'We did not go in to see the tiny, com-fortiess stalls in which they write' their essays and which they are not permitted to eave for from 24 to 36 hours at a time, as we had seen them before. The strain them mentally and physically must be very great, and it is not strange that many of them came out looking haggard and worn, Many were pale and walked with unsteady step. Since only one in two or three score of those who try ever secure the coveted e it follows that there is always a host of disappointed ones. They come again and again, some of them till they are old and' gray-headed. I saw two or three who could not have been far from 80 years of age. Even if they do not obtain the degree they gain no small degree of local distinction from the mere fact of attending these examinations. they are successful the whole neighbourhood is honoured; he is carried in " fine sedan chair with banner and music and there is much feasting. If he is wealthy enough, or if his friends are generous enough, he will now go to Peking and try for the third and highest degrees. Some may ask in regard to this book distribution, "Dogs Ir PAY?
Are not these men our bitterest enemies, those who have so often incited the people to mob and riot? Why then cast these pearls of truth before them? Will they not.merely turn again and rend you? Why this waste?" We answer that it is just because these students usually form the strongest barrier to the propagation of Christianity that we sock thus to carry war into the enemy's country. They are presumably the leading scholars of their province and influence la their several communi that if we can turn their ignorant prejudice into intelligent assent to the truth and purity of the Christian faith, we are, in an important sense, paving the way for future victories of the Cross. Of course, we do not know how many of these booke will be carefally read, but we presume that a literary man will have enough curiosity to at least read them. At any rate we think it well to take this convenient method of putting the books into their hands, praying that the Spirit will use the truth to impress, if not convict, many hearts.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.