Page:China's spiritual need and claims.djvu/67

Rh was nearly two miles to Dr. Parker's house, and every moment appeared long. On his way thither, while wrestling mightily with in prayer, the precious words, "Call upon  in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me," were brought with power to his soul. He was enabled to plead them in faith, and the result was deep, deep, unspeakable peace and joy. All consciousness of distance was gone. Dr. Parker approved of the use of the remedy suggested; but when the writer arrived at home, he saw at a glance that the desired change had already taken place, in the absence d this or any other remedy. The pinched aspect of the countenance had given place to the calm appearance of tranquil slumber, and not one unfavourable symptom recurred to retard recovery to health and strength.

In the autumn of the same year. Dr. Parker was suddenly compelled to return to Glasgow, with his motherless children, Mrs. Parker having died of cholera. He requested the writer to take charge of the missionary hospital at Ningpo, which must otherwise be closed.

After a few days of earnest prayer for Divine guidance, the writer felt constrained to undertake it, relying on a prayer-answering to furnish the means requisite for its support. The funds for its maintenance had been hitherto supplied by the proceeds of the doctor's foreign medical practice: with his departure these ceased. But had not said, that whatever we ask in the name of the  shall be done unto us? and are we not told to seek first the kingdom of —not means to advance it—and all these things shall be added to us? Such promises were surely sufficient.

Eight days previous to entering upon this responsibility, the writer had ,not the most remote idea of doing so. Still less could friends at home have anticipated it. But the had foreseen the need, and already funds were on their way to supply it. At times there were not less than fifty in-patients in the hospital, besides a large number who daily attended as out-patients. Thirty beds were ordinarily allotted to free patients and their attendants, and about as many to opium smokers, who paid for their board while being cured of their habit. As all the wants of the sick in the hospital were supplied gratuitously, as were likewise the remedial appliances needed by the outpatients, the daily expense was considerable; besides which a number of native attendants were required, involving their support. But from the very first the provided all that was requisite for the support of the institution, in addition to what was needed for the maintenance of the writer and his