Universal regret will be felt at the news of the death of the Rev. Dr. J. Edkins, which sad event took place on Sunday night at his residence at 7 o'clock. He was taken ill about a week ago with pneumonia, and yesterday at the time mentioned he passed peacefully and quietly away, being unconscious at the time. By his death China loses one of its most illustrious missionaries and'sinologues.
Dr. Edkins was born nearly 82 years ago near Stroud, in Gloucestershire. took hin degree at the London University in 1843, and arrived in Shanghai in connection' with the London Missionary Society in 1848. He was welcomed to China by Dr. Medhurst (the father of Sir Walter Medhurst) who was the first Protestant Missionary in Central China.
In 1861 Dr. Bdkins pushed north from Shanghai after the cessation of host ties in connection with the Taiping re bellion, and first at Chefoo for " short time, then at Tientsin, and finally at Poking, he laboured energetically and successfully, earning the respect and love of his colleagues as well as of others who wore privileged to know him.
About the year 1880 he accepted an important position in the Government detment of the Chinese Imperial Customs.
fe, however, kept up his connection with the London Missionary Society, and the last two or throe years had charge service every Sunday afternoon London Mission Chapel in Shangh:
Dr, Edkins was married three simes, his third wife surviving to mourn his loss.
Dr. Edkins has left behind him" reputation for profound scholarship and persevering industry, of whi able works from his pen bear testimony. He was recognised in every land as an authority. of the very highest rank on all subjects pertaining to China—its history, philosophy, phild and culture. Up' to the very Inst unimpaired powers were devoted to favourite and to do by reason of the he enjoyed. Although over 80 years of age he was hale and vigorous, and gave owe the appearnuce of being nearer three than fourscore years of age. Of his kind and affectionate nature, it is scarcely necessary to speak; all who knew bim loved him, and uow that he has left us he ill be long missed and mourned, wi his familiar face is no longer 6 ions, philanthropic, and educational ings that he go loved to take part in, and where those who attended were instructed and helped by his wise words and kindly presence.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.