The Middle Eden
They called it simply “Eden” at first; that dear old home in the Western Chang village. And for years it was known by no other name. But when the troubles broke out in 1887, some of Fan’s people appropriated the title for a Refuge of their own in the neighbourhood, and it became necessary to make a distinction. So Hsi added the one word Chong, so full of meaning to every Chinaman, and after that it was always known as “The Middle Eden.”
It was there one had to see him, really to know him best. Some people do not shine at home. But Hsi did. And even a brief sojourn beneath his roof was never to be forgotten. It enabled one to understand the devotion he inspired, and the power of his life in its wider activities.
In the summer of 1894, it was the writer’s privilege to be welcomed there on an occasion of special interest, when Hsi entertained for the second
Chong, i.e. central, original, inclusive. It is the word used in the Chinaman’s favourite name for his own country: Chong-kueh, the Middle Kingdom.
time his loved and venerated friend Mr. Hudson Taylor, who with Mrs. Taylor had just come out from England. The munificence of that hospitality well illustrates one phase of his generous character. The story is given as it was written at the time.
It was a lovely July morning when we set out from P’ing-yang for the Western Chang village, half a day’s journey toward the mountains. Pastor Hsi had sent his own cart to fetch us, which was large enough for the whole party, as Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Taylor could not leave till next day. It was the first time we had ever travelled with a Christian carter and mules belonging to a Christian establishment; and after ten weeks of very different experiences, the change was more than welcome. But though the animals went willingly and the man was up to his work, the long summer day had deepened into dusk ere we reached our destination. Several times our friendly escort had pointed out the position of Hsi’s home across the plain; and as we neared the village, within its well-kept wall, we were glad of the resource of foreign speech to express our eager expectation.
“What will it all be like? So we are really here at last. How interesting to see him in his home.”
A moment later, and we rumbled through the gateway of the village, and found ourselves surrounded by its narrow streets. All was silent, as if wrapt in slumber. Evening shadows gathered about us, as we turned mysterious corners, passing quaint buildings and archways.
“Here we are,” exclaimed the driver, swinging his mules round to the left, into a street of dwelling-houses, with long blank walls on either side, at the end of which we caught sight of moving lights and figures outside a spacious doorway. Yes, there they were; the whole household, out in the summer night, waiting to greet us.
Before the cart stopped, my husband had jumped down and was bowing low in Chinese fashion, in response to Pastor Hsi’s courteous welcome. Then we were driven in, across various courtyards and open spaces, Pastor Hsi going ahead with a large paper lantern to show the way. This seemed a little strange, and we could not think where they were taking us: for, as we knew from Mr. Hoste, the pastor’s rooms, where we should be entertained, were near the entrance, around a courtyard to which access was gained by a doorway on the right. But this was quite a pilgrimage. What could it mean?
At length the cart stopped, and we stepped out in a wide, open place that looked like a threshing floor. Mrs. Hsi was there waiting, and with loving welcome soon made us feel at home. Surrounded by various members of the household, we were led toward an ample table, covered with a clean white cloth, on which a foreign lamp was burning. Tea-cups were all in readiness; and with surprise we saw that a meal was to be served, right there out of doors. This was an unexpected concession to English tastes.
On coming up to the table, however, a further surprise awaited us; for we found that the space about it on the threshing floor was railed in with a network of rope, two or three feet high, so that it looked like a roomy, summer guest-hall; and overhead a broad awning, supported by a dozen or more tall wooden poles, formed a sheltering roof.
“Here,” said Pastor Hsi, “we shall be able to have our meetings. It will be cooler than indoors.”
Forthwith he urged Mr. C. and my husband to take the seats of honour — handsome chairs, properly disposed at the north end of this enclosure, just as they would be in a reception hall. Down either side, smaller arm-chairs and tea-tables alternated in the usual order, so that the rest of the party knew where to place themselves when Mrs. Hsi invited the ladies to be seated. In intervals of conversation, one could not but wonder where we were to spend the night, and observe with interest the large building in the background: no doubt a barn, as it opened on the threshing floor. But could it be a barn, with those nicely papered windows and bright muslin hangings, the doorway surmounted by an ornamental tablet with three large characters that we could see in the lamplight, standing for “God’s Holy Temple “?
The mystery remained unsolved, until, tea having been disposed of, Mrs. Hsi’s aunt, a nice-looking old lady, rose and said that if we cared to refresh ourselves after the journey, hot water was waiting in our rooms. Tired and dusty, we gladly complied, wondering where we should be taken. And what was our surprise when, instead of carrying us off to the women’s apartments on some distant courtyard, Mrs. Hsi led the way to that same building at the back of the enclosure, and drawing aside the curtains, invited us to pass in. This we did, and at every step fresh wonders were revealed. Far from being a barn, as we had supposed, it was almost a royal pavilion: a whole suite of apartments, beautifully arranged, clean and cool, and all ready for our use.
With growing astonishment we explored its resources, touched by evidences of loving thoughtfulness on every hand. The central dining-room gave access to a large sleeping apartment for the gentlemen on one side, and to a couple of smaller chambers on the other. All were comfortably furnished, and most inviting. Lights were burning on the tables; fresh straw mats completely covered the floors; new bamboo curtains, as well as coloured hangings, protected doors and windows; new white felt rugs were laid over fine, white matting on each of the beds. The tables were spread with red covers, and neatly laid in the centre of each was a square of green oil -silk, a beautiful rich colour. Brass basins, shining like mirrors, were placed upon little stands ready for use, with clean white towels and new cakes of the best Pears’ soap. The whole place, in a word, was so clean and attractive, so polished and radiant, that we could hardly believe our eyes.
And there stood dear Pastor and Mrs. Hsi, eager to see if we were pleased, but disclaiming gratitude or remonstrance.
“It is nothing. It is altogether unworthy. Gladly would we have arranged far better for our Venerable Chief Pastor and his family.”
As soon as we had made good use of the steaming water waiting in the basins, supper was announced, and we went out to quite a feast. At one end of the long table, with its spotless drapery and shining lamp, two handsomely carved, high - backed chairs were waiting. These of course were for the gentlemen. But to our surprise, at the other end, seats were placed for us too. This was quite unlooked for, as Pastor Hsi is very particular about “propriety” in conforming, as far as possible, to the customs of his country — a principle with which we fully agree. When all was ready, in a prayer that came from the heart, he sought the blessing of God upon our meeting, thanking Him for having brought us thousands of miles over land and sea to his home.
Supper over, the whole household joined us in family worship in our cool, open parlour. The moon had risen and was shining gloriously. To a musical native air they sang the familiar hymn, “He leadeth me.” Pastor Hsi himself conducted the service....
And we were really there: listening to his forceful words; looking into the faces of that little group representing so many hundreds blessed by his ministry; surrounded by the shadowy mountains and far-reaching plain, scene of his untiring labours.
That night, as a final expression of courteous hospitality, Mrs. Hsi insisted on sharing the room in which Miss B. and I were sleeping, and in the other chamber the gentlemen were cared for by our host. There was, of course, no chance of a moment alone with my husband. Indeed, as we were newly married, we had to ignore one another, as far as possible, so as not to offend against good taste.
Next morning all was excitement in view of the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Taylor. Escorted by Mr. Hoste, they reached the village about noon, and, though a meeting was in progress at the time, everything was put on one side to give them an enthusiastic welcome. Nothing could exceed the love and joy with which Mr. Hsi received again into his home the man whom God had used to do so much for China. He brought hot water himself, for washing, and kept father’s cup filled with tea. He hastened the mid-day meal, covering the table with good things; and then insisted upon waiting in person, lest his helpers should not be quick enough to anticipate every wish. Very touching it was to see his eyes fill with tears, as father tried to thank him for all his generous kindness, and to hear him say:
“This — it is nothing! What, sire, have you suffered and endured that my people might have the Gospel? This is my joy and privilege. How could I do less?”
Our hearts were deeply moved. But the climax was reached when Mr. Hoste let out the secret; telling us of all the trouble these dear friends had taken on our account. The beautiful suite of rooms was just as new to him as to us. He had often visited the Pastor’s home; but this was a transformation scene. He told us that the building really was a barn, consisting of nothing but a roof and three bare walls. The new front and windows, partitions, plastering, whitewashing, and hangings had all been put in expressly for our use, and the furniture carried from the Pastor’s own rooms across several courtyards. And all this for a visit of only a few days.
It was just like Pastor Hsi; his generous spirit all over. What a heart of love; what gratitude and devotion! Another instance of the same nature occurred in connection with the father of his loved friend Mr. Hoste, whom he knew to be suffering and out of health. Far away in England, the General was surrounded by every comfort and care; and to us it may seem that Hsi’s sympathy, and its somewhat unusual expression, could not add much to his well-being; but who can tell the blessing that may have come through his prayers. With great pains he prepared two different kinds of medicine, and brought them to Hung-tung with a characteristic letter, to be forwarded to England. The pills were in two large pint-and-a-half bottles; and the prescription was that, of the red sort eight should be taken every evening with boiling water, and of the black variety twenty every morning before breakfast. The epistle, beautifully written on sheets of different coloured paper, ran as follows: —
By the grace, love, and commandment of our Lord (I may address you as):
Beloved and honoured General Hoste,
Though in body I cannot come and salute you, yet in spirit I have long ere this been with you inquiring after you. May the Lord relieve you of your sickness, that you may again become strong.
From the time that I heard my much-loved pastor, Mr. Hoste, say that you were ill, I have not ceased to pray that the Lord would with His own hand heal you. On a certain night, while engaged in fervent prayer, the Holy Spirit put it into my heart to give two kinds of medicine to my pastor, Mr. Hoste, that he might carefully hand them on to you to take. The one kind is red and is called Ho-lo-shu, a supplementary pill, good for curing all kinds of weakness in hands or feet. Take eight pills in the evening with boiling water. The second kind is black and is called Huan-sha-tan; it helps to strengthen aged people, either man or woman may use it. Take twenty pills every morning. I have prayed again and again that the Holy Spirit would guide me aright in giving you these medicines.
Now what really can be the purpose, the intention, of our Heavenly Father in all this? Surely it is this: You have taken several of your sons and laid them upon God’s altar, for the preaching of the Truth in many lands and for the salvation of men. Their work is of all in the wide world the most important, and from earliest ages until now the most precious in His sight. Therefore the time must come for such work to pass through a term of fiery testing.
Last year one of your beloved sons left this world to go to his home in Heaven. This year you yourself are ill, and your honoured wife is not strong. The Lord Almighty wants to perfect this your work for the salvation of men, which must therefore for a time be tried with fire.
It was our Heavenly Father who led me to hand over these two bottles of medicine. He desires also that I should show to you, Venerable Sir, something of that true love which is obtained through the Cross of Christ. For it is not the mere medicine that is of any good, but it is that of which the medicine is a proof.
Receive this, then, from your humble servant, as fervent love out of a pure heart; that you may know that your labour has not been in vain. So while you are being tried, each country is reaping the blessing. This is, indeed, following the example given by our Heavenly Father, who gave His Son to save the world. How great will be your reward hereafter!
And now I ask after the welfare of your honoured wife, and beg to greet all those who labour for China, with its various provincial churches; those who help in prayer; those who support the China Inland Mission with their money; all pastors, pastors’ wives, and teachers; indeed the whole family of the Kingdom of Heaven, both brethren and sisters. Peace and happiness be to them all!
I beseech all to pray earnestly for me, in the work to which the Lord has appointed me for the salvation of men and women, by the opening of Opium Refuges in the several provinces of Shan- si, Ho-nan, Shen-si, and Chih-li, that God may help me in my weakness.
Pray, too, that the Lord may pour out His Holy Spirit and still send many pastors and teachers from your Honourable Country to come to us in the Middle Kingdom and preach the Gospel; for in every province the Lord has opened a great door for preaching the Truth.
I pray our Heavenly Father that He will spare you. Venerable Sir, and your honoured wife yet many years in peace upon earth. Amen.
Written with my own hand by your humble servant, HSI — by the grace of God,
Overcomer of Demons.
But such entertainment and correspondence were unusual, and broke in upon the even tenor of a much more ordinary way. For at The Middle Eden, affairs moved with great regularity. Everything was planned with system; well thought out, and diligently put into practice. Hsi’s loving, vigilant attention to the best interests of all entrusted to his care, recalled the divine commendation of Abraham, “the friend of God “:
“I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord.”
As the work grew, and he was more frequently away from home, he drew up a set of Rules for the guidance of his helpers, that occupied a prominent position in the guest-hall. Beautifully written, in fine “grass characters” or running hand, and mounted on a board, this document looked like an official proclamation. But it differed materially from most proclamations, in that it was carried into effect.
b d
fe ° a “By the grace of God,” it began, “these Regulations are appointed for learning the Heavenly Doctrine; for conducting business affairs; and for the proper entertainment of guests. They must be faithfully obeyed.”
RULES FOR THE MIDDLE EDEN
I. On the Lord’s Day all must attend public worship three times. The Communion Service shall be celebrated once a month. Some Pastor or Elder shall arrange for this, and entertain Members from the surrounding country. Any who have fallen into sin and not repented, may not be entertained.
IL No work may be done on Sunday. In the families of the worshippers, all indoor and outdoor work must be completed in six days. Only the labour of serving-men for God is not forbidden; feeding and watering the cattle, and tending the sheep.
III. During the week, each one shall rise at daybreak. All are to watch and pray; and having combed hair and washed faces, must diligently sweep out the rooms and courtyards, set the children to work, and go to their own occupation, not daring to be lazy.
IV. Every week-day evening, a service will be held. In summer the hour is changed to noon. In the hottest weather the meeting may be conducted out of doors, until autumn, when again it will be held in the chapel at night. For if arrangements are convenient, it is helpful to the worshippers.
The Order of the Services shall be as follows: — On Monday, Exposition of the Scriptures: each one reading a verse in turn.
On Tuesday, Prayer Meeting: first reading a few verses about the Gospel or on prayer. A Member may be invited to conduct the service, or several may be asked to lead in prayer. Pray that labourers may be multiplied in China and abroad; that blessing may be given in our Church and Refuges in all the provinces; and also for our Middle Eden.
On Wednesday, Singing of Hymns: ten hymns shall be practised, new and old.
On Thursday, Gospel preaching: the speaker shall catechise men, women, and children alike; that they may more easily understand and remember: from shallow going on to deep, from less to greater, making daily progress.
On Friday, Prayer for All Men: asking a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to lead men everywhere to believe and obtain salvation.
On Saturday, again practise ten hymns: and unitedly pray the Lord to grant blessing on His own day, and to preserve the Refuges from calamity.
Then follow detailed regulations for the conduct of domestic affairs; affording a glimpse into virhat went on daily at The Middle Eden. For example: —
“Brother Yii is to look after matters of husbandry, feeding the animals, the use of mules and carts, drawing water, collecting manure, grass-cutting, etc.; seeking in all, God’s protecting care.
“He will employ some of the children to help him in odd jobs. He may not allow the children to fight and quarrel. If they are disobedient, upon returning from the fields Elder Si is to see that those under ten years of age receive twenty blows on the hand, those over ten, thirty. If any boy will not submit to this castigation, two ablebodied Members are to hold him, and administer a barebacked flogging; twenty blows for those under ten, thirty for those over.”
This regulation is necessary on account of the universal Chinese weakness of discipline. But the exhortation is added: —
“You must love the children for the Lord’s sake, and it is certainly your duty thus to correct them.
“When the sheep come home from grazing, brother Ti-teh will look after their welfare. He will carefully supply water and salt, praying God to keep the beasts in health. Two other Members are deputed to attend to the stables, the cow-byre, and the farm gate; also to sweep the road; and in their leisure to study the Scriptures.
“Elder Si, trusting in God’s great power, will see that these regulations are carried out during the Pastor’s absence from home. With Cheo and Yiien, he will also make up the various pills, not omitting united prayer that by the help of the Holy Spirit the medicine may be properly prepared, may be able to rescue people from opium-smoking, and lead them to believe in the Gospel; also that the pills may be well-made, smooth, and attractive-looking.”
The children’s time is so regulated that half of them study vihile half are at work.
“If they disobey the heavenly laws of God, they are to be beaten with sticks according to the above regulations.
“Gentle Princess” (the Pastor’s little niece), “in the morning is to sweep out the three rooms on the south of the courtyard; after breakfast she will spin thread; after dinner study, and feed the chickens; waiting until the hen has left the nest to pick up the eggs. If she does not do all this properly, her old Aunt with a small stick is to beat her five strokes on the hand.
“Little Silver Bells is to take care of her small sister. She is not to let the baby rest on other people’s beds, nor to give it into other people’s care. If she does not properly look after it, she is to have three stripes from the old Aunt.
“The old Aunt is to be responsible for rice, flour, salt, vinegar, and other provisions, and to keep the keys. She is constantly to pay attention to household affairs; also to beat the gong, look after the women, and make up the medicine into packets, ready to be sent out. In managing these affairs of the Lord she is to be thoroughly trustworthy.
“The Elder’s wife, in Mrs. Hsi’s absence, is to care for indoor matters; keeping all the house nice and tidy. She is also to consult her old Aunt in controlling the women. They are to pray together and be at peace, and in all things to work harmoniously.
“Wang and Yiien are to be responsible in this household of God for preparing the food. They must be diUgent, and have their dishes well cooked and fragrant. God’s things cannot be thrown away or wasted; and dirty water must not be cast out into the road, to the inconvenience of passers-by.
“Another Member is to prepare coal and water sufficient for use on Sunday.
“Mr. Ch’i “(a good and gifted brother),” is to be free to follow the Spirit’s guidance; sometimes working in his own home, and sometimes helping at The Middle Eden.
“Mr. Cheo is responsible for all the farming implements, oiled baskets, sieves, etc., when he is not making medicine.”
Then follow special injunctions respecting an adopted son of Pastor Hsi, who turned out a prodigal, and almost broke his heart.
“If my nephew Kuen-hu comes home, he is to be treated kindly. Give him medicine if he is ill. Send to the town and buy fine flour and bread. I cannot but love him, although he gives me sorrow.
“Finally, no one is permitted to attend fairs, or theatricals; no one may smoke either the dry pipe or the water pipe; and on no account is wine to be used. Members of the household may not sleep in the daytime, save in harvest (the 4th moon), when days are long and work heavy; then a little rest may be taken at noon. Gossiping is not allowed from door to door.
“Any unwilling to follow these regulations will be earnestly exhorted to repent. If they choose rather to leave The Middle Eden, they are at liberty to do so.
Regulations in force a.d. 1894.
Trusting the Lord, Hsi, Overcomer of Demons.”
All this reads quaintly to our Western ears, but it illustrates the way in which Hsi carried his Christianity into daily life. There were no unimportant matters with him. “Everything has a great truth underlying it,” was one of his characteristic sayings. He believed that the highest principles should be applied to the smallest details of everyday affairs, and that the true state of the heart shows itself in just these little things. It is a deeply earnest view of life, and means, “whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Thus it is possible to be filled with the Spirit; because nothing is kept back from His control. Hsi was remarkable for discernment in the matter of character, that amounted almost to intuition; and his judgment of those with whom he had to deal, was largely based upon such indications.
It was this genuine consistency in little things that gave his own life its practical power. For he was more strict with himself than with any one else; and strove, unremittingly, to attain the ideals he set before others. At the same time there was nothing forbidding about his presence. Children loved him. He had a genuine sense of humour, and a pleasant laugh. Genial and bright at all times, he was specially so at home; and to none did he give himself more freely than to the members of his own large household. In later years he adopted the precaution of receiving those who wished to come to him, for a probationary three months to begin with. This conquered many difficulties, and made matters work more smoothly all round. But
1 J Cor. X. 31; and Col. iii. 17.
Z though his requirements were rigorous — no fairs, theatricals, wine, smoking, gossip, or resting in the daytime — few, if any, desired to leave The Middle Eden at the close of that period. They had found practical Christianity at work in a Chinese home, and were glad to be under its loving, wholesome influence.
Even the heathen who looked on as outsiders merely, could appreciate much that took place at the Western Chang village. Years had passed since his own neighbours had insisted upon making Hsi headman of the community, in spite of his change of faith. They were willing even to let the idols starve, if only they could secure his prayerful management of their affairs. And subsequent developments had not shaken that early confidence. Of course those who did not become Christians were often bitter in their opposition. But on the whole Hsi’s character was regarded with respect, even by those of “his own country.” And far beyond the village, the power of his prayer -hearing God was widely known, so that from distant places sufferers were brought to be prayed for.
“For many years past,” he writes in his own brief sketch of things,” there have been both a Refuge and a Gospel Hall in my own house, where through the power of God I have healed diseases, cured opium-smokers, and preached the Gospel. Also in my absences from home this work has continued.
“There was a man named Liang, who for a long time was violently possessed of the devil, and could not be restrained. His mother prevailed upon certain of their relatives to come to our Middle Eden and beseech me to go and heal him. Some members of the household declined, saying: ‘The Pastor is not at home.’ But Mrs. Hsi exclaimed:
“‘We save men through faith in God! Are we dependent on the Pastor? If his mother is willing to believe in the Lord Jesus and put away her idols, she may bring her son here at once. We will pray with them; and the Lord will certainly restore him.’
“The mother, upon receiving this message, did put away her idols, and expressed a desire to believe. Her son forthwith became a little better, and they were able to bring him to my house. Mrs. Hsi and the other Christians prayed much for him. And in about a month, his opium craving was cured; the devil was cast out; and he was entirely healed.
“There were also several others, both men and women, who had diseases that no man could cure; but by regularly attending the services in our home, they gradually recovered, and were led to trust in the Lord.”
Here is another quotation: the last paragraph of his too brief manuscript.
“Whenever there is a season of drought, neighbouring villages worship the Dragon King (Satan) in order to obtain rain. Our village never joins with them. But our Heavenly Father in His grace hears and answers prayer, and for several years has given us more rain than has fallen in other villages of the neighbourhood. So that even the heathen are beginning to say:
“‘The people of the Western Chang village certainly reap great benefit from the Jesus Religion.’
“This is because in our village we do not reject the Lord. Therefore we obtain blessing. Does not this prove the truth of God’s Holy Word?”
Such testimony is needed among the heathen. And which of us does not feel the power of a life of prayer? Hsi prayed about everything; seeking the help of God in business matters and family life just as simply and confidently as in spiritual things. He believed, for example, that the Lord understood farming much better than he did, and was as truly interested in the care of his land and crops as in the ordering of the spheres. Just as the greatest ruler on earth, if he were a father, would be sure to care for the needs of his little one no less than for affairs of state. And our Father is infinite: that is, without any limitations. So Hsi prayed “without ceasing,” because he prayed about all things, from moment to moment, day by day. As an instance of the way he was guided, the following facts speak for themselves.
It was the summer of 1 894, and Hsi had just got in his early autumn crops from land that in a few weeks’ time was to be sown with wheat for the spring harvest. The Chinese farmer follows well-nigh unalterable usages in all matters pertaining to agriculture. It would never occur to him to change them; for how could he be supposed capable of improving on the wisdom of the ancients? When, therefore, the early autumn crops are gathered in, the ground is roughly ploughed, and left to bake in the sun until the latter half of September. Then the autumn rains fall; and it is an easy matter to harrow the soil and sow the seed in time for it to strike root strongly before the frosts commence. That is how it always has been done, and no one would attempt the slightest change. And yet there often comes a difficult moment; especially on a farm like Hsi’s, where irrigation is impracticable and the land is entirely dependent upon rainfall for its fertility. For the wheat cannot be sown until the rain has softened the ground; and yet, if it is not sown before the end of September, there is very little prospect of a harvest in the spring.
On this occasion, Hsi was praying as usual for guidance, and a question seemed to be raised in his mind as to whether that land should be left to wait as usual. For several days he prayed earnestly about it. Would the rainfall be late? Should he make any change, to secure a better harvest? At length the answer seemed to come very definitely:
“Harrow the land at once, but sow late.”
He told his men forthwith; and in spite of the ridicule involved, they set to work while the land was yet moist from summer rains, and harrowed it thoroughly, until all was soft and ready for sowing. Of course this meant putting on one side pressing work that other farmers were doing, and seemed to onlookers a preposterous vagary — just like those unaccountable Christians! But Hsi and his helpers took it pleasantly; and by working a little harder in other ways, they soon caught up with their neighbours.
Then came the critical season. Day after day went by, and no rain fell. The third week in September passed; the fourth drew to a close; and farmers everywhere were almost in despair. Just at the last moment, however, the showers came. Hsi’s land quickly absorbed the grateful moisture, and all that was necessary was to put in the seed. Full of thankfulness, he quickly accomplished this task, while his unhappy neighbours were trying in vain to break up their hardened soil, and one by one abandoning the attempt as hopeless for that season. When asked, almost indignantly, how he could have known, Hsi readily explained that it was in answer to prayer. The moral needed no pointing.
One outcome of this habitual prayerfulness, was the attitude so natural to him of seeing God’s hand in everything. Just as in earlier years, so still the Lord spoke to his heart through all circumstances; and he learned many a lesson where others might have been wholly occupied with second causes.
“Earth’s crammed with Heaven
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes — The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”
Not only in the constant miracle of nature, above and around him, was Hsi aware of God. When was he not aware of Him? It almost seemed as though nothing were too commonplace, too trivial to have some message from the Father in Heaven who undertakes to make all things work together for good to His children. Take quite a homely illustration.
In that same winter of 1894, which was unusually severe, a number of his sheep died, apparently of cold. Of course his neighbours were quick to say:
“Oh, why didn’t your God protect you? You
say the idols are no good. Now it is our turn”
and so on.
It was trying, and the loss was serious. But more than this, Hsi felt it was not for the glory of God. So he gave himself to prayer and fasting about this ordinary matter. Can anything be unworthy our earnest attention that affects, however remotely, His honour? Perhaps, he felt, the Lord had a purpose in it. Was there something in himself, or any member of the household, displeasing to God? Was it a rebuke; a warning?
After a time, as he prayed, he began to see lessons that might not occur to us, but that proved to be most timely for himself and those about him. It undoubtedly was the thin sheep that had died. In summer time, when there was abundance of pasture, they had neglected to feed properly, and now had succumbed to the rigour of the season.
That was enough. Calling the household together, he put the circumstances before them; specially emphasising those two points. He then explained the internal mechanism of the sheep; and how by feeding when there is abundance, it can lay up stores of fat that act as a reserve supply when less nutriment is obtainable. Finally he applied the whole matter in an earnest exhortation to himself and others, not to do as they had done.
“Here we are in the green pastures of our Middle Eden,” he said, with truth.” Every opportunity is given us for feeding on the Word of God and for growing strong in spiritual things. It will not always be so. This is our year of grace. The time will come when we shall be scattered, and exposed to persecution and trial in the cold world without. Those who are careless now, and slothful, will then inevitably fail.
How are we using our opportunities? You who neglect private prayer, and are inattentive at worship, what will happen to you later, when trouble comes? Your souls, half-starved, will be unable to sustain the cruel frosts the devil is sure to send.”
It was a solemn warning. But it was the way in which he brought it home to himself at the close that melted all hearts.
“Brethren,” he said, “the Lord has spoken to my soul also. I have been most to blame. Why did those sheep die? It was the cold. Perhaps we might have taken better care of them. They were weak, even if it was their own fault. And brethren, I have been too severe with you. I have not loved you and watched over you all tenderly enough. The Lord is reproving me for my cold heart and want of gentleness in dealing with the erring. The Chief Shepherd is not like that. I too repent; and with you will seek to live nearer to His heart.”
How ready he was, in those later years, to see his own mistakes and learn to do better. Even before the heathen he was willing to make open confession of failure or wrong: the last thing a man would do in China, apart from the grace of God.
On one occasion he was asked by a heathen relative for help in reaping his harvest. Hsi had plenty of men to draw upon at the time, and thinking only of the claims of kinship, he at once offered to send over eight or ten. This was probably more than the man had expected, and well satisfied, he went his way. But Hsi had not prayed about it. And he was painfully reminded of the omission when, that very day, three of his men fell ill. He at once sought the Lord about the indisposition of these helpers, and then it was the conviction came that the matter was displeasing to Him.
“The man is a heathen. You are lending them solely because he is your relative. And these are Christian men: My servants.”
Immediately he confessed his mistake; telling the Lord he would not send the men.
“But you have promised,” came the answer.
Deeply convicted, for a time he did not know what to do. Then he decided to go to his relative and tell him all the truth, asking him under the circumstances to accept five men instead of ten. This done, his heart was at rest; and the men who were suffering quickly recovered.
It was a busy life he led, especially at The Middle Eden! His many-sided ability made him always in requisition. Whatever was going on, if he was anywhere within reach, “Our Pastor” was sure to be wanted. He could cook a good dinner; cut a coat nicely; see to the making of a complete suit of garments, inner and outer; or a pair of shoes that would fit without pinching. To eminent capacity for directing large operations, he added an unusual mastery of detail. And all that he was, or by the grace of God could be, was at the disposal of every one he could help.
It was a great change, most noticeable to those who had known him from the beginning. Not to override others, but to bear their burdens; not to rule, but to serve, had become his ideal. For had not his Master said: “I am among you as he that serveth.” In later years he was much impressed with the thought that just as God in Christ had laid down His life for us, “we ought,” not we may, but we ought, “to lay down our lives for the brethren.” And this seemed to him to apply to little things as well as great. Was not the Lord Jesus always laying down His life for others, long before He came to the cross?
In the matter of time, for example, the way in which he patiently submitted to the most trying interruptions, was just part of this spirit. Burdened though he was with serious responsibilities, he was always at the disposal of those who came to him with even the smallest need. His time was thus constantly broken in upon, and he had to make it a matter of prayer that the Lord would save him from unnecessary distractions. But when the call came, he would respond at once; not with remonstrance, but in a loving, sympathetic spirit; even if it were some needless question of a blundering helper, or the outpouring of a mother’s anxious care. Of course he tried, as far as possible, to organise the work so that each department should be carried on by its own responsible head. But there were all the extra things that could not be foreseen and provided for, and all the personal difficulties that could be brought to no one else.
The writer well remembers learning one lesson from him that will never be forgotten.
It was during an important conference, and Hsi was just about to take one of the principal meetings. He had been fasting and waiting on God in prayer, and when the audience had assembled, he came out of his room, books in hand, ready to go on the 1 I John iii. 16.
platform. His mind was full of his message, and crossing the courtyard he scarcely noticed a woman who was waiting, until she intercepted him. No one else was present, and he had not the slightest idea that the little scene was watched from behind an open window.
“Oh, Pastor Hsi,” she exclaimed, “I have been waiting for you! My baby boy is poorly. Please give me something for his cough. Your medicine is sure to do him good.”
The case evidently was not urgent. But without the slightest impatience, he paused and said kindly to the woman:
“Do not let your heart be anxious. As soon as the meeting is over, I will prepare something. If you cannot stay just now, send some one later to fetch the medicine.”
The woman, comforted, sat down to wait. Hsi spoke that afternoon with great power. And when the service closed, he slipped away to find the mother and patiently explain to her just how that medicine was to be given, and what to do for the child.
“It was really wonderful,” said Mr. Hoste, after the close observation of years. “He used often to remind me of Mr. Hudson Taylor in this respect. Amid all the press of work that was upon him, really important affairs claiming attention, his patience and courtesy, toward even the most unreasonable intruder, seemed unfailing. He was deeply imbued with the spirit, the conviction, that he really was their servant for Christ’s sake, and that so it ought to be.”
At the same time, he felt these interruptions Iceenly, and longed for more leisure that he might give himself to prayer and spiritual ministry. Toward the close of 1894, he wrote:
“During the fifteen years that have elapsed since I first believed in the Lord Jesus, I have sometimes been engaged in leading the Christians of our Middle Eden in farming; sometimes in helping to cook in the kitchen, in preparation for a feast; sometimes in assisting with the manufacture of our medicines; sometimes even in domestic work; as well as in travelling from province to province arranging for the Refuges, preaching and healing diseases, or assisting to govern the affairs of the Church. All the year round I am exceedingly busy: and in consequence of this have come very far short in my duties toward the churches at P’ing-yang and in the Ta-ning district, so that I am not worthy to be called their pastor.
“I humbly beg all the foreign missionaries and native pastors to pray for me, beseeching the Lord to grant me more helpers, who will be able to undertake the responsibility of my household and Refuge matters, in order that I may give myself unremittingly to prayer and the preaching of the Gospel. This is what my heart truly longs for. Amen.”