A Message from Missions to the Modern Ministry 109 dred. How could they ask for seventy? But here was the need. God had taught them, they fully believed, to pray as they ought. They dared not ask for less arid still believe in God, the Father Almighty. They prayed for seventy, also “for large re-enforcements for all the evangelical societies.” But they could not rightly care for so many in one season, so they asked that they be sent during 1882, 1883, 1884. They were later led to pray that God would lead some of His wealthy stewards to make room for a large blessing for himself and family by giving liberally of his substance for this special ob ject. One said: “Would it not be delightful if three years hence all now here could gather and give thanks when the last of the seventy shall have reached China?” Clearly that could not be. “Why not have the thanksgiving tonight in which we may all unite?” one said; and it was so, they rejoicing over what they had taken of God by faith. Before the close of the time seventy-six workers were on the field, and in February, 1882, the Berger family, of England, gave three thousand pounds—fifteen thousand dollars. Five thousand dollars for father, five thousand for mother, one thousand for Mary, one thousand for Rosie, one thousand for Bertie, one thousand for Amy, one thousand for Henry. “Exceeding abundantly above all that ye ask or think.” Again, in November, 1887, Mr. Taylor and others met at Nanking to consider the need. They were led to ask for one hundred missionaries and ten thousand pounds additional during 1888. Further led to ask that the money might come in large sums, that their clerical force might not be taxed in acknowledging it! Results, one hundred new missionaries came during 1888, and not $50,000, but $55,000 additional in eleven separate gifts, the smallest being $2,500, and the largest $12,500. This mission stands there today as an example of work begun in prayer, relying on prayer entirely for men and means. We may say what we please about visionary
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