Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-01-24

| disseminate this delusive doctrine, in num-
ber are not many; those without any de.
signation, after trial should be imprisoned
(before being strangled.) Those who have
only, on hearing the doctrine, become dis.
ciples and do not know how to reform.
should be banished and delivered over to
the Pihkih officers, or to the Moosoolmen,
(Hpuy Hpny,) who are able TO keep them
under, to be slaves.
ain the 59th year of Keealung, the Por-
tuguese Lom0tang clandesinely entered
the country, and in conjunction with Kac.
kemsan Pihkinkwan, and others, taught and
disseminated the doctrine. In the Goth
year of Keaking, the Portuguese Lanyueac-
ang clandestinely entered the country, and
in conjunction with Ejoolan and others
taught the doctrine. Sooner or later the
whole of them were seized, tried, and eth.
er strangled or expelled. The rest of their
co.adju'ors in spreading the doctrine were
successfully taken, and also tried and pun.
ished according to law. Since these very Sc.
we're measures this teaching has gradually
ceased.
"But in the summer of last year an En-.
glish foreign ship abruptly entered the wa
tcrs Of all the provinces, and distributed for.
eign books. She was quickly driven away.
These books advised men to worship and
believe in the religion of the Lord JESUS,
(Yasoo,) which is, from. investigation at the
several successive times, the same as the
religion of the Lord of heaven. A great
number of Portuguese dwell in Macao.
Deputed officers have already been hurried
to Macao, and they seized Keahacaou, who
was hired to print the books ; and of foreign
books they have seized kinds, which
were forwarded to the foyuen TO be exam.
ined and duly reported TO the emperor
Hes(the foyuen) has proclaimed clearly to
the people of the land and booksellers
shops, that if they have received and keep
any foreign book Of the religion Of the
Lord of heaven, half gear is alo'ced for
them to delirer in person, |. 70 the magis.
trates,) which will prevent any investiga.
ton into their conduct but if, after n search
is made it is found have received and re-
tanned them, their crime shall be punished
with the utmost severity Of the law. This
is on record.
"The Portuguese religion of the Lord Of
heaven (ifit is allowed to- spread in the in
terror, is a custom or doctrine exceedingly
injurious to the minds of men; the glori.
ousy splendid and lucid laws forbid (it. }
The perfect and fixed code was early
(formed) and has diffused is bright light to
the present time, and is full of connected
and successive statutes the fate Of the old
chariot reflects as mirror an abundant ex.
ample. ~ r. - : zHf.sT '>. -
The period limited for the delivery up (of
the books and escaping from punishment
for their past crimes, IS granted in sincerity
10 the ignorant people who have been delu.
ded into crime they are to be piiied. We
cannot bear TO punish the uninstructed. We
particularly enjoin you to renew yourselves
and walk the straight path.
"Afier the publication of this proclama-
ton, if oil those who have received and re-
tanned foreign books of the religion of the
Lord of heaven, or practiced and disse-
minated that religion within the period Of
half a year, deliver to the district officers
(their books) AMI leave the religion, then
their crimes will be forgiven. Now through
this not-ancient path Of vice and stuPifica-
ton those who try can retrace their steps ;
you should hasten to change yourtace and
change your mind, and with the bitterest re-
gret repent and reform. Do not on any
account, " hating between two opinions" !"
delay returning. But if you exceed the
allowed period, and again receive and retain
any foreign books, and do not deliver them
up, and persevere in practicing and spread.
| ing the relisioi,-for those who act thus, an
examination shall be forthwith ordered ;
they shall be Immediately seized and pun
ishcd severely.
Now, how in this world below, on
which the splendid heaven sheds ITS trans
forming and vivifying light and heat, can
depraved discourses be permitted to flow
o ye fortunate people, you row live
happily in state of peace and luetness
YOU should adhere TO. the correct worship
and straigh. path, and REJECT and extirpate
deprased and corrupt doctrines, without
cabals and combinations, without selfish
deprayity.
"Follow the ways of the ancient kings
then you will be able to drink harmony and
eat virtue and you will all be the viriuous
people of an abundant and hourishing age
We, the s.e officers, indeed most assuredly
hope it. Do not oppose"
Ofthc above edict, Mr.. Gutzlaff says
"The court has just now declared its firm
determination to persecute the Roman
Catholics throughout the empire, the frs
edict of this kind since the accession o
Taou kwang 10 the throne. If this edict
like all others, is to be dead letter, and te