CONTENTS.
XI
Page
rary Degrees—Village Inspection—First—second—third—and fourth Examinations—Effort necessary—Advantages and disadvantages of the system |
148 |
CHAPTER VIII.
THE RELIGIONS OF CHINA.
Three Systems of Religion—Confucius—his life—moral and political opinions—Notions about Heaven—and the Supreme—His Theory of the Universe—The two Powers of Nature—The Diagrams—Scheme of Metaphysics—Material Trinity—Ideas of Spiritual Beings—of the Future World—and of Human Nature—The Religion of Taou—Eternal Reason—Incarnations of it—Philosopher's Stone—Ghosts and Charms—Treading on Fire—Demoniacal Possessions—Magic Arts—Religion of Buddha—History of its Founder—Entrance into China—Buddhist Temples—Meditation on Buddha—Repetition of his Name—Absorption of a Blacksmith—Form of Prayer—Compassion to Animals—Feeding Hungry Ghosts—Paper Money—and Houses—Scrambling for Holy Food—Doctrine of Annihilation—despised by the Confucians—Resemblance to the Catholics—Review of the three Systems |
181 |
CHAPTER IX.
CATHOLIC MISSIONS IN CHINA.
The Gospel designed for the World—Early Diffusion in India and China—Ancient Intercourse—The Marble Tablet—its contents—its authenticity—Efforts of the Nestorians—and of the Catholics—Alission of Xavier—Arrival of Ricci—his journey to the Capital—his success—Christian Mandarin—his daughter Candida—Death of Ricci—Arrival of Schaal—Illustrious Converts—Arrival of Verbiest—Persecutions—Revival—Cannon cast by the Missionaries—Patronage of the French king—Death of Verbiest—New Persecutions—again allayed—Disputes among the Missionaries—Papal Bulls—Romish Legates—Failure of Negotiations—Expulsion of the Missionaries—New efforts—present state—number of Converts—Mode of operations—Character of the Catholic Missionaries—and their adherents—Conclusion |
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CHAPTER X.
PROTESTANT MISSION TO CANTON.
Mission projected—Want of information—Morrison appointed—Sails for Canton—Mode of living there—Pious breathings—Extreme caution—Marriage and appointment—religious services—Printing commenced—Adverse Edict—Arrival of Milne—Voyage to Java— New Testament completed—Baptism of a Convert—Genesis printed—Removal of Milne—Embassy to Peking—Old Testament completed—character of the |
