J. Hudson Taylor and Martyrdom

J. Hudson Taylor's response to the news of the martyred CIM missionaries:
"Oh, think what it must have been," he said, "to exchange that murderous mob for the rapture of His presence, His bosom, His smile!" He paused, trying to control his voice. "They do not regret it now," he continued. "A crown that fadeth not away. They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.'" His mind had gone to the Book of Revelation (3:4).
Later, he penned these words in a letter to one of the families, "We thank God for the grace given to those who have suffered. It is a wonderful honour He has put upon us as a mission to be trusted with so great a trial, and to have among us so many counted worth of a martyr's crown...When the resumption of our work in the interior becomes possible we may find circumstances changed, but the principles we have proved, being founded on His own unchanging Word, will be applicable as ever. May we all individually learn the lessons God would teach, and be prepared by His Spirit for any further service to which He may call us while waiting for the coming of our Lord."

Submitted by JD