Fire and Sword in Shansi - The Story of the Martyrdom of Foreigners and Chinese Christians #265140

For part of that time he acted as interpreter to the German forces, and at the close of it was one of the first party of missionaries to return to the scene of his labours, hallowed now by the blood of saints. He was there alone for several months, till reinforcements arrived. He had therefore unequalled opportunities of gathering facts, and his narrative includes many hitherto unpublished particulars, obtained and verified on the spot. The terror and the greatness of the facts are enhanced by the quiet simplicity of the way of telling them.<br><br>And the facts are such as the whole Christian Church should be thankful for, even more than sorrowful. "The noble army of martyrs praise Thee," and it is for martyrdom that their praise swells highest and most joyful. The last recruits of that army,"these from the land of Sinim," have long since joined their new notes with the others; and we do not well if we only lament the loss of valuable lives, or question the prudence of the sacrifice. Now that time has somewhat healed wounds, we should feel, even while we mourn, that<br><br>"Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail,<br>... nothing but fair and good,<br>And what may quiet us in a death so noble."