by avoiding disputation? In my judgment an able and zealous disputant, who can distinguish trifles from essentials, and so reason as to convince the gainsayers, is just such a person as every mission should possess. A man like Stephen, who "when the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians and of them of Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with him, they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake." However, Paul's disputing subjected him to mockery and insult; and therefore the missionary who wishes to get along in peace and comfort, may avoid disputes and controversy. But the resolution of a missionary never to dispute, is about as wise as that of a soldier never to fight.

Your's truly,

Note. If others understood our correspondent as meaning "to condemn dispute and controversy when explained in the words of St. Paul, "disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God," and "disputing daily," in the school of Tyrannus, they mistook his meaning; at least we did not so understand him: dialegomenos means discoursing, preaching, reasoning, arguing; as in the following examples: 'and as Paul was long preaching;' ⚫and as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, &c.;' he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath day;' preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow.' Our correspondent did not, we think, mean to condemn conduct like this, for then he would not have added, "I preach repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as the only hope of salvation." "I avoid dispute and controversy' "taken alone, might mean all that contends for; but the writer was speaking of "going unadvisedly into their temples, and of crowding himself on the notice of the people when they were displeased with his company;" and he seems to have had in mind, 'perverse disputings' and 'strifes of words whereof cometh envy and railings' and those foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, which Paul commanded Titus to avoid. But however poor our reasoning may be, we fear, we are giving too much proof that we are not wholly averse to 'disputing;' the truth is, we agree with - in his argument for contending boldly for the truth. The resolution of a man, however, always to dispute, would be as wise as that of the soldier to attack and knock down every one he meets.

5. Remarks on translating the Scriptures: from a correspondent. Mr. Editor,-In the Bombay auxiliary Bible Society's fifteenth Report, for 1833, pages 16 and 17, there are a few remarks on the choice of native words for Scripture translations, which I should like to see transferred to the pages of the Repository for the guidance and encouragement of Chinese translators. For there are some persons who magnify difficulties to such a degree, as to insinuate the idea that whatever is imperfect is useless;-a doctrine by the way, which puts a complete extinguisher on all human efforts whatever, excepting indeed the efforts of those who belong to the infallibles. The remarks are these:

"In the translation department, it is evident that all new translations (however great the talents, care, and caution of the translator), may be liable to many imperfections. On this account persons of sound judgment have been of opinion, that the circulation of our earliest translations would be attended with harm rather than benefit, from the mistakes in the choice of words which they contain. But your

committee cannot but think, that supposing the premises to be quite correct, the conclusion by no means follows, that the circulation of the old translation, even with all its imperfections, will be attended with no benefit. On the contrary, the facts related in the course of the present report, and in all former ones, afford most pleasing and encouraging instances of the benefit that has actually resulted from its circulation. With respect to the choice of native words for our translations, it must necessarily happen, that in teaching a totally new science in any country, such as the Christian theology in a heathen land, the terms used often stand in the relation of technical terms; and therefore must be as it were coined for the purpose. In this difficulty the only thing that can be done, is to use the greatest judg ment and caution in selecting such words, or modifications of words, as in the native language come nearest to the new idea intended to be conveyed.

"After all, however, it is to be observed, that the choice of these words cannot ultimately turn out of that very great importance which might at first sight appear. For, after all that the translator can do, the meaning of these new words, or which is the same thing, old words in a new sense, must be understood by the native, from the context rather than the text. For if an utterly strange word, or even a known, but ill-chosen word, occurs again and again, always in the same connection, and always with the same meaning, it is surprising how soon the human mind will as it were, lend itself to the meaning intended, so as not to remain long under any serious misunderstanding, except such as is wilful. On this subject, above all others, it may be said, where there is the will there is a way; where there is an honest desire to understand, the mind will not long remain under any material error. But no words, however well chosen, can obviate wilfulness; and in the mean time, lesser mistakes and misapprehensions must be expected, till time has established conventional terms suited to the Christian theology."

ART. VIII. Journal of Occurrences: death by opium, and opium brokers; inundation; new chancellor, and new British authorities in China; fire at Peking; Tibetan envoy; inundation in Keảngsoo, and foreigners at Yarkand.

July 2d. Death by opium. Two young men, Asoo and Achang, the first 25 and the second 24 years of age, put an end to their earthly existence by taking opium. Aid was sought from the gentlemen at the Dispensary, but it was too late; the poison had taken so deep effect as to forbid the application of the stomach pump or any other means for their restoration.

Tuesday Eth. Opium brokers. The Chinese laws against the use of opium, and against the cultivation of the poppy and all traffic in the drug, are it is well known, most severe and explicit. It is equally well known also that many of the dealers in the article carry on their transactions with almost as much publicity as if no prohibitions existed. This is effected by the payment of certain sums to those officers who ought to carry into strict execution the imperial laws; occasionally,

however, there is a difficulty in determining the amount that shall be paid. Such a difficulty lately occurred between his excellency the governor of Canton, and two of the principal brokers Yaoukew (Yeûkow) and Gowkwan (Owfoon). More money was demanded than there was a willingness to pay; accordingly the check on the law was taken off, and a detachment of soldiers, two hundred strong, made a descent on the houses of the above named individuals. They fortunately for themselves, had absconded; but their families with all their effects were carried off. Three of the inmates of one of the houses, it is reported, were drowned in attempting to escape in a boat on the river.

Tuesday 15th. Inundation. The effects of the late inundation have proved far less calamitous than was anticipated. Though the water rose eighteen inches higher than it did last year, the damage both to property and to life has been far less than on that occasion. The injury to the fields has not been very great, and the prospect of plentiful harvests is air. In the western suburbs of this city, a great many houses have fallen, and hundreds of poor people have been driven pennyless into the streets. Some small donations have been made to furnish coffins for those that perished, and food for those that survive.

Monday, 21st. New literary chancellor. Wang Chih, the new literary chancellor, arrived at the provincial city on the 10th inst., and received the seals of his office on the 18th. Keu, who has held the office since the death of Le, sets off for Peking yesterday,

1

Tuesday, 29th. New British Authorities in China. From the Canton Register extraordinary, of the 26th, " published by authority," we make the following extract containing his Majesty's commission to the new authorities.... WILLIAM R....

WILLIAM the FOURTH, by the Grace of God. of the United kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the faith, King of Hanover, &c. To our Right trusty and well beloved William John, LORD NAPIER, and to our trusty and well beloved William Henry Chicheley Plowden and John Francis Davis, Esquires, GREETING: WHEREAS by a certain act of Parliament made and passed in the third and fourth year of our Reign, intituled “an act to regulate the trade to China and India," it is amongst other things enacted that it shall and may be lawful for us by any commission: or commissions, warrant or warrants, under our Royal Sign Manual, to appoint not exceeding three of our subjects to be superintendents of the trade of our subjects to and from the said Dominions for the purpose of protecting and promoting such trade; and by any such commission or warrant, as aforesaid, to settle such gradations and subordination among the said superintendents, (one of whom shall be styled the chief superintendent,) and to appoint such officers to assist them in the execution of their duties, and to grant salaries to such superintendents and officers as We shall, from time to time, deem expedient; NOW wx. reposing, especial confidence in the loyalty, integrity and skill of you the said William John LORD NAPIER, William Henry Chicheley Plowden, and John Francis Davis, do by these presents, in pursuance and exercise of the authority in Us vested by the said act of Parliament, appoint you, the said William John LORD NAPIER, William Henry, Chicheley Plowden and John Francis Davis to be superintendents of the trade of our subjects, to and from the Dominions of the emperor of China, for the purpose of protecting and promoting such trade. And we do hereby constitute and appoint you the said William John, LORD NAPIER, to be the chief superintendent, and you the said William Henry Chicheley Plowden, to be the second superintendent, and you the said John Francis Davis to be the third superintendent for the purposes as aforesaid.

The commission is dated at Brighton, December 10th, 1833.-His lordship and suite, and lady Napier and family, landed at Macao on the 15th instant. In consequence of the absence of Mr. Plowden from China, the office of second superintendent devolves on Mr. Davis, and that of the third has been accepted by sir George Best Robinson, bart. J. H. Astell esquire is secretary to the superinten dents; the Rev. Dr. Morrison, Chinese secretary and interpreter; captain Charles Elliot R. N., master attendant; and Mr. T. R. College is surgeon, and Mr. Ander son is assistant surgeon. The Rev. G. H. Vachell is on his way from England to assume the duties of chaplain to the establishment. The office of private secretary: to the right honorable the chief superintendent, is filled by Alexander R. Johnston

esquire. His lordship, the second and third superintendents, the secretaries, surgeons, &c., arrived at Canton early in the morning of the 25th inst., and at dayfight the British union jack was hoisted on the flag-staff in front of the dwelling formerly inhabited by the supercargoes of the honorable East India company.

Peking. A fire broke out at Peking, near the end of last May, which continued burning five days and nights. The emperor himself is said to have gone out to assist in extinguishing the flames. Innumerable houses (so the Chinese phrase it.) were burnt, and many lives were lost. No account of the fire appears in the Pe king gazettes to May 20th, or in the extracts which we have received to June 4th. The Chinese, however, believe the account to be true.

Tibetan Envoy. It has been represented to the emperor that a Kanpoo, envoy from the lama of Tibet, proceeding with tribute to Peking had been repeatedly robbed during his journey. His majesty censured the cupidity of the parties for having articles of commerce with them; and considers they suffered from having left the high road to go by more dangerous routes.

Kedngsoo. A secret memorial, dated December 24th, 1833, addressed to the emperor by Lin Tsihseu, fooyuen of Keängsoo, has found its way to the public; and seems valued as a faithful patriotic state paper. Lin is an aged man, and esteemed by the monarch for his fidelity, as he has but few friends who tell him the truth. From this document it appears that Keäng900 is a productive province and is severely taxed: for in the most abundant years the farmer has but little left for himself after paying his taxes. It pays to the revenue, taking the same extent of country, as much again as Chekeäng; thrice as much as Keängse; and more than ten times as much as Hookwang.

But, there has not been one first rate year of abundance, during the last ten. Every year has been deficient, and twice or thrice they have had such inundations, as not only disabled the people from paying their taxes, but even required help from the government to preserve them alive. So frequently bad the local govern ment been compelled to implore a prolongation of time for remitting the revenue, that the government at Peking said in anger, non-payment of taxes had become the rule, instead of the exception; and the state of the finances would not admit of it. While Lin was in the very act of composing a memorial to solicit more time, in consequence of the inundations of last autumn, he received a letter from the em peror in council, and a few sentences written with the vermilion pencil, in his majesty's own hand, censuring and threatening the local government for not collecting the revenue with more severity; and accusing the governors and fooyuens of a want of gratitude for the high trust reposed in them. Lin says, when he read this, kneeling on the ground, (according to custom,) he was struck dumb with fright and vexation; but after a while, he resumed his pencil and wrote with tears. To the charge of not caring for the nation, (by which his superiors meant the go vernment,) he argued that the people were the nation; and he who cared for their lives and comforts, could not be regardless of that. All that the government possessed came from the people, and attention to them was the first duty of a states man. But who could withstand a continued series of natural calamities, such as they had experienced for ten years? All that could be done to spare the imperial exchequer had been done by "admonitory orders" to the rich inhabitants, tơ subscribe for the poor. In the 3d year of Taoukwang, the province had subscribed one million nine hundred and fifty thousand tacls of silver. And in the 11th year, they had subscribed one million four hundred thousand taels. These were years of great calamity. But every year they had subscribed something; their subscriptions, however, the oftener repeated became the less, and attended with more difficulty. Towards the close of the document, the aged statesman, says he, was reduced to a hearty fit of crying ““voice and tears were blended" as he wrote, for he was completely at his wits end. He could not withhold the truth_from the imperial ear. What reply his majesty made to this rather painful statement does not appear:

Yarkand. The resident at Yarkand has written to the emperor in behalf of for eign traders there who are allowed a trade in sheep, horses &c., without paying any duties. The natives of China often cheat the foreigners, of which he gives some instances, and desires powers to punish offenders, more severely than the letter of the law, as the incensing of foreigners is a more serious matter to the state than one native cheating another.

THE

CHINESE REPOSITORY.

VOL. III. AUGUST, 1834.-No. 4.

ART. 1. Japan: its geographical situation, extent, and divisions; iie mountains, rivers, lakes, climate, and natural productions; origin of the Japanese, their early history and national character.

The nations of Christendoin once maintained an extensive inter course with the inhabitants of Japan. The Portuguese, the first Europeans who visited that country, were driven thither in a storm when on their way to China in 1542. For nearly a century from that time, they carried on a lucrative trade. The Spaniards, Dutch, and Euglish shared in the same thrifty commerce. The Japanese also, hav ing long since emerged from a state of barbarism, had numerous fleets; and their merchant-men, like those of the Chinese in early times, visited neighboring countries, and even those as far distant as Bengal. The nation had then advanced to a high point in civilization; as far perhaps as it ever could without the peaceful, vivifying, and restraining influences of true Christianity: At this favorable juncture Romanism came in; but it came only to hasten the sad reverses that were coming on the state. Internal discords arose, foreign merchants became jealous and strove to supplant each other; and the Jesuits, accused of forming designs against the state, were proscribed. The English abandoned the country in 1623; the Spaniards were expelled in 1625; and the Portuguese; in 1641. Dutch, while fattening on the good of the land, dug a pit for themselves; and notwithstanding their utmost endeavors they were soort confined to the little island of Desima, 'the prison which was built for the Portuguese.'

The

In the mean time all natives were prohibited from visiting foreign countries, and allowed only to make coasting voyages, or to proceed to the isles dependent on the Japanese: This restrictive and exclu sive system commenced in 1637. Nangasaki is now the only port open to foreigners, and even that but to three nations and under severe restrictions. The Chinese and the Coreans are each allowed to OH REP VOL. II 20