grammar school. We have called it the 'E-Yoh,' or a charity school, for the education of children whose parents are poor. Every one speaks well of it who has been to see us. Amidst temples filled with idols and graven images, we have opened one to the living and true God; amidst the sounds of the drum and gong, and the noise of the squibs and crackers, made in honour of the pagan deities, we have the 'foo-yintang,' or the 'temple of happy sounds;' amidst a variety of schools where the name of Jesus is never heard, and christian truth is never taught, we have the christian seminary, where the word of God is the text, and evangelical instruction and tracts are to form the exposition; and amidst millions of books and readers, where nothing is known of the doctrines of christianity, we are, on a small scale, circulating the records of heavenly love, and giving away christian tracts, prepared by the servants of Jesus who have lived and died for China. The beginning is small; it is truly the day of small things; but, if blessed by our Heavenly Father, we hope to increase and prosper. Pray for us!

Monday, May 18.-Yesterday was the Lord's-day, and the second of the opening of our chapel. We had two services, and, during the day, many people came to make inquiries, to see the foreigners, and receive books. Dr. Macgowan had previously said that I might occasionally have his native preacher to assist me. He came in the morning about ten o'clock. He gave an address, and prayed. We sang a hymn, and then I spoke to the people against idolatry, exhorted them to worship the true God, repent of sin, believe in Jesus, and they would escape hell, and ascend to heaven. In the afternoon, at three o'clock, we had another service. My teacher read a considerable part of the third chapter of John, and explained some of it, which we had previously read together. I then addressed them as well as I was able, the teacher

telling them what I said when I had any difficulty in finding appropriate expressions. I do find difficulty, and it requires the most devoted application; but my teacher told me afterwards that I was understood by all. The school children were all present, and we had from forty to sixty persons besides at the preaching, if it may be so called. Between the services we had many visiters, with whom we conversed, and during the day I gave away about 300 tracts. To me it was a day of joy and hope. The Chinese have no Sabbath; and it is very difficult to make them understand the nature of the day, and the exercises in which we should be engaged. You may call it ‘han-seĕh-jeh,' or 'day of rest;' or you may call it 'le-pae-jih,' or 'the worship day,' the day on which you should worship God; or you may say it is the Lord's-day, the 'cho-jih,' but they have no knowledge of it, their sacred books never name it; and the law does not recognize such a day. It will require time and patience to obtain regular services at fixed periods, in a similar manner to what you have them in England. We have a placard on the yard door, giving the Sabbath days for the year, with some explanatory remarks. This is daily read by persons who pass in the street; and we hope our plans and motives will ere long be properly understood. How they may treat us, when this is the case, I cannot tell; but the Lord reigneth, and our interests are safe; and the success of God's truth is certain. Jesus shall reign until China shall be subdued, and India is converted.

Excepting the persons at the consulate, and the crew of the government vessel in the river, we have no Europeans here. Excepting myself and Joseph, all the missionaries are Americans. We live in the midst of the Chinese, and at some distance from every other missionary. There is room for many in this benighted city; and the period will come when many

christian schools shall adorn the land, and many evangelical preachers proclaim gospel truth in every part of the empire.

The climate, I imagine, is good. We have had our health, and I believe I am in better health than when at home. Joseph has been very well, and has grown very much. He is acquiring the spoken language, and will soon be able to converse with the people better than I shall, though he will require more time for the written language, and to speak on religious subjects. He does not seem inclined for worldly pursuits, and is at times under deep impressions as regards his eternal interests. I hope well of him. He daily watches over the little schools; and you would be surprised and delighted to hear him and the boys talking together about the names of things, and other matters. I am expecting brother Jarrom. I know not that I have anything more to say. Give our kind regards to all friends who may enquire about us."

THERE is something peculiarly touching and affecting about the word "last." Often have I mused on the various subjects with which from time to time it is associated with feelings of deep interest.

I have thought upon the Mariner returning from a

foreign country. On his way home he is overtaken by storms and adverse winds, which, for a long time, hinder him from pursuing his homeward course, and compel him, though reluctantly, to cast anchor, and wait a favouring breeze. But behold him now, he has entered the haven with joy, and proceeds to drop anchor with delight. What can have had such a happy effect upon his spirits? Why, the thought of that harbour being reached at last.

I have also thought upon the weary Traveller who has nearly finished his journey. In the distance he views his long-desired residence, at the sight of which he seems to enjoy a pretaste of what he hopes to realize on reaching it. But his limbs are tired-his lips are parched-he is fatigued and worn out. But see! he arouses. His languid frame seems to have new vigour imparted to it, and, for one more mile, he holds on his way. What can have given him this renewed energy. Simply the thought of that mile being the last.

I have reversed the picture. And with these thoughts, have, in my imagination, entered into the peasant's cottage. There sits the Labourer. When in health he was industrious and frugal; but sickness has overtaken him, and he is obliged to lay by. His savings are diminishing. His wife and family are beginning to despond. Shilling after shilling goes, and hunger is thereby, for a time, kept at a distance. But see! another shilling is produced. It is looked upon by the family with sorrowful countenances. Bread must be had to prevent starvation. At length it goes too, followed by tears. And why? Because it is the last.

I have also, with these thoughts, entered the sick chamber. All are busy in attending to the dying Youth. Eagerly they watch his every breath. Anxiety and suspense are traceable in every countenance. The mother enters. Often has she embraced her son with

joy, and impressed his lips with a kiss. But now she is overcome-she weeps. She recovers, and, bending over her boy, she lets fall a tear, and kisses his pallid cheek-she faints, and in this condition is removed. Why did this kiss affect her so much. Because it was the last.

Well, my young readers, I have not stopped here, but have meditated upon my present position, aye, and not only mine, but yours also. We have once more entered upon the last month of another year, which to some must-and which, even to some of us, may be the last. Solemn consideration! The Last! Eleven months have rapidly past. One more, and another portion of tine, and another great portion of our existence will have passed for ever, and be numbered "with the years beyond the flood."

Supposing this to be your last month, are you, as the Mariner, about to cast anchor "within the veil ?" Are you, as the Traveller, with renewed energy, pressing towards your heavenly home. My dear young friends, consider this!

Does the fact of our having but one more month to complete another year, produce its due effect upon your minds? Do you, as the peasant, part with it with reluctance, or do you, as the parent over the sick couch of her son, behold the last month of the dying year receding from your view with feelings of sorrow? Let the prayer of the psalmist be yours-" So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," and prepare to meet your God, by faith in Him who died for our sins and rose again. Then you will be safe at Last.

"Youth is not rich in time, it may be poor;
Part with it as with money, sparing; pay
No moment, but in purchase of its worth;

And what its worth? ask death-beds; they can tell.
Part with it as with life, reluctant; big

With holy hope of nobler time to come."

Isle of Wight.

ALBERT.