He now commenced to study medicine at the London Hospital, and in this his progress was very encouraging. He was preparing for the matriculation examination of the London University, when, very unexpectedly, the Lord opened the way for his departure to China. A gentleman residing in Scotland, a perfect stranger, most kindly offered, through Dr. Nevius, now of Chefoo, a free passage for two missionaries, in a magnificent iron steamer of which he was the owner. When this intelligence was first' communicated to Mr. Barchet, and he was asked whether he was prepared to leave on so short a notice as the early departure of the steamer allowed, he spent a few moments in silent prayer, and then replied, that it would be a disappointment to go before passing the examination, for which he had been preparing for some time, and that he had hoped for much happy intercourse with the writer and his family on the voyage out; but that he was quite prepared to give these up, and to leave that very night, if it were the Lord's will.
Our brother went forth in faith in God, looking to Him for the supply of all his need; but the church of which he was a member determined that, as far as in them lay, it should be their privilege to supply that need, and they lovingly provided him with a suitable outfit.
His pastor wrote of him:—
"Though slightly built, he is yet capable of attracting the love of all who know him; and great exertion, very energetic, and industrious; yet he is resolute and firm. Though quite he has a most gentle and affectionate disposition, young he already writes five languages."
After experiencing much Christian hospitality and kindness in the city of Glasgow, Mr. Barchet, and another brother who had been studying Chinese for some months, sailed from the Clyde on the 1st of April. The expense of the outfit, &c., of Mr. Barchet' s companion was met by unsolicited donations, sent in answer to prayer. After our friends had sailed, a Christian lady kindly sent us a donation of £30. To us there seemed no immediate need for the whole of this sum; but our Father had foreseen, and was providing for, an emergency which soon arose. Part of it, with other funds remaining in hand, was sent to China; and the rest was soon wanted, as will be seen from the sequel.
A Fourth Worker.
We had at this time residing with us Mr. George Crombie, from Aberdeen. He and Miss Skinner, his intended wife, were pursuing the study of the language, preparatory to missionary labour in China. Devotedly attached to each other, they had been engaged for four years or more, and were to have been married in about five or six weeks; preparations for their union
