Reasoning Of The Chiefs
Two chiefs find the Gospel clearer and more life-changing than their own sacred writings.
Two Mongul Tartar chiefs went from the borders of China to St. Petersburg, to examine the arts and manners of the Europeans. They were represented as the most ingenious and noble of their tribes. During their stay, among other things, a German clergyman engaged them to assist him in preparing a translation of the Gospels into the language of their country, and they spent some time every day in study. At length the task was done, the last correction was made, and the book was closed on the table before them. Still they sat, serious and silent. The minister inquired the cause; and was equally surprised and delighted, to hear them both avow themselves converts to the truths of the blessed volume.
"At home," they said, "we studied the sacred writings of the Chinese, and the more we read, the more obscure they seemed; the longer we have read the gospel, the more simple and intelligible it becomes, until at last it seems as if Jesus was talking with us."
This is a very pleasing tribute to the excellence of the Scriptures, and it is just what might be expected from their natural, unpretending style. It is the simple, unvarnished style of truth.