When I have had occasion to discuss Christian doctrine with Western savants, they seem to be aware of this, yet are reluctant to confess it, though on the other hand there are people who maintain that given the march of science in the West, the church's scriptures will be thought beneath notice in one or two hundred years' time. When the discussion turns to the teachings of Confucius, however, they commend them with one voice, no one dissenting. Though it is true that westerners are also very good at saying the diplomatic thing, I judge from their tone and expression that their words are utterly sincere.

Thus it can be seen that the Way of the Sage, being unbiased and fair-minded, has a direct appeal to the human heart. In comparison with Confucianism, Christianity is no more than crystal set against jade, as even westerners are aware. Admitted, Yang Zhu, Mo Zi, Lao Zi and Buddhism did have their day in China, but in the course of time they faded and gave out, while the teachings of Confucius have been like the sun and moon crossing the heavens, shining more brightly with the passing eras. As long as the other continents have no contact with China they will go their way undisturbed; but if they do have contact, then their teachings will converge with ours. Hence I am convinced that Christianity will decline, and Confucianism will spread to the West.

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