ths in
obedience to the directions of her control.

A few weeks were spent in the home of an elder of the Church, Giang by
name, as from this centre it was easy to make daily itinerations in the
neighbourhood. What a welcome we received there! The deep cave set apart
for our use was decorated with flowers, everything was clean and
comfortable, and we were made to feel "at home." Being guests in the
house, our meals were always served separately, but we liked to take our
bowls into the courtyard and enjoy the family life. We were able to
consult with our host concerning many whom we had visited during the
day, and discuss our plans for the morrow.

As the daylight faded we joined in prayer and praise, and listened to
much that was of interest to us as the Elder told of early years spent
in dissipation, opium smoking, and gambling; of his conversion through
Pastor Hsi, and of first efforts to preach the Gospel. Meanwhile, the
shepherd folded his sheep, carefully counting them lest one should be
missing, and the women prepared the millstones for grinding on the
morrow. I saw much illustrated that had been familiar to me from
childhood in the Gospel stories, even to the midnight cry announcing the
arrival of the bridal party to a neighbour's house. A little oil was
added to our long-extinguished lamp, as, being first to hear the
clanging of the cymbals, we hastened to the bridegroom's home to help
arouse the drowsy guests.

We returned in due course to Hwochow, urged by our kind hostess to come
again at any time. Such homes are resting-places to those who have left
home for the Kingdom of God's sake, and are part of the literal
fulfilment of the promise: "An hundredfold now in this time."

Nowhere are we more sure of a welcome than in some of these Chinese
courts, and for the Church of Christ in the home of Elder Giang, I for
one shall ever be thankful.

OUR RECEPTION AT HWOCHOW

"The Master said: At first, my way with men was to
hear their words, and give them credit for their
conduct. Now, my way is to hear their words, and
look at their conduct."--_Confucian Analects._

"The Master said: A man should say, I am not
concerned that I have no place, I am concerned how
I may fit myself for one. I am not concerned that
I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be
known."--_Confucian Analects._

CHAPTER VI

OUR RECEPT