Dr. Williams says, “the Chinese have an almost infinite variety of superstitious practices, the most of which are of a deprecatory rather than an intercessory character, growing out of their belief in demons and genii who trouble or help the people. It may be said that most of the religious acts of the Chinese, especially those performed in temples, are intended to avert misfortune rather than supplicate blessings. In order to ward off malignant influences, amulets are worn and charms hung up by persons of all rank. Among the latter are money-swords, made of coins of different monarchs strung together in the form of a dagger; and leaves of the sweet flag and Artemisia tied in a bundle, or a sprig of peach-blossoms; the first is placed near beds, the latter over the lintel, to drive away demons. Brass mirrors to cure mad people, are hung up by the rich in their halls, and figures or representations of the unicorn, of gourds, of tiger claws, etc., abound.” [Illustration: SWORD CHARM.] KWAN-TE, GOD OF WAR. Soldiers worship Kwan-te, the God of War, who when on earth bore the name of Kwan-yu. In early life he carried on the trade of selling bean-curd, but having a soul above so mean a calling, and the times in which he lived being favorable to ambitious enterprise, he embarked on the career of a soldier of fortune, and won for himself both honor and renown. He lived to receive the title of Baron, but being entrapped through a crafty enemy, he was taken and beheaded. For many centuries his name remained embalmed only in history, but during the twelfth century he was made a god under the title of Chung-hun Kung, “the Patriotic and Clever Duke,” and a little later he was promoted to the rank of Prince. Thus gods are manufactured by pagan nations. [Illustration: KWAN-TE, GOD OF WAR.] TSAI-SHIN, THE GOD OF RICHES. But probably no god is worshiped with greater fervor than is Tsai-shin, the God of Riches. Though the pursuit of riches and honor is discountenanced by all the leading Taoist writers, the natural desire for wealth has overcome all religious warnings and denunciations, and is as strong among the Taoists of China as among the most money-loving nation in the world. No god can boast more temples raised to his honor than Tsai-shin. Every trader who at the end of the year finds the balance of his accounts in his favor acknowledges the mercy shown him by making a votive offering to the dispenser of wealth, and he who fears a loss attempts to propitiate the god whom he believes able to help by sacrifices and gifts. TAOIST SUPERSTITIONS. [Illustration: TAOISTS CONSULTING THE ORACLES AT THE MAGICIANS.]