HUDSON TAYLOR The man who believed God by Marshall Broomhall

THE MEEK INHERIT 121
ated wholly from his work. Six workers had sailed for
China prior to that memorable Sunday at Brighton, two
more were to follow shortly, and Hudson Taylor with
his wife, four children, and sixteen workers (ten women
and six men) were to follow in May, 1866, in the Lammermuir.
The eleven months which were to elapse between
Brighton and the sailing of this large party were crowded
with fruitful and far-reaching service. With his heart
now at liberty to express itself without reserve he completed
his little book China's Spiritual Need and Claims,
every sentence being literally steeped in prayer. And
other means for reaching God's people were used. The
Annual Conference at Perth-the Keswick of those days
-was attended, and an opportunity obtained, with
some difficulty, to speak on the missionary question.
At the Mildmay Conference in October he also spoke,
a.nd with the Rev. W. Pennefather's sympathetic approval
his little book, just ready in time, was distributed
to many hundreds of interested friends. And the influence
of that little volume was both immediate and lasting.
Many hearts were deeply impressed, and a second
edition was called for in the course of a few weeks.
Further editions and reprints followed over a course of
many years. Even in the 'eighties, an edition was exhausted
in four months, and two more reprints followed
almost immediately. Its burning message, born in his
heart, spoke to the heart, and bore fruit for eternity.
The authentic note is generally recognized. It was so
now, and loyal friends began to multiply. During the
next few months a strong bond of practical sympathy
was established between himself and George Miiller, ,
Robert Chapman, Lord Radstock, Lady Beauchamp
and family, Henry Bewley, William Fry, Mr. Grattan