was that no merry groups of children wandered
+away from the village, even now when no evil-doers lay in wait, upon
+some game or exploring adventure. I first discovered the reason of this
+through meeting a woman whose face was scarred and mutilated so as to
+bear small likeness to the human, and on inquiry I was informed that, as
+a little girl, she had strayed away from home and been attacked by a
+wolf; men had rushed to her rescue, but her face, which is generally the
+part first attacked, was torn beyond recognition. I then learned what a
+common thing it is for wild beasts, wolves or leopards, to come down
+from the hills, and steal children even as they play around the
+courtyard grinding-stone. I could not be surprised at the intense
+anxiety of a woman whose son was half an hour late returning from an
+errand, when I heard that her eldest child had strayed off one day, and
+never been seen again. I was told of yet another woman who, nursing her
+baby in the cave, saw a leopard spring on her eldest child in the
+courtyard. Frantic, she left the baby to raise the alarm, and when she
+returned bearing the little mangled body in her arms, she found that the
+wild beast's mate had noted her absence and carried the baby off to its
+lair.
+
+I also heard, and found myself compelled to believe, things which I
+should have dismissed with an incredulous smile some few months earlier.
+
+It was now that I found myself brought face to face with the strange
+phenomenon of demon possession. There is so much to be said on this
+interesting topic, that it will require a chapter under its own heading
+to note even a portion of what has come under my personal notice. For
+the first time I heard, often in the midnight stillness, the
+high-pitched voice, intoning the magic incantations whereby some young
+woman yielded herself to be the medium of communication between the
+spirit and the material, the wild chant sometimes dying away in the
+distance, as she led a group of inquirers over wild mountain paths in
+obedience to the directions of her control.
+
+A few weeks were spent in the home of an elder of the Church, Giang by
+name, as from this centre it was easy to make daily itinerations in the
+neighbourhood. What a welcome we received there! The deep cave set apart
+for our use was decorated with flowers, everything was clean and
+comfortable, and we were made to feel "at home." Being guests in the
+house, our meals were always served separately, but we liked to take our
+bowls into the courtyard and enjoy the family life. We were able to
+consult with our host concerning many whom we had visited during the
+day, and discuss our plans for the morrow.
+
+As the daylight faded we joined in prayer and praise, and listened to
+much that was of interest to us as the Elder told of early years spent
+in dissipation, opium smoking, and gambling; of his conversion through
+Pastor Hsi, and of first efforts to preach the Gospel. Meanwhile, the
+shepherd folded his sheep, carefully counting them lest one should be
+missing, and the women prepared the millstones for grinding on the
+morrow. I saw much illustrated that had been familiar to me from
+childhood in the Gospel stories, even to the midnight cry announcing the
+arrival of the bridal party to a neighbour's house. A little oil was
+added to our long-extinguished lamp, as, being first to hear the
+clanging of the cymbals, we hastened to the bridegroom's home to help
+arouse the drowsy guests.
+
+We returned in due course to Hwochow, urged by our kind hostess to come
+again at any time. Such homes are resting-places to those who have left
+home for the Kingdom of God's sake, and are part of the literal
+fulfilment of the promise: "An hundredfold now in this time."
+
+Nowhere are we more sure of a welcome than in some of these Chinese
+courts, and for the Church of Christ in the home of Elder Giang, I for
+one shall ever be thankful.
+
+
+
+
+OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW
+
+          "The Master said: At first, my way with men was to
+          hear their words, and give them credit for their
+          conduct. Now, my way is to hear their words, and
+          look at their conduct."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+          "The Master said: A man should say, I am not
+          concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how
+          I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that
+          I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be
+          known."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW
+
+SHOWING THINGS AS THEY SOMETIMES ARE
+
+
+IN spite of the valuable help given by study-circles, training-colleges,
+and other means by which the candidate for the mission field is equipped
+for his work, I question if many are fully prepared, when they arrive at
+the station to which they have been appointed, to find themselves
+studied, summed up, and criticised by the people to whom they have come
+in the capacity of teachers, and from whom they unconsciously expected
+some measure of deference.
+
+The Westerner, as such, has no prestige in the eyes of the Chinese, and
+though his wealth, education, and business capacity may command more or
+less respect, the deep-rooted feeling is a sense of the intrinsic
+superiority of the Middle Kingdom and its sons to the barbaric subjects
+of a vague territory known as the "Kingdom without"--that is, without
+the pale of the ancient civilisation. By grace, the Christian will
+welcome you as a fellow-subject of the Kingdom of God, but on this
+ground only, and on no preconceived assumption of your superiority, will
+you be accepted.
+
+The fact that you have come several thousands of miles in order to
+preach the Gospel, is not sufficient to place you unquestionably on a
+pedestal. By temperament you are either impetuous or slow, easy-going or
+exacting, courteous or brusque, and you will prove to be by nature more
+or less reasonable or unreasonable when the Chinaman seeks to make you
+understand _li_, an untranslatable word, which embodies the idea of the
+complete range of all that it is suitable that you should be and do, on
+every occasion.
+
+Failure to readjust your mind to such conditions during the first years
+of your missionary life may prove an eventual fatal barrier to mutual
+sympathetic understanding, and the establishment of that barrier has
+been one of the difficulties which has not been much spoken of by those
+with whom you have conversed, though they have doubtless been keenly
+conscious of it themselves.
+
+We returned to Hwochow. The house was ready for us, and so were the
+Church members. "New people," said some, "we are unaccustomed to each
+other; they do not understand our circumstances, and we do not know
+them."
+
+"Why did they spend months in another district instead of coming at once
+to make themselves acquainted with us, our affairs, and our homes?"
+
+"It is a case of clear neglect," said another. "I have been a Church
+member for fifteen years, and all the notice they have taken of me is to
+spend one paltry day in my home, whereas they were three whole days in
+the village of Peace and Harmony, where there are only heathen and not a
+Christian to receive them." "I," complained another, "have been unable
+to attend Church service for two weeks, and neither of them has been
+near, as yet, to inquire the cause of my absence."
+
+"Well," chimed in an old gentleman, who by reason of his seniority in
+the Church carried a good deal of weight, "had our beloved teacher of
+former days been here, our homes would have been visited, and I will
+take the first opportunity of telling them my mind on the subject."
+
+The close of the following Sunday morning service found us sad enough.
+The congregation numbered thirty, and while some were loyally ready to
+help, there was a section of malcontents who since the early days had
+been a source of difficulty to Pastor Hsi and his friends, and from
+whom, in the light of past knowledge, Miss French knew that trouble
+would come.
+
+The first indication of the brewing storm was the entrance to our
+guest-room of an aged Church member who, by reason of his rank as
+military mandarin, was one of the glories of the Hwochow Church.
+Vigorous and stalwart, his seventy years sat lightly on him, his bearing
+and the play of his facial muscles affording proof of the brilliancy
+with which he had passed the necessary examinations for the obtaining of
+his degree. Unlike the civil mandarin, whose examinations require such
+arduous study of classical writings, the military honour was conferred
+as a reward for physical prowess. The competitor was required to exhibit
+great skill in archery, shooting at the target from the back of a
+galloping horse, and to lift stones of immense weight; meanwhile
+throwing the body into such postures as, coupled with a terrifying
+expression of the countenance and accompanied by blood-curdling yells,
+would strike such terror into the heart of the opponent that he would
+flee without striking a blow.
+
+After such training he had little to fear, and felt, no doubt, that a
+few moments' interview would be sufficient to reduce two young women to
+reason, and place matters on a more satisfactory basis.
+
+When the old gentleman entered, we invited him to the seat of honour,
+ourselves taking chairs at the lower side of the table. He asked for an
+explanation. Had he been informed correctly that we had been appointed
+to carry on the work in Hwochow? "Yes," we replied, "that is the case,
+and also to help the women in the counties of Chaocheng, Hungtung, and
+Fensi, until such time as lady workers shall be in residence there;
+moreover, our schools are to be for the women and girls of these
+counties as well as Hwochow."
+
+This item of information fell as a severe blow. Hwochow is a curious
+district, its natives physically and mentally being of a totally
+different type to all around, in all relationships with whom there
+exists mutual distrust and suspicion. It was odious to men and women of
+this exclusive type to hear that the foreigner, in coming, viewed the
+nurturing of a small band of discontents as of very secondary importance
+to the opportunity of spreading the news of the Gospel far and wide
+amongst the heathen. It was at this point of the conversation that the
+first traces of that terror-striking expression began to flit across his
+features, and his eyebrows gathered themselves into a most terrifying
+bunch. "Are you aware that I have been a Christian for twelve years, and
+that I am known far and wide by Chinese and foreigners alike?" "I am
+fully aware of it," said Miss French, and might have added, "known and
+dreaded of all men."
+
+"Should not the missionaries' conduct be regulated in accordance with
+the command, 'Seek the lost until it be found'?" "It should," acquiesced
+Miss French. "Then are you aware that during the past three months we
+have been as sheep without a shepherd, left as prey to wolves, with no
+one to care for us, our homes have been unvisited, and members who have
+absented themselves from Church service have had no inquiries made as to
+the cause of their non-appearance?"
+
+"Did you say _twelve_ years a Church member?" inquired Miss French.
+"Nearly thirteen," he replied. "Then no longer a babe in Christ, but
+yourself able to seek the lost, and to come to our assistance as we take
+up the responsibilities of our new work. We have come here," she added,
+"for the people who need us, whether Chaocheng or Hwochow."
+
+"Then go to Chaocheng and leave us alone; _our_ missionaries must
+shepherd _our_ Church." At this point wrath overcame him, and throwing
+himself into the classical position of the Chinese brave, "A couple of
+youngsters," he yelled, "untaught in the wisdom of Confucius." With
+these words he flung himself out of the room. His spirit was too much
+perturbed to call to mind the wisdom of the sage, "In archery we have
+something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the
+centre of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his
+failure in himself."
+
+The loud clanging of a gong was shortly heard, and the tones of a
+well-known voice alternately carolling forth a familiar hymn with a
+recital of the wrongs needing redress.
+
+  "The Gospel way is the best of all, hark! I loud proclaim the same."
+
+(Loud beating of the gong.) "Call that love! I vow to report them at
+headquarters!"
+
+  "Heaven's joy bestowed on earth, saves poor sinners and sets them
+      free."
+
+(Again the gong.) "Much they care for our souls! Let them go to
+Chaocheng!"
+
+The sounds gradually ceased, as those who were truly grieved that we
+should be thus insulted pacified the old gentleman, begging him to have
+a care for his aged body, and refresh it with food and rest.
+
+Miss French's mind was made up. "We shall soon make another tour of
+villages outside this district," she said, "and it shall be a long one.
+These old members have stood in the way long enough. New converts will
+join themselves to the Church; if they be welcomed, all the better, if
+not, the old ones must go; we can allow them to hinder no longer."
+
+Miss French's method was fully justified, for when they saw new
+adherents keen with the flush of first love and enthusiasm they, with
+very few exceptions, awakened more fully to their responsibilities.
+
+Time heals many wounds, and when we returned from England our old
+friend, the military mandarin, came in full official dress to welcome
+us.
+
+"Good to have you back," he said; "we are accustomed to each other, and
+you know how to manage this place!"
+
+
+
+
+A PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+          "We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a
+          picture, which we are willing to give the
+          advantage of a good light."--EMERSON.
+
+          "He asked them to come with Him, and they came;
+          and Jesus did not begin by raising questions in
+          their minds as to whether they were worthy to
+          come. It was the purpose of Jesus to make them
+          worthy to stay. Now the Church of Christ ought to
+          be as hospitable as Christ was. I do not see for
+          what other purpose she exists. And the Church
+          ought to be as confident and believing as Christ
+          was, that many a one whom it may be was unworthy
+          to enter has at length become worthy to
+          remain."--Dr. JOHN HUTTON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+WHEREIN THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO SOME OF OUR FELLOW WORKERS
+
+
+IN meeting the members of an infant and unsophisticated Church, it is
+delightful to observe the directness of their spiritual characteristics,
+unfettered by the artificiality which grows up with theological
+phraseology and the adoption of sectarian conventionalities.
+
+So strongly individualistic a band of men met us at Hwochow, that
+Christian himself on his Heavenward journey encountered, I think, no
+more varied a company, nor more striking, in the various ways in which
+CHRIST had met them and called them to discipleship, and turned their
+strongly-marked characteristics into the way of His service.
+
+Evangelist, Fu by name, keen and even fierce in his determination to
+compel men to hear the truth concerning the City of Destruction and the
+burden of sin which rests upon them, would go from place to place with a
+bundle of books, preaching and warning sinners "to flee from the wrath
+to come." He asked no remuneration from the Church _or_ foreigner for
+the time he gave, but realising that necessity was laid upon him, he
+pointed men to the Saviour. His best work was done alone for he was
+easily offended, but, true and straight, he ruled his house in the fear
+of the Lord.
+
+His conversion was characteristic of the man. Having business to
+transact in the small city of Great Peace, he found that large crowds
+had gathered to listen to a man proclaiming strange doctrines. Every one
+knew why Pastor Hsi, for it was he, had come that day to the city. A
+family had professed their willingness to destroy idols, and asked him
+to be present on the occasion. When the Pastor arrived, however, the man
+had changed his mind, and fear of consequences had proved too much for
+him. Nothing could hinder the Pastor from preaching the Good News, and
+he made much of this opportunity. When he had finished speaking, Mr. Fu
+went to him and asked him what was this new doctrine, and Mr. Hsi told
+him the story of the Garden of Eden, and the Fall of man.
+
+"In Adam all have sinned, and in Christ all can be forgiven." It was a
+strange story, and yet as Fu listened he felt it was true, and as he
+took the long, lonely walk over the mountains to his home, he meditated
+much upon it. He had not as yet seen the wicket-gate, but he had seen
+the direction in which it lay, and a subconscious desire was in his
+heart to know more.
+
+Home affairs claimed his attention, and he had no time to give to the
+further investigation of new religions; and yet the seed which had been
+sown was gradually germinating, so that when after a few months he
+found himself again near Great Peace, in a small place where was an
+opium refuge, Mr. Fu went in to see the man who was in charge. Although
+he had never smoked opium himself, Mr. Fu was on this occasion in
+possession of some of the crude drug, and was on his way to the hills to
+sell it, and hoped by the transaction to profit considerably. The
+Refuge-keeper, seeing he was interested, asked him to share his evening
+meal, and when he found out the errand on which his guest was bent, he
+told him to sell the opium he had and avoid any further dealings with so
+deadly a poison. Mr. Fu was deeply touched by the kindness of this man.
+"I have no claim upon him, and yet he treated me as a brother," was his
+reflection. From that day Mr. Fu never sold opium again.
+
+He started on his homeward journey, and once more as he walked the
+lonely roads he was conscious of the constraining presence of One who
+has so often met with men as they travel, walking through the fields,
+and inviting them to leave all and follow Him. Thus untrammelled by the
+words and requirements of men, Mr. Fu met with his God; but still
+questioning, he reached home to find that his wife was dangerously ill.
+He went at once to a neighbouring village to fetch a doctor, and found
+him unwilling to come until he had taken a dose of opium which was then
+due. Finding that all persuasion was useless, Mr. Fu suddenly decided to
+go to Hwochow and see if the foreign missionaries, or the Opium
+Refuge-keeper there, had any medicine. He walked the twelve miles, and
+was directed to the missionaries' house. The decision to go to Hwochow
+was made suddenly; not so the resolution to enter the open door of the
+house. Perhaps he had been wrong after all! It was serious to so openly
+come in contact with foreigners! It might be that the stories he had
+heard of their magical powers were correct! And yet his heart had borne
+him witness, in that lonely walk, that what he heard in Great Peace was
+true.
+
+After walking up and down for some time, unconscious that Goodwill was
+watching him from within, he heard some one call and ask him to come in.
+The call came at the right moment and he entered, knowing as he did so
+that a definite step was being taken and life would never be for him the
+same again.
+
+"My wife is ill, and I have come to ask for medicine," he said. After
+some talk he was taken to see Miss Jacobsen, who told him that God
+could, and would, heal sickness in answer to prayer. She and the
+evangelist prayed with him, gave him medicine, some books, and made him
+promise to come again. He left them, saying that he would do so. Again
+the long, lonely walk had to be faced, and Beelzebub gave orders that
+arrows should be shot at him, and all manner of doubts took possession
+of his soul. "I must go again, for I have given my word," he reflected.
+"What folly!" and then again the words which he could not doubt
+reasserted themselves, and he considered, yielded, and believed.
+
+As he entered his courtyard, he saw his wife grinding corn! "I am well,"
+she said. "And I," he said, "have believed in Jesus." To his surprise,
+not one word of anger escaped her lips. "I am glad," was her only
+comment.
+
+There was no time to be lost; if he delayed, others might hinder him,
+and before his evening meal he tore down the idols, and together husband
+and wife prayed to God.
+
+Fu was the youngest of four brothers, and the three other families were
+not of the same mind; he was unceasing in his efforts to bring them to
+the Saviour, but at the Chinese New Year festival they, as custom
+required, burnt incense to the idols.
+
+Serious illness seized upon various members of all three families, and
+their lives were in danger. Fu, seeing his opportunity, offered to go to
+the city and ask the evangelist to come and pray for them, and to this
+they consented. When Mr. Fu returned, he was accompanied by Mr. Cheng,
+and in response to his exhortations their idols were destroyed and the
+three brothers professed their willingness to become disciples. That
+place has been signally blessed of God. All have given liberally of
+their substance to the work of the Lord, and they have now their own
+church, a cave cut from the _loess_ cliffs by their own hands, where
+Sunday by Sunday men and women gather from the neighbouring villages to
+hear the word of God, and many have been added to the Church as a
+result.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Ging, little of stature, so short-sighted as to be almost blind, had
+recently been a patient in the Opium Refuge. A scholar of note, holding
+a high degree, we first knew him when he was about forty years of age,
+and the only Christian in his village. He was more than any Chinaman I
+have met impregnated with the teachings of Confucius; and filial piety
+was for him no mere doctrine of words, but a ruling factor in his life.
+
+Shortly before the time of which I write, he had, one day, given some
+cause of offence to his aged mother, in consequence of which she
+commanded that, in recognition of his fault, he should kneel on the
+ground before her until such time as she should see fit to excuse him.
+
+For half a day she kept him in that position, and he knelt quietly,
+giving to all an example and illustration of the sacred duty of son to
+parent as taught in the Chinese Classics, and as understood by those who
+earnestly follow their teachings.
+
+By virtue of his learning and position, no matter of importance would be
+settled in the village without him, and he enjoyed great respect as a
+teacher of the young, notwithstanding the fact that he was handicapped
+in his work as school-master by reason of his defective eyesight, the
+boys taking full advantage of his disability and failing to appreciate
+as they should the virtue of the "Princely Man" of whom they read so
+much in their classical studies, and of whom they daily witnessed so
+striking an example.
+
+For some of these pupils of his, examination-day dawned, and the results
+were disastrous. The consequences of much undetected mischief were now
+made clear in the light of day, and the indignant examining missionary
+called upon Mr. Ging to aid in devising a punishment adequate to the
+circumstances. "Is it by extra imposed work, or by the public disgrace
+of the rod, that their misdeeds will be made most heinous in their own
+eyes?" he was asked, the remarks being accompanied by a look which could
+not fail to assure the trembling band of offenders that the method of
+Solomon met with unqualified approval. "I think," replied Mr. Ging,
+"that the case does not call so much for punishment as for exercise of
+greater patience on our side!!!" This answer was to the unbounded
+delight of the scholars, and discomfiture of the missionary.
+
+It was in his own village and home that he shone. Before many years had
+passed, the people who were formerly unwilling to receive us had many of
+them become Christians. One of their number had lent his room, rent free
+for ten years, as a meeting-place for worship, and a good work had
+begun. If you spoke to them of the cause of this change, they would tell
+you of Mr. Ging and the force of his example, and how even his old
+mother had, before her death, renounced idolatry and asked for a
+Christian funeral.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What can I say of Mr. Lan? One is tempted to question, "How shall the
+superficial enter into the Kingdom of God?"
+
+One of the aristocratic families, no longer enjoying the prosperity of
+former days, yet endeavouring to impress upon all its grandeur whilst
+inevitably sinking, gave us Mr. Lan.
+
+Contact with Pastor Hsi had been the turning-point in his life, and from
+the early days he gave himself assiduously to the study of the Bible.
+Few have more accurate knowledge of the Scripture than he, his
+addresses are well and carefully prepared, and he has been the means
+under God of leading many men to a knowledge of the Saviour. His kind
+disposition and good-nature have given him many friends, but love of
+money and appearances have crippled his usefulness. Any Christian work
+he now does is independent of the missionaries, and he will sometimes be
+invited to the official's residence to help some one to leave the opium
+habit, he and his father before him having been doctors of no small
+repute. He is constantly in debt, and will often remain away from his
+home during the Chinese New Year when debts are settled, but when he
+does return, he enters the house with such perfect manners, and is
+attired in such gorgeous silk, that few would venture to mention
+anything so unpleasant as the settlement of a debt.
+
+Easily led, he loves the glories of this present world and is fearful
+lest, by too great zeal, the rulers of Vanity Fair may regard him as a
+stranger and outcast. And yet, in his high moments, he finds himself
+longing for the things that abide, and his affections and desires are
+for the time being upon these, but as a morning cloud they pass. In
+other lands, where the line of demarcation is less clear, he might be
+considered a good Churchman, but neutral tints are rare here, and a man
+must clearly show on which side he stands or he will get the benefit of
+neither.
+
+He is ever faithfully served by his dependant and sycophant, Mr. Diao,
+who is a weak, physically decadent man who can neither offend by word
+nor deed the man from whom he has had so much. His manner is too
+servile to allow one to place much confidence in him, but he is a
+believer, and proves by many actions that he is truly following Christ.
+If only he could get free from the net of the rich man, and yet--what
+Church has not such members!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Tu, weak, good, always trusting the Heavenly Father to supply his
+needs, temporal and spiritual, and ever ready to bear witness that He
+has done so, in spite of the fact that life's outlook is always grey!
+Very poor, he was the leader in his village by virtue of his sincerity.
+Is some aggressive movement proposed? "The time has not yet come," is
+his ever-ready answer. Do the crops seem to fail for lack of rain, and
+the farmers, anxious and worried, speak of the famine confronting them,
+and him? "Fear not, the Lord will provide," he will say, and though he
+may have to eat the coarsest flour, and little of that sometimes, he
+never doubts, and never rejoices!!
+
+On the occasion of the marriage of his son, even a short time before the
+bride arrived, nothing was ready--he had so little--and all he said was:
+"We must wait and see how the Heavenly Father will provide." When the
+moment came every one was ready to help him, and he would be a
+discontent indeed who was dissatisfied with the result. Mr. Tu was full
+of praise to GOD for His goodness, and will quote the incident to those
+who may have doubts.
+
+I have reflected much upon Mr. Tu and his ways, and I am reminded of the
+ravens, "who sow not nor gather into barns," and our Heavenly Father
+cares for them; and I come to the conclusion that to us is granted on
+rare occasions the privilege of being the medium by which our Father
+will prove His care to the weak, yet trustful souls. Good, faithful old
+Tu, he could teach many of us of the active, energetic temperament a
+lesson; for he will tell you, and truly, that he has no strength, yet he
+has never asked from man, and he has perfect confidence that the Good
+Shepherd will lead him safe to the journey's end.
+
+
+
+
+WORK DEVELOPMENT
+
+          "No Church is fulfilling its responsibilities to
+          God, or preparing itself for its best and most
+          effective work, which does not regard itself in
+          some respects as a great Training School for
+          Christian workers."--Rev. A. SWIFT.
+
+          "And He gave--
+           Some indeed to be apostles,
+           And some prophets,
+           And some evangelists,
+           And some shepherds and teachers,--
+           With a view to the fitting of the saints
+           For the work of ministering,
+           For an upbuilding of the body of the Christ."
+                              The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+WORK DEVELOPMENT
+
+RELATING HOW WE SOUGHT TO ENCOMPASS THE WORK, AND THE WORK ENCOMPASSED
+US
+
+
+THE events of 1900 resulted in an extraordinary quickening of interest
+amongst those who had a contact of some kind with Christianity. We very
+soon found ourselves quite overwhelmed by the many openings and
+opportunities which presented themselves on all sides. Hitherto
+untouched villages begged for a visit, idols were destroyed by those
+into whose homes we had never penetrated, leaders in the Church were
+begging us to devise some means by which the women might be taught,
+fathers were prepared for any sacrifice so that their daughters might be
+received as scholars.
+
+For some time, at vast expenditure of strength, we attempted by
+travelling in different directions to spend, at any rate, one or two
+days in the various centres we were begged to visit. Each month we
+became more strongly impressed with the fact that the work of
+evangelisation was being carried on with tremendous aggressive force,
+not by us, but by the native Church, we being unable to even follow up
+the openings made by them.
+
+Such a mass movement afforded an unparalleled opportunity, provided
+sufficient teaching were given to establish and build up in the faith
+those who believed; but if left to itself, this large numerical increase
+might prove a serious menace to the spiritual life of the Church. We had
+to seriously consider our ways. Should we contribute our small part to
+the widespread preaching of the Gospel and visiting of those who had
+already heard through the Chinese evangelising agencies, or should we
+leave to the Chinese Church the responsibility of propagating itself,
+reserving ourselves to "preparing saints for the work of ministering"?
+
+Chinese Christians going from place to place spread the Good Tidings
+more effectually than we could hope to do, and where such conditions
+exist, it is surely an indication that the people of the land should
+hear the Gospel first from the lips of their own countrymen. Moreover,
+the Government was seriously considering the establishment of girls'
+schools, and we had to decide as to whether the work amongst the young
+should be an unimportant branch of our scheme of missionary activities,
+or whether our schools should be established with the object of becoming
+training-centres for Christian helpers.
+
+We were faced with this fact: unless we trained some Christian teachers,
+the education of the young would be in the hands of heathen; no small
+matter when the exalted position of the teacher in China is borne in
+mind; and the, if possible, more urgent fact, that unless we seriously
+prepared some Chinese missionaries we should go from year to year,
+decade to decade, with no trained Chinese staff. The material was there,
+and the Chinese Church was supplying young men and women, earnest
+devoted servants of Jesus Christ, who, given the training and granted
+the blessing of God, could do a work which it would be impossible for
+the most earnest Westerner to accomplish. Chinese of the Chinese, with
+neither linguistic nor climatic difficulties, understanding the minds of
+the most subtle of people, they enter their work with a flying leap
+which we may envy, but cannot attain. The Holy Spirit will deal with
+them as He does with us, and recognising them as fellow-workers together
+with God, we shall cease to hinder them by perpetual criticism and
+doubt. Faults they will have, as we, and while of a different order, who
+shall say that these failings make them in God's sight more unfit for
+the work of preaching the Gospel than ours have made us?
+
+We therefore accepted the form of ministry which pressed with strongest
+necessity on us, and from the free and irresponsible life of the
+itinerant missionary, accepted the calling of teachers, and allowed
+ourselves to be tied to the numberless claims and responsibilities of
+institutional life. In addition to the girls' school, a plan was formed
+whereby we agreed to accept married women for terms of varying
+length--twenty to thirty days--as far as possible classifying them
+according to ability and previous knowledge. The teaching was graded
+from the first elements of Christian doctrine to fairly advanced New
+Testament classes. From amongst the first groups of women who came to
+us, it was evident that some were capable of receiving a far more
+advanced training, and the zeal they exhibited in teaching the little
+they knew on their return home, promised future usefulness. Two small
+rooms in our own living-court supplied the only accommodation for these
+station classes, and as each group scattered it was almost immediately
+replaced by other eager inquirers.
+
+A small inner court containing two good rooms was set apart for the use
+of the girls' school. Every term brought an increase in the numbers, and
+it was soon evident that more suitable accommodation was essential if we
+were to meet the growing need. Though we knew it not, the necessary
+provision was already made. We sat together one evening in a shady spot
+adjoining our premises, sharing our home letters; we opened one to find
+it contained a cheque from a friend who could know nothing of our need,
+marked: "For use in any necessary buildings." The very spot on which we
+sat, later on proved to be the site of the John Holt Skinner Memorial
+Court in the new school buildings. By the next term Chinese rooms,
+providing for the accommodation of sixty, were erected; the old
+school-court was given over to women's station classes, and we saw scope
+for the realisation of our wildest dreams. The work amongst the men was
+increasing in a similar proportion. Mr. Wang, who was in charge when we
+arrived at Hwochow, was now appointed Deacon of the Church, and
+afterwards Elder. We soon recognised in him a man of no ordinary
+influence. Like Barnabas, he was "a good man filled with the Holy
+Spirit," and like him might well be called the "Son of Consolation."
+
+The large numbers who were baptized upon profession of faith each year
+entailed many responsibilities--new families to be visited, more
+visitors to be received, marriages and funerals to be attended. Cases of
+persecution, real or supposed, called for many hours of patient
+listening, and, withal, the constant stream of city women who desired to
+inspect all that was going on, parents to see children in the school,
+friends and relatives of opium patients, who lost no chance of visiting
+the member of the family under treatment, changed the once quiet house
+into a beehive of activity.
+
+In many Shansi houses there is a large, well-built room, open to north
+and south, which is set apart for the observance of the prescribed
+family rites connected with ancestral worship. Here are the wooden
+ancestral tablets, image of the soul and tangible symbol, erected to the
+memory of the deceased, affording thereby a fixed object for filial
+piety. This room on our compound was dedicated as a church for public
+worship; enlarged once, and again the second time, it still proved too
+small for our growing congregation.
+
+The strain attendant on such a rapid development was severe, but each
+year found us supplied with increasingly able help from our Chinese
+co-workers. We found ourselves driven to the practical testing of the
+principle: "When the pressure of the work is too heavy, then extend the
+work," and we found it to be sound and workable. Each term some extra
+responsibility was thrown off on to the shoulders of willing helpers,
+that we ourselves might be free to undertake fresh enterprises.
+
+
+
+
+MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT
+
+          "It is Jesus who has introduced into virtue a
+          passion before which vice is not condemned but
+          consumed as by fire."--Rev. CARNEGIE SIMPSON.
+
+          "Round the cape of a sudden came the sea,
+           And the sun looked over the mountain's rim:
+           And straight was a path of gold for him,
+           And the need of a world of men for me."
+                                        ROBERT BROWNING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF HER LIFE FROM WIDOWHOOD
+
+
+ONE direct result of the lack of foreign workers was the appointment of
+Mrs. Hsi to the oversight of the women's work in Chaocheng. During her
+husband's lifetime she had been eager to learn all she could, and had
+with difficulty mastered some of the Chinese characters. She often
+expressed to him her desire to learn more, but he told her to remember
+that the need for her to attend to the domestic side of the large
+establishment at the Middle Eden was essential, and her life until his
+death was largely a busy domestic one.
+
+Not entirely, however, was this the case. When it became necessary to
+open a Refuge for Women in the city of Hungtung, it was to his wife that
+the Pastor looked for help, and she, there and in other places, did a
+truly Christlike work. It was in the city of Hsugo that she accomplished
+her most difficult task. It seemed as if the devil had a special power
+there, and Pastor Hsi was almost in despair. Man after man, amongst them
+some of his most trusted helpers, fell into sin, or were overcome by
+difficulties in that place.
+
+How to hold it at all was a problem. He solved it by sending his wife,
+and alone she went to live six days' journey from the place where he
+was, and for the first time the work in Hsugo was successful.
+
+Almost immediately after her return home, Pastor Hsi developed the
+illness from which he never recovered. He was at work on some Refuge
+accounts when he felt unwell, and his spirit became conscious that the
+messenger had come with a command "that he must prepare for a change of
+life, for his Master was not willing that he should be so far from Him
+any longer."
+
+For nearly six months he lingered still, making preparations for the
+journey ahead; he gave directions for the temporary closing of the
+Refuges, recognising, doubtless, that the time while he was still on
+earth, but unable to exercise control, might be an even more perilous
+period than that which would follow his death. Mrs. Hsi herself fell
+ill, and so seriously that her life was at one time despaired of. She
+was barely able to stand the fatigue of the public funeral to which
+hundreds gathered, yielding to their grief and sobbing as children who
+had lost a parent. She herself was bowed with sorrow, for they had been
+truly one in God's service, but strength was sent to her through a dream
+in which she saw her husband, in glory beyond her imagining, and with
+him the boy who had been their only son and had died in childhood. When
+she desired to join them he rebuked her, saying: "Nay, but you must
+return"; and obedient, she turned her back on the heavenly glory and
+faced "the need of a world" of sin.
+
+Mrs. Hsi was now to realise to the full the unfortunate position of a
+childless widow. According to the custom of the country, the nearest
+male relative on her husband's side should have been her protector, but
+this duty devolved on a nephew who was an opium smoker, gambler, and
+unregenerate heathen, and what should have been protection took the form
+of persecution.
+
+Elder Sï, her brother-in-law, took over the control of the opium refuges
+and the preparation of the medicine used. Days of prayer and fasting
+always preceded the compounding of the drugs which were prepared in
+Pastor Hsi's own home, and sent out in the form of pills. It was in
+connection with the medicine that Mrs. Hsi's first difficulties
+occurred. Large quantities of the various ingredients were stored at
+Middle Eden, and the said nephew claimed possession of this stock,
+declaring his intention of defending his rights by stabbing any one who
+dared to touch it.
+
+The time came when the drugs were required, and arrangements were
+quietly made for the removal of the material to the home of Elder Sï.
+Before touching the goods, Mrs. Hsi called the young man to her, and
+addressing him by name told him to fetch his knife, as she intended to
+carry out her husband's wishes and supply the Refuges with the necessary
+medicine without delay. Abashed, and half-ashamed by her self-confidence
+and dignity, he muttered excuses and left her presence with an apology.
+
+Nevertheless, it required all her wits and most of her time to prevent
+this ne'er-do-weel from robbing her of all she possessed. Opium he would
+eat, his gambling habits were strong, and how could she prevent him from
+stealing that which, as one of the family, he could partially claim as
+his own? The problem weighed upon her mind and she decided that division
+of the land, each taking half the produce of the farm, was the only
+solution. Even so she was not safe; there is a Chinese proverb which
+says: "It is hard to deal with a thief who is one of the family," and
+she proved it to be true. If she left home for a few days she would
+return to find her door broken open, her clothes stolen, and her grain
+visibly less. Although the Chinese law would offer her redress, she, by
+reason of Christian principle and the example of her husband, never
+appealed for help to an earthly tribunal, but daily prayed: "Lord, have
+mercy on him, and change his heart."
+
+In the early days of her faith, Mrs. Hsi had earnestly desired to unbind
+her feet as witness that she was a Christian, but her husband, fearful
+lest any should be misled to regard Christianity as conformity to
+foreign customs rather than to a change of heart, was strongly opposed
+to her doing so. He strictly forbade the binding of children's feet, but
+saw no need for outward change of shoe in the foot already disfigured.
+During his lifetime she yielded to his wish, but after his death refused
+to let her mature judgment be held in abeyance by the dead hand of the
+past, and did that which she felt was a testimony to many of her weaker
+sisters. She unbound her feet and adopted a normal shoe and sock, and
+many who had made her supposed attitude on the question an excuse, now
+followed her example.
+
+In order to give the Gospel to Hwochow Mrs. Hsi had parted with the most
+valuable of her worldly goods, and when the call came for the second
+great renunciation in response to the need for a woman worker in
+Chaocheng, she was ready to move into that city, knowing as she did so,
+that by leaving the family home she would finally close the way of
+return. She well knew that no seal on the door would prevent her nephew
+from stealing her goods, and her worst fears were realised when, a few
+years later, on the occasion of the erection of a memorial stone to
+Pastor Hsi, she revisited what had once been Middle Eden. All was gone,
+and she was thankful to hurry away and leave the scene that could only
+cause her pain.
+
+On entering her new sphere of work, the missionaries at Hwochow assured
+her that all the love and sympathy which she had promised Mr. Taylor
+years before should be given to the first ladies who came to that city,
+was now to be bestowed on her. The loyal affection of the Chinese Church
+was hers, for she is regarded by them with an admiration and reverence
+which they consider the right of so worthy a woman. She knew that she
+could count upon a welcome, but it was a costly step.
+
+City and village visiting, weekly classes for inquirers, and a Women's
+Opium Refuge occupy Mrs. Hsi's time in Chaocheng. A sentence easy to
+write, but only He to Whom the offering is made can know the cost at
+which ladies, with the refinements of their class, give themselves to
+the Christlike work of rescuing the opium sots who find their way to
+the Refuge. Women of the lowest moral type at times appear, dirty,
+coarse, and repulsive, and yet gladly and graciously they are received.
+The lady in charge will sleep with them in order to comfort and pray
+with them during the night watches, and no service is too menial for
+these saintly women to render. The impression made is never forgotten by
+those to whom they minister; and even if they return again to the ways
+of sin, the vision of that gentle lady with her kind heart will remain,
+a reflection, faint it may be, yet a reflection of the love of God, ever
+ready to welcome the wanderer from the far country.
+
+[Illustration: A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER.
+
+_To face page 82._]
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER
+
+          "I know that, because of this money-grasping,
+          trade-compelling feature of England's dealings
+          with my country, millions of wretched people of
+          China have been made more miserable; stalwart men
+          and women have been made paupers, vagrants, and
+          the lowest of criminals; and hundreds of thousands
+          of the weaker ones of my race--mainly among the
+          women--have been sent to suicide graves. All this
+          because gold and territory are greater in the eyes
+          of the British Government, than the rights and
+          bodies of a weak people."--H. E. LI HUNG-CHANG.
+
+          "O my brothers and all my friends,
+           If you would hearken to good advice,
+           Avoid the poppy juice for ever and aye,
+           As it is a plague most noxious and vile!
+           It will eat out your minds,
+           It will rot away your vitals,
+           It will shrivel up your bowels,
+           It will make you walk as a leper,
+           It will cast you into prison,
+           It will send you to your death!"
+                                        H. E. LI HUNG-CHANG.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER
+
+
+THE first man to enter the Opium Refuge in Hwochow, as patient, was
+named Fan of the village of Southern Springs. He came from a once
+wealthy clan, now reduced through opium smoking to comparative poverty.
+He had not yet reached the stage of positive want, but that condition is
+never far from the habitual heavy smoker, and should he continue a few
+years longer, beggary will be the ultimate fate of his wife and family.
+
+The temptation was at his very door, for all the best-watered land
+surrounding Southern Springs was given up to poppy cultivation. During
+the time when the plant was in flower, the village nestled amidst some
+hundreds of acres of exquisite iridescent bloom. The beauty was
+shortlived, even as the seeming prosperity of the grower, and but a few
+days later Southern Springs stood amidst bare brown fields of dry poppy
+heads, scarred by the cutter's knife, exuding in thick drops the
+poisonous juices--a striking picture in the eyes of all men of the fate
+awaiting the smoker, who, lulled by the insidious charm of the
+fascinating drug, would finally be the only one unable to see himself a
+hopeless, helpless, degraded wreck.
+
+At the close of three weeks' treatment in the Refuge, Fan returned home
+a new creature, restored in body and mind, and with a heart renewed in
+hope. In his own immediate family were several members, victims as
+himself of the deadly drug, and amongst these was his nephew, adopted
+into the family on the footing of a son since death had robbed him of
+the last boy who might pay the filial sacrifice of tears and
+lamentations at his tomb. Moreover, his wife's keen intelligence and
+strong will were gradually being subjugated by a growing apathy, result
+of her secret habit. On these two Fan urged a plea to give the Refuge a
+trial, and his nephew, impressed by the evident good result in his
+uncle's case and the assurance that the treatment had induced very
+slight suffering, pronounced himself willing to try the experiment; his
+wife, on the other hand, repudiated with scorn any such suggestion.
+Another few weeks saw the young man return to Southern Springs loud in
+praise of all he had seen and heard in Hwochow. He recounted all his
+experiences, every detail of the treatment, the number of pills
+swallowed, and the care with which the strength of the pills was graded
+from the powerful "Pill of life" to the lesser "Pill of strength" and
+the final "Pill of restoration."
+
+He also knew by heart a number of verses from the New Testament, and
+could sing hymns written by Pastor Hsi on the subjects of salvation and
+the sin of opium smoking, several of which numbered twelve verses in
+length.
+
+All this caused much stir in the village, and became the general subject
+of conversation when the men were home from the fields, during the
+twilight hour devoted to social intercourse. He was referred to as a
+competent authority on all matters relating to the ways and habits of
+those "foreign devils" who went to and fro between the various stations
+which they had opened, and even penetrated into the villages amongst the
+homes of any who were rash enough to risk having them under their roof.
+
+Both uncle and nephew had secretly entirely changed their opinion
+concerning the foreigner and the Christian doctrine which he inculcated.
+Fear had given place to confidence, and one or other would frequently
+walk the four miles to Hwochow on a week day, or better still on Sunday,
+to sit an hour with the Refuge-keeper, whom it was hard indeed not to
+trust, and who always had some good matter to unfold and kind, earnest
+words with which to help a man in the hour when his old vice threatened
+to ensnare his soul afresh. Little sympathy was to be gained at home.
+Mrs. Fan still took opium, endangering her husband's and nephew's
+principles as they returned, weary from work, to a room reeking with the
+odour so attractive to them.
+
+She was a woman of no ordinary character, exceptionally intelligent,
+strong-minded and wilful, capable in every duty which falls to the
+woman's share in the home; by nature hard working and ambitious, in
+physique of a pronounced Jewish type. Not easily led, and impossible to
+drive, she flew into such a passion when her husband ventured to tell
+her that two lady missionaries had arrived, and were prepared to
+receive women as patients in the Hwochow Refuge, and gave such rein to
+her tongue that he, poor man, was thankful to escape beyond earshot of
+her loud recriminations and curses.
+
+If his words were silenced we may believe that his actions were speaking
+louder and more effectually, for influences stronger than the woman
+realised were even now at work, preparing to overturn all her
+preconceived prejudices and hatred of Christianity and its followers.
+
+The climax came more suddenly than could have been anticipated,
+revealing to herself and others the extraordinary change of viewpoint
+which had been silently working during weeks of apparently unchanged
+opposition.
+
+On returning from the fields one evening, Fan found his wife in an
+unusual state of activity, whilst the three little girls who constituted
+his family formed a tearful group on the _kang_. With characteristic
+abruptness Mrs. Fan delivered the information: "I am preparing to go to
+the city Opium Refuge." Scarcely able to credit her statement the
+husband stood aghast, and she explained: "It is no good, the children
+are taking it too."
+
+A terrible statement, yet true, for whereas she knew that she had often
+pacified the tiny baby's fretfulness by puffing a few whiffs of the
+smoke into its mouth, she had that day made the discovery that, as soon
+as she herself lay down to sleep off the effect of her dose, the two
+elder girls would seize on the opium pipe and share all they could get
+from it, so that already, unknown to herself, the craving was well
+developed in them.
+
+To the Refuge they must all go, and the next evening saw a cart at the
+door into which were being stowed various bundles of clothing wrapped in
+blue-and-yellow cloths, each bundle having attached to it a small piece
+of scarlet cotton to ensure luck on the journey. Flour and millet for
+food, and other necessaries were piled up behind the cart, and the
+children were packed inside and told to keep quiet, for they were
+leaving at night to avoid the jeers of the villagers. The father sat
+upon the shafts, the mother cross-legged inside, and after an hour's
+drive the city gates were sighted, and soon the party was welcomed at
+the Mission House.
+
+A very few days in the Refuge served to largely alter the tenor of Mrs.
+Fan's mind. The woman who took charge of her was a kind,
+confidence-inspiring body, with nothing of the "foreign devil" about
+her. She would hear no harm of the missionaries, and flatly denied that
+children were enticed on to the premises to be done to death by foul
+means, or that the foreigner's blue eye could see corpses in their
+coffins, or that magic incantations were used by means of which all who
+drank their tea must become their followers.
+
+All these questions and many others relating to the personal character
+of the strange beings were asked during the long night watches when
+sleep evades the opium patient, and the nurse helps to while away the
+dreary hours by satisfying her curiosity. Then at dawn the longed-for
+dose of medicine is administered, after a prayer that the "medicine may
+heal her body, and the blood of Jesus cleanse her soul," and she may
+settle to a doze which daily becomes more natural and peaceful as the
+body returns to a normal condition of being.
+
+Mrs. Fan saw that much was introduced by the foreigner in the wake of
+Christianity which her alert mind recognised as being all to the
+advantage of women. Even the old Refuge-keeper could read a little, but
+she was quite dull and slow, whereas without much trouble Mrs. Fan
+herself could master quite a number of new characters every day, and a
+few hours had been enough for the initial lesson of reading the large
+print rhyme:
+
+    "There is but one true God, the Heavenly Father He,
+     Who feeds and clothes and pities me.
+     The only Saviour, too, who can my sins forgive,
+     I trust and hearken to His word, Jesus my Lord and Saviour.
+     Jesus loves the sinner, Jesus pities me,
+     He gave His life, He washed me clean, He verily hath loved me."
+
+It was quite evident that a certain amount of education lay within her
+own grasp, and quite unlimited possibilities were open to her three
+daughters. The sinfulness of binding up the feet of girls was touched
+upon, and a strong determination took form in her mind that her girls
+should be among the first who would have natural feet in the
+neighbourhood, in spite of the lurking fear that all three might be left
+as old maids upon her hands if no man might be found bold enough to risk
+the disgrace of a wife with normal feet. A short length of white cotton
+material was procured, and the three little ones were soon free of
+compressing bandages, each wearing a pair of calico socks and little
+red-and-yellow shoes, ornamented on the toe with a grinning, whiskered,
+tiger's face.
+
+These girls were all destined to lives of signal usefulness in the
+Church. Two of them labour still as teachers and evangelists among their
+own people; the third was early prepared by intense suffering and deep
+wrongs to be removed by death to the realm where the "wicked cease from
+troubling and the weary are at rest."
+
+
+
+
+THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL
+
+          "Happy the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
+
+          "A white bird, she told him once, looking at him
+          gravely. A bird which he must carry in his bosom
+          across a crowded public place--his own soul was
+          like that!
+
+          "Would it reach the hands of his good genius on
+          the opposite side, unruffled and
+          unsoiled?"--WALTER PATER.
+
+          "To radiate the heat of the affections into a
+          clod, which absorbs all that is poured into it,
+          but never warms beneath the sunshine of smiles or
+          the pressure of hand or lip--this is the great
+          martyrdom of sensitive beings--most of all in that
+          perpetual _auto-da-fé_ where young womanhood is
+          the sacrifice."--O. W. HOLMES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL
+
+BEING THE STORY OF AI DO
+
+
+MRS. FAN'S second daughter came into the world under the shadow of
+sorrow, for apart from the fact that she was a girl, whereas a boy had
+been ardently desired, her first lusty yells revealed the fact that she
+was born with a tooth visible. This was well known by every woman in the
+village to indicate antagonism to her mother's life, and disaster would
+surely ensue were she not promptly drowned or thrown out to perish by
+the riverside.
+
+Her fate seemed sealed, but that a woman seeing what a dear little baby
+she was, was moved with pity, and declared herself willing to take the
+responsibility of asserting that the child was hers in order that the
+demons which were ordering these events might be deceived, and thus her
+real mother would escape the fate which threatened her life, if the baby
+were not killed.
+
+An incredible amount of ingenuity is expended in China on deceptions
+practised to mislead the _gwei_ or demon, whose influence you have cause
+to fear. Being a malignant spirit, his object is to hurt that which you
+specially value, therefore it is well to deceive him into thinking that
+your precious son is only a useless girl, or even a little animal. This
+is not difficult to manage, for the _gwei_, though powerful to work
+evil, is a simple creature, and it is sufficient for him to see earrings
+dangling from your boy's ears to make him think he sees a girl, or if
+you call the child by some such name as "puppy," "little pig," "kitten,"
+or "goat," he will quite fail to perceive that the object of your
+affection is two legs short of what one might be led to expect.
+
+When a _gwei_ has really determined to injure your child, it is
+sometimes necessary to kill a dog and wrap your boy in its skin, that it
+may be perfectly evident to the whole spirit world that if you are
+bestowing any affection, it is only on a valueless beast. In the case of
+Mrs. Fan's little girl, no _gwei_ could reasonably be supposed to attach
+much value to her, and it was therefore sufficient for this neighbour to
+pronounce herself willing to stand in the place of a mother. She was
+allowed to live, and with painful frankness given the name of "One too
+many."
+
+After the month spent in the Opium Refuge, Mrs. Fan often saw the lady
+missionaries either at Hwochow or in her own house, and when they were
+joined by a lady who had no previous knowledge of the Chinese language,
+Mrs. Fan was asked if little "One too many" might come and live with the
+missionary so that her childish prattle should help the newcomer in
+recognising the difficult sounds and tones. She was now eight years old
+and permission was readily granted, so to Hwochow she went and became an
+inmate of the Christian household there, her name being altered to the
+now appropriate one of "greatly loved"--in Chinese, Ai Do.
+
+The years passed by, and little Ai Do won the love and approval of all.
+She received her education in the girls' school, and there grew up in
+her the ambition to be a teacher, as her elder sister was. At fourteen
+years of age she sat one Sunday evening reading her Bible, and came to
+the words: "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; man looketh on the outward
+appearance, the Lord looketh on the heart." She stopped and pondered,
+realising with the force that can only come with conviction of the
+Spirit of God, that while in "the outward" no one had fault to find with
+her, yet the Lord looking on the heart saw her full of sin and
+unreconciled to Him. In that hour her peace was made, and henceforth she
+served and trusted God through all the vicissitudes of her short life.
+She remained a pupil in the school until the year 1900, when Miss
+Stevens and Miss Clarke went to Taiyüanfu, never to return. It was a
+reign of terror during which rapine and murder stalked unhindered
+through the land, and young women fled to the remotest districts where
+they might claim a shelter.
+
+The matter of Ai Do's marriage had been under consideration for some
+time, she having now reached the age when custom exacts that this
+important matter should be settled. Various suitors presented
+themselves, but in most cases there was some hitch which prevented the
+engagement from being finally settled. In one case the man lived on the
+other side of the river, and this would cause difficulty in the girl's
+frequent journeys from one home to the other; in another, the matter of
+the sum required as dowry could not be finally fixed; in a third, she
+would have been required to worship idols.
+
+Amongst the number was a young man, favoured by Mrs. Fan but known as a
+wild and dissolute youth, and the missionaries who had cared for Ai Do
+so many years refused their consent to the engagement. Now they were
+dead, and Mrs. Fan had scope for the exercise of the domineering will
+which made her ruler of the home, for while she was an enthusiastic
+follower of the Church she had never given evidence of personal
+conversion.
+
+It was certainly advisable that a young woman of Ai Do's age should not
+be unmarried at that difficult time. Christians went in daily peril of
+their lives, and the soldier was scarcely less to be dreaded than the
+Boxer.
+
+"No one uses good iron to make nails, and no one will use a good man to
+make a soldier," says a Chinese proverb, which has been proved to be
+only too true in many cases.
+
+Hastily, and almost secretly, the formalities of the engagement were
+performed, cards were exchanged which fixed the contract, and the
+earrings, rings, and silk and satin garments were brought from the
+bridegroom's home. Ai Do had heard much of this man, and his reputation
+was such as to cause her the gravest misgivings. The household which
+she was to enter as a bride would not require her to join in the
+offering of nuptial sacrifices to idols because her future mother-in-law
+had come under the sound of the Gospel, but more than this can scarcely
+be said. The son to whom she was engaged had been brought up on a régime
+of such extreme indulgence as can only be met with amongst an Oriental
+people. His mother had never once restrained him in a childish
+selfishness nor a manly vice. From a spoilt, inconsiderate, wilful
+childhood he passed to a cruel, passionate, licentious manhood; finally,
+he took to opium smoking and ruin threatened the home. His mother reaped
+a bitter harvest of sorrow from the planting of those wasted years, and
+now her urgent plea was: "My son is good at heart, and a virtuous bride
+will soon work a reform in him."
+
+Every relation and friend and neighbour had a say in the transaction,
+only Ai Do must not be consulted, and though she weep and plead to be
+left unmarried for a time yet, her tears and supplications can cause no
+effect. In vain were the silver ornaments and fine clothes displayed
+before her; she refused to take food and wept bitterly, not with the
+conventional tears of the Chinese girl bewailing her virginity and
+begging that she may not be torn from the shelter of her maiden home,
+but with a real horror of the fate which awaited her.
+
+The day dawned when she was dressed in the scarlet bridal clothes, a
+voluminous embroidered satin gown over all; this came with the sedan
+chair which was to carry her to her future home, being hired for the
+occasion. Scarlet shoes were on her feet, a high tinsel crown on her
+head, and covering her tear-stained face was a scarlet veil. In
+accordance with the custom which demanded that the forehead of the bride
+must be perfectly smooth, her front hair had been dragged out by the
+roots and left her with an aching head.
+
+At last all was ready, and she was in the embroidered sedan chair and
+caught the last glimpse of the familiar faces. They disappear, and alone
+she meets a cruel, loveless, unknown world.
+
+A Chinese village wedding is a terrible ordeal for the bride. Her life
+until that day has been guarded from every contact with the outer world,
+and she has never spoken with a man outside the family circle. Her
+arrival at her mother-in-law's home is the signal for a wild rush of
+rough men to surround her chair. The curtain is lifted, insolent faces
+stare, her personal appearance is commented upon in vile terms, her feet
+being specially noticed because the artificial compression of this
+member has resulted in giving it sexual importance in a woman's
+appearance. Ai Do had a normal, unbound foot, and had to listen to lewd
+insinuations levelled at her on this subject. All the while she must
+patiently sit and wait until the appointed women of the bridegroom's
+family are ready to conduct her indoors. The waiting is often for a
+considerable time, for these new relations are going to make her feel
+that she is a most unimportant and undesirable person, and her
+mother-in-law is not even going to see her until the next day;
+moreover, the longer she waits, the greater her chances of longevity.
+
+When at last she is told to leave her chair she is followed by a crowd,
+and holding the end of a scarlet sash which is thrust into her hand, she
+finds herself in a courtyard where the ceremony is to take place.
+
+In accordance with the contract made by the middleman, she is not asked
+to worship heaven and earth nor the tablets of her husband's ancestors,
+but two cups of wine are placed on the table, and she and her bridegroom
+must each take one and sip the wine, the cups being joined together by a
+scarlet thread. When this ceremony is over, she follows her bridegroom
+to a room, still led by the sash, and when he enters he stands upon the
+_kang_ and by walking around it demonstrates his position as head of the
+new home.
+
+Meanwhile the chair-bearers are clamouring for her dress, as another
+young woman is waiting for the same gown and chair, and delay may cause
+trouble. The bride is assisted on to the _kang_ by the women, her
+husband having departed to make merry with his friends, and the ragged
+opium smokers who carried her there leave, one wearing the crown of
+tinsel on his head, laughing and joking at much which they have seen and
+heard. From the moment that she is seated upon the _kang_, the bride
+becomes the centre of attraction to an insulting crowd. Her shoes are
+stolen, but knowing that this is likely she has provided herself with
+additional pairs. For hours she sits there and hears the remarks made.
+One will whisper that she is married to an irresponsible idiot, others
+will tell her that he is blind or dumb, and knowing how often the
+middlemen deceive, she waits with dread the moment when she will see for
+herself more than she was able to do on arrival. At last the room is
+cleared, and she has to face the final ordeal when she is left alone
+with a totally unknown man. Even the hours of darkness are not
+respected, and every youngster in the village has the right to enter the
+courtyard at any hour of the night, tear down the paper windows, and
+heap shame upon her head.
+
+Christianity and the influence of the foreigner has done much to
+revolutionise the wedding customs, but all this and more was endured by
+Ai Do, and she found herself withal the wife of a depraved and vicious
+man.
+
+It was indeed a deliverance when the Hwochow girls' school reopened and
+Ai Do was invited to teach in place of her elder sister, whose family
+claims had increased so as to prevent her holding the post as formerly.
+School was opened in a small courtyard which adjoined our own, and
+twenty girls entered as pupils. Ai Do had all the characteristics of a
+natural leader, and she easily controlled the girls and was much beloved
+by them, for she had a kind disposition and the hidden sorrows of her
+life had made her both strong and tender.
+
+I think that her life in school was a time of unmixed happiness to her,
+but the holidays had to be faced and contact with the man whom she could
+only strive not to hate. His opium smoking habits increased, and the
+pinch of poverty was felt in the home from which he was able to steal
+so cunningly every article of value which might be exchanged for money
+and spent on the drug.
+
+A great joy came into Ai Do's life with the birth of a little son, and
+she realised for the first time that matrimony was not solely a horror,
+since it brought so much compensation in its train. The child was
+publicly dedicated to God, and was its mother's joy for six brief
+months.
+
+At the end of that time, in the hot weather, it sickened with dysentery,
+and in spite of her prayers and entreaties that she might be allowed to
+deal with the disease as she had seen me deal with similar ailments, she
+had to endure the torture of seeing it operated upon by a heathen
+Chinese doctor, whose method of treatment was to use long needles which
+he ran into its tender flesh. The needles were of course unclean, and
+the child's death was doubtless hastened by the shock thus sustained.
+
+She was spared the last sorrow of seeing its body thrown out to be
+devoured by dogs and wolves through the fortunate advent of her father,
+who insisted at her request that decent burial be given. This was a
+cause of thankfulness for her to her life's end.
+
+A year later, when her second son was born, the home was in a pitiful
+condition. All the land which provided daily bread for the family was
+gambled away, furniture and clothes had been sold or pawned for opium,
+the wages she earned were all turned to the same use, and the poorest,
+coarsest food was all that was procurable at a time when her strength
+was quite insufficient to the strain imposed upon it.
+
+As soon as the required month of purification was over, she returned to
+us and then received all the care that love could suggest, but we soon
+saw that she was going to escape from our poor, inadequate efforts to
+protect and comfort her, into the care of the only One who could save
+her from further sorrow. Phthisis took a rapid hold of her constitution,
+and her strength daily declined. During this time she for the first time
+opened her heart, and spoke out her sorrows and sufferings and those
+deepest wrongs she had suffered which women have from time immemorial
+hidden as a shameful secret. She spoke it all out now, and left me with
+a determination that henceforth any one placed as she was should find an
+advocate and protector in me to the extent of my ability.
+
+Three months later she was carried back to her home, a dying woman, to
+end her days. We were able to ride out and see her almost daily, and
+once we found her very happy because in a dream she had seen a messenger
+who called to her to cross the river, and when she shrank back I had
+been there to assure her that angels would receive her to her Heavenly
+Home.
+
+That day her husband came into the room, and in my presence she for the
+last time pleaded with him to leave the ways of sin and seek forgiveness
+through repentance. To our care she committed her child, asking that we
+would see that it was brought up as a Christian, and she also begged us
+to insist on a Christian burial for herself. To the schoolgirls she sent
+the message that they must meet her in her Master's presence, and a few
+hours later "the bells of the city rang out for joy, and it was said to
+her: 'Enter into the joy of thy Lord.'" The wail that went up from the
+schoolgirls when I told them, I shall not forget; she was the first of
+our company to pass over. Two days later the pupils of her class and
+ourselves gathered with the family for a simple service in the courtyard
+of her home. On the coffin the words were written at her own request,
+"Until He come"--symbolic of the hope which sustained her through those
+years of suffering, and kept her eyes ever upward turned to the promise
+of the great day of deliverance. A congregation of some hundreds
+assembled to see the unique sight of so many girls mourning for a
+teacher and following the bier to the border of the village. The girls
+and their parents showed their appreciation of Ai Do and her work by
+presenting a large banner to the school in her memory. It was unveiled
+on their behalf by the elders of the Church, and above the names of one
+hundred girls who had been her pupils were inscribed the words: "She
+rests from her labours, and her works do follow her."
+
+We returned to take up the work which she had left, but with heavy
+hearts, and the school and my study seemed empty without her presence. I
+missed her help in consultation over difficulties and dealings with the
+raw material which came into our hands at the beginning of each term.
+
+Who could replace her? Her friend and companion who had helped her
+during the past months was the only one to whom I could look, and she
+was seemingly of too retiring a disposition to bear such
+responsibility; but the "trees of the Lord are full of sap," and if a
+leaf has fallen there is always a fresh one developing to replace it,
+and Ling Ai was preparing for a development which was going to make her
+that which she still is, my faithful and beloved fellow-missionary in
+this place. With her quiet, gentle spirit she has won the confidence of
+her pupils, and made possible for me that which apart from her
+comradeship would have been impossible, the establishment of a large
+school and training-college where in happy fellowship Chinese young
+women are working together for the women and girls of their country.
+
+
+
+
+THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
+
+          "What name hast thou? And he said, Legion!"
+
+          "Whensoever the impure spirit goeth out from the
+          man it passeth through waterless places seeking
+          rest; and not finding it there, it saith--
+
+          "I will return unto my house whence I came out;
+
+          "And coming, findeth it empty, swept and adorned.
+          Then goeth it and taketh along with itself other
+          spirits more wicked than itself--seven, and
+          entering it, findeth its dwelling there; and the
+          last state of that man becometh worse than the
+          first."--The Gospel according to Luke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
+
+BEING A RECORD OF SOME OBSERVATIONS IN DEMONOLOGY
+
+
+THE Chinaman, though perhaps the most materialistic of Easterners, is no
+exception to his neighbours in the large place which the occult takes in
+his outlook. For him, the physical world is peopled with spirits good
+and evil, capable of exercising the most far-reaching influences on the
+fortunes of men. These spiritual beings are bound up in the forces of
+nature, and combine to constitute that geomantic system known by the
+Chinese as _Feng-shui_ (wind and water), by reference to which, matters
+of human life, inasmuch as they are designed to court the good
+influences and avoid those which are inauspicious to the man, the time,
+and the place, are decided.
+
+The Chinaman can never experience the feeling of complete solitude which
+the Westerner knows in wild and lonely places; for him the hillside, the
+ravine, and the mountain gorge are peopled with presences best described
+as fairies, though in nothing resembling the light-hearted beings which
+this description generally conveys to the Western mind. To him they
+present the appearance of aged, venerable beings, short of stature,
+with white beards. Country, town, and human habitations are alike
+haunted by psychic beings whose condition cannot be exactly expressed by
+the word _spirit_, neither form of Chinese belief admitting of the
+conception of a pure spirit without matter.
+
+These beings may be grouped into three classes. _Gwei_ is the term most
+constantly used by the common people to indicate the being whose
+influence is feared by all, and who receives from every family some
+measure of propitiatory sacrifice. We read in the _li chao chuan_,[6] or
+_Divine Panorama_, that "every living being, no matter whether it be a
+man or an animal, a bird or a quadruped, a gnat or a midge, a worm or an
+insect, having legs or not, few or many, all are called _gwei_ after
+death."
+
+Apart from these are the _shen_, which have been defined as _émanations
+de la nature personnifiées_, not, as the _gwei_, spirits of the dead,
+but an emanation of nature clothed with a personality. They possess
+varying degrees of intelligence and power. Their interest is not only in
+the affairs of men, to the knowledge of which they have access, but also
+in the secret springs of human action. They reside in man as well as
+amongst men, and witness to his good or evil works before the tribunal
+of heaven. The classics of Chinese literature, recognising this, urge
+upon readers the duty of decorum, purity, and care even when unseen by
+human eyes and according to the teachings of Confucius; one of the
+characteristics of the Princely Man is the discipline he will exercise
+upon himself when alone.
+
+Other spiritual beings are those who, by their ascetic practices, have
+attained to a life higher than that of humanity; it will endure through
+many centuries, and they are free to live in the pleasant places of the
+earth with considerable licence to enjoy good things, yet free from the
+material claims which govern human life. These are known by the term
+_hsien_, and are referred to above as fairies. Each and all of these
+beings touch the destinies of man at various points.
+
+It is, however, in the important events of life--birth, marriage, and
+death--that the interference of the spirits is strongest, and such
+occasions are used by the sorcerer as a means of extorting money from
+his unfortunate victim. In the _Divine Panorama_, we read that: "It is
+not uncommon at the time of reincarnation to see women asking to be
+allowed to avenge themselves in the form of _gwei_ before being changed
+into men. On their case being examined, it is found as young women they
+have been seduced or have been betrayed in other ways, such as the
+husband refusing after marriage to fulfil his promise to support the
+girl's parents, and in consequence of her disgrace the woman has
+committed suicide." From that moment terror has dogged the steps of her
+husband, and he has gone in hourly fear of sickness, accident, or sudden
+death. If he be a student, the day of examination presents terrors
+calculated to ensure failure, for he knows that the _gwei_ has power to
+hold his mind in subjection so that he cannot write his competitive
+essay. The only hope he has of release is the taking of a vow, whereby
+he undertakes to study and make known _The Divine Panorama_ or _precious
+record_ transmitted to men to move them, being a record of examples
+published by the mercy of Yu Di, that men and women living in this world
+may repent them of their faults, and make atonement for their sins. The
+punishments described include all the most painful tortures of which
+Chinese ingenuity can conceive. Truly, idols are the work of man's
+hands, and they that make them are like unto them!
+
+Sculptural art also has left nothing undone to represent the god as
+animated by the worst passions of man, but skill and ingenuity must
+inevitably stop short of the final act necessary to convince man that
+communication is possible between him and the spirit world. In order to
+bridge this chasm a class of men and women called sorcerers (_mo-han_
+and _sheng-po_) has come into being, whose work it is to be the
+spokesmen of the gods. With deliberate intent and elaborate ritual they
+develop the mediumistic gift, and learn how to attain conditions of
+frenzy and of trance during which period the body is controlled by a
+spiritualistic force. Not only as the medium of the gods, but also as a
+resting-place for longer or shorter periods to the homeless, unclean
+spirit, do these sorcerers serve. At tremendous physical cost--for the
+medium is never long-lived--they accumulate great wealth, exorbitant
+sums being demanded in recognition of services rendered when freeing a
+family or village from the visitations of a tormenting _gwei_. When
+sickness enters his home, the Chinaman's instinct is to attribute it to
+any cause rather than a natural one; his appeal on such occasions is to
+the sorcerer whose time is largely occupied in giving what is called
+medical advice, but is in reality the practising of the rites of
+exorcism. Sometimes he will declare that the spirit of a sick person has
+strayed from the body, and means will be set on foot to secure its
+return. A woman I know, whose boy had apparently died from typhoid
+fever, was told that his spirit had been enticed away by a god whose
+shrine was built on the mountain side near the city where she lived. She
+took the child's coat and walked to the temple; here, standing before
+the idol, she burned incense and begged that the boy's spirit might be
+restored to her. Holding the child's coat open to receive it, she swayed
+to and fro, and with heart-rending cries besought it to return. She
+waited until she felt her request had been granted, and with a movement
+as though to enfold the little wandering ghost, she clasped the coat in
+her arms and swiftly returning home, laid it upon the lifeless body. The
+child revived, and is alive to this day.
+
+Frequently, after supplication to the gods, the clothes of the patient
+are carefully weighed; a procession is then formed in which one of the
+sorcerers holds a mirror directed backwards, others, wearing scarlet
+aprons, carry brooms and with slow and mystic movements sweep widely on
+either side with the intent of gathering up the wandering soul.
+Meanwhile crackers are fired to the weird sound of a minor, falsetto
+lilting. After a considerable journey over the countryside they return
+to prove the success of their venture. For this the clothes of the sick
+man must be reweighed to see whether the weight of the spirit has been
+added to that of the patient's garments. Should the smallest discrepancy
+be detected all is well, and after feasting and opium the _mo-han_
+pockets his fee and departs, frequently leaving a prescription behind
+him, the results of which may be more or less harmful. Whatever the
+result, nothing will shake the faith of the people in these degraded
+villains, for they can, by threatening to call in the intervention of
+the gods on their behalf strike terror to the heart of any man, and once
+having sought aid of the sorcerer, the family is pitiable indeed.
+
+In a case which came under my personal observation, the spirit of a
+young woman from a village at some distance from the one in which I was
+staying, who had recently died in childbirth, was said to have returned,
+having found herself in difficulties in the spirit world for lack of
+means to defray the necessary expenses. Illness became so prevalent that
+necromancers were called in and agreed that a medium must be employed.
+The spirit made its requirements known, and by promising the sacrifices
+ordained, the family passed under a bondage from which none dared to
+emancipate himself by omitting the prescribed rites. Night after night,
+at the medium's command a table was spread at the cross-roads, on which
+were laid the fantastic foods suitable to the requirements of the
+departed spirit. Gold and silver paper money was plentifully burned,
+crackers were fired, and following the medium, a party of men left to
+place earthen bowls containing grains at various corners of the roads.
+
+Nothing but the deliverance of Christianity, or a daring known to few,
+can set free those who have been entangled in such practices.
+
+I saw this medium whilst under spirit control. Before a table
+elaborately decorated on which incense burned, she threw herself into
+extraordinary contortions, quivering and shaking, her finger and thumb
+forming a circle, whilst the little finger vibrated continuously. She
+sustained a perpetual chant in the peculiar spirit voice, the minor
+strains of which I find it impossible to describe. A relative of the
+deceased acted as questioner, and she dictated the terms by the
+fulfilment of which the spirit consented to a reconciliation.
+
+Another manifestation of mediumship may be found in the more or less
+conscious yielding of the personality to a controlling spiritualistic
+influence, known as _demon possession_. Remarkable cases have come under
+my own personal observation, and all incidents which I quote have been
+witnessed by foreign missionaries who are prepared to vouch for their
+accuracy. Those brought to my notice by reliable Chinese are too
+numerous to include in this book, but the fact that men and women who
+lay themselves open to demoniacal influences become possessed, is
+beyond dispute. In many cases the possession follows upon a fit of
+uncontrolled temper, such as is not uncommon amongst the Chinese; in
+others it is connected with the taking of a vow on the occasion of
+illness in the home, when service was promised to some particular god;
+or again, it has been undoubtedly connected with the neglect to
+completely remove idols from the home of a Christian.
+
+In yet other cases, a spirit may take temporary possession of a human
+body in order to find a means of expression for some important
+communication, and after delivering its message leave the person
+unconscious of that which has taken place. An instance of this occurred
+in a family with which I am intimate. The eldest daughter was married
+into a home where she received ill-treatment from her mother-in-law. For
+several years she was systematically underfed and overworked, and when
+at last she gave birth to a son we all expected she would receive more
+consideration. The hatred of her mother-in-law was, however, in no
+degree abated, and when the child was a month old she brought her
+daughter a meal of hot bread in which the girl detected an unusual
+flavour which made her suspicious. She threw the remainder to the dog,
+and before many hours had passed both the unfortunate girl and the dog
+were dead.
+
+Her father was away from home at the time, the young men of the family
+meanwhile carrying on the work of the farm. A few days later her
+brothers and first cousins, strong, vigorous young farmers, being
+together in the fields, her cousin, aged twenty-two, suddenly exhibited
+symptoms of distress. He trembled and wept violently. Those with him
+becoming alarmed at so unusual a sight went to his assistance, intending
+to take him home. He wept, however, the more violently, saying: "I am
+Lotus-bud; I was cruelly done to death. Why is there no redress?" Others
+of the family were by this time at hand, and recognising the effort made
+by the girl's spirit to communicate with her own people whom she had had
+no opportunity of seeing in the hour of her death, spoke directly to
+her, as though present. Telling her the facts of the case, they
+explained that all demands must remain in abeyance until her father's
+return, when the guilty party would be dealt with by her family whose
+feeling was in no sense one of indifference. In about an hour's time the
+attack passed, leaving the young man exhausted and unconscious of what
+had taken place.
+
+The criminal law of China can only be put in action under such
+circumstances by the girl's own family undertaking a long and expensive
+lawsuit, the result of which may end in the punishment of the criminal,
+or may terminate in quite a different way. In this case the demands took
+the form of a requirement, the granting of which constituted a tacit
+acknowledgment of guilt. The demand in fact was that a funereal monument
+should be erected in memory of the dead girl. This constituted so
+uncalled-for an honour paid to one in her position, as to be a public
+recognition that redress was due to her, and a law case was avoided.
+
+It may be remembered that in the first chapter of this book an incident
+is recorded of Mrs. Hsi herself being tormented by a demon which had
+gained its power over her, by reason of neglect to completely destroy
+all idols at the time when they were removed from the home. Such a case
+is not singular.
+
+Our first woman patient in the Hwochow Opium Refuge became interested in
+the Gospel, and on her return home destroyed her idols, reserving
+however the beautifully carved idol shrines which she placed in her
+son's room. Her daughter-in-law who occupied this room, a comely young
+woman, desired to become a Christian and gave us a warm welcome whenever
+we could go to the house. About six months later we were fetched by
+special messenger from a village where we were staying, to see this girl
+who was said to be demon possessed. We found crowds of men and women
+gathered to see and to hear. The girl was chanting the weird minor chant
+of the possessed, the voice, as in every case I have seen, clearly
+distinguishing it from madness. This can perhaps best be described as a
+voice distinct from the personality of the one under possession. It
+seems as though the demon used the organs of speech of the victim for
+the conveyance of its own voice. She refused to wear clothes or to take
+food, and by her violence terrorised the community. Immediately upon our
+entering the room with the Chinese woman evangelist she ceased her
+chanting, and slowly pointed the finger at us, remaining in this posture
+for some time. As we knelt upon the _kang_ to pray, she trembled and
+said: "The room is full of _gwei_; as soon as one goes another comes."
+We endeavoured to calm her, and to make her join us in repeating the
+sentence, "Lord Jesus, save me."
+
+After considerable effort she succeeded in pronouncing these words, and
+when she had done so we commanded the demon to leave her, whereupon her
+body trembled and she sneezed some fifty or sixty times, then suddenly
+came to herself, asked for her clothes and some food, and seemingly
+perfectly well resumed her work. So persistently did she reiterate the
+statement that the demons were using the idol shrines for a refuge, that
+during the proceedings just mentioned her parents willingly handed over
+to the Christians present these valuable carvings, and joined with them
+in their destruction. From this time onwards she was perfectly well, a
+normal, healthy young woman.
+
+Upon recovery from illness a woman I knew yielded herself to the lord of
+hell for a certain period, during which time she was under a vow to wear
+black garments, to perform certain rites as required by the devil, and
+to chant instead of speaking. She told me once that she knew all I could
+tell her of the Lord of Heaven and of the death upon the cross of His
+Son, but that she served the lord of hell, and his servant she remained,
+only giving up her peculiar dress and manner when the time of her vow
+had expired.
+
+The yielding of personality to the possession of a spirit no doubt
+seriously weakens the will power. Many cases are on record of those who
+once delivered, like the man in the Gospel from whom the evil spirit had
+been cast out, unconsciously again prepare the empty house to receive
+the evil guest, and whose latter state is worse than the former.
+
+It was to a woman, terror of the district in which she lived, that a
+Chinese evangelist was called. After prayer in which he and some
+inquirers took part, the evil spirit in obedience to their command
+departed. A few weeks later on yielding to violent temper, she fell into
+a worse state than before. The missionary of the district was this time
+begged to go himself. As soon as he entered the room the woman threw
+herself upon the _kang_, rolling about in seemingly great agony. The
+Chinese helper, Mr. Li, rebuked the spirit, saying: "We ordered you to
+leave. Why have you returned?" "I could find no dwelling-place," was the
+answer, given with extraordinary rapidity, in the curious spirit voice.
+"Find me a place to rest, and I will leave at once." "We have come,"
+said Li, "to command you to leave, not to find you a place." Upon this
+the woman laughed and clapped her hands, and in the struggle it seemed
+as if the powers of evil were in the ascendancy. As she still chuckled
+with amusement, Li said: "Let us sing a hymn," and immediately the voice
+replied: "I too can sing," and forthwith shouted some theatrical songs.
+Mr. Li then prayed, but there was seemingly no power and the voice also
+mockingly prayed. The missionary then interposed, saying: "I have not
+come here to hold intercourse with demons," and forthwith
+authoritatively commanded the demon to leave her. There was a struggle,
+and she fell down unconscious on the _kang_.
+
+She came to herself in a normal condition and apologised to the
+missionary for her state of deshabille. Faithfully and sternly he
+rebuked her for sin and for giving place to the devil. She recognised
+her fault, and was from that time a changed woman.
+
+An evil spirit has been known to claim a young girl as its possession,
+forbidding her marriage under severe threats. It was in such a case that
+a demon, driven from a man who had become a Christian, went to a village
+eight miles distant and possessed a young woman. Speaking through her,
+it forbade her marriage and manifested itself in the same manner as it
+had done in the man from whom it came, compelling him to perpetually rub
+one side of his face and head until there was no hair left there. When
+questioned as to whence it came the demon replied by giving the name of
+this man, and to the question: "Why have you left him?" replied: "I have
+been turned out, for that man has become a Christian."
+
+Two methods of exorcism are used by the sorcerers--defiance and bribery.
+The Christian method is that of commanding the evil spirit in the Name
+of the Lord Jesus Christ to release the victim.
+
+Some have been set free from the power of a tormenting spirit who have
+not been subsequently kept free, through refusing to yield to the
+control of the great Spirit of Liberty. Pastor Hsi, than whom none
+better understood the conflict in the Heavenly Places, in earlier days
+would cast out demons from all the possessed who were brought to him,
+but in later years as experience grew, he refused to do so unless idols
+were destroyed, and he had reason to believe there was a sincere desire
+to obey the commands of God. He doubtless saw, as others have done, the
+futility of temporary relief during which, in that mysterious way so
+graphically described in the Scriptures, the demon wanders in waterless
+places, joining himself to others more evil than he.
+
+Pastor Hsi learned to distinguish between the greater and the lesser
+demons. With the latter he would deal summarily, but not so with the
+former. "This kind," he would say, "goeth not out but by prayer and
+fasting;" and thus he would prepare himself for an encounter with the
+powers of evil.
+
+Young believers, doubtless impressed by the Pastor's command over
+unclean spirits and perhaps sometimes eager for a similar power, were,
+as in the instances recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, in serious
+danger. Pastor Hsi urged them not lightly to undertake the casting out
+of demons. He had been faced by the awful realities of the spirit world,
+and on one occasion at least, by reason of a thoughtless word, had been
+troubled by the very demon he had cast out and which attached itself to
+his person.
+
+The experiences recorded here may be unfamiliar to many readers, and
+some will doubtless think that madness, hysteria, or epilepsy may
+account for them. To such I would suggest the following points for
+consideration: Firstly, the striking, detailed resemblance between the
+cases seen now in heathen lands and those recorded in the Scriptures;
+secondly, the complete and lasting restoration resulting from prayer
+and from the command in the Name of the Lord Jesus that the demon should
+depart; thirdly, the appalling sense of the reality of the conflict with
+the evil one at the moment of supreme test, as the missionary is called
+upon to prove his personal faith, and to give the command which shall
+decide whether God or demon remains conqueror on the field.
+
+When the promise was given by Christ that His witnesses should cast out
+demons, it was with the foreknowledge that such equipment was essential
+to those who obeyed His command to disciple the nations. Let the signs
+following be a reminder to weary warriors that the Captain of our
+salvation is actively leading His hosts; and to the indifferent and
+half-hearted who profess and call themselves Christians, let it be a
+matter for serious reflection that there exist churches in many heathen
+lands, the members of which have not lost their first love and faith,
+and against whom the enemy has come with his whole strength.
+
+A feeble conflict may provoke a feeble resistance, but it behoves the
+aggressive warrior to prepare for the fight of his life when he invades
+the enemy's territory, where the conflict is not with "mere flesh and
+blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces, that control
+and govern this dark world."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] _The Precious Regulations_, a book written under the Sung Dynasty.
+Its main tenets are derived from Buddhism, though some writers inscribe
+the book among the Taoist documents. Its sub-title explains its
+contents: "A precious record of examples published by the mercy of Yu Di
+(the Jade Emperor to whom is entrusted the superintendence of the world,
+the Jupiter of the Taoists), that men and women may repent them of their
+faults and make atonement for their sins." It includes a description of
+the Ten Courts of Hell and the judgments pronounced therein.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG
+
+          "Happy the meek;
+           For they shall inherit the earth."
+
+
+          "The labourer whom Christ in His own garden
+           Chose to be His helpmate."
+                                        DANTE.
+
+
+          "He went out to seek wisdom, as many a one has
+          done, looking for the laws of God with clear eyes
+          to see, with a pure heart to understand, and after
+          many troubles, after many mistakes, after much
+          suffering, he came at last to the truth."--H.
+          FIELDING HALL.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG
+
+
+IF Pastor Hsi may be spoken of as the Paul of the Shansi Church,
+Barnabas finds his counterpart in Pastor Wang of Hwochow.
+
+Though possessing none of the peculiar gifts which made Hsi a leader
+amongst foreigners and Chinese, he has exercised a remarkable personal
+influence upon hundreds of lives, winning by consistency and sincerity
+those with whom he has come in contact. On our first arrival we found
+him already in charge, conducting the Sunday services and generally
+caring for the Church members.
+
+His unfailing courtesy, consideration, and tact simplified many
+difficult situations, and the exercise of his natural gift for gathering
+people around him and drawing out the best in them soon resulted in a
+rapidly growing work. He was almost immediately chosen as Deacon, and
+before long the office of Elder was given to him. All turned to Mr. Wang
+in difficulty, sought his advice in perplexity, and by the unanimous
+desire of the Church he was in 1909 ordained Pastor at Hwochow.
+
+He has developed his gifts in the school of adversity, for trouble
+overtook him in his childhood when his father died only a few years
+before the great famine which was to sweep over the province of Shansi.
+Poor they always were, and his love for his mother was intensified as he
+saw the self-sacrificing devotion with which she earned enough by her
+spinning to enable him to continue his schooling. At the age of fifteen
+he was married, and on the bride's arrival the falsity of the middleman
+through whom the engagement had been long ago contracted was revealed,
+for the bride was a helpless cripple and a serious burden on the already
+overpressed household.
+
+Food soon began to be scarce, for the rains failed and the prospect of
+the wheat harvest was poor. They endured and hoped, being mercifully
+saved from the knowledge that they must now enter upon a period when the
+inhabitants of Shansi should touch the depths of human suffering and
+call on death to end their woes. No pen can fully describe the horrors
+of that time. When summer and autumn crops had failed the rains were
+still withheld, and despair seized on all as they saw the impossibility
+of sowing the wheat for next year's harvest.
+
+The delicate bride, unable to withstand the privations of that time,
+soon died, and Wang's sister was married, so that he and his mother
+remained alone to care for each other. The poor young sister lived but a
+very short while in her new home, and the circumstances of her death
+were so tragic that Wang felt unable to forgive the man who had been her
+husband. After many years, when circumstances brought this man to his
+home, he realised that Christ's command to forgive those who have
+offended against you required of him a complete change of feeling
+towards this once hated brother-in-law, and he invited him to share his
+food as a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation.
+
+Every month the distress became more acute; weeds, leaves, bark of
+trees, and even some softer kinds of wood were used as food, but numbers
+were dying and of the one hundred and twenty families which inhabited
+the village, at last thirty only remained. The dead outnumbered the
+living, and compelled by hunger the latter were driven to sustain life
+by feeding on the former.
+
+Wang saw his mother's vain endeavour to supply some kind of food on
+which they might subsist, and his heart was torn to see her deprive
+herself even now that there might be more for him.
+
+When the famine was at its worst, the most tragic blow fell. His mother
+one day told him it was her wish that he should accompany several
+neighbours to a near village where lived a relation. In those days none
+dared to travel alone, lest in their weak, half-starved condition they
+should fall a prey to man or beast. The pretext given was the
+possibility of obtaining the loan of a little grain from the aunt who
+lived there. Beggars were many and givers few, and he wondered at his
+mother entertaining any hope of such good fortune.
+
+He went, however, only to return a few hours later, empty-handed. As he
+entered the courtyard, heart-sick with disappointment, he called for
+his mother and received no answer. Doors and windows were locked on the
+inside, and sick with apprehension he called the neighbours to his help.
+On bursting open the door, they saw her body swinging from a beam in the
+dim recesses of the cave. The errand had been an excuse to get him out
+of the way, while she performed this act which was the last expression
+of her love to him. She had chosen this solution of their impossible
+position, hoping that, relieved of her presence, he might be able to
+endure till coming harvest.
+
+The body, wrapped in matting, was laid in an empty cave. There was no
+money for a coffin, and many were waiting like hungry wolves to eat the
+uncoffined dead; moreover, the boy and his uncle were too weak to drag
+the body to the burying-ground.
+
+The months passed, and still the arid, sun-baked earth refused to bear
+any green thing, and the despairing people longed for rain which never
+came. The second year of drought had come and gone, and there was now
+nothing sown in the fields, but on the seventh day of the fourth moon of
+the fourth year of the Emperor Kwang Hsü, the longed-for rain fell and
+hope revived.
+
+At this time also a stranger came to the village registering the names
+of survivors, and announcing that foreigners had arrived and were
+distributing grain that the fields might be sown for an autumn crop.
+
+The worst of the famine was over, but the terrors of famine fever had
+yet to be faced, and when the longed-for grain had ripened there were
+in many houses none left to eat it, for whole families had been wiped
+out.
+
+Wang now naturally became an inmate of his uncle's home, and gradually
+the conditions of greatest horror were relieved. As soon as strength had
+sufficiently returned, they made coffins and prepared to bury their
+dead, that the required rites should not be lacking which should bring
+consolation to those who had entered the land of shades without the
+necessary honours having been paid to their memory. Not only for the
+coffins was money required, but also to pay the fees of the geomancers
+who must decide the site of the graves and an auspicious day for the
+funeral. In this one family, thirteen coffins were made and graves dug
+in accordance with the following plan: The four quarterings of the
+celestial sphere were borne in mind, respectively governed by the Azure
+Dragon, Red Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise, these being
+identified with East, West, South, and North. The graves should face the
+south, with White Tiger on the right and Azure Dragon on the left, as
+these respectively control wind and water.
+
+On the day of the funeral the son, dressed in coarse white cloth, with
+unhemmed garments, white twists plaited with the hair of his queue which
+he wore over his chest, and his head unshaven, walked as chief mourner,
+the wailing relatives following the bier. In due course, paper money and
+other articles were burned for the use of the deceased, and fire
+crackers were exploded to ensure the soul and the mortal remains
+against the attacks of demons. The next year in early spring on the day
+known as _Pure Brightness_, in accordance with national custom, Wang,
+dressed in white, again visited and repaired the grave. For three years
+he wore signs of mourning in his dress, and abstained from all
+festivities. Thus he strove to leave undone nothing which filial piety
+could contrive, to make easier to his mother her sojourn in those
+mysterious realms whither she had passed.
+
+For the next few years he worked as a silversmith in his uncle's shop,
+this latter being a generous, kindly man, on whom the responsibilities
+of business life sat only too lightly, for an illness revealed the fact
+that the profits were not sufficient to meet the interest due on the
+rapidly accumulating debts.
+
+Moreover, the sick man, with failing health, had gradually acquired the
+use of the fatal drug known as "foreign smoke," which some years
+previously had been first introduced from distant lands, and was gaining
+ground every year as a profitable crop in the best soil. One ounce a day
+had become the necessary allowance for the sick man, and to Hwochow the
+nephew constantly went in order to buy the needful supply. He tells how
+he walked between the poppy fields and heard the chant which always
+accompanied the sowing of the plant:
+
+          "Of ten acres, fateful plant, thou claimest eight,
+           Thus only two are left for ripening grain;
+           From distant lands thou wert brought here,
+           And hast devoured the best of China's sons."
+
+Of famine, of typhus, and of the raids of wild beasts, the inhabitants
+of Shansi had tasted the full terrors, but now this more insidious foe
+was working havoc in their midst. Amongst the villagers it already
+counted its victims: one young man had recently died as a direct result
+of its use, for after taking his accustomed dose he had so lain down
+that a portion of his wadded clothes was touching the lighted stove.
+Shortly after, his mother entered the cave to find this, her only son,
+burned to death, the charred corpse being all that remained to tell the
+tale. Another neighbour had gradually parted with all his possessions,
+and when nothing else remained on which to raise money, he took his
+young wife and sold her to an innkeeper in whose house she was not
+mistress of her actions and had no choice but to obey her purchaser.
+Nothing could save her, and the tragedy of that broken heart still
+awaits His judgment Who judgeth righteously.
+
+The duty of preparing the pipe for his uncle devolved on the young man,
+and before long he himself was a victim of opium.
+
+Meanwhile the uncle was weaker than formerly, and a neighbour strongly
+recommended Wang to visit the China Inland Mission station at Hwochow to
+ask for some medicine, and this was how he first heard the Gospel story.
+He was cordially received by the evangelist, and given a dose to be
+administered according to regulation, and told to pray earnestly for his
+uncle; this he conscientiously did, kneeling in the courtyard, and
+saying: "Heavenly Father, have mercy on my uncle." The next day, the
+sick man was better, and continued so for many months.
+
+Troubles soon thickened around Mr. Wang. When his uncle died he found
+himself responsible for business and home, and overwhelmed by debts.
+
+The great spiritual crisis of his life was at hand. He had from
+childhood pursued, by what broken light he had, an ideal which was
+intensely real to him. In the five relationships wherein his teachers
+had instructed him as to conduct, he had endeavoured to be blameless: as
+subject to ruler, son to father, younger brother to elder, husband to
+wife, and friend to friend. He had worked beyond his strength to clear
+himself of debt, and when his best endeavours proved futile he had sold
+his goods and distributed their price amongst the creditors. Having
+taken the vow of an ascetic, for years he was a vegetarian.
+Nevertheless, all had failed, and he bitterly reproached himself with
+having fallen into the sin of opium smoking.
+
+Now it happened that a certain man, jealous of Pastor Hsi's success,
+opened a rival opium refuge in which he treated patients according to
+the Pastor's methods, but with medicine of his own making. The scheme
+was a contentious one, and the man a cause of friction and difficulty to
+the Christian community. It was to this Refuge that Mr. Wang, now thirty
+years old, poor, sad, and dispirited, came as a patient. He found here a
+man who, according to the established tradition of the opium refuge,
+received even a degraded class of men into his house in order to care
+for them, and performed many menial tasks in the discharge of his duty
+towards them. Also the good news of the Evangel was proclaimed in the
+house. If the preaching were not sincere but proclaimed a Christ of
+contention, it behoves us to rejoice that even so Christ was preached,
+for Mr. Wang heard something of the life of Jesus, His love, and His
+humility, and thought that he saw the very spirit of the doctrine
+exemplified in the man who ministered to these unfortunate patients. His
+heart was overwhelmed by the love of God; and the beauty of Christ,
+after which he for so many years had blindly felt, lest haply he might
+find, was now revealed to him. On the ninth day, for lack of money, he
+was obliged to cut his treatment short and return home; but henceforth
+nothing could separate him from the love of God.
+
+The rumour of his conversion soon spread, and many visited the workshop
+where the silversmith sat at his daily occupation, questioning him,
+hearing his story, and taking note of the great change in him. From the
+first he exercised a great influence on men, and soon a few were joining
+with him morning and evening for prayer and reading of the Bible.
+
+The last month of the year--a period dreaded by the Chinaman whose
+liabilities exceed his assets--found him in great straits. A fever had
+laid him low, but as soon as strength returned sufficiently to sit up in
+bed and work he was plying his trade once more, and it was thus his
+creditors found him when they came to press their claims.
+
+The Chinese universal system of debt does not allow for the exercise of
+mercy, as each creditor is himself a debtor, and his object in securing
+payments is to relieve the pressure brought to bear on himself by his
+own creditors. Nevertheless, the sight of the sick man forcing himself
+to work, and the reputation he had for integrity so affected them that
+they left the house again, begging him to reserve his strength and free
+his mind from immediate anxiety on their account. Health and strength
+finally returned, and intercourse was established with the Hwochow
+missionaries, which resulted in his baptism. By the year 1900 a group of
+Christian men and women formed the nucleus of a church in the village.
+Mr. Wang this year became a widower for the second time, the wife he had
+taken some years previously dying in childbirth, leaving him the care of
+two small children. The newborn babe it was impossible for him to rear,
+and he gave it away to a friend whose wife had lost her own child and
+now took this one to her breast.
+
+As the dangers of that fateful year thickened and news came of
+persecutions and massacres, the Church trembled and wondered how she
+would endure. Finally it became known that Boxers were marching on the
+village. Mr. Wang was recognised as leader of the local Christians, and
+to him they would certainly come. He called his little boy and girl to
+kneel with him in the cave, and committed the matter to God. At sunset,
+a sound of rushing wind was heard and a violent thunderstorm burst on
+the district. Hail, wind, and rain were followed by a terrific
+cloud-burst which swept man and beast away in its irresistible violence.
+The narrow mountain roads were completely carried away by the course
+of the waters, and the Boxers never came.
+
+[Illustration: PASTOR WANG.
+
+_To face page 136._]
+
+It was a great spiritual experience for Mr. Wang, to whom God spake not
+in the thunder nor in the storm, but in a still small voice which
+asserted His boundless claim on the life preserved from danger. From
+that time he was conscious of a new strength and power, which resulted
+in his shortly giving up his trade of metal-worker to take charge of the
+Hwochow Men's Opium Refuge. That position he still holds, and thanks to
+him the good name and repute of this institution is widespread. All his
+noblest gifts find their full development in the work which makes hourly
+claims on patience, forbearance, devotion, longsuffering, meekness, and
+all those qualities which are bound up in the one characteristic of
+love. From amongst the men in his charge a steady stream return home to
+destroy idols and subsequently request baptism. When the question is
+asked: "How came you to believe?" the answer will be: "I owe it to
+Pastor Wang, who taught me about Christ and taught me to pray." His
+methods are not those of the evangelist who gathers in the crowds, but
+one by one he wins them to the Lord. In one particular only did I hear
+him censured by a Christian, and that was on the occasion of his
+ordination to the pastorate. A Church member protested that a stronger
+man than Wang Bing-guin was needed for the work. "See my case," he said.
+"When, as you know, I was recently the subject of persecution, I came to
+Elder Wang for assistance. He listened to my story and urged me to pray
+and have patience. This I did, but matters only got worse, and I
+returned to insist on his taking action on my behalf. Would you believe
+that he spoke of nothing more practical than prayer and patience again?
+On the third occasion, when I had very nearly made up my mind to go
+straight to the Mandarin, he only urged: 'I fear that prayer and
+patience are your only lawful weapons, my brother.'"
+
+The opinion of the heathen regarding Mr. Wang was forced upon my
+attention in a rather startling way. We were preaching one day to a
+group of village women, and as an old lady in the crowd heard us
+explaining that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,"
+she said: "Those words are untrue, for I knew a man who never spoke a
+false word and never did an unkind deed." Interested, we asked who he
+was, and she replied: "Oh, he afterwards followed your Church; his name
+is Wang Bing-guin."
+
+
+
+
+A VISIT TO THE BASE
+
+          "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye are needing
+          all these things."
+
+
+          "I would be undone if I had not access to the
+          King's chamber of Presence to show Him all the
+          business."--RUTHERFORD.
+
+
+      "Dear children!
+       Let us not be loving in word nor yet with the tongue,
+       But in deed and truth."
+                                        The First Epistle of John.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+A VISIT TO THE BASE
+
+FROM WHENCE WE ARE AGAIN SENT FORTH WITH FRESH SUPPLIES
+
+
+IT was with mixed feelings that we came to realise that the days were
+few until that experience known as "taking furlough" was to be ours.
+
+It was indeed hard to leave our post. England seemed so far away, and
+the thought of having to readjust oneself to English ways and English
+dress was not inviting. The desire to see relatives and friends pulled
+toward the West, but I realised that an even stronger magnet was drawing
+me with tremendous force to remain in the land of the Celestial.
+
+It was arranged that two experienced missionaries, the Misses Higgs and
+Johnson, should join Miss Mandeville who had been with us for nearly two
+years, during our absence. A year of strenuous effort on their part in a
+post requiring the exercise of tact and forbearance, enabled us to see
+marked progress in the work upon our return a year later.
+
+In order to carry out our plan of advance new buildings were necessary,
+and a consultation was held as to the sum required. On the most
+economical computation this would certainly be £500, and we left for
+England with the hope and prayer that if it were for the glory of God
+this sum might be forthcoming.
+
+The months passed by, and sums various were contributed. We were due to
+leave England in March, and we were still far short of the required
+amount, when in February, my friend and Pastor, Dr. Campbell Morgan,
+arranged that I should have an opportunity of telling the members of
+Westminster Chapel of the work in Hwochow. It was Sunday morning and the
+usual collection for Church expenses had been taken, but at the close of
+the service Dr. Morgan announced that those who wished to do so might
+send contributions to him, which would be forwarded to me. Thanks to the
+generosity and kindness of those concerned, we left for China with our
+£500 less £50. In March we started on the interesting journey through
+Siberia, bringing with us that which was of more value than much gold,
+Miss French's younger sister, Francesca, to join us in our missionary
+work.
+
+We reached Moscow, that fascinating city with its churches, Kremlin, and
+numerous historic interests. We seemed to be at the parting of the way
+where East and West meet and merge. Partly for the sake of economy and
+partly for the interest of being more with the people of the land, we
+decided to travel, not by the _train de luxe_, but by the Russian daily
+post train. We were thus able with comfort to do the journey from London
+to Peking for £20 each, whereas by the International train £35 is
+required for fare alone.
+
+How keenly we enjoyed it all! The wide, roomy railway compartments, the
+slow, steady movement of the broad gauge train, enabling one to read and
+write with comfort; the rush with a tin kettle for hot water from the
+huge tanks with unlimited supply, provided at each station; the buying
+of the day's provision from the peasants who crowded to the platforms
+with eggs, butter, and milk; the reading aloud of some Russian book in
+the Slavonic surroundings, which contributed so much to make its
+disconcerting unexpectednesses seem the natural expression of the
+Russian temperament.
+
+How delightful it all was; but when we reached Manchuria Town and found
+ourselves in the midst of Chinese, we felt the thrill which comes with
+the first sight of home. A few more days, and we were in Peking.
+
+We walked in the acres of parkland which surround the Temple of Heaven,
+and saw its blue-and-yellow-tiled roofs outlined on the azure of the
+Eastern sky. We stood in the pavilion where the "Son of Heaven,"
+fasting, rested before he proceeded to pray for his people in the double
+office of priest and king.
+
+What gorgeous scenes the midnight skies have witnessed where the altar
+raises its marble carvings and mystic symbols to the open vault of
+heaven. No sign of idolatry is visible; here he worshipped Heaven and
+Earth, and bowed before the Supreme Ruler, praying for the millions of
+his people to whom he stood as father. A magnificent conception! The
+mind of man could scarcely rise higher in ethics of worship, as in
+solemn splendour the beasts are slain, and the prostrate Emperor under
+the starlit sky calls upon the unknown god. Confucius seemed to realise
+the unbridgeable chasm between the offender and his judge when he said:
+"If a man have offended against heaven, there is none to whom he can
+pray"; and here the ruler of this great people prayed, but with a
+recognition of limitation which brought him, later on, back to the
+familiar idol shrines with an offering of incense and acceptable gifts.
+
+From the quiet dreams of that place, we returned to the hustle and
+bustle of native city life. Our rickshaw men, with marvellous speed and
+agility, were soon rushing us through the crowds of peddlers shouting,
+yelling, and calling on every passer-by to purchase their goods.
+Beggars, scarcely recognisable as human beings, knocked their foreheads
+on the ground, beseeching us to give them some cash. The moral support
+of a policeman is inadequate to the task of protecting the newcomer who
+has yielded to an impulse of pity.
+
+On we rushed through massive gates, where we ran serious risks of an
+overturn in meeting a string of heavily laden camels, with sonorous bell
+hanging to the neck; brightly and gaily dressed ladies passed and
+repassed in rickshaws; men on horseback, coalheavers, foreign women on
+bicycles, shining motor-cars, and glass-panelled, silk-upholstered
+carriages composed a moving picture, with the gates and huge enclosure
+of the forbidden city as background. From the pandemonium of Chinatown
+we swung into Legation quarter, where macadamised roads take the place
+of cobblestones, and for this you call down blessings on civilisation,
+the rubber tyres of your rickshaw running rapidly and smoothly over the
+way. Without transition, you pass from East to West. The Wagon-Lits
+Hotel's fine buildings face you, large foreign shops abound, at night
+electric lights will blaze over the streets still filled with
+pleasure-seekers, thoughtless and forgetful, though the words written in
+days of siege can be clearly descried on the broken fragment of Legation
+wall: "Lest We Forget."
+
+At the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank we entered to transfer money which was
+to enable us to erect those longed-for buildings in Hwochow. Whilst I
+was transacting my business, a voice behind me addressed Miss French by
+name, and the cashier looked up quickly. Immediately upon the conclusion
+of my business he asked: "Is that Miss French of Taiyüanfu? Fifty pounds
+have been lying to her account for three years, and we have been
+unsuccessful in tracing her whereabouts." Identity having been fully
+established the money with interest was paid to us, and with our £500
+complete and some extra, we journeyed homewards. A strange coincidence
+you say! Yea, verily, unless "we take our courage in both hands, and
+call it God."
+
+After a train journey for the next two days, came slow travelling from
+Taiyüanfu to Hwochow. Long and weary days, in which one takes many hours
+to accomplish thirty miles, turning in at night to a Shansi inn. A
+wonderful place it is, carried on with the minimum of expense and
+trouble to the owner, whose responsibility ends when he has provided you
+with a kettle of boiling water in an absolutely empty room, the walls
+and ceiling of which are dirty beyond description. In the courtyard are
+a few sheds where your mules are stalled for the night, while horses and
+donkeys, kicking and braying, vie with _insecta_ in enlivening for you
+the hours of darkness. Meanwhile your landlord has sent to ask whether
+you are requiring food. The bill of fare offers _mien_,[7] with
+accompanying condiments of salt, vinegar, and red pepper. Should you be
+a _bon vivant_ you will ask for onion and a few bean sprouts, though
+this entail the reckless expenditure of the further sum of one penny.
+You lodge a protest at such extortionate charges, for, as your servant
+remarks, "at such a price we cannot afford to eat." Two sticks cut from
+a tree serve for table cutlery. "I hate luxury," said Goethe, "it kills
+the imagination." Here imagination flourishes. Through the dirt and
+grime of the wall I can decipher a poem which tells me that when I come
+to reckon with my landlord, my account will be as flowing river. Other
+scrawls eulogise him, and assure me: "Whoever sleeps upon this _kang_,
+sleeps in peace." (I must have been an exception!) An idol, half-torn,
+hangs in one corner of the room, and in another I discover a Christian
+tract. Who has passed this way before me? I am aroused from my reverie
+by the sound of a voice, which utters, without seeing the humour and
+pathos of the remark: "The foreign devil is reading characters." I turn
+to see an eye filling the space of a torn piece of window paper,
+shamelessly scrutinising me, and as I do so the intruder withdraws to
+discuss with the muleteers my failings, virtues, and intimate habits.
+Long before light the men are calling us, and we arise, anxious to lose
+none of the cool morning air. Delays occur, for last night a portion of
+the harness was pawned to pay for the men's supper. Either we supply the
+necessary money to redeem the pledge, or wait there indefinitely. We
+first declare that nothing will make us produce that sum which they are
+not entitled to receive until the journey's end, but both they and we
+know that a compromise must be effected. Alas, it is already light and
+the sun rises glorious, but to-day we are to reach home, and nothing
+seems hard. A short stay for dinner, and at sunset the gates of Hwochow
+are visible. I cannot describe these homecomings; the welcomers and
+welcomed know, and that is enough.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[7] Vermicelli--cut with a knife.
+
+
+
+
+THE BUILDERS
+
+          "The house is not for me, it is for Him.
+           His Royal thoughts require many a stair,
+           Many a tower, many an outlook fair,
+           Of which I have no thought, and need no care.
+           Where I am most perplexed, it may be there
+           Thou makest a secret chamber holy--dim,
+           Where Thou wilt come to help my deepest prayer."
+                                        GEORGE MACDONALD.
+
+          "Toil, workman, toil; thy gracious Lord
+           Will give thee soon a full reward;
+           Then toil, obedient to His word,
+           Until He come.
+
+           Sing, pilgrim, sing; Christ's mighty Hand
+           Will bring thee safe to that bright land;
+           Then sing--it is thy Lord's command--
+           Until He come."
+                                        ANON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE BUILDERS
+
+RELATING HOW THE SUPPLIES WERE USED
+
+
+IN an incredibly short space of time our compound was overrun by a gang
+of one hundred men from the province of Honan. The land in Southern
+Shansi has been too fertile and yielded too rich a crop of opium to
+leave us good workmen; when therefore we want work quickly and well
+done, we inquire for a Honan or Shantung man.
+
+Our helpers searched the countryside for likely trees, which were felled
+and in a few days made their reappearance as pillars and beams. Old
+buildings were bought, demolished, and sorted into usable and unusable
+material, so that as the walls went up the empty spaces about the city
+increased in number.
+
+Before dawn each morning we were aroused by the beating of a loud gong
+which called the men to work. This work they might not leave until the
+last streak of daylight had faded, except for the brief space allowed
+for breakfast and dinner, when huge cauldrons of a sticky mass of boiled
+millet was ladled out in generous portions. Millet is the cheapest grain
+food procurable, and the Shansi man cannot thrive upon it; to the Honan
+man it is the staff of life, and in consequence their rate of wage is
+lower.
+
+A race of giants they were, handsome, magnificently built, and well
+skilled in the use of their simple tools. In the use of the adze they
+were particularly proficient, and able to plane a section of wood to
+within a hairbreadth of thickness by the use of this alone. They liked
+to use it for the most delicate work, so certain are they of their
+accurate manipulation, and on one occasion when I supplied a bandage to
+bind a wound on the finger of a workman who had met with a slight
+accident, as I turned to take up my scissors, the head carpenter,
+without a trace of humour on his face, stepped forward with a four-foot
+long adze, and offered to sever the calico.
+
+Heavy work requiring the combined strength of several men, such as the
+beating in of foundations, or the lifting of a great beam, was
+accompanied by the sound of the weirdest rhythmic chant, sustained for
+hours if needs be.
+
+A night watchman was employed, who in accordance with the custom of the
+country constantly beat a loud gong, by means of which any intending
+thief is made aware that all are not asleep. The English policeman's
+rubber sole, and the Chinese watchman's noisy methods, strange to
+relate, attain the same ends.
+
+On one occasion, hearing blood-curdling yells at midday, we inquired and
+were told that a workman had caught a tramp, red-handed, in the act of
+stealing his tools. Our informant described him as aged, starved, and
+infirm, "truly pitiable," and strung up by his thumbs to a beam. The
+sound of those yells made us fear that something akin to the famous
+death by slow degrees, so constantly referred to in Chinese
+jurisprudence, was being carried into effect at our very door. Pastor
+Wang, the merciful, was already interceding on the man's behalf, and we
+sent a peremptory message that the thing must stop. Our desire was
+acceded to, and the wretched victim made his escape, more terrified than
+really hurt.
+
+The next reminder of the incident was the following item in the
+builder's final account: "To missing tools, unclaimed in accordance with
+missionaries' loving heart, 2s."
+
+One of the minor expenses connected with our building operations was the
+inviting of guests to a succession of feasts. The occasion of the
+stamping of the contract in the _Yamen_, which marked the conclusion of
+the middlemen's responsibility in the purchase of property, was
+celebrated by a handsome meal, to which all in any way connected with
+the transaction were invited.
+
+The necessity of conciliating our neighbours to the inevitable trouble
+which the dust and litter of building would entail upon them, caused us
+to spread another feast, to which all who could shelter beneath the term
+"neighbour" were asked.
+
+By the building contract we found ourselves obliged to conform to the
+customary requirement made by workmen that every tenth day we should
+provide a "reward for work," which, in fact, amounted to supplying one
+pound of white flour and a handful of vegetable to each workman. This
+arrangement ensured pleasant relations between the men and ourselves,
+for each time they were our guests grievances were forgotten and a fresh
+start made. The swinging of the huge beams of the church roof was the
+occasion for extra festivity.
+
+This custom of inviting guests does much to smooth over difficulties,
+and is customary, not only in matters of building, but also on numerous
+other occasions. For instance, the autumn rains swelling the river
+necessitate the use of a ferry boat for about two months of the year.
+The expense of this is met by public subscriptions from the more
+important people of the city, and a small fare for each passenger. Those
+whose names appear on the subscription list are invited to an annual
+banquet given by the ferrymen; I have often wondered what would happen
+were some simple soul to accept the invitation, which in reality is only
+intended to serve as a reminder that subscriptions are now due.
+
+It is part of the convenient social system of this land that no woman
+would presume to put in an appearance on such occasions. Throughout the
+building operations the only part of the feast in which we were
+privileged to share--which privilege was unquestioningly granted--was
+the payment of all expenses.
+
+How glad we should have been to find such an easy solution to the
+problem of the importunate widow. This aged lady entered a claim for two
+stones occupying nine square feet of waste land, to the sale of which
+she declared her consent had never been given. The matter had been
+referred to middlemen who decided in our favour; nevertheless, we
+learned to dread the daily tap, tap, of her stick, and the shrill squawk
+of her strident voice as she came with fresh deeds (some of them dating
+back to former dynasties) of which she demanded the examination. She was
+generally accompanied by friends, all of whom were prepared to support
+her claim.
+
+I have seen her stand by the workmen, and with her nagging tongue drive
+them, and the foreman, almost to despair. It was impossible to recognise
+her rights even to the extent of feasting her, so we endured until the
+walls were built, and then to compensate her for her trouble handed her
+the equivalent of 2s., which sum she accepted, but every time we meet
+her she reminds us that we are occupying land which belongs to her.
+
+The first autumn frosts saw a large expanse of waste land, which had
+formerly lain around our compound, transformed into a neat series of
+courtyards, and a spacious church occupied seventy feet of the main
+street frontage, providing sitting accommodation for a congregation of
+six hundred. In all, we had erected fifty _gien_[8] of room space, in
+addition to the church.
+
+Thanks to an unusually profitable rate of silver exchange which held
+during these few months, and owing to the faithful oversight and
+scrupulous economy of Pastor Wang and his helpers, our £500 proved
+sufficient to meet all necessary requirements of Church, School, Bible
+School, and Dispensary.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] The space between two beams in a Chinese building.
+
+
+
+
+WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+          "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel."
+                                  Motto of the Hwochow Bible School.
+
+
+          "Cornelius halted at a doorway in a long, low
+          wall--the outer wall of some villa courtyard, it
+          might be supposed--as if at liberty to enter, and
+          rest there awhile. He held the door open for his
+          companion to enter also, if he would, with an
+          expression, as he lifted the latch, which seemed
+          to ask Marius, "Would you like to see it?" Was he
+          willing to look upon that, the seeing of which
+          might define--yes! define the critical
+          turning-point in his days?"--WALTER PATER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+WHICH TELLS HOW A LINK WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN WESTMINSTER AND HWOCHOW
+BIBLE SCHOOLS
+
+
+AMONGST the courtyards which constituted our new premises was one into
+the walls of which was inserted a stone, engraved with the words in
+Chinese and English: "Women's Bible School. Erected by the Congregation
+of Westminster Chapel, London. Jesus said: 'I am the Way, the Truth, and
+the Life.'"
+
+The women's rooms had never been large enough to hold those who were
+anxious to come, and now at last suitable premises were going to make
+possible the fulfilment of a long-cherished plan--that of giving
+adequate training to suitable women.
+
+It seemed a long step from the days when, freely roaming around the
+villages, we taught some of these women the very first character they
+knew, spelling out with them the text: "God so loved the world that He
+gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
+perish, but have everlasting life." The next step had been attendance at
+a station class for twenty days, sometimes repeated yearly but never
+leading to advanced work. In our new premises we divided the students
+into three groups: Firstly, those attending a ten days' course, who
+served as training-ground to a second group of more advanced women who
+had passed the initial stage, and who now entered for the two years'
+course of Bible training and practical experience as evangelists.
+Thirdly, a picked few who, having received more regular teaching, were
+able to continue their own studies and help to superintend the work of
+the juniors, especially on the practical side, meanwhile giving a
+considerable portion of their time to aggressive evangelistic work.
+
+Foremost amongst these was Mrs. Liang, mother of Ling Ai, the
+headmistress of the girls' school. Strong, true, a woman of no ordinary
+ability, little escaped her penetrating glance. It was in middle age
+that she first heard the Gospel, an indirect influence of the opium
+refuge work; for Mrs. Liang had never smoked opium, nor had any member
+of her family. A neighbour, however, had, and on her return from the
+Refuge she produced with pardonable pride the copy of St. John's Gospel
+which she had bought, and better still, could read. It was hard for Mrs.
+Liang to see the former degraded opium smoker ahead of her in learning,
+and she persuaded her husband to give her the needed help. She borrowed
+the book and started at the first chapter. She had not been to the
+Mission House nor had she seen the missionaries, but before she met them
+she had met their Lord. It was but one more proof that "the words I
+speak unto you they are spirit, and they are life," and the Holy Spirit
+illuminating the written pages brought home to her its meaning. "He
+came unto His own, and His own received Him not," she read, and how can
+I say what took place? She tells me that she was convicted of sin, and
+that she found her Saviour.
+
+[Illustration: WOMEN'S BIBLE SCHOOL.
+
+Mrs. Hsi on the left, sharing a book with Miss French. Mrs. Liang on the
+right, sitting at Miss Cable's left.
+
+_To face page 160._]
+
+Intercourse with Miss Jacobsen was soon established, and under Mr.
+Cheng's influence her husband also believed. Mrs. Liang was baptized,
+her own feet and Ling Ai's were unbound, and the latter became a pupil
+in the girls' school.
+
+Mrs. Liang herself lived quietly at home until the year 1900. At that
+time the local Boxer leader was a near neighbour of hers, and he was
+prepared to kill these well-known adherents of a foreign religion. On
+recovering consciousness, however, from the trance which preceded the
+issuing of inspired orders, he uttered the surprising words: "Return
+each to your own place; let each busy himself with his own affairs." Not
+daring to disobey his followers scattered, and the small group of
+Christians was safe. Ling Ai has described the experiences of those days
+in the following words: "For months we were as those whose hair is bound
+around the neck, not knowing at what moment we should be called upon to
+die, but after our deliverance we united in saying: 'We have been under
+the shadow of the Almighty.'"
+
+When we came to Hwochow Mrs. Liang, realising our difficulties, was one
+of the first to come to our assistance, and quickly endeared herself to
+us by her thoughtful, kind, practical ways.
+
+To the work of preaching she gave herself with unusual energy and
+devotion, so that to-day there are few women in Hwochow who do not know
+her, and scarcely a courtyard that has not been visited by her.
+
+Assisting Mrs. Liang is Mrs. Bah, who the first time I saw her refused
+to have any intercourse with us. She was the senior wife of a wealthy
+man who had died early, leaving the two widows to arrange matters as
+best they could. The younger one smoked opium, but was the proud
+possessor of a son who by law was the property of the elder wife, but it
+was obvious that to the younger was due the honour of introducing a son
+and heir to the house.
+
+The fact that Mrs. Bah the younger at last became a Christian and left
+her evil habits, did not make the elder woman more friendly, though she
+had in time to confess that life was easier for both under the new
+conditions. After some time the Christians of the village received her
+permission to use a cave in her spacious court for worship, in return
+for their offer to put it in repair. "It can do no harm," she argued,
+"and repairs are badly needed." Every evening they met to read the Bible
+and pray, and Mrs. Bah, prompted by curiosity, took her spinning to
+within earshot. She understood little, but the reiteration of the words
+"Heavenly Father" puzzled and interested her. "If it really be the
+Heavenly Father whom they worship," she reasoned, "they should be in the
+best room." The thought grew upon her until a change was effected, and
+to this day Mrs. Bah's guest-room is the village church. She soon left
+her spinning-wheel to join the worshippers and gradually came to the
+triumphant belief, weak at first, but taking slow shape, that "the
+attitude of the soul to its Maker can be something more than a distant
+reverence and overpowering awe, that we can indeed hold converse with
+God, speak with Him, call upon Him, put--to use a human phrase--our hand
+in His, desiring only to be led according to His will." This was the
+spiritual story of Mrs. Bah.
+
+I could tell of many others and the theme is tempting, for by so many
+and such varied paths have these comrades travelled. To mention only our
+youngest student who at the age of sixteen, member of a heathen family,
+heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ from an elder sister, a patient of the
+Women's Opium Refuge. She determined that as far as in her lay she would
+be a Christian. Yielding to her wishes, her parents engaged her to the
+son of a believer. After her marriage, when her entrance to the Bible
+School was suggested we demurred, but agreed to her attending a station
+class, only to discover that once more the Spirit of God had
+accomplished that of which we knew nothing. This young woman, who had
+only heard the Gospel from a sister who herself did not believe, had
+been truly converted. Reference to the curriculum in Appendix A will
+make it clear that the subject which has the pre-eminence is Bible
+study. The students prepare the books there mentioned, and during the
+years they are with us cover also the course indicated by Dr. Campbell
+Morgan's Graded Bible, which Miss French has translated for their use.
+
+The instruction of inquirers in the village centres is undertaken by
+those women evangelists who have completed their course. In places to
+which they are invited by the local church they hold classes of ten
+days' duration, following the course of study as in the central station.
+By this means a large number of women are under instruction, and
+heathens are brought in contact with the messengers of the Cross.
+
+City and village visiting forms an important branch of the training, and
+last but not least, classes taken under criticism, when it falls to the
+lot of the missionary to ask the questions which might occur to a
+heathen audience, and to impress upon the students the necessity of
+clear presentation of the Gospel. It is desirable that they should
+express the things which have gripped them in an individual way, not
+adopting a Western colouring but using to the full their Eastern
+knowledge: "Originality is like a fountain head; orthodoxy is too often
+only the unimpeachable fluid of the water company."
+
+The prodigal son, for example, naturally smoked opium in the far
+country, and the Chinese pictures so represent him. It was not, as we
+have supposed, in her confidence that oil would be supplied that the
+widow's faith was exemplified, but rather in her willingness at Elisha's
+command to go forth on a borrowing expedition when she was already so
+deeply in debt.
+
+We are sometimes treated to illustrations truly Eastern in character, as
+the following example will indicate. It was accepted by the audience as
+a solemn exhortation, as was the preacher's intention, the missionaries
+being the only ones present to whom the humorous side was evident. The
+subject was the importance of a whole-hearted acceptance of the Gospel,
+and the foolishness and uselessness of a half-hearted belief. A man, we
+were told, was begging by the roadside; he was very ill, and a passing
+doctor had pity on him, and gave him some medicine which the man
+promised to take. Questionings, however, arose in his mind as to the
+reliability of the said doctor, and yet he could not but take the drug,
+as he felt so ill. A compromise was decided upon, and he took half the
+dose. For a few hours he felt wonderfully well, and rejoiced in his
+restored condition; towards night the pain was more acute than before,
+and he was at his wits' end. How he regretted his folly, for his illness
+was certainly more serious. A few months later the same doctor,
+travelling over the same road, met the same man now reduced to a bag of
+bones.
+
+"What!" said he; "are you not the man to whom I gave medicine last time
+I came this way?"
+
+"I am," he replied, "and I have been much worse ever since."
+
+"Worse!" exclaimed the physician; "how is that?"
+
+"I only took half the dose," said the man; "I did not venture to take
+the whole."
+
+"Alas! alas!" he replied, "how terrible! Your illness is the result of
+parasites attacking your vitals. That medicine would have killed them
+all. Had you taken the full dose you would have been well; had you
+tasted none there would have been hope for you. You took a small dose,
+and the parasites were sent to sleep, and later, when the effect of the
+drug had gone over, they awoke more lively than ever. Having once tasted
+of the drug and experienced its effect, nothing will induce them to be
+trapped a second time. Return home, and prepare for a lingering death."
+
+In the moral drawn, the folly of an endeavour to serve two masters was
+made clear--a truth which all present felt to have been powerfully
+interpreted.
+
+
+
+
+THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA
+
+          "Take up God's inspired word anywhere you like,
+          and while we are called upon to adore the
+          sovereign counsel of God and to say constantly
+          that it transcends and surpasses all that we can
+          do and all that we can expect, yet He does not
+          bring the season of refreshing without engaging
+          His children to help Him. The splendour of the
+          grace may sometimes conceal man's effort, but it
+          never cancels it."--Rev. ELVIT LEWIS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA
+
+AN ACCOUNT OF FRESH EFFORTS TO REACH THE MULTITUDE AND BRING THEM TO
+DECISION
+
+
+METHODS in mission work are many, and the diversities of gifts bestowed
+by the one Spirit are manifest in the striking variety of means put
+forth to bring to a knowledge of Christ the people of the lands in which
+the members of His Church are called to work.
+
+The teacher rejoices to see the change brought about by discipline and
+regular life in those committed to his care. The doctor, exercising his
+gift, succeeds where others have failed in establishing confidence and
+friendly relations which prepare a road for those who follow. The
+itinerant missionary sacrifices the comfort of a settled dwelling to
+carry the Gospel to those who dwell outside the radius touched by the
+central station.
+
+By the exercise of his peculiar gift, each expresses the longing that in
+the hearts of the people he sees around, without God and without hope,
+may take place that greatest of miracles called conversion.
+Nevertheless, every missionary has ever to guard against a most subtle
+and deadening influence which may be likened to poisonous gas in the
+enemy's country, lulling him to a condition wherein the idolatrous
+practices of the people around, instead of stirring him to greater
+activity, come to be regarded as customs of the nations amongst whom he
+lives, deplorable but interesting practices.
+
+The horror experienced on first seeing men bow down to wood and stone
+may give way to a complacency which ceases to expect an immediate
+response to the quickening and convicting power of the Spirit of God,
+and philosophises on the gradual emergence of light from the kingdom of
+darkness. The deadening of that vitality which drives a man to the
+seeking of the lost is one of the master-strokes of the enemy of souls,
+and one which no man doing spiritual work can afford to ignore.
+
+The sense of this urgency, and a great desire that our Chinese
+fellow-workers might realise the fullness of their vocation as
+evangelists, emboldened us to move in what was then a somewhat new
+direction so far as North China was concerned, by the holding of a six
+days' Mission for women in our new church in the spring after its
+dedication.
+
+Miss Gregg of Hwailu, in the Province of Chihli, when travelling through
+Shansi some years previously had conducted meetings for schoolgirls in
+several stations, upon which the blessing of God manifestly rested. From
+that time plans were being matured in the minds of the missionaries at
+Hwochow for a Mission to women in that city at the earliest possible
+date. The erection of a church building which could hold the number
+expected made that dream a possibility. The city and villages were
+visited by the women evangelists, placards were posted on the walls, and
+every effort was made to widely advertise. Prayer was offered throughout
+the Church that God would so prevent us in all our doings that we might
+see His salvation.
+
+The men gladly undertook the arrangements for catering, made necessary
+by the fact that women cannot go to the shops to buy food for
+themselves, and this department was splendidly managed. We prepared to
+receive three hundred guests, and about three hundred and fifty took
+advantage of the invitation, who, with schoolgirls, Bible School
+students and helpers, provided a resident congregation of little short
+of five hundred. They came long distances on donkey-back, in carts, or
+even walking many miles.
+
+Large numbers of heathen, attracted by the unique sight of so large a
+concourse of women, swelled the numbers at the daily evangelistic
+meetings, and it was an inspiration to see the new church packed with
+women and girls quietly and reverently listening to the Gospel message.
+A room was set apart where silence was observed, that those who wished
+to do so might pray without fear of disturbance. A band of helpers was
+appointed to teach the passage for the day, and outside the church in an
+adjoining court was a book-stall, and here a brisk trade was done in
+hymn-sheets, gospels, and block-printed texts.
+
+The elder scholars, anxious to do their part, acted as stewards; each
+one had charge of some part of the building, so that should a baby cry
+and threaten to divert attention, she could carry the small offender to
+an adjoining room and keep it there until such time as it was prepared
+to enjoy the larger gathering. One of the "old girls" took charge of
+small children, and managed her crêche so successfully that we were
+undisturbed by the younger portion of the community.
+
+Each morning before seven a gong sounded and all assembled for prayer.
+After breakfast a short Bible-reading was given, the subject chosen
+being the sevenfold "I Am" of St. John's Gospel. These meetings were
+simple and evangelistic, and many testified to blessing received as they
+saw afresh all the wealth laid up in Him who is the Way, the Truth, and
+the Life.
+
+It was to the eleven and four o'clock meetings that the crowds gathered.
+While the congregation was assembling a choir of schoolgirls sang hymns,
+and after reading of Scripture and prayer by a Chinese lady, the address
+was given by Miss Gregg. The women listened intently as she talked, and
+illustrated her remarks by objects so familiar. The fan used for
+winnowing the grain is, I think, now never used by those who attended
+without the thought asserting itself afresh that thus He will separate
+the wheat from the chaff.
+
+This Mission accomplished all that we had hoped. Christ the Redeemer was
+revealed to some who, in obedience to the wishes of the head of their
+household, had passively substituted Christianity for that system of
+idolatrous observances which had constituted their religious life.
+
+Christ the Master laid His claim upon some who had believed, but never
+served.
+
+Even heathen women, listening to the earnest, convincing words, were
+startled to a realisation that the offer of salvation with which they
+were faced compelled a decision on one side or the other, that the
+detached view with which they had hitherto regarded Christianity could
+no longer be maintained. Amongst the schoolgirls were some, daughters of
+Christians, who were in precisely the same position as girls in a
+homeland. They neither doubted nor questioned, but they now realised
+that the whole matter had assumed a personal aspect, and the individual
+spirit was summoned to an audience with its Maker.
+
+The Evangelists, Bible women, and ripe Christians amongst us suddenly
+saw the fields white, and every dilatory thought which suggested the
+perennial excuse: "There are yet four months and then cometh the
+harvest," was silenced in a sense of immediate urgency: "I must be about
+my Master's business." This gathering affected a wide area, for our
+visitors came from the counties of Hungtung, Chaocheng, and Fensi, now
+all gladly welcomed by the Hwochow church, and missionaries from those
+districts came to share with us in the campaign.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Six years have passed, and once more a Mission for women is advertised
+to be held on the occasion of an idol procession which brings thousands
+into town from the neighbouring villages. This time our own evangelistic
+band was sufficiently strong to undertake the speaking to an audience
+almost entirely composed of heathen, who now heard, not from a
+foreigner, but from their own people, of the Truth as it is in Jesus.
+Once more we saw decisions made and the evidence of the working of God's
+Spirit.
+
+Thus was a further step taken in aggressive work amongst the women, and
+a further impetus given to the self-propagation of the Gospel, and to
+the fulfilment of the prophecy of Pastor Hsi that even Hwochow should
+see a Resurrection morning.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND
+
+  "Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters!"
+                                        CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+          "All within the four seas are brethren."
+                                        CONFUCIUS.
+
+          "Society and solitude are deceptive names. It is
+          not the circumstance of seeing more or fewer
+          people, but the readiness of sympathy, that
+          imports."--EMERSON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND
+
+RECORDING HOSPITALITY SHOWN TO US BY THE OFFICIAL CLASSES
+
+
+IN the centre of every Chinese city stands the _Yamen_, where resides
+the Mandarin, addressed as "Father of the people," before whom their
+wrongs must be laid, and who, as direct representative of the central
+Government, exercises autocratic power. His word is law, a man must
+kneel in his presence when addressing him, and it is a penal offence to
+enter his private dwelling-court unsummoned. His term of office is
+limited to a few years and a change of official entails the removal of
+his whole suite. The new Mandarin will bring with him his secretaries,
+underlings, men and women servants, and the prosperity of a city will
+largely depend upon the personal attitude of the "Great Man" to matters
+of reform.
+
+Our intercourse with the Hwochow _Yamen_ has been frequent, and owing to
+the strong attitude taken by the leaders of the Church against
+interference in law cases where Christians are concerned, it has been of
+a purely social character.
+
+My first visit was in answer to a request from the Mandarin that I would
+go to see his wife who was suffering from acute toothache. I was
+requested to make preparations for an extraction, and was informed that
+if it suited my convenience I should be fetched that same afternoon.
+Accordingly, I made ready and in due course the _Yamen_ carriage
+arrived, a springless, but elegantly upholstered cart, and accompanied
+by a woman servant we started. Ahead of us an outrider, dressed in a
+long gown, wore a hat of the inverted bowl shape, decorated with a
+spreading scarlet tassel. Behind followed other retainers, and thus
+escorted we passed in triumphal procession through the quiet Hwochow
+streets. After many bumps and anxious moments as we splashed in and out
+of mud-pits, we turned into the wide space which surrounds the outermost
+entrance of the _Yamen._ Here crowds of men were reading the latest
+proclamation pasted to the walls, whilst others, talking earnestly,
+discussed the case tried that very day, of the poor man who in vain
+sought redress from the rapacity of his wealthy neighbour. He had knelt,
+and laying his forehead to the ground at the feet of the Mandarin
+pleaded for justice, but only to find that his condemnation was a
+foregone conclusion. All these groups were scattered by the yells of our
+outrider and the cracks of our carter's whip, and the sellers of cooked
+food gathered their piles of little bowls and swiftly set them out of
+harm's way, for the habits of _Yamen_ retainers are well known to the
+populace, and there is little satisfaction to be had when complaints are
+presented and compensation for destroyed goods is claimed. With
+ever-increasing speed and corresponding agony, we were driven up the
+steep ascent which leads to the outer courtyard, where after a
+preliminary bump down two steps we found ourselves on comparatively
+smooth ground, and rolled along a broad, high, paved path leading to the
+second great archway where our conveyance came to a standstill, and we
+waited whilst our cards were taken and presented to the ladies we had
+come to see. Many soldiers were standing about, and various instruments
+used in the punishment of prisoners were fastened to the walls as
+warning to all who passed that way. A very few minutes and we were
+invited to leave our cart and follow the man appointed to conduct us to
+the innermost court where the _Tai-tais_[9] lived; slaves attended us on
+either side, whilst the retainer went ahead carrying our scarlet cards
+breast high before him.
+
+A vista of courtyards opened one from another, and we saw a number of
+little ladies in charming, brilliant, butterfly-like garments coming to
+meet us with odd, graceful, stilted movements. Everything must from this
+point be done according to the strictest etiquette, so the _Tai-tai_ of
+least rank came first to meet us, and led us back to where stood the
+head wife, in whose presence we respectfully removed our eyeglasses and
+made a bow.
+
+There were a large number of women about, for this Mandarin had two
+wives besides several daughters-in-law. We were invited to a
+reception-room where carpets, felts, tables, and chairs were all scarlet
+in colour, and here were served with delicious fragrant tea and small
+cakes, in which were mixed rose leaves, nuts, and sugar. All the
+preliminary questions required by good manners were first asked--our
+respective "venerable ages" and details of our various near
+relatives--but soon curiosity overflowed into many inquiries concerning
+our "honourable country," and we were helped to more tea and cakes, and
+begged to make ourselves at home. We, on our part, led the conversation
+back to matters concerned with the object of our residence in this
+country, and received from our hostess extravagant compliments upon our
+extraordinary ability and learning, the reputation of which, they said,
+was well known to the Mandarin.
+
+The object of my visit was then mentioned, and I was asked to see the
+tooth, of which, being very loose, I recommended the extraction, and was
+able to assure the patient that the pain would not be very great. Many
+of the younger women gathered around her, comforting her, and covered
+her eyes that she might not see the forceps; they begged her to remember
+that the pain would soon be over, and as soon as I could induce her to
+open her mouth, I removed the troublesome member. "How wonderful!" they
+all exclaimed. "Why, it did not hurt at all!"
+
+After such a surgical triumph, long-neglected and half-forgotten pains
+were remembered by the bystanders, and all the ladies on my next visit
+came to me with some complaint. We sought to awaken in them the sense of
+those far deeper ills which they so little realised, finding once more
+that in following the method of Christ a sense of need had been
+awakened: "Ye seek Me because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled.
+I am the bread of life."
+
+As soon as the operation was over, we suggested that we must be
+returning home, but this could not be allowed until we had partaken of
+further refreshment, and servants appeared with delicacies--meat balls
+in gravy, flavoured as only a Chinese cook can flavour, lotus seeds in
+syrup, luscious fruits, sweetmeats, and a drink of apricot kernels,
+sweet to excess. The meat balls were daintily wrapped in pastry, and as
+she helped me to some of these, the _Tai-tai_ said: "I think you do not
+care for pork." I replied that we did not as a rule eat much pork. "I am
+so glad," she said: "these are fowl, and therefore you can eat them
+without fear." A few days later we heard that the head cook was under
+severe punishment and incarcerated in a dungeon, because he had not
+taken the trouble to find out what were our special tastes in matters of
+the table, and had served pork in place of fowl! Some years later he was
+a patient in our Refuge, and told Mr. Wang that he would like to make a
+feast for us. We thought this extremely kind of him, considering what he
+had suffered on our behalf, and he was asked to our kitchen to prepare
+the food, while we invited some friends to share it with us. I think he
+was a man of preconceived ideas rather than a genius at making
+inquiries, whatever his talent in the culinary art, for he said he knew
+foreigners liked sweet things, and he served us twenty or more courses
+of the sweetest food it has been my good fortune to eat!
+
+Our visit proved to be the commencement of a most friendly intercourse.
+A few days later the outrider, cart, and retainers were at our door
+again, this time escorting the ladies who had come to return the call.
+They enjoyed the outing considerably, as is easy to see they would, when
+one remembers that they had lived three years in Hwochow and had now
+crossed the threshold of their home for the first time during that
+period. They could have no intercourse at all with the bourgeoisie of
+the town, and apart from visitors staying at the _Yamen_, enjoyed no
+social life.
+
+In due course we were invited to an "eight times eight" feast,
+consisting of elaborate courses, in which the sweet, the fishy, and the
+meaty alternated in bewildering miscellany, whilst our vision was
+delighted by the elegant dishes, the lovely coral china, the pure form
+of the many-branched candlesticks, and, above all, the graceful, gay
+little ladies who manipulated the difficult, slippery food with such a
+masterly command of their nimble chop-sticks. Here for the first time I
+tasted the delicious birds'-nest soup, gelatinous in consistency and
+fishy in taste, being, in fact, a mass compounded of seaweed and small
+fish into a nest by a sea-bird.
+
+So far all was well, but we came home faced by the difficulty that it
+was now our turn to offer a return feast which must be equally elegant.
+There was only one cook in the city who was capable of the preparation
+of a suitable repast, and he was in their employ, and though some
+surprising things are possible in China, we did not see how we could
+secure his services to cook a meal for his own mistress. We were,
+therefore, thrown back upon our slender resources, and decided that an
+English dinner-party was the only possible solution of the problem. Here
+at least we were treading upon familiar ground, and were free from the
+snares of Chinese etiquette. We need have no fear of giving offence to
+our guests by placing the fish upon the table with its head toward that
+quarter which would indicate their position to be of military instead of
+civil rank, and many other equally subtle and delicate questions would
+now have no terrors for us. We felt it incumbent upon us to do all in
+our power to please the eye as well as the palate, and while we fully
+realised our inability to delight our guests with such beauty as that to
+which they were accustomed, we did our best. Salmon is a great asset,
+being decorative as well as tasty, and only the hard-pressed know the
+many uses of a tin of sardines. Jelly is a certain success, and the last
+plum-pudding from home, cut into dice and blazing in a blue flame, looks
+mysteriously clever. A bottle of cochineal is worth its weight in gold
+on such occasions, and the _pièce montée_, which none but an expert
+could have recognised as spinach, beetroot, carrot, and yam tinted pink,
+would have done no discredit to Benoist. The novelty of handling spoon
+and fork, and even so dangerous a weapon as a knife, did much to enhance
+the pleasure of the meal.
+
+The conversation was now much more intimate than on the earlier
+occasions, and both sides felt free to ask questions on matters which
+had excited curiosity. "Does the sun ever shine in your country?" asked
+the _Tai-tai_. "I have heard that England is a land of shades." "When I
+left my home in Szechwan I was very homesick. Are you?" inquired another
+lady, but before I could reply, her companion answered for me: "The
+ability of these ladies is so great that they would be incapable of such
+feelings." A guest of their own, who had spent much time in Shanghai,
+was thoroughly conversant with foreign dress and manners; she described
+the former with great originality, but admitted that even she was
+baffled by one thing: "The spotted webbing with which foreign ladies
+cover their face, is it worn for purposes of concealment or as an aid to
+the eyesight?" My answer that it served to keep the hair in place
+carried no conviction, for she had already remarked that though combs
+are so much in evidence in the foreign woman's coiffure, she seemingly
+makes little use of them!
+
+The conversation turned to the subject of a proclamation recently issued
+which forbade the binding of children's feet: "Alas, the people of China
+are not so easily governed as those of your honourable country,"
+lamented the chief _Tai-tai_. "The Mandarin finds it impossible to
+enforce this one order, whilst he read in last week's paper that in
+England a man is imprisoned for refusing to send his child to school,
+for omitting to vaccinate it, and the article even stated that a parent
+is punished for refusing to call a doctor to see a sick child, even if
+it be a girl; but the newspapers are full of fabulous tales!"
+
+The next few months saw a growing intimacy and a constant exchange of
+presents. We were often able to indulge in the famous delicacy of
+buried eggs, of which the not unpleasant, slightly ammoniated flavour is
+so much appreciated by the Chinese. Once we were faced by a real
+difficulty on the occasion of receiving a present of meat, when
+conscientious Mr. Fu, fearful lest we should shelter under a liberty of
+conscience whereby we would eat and ask no question, hastily came to
+warn us that this had been offered to idols before being presented to
+us. Under these circumstances we had no option but to crave leave to
+refuse a present whereby a brother might have been caused to stumble.
+
+How little we dreamed of the trouble which would so soon break over the
+official classes with the overthrow of the Empire, and the establishment
+of a Republic. I remember the last visit we paid to those friends, and
+our departure from the _Yamen_ in the brilliant moonlight, whilst huge
+lanterns lighted our path through the archways and great gateways. As we
+left the huge enclosure the guard fired the first night watch. "Except
+the Lord keep the city the watchman watcheth but in vain." That night
+the Revolution broke out in Hankow, and the next time we saw our
+hostesses they were in terrible distress, imploring our permission to
+make our house their shelter, should the hatred of the mob break forth
+and their residence be rioted. They were in a most defenceless position,
+for the Mandarin had taken a journey to Taiyüanfu, and did not return.
+He was one of the old school, and faithful to the traditions of the
+Manchus whose court he had accompanied to Sianfu in the flight of 1900.
+It was still far from certain which party would gain the ascendancy,
+and he, as most of his class, wished to refrain from an expression of
+opinion until the situation was clearly defined. This, however, was not
+allowed, and during the massacres of the Manchus in Taiyüanfu he was
+arrested, and made to declare himself.
+
+He held the Hanlin degree, the highest honour to which the Chinese
+scholar is admitted, the Emperor himself conducting the examinations.
+Faced by his enemies and fearing summary execution, he sheltered himself
+behind the age-long reverence for scholarship which exists in China as
+in no other country: "Death has no terrors for me," he calmly said,
+"but, alas, that such a scholar should be lost to China!" No armed
+bodyguard could have afforded him such protection as this transference
+of insult from his own person to the learning he represented. No man
+present was prepared to strike a blow at the embodiment of the Divine
+Right of Scholarship.
+
+He lived to return to Hwochow, where he faced death a second time and
+was dragged through the streets by an angry populace, but finally
+escaped and with his wives reached a place of safety.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[9] The polite term for the wife of an official.
+
+
+
+
+THE REVOLUTION OF 1911
+
+          "For an event to be great, two things must be
+          united--the lofty sentiment of those who
+          accomplish it, and the lofty sentiment of those
+          who witness it. No event is great in itself, even
+          though it be the disappearance of whole
+          constellations, the destruction of several
+          nations, the establishment of vast empires, or the
+          prosecution of wars at the cost of enormous
+          forces: over things of this sort the breath of
+          history blows as if they were flocks of wool. . . .
+          Hence the anxiety which every one must feel who,
+          observing the approach of an event, wonders
+          whether those about to witness it will be worthy
+          of it."--F. NIETZSCHE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE REVOLUTION OF 1911
+
+AND HOW WE WERE AFFECTED BY IT
+
+
+THE revolution of 1911 burst on us like a bolt from the blue. One day we
+were mildly interested at the signs of trouble in far-removed provinces,
+and the next, the thing was in our very midst. The first intimation of
+local disturbance met me in the shape of a contingent of men, parents of
+some of my scholars, who were introduced to my presence with the
+startling information that they had come to fetch away their daughters,
+not daring to leave them in a marked place such as the girls' school
+would inevitably be, and afraid to delay, lest roads should become so
+dangerous that their removal would be impossible. I had no option but to
+agree, and at earliest dawn the next day a few carts and a string of
+donkeys conveyed them from a side door as quietly and unobtrusively as
+possible.
+
+Two days later the news of a massacre of the Manchu population of
+Taiyüanfu reached us; and in accordance with the request of the parents,
+we hastily scattered all the remaining pupils whose homes were nearer at
+hand, and the whole city yielded itself to a condition of panic when
+every wild report was spread and believed.
+
+The little group of foreigners in this town is popularly supposed to
+have access to the most far-reaching sources of information on matters
+national and international; therefore when we saw fit to scatter our
+resident pupils to their homes, the city concluded that secret
+information had been conveyed to us of trouble ahead. That same night,
+whilst we slept peacefully in our beds, terror so seized the populace
+that every young woman who had a village home to which she could
+withdraw, fled to it. Where horse or donkey was not available they
+escaped on foot, carrying the bundle which held their clothes, and the
+gates being shut at dark, numbers climbed down the steep incline of the
+city wall rather than risk the dangers which they feared might threaten
+them in the town.
+
+Certainly an anxious time was ahead for all of us. Postal service was
+interrupted, and we were completely cut off from intercourse by post or
+telegraph with the outer world. It was uncertain whether the movement
+would declare itself anti-foreign or anti-Christian, anti-dynastic or
+anti-Republican. Such uncertainty was felt on this latter political
+point, that it was a difficult time indeed for the large number whose
+plain object was to be on the winning side, whichever it might be. Even
+the commander of the military forces, sent to restore peace in a
+neighbouring city, provided himself with the badge of either party, that
+he might, at the city gate, affix that which was representative of the
+predominant feeling. The Chinaman has for so long held the view that
+politics are no individual concern of his, seeing that statesmen are
+paid to give their time and brains to the consideration of such
+questions, that it would seem unnatural to be expected to have an
+opinion on such a technical matter as to whether the Government of the
+land should remain Imperial or become Republican.
+
+On our compound were collected seven foreign women and about a dozen
+Chinese girls whose homes were in distant towns, varying from the
+borders of Mongolia in the north to places twelve days' journey by road
+in the south.
+
+Much anxious thought was devoted to the question of how the various
+members of our community could be placed in safe keeping, should it
+become imperative for us to leave the place.
+
+Finally, Sir John Jordan's recall of all British women and children
+reached us, and feeling it our duty to obey orders, we hastily boarded a
+few girls in suitable Christian homes, and left with the others by the
+North road. A long line of nine litters swung through the great archways
+of the city gates, soon after dawn on 4th December 1911, to convey us to
+our nearest point on the railway line, five days' journey away, passing
+_en route_ through a city where we knew that a trustworthy Christian
+family would take charge, _pro tem_, of some of our Chinese girls.
+
+It was with relief that we saw the distant railway embankment, which
+indicated to us that we had reached the end of our litter journey, and
+might now expect to be shortly whirled back to the midst of Western
+civilisation.
+
+The time-table indicated 9 a.m. as the hour of departure for the morning
+train, and long ere this our shivering group assembled on the bleak
+platform. We were evidently not to be kept waiting, for the train stood
+ready on a siding, and our slight baggage was soon placed in the racks
+of the only third-class carriage attached to a goods train. Those who
+have spent years away from the sight of a train will understand the
+sense of luxury with which we seated ourselves, and waited to hear the
+whistle which would be the sign of our departure, and feel the swift,
+easy movement which would carry us over so many miles of road almost
+without a trace of weariness. Our number had increased to about twenty
+foreigners, assembled in response to Sir John Jordan's command from
+various stations, and pleasant conversation so engaged the time that
+impatience was under control, even though the sun was high in the
+heavens and still the train was stationary. Our servants, who had heard
+much of the marvels of steam-engines, still sat on patient heels at the
+edge of the platform; but doubt of the superiority of this Western
+notion gained on their minds as the sun passed the meridian and they,
+with twelve miles to walk for their night's lodging, left us still
+standing motionless. "A train is a handsome thing to look at, and the
+amount of iron used in its manufacture must be immense, but for
+practical purposes give me a cart," was the report they brought home to
+inquiring friends at Hwochow. In the afternoon we steamed away, under
+escort of a young man who had just been appointed Secretary of the
+Foreign Office in the provincial capital by the new revolutionary
+party. His qualifications for the post consisted chiefly in the fact
+that, having been employed by a foreign firm as piano-tuner, he could
+make himself understood in the English tongue on simple subjects.
+
+As far as the station of Yangchuen all went well, but here fresh delay
+and the unwelcome announcement from our escort that a battle was in
+progress farther down the line, the metals were required for the
+conveyance of soldiers, and he must beg of us to make ourselves as
+comfortable as possible for the night in our compartment. Protest was
+useless, and we had to submit to see the engine detached and ourselves
+abandoned, a useless derelict, on a rusty siding. The Secretary of the
+Foreign Office supplied us with hard-boiled eggs and biscuits, and made
+his exit, leaving in charge of the gentlemen of the party a packet of
+silver which he begged might be handed to his mother. By morning
+stationmaster, guards, porters, and clerks had all vanished from the
+scene, for the news had come of a reverse to the Revolutionary forces.
+
+Four days and nights we stuck to our third-class carriage and our
+siding; for part of the time, trains thundered past carrying men to the
+front, and we were informed that the famous regiment called
+"Dare-to-die" had gone to crush the Imperial troops. With a thrill we
+saw these brave warriors pass, but a brief period sufficed to dispel
+"the great illusion," and twelve hours later the same men were dashing
+back to Taiyüanfu, carrying a terrible tale. "Had we stayed longer we
+should have been dead men; the bullets were falling in our midst." The
+officer, however, gave a different explanation of their return. "Poor
+chaps, they are worn out, and I must take them back to get a night's
+rest," he said. No one cared for our plight, as cold, hungry, and
+deserted we watched the weary day pass to night, and the yet more weary
+night give place to a dreary dawn. Such experiences are not to be
+desired, for they who know China best, and the anti-foreign feeling
+which may at any time manifest itself, are aware how quickly such a
+position may become critical.
+
+One thing only besides our miserable carriage had been left on the line,
+and that was three trolleys. The hour dawned on the fourth day when our
+exhausted patience refused further service, and we determined those
+trolleys should be made to carry us and our goods to some inhabited
+region, be it friendly or inimical. That day and the next we spent
+racing down and crawling up the gradients of the line to Niangtzekwan.
+The "Dare-to-dies" boasted of having mined the line, and this did not
+conduce to ease of mind in being the first to travel over it, especially
+when we rushed through long tunnels. The line is one which taxed the
+ingenuity of engineers to the utmost in its construction, and is one
+succession of light bridges spanning deep chasms, tunnels, and long
+gradients. Luckily for us, we were travelling in the downhill direction,
+else our journey had been impossible. If the brave "Dare-to-dies" were
+too hurried to leave the line mined, they had taken time to destroy it
+in some places, and once a broken-down engine blocked our path. The
+fleeing soldiers had found the engine-driver preparing to take in water,
+but they would have none of his lagging ways, and compelling him to
+drive ahead, were soon forced to abandon the useless locomotive. Each
+such obstacle was a lengthy hindrance, and the kind gentlemen of our
+party were obliged to organise a breakdown gang to overcome the
+difficulty. Our trolleys, with all the baggage, had to be transferred to
+another line. Effort and energy were not spared, and the following
+midday brought us face to face with the first engine carrying Imperial
+soldiery towards Taiyüanfu. At Niangtzekwan Pass we were under the
+Dragon flag once more. The houses of the foreigners there were
+completely wrecked, and my recollection of that place is a land of
+feathers, contents of the beds of the Frenchmen who had left their
+homes, and would return to find nothing but a heap of ruins and a litter
+of broken glass, china, and furniture, smothered in feathers and
+presenting a sad wreckage of what had once been a home. That evening we
+reached an inn where food--warm, satisfying food--was to be had, and
+twenty-four hours later we steamed into Tientsin station, greeted by a
+hearty cheer from a friendly group, for we had been missing and untraced
+since we left Yutze.
+
+
+
+
+CHANGED CONDITIONS
+
+          "The Master said: The people may be made to follow
+          a path of action, but they may not be made to
+          understand it."--CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+          "I have seen a Chinese graduate of a Western
+          university, dressed in proper Western clothes, in
+          his dress-suit, with an opera hat crushed under
+          his arm, beseeching the goddess of mercy in her
+          temple, with many rich gifts, to give him a male
+          child."--Rev. C. SCOTT.
+
+
+          "From time to time Jesus was offered a place in
+          the Pantheon, but Christianity perceived that the
+          Pantheon was the place for dead gods."--Dr. JOHN
+          HUTTON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+CHANGED CONDITIONS
+
+WHEREIN SOME, THOUGH FOLLOWING A PATH OF ACTION, FAILED TO UNDERSTAND IT
+
+
+THE very week that the British Minister issued passports for women to
+re-enter Shansi saw us in Tientsin on our way inland. Those precious
+documents which enabled us to return to our work were eagerly received,
+and we lost no time travelling over the familiar ground. How easily and
+smoothly we now sped over the iron rails as compared with our former
+journey; we need now take no interest in gradients, nor fear that the
+train would not start at the appointed hour, nor convey us to our
+destination.
+
+We found ourselves in a strange country. In place of the dragon, the
+five-colour Republican flag was everywhere in evidence, which by the
+Chinese is thus explained: China's eighteen provinces are represented by
+the red line, Manchuria by the yellow, Mongolia by the blue, Ili,
+Chinghai, and Sinkiang by the white, and Thibet by the black; the ideal
+of the Chinese republic, a united territory, being indicated.
+
+Soldiers in semi-foreign uniform lined up on each station platform to
+salute the train, remaining at their posts until the puffing monster
+was out of sight. At Taiyüanfu were further surprises. No man wearing a
+queue could enter the city. Should he make an effort to do so, the
+soldiers guarding the gates speedily removed the appendage with a pair
+of large scissors.
+
+The shops vied with one another in having the very latest "Republican"
+goods; the buttons one bought were "Republican"; all school-books were
+changed to the latest "Republican" editions; the cloth trade mark was
+"Patriotic." Everything was Republican, and we began to realise that
+China, far from being the conservative country we had thought, was one
+of the most progressive.
+
+As we came to districts where the regulations had been less severely
+enforced, we found the queue replaced by the most extraordinary
+head-dress; the hair, varying in length, was sometimes braided and
+sometimes held in place by a strip cut from a petroleum tin, and bent to
+a semi-circle. The more wealthy members of society affected a style
+similar to that of an English schoolgirl, the flowing locks reaching to
+the shoulders and held from the face by a circular comb. Others allowed
+the tresses to fall as nature dictated, keeping them of such a length
+that with very little trouble the plait might again appear, for as some
+remarked: "Who knows, maybe we lose tails to-day, and heads to-morrow!"
+
+The hats were even more wonderful. In place of the neat, circular cap,
+every shape and size was to be seen. Round hats like a pudding-bowl,
+straw hats, hard oblong hats, soft hats, home-made hats, erections of
+cardboard, giving proof that some devoted wife or mother had done her
+best to copy with the means available, probably only cardboard and
+paste, a tall hat, which her lord described as having seen on some
+journey towards Western communities. Women's dress was likewise being
+revolutionised, and skirts were extraordinary. One young lady whom I
+met, desiring to be more up-to-date than the rest, wore the so-called
+foreign dress back to front, and was far more satisfied with her
+appearance than the charming little lady who accompanied her, dressed in
+the dignified, elegant attire of her own people.
+
+Not only had the style changed, but travelling south we missed the
+bright-coloured clothes which had always added a touch of beauty to the
+landscape. We discovered that with the introduction of the Republic,
+sumptuary laws were being enforced which commanded the exclusive use of
+earth-coloured garments for the men, and forbade the wearing of silver
+ornaments to women. Proclamations followed one another in rapid
+succession, several of which were framed with a view to altering the
+standing of the army. From ancient days China has regarded the soldier
+as belonging to the lowest grade of society; the highest place is given
+to the scholar, and next to him the farmer, who on account of his labour
+for mankind ranks high. The artisan is placed third, but the trader,
+seeing that he only distributes and does not produce, comes just before
+the soldier, who neither producing nor distributing, but only
+destroying, ranks lowest in the social scale. One proclamation stated
+that no one was to say that it was _infra dig._ to enter the military
+profession. It certainly needed some such move on the part of the
+authorities to add to the prestige of the army. A few days before the
+recruiting agents had been through the district. "Only those wearing the
+queue will be enlisted" was the, to us, amazing dictum. Upon inquiry we
+found that former aspirants had given considerable trouble by running
+home when the labour became too arduous. As the donning of military
+uniform necessitated the removal of long hair, it was obvious that the
+new brigade would be freshers, and, as our informant said: "Never having
+left home before they will not know the way back!"
+
+The next order forbade us to speak of any day as "unlucky." Now from
+time immemorial, some days have been regarded as good and others as bad
+for such important events as weddings and funerals; in fact, almost
+every day of the year is controlled by some fortunate or untoward
+influence, governed by the conjunction of the "Celestial Branches" and
+"Earthly Stems," complicated with innumerable elemental antipathies and
+affinities.
+
+As an example may be mentioned _wood_, which is antagonistic to _metal_,
+but has an affinity for _fluid_ from which it draws its sustenance,
+whereas the metal forged into an axe serves for its destruction.
+
+The "Earthly Stems" are represented by symbolic animals, and have
+zodiacal signs and control of certain hours. Of the twenty-eight
+zodiacal constellations, seven are infelicitous and no one will risk
+entering upon a new venture on these days. To repair the kitchen stove
+on a day when fire was in the ascendancy might cause a conflagration,
+and to go to law on the day when water is the controlling element is
+equally foolish, for the tendency of water is to fall, and this may be
+the fate of the overdaring litigant. On a day controlled by the snake it
+would obviously be foolhardy to start on a journey, for with such a slow
+traveller as your controlling genius the journey might be impeded.
+
+The calculations necessary for the correct adjustment of these various
+influences provide a livelihood for astrologers and fortune-tellers, but
+this proclamation, at one fell swoop, attempted to abolish their
+profession. The order was issued, and I suppose in time the yellow paper
+faded in the sun; some read it, many talked of it, but they still chose
+the day which according to their calendar was the auspicious one, and no
+man hindered them.
+
+Other proclamations followed in due order: there was to be no music at
+weddings or funerals, only good cash was to be used, women were to
+unbind their feet, and brides were not to wear embroidered gowns. We
+listened respectfully, as in duty bound, and waited for the pendulum to
+swing.
+
+Upon one point, however, the powers were insistent. The Western calendar
+must take the place of the lunar. The actual change of date was a small
+matter, but this alteration upset the whole organisation of Chinese
+life. The New Year season is one which ensures to the Chinese family its
+annual gathering, and all the subsequent festivals date from that, the
+greatest. The orders were too insistent to be trifled with, and we, in
+common with all the government schools, closed to enable our pupils to
+be at home for the 1st of January. New Year scrolls were exhibited
+outside every front door, but apart from this, the day passed unnoticed.
+Instead of paying and receiving calls, inviting guests and enjoying the
+family gathering, business was carried on as usual. The first day of the
+first moon, however, found the populace given up to revelry, shops were
+closed, it was impossible to buy food, and the children in school
+rebelled at the decree which separated them from their parents at such a
+time, and longed for the golden days of the past. Before another New
+Year it was quite evident that proclamations were useless, and we
+joyfully returned to the old order, and now all keep the first day of
+the first moon as our festival.
+
+Compulsory education was talked of, even conscription was whispered, and
+yet we had no criminal code, and no one could touch a neighbour of ours
+who, angry that her daughter-in-law presented her with a girl instead of
+the longed-for boy, took the child and dashed out its brains. The child
+is her property, and she has power of life and death in her hand.
+
+The new Mandarin was a native of Shansi, the old rule that a man might
+not act as magistrate in his own province having been repealed. He was
+not as his predecessor, carried in a sedan chair, but walked, or rode in
+a cart as a commoner. He wore cotton clothes in place of the gorgeous
+silk and satin embroidered gowns, and when he sent to invite us to dine
+with his wives, his card was foreign except for the characters written
+upon it.
+
+Our first visit to the _Yamen_ under the new régime revealed some of the
+many changes which had taken place during the last year. No longer were
+we escorted by outriders, but hired for ourselves one of the few carts
+that Hwochow boasts. The _Tai-tais_ were dressed in black, relieved by
+fancy crochet work shoulder capes, of varied hues. The teacups were of
+white china, decorated with a bunch of forget-me-nots, and the
+well-known words: "A present for a good boy." The feast menu was as
+before, but instead of the beautiful china and Eastern decorations, we
+sat round a glass petroleum lamp and ate delicacies worthy of a better
+setting from plates of that familiar pattern, white with a border of
+blue. The exquisitely polished table was covered with a piece of white
+calico, a knife and fork lay beside the chop-sticks, and last but not
+least, the Mandarin, to add to our pleasure, ordered his servants to
+bring out the gramophone, which during dinner poured forth a selection
+of London street songs and Chinese theatrical music. Conversation was
+drowned, and we were able the more to observe. In place of
+scroll-decorated walls, brilliant paper met our gaze at every turn,
+white enamel basins and bowls replaced all the flowered china on which
+we had lavished so much admiration. After dinner we were not offered the
+water pipe, but cigarettes, all expressing surprise that we could refuse
+so foreign an indulgence. The Chinese proverb to the effect that "A
+wayfarer does not repair the inn nor the Mandarin his official
+residence," was for once in fault--the workmen had been busy! We spent
+a very pleasant hour with the family after dinner, receiving as on
+former occasions the utmost kindness and courtesy.
+
+The classical writings of Mencius were for a time excluded from the
+schools as teaching reverence for kings and rulers, a doctrine not to be
+tolerated in the most republican of republics.
+
+The friendly attitude of some of the leaders of the revolutionary
+movement towards Christianity lent colour to a widely spread impression
+that republican government necessitated a change of religion. Some
+favoured the Protestant, some the Roman Catholic Church, others
+preferred the "No-god society," which gained many adherents as being
+more modern.
+
+Even the Church was affected by the prevailing craze, and the wearing of
+the queue and non-observance of innovations was regarded as sin by the
+ignorant and superstitious. I heard a new convert warned by a Church
+member that sickness in his home might well be due to his rooted
+objection to calendar changes.
+
+This attitude of mind, happily for us, lasted only a few months, but it
+was followed by another serious danger when the question of introducing
+the Confucian Ethical Code as a state religion was brought forward. This
+would have imposed limitations on Christians, Mohammedans, and others,
+the alternative suggestion being that Christianity should be given this
+status, in which some saw far greater perils. Meetings of the Chinese
+Protestant Church forwarded petitions to the Central Government,
+protesting against both proposals and craving only religious liberty,
+and the danger was averted.
+
+The habit of revolution is a pernicious disease of the human mind, and
+once acquired hard to throw off. Our political horizon has been draped
+in storm-clouds ever since 1911, and our local social plans liable to
+disintegration on account of rumours calculated to disturb the mind of
+the people. White Wolf, Wolf King, and other robber chiefs have
+announced their intention of visiting us. Our walls have been inscribed
+with the terrifying announcement that "White Wolf is a devourer of
+sheep," which in Chinese, by a play on the last word, can be understood
+to mean: "White Wolf is a devourer of foreigners." A bold sketch of a
+drawn sword was added that no doubt might be in our minds as to the
+bloodthirsty intention of the threat! Mohammedan rebellions to the west,
+Mongolian raids to the north, have alternated with the political
+difficulties brought about by international negotiations, to add to the
+sense of insecurity inevitably resulting from the removal of the very
+central foundation of governmental stability--the "Son of Heaven"--to
+whom four hundred million subjects bowed in reverential obedience.
+
+Transition periods are difficult, and China has been troubled by those
+who in their enthusiasm for change have lost the sense of proportion,
+and sought to revolutionise much that is dearer than life itself to many
+of their countrymen; nevertheless, this great nation, permeated with
+ideals so free from sordidity, will surely carve for herself a future
+worthy of her past.
+
+
+
+
+ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+          "In tragic life, God wot,
+           No villain need be! Passions spin the plot:
+           We are betrayed by what is false within."
+                                        GEORGE MEREDITH.
+
+  "Oh Christians, at your Cross of Hope a hopeless hand was clinging."
+                                        E. B. BROWNING.
+
+          "After all what would he have had to sacrifice had
+          he followed Jesus? He would have had to give up
+          his house in Jerusalem. He would have had to
+          renounce society; but society would soon have
+          forgotten him, for society has a short memory for
+          people who for any reason have fallen out of it.
+          That is what he would have lost, and what would he
+          have gained? He would have had those walks with
+          Jesus across the fields, and he would have heard
+          Him say: 'Consider the lilies.'"--MARK RUTHERFORD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+WHEREIN THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO SOME WHO HAVE FAILED
+
+
+TO the student of human nature the fact that man so often fails to
+respond to the highest ideals set before him comes with no shock. In the
+early Church men who had run well were easily hindered, and in the
+greatest series of biographies we possess, we see portrayed faithfully
+the faults and failings of those who now form the great cloud of
+witnesses, and are shown at the same time the possibilities of such
+lives when brought into vital touch with the Divine.
+
+The generous, impulsive David, the man God's own heart, was capable of a
+tragic fall; Peter and John, privileged to personal intercourse with the
+Lord, in the hour of crisis were amongst those who forsook Him and fled,
+and Demas, "who loves this present world," is ever a disappointment to
+Evangelist, who hoped that for him such dangers were over.
+
+For the fact remains that the natural characteristics of the man are
+strong forces, and that while Grace can, and does, make possible the
+"new man in Christ Jesus," we remain each in our own order, and perhaps
+no point is so vulnerable as that wherein has taken place greatest
+change.
+
+The emergence from heathendom is a difficult process, during which time
+habits, vices, and superstitions cling to a man's soul with a tenacity
+that would cause us to abandon all hope, were it not that monuments of
+grace abound to prove that the power and dominion of sin has been
+shattered.
+
+Sometimes the enemy will entrap a young Christian when there is illness
+in the home, and under pressure he will fly to magic incantations and
+heathen practices, in order to get deliverance from the malignant spirit
+which he still believes has power to torment him. Many a convert has
+fallen on the occasion of a funeral. It takes more faith than a
+Westerner can realise, to defy the legions of _gwei_ which at that time
+threaten your home and its inhabitants with numberless ills; and
+strength of mind is required to resist heathen relatives who accuse you
+of slighting the deceased.
+
+The test is a severe one and may well make a strong spirit quail,
+especially when, as so often happens, several members of one family will
+die in rapid succession, quite evidently to us by reason of the agency
+of natural laws which govern physical life, but to the Chinaman, a clear
+manifestation of the power enjoyed by demons whose pleasure it is to
+torment men. Even the very dead may rise from the grave to confront you
+with horrid vengeance, should the body not have been buried with full
+rites as required for the laying of the spirit. Most subtly has the
+enemy caused many a man's downfall when his unmarried daughter has died,
+and he has found himself confronted with angry relatives and irate
+villagers, when he proposed to bury the body with the deceased of his
+own family. By the rule of ancient custom a spirit bridegroom should be
+found for this girl, or, as an unattached spirit, she will inevitably
+return to her neglectful relatives and trouble them in numberless ways
+in order to bring her pitiful condition to their remembrance. In one
+way, and one way only, can the ghost be pacified. A bridegroom of
+suitable age, likewise deceased, must be found, and all marriage
+ceremonies be conducted with due pomp, a memorial tablet being placed in
+the scarlet chair in which the bride should have sat. Clothes,
+furniture, and presents, all made of paper, go with the chair to the
+home of the deceased bridegroom, and are there received by living bridal
+attendants. A feast is spread, and all make merry until a few hours
+later when mourning apparel is donned, and to the sound of wailing two
+coffins are placed side by side in the family tomb. The paper clothes,
+presents, and marriage-contract are burned, and thus ascend in smoke to
+the spirit world. The bodies may have been kept for years before a
+suitable match could be made, but from the day of the funereal nuptials
+the two families regard themselves as, or even more, intimately related
+than they would have been had an actual marriage taken place.[10]
+
+It is easy to say that nothing so frankly heathen need ever raise a
+question in the mind of a convert, but severe persecution and the
+responsibility of every misfortune that may occur in his village will be
+his, if he defy public opinion and introduce an orphan spirit to the
+Valhalla where his ancestors, for countless generations, have never
+failed to receive the rites of filial service.
+
+The missionary knows the importance of keeping ideals high by precept
+and practice, and that his best way to help the young believer is by
+emphasising the big claim that Christ makes on a man. That claim once
+apprehended will create in the man's heart an everlasting
+dissatisfaction with anything lower.
+
+Sad as is the case of a young believer falling into sin, how much more
+tragic that of a man who abandons Christ after many years of service,
+allowing sins, which he had overcome, once more to have dominion over
+him. It is an awful reality of life that the point on which a man has
+most conspicuously conquered is likely to be his weakest, for the enemy
+plays a waiting game,
+
+          "And where we looked for palms to fall,
+           We find the tug's to come,--that's all."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Nieh came early under the influence of Pastor Hsi. He was a man of
+conspicuous ability, business capacity, and influence. In early days he,
+too, had smoked opium, but when he left that habit, he became a
+Christian and an earnest student of the Word of God. Few could speak
+with such power as he, and at any conference where he was present,
+eager, interested crowds would gather to hear him. Many have been led to
+Christ by his influence, and he seemed a man raised up of God to carry
+on the work of the late Pastor Hsi. He administered the opium refuges
+with great ability, and the work of the Church for many years prospered
+in his hands. Every one turned to him for advice and help, and when the
+Boxer troubles broke out, it was to Mr. Nieh that both Christians and
+officials looked in their hour of need. "He was marvellously helped
+until he was strong," and then, as to Uzziah of old, came the decline.
+Power he loved, and in the position in which he found himself, holding
+office in the Church, was able to exercise it in many directions.
+
+Only God knows at which period the spiritual decay set in, which
+silently, and at first quite invisibly, began a work which has ended in
+the complete downfall of this man on whom the hopes of so many were set.
+A desire to increase the prestige of his name, and love of popularity
+led Mr. Nieh, as opportunity occurred, to lend his influence in
+law-cases and village disputes on behalf of unworthy men, with the
+motive of self-aggrandisement. Slowly but surely the material overcame
+the spiritual in his life.
+
+At this hour he is no longer even a member of the Christian community,
+having publicly repudiated his former profession of faith. He even
+smokes opium again, and finds his power and influence to be a thing
+wholly of the past. Extraordinary trials have come to him in family and
+personal life, but he remains hardened and untouched. The light has
+gone from his face, for he has ceased to walk in the Light, but as we
+look on his dissatisfied appearance, hope revives that he, having tasted
+so deep of earthly bitterness, may yet be found amongst the suppliants
+for mercy at the throne of God. May it be in the midst of life, and not
+only in the hour of death that he will witness the great confession:
+"Thou hast conquered, O Galilean."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There is a failure which is partial success, and under this, I think,
+may be placed Yen Keh-dao, who, when once he was clear of opium himself,
+bought up eagerly every opportunity that presented itself for
+evangelistic work. He had fallen so often, and been obliged to return to
+the Opium Refuge time after time, until new birth had made him a new
+creature. Now at last he seemed firm where formerly he had been
+powerless to resist temptation. When he at his own expense entered his
+name for a two years' course of theological training, we all hoped that
+a future of considerable usefulness lay before him, but before that
+period was over, the craving was on him again and he had fallen into
+open sin. Another effort, and he was free once more, and then again he
+fell and soon was lying very ill with typhus fever. Christian men
+visited him and prayed with him, and he, for so long as consciousness
+lasted, prayed earnestly; then delirium, and in a few hours death
+released his spirit from the body of its humiliation. According to man's
+statistics, he is tabulated a failure--"one more devil's triumph and
+sorrow for angels"--but there are many who loved him, and who look up
+in expectation to see him "pardoned in heaven, the first by the throne."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Puppy's mother" has lived at the door of our mission premises since
+they were first opened. She, according to the custom of the country, is
+only known as the mother of her child, so having elected to call her
+daughter "Puppy," she must needs be "Puppy's mother" throughout the
+town. She has known the three generations of missionaries who have lived
+here, and has been dressmaker to them all. No one has been more
+deliberate in her choice of heathendom over Christianity than she, and
+no one has lent a more willing ear to the scandalous lies circulated
+concerning the foreign women, even although she has seen enough of their
+intimate life to know such stories to be fabrications.
+
+She nourishes a secret regard for Mrs. Liang, in whom she recognises a
+woman as intelligent as herself, and a match for her in every respect.
+It was to Mrs. Liang she confided one day that there seemed little
+inducement to repent and be saved, if going to heaven would entail
+associating with foreigners for all eternity. Until two years ago she
+was a healthy, sturdy woman, scarcely feeling the weight of her seventy
+years. A slight dimness of eyesight caused her to raise her charges for
+dressmaking on the plea, peculiar to Chinese logic, that old age made
+her movements slower and more uncertain, and whereas three days were
+once sufficient to make a garment, and make it well, now after six days'
+work it was still far less well finished off than formerly. So we have
+submitted to extra charges for inferior work, for old acquaintance'
+sake.
+
+Then a long and painful illness laid "Puppy's mother" low, and for
+months we did not think that she could recover. Nevertheless, her
+excellent constitution did finally assert itself, and now she is walking
+about again, leaning on a stick and on the shoulder of a small
+grandchild, one of Puppy's offspring. She is curiously softened, and
+told us once that she had endeavoured to pray, but could not remember
+the sentences we had taught her.
+
+Time, age, and weakness work many transformations, and we feel as though
+the veil of flesh were wearing thinner, and the spirit within feeling
+its way out of gross darkness towards the light.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mrs. Deh had fallen so low through opium, that it was to save her from
+positive starvation that we admitted her to our household once more. She
+had been one of the failures of our Women's Refuge, and had sunk deep
+into the degradation which accompanies opium smoking in a woman's life,
+pressed as she finds herself to raise the money necessary for the price
+of her drug.
+
+[Illustration: "PUPPY" AND HER MOTHER.
+
+_To face page 218._]
+
+For three years she kept herself respectable under our roof, living
+amongst Christian women and joining in their prayers and hymn, night and
+morning, but not a trace of the softened, repentant spirit could one
+see, and finally a distinct retrograde movement accompanied with
+physical disability forced us to send her home. I despair of Mrs. Deh
+except when I look into the face of her daughter, the good, pure girl
+whose life's prayer it is that her mother should be saved. She cannot
+admit that this one thing she hopes for on earth should not be granted
+to her. Her eyes are always full of tears when she speaks of her mother,
+and when I see them I know they must, with strong entreaty, be pleading
+the cause of the poor sinful woman before the Presence of the Divine
+Majesty at whose right Hand stands the Friend of Sinners and the Man who
+was "acquainted with grief."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Flower of Love" became one of my pupils at the age of twelve, and
+attended school for six years with unfailing regularity. Bright, happy,
+and full of girlish enthusiasm she yielded her heart to Christ, and with
+her girl companions rejoiced in her new-found joy. A horror of great
+darkness fell upon her soul when the news was broken to her that her
+parents had contracted for her a marriage with a heathen man, and
+yielding to uncontrollable grief, she became seriously ill. Remembrance
+of the promises of God, and the resilience of youth, caused her to
+arouse herself; she returned to school, and begged that all would pray
+that the impossible might happen, and this engagement be broken.
+
+Prayer was answered, and to me was granted the joy of telling Flower of
+Love the good news. "My life shall henceforth be wholly for God," was
+her reply. Months passed, and when the Revolution of 1911 broke out, her
+parents once more sought for her a heathen husband, a man whose wealth
+was accumulated by wrong-doing, and before any step could be taken
+Flower of Love was his bride. For months she struggled alone in the
+city to which she had been taken, and then his orders were given that
+intercourse with foreigners must cease. The fight was too hard, and
+weary she yielded and allowed herself to drift with the tide. To-day, in
+her husband's house, where men are too frequent visitors, she seeks to
+get from the life she has to lead what pleasure she can. She is beyond
+my reach, but her broken heart will yet, I believe, find a resting-place
+upon her Saviour's breast.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[10] This remarkable custom is declared by Marco Polo to be peculiar to
+North China.
+
+
+
+
+PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK
+
+          "You make a very great mistake in thinking
+          Christianity is a religion. It is not a religion,
+          it is a person."--Words of a converted Mohammedan.
+
+  "Lord! how wouldest Thou deal with this sick man--in body, or spirit?"
+                                        S. VINCENT DE PAUL.
+
+          "A sick person does so enjoy hearing good news."
+                                        FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK
+
+TELLING OF THE DAILY ROUTINE
+
+
+LIKE the apostle of old, the missionary must be ready, however heavy the
+claim upon his time, to receive all who come.
+
+At any hour of the day, we may hear the clatter of sticks upon the
+ground indicating that some of our neighbours, whose minute feet prevent
+them from walking unaided, have found their way through the open front
+door and brought some friends to see the house of the foreigner.
+
+The Chinese woman is an inveterate sightseer, but unfortunately the
+attractions of Hwochow are not many; there is no end, however, to the
+marvels found within the walls of the Mission compound.
+
+The leader of the party is frequently our old friend, Goat's Mother, the
+members of her clan being numerous and of an inquisitive nature.
+
+The well-favoured Goat, aged five years, wears a brilliant yellow cotton
+jacket, on which are sketched in bold brush work every species of
+venomous insect. On his left shoulder is a scorpion, while centipedes,
+beetles, and other forms of poisonous insect life cover his back and
+chest. To his right shoulder is stitched a diminutive pair of
+red-and-green trousers. The yellow coat is his protection from stings
+and bites, the tiny trousers from measles, and longevity is secured by a
+heavy silver padlock, which hangs from his neck by a silver chain.
+
+With much assistance from the Bible-women the whole party climb the few
+steps leading to the verandah, and exhausted by the effort, gratefully
+accept our invitation to be seated in the guest-room.
+
+Tea is offered, but we know better than to press them to partake of any
+refreshment, for these women have been warned on no account to let food
+or drink pass their lips while under our roof, lest by a magic spell
+they find themselves compelled to become Christians.
+
+The room is furnished in conventional Chinese style--a square table with
+scarlet embroidered table-skirt, and backed by an ornate arrangement of
+banner, scrolls, vases, and teacups, with stiff chairs on either side.
+Our guests' first observation is to remark upon the surprising
+cleanliness of the apartment, the next is to ask where we sleep, and the
+third is to comment freely upon our personal appearance.
+
+"Have you turned sixty yet?" I am asked, and much surprise is expressed
+at the information supplied by Goat's Mother that I have not yet seen my
+fortieth birthday. "It is the white hair that makes her look so old," is
+the comment offered in explanation of my fair complexion.
+
+Goat's Mother has brought her relations on a promise that they shall
+see the foreigner's bedroom and "little iron tailor,"[11] hear the
+musical box, and be allowed to inspect the enormous saucepan in which
+the school food is made, ending up with a visit to the rooms where the
+women read the Bible.
+
+Before, however, these favours can be granted, as she well knows, the
+party must be prepared to give its attention to the one topic upon which
+the missionaries never fail to speak. This proves to be more interesting
+than they had anticipated, for one wall of our guest-room is decorated
+with pictures which illustrate interesting stories, the application of
+which throws light upon that problem which confronts every human heart:
+"How can the burden of sin be removed?"
+
+The time passes quickly and most of the wonders have been seen, when a
+piercing yell from the young Goat indicates that the limit of his
+patience has been reached. The orders of this small autocrat allow of no
+question, and further intercourse is impossible, for his shrieks will
+not cease until his wishes have been complied with. The whole party
+rises, and we follow them, urging them to "walk slowly" and to come
+again on Sunday. "We will come, we will come," several answer, but
+others are deep in a discussion as to what provision is possible for our
+old age, seeing that we have neither husband nor son.
+
+As they disappear through, the street door, they meet a fresh group
+entering who are in turn received by the Bible-women. Thus, from day to
+day, the Word is preached and cast as bread upon the waters. Sometimes
+a woman will return in a few days to hear more, and sometimes, years
+later, in a remote mountain hamlet a woman will greet us with a smile,
+surprised that we do not remember her visit to our house, when, as she
+reminds us, we told her about Jesus, the Son of God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+With those women who come as patients to the dispensary, we enter upon a
+more intimate relationship. The payment of their fee entitles them to
+three visits, of which they take full advantage and often come under our
+care for a much longer course of treatment.
+
+They are an interesting crowd with their varied complaints. A child
+whose arm has been badly scalded months before, and who has received no
+treatment during that period but an application of rat oil and charred
+matting, is in a revolting condition, a pitiful sight indeed. A young
+woman who has lost her eyesight attributes her affliction to a fit of
+violent temper, when for a whole day she worked herself into a frenzy,
+and cried until the power of sight was gone. The victims of tubercular
+disease, the scourge of North China, never fail to appear, some
+evidently having fallen a prey to that form known as the "hundred days'
+illness" which will carry off an apparently healthy subject in three
+months.
+
+At stated periods, children may be brought for vaccination. The method
+of inoculation for the prevention of smallpox is said to have been
+introduced into China by a philosopher of Szechwan, and has been
+practised since the year 1014. Vaccination is now freely practised by
+the Chinese doctors whose fees are generally 50 per cent. higher for
+boys than for girls, the lives of the former being of so much greater
+value.
+
+The extraction of teeth is a popular diversion, and the tooth is
+carefully preserved by the patient, in order that with the other earthly
+remains it may be laid in the coffin on the day of her death.
+
+Amongst the number are some whose diseases are hard to find, as in the
+case of one family whose several members persistently reappeared with
+such infinitesimal ailments that we felt compelled to tell them that no
+further treatment was necessary. The answer we received was, that the
+head of the house having become interested in Christianity had signified
+to his wife his desire that she should be under treatment for a whole
+year, in order that she might receive continued instruction in the
+Scriptures. They thought the dispensary would serve as the best
+face-saving subterfuge, therefore she said: "If there be nothing more
+serious, will you wash my ears!"
+
+Broadly speaking, the patients only recognise two categories of
+illness--one described as "fire," and the other as "chill." Their chief
+desire is for a diagnosis which shall clearly state under which heading
+their particular ailment should be classified, and we often receive a
+message to the effect that "inward fire" is causing trouble, and the
+sufferer would like medicine such as was given to her on the tenth day
+of the third moon, three years previously, which had wonderful
+fire-extinguishing properties.
+
+Having been accustomed to the Chinese doctor and his methods, our
+patients, begging that the best may be done for them, assure the
+helpers that merit will be accumulated by those who work towards this
+end. All are surprised to find that a uniform fee is charged and that
+there is no opportunity for bargaining, as the regular physician writes
+prescriptions for first, second, or third-rate medicine, according to
+the purse.
+
+[Illustration: THE TEACHING STAFF.
+
+(_See page 233._)
+
+_To face page 228._]
+
+The male and female principle in nature, by which all things are
+produced and which has been called the "warp and woof of Chinese
+thought," forms the basis of Chinese medical science, and every line of
+treatment must be in accordance with the laws laid down by this
+dualistic principle.
+
+Unfortunately, many of the more nutritive articles of diet, such as the
+fowl and the egg, are frequently denied to the sick woman as falling
+under that principle which makes them unsuited to many of her illnesses,
+and while it is admitted that sleep is essential to a sick man, the
+female patient must not be allowed to indulge in it except at night.
+Milk is renowned for its heating properties, and is most unwillingly
+consumed by the tubercular patient, who believes her disease to fall
+under the heading of "fire" and knows that anything so heating will only
+feed the flame. Had pears, cooked or uncooked, been ordered she would
+fully have appreciated the wisdom which prescribed them.
+
+All these startling innovations are carefully and intelligently
+explained by the dispensary helpers and normal students who take the
+practical side of their course in First Aid, Home Nursing, and Invalid
+Cookery, in the dispensary. Their labours have not been in vain, and the
+presence of the Great Physician has often been manifest in the midst,
+as weary, heart-sick women whose ills were beyond our help have found
+healing and, touching the hem of His garment, been made perfectly whole.
+
+As the patients scatter, the students impress afresh upon their memory
+how, and in what quantity, the medicine should be taken. Only too often
+the printed directions are entirely disobeyed, and the week's supply
+swallowed in one dose, on the strength of that unanswerable argument
+with which we wrestled in the days of childhood:
+
+          If one dose = improvement,
+          Twenty doses = x, _i.e._ complete cure.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[11] Sewing-machine.
+
+
+
+
+A CASKET OF JEWELS
+
+          "Happy is she who hath believed that there shall
+          be a perfecting of the things which have been
+          spoken to her from the Lord!"--The Gospel
+          according to Luke.
+
+
+          "There is nothing more divine than the education
+          of children."--PLATO.
+
+
+          "The fate of empires depends upon the education of
+          children."--ARISTOTLE.
+
+
+          "Take heed that ye despise not--offend not--forbid
+          not--one of these little ones."--The Commandment
+          of Christ.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A CASKET OF JEWELS
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL
+
+
+MRS. HSI has never replaced the ornaments she sold thirty years ago. Had
+she heard the story told of Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi, I fancy her
+thoughts would have found expression, when she lately visited us and saw
+the many courtyards occupied by women and girls, in the famous words of
+the Roman matron: "These are my jewels." The interest on that first
+small gift is incalculable, and can never be tabulated in human
+statistics. An attempt to record the many activities of the Hwochow
+Mission station as it now stands, would be incomplete without some
+detailed account of the Girls' School and Normal Training College.
+
+The schools occupy four courts, and the ages of the pupils assembled
+range from the smallest, who is only five, to young women of over
+twenty. The Teaching Staff consists entirely of women, all of whom have
+been trained here, and we shall perhaps get our best view of them at the
+Teachers' Meeting held weekly in the Principal's room. A glance will
+reveal the strong individualities here represented, and these twelve
+young women cover as many varieties of temperament. Here all matters
+connected with the school are mentioned, and it is striking to see the
+various view-points taken. The loving nature which would lead, but never
+drive, a rebellious child; the puritan, who will smile at no
+infringement of the law, and whose stern eye has been even known to call
+the Principal to order; the quick glance of the woman whose type reveals
+an inevitable leader, the stern disciplinarian, and the easy-going,
+good-natured woman--all are here, their diversity of gifts revealing the
+unity of the One Spirit. Ling Ai and I alone know how much we have to
+thank God for the friendliness of their mutual relationships. As to
+myself, the loyalty, love, and unity of my band of fellow-workers is my
+joy and crown.
+
+Thrice already has the staff been increased by graduates qualifying from
+the Normal Training Class, and our students have included some from the
+borders of Mongolia--a journey of twenty days--from Shensi, Honan, and
+Chihli provinces, in addition to those from all the China Inland Mission
+schools in Central Shansi.
+
+The education given in the school is arranged to cover the double course
+required by Chinese and Western standards. The capacity for memorising
+possessed by the Chinese is well known. A Chinese classical scholar's
+memory is so trained for retentiveness that one who became a Christian
+was able, with ease, to commit to memory five chapters of the New
+Testament each day. Were it not for this capacity the mastery of Chinese
+would be an impossibility, for a small child of ten years old, in
+addition to ordinary general subjects as taught in an English school,
+is required in a term of three months to learn to write and recognise
+five hundred new Chinese characters, and by the time she has completed
+her course can repeat by heart the greater part of the New Testament,
+Psalms, and the classical works of Confucius and Mencius.
+
+The Chinese are extraordinarily observant, and it is difficult to
+mention anything which has escaped their notice. Nevertheless, the
+classification of their observations in a scientific form of nature
+study is an entirely new method to them, though this gift, once
+developed, should cause China ultimately to rank high in the world of
+science. The girls' restricted surroundings have yielded new joys since
+they learned the delight of an observation beehive, the ramifications of
+an anthill, and the notes and habits of the birds which visit us. A
+thorough knowledge of the Scriptures is considered of primary
+importance, and only girls who by Christian character give promise when
+trained of being missionaries to their own people, are accepted as
+Normal Students. During the course outlines of Old and New Testament are
+studied, with detailed work of selected books. The students are required
+to prepare their own analyses of various books, following the system of
+Dr. Campbell Morgan's Analysed Bible.
+
+The many classes which constitute the Elementary and Secondary schools
+form the training-ground for the necessary practice in teaching, which
+aims at being very thorough. The first lesson, given in the presence of
+a critical audience, is no small ordeal to the student who after
+elaborate preparation with diagram, blackboard, plasticine, or
+sand-tray, will realise when the moment of free criticism comes, that in
+her nervousness she has omitted to make any use of that on which she had
+bestowed so much labour. Gradually, however, a new class emerges from
+utter helplessness into an encouraging self-confidence and
+resourcefulness.
+
+[Illustration: SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS.
+
+_To face page 236._]
+
+A visitor to the school could see ten or twelve classes at various
+stages on the high road of learning, each under the control of a capable
+young Chinese woman, before the Kindergarten room is reached.
+
+Here, with merry shouts, the sixteen babies are all keen to display the
+glories of the dolls' house, and all anxious to sing their action songs,
+show their plasticine modelling, paper-plaiting, and fancy drill; still
+possessing the child's heart, and therefore fearless of criticism. Each
+one covets the rôle of spokesman to relate the travelling adventures of
+the doll, which spends but little time in the house and is constantly
+undertaking long and difficult journeys. From this intrepid traveller
+they have obtained most of their geographical information.
+
+Long hours of work are the order of the day in a Chinese school, the
+terms being short owing to the exigencies of the extreme climate. The
+wheat harvest falls in June, and it is necessary that wives and
+daughters should fulfil their obligations to the home during this busy
+season.
+
+The month of September brings the eagerly looked-for day when by cart,
+donkey, litter, or even on foot, from north, south, east, and west,
+the small travellers wend their way to Hwochow. The babies of the
+Kindergarten not infrequently sit in the panniers, slung across a
+donkey's back, or in baskets which a man will carry balanced on his
+shoulder. Each party on arrival passes through the room where Mr. Gwo, a
+capable deacon, sits at the receipt of custom, and thence to the
+guest-room where a respectful bow is made to the missionaries and head
+teacher.
+
+The next visit is to the dispensary where Fragrant Incense, my head
+assistant in this department, conducts a strict inquiry into personal,
+family, and village health, and where newcomers are being vaccinated.
+
+"I hear that your uncle has smallpox," may be the alarming accusation.
+
+"It is not worth speaking of," answers Snowflake.
+
+"Have you been to the house?"
+
+"A few times," says the puzzled scholar, quite unable to trace the
+connection between her uncle's attack of "heavenly blossoms" and our
+unwillingness to admit her to the school court.
+
+Once a girl has entered the school premises it is not to leave them
+again for the period of the term, and all that is necessary to fulfil
+the conditions of her life is supplied in this little world.
+
+One of her first visits will be to the bank where an account is opened
+in her name, it being one of the school rules, in order to avoid loss,
+that no girl may keep her own money; any found on her person or in her
+box being forfeited. Every Saturday afternoon eager young depositors can
+be seen drawing sums varying from one to fifty cash for shopping
+purposes, or with a view to the Sunday service collection. At the same
+hour the school shop is open, under the care of a teacher with a senior
+pupil as assistant.
+
+"What do you stock?" a newcomer will ask the young saleswoman.
+"Everything," is the bold answer, and indeed the few necessities of a
+Chinese schoolgirl may all be supplied. Materials needed for shoemaking,
+hemp for making string which is required in attaching soles to uppers,
+pretty silks for embroidery, thimbles, needles, hair ornaments,
+safety-pins, bright-coloured cord with which the Chinese girl holds
+every hair in place at the top of a long thick plait, which is her mode
+of head-dress; chalk, with which to whiten her calico socks, and the
+acacia pod, the bean of which serves as soap. All the requisites in
+stationery can be purchased, and it is amusing to see the Chinese
+brush-pen being carefully tested by minute prospective buyers. A
+newcomer will try in vain to get goods on credit, relying upon her
+father's generosity at an early date. "No," is the answer; "come again
+when you have the cash."
+
+In another room the lending library is attracting large numbers. Here
+again a teacher, helped by a pupil, is changing or renewing books. With
+surprising skill any blot, stain, or torn page is discovered, and for
+years the books will pass from hand to hand with but little damage done.
+
+The range of literature is fairly comprehensive, extending from
+world-wide favourites such as _Little Lord Fauntleroy_, _Christie's Old
+Organ_, _Just So Stories_, and the _Wide Wide World_, which are eagerly
+passed from hand to hand--for every one reads them several times--to
+such works as _The History of the Dutch Republic_, _Biographies of Great
+Men_, Works on Social Economy, and many books of reference. For the
+translation of these, and many other works into the Chinese language, we
+are indebted to the Christian Literature Society. At the sound of the
+head teacher's gong, all business ceases, and the girls proceed to the
+playground, where all enjoy swings, seesaw, and games.
+
+Sunday opens with the delight of an extra hour in bed, and the wearing
+of best clothes. Sunday school and Public Service are enjoyed even by
+the smallest, and precede the happy hour when parents and near relatives
+may see the scholars. At its conclusion all are hungry for the dinner,
+which, though later than usual, proves well worth waiting for,
+consisting as it does of the popular white bread and vegetables. The
+afternoon closes with a service of praise.
+
+Three times a day the children assemble in the large dining-hall for
+meals. Over one thousand pounds of flour are used each week, and about
+one hundred pounds of vegetables, in the preparation of the food. The
+bread is steamed and eaten hot, and the midday meal generally consists
+of flour and water, made into a paste, rolled out very thin, and cut
+into long strips which are boiled for a few minutes, and when cooked
+resemble macaroni. If a man's greatness consists in the small number of
+his needs, the Chinaman must rank high. A bowl and pair of chop-sticks
+is the sum total of the table requirements of each girl; a cotton wadded
+quilt and a small, bran-stuffed pillow comprise her bedding, and a
+cotton handkerchief will hold her neatly folded wardrobe. A child
+usually owns no toy, and many have never thought of an organised
+youthful festivity until they spend their first Christmas Day in school.
+With bated breath they hear from their elders of the joys in store, and
+watch secret preparations for presents to class teachers and
+missionaries. Excitement reaches its highest point when, with silent
+footstep, they creep into our courtyard in the winter dawn to sing
+Christmas carols, and in place of the temple gongs and weird music of
+heathen rites, the air rings with joyful strains as class after class
+takes up the refrain: "Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" The
+reputation of the evening illumination and Christmas-tree is so
+widespread, that two small newcomers were heard encouraging each other,
+eight months before this event, to endure with patience in hopes of
+seeing the glorious sight, and becoming the possessors of a threepenny
+doll.
+
+Nearly five hundred girls have already passed through the school, and
+every few years we have made an attempt to gather them together for an
+informal conference; unfortunately, the distances are so great, and
+family claims so many, that only a very small proportion have been able
+to attend, and we have supplemented these by instituting an Old Girls'
+Guild which includes a prayer union whose members receive a quarterly
+circular letter.
+
+The postal system does not reach most of the villages, so the letters
+must be entrusted to reliable messengers who may be going that way, and
+who are requested by words on the envelope: "Be so kind as to trouble
+yourself with this letter and deliver it into the hand of the Mother of
+Heavenly Bundle." The young woman whose identity is thus hinted at is
+but one of perhaps twenty, whose offspring bear this name in the one
+village. Below are the mystic words: "The name is presented inside." On
+the left side of the envelope is the urgent command: "Quick as fire!
+Quick as fire!" Thus nothing is omitted but the name of the addressee.
+
+From early days an effort has been made to impress upon the students
+that a Christian community is only justified in so far as it partakes of
+the nature of a centrifugal force, extending its influence in every
+direction. The interests of students have been much enlarged by the
+residence in their midst of girls from other provinces, who are followed
+with prayerful interest when they leave us to enter their varied spheres
+of work. Beyond this, the scholar's widened sympathies find their
+expression in the zeal with which they follow missionary activity in
+other lands. Most earnest thought is given to the choice of destination
+of the sums reported in hand by the missionary treasurer. The
+Evangelical Union of South America, British and Foreign Bible Society,
+Pandita Ramabai, and Dr. Zwemer in Cairo have all received
+contributions, and latterly money has been sent to supply Testaments for
+the soldiers on active service. Nevertheless, the consensus of general
+opinion is, that the Moslem situation is at present so critical that all
+available funds must go to meet that need. Small indeed the sums may
+appear on a subscription list, but few gifts are, I think, more
+thoughtfully given and more prayerfully followed.
+
+The money is contributed in various ways, the two most important being
+the school working party and the takings of the Debating Society, where
+debates and lectures are always sure of a full house.
+
+The instinct for personal aggressive Christian work finds an outlet in
+the following ways: The annual fairs and idol processions held in the
+town bring large crowds of women visitors, and afford a great
+opportunity for the senior scholars to take their part in preaching, as
+also the evangelistic service held each week for Dispensary patients.
+The Sunday School classes of small children are taught by elder girls,
+and the annual Summer Campaign has provided scope for all those who have
+a will to work. At the close of the spring term, every girl who so
+desires is entrusted with a printed Course of Study, suitable for the
+elementary instruction of village women. At Sunday and weekday classes
+these are taught by the elder scholars of the village, even the younger
+children being able to take their part in helping the women to memorise
+a verse.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In order to secure the highest spiritual and mental efficiency amongst
+those who, by the nature of their calling, are constantly responding to
+the claims made upon them, we have instituted a Teachers' Summer School,
+to which are invited all former students now holding posts as teachers
+in Mission Schools. The month of August is devoted to this delightful
+gathering when, on the footing of fellow-workers, free from the
+restrictions attendant on school discipline, we meet for Bible and
+secular study. The curriculum of the coming term is discussed,
+difficulties considered, some new educational subject is studied, and an
+invaluable atmosphere is created.
+
+In the silence of the moments of spiritual communion, lives are
+dedicated afresh to the service of God; by contemplation of the Word,
+fresh ideals are apprehended and more of the wisdom that winneth souls
+is learned, by which a band of workers is equipped anew for any manner
+of service, wholly at His command. The various activities recorded above
+each contribute a part to the upbuilding of character and the training
+of those who will be the future missionaries, mothers, and teachers of
+their people.
+
+We desire that, rejoicing in the abundance of life which Christ came to
+bestow, they may by sacrificial service gather around them many who will
+say: "Happy the people whose God is the Lord!"
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASURE HOUSE
+
+          "Who ranks higher than others in the Kingdom of
+          the Heavens?"
+
+          "In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn
+          and become like little children you will in no
+          case be admitted into the Kingdom of the Heavens."
+
+          "Whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these
+          little ones who believe in me, it would be better
+          for him to have a millstone hung round his neck
+          and be drowned in the depths of the sea."
+
+          "Their angels in heaven have continual access to
+          my Father in heaven."
+                             The words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+          "The hope of the glory of God includes the
+          responsibility of rejoicing. If we really have the
+          anointed vision which sees through the travail to
+          the triumph, and is perfectly assured of the
+          ultimate triumph of God, it is our duty in the
+          midst of the travail to rejoice evermore, to cheer
+          the battle by song, and shorten the marches by
+          music."--Dr. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE TREASURE HOUSE
+
+WHERE THE READER IS SHOWN THE LAPIDARY AT WORK
+
+
+MY study is perhaps to me the most sacred spot of the entire compound.
+Situated in the midst of the school court, it is accessible to teachers
+and scholars alike. For more than a decade this room has been sanctified
+by numberless confidences, many too sacred to record.
+
+At any hour of the day, or after dark when it is easier for the girl to
+knock unseen at my door, I may hear the words, sometimes timidly
+whispered: "Has the Teacher time to let me speak to her?" A welcome
+being extended my young guest will usually begin to talk upon general
+topics, and after a considerable time will gently hint that there is
+also one small matter in particular of which she wishes to speak. On
+receiving encouragement she proceeds to unfold the matter, which may
+vary in gravity from a message conveying a request that employment
+should be found for a neighbour of hers, to a tearful pleading that I
+will use all my influence to prevent her parents from engaging her to a
+heathen bridegroom; it has even been to tell me of a brother who,
+having entered a College in the provincial capital, is now in jail and
+likely to lose his life for revolutionary tendencies.
+
+It is during the hour when the schoolgirls are at play, or in the
+evening when they are in bed, that the teacher will come to me who
+desires to be certain of no interruption. One whose father was formerly
+a deacon, but having relapsed into opium smoking has lost his office and
+Church membership, comes with her sad story. "How can I hope to
+influence my scholars when this sin is in my own home?" she asks me; and
+goes on to tell of the downward steps taken, and of the good mother who,
+with herself, has done all that love could suggest to save the father
+from public disgrace. A letter from her distant home will sometimes
+bring her when the work of the day is done, that together we may share
+its contents. How plain it is to me, that this scorching furnace of
+shame which seals her lips and makes her blush before her own pupils, is
+the very test she requires for her perfecting. I know that this is a
+spiritual crisis when in the thick darkness she will either meet with
+God, or losing the hope whereby we are saved will grow cold and
+indifferent.
+
+It is always a personal refreshment when Fragrant Clouds or Pearl Drops
+comes to see me. A warm friendship exists between these two senior
+Normal Students, strong, robust young women, prospering in body as in
+soul. Pearl Drops, keenly humorous, is a famous mimic and I once had the
+delight of, unnoticed, joining an audience which she was fascinating by
+her mimicry of an old man well known to us all. Fragrant Clouds is a
+more serious type, and entered the High School here in answer to her
+prayers to God for many months, at a time when innumerable obstacles
+barred her way. She has proved "barriers" to be "for those who cannot
+fly," and possesses that quiet dignity and confidence which tells of
+character formed by difficulties overcome. She knows the "All great" to
+be the "All loving too," and is strong.
+
+Little Goodness is the boldest girl in the school. She is only five
+years old, but will any moment that she can run away from the
+Kindergarten Court unseen push open my door, and show me with great
+delight and most disconcerting self-assurance some treasure she has
+found--a grub, or maybe some one else's new handkerchief. The frown I
+summon to my aid when the offence is repeated more than once a day, is
+rather a failure, but poor Goodness has had to learn by sterner methods
+that the teacher's word is law. It is not easy to be stern with her for
+she is a most fascinating little creature, and yet her parents wanted
+her so little that she was found, as a wee babe, buried alive. With
+difficulty her life was saved by the missionary to whom she was taken,
+who has cared for her ever since. Her most serious offence in this
+school, and a cause of scandal to the whole Kindergarten, was the
+helping of herself to five cash from the collection plate when it was
+handed to her in the Sunday service.
+
+When a new graduate who has been faced for the first time by her class
+appears at my door, I know before she begins to speak that her errand is
+to inform me she has found herself to have accepted a burden and
+responsibility which she is utterly incapable of bearing. I make no
+great effort to hide my amusement, and call to her remembrance the
+complete assurance with which she was prepared to enter upon her career
+during her last term as a Normal Student. I also tell her I have been
+expecting this interview and, needless to say, from the humorous side we
+naturally turn to the serious.
+
+Teachers are constantly coming to me for advice as to the best method of
+dealing with those symptoms of original sin which cause small children
+to bewilder their elders by the utter depravity of their moral nature.
+What, for example, could I say to Kingfisher who was heard, when praying
+audibly, to petition heaven that Rosebud with whom she had quarrelled
+might lose all her good marks?
+
+The weeping Butterfly was peremptorily ushered into my presence, accused
+of using bad language. I could see by the expression on the teacher's
+face that it was no trifling matter. She had said: "Chrysanthemum, when
+you walk it is like the hopping of a frog." She had thus compared a
+fellow-scholar to an animal, a form of speech which in Chinese, as I
+well knew, amounts to a curse.
+
+Peach Blossom, ever since the first day she came to me has been a care
+and responsibility. Conscious of her good looks and of her capacity to
+secure a following of devotees, she has conducted her small court with
+increasing joy to herself, and annoyance to me and my Staff. It was
+impossible to ignore her presence, and while she was scrupulously within
+the rules and regulations of school discipline she somehow managed to
+sail so near, and yet avoid, the point of defiance that we were baffled.
+
+I am sometimes called upon to fulfil the vocation of motherhood in a
+very real sense, as when I have to announce to some child who has no
+mother that the arrangements for her engagement are about to be
+completed, but that her father, who feels he could not expect her to
+speak of such a matter, has asked me to find out her desires regarding
+the proposed bridegroom. After an inevitable tear, shed at the
+suggestion that she must some day leave her father's home, she asks me
+if I am satisfied with the plan; on my answering in the affirmative her
+face brightens, though she conventionally begs me to use my influence to
+dissuade her father from any such intention. I, seeing that no
+difficulty presents itself, change the subject and bring her a few days
+later the gifts and silver ornaments which indicate that all is settled.
+She, having no mother to do the necessary grumbling at the inferior
+quality of the bridegroom's presents, comes to my room later on, and
+says: "I have been examining these, and perceive that the silver used is
+not pure in quality." Having shown that she, though motherless, is not
+easily taken in, she accepts my exhortation to be a good child and to be
+thankful for what she has, and without further ado begins her
+preparations for the day when she will "change her home."
+
+The more modern parent is sometimes desirous that his daughter, who has
+reached years of discretion, should from time to time correspond with
+her fiancé. The letters all being sent to the girl's father, he
+forwards them to me, and the fear lest any fellow-student should know of
+so immodest a proceeding always leads the girl to read them in my room,
+and place them in my hand for safe keeping. It was enlightening to
+receive a request on one occasion that I would, at the close of term,
+return "those letters which are of no possible use." I knew to what she
+referred, and mentally noted that the "useless" paper found a very safe
+place in the recesses of her luggage!
+
+[Illustration: LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG.
+
+_To face page 252._]
+
+Tragedy is interwoven with the life of almost every woman in this land.
+Disappointment at her birth finds its only consolation in the
+recognition of her value in the home as family drudge. Only as mother of
+her son does she enter on an inheritance of sufficient consideration to
+make her well worth the clothes she wears and the food she consumes.
+
+How pathetic it is to see the efforts put forth by a child whose school
+life has been interrupted to endeavour to find some means of paying the
+necessary fees! One girl of thirteen, by making hair-sieves during the
+summer months renders it possible for her father to send her to school;
+and many weave during the holidays all the cloth necessary for their own
+clothes. One little girl who had no other means of helping herself,
+gleaned so industriously that she gathered sufficient for her first
+month's expenses, only to find one day that her little hoard had been
+used by her opium-smoking father for his own indulgence.
+
+Even the high ethics of Confucianism can recognise no higher position
+for woman than one of obedient dependence throughout life. In youth
+she must be subject to her father, in middle age to her husband, and in
+old age to her son. The revolutionary power of Christianity has
+established a new order, and in the Christian community we see her
+welcomed in babyhood, cared for in childhood, and receiving the honour
+due to her womanhood when she becomes a bride. I have been amazed at the
+sacrifices I have seen made by parents for their daughters. I have known
+a father, too poor to afford the hire of a donkey, carry his little girl
+nearly thirty miles to school. I have known the only bedcovering in the
+home to be spared for the use of the little daughter during term, and a
+man to endure the winter cold with the scantiest clothing that his child
+might be warmly clad.
+
+One class, a small one, has outstripped me in the race, and graduated to
+a higher school to render service more needed there than here. I can
+think of each one with joy as in the Great Teacher's Hand, learning
+lessons which as yet are beyond me.
+
+The one it seemed I could least spare was needed by Him, and since most
+of this book was written my beloved Ling Ai went to serve, face to face,
+the Lord she loves.
+
+The intimate sympathy required to enter into the joys and sorrows of so
+many lives is perhaps the heaviest strain laid upon the missionary, and
+the mental discipline necessary to hold all in right proportion can only
+be exercised where there is true adjustment of spiritual vision, whereby
+we see "through the travail to the triumph, perfectly assured of the
+ultimate victory of God," and rejoice, "cheering the battle by song and
+shortening the marches by music."
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+          "That Church controls the future which can demand
+          of her members the greatest sacrifices."--Dr. JOHN
+          HUTTON.
+
+  "When earth's last picture is painted, and the tubes are twisted and
+       dried,
+   When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died--
+   We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it--lie down for an æon or
+       two,
+   Till the Master of all good workmen shall put us to work anew.
+
+   And only the Master shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame;
+   And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame;
+   But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
+   Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They are."
+                                        RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+BEING A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SITUATION
+
+
+IT is now thirty years since foreigners came to reside in Hwochow,
+during which time three generations of women missionaries have succeeded
+each other. The period has been divided accurately at the fifteenth year
+by the Boxer riots and massacres. The many who have helped in varied
+ways to make this work possible may rightly ask; "Is not this period
+sufficient to establish a self-propagating Church independent of
+foreigners?"
+
+It would be hard to over-emphasise the need of the wisdom required at
+the stage immediately preceding the final lapse of total responsibility
+upon the shoulders of the native Church, that the move should not be
+made too hastily or at an inopportune moment; even more emphatically,
+that the Church should not be driven to establish on a factional basis a
+so-called independent sect in opposition to the foreigner, in order to
+secure the freedom and control for which it was ripe. Faith, hope, and
+courage, without which the pioneer missionary's work must inevitably
+fail, find their counterpart in the spirit of wisdom and understanding
+required for the proper adjustment of the new relationship, whereby the
+Chinese Christian, not in word, but in deed and in truth, may take
+precedence. It is easy to gain ready acquiescence to this theory of
+equality, but as was immediately evidenced when the strong and
+independent Pastor Hsi arose, the situation in its practical bearing is
+not easily handled.
+
+A word to the intending missionary: Be ready to lay aside your
+preconceived ideas as to how the Gospel should be preached, how Church
+matters should be handled, discipline enforced, and your own position in
+the Church.
+
+Come as a learner, and men who were Christians before you emerged from
+childhood will give you the benefit of a ripe experience, and if you
+prove worthy of it, admit you to fellowship in service.
+
+In view of the preceding chapters, few words will serve to review on
+general lines the situation as it has developed during these thirty
+years in Hwochow.
+
+The first fifteen called for unremitting effort in breaking up new
+ground, broadcast sowing of the seed, and establishing between Chinese
+and foreigner some measure of confidence. The second period has been one
+of reaping from the very commencement. Extraordinarily rapid development
+on every hand brought about new conditions which in turn necessitated
+new methods, so that the missionary is no longer the main instigator of
+Church activities, but takes his place in a large and far-reaching
+organisation.
+
+The work of evangelisation and all elementary teaching require no
+foreign help, but we still seem to be necessary for the organisation
+which is giving training and advanced teaching to the men and women whom
+we hope to see equipped in every respect as well, and better, than we
+ourselves have been.
+
+All non-institutional work amongst men is already in Chinese hands.
+Pastor Wang and eight deacons take entire oversight of the Church of
+nearly four hundred members, the examining and accepting of candidates
+for baptism, as well as arrangements for Sunday services in each of the
+eight out-stations, where the local Christians have, at their own
+expense, supplied a building for public worship where daily service is
+held. In addition to this, the entire evangelistic organisation,
+Elementary Boys' School and Opium Refuge, form part of their
+responsibility.
+
+The more aggressive work includes a Chinese Evangelistic Society
+entirely free from foreign money and control, the object of which is to
+open up new districts, preach at fairs, and widely distribute Gospels
+and tracts.
+
+In the busiest thoroughfare of the city, a preaching hall is daily
+opened which is freely frequented by merchants and travellers.
+
+The systematic instruction of men, both Church members and inquirers, is
+supplied by means of short station classes held at convenient times by
+the Pastor, or by some foreign missionary whom he may invite.
+
+With the exception of the Elementary Boys' School just mentioned, the
+men's institutional work is carried on in the neighbouring city of
+Hungtung, where, under the presidency of the Rev. F. Dreyer, a Bible
+Training Institute for men has been established. The students are drawn
+not only from our own, but other provinces, and during the two years'
+course a careful and thorough training is given in theoretical and
+practical work. A long preaching list is served by these men in
+conjunction with a large band of local preachers. To Mr. Dreyer's
+influence amongst these men we, as many other stations, owe some of our
+best helpers. The Hungtung institutional work is supplemented by a
+Higher Grade School for boys, the pupils of which are largely drawn from
+the fourteen Elementary Schools scattered throughout the district. Mr.
+E. J. Cooper, assisted by Chinese graduates of Weihsien University, is
+responsible for this department. Many former pupils are in charge of
+village schools, the examining and superintendence of which is conducted
+from the centre. It is thus possible for the sons of Church members to
+obtain a thorough and Christian education in their immediate
+neighbourhood. The necessary demands for institutional work for the
+several counties mentioned throughout this book, are thus met by the two
+stations of Hungtung and Hwochow. United with these to form a General
+Allied Council to secure unity of action in all far-reaching
+enterprises, and to avoid multiplication of work (though each local
+church remains independent and self-governing), are the stations
+situated in the cities of Chaocheng, and Yoyang, now severally in charge
+of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. F. Briscoe, whose time is
+occupied with pastoral and evangelistic work.
+
+Mrs. Hsi still remains in Chaocheng, and carries on her work amongst the
+women of that city. She, in company with Mrs. Liang and three others,
+has been chosen by the Church to be set apart to the office of
+deaconess. She is now sixty-four years of age, and her physical strength
+is visibly failing.
+
+Mrs. Hsi's life and example is one of the treasures of the Shansi
+Church. She has served faithfully and long in active Christian work, and
+she recently told me that she is now giving herself to prayer and
+fasting more than was possible during the most active period of her
+life.
+
+For this effectual share in the present conflict, for her love and
+friendship, and for her continued presence amongst us, we give thanks
+unto God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus we believe the Church has been rooted and established, no longer
+propagated by any external energy, but whose seed is in itself.
+
+The dream is so far fulfilled. More than thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs.
+Hsi, in faith, brought their small offering as a child once offered his
+barley loaves and laid them in the Master's Hand, Who gave thanks and
+blessed.
+
+In these pages the story is recorded of the sower, the waterer, and the
+reaper, who laboured in tears and in joy.
+
+Of the increase which God alone can give, no human record can tell, but
+told it shall be in the day when those from every nation, kindred, and
+tribe shall unite to ascribe honour and glory unto Him who liveth and
+reigneth for ever and ever!
+
+
+
+
+          "So have I dreamed! Oh may the dream be true!
+           That praying souls are purged from mortal hue . . .
+           And grow as pure as He to Whom they pray."
+                                        HARTLEY COLERIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+CONTAINING
+
+BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY
+
+AND
+
+SPECIMEN QUESTIONS OF THE NORMAL TRAINING COLLEGE FINAL EXAMINATION
+PAPERS
+
+(_INSERTED BY REQUEST_)
+
+
+
+
+HWOCHOW WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+_COURSE OF STUDY_
+
+
+FIRST TERM
+
+Book of Genesis.
+
+Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark.
+
+Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible."
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+
+SECOND TERM
+
+Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi.
+
+The Gospel according to St. John.
+
+The Epistle of St James.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(_continued_).
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+PRACTICAL WORK.--Assist in conducting Elementary Classes for Women.
+
+
+THIRD TERM
+
+Book of Leviticus, Joshua, and 1 Samuel xvii. to xxxi.; Ezra and
+Nehemiah.
+
+The Gospel according to St. Matthew.
+
+The Epistle to the Hebrews.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(_conclusion_).
+
+Studies in Christian Doctrine.
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+Memorisation of Psalms.
+
+_Pilgrim's Progress._
+
+PRACTICAL WORK.--Conduct Elementary Classes for Women, Teach under
+Criticism, City and Village Visiting.
+
+
+FOURTH TERM
+
+Book of Judges, Ruth, Esther, and 2 Samuel.
+
+Life of Elijah and Elisha.
+
+Acts of the Apostles, chapters x. to xxviii.
+
+Studies in Christian Doctrine.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+Memorisation of Psalms.
+
+_Pilgrim's Progress_, Part II.
+
+PRACTICAL WORK..--As Term III.
+
+
+
+
+CHINA INLAND MISSION NORMAL TRAINING COLLEGE, HWOCHOW, SHANSI
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_SPECIMEN QUESTIONS_
+
+(Drawn from Final Examination Papers, 1915)
+
+SCRIPTURE
+
+What answer did Christ give to the following questions?--"What must we
+do that we may work the works of God?" "How can this man give us His
+flesh to eat?" "Hast thou seen Abraham?" "How can a man be born when he
+is old?"
+
+Name five incidents in the Gospel according to St. John which
+illustrate the statement: "He knew what was in man."
+
+Name some of the abuses in the Corinthian Church, and briefly state how
+Paul dealt with each.
+
+What period of human history is covered by the Book of Genesis?
+
+Briefly trace the degeneration of the Individual, the Home, and the
+Nation, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.
+
+Give an outline of the Book of Ezra.
+
+State briefly the teaching of Christ on the following
+subjects:--Fasting, Riches, Rewards, and the Forgiveness of Sin.
+
+The establishment of the Church by Constantine proved to be its
+spiritual loss. Quote five verses from Scripture to show this might have
+been anticipated.
+
+Mention four reasons which conduced to the spread of the Gospel in the
+days of the Early Church.
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+State clearly the advantages and disadvantages of Feudalism.
+
+What do you know of the Spartan methods of treating children?
+
+What do you know of the following:--Chaucer, Rienzi, Savonarola, Simon
+de Montfort, Gladstone, Li Hung-chang, Bruce?
+
+What do you understand by the term "Ostracism"?
+
+Who were the combatants in the following battles:--Crecy, Hastings,
+Marathon, Bannockburn, Waterloo?
+
+Give an account of the causes which resulted in the Crusades, or in the
+French Revolution.
+
+
+PHYSIOLOGY
+
+What are the various uses of the Cerebrum, Cerebellum, and Medulla
+Oblongata?
+
+Explain the process of "Hearing." Illustrate with diagrams.
+
+What do you know of the Crystalline Lens of the Eye?
+
+What is meant by "Long Sight" and "Short Sight"?
+
+What is the cause of each, and how may each be remedied?
+
+Give a list of the Cranial Nerves.
+
+
+ZOOLOGY
+
+Draw a diagram of the Blood Vessels of a Fish.
+
+State clearly the main divisions of Zoology, and in detail those of the
+Bird Family.
+
+Give a detailed account of the Ant and its habits; illustrate with
+diagrams.
+
+Describe the Fauna of the Arctic Regions.
+
+
+CHEMISTRY
+
+What weight of each of the following compounds is necessary to prepare
+50 litres of Oxygen?--Water, Mercuric Oxide, Potassium Chlorate.
+
+Explain the principle of the Dewar bulb.
+
+Define the term "Acid." Enumerate the characteristics of a "Base."
+
+Two compounds were found to have the following compositions: = 43.64 per
+cent. phosphorus = 56.36 per cent. oxygen = 56.35 per cent. phosphorus =
+43.65 per cent. Show that the Law of Multiple proportion holds in this
+case.
+
+CLASSICAL ESSAY SUBJECTS.--"The Path may not be left for an instant; if
+it could be left it would not be the Path. On this account the superior
+man does not wait until he see things to be cautious, nor see things to
+be apprehensive."--CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+    MORGAN AND SCOTT LTD., 12 PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON, E. C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor
+Hsi's, by A. Mildred Cable
+
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+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's, by A. Mildred Cable.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's, by 
+A. Mildred Cable
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's
+       The Story of the Work in Hwochow
+
+Author: A. Mildred Cable
+
+Release Date: November 12, 2008 [EBook #27243]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Free Elf, University of Hong Kong Library,
+audreyii, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM</h1>
+<h2>OF PASTOR HSI'S</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 373px;">
+<img src="images/illus01.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="MRS. HSI. Frontispiece." title="MRS. HSI. Frontispiece." />
+<span class="caption">MRS. HSI.<br /> <span style="margin-left: 6em;"><i>Frontispiece.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>THE FULFILMENT<br />
+OF A DREAM</h1>
+<h2>OF PASTOR HSI'S</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STORY OF THE WORK IN HWOCHOW</h3>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+<h2>A. MILDRED CABLE</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<i>Of the China Inland Mission</i><br /></div>
+<div class='poem'><br /><br /><br />
+"Is it a dream?<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Nay, but the lack of it, a dream.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And failing it, life's love and wealth a dream,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And all the world a dream."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Walt Whitman</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br />
+<small>LONDON:</small><br />
+MORGAN &amp; SCOTT L<sup>TD.</sup><br />
+<small>12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.C.</small><br />
+CHINA INLAND MISSION<br />
+<small>NEWINGTON GREEN, N. MCMXVII</small><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<small>TO</small><br />
+<br />
+DR. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN<br />
+<br />
+<small>THE "APOLLOS" WHO</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>BY PRAYER AND SYMPATHY HAS "WATERED"</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>THIS WORK</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED</small><br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>TWENTY-ONE years ago, on 19th February
+1896, Pastor Hsi, to quote the words of
+his biographer, "was translated to higher service."
+Those who read the fascinating and wonderful
+story of his life by Mrs. Howard Taylor will at
+once be interested in <i>The Fulfilment of a Dream</i>,
+which is the story of the work in Hwochow, and
+gives the account of the carrying on of the spiritual
+labour of that remarkable man, and of the fulfilment
+of his dream. I think it is equally true
+that those who have not read Pastor Hsi's life
+will desire to do so after reading this book.</div>
+
+<p>It is a commonplace observation, but none the
+less true, that the story commenced in the Acts
+of the Apostles could not be finished by Luke,
+because the great activity, the commencement
+of which he recorded, is still going forward.
+Every tale of missionary endeavour moving forward
+"toward the uttermost part of the earth"
+is an added chapter. It has been given to Mildred
+Cable and her fellow workers, to labour in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span>
+apostolic succession; and then to Mildred Cable,
+to write this wonderful chapter.</p>
+
+<p>From my own standpoint the book is full of
+charm. While by no means its supreme value,
+the first impression made upon the mind is that
+of the naturalness of the story. The reader is
+made the friend of the writer, and listens to an
+artless and charming account of places and of
+peoples. My first reading of the book at one sitting
+(as all such books should be read), left me with
+a sense of the atmosphere of the missionary's life
+and surroundings. I was admitted into the
+actuality of everyday things, and was made
+familiar with the pathos and tragedy and humour
+of life in a land and among a people largely unknown
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>As I have said, this is by no means the supreme
+value of the book. That rather consists in something
+that grows upon you as you read. The
+writer does not state it in so many words, or very
+seldom, and certainly is not trying to persuade
+you to believe it, but there it is. I refer to the
+tender and yet strong revelation of the power of
+the Divine Grace, both in its sustenance of those
+who are called to missionary work, and its transforming
+power in the case of those who, often at
+cost, yield themselves to its call.</p>
+
+<p>In Chapters I., V., VI., VII., and VIII., the reader
+will trace the story of the development of the
+work, and a wonderful story it is. Chapters XI.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span>
+and XII., containing first the story of Ai Do, and
+then a record of demoniacal manifestations, show
+the reader how these quiet and earnest workers
+are brought up against the big, naked, awful
+things of life; and also how being so confronted,
+they are unafraid and unconquered in the name
+of Jesus Christ the Lord. The fact that I draw
+special attention to these chapters is not intended
+to suggest for a moment that the others are either
+uninteresting or unimportant. They are neither
+the one nor the other. For all that it is intended
+to be, the book is a whole, and is supremely
+precious, because it is manifestly a part of the
+larger whole of Christ's great emprise.</p>
+
+<p>With confidence and joy I commend the story
+to all those in whose heart burns the passion for
+the coming of the hour when our adorable Redeemer
+shall "see of the travail of His soul, and shall be
+satisfied."</p>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>AUTHOR'S PREFACE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>I &nbsp;&nbsp;WISH to acknowledge that apart from my co-workers,
+Evangeline and Francesca French,
+this book would have been impossible. To Mr.
+Albert Lutley, Superintendent of the China Inland
+Mission Work in the Province of Shansi, I am
+indebted for help and kindnesses which I can
+acknowledge, but never repay. I am also indebted
+to my Chinese secretary, Miss Wang, for her able
+reporting of the many interviews which the compiling
+of this book has necessitated.</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The Chinese themselves say: "One mile alters
+the speech, and ten miles change the customs."</p>
+
+<p>In view of the fact that the Province of Shansi
+alone is larger than England and Wales, I wish
+it to be clearly understood that the usages and
+customs to which I refer throughout this book
+are local.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span></p>
+<h2>EDITOR'S NOTE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>ALL personal names are spelt according to the
+system employed by the authoress, except
+where it has been necessary to modify this to
+retain the identity of someone mentioned in Mrs.
+Howard Taylor's <i>Pastor Hsi</i>. All place names
+are spelt according to the orthography of the
+Chinese Postal Guide, which system is now used
+in the standard maps of China and has been
+adopted by the larger missionary societies. Thus,
+Hoh-chau of <i>Pastor Hsi</i> becomes Hwochow,
+T'ai-y&uuml;an becomes Taiy&uuml;anfu, P'ing-yang becomes
+Pingyangfu, etc.</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[xiii]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align='left'>&nbsp;</td><td align='right'><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>PROLOGUE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_xix">xix</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER I</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mrs. Hsi's Gift, being an Account of the Opening of the Station of Hwochow</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER II</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Big Road, indicating the Situation of Hwochow in the Province of Shansi</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER III</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A New Venture, in which is recorded the Appointment of the First Missionaries to Hwochow</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER IV</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Continuation of the Story, being a Record of some who were counted worthy to suffer for Christ's Sake, and of Mrs. Hsi's Experience in the Boxer Outbreak</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER V</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[xiv]</a></span><span class="smcap">Life in the Villages, an Introduction to Chinese Home Life</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER VI</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Our Reception at Hwochow, showing Things as they sometimes are</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER VII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Portrait Gallery, wherein the Reader is introduced to some of our Fellow Workers</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER VIII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Work Development, relating how we sought to encompass the Work, and the Work encompassed us</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER IX</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mrs. Hsi's Second Gift, being an account of her Life from Widowhood</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER X</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Story of an Opium Smoker</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XI</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Great Furnace for a Great Soul, being the Story of Ai Do</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Powers of Darkness, being a Record of some Observations in Demonology</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XIII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[xv]</a></span><span class="smcap">The Life Story of Pastor Wang</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XIV</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Visit to the Base, from whence we are again sent forth with Fresh Supplies</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XV</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Builders, relating how the Supplies were used</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XVI</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Women's Bible Training School, which tells how a Link was established between Westminster and Hwochow Bible Schools</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XVII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Draw Net let down into the Sea, an Account of Fresh Efforts to reach the Multitude, and bring them to Decision</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XVIII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Life amongst the Upper Ten Thousand, recording Hospitality shown to us by the official Classes</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XIX</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Revolution of 1911, and how we were affected by it</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XX</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[xvi]</a></span><span class="smcap">Changed Conditions, wherein some, though following a Path of Action, failed to understand it</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XXI</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Another Portrait Gallery, wherein the Reader is introduced to some who have failed</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XXII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick, telling of the Daily Routine</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XXIII</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Casket of Jewels, being an Account of the Girls' School</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XXIV</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Treasure House, where the Reader is shown the Lapidary at Work</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'><br />CHAPTER XXV</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Conclusion, being a Review of the Present Situation</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />APPENDIX</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">[xvii]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mrs. Hsi</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_ii"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>&nbsp;</td><td align='right'><small>FACING<br />PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Woman Opium Smoker</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Pastor Wang</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Women's Bible School</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"Puppy" and her Mother</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Teaching Staff</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Some Kindergarten Scholars</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Ling Ai, her Children, and her Mother, Mrs. Liang</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">[xviii]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[xix]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>PROLOGUE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE spirit of the Confucian scholar Hsi met
+with its Master Christ, and overwhelmed
+by the vision yielded all to His control. Constrained
+by His love the souls of men were sought
+and won; led by His Spirit, churches were established
+in the faith; sharing His sufferings, their
+failures became his burden.</div>
+
+<p>In the darkest days the Hwochow Church has
+known, when many forsook their faith, he was
+strengthened by a dream, in which he saw a tree
+cut down to the ground, only to sprout again, and
+throw out branches stronger than before.</p>
+
+<p>In his dream, Pastor Hsi knew this tree to be
+the Hwochow Church. He knew that though it
+were brought low, it would revive, and by faith
+obtained the promise, the fulfilment of which is
+recorded in these pages.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[xx]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='poem'>
+When Thou wouldst pour the Living Stream<br />
+Then I would be the earthen cup,<br />
+Filled to the brim and sparkling clear.<br />
+The Fountain Thou and Living Spring<br />
+Flow Thou through me, the vessel weak,<br />
+That thirsty souls may taste Thy grace.<br />
+<br />
+When Thou wouldst warn the people, Lord,<br />
+Then I would be the golden bell<br />
+Swung high athwart the lofty tower<br />
+Morning and evening sounding loud;<br />
+That young and old may wake from sleep,<br />
+Yea, e'en the deaf hear that strong sound.<br />
+<br />
+When Thou wouldst light the darkness, Lord,<br />
+Then I would be the silver lamp<br />
+Whose oil supply can never fail.<br />
+Placed high, to shed the beams afar,<br />
+That darkness may be turned to light,<br />
+And men and women see Thy face.<br />
+<br />
+When Thou wouldst slay the wolves, O Lord!<br />
+Then I would be the keen-edged sword;<br />
+Clean, free from rust, sharpened and sure,<br />
+The handle grasped, my God, by Thee.<br />
+To kill the cruel, ravening foe,<br />
+And save the sheep for whom Christ died.<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+Translated from Pastor Hsi<br />
+<span style="margin-right: 5em;">by F. L. F.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MRS. HSI'S GIFT</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"First love is the abandonment of all for the love which
+has abandoned all."&mdash;Dr. <span class="smcap">G. Campbell Morgan</span>.</p></div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">"... such men</span><br />
+Carry the fire, all things grow warm to them.<br />
+Their drugget's worth my purple, they beat me."<br />
+</div>
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">R. Browning.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>MRS. HSI'S GIFT</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being an Account of the Opening of the
+Station of Hwochow</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>MRS. HSI was in great mental distress. The
+blow she feared had fallen, and her husband
+was a prey to the bewitching power of the
+"foreign devils." How cleverly the trap had been
+laid. Firstly, the offer of a monetary prize for a
+classical essay&mdash;which he had won; secondly, the
+insistence of the foreigner on a personal interview
+with the writer, on the occasion of which, certain
+as her husband had been that he had tasted neither
+food nor drink under his roof, some means had certainly
+been found to introduce into his system
+some of that subtle foreign drug which, as every
+one knew, must eventually compel the victim to
+embrace Christianity and follow the "foreign
+devil" to the world's end. Thirdly, he had been
+invited to become the teacher of this dreaded
+man (Rev. David Hill), and she had foolishly yielded
+her consent. She had taken every precaution
+and had, on three occasions, sent for him on plea
+of her own illness during the time he was an inmate
+in the foreigner's household. His clothing
+had been carefully searched for traces of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+magical compound, but in vain; nothing had
+come to light, and now here was her husband,
+one of the leading Confucianists of the district,
+declaring that, of his own free will and action, he
+had determined to follow&mdash;not the foreign
+devils&mdash;but this Jesus, around Whom all their
+preaching centred. He attributed this change
+of mind, evidently quite irrationally, to the reading
+of a book printed under the strange title of <i>Happy
+Sound</i>,&mdash;but perhaps even the sacred Chinese
+character might become a snare in their hands!
+Nothing but the influence of some powerful magic
+could have worked so complete a transformation.
+Even his intense craving for opium was gone, the
+Confucian writings which had been his constant
+companion were now neglected, and in spite of
+her entreaties and fears, the family gods were
+destroyed.</div>
+
+<p>During his stay at home he spoke constantly,
+both to her and in her hearing to many visitors,
+of the teachings of this Jesus Who, he explained to
+all comers, was the Son of the only True God.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Time passed, and gradually her fears were
+somewhat allayed, so that she even consented
+to repeat certain sentences which, he told her,
+were to be used night and morning, kneeling, and
+with closed eyes. Her inclination to favourably
+regard what he told her grew, especially during
+his absences from home; for, strange to relate,
+she soon began to find herself under the influence
+of an unaccountable external power, which compelled
+her on each occasion of a visit from her
+husband to fly into an uncontrollable rage at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+the sight of him, and this despite her most determined
+resolution to the contrary. To her husband
+it was most distressing to see so gentle a woman
+thus transformed. As his own spiritual experience
+increased, he recognised in this an onslaught
+of the devil, and betook himself to prayer and
+fasting in order to discover how they had laid themselves
+open to the attack. It was then that there
+was brought to his remembrance the fact that,
+in a room at the top of the house, there stood a
+small idol responsible for the health of the family,
+whose existence Mrs. Hsi had been careful not
+to bring to his remembrance, and which had been
+overlooked in the general destruction. The shrine
+was instantly destroyed, and Mrs. Hsi was free
+of the tormenting spirit, and shortly afterwards
+openly confessed Christ.</p>
+
+<p>From that time their home in the Western
+Chang village was a centre of Christian activity.
+Through intense suffering Mr. Hsi had freed
+himself from the craving for opium, and he
+felt that, for the evangelisation of his native
+province, some means might be devised whereby
+the treatment of opium patients might be
+combined with widespread preaching of the
+Gospel.</p>
+
+<p>The more he thought of this the stronger the conviction
+grew that it was of God, and when, through
+the agency of a dream, a system of treatment was
+revealed to him, he accepted it as a revelation
+and at once prepared the medicine which proved
+successful beyond his highest expectations. After
+a time, men who had been delivered from the
+opium vice and led to Christ through the Refuges,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+were gathered into his home (which he called the
+Middle Eden) and trained for the work.</p>
+
+<p>This community life for so large a number was
+only made possible by Mrs. Hsi's enthusiastic
+devotion. The extension of the opium refuge
+work was rapid and widespread, and necessitated
+frequent absences from home on the part of Mr.
+Hsi, during which time a heavy burden fell upon
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>Houses were rented in many towns and villages,
+and patients entering the "heavenly called refuges"<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>
+were numerous.</p>
+
+<p>The burden of one city, however, lay heavily
+upon the heart of Mr. Hsi, and he and his household
+constantly prayed together that Hwochow might
+be opened to the sound of the Gospel; but funds
+which seemed essential for the initial expenses of
+the venture were not forthcoming. His itinerant
+journeys frequently took him through this important
+centre, which was situated sixty miles
+north of his home.</p>
+
+<p>Day after day prayer was made, and Mrs. Hsi
+often heard her husband in the night watches,
+as he knelt alone in the court, plead with God
+that nothing might hinder what he strongly believed
+to be the Divine Purpose.</p>
+
+<p>One Sunday night she was wakened by the familiar
+sound. She knew that her husband, like herself,
+had gone to bed tired out by a long day of preaching,
+during which large numbers had joined their
+household from more or less distant villages. According
+to their custom, they had spent the day
+fasting; it was Pastor Hsi's habit to refer to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+Scriptures direct for guidance on matters of daily
+conduct, and in the early days of his faith he
+feared to sin against the law of God by allowing
+fires to be lighted and meals to be prepared on
+Sunday. In accordance with his habit, he had arisen
+soon after midnight to give himself to prayer,
+and her ear caught the murmured sentences, "I
+beseech Thee, O Lord, open a way for Hwochow to
+hear the Gospel." As she listened, the sound of
+his voice brought conviction to her own mind
+that she was to be the human agency by which
+the Divine Will should now fulfil itself. In a flash,
+the path of duty was clear.</p>
+
+<p>At the back of her cave were large painted cupboards
+which contained the whole of her worldly
+possessions: bundles of handsome silk, satin, and
+embroidered garments, and a box holding the
+heavy jade and silver ornaments, which had been
+her husband's marriage gift. Leaving her
+<i>kang</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> Mrs. Hsi unlocked the cupboards and
+spent the rest of that night in sorting their contents.
+All except a few cotton gowns were put
+to one side, and as the voice in the courtyard
+still pleaded for Hwochow, even the earrings were
+taken from her ears, the rings from her fingers,
+and the ornaments from her hair.</p>
+
+<p>He Who is worthy to receive accepted the
+offering, and her heart sang a song of thanksgiving
+as she murmured to herself, "Hwochow shall have
+the Gospel."</p>
+
+<p>Morning prayers at Middle Eden was an hour
+of joyful worship, and on this day Mrs. Hsi's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+heart was so full of happiness that she could scarcely
+wait until the full congregation had assembled
+before she, laden with her bundles, entered the
+room and placed them on the table, saying, "I
+think God has answered our prayers; I can do
+without these, let Hwochow have the Gospel."</p>
+
+<p>Every heart present must have been moved,
+for all could judge accurately what the sacrifice
+must be. She had offered her only worldly
+treasures, articles which her husband could not
+ask her to sacrifice, ready as he was to use in
+God's service all that pertained to their home.</p>
+
+<p>Surely the angels joined their song to that of
+the little Christian community that morning, as
+the words of their own pastor's hymn ascended
+with the sacrifice of praise:</p>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"I hung for thee on Calvary, what dost thou still withhold from Me?<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Thy strength, thy time, thy goods?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Oh say, what dost thou yet deny, My heart of love to satisfy?"</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE BIG ROAD</h2>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"Allons! whoever you are, come travel with me!<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Travelling with me you find what never tires.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Whoever you are, come forth! a man or a woman, come forth!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">You must not stay sleeping or dallying there in the house,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">though you built it, or though it has been built for you."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Walt Whitman.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Master said: With coarse rice to eat, with water
+to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;&mdash;I have still
+joy in the midst of these things."&mdash;<i>Confucian Analects.</i></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BIG ROAD</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Indicating the Situation of Hwochow in The
+Province of Shansi</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE city of Hwochow is situated on the main
+road which connects Taiy&uuml;anfu with Sianfu,
+the direct route from Peking to the northwestern
+provinces. Along this road pass strings
+of camels, laden with the merchandise of Mongolia;
+thousands of donkeys, carrying bags of flour from
+the more luxuriant southern plains; cartloads of
+tobacco and paper from the large cities in the
+south of the province, and caravans of travellers;
+whole families packed into large carts moving to
+some new home; mat-covered litters swung
+between two mules and heavily curtained, in
+which the wives of an official are transported to
+their new abode; pedestrians, clad in sky-blue
+cotton, "yamen runners" yelling as they ride at
+furious speed to clear the way before them, and
+bearers of burdens combine to form a moving
+picture of interest and beauty upon the <i>Big
+Road</i>, as it is called.</div>
+
+<p>Not least interesting among the wayfarers
+are the Lhamas from distant Thibet nearing the
+end of their long pilgrimage to the famous holy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+mountain Wutai, where each one hopes to be
+granted the vision of the famous opening lotus.
+For many months, stretching into years, this hope
+has sustained them through the weary pilgrimage.
+From the threshold of their Lhama home they
+have walked every step of the thousand and
+more miles, some at every tenth, some at every
+fifth step, touching the ground with their forehead,
+and some measuring the whole length of the way
+with their outstretched body on the road.</p>
+
+<p>As the traveller enters Hwochow from the
+north, he crosses a bridge, passing on his right
+a large metal cow. Beyond, flows the Fen River,
+and before him is the city gate. To this brazen
+image is committed the important function of
+guarding Hwochow from flood, and so successfully
+does it accomplish its task that dryness and
+drought are the normal condition of the countryside!</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the east he faces the magnificent
+range of the Ho Mountains, in winter covered
+with snow, and in warmer seasons touched with
+the beauty of ever-changing colour. These
+mountains are part of the range which, farther
+north, is traversed by the famous Lingshih Pass.</p>
+
+<p>Excepting in the early summer months when
+patches of vivid green indicate the fields of growing
+wheat, the landscape is of a uniform shade
+which is best described as <i>khaki</i>. Owing to the
+friable nature of the soil formation known as
+<i>loess</i>, the traveller, whether journeying from
+north or south, finds himself in a succession of
+deep gullies.</p>
+
+<p>This wheat-growing land was formerly given<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+over to the cultivation of the opium poppy, and
+for miles over the plain the wonderful iridescent
+bloom gave the appearance of a sea of changing
+light and shade as the wind passed over it.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1908 a proclamation was issued
+forbidding the growth of opium under penalty
+of death, and so vigorously has the law been
+enforced that the poppy has completely disappeared
+from view, and no man is bold enough
+to openly grow that which has been forbidden by
+the authorities.</p>
+
+<p>For ten months in the year brilliant sunshine
+can be counted upon, and during that time,
+except for dust combined with heat or cold, the
+physical condition of a journey may be comparatively
+easy. Ease of mind, however, can
+only be attained by the philosopher who, putting
+away all thought of unseemly haste, shares the
+Easterner's pleasures of observation, contemplation,
+and wayside intercourse.</p>
+
+<p>The journey from Taiy&uuml;anfu to Hwochow is
+accomplished in five stages, and nothing will
+induce the carter to shorten or change them,
+though hours may have been wasted in some
+narrow gully where, spite his warning yells, his
+cart met another at a point where advance or
+retreat on either side were alike impossible.
+After fierce recriminations the two men each
+produce a pipe, and it is good practice for the
+impatient Westerner to see them sit on their
+heels and talk the matter over. Time passes,
+but the carter is untrammelled by any artificial
+measure thereof, and after endless discussion,
+amid comforting whiffs of tobacco, he proceeds<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+to think of a plan whereby the deadlock may be
+overcome. How they manage to extricate themselves,
+one never knows! Some of the bank
+comes down, yells and shouts do their part, and
+at last the traffic, which may now amount to
+fifty waiting carts, slowly passes by. It is an
+everyday occurrence, and you ask, "Why do
+they not widen the road?" "Nobody's business,"
+is the reply. "Who would spend the
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, the rainy season that reveals
+to the full the horrors of Chinese travelling.
+The <i>loess</i> is slippery beyond description, and
+the litter or cart in which you travel may be
+stuck for hours in a pit of greasy mud, black by
+reason of the coal dust so plentiful throughout
+the district, so deep that nothing but the mule's
+head is visible, the plunging body being hidden
+in the black mass. Your only hope at such a
+moment is to throw yourself with the grace of
+an expert gymnast on to the bank, thankful if
+you escape unhurt and only bespattered by mud.
+These pits are carefully kept in condition by a
+small group of men who appear, as by magic, to
+offer assistance at the suitable moment. No
+plight, however, excites their pity sufficiently to
+induce them to render help apart from a pecuniary
+reward of an exorbitant nature. Once within
+the city gates there is hope that you will soon
+find a shelter. You will have accomplished
+"the stage" which has been allotted from time
+immemorial. Marco Polo himself followed these
+stages in the year 1280 as we do to-day in the
+twentieth century.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The main road runs through the city of Hwochow
+from north to south, and many inns invite the
+traveller to rest, the red scrolls at the door assuring
+him that "From the four seas men all gather to
+this great hotel," and that the fame of its food
+is far-reaching.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing this road from east to west is another
+important street where the official residence is
+situated. Here, most of the large shops are to
+be found and in the centre of the city is a fine
+tower, but all the smaller streets are alike, running
+between blank walls, from which access to as
+many as twelve courtyards may be through one
+small door. Numerous pigs walk unhindered up
+and down, acting as scavengers, and as such are
+not unneeded, for every one throws the refuse of
+the household out of the court door, caring nothing
+for the convenience of the public.</p>
+
+<p>Parallel with the Yamen street is another
+important thoroughfare known as Prospect Hill.
+Here stands the largest and most important
+temple in the city, and almost next door to
+this, with the money given by his wife, Mr. Hsi
+secured small premises and announced that he was
+opening an opium refuge, and was willing to
+receive patients. Particulars as to rules and
+expenses were widely published, and in this place
+the first results of the love and self-sacrifice of
+Mrs. Hsi were seen.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+<h2>A NEW VENTURE</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Love has a hem to its garment<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">That touches the very dust:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It can reach the stains of the streets and the lanes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And because it can it must.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It dares not rest on the mountain;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It is bound to come to the vale;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For it cannot find its fulness of mind</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Till it kindles the lives that fail."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">George Matheson.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The world had begun to stare, she half apprehended
+the fact, but she was in the presence of the irresistible.
+In the presence of the irresistible the conventional is a
+crazy structure, swept away with very little creaking of its
+timbers on the flood."&mdash;<span class="smcap">George Meredith.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>A NEW VENTURE</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">In which is recorded the Appointment of
+the First Missionaries to Hwochow</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE first endeavour to bring the people of
+Hwochow within sound of the Gospel
+proved in every way encouraging. Numbers of
+men entered the Opium Refuge, and before long a
+nucleus of twenty were calling themselves Christians.
+The effort was, however, sterile so far as women
+were concerned, and Pastor Hsi knew the impossibility
+of establishing upon a solid basis a
+work which left untouched those who so largely
+controlled the home.</div>
+
+<p>The power wielded by the woman in China is
+immense, for while she may be despised and, in
+her young days, even ill-treated, her day of power
+surely dawns, and woe betide the man who has
+to combat the determined will of mother or wife.</p>
+
+<p>The question of providing women workers for
+Hwochow became a pressing one, and a visit from
+the Rev. Hudson Taylor was the occasion chosen
+by Pastor Hsi to bring before him the urgency
+of this claim<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>. His suggestion was that single<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+women missionaries should be appointed who
+could give their time unreservedly to the teaching
+of women, and preaching. Mr. Taylor pointed
+out the difficulties and the misunderstanding
+which would make their lot far from easy, but
+these difficulties, Pastor and Mrs. Hsi felt, might
+be overcome, and willingly promised to give all
+the help which lay within their power. In any
+case, the claim of the women constituted a call
+to make a forward movement, and Mr. Taylor
+promised to give the matter serious consideration.
+By the end of that year, 1886, two Norwegian
+ladies had offered for the post.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Jacobsen, an idealist, strong, capable, and
+critical, gave herself whole-heartedly to the work
+for which she had come. Enthusiastic and independent
+in thought and action, she soon acquired
+the spoken language to a remarkable degree, and
+with a praiseworthy tenacity she studied the
+classical works of the Chinese, and at the same
+time could vie with most of the women in all
+branches of their domestic activities. Her extraordinary
+ability is a byword to this day amongst
+the people who knew her.</p>
+
+<p>She was accompanied by Miss Reuter, a lady of
+education and refinement, whose grace of manner
+and goodness of heart speedily endeared her to all
+with whom she came in contact. Varied as were
+the gifts and circumstances of the friends, they
+were one in desire and purpose. Their home was
+one small room, and here they dwelt and received
+all who came to them. They wore the Chinese
+dress, ate the Chinese food, and whether in their
+own home or in the villages where they preached,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+ever kept before them the one object of the
+salvation of souls.</p>
+
+<p>As pioneer workers, enthusiasm sometimes
+overstepped discretion, and the violation of
+Chinese custom in such matters as the public
+playing of stringed instruments and open-air
+preaching to mixed congregations, led to misunderstanding,
+and even to the gathering around
+them of some whose presence was far from helpful.</p>
+
+<p>Desire on the part of Miss Jacobsen to encourage
+in every way possible those who were already
+faced with persecution as they left idolatry, led
+to the preparation, each Sunday, of a simple
+meal which might be shared with any who walked
+long distances to attend services in the City
+Church, and who arrived weary and tired. Others,
+however, apart from the Christian family heard
+of this, and if matters of business brought them
+to the city, Sunday was considered an appropriate
+day to transact them, as thereby dinner might
+be obtained free. This naturally led to criticism
+on the part of the heathen, and many of the
+more independent and self-respecting people refrained
+from intercourse with a community of
+whom it could be said: "They believe for their
+food's sake." Acting upon the advice of Pastor
+Hsi, this practice was discontinued, the missionaries
+themselves willingly taking no food from morning
+until evening, that all might fare alike. It could
+but be evident to all concerned that the mistakes
+were those of love and enthusiasm, and such
+qualities do much to counteract any harm that
+might arise from unwise methods of expression.
+In every land, the world might well see more of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+the love that defies criticism, and forgets its own
+interests in whole-hearted devotion.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Reuter felt the importance of at once
+reaching the children, and opened a small school
+for the daughters of Christians. Three little
+girls were committed to her care, and these she
+faithfully taught, not despising the day of small
+things.</p>
+
+<p>She, with Miss Jacobsen, travelled from village
+to village with the evangelist Cheng Hsiu-chi,
+and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Cheng
+was a native of Hwochow, and had, at Pastor Hsi's
+request, made ready the house for the missionaries
+when they came. As a young man he had wandered
+far in the paths of sin, and his mother, eager for
+his reformation, had spent no mean sum of money
+upon incense with which to seek the favour of
+the gods on his behalf. Seeing her devotion, his
+heart was touched, and he considered seeking
+refuge in a Buddhist monastery from the "fire
+of passion, hatred, and ignorance always burning
+in his heart." With this in view, he took counsel
+of a friend who had harboured similar ideals.
+This man had lately been a patient in the Refuge,
+where he had learnt of a stronger power to break
+the bonds of sin than fasting, penance, and self-discipline.
+With him Mr. Cheng attended a
+meeting of Christians where, meeting with Christ,
+he became a disciple. He returned home to face
+bitter persecution for refusing to pay the temple
+taxes; it was understood that no robbery of his
+crops, or ill-treatment of his person, would be
+punished by the village elders. He had finally
+no option but to leave his home and seek refuge<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+elsewhere, rejoicing that he was counted worthy
+to suffer "for the Name's sake."</p>
+
+<p>He then helped Pastor Hsi in the Hwochow
+Refuge, and later took charge of the same work
+in new and hitherto untouched districts, returning
+from time to time to his own city.</p>
+
+<p>A strong admiration for Miss Jacobsen and her
+whole-hearted devotion awoke a consciousness that
+this feeling was not entirely on his side, and
+gradually, but surely, the difference of race and
+outlook was obliterated in the love which revealed
+to each the other's secret.</p>
+
+<p>Those to whom Miss Jacobsen in honour bound
+confided her purpose, did all in their power to
+prevent what it seemed might prove to be a
+catastrophe to the work. She was asked to leave
+Hwochow, and was sent to another province. Some
+years passed, but nothing could change the determination
+which saw in this union a possible
+wider sphere of usefulness and understanding of
+the people she had come to love; moreover, the
+mysterious something which caused her to know
+that "one man loved the pilgrim soul" in her,
+could not be ignored. To her trusted friend
+Pastor Hsi, however, she did turn for advice, and
+while many fellow-workers found it hard to express
+their indignation and regret, he, with a clearness
+of outlook only possible where there is absence
+of prejudice, told her that while he could not
+regard it as a sin for a Christian man and woman
+of different races to marry, he felt convinced that
+the time had not come for such unions to be
+desirable.</p>
+
+<p>As is usual in such cases where inclination<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+runs contrary to the advice given, the latter was
+ignored, and in the year 1898 Cheng Hsiu-chi and
+Anna Jacobsen became man and wife. Painful
+as must have been the attitude of Westerners to
+Mrs. Cheng, a greater trial awaited her when she
+came to realise that the Chinese, both Christian
+and heathen, regarded her action with disapproval,
+and adopted so unappreciative an attitude both
+towards her husband and herself, that she found
+only critical antagonism where she had looked
+for sympathetic understanding. Mr. Cheng proved
+himself worthy in all ways of the confidence she
+had placed in him, and by self-sacrificing toil
+he, both before and after his wife's death, faithfully
+served the Lord to Whom he had yielded his
+life. In the year 1915 he too passed to his reward.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Reuter had some time previously married
+Mr. Stanley Smith; young workers who had
+joined Miss Jacobsen for short periods had been
+moved to other places, and when fresh appointments
+were made it was a time of great difficulty.
+It was not easy to replace those whose absolute
+devotion had won the love of the people amongst
+whom they lived; and while Miss Jacobsen's
+action necessitated her withdrawal from the staff
+of the China Inland Mission, and made further
+residence in Hwochow impossible for her, they could
+not forget that she was the first missionary who
+had come to them, and that they were losing
+with her the man who had been a help to so many
+of them in their early Christian life.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Death is short, and life is long;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Satan is strong, and Christ more strong.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">At His Word, Who hath led us hither,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">The Red Sea must part hither and thither.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">At His Word Who goes before us too,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Jordan must cleave to let us through."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">C. Rossetti.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"On the other side of the River was also a meadow,
+curiously beautified with lilies, and it was green all the year
+round."&mdash;<i>Pilgrim's Progress.</i></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being a Record of some who were counted
+worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, and
+of Mrs. Hsi's Experiences in the Boxer
+Outbreak</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>CHANGES in the staff at Taiy&uuml;anfu
+released for the oversight of mission
+work in Hwochow, Jane Stevens and Mildred
+Clarke.</div>
+
+<p>They might well shrink from the task facing
+them. Work in the provincial capital had been
+of so totally different an order, and life in a large
+community of foreigners had limited their sphere
+to the oversight of a small school for girls, and
+the instruction of women inquirers.</p>
+
+<p>None had felt more strongly the seriousness of
+the step taken by Miss Jacobsen, and they came
+to Hwochow with the determination that all should
+early understand the impossibility of intercourse
+outside the most rigid observance of etiquette,
+Chinese and Western. Feeling strongly that such
+an attitude on their part would be the most
+helpful factor in the gathering around them of
+better-class women, they faithfully carried it into
+practice. Men who were connected with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+Church were received by them only under the
+most formal restrictions. Finding it impossible
+to eat Chinese food, a simple, but foreign <i>m&eacute;nage</i>,
+took the place of the hitherto free-and-easy conditions.</p>
+
+<p>It was a severe test for Chinese and foreigners
+alike; desire for renewal of the former conditions
+of intimacy met with no encouragement from
+those who could not but constantly bear the past
+in mind, and who felt that, for the highest interests
+of the work, a new relationship must be established.
+This attitude was naturally regarded as aloofness,
+and was galling to those whose love had
+been set on the young missionaries fresh from
+Norway, with all the enthusiasm of youth, to
+whom they themselves had taught the language
+and who belonged to them as others could not.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Clarke gave her time to the Girls' School,
+the pupils of which now numbered nearly twenty,
+and those who followed her have reaped where
+she sowed. Often sad and weary she plodded
+on, but God in His time gave the increase. Miss
+Stevens, to the limit of her strength, and often
+beyond it, faithfully worked in the city and
+villages, suffering much which to her was intense
+hardship, and feeling keenly the isolation and
+lack of confidence amongst the people who misunderstood
+the course of action deliberately
+adopted. Thus, while bringing heartache to
+themselves, these missionaries were enabled to
+make easy the way to all who followed them.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1900 dawned. In the month of June
+the ladies closed school and gladly accepted an
+invitation from friends in their old station to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+visit them. To Taiy&uuml;anfu they went, and after
+many anxious days spent with the missionaries
+gathered there they, in obedience to the Governor's
+command, helpless to disobey, even though they
+suspected his treacherous promises of protection,
+moved to a house near his <i>Yamen</i>.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Arrived at the house chosen for them, they
+made themselves as comfortable as possible for
+the night; and the next morning (Sunday,
+July 8) were able to examine their surroundings.
+They found that for their whole number (twenty-six,
+including children) there were only two
+comparatively small courts, the two inner courts
+being already occupied by the Roman Catholics.... When
+the fateful day (Monday, July 9)
+dawned, the foreigners evidently had no inkling
+as to what was to happen. Just before noon
+the sub-prefect called and took a list of all who
+were in the house, both foreigners and Chinese,
+saying it was by order of the Governor....
+As was ascertained just a year later, when other
+Protestant missionaries returned to the province,
+the Governor had determined that on that day
+he would kill all the foreigners in Taiy&uuml;anfu.
+He evidently only took a few of the officials into
+his confidence, and one at least&mdash;the <i>Tao Tai</i>&mdash;strenuously
+opposed the course he was about
+to pursue, but unfortunately without result.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been about two o'clock in the
+afternoon when he ordered a number of officers,
+with their soldiers, to accompany him, and
+mounting his own horse, led the way. He made
+as though he would go out of the city by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+North Gate, but before reaching that point, he
+suddenly wheeled round and went to the house
+where the missionaries were confined. He there
+ordered their immediate arrest, and they appear
+to have made no resistance&mdash;as, indeed, it would
+have been useless. All who were found within
+the compound (Protestants and Roman Catholics)
+were seized; and it so happened there were
+several Chinese there on business.... No excuse
+was listened to, and all were marched off to the
+Governor's <i>Yamen</i> between files of soldiers, where
+they were taken into the courtyard adjoining the
+street and surrounded by soldiers&mdash;not Boxers.</p>
+
+<p>"As to what really occurred, the whole truth
+will probably never be known, but from inquiries
+made on the spot, it seems certain that the
+Governor did not assault any with his own hand;
+but, having asked the missionaries where they
+came from, and being answered, 'From England,'
+and 'From France,' just gave the order, 'Sha'
+(kill) to the soldiers, who answered with a shout
+and immediately fell upon their defenceless
+victims, killing them indiscriminately."<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Church in Hwochow, Chaocheng, and Fensi
+had a marvellous escape. The Boxers, practising
+their mystic rites, overran the district. Whole
+families fled to the mountains, and no one was
+safe from robbery and violence. The mandarin
+of Chaocheng, fearful lest massacres should take
+place in the county under his jurisdiction and
+desiring at any cost to keep the peace, called
+together some of the leading gentry and asked
+for advice as to the problem facing them. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+know," said he, "that calling upon the Christians
+to recant will be useless, but can we not issue
+tickets to them upon which are the very words
+they use in entering the Church, 'I promise to
+repent?' There should be no difficulty in getting
+them to take these, for it will mean to them
+what they themselves preach, while to the anti-Christian
+fanatic it will be sufficiently satisfactory."</p>
+
+<p>Orders were accordingly issued that all Christians
+were to receive this official paper whereby their
+safety would be ensured. Large numbers in the
+Church regarded the mandarin's action as the
+overruling of Providence on their behalf, and
+accepted tickets which involved no verbal recantation
+of their faith. Others, amongst whom was
+Mrs. Hsi (now a widow), with more sensitive
+spiritual perceptions, refused to take advantage
+of even the semblance of a subterfuge.</p>
+
+<p>The Chaocheng mandarin, surrounded by his
+bodyguard, went outside the city gates to the
+place where the Boxers were practising their
+rites with the intention of burning incense in
+their presence, by which act he would acknowledge
+them as invulnerable and holy men. At the
+critical moment, however, one of them was said
+to have made a move as if to attack the official,
+who instantly called upon his bodyguard to
+seize the men, exclaiming: "These are insurgents,
+and no holy men; bind them, they are prisoners."
+As such they entered the city, and Boxerism never
+spread in the district. Thus did the Hand of
+God protect the hundreds of men and women
+who in these three counties were called by His
+Name, and while in many places few escaped<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+the sword, the numerically largest Church in the
+province of Shansi was spared.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hsi was in Chaocheng seeking to help the
+women in their troubles, when news reached her
+that her brother-in-law, Elder S&iuml;, was stabbed by
+one of the local Boxers. Rumours followed
+rapidly, and she heard that her mother-in-law
+was in serious danger. She hastened to her home,
+and found matters worse than she had feared.
+There was no place in which to live, the house
+was destroyed, her clothes were stolen, and had
+it not been for the thoughtfulness of one
+missionary who, in the midst of personal danger,
+found time to buy and send to her some garments
+and bedcovering, she would have been in a sad
+plight. Her old mother could not walk, so badly
+had she been beaten by the robbers, and terrified,
+the two women crept to the fields and hid themselves.
+When night fell they returned to shelter
+and to get a little food, crawling out to their hiding-place
+before the cock crew each morning. Terror
+was upon the whole populace. The official had
+not been successful here, as in Chaocheng, in
+dealing with the movement, and the party of missionaries
+who had for some time been gathered
+in Pingyangfu were openly attacked and robbed
+by Boxer bands as they left the city under official
+escort.</p>
+
+<p>In loneliness and peril Mrs. Hsi and her aged
+mother cried to God, as the anxious, weary days
+passed by. The missionaries were gone, very
+many killed, others in hiding, and some, after perils
+and sufferings unspeakable, had reached Hankow.
+After some months came the additional sorrow of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+the death of her brother-in-law, Elder S&iuml;, who had
+managed for her all matters in which she required
+help.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the storm blew over, but those who
+passed through that period can never forget it.
+For Christ's sake they had suffered, and they
+could not again be as before. The Church in
+Shansi "had a new and powerful weapon" in
+her hands, "the power of her sufferings."</p>
+
+<p>A few months later, as soon as passports were
+available, the missionaries were back at their
+posts. There was much to tell and to hear, as
+old friends met and were able to recount all the
+wonderful deliverances of the past year. But
+how many vacant places there were! How could
+they be filled? Ripe experience and Christlike
+sympathy were needed to deal with the new
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>Some had, under pressure, in a weak moment,
+recanted; others had resisted this temptation,
+but fallen over the more subtle question of indemnity
+for property destroyed. The situation,
+moreover, was changed; foreigner and Christian
+alike were now in the ascendancy. Compensation
+for life and property was granted, and though
+the members of the China Inland Mission declined
+to accept this, their action was made the occasion
+of a laudatory proclamation which called upon
+the people to note and imitate such an exemplification
+of self-forgetting goodness.</p>
+
+<p>In the providence of God the lives of a few
+missionaries had been spared to return, and with
+the benefit of their experience, to help new
+workers to an understanding of a situation which,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+mishandled, would inevitably lead to disastrous
+consequences.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could give Mrs. Hsi greater pleasure
+than to hear from her friend, Miss French, that
+Hwochow was to be her future centre. I, as a new
+worker, was to accompany her, and together we
+reached the city which was to be henceforth our
+home.</p>
+
+<p>The reception given by the very few Christians
+who gathered to meet us, was both cordial and
+critical. Miss French was welcome as being one
+whose reputation had long ago reached them,
+who had already paid several visits to the station,
+and whose Chinese, they soon remarked, was "as
+good as Miss Jacobsen's!" Of me they knew
+nothing, and I had to meet the gaze of many eyes
+and listen to the remark, before I opened my
+month to speak, that it was impossible to understand
+my words. I had only one asset, and that
+was the fact that this being my first station I
+should belong to them, and when the day dawned
+that would release my stammering tongue, the
+honour of having taught and trained me would
+be theirs!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+<h2>LIFE IN THE VILLAGES</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Great things are done when men and mountains meet;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">These are not done by jostling in the street."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">William Blake.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Arrived there, the little house they fill,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">No look for entertainment where none was;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">The noblest mind the best contentment has."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">William Spenser.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>LIFE IN THE VILLAGES</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">An Introduction to Chinese Home Life</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE house at Hwochow, which we were to
+inhabit, was still in the hands of workmen.
+We therefore decided to delay the unpacking
+of our boxes, and to spend several months
+in visiting the homes of the Christians throughout
+the four counties for which we were then responsible.
+Our travelling paraphernalia was simple,
+luggage being limited to the amount that a small
+donkey could carry in addition to a rider. Clothes
+and books were tied up in large square handkerchiefs
+and distributed as evenly as possible, along
+with a folded, wadded quilt in a long bed-bag
+which, thrown over the donkey's saddle, reached
+nearly to the ground on either side. On the
+early morning of the day decided on for our
+departure, two donkeys thus laden stood at our
+gate. On to one of them I was hoisted, and took
+my first lesson in how to sit happily, perched
+high on the voluminous luggage with neither
+reins for my hands nor stirrups for my feet, for
+sometimes as long as twelve hours' travelling
+with but a short break for food and rest at midday.
+From village to village we wandered, received<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+everywhere with cordial hospitality, pressed to
+extend our visit, and followed on our departure
+by the reiterated cry: "Come again, come again,
+come again soon!"</div>
+
+<p>All was fresh and delightful to me and brimful
+of interest, from the hour when I rode through
+the city gate, passed the great tanks of lotus bloom
+to the edge of the swift, shallow river, where my
+servant stripped off his shoes and socks to lead
+my donkey knee-deep over the ford.</p>
+
+<p>By narrow roads we travelled where the tall
+grain stood like a wall on either side, ripening in
+the fierce sunshine which bathed the landscape
+in a dazzling glare. Through occasional villages
+we rode, where the women called to each other
+to hurry and see the strange sight, and groups
+of naked and semi-naked children commented
+freely on the appearance of the "foreign devils."</p>
+
+<p>A few miles farther and the first stage was
+reached&mdash;a deep courtyard backing the hillside,
+from which had been hollowed a row of caves
+according to the economical method of the country.
+Scarcely any bricks are required for such building,
+and the deep, lofty, arched room affords the
+warmest shelter in our bitter Shansi winter cold,
+as it does the coolest refuge from the burning
+summer heat.</p>
+
+<p>"Come again, come again soon," and we were
+off again, refreshed by a delicious, beautifully
+cooked meal, and our hearts warmed by the evident
+pleasure which our visit had given and the cordial
+hospitality which had sought to let us know how
+welcome we were. And now we left the fertile
+plain and well-watered land which lay all along<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+the river-bed to climb steep, stony roads, and
+follow narrow footpaths, where the difficulty of
+its broad load made my donkey step gingerly as
+near to the chasm's edge as she could secure a
+foothold, and I dug my knees into the soft bed-bag
+and longed for something on which I could get
+a grip. How pleasant and easy such journeying
+became before the end of that autumn's wandering,
+and how familiar the life of the village homes.
+Almost day by day the confused sounds took
+form to my unaccustomed ears, and I was soon
+able to differentiate quite clearly between the
+two inevitable questions, "How old are you?"
+and "How many brothers and sisters have you?"
+I ceased to cover myself with confusion, by answering
+that my brothers and sisters numbered twenty-three,
+and that my age was six&mdash;though now that
+the days of helpless shame are passed, I would not
+<i>not</i> have made these mistakes, so keen is the enjoyment
+still felt when some one repeats the old joke,
+and all laugh merrily at the recollection.</p>
+
+<p>Happy, irresponsible days, in which I learned to
+know and love the Chinese. I saw them now to
+best advantage, simple, patriarchal, industrious
+and thrifty, extraordinarily resourceful, and independent
+of all that their own fields and farm
+do not supply. I saw the women's activities,
+and how they picked the cotton in the fields, spun
+and carded it, then wove it into strong cloth on
+the loom made for them by their own husbands;
+how they dyed the cloth with indigo of their own
+growing, and finally converted it into the garments,
+and even the shoes and socks, worn by the whole
+family. I saw how those same garments were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+wadded with a layer of cotton-wool as the cold
+season approached, and behold, the whole family
+was made proof against the severe onslaughts of
+the keenest frosts and bitterest winds. I saw
+how a measure of wheaten or maize flour, a vessel
+of water, and a few vegetables dug from the field
+were daily converted into the three meals on which
+young and old alike thrived, the men showing a
+muscular development and endurance and an
+agility unequalled by anything I had met in other
+countries. I learned to recognise their simple,
+unexpressed joys, and to realise the deep tragedies
+which lay beneath the surface of their laborious
+lives.</p>
+
+<p>I was in the midst of the province which&mdash;in
+the very year when I was born&mdash;had been swept
+by the horrors of a famine and pestilence which
+left whole villages with no other survivor than
+perhaps two or three wailing children, feeding on
+garbage torn from the grasp of the dead hand.</p>
+
+<p>My servant remembered the time well. His
+whole family had been wiped out, and he had
+escaped as by a miracle. "In those days, dogs
+ate dogs and men ate men," was the refrain of
+his tale, only too literally and absolutely true,
+for no man dared to venture on the lonely path
+leading from one village to another, knowing that
+the likelihood was that murderers lay in wait,
+and that a few picked bones alone would tell the
+tale even if, satiated with horrors to the point
+of indifference, any one cared to inquire of it.</p>
+
+<p>When I expressed surprise at the many rows
+of caves allowed to fall into utter ruin, and the
+traces of whole villages now returned to waste<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+land: "Famine year," he would briefly answer,
+"dogs ate dogs and men ate men."</p>
+
+<p>I learned, too, why it was that no merry groups
+of children wandered away from the village, even
+now when no evil-doers lay in wait, upon some
+game or exploring adventure. I first discovered
+the reason of this through meeting a woman
+whose face was scarred and mutilated so as to bear
+small likeness to the human, and on inquiry I was
+informed that, as a little girl, she had strayed
+away from home and been attacked by a wolf;
+men had rushed to her rescue, but her face, which
+is generally the part first attacked, was torn
+beyond recognition. I then learned what a
+common thing it is for wild beasts, wolves or
+leopards, to come down from the hills, and steal
+children even as they play around the courtyard
+grinding-stone. I could not be surprised at the
+intense anxiety of a woman whose son was half
+an hour late returning from an errand, when I
+heard that her eldest child had strayed off one
+day, and never been seen again. I was told of yet
+another woman who, nursing her baby in the
+cave, saw a leopard spring on her eldest child
+in the courtyard. Frantic, she left the baby to
+raise the alarm, and when she returned bearing
+the little mangled body in her arms, she found
+that the wild beast's mate had noted her absence
+and carried the baby off to its lair.</p>
+
+<p>I also heard, and found myself compelled to
+believe, things which I should have dismissed with
+an incredulous smile some few months earlier.</p>
+
+<p>It was now that I found myself brought face
+to face with the strange phenomenon of demon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+possession. There is so much to be said on this
+interesting topic, that it will require a chapter
+under its own heading to note even a portion of
+what has come under my personal notice. For
+the first time I heard, often in the midnight stillness,
+the high-pitched voice, intoning the magic
+incantations whereby some young woman yielded
+herself to be the medium of communication between
+the spirit and the material, the wild chant
+sometimes dying away in the distance, as she
+led a group of inquirers over wild mountain paths
+in obedience to the directions of her control.</p>
+
+<p>A few weeks were spent in the home of an elder
+of the Church, Giang by name, as from this centre
+it was easy to make daily itinerations in the
+neighbourhood. What a welcome we received
+there! The deep cave set apart for our use was
+decorated with flowers, everything was clean and
+comfortable, and we were made to feel "at home."
+Being guests in the house, our meals were always
+served separately, but we liked to take our bowls
+into the courtyard and enjoy the family life.
+We were able to consult with our host concerning
+many whom we had visited during the day, and
+discuss our plans for the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>As the daylight faded we joined in prayer and
+praise, and listened to much that was of interest
+to us as the Elder told of early years spent in
+dissipation, opium smoking, and gambling; of
+his conversion through Pastor Hsi, and of first
+efforts to preach the Gospel. Meanwhile, the
+shepherd folded his sheep, carefully counting them
+lest one should be missing, and the women prepared
+the millstones for grinding on the morrow.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+I saw much illustrated that had been familiar
+to me from childhood in the Gospel stories, even
+to the midnight cry announcing the arrival of
+the bridal party to a neighbour's house. A little
+oil was added to our long-extinguished lamp, as,
+being first to hear the clanging of the cymbals,
+we hastened to the bridegroom's home to help
+arouse the drowsy guests.</p>
+
+<p>We returned in due course to Hwochow, urged
+by our kind hostess to come again at any time.
+Such homes are resting-places to those who have
+left home for the Kingdom of God's sake, and are
+part of the literal fulfilment of the promise: "An
+hundredfold now in this time."</p>
+
+<p>Nowhere are we more sure of a welcome than in
+some of these Chinese courts, and for the Church
+of Christ in the home of Elder Giang, I for one
+shall ever be thankful.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+<h2>OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Master said: At first, my way with men was to
+hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct.
+Now, my way is to hear their words, and look at their
+conduct."&mdash;<i>Confucian Analects.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Master said: A man should say, I am not concerned
+that I have no place, I am concerned how I may
+fit myself for one. I am not concerned that I am not known,
+I seek to be worthy to be known."&mdash;<i>Confucian Analects.</i></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Showing Things as they sometimes are</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IN spite of the valuable help given by study-circles,
+training-colleges, and other means by
+which the candidate for the mission field is equipped
+for his work, I question if many are fully prepared,
+when they arrive at the station to which they
+have been appointed, to find themselves studied,
+summed up, and criticised by the people to whom
+they have come in the capacity of teachers, and
+from whom they unconsciously expected some
+measure of deference.</div>
+
+<p>The Westerner, as such, has no prestige in the
+eyes of the Chinese, and though his wealth, education,
+and business capacity may command more
+or less respect, the deep-rooted feeling is a sense
+of the intrinsic superiority of the Middle Kingdom
+and its sons to the barbaric subjects of a vague
+territory known as the "Kingdom without"&mdash;that
+is, without the pale of the ancient civilisation.
+By grace, the Christian will welcome you
+as a fellow-subject of the Kingdom of God, but
+on this ground only, and on no preconceived
+assumption of your superiority, will you be
+accepted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The fact that you have come several thousands
+of miles in order to preach the Gospel, is not sufficient
+to place you unquestionably on a pedestal.
+By temperament you are either impetuous or
+slow, easy-going or exacting, courteous or brusque,
+and you will prove to be by nature more or less
+reasonable or unreasonable when the Chinaman
+seeks to make you understand <i>li</i>, an untranslatable
+word, which embodies the idea of the
+complete range of all that it is suitable that you
+should be and do, on every occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Failure to readjust your mind to such conditions
+during the first years of your missionary life may
+prove an eventual fatal barrier to mutual sympathetic
+understanding, and the establishment of
+that barrier has been one of the difficulties which
+has not been much spoken of by those with whom
+you have conversed, though they have doubtless
+been keenly conscious of it themselves.</p>
+
+<p>We returned to Hwochow. The house was ready
+for us, and so were the Church members. "New
+people," said some, "we are unaccustomed to
+each other; they do not understand our circumstances,
+and we do not know them."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did they spend months in another district
+instead of coming at once to make themselves
+acquainted with us, our affairs, and our homes?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a case of clear neglect," said another.
+"I have been a Church member for fifteen years,
+and all the notice they have taken of me is to spend
+one paltry day in my home, whereas they were
+three whole days in the village of Peace and Harmony,
+where there are only heathen and not a
+Christian to receive them." "I," complained<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+another, "have been unable to attend Church
+service for two weeks, and neither of them has
+been near, as yet, to inquire the cause of my
+absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," chimed in an old gentleman, who by
+reason of his seniority in the Church carried a good
+deal of weight, "had our beloved teacher of former
+days been here, our homes would have been visited,
+and I will take the first opportunity of telling
+them my mind on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>The close of the following Sunday morning
+service found us sad enough. The congregation
+numbered thirty, and while some were loyally
+ready to help, there was a section of malcontents
+who since the early days had been a source of
+difficulty to Pastor Hsi and his friends, and from
+whom, in the light of past knowledge, Miss French
+knew that trouble would come.</p>
+
+<p>The first indication of the brewing storm was
+the entrance to our guest-room of an aged Church
+member who, by reason of his rank as military
+mandarin, was one of the glories of the Hwochow
+Church. Vigorous and stalwart, his seventy years
+sat lightly on him, his bearing and the play of
+his facial muscles affording proof of the brilliancy
+with which he had passed the necessary examinations
+for the obtaining of his degree. Unlike the
+civil mandarin, whose examinations require such
+arduous study of classical writings, the military
+honour was conferred as a reward for physical
+prowess. The competitor was required to exhibit
+great skill in archery, shooting at the target from
+the back of a galloping horse, and to lift stones of
+immense weight; meanwhile throwing the body<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+into such postures as, coupled with a terrifying
+expression of the countenance and accompanied
+by blood-curdling yells, would strike such terror
+into the heart of the opponent that he would flee
+without striking a blow.</p>
+
+<p>After such training he had little to fear, and
+felt, no doubt, that a few moments' interview
+would be sufficient to reduce two young women
+to reason, and place matters on a more satisfactory
+basis.</p>
+
+<p>When the old gentleman entered, we invited
+him to the seat of honour, ourselves taking chairs
+at the lower side of the table. He asked for an
+explanation. Had he been informed correctly
+that we had been appointed to carry on the work
+in Hwochow? "Yes," we replied, "that is the
+case, and also to help the women in the counties
+of Chaocheng, Hungtung, and Fensi, until such
+time as lady workers shall be in residence there;
+moreover, our schools are to be for the women
+and girls of these counties as well as Hwochow."</p>
+
+<p>This item of information fell as a severe blow.
+Hwochow is a curious district, its natives physically
+and mentally being of a totally different type to
+all around, in all relationships with whom there
+exists mutual distrust and suspicion. It was
+odious to men and women of this exclusive type
+to hear that the foreigner, in coming, viewed the
+nurturing of a small band of discontents as of very
+secondary importance to the opportunity of spreading
+the news of the Gospel far and wide amongst
+the heathen. It was at this point of the conversation
+that the first traces of that terror-striking
+expression began to flit across his features, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+his eyebrows gathered themselves into a most
+terrifying bunch. "Are you aware that I have
+been a Christian for twelve years, and that I am
+known far and wide by Chinese and foreigners
+alike?" "I am fully aware of it," said Miss
+French, and might have added, "known and
+dreaded of all men."</p>
+
+<p>"Should not the missionaries' conduct be regulated
+in accordance with the command, 'Seek the
+lost until it be found'?" "It should," acquiesced
+Miss French. "Then are you aware that during
+the past three months we have been as sheep without
+a shepherd, left as prey to wolves, with no one
+to care for us, our homes have been unvisited, and
+members who have absented themselves from
+Church service have had no inquiries made as to
+the cause of their non-appearance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you say <i>twelve</i> years a Church member?"
+inquired Miss French. "Nearly thirteen," he
+replied. "Then no longer a babe in Christ, but
+yourself able to seek the lost, and to come to our
+assistance as we take up the responsibilities of
+our new work. We have come here," she added,
+"for the people who need us, whether Chaocheng
+or Hwochow."</p>
+
+<p>"Then go to Chaocheng and leave us alone;
+<i>our</i> missionaries must shepherd <i>our</i> Church." At
+this point wrath overcame him, and throwing
+himself into the classical position of the Chinese
+brave, "A couple of youngsters," he yelled, "untaught
+in the wisdom of Confucius." With
+these words he flung himself out of the room.
+His spirit was too much perturbed to call to mind
+the wisdom of the sage, "In archery we have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+something like the way of the superior man. When
+the archer misses the centre of the target, he turns
+round and seeks for the cause of his failure in
+himself."</p>
+
+<p>The loud clanging of a gong was shortly heard,
+and the tones of a well-known voice alternately
+carolling forth a familiar hymn with a recital of
+the wrongs needing redress.</p>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"The Gospel way is the best of all, hark! I loud proclaim the same."<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>(Loud beating of the gong.) "Call that love!
+I vow to report them at headquarters!"</p>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"Heaven's joy bestowed on earth, saves poor sinners and sets them free."<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>(Again the gong.) "Much they care for our
+souls! Let them go to Chaocheng!"</p>
+
+<p>The sounds gradually ceased, as those who were
+truly grieved that we should be thus insulted
+pacified the old gentleman, begging him to have
+a care for his aged body, and refresh it with food
+and rest.</p>
+
+<p>Miss French's mind was made up. "We shall
+soon make another tour of villages outside this
+district," she said, "and it shall be a long one.
+These old members have stood in the way long
+enough. New converts will join themselves to the
+Church; if they be welcomed, all the better, if
+not, the old ones must go; we can allow them to
+hinder no longer."</p>
+
+<p>Miss French's method was fully justified, for
+when they saw new adherents keen with the flush
+of first love and enthusiasm they, with very few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+exceptions, awakened more fully to their responsibilities.</p>
+
+<p>Time heals many wounds, and when we returned
+from England our old friend, the military mandarin,
+came in full official dress to welcome us.</p>
+
+<p>"Good to have you back," he said; "we are
+accustomed to each other, and you know how to
+manage this place!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+<h2>A PORTRAIT GALLERY</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a
+picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a
+good light."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Emerson.</span></p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He asked them to come with Him, and they came;
+and Jesus did not begin by raising questions in their minds
+as to whether they were worthy to come. It was the
+purpose of Jesus to make them worthy to stay. Now
+the Church of Christ ought to be as hospitable as Christ
+was. I do not see for what other purpose she exists.
+And the Church ought to be as confident and believing
+as Christ was, that many a one whom it may be was
+unworthy to enter has at length become worthy to remain."&mdash;Dr.
+<span class="smcap">John Hutton.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>A PORTRAIT GALLERY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Wherein the Reader is introduced to some
+of our Fellow Workers</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IN meeting the members of an infant and
+unsophisticated Church, it is delightful to
+observe the directness of their spiritual characteristics,
+unfettered by the artificiality which grows
+up with theological phraseology and the adoption
+of sectarian conventionalities.</div>
+
+<p>So strongly individualistic a band of men met us
+at Hwochow, that Christian himself on his Heavenward
+journey encountered, I think, no more varied
+a company, nor more striking, in the various
+ways in which <span class="smcap">Christ</span> had met them and called
+them to discipleship, and turned their strongly-marked
+characteristics into the way of His
+service.</p>
+
+<p>Evangelist, Fu by name, keen and even fierce
+in his determination to compel men to hear the
+truth concerning the City of Destruction and the
+burden of sin which rests upon them, would go
+from place to place with a bundle of books, preaching
+and warning sinners "to flee from the wrath
+to come." He asked no remuneration from the
+Church <i>or</i> foreigner for the time he gave, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+realising that necessity was laid upon him, he
+pointed men to the Saviour. His best work was
+done alone for he was easily offended, but, true
+and straight, he ruled his house in the fear of the
+Lord.</p>
+
+<p>His conversion was characteristic of the man.
+Having business to transact in the small city of
+Great Peace, he found that large crowds had
+gathered to listen to a man proclaiming strange
+doctrines. Every one knew why Pastor Hsi, for
+it was he, had come that day to the city. A
+family had professed their willingness to destroy
+idols, and asked him to be present on the occasion.
+When the Pastor arrived, however, the man had
+changed his mind, and fear of consequences had
+proved too much for him. Nothing could hinder
+the Pastor from preaching the Good News, and
+he made much of this opportunity. When he
+had finished speaking, Mr. Fu went to him and
+asked him what was this new doctrine, and Mr.
+Hsi told him the story of the Garden of Eden,
+and the Fall of man.</p>
+
+<p>"In Adam all have sinned, and in Christ all
+can be forgiven." It was a strange story, and
+yet as Fu listened he felt it was true, and as he
+took the long, lonely walk over the mountains to
+his home, he meditated much upon it. He had
+not as yet seen the wicket-gate, but he had seen
+the direction in which it lay, and a subconscious
+desire was in his heart to know more.</p>
+
+<p>Home affairs claimed his attention, and he had
+no time to give to the further investigation of
+new religions; and yet the seed which had been
+sown was gradually germinating, so that when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+after a few months he found himself again near
+Great Peace, in a small place where was an opium
+refuge, Mr. Fu went in to see the man who was
+in charge. Although he had never smoked opium
+himself, Mr. Fu was on this occasion in possession
+of some of the crude drug, and was on his way
+to the hills to sell it, and hoped by the transaction
+to profit considerably. The Refuge-keeper, seeing
+he was interested, asked him to share his evening
+meal, and when he found out the errand on which
+his guest was bent, he told him to sell the opium
+he had and avoid any further dealings with so
+deadly a poison. Mr. Fu was deeply touched by
+the kindness of this man. "I have no claim
+upon him, and yet he treated me as a brother,"
+was his reflection. From that day Mr. Fu never
+sold opium again.</p>
+
+<p>He started on his homeward journey, and once
+more as he walked the lonely roads he was conscious
+of the constraining presence of One who
+has so often met with men as they travel,
+walking through the fields, and inviting them
+to leave all and follow Him. Thus untrammelled
+by the words and requirements of men,
+Mr. Fu met with his God; but still questioning,
+he reached home to find that his wife was
+dangerously ill. He went at once to a neighbouring
+village to fetch a doctor, and found him
+unwilling to come until he had taken a dose of
+opium which was then due. Finding that all persuasion
+was useless, Mr. Fu suddenly decided to
+go to Hwochow and see if the foreign missionaries,
+or the Opium Refuge-keeper there, had any
+medicine. He walked the twelve miles, and was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+directed to the missionaries' house. The decision
+to go to Hwochow was made suddenly; not so the
+resolution to enter the open door of the house.
+Perhaps he had been wrong after all! It was
+serious to so openly come in contact with foreigners!
+It might be that the stories he had heard of their
+magical powers were correct! And yet his heart
+had borne him witness, in that lonely walk, that
+what he heard in Great Peace was true.</p>
+
+<p>After walking up and down for some time,
+unconscious that Goodwill was watching him
+from within, he heard some one call and ask him
+to come in. The call came at the right moment
+and he entered, knowing as he did so that a definite
+step was being taken and life would never be for
+him the same again.</p>
+
+<p>"My wife is ill, and I have come to ask for
+medicine," he said. After some talk he was
+taken to see Miss Jacobsen, who told him that
+God could, and would, heal sickness in answer
+to prayer. She and the evangelist prayed with
+him, gave him medicine, some books, and made
+him promise to come again. He left them, saying
+that he would do so. Again the long, lonely walk
+had to be faced, and Beelzebub gave orders that
+arrows should be shot at him, and all manner of
+doubts took possession of his soul. "I must go
+again, for I have given my word," he reflected.
+"What folly!" and then again the words which
+he could not doubt reasserted themselves, and he
+considered, yielded, and believed.</p>
+
+<p>As he entered his courtyard, he saw his wife
+grinding corn! "I am well," she said. "And
+I," he said, "have believed in Jesus." To his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+surprise, not one word of anger escaped her lips.
+"I am glad," was her only comment.</p>
+
+<p>There was no time to be lost; if he delayed,
+others might hinder him, and before his evening
+meal he tore down the idols, and together husband
+and wife prayed to God.</p>
+
+<p>Fu was the youngest of four brothers, and the
+three other families were not of the same mind;
+he was unceasing in his efforts to bring them to
+the Saviour, but at the Chinese New Year festival
+they, as custom required, burnt incense to the
+idols.</p>
+
+<p>Serious illness seized upon various members of
+all three families, and their lives were in danger.
+Fu, seeing his opportunity, offered to go to the
+city and ask the evangelist to come and pray for
+them, and to this they consented. When Mr.
+Fu returned, he was accompanied by Mr. Cheng,
+and in response to his exhortations their idols
+were destroyed and the three brothers professed
+their willingness to become disciples. That place
+has been signally blessed of God. All have given
+liberally of their substance to the work of the
+Lord, and they have now their own church, a
+cave cut from the <i>loess</i> cliffs by their own hands,
+where Sunday by Sunday men and women gather
+from the neighbouring villages to hear the word
+of God, and many have been added to the Church
+as a result.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mr. Ging, little of stature, so short-sighted as
+to be almost blind, had recently been a patient
+in the Opium Refuge. A scholar of note, holding
+a high degree, we first knew him when he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+about forty years of age, and the only Christian
+in his village. He was more than any Chinaman
+I have met impregnated with the teachings of
+Confucius; and filial piety was for him no mere
+doctrine of words, but a ruling factor in his life.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly before the time of which I write, he had,
+one day, given some cause of offence to his aged
+mother, in consequence of which she commanded
+that, in recognition of his fault, he should kneel
+on the ground before her until such time as she
+should see fit to excuse him.</p>
+
+<p>For half a day she kept him in that position,
+and he knelt quietly, giving to all an example and
+illustration of the sacred duty of son to parent
+as taught in the Chinese Classics, and as understood
+by those who earnestly follow their teachings.</p>
+
+<p>By virtue of his learning and position, no
+matter of importance would be settled in the
+village without him, and he enjoyed great respect
+as a teacher of the young, notwithstanding the
+fact that he was handicapped in his work as school-master
+by reason of his defective eyesight, the
+boys taking full advantage of his disability and
+failing to appreciate as they should the virtue
+of the "Princely Man" of whom they read so
+much in their classical studies, and of whom they
+daily witnessed so striking an example.</p>
+
+<p>For some of these pupils of his, examination-day
+dawned, and the results were disastrous.
+The consequences of much undetected mischief
+were now made clear in the light of day, and the
+indignant examining missionary called upon Mr.
+Ging to aid in devising a punishment adequate to
+the circumstances. "Is it by extra imposed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+work, or by the public disgrace of the rod, that
+their misdeeds will be made most heinous in their
+own eyes?" he was asked, the remarks being
+accompanied by a look which could not fail to
+assure the trembling band of offenders that the
+method of Solomon met with unqualified approval.
+"I think," replied Mr. Ging, "that the
+case does not call so much for punishment as for
+exercise of greater patience on our side!!!"
+This answer was to the unbounded delight of the
+scholars, and discomfiture of the missionary.</p>
+
+<p>It was in his own village and home that he
+shone. Before many years had passed, the people
+who were formerly unwilling to receive us had
+many of them become Christians. One of their
+number had lent his room, rent free for ten years,
+as a meeting-place for worship, and a good work
+had begun. If you spoke to them of the cause of
+this change, they would tell you of Mr. Ging and
+the force of his example, and how even his old
+mother had, before her death, renounced idolatry
+and asked for a Christian funeral.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>What can I say of Mr. Lan? One is tempted
+to question, "How shall the superficial enter into
+the Kingdom of God?"</p>
+
+<p>One of the aristocratic families, no longer
+enjoying the prosperity of former days, yet endeavouring
+to impress upon all its grandeur whilst
+inevitably sinking, gave us Mr. Lan.</p>
+
+<p>Contact with Pastor Hsi had been the turning-point
+in his life, and from the early days he gave
+himself assiduously to the study of the Bible.
+Few have more accurate knowledge of the Scripture<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+than he, his addresses are well and carefully
+prepared, and he has been the means under God
+of leading many men to a knowledge of the
+Saviour. His kind disposition and good-nature
+have given him many friends, but love of money
+and appearances have crippled his usefulness.
+Any Christian work he now does is independent
+of the missionaries, and he will sometimes be
+invited to the official's residence to help some
+one to leave the opium habit, he and his father
+before him having been doctors of no small repute.
+He is constantly in debt, and will often
+remain away from his home during the Chinese
+New Year when debts are settled, but when he
+does return, he enters the house with such perfect
+manners, and is attired in such gorgeous
+silk, that few would venture to mention anything
+so unpleasant as the settlement of a debt.</p>
+
+<p>Easily led, he loves the glories of this present
+world and is fearful lest, by too great zeal, the
+rulers of Vanity Fair may regard him as a stranger
+and outcast. And yet, in his high moments, he
+finds himself longing for the things that abide,
+and his affections and desires are for the time
+being upon these, but as a morning cloud they
+pass. In other lands, where the line of demarcation
+is less clear, he might be considered a good
+Churchman, but neutral tints are rare here, and
+a man must clearly show on which side he stands
+or he will get the benefit of neither.</p>
+
+<p>He is ever faithfully served by his dependant
+and sycophant, Mr. Diao, who is a weak, physically
+decadent man who can neither offend by word
+nor deed the man from whom he has had so much.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>
+His manner is too servile to allow one to place
+much confidence in him, but he is a believer, and
+proves by many actions that he is truly following
+Christ. If only he could get free from the net of
+the rich man, and yet&mdash;what Church has not
+such members!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mr. Tu, weak, good, always trusting the Heavenly
+Father to supply his needs, temporal and spiritual,
+and ever ready to bear witness that He has done
+so, in spite of the fact that life's outlook is always
+grey! Very poor, he was the leader in his village
+by virtue of his sincerity. Is some aggressive
+movement proposed? "The time has not yet
+come," is his ever-ready answer. Do the crops
+seem to fail for lack of rain, and the farmers,
+anxious and worried, speak of the famine confronting
+them, and him? "Fear not, the Lord
+will provide," he will say, and though he may
+have to eat the coarsest flour, and little of that
+sometimes, he never doubts, and never rejoices!!</p>
+
+<p>On the occasion of the marriage of his son, even
+a short time before the bride arrived, nothing was
+ready&mdash;he had so little&mdash;and all he said was:
+"We must wait and see how the Heavenly Father
+will provide." When the moment came every
+one was ready to help him, and he would be a
+discontent indeed who was dissatisfied with the
+result. Mr. Tu was full of praise to <span class="smcap">God</span> for His
+goodness, and will quote the incident to those
+who may have doubts.</p>
+
+<p>I have reflected much upon Mr. Tu and his
+ways, and I am reminded of the ravens, "who
+sow not nor gather into barns," and our Heavenly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+Father cares for them; and I come to the conclusion
+that to us is granted on rare occasions
+the privilege of being the medium by which our
+Father will prove His care to the weak, yet trustful
+souls. Good, faithful old Tu, he could teach many
+of us of the active, energetic temperament a lesson;
+for he will tell you, and truly, that he has no
+strength, yet he has never asked from man, and
+he has perfect confidence that the Good Shepherd
+will lead him safe to the journey's end.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WORK DEVELOPMENT</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"No Church is fulfilling its responsibilities to God, or
+preparing itself for its best and most effective work, which
+does not regard itself in some respects as a great Training
+School for Christian workers."&mdash;Rev. <span class="smcap">A. Swift</span>.</p></div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"And He gave&mdash;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Some indeed to be apostles,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And some prophets,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And some evangelists,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And some shepherds and teachers,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">With a view to the fitting of the saints</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For the work of ministering,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For an upbuilding of the body of the Christ."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>WORK DEVELOPMENT</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Relating how we sought to encompass the
+Work, and the Work encompassed us</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE events of 1900 resulted in an extraordinary
+quickening of interest amongst
+those who had a contact of some kind with
+Christianity. We very soon found ourselves quite
+overwhelmed by the many openings and opportunities
+which presented themselves on all sides.
+Hitherto untouched villages begged for a visit,
+idols were destroyed by those into whose homes
+we had never penetrated, leaders in the Church
+were begging us to devise some means by which
+the women might be taught, fathers were prepared
+for any sacrifice so that their daughters might
+be received as scholars.</div>
+
+<p>For some time, at vast expenditure of strength,
+we attempted by travelling in different directions
+to spend, at any rate, one or two days in the
+various centres we were begged to visit. Each
+month we became more strongly impressed with
+the fact that the work of evangelisation was
+being carried on with tremendous aggressive
+force, not by us, but by the native Church, we
+being unable to even follow up the openings made
+by them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Such a mass movement afforded an unparalleled
+opportunity, provided sufficient teaching were
+given to establish and build up in the faith those
+who believed; but if left to itself, this large
+numerical increase might prove a serious menace
+to the spiritual life of the Church. We had to
+seriously consider our ways. Should we contribute
+our small part to the widespread preaching
+of the Gospel and visiting of those who had
+already heard through the Chinese evangelising
+agencies, or should we leave to the Chinese
+Church the responsibility of propagating itself,
+reserving ourselves to "preparing saints for the
+work of ministering"?</p>
+
+<p>Chinese Christians going from place to place
+spread the Good Tidings more effectually than
+we could hope to do, and where such conditions
+exist, it is surely an indication that the people
+of the land should hear the Gospel first from
+the lips of their own countrymen. Moreover, the
+Government was seriously considering the establishment
+of girls' schools, and we had to decide as
+to whether the work amongst the young should
+be an unimportant branch of our scheme of
+missionary activities, or whether our schools
+should be established with the object of becoming
+training-centres for Christian helpers.</p>
+
+<p>We were faced with this fact: unless we trained
+some Christian teachers, the education of the
+young would be in the hands of heathen; no
+small matter when the exalted position of the
+teacher in China is borne in mind; and the, if
+possible, more urgent fact, that unless we seriously
+prepared some Chinese missionaries we should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+go from year to year, decade to decade, with no
+trained Chinese staff. The material was there,
+and the Chinese Church was supplying young
+men and women, earnest devoted servants of
+Jesus Christ, who, given the training and granted
+the blessing of God, could do a work which it
+would be impossible for the most earnest Westerner
+to accomplish. Chinese of the Chinese, with
+neither linguistic nor climatic difficulties, understanding
+the minds of the most subtle of people,
+they enter their work with a flying leap which
+we may envy, but cannot attain. The Holy
+Spirit will deal with them as He does with us,
+and recognising them as fellow-workers together
+with God, we shall cease to hinder them by
+perpetual criticism and doubt. Faults they will
+have, as we, and while of a different order, who
+shall say that these failings make them in God's
+sight more unfit for the work of preaching the
+Gospel than ours have made us?</p>
+
+<p>We therefore accepted the form of ministry
+which pressed with strongest necessity on us,
+and from the free and irresponsible life of the
+itinerant missionary, accepted the calling of
+teachers, and allowed ourselves to be tied to
+the numberless claims and responsibilities of institutional
+life. In addition to the girls' school,
+a plan was formed whereby we agreed to accept
+married women for terms of varying length&mdash;twenty
+to thirty days&mdash;as far as possible classifying
+them according to ability and previous knowledge.
+The teaching was graded from the first
+elements of Christian doctrine to fairly advanced
+New Testament classes. From amongst the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+groups of women who came to us, it was evident
+that some were capable of receiving a far more
+advanced training, and the zeal they exhibited
+in teaching the little they knew on their return
+home, promised future usefulness. Two
+small rooms in our own living-court supplied the
+only accommodation for these station classes,
+and as each group scattered it was almost immediately
+replaced by other eager inquirers.</p>
+
+<p>A small inner court containing two good rooms
+was set apart for the use of the girls' school.
+Every term brought an increase in the numbers,
+and it was soon evident that more suitable
+accommodation was essential if we were to meet
+the growing need. Though we knew it not, the
+necessary provision was already made. We sat
+together one evening in a shady spot adjoining
+our premises, sharing our home letters; we
+opened one to find it contained a cheque from
+a friend who could know nothing of our need,
+marked: "For use in any necessary buildings."
+The very spot on which we sat, later on proved
+to be the site of the John Holt Skinner Memorial
+Court in the new school buildings. By the next
+term Chinese rooms, providing for the accommodation
+of sixty, were erected; the old school-court
+was given over to women's station classes,
+and we saw scope for the realisation of our wildest
+dreams. The work amongst the men was increasing
+in a similar proportion. Mr. Wang, who
+was in charge when we arrived at Hwochow, was
+now appointed Deacon of the Church, and afterwards
+Elder. We soon recognised in him a man
+of no ordinary influence. Like Barnabas, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+was "a good man filled with the Holy Spirit,"
+and like him might well be called the "Son of
+Consolation."</p>
+
+<p>The large numbers who were baptized upon
+profession of faith each year entailed many
+responsibilities&mdash;new families to be visited, more
+visitors to be received, marriages and funerals
+to be attended. Cases of persecution, real or
+supposed, called for many hours of patient
+listening, and, withal, the constant stream of city
+women who desired to inspect all that was going
+on, parents to see children in the school, friends
+and relatives of opium patients, who lost no
+chance of visiting the member of the family under
+treatment, changed the once quiet house into a
+beehive of activity.</p>
+
+<p>In many Shansi houses there is a large, well-built
+room, open to north and south, which is
+set apart for the observance of the prescribed
+family rites connected with ancestral worship.
+Here are the wooden ancestral tablets, image of
+the soul and tangible symbol, erected to the
+memory of the deceased, affording thereby a
+fixed object for filial piety. This room on our
+compound was dedicated as a church for public
+worship; enlarged once, and again the second
+time, it still proved too small for our growing
+congregation.</p>
+
+<p>The strain attendant on such a rapid development
+was severe, but each year found us supplied
+with increasingly able help from our Chinese
+co-workers. We found ourselves driven to the
+practical testing of the principle: "When the
+pressure of the work is too heavy, then extend the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+work," and we found it to be sound and workable.
+Each term some extra responsibility was thrown
+off on to the shoulders of willing helpers, that
+we ourselves might be free to undertake fresh
+enterprises.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"It is Jesus who has introduced into virtue a passion
+before which vice is not condemned but consumed as by fire."&mdash;Rev.
+<span class="smcap">Carnegie Simpson</span>.</p></div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Round the cape of a sudden came the sea,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And the sun looked over the mountain's rim:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And straight was a path of gold for him,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And the need of a world of men for me."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Robert Browning</span>.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being an Account of her Life from
+Widowhood</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>ONE direct result of the lack of foreign
+workers was the appointment of Mrs.
+Hsi to the oversight of the women's work in
+Chaocheng. During her husband's lifetime she
+had been eager to learn all she could, and had
+with difficulty mastered some of the Chinese
+characters. She often expressed to him her desire
+to learn more, but he told her to remember that
+the need for her to attend to the domestic side
+of the large establishment at the Middle Eden
+was essential, and her life until his death was
+largely a busy domestic one.</div>
+
+<p>Not entirely, however, was this the case. When
+it became necessary to open a Refuge for Women
+in the city of Hungtung, it was to his wife that
+the Pastor looked for help, and she, there and in
+other places, did a truly Christlike work. It was
+in the city of Hsugo that she accomplished her
+most difficult task. It seemed as if the devil
+had a special power there, and Pastor Hsi was
+almost in despair. Man after man, amongst
+them some of his most trusted helpers, fell into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+sin, or were overcome by difficulties in that
+place.</p>
+
+<p>How to hold it at all was a problem. He solved
+it by sending his wife, and alone she went to live
+six days' journey from the place where he was,
+and for the first time the work in Hsugo was
+successful.</p>
+
+<p>Almost immediately after her return home,
+Pastor Hsi developed the illness from which he
+never recovered. He was at work on some Refuge
+accounts when he felt unwell, and his spirit became
+conscious that the messenger had come with a
+command "that he must prepare for a change
+of life, for his Master was not willing that he
+should be so far from Him any longer."</p>
+
+<p>For nearly six months he lingered still, making
+preparations for the journey ahead; he gave
+directions for the temporary closing of the Refuges,
+recognising, doubtless, that the time while he was
+still on earth, but unable to exercise control, might
+be an even more perilous period than that which
+would follow his death. Mrs. Hsi herself fell ill, and
+so seriously that her life was at one time despaired
+of. She was barely able to stand the fatigue of
+the public funeral to which hundreds gathered,
+yielding to their grief and sobbing as children who
+had lost a parent. She herself was bowed with
+sorrow, for they had been truly one in God's
+service, but strength was sent to her through a
+dream in which she saw her husband, in glory
+beyond her imagining, and with him the boy who
+had been their only son and had died in childhood.
+When she desired to join them he rebuked her,
+saying: "Nay, but you must return"; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+obedient, she turned her back on the heavenly
+glory and faced "the need of a world" of sin.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hsi was now to realise to the full the unfortunate
+position of a childless widow. According
+to the custom of the country, the nearest male
+relative on her husband's side should have been
+her protector, but this duty devolved on a nephew
+who was an opium smoker, gambler, and unregenerate
+heathen, and what should have been
+protection took the form of persecution.</p>
+
+<p>Elder S&iuml;, her brother-in-law, took over the
+control of the opium refuges and the preparation
+of the medicine used. Days of prayer and fasting
+always preceded the compounding of the drugs
+which were prepared in Pastor Hsi's own home,
+and sent out in the form of pills. It was in connection
+with the medicine that Mrs. Hsi's first
+difficulties occurred. Large quantities of the
+various ingredients were stored at Middle Eden,
+and the said nephew claimed possession of this
+stock, declaring his intention of defending his
+rights by stabbing any one who dared to touch it.</p>
+
+<p>The time came when the drugs were required,
+and arrangements were quietly made for the
+removal of the material to the home of Elder S&iuml;.
+Before touching the goods, Mrs. Hsi called the
+young man to her, and addressing him by name
+told him to fetch his knife, as she intended to
+carry out her husband's wishes and supply the
+Refuges with the necessary medicine without
+delay. Abashed, and half-ashamed by her self-confidence
+and dignity, he muttered excuses and
+left her presence with an apology.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, it required all her wits and most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+of her time to prevent this ne'er-do-weel from
+robbing her of all she possessed. Opium he would
+eat, his gambling habits were strong, and how
+could she prevent him from stealing that which,
+as one of the family, he could partially claim as
+his own? The problem weighed upon her mind
+and she decided that division of the land, each
+taking half the produce of the farm, was the only
+solution. Even so she was not safe; there is a
+Chinese proverb which says: "It is hard to deal
+with a thief who is one of the family," and she
+proved it to be true. If she left home for a few
+days she would return to find her door broken
+open, her clothes stolen, and her grain visibly
+less. Although the Chinese law would offer her
+redress, she, by reason of Christian principle and
+the example of her husband, never appealed for
+help to an earthly tribunal, but daily prayed:
+"Lord, have mercy on him, and change his heart."</p>
+
+<p>In the early days of her faith, Mrs. Hsi had
+earnestly desired to unbind her feet as witness
+that she was a Christian, but her husband, fearful
+lest any should be misled to regard Christianity
+as conformity to foreign customs rather than to
+a change of heart, was strongly opposed to her
+doing so. He strictly forbade the binding of
+children's feet, but saw no need for outward
+change of shoe in the foot already disfigured.
+During his lifetime she yielded to his wish, but
+after his death refused to let her mature judgment
+be held in abeyance by the dead hand of the
+past, and did that which she felt was a testimony
+to many of her weaker sisters. She unbound her
+feet and adopted a normal shoe and sock, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+many who had made her supposed attitude on
+the question an excuse, now followed her example.</p>
+
+<p>In order to give the Gospel to Hwochow Mrs. Hsi
+had parted with the most valuable of her worldly
+goods, and when the call came for the second
+great renunciation in response to the need for
+a woman worker in Chaocheng, she was ready
+to move into that city, knowing as she did so,
+that by leaving the family home she would finally
+close the way of return. She well knew that no
+seal on the door would prevent her nephew from
+stealing her goods, and her worst fears were
+realised when, a few years later, on the occasion
+of the erection of a memorial stone to Pastor
+Hsi, she revisited what had once been Middle
+Eden. All was gone, and she was thankful to
+hurry away and leave the scene that could only
+cause her pain.</p>
+
+<p>On entering her new sphere of work, the missionaries
+at Hwochow assured her that all the love
+and sympathy which she had promised Mr. Taylor
+years before should be given to the first ladies who
+came to that city, was now to be bestowed on her.
+The loyal affection of the Chinese Church was hers,
+for she is regarded by them with an admiration
+and reverence which they consider the right of so
+worthy a woman. She knew that she could count
+upon a welcome, but it was a costly step.</p>
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 372px;">
+<img src="images/illus02.jpg" width="372" height="500" alt="A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER. To face page 82." title="A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER. To face page 82." />
+<span class="caption">A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER.<br /><span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 82.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+<p>City and village visiting, weekly classes for
+inquirers, and a Women's Opium Refuge occupy
+Mrs. Hsi's time in Chaocheng. A sentence easy
+to write, but only He to Whom the offering is
+made can know the cost at which ladies, with the
+refinements of their class, give themselves to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+Christlike work of rescuing the opium sots who
+find their way to the Refuge. Women of the
+lowest moral type at times appear, dirty, coarse,
+and repulsive, and yet gladly and graciously they
+are received. The lady in charge will sleep with
+them in order to comfort and pray with them
+during the night watches, and no service is too
+menial for these saintly women to render. The
+impression made is never forgotten by those to
+whom they minister; and even if they return again
+to the ways of sin, the vision of that gentle lady
+with her kind heart will remain, a reflection, faint
+it may be, yet a reflection of the love of God, ever
+ready to welcome the wanderer from the far
+country.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I know that, because of this money-grasping, trade-compelling
+feature of England's dealings with my country,
+millions of wretched people of China have been made more
+miserable; stalwart men and women have been made
+paupers, vagrants, and the lowest of criminals; and
+hundreds of thousands of the weaker ones of my race&mdash;mainly
+among the women&mdash;have been sent to suicide
+graves. All this because gold and territory are greater
+in the eyes of the British Government, than the rights and
+bodies of a weak people."&mdash;<span class="smcap">H. E. Li Hung-Chang.</span></p></div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"O my brothers and all my friends,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">If you would hearken to good advice,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Avoid the poppy juice for ever and aye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">As it is a plague most noxious and vile!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will eat out your minds,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will rot away your vitals,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will shrivel up your bowels,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will make you walk as a leper,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will cast you into prison,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">It will send you to your death!"</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">H. E. Li Hung-Chang.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER</h3>
+
+
+<p>THE first man to enter the Opium Refuge
+in Hwochow, as patient, was named Fan
+of the village of Southern Springs. He came
+from a once wealthy clan, now reduced through
+opium smoking to comparative poverty. He
+had not yet reached the stage of positive want,
+but that condition is never far from the habitual
+heavy smoker, and should he continue a few years
+longer, beggary will be the ultimate fate of his
+wife and family.</p>
+
+<p>The temptation was at his very door, for all the
+best-watered land surrounding Southern Springs
+was given up to poppy cultivation. During the
+time when the plant was in flower, the village
+nestled amidst some hundreds of acres of exquisite
+iridescent bloom. The beauty was shortlived,
+even as the seeming prosperity of the grower,
+and but a few days later Southern Springs stood
+amidst bare brown fields of dry poppy heads,
+scarred by the cutter's knife, exuding in thick
+drops the poisonous juices&mdash;a striking picture in
+the eyes of all men of the fate awaiting the smoker,
+who, lulled by the insidious charm of the fascinating
+drug, would finally be the only one unable to see
+himself a hopeless, helpless, degraded wreck.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At the close of three weeks' treatment in the
+Refuge, Fan returned home a new creature, restored
+in body and mind, and with a heart renewed
+in hope. In his own immediate family were
+several members, victims as himself of the deadly
+drug, and amongst these was his nephew, adopted
+into the family on the footing of a son since death
+had robbed him of the last boy who might pay
+the filial sacrifice of tears and lamentations at his
+tomb. Moreover, his wife's keen intelligence and
+strong will were gradually being subjugated by
+a growing apathy, result of her secret habit. On
+these two Fan urged a plea to give the Refuge a
+trial, and his nephew, impressed by the evident
+good result in his uncle's case and the assurance
+that the treatment had induced very slight suffering,
+pronounced himself willing to try the experiment;
+his wife, on the other hand, repudiated
+with scorn any such suggestion. Another few
+weeks saw the young man return to Southern
+Springs loud in praise of all he had seen and heard
+in Hwochow. He recounted all his experiences,
+every detail of the treatment, the number of pills
+swallowed, and the care with which the strength
+of the pills was graded from the powerful "Pill of
+life" to the lesser "Pill of strength" and the
+final "Pill of restoration."</p>
+
+<p>He also knew by heart a number of verses
+from the New Testament, and could sing hymns
+written by Pastor Hsi on the subjects of salvation
+and the sin of opium smoking, several of which
+numbered twelve verses in length.</p>
+
+<p>All this caused much stir in the village, and
+became the general subject of conversation when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+the men were home from the fields, during the
+twilight hour devoted to social intercourse. He
+was referred to as a competent authority on all
+matters relating to the ways and habits of those
+"foreign devils" who went to and fro between
+the various stations which they had opened, and
+even penetrated into the villages amongst the
+homes of any who were rash enough to risk having
+them under their roof.</p>
+
+<p>Both uncle and nephew had secretly entirely
+changed their opinion concerning the foreigner
+and the Christian doctrine which he inculcated.
+Fear had given place to confidence, and one or
+other would frequently walk the four miles to
+Hwochow on a week day, or better still on Sunday,
+to sit an hour with the Refuge-keeper, whom it
+was hard indeed not to trust, and who always
+had some good matter to unfold and kind, earnest
+words with which to help a man in the hour when
+his old vice threatened to ensnare his soul afresh.
+Little sympathy was to be gained at home. Mrs.
+Fan still took opium, endangering her husband's
+and nephew's principles as they returned, weary
+from work, to a room reeking with the odour so
+attractive to them.</p>
+
+<p>She was a woman of no ordinary character,
+exceptionally intelligent, strong-minded and
+wilful, capable in every duty which falls to the
+woman's share in the home; by nature hard
+working and ambitious, in physique of a pronounced
+Jewish type. Not easily led, and impossible
+to drive, she flew into such a passion
+when her husband ventured to tell her that two
+lady missionaries had arrived, and were prepared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+to receive women as patients in the Hwochow
+Refuge, and gave such rein to her tongue that
+he, poor man, was thankful to escape beyond
+earshot of her loud recriminations and curses.</p>
+
+<p>If his words were silenced we may believe that
+his actions were speaking louder and more effectually,
+for influences stronger than the woman
+realised were even now at work, preparing to
+overturn all her preconceived prejudices and
+hatred of Christianity and its followers.</p>
+
+<p>The climax came more suddenly than could
+have been anticipated, revealing to herself and
+others the extraordinary change of viewpoint
+which had been silently working during weeks
+of apparently unchanged opposition.</p>
+
+<p>On returning from the fields one evening, Fan
+found his wife in an unusual state of activity,
+whilst the three little girls who constituted his
+family formed a tearful group on the <i>kang</i>.
+With characteristic abruptness Mrs. Fan delivered
+the information: "I am preparing to go to the
+city Opium Refuge." Scarcely able to credit her
+statement the husband stood aghast, and she
+explained: "It is no good, the children are taking
+it too."</p>
+
+<p>A terrible statement, yet true, for whereas she
+knew that she had often pacified the tiny baby's
+fretfulness by puffing a few whiffs of the smoke
+into its mouth, she had that day made the discovery
+that, as soon as she herself lay down to
+sleep off the effect of her dose, the two elder girls
+would seize on the opium pipe and share all they
+could get from it, so that already, unknown to
+herself, the craving was well developed in them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>To the Refuge they must all go, and the next
+evening saw a cart at the door into which were
+being stowed various bundles of clothing wrapped
+in blue-and-yellow cloths, each bundle having
+attached to it a small piece of scarlet cotton to
+ensure luck on the journey. Flour and millet
+for food, and other necessaries were piled up
+behind the cart, and the children were packed
+inside and told to keep quiet, for they were leaving
+at night to avoid the jeers of the villagers.
+The father sat upon the shafts, the mother cross-legged
+inside, and after an hour's drive the city
+gates were sighted, and soon the party was welcomed
+at the Mission House.</p>
+
+<p>A very few days in the Refuge served to largely
+alter the tenor of Mrs. Fan's mind. The woman
+who took charge of her was a kind, confidence-inspiring
+body, with nothing of the "foreign
+devil" about her. She would hear no harm of
+the missionaries, and flatly denied that children
+were enticed on to the premises to be done
+to death by foul means, or that the foreigner's
+blue eye could see corpses in their coffins, or
+that magic incantations were used by means of
+which all who drank their tea must become their
+followers.</p>
+
+<p>All these questions and many others relating to
+the personal character of the strange beings
+were asked during the long night watches when
+sleep evades the opium patient, and the nurse
+helps to while away the dreary hours by satisfying
+her curiosity. Then at dawn the longed-for dose
+of medicine is administered, after a prayer that
+the "medicine may heal her body, and the blood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+of Jesus cleanse her soul," and she may settle to
+a doze which daily becomes more natural and
+peaceful as the body returns to a normal condition
+of being.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fan saw that much was introduced by
+the foreigner in the wake of Christianity which
+her alert mind recognised as being all to the
+advantage of women. Even the old Refuge-keeper
+could read a little, but she was quite dull and
+slow, whereas without much trouble Mrs. Fan
+herself could master quite a number of new
+characters every day, and a few hours had been
+enough for the initial lesson of reading the large
+print rhyme:</p>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"There is but one true God, the Heavenly Father He,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Who feeds and clothes and pities me.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">The only Saviour, too, who can my sins forgive,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I trust and hearken to His word, Jesus my Lord and Saviour.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Jesus loves the sinner, Jesus pities me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">He gave His life, He washed me clean, He verily hath loved me."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>It was quite evident that a certain amount of
+education lay within her own grasp, and quite
+unlimited possibilities were open to her three
+daughters. The sinfulness of binding up the
+feet of girls was touched upon, and a strong determination
+took form in her mind that her girls
+should be among the first who would have natural
+feet in the neighbourhood, in spite of the lurking
+fear that all three might be left as old maids upon
+her hands if no man might be found bold enough
+to risk the disgrace of a wife with normal feet.
+A short length of white cotton material was procured,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+and the three little ones were soon free of
+compressing bandages, each wearing a pair of
+calico socks and little red-and-yellow shoes, ornamented
+on the toe with a grinning, whiskered,
+tiger's face.</p>
+
+<p>These girls were all destined to lives of signal
+usefulness in the Church. Two of them labour
+still as teachers and evangelists among their
+own people; the third was early prepared by
+intense suffering and deep wrongs to be removed
+by death to the realm where the "wicked cease
+from troubling and the weary are at rest."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT
+SOUL</h2><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Happy the pure in heart, for they shall see God."</p>
+
+<p>"A white bird, she told him once, looking at him gravely.
+A bird which he must carry in his bosom across a crowded
+public place&mdash;his own soul was like that!</p>
+
+<p>"Would it reach the hands of his good genius on the
+opposite side, unruffled and unsoiled?"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Walter Pater.</span></p>
+
+<p>"To radiate the heat of the affections into a clod, which
+absorbs all that is poured into it, but never warms beneath
+the sunshine of smiles or the pressure of hand or lip&mdash;this
+is the great martyrdom of sensitive beings&mdash;most of all
+in that perpetual <i>auto-da-f&eacute;</i> where young womanhood is
+the sacrifice."&mdash;<span class="smcap">O. W. Holmes.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT
+SOUL</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being the Story of Ai Do</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>MRS. FAN'S second daughter came into
+the world under the shadow of sorrow,
+for apart from the fact that she was a girl, whereas
+a boy had been ardently desired, her first lusty
+yells revealed the fact that she was born with a
+tooth visible. This was well known by every
+woman in the village to indicate antagonism to
+her mother's life, and disaster would surely ensue
+were she not promptly drowned or thrown out
+to perish by the riverside.</div>
+
+<p>Her fate seemed sealed, but that a woman
+seeing what a dear little baby she was, was moved
+with pity, and declared herself willing to take
+the responsibility of asserting that the child was
+hers in order that the demons which were ordering
+these events might be deceived, and thus
+her real mother would escape the fate which
+threatened her life, if the baby were not killed.</p>
+
+<p>An incredible amount of ingenuity is expended
+in China on deceptions practised to mislead the
+<i>gwei</i> or demon, whose influence you have
+cause to fear. Being a malignant spirit, his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+object is to hurt that which you specially value,
+therefore it is well to deceive him into thinking
+that your precious son is only a useless girl, or
+even a little animal. This is not difficult to
+manage, for the <i>gwei</i>, though powerful to work
+evil, is a simple creature, and it is sufficient for
+him to see earrings dangling from your boy's
+ears to make him think he sees a girl, or if you
+call the child by some such name as "puppy,"
+"little pig," "kitten," or "goat," he will quite
+fail to perceive that the object of your affection
+is two legs short of what one might be led to
+expect.</p>
+
+<p>When a <i>gwei</i> has really determined to
+injure your child, it is sometimes necessary to
+kill a dog and wrap your boy in its skin, that
+it may be perfectly evident to the whole spirit
+world that if you are bestowing any affection,
+it is only on a valueless beast. In the case of
+Mrs. Fan's little girl, no <i>gwei</i> could reasonably
+be supposed to attach much value to her, and
+it was therefore sufficient for this neighbour to
+pronounce herself willing to stand in the place
+of a mother. She was allowed to live, and with
+painful frankness given the name of "One too
+many."</p>
+
+<p>After the month spent in the Opium Refuge,
+Mrs. Fan often saw the lady missionaries either
+at Hwochow or in her own house, and when they
+were joined by a lady who had no previous knowledge
+of the Chinese language, Mrs. Fan was
+asked if little "One too many" might come and
+live with the missionary so that her childish
+prattle should help the newcomer in recognising<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+the difficult sounds and tones. She was now
+eight years old and permission was readily
+granted, so to Hwochow she went and became an
+inmate of the Christian household there, her
+name being altered to the now appropriate one
+of "greatly loved"&mdash;in Chinese, Ai Do.</p>
+
+<p>The years passed by, and little Ai Do won the
+love and approval of all. She received her education
+in the girls' school, and there grew up in her
+the ambition to be a teacher, as her elder sister
+was. At fourteen years of age she sat one Sunday
+evening reading her Bible, and came to the words:
+"The Lord seeth not as man seeth; man looketh
+on the outward appearance, the Lord looketh on
+the heart." She stopped and pondered, realising
+with the force that can only come with conviction
+of the Spirit of God, that while in "the outward"
+no one had fault to find with her, yet the Lord
+looking on the heart saw her full of sin and unreconciled
+to Him. In that hour her peace was
+made, and henceforth she served and trusted
+God through all the vicissitudes of her short life.
+She remained a pupil in the school until the year
+1900, when Miss Stevens and Miss Clarke went
+to Taiy&uuml;anfu, never to return. It was a reign
+of terror during which rapine and murder stalked
+unhindered through the land, and young women
+fled to the remotest districts where they might
+claim a shelter.</p>
+
+<p>The matter of Ai Do's marriage had been under
+consideration for some time, she having now
+reached the age when custom exacts that this
+important matter should be settled. Various
+suitors presented themselves, but in most cases<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+there was some hitch which prevented the engagement
+from being finally settled. In one case
+the man lived on the other side of the river, and
+this would cause difficulty in the girl's frequent
+journeys from one home to the other; in another,
+the matter of the sum required as dowry could
+not be finally fixed; in a third, she would have
+been required to worship idols.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the number was a young man, favoured
+by Mrs. Fan but known as a wild and dissolute
+youth, and the missionaries who had cared for
+Ai Do so many years refused their consent to
+the engagement. Now they were dead, and Mrs.
+Fan had scope for the exercise of the domineering
+will which made her ruler of the home, for while
+she was an enthusiastic follower of the Church
+she had never given evidence of personal conversion.</p>
+
+<p>It was certainly advisable that a young woman
+of Ai Do's age should not be unmarried at that
+difficult time. Christians went in daily peril of
+their lives, and the soldier was scarcely less to
+be dreaded than the Boxer.</p>
+
+<p>"No one uses good iron to make nails, and no
+one will use a good man to make a soldier," says
+a Chinese proverb, which has been proved to be
+only too true in many cases.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily, and almost secretly, the formalities of
+the engagement were performed, cards were
+exchanged which fixed the contract, and the
+earrings, rings, and silk and satin garments were
+brought from the bridegroom's home. Ai Do
+had heard much of this man, and his reputation
+was such as to cause her the gravest misgivings.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+The household which she was to enter as a bride
+would not require her to join in the offering of
+nuptial sacrifices to idols because her future
+mother-in-law had come under the sound of the
+Gospel, but more than this can scarcely be said.
+The son to whom she was engaged had been
+brought up on a r&eacute;gime of such extreme indulgence
+as can only be met with amongst an Oriental
+people. His mother had never once restrained
+him in a childish selfishness nor a manly vice.
+From a spoilt, inconsiderate, wilful childhood he
+passed to a cruel, passionate, licentious manhood;
+finally, he took to opium smoking and
+ruin threatened the home. His mother reaped
+a bitter harvest of sorrow from the planting of
+those wasted years, and now her urgent plea
+was: "My son is good at heart, and a virtuous
+bride will soon work a reform in him."</p>
+
+<p>Every relation and friend and neighbour had
+a say in the transaction, only Ai Do must not
+be consulted, and though she weep and plead to
+be left unmarried for a time yet, her tears and
+supplications can cause no effect. In vain were
+the silver ornaments and fine clothes displayed
+before her; she refused to take food and wept
+bitterly, not with the conventional tears of the
+Chinese girl bewailing her virginity and begging
+that she may not be torn from the shelter of
+her maiden home, but with a real horror of the
+fate which awaited her.</p>
+
+<p>The day dawned when she was dressed in the
+scarlet bridal clothes, a voluminous embroidered
+satin gown over all; this came with the sedan
+chair which was to carry her to her future home,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+being hired for the occasion. Scarlet shoes were
+on her feet, a high tinsel crown on her head,
+and covering her tear-stained face was a scarlet
+veil. In accordance with the custom which
+demanded that the forehead of the bride must
+be perfectly smooth, her front hair had been
+dragged out by the roots and left her with an
+aching head.</p>
+
+<p>At last all was ready, and she was in the
+embroidered sedan chair and caught the last
+glimpse of the familiar faces. They disappear,
+and alone she meets a cruel, loveless, unknown
+world.</p>
+
+<p>A Chinese village wedding is a terrible ordeal
+for the bride. Her life until that day has been
+guarded from every contact with the outer world,
+and she has never spoken with a man outside
+the family circle. Her arrival at her mother-in-law's
+home is the signal for a wild rush of
+rough men to surround her chair. The curtain
+is lifted, insolent faces stare, her personal appearance
+is commented upon in vile terms, her feet
+being specially noticed because the artificial
+compression of this member has resulted in giving
+it sexual importance in a woman's appearance.
+Ai Do had a normal, unbound foot, and had to
+listen to lewd insinuations levelled at her on
+this subject. All the while she must patiently
+sit and wait until the appointed women of the
+bridegroom's family are ready to conduct her
+indoors. The waiting is often for a considerable
+time, for these new relations are going to make
+her feel that she is a most unimportant and undesirable
+person, and her mother-in-law is not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+even going to see her until the next day; moreover,
+the longer she waits, the greater her chances
+of longevity.</p>
+
+<p>When at last she is told to leave her chair she is
+followed by a crowd, and holding the end of a
+scarlet sash which is thrust into her hand, she
+finds herself in a courtyard where the ceremony
+is to take place.</p>
+
+<p>In accordance with the contract made by the
+middleman, she is not asked to worship heaven and
+earth nor the tablets of her husband's ancestors,
+but two cups of wine are placed on the table, and
+she and her bridegroom must each take one and
+sip the wine, the cups being joined together by a
+scarlet thread. When this ceremony is over, she
+follows her bridegroom to a room, still led by the
+sash, and when he enters he stands upon the
+<i>kang</i> and by walking around it demonstrates his
+position as head of the new home.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the chair-bearers are clamouring
+for her dress, as another young woman is waiting
+for the same gown and chair, and delay may cause
+trouble. The bride is assisted on to the <i>kang</i>
+by the women, her husband having departed to
+make merry with his friends, and the ragged
+opium smokers who carried her there leave, one
+wearing the crown of tinsel on his head, laughing
+and joking at much which they have seen
+and heard. From the moment that she is seated
+upon the <i>kang</i>, the bride becomes the centre
+of attraction to an insulting crowd. Her shoes
+are stolen, but knowing that this is likely she
+has provided herself with additional pairs. For
+hours she sits there and hears the remarks made.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+One will whisper that she is married to an irresponsible
+idiot, others will tell her that he is blind
+or dumb, and knowing how often the middlemen
+deceive, she waits with dread the moment when
+she will see for herself more than she was able to
+do on arrival. At last the room is cleared, and
+she has to face the final ordeal when she is left
+alone with a totally unknown man. Even the
+hours of darkness are not respected, and every
+youngster in the village has the right to enter the
+courtyard at any hour of the night, tear down the
+paper windows, and heap shame upon her head.</p>
+
+<p>Christianity and the influence of the foreigner
+has done much to revolutionise the wedding
+customs, but all this and more was endured by
+Ai Do, and she found herself withal the wife of a
+depraved and vicious man.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a deliverance when the Hwochow
+girls' school reopened and Ai Do was invited to
+teach in place of her elder sister, whose family
+claims had increased so as to prevent her holding
+the post as formerly. School was opened in a
+small courtyard which adjoined our own, and
+twenty girls entered as pupils. Ai Do had all the
+characteristics of a natural leader, and she easily
+controlled the girls and was much beloved by
+them, for she had a kind disposition and the hidden
+sorrows of her life had made her both strong and
+tender.</p>
+
+<p>I think that her life in school was a time of unmixed
+happiness to her, but the holidays had to
+be faced and contact with the man whom she
+could only strive not to hate. His opium smoking
+habits increased, and the pinch of poverty was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+felt in the home from which he was able to steal
+so cunningly every article of value which might
+be exchanged for money and spent on the
+drug.</p>
+
+<p>A great joy came into Ai Do's life with the birth
+of a little son, and she realised for the first time
+that matrimony was not solely a horror, since it
+brought so much compensation in its train. The
+child was publicly dedicated to God, and was its
+mother's joy for six brief months.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of that time, in the hot weather, it
+sickened with dysentery, and in spite of her
+prayers and entreaties that she might be allowed
+to deal with the disease as she had seen me deal
+with similar ailments, she had to endure the torture
+of seeing it operated upon by a heathen Chinese
+doctor, whose method of treatment was to use long
+needles which he ran into its tender flesh. The
+needles were of course unclean, and the child's
+death was doubtless hastened by the shock thus
+sustained.</p>
+
+<p>She was spared the last sorrow of seeing its body
+thrown out to be devoured by dogs and wolves
+through the fortunate advent of her father, who
+insisted at her request that decent burial be given.
+This was a cause of thankfulness for her to her
+life's end.</p>
+
+<p>A year later, when her second son was born,
+the home was in a pitiful condition. All the land
+which provided daily bread for the family was
+gambled away, furniture and clothes had been
+sold or pawned for opium, the wages she earned
+were all turned to the same use, and the poorest,
+coarsest food was all that was procurable at a time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+when her strength was quite insufficient to the
+strain imposed upon it.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the required month of purification
+was over, she returned to us and then received
+all the care that love could suggest, but we soon
+saw that she was going to escape from our poor,
+inadequate efforts to protect and comfort her,
+into the care of the only One who could save her
+from further sorrow. Phthisis took a rapid hold
+of her constitution, and her strength daily declined.
+During this time she for the first time opened
+her heart, and spoke out her sorrows and sufferings
+and those deepest wrongs she had suffered which
+women have from time immemorial hidden as a
+shameful secret. She spoke it all out now, and
+left me with a determination that henceforth
+any one placed as she was should find an advocate
+and protector in me to the extent of my ability.</p>
+
+<p>Three months later she was carried back to her
+home, a dying woman, to end her days. We were
+able to ride out and see her almost daily, and once
+we found her very happy because in a dream
+she had seen a messenger who called to her to cross
+the river, and when she shrank back I had been
+there to assure her that angels would receive her
+to her Heavenly Home.</p>
+
+<p>That day her husband came into the room, and
+in my presence she for the last time pleaded with
+him to leave the ways of sin and seek forgiveness
+through repentance. To our care she committed
+her child, asking that we would see that it was
+brought up as a Christian, and she also begged us
+to insist on a Christian burial for herself. To
+the schoolgirls she sent the message that they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+must meet her in her Master's presence, and a few
+hours later "the bells of the city rang out for joy,
+and it was said to her: 'Enter into the joy of thy
+Lord.'" The wail that went up from the schoolgirls
+when I told them, I shall not forget; she was
+the first of our company to pass over. Two days
+later the pupils of her class and ourselves gathered
+with the family for a simple service in the courtyard
+of her home. On the coffin the words were written
+at her own request, "Until He come"&mdash;symbolic
+of the hope which sustained her through those
+years of suffering, and kept her eyes ever upward
+turned to the promise of the great day of deliverance.
+A congregation of some hundreds assembled
+to see the unique sight of so many girls mourning
+for a teacher and following the bier to the border
+of the village. The girls and their parents showed
+their appreciation of Ai Do and her work by presenting
+a large banner to the school in her memory.
+It was unveiled on their behalf by the elders of the
+Church, and above the names of one hundred girls
+who had been her pupils were inscribed the words:
+"She rests from her labours, and her works do
+follow her."</p>
+
+<p>We returned to take up the work which she had
+left, but with heavy hearts, and the school and
+my study seemed empty without her presence.
+I missed her help in consultation over difficulties
+and dealings with the raw material which came
+into our hands at the beginning of each term.</p>
+
+<p>Who could replace her? Her friend and companion
+who had helped her during the past months
+was the only one to whom I could look, and she was
+seemingly of too retiring a disposition to bear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+such responsibility; but the "trees of the Lord are
+full of sap," and if a leaf has fallen there is always
+a fresh one developing to replace it, and Ling Ai
+was preparing for a development which was going
+to make her that which she still is, my faithful
+and beloved fellow-missionary in this place. With
+her quiet, gentle spirit she has won the confidence
+of her pupils, and made possible for me that which
+apart from her comradeship would have been
+impossible, the establishment of a large school and
+training-college where in happy fellowship Chinese
+young women are working together for the women
+and girls of their country.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE POWERS OF DARKNESS</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"What name hast thou? And he said, Legion!"</p></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Whensoever the impure spirit goeth out from the man
+it passeth through waterless places seeking rest; and not
+finding it there, it saith&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I will return unto my house whence I came out;</p>
+
+<p>"And coming, findeth it empty, swept and adorned.
+Then goeth it and taketh along with itself other spirits
+more wicked than itself&mdash;seven, and entering it, findeth its
+dwelling there; and the last state of that man becometh
+worse than the first."&mdash;The Gospel according to Luke.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE POWERS OF DARKNESS</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being a Record of some Observations
+in Demonology</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE Chinaman, though perhaps the most
+materialistic of Easterners, is no exception
+to his neighbours in the large place which the
+occult takes in his outlook. For him, the physical
+world is peopled with spirits good and evil, capable
+of exercising the most far-reaching influences
+on the fortunes of men. These spiritual beings
+are bound up in the forces of nature, and combine
+to constitute that geomantic system known by
+the Chinese as <i>Feng-shui</i> (wind and water),
+by reference to which, matters of human life,
+inasmuch as they are designed to court the good
+influences and avoid those which are inauspicious
+to the man, the time, and the place, are decided.</div>
+
+<p>The Chinaman can never experience the feeling
+of complete solitude which the Westerner knows
+in wild and lonely places; for him the hillside, the
+ravine, and the mountain gorge are peopled with
+presences best described as fairies, though in
+nothing resembling the light-hearted beings which
+this description generally conveys to the Western
+mind. To him they present the appearance of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+aged, venerable beings, short of stature, with
+white beards. Country, town, and human habitations
+are alike haunted by psychic beings whose
+condition cannot be exactly expressed by the
+word <i>spirit</i>, neither form of Chinese belief admitting
+of the conception of a pure spirit without matter.</p>
+
+<p>These beings may be grouped into three classes.
+<i>Gwei</i> is the term most constantly used by
+the common people to indicate the being whose
+influence is feared by all, and who receives from
+every family some measure of propitiatory sacrifice.
+We read in the <i>li chao chuan</i>,<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> or <i>Divine Panorama</i>,
+that "every living being, no matter whether it
+be a man or an animal, a bird or a quadruped,
+a gnat or a midge, a worm or an insect, having
+legs or not, few or many, all are called <i>gwei</i>
+after death."</p>
+
+<p>Apart from these are the <i>shen</i>, which have
+been defined as <i>&eacute;manations de la nature personnifi&eacute;es</i>,
+not, as the <i>gwei</i>, spirits of the
+dead, but an emanation of nature clothed with
+a personality. They possess varying degrees of
+intelligence and power. Their interest is not only
+in the affairs of men, to the knowledge of which
+they have access, but also in the secret springs
+of human action. They reside in man as well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+as amongst men, and witness to his good or evil
+works before the tribunal of heaven. The classics
+of Chinese literature, recognising this, urge upon
+readers the duty of decorum, purity, and care
+even when unseen by human eyes and according
+to the teachings of Confucius; one of the characteristics
+of the Princely Man is the discipline
+he will exercise upon himself when alone.</p>
+
+<p>Other spiritual beings are those who, by their
+ascetic practices, have attained to a life higher
+than that of humanity; it will endure through
+many centuries, and they are free to live in the
+pleasant places of the earth with considerable
+licence to enjoy good things, yet free from the
+material claims which govern human life. These
+are known by the term <i>hsien</i>, and are referred
+to above as fairies. Each and all of these beings
+touch the destinies of man at various points.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, in the important events of life&mdash;birth,
+marriage, and death&mdash;that the interference
+of the spirits is strongest, and such occasions are
+used by the sorcerer as a means of extorting
+money from his unfortunate victim. In the
+<i>Divine Panorama</i>, we read that: "It is not
+uncommon at the time of reincarnation to see
+women asking to be allowed to avenge themselves
+in the form of <i>gwei</i> before being changed into
+men. On their case being examined, it is found
+as young women they have been seduced or
+have been betrayed in other ways, such as the
+husband refusing after marriage to fulfil his
+promise to support the girl's parents, and in
+consequence of her disgrace the woman has committed
+suicide." From that moment terror has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+dogged the steps of her husband, and he has gone
+in hourly fear of sickness, accident, or sudden
+death. If he be a student, the day of examination
+presents terrors calculated to ensure failure,
+for he knows that the <i>gwei</i> has power to hold
+his mind in subjection so that he cannot write
+his competitive essay. The only hope he has of
+release is the taking of a vow, whereby he undertakes
+to study and make known <i>The Divine
+Panorama</i> or <i>precious record</i> transmitted to
+men to move them, being a record of examples
+published by the mercy of Yu Di, that men and
+women living in this world may repent them of
+their faults, and make atonement for their sins.
+The punishments described include all the most
+painful tortures of which Chinese ingenuity can
+conceive. Truly, idols are the work of man's
+hands, and they that make them are like unto
+them!</p>
+
+<p>Sculptural art also has left nothing undone to
+represent the god as animated by the worst
+passions of man, but skill and ingenuity must
+inevitably stop short of the final act necessary
+to convince man that communication is possible
+between him and the spirit world. In order to
+bridge this chasm a class of men and women
+called sorcerers (<i>mo-han</i> and <i>sheng-po</i>) has come
+into being, whose work it is to be the spokesmen
+of the gods. With deliberate intent and elaborate
+ritual they develop the mediumistic gift, and
+learn how to attain conditions of frenzy and of
+trance during which period the body is controlled
+by a spiritualistic force. Not only as the medium
+of the gods, but also as a resting-place for longer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+or shorter periods to the homeless, unclean spirit,
+do these sorcerers serve. At tremendous physical
+cost&mdash;for the medium is never long-lived&mdash;they
+accumulate great wealth, exorbitant sums being
+demanded in recognition of services rendered
+when freeing a family or village from the visitations
+of a tormenting <i>gwei</i>. When sickness
+enters his home, the Chinaman's instinct is to
+attribute it to any cause rather than a natural
+one; his appeal on such occasions is to the sorcerer
+whose time is largely occupied in giving what is
+called medical advice, but is in reality the practising
+of the rites of exorcism. Sometimes he will
+declare that the spirit of a sick person has strayed
+from the body, and means will be set on foot to
+secure its return. A woman I know, whose boy
+had apparently died from typhoid fever, was told
+that his spirit had been enticed away by a god
+whose shrine was built on the mountain side near
+the city where she lived. She took the child's
+coat and walked to the temple; here, standing
+before the idol, she burned incense and begged
+that the boy's spirit might be restored to her.
+Holding the child's coat open to receive it, she
+swayed to and fro, and with heart-rending cries
+besought it to return. She waited until she felt
+her request had been granted, and with a movement
+as though to enfold the little wandering
+ghost, she clasped the coat in her arms and swiftly
+returning home, laid it upon the lifeless body.
+The child revived, and is alive to this day.</p>
+
+<p>Frequently, after supplication to the gods, the
+clothes of the patient are carefully weighed; a
+procession is then formed in which one of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+sorcerers holds a mirror directed backwards,
+others, wearing scarlet aprons, carry brooms and
+with slow and mystic movements sweep widely
+on either side with the intent of gathering up the
+wandering soul. Meanwhile crackers are fired
+to the weird sound of a minor, falsetto lilting.
+After a considerable journey over the countryside
+they return to prove the success of their venture.
+For this the clothes of the sick man must be reweighed
+to see whether the weight of the spirit
+has been added to that of the patient's garments.
+Should the smallest discrepancy be detected all
+is well, and after feasting and opium the <i>mo-han</i>
+pockets his fee and departs, frequently leaving a
+prescription behind him, the results of which may
+be more or less harmful. Whatever the result,
+nothing will shake the faith of the people in these
+degraded villains, for they can, by threatening to
+call in the intervention of the gods on their behalf
+strike terror to the heart of any man, and once
+having sought aid of the sorcerer, the family is
+pitiable indeed.</p>
+
+<p>In a case which came under my personal observation,
+the spirit of a young woman from a village
+at some distance from the one in which I was
+staying, who had recently died in childbirth, was
+said to have returned, having found herself in
+difficulties in the spirit world for lack of means
+to defray the necessary expenses. Illness became
+so prevalent that necromancers were called in
+and agreed that a medium must be employed.
+The spirit made its requirements known, and by
+promising the sacrifices ordained, the family
+passed under a bondage from which none dared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+to emancipate himself by omitting the prescribed
+rites. Night after night, at the medium's command
+a table was spread at the cross-roads, on
+which were laid the fantastic foods suitable to the
+requirements of the departed spirit. Gold and
+silver paper money was plentifully burned, crackers
+were fired, and following the medium, a party of
+men left to place earthen bowls containing grains
+at various corners of the roads.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing but the deliverance of Christianity,
+or a daring known to few, can set free those who
+have been entangled in such practices.</p>
+
+<p>I saw this medium whilst under spirit control.
+Before a table elaborately decorated on which
+incense burned, she threw herself into extraordinary
+contortions, quivering and shaking, her finger and
+thumb forming a circle, whilst the little finger
+vibrated continuously. She sustained a perpetual
+chant in the peculiar spirit voice, the minor strains
+of which I find it impossible to describe. A
+relative of the deceased acted as questioner, and
+she dictated the terms by the fulfilment of which
+the spirit consented to a reconciliation.</p>
+
+<p>Another manifestation of mediumship may be
+found in the more or less conscious yielding of
+the personality to a controlling spiritualistic influence,
+known as <i>demon possession</i>. Remarkable
+cases have come under my own personal
+observation, and all incidents which I quote have
+been witnessed by foreign missionaries who are
+prepared to vouch for their accuracy. Those
+brought to my notice by reliable Chinese are too
+numerous to include in this book, but the fact
+that men and women who lay themselves open to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+demoniacal influences become possessed, is beyond
+dispute. In many cases the possession follows
+upon a fit of uncontrolled temper, such as is not
+uncommon amongst the Chinese; in others it is
+connected with the taking of a vow on the occasion
+of illness in the home, when service was promised
+to some particular god; or again, it has been
+undoubtedly connected with the neglect to completely
+remove idols from the home of a Christian.</p>
+
+<p>In yet other cases, a spirit may take temporary
+possession of a human body in order to find a
+means of expression for some important communication,
+and after delivering its message leave
+the person unconscious of that which has taken
+place. An instance of this occurred in a family
+with which I am intimate. The eldest daughter
+was married into a home where she received ill-treatment
+from her mother-in-law. For several
+years she was systematically underfed and overworked,
+and when at last she gave birth to a son
+we all expected she would receive more consideration.
+The hatred of her mother-in-law was,
+however, in no degree abated, and when the child
+was a month old she brought her daughter a meal
+of hot bread in which the girl detected an unusual
+flavour which made her suspicious. She threw
+the remainder to the dog, and before many hours
+had passed both the unfortunate girl and the dog
+were dead.</p>
+
+<p>Her father was away from home at the time,
+the young men of the family meanwhile carrying
+on the work of the farm. A few days later her
+brothers and first cousins, strong, vigorous young
+farmers, being together in the fields, her cousin,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+aged twenty-two, suddenly exhibited symptoms
+of distress. He trembled and wept violently.
+Those with him becoming alarmed at so unusual
+a sight went to his assistance, intending to take him
+home. He wept, however, the more violently,
+saying: "I am Lotus-bud; I was cruelly done to
+death. Why is there no redress?" Others of the
+family were by this time at hand, and recognising
+the effort made by the girl's spirit to communicate
+with her own people whom she had had no opportunity
+of seeing in the hour of her death, spoke
+directly to her, as though present. Telling her the
+facts of the case, they explained that all demands
+must remain in abeyance until her father's return,
+when the guilty party would be dealt with by her
+family whose feeling was in no sense one of indifference.
+In about an hour's time the attack
+passed, leaving the young man exhausted and
+unconscious of what had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>The criminal law of China can only be put in
+action under such circumstances by the girl's own
+family undertaking a long and expensive lawsuit,
+the result of which may end in the punishment of
+the criminal, or may terminate in quite a different
+way. In this case the demands took the form of
+a requirement, the granting of which constituted
+a tacit acknowledgment of guilt. The demand
+in fact was that a funereal monument should be
+erected in memory of the dead girl. This constituted
+so uncalled-for an honour paid to one in
+her position, as to be a public recognition that
+redress was due to her, and a law case was avoided.</p>
+
+<p>It may be remembered that in the first chapter
+of this book an incident is recorded of Mrs. Hsi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+herself being tormented by a demon which had
+gained its power over her, by reason of neglect
+to completely destroy all idols at the time when
+they were removed from the home. Such a case
+is not singular.</p>
+
+<p>Our first woman patient in the Hwochow Opium
+Refuge became interested in the Gospel, and on
+her return home destroyed her idols, reserving
+however the beautifully carved idol shrines which
+she placed in her son's room. Her daughter-in-law
+who occupied this room, a comely young
+woman, desired to become a Christian and gave
+us a warm welcome whenever we could go to the
+house. About six months later we were fetched
+by special messenger from a village where we were
+staying, to see this girl who was said to be demon
+possessed. We found crowds of men and women
+gathered to see and to hear. The girl was chanting
+the weird minor chant of the possessed, the voice,
+as in every case I have seen, clearly distinguishing
+it from madness. This can perhaps best be
+described as a voice distinct from the personality
+of the one under possession. It seems as though
+the demon used the organs of speech of the victim
+for the conveyance of its own voice. She refused
+to wear clothes or to take food, and by her violence
+terrorised the community. Immediately upon
+our entering the room with the Chinese woman
+evangelist she ceased her chanting, and slowly
+pointed the finger at us, remaining in this posture
+for some time. As we knelt upon the <i>kang</i>
+to pray, she trembled and said: "The room is
+full of <i>gwei</i>; as soon as one goes another comes."
+We endeavoured to calm her, and to make her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+join us in repeating the sentence, "Lord Jesus,
+save me."</p>
+
+<p>After considerable effort she succeeded in pronouncing
+these words, and when she had done so
+we commanded the demon to leave her, whereupon
+her body trembled and she sneezed some
+fifty or sixty times, then suddenly came to herself,
+asked for her clothes and some food, and seemingly
+perfectly well resumed her work. So persistently
+did she reiterate the statement that the demons
+were using the idol shrines for a refuge, that
+during the proceedings just mentioned her parents
+willingly handed over to the Christians present
+these valuable carvings, and joined with them
+in their destruction. From this time onwards
+she was perfectly well, a normal, healthy young
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>Upon recovery from illness a woman I knew
+yielded herself to the lord of hell for a certain
+period, during which time she was under a vow
+to wear black garments, to perform certain rites
+as required by the devil, and to chant instead
+of speaking. She told me once that she knew
+all I could tell her of the Lord of Heaven and of
+the death upon the cross of His Son, but that
+she served the lord of hell, and his servant she
+remained, only giving up her peculiar dress and
+manner when the time of her vow had expired.</p>
+
+<p>The yielding of personality to the possession
+of a spirit no doubt seriously weakens the will
+power. Many cases are on record of those who
+once delivered, like the man in the Gospel from
+whom the evil spirit had been cast out, unconsciously
+again prepare the empty house to receive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+the evil guest, and whose latter state is worse
+than the former.</p>
+
+<p>It was to a woman, terror of the district in
+which she lived, that a Chinese evangelist was
+called. After prayer in which he and some
+inquirers took part, the evil spirit in obedience
+to their command departed. A few weeks later
+on yielding to violent temper, she fell into a
+worse state than before. The missionary of the
+district was this time begged to go himself. As
+soon as he entered the room the woman threw
+herself upon the <i>kang</i>, rolling about in seemingly
+great agony. The Chinese helper, Mr. Li,
+rebuked the spirit, saying: "We ordered you
+to leave. Why have you returned?" "I could
+find no dwelling-place," was the answer,
+given with extraordinary rapidity, in the
+curious spirit voice. "Find me a place to rest,
+and I will leave at once." "We have come,"
+said Li, "to command you to leave, not to find
+you a place." Upon this the woman laughed
+and clapped her hands, and in the struggle it
+seemed as if the powers of evil were in the
+ascendancy. As she still chuckled with amusement,
+Li said: "Let us sing a hymn," and
+immediately the voice replied: "I too can sing,"
+and forthwith shouted some theatrical songs.
+Mr. Li then prayed, but there was seemingly no
+power and the voice also mockingly prayed.
+The missionary then interposed, saying: "I have
+not come here to hold intercourse with demons,"
+and forthwith authoritatively commanded the
+demon to leave her. There was a struggle, and
+she fell down unconscious on the <i>kang</i>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She came to herself in a normal condition and
+apologised to the missionary for her state of
+deshabille. Faithfully and sternly he rebuked her
+for sin and for giving place to the devil. She
+recognised her fault, and was from that time a
+changed woman.</p>
+
+<p>An evil spirit has been known to claim a young
+girl as its possession, forbidding her marriage
+under severe threats. It was in such a case
+that a demon, driven from a man who had become
+a Christian, went to a village eight miles distant
+and possessed a young woman. Speaking through
+her, it forbade her marriage and manifested itself
+in the same manner as it had done in the man
+from whom it came, compelling him to perpetually
+rub one side of his face and head until there was
+no hair left there. When questioned as to whence
+it came the demon replied by giving the name
+of this man, and to the question: "Why have
+you left him?" replied: "I have been turned
+out, for that man has become a Christian."</p>
+
+<p>Two methods of exorcism are used by the
+sorcerers&mdash;defiance and bribery. The Christian
+method is that of commanding the evil spirit
+in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to release
+the victim.</p>
+
+<p>Some have been set free from the power of a
+tormenting spirit who have not been subsequently
+kept free, through refusing to yield to the control
+of the great Spirit of Liberty. Pastor Hsi, than
+whom none better understood the conflict in the
+Heavenly Places, in earlier days would cast out
+demons from all the possessed who were brought
+to him, but in later years as experience grew, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+refused to do so unless idols were destroyed, and
+he had reason to believe there was a sincere
+desire to obey the commands of God. He doubtless
+saw, as others have done, the futility of
+temporary relief during which, in that mysterious
+way so graphically described in the Scriptures,
+the demon wanders in waterless places, joining
+himself to others more evil than he.</p>
+
+<p>Pastor Hsi learned to distinguish between the
+greater and the lesser demons. With the latter
+he would deal summarily, but not so with the
+former. "This kind," he would say, "goeth
+not out but by prayer and fasting;" and thus
+he would prepare himself for an encounter with
+the powers of evil.</p>
+
+<p>Young believers, doubtless impressed by the
+Pastor's command over unclean spirits and
+perhaps sometimes eager for a similar power,
+were, as in the instances recorded in the Acts
+of the Apostles, in serious danger. Pastor Hsi
+urged them not lightly to undertake the casting
+out of demons. He had been faced by the awful
+realities of the spirit world, and on one occasion
+at least, by reason of a thoughtless word, had
+been troubled by the very demon he had cast
+out and which attached itself to his person.</p>
+
+<p>The experiences recorded here may be unfamiliar
+to many readers, and some will doubtless
+think that madness, hysteria, or epilepsy may
+account for them. To such I would suggest
+the following points for consideration: Firstly,
+the striking, detailed resemblance between the
+cases seen now in heathen lands and those
+recorded in the Scriptures; secondly, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>
+complete and lasting restoration resulting from
+prayer and from the command in the Name of
+the Lord Jesus that the demon should depart;
+thirdly, the appalling sense of the reality of the
+conflict with the evil one at the moment of supreme
+test, as the missionary is called upon to prove
+his personal faith, and to give the command
+which shall decide whether God or demon remains
+conqueror on the field.</p>
+
+<p>When the promise was given by Christ that
+His witnesses should cast out demons, it was
+with the foreknowledge that such equipment was
+essential to those who obeyed His command to
+disciple the nations. Let the signs following be
+a reminder to weary warriors that the Captain
+of our salvation is actively leading His hosts;
+and to the indifferent and half-hearted who
+profess and call themselves Christians, let it be
+a matter for serious reflection that there exist
+churches in many heathen lands, the members
+of which have not lost their first love and faith,
+and against whom the enemy has come with his
+whole strength.</p>
+
+<p>A feeble conflict may provoke a feeble resistance,
+but it behoves the aggressive warrior to
+prepare for the fight of his life when he invades
+the enemy's territory, where the conflict is not
+with "mere flesh and blood, but with the
+despotisms, the empires, the forces, that control
+and govern this dark world."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Happy the meek;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For they shall inherit the earth."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"The labourer whom Christ in His own garden<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Chose to be His helpmate."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Dante.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He went out to seek wisdom, as many a one has done,
+looking for the laws of God with clear eyes to see, with a
+pure heart to understand, and after many troubles, after
+many mistakes, after much suffering, he came at last
+to the truth."&mdash;<span class="smcap">H. Fielding Hall.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG</h3>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IF Pastor Hsi may be spoken of as the Paul
+of the Shansi Church, Barnabas finds his
+counterpart in Pastor Wang of Hwochow.</div>
+
+<p>Though possessing none of the peculiar gifts
+which made Hsi a leader amongst foreigners
+and Chinese, he has exercised a remarkable
+personal influence upon hundreds of lives, winning
+by consistency and sincerity those with whom
+he has come in contact. On our first arrival we
+found him already in charge, conducting the
+Sunday services and generally caring for the
+Church members.</p>
+
+<p>His unfailing courtesy, consideration, and tact
+simplified many difficult situations, and the
+exercise of his natural gift for gathering people
+around him and drawing out the best in them
+soon resulted in a rapidly growing work. He
+was almost immediately chosen as Deacon, and
+before long the office of Elder was given to him.
+All turned to Mr. Wang in difficulty, sought his
+advice in perplexity, and by the unanimous
+desire of the Church he was in 1909 ordained
+Pastor at Hwochow.</p>
+
+<p>He has developed his gifts in the school of
+adversity, for trouble overtook him in his childhood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+when his father died only a few years
+before the great famine which was to sweep over
+the province of Shansi. Poor they always were,
+and his love for his mother was intensified as he
+saw the self-sacrificing devotion with which she
+earned enough by her spinning to enable him to
+continue his schooling. At the age of fifteen he
+was married, and on the bride's arrival the
+falsity of the middleman through whom the
+engagement had been long ago contracted was
+revealed, for the bride was a helpless cripple and
+a serious burden on the already overpressed
+household.</p>
+
+<p>Food soon began to be scarce, for the rains
+failed and the prospect of the wheat harvest was
+poor. They endured and hoped, being mercifully
+saved from the knowledge that they must now
+enter upon a period when the inhabitants of
+Shansi should touch the depths of human suffering
+and call on death to end their woes. No pen
+can fully describe the horrors of that time. When
+summer and autumn crops had failed the rains
+were still withheld, and despair seized on all as
+they saw the impossibility of sowing the wheat
+for next year's harvest.</p>
+
+<p>The delicate bride, unable to withstand the
+privations of that time, soon died, and Wang's
+sister was married, so that he and his mother
+remained alone to care for each other. The poor
+young sister lived but a very short while in her
+new home, and the circumstances of her death
+were so tragic that Wang felt unable to forgive
+the man who had been her husband. After
+many years, when circumstances brought this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+man to his home, he realised that Christ's command
+to forgive those who have offended against
+you required of him a complete change of feeling
+towards this once hated brother-in-law, and he
+invited him to share his food as a sign of forgiveness
+and reconciliation.</p>
+
+<p>Every month the distress became more acute;
+weeds, leaves, bark of trees, and even some
+softer kinds of wood were used as food, but
+numbers were dying and of the one hundred
+and twenty families which inhabited the village,
+at last thirty only remained. The dead outnumbered
+the living, and compelled by hunger
+the latter were driven to sustain life by feeding
+on the former.</p>
+
+<p>Wang saw his mother's vain endeavour to
+supply some kind of food on which they might
+subsist, and his heart was torn to see her deprive
+herself even now that there might be more for
+him.</p>
+
+<p>When the famine was at its worst, the most
+tragic blow fell. His mother one day told him
+it was her wish that he should accompany several
+neighbours to a near village where lived a relation.
+In those days none dared to travel alone, lest
+in their weak, half-starved condition they should
+fall a prey to man or beast. The pretext given
+was the possibility of obtaining the loan of a
+little grain from the aunt who lived there. Beggars
+were many and givers few, and he wondered at
+his mother entertaining any hope of such good
+fortune.</p>
+
+<p>He went, however, only to return a few hours
+later, empty-handed. As he entered the courtyard,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+heart-sick with disappointment, he called
+for his mother and received no answer. Doors
+and windows were locked on the inside, and
+sick with apprehension he called the neighbours
+to his help. On bursting open the door, they
+saw her body swinging from a beam in the dim
+recesses of the cave. The errand had been an
+excuse to get him out of the way, while she performed
+this act which was the last expression
+of her love to him. She had chosen this solution
+of their impossible position, hoping that, relieved
+of her presence, he might be able to endure till
+coming harvest.</p>
+
+<p>The body, wrapped in matting, was laid in an
+empty cave. There was no money for a coffin,
+and many were waiting like hungry wolves to eat
+the uncoffined dead; moreover, the boy and his
+uncle were too weak to drag the body to the
+burying-ground.</p>
+
+<p>The months passed, and still the arid, sun-baked
+earth refused to bear any green thing, and
+the despairing people longed for rain which never
+came. The second year of drought had come
+and gone, and there was now nothing sown in
+the fields, but on the seventh day of the fourth
+moon of the fourth year of the Emperor Kwang
+Hs&uuml;, the longed-for rain fell and hope revived.</p>
+
+<p>At this time also a stranger came to the village
+registering the names of survivors, and
+announcing that foreigners had arrived and were
+distributing grain that the fields might be sown
+for an autumn crop.</p>
+
+<p>The worst of the famine was over, but the
+terrors of famine fever had yet to be faced, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+when the longed-for grain had ripened there were
+in many houses none left to eat it, for whole
+families had been wiped out.</p>
+
+<p>Wang now naturally became an inmate of his
+uncle's home, and gradually the conditions of
+greatest horror were relieved. As soon as strength
+had sufficiently returned, they made coffins and
+prepared to bury their dead, that the required
+rites should not be lacking which should bring
+consolation to those who had entered the land of
+shades without the necessary honours having
+been paid to their memory. Not only for the
+coffins was money required, but also to pay the
+fees of the geomancers who must decide the site
+of the graves and an auspicious day for the funeral.
+In this one family, thirteen coffins were made
+and graves dug in accordance with the following
+plan: The four quarterings of the celestial sphere
+were borne in mind, respectively governed by
+the Azure Dragon, Red Bird, White Tiger, and
+Black Tortoise, these being identified with East,
+West, South, and North. The graves should face
+the south, with White Tiger on the right and
+Azure Dragon on the left, as these respectively
+control wind and water.</p>
+
+<p>On the day of the funeral the son, dressed in
+coarse white cloth, with unhemmed garments,
+white twists plaited with the hair of his queue
+which he wore over his chest, and his head unshaven,
+walked as chief mourner, the wailing
+relatives following the bier. In due course,
+paper money and other articles were burned for
+the use of the deceased, and fire crackers were
+exploded to ensure the soul and the mortal remains<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+against the attacks of demons. The next
+year in early spring on the day known as <i>Pure
+Brightness</i>, in accordance with national custom,
+Wang, dressed in white, again visited and repaired
+the grave. For three years he wore signs of
+mourning in his dress, and abstained from all
+festivities. Thus he strove to leave undone
+nothing which filial piety could contrive, to make
+easier to his mother her sojourn in those mysterious
+realms whither she had passed.</p>
+
+<p>For the next few years he worked as a silversmith
+in his uncle's shop, this latter being a
+generous, kindly man, on whom the responsibilities
+of business life sat only too lightly, for an illness
+revealed the fact that the profits were not sufficient
+to meet the interest due on the rapidly accumulating
+debts.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, the sick man, with failing health,
+had gradually acquired the use of the fatal drug
+known as "foreign smoke," which some years
+previously had been first introduced from distant
+lands, and was gaining ground every year as a
+profitable crop in the best soil. One ounce a day
+had become the necessary allowance for the sick
+man, and to Hwochow the nephew constantly went
+in order to buy the needful supply. He tells
+how he walked between the poppy fields and
+heard the chant which always accompanied the
+sowing of the plant:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Of ten acres, fateful plant, thou claimest eight,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Thus only two are left for ripening grain;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">From distant lands thou wert brought here,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And hast devoured the best of China's sons."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Of famine, of typhus, and of the raids of wild<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+beasts, the inhabitants of Shansi had tasted the
+full terrors, but now this more insidious foe was
+working havoc in their midst. Amongst the
+villagers it already counted its victims: one young
+man had recently died as a direct result of its
+use, for after taking his accustomed dose he had
+so lain down that a portion of his wadded clothes
+was touching the lighted stove. Shortly after,
+his mother entered the cave to find this, her only
+son, burned to death, the charred corpse being
+all that remained to tell the tale. Another neighbour
+had gradually parted with all his possessions,
+and when nothing else remained on which to raise
+money, he took his young wife and sold her to
+an innkeeper in whose house she was not mistress
+of her actions and had no choice but to obey her
+purchaser. Nothing could save her, and the
+tragedy of that broken heart still awaits His
+judgment Who judgeth righteously.</p>
+
+<p>The duty of preparing the pipe for his uncle
+devolved on the young man, and before long he
+himself was a victim of opium.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the uncle was weaker than formerly,
+and a neighbour strongly recommended Wang to
+visit the China Inland Mission station at Hwochow
+to ask for some medicine, and this was how he
+first heard the Gospel story. He was cordially
+received by the evangelist, and given a dose to
+be administered according to regulation, and told
+to pray earnestly for his uncle; this he conscientiously
+did, kneeling in the courtyard, and
+saying: "Heavenly Father, have mercy on my
+uncle." The next day, the sick man was better,
+and continued so for many months.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Troubles soon thickened around Mr. Wang.
+When his uncle died he found himself responsible
+for business and home, and overwhelmed by
+debts.</p>
+
+<p>The great spiritual crisis of his life was at hand.
+He had from childhood pursued, by what broken
+light he had, an ideal which was intensely real
+to him. In the five relationships wherein his
+teachers had instructed him as to conduct, he
+had endeavoured to be blameless: as subject to
+ruler, son to father, younger brother to elder,
+husband to wife, and friend to friend. He had
+worked beyond his strength to clear himself of
+debt, and when his best endeavours proved futile
+he had sold his goods and distributed their price
+amongst the creditors. Having taken the vow of
+an ascetic, for years he was a vegetarian. Nevertheless,
+all had failed, and he bitterly reproached
+himself with having fallen into the sin of opium
+smoking.</p>
+
+<p>Now it happened that a certain man, jealous
+of Pastor Hsi's success, opened a rival opium
+refuge in which he treated patients according
+to the Pastor's methods, but with medicine of his
+own making. The scheme was a contentious one,
+and the man a cause of friction and difficulty
+to the Christian community. It was to
+this Refuge that Mr. Wang, now thirty years
+old, poor, sad, and dispirited, came as a patient.
+He found here a man who, according to the established
+tradition of the opium refuge, received
+even a degraded class of men into his house in
+order to care for them, and performed many
+menial tasks in the discharge of his duty towards<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+them. Also the good news of the Evangel was
+proclaimed in the house. If the preaching were
+not sincere but proclaimed a Christ of contention,
+it behoves us to rejoice that even so Christ was
+preached, for Mr. Wang heard something of the
+life of Jesus, His love, and His humility, and
+thought that he saw the very spirit of the doctrine
+exemplified in the man who ministered to these
+unfortunate patients. His heart was overwhelmed
+by the love of God; and the beauty of Christ, after
+which he for so many years had blindly felt, lest
+haply he might find, was now revealed to him.
+On the ninth day, for lack of money, he was
+obliged to cut his treatment short and return
+home; but henceforth nothing could separate
+him from the love of God.</p>
+
+<p>The rumour of his conversion soon spread, and
+many visited the workshop where the silversmith
+sat at his daily occupation, questioning him,
+hearing his story, and taking note of the great
+change in him. From the first he exercised a
+great influence on men, and soon a few were joining
+with him morning and evening for prayer and
+reading of the Bible.</p>
+
+<p>The last month of the year&mdash;a period dreaded
+by the Chinaman whose liabilities exceed his
+assets&mdash;found him in great straits. A fever had
+laid him low, but as soon as strength returned
+sufficiently to sit up in bed and work he was
+plying his trade once more, and it was thus his
+creditors found him when they came to press
+their claims.</p>
+<div class="figright" style="width: 383px;">
+<img src="images/illus03.jpg" width="383" height="500" alt="PASTOR WANG. To face page 136." title="PASTOR WANG. To face page 136." />
+<span class="caption">PASTOR WANG.<br /> <span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 136.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Chinese universal system of debt does not
+allow for the exercise of mercy, as each creditor is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+himself a debtor, and his object in securing payments
+is to relieve the pressure brought to bear
+on himself by his own creditors. Nevertheless,
+the sight of the sick man forcing himself to work,
+and the reputation he had for integrity so affected
+them that they left the house again, begging him
+to reserve his strength and free his mind from
+immediate anxiety on their account. Health and
+strength finally returned, and intercourse was
+established with the Hwochow missionaries, which
+resulted in his baptism. By the year 1900 a group
+of Christian men and women formed the nucleus
+of a church in the village. Mr. Wang this year
+became a widower for the second time, the wife
+he had taken some years previously dying in
+childbirth, leaving him the care of two small
+children. The newborn babe it was impossible
+for him to rear, and he gave it away to a friend
+whose wife had lost her own child and now took
+this one to her breast.</p>
+
+<p>As the dangers of that fateful year thickened
+and news came of persecutions and massacres, the
+Church trembled and wondered how she would endure.
+Finally it became known that Boxers were
+marching on the village. Mr. Wang was recognised
+as leader of the local Christians, and to him they
+would certainly come. He called his little boy
+and girl to kneel with him in the cave, and committed
+the matter to God. At sunset, a sound of
+rushing wind was heard and a violent thunderstorm
+burst on the district. Hail, wind, and rain
+were followed by a terrific cloud-burst which
+swept man and beast away in its irresistible
+violence. The narrow mountain roads were completely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+carried away by the course of the waters,
+and the Boxers never came.</p>
+
+
+<p>It was a great spiritual experience for Mr. Wang,
+to whom God spake not in the thunder nor in the
+storm, but in a still small voice which asserted
+His boundless claim on the life preserved from
+danger. From that time he was conscious of a
+new strength and power, which resulted in his
+shortly giving up his trade of metal-worker to take
+charge of the Hwochow Men's Opium Refuge.
+That position he still holds, and thanks to him
+the good name and repute of this institution is
+widespread. All his noblest gifts find their full
+development in the work which makes hourly
+claims on patience, forbearance, devotion, longsuffering,
+meekness, and all those qualities which
+are bound up in the one characteristic of love.
+From amongst the men in his charge a steady
+stream return home to destroy idols and subsequently
+request baptism. When the question is
+asked: "How came you to believe?" the answer
+will be: "I owe it to Pastor Wang, who taught
+me about Christ and taught me to pray." His
+methods are not those of the evangelist who
+gathers in the crowds, but one by one he wins
+them to the Lord. In one particular only did I
+hear him censured by a Christian, and that was
+on the occasion of his ordination to the pastorate.
+A Church member protested that a stronger man
+than Wang Bing-guin was needed for the work.
+"See my case," he said. "When, as you know, I
+was recently the subject of persecution, I came
+to Elder Wang for assistance. He listened to my
+story and urged me to pray and have patience.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>
+This I did, but matters only got worse, and I returned
+to insist on his taking action on my behalf.
+Would you believe that he spoke of nothing more
+practical than prayer and patience again? On
+the third occasion, when I had very nearly made
+up my mind to go straight to the Mandarin, he
+only urged: 'I fear that prayer and patience are
+your only lawful weapons, my brother.'"</p>
+
+<p>The opinion of the heathen regarding Mr. Wang
+was forced upon my attention in a rather startling
+way. We were preaching one day to a group of
+village women, and as an old lady in the crowd
+heard us explaining that "all have sinned and come
+short of the glory of God," she said: "Those
+words are untrue, for I knew a man who never
+spoke a false word and never did an unkind
+deed." Interested, we asked who he was, and
+she replied: "Oh, he afterwards followed your
+Church; his name is Wang Bing-guin."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+<h2>A VISIT TO THE BASE</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye are needing
+all these things."</p>
+
+
+<p>"I would be undone if I had not access to the King's
+chamber of Presence to show Him all the business."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Rutherford.</span></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Dear children!<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Let us not be loving in word nor yet with the tongue,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">But in deed and truth."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+The First Epistle of John.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>A VISIT TO THE BASE</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">From Whence we are again sent forth with
+Fresh Supplies</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IT was with mixed feelings that we came to
+realise that the days were few until that
+experience known as "taking furlough" was
+to be ours.</div>
+
+<p>It was indeed hard to leave our post. England
+seemed so far away, and the thought of having
+to readjust oneself to English ways and English
+dress was not inviting. The desire to see relatives
+and friends pulled toward the West, but I realised
+that an even stronger magnet was drawing me
+with tremendous force to remain in the land of
+the Celestial.</p>
+
+<p>It was arranged that two experienced missionaries,
+the Misses Higgs and Johnson, should join Miss
+Mandeville who had been with us for nearly two
+years, during our absence. A year of strenuous
+effort on their part in a post requiring the exercise
+of tact and forbearance, enabled us to see marked
+progress in the work upon our return a year later.</p>
+
+<p>In order to carry out our plan of advance new
+buildings were necessary, and a consultation was
+held as to the sum required. On the most economical<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+computation this would certainly be &pound;500,
+and we left for England with the hope and prayer
+that if it were for the glory of God this sum might
+be forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p>The months passed by, and sums various were
+contributed. We were due to leave England in
+March, and we were still far short of the required
+amount, when in February, my friend and Pastor,
+Dr. Campbell Morgan, arranged that I should
+have an opportunity of telling the members of
+Westminster Chapel of the work in Hwochow. It
+was Sunday morning and the usual collection for
+Church expenses had been taken, but at the close
+of the service Dr. Morgan announced that those
+who wished to do so might send contributions to him,
+which would be forwarded to me. Thanks to the
+generosity and kindness of those concerned, we left
+for China with our &pound;500 less &pound;50. In March we
+started on the interesting journey through Siberia,
+bringing with us that which was of more value
+than much gold, Miss French's younger sister,
+Francesca, to join us in our missionary work.</p>
+
+<p>We reached Moscow, that fascinating city with
+its churches, Kremlin, and numerous historic
+interests. We seemed to be at the parting of the
+way where East and West meet and merge. Partly
+for the sake of economy and partly for the interest
+of being more with the people of the land, we decided
+to travel, not by the <i>train de luxe</i>, but by the
+Russian daily post train. We were thus able with
+comfort to do the journey from London to Peking
+for &pound;20 each, whereas by the International train
+&pound;35 is required for fare alone.</p>
+
+<p>How keenly we enjoyed it all! The wide, roomy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+railway compartments, the slow, steady movement
+of the broad gauge train, enabling one to read and
+write with comfort; the rush with a tin kettle
+for hot water from the huge tanks with unlimited
+supply, provided at each station; the buying of
+the day's provision from the peasants who crowded
+to the platforms with eggs, butter, and milk;
+the reading aloud of some Russian book in the
+Slavonic surroundings, which contributed so much
+to make its disconcerting unexpectednesses seem
+the natural expression of the Russian temperament.</p>
+
+<p>How delightful it all was; but when we reached
+Manchuria Town and found ourselves in the midst
+of Chinese, we felt the thrill which comes with
+the first sight of home. A few more days, and we
+were in Peking.</p>
+
+<p>We walked in the acres of parkland which surround
+the Temple of Heaven, and saw its blue-and-yellow-tiled
+roofs outlined on the azure of the
+Eastern sky. We stood in the pavilion where
+the "Son of Heaven," fasting, rested before he
+proceeded to pray for his people in the double
+office of priest and king.</p>
+
+<p>What gorgeous scenes the midnight skies have
+witnessed where the altar raises its marble carvings
+and mystic symbols to the open vault of
+heaven. No sign of idolatry is visible; here he
+worshipped Heaven and Earth, and bowed before
+the Supreme Ruler, praying for the millions of
+his people to whom he stood as father. A magnificent
+conception! The mind of man could
+scarcely rise higher in ethics of worship, as in
+solemn splendour the beasts are slain, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+prostrate Emperor under the starlit sky calls
+upon the unknown god. Confucius seemed to
+realise the unbridgeable chasm between the offender
+and his judge when he said: "If a man have offended
+against heaven, there is none to whom he can
+pray"; and here the ruler of this great people
+prayed, but with a recognition of limitation
+which brought him, later on, back to the familiar
+idol shrines with an offering of incense and acceptable
+gifts.</p>
+
+<p>From the quiet dreams of that place, we returned
+to the hustle and bustle of native city life. Our
+rickshaw men, with marvellous speed and agility,
+were soon rushing us through the crowds of peddlers
+shouting, yelling, and calling on every passer-by
+to purchase their goods. Beggars, scarcely recognisable
+as human beings, knocked their foreheads
+on the ground, beseeching us to give them some
+cash. The moral support of a policeman is inadequate
+to the task of protecting the newcomer
+who has yielded to an impulse of pity.</p>
+
+<p>On we rushed through massive gates, where we
+ran serious risks of an overturn in meeting a string
+of heavily laden camels, with sonorous bell hanging
+to the neck; brightly and gaily dressed ladies
+passed and repassed in rickshaws; men on horseback,
+coalheavers, foreign women on bicycles,
+shining motor-cars, and glass-panelled, silk-upholstered
+carriages composed a moving picture, with
+the gates and huge enclosure of the forbidden
+city as background. From the pandemonium
+of Chinatown we swung into Legation quarter,
+where macadamised roads take the place of cobblestones,
+and for this you call down blessings on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+civilisation, the rubber tyres of your rickshaw
+running rapidly and smoothly over the way.
+Without transition, you pass from East to West.
+The Wagon-Lits Hotel's fine buildings face you,
+large foreign shops abound, at night electric lights
+will blaze over the streets still filled with pleasure-seekers,
+thoughtless and forgetful, though the
+words written in days of siege can be clearly
+descried on the broken fragment of Legation wall:
+"Lest We Forget."</p>
+
+<p>At the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank we
+entered to transfer money which was to enable
+us to erect those longed-for buildings in Hwochow.
+Whilst I was transacting my business, a voice
+behind me addressed Miss French by name, and
+the cashier looked up quickly. Immediately
+upon the conclusion of my business he asked:
+"Is that Miss French of Taiy&uuml;anfu? Fifty
+pounds have been lying to her account for three
+years, and we have been unsuccessful in tracing
+her whereabouts." Identity having been fully
+established the money with interest was paid
+to us, and with our &pound;500 complete and some
+extra, we journeyed homewards. A strange coincidence
+you say! Yea, verily, unless "we take
+our courage in both hands, and call it God."</p>
+
+<p>After a train journey for the next two days,
+came slow travelling from Taiy&uuml;anfu to Hwochow.
+Long and weary days, in which one takes many
+hours to accomplish thirty miles, turning in at
+night to a Shansi inn. A wonderful place it is,
+carried on with the minimum of expense and
+trouble to the owner, whose responsibility ends
+when he has provided you with a kettle of boiling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+water in an absolutely empty room, the walls
+and ceiling of which are dirty beyond description.
+In the courtyard are a few sheds where your
+mules are stalled for the night, while horses and
+donkeys, kicking and braying, vie with <i>insecta</i>
+in enlivening for you the hours of darkness.
+Meanwhile your landlord has sent to ask whether
+you are requiring food. The bill of fare offers
+<i>mien</i>,<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> with accompanying condiments of salt,
+vinegar, and red pepper. Should you be a <i>bon
+vivant</i> you will ask for onion and a few bean
+sprouts, though this entail the reckless expenditure
+of the further sum of one penny. You
+lodge a protest at such extortionate charges, for,
+as your servant remarks, "at such a price we
+cannot afford to eat." Two sticks cut from a
+tree serve for table cutlery. "I hate luxury,"
+said Goethe, "it kills the imagination." Here
+imagination flourishes. Through the dirt and
+grime of the wall I can decipher a poem which
+tells me that when I come to reckon with my
+landlord, my account will be as flowing river.
+Other scrawls eulogise him, and assure me:
+"Whoever sleeps upon this <i>kang</i>, sleeps in peace."
+(I must have been an exception!) An idol, half-torn,
+hangs in one corner of the room, and in
+another I discover a Christian tract. Who has
+passed this way before me? I am aroused from
+my reverie by the sound of a voice, which utters,
+without seeing the humour and pathos of the
+remark: "The foreign devil is reading characters."
+I turn to see an eye filling the space of a torn
+piece of window paper, shamelessly scrutinising<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+me, and as I do so the intruder withdraws to
+discuss with the muleteers my failings, virtues,
+and intimate habits. Long before light the men
+are calling us, and we arise, anxious to lose none
+of the cool morning air. Delays occur, for last
+night a portion of the harness was pawned to
+pay for the men's supper. Either we supply the
+necessary money to redeem the pledge, or wait
+there indefinitely. We first declare that nothing
+will make us produce that sum which they are
+not entitled to receive until the journey's end,
+but both they and we know that a compromise
+must be effected. Alas, it is already light and
+the sun rises glorious, but to-day we are to reach
+home, and nothing seems hard. A short stay
+for dinner, and at sunset the gates of Hwochow
+are visible. I cannot describe these homecomings;
+the welcomers and welcomed know, and that is
+enough.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE BUILDERS</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"The house is not for me, it is for Him.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">His Royal thoughts require many a stair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Many a tower, many an outlook fair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Of which I have no thought, and need no care.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where I am most perplexed, it may be there</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Thou makest a secret chamber holy&mdash;dim,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where Thou wilt come to help my deepest prayer."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">George Macdonald.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Toil, workman, toil; thy gracious Lord<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Will give thee soon a full reward;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Then toil, obedient to His word,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Until He come.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Sing, pilgrim, sing; Christ's mighty Hand</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Will bring thee safe to that bright land;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Then sing&mdash;it is thy Lord's command&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Until He come."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Anon.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BUILDERS</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Relating how the Supplies were used</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IN an incredibly short space of time our
+compound was overrun by a gang of one
+hundred men from the province of Honan. The
+land in Southern Shansi has been too fertile and
+yielded too rich a crop of opium to leave us good
+workmen; when therefore we want work quickly
+and well done, we inquire for a Honan or Shantung
+man.</div>
+
+<p>Our helpers searched the countryside for likely
+trees, which were felled and in a few days made
+their reappearance as pillars and beams. Old
+buildings were bought, demolished, and sorted
+into usable and unusable material, so that as the
+walls went up the empty spaces about the city
+increased in number.</p>
+
+<p>Before dawn each morning we were aroused by
+the beating of a loud gong which called the men
+to work. This work they might not leave until
+the last streak of daylight had faded, except for
+the brief space allowed for breakfast and dinner,
+when huge cauldrons of a sticky mass of boiled
+millet was ladled out in generous portions.
+Millet is the cheapest grain food procurable, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>
+the Shansi man cannot thrive upon it; to the
+Honan man it is the staff of life, and in consequence
+their rate of wage is lower.</p>
+
+<p>A race of giants they were, handsome, magnificently
+built, and well skilled in the use of their
+simple tools. In the use of the adze they were
+particularly proficient, and able to plane a section
+of wood to within a hairbreadth of thickness by
+the use of this alone. They liked to use it for
+the most delicate work, so certain are they of
+their accurate manipulation, and on one occasion
+when I supplied a bandage to bind a wound on
+the finger of a workman who had met with a
+slight accident, as I turned to take up my scissors,
+the head carpenter, without a trace of humour on
+his face, stepped forward with a four-foot long
+adze, and offered to sever the calico.</p>
+
+<p>Heavy work requiring the combined strength
+of several men, such as the beating in of foundations,
+or the lifting of a great beam, was accompanied
+by the sound of the weirdest rhythmic
+chant, sustained for hours if needs be.</p>
+
+<p>A night watchman was employed, who in
+accordance with the custom of the country constantly
+beat a loud gong, by means of which any
+intending thief is made aware that all are not
+asleep. The English policeman's rubber sole, and
+the Chinese watchman's noisy methods, strange
+to relate, attain the same ends.</p>
+
+<p>On one occasion, hearing blood-curdling yells
+at midday, we inquired and were told that a workman
+had caught a tramp, red-handed, in the act
+of stealing his tools. Our informant described
+him as aged, starved, and infirm, "truly pitiable,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+and strung up by his thumbs to a beam. The
+sound of those yells made us fear that something
+akin to the famous death by slow degrees, so
+constantly referred to in Chinese jurisprudence,
+was being carried into effect at our very door.
+Pastor Wang, the merciful, was already interceding
+on the man's behalf, and we sent a peremptory
+message that the thing must stop. Our desire
+was acceded to, and the wretched victim made
+his escape, more terrified than really hurt.</p>
+
+<p>The next reminder of the incident was the
+following item in the builder's final account:
+"To missing tools, unclaimed in accordance with
+missionaries' loving heart, 2s."</p>
+
+<p>One of the minor expenses connected with our
+building operations was the inviting of guests
+to a succession of feasts. The occasion of the
+stamping of the contract in the <i>Yamen</i>, which
+marked the conclusion of the middlemen's responsibility
+in the purchase of property, was
+celebrated by a handsome meal, to which all in
+any way connected with the transaction were
+invited.</p>
+
+<p>The necessity of conciliating our neighbours to
+the inevitable trouble which the dust and litter
+of building would entail upon them, caused us
+to spread another feast, to which all who could
+shelter beneath the term "neighbour" were asked.</p>
+
+<p>By the building contract we found ourselves
+obliged to conform to the customary requirement
+made by workmen that every tenth day we should
+provide a "reward for work," which, in fact,
+amounted to supplying one pound of white flour
+and a handful of vegetable to each workman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>
+This arrangement ensured pleasant relations
+between the men and ourselves, for each time
+they were our guests grievances were forgotten
+and a fresh start made. The swinging of the huge
+beams of the church roof was the occasion for
+extra festivity.</p>
+
+<p>This custom of inviting guests does much to
+smooth over difficulties, and is customary, not
+only in matters of building, but also on numerous
+other occasions. For instance, the autumn rains
+swelling the river necessitate the use of a ferry
+boat for about two months of the year. The expense
+of this is met by public subscriptions from
+the more important people of the city, and a
+small fare for each passenger. Those whose
+names appear on the subscription list are invited
+to an annual banquet given by the ferrymen;
+I have often wondered what would happen were
+some simple soul to accept the invitation, which
+in reality is only intended to serve as a reminder
+that subscriptions are now due.</p>
+
+<p>It is part of the convenient social system of this
+land that no woman would presume to put in an
+appearance on such occasions. Throughout the
+building operations the only part of the feast in
+which we were privileged to share&mdash;which privilege
+was unquestioningly granted&mdash;was the payment
+of all expenses.</p>
+
+<p>How glad we should have been to find such an
+easy solution to the problem of the importunate
+widow. This aged lady entered a claim for two
+stones occupying nine square feet of waste land,
+to the sale of which she declared her consent had
+never been given. The matter had been referred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+to middlemen who decided in our favour; nevertheless,
+we learned to dread the daily tap, tap, of her
+stick, and the shrill squawk of her strident voice
+as she came with fresh deeds (some of them dating
+back to former dynasties) of which she demanded
+the examination. She was generally accompanied
+by friends, all of whom were prepared to support
+her claim.</p>
+
+<p>I have seen her stand by the workmen, and
+with her nagging tongue drive them, and the
+foreman, almost to despair. It was impossible
+to recognise her rights even to the extent of
+feasting her, so we endured until the walls were
+built, and then to compensate her for her trouble
+handed her the equivalent of 2s., which sum she
+accepted, but every time we meet her she reminds
+us that we are occupying land which belongs to
+her.</p>
+
+<p>The first autumn frosts saw a large expanse of
+waste land, which had formerly lain around our
+compound, transformed into a neat series of
+courtyards, and a spacious church occupied
+seventy feet of the main street frontage, providing
+sitting accommodation for a congregation of six
+hundred. In all, we had erected fifty <i>gien</i><a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> of
+room space, in addition to the church.</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to an unusually profitable rate of silver
+exchange which held during these few months,
+and owing to the faithful oversight and scrupulous
+economy of Pastor Wang and his helpers, our
+&pound;500 proved sufficient to meet all necessary
+requirements of Church, School, Bible School,
+and Dispensary.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p>
+<h2>WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel."<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+Motto of the Hwochow Bible School.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Cornelius halted at a doorway in a long, low wall&mdash;the
+outer wall of some villa courtyard, it might be supposed&mdash;as
+if at liberty to enter, and rest there awhile. He held
+the door open for his companion to enter also, if he would,
+with an expression, as he lifted the latch, which seemed to
+ask Marius, "Would you like to see it?" Was he willing
+to look upon that, the seeing of which might define&mdash;yes!
+define the critical turning-point in his days?"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Walter
+Pater.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Which tells how a Link was established
+between Westminster and Hwochow
+Bible Schools</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>AMONGST the courtyards which constituted
+our new premises was one into the walls
+of which was inserted a stone, engraved with the
+words in Chinese and English: "Women's Bible
+School. Erected by the Congregation of Westminster
+Chapel, London. Jesus said: 'I am the
+Way, the Truth, and the Life.'"</div>
+
+<p>The women's rooms had never been large enough
+to hold those who were anxious to come, and now
+at last suitable premises were going to make
+possible the fulfilment of a long-cherished plan&mdash;that
+of giving adequate training to suitable women.</p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus04.jpg" width="500" height="360" alt="WOMEN&#39;S BIBLE SCHOOL. Mrs. Hsi on the left, sharing a book with Miss French. Mrs. Liang on the right, sitting at Miss Cable&#39;s left. To face page 160." title="WOMEN&#39;S BIBLE SCHOOL. Mrs. Hsi on the left, sharing a book with Miss French. Mrs. Liang on the right, sitting at Miss Cable&#39;s left. To face page 160." />
+<span class="caption">WOMEN&#39;S BIBLE SCHOOL.<br />Mrs. Hsi on the left, sharing a book with Miss French. Mrs. Liang on the right, sitting at Miss Cable&#39;s left.<br /> <span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 160.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+<p>It seemed a long step from the days when, freely
+roaming around the villages, we taught some of
+these women the very first character they knew,
+spelling out with them the text: "God so loved the
+world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that
+whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
+but have everlasting life." The next step had been
+attendance at a station class for twenty days,
+sometimes repeated yearly but never leading to
+advanced work. In our new premises we divided<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+the students into three groups: Firstly, those
+attending a ten days' course, who served as training-ground
+to a second group of more advanced
+women who had passed the initial stage, and
+who now entered for the two years' course of
+Bible training and practical experience as evangelists.
+Thirdly, a picked few who, having received
+more regular teaching, were able to continue
+their own studies and help to superintend the work
+of the juniors, especially on the practical side,
+meanwhile giving a considerable portion of their
+time to aggressive evangelistic work.</p>
+
+<p>Foremost amongst these was Mrs. Liang, mother
+of Ling Ai, the headmistress of the girls' school.
+Strong, true, a woman of no ordinary ability, little
+escaped her penetrating glance. It was in middle
+age that she first heard the Gospel, an indirect
+influence of the opium refuge work; for Mrs.
+Liang had never smoked opium, nor had any
+member of her family. A neighbour, however,
+had, and on her return from the Refuge she produced
+with pardonable pride the copy of St.
+John's Gospel which she had bought, and better
+still, could read. It was hard for Mrs. Liang to
+see the former degraded opium smoker ahead of
+her in learning, and she persuaded her husband
+to give her the needed help. She borrowed the
+book and started at the first chapter. She had
+not been to the Mission House nor had she seen
+the missionaries, but before she met them she
+had met their Lord. It was but one more proof
+that "the words I speak unto you they are
+spirit, and they are life," and the Holy Spirit
+illuminating the written pages brought home to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>
+her its meaning. "He came unto His own, and
+His own received Him not," she read, and how
+can I say what took place? She tells me that she
+was convicted of sin, and that she found her
+Saviour.</p>
+
+
+
+<p>Intercourse with Miss Jacobsen was soon established,
+and under Mr. Cheng's influence her husband
+also believed. Mrs. Liang was baptized,
+her own feet and Ling Ai's were unbound, and the
+latter became a pupil in the girls' school.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Liang herself lived quietly at home until
+the year 1900. At that time the local Boxer
+leader was a near neighbour of hers, and he was
+prepared to kill these well-known adherents of
+a foreign religion. On recovering consciousness,
+however, from the trance which preceded the
+issuing of inspired orders, he uttered the surprising
+words: "Return each to your own place; let each
+busy himself with his own affairs." Not daring
+to disobey his followers scattered, and the small
+group of Christians was safe. Ling Ai has described
+the experiences of those days in the following
+words: "For months we were as those whose
+hair is bound around the neck, not knowing at
+what moment we should be called upon to die,
+but after our deliverance we united in saying:
+'We have been under the shadow of the Almighty.'"</p>
+
+<p>When we came to Hwochow Mrs. Liang, realising
+our difficulties, was one of the first to come to our
+assistance, and quickly endeared herself to us by
+her thoughtful, kind, practical ways.</p>
+
+<p>To the work of preaching she gave herself with
+unusual energy and devotion, so that to-day there
+are few women in Hwochow who do not know her,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+and scarcely a courtyard that has not been visited
+by her.</p>
+
+<p>Assisting Mrs. Liang is Mrs. Bah, who the first
+time I saw her refused to have any intercourse
+with us. She was the senior wife of a wealthy
+man who had died early, leaving the two widows
+to arrange matters as best they could. The
+younger one smoked opium, but was the proud
+possessor of a son who by law was the property
+of the elder wife, but it was obvious that to the
+younger was due the honour of introducing a son
+and heir to the house.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that Mrs. Bah the younger at last
+became a Christian and left her evil habits, did not
+make the elder woman more friendly, though she
+had in time to confess that life was easier for
+both under the new conditions. After some time
+the Christians of the village received her permission
+to use a cave in her spacious court for
+worship, in return for their offer to put it in repair.
+"It can do no harm," she argued, "and repairs
+are badly needed." Every evening they met to
+read the Bible and pray, and Mrs. Bah, prompted
+by curiosity, took her spinning to within earshot.
+She understood little, but the reiteration of the
+words "Heavenly Father" puzzled and interested
+her. "If it really be the Heavenly Father whom
+they worship," she reasoned, "they should be
+in the best room." The thought grew upon her
+until a change was effected, and to this day Mrs.
+Bah's guest-room is the village church. She soon
+left her spinning-wheel to join the worshippers
+and gradually came to the triumphant belief,
+weak at first, but taking slow shape, that "the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+attitude of the soul to its Maker can be something
+more than a distant reverence and overpowering
+awe, that we can indeed hold converse with God,
+speak with Him, call upon Him, put&mdash;to use a
+human phrase&mdash;our hand in His, desiring only to
+be led according to His will." This was the
+spiritual story of Mrs. Bah.</p>
+
+<p>I could tell of many others and the theme is
+tempting, for by so many and such varied paths
+have these comrades travelled. To mention only
+our youngest student who at the age of sixteen,
+member of a heathen family, heard the Gospel of
+Jesus Christ from an elder sister, a patient of the
+Women's Opium Refuge. She determined that
+as far as in her lay she would be a Christian.
+Yielding to her wishes, her parents engaged her to
+the son of a believer. After her marriage, when
+her entrance to the Bible School was suggested
+we demurred, but agreed to her attending a station
+class, only to discover that once more the Spirit
+of God had accomplished that of which we knew
+nothing. This young woman, who had only
+heard the Gospel from a sister who herself did not
+believe, had been truly converted. Reference to
+the curriculum in Appendix A will make it clear
+that the subject which has the pre-eminence is
+Bible study. The students prepare the books there
+mentioned, and during the years they are with us
+cover also the course indicated by Dr. Campbell
+Morgan's Graded Bible, which Miss French has
+translated for their use.</p>
+
+<p>The instruction of inquirers in the village centres
+is undertaken by those women evangelists who
+have completed their course. In places to which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+they are invited by the local church they hold
+classes of ten days' duration, following the course
+of study as in the central station. By this means
+a large number of women are under instruction,
+and heathens are brought in contact with the
+messengers of the Cross.</p>
+
+<p>City and village visiting forms an important
+branch of the training, and last but not least,
+classes taken under criticism, when it falls to the
+lot of the missionary to ask the questions which
+might occur to a heathen audience, and to impress
+upon the students the necessity of clear presentation
+of the Gospel. It is desirable that they
+should express the things which have gripped
+them in an individual way, not adopting a Western
+colouring but using to the full their Eastern
+knowledge: "Originality is like a fountain head;
+orthodoxy is too often only the unimpeachable
+fluid of the water company."</p>
+
+<p>The prodigal son, for example, naturally smoked
+opium in the far country, and the Chinese pictures
+so represent him. It was not, as we have supposed,
+in her confidence that oil would be supplied
+that the widow's faith was exemplified, but rather
+in her willingness at Elisha's command to go forth
+on a borrowing expedition when she was already
+so deeply in debt.</p>
+
+<p>We are sometimes treated to illustrations truly
+Eastern in character, as the following example
+will indicate. It was accepted by the audience
+as a solemn exhortation, as was the preacher's
+intention, the missionaries being the only ones
+present to whom the humorous side was evident.
+The subject was the importance of a whole-hearted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+acceptance of the Gospel, and the foolishness
+and uselessness of a half-hearted belief. A
+man, we were told, was begging by the roadside;
+he was very ill, and a passing doctor had pity on
+him, and gave him some medicine which the man
+promised to take. Questionings, however, arose
+in his mind as to the reliability of the said doctor,
+and yet he could not but take the drug, as he felt
+so ill. A compromise was decided upon, and he
+took half the dose. For a few hours he felt wonderfully
+well, and rejoiced in his restored condition;
+towards night the pain was more acute than
+before, and he was at his wits' end. How he
+regretted his folly, for his illness was certainly more
+serious. A few months later the same doctor,
+travelling over the same road, met the same man
+now reduced to a bag of bones.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" said he; "are you not the man to
+whom I gave medicine last time I came this way?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," he replied, "and I have been much worse
+ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"Worse!" exclaimed the physician; "how is
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only took half the dose," said the man; "I
+did not venture to take the whole."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas!" he replied, "how terrible!
+Your illness is the result of parasites attacking your
+vitals. That medicine would have killed them all.
+Had you taken the full dose you would have been
+well; had you tasted none there would have been
+hope for you. You took a small dose, and the
+parasites were sent to sleep, and later, when the
+effect of the drug had gone over, they awoke more
+lively than ever. Having once tasted of the drug<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+and experienced its effect, nothing will induce
+them to be trapped a second time. Return home,
+and prepare for a lingering death."</p>
+
+<p>In the moral drawn, the folly of an endeavour to
+serve two masters was made clear&mdash;a truth which
+all present felt to have been powerfully interpreted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Take up God's inspired word anywhere you like, and
+while we are called upon to adore the sovereign counsel
+of God and to say constantly that it transcends and surpasses
+all that we can do and all that we can expect, yet He
+does not bring the season of refreshing without engaging
+His children to help Him. The splendour of the grace
+may sometimes conceal man's effort, but it never cancels
+it."&mdash;Rev. <span class="smcap">Elvit Lewis</span>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">An Account of fresh Efforts to reach the
+Multitude and bring them to Decision</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>METHODS in mission work are many, and
+the diversities of gifts bestowed by the
+one Spirit are manifest in the striking variety of
+means put forth to bring to a knowledge of Christ
+the people of the lands in which the members of
+His Church are called to work.</div>
+
+<p>The teacher rejoices to see the change brought
+about by discipline and regular life in those committed
+to his care. The doctor, exercising his
+gift, succeeds where others have failed in establishing
+confidence and friendly relations which
+prepare a road for those who follow. The itinerant
+missionary sacrifices the comfort of a settled
+dwelling to carry the Gospel to those who dwell
+outside the radius touched by the central station.</p>
+
+<p>By the exercise of his peculiar gift, each expresses
+the longing that in the hearts of the people he
+sees around, without God and without hope, may
+take place that greatest of miracles called conversion.
+Nevertheless, every missionary has ever
+to guard against a most subtle and deadening
+influence which may be likened to poisonous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+gas in the enemy's country, lulling him to a
+condition wherein the idolatrous practices of the
+people around, instead of stirring him to greater
+activity, come to be regarded as customs of the
+nations amongst whom he lives, deplorable but
+interesting practices.</p>
+
+<p>The horror experienced on first seeing men bow
+down to wood and stone may give way to a complacency
+which ceases to expect an immediate
+response to the quickening and convicting power
+of the Spirit of God, and philosophises on the
+gradual emergence of light from the kingdom of
+darkness. The deadening of that vitality which
+drives a man to the seeking of the lost is one of
+the master-strokes of the enemy of souls, and
+one which no man doing spiritual work can afford
+to ignore.</p>
+
+<p>The sense of this urgency, and a great desire
+that our Chinese fellow-workers might realise
+the fullness of their vocation as evangelists, emboldened
+us to move in what was then a somewhat
+new direction so far as North China was
+concerned, by the holding of a six days' Mission
+for women in our new church in the spring after
+its dedication.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Gregg of Hwailu, in the Province of
+Chihli, when travelling through Shansi some years
+previously had conducted meetings for schoolgirls
+in several stations, upon which the blessing
+of God manifestly rested. From that time plans
+were being matured in the minds of the missionaries
+at Hwochow for a Mission to women
+in that city at the earliest possible date. The
+erection of a church building which could hold<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+the number expected made that dream a
+possibility. The city and villages were visited
+by the women evangelists, placards were posted
+on the walls, and every effort was made to widely
+advertise. Prayer was offered throughout the
+Church that God would so prevent us in all our
+doings that we might see His salvation.</p>
+
+<p>The men gladly undertook the arrangements
+for catering, made necessary by the fact that
+women cannot go to the shops to buy food for
+themselves, and this department was splendidly
+managed. We prepared to receive three hundred
+guests, and about three hundred and fifty took
+advantage of the invitation, who, with schoolgirls,
+Bible School students and helpers, provided
+a resident congregation of little short of five
+hundred. They came long distances on donkey-back,
+in carts, or even walking many miles.</p>
+
+<p>Large numbers of heathen, attracted by the
+unique sight of so large a concourse of women,
+swelled the numbers at the daily evangelistic
+meetings, and it was an inspiration to see the
+new church packed with women and girls quietly
+and reverently listening to the Gospel message.
+A room was set apart where silence was observed,
+that those who wished to do so might pray
+without fear of disturbance. A band of helpers
+was appointed to teach the passage for the day,
+and outside the church in an adjoining court
+was a book-stall, and here a brisk trade was done
+in hymn-sheets, gospels, and block-printed texts.</p>
+
+<p>The elder scholars, anxious to do their part,
+acted as stewards; each one had charge of some
+part of the building, so that should a baby cry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+and threaten to divert attention, she could carry
+the small offender to an adjoining room and keep
+it there until such time as it was prepared to
+enjoy the larger gathering. One of the "old
+girls" took charge of small children, and managed
+her cr&ecirc;che so successfully that we were undisturbed
+by the younger portion of the community.</p>
+
+<p>Each morning before seven a gong sounded
+and all assembled for prayer. After breakfast
+a short Bible-reading was given, the subject
+chosen being the sevenfold "I Am" of St. John's
+Gospel. These meetings were simple and evangelistic,
+and many testified to blessing received as
+they saw afresh all the wealth laid up in Him
+who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.</p>
+
+<p>It was to the eleven and four o'clock meetings
+that the crowds gathered. While the congregation
+was assembling a choir of schoolgirls sang
+hymns, and after reading of Scripture and prayer
+by a Chinese lady, the address was given by
+Miss Gregg. The women listened intently as she
+talked, and illustrated her remarks by objects
+so familiar. The fan used for winnowing the
+grain is, I think, now never used by those who
+attended without the thought asserting itself
+afresh that thus He will separate the wheat
+from the chaff.</p>
+
+<p>This Mission accomplished all that we had
+hoped. Christ the Redeemer was revealed to
+some who, in obedience to the wishes of the head
+of their household, had passively substituted
+Christianity for that system of idolatrous observances
+which had constituted their religious
+life.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Christ the Master laid His claim upon some
+who had believed, but never served.</p>
+
+<p>Even heathen women, listening to the earnest,
+convincing words, were startled to a realisation
+that the offer of salvation with which they were
+faced compelled a decision on one side or the
+other, that the detached view with which they
+had hitherto regarded Christianity could no
+longer be maintained. Amongst the schoolgirls
+were some, daughters of Christians, who were in
+precisely the same position as girls in a homeland.
+They neither doubted nor questioned, but
+they now realised that the whole matter had
+assumed a personal aspect, and the individual
+spirit was summoned to an audience with its
+Maker.</p>
+
+<p>The Evangelists, Bible women, and ripe
+Christians amongst us suddenly saw the fields
+white, and every dilatory thought which suggested
+the perennial excuse: "There are yet four
+months and then cometh the harvest," was
+silenced in a sense of immediate urgency: "I
+must be about my Master's business." This
+gathering affected a wide area, for our visitors
+came from the counties of Hungtung, Chaocheng,
+and Fensi, now all gladly welcomed by
+the Hwochow church, and missionaries from those
+districts came to share with us in the campaign.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Six years have passed, and once more a Mission
+for women is advertised to be held on the occasion
+of an idol procession which brings thousands
+into town from the neighbouring villages. This
+time our own evangelistic band was sufficiently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+strong to undertake the speaking to an audience
+almost entirely composed of heathen, who now
+heard, not from a foreigner, but from their own
+people, of the Truth as it is in Jesus. Once more
+we saw decisions made and the evidence of the
+working of God's Spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was a further step taken in aggressive
+work amongst the women, and a further impetus
+given to the self-propagation of the Gospel, and
+to the fulfilment of the prophecy of Pastor Hsi
+that even Hwochow should see a Resurrection
+morning.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p>
+<h2>LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN
+THOUSAND</h2><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters!"<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Confucius.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"All within the four seas are brethren."<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Confucius.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Society and solitude are deceptive names. It is not
+the circumstance of seeing more or fewer people, but the
+readiness of sympathy, that imports."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Emerson.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN
+THOUSAND</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Recording Hospitality shown to us by
+the Official Classes</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IN the centre of every Chinese city stands the
+<i>Yamen</i>, where resides the Mandarin, addressed
+as "Father of the people," before whom
+their wrongs must be laid, and who, as direct
+representative of the central Government, exercises
+autocratic power. His word is law, a man must
+kneel in his presence when addressing him, and it
+is a penal offence to enter his private dwelling-court
+unsummoned. His term of office is limited
+to a few years and a change of official entails the
+removal of his whole suite. The new Mandarin
+will bring with him his secretaries, underlings,
+men and women servants, and the prosperity of
+a city will largely depend upon the personal
+attitude of the "Great Man" to matters of
+reform.</div>
+
+<p>Our intercourse with the Hwochow <i>Yamen</i> has
+been frequent, and owing to the strong attitude
+taken by the leaders of the Church against interference
+in law cases where Christians are concerned,
+it has been of a purely social character.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My first visit was in answer to a request from
+the Mandarin that I would go to see his wife who
+was suffering from acute toothache. I was requested
+to make preparations for an extraction,
+and was informed that if it suited my convenience
+I should be fetched that same afternoon. Accordingly,
+I made ready and in due course the
+<i>Yamen</i> carriage arrived, a springless, but elegantly
+upholstered cart, and accompanied by a woman
+servant we started. Ahead of us an outrider,
+dressed in a long gown, wore a hat of the inverted
+bowl shape, decorated with a spreading scarlet
+tassel. Behind followed other retainers, and thus
+escorted we passed in triumphal procession through
+the quiet Hwochow streets. After many bumps
+and anxious moments as we splashed in and out
+of mud-pits, we turned into the wide space which
+surrounds the outermost entrance of the <i>Yamen.</i>
+Here crowds of men were reading the latest proclamation
+pasted to the walls, whilst others,
+talking earnestly, discussed the case tried that
+very day, of the poor man who in vain sought
+redress from the rapacity of his wealthy neighbour.
+He had knelt, and laying his forehead to the
+ground at the feet of the Mandarin pleaded for
+justice, but only to find that his condemnation
+was a foregone conclusion. All these groups
+were scattered by the yells of our outrider and
+the cracks of our carter's whip, and the sellers
+of cooked food gathered their piles of little bowls
+and swiftly set them out of harm's way, for the
+habits of <i>Yamen</i> retainers are well known to the
+populace, and there is little satisfaction to be had
+when complaints are presented and compensation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>
+for destroyed goods is claimed. With ever-increasing
+speed and corresponding agony, we were
+driven up the steep ascent which leads to the
+outer courtyard, where after a preliminary bump
+down two steps we found ourselves on comparatively
+smooth ground, and rolled along a broad,
+high, paved path leading to the second great
+archway where our conveyance came to a standstill,
+and we waited whilst our cards were taken
+and presented to the ladies we had come to see.
+Many soldiers were standing about, and various
+instruments used in the punishment of prisoners
+were fastened to the walls as warning to all who
+passed that way. A very few minutes and we
+were invited to leave our cart and follow the man
+appointed to conduct us to the innermost court
+where the <i>Tai-tais</i><a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> lived; slaves attended
+us on either side, whilst the retainer went ahead
+carrying our scarlet cards breast high before him.</p>
+
+<p>A vista of courtyards opened one from another,
+and we saw a number of little ladies in charming,
+brilliant, butterfly-like garments coming to meet
+us with odd, graceful, stilted movements. Everything
+must from this point be done according to
+the strictest etiquette, so the <i>Tai-tai</i> of least rank
+came first to meet us, and led us back to where
+stood the head wife, in whose presence we respectfully
+removed our eyeglasses and made a bow.</p>
+
+<p>There were a large number of women about,
+for this Mandarin had two wives besides several
+daughters-in-law. We were invited to a reception-room
+where carpets, felts, tables, and chairs were
+all scarlet in colour, and here were served with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+delicious fragrant tea and small cakes, in which
+were mixed rose leaves, nuts, and sugar. All
+the preliminary questions required by good
+manners were first asked&mdash;our respective "venerable
+ages" and details of our various near relatives&mdash;but
+soon curiosity overflowed into many inquiries
+concerning our "honourable country," and we
+were helped to more tea and cakes, and begged
+to make ourselves at home. We, on our part,
+led the conversation back to matters concerned
+with the object of our residence in this country,
+and received from our hostess extravagant compliments
+upon our extraordinary ability and learning,
+the reputation of which, they said, was well known
+to the Mandarin.</p>
+
+<p>The object of my visit was then mentioned, and
+I was asked to see the tooth, of which, being
+very loose, I recommended the extraction, and
+was able to assure the patient that the pain would
+not be very great. Many of the younger women
+gathered around her, comforting her, and covered
+her eyes that she might not see the forceps; they
+begged her to remember that the pain would soon
+be over, and as soon as I could induce her to open
+her mouth, I removed the troublesome member.
+"How wonderful!" they all exclaimed. "Why,
+it did not hurt at all!"</p>
+
+<p>After such a surgical triumph, long-neglected
+and half-forgotten pains were remembered by the
+bystanders, and all the ladies on my next visit
+came to me with some complaint. We sought to
+awaken in them the sense of those far deeper ills
+which they so little realised, finding once more
+that in following the method of Christ a sense of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+need had been awakened: "Ye seek Me because
+ye did eat of the loaves and were filled. I am
+the bread of life."</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the operation was over, we suggested
+that we must be returning home, but this could
+not be allowed until we had partaken of further
+refreshment, and servants appeared with delicacies&mdash;meat
+balls in gravy, flavoured as only a Chinese
+cook can flavour, lotus seeds in syrup, luscious
+fruits, sweetmeats, and a drink of apricot kernels,
+sweet to excess. The meat balls were daintily
+wrapped in pastry, and as she helped me to some
+of these, the <i>Tai-tai</i> said: "I think you do not
+care for pork." I replied that we did not as a
+rule eat much pork. "I am so glad," she said:
+"these are fowl, and therefore you can eat them
+without fear." A few days later we heard that
+the head cook was under severe punishment and
+incarcerated in a dungeon, because he had not
+taken the trouble to find out what were our special
+tastes in matters of the table, and had served
+pork in place of fowl! Some years later he was
+a patient in our Refuge, and told Mr. Wang
+that he would like to make a feast for us. We
+thought this extremely kind of him, considering
+what he had suffered on our behalf, and he was
+asked to our kitchen to prepare the food, while
+we invited some friends to share it with us. I
+think he was a man of preconceived ideas rather
+than a genius at making inquiries, whatever his
+talent in the culinary art, for he said he knew
+foreigners liked sweet things, and he served us
+twenty or more courses of the sweetest food it
+has been my good fortune to eat!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our visit proved to be the commencement of
+a most friendly intercourse. A few days later the
+outrider, cart, and retainers were at our door
+again, this time escorting the ladies who had come
+to return the call. They enjoyed the outing
+considerably, as is easy to see they would, when
+one remembers that they had lived three years
+in Hwochow and had now crossed the threshold of
+their home for the first time during that period.
+They could have no intercourse at all with the
+bourgeoisie of the town, and apart from visitors
+staying at the <i>Yamen</i>, enjoyed no social life.</p>
+
+<p>In due course we were invited to an "eight times
+eight" feast, consisting of elaborate courses, in
+which the sweet, the fishy, and the meaty alternated
+in bewildering miscellany, whilst our vision
+was delighted by the elegant dishes, the lovely
+coral china, the pure form of the many-branched
+candlesticks, and, above all, the graceful, gay little
+ladies who manipulated the difficult, slippery food
+with such a masterly command of their nimble
+chop-sticks. Here for the first time I tasted the
+delicious birds'-nest soup, gelatinous in consistency
+and fishy in taste, being, in fact, a mass
+compounded of seaweed and small fish into a
+nest by a sea-bird.</p>
+
+<p>So far all was well, but we came home faced by
+the difficulty that it was now our turn to offer a
+return feast which must be equally elegant. There
+was only one cook in the city who was capable of
+the preparation of a suitable repast, and he was
+in their employ, and though some surprising
+things are possible in China, we did not see how
+we could secure his services to cook a meal for his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+own mistress. We were, therefore, thrown back
+upon our slender resources, and decided that an
+English dinner-party was the only possible solution
+of the problem. Here at least we were treading
+upon familiar ground, and were free from the
+snares of Chinese etiquette. We need have no
+fear of giving offence to our guests by placing
+the fish upon the table with its head toward that
+quarter which would indicate their position to be
+of military instead of civil rank, and many other
+equally subtle and delicate questions would now
+have no terrors for us. We felt it incumbent upon
+us to do all in our power to please the eye as well
+as the palate, and while we fully realised our
+inability to delight our guests with such beauty
+as that to which they were accustomed, we did
+our best. Salmon is a great asset, being decorative
+as well as tasty, and only the hard-pressed know
+the many uses of a tin of sardines. Jelly is a
+certain success, and the last plum-pudding from
+home, cut into dice and blazing in a blue flame,
+looks mysteriously clever. A bottle of cochineal
+is worth its weight in gold on such occasions, and
+the <i>pi&egrave;ce mont&eacute;e</i>, which none but an expert could
+have recognised as spinach, beetroot, carrot, and
+yam tinted pink, would have done no discredit
+to Benoist. The novelty of handling spoon and
+fork, and even so dangerous a weapon as a knife,
+did much to enhance the pleasure of the meal.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation was now much more intimate
+than on the earlier occasions, and both sides
+felt free to ask questions on matters which had
+excited curiosity. "Does the sun ever shine
+in your country?" asked the <i>Tai-tai</i>. "I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+heard that England is a land of shades." "When
+I left my home in Szechwan I was very homesick.
+Are you?" inquired another lady, but before I
+could reply, her companion answered for me:
+"The ability of these ladies is so great that they
+would be incapable of such feelings." A guest of
+their own, who had spent much time in Shanghai,
+was thoroughly conversant with foreign dress and
+manners; she described the former with great
+originality, but admitted that even she was baffled
+by one thing: "The spotted webbing with which
+foreign ladies cover their face, is it worn for purposes
+of concealment or as an aid to the eyesight?"
+My answer that it served to keep the
+hair in place carried no conviction, for she had
+already remarked that though combs are so much
+in evidence in the foreign woman's coiffure, she
+seemingly makes little use of them!</p>
+
+<p>The conversation turned to the subject of a proclamation
+recently issued which forbade the binding
+of children's feet: "Alas, the people of China
+are not so easily governed as those of your honourable
+country," lamented the chief <i>Tai-tai</i>. "The
+Mandarin finds it impossible to enforce this one
+order, whilst he read in last week's paper that in
+England a man is imprisoned for refusing to send
+his child to school, for omitting to vaccinate it,
+and the article even stated that a parent is
+punished for refusing to call a doctor to see a sick
+child, even if it be a girl; but the newspapers
+are full of fabulous tales!"</p>
+
+<p>The next few months saw a growing intimacy
+and a constant exchange of presents. We were
+often able to indulge in the famous delicacy of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+buried eggs, of which the not unpleasant, slightly
+ammoniated flavour is so much appreciated by the
+Chinese. Once we were faced by a real difficulty
+on the occasion of receiving a present of meat,
+when conscientious Mr. Fu, fearful lest we should
+shelter under a liberty of conscience whereby we
+would eat and ask no question, hastily came to
+warn us that this had been offered to idols before
+being presented to us. Under these circumstances
+we had no option but to crave leave to
+refuse a present whereby a brother might have
+been caused to stumble.</p>
+
+<p>How little we dreamed of the trouble which
+would so soon break over the official classes with
+the overthrow of the Empire, and the establishment
+of a Republic. I remember the last visit
+we paid to those friends, and our departure from
+the <i>Yamen</i> in the brilliant moonlight, whilst huge
+lanterns lighted our path through the archways
+and great gateways. As we left the huge enclosure
+the guard fired the first night watch.
+"Except the Lord keep the city the watchman
+watcheth but in vain." That night the Revolution
+broke out in Hankow, and the next time we
+saw our hostesses they were in terrible distress,
+imploring our permission to make our house their
+shelter, should the hatred of the mob break forth
+and their residence be rioted. They were in a most
+defenceless position, for the Mandarin had taken a
+journey to Taiy&uuml;anfu, and did not return. He
+was one of the old school, and faithful to the traditions
+of the Manchus whose court he had accompanied
+to Sianfu in the flight of 1900. It was still
+far from certain which party would gain the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>
+ascendancy, and he, as most of his class, wished
+to refrain from an expression of opinion until the
+situation was clearly defined. This, however, was
+not allowed, and during the massacres of the
+Manchus in Taiy&uuml;anfu he was arrested, and made
+to declare himself.</p>
+
+<p>He held the Hanlin degree, the highest honour
+to which the Chinese scholar is admitted, the
+Emperor himself conducting the examinations.
+Faced by his enemies and fearing summary
+execution, he sheltered himself behind the age-long
+reverence for scholarship which exists in China
+as in no other country: "Death has no terrors for
+me," he calmly said, "but, alas, that such a scholar
+should be lost to China!" No armed bodyguard
+could have afforded him such protection
+as this transference of insult from his own person
+to the learning he represented. No man present
+was prepared to strike a blow at the embodiment
+of the Divine Right of Scholarship.</p>
+
+<p>He lived to return to Hwochow, where he faced
+death a second time and was dragged through
+the streets by an angry populace, but finally
+escaped and with his wives reached a place of
+safety.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE REVOLUTION OF 1911</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"For an event to be great, two things must be united&mdash;the
+lofty sentiment of those who accomplish it, and the
+lofty sentiment of those who witness it. No event is great
+in itself, even though it be the disappearance of whole
+constellations, the destruction of several nations, the
+establishment of vast empires, or the prosecution of wars
+at the cost of enormous forces: over things of this sort
+the breath of history blows as if they were flocks of wool....
+Hence the anxiety which every one must feel who,
+observing the approach of an event, wonders whether those
+about to witness it will be worthy of it."&mdash;<span class="smcap">F. Nietzsche.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE REVOLUTION OF 1911</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">And how we were affected by it</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE revolution of 1911 burst on us like a bolt
+from the blue. One day we were mildly
+interested at the signs of trouble in far-removed
+provinces, and the next, the thing was in our
+very midst. The first intimation of local disturbance
+met me in the shape of a contingent of
+men, parents of some of my scholars, who were
+introduced to my presence with the startling
+information that they had come to fetch away
+their daughters, not daring to leave them in a
+marked place such as the girls' school would
+inevitably be, and afraid to delay, lest roads should
+become so dangerous that their removal would
+be impossible. I had no option but to agree, and
+at earliest dawn the next day a few carts and a
+string of donkeys conveyed them from a side
+door as quietly and unobtrusively as possible.</div>
+
+<p>Two days later the news of a massacre of the
+Manchu population of Taiy&uuml;anfu reached us;
+and in accordance with the request of the parents,
+we hastily scattered all the remaining pupils
+whose homes were nearer at hand, and the
+whole city yielded itself to a condition of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>
+panic when every wild report was spread and
+believed.</p>
+
+<p>The little group of foreigners in this town is
+popularly supposed to have access to the most
+far-reaching sources of information on matters
+national and international; therefore when we
+saw fit to scatter our resident pupils to their
+homes, the city concluded that secret information
+had been conveyed to us of trouble ahead. That
+same night, whilst we slept peacefully in our
+beds, terror so seized the populace that every
+young woman who had a village home to which
+she could withdraw, fled to it. Where horse or
+donkey was not available they escaped on foot,
+carrying the bundle which held their clothes,
+and the gates being shut at dark, numbers climbed
+down the steep incline of the city wall rather
+than risk the dangers which they feared might
+threaten them in the town.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly an anxious time was ahead for all
+of us. Postal service was interrupted, and we
+were completely cut off from intercourse by post
+or telegraph with the outer world. It was uncertain
+whether the movement would declare
+itself anti-foreign or anti-Christian, anti-dynastic
+or anti-Republican. Such uncertainty was felt
+on this latter political point, that it was a difficult
+time indeed for the large number whose plain
+object was to be on the winning side, whichever
+it might be. Even the commander of the military
+forces, sent to restore peace in a neighbouring city,
+provided himself with the badge of either party,
+that he might, at the city gate, affix that which
+was representative of the predominant feeling.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+The Chinaman has for so long held the view that
+politics are no individual concern of his, seeing
+that statesmen are paid to give their time and
+brains to the consideration of such questions, that
+it would seem unnatural to be expected to have
+an opinion on such a technical matter as to whether
+the Government of the land should remain Imperial
+or become Republican.</p>
+
+<p>On our compound were collected seven foreign
+women and about a dozen Chinese girls whose
+homes were in distant towns, varying from the
+borders of Mongolia in the north to places twelve
+days' journey by road in the south.</p>
+
+<p>Much anxious thought was devoted to the
+question of how the various members of our community
+could be placed in safe keeping, should it
+become imperative for us to leave the place.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, Sir John Jordan's recall of all British
+women and children reached us, and feeling
+it our duty to obey orders, we hastily boarded a
+few girls in suitable Christian homes, and left
+with the others by the North road. A long line
+of nine litters swung through the great archways
+of the city gates, soon after dawn on 4th December
+1911, to convey us to our nearest point on the
+railway line, five days' journey away, passing
+<i>en route</i> through a city where we knew that a
+trustworthy Christian family would take charge,
+<i>pro tem</i>, of some of our Chinese girls.</p>
+
+<p>It was with relief that we saw the distant
+railway embankment, which indicated to us that
+we had reached the end of our litter journey, and
+might now expect to be shortly whirled back to
+the midst of Western civilisation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The time-table indicated 9 a.m. as the hour of
+departure for the morning train, and long ere this
+our shivering group assembled on the bleak platform.
+We were evidently not to be kept waiting,
+for the train stood ready on a siding, and our slight
+baggage was soon placed in the racks of the only
+third-class carriage attached to a goods train.
+Those who have spent years away from the sight
+of a train will understand the sense of luxury
+with which we seated ourselves, and waited to hear
+the whistle which would be the sign of our departure,
+and feel the swift, easy movement which
+would carry us over so many miles of road almost
+without a trace of weariness. Our number had
+increased to about twenty foreigners, assembled
+in response to Sir John Jordan's command from
+various stations, and pleasant conversation so
+engaged the time that impatience was under
+control, even though the sun was high in the
+heavens and still the train was stationary. Our
+servants, who had heard much of the marvels of
+steam-engines, still sat on patient heels at the edge
+of the platform; but doubt of the superiority of this
+Western notion gained on their minds as the sun
+passed the meridian and they, with twelve miles
+to walk for their night's lodging, left us still
+standing motionless. "A train is a handsome
+thing to look at, and the amount of iron used in its
+manufacture must be immense, but for practical
+purposes give me a cart," was the report they
+brought home to inquiring friends at Hwochow.
+In the afternoon we steamed away, under escort
+of a young man who had just been appointed
+Secretary of the Foreign Office in the provincial<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+capital by the new revolutionary party. His
+qualifications for the post consisted chiefly in the
+fact that, having been employed by a foreign
+firm as piano-tuner, he could make himself understood
+in the English tongue on simple subjects.</p>
+
+<p>As far as the station of Yangchuen all went
+well, but here fresh delay and the unwelcome
+announcement from our escort that a battle was
+in progress farther down the line, the metals were
+required for the conveyance of soldiers, and he
+must beg of us to make ourselves as comfortable
+as possible for the night in our compartment.
+Protest was useless, and we had to submit to see
+the engine detached and ourselves abandoned,
+a useless derelict, on a rusty siding. The
+Secretary of the Foreign Office supplied us with
+hard-boiled eggs and biscuits, and made his exit,
+leaving in charge of the gentlemen of the party a
+packet of silver which he begged might be handed
+to his mother. By morning stationmaster,
+guards, porters, and clerks had all vanished from
+the scene, for the news had come of a reverse to
+the Revolutionary forces.</p>
+
+<p>Four days and nights we stuck to our third-class
+carriage and our siding; for part of the
+time, trains thundered past carrying men to the
+front, and we were informed that the famous
+regiment called "Dare-to-die" had gone to crush
+the Imperial troops. With a thrill we saw these
+brave warriors pass, but a brief period sufficed
+to dispel "the great illusion," and twelve hours
+later the same men were dashing back to Taiy&uuml;anfu,
+carrying a terrible tale. "Had we stayed
+longer we should have been dead men; the bullets<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+were falling in our midst." The officer, however,
+gave a different explanation of their return.
+"Poor chaps, they are worn out, and I must take
+them back to get a night's rest," he said. No one
+cared for our plight, as cold, hungry, and deserted
+we watched the weary day pass to night, and the
+yet more weary night give place to a dreary
+dawn. Such experiences are not to be desired,
+for they who know China best, and the anti-foreign
+feeling which may at any time manifest
+itself, are aware how quickly such a position may
+become critical.</p>
+
+<p>One thing only besides our miserable carriage
+had been left on the line, and that was three
+trolleys. The hour dawned on the fourth day when
+our exhausted patience refused further service, and
+we determined those trolleys should be made to
+carry us and our goods to some inhabited region,
+be it friendly or inimical. That day and the next
+we spent racing down and crawling up the gradients
+of the line to Niangtzekwan. The "Dare-to-dies"
+boasted of having mined the line, and this
+did not conduce to ease of mind in being the first
+to travel over it, especially when we rushed
+through long tunnels. The line is one which
+taxed the ingenuity of engineers to the utmost in
+its construction, and is one succession of light
+bridges spanning deep chasms, tunnels, and long
+gradients. Luckily for us, we were travelling in
+the downhill direction, else our journey had been
+impossible. If the brave "Dare-to-dies" were
+too hurried to leave the line mined, they had
+taken time to destroy it in some places, and
+once a broken-down engine blocked our path.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+The fleeing soldiers had found the engine-driver
+preparing to take in water, but they would have
+none of his lagging ways, and compelling him to
+drive ahead, were soon forced to abandon the
+useless locomotive. Each such obstacle was a
+lengthy hindrance, and the kind gentlemen of
+our party were obliged to organise a breakdown
+gang to overcome the difficulty. Our trolleys,
+with all the baggage, had to be transferred to
+another line. Effort and energy were not spared,
+and the following midday brought us face to face
+with the first engine carrying Imperial soldiery
+towards Taiy&uuml;anfu. At Niangtzekwan Pass
+we were under the Dragon flag once more. The
+houses of the foreigners there were completely
+wrecked, and my recollection of that place is a
+land of feathers, contents of the beds of the
+Frenchmen who had left their homes, and would
+return to find nothing but a heap of ruins and
+a litter of broken glass, china, and furniture,
+smothered in feathers and presenting a sad wreckage
+of what had once been a home. That evening
+we reached an inn where food&mdash;warm, satisfying
+food&mdash;was to be had, and twenty-four hours later
+we steamed into Tientsin station, greeted by a
+hearty cheer from a friendly group, for we had
+been missing and untraced since we left Yutze.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHANGED CONDITIONS</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Master said: The people may be made to follow
+a path of action, but they may not be made to understand
+it."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Confucius.</span></p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I have seen a Chinese graduate of a Western university,
+dressed in proper Western clothes, in his dress-suit, with
+an opera hat crushed under his arm, beseeching the goddess
+of mercy in her temple, with many rich gifts, to give him
+a male child."&mdash;Rev. <span class="smcap">C. Scott</span>.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"From time to time Jesus was offered a place in the
+Pantheon, but Christianity perceived that the Pantheon
+was the place for dead gods."&mdash;Dr. <span class="smcap">John Hutton</span>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>CHANGED CONDITIONS</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Wherein some, though following a Path of
+Action, failed to understand it</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>THE very week that the British Minister issued
+passports for women to re-enter Shansi
+saw us in Tientsin on our way inland. Those
+precious documents which enabled us to return
+to our work were eagerly received, and we lost
+no time travelling over the familiar ground. How
+easily and smoothly we now sped over the iron
+rails as compared with our former journey; we
+need now take no interest in gradients, nor fear
+that the train would not start at the appointed
+hour, nor convey us to our destination.</div>
+
+<p>We found ourselves in a strange country. In
+place of the dragon, the five-colour Republican
+flag was everywhere in evidence, which by the
+Chinese is thus explained: China's eighteen provinces
+are represented by the red line, Manchuria
+by the yellow, Mongolia by the blue, Ili, Chinghai,
+and Sinkiang by the white, and Thibet by the
+black; the ideal of the Chinese republic, a united
+territory, being indicated.</p>
+
+<p>Soldiers in semi-foreign uniform lined up on each
+station platform to salute the train, remaining at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+their posts until the puffing monster was out of
+sight. At Taiy&uuml;anfu were further surprises.
+No man wearing a queue could enter the city.
+Should he make an effort to do so, the soldiers
+guarding the gates speedily removed the appendage
+with a pair of large scissors.</p>
+
+<p>The shops vied with one another in having
+the very latest "Republican" goods; the buttons
+one bought were "Republican"; all school-books
+were changed to the latest "Republican"
+editions; the cloth trade mark was "Patriotic."
+Everything was Republican, and we began to
+realise that China, far from being the conservative
+country we had thought, was one of the most
+progressive.</p>
+
+<p>As we came to districts where the regulations
+had been less severely enforced, we found the
+queue replaced by the most extraordinary head-dress;
+the hair, varying in length, was sometimes
+braided and sometimes held in place by a strip
+cut from a petroleum tin, and bent to a semi-circle.
+The more wealthy members of society
+affected a style similar to that of an English schoolgirl,
+the flowing locks reaching to the shoulders
+and held from the face by a circular comb. Others
+allowed the tresses to fall as nature dictated,
+keeping them of such a length that with very little
+trouble the plait might again appear, for as some
+remarked: "Who knows, maybe we lose tails
+to-day, and heads to-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>The hats were even more wonderful. In place
+of the neat, circular cap, every shape and size was
+to be seen. Round hats like a pudding-bowl,
+straw hats, hard oblong hats, soft hats, home-made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>
+hats, erections of cardboard, giving proof that
+some devoted wife or mother had done her best
+to copy with the means available, probably only
+cardboard and paste, a tall hat, which her lord
+described as having seen on some journey towards
+Western communities. Women's dress was likewise
+being revolutionised, and skirts were extraordinary.
+One young lady whom I met, desiring
+to be more up-to-date than the rest, wore the
+so-called foreign dress back to front, and was far
+more satisfied with her appearance than the
+charming little lady who accompanied her, dressed
+in the dignified, elegant attire of her own people.</p>
+
+<p>Not only had the style changed, but travelling
+south we missed the bright-coloured clothes which
+had always added a touch of beauty to the landscape.
+We discovered that with the introduction
+of the Republic, sumptuary laws were being enforced
+which commanded the exclusive use of
+earth-coloured garments for the men, and forbade
+the wearing of silver ornaments to women. Proclamations
+followed one another in rapid succession,
+several of which were framed with a view
+to altering the standing of the army. From
+ancient days China has regarded the soldier as
+belonging to the lowest grade of society; the
+highest place is given to the scholar, and next to
+him the farmer, who on account of his labour for
+mankind ranks high. The artisan is placed third,
+but the trader, seeing that he only distributes
+and does not produce, comes just before the soldier,
+who neither producing nor distributing, but only
+destroying, ranks lowest in the social scale. One
+proclamation stated that no one was to say that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+it was <i>infra dig.</i> to enter the military profession.
+It certainly needed some such move on the part
+of the authorities to add to the prestige of the
+army. A few days before the recruiting agents
+had been through the district. "Only those
+wearing the queue will be enlisted" was the, to us,
+amazing dictum. Upon inquiry we found that
+former aspirants had given considerable trouble
+by running home when the labour became too
+arduous. As the donning of military uniform
+necessitated the removal of long hair, it was
+obvious that the new brigade would be freshers,
+and, as our informant said: "Never having left
+home before they will not know the way back!"</p>
+
+<p>The next order forbade us to speak of any day
+as "unlucky." Now from time immemorial, some
+days have been regarded as good and others as
+bad for such important events as weddings and
+funerals; in fact, almost every day of the year
+is controlled by some fortunate or untoward
+influence, governed by the conjunction of the
+"Celestial Branches" and "Earthly Stems," complicated
+with innumerable elemental antipathies
+and affinities.</p>
+
+<p>As an example may be mentioned <i>wood</i>, which is
+antagonistic to <i>metal</i>, but has an affinity for <i>fluid</i>
+from which it draws its sustenance, whereas the
+metal forged into an axe serves for its destruction.</p>
+
+<p>The "Earthly Stems" are represented by symbolic
+animals, and have zodiacal signs and control
+of certain hours. Of the twenty-eight zodiacal
+constellations, seven are infelicitous and no one
+will risk entering upon a new venture on these
+days. To repair the kitchen stove on a day when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+fire was in the ascendancy might cause a conflagration,
+and to go to law on the day when water
+is the controlling element is equally foolish, for
+the tendency of water is to fall, and this may be
+the fate of the overdaring litigant. On a day
+controlled by the snake it would obviously be
+foolhardy to start on a journey, for with such a
+slow traveller as your controlling genius the
+journey might be impeded.</p>
+
+<p>The calculations necessary for the correct adjustment
+of these various influences provide a
+livelihood for astrologers and fortune-tellers, but
+this proclamation, at one fell swoop, attempted to
+abolish their profession. The order was issued,
+and I suppose in time the yellow paper faded
+in the sun; some read it, many talked of it, but
+they still chose the day which according to their
+calendar was the auspicious one, and no man
+hindered them.</p>
+
+<p>Other proclamations followed in due order:
+there was to be no music at weddings or funerals,
+only good cash was to be used, women were to
+unbind their feet, and brides were not to wear
+embroidered gowns. We listened respectfully, as
+in duty bound, and waited for the pendulum to
+swing.</p>
+
+<p>Upon one point, however, the powers were insistent.
+The Western calendar must take the
+place of the lunar. The actual change of date
+was a small matter, but this alteration upset the
+whole organisation of Chinese life. The New
+Year season is one which ensures to the Chinese
+family its annual gathering, and all the subsequent
+festivals date from that, the greatest.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>
+The orders were too insistent to be trifled with,
+and we, in common with all the government
+schools, closed to enable our pupils to be at home
+for the 1st of January. New Year scrolls were
+exhibited outside every front door, but apart
+from this, the day passed unnoticed. Instead of
+paying and receiving calls, inviting guests and
+enjoying the family gathering, business was
+carried on as usual. The first day of the first
+moon, however, found the populace given up to
+revelry, shops were closed, it was impossible to
+buy food, and the children in school rebelled at
+the decree which separated them from their
+parents at such a time, and longed for the golden
+days of the past. Before another New Year it
+was quite evident that proclamations were useless,
+and we joyfully returned to the old order, and
+now all keep the first day of the first moon as our
+festival.</p>
+
+<p>Compulsory education was talked of, even
+conscription was whispered, and yet we had no
+criminal code, and no one could touch a neighbour
+of ours who, angry that her daughter-in-law
+presented her with a girl instead of the longed-for
+boy, took the child and dashed out its brains.
+The child is her property, and she has power of
+life and death in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>The new Mandarin was a native of Shansi, the
+old rule that a man might not act as magistrate
+in his own province having been repealed. He
+was not as his predecessor, carried in a sedan chair,
+but walked, or rode in a cart as a commoner. He
+wore cotton clothes in place of the gorgeous silk
+and satin embroidered gowns, and when he sent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>
+to invite us to dine with his wives, his card was
+foreign except for the characters written upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Our first visit to the <i>Yamen</i> under the new
+r&eacute;gime revealed some of the many changes which
+had taken place during the last year. No longer
+were we escorted by outriders, but hired for ourselves
+one of the few carts that Hwochow boasts.
+The <i>Tai-tais</i> were dressed in black, relieved by
+fancy crochet work shoulder capes, of varied hues.
+The teacups were of white china, decorated with
+a bunch of forget-me-nots, and the well-known
+words: "A present for a good boy." The feast
+menu was as before, but instead of the beautiful
+china and Eastern decorations, we sat round a
+glass petroleum lamp and ate delicacies worthy
+of a better setting from plates of that familiar
+pattern, white with a border of blue. The exquisitely
+polished table was covered with a piece
+of white calico, a knife and fork lay beside the
+chop-sticks, and last but not least, the Mandarin,
+to add to our pleasure, ordered his servants to
+bring out the gramophone, which during dinner
+poured forth a selection of London street songs
+and Chinese theatrical music. Conversation was
+drowned, and we were able the more to observe.
+In place of scroll-decorated walls, brilliant paper
+met our gaze at every turn, white enamel basins
+and bowls replaced all the flowered china on which
+we had lavished so much admiration. After
+dinner we were not offered the water pipe, but
+cigarettes, all expressing surprise that we could
+refuse so foreign an indulgence. The Chinese
+proverb to the effect that "A wayfarer does not
+repair the inn nor the Mandarin his official residence,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+was for once in fault&mdash;the workmen had
+been busy! We spent a very pleasant hour with
+the family after dinner, receiving as on former
+occasions the utmost kindness and courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>The classical writings of Mencius were for a time
+excluded from the schools as teaching reverence
+for kings and rulers, a doctrine not to be tolerated
+in the most republican of republics.</p>
+
+<p>The friendly attitude of some of the leaders of
+the revolutionary movement towards Christianity
+lent colour to a widely spread impression that
+republican government necessitated a change of
+religion. Some favoured the Protestant, some
+the Roman Catholic Church, others preferred the
+"No-god society," which gained many adherents
+as being more modern.</p>
+
+<p>Even the Church was affected by the prevailing
+craze, and the wearing of the queue and non-observance
+of innovations was regarded as sin
+by the ignorant and superstitious. I heard a new
+convert warned by a Church member that sickness
+in his home might well be due to his rooted
+objection to calendar changes.</p>
+
+<p>This attitude of mind, happily for us, lasted
+only a few months, but it was followed by another
+serious danger when the question of introducing
+the Confucian Ethical Code as a state religion
+was brought forward. This would have imposed
+limitations on Christians, Mohammedans, and
+others, the alternative suggestion being that
+Christianity should be given this status, in which
+some saw far greater perils. Meetings of the
+Chinese Protestant Church forwarded petitions to
+the Central Government, protesting against both<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>
+proposals and craving only religious liberty, and
+the danger was averted.</p>
+
+<p>The habit of revolution is a pernicious disease
+of the human mind, and once acquired hard to
+throw off. Our political horizon has been draped
+in storm-clouds ever since 1911, and our local
+social plans liable to disintegration on account
+of rumours calculated to disturb the mind of
+the people. White Wolf, Wolf King, and other
+robber chiefs have announced their intention of
+visiting us. Our walls have been inscribed with
+the terrifying announcement that "White Wolf
+is a devourer of sheep," which in Chinese, by a
+play on the last word, can be understood to mean:
+"White Wolf is a devourer of foreigners." A
+bold sketch of a drawn sword was added that no
+doubt might be in our minds as to the bloodthirsty
+intention of the threat! Mohammedan rebellions
+to the west, Mongolian raids to the north, have
+alternated with the political difficulties brought
+about by international negotiations, to add to
+the sense of insecurity inevitably resulting from
+the removal of the very central foundation of
+governmental stability&mdash;the "Son of Heaven"&mdash;to
+whom four hundred million subjects bowed in
+reverential obedience.</p>
+
+<p>Transition periods are difficult, and China has
+been troubled by those who in their enthusiasm
+for change have lost the sense of proportion, and
+sought to revolutionise much that is dearer than
+life itself to many of their countrymen; nevertheless,
+this great nation, permeated with ideals
+so free from sordidity, will surely carve for herself
+a future worthy of her past.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p>
+<h2>ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY</h2>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"In tragic life, God wot,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">No villain need be! Passions spin the plot:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">We are betrayed by what is false within."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">George Meredith.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"Oh Christians, at your Cross of Hope a hopeless hand was clinging."<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">E. B. Browning.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"After all what would he have had to sacrifice had he
+followed Jesus? He would have had to give up his house
+in Jerusalem. He would have had to renounce society;
+but society would soon have forgotten him, for society
+has a short memory for people who for any reason have
+fallen out of it. That is what he would have lost, and
+what would he have gained? He would have had those
+walks with Jesus across the fields, and he would have
+heard Him say: 'Consider the lilies.'"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mark Rutherford.</span></p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3>ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Wherein the Reader is introduced to some
+who have failed</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>TO the student of human nature the fact
+that man so often fails to respond to
+the highest ideals set before him comes with no
+shock. In the early Church men who had run
+well were easily hindered, and in the greatest
+series of biographies we possess, we see portrayed
+faithfully the faults and failings of those who
+now form the great cloud of witnesses, and are
+shown at the same time the possibilities of such
+lives when brought into vital touch with the
+Divine.</div>
+
+<p>The generous, impulsive David, the man
+God's own heart, was capable of a tragic fall;
+Peter and John, privileged to personal intercourse
+with the Lord, in the hour of crisis were amongst
+those who forsook Him and fled, and Demas,
+"who loves this present world," is ever a disappointment
+to Evangelist, who hoped that for
+him such dangers were over.</p>
+
+<p>For the fact remains that the natural characteristics
+of the man are strong forces, and that while
+Grace can, and does, make possible the "new<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>
+man in Christ Jesus," we remain each in our own
+order, and perhaps no point is so vulnerable as
+that wherein has taken place greatest change.</p>
+
+<p>The emergence from heathendom is a difficult
+process, during which time habits, vices, and
+superstitions cling to a man's soul with a tenacity
+that would cause us to abandon all hope, were it
+not that monuments of grace abound to prove
+that the power and dominion of sin has been
+shattered.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes the enemy will entrap a young
+Christian when there is illness in the home, and
+under pressure he will fly to magic incantations
+and heathen practices, in order to get deliverance
+from the malignant spirit which he still believes
+has power to torment him. Many a convert has
+fallen on the occasion of a funeral. It takes
+more faith than a Westerner can realise, to defy
+the legions of <i>gwei</i> which at that time threaten
+your home and its inhabitants with numberless
+ills; and strength of mind is required to resist
+heathen relatives who accuse you of slighting the
+deceased.</p>
+
+<p>The test is a severe one and may well make a
+strong spirit quail, especially when, as so often
+happens, several members of one family will
+die in rapid succession, quite evidently to us
+by reason of the agency of natural laws which
+govern physical life, but to the Chinaman, a
+clear manifestation of the power enjoyed by
+demons whose pleasure it is to torment men.
+Even the very dead may rise from the grave to
+confront you with horrid vengeance, should the
+body not have been buried with full rites as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+required for the laying of the spirit. Most subtly
+has the enemy caused many a man's downfall
+when his unmarried daughter has died, and he
+has found himself confronted with angry relatives
+and irate villagers, when he proposed to bury
+the body with the deceased of his own family.
+By the rule of ancient custom a spirit bridegroom
+should be found for this girl, or, as an unattached
+spirit, she will inevitably return to her neglectful
+relatives and trouble them in numberless ways
+in order to bring her pitiful condition to their
+remembrance. In one way, and one way only,
+can the ghost be pacified. A bridegroom of
+suitable age, likewise deceased, must be found,
+and all marriage ceremonies be conducted with
+due pomp, a memorial tablet being placed in the
+scarlet chair in which the bride should have
+sat. Clothes, furniture, and presents, all made
+of paper, go with the chair to the home of the
+deceased bridegroom, and are there received by
+living bridal attendants. A feast is spread, and
+all make merry until a few hours later when
+mourning apparel is donned, and to the sound of
+wailing two coffins are placed side by side in the
+family tomb. The paper clothes, presents, and
+marriage-contract are burned, and thus ascend
+in smoke to the spirit world. The bodies may
+have been kept for years before a suitable match
+could be made, but from the day of the funereal
+nuptials the two families regard themselves as, or
+even more, intimately related than they would
+have been had an actual marriage taken place.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p>
+<p>It is easy to say that nothing so frankly heathen
+need ever raise a question in the mind of a convert,
+but severe persecution and the responsibility of
+every misfortune that may occur in his village
+will be his, if he defy public opinion and introduce
+an orphan spirit to the Valhalla where his
+ancestors, for countless generations, have never
+failed to receive the rites of filial service.</p>
+
+<p>The missionary knows the importance of
+keeping ideals high by precept and practice, and
+that his best way to help the young believer is
+by emphasising the big claim that Christ makes
+on a man. That claim once apprehended will
+create in the man's heart an everlasting dissatisfaction
+with anything lower.</p>
+
+<p>Sad as is the case of a young believer falling into
+sin, how much more tragic that of a man who
+abandons Christ after many years of service,
+allowing sins, which he had overcome, once more
+to have dominion over him. It is an awful
+reality of life that the point on which a man
+has most conspicuously conquered is likely to
+be his weakest, for the enemy plays a waiting game,</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"And where we looked for palms to fall,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">We find the tug's to come,&mdash;that's all."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mr. Nieh came early under the influence of
+Pastor Hsi. He was a man of conspicuous ability,
+business capacity, and influence. In early days
+he, too, had smoked opium, but when he left
+that habit, he became a Christian and an earnest
+student of the Word of God. Few could speak
+with such power as he, and at any conference<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+where he was present, eager, interested crowds
+would gather to hear him. Many have been led
+to Christ by his influence, and he seemed a man
+raised up of God to carry on the work of the late
+Pastor Hsi. He administered the opium refuges
+with great ability, and the work of the Church
+for many years prospered in his hands. Every one
+turned to him for advice and help, and when
+the Boxer troubles broke out, it was to Mr. Nieh
+that both Christians and officials looked in their
+hour of need. "He was marvellously helped until
+he was strong," and then, as to Uzziah of old,
+came the decline. Power he loved, and in the
+position in which he found himself, holding office
+in the Church, was able to exercise it in many
+directions.</p>
+
+<p>Only God knows at which period the spiritual
+decay set in, which silently, and at first quite
+invisibly, began a work which has ended in the
+complete downfall of this man on whom the
+hopes of so many were set. A desire to increase
+the prestige of his name, and love of popularity
+led Mr. Nieh, as opportunity occurred, to lend his
+influence in law-cases and village disputes on behalf
+of unworthy men, with the motive of self-aggrandisement.
+Slowly but surely the material overcame
+the spiritual in his life.</p>
+
+<p>At this hour he is no longer even a member
+of the Christian community, having publicly
+repudiated his former profession of faith. He
+even smokes opium again, and finds his power
+and influence to be a thing wholly of the past.
+Extraordinary trials have come to him in family
+and personal life, but he remains hardened and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+untouched. The light has gone from his face,
+for he has ceased to walk in the Light, but as we
+look on his dissatisfied appearance, hope revives
+that he, having tasted so deep of earthly bitterness,
+may yet be found amongst the suppliants for
+mercy at the throne of God. May it be in the
+midst of life, and not only in the hour of death
+that he will witness the great confession: "Thou
+hast conquered, O Galilean."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>There is a failure which is partial success, and
+under this, I think, may be placed Yen Keh-dao,
+who, when once he was clear of opium himself,
+bought up eagerly every opportunity that presented
+itself for evangelistic work. He had fallen
+so often, and been obliged to return to the Opium
+Refuge time after time, until new birth had made
+him a new creature. Now at last he seemed firm
+where formerly he had been powerless to resist
+temptation. When he at his own expense entered
+his name for a two years' course of theological
+training, we all hoped that a future of considerable
+usefulness lay before him, but before that
+period was over, the craving was on him again
+and he had fallen into open sin. Another effort,
+and he was free once more, and then again he
+fell and soon was lying very ill with typhus fever.
+Christian men visited him and prayed with him,
+and he, for so long as consciousness lasted, prayed
+earnestly; then delirium, and in a few hours
+death released his spirit from the body of its
+humiliation. According to man's statistics, he
+is tabulated a failure&mdash;"one more devil's triumph
+and sorrow for angels"&mdash;but there are many who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+loved him, and who look up in expectation to see
+him "pardoned in heaven, the first by the throne."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Puppy's mother" has lived at the door of
+our mission premises since they were first opened.
+She, according to the custom of the country, is
+only known as the mother of her child, so having
+elected to call her daughter "Puppy," she must
+needs be "Puppy's mother" throughout the
+town. She has known the three generations of
+missionaries who have lived here, and has been
+dressmaker to them all. No one has been more
+deliberate in her choice of heathendom over
+Christianity than she, and no one has lent a more
+willing ear to the scandalous lies circulated concerning
+the foreign women, even although she
+has seen enough of their intimate life to know
+such stories to be fabrications.</p>
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 385px;">
+<img src="images/illus05.jpg" width="385" height="500" alt="&quot;PUPPY&quot; AND HER MOTHER. To face page 218." title="&quot;PUPPY&quot; AND HER MOTHER. To face page 218." />
+<span class="caption">&quot;PUPPY&quot; AND HER MOTHER.<br /><span style="margin-left: 6em;"><i> To face page 218.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+<p>She nourishes a secret regard for Mrs. Liang,
+in whom she recognises a woman as intelligent
+as herself, and a match for her in every respect.
+It was to Mrs. Liang she confided one day that
+there seemed little inducement to repent and be
+saved, if going to heaven would entail associating
+with foreigners for all eternity. Until two years
+ago she was a healthy, sturdy woman, scarcely
+feeling the weight of her seventy years. A slight
+dimness of eyesight caused her to raise her charges
+for dressmaking on the plea, peculiar to Chinese
+logic, that old age made her movements slower
+and more uncertain, and whereas three days were
+once sufficient to make a garment, and make it
+well, now after six days' work it was still far less
+well finished off than formerly. So we have submitted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+to extra charges for inferior work, for old
+acquaintance' sake.</p>
+
+
+<p>Then a long and painful illness laid "Puppy's
+mother" low, and for months we did not think
+that she could recover. Nevertheless, her excellent
+constitution did finally assert itself, and now she
+is walking about again, leaning on a stick and
+on the shoulder of a small grandchild, one of
+Puppy's offspring. She is curiously softened,
+and told us once that she had endeavoured to
+pray, but could not remember the sentences we
+had taught her.</p>
+
+<p>Time, age, and weakness work many transformations,
+and we feel as though the veil of flesh were
+wearing thinner, and the spirit within feeling its
+way out of gross darkness towards the light.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Mrs. Deh had fallen so low through opium, that
+it was to save her from positive starvation that
+we admitted her to our household once more.
+She had been one of the failures of our Women's
+Refuge, and had sunk deep into the degradation
+which accompanies opium smoking in a woman's
+life, pressed as she finds herself to raise the money
+necessary for the price of her drug.</p>
+
+
+<p>For three years she kept herself respectable
+under our roof, living amongst Christian women
+and joining in their prayers and hymn, night
+and morning, but not a trace of the softened,
+repentant spirit could one see, and finally a distinct
+retrograde movement accompanied with physical
+disability forced us to send her home. I despair
+of Mrs. Deh except when I look into the face of
+her daughter, the good, pure girl whose life's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>
+prayer it is that her mother should be saved.
+She cannot admit that this one thing she hopes
+for on earth should not be granted to her. Her
+eyes are always full of tears when she speaks of
+her mother, and when I see them I know they
+must, with strong entreaty, be pleading the cause
+of the poor sinful woman before the Presence of
+the Divine Majesty at whose right Hand stands
+the Friend of Sinners and the Man who was "acquainted
+with grief."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Flower of Love" became one of my pupils
+at the age of twelve, and attended school for six
+years with unfailing regularity. Bright, happy,
+and full of girlish enthusiasm she yielded her
+heart to Christ, and with her girl companions
+rejoiced in her new-found joy. A horror of great
+darkness fell upon her soul when the news was
+broken to her that her parents had contracted
+for her a marriage with a heathen man, and
+yielding to uncontrollable grief, she became seriously
+ill. Remembrance of the promises of God, and
+the resilience of youth, caused her to arouse
+herself; she returned to school, and begged that
+all would pray that the impossible might happen,
+and this engagement be broken.</p>
+
+<p>Prayer was answered, and to me was granted the
+joy of telling Flower of Love the good news.
+"My life shall henceforth be wholly for God," was
+her reply. Months passed, and when the Revolution
+of 1911 broke out, her parents once more
+sought for her a heathen husband, a man whose
+wealth was accumulated by wrong-doing, and
+before any step could be taken Flower of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>
+Love was his bride. For months she struggled
+alone in the city to which she had been taken,
+and then his orders were given that intercourse
+with foreigners must cease. The fight was too
+hard, and weary she yielded and allowed herself
+to drift with the tide. To-day, in her husband's
+house, where men are too frequent visitors, she
+seeks to get from the life she has to lead what
+pleasure she can. She is beyond my reach, but
+her broken heart will yet, I believe, find a resting-place
+upon her Saviour's breast.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING
+THE SICK</h2><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"You make a very great mistake in thinking Christianity
+is a religion. It is not a religion, it is a person."&mdash;Words
+of a converted Mohammedan.</p></div>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"Lord! how wouldest Thou deal with this sick man&mdash;in body, or spirit?"<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">S. Vincent de Paul.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"A sick person does so enjoy hearing good news."<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Florence Nightingale.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3>PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING
+THE SICK</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Telling of the Daily Routine</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>LIKE the apostle of old, the missionary must
+be ready, however heavy the claim upon
+his time, to receive all who come.</div>
+
+<p>At any hour of the day, we may hear the clatter
+of sticks upon the ground indicating that some of
+our neighbours, whose minute feet prevent them
+from walking unaided, have found their way
+through the open front door and brought some
+friends to see the house of the foreigner.</p>
+
+<p>The Chinese woman is an inveterate sightseer,
+but unfortunately the attractions of Hwochow are
+not many; there is no end, however, to the
+marvels found within the walls of the Mission
+compound.</p>
+
+<p>The leader of the party is frequently our old
+friend, Goat's Mother, the members of her clan
+being numerous and of an inquisitive nature.</p>
+
+<p>The well-favoured Goat, aged five years, wears
+a brilliant yellow cotton jacket, on which are
+sketched in bold brush work every species of
+venomous insect. On his left shoulder is a
+scorpion, while centipedes, beetles, and other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>
+forms of poisonous insect life cover his back and
+chest. To his right shoulder is stitched a diminutive
+pair of red-and-green trousers. The yellow
+coat is his protection from stings and bites, the
+tiny trousers from measles, and longevity is
+secured by a heavy silver padlock, which hangs
+from his neck by a silver chain.</p>
+
+<p>With much assistance from the Bible-women
+the whole party climb the few steps leading to the
+verandah, and exhausted by the effort, gratefully
+accept our invitation to be seated in the guest-room.</p>
+
+<p>Tea is offered, but we know better than to press
+them to partake of any refreshment, for these
+women have been warned on no account to let
+food or drink pass their lips while under our roof,
+lest by a magic spell they find themselves compelled
+to become Christians.</p>
+
+<p>The room is furnished in conventional Chinese
+style&mdash;a square table with scarlet embroidered
+table-skirt, and backed by an ornate arrangement
+of banner, scrolls, vases, and teacups, with
+stiff chairs on either side. Our guests' first
+observation is to remark upon the surprising
+cleanliness of the apartment, the next is to ask
+where we sleep, and the third is to comment freely
+upon our personal appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you turned sixty yet?" I am asked,
+and much surprise is expressed at the information
+supplied by Goat's Mother that I have not yet
+seen my fortieth birthday. "It is the white hair
+that makes her look so old," is the comment
+offered in explanation of my fair complexion.</p>
+
+<p>Goat's Mother has brought her relations on a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>
+promise that they shall see the foreigner's bedroom
+and "little iron tailor,"<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> hear the musical
+box, and be allowed to inspect the enormous
+saucepan in which the school food is made, ending
+up with a visit to the rooms where the women read
+the Bible.</p>
+
+<p>Before, however, these favours can be granted,
+as she well knows, the party must be prepared
+to give its attention to the one topic upon which
+the missionaries never fail to speak. This proves
+to be more interesting than they had anticipated,
+for one wall of our guest-room is decorated with
+pictures which illustrate interesting stories, the
+application of which throws light upon that
+problem which confronts every human heart:
+"How can the burden of sin be removed?"</p>
+
+<p>The time passes quickly and most of the
+wonders have been seen, when a piercing yell
+from the young Goat indicates that the limit of
+his patience has been reached. The orders of this
+small autocrat allow of no question, and further
+intercourse is impossible, for his shrieks will not
+cease until his wishes have been complied with.
+The whole party rises, and we follow them, urging
+them to "walk slowly" and to come again on
+Sunday. "We will come, we will come," several
+answer, but others are deep in a discussion as to
+what provision is possible for our old age, seeing
+that we have neither husband nor son.</p>
+
+<p>As they disappear through, the street door, they
+meet a fresh group entering who are in turn received
+by the Bible-women. Thus, from day to
+day, the Word is preached and cast as bread upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>
+the waters. Sometimes a woman will return in a
+few days to hear more, and sometimes, years later,
+in a remote mountain hamlet a woman will greet
+us with a smile, surprised that we do not remember
+her visit to our house, when, as she reminds us, we
+told her about Jesus, the Son of God.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>With those women who come as patients to the
+dispensary, we enter upon a more intimate relationship.
+The payment of their fee entitles them to
+three visits, of which they take full advantage
+and often come under our care for a much longer
+course of treatment.</p>
+
+<p>They are an interesting crowd with their varied
+complaints. A child whose arm has been badly
+scalded months before, and who has received no
+treatment during that period but an application
+of rat oil and charred matting, is in a revolting
+condition, a pitiful sight indeed. A young woman
+who has lost her eyesight attributes her affliction
+to a fit of violent temper, when for a whole day
+she worked herself into a frenzy, and cried until
+the power of sight was gone. The victims of
+tubercular disease, the scourge of North China,
+never fail to appear, some evidently having fallen
+a prey to that form known as the "hundred days'
+illness" which will carry off an apparently healthy
+subject in three months.</p>
+
+<p>At stated periods, children may be brought for
+vaccination. The method of inoculation for the
+prevention of smallpox is said to have been introduced
+into China by a philosopher of Szechwan,
+and has been practised since the year 1014.
+Vaccination is now freely practised by the Chinese<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>
+doctors whose fees are generally 50 per cent.
+higher for boys than for girls, the lives of the
+former being of so much greater value.</p>
+
+<p>The extraction of teeth is a popular diversion,
+and the tooth is carefully preserved by the patient,
+in order that with the other earthly remains it may
+be laid in the coffin on the day of her death.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the number are some whose diseases
+are hard to find, as in the case of one family
+whose several members persistently reappeared
+with such infinitesimal ailments that we felt compelled
+to tell them that no further treatment was
+necessary. The answer we received was, that the
+head of the house having become interested in
+Christianity had signified to his wife his desire
+that she should be under treatment for a whole
+year, in order that she might receive continued
+instruction in the Scriptures. They thought the
+dispensary would serve as the best face-saving
+subterfuge, therefore she said: "If there be
+nothing more serious, will you wash my ears!"</p>
+
+<p>Broadly speaking, the patients only recognise
+two categories of illness&mdash;one described as "fire,"
+and the other as "chill." Their chief desire is for
+a diagnosis which shall clearly state under which
+heading their particular ailment should be classified,
+and we often receive a message to the effect
+that "inward fire" is causing trouble, and the
+sufferer would like medicine such as was given
+to her on the tenth day of the third moon, three
+years previously, which had wonderful fire-extinguishing
+properties.</p>
+
+<p>Having been accustomed to the Chinese doctor
+and his methods, our patients, begging that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>
+best may be done for them, assure the helpers that
+merit will be accumulated by those who work
+towards this end. All are surprised to find that
+a uniform fee is charged and that there is
+no opportunity for bargaining, as the regular
+physician writes prescriptions for first, second, or
+third-rate medicine, according to the purse.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 372px;">
+<img src="images/illus06.jpg" width="372" height="500" alt="THE TEACHING STAFF.(See page 233.) To face page 228." title="THE TEACHING STAFF.(See page 233.) To face page 228." />
+<span class="caption">THE TEACHING STAFF.<br />(<a href="#Page_233">See page 233.</a>)<br /> <span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 228.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The male and female principle in nature, by which
+all things are produced and which has been called
+the "warp and woof of Chinese thought," forms
+the basis of Chinese medical science, and every line
+of treatment must be in accordance with the laws
+laid down by this dualistic principle.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, many of the more nutritive
+articles of diet, such as the fowl and the egg, are
+frequently denied to the sick woman as falling
+under that principle which makes them unsuited
+to many of her illnesses, and while it is admitted
+that sleep is essential to a sick man, the female
+patient must not be allowed to indulge in it except
+at night. Milk is renowned for its heating properties,
+and is most unwillingly consumed by the
+tubercular patient, who believes her disease to fall
+under the heading of "fire" and knows that anything
+so heating will only feed the flame. Had
+pears, cooked or uncooked, been ordered she would
+fully have appreciated the wisdom which prescribed
+them.</p>
+
+<p>All these startling innovations are carefully and
+intelligently explained by the dispensary helpers
+and normal students who take the practical side
+of their course in First Aid, Home Nursing, and
+Invalid Cookery, in the dispensary. Their labours
+have not been in vain, and the presence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>
+Great Physician has often been manifest in the
+midst, as weary, heart-sick women whose ills
+were beyond our help have found healing and,
+touching the hem of His garment, been made
+perfectly whole.</p>
+
+<p>As the patients scatter, the students impress
+afresh upon their memory how, and in what
+quantity, the medicine should be taken. Only too
+often the printed directions are entirely disobeyed,
+and the week's supply swallowed in one dose, on
+the strength of that unanswerable argument with
+which we wrestled in the days of childhood:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+If one dose = improvement,<br />
+Twenty doses = x, <i>i.e.</i> complete cure.<br /></div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p>
+<h2>A CASKET OF JEWELS</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Happy is she who hath believed that there shall be a
+perfecting of the things which have been spoken to her from
+the Lord!"&mdash;The Gospel according to Luke.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"There is nothing more divine than the education of
+children."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Plato.</span></p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The fate of empires depends upon the education of
+children."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Aristotle.</span></p></div>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Take heed that ye despise not&mdash;offend not&mdash;forbid
+not&mdash;one of these little ones."&mdash;The Commandment of
+Christ.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A CASKET OF JEWELS</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being an Account of the Girls' School</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>MRS. HSI has never replaced the ornaments
+she sold thirty years ago. Had she
+heard the story told of Cornelia, mother of the
+Gracchi, I fancy her thoughts would have found
+expression, when she lately visited us and saw
+the many courtyards occupied by women and
+girls, in the famous words of the Roman matron:
+"These are my jewels." The interest on that first
+small gift is incalculable, and can never be tabulated
+in human statistics. An attempt to record
+the many activities of the Hwochow Mission station
+as it now stands, would be incomplete without
+some detailed account of the Girls' School and
+Normal Training College.</div>
+
+<p>The schools occupy four courts, and the ages
+of the pupils assembled range from the smallest,
+who is only five, to young women of over twenty.
+The Teaching Staff consists entirely of women,
+all of whom have been trained here, and we shall
+perhaps get our best view of them at the Teachers'
+Meeting held weekly in the Principal's room. A
+glance will reveal the strong individualities here
+represented, and these twelve young women cover<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>
+as many varieties of temperament. Here all
+matters connected with the school are mentioned,
+and it is striking to see the various view-points
+taken. The loving nature which would lead, but
+never drive, a rebellious child; the puritan, who
+will smile at no infringement of the law, and whose
+stern eye has been even known to call the Principal
+to order; the quick glance of the woman whose
+type reveals an inevitable leader, the stern disciplinarian,
+and the easy-going, good-natured
+woman&mdash;all are here, their diversity of gifts
+revealing the unity of the One Spirit. Ling Ai
+and I alone know how much we have to thank
+God for the friendliness of their mutual relationships.
+As to myself, the loyalty, love, and unity
+of my band of fellow-workers is my joy and crown.</p>
+
+<p>Thrice already has the staff been increased by
+graduates qualifying from the Normal Training
+Class, and our students have included some from
+the borders of Mongolia&mdash;a journey of twenty
+days&mdash;from Shensi, Honan, and Chihli provinces,
+in addition to those from all the China Inland
+Mission schools in Central Shansi.</p>
+
+<p>The education given in the school is arranged
+to cover the double course required by Chinese
+and Western standards. The capacity for memorising
+possessed by the Chinese is well known. A
+Chinese classical scholar's memory is so trained
+for retentiveness that one who became a Christian
+was able, with ease, to commit to memory five
+chapters of the New Testament each day. Were
+it not for this capacity the mastery of Chinese
+would be an impossibility, for a small child of ten
+years old, in addition to ordinary general subjects<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>
+as taught in an English school, is required in a term
+of three months to learn to write and recognise
+five hundred new Chinese characters, and by the
+time she has completed her course can repeat by
+heart the greater part of the New Testament,
+Psalms, and the classical works of Confucius
+and Mencius.</p>
+
+<p>The Chinese are extraordinarily observant, and
+it is difficult to mention anything which has
+escaped their notice. Nevertheless, the classification
+of their observations in a scientific form of
+nature study is an entirely new method to them,
+though this gift, once developed, should cause
+China ultimately to rank high in the world of
+science. The girls' restricted surroundings have
+yielded new joys since they learned the delight of an
+observation beehive, the ramifications of an anthill,
+and the notes and habits of the birds which
+visit us. A thorough knowledge of the Scriptures
+is considered of primary importance, and only
+girls who by Christian character give promise
+when trained of being missionaries to their own
+people, are accepted as Normal Students. During
+the course outlines of Old and New Testament
+are studied, with detailed work of selected books.
+The students are required to prepare their own
+analyses of various books, following the system of
+Dr. Campbell Morgan's Analysed Bible.</p>
+
+<p>The many classes which constitute the
+Elementary and Secondary schools form the
+training-ground for the necessary practice in
+teaching, which aims at being very thorough.
+The first lesson, given in the presence of a critical
+audience, is no small ordeal to the student who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>
+after elaborate preparation with diagram, blackboard,
+plasticine, or sand-tray, will realise when
+the moment of free criticism comes, that in her
+nervousness she has omitted to make any use of
+that on which she had bestowed so much labour.
+Gradually, however, a new class emerges from utter
+helplessness into an encouraging self-confidence and
+resourcefulness.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 381px;">
+<img src="images/illus07.jpg" width="381" height="500" alt="SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS. To face page 236." title="SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS. To face page 236." />
+<span class="caption">SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS.<br /><span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 236.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p>A visitor to the school could see ten or twelve
+classes at various stages on the high road of learning,
+each under the control of a capable young
+Chinese woman, before the Kindergarten room is
+reached.</p>
+
+<p>Here, with merry shouts, the sixteen babies
+are all keen to display the glories of the dolls'
+house, and all anxious to sing their action songs,
+show their plasticine modelling, paper-plaiting,
+and fancy drill; still possessing the child's heart,
+and therefore fearless of criticism. Each one
+covets the r&ocirc;le of spokesman to relate the travelling
+adventures of the doll, which spends but little
+time in the house and is constantly undertaking
+long and difficult journeys. From this intrepid
+traveller they have obtained most of their geographical
+information.</p>
+
+<p>Long hours of work are the order of the day in
+a Chinese school, the terms being short owing to
+the exigencies of the extreme climate. The wheat
+harvest falls in June, and it is necessary that wives
+and daughters should fulfil their obligations to the
+home during this busy season.</p>
+
+<p>The month of September brings the eagerly
+looked-for day when by cart, donkey, litter, or
+even on foot, from north, south, east, and west,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+the small travellers wend their way to Hwochow.
+The babies of the Kindergarten not infrequently
+sit in the panniers, slung across a donkey's back,
+or in baskets which a man will carry balanced
+on his shoulder. Each party on arrival passes
+through the room where Mr. Gwo, a capable
+deacon, sits at the receipt of custom, and thence
+to the guest-room where a respectful bow is made
+to the missionaries and head teacher.</p>
+
+<p>The next visit is to the dispensary where
+Fragrant Incense, my head assistant in this department,
+conducts a strict inquiry into personal,
+family, and village health, and where newcomers
+are being vaccinated.</p>
+
+<p>"I hear that your uncle has smallpox," may be
+the alarming accusation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not worth speaking of," answers Snowflake.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been to the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"A few times," says the puzzled scholar, quite
+unable to trace the connection between her uncle's
+attack of "heavenly blossoms" and our unwillingness
+to admit her to the school court.</p>
+
+<p>Once a girl has entered the school premises it
+is not to leave them again for the period of the
+term, and all that is necessary to fulfil the conditions
+of her life is supplied in this little world.</p>
+
+<p>One of her first visits will be to the bank where
+an account is opened in her name, it being one of
+the school rules, in order to avoid loss, that no girl
+may keep her own money; any found on her
+person or in her box being forfeited. Every
+Saturday afternoon eager young depositors can
+be seen drawing sums varying from one to fifty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>
+cash for shopping purposes, or with a view to the
+Sunday service collection. At the same hour the
+school shop is open, under the care of a teacher
+with a senior pupil as assistant.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you stock?" a newcomer will ask
+the young saleswoman. "Everything," is the
+bold answer, and indeed the few necessities of a
+Chinese schoolgirl may all be supplied. Materials
+needed for shoemaking, hemp for making string
+which is required in attaching soles to uppers,
+pretty silks for embroidery, thimbles, needles,
+hair ornaments, safety-pins, bright-coloured cord
+with which the Chinese girl holds every hair
+in place at the top of a long thick plait, which
+is her mode of head-dress; chalk, with which to
+whiten her calico socks, and the acacia pod, the
+bean of which serves as soap. All the requisites
+in stationery can be purchased, and it is amusing
+to see the Chinese brush-pen being carefully
+tested by minute prospective buyers. A newcomer
+will try in vain to get goods on credit,
+relying upon her father's generosity at an early
+date. "No," is the answer; "come again when
+you have the cash."</p>
+
+<p>In another room the lending library is attracting
+large numbers. Here again a teacher, helped
+by a pupil, is changing or renewing books. With
+surprising skill any blot, stain, or torn page is
+discovered, and for years the books will pass from
+hand to hand with but little damage done.</p>
+
+<p>The range of literature is fairly comprehensive,
+extending from world-wide favourites such as
+<i>Little Lord Fauntleroy</i>, <i>Christie's Old Organ</i>, <i>Just
+So Stories</i>, and the <i>Wide Wide World</i>, which are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+eagerly passed from hand to hand&mdash;for every one
+reads them several times&mdash;to such works as <i>The
+History of the Dutch Republic</i>, <i>Biographies of Great
+Men</i>, Works on Social Economy, and many books
+of reference. For the translation of these, and
+many other works into the Chinese language, we
+are indebted to the Christian Literature Society.
+At the sound of the head teacher's gong, all business
+ceases, and the girls proceed to the playground,
+where all enjoy swings, seesaw, and games.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday opens with the delight of an extra hour
+in bed, and the wearing of best clothes. Sunday
+school and Public Service are enjoyed even by the
+smallest, and precede the happy hour when
+parents and near relatives may see the scholars.
+At its conclusion all are hungry for the dinner,
+which, though later than usual, proves well worth
+waiting for, consisting as it does of the popular
+white bread and vegetables. The afternoon closes
+with a service of praise.</p>
+
+<p>Three times a day the children assemble in the
+large dining-hall for meals. Over one thousand
+pounds of flour are used each week, and about
+one hundred pounds of vegetables, in the preparation
+of the food. The bread is steamed and eaten
+hot, and the midday meal generally consists of
+flour and water, made into a paste, rolled out
+very thin, and cut into long strips which are boiled
+for a few minutes, and when cooked resemble
+macaroni. If a man's greatness consists in the
+small number of his needs, the Chinaman must
+rank high. A bowl and pair of chop-sticks is the
+sum total of the table requirements of each girl;
+a cotton wadded quilt and a small, bran-stuffed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+pillow comprise her bedding, and a cotton handkerchief
+will hold her neatly folded wardrobe.
+A child usually owns no toy, and many have never
+thought of an organised youthful festivity until
+they spend their first Christmas Day in school.
+With bated breath they hear from their elders
+of the joys in store, and watch secret preparations
+for presents to class teachers and missionaries.
+Excitement reaches its highest point when, with
+silent footstep, they creep into our courtyard in
+the winter dawn to sing Christmas carols, and in
+place of the temple gongs and weird music of
+heathen rites, the air rings with joyful strains as
+class after class takes up the refrain: "Oh come,
+let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" The reputation
+of the evening illumination and Christmas-tree
+is so widespread, that two small newcomers
+were heard encouraging each other, eight months
+before this event, to endure with patience in hopes
+of seeing the glorious sight, and becoming the
+possessors of a threepenny doll.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly five hundred girls have already passed
+through the school, and every few years we have
+made an attempt to gather them together for an
+informal conference; unfortunately, the distances
+are so great, and family claims so many, that only
+a very small proportion have been able to attend,
+and we have supplemented these by instituting
+an Old Girls' Guild which includes a prayer union
+whose members receive a quarterly circular letter.</p>
+
+<p>The postal system does not reach most of the
+villages, so the letters must be entrusted to reliable
+messengers who may be going that way, and who
+are requested by words on the envelope: "Be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+so kind as to trouble yourself with this letter
+and deliver it into the hand of the Mother of
+Heavenly Bundle." The young woman whose
+identity is thus hinted at is but one of perhaps
+twenty, whose offspring bear this name in the
+one village. Below are the mystic words: "The
+name is presented inside." On the left side of
+the envelope is the urgent command: "Quick
+as fire! Quick as fire!" Thus nothing is omitted
+but the name of the addressee.</p>
+
+<p>From early days an effort has been made to
+impress upon the students that a Christian community
+is only justified in so far as it partakes
+of the nature of a centrifugal force, extending its
+influence in every direction. The interests of
+students have been much enlarged by the residence
+in their midst of girls from other provinces, who
+are followed with prayerful interest when they
+leave us to enter their varied spheres of work.
+Beyond this, the scholar's widened sympathies
+find their expression in the zeal with which they
+follow missionary activity in other lands. Most
+earnest thought is given to the choice of destination
+of the sums reported in hand by the missionary
+treasurer. The Evangelical Union of
+South America, British and Foreign Bible Society,
+Pandita Ramabai, and Dr. Zwemer in Cairo
+have all received contributions, and latterly
+money has been sent to supply Testaments for
+the soldiers on active service. Nevertheless, the
+consensus of general opinion is, that the Moslem
+situation is at present so critical that all available
+funds must go to meet that need. Small indeed
+the sums may appear on a subscription list, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>
+few gifts are, I think, more thoughtfully given
+and more prayerfully followed.</p>
+
+<p>The money is contributed in various ways, the
+two most important being the school working
+party and the takings of the Debating Society,
+where debates and lectures are always sure of a
+full house.</p>
+
+<p>The instinct for personal aggressive Christian
+work finds an outlet in the following ways: The
+annual fairs and idol processions held in the town
+bring large crowds of women visitors, and afford
+a great opportunity for the senior scholars to
+take their part in preaching, as also the evangelistic
+service held each week for Dispensary patients.
+The Sunday School classes of small children are
+taught by elder girls, and the annual Summer
+Campaign has provided scope for all those who
+have a will to work. At the close of the spring
+term, every girl who so desires is entrusted with
+a printed Course of Study, suitable for the elementary
+instruction of village women. At Sunday
+and weekday classes these are taught by the elder
+scholars of the village, even the younger children
+being able to take their part in helping the women
+to memorise a verse.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>In order to secure the highest spiritual and
+mental efficiency amongst those who, by the
+nature of their calling, are constantly responding
+to the claims made upon them, we have instituted
+a Teachers' Summer School, to which are invited
+all former students now holding posts as teachers
+in Mission Schools. The month of August is
+devoted to this delightful gathering when, on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+footing of fellow-workers, free from the restrictions
+attendant on school discipline, we meet for
+Bible and secular study. The curriculum of the
+coming term is discussed, difficulties considered,
+some new educational subject is studied, and an
+invaluable atmosphere is created.</p>
+
+<p>In the silence of the moments of spiritual communion,
+lives are dedicated afresh to the service
+of God; by contemplation of the Word, fresh
+ideals are apprehended and more of the wisdom
+that winneth souls is learned, by which a band
+of workers is equipped anew for any manner of
+service, wholly at His command. The various
+activities recorded above each contribute a part
+to the upbuilding of character and the training
+of those who will be the future missionaries,
+mothers, and teachers of their people.</p>
+
+<p>We desire that, rejoicing in the abundance of
+life which Christ came to bestow, they may by
+sacrificial service gather around them many who
+will say: "Happy the people whose God is the
+Lord!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE TREASURE HOUSE</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Who ranks higher than others in the Kingdom of the
+Heavens?"</p>
+
+<p>"In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn and
+become like little children you will in no case be admitted
+into the Kingdom of the Heavens."</p>
+
+<p>"Whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these little
+ones who believe in me, it would be better for him to have
+a millstone hung round his neck and be drowned in the
+depths of the sea."</p>
+
+<p>"Their angels in heaven have continual access to my
+Father in heaven."</p></div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+The words of the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The hope of the glory of God includes the responsibility
+of rejoicing. If we really have the anointed vision
+which sees through the travail to the triumph, and is
+perfectly assured of the ultimate triumph of God, it is our
+duty in the midst of the travail to rejoice evermore, to
+cheer the battle by song, and shorten the marches by
+music."&mdash;Dr. <span class="smcap">G. Campbell Morgan</span>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TREASURE HOUSE</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Where the Reader is shown the Lapidary
+at work</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>MY study is perhaps to me the most sacred
+spot of the entire compound. Situated
+in the midst of the school court, it is accessible
+to teachers and scholars alike. For more than
+a decade this room has been sanctified by numberless
+confidences, many too sacred to record.</div>
+
+<p>At any hour of the day, or after dark when it
+is easier for the girl to knock unseen at my door,
+I may hear the words, sometimes timidly whispered:
+"Has the Teacher time to let me speak to her?"
+A welcome being extended my young guest will
+usually begin to talk upon general topics, and
+after a considerable time will gently hint that
+there is also one small matter in particular of
+which she wishes to speak. On receiving encouragement
+she proceeds to unfold the matter,
+which may vary in gravity from a message conveying
+a request that employment should be
+found for a neighbour of hers, to a tearful pleading
+that I will use all my influence to prevent her
+parents from engaging her to a heathen bridegroom;
+it has even been to tell me of a brother<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+who, having entered a College in the provincial
+capital, is now in jail and likely to lose his life
+for revolutionary tendencies.</p>
+
+<p>It is during the hour when the schoolgirls are
+at play, or in the evening when they are in bed,
+that the teacher will come to me who desires to
+be certain of no interruption. One whose father
+was formerly a deacon, but having relapsed into
+opium smoking has lost his office and Church
+membership, comes with her sad story. "How
+can I hope to influence my scholars when this
+sin is in my own home?" she asks me; and goes
+on to tell of the downward steps taken, and of
+the good mother who, with herself, has done all
+that love could suggest to save the father from
+public disgrace. A letter from her distant home
+will sometimes bring her when the work of the
+day is done, that together we may share its contents.
+How plain it is to me, that this scorching
+furnace of shame which seals her lips and makes
+her blush before her own pupils, is the very test
+she requires for her perfecting. I know that this
+is a spiritual crisis when in the thick darkness
+she will either meet with God, or losing the
+hope whereby we are saved will grow cold and
+indifferent.</p>
+
+<p>It is always a personal refreshment when
+Fragrant Clouds or Pearl Drops comes to see me.
+A warm friendship exists between these two senior
+Normal Students, strong, robust young women,
+prospering in body as in soul. Pearl Drops,
+keenly humorous, is a famous mimic and I once
+had the delight of, unnoticed, joining an audience
+which she was fascinating by her mimicry of an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+old man well known to us all. Fragrant Clouds
+is a more serious type, and entered the High School
+here in answer to her prayers to God for many
+months, at a time when innumerable obstacles
+barred her way. She has proved "barriers" to be
+"for those who cannot fly," and possesses that
+quiet dignity and confidence which tells of character
+formed by difficulties overcome. She knows the "All
+great" to be the "All loving too," and is strong.</p>
+
+<p>Little Goodness is the boldest girl in the school.
+She is only five years old, but will any moment
+that she can run away from the Kindergarten
+Court unseen push open my door, and show me
+with great delight and most disconcerting self-assurance
+some treasure she has found&mdash;a grub,
+or maybe some one else's new handkerchief. The
+frown I summon to my aid when the offence is
+repeated more than once a day, is rather a failure,
+but poor Goodness has had to learn by sterner
+methods that the teacher's word is law. It is not
+easy to be stern with her for she is a most fascinating
+little creature, and yet her parents wanted
+her so little that she was found, as a wee babe,
+buried alive. With difficulty her life was saved
+by the missionary to whom she was taken, who
+has cared for her ever since. Her most serious
+offence in this school, and a cause of scandal to
+the whole Kindergarten, was the helping of herself
+to five cash from the collection plate when it was
+handed to her in the Sunday service.</p>
+
+<p>When a new graduate who has been faced for
+the first time by her class appears at my door, I
+know before she begins to speak that her errand
+is to inform me she has found herself to have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+accepted a burden and responsibility which she
+is utterly incapable of bearing. I make no great
+effort to hide my amusement, and call to her remembrance
+the complete assurance with which
+she was prepared to enter upon her career during
+her last term as a Normal Student. I also tell her
+I have been expecting this interview and, needless
+to say, from the humorous side we naturally turn
+to the serious.</p>
+
+<p>Teachers are constantly coming to me for
+advice as to the best method of dealing with those
+symptoms of original sin which cause small children
+to bewilder their elders by the utter depravity
+of their moral nature. What, for example, could
+I say to Kingfisher who was heard, when praying
+audibly, to petition heaven that Rosebud with
+whom she had quarrelled might lose all her good
+marks?</p>
+
+<p>The weeping Butterfly was peremptorily ushered
+into my presence, accused of using bad language.
+I could see by the expression on the teacher's
+face that it was no trifling matter. She had said:
+"Chrysanthemum, when you walk it is like the
+hopping of a frog." She had thus compared a
+fellow-scholar to an animal, a form of speech which
+in Chinese, as I well knew, amounts to a curse.</p>
+
+<p>Peach Blossom, ever since the first day she
+came to me has been a care and responsibility.
+Conscious of her good looks and of her capacity
+to secure a following of devotees, she has conducted
+her small court with increasing joy to herself,
+and annoyance to me and my Staff. It was
+impossible to ignore her presence, and while she
+was scrupulously within the rules and regulations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>
+of school discipline she somehow managed to sail
+so near, and yet avoid, the point of defiance
+that we were baffled.</p>
+
+<p>I am sometimes called upon to fulfil the vocation
+of motherhood in a very real sense, as when I have
+to announce to some child who has no mother
+that the arrangements for her engagement are
+about to be completed, but that her father, who
+feels he could not expect her to speak of such a
+matter, has asked me to find out her desires regarding
+the proposed bridegroom. After an inevitable
+tear, shed at the suggestion that she must
+some day leave her father's home, she asks me if I
+am satisfied with the plan; on my answering in
+the affirmative her face brightens, though she
+conventionally begs me to use my influence to
+dissuade her father from any such intention. I,
+seeing that no difficulty presents itself, change the
+subject and bring her a few days later the gifts
+and silver ornaments which indicate that all is
+settled. She, having no mother to do the necessary
+grumbling at the inferior quality of the bridegroom's
+presents, comes to my room later on, and
+says: "I have been examining these, and perceive
+that the silver used is not pure in quality." Having
+shown that she, though motherless, is not easily
+taken in, she accepts my exhortation to be a good
+child and to be thankful for what she has, and
+without further ado begins her preparations for the
+day when she will "change her home."</p>
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 384px;">
+<img src="images/illus08.jpg" width="384" height="500" alt="LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG. To face page 252." title="LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG. To face page 252." />
+<span class="caption">LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG.<br /><span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>To face page 252.</i></span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The more modern parent is sometimes desirous
+that his daughter, who has reached years of
+discretion, should from time to time correspond
+with her fianc&eacute;. The letters all being sent to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>
+girl's father, he forwards them to me, and the
+fear lest any fellow-student should know of so
+immodest a proceeding always leads the girl to
+read them in my room, and place them in my hand
+for safe keeping. It was enlightening to receive
+a request on one occasion that I would, at the
+close of term, return "those letters which are of
+no possible use." I knew to what she referred,
+and mentally noted that the "useless" paper found
+a very safe place in the recesses of her luggage!</p>
+
+
+<p>Tragedy is interwoven with the life of almost
+every woman in this land. Disappointment at
+her birth finds its only consolation in the recognition
+of her value in the home as family drudge.
+Only as mother of her son does she enter on an
+inheritance of sufficient consideration to make her
+well worth the clothes she wears and the food she
+consumes.</p>
+
+<p>How pathetic it is to see the efforts put forth
+by a child whose school life has been interrupted
+to endeavour to find some means of paying the
+necessary fees! One girl of thirteen, by making
+hair-sieves during the summer months renders it
+possible for her father to send her to school; and
+many weave during the holidays all the cloth
+necessary for their own clothes. One little girl
+who had no other means of helping herself, gleaned
+so industriously that she gathered sufficient for
+her first month's expenses, only to find one day
+that her little hoard had been used by her opium-smoking
+father for his own indulgence.</p>
+
+<p>Even the high ethics of Confucianism can
+recognise no higher position for woman than one
+of obedient dependence throughout life. In youth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+she must be subject to her father, in middle age
+to her husband, and in old age to her son. The
+revolutionary power of Christianity has established
+a new order, and in the Christian community we
+see her welcomed in babyhood, cared for in childhood,
+and receiving the honour due to her womanhood
+when she becomes a bride. I have been
+amazed at the sacrifices I have seen made by parents
+for their daughters. I have known a father, too poor
+to afford the hire of a donkey, carry his little girl
+nearly thirty miles to school. I have known the
+only bedcovering in the home to be spared for the
+use of the little daughter during term, and a man
+to endure the winter cold with the scantiest clothing
+that his child might be warmly clad.</p>
+
+<p>One class, a small one, has outstripped me in the
+race, and graduated to a higher school to render
+service more needed there than here. I can think
+of each one with joy as in the Great Teacher's
+Hand, learning lessons which as yet are beyond me.</p>
+
+<p>The one it seemed I could least spare was needed
+by Him, and since most of this book was written
+my beloved Ling Ai went to serve, face to face, the
+Lord she loves.</p>
+
+<p>The intimate sympathy required to enter into
+the joys and sorrows of so many lives is perhaps
+the heaviest strain laid upon the missionary, and
+the mental discipline necessary to hold all in right
+proportion can only be exercised where there is
+true adjustment of spiritual vision, whereby we
+see "through the travail to the triumph, perfectly
+assured of the ultimate victory of God," and rejoice,
+"cheering the battle by song and shortening the
+marches by music."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CONCLUSION</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"That Church controls the future which can demand of
+her members the greatest sacrifices."&mdash;Dr. <span class="smcap">John Hutton</span>.</p></div>
+
+<div class='poem2'>
+"When earth's last picture is painted, and the tubes are twisted and dried,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it&mdash;lie down for an &aelig;on or two,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Till the Master of all good workmen shall put us to work anew.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And only the Master shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They are."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3>CONCLUSION</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Being a Review of the Present Situation</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>IT is now thirty years since foreigners came to
+reside in Hwochow, during which time three
+generations of women missionaries have succeeded
+each other. The period has been divided accurately
+at the fifteenth year by the Boxer riots
+and massacres. The many who have helped in
+varied ways to make this work possible may
+rightly ask; "Is not this period sufficient to
+establish a self-propagating Church independent
+of foreigners?"</div>
+
+<p>It would be hard to over-emphasise the need of
+the wisdom required at the stage immediately
+preceding the final lapse of total responsibility
+upon the shoulders of the native Church, that
+the move should not be made too hastily or at
+an inopportune moment; even more emphatically,
+that the Church should not be driven to establish
+on a factional basis a so-called independent sect
+in opposition to the foreigner, in order to secure
+the freedom and control for which it was ripe.
+Faith, hope, and courage, without which the
+pioneer missionary's work must inevitably fail,
+find their counterpart in the spirit of wisdom and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>
+understanding required for the proper adjustment
+of the new relationship, whereby the Chinese
+Christian, not in word, but in deed and in truth,
+may take precedence. It is easy to gain ready
+acquiescence to this theory of equality, but as
+was immediately evidenced when the strong and
+independent Pastor Hsi arose, the situation in its
+practical bearing is not easily handled.</p>
+
+<p>A word to the intending missionary: Be ready
+to lay aside your preconceived ideas as to how
+the Gospel should be preached, how Church
+matters should be handled, discipline enforced,
+and your own position in the Church.</p>
+
+<p>Come as a learner, and men who were Christians
+before you emerged from childhood will give
+you the benefit of a ripe experience, and if you
+prove worthy of it, admit you to fellowship in
+service.</p>
+
+<p>In view of the preceding chapters, few words
+will serve to review on general lines the situation
+as it has developed during these thirty years in
+Hwochow.</p>
+
+<p>The first fifteen called for unremitting effort in
+breaking up new ground, broadcast sowing of
+the seed, and establishing between Chinese and
+foreigner some measure of confidence. The second
+period has been one of reaping from the very
+commencement. Extraordinarily rapid development
+on every hand brought about new conditions
+which in turn necessitated new methods, so that
+the missionary is no longer the main instigator of
+Church activities, but takes his place in a large and
+far-reaching organisation.</p>
+
+<p>The work of evangelisation and all elementary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>
+teaching require no foreign help, but we still
+seem to be necessary for the organisation which
+is giving training and advanced teaching to the
+men and women whom we hope to see equipped
+in every respect as well, and better, than we
+ourselves have been.</p>
+
+<p>All non-institutional work amongst men is
+already in Chinese hands. Pastor Wang and
+eight deacons take entire oversight of the Church of
+nearly four hundred members, the examining and
+accepting of candidates for baptism, as well as
+arrangements for Sunday services in each of the
+eight out-stations, where the local Christians have,
+at their own expense, supplied a building for
+public worship where daily service is held. In
+addition to this, the entire evangelistic organisation,
+Elementary Boys' School and Opium Refuge,
+form part of their responsibility.</p>
+
+<p>The more aggressive work includes a Chinese
+Evangelistic Society entirely free from foreign
+money and control, the object of which is to open
+up new districts, preach at fairs, and widely
+distribute Gospels and tracts.</p>
+
+<p>In the busiest thoroughfare of the city, a preaching
+hall is daily opened which is freely frequented
+by merchants and travellers.</p>
+
+<p>The systematic instruction of men, both Church
+members and inquirers, is supplied by means of
+short station classes held at convenient times by
+the Pastor, or by some foreign missionary whom
+he may invite.</p>
+
+<p>With the exception of the Elementary Boys'
+School just mentioned, the men's institutional
+work is carried on in the neighbouring city of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+Hungtung, where, under the presidency of the
+Rev. F. Dreyer, a Bible Training Institute for
+men has been established. The students are drawn
+not only from our own, but other provinces, and
+during the two years' course a careful and thorough
+training is given in theoretical and practical work.
+A long preaching list is served by these men
+in conjunction with a large band of local preachers.
+To Mr. Dreyer's influence amongst these men we,
+as many other stations, owe some of our best
+helpers. The Hungtung institutional work is
+supplemented by a Higher Grade School for boys,
+the pupils of which are largely drawn from the
+fourteen Elementary Schools scattered throughout
+the district. Mr. E. J. Cooper, assisted by Chinese
+graduates of Weihsien University, is responsible
+for this department. Many former pupils are in
+charge of village schools, the examining and
+superintendence of which is conducted from the
+centre. It is thus possible for the sons of Church
+members to obtain a thorough and Christian
+education in their immediate neighbourhood.
+The necessary demands for institutional work
+for the several counties mentioned throughout
+this book, are thus met by the two stations of Hungtung
+and Hwochow. United with these to form a
+General Allied Council to secure unity of action
+in all far-reaching enterprises, and to avoid multiplication
+of work (though each local church remains
+independent and self-governing), are the stations
+situated in the cities of Chaocheng, and Yoyang,
+now severally in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest
+Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. F. Briscoe, whose time is
+occupied with pastoral and evangelistic work.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hsi still remains in Chaocheng, and carries
+on her work amongst the women of that city. She,
+in company with Mrs. Liang and three others,
+has been chosen by the Church to be set apart to
+the office of deaconess. She is now sixty-four
+years of age, and her physical strength is visibly
+failing.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hsi's life and example is one of the treasures
+of the Shansi Church. She has served faithfully
+and long in active Christian work, and she recently
+told me that she is now giving herself to prayer
+and fasting more than was possible during the most
+active period of her life.</p>
+
+<p>For this effectual share in the present conflict,
+for her love and friendship, and for her continued
+presence amongst us, we give thanks unto God.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Thus we believe the Church has been rooted
+and established, no longer propagated by any
+external energy, but whose seed is in itself.</p>
+
+<p>The dream is so far fulfilled. More than thirty
+years ago Mr. and Mrs. Hsi, in faith, brought
+their small offering as a child once offered his
+barley loaves and laid them in the Master's Hand,
+Who gave thanks and blessed.</p>
+
+<p>In these pages the story is recorded of the sower,
+the waterer, and the reaper, who laboured in
+tears and in joy.</p>
+
+<p>Of the increase which God alone can give, no
+human record can tell, but told it shall be in the
+day when those from every nation, kindred, and
+tribe shall unite to ascribe honour and glory unto
+Him who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"So have I dreamed! Oh may the dream be true!<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">That praying souls are purged from mortal hue ...</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">And grow as pure as He to Whom they pray."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+HARTLEY COLERIDGE.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p>
+<h2>APPENDIX</h2>
+
+<div class='center'><b>CONTAINING</b></div>
+
+<h3>BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL COURSE OF
+STUDY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><b>AND</b></div>
+
+<h3>SPECIMEN QUESTIONS OF THE NORMAL<br />
+TRAINING COLLEGE<br />
+FINAL EXAMINATION PAPERS<br />
+<br />
+(<i>INSERTED BY REQUEST</i>)</h3>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+<h2>HWOCHOW WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING
+SCHOOL</h2>
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+<h3><i>COURSE OF STUDY</i></h3>
+
+
+<h3>FIRST TERM</h3>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Book of Genesis.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible."</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing
+of Chinese Character.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Arithmetic.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.</div>
+
+
+<h3>SECOND TERM</h3>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>The Gospel according to St. John.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>The Epistle of St James.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"&mdash;(<i>continued</i>).</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing
+of Chinese Character.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Arithmetic.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><span class="smcap">Practical Work.</span>&mdash;Assist in conducting Elementary Classes
+for Women.</div>
+
+
+<h3>THIRD TERM</h3>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Book of Leviticus, Joshua, and 1 Samuel xvii. to xxxi.;
+Ezra and Nehemiah.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>The Gospel according to St. Matthew.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>The Epistle to the Hebrews.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"&mdash;(<i>conclusion</i>).</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Studies in Christian Doctrine.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese Character.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Arithmetic.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Memorisation of Psalms.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><i>Pilgrim's Progress.</i></div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><span class="smcap">Practical Work.</span>&mdash;Conduct Elementary Classes for
+Women, Teach under Criticism, City and Village
+Visiting.</div>
+
+
+<h3>FOURTH TERM</h3>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Book of Judges, Ruth, Esther, and 2 Samuel.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Life of Elijah and Elisha.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Acts of the Apostles, chapters x. to xxviii.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Studies in Christian Doctrine.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Arithmetic.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'>Memorisation of Psalms.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><i>Pilgrim's Progress</i>, Part II.</div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><span class="smcap">Practical Work.</span>.&mdash;As Term III.</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHINA INLAND MISSION NORMAL
+TRAINING COLLEGE, HWOCHOW, SHANSI</h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<h3><i>SPECIMEN QUESTIONS</i></h3>
+
+<div class='center'>(Drawn from Final Examination Papers, 1915)</div>
+
+<h3>SCRIPTURE</h3>
+
+<p>What answer did Christ give to the following questions?&mdash;"What
+must we do that we may work the works
+of God?" "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?"
+"Hast thou seen Abraham?" "How can a man be born
+when he is old?"</p>
+
+<p>Name five incidents in the Gospel according to St. John<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+which illustrate the statement: "He knew what was in
+man."</p>
+
+<p>Name some of the abuses in the Corinthian Church, and
+briefly state how Paul dealt with each.</p>
+
+<p>What period of human history is covered by the Book
+of Genesis?</p>
+
+<p>Briefly trace the degeneration of the Individual, the
+Home, and the Nation, as recorded in the Book of
+Genesis.</p>
+
+<p>Give an outline of the Book of Ezra.</p>
+
+<p>State briefly the teaching of Christ on the following
+subjects:&mdash;Fasting, Riches, Rewards, and the Forgiveness
+of Sin.</p>
+
+<p>The establishment of the Church by Constantine proved
+to be its spiritual loss. Quote five verses from Scripture
+to show this might have been anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>Mention four reasons which conduced to the spread of
+the Gospel in the days of the Early Church.</p>
+
+
+<h3>HISTORY</h3>
+
+<p>State clearly the advantages and disadvantages of
+Feudalism.</p>
+
+<p>What do you know of the Spartan methods of treating
+children?</p>
+
+<p>What do you know of the following:&mdash;Chaucer, Rienzi,
+Savonarola, Simon de Montfort, Gladstone, Li Hung-chang,
+Bruce?</p>
+
+<p>What do you understand by the term "Ostracism"?</p>
+
+<p>Who were the combatants in the following battles:&mdash;Crecy,
+Hastings, Marathon, Bannockburn, Waterloo?</p>
+
+<p>Give an account of the causes which resulted in the
+Crusades, or in the French Revolution.</p>
+
+
+<h3>PHYSIOLOGY</h3>
+
+<p>What are the various uses of the Cerebrum, Cerebellum,
+and Medulla Oblongata?</p>
+
+<p>Explain the process of "Hearing." Illustrate with
+diagrams.</p>
+
+<p>What do you know of the Crystalline Lens of the Eye?</p>
+
+<p>What is meant by "Long Sight" and "Short Sight"?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>What is the cause of each, and how may each be
+remedied?</p>
+
+<p>Give a list of the Cranial Nerves.</p>
+
+
+<h3>ZOOLOGY</h3>
+
+<p>Draw a diagram of the Blood Vessels of a Fish.</p>
+
+<p>State clearly the main divisions of Zoology, and in detail
+those of the Bird Family.</p>
+
+<p>Give a detailed account of the Ant and its habits;
+illustrate with diagrams.</p>
+
+<p>Describe the Fauna of the Arctic Regions.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHEMISTRY</h3>
+
+<p>What weight of each of the following compounds is
+necessary to prepare 50 litres of Oxygen?&mdash;Water,
+Mercuric Oxide, Potassium Chlorate.</p>
+
+<p>Explain the principle of the Dewar bulb.</p>
+
+<p>Define the term "Acid." Enumerate the characteristics
+of a "Base."</p>
+
+<p>Two compounds were found to have the following
+compositions: = 43.64 per cent. phosphorus = 56.36 per
+cent. oxygen = 56.35 per cent. phosphorus = 43.65 per
+cent. Show that the Law of Multiple proportion holds
+in this case.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Classical Essay Subjects.</span>&mdash;"The Path may not be
+left for an instant; if it could be left it would not be
+the Path. On this account the superior man does not
+wait until he see things to be cautious, nor see things to
+be apprehensive."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Confucius.</span></p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br /><br />
+MORGAN AND SCOTT LTD., 12 PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON, E. C.<br />
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Heavenly Invitation Office ("Pastor Hsi's" translation).</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The raised brick or mud platform, heated by a fire, used as
+a bed in North China.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> It was on the occasion of this visit that Mr. Hsi was ordained
+pastor.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> <i>Yamen</i>=law courts or Mansion House.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> From <i>Fire and Sword in Shansi</i>, by Dr. E. H. Edwards.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> <i>The Precious Regulations</i>, a book written under the Sung
+Dynasty. Its main tenets are derived from Buddhism, though
+some writers inscribe the book among the Taoist documents.
+Its sub-title explains its contents: "A precious record of
+examples published by the mercy of Yu Di (the Jade Emperor
+to whom is entrusted the superintendence of the world, the
+Jupiter of the Taoists), that men and women may repent them
+of their faults and make atonement for their sins." It includes
+a description of the Ten Courts of Hell and the judgments pronounced
+therein.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Vermicelli&mdash;cut with a knife.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The space between two beams in a Chinese building.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> The polite term for the wife of an official.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> This remarkable custom is declared by Marco Polo to be
+peculiar to North China.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Sewing-machine.</p></div>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3>
+
+<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor
+Hsi's, by A. Mildred Cable
+
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@@ -0,0 +1,6621 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's, by
+A. Mildred Cable
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's
+       The Story of the Work in Hwochow
+
+Author: A. Mildred Cable
+
+Release Date: November 12, 2008 [EBook #27243]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Free Elf, University of Hong Kong Library,
+audreyii, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MRS. HSI.
+
+_Frontispiece._]
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FULFILMENT OF A DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S
+
+THE STORY OF THE WORK IN HWOCHOW
+
+BY A. MILDRED CABLE
+
+          _Of the China Inland Mission_
+
+          "Is it a dream?
+           Nay, but the lack of it, a dream.
+             And failing it, life's love and wealth a dream,
+             And all the world a dream."
+                                             WALT WHITMAN
+
+
+          LONDON:
+          MORGAN & SCOTT LTD.
+          12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.C.
+          CHINA INLAND MISSION
+          NEWINGTON GREEN, N. MCMXVII
+
+
+
+
+          TO
+
+          DR. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN
+
+          THE "APOLLOS" WHO
+
+          BY PRAYER AND SYMPATHY HAS "WATERED"
+
+          THIS WORK
+
+          THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+TWENTY-ONE years ago, on 19th February 1896, Pastor Hsi, to quote the
+words of his biographer, "was translated to higher service." Those who
+read the fascinating and wonderful story of his life by Mrs. Howard
+Taylor will at once be interested in _The Fulfilment of a Dream_, which
+is the story of the work in Hwochow, and gives the account of the
+carrying on of the spiritual labour of that remarkable man, and of the
+fulfilment of his dream. I think it is equally true that those who have
+not read Pastor Hsi's life will desire to do so after reading this book.
+
+It is a commonplace observation, but none the less true, that the story
+commenced in the Acts of the Apostles could not be finished by Luke,
+because the great activity, the commencement of which he recorded, is
+still going forward. Every tale of missionary endeavour moving forward
+"toward the uttermost part of the earth" is an added chapter. It has
+been given to Mildred Cable and her fellow workers, to labour in the
+apostolic succession; and then to Mildred Cable, to write this wonderful
+chapter.
+
+From my own standpoint the book is full of charm. While by no means its
+supreme value, the first impression made upon the mind is that of the
+naturalness of the story. The reader is made the friend of the writer,
+and listens to an artless and charming account of places and of peoples.
+My first reading of the book at one sitting (as all such books should be
+read), left me with a sense of the atmosphere of the missionary's life
+and surroundings. I was admitted into the actuality of everyday things,
+and was made familiar with the pathos and tragedy and humour of life in
+a land and among a people largely unknown to me.
+
+As I have said, this is by no means the supreme value of the book. That
+rather consists in something that grows upon you as you read. The writer
+does not state it in so many words, or very seldom, and certainly is not
+trying to persuade you to believe it, but there it is. I refer to the
+tender and yet strong revelation of the power of the Divine Grace, both
+in its sustenance of those who are called to missionary work, and its
+transforming power in the case of those who, often at cost, yield
+themselves to its call.
+
+In Chapters I., V., VI., VII., and VIII., the reader will trace the
+story of the development of the work, and a wonderful story it is.
+Chapters XI. and XII., containing first the story of Ai Do, and then a
+record of demoniacal manifestations, show the reader how these quiet and
+earnest workers are brought up against the big, naked, awful things of
+life; and also how being so confronted, they are unafraid and
+unconquered in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. The fact that I draw
+special attention to these chapters is not intended to suggest for a
+moment that the others are either uninteresting or unimportant. They are
+neither the one nor the other. For all that it is intended to be, the
+book is a whole, and is supremely precious, because it is manifestly a
+part of the larger whole of Christ's great emprise.
+
+With confidence and joy I commend the story to all those in whose heart
+burns the passion for the coming of the hour when our adorable Redeemer
+shall "see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied."
+                                             G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+
+
+
+AUTHOR'S PREFACE
+
+
+I WISH to acknowledge that apart from my co-workers, Evangeline and
+Francesca French, this book would have been impossible. To Mr. Albert
+Lutley, Superintendent of the China Inland Mission Work in the Province
+of Shansi, I am indebted for help and kindnesses which I can
+acknowledge, but never repay. I am also indebted to my Chinese
+secretary, Miss Wang, for her able reporting of the many interviews
+which the compiling of this book has necessitated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Chinese themselves say: "One mile alters the speech, and ten miles
+change the customs."
+
+In view of the fact that the Province of Shansi alone is larger than
+England and Wales, I wish it to be clearly understood that the usages
+and customs to which I refer throughout this book are local.
+
+
+
+
+EDITOR'S NOTE
+
+
+ALL personal names are spelt according to the system employed by the
+authoress, except where it has been necessary to modify this to retain
+the identity of someone mentioned in Mrs. Howard Taylor's _Pastor Hsi_.
+All place names are spelt according to the orthography of the Chinese
+Postal Guide, which system is now used in the standard maps of China and
+has been adopted by the larger missionary societies. Thus, Hoh-chau of
+_Pastor Hsi_ becomes Hwochow, T'ai-yuean becomes Taiyueanfu, P'ing-yang
+becomes Pingyangfu, etc.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                     PAGE
+
+  PROLOGUE                                            xix
+
+
+  CHAPTER I
+
+  MRS. HSI'S GIFT, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
+    OPENING OF THE STATION OF HWOCHOW                   3
+
+
+  CHAPTER II
+
+  THE BIG ROAD, INDICATING THE SITUATION OF
+    HWOCHOW IN THE PROVINCE OF SHANSI                  11
+
+
+  CHAPTER III
+
+  A NEW VENTURE, IN WHICH IS RECORDED THE
+    APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST MISSIONARIES
+    TO HWOCHOW                                         19
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV
+
+  THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY, BEING A RECORD
+    OF SOME WHO WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER
+    FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, AND OF MRS. HSI'S
+    EXPERIENCE IN THE BOXER OUTBREAK                   27
+
+
+  CHAPTER V
+
+  LIFE IN THE VILLAGES, AN INTRODUCTION TO
+    CHINESE HOME LIFE                                  37
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI
+
+  OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW, SHOWING THINGS AS
+    THEY SOMETIMES ARE                                 47
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII
+
+  A PORTRAIT GALLERY, WHEREIN THE READER IS
+    INTRODUCED TO SOME OF OUR FELLOW WORKERS           57
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII
+
+  WORK DEVELOPMENT, RELATING HOW WE SOUGHT TO
+    ENCOMPASS THE WORK, AND THE WORK
+    ENCOMPASSED US                                     69
+
+
+  CHAPTER IX
+
+  MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF
+    HER LIFE FROM WIDOWHOOD                            77
+
+
+  CHAPTER X
+
+  THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER                         85
+
+
+  CHAPTER XI
+
+  THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL, BEING THE
+    STORY OF AI DO                                     95
+
+
+  CHAPTER XII
+
+  THE POWERS OF DARKNESS, BEING A RECORD OF SOME
+    OBSERVATIONS IN DEMONOLOGY                        109
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII
+
+  THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG                       127
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV
+
+  A VISIT TO THE BASE, FROM WHENCE WE ARE AGAIN
+    SENT FORTH WITH FRESH SUPPLIES                    141
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV
+
+  THE BUILDERS, RELATING HOW THE SUPPLIES WERE
+    USED                                              151
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI
+
+  WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL, WHICH TELLS HOW
+    A LINK WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN WESTMINSTER
+    AND HWOCHOW BIBLE SCHOOLS                         159
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII
+
+  THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA, AN ACCOUNT
+    OF FRESH EFFORTS TO REACH THE MULTITUDE, AND
+    BRING THEM TO DECISION                            169
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII
+
+  LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND, RECORDING
+    HOSPITALITY SHOWN TO US BY THE OFFICIAL
+    CLASSES                                           177
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIX
+
+  THE REVOLUTION OF 1911, AND HOW WE WERE
+    AFFECTED BY IT                                    189
+
+
+  CHAPTER XX
+
+  CHANGED CONDITIONS, WHEREIN SOME, THOUGH
+    FOLLOWING A PATH OF ACTION, FAILED TO
+    UNDERSTAND IT                                     199
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXI
+
+  ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY, WHEREIN THE READER
+    IS INTRODUCED TO SOME WHO HAVE FAILED             211
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXII
+
+  PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK,
+    TELLING OF THE DAILY ROUTINE                      223
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXIII
+
+  A CASKET OF JEWELS, BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
+    GIRLS' SCHOOL                                     233
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXIV
+
+  THE TREASURE HOUSE, WHERE THE READER IS SHOWN
+    THE LAPIDARY AT WORK                              247
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXV
+
+  CONCLUSION, BEING A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT
+    SITUATION                                         257
+
+
+  APPENDIX                                            263
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  MRS. HSI                                     _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                 FACING PAGE
+
+  A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER                                 82
+
+  PASTOR WANG                                         136
+
+  WOMEN'S BIBLE SCHOOL                                160
+
+  "PUPPY" AND HER MOTHER                              218
+
+  THE TEACHING STAFF                                  228
+
+  SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS                          236
+
+  LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG   252
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+THE spirit of the Confucian scholar Hsi met with its Master Christ, and
+overwhelmed by the vision yielded all to His control. Constrained by His
+love the souls of men were sought and won; led by His Spirit, churches
+were established in the faith; sharing His sufferings, their failures
+became his burden.
+
+In the darkest days the Hwochow Church has known, when many forsook
+their faith, he was strengthened by a dream, in which he saw a tree cut
+down to the ground, only to sprout again, and throw out branches
+stronger than before.
+
+In his dream, Pastor Hsi knew this tree to be the Hwochow Church. He
+knew that though it were brought low, it would revive, and by faith
+obtained the promise, the fulfilment of which is recorded in these
+pages.
+
+
+
+
+          When Thou wouldst pour the Living Stream
+          Then I would be the earthen cup,
+          Filled to the brim and sparkling clear.
+          The Fountain Thou and Living Spring
+          Flow Thou through me, the vessel weak,
+          That thirsty souls may taste Thy grace.
+
+          When Thou wouldst warn the people, Lord,
+          Then I would be the golden bell
+          Swung high athwart the lofty tower
+          Morning and evening sounding loud;
+          That young and old may wake from sleep,
+          Yea, e'en the deaf hear that strong sound.
+
+          When Thou wouldst light the darkness, Lord,
+          Then I would be the silver lamp
+          Whose oil supply can never fail.
+          Placed high, to shed the beams afar,
+          That darkness may be turned to light,
+          And men and women see Thy face.
+
+          When Thou wouldst slay the wolves, O Lord!
+          Then I would be the keen-edged sword;
+          Clean, free from rust, sharpened and sure,
+          The handle grasped, my God, by Thee.
+          To kill the cruel, ravening foe,
+          And save the sheep for whom Christ died.
+
+                                        Translated from Pastor Hsi
+                                              by F. L. F.
+
+
+
+
+MRS. HSI'S GIFT
+
+          "First love is the abandonment of all for the love
+          which has abandoned all."--Dr. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+                                      ". . . such men
+          Carry the fire, all things grow warm to them.
+          Their drugget's worth my purple, they beat me."
+                                        R. BROWNING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+MRS. HSI'S GIFT
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE OPENING OF THE STATION OF HWOCHOW
+
+
+MRS. HSI was in great mental distress. The blow she feared had fallen,
+and her husband was a prey to the bewitching power of the "foreign
+devils." How cleverly the trap had been laid. Firstly, the offer of a
+monetary prize for a classical essay--which he had won; secondly, the
+insistence of the foreigner on a personal interview with the writer, on
+the occasion of which, certain as her husband had been that he had
+tasted neither food nor drink under his roof, some means had certainly
+been found to introduce into his system some of that subtle foreign drug
+which, as every one knew, must eventually compel the victim to embrace
+Christianity and follow the "foreign devil" to the world's end. Thirdly,
+he had been invited to become the teacher of this dreaded man (Rev.
+David Hill), and she had foolishly yielded her consent. She had taken
+every precaution and had, on three occasions, sent for him on plea of
+her own illness during the time he was an inmate in the foreigner's
+household. His clothing had been carefully searched for traces of the
+magical compound, but in vain; nothing had come to light, and now here
+was her husband, one of the leading Confucianists of the district,
+declaring that, of his own free will and action, he had determined to
+follow--not the foreign devils--but this Jesus, around Whom all their
+preaching centred. He attributed this change of mind, evidently quite
+irrationally, to the reading of a book printed under the strange title
+of _Happy Sound_,--but perhaps even the sacred Chinese character might
+become a snare in their hands! Nothing but the influence of some
+powerful magic could have worked so complete a transformation. Even his
+intense craving for opium was gone, the Confucian writings which had
+been his constant companion were now neglected, and in spite of her
+entreaties and fears, the family gods were destroyed.
+
+During his stay at home he spoke constantly, both to her and in her
+hearing to many visitors, of the teachings of this Jesus Who, he
+explained to all comers, was the Son of the only True God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Time passed, and gradually her fears were somewhat allayed, so that she
+even consented to repeat certain sentences which, he told her, were to
+be used night and morning, kneeling, and with closed eyes. Her
+inclination to favourably regard what he told her grew, especially
+during his absences from home; for, strange to relate, she soon began to
+find herself under the influence of an unaccountable external power,
+which compelled her on each occasion of a visit from her husband to fly
+into an uncontrollable rage at the sight of him, and this despite her
+most determined resolution to the contrary. To her husband it was most
+distressing to see so gentle a woman thus transformed. As his own
+spiritual experience increased, he recognised in this an onslaught of
+the devil, and betook himself to prayer and fasting in order to discover
+how they had laid themselves open to the attack. It was then that there
+was brought to his remembrance the fact that, in a room at the top of
+the house, there stood a small idol responsible for the health of the
+family, whose existence Mrs. Hsi had been careful not to bring to his
+remembrance, and which had been overlooked in the general destruction.
+The shrine was instantly destroyed, and Mrs. Hsi was free of the
+tormenting spirit, and shortly afterwards openly confessed Christ.
+
+From that time their home in the Western Chang village was a centre of
+Christian activity. Through intense suffering Mr. Hsi had freed himself
+from the craving for opium, and he felt that, for the evangelisation of
+his native province, some means might be devised whereby the treatment
+of opium patients might be combined with widespread preaching of the
+Gospel.
+
+The more he thought of this the stronger the conviction grew that it was
+of God, and when, through the agency of a dream, a system of treatment
+was revealed to him, he accepted it as a revelation and at once prepared
+the medicine which proved successful beyond his highest expectations.
+After a time, men who had been delivered from the opium vice and led to
+Christ through the Refuges, were gathered into his home (which he
+called the Middle Eden) and trained for the work.
+
+This community life for so large a number was only made possible by Mrs.
+Hsi's enthusiastic devotion. The extension of the opium refuge work was
+rapid and widespread, and necessitated frequent absences from home on
+the part of Mr. Hsi, during which time a heavy burden fell upon his
+wife.
+
+Houses were rented in many towns and villages, and patients entering the
+"heavenly called refuges"[1] were numerous.
+
+The burden of one city, however, lay heavily upon the heart of Mr. Hsi,
+and he and his household constantly prayed together that Hwochow might
+be opened to the sound of the Gospel; but funds which seemed essential
+for the initial expenses of the venture were not forthcoming. His
+itinerant journeys frequently took him through this important centre,
+which was situated sixty miles north of his home.
+
+Day after day prayer was made, and Mrs. Hsi often heard her husband in
+the night watches, as he knelt alone in the court, plead with God that
+nothing might hinder what he strongly believed to be the Divine Purpose.
+
+One Sunday night she was wakened by the familiar sound. She knew that
+her husband, like herself, had gone to bed tired out by a long day of
+preaching, during which large numbers had joined their household from
+more or less distant villages. According to their custom, they had spent
+the day fasting; it was Pastor Hsi's habit to refer to the Scriptures
+direct for guidance on matters of daily conduct, and in the early days
+of his faith he feared to sin against the law of God by allowing fires
+to be lighted and meals to be prepared on Sunday. In accordance with his
+habit, he had arisen soon after midnight to give himself to prayer, and
+her ear caught the murmured sentences, "I beseech Thee, O Lord, open a
+way for Hwochow to hear the Gospel." As she listened, the sound of his
+voice brought conviction to her own mind that she was to be the human
+agency by which the Divine Will should now fulfil itself. In a flash,
+the path of duty was clear.
+
+At the back of her cave were large painted cupboards which contained the
+whole of her worldly possessions: bundles of handsome silk, satin, and
+embroidered garments, and a box holding the heavy jade and silver
+ornaments, which had been her husband's marriage gift. Leaving her
+_kang_[2] Mrs. Hsi unlocked the cupboards and spent the rest of that
+night in sorting their contents. All except a few cotton gowns were put
+to one side, and as the voice in the courtyard still pleaded for
+Hwochow, even the earrings were taken from her ears, the rings from her
+fingers, and the ornaments from her hair.
+
+He Who is worthy to receive accepted the offering, and her heart sang a
+song of thanksgiving as she murmured to herself, "Hwochow shall have the
+Gospel."
+
+Morning prayers at Middle Eden was an hour of joyful worship, and on
+this day Mrs. Hsi's heart was so full of happiness that she could
+scarcely wait until the full congregation had assembled before she,
+laden with her bundles, entered the room and placed them on the table,
+saying, "I think God has answered our prayers; I can do without these,
+let Hwochow have the Gospel."
+
+Every heart present must have been moved, for all could judge accurately
+what the sacrifice must be. She had offered her only worldly treasures,
+articles which her husband could not ask her to sacrifice, ready as he
+was to use in God's service all that pertained to their home.
+
+Surely the angels joined their song to that of the little Christian
+community that morning, as the words of their own pastor's hymn ascended
+with the sacrifice of praise:
+
+  "I hung for thee on Calvary, what dost thou still withhold from Me?
+   Thy strength, thy time, thy goods?
+   Oh say, what dost thou yet deny, My heart of love to satisfy?"
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] Heavenly Invitation Office ("Pastor Hsi's" translation).
+
+[2] The raised brick or mud platform, heated by a fire, used as a bed in
+North China.
+
+
+
+
+THE BIG ROAD
+
+          "Allons! whoever you are, come travel with me!
+           Travelling with me you find what never tires.
+           Whoever you are, come forth! a man or a woman, come forth!
+           You must not stay sleeping or dallying there in the house,
+           though you built it, or though it has been built for you."
+                                        WALT WHITMAN.
+
+          "The Master said: With coarse rice to eat, with
+          water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow;--I
+          have still joy in the midst of these
+          things."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE BIG ROAD
+
+INDICATING THE SITUATION OF HWOCHOW IN THE PROVINCE OF SHANSI
+
+
+THE city of Hwochow is situated on the main road which connects
+Taiyueanfu with Sianfu, the direct route from Peking to the northwestern
+provinces. Along this road pass strings of camels, laden with the
+merchandise of Mongolia; thousands of donkeys, carrying bags of flour
+from the more luxuriant southern plains; cartloads of tobacco and paper
+from the large cities in the south of the province, and caravans of
+travellers; whole families packed into large carts moving to some new
+home; mat-covered litters swung between two mules and heavily curtained,
+in which the wives of an official are transported to their new abode;
+pedestrians, clad in sky-blue cotton, "yamen runners" yelling as they
+ride at furious speed to clear the way before them, and bearers of
+burdens combine to form a moving picture of interest and beauty upon the
+_Big Road_, as it is called.
+
+Not least interesting among the wayfarers are the Lhamas from distant
+Thibet nearing the end of their long pilgrimage to the famous holy
+mountain Wutai, where each one hopes to be granted the vision of the
+famous opening lotus. For many months, stretching into years, this hope
+has sustained them through the weary pilgrimage. From the threshold of
+their Lhama home they have walked every step of the thousand and more
+miles, some at every tenth, some at every fifth step, touching the
+ground with their forehead, and some measuring the whole length of the
+way with their outstretched body on the road.
+
+As the traveller enters Hwochow from the north, he crosses a bridge,
+passing on his right a large metal cow. Beyond, flows the Fen River, and
+before him is the city gate. To this brazen image is committed the
+important function of guarding Hwochow from flood, and so successfully
+does it accomplish its task that dryness and drought are the normal
+condition of the countryside!
+
+Turning to the east he faces the magnificent range of the Ho Mountains,
+in winter covered with snow, and in warmer seasons touched with the
+beauty of ever-changing colour. These mountains are part of the range
+which, farther north, is traversed by the famous Lingshih Pass.
+
+Excepting in the early summer months when patches of vivid green
+indicate the fields of growing wheat, the landscape is of a uniform
+shade which is best described as _khaki_. Owing to the friable nature of
+the soil formation known as _loess_, the traveller, whether journeying
+from north or south, finds himself in a succession of deep gullies.
+
+This wheat-growing land was formerly given over to the cultivation of
+the opium poppy, and for miles over the plain the wonderful iridescent
+bloom gave the appearance of a sea of changing light and shade as the
+wind passed over it.
+
+In the year 1908 a proclamation was issued forbidding the growth of
+opium under penalty of death, and so vigorously has the law been
+enforced that the poppy has completely disappeared from view, and no man
+is bold enough to openly grow that which has been forbidden by the
+authorities.
+
+For ten months in the year brilliant sunshine can be counted upon, and
+during that time, except for dust combined with heat or cold, the
+physical condition of a journey may be comparatively easy. Ease of mind,
+however, can only be attained by the philosopher who, putting away all
+thought of unseemly haste, shares the Easterner's pleasures of
+observation, contemplation, and wayside intercourse.
+
+The journey from Taiyueanfu to Hwochow is accomplished in five stages,
+and nothing will induce the carter to shorten or change them, though
+hours may have been wasted in some narrow gully where, spite his warning
+yells, his cart met another at a point where advance or retreat on
+either side were alike impossible. After fierce recriminations the two
+men each produce a pipe, and it is good practice for the impatient
+Westerner to see them sit on their heels and talk the matter over. Time
+passes, but the carter is untrammelled by any artificial measure
+thereof, and after endless discussion, amid comforting whiffs of
+tobacco, he proceeds to think of a plan whereby the deadlock may be
+overcome. How they manage to extricate themselves, one never knows! Some
+of the bank comes down, yells and shouts do their part, and at last the
+traffic, which may now amount to fifty waiting carts, slowly passes by.
+It is an everyday occurrence, and you ask, "Why do they not widen the
+road?" "Nobody's business," is the reply. "Who would spend the money?"
+
+It is, however, the rainy season that reveals to the full the horrors of
+Chinese travelling. The _loess_ is slippery beyond description, and the
+litter or cart in which you travel may be stuck for hours in a pit of
+greasy mud, black by reason of the coal dust so plentiful throughout the
+district, so deep that nothing but the mule's head is visible, the
+plunging body being hidden in the black mass. Your only hope at such a
+moment is to throw yourself with the grace of an expert gymnast on to
+the bank, thankful if you escape unhurt and only bespattered by mud.
+These pits are carefully kept in condition by a small group of men who
+appear, as by magic, to offer assistance at the suitable moment. No
+plight, however, excites their pity sufficiently to induce them to
+render help apart from a pecuniary reward of an exorbitant nature. Once
+within the city gates there is hope that you will soon find a shelter.
+You will have accomplished "the stage" which has been allotted from time
+immemorial. Marco Polo himself followed these stages in the year 1280 as
+we do to-day in the twentieth century.
+
+The main road runs through the city of Hwochow from north to south, and
+many inns invite the traveller to rest, the red scrolls at the door
+assuring him that "From the four seas men all gather to this great
+hotel," and that the fame of its food is far-reaching.
+
+Crossing this road from east to west is another important street where
+the official residence is situated. Here, most of the large shops are to
+be found and in the centre of the city is a fine tower, but all the
+smaller streets are alike, running between blank walls, from which
+access to as many as twelve courtyards may be through one small door.
+Numerous pigs walk unhindered up and down, acting as scavengers, and as
+such are not unneeded, for every one throws the refuse of the household
+out of the court door, caring nothing for the convenience of the public.
+
+Parallel with the Yamen street is another important thoroughfare known
+as Prospect Hill. Here stands the largest and most important temple in
+the city, and almost next door to this, with the money given by his
+wife, Mr. Hsi secured small premises and announced that he was opening
+an opium refuge, and was willing to receive patients. Particulars as to
+rules and expenses were widely published, and in this place the first
+results of the love and self-sacrifice of Mrs. Hsi were seen.
+
+
+
+
+A NEW VENTURE
+
+          "Love has a hem to its garment
+           That touches the very dust:
+           It can reach the stains of the streets and the lanes,
+           And because it can it must.
+
+           It dares not rest on the mountain;
+           It is bound to come to the vale;
+           For it cannot find its fulness of mind
+           Till it kindles the lives that fail."
+                                        GEORGE MATHESON.
+
+          "The world had begun to stare, she half
+          apprehended the fact, but she was in the presence
+          of the irresistible. In the presence of the
+          irresistible the conventional is a crazy
+          structure, swept away with very little creaking of
+          its timbers on the flood."--GEORGE MEREDITH.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A NEW VENTURE
+
+IN WHICH IS RECORDED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST MISSIONARIES TO
+HWOCHOW
+
+
+THE first endeavour to bring the people of Hwochow within sound of the
+Gospel proved in every way encouraging. Numbers of men entered the Opium
+Refuge, and before long a nucleus of twenty were calling themselves
+Christians. The effort was, however, sterile so far as women were
+concerned, and Pastor Hsi knew the impossibility of establishing upon a
+solid basis a work which left untouched those who so largely controlled
+the home.
+
+The power wielded by the woman in China is immense, for while she may be
+despised and, in her young days, even ill-treated, her day of power
+surely dawns, and woe betide the man who has to combat the determined
+will of mother or wife.
+
+The question of providing women workers for Hwochow became a pressing
+one, and a visit from the Rev. Hudson Taylor was the occasion chosen by
+Pastor Hsi to bring before him the urgency of this claim[3]. His
+suggestion was that single women missionaries should be appointed who
+could give their time unreservedly to the teaching of women, and
+preaching. Mr. Taylor pointed out the difficulties and the
+misunderstanding which would make their lot far from easy, but these
+difficulties, Pastor and Mrs. Hsi felt, might be overcome, and willingly
+promised to give all the help which lay within their power. In any case,
+the claim of the women constituted a call to make a forward movement,
+and Mr. Taylor promised to give the matter serious consideration. By the
+end of that year, 1886, two Norwegian ladies had offered for the post.
+
+Miss Jacobsen, an idealist, strong, capable, and critical, gave herself
+whole-heartedly to the work for which she had come. Enthusiastic and
+independent in thought and action, she soon acquired the spoken language
+to a remarkable degree, and with a praiseworthy tenacity she studied the
+classical works of the Chinese, and at the same time could vie with most
+of the women in all branches of their domestic activities. Her
+extraordinary ability is a byword to this day amongst the people who
+knew her.
+
+She was accompanied by Miss Reuter, a lady of education and refinement,
+whose grace of manner and goodness of heart speedily endeared her to all
+with whom she came in contact. Varied as were the gifts and
+circumstances of the friends, they were one in desire and purpose. Their
+home was one small room, and here they dwelt and received all who came
+to them. They wore the Chinese dress, ate the Chinese food, and whether
+in their own home or in the villages where they preached, ever kept
+before them the one object of the salvation of souls.
+
+As pioneer workers, enthusiasm sometimes overstepped discretion, and the
+violation of Chinese custom in such matters as the public playing of
+stringed instruments and open-air preaching to mixed congregations, led
+to misunderstanding, and even to the gathering around them of some whose
+presence was far from helpful.
+
+Desire on the part of Miss Jacobsen to encourage in every way possible
+those who were already faced with persecution as they left idolatry, led
+to the preparation, each Sunday, of a simple meal which might be shared
+with any who walked long distances to attend services in the City
+Church, and who arrived weary and tired. Others, however, apart from the
+Christian family heard of this, and if matters of business brought them
+to the city, Sunday was considered an appropriate day to transact them,
+as thereby dinner might be obtained free. This naturally led to
+criticism on the part of the heathen, and many of the more independent
+and self-respecting people refrained from intercourse with a community
+of whom it could be said: "They believe for their food's sake." Acting
+upon the advice of Pastor Hsi, this practice was discontinued, the
+missionaries themselves willingly taking no food from morning until
+evening, that all might fare alike. It could but be evident to all
+concerned that the mistakes were those of love and enthusiasm, and such
+qualities do much to counteract any harm that might arise from unwise
+methods of expression. In every land, the world might well see more of
+the love that defies criticism, and forgets its own interests in
+whole-hearted devotion.
+
+Miss Reuter felt the importance of at once reaching the children, and
+opened a small school for the daughters of Christians. Three little
+girls were committed to her care, and these she faithfully taught, not
+despising the day of small things.
+
+She, with Miss Jacobsen, travelled from village to village with the
+evangelist Cheng Hsiu-chi, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
+Cheng was a native of Hwochow, and had, at Pastor Hsi's request, made
+ready the house for the missionaries when they came. As a young man he
+had wandered far in the paths of sin, and his mother, eager for his
+reformation, had spent no mean sum of money upon incense with which to
+seek the favour of the gods on his behalf. Seeing her devotion, his
+heart was touched, and he considered seeking refuge in a Buddhist
+monastery from the "fire of passion, hatred, and ignorance always
+burning in his heart." With this in view, he took counsel of a friend
+who had harboured similar ideals. This man had lately been a patient in
+the Refuge, where he had learnt of a stronger power to break the bonds
+of sin than fasting, penance, and self-discipline. With him Mr. Cheng
+attended a meeting of Christians where, meeting with Christ, he became a
+disciple. He returned home to face bitter persecution for refusing to
+pay the temple taxes; it was understood that no robbery of his crops, or
+ill-treatment of his person, would be punished by the village elders. He
+had finally no option but to leave his home and seek refuge elsewhere,
+rejoicing that he was counted worthy to suffer "for the Name's sake."
+
+He then helped Pastor Hsi in the Hwochow Refuge, and later took charge
+of the same work in new and hitherto untouched districts, returning from
+time to time to his own city.
+
+A strong admiration for Miss Jacobsen and her whole-hearted devotion
+awoke a consciousness that this feeling was not entirely on his side,
+and gradually, but surely, the difference of race and outlook was
+obliterated in the love which revealed to each the other's secret.
+
+Those to whom Miss Jacobsen in honour bound confided her purpose, did
+all in their power to prevent what it seemed might prove to be a
+catastrophe to the work. She was asked to leave Hwochow, and was sent to
+another province. Some years passed, but nothing could change the
+determination which saw in this union a possible wider sphere of
+usefulness and understanding of the people she had come to love;
+moreover, the mysterious something which caused her to know that "one
+man loved the pilgrim soul" in her, could not be ignored. To her trusted
+friend Pastor Hsi, however, she did turn for advice, and while many
+fellow-workers found it hard to express their indignation and regret,
+he, with a clearness of outlook only possible where there is absence of
+prejudice, told her that while he could not regard it as a sin for a
+Christian man and woman of different races to marry, he felt convinced
+that the time had not come for such unions to be desirable.
+
+As is usual in such cases where inclination runs contrary to the advice
+given, the latter was ignored, and in the year 1898 Cheng Hsiu-chi and
+Anna Jacobsen became man and wife. Painful as must have been the
+attitude of Westerners to Mrs. Cheng, a greater trial awaited her when
+she came to realise that the Chinese, both Christian and heathen,
+regarded her action with disapproval, and adopted so unappreciative an
+attitude both towards her husband and herself, that she found only
+critical antagonism where she had looked for sympathetic understanding.
+Mr. Cheng proved himself worthy in all ways of the confidence she had
+placed in him, and by self-sacrificing toil he, both before and after
+his wife's death, faithfully served the Lord to Whom he had yielded his
+life. In the year 1915 he too passed to his reward.
+
+Miss Reuter had some time previously married Mr. Stanley Smith; young
+workers who had joined Miss Jacobsen for short periods had been moved to
+other places, and when fresh appointments were made it was a time of
+great difficulty. It was not easy to replace those whose absolute
+devotion had won the love of the people amongst whom they lived; and
+while Miss Jacobsen's action necessitated her withdrawal from the staff
+of the China Inland Mission, and made further residence in Hwochow
+impossible for her, they could not forget that she was the first
+missionary who had come to them, and that they were losing with her the
+man who had been a help to so many of them in their early Christian
+life.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] It was on the occasion of this visit that Mr. Hsi was ordained
+pastor.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY
+
+          "Death is short, and life is long;
+           Satan is strong, and Christ more strong.
+           At His Word, Who hath led us hither,
+           The Red Sea must part hither and thither.
+           At His Word Who goes before us too,
+           Jordan must cleave to let us through."
+                                            C. ROSSETTI.
+
+          "On the other side of the River was also a meadow,
+          curiously beautified with lilies, and it was green
+          all the year round."--_Pilgrim's Progress._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CONTINUATION OF THE STORY
+
+BEING A RECORD OF SOME WHO WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST'S
+SAKE, AND OF MRS. HSI'S EXPERIENCES IN THE BOXER OUTBREAK
+
+
+CHANGES in the staff at Taiyueanfu released for the oversight of mission
+work in Hwochow, Jane Stevens and Mildred Clarke.
+
+They might well shrink from the task facing them. Work in the provincial
+capital had been of so totally different an order, and life in a large
+community of foreigners had limited their sphere to the oversight of a
+small school for girls, and the instruction of women inquirers.
+
+None had felt more strongly the seriousness of the step taken by Miss
+Jacobsen, and they came to Hwochow with the determination that all
+should early understand the impossibility of intercourse outside the
+most rigid observance of etiquette, Chinese and Western. Feeling
+strongly that such an attitude on their part would be the most helpful
+factor in the gathering around them of better-class women, they
+faithfully carried it into practice. Men who were connected with the
+Church were received by them only under the most formal restrictions.
+Finding it impossible to eat Chinese food, a simple, but foreign
+_menage_, took the place of the hitherto free-and-easy conditions.
+
+It was a severe test for Chinese and foreigners alike; desire for
+renewal of the former conditions of intimacy met with no encouragement
+from those who could not but constantly bear the past in mind, and who
+felt that, for the highest interests of the work, a new relationship
+must be established. This attitude was naturally regarded as aloofness,
+and was galling to those whose love had been set on the young
+missionaries fresh from Norway, with all the enthusiasm of youth, to
+whom they themselves had taught the language and who belonged to them as
+others could not.
+
+Miss Clarke gave her time to the Girls' School, the pupils of which now
+numbered nearly twenty, and those who followed her have reaped where she
+sowed. Often sad and weary she plodded on, but God in His time gave the
+increase. Miss Stevens, to the limit of her strength, and often beyond
+it, faithfully worked in the city and villages, suffering much which to
+her was intense hardship, and feeling keenly the isolation and lack of
+confidence amongst the people who misunderstood the course of action
+deliberately adopted. Thus, while bringing heartache to themselves,
+these missionaries were enabled to make easy the way to all who followed
+them.
+
+The year 1900 dawned. In the month of June the ladies closed school and
+gladly accepted an invitation from friends in their old station to
+visit them. To Taiyueanfu they went, and after many anxious days spent
+with the missionaries gathered there they, in obedience to the
+Governor's command, helpless to disobey, even though they suspected his
+treacherous promises of protection, moved to a house near his
+_Yamen_.[4]
+
+"Arrived at the house chosen for them, they made themselves as
+comfortable as possible for the night; and the next morning (Sunday,
+July 8) were able to examine their surroundings. They found that for
+their whole number (twenty-six, including children) there were only two
+comparatively small courts, the two inner courts being already occupied
+by the Roman Catholics. . . . When the fateful day (Monday, July 9)
+dawned, the foreigners evidently had no inkling as to what was to
+happen. Just before noon the sub-prefect called and took a list of all
+who were in the house, both foreigners and Chinese, saying it was by
+order of the Governor. . . . As was ascertained just a year later, when
+other Protestant missionaries returned to the province, the Governor had
+determined that on that day he would kill all the foreigners in
+Taiyueanfu. He evidently only took a few of the officials into his
+confidence, and one at least--the _Tao Tai_--strenuously opposed the
+course he was about to pursue, but unfortunately without result.
+
+"It must have been about two o'clock in the afternoon when he ordered a
+number of officers, with their soldiers, to accompany him, and mounting
+his own horse, led the way. He made as though he would go out of the
+city by the North Gate, but before reaching that point, he suddenly
+wheeled round and went to the house where the missionaries were
+confined. He there ordered their immediate arrest, and they appear to
+have made no resistance--as, indeed, it would have been useless. All who
+were found within the compound (Protestants and Roman Catholics) were
+seized; and it so happened there were several Chinese there on
+business. . . . No excuse was listened to, and all were marched off to
+the Governor's _Yamen_ between files of soldiers, where they were taken
+into the courtyard adjoining the street and surrounded by soldiers--not
+Boxers.
+
+"As to what really occurred, the whole truth will probably never be
+known, but from inquiries made on the spot, it seems certain that the
+Governor did not assault any with his own hand; but, having asked the
+missionaries where they came from, and being answered, 'From England,'
+and 'From France,' just gave the order, 'Sha' (kill) to the soldiers,
+who answered with a shout and immediately fell upon their defenceless
+victims, killing them indiscriminately."[5]
+
+The Church in Hwochow, Chaocheng, and Fensi had a marvellous escape. The
+Boxers, practising their mystic rites, overran the district. Whole
+families fled to the mountains, and no one was safe from robbery and
+violence. The mandarin of Chaocheng, fearful lest massacres should take
+place in the county under his jurisdiction and desiring at any cost to
+keep the peace, called together some of the leading gentry and asked for
+advice as to the problem facing them. "I know," said he, "that calling
+upon the Christians to recant will be useless, but can we not issue
+tickets to them upon which are the very words they use in entering the
+Church, 'I promise to repent?' There should be no difficulty in getting
+them to take these, for it will mean to them what they themselves
+preach, while to the anti-Christian fanatic it will be sufficiently
+satisfactory."
+
+Orders were accordingly issued that all Christians were to receive this
+official paper whereby their safety would be ensured. Large numbers in
+the Church regarded the mandarin's action as the overruling of
+Providence on their behalf, and accepted tickets which involved no
+verbal recantation of their faith. Others, amongst whom was Mrs. Hsi
+(now a widow), with more sensitive spiritual perceptions, refused to
+take advantage of even the semblance of a subterfuge.
+
+The Chaocheng mandarin, surrounded by his bodyguard, went outside the
+city gates to the place where the Boxers were practising their rites
+with the intention of burning incense in their presence, by which act he
+would acknowledge them as invulnerable and holy men. At the critical
+moment, however, one of them was said to have made a move as if to
+attack the official, who instantly called upon his bodyguard to seize
+the men, exclaiming: "These are insurgents, and no holy men; bind them,
+they are prisoners." As such they entered the city, and Boxerism never
+spread in the district. Thus did the Hand of God protect the hundreds of
+men and women who in these three counties were called by His Name, and
+while in many places few escaped the sword, the numerically largest
+Church in the province of Shansi was spared.
+
+Mrs. Hsi was in Chaocheng seeking to help the women in their troubles,
+when news reached her that her brother-in-law, Elder Si, was stabbed by
+one of the local Boxers. Rumours followed rapidly, and she heard that
+her mother-in-law was in serious danger. She hastened to her home, and
+found matters worse than she had feared. There was no place in which to
+live, the house was destroyed, her clothes were stolen, and had it not
+been for the thoughtfulness of one missionary who, in the midst of
+personal danger, found time to buy and send to her some garments and
+bedcovering, she would have been in a sad plight. Her old mother could
+not walk, so badly had she been beaten by the robbers, and terrified,
+the two women crept to the fields and hid themselves. When night fell
+they returned to shelter and to get a little food, crawling out to their
+hiding-place before the cock crew each morning. Terror was upon the
+whole populace. The official had not been successful here, as in
+Chaocheng, in dealing with the movement, and the party of missionaries
+who had for some time been gathered in Pingyangfu were openly attacked
+and robbed by Boxer bands as they left the city under official escort.
+
+In loneliness and peril Mrs. Hsi and her aged mother cried to God, as
+the anxious, weary days passed by. The missionaries were gone, very many
+killed, others in hiding, and some, after perils and sufferings
+unspeakable, had reached Hankow. After some months came the additional
+sorrow of the death of her brother-in-law, Elder Si, who had managed
+for her all matters in which she required help.
+
+Gradually the storm blew over, but those who passed through that period
+can never forget it. For Christ's sake they had suffered, and they could
+not again be as before. The Church in Shansi "had a new and powerful
+weapon" in her hands, "the power of her sufferings."
+
+A few months later, as soon as passports were available, the
+missionaries were back at their posts. There was much to tell and to
+hear, as old friends met and were able to recount all the wonderful
+deliverances of the past year. But how many vacant places there were!
+How could they be filled? Ripe experience and Christlike sympathy were
+needed to deal with the new situation.
+
+Some had, under pressure, in a weak moment, recanted; others had
+resisted this temptation, but fallen over the more subtle question of
+indemnity for property destroyed. The situation, moreover, was changed;
+foreigner and Christian alike were now in the ascendancy. Compensation
+for life and property was granted, and though the members of the China
+Inland Mission declined to accept this, their action was made the
+occasion of a laudatory proclamation which called upon the people to
+note and imitate such an exemplification of self-forgetting goodness.
+
+In the providence of God the lives of a few missionaries had been spared
+to return, and with the benefit of their experience, to help new workers
+to an understanding of a situation which, mishandled, would inevitably
+lead to disastrous consequences.
+
+Nothing could give Mrs. Hsi greater pleasure than to hear from her
+friend, Miss French, that Hwochow was to be her future centre. I, as a
+new worker, was to accompany her, and together we reached the city which
+was to be henceforth our home.
+
+The reception given by the very few Christians who gathered to meet us,
+was both cordial and critical. Miss French was welcome as being one
+whose reputation had long ago reached them, who had already paid several
+visits to the station, and whose Chinese, they soon remarked, was "as
+good as Miss Jacobsen's!" Of me they knew nothing, and I had to meet the
+gaze of many eyes and listen to the remark, before I opened my month to
+speak, that it was impossible to understand my words. I had only one
+asset, and that was the fact that this being my first station I should
+belong to them, and when the day dawned that would release my stammering
+tongue, the honour of having taught and trained me would be theirs!
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[4] _Yamen_=law courts or Mansion House.
+
+[5] From _Fire and Sword in Shansi_, by Dr. E. H. Edwards.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE IN THE VILLAGES
+
+          "Great things are done when men and mountains meet;
+           These are not done by jostling in the street."
+                                               WILLIAM BLAKE.
+
+          "Arrived there, the little house they fill,
+           No look for entertainment where none was;
+           Rest is their feast, and all things at their will;
+           The noblest mind the best contentment has."
+                                               WILLIAM SPENSER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+LIFE IN THE VILLAGES
+
+AN INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE HOME LIFE
+
+
+THE house at Hwochow, which we were to inhabit, was still in the hands
+of workmen. We therefore decided to delay the unpacking of our boxes,
+and to spend several months in visiting the homes of the Christians
+throughout the four counties for which we were then responsible. Our
+travelling paraphernalia was simple, luggage being limited to the amount
+that a small donkey could carry in addition to a rider. Clothes and
+books were tied up in large square handkerchiefs and distributed as
+evenly as possible, along with a folded, wadded quilt in a long bed-bag
+which, thrown over the donkey's saddle, reached nearly to the ground on
+either side. On the early morning of the day decided on for our
+departure, two donkeys thus laden stood at our gate. On to one of them I
+was hoisted, and took my first lesson in how to sit happily, perched
+high on the voluminous luggage with neither reins for my hands nor
+stirrups for my feet, for sometimes as long as twelve hours' travelling
+with but a short break for food and rest at midday. From village to
+village we wandered, received everywhere with cordial hospitality,
+pressed to extend our visit, and followed on our departure by the
+reiterated cry: "Come again, come again, come again soon!"
+
+All was fresh and delightful to me and brimful of interest, from the
+hour when I rode through the city gate, passed the great tanks of lotus
+bloom to the edge of the swift, shallow river, where my servant stripped
+off his shoes and socks to lead my donkey knee-deep over the ford.
+
+By narrow roads we travelled where the tall grain stood like a wall on
+either side, ripening in the fierce sunshine which bathed the landscape
+in a dazzling glare. Through occasional villages we rode, where the
+women called to each other to hurry and see the strange sight, and
+groups of naked and semi-naked children commented freely on the
+appearance of the "foreign devils."
+
+A few miles farther and the first stage was reached--a deep courtyard
+backing the hillside, from which had been hollowed a row of caves
+according to the economical method of the country. Scarcely any bricks
+are required for such building, and the deep, lofty, arched room affords
+the warmest shelter in our bitter Shansi winter cold, as it does the
+coolest refuge from the burning summer heat.
+
+"Come again, come again soon," and we were off again, refreshed by a
+delicious, beautifully cooked meal, and our hearts warmed by the evident
+pleasure which our visit had given and the cordial hospitality which had
+sought to let us know how welcome we were. And now we left the fertile
+plain and well-watered land which lay all along the river-bed to climb
+steep, stony roads, and follow narrow footpaths, where the difficulty of
+its broad load made my donkey step gingerly as near to the chasm's edge
+as she could secure a foothold, and I dug my knees into the soft bed-bag
+and longed for something on which I could get a grip. How pleasant and
+easy such journeying became before the end of that autumn's wandering,
+and how familiar the life of the village homes. Almost day by day the
+confused sounds took form to my unaccustomed ears, and I was soon able
+to differentiate quite clearly between the two inevitable questions,
+"How old are you?" and "How many brothers and sisters have you?" I
+ceased to cover myself with confusion, by answering that my brothers and
+sisters numbered twenty-three, and that my age was six--though now that
+the days of helpless shame are passed, I would not _not_ have made these
+mistakes, so keen is the enjoyment still felt when some one repeats the
+old joke, and all laugh merrily at the recollection.
+
+Happy, irresponsible days, in which I learned to know and love the
+Chinese. I saw them now to best advantage, simple, patriarchal,
+industrious and thrifty, extraordinarily resourceful, and independent of
+all that their own fields and farm do not supply. I saw the women's
+activities, and how they picked the cotton in the fields, spun and
+carded it, then wove it into strong cloth on the loom made for them by
+their own husbands; how they dyed the cloth with indigo of their own
+growing, and finally converted it into the garments, and even the shoes
+and socks, worn by the whole family. I saw how those same garments were
+wadded with a layer of cotton-wool as the cold season approached, and
+behold, the whole family was made proof against the severe onslaughts of
+the keenest frosts and bitterest winds. I saw how a measure of wheaten
+or maize flour, a vessel of water, and a few vegetables dug from the
+field were daily converted into the three meals on which young and old
+alike thrived, the men showing a muscular development and endurance and
+an agility unequalled by anything I had met in other countries. I
+learned to recognise their simple, unexpressed joys, and to realise the
+deep tragedies which lay beneath the surface of their laborious lives.
+
+I was in the midst of the province which--in the very year when I was
+born--had been swept by the horrors of a famine and pestilence which
+left whole villages with no other survivor than perhaps two or three
+wailing children, feeding on garbage torn from the grasp of the dead
+hand.
+
+My servant remembered the time well. His whole family had been wiped
+out, and he had escaped as by a miracle. "In those days, dogs ate dogs
+and men ate men," was the refrain of his tale, only too literally and
+absolutely true, for no man dared to venture on the lonely path leading
+from one village to another, knowing that the likelihood was that
+murderers lay in wait, and that a few picked bones alone would tell the
+tale even if, satiated with horrors to the point of indifference, any
+one cared to inquire of it.
+
+When I expressed surprise at the many rows of caves allowed to fall into
+utter ruin, and the traces of whole villages now returned to waste
+land: "Famine year," he would briefly answer, "dogs ate dogs and men ate
+men."
+
+I learned, too, why it was that no merry groups of children wandered
+away from the village, even now when no evil-doers lay in wait, upon
+some game or exploring adventure. I first discovered the reason of this
+through meeting a woman whose face was scarred and mutilated so as to
+bear small likeness to the human, and on inquiry I was informed that, as
+a little girl, she had strayed away from home and been attacked by a
+wolf; men had rushed to her rescue, but her face, which is generally the
+part first attacked, was torn beyond recognition. I then learned what a
+common thing it is for wild beasts, wolves or leopards, to come down
+from the hills, and steal children even as they play around the
+courtyard grinding-stone. I could not be surprised at the intense
+anxiety of a woman whose son was half an hour late returning from an
+errand, when I heard that her eldest child had strayed off one day, and
+never been seen again. I was told of yet another woman who, nursing her
+baby in the cave, saw a leopard spring on her eldest child in the
+courtyard. Frantic, she left the baby to raise the alarm, and when she
+returned bearing the little mangled body in her arms, she found that the
+wild beast's mate had noted her absence and carried the baby off to its
+lair.
+
+I also heard, and found myself compelled to believe, things which I
+should have dismissed with an incredulous smile some few months earlier.
+
+It was now that I found myself brought face to face with the strange
+phenomenon of demon possession. There is so much to be said on this
+interesting topic, that it will require a chapter under its own heading
+to note even a portion of what has come under my personal notice. For
+the first time I heard, often in the midnight stillness, the
+high-pitched voice, intoning the magic incantations whereby some young
+woman yielded herself to be the medium of communication between the
+spirit and the material, the wild chant sometimes dying away in the
+distance, as she led a group of inquirers over wild mountain paths in
+obedience to the directions of her control.
+
+A few weeks were spent in the home of an elder of the Church, Giang by
+name, as from this centre it was easy to make daily itinerations in the
+neighbourhood. What a welcome we received there! The deep cave set apart
+for our use was decorated with flowers, everything was clean and
+comfortable, and we were made to feel "at home." Being guests in the
+house, our meals were always served separately, but we liked to take our
+bowls into the courtyard and enjoy the family life. We were able to
+consult with our host concerning many whom we had visited during the
+day, and discuss our plans for the morrow.
+
+As the daylight faded we joined in prayer and praise, and listened to
+much that was of interest to us as the Elder told of early years spent
+in dissipation, opium smoking, and gambling; of his conversion through
+Pastor Hsi, and of first efforts to preach the Gospel. Meanwhile, the
+shepherd folded his sheep, carefully counting them lest one should be
+missing, and the women prepared the millstones for grinding on the
+morrow. I saw much illustrated that had been familiar to me from
+childhood in the Gospel stories, even to the midnight cry announcing the
+arrival of the bridal party to a neighbour's house. A little oil was
+added to our long-extinguished lamp, as, being first to hear the
+clanging of the cymbals, we hastened to the bridegroom's home to help
+arouse the drowsy guests.
+
+We returned in due course to Hwochow, urged by our kind hostess to come
+again at any time. Such homes are resting-places to those who have left
+home for the Kingdom of God's sake, and are part of the literal
+fulfilment of the promise: "An hundredfold now in this time."
+
+Nowhere are we more sure of a welcome than in some of these Chinese
+courts, and for the Church of Christ in the home of Elder Giang, I for
+one shall ever be thankful.
+
+
+
+
+OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW
+
+          "The Master said: At first, my way with men was to
+          hear their words, and give them credit for their
+          conduct. Now, my way is to hear their words, and
+          look at their conduct."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+          "The Master said: A man should say, I am not
+          concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how
+          I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that
+          I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be
+          known."--_Confucian Analects._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW
+
+SHOWING THINGS AS THEY SOMETIMES ARE
+
+
+IN spite of the valuable help given by study-circles, training-colleges,
+and other means by which the candidate for the mission field is equipped
+for his work, I question if many are fully prepared, when they arrive at
+the station to which they have been appointed, to find themselves
+studied, summed up, and criticised by the people to whom they have come
+in the capacity of teachers, and from whom they unconsciously expected
+some measure of deference.
+
+The Westerner, as such, has no prestige in the eyes of the Chinese, and
+though his wealth, education, and business capacity may command more or
+less respect, the deep-rooted feeling is a sense of the intrinsic
+superiority of the Middle Kingdom and its sons to the barbaric subjects
+of a vague territory known as the "Kingdom without"--that is, without
+the pale of the ancient civilisation. By grace, the Christian will
+welcome you as a fellow-subject of the Kingdom of God, but on this
+ground only, and on no preconceived assumption of your superiority, will
+you be accepted.
+
+The fact that you have come several thousands of miles in order to
+preach the Gospel, is not sufficient to place you unquestionably on a
+pedestal. By temperament you are either impetuous or slow, easy-going or
+exacting, courteous or brusque, and you will prove to be by nature more
+or less reasonable or unreasonable when the Chinaman seeks to make you
+understand _li_, an untranslatable word, which embodies the idea of the
+complete range of all that it is suitable that you should be and do, on
+every occasion.
+
+Failure to readjust your mind to such conditions during the first years
+of your missionary life may prove an eventual fatal barrier to mutual
+sympathetic understanding, and the establishment of that barrier has
+been one of the difficulties which has not been much spoken of by those
+with whom you have conversed, though they have doubtless been keenly
+conscious of it themselves.
+
+We returned to Hwochow. The house was ready for us, and so were the
+Church members. "New people," said some, "we are unaccustomed to each
+other; they do not understand our circumstances, and we do not know
+them."
+
+"Why did they spend months in another district instead of coming at once
+to make themselves acquainted with us, our affairs, and our homes?"
+
+"It is a case of clear neglect," said another. "I have been a Church
+member for fifteen years, and all the notice they have taken of me is to
+spend one paltry day in my home, whereas they were three whole days in
+the village of Peace and Harmony, where there are only heathen and not a
+Christian to receive them." "I," complained another, "have been unable
+to attend Church service for two weeks, and neither of them has been
+near, as yet, to inquire the cause of my absence."
+
+"Well," chimed in an old gentleman, who by reason of his seniority in
+the Church carried a good deal of weight, "had our beloved teacher of
+former days been here, our homes would have been visited, and I will
+take the first opportunity of telling them my mind on the subject."
+
+The close of the following Sunday morning service found us sad enough.
+The congregation numbered thirty, and while some were loyally ready to
+help, there was a section of malcontents who since the early days had
+been a source of difficulty to Pastor Hsi and his friends, and from
+whom, in the light of past knowledge, Miss French knew that trouble
+would come.
+
+The first indication of the brewing storm was the entrance to our
+guest-room of an aged Church member who, by reason of his rank as
+military mandarin, was one of the glories of the Hwochow Church.
+Vigorous and stalwart, his seventy years sat lightly on him, his bearing
+and the play of his facial muscles affording proof of the brilliancy
+with which he had passed the necessary examinations for the obtaining of
+his degree. Unlike the civil mandarin, whose examinations require such
+arduous study of classical writings, the military honour was conferred
+as a reward for physical prowess. The competitor was required to exhibit
+great skill in archery, shooting at the target from the back of a
+galloping horse, and to lift stones of immense weight; meanwhile
+throwing the body into such postures as, coupled with a terrifying
+expression of the countenance and accompanied by blood-curdling yells,
+would strike such terror into the heart of the opponent that he would
+flee without striking a blow.
+
+After such training he had little to fear, and felt, no doubt, that a
+few moments' interview would be sufficient to reduce two young women to
+reason, and place matters on a more satisfactory basis.
+
+When the old gentleman entered, we invited him to the seat of honour,
+ourselves taking chairs at the lower side of the table. He asked for an
+explanation. Had he been informed correctly that we had been appointed
+to carry on the work in Hwochow? "Yes," we replied, "that is the case,
+and also to help the women in the counties of Chaocheng, Hungtung, and
+Fensi, until such time as lady workers shall be in residence there;
+moreover, our schools are to be for the women and girls of these
+counties as well as Hwochow."
+
+This item of information fell as a severe blow. Hwochow is a curious
+district, its natives physically and mentally being of a totally
+different type to all around, in all relationships with whom there
+exists mutual distrust and suspicion. It was odious to men and women of
+this exclusive type to hear that the foreigner, in coming, viewed the
+nurturing of a small band of discontents as of very secondary importance
+to the opportunity of spreading the news of the Gospel far and wide
+amongst the heathen. It was at this point of the conversation that the
+first traces of that terror-striking expression began to flit across his
+features, and his eyebrows gathered themselves into a most terrifying
+bunch. "Are you aware that I have been a Christian for twelve years, and
+that I am known far and wide by Chinese and foreigners alike?" "I am
+fully aware of it," said Miss French, and might have added, "known and
+dreaded of all men."
+
+"Should not the missionaries' conduct be regulated in accordance with
+the command, 'Seek the lost until it be found'?" "It should," acquiesced
+Miss French. "Then are you aware that during the past three months we
+have been as sheep without a shepherd, left as prey to wolves, with no
+one to care for us, our homes have been unvisited, and members who have
+absented themselves from Church service have had no inquiries made as to
+the cause of their non-appearance?"
+
+"Did you say _twelve_ years a Church member?" inquired Miss French.
+"Nearly thirteen," he replied. "Then no longer a babe in Christ, but
+yourself able to seek the lost, and to come to our assistance as we take
+up the responsibilities of our new work. We have come here," she added,
+"for the people who need us, whether Chaocheng or Hwochow."
+
+"Then go to Chaocheng and leave us alone; _our_ missionaries must
+shepherd _our_ Church." At this point wrath overcame him, and throwing
+himself into the classical position of the Chinese brave, "A couple of
+youngsters," he yelled, "untaught in the wisdom of Confucius." With
+these words he flung himself out of the room. His spirit was too much
+perturbed to call to mind the wisdom of the sage, "In archery we have
+something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the
+centre of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his
+failure in himself."
+
+The loud clanging of a gong was shortly heard, and the tones of a
+well-known voice alternately carolling forth a familiar hymn with a
+recital of the wrongs needing redress.
+
+  "The Gospel way is the best of all, hark! I loud proclaim the same."
+
+(Loud beating of the gong.) "Call that love! I vow to report them at
+headquarters!"
+
+  "Heaven's joy bestowed on earth, saves poor sinners and sets them
+      free."
+
+(Again the gong.) "Much they care for our souls! Let them go to
+Chaocheng!"
+
+The sounds gradually ceased, as those who were truly grieved that we
+should be thus insulted pacified the old gentleman, begging him to have
+a care for his aged body, and refresh it with food and rest.
+
+Miss French's mind was made up. "We shall soon make another tour of
+villages outside this district," she said, "and it shall be a long one.
+These old members have stood in the way long enough. New converts will
+join themselves to the Church; if they be welcomed, all the better, if
+not, the old ones must go; we can allow them to hinder no longer."
+
+Miss French's method was fully justified, for when they saw new
+adherents keen with the flush of first love and enthusiasm they, with
+very few exceptions, awakened more fully to their responsibilities.
+
+Time heals many wounds, and when we returned from England our old
+friend, the military mandarin, came in full official dress to welcome
+us.
+
+"Good to have you back," he said; "we are accustomed to each other, and
+you know how to manage this place!"
+
+
+
+
+A PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+          "We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a
+          picture, which we are willing to give the
+          advantage of a good light."--EMERSON.
+
+          "He asked them to come with Him, and they came;
+          and Jesus did not begin by raising questions in
+          their minds as to whether they were worthy to
+          come. It was the purpose of Jesus to make them
+          worthy to stay. Now the Church of Christ ought to
+          be as hospitable as Christ was. I do not see for
+          what other purpose she exists. And the Church
+          ought to be as confident and believing as Christ
+          was, that many a one whom it may be was unworthy
+          to enter has at length become worthy to
+          remain."--Dr. JOHN HUTTON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+WHEREIN THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO SOME OF OUR FELLOW WORKERS
+
+
+IN meeting the members of an infant and unsophisticated Church, it is
+delightful to observe the directness of their spiritual characteristics,
+unfettered by the artificiality which grows up with theological
+phraseology and the adoption of sectarian conventionalities.
+
+So strongly individualistic a band of men met us at Hwochow, that
+Christian himself on his Heavenward journey encountered, I think, no
+more varied a company, nor more striking, in the various ways in which
+CHRIST had met them and called them to discipleship, and turned their
+strongly-marked characteristics into the way of His service.
+
+Evangelist, Fu by name, keen and even fierce in his determination to
+compel men to hear the truth concerning the City of Destruction and the
+burden of sin which rests upon them, would go from place to place with a
+bundle of books, preaching and warning sinners "to flee from the wrath
+to come." He asked no remuneration from the Church _or_ foreigner for
+the time he gave, but realising that necessity was laid upon him, he
+pointed men to the Saviour. His best work was done alone for he was
+easily offended, but, true and straight, he ruled his house in the fear
+of the Lord.
+
+His conversion was characteristic of the man. Having business to
+transact in the small city of Great Peace, he found that large crowds
+had gathered to listen to a man proclaiming strange doctrines. Every one
+knew why Pastor Hsi, for it was he, had come that day to the city. A
+family had professed their willingness to destroy idols, and asked him
+to be present on the occasion. When the Pastor arrived, however, the man
+had changed his mind, and fear of consequences had proved too much for
+him. Nothing could hinder the Pastor from preaching the Good News, and
+he made much of this opportunity. When he had finished speaking, Mr. Fu
+went to him and asked him what was this new doctrine, and Mr. Hsi told
+him the story of the Garden of Eden, and the Fall of man.
+
+"In Adam all have sinned, and in Christ all can be forgiven." It was a
+strange story, and yet as Fu listened he felt it was true, and as he
+took the long, lonely walk over the mountains to his home, he meditated
+much upon it. He had not as yet seen the wicket-gate, but he had seen
+the direction in which it lay, and a subconscious desire was in his
+heart to know more.
+
+Home affairs claimed his attention, and he had no time to give to the
+further investigation of new religions; and yet the seed which had been
+sown was gradually germinating, so that when after a few months he
+found himself again near Great Peace, in a small place where was an
+opium refuge, Mr. Fu went in to see the man who was in charge. Although
+he had never smoked opium himself, Mr. Fu was on this occasion in
+possession of some of the crude drug, and was on his way to the hills to
+sell it, and hoped by the transaction to profit considerably. The
+Refuge-keeper, seeing he was interested, asked him to share his evening
+meal, and when he found out the errand on which his guest was bent, he
+told him to sell the opium he had and avoid any further dealings with so
+deadly a poison. Mr. Fu was deeply touched by the kindness of this man.
+"I have no claim upon him, and yet he treated me as a brother," was his
+reflection. From that day Mr. Fu never sold opium again.
+
+He started on his homeward journey, and once more as he walked the
+lonely roads he was conscious of the constraining presence of One who
+has so often met with men as they travel, walking through the fields,
+and inviting them to leave all and follow Him. Thus untrammelled by the
+words and requirements of men, Mr. Fu met with his God; but still
+questioning, he reached home to find that his wife was dangerously ill.
+He went at once to a neighbouring village to fetch a doctor, and found
+him unwilling to come until he had taken a dose of opium which was then
+due. Finding that all persuasion was useless, Mr. Fu suddenly decided to
+go to Hwochow and see if the foreign missionaries, or the Opium
+Refuge-keeper there, had any medicine. He walked the twelve miles, and
+was directed to the missionaries' house. The decision to go to Hwochow
+was made suddenly; not so the resolution to enter the open door of the
+house. Perhaps he had been wrong after all! It was serious to so openly
+come in contact with foreigners! It might be that the stories he had
+heard of their magical powers were correct! And yet his heart had borne
+him witness, in that lonely walk, that what he heard in Great Peace was
+true.
+
+After walking up and down for some time, unconscious that Goodwill was
+watching him from within, he heard some one call and ask him to come in.
+The call came at the right moment and he entered, knowing as he did so
+that a definite step was being taken and life would never be for him the
+same again.
+
+"My wife is ill, and I have come to ask for medicine," he said. After
+some talk he was taken to see Miss Jacobsen, who told him that God
+could, and would, heal sickness in answer to prayer. She and the
+evangelist prayed with him, gave him medicine, some books, and made him
+promise to come again. He left them, saying that he would do so. Again
+the long, lonely walk had to be faced, and Beelzebub gave orders that
+arrows should be shot at him, and all manner of doubts took possession
+of his soul. "I must go again, for I have given my word," he reflected.
+"What folly!" and then again the words which he could not doubt
+reasserted themselves, and he considered, yielded, and believed.
+
+As he entered his courtyard, he saw his wife grinding corn! "I am well,"
+she said. "And I," he said, "have believed in Jesus." To his surprise,
+not one word of anger escaped her lips. "I am glad," was her only
+comment.
+
+There was no time to be lost; if he delayed, others might hinder him,
+and before his evening meal he tore down the idols, and together husband
+and wife prayed to God.
+
+Fu was the youngest of four brothers, and the three other families were
+not of the same mind; he was unceasing in his efforts to bring them to
+the Saviour, but at the Chinese New Year festival they, as custom
+required, burnt incense to the idols.
+
+Serious illness seized upon various members of all three families, and
+their lives were in danger. Fu, seeing his opportunity, offered to go to
+the city and ask the evangelist to come and pray for them, and to this
+they consented. When Mr. Fu returned, he was accompanied by Mr. Cheng,
+and in response to his exhortations their idols were destroyed and the
+three brothers professed their willingness to become disciples. That
+place has been signally blessed of God. All have given liberally of
+their substance to the work of the Lord, and they have now their own
+church, a cave cut from the _loess_ cliffs by their own hands, where
+Sunday by Sunday men and women gather from the neighbouring villages to
+hear the word of God, and many have been added to the Church as a
+result.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Ging, little of stature, so short-sighted as to be almost blind, had
+recently been a patient in the Opium Refuge. A scholar of note, holding
+a high degree, we first knew him when he was about forty years of age,
+and the only Christian in his village. He was more than any Chinaman I
+have met impregnated with the teachings of Confucius; and filial piety
+was for him no mere doctrine of words, but a ruling factor in his life.
+
+Shortly before the time of which I write, he had, one day, given some
+cause of offence to his aged mother, in consequence of which she
+commanded that, in recognition of his fault, he should kneel on the
+ground before her until such time as she should see fit to excuse him.
+
+For half a day she kept him in that position, and he knelt quietly,
+giving to all an example and illustration of the sacred duty of son to
+parent as taught in the Chinese Classics, and as understood by those who
+earnestly follow their teachings.
+
+By virtue of his learning and position, no matter of importance would be
+settled in the village without him, and he enjoyed great respect as a
+teacher of the young, notwithstanding the fact that he was handicapped
+in his work as school-master by reason of his defective eyesight, the
+boys taking full advantage of his disability and failing to appreciate
+as they should the virtue of the "Princely Man" of whom they read so
+much in their classical studies, and of whom they daily witnessed so
+striking an example.
+
+For some of these pupils of his, examination-day dawned, and the results
+were disastrous. The consequences of much undetected mischief were now
+made clear in the light of day, and the indignant examining missionary
+called upon Mr. Ging to aid in devising a punishment adequate to the
+circumstances. "Is it by extra imposed work, or by the public disgrace
+of the rod, that their misdeeds will be made most heinous in their own
+eyes?" he was asked, the remarks being accompanied by a look which could
+not fail to assure the trembling band of offenders that the method of
+Solomon met with unqualified approval. "I think," replied Mr. Ging,
+"that the case does not call so much for punishment as for exercise of
+greater patience on our side!!!" This answer was to the unbounded
+delight of the scholars, and discomfiture of the missionary.
+
+It was in his own village and home that he shone. Before many years had
+passed, the people who were formerly unwilling to receive us had many of
+them become Christians. One of their number had lent his room, rent free
+for ten years, as a meeting-place for worship, and a good work had
+begun. If you spoke to them of the cause of this change, they would tell
+you of Mr. Ging and the force of his example, and how even his old
+mother had, before her death, renounced idolatry and asked for a
+Christian funeral.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What can I say of Mr. Lan? One is tempted to question, "How shall the
+superficial enter into the Kingdom of God?"
+
+One of the aristocratic families, no longer enjoying the prosperity of
+former days, yet endeavouring to impress upon all its grandeur whilst
+inevitably sinking, gave us Mr. Lan.
+
+Contact with Pastor Hsi had been the turning-point in his life, and from
+the early days he gave himself assiduously to the study of the Bible.
+Few have more accurate knowledge of the Scripture than he, his
+addresses are well and carefully prepared, and he has been the means
+under God of leading many men to a knowledge of the Saviour. His kind
+disposition and good-nature have given him many friends, but love of
+money and appearances have crippled his usefulness. Any Christian work
+he now does is independent of the missionaries, and he will sometimes be
+invited to the official's residence to help some one to leave the opium
+habit, he and his father before him having been doctors of no small
+repute. He is constantly in debt, and will often remain away from his
+home during the Chinese New Year when debts are settled, but when he
+does return, he enters the house with such perfect manners, and is
+attired in such gorgeous silk, that few would venture to mention
+anything so unpleasant as the settlement of a debt.
+
+Easily led, he loves the glories of this present world and is fearful
+lest, by too great zeal, the rulers of Vanity Fair may regard him as a
+stranger and outcast. And yet, in his high moments, he finds himself
+longing for the things that abide, and his affections and desires are
+for the time being upon these, but as a morning cloud they pass. In
+other lands, where the line of demarcation is less clear, he might be
+considered a good Churchman, but neutral tints are rare here, and a man
+must clearly show on which side he stands or he will get the benefit of
+neither.
+
+He is ever faithfully served by his dependant and sycophant, Mr. Diao,
+who is a weak, physically decadent man who can neither offend by word
+nor deed the man from whom he has had so much. His manner is too
+servile to allow one to place much confidence in him, but he is a
+believer, and proves by many actions that he is truly following Christ.
+If only he could get free from the net of the rich man, and yet--what
+Church has not such members!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Tu, weak, good, always trusting the Heavenly Father to supply his
+needs, temporal and spiritual, and ever ready to bear witness that He
+has done so, in spite of the fact that life's outlook is always grey!
+Very poor, he was the leader in his village by virtue of his sincerity.
+Is some aggressive movement proposed? "The time has not yet come," is
+his ever-ready answer. Do the crops seem to fail for lack of rain, and
+the farmers, anxious and worried, speak of the famine confronting them,
+and him? "Fear not, the Lord will provide," he will say, and though he
+may have to eat the coarsest flour, and little of that sometimes, he
+never doubts, and never rejoices!!
+
+On the occasion of the marriage of his son, even a short time before the
+bride arrived, nothing was ready--he had so little--and all he said was:
+"We must wait and see how the Heavenly Father will provide." When the
+moment came every one was ready to help him, and he would be a
+discontent indeed who was dissatisfied with the result. Mr. Tu was full
+of praise to GOD for His goodness, and will quote the incident to those
+who may have doubts.
+
+I have reflected much upon Mr. Tu and his ways, and I am reminded of the
+ravens, "who sow not nor gather into barns," and our Heavenly Father
+cares for them; and I come to the conclusion that to us is granted on
+rare occasions the privilege of being the medium by which our Father
+will prove His care to the weak, yet trustful souls. Good, faithful old
+Tu, he could teach many of us of the active, energetic temperament a
+lesson; for he will tell you, and truly, that he has no strength, yet he
+has never asked from man, and he has perfect confidence that the Good
+Shepherd will lead him safe to the journey's end.
+
+
+
+
+WORK DEVELOPMENT
+
+          "No Church is fulfilling its responsibilities to
+          God, or preparing itself for its best and most
+          effective work, which does not regard itself in
+          some respects as a great Training School for
+          Christian workers."--Rev. A. SWIFT.
+
+          "And He gave--
+           Some indeed to be apostles,
+           And some prophets,
+           And some evangelists,
+           And some shepherds and teachers,--
+           With a view to the fitting of the saints
+           For the work of ministering,
+           For an upbuilding of the body of the Christ."
+                              The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+WORK DEVELOPMENT
+
+RELATING HOW WE SOUGHT TO ENCOMPASS THE WORK, AND THE WORK ENCOMPASSED
+US
+
+
+THE events of 1900 resulted in an extraordinary quickening of interest
+amongst those who had a contact of some kind with Christianity. We very
+soon found ourselves quite overwhelmed by the many openings and
+opportunities which presented themselves on all sides. Hitherto
+untouched villages begged for a visit, idols were destroyed by those
+into whose homes we had never penetrated, leaders in the Church were
+begging us to devise some means by which the women might be taught,
+fathers were prepared for any sacrifice so that their daughters might be
+received as scholars.
+
+For some time, at vast expenditure of strength, we attempted by
+travelling in different directions to spend, at any rate, one or two
+days in the various centres we were begged to visit. Each month we
+became more strongly impressed with the fact that the work of
+evangelisation was being carried on with tremendous aggressive force,
+not by us, but by the native Church, we being unable to even follow up
+the openings made by them.
+
+Such a mass movement afforded an unparalleled opportunity, provided
+sufficient teaching were given to establish and build up in the faith
+those who believed; but if left to itself, this large numerical increase
+might prove a serious menace to the spiritual life of the Church. We had
+to seriously consider our ways. Should we contribute our small part to
+the widespread preaching of the Gospel and visiting of those who had
+already heard through the Chinese evangelising agencies, or should we
+leave to the Chinese Church the responsibility of propagating itself,
+reserving ourselves to "preparing saints for the work of ministering"?
+
+Chinese Christians going from place to place spread the Good Tidings
+more effectually than we could hope to do, and where such conditions
+exist, it is surely an indication that the people of the land should
+hear the Gospel first from the lips of their own countrymen. Moreover,
+the Government was seriously considering the establishment of girls'
+schools, and we had to decide as to whether the work amongst the young
+should be an unimportant branch of our scheme of missionary activities,
+or whether our schools should be established with the object of becoming
+training-centres for Christian helpers.
+
+We were faced with this fact: unless we trained some Christian teachers,
+the education of the young would be in the hands of heathen; no small
+matter when the exalted position of the teacher in China is borne in
+mind; and the, if possible, more urgent fact, that unless we seriously
+prepared some Chinese missionaries we should go from year to year,
+decade to decade, with no trained Chinese staff. The material was there,
+and the Chinese Church was supplying young men and women, earnest
+devoted servants of Jesus Christ, who, given the training and granted
+the blessing of God, could do a work which it would be impossible for
+the most earnest Westerner to accomplish. Chinese of the Chinese, with
+neither linguistic nor climatic difficulties, understanding the minds of
+the most subtle of people, they enter their work with a flying leap
+which we may envy, but cannot attain. The Holy Spirit will deal with
+them as He does with us, and recognising them as fellow-workers together
+with God, we shall cease to hinder them by perpetual criticism and
+doubt. Faults they will have, as we, and while of a different order, who
+shall say that these failings make them in God's sight more unfit for
+the work of preaching the Gospel than ours have made us?
+
+We therefore accepted the form of ministry which pressed with strongest
+necessity on us, and from the free and irresponsible life of the
+itinerant missionary, accepted the calling of teachers, and allowed
+ourselves to be tied to the numberless claims and responsibilities of
+institutional life. In addition to the girls' school, a plan was formed
+whereby we agreed to accept married women for terms of varying
+length--twenty to thirty days--as far as possible classifying them
+according to ability and previous knowledge. The teaching was graded
+from the first elements of Christian doctrine to fairly advanced New
+Testament classes. From amongst the first groups of women who came to
+us, it was evident that some were capable of receiving a far more
+advanced training, and the zeal they exhibited in teaching the little
+they knew on their return home, promised future usefulness. Two small
+rooms in our own living-court supplied the only accommodation for these
+station classes, and as each group scattered it was almost immediately
+replaced by other eager inquirers.
+
+A small inner court containing two good rooms was set apart for the use
+of the girls' school. Every term brought an increase in the numbers, and
+it was soon evident that more suitable accommodation was essential if we
+were to meet the growing need. Though we knew it not, the necessary
+provision was already made. We sat together one evening in a shady spot
+adjoining our premises, sharing our home letters; we opened one to find
+it contained a cheque from a friend who could know nothing of our need,
+marked: "For use in any necessary buildings." The very spot on which we
+sat, later on proved to be the site of the John Holt Skinner Memorial
+Court in the new school buildings. By the next term Chinese rooms,
+providing for the accommodation of sixty, were erected; the old
+school-court was given over to women's station classes, and we saw scope
+for the realisation of our wildest dreams. The work amongst the men was
+increasing in a similar proportion. Mr. Wang, who was in charge when we
+arrived at Hwochow, was now appointed Deacon of the Church, and
+afterwards Elder. We soon recognised in him a man of no ordinary
+influence. Like Barnabas, he was "a good man filled with the Holy
+Spirit," and like him might well be called the "Son of Consolation."
+
+The large numbers who were baptized upon profession of faith each year
+entailed many responsibilities--new families to be visited, more
+visitors to be received, marriages and funerals to be attended. Cases of
+persecution, real or supposed, called for many hours of patient
+listening, and, withal, the constant stream of city women who desired to
+inspect all that was going on, parents to see children in the school,
+friends and relatives of opium patients, who lost no chance of visiting
+the member of the family under treatment, changed the once quiet house
+into a beehive of activity.
+
+In many Shansi houses there is a large, well-built room, open to north
+and south, which is set apart for the observance of the prescribed
+family rites connected with ancestral worship. Here are the wooden
+ancestral tablets, image of the soul and tangible symbol, erected to the
+memory of the deceased, affording thereby a fixed object for filial
+piety. This room on our compound was dedicated as a church for public
+worship; enlarged once, and again the second time, it still proved too
+small for our growing congregation.
+
+The strain attendant on such a rapid development was severe, but each
+year found us supplied with increasingly able help from our Chinese
+co-workers. We found ourselves driven to the practical testing of the
+principle: "When the pressure of the work is too heavy, then extend the
+work," and we found it to be sound and workable. Each term some extra
+responsibility was thrown off on to the shoulders of willing helpers,
+that we ourselves might be free to undertake fresh enterprises.
+
+
+
+
+MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT
+
+          "It is Jesus who has introduced into virtue a
+          passion before which vice is not condemned but
+          consumed as by fire."--Rev. CARNEGIE SIMPSON.
+
+          "Round the cape of a sudden came the sea,
+           And the sun looked over the mountain's rim:
+           And straight was a path of gold for him,
+           And the need of a world of men for me."
+                                        ROBERT BROWNING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+MRS. HSI'S SECOND GIFT
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF HER LIFE FROM WIDOWHOOD
+
+
+ONE direct result of the lack of foreign workers was the appointment of
+Mrs. Hsi to the oversight of the women's work in Chaocheng. During her
+husband's lifetime she had been eager to learn all she could, and had
+with difficulty mastered some of the Chinese characters. She often
+expressed to him her desire to learn more, but he told her to remember
+that the need for her to attend to the domestic side of the large
+establishment at the Middle Eden was essential, and her life until his
+death was largely a busy domestic one.
+
+Not entirely, however, was this the case. When it became necessary to
+open a Refuge for Women in the city of Hungtung, it was to his wife that
+the Pastor looked for help, and she, there and in other places, did a
+truly Christlike work. It was in the city of Hsugo that she accomplished
+her most difficult task. It seemed as if the devil had a special power
+there, and Pastor Hsi was almost in despair. Man after man, amongst them
+some of his most trusted helpers, fell into sin, or were overcome by
+difficulties in that place.
+
+How to hold it at all was a problem. He solved it by sending his wife,
+and alone she went to live six days' journey from the place where he
+was, and for the first time the work in Hsugo was successful.
+
+Almost immediately after her return home, Pastor Hsi developed the
+illness from which he never recovered. He was at work on some Refuge
+accounts when he felt unwell, and his spirit became conscious that the
+messenger had come with a command "that he must prepare for a change of
+life, for his Master was not willing that he should be so far from Him
+any longer."
+
+For nearly six months he lingered still, making preparations for the
+journey ahead; he gave directions for the temporary closing of the
+Refuges, recognising, doubtless, that the time while he was still on
+earth, but unable to exercise control, might be an even more perilous
+period than that which would follow his death. Mrs. Hsi herself fell
+ill, and so seriously that her life was at one time despaired of. She
+was barely able to stand the fatigue of the public funeral to which
+hundreds gathered, yielding to their grief and sobbing as children who
+had lost a parent. She herself was bowed with sorrow, for they had been
+truly one in God's service, but strength was sent to her through a dream
+in which she saw her husband, in glory beyond her imagining, and with
+him the boy who had been their only son and had died in childhood. When
+she desired to join them he rebuked her, saying: "Nay, but you must
+return"; and obedient, she turned her back on the heavenly glory and
+faced "the need of a world" of sin.
+
+Mrs. Hsi was now to realise to the full the unfortunate position of a
+childless widow. According to the custom of the country, the nearest
+male relative on her husband's side should have been her protector, but
+this duty devolved on a nephew who was an opium smoker, gambler, and
+unregenerate heathen, and what should have been protection took the form
+of persecution.
+
+Elder Si, her brother-in-law, took over the control of the opium refuges
+and the preparation of the medicine used. Days of prayer and fasting
+always preceded the compounding of the drugs which were prepared in
+Pastor Hsi's own home, and sent out in the form of pills. It was in
+connection with the medicine that Mrs. Hsi's first difficulties
+occurred. Large quantities of the various ingredients were stored at
+Middle Eden, and the said nephew claimed possession of this stock,
+declaring his intention of defending his rights by stabbing any one who
+dared to touch it.
+
+The time came when the drugs were required, and arrangements were
+quietly made for the removal of the material to the home of Elder Si.
+Before touching the goods, Mrs. Hsi called the young man to her, and
+addressing him by name told him to fetch his knife, as she intended to
+carry out her husband's wishes and supply the Refuges with the necessary
+medicine without delay. Abashed, and half-ashamed by her self-confidence
+and dignity, he muttered excuses and left her presence with an apology.
+
+Nevertheless, it required all her wits and most of her time to prevent
+this ne'er-do-weel from robbing her of all she possessed. Opium he would
+eat, his gambling habits were strong, and how could she prevent him from
+stealing that which, as one of the family, he could partially claim as
+his own? The problem weighed upon her mind and she decided that division
+of the land, each taking half the produce of the farm, was the only
+solution. Even so she was not safe; there is a Chinese proverb which
+says: "It is hard to deal with a thief who is one of the family," and
+she proved it to be true. If she left home for a few days she would
+return to find her door broken open, her clothes stolen, and her grain
+visibly less. Although the Chinese law would offer her redress, she, by
+reason of Christian principle and the example of her husband, never
+appealed for help to an earthly tribunal, but daily prayed: "Lord, have
+mercy on him, and change his heart."
+
+In the early days of her faith, Mrs. Hsi had earnestly desired to unbind
+her feet as witness that she was a Christian, but her husband, fearful
+lest any should be misled to regard Christianity as conformity to
+foreign customs rather than to a change of heart, was strongly opposed
+to her doing so. He strictly forbade the binding of children's feet, but
+saw no need for outward change of shoe in the foot already disfigured.
+During his lifetime she yielded to his wish, but after his death refused
+to let her mature judgment be held in abeyance by the dead hand of the
+past, and did that which she felt was a testimony to many of her weaker
+sisters. She unbound her feet and adopted a normal shoe and sock, and
+many who had made her supposed attitude on the question an excuse, now
+followed her example.
+
+In order to give the Gospel to Hwochow Mrs. Hsi had parted with the most
+valuable of her worldly goods, and when the call came for the second
+great renunciation in response to the need for a woman worker in
+Chaocheng, she was ready to move into that city, knowing as she did so,
+that by leaving the family home she would finally close the way of
+return. She well knew that no seal on the door would prevent her nephew
+from stealing her goods, and her worst fears were realised when, a few
+years later, on the occasion of the erection of a memorial stone to
+Pastor Hsi, she revisited what had once been Middle Eden. All was gone,
+and she was thankful to hurry away and leave the scene that could only
+cause her pain.
+
+On entering her new sphere of work, the missionaries at Hwochow assured
+her that all the love and sympathy which she had promised Mr. Taylor
+years before should be given to the first ladies who came to that city,
+was now to be bestowed on her. The loyal affection of the Chinese Church
+was hers, for she is regarded by them with an admiration and reverence
+which they consider the right of so worthy a woman. She knew that she
+could count upon a welcome, but it was a costly step.
+
+City and village visiting, weekly classes for inquirers, and a Women's
+Opium Refuge occupy Mrs. Hsi's time in Chaocheng. A sentence easy to
+write, but only He to Whom the offering is made can know the cost at
+which ladies, with the refinements of their class, give themselves to
+the Christlike work of rescuing the opium sots who find their way to
+the Refuge. Women of the lowest moral type at times appear, dirty,
+coarse, and repulsive, and yet gladly and graciously they are received.
+The lady in charge will sleep with them in order to comfort and pray
+with them during the night watches, and no service is too menial for
+these saintly women to render. The impression made is never forgotten by
+those to whom they minister; and even if they return again to the ways
+of sin, the vision of that gentle lady with her kind heart will remain,
+a reflection, faint it may be, yet a reflection of the love of God, ever
+ready to welcome the wanderer from the far country.
+
+[Illustration: A WOMAN OPIUM SMOKER.
+
+_To face page 82._]
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER
+
+          "I know that, because of this money-grasping,
+          trade-compelling feature of England's dealings
+          with my country, millions of wretched people of
+          China have been made more miserable; stalwart men
+          and women have been made paupers, vagrants, and
+          the lowest of criminals; and hundreds of thousands
+          of the weaker ones of my race--mainly among the
+          women--have been sent to suicide graves. All this
+          because gold and territory are greater in the eyes
+          of the British Government, than the rights and
+          bodies of a weak people."--H. E. LI HUNG-CHANG.
+
+          "O my brothers and all my friends,
+           If you would hearken to good advice,
+           Avoid the poppy juice for ever and aye,
+           As it is a plague most noxious and vile!
+           It will eat out your minds,
+           It will rot away your vitals,
+           It will shrivel up your bowels,
+           It will make you walk as a leper,
+           It will cast you into prison,
+           It will send you to your death!"
+                                        H. E. LI HUNG-CHANG.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE STORY OF AN OPIUM SMOKER
+
+
+THE first man to enter the Opium Refuge in Hwochow, as patient, was
+named Fan of the village of Southern Springs. He came from a once
+wealthy clan, now reduced through opium smoking to comparative poverty.
+He had not yet reached the stage of positive want, but that condition is
+never far from the habitual heavy smoker, and should he continue a few
+years longer, beggary will be the ultimate fate of his wife and family.
+
+The temptation was at his very door, for all the best-watered land
+surrounding Southern Springs was given up to poppy cultivation. During
+the time when the plant was in flower, the village nestled amidst some
+hundreds of acres of exquisite iridescent bloom. The beauty was
+shortlived, even as the seeming prosperity of the grower, and but a few
+days later Southern Springs stood amidst bare brown fields of dry poppy
+heads, scarred by the cutter's knife, exuding in thick drops the
+poisonous juices--a striking picture in the eyes of all men of the fate
+awaiting the smoker, who, lulled by the insidious charm of the
+fascinating drug, would finally be the only one unable to see himself a
+hopeless, helpless, degraded wreck.
+
+At the close of three weeks' treatment in the Refuge, Fan returned home
+a new creature, restored in body and mind, and with a heart renewed in
+hope. In his own immediate family were several members, victims as
+himself of the deadly drug, and amongst these was his nephew, adopted
+into the family on the footing of a son since death had robbed him of
+the last boy who might pay the filial sacrifice of tears and
+lamentations at his tomb. Moreover, his wife's keen intelligence and
+strong will were gradually being subjugated by a growing apathy, result
+of her secret habit. On these two Fan urged a plea to give the Refuge a
+trial, and his nephew, impressed by the evident good result in his
+uncle's case and the assurance that the treatment had induced very
+slight suffering, pronounced himself willing to try the experiment; his
+wife, on the other hand, repudiated with scorn any such suggestion.
+Another few weeks saw the young man return to Southern Springs loud in
+praise of all he had seen and heard in Hwochow. He recounted all his
+experiences, every detail of the treatment, the number of pills
+swallowed, and the care with which the strength of the pills was graded
+from the powerful "Pill of life" to the lesser "Pill of strength" and
+the final "Pill of restoration."
+
+He also knew by heart a number of verses from the New Testament, and
+could sing hymns written by Pastor Hsi on the subjects of salvation and
+the sin of opium smoking, several of which numbered twelve verses in
+length.
+
+All this caused much stir in the village, and became the general subject
+of conversation when the men were home from the fields, during the
+twilight hour devoted to social intercourse. He was referred to as a
+competent authority on all matters relating to the ways and habits of
+those "foreign devils" who went to and fro between the various stations
+which they had opened, and even penetrated into the villages amongst the
+homes of any who were rash enough to risk having them under their roof.
+
+Both uncle and nephew had secretly entirely changed their opinion
+concerning the foreigner and the Christian doctrine which he inculcated.
+Fear had given place to confidence, and one or other would frequently
+walk the four miles to Hwochow on a week day, or better still on Sunday,
+to sit an hour with the Refuge-keeper, whom it was hard indeed not to
+trust, and who always had some good matter to unfold and kind, earnest
+words with which to help a man in the hour when his old vice threatened
+to ensnare his soul afresh. Little sympathy was to be gained at home.
+Mrs. Fan still took opium, endangering her husband's and nephew's
+principles as they returned, weary from work, to a room reeking with the
+odour so attractive to them.
+
+She was a woman of no ordinary character, exceptionally intelligent,
+strong-minded and wilful, capable in every duty which falls to the
+woman's share in the home; by nature hard working and ambitious, in
+physique of a pronounced Jewish type. Not easily led, and impossible to
+drive, she flew into such a passion when her husband ventured to tell
+her that two lady missionaries had arrived, and were prepared to
+receive women as patients in the Hwochow Refuge, and gave such rein to
+her tongue that he, poor man, was thankful to escape beyond earshot of
+her loud recriminations and curses.
+
+If his words were silenced we may believe that his actions were speaking
+louder and more effectually, for influences stronger than the woman
+realised were even now at work, preparing to overturn all her
+preconceived prejudices and hatred of Christianity and its followers.
+
+The climax came more suddenly than could have been anticipated,
+revealing to herself and others the extraordinary change of viewpoint
+which had been silently working during weeks of apparently unchanged
+opposition.
+
+On returning from the fields one evening, Fan found his wife in an
+unusual state of activity, whilst the three little girls who constituted
+his family formed a tearful group on the _kang_. With characteristic
+abruptness Mrs. Fan delivered the information: "I am preparing to go to
+the city Opium Refuge." Scarcely able to credit her statement the
+husband stood aghast, and she explained: "It is no good, the children
+are taking it too."
+
+A terrible statement, yet true, for whereas she knew that she had often
+pacified the tiny baby's fretfulness by puffing a few whiffs of the
+smoke into its mouth, she had that day made the discovery that, as soon
+as she herself lay down to sleep off the effect of her dose, the two
+elder girls would seize on the opium pipe and share all they could get
+from it, so that already, unknown to herself, the craving was well
+developed in them.
+
+To the Refuge they must all go, and the next evening saw a cart at the
+door into which were being stowed various bundles of clothing wrapped in
+blue-and-yellow cloths, each bundle having attached to it a small piece
+of scarlet cotton to ensure luck on the journey. Flour and millet for
+food, and other necessaries were piled up behind the cart, and the
+children were packed inside and told to keep quiet, for they were
+leaving at night to avoid the jeers of the villagers. The father sat
+upon the shafts, the mother cross-legged inside, and after an hour's
+drive the city gates were sighted, and soon the party was welcomed at
+the Mission House.
+
+A very few days in the Refuge served to largely alter the tenor of Mrs.
+Fan's mind. The woman who took charge of her was a kind,
+confidence-inspiring body, with nothing of the "foreign devil" about
+her. She would hear no harm of the missionaries, and flatly denied that
+children were enticed on to the premises to be done to death by foul
+means, or that the foreigner's blue eye could see corpses in their
+coffins, or that magic incantations were used by means of which all who
+drank their tea must become their followers.
+
+All these questions and many others relating to the personal character
+of the strange beings were asked during the long night watches when
+sleep evades the opium patient, and the nurse helps to while away the
+dreary hours by satisfying her curiosity. Then at dawn the longed-for
+dose of medicine is administered, after a prayer that the "medicine may
+heal her body, and the blood of Jesus cleanse her soul," and she may
+settle to a doze which daily becomes more natural and peaceful as the
+body returns to a normal condition of being.
+
+Mrs. Fan saw that much was introduced by the foreigner in the wake of
+Christianity which her alert mind recognised as being all to the
+advantage of women. Even the old Refuge-keeper could read a little, but
+she was quite dull and slow, whereas without much trouble Mrs. Fan
+herself could master quite a number of new characters every day, and a
+few hours had been enough for the initial lesson of reading the large
+print rhyme:
+
+    "There is but one true God, the Heavenly Father He,
+     Who feeds and clothes and pities me.
+     The only Saviour, too, who can my sins forgive,
+     I trust and hearken to His word, Jesus my Lord and Saviour.
+     Jesus loves the sinner, Jesus pities me,
+     He gave His life, He washed me clean, He verily hath loved me."
+
+It was quite evident that a certain amount of education lay within her
+own grasp, and quite unlimited possibilities were open to her three
+daughters. The sinfulness of binding up the feet of girls was touched
+upon, and a strong determination took form in her mind that her girls
+should be among the first who would have natural feet in the
+neighbourhood, in spite of the lurking fear that all three might be left
+as old maids upon her hands if no man might be found bold enough to risk
+the disgrace of a wife with normal feet. A short length of white cotton
+material was procured, and the three little ones were soon free of
+compressing bandages, each wearing a pair of calico socks and little
+red-and-yellow shoes, ornamented on the toe with a grinning, whiskered,
+tiger's face.
+
+These girls were all destined to lives of signal usefulness in the
+Church. Two of them labour still as teachers and evangelists among their
+own people; the third was early prepared by intense suffering and deep
+wrongs to be removed by death to the realm where the "wicked cease from
+troubling and the weary are at rest."
+
+
+
+
+THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL
+
+          "Happy the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
+
+          "A white bird, she told him once, looking at him
+          gravely. A bird which he must carry in his bosom
+          across a crowded public place--his own soul was
+          like that!
+
+          "Would it reach the hands of his good genius on
+          the opposite side, unruffled and
+          unsoiled?"--WALTER PATER.
+
+          "To radiate the heat of the affections into a
+          clod, which absorbs all that is poured into it,
+          but never warms beneath the sunshine of smiles or
+          the pressure of hand or lip--this is the great
+          martyrdom of sensitive beings--most of all in that
+          perpetual _auto-da-fe_ where young womanhood is
+          the sacrifice."--O. W. HOLMES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE GREAT FURNACE FOR A GREAT SOUL
+
+BEING THE STORY OF AI DO
+
+
+MRS. FAN'S second daughter came into the world under the shadow of
+sorrow, for apart from the fact that she was a girl, whereas a boy had
+been ardently desired, her first lusty yells revealed the fact that she
+was born with a tooth visible. This was well known by every woman in the
+village to indicate antagonism to her mother's life, and disaster would
+surely ensue were she not promptly drowned or thrown out to perish by
+the riverside.
+
+Her fate seemed sealed, but that a woman seeing what a dear little baby
+she was, was moved with pity, and declared herself willing to take the
+responsibility of asserting that the child was hers in order that the
+demons which were ordering these events might be deceived, and thus her
+real mother would escape the fate which threatened her life, if the baby
+were not killed.
+
+An incredible amount of ingenuity is expended in China on deceptions
+practised to mislead the _gwei_ or demon, whose influence you have cause
+to fear. Being a malignant spirit, his object is to hurt that which you
+specially value, therefore it is well to deceive him into thinking that
+your precious son is only a useless girl, or even a little animal. This
+is not difficult to manage, for the _gwei_, though powerful to work
+evil, is a simple creature, and it is sufficient for him to see earrings
+dangling from your boy's ears to make him think he sees a girl, or if
+you call the child by some such name as "puppy," "little pig," "kitten,"
+or "goat," he will quite fail to perceive that the object of your
+affection is two legs short of what one might be led to expect.
+
+When a _gwei_ has really determined to injure your child, it is
+sometimes necessary to kill a dog and wrap your boy in its skin, that it
+may be perfectly evident to the whole spirit world that if you are
+bestowing any affection, it is only on a valueless beast. In the case of
+Mrs. Fan's little girl, no _gwei_ could reasonably be supposed to attach
+much value to her, and it was therefore sufficient for this neighbour to
+pronounce herself willing to stand in the place of a mother. She was
+allowed to live, and with painful frankness given the name of "One too
+many."
+
+After the month spent in the Opium Refuge, Mrs. Fan often saw the lady
+missionaries either at Hwochow or in her own house, and when they were
+joined by a lady who had no previous knowledge of the Chinese language,
+Mrs. Fan was asked if little "One too many" might come and live with the
+missionary so that her childish prattle should help the newcomer in
+recognising the difficult sounds and tones. She was now eight years old
+and permission was readily granted, so to Hwochow she went and became an
+inmate of the Christian household there, her name being altered to the
+now appropriate one of "greatly loved"--in Chinese, Ai Do.
+
+The years passed by, and little Ai Do won the love and approval of all.
+She received her education in the girls' school, and there grew up in
+her the ambition to be a teacher, as her elder sister was. At fourteen
+years of age she sat one Sunday evening reading her Bible, and came to
+the words: "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; man looketh on the outward
+appearance, the Lord looketh on the heart." She stopped and pondered,
+realising with the force that can only come with conviction of the
+Spirit of God, that while in "the outward" no one had fault to find with
+her, yet the Lord looking on the heart saw her full of sin and
+unreconciled to Him. In that hour her peace was made, and henceforth she
+served and trusted God through all the vicissitudes of her short life.
+She remained a pupil in the school until the year 1900, when Miss
+Stevens and Miss Clarke went to Taiyueanfu, never to return. It was a
+reign of terror during which rapine and murder stalked unhindered
+through the land, and young women fled to the remotest districts where
+they might claim a shelter.
+
+The matter of Ai Do's marriage had been under consideration for some
+time, she having now reached the age when custom exacts that this
+important matter should be settled. Various suitors presented
+themselves, but in most cases there was some hitch which prevented the
+engagement from being finally settled. In one case the man lived on the
+other side of the river, and this would cause difficulty in the girl's
+frequent journeys from one home to the other; in another, the matter of
+the sum required as dowry could not be finally fixed; in a third, she
+would have been required to worship idols.
+
+Amongst the number was a young man, favoured by Mrs. Fan but known as a
+wild and dissolute youth, and the missionaries who had cared for Ai Do
+so many years refused their consent to the engagement. Now they were
+dead, and Mrs. Fan had scope for the exercise of the domineering will
+which made her ruler of the home, for while she was an enthusiastic
+follower of the Church she had never given evidence of personal
+conversion.
+
+It was certainly advisable that a young woman of Ai Do's age should not
+be unmarried at that difficult time. Christians went in daily peril of
+their lives, and the soldier was scarcely less to be dreaded than the
+Boxer.
+
+"No one uses good iron to make nails, and no one will use a good man to
+make a soldier," says a Chinese proverb, which has been proved to be
+only too true in many cases.
+
+Hastily, and almost secretly, the formalities of the engagement were
+performed, cards were exchanged which fixed the contract, and the
+earrings, rings, and silk and satin garments were brought from the
+bridegroom's home. Ai Do had heard much of this man, and his reputation
+was such as to cause her the gravest misgivings. The household which
+she was to enter as a bride would not require her to join in the
+offering of nuptial sacrifices to idols because her future mother-in-law
+had come under the sound of the Gospel, but more than this can scarcely
+be said. The son to whom she was engaged had been brought up on a regime
+of such extreme indulgence as can only be met with amongst an Oriental
+people. His mother had never once restrained him in a childish
+selfishness nor a manly vice. From a spoilt, inconsiderate, wilful
+childhood he passed to a cruel, passionate, licentious manhood; finally,
+he took to opium smoking and ruin threatened the home. His mother reaped
+a bitter harvest of sorrow from the planting of those wasted years, and
+now her urgent plea was: "My son is good at heart, and a virtuous bride
+will soon work a reform in him."
+
+Every relation and friend and neighbour had a say in the transaction,
+only Ai Do must not be consulted, and though she weep and plead to be
+left unmarried for a time yet, her tears and supplications can cause no
+effect. In vain were the silver ornaments and fine clothes displayed
+before her; she refused to take food and wept bitterly, not with the
+conventional tears of the Chinese girl bewailing her virginity and
+begging that she may not be torn from the shelter of her maiden home,
+but with a real horror of the fate which awaited her.
+
+The day dawned when she was dressed in the scarlet bridal clothes, a
+voluminous embroidered satin gown over all; this came with the sedan
+chair which was to carry her to her future home, being hired for the
+occasion. Scarlet shoes were on her feet, a high tinsel crown on her
+head, and covering her tear-stained face was a scarlet veil. In
+accordance with the custom which demanded that the forehead of the bride
+must be perfectly smooth, her front hair had been dragged out by the
+roots and left her with an aching head.
+
+At last all was ready, and she was in the embroidered sedan chair and
+caught the last glimpse of the familiar faces. They disappear, and alone
+she meets a cruel, loveless, unknown world.
+
+A Chinese village wedding is a terrible ordeal for the bride. Her life
+until that day has been guarded from every contact with the outer world,
+and she has never spoken with a man outside the family circle. Her
+arrival at her mother-in-law's home is the signal for a wild rush of
+rough men to surround her chair. The curtain is lifted, insolent faces
+stare, her personal appearance is commented upon in vile terms, her feet
+being specially noticed because the artificial compression of this
+member has resulted in giving it sexual importance in a woman's
+appearance. Ai Do had a normal, unbound foot, and had to listen to lewd
+insinuations levelled at her on this subject. All the while she must
+patiently sit and wait until the appointed women of the bridegroom's
+family are ready to conduct her indoors. The waiting is often for a
+considerable time, for these new relations are going to make her feel
+that she is a most unimportant and undesirable person, and her
+mother-in-law is not even going to see her until the next day;
+moreover, the longer she waits, the greater her chances of longevity.
+
+When at last she is told to leave her chair she is followed by a crowd,
+and holding the end of a scarlet sash which is thrust into her hand, she
+finds herself in a courtyard where the ceremony is to take place.
+
+In accordance with the contract made by the middleman, she is not asked
+to worship heaven and earth nor the tablets of her husband's ancestors,
+but two cups of wine are placed on the table, and she and her bridegroom
+must each take one and sip the wine, the cups being joined together by a
+scarlet thread. When this ceremony is over, she follows her bridegroom
+to a room, still led by the sash, and when he enters he stands upon the
+_kang_ and by walking around it demonstrates his position as head of the
+new home.
+
+Meanwhile the chair-bearers are clamouring for her dress, as another
+young woman is waiting for the same gown and chair, and delay may cause
+trouble. The bride is assisted on to the _kang_ by the women, her
+husband having departed to make merry with his friends, and the ragged
+opium smokers who carried her there leave, one wearing the crown of
+tinsel on his head, laughing and joking at much which they have seen and
+heard. From the moment that she is seated upon the _kang_, the bride
+becomes the centre of attraction to an insulting crowd. Her shoes are
+stolen, but knowing that this is likely she has provided herself with
+additional pairs. For hours she sits there and hears the remarks made.
+One will whisper that she is married to an irresponsible idiot, others
+will tell her that he is blind or dumb, and knowing how often the
+middlemen deceive, she waits with dread the moment when she will see for
+herself more than she was able to do on arrival. At last the room is
+cleared, and she has to face the final ordeal when she is left alone
+with a totally unknown man. Even the hours of darkness are not
+respected, and every youngster in the village has the right to enter the
+courtyard at any hour of the night, tear down the paper windows, and
+heap shame upon her head.
+
+Christianity and the influence of the foreigner has done much to
+revolutionise the wedding customs, but all this and more was endured by
+Ai Do, and she found herself withal the wife of a depraved and vicious
+man.
+
+It was indeed a deliverance when the Hwochow girls' school reopened and
+Ai Do was invited to teach in place of her elder sister, whose family
+claims had increased so as to prevent her holding the post as formerly.
+School was opened in a small courtyard which adjoined our own, and
+twenty girls entered as pupils. Ai Do had all the characteristics of a
+natural leader, and she easily controlled the girls and was much beloved
+by them, for she had a kind disposition and the hidden sorrows of her
+life had made her both strong and tender.
+
+I think that her life in school was a time of unmixed happiness to her,
+but the holidays had to be faced and contact with the man whom she could
+only strive not to hate. His opium smoking habits increased, and the
+pinch of poverty was felt in the home from which he was able to steal
+so cunningly every article of value which might be exchanged for money
+and spent on the drug.
+
+A great joy came into Ai Do's life with the birth of a little son, and
+she realised for the first time that matrimony was not solely a horror,
+since it brought so much compensation in its train. The child was
+publicly dedicated to God, and was its mother's joy for six brief
+months.
+
+At the end of that time, in the hot weather, it sickened with dysentery,
+and in spite of her prayers and entreaties that she might be allowed to
+deal with the disease as she had seen me deal with similar ailments, she
+had to endure the torture of seeing it operated upon by a heathen
+Chinese doctor, whose method of treatment was to use long needles which
+he ran into its tender flesh. The needles were of course unclean, and
+the child's death was doubtless hastened by the shock thus sustained.
+
+She was spared the last sorrow of seeing its body thrown out to be
+devoured by dogs and wolves through the fortunate advent of her father,
+who insisted at her request that decent burial be given. This was a
+cause of thankfulness for her to her life's end.
+
+A year later, when her second son was born, the home was in a pitiful
+condition. All the land which provided daily bread for the family was
+gambled away, furniture and clothes had been sold or pawned for opium,
+the wages she earned were all turned to the same use, and the poorest,
+coarsest food was all that was procurable at a time when her strength
+was quite insufficient to the strain imposed upon it.
+
+As soon as the required month of purification was over, she returned to
+us and then received all the care that love could suggest, but we soon
+saw that she was going to escape from our poor, inadequate efforts to
+protect and comfort her, into the care of the only One who could save
+her from further sorrow. Phthisis took a rapid hold of her constitution,
+and her strength daily declined. During this time she for the first time
+opened her heart, and spoke out her sorrows and sufferings and those
+deepest wrongs she had suffered which women have from time immemorial
+hidden as a shameful secret. She spoke it all out now, and left me with
+a determination that henceforth any one placed as she was should find an
+advocate and protector in me to the extent of my ability.
+
+Three months later she was carried back to her home, a dying woman, to
+end her days. We were able to ride out and see her almost daily, and
+once we found her very happy because in a dream she had seen a messenger
+who called to her to cross the river, and when she shrank back I had
+been there to assure her that angels would receive her to her Heavenly
+Home.
+
+That day her husband came into the room, and in my presence she for the
+last time pleaded with him to leave the ways of sin and seek forgiveness
+through repentance. To our care she committed her child, asking that we
+would see that it was brought up as a Christian, and she also begged us
+to insist on a Christian burial for herself. To the schoolgirls she sent
+the message that they must meet her in her Master's presence, and a few
+hours later "the bells of the city rang out for joy, and it was said to
+her: 'Enter into the joy of thy Lord.'" The wail that went up from the
+schoolgirls when I told them, I shall not forget; she was the first of
+our company to pass over. Two days later the pupils of her class and
+ourselves gathered with the family for a simple service in the courtyard
+of her home. On the coffin the words were written at her own request,
+"Until He come"--symbolic of the hope which sustained her through those
+years of suffering, and kept her eyes ever upward turned to the promise
+of the great day of deliverance. A congregation of some hundreds
+assembled to see the unique sight of so many girls mourning for a
+teacher and following the bier to the border of the village. The girls
+and their parents showed their appreciation of Ai Do and her work by
+presenting a large banner to the school in her memory. It was unveiled
+on their behalf by the elders of the Church, and above the names of one
+hundred girls who had been her pupils were inscribed the words: "She
+rests from her labours, and her works do follow her."
+
+We returned to take up the work which she had left, but with heavy
+hearts, and the school and my study seemed empty without her presence. I
+missed her help in consultation over difficulties and dealings with the
+raw material which came into our hands at the beginning of each term.
+
+Who could replace her? Her friend and companion who had helped her
+during the past months was the only one to whom I could look, and she
+was seemingly of too retiring a disposition to bear such
+responsibility; but the "trees of the Lord are full of sap," and if a
+leaf has fallen there is always a fresh one developing to replace it,
+and Ling Ai was preparing for a development which was going to make her
+that which she still is, my faithful and beloved fellow-missionary in
+this place. With her quiet, gentle spirit she has won the confidence of
+her pupils, and made possible for me that which apart from her
+comradeship would have been impossible, the establishment of a large
+school and training-college where in happy fellowship Chinese young
+women are working together for the women and girls of their country.
+
+
+
+
+THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
+
+          "What name hast thou? And he said, Legion!"
+
+          "Whensoever the impure spirit goeth out from the
+          man it passeth through waterless places seeking
+          rest; and not finding it there, it saith--
+
+          "I will return unto my house whence I came out;
+
+          "And coming, findeth it empty, swept and adorned.
+          Then goeth it and taketh along with itself other
+          spirits more wicked than itself--seven, and
+          entering it, findeth its dwelling there; and the
+          last state of that man becometh worse than the
+          first."--The Gospel according to Luke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE POWERS OF DARKNESS
+
+BEING A RECORD OF SOME OBSERVATIONS IN DEMONOLOGY
+
+
+THE Chinaman, though perhaps the most materialistic of Easterners, is no
+exception to his neighbours in the large place which the occult takes in
+his outlook. For him, the physical world is peopled with spirits good
+and evil, capable of exercising the most far-reaching influences on the
+fortunes of men. These spiritual beings are bound up in the forces of
+nature, and combine to constitute that geomantic system known by the
+Chinese as _Feng-shui_ (wind and water), by reference to which, matters
+of human life, inasmuch as they are designed to court the good
+influences and avoid those which are inauspicious to the man, the time,
+and the place, are decided.
+
+The Chinaman can never experience the feeling of complete solitude which
+the Westerner knows in wild and lonely places; for him the hillside, the
+ravine, and the mountain gorge are peopled with presences best described
+as fairies, though in nothing resembling the light-hearted beings which
+this description generally conveys to the Western mind. To him they
+present the appearance of aged, venerable beings, short of stature,
+with white beards. Country, town, and human habitations are alike
+haunted by psychic beings whose condition cannot be exactly expressed by
+the word _spirit_, neither form of Chinese belief admitting of the
+conception of a pure spirit without matter.
+
+These beings may be grouped into three classes. _Gwei_ is the term most
+constantly used by the common people to indicate the being whose
+influence is feared by all, and who receives from every family some
+measure of propitiatory sacrifice. We read in the _li chao chuan_,[6] or
+_Divine Panorama_, that "every living being, no matter whether it be a
+man or an animal, a bird or a quadruped, a gnat or a midge, a worm or an
+insect, having legs or not, few or many, all are called _gwei_ after
+death."
+
+Apart from these are the _shen_, which have been defined as _emanations
+de la nature personnifiees_, not, as the _gwei_, spirits of the dead,
+but an emanation of nature clothed with a personality. They possess
+varying degrees of intelligence and power. Their interest is not only in
+the affairs of men, to the knowledge of which they have access, but also
+in the secret springs of human action. They reside in man as well as
+amongst men, and witness to his good or evil works before the tribunal
+of heaven. The classics of Chinese literature, recognising this, urge
+upon readers the duty of decorum, purity, and care even when unseen by
+human eyes and according to the teachings of Confucius; one of the
+characteristics of the Princely Man is the discipline he will exercise
+upon himself when alone.
+
+Other spiritual beings are those who, by their ascetic practices, have
+attained to a life higher than that of humanity; it will endure through
+many centuries, and they are free to live in the pleasant places of the
+earth with considerable licence to enjoy good things, yet free from the
+material claims which govern human life. These are known by the term
+_hsien_, and are referred to above as fairies. Each and all of these
+beings touch the destinies of man at various points.
+
+It is, however, in the important events of life--birth, marriage, and
+death--that the interference of the spirits is strongest, and such
+occasions are used by the sorcerer as a means of extorting money from
+his unfortunate victim. In the _Divine Panorama_, we read that: "It is
+not uncommon at the time of reincarnation to see women asking to be
+allowed to avenge themselves in the form of _gwei_ before being changed
+into men. On their case being examined, it is found as young women they
+have been seduced or have been betrayed in other ways, such as the
+husband refusing after marriage to fulfil his promise to support the
+girl's parents, and in consequence of her disgrace the woman has
+committed suicide." From that moment terror has dogged the steps of her
+husband, and he has gone in hourly fear of sickness, accident, or sudden
+death. If he be a student, the day of examination presents terrors
+calculated to ensure failure, for he knows that the _gwei_ has power to
+hold his mind in subjection so that he cannot write his competitive
+essay. The only hope he has of release is the taking of a vow, whereby
+he undertakes to study and make known _The Divine Panorama_ or _precious
+record_ transmitted to men to move them, being a record of examples
+published by the mercy of Yu Di, that men and women living in this world
+may repent them of their faults, and make atonement for their sins. The
+punishments described include all the most painful tortures of which
+Chinese ingenuity can conceive. Truly, idols are the work of man's
+hands, and they that make them are like unto them!
+
+Sculptural art also has left nothing undone to represent the god as
+animated by the worst passions of man, but skill and ingenuity must
+inevitably stop short of the final act necessary to convince man that
+communication is possible between him and the spirit world. In order to
+bridge this chasm a class of men and women called sorcerers (_mo-han_
+and _sheng-po_) has come into being, whose work it is to be the
+spokesmen of the gods. With deliberate intent and elaborate ritual they
+develop the mediumistic gift, and learn how to attain conditions of
+frenzy and of trance during which period the body is controlled by a
+spiritualistic force. Not only as the medium of the gods, but also as a
+resting-place for longer or shorter periods to the homeless, unclean
+spirit, do these sorcerers serve. At tremendous physical cost--for the
+medium is never long-lived--they accumulate great wealth, exorbitant
+sums being demanded in recognition of services rendered when freeing a
+family or village from the visitations of a tormenting _gwei_. When
+sickness enters his home, the Chinaman's instinct is to attribute it to
+any cause rather than a natural one; his appeal on such occasions is to
+the sorcerer whose time is largely occupied in giving what is called
+medical advice, but is in reality the practising of the rites of
+exorcism. Sometimes he will declare that the spirit of a sick person has
+strayed from the body, and means will be set on foot to secure its
+return. A woman I know, whose boy had apparently died from typhoid
+fever, was told that his spirit had been enticed away by a god whose
+shrine was built on the mountain side near the city where she lived. She
+took the child's coat and walked to the temple; here, standing before
+the idol, she burned incense and begged that the boy's spirit might be
+restored to her. Holding the child's coat open to receive it, she swayed
+to and fro, and with heart-rending cries besought it to return. She
+waited until she felt her request had been granted, and with a movement
+as though to enfold the little wandering ghost, she clasped the coat in
+her arms and swiftly returning home, laid it upon the lifeless body. The
+child revived, and is alive to this day.
+
+Frequently, after supplication to the gods, the clothes of the patient
+are carefully weighed; a procession is then formed in which one of the
+sorcerers holds a mirror directed backwards, others, wearing scarlet
+aprons, carry brooms and with slow and mystic movements sweep widely on
+either side with the intent of gathering up the wandering soul.
+Meanwhile crackers are fired to the weird sound of a minor, falsetto
+lilting. After a considerable journey over the countryside they return
+to prove the success of their venture. For this the clothes of the sick
+man must be reweighed to see whether the weight of the spirit has been
+added to that of the patient's garments. Should the smallest discrepancy
+be detected all is well, and after feasting and opium the _mo-han_
+pockets his fee and departs, frequently leaving a prescription behind
+him, the results of which may be more or less harmful. Whatever the
+result, nothing will shake the faith of the people in these degraded
+villains, for they can, by threatening to call in the intervention of
+the gods on their behalf strike terror to the heart of any man, and once
+having sought aid of the sorcerer, the family is pitiable indeed.
+
+In a case which came under my personal observation, the spirit of a
+young woman from a village at some distance from the one in which I was
+staying, who had recently died in childbirth, was said to have returned,
+having found herself in difficulties in the spirit world for lack of
+means to defray the necessary expenses. Illness became so prevalent that
+necromancers were called in and agreed that a medium must be employed.
+The spirit made its requirements known, and by promising the sacrifices
+ordained, the family passed under a bondage from which none dared to
+emancipate himself by omitting the prescribed rites. Night after night,
+at the medium's command a table was spread at the cross-roads, on which
+were laid the fantastic foods suitable to the requirements of the
+departed spirit. Gold and silver paper money was plentifully burned,
+crackers were fired, and following the medium, a party of men left to
+place earthen bowls containing grains at various corners of the roads.
+
+Nothing but the deliverance of Christianity, or a daring known to few,
+can set free those who have been entangled in such practices.
+
+I saw this medium whilst under spirit control. Before a table
+elaborately decorated on which incense burned, she threw herself into
+extraordinary contortions, quivering and shaking, her finger and thumb
+forming a circle, whilst the little finger vibrated continuously. She
+sustained a perpetual chant in the peculiar spirit voice, the minor
+strains of which I find it impossible to describe. A relative of the
+deceased acted as questioner, and she dictated the terms by the
+fulfilment of which the spirit consented to a reconciliation.
+
+Another manifestation of mediumship may be found in the more or less
+conscious yielding of the personality to a controlling spiritualistic
+influence, known as _demon possession_. Remarkable cases have come under
+my own personal observation, and all incidents which I quote have been
+witnessed by foreign missionaries who are prepared to vouch for their
+accuracy. Those brought to my notice by reliable Chinese are too
+numerous to include in this book, but the fact that men and women who
+lay themselves open to demoniacal influences become possessed, is
+beyond dispute. In many cases the possession follows upon a fit of
+uncontrolled temper, such as is not uncommon amongst the Chinese; in
+others it is connected with the taking of a vow on the occasion of
+illness in the home, when service was promised to some particular god;
+or again, it has been undoubtedly connected with the neglect to
+completely remove idols from the home of a Christian.
+
+In yet other cases, a spirit may take temporary possession of a human
+body in order to find a means of expression for some important
+communication, and after delivering its message leave the person
+unconscious of that which has taken place. An instance of this occurred
+in a family with which I am intimate. The eldest daughter was married
+into a home where she received ill-treatment from her mother-in-law. For
+several years she was systematically underfed and overworked, and when
+at last she gave birth to a son we all expected she would receive more
+consideration. The hatred of her mother-in-law was, however, in no
+degree abated, and when the child was a month old she brought her
+daughter a meal of hot bread in which the girl detected an unusual
+flavour which made her suspicious. She threw the remainder to the dog,
+and before many hours had passed both the unfortunate girl and the dog
+were dead.
+
+Her father was away from home at the time, the young men of the family
+meanwhile carrying on the work of the farm. A few days later her
+brothers and first cousins, strong, vigorous young farmers, being
+together in the fields, her cousin, aged twenty-two, suddenly exhibited
+symptoms of distress. He trembled and wept violently. Those with him
+becoming alarmed at so unusual a sight went to his assistance, intending
+to take him home. He wept, however, the more violently, saying: "I am
+Lotus-bud; I was cruelly done to death. Why is there no redress?" Others
+of the family were by this time at hand, and recognising the effort made
+by the girl's spirit to communicate with her own people whom she had had
+no opportunity of seeing in the hour of her death, spoke directly to
+her, as though present. Telling her the facts of the case, they
+explained that all demands must remain in abeyance until her father's
+return, when the guilty party would be dealt with by her family whose
+feeling was in no sense one of indifference. In about an hour's time the
+attack passed, leaving the young man exhausted and unconscious of what
+had taken place.
+
+The criminal law of China can only be put in action under such
+circumstances by the girl's own family undertaking a long and expensive
+lawsuit, the result of which may end in the punishment of the criminal,
+or may terminate in quite a different way. In this case the demands took
+the form of a requirement, the granting of which constituted a tacit
+acknowledgment of guilt. The demand in fact was that a funereal monument
+should be erected in memory of the dead girl. This constituted so
+uncalled-for an honour paid to one in her position, as to be a public
+recognition that redress was due to her, and a law case was avoided.
+
+It may be remembered that in the first chapter of this book an incident
+is recorded of Mrs. Hsi herself being tormented by a demon which had
+gained its power over her, by reason of neglect to completely destroy
+all idols at the time when they were removed from the home. Such a case
+is not singular.
+
+Our first woman patient in the Hwochow Opium Refuge became interested in
+the Gospel, and on her return home destroyed her idols, reserving
+however the beautifully carved idol shrines which she placed in her
+son's room. Her daughter-in-law who occupied this room, a comely young
+woman, desired to become a Christian and gave us a warm welcome whenever
+we could go to the house. About six months later we were fetched by
+special messenger from a village where we were staying, to see this girl
+who was said to be demon possessed. We found crowds of men and women
+gathered to see and to hear. The girl was chanting the weird minor chant
+of the possessed, the voice, as in every case I have seen, clearly
+distinguishing it from madness. This can perhaps best be described as a
+voice distinct from the personality of the one under possession. It
+seems as though the demon used the organs of speech of the victim for
+the conveyance of its own voice. She refused to wear clothes or to take
+food, and by her violence terrorised the community. Immediately upon our
+entering the room with the Chinese woman evangelist she ceased her
+chanting, and slowly pointed the finger at us, remaining in this posture
+for some time. As we knelt upon the _kang_ to pray, she trembled and
+said: "The room is full of _gwei_; as soon as one goes another comes."
+We endeavoured to calm her, and to make her join us in repeating the
+sentence, "Lord Jesus, save me."
+
+After considerable effort she succeeded in pronouncing these words, and
+when she had done so we commanded the demon to leave her, whereupon her
+body trembled and she sneezed some fifty or sixty times, then suddenly
+came to herself, asked for her clothes and some food, and seemingly
+perfectly well resumed her work. So persistently did she reiterate the
+statement that the demons were using the idol shrines for a refuge, that
+during the proceedings just mentioned her parents willingly handed over
+to the Christians present these valuable carvings, and joined with them
+in their destruction. From this time onwards she was perfectly well, a
+normal, healthy young woman.
+
+Upon recovery from illness a woman I knew yielded herself to the lord of
+hell for a certain period, during which time she was under a vow to wear
+black garments, to perform certain rites as required by the devil, and
+to chant instead of speaking. She told me once that she knew all I could
+tell her of the Lord of Heaven and of the death upon the cross of His
+Son, but that she served the lord of hell, and his servant she remained,
+only giving up her peculiar dress and manner when the time of her vow
+had expired.
+
+The yielding of personality to the possession of a spirit no doubt
+seriously weakens the will power. Many cases are on record of those who
+once delivered, like the man in the Gospel from whom the evil spirit had
+been cast out, unconsciously again prepare the empty house to receive
+the evil guest, and whose latter state is worse than the former.
+
+It was to a woman, terror of the district in which she lived, that a
+Chinese evangelist was called. After prayer in which he and some
+inquirers took part, the evil spirit in obedience to their command
+departed. A few weeks later on yielding to violent temper, she fell into
+a worse state than before. The missionary of the district was this time
+begged to go himself. As soon as he entered the room the woman threw
+herself upon the _kang_, rolling about in seemingly great agony. The
+Chinese helper, Mr. Li, rebuked the spirit, saying: "We ordered you to
+leave. Why have you returned?" "I could find no dwelling-place," was the
+answer, given with extraordinary rapidity, in the curious spirit voice.
+"Find me a place to rest, and I will leave at once." "We have come,"
+said Li, "to command you to leave, not to find you a place." Upon this
+the woman laughed and clapped her hands, and in the struggle it seemed
+as if the powers of evil were in the ascendancy. As she still chuckled
+with amusement, Li said: "Let us sing a hymn," and immediately the voice
+replied: "I too can sing," and forthwith shouted some theatrical songs.
+Mr. Li then prayed, but there was seemingly no power and the voice also
+mockingly prayed. The missionary then interposed, saying: "I have not
+come here to hold intercourse with demons," and forthwith
+authoritatively commanded the demon to leave her. There was a struggle,
+and she fell down unconscious on the _kang_.
+
+She came to herself in a normal condition and apologised to the
+missionary for her state of deshabille. Faithfully and sternly he
+rebuked her for sin and for giving place to the devil. She recognised
+her fault, and was from that time a changed woman.
+
+An evil spirit has been known to claim a young girl as its possession,
+forbidding her marriage under severe threats. It was in such a case that
+a demon, driven from a man who had become a Christian, went to a village
+eight miles distant and possessed a young woman. Speaking through her,
+it forbade her marriage and manifested itself in the same manner as it
+had done in the man from whom it came, compelling him to perpetually rub
+one side of his face and head until there was no hair left there. When
+questioned as to whence it came the demon replied by giving the name of
+this man, and to the question: "Why have you left him?" replied: "I have
+been turned out, for that man has become a Christian."
+
+Two methods of exorcism are used by the sorcerers--defiance and bribery.
+The Christian method is that of commanding the evil spirit in the Name
+of the Lord Jesus Christ to release the victim.
+
+Some have been set free from the power of a tormenting spirit who have
+not been subsequently kept free, through refusing to yield to the
+control of the great Spirit of Liberty. Pastor Hsi, than whom none
+better understood the conflict in the Heavenly Places, in earlier days
+would cast out demons from all the possessed who were brought to him,
+but in later years as experience grew, he refused to do so unless idols
+were destroyed, and he had reason to believe there was a sincere desire
+to obey the commands of God. He doubtless saw, as others have done, the
+futility of temporary relief during which, in that mysterious way so
+graphically described in the Scriptures, the demon wanders in waterless
+places, joining himself to others more evil than he.
+
+Pastor Hsi learned to distinguish between the greater and the lesser
+demons. With the latter he would deal summarily, but not so with the
+former. "This kind," he would say, "goeth not out but by prayer and
+fasting;" and thus he would prepare himself for an encounter with the
+powers of evil.
+
+Young believers, doubtless impressed by the Pastor's command over
+unclean spirits and perhaps sometimes eager for a similar power, were,
+as in the instances recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, in serious
+danger. Pastor Hsi urged them not lightly to undertake the casting out
+of demons. He had been faced by the awful realities of the spirit world,
+and on one occasion at least, by reason of a thoughtless word, had been
+troubled by the very demon he had cast out and which attached itself to
+his person.
+
+The experiences recorded here may be unfamiliar to many readers, and
+some will doubtless think that madness, hysteria, or epilepsy may
+account for them. To such I would suggest the following points for
+consideration: Firstly, the striking, detailed resemblance between the
+cases seen now in heathen lands and those recorded in the Scriptures;
+secondly, the complete and lasting restoration resulting from prayer
+and from the command in the Name of the Lord Jesus that the demon should
+depart; thirdly, the appalling sense of the reality of the conflict with
+the evil one at the moment of supreme test, as the missionary is called
+upon to prove his personal faith, and to give the command which shall
+decide whether God or demon remains conqueror on the field.
+
+When the promise was given by Christ that His witnesses should cast out
+demons, it was with the foreknowledge that such equipment was essential
+to those who obeyed His command to disciple the nations. Let the signs
+following be a reminder to weary warriors that the Captain of our
+salvation is actively leading His hosts; and to the indifferent and
+half-hearted who profess and call themselves Christians, let it be a
+matter for serious reflection that there exist churches in many heathen
+lands, the members of which have not lost their first love and faith,
+and against whom the enemy has come with his whole strength.
+
+A feeble conflict may provoke a feeble resistance, but it behoves the
+aggressive warrior to prepare for the fight of his life when he invades
+the enemy's territory, where the conflict is not with "mere flesh and
+blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces, that control
+and govern this dark world."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[6] _The Precious Regulations_, a book written under the Sung Dynasty.
+Its main tenets are derived from Buddhism, though some writers inscribe
+the book among the Taoist documents. Its sub-title explains its
+contents: "A precious record of examples published by the mercy of Yu Di
+(the Jade Emperor to whom is entrusted the superintendence of the world,
+the Jupiter of the Taoists), that men and women may repent them of their
+faults and make atonement for their sins." It includes a description of
+the Ten Courts of Hell and the judgments pronounced therein.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG
+
+          "Happy the meek;
+           For they shall inherit the earth."
+
+
+          "The labourer whom Christ in His own garden
+           Chose to be His helpmate."
+                                        DANTE.
+
+
+          "He went out to seek wisdom, as many a one has
+          done, looking for the laws of God with clear eyes
+          to see, with a pure heart to understand, and after
+          many troubles, after many mistakes, after much
+          suffering, he came at last to the truth."--H.
+          FIELDING HALL.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE LIFE STORY OF PASTOR WANG
+
+
+IF Pastor Hsi may be spoken of as the Paul of the Shansi Church,
+Barnabas finds his counterpart in Pastor Wang of Hwochow.
+
+Though possessing none of the peculiar gifts which made Hsi a leader
+amongst foreigners and Chinese, he has exercised a remarkable personal
+influence upon hundreds of lives, winning by consistency and sincerity
+those with whom he has come in contact. On our first arrival we found
+him already in charge, conducting the Sunday services and generally
+caring for the Church members.
+
+His unfailing courtesy, consideration, and tact simplified many
+difficult situations, and the exercise of his natural gift for gathering
+people around him and drawing out the best in them soon resulted in a
+rapidly growing work. He was almost immediately chosen as Deacon, and
+before long the office of Elder was given to him. All turned to Mr. Wang
+in difficulty, sought his advice in perplexity, and by the unanimous
+desire of the Church he was in 1909 ordained Pastor at Hwochow.
+
+He has developed his gifts in the school of adversity, for trouble
+overtook him in his childhood when his father died only a few years
+before the great famine which was to sweep over the province of Shansi.
+Poor they always were, and his love for his mother was intensified as he
+saw the self-sacrificing devotion with which she earned enough by her
+spinning to enable him to continue his schooling. At the age of fifteen
+he was married, and on the bride's arrival the falsity of the middleman
+through whom the engagement had been long ago contracted was revealed,
+for the bride was a helpless cripple and a serious burden on the already
+overpressed household.
+
+Food soon began to be scarce, for the rains failed and the prospect of
+the wheat harvest was poor. They endured and hoped, being mercifully
+saved from the knowledge that they must now enter upon a period when the
+inhabitants of Shansi should touch the depths of human suffering and
+call on death to end their woes. No pen can fully describe the horrors
+of that time. When summer and autumn crops had failed the rains were
+still withheld, and despair seized on all as they saw the impossibility
+of sowing the wheat for next year's harvest.
+
+The delicate bride, unable to withstand the privations of that time,
+soon died, and Wang's sister was married, so that he and his mother
+remained alone to care for each other. The poor young sister lived but a
+very short while in her new home, and the circumstances of her death
+were so tragic that Wang felt unable to forgive the man who had been her
+husband. After many years, when circumstances brought this man to his
+home, he realised that Christ's command to forgive those who have
+offended against you required of him a complete change of feeling
+towards this once hated brother-in-law, and he invited him to share his
+food as a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation.
+
+Every month the distress became more acute; weeds, leaves, bark of
+trees, and even some softer kinds of wood were used as food, but numbers
+were dying and of the one hundred and twenty families which inhabited
+the village, at last thirty only remained. The dead outnumbered the
+living, and compelled by hunger the latter were driven to sustain life
+by feeding on the former.
+
+Wang saw his mother's vain endeavour to supply some kind of food on
+which they might subsist, and his heart was torn to see her deprive
+herself even now that there might be more for him.
+
+When the famine was at its worst, the most tragic blow fell. His mother
+one day told him it was her wish that he should accompany several
+neighbours to a near village where lived a relation. In those days none
+dared to travel alone, lest in their weak, half-starved condition they
+should fall a prey to man or beast. The pretext given was the
+possibility of obtaining the loan of a little grain from the aunt who
+lived there. Beggars were many and givers few, and he wondered at his
+mother entertaining any hope of such good fortune.
+
+He went, however, only to return a few hours later, empty-handed. As he
+entered the courtyard, heart-sick with disappointment, he called for
+his mother and received no answer. Doors and windows were locked on the
+inside, and sick with apprehension he called the neighbours to his help.
+On bursting open the door, they saw her body swinging from a beam in the
+dim recesses of the cave. The errand had been an excuse to get him out
+of the way, while she performed this act which was the last expression
+of her love to him. She had chosen this solution of their impossible
+position, hoping that, relieved of her presence, he might be able to
+endure till coming harvest.
+
+The body, wrapped in matting, was laid in an empty cave. There was no
+money for a coffin, and many were waiting like hungry wolves to eat the
+uncoffined dead; moreover, the boy and his uncle were too weak to drag
+the body to the burying-ground.
+
+The months passed, and still the arid, sun-baked earth refused to bear
+any green thing, and the despairing people longed for rain which never
+came. The second year of drought had come and gone, and there was now
+nothing sown in the fields, but on the seventh day of the fourth moon of
+the fourth year of the Emperor Kwang Hsue, the longed-for rain fell and
+hope revived.
+
+At this time also a stranger came to the village registering the names
+of survivors, and announcing that foreigners had arrived and were
+distributing grain that the fields might be sown for an autumn crop.
+
+The worst of the famine was over, but the terrors of famine fever had
+yet to be faced, and when the longed-for grain had ripened there were
+in many houses none left to eat it, for whole families had been wiped
+out.
+
+Wang now naturally became an inmate of his uncle's home, and gradually
+the conditions of greatest horror were relieved. As soon as strength had
+sufficiently returned, they made coffins and prepared to bury their
+dead, that the required rites should not be lacking which should bring
+consolation to those who had entered the land of shades without the
+necessary honours having been paid to their memory. Not only for the
+coffins was money required, but also to pay the fees of the geomancers
+who must decide the site of the graves and an auspicious day for the
+funeral. In this one family, thirteen coffins were made and graves dug
+in accordance with the following plan: The four quarterings of the
+celestial sphere were borne in mind, respectively governed by the Azure
+Dragon, Red Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise, these being
+identified with East, West, South, and North. The graves should face the
+south, with White Tiger on the right and Azure Dragon on the left, as
+these respectively control wind and water.
+
+On the day of the funeral the son, dressed in coarse white cloth, with
+unhemmed garments, white twists plaited with the hair of his queue which
+he wore over his chest, and his head unshaven, walked as chief mourner,
+the wailing relatives following the bier. In due course, paper money and
+other articles were burned for the use of the deceased, and fire
+crackers were exploded to ensure the soul and the mortal remains
+against the attacks of demons. The next year in early spring on the day
+known as _Pure Brightness_, in accordance with national custom, Wang,
+dressed in white, again visited and repaired the grave. For three years
+he wore signs of mourning in his dress, and abstained from all
+festivities. Thus he strove to leave undone nothing which filial piety
+could contrive, to make easier to his mother her sojourn in those
+mysterious realms whither she had passed.
+
+For the next few years he worked as a silversmith in his uncle's shop,
+this latter being a generous, kindly man, on whom the responsibilities
+of business life sat only too lightly, for an illness revealed the fact
+that the profits were not sufficient to meet the interest due on the
+rapidly accumulating debts.
+
+Moreover, the sick man, with failing health, had gradually acquired the
+use of the fatal drug known as "foreign smoke," which some years
+previously had been first introduced from distant lands, and was gaining
+ground every year as a profitable crop in the best soil. One ounce a day
+had become the necessary allowance for the sick man, and to Hwochow the
+nephew constantly went in order to buy the needful supply. He tells how
+he walked between the poppy fields and heard the chant which always
+accompanied the sowing of the plant:
+
+          "Of ten acres, fateful plant, thou claimest eight,
+           Thus only two are left for ripening grain;
+           From distant lands thou wert brought here,
+           And hast devoured the best of China's sons."
+
+Of famine, of typhus, and of the raids of wild beasts, the inhabitants
+of Shansi had tasted the full terrors, but now this more insidious foe
+was working havoc in their midst. Amongst the villagers it already
+counted its victims: one young man had recently died as a direct result
+of its use, for after taking his accustomed dose he had so lain down
+that a portion of his wadded clothes was touching the lighted stove.
+Shortly after, his mother entered the cave to find this, her only son,
+burned to death, the charred corpse being all that remained to tell the
+tale. Another neighbour had gradually parted with all his possessions,
+and when nothing else remained on which to raise money, he took his
+young wife and sold her to an innkeeper in whose house she was not
+mistress of her actions and had no choice but to obey her purchaser.
+Nothing could save her, and the tragedy of that broken heart still
+awaits His judgment Who judgeth righteously.
+
+The duty of preparing the pipe for his uncle devolved on the young man,
+and before long he himself was a victim of opium.
+
+Meanwhile the uncle was weaker than formerly, and a neighbour strongly
+recommended Wang to visit the China Inland Mission station at Hwochow to
+ask for some medicine, and this was how he first heard the Gospel story.
+He was cordially received by the evangelist, and given a dose to be
+administered according to regulation, and told to pray earnestly for his
+uncle; this he conscientiously did, kneeling in the courtyard, and
+saying: "Heavenly Father, have mercy on my uncle." The next day, the
+sick man was better, and continued so for many months.
+
+Troubles soon thickened around Mr. Wang. When his uncle died he found
+himself responsible for business and home, and overwhelmed by debts.
+
+The great spiritual crisis of his life was at hand. He had from
+childhood pursued, by what broken light he had, an ideal which was
+intensely real to him. In the five relationships wherein his teachers
+had instructed him as to conduct, he had endeavoured to be blameless: as
+subject to ruler, son to father, younger brother to elder, husband to
+wife, and friend to friend. He had worked beyond his strength to clear
+himself of debt, and when his best endeavours proved futile he had sold
+his goods and distributed their price amongst the creditors. Having
+taken the vow of an ascetic, for years he was a vegetarian.
+Nevertheless, all had failed, and he bitterly reproached himself with
+having fallen into the sin of opium smoking.
+
+Now it happened that a certain man, jealous of Pastor Hsi's success,
+opened a rival opium refuge in which he treated patients according to
+the Pastor's methods, but with medicine of his own making. The scheme
+was a contentious one, and the man a cause of friction and difficulty to
+the Christian community. It was to this Refuge that Mr. Wang, now thirty
+years old, poor, sad, and dispirited, came as a patient. He found here a
+man who, according to the established tradition of the opium refuge,
+received even a degraded class of men into his house in order to care
+for them, and performed many menial tasks in the discharge of his duty
+towards them. Also the good news of the Evangel was proclaimed in the
+house. If the preaching were not sincere but proclaimed a Christ of
+contention, it behoves us to rejoice that even so Christ was preached,
+for Mr. Wang heard something of the life of Jesus, His love, and His
+humility, and thought that he saw the very spirit of the doctrine
+exemplified in the man who ministered to these unfortunate patients. His
+heart was overwhelmed by the love of God; and the beauty of Christ,
+after which he for so many years had blindly felt, lest haply he might
+find, was now revealed to him. On the ninth day, for lack of money, he
+was obliged to cut his treatment short and return home; but henceforth
+nothing could separate him from the love of God.
+
+The rumour of his conversion soon spread, and many visited the workshop
+where the silversmith sat at his daily occupation, questioning him,
+hearing his story, and taking note of the great change in him. From the
+first he exercised a great influence on men, and soon a few were joining
+with him morning and evening for prayer and reading of the Bible.
+
+The last month of the year--a period dreaded by the Chinaman whose
+liabilities exceed his assets--found him in great straits. A fever had
+laid him low, but as soon as strength returned sufficiently to sit up in
+bed and work he was plying his trade once more, and it was thus his
+creditors found him when they came to press their claims.
+
+The Chinese universal system of debt does not allow for the exercise of
+mercy, as each creditor is himself a debtor, and his object in securing
+payments is to relieve the pressure brought to bear on himself by his
+own creditors. Nevertheless, the sight of the sick man forcing himself
+to work, and the reputation he had for integrity so affected them that
+they left the house again, begging him to reserve his strength and free
+his mind from immediate anxiety on their account. Health and strength
+finally returned, and intercourse was established with the Hwochow
+missionaries, which resulted in his baptism. By the year 1900 a group of
+Christian men and women formed the nucleus of a church in the village.
+Mr. Wang this year became a widower for the second time, the wife he had
+taken some years previously dying in childbirth, leaving him the care of
+two small children. The newborn babe it was impossible for him to rear,
+and he gave it away to a friend whose wife had lost her own child and
+now took this one to her breast.
+
+As the dangers of that fateful year thickened and news came of
+persecutions and massacres, the Church trembled and wondered how she
+would endure. Finally it became known that Boxers were marching on the
+village. Mr. Wang was recognised as leader of the local Christians, and
+to him they would certainly come. He called his little boy and girl to
+kneel with him in the cave, and committed the matter to God. At sunset,
+a sound of rushing wind was heard and a violent thunderstorm burst on
+the district. Hail, wind, and rain were followed by a terrific
+cloud-burst which swept man and beast away in its irresistible violence.
+The narrow mountain roads were completely carried away by the course
+of the waters, and the Boxers never came.
+
+[Illustration: PASTOR WANG.
+
+_To face page 136._]
+
+It was a great spiritual experience for Mr. Wang, to whom God spake not
+in the thunder nor in the storm, but in a still small voice which
+asserted His boundless claim on the life preserved from danger. From
+that time he was conscious of a new strength and power, which resulted
+in his shortly giving up his trade of metal-worker to take charge of the
+Hwochow Men's Opium Refuge. That position he still holds, and thanks to
+him the good name and repute of this institution is widespread. All his
+noblest gifts find their full development in the work which makes hourly
+claims on patience, forbearance, devotion, longsuffering, meekness, and
+all those qualities which are bound up in the one characteristic of
+love. From amongst the men in his charge a steady stream return home to
+destroy idols and subsequently request baptism. When the question is
+asked: "How came you to believe?" the answer will be: "I owe it to
+Pastor Wang, who taught me about Christ and taught me to pray." His
+methods are not those of the evangelist who gathers in the crowds, but
+one by one he wins them to the Lord. In one particular only did I hear
+him censured by a Christian, and that was on the occasion of his
+ordination to the pastorate. A Church member protested that a stronger
+man than Wang Bing-guin was needed for the work. "See my case," he said.
+"When, as you know, I was recently the subject of persecution, I came to
+Elder Wang for assistance. He listened to my story and urged me to pray
+and have patience. This I did, but matters only got worse, and I
+returned to insist on his taking action on my behalf. Would you believe
+that he spoke of nothing more practical than prayer and patience again?
+On the third occasion, when I had very nearly made up my mind to go
+straight to the Mandarin, he only urged: 'I fear that prayer and
+patience are your only lawful weapons, my brother.'"
+
+The opinion of the heathen regarding Mr. Wang was forced upon my
+attention in a rather startling way. We were preaching one day to a
+group of village women, and as an old lady in the crowd heard us
+explaining that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,"
+she said: "Those words are untrue, for I knew a man who never spoke a
+false word and never did an unkind deed." Interested, we asked who he
+was, and she replied: "Oh, he afterwards followed your Church; his name
+is Wang Bing-guin."
+
+
+
+
+A VISIT TO THE BASE
+
+          "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye are needing
+          all these things."
+
+
+          "I would be undone if I had not access to the
+          King's chamber of Presence to show Him all the
+          business."--RUTHERFORD.
+
+
+      "Dear children!
+       Let us not be loving in word nor yet with the tongue,
+       But in deed and truth."
+                                        The First Epistle of John.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+A VISIT TO THE BASE
+
+FROM WHENCE WE ARE AGAIN SENT FORTH WITH FRESH SUPPLIES
+
+
+IT was with mixed feelings that we came to realise that the days were
+few until that experience known as "taking furlough" was to be ours.
+
+It was indeed hard to leave our post. England seemed so far away, and
+the thought of having to readjust oneself to English ways and English
+dress was not inviting. The desire to see relatives and friends pulled
+toward the West, but I realised that an even stronger magnet was drawing
+me with tremendous force to remain in the land of the Celestial.
+
+It was arranged that two experienced missionaries, the Misses Higgs and
+Johnson, should join Miss Mandeville who had been with us for nearly two
+years, during our absence. A year of strenuous effort on their part in a
+post requiring the exercise of tact and forbearance, enabled us to see
+marked progress in the work upon our return a year later.
+
+In order to carry out our plan of advance new buildings were necessary,
+and a consultation was held as to the sum required. On the most
+economical computation this would certainly be L500, and we left for
+England with the hope and prayer that if it were for the glory of God
+this sum might be forthcoming.
+
+The months passed by, and sums various were contributed. We were due to
+leave England in March, and we were still far short of the required
+amount, when in February, my friend and Pastor, Dr. Campbell Morgan,
+arranged that I should have an opportunity of telling the members of
+Westminster Chapel of the work in Hwochow. It was Sunday morning and the
+usual collection for Church expenses had been taken, but at the close of
+the service Dr. Morgan announced that those who wished to do so might
+send contributions to him, which would be forwarded to me. Thanks to the
+generosity and kindness of those concerned, we left for China with our
+L500 less L50. In March we started on the interesting journey through
+Siberia, bringing with us that which was of more value than much gold,
+Miss French's younger sister, Francesca, to join us in our missionary
+work.
+
+We reached Moscow, that fascinating city with its churches, Kremlin, and
+numerous historic interests. We seemed to be at the parting of the way
+where East and West meet and merge. Partly for the sake of economy and
+partly for the interest of being more with the people of the land, we
+decided to travel, not by the _train de luxe_, but by the Russian daily
+post train. We were thus able with comfort to do the journey from London
+to Peking for L20 each, whereas by the International train L35 is
+required for fare alone.
+
+How keenly we enjoyed it all! The wide, roomy railway compartments, the
+slow, steady movement of the broad gauge train, enabling one to read and
+write with comfort; the rush with a tin kettle for hot water from the
+huge tanks with unlimited supply, provided at each station; the buying
+of the day's provision from the peasants who crowded to the platforms
+with eggs, butter, and milk; the reading aloud of some Russian book in
+the Slavonic surroundings, which contributed so much to make its
+disconcerting unexpectednesses seem the natural expression of the
+Russian temperament.
+
+How delightful it all was; but when we reached Manchuria Town and found
+ourselves in the midst of Chinese, we felt the thrill which comes with
+the first sight of home. A few more days, and we were in Peking.
+
+We walked in the acres of parkland which surround the Temple of Heaven,
+and saw its blue-and-yellow-tiled roofs outlined on the azure of the
+Eastern sky. We stood in the pavilion where the "Son of Heaven,"
+fasting, rested before he proceeded to pray for his people in the double
+office of priest and king.
+
+What gorgeous scenes the midnight skies have witnessed where the altar
+raises its marble carvings and mystic symbols to the open vault of
+heaven. No sign of idolatry is visible; here he worshipped Heaven and
+Earth, and bowed before the Supreme Ruler, praying for the millions of
+his people to whom he stood as father. A magnificent conception! The
+mind of man could scarcely rise higher in ethics of worship, as in
+solemn splendour the beasts are slain, and the prostrate Emperor under
+the starlit sky calls upon the unknown god. Confucius seemed to realise
+the unbridgeable chasm between the offender and his judge when he said:
+"If a man have offended against heaven, there is none to whom he can
+pray"; and here the ruler of this great people prayed, but with a
+recognition of limitation which brought him, later on, back to the
+familiar idol shrines with an offering of incense and acceptable gifts.
+
+From the quiet dreams of that place, we returned to the hustle and
+bustle of native city life. Our rickshaw men, with marvellous speed and
+agility, were soon rushing us through the crowds of peddlers shouting,
+yelling, and calling on every passer-by to purchase their goods.
+Beggars, scarcely recognisable as human beings, knocked their foreheads
+on the ground, beseeching us to give them some cash. The moral support
+of a policeman is inadequate to the task of protecting the newcomer who
+has yielded to an impulse of pity.
+
+On we rushed through massive gates, where we ran serious risks of an
+overturn in meeting a string of heavily laden camels, with sonorous bell
+hanging to the neck; brightly and gaily dressed ladies passed and
+repassed in rickshaws; men on horseback, coalheavers, foreign women on
+bicycles, shining motor-cars, and glass-panelled, silk-upholstered
+carriages composed a moving picture, with the gates and huge enclosure
+of the forbidden city as background. From the pandemonium of Chinatown
+we swung into Legation quarter, where macadamised roads take the place
+of cobblestones, and for this you call down blessings on civilisation,
+the rubber tyres of your rickshaw running rapidly and smoothly over the
+way. Without transition, you pass from East to West. The Wagon-Lits
+Hotel's fine buildings face you, large foreign shops abound, at night
+electric lights will blaze over the streets still filled with
+pleasure-seekers, thoughtless and forgetful, though the words written in
+days of siege can be clearly descried on the broken fragment of Legation
+wall: "Lest We Forget."
+
+At the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank we entered to transfer money which was
+to enable us to erect those longed-for buildings in Hwochow. Whilst I
+was transacting my business, a voice behind me addressed Miss French by
+name, and the cashier looked up quickly. Immediately upon the conclusion
+of my business he asked: "Is that Miss French of Taiyueanfu? Fifty pounds
+have been lying to her account for three years, and we have been
+unsuccessful in tracing her whereabouts." Identity having been fully
+established the money with interest was paid to us, and with our L500
+complete and some extra, we journeyed homewards. A strange coincidence
+you say! Yea, verily, unless "we take our courage in both hands, and
+call it God."
+
+After a train journey for the next two days, came slow travelling from
+Taiyueanfu to Hwochow. Long and weary days, in which one takes many hours
+to accomplish thirty miles, turning in at night to a Shansi inn. A
+wonderful place it is, carried on with the minimum of expense and
+trouble to the owner, whose responsibility ends when he has provided you
+with a kettle of boiling water in an absolutely empty room, the walls
+and ceiling of which are dirty beyond description. In the courtyard are
+a few sheds where your mules are stalled for the night, while horses and
+donkeys, kicking and braying, vie with _insecta_ in enlivening for you
+the hours of darkness. Meanwhile your landlord has sent to ask whether
+you are requiring food. The bill of fare offers _mien_,[7] with
+accompanying condiments of salt, vinegar, and red pepper. Should you be
+a _bon vivant_ you will ask for onion and a few bean sprouts, though
+this entail the reckless expenditure of the further sum of one penny.
+You lodge a protest at such extortionate charges, for, as your servant
+remarks, "at such a price we cannot afford to eat." Two sticks cut from
+a tree serve for table cutlery. "I hate luxury," said Goethe, "it kills
+the imagination." Here imagination flourishes. Through the dirt and
+grime of the wall I can decipher a poem which tells me that when I come
+to reckon with my landlord, my account will be as flowing river. Other
+scrawls eulogise him, and assure me: "Whoever sleeps upon this _kang_,
+sleeps in peace." (I must have been an exception!) An idol, half-torn,
+hangs in one corner of the room, and in another I discover a Christian
+tract. Who has passed this way before me? I am aroused from my reverie
+by the sound of a voice, which utters, without seeing the humour and
+pathos of the remark: "The foreign devil is reading characters." I turn
+to see an eye filling the space of a torn piece of window paper,
+shamelessly scrutinising me, and as I do so the intruder withdraws to
+discuss with the muleteers my failings, virtues, and intimate habits.
+Long before light the men are calling us, and we arise, anxious to lose
+none of the cool morning air. Delays occur, for last night a portion of
+the harness was pawned to pay for the men's supper. Either we supply the
+necessary money to redeem the pledge, or wait there indefinitely. We
+first declare that nothing will make us produce that sum which they are
+not entitled to receive until the journey's end, but both they and we
+know that a compromise must be effected. Alas, it is already light and
+the sun rises glorious, but to-day we are to reach home, and nothing
+seems hard. A short stay for dinner, and at sunset the gates of Hwochow
+are visible. I cannot describe these homecomings; the welcomers and
+welcomed know, and that is enough.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[7] Vermicelli--cut with a knife.
+
+
+
+
+THE BUILDERS
+
+          "The house is not for me, it is for Him.
+           His Royal thoughts require many a stair,
+           Many a tower, many an outlook fair,
+           Of which I have no thought, and need no care.
+           Where I am most perplexed, it may be there
+           Thou makest a secret chamber holy--dim,
+           Where Thou wilt come to help my deepest prayer."
+                                        GEORGE MACDONALD.
+
+          "Toil, workman, toil; thy gracious Lord
+           Will give thee soon a full reward;
+           Then toil, obedient to His word,
+           Until He come.
+
+           Sing, pilgrim, sing; Christ's mighty Hand
+           Will bring thee safe to that bright land;
+           Then sing--it is thy Lord's command--
+           Until He come."
+                                        ANON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE BUILDERS
+
+RELATING HOW THE SUPPLIES WERE USED
+
+
+IN an incredibly short space of time our compound was overrun by a gang
+of one hundred men from the province of Honan. The land in Southern
+Shansi has been too fertile and yielded too rich a crop of opium to
+leave us good workmen; when therefore we want work quickly and well
+done, we inquire for a Honan or Shantung man.
+
+Our helpers searched the countryside for likely trees, which were felled
+and in a few days made their reappearance as pillars and beams. Old
+buildings were bought, demolished, and sorted into usable and unusable
+material, so that as the walls went up the empty spaces about the city
+increased in number.
+
+Before dawn each morning we were aroused by the beating of a loud gong
+which called the men to work. This work they might not leave until the
+last streak of daylight had faded, except for the brief space allowed
+for breakfast and dinner, when huge cauldrons of a sticky mass of boiled
+millet was ladled out in generous portions. Millet is the cheapest grain
+food procurable, and the Shansi man cannot thrive upon it; to the Honan
+man it is the staff of life, and in consequence their rate of wage is
+lower.
+
+A race of giants they were, handsome, magnificently built, and well
+skilled in the use of their simple tools. In the use of the adze they
+were particularly proficient, and able to plane a section of wood to
+within a hairbreadth of thickness by the use of this alone. They liked
+to use it for the most delicate work, so certain are they of their
+accurate manipulation, and on one occasion when I supplied a bandage to
+bind a wound on the finger of a workman who had met with a slight
+accident, as I turned to take up my scissors, the head carpenter,
+without a trace of humour on his face, stepped forward with a four-foot
+long adze, and offered to sever the calico.
+
+Heavy work requiring the combined strength of several men, such as the
+beating in of foundations, or the lifting of a great beam, was
+accompanied by the sound of the weirdest rhythmic chant, sustained for
+hours if needs be.
+
+A night watchman was employed, who in accordance with the custom of the
+country constantly beat a loud gong, by means of which any intending
+thief is made aware that all are not asleep. The English policeman's
+rubber sole, and the Chinese watchman's noisy methods, strange to
+relate, attain the same ends.
+
+On one occasion, hearing blood-curdling yells at midday, we inquired and
+were told that a workman had caught a tramp, red-handed, in the act of
+stealing his tools. Our informant described him as aged, starved, and
+infirm, "truly pitiable," and strung up by his thumbs to a beam. The
+sound of those yells made us fear that something akin to the famous
+death by slow degrees, so constantly referred to in Chinese
+jurisprudence, was being carried into effect at our very door. Pastor
+Wang, the merciful, was already interceding on the man's behalf, and we
+sent a peremptory message that the thing must stop. Our desire was
+acceded to, and the wretched victim made his escape, more terrified than
+really hurt.
+
+The next reminder of the incident was the following item in the
+builder's final account: "To missing tools, unclaimed in accordance with
+missionaries' loving heart, 2s."
+
+One of the minor expenses connected with our building operations was the
+inviting of guests to a succession of feasts. The occasion of the
+stamping of the contract in the _Yamen_, which marked the conclusion of
+the middlemen's responsibility in the purchase of property, was
+celebrated by a handsome meal, to which all in any way connected with
+the transaction were invited.
+
+The necessity of conciliating our neighbours to the inevitable trouble
+which the dust and litter of building would entail upon them, caused us
+to spread another feast, to which all who could shelter beneath the term
+"neighbour" were asked.
+
+By the building contract we found ourselves obliged to conform to the
+customary requirement made by workmen that every tenth day we should
+provide a "reward for work," which, in fact, amounted to supplying one
+pound of white flour and a handful of vegetable to each workman. This
+arrangement ensured pleasant relations between the men and ourselves,
+for each time they were our guests grievances were forgotten and a fresh
+start made. The swinging of the huge beams of the church roof was the
+occasion for extra festivity.
+
+This custom of inviting guests does much to smooth over difficulties,
+and is customary, not only in matters of building, but also on numerous
+other occasions. For instance, the autumn rains swelling the river
+necessitate the use of a ferry boat for about two months of the year.
+The expense of this is met by public subscriptions from the more
+important people of the city, and a small fare for each passenger. Those
+whose names appear on the subscription list are invited to an annual
+banquet given by the ferrymen; I have often wondered what would happen
+were some simple soul to accept the invitation, which in reality is only
+intended to serve as a reminder that subscriptions are now due.
+
+It is part of the convenient social system of this land that no woman
+would presume to put in an appearance on such occasions. Throughout the
+building operations the only part of the feast in which we were
+privileged to share--which privilege was unquestioningly granted--was
+the payment of all expenses.
+
+How glad we should have been to find such an easy solution to the
+problem of the importunate widow. This aged lady entered a claim for two
+stones occupying nine square feet of waste land, to the sale of which
+she declared her consent had never been given. The matter had been
+referred to middlemen who decided in our favour; nevertheless, we
+learned to dread the daily tap, tap, of her stick, and the shrill squawk
+of her strident voice as she came with fresh deeds (some of them dating
+back to former dynasties) of which she demanded the examination. She was
+generally accompanied by friends, all of whom were prepared to support
+her claim.
+
+I have seen her stand by the workmen, and with her nagging tongue drive
+them, and the foreman, almost to despair. It was impossible to recognise
+her rights even to the extent of feasting her, so we endured until the
+walls were built, and then to compensate her for her trouble handed her
+the equivalent of 2s., which sum she accepted, but every time we meet
+her she reminds us that we are occupying land which belongs to her.
+
+The first autumn frosts saw a large expanse of waste land, which had
+formerly lain around our compound, transformed into a neat series of
+courtyards, and a spacious church occupied seventy feet of the main
+street frontage, providing sitting accommodation for a congregation of
+six hundred. In all, we had erected fifty _gien_[8] of room space, in
+addition to the church.
+
+Thanks to an unusually profitable rate of silver exchange which held
+during these few months, and owing to the faithful oversight and
+scrupulous economy of Pastor Wang and his helpers, our L500 proved
+sufficient to meet all necessary requirements of Church, School, Bible
+School, and Dispensary.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[8] The space between two beams in a Chinese building.
+
+
+
+
+WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+          "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel."
+                                  Motto of the Hwochow Bible School.
+
+
+          "Cornelius halted at a doorway in a long, low
+          wall--the outer wall of some villa courtyard, it
+          might be supposed--as if at liberty to enter, and
+          rest there awhile. He held the door open for his
+          companion to enter also, if he would, with an
+          expression, as he lifted the latch, which seemed
+          to ask Marius, "Would you like to see it?" Was he
+          willing to look upon that, the seeing of which
+          might define--yes! define the critical
+          turning-point in his days?"--WALTER PATER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+WHICH TELLS HOW A LINK WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN WESTMINSTER AND HWOCHOW
+BIBLE SCHOOLS
+
+
+AMONGST the courtyards which constituted our new premises was one into
+the walls of which was inserted a stone, engraved with the words in
+Chinese and English: "Women's Bible School. Erected by the Congregation
+of Westminster Chapel, London. Jesus said: 'I am the Way, the Truth, and
+the Life.'"
+
+The women's rooms had never been large enough to hold those who were
+anxious to come, and now at last suitable premises were going to make
+possible the fulfilment of a long-cherished plan--that of giving
+adequate training to suitable women.
+
+It seemed a long step from the days when, freely roaming around the
+villages, we taught some of these women the very first character they
+knew, spelling out with them the text: "God so loved the world that He
+gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
+perish, but have everlasting life." The next step had been attendance at
+a station class for twenty days, sometimes repeated yearly but never
+leading to advanced work. In our new premises we divided the students
+into three groups: Firstly, those attending a ten days' course, who
+served as training-ground to a second group of more advanced women who
+had passed the initial stage, and who now entered for the two years'
+course of Bible training and practical experience as evangelists.
+Thirdly, a picked few who, having received more regular teaching, were
+able to continue their own studies and help to superintend the work of
+the juniors, especially on the practical side, meanwhile giving a
+considerable portion of their time to aggressive evangelistic work.
+
+Foremost amongst these was Mrs. Liang, mother of Ling Ai, the
+headmistress of the girls' school. Strong, true, a woman of no ordinary
+ability, little escaped her penetrating glance. It was in middle age
+that she first heard the Gospel, an indirect influence of the opium
+refuge work; for Mrs. Liang had never smoked opium, nor had any member
+of her family. A neighbour, however, had, and on her return from the
+Refuge she produced with pardonable pride the copy of St. John's Gospel
+which she had bought, and better still, could read. It was hard for Mrs.
+Liang to see the former degraded opium smoker ahead of her in learning,
+and she persuaded her husband to give her the needed help. She borrowed
+the book and started at the first chapter. She had not been to the
+Mission House nor had she seen the missionaries, but before she met them
+she had met their Lord. It was but one more proof that "the words I
+speak unto you they are spirit, and they are life," and the Holy Spirit
+illuminating the written pages brought home to her its meaning. "He
+came unto His own, and His own received Him not," she read, and how can
+I say what took place? She tells me that she was convicted of sin, and
+that she found her Saviour.
+
+[Illustration: WOMEN'S BIBLE SCHOOL.
+
+Mrs. Hsi on the left, sharing a book with Miss French. Mrs. Liang on the
+right, sitting at Miss Cable's left.
+
+_To face page 160._]
+
+Intercourse with Miss Jacobsen was soon established, and under Mr.
+Cheng's influence her husband also believed. Mrs. Liang was baptized,
+her own feet and Ling Ai's were unbound, and the latter became a pupil
+in the girls' school.
+
+Mrs. Liang herself lived quietly at home until the year 1900. At that
+time the local Boxer leader was a near neighbour of hers, and he was
+prepared to kill these well-known adherents of a foreign religion. On
+recovering consciousness, however, from the trance which preceded the
+issuing of inspired orders, he uttered the surprising words: "Return
+each to your own place; let each busy himself with his own affairs." Not
+daring to disobey his followers scattered, and the small group of
+Christians was safe. Ling Ai has described the experiences of those days
+in the following words: "For months we were as those whose hair is bound
+around the neck, not knowing at what moment we should be called upon to
+die, but after our deliverance we united in saying: 'We have been under
+the shadow of the Almighty.'"
+
+When we came to Hwochow Mrs. Liang, realising our difficulties, was one
+of the first to come to our assistance, and quickly endeared herself to
+us by her thoughtful, kind, practical ways.
+
+To the work of preaching she gave herself with unusual energy and
+devotion, so that to-day there are few women in Hwochow who do not know
+her, and scarcely a courtyard that has not been visited by her.
+
+Assisting Mrs. Liang is Mrs. Bah, who the first time I saw her refused
+to have any intercourse with us. She was the senior wife of a wealthy
+man who had died early, leaving the two widows to arrange matters as
+best they could. The younger one smoked opium, but was the proud
+possessor of a son who by law was the property of the elder wife, but it
+was obvious that to the younger was due the honour of introducing a son
+and heir to the house.
+
+The fact that Mrs. Bah the younger at last became a Christian and left
+her evil habits, did not make the elder woman more friendly, though she
+had in time to confess that life was easier for both under the new
+conditions. After some time the Christians of the village received her
+permission to use a cave in her spacious court for worship, in return
+for their offer to put it in repair. "It can do no harm," she argued,
+"and repairs are badly needed." Every evening they met to read the Bible
+and pray, and Mrs. Bah, prompted by curiosity, took her spinning to
+within earshot. She understood little, but the reiteration of the words
+"Heavenly Father" puzzled and interested her. "If it really be the
+Heavenly Father whom they worship," she reasoned, "they should be in the
+best room." The thought grew upon her until a change was effected, and
+to this day Mrs. Bah's guest-room is the village church. She soon left
+her spinning-wheel to join the worshippers and gradually came to the
+triumphant belief, weak at first, but taking slow shape, that "the
+attitude of the soul to its Maker can be something more than a distant
+reverence and overpowering awe, that we can indeed hold converse with
+God, speak with Him, call upon Him, put--to use a human phrase--our hand
+in His, desiring only to be led according to His will." This was the
+spiritual story of Mrs. Bah.
+
+I could tell of many others and the theme is tempting, for by so many
+and such varied paths have these comrades travelled. To mention only our
+youngest student who at the age of sixteen, member of a heathen family,
+heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ from an elder sister, a patient of the
+Women's Opium Refuge. She determined that as far as in her lay she would
+be a Christian. Yielding to her wishes, her parents engaged her to the
+son of a believer. After her marriage, when her entrance to the Bible
+School was suggested we demurred, but agreed to her attending a station
+class, only to discover that once more the Spirit of God had
+accomplished that of which we knew nothing. This young woman, who had
+only heard the Gospel from a sister who herself did not believe, had
+been truly converted. Reference to the curriculum in Appendix A will
+make it clear that the subject which has the pre-eminence is Bible
+study. The students prepare the books there mentioned, and during the
+years they are with us cover also the course indicated by Dr. Campbell
+Morgan's Graded Bible, which Miss French has translated for their use.
+
+The instruction of inquirers in the village centres is undertaken by
+those women evangelists who have completed their course. In places to
+which they are invited by the local church they hold classes of ten
+days' duration, following the course of study as in the central station.
+By this means a large number of women are under instruction, and
+heathens are brought in contact with the messengers of the Cross.
+
+City and village visiting forms an important branch of the training, and
+last but not least, classes taken under criticism, when it falls to the
+lot of the missionary to ask the questions which might occur to a
+heathen audience, and to impress upon the students the necessity of
+clear presentation of the Gospel. It is desirable that they should
+express the things which have gripped them in an individual way, not
+adopting a Western colouring but using to the full their Eastern
+knowledge: "Originality is like a fountain head; orthodoxy is too often
+only the unimpeachable fluid of the water company."
+
+The prodigal son, for example, naturally smoked opium in the far
+country, and the Chinese pictures so represent him. It was not, as we
+have supposed, in her confidence that oil would be supplied that the
+widow's faith was exemplified, but rather in her willingness at Elisha's
+command to go forth on a borrowing expedition when she was already so
+deeply in debt.
+
+We are sometimes treated to illustrations truly Eastern in character, as
+the following example will indicate. It was accepted by the audience as
+a solemn exhortation, as was the preacher's intention, the missionaries
+being the only ones present to whom the humorous side was evident. The
+subject was the importance of a whole-hearted acceptance of the Gospel,
+and the foolishness and uselessness of a half-hearted belief. A man, we
+were told, was begging by the roadside; he was very ill, and a passing
+doctor had pity on him, and gave him some medicine which the man
+promised to take. Questionings, however, arose in his mind as to the
+reliability of the said doctor, and yet he could not but take the drug,
+as he felt so ill. A compromise was decided upon, and he took half the
+dose. For a few hours he felt wonderfully well, and rejoiced in his
+restored condition; towards night the pain was more acute than before,
+and he was at his wits' end. How he regretted his folly, for his illness
+was certainly more serious. A few months later the same doctor,
+travelling over the same road, met the same man now reduced to a bag of
+bones.
+
+"What!" said he; "are you not the man to whom I gave medicine last time
+I came this way?"
+
+"I am," he replied, "and I have been much worse ever since."
+
+"Worse!" exclaimed the physician; "how is that?"
+
+"I only took half the dose," said the man; "I did not venture to take
+the whole."
+
+"Alas! alas!" he replied, "how terrible! Your illness is the result of
+parasites attacking your vitals. That medicine would have killed them
+all. Had you taken the full dose you would have been well; had you
+tasted none there would have been hope for you. You took a small dose,
+and the parasites were sent to sleep, and later, when the effect of the
+drug had gone over, they awoke more lively than ever. Having once tasted
+of the drug and experienced its effect, nothing will induce them to be
+trapped a second time. Return home, and prepare for a lingering death."
+
+In the moral drawn, the folly of an endeavour to serve two masters was
+made clear--a truth which all present felt to have been powerfully
+interpreted.
+
+
+
+
+THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA
+
+          "Take up God's inspired word anywhere you like,
+          and while we are called upon to adore the
+          sovereign counsel of God and to say constantly
+          that it transcends and surpasses all that we can
+          do and all that we can expect, yet He does not
+          bring the season of refreshing without engaging
+          His children to help Him. The splendour of the
+          grace may sometimes conceal man's effort, but it
+          never cancels it."--Rev. ELVIT LEWIS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE DRAW NET LET DOWN INTO THE SEA
+
+AN ACCOUNT OF FRESH EFFORTS TO REACH THE MULTITUDE AND BRING THEM TO
+DECISION
+
+
+METHODS in mission work are many, and the diversities of gifts bestowed
+by the one Spirit are manifest in the striking variety of means put
+forth to bring to a knowledge of Christ the people of the lands in which
+the members of His Church are called to work.
+
+The teacher rejoices to see the change brought about by discipline and
+regular life in those committed to his care. The doctor, exercising his
+gift, succeeds where others have failed in establishing confidence and
+friendly relations which prepare a road for those who follow. The
+itinerant missionary sacrifices the comfort of a settled dwelling to
+carry the Gospel to those who dwell outside the radius touched by the
+central station.
+
+By the exercise of his peculiar gift, each expresses the longing that in
+the hearts of the people he sees around, without God and without hope,
+may take place that greatest of miracles called conversion.
+Nevertheless, every missionary has ever to guard against a most subtle
+and deadening influence which may be likened to poisonous gas in the
+enemy's country, lulling him to a condition wherein the idolatrous
+practices of the people around, instead of stirring him to greater
+activity, come to be regarded as customs of the nations amongst whom he
+lives, deplorable but interesting practices.
+
+The horror experienced on first seeing men bow down to wood and stone
+may give way to a complacency which ceases to expect an immediate
+response to the quickening and convicting power of the Spirit of God,
+and philosophises on the gradual emergence of light from the kingdom of
+darkness. The deadening of that vitality which drives a man to the
+seeking of the lost is one of the master-strokes of the enemy of souls,
+and one which no man doing spiritual work can afford to ignore.
+
+The sense of this urgency, and a great desire that our Chinese
+fellow-workers might realise the fullness of their vocation as
+evangelists, emboldened us to move in what was then a somewhat new
+direction so far as North China was concerned, by the holding of a six
+days' Mission for women in our new church in the spring after its
+dedication.
+
+Miss Gregg of Hwailu, in the Province of Chihli, when travelling through
+Shansi some years previously had conducted meetings for schoolgirls in
+several stations, upon which the blessing of God manifestly rested. From
+that time plans were being matured in the minds of the missionaries at
+Hwochow for a Mission to women in that city at the earliest possible
+date. The erection of a church building which could hold the number
+expected made that dream a possibility. The city and villages were
+visited by the women evangelists, placards were posted on the walls, and
+every effort was made to widely advertise. Prayer was offered throughout
+the Church that God would so prevent us in all our doings that we might
+see His salvation.
+
+The men gladly undertook the arrangements for catering, made necessary
+by the fact that women cannot go to the shops to buy food for
+themselves, and this department was splendidly managed. We prepared to
+receive three hundred guests, and about three hundred and fifty took
+advantage of the invitation, who, with schoolgirls, Bible School
+students and helpers, provided a resident congregation of little short
+of five hundred. They came long distances on donkey-back, in carts, or
+even walking many miles.
+
+Large numbers of heathen, attracted by the unique sight of so large a
+concourse of women, swelled the numbers at the daily evangelistic
+meetings, and it was an inspiration to see the new church packed with
+women and girls quietly and reverently listening to the Gospel message.
+A room was set apart where silence was observed, that those who wished
+to do so might pray without fear of disturbance. A band of helpers was
+appointed to teach the passage for the day, and outside the church in an
+adjoining court was a book-stall, and here a brisk trade was done in
+hymn-sheets, gospels, and block-printed texts.
+
+The elder scholars, anxious to do their part, acted as stewards; each
+one had charge of some part of the building, so that should a baby cry
+and threaten to divert attention, she could carry the small offender to
+an adjoining room and keep it there until such time as it was prepared
+to enjoy the larger gathering. One of the "old girls" took charge of
+small children, and managed her creche so successfully that we were
+undisturbed by the younger portion of the community.
+
+Each morning before seven a gong sounded and all assembled for prayer.
+After breakfast a short Bible-reading was given, the subject chosen
+being the sevenfold "I Am" of St. John's Gospel. These meetings were
+simple and evangelistic, and many testified to blessing received as they
+saw afresh all the wealth laid up in Him who is the Way, the Truth, and
+the Life.
+
+It was to the eleven and four o'clock meetings that the crowds gathered.
+While the congregation was assembling a choir of schoolgirls sang hymns,
+and after reading of Scripture and prayer by a Chinese lady, the address
+was given by Miss Gregg. The women listened intently as she talked, and
+illustrated her remarks by objects so familiar. The fan used for
+winnowing the grain is, I think, now never used by those who attended
+without the thought asserting itself afresh that thus He will separate
+the wheat from the chaff.
+
+This Mission accomplished all that we had hoped. Christ the Redeemer was
+revealed to some who, in obedience to the wishes of the head of their
+household, had passively substituted Christianity for that system of
+idolatrous observances which had constituted their religious life.
+
+Christ the Master laid His claim upon some who had believed, but never
+served.
+
+Even heathen women, listening to the earnest, convincing words, were
+startled to a realisation that the offer of salvation with which they
+were faced compelled a decision on one side or the other, that the
+detached view with which they had hitherto regarded Christianity could
+no longer be maintained. Amongst the schoolgirls were some, daughters of
+Christians, who were in precisely the same position as girls in a
+homeland. They neither doubted nor questioned, but they now realised
+that the whole matter had assumed a personal aspect, and the individual
+spirit was summoned to an audience with its Maker.
+
+The Evangelists, Bible women, and ripe Christians amongst us suddenly
+saw the fields white, and every dilatory thought which suggested the
+perennial excuse: "There are yet four months and then cometh the
+harvest," was silenced in a sense of immediate urgency: "I must be about
+my Master's business." This gathering affected a wide area, for our
+visitors came from the counties of Hungtung, Chaocheng, and Fensi, now
+all gladly welcomed by the Hwochow church, and missionaries from those
+districts came to share with us in the campaign.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Six years have passed, and once more a Mission for women is advertised
+to be held on the occasion of an idol procession which brings thousands
+into town from the neighbouring villages. This time our own evangelistic
+band was sufficiently strong to undertake the speaking to an audience
+almost entirely composed of heathen, who now heard, not from a
+foreigner, but from their own people, of the Truth as it is in Jesus.
+Once more we saw decisions made and the evidence of the working of God's
+Spirit.
+
+Thus was a further step taken in aggressive work amongst the women, and
+a further impetus given to the self-propagation of the Gospel, and to
+the fulfilment of the prophecy of Pastor Hsi that even Hwochow should
+see a Resurrection morning.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND
+
+  "Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters!"
+                                        CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+          "All within the four seas are brethren."
+                                        CONFUCIUS.
+
+          "Society and solitude are deceptive names. It is
+          not the circumstance of seeing more or fewer
+          people, but the readiness of sympathy, that
+          imports."--EMERSON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+LIFE AMONGST THE UPPER TEN THOUSAND
+
+RECORDING HOSPITALITY SHOWN TO US BY THE OFFICIAL CLASSES
+
+
+IN the centre of every Chinese city stands the _Yamen_, where resides
+the Mandarin, addressed as "Father of the people," before whom their
+wrongs must be laid, and who, as direct representative of the central
+Government, exercises autocratic power. His word is law, a man must
+kneel in his presence when addressing him, and it is a penal offence to
+enter his private dwelling-court unsummoned. His term of office is
+limited to a few years and a change of official entails the removal of
+his whole suite. The new Mandarin will bring with him his secretaries,
+underlings, men and women servants, and the prosperity of a city will
+largely depend upon the personal attitude of the "Great Man" to matters
+of reform.
+
+Our intercourse with the Hwochow _Yamen_ has been frequent, and owing to
+the strong attitude taken by the leaders of the Church against
+interference in law cases where Christians are concerned, it has been of
+a purely social character.
+
+My first visit was in answer to a request from the Mandarin that I would
+go to see his wife who was suffering from acute toothache. I was
+requested to make preparations for an extraction, and was informed that
+if it suited my convenience I should be fetched that same afternoon.
+Accordingly, I made ready and in due course the _Yamen_ carriage
+arrived, a springless, but elegantly upholstered cart, and accompanied
+by a woman servant we started. Ahead of us an outrider, dressed in a
+long gown, wore a hat of the inverted bowl shape, decorated with a
+spreading scarlet tassel. Behind followed other retainers, and thus
+escorted we passed in triumphal procession through the quiet Hwochow
+streets. After many bumps and anxious moments as we splashed in and out
+of mud-pits, we turned into the wide space which surrounds the outermost
+entrance of the _Yamen._ Here crowds of men were reading the latest
+proclamation pasted to the walls, whilst others, talking earnestly,
+discussed the case tried that very day, of the poor man who in vain
+sought redress from the rapacity of his wealthy neighbour. He had knelt,
+and laying his forehead to the ground at the feet of the Mandarin
+pleaded for justice, but only to find that his condemnation was a
+foregone conclusion. All these groups were scattered by the yells of our
+outrider and the cracks of our carter's whip, and the sellers of cooked
+food gathered their piles of little bowls and swiftly set them out of
+harm's way, for the habits of _Yamen_ retainers are well known to the
+populace, and there is little satisfaction to be had when complaints are
+presented and compensation for destroyed goods is claimed. With
+ever-increasing speed and corresponding agony, we were driven up the
+steep ascent which leads to the outer courtyard, where after a
+preliminary bump down two steps we found ourselves on comparatively
+smooth ground, and rolled along a broad, high, paved path leading to the
+second great archway where our conveyance came to a standstill, and we
+waited whilst our cards were taken and presented to the ladies we had
+come to see. Many soldiers were standing about, and various instruments
+used in the punishment of prisoners were fastened to the walls as
+warning to all who passed that way. A very few minutes and we were
+invited to leave our cart and follow the man appointed to conduct us to
+the innermost court where the _Tai-tais_[9] lived; slaves attended us on
+either side, whilst the retainer went ahead carrying our scarlet cards
+breast high before him.
+
+A vista of courtyards opened one from another, and we saw a number of
+little ladies in charming, brilliant, butterfly-like garments coming to
+meet us with odd, graceful, stilted movements. Everything must from this
+point be done according to the strictest etiquette, so the _Tai-tai_ of
+least rank came first to meet us, and led us back to where stood the
+head wife, in whose presence we respectfully removed our eyeglasses and
+made a bow.
+
+There were a large number of women about, for this Mandarin had two
+wives besides several daughters-in-law. We were invited to a
+reception-room where carpets, felts, tables, and chairs were all scarlet
+in colour, and here were served with delicious fragrant tea and small
+cakes, in which were mixed rose leaves, nuts, and sugar. All the
+preliminary questions required by good manners were first asked--our
+respective "venerable ages" and details of our various near
+relatives--but soon curiosity overflowed into many inquiries concerning
+our "honourable country," and we were helped to more tea and cakes, and
+begged to make ourselves at home. We, on our part, led the conversation
+back to matters concerned with the object of our residence in this
+country, and received from our hostess extravagant compliments upon our
+extraordinary ability and learning, the reputation of which, they said,
+was well known to the Mandarin.
+
+The object of my visit was then mentioned, and I was asked to see the
+tooth, of which, being very loose, I recommended the extraction, and was
+able to assure the patient that the pain would not be very great. Many
+of the younger women gathered around her, comforting her, and covered
+her eyes that she might not see the forceps; they begged her to remember
+that the pain would soon be over, and as soon as I could induce her to
+open her mouth, I removed the troublesome member. "How wonderful!" they
+all exclaimed. "Why, it did not hurt at all!"
+
+After such a surgical triumph, long-neglected and half-forgotten pains
+were remembered by the bystanders, and all the ladies on my next visit
+came to me with some complaint. We sought to awaken in them the sense of
+those far deeper ills which they so little realised, finding once more
+that in following the method of Christ a sense of need had been
+awakened: "Ye seek Me because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled.
+I am the bread of life."
+
+As soon as the operation was over, we suggested that we must be
+returning home, but this could not be allowed until we had partaken of
+further refreshment, and servants appeared with delicacies--meat balls
+in gravy, flavoured as only a Chinese cook can flavour, lotus seeds in
+syrup, luscious fruits, sweetmeats, and a drink of apricot kernels,
+sweet to excess. The meat balls were daintily wrapped in pastry, and as
+she helped me to some of these, the _Tai-tai_ said: "I think you do not
+care for pork." I replied that we did not as a rule eat much pork. "I am
+so glad," she said: "these are fowl, and therefore you can eat them
+without fear." A few days later we heard that the head cook was under
+severe punishment and incarcerated in a dungeon, because he had not
+taken the trouble to find out what were our special tastes in matters of
+the table, and had served pork in place of fowl! Some years later he was
+a patient in our Refuge, and told Mr. Wang that he would like to make a
+feast for us. We thought this extremely kind of him, considering what he
+had suffered on our behalf, and he was asked to our kitchen to prepare
+the food, while we invited some friends to share it with us. I think he
+was a man of preconceived ideas rather than a genius at making
+inquiries, whatever his talent in the culinary art, for he said he knew
+foreigners liked sweet things, and he served us twenty or more courses
+of the sweetest food it has been my good fortune to eat!
+
+Our visit proved to be the commencement of a most friendly intercourse.
+A few days later the outrider, cart, and retainers were at our door
+again, this time escorting the ladies who had come to return the call.
+They enjoyed the outing considerably, as is easy to see they would, when
+one remembers that they had lived three years in Hwochow and had now
+crossed the threshold of their home for the first time during that
+period. They could have no intercourse at all with the bourgeoisie of
+the town, and apart from visitors staying at the _Yamen_, enjoyed no
+social life.
+
+In due course we were invited to an "eight times eight" feast,
+consisting of elaborate courses, in which the sweet, the fishy, and the
+meaty alternated in bewildering miscellany, whilst our vision was
+delighted by the elegant dishes, the lovely coral china, the pure form
+of the many-branched candlesticks, and, above all, the graceful, gay
+little ladies who manipulated the difficult, slippery food with such a
+masterly command of their nimble chop-sticks. Here for the first time I
+tasted the delicious birds'-nest soup, gelatinous in consistency and
+fishy in taste, being, in fact, a mass compounded of seaweed and small
+fish into a nest by a sea-bird.
+
+So far all was well, but we came home faced by the difficulty that it
+was now our turn to offer a return feast which must be equally elegant.
+There was only one cook in the city who was capable of the preparation
+of a suitable repast, and he was in their employ, and though some
+surprising things are possible in China, we did not see how we could
+secure his services to cook a meal for his own mistress. We were,
+therefore, thrown back upon our slender resources, and decided that an
+English dinner-party was the only possible solution of the problem. Here
+at least we were treading upon familiar ground, and were free from the
+snares of Chinese etiquette. We need have no fear of giving offence to
+our guests by placing the fish upon the table with its head toward that
+quarter which would indicate their position to be of military instead of
+civil rank, and many other equally subtle and delicate questions would
+now have no terrors for us. We felt it incumbent upon us to do all in
+our power to please the eye as well as the palate, and while we fully
+realised our inability to delight our guests with such beauty as that to
+which they were accustomed, we did our best. Salmon is a great asset,
+being decorative as well as tasty, and only the hard-pressed know the
+many uses of a tin of sardines. Jelly is a certain success, and the last
+plum-pudding from home, cut into dice and blazing in a blue flame, looks
+mysteriously clever. A bottle of cochineal is worth its weight in gold
+on such occasions, and the _piece montee_, which none but an expert
+could have recognised as spinach, beetroot, carrot, and yam tinted pink,
+would have done no discredit to Benoist. The novelty of handling spoon
+and fork, and even so dangerous a weapon as a knife, did much to enhance
+the pleasure of the meal.
+
+The conversation was now much more intimate than on the earlier
+occasions, and both sides felt free to ask questions on matters which
+had excited curiosity. "Does the sun ever shine in your country?" asked
+the _Tai-tai_. "I have heard that England is a land of shades." "When I
+left my home in Szechwan I was very homesick. Are you?" inquired another
+lady, but before I could reply, her companion answered for me: "The
+ability of these ladies is so great that they would be incapable of such
+feelings." A guest of their own, who had spent much time in Shanghai,
+was thoroughly conversant with foreign dress and manners; she described
+the former with great originality, but admitted that even she was
+baffled by one thing: "The spotted webbing with which foreign ladies
+cover their face, is it worn for purposes of concealment or as an aid to
+the eyesight?" My answer that it served to keep the hair in place
+carried no conviction, for she had already remarked that though combs
+are so much in evidence in the foreign woman's coiffure, she seemingly
+makes little use of them!
+
+The conversation turned to the subject of a proclamation recently issued
+which forbade the binding of children's feet: "Alas, the people of China
+are not so easily governed as those of your honourable country,"
+lamented the chief _Tai-tai_. "The Mandarin finds it impossible to
+enforce this one order, whilst he read in last week's paper that in
+England a man is imprisoned for refusing to send his child to school,
+for omitting to vaccinate it, and the article even stated that a parent
+is punished for refusing to call a doctor to see a sick child, even if
+it be a girl; but the newspapers are full of fabulous tales!"
+
+The next few months saw a growing intimacy and a constant exchange of
+presents. We were often able to indulge in the famous delicacy of
+buried eggs, of which the not unpleasant, slightly ammoniated flavour is
+so much appreciated by the Chinese. Once we were faced by a real
+difficulty on the occasion of receiving a present of meat, when
+conscientious Mr. Fu, fearful lest we should shelter under a liberty of
+conscience whereby we would eat and ask no question, hastily came to
+warn us that this had been offered to idols before being presented to
+us. Under these circumstances we had no option but to crave leave to
+refuse a present whereby a brother might have been caused to stumble.
+
+How little we dreamed of the trouble which would so soon break over the
+official classes with the overthrow of the Empire, and the establishment
+of a Republic. I remember the last visit we paid to those friends, and
+our departure from the _Yamen_ in the brilliant moonlight, whilst huge
+lanterns lighted our path through the archways and great gateways. As we
+left the huge enclosure the guard fired the first night watch. "Except
+the Lord keep the city the watchman watcheth but in vain." That night
+the Revolution broke out in Hankow, and the next time we saw our
+hostesses they were in terrible distress, imploring our permission to
+make our house their shelter, should the hatred of the mob break forth
+and their residence be rioted. They were in a most defenceless position,
+for the Mandarin had taken a journey to Taiyueanfu, and did not return.
+He was one of the old school, and faithful to the traditions of the
+Manchus whose court he had accompanied to Sianfu in the flight of 1900.
+It was still far from certain which party would gain the ascendancy,
+and he, as most of his class, wished to refrain from an expression of
+opinion until the situation was clearly defined. This, however, was not
+allowed, and during the massacres of the Manchus in Taiyueanfu he was
+arrested, and made to declare himself.
+
+He held the Hanlin degree, the highest honour to which the Chinese
+scholar is admitted, the Emperor himself conducting the examinations.
+Faced by his enemies and fearing summary execution, he sheltered himself
+behind the age-long reverence for scholarship which exists in China as
+in no other country: "Death has no terrors for me," he calmly said,
+"but, alas, that such a scholar should be lost to China!" No armed
+bodyguard could have afforded him such protection as this transference
+of insult from his own person to the learning he represented. No man
+present was prepared to strike a blow at the embodiment of the Divine
+Right of Scholarship.
+
+He lived to return to Hwochow, where he faced death a second time and
+was dragged through the streets by an angry populace, but finally
+escaped and with his wives reached a place of safety.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[9] The polite term for the wife of an official.
+
+
+
+
+THE REVOLUTION OF 1911
+
+          "For an event to be great, two things must be
+          united--the lofty sentiment of those who
+          accomplish it, and the lofty sentiment of those
+          who witness it. No event is great in itself, even
+          though it be the disappearance of whole
+          constellations, the destruction of several
+          nations, the establishment of vast empires, or the
+          prosecution of wars at the cost of enormous
+          forces: over things of this sort the breath of
+          history blows as if they were flocks of wool. . . .
+          Hence the anxiety which every one must feel who,
+          observing the approach of an event, wonders
+          whether those about to witness it will be worthy
+          of it."--F. NIETZSCHE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE REVOLUTION OF 1911
+
+AND HOW WE WERE AFFECTED BY IT
+
+
+THE revolution of 1911 burst on us like a bolt from the blue. One day we
+were mildly interested at the signs of trouble in far-removed provinces,
+and the next, the thing was in our very midst. The first intimation of
+local disturbance met me in the shape of a contingent of men, parents of
+some of my scholars, who were introduced to my presence with the
+startling information that they had come to fetch away their daughters,
+not daring to leave them in a marked place such as the girls' school
+would inevitably be, and afraid to delay, lest roads should become so
+dangerous that their removal would be impossible. I had no option but to
+agree, and at earliest dawn the next day a few carts and a string of
+donkeys conveyed them from a side door as quietly and unobtrusively as
+possible.
+
+Two days later the news of a massacre of the Manchu population of
+Taiyueanfu reached us; and in accordance with the request of the parents,
+we hastily scattered all the remaining pupils whose homes were nearer at
+hand, and the whole city yielded itself to a condition of panic when
+every wild report was spread and believed.
+
+The little group of foreigners in this town is popularly supposed to
+have access to the most far-reaching sources of information on matters
+national and international; therefore when we saw fit to scatter our
+resident pupils to their homes, the city concluded that secret
+information had been conveyed to us of trouble ahead. That same night,
+whilst we slept peacefully in our beds, terror so seized the populace
+that every young woman who had a village home to which she could
+withdraw, fled to it. Where horse or donkey was not available they
+escaped on foot, carrying the bundle which held their clothes, and the
+gates being shut at dark, numbers climbed down the steep incline of the
+city wall rather than risk the dangers which they feared might threaten
+them in the town.
+
+Certainly an anxious time was ahead for all of us. Postal service was
+interrupted, and we were completely cut off from intercourse by post or
+telegraph with the outer world. It was uncertain whether the movement
+would declare itself anti-foreign or anti-Christian, anti-dynastic or
+anti-Republican. Such uncertainty was felt on this latter political
+point, that it was a difficult time indeed for the large number whose
+plain object was to be on the winning side, whichever it might be. Even
+the commander of the military forces, sent to restore peace in a
+neighbouring city, provided himself with the badge of either party, that
+he might, at the city gate, affix that which was representative of the
+predominant feeling. The Chinaman has for so long held the view that
+politics are no individual concern of his, seeing that statesmen are
+paid to give their time and brains to the consideration of such
+questions, that it would seem unnatural to be expected to have an
+opinion on such a technical matter as to whether the Government of the
+land should remain Imperial or become Republican.
+
+On our compound were collected seven foreign women and about a dozen
+Chinese girls whose homes were in distant towns, varying from the
+borders of Mongolia in the north to places twelve days' journey by road
+in the south.
+
+Much anxious thought was devoted to the question of how the various
+members of our community could be placed in safe keeping, should it
+become imperative for us to leave the place.
+
+Finally, Sir John Jordan's recall of all British women and children
+reached us, and feeling it our duty to obey orders, we hastily boarded a
+few girls in suitable Christian homes, and left with the others by the
+North road. A long line of nine litters swung through the great archways
+of the city gates, soon after dawn on 4th December 1911, to convey us to
+our nearest point on the railway line, five days' journey away, passing
+_en route_ through a city where we knew that a trustworthy Christian
+family would take charge, _pro tem_, of some of our Chinese girls.
+
+It was with relief that we saw the distant railway embankment, which
+indicated to us that we had reached the end of our litter journey, and
+might now expect to be shortly whirled back to the midst of Western
+civilisation.
+
+The time-table indicated 9 a.m. as the hour of departure for the morning
+train, and long ere this our shivering group assembled on the bleak
+platform. We were evidently not to be kept waiting, for the train stood
+ready on a siding, and our slight baggage was soon placed in the racks
+of the only third-class carriage attached to a goods train. Those who
+have spent years away from the sight of a train will understand the
+sense of luxury with which we seated ourselves, and waited to hear the
+whistle which would be the sign of our departure, and feel the swift,
+easy movement which would carry us over so many miles of road almost
+without a trace of weariness. Our number had increased to about twenty
+foreigners, assembled in response to Sir John Jordan's command from
+various stations, and pleasant conversation so engaged the time that
+impatience was under control, even though the sun was high in the
+heavens and still the train was stationary. Our servants, who had heard
+much of the marvels of steam-engines, still sat on patient heels at the
+edge of the platform; but doubt of the superiority of this Western
+notion gained on their minds as the sun passed the meridian and they,
+with twelve miles to walk for their night's lodging, left us still
+standing motionless. "A train is a handsome thing to look at, and the
+amount of iron used in its manufacture must be immense, but for
+practical purposes give me a cart," was the report they brought home to
+inquiring friends at Hwochow. In the afternoon we steamed away, under
+escort of a young man who had just been appointed Secretary of the
+Foreign Office in the provincial capital by the new revolutionary
+party. His qualifications for the post consisted chiefly in the fact
+that, having been employed by a foreign firm as piano-tuner, he could
+make himself understood in the English tongue on simple subjects.
+
+As far as the station of Yangchuen all went well, but here fresh delay
+and the unwelcome announcement from our escort that a battle was in
+progress farther down the line, the metals were required for the
+conveyance of soldiers, and he must beg of us to make ourselves as
+comfortable as possible for the night in our compartment. Protest was
+useless, and we had to submit to see the engine detached and ourselves
+abandoned, a useless derelict, on a rusty siding. The Secretary of the
+Foreign Office supplied us with hard-boiled eggs and biscuits, and made
+his exit, leaving in charge of the gentlemen of the party a packet of
+silver which he begged might be handed to his mother. By morning
+stationmaster, guards, porters, and clerks had all vanished from the
+scene, for the news had come of a reverse to the Revolutionary forces.
+
+Four days and nights we stuck to our third-class carriage and our
+siding; for part of the time, trains thundered past carrying men to the
+front, and we were informed that the famous regiment called
+"Dare-to-die" had gone to crush the Imperial troops. With a thrill we
+saw these brave warriors pass, but a brief period sufficed to dispel
+"the great illusion," and twelve hours later the same men were dashing
+back to Taiyueanfu, carrying a terrible tale. "Had we stayed longer we
+should have been dead men; the bullets were falling in our midst." The
+officer, however, gave a different explanation of their return. "Poor
+chaps, they are worn out, and I must take them back to get a night's
+rest," he said. No one cared for our plight, as cold, hungry, and
+deserted we watched the weary day pass to night, and the yet more weary
+night give place to a dreary dawn. Such experiences are not to be
+desired, for they who know China best, and the anti-foreign feeling
+which may at any time manifest itself, are aware how quickly such a
+position may become critical.
+
+One thing only besides our miserable carriage had been left on the line,
+and that was three trolleys. The hour dawned on the fourth day when our
+exhausted patience refused further service, and we determined those
+trolleys should be made to carry us and our goods to some inhabited
+region, be it friendly or inimical. That day and the next we spent
+racing down and crawling up the gradients of the line to Niangtzekwan.
+The "Dare-to-dies" boasted of having mined the line, and this did not
+conduce to ease of mind in being the first to travel over it, especially
+when we rushed through long tunnels. The line is one which taxed the
+ingenuity of engineers to the utmost in its construction, and is one
+succession of light bridges spanning deep chasms, tunnels, and long
+gradients. Luckily for us, we were travelling in the downhill direction,
+else our journey had been impossible. If the brave "Dare-to-dies" were
+too hurried to leave the line mined, they had taken time to destroy it
+in some places, and once a broken-down engine blocked our path. The
+fleeing soldiers had found the engine-driver preparing to take in water,
+but they would have none of his lagging ways, and compelling him to
+drive ahead, were soon forced to abandon the useless locomotive. Each
+such obstacle was a lengthy hindrance, and the kind gentlemen of our
+party were obliged to organise a breakdown gang to overcome the
+difficulty. Our trolleys, with all the baggage, had to be transferred to
+another line. Effort and energy were not spared, and the following
+midday brought us face to face with the first engine carrying Imperial
+soldiery towards Taiyueanfu. At Niangtzekwan Pass we were under the
+Dragon flag once more. The houses of the foreigners there were
+completely wrecked, and my recollection of that place is a land of
+feathers, contents of the beds of the Frenchmen who had left their
+homes, and would return to find nothing but a heap of ruins and a litter
+of broken glass, china, and furniture, smothered in feathers and
+presenting a sad wreckage of what had once been a home. That evening we
+reached an inn where food--warm, satisfying food--was to be had, and
+twenty-four hours later we steamed into Tientsin station, greeted by a
+hearty cheer from a friendly group, for we had been missing and untraced
+since we left Yutze.
+
+
+
+
+CHANGED CONDITIONS
+
+          "The Master said: The people may be made to follow
+          a path of action, but they may not be made to
+          understand it."--CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+          "I have seen a Chinese graduate of a Western
+          university, dressed in proper Western clothes, in
+          his dress-suit, with an opera hat crushed under
+          his arm, beseeching the goddess of mercy in her
+          temple, with many rich gifts, to give him a male
+          child."--Rev. C. SCOTT.
+
+
+          "From time to time Jesus was offered a place in
+          the Pantheon, but Christianity perceived that the
+          Pantheon was the place for dead gods."--Dr. JOHN
+          HUTTON.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+CHANGED CONDITIONS
+
+WHEREIN SOME, THOUGH FOLLOWING A PATH OF ACTION, FAILED TO UNDERSTAND IT
+
+
+THE very week that the British Minister issued passports for women to
+re-enter Shansi saw us in Tientsin on our way inland. Those precious
+documents which enabled us to return to our work were eagerly received,
+and we lost no time travelling over the familiar ground. How easily and
+smoothly we now sped over the iron rails as compared with our former
+journey; we need now take no interest in gradients, nor fear that the
+train would not start at the appointed hour, nor convey us to our
+destination.
+
+We found ourselves in a strange country. In place of the dragon, the
+five-colour Republican flag was everywhere in evidence, which by the
+Chinese is thus explained: China's eighteen provinces are represented by
+the red line, Manchuria by the yellow, Mongolia by the blue, Ili,
+Chinghai, and Sinkiang by the white, and Thibet by the black; the ideal
+of the Chinese republic, a united territory, being indicated.
+
+Soldiers in semi-foreign uniform lined up on each station platform to
+salute the train, remaining at their posts until the puffing monster
+was out of sight. At Taiyueanfu were further surprises. No man wearing a
+queue could enter the city. Should he make an effort to do so, the
+soldiers guarding the gates speedily removed the appendage with a pair
+of large scissors.
+
+The shops vied with one another in having the very latest "Republican"
+goods; the buttons one bought were "Republican"; all school-books were
+changed to the latest "Republican" editions; the cloth trade mark was
+"Patriotic." Everything was Republican, and we began to realise that
+China, far from being the conservative country we had thought, was one
+of the most progressive.
+
+As we came to districts where the regulations had been less severely
+enforced, we found the queue replaced by the most extraordinary
+head-dress; the hair, varying in length, was sometimes braided and
+sometimes held in place by a strip cut from a petroleum tin, and bent to
+a semi-circle. The more wealthy members of society affected a style
+similar to that of an English schoolgirl, the flowing locks reaching to
+the shoulders and held from the face by a circular comb. Others allowed
+the tresses to fall as nature dictated, keeping them of such a length
+that with very little trouble the plait might again appear, for as some
+remarked: "Who knows, maybe we lose tails to-day, and heads to-morrow!"
+
+The hats were even more wonderful. In place of the neat, circular cap,
+every shape and size was to be seen. Round hats like a pudding-bowl,
+straw hats, hard oblong hats, soft hats, home-made hats, erections of
+cardboard, giving proof that some devoted wife or mother had done her
+best to copy with the means available, probably only cardboard and
+paste, a tall hat, which her lord described as having seen on some
+journey towards Western communities. Women's dress was likewise being
+revolutionised, and skirts were extraordinary. One young lady whom I
+met, desiring to be more up-to-date than the rest, wore the so-called
+foreign dress back to front, and was far more satisfied with her
+appearance than the charming little lady who accompanied her, dressed in
+the dignified, elegant attire of her own people.
+
+Not only had the style changed, but travelling south we missed the
+bright-coloured clothes which had always added a touch of beauty to the
+landscape. We discovered that with the introduction of the Republic,
+sumptuary laws were being enforced which commanded the exclusive use of
+earth-coloured garments for the men, and forbade the wearing of silver
+ornaments to women. Proclamations followed one another in rapid
+succession, several of which were framed with a view to altering the
+standing of the army. From ancient days China has regarded the soldier
+as belonging to the lowest grade of society; the highest place is given
+to the scholar, and next to him the farmer, who on account of his labour
+for mankind ranks high. The artisan is placed third, but the trader,
+seeing that he only distributes and does not produce, comes just before
+the soldier, who neither producing nor distributing, but only
+destroying, ranks lowest in the social scale. One proclamation stated
+that no one was to say that it was _infra dig._ to enter the military
+profession. It certainly needed some such move on the part of the
+authorities to add to the prestige of the army. A few days before the
+recruiting agents had been through the district. "Only those wearing the
+queue will be enlisted" was the, to us, amazing dictum. Upon inquiry we
+found that former aspirants had given considerable trouble by running
+home when the labour became too arduous. As the donning of military
+uniform necessitated the removal of long hair, it was obvious that the
+new brigade would be freshers, and, as our informant said: "Never having
+left home before they will not know the way back!"
+
+The next order forbade us to speak of any day as "unlucky." Now from
+time immemorial, some days have been regarded as good and others as bad
+for such important events as weddings and funerals; in fact, almost
+every day of the year is controlled by some fortunate or untoward
+influence, governed by the conjunction of the "Celestial Branches" and
+"Earthly Stems," complicated with innumerable elemental antipathies and
+affinities.
+
+As an example may be mentioned _wood_, which is antagonistic to _metal_,
+but has an affinity for _fluid_ from which it draws its sustenance,
+whereas the metal forged into an axe serves for its destruction.
+
+The "Earthly Stems" are represented by symbolic animals, and have
+zodiacal signs and control of certain hours. Of the twenty-eight
+zodiacal constellations, seven are infelicitous and no one will risk
+entering upon a new venture on these days. To repair the kitchen stove
+on a day when fire was in the ascendancy might cause a conflagration,
+and to go to law on the day when water is the controlling element is
+equally foolish, for the tendency of water is to fall, and this may be
+the fate of the overdaring litigant. On a day controlled by the snake it
+would obviously be foolhardy to start on a journey, for with such a slow
+traveller as your controlling genius the journey might be impeded.
+
+The calculations necessary for the correct adjustment of these various
+influences provide a livelihood for astrologers and fortune-tellers, but
+this proclamation, at one fell swoop, attempted to abolish their
+profession. The order was issued, and I suppose in time the yellow paper
+faded in the sun; some read it, many talked of it, but they still chose
+the day which according to their calendar was the auspicious one, and no
+man hindered them.
+
+Other proclamations followed in due order: there was to be no music at
+weddings or funerals, only good cash was to be used, women were to
+unbind their feet, and brides were not to wear embroidered gowns. We
+listened respectfully, as in duty bound, and waited for the pendulum to
+swing.
+
+Upon one point, however, the powers were insistent. The Western calendar
+must take the place of the lunar. The actual change of date was a small
+matter, but this alteration upset the whole organisation of Chinese
+life. The New Year season is one which ensures to the Chinese family its
+annual gathering, and all the subsequent festivals date from that, the
+greatest. The orders were too insistent to be trifled with, and we, in
+common with all the government schools, closed to enable our pupils to
+be at home for the 1st of January. New Year scrolls were exhibited
+outside every front door, but apart from this, the day passed unnoticed.
+Instead of paying and receiving calls, inviting guests and enjoying the
+family gathering, business was carried on as usual. The first day of the
+first moon, however, found the populace given up to revelry, shops were
+closed, it was impossible to buy food, and the children in school
+rebelled at the decree which separated them from their parents at such a
+time, and longed for the golden days of the past. Before another New
+Year it was quite evident that proclamations were useless, and we
+joyfully returned to the old order, and now all keep the first day of
+the first moon as our festival.
+
+Compulsory education was talked of, even conscription was whispered, and
+yet we had no criminal code, and no one could touch a neighbour of ours
+who, angry that her daughter-in-law presented her with a girl instead of
+the longed-for boy, took the child and dashed out its brains. The child
+is her property, and she has power of life and death in her hand.
+
+The new Mandarin was a native of Shansi, the old rule that a man might
+not act as magistrate in his own province having been repealed. He was
+not as his predecessor, carried in a sedan chair, but walked, or rode in
+a cart as a commoner. He wore cotton clothes in place of the gorgeous
+silk and satin embroidered gowns, and when he sent to invite us to dine
+with his wives, his card was foreign except for the characters written
+upon it.
+
+Our first visit to the _Yamen_ under the new regime revealed some of the
+many changes which had taken place during the last year. No longer were
+we escorted by outriders, but hired for ourselves one of the few carts
+that Hwochow boasts. The _Tai-tais_ were dressed in black, relieved by
+fancy crochet work shoulder capes, of varied hues. The teacups were of
+white china, decorated with a bunch of forget-me-nots, and the
+well-known words: "A present for a good boy." The feast menu was as
+before, but instead of the beautiful china and Eastern decorations, we
+sat round a glass petroleum lamp and ate delicacies worthy of a better
+setting from plates of that familiar pattern, white with a border of
+blue. The exquisitely polished table was covered with a piece of white
+calico, a knife and fork lay beside the chop-sticks, and last but not
+least, the Mandarin, to add to our pleasure, ordered his servants to
+bring out the gramophone, which during dinner poured forth a selection
+of London street songs and Chinese theatrical music. Conversation was
+drowned, and we were able the more to observe. In place of
+scroll-decorated walls, brilliant paper met our gaze at every turn,
+white enamel basins and bowls replaced all the flowered china on which
+we had lavished so much admiration. After dinner we were not offered the
+water pipe, but cigarettes, all expressing surprise that we could refuse
+so foreign an indulgence. The Chinese proverb to the effect that "A
+wayfarer does not repair the inn nor the Mandarin his official
+residence," was for once in fault--the workmen had been busy! We spent
+a very pleasant hour with the family after dinner, receiving as on
+former occasions the utmost kindness and courtesy.
+
+The classical writings of Mencius were for a time excluded from the
+schools as teaching reverence for kings and rulers, a doctrine not to be
+tolerated in the most republican of republics.
+
+The friendly attitude of some of the leaders of the revolutionary
+movement towards Christianity lent colour to a widely spread impression
+that republican government necessitated a change of religion. Some
+favoured the Protestant, some the Roman Catholic Church, others
+preferred the "No-god society," which gained many adherents as being
+more modern.
+
+Even the Church was affected by the prevailing craze, and the wearing of
+the queue and non-observance of innovations was regarded as sin by the
+ignorant and superstitious. I heard a new convert warned by a Church
+member that sickness in his home might well be due to his rooted
+objection to calendar changes.
+
+This attitude of mind, happily for us, lasted only a few months, but it
+was followed by another serious danger when the question of introducing
+the Confucian Ethical Code as a state religion was brought forward. This
+would have imposed limitations on Christians, Mohammedans, and others,
+the alternative suggestion being that Christianity should be given this
+status, in which some saw far greater perils. Meetings of the Chinese
+Protestant Church forwarded petitions to the Central Government,
+protesting against both proposals and craving only religious liberty,
+and the danger was averted.
+
+The habit of revolution is a pernicious disease of the human mind, and
+once acquired hard to throw off. Our political horizon has been draped
+in storm-clouds ever since 1911, and our local social plans liable to
+disintegration on account of rumours calculated to disturb the mind of
+the people. White Wolf, Wolf King, and other robber chiefs have
+announced their intention of visiting us. Our walls have been inscribed
+with the terrifying announcement that "White Wolf is a devourer of
+sheep," which in Chinese, by a play on the last word, can be understood
+to mean: "White Wolf is a devourer of foreigners." A bold sketch of a
+drawn sword was added that no doubt might be in our minds as to the
+bloodthirsty intention of the threat! Mohammedan rebellions to the west,
+Mongolian raids to the north, have alternated with the political
+difficulties brought about by international negotiations, to add to the
+sense of insecurity inevitably resulting from the removal of the very
+central foundation of governmental stability--the "Son of Heaven"--to
+whom four hundred million subjects bowed in reverential obedience.
+
+Transition periods are difficult, and China has been troubled by those
+who in their enthusiasm for change have lost the sense of proportion,
+and sought to revolutionise much that is dearer than life itself to many
+of their countrymen; nevertheless, this great nation, permeated with
+ideals so free from sordidity, will surely carve for herself a future
+worthy of her past.
+
+
+
+
+ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+          "In tragic life, God wot,
+           No villain need be! Passions spin the plot:
+           We are betrayed by what is false within."
+                                        GEORGE MEREDITH.
+
+  "Oh Christians, at your Cross of Hope a hopeless hand was clinging."
+                                        E. B. BROWNING.
+
+          "After all what would he have had to sacrifice had
+          he followed Jesus? He would have had to give up
+          his house in Jerusalem. He would have had to
+          renounce society; but society would soon have
+          forgotten him, for society has a short memory for
+          people who for any reason have fallen out of it.
+          That is what he would have lost, and what would he
+          have gained? He would have had those walks with
+          Jesus across the fields, and he would have heard
+          Him say: 'Consider the lilies.'"--MARK RUTHERFORD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+ANOTHER PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+WHEREIN THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO SOME WHO HAVE FAILED
+
+
+TO the student of human nature the fact that man so often fails to
+respond to the highest ideals set before him comes with no shock. In the
+early Church men who had run well were easily hindered, and in the
+greatest series of biographies we possess, we see portrayed faithfully
+the faults and failings of those who now form the great cloud of
+witnesses, and are shown at the same time the possibilities of such
+lives when brought into vital touch with the Divine.
+
+The generous, impulsive David, the man God's own heart, was capable of a
+tragic fall; Peter and John, privileged to personal intercourse with the
+Lord, in the hour of crisis were amongst those who forsook Him and fled,
+and Demas, "who loves this present world," is ever a disappointment to
+Evangelist, who hoped that for him such dangers were over.
+
+For the fact remains that the natural characteristics of the man are
+strong forces, and that while Grace can, and does, make possible the
+"new man in Christ Jesus," we remain each in our own order, and perhaps
+no point is so vulnerable as that wherein has taken place greatest
+change.
+
+The emergence from heathendom is a difficult process, during which time
+habits, vices, and superstitions cling to a man's soul with a tenacity
+that would cause us to abandon all hope, were it not that monuments of
+grace abound to prove that the power and dominion of sin has been
+shattered.
+
+Sometimes the enemy will entrap a young Christian when there is illness
+in the home, and under pressure he will fly to magic incantations and
+heathen practices, in order to get deliverance from the malignant spirit
+which he still believes has power to torment him. Many a convert has
+fallen on the occasion of a funeral. It takes more faith than a
+Westerner can realise, to defy the legions of _gwei_ which at that time
+threaten your home and its inhabitants with numberless ills; and
+strength of mind is required to resist heathen relatives who accuse you
+of slighting the deceased.
+
+The test is a severe one and may well make a strong spirit quail,
+especially when, as so often happens, several members of one family will
+die in rapid succession, quite evidently to us by reason of the agency
+of natural laws which govern physical life, but to the Chinaman, a clear
+manifestation of the power enjoyed by demons whose pleasure it is to
+torment men. Even the very dead may rise from the grave to confront you
+with horrid vengeance, should the body not have been buried with full
+rites as required for the laying of the spirit. Most subtly has the
+enemy caused many a man's downfall when his unmarried daughter has died,
+and he has found himself confronted with angry relatives and irate
+villagers, when he proposed to bury the body with the deceased of his
+own family. By the rule of ancient custom a spirit bridegroom should be
+found for this girl, or, as an unattached spirit, she will inevitably
+return to her neglectful relatives and trouble them in numberless ways
+in order to bring her pitiful condition to their remembrance. In one
+way, and one way only, can the ghost be pacified. A bridegroom of
+suitable age, likewise deceased, must be found, and all marriage
+ceremonies be conducted with due pomp, a memorial tablet being placed in
+the scarlet chair in which the bride should have sat. Clothes,
+furniture, and presents, all made of paper, go with the chair to the
+home of the deceased bridegroom, and are there received by living bridal
+attendants. A feast is spread, and all make merry until a few hours
+later when mourning apparel is donned, and to the sound of wailing two
+coffins are placed side by side in the family tomb. The paper clothes,
+presents, and marriage-contract are burned, and thus ascend in smoke to
+the spirit world. The bodies may have been kept for years before a
+suitable match could be made, but from the day of the funereal nuptials
+the two families regard themselves as, or even more, intimately related
+than they would have been had an actual marriage taken place.[10]
+
+It is easy to say that nothing so frankly heathen need ever raise a
+question in the mind of a convert, but severe persecution and the
+responsibility of every misfortune that may occur in his village will be
+his, if he defy public opinion and introduce an orphan spirit to the
+Valhalla where his ancestors, for countless generations, have never
+failed to receive the rites of filial service.
+
+The missionary knows the importance of keeping ideals high by precept
+and practice, and that his best way to help the young believer is by
+emphasising the big claim that Christ makes on a man. That claim once
+apprehended will create in the man's heart an everlasting
+dissatisfaction with anything lower.
+
+Sad as is the case of a young believer falling into sin, how much more
+tragic that of a man who abandons Christ after many years of service,
+allowing sins, which he had overcome, once more to have dominion over
+him. It is an awful reality of life that the point on which a man has
+most conspicuously conquered is likely to be his weakest, for the enemy
+plays a waiting game,
+
+          "And where we looked for palms to fall,
+           We find the tug's to come,--that's all."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Nieh came early under the influence of Pastor Hsi. He was a man of
+conspicuous ability, business capacity, and influence. In early days he,
+too, had smoked opium, but when he left that habit, he became a
+Christian and an earnest student of the Word of God. Few could speak
+with such power as he, and at any conference where he was present,
+eager, interested crowds would gather to hear him. Many have been led to
+Christ by his influence, and he seemed a man raised up of God to carry
+on the work of the late Pastor Hsi. He administered the opium refuges
+with great ability, and the work of the Church for many years prospered
+in his hands. Every one turned to him for advice and help, and when the
+Boxer troubles broke out, it was to Mr. Nieh that both Christians and
+officials looked in their hour of need. "He was marvellously helped
+until he was strong," and then, as to Uzziah of old, came the decline.
+Power he loved, and in the position in which he found himself, holding
+office in the Church, was able to exercise it in many directions.
+
+Only God knows at which period the spiritual decay set in, which
+silently, and at first quite invisibly, began a work which has ended in
+the complete downfall of this man on whom the hopes of so many were set.
+A desire to increase the prestige of his name, and love of popularity
+led Mr. Nieh, as opportunity occurred, to lend his influence in
+law-cases and village disputes on behalf of unworthy men, with the
+motive of self-aggrandisement. Slowly but surely the material overcame
+the spiritual in his life.
+
+At this hour he is no longer even a member of the Christian community,
+having publicly repudiated his former profession of faith. He even
+smokes opium again, and finds his power and influence to be a thing
+wholly of the past. Extraordinary trials have come to him in family and
+personal life, but he remains hardened and untouched. The light has
+gone from his face, for he has ceased to walk in the Light, but as we
+look on his dissatisfied appearance, hope revives that he, having tasted
+so deep of earthly bitterness, may yet be found amongst the suppliants
+for mercy at the throne of God. May it be in the midst of life, and not
+only in the hour of death that he will witness the great confession:
+"Thou hast conquered, O Galilean."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There is a failure which is partial success, and under this, I think,
+may be placed Yen Keh-dao, who, when once he was clear of opium himself,
+bought up eagerly every opportunity that presented itself for
+evangelistic work. He had fallen so often, and been obliged to return to
+the Opium Refuge time after time, until new birth had made him a new
+creature. Now at last he seemed firm where formerly he had been
+powerless to resist temptation. When he at his own expense entered his
+name for a two years' course of theological training, we all hoped that
+a future of considerable usefulness lay before him, but before that
+period was over, the craving was on him again and he had fallen into
+open sin. Another effort, and he was free once more, and then again he
+fell and soon was lying very ill with typhus fever. Christian men
+visited him and prayed with him, and he, for so long as consciousness
+lasted, prayed earnestly; then delirium, and in a few hours death
+released his spirit from the body of its humiliation. According to man's
+statistics, he is tabulated a failure--"one more devil's triumph and
+sorrow for angels"--but there are many who loved him, and who look up
+in expectation to see him "pardoned in heaven, the first by the throne."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Puppy's mother" has lived at the door of our mission premises since
+they were first opened. She, according to the custom of the country, is
+only known as the mother of her child, so having elected to call her
+daughter "Puppy," she must needs be "Puppy's mother" throughout the
+town. She has known the three generations of missionaries who have lived
+here, and has been dressmaker to them all. No one has been more
+deliberate in her choice of heathendom over Christianity than she, and
+no one has lent a more willing ear to the scandalous lies circulated
+concerning the foreign women, even although she has seen enough of their
+intimate life to know such stories to be fabrications.
+
+She nourishes a secret regard for Mrs. Liang, in whom she recognises a
+woman as intelligent as herself, and a match for her in every respect.
+It was to Mrs. Liang she confided one day that there seemed little
+inducement to repent and be saved, if going to heaven would entail
+associating with foreigners for all eternity. Until two years ago she
+was a healthy, sturdy woman, scarcely feeling the weight of her seventy
+years. A slight dimness of eyesight caused her to raise her charges for
+dressmaking on the plea, peculiar to Chinese logic, that old age made
+her movements slower and more uncertain, and whereas three days were
+once sufficient to make a garment, and make it well, now after six days'
+work it was still far less well finished off than formerly. So we have
+submitted to extra charges for inferior work, for old acquaintance'
+sake.
+
+Then a long and painful illness laid "Puppy's mother" low, and for
+months we did not think that she could recover. Nevertheless, her
+excellent constitution did finally assert itself, and now she is walking
+about again, leaning on a stick and on the shoulder of a small
+grandchild, one of Puppy's offspring. She is curiously softened, and
+told us once that she had endeavoured to pray, but could not remember
+the sentences we had taught her.
+
+Time, age, and weakness work many transformations, and we feel as though
+the veil of flesh were wearing thinner, and the spirit within feeling
+its way out of gross darkness towards the light.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mrs. Deh had fallen so low through opium, that it was to save her from
+positive starvation that we admitted her to our household once more. She
+had been one of the failures of our Women's Refuge, and had sunk deep
+into the degradation which accompanies opium smoking in a woman's life,
+pressed as she finds herself to raise the money necessary for the price
+of her drug.
+
+[Illustration: "PUPPY" AND HER MOTHER.
+
+_To face page 218._]
+
+For three years she kept herself respectable under our roof, living
+amongst Christian women and joining in their prayers and hymn, night and
+morning, but not a trace of the softened, repentant spirit could one
+see, and finally a distinct retrograde movement accompanied with
+physical disability forced us to send her home. I despair of Mrs. Deh
+except when I look into the face of her daughter, the good, pure girl
+whose life's prayer it is that her mother should be saved. She cannot
+admit that this one thing she hopes for on earth should not be granted
+to her. Her eyes are always full of tears when she speaks of her mother,
+and when I see them I know they must, with strong entreaty, be pleading
+the cause of the poor sinful woman before the Presence of the Divine
+Majesty at whose right Hand stands the Friend of Sinners and the Man who
+was "acquainted with grief."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Flower of Love" became one of my pupils at the age of twelve, and
+attended school for six years with unfailing regularity. Bright, happy,
+and full of girlish enthusiasm she yielded her heart to Christ, and with
+her girl companions rejoiced in her new-found joy. A horror of great
+darkness fell upon her soul when the news was broken to her that her
+parents had contracted for her a marriage with a heathen man, and
+yielding to uncontrollable grief, she became seriously ill. Remembrance
+of the promises of God, and the resilience of youth, caused her to
+arouse herself; she returned to school, and begged that all would pray
+that the impossible might happen, and this engagement be broken.
+
+Prayer was answered, and to me was granted the joy of telling Flower of
+Love the good news. "My life shall henceforth be wholly for God," was
+her reply. Months passed, and when the Revolution of 1911 broke out, her
+parents once more sought for her a heathen husband, a man whose wealth
+was accumulated by wrong-doing, and before any step could be taken
+Flower of Love was his bride. For months she struggled alone in the
+city to which she had been taken, and then his orders were given that
+intercourse with foreigners must cease. The fight was too hard, and
+weary she yielded and allowed herself to drift with the tide. To-day, in
+her husband's house, where men are too frequent visitors, she seeks to
+get from the life she has to lead what pleasure she can. She is beyond
+my reach, but her broken heart will yet, I believe, find a resting-place
+upon her Saviour's breast.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[10] This remarkable custom is declared by Marco Polo to be peculiar to
+North China.
+
+
+
+
+PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK
+
+          "You make a very great mistake in thinking
+          Christianity is a religion. It is not a religion,
+          it is a person."--Words of a converted Mohammedan.
+
+  "Lord! how wouldest Thou deal with this sick man--in body, or spirit?"
+                                        S. VINCENT DE PAUL.
+
+          "A sick person does so enjoy hearing good news."
+                                        FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK
+
+TELLING OF THE DAILY ROUTINE
+
+
+LIKE the apostle of old, the missionary must be ready, however heavy the
+claim upon his time, to receive all who come.
+
+At any hour of the day, we may hear the clatter of sticks upon the
+ground indicating that some of our neighbours, whose minute feet prevent
+them from walking unaided, have found their way through the open front
+door and brought some friends to see the house of the foreigner.
+
+The Chinese woman is an inveterate sightseer, but unfortunately the
+attractions of Hwochow are not many; there is no end, however, to the
+marvels found within the walls of the Mission compound.
+
+The leader of the party is frequently our old friend, Goat's Mother, the
+members of her clan being numerous and of an inquisitive nature.
+
+The well-favoured Goat, aged five years, wears a brilliant yellow cotton
+jacket, on which are sketched in bold brush work every species of
+venomous insect. On his left shoulder is a scorpion, while centipedes,
+beetles, and other forms of poisonous insect life cover his back and
+chest. To his right shoulder is stitched a diminutive pair of
+red-and-green trousers. The yellow coat is his protection from stings
+and bites, the tiny trousers from measles, and longevity is secured by a
+heavy silver padlock, which hangs from his neck by a silver chain.
+
+With much assistance from the Bible-women the whole party climb the few
+steps leading to the verandah, and exhausted by the effort, gratefully
+accept our invitation to be seated in the guest-room.
+
+Tea is offered, but we know better than to press them to partake of any
+refreshment, for these women have been warned on no account to let food
+or drink pass their lips while under our roof, lest by a magic spell
+they find themselves compelled to become Christians.
+
+The room is furnished in conventional Chinese style--a square table with
+scarlet embroidered table-skirt, and backed by an ornate arrangement of
+banner, scrolls, vases, and teacups, with stiff chairs on either side.
+Our guests' first observation is to remark upon the surprising
+cleanliness of the apartment, the next is to ask where we sleep, and the
+third is to comment freely upon our personal appearance.
+
+"Have you turned sixty yet?" I am asked, and much surprise is expressed
+at the information supplied by Goat's Mother that I have not yet seen my
+fortieth birthday. "It is the white hair that makes her look so old," is
+the comment offered in explanation of my fair complexion.
+
+Goat's Mother has brought her relations on a promise that they shall
+see the foreigner's bedroom and "little iron tailor,"[11] hear the
+musical box, and be allowed to inspect the enormous saucepan in which
+the school food is made, ending up with a visit to the rooms where the
+women read the Bible.
+
+Before, however, these favours can be granted, as she well knows, the
+party must be prepared to give its attention to the one topic upon which
+the missionaries never fail to speak. This proves to be more interesting
+than they had anticipated, for one wall of our guest-room is decorated
+with pictures which illustrate interesting stories, the application of
+which throws light upon that problem which confronts every human heart:
+"How can the burden of sin be removed?"
+
+The time passes quickly and most of the wonders have been seen, when a
+piercing yell from the young Goat indicates that the limit of his
+patience has been reached. The orders of this small autocrat allow of no
+question, and further intercourse is impossible, for his shrieks will
+not cease until his wishes have been complied with. The whole party
+rises, and we follow them, urging them to "walk slowly" and to come
+again on Sunday. "We will come, we will come," several answer, but
+others are deep in a discussion as to what provision is possible for our
+old age, seeing that we have neither husband nor son.
+
+As they disappear through, the street door, they meet a fresh group
+entering who are in turn received by the Bible-women. Thus, from day to
+day, the Word is preached and cast as bread upon the waters. Sometimes
+a woman will return in a few days to hear more, and sometimes, years
+later, in a remote mountain hamlet a woman will greet us with a smile,
+surprised that we do not remember her visit to our house, when, as she
+reminds us, we told her about Jesus, the Son of God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+With those women who come as patients to the dispensary, we enter upon a
+more intimate relationship. The payment of their fee entitles them to
+three visits, of which they take full advantage and often come under our
+care for a much longer course of treatment.
+
+They are an interesting crowd with their varied complaints. A child
+whose arm has been badly scalded months before, and who has received no
+treatment during that period but an application of rat oil and charred
+matting, is in a revolting condition, a pitiful sight indeed. A young
+woman who has lost her eyesight attributes her affliction to a fit of
+violent temper, when for a whole day she worked herself into a frenzy,
+and cried until the power of sight was gone. The victims of tubercular
+disease, the scourge of North China, never fail to appear, some
+evidently having fallen a prey to that form known as the "hundred days'
+illness" which will carry off an apparently healthy subject in three
+months.
+
+At stated periods, children may be brought for vaccination. The method
+of inoculation for the prevention of smallpox is said to have been
+introduced into China by a philosopher of Szechwan, and has been
+practised since the year 1014. Vaccination is now freely practised by
+the Chinese doctors whose fees are generally 50 per cent. higher for
+boys than for girls, the lives of the former being of so much greater
+value.
+
+The extraction of teeth is a popular diversion, and the tooth is
+carefully preserved by the patient, in order that with the other earthly
+remains it may be laid in the coffin on the day of her death.
+
+Amongst the number are some whose diseases are hard to find, as in the
+case of one family whose several members persistently reappeared with
+such infinitesimal ailments that we felt compelled to tell them that no
+further treatment was necessary. The answer we received was, that the
+head of the house having become interested in Christianity had signified
+to his wife his desire that she should be under treatment for a whole
+year, in order that she might receive continued instruction in the
+Scriptures. They thought the dispensary would serve as the best
+face-saving subterfuge, therefore she said: "If there be nothing more
+serious, will you wash my ears!"
+
+Broadly speaking, the patients only recognise two categories of
+illness--one described as "fire," and the other as "chill." Their chief
+desire is for a diagnosis which shall clearly state under which heading
+their particular ailment should be classified, and we often receive a
+message to the effect that "inward fire" is causing trouble, and the
+sufferer would like medicine such as was given to her on the tenth day
+of the third moon, three years previously, which had wonderful
+fire-extinguishing properties.
+
+Having been accustomed to the Chinese doctor and his methods, our
+patients, begging that the best may be done for them, assure the
+helpers that merit will be accumulated by those who work towards this
+end. All are surprised to find that a uniform fee is charged and that
+there is no opportunity for bargaining, as the regular physician writes
+prescriptions for first, second, or third-rate medicine, according to
+the purse.
+
+[Illustration: THE TEACHING STAFF.
+
+(_See page 233._)
+
+_To face page 228._]
+
+The male and female principle in nature, by which all things are
+produced and which has been called the "warp and woof of Chinese
+thought," forms the basis of Chinese medical science, and every line of
+treatment must be in accordance with the laws laid down by this
+dualistic principle.
+
+Unfortunately, many of the more nutritive articles of diet, such as the
+fowl and the egg, are frequently denied to the sick woman as falling
+under that principle which makes them unsuited to many of her illnesses,
+and while it is admitted that sleep is essential to a sick man, the
+female patient must not be allowed to indulge in it except at night.
+Milk is renowned for its heating properties, and is most unwillingly
+consumed by the tubercular patient, who believes her disease to fall
+under the heading of "fire" and knows that anything so heating will only
+feed the flame. Had pears, cooked or uncooked, been ordered she would
+fully have appreciated the wisdom which prescribed them.
+
+All these startling innovations are carefully and intelligently
+explained by the dispensary helpers and normal students who take the
+practical side of their course in First Aid, Home Nursing, and Invalid
+Cookery, in the dispensary. Their labours have not been in vain, and the
+presence of the Great Physician has often been manifest in the midst,
+as weary, heart-sick women whose ills were beyond our help have found
+healing and, touching the hem of His garment, been made perfectly whole.
+
+As the patients scatter, the students impress afresh upon their memory
+how, and in what quantity, the medicine should be taken. Only too often
+the printed directions are entirely disobeyed, and the week's supply
+swallowed in one dose, on the strength of that unanswerable argument
+with which we wrestled in the days of childhood:
+
+          If one dose = improvement,
+          Twenty doses = x, _i.e._ complete cure.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[11] Sewing-machine.
+
+
+
+
+A CASKET OF JEWELS
+
+          "Happy is she who hath believed that there shall
+          be a perfecting of the things which have been
+          spoken to her from the Lord!"--The Gospel
+          according to Luke.
+
+
+          "There is nothing more divine than the education
+          of children."--PLATO.
+
+
+          "The fate of empires depends upon the education of
+          children."--ARISTOTLE.
+
+
+          "Take heed that ye despise not--offend not--forbid
+          not--one of these little ones."--The Commandment
+          of Christ.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A CASKET OF JEWELS
+
+BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL
+
+
+MRS. HSI has never replaced the ornaments she sold thirty years ago. Had
+she heard the story told of Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi, I fancy her
+thoughts would have found expression, when she lately visited us and saw
+the many courtyards occupied by women and girls, in the famous words of
+the Roman matron: "These are my jewels." The interest on that first
+small gift is incalculable, and can never be tabulated in human
+statistics. An attempt to record the many activities of the Hwochow
+Mission station as it now stands, would be incomplete without some
+detailed account of the Girls' School and Normal Training College.
+
+The schools occupy four courts, and the ages of the pupils assembled
+range from the smallest, who is only five, to young women of over
+twenty. The Teaching Staff consists entirely of women, all of whom have
+been trained here, and we shall perhaps get our best view of them at the
+Teachers' Meeting held weekly in the Principal's room. A glance will
+reveal the strong individualities here represented, and these twelve
+young women cover as many varieties of temperament. Here all matters
+connected with the school are mentioned, and it is striking to see the
+various view-points taken. The loving nature which would lead, but never
+drive, a rebellious child; the puritan, who will smile at no
+infringement of the law, and whose stern eye has been even known to call
+the Principal to order; the quick glance of the woman whose type reveals
+an inevitable leader, the stern disciplinarian, and the easy-going,
+good-natured woman--all are here, their diversity of gifts revealing the
+unity of the One Spirit. Ling Ai and I alone know how much we have to
+thank God for the friendliness of their mutual relationships. As to
+myself, the loyalty, love, and unity of my band of fellow-workers is my
+joy and crown.
+
+Thrice already has the staff been increased by graduates qualifying from
+the Normal Training Class, and our students have included some from the
+borders of Mongolia--a journey of twenty days--from Shensi, Honan, and
+Chihli provinces, in addition to those from all the China Inland Mission
+schools in Central Shansi.
+
+The education given in the school is arranged to cover the double course
+required by Chinese and Western standards. The capacity for memorising
+possessed by the Chinese is well known. A Chinese classical scholar's
+memory is so trained for retentiveness that one who became a Christian
+was able, with ease, to commit to memory five chapters of the New
+Testament each day. Were it not for this capacity the mastery of Chinese
+would be an impossibility, for a small child of ten years old, in
+addition to ordinary general subjects as taught in an English school,
+is required in a term of three months to learn to write and recognise
+five hundred new Chinese characters, and by the time she has completed
+her course can repeat by heart the greater part of the New Testament,
+Psalms, and the classical works of Confucius and Mencius.
+
+The Chinese are extraordinarily observant, and it is difficult to
+mention anything which has escaped their notice. Nevertheless, the
+classification of their observations in a scientific form of nature
+study is an entirely new method to them, though this gift, once
+developed, should cause China ultimately to rank high in the world of
+science. The girls' restricted surroundings have yielded new joys since
+they learned the delight of an observation beehive, the ramifications of
+an anthill, and the notes and habits of the birds which visit us. A
+thorough knowledge of the Scriptures is considered of primary
+importance, and only girls who by Christian character give promise when
+trained of being missionaries to their own people, are accepted as
+Normal Students. During the course outlines of Old and New Testament are
+studied, with detailed work of selected books. The students are required
+to prepare their own analyses of various books, following the system of
+Dr. Campbell Morgan's Analysed Bible.
+
+The many classes which constitute the Elementary and Secondary schools
+form the training-ground for the necessary practice in teaching, which
+aims at being very thorough. The first lesson, given in the presence of
+a critical audience, is no small ordeal to the student who after
+elaborate preparation with diagram, blackboard, plasticine, or
+sand-tray, will realise when the moment of free criticism comes, that in
+her nervousness she has omitted to make any use of that on which she had
+bestowed so much labour. Gradually, however, a new class emerges from
+utter helplessness into an encouraging self-confidence and
+resourcefulness.
+
+[Illustration: SOME KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARS.
+
+_To face page 236._]
+
+A visitor to the school could see ten or twelve classes at various
+stages on the high road of learning, each under the control of a capable
+young Chinese woman, before the Kindergarten room is reached.
+
+Here, with merry shouts, the sixteen babies are all keen to display the
+glories of the dolls' house, and all anxious to sing their action songs,
+show their plasticine modelling, paper-plaiting, and fancy drill; still
+possessing the child's heart, and therefore fearless of criticism. Each
+one covets the role of spokesman to relate the travelling adventures of
+the doll, which spends but little time in the house and is constantly
+undertaking long and difficult journeys. From this intrepid traveller
+they have obtained most of their geographical information.
+
+Long hours of work are the order of the day in a Chinese school, the
+terms being short owing to the exigencies of the extreme climate. The
+wheat harvest falls in June, and it is necessary that wives and
+daughters should fulfil their obligations to the home during this busy
+season.
+
+The month of September brings the eagerly looked-for day when by cart,
+donkey, litter, or even on foot, from north, south, east, and west,
+the small travellers wend their way to Hwochow. The babies of the
+Kindergarten not infrequently sit in the panniers, slung across a
+donkey's back, or in baskets which a man will carry balanced on his
+shoulder. Each party on arrival passes through the room where Mr. Gwo, a
+capable deacon, sits at the receipt of custom, and thence to the
+guest-room where a respectful bow is made to the missionaries and head
+teacher.
+
+The next visit is to the dispensary where Fragrant Incense, my head
+assistant in this department, conducts a strict inquiry into personal,
+family, and village health, and where newcomers are being vaccinated.
+
+"I hear that your uncle has smallpox," may be the alarming accusation.
+
+"It is not worth speaking of," answers Snowflake.
+
+"Have you been to the house?"
+
+"A few times," says the puzzled scholar, quite unable to trace the
+connection between her uncle's attack of "heavenly blossoms" and our
+unwillingness to admit her to the school court.
+
+Once a girl has entered the school premises it is not to leave them
+again for the period of the term, and all that is necessary to fulfil
+the conditions of her life is supplied in this little world.
+
+One of her first visits will be to the bank where an account is opened
+in her name, it being one of the school rules, in order to avoid loss,
+that no girl may keep her own money; any found on her person or in her
+box being forfeited. Every Saturday afternoon eager young depositors can
+be seen drawing sums varying from one to fifty cash for shopping
+purposes, or with a view to the Sunday service collection. At the same
+hour the school shop is open, under the care of a teacher with a senior
+pupil as assistant.
+
+"What do you stock?" a newcomer will ask the young saleswoman.
+"Everything," is the bold answer, and indeed the few necessities of a
+Chinese schoolgirl may all be supplied. Materials needed for shoemaking,
+hemp for making string which is required in attaching soles to uppers,
+pretty silks for embroidery, thimbles, needles, hair ornaments,
+safety-pins, bright-coloured cord with which the Chinese girl holds
+every hair in place at the top of a long thick plait, which is her mode
+of head-dress; chalk, with which to whiten her calico socks, and the
+acacia pod, the bean of which serves as soap. All the requisites in
+stationery can be purchased, and it is amusing to see the Chinese
+brush-pen being carefully tested by minute prospective buyers. A
+newcomer will try in vain to get goods on credit, relying upon her
+father's generosity at an early date. "No," is the answer; "come again
+when you have the cash."
+
+In another room the lending library is attracting large numbers. Here
+again a teacher, helped by a pupil, is changing or renewing books. With
+surprising skill any blot, stain, or torn page is discovered, and for
+years the books will pass from hand to hand with but little damage done.
+
+The range of literature is fairly comprehensive, extending from
+world-wide favourites such as _Little Lord Fauntleroy_, _Christie's Old
+Organ_, _Just So Stories_, and the _Wide Wide World_, which are eagerly
+passed from hand to hand--for every one reads them several times--to
+such works as _The History of the Dutch Republic_, _Biographies of Great
+Men_, Works on Social Economy, and many books of reference. For the
+translation of these, and many other works into the Chinese language, we
+are indebted to the Christian Literature Society. At the sound of the
+head teacher's gong, all business ceases, and the girls proceed to the
+playground, where all enjoy swings, seesaw, and games.
+
+Sunday opens with the delight of an extra hour in bed, and the wearing
+of best clothes. Sunday school and Public Service are enjoyed even by
+the smallest, and precede the happy hour when parents and near relatives
+may see the scholars. At its conclusion all are hungry for the dinner,
+which, though later than usual, proves well worth waiting for,
+consisting as it does of the popular white bread and vegetables. The
+afternoon closes with a service of praise.
+
+Three times a day the children assemble in the large dining-hall for
+meals. Over one thousand pounds of flour are used each week, and about
+one hundred pounds of vegetables, in the preparation of the food. The
+bread is steamed and eaten hot, and the midday meal generally consists
+of flour and water, made into a paste, rolled out very thin, and cut
+into long strips which are boiled for a few minutes, and when cooked
+resemble macaroni. If a man's greatness consists in the small number of
+his needs, the Chinaman must rank high. A bowl and pair of chop-sticks
+is the sum total of the table requirements of each girl; a cotton wadded
+quilt and a small, bran-stuffed pillow comprise her bedding, and a
+cotton handkerchief will hold her neatly folded wardrobe. A child
+usually owns no toy, and many have never thought of an organised
+youthful festivity until they spend their first Christmas Day in school.
+With bated breath they hear from their elders of the joys in store, and
+watch secret preparations for presents to class teachers and
+missionaries. Excitement reaches its highest point when, with silent
+footstep, they creep into our courtyard in the winter dawn to sing
+Christmas carols, and in place of the temple gongs and weird music of
+heathen rites, the air rings with joyful strains as class after class
+takes up the refrain: "Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" The
+reputation of the evening illumination and Christmas-tree is so
+widespread, that two small newcomers were heard encouraging each other,
+eight months before this event, to endure with patience in hopes of
+seeing the glorious sight, and becoming the possessors of a threepenny
+doll.
+
+Nearly five hundred girls have already passed through the school, and
+every few years we have made an attempt to gather them together for an
+informal conference; unfortunately, the distances are so great, and
+family claims so many, that only a very small proportion have been able
+to attend, and we have supplemented these by instituting an Old Girls'
+Guild which includes a prayer union whose members receive a quarterly
+circular letter.
+
+The postal system does not reach most of the villages, so the letters
+must be entrusted to reliable messengers who may be going that way, and
+who are requested by words on the envelope: "Be so kind as to trouble
+yourself with this letter and deliver it into the hand of the Mother of
+Heavenly Bundle." The young woman whose identity is thus hinted at is
+but one of perhaps twenty, whose offspring bear this name in the one
+village. Below are the mystic words: "The name is presented inside." On
+the left side of the envelope is the urgent command: "Quick as fire!
+Quick as fire!" Thus nothing is omitted but the name of the addressee.
+
+From early days an effort has been made to impress upon the students
+that a Christian community is only justified in so far as it partakes of
+the nature of a centrifugal force, extending its influence in every
+direction. The interests of students have been much enlarged by the
+residence in their midst of girls from other provinces, who are followed
+with prayerful interest when they leave us to enter their varied spheres
+of work. Beyond this, the scholar's widened sympathies find their
+expression in the zeal with which they follow missionary activity in
+other lands. Most earnest thought is given to the choice of destination
+of the sums reported in hand by the missionary treasurer. The
+Evangelical Union of South America, British and Foreign Bible Society,
+Pandita Ramabai, and Dr. Zwemer in Cairo have all received
+contributions, and latterly money has been sent to supply Testaments for
+the soldiers on active service. Nevertheless, the consensus of general
+opinion is, that the Moslem situation is at present so critical that all
+available funds must go to meet that need. Small indeed the sums may
+appear on a subscription list, but few gifts are, I think, more
+thoughtfully given and more prayerfully followed.
+
+The money is contributed in various ways, the two most important being
+the school working party and the takings of the Debating Society, where
+debates and lectures are always sure of a full house.
+
+The instinct for personal aggressive Christian work finds an outlet in
+the following ways: The annual fairs and idol processions held in the
+town bring large crowds of women visitors, and afford a great
+opportunity for the senior scholars to take their part in preaching, as
+also the evangelistic service held each week for Dispensary patients.
+The Sunday School classes of small children are taught by elder girls,
+and the annual Summer Campaign has provided scope for all those who have
+a will to work. At the close of the spring term, every girl who so
+desires is entrusted with a printed Course of Study, suitable for the
+elementary instruction of village women. At Sunday and weekday classes
+these are taught by the elder scholars of the village, even the younger
+children being able to take their part in helping the women to memorise
+a verse.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In order to secure the highest spiritual and mental efficiency amongst
+those who, by the nature of their calling, are constantly responding to
+the claims made upon them, we have instituted a Teachers' Summer School,
+to which are invited all former students now holding posts as teachers
+in Mission Schools. The month of August is devoted to this delightful
+gathering when, on the footing of fellow-workers, free from the
+restrictions attendant on school discipline, we meet for Bible and
+secular study. The curriculum of the coming term is discussed,
+difficulties considered, some new educational subject is studied, and an
+invaluable atmosphere is created.
+
+In the silence of the moments of spiritual communion, lives are
+dedicated afresh to the service of God; by contemplation of the Word,
+fresh ideals are apprehended and more of the wisdom that winneth souls
+is learned, by which a band of workers is equipped anew for any manner
+of service, wholly at His command. The various activities recorded above
+each contribute a part to the upbuilding of character and the training
+of those who will be the future missionaries, mothers, and teachers of
+their people.
+
+We desire that, rejoicing in the abundance of life which Christ came to
+bestow, they may by sacrificial service gather around them many who will
+say: "Happy the people whose God is the Lord!"
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASURE HOUSE
+
+          "Who ranks higher than others in the Kingdom of
+          the Heavens?"
+
+          "In solemn truth I tell you that unless you turn
+          and become like little children you will in no
+          case be admitted into the Kingdom of the Heavens."
+
+          "Whoever shall occasion the fall of one of these
+          little ones who believe in me, it would be better
+          for him to have a millstone hung round his neck
+          and be drowned in the depths of the sea."
+
+          "Their angels in heaven have continual access to
+          my Father in heaven."
+                             The words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+          "The hope of the glory of God includes the
+          responsibility of rejoicing. If we really have the
+          anointed vision which sees through the travail to
+          the triumph, and is perfectly assured of the
+          ultimate triumph of God, it is our duty in the
+          midst of the travail to rejoice evermore, to cheer
+          the battle by song, and shorten the marches by
+          music."--Dr. G. CAMPBELL MORGAN.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE TREASURE HOUSE
+
+WHERE THE READER IS SHOWN THE LAPIDARY AT WORK
+
+
+MY study is perhaps to me the most sacred spot of the entire compound.
+Situated in the midst of the school court, it is accessible to teachers
+and scholars alike. For more than a decade this room has been sanctified
+by numberless confidences, many too sacred to record.
+
+At any hour of the day, or after dark when it is easier for the girl to
+knock unseen at my door, I may hear the words, sometimes timidly
+whispered: "Has the Teacher time to let me speak to her?" A welcome
+being extended my young guest will usually begin to talk upon general
+topics, and after a considerable time will gently hint that there is
+also one small matter in particular of which she wishes to speak. On
+receiving encouragement she proceeds to unfold the matter, which may
+vary in gravity from a message conveying a request that employment
+should be found for a neighbour of hers, to a tearful pleading that I
+will use all my influence to prevent her parents from engaging her to a
+heathen bridegroom; it has even been to tell me of a brother who,
+having entered a College in the provincial capital, is now in jail and
+likely to lose his life for revolutionary tendencies.
+
+It is during the hour when the schoolgirls are at play, or in the
+evening when they are in bed, that the teacher will come to me who
+desires to be certain of no interruption. One whose father was formerly
+a deacon, but having relapsed into opium smoking has lost his office and
+Church membership, comes with her sad story. "How can I hope to
+influence my scholars when this sin is in my own home?" she asks me; and
+goes on to tell of the downward steps taken, and of the good mother who,
+with herself, has done all that love could suggest to save the father
+from public disgrace. A letter from her distant home will sometimes
+bring her when the work of the day is done, that together we may share
+its contents. How plain it is to me, that this scorching furnace of
+shame which seals her lips and makes her blush before her own pupils, is
+the very test she requires for her perfecting. I know that this is a
+spiritual crisis when in the thick darkness she will either meet with
+God, or losing the hope whereby we are saved will grow cold and
+indifferent.
+
+It is always a personal refreshment when Fragrant Clouds or Pearl Drops
+comes to see me. A warm friendship exists between these two senior
+Normal Students, strong, robust young women, prospering in body as in
+soul. Pearl Drops, keenly humorous, is a famous mimic and I once had the
+delight of, unnoticed, joining an audience which she was fascinating by
+her mimicry of an old man well known to us all. Fragrant Clouds is a
+more serious type, and entered the High School here in answer to her
+prayers to God for many months, at a time when innumerable obstacles
+barred her way. She has proved "barriers" to be "for those who cannot
+fly," and possesses that quiet dignity and confidence which tells of
+character formed by difficulties overcome. She knows the "All great" to
+be the "All loving too," and is strong.
+
+Little Goodness is the boldest girl in the school. She is only five
+years old, but will any moment that she can run away from the
+Kindergarten Court unseen push open my door, and show me with great
+delight and most disconcerting self-assurance some treasure she has
+found--a grub, or maybe some one else's new handkerchief. The frown I
+summon to my aid when the offence is repeated more than once a day, is
+rather a failure, but poor Goodness has had to learn by sterner methods
+that the teacher's word is law. It is not easy to be stern with her for
+she is a most fascinating little creature, and yet her parents wanted
+her so little that she was found, as a wee babe, buried alive. With
+difficulty her life was saved by the missionary to whom she was taken,
+who has cared for her ever since. Her most serious offence in this
+school, and a cause of scandal to the whole Kindergarten, was the
+helping of herself to five cash from the collection plate when it was
+handed to her in the Sunday service.
+
+When a new graduate who has been faced for the first time by her class
+appears at my door, I know before she begins to speak that her errand is
+to inform me she has found herself to have accepted a burden and
+responsibility which she is utterly incapable of bearing. I make no
+great effort to hide my amusement, and call to her remembrance the
+complete assurance with which she was prepared to enter upon her career
+during her last term as a Normal Student. I also tell her I have been
+expecting this interview and, needless to say, from the humorous side we
+naturally turn to the serious.
+
+Teachers are constantly coming to me for advice as to the best method of
+dealing with those symptoms of original sin which cause small children
+to bewilder their elders by the utter depravity of their moral nature.
+What, for example, could I say to Kingfisher who was heard, when praying
+audibly, to petition heaven that Rosebud with whom she had quarrelled
+might lose all her good marks?
+
+The weeping Butterfly was peremptorily ushered into my presence, accused
+of using bad language. I could see by the expression on the teacher's
+face that it was no trifling matter. She had said: "Chrysanthemum, when
+you walk it is like the hopping of a frog." She had thus compared a
+fellow-scholar to an animal, a form of speech which in Chinese, as I
+well knew, amounts to a curse.
+
+Peach Blossom, ever since the first day she came to me has been a care
+and responsibility. Conscious of her good looks and of her capacity to
+secure a following of devotees, she has conducted her small court with
+increasing joy to herself, and annoyance to me and my Staff. It was
+impossible to ignore her presence, and while she was scrupulously within
+the rules and regulations of school discipline she somehow managed to
+sail so near, and yet avoid, the point of defiance that we were baffled.
+
+I am sometimes called upon to fulfil the vocation of motherhood in a
+very real sense, as when I have to announce to some child who has no
+mother that the arrangements for her engagement are about to be
+completed, but that her father, who feels he could not expect her to
+speak of such a matter, has asked me to find out her desires regarding
+the proposed bridegroom. After an inevitable tear, shed at the
+suggestion that she must some day leave her father's home, she asks me
+if I am satisfied with the plan; on my answering in the affirmative her
+face brightens, though she conventionally begs me to use my influence to
+dissuade her father from any such intention. I, seeing that no
+difficulty presents itself, change the subject and bring her a few days
+later the gifts and silver ornaments which indicate that all is settled.
+She, having no mother to do the necessary grumbling at the inferior
+quality of the bridegroom's presents, comes to my room later on, and
+says: "I have been examining these, and perceive that the silver used is
+not pure in quality." Having shown that she, though motherless, is not
+easily taken in, she accepts my exhortation to be a good child and to be
+thankful for what she has, and without further ado begins her
+preparations for the day when she will "change her home."
+
+The more modern parent is sometimes desirous that his daughter, who has
+reached years of discretion, should from time to time correspond with
+her fiance. The letters all being sent to the girl's father, he
+forwards them to me, and the fear lest any fellow-student should know of
+so immodest a proceeding always leads the girl to read them in my room,
+and place them in my hand for safe keeping. It was enlightening to
+receive a request on one occasion that I would, at the close of term,
+return "those letters which are of no possible use." I knew to what she
+referred, and mentally noted that the "useless" paper found a very safe
+place in the recesses of her luggage!
+
+[Illustration: LING AI, HER CHILDREN, AND HER MOTHER, MRS. LIANG.
+
+_To face page 252._]
+
+Tragedy is interwoven with the life of almost every woman in this land.
+Disappointment at her birth finds its only consolation in the
+recognition of her value in the home as family drudge. Only as mother of
+her son does she enter on an inheritance of sufficient consideration to
+make her well worth the clothes she wears and the food she consumes.
+
+How pathetic it is to see the efforts put forth by a child whose school
+life has been interrupted to endeavour to find some means of paying the
+necessary fees! One girl of thirteen, by making hair-sieves during the
+summer months renders it possible for her father to send her to school;
+and many weave during the holidays all the cloth necessary for their own
+clothes. One little girl who had no other means of helping herself,
+gleaned so industriously that she gathered sufficient for her first
+month's expenses, only to find one day that her little hoard had been
+used by her opium-smoking father for his own indulgence.
+
+Even the high ethics of Confucianism can recognise no higher position
+for woman than one of obedient dependence throughout life. In youth
+she must be subject to her father, in middle age to her husband, and in
+old age to her son. The revolutionary power of Christianity has
+established a new order, and in the Christian community we see her
+welcomed in babyhood, cared for in childhood, and receiving the honour
+due to her womanhood when she becomes a bride. I have been amazed at the
+sacrifices I have seen made by parents for their daughters. I have known
+a father, too poor to afford the hire of a donkey, carry his little girl
+nearly thirty miles to school. I have known the only bedcovering in the
+home to be spared for the use of the little daughter during term, and a
+man to endure the winter cold with the scantiest clothing that his child
+might be warmly clad.
+
+One class, a small one, has outstripped me in the race, and graduated to
+a higher school to render service more needed there than here. I can
+think of each one with joy as in the Great Teacher's Hand, learning
+lessons which as yet are beyond me.
+
+The one it seemed I could least spare was needed by Him, and since most
+of this book was written my beloved Ling Ai went to serve, face to face,
+the Lord she loves.
+
+The intimate sympathy required to enter into the joys and sorrows of so
+many lives is perhaps the heaviest strain laid upon the missionary, and
+the mental discipline necessary to hold all in right proportion can only
+be exercised where there is true adjustment of spiritual vision, whereby
+we see "through the travail to the triumph, perfectly assured of the
+ultimate victory of God," and rejoice, "cheering the battle by song and
+shortening the marches by music."
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+          "That Church controls the future which can demand
+          of her members the greatest sacrifices."--Dr. JOHN
+          HUTTON.
+
+  "When earth's last picture is painted, and the tubes are twisted and
+       dried,
+   When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died--
+   We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it--lie down for an aeon or
+       two,
+   Till the Master of all good workmen shall put us to work anew.
+
+   And only the Master shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame;
+   And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame;
+   But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
+   Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They are."
+                                        RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+BEING A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SITUATION
+
+
+IT is now thirty years since foreigners came to reside in Hwochow,
+during which time three generations of women missionaries have succeeded
+each other. The period has been divided accurately at the fifteenth year
+by the Boxer riots and massacres. The many who have helped in varied
+ways to make this work possible may rightly ask; "Is not this period
+sufficient to establish a self-propagating Church independent of
+foreigners?"
+
+It would be hard to over-emphasise the need of the wisdom required at
+the stage immediately preceding the final lapse of total responsibility
+upon the shoulders of the native Church, that the move should not be
+made too hastily or at an inopportune moment; even more emphatically,
+that the Church should not be driven to establish on a factional basis a
+so-called independent sect in opposition to the foreigner, in order to
+secure the freedom and control for which it was ripe. Faith, hope, and
+courage, without which the pioneer missionary's work must inevitably
+fail, find their counterpart in the spirit of wisdom and understanding
+required for the proper adjustment of the new relationship, whereby the
+Chinese Christian, not in word, but in deed and in truth, may take
+precedence. It is easy to gain ready acquiescence to this theory of
+equality, but as was immediately evidenced when the strong and
+independent Pastor Hsi arose, the situation in its practical bearing is
+not easily handled.
+
+A word to the intending missionary: Be ready to lay aside your
+preconceived ideas as to how the Gospel should be preached, how Church
+matters should be handled, discipline enforced, and your own position in
+the Church.
+
+Come as a learner, and men who were Christians before you emerged from
+childhood will give you the benefit of a ripe experience, and if you
+prove worthy of it, admit you to fellowship in service.
+
+In view of the preceding chapters, few words will serve to review on
+general lines the situation as it has developed during these thirty
+years in Hwochow.
+
+The first fifteen called for unremitting effort in breaking up new
+ground, broadcast sowing of the seed, and establishing between Chinese
+and foreigner some measure of confidence. The second period has been one
+of reaping from the very commencement. Extraordinarily rapid development
+on every hand brought about new conditions which in turn necessitated
+new methods, so that the missionary is no longer the main instigator of
+Church activities, but takes his place in a large and far-reaching
+organisation.
+
+The work of evangelisation and all elementary teaching require no
+foreign help, but we still seem to be necessary for the organisation
+which is giving training and advanced teaching to the men and women whom
+we hope to see equipped in every respect as well, and better, than we
+ourselves have been.
+
+All non-institutional work amongst men is already in Chinese hands.
+Pastor Wang and eight deacons take entire oversight of the Church of
+nearly four hundred members, the examining and accepting of candidates
+for baptism, as well as arrangements for Sunday services in each of the
+eight out-stations, where the local Christians have, at their own
+expense, supplied a building for public worship where daily service is
+held. In addition to this, the entire evangelistic organisation,
+Elementary Boys' School and Opium Refuge, form part of their
+responsibility.
+
+The more aggressive work includes a Chinese Evangelistic Society
+entirely free from foreign money and control, the object of which is to
+open up new districts, preach at fairs, and widely distribute Gospels
+and tracts.
+
+In the busiest thoroughfare of the city, a preaching hall is daily
+opened which is freely frequented by merchants and travellers.
+
+The systematic instruction of men, both Church members and inquirers, is
+supplied by means of short station classes held at convenient times by
+the Pastor, or by some foreign missionary whom he may invite.
+
+With the exception of the Elementary Boys' School just mentioned, the
+men's institutional work is carried on in the neighbouring city of
+Hungtung, where, under the presidency of the Rev. F. Dreyer, a Bible
+Training Institute for men has been established. The students are drawn
+not only from our own, but other provinces, and during the two years'
+course a careful and thorough training is given in theoretical and
+practical work. A long preaching list is served by these men in
+conjunction with a large band of local preachers. To Mr. Dreyer's
+influence amongst these men we, as many other stations, owe some of our
+best helpers. The Hungtung institutional work is supplemented by a
+Higher Grade School for boys, the pupils of which are largely drawn from
+the fourteen Elementary Schools scattered throughout the district. Mr.
+E. J. Cooper, assisted by Chinese graduates of Weihsien University, is
+responsible for this department. Many former pupils are in charge of
+village schools, the examining and superintendence of which is conducted
+from the centre. It is thus possible for the sons of Church members to
+obtain a thorough and Christian education in their immediate
+neighbourhood. The necessary demands for institutional work for the
+several counties mentioned throughout this book, are thus met by the two
+stations of Hungtung and Hwochow. United with these to form a General
+Allied Council to secure unity of action in all far-reaching
+enterprises, and to avoid multiplication of work (though each local
+church remains independent and self-governing), are the stations
+situated in the cities of Chaocheng, and Yoyang, now severally in charge
+of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. F. Briscoe, whose time is
+occupied with pastoral and evangelistic work.
+
+Mrs. Hsi still remains in Chaocheng, and carries on her work amongst the
+women of that city. She, in company with Mrs. Liang and three others,
+has been chosen by the Church to be set apart to the office of
+deaconess. She is now sixty-four years of age, and her physical strength
+is visibly failing.
+
+Mrs. Hsi's life and example is one of the treasures of the Shansi
+Church. She has served faithfully and long in active Christian work, and
+she recently told me that she is now giving herself to prayer and
+fasting more than was possible during the most active period of her
+life.
+
+For this effectual share in the present conflict, for her love and
+friendship, and for her continued presence amongst us, we give thanks
+unto God.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus we believe the Church has been rooted and established, no longer
+propagated by any external energy, but whose seed is in itself.
+
+The dream is so far fulfilled. More than thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs.
+Hsi, in faith, brought their small offering as a child once offered his
+barley loaves and laid them in the Master's Hand, Who gave thanks and
+blessed.
+
+In these pages the story is recorded of the sower, the waterer, and the
+reaper, who laboured in tears and in joy.
+
+Of the increase which God alone can give, no human record can tell, but
+told it shall be in the day when those from every nation, kindred, and
+tribe shall unite to ascribe honour and glory unto Him who liveth and
+reigneth for ever and ever!
+
+
+
+
+          "So have I dreamed! Oh may the dream be true!
+           That praying souls are purged from mortal hue . . .
+           And grow as pure as He to Whom they pray."
+                                        HARTLEY COLERIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+CONTAINING
+
+BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY
+
+AND
+
+SPECIMEN QUESTIONS OF THE NORMAL TRAINING COLLEGE FINAL EXAMINATION
+PAPERS
+
+(_INSERTED BY REQUEST_)
+
+
+
+
+HWOCHOW WOMEN'S BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL
+
+_COURSE OF STUDY_
+
+
+FIRST TERM
+
+Book of Genesis.
+
+Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark.
+
+Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible."
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+
+SECOND TERM
+
+Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi.
+
+The Gospel according to St. John.
+
+The Epistle of St James.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(_continued_).
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+PRACTICAL WORK.--Assist in conducting Elementary Classes for Women.
+
+
+THIRD TERM
+
+Book of Leviticus, Joshua, and 1 Samuel xvii. to xxxi.; Ezra and
+Nehemiah.
+
+The Gospel according to St. Matthew.
+
+The Epistle to the Hebrews.
+
+"A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(_conclusion_).
+
+Studies in Christian Doctrine.
+
+Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese
+Character.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+Memorisation of Psalms.
+
+_Pilgrim's Progress._
+
+PRACTICAL WORK.--Conduct Elementary Classes for Women, Teach under
+Criticism, City and Village Visiting.
+
+
+FOURTH TERM
+
+Book of Judges, Ruth, Esther, and 2 Samuel.
+
+Life of Elijah and Elisha.
+
+Acts of the Apostles, chapters x. to xxviii.
+
+Studies in Christian Doctrine.
+
+Arithmetic.
+
+Singing and Memorisation of Hymns.
+
+Memorisation of Psalms.
+
+_Pilgrim's Progress_, Part II.
+
+PRACTICAL WORK..--As Term III.
+
+
+
+
+CHINA INLAND MISSION NORMAL TRAINING COLLEGE, HWOCHOW, SHANSI
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_SPECIMEN QUESTIONS_
+
+(Drawn from Final Examination Papers, 1915)
+
+SCRIPTURE
+
+What answer did Christ give to the following questions?--"What must we
+do that we may work the works of God?" "How can this man give us His
+flesh to eat?" "Hast thou seen Abraham?" "How can a man be born when he
+is old?"
+
+Name five incidents in the Gospel according to St. John which
+illustrate the statement: "He knew what was in man."
+
+Name some of the abuses in the Corinthian Church, and briefly state how
+Paul dealt with each.
+
+What period of human history is covered by the Book of Genesis?
+
+Briefly trace the degeneration of the Individual, the Home, and the
+Nation, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.
+
+Give an outline of the Book of Ezra.
+
+State briefly the teaching of Christ on the following
+subjects:--Fasting, Riches, Rewards, and the Forgiveness of Sin.
+
+The establishment of the Church by Constantine proved to be its
+spiritual loss. Quote five verses from Scripture to show this might have
+been anticipated.
+
+Mention four reasons which conduced to the spread of the Gospel in the
+days of the Early Church.
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+State clearly the advantages and disadvantages of Feudalism.
+
+What do you know of the Spartan methods of treating children?
+
+What do you know of the following:--Chaucer, Rienzi, Savonarola, Simon
+de Montfort, Gladstone, Li Hung-chang, Bruce?
+
+What do you understand by the term "Ostracism"?
+
+Who were the combatants in the following battles:--Crecy, Hastings,
+Marathon, Bannockburn, Waterloo?
+
+Give an account of the causes which resulted in the Crusades, or in the
+French Revolution.
+
+
+PHYSIOLOGY
+
+What are the various uses of the Cerebrum, Cerebellum, and Medulla
+Oblongata?
+
+Explain the process of "Hearing." Illustrate with diagrams.
+
+What do you know of the Crystalline Lens of the Eye?
+
+What is meant by "Long Sight" and "Short Sight"?
+
+What is the cause of each, and how may each be remedied?
+
+Give a list of the Cranial Nerves.
+
+
+ZOOLOGY
+
+Draw a diagram of the Blood Vessels of a Fish.
+
+State clearly the main divisions of Zoology, and in detail those of the
+Bird Family.
+
+Give a detailed account of the Ant and its habits; illustrate with
+diagrams.
+
+Describe the Fauna of the Arctic Regions.
+
+
+CHEMISTRY
+
+What weight of each of the following compounds is necessary to prepare
+50 litres of Oxygen?--Water, Mercuric Oxide, Potassium Chlorate.
+
+Explain the principle of the Dewar bulb.
+
+Define the term "Acid." Enumerate the characteristics of a "Base."
+
+Two compounds were found to have the following compositions: = 43.64 per
+cent. phosphorus = 56.36 per cent. oxygen = 56.35 per cent. phosphorus =
+43.65 per cent. Show that the Law of Multiple proportion holds in this
+case.
+
+CLASSICAL ESSAY SUBJECTS.--"The Path may not be left for an instant; if
+it could be left it would not be the Path. On this account the superior
+man does not wait until he see things to be cautious, nor see things to
+be apprehensive."--CONFUCIUS.
+
+
+    MORGAN AND SCOTT LTD., 12 PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON, E. C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor
+Hsi's, by A. Mildred Cable
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DREAM OF PASTOR HSI'S ***
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