and distributing tracts and copies of the Holy Scriptures, were carried on with a pleasing prospect of success; Kiukiang being also visited occasionally with a view to its being occupied as soon as circumstances would permit.

In connection with the headquarters of the Mission at Hankow,

a new element was, moreover, brought into operation, as an important auxiliary to evangelistic work,-namely, the dispensing of medicine to the afflicted. The Chinese have a high opinion of the skill and benevolence of Europeans; and they will make application for their medicine, when nothing else would induce them to come in contact with the Western strangers. The

American and London Societies had long availed themselves of this means of usefulness with good effect, and our Missionaries had done what they could according to their knowledge and circumstances; but in 1863 the Committee in London secured the services of Dr. J. Porter Smith, a pious and skilful Methodist physician, to proceed to China and organise a regular medical Mission at Hankow. Dr. Smith reached the scene of his future labours early in the year 1864, and commenced the study of the language and the practice of his profession in the true Missionary spirit.

The plan adopted was to dispense medicine gratuitously to the poor, and to give spiritual counsel and instruction to the invalids, as far as practicable. A commodious hospital was accordingly fitted up in connection with the Mission-premises at Hankow; and the days appointed for the application of patients were Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. When the poor sufferers were assembled, one of the Missionaries, already acquainted with the language, delivered an address before Dr. Smith commenced the examination of each case respectively; and whilst he was afterwards busily engaged in the dispensary, conversations were continued with the waiting patients in the adjoining chapel. The people distinctly understood, that in connection with the healing of the body, the Missionaries sought the salvation of the soul; and yet they came together in large numbers, and not only received with gratitude the medicine prescribed, but often listened with devout attention to the instruction given.

The report of the results of the Medical Mission for the first year stated that a total of eighteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-four patients was actually registered, with the addition of others admitted irregularly. The persons applying for medical aid were of every rank and degree, from the haughty grandee to the poor beggar in the streets, and from every province in the Empire. Much suffering was relieved, many diseases cured, some lives preserved; and the moral effect produced was, in many instances, very gratifying, considering the strong prejudices and other obstacles which had to be encountered in the prosecution of the

work. Some who had received benefit from the medicine of the Missionaries, began to regard them as their friends and benefactors, attended to their religious counsel, were brought under the renewing influence of Divine grace, and there is reason to hope that they will be their "joy, and the crown of their rejoicing, in the day of the Lord Jesus."

The Wesleyan Mission to China is in active and vigorous operation, and in all its departments-evangelical, educational, and medical—it has already been a means of both temporal and spiritual good to many; and with God's blessing on the zealous and persevering labours of His servants, still greater success may be expected in time to come. From the peculiar character of the work, it will require much faith, and patience, and perseverance, on the part of the Missionaries who are engaged in it, and continued sympathy, prayer, and liberality on the part of the friends of Missions at home. In connection with the respective stations in the two districts into which the work is divided in China, there are now eleven Missionaries, seven Catechists, eighty-five Church members, and three hundred and twelve Scholars are receiving instruction in the Mission-schools. For these results, comparatively small as they may appear, we would render sincere thanksgiving to Almighty God, and devoutly pray that the leaven of Gospel truth, which has been deposited in the dense mass of heathenism which exists in that dark benighted pagan land, may work effectually till the whole Empire shall be permeated with the light and life of our Divine Christianity.

THE SPECIAL PROVIDENCE OF GOD-THE SUCCESS WHICH HAS BEEN

REALISED THE WORK WHICH REMAINS TO BE DONE-APPEAL TO THE FRIENDS OF MISSIONS.

H

AVING conducted the reader over the varied scenes of labour occupied by the Wesleyan Missionary Society in different parts of the world, we may now, with profit to ourselves and advantage to the cause in which we feel deeply interested, pause for a moment to take a retrospective view of the past and a glance at the probable future of the great and glorious work in which we are engaged. Whilst briefly tracing the rise, progress, and present state of the respective Missions which have passed under review, numerous thoughts and enquiries have suggested themselves, in which we did not indulge at the time, after the manner of some historians, lest we should break the thread of the narrative, divert the attention of the reader, or occupy time and space to an extent which would have been incompatible with the plan of our work. Hence the propriety of indulging in a few reflections in our concluding pages, that we may fully comprehend the magnitude and importance of this branch of the grand Missionary enterprise, and feel the full weight of the responsibility which rests upon us, as individual professing Christians, henceforth to prosecute the work with

renewed and increased vigour in certain hope of its glorious consummation. In the history of the past, in the aspect of the present, and in the prospect of the future, we see much to stimulate and encourage us in our work of faith and labour of love. We also behold ample cause for deep humiliation before God, for searching self-examination, and for a fresh consecration of ourselves with all we have and are, to the service of Him from whom we have received every temporal and spiritual blessing which we are favoured to enjoy. On some of these encouragements and stimulating motives we shall dwell, for a few moments, with the hope that, under God's blessing, our observations may lead to practical results. We may first remark on

THE SPECIAL PROVIDENCE OF GOD.

Nothing can be more pleasing and encouraging to the mind of the Christian believer, in view of the work which he is called to do in connection with the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, than clear and enlightened conceptions of the doctrine of Divine Providence. If man were left to himself in his humble efforts to evangelise the world, it would, indeed, be a hopeless task. But it is not so. Supernatural aid and the special blessing of God, are promised to every attempt which is made by His servants to promulgate a knowledge of the Redeemer. When Christ gave to His disciples that great command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature," He also said, "Lo, I am with you alway even to the end of the world.” And this promise implies, not only the gracious influence of the Spirit upon the hearts of preachers and hearers, for their comfort and salvation, but also the over-ruling and superintending Providence of God, opening doors of usefulness, defending His servants in times of danger, over-ruling passing events for the advancement of His cause and kingdom among men, and making all things work together for good to them that love Him.

The History of Wesleyan Missions presents to our view a succession of such interpositions of Divine Providence during the past