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TEA DISTRICTS OF CHINA. Chap. XVIII. 



tions at home. But the Bom an Catholic church has 

 led the way, and amidst many dangers and difficulties 

 has given us some noble examples of self-denial and 

 heroism. I know very well that some persons ima- 

 gine that these men have other objects in view than 

 the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom upon 

 earth. I trust I am a consistent Protestant, but I 

 am not one of these who are uncharitable enough to 

 try to find out other reasons than the true one to 

 account for the conduct of men who have left all that 

 is dear on earth — friends, home, and country — in 

 many instances for ever, to preach the Gospel to the 

 heathen. A good cause can always afford to give 

 praise where praise is due. I confess it pains me to 

 hear the labours of these men undervalued, for I 

 know well what they have to undergo. 



The Protestant church has many champions as 

 bold and undaunted as it had in the days of the Refor- 

 mation. To these missionaries the way into the heart 

 of the Chinese empire may not be very clear. They 

 may not consider it their duty to press beyond the 

 wide field which exists already at the five ports where 

 foreigners reside. There is no doubt, however, that 

 a few years will see a vast change in China ; it may 

 be that another war and all its horrors is inevitable, 

 and whenever that takes place this vast country will 

 be opened up to foreigners of every nation. Then 

 the Christian missionary will be able to extend his 

 labours to those far-distant stations amongst the Bohea 

 hills which I have just been describing. With the 

 blessing of God these temples may yet be the spots 



