The passing of Bishop W. W. Casbels, which is just reported from West Cina, removes a valued veteran and makes. the. fret brewie in a notable band of missionaries, who, 40 years ago, stirred great enthusiasm in England. It may be of interest to those who remember those days, as well ay to some of the younger generation, to recall the story of the coming to China of the "Cambridge Seven," and to give a few notes of their careers.
These seven young men all had brilliant prospects in the bomeland; some of them were already, famous in athletics. Their decision to give up all and come to China and engage in the plain missionary, work of a generation ago, marked an epoch in missionary enthusiasm, id had far-reaching results, The evangelists Moody and Sankey visited England in the early eighties and influenced these young men, and also helped to create an atmosphere of religious fervour throughout the country which was very favourable to those who felt led to devote themselves to religious: service, at home or abroad. Dr. J. Hodoon, Taylor had been for some years urging the spiritual needs. and claims of China, and the "Cambridge Seven" responded to the call. Before they left England they travelled throughout the country, ed Chinese dress on arrival, and soon travelled to interior parts of the country and began evangelistic work. It is a remarkable, record that 40 years later, four of the band were still in active service in China, and the remaining three had given many years' devoted work before leaving the country,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.