CHAP. V.
Cathay and China.—Father Goès 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 iiim.—Encounter of two Caravans in the Middle of the Steppe.—News of the Fekin Mission.—Goès courageous Profession of Faith.— Journey through the Steppes.—Desert of Gobi.—Arrival at the Frontiers of China.—The Great Wall,—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 Goès.—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.
Notwithstanding the numerous obstacles of various kinds offered to the spread of the faith, Christianity was making great progress among all classes of society in China. At this period, when such important discoveries were being made by the Spanish and Portuguese navigators, innumerable preachers of the gospel, full of zeal and piety, were travelling, cross in hand, over all parts of the recently-discovered countries, and planting communities of fervent Christians in the very midst of idolatry and infidelity. The missionaries of different
