Korea -- History; Korea -- Social life and customs
The year 1832 was noted for its rainfall and inundations. To propitiate
Heaven’s favor the king recalled many exiles, among whom were
Christians. In this year also the British ship, Lord Amherst, was sent
out by the East India Company on a voyage of commercial exploration,
and to open, if possible, new markets for the fabrics of England and
India. On board was a Prussian gentleman, the Rev. Charles Gutzlaff,
under the patronage of the Netherlands Missionary Society, though
travelling at his own cost. Reaching the coast of Chulla, July 17th, he
remained one month. Being a good Chinese scholar, and well equipped
with medical knowledge, he landed on several of the islands and on the
mainland, he distributed presents of books, buttons, and medicines,
planted potatoes and taught their cultivation. Through an officer he
sent the king presents of cut glass, calicoes, and woollen goods, with
a copy of the Bible and some Protestant Christian tracts. These, after
some days of negotiation, were refused. A few of the more intelligent
natives risked their heads, and accepted various gifts, among which
were Chinese translations of European works on geography and
mathematics. Mr. Gutzlaff could discover no trace of Christianity [26]
or the converts, though he made diligent inquiry. The lying magistrates
denied all knowledge of even the existence of the Christian faith.
Deeply impressed with their poverty, dirt, love of drink, and
degradation, the Protestant, after being nearly a month among the
Coreans, left their shores, fully impressed with their need of soap and
bibles.
The year 1834 closed the first half century of Corean Christianity.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account