Sketches from Formosa.

CONFIRMING THE CHURCHES 85
of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom He
hath promised to them that love Him.
A considerable part of my time on the Sabbath was
occupied in examining six persons who wished to receive
baptism. After much careful inquiry, I thought that two
of them might be admitted. On account of some little
irregularity in their family relations, young Tsai and his
wife were advised not to come forward at this time.
It was with some difficulty I could bring myself to offer
this advice. They have both manifested a very teachable
and obedient spirit, and will soon be able to read the New
Testament in Roman letters. They blundered a good deal
in answering my questions, but the agitation of the
moment was sufficient to account for that. I love to
think of them as being subjects of the Spirit's gracious
teaching, and firmly hope that, in due time, they may be
upheld to witness a good confession.
Hau-eng was one of the two passed for baptism, and is
a married man of about thirty years of age. He reads
well, and has done much to keep together and increase
the little band of worshippers in this place. Our assistants
bore testimony to his humble, loving spirit, and consistent
so that Dr. Dickson and myself agreed that he should
life ;
be received.
Teng-ho is the other brother we rejoiced over that quiet
Sabbath afternoon. Ok-kau, or Wicked Dog, is the name
by which he was formerly known, and it conveys a true
description of the character he bore. He can refer to no
particular day when the great change passed upon him.
At first it was mere curiosity that brought him to attend
the services, but the kindly treatment and unselfishness
of the brethren at once arrested his attention. They did
not shun him as one who had become hopelessly poor,
and sinful, and miserable. The Gospel the like of
which he had never listened to before he could not