“Could They Be Made to See?”: The Educational Legacy of Xiamen to the Philippines

Abstract

In 1834, Rev. Dr. David Abeel III (1804–1846) wrote a book entitled Journal of a Residence in China and the Neighboring Countries, from 1829 to 1933 (Abeel 1834). In it, he used extracts of another work by C. W. King that was published in 1828. King had resided in Manila, thus the title of his work was Remarks on the Philippines, and on their Capital Manila. King’s book was full of positive outlook regarding the land and its wealth, the description of the people (including the Chinese residents), were however far less positive. Noting that the people were subject to the Roman Catholic priests, Abeel stated: “The city of Manilla [sic]… would be a most advantageous post for missions.