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Missionary Rhetorical Primer《传教士修辞入门》

Missionary Rhetorical Primer《传教士修辞入门》
Ca. Early 20th century
Black ink on paper
Courtesy of the James G. Endicott Family  

This compendium of Chinese proverbs, classical allusions, and poetic phrases was likely compiled to help missionaries develop proficiency in the art of Chinese rhetoric. The text contains a wide variety of classical Chinese writing spanning several dynasties, much of it touching upon moral themes, that missionaries would be expected to use in their preaching. Whether on a street corner or in the homes of the elite, missionaries understood that their audience would be more receptive to their Christian message if it could be rendered in a Chinese idiom.  

这是一部汇编了中国谚语、古典典故和诗句的作品,旨在帮助传教士提升中文修辞表达的能力。书中收录了跨越多个朝代的经典中文作品,许多内容围绕道德主题展开,为传教士传教时提供了实用的素材。无论是在街头巷尾,还是在士绅阶层的家中,传教士深知,以中文成语和传统表达方式传递基督教信息,能够更有效地引起听众的共鸣与接受。 

Section 1 - Bridge Between Nations
Missionary Rhetorical Primer