when_o he_o understand_v that_o what_o as_o thing_n then_o stand_v he_o scarce_o dare_v hope_n for_o be_v now_o at_o last_o accomplish_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o pontificate_n and_o universal_a benefit_n of_o christendom_n we_o know_v moreover_o that_o since_o this_o famous_a edict_n the_o chinese_n run_v in_o crowd_n to_o be_v baptize_v that_o the_o mandarin_n still_o idolater_n build_v church_n to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n that_o a_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n have_v abjure_v his_o error_n and_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o emperor_n himself_o cause_v a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v in_o his_o palace_n and_o lodge_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n near_o his_o own_o person_n these_o happy_a preparation_n will_v without_o all_o question_n oblige_v the_o holy_a father_n to_o employ_v all_o his_o care_n to_o the_o entire_a complete_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o that_o effect_n we_o demand_v of_o he_o pastor_n form_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o replenish_v with_o his_o spirit_n missionary_n altogether_o unbiased_a learned_a self_n deny_v that_o join_v prudence_n with_o evangelical_n simplicity_n who_o may_v seek_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o the_o nation_n rather_o than_o their_o own_o last_o of_o all_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o christian_a kingdom_n out_o of_o emulation_n one_o of_o another_o may_v strive_v under_o the_o pope_n authority_n who_o shall_v still_o send_v most_o minister_n into_o these_o vast_a country_n to_o share_v with_o we_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o extend_v our_o conquest_n nay_o though_o the_o most_o populous_a university_n and_o most_o famous_a seminary_n shall_v be_v transplant_v thither_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o few_o yea_o and_o with_o all_o these_o assistance_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o to_o speak_v in_o scripture_n language_n groan_n under_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o if_o we_o leave_v this_o new_a bear_v world_n to_o a_o small_a number_n of_o labourer_n who_o the_o piety_n of_o some_o do_v there_o maintain_v it_o be_v to_o beg_v this_o favour_n that_o i_o assume_v the_o boldness_n my_o lord_n to_o intrust_v you_o at_o this_o time_n with_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o mission_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o you_o never_o undertake_v any_o business_n of_o consequence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o christendom_n but_o you_o accomplish_v it_o now_o although_o this_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o be_v ten_o time_n more_o difficult_a than_o it_o be_v indeed_o i_o be_o in_o a_o manner_n sure_a of_o success_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o shall_v please_v to_o take_v it_o upon_o you_o yet_o notwithstanding_o my_o lord_n to_o succeed_v happy_o in_o this_o business_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o exert_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n all_o those_o quality_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v you_o almost_o ever_o superior_a to_o great_a enterprise_n that_o consummate_a wisdom_n that_o conduct_n you_o through_o the_o most_o sure_a roads_n that_o continual_a intention_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o hard_a labour_n can_v interrupt_v that_o dextrous_a insinuate_a conduct_n so_o impenetrable_a to_o the_o quick_a eye_n in_o a_o word_n that_o art_n so_o peculiar_a to_o you_o of_o persuade_v and_o obtain_v what_o you_o please_v all_o this_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n you_o need_v do_v no_o more_o here_o but_o abandon_v yourself_o to_o your_o own_o zeal_n and_o use_v that_o lively_a and_o natural_a eloquence_n that_o animate_v your_o discourse_n every_o time_n you_o be_v please_v in_o the_o sacred_a college_n to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n or_o when_o you_o represent_v to_o christ_n vicar_n the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n your_o care_n your_o piety_n my_o lord_n will_v be_v second_v with_o as_o many_o apostle_n as_o you_o shall_v procure_v missionary_n for_o we_o then_o will_n the_o idolater_n new_o convert_v and_o believer_n establish_v and_o settle_v in_o faith_n be_v equal_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o you_o shall_v procure_v they_o and_o the_o people_n enlighten_v by_o these_o divine_a light_n which_o the_o holy_a see_n shall_v disperse_v as_o far_o as_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v all_o their_o life_n long_o bless_v the_o paternal_a charity_n of_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o ardent_a zeal_n of_o his_o minister_n i_o be_o in_o the_o most_o profound_a respect_n my_o lord_n your_o eminence_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n l._n j._n a_o letter_n to_o monsieur_n the_o abbot_n bignon_n a_o general_n idea_n of_o the_o observation_n we_o have_v make_v in_o the_o indies_n and_o in_o china_n sir_n although_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o most_o ingenious_a learned_a man_n in_o europe_n by_o the_o rank_n you_o hold_v in_o the_o academy_n royal_a yet_o the_o passion_n i_o have_v always_o have_v to_o give_v you_o some_o mark_n of_o my_o esteem_n and_o to_o improve_v by_o your_o knowledge_n will_v engage_v i_o to_o communicate_v to_o you_o what_o we_o have_v perform_v in_o the_o indies_n as_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o science_n it_o be_v sir_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o illustrious_a academy_n with_o which_o we_o have_v such_o a_o strict_a friendship_n and_o correspondence_n that_o a_o person_n of_o your_o merit_n shall_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o esteem_n for_o the_o person_n it_o employ_v in_o its_o function_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o protection_n you_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o world_n will_v bâ—_n take_v kind_o by_o they_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o our_o particular_a interest_n that_o you_o will_v severe_o and_o strict_o examine_v our_o work_n and_o that_o when_o you_o have_v implore_v the_o esteem_n of_o the_o public_a on_o our_o behalf_n you_o will_v by_o a_o impartial_a and_o learned_a criticise_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o perfect_v we_o and_o make_v we_o one_o day_n worthy_a of_o its_o approbation_n and_o your_o own_o it_o be_v not_o sir_n that_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n in_o this_o place_n to_o explain_v to_o you_o in_o particular_a all_o that_o we_o have_v perform_v to_o acquire_v a_o more_o exact_a knowledge_n for_o the_o future_a of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n or_o to_o deliver_v memoires_n to_o those_o who_o design_n to_o penetrate_v far_o into_o the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n this_o work_n which_o be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o extent_n to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o single_a letter_n will_v serve_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o entire_a volume_n which_o we_o hope_v short_o to_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o present_v to_o you_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o understanding_n before_o hand_n the_o road_n we_o have_v hitherto_o keep_v you_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n what_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o make_v we_o exact_a or_o to_o be_v alter_v as_o to_o our_o method_n when_o we_o depart_v from_o paris_n with_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n and_o of_o the_o academy_n royal_a we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o perfection_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o this_o project_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o great_a diversity_n of_o matter_n we_o suppose_v it_o convenient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o take_v his_o part_n not_o only_o because_o each_o of_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n enough_o to_o ply_v so_o many_o different_a study_n all_o at_o once_o but_o also_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n have_v its_o limit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a to_o find_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n a_o genius_n equal_o proper_a for_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o we_o agree_v that_o some_o of_o we_o shall_v addict_v themselves_o to_o astronomical_a observation_n geometry_n and_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o mechanical_a art_n whilst_o other_o shall_v chief_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o what_o relate_v to_o anatomy_n knowledge_n of_o simple_n history_n of_o animal_n and_o other_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o every_o one_o shall_v choose_v according_a as_o his_o fancy_n lead_v he_o yet_o so_o that_o even_o those_o who_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o subject_a matter_n shall_v nevertheless_o not_o neglect_v the_o rest_n when_o time_n place_n or_o person_n shall_v afford_v they_o occasion_n to_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n therein_o we_o agree_v likewise_o that_o we_o shall_v mutual_o communicate_v our_o notion_n one_o to_o another_o to_o the_o end_n that_o each_o one_o may_v benefit_v by_o the_o common_a reflection_n and_o withal_o that_o nothing_o if_o possible_a shall_v escape_v our_o attention_n but_o let_v we_o take_v what_o care_n we_o can_v to_o succeed_v
more_o doleful_n and_o at_o once_o more_o honourable_a to_o we_o than_o the_o funeral_n of_o father_n verbeist_n which_o his_o imperial_a majesty_n have_v order_v to_o be_v put_v off_o till_o the_o last_o devoirs_fw-fr have_v be_v pay_v the_o empress_n dowager_n father_n thomas_n a_o jesuit_n have_v describe_v this_o ceremony_n at_o large_a i_o dare_v hope_v a_o extract_n of_o what_o he_o have_v write_v will_v not_o be_v unwelcome_a to_o you_o both_o because_o it_o will_v give_v you_o some_o insight_n into_o their_o custom_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o that_o you_o will_v thereby_o grow_v better_o acquaint_v with_o a_o man_n who_o his_o merit_n have_v make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n be_v please_v then_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o follow_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o from_o this_o mortal_a life_n father_n ferdâ—nando_n verbiest_n a_o fleming_n and_o to_o bestow_v on_o he_o the_o recompense_n of_o saint_n our_o missionary_n affliction_n may_v not_o easy_o be_v express_v but_o much_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v to_o reckon_v by_o how_o many_o exemplary_a virtue_n and_o considerable_a service_n he_o have_v merit_v their_o esteem_n and_o gratitude_n beside_o several_a other_o good_a quality_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v particular_o to_o be_v admire_v which_o have_v never_o fail_v he_o in_o the_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n so_o that_o he_o be_v ever_o triumphant_a over_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o survey_n of_o the_o mathematics_n be_v at_o first_o proffer_v he_o which_o dignity_n he_o accept_v of_o in_o hope_n it_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n our_o mission_n which_o be_v then_o whole_o lay_v aside_o he_o do_v indeed_o obtain_v a_o toleration_n for_o evangelical_n pastor_n who_o after_o a_o long_a banishment_n have_v their_o church_n restore_v they_o he_o stiâ—â—ed_v some_o persecution_n in_o their_o birth_n and_o other_o he_o prevent_v which_o threaten_v the_o tender_a flock_n the_o mandarines_n no_o soon_o know_v he_o but_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n for_o he_o and_o the_o emperor_n entertain_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o his_o capacity_n that_o he_o keep_v he_o above_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n near_o his_o person_n and_o during_o that_o time_n spend_v three_o or_o four_o hour_n every_o day_n with_o he_o in_o private_a discourse_v of_o several_a science_n especial_o mathematics_n in_o these_o conversation_n our_o zealous_a missionary_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v he_o into_o a_o like_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o will_v explain_v to_o he_o its_o most_o stupendous_a mystery_n and_o make_v he_o observe_v its_o holiness_n its_o truth_n and_o necessity_n insomuch_o that_o the_o emperor_n strike_v with_o his_o powerful_a argument_n often_o own_v that_o he_o believe_v a_o god_n he_o assure_v he_o of_o it_o by_o a_o write_n under_o his_o majesty_n own_o hand_n wherein_o he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o hiâ—_n empire_n seem_v to_o he_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o that_o he_o foresee_v christianity_n will_v one_o day_n be_v build_v on_o their_o ruin_n a_o chinese_n doctor_n have_v in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o place_v the_o emperor_n religion_n among_o the_o several_a heresy_n china_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o emperor_n upon_o the_o father_n complaint_n strike_v out_o those_o line_n himself_o tell_v he_o all_o the_o empire_n shall_v know_v what_o he_o have_v do_v father_n verbiest_n interest_n be_v such_o that_o at_o his_o instigation_n the_o old_a instrument_n which_o stand_v on_o the_o platform_n of_o the_o observatory_n be_v pull_v down_o to_o make_v room_n for_o new_a one_o of_o his_o contrive_v he_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o brass-gun_n which_o save_v the_o state_n from_o ruin_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o several_a other_o work_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a or_o satisfy_v the_o emperor_n curiosity_n and_o one_o may_v say_v that_o on_o this_o last_o account_n he_o have_v search_v into_o the_o most_o rare_a and_o and_o ingenious_a invention_n that_o art_n and_o science_n have_v ever_o offer_v we_o the_o whole_a court_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o his_o age_n but_o above_o all_o be_v charm_v with_o his_o modesty_n it_o be_v true_a no_o man_n ever_o be_v more_o mild_a and_o tractable_a than_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o every_o one_o while_o every_o one_o strive_v to_o exalt_v he_o insensible_a to_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n except_o where_o religion_n be_v concern_v for_o than_o he_o be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o man_n and_o as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v animate_v by_o a_o new_a spirit_n his_o look_n his_o word_n his_o action_n all_o be_v great_a and_o become_v a_o christian_a hero_n the_o very_a emperor_n dread_v he_o at_o such_o time_n and_o be_v not_o easy_o persuade_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o his_o presence_n he_o will_v fly_v out_o will_v he_o say_v into_o some_o undecency_n which_o i_o must_v be_v force_v though_o unwilling_o to_o resent_v this_o holy_a boldness_n proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o great_a confidence_n in_o god_n he_o despair_v of_o nothing_o though_o human_o impossible_a and_o will_v often_o say_v we_o must_v never_o forget_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a maxim_n of_o christian_a morality_n first_o that_o let_v our_o project_n be_v never_o so_o well_o lay_v they_o will_v certain_o fall_v if_o god_n leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n second_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o whole_a universe_n shall_v arm_v itself_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v powerful_a against_o the_o almighty_a and_o every_o thing_n prospeâ—s_v that_o heaven_n approve_v of_o so_o he_o never_o enter_v on_o any_o enterprise_n without_o implore_v its_o help_n though_o however_o he_o leave_v no_o mean_n untried_a that_o reason_n and_o christian_a prudence_n offer_v he_o thus_o do_v his_o zeal_n each_o day_n increase_v in_o strength_n and_o purity_n the_o establishment_n of_o our_o faith_n whole_o employ_v his_o thought_n and_o whatever_o occupation_n else_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o prove_v a_o torment_n to_o he_o he_o avoid_v all_o idle_a visit_n and_o conversation_n and_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v people_n study_v only_o for_o curiosity_n sake_n he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o read_v the_o news_n that_o come_v from_o europe_n which_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n we_o be_v usual_o so_o greedy_a of_o only_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o chief_a head_n provide_v you_o will_v speak_v they_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o will_v spend_v whole_a day_n and_o night_n in_o write_a letter_n of_o consolation_n instruction_n or_o recommendation_n for_o the_o missionary_n in_o compose_v divers_a work_n for_o the_o emperor_n or_o chief_a lord_n at_o his_o court_n and_o in_o compile_v the_o calendar_n calculate_v with_o a_o indefatigable_a industry_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n for_o every_o year_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n so_o impair_v his_o strength_n that_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o constitution_n he_o fall_v at_o last_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o consumption_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o frame_n great_a design_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v take_v such_o exact_a measure_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o china_n in_o the_o eastern_a tartary_n and_o even_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o kovia_n that_o nothing_o but_o his_o death_n can_v have_v prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o so_o well_o contrive_v a_o project_n let_v we_o view_v he_o now_o in_o private_a at_o his_o first_o admittance_n into_o our_o order_n he_o be_v a_o true_a monk_n strict_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o its_o rule_n very_o observant_a to_o his_o superior_n and_o love_a study_n and_o retirement_n above_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o persist_v in_o even_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o he_o will_v be_v as_o sedate_v as_o a_o hermit_n in_o his_o cell_n his_o conscience_n be_v nice_a to_o extremity_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o do_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o make_v his_o appearance_n before_o he_o who_o can_v espy_v fault_n even_o in_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n he_o never_o go_v out_o without_o a_o severe_a cilice_fw-la or_o a_o iron_n chain_n and_o use_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o jesuit_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o silk_n and_o in_o the_o livery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o to_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o christ._n his_o soul_n be_v natural_o great_a and_o when_o other_o necessity_n want_v a_o supply_n his_o charity_n be_v boundless_a but_o he_o be_v hard-hearted_a to_o himself_o court_v poverty_n even_o in_o
to_o purge_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o purify_v their_o heart_n even_o king_n who_o follow_v not_o this_o law_n whatsoever_o they_o do_v can_v never_o make_v themselves_o true_o estimable_a among_o man_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tui_fw-la tçoum_n a_o most_o wise_a and_o honour_a prince_n olopoüen_o come_v from_o judea_n after_o a_o long_a course_n of_o danger_n by_o sea_n and_o by_o land_n at_o last_o arrive_v at_o china_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 636._o the_o emperor_n have_v notice_n of_o it_o send_v a_o colao_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o suburb_n of_o the_o imperial_a city_n with_o order_n to_o conduct_v he_o to_o the_o palace_n when_o he_o come_v there_o his_o law_n be_v examine_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o acknowledge_v so_o that_o the_o emperor_n in_o favour_n of_o he_o make_v the_o follow_a edict_n no_o particular_a name_n comprehend_v the_o true_a law_n neither_o be_v the_o saint_n fix_v to_o one_o place_n they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v universal_o useful_a a_o man_n of_o judea_n of_o exemplary_a virtue_n be_v arrive_v at_o our_o court_n we_o have_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n and_o find_v it_o admirable_a with_o no_o mixture_n of_o pride_n and_o build_v upon_o those_o principle_n which_o suppose_v the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n this_o law_n teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o can_v but_o be_v extreme_o useful_a to_o all_o our_o subject_n i_o therefore_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v teach_v they_o afterwards_o he_o command_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o nominate_v one_o and_o twenty_o person_n to_o serve_v that_o cure_n kao_n the_o son_n of_o tai-çoum_a succeed_v he_o in_o the_o year_n 651_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o religion_n flourish_v which_o his_o father_n have_v receive_v he_o high_o honour_v the_o bishop_n olopoüen_o and_o build_v in_o all_o the_o province_n church_n for_o the_o true_a god_n so_o that_o the_o bonze_v some_o year_n after_o be_v alarm_v at_o the_o progress_n which_o christianity_n have_v make_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o it_o the_o persecution_n be_v great_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a grow_v small_a when_o our_o lord_n raise_v up_o two_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a zeal_n who_o defend_v the_o faith_n with_o so_o much_o vigour_n that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o recover_v its_o former_a lustre_n the_o emperor_n on_o his_o part_n strive_v to_o confirm_v it_o more_o and_o more_o even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o command_v five_o king_n to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o altar_n and_o to_o erect_v other_o church_n in_o several_a town_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o christian_n thus_o the_o foundation_n hook_n by_o the_o struggle_n which_o the_o bonze_v make_v become_v more_o solid_a and_o better_o fix_v than_o ever_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o prince_n himself_o continue_v to_o give_v great_a sign_n of_o his_o piety_n he_o make_v the_o picture_n of_o his_o predecessor_n be_v carry_v to_o church_n he_o offer_v himself_o a_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silk_n upon_o the_o altar_n pay_v mighty_a respect_n to_o ki-ho_a a_o missionary_n new_o arrive_v out_o of_o judea_n and_o all_o his_o life_n time_n omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n in_o his_o dominion_n venmin_n who_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o year_n 757._o inherit_v his_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o crown_n he_o build_v five_o church_n he_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o other_o great_a quality_n as_o well_o as_o for_o his_o care_n of_o religion_n the_o follow_a emperor_n confirm_v christianity_n by_o their_o edict_n and_o example_n we_o can_v pray_v for_o they_o without_o fear_v that_o our_o prayer_n will_v not_o be_v hear_v for_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a they_o bear_v with_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o men._n which_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o make_v peace_n and_o plenty_n flow_v into_o the_o great_a kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o bright_a charity_n the_o emperor_n so-tçoum_a offer_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o build_v church_n beside_o he_o assemble_v together_o the_o priest_n of_o four_o church_n and_o for_o forty_o day_n serve_v they_o himself_o with_o great_a respect_n he_o feed_v the_o poor_a clothe_v the_o naked_a heal_v the_o sick_a and_o bury_v the_o dead_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o great_a action_n and_o to_o let_v posterity_n know_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n here_o that_o we_o have_v erect_v this_o monument_n in_o the_o year_n 782._o this_o sir_n be_v a_o faithful_a epitome_n of_o what_o be_v remarkable_a in_o this_o famous_a remain_n of_o chinese_n antiquity_n the_o bonze_n who_o keep_v it_o in_o one_o of_o their_o temple_n near_o signanfou_n have_v erect_v over_o against_o it_o a_o long_a table_n of_o marble_n every_o way_n like_o it_o with_o encomium_n upon_o the_o god_n of_o the_o country_n to_o diminish_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v the_o glory_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n receive_v from_o thence_o the_o chronicle_n of_o china_n confirm_v by_o the_o order_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o emperor_n what_o the_o monument_n say_v of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o emperor_n mention_v therein_o be_v exalt_v too_o much_o some_o of_o who_o in_o history_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o paganism_n as_o this_o say_v they_o do_v for_o christianity_n however_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n that_o the_o faith_n be_v preach_v there_o and_o receive_v by_o a_o great_a many_o person_n it_o flourish_v there_o at_o least_o a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n and_o perhaps_o much_o long_o for_o we_o '_o have_v no_o account_v of_o its_o failure_n for_o the_o very_a memory_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o when_o the_o new_a missionary_n of_o our_o society_n come_v thither_o they_o find_v no_o sign_n or_o footstep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1552._o that_o saint_n xavier_n go_v thither_o in_o hope_n to_o add_v this_o new_a conquest_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v that_o that_o great_a man_n have_v make_v but_o a_o essay_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o if_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n have_v but_o serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o that_o zeal_n which_o he_o will_v be_v perfect_a master_n of_o in_o china_n and_o sure_o moses_n never_o have_v a_o more_o ardent_a desire_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a land_n to_o gather_v with_o his_o people_n the_o temporal_a riches_n of_o that_o country_n than_o this_o apostle_n long_v to_o carry_v into_o this_o new_a world_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o one_o and_o tother_o die_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o their_o long_a voyage_n and_o infinite_a labour_n seem_v answer_v by_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o success_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o moses_n death_n be_v a_o punishment_n to_o he_o for_o his_o lack_n of_o faith_n saint_n xavier_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o he_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o reward_v his_o zeal_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o charity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o defer_v for_o a_o time_n that_o torrent_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o design_v for_o the_o empire_n of_o china_n that_o he_o may_v reward_v his_o servant_n with_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o so_o many_o nation_n he_o die_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o sancham_a or_o as_o we_o speak_v it_o sanciam_fw-la under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o province_n of_o canton_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o ground_n several_a month_n all_o which_o time_n god_n preserve_v he_o from_o the_o usual_a corruption_n from_o hence_o he_o be_v carry_v to_o goa_n where_o from_o that_o time_n he_o have_v be_v honour_v as_o the_o protector_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o east_n the_o touch_n of_o his_o body_n consecrate_a the_o place_n of_o his_o burial_n that_o island_n become_v not_o only_o a_o famous_a place_n but_o also_o a_o holy_a land_n even_o the_o heathen_n honour_v it_o and_o flee_v thither_o as_o to_o a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n pirate_n haunt_v those_o coast_n that_o no_o vessel_n dare_v to_o go_v thereabouts_o so_o that_o the_o place_n where_o this_o sacred_a tomb_n lay_v be_v quite_o unknown_a to_o the_o european_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n ago_o that_o they_o discover_v it_o by_o a_o particular_a accident_n in_o the_o year_n 1688._o a_o portugese_n vessel_n which_o
be_v present_a he_o behave_v himself_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o emperor_n can_v scarce_o bear_v with_o he_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n across_o and_o cry_v out_o as_o loud_a as_o he_o can_v see_v here_o do_v but_o observe_v what_o these_o fellow_n adore_v and_o what_o they_o will_v have_v 〈◊〉_d worship_n too_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hang_v a_o person_n who_o be_v crucify_v let_v any_o one_o judge_n hereby_o of_o their_o understanding_n and_o good_a sense_n but_o all_o these_o excursion_n serve_v only_o to_o diminish_v his_o own_o credit_n this_o wicked_a person_n more_o unblamable_a for_o his_o crime_n than_o for_o his_o ignorance_n lose_v his_o charge_n and_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n notwithstanding_o the_o emperor_n suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a old_a age_n but_o god_n himself_o execute_v his_o sentence_n of_o vengeance_n he_o smite_v he_o with_o a_o horrible_a ulcer_n and_o by_o his_o sorrowful_a death_n deliver_v religion_n from_o this_o monster_n of_o iniquity_n then_o the_o care_n of_o the_o mathematics_n be_v commit_v to_o father_n verbiest_n the_o ancient_a missionary_n be_v recall_v to_o their_o old_a church_n but_o forbid_v to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v new_a one_o or_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o chinese_n last_o to_o magnify_v our_o happiness_n the_o memory_n of_o father_n adam_n be_v mighty_o respect_v even_o at_o court_n he_o be_v public_o justify_v and_o clear_v his_o charge_n and_o title_n of_o honour_n be_v remand_v he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n make_v nobility_n the_o emperor_n himself_o appoint_v considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o build_v he_o a_o stately_a mausoleum_n which_o at_o this_o present_a be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o room_n of_o a_o sepulchre_n adorn_v with_o statue_n and_o several_a marble_n figure_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o a_o continual_a vicissitude_n prove_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o persecution_n and_o encourage_v they_o again_o by_o punish_v their_o persecutor_n this_o happy_a peace_n which_o the_o church_n gain_v through_o father_n verbiest_n mean_n encourage_v the_o missionary_n to_o repair_v that_o damage_n which_o hell_n have_v do_v beside_o the_o jesuit_n there_o be_v several_a father_n of_o the_o order_n of_o st._n francis_n and_o st._n augustin_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n new_a establishment_n be_v gain_v every_o where_o and_o notwithstanding_o any_o prohibition_n a_o great_a number_n of_o heathen_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o eternal_a punishment_n than_o of_o that_o with_o which_o the_o law_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o threaten_v they_o so_o ardent_a and_o so_o hasty_a a_o zeal_n will_v perhaps_o make_v you_o amaze_v but_o beside_o that_o charity_n be_v always_o hazardous_a many_o thing_n contribute_v to_o confirm_v those_o who_o may_v else_o be_v afraid_a of_o fatal_a consequence_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o great_a authority_n which_o the_o missionary_n have_v acquire_v at_o court_n in_o a_o small_a time_n especial_o the_o emperor_n be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o despise_v honour_n and_o that_o at_o home_o they_o lead_v a_o austere_a life_n the_o prince_n be_v inform_v of_o this_o such_o way_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v he_o have_v information_n from_o spy_n of_o all_o that_o pass_v in_o their_o house_n even_o so_o nice_o as_o to_o know_v their_o mortification_n and_o corporeal_a penance_n he_o send_v also_o to_o the_o father_n house_n a_o young_a tartar_n of_o good_a part_n under_o pretence_n to_o learn_v philosophy_n but_o in_o reality_n to_o discover_v the_o most_o secret_a thing_n in_o their_o family_n and_o to_o be_v himself_o i_o think_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n he_o stay_v there_o a_o year_n without_o know_v what_o the_o prince_n intention_n be_v who_o have_v send_v for_o he_o into_o his_o presence_n command_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o all_o the_o private_a disorder_n of_o these_o father_n and_o especial_o how_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o towards_o he_o and_o when_o these_o young_a man_n constant_o bear_v testimony_n of_o the_o father_n innocence_n i_o see_v very_o well_o say_v the_o emperor_n they_o have_v stop_v your_o mouth_n with_o present_n but_o i_o know_v a_o way_n to_o open_v it_o again_o then_o he_o make_v he_o be_v severe_o slash_v at_o several_a time_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o pain_n enough_o to_o make_v the_o young_a tartar_n speak_v against_o his_o conscience_n which_o please_v the_o prince_n mighty_o who_o will_v be_v disturb_v to_o find_v himself_o deceive_v in_o the_o idea_n which_o he_o have_v form_v to_o himself_o of_o these_o fervent_a missionary_n this_o oblige_v he_o afterward_o to_o take_v their_o part_n in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o mandarin_n some_o of_o which_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o missionary_n because_o their_o outward_a carriage_n seem_v so_o good_a as_o for_o that_o matter_n say_v the_o emperor_n to_o they_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o can_v find_v fault_n with_o they_o after_o all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v to_o get_v information_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o these_o people_n teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o practise_v and_o they_o be_v indeed_o as_o modest_a as_o they_o appear_v outward_o to_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n which_o engage_v the_o emperor_n to_o favour_v the_o missionary_n be_v the_o great_a understanding_n of_o father_n verbiest_n who_o in_o a_o small_a time_n be_v reckon_v the_o learn_a man_n in_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o faculty_n his_o reputation_n be_v every_o where_o spread_v abroad_o and_o upon_o many_o occasion_n his_o opinion_n have_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o oracle_n some_o mandarin_n one_o day_n speak_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o fable_n one_o of_o they_o say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o the_o christian_n mean_v and_o be_o as_o much_o puzzle_v as_o you_o but_o father_n verby_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n what_o say_v you_o to_o that_o can_v a_o man_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o understanding_n mistake_v they_o all_o hold_v their_o tongue_n and_o seem_v to_o yield_v to_o this_o reason_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a learning_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v as_o some_o think_v opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o sometime_o serve_v to_o establish_v it_o and_o to_o render_v the_o most_o obscure_a mystery_n therein_o credible_a the_o three_o reason_n be_v that_o hearty_a love_n which_o the_o emperor_n believe_v the_o missionary_n have_v for_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o missionary_n omit_v nothing_o which_o they_o think_v will_v please_v he_o and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o inflexible_a and_o resolute_a against_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o religion_n so_o be_v they_o the_o most_o complaisant_a and_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o reasonable_a request_n of_o the_o emperor_n a_o rebellion_n which_o happen_v at_o this_o time_n put_v it_o into_o father_n verbiest_n power_n to_o do_v the_o crown_n a_o considerable_a piece_n of_o service_n ousangâ—ei_fw-it that_o famous_a chinese_n general_n who_o have_v bring_v the_o tartar_n into_o the_o empire_n think_v he_o have_v then_o a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o drive_v they_o out_o again_o he_o be_v natural_o courageous_a and_o in_o chensi_fw-la command_v the_o best_a of_o the_o chinese_n soldiery_n and_o have_v get_v together_o a_o vast_a deal_n of_o money_n this_o make_v he_o set_v up_o to_o be_v emperor_n and_o make_v he_o believe_v he_o can_v easy_o compass_v his_o design_n and_o indeed_o he_o so_o order_v his_o matter_n that_o he_o make_v himself_o present_o master_n of_o the_o three_o great_a province_n yunnam_n soutçhoven_n and_o gueit_v çheou_fw-mi afterward_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o province_n of_o houquam_fw-la acknowledge_v he_o so_o that_o these_o possession_n and_o chensi_fw-la which_o he_o have_v in_o possession_n a_o good_a while_n before_o make_v he_o master_n of_o almost_o a_o three_o of_o china_n these_o conquest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o secure_a to_o he_o because_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o vice-roys_n of_o quantoum_n and_o fokien_n follow_v his_o example_n and_o give_v the_o emperor_n on_o that_o side_n a_o mighty_a diversion_n and_o beside_o a_o powerful_a pirate_n with_o a_o great_a fleet_n attack_v and_o in_o few_o day_n take_v the_o island_n formosa_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n less_o than_o this_o will_v have_v ruin_v the_o tartar_n if_o they_o have_v all_o concert_v their_o business_n together_o but_o jealousy_n which_o do_v oft_o overthrow_v the_o firm_a league_n ruin_v their_o project_n the_o king_n of_o fokien_n fall_v out_o with_o that_o of_o formosa_fw-la and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o be_v damage_v by_o his_o fleet_n make_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o emperor_n who_o give_v he_o such_o
he_o make_v choice_n of_o six_o jesuit_n who_o he_o think_v capable_a of_o give_v good_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o learned_a and_o instruction_n to_o intelligent_a person_n those_o who_o be_v thus_o appoint_v can_v have_v wish_v they_o have_v all_o the_o ability_n necessary_a for_o this_o employment_n they_o do_v nevertheless_o set_v out_o with_o a_o good_a will_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o their_o small_a talent_n to_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o pious_a design_n of_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o china_n we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o condition_n i_o have_v be_v relate_v the_o harvest_n be_v plentiful_a every_o where_o but_o it_o be_v almost_o destitute_a of_o workman_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o father_n intorcetta_n word_n one_o of_o the_o most_o note_a missionary_n drown_v in_o those_o tear_n which_o the_o sorrow_n of_o see_v herself_o abandon_v force_v continual_o from_o she_o benedictus_fw-la deus_fw-la qui_fw-la fecit_fw-la nobiscum_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la svam_fw-la liberavit_fw-la vos_fw-la à _fw-la naufragio_fw-la ut_fw-la prope_fw-la naufragam_fw-la nostram_fw-la missionem_fw-la ab_fw-la aquis_fw-la lacrimarum_fw-la summique_fw-la moeroris_fw-la eriperet_fw-la vos_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o cord_n servo_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la veros_fw-la societatis_fw-la filion_n virosque_fw-la apostolicos_fw-la intimis_fw-la animi_fw-la praecordiis_fw-la amplector_fw-la etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o first_o letter_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o assist_v in_o the_o glorious_a labour_n of_o his_o mission_n providence_n put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o employ_v ourselves_o useful_o there_o and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v no_o other_o good_a than_o be_v the_o draw_v after_o we_o by_o our_o example_n several_a other_o missionary_n who_o follow_v we_o and_o who_o now_o be_v full_a of_o their_o holy_a labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o and_o a_o very_a great_a advantage_n to_o china_n but_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o comfortable_a be_v that_o we_o have_v hereby_o contribute_v very_o much_o towards_o remove_v those_o let_n and_o hindrance_n to_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o for_o at_o the_o remonstrance_n of_o father_n tachard_n support_v also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o reverend_a father_n general_n innocent_a xi_o suspend_v the_o oath_n and_o after_o clement_n viii_o grant_v to_o the_o king_n of_o portugal_n to_o nominate_v three_o bishop_n one_o of_o pekin_n the_o other_o of_o nankin_n and_o the_o three_o of_o macao_n and_o at_o this_o present_a our_o holy_a father_n who_o in_o his_o own_o self_n have_v all_o the_o zeal_n all_o the_o piety_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o predecessor_n animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o move_v if_o i_o may_v do_v myself_o the_o honour_n of_o say_v so_o with_o what_o i_o have_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o represent_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o mission_n be_v about_o to_o regulate_v all_o the_o particular_n therein_o by_o the_o prudent_a council_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o sacred_a congregation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereafter_o nothing_o may_v be_v so_o much_o lay_v to_o heart_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o kingdom_n of_o europe_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v with_o one_o consent_n labour_n to_o bring_v about_o and_o perfect_v this_o great_a work_n thus_o sir_n i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o establishment_n and_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o china_n from_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n till_o these_o last_o time_n this_o church_n heretofore_o very_o famous_a but_o after_o that_o whole_o overturn_v by_o superstition_n have_v at_o last_o be_v reestablish_v one_o age_n ago_o by_o one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o our_o society_n and_o augment_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o great_a many_o missionary_n govern_v by_o wise_a prelate_n honour_v by_o the_o protection_n of_o many_o emperor_n support_v by_o the_o bounty_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n and_o which_o be_v more_o for_o its_o glory_n persecute_v by_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v precious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n by_o the_o chain_n the_o banishment_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o confessor_n i_o be_o with_o all_o imaginable_a respect_n sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n l._n j._n to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr chaize_n confessor_n to_o the_o king_n concern_v the_o manner_n how_o each_o missionary_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o china_n and_o of_o the_o fervency_n of_o the_o new_a christian_n most_o reverend_a father_n although_o the_o important_a affair_n of_o china_n which_o detain_v i_o at_o present_a at_o rome_n require_v all_o my_o application_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o excuse_n if_o i_o be_o want_v in_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o my_o other_o duty_n so_o exact_o as_o i_o can_v desire_v i_o can_v nevertheless_o in_o the_o least_o forget_v both_o the_o obligation_n which_o i_o myself_o have_v to_o you_o in_o particular_a as_o well_o as_o the_o mission_n in_o the_o east_n in_o general_n it_o be_v you_o most_o reverend_a father_n who_o former_o draw_v out_o the_o platform_n of_o they_o who_o just_o then_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o minister_n who_o your_o testimonial_n together_o with_o the_o esteem_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n upon_o earth_n have_v render_v in_o process_n of_o time_n more_o renown_v than_o all_o their_o particular_a qualification_n this_o royal_a protection_n under_o which_o we_o have_v undaunted_o affront_v danger_n those_o letter_n write_v on_o our_o behalf_n to_o sovereign_n and_o their_o officer_n those_o magnificent_a present_n those_o regular_o settle_a pensione_n those_o extraordinary_a help_n and_o what_o we_o value_v mucâ—_n more_o those_o so_o grave_a counsel_n savour_v so_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o you_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n hallow_a our_o first_o voyage_n and_o which_o we_o still_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o safe_a rule_n of_o our_o behaviour_n and_o conduct_n be_v benefit_n either_o receive_v from_o yourself_o or_o procure_v by_o your_o mean_n it_o be_v but_o just_a most_o reverend_a father_n that_o in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n soever_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v testify_v our_o acknowledgement_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o one_o can_v give_v you_o more_o solid_a demonstration_n of_o they_o than_o by_o maintain_v by_o our_o great_a zeal_n what_o you_o have_v perform_v to_o our_o advantage_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v be_v satisfy_v and_o that_o at_o least_o i_o shall_v perform_v my_o duty_n by_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o success_n wherewith_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o crown_v our_o labour_n and_o what_o benefit_n we_o may_v hope_v to_o reap_v from_o the_o missionary_n which_o you_o yourself_o will_v form_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o out_o of_o your_o hand_n in_o a_o word_n the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o write_v to_o you_o upon_o this_o subject_a be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n diminish_v that_o due_a care_n and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o mission_n that_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o will_v much_o contribute_v to_o their_o future_a establishment_n for_o i_o hope_v that_o your_o protection_n become_v thereby_o more_o effectual_a and_o solid_a will_v more_o advance_v our_o affair_n than_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o care_n which_o i_o can_v possible_o take_v for_o their_o success_n pursuant_n to_o the_o first_o project_n that_o we_o lay_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o to_o stay_v at_o pekin_n in_o the_o palace_n and_o service_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o providence_n otherwise_o order_v it_o and_o they_o at_o last_o give_v way_n to_o our_o inclination_n which_o move_v we_o to_o disperse_v ourselves_o all_o over_o the_o province_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o religion_n they_o be_v content_a to_o detain_v father_n gerbillon_n and_o father_n bouvet_n at_o court_n where_o they_o immediate_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o language_n with_o such_o success_n that_o they_o be_v quick_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o assist_v the_o christian_n yea_o and_o to_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o emperor_n in_o several_a important_a affair_n the_o most_o considerable_a be_v the_o peace_n between_o the_o moseovite_n and_o chinese_n the_o treaty_n of_o which_o be_v then_o afoot_a 300_o league_n from_o pekin_n whither_o father_n gerbillon_n be_v send_v with_o prince_n sosan_n who_o be_v nominate_v plenipotentiary_n for_o the_o empire_n nipchou_fw-mi be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n assemble_v each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o body_n of_o soldier_n attend_v to_o terminate_v if_o occasion_n
that_o remain_v be_v scarce_a sufficient_a to_o live_v on_o the_o missionary_n be_v very_o decent_o not_o to_o say_v very_o poor_o habit_v in_o his_o house_n his_o lodging_n be_v very_o inconvenient_a he_o lie_v upon_o the_o hard_a ground_n or_o upon_o a_o very_a thin_a quilt_n without_o sheet_n as_o for_o his_o table_n it_o be_v so_o frugal_a that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o monk_n in_o europe_n to_o who_o the_o canon_n prescribe_v such_o a_o vigorous_a abstinence_n some_o of_o they_o pass_v whole_a year_n together_o with_o only_a rice_n leguminous_a vegetables_n and_o water_n for_o the_o thou_o that_o be_v usual_o drink_v be_v neither_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n of_o a_o chinese_n nor_o a_o foreigner_n however_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o house_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o come_v abroad_o to_o travel_v about_o the_o province_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o lose_a sheep_n in_o the_o village_n mountain_n and_o the_o most_o remote_a place_n one_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o continual_a fatigue_n of_o their_o mission_n i_o speak_v chief_o of_o those_o that_o perform_v in_o the_o western_a province_n for_o the_o channel_n that_o water_n almost_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o south_n make_v these_o perambulation_n less_o tedious_a then_o it_o be_v that_o they_o labour_v night_n and_o day_n lie_v in_o barn_n eat_v with_o the_o poor_a country_n man_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorch_a sun_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a cold_n oftentimes_o cover_v all_o over_o with_o snow_n and_o wet_a to_o the_o skin_n with_o rain_n and_o then_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o comfort_v we_o at_o our_o arrival_n but_o fervent_a christian_n that_o quite_o weary_v we_o out_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o we_o the_o province_n of_o chensi_fw-la that_o fall_v to_o my_o care_n be_v one_o of_o the_o vast_a in_o all_o china_n i_o have_v some_o christian_n and_o church_n establish_v a_o hundred_o league_n of_o one_o another_o whether_o i_o must_v go_v by_o roads_n so_o toilsome_a that_o even_o horse_n be_v of_o no_o use_n they_o have_v mule_n breed_v in_o the_o mountain_n and_o manage_v for_o these_o sort_n of_o journey_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o easy_a way_n as_o for_o the_o other_o way_n you_o be_v fain_o to_o foot_v it_o whether_o you_o creep_v on_o all_o four_o up_o the_o rock_n or_o descend_v into_o the_o precipice_n you_o cross_v over_o the_o valley_n in_o water_n and_o dirt_n expose_v to_o tiger_n but_o yet_o more_o to_o robber_n who_o retreat_n the_o country_n do_v favour_n they_o be_v not_o like_o those_o fine_a way_n and_o delightful_a pleasant_a champain_n province_n of_o the_o south_n which_o art_n and_o nature_n have_v seem_v rather_o to_o have_v make_v for_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n than_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o traveller_n the_o valley_n of_o the_o alps_n and_o pyrenees_n be_v much_o more_o passable_a and_o one_o may_v proper_o say_v of_o china_n that_o where_o it_o be_v fine_a nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v fine_a and_o when_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nothing_o be_v more_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a nevertheless_o since_o the_o death_n of_o father_n fâ—bâ—r_n one_o take_v delight_n to_o travel_v along_o these_o tedious_a road_n that_o he_o water_v former_o with_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n where_o he_o have_v shed_v abroad_o that_o sweet_a savour_n of_o holiness_n that_o still_o uphold_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o animate_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o missionary_n the_o other_o church_n of_o this_o province_n be_v more_o easy_o come_v at_o i_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o year_n in_o travel_v from_o village_n to_o village_n catechise_v preach_a administer_a the_o sacrament_n to_o believer_n that_o assemble_v upon_o my_o passage_n in_o all_o the_o place_n that_o i_o appoint_v i_o divide_v my_o time_n between_o they_o and_o the_o idolater_n who_o conversion_n always_o prove_v more_o frequent_a in_o these_o solitary_a remote_a place_n than_o in_o great_a city_n or_o in_o the_o metropolis_n of_o a_o province_n some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v who_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o read_v or_o by_o their_o commerce_n with_o christian_n come_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n to_o receive_v baptism_n other_o shake_v and_o rouse_v either_o by_o their_o relation_n or_o friend_n come_v to_o hear_v disputation_n and_o at_o last_o surrender_v themselves_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n many_o allure_v by_o novelty_n or_o by_o the_o entreaty_n of_o their_o neighbour_n hear_v attentive_o and_o always_o dispute_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n among_o who_o some_o there_o be_v that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o disputation_n more_o harden_v than_o ever_o yet_o other_o more_o faithful_a to_o the_o drawing_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o humble_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n all_o my_o trouble_n in_o these_o sort_n of_o controversy_n be_v that_o i_o can_v not_o deliver_v myself_o as_o i_o will_v the_o difficulty_n of_o explain_v myself_o in_o a_o foreign_a language_n deprive_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o weight_n and_o power_n i_o think_v if_o i_o can_v but_o have_v speak_v my_o native_a tongue_n there_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v one_o idolater_n in_o my_o auditory_a that_o shall_v not_o have_v open_v his_o eye_n to_o truth_n first_o and_o then_o to_o faith_n but_o beside_o that_o man_n common_o speak_v enough_o of_o it_o to_o make_v every_o man_n inexcusable_a as_o st._n paul_n say_v yet_o i_o make_v moreover_o this_o reflection_n that_o he_o that_o plant_n and_o he_o that_o water_n what_o pain_n soever_o he_o may_v take_v and_o how_o expert_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o plant_v and_o water_v well_o yet_o do_v but_o very_o little_a by_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o refer_v this_o great_a work_n of_o convert_v soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o cause_v these_o plant_n to_o increase_v that_o nourish_v they_o that_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o at_o these_o set_a time_n fix_v and_o ordain_v in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o divine_a predestination_n how_o many_o time_n have_v i_o see_v a_o few_o ill_a word_n pronounce_v sensible_o to_o triumph_v over_o error_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o master_n within_o the_o elect_n do_v unfold_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o whereas_o prolix_a discourse_n have_v have_v none_o other_o effect_n but_o only_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n when_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o accompany_v they_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o will_v without_o doubt_n most_o reverend_a father_n be_v exceed_o glad_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o main_a difficulty_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o have_v observe_v three_o sort_n of_o they_o that_o seem_v peculiar_a to_o the_o chinese_n person_n of_o quality_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v wise_a object_v chief_o against_o the_o mystery_n their_o heart_n rise_v chief_o against_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n a_o god_n that_o be_v penetrable_a a_o god_n that_o can_v die_v be_v no_o less_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n eternal_a supreme_a infinite_o just_a infinite_o powerful_a go_v easy_o down_o with_o they_o and_o the_o convince_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o i_o urge_v to_o they_o make_v they_o sometime_o forbear_v enter_v into_o the_o list_n with_o i_o thereupon_o to_o proceed_v in_o order_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o road_n which_o prudence_n and_o holy_a father_n have_v chalk_v out_o for_o we_o on_o these_o occasion_n i_o divide_v our_o religion_n into_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o i_o propose_v to_o they_o whatsoever_o reason_n exempt_v from_o passion_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n be_v infinite_o holy_a enjoin_v we_o to_o love_v virtue_n and_o shun_v vice_n to_o obey_v prince_n to_o respect_v our_o relation_n to_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o one_o neighbour_n that_o good_a man_n that_o be_v oftentimes_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n enjoy_v a_o certain_a reward_n in_o the_o next_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a wicked_a man_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o inordinate_a pleasure_n be_v rigorous_o punish_v after_o death_n that_o this_o same_o hope_n and_o fear_v that_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n be_v likewise_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o our_o demeanour_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o inflame_a love_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v for_o this_o supreme_a arbitrator_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v capable_a alone_o to_o
hundred_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o edification_n but_o be_v i_o set_v down_o nothing_o but_o what_o i_o have_v see_v i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o relate_v a_o more_o recent_a example_n which_o likewise_o much_o affect_v i_o a_o fervent_a christian_n of_o the_o province_n of_o chensi_fw-la after_o he_o have_v enrich_v himself_o in_o divers_a honourable_a employ_v do_v at_o last_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n resolve_v to_o lay_v out_o one_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o other_o in_o lead_v a_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a life_n with_o his_o family_n he_o have_v build_v a_o church_n in_o the_o country_n whither_o i_o sometime_o go_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o baptise_v the_o chatechist_n who_o he_o take_v special_a care_n to_o train_v up_o himself_o but_o his_o house_n stand_v in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v a_o great_a thorow-fair_a the_o troop_n that_o be_v continual_o go_v and_o come_v in_o china_n lay_v all_o his_o ground_n waste_v not_o dare_v to_o do_v the_o least_o damage_n to_o those_o of_o his_o neighbour_n idolater_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o chinese_n be_v wont_n public_o to_o belch_v out_o curse_n against_o those_o that_o do_v they_o wrong_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v be_v revenge_v of_o they_o other_o way_n if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v robe_v in_o his_o house_n and_o one_o can_v discover_v the_o robber_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n for_o several_a day_n together_o the_o family_n business_n be_v to_o curse_v he_o the_o father_n mother_n child_n and_o the_o servant_n take_v it_o by_o turn_n and_o relieve_v one_o another_o in_o this_o exercise_n and_o wish_v he_o all_o mischief_n imaginable_a they_o have_v if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o formula_n of_o foul_a language_n and_o dire_a expression_n which_o they_o repeat_v a_o hundred_o time_n bawl_v as_o loud_o as_o possible_o they_o be_v able_a at_o the_o gate_n or_o upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o robber_n will_v come_v to_o some_o harm_n by_o themâ—_n wherever_o he_o be_v till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o wrong_n notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o these_o robber_n that_o give_v any_o heed_n to_o this_o tedious_a noise_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o be_v fright_v at_o it_o and_o this_o fear_n prevent_v abundance_n of_o violence_n christian_n who_o love_v their_o enemy_n and_o wish_v well_o to_o those_o that_o do_v ill_a by_o they_o be_v far_o from_o curse_v they_o so_o that_o the_o soldier_n that_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o fear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o gentile_n spare_v their_o good_n and_o fear_v nothing_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o this_o zealous_a christian_a they_o plunder_v his_o house_n steal_v his_o fruit_n cut_v down_o his_o corn_n and_o pluck_v up_o his_o tree_n so_o you_o see_v his_o extraordinary_a patience_n draw_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o damage_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v equal_o fall_v upon_o other_o his_o friend_n more_o concern_v at_o his_o loss_n than_o himself_o often_o laugh_v at_o his_o insensibleness_n and_o reproach_v he_o much_o what_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o iob_n friend_n do_v he_o on_o such_o a_o like_a occasion_n tell_v he_o that_o all_o his_o blessing_n of_o god_n will_v not_o secure_v he_o from_o lose_v his_o estate_n and_o probable_o not_o from_o starve_v benedic_n deo_fw-la &_o morere_fw-la bless_v god_n and_o die_v they_o be_v always_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o for_o the_o bare_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n he_o will_v see_v himself_o reduce_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n if_o so_o be_v say_v they_o you_o be_v afraid_a yourself_o to_o utter_v curse_n against_o those_o rogue_n send_v one_o of_o your_o servant_n to_o do_v it_o for_o you_o or_o else_o let_v out_o your_o estate_n to_o gentile_n who_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o ridiculous_a scruple_n this_o good_a man_n abound_v in_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o that_o godly_a simplicity_n so_o conformable_a to_o the_o gospel_n make_v answer_n that_o all_o he_o have_v be_v at_o god_n disposal_n that_o he_o will_v preserve_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a he_o have_v rather_o receive_v hurt_v than_o to_o do_v any_o he_o tell_v i_o one_o day_n my_o child_n take_v it_o very_o ill_a that_o i_o leave_v my_o house_n and_o good_n at_o six_o and_o seven_o to_o be_v plunder_v at_o this_o rate_n you_o know_v i_o have_v my_o particular_a reason_n to_o do_v thus_o but_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o to_o complain_v since_o the_o good_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o they_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o live_v without_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o body_n upon_o what_o i_o have_v reserve_v for_o myself_o but_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o want_n yet_o i_o have_v rather_o when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v leave_v example_n of_o virtue_n for_o their_o portion_n that_o contribute_v to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n than_o riches_n that_o may_v make_v they_o lose_v they_o these_o sentiment_n most_o reverend_a father_n be_v such_o matter_n of_o joy_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o to_o you_o i_o say_v sometime_o to_o myself_o in_o the_o excess_n of_o my_o joy_n be_v there_o more_o faith_n than_o that_o in_o israel_n no_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v lose_v nothing_o by_o leave_v france_n since_o i_o find_v some_o saint_n here_o thy_o spirit_n have_v indeed_o fill_v all_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o profound_a science_n of_o salvation_n that_o we_o in_o europe_n have_v enjoy_v for_o so_o many_o age_n begin_v at_o length_n to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o stupendous_a efficacy_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n nevertheless_o because_o his_o child_n be_v very_o urgent_a with_o i_o to_o find_v out_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o remedy_v this_o disorder_n and_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o prevent_v the_o gentile_n malice_n from_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_n patience_n i_o permit_v they_o on_o such_o occasion_n as_o these_o to_o make_v use_n of_o threaten_n instead_o of_o curse_n and_o to_o tell_v they_o i_o wish_v you_o no_o harm_n yea_o and_o i_o forgive_v that_o you_o have_v do_v i_o but_o god_n who_o plead_v my_o cause_n know_v how_o to_o punish_v though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o you_o shall_v be_v smite_v with_o all_o the_o anathema_n that_o your_o unjust_a violence_n deserve_v and_o that_o curse_v he_o send_v on_o you_o at_o present_a will_v be_v to_o you_o the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n which_o his_o law_n forbid_v i_o to_o wish_v to_o you_o this_o expedient_a take_v effect_v and_o the_o christian_n grow_v eloquent_a for_o their_o own_o interest_n do_v so_o lively_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o the_o idolater_n dare_v no_o long_o blame_v they_o the_o second_o obstacle_n in_o my_o way_n in_o convert_v the_o chinese_n proceed_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o wife_n which_o the_o law_n of_o that_o country_n permit_v they_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n of_o quality_n only_o who_o beside_o their_o own_o wife_n take_v as_o many_o concubine_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v for_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n they_o have_v not_o wealth_n enough_o to_o allow_v this_o expense_n the_o mandarin_n be_v by_o their_o condition_n debar_v from_o all_o ordinary_a divertisement_n they_o be_v permit_v only_o to_o eat_v now_o and_o then_o with_o their_o friend_n and_o give_v they_o a_o play_n game_n take_v the_o air_n hunting_n private_a visit_n public_a assembly_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o in_o they_o as_o crime_n of_o state_n so_o that_o they_o seek_v no_o further_o than_o their_o house_n to_o find_v wherewithal_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o the_o law_n abridge_v they_o of_o here_o and_o there_o one_o of_o they_o apply_v himself_o to_o study_v as_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o advance_v he_o but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o mandarin_n compose_v a_o kind_n of_o seraglio_n wherein_o they_o spend_v all_o the_o time_n that_o they_o can_v steal_v from_o their_o affair_n one_o may_v judge_v by_o that_o how_o little_a they_o be_v incline_v to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o delight_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o one_o wife_n who_o age_n nay_o and_o many_o time_n antipathy_n have_v but_o already_o too_o much_o disgu_v they_o it_o be_v true_a those_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v permit_v to_o take_v one_o of_o their_o concubine_n to_o wife_n in_o case_n the_o lawful_a spouse_n have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o turn_v christian_a but_o
faith_n we_o have_v frequent_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o master_n and_o giver_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o that_o he_o distribute_v they_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o sphere_n to_o fathom_v their_o depth_n that_o sometime_o he_o do_v not_o work_v these_o prodigy_n in_o king_n court_n because_o he_o foresee_v the_o ill_a use_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v of_o they_o sometime_o because_o give_v they_o better_a part_n and_o ability_n and_o more_o penetration_n than_o to_o other_o these_o ordinary_a grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o whereas_o the_o simple_a vulgar_a and_o the_o rude_a uncivilise_v nation_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o sensible_a mark_n of_o his_o almightiness_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a discover_v of_o the_o truth_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a also_o that_o carnal_a prudence_n which_o be_v at_o such_o enmity_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o softness_n ambition_n and_o luxury_n of_o great_a person_n draw_v upon_o they_o this_o terrible_a chastisement_n and_o that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n refuse_v miracle_n to_o person_n who_o do_v themselves_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o my_o lord_n have_v some_o reply_v the_o charity_n of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o missionary_n who_o joyful_o forsake_v europe_n where_o their_o quality_n estate_n and_o their_o science_n ought_v natural_o to_o detain_v they_o who_o traverse_v a_o thousand_o danger_n to_o come_v hither_o to_o sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o your_o people_n and_o with_o so_o unbiased_a and_o constant_a zeal_n sir_n be_v not_o there_o something_o of_o a_o prodigy_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v you_o as_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v such_o know_v learned_a man_n as_o your_o majesty_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v how_o do_v they_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a as_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v they_o why_o do_v they_o abandon_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o come_v so_o far_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n after_o all_o the_o reflection_n they_o have_v make_v this_o hundred_o year_n upon_o the_o different_a religion_n of_o china_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o judge_v they_o all_o whole_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o during_o so_o many_o age_n that_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v not_o observe_v among_o we_o one_o wise_a man_n and_o of_o good_a moral_n that_o have_v suspect_v it_o of_o falsehood_n these_o answer_n do_v usual_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o force_v he_o to_o make_v certain_a reflection_n that_o do_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v he_o in_o short_a most_o reverend_a father_n if_o miracle_n be_v want_v at_o pekin_n the_o business_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o province_n several_a be_v there_o wrought_v and_o those_o of_o father_n faber_n be_v so_o general_o know_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a not_o to_o believe_v they_o not_o that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v all_o that_o be_v relate_v of_o those_o nor_o of_o a_o great_a many_o more_o prodigy_n which_o they_o relate_v on_o small_a ground_n but_o you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o those_o whereof_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v witness_n and_o peradventure_o most_o reverend_a father_n you_o rely_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o sincerity_n as_o to_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v they_o likewise_o upon_o my_o testimony_n in_o a_o village_n in_o the_o province_n of_o chensi_fw-la near_o the_o city_n of_o san-uyen_a there_o live_v a_o idolater_n devout_a in_o his_o way_n and_o extreme_o addict_v to_o these_o superstition_n at_o the_o time_n of_o full_a moon_n he_o burn_v common_o in_o honour_n of_o his_o god_n gild_a or_o silver_v paper_n wrap_v up_o in_o different_a figure_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n one_o day_n prepare_v to_o offer_v this_o kind_n of_o sacrifice_n before_o his_o gate_n there_o arise_v a_o storm_n that_o force_v he_o to_o retire_v into_o his_o house_n where_o he_o light_v the_o say_v paper_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o hall_n without_o take_v any_o far_a care_n but_o the_o wind_n blow_v open_o the_o gate_n drive_v they_o up_o and_o down_o every_o where_o and_o they_o have_v not_o time_n to_o prevent_v one_o part_n from_o fly_v into_o a_o stack_n of_o straw_n which_o set_v fire_n on_o the_o house_n people_n come_v run_v but_o the_o conflagration_n become_v so_o furious_a in_o a_o moment_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o extinguish_v it_o the_o house_n on_o one_o side_n adjoin_v to_o the_o idolater_n belong_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o by_o this_o time_n seem_v half_o encompass_v with_o the_o flame_n drive_v furious_o by_o the_o wind_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v quick_o quite_o consume_v this_o poor_a man_n attended_z with_o divers_z other_o get_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o do_v his_o endeavour_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a to_o defend_v himself_o from_o the_o conflagration_n when_o his_o brother_n very_o confident_o come_v as_o near_o the_o fire_n as_o he_o dare_v possible_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o knee_n upon_o the_o tile_n and_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n say_v o_o lord_n forsake_v not_o those_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v here_o if_o we_o lose_v it_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n preserve_v it_o o_o my_o god_n and_o i_o promise_v before_o thou_o that_o i_o will_v assemble_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o we_o will_v go_v to_o church_n together_o to_o demonstrate_v my_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o thereupon_o he_o loose_v a_o small_a relic_n from_o his_o chaplet_n throw_v it_o into_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o flame_n that_o by_o this_o time_n cover_v part_n of_o the_o house_n this_o action_n perform_v with_o such_o a_o sprightly_a air_n do_v equal_o attract_v the_o attention_n of_o christian_n and_o idolater_n who_o mighty_o astonish_v at_o their_o companion_n confidence_n expect_v the_o event_n of_o the_o business_n when_o heaven_n all_o on_o the_o sudden_a declare_v itself_o in_o a_o most_o miraculous_a manner_n the_o wind_n blow_v violent_o forthwith_o slacken_v and_o a_o contrary_a wind_n strong_a than_o that_o arise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n drive_v the_o violent_a stream_n of_o the_o flame_n to_o the_o opposite_a side_n upon_o the_o house_n of_o a_o wicked_a falsehearted_a christian_a that_o have_v late_o abjure_v it_o be_v consume_v in_o a_o moment_n become_v a_o example_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n as_o the_o house_n that_o heaven_n preserve_v be_v a_o evident_a token_n of_o his_o protection_n i_o be_v at_o that_o time_n six_o mile_n from_o the_o village_n it_o be_v true_a my_o urgent_a business_n hinder_v i_o from_o be_v myself_o upon_o the_o spot_n but_o i_o send_v very_o credible_a person_n thither_o to_o be_v inform_v about_o it_o the_o pagan_n first_o of_o all_o bore_fw-mi witness_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o some_o while_n after_o the_o christian_n thereabouts_o conduct_v by_o he_o who_o be_v late_o hear_v in_o his_o prayer_n appear_v in_o my_o church_n to_o fulfil_v his_o vow_n where_o with_o one_o accord_n they_o echo_a forth_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o most_o insensible_a creature_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o false_a god_n that_o be_v not_o themselves_o capable_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o rational_a creature_n some_o month_n after_o there_o happen_v a_o thing_n no_o less_o surprise_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n a_o idolater_n of_o a_o indifferent_a fortune_n feel_v himself_o assault_v with_o a_o unknown_a distemper_n it_o be_v so_o catch_v that_o his_o mother_n and_o wife_n share_v in_o it_o likewise_o two_o or_o three_o time_n a_o week_n he_o fall_v into_o faint_a fit_n which_o at_o the_o beginning_n look_v like_o swoon_a and_o then_o turn_v again_o into_o cruel_a headache_n pain_n in_o the_o stomach_n and_o bowel_n sometime_o they_o find_v themselves_o extreme_o agitate_a as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o fever_n they_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n their_o eye_n roll_v in_o their_o head_n and_o man_n judge_v by_o several_a other_o unusual_a posture_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o matter_n they_o be_v the_o more_o persuade_v to_o it_o because_o they_o often_o find_v their_o house_n all_o put_v out_o of_o order_n the_o chair_n table_n and_o earthen_a vessel_n overthrow_v not_o know_v on_o who_o to_o lay_v the_o fault_n the_o physician_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o pass_v
mission_n better_a than_o all_o other_o be_v the_o hope_n one_o day_n to_o convert_v the_o emperor_n the_o change_n of_o who_o religion_n will_v infallible_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o entire_a conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o although_o we_o shall_v wait_v for_o this_o happy_a moment_n three_o or_o four_o age_n without_o any_o other_o profit_n than_o what_o we_o hope_v for_o in_o time_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v too_o happy_a in_o prepare_v by_o our_o patience_n the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o new_a world_n which_o perhaps_o will_v make_v better_a improvement_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o our_o successor_n shall_v bring_v to_o it_o than_o europe_n do_v at_o present_a of_o that_o our_o forefather_n entrust_v it_o withal_o in_o short_a although_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v in_o china_n we_o can_v reckon_v no_o more_o prince_n and_o minister_n of_o state_n since_o the_o last_o persecution_n of_o father_n adam_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o baptise_v every_o year_n mandarin_n doctor_n and_o other_o person_n of_o quality_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o common_a people_n make_v up_o the_o great_a number_n non_fw-la multi_fw-la potentes_fw-la non_fw-la multi_fw-la nobiles_fw-la and_o it_o be_v no_o news_n to_o own_o that_o the_o poor_a have_v always_o be_v the_o elect_a portion_n and_o precious_a inheritance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o the_o province_n of_o nankin_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o territory_n chamhai_n but_o the_o faith_n be_v more_o lively_a in_o the_o province_n of_o chanton_n pechely_n chensi_fw-la and_o chansi_fw-la there_o be_v in_o proportion_n as_o many_o tartarian_n as_o chinese_n christian_n these_o be_v more_o docil_n and_o much_o easy_a to_o be_v convert_v yet_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o have_v not_o half_a so_o much_o courage_n the_o tartar_n on_o the_o contrary_n be_v natural_o of_o a_o brisk_a temper_n do_v not_o easy_o stoop_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o those_o over_o who_o grace_n have_v once_o triumph_v be_v enduod_v with_o a_o virtue_n that_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o sore_a persecution_n as_o for_o woman_n which_o we_o see_v more_o rare_o although_o they_o be_v less_o instruct_v than_o the_o man_n yet_o their_o innocence_n their_o constant_a attendance_n at_o prayer_n their_o blind_a submission_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o most_o harsh_a and_o severe_a practice_n of_o christian_a piety_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n supply_v their_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o mystery_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o our_o church_n may_v answer_v the_o devout_a fervour_n of_o christian_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o chinese_n be_v no_o great_a architect_n this_o novel_a christianity_n so_o frequent_o shake_v by_o persecution_n compose_v for_o the_o most_o of_o the_o poor_a sort_n of_o people_n only_o tolerate_v by_o the_o by_o and_o always_o fain_o to_o observe_v a_o great_a many_o punctilio_n and_o keep_v within_o bound_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o rear_v magnificent_a temple_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o the_o missionary_n with_o such_o a_o pitiful_a fund_z as_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a on_o this_o score_n to_o do_v so_o much_o the_o church_n of_o pekin_n be_v very_o well_o build_v the_o frontispiece_n the_o stone_n of_o which_o be_v lay_v by_o the_o missionary_n themselves_o be_v very_o proportionable_a and_o please_a those_o in_o kiam_fw-la cheou_fw-mi cham-bai_a and_o fou-tçheou_a that_o which_o the_o father_n have_v at_o canton_n and_o divers_a other_o be_v as_o fine_a as_o our_o ordinary_a church_n of_o europe_n but_o the_o church_n of_o cham-tçheou_a be_v so_o very_o pretty_a and_o neat_a that_o one_o can_v not_o enough_o admire_v it_o you_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o gilding_n painting_n and_o curious_a picture_n it_o be_v all_o over_o adorn_v with_o they_o yea_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o symmetry_n and_o order_n in_o the_o whole_a that_o delicate_a red_a and_o black_a varnish_n which_o the_o chineses_n be_v so_o expert_a at_o to_o which_o they_o give_v a_o particular_a relief_n or_o embossment_n by_o the_o flower_n of_o gold_n and_o other_o figure_n wherewith_o they_o enrich_v it_o do_v produce_v the_o fine_a effect_n in_o the_o world_n to_o complete_a the_o whole_a but_o this_o goodly_a church_n the_o product_n of_o christian_n devotion_n and_o of_o father_n intorcetta_n zeal_n be_v late_o reduce_v to_o ash_n by_o a_o dreadful_a conflagration_n that_o consume_v one_o quarter_n of_o the_o city_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n a_o long_a time_n to_o perform_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o will_v be_v our_o comfort_n to_o support_v we_o after_o this_o loss_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v our_o bless_a lord_n to_o destroy_v at_o the_o same_o that_o pack_n of_o idol_n which_o have_v overflow_v the_o whole_a empire_n and_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o raise_v himself_o live_v temple_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o new_a believer_n where_o he_o may_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n wherein_o for_o want_v of_o we_o they_o may_v offer_v to_o he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n i_o shall_v not_o entertain_v you_o most_o reverend_a father_n concern_v the_o transaction_n of_o the_o indies_n where_o the_o revolution_n of_o a_o huge_a kingdom_n the_o jealousy_n some_o european_n together_o with_o the_o continual_a 〈◊〉_d of_o heretic_n have_v break_v all_o the_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d christian_n prudence_n oblige_v we_o to_o take_v for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o french_a missionary_n have_v be_v hitherto_o more_o conspicuous_a their_o suffering_n than_o by_o their_o conversion_n of_o idolater_n some_o of_o they_o after_o have_v linger_v out_o several_a year_n in_o the_o most_o darksome_a prison_n scarce_o begin_v to_o see_v the_o light_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o condition_n even_o to_o exercise_v their_o function_n with_o any_o freedom_n other_o drive_v from_o their_o settlement_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o upon_o the_o most_o tempestuous_a ocean_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o miserable_a remainder_n of_o their_o ruine_a mission_n and_o that_o they_o may_v return_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o commit_v themselves_o a_o four_o time_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o their_o enemy_n several_a bury_v in_o shipwreck_n or_o wear_v out_o with_o toil_n have_v glorious_o finish_v their_o course_n and_o though_o their_o companion_n live_v still_o it_o be_v only_o to_o consume_v by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o ill_a habit_n of_o body_n they_o have_v contract_v by_o their_o first_o labour_n you_o see_v most_o reverend_a father_n what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o be_v i_o speak_v of_o you_o know_v their_o name_n you_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o since_o they_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o a_o great_a many_o other_o candidate_n for_o the_o east-indies_n you_o have_v be_v please_v always_o to_o honour_v they_o with_o a_o most_o particular_a affection_n and_o may_v i_o be_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o you_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o only_o send_v of_o they_o you_o follow_v yourself_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o become_v the_o fellow_n or_o rather_o the_o head_n of_o their_o apostleship_n share_v like_o one_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a missionary_n in_o the_o success_n of_o their_o holy_a undertake_n zealous_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o their_o labour_n deliver_v they_o from_o their_o chain_n by_o a_o powerful_a protection_n or_o at_o least_o lightning_n the_o weight_n by_o consolatory_a letter_n full_a of_o that_o lively_a hope_n that_o make_v a_o man_n take_v delight_n in_o the_o most_o rigid_a persecution_n this_o courage_n most_o reverend_a father_n which_o you_o 〈◊〉_d inspire_v into_o we_o do_v not_o only_o alleviate_v our_o suffering_n but_o also_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o grand_a â—â—ifice_n that_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o first_o stone_n of_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n will_v one_o day_n serve_v for_o a_o basis_n to_o another_o work_n yet_o more_o considerable_a and_o solid_a than_o the_o first_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o nivart_n three_o of_o our_o brethren_n bury_v in_o sea_n nor_o the_o loss_n of_o daudy_n three_o more_o who_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n a_o board_n the_o vessel_n in_o relieve_v the_o sick_a nor_o yet_o the_o death_n of_o a_o great_a many_o more_o who_o the_o fatigue_n of_o the_o mission_n have_v snatch_v from_o we_o in_o the_o indies_n nor_o the_o prison_n of_o pegu_n siam_n moluccas_n batavia_n rotterdam_n nor_o middleburg_n where_o pagan_n and_o heretic_n
from_o i_o then_o do_v the_o viceroy_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o former_a proceed_n yet_o be_v he_o so_o far_o engage_v that_o he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o handsome_o go_v back_o with_o any_o honour_n he_o find_v it_o especial_o very_o hard_o to_o sue_v to_o a_o missionary_n for_o his_o friendship_n who_o he_o but_o just_a now_o treat_v and_o that_o public_o with_o the_o utmost_a disdain_n but_o yet_o dread_v prince_n sosan_n resentment_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o in_o most_o credit_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o empire_n on_o one_o hand_n he_o resolve_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v already_o against_o the_o christian_n without_o drive_v matter_n any_o further_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o dispatch_v one_o of_o his_o officer_n to_o pekin_n to_o purge_v and_o clear_v himself_o to_o the_o prince_n in_o this_o interim_n father_n intorcetta_n have_v a_o secret_a iâ—em_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o the_o viceroy_n have_v receive_v intimate_v to_o the_o â—_z at_o court_n the_o small_a effect_n they_o have_v produce_v insomuch_o that_o those_o father_n resolve_v to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o emperor_n in_o case_n prince_n sosan_n shall_v think_v it_o advisable_v wherefore_o they_o relaâ—ed_v to_o he_o what_o have_v pass_v at_o hain-cheou_a the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o viceroy_n the_o affliction_n of_o father_n intorcetta_n the_o dâ—nger_n wherein_o his_o church_n be_v the_o ruin_n whereof_o will_v infallible_o involve_v in_o it_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o all_o the_o mission_n in_o the_o empire_n since_o all_o your_o endeavour_n my_o lord_n add_v they_o seem_v ineffectual_a there_o appear_v nothing_o that_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o obstinate_a mandarin_n but_o the_o emperor_n authority_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o what_o sway_v the_o more_o with_o we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v for_o your_o favour_n if_o we_o be_v rule_v by_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o you_o the_o prince_n already_o provoke_v by_o the_o viceroy's_a behaviour_n be_v not_o sorry_a at_o this_o overture_n and_o believe_v he_o have_v now_o find_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o revenge_v himself_o so_o that_o these_o father_n have_v recommend_v the_o importance_n of_o their_o affair_n to_o god_n almighty_a wherein_o the_o solid_a establishment_n or_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v come_v to_o the_o palace_n on_o the_o 21_o of_o december_n 1691_o and_o demand_v audience_n the_o emperor_n send_v some_o eunuch_n his_o confident_n to_o know_v what_o their_o business_n be_v the_o father_n present_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o heinous_a excess_n of_o the_o vice_n roy_n of_o ham_n cheou_fw-mi as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o missionary_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o christian_n under_o 〈◊〉_d government_n they_o add_v moreover_o that_o they_o have_v suffer_v a_o long_a time_n without_o complain_v in_o expectation_n that_o their_o patience_n will_v pacify_v his_o spirit_n but_o since_o the_o mischief_n become_v every_o day_n great_a and_o great_a without_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n they_o come_v to_o prostrate_v themselves_o at_o the_o emperor_n foot_n as_o to_o the_o usual_a asylum_n of_o oppress_a innocence_n most_o humble_o to_o beseech_v he_o to_o grant_v to_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o province_n that_o happy_a peace_n they_o themselves_o enjoy_v at_o pekin_n in_o the_o very_a sight_n and_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o emperor_n to_o who_o they_o report_v this_o discourse_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o try_v the_o father_n constancy_n and_o so_o return_v they_o no_o favourable_a answer_n but_o they_o never_o cease_v to_o represent_v the_o unhappiness_n this_o indifference_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v short_o like_a to_o bring_v they_o under_o he_o send_v new_a eunuch_n to_o acquaint_v they_o that_o he_o be_v amaze_v to_o see_v they_o so_o infatuate_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v it_o possible_a he_o bid_v they_o tell_v they_o that_o you_o be_v always_o busy_v about_o a_o world_n whither_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o count_v that_o wherein_o you_o be_v at_o present_a as_o nothing_o believe_v i_o sir_n there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n make_v better_a improvement_n of_o what_o heaven_n instruct_v you_o with_o and_o deser_fw-ge all_n those_o care_n till_o you_o cease_v to_o live_v care_n that_o be_v profitable_a to_o none_o but_o the_o dead_a for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o in_o a_o droll_a way_n i_o do_v not_o concern_v myself_o self_n in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o invisible_a spirit_n then_o the_o father_n oppress_v with_o grief_n shed_v a_o torrent_n of_o tear_n prostrate_v themselves_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n they_o conjure_v the_o eunuch_n to_o report_v to_o the_o emperor_n the_o sad_a condition_n whereunto_o they_o be_v reduce_v this_o will_v he_o the_o first_o time_n say_v they_o that_o this_o great_a prince_n abandon_v innocent_a person_n and_o appear_v insensâ—â—â—â—_n of_o our_o lamentation_n be_v it_o because_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a stranger_n that_o he_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o at_o least_o gentlemen_z pray_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o cause_n we_o maintain_v for_o who_o we_o fight_v nay_o and_o to_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v behold_v for_o all_o his_o grandeur_n well_o deserve_v that_o he_o shall_v exert_v all_o his_o power_n to_o make_v he_o know_v and_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v those_o who_o do_v he_o a_o injury_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o fine_a after_o all_o these_o trial_n this_o gracious_a prince_n move_v with_o compassion_n can_v no_o long_o dissemble_v his_o real_a sentiment_n he_o therefore_o send_v to_o the_o father_n that_o be_v still_o prostrate_a before_o his_o palace_n gate_n a_o officer_n of_o his_o bed_n chamber_n to_o acquaint_v they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o vice_n roy_n of_o ham_n cheou'_v proceed_n and_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a for_o their_o sake_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o unjust_a persecution_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o accomplish_v it_o the_o first_o to_o send_v to_o the_o vice_n roy_fw-fr a_o secret_a order_n immediate_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o mischief_n past_a that_o this_o way_n though_o not_o so_o exemplary_a be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o sure_a the_o second_o to_o present_v a_o petition_n and_o obtain_v from_o the_o tribunal_n a_o favourable_a decree_n for_o all_o the_o missionary_n which_o will_v decide_v all_o difference_n that_o they_o shall_v consult_v among_o themselves_o what_o will_v be_v most_o convenient_a in_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n and_o when_o they_o have_v weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v back_o the_o next_o day_n to_o declare_v to_o he_o their_o positive_a resolution_n the_o father_n signify_v their_o most_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o the_o emperor_n by_o customary_a prosternation_n and_o return_v full_a with_o great_a hope_n of_o happy_a success_n yet_o very_o uncertain_a what_o course_n to_o steer_v they_o consider_v on_o one_o hand_n the_o danger_n that_o there_o be_v to_o put_v their_o cause_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lipou_fw-mi who_o always_o declare_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o revive_v all_o the_o ancient_a accusation_n which_o time_n seem_v to_o have_v consopiate_v that_o the_o missionary_n settle_v in_o the_o province_n who_o they_o have_v conceal_v from_o the_o court_n till_o that_o time_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o quit_v china_n or_o else_o forsake_v all_o their_o mission_n that_o at_o least_o the_o proceed_v of_o those_o who_o have_v build_v new_a church_n and_o convert_v a_o great_a number_n of_o idolater_n against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o parliament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v the_o viceroy_n of_o â—am-cheou_a that_o in_o fine_a thing_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n by_o the_o subtle_a device_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o secret_a undertake_n of_o the_o bonze_n that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o quench_v the_o flame_n of_o a_o particular_a persecution_n as_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v kindle_v a_o general_a conflagration_n in_o the_o empire_n that_o will_v not_o terminate_v but_o in_o the_o total_a desolation_n of_o christianity_n these_o reason_n although_o very_o substantial_a and_o solid_a in_o themselves_o be_v nevertheless_o balance_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n what_o protection_n soever_o the_o emperor_n may_v have_v give_v till_o that_o time_n to_o the_o missionary_n yet_o they_o experience_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v all_o the_o mandarin_n of_o province_n to_o countenance_v the_o
foreign_a war_n by_o their_o continual_a application_n to_o compose_v of_o book_n very_o curious_a and_o profitable_a for_o their_o uprightness_n and_o sincere_a affection_n for_o the_o commonweal_n beside_o which_o these_o same_o european_n be_v very_o peaceable_a they_o do_v not_o excite_v any_o commotion_n â—r_o foment_n difference_n in_o these_o our_o province_n they_o do_v wrong_v to_o no_o man_n they_o commit_v no_o notorious_a fact_n moreover_o their_o doctrine_n have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o false_a and_o dangerous_a sect_n that_o infest_v the_o empire_n neither_o do_v their_o maxim_n incline_v turbulent_a spirit_n to_o sedition_n since_o therefore_o we_o do_v neither_o hinder_v the_o lamas_n of_o tartary_n nor_o bonze_v of_o china_n from_o have_v temple_n nor_o from_o offer_v incense_n therein_o to_o their_o pagode_n much_o less_o can_v we_o with_o any_o reason_n restrain_v the_o european_n who_o neither_o act_n nor_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n from_o have_v likewise_o their_o respective_a church_n there_o to_o preach_v their_o religion_n in_o public_a certain_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o one_o another_o and_o we_o shall_v manifest_o seem_v to_o contradict_v ourselves_o we_o therefore_o judge_v it_o meet_v and_o expedient_a that_o all_o the_o temple_n dedicate_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o permit_v all_o those_o who_o will_v honour_v this_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o temple_n to_o offer_v incense_n to_o he_o and_o to_o pay_v that_o worship_n to_o he_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o ancient_a custom_n so_o that_o none_o may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v presume_v to_o oppose_v the_o same_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o shall_v expect_v your_o majesty_n order_n thereupon_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v communicate_v they_o to_o the_o governor_n and_o vice-roys_n as_o well_o at_o pekin_n as_o at_o other_o â—_z of_o the_o province_n do_v in_o the_o thirty_o first_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o chamhi_a the_o three_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n of_o the_o moon_n sign_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o sovereign_a tribunal_n of_o rite_n with_o his_o assessor_n and_o underneath_o the_o four_o minister_n of_o state_n call_v colaos_n with_o their_o general_a officer_n and_o mandarin_n of_o the_o first_o order_n the_o emperor_n receive_v this_o decree_n with_o unexpressible_a joy_n he_o ratify_v it_o forthwith_o and_o dispatch_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o father_n seal_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o be_v say_v he_o perpetual_o preserve_v in_o the_o archive_v of_o their_o house_n some_o time_n after_o he_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a empire_n and_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n of_o rite_n send_v it_o to_o the_o principal_a officer_n add_v these_o ensue_a word_n wherefore_o you_o vice-roys_n of_o province_n be_v sure_a you_o receive_v this_o imperial_a edict_n with_o a_o most_o profound_a respect_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o come_v to_o your_o hand_n read_v it_o attentive_o value_v it_o and_o see_v you_o fail_v not_o to_o execute_v it_o punctual_o conformable_a to_o the_o example_n that_o we_o have_v give_v you_o ourselves_o moreover_o cause_n copy_n of_o it_o to_o be_v take_v to_o be_v disperse_v into_o all_o the_o place_n of_o our_o government_n and_o acquaint_v we_o of_o what_o you_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o point_n so_o soon_o as_o father_n intorcetta_n have_v notice_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v at_o pekin_n he_o depart_v for_o court_n and_o go_v to_o throw_v himself_o at_o the_o emperor_n foot_n to_o render_v he_o most_o humble_a thanks_o in_o his_o own_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o missionary_n of_o china_n this_o good_a prince_n when_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o he_o many_o demonstration_n of_o affection_n cause_v he_o to_o be_v conduct_v back_o again_o into_o his_o province_n by_o father_n thomas_n mandarin_n of_o the_o mathematics_n he_o make_v his_o entrance_n into_o his_o city_n of_o ham-cheou_a in_o triumph_n surround_v by_o christian_n and_o receive_v by_o their_o acclamation_n who_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o peace_n nevertheless_o as_o god_n mix_v always_o some_o bitterness_n with_o our_o comfort_n the_o joy_n this_o good_a father_n have_v conceive_v be_v soon_o overcast_v and_o allay_v by_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o his_o church_n involve_v sometime_o before_o in_o a_o public_a conflagration_n wherewith_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o city_n be_v consume_v this_o accident_n give_v occasion_n to_o father_n thomas_n to_o desire_v the_o viceroy_n to_o build_v a_o new_a church_n for_o the_o father_n and_o he_o himself_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o emperor_n expect_v it_o from_o he_o this_o mandarin_n be_v intolerable_o vex_v at_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o his_o enterprise_n which_o the_o late_a arrival_n of_o the_o father_n increase_v but_o he_o be_v quite_o beside_o himself_o to_o think_v he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o lodge_v a_o stranger_n honourable_o in_o his_o capital_a city_n who_o he_o will_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n have_v banish_v some_o day_n before_o from_o his_o province_n yet_o he_o dissemble_v the_o matter_n like_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o time_n he_o afford_v the_o missionary_n one_o of_o the_o fine_a house_n in_o the_o city_n till_o such_o time_n as_o at_o his_o own_o charge_n he_o shall_v have_v rebuilt_a the_o ancient_a college_n it_o be_v not_o at_o ham-cheou_a alone_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o triumph_n all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o the_o new_a edict_n in_o some_o respect_n draw_v out_o of_o captivity_n by_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n give_v great_a demonstration_n of_o joy_n but_o the_o city_n of_o macao_n that_o serve_v for_o a_o cradle_n to_o the_o infant_n christianity_n make_v its_o joy_n to_o appear_v by_o a_o solemn_a holiday_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o all_o the_o token_n of_o public_a mirth_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o the_o people_n devotion_n render_v much_o more_o solemn_a those_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n of_o china_n the_o almost_o insurmountable_a difficulty_n that_o stranger_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o screw_v themselves_o into_o it_o the_o aversion_n of_o man_n mind_n from_o novelty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o small_a company_n of_o missionary_n europe_n have_v supply_v we_o with_o the_o civil_a war_n and_o revolution_n that_o have_v so_o often_o discompose_v the_o state_n in_o this_o latter_a age_n will_v serious_o confess_v that_o this_o occurrence_n one_o of_o the_o most_o memorable_a that_o probable_o have_v happen_v since_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o human_a wisdom_n 73._o deus_fw-la autem_fw-la rex_fw-la noster_fw-la ante_fw-la saecula_fw-la operatus_fw-la est_fw-la salutem_fw-la iâ—_n medio_fw-la terrae_fw-la tu_fw-la confirmâsti_fw-la in_o virtute_fw-la tua_fw-la mare_fw-la tu_fw-la confregisti_fw-la capita_fw-la draconis_fw-la tuus_fw-la est_fw-la dies_fw-la &_o tua_fw-la est_fw-la nox_fw-la it_o be_v our_o god_n it_o be_v our_o everlasting_a king_n who_o have_v wrought_v salvation_n in_o this_o vast_a kingdom_n which_o they_o call_v the_o middle_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o it_o be_v who_o have_v for_o ever_o bring_v a_o calm_a upon_o this_o sea_n so_o much_o agitate_a and_o infamous_a hitherto_o for_o so_o many_o shipwreck_n thou_o have_v o_o lord_n bruise_v the_o head_n of_o that_o proud_a china_n dragon_n who_o name_n be_v so_o dreadful_a it_o be_v now_o then_o that_o the_o day_n and_o the_o night_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n belong_v to_o thou_o forasmuch_o as_o both_o world_n have_v at_o last_o submit_v to_o thy_o empire_n at_o such_o time_n as_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o present_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a father_n that_o idolatry_n in_o the_o east_n attack_v on_o all_o side_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o gospel_n be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o fall_v and_o that_o if_o once_o china_n can_v be_v draw_v in_o to_o declare_v itself_o in_o favour_n of_o we_o all_o the_o people_n adjacent_a lead_v by_o their_o example_n will_v quick_o break_v their_o idol_n in_o piece_n and_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o they_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o think_v alone_o transport_v this_o holy_a pontif_n with_o joy_n and_o revive_v that_o sincere_a piety_n and_o fervent_a zeal_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n but_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o such_o a_o great_a change_n as_o that_o be_v no_o ordinary_a miracle_n what_o sentiment_n will_v he_o have_v my_o lord_n