the faithfulness of a prayer-hearing GOD to furnish the means
required for its support.

The funds for the maintenance of the hospital had hitherto been supplied
by the proceeds of the doctor's foreign medical practice; and with his
departure these ceased. But had not GOD said that whatever we ask in the
Name of the LORD JESUS shall be done? And are we not told to seek first
the kingdom of GOD, not means to advance it, and that all these things
shall be added to us? Such promises were surely sufficient. Eight days
before entering upon this responsibility I had not the remotest idea of
ever doing so; still less could friends at home have anticipated it.
But the LORD had foreseen the need, and already funds were on the way to
supply it.

At times there were not less than fifty in-patients in the hospital,
besides a large number who daily attended the out-patient department.
Thirty beds were ordinarily allotted to free patients and their
attendants; and about as many to opium-smokers, who paid for their board
while being cured of the habit. As all the wants of the sick in the
wards were supplied gratuitously, in addition to the remedial appliances
needed for the out-patient work, the daily expenses were considerable;
besides which, a number of native attendants were required, involving
their support.

When Dr. Parker handed the hospital over to me he was able to leave
money that would meet the salaries and working expenses of the current
month, and little more. Being unable to guarantee their support, his
native staff retired; and then I mentioned the circumstances to the
members of our little church, some of whom volunteered to help me,
depending, like myself, upon the LORD; and they with me continued to
wait upon GOD that in some way or other He would provide for His own
work. Day by day the stores diminished, and they were all but exhausted
when one day a remarkable letter reached me from a friend in England
which contained a cheque for L50. The letter stated that the sender had
recently lost his father, and had inherited his property; that not
desiring to increase his personal expenditure, he wished to hold the
money which had now been left to him to further the LORD'S work. He
enclosed the L50, saying that I might know of some special need for it;
but leaving me free to use it for my own support, or in any way that the
LORD might lead me; only asking to know how it was applied, and whether
there was need for more.