STRENGTH BE."

PILGRIM treading feebly on,
Smitten by the torrid sun-
Hoping for the cooling rain,
Looking for the shade in vain-
Travel-worn and faint at heart,
Weak and weary as thou art,
Let thy spirit not repine,
Shade and shelter shall be thine;
Friendly hands to thee shall bring
Water from the cooling spring,
And the voice thou lovest best,
Call the wanderer to his rest:
God hath said, to comfort thee,
"As thy day thy strength shall be!"

Christian! toiling for the prize
Kept for thee beyond the skies-
He shall lead thee safely on
Till the ark of rest is won-
Till thy spirit is set free:

"As thy day thy strength shall be!"

THE SUNBRIGHT CLIME.

HAVE ye heard, have ye heard of that Sunbright Clime,

Unstained by sorrow, unhurt by time;
Where age hath no power o'er the fadeless
frame,

Where the eye is fire, and the heart is flame:
Have ye heard of that Sunbright Clime?
There are rivers of water gushing there,
'Mid blossoms of beauty strangely fair,
And a thousand wings are hovering o'er
The dazzling wave, and the golden shore,

That are found in that Sunbright Clime.
There are myriads of forms array'd in white,
Beings of beauty strangely bright,
Who dwell in their own immortal bowers,
'Mid the fadeless hues of countless flowers,
That grow in that Sunbright Clime.

There is the City whose name is Light,
With the ruby fair and the diamond bright;
And ensigns are waving, and banners unfurl,
O'er walls of brass and gates of pearl,

That are fix'd in that Sunbright Clime.
But ear hath not heard, nor eye hath seen,
Its swelling songs or its changeless sheen;
For the vests of light, and the harps of gold,
And the crowns of glory wax not old,

Or fade in that Sunbright Clime.

But far away is this sinless clime,
Unstained by sorrow, unhurt by time-
'Tis where the song of the seraph swells,
Where the radiant Lord of Brightness dwells;
Where, amid all things fair, is given,
The HOME of the just, and its name is HEAVES,
The name of that Sunbright Clime.

THERE'S NOTHING LOST. THERE's nothing lost! The tiniest flower That grows within the darkest vale, Though lost to view, has still the power The rarest perfume to exhale. That perfume, borne on zephyr's wings, May visit some lone sick one's bed, And, like the balm affection brings, Scatter sweet gladness round her head.

There's nothing lost! The drop of dew
That trembles in the rose-bud's breast,
Will seek its home of ether blue,

And fall again as pure and blest-
Perchance to revel in the spray,
Or moisten the dry, parching sod,
Or mingle in the fountain spray,
Or sparkle in the bow of God.

There's nothing lost! The seed that's cast
By careless hands upon the ground,
Will yet take root; and may at last
A green and glorious tree be found.
Beneath its shade some pilgrim may

Seek shelter from the heat of noon;
While in its boughs the breezes play,
And song-birds sing their sweetest tune.

There's nothing lost! The slightest tone
Or whisper from a loved one's voice,
May melt a heart of hardest stone,
And make the saddened heart rejoice.
And then, again, the careless word
Our thoughtless lips too often speak,
May touch a heart already stirred,
And cause that troubled heart to break.

There's nothing lost! The faintest strain

Of breathings from some dear one's lute, In memory's dream may come again, Though every mournful string be mute. The music of some happier hour

The harp that swells with love's own words

May thrill the soul with deepest power, When still the hand that swept its chords.

CHINA.

The

THE first of the following communications was written for the General Report, but arrived too late for insertion. information it contains, especially as supplemented by the information given in the letters with which it is accompanied, will be a source of gratification, and also a ground of thankfulness, to the friends of our Mission. The brethren in China are manifestly hard at work; nor is their labour in vain in the Lord. They deserve, as the cause in which they are engaged demands, all the help we can give. It is high time they were re-inforced by another agent, the agent indeed promised them from the beginning of their Mission. A young man, of ardent zeal, and of such capacity and attainments as would be likely, under the Divine blessing, to give him a place among the foremost and best qualified agents of other Missionary Societies, is now much needed; and the need will be greater, as the Gospel, by its leavening influence, quickens the dulled sense of the Chinese to observation and enquiry. The sending out of such a one would strengthen the hands of Messrs. Hall and Innocent, in many ways. It would encourage them by testifying, far more than words can do, to our unabated interest in the Chinese Mission. It would

enable them to occupy some others of the many posts of useful labour they speak of, as associating themselves with their present central one; and would, in due time, probably, connect them, or the Society which they represent, with a great work, which has little more than just begun, but which must, one day, exert a mighty influence upon the Chinese people -the creation, that is, of a religious literature in the Chinese language. Of the "Missionary tours" spoken of by Mr. Innocent, accounts of two have been already published, and brief notices of a third have been given. A journal of the fourth, and by far the most interesting, is to hand, and will shortly appear in No. 3 of the "Missionary Chronicle." Though the design of this publication is primarily and mainly to diffuse information respecting the character, customs, condition, &c., of the Chinese, yet, as it is published in addition to the ordinary "Reports" and "Notices," and at a price which precludes the possibility of a pecuniary profit, it is hoped that every practicable effort will be put forth to secure for it a large circulation. It is further hoped, that, at this time of commercial depression, when so many, willing to give their mite in furtherance of the cause of Christ in distant lands, have hardly any mite to give, others, better able, though still suffering

by comparison with past years of prosperity, will compensate for this inevitable deficiency, by such an increase of their ordinary contributions, whether in the public collections or by private subscriptions, as their ampler means may enable them to make.-Tidings of the Rev. J. Maughan may soon be expected. Let not him, nor the new Mission he has gone to establish in Australia, be absent from the prayers of our friends, or from the addresses given in the yearly deputational visits of our Ministers to the several Circuits of the Connexion.

TIEN-TSIN.

April 24th, 1862.

We have but little to say beyond what has been communicated to you in our several letters during the year, in the shape of a report. Our Mission is only in a state of formation, and cannot give such interesting annual statistics as an older Mission might furnish. We are anxious, however, at the close of another year, to review the past, and state our present plans and purposes for the future.

The mercy and kindness of God in preserving your Missionaries and their families from danger, and in general good health; and especially in bringing in safety to this country our beloved sister Hall, fill us with adoring gratitude and praise. We also rejoice in the favourable providences which have led us to fix on an eligible sphere of Missionary labour, at so early a period in our Missionary life in China, while others have been called upon to wait for six years and more, before obtaining such a settlement. Growing acquaintance with the part of China selected by your agents only strengthens the conviction of its eligibi lity and importance. During the past six months, we have obtained an extensive knowledge of the surrounding country, in four separate Missionary tours in different directions, in company with other Missionary brethren. Accounts of these have already been sent to you. In addition to these journeys, occasional visits have been made to the adjacent towns and villages, for the same purpose of preaching and circulating the Word of God. We are not permitted to know the result of these journeys at present; but the sowing of the seed in faith will undoubtedly yield some fruit to God.

Our little Chapel in the city has been under our constant care when at home, and, through the blessing of God, the regular expositions of Divine truth have

The

in that place been effectual in persuading men to become Christians. The DaySchool has also been regularly superintended by my colleague and self. progress of the children in Scriptural knowledge and acquaintance with Christian doctrine is most encouraging and pleasing. We feel much the need of an institution for securing to ourselves, or the Church rather, some of the most promising of these children, that they might be thoroughly trained under our care for future usefulness.

Hu Sien Leng, our native helper, of whom I have already given you some account, has now been with us more than four months; during which time we have watched him carefully, and are satisfied that his faith and love in and to Christ are genuine. He has a good acquaintance with Scripture and with Christian doctrine. He has also considerable aptitude in teaching, and has exerted a good influence on our teachers and others who have heard him. We have, therefore, resolved to engage him as a Native Evangelist, under our direction, at a fixed salary.

We have also taken a large shop in the very centre of the city, where the four great streets meet, for a Chapel, and are at present fitting it up for use. In this locality we shall be able to gather a larger and more miscellaneous congregation than in the small chapel behind our house; while the small one will be useful for more private and social meetings. Additional places for preaching are very much needed by us now, not only in and about the city, but also in the places adjacent to the city. If the Committee could supply us with the funds, a great and effectual door is open unto us.

Hitherto we have refrained from admitting any to full Church Membership by baptism, not because we have no candidates, or persons whom we consider worthy; but preferring, especially at the commencement of our Mission, the wholesome discipline of our Church, called "probation," that we may have sufficient time to watch and judge the characters of the persons who apply. It is with plea sure and thankfulness we mention that there are four Chinese received by us as "probationers," or candidates for Church fellowship; all of whom are encouraging cases, and in them we trust the work of the Spirit is being carried on. Two other persons are deeply interested in the truth, and regularly attend the meetings to receive instruction in religious things.

We are devoutly thankful for these signs of good following our feeble labours; and sincerely pray that they may prove only the first-fruits of a great and abiding harvest. These results may appear small; but only to those who do not understand

Chinese character, and the history of Missions in China; still we long for far greater results, and the Lord will not withhold them.

May 9th, 1862.

THIS day has been to your Missionaries a day of unbounded delight. After two years of anxious preparatory toil, we have been permitted this afternoon to open our first public Chapel, and that, too, in one of the most important thoroughfares in this city. In saying our first chapel, I do not overlook the work effected in the room noticed previously by my esteemned colleague. In it the Truth has been proclaimed, and some results have been attained which, we trust, will be a cause of rejoicing to us and our friends in a future world. But as, from its smallness and the nature of its location, it could never have served us for any very important ends, we have regarded it simply as a private meeting-place to be used until something more eligible presented itself. God has graciously guided us to a most suitable building, and this day we have set it apart, under auspicious circumstances, for the honour of his name. Our “Chien Chú Táng,” or Saviours Temple, is next to a massive structure in the very centre of the city, called, Kú lou, or Drum Tower. It stands between this building and an idol manufactory. This is certainly a strange association; but, under God's blessing, we hope to take in the idol shop some day, as a part of our sanctuary; and I trust by that time the image-maker will be a right subject for a chapel-keeper. We have been fortunate enough to secure a position giving a confluence of four streets, -every street being thronged with people from early morn to eventide. We have thus every reason to think that our little temple will be visited by many thousands of hearers, and out of these we confidently expect to win numbers for Christ. Not only are we advantageously situated for influencing masses of city-residents; but we are also likely to attract many passers by from surrounding country places, who are continually coming to town for the transac tion of business. Hence we may reasonably hope that our Chapel will become a centre of light and power to circles beyond. May we not boldly ask for the importunate prayers of our beloved Community, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on ourselves and our pagan hearers. Much-and oh, how much!-has to be done for the emancipation of this people from their thraldom of death; and, blessed be God, feeble though we be, as instruments, much, yes, very much, shall be done, if we now rise in faith and prayer, and cry for the exertion of omnipotent

energy in connection with our glorious enterprize.

Although Mr. Innocent and myself, with our native assistant, have been doing a little in the place during the last few days, it was not until this afternoon that we had a formal opening. We arranged with our beloved brethren, the Rev. N. Blodgett of the American Congregational Board, and the Rev. J. Edkins of the London Missionary Society, to conduct the service. The Rev. J. Lees, who has recently joined Mr. Edkins, also favoured us with his presence. As the thing had been well advertized, we had no sooner opened the doors than the room was crowded to overflowing, and in a few minutes afterwards, the crowd extended to the middle of the street. Of course, most were drawn by mere curiosity; but even with this conviction, we could not but rejoice that such numbers should be brought under the sound of the Gospel in a Methodist New Connexion Chapel in China. It was well also that such an impressive gathering should be collected for the inauguration of our plans. Our two brethren spoke with much fervour, and the people listened with evident interest. The utmost propriety was maintained throughout the service, and I trust deep impressions were made on some hearts. At the close, the people retired in good order, some even audibly expressing satisfaction at the event. We received the warm greetings of our missionary brethren, and then returned to our homes, inspirited and prompted to attempt yet greater things for Christ. Thanks be unto God for this token of his favour. O that it may be but the commencement of abounding success!

I could not forbear saying this much. The mail is making up, and I fear I cannot send more by this opportunity.

WM. N. HALL.

May 24th, 1862. NOT many hours ago, the remainder of the brave fellows, who, but two years since, fought their way to this far off spot, and opened up to the operations of the gospel and of commerce the whole of this vast empire, took their final departure from us. They go, having fully acccomplished the work for which they were sent out; but alas, leaving the entombed remains of too many comrades behind, to proclaim at how fearful a price the end has been gained. It would be utterly impossible to describe the emotions we experienced, while standing on the bank of the river this afternoon, witnessing the embarkation, and exchanging farewells with these soldier friends. My mind ran

over the principal occurrences of the campaign, the review being all the more interesting in its influence, from the circumstance of its progress being identified with the beginning and developments of your own Mission. As I thought of the gigantic difficulties encountered, the astounding privations endured, the valuable lives sacrificed, and the proverbial cheerfulness and alacrity with which all had been undergone, I found my admiration rising to an uncontrollable intensity; and, despite the presence of thousands of Chinese, the hot tears would come and flow, and yet again burst forth. The thoughts most present with me were these:-Here are these heroic men, coming forth from home and kindred to very nearly the remotest part of the world, distinctly understanding before they start on their long jour neyings, that innumerable trials await them, that, besides the ordinary perils of the sea, and those arising from change of climate, they go to meet in terrific combat a powerful and highly incensed foe, the nature of the case making it absolutely certain that numbers of them must be cut down, and consigned to the darkness of death. And yet, they come! They come to risk all, never losing heart, always hoping for and pursuing after victory; but prepared to die, if duty demand the sacrifice. And what is the motive power actuating such devotion? We know how many and how great are the issues involved in such a struggle; but what is the end, as living before the minds of the majority of these men, and serving to reconcile them to all the contingencies of war? I have tested this point by appealing to numbers of them, and asking what has been with them the chief sustaining and animating consideration; and to a man the answer has been, "We thought only of an insulted Queen and country." And, certainly, to a true Briton, this would appear as a sufficient reason for taxing England's youth, and strength, and material wealth, in order to inflict chastisement on offending powers. Well, then, having done this,-having traversed seas, and grappied with multifarious adverse influences, and punished the enemy on his own soil, and exacted the most solemn pledges for the observance of treaty engagements, and opened up the empire to the influence of the gospel, and all this at the cost of rivers of blood, the death of hundreds of England's fair sons, what may we not expect from the Church of God for the improvement of the advantages thus secured? Will not loyalty to a blessed but dishonoured Saviour impel all classes to hasten to the war with Chinese heathenism and infidelity? Will not the rich pour their offerings into the treasury? Will not the

poor send up their prayers to God, night and day, for the might of the Spirit in this relation? Will not the fathers in Israel, the watchmen on the towers, the heads of the schools of the prophets, swell the cry in the ears of the thousands of young Timothies, and call upon them, in the name of Zion's King, to go up to the field of battle? Will not the hosts of our young men, just under the expanding influence of a spiritual first love, and ardently longing for usefulness in the Redeemer's cause, come forth and joyfully give themselves to this grand, this glorious work? Twenty months have come and gone since it was made known to the Christian world that China was open, open in its length and breadth to the preaching of Christ and him crucified; and yet we know not that the company of the Master's witnesses has received in that time an accession of twelve new labourers. We charge not the Church with indifference, illiberality, or unfaithfulness; but we say, and we say it with a heart full of yearnings for China, "Dear friends, take the spiritual destitution of this great country into your most earnest consideration, and O turn over in your minds the wondrous thought, that one day in the future, it will be the largest division in the Lord's kingdom, the richest gem in His crown. What will you not do to win it for Him?"

This morning was ushered in by a most touching incident. At seven o'clock, the troops assembled in our little cemetery to perform the last military honours over the grave of Ensign and Adjutant Réleen, a fine vigorous man, who has been serving throughout the campaign. Only nine days before, I saw him drilling Chinese troops, apparently in the best of health and spirits. He has been smitten down in the prime of life, having but recently attained promotion. It is but a few months ago that his wife came out from India to join him. He was a brave man, and truly respected and beloved by his regiment. As his disease was of an infectious character, his children were removed from home soon after his illness commenced. When I reached the cemetery this morning, I found his son, a child about seven years of age, strolling about in the grounds. I spoke a few words to him, but found he was in utter ignorance as to the loss he had sustained. When the funeral procession reached the burialground, the poor widow caught a sight of her lad, and instantly maternal feeling overcame all other considerations; for, raising the netted covering in front of her chair, she exclaimed in a most heartrending manner, "O my child, my dear child, come to your poor distressed mother. Do you know that it is poor papa who is to be buried this morning?