no sympathy to obtain between them and their own opinions. Others acknowledge that the whole are radically one in their character and aim. Virtue is declared to be the object intended and sought after by them all. The Confucians propose it by means of the learning and example of the ancient sages; the Buddhists profess it by the quiet and continuous contemplation of the life and teachings of their deified founder; the Taouists pretend it by the profound study of reason in its sublimest and transcendental sense, and the attainment of virtue is regarded as possible by one and all of these different means, The external forms and ceremonies of either system are admitted to be only aids to the realization of the same result, and it is of little consequence which is followed, if the final end is satisfactorily gained. Partly from this cause, and partly from the mutual interaction between the three religions in the social life of the people, they are to a great extent observed by all classes. They are looked upon as alike necessary and useful, and standing as they do side by side, each exerting its peculiar influence at home and abroad, they operate as a spell upon the country at large. They enter into every phase and element of public and private life. They form as it were an adamantine chain, with which the nation is bound, and from which it is impossible to effect its freedom. Atheism and Materialism, idolatry and superstition are believed in and practised at the

same time and by the same individuals. The anomaly, the contradiction exists all through the Empire, and so amazing, so overwhelming are the difficulties connected with it in a Missionary point of view, that we may well be appalled by them, but we are sustained by the asseveration of the Bible, that the whole is to be overthrown, and China is to be emancipated, enlightened, and made happy. Not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the living God."

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CHAPTER V.

THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

WE enter on the consideration of this topic with peculiar feelings. We may be accused of a degree of prejudice in the matter, and of giving only a partial and one-sided account of it; but we are not conscious of this being the case. We deem it necessary that the subject should be seriously looked at, in our survey of the moral and spiritual condition of the Chinese, and of the difficulties connected with any effort for their improvement. We are aware that they are charged with many evils of a social kind, that tend to debase them in the estimation of civilized humanity. But in allowing these to the fullest extent, as a result of their natural depravity and heathenism, we believe that their opium smoking forms a primary evil in their case, and a chief occasion of increasing and intensifying their other crimes. They are in this particular habit almost alone in the world. The practice is everywhere current. What is to be said about it? What influence is it producing on them as individuals and as a nation?

It is supposed by some that opium is indigenous to the country. We find the poppy mentioned in

the Chinese herbal, and also the manner of preparing it for use it is thought as medicine. This is as far back as two centuries ago, but there is no indication of its having been grown or imported at an earlier period, or even for a long time afterwards, for the purpose to which it is now applied. It is known to have been used by the natives of Assam, and it is probable that in this way it was introduced into China, so as to have become an article of extensive native growth. It has been cultivated for many years in different parts of the empire, and there is reason to believe that it is in course of production to a very large and increasing amount. It has all along attracted the notice of the present government from the evil effects connected with it, so that earnest recommendations have been made for its suppression. We doubt not the high officials were sincere in their endeavours to put it down. Memorials are on record, couched in touching language, on the subject. The censorate has been employed in urging the strongest measures with regard to it; but from one cause or another, the whole has failed to correct the gigantic evil. The local authorities have often connived at the growth of the poppy, and as in other matters, found it more profitable for them to encourage than to prevent it. They are deeply smitten with the infection themselves, and the most inveterate and abandoned smokers are connected with the public service. We have no means of estimating the

amount raised in various provinces of the empire. On travelling through some of the Northern districts where it was grown, we had striking evidence of its very general use. The appearance of the people bore sad proofs of its degrading effects. Those with whom we conversed about it acknowledged that the natives there were given to the habit in the proportion of eight to ten. The opium grown and prepared in the country is of an inferior or milder kind than that which is imported from India; like the native tobacco compared with the foreign article. It is cheaper, however, and more accessible in many places than what is brought from abroad, enabling the people, perhaps, to use it in greater quantities.

Foreign opium is said to have been introduced into China during the last century. In the year 1767, the importation had reached 1000 chests, and continued stationary for some time. Now it has attained a wonderful advance. In 1855, Dr. Medhurst drew up a paper on the subject, at the request of the Home Government, in which he says, on the authority of the China Mail, "that no less than 67,000 chests were delivered in China in the course of the previous year." Since then there has been a considerable increase in the entire amount, so that it is stated in the Missionary Journal of September last, as upwards of 89,000 chests, or 5,300 tons. One fourth of this quantity is taken to Hongkong, and the value of the annual