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206 CHINA MISSION YEAR BOOK.There is a manifest desire for native control of theChristian church in these provinces, and there is acorresponding disposition on the part of the missionariesto devolve an increasing share of the control as theknowledge and experience of the Chinese members andhelpers increase.But there is not yet such a knowledge of what aChristian church should be, nor such a devotion tospiritual aims as to induce a sufficient number of converts to unite in assuming responsibility. Practicevaries of course in different missions. Some are moreconservative than others in accepting pecuniary aid fromprofessing Christians. Very little is received as far asone can gather from non-professors.I have stated the general attitude so far as it hasbeen manifested, and if you are bringing out a YearBook next year facts collected meanwhile would probably bear out what I have said.I feel very sure that any backwardness in the matterof independence and self-support is due more to theunwillingness of the Christians to assume responsibilitythan to any disinclination on the part of missionaries toshare or devolve it.ARTHUR K. CLAXTON.Independence and Self-Support of the Chinese Church fromNanking to Ichang.In this field there is a general but slow advance inindependence and self-support. It is a healthy growth.There is no general or pronounced criticism, in thechurch, of the missionary and his methods of administering the affairs of the church. An extended enquiryrevealed no desire to break away from the restraining orguiding hand of the missionary. On the other hand themissionaries are urging independence upon the churchesas fast as they are willing to assume it. The leading