raphs and sketches are hereby tendered to
Rev. George Hayes for Nos. 4 and 6; Dr. G.
Whitfield Guinness for Nos. 8, 12, 16, 25, and 28;
Miss Davies for No. 23; Mr. Thomas Selkirk for
Nos. 18 and 21; Mr. J. T. Reid for Nos. 14, 15,
and 27; Mr. J. S. Rough for No. 30; Mr. Grainger
for No. 19; Mr. E. Murray for No. 13, and also to
other friends unknown by name.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER I

THE POWER OF PRAYER

THE following account of some of the experiences which eventually led to
the formation of the CHINA INLAND MISSION, and to its taking the form in
which it has been developed, first appeared in the pages of _China's
Millions_. Many of those who read it there asked that it might appear in
separate form. Miss Guinness incorporated it in the _Story of the China
Inland Mission_, a record which contained the account of GOD'S goodness
to the beginning of 1894. But friends still asking for it in pamphlet
form, for wider distribution, this edition is brought out.

Much of the material was taken from notes of addresses given in China
during a conference of our missionaries; this will account for the
direct and narrative form of the papers, which it has not been thought
necessary to change.

It is always helpful to us to fix our attention on the GOD-ward aspect
of Christian work; to realise that the work of GOD does not mean so much
man's work for GOD, as GOD'S own work through man. Furthermore, in our
privileged position of fellow-workers with Him, while fully recognising
all the benefits and blessings to be bestowed on a sin-stricken world
through the proclamation of the Gospel and spread of the Truth, we
should never lose sight of the higher aspect of our work--that of
obedience to GOD, of bringing glory to His Name, of gladdening the
heart of our GOD and FATHER by living and serving as His beloved
children.

Many circumstances connected with my own early life and service
presented this aspect of work vividly to me; and as I think of some of
them, I am reminded of how much the cause of missions is indebted to
many who are never themselves permitted to see the mission field--many,
it may be, who are unable to give largely of their substance, and who
will be not a little surprised in the Great Day to see how much the work
has been advanced by their love, their sympathy, and their prayers.

For myself, and for the work that I have be