Page:The Chinese Repository - Volume 01.djvu/177

 now, we daily find, on title pages, the united names of publishers in three or four different nations, and on both continents. Thus rapidly does knowledge of every kind now diffuse itself over the globe, and extend the circle of civilization."

But the last half century, it should be remembered, has by no means been so fertile in memorable and extraordinary events, among the Chinese and other nations of this further east, as among the Christian nations of the west. Reasons can be given why this is so. Liberty and freedom, both intellectual and moral, are enjoyed here only in a very limited degree. The spiritual man is darkened, his heart petrified, and his affections—alienated from his fellows and from his maker—are all centred and riveted on that which he calls his own. Nor is this all;—more correct accounts must be sent abroad, more just views entertained, and a deeper interest felt by Christian philanthropists, generally, before the desired changes can take place. What has caused the abolition of suttees in British India? What is now sweeping away other ancient usages, abhorrent alike to God and man? A wider and more general extension of knowledge, especially of that which has come down to us by divine revelation, will instrumentally accomplish, what no physical force can achieve; and, it may be relied on, when that knowledge shall have spread, like a flood of light, over this hemisphere, changes will come in as bright and glorious a train, here, as in any other part of the globe.

We will only add, before proceeding to review the article in question, that we think the work in which it stands is fully equal to any of the class to which it belongs, and that the article itself is a fair specimen of what has been published by modern writers on China: we speak of course, generally, and allow that there may be exceptions. As the article is brief, we quote it entire, that our readers may judge of it for themselves.