PREFACE. THE important events which have transpired in China during the past few years have awakened, both in Europe and the United States, an unprecedented interest with reference to that ancient and remarkable empire. In the spring of 1858 the government of China formed treaties of amity and commerce with the respective governments of England, France, Russia, and the United States. The. provisions of these treaties are of the most liberal character, and initiate a new and most auspicious era in foreign intercourse with China. In 1859 the treacherous attack of the Chinese on the English fleet at the mouth of the Peiho seemed to jeopardize these cheering prospects; but in 1860 the brilliant successes of the allies in the north of China, commencing with the destruction of the Taku forts, and terminating with the burning of the imperial summer palace near Pekin, dissipated all anxiety on this subject, and, by procuring additional privileges and guarantees from the Chinese government, placed foreign relations with China on a basis which is likely to prove permanent and satisfactory to all parties. Coincident with the dawning of this new era in Chinese politics, we notice that the wonderful triumphs of steam navigation and telegraphic communication are bringing into close proximity the most widely separated portions of the human family. There is now direct and continuous steam transit from New York to Jeddo. Calcutta, by telegraph, is only six days from London; and, by the proposed Pacific railroad through the United States, with its supplementary line of steamers across the Pacific, the traveler will be able to pass in twentytwo days from New York to China. The volume herewith offered to the reader contains the results of observations and researches during a residence of about twelve years in China. Familiar intercourse with the people, the ability to converse freely with them in their own dialect, and personal visits to nearly all the cities open to foreign trade, gave the author ample opportunities for forming reliable opinions on the subjects he has discussed, and he ventures to hope that the information communicated may prove acceptable to all classes of readers. The author begs to express his indebtedness, in the preparation of this volume, to the writings of Sir John Davis, Rev. Dr. Medhurst, Dr. S. W. Williams, Rev. M. S. Culbertson, Rev. J. Edkins, W. C. Milne, Esq., and others who have preceded him in this department of literary effort, and to their entertaining works he would refer the reader for fuller information concerning some of the topics discussed in the following pages. To those whose earnest and oft-repeated suggestions induced the author to prepare this volume for publication, to those who are interested in the evangelization of the Chinese, and to all who desire information concerning the oldest nation in the world and one of the grandest empires on which the sun has ever shone, the following pages are now presented, in the earnest hope and with the fervent prayer that they may contribute somewhat toward the ushering in of that glorious period when China, clothed and in her right mind, shall be found sitting at the feet of Jesus. R. S. MACLAY. NEW YORK, April 26, 1861. Geographical Position-Internal Resources-Population-Farmer- "Holding the Plow"-Land-tenure-Farming Implements - Artisans -Gunpowder-Mariner's Compass-Variation of the Needle - In- flammable Gas-Table-turning, etc.-Scholar-Chinese Literature- Merchant-Early Intercourse with Foreign Nations-Exclusive Policy -Modern Foreign Intercourse- Scene on the Peiho-Soldier - Char- ANCIENT RELIGIOUS FAITH OF THE CHINESE. Apparently anomalous Traits of Chinese Character-Ancient Chi- nese Civilization-Its Bible Origin - Traditional Knowledge of Bible History and Doctrines - Mythological History - Classics-Prayers to Shangti-Proverbs - Filial Piety - Marriage Institution-Longevity Chinese Chronology versus the Mosaic-Opinions of Sir John Davis, Rev. Dr. Medhurst, etc.-Summary of Chinese History-Embassies from Foreign Countries - Northern Tribes-Knowledge of China The Emperor-Privy Council-Public Council-Board of Civil |