Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

we were in danger of not doing all that might be done.

As our arrangements had been unexpected- | ly made for brother Spauling to preach in the church, I thought to spend the day with Mrs. Poor. But after the conversation to which I have referred, "I think," said she, "that no one who has a heart and tongue to speak for Christ, should be idle on the Sabbath, and I cannot consent to your remaining at home with me." Perceiving how she felt on the subject, I went out and preached from house to house. On my return, between twelve and one o'clock, she inquired with much earnestness, "Have you preached the word in faith? You can have no success without faith." She made similar observations to brother Spaulding when he came from the church. She then told me how great her joys had been;--that she never had such a Sabbath before. "I can say with brother Warren, I have had as great joys as this weak frame could endure. I can now understand what Brainerd means by his strong expressions of devotion to God in all circumstances, whether in life or death." Soon after she said, "I wish you this afternoon to take a pen and ink, and I will dictate a few lines to my dear Harriet, that she may know how bountifully the Lord hath dealt with me at the last, in this dark land." Some time before this she observed, "Draw near, ye that fear the Lord, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." She several times spoke of two bright views, which she had in the forenoon, and which she wished me to relate.

At this time, i. e. on Sabbath noon, our hopes of her recovery were stronger than they had been for nine days previously. The tone of her stomach, the disordered state of which had been one principal cause of her sufferings, was so far restored to its natural state, that she ate with good relish a piece of roasted mutton:

I am here reminded of some observations she made after we began to indulge more fa vorable hopes concerning her. "I think," said she, "I may have occasion to say Benoni, before I depart; and the Lord appears to be saying, "Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for thee." (See Gen. xxxv, 18, and 1 Kings xix, 4--8.)

As brother Richards was about to take leave of us, some unfavorable symptoms appeared in Mrs. P.'s case. It was soon evident that our fears were well founded. Such was the nature of her case, that we were obliged to consider her present symptoms a sure prelude to a speedy departure. On being told, that she could expect to continue but a few hours, it was evident the information afforded her much pleasure. She appeared to gird on anew the armor of God, and to put herself in a waiting posture for the coming of her Lord. At intervals she conversed with freedom. In her observations she manifested a great degree of tenderness and affection for those around her. When speaking with me of the many worldly cares in which I might be involved after her decease, she quiet

[blocks in formation]

ed herself by saying, "But I think you w not be called to leave the preaching of the Gospel to serve tables. The Lord will, I trust, raise up some deacon to relieve you.” As she had made it one principal object of her life, to stand between me and those cares which did not immediately relate to giving in struction to the people, she well knew how, great was the burden which would devolve upon me in consequence of her departure. The success of the Gospel among the heathen was a subject which continued to engage her attention with much interest. She several times observed, that as she had something further to say, which might affect our mission, she hoped to continue another day. She expressed a wish to see the brethren and sisters once more, especially some of those, who had not been able to be with her during her sickness. Her whole appearance was very different from what it had been before on such occasions.

About nine o'clock, the brethre, Scudder and Winstow, came. Between one and two o'clock on Monday morn, after Mrs. Poor had slept a short time, we made several unsuccessful attempts to arouse her. From her manner of breathing, we thought she must soon sleep the sleep of death. After we succeeded in awaking her, she appeared to have something of great importance to communicate to us. She spoke, as nearly as can be recollected, in the following manner:"Brother Richards, you have been very near the eternal world; but not so near as I have. I know things which none of you know. I do think I shall not depart till I have been permitted to relate what I have seen. Mr. Tennent was permitted to do this. The Apostle Paul also; whether in the body or out I know not. Who are present to be the witnesses of what I relate?" She then requested us to call over the names of those present. She at the same time noticed how many there were, and wished to know who of our number were absent. It appeared from some of her remarks at this time, that her mind was in a wandering state. When however, she was by any means diverted from this subject, she would immediately return to it again with interest. She several times requested, that we would bring a pen and ink; but we assured her we could well remember all she had to say. After speaking for some time on the subject in an incoherent manner, respecting sonie things before mentioned, she observed with much emphasis,--"but I must go on to relate:--and first, there is an immortal state!" She repeated this several times; but appearing to find it extremely difficult to confine her thoughts to any subject, she soon fell asleep:

A few hours after this she was more wakeful, more restless in body, and less in possession of her reason. She had, however, several short seasons of quietude, in which she expressed her confidence in Christ, and requested to join with us in prayer.

As we stood watching her symptoms,--"a steward," said she, "should be just in small matters, as well as in those of more importance. She then called for some cloth which had been recently purchased, and told what part she had charged to the boarding school,

[ocr errors]

and what to the family. She also made a present of cloth to a native female servant, who had faithfully attended her in her sickness.

As she lay quietly upon her bed, she suddenly exclaimed, "The tempter is here! I feel that he is here!" I told her we would unite in prayer, and that he would flee at the name of Jesus. Many times during her sickness she spoke of the importance of praying against the intrusion of the tempter; not that she feared being overcome by him; but because he suggested sinful thoughts to her mind.

While we were engaged in prayer at this time, she broke out with a triumphant tone of voice, "Glory be to God the Father,-to God--the Father,--to God the Holy Ghost!" She then lay quiet for some minutes and said again, "the tempter is here!" We again united in prayer, but soon found that she was unable to speak or to hear what we said to her. She breathed shorter and shorter, and in the course of fifteen minutes quietly fell asleep in Jesus. This event took place on the 7th of May a few minutes before seven o'clock A. M.

At six o'clock in the evening we interred her remains in a spot of ground near the church. The missionaries in the district, who had assembled at Batticotta to observe the monthly prayer meeting, were present at the funeral. On the following Monday evening, brother Chater preached an occasional sermon at Jaffna, in the Wesleyan Chapel, from Psalm cxvi, 15. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

My feelings powerfully prompt me to pen some of the many reflections which crowd upon my mind, while contemplatiug the life and death of the deceased. But I shall only observe, (and I would make the observation to the praise of God's grace, as a testimony to the truth of the exceeding great and precious promises given unto us,) that so deeply is my mind penetrated with a sense of God's distinguishing mercies towards my dear partner, so elevated and impressive were the views of divine things which I obtained, while accompanying her to the gates of the City,and such are the lively hopes which I now indulge of a joyful resurrection, and a glorious immortality, that I have been more inclined, since my bereavement, to the delightful duties of praise and thanksgiving, than to weeping and mourning. I do, however, occasionally feel, that should I lose sight of these glogious objects, I could not sustain the grievous stroke with which I have been smitten.

I do therefore, earnestly entreat the friends of missions to pray, that the Savior may be with me, agreeably to his last promise; and especially that the scenes, which have been recently witnessed in this place, may be made instrumental in the conversion of many of those heathen, for whom the deceased labored and prayed, and in whose presence she died, bearing testimony to the truth as it is ia Jesus.

1

[ocr errors]

P. S. On perusing what I have written, it is proper to remark, that although I have protracted this account to a much greater length than I intended, I have been obliged to omit many circumstances and observations, which

would doubtless be interesting to friends. During Mrs. Poor's illness I made short notices of her case from day to day in my journal. It would be highly gratifying to me, were, 1 able to communicate in her own language the ideas she expressed on several of the important subjects above mentioned. But finding it difficult to recollect her words with precision, I have, in most instances, collected the substance merely of her observations. In some cases, in which I have attempted to give her words, it is very probable that I may have been in some degree, though unintentionally, incorrect. Certain it is, that in many particulars, in which I am confident of having related precisely her own words, her remarks appear now, when written, to be but of little importance compared with the impression made upon our minds by the manner and circumstances in which they were made. I cannot satisfactorily close this account, without making an additional remark, although it may appear to be out of place:

Mrs. Poor, after a short season of faintness and distress, addressed me with much solemnity and said, "Be sure that you warn my children, my friends, and others, not to put off the preparation for death till sickness comes. Even if they make it their great business while in health, to prepare for heaven, it will be quite enough in this hour to contend with the pains of death, and to summon the evidences, that their title to everlasting rest is secure and valid." I too would add, by way of contrast to what I witnessed, how inexpressibly great must be the misery of him, who in his last sickness, for the first time alarmed, seriously thinks of escaping from the bondage of satan, and of seeking that Savior, who till then had been disregarded and despised. O my soul, come not thon iuto such secrets.

LAST NOTICES.

MISSION AT BOMBAY

SEVERAL Communications have been received from the missionaries at Bombay. The principal part of them will appear in our next number. At present we can give only au extract from Mr. Hall's letter, dated August 28th, 1821. The employment of native teachers, and the extensive circulation of religious tracts, will appear to every one, to be objects of no small importance.

With our reduced number, we feel more desirous than ever, of employing the agency of natives, to help forward the work of Christianization. We see how much could be done. Additional schools are called for in great numbers. We could soon establish them far and near, visit them occasionally ourselves, and employ assistants to aid us in the work of superintendence. In this way much knowledge of Christianity might be disseminated, and Christian books widely dispersed.-We might soon print a great number and variety of tracts, and Gospels, and employ men to scatter them throughout the Mahiratta empire. To many parts of that empire we cannot go ourselves, and there is no prospect of any missionaries going to those places, while the present generation is on the stage of probation. Therefore the only prospect, that any

out of millions of Mahrattas now on the stage, will hear of the name of Jesus, is from the distribution of tracts, &e. among them. As an individual, I greatly desire that such means -the only ones which at present offer, and means which, for aught we know, may be blessed,-should be adopted, and carried to their full extent. But these means cannot be employed without money; and we have no money, and we have had none for many months past, except what we have borrowed on the credit of the mission. The debt thus incurred, is large. We are distressed about it, and have felt ourselves obliged to dissolve ten of our promising schools; which has been a very painful measure to us. Other useful operations have been dropped, for the same reason. To see important openings for promising exertions, and to be kept back from improving them, is a severe trial.

"But blessed be the God of all grace, who keeps us from desponding. I never felt more encouraged to prophesy to the dry bones of the valley, than i now do; and I cannot but hope, that ere long the spirit the Lord will breathe upon them, cause life to enter into them, and at least some of them to stand up to the everlasting glory of Him, who died that they might live. The Lord hasten it in his time.

"The period has now arrived, in which I begin to feel desirous of seeing an edition of the New Testament printed off at our press, in the Mahratta language. I earnestly hope, that communications from the American Bibie Society are on their way to us, to authorize us to execute this great work under the patronage of that revered Society.

"I hope, also, that American Tract Societies will authorize the printing of some tracts for the benefit of the many thousands of many languages,--though principally Mahrátta,-in this region. Never did I wait for communications from our beloved patrons, with so much anxiety."

The pecuniary embarrassments, which were so distressing at the time this letter was written, were owing, in some measure, to a want of suitable and seasonable opportunities for a safe remittance of money; but principally to the very embarrassed state, in which the funds of the Board had been, for some time previous. Several of our stations suffered much. Mr. Kingsbury found himself suddenly checked in his career; the prospects of Messrs. Finney and Washburn were clouded; and now it appears, that, at Bombay, the missionaries were constrained to suspend ten of their schools, which had been established and supported by much labor and expense; and to send back to ignorance and heathenism, nearly 500 boys, some of whom might have been made eminent Christians, and teachers of their countrymen.

MISSION AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

It is highly important that a physician, possessing much scientific knowledge, and a good share of practical skill, go out with the contemplated reinforcement to the Sandwich Islands. This notice will probably be read by many such, whose hearts have been renewed by the grace of God, and who owe their hopes of heaven to that same boundless love,

which the Board is striving to make known to the benighted islanders of the Pacific.

The man to be preferred, is one who, with the amiable, excellent spirit of the Gospel, unites that familiarity with the theory and practice of his profession, which is acquired by much study under good advantages for improvement, and a considerable practice for some length of time. One of nigh qualifientions is needed,---who will not only be very useful among the natives, and prompt and judjcious in all the diseases to which the mission family will be fiable; but who will render himself much respected and sought after, by the many foreigners from different nations, who yearly visit the islands. Especially ought be to be skilled in all the variety of surgical cases, and of course well versed in the anatomy of the buman system.

The station in the mission, which one of this description would be expected ultimately to fill, is the same that is now held by Dr. Scudder in Ceylon. At a suitable time, and after due preparation, he would probably receive ordination. Thus combining the office of a preacher of the Gospel, with that of a physician, he might hope to occupy a wide field of usefulness.

JUST as this sheet was going to the press, we received letters from the mission at Dwight, informing us, that Mr. Hitchcock, Miss Stetson, and Miss Brown, arrived there in safety, on the 22d of December.

MISSIONARY NOTICE.

THE health of the Treasurer having required that he should visit the South, he accordingly embarked, in the ship Rasselas, for Savannah, on the 3d of March.

This measure was adopted with the entire approbation of the Prudential Committee, and of all his friends acquainted with the case, and in compliance with medical advice, on which the fullest reliance was placed.

Should the voyage and a change of climate, at this inclement season, have a restoring effect, as is strongly hoped, Mr. Evarts will probably visit Brainerd, and perhaps Mayhew and Elliot, where the presence of an officer of the Board will be of essential service.

The Committee will feel a peculiar obligation to devote much personal attention to the concerns of the Board, during the present exigency. By this attention, and by calling in such other assistance as may be necessary, they will see that the varions executive duties of the Board are faithfully discharged. They have appointed Samuel Hubbard, Esq. of Boston, Treasurer pro tempore, and the property of the Board has been delivered to him. The public may be assured, that the business of this office will be transacted, as heretofore, with diligence and fidelity.

Letters on all subjects connected with the missions of the Board, may continue to be addressed, as usual, to Jeremiah Evarts, Esq. Missionary Rooms, No. 69, Market Street.

A letter has been received from Mr. Evarts, dated the 12th inst. at the mouth of Savannah river, from which we are happy to learn, that. his health was improved by the voyage. The friends of Zion will offer up many prayers for his complete recovery.

THE

MISSIONARY HERALD.

VOL. XVIII.

MISSION AT BOMBAY.

MAY, 1822.

JOINT LETTER OF THE MISSIONARIES.

Bombay, July 1, 1821.

We

Rev. and Dear Sir, Ir becomes our duty and our privilege to address you, another half year having elapsed since our last joint letter. are sorry to say, that, since that time, we have not had the pleasure of receiving any communications from you. The last which we have received, is that of March 6th, 1820, sent by Mr. Garrett.

Our last joint letter to you was sent by way of England, about the first of January; and a duplicate, with some additions, was committed to Mr. Bardwell, to go by way of Bengal.

A letter was, about the same time, despatched to our brethren in Ceylon, requesting, that if their arrangements would possibly admit of it, they would send, without delay, Mr. Garrett to take charge of our printing establishment. After Mr. Bardwell's departure, Mr. Newell gave up the house he then occupied, and removed to the house, which Mr. Bardwell had vacated, where the printing office was most commodiously situated, From that time, Mr. Newell devoted himself entirely to that department, and though he experienced many difficulties, from his limited knowledge of the business, the work went on quite well.

Arrival of Mr. Garrett.

About the last of February, we received a letter from Ceylon, which announced that Mr. Garrett was devoted to the service of our mission, and that we might expect him as soon as arrangements could be made for his passage to Bombay. On the 9th of May we were truly rejoiced to receive Mr. Garrett as a brother and fellowlaborer.

Sickness and death of Mr. Newell." The sickness and departure of brother Bardwell was to us all a deep affliction. This providence made a dismal blank in VOL. XVIII.

No. 5.

our circle. But, O dear Sir, what shall we now say? Our dear brother Newell is no more! On the 30th of May, at one o'clock, A. M. he breathed out his soul, we trust, in the arms of his Savior. His disease was the epidemic, spasmodic cholera, which has raged awfully in this region, for some time past. This dreadful disease has, within four years, swept over India, Burmah, and the Asiatic Islands, and hurried millions to the tomb. On Monday evening, Mr. Newell was somewhat indisposed, and his rest was disturbed that night. He

was

worse on Tuesday morning, but it was not till 9 or 10 o'clock, that there was any apprehension that it was the cholera. Dr. Taylor and other friends were called in. At that time the disease had made so much progress, that no medical treatment could avail. The victory of the disease was so rapid and so complete, that his last hours were quiet, and he sunk into the arms of death, without a struggle or a groan. The Rev. Messrs. Hall and Kenney, (Church missionaries,) Horner and Fletcher, (Wesleyan missionaries,) Mr.Garrett and Dr.Taylor, were with him in all the closing scene. We feel it to be our duty

to mention this instance of faithful attention on the part of Dr. Taylor. With the utmost promptness and assiduity, he has given his attention on all occasions to us in sickness. Brother Newell's remains were deposited in the English burying ground, on the afternoon of Wednesday. In his last sickness his head was early affected. He made but a single remark, by which it appears that he knew what his disease was. A stupor had so seized him,. that it was with difficulty he was persuaded to take the prescribed remedy. When asked by his agonized wife, if he could not bid her farewell, he answered by shaking his head, and affectionately pressing her hand. Mr. Newell generally enjoyed good health. He was perhaps, as little affected by the climate as any of our number. Just a week before his death, he visited Mr. and Mrs. Nichols at Tannah, spent five days with them, and seemed unusually cheerful. While at Tannah, he visited, with Mr. Nichols, a great number of the sick and dy

[ocr errors][merged small]

ing. It is possible that he took the infection there.

Religious services on the occasion.

A meeting was held at the house of our late brother, on the 3d of June, anticipating the usual time of our quarterly meeting. Never can we forget the solemnities of that occasion. The scythe of death was sweeping all around us. From 60 to 100 were then dying daily in Bombay. Our brother had just gone, and there was reason to think the disease somewhat contagious. All this brought eternity very near to our view. Religious exercises were attended on the Sabbath, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered to all the missionary circle, by the Rev. Mr. Fletcher.

Translating the Scriptures.

Agreeably to a suggestion made in your Letter several months ago, arrangements were made for completing the translation of the whole New Testament. The parts of it, which had not been printed, were divided into five portions, and assigned to each of us. The departure of two of our number, makes a new assignment necessary. This work is in such a state of forwardness, that whenever we have the means, and whenever it shall be thought expedient, we can proceed to printing. We are all more or less employed in translating and preparing other things for our schools, &c. which we deem very important. A tract, containing a concise history of the Bible; a short doctrinal catechism; and a tract for the Jews, have been prepared, and will be printed in order. The next portion of the Scriptures, which we shall print, is the Gospel of Luke. This will be done with a view to make it a part of the proposed edition of the New Testament.

Printing.

struck the second commandment from the Decalogue, and divided the tenth into two, to make the number complete. You know already that a School-book society has been formed in Bombay, on the model of the Calcutta School-book society. Our friend, Dr. Taylor, who is the Secretary of that society, has made remarks, which lead ys to expect that our press may be employed in printing for them.

State of the Schools.

Till the present time, these have continued much as when we last wrote. There has been a hopeful improvement in most of them, in regard to the management and the progress of the boys.. We have made some advances towards introducing the Lancasterian system. Though there is a very great indifference to all plans of improvement, and a jealousy of innovation, yet we are not without hope that we shall effect a valuable change in the schooling system. The progress of the boys in our school, in a given time, is not equal to that in similar schools in America. This, however, does not arise so much from defective capacity in the boys, as from the irregularity and unskilfulness of the teachers. We have, notwithstanding, a considerable number, who have made the most gratifying and honorable proficiency, who excel in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and are well acquainted with the first principles of geography, astronomy, and the Christian religion. We are well persuaded, that if our patrons at home, could see these boys, and hear their recitations, they would feel themselves paid for their charities.

Dissolving of ten schools.

And yet, dear Sir, with the deepest con viction of the utility and importance of these schools, it is with feelings the most painful we tell you, that, at our last meeting, we felt ourselves obliged to suspend ten of our schools, on account of the low state of our funds. Yes, it has given us pain indeed, dear Sir, to send away nearly 500 boys, from the only means they have of receiving light and knowledge, to the domestic circle, where they can learn nothing but the poisonous lessons of idolatry. Yet what can we do? We learn that the funds of the Board are low, and we dare not involve our patrons in debts, which perhaps, they may disapprove. We have no other way but forcibly to lop off every expense possible, till we receive new in

Our press, for several months past, has been employed mostly in printing tracts, &c. for the Committee of the Christian Knowledge Society. We have been most happy in attending to their orders, because the tracts in general, which they have selected, are good, and well calculated to promote our object; while, at the same time, they have brought some gain to the establishment. The last that we have printed for ourselves, is an edition of the ten commandments in Latin, Portuguese, English, and Mahratta. This was princi-structions, encouragement, and remittanpally designed for the native Catholics, who are ignorant, superstitious, and depraved, beyond conception, and whose priests, in their true Jesuistical style, had

ces, from our native land. For the same reason we have dismissed our Jewish superintendant of schools. We had employed him for some months past in visiting alk

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »