While quiet prevails generally, and very little was heard of petty thieving or bolder robbery, yet a suppressed sense of fear and uncertainty appeared to be present everywhere. Sometimes it found expression, but when asked for an explanation, there was nothing definite, only an apprehension of something in the future that may occur, or that in the mind of the speaker is likely to occur, the when, why, and how of which were exceedingly vague. And yet occasional, indefinite, remarks appeared to point to two danger centres. "Une is in Peking, and finds its cause in the course pursued by the highest authorities there. It is felt that there is no sympathy with or desire for reform or progress, or with the new impulse that has come to so many of the Chinese, even of the illiterate, and that all that is put forth looking in that direction ix mere sham, Not that there is any very definite or distinct ideas as to what these terms mean, but a vague senso that China is behind the times, and that there are things which might' be done to help her to better things.
The Reports from all who have made tours into the country are much the same. They find that the Protestant church is more than over in favour, and a greater willingness, and in many instances a desire is mani fested to hear the Gospel greater than rer in the past. The people are seeking information; they are beginning to think with more independence than heretofore. Hence the opportunities for Gospel and educational effort are increasing on every side far beyond the power of the Missio1 ary Societies to meet them. There is great encouragement to labour, but the ®orkmen are scarce.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.