Tianzhu shiyi 天主實義 [Bib. Casanatense Ms. 2136] / [Matteo Ricci].
PDF from microfilm.
1603 ed. of TZSY with Latin prefatory material, indexed to Chinese sections of the text. Added page numbering reflects two pages of text, in reverse order from frame 14-143 (Chinese text).

See Tianzhu shiyi 天主實義. [Jap-Sin I, 44] etc. for Albert Chan description.
For full bibliographic description see Standaert & Dudink, Chinese Christian Texts Database (CCT-Database).

The Tianzhu shiyi of 1603 and its many later editions, reprints, and translations was by far the most influential Catholic catechism in China, and its influence lasted well beyond the 17th century. Like the classics of Confucianism, it is written in the form of a dialogue, in this case between a Chinese and a Western scholar. Based on natural theology, it sought to explain fundamental Christian ideas through argumentation and applied reason. Ricci uses rational arguments to prove the existence of God, preparing the background until the final chapter where he explains the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ and his ascension without including the passion and crucifixion. Quoting the Chinese Classics to demonstrate the ancient Chinese had natural knowledge of God, Ricci’s approach was in accord with the Thomistic view that reason had its own value, and resembled Valignano’s methods in the Catechismus Christianae Fidei (1586).

Local access: [Ricci-TianzhuShiyi1603Rv.pdf]