But of late, what through the unconquerable patience of Thoſe, that contemning all difficulties and perils, have adventured to conquer Idolartry, and advance the ſtandard of IESUS CHRIST ; what through the opportunity, that hath been given to others alſo, by the late Conqueſt of the Tartars , to hold free commerce in China ; we now at laſt have obtained, though ſcarcely twelve months ſince, the true and authentique Hiſtories of that Empire.John Webb. The Antiquity of China, Or An Historical Essay. 1678.