Chap. VII. 
ROADSIDE TEMPLES. 
123 
often met with on the roadsides, particularly in the 
vicinity of monastic buildings. Idolatrous as they are, 
they show a spirit of thankfulness to the Supreme Being 
for the " showers that usher in the spring, and cheer the 
thirsty ground." 
Koiuiside Altar. 
Having visited many places on my route to the temple, 
it was past mid-day ere I reached its sacred precincts. 
The large bronze bell in the belfry was tolling, and the 
priests were hurrying to the great hall, where their 
devotions were about to commence, for " it was the hour 
of prayer." 
When I had reached my old rooms in the priest's 
house, I found two of my Shanghae friends — Mr. Bow- 
man and Dr. Kirk — domiciled there. The Doctor had 
been trying to astonish and instruct the priests by show- 
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