e sons of Church members to
obtain a thorough and Christian education in their immediate
neighbourhood. The necessary demands for institutional work for the
several counties mentioned throughout this book, are thus met by the two
stations of Hungtung and Hwochow. United with these to form a General
Allied Council to secure unity of action in all far-reaching
enterprises, and to avoid multiplication of work (though each local
church remains independent and self-governing), are the stations
situated in the cities of Chaocheng, and Yoyang, now severally in charge
of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. F. Briscoe, whose time is
occupied with pastoral and evangelistic work.

Mrs. Hsi still remains in Chaocheng, and carries on her work amongst the
women of that city. She, in company with Mrs. Liang and three others,
has been chosen by the Church to be set apart to the office of
deaconess. She is now sixty-four years of age, and her physical strength
is visibly failing.

Mrs. Hsi's life and example is one of the treasures of the Shansi
Church. She has served faithfully and long in active Christian work, and
she recently told me that she is now giving herself to prayer and
fasting more than was possible during the most active period of her
life.

For this effectual share in the present conflict, for her love and
friendship, and for her continued presence amongst us, we give thanks
unto God.

* * * * *

Thus we believe the Church has been rooted and established, no longer
propagated by any external energy, but whose seed is in itself.

The dream is so far fulfilled. More than thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs.
Hsi, in faith, brought their small offering as a child once offered his
barley loaves and laid them in the Master's Hand, Who gave thanks and
blessed.

In these pages the story is recorded of the sower, the waterer, and the
reaper, who laboured in tears and in joy.

Of the increase which God alone can give, no human record can tell, but
told it shall be in the day when those from every nation, kindred, and
tribe shall unite to ascribe honour and glory unto Him who liveth and
reigneth for ever and ever!

"So have I dreamed! Oh may the dream be true!
That praying souls are purged from mortal hue . . .
And grow as pure as He to Whom they pray."
HARTLEY COLERIDGE.

APPENDIX

CONTAINING

BIBLE