MISSIONS IN CHINA.
The Chinese Government has issued instructions to the local Governors, in pursuance of which these officials have put forth proclamations warning the people against the persecution of missionaries and Christians.
“Know all men,” says the Governor of Che-Kiang, “that the sole object of establishing chapels is to exhort men to do right; those who embrace Christianity do not cease to be Chinese, and both sides should therefore continue to live in peace, and not let mutual jealousies be the cause of strife between them.”
Likewise Kung, the Governor of the province in which Shanghai is situated, after explaining that, under the treaties, missionaries have the right to hold land and houses, on lease, and to travel about and preach, “their sole aim being the inculcation of the practice of virtue, and having no design of interfering with the business of the people,” goes on to say: “Such of the subjects of China as wish to become converts may lawfully do so, and as long as they abstain from evil doings there is no law prescribing inquisition into, or prohibition of, their actions.” For the destruction of chapels and houses, in disturbances increased “by local vagabonds and bad characters,” summary vengeance will be taken. “Bear in mind,” adds the Governor, “that when missionaries live in the midst of your villages you and they are mutually in the relationship of host and guest. Under ordinary circumstances it is your foremost duty to act toward them with courtesy and forbearance. Should any misunderstanding arise, let each submit his side to the local authorities, and on no account give rein to ill-considered resentment, and fall, owing to the impulse of a moment, in the net of the law.”
When we think of the sentiments that even some Christians in this country hold regarding the Chinese, and when we think of the treatment the Chinese have received at the hands of our nation, the reading of the above is enough to make our faces crimson with shame not unmingled with indignation.
SELECTED.