A Hoa’s
first call.
[請參見《教會史話》249青年阿華就近馬偕
]
Fri.19.
April, 1872
In the forenoon a young looking
man called on me and looked all around very minutely asked many questions
and was about to depart when I said ‘Come this evening and have a talk with
me’ If I can I will" he answered. Our usual day's work was coming to
a close when in he came. Sat down and looked at all the books etc. I had to
Show him. Talked for a while left and promised to come again. I presented
him with a hymn book. however just When going out the door -- I
couldn't tell why；, but took a great liking to him and prayed a great part
of the night for him. as I slept very little- Also thought much how to
influence him so as to embrace the Gospel…
Sat. 20.
Forenoon studied without a
break, then began to prepare for eve. when in the afternoon there was a
great excitement on account of great disturbance between some Chinese
Soldiers and a few Foreigners. The former greatly excited were running Just
in front of my humble dwelling with guns and swords, threatening to kill the
"Foreign devils". A fight took place, a few noses broken and clothes torn
etc. but nothing very serious as the Mandarin appeared on the spot and
punished the offending soldiers--
In the eve. A-hoa
appeared with a graduate who began a sort of discussion I saw what
was coming, met him as best I could on the spur of the moment and they left
evidently with the intention of coming back again. I slept none that
night but prepared for battle with the Literati！ Towards eve. I went
through a Chinese graveyard. Saw a man taking the bones out of a grave and
placing them in order on the grass-- The skull had white cloth wrapped
around with a band of red. There the man stood waiting for the Spirit to
return. Then all the bones were wiped clean and dry and put into a "pot".
making "potted ancestors". Here the idea of a man having three souls
came out.
Sun 21
Spent the day teaching those
around me and sing hymns--
Mon 22
Studied to the utmost of my
ability all day and at 5 P.M. went out for a stroll amongst the herd boys,
took rice for my evening meal and paced my little dwelling anxiously-- we
began worship when in came A-hoa and six graduates. They kept
quiet until I was through and the servants went out, then one began.
I was ready and pushed him on their own ground and attacked their systems,
their “Religions” Tauism（道教）,
Buddhism（佛教） and Confucianism（儒教）.
They were "thunder struck", stayed only a short time and left. I set up all
night preparing for further attacks--
Tues 23
Walked out the greater part of
the day meditating and observing. In the eve. A-hoa with the same
party as last night and six more marched in with their long gowns
etc. After. Reading, singing and praying we began. Those who came first
remained silent, whilst the new friends attacked Foreigners and
Christianity. I replied by questioning as to their knowledge of both. They
soon gave up. I kept on by questioning them on their own three
Religions. on these subjects also they caved in. The whole number looked at
each other, bowed and walked out. No Sleep that night either. Drilled on the
classics and Buddhism--
Wed. 24.
I pasted a Commandment Sheet
on the door of my
dwelling. crowds gathered. talked aloud, blustered, threatened etc. and tore
it off. I put out another. The crowd got more excited and angry. threw mud
against the door and finally daubed the Sheet with it. When They scattered.
I put out another. they left it alone； but made many threatening remarks
when passing. In the eve. A Ku-jin - M.A. in the west- with A-hoa
and over 20 graduates and Teachers walked strutting in. I
never felt so anxious for a conflict and had not long to wait. We slashed
right and left vehemently until one by one was silent. the Ku-jin（舉人）
in 15 minutes-- They got settled down and said there was no use they
really knew nothing etc. etc. etc. Begged of me to explain the doctrine to
them right or wrong I confined myself to one idea viz. God the Creator.
I spoke for two hours then they politely bade me good night and
walked out. A-hoa followed them a short distance, then left them came
in again. I read the hymn " A days’ march more nearer home". He was
convinced, impressed and declared he was ready to suffer misery of all kinds
if only he could learn more of this heavenly doctrine. He said “What you
just read suits me, O. I love the words--so comforting, I’m tired of idols
and Superstition etc.” Come tomorrow I said, do some work such as getting me
food to eat, keeping the whole place clean and helping when I
begin to give medicines to the
people and I will teach you. "I will tell you in the morning" he replied and
left.--
