d to me, "We
cannot live half an hour now: what of your call to labour for the LORD
in China?" I had previously passed through a time of much conflict, but
that was over, and it was a great joy to feel and to tell him that I
would not for any consideration be in any other position; that I
strongly expected to reach China; but that, if otherwise, at any rate
the Master would say it was well that I was found seeking to obey His
command.

Within a few minutes after wearing ship the captain walked, up to the
compass, and said to me, "The wind has freed two points; we shall be
able to beat out of the bay." And so we did. The bowsprit was sprung and
the vessel seriously strained; but in a few days we got out to sea, and
the necessary repairs were so thoroughly effected on board that our
journey to China was in due time satisfactorily accomplished.

One thing was a great trouble to me that night. I was a very young
believer, and had not sufficient faith in GOD to see Him in and through
the use of means. I had felt it a duty to comply with the earnest wish
of my beloved and honoured mother, and for her sake to procure a
swimming-belt. But in my own soul I felt as if I could not simply trust
in GOD while I had this swimming-belt; and my heart had no rest until on
that night, after all hope of being saved was gone, I had given it away.
Then I had perfect peace; and, strange to say, put several light things
together, likely to float at the time we struck, without any thought of
inconsistency or scruple. Ever since, I have seen clearly the mistake I
made--a mistake that is very common in these days, when erroneous
teaching on faith-healing does much harm, misleading some as to the
purposes of GOD, shaking the faith of others, and distressing the minds
of many. The use of means ought not to lessen our faith in GOD; and our
faith in GOD ought not to hinder our using whatever means He has given
us for the accomplishment of His own purposes.

For years after this I always took a swimming-belt with me, and never
had any trouble about it; for after the storm was over, the question was
settled for me, through the prayerful study of the Scriptures. GOD gave
me then to see my mistake, probably to deliver me from a great deal of
trouble on similar questions now so constantly raised. When in medical
or surgical charge of any case, I have never thought of neglecting to
ask GOD's guidance and blessing in the use of appropriate means, nor yet