Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 65

Address to Foreign Residents in China.

JAN.

before required of those who may be in any way drawn into contact with the Chinese authorities. But these points are of such promi- ment importance that they cannot be overlooked, and we pass them by without further comment, assured they will receive all due atten- tion from those whom they concern. If the Chinese, as they profess, really wish for peace, then let them cast away their childish restric- tions; let them, like all enlightened and independent states, freely allow foreigners to come or to go, or to remain, as they please, only holding them responsible for good behavior;→→→→let them, talking no more of tribute, send and receive plenipotentiaries and consuls, open their ports and their highways, and on just and friendly terms reci- procate the honors and the favors duc alike to and from equals.

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The acquisition of honorable gain, though it may be the main, yet may never be the only, nor the most important, object of pursuit with any man.

His strength, his power, his riches, his honors, are all fading, transient, uncertain. How much, during the last few months, have we seen fade and disappear! But though all that is earthly in man vanisheth away, yet it is not so with his being. That ceaseth not for ever; and so blended with the present is its eternal state, that it is only the part of wisdom carefully to guard and measure all the acts of our mortal life-never forgetting that "for all these things, whether they be good or whether they be evil, God will bring us into judgment."

Leaving it with the common sense and enlightened consciences of our readers-aided always by the light of Holy Writto determine the things that are right, and to choose the ways and means of pur- suing them-we hope to be excused in calling their attention to a few particulars of paramount interest.

The study of the Chinese language, to those who purpose long to remain in this country, cannot be too strongly recommended. Its acquisition will be not only of great personal advantage, but it will give us influence with others, will secure respect, and promote good- will and friendly feelings. It is, and well it may be, against us, in the eyes of the Chinese, that we know so little of their language, their literature, and their history.

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The maintenance of high moral character, with special reference to the power of good example, claims from us in China very much more attention than it has been wont to receive. Such character is of great value; it can neither be counterfeited, nor dishonored. In its best estate, it causes wrath to be conquered by kindness, lovė to be exercised towards enemies, and friendly offices to be done even