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 Illustrations FACING PAGE Rev. Samuel Reynolds House, M.D. Title Sketch Map of Siam 34 Harriet Pettit House 196 Rev. Boon Tuan Boon Itt 230 I A SUDDEN PLUNGE INTO WORK Dr. Samuel R. House did not have time nor need to “hang out a shingle” upon reaching Bangkok. He had been there only a few days—not long enough to unpack his goods—when “a message came from some great man by three trusty servants that a servant whom he loved very much had got angry and had half cut his hand off with a sword.”