eir
home was one small room, and here they dwelt and received all who came
to them. They wore the Chinese dress, ate the Chinese food, and whether
in their own home or in the villages where they preached, ever kept
before them the one object of the salvation of souls.

As pioneer workers, enthusiasm sometimes overstepped discretion, and the
violation of Chinese custom in such matters as the public playing of
stringed instruments and open-air preaching to mixed congregations, led
to misunderstanding, and even to the gathering around them of some whose
presence was far from helpful.

Desire on the part of Miss Jacobsen to encourage in every way possible
those who were already faced with persecution as they left idolatry, led
to the preparation, each Sunday, of a simple meal which might be shared
with any who walked long distances to attend services in the City
Church, and who arrived weary and tired. Others, however, apart from the
Christian family heard of this, and if matters of business brought them
to the city, Sunday was considered an appropriate day to transact them,
as thereby dinner might be obtained free. This naturally led to
criticism on the part of the heathen, and many of the more independent
and self-respecting people refrained from intercourse with a community
of whom it could be said: "They believe for their food's sake." Acting
upon the advice of Pastor Hsi, this practice was discontinued, the
missionaries themselves willingly taking no food from morning until
evening, that all might fare alike. It could but be evident to all
concerned that the mistakes were those of love and enthusiasm, and such
qualities do much to counteract any harm that might arise from unwise
methods of expression. In every land, the world might well see more of
the love that defies criticism, and forgets its own interests in
whole-hearted devotion.

Miss Reuter felt the importance of at once reaching the children, and
opened a small school for the daughters of Christians. Three little
girls were committed to her care, and these she faithfully taught, not
despising the day of small things.

She, with Miss Jacobsen, travelled from village to village with the
evangelist Cheng Hsiu-chi, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Cheng was a native of Hwochow, and had, at Pastor Hsi's request, made
ready the house for the missionaries when they came. As a young man he
had wandered far in the paths of sin, and his mother, eager for his