family, and the carrying on of the other branches of missionary work under his superintendence. And when, nine months later, he was compelled through failure of health to relinquish this charge, he was able to leave more funds for the support of the sick than were placed in his hands at the time he undertook it.
But not only were pecuniary supplies vouchsafed in answer to prayer. Many lives were spared; persons apparently in hopeless stages of disease were restored; and success was given in cases of serious and dangerous operations. In the case of one poor man, both of whose legs were amputated under very unfavourable circumstances, healthy action took place with such rapidity, that both wounds were healed in less than two weeks. And more permanent benefits than these were conferred. Many were convinced of the truth of Christianity; not a few sought the Lord by prayer, and experienced the power of the Good Physician to cure the sin-sick soul. During the nine months above alluded to, sixteen patients from the hospital were baptized, and more than thirty others became candidates for admission into one or other of the mission churches in Ningpo.
FUNDS FOR RETURN TO ENGLAND.
The incessant physical and mental labour inseparable from the sole charge of such an institution, in addition to the other missionary duties still devolving on the writer, produced an effect which, though anticipated, could not in the absence of additional labourers be avoided; but which afforded another occasion for the manifestation of the faithfulness and loving care of Him, who works all things after the counsel of His own will. Completely prostrated by repeated attacks of illness, the only hope of restoration to health seemed to be in a voyage to England, and a temporary residence in his native land. As heretofore, God was present with His aid. The means for return were supplied; and that so liberally, that we were able to bring with us a native Christian to assist in translations or revisions, and to instruct in the language such helpers as the Lord might raise up for the carrying on and extension of the work. That He would do this we had no doubt, as we had been enabled to seek it from Him in earnest, believing prayer for many months previously. Under date of January 16th, 1860, we had written to a Christian friend in England as follows:—
"Do you know of any earnest, devoted young men, desirous of serving God in China; who, not wishing for more than their expenses, would be willing to come out and labour here? Oh, for four or five such helpers! They would probably preach in Chinese in six months. In answer to prayer the means would be found."
The day before leaving China, we wrote as follows to our friend, W. T.
