[ ] 
&c. The beft coal, and that which burns fierceft, 
is glolTy, hard, and brittle. The Chinefe are very 
fond of that fort that flies, and fnaps in the fire, to 
burn in their forges, becaufe it contains a great deal 
of falt-petre. When the flame is blue, it is very 
fierce, but it is too dangerous, as the fulphur is too 
predominant. 
Peking, 22 Odt. 1769. 
P. S. If we have expreffed ourfelves improperly, 
which would not be very furprizing, confidering how 
little we are verfed in thefe matters^ and how little 
time we can fpare for Europe, we are ready to re- 
trad: whatever may be thought amifs, and to give 
what further informations may at any time be de- 
fired. Whoever has fo loved the Chinefe for ChrifPs 
fake as to come and feek them in this far country, 
has not divefled himfelf of his attachment to Europe, 
and will ever be folicitous for the welfare of thofe he 
has left behind, and endeavour to promote it, both 
by their prayers, and imparting whatever may con- 
duce to alleviate the mileries of this Ihort life. 
In what a ftriking light do we here fee the vanity 
of the world, the intoxication of philofophy, and 
the wretchednefs of thofe who know nothing of 
Jefus Chrift ! Learning, vice, and idolatry, go hand 
in hand in the fandiiary of policy ; which knows 
nothing but the Creator of the world, whom the 
Chinele worflflp on their knees, and difhonour in 
their lives. 
As 
