Southern Baptist Missionary Journal, July 1847

SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONARY JOURNAL. VOL. II. JULY, 1847. NO. 2. THE EARLY MISSIONS TO CHINA.— NO. III. ROMISH MISSIONS— CONTINUED. In two preceding numbers of the Journal, we have given an account of the Apostolic Missions in China, the Nestorian Missions, and the first period of the Romish Missions, extending down as far as the middle of the 14th century ; we now come to consider the Second period of the Romish Missions, which extends from 1552 to 1724. It is necessary however, before proceeding further, to remark, that we enter upon the remaining part of the history of the Chinese Missions with altered feelings and different purposes. Hitherto we have been contemplating the labors of men, for whose Christianity we may entertain a strong hope, and in whose deeds we discover traces of a truly Christian zeal, though dimmed of course by imperfections. But in what remains we see very obviously the “ mark of the beast.” From the commence¬ ment and throughout the whole progress we detect the imprint of the cloven foot of Romanism. We behold all the energy, the self-devotion, the completeness of prepara¬ tion, together with all the wily cunning and unscrupulousness, as to means, which have everywhere been the characteristics of the modern Romish missions. They have spared neither men, nor money, nor meanness, when necessary to accomplish their objects ; they have assumed every garb, and become by turns, mechanics, soldiers, merchants, philosophers, diplomatists, and jugglers, in order that they might “ by all means,” proselyte “ some.” Rome, not Zion,— the church, not its Head, — the pope, not his Master, — the priesthood, not Christ crucified, — subjection to themselves, not obedience to the gospel, has been the subject they have preached, the object they have sought to elevate. But if this be the case, it may be asked “wliat is the use of filling the pages of the Journal with accounts of their attempts, successes and failures? Let them alone : let them sink into oblivion. Tell us rather of the struggles and progress of true Christianity.” This is a fair objection and demands a fair and clear answer. We seriously consider these Romish missions a subject of investigation which ought to excite deep interest, and calculated to convey the most important instruction. Indeed we esteem it much the most important part of the whole subject under consideration, and believe that more real good might result from a proper contemplation of it, than any other portion of the history. One reason is, that these Chinese missions may furnish us the key to the whole sys¬ tem of the Roman missions. Understanding them thoroughly, we see the whole spirit, and principles, and means, and practical working which everywhere attend their efforts. It is truly wise that the church should inquire what are the enemies which oppose her progress and prevent the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom. But, if the stationary obstacles, as they may be called, ought to be considered and understood, 5