The Sun.
London, England, 1861-03-27 00:00:00

771 E CHINESE REBELS.

In an appeal on behalf of China, the Baptist
Missionary Society publishes the following infor-
mation :
" Recent events in China, of an extraordinary nature,
summon us to the solemn and prayerful consideration of
our duty as Christians to that vast empire of idolatry and
superstition. The cessation of the war between the allied
forces and the Emperor of China has been signalised by the
mutual adoption of a treaty, which, among many secular
advantages, opens the whole of the Imperial territories to
Christian mis sionaries, on condition that the bearers of
passports do not enter a city in possession of the rebels.
On the other hand, the so-called rebels have overrun at
least six provinces of the empire, containing a probable po-
pulation of 30,000,000 of sculs. They hold these im-
mense territories against all the efforts of the Imperial
forces, and in every part of them cast down the temples of
the gods, break the idols iato pieces, and displace the
priests from their sanctuaries. They profess (with many
errors) the religion of Christ, call all Christians brethren,
and seek friendship with Europeans of every name ; in
this last respect reversing the traditional policy of China.
For some years the progress of this remarkable revolu-
tion has been watched with the deepest interest and curio
sity. It was known to have originated with an individual,
who, in 1847, at Canton, received instruction in the
Scriptures from the lips of Christian missionaries. By
a series of events, very imperfectly known, a
local insurrection has expanded into a revolution, which
threatens the extinction of the Tartar dynasty.
The author of it claims to have received a commis-
sion from heaven for this purpose, and everywhere com•
mands the destruction of idolatry. Mingled with asser •
tions that he has seen Christ, and held immediate commu
nion with God, he yet teaches the unity of God the Sonship
of Christ, believes in the atoning sacrifice of the Saviour,
and affirms the necessity of repentance and faith to salva-
tion.

From intelligence recently received from our esteemed
missionary, the Rev. 11. Z. Kloekers, we learn that on the
6th of November last he left Shanghae, accompanied by the
Rev. Griffith John, and two Chinese gentlemen. On the

Bth they reached Nankin; and for several days enjoyed

frequent opportunities of conversation with the several
subordinate chiefs of the Celestial King, by which designa-
tion the founder of the revolution is known. In their in-
terviews, there was found to exist, combined with much
error, an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures. The main
doctrines of Christianity were fully received. Sone indivi-
duals were evidently the subjects of vital religion, spoke
of Christ's merits as sufficient to cover all sin, and of His
blood as efficacious to wash away all guilt.
In Nankin, the missionaries found idolatry entirely over-
thrown. Not an idol, or an idol temple, could be found.
Opium and tobacco-smoking was prohibited, and spirit-
drinking forbidden. The city was undergoing reconstruc-
tion and repair; and there were signs, in reviving trade,
and in the aspect of the people, of a settled civil government
having displaced mere military command. Eighteen
places for Christian worship had, moreover, been opened.
On the day of their departure, November 25th, the
missionaries received an " Edict of Toleration," giving free
access to Nankin, and to all the territories of the Revolu-
tion, to missionaries of the Christian faith. It promises
them every assistance, safe passage and residence in any
town or part of the country, with entire freedom to preach
the Gospel. Now, then, is China everywhere open to the
missionary. Pekin and Nankin, the two capitals of China,
may become the scenes of missionary toil. The Imperial-
ists seer our efforts to evangelise the land ; the Itevolu-
tionists invite them. Is it not our duty to embrace to the
utmost this wonderful opening, and to enter boldly into
the door which Providence unfolds before us ?

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION.—At an eleefox
d nner, a voter said he had never received a bribe to the
extent of a farthing. " Oh, Mr. Smith, how can you say
so," observed another voter, " when I know Mr. W. sent
you a hare?" "Ay, that's true enough; but it was full
of maggots." " Well, then," was the rejoinder, "if it
were not bribery, it was corruption."