FOREWORD
A PRINCETON student, Henry W. Frost by name, had turned into the room of a friend in one of the campus buildings. Blair Lee, the son of an Admiral who had served in the Civil War, was showing him an old revolver, the one which his father had carried in the navy. Not knowing that it was loaded, he was handling it without concern, when suddenly it went off, its muzzle barely three feet from the head of his companion. The bullet whizzed past, almost grazing the young man's ear, and buried itself in the wall behind. Nothing was said as the revolver was returned to its place, both men too moved for words. But to one of them came the conviction that his life had been saved for a purpose, by the watchful care of GOD.
This book is the story of a quest of faith to which that young man was led, a quest richly crowned with blessing to himself and others. It is told in his own words as far as possible, for the writers have had the privilege of access to Dr. Frost's autobiography, letters, and other records, too full for present publication. The story is incomplete, for we have the beloved Director Emeritus of the China Inland Mission in North America still with us; incomplete, also, because faith's rewarding goes on far beyond the limits of time.
The record is written that we may gratefully "remember them which have the rule over (us), who have spoken unto (us) the word of GOD: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" - because the need of the world is the same; the certainty of "things not seen as yet" is the same; and above all, "Jesus Christ (is) the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
HOWARD & GERALDINE TAYLOR
The China Inland Mission,
Philadelphia, Penna., U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION
"By Faith"! No more appropriate title could have been chosen for this volume. It was surely given the authors by the Lord! The words at once bring to mind that great Eleventh of Hebrews with its inspired and inspiring record of Old Testament men and women of faith, and of what GOD wrought through them. But the chapter ends with a reminder that the record of faith's achievements was not complete but awaited later additions, and the twelfth chapter opens with an exhortation to the saints of the New Testament dispensation to enter the lists, and "run . . . the race . . . looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
The present volume, like all earlier chronicles of CIM. work and workers, carries forward the story of faith's quest and achievement a stage, nearer the goal. Henry W. Frost in North America, just as Hudson Taylor in England and China, was a true follower of those in ancient days who "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises . . . out of weakness were made strong . . ." and who "having obtained a good report through faith" still await faith's full fruition and reward at the appearing in glory of their blessed Saviour and Lord. The fact that we still have our beloved former Home Director in our midst is to us a great joy and strength.
It is quite significant that, without any human planning to that end, this book should appear just at the time of the Mission's Jubilee in North America. It thus contributes most fittingly to our commemoration of GOD's exceeding goodness and blessing throughout the past fifty years. And further, it serves as a stimulus to our faith and courage as we face at this time a fresh and tremendous challenge in China.
On the one hand, a greater open door is presented for the Gospel than ever before in the history of the Mission, with opportunities simply unlimited among all classes. On the other hand, the present Sino-Japanese conflict risks the closing of that open door, and a regrettable setback to missionary work. How shall we meet such an issue? In the one and only consistent and sure way - "By Faith"! Continuing to "hold GOD's faithfulness," the Mission faces this gravely critical situation in China not only undismayed, but with hopefulness, courage, and determination to go forward. Plans are in the making for the sending out this autumn, if the Lord will, of forty new recruits from the home lands.
To use an expression of our revered founder, Hudson Taylor, "GOD is always advancing." We must keep pace with Him. He that is with us is greater than all that are against us. His presence, provision, and power are assured "even unto the end of the world"; and so, "By Faith" shall still be our watchword and our path to victory.
ROBERT HALL GLOVER
Philadelphia July, 1938
