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CHAP. II.
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 Chapel 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 Han-Tcheou-Fou.—Chinese Alchemists.—Rascality of the Neophyte Martin.—His Judgment.—Fresh Persecution.—Peace returns.—Fête of old Men.—Memorial against the Europeans.—Defence of Father Ricci.—His Popularity.—Solemn Visit of the Imperial Commissioner to the Mission of Tchao-King
One day, when the missionaries were conversing with delight on their future propagation of the faith in China, they were visited by an officer of the chief tribunal of the town. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he announced to them that the viceroy had just been deposed, and that he desired them to quit the town immediately, lest their residence, being distasteful to his successor, should sink him in yet deeper disgrace.
As may be imagined, this was a thunderbolt to the monks; but, to console them, the viceroy gave them a letter, enjoining the magistrates of Canton to allow them a residence in that city. But of what value would the letter of a displaced governor be in the eyes of the
