The other reason is that the Church is entitled to the stimulus of the heroic examples of these godly people. Biographies, at best, do not appeal to a large circle of readers. Missionary biographies appeal to fewer still. However, a book that stimulates a few hundred workers in the vineyard of the Lord may effect more good in the long run than a book of great but passing popularity. I venture to believe that few will read the record of the life-work of Dr. and Mrs. House and the brief story of Boon Itt without being quickened by the example of their persistent faith, buoyant hopefulness, sublime trust and apostolic devotion.
Not the least worth while do I count it to be able to place this narrative in the hands of the young Church of Siam that she may transmit to the rising generation the story of “The Man With the Gentle Heart.”
I acknowledge with appreciation the hearty encouragement of friends to publish what my own inclination would have allowed to remain in private manuscript. Also, I gladly state that publication would not have been possible without the financial assistance of friends who feel that the Church of today should have the privilege of knowing these noble characters, but who themselves prefer to remain unnamed.
George Haws Feltus.
The Manse, Waterford, N. Y.
Contents
| I. | A Sudden Plunge Into Work | [9] | |
| II. | “The Man with the Gentle Heart” | [23] | |
| III. | The Little Chisel Attacks the Big Mountain | [34] | |
| IV. | Relations with Royalty and Officials | [47] | |
| V. | Lengthening Cords and Strengthening Stakes | [63] | |
| VI. | Cholera Comes But the Doctor Carries On | [76] | |
| VII. | Providence Changes Peril Into Privilege | [101] | |
| VIII. | Siam Opens Her Doors—More Workers Enter | [131] | |
| IX. | First the Dawn, Then the Daylight | [156] | |
| X. | New King, New Customs, New Favours | [179] | |
| XI. | Harriet Pettit House | [195] | |
| XII. | Home Again, and “Home At Last” | [221] | |
| XIII. | Boon Tuan Boon Itt | [230] |