In the various places in which this book has grown to completion, I have been repeatedly asked how it has been possible to collect so much material about the life of a Chinaman who never left his own country. The question brings up many memories: straightway one lives again some of the most sacred of life’s experiences; and the heart warms at the recollection of all that has contributed to the work now finished.
It began on our wedding journey; when far in the heart of China we visited Pastor Hsi’s own home, and spent about two weeks in his company. Both he and Mrs. Hsi traveled with us from place to place for meetings, at which numbers of Christians gathered; and we had the opportunity of watching their lives under all sorts of circumstances. That was ten years ago; but still one feels unchanged the love and reverence their friendship inspired. In many an hour of quiet talk and prayer, we learned enough of their life story to make us desire to know more. And at our earnest request, Pastor Hsi subsequently wrote a brief autobiography, upon which this volume, and One of China’s Scholars, are based.
Shortly afterward he was taken to be with the Lord; and that Chinese manuscript, with my own notes made in conversation with him, became a trust that I longed to put to the best account. From various friends who had known him, much additional information was gleaned; especially from Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Hoste, Directors of the China Inland Mission, with which Pastor Hsi was connected.
Mr. Hoste, who had known Pastor Hsi intimately and labored with him for ten years, was kind enough to spend several days in answering questions, and supplementing the information I already possessed. By the skillful pen of a fellow missionary, this long interview was recorded additional manuscript from which to work. Mr. Hoste also put at my disposal a number of incidents he had himself recorded from time to time.
But it was easy, comparatively, to collect the materials. To compile from them a clear and connected narrative, that should give a true impression of the story, has been difficult. With many interruptions, in the midst of almost constant Traveling and meetings, this writing has been done. No one can be more conscious of its defects than the author, who has so longed to make it more worthy, but commits it now to the blessing of Him by whose enabling alone it has been accomplished.
It has been my earnest desire, and that of my cousin Mr. Marshall Broomhall, who has edited both these volumes, to secure thorough accuracy in presenting the facts recorded. If in any degree we have failed, the fault is mine. For though Mr. Broomhall followed Mr. Hoste as missionary in charge of the Hung-tung district, and was therefore intimately acquainted with the work, it was after the death of Pastor Hsi, whom he never met. This story, in its earlier stages, had the benefit of Mr. Hoste’s personal revision. We much regret that it has not been possible to submit it to him in its present form.
Were I to attempt to recount the long list of kindnesses, from many friends in many lands, that have made the task of writing this book one of the richest and most grateful I have ever known, the mere record would need a volume. They are treasured in thankful memory; and carry one often in heart to well-loved scenes under the Southern Cross, and by the wave-washed shores of our own little island, as well as amid the loveliest solitudes of New England, the cultured life of American cities, and the silent splendor of Swiss mountains. He only knows it all, from love to Whom these gracious deeds were done: and He will not forget even a cup of cold water given in His name. M.GERALDINE TAYLOR.