Page:China- Its State and Prospects.djvu/12

vi be a sufficient apology for the many omissions and incongruities which may appear. The critic will perhaps survey with a lenient eye the productions of the foreign missionary, who, by his residence abroad, in regions where the human mind has been long stationary, has not been able to keep pace with the improving spirit of the age. Any observations, however, on his matter or manner, made in kindness and candour, will be thankfully received, and should the work reach a second edition, be carefully improved upon.

Some discrepancy may appear between the diffusiveness of the first few chapters, and the conciseness of other parts of the work; but it is honestly confessed, that, finding the matter grow upon his hands, the author was obliged to condense before he had reached the middle of the volume, and to leave out many interesting particulars regarding his own travels in the Malayan archipelago, in order to introduce what had more especial reference to the evangelization of China. Some difference of style will also appear between the descriptive and narrative parts of the publication; but it was thought better to give the views and impressions of the moment, than to abridge them of their interest by presenting them in a more laboured style.

As it is, with all its imperfections, the author commits his production to the candour of the benevolent reader and the blessing of almighty God; hoping that this feeble attempt will be instrumental in awakening an interest on behalf of China, and in promoting the