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virtue which frequent contact with these baubles would yield. He became ineffably disgusted, and resolved to separate from a church which had so miserably departed from the spirit of the Divine Word, and forthwith returned to Tientsin, that he might unite himself with us. The enraged priest has repeatedly sent messengers to warn him that he is on the high road to damnation; but finding that some of these deputies have also awakened up to the conviction that they are not so enlightened as they should be, he has discontinued the policy. His final act was to visit the lost sheep himself, and to announce to him that he was delivered over to the devil, to whose dark abodes his new teachers and all associated with them were fast hastening. Han is now at peace, and he and his son, an intelligent youth, eighteen years of age, are amongst the most regular and interested of our worshippers.

At Han's elbow sat the young man whose baptism I noticed a few weeks ago. He has obtained the sanction of his employer to the complete observance of the Sabbath. His fine countenance was unusually radiant last Sunday morning, from the fact that he had at his side his aged father, who has avowed himself a thorough believer in the religion his son has embraced. This promising young man has become the priest of the household, and twice a day reads the Word of Life to his parents, and conducts family prayer. His mother is so anxious to learn all she can about the Saviour and his work, that she has sent a special message to Mrs. Hu, desiring her to go and instruct her and pray with her. The whole family will soon be in the way of peace. Turning from Wang, my eyes rested on Mu, who was mentioned to you as baptized at the same time. He appeared amongst us fresh from an iconoclastic clearing of his house of all idols and idolatrous emblems. From the time that he received the truth he has protested against the continuance of these things under his roof, but owing to the stormy disposition of his wife, who is a weak and superstitious woman, he has refrained from their violent exclusion, excepting from one room which he determined should be

free from their obnoxious presence. Increasing light, however, has rendered him increasingly concerned about the matter, and a few days ago, after praying for strength to discharge what he conceived to be his duty, he set to work, and destroyed every vestige of the once cherished, but now detested, pagan symbols. His wife looked on with horror, and when the brave man had finished his work, she poured forth a volley of cruel reproaches, and predicted that the direst calamities would overtake him, in punishment of his diabolical conduct. She spent many hours weeping and bemoaning her lot, and, indeed, seemed as though life had no more attractions for her. At this crisis, Mrs. Hu visited her, and endeav. oured to satisfy her that her fears were groundless. She left her somewhat reassured, and as several days have passed away without any visible evil effects, the woman is beginning to think that after all her husband may be right. The good man himself is happier in consequence of the act, and he believes most firmly that his wife will be brought to Christ. Near to Mu sat an old man who has come a journey of sixty miles, for the sole purpose of hearing more of the word of salvation. He was visiting this city a year ago, and even then applied for baptism; but as he was returning to his home before he could gain much correct knowledge, we did not feel at liberty to comply with his request. He was sent to his home in possession of suitable christian books, which he was urged to read with prayerful attention. Sickness came upon him, and this led him to much prayer and meditation; and after an interval of twelve months, he has come back to us for more information, and expressing strong desires for admis sion into the Church. He speaks of many of his neighbours as equally anxious for Christian instruction. I have dwelt too long on Sabbath days' experiences, or I should go on to speak of an encouraging service I held in another of our chapels in the afternoon, at which we had a large attendance of women; and also of the evening service at our new chapel, where we had a crowded audience, which, in addition to the addresses of our native

brethren and myself, was powerfully appealed too by my friend, the Rev. Jonathan Lees. I have said sufficient to enable you to feel that God's presence was with us in no ordinary manifestation, and that the sentiments of all hearts must have been those of exultation and joy. To God alone be all the glory.

I have now to speak of a matter which is drawing largely on our sympathies, and probably may prove a providential indication of the course we are to take in the future extension of our mission. For the present we shall refrain from any confident expression of opinion on the subject, and simply relate facts as they have transpired, that you may rejoice with us in the spread of God's work. In the early part of this year a stranger, stooping beneath the weight of years and infirmity, took his seat in our city chapel. His manner attracted attention, and led to enquiries as to his place of residence and the objects bringing him away from home. He stated that he was from a village in the Shantung province, he being the head-man of the village, and that he had come to Tientsin, a distance of nearly one hundred miles, in search of saving truth. This was in consequence of a dream in a season of sickness. Being an old man, and knowing that he must soon die, he had experienced much anxiety as to what comes after death, and wished for some one to take of these things and shew them unto him. It was while passing through these struggles that he fell ill, and on two occasions dreamt that life had come to a close. According to his description he fancied himself conducted after death to an immense and beautiful place, where was situated a magnificent mansion, guarded by beings of surpassing loveliness and purity. Looking through the open doors of this glorious palace, he observed that it was filled with beings of similar appearance, who were doing homage to One seated upon a throne, whose glory resembled the brightness of the sun. He longed to enter the palace and join them in their exalted employments, but was prevented from doing this by one of the keepers of the gates, who gently reminded him that all who went therein had provided themselves while on earth with the re

quisite attire, and that as he was destitute of such clothing he could not be allowed to pass through. On hearing this he became greatly distressed, but was immediately comforted by being told that he should be taken back to the place from whence he came, where he would be taught by competent persons what must be done to secure this blessed inheritance. Having had this remarkable dream on two different occasions, the old man's thoughts became intensely absorbed in its solution. He resorted to some Roman Catholics who reside in the neighbourhood, and asked for a statement of the doctrines in which they believed. The little they told him secured his confidence, and settled him in the purpose to embrace the Christian religion; but remembering that purity was set forth in his dream as an indispensable requisite for admission to the palace, and remarking that the lives of his Catholic friends were far from being irreproachable, he concluded that it would be to his advantage to visit Tientsin, where he would have the opportunity as he thought of referring to the highest models of the Church for guidance in the pursuit of excellence. On arriving at Tientsin, he enquired for the Roman Catholic temple, and was directed by mistake to our chapel. He at once repaired thither. Supposing himself to have attained the object of his journeyings, he assumed the position of a learner, and listened with wonder to the views of spiritual truth which were propounded in his hearing. The more he heard the more he rejoiced, and he felt that the treasure he was seeking had come within his reach. After spending some time amongst us, he returned to his distant home, carrying with him a judicious selection of books, and promising a speedy renewal of his visit. A few months rolled over, and the promise was fulfilled. This time he came to request that we would send a teacher to labour for a season amongst his neighbours, offering to find a room for his accommodation, and to provide another room for public preaching. The books he took away on his former visit had done their work: he had gained more light, and many of his friends had read them to profit, and now united with

baptize him, because he had been baptized by the Roman Catholics. The course taken by this poor man has involved him in great poverty. He cannot return to his friends, as they would renounce him for having joined the church of Jesus, so he waits here hoping to meet with some employment. May the Lord open his way before him, and keep him steadfast in Christ Jesus.

Chang-ten-Yuen, aged thirty-one, is a carrier of goods. For three years he has been hearing the word of God, but has never felt its power until a few months ago under the preaching of Wang-HeinSeng. He is a bold energetic young man, and soon as he felt the truth of Christianity, at once gave up his idols, and desired to be baptized. Though not an intelligent man, he is decided as a believer in Jesus. His calling exposes him to great temptations, especially to a violation of the sabbath, but he has determined to abstain from labour on the Lord's-day, and to be a true and devoted Christian.

Tu-Yun-Chai, thirty-six years old, is a man of moderate intelligence and a farmer. Some months ago, he came to Tientsin on business, and stepped into our city chapel. He then heard what deeply interested him, so much so that he remained several weeks, that he might daily learn more of the truth as it is in Jesus. He soon felt and acknowledged the truth of the way of salvation, and wished to be baptized before returning to the country. We told him he had better wait, and as he could read, he might take some books with him which would increase his light, and if, after some time, he still felt inclined to become a Christian, he might return to Tientsin, and if the church approved him, he might be baptized. He returned home to Yang-tsun, a large town on the banks of the Pei-ho, on the great road to Pekin, and distant about twentytwo miles from Tientsin. During his absence, we sent a colporteur to visit him, who found him earnestly studying the

books we had given him, and collecting his family and friends together very often to read to them and to pray. He promised to be in Teintsin at a certain time to spend a few days, and hoped the foreign teachers would give him baptism. At the time fixed he came, and all were pleased with his clear views of Christian truth, and his religious experience. On exam ining him, I asked him if he had any idolatrous images in his house. He replied, "No. During the war, when the English troops were marching towards Pekin, they passed through Yang-tsun. As they came near, all the people fled, and I and my family with the rest. We took nothing with us out of the house, and when we came back, the house was stript of everything even the idols." I said I did not think the English soldiers had plundered his house. "Oh, no," he said; "I know they did not; it was some of my neighbours who returned before me, and they had helped themselves to my goods and gods. From that time I have never had an image in my house, for I lost my confidence in their supposed power, and now I believe in one God."

The other man, Wang Hwan Hsin, aged thirty-four, is likewise from the coun try, a city called Paou-ti, distant from Tientsin about forty miles. For some time he has been residing in this city, in the employment of a Mandarin, and has been a constant and attentive hearer of the Gospel. His heart seems fully given to the Saviour, and he witnessed a good confession before the church.

These cases show how the work of the Lord is gradually progressing in this region. Many other signs of good appear around us, and we are encouraged on every side. Oh for a wide-spread diffusion of the Spirit's power, that thousands might be born in a day. Pray for those whom the Lord has given us, that they may be faithful to the end; and pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified.

J. INNOCENT.

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

FEBRUARY, 1867.

Biography.

THE REV. HENRY WATTS.

In Memoriam.

WITH trembling hand the writer of this brief memoir pays the last public tribute of filial affection to one who was for forty-one years a minister in the Methodist New Connexion, and whose real worth, not less than his long service, claims for him a record of respect and love.

My revered father was born in London, on the 21st of July, 1800. When very young he was of a gentle, quiet disposition, and was often known to retire to his chamber for prayer after seeing a funeral pass along the streets of the crowded metropolis. Thus early was he impressed with religious things. As the bud gives promise of the flower, and the blossom of the fruit, so this experience of the awakening influence of the Divine Spirit in tender childhood indicated the probability of consecration to Christ in the days of his youth. The probability happily ripened into accomplished fact.

His father was a good man, and a devout member of the Church of England; and felt deeply the importance of "training his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." He taught them to pray, and led them by the hand to church; and to this habit of going regularly when but a child to church service, may be attributed my father's ineradicable fondness for it all through his after life. He always expressed himself in terms of the profoundest admiration for the sublime liturgy of the Established Church. Though a thorough Nonconformist, yet he often availed himself of Sabbath afternoon opportunities of divine service at church, and thus refreshed the reminiscences and renewed the attachments of his youth. Deprived of his God-fearing father when very young, and partly deserted by his mother, his life, which had begun so happily, was now saddened by adversity. The morning sun, which had shone so brightly, hid its face, and the sky became overcast with clouds. But "there is a silver lining to every cloud." For when both father and mother were gone-and no greater loss can a child suffer-"the Lord took him up," and raised up for the orphan boy numerous friends and benefactors.

In accordance with an arrangement made by them, he was removed, at the tender age of nine years, to the neighbourhood of Hucknall, in Nottinghamshire. In this new sphere he was characterized by great sedateness, an ardent thirst for knowledge, and an

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honourable determination to keep himself above low, wicked pursuits. He made a very favourable impression by his superiority of bearing and his religious predilections. He regularly attended the parish church, and his anxiety respecting his spiritual interests grew stronger year by year. At length, under the sweet and potent constraint of the Holy Spirit, he was led to cry, "What must I do to be saved?" He sought counsel of the resident clergyman, but did not meet with that sympathy which he so much needed. Some kind friend, however, invited him to a Methodist New Connexion chapel-I presume it would be at Hucknall-where he heard some minister preach so sweetly of the love of Christ to fallen man, that he was moved to the depths of his soul, and there and then resolved to give himself to Christ. The next Sabbath he went to the chapel again, and heard the Rev. W. Chapman preach about "the great multitude which no man can number, who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Then he saw clearly that the whole of man's salvation is solely through the boundless merits of the infinitely precious Saviour, and he surrendered himself-body, soul, and spirit -to him, and became, in conscious and glorious experience, a child of God and an heir of heaven. "Old things passed away, and behold all things became new." This occurred in the year 1816, when he was sixteen years of age. The Revs. W. Haslam, W. Chapman, and W. Jones were then stationed in the Nottingham Circuit.

Having told the clergyman of the change which had been wrought in his heart, and of his intention to join the Methodists, he forthwith identified himself with our beloved community. It was his Alma Mater. In it he had received spiritual life; in it he lived and laboured until the Master came and called him home. Having experienced the saving grace of God himself, he became very anxious for the salvation of all about him. He got several of his young companions to join him in a prayer-meeting. They often went to the fields together, and under trees or by the hedge-side poured out their hearts to God in fervent prayer. In such holy exercises they frequently felt that they were "in heavenly places with Christ Jesus." Nor did he escape ridicule and opposition for Christ's sake. Many of his old church friends persecuted him bitterly, and oftentimes his employers sent him supperless to bed because he would persist in distributing religious tracts and going to Methodist meetings. But "none of these things moved him.' He was appointed a prayerleader. Then he began to preach in the neighbours' houses, and when about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, was put on the plan as a local preacher. He had much "readiness of utterance," was full of youthful fire and holy enthusiasm, was generally acceptable, and, through the Divine blessing, very useful. I have records of his preaching at Lambley and Calverton, Hill-top and Beverley.

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Once he was sent for from his pew in the chapel, to supply for a preacher who had failed to attend his appointment, for even in good old times" there were occasional omissions of this kind. While preaching, a grey-haired infidel came up the aisle of the chapel and stood before the pulpit, gazing, listening, as if spell-bound. At the close of the service he asked who that young preacher was, and when he would preach again. He was told that in a fortnight he

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