begin now, and only since my conversation with you, to believe that there is still something missing to fill that cup of blessedness in the human soul, which only pure and true religion can bestow. Certainly, sir, I do not mean to bring into consideration any worldly enjoyments whatsoever, for my firm belief is that not a small portion of heavenly peace is wanted for the performance of a peaceable pilgrimage through this vale of tears. Encouraged by your good advice, I found that the wants of a peaceable existence for me have been the faith and true belief in the true religion.

"I therefore declare to you hereby openly, with my own free will and accord, that the heavenly arrow aimed by you at my spiritual eye, has come home to its place of destination, and that the veil of doubts which overhangs my mind has totally vanished, and I perceive nothing but a true shining light in the word of the Saviour of mankind.'

"I do not feel prepared to pass my opinion upon this letter or its author at present. I will have further conversation with the young man before I give him my full confidence.

THE JEW CONVERTED.

227

"July 6th. This evening had a long and interesting conversation with the young Jew mentioned yesterday. So far as I can judge, he is sincere in his professions of faith in Jesus, as the Messiah, the Son of God. Of course his views of many subjects are vague and ill-defined. He is reading the New Testament, and is rejoiced to find how exactly Christ answers to the predictions of the Old. I exhorted him to pray much for spiritual enlightenment, and he promised to do 80."

CHAPTER XVIII.

Conference with the Governor-Arrangements Completed—Journey to the Capital.

SEVERAL days were now spent in getting the royal permission from Peking for the contemplated visit of the Embassy, and in making the preliminary arrangements. In one of the interviews on shore, where these matters were discussed, there was present a young Chinese, who sat near the chief speaker, but took no part in the deliberations. He had been educated in the Episcopal Mission at Shanghai, had been to England and America, and of course could understand and speak the languages of the barbarians. The year before he had gone up there with Mr. Wade, but left him at Tientsin to enter the service of his country. Three days later the young man came out and visited the Americans. Of this interview Mr. Aitchison writes,-"Once on shipboard he threw off much of his former reserve,