Objects of Evangelism in Canton

By Christina Lee
Transcription and Translation by Yangyou Fang

Offerings to the god of fire, in thanks for the acquisition of wealth

The Augustinian mission in China experienced a brief and modest revival under Father Tomás Ortiz, the Provincial Prior of the Philippines. Fray Ortiz believed it was essential not to abandon the ambitious goal of evangelizing the Middle Kingdom, even in the face of numerous challenges. During this period, Emperor Kangxi (1654–1722) was actively persecuting missionaries who opposed Chinese ritual practices, forcing the Augustinians to carry out their evangelization efforts covertly. Nonetheless, correspondence between the determined Augustinians in China and their colleagues in Manila highlights their achievements: between 1685 and 1702, they reportedly converted as many as seven thousand Chinese, many of whom suffered from leprosy. In 1716, Father Ortiz appointed Father Joseph Ferrer as Provincial Vicar of China. Ferrer arrived in Canton that same year and supported Fray Ignacio de Santa Teresa, the only Augustinian present in China since 1713. The present document, written in classical Chinese, is an inventory of objects received by Fray Ferrer from an undisclosed supplier on September 29, 1717. The items, which include a mix of practical and luxurious objects from both Asian and Western origins, suggest they were previously owned by European missionaries. A Chinese Christian convert, knowledgeable about the origins and characteristics of such objects, probably compiled the list of items. Fray Ferrer does not mention prices, which likely indicates these were presented to him along with the silver money he received from the Chinese agent who delivered them. This inventory offers insights into the types of objects valued by Europeans in China—ranging from white silk coats and mosquito screens to Tibetan Buddhist texts. These items could have served multiple purposes: as currency in emergencies, diplomatic gifts to officials, or treasures to be transported back to New Spain or Spain if the opportunity arose

Reference: 
Ares, Manuel. “Las Misiones Agustinianas en China (1560-1945).” Archivo Agustiniano 55 (1961). 25-48.

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Recibo en lengua china de items recibidos junto con la plata por Fray Joseph Ferrer, 1717.

The inventory lists various items in Chinese, including a saddle, stirrups, and a damaged feather robe, along with religious texts such as three volumes of the Lama scripture and other Western books.
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