A short account of the declaration given by the Chinese Emperour Kam Hi, in the year 1700

CHINA. JESUITS. Kangxi Emperor ??? (1654-1722)

Published by [s.n.], Printed in the year, London, 1703

Bound in contemporary tanned and sprinkled sheep expertly rebacked and with small repairs to the corners (some surface and edge wear.) Light damp-staining and minor toning to the contents. Manuscript ex libris on pastedown "Holy Cross Abbey Library"; housed in a custom morocco clamshell box. Very rare. ESTC records 7 copies in the U.K. and 5 copies in North America: Cornell, Huntington, Newberry (2), Chicago. First English translation of"Brevis relatio eorum quæ spectant ad declarationem Sinarum imperatoris Kam Hi ." (Peking: 1701) "A brief account of what pertains to the declaration of the Chinese Kangxi Emperor concerning the worship of Heaven , Confucius, and the cult of the ancestors" The book includes a translation of the emperor s pronouncements and explanation of Chinese religious and philosophical concepts (including Confucianism), as well as details on the rites performed by the Chinese. Composed by the Jesuits Anthony Thomas, Thomas Pereira, Jean-Francois Gerbillon and others, the text pertains to the Chinese Rites Controversy and the Emperor Kangxi s (1654-1722) pronouncements on these rites. The original Latin edition was published in Peking in 1701. Latin and French editions followed in Europe. The Jesuits composed a document containing their understanding of Chinese rites, religion, and philosophy, and submitted to the Emperor (in a document known as the "Memorial") for his comments. The Emperor replied with his approval, affirming that the Jesuits did indeed have a firm grasp of those concepts. The printed "Brief Relation" includes the text of both the Memorial and the Emperor s reply. "When the Emperor had read [the Jesuits document], and given it careful consideration and thought, he replied in this way in the Manchu language: All that is contained in this document is well expressed, and in complete agreement with the Great Teaching [Confucianism]. It is the common law of the whole world to offer appropriate respect to Heaven, Lords, Parents, Masters and Ancestors. What is contained in this document is very truthful and there is absolutely nothing that requires amendment. "Here is the essential part of the Memorial, quoted in an English version of the Latin translation: When the Chinese honour Confucius they do this in order to show their respect for him on account of his teaching which has been passed down. Since they have received this from him how could it not be that they not demonstrate due honour to him for it by bending their knees and lowering their heads to the ground? This is the real reason why the Chinese world has Confucius for its Master and venerates him. And this is the true meaning of the way the Chinese cultivate him. Certainly they do not do so to seek from him intellectual brilliance, understanding or honours. As for the libations and rites which they observe for their dead relatives and those close to them snatched away by death, these are conducted by them to demonstrate the love and reverence due to them and gratitude for the originators of their family and clan. In addition, the ancient emperors laid down the solemn rites wherein each year at stated times in winter and summer honour is exhibited to the dead, both by sons to their parents, and by brothers and others towards those tied to them by bonds of friendship or relationship. This is instituted and expressly done with the intention of expressing in this way, so far as possible, our very great affection for those close to us. As for those tablets which they put up for their ancestors or predecessors, we say they are not erected out of a belief that the souls of the dead reside in them, or to seek good luck and prosperity from them, but a feast is placed before their tablets, and they make oblations, simply to show love and reverence to them as if they were alive and present, and so in this way they demonstrate a constant and perpetual goodwill towards the authors of their family. Regarding the sacrifices accustomed to be offe. Seller Inventory # 5362

Bibliographic Details

Title: A short account of the declaration given by ...
Publisher: [s.n.], Printed in the year, London
Publication Date: 1703
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Fine
Edition: FIRST ENGLISH EDITION.