and the prejudice against Europeans much stronger than in the north. Speaking generally, we may say that, subdividing the eastern half of China Proper,—
| From 20° to 30° | N. latitude | contains | … | 70½ millions |
| From 30° to 40° | N. latitude„ | contains„ | … | 112½ millions„ |
How interesting to the Christian philanthropist to find that about one-half of the population of China Proper is located in one-quarter of its territory; in that quarter, too, where access to the interior, acquisition of the spoken languages, and intercourse with the people, are beset with comparatively few difficulties.
The rivers of China give easy access to the great plains, and form, with their tributary streams, high roads into, or lead near to every province of the empire. Where water conveyance fails, wheel-barrows or carts, sedan chairs or mule litters, camels, horses, mules, or donkeys are to be hired for overland transit at fairly moderate rates. Inns are found on all high roads, and money can be easily and safely remitted to nearly every part of the empire.
In the second place, we should notice that we have now by treaty the right of access to every part of the empire; and that, in point of fact, there are very few places in the eighteen provinces, or in the Northern Dependencies to which access is denied us. We have not obtained settlements in all parts of the land, but in a few cities only is an itinerant visit impracticable. On this point a reference to the maps shewing the itinerations of the members of the C.I.M. is conclusive.
In the third place, we must not overlook the effect of the recent rebellions, famines, &c., in shaking the confidence of many of the people in their gods of wood and stone, and in preparing them to feel their need of something better, on which they may really rest. These providences seemed dark and mysterious; but the Lord was at work. The rough plough of war, famine, and pestilence, was breaking up the soil and opening it; and many a homestead, many a nest did it tear to pieces in its onward progress. Houses were burnt down, crops were pillaged, property was destroyed. Too often was the husband left a widower, or the wife a widow; parents were left childless, children were bereft of their parents. And now shall we be idle, and allow our opportunity to be lost? Missionaries tell us of such willingness to hear the gospel as never was found before. There are, indeed, opened hearts just needing the balm of Gilead and the Good Physician. Shall we not send to them the precious invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest?"
Lastly. The nature of the languages of China affords both facilities and
