object to it. I begged, however, that the
condition agreed to might be carried out; pointing out among other
reasons for making no collection, that the very reason adduced by our
kind chairman was, to my mind, one of the strongest for not making it.
My wish was, not that those present should be relieved by making such
contribution as might there and then be convenient, under the influence
of a present emotion; but that each one should go home burdened with the
deep need of China, and ask of GOD what He would have them to do. If,
after thought and prayer, they were satisfied that a pecuniary
contribution was what He wanted of them, it could be given to any
Missionary Society having agents in China; or it might be posted to our
London office; but that perhaps in many cases what GOD wanted was _not_
a money contribution, but personal consecration to His service abroad;
or the giving up of son or daughter--more precious than silver or
gold--to His service. I added that I thought the tendency of a
collection was to leave the impression that the all-important thing was
_money_, whereas no amount of money could convert a single soul; that
what was needed was that men and women filled with the HOLY GHOST should
give _themselves_ to the work: for the support of such there would never
be a lack of funds. As my wish was evidently very strong, the chairman
kindly yielded to it, and closed the meeting. He told me, however, at
the supper-table, that he thought it was a mistake on my part, and that,
notwithstanding all I had said, a few persons had put some little
contributions into his hands.

Next morning at breakfast, my kind host came in a little late, and
acknowledged to not having had a very good night. After breakfast he
asked me to his study, and giving me the contributions handed to him the
night before, said, "I thought last night, Mr. Taylor, that you were in
the wrong about a collection; I am now convinced you were quite right.
As I thought in the night of that stream of souls in China ever passing
onward into the dark, I could only cry as you suggested, 'LORD, what
wilt Thou have _me_ to do?' I think I have obtained the guidance I
sought, and here it is." He handed me a cheque for L500, adding that if
there had been a collection he would have given a few pounds to it, but
now this cheque was the result of having spent no small part of the
night in prayer.

I need scarcely say how surprised and thankful I was for this gif