Johann Adam Schall von Bell

Johann Adam Schall von Bell (Chinese: 湯若望) (1591 - 15 August 1666) was a German Jesuit missionary to China.

Related Topics:
Chinese - 15 August - 1666 - German - Jesuit - Missionary - China

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Born of noble parents in Cologne, Germany, he joined the Society of Jesus in Rome in 1611. In 1618 he left for China, reaching Macao in 1619.

Related Topics:
Cologne - Germany - Society of Jesus - Rome - 1611 - 1618 - 1619

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Apart from successful missionary work, he became the trusted counsellor of the Shunzhi emperor of the Qing dynasty, was created a mandarin, and held an important post in connection with the mathematical school. His position enabled him to procure from the emperor permission for the Jesuits to build churches and to preach throughout the country.

Related Topics:
The Shunzhi emperor - Qing dynasty - Mandarin

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Proselytes to the number of 500,000 are said to have been obtained within fourteen years. The Shunzhi emperor, however, died in 1661, and Schall's circumstances at once changed. He was imprisoned and condemned to death. The sentence was not carried out, but he died after his release owing to the privations he had endured. A collection of his manuscripts remains was deposited in the Vatican Library.

Related Topics:
Proselyte - 1661 - Vatican Library

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