abominable impostor, and others were alchemists, who had become persuaded that the Jesuits possessed the secret of the philosopher's stone, and who became converts in the hopes of being admitted to the secret.

Driven out of Tchao-King, the Jesuits took refuge at Tchao-Tcheou, quitting at the same time the habits of bonzes, or native priests, and adopting those of men of letters. Finding it impossible to influence a nation so vain of its literary and philosophical acquirements as the Chinese, and rendered impracticable by the prejudice of ages, by the ordinary methods of conviction, the Jesuits also adopted at that time the system which they almost ever afterwards persevered in, of obtaining a footing in the empire by their mathematical and scientific attain

ments.

The scientific influence and successes of Father Ricci were followed by the geographical explorations of Father Goes, who travelled by land from India, passing by the city of Yarkand, the desert of Gobi, and the great wall, into the interior of China, where death put a stop to his further progress.

Ricci was succeeded in his position of general-in-chief of the missions of the Company of Jesus in China by Nicolas Lombard. This latter, instead of following the system of conciliation pursued by his predecessor, and looking upon the honours paid by the Chinese to Confucius and other ancestors as a purely civil institution, attacked the system as idolatrous, and laid the foundations of that antagonism which became more fatal to the success of the missions than the most violent persecutions of the mandarins. The flagellation, poisoning, and torture of neophytes became now no uncommon thing, and the missionaries themselves were often shut up in cages. The breaking out of war between the Tartars and the Chinese brought the Jesuits, however, once more into requisition. They were summoned to Canton to help in the establishment of a foundry of guns, and they were after that employed in reforming the calendar. Father Schall first won favour with the emperor by manufacturing a musical instrument for him, and the favour and esteem in which he was held for his moral and intellectual superiority were continued under the Mantchu Tartar dynasty. So far was this carried, that it was under the same successful missionary that permission was first obtained to erect a Latin Church in Peking. The subsequent progress and tribulations of that Church are to be related in future volumes of the Abbé Huc's valuable work; but at the present moment, when so much interest attaches itself to our relations and those of the rest of Europe with China, we gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity of giving here the opinions entertained by the abbé, from extensive practical acquaintance with the subject, albeit those opinions have more of a Gallican than a Romanist tendency, and are assuredly not in the interests of England, Russia, or America.

To pass, then, from the past to the future, the abbé sums up that Europe, after having for a long time received the light from the East, is destined by Providence to regenerate the Asiatics, whose moral and in"All religious and political feeltellectual sap appears to be exhausted. ing,” he asserts, "is every day getting weaker and weaker in the bosoms of these numerous populations. We live in the time of the death and decomposition of Asia. Who will give back life to the limbs of this

great corpse? Who will take possession of these old elements in order to vivify them ?"

It is unquestionable that the destinies of humanity lie for the future in the hands of the European race, whether in the old or the new world. It is sufficient to be convinced of that great fact, to cast a glance at what is taking place in the world, to see the numerous colonies of Christian people that are advancing and insensibly extending themselves in the high regions of Asia. It is written in Genesis that Noah, prophesying the destinies of the future races of men, said to his three children, "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents (or tabernacles) of Shem."

Everything that we see authorises us to believe that the children of Japheth will not be long in acquiring the inheritance which was legacied to them after the deluge by Noah. But it must not be dissimulated there will be a sanguinary struggle, and it will not be without a fierce and prolonged combat that old Asia will be absorbed by Europe.

The war in the Crimea was an event of great significance. The Ottoman Empire was about to crumble; a neighbouring monarch, a formidable descendant of Shem, was alreading stretching forth his powerful arm to take possession of the relics of the Crescent. But the sword of Europe put a limit to the cupidity of the Asiatic czar. During this memorable drama, France was always seen occupying the rank that belongs to her. During the incidents of the war, as in the conclusions of peace, she allowed no nation to prevail over her, either in wisdom or in courage. She has gloriously vindicated her traditional influence upon the affairs of the East.

Peace has been signed. But let there be no mistake: that peace is only a truce. The great questions that agitate the world will inevitably be settled upon a distant and a gigantic theatre. It is well known that China, now for some years past the scene of a formidable insurrection and of frightful internal commotions, is threatened with a proximate dissolution. This immense kingdom must excite a far different interest in Europe than the Ottoman Empire. Politicians will soon have occasion to turn their attention from Constantinople and to fix them upon Peking.

There was little or no occasion in olden times to trouble oneself about these incomprehensible Chinese, living at the other extremity of the world, and leading an isolated and mysterious existence behind their great wall. People were satisfied with drinking their tea, admiring their china-ware, and laughing at the works of art that came from that strange country. Religion alone took up China in a serious point of view, and never ceased, without even allowing itself to be discouraged, sending preachers of the Gospel. This Christian propagandism was pursued with zeal and perseverance by a crowd of missionaries, at the head of which imposing list stands Saint Thomas-first apostle of India.

In the middle ages, notwithstanding the excitement created by the long struggle between the spiritual power of Rome and the temporal power of the empire, the popes never ceased to attach their paternal regards on these regions disinherited of a true faith. Gregory IX., Innocent IV., Clement IV., Nicolas III., Nicolas IV., Clement V., Jean XXI., Jean XXII., and Benoît XII., preached crusades, or enjoined missions, according as they deemed it most expedient to exercise a bellicose or a pacific influence in Asia.

In the present day, when the prodigies of steam and electricity have to a certain extent caused the immensity of the seas and the vast extent of continents to disappear, we are no longer so far removed from that Celestial Empire which reckons more than three hundred millions of inhabitants, and which contains within itself all the elements of an incomparable prosperity. Even now a person can go from London to Canton in fifty days, and when the Euphrates Valley Route shall have been opened, we shall be still far nearer to India, China, Tartary, and Thibet, those innumerable populations which, since the world began, have invariably sought to develop themselves, independent of our ideas and beliefs. Events march with a rapid pace, and this miraculous connexion may take place to-morrow. And what may be the result? What may not occur when the spirit

of Europe and that of Asia stand face to face, and shall measure one another and confront one another?

The opportunity has now come, M. Huc insists, of calling the attention of France to High Asia. It is not too soon to prepare oneself for the great events which may already be foreseen. If France wishes to preserve the rank that she occupies in the world, she should attentively examine the symptoms of an Asiatic crisis, study the distant populations, and seek for the position that suits her to take when the time shall come to act.

They must learn, and we are profoundly convinced that there is no time to lose, that other nations have been prepared for a long time past to exercise a considerable influence upon the affairs of the extreme East. England, besides its vast possessions in India and in the Straits of Malacca, has formed on the very coasts of the Celestial Empire, at Hong-Kong and at Shanghai, formidable establishments, from whence she can dominate, by means of her powerful navy, over the destinies of China whenever her interest shall require it. The preponderating influence of her commerce and of her diplomacy are well known, and her numerous agents study the history, the manners, and the language of the Chinese.

On the other hand, the central portion of the empire is encompassed by Russia. Innumerable Russian posts stretch from Turkestan to Kamtchatka, the whole length of the frontiers of Siberia, and insensibly extend themselves among the wandering tribes of Tartary, to the very neighbourhood of the great wall. It is well known that the government of St. Petersburg, even whilst it appeared to be solely absorbed in the heroic defence of Sebastopol, profited by the civil war which raged in China to explore the course of the Amur, and to establish itself in the most important ports of that magnificent river. There is a Russian mission at Peking to keep the Czar well informed upon all that takes place in the Celestial Empire, and to train up political agents who shall be well versed in the language and customs of High Asia.

It is, no doubt, in anticipation of the events that cannot fail to occur at a very proximate period in these countries, that we have seen England, Russia, and the United States, send squadrons to Japan, in order to enter into relations with that empire, which will inevitably be carried away by the same movement that will bring Europe in collision with Asia.

It is certain that the powers we have just alluded to concern themselves deeply with the revolution which has shaken the Chinese Empire to its very foundations, and which will give birth to the most grave complications that have ever existed in European policy. These powers seek to cause their influence to prevail, and to strengthen themselves in Upper Asia with an activity which has not attracted sufficient attention.

France has not, like England and Russia, extended her domination to the very confines of China: ought she, then, for that reason, to remain a simple spectator of that great struggle which will probably bring about a total change in the political physiognomy of Asiatic people? No; France cannot consent to remain neutral, without denying the past and renouncing the future.

When we study the history of Christianity in China, in Tartary, and in Thibet, we find that at all epochs France has endeavoured by its kings and its missionaries, and by the generous and chivalrous character of its proselytism, to penetrate into these distant countries and to enlighten the Asiatic people. Thus, when we reproduce the curious correspondence that took place between Saint Louis and Philippe le Bel with the grandchildren of Tchinguiz Khan; when we relate the celebrated travels, and the strange and eventful missions of ambassadors and of preachers of the Gospel, deputed, during the middle ages, by the kings of France and the sovereign pontiffs to the Chinese and the Tartars (and this prodigious zeal for the propagation of the faith in High Asia manifested itself precisely during the time of the residence of the popes at Avignon, and especially under the pontificate of John XXII., who was a French pope), still we see that this ardour of Catholic France never waned; it can be shown May-VOL. CX. NO. CCCCXXXVII.

C

to have existed at all times, and even to the present day we still see French missionaries spread in considerable numbers throughout most of the provinces of China, in the midst of the steppes of Tartary, among the mountains of Thibet, where they have revealed the power of France to the Grand Lama, and as far as to the banks of the river Amur, where they see with grief the rapid progress of Muscovite influence.

Political France, then, and Catholic France have only to inspire themselves with their own history to comprehend their great and glorious mission in the events of High Asia, as France has understood them in the affairs of the East. The war in the Crimea was the first act in a great drama, in which France played a noble part; would it be proper that she should now withdraw from the stage before the dénouement?

It does not in any way belong to us to say what the policy of France should meditate and undertake. There is, however, one thing certain, and which we are in the position to proclaim openly: it is, that the genius of Europe will subdue and absorb Asia; but it is only by Christianity that it will be given to her to regenerate and to assimilate these antique nations.

The elements of that regeneration, let us hasten to say it, are in the hands of Catholic France by its missions. Let the merchant ships and the steamers of Great Britain plough the seas of China; let numberless Cossacks, their lances in their fists, be stationed the whole length of the great wall; it is in the very heart of the empire that we exercise the influence of our charity and devotion. And when the day shall come that France shall wish to interfere directly in the affairs of the Celestial Empire, it will only require to take advantage of the moral ascendancy that has been long ago assured to her by the preachers of the Gospel. The occasions will assuredly not be wanting to her to make her wishes heard by that singular government, which has been accustomed to treat Christian people, for so many centuries, with contempt and cruelty. If England did not hesitate, but a short time ago, to send her fleet to require indemnification for a few boxes of opium, burnt by order of a viceroy, and that in the interest of her merchants, will not France have the right, when her turn shall come, to interest herself effectively in her missionaries, persecuted, tortured, and put to death, in the name of the Emperor of China? Public opinion is at the present moment moved with indignation at the frightful death of a young apostle, legally assassinated by the mandarins of the province of Canton, and by the recital of the hideous ferocity of the executioners, who were seen devouring the heart of the martyr, whilst applauded by the multitude.

France cannot remain insensible to such an act of barbarity. The civilising and Christian spirit that animated our kings of old has not disappeared, and the zeal of the Gregorys and the Johns for the propagation of the faith in High Asia is always equally ardent in the heart of the sovereign pontiffs. And when France wishes to act, she will always find a powerful auxiliary in the papacy that will never fail her. The Pope has not, indeed, ever ceased to send missionaries to the innumerable populations of China, of Tartary, and of Thibet. In the midst of the gravest occupations, the common father of the faithful has always looked with eyes of solicitude upon these foreign countries. He has never ceased to encourage, by his supreme direction, the labours of missions; and we ourselves have but lately enjoyed the happiness of seeing his paternal hand stretched over us to bless our humble efforts.

Beneath the twofold protection of the head of the Church and of the French name, Christianity, and the civilisation that flows from it, may, at length, regenerate the old people of the extreme East. If the missions, on the contrary, are abandoned to the mercy of their persecutors, the political influence of France will be enfeebled in Asia, the progress of the propagation of the faith will remain stationary, and the missionaries, overwhelmed with grief but never discouraged, will exclaim, like those in the book of the Buddhists, "Oh! how difficult it is to convert men!"

PARKWATER.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "ASHLEY."

I.

THE beams of a September sun, near its setting, were falling on the mansion pertaining to a well-cultivated estate in one of the better parts of Ireland. The house was not erected in a critical style of architecture, for it was a straggling, in-and-out sort of building, but the scenery around was beautiful. It was called Parkwater. At the window of one of the reception-rooms, gazing at an approaching car, stood a pretty, unpretending looking lady, unpretending in face as in dress, though that, of rich gauzy material, with its trimmings of fine lace, was of quiet elegance. She appeared a simple-hearted, cordial woman, quite devoid of pretence or affectation; and such she was.

She had dined in the middle of the day; she had, indeed, although she was a countess, had dined with her children. She was devoted to them, and when her lord was absent, she was apt to forget pomp and state. She was expecting the arrival of her little girl's new governess, and had hospitably thought she would wait tea for her: no doubt this car contained the lady. The countess rang the bell.

"Reed, show the governess in here."

"Yes, my lady.

A minute or two, and the same man threw the door open for the governess. A tall, fair girl with a handsome countenance. It had, however, a peculiar expression; very determined, and not always pleasing.

"Miss May, my lady."

Miss May came forward, her head erect, and her air consequential. One might have deemed, indeed, that she was the lady and the other the governess. She dropped a ceremonious curtsey, very low, like you may have seen from a Frenchwoman.

"Have I the honour of addressing Lady Tennygal ?"

The countess inclined her head. "An uncompromising-looking young woman," she thought to herself, "but that's all proper, I suppose, for a governess. Allow me to welcome you to Parkwater, Miss May," she said, aloud. "I hope you will find your residence here agreeable." "Madam, I thank you for your kind wishes. I trust I shall perform my duties to your satisfaction."

"And when you have taken off your things, which I dare say you are anxious to do, we will have tea," said the pleasant little countess, "and you shall see your pupils. I thought we would take it together this evening, that we might grow acquainted with each other. I have the children very much with me when Lord Tennygal is absent."

Miss May was shown to her rooms: when she returned from them she was rather finer than the countess-taking in the general effect of her appearance and her flaxen hair was dressed in elaborate braids. "Too pretentious for a governess," was the idea that crossed Lady Tennygal's mind, and the next moment she took herself to task for it; as she was sure to do, if her kind heart gave momentary vent to an ill-natured thought.