the two countries prevented. The brethren were highly complimented on their success; and Gerbillon was, in consequence, treated with particular esteem. The kindness of the emperor to the missionaries at court, seemed to augur well for the interests of the mission; but the same laws against proselyting continued in force; and unfriendly governors of provinces had frequent opportunities of annoying the missionaries.
It was not long before a persecution against the Christians was commenced by the governor of Chĕkeang, who, depending on the letter of the law against proselyting, and the disposition of the tribunals to oppose all innovations, seized on several churches, broke the crosses, profaned the altars, and dragged the Christians before the judicial courts—imprisoning some, and torturing others. Among the rest, a physician endured the bastinado with great constancy, and presented himself afterwards in the church, as a sacrifice to the Lord, grieving that he had not shed his last drop of blood for his holy name. The missionaries at Peking, applied to the emperor for his interference, when his majesty observed, that "he was surprised to see them so much infatuated with their religion; and so busied about a world, where they had never been." He advised them to "enjoy the present life; being persuaded that their God was powerful enough to do himself justice, though they concerned themselves nothing about his matters." Not satisfied with this reply, they petitioned again; when the emperor referred it to their own choice, whether they would depend on his favour, or appeal to the tribunals. They chose the latter; and, the answer was unfavourable; which disappointed the monarch, as much as it grieved the missionaries; for the emperor
