Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1907

The following report from a representative of the American Tract Society in West China is interesting because of the changing conditions which it brings to view in that country:—

Two things are apparent. Education is more highly prized than ever, and the Chinese mind is receptive to Western knowledge as never before. When one hears of Chinese (non-Christian) newspapers saying, “Down with the idols! the Christian religion is the best,” one feels like exclaiming, “What next!”

One phase of this movement has hardly been given due weight. This Western learning has been a great factor for enlightenment. It has swept away dozens of superstitions which were more or less bound up with Buddhism, Taoism, etc., and thus has made these religions lose their hold on the popular mind.

These facts are not only causing the old religions to totter, but they loudly call for a hearing to be given to the “foreign” religion.

Another encouraging feature is the fact that more interest is being taken in the education of girls, and that such education as there is is almost entirely Christian. Mission schools for girls are overflowing, and many have to be turned away for lack of accommodation.