MISSIONARY PREPARATION. xvn 



for China of all others was perhaps the most difficult field 

 of missionary enterprise, and is so now. Again do we learn 

 a lesson from his practical mind. He immediately studied 

 and obtained a degree in medicine; a course which helped 

 him much in all respects in Africa 1 . He now unwittingly pre- 

 pared himself for these African journeys, in botany, geology, 

 other natural sciences, and pedestrianism, by making excursions 

 in Scotland. The advantage of this training is obvious in 

 the book of Travels, since his references to these departments 

 of knowledge are so accurate and valuable. Yet there is 

 something striking about this adaptation of means to an end. 

 This preparation was not like that of Mungo Park, made 

 with especial reference to Africa. His views now, as we 

 have seen, were not thither, but China-ward. He was 

 preparing himself for his work, but knew it not. Such was 

 Cranmer's case in making himself " the Scripturist " here at 

 Cambridge. Such has been the case with thousands of others, 

 and possibly is so now with some who read this book. You 

 want to know your work, but as yet do not. Wait ! 

 follow, and do not go before the providence of God ; make 

 the best of present opportunities. That work will be made 



1 It appears to be commonly agreed among travellers, and espe- 

 cially missionaries, that a knowledge and practice of medicine is in- 

 valuable to any one dwelling or travelling among uncivilized people. 

 This is a hint to be taken and acted on by those who contemplate such 

 courses of life. The many evidences given in Dr Livingstone's book 

 of his professional usefulness, and consequent acceptableness, among 

 the heathen, as well as the valuable information afforded to ourselves 

 on medical and botanical topics, confirm this view. These remarks 

 apply to hosts of other travellers and missionaries whose experience in 

 this respect is recorded. 



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