During the Sung dynasty, Sie Ma Wan, when a boy, whether he was moving about or at rest, in all his conduct was dignified and decorous, like a perfect old gentleman. At seven years of age he heard an explanation of the classic called “Spring and Autumn.” He was very much pleased, and, having returned home, conversed with the members of his family in such a manner as to show that he understood its principles. He was accustomed to use a round block of wood for a pillow. When he became sleepy, and fell into a doze, this pillow would roll a little and awaken him. Once awakened, he would apply himself to his studies again with vigor. He finally became an object of worship, his tablet being placed in the temple of Confucius. THE STUDENT WITH A HOLE IN THE WALL. In the Han dynasty, which began about 205 B.C., and ended about 25 A.D., lived Kwang Hung, who was very indigent. Though very fond of books, he was destitute of the means of purchasing oil. His neighbor, in the adjoining house, had candles; but the light could not penetrate through the wall. Hung therefore made a hole in it, in order to procure rays of light by which he could prosecute his studies. In the city, a wealthy man, whose surname was Great, had a large number of books. Hung was anxious to work for him, though not for the purpose of receiving wages. He only desired the privilege of reading the rich man’s books as his pay. Mr. Great was so much interested in the proposal and in the man that he gave him some of his books as his wages. Hung became a very learned man, and finally obtained the office of prime minister. With stories like these the Chinese encourage the people to study the sacred books. Besides the gods above mentioned there are hundreds of others, gods of occupations, professions and callings; gods of literature, of art, of play-acting, of gambling, and a host of others are found everywhere. CHAPTER XXV. HOME-LIFE UNDER CONFUCIANISM. A man do good, he go to Joss; he no do good, very much bamboo catchee he.--THE FAMOUS HOWQUA’S REPLY TO AN AMERICAN SEA-CAPTAIN. One of the most prominent features of the Chinese religion is the excessive reverence that is paid to parents. We remember the commandment of old, “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” The Chinese have long lived in their land; they have outlived the kingdoms of Persia, Egypt, Judea, Babylon, Greece and Rome. It certainly seems as if this were a fulfillment of the promise of God, that, as they honor their parents, so are they permitted to live long in their land. This reverence for parents, while living and after death, is found among other nations; but nowhere is so great stress laid upon this part of duty as in China.