Memoirs and observations typographical, physical, mathematical, mechanical, natural, civil, and ecclesiastical, made in a late journey through the empire of China, and published in several letters particularly upon the Chinese pottery and varnishing, the silk and other manufactures, the pearl fishing, the history of plants and animals, description of their cities and publick works, number of people, their language, manners and commerce, their habits, oeconomy, and government, the philosophy of Confucius, the state of Christianity : with many other curious and useful remarks / by Louis Le Compte ... ; translated from the Paris edition, and illustrated with figures.

To the most Reverend Father De la Chaize, Confessor to the King. Concerning the Manner how each Mis∣sionary preaches the Gospel in China, and of the Fervency of the New Christians.

Most Reverend Father,

ALtho' the important Affairs of China, which detain me at present at Rome, require all my Application, and seem to be my Ex∣cuse if I am wanting in performing any Parts of my other Duties so exactly as I could desire; I cannot nevertheless in the least forget both the Obli∣gations which I my self have to you in particular, as well as the Missions in the East in general.

It was you, most Reverend Father, who formerly drew out the Platform of them, who just then made Choice of their Ministers, whom your Testimonials, together with the Esteem of one of the greatest Prin∣ces upon Earth, have rendred in Process of Time more Renowned than all their particular Qualifications.

This Royal Protection, under which we have un∣dauntedly affronted Dangers; those Letters written on our behalf to Sovereigns and their Officers; those magnificent Presents, those regularly settled Pension•• those extraordinary Helps, (and what we value muc••

more) those so grave Counsels, savouring so much of the Spirit of God, wherewith you have in a manner hallowed our First Voyages, and which we still look upon as the safest Rule of our Behaviour and Conduct, are Benefits either received from your self, or procured by your means. 'Tis but just, most Reverend Father, that in what part of the World soever we be, we should testifie our Acknowledgments. For my part, I am perswaded that one cannot give you more solid Demonstrations of them, than by maintaining by our great Zeal, what you have performed to our Advan∣tage. I supposed you would be satisfied, and that at least I should perform my Duty, by acquainting you with the Success wherewith it hath pleased God to crown our Labour; and what Benefits we may hope to reap from the Missionaries which you your self will form, or at least who shall come to us out of your hands.

In a Word, the Time I shall employ in writing to you upon this Subject, is so far from any ways dimi∣nishing that due Care, and constant Endeavour to promote the welfare of our Missions, that without all doubt, it will much contribute to their future Esta∣blishment; for I hope that your Protection becoming thereby more effectual and solid, will more advance our Affairs, than all the Pains and Care which I can possibly take for their Success.

Pursuant to the First Project that we laid, we were all of us to stay at Pekin, in the Palace, and Service of the Emperor; but Providence otherwise order'd it, and they at last gave way to our Inclination, which moved us to disperse our selves all over the Provinces, for the propagating of Religion. They were content to detain Father Gerbillon and Father Bouvet at Court, where they immediately applied themselves to the stu∣dy of Languages with such Success, that they were quickly in a Condition to assist the Christians, yea,

and to be employed by the Emperor in several impor∣tant Affairs. The most considerable, was the Peace between the Moseovites and Chinese; the Treaty of which, was then afoot 300 Leagues from Pekin, whi∣ther Father Gerbillon was sent with Prince Sosan who was nominated Plenipotentiary for the Empire.

Nipchou was the place where the Ministers of the Two Nations assembled; each of them having a Body of Souldiers attending, to terminate if Occasion ser∣ved, what the Negotiation could not decide: the Haughtiness of both, did oftentimes make them fly out into extremes, which would have proved fatal to both Parties, if Father Gerbillon by his Discretion had not moderated Animosities. He continually passed from Camp to Camp, made Speeches, propos'd Expedi∣ents, pacified their Minds, and he dissembled what∣ever might be apt mutually to exasperate them in the Conclusion: He so dexterously managed the com∣mon Interests, that the Peace was concluded to the Satisfaction both of Chinese and Moscovites. Prince So∣san was so well pleased with the Zeal and Wisdom of this Father, that he declared publickly, that if it had not been for him, all had been in a desperate Condi∣tion; he exprest himself about the matter, to the Em∣peror to the same effect, insomuch that this Prince had the Curiosity to be acquainted with him. He found him to be a very sensible Person, capable, sin∣cere, forward to execute, and even to anticipate his Orders. This Character wonderfully pleased the Emperor; he had a mind to have him near his Person, at the Palace, in the Campaign, and in his Progress into Tartary, where he bestowed upon him so many signal marks of Esteem, that the Grandees of his Court, might have perhaps conceived some Jealousie from them, had not the Father's Modesty won him the Affection of every Body.

These First Favours were followed by an extraor∣dinary

one that was much better relished by this Mis∣sionary: He pitch't upon him for his Tutor in Ma∣thematicks and Philosophy conjointly with Father Bovet, whose merit he likewise much esteem'd▪ The Passion this Prince hath for Sciences, makes him very intent upon Studies every day in a manner Two or Three Hours together, which he spares from his Plea∣sure: It is more than probable, that by the inquiry into natural Truth, Providence will conduct him by degrees to the eternal Fountain of Truth, without which, all others serve not so much to perfect the Mind, as to puff it up with Pride in the eyes of Men, and render it inexcusable before God.

Father Verbiest had already begun to explain these Sciences to him; but, besides his making use of the Chinese Tongue in his Lectures, which is not proper, by reason of its often repeated Equivocals, to illustrate Notions otherwise obscure enough of themselves: Be∣sides that, I say Father Verbiest died. These Fathers supposed the Tartarian Tongue would be better liked by this Prince, and that it might serve their turn the better to make their Notions intelligible. It happen∣ed according to their Expectation, and the Emperor became in a short time so capable, that he composed a Book of Geometry. He afterwards gave it to the Princes his Sons, and undertook to be their Master in it; he call'd them together every day, explain'd to them the most difficult Propositions of Euclid; yea, and this Prince having upon his Shoulders the Govern∣ment of one of the most potent Empires of the World, did not disdain, with his Rule and Compass in his Hand, to spend his Time in the Family in Specula∣tions, which Interest alone scarce makes delightful to private Persons.

Whilst these Two Fathers by their Credit made themselves fit to be in a short time the main Support of Religion, Father Fontaney, Father Visdelou, and my

self did endeavour not to be unserviceable in the Pro∣vinces. Father Fontaney went to Nankin, Father Vis∣delou took Care of the Churches of Chansi, where I al∣so remained some time with him, from whence after∣wards I removed to Chensi, the ancient Place of Fa∣ther Faber's Mission, the Christians of which Place, notwithstanding their having been ••eserted this many Years, do nevertheless preserve their fi••st Fervency, and are still look'd upon as the Mould of that great Flock, and Model of other Believers. We understood at that Time by our own proper Experience, what was often told us, that the Harvest truly was great, and that happy is that Labourer whom the Master of the Harvest doth please to make use of to gather it in. Every thing is matter of Consolation in this glorious Employ∣ment; the Faith of the new Converts, the Innocence of the Ancient, the Aptness of the Children, the De∣votion and Modesty of Women; but yet one is more especially affected by some eminent and exemplary Conversions, to perceive the Work of Grace now and then wrought in the hearts of Idolaters.

The Truth is, these are in respect of us convin∣cing Proofs of that Truth which we preach and de∣clare: For indeed, by what secret Charm could we be able to animate dead Minds, and raise them, (if I may presume so to say) to Reason, to God, to all the Maxims of the most pure and refined Morality; Minds that have been buried, and immersed from their very Infancy in Flesh and Blood? What Force and Power, what Blandishment could be able in an instant, to bring into Captivity rebellious Minds under the Yoak of a Religion so severe as ou••s is, if Jesus Christ himself did not work Miracles, and if the holy Spirit, by the inward and invisible Operation of Grace, did not sup∣ply the Defect of his Ministers?

This is that, most reverend Father, which we expe∣rience every day, with astonishing Comfort, which

doth establish, strengthen and settle us unmovable in the same Faith which God produceth in Idolaters. I would to God I were able to relate to you particularly all that passes in China on this Subject, where in spight of all the Stratagems of Devils, God is so constantly and resolutely Glorified. Yet not being able upon my departure, to pick up the particular Memorial of each Church, I shall only content my self to tell you in Part what I my self have observed in my Mission, and af∣ter what manner I have made it my Business to adorn it, according to the Ideas and Practice of the most grave and ancient primitive Missionaries.

All my Business was reduced to Three principal Points; the First was to cherish, and keep up the Piety of old Believers by the preaching of the Word of God, and above all, by particular Exhortations, which is a∣bundantly more profitable and edifying than any thing that is spoken in Publick, where the Discourse is often not understood, either because of the People's Stupidi∣ty, or else by reason of the Preacher's ill Utterance, and Pronunciation. These poor Souls whom Simpli∣city and Fervency make teachable, do oftentimes hear that, with Tears in their Eyes, which they do not comprehend but by halves; but yet they always im∣prove and edify, by what they understand perfectly. They are especially most taken with Comparisons, Parables, and Histories, and albeit they are not ac∣quainted nor accustomed to that vehement, and some∣times passionate Action of our Preachers, yet for all that, they are moved and wrought upon, when they speak to them with Earnestness, and Concern.

I no sooner came to a private House to confess sick Persons, or about other Business, but presently you should have all the Family, nay, and the Christians too of the Neighbourhood flock together about me, and intreat me to speak to them concerning God. I had made but an indifferent Progress in understand∣ing

and pronouncing their Tongue, especially when I first began to preach, which nevertheless gave them no manner of Offence, so far from it, that if they could but never so little apprehend what I meant, they never were cloy'd with hearing me.

I have moreover taken notice that they had always rather I should preach my self, how barbarous soever my Language might appear, than that I should get them instructed; as I sometimes did by the help of a Chinese Catechist, that had been formed some time before to Exercises of this Nature. But my Visits not being so frequent as I could have wished, I endeavou∣red to make them up by godly Books, with which by God's Blessing, China is very well stored, there having been some Missionaries sufficiently zealous, and able to compose Books, and that very politely, upon all the Points of Religion.

They have very curious and complete Catechisms, wherein the intire and complete Body of the Doctrine of Christianity, the Life, Miracles, and Death of our blessed Lord, the Commandments of God and the Church, are clearly explained. There are likewise to be found particular Expositions upon the Gospels, Treatises upon Moral and Christian Duties, some so∣lid Controversies adapted to every Body's Capacity, Practices of Piety for the different Conditions of Life, Prayers and Instructions for the Use of the Sacra∣ments, a Body of Divinity for the Leanned, for they have translated some part of Tbo. Aquinas, and last of all, St. Ignatius's Exercises for those that mind heavenly things. Insomuch, that this spiritual Seed of the evan∣gelical Word is scattered all over, and multiplied an Hundred-fold.

I could have wished there might have been a Tran∣slation of the Missal, upon the account of saying Mass in Chinese, together with an exact Version of the holy Scriptures Conformable to the Permission obtained

for that purpose the Missal was finished, and Fa∣ther Couplet presented it some Years ago to the Pope: However after having duly examined the Matter, it was not thought convenient to make use of it, but they continued to say Mass in the Latine Tongue, as in other Places. As for the complete Version of the Bible, there are such weighty Reasons why it should not forthwith be published, that it would seem a rash piece of Impudence to do it; and so much the more, because there is already expounded in divers Books, what is contained in the Gospel; yea, and even what∣soever is most Instructive in the rest of the holy Scri∣ptures.

The Second Method to increase the fervent Zeal of Christians, was Prayer: Besides the time appointed for Mass, I assembled them Twice a day to make pub∣lick Prayers. They sung in Two Choirs with such marvellous Devotion, that it made me wish that the European Christians might have been witnesses of their Piety; for their rude, and sometimes scanda∣lous Deportment before our altars, will certainly be condemned at the great Tribunal, by the Modesty of those later Christians.

They do not understand either singing by Notes or Musick as we do, yet have they Tunes of their own composure no ways unpleasant, which seems to me abundance more tolerable, than what are used in se∣veral Societies of Europe: They had likewise several sorts of Instruments; Consorts they seem to admire, and our Villages in France would serve their turn well enough in that point.

The Chinese are of that Temper, that they had need of something sensible to heighten their Devotion; sumptuous and magnificent Ornaments, Singing, pompous Processions, the Noise of Bells, and Instru∣ments, and the Ceremonies of the Church are very taking with them, and allure them to divine Service.

I took extraordinary care in that matter to procure for them all that the Church out of her most wise Conduct, hath permitted to the servants of God; yet always distinguishing that which Superstition, if one have not a care of it, is wont, in process of time, to put into the common Peoples head.

I applyed my self more especially to inspire them with respect to our M••steries, they made their Con∣fession usually every Fortnight. Their Confession was not only attended with Tears, (for the Chinese are more subject to Weeping than we) but also with severe Penance in the Evening in the Vest••y.

The lively Faith they had for the adorable Sacra∣ment, made them constant attenders on the Altar; and when I permitted them to receive it, they com∣municated with affections of veneration capable of inflaming not only such who are but Lukewarm, but almost Christians. You might see them prostrate at se∣veral times with their Face on the ground lamenting, and commonly shedding abundance of tears. Such like postures, more frequent and ordinary amonst Asiati∣ques than Europeans, yet evermore edifying and sub∣missive, do exceedingly contribute to excite Devo∣tion in the Soul, and to impress upon the Mind that profound Veneration which the Majesty of our My∣steries deserve at our hands.

This respect extended it self also to the Images, Reliques, to the Medals, Holy Water, and in general to whatsoever bears the Character of our Religion.

They bore more than that, •• particular veneration for the Virgin Mary, which perhaps had gone too far, if care had not been used to regulate it. They call her the Holy Mother (Chin-Mou) and do invoke her in all their Straits and Exigencies. The experi∣ence they have had of her Protection, hath confir∣med them in this warm Devotion, and the benefits they receive daily from her, persuade them she is acceptable to God.

The Women are yet more animated with these Sentiments than the Men. All their Churches are dedicated to her under the Title of Chin-mou tam, that is to say, the Temple of the blessed Mother. There they meet together, for they never enter in∣to the Church of the Men, as the Men dare not pre∣sume to set foot into theirs. But the passionate love that the Christians have for Jesus Christ, make them really Devout, and walk worthy of the Profession they have embraced. They continually repeat these following words, Iesus the Master of Heaven, who shed his blood for us: Iesus who died to save us. Be∣ing it is the Mystery wherein we most carefully in∣struct them, so it is that they most stedfastly believe. Every one shall have their Crucifixes in their Cham∣bers; and notwitstanding the nakedness of our Images did at first give some offence, yet have they in pro∣cess of time accustomed themselves to them. We distribute them to the People with some precaution, for fear they may chance to fall into the hands of Idolaters, who might either through ignorance or malice, be apt to profane them.

And this was the reason why after Mass was said, I commonly removed from the Altar a large graven Crucifix, the Pagans do oftentimes come out of cu∣riosity to see our Churches; now they might have stole it away, or spoken of it irreverently and blas∣phemously; which nevertheless was not brought to pass by the Paints of Christ's Passion which I left with them.

Now as for Christians, we are far from conceal∣ing from them this sacred Mystery of our Redemp∣tion, or from dissembling in the least circumstance of the same. What certain Hereticks have writ con∣cerning it is a foul Calumny, which all the Chinese Books and Cuts therein engraven, have long ago diproved and confuted.

The Cross is carried publickly in the Streets in Proces••••on, planted on the tops of Churches, painted over the Doors of the Christians Houses. I have no where observed the Ceremony of the Adoring of the Crof••, performed every Good Friday publickly, practised with more Adoration than in China; nay, I sincerely protest, that I never assisted thereat with∣out being forced to mingle my Tears with those of the Believers, who outdo themselves in Devotion and publick Penance on that day especially. Those who have accused their Faith in this point, would them∣selves be ashamed at the insensibleness of Europeans, had they assisted at our Ceremonies. For our part, we are overjoyed to see the Opprobrium of the Cross to Triumph, as far as the utmost limits of the Uni∣verse, over the most proud and haughty Nation in the World.

The particular Instruction of the Chinese Women is much more troublesome than that of Men; they are never Visited but in the time of their Sickness, neither do they ever come to visit the Missionaries; but they may be spoken with in their Churches, or else one may cause them to meet every Fortnight to say Mass, and administer the Sacrament to them; they dare not come of••ner for fear of Scandal, the Laws of the Count••y doth not so much as allow them that, because the disorders that happens every time the Pagan Women visit the Temples of the Bonzes, causeth our Assemblies to be suspected, and affords a specious pretence to the Gentiles to cry down Religion.

Notwithstanding a man cannot imagine what Fruit may be reap'd by it. I came to this Church up∣on Friday Evening to hear Confessions. 'Tis always in a place exposed to every ones view; for in this case one cannot act with too much caution. On Saturday morning I finished the Confessions of those

that were not able to get a place the day foregoing. Almost every one of them Confess, and would be glad so to do every day if they had liberty granted. Whether it be tenderness of Conscience, or esteem for the Sacrament, or some other reason best known to themselves▪ I know not, but they think they can never set time enough apart to discover their Faults. There is required, abundance of patience to hear them; and being naturally of a mild disposition, they would▪ take it very ill to be handled roughly; yet have they one good quality, that they are seldom Testy and Froward. They receive the Instructions from their Director in all humility; they▪ blindly pin their Faith upon his Sleeve: we never inflict great Penance on them, nay tho' it be a difficult matter to reduce them from their ordinary peccadilloes, yet do not they find it so hard to bewail and lament for them.

As for notorious Sins they very rarely commit them, because their Condition exempts them from the most dangerous opportunities; and if they could be brought to keep Peace in their domestic Affairs, their Life would be otherwise wonderful innocent. I have observed in many of them a certain Devotion that wanted but little of Holiness. They always ap∣ply themselves to Business or to Prayer, seeking all op∣portunities for the Education of their Children, or for their own improvement: Very scrupulous and nice in the observation of the Practice of every Christian Du∣ty; Charitable, frequent in Mortification; in a parti∣cular manner zealous for the Conversion of Idolaters; attentive to all Occasions that present themselves to do Acts of Charity: Insomuch that I have heard the ancientest Missionaries say, That if China once turn'd Christian, almost all the Women would be saved. This is not an affected Encomium of the Chinese Women; I do faithfully and honestly relate what I

have seen, and I judge of other Churches by this whereof I have the Care and Conduct.

The Instruction of the Youth of riper years gave me as much trouble. I was perswaded that this Age above all other, requir'd cultivating, especially in China, where many things concur to make them have an aversion for the service of God: their easie soft Temper, the Complaisance of all about them; their Relations that dote upon them, and seldom carry a strict hand over them, but let them have their Wills. The company of Heathen Children always corrupted and vicious very soon; their de∣pendance, their complaisance with School masters, who many times have such influence on them as to inspire them with an aversion for Religion. All these are Obstacles to their Instruction, very hard to surmount, what care soever we take.

Yet was I willing to discharge my Duty by seve∣ral ways and means. That which appeared to me the most effectual, was to take a Christian School-master into my House, who was an able zealous Man. The Children came thither to learn, and I took the opportunity to instil Devotion into them▪ to expound to them the principal Articles of Religi∣on, to train them up and discipline them against the Assaults of the Gentiles, to accustom them to the Ceremonies of the Church where they assisted at Mass every day. This Practice did also produce another good effect. The Children of Idolaters who came to Study under the Tuition of the same Master, whether by reason of cheapness, or because of the nearness of the place, heard, whether they would or no, what was taught to their School-fellows: These Instructions form'd and season'd them by little and little to Christianity, and replenished their Mind with abundance of good Notions and Ideas, which, as so many Seeds, in process of time did produce

Evangelical Fruit, that is to say real Conversions.

It were to be wish'd there were a good number of Christian School masters that might teach gratis in Cities, that would be the best means to propagate Religion, and to preserve good Manners, and keep up decorum in Families▪ but the Missionaries are so far from being in a condition to maintain them, that they are hard put to it to subsist themselves; for they do not lead such a Life as some ill informed, or rather ill-affected Authors would have made the World be∣lieve they did. Nay, and I speak even of those who are at Court, who seem by their outside to live in the affluence of all Accomodations. It is true in∣deed they go in their Silks, (according to the mode of the Country) when they go to visit Persons of Quality, yea and they are sometimes carried in a Sedan, or else on Horseback, attended by Servants. All which is necessary to keep up their Credit, and preserve the protection of the Mandarins, for want of which the Christians would be often opprest. But yet that ma kes the Missionaries to lead an hard Life; for these expences consuming their whole Revenue, or Pension, which never amounts to an hundred Crowns per Annum, the small portion that remains is scarce sufficient to live on. The Missionary is very decently (not to say very poorly habited) in his House; his Lodging is very inconvenient, he lies upon the hard Ground, or upon a very thin Quilt without Sheets. As for his Table, it is so frugal, that there is never a Monk in Europe to whom the Canon prescribes such a vigorous Abstinence; some of them pass whole Years together with only Rice, legumin∣ous Vegitables, and Water; for the Thee that is usu∣ally drank, is neither pleasant to the Palat of a Chinese nor a Foreigner.

However, I speak only of the time that they are in their House; for as soon as ever they come abroad

to travel about the Provinces, and to seek the lost Sheep in the Villages, Mountains, and the most re∣mote places, one is not able to express the continu∣al fatigues of their Mission; (I speak chiefly of those that perform in the Western Provinces; for the Channels that water almost all the Provinces of the South, make these Perambulations less tedious.) Then it is that they labour Night and Day, lie in Barns, eat with the poor Country Men, and are exposed to the scorching Sun, and the most vehement Cold, often∣times covered all over with Snow, and wet to the Skin with Rain. And then we meet with nothing to comfort us at our arrival but fervent Christians, that quite weary us out by the exercise of our Mi∣nistry that they expect from us.

The Province of Chensi, that fell to my care, is one of the vastest in all China. I had some Chri∣stians and Churches established an hundred Leagues of one another, whether I must go by Roads so toilsom, that even Horses are of no use. They have Mules bred in the Mountains, and managed for these sort of Journeys, that is to say, for the easiest Ways; as for the other Ways you are fain to foot it, whe∣ther you creep on all four up the Rocks, or descend into the Precipices. You cross over the Valley in Water and Dirt, exposed to Tygres, but yet more to Robbers, whose retreat the Country does favour.

They are not like those fine Ways and delight∣ful pleasant Champain Provinces of the South, which Art and Nature have seem'd rather to have made for the delight of the Inhabitants, than for the con∣venience of Travellers. The Valleys of the Alp•• and Pyrenees are much more passable; and one may properly say of China, that where it is fine nothing in the World is finer; and when it ceases to be so, nothing is more horrid and frightful. Nevertheless since the death of Father F••b••r, one takes delight to

travel along these tedious Roads that he watered formerly with the sweat of his Brows, where he hath shed abroad that sweet savour of Holiness, that still upholds the Faith of Christians, and animates the Zeal of the Missionaries.

The other Churches of this Province are more easily come at. I spent a great part of the Year in travelling from Village to Village, Catechizing, Preaching, administring the Sacraments to Believers that assembled upon my passage in all the places that I appointed. I divided my Time between them and the Idolaters, whose Conversion always proves more frequent in these solitary remote places than in great Cities, or in the Metropolis of a Province. Some of them there were, who being already convinced of the Truth by reading, or by their commerce with Christians, came of their own accord to receive Baptism: Others shaken, and rouzed either by their Relations or Friends, came to hear Disputations, and at last surrendred themselves to the Grace of JESUS CHRIST: Many allured by novelty, or by the in∣treaty of their Neighbours, heard attentively, and al∣ways disputed with a great deal of heat; amongst whom some there were that withdrew from the Di∣sputation more hardened than ever; yet others more faithful▪ to the drawings of the Spirit, gave Glory to God, and humbly acknowledged their Errors. All my trouble in these sorts of Controversies, was, that I could not deliver my self as I would. The diffi∣culty of explaining my self in a foreign Language deprived the Truth of its Weight and Power. I thought if I could but have spoken my native Tongue, there should not have been one Idolater in my Au∣ditory, that should not have opened his eyes to Truth first, and then to Faith. But besides that, Men com∣monly speak enough of it to make every Man in∣excusable, as St. Paul saith; yet I made moreover

this Reflection, That he that Plants, and he that Waters, what pains soever he may take, and how expert soever he may be in Planting and Watering well, yet does but very little by that. A Man ought to refer this great Work of converting Souls to God; 'tis he alone that causes these Plants to encrease, that nourishes them, that raises them up to himself, ac∣cording to the order of his infinite Mercy and eter∣nal Purposes. And at these set Times fixed and or∣dained in the eternal Counsels of Divine Pr••destina∣tion, how many times have I seen a few ill words pronounced sensibly to triumph over Error, because the Holy Spirit, that Master within the Elect, doth unfold the sense of them; whereas prolix Discourses have had none other effect, but only to harden the heart; when, by a just Judgment, God was not pleased to accompany them with an extraordinary evidence and demonstration of the Spirit.

You will, without doubt, most Reverend Father, be exceeding glad to understand the nature of the main difficulties we meet withal in the Conversion of the Gentiles. I have observed three sorts of them, that seem peculiar to the Chinese. Persons of Qua∣lity, and those who would be thought wise, objected chiefly against the Mysteries: Their hearts rose chiefly against the Trinity and Incarnation; a God that was penetrable, a God that could die, was no less in respect of them, than of the Jews a stumbling block and a piece of folly. The Existence of God, Eter∣nal, Supreme, infinitely Just, infinitely Powerful, went easily down with them, and the convincing proofs of it that I urged to them, made them sometimes forbear entering into the Lists with me thereupon.

To proceed in order, and to follow the roads which Prudence and Holy Fathers have chalked out for us on these occasions, I divided our Religion in∣to two parts. In the first I proposed to them what∣soever

Reason exempt from Passion dictates to us. That there is a God; that this God being infinitely Holy, enjoyns us to love Vertue, and shun Vice, to obey Princes, to respect our Relations, to do no wrong to ones Neighbour; that good Men that are often∣times miserable in this World, enjoy a certain reward in the next: That on the contrary wicked Men, who spend their life in inordinate Pleasures, are ri∣gorously punished after death: That this same Hope and Fear, that are the beginning of Wisdom, are likewise the first rule of our Demeanour; but yet that the enflamed Love that every Man ought to have for this supreme Arbitrator of Life and Death, is capable alone to render us perfect.

After I had convinced them by these Maxims, I bid them practise with this Spirit of Love and Fear, these Divine Lessons; prostrate your selves every day before the infinite Majesty of this God that you ac∣knowledge; in this posture, with tears in your Eyes, and an Heart broken, and contrite with grief for knowing him so late, beg of him from the bottom of your heart, that he would please to raise you to these sublime Truths, which Reason doth not disco∣ver to you, but which it hath pleased him to reveal to the World by his beloved Son, which at present make up the particular Character of the Christian Faith.

It was not always such an easie matter to obtain what I demanded; the most part of the Gentiles accustomed blindly to pursue their Passions, found more difficulty to embrace this Novel-kind of Life, than to believe the most abstruse Mysteries. Yet I can assure you, Reverend Father, that of all those that submitted thereto in earnest, I see not any that was not a few days after disposed to believe the most difficult things which the New Testament teacheth u••▪ So true it is, that Faith is the gift of God, that

cannot be acquired by all the force of Reasoning; and those only obtain, who follow our Saviour's Counsel: Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. God indeed, to accomplish this pro∣mise, did concur pretty often to the Conversion in a most miraculous manner, and I observed in several new Converts so many enlightnings, just up∣on their resolving to live well, and be constant in Prayer, that the Holy Spirit must needs have illu∣minated them.

A Gentleman whom reading and disputing had made to waver in his Opinion, could not yet resolve to believe; yet he determined notwithstanding to practice the Morality of JESUS CHRIST, supposing that a good Life would much conduce to dispel these Mists. At the first his Doubts got ground of him instead of being vanquished: The more he looked upon the Cross, the more did his Spirit revolt. He compared the Fables of his own Religion with the ignominious death of a God-man, that lays the Foun∣dation of ours. They both seem'd to him equally ridiculous; and take what care he could to search, nothing could he find that confirm'd him more in Christianity, than in Idolatry. His Relations and divers of his Friends and Acquaintance, used their utmost endeavour to win him over to JESUS CHRIST, but all to no purpose, and he was just upon the point of taking up his old course again, when our blessed Lord stopt him upon the very brink of the Precipice

One Night (as I had it from his own mouth) he saw in his Dream Heaven open; JESUS CHRIST appear'd to him full of Majesty, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and surrounded with an infinie company of blessed Spirits: on one hand he shewed him those eternal Rewards that are promised to Chri∣stians; on the other he discovered to him profound

Abysses, which the Torments and Shreiks of a great many Idolaters made gastly and frightful. That is thy portion, saith he, with a threatning countenance, if thou dost not follow me. Oh! Son, continued he with a more mild countenance, Must my Cross dis∣courage you? And must a death which is the source of my glory, make you ashamed?

This Vision frighted him, and he awakened quite another Man; he did not look upon it as a Dream, he did not busie himself to find out what extraordinary thing, chance, and an over-heated imagination were capable oftentimes to produce during sleep: the poor Man being persuaded that God had spoken to him, demanded to be baptised with a great deal of importu∣nity: nay, and he was so far from having any trouble to submit to the belief of our Mysteries, that he pro∣tested he would willingly part with his life to defend the Truth of them.

Another less knowing, yet much more obstinate, did not only not forsake his Errors, but did even scoff at, and deride our most holy Mysteries, and was pre∣sent at my instructions, only to jeer them: yet had he permitted his Wife to turn Christian, because he was not willing, by crossing her desire, to breed a disturbance in his Family. But said he would have a great care of following her example; for fear the World should be apt to believe that all his Family was run mad.

Being naturally of a more spritely temper, and brisker than your Chinese usually are, I endeavoured to win by fair means, more than by Disputation; at length, perceiving neither of them prove effectual, I went one evening to his House to see him, and taking him aside; I depart to morrow, Sir, said I, and am come to take my leave of you. I must needs confess it is not without some sorrow, not only be∣cause I leave you, but more especi••ly because I leave

you in your Errors. At least, before my departure, do me one small kindness, your Wife is a Christian, she hath an Image of the God-man, whose Religion I Preach, do so much as Prostrate your self some∣times before this same Image, and beseech him whom it represents to illuminate your mind, if it be true that he hath power so to do, and if he be capable of hearing you. He promised me he would do it, and presently after my back was turned he performed his promise.

His Wife, ignorant of what had past, seeing him upon his Knees adoring JESUS CHRIST by often bowing his Head before this Image, supposed he was Converted, and sent one of her Relations into an House adjoyning where I was, to acquaint me with it: I ran thither, and found him still so taken up in this Action, and in Prayer, that I had not a mind to interrupt him.

As soon as he rose from his Knees, I told him I could not sufficiently signifie my joy to him, occa∣sioned by the wonderful change God had lately wrought in him.

How! saith he, all amazed, did you see at such a distance what past in my mind, or hath God re∣vealed it to you? JESUS CHRIST himself, reply'd I, lets me understand so much, for he acquaints us that those who ask any thing of his Father in his name shall be heard! Oh! Father, cryed he, it is true, I am no longer the same Man, I perceive my∣self a Christian without yet knowing what Christia∣nity means; but pray instruct me, I am ready to submit, and to receive Baptism this very moment if you please.

I told him I baptized no body before I had first in∣structed them, that being obliged to depart, I would nominate a Christian to whom he might have re∣course in my absence. He consented to every thing

and we prostrated our selves before this miraculous Image, to return thanks to the Divine Majesty, who can, when he sees good, from the hardest Stones raise up Children unto Abraham.

Amongst several other effects of that Grace, where∣with it hath pleased God to bless my Mission, the Conversion of an old Officer in the Army seems worth the relating to you. From a private Sentinel, he was got up to be the King's Lieutenant in one of the Cities of the third Order, notwithstanding he was very rich, yet had he never a Concubine; his Wife being a Christian, obliged him to live in a more re∣gular manner than other Mandarins. But nothing could determine him to turn Christian; not that he was bigotted to Paganism, his desire of advancing himself in the World took up all his thoughts, and had till that time never owned any De••ty but his For∣tune. This indifferency for all sorts of Religion, is of all conditions the most dangerous; and I have found by Experience that a Man is never at a greater di∣stance from the true God than when he acknowledges none at all.

Yet had he a great value for Christians, because he edified by their innocent life. When I chanced to go to his City he always made me a Visit; and because he thought it pleased me, he went sometimes into the Church to lie Prostrate before the Altars. I thereupon took occasion to lay the business of his Salvation home to him, but he heard the most serious things, that I spoke to him thereupon, with a smile.

One day speaking to him of Hell in a more terri∣fying manner than usual; you must not be surprized at my undauntedness, says he, it would be a great shame for an old Officer, as I am, to be afraid. E∣ver since I turned Soldier I took up the resolution to fear nothing: but after all, saith he, what reason can I have to fear, I do no body wro••g; I serve my

Friends, and am faithful to the Emperor, and if here∣tofore I have been subject to the usual disorders of Youth, I am at present temperate enough in my Pleasures. That is as much as to say, replyed I, that you strive to gratifie the World, but you are no wise solicitous to render to God what you owe to him; could you imagine you should be a good Officer, in discharging the particular duty of your Calling, if you refused at the same time to obey and acknowledge the Emperor.

'Tis not enough to be regular in all the Actions of a private life; the principal duty of a Subject is to sub∣mit to his Sovereign, and the whole duty of a Man is to own and fear God. You are in the right, saith he, I do seriously think it. You think so in vain, replyed I, if that God, which I speak to you of, does not give good thoughts. Beg of him this Evening to enlighten your Understanding, he will hear your Voice; but do you remember also to listen to his, and follow it.

Altho' I could hope no more from this Discourse, then from several other preceeding ones, yet I ob∣served he was wrought upon: I mention'd some such thing to his Wife, who took an occasion thereupon to speak home to him, and one of his Officers being very Zealous, and well instructed, desired him at least to assist at Evening-Prayer to be performed in his House. His presence stirred up the fervency of his Domesticks, and they all beg'd of JESUS CHRIST that he might be Converted, with Cries and Tears, which the infinite goodness of the Almighty can scarce ever withstand.

From this very moment he began to waver, and the various thoughts he revolved in his mind a great part of the night concerning the danger wherein he was, made him take up a resolution to go through with Religion. But our Lord instructed him con∣cerning

it immediately; for he seriously protested, that being a little sleepy, he had such horrible repre∣sentations of Hell, that he was no longer in suspense whether or no he should resolve: upon his awakening he found himself a Christian, or at least he took up a firm resolution so to be as soon as possible he could. He forthwith repaired to the Church where I said Mass; when it was finished, I was surprised to see him at my Feet begging Baptism of me, with his Eyes bathed in Tears. Weeping, I say, for scarce could he utter his mind, so much did his Sighs and Tears interrupt his Discourse: he spoke likewise with a much more confident Air, and there was observed in his Action I know not what sort of fear, that had seised him, of which he was not Master. Whether it was that his imagination was still smitten with the representa∣tion of Hell, or whether God by this change was pleased to make us, as well as him, apprehensive that all the bravery and haughtiness that War is capable of inspiring, is not proof against that saving horror which he darts (when it pleases him) into the most undaunted Hearts.

I had a great mind, according to my custom, to take some time to examine and instruct him, but he protested that he would not go out of the Church till he was baptised. Perhaps I shall dye this very night, said he to me, and you will be grieved to know me eternally damn'd. His resolution not to forsake me, the intreaty of Chri∣stians, that went down to the ground to me to ob∣tain this favour, and I know not what internal mo∣tion prevailed upon me. I examined him about eve∣ry point of Religion: he understood one part of it, and learnt the rest with so much easiness, that two hours after I thought I could initiate him into our Mysteries. His Conversion made a great noise in the City, several Idolaters followed his example; and since in Heaven itself there is rejoycing at the repen∣tance

of one sinner; there is no question but the Saints and Angels were joyful of the Conversion of this very Man.

This submission of our spirit to the obscurest My∣steries, how difficult soever it may seem, yet is it not the thing that troubles the Gentiles most; several o∣ther considerations are greater rubs in their way. The first is the restitution of ill gotten Goods, which in reference to the Merchants and Mandarins is an al∣most unsurmountable obstacle.

Injustice and Cozenage are so common in China, in these two conditions, that few of them there are who have enriched themselves any other way. A Merchant always puts off his Wares at the dearest rate he can possibly, and never utters his good Mer∣chandise but when he cannot get rid of his bad. Cun∣ning and Craft, so peculiar to this Nation, seem to intitle it to the right of Sophisticating all things. But the sanctity of our Religion doth not permit what human Laws tolerate: a Man when he is become Rich by unjust dealing, must come and make up his Accounts with God, when he does in earnest think he is come to the knowledge of him. I must confess that I never insisted upon this point but it made me tremble. This is for the most part a Rock of offence to a Chinese.

They do not boggle at the Mysteries, nor ever call them in question, and the reason is because they seem not cut out for speculative Sciences. But as to the business of Morality they have a certain penetrating aptness, and think themselves little inferiour to us.

It is very true, says a Merchant to me one day, a Man is not allowed to defraud or do wrong to his Neighbour; but it is not I that Cheat when I sell too dear, or when I put off my bad Stuffs, the Buyer a∣buses himself. As he for his part desires to have them for nothing, or as little as he can, if I agree to

it. So I likewise am in the right to exact large rates from him, and to receive them, if he be so simple as to give them me; this is the fruit of our Industry, and this profit is no violence, but the effect of my Calling, that teaches me to improve my Trade.

Moreover, adds he, altho' it should be true that I should possess another Man's Goods, and that I should have committed a fault by enriching my self at his cost; how can I have the Conscience at pre∣sent to strip my Children naked, and reduce them to beggery? Believe me, Father, those from whom I have extorted what they had, have I'll warrant you done as much to others, who again have enriched themselves after the same manner. Here it is the Custom to deal thus, and every one in particular, (if they have any reason) ought mutually to par∣don one another for these small faults; otherwise we must undo and overthrow whole Families, and introduce a disorder worse than the mischief that one hath committed. As for my part I freely pardon those who have choused me, provided no body will molest me about the pretended wrong I have done him.

This is the Language of the Children of darkness, of whom JESUS CHRIST saith, that it is easier for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle, than for a rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Let a Man represent to them what he pleases; yet will they always have their own way, being more obdurate than blind; for they seldom fail of admiring Justice, and an unbyassed humour in others. See here an example of what I say, whereof I have been witness my self.

A young Man travelling in the Province of Chensi, where I chanced to be, found a Purse upon the Road of about ten or twelve Crowns; he had the honesty to inquire after the person to whom it belonged, that

he might restore it. This was look'd upon as an he∣roical Action by the Chinese; now the Mandarin of the place would not let him do it without a recom∣pence, he made an Encomium of it himself in a Dis∣course that was printed in a large Character, and af∣fix'd upon the Palace-Gate.

But God Almighty, to whom even natural Vertues are acceptable, was infinitely more gracious to this young Man. For proceeding on his Journey, a person unknown to him accosted him, and said how came it to pass that you restored the mony so generously? Do not you know that it is none but the Christians duty to do such things as these, and know, that in the state wherein you are, all your moral Actions will not hinder you from being damned: believe me you will do well to go to the Father of the Christians, and embrace their Religion, without which all your up∣rightness and natural equity will stand you in no stead after death.

He immediately obeyed, and returned back to find me out, he related to me with abundance of modest simplicity what had happened to him, and ever and anon he would be saying; what is it to be a Christi∣an, and what would you have me do? I instructed him with so much the more easiness, because he took nothing amiss: in a word, he was indued with so much innocence and candor, that I was much taken with him; so that when I found him well disposed, I proceeded to the baptising of him, and put him in a way to sanctifie his good inclinations for the future.

The Devil, who understands the blind side of the Chinese, as to matter of Interest, hath inspired the Ido∣laters with a Maxim that always retains them in their Errors. The People fancy that one is Christian e∣nough if one be poor, and that Christianity was the Religion of beggerly Fellows. So that if there hap∣pen any misfortune in a Family; if there chance to

be a Christian in it, all others presently lay the blame upon him, and load him with their imprecations. One cannot without a strong Faith resist this Perse∣cution, and when one proposes to an Idolater, pre∣possessed with this false idea, to embrace the Christian Religion; inward Grace must be exceeding strong to oblige him to Sacrifice his Fortune, and to for∣sake, as he imagines, all his temporal Interests.

This very reason sways almost with all the Manda∣rins, who venture all as soon as they think of be∣coming Christians. Father Adam's fall, that drew along with it so many illustrious Families in the late Persecution, makes their Hair still stand an end. They know that the Religion of the Europeans is not approved of by the Laws, and withal that they may deprive all such as embrace it of their Lives and For∣tunes. What Protection soever the Emperor may grant to the Missionaries, he may hereafter revoke it, he may die. And the Parliament watch all opor∣tunities imaginable to root out Christianity; so that the fear of losing the deceitful riches of this World, deprive a multitude of People of eternal Blessings, which they cannot sufficiently value, nor know the worth of.

But now if a Mandarin, who has any work of Grace upon his Heart, wave all these considerati∣ons, yet upon his Conversion, he meets with another notable obstacle to his perseverance, still more diffi∣cult to surmount than the former. Since the Pensions of the Officers are not capable to supply the usual Expences of their Family, they have no other fund for to maintain it besides injustice.

The Ministers of State, and chief Presidents of Sovereign Courts of Judicature of Pekin, do under∣hand exact considerable sums from the Vice-Roys. And these latter, to make it good, have recourse to the principal Mandarins of the Province; who again

lay a Tax upon the Subaltern Officers. None dare presume to dispense with it, without running into the danger of being quite undone, insomuch that every one of them, that he may maintain his Post, gapes after getting mony by hook or by crook.

This Ministry of injustice, which the ambition of the Grandees, and Avarice of some of inferior Rank, have introduced into the Empire since the last Revo∣lution, gives a mortal blow to the establishment of our most holy Faith upon a solid Foundation, because a Christian Mandarin, ceases to be a good Christian, if he fleeces and robs, or else he ceases to be a Man∣darin if he do not cheat.

However, we meet with a great many of them, whom Providence preserves, who have not bowed the Knee to Baal. We have seen in China, as in the Primitive Church, some examples of this Christian generosity, that count the Goods of this World at nothing, in hopes that the Kingdom of Heaven will one day be their Inheritance. During the time of the Persecution there past an hundred things of this nature, that might afford matter of Edification; but being I set down nothing but what I have seen, I shall content my self to relate a more recent example which likewise much affected me.

A fervent Christian of the Province of Chensi, after he had inriched himself in divers honourable em∣ploys, did at last retire from the World, resolving to lay out one part of his Estate in the service of God, and to dispose of the other in leading a peaceable and innocent life with his Family. He had built a Church in the Country, whither I sometimes went to Administer the Sacraments, and Baptise the Cha∣techists, whom he took special care to train up him∣self. But his House standing in a place that was a great thorow-fair, the Troops that are continually going, and coming in China, laid all his Grounds

waste, not daring to do the least Damage to those of his neighbour Idolaters; and this is the Reason that induced them to deal with him at this rate.

The Chinese are wont publickly to belch out Curses against those that do them wrong, especially, if they cannot be revenged of them other ways. If a man hath been rob'd in his House, and one cannot disco∣ver the Robber, every Morning and Evening for seve∣ral days together, the Family's Business is to curse him; the Father, Mother, Children, and the Ser∣vants, take it by turns, and relieve one another in this Exercise, and wish him all mischief imaginable; they have, (if I may so express it) Formula's of foul Language, and dire Expressions, which they repeat an Hundred Times, bawling as loud as possibly they are able, at the Gate, or upon the House-top; and they imagine that the Robber will come to some harm by them••, wherever he be, 'till such time as he hath made amends for the Wrong.

Notwithstanding, there is not one of an Hundred of these Robbers, that give any heed to this tedious Noise, yet, some there be that are frighted at it; and this Fear prevents abundance of Violences. Christians who love their Enemies, and wish well to those that do ill by them, are far from cursing them; so that the Soldiers that I told you of, fearing the Curses of the G••ntiles, spared their Goods, and fearing nothing from the Wrath of this zealous Christian, they plundred his House, stole his Fruit, cut down his Corn, and pluck't up his Trees: So you see his extraordinary Patience, drew upon him all the Damage which otherwise would have equally fal'n upon others.

His Friends more concern'd at his Losses than him∣self, often laugh'd at his insensibleness, and reproach'd him much what in the same manner as Iob's Friends did▪ him on such a like Occasion, telling him, that all his Blessing of God, would not secure him from lo∣sing

his Estate, and probably not from starving: Be∣nedic Deo, & morere, bless God and die.

They were always telling him, that it was a strange Thing, that for the bare Observance of his Religion, he would see himself reduc'd to the utmost Extremity. If so be, say they, you are afraid your self to utter Cur∣ses against those Rogues, send one of your Servants to do it for you, or else let out your Estate to Gentiles, who will not be troubled with these ridiculous Scru∣ples.

This good Man abounding in a lively Faith, and that godly Simplicity so conformable to the Gospel, made Answer, that all he had, was at God's disposal, that he would preserve it, and that upon the whole, he had rather receive Hurt, than to do any. He told me one day; my Children take it very ill, that I leave my House, and Goods, at Sixes and Sevens, to be plun∣dred at this rate: You know, I have my particular Reasons to do thus, but they have none at all to com∣plain, since the Goods do not belong to them; they have wherewithal to live, without being beholding to any Body, upon what I have reserved for my self; but altho' they should be in want, yet, I had rather, when I come to die, leave Examples of Vertue for their Portion, that contribute to the saving of their Souls, than Riches, that may make them lose them.

These Sentiments, most reverend Father, were such matter of Joy, that I am not able to express it to you. I said sometimes to my self in the Excess of my Joy, Is there more Faith than that in Israel? No, O Lord, I have lost nothing by leaving France, since I find some Saints here; thy Spirit hath indeed filled all the Earth, and that profound Science of Salvation, that we in Europe have enjoy'd for so many Ages, be∣gins at length to be spread abroad to the Extremities of the World, by the stupendous Efficacy of thy holy Word.

Nevertheless, because his Children were very ur∣gent with me, to find out some Way or other to reme∣dy this Disorder, and that indeed it was convenient to prevent the Gentiles Malice from prevailing over the Christians Patience; I permitted them on such Occasions as these, to make use of Threatnings in∣stead of Cursings; and to tell them, I wish you no Harm, yea, and I forgive that you have done me; but God who pleads my Cause, knows how to punish, tho' I do not pretend to do it: the Time will come, when you shall be smitten with all the Anathema's that your unjust Violence deserves, and that Curse he sends on you at present, will be to you the Source of all the Miseries which his Law forbids me to wish to you. This Expedient took Effect, and the Christi∣ans growing eloquent for their own Interest, did so lively represent the Judgment of God, that the Idola∣ters durst no longer blame them.

The Second Obstacle in my Way in converting the Chinese, proceeded from the multitude of Wives which the Laws of that Country permit them; that is, in respect of the Persons of Quality only, who, besides their own Wives, take as many Concubines as they are able to maintain; for as to the ordinary Sort, they have not Wealth enough to allow this Expence. The Mandarins are by their condition debar'd from all ordinary Divertisements, they are permitted only to eat now and then with their Friends, and give them a Play: Gaming, taking the Air, Hunting, private Visits, publick Assemblies would be lookt upon in them, as Crimes of State; so that they seek no further than their House to find wherewithal to supply the want of those Pleasures which the Laws abridge them of.

Here and there one of them applies himself to stu∣dy, as the surest means to advance him; but the great∣est part of the Mandarins compose a kind of Seraglio,

wherein they spend all the time that they can steal from their Affairs. One may judge by that, how lit∣tle they are inclined to deprive themselves of Delights, to be satisfied with one Wife, whose Age, nay, and many times Antipathy, have but already too much disgusted them.

It is true, those who are converted, are permitted to take one of their Concubines to Wife, in case the lawful Spouse hath not a mind to turn Christian; but the Laws prohibit them to do so: And in China, one cannot divorce his Wife, except in some very few par∣ticular Cases authorised by Custom: Moreover, the Relations of her, whom her husband should have thus repudiated, would certainly be revenged on him, nay, and would force him by Law to take her again. So that when we propose to the Mandarins the other Difficulties of our Religion, they dispute, they consi∣der how to conquer them; they do not despair to do Violence upon their Inclinations; but this last Point discourages them at first Dash, and deprives them of all thoughts of being converted. I will give you a no∣table Example of what I say.

I was going one day from one Village to another, in pretty bad Weather, and making haste to get there in time, I heard an horse-man behind, who gallop't up to me; he was a man of betwixt Fifty and Three∣score, well mounted, and attended by some Servants: As soon as he had overtaken me, he told me, that the great Esteem he had for the Christian Religion, gave him some thoughts of getting himself fully instructed therein, and that nothing could ever be able to divert him from this Resolution, because he perceived in his mind, a wonderful desire to embrace it. This Ar∣dency, saith I, Sir, without all doubt comes from God, Flesh and Blood do not inspire such like Sentiments into you; for my part, I am ready to assist you; I hope on your part, you will be perswaded to follow

the Voice that calls you: We were afoot in the middle of a great High-way, and taking him aside a little, I be∣gan to instruct him: every thing appeared Rational to him; and after having run over all the mysteries that are most difficult, I advised him to follow me into the Church, whither it was my Duty to go, when I call'd to mind that I had forgot the material Point; I suppose Sir, added I, that you have no Concubines, or at least, you are resolved to send them packing; for without doubt, you are not ignorant, that it is not allowed Christians to marry several Wives. The Religion which I preach, and Jesus Christ taught, applies itself principally to wean our Hearts from sensual pleasures, nay, and doth even sometimes exhort us, to deprive our selves of those which Reason permits.

How, saith he, startl'd at this, am I oblig'd (if I have any thoughts of being a Christian) to turn off my Concubines; ah! what hurt is there in keeping them? what will People say of me in the World? what will become of my Children? and what will become of my self? But, is that same really an Article which cannot be dispensed with? I endeavoured to pacific him, and make him apprehend, that he laboured un∣der a mistake: If to overcome the Difficulties of his Conversion, he relied wholly upon his own natural Strength, and present Inclination; God, said I, who knows our corrupt Nature, hath secret Methods where∣by to assist us, that we do not at First so much as dream of; endeavour only to keep alive that good Will he hath granted you, he will accomplish the rest, you will find your self changed in respect of this, as of all other things.

He listened to me a good while without speaking a Word, but at length taking his leave of me on the suddain, and making a low Bow, he mounts briskly on horse-back, puts Spurs to his Horse, and rides full Speed towards the Place from whence he came; I quickly

lost sight of him, but methought I still see him, so lively was his Countenance for some time imprinted upon my Spirit; and I am still quite disconsolate, for losing a Soul in an instant, which the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ had been so long a preparing for me.

But now in respect of Womens Conversion, it is much more difficult. A Concubine, for Example, ac∣knowledged the Verity of Religion, and the Misera∣bleness of her State and Condition; she had a great Desire to come out of it, and receive Baptism, it was told her, that the first Step that Faith acquired of her, was to live separately from her pretended Husband, and to farsake her sins; so far she consents, nay, she desires it with all her Heart; but observe what she re∣presents to her self, I belong to a Mandarin who bought me, if I go out of his Doors, he hath right to claim me, and take me again, and inflict Punishment upon me as his Slave. If by good Fortune I avoid his Pursuit, whither can I retire to be in more Security? my Kindred who sold me dare not harbour me, and I shall infallibly fall into the hands of another Person who will engage me in the State that I seek to avoid; I must therefore remain in the House where I am, but how shall I be able to resist a brutish Fellow, who on∣ly consults his Passion, justified by the Laws, and Ex∣ample of the whole Empire: it is to no purpose to lay before him the holiness of Christianity that I desire to embrace; my Intreaties, Tears, yea, my Resistance, and all the Efforts that I, poor I can make, are not able to hinder him; nevertheless, I am resolved to run away whatever it costs me: Order me to do some∣thing, but pray do not refuse me baptism.

It so falls out sometimes, that an Idolater taking distaste at some extravagant Caprichio of his Christian Wife, does wrongfully accuse her, and obtains leave, by the force of Money to sell her to another; yea, some times without any legal Process of Justice, he sells her

and retires into another Province; this Woman gets into the hands of another Man: How can she avoid Sin, receive the Sacraments, and persevere in the Faith? in truth the Missionaries are at their Wit's end, ha∣ving at that time no other Course to take, but to go to Prayer, that God, who sincerely desires the Salvation of all men, would please to make use of those secret means, that his Almighty Power is wont to produce, when his ordinary Providence, and the Efforts of our good Desires, prove ineffectual

We have, most reverend Father, so much the more Reason to hope for these distinguishing Favours from God in such like Occasions, because he often grants them, even then when we do not judge them abso∣lutely necessary. It is true, Miracles are not so com∣mon in China, as the State of that Empire would seem to require: The Emperor to whom they have rela∣ted those which God hath been pleased to work in other Nations, does sometimes reprove us for it. Are we, saith he, in a worse Condition than the Barbari∣ans, that have so frequently seen their Sick healed, and their Dead raised to Life? What have we done to God that he renders our Conversion so difficult? You come from the utmost ends of the Earth, to preach up a new Law to us, contrary to Nature, elevated a∣bove Reason: Is it Just, that we should take your Word for it? Do some Miracles that may warrant the Truth of your Religion, and I'll pass my Word for the sincerity of our Faith.

We have frequently told him, that God was the Master and Giver of these Gifts, and that he distri∣buted them, according to the Decrees of his eternal Wisdom; that it is out of our Sphere to fathom their Depth; that sometimes he did not work these Prodi∣gies in Kings Courts, because he foresaw the ill use they were likely to make of them; sometimes because giving them better Parts and Abilities, and more Pene∣tration

than to others, these ordinary Graces were sufficient for them; whereas the simple, vulgar, and the rude, unciviliz'd Nations, stood in need of the sensi∣ble Marks of his Almightiness, for the more easy dis∣covering of the Truth; yea, and it is more than pro∣bable also, that carnal Prudence which is at such en∣mity with the Spirit of the Blessed Jesus, the Softness, Ambition, and Luxury of great Persons, draw upon them this terrible Chastisement, and that God in his just Judgment refuseth Miracles to Persons, who do themselves refuse to submit to the most plain, and ordinary Laws of Nature.

But, my Lord, (have some replied) the Charity of that great Number of Missionaries, who joyfully forsake Europe, where their Quality, Estates, and their Science, ought naturally to detain them; who traverse a Thousand Dangers, to come hither to sacrifice them∣selves to the Happiness of your People; and with so unbiassed and constant Zeal Sir. Is not there some∣thing of a Prodigy in it? and should it not be as pow∣erful to perswade you as Miracles? If they be such Knowing, Learned Men as your Majesty allows them to be, how do they abuse themselves? and if they be Wise, as you seem to think them; why do they aban∣don all the Pleasures of this World, to come so far to deceive others, and all to no purpose? After all the Reflections they have made this Hundred Years upon the different Religions of China, there is not one of them, who hath not judg'd them all wholly contrary to Reason; but during so many Ages that we have exa∣mined the Christian Religion, we have not observed amongst us one wise Man, and of good Morals, that hath suspected it of Falshood. These Answers do usu∣ally put him to a stand, and force him to make certain Reflections that do not a little disturb him.

In short, most Reverend Father, if Miracles be wanting at Pekin, the Business is otherwise in the Pro∣vinces,

several are there wrought, and those of Father Faber are so generally known, that it is somewhat dif∣ficult not to believe them; not that I go about to justi∣fie all that is related of those, nor of a great many more Prodigies, which they relate on small grounds; but, you'll give me leave not to doubt of those whereof I my self have been Witness; and peradventure, most Reverend Father, you rely so much upon my Since∣rity, as to be inclined to believe them likewise upon my Testimony.

In a Village in the Province of Chensi, near the City of San-uyen, there lived an Idolater, devout in his way, and extreamly addicted to these Superstitions: At the time of Full Moon, he burnt commonly in honour of his Gods, Gilded, or Silver'd Papers, wrapt up in different Figures, according to the Custom of the Coun∣try. One day preparing to Offer this kind of Sacri∣fice before his Gate, there arose a Storm that forc'd him to retire into his House, where he lighted the said Papers in the middle of a Hall, without taking any far∣ther Care; but the Wind blowing open the Gate, drove them up and down every where, and they had not time to prevent one part from flying into a Stack of Straw, which set fire on the House.

People came running, but the conflagration became so furious, in a moment that it was impossible to extin∣guish it. The House on one side adjoyning to the Ido∣later's, belonged to a Christian, and by this time seem'd (half encompassed with the Flames driven furiously by the Wind) to be in Danger of being quickly quite consu∣med; this poor Man, attended with divers others, got upon the House-top, and did his Endeavour, but all in Vain, to defend himself from the Conflagration; when his brother very confidently came as near the Fire as he durst possibly, and fell on his Knees upon the Tiles, and looking up to heaven, said, O Lord, for∣sake not those that put their Trust in thee; all that thou

hast bestowed upon us is here; if we lose it, the whole Fa∣mily is reduced to the utmost Extremity: Preserve it, O my God, and I promise before thee, that I will assemble all the Christians in the Neighbourhood, and we will go to Church together, to demonstrate my acknowledgment of the same. Thereupon, he loosed a small Relique from his Chaplet, threw it into the middle of the Flames that by this time cover'd part of the House.

This Action, perform'd with such a sprightly Air, did equally attract the Attention of Christians and Idolaters, who mightily astonished at their Compa∣nions Confidence, expected the event of the Busi∣ness; when Heaven all on the suddain, declar'd it self in a most miraculous manner; The Wind blowing violently, forthwith slacken'd, and a contrary Wind stronger than that arising at the same time, drove the violent Streams of the Flames to the opposite side, up∣on the House of a wicked falsehearted Christian, that had lately abjured. It was consumed in a Moment, becoming an Example of divine Vengeance, as the House that Heaven preserved, was an evident Token of his Protection.

I was at that time Six Miles from the Village. 'Tis true, my urgent Business hindred me from being my self upon the Spot; but I sent very credible Persons thither, to be inform'd about it. The Pagans first of all, bore Witness to the Truth; and some while after, the Christians thereabouts, conducted by him who was lately heard in his Prayer, appear'd in my Church to fulfil his Vow; where with one accord, they eccho'd forth the Praises of the Great God, who alone is able to cause his Voice to be heard by the most insensible Creatures, to the Confusion of false Gods, that are not themselves capable to hear the Voice of rational Creatures.

Some Months after, there happened a thing no less surprising, the Consequences whereof, were very be∣neficial

to Religion: An Idolater of an indifferent Fortune, felt himself assaulted with an unknown Distemper; it was so catching, that his Mother and Wife shar'd in it likewise: Two or three times a Week he fell into fainting Fits, which at the beginning, look'd like Swooning, and then turned again into cru∣el Head-aches, Pains in the Stomach and Bowels, sometimes they found themselves extreamly agitated, as if they had had a Fever; they lost the use of their Reason, their Eyes rolled in their Heads, and men judged by several other unusual Postures, that the De∣vil had a hand in the matter.

They were the more perswaded to it, because they often found their House all put out of Order, the Chairs, Tables, and earthen Vessels overthrown, not knowing on whom to lay the Fault. The Physicians whose Interest it was to pass Judgment, that Nature on the one hand, and the Malice of the People of the Family on the other, were the Cause of these several Actions, made use of all their Medicines to Cure them. The Bonzes on the contrary assured them, that the Devil was the Author of the Mischief, and de∣manded unreasonable Alms to stop it's Course. So that the good People abused on every hand, had thrown away all their Estate in Four Years time upon the Covetousness of these Impostors, without finding any Benefit: However, seeing the Distemper afforded them some Intervals, they sought up and down in the Cities thereabouts for new Remedies for their Griefs.

One Day, this Idolater going for this purpose to the chief City, he found a Christian upon the Road, to whom he told his Condition, and how miserably he was handled; no Question, saith the Christian, but it's the Devil that torments you; but you well deserve it; Why do you serve so bad a Master? we fear no such thing, because we acknowledge one God, whom the Devils adore; yea, they tremble before his Image;

and the Cross only that we wear about us, hin∣ders him from coming near us. If you will accept of a Picture of JESUS CHRIST, and you and all your Family will Honour it, it will not be long be∣fore you see the Effects of it: However, it is soon tried, it shall cost you nothing, and you may judge by that, that I have no other aim but your Benefit.

The Idolater consented to it, and hanging the ho∣ly Image in the most honorable Place of the House, he prostrated himself before it with profound Respect, and begged every day Morning and Evening of our Saviour, that he would vouchsafe to heal his Body, and enlighten his Mind. His Mother and Daughter fol∣lowed his Example, and from that very Moment the Demons abandoned the Place, of which JESUS CHRIST had taken possession.

These good People growing stronger and stronger in Faith, as the evil Spirit gave ground, began at last to think of being Converted in good earnest. They came to enquire for me at Signanfou the usual Place of my Residence, and demanded Baptism of me; they had already got themselves Instructed; they had more∣over got all the Prayers by heart that we teach the late Catechumens: But their Distemper making a great Noise in the Country, I was willing every Body should be Witnesses of this Conversion, and so went to the Village my self, hoping this Miracle might settle Chri∣stianity therein, upon a solid Basis.

Just upon my appearing, all the Inhabitants follow∣ed me to the Place where the Image was still hanging; then I begun to tell them, that they were not to que∣stion the Verity of our Religion; God, having him∣self spoken by a manifest Miracle; but that I had caused them to assemble, to Instruct and Baptize them: For, in a Word, what do you desire more to be con∣vinced of the Weakness of your Gods, and the Power of our God? the Demon laughs at you so long as you

oppose him with nothing but Idols; but he is not able to hold it out against the Image only of the Christi∣an's God. Do you imagin to escape this God after Death, whose Power Hell owns, and whose Justice it experiences every Moment.

The multitude interrupted me by a Thousand ridi∣culous Objections, which I easily answered; at last some body told me, that the Devil had no hand in the Malady in Question; that how extraordinary soever it appeared, might proceed from several natural Cau∣ses: that is, said I, the most rational Thing you can say; but yet does no way extenuate the greatness of the Miracles. Let the Malady come from the Devil, or from Nature, I will not examin that; but it is cer∣tain at least, that the Cure comes from God, whose Image this man hath worshipped; and there is no less Power requisite to cure natural Distempers, than to drive out evil Spirits. This Reason should have made an equal Impression on all Minds, but Grace that acted differently in the hearts, gave place in some to volun∣tary Obdurateness, whilst it triumph'd over the Obsti∣nacy of others. Twenty five Persons at last gave Glo∣ry to God, who alone worketh great Marvels: Qui facit Mirabilia magna solus; and were shortly after Bapti∣zed.

These Hauntings, and Infestations of Demons, are very ordinary in China amongst the Idolaters; and it looks as if God permitted it so to be, to oblige them to have Recourse to him. Sometime after this Acci∣dent that I but just now Related, a Maid, just upon her Marriage, was attacked with a Complication of several Diseases, which the Physicians knew not what to say to, and which the Chinese are wont to ascribe to the Demons. Her Mother persuaded her to turn Chri∣stian, and he that was to marry her, promised to build a Church to the God of the Christians, in case Baptism gave her any Relief: As soon as ever this Maid had

taken this Course, she found herself not only Relieved, but perfectly Cured.

But her Husband was so far from following her Ex∣ample, that he misused her several times for having obliged him to renounce his Faith; for the Bonzes perswaded him, that this Sickness was but a piece of Artifice in his Mother in Law; and this Fancy alone, put him into such a fit of Melancholy, that he was insupportable to the whole Family, but especially to his Wife, who from that very instant, became an object of his Aversion. It was in vain to represent to him his own Mistake, and the Malice of the Bonzes, for he always protested, that if she would not take up her old Religion again, he would lead her an ill Life all her Days.

God, to undeceive him, suffered the Demon to tor∣ment his Wife as before; so she relapst into her for∣mer Convulsions: She was more especially scared at the sight of a great Company of Specters, that let her not have an hours rest. Thus tost up and down, aban∣doned to her Husband's Inhumanity, that beat her Cruelly, she in all appearance led a very uncomfor∣table Life: Yet remaining unmovable in her Faith, God always upheld her, and temper'd and allay'd by the inward sweetness of his Grace, the bitterness of these Afflictions; he comforted her likewise by sensi∣ble Visitations, by his Word, and by the unspeakable Cogitations, that he from time to time infused into her Soul. Insomuch, that this Condition that gain'd her the Compassion of all that knew her, was to her a fore-taste of Paradise. She exprest her self much▪ what to this purpose to her Mother in Law, who re∣lated it to me with Tears in her Eyes; for her Hus∣band could not endure that I should see her.

At first, I gave little Credit to this Discourse, yet at length, I was apt to believe there was something Supernatural in it; for one Day, coming to a City

distant from the chief City where I sojourn'd, about Threescore Miles; there I found this good Woman with a great Company of Christians of the Neighbour-Towns, which she had taken Care to get together, being confident, that I would come at the very Mi∣nute that she had fixt in her Mind, and it fell out ac∣cordingly. It much surprised me to see her there, for I had no design to come thither, and it was only by Chance that some body had, about Five or Six hours before, made me resolve to come thither, so that no body could give her Notice of this my Resolution. I took her in Private, to learn of her how she came to know this, she told me that her Daughter, after a vio∣lent assault of a Demon, had been visited by our Bles∣sed LORD, that when this Extasie was over, she advised her to acquaint the Christians, and bring them to this Village; for without all peradventure I would come thither on such a day: In fine, added she, not being able to come thither my self, and seeing my Sins render me unworthy to partake of those sacred Mysteries, pray desire the Father to offer up the holy Sacrifice of the Mass for me, and the Conversion of my Husband. This poor Mother relating to me this Accident, wept bitterly for the present State of her Daughter, Nevertheless, the accomplishment of this Prophecy, comforted, and built her up in her most holy Faith. I cannot tell what happened since that time, for the necessity of my Affairs, obliged me to leave that Province.

The extraordinary Things that I have seen, the Zeal of the Christians, and the Inclination of Idola∣ters to be converted, inspired me with an affectionate Zeal for their Salvation; and I heartily wisht to be∣stow the remainder of my Life, upon the Cultivating this precious Portion of our Lord's Inheritance: But some superior Reasons which I am bound to obey, snatcht me from it sore against my Will: At this Se∣paration,

I was more sensible than ever of my Loss.

These good People so affectionate to their Pastors, were almost ready to offer Violence to me; but un∣derstanding that they could not detain me without op∣posing the Will of God, they abandon'd themselves to sorrow, and gave such abundant Marks of their Affection, that I my self never shed more real and bit∣ter Tears: They waited for me upon the High way in Crowds, where they had spread Tables from Space to Space, covered with all sorts of Fruits, and Confe∣ctionaries. It was sometimes necessary to make a stop, not to eat, but to hear their Complaints, and to comfort them, for leaving them as Sheep without a Shepherd. They made me promise them to return as soon as possible, or to send them some Body in my Place. Thus I took my leave of these fervent Chri∣stians, melted with their Tears, but much more edified with their Faith and the innocence of their Lives.

God, who knows the Violence I committed upon my self, comforted me by an eminent Conversion he vouchsafed to work at the farthest Limits and last Vil∣lage of this Province. There is something in it so Sig∣nal that I cannot forbear relating it.

I departed from Signanfou the Metropolis of this Province upon the Eve of a considerable Festival of our Lady's, which I was naturally engaged to spend in that Church, where the Multitude, and Devotion of Believers invited me to say Mass that Day, and to administer the Sacraments to them, being the last Time I was likely to do it; yea, and the publick Edification did even seem to require it of me, every one in ge∣neral desired I would; and I don't know how con∣trary to Reason; I was very Obstinate and Reso∣lute not to delay my Journey a Minute; but the Truth is, I felt inwardly I know not what internal Motion that would not give me leave to stay any lon∣ger; nay, more than that, in Spight of the Supersti∣tion

of the Chinese, who observe lucky and unlucky Days to begin Journeys; I made my Idolater Guides to depart on a Day mark'd in the Kalendar for an Un∣fortunate one. They were surprised at this Precipi∣tation; yea, and I my self reflecting afterwards upon it, could not choose but condemn it, not understand∣ing then by what Spirit I was influenced, and impulst, but God let me presently understand it, on the Fourth Day after my Departure, I continu'd my Journey, and I was just upon my Arrival in the very farthest City of the Province of Chensi, when a man that rid Post, passing just by me, fell to the Ground, and by his Fall was like to have turned me over on the other side: This Accident stopt me a little, and afforded time to the Traveller who was got up again, to take a View of me.

Notwithstanding the multitude of Passengers was great, yet my long Beard, and European Mein made me presently known to be a Missionary: I am very Fortunate, says the Man immediately, to meet with you; that Accident that happened to me, spares me the Labour of a long Journey, and will engage you to a good Deed. My Master, who lives not above Half a League from hence, ordered me to ride Post to Signanfou, to engage you to come to him; he hath been indisposed these several Months, and we are apt to believe that he seriously thinks of being Converted. I quickly left the High-way, to follow him, and we reach'd the house at one a Clock in the Afternoon.

He was a Doctor, in high Renown by his Extraction and Understanding, living formerly at Pekin; but Ba∣nished some Years before into Chensi, for I know not what bad Business; the time of his Banishment expi∣red, and he was resolved to return to Court, as soon as his Health should permit him to take his Journey; for he did not look upon his Distemper to be dange∣rous: The Feaver had left him, and besides a Cough

that troubled him now and then, and made him still keep his Bed, he perceived no considerable Inconve∣nience.

His Servant being but just departed, when he see me come into his House, he was seized with Astonish∣ment, as if God had transported me into his House in a Moment; Is it possible, cries he all in Tears, that Heaven should work Wonders for such a wretch as I am? God hath solicited me these many Years to go to him, without receiving any thing from my hard∣ness of heart; 'tis but a Moment since I begg'd of him to come to me in the Person of one of his Mini∣sters, he not only hears me, but does even anticipate my Desires. This is somewhat beyond the Power of Nature, and this Favour does the business of my Change. You know by that, Father, that this Great God is concerned in my Salvation, and that it is his Pleasure that you should contribute something to sur∣ther it. Then proceeding, you see saith he, my Wife, Children, and Daughter, they have been all Chri∣stians along time ago: and I can say that God hath made use of me as an Instrument, to undeceive them of their errors. I have given them your Books, I have explained the Maxims and Morality of it to them, the Sanctity which your Religion inspires, persuaded me I should have a well ordered Family, as soon as it should be a Christian Family I was not mis∣taken, and my Conscience would not have given me the lie, had I followed their Example; but I have a long time laboured to procure their Welfare, and could never find in my heart to consult mine own: Now it is high time to follow that Way I have showed to others. The Court whither I am going, is not a proper Place for Conversion; and I thought that it was my Duty, whilst it is called to day, to seek God, for fear the Hurry of the World, wherein I am going to engage, should hinder me from finding him hereafter.

All his Family which came about us upon this, wept for joy; but that which affected me most, was that Fervency I saw expanded in the Eyes, Counte∣nance, and in all the motions of the sick Person. I had taken no refreshment, and it was near Two a Clock, and I was desirous to defer his Baptism till after Dinner, but I found it impossible to obtain any delay. I therefore began to examine him, and he was ready to answer to all the Articles of Religion, that I yielded at length to all his urgent Intreaties. I baptized him, and he accompanied the whole action with such ardent and lively meditations of Love, Hu∣mility, Faith and Hope, that nothing in all my Life did ever so much demonstrate to me what the Holy Spirit is able to do in an Heart, when it alone plea∣ses to take it to task, without the assistance of its Ministers. Some while after I left him alone full of Consolation, and retired to a Chamber to take a lit∣tle repose, of which I had extream need.

But scarce had I been there half an hour, but I heard great Cries in all the Family. They called for me every where; and running upon the noise to the sick Man's Chamber, I found him expiring in the Embraces of his Wife and Children. I endeavoured to put him in mind of the last thoughts of Baptism: He still repeated with a languishing note the names of Iesus and Mary; but yet he received the Extream Unction in a manner insensible, after which he calmly gave up the Ghost. All those that were present cried, O it was a Miracle! And recollecting what had hap∣pened at my departure, upon the Road, and in the House, they did no longer question but that all that had been managed by an over-ruling Providence, that had made use of all these secret methods, for to procure him a blessed exit.

At that time the Spirit of the Lord seized upon all hearts, no body wept; the spiritual Joy was so uni∣versal,

that nothing was heard any where but Bles∣sings, Praises and Thanksgivings, to that gracious God, that had but now wrought such stupendious Miracles in his Servant. What is to be most admi∣red is, that there was not observed in him that de∣formity that Death commonly leaves behind it; but on the contrary, I know not what ayre of sweet∣ness and devotion seemed display'd over his counte∣nance, and did sufficiently intimate the blessed state of his Soul. He was laid in State, according to the custom of that Country, where I found him the next day twenty hours after just as he was; his Hands and Arms besides were as flexible as if he had been but in a slumber.

Thus God by one of those many profound secrets of his Predestination, vouchsafes to enlighten a Soul sometimes in the midst of the darkness of Idolatry, and snatch it from the Jaws of Hell by a continual series of Miracles; whilst millions of others, educa∣ted in the bosom of the Church, are, by his just Judgment, given over to a reprobate mind.

Those are, most Reverend Father, the most ex∣traordinary things that have happened to me during the small time that I have had the care of the Mission of Chensi: If I mention not what past in the other Provinces of China, it is because God doth not work such like Miracles therein; but by reason I have no exact Memorial of them, I was afraid lest relating upon hear-say, I should be deficient in some consi∣derable Circumstances; and I had rather let them be set down in writing hereafter, by those who are better informed than my self.

This I can add over and above, to give you a more exact account of what good there hath been done in the Empire. There are above two hundred Churches or private Chappels, dedicated to the true God, and governed by certain Ecclesiastical Supe∣periors;

Pekin, Nankin, and Macao, have each its particular Bishop, by the nomination of the most Serene King of Portugal, who by his Zeal and Li∣beralities, continues to uphold Christianity through-out all the East, which all his Predecessors have there Establish'd with so much Glory.

The other Provinces when I departed, were un∣der the Jurisdiction of three Apo∣stolick Vicars, * 1.1 one whereof is an Italian of the Order of St. Francis, † 1.2 the two others are Ecclesiasticks, Frenchmen by Nation, Doctors of the Sorbonne of singular worth: the Missionaries that labour under their Order are likewise of different Nations. There are four Ecclesiasticks of the Semi∣nary of foreign Missions of Paris, amongst whom the Abbot of Lionne is very eminent for his Zeal, and application to the study of Languages, they reckon much about the same number of Fathers of St. Dominic, twelve or fifteen Franciscans, and three or four of the Order of St. Augustin: All these Monks are Spaniards, and come into China by Manille.

The Jesuits who Founded this Mission, and who by the extraordinary favours of his Majesty the King of Portugal, as well as of the Emperor of China, have been in a capacity to make considerable settlements, do maintain a great number of Missionaries there; there was about forty of them at the time of my departure. Since that time the Fa∣thers Grimaldi and Spinola * 1.3 brought several others thither. But what signifies forty or threescore Labou∣rers in such a vast Field? May it please the Master of the Harvest to hear the Voice of those that labour therein, who groaning under the burthen and heat of the day, beg relief: Or at least, may he please to shed abroad abundantly upon us that first Spirit

of the Gospel, which, in one Apostle alone, was sufficient heretosore to Convert the greatest Empires.

Not but that the present State of the Church doth afford matter of Consolation to those who are con∣cern'd for the Glory of JESUS CHRIST. They labour with no small success; nay there are but few Missionaries that do not Baptize every Year three or four hundred Persons; insomuch that in five or six Years they reckon above fifty thousand Ido∣laters Converted. Besides that, they Baptize every Year four or five thousand Children in the Streets of Pekin, which they go to look for every morning from door to door, where we find them half perish'd with cold and hunger, nay sometimes half eaten up by Dogs. If they should do no more good but this, the Missi∣onaries' would think themselves well enough reward∣ed for all the pains they take.

But that which ought to animate us to cultivate this Mission better than all others, is the hope one day to Convert the Emperor; the change of whose Religion would infallibly be followed by the intire Conversion of the whole Nation; so that although we should wait for this happy moment three or four Ages, without any other profit than what we hope for, in time to come, we should be too happy in preparing by our patience the way of the Lord in this New World, which perhaps will make better improvement of the Faith, that our Successors shall bring to it, than Europe does at present of that our Forefathers intrusted it withal.

In short, altho' amongst the Christians that are in China, we can reckon no more Princes and Mi∣nisters of State since the last Persecution of Father Adam, yet for all that we Baptise every Year Man∣darins, Doctors and other Persons of Quality; yet it is true that the common People make up the great∣est number: Non multi potentes, non multi nobiles.

And it is no news to own that the Poor have always been the elect Portion and precious Inheritance of JESUS CHRIST in the Church.

The main body of Christians is in the Province of Nankin, and more especially in the Territory Cham∣Hai; but the Faith is more lively in the Provinces of Chanton, Pechely, Chensi, and Chansi. There are in proportion as many Tartarians as Chinese Christi∣ans; these are more docil, and much easier to be Converted; yet in time of Temptation they have not half so much Courage. The Tartars on the contrary being naturally of a brisk temper, do not easily stoop under the Yoak of the Gospel; but those over whom Grace hath once triumphed, are enduod with a Vertue that is proof against the sorest Per∣secutions. As for Women, which we see more rare∣ly, altho' they be less instructed than the Men; yet their Innocence, their constant attendance at Prayer, their blind submission to the Precepts of Faith, and the most harsh and severe Practices of Christian Piety, does in some measure supply their defect of Know∣ledge as to the particulars of our Mysteries.

It were to be wish'd that the Beauty and Ornament of our Churches might answer the devout Fervour of Christians: But, besides that, the Chinese are no great Architects; this novel Christianity, so frequent∣ly shaken by Persecutions, composed for the most of the poorer sort of People, only tolerated by the by, and always fain to observe a great many puncti∣lio's and keep within bounds, hath not yet been in a condition to rear magnificent Temples. Neverthe∣less it is matter of astonishment that the Missionaries with such a pitiful Fund as theirs is, should be able on this score to do so much.

The Church of Pekin is very well built; the Fron∣••ispiece, the Stones of which were laid by the Missio∣naries themselves, is very proportionable and pleasing.

Those in Kiam cheou, Cham-bai, and Fou-tçheou, that which the Fathers have at Canton, and divers others, are as fine as our ordinary Churches of Europe; but the Church of Cham-tçheou was so very pretty and neat, that one could not enough admire it: You could see nothing but Gildings, Paintings, and curious Pictures, it was all over adorn'd with them; yea and there was a great deal of Symetry and Order in the whole. That delicate red and black Vernish which the Chineses are so expert at, to which they give a particular relief or embossment, by the Flowers of Gold and other Figures wherewith they enrich it, did produce the finest Effect in the World to com∣pleat the whole.

But this goodly Church, the product of Christians Devotion, and of Father Intorcetta's Zeal, is lately reduc'd to ashes by a dreadful Conflagration that consum'd one quarter of the City; and in all pro∣bability we shall not be in a capacity a long time to perform any thing like it. Nevertheless it will be our comfort to support us after this loss, if it shall please our blessed Lord to destroy at the same that pack of Idols which have overflow'd the whole Em∣pire; and that he will vouchsafe to raise himself Li∣ving Temples in the hearts of the new Believers, where he may be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth; wherein, for want of ours, they may offer to him the sacrifices of Praise and Thanksgiving.

I shall not entertain you, most Reverend Father, concerning the Transactions of the Indies, where the Revolution of a huge Kingdom, the Jealousies some Europeans, together with the continual 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Hereticks, have broken all the measures 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christian prudence obliged us to take for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Religion; so that the most part of the French Missionaries have been hitherto more conspicuous their Sufferings, than by their Conversion of Ido∣laters.

Some of them, after having lingerd out several Years in the most darksom Prisons, scarce begin to see the Light, and are not yet in a condition even to exercise their Functions with any freedom. O∣thers droven from their settlements, wander up and down upon the most tempestuous Oceans, carrying a∣long with them the miserable remainders of their ruin'd Missions; and that they may return to the remotest parts of the World, they commit themselves a fourth time to the mercy of the Waves and their Enemies.

Several buried in Shipwracks, or worn out with Toils, have gloriously finished their course; and tho' their Companions live still, it is only to consume by little and little the sacrifice of their Lives, by the ill habit of body they have contracted by their first labours.

You see, most Reverend Father, what sort of Per∣sons they be I speak of, you know their names, you understand their worth, and since they were chosen from amongst a great many other Candidates for the East-Indies, you have been pleased always to honour them with a most particular affection: and may I be bold to add, that you were not satisfied with only send∣ing of them, you followed your self in some respect, and became the Fellow, or rather the Head of their Apo∣stleship, sharing, like one of the most zealous Mis∣sionaries in the success of their holy undertakings, zealously lending an helping hand to their Labours, delivering them from their Chains by a powerful pro∣tection, or at least lightning the weight by conso∣••••tory Letters, full of that lively hope that makes a Man take delight in the most rigid Persecutions.

This Courage, most Reverend Father, which you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inspired into us does not only alleviate our Suf∣ferings, but also assures us that the ruins of this grand ••••ifice, that we have laid the first Stone of to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God, will one day serve for a Basis to ano∣ther

Work, yet more considerable and solid than the first.

So that neither the Shipwreck of * 1.4 three of our Brethren buried in Sea, nor the loss of † 1.5 three more who Sacrificed their lives a board the Vessel in relieving the Sick, nor yet the death of a great many more whom the Fa∣tigues of the Mission have snatch'd from us in the Indies, nor the Prisons of Pegu, Siam, Moluccas, Ba∣tavia, Roterdam nor Middleburg, where Pagans and Hereticks have tried our Patience by turns: all that, I say, does not blunt the edge of our Courage, being fully persuaded that JESUS CHRIST hath made use of the Cross to Propagate and Establish Religion: so the Missionaries Cross is always to be the Founda∣tion of their Churches, and as it were the Seed of New Christians.

In the mean time these first Labours have not been altogether in vain; we baptised at Boudychery above four hundred Idolatrous Children: the People of Coromandel have been relieved, as were those of Ceylon, Pegu and Bengala. They labour'd with no small success in divers Provinces of the Empire of the Great Mogul, and above all in the Missions of Madu∣ra. Such Missions, as in them we see in our days the Ages of the Primitive Church revived; wherein Be∣lievers, wretchedly poor and deprived of all the com∣forts of life, seem to live only by their Faith, Hope and Charity, wherein the Missionaries, to comply with the Customs of the Country, and obtain the Peoples favour, spend their lives in Forests and De∣serts, half naked, scorched by the Sun beams, walk for the most part upon scalding hot Sands; where up on the Ways full of Briers and Thorns, they take no other sustenance but a little Rice, with some insipid Plants, and no other Beverege but yellow muddy wa∣ter from the Ditches and Marshes.

There it is where a great number of our Brethren have suffered, and do still daily suffer Imprisonments, Chains, Scourgings, and all the torments that Hell is wont to suggest to the Enemies of our most holy Faith. There Father Brito, illustrious by his Birth, as also by the particular esteem wherewith his Maje∣sty of Portugal honoured him, but yet more, much more by his rare Vertues, had the honour to part with his life in the Cause of JESUS CHRIST, where his Brethren, after his example, labour by their ser∣vency to obtain the same favour from Heaven.

Perhaps, most Reverend Father, this Portraiture will not please the Men of this World, not being ready to bestow upon Sufferings the just value they deserve, and to savour the things that are of God, yet I know that will not abate the Zeal of our Fathers living in France, who have so many years aspired to toilsome tedious Employments.

The Missions in respect of them have so many more allurements, as they appear to others more hi∣deous and frightful: If they expected to find in the Indies only common crosses, whereunto Providence makes every Kingdom subject, but wherewith JESUS CHRIST hath in special manner enrich'd Christi∣anity, they would have been contented with their Recluse Religious way of living, and with the emi∣nent Vertues practised therein; they would never per∣haps have had the least thought of leaving their Friends, Relations, and Country. But they seek else∣where, what we here want of the Passion of JESUS CHRIST, according to the Apostles Counsel, and they are willing to fill up the whole extent, the breadth, and depth of this Divine Law, which car∣ries them out with St. Paul, to become Victims of the most pure Charity, even so far as to be Anathemised that their Brethren may be saved.

Yet these are those Apostles, most Reverend Fa∣ther, whom Envy sometimes in France, paints out to us in such black Colours, whom Heresie, ever more opposite to true Zeal, so often accuseth of Ambition, Avarice, Impiety and Idolatry, they are too happy in being the Butt that all the Shots of Calumny level at, provided they have none for their Enemies but the Enemies of the Church and Truth; and without doubt the War that such Adversaries declare against them, with so much heat and animosity here in Eu∣rope, does no less justisie them than that which they themselves declare against Paganism in the In∣dies.

Nevertheless, what Justice soever wise Men may do them in this point, yet it is most true that that does not suffice to justisie them before God, before whom the very Angels are impure; after all the efforts of our Zeal, we must not only acknowledge in all hu∣mility that we are unprofitable Servants, but confess likewise with thoughts full of horrour, that it is in vain to win over all the Nations upon Earth to JESUS CHRIST; if in the mean time we be so sluggish as to neglect our own Salvation, and unfor∣tunately lose our selves. I am with a profound respect,

Most Reverend Father,

Your most humble and most obedient Servant. L. J.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Reverend Father de Lionissa.
• † 1.2

  Mo••s. Maigrot and Monsieur Pin.
• * 1.3

  Father Spinola died by the way.
• * 1.4

  Barnaby, Theon∣vil, Nivart.
• † 1.5

  Ro∣chette, le Blanc Serlu, Daudy.