Pastor Hsi (of North China) : one of China's Christians /

Front matter

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(PRONOUNCED RATHER LIKE ‘SHEE')

Preface

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 travelled 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

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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 afterwards 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 laboured with him for ten years, was kind enough to spend several days in answering questions, and supplementing the information I already possessed. By the skilful pen of a fellow-missionary, this long interview was recorded verbatim, supplying an 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 travelling and meetings, this writing has been done, No one

Preface

IX 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

X of New England, the cultured life of American cities, and the silent splendour 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.

Chevalleyres, Vevey,

November 1903.

NOTE

The illustrations are from photographs kindly lent by several friends. Those facing pages 27 2, 116, 162, 256, 300, by Mr. Montagu Beauchamp. Those facing page 1 99 2, 3, by Mr. A. Orr-Ewing. Those facing page 27 x, 8, by Mr. R. Powell. The one facing page 391, by Dr. E. H. Edwards. That facing page 105, by Mr. A. H. Faers. Those facing pages 84, 185, 1991, 217, 381, by Marshall Broomhall.

Contents

CHAP. PAGE

5. Starving the Village Idols . . . -35 xi xii

CHAP. PAGE

Introduction

Among the most remarkable results of the Boxer uprising in China during 1900, has been the changed attitude that now prevails on the part of all classes toward missionary work in many parts of the country. The sullen contempt and hostility of former years have been largely replaced by willingness and even desire to hear and understand what the foreign teachers have to say. Reports are received from not a few districts of earnest invitations on the part of the gentry of neighbouring cities for some one to come and instruct them in the Western faith, premises for the carrying on of worship being freely offered for use.

Without attempting an analysis of the various causes to which this change is due, it is sufficient to say here, that the Chinese undoubtedly realise as never before that Western nations possess a power and civilisation in some respects superior to their own ; and that if further national disaster is to be averted, their old conservative attitude must be abandoned. Hence a condition of open-mindedness, hitherto unprecedented, prevails throughout the country, which, whatever its underlying motives, furnishes a unique opportunity for the preaching of

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XVI the Gospel. Experience shows that while many, on discovering the true nature of Christianity, draw back, unprepared to follow its teachings, not a few become really interested, and are open to further spiritual impressions. The prospect, therefore, of a wide and rapid spread of Christian faith in many parts of China seems not unlikely of realisation. The extent to which this movement will be marked by spiritual purity and depth, must largely depend upon the character of the Chinese Christians who lead it, as workers in various ways among their fellow-countrymen. Given men of real piety, and strong personal consecration to Christ, a glorious harvest of souls will be the result.

And herein lies the chief interest of the following narrative : for Mr. Hsi, by virtue of his talents and education, as well as of his Christian character, was a striking type of the class just referred to. As time goes on, China will certainly produce men whose zeal and gifts will fit them to take a leading part in the evangelisation of their own countrymen, and the building up of the native church. A story therefore such as this will repay the thoughtful study of all interested in the development of the Kingdom of God in that country. Should it not also awaken in those who read it a solemn searching of heart before God as to how far their own aims and practice in life can compare with the unremitting toil and unreserved devotion recorded in these pages, in the case of one whose advantages were far less than their own ?

The subject of this biography possessed in more than ordinary measure the qualities that fit men for

Introduction

XVII leadership; combining that comprehensiveness of mind and foresight which enable men to frame measures on a large scale, with the strength of will, practical resourcefulness, and capacity for the management of others, essential in carrying such projects to completion. At the same time there were points in his character which rendered his co-operation with foreign missionaries a matter of difficulty. By nature and by training, his temper was autocratic and independent. It was difficult, therefore, for him to give due weight and appreciation to the counsel and co-operation of other workers. His confidence was not easily won ; indeed, a tendency to over- mistrust and suspicion concerning those whom he did not know well, was a distinct weakness in his character. It seems worth while to draw attention to these features in a personality so full of interest, as undoubtedly they are among the typical faults of his race, and are likely to be found in greater or less degree in all Chinamen of the requisite character and capacity for exercising leadership in Christian work.

It is well to bear in mind in this connection that the system of government set forth by the sages of China, and cherished as an ideal by all her scholars, is that of a benevolent but almost unqualified despotism. Hence, just as the Western Church in her primitive days grew along the lines of existing institutions, it may be expected that the above system will leave its mark on the development of the Church in China. The transition period, in which leadership and initiative are transferred from foreign missionaries to native workers, demands therefore the careful and prayerful forethought of all concerned. Nor should it xviii Pastor Hsi

be forgotten that some of those very qualities in the Chinese leader, which at times render difficult his co-operation with the foreign missionaries, are also characteristic to some extent of the races from which the latter are drawn.

The manner in which this transition will be effected is of course uncertain. But past experience in other lands, as well as a good deal already gained in China, indicates that it will be brought about largely through the instrumentality of Chinamen raised up by God to initiate and carry on a work of their own, apart from direct missionary supervision. The system under which the native agent draws his temporal support through the missionary, and looks to the latter to initiate, guide, and control the work, has not so far produced many Chinamen with the qualities necessary for independent leadership ; nor, in the nature of things, is it likely to do so in the future. Men can only be fitted for responsibility by bearing it. And the hope that under the system referred to there will by degrees be evolved a class of men capable of acting alone, has little ground for encouragement as to its realisation on a wide scale.

One thing is certain from the character of the people : that with the growth of Christianity in China, men and women will increasingly be raised up to initiate independent enterprises. What is to be our attitude toward them ? The life and work recorded in this volume surely answer that it should be one of cordial recognition of the gifts and position of the native leader, coupled with the patient, earnest endeavour, by winning his love and confidence, to enrich and elevate his views ; and so, through him, the

Introduction

XIX work he is carrying on. The relationship between the missionary and such a Chinaman will not be of the official nature that characterises his connection with paid helpers under his own supervision, but will depend for its power and usefulness on the measure of influence that by tact, humility, and sympathy he may be able to win over his native brother.

In developing such a friendship the foreign worker may learn many useful lessons, not only in respect to the practical conduct of affairs among the Chinese, but lessons also of a directly spiritual character. Among the latter he will become impressed with the fact, that while in many respects his own acquaintance with the Scriptures and his standards of Christian life are higher and fuller than those possessed by his Chinese fellow-worker, the latter may nevertheless, in other important particulars, be his spiritual superior, and far more effective, under God, as an active instrument for good, both among the heathen and the native convert.

Reference should be made here to a feature of this story which is likely to excite the wonder and even scepticism of many readers. I refer to the frequent allusions to demoniacal possession, and the casting out of evil spirits in answer to prayer, which occur throughout the book. As is well known, these and kindred phenomena have during recent years been made the subject of close investigation in western countries, and various theories have been advanced : some assigning their cause to the direct agency of spirits ; some to magnetic or telepathic influences ; while others pronounce the whole to be the result of trickery and fraud. In the presence of

XX this divergence of opinion, it seems wiser to abstain from either a sweeping rejection or an unqualified endorsement of the view entertained by our fellow- Christians in China, as recorded in the following pages. The author has therefore adhered in the main to language employed by the actors themselves, in describing the occurrences related.

In connection with this admittedly obscure subject, it is worth considering whether in the reaction from the grotesque and elaborate superstitions of a former age, the Christian Church has not fallen into an opposite extreme of error, and allowed the inspired teachings of Holy Scripture in regard to it to be largely lost sight of. There can be little question that the speculations of an infidel philosophy, aiming at the exclusion of spiritual agency from the economy of nature, have exercised a pernicious influence on the thought and faith of many Christians. Highsounding theories are propounded, not without parade of superior learning and enlightenment, to persuade us that the Creator is superfluous in His own universe; that matter controls itself ; and that the revealed truths of the Bible as to the active agency of spiritual beings, both good and evil, in the phenomena of nature and the affairs of men, are to be rejected. From this gross materialism may all who call themselves Christians turn away. Such teaching has not even the cheap merit of novelty, as those acquainted with the tenets of some heathen systems well know.

“ The whole world lieth in the wicked one ” ; and the extent to which his terrible dominion may be manifested in the lives and persons of the unregenerate, is clearly taught in the New Testament. Careful

Introduction

XXI observation and study of the subject have led many to conclude that although, in lands where Christianity has long held sway, the special manifestations we are now considering are comparatively unknown ; the conditions among the heathen being more akin to those prevailing when and where the Gospel was first propagated ; it is not surprising that a corresponding energy of the powers of evil should be met with in missionary work to-day.

In conclusion, a few words as to the general impression made by Pastor Hsi, upon one who was intimately associated with him for nearly ten years, may not be out of place. His remarkable energy and force of character, coupled with an entire devotion to his Lord, and to the work to which he was divinely called, were the features about him that most impressed a close and constant observer. His Christian experience was deep, and was of the strenuous rather than restful type. His life was an unceasing warfare with the powers of evil. He was habitually burdened in heart about the sins and sorrows of those under his care, and his tears and fastings on their behalf were almost constant. He was a born leader ; nothing escaped his keen eye, and he was ever ready to rebuke, instruct, or succour as occasion required. And with these sterner characteristics he possessed also a deeply affectionate heart, and true humility of spirit that could only be fully recognised and appreciated by those who knew him well. As years went by, his masterful character grew more and more mellowed and softened ; until, when he passed away, it is no exaggeration to say that hundreds wept for him as for a father or elder brother.

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May the Christian reader of this book be stirred not by the interest, merely, that its style and matter will naturally excite ; but to an abiding resolve, by prayer and practical consecration, to hasten the day when China shall be evangelised and her Church cared for by her own sons.

D. E. Hoste,

General Director of the China Inland Mission.

ONE OF CHINA’S PROVINCES.

B

I

Something unusual, unprecedented, had happened, and the Western Chang village at the foot of the mountains was startled out of the even tenor of its way. Far from the wider world, deep-buried in the heart of China, little the villagers knew or cared about affairs that were moving nations. But the events of the district, the sayings and doings of local magnates, the varying fortunes of neighbours and friends — these were themes of absorbing interest. Many changes had taken place within the memory of that little town. Some of its inhabitants could recall days of wealth and prosperity, before the “foreign smoke”1 was known in Shan-si ; could tell of disastrous wars waged against their country by “ outside barbarians ” ; of the fatal growth of the opium-habit ; and of the drought that had led to the famine in which millions of people had perished. But nothing like this had ever been known before, and over their pipes the village elders discussed the situation.

1 The term commonly used in North China for opium. 3

Yes, it was only too true, the scholar Hsi had become a Christian ; or, to put it plainly, had been bewitched by “ foreign devils.” From the beginning, two years before, when the preache'rs of this new religion appeared in the district, thoughtful men had foreseen that some among “ the foolish people ” would doubtless fall a prey to their spells. But who could have imagined that the first to be entrapped would be the scholar Hsi, a man of position and influence, a cultured Confucianist, the leader of their own set. Herein lay the surprise and bitterness of it all, and loud were the lamentations.

For beyond doubt it was a serious calamity, this becoming a Christian ; the delusions involved were so powerful and far-reaching. Now, in the case of Hsi, if there was one thing for which he had always been noted, it was his antipathy to foreigners and dislike for everything connected with them : a laudable and patriotic feeling that now, alas ! had given place to extraordinary interest and affection. He had actually consented to become teacher to the foreigners, living with them in the city for a time, and identifying himself with their questionable doings. His long-venerated idols were discarded ; rumour even whispered that they had been taken down and burned. His sacred ancestral tablets were no more worshipped. The very fragrance of incense had departed from his home. Strangely enough, his opium craving was gone too. This was indeed mysterious, for he had been a slave to the habit, and, as every one knew, in such cases deliverance was well-nigh impossible. Yet, with surprising suddenness, and nothing to account for the change,

Hsi’s opium pipe was laid aside, and even the need for it seemed to have left him.

The time he used to spend in preparing and smoking opium was now devoted to the peculiar rites of his new religion. Day and night he might be seen poring over the books the foreign teachers had brought ; sometimes singing aloud in the strangest way ; sometimes quietly reading by the hour together ; sometimes kneeling on the ground, his eyes shut, talking to the foreigners’ god, who could neither be seen nor heard and had no shrine to represent him. And whatever Hsi might be doing, the remarkable thing was that he seemed continually happy ; overflowing with satisfaction. If he had come into a fortune or discovered the elixir of endless youth, he could scarcely have been more elated.

And yet it did not appear that he had improved his circumstances by “ eating the foreign religion.” If the missionaries had bought his allegiance with large sums of money, as every one believed, he at any rate managed to conceal the fact. Far from living in greater luxury or the idleness that became his position, Hsi had suddenly developed quite the opposite tendencies, and, forgetting the dignity of a scholar, was now frequently engaged in menial pursuits. Reasoned with, he simply replied that he was learning farming with a view to the better care of his estate. But who ever heard of a literary man hoeing in the fields, herding cattle, winnowing grain, or gathering fuel with his own hands? No doubt his home and farm were improving under the process, but what compensation could that offer for loss of social standing and the angry alienation of equals and friends ?

Yes, there could be no doubt of it, Hsi in becoming a Christian had outraged the feelings of the community, and the prominence of his former position only served to increase the offence. The gentry, as soon as the fact became known, ceased to recognise him as of their number. He was socially “ done for ” ; at once blotted out. But any hope that such treatment might recall him to his senses was doomed to disappointment, for it shortly transpired that he had even submitted to the “ washing ceremony,” 1 thus receiving full initiation into the “ foreign devil sect.” Rumours as to the nature of this mysterious rite did not tend to improve matters, and the villagers, now despairing of his reclamation, became more than ever watchful and suspicious.

One thing at any rate was certain ; brave it out as he might, the renegade scholar could never escape the judgment of Heaven. He was free and independent, a middle-aged man with no one to control him, and of course could do as he liked ; but in the long run he would find it impossible to defy the anger of the gods. In some way or other, vengeance must fall upon him. He would inevitably come under evil influences, and suffer either in person, family, or estate. For the present he might scorn such apprehensions, and even appear to be improved in health and vigour. But that was clearly illusive. The terrible nature of his offence would soon appear.

Meanwhile, Hsi of the Western Chang village

1 A Chinese term for baptism.

went quietly on his way ; a new man in a new world. For him a great light had arisen, above the brightness of the sun. All the perplexities of former years, his doubts and painful questions, the burden of his sins, his dread of death and the unknown Beyond, had passed away. The chains of his opium-habit had fallen from him. Renewed in spirit like a little child, his heart overflowed with love and joy. Already he was beginning to possess his new possessions,1 to enter into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

In the seclusion of their ancestral dwelling, the women of his household were first to appreciate the change. Though fully as prejudiced as the outer circle of his acquaintance, they had better opportunities for judging as to the results of his new faith. “ The mean one of the inner apartments,” his gentle little wife, saw and felt- most of all. Life had brought her grievous disappointments. To have no son, in China, is a calamity beyond thought ; a cause for which many a woman is divorced or sold into slavery. And her only child, a boy, had died in infancy. For long years her life had been shadowed with this sorrow and shame. But her husband was different from other men. He did not sell her, or take a second wife. Of course he was free to do so at any moment, and her heart often trembled at the thought. Quick-tempered and imperious even in his kindest moods, he was a man to be feared, and his outbursts of passion were terrible. But how wonderful the change coming over him : new gentleness, now, in all he said and did ; new self-control 1 Obadiah 17.

and thoughtfulness for others ; and, towards herself, unwonted affection, and strange solicitude that she should enter into his new faith.

Day by day as she noted these things, Mrs. Hsi could not but modify a little her first anger and scorn. Though mistaken, her husband was evidently sincere. Others might scoff ; but she began to feel curious about the secret they had failed to find. Waking at night she often wondered to see him still poring over the Book, or kneeling absorbed in prayer, talking to that invisible God whose presence seemed to him so real. And then what could account for his persistence in assembling the household daily for this new worship, unless some good were likely to follow ?

After all, that was the most trying aspect of the whole affair. If only he would keep his religion to himself and be dignified about it. If he could be just respectably “ bewitched,” and not let everybody know. Why must he propagate these new notions, making his change of faith so ostentatious and offensive ? No wonder the whole neighbourhood made fun of them.

And besides, he had adopted a new, most singular name. In the strength of the God he now worshipped, far from being terrified of evil spirits as before, he had actually called himself “ Conqueror of Demons ! ” What could be more reckless, more certain to incur disaster? No one in his senses would venture to speak, even, of such things, far less arouse their ire. Surely this alone would be enough to bring down retribution.

But it was in no spirit of bravado the ex-Confucianist had taken so strange a name. Enslaved to a vice he hated, under the tyranny of a power stronger than his best resolves and most determined efforts, he had gone down to depths of suffering and degradation known only to those who have trodden the same road. And when at length in the living Christ he first found hope of freedom, his heart went out to Him in unquestioning faith that brought the mighty power of God to his release.1 Saved with a great deliverance, he had but expressed his reliance upon the indwelling Spirit, and his sense of being enlisted for life in a warfare “ not against flesh and blood,” when he called himself “ Devil Overcomer.”

In these days there is a tendency, in some quarters, to doubt the very existence of a personal devil, a malignant spirit of evil, with hosts of emissaries to work his will. This perhaps is hardly to be wondered at in Christian communities, where the power of Satan is restricted, and it is clearly inexpedient for him to appear in his true colours. To us he comes as an angel of light,2 veiling his presence often with consummate skill. Not so in heathen lands. There, with undisputed sway, his tactics are open and his aims apparent. It would never occur to a Chinaman to question the existence of demons ; he has too frequent proof of their power. We may regard such ideas as superstitious, and dismiss them without further thought. But facts remain : and some facts are startling as well as stubborn things.

When Hsi at his conversion took the new

1 See One of China' s Scholars, pp. 177-179 (old ed. pp. 252-254).

IO name, “ Devil Overcomer,” he unconsciously expressed an attitude that was to characterise his entire Christian life. For to him Satan was ever a personal foe, a watchful, mighty antagonist, keen to press the least advantage, always designing fresh onslaughts, without or within. But so real was the power of Christ in his life, that he was made more than conqueror ; not without frequent struggle and occasional defeat, but with growing certainty as he more fully yielded to the Holy Spirit.

With such convictions it was no wonder that his experience, from the beginning, was of the strenuous sort. Prayer, to him, was a necessity, and he early discovered the benefit of special seasons of fasting, that he might better wait upon God. Naturally of a resolute character, he acted under the new conditions with all the old decisiveness. To keep in subjection the body, and triumph over sin and every difficulty, in the power of the Spirit, became now the passion of his life, combined with an absorbing desire to make this wonderful salvation known.

Thus it was impossible for Hsi to be silent about his Saviour. As well might the sun keep from shining, or the heart that loves and is loved, from rejoicing. He could not but speak of Jesus ; and speak of Him he did until his latest breath. But, though definitely conscious of a call from God to preach Christ far and wide, he recognised from the first that soul-winning must begin at home. The testimony of his life must appeal to mother, wife, and friends. And for this, love and patience were needed.

To the women of his family, it was no small surprise that he should be so eager for them to understand. In old days he never thought of teaching them anything. They could not read or write, much less enter into his Confucian studies. But this new doctrine — were it the greatest good fortune in the world, he could not be more anxious for them to possess it !

And somehow, strange as it might seem, the things he talked about were beautiful, at times, and responded unexpectedly to the heart’s need. The book he read was not like other books. There were comforting words in it that could not be forgotten, and stories about people so like ourselves to-day. A strange, warm feeling seemed to touch the heart as it told of Jesus blessing little children, and folding them in His arms ; saying to the widow, “ Weep not,” and bringing back her son again ; caring for the happiness of a wedding feast ; and healing with tender touch so many sick and brokenhearted.