desire to become a
minister transformed itself into a wish to lead the more militant life
of missionary, by a slow process or suddenly.

It seems to me that the change must have come at a very early period.
For a long time I had taken an interest in Protestant missions,
especially in those established in Southern Africa, among the Bassoutos.
During my childhood we subscribed for the "Messenger," a monthly journal
that had for frontispiece an interesting picture which, very early in my
life, made a forcible impression upon me.

This picture held a higher place in my regard than those of which I have
already spoken, but by no means because of its execution, its color or
background. It represented an impossible pine tree growing at the edge
of a sea, behind which a resplendent sun was setting, and, at the foot
of the tree, there was a young savage who was watching the approach of
a ship, from a distant point upon the horizon, that was bringing to him
the glad tidings of Salvation.

Early in my life, when from the warm depths of my soft and downy nest,
I looked out upon a yet formless world, that picture evoked many dreams;
later when I was more capable of appreciating the extreme crudity of the
design, that huge sun, half-engulfed in the sea, and that tiny mission
boat sailing towards the unknown shores still had a very great charm for
me.

Now when they questioned me I replied: "I expect to be a missionary."
But I spoke in a low voice, in the voice of one not sure of himself, and
I felt that they no longer believed in my asseverations. Even my mother,
when she heard my response, smiled sadly.

Doubtless my answer exceeded what she expected from my faith;--probably
she said to herself that it was never to be; no doubt she thought that I
would become something very different, in all probability something less
desirable, that it was impossible at this time to foresee.

This determination of mine to become a missionary seemed to solve my
every problem. It would mean long voyages and an adventurous, perilous
life,--but journeys would be undertaken in the service of the Lord,
and the dangers endured for His blessed cause. That solution brought me
great tranquillity for a long time.

After having thus won peace for my religious conscience, I feared
to dwell upon the thought lest it should disclose some unexpected
weaknesses. But still the chill waters of commonplace sermons, with
their endless repetitions and stock phra