.. About these two hundred I have nothing to say,
but of the hundred odd Mr. Owen and I baptized in November I have to
admit that, making all allowances, some of them cause me more anxiety
than satisfaction.' There was, unfortunately, only too much ground for
this fear. Ultimately the movement dwindled almost as rapidly as it had
developed, and with little permanent benefit to the missionary cause.
Shantung had been devastated by famine, locusts, and cholera.
Missionaries brought relief to the stricken people, giving both money
and food. Large numbers were drawn towards the new religion by this
example of its deeds, and most of the converts had professed
Christianity in the hope of getting something by its means. But this
incident brought to a head a divergence of view as to the whole conduct
of affairs in the Peking mission between the two older missionaries, Dr.
Edkins and Dr. Dudgeon, and their three younger colleagues, Mr. Gilmour,
Mr. Owen, and Mr. Meech. Into this strenuous and protracted controversy
we do not propose to enter. Both parties were actuated by high and
honourable motives; both were able to express their views pointedly, and
with all appropriate force. In the end the view advocated by Mr. Gilmour
triumphed. This was that, so far as possible, no pecuniary inducement
whatever, either by way of payment for services, or even employment in
connection with the mission, should be allowed to influence a Chinaman's
judgment in the acceptance of Christianity. Gilmour could take an active
part in the discussions only during his winter residence in Peking. But
the reader who has followed its history so far will be quite prepared to
learn that he made up for the infrequency of his participation in the
controversy by the energy which he displayed when he did so. And in
depicting Gilmour as he was, it is essential that he should be seen when
opposing no less than, as he much preferred to be in all matters
affecting the welfare of the mission, in the heartiest concord with his
colleagues. And yet his keenest opponents would cordially assent to the
following statement by one who took an active part in all the
discussions. It is mainly for the purpose of emphasising this testimony
that the matter is referred to here.

'When in Peking Gilmour took his full share in the debates which were
constantly arising. Although he could and did argue to the extremest
point, and very hot and sharp words might be spoken during the
di