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REV. F. STORES TURNER, ON MENCIUS. 



only great race and empire which has maintained itself for 

 thousands of years, while Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece and 

 Eome fell into decay and passed away ; we may well pause and 

 wonder for what destiny this great, civilised, industrious people 

 has been preserved until now. It were well if we had practised 

 towards them the love and the justice which Mencius regarded 

 as Heaven's ordinance for all mankind. Unhappily Christian 

 nations have gravely wronged Chiim in the past. It is time for 

 us seriously to consider the claims of China to just treatment, 

 and to atone as far as possible for the wars and oppression she 

 has suffered at our hands. And to get into this wholesome 

 state of mind, we must reflect that in every nation he that 

 feareth God and worketh righteousness is acceptable to Him." 

 " He made of one every nation of men for to dwell on all the face 

 of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the 

 bounds of their habitation " ; and surely there is a divine pur- 

 pose in the events which have brought four hundred millions of 

 Chinese into practical relations with Europe and America not 

 for the Chinese only, but also for the western world, which 

 cannot but be greatly affected by the conjunction. The future 

 we cannot foresee ; to do justice and love mercy to all men is our 

 best preparation for whatever destiny lies before us. 



The Chairman, in conveying the thanks of the Meeting to the 

 author for his interesting paper, invited discussion. 



Discussion. 



Professor Orchard. — We are indebted to the author of this 

 interesting paper for making us better acquainted with one of 

 China's great men, a man who to uprightness of character united 

 intellectual acumen. 



I was struck by what Mencius says (toward the end of the 

 paper) concerning " the spirits of the land and grain " : " When 

 the sacrifices have ])een duly offered," i.e., when the people have 



