This book relates well an important story, and one of its strengths is creating a sense of those times, of distance, health, marriage and death. One tries to imagine what Medhurst would say if he knew that China today is home of perhaps 100 million believers. Though converts were few, Medhurst was remarkably resilient and signs of discouragement or despair seem very few. He was a strategist, using printing and translation, as well as his own mastery of Chinese and other dialects, to open gospel opportunities.
Having paid homage at Morrison’s grave in Macau and Milne’s memorial in Christ Church Melaka, I now need to complete the three greats by visiting Medhurst’s grave in North London. Thanks be to God for such a life and commitment, and to John Holliday for ensuring Medhurst is rightly remembered.
