A fortnight ago, we printed an interesting lecture delivered by the Rev. MI.J. Knowlton before the Ningpo Book Club, on "Ancient Christian Missions in China." Mr. Knowlton has since continued his subject by lecture on "Modern Missions," which will, we think, be also read with interest. The portion which we print below refers to Roman Catholic Missions. The portion relating to Protestant Missions will ar in our next issue.
"Towards the middle of the 16th century as Francis Xavier passed along the coast of China on his way to and from Japan, his soul was fired with a strong desire to preach the: gospel to the vast multitude dwelling in this empire. Through indus mirable perseverance, ho at length in 1552, reached the is kind of San-shan, about 30 miles south west of Macao, where he died, Though Xavier failed of his object, of personally preaching the gospel in China, yet his zeal in this direction led others to undertake the mission, after his deaf Attempts were made in the years 1556, 1575 and 1579, by the Dominicans, Augnstines, and Franciscans, to enter China, but they proved unsuccessful, It was reserved for the Jesuits to establish the Mission, which their predecessor Xavier had so earnestly desired to commence. Valignano, the Superior of Romanist Missions, resided in Macao; often as he walked over her rocky hills, and cast his eyes across the bay to the coust of China, he would exclaim, "Oh Rock, Rock,' when will thou open!" At length he selected three Jesuits of eminence, Paccio, Ruggiero or Roger, and Ricci, to carry Out, if possible, the enterprise that he so much had at heart, Roger arrived at Macao in 1679, and commenced the study of the language; and after two years, he went to jon and commenced his Missionary work. Matteo Ricci, an Italian of noble birth, and possessing great attainments, particularly in mathematical sciences, reached Mucao in 1581, being then 50 years old. 'To Ricci belongs the honor of resuscitating Romish missions in China, which had been sus: Ming dynasty in' 1308, an interval of 213 ended since the establishment of the years, Ricci was a true Jesuit, and determined to succeed by perseverance; by at. firat concealing his true character and objects by the free use of presents; by courtesy and suavity.; and by means of his acientific attainments. By persevering efforts, ho obtained permission to reside at Sh chan-fu, in the Canton province, where he remained several years, wearing the garb of a Budhist priest. In 1594, Valignano advised him and his associates to exchange their Budhist garb for the more respected dress of the literati. He soon after started for the North of China, calling at Nanchang-fu, the capital of Kiangsi, where ho established a school, and left some of hie associates; thence he proceeded to Ni King, from which he was twice driven; but the third time he was received kindly, and "his lectures on the exact listened to with rapture." He also vis ed Suchow, and established a school. At Nanking, he was furnished with letters froma high official granting him liberty to carry afew European curiosities as a present to the Emperor; he also obtained letters of recommendation to men high in rank and favor at Court. Thus, after having been often prosecuted, and driven from place to place, his prospects now began to brighten. ing his letters of introduction, he proceeded to Peking, where he arrived in 1601, Wan-lih, the 13th Emperor of the Ming dynasty, was then reigning, to whom Ri ere long gained access, and presented his resents. The Emperor graciously received iis presents, and granted permission to him and his associate, Diego Pantoya, to ide at Peking. Soon, other Jesuits joined him at Peking, and they were also settled at all the stations which he had visited; and under his direction, and with the toleration of the government, their mission work prospe Ricci, by scientific acquirements, his pleasing ad dress, and by liberal distribution of presents, became very popular at Court, and some high officials became converts, Of these the chief was Paul. Siu, a native of Shanghai; his daughter also became a convert and took, at her baptism, the name of Candida. They were zealous supporters of the missions. Candida, who was married at the age of 16, and was left a widow from Dejangredt, page ies," Yo PED 3 William's Mid. Kingdom, Vol 2, {noted
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.