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THE CHINESE STUDENTS CHRISTIAN JOURNAL is published four issues during the academic year, in the months of November, January, March and May.

The annual subscription for the four issues is 60 cents gold, post free. The price per copy is 20 cents.

Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office of New York City, N. Y.

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Vol. V.

NOVEMBER, 1918.

No. 1.

EDITORIALS

OUR BOYS IN FRANCE.

The dazzling light of this flame of war now wildly raging across the sea easily blinds our eyes to the forces working invisibly but surely, moulding the destiny of mankind; the thundering clash on the battle-field too easily deafens our ears to the voices calling from the deep. But it is only by discerning those quiet forces, and hearing those still voices that we can be saved. Thousands upon thousands of our countrymen have been sent to France to work in the factories, in the fields, on the roads, toiling in many capacities and occupying various positions. These men, heretofore accustomed to oriental habits and customs, confined to their little villages or towns, very seldom, if at all, paying attention to the happenings of the world outside, after a short voyage suddenly find themselves in a strange land, seeing things they never saw before, living in conditions they never before dreamed of, facing temptations which they otherwise would have been spared of, confronted by forces which they may not be conscious of, but which are all the while insisting to change their character and modes of living. It is interesting to speculate and very essential for us to discern what effect this experience will have upon their life and character. Will they come out with their eyes opened, their mind quickened, their lives modernised, or will they emerge from this new experience degenerated, spoiled, deprived of the old traditions that used to hold them in restraint? Whichever way they come out, they will carry a great force with them when they return. Shall we see them coming home with good, new, modern ideas, steeped into them by experience, with renewed energy for work and industry, or shall we see them returning as the living agencies of the evil forces of the West, threatening to root out the industry of our laboring population? We can not afford to leave them to chance; the consequences are too serious. Some force

must be brought to bear to lead away from the evil tendencies which are growing up so fast in this busy time of war, and to the forces that will make them newer and better men. Not a few of our fellow students have answered the call to this very important service, and many of our students at home have responded also. We who are staying behind can only render prayerful wishes for their success.

To those foreign friends who have offered themselves to the same service, we also extend our hearty gratitude and our sincerest wishes.

ANOTHER YEAR OF TRIAL.

Seven years ago our history began a new chapter. The hope, for it was only a hope, nursed in suffering and pain, but in undaunted courage, has finally taken its first form of reality. Our independence day offered another evidence to the finality of freedom and democracy. But only four years after the birth of the last babe democracy was called upon to face a crisis, threathening to sweep her off her very foundation. Our conviction of her safety was firm, but was held only in bitter anxiety and trembling fear. Now the cloud has lifted, and soon we shall sing the song of victory. But let us not be deceived by the happiness of the situation. Remember the amount of suffering that has to be sustained, the intensity of pain that has tó be endured, and yes, the number of lives that has to be sacrificed in order that Man may be free. These seven years that we have just left behind have been years of storm and struggle, and the outlook is far from being encouraging. Much suffering, and much pain have yet to be borne, many lives have yet to be sacrificed, before we shall see liberty firmly established in our land. But with the conviction that it is God's will that Man should be free, and with the faith in His power to bring about its accomplishment, let us resolve in the beginning of another year of our new history to unite our efforts, to purify our wishes and desires so that the day of our dreams may be hastened and the dead shall not have died in vain. What this new year will have in store for us, we can not tell, but no dangers or difficulties ought to make us waver, when we feel what we are hoping for is right, and in accordance with His will.

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