74 5 11

"This, it will be noticed, was _previous_ to the circulation of the
'Occasional Paper,' and, consequently, was not the result of it. It was
the response of a faithful GOD to the united prayers of those whom He
had called to serve Him in the Gospel of His dear SON.

"We can now compare with these two periods a third of the same extent.
From March 12th to April 18th the receipts were L529, showing that when
GOD had supplied the special need, the special supply also ceased. Truly
there is a LIVING GOD, and HE is the hearer and answerer of prayer."

But this gracious answer to prayer made it a little difficult to
circulate "Occasional Paper, No. I.," for it stated as a need that which
was already supplied. The difficulty was obviated by the issue with each
copy of a coloured inset stating that the funds for outfit and passage
were already in hand in answer to prayer. We were reminded of the
difficulty of Moses--not a very common one in the present day--and of
the proclamation he had to send through the camp to the people to
prepare no more for the building of the Tabernacle, as the gifts in hand
were already too much. We are convinced that if there were _less_
solicitation for money and _more_ dependence upon the power of the HOLY
GHOST and upon the deepening of spiritual life, the experience of Moses
would be a common one in every branch of Christian work.

Preparations for sailing to China were at once proceeded with. About
this time I was asked to give a lecture on China in a village not very
far from London, and agreed to do so on condition that there should be
no collection, and that this should be announced on the bills. The
gentleman who invited me, and who kindly presided as chairman, said he
had never had that condition imposed before. He accepted it, however,
and the bills were issued accordingly for the 2nd or 3rd of May. With
the aid of a large map, something of the extent and population and deep
spiritual need of China was presented, and many were evidently
impressed.

At the close of the meeting the chairman said that by my request it had
been intimated on the bills that there would be no collection; but he
felt that many present would be distressed and burdened if they had not
the opportunity of contributing something towards the good work
proposed. He trusted that as the proposition emanated entirely from
himself, and expressed, he felt sure, the feelings of many in the
audience, I should not