14 - Chapter 14
Chapter 14 - A Visit to Pastor Hsi by Stanley P Smith
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On Saturday, August 7th, Mr. Hudson Taylor left P’ing-yang for Han-chung. The arrangements made were for him to go to K’uh-wu, a city 40 miles south of P’ing-yang, and there joining Mr. Beauchamp, Mr. Herbert Hudson Taylor, and Mr. Studd, to proceed west to Han-chung.
As, however, there were still some matters to be settled with the native pastors, etc. and in going south to K’uh-wu, Mr. Hsi’s village would be very little out of the way, Mr. Taylor, in response to Mr. Hsi’s invitation spent Saturday to Monday with him. He went there accompanied by Mr. Stevenson, Dr. Edwards (from T’ai-yüen), and myself. We arrived at 9 p.m., and found a goodly number—some 30 or 40—assembled at evening prayers. The house was nicely prepared for us, the little court covered with an awning, the main room—his worship-hall—being faced with these words in large Chinese characters, “the acceptable year of the Gospel.” This worship-hall was, for the time being, our bedroom. The next day (Sunday) Mr. Ch’u and I took morning prayers. Mr. Taylor took the midday service, while in the evening Mr. Stevenson led another testimony meeting.
Several interesting testimonies were given, amongst them one by a lady, Mr. Hsi’s aunt.
MRS. LIANG.
I want before the pastors and Church members to tell of God’s grace. A short time ago, as I was one day entering an oil factory, the inside being dark, I fell into a pit and damaged my leg. After suffering acute pain, and being unable to move, I sought medical aid, but without benefit. One day my nephew told me that his brother-in-law—Mr. Hsi—trusted in Jesus, and cast out devils, and was much blessed in healing diseases by faith in God. I replied, “If you believe in God, you can invite him.” My nephew went to invite Mr. Hsi to come. He came, laid his hands on me, and prayed to God. The third day I was healed, and descended from my couch, able to walk. I then believed in the power of God. Of course, I at once cast away my idols, and worshipped the true God. The next year those of my own home and village greatly persecuted me; they took my husband, too (who is a believer), and beat him terribly. My nephew and I recanted, and, for fear of persecution, offered to the idols. I was immediately smitten with a great illness, and nearly died.
I again had Mr. Hsi invited. On coming, he warned me, adding, “If in truth you will repent, and no more worship idols, God will certainly forgive you, and your illness will certainly be healed.” At that time I firmly determined, “If God will once more save my life—though men should persecute me even to death—I will not again worship those false gods.” From that time I truly believed in God; with my whole body I want to serve Him. At present, however, we have to worship in secret, not daring to do so in public. If we want to do so in public we have to come to this village. I therefore ask your most earnest prayers on our behalf.
We were all full of thanksgiving that this lady (without the slightest suggestion on the part of foreigners) should have been led thus to testify for God. Humanly speaking, in China, where the etiquette about ladies is so strict, it was impossible. But this is just an instance of the fact that neither men, nor devils, nor long-established customs, can defeat the purposes of God, or bring to naught His Word. In Psalms 68:2 (R.V.) it reads, “The Lord giveth the word; the women that publish the tidings are a great host.” Later on, in the Prophets, is the word which was quoted at Pentecost, “On My handmaidens will I pour out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy.” From the birth of Jesus till now, how has God set His seal in Scriptures? The first herald to the Gospel was a woman. Of the aged Anna (Luke 2:38), this short but sweet and simple testimony is given, “She spake of Him.” The Lord hasten the day when “a great host” of His handmaidens in this heathen land may have their tongues loosened of the like hallowed object! The Lord grant that the same mighty blessing which has attended the preaching of women in home lands may be vouchsafed to their missionary and heathen sisters here! For never until their lips are opened can the women of China’s millions be effectually reached, or the mothers of China cease to be curses to this world in rearing a Christless and God-dishonouring offspring.