MISSIONARIES FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.
By J. H. Horsburgh
There is scope for missionaries of the highest intellectual ability. But the crying need of to-day is hundreds of ordinary people—filled with the Spirit of God. Women as well as men are greatly needed. A college training, tho useful, is not necessary. The best college training for the interior is to live for a time at home in one little room in a back street. Eat plain boiled rice, bread, and vegetables. In the morning commune with God, and study—especially your Bible. In the afternoon go out angling (for “men” of course), make a point of systematic visiting and individual conversations. In the evening throw yourself heartily into God’s work, always being careful to take the lowest place, and learn from others more experienced than yourself. If possible get a kind, crotchety friend to come and live with you. Never get put out with him, nor be anything but yielding and cheerful. Keep on doing this. Those who give up, however bright they may be, are not trained enough. Those who do not get tired will have proved themselves to be splendidly trained collegiate. The qualification is a Christ-like spirit—humble, patient, persevering, loving. (Brethren, pray for us). A great test is willingness to be snubbed. The missionary society will gladly entertain offers of service from both men and women of this stamp. Means of Support.—The society [the Young People’s Foreign Missionary Society] gives no “salaries” in the strict sense of the word. We shall be allowed to draw what we need for necessary maintenance, and in the far interior we shall not, of course, need very much. House accommodation will be provided. And it is hoped the mission will be developed in proportion as the Lord gives the means. Anyone who has $250 a year, and about $250 to pay the first cost of passage and outfit, may come at his own charges. (Christian parents, could you not manage this, perhaps, for your son or daughter?) Those who live simply and in native style will not need to spend so much as that. But there should be a margin to draw upon in case of need.—J. H. Horsburgh, M.A., Missionary in mid-China.