In June 1843, while engaged in the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, he received a message from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Church that he was needed to go to China as a pioneer and medical missionary. After consulting with members of his family, he agreed to go.
In June 1843, while working as a physician in Philadelphia, he received a summons from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Church to journey to China as a pioneering and missionary doctor. After discussing it with his family, he accepted the call.