Behind the Great Wall; The Story of the C.E.Z.M.S. Work and Workers in China with Numerous Illustrations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896*. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V THE STOEY OF MES. AHOK "For this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I inujht show My Power in thee, and that My Name might be declared."--Bomans ix. 17. THE story of Mrs. Ahok, the wife--and now the widow--of a Chinese Christian mandarin of Foochow, is one full of deep significance as well as interest. It is a unique biography in the annals of "the Land of Sinim." As such it craves a larger space than we can give. The following is but an outline of fascinating and faith-invigorating facts that might well fill a volume. Until the year 1890 there resided in the city of Foochow a rich tradesman, who, by his acts of benevolence, had purchased for himself the title of Mandarin.1 Nearly forty years before Mr. Ahok had been a "house-boy" (i.e. butler) in an English gentleman's household at Amoy. Mrs. Syme, his mistress, interested in all her Chinese servants, and anxious for their eternal welfare, had taught them English, using the Bible as her textbook. The impressions made under the power of the Holy Spirit never faded from the young man's mind, though he shortly afterwards left his situation. Setting 1 Mr. Ahok's official rank of Intendant of Circuit was bestowed on him after his subscription of several thousand dollars to the Chief Mandarin for the relief of distressed widows and orphans. up in business as a shopkeeper at Foo-chow, he prospered so that his store became one of the largest and most flourishing in that city. Twenty years, however, passed by, and then came a letter of deepest gratitude from Mr. Ahok to Mrs. Syme. He had renounced his belief in idols; the light was dawning on his soul. He began to have faith in the Christian's God. Miss Foster, a lady missionary sent by the Female Education Society, was at that time taking charge...