AN OUTLINE STUDY OF CHINA.
Rex Christus : an. Outline Study of China. By Arthur H. Smith. (Macmillan and Co. 2s. 6d. net.)—Mr. A. H. Smith, who is con- nected, we suppose, with American missions in China, has put together in this volume much that is suggestive and informing. He sketches the political and the religions history of the country, supplies an instructive appreciation of its social condition, and then proceeds to deal with the mission question, giving us an idea of what has been done and of the prospects for the future. He is hopeful, a feeling common, we believe, to all who combine know- ledge and goodwilL It must never be left out of account that many witnesses in the case are hostile. They do not really believe in the Christian faith, and they do not wish it to prevail. Of course there are immense difficulties. There is the great question,—Is the European or American missionary to appeal to diplomatic protection ? Then there are the internal dissensions of Christians, looming, it is probable, larger than the reality when viewed from outside, but still serious. On the other hand, there are many good signs. No one, we take it, will have the hardihood to say of the Chinese Christian that he is inferior to his heathen neighbour. The reproach is levelled elsewhere at the native Christians, often, it is true, by persons who have no sort of right, in point either of conduct or of knowledge, to utter it, but some- times with justice. In China we believe that it is practically impossible.
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