We hear much, in these days, of missionary heroes who have made their names immortal by laying down their lives for the elevation of the people to whom they were sent. The names of Judson, Morrison, Livingston, Pinkerton, and Hannington come immediately to mind, while Harriet Newell is always held up as an example of self denial and consecration to the cause of Christ. These, for the most part, met their death in the van of that host that has gone forth to conquer the world for Christ. All honor and glory belong to these noble martyrs of whatever name they may be, but there is a certain class of missionary heroes whose names are seldom upon the lips of men. But the real heroes on missionary fields are not those who die, but those who live, patiently bearing their trials, faithful to the trust committed to them by the Captain of their salvation to feed his lambs and his sheep; not caring for their own ease or comfort, but willing to use their culture and refinement in elevating the heathen around them. There is no glamour about the work. Here it is the simple teaching of a few ignorant women, there it is bearing with the infirmities of native Christians; here it is losing a loved one in the midst of strangers, and burying him away from human sight amid the cries of weeping children, and there it is parting with kindred, friends, and relatives who must return to their native land. — Rev. C. R. Hager, Missionary in China, from Golden Rule
(Extracts from Public Opinion. v.7 (1889). p.255)
Charles Robert Hager - Facts 