they were chief officers of the Chinese Branch Masonic Society
in Petaluma. I thought they came simply for curiosity and perhaps for
argument. Just before the meeting commenced, I went into my room, knelt
down and said to God: "Oh Lord, Thou art the Almighty God, Thou knowest
the motives of those who have come to this meeting; Thou knowest I am
very weak. I can do nothing without Thy help, so I beseech Thee to make
me a good agent in Thy hand. Give me the right word to speak, fill me
with power."

I arose from prayer and felt that God was with me. I went into the
meeting and announced my subject. It was on Daniel being cast into the
lions' den. I noticed the marked interest they all seemed to feel. At
the close, I again asked all present to come the next evening (Sunday
evening) and bring more friends.

The Sabbath evening meeting came. Sunday-school began at six o'clock.
Not only the scholars and every one of the outsiders who had attended
the meeting of the night before came, but many others besides, so that
we had to bring in extra benches, and yet we lacked room.

My subject this evening was Daniel, third chapter, the three Hebrew
children cast into the fiery furnace, being a continuation of my Bible
reading of the previous evening. I endeavored to bring home to my
countrymen three things: 1st.--That this was the true God, and he was
the Supreme Ruler mentioned by our Confucius, Mencius and other sages.
2d.--He was all-powerful and not like the golden image which
Nebuchadnezzar had set up, nor like the idols that we Chinese serve.
3d.--He was able to save all those that put their trust in Him. He is
_just as able_ and as _willing_ to _save_ us _to-day_ as He was when He
saved Daniel and his three countrymen, provided we are willing to trust
in Him, as these men did, for He is the same yesterday, to-day and
forever. The golden image could not protect from the dangers of the fire
the king's mighty men that cast Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the
furnace. And why? Because it was simply an image, the work of men's
hands. And now, what are our Chinese idols? Are not they the works of
men's hands too? We all say that they are true gods and are very
powerful; yet, you all well know that we have a common saying: "Though
the gods are powerful, yet they are not able to protect an _unfortunate_
man." So let us seek, believe and worship the only true God, and Him
alone.

I had to come away the next day, and felt that p