Virgil C. Hart; missionary statesman, founder of the American and Canadian missions in central and west China

Foreword

Two great missions in China, of which Dr. V. C. Hart was the founder, testify to the comprehensive insight he had of China's needs, his recognition of her potential powers, and his appreciation of the forces which would free her from her age-long stagnation and lift her into new life and influence.

With the vision of a seer, the power of practical achievement and the faith of a man of God, Dr. Hart planned not only for the work of pioneer days but for the expansion of the work which is now so great a factor in influencing China to establish new standards and ideals in this her day of adjustment.

In founding these missions Dr. Hart served three nations and two great Methodist Churches, for he went first as the representative of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, and twenty-five years later as the pioneer and founder of the mission of the Methodist Church, Canada, in West China, one of the best organised missions in the

FOREWORD world, for in founding it Dr. Hart brought his intimate knowledge of the Chinese and his ripe experience as a successful superintendent of the great work carried on by the sister Church of the United States.

The reflex influence of Dr. Hart's work upon the missionary life of the home Church has done much in establishing an adequate home base, providing for the expansion of the work in China.

We are indebted to his son, Dr. E. I. Hart, Superintendent of City Missions, Montreal, Canada, for this life of his father whose achievements place him among the world's missionary statesmen.

To the Canadian Methodists, who this year are celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the founding of the West China Mission, the book brings a special and timely message. One cannot read its pages without being impressed by the life of the man who won many friends among the Chinese and the love and esteem of his fellow- workers. This story of long missionary service begun in 1866 and extending into the twentieth century, takes us through the years of China's awakening and tells of the part a great man had in bringing in China's new day.

F. C. Stephenson.

Wesley Buildings, Toronto, April, 1917.

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In the preparation of this biography the writer wishes to acknowledge his special indebtedness to Miss Addie Hart of Watertown, N. Y., and to the Rev. G. W. Woodall, D.D., of Schenectady, N. Y., for several years a co-worker beloved of Dr. Hart in Central China. Their assistance has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.

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