Sources - Anchored to Infintiy Chinese edition by Christian Chen

Overview

Christian Chen’s original edition of Anchored to Infinity contains much content which is not included in the English edition. The English version retains a brief “Foreword” with some historical account of Miss Barber’s life and writings. The Chinese edition features a much longer 10-part history of Miss Barber’s life, and includes many first-hand accounts from her final years. It appears that Chen was able to track down several Christians who were discipled under her ministry. He has preserved many of their accounts in this book. Outside of Watchman Nee’s accounts, these appear to be the only first-hand records of Miss Barber’s ministry in the 1920’s.

English version

In the year 2000, James Reetzke published his first book on M. E. Barber entitled M. E. Barber: A Brief History of the Lord’s Recovery. In addition to reproducing some of her letters, poems, and original descriptions of her history, Reetzke published an English translation of Chen’s longer Anchored to Infinity. We were able to talk with one of the Christians involved in the translation. According to them, the author was unknown to them at the time of publication. Shortly after the book was released, Reetzke was apparently notified that the 10-part history was under copyright and he ceased to include this work in his latter editions of the biography. M. E. Barber: A Seed Sown In China does not reproduce or incorporate any of this material.

While the first edition of Reetzke’s translation is out of print, it is preserved on a website. We have verified with Living Word Publication that this is indeed a translation of Chen’s Chinese edition of Anchored to Infinity and they have kindly given us permission to cite and reproduce Chen’s work throughout the website. As there is no English edition in print, we will not be able to cite page numbers but will cite which of the 10 sections an anecdote is taken from.

Reetzke’s English translation can be found at http://mebarber.ccws.org/story/index.html

Where to read excerpts?

Excerpts from Chen’s book are scattered throughout the site. Many are collected on the page Maxims of Miss Barber

Notes mentioning this note

Maxims - A hymn, like milk and honey
A hymn, like milk and honey, is the outflow of a life that has learned lessons and is dealt with...
Maxims - Do you love God’s will
“Do you love God’s will?” Another time, Brother Nee asked her about her experiences of obeying and doing the will...
Maxims - Don’t be afraid; just believe
‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ The Lord’s servant, Brother Chen, recalled the help he received by listening to Sister Barber’s...
Maxims - I want nothing for myself; I want everything for the Lord
“I want nothing for myself; I want everything for the Lord.” In one of her papers, she had written, “I...
Maxims - If I am wrong, then the sickness will continue; But if this is Satan’s attack, then I shall not continue to be sick
“If I am wrong, then the sickness will continue. But if this is Satan’s attack, then I shall not continue...
Maxims - If Satan can seize our thoughts, then he already controls our life
“If Satan can seize our thoughts, then he already controls our life.” Sister Barber often helped people through a touching...
Maxims - Lord! In order to satisfy Your heart, I am willing to have my heart broken
“Lord! In order to satisfy Your heart, I am willing to have my heart broken.” She had a heart to...
Maxims - Lord! Let me serve You, not the temple
 ‘Lord! Let me serve You, not the temple.’ Once while praying with a younger brother, she read Ezekiel 44, the...
Maxims - Lord, please wait! I will surrender to You
“Lord, I admit that I am not willing to learn this lesson. But please do not surrender to me. Lord,...
Maxims - Lord, will You really let the year 1925 pass away; Although it is the last day of the year, I still ask You to come today
“Lord, will You really let the year 1925 pass away? Although it is the last day of the year, I...
Maxims - No loaf which has been put in the Lord’s hand has ever been left unbroken
We always want to offer the bread whole, not broken. But no loaf which has been put in the Lord’s...
Maxims - No loaf which has been put in the Lord’s hand has ever been left unbroken
We always want to offer the bread whole, not broken. But no loaf which has been put in the Lord’s...
Maxims - The secret to understanding the will of God
“The secret to understanding the will of God is that 95% is a matter of submitting to the will of...
Maxims - We see the outward failures of men; the Lord sees their hidden victories
“We see the outward failures of men; the Lord sees their hidden victories.”
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