To the Editor of the "Nowtm-Emma Dany New Sit,—The constant capture ani ill-treatment of missionaries in China is ample indication of their being unwelcome guests and provides food for thought.
writer well versed with the affairs of this country has pointed out that there is room for modification in the Western attitude to China on the social question. No Government as weak as China's should be asked to extend protection over its vast dominions to every foreign missionary who cares to engage himself in preaching ethical Bolshevism in any sion, fu or hia he likes. When the missionary informs the Chinese that the worship of their ancestors and their devotion to their mothers-in-law are sins against the Holy Ghost, he should be prepared for trouble and when trouble comes his way, according to the tenets of his own faith, he should not claim the protection of foreign bayonets. The Powers should make this clear to all the missionary. bodies.
It is really astonishing that there has of arisen in China a strong: man with political platform "plank" advocating the abolition of foreign religious missions in China. He could be sure of great support. and might eventually effect other improvements that would lead to 'a more peaceful development of the country.
As there ix w distinct dearth of preachers of the gospel in the West, but no lack of them in the East, one is inclined to the belief that the inducements to come here are more mercenary than meritorious. America has lately had a remarkable revival of enthusiasm for missionary work in China. Divines of all ages are offering. One explanation is that it is easier to live cheaply and comfortably in Chiao than in the U.S.A., while there are large sums leuri According to the Ameri-to be made by dealing in silks, jade
can "Moceury," and this is of local Knowledge too, many missionaries have found the business of exporting Chinese goods to the U.S.A. so Inerative that they have retired from the Church altogether. For those who romain there is the consideration that no" controversies about Fundamentalism ever. penet-' rate te' China to discredit them in the eyes of their flock. They, romain, first and last, what religious teachers should be—unehallenged autocrats on the spiritual aid There is a lesson hero for wilting churches. A living wage and. an uncritical outlook are first_ ess {Hale "in the choneellvies of Par Tam, ete,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.