custome worthy 



ye observation. 



nations. 



A TREATISE OF CHINA aj>. 



1590. 



Sangiam) leaving an example unto the rest of his associ- 

 ates, how they should likewise doe their best to plant the 

 religion of Christ in that nation. This man was seconded 

 by others, who used all meanes, and left no practise un- 

 attempted, that they might bring these good beginnings 

 unto a prosperous issue : howbeit they were greatly 

 hindered by reason of an ancient custome in China, in An ancient 

 regard whereof they doe not without great difficulty and 

 circumspection admit any strangers into their dominions, 

 except those which having a long time executed the office 

 of ambassadours doe ordinarily every third yeere present 

 themselves before the king : in the admission of whom 

 likewise there is marvellous care used, that they may not 

 easily espie and become acquainted with the affaires of 



the Realme. Heereunto may be added, that the Chinians The Ghinians 



r 1 J • 1 . contemne other 



are great contemners or other nations, and most constant 



observers of their owne lawes and customes : in all which 

 respects it came to passe, that there was woonderfull 

 labour and diligence employed above thirty yeeres 

 together, onely to get an entrance, untill in the yeere 

 one thousand five hundred fourescore and three, two 

 fathers of the foresayd society, that had pretty skill in 

 the letters and language of China, utterly despairing of 

 mans helpe, and depending upon the providence of 

 almighty God, obtained licence of the Tutan or Vice-roy 

 to build them an house and a Church in the City of 

 Xauquin, which by reason of the commodiousnesse 

 thereof is the seat of the Viceroy himselfe. This worke 

 being begunne, the sayd fathers of the society, for the 

 novelty thereof, were a few yeeres right well entreated 

 by the Magistrates : insomuch that two others out of 

 India had free and easie accesse unto them, one couple 

 remaining still in their foresayd house at Xauquin, and 

 the other two taking their journey for the inner pro- 

 vinces, to convert more people unto the faith : who not- 

 withstanding afterward, other Magistrates not approoving 

 of their attempts, were constrained to retire. Nowe all 

 the time wherein the foresayd fathers abode at Xauquin 



375 



