Report of the Ophthalmic Hospital
MAY,
to them - but still more blessed her lot, though the cancer could not be cured, if she sincerely einbraced the Savior, for then in immortal heath, she would before long be in the everlasting enjoyment of one of the many “mansions in her heavenly Father's house."
Her disease making rapid advances, she was in a few days after, advised to return to her family, carrying an assortment of books such as alone contain the elixir of life. I have seldom seen more convinc- ing evidence of the influence of the Holy Spirit upon a Chinese mind, and it is my humble hope and sincere prayer, to meet her in a better world. I learn that she has since deceased.
A young Manchú soldier has attracted particular attention. He stated that it was relief afforded to a friend, and his hearing of the be- nevolent design of the Hospital that first excited his curiosity to be- come acquainted with the new religion. The fact of a foreigner com- ing from afar to heal the sick gratuitously he could not understand. Ile attended, unobtrusively, the services upon the Sabbath, week af- ter week, and this first attracted my notice; upon inquiry he in- formed me he was a Manchú, belonging to the garrison in the city of Canton. Finding he took more than ordinary interest in the doc- trines he had heard, he was invited to call at my residence for free and unrestrained conversation respecting them. The invitation he cheerfully accepted, and has often repeated his visit. The Christian books presented him, he read with great interest, and has often ex- pressed his full conviction of their excellence and truth: and that ‘se- cretly, from fear not of the Jews,' but of the Manchús, he worshiped only the living and true God, at the same time expressing his dissatis- faction with the false religion of his country. He is apparently amiable, and I doubt not sincere in his intellectual belief of the Gospel, though as yet he has not the moral courage to profess it publicly.
The following letter in Manchu, from his wife, who also professes to believe in the Savior, addressed to Mrs. Parker then in America, and translated by the husband into Chinese, may here be quoted, being probably the first letter ever addressed by a Manchu to a foreign lady.
"Your younger sister addressing Mrs. Parker, wishes her all tranquillity and ten thousand blessings. Your younger sister is under obligations to the venerable Teacher (Dr. Parker) for his compassion and love to us in teaching and preaching to us the doctrines of Jesus, the Lord and Savior of the world. From this time forth, it will be my aim to hold fast his religion. Meditating upon and revolving in any mind the moral excellence of Mrs. Parker, I write this note, and respectfully present my compliments, wishing her health and happiness;