precedents make a
wrong course justifiable? If the Word taught me anything, it taught me
to have no connection with debt. I could not think that GOD was poor,
that He was short of resources, or unwilling to supply any want of
whatever work was really His. It seemed to me that if there were lack of
funds to carry on work, then to that degree, in that special
development, or at that time, it could not be the work of GOD. To
satisfy my conscience I was therefore compelled to resign connection
with the Society which had hitherto supplied my salary.

It was a great satisfaction to me that my friend and colleague, Mr.
Jones, also of the Chinese Evangelisation Society, was led to take the
same step; and we were both profoundly thankful that the separation
took place without the least breach of friendly feeling on either side.
Indeed, we had the joy of knowing that the step we took commended itself
to several members of the Committee, although as a whole the Society
could not come to our position. Depending upon GOD alone for supplies,
we were enabled to continue a measure of connection with our former
supporters, sending home journals, etc., for publication as before, so
long as the Society continued to exist.

The step we had taken was not a little trying to faith. I was not at all
sure what GOD would have me do, or whether He would so meet my need as
to enable me to continue working as before. I had no friends whatever
from whom I expected supplies. I did not know what means the LORD might
use; but I was willing to give up all my time to the service of
evangelisation among the heathen, if by any means He would supply the
smallest amount on which I could live; and if He were not pleased to do
this, I was prepared to undertake whatever work might be necessary to
supply myself, giving all the time that could be spared from such a
calling to more distinctly missionary efforts. But GOD blessed and
prospered me; and how glad and thankful I felt when the separation was
really effected! I could look right up into my FATHER'S face with a
satisfied heart, ready, by His grace, to do the next thing as He might
teach me, and feeling very sure of His loving care.

And how blessedly He did lead me on and provide for me I can never,
never tell. It was like a continuation of some of my earlier home
experiences. My faith was not untried; it often, often failed, and I was
so sorry and ashamed of the failure to trust such a FATHER. But oh! I