Keuh Agong

Keuh Agong or Kew Ah Gung, Kew A-Gang, Wat Ngong, Wat Angong or simply Agong (1785–1867) was a Chinese Protestant Christian evangelist and author from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

Career

Agong was a printer for the London Missionary Society from the beginning of the Society’s work in China. Traveling to Malacca in 1815 to operate the printing press, there, he was influenced by William Milne to become a Christian, however, it was his fellow-countryman Liang Fa who finally convinced him to follow Christ.

Agong was baptized by Robert Morrison (the first Protestant missionary to China) at Macau about 1830. After his baptism, he was opposed by his wife, who was devoted to idols. The same year he itinerated about 250 miles across China, accompanied by Liang Fa, teaching and distributing Christian tracts, which they had written and printed themselves. Heading southwest, they followed the route of one of the public examiners, and passing on from one district to another, they had free access to the young literati, among whom they distributed upwards of 7000 tracts on Christian subjects.

In 1831 Agong was commissioned as a “Native Assistant” by the London Missionary Society. He was taught in the art of lithography by John Robert Morrison, and printed tracts in Macau, distributing them among his family and acquaintances. He was opposed and held in contempt by many fellow Chinese, but he remained determined to persevere in missionary efforts, to the great joy of the elder Morrison.

A warrant was issued in 1835 for his arrest after it was made known to the authorities that he was associating with foreigners. But, since he had advance warning, he fled to the English ships at Lintin Island, and was able to return to Malacca in 1836. Meanwhile, his son, Ahe, was arrested outside Robert Morrison’s house and detained for some time.

James Legge brought Agong with him to Hong Kong when the Anglo-Chinese College was moved there. Agong began work at the Medical Missionary Society’s House, where he preached and instructed the patients. As of 1867, he remained at this location, continuing to work to bring the Gospel message to China.

Author of “Picture Tracts”

• A Collection of Scriptures on the Being and Perfections of the great Creator, in opposition to Idols (1833)
• The Beatitudes (1833)
• Paul’s Speech on Mars Hill (1833)