Can we project these two views on inet and separate lines? They are destined to be in striking contrast to each other, the one coming down from time memorial, unique in its character and condition and deeply engraved in the minds and hearts, the habits and customs or the most numerous people on the face of the extth, the other forming a new onder of things, impressed Tpou it by circumstances from without, and as yet indo-finite and uncertain in the fact and mode of its accomplishment. It is a great and momentous change that is thus implie involving a Ligh mesure of responsibility en there who are to be the chief agents in effecting it. The truth is we are at the parting of the ways in China, and on the eve of being called to determine our action in the matter. Shall China be allowed to continue on the old lines, amid all the corruption and ignorance and error of the past, or shall she enter on a new course in the various departments of social. lif and adopt a better system of administra: tion in the whole conduct of affairs? Wo are impelled to consider this on the highest grounds. We do not look on the present line of things as accidental, as a common occurrence in the history of China, Many changes have taken place in the government and the country at large in the course of long ages, but the materials now at work are altogether peculiar, and it would seem as if in connection with them the very time to reform and renovate China had come. Not that we regard these materials for the reformation of China as supreme of themselves. No. There's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will." This applies to nations as well as to individual men, and we are persuaded such is the case with China at the present time. The occurrences now taking place we cannot but consider as intended and arranged from a Divine point of view, in order to serve the highest and best interests of this great country.
Let it not be supposed we are treating the subject on mere homiletic lines, which are out of place in the meanwhile. The
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.