4th. Knowledge of the geography of the Gospels. 5th. Preaching analysis to be given viva voce of a previously assigned text. 6th. Ability to read the Romanized colloqu al language. II. For Second or Higher Rank. 1st. Ability to read and translate into the spoken language the Book of Genesis, the Gospel of John, and the Acts of the Apostles. 2nd. Knowledge of the contents of the Book of Genesis and Gospel of John. 3rd. Ability to repeat and explain the whole creed. 4th. Knowledge of proofs and arguments for the genuineness and authenticity of the Bible. 5th. Preaching, analysis, as for lower rank. 6th. Knowledge of arithmetic, (first four rules), and proficiency in reading and writing Romanized colloquial. FOR SECOND DEGREE OR MIDDLE GRADE. I. For First or Lower Rank. 1st. Reading and translating ad aperturim, Old Testament from Exodus to Joshua, New Testament from Romans to Philemon. 2nd. Knowledge of the contents of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Joshua; and of Acts, 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus. 3rd. Knowledge of Theology. 4th. Knowledge of Church History. 5th. Preaching. Candidate to present a written analysis of a text of Scripture and to preach from it. A half hour allowed to prepare another analysis of a text then assigned. 6th. Knowledge of arithmetic, (proportion and fractions), and of geography. II. For Second or Higher Rank. 1st. Reading and translating, Old Testament from Judges to 2nd Samuel and the Book of Psalms; New Testament, Hebrews to Revelation. 2nd. Knowledge of the contents of the Books of Judges, Ruth, and 1st and 2nd Samuel; and of Romans, Galatians and James. 3rd. Knowledge of Theology. 4th. Knowledge of Church History. 5th. Preaching. Candidate to present a written sermon, and to preach from it. 6th. Knowledge of geography and algebra. THIRD DEGREE OR HIGHER GRADE. 1. For First or Lower Rank. 1st. Reading and translating Old Testament from 1st Kings to Job, and from Isaiah to Lamentations. 2nd. Knowledge of the contents of the Books of Leviticus, 1st and 2nd Kings, and Jeremiah; and of Hebrews, 1st and 2nd Corinthiaus, and Revelation. 3rd. Knowledge of Theology. 4th. Knowledge of Church History. 5th. Preaching. Candidate to present a written sermon on a text of Scripture, and a written lecture on some connected passage, and to lecture. Fina v ce. 6th. Knowledge of geometry. II. For Second or Higher Rank. 1st. Reading and translating Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles, and the Prophets from Ezekiel to Malachi. 2nd. Knowledge of the contents of the Books of Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra and Nchemiah; and of the Messianic passages in the Minor Prophets; also of Ephesians, Philippians, Colessians, 1st and 2nd Peter, 1st 2nd and 3rd John and Jude. 3rd. Knowledge of Theology, 4th. Knowledge of Church History. 5th. Preaching. Candidate to present a written sermon and a written lecture, and to preach and lecture. 6th. Knowledge of astronomy. It will be seen that the subjee's of Theology and Church History prescribed for the examination of the several ranks of the Second and Third Degrees have not yet beon graded, we hope to correct this as soon as we are able. It will also be seen that thus far we ignore in our examinations the original languages of the Holy Scriptures. We have not yet seen our way clear to commence instruction in those departments, and in our present weak state it will be all that we can do, and more than we can do thoroughly, to give instruction in the curriculum already marked out. Yours very truly, J. V. N. TALMAGE. DEAR SIR: It is both interesting and instructive to know how an intelligent Chinaman writ ing from abroad to his own countrymen, speaks of foreigners religion and their mode of worship, and also the term or terms by which he designates the Supreme Being. In the diary of Kwoh Sung-tao, Chinese Minister to England, is an account of Sab bath on board ship. Th's is what he says of the worship, 彈洋琴作歌以禮 H's diary is published in Mr. Allen's paper, "Wan Kwoh Kung Pau," and is well worth reading. (See number for July 7th, 1877). NINGPO, July 22nd, 1877. Missionary Dews. J. BUTLER. Births, Marriage and Deaths. and family, M. E. Miss. on their re BIRTHS. Ar the Wesleyan Mission, Hankow, on August 30th, the wife of Rev. J. W. BREWER, of a daughter. AT Tsinaufu, on September 1st, the wife of Rev. J. MURRAY, of the Am. Presbyterian Mission, of a son. Ar Tientsin, on Saturday September 29th, the wife of Rev. W. N. HALL, of the English Methodist Miss. of a son. AT Foochow, on October 8th, 1877, the wife of Rev. R. W. STEWART, of the Church Missionary Society, of a son. MARRIAGE. DEATHS. AT Ningpo, China, on October 18th, Mission. ARRIVALS.--On October 12th, per s.s. "Deucalion," J. Dudgeon, Esq. M. D., C. M., L. M. S., and family, on their return to Peking; Rev. J. Robinson and family, to join the English Methodist Miss. at Lao-ling. On October 13th, per s.s. "Tokio Maru." Rt. Rev. Bishop Wiley and family, of the M. E. Church, North, U.S. A. on a visit to the missions of that church; Rev. H. H. Lowry 66 turn to Peking; Rev. Benton, of the same mission, for Kiukiang; Miss M. E. Barr, to join the American Presbyterian mission at Peking. On October 18th, per s.s. Saikio Maru," Rev. Isaac Pearson, A. B. C. F. M. on his return to Paotingfoo, Mrs. Pearson and Miss Pearson; Miss S. J. Anderson, M. D., Am. Presbt'n. Miss. for Tsinanfoo. CHEFOO.-Christianity is making progress in the Chihmi region. During the past few months the native pastor of the Presbt'n. church has received 52 persons by baptism. He has also baptized 28 children. Some fruits of the labor bestowed upon the sufferers from famine have been gathered. Rev. Dr. Nevius has baptized 5 men from the region where he spent so much time last winter, ministering to the starving. HANGCHOW. The Mission Meeting of the Southern Presbyterian Mission was held in Hangchow October 1st. The foreign missionaries live in the two cities of Hangchow and Soochow. There are three boarding-schools; the Girls' school numbers 32, and has graduated within a year or two 8 or 10 young ladies ;the Boys' school at Hangchow has graduated two this year, of whom entered the service of the mission; it has 20 pupils. There is also a small Boys' boarding school at Soochow commenced this year. The day schools are 8 in number. The total number of pupils at present- | thus far, have made them no trouble. attending all the schools, is 192. There has been daily preaching in the chapels. In Soochow two new street chapels have been opened, one at the Foo Mên g and another large chapel near the Great Pagoda, and commodious native houses have been rented and fitted up as permanent residences. The ladies of the mission in both cities daily visit the women in their homes and are always kindly received. In Hangchow, one lady has a class of from 16 to 25 who daily meet with her in a room in the city for instruction, receiving in no way pecuniary reward, only occasionally a little picture-card. Much itinerating work is done by the male missionaries. In and around Soochow there were sold of the Gospels, books and tracts during the year, 17,600. H. C. DUBOSE. ** SZECHUEN. Soon after the close of the Conference, Rev. C. Leaman of the Northern Presbt. Mission, U.S.A. started for a tour in Szechuen Province. Not long since he reported his safe arrival at Ch'ung-king, after a very comfortable trip. He found two members of the Inland Mission at Ch'ung-k ́ing and assuming their costume for the time, he and they started for Cheng-tu, the capital of the province. He reports that the people seem friendly and He proposes to continue this tour until January or February, after which time we shall hope to have an account of it. ** HONGKONG.-Miss Rowe formerly of Canton transferred her servi es to the London Missionary Society, Hongkong, early in the present year and is actively engaged in work among the women and girls of that place. CANTON.-The U. P. Mission, U.S.A. has been withdrawn from this city and transferred to the Pacific Coast. Dr. Nevin and family accordingly removed to San Francisco about the middle of October. The U. P. Chapel has been purchased by the Presbyterian Board, U. S. A. The remaining property, including the mission residences and a large vacant lot, has passed into the hands of the Basel Mission, who have already begun the erection of a large building for a Boarding school, etc. Mrs. Preston and family, left for San Francisco the middle of October. N. B.-Any letters for "Inquirer" should be addressed in care of the Presbyterian Mission Press. Part II.-What Being is designated Shangti in the Chinese Classics, etc., is in Press and will be issued as soon as possible. Netices of Recent Publications. XX. "Gospel Songs of Praise, a Selection of hymns and tunes for the Native Sabbath School and Prayer Meeting." By Rev. B. Helm, Southern Presbyterian Mission, U. S. A. Shanghai: Presbyterian Mission Press. MDCCCLXXVII. THIS book is after the style of Sab- Modern Gospel Songs, used by Sanbath School Hymn Books, published key, Bliss and other revivalists. in the U. S. A. and is the most com- The book is well adapted to beginplete book of its kind yet issued in ners in music, for whom a musical China for native use. It contains catechism has been provided. Unthe good old hymns, sung for genera-doubtedly it will meet with hearty tions in the Christian Church, and appreciation in the mission schools also a large number of the more of all grades, and also have a place in the devotional meetings of the native Christians. The language is an approximation to mandarin, and it is thus rendered intelligible to the majority of people from Chekiang to Chihli. The price is within the resources of the poorest, ranging from 4 cents per copy for the cheapest, to 25 cents for a copy printed on foreign paper, and bound in paste board covers. *****£7. "A Chinese and English Vocabulary in the Pekinese Dialect." By George Carter Stent, Imperial Maritime Customs. Second Edition. Shanghai: American Presbyterian Mission Press. 1877. Price $6.00. As this is a well known book by a well | known author, it is scarcely necessary, in a review of the second edition, to detail those features which have given this volume so much value and popularity. The fact that the first edition was exhausted within two years, shows the estimation in which this Vocabulary is held. There are one or two points in this edition which are particulary worthy of consideration and which will enhance the value of the work. It contains an Index of characters arranged according to Radicals and the number of strokes. The omission of such an Index in the first edition was sorely felt by all who were not familiar with the Pekinese pronunciation. Now a character liams' Dictionary. The superfluous list of characters, following the vocabulary in the first edition, is omitted in this edition, and the space is occupied by new phrases to the number of several thousand. The edition is printed in forms of eight pages instead four and sometimes two, which will add to its durability. The typography is very distinct, and the volume altogether a handy and valuable addition to the "helps" now extant, in the study of Chinese. The extra dollar added to the price of the former edition, is not more than half of the extra value of the volume, with its new Index, new combinations of characters and forty-six extra pages, the whole number being 716, with can be found as readily as in Wil-out the two prefaces. 供國記. "Record of the Buddhistic Kingdoms Translated from the Chinese." By Herbert A. Giles, of H. M.'s Consular Service. London: Trübner & Co. Shanghai: Kelly and Walsh. As the translator truly says, this "is a meagre narrative of one of the most extraordinary journeys ever undertaken and brought to a successful issue." Fa-hsien the author of the narrative was a Buddhist priest, who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries of our era. In view of the modern aspect of Chinese Buddhism, the striking advantures recorded in the work before us are calculated to take us by surprise, and shew that there was a time when that religion sent forth its devotees, imbued with a chivalrous spirit, that led them through deeds of daring for the sake of their faith, of which we have now but a faint conception. For centuries, the stream of Hindoo missionaries had been pouring into China, bringing with them the sacred books of their faith, many of which were translated into the Chinese language, and were devoutly studied by the native monks. Many of these monks became enthusiastically attached to the doctrines brought from the west; and far from being satisfied with the extensive translations already made, some were inspired with an ambition to complete what had been so vigorously commenced, by procuring from India, the books that were still wanting to make up the entire collection, and of which they knew only by reputation. At the expense of long, wearisome and hazardous journies, not a few were prepared to leave home, country and association, for the accomplishment of such pious adventures. Among these we may well imagine, many would | lose heart and return on facing the stern realities of the undertaking; some we know succumbed under the hardships of the way; while others-like Fa-hsien--were able to bear up under every trial, and have left to posterity, records of travel, which now assume an importance altogether different from what the | writers anticipated. Whether Fahsien was the earliest of these travellers may be a question; but he is the earliest of whose travels, any record is now extant; and from his conversation with the priests at Shravasti, we may believe that no one had preceded him to that extent:"The priests who lived there came forth and asked Fa-hsien, saying, 'From what nation do you come?' He replied 'From the land of Han. Then they spoke one to another, saying, 'Ever since (the Law) has been transmitted by us priests from generation to generation, no Buddhists from the land of Han have been known to come here!"" Fa-hsien's Record forms a chapter in the history of Indian Buddhism, which cannot now be dispensed with. Its loss would leave a blank which could be supplied from no other source. He reached India during the mediæval ages of Buddhism, and he found the primitive faith almost buried beneath an overwhelming load of legend, miracle, relic-worship and superstition, such as fairly to eclipse the feebler efforts of European Christendom in that line, at a corresponding age. The adherents of Buddhism had vastly increased in number, so as to be then the dominant religion in India. Besides the two great orthodox divisions of the Maha-yana and the Hina-yana, we find allusions to numerous schismaties, and many Brahmiuical establishments existed side by side with their more modern rivals. The traveller is careful to note the extent of the various monastic institutions he visited, distinguishing each as belonging to the Greater or Lesser Yang, and marking the number of the inmates. Pagodas already covered the land, and each one marked-some signal event in the life of Buddha,---or of some of his more distinguished followers,— or covered some relic of the "Worldhonoured One.” Here we find a piece of his skull.-here a lock of his hair,-here a tooth, --here some nail-parings, and portions of his body innumerable,-all objects of implicit faith to the devoted mul titudes, all bearing evidence of their genuineness, by a catalogue of the mot startling miracles, that-by their number and magnitude-pat to utter confusion the calendars of the Romish and Greek Churches in their darkest ages. As an example of the prevalence of memorial sites, take the following account of Kapilavastu, the birth place of Buddha, -one of some fifty places visited by the pilgrim :-- "On the spot where formely was the palace of King Pai-ching a representation has been made of the heir apparent and his mother, at the moment that, riding on a white elephant, he entered the womb of his mother. On the spots where the Prince issued from the east gate, siwa sick man, and turned about his charict to go home, pagodas have been raised. Also, where A-i inspected the heir-apparent, where Nan-t's and the others struck the elephant, dragged, and threw it (outs de the city wall); where the arrow going south-east thirty li entered the ground and caused a spring of water to gush forth, which posterity made into a well for travellers to drink at; where Buddha, having attained Wisdom, came back to his father the King; where the five hundred Shih-tzu left their families and made obeisance to Yu-po-li; where the earth quaked six times; where Buddha prayed for all the Devas, and the four heavenly Kings guarded the four doors so that the King his father could not get in; where Ia-ai-tao presented Buddha with a priest's |