THE CALCUTTA CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. No. 84.-May, 1839. I.-China and the Opium Trade*. To the Editors of the Calcutta Christian Observer. GENTLEMEN, I rejoice to perceive amidst the many topics of interest which find a place in your periodical, that China is not excluded; and I feel assured, that forthcoming events will render it peculiarly attractive in the eye of the Christian. Every thing connected with this country is of so singular a nature, that we must not judge by common rules, nor can we bring to the test of experience, as in other lands, the probable results of existing state and circumstance. The form of government, the system of foreign exclusion, and the combined effect of each in moulding the habits and feelings of the people, presents a remarkable feature well worthy of diligent study and research. Men who have traversed the globe and faithfully delineated the state of other nations have failed, with few exceptions, in conveying a correct idea of this country; and the many contradictory accounts and conflicting opinions, among even those who have directed their attention towards it, with an earnest desire to describe things as they are, will form a good comment on these premises; while those at a distance, amidst the cry of "China open"-" China shut," can draw no satisfactory conclusion as to the real state of matters. It is not my design to pursue this subject, but merely to throw out a hint, in the hope that others with more experience and ability may be induced to favour you with their observations, keeping in view the real good of this vast population, which is inseparably connected with the glory of God. * We shall be happy to unite in any effort to carry out the good in❤ tentions of loTA.-ED. In your September number 1 have read with pleasure the paper of your correspondent "SIWEL;" little could he or any one have foreseen the happy change which a few short months would produce; I say happy-happy for this people, happy for every friend of humanity, happy for all but those who have been blinded by the god of this world to prefer filthy lucre and thrive on the miseries of their fellow-men-for such is the fruit of the opium traffic. The present state of the trade induces a hope,that if not finally crushed under this attempt, it will receive such a serious check as may tend to this desirable consummation; and thus the curse-yea the greatest curse ever inflicted on China, though by the hands of a professing Christian nation-be effectually removed, to the introduction of a better state of things. In a late edict of the Governor of Canton, he puts a very plain question to foreigners engaged in this trade" if they call themselves honorable men ?" I have not seen a reply to it, I conclude because it is unanswerable, and carries a degree of conviction with it. But we will put the matter on a higher footing. Is it Christian conduct? Is it doing to others as we would that others should do unto us? Is it loving our neighbour as ourselves? or, an exhibition of that love which worketh no ill towards him either directly or indirectly. Excuses have been multiplied because men love darkness, but none that will quiet conscience have been discovered, neither any that will stand the test of the great last day. Public feeling seems to be somewhat aroused at this disgraceful state of things, both at home and abroad, although not in any degree commensurate with the importance it demands, whether we consider it in reference to our fellow-creatures in this time state, or their everlasting welfare. I should like to see some open expression of it in your city of palaces-no spot could be so suitable next to China itself: surely there are many who regard with feelings of disapprobation and disgust the sacrifice of millions to the temporal gain of the few even of their own country ;—why not throw their weight into the scale? There are doubtless merchants who see it in its true light; we have a very few such even here there are many of all classes high and low, rich and poor, who must view it with abhorrence, if they know the misery and degradation which attends it. I wish I could introduce you, Mr. Editor, and you too, gentle reader, into an opium shop, much as it would shock your feelings; but allow me to annex an extract of a letter; it was written after my first visit to one of these dens of infamy, these nurseries of robbery, murder, and crimes of the blackest dye: "The opium shops are a novel feature compared to Hindustan; here the slaves of vice meet. Never perhaps was there a nearer approach to a hell upon earth, than within the precincts of these vile hovels, where gaming is likewise carried to a great extent. Here I witnessed every gradation of excitement, from the maddening laugh, through all the stages of stupefaction and insanity, down to the utter prostration of strength and energy-qualities for which this people are remarkable. Murder and robbery is frequent. No stone is left unturned to procure this intoxicating and debasing drug, and many if not most of the crimes which are perpetrated now, may be traced to the desire of indulging in this expensive poison. Truly it is one engine in Satan's hands and a powerful one. What, humanly speaking, can stem the torrent? China, yes, heathen legislators foresee the impending ruin, and stigmatize the name and profession of Christianity which exhibits such fruits." And this was in a British settlement, where the commodity was not only supplied through the British possessions in Hindustan, but the form or licence to establish these haunts of iniquity, these encouragements to vice, was sold by public auction and at a high rate; and thus it forms a double source of revenue, first in its production, and again in the local permission to vend. Did the British public-and especially the religious portion of the community in England and India-know the hundredth part of the misery we are the direct means of entailing, not only on the present, but on the future generations of this mighty empire, they would never cease to humble themselves for this crying sin towards a nation already in bondage to the prince of darkness. A special commission is daily expected from Peking to endeavour, it is said, to cut off root and branch the import of opium; while the same paper informs us, that 20,000 chests and upwards are to be offered in Bengal this season, one-third of which is now on its way hither. I might notice the severe punishment of strangling inflicted before our eyes, on those who are found guilty of using or trading in this commodity, but I trust I have said enough to arouse every friend of humanity, every man who bears the name of Briton, every Christian of whatever nation or kindred, to a sense of the enormity of this contraband trade, which entails disgrace on ourselves, destruction on others, and must, if persisted in, inevitably produce more awful consequences. But there is one view of this subject deserving more solemn consideration than any thing which affects her temporal interests merely; I mean, the manifest influence it exercises in retarding every effort to ameliorate the state of this nation, as regards their eternal welfare. How can we expect a more extended intercourse, or the good opinion of a people who judge, and who only can judge of our profession by our |