Book Description

Title:

Christianity in China, Tartary, and Thibet, 2 Vols.

Author:

M. 'Abbè Huc

Publication Year:

1857

Location:

London

Publisher:

Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts

Pages:

422+405

Subjects:

Christian Mission, China

Copyright Holder:

Public domain

Contents of Volume 1: From the Apostleship of St. Thomas to the Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope

1. The Doctrine of the Redemption of Men diffused over the whole World—The Preaching of the Jewish Nation—Indian Poets—Virgil—The Sibyls—Extract from the "Annals of China"—The World in Expectation of the Messiah—Legend of the Apostleship of St. Thomas—Proofs of the Preaching of St. Thomas in India—Archaeological Proofs—Medal of King Gondaphorus—Probability of the Apostleship of St. Thomas in China—Frequent Relations between the East and the West at the Commencement of the Christian Era—Consequences of these Relations—St. Pantenus and other Missionaries in the East—Nestorian and Catholic Preachers in China
2. Discovery of the famous Inscription of Si-gnan-Fou—Translation of this Inscription—State of the Chinese Empire at the Epoch of the Erection of this Monument—Influx of Foreigners into China under the Dynasty of Thang—Critical Study of the Inscription of Si-gnan-Fou—Native Country of Olopen and other Missionaries to China in the seventh Century—Syriac Characters—Nestorian Doctrine—Objections of Voltaire and Milne to the Authenticity of the Inscription—Refutation of them—The Authenticity of the Monument proved by Chinese Writers—Ancient and modern Books—Simple Faith of the Missionaries—Inference
3. Religious Movement in the Chinese Empire—Tolerance and Scepticism of the Chinese—Propagation of Christianity in China—First Metropolitans—Progress of Proselytism—Details drawn from Arab Literature—Curious Passage in a Book entitled "The Chain of Chronicles"—Revolution in China— Massacre of the Christians—Arab Writers and Marco Polo—Missionaries sent to China in the tenth Century— Notice of Prester John— Letter of this curious Personage to the Emperor of Constantinople—Letter of Pope Alexander III. to Prester John—Conversion of a Khan and a Tribe of Keraites in the eleventh Century—Numerous Conquests of this Mongol Tribe—Origin of the Legend of Prester John—Ung-Khan, the last Sovereign of the Keraites
4. A French Missionary in Tartary—Tchinguiz-Khan proclaimed Sovereign of the Tartars—Character of this famous Conqueror— His Conquests— His Death—His religious Faith—Election of his Successor—Tartar Invasion of Georgia—of Armenia—Gregory IX. and the Queen Rhouzoudan—Invasion of Poland—Saint Hyacinth—Battle of Liegnitz—Ravages of the Mongols in Poland and Russia—Frederic Barbarossa—St. Louis and Queen Blanche—Bela IV. King of Hungary—Adventures of the Canon of Varadin—Gregory IX. preaches a Crusade against the Tartars—Gregory IX. and Frederic Barbarossu—Religion of the Mongol Tartars—Innocent IV. at the Council-General of Lyons—Decree that Missionary Ambassadors shall be sent to the Tartars
5. Embassy of John de Plano Carpini—Arrival at the Camp of Batou—Letter of Pope Innocent IV. to the Tartars—The Ambassador of the Holy See to the Golden Horde— Election of the Grand Khan of the Tartars—Couyouk proclaimed Emperor—Audience of Plano Carpini—The Ambassadors prepare to quit the Imperial Horde—Letter of the Tartar Emperor to the Pope—Return of Plano Carpini to Europe—Innocent appoints him Archbishop of Antivati—Embassy of Brother Anselm to the Camp of the Tartars in Persia— Interview of the French Missionaries with the Tartar Officers— Proposal to flay and impale them—Discussion of the Supremacy of the Pope and the Khan—Renown of French Valour among the Tartars—Departure of the Monks—Letter of the Tartar Lieutenant—Manifesto of the Grand Khan—St. Louis receives in Cyprus two Envoys from Iltchikadai—Letter of the Tartar Prince—Narrative of the Constable of Armenia—St. Louis sends an Embassy to reply to lltchikadai—Its Ill-success and Return
6. State of Christianity among the Mongols—Rubruk, the new Ambassador of St. Louis to Tartary—Manners of the Tartars—Hardships and Miseries of the Route—Camp of Sartak—The Monks at the Court of Batou—They proceed to the Imperial Court of Mangou-Khan—Incidents of the Journey—The Grand Khan gives Audience to the Envoys of St. Louis—Singular Mixture of Religions among the Tartars—Aspect of Kara-Koroum—Solemn Discussion among the Missionaries—The Buddhists and the Mussulmans—The French Missionaries quit the Court of the Emperor of Tartary—Letter of Mangou-Khan to St. Louis—Return of Rubruk to France
7. Institution of the Society of Brother Travellers for Jesus Christ—Journey of King Hayton in Tartary—The Negotiations—Houlagou leads his Army towards Jerusalem—Destruction of tho Order of the Assassins— End of the Caliphate of Bagdad—The Tartars draw near to the Christians—Alexander III. deters Bela, King of Hungary, from forming an Alliance with the Mongols—The Forty-rnine Martyrs of Sandomir—Houlagou and Nassir—Houlagou and Alexander IV—Strife between the Mongols and the Christians of Sidon—Defeat of the Tartars in Egypt—Kublai, the Grand Khan of the Tartars—Change of Policy—Death of Houlagou—Marriage of his Son Abaga with the Daughter of Michael Palaeologus—Abaga and Clement IV—Tartar Ambassadors at Lyons—They go to England—Mission of the two Vassilli—Nicholas III. sends Missionaries and Letters to China and Tartary
8. Nestorian Propagandism in High Asia—The Apostate Ahmed—Argoun, Khan of Persia—His Letter to Honorius IV.—Letters of Nicholas IV. to Argoun—Queen of Touktan—Argoun and Philip the Fair—News from the Mission in China—Conversion of several Tartar Princes—Letter of the Pope to Gazan, Son of Argoun—His Wife and Child condemned to be burnt alive—Attempts at Alliance between the Tartars and Christians— Empire of Kublai— Religions of China—Confucius—Lao-tze—Buddha
9. Kublai-Khan favours the Christians—He sends the Venetian Brothers Polo to the Sovereign Pontiff—The two Venetians return to China accompanied by young Marco Polo—Their Journey—Residence of Marco Polo in China—His Return to Venice—The Narrative of Marco Polo—His Account of Christianity in China—The Apostleship of John of Monte Corvino—His Letters to the Monks of his Order—Persecutions raised against him—Clement V. sends seven Bishops to China—They consecrate Monte Corvino Archbishop of Pekin—An Armenian Lady builds a Church at Han-Tcheou-Fou—Letter of Andre de Perouse—Numerous Missionaries in China—Oderic de Friuli—His Journey from the Indies to China with the Bones of four Martyrs—His Apostleship in China—In Tartary—In Thibet—His Return to Pisa—Account of his Death
10. Christianity amongst the Tartars of Persia—Correspondence of Khan Œuldjaitou with Philip the Fair, Edward I., and Clement V.—2. Usbeck and the Province of Kiptchak—Erection of the Archiepiscopal See of Soultaniye—3. Zeal of Pope John XXII. for the Propagation of the Faith—Death of the Archbishop of Pekin, John de l\ionte Corvino—Departure of Missionaries for China—4. Apostasy and Martyrdom of Stephen of Hungary—5. Mission of Pekin—Progress of Christianity in China, and in the Steppes of Tartary—Narrative of Pascal of Spain—6. Violent Persecution of the Christians of Tartary— Revolution in China—The Missions are desolated—Tamerlane—His religious Principles—Christianity eclipsed in Upper Asia

Contents of Volume 2: From the Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope to the Establishment of the Mantchoo-Tartar Dynasty in China

1. lnfluence of the Catholic Missions of the Middle Ages upon European Civilisation—Origin of the Lama Hierarchy and the Ceremonies of the Buddhist Faith—Vasco de Gan1a doubles the Cape of Good Hope—Portuguese Establishment on the Coast of Malabar—First Conquests of the Portuguese as related by a Syrian Monk—The Portuguese undertake the Discovery of the Cathay of Marco Polo—They land at Canton—Embassy of Thomas Pirès to Pekin—Deplorable Issue of the Undertaking—François Xavier resolves to convert the Chinese to Christianity—After many adverse Accidents he reaches the Isle of Sancian—Death of St. François Xavier in sight of China—Gaspard de la Croix, the first Missionary who penetrated into the Celestial Empire—Commercial Relations of the Portuguese and Chinese—Establishment of Macao—Father Roger—Father Matthieu Ricci—First l\tlission in the Province of Kouang-Si
2. The Missionaries are forced to abandon Tchao-King—Return to Macao—New and fruitless Efforts to re-enter the Empire—The Viceroy recalls Fathers Roger and Ricci to Tchao-King—Grant of Land to build a House and Church—Buddhist Towers—Pagodas—Success and Hopes of the Missionaries—Erection of a Chape—Preludes to preaching the Gospel—A dying Man baptized—Interpretation of Christian Charity by Letters—Success and Persecution—Ricci applies himself to the Sciences and Letters.-Singular Map of the World in the Chinese Taste. - Completion of the Church—Attempt at a Spanish Embassy to Pekin—Two more Missionaries in the Interior—Journey of Father Roger to I-Ian-Tcheou-Fou. - Chinese A I chemists. - Rascality of the Neophyte Martin.-I-IisJ udgment.-Fresh Persecution—Peace returns—Fête of old lvlen—Memorial against the Europeans—Defence of Father Ricci—His Popularity—Solemn Visit of the Imperial Commissioner to the l\Iission of Tchao-King
3. The Missionaries expelled from Tchao-King—Farewell of the Christians—Refusal of Indemnity—Estahlishment at Tchao-Tcheou—Monastery of the Flower of the South—Founder of this Monastery—Father Ricci refuses to lodge in it —He founds an Establishment not far from Tchao-Tcheou—First and singular Disciple of Father Ricci—The Missionaries change the Costume of the Bonzes for that of the lettered Class—Father Ricci sets off for Pekin—Accidents on the Road—Arrival at Nankin—Returns to the Capital of Khiang-Si—Scientific Labours and Celebrity of Father Ricci in that City—His Relations with the Viceroy—The Mission of Tchao-Tcheou besieged by the Bonzes—Tranquillity restored—Father Ricci named Superior of all the Missions of China—Father Ricci sets off for Pekin with the President of the Supreme Court—Agitation in the City of Nankin—Imperial Canal—The Yellow River—Arrival at Pekin—The Missionaries deceived—Forced to quit Pekin—Sufferings on their Return—Beautiful Chinese Town.Fêtes of the New Year—Father Ricci's Dream—Preaching on Mathematics and the Sciences—Observatory of Nankin—Chinese Explanation of Eclipses—Literary Solemnity—Philosophical Discussion—Palace haunted by evil Spirits
4. Mode of Instruction adopted by Father Ricci—Zeal of the Portuguese for the Missions—Father Ricci sets out for Pekin—Influence of Eunuchs in the Government—Journey from Nankin to Pekin—The Eunuch Ma-Tang—The Missionaries taken Prisoners at a Sea-port. - Arrival of Ricci at Pekin. -The Court of Rites.- Rivalry between the Mandarins and Eunuchs—Palace of the Ambassadors—Homage to the Son of Heaven—Various Petitions to the Emperor. - Relations between the 1\1.issionaries and l\1agistrates. - Conversion of a l\fember of the Academy of Han-Lin—Great Success of the Clocks at Court—Missions of the Provinces—Fraternal Feeling among the Christians of China—Chinese Superstitions—Procession in Honour of the Idol of the Eyes—The Missionaries mimicked by the Mountebanks—Success of the Christian Preaching—Profession of Faith of a Christian—Native Clergy—Academy of Han-Lin—Conversion in the Imperial Family—Insurrection of the Chinese of Macao—Father Cataneo accused of seeking to get himself proclaimed Emperor—Formidable Armament at Canton—Martyrdom of a Chinese Seminarist—Peace is restored
5. Cathay and China—Father Goes travels by Land from India to Pekin—Cowardice of the Indian Soldiers—The Robbers of the Desert—Battle between the Caravan and the Tartar Robbers—Difficulties of the Journey—Town of Yarkand—Jade Stone—Goes visits the Jade Quarries—The Mussulmen of Yarkand endeavour to assassinate him—Encounter of two Caravans in the Middle of the Steppe—News of the Pekin Mission—Goè's courageous Profession of Faith—Journey through the Steppes.Desert of Gobi. - Arrival at the Frontiers of China. -The Great "\Vall. - Combination among the Merchants to deceive the Emperor—Father Goès fails to reach Pekin—He writes to Father Ricci—He is sent for—Death of Father Goes—His Companion arrives at Pekin, and then returns to the Indies—Death of Father Soerius—Peculiarity of the Chinese Letters—Doctor Paul—Mission of Schang-Hai—The Influence and Labours of Father Ricci—Death of Matthew Ricci—His Funeral—Grant of a Piece of Land for his Tomb—Opposition of the Bonzes—Virtues of Father Ricci
6. Question of Rites—The two Schools—Consequences of these Discussions—lmportant Conversions among the educated Classes—Doctors Leon and Michel—Mission of Han-Tcheou-Fou—Violent Persecution—Memorial against the Christians—Apologies from the Christian Doctors—Edict against Christianity—Courage of the Neophytes—Poisoning, Flagellation, and Torture—Death of two Neophytes—The lvlissionaries shut up in Cages—New Establishment—The old Missions to Tartary and Thibet—Father D'Andrada sets out for Thibet in 1624—Mountains—Avalanches. - Pagoda of Badid. - Fables of the Lamas.-flalt in the Valley of l\iana.-The I{ing of Sirinagar endeavours to arrest D'Andrada—Terrible Journey of D'.Andrada—Immense Glaciers—D'Andrada returns—Reunion of the Caravan—Arrival in Thibet—The King of Caparangua—Decree in Favour of the Missionaries—D'Andrada sets out for the Indies—Return to Thibet—Accounts of the Thibetans—The King desires to turn Christian—Opposition of the Lamas—Religious Discussions—Scarcity of Information relating to this Mission—Conjectures of the Tartar Historians
7. Revolutionary Character of the Chinese—Secret Societies—Insurrection of the Sect of the White Lily—Edict against Secret Societies—Persecution of Christians—Tulemorial in their Favour—Fall of the First Minister—Doctor Paul—The Man tchoo Tartars attack the Empire—Their Chief swears to exterrninate the Dynasty of Jang—First Successes of the Tartars.-Death of the Emperor Waug-Lie. - Curious Petition of the Christians—Jesuits summoned to Pekin to make Cannon—Discovery of the Monument of Si-Ngan-Fou—Testimony of Father Semcdo—Progress of Conversions—Sincere Piety of the Neophytes—Admirable Conduct of a Christian General—Death of Dr. Leon—Biographical Details concerning that illustrious Christian—Dr. Paul First Minister—He favours the Christians—Commissions the Jesuits to reform the Calendar—Fathers Schall and Rho arrive at Pekin—They are placed at the Head of the Board of Celestial Literature—Death of Dr. Paul—Abject Condition of his Descendants
8. Father Schall fabricates a Harpsichorcl for the Emperor—Christianity in the Imperial Harem—The Tartars summoned to the Assistance of the Empire—Father Schall establishes a Cannon Foundery—Gratitude of the Emperor—Progress of the Insurrection—Ly-Kong the Chief of the Rebels—He attacks Pekin—Tragic Death of the Ernperor—Character of this Prince—The Insurgents at Pekin—Adam Schall before the revolutionary Tribunal—First Act of the Government of Ly-Kong—Submission of the Lettered and the Magistrates—Heroism of General Ou-San Koui and his Fatner— Ou-San Koui swears to exterminate Ly-Kong—He invokes the Tartars—Rout of the Insurgents—Terrible Conflagration at Pekin—The Catholic Mission is saved—The Mantchoos Masters of the Capital—Character of their Policy—Memorial of Father Schall—He is appointed President of the Board of Mathematics—The Government Astronomers—The Mantchoos favour the Mlissionaries—Father Martini and a Tartar Chief—The Tyrant Tchang-Kien ravages and depopulates Sse-Tchouen—Adventures of Fathers Buglio and Magalhans—Father Schall at Pekin
9. Legend respecting the Origin of the Mantchoo Tartar—Father Schall and the King of the Coreans—Rash Enterprise of the Regent of the Empire—Ama-Wang listens to the Advice of Father Schall—Influence of that celebrated Missionary—The Claimants of the ancient Dynasty—Their Friendliness to Christianity—Dissensions among the Chinese Claimants—They are Destroyed by Arna-Wang—Death of that illustrious Tartar—Majority of the young Emperor—Application of Father Schall—His Advice to the Emperor—Intimacy between Father Schall and the Emperor—Chun-Telle loves and favours Christianity—Progress of the Missionaries—Construction of a beautiful Church at Pekin—Zeal of the Christians—Religious Associations—Titles conferred by the Emperor on Father Schall and his Ancestors—Sickness of Chun-Tche—Exhortations of Father Scltall—Death of the Emperor—His Funeral

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