CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

His early years. Account given by M. Nonard. His entrance into the great Seminary of Mans. Tutor in the families of Carron and De la Bouillerie. Letters to his pupil. Desire to enter the monastic life. He is drawn towards the priesthood; is ordained deacon in 1836 at the age of 22, and enters the priesthood in 1837. Is made Professor of Theology in 1838. Discovers his vocation Page 1

CHAPTER II.

The Seminary des Missions Etrangdres. Manner of life. Martyrdoms in Tonquin. M. Berneux prepares for his departure. Has charge of a community in the mean time. Separation from his mother. Sudden departure. Writes from Havre 19th January 1842 p. 11

CHAPTER III.

The voyage. Arrival at Anjer. Thoughts on passing the shores of Cochin-China. Arrival at Manilla. Mgr. Retord. Departure for Macao p. 18

CHAPTER IV.

Arrival at Macao. Importance of this place. Meets M. Taillandier. Adopts Chinese customs and costume. Departure and capture of M. Taillandier. Captivity and release. Mgr. Retord takes M. Berneux. Their departure for Tonquin is fixed, p. 23

CHAPTER V.

Passage to Tonquin. Arrival. Death of Minh-Menh. Missionaries separate. M. Berneux is left in hiding in a convent p. 30

CHAPTER VI.

Tonquin. Brief summary of its geographical position, and the history of the Church during the 240 years of its existence. Hopes entertained at the commencement of the present century. Successful negotiations on the part of the Vicar-apostolic of Cochin - China with the King of France to restore Gia Laong to the throne. Ingratitude of this monarch. His death, and the cruel reign of his son Minh-M£nh p. 36

CHAPTER VII.

Discovery of MM. Galy and Berneux. They are taken prisoners, and put in cages. Conduct of neophytes and Christians. Imprisonment at Nam-Dinh. Examinations. Departure for and journey to Hus. Arrival, p. 42

CHAPTER VIII.

Examinations at Hu6. Missionaries commanded to dishonour the Cross. They refuse, and are put to the torture. They are insulted both in their prisons and in the streets. They are found guilty of preaching the Gospel, and condemned to death p. 57

CHAPTER IX.

Arrest of MM. Charrier, Miche, and Duclos. Miseries of the captivity. Christian sympathy. Confessors of Quangtri. Visit of Philip Phe. Sentence of death ; joy of the missionaries. Death-warrant signed, and missionaries removed to the great prison. Execution indefinitely postponed. Description of the prison. Horrors of this captivity p. 66

CHAPTER X.

Their delivery by the prompt and bold measures taken by M. Leveque, commander of the Heroine. They are taken on board the Heroine, and set sail for France. MM. Miche and Dnclos are left at Singapore p. 76

CHAPTER XI.

Voyage to Bourbon. M. Beraeux obtains permission from the governor to return to Macao. He is appointed to Mandchouria. Journey and arrival p. 80

CHAPTER XII.

Mandchouria. Divisions: 1. Ghirin-Oula. 2. Sakhalien. 3. Leao-Tong. Climate. Poverty. Chinese element. Religions. Superstitions p. 85

CHAPTER XIII.

Commencement of missionary labours in Mandchouria. Account of M. Berneux's manner of teaching p. 92

CHAPTER XIV.

Threatening persecution. Prompt measures taken by the Bishop and M. Berneux. Peace is restored. He is raised to the Episcopate, and appointed Vicar-apostolic of the Corea p. 98

CHAPTER XV.

Corea. Christianity introduced by the Japanese about the end of the sixteenth century. Success. The faith pro- claimed publicly even before the arrival of a priest. First persecution. The first missionary, a young Chi- nese priest, gives himself up in 1801. Mgr. Brugui&re offers himself (1833) for the work : his death two years after p. 104

CHAPTER XVI.

In 1839 Mgr. Imbert gives himself up with his priests to death. The family Tschoez. Mgr. Ferrsol in 1845 : illness and death in 1853. Mgr. Bemeux p. 109

CHAPTER XVII.

Short description of Corea. Corean race. Government. Classes. Dwellings. Customs in mourning. Food. Privations p. 117

CHAPTER XVIII.

Mgr. Bemeux fixes his residence in the capital. Method of administration. Great precautions. Interesting details. Faith and fervour of the Christians : their heroism and power of endurance. Consecration of M. Daveluy as co-adjutor Bishop of Acdnes p. 125

CHAPTER XIX.

Difficulties of missionary work. Printing. Baptism of infants in danger of death. Work of the 'Holy Infancy.' Native clergy. Foundation of two colleges : the movement begins to be general: hopes brighten. Fresh persecutions in 1860. Cholera and famine. Two printing-presses are set up. Slow but gradual development of the mission p. 137

CHAPTER XX.

Character of Mgr. Bemeux. His extraordinary activity and self-denial. His tenderness and care of his missionaries. Their unbounded love and respect p. 147

CHAPTER XXI.

Death of the king in 1864. Change affects the prospects of the mission. Presence of missionaries known to the authorities. Last letter of Mgr. Bemeux to his friends. Demand of Russia for a concession of territory. The Bishops are called upon to mediate. Their mediation subsequently refused. Arrest, trial, and death of the missionaries. Conclusion p. 152