Page:China's spiritual need and claims.djvu/61

Rh visit to the missionary's house learned to read, were through years of persecution her only comfort and help, May hasten the time when native Christians of every part of China shall, by means of some system, like that used in Ningpo, be able to read " in their own tongue wherein they were born," that Word of  which is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of  may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

We have now presented a brief and cursory view of the state and claims of China. To have entered into them at all in detail would have required for each province more time and space than we have devoted to the consideration of the whole empire. We have shewn how has blest the efforts which have been put forth; and have endeavoured to lay before you the facilities which at present exist for the more extensive evangelization of this country. We have sought to press the great command of our risen, "Go , into , and preach the gospel to :" and would point out that in the parable of our , contained in Matt. xxv., it was not a stranger, but a servant; not an immoral, but an unprofitable one, who was to be cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. "If ye love me," said our, "keep my commandments;" and one of these was, "Freely ye have received, freely give." We have shewn that in seven provinces of China Proper, after allowing far more than they can possibly accomplish to the Protestant missionaries and their native assistants, there still remains an overwhelming, multitude altogether beyond the sound of the gospel. We have further shewn that there are eleven other provinces in China Proper still more needy,—eleven provinces, the very smallest of which exceeds Burmah in population, and which average each the population of both Scotland and Ireland combined! And what shall we say of the vast regions of Tartary and Thibet,—more extensive than the whole continent of Europe, all without any Protestant missionary save the four in New-chwang? The claims of an empire like this should surely be not only admitted, but realised! Shall not the eternal interests of one-fifth of our race stir up the deepest sympathies of our nature, the most strenuous efforts of our blood-bought powers? Shall not the low wail of helpless, hopeless misery, arising from one-half of the heathen world, pierce our sluggish ear, and rouse us, spirit, soul, and body, to one mighty, continued, unconquerable effort for China's salvation? that, strong in 's strength, and in the power of His might, we may snatch the prey from the hand of the mighty, may pluck these brands from the