"^ PRINCETON, N. J. NJJ Purchased by the Hamill Missionary Fund. BV 3269 .T46 L48 1873 Lewis, Charles Bennett. The life of John Thomas J^ ^- THE LIFE OF JOHN THOMAS. THE LIFE OF JOHN THOMAS aURGEOX OF THE EARL OF OXFORD LAST INDIA MAX, AXD FIRST BAPTIST MISSIONARY TO BENGAL. C. B. LEWIS, BAPTIST MISSIONARY. bonbon : M A C M I L L A N AND CO. 1873. [The Right of Translation and Rcj^'oduction is reserved.] LONDON n. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLIT!, PR1STEU-' BREAD STREET HILL. PRE FACE. FOR many years I have felt deep interest in the character and history of Mr. Thomas. The earliest records of the Baptist Mission contain so much, and yet so little, about him, — there is so much to awaken, and then to disappoint, curiosity, in the particulars there given, — that a strong desire arose in my mind to search out and to arrange in a Consecutive narrative all that could be ascertained regard- ing him. This desire induced me to put together the substance of all the notices of Mr. Thomas which I could discover in the first volumes of the Periodical Accoimts and in several old magazines. The result was a series of papers published in Calcutta, in 1853, and reprinted in England in the Baptist Magazine for 1853-4. Since that time many interesting documents, hitherto unpublished, have come into my hands. Chief amongst these are (i) MS. letters and several volumes' of Mr. Thomas's journal, with a Common-Place book and other miscellaneous papers, very kindly sent out to Calcutta, from his native place, Fairford, by his grand-daughter, (2) a copy of his letters preserved at the Baptist Mission House, London, and (3) a number of his letters to Dr. Carey, for the use of which I am indebted to J. C. Marsh- man, Esq. I was hopeful of obtaining through the same friend some correspondence preserved amongst the papers of Mr. Charles Grant ; but the death of the late Lord iv PREFACE. Glenelg, before his consent could be gained, unhappily defeated that expectation. ]\Iany facts in Mr. Thomas's history were withheld from publication by the early friends of the Baptist Mission, there can be no doubt, because they were felt to be discreditable. His debts and his misunderstandings with his friends involved so much that was unpleasant, that it was thought well to keep them out of sight, and himself with them. We can hardly wonder at this decision, or at its conse- quences. Our first missionary has gone out of the remem- brance of the denomination to which he belonged ; and the little notice he has obtained from those who have written of Indian missions seems to be due to the desire to use him as a foil, setting off the excellencies of others, rather than to any wish to relate his services to the cause of Christ. The following narrative is not encumbered with contro- versies. Using all the documents I could obtain, in the light of all available contemporary information, I have endeavoured to weave my story with the strictest regard to truth. I have not attempted to disguise Mr. Thomas's foibles or faults. Let him appear just what he really was. Any how, he was the first man who made it the business of his life to convey the gospel to the Bengali-speaking people of India. Perhaps still more may be said as to his precedence in the great missionary work. Not a few missionaries before him had devoted themselves to the evan- gelization of India ; but not one of them was an Englishman. Englishmen too were missionaries before him ; but not in India. He was, it is believed, the first English missionary who laboured in the East. He was also the instrument employed to lead the Baptist Missionary enterprise in the direction of Bengal. To him it was largely owing that PREFACE. V that enterprise was carried into effect amidst all the diffi- culties which obstructed its early progress. That he was also an eccentric, erratic man, in disgrace amongst his contemporaries, because of his debts and failures, does not alter all this. And if, in the wisdom of God, such a man was employed to accomplish that which great influence, ample wealth, and unimpeachable respectability tried in vain to do, I cannot see why we should not now look the facts in the face, and gratefully accept the result in the knowledge of them all. The Baptist Magazine for the years 1813, 18 14, and 1835, contains some letters by Mr. Thomas, and use has been made of them here. Of a few of these the originals were sent me from Gloucestershire ; and, in my extracts, these have been followed, the alterations made by the editor of the magazine having been for the most part rejected. I have, however, taken the liberty to modify some expres- sions and to amend the grammar of the originals, just as far as I thought fairness to the writer required. Mr. Thomas wrote rapidly and negligently, never supposing that his words were to be printed. I have treated him in this respect as I myself would wish to be dealt with, if my own private letters were put to press. The materials in my hands are very unequal in different periods of the story ; so much so that I have often been tempted to lay them aside, as insufficient for the production of a symmetrical biography. I have felt it, however, to be a duty to secure and arrange the facts, such as they are, that they may not be lost ; which would probably be the case, if the tattered faded papers before me were suffered again to be dispersed. C. B. LEWIS. Calcutta, February ist, 1873. CHAPTER I. Mr. Thomas's Early Life. — 1757-83. NO intelligent reader will overlook the first pages of a biography. The child is father of the man ; and a knowledge of the dispositions evinced by any one in childhood, and of the influences under which they were formed, is of the greatest value in enabling us to under- stand his subsequent career. The early life of John Thomas might therefore be here described with much advantage ; but very few materials for the purpose are in existence. His boyhood was full of incident, often, it is to be feared, of a kind most vexatious to his friends : for he describes himself as " a hopeless child ;" but, with the exception of a few memoranda, too brief to be well under- stood, his childish exploits and transgressions are all buried in the oblivion which covers the particulars of other home-life a hundred years ago. He was born at the town of Fairford, in Gloucestershire, on the i6th of May, 1757. He had a brother James, two years older than himself, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Sarah. The fond mother of this family was taken from them when John was in his eleventh year. Their father, Mr, John Thomas, was a deacon of the Baptist Church, which has existed at Fairford from the year 1700. He was a man highly esteemed for his excellent Christian charac- ter, and his household was governed in the fear of God. Ready to take part in every good work, he was well known to the neighbouring ministers of the gospel, and his home I 2 HIS BOYHOOD. was often honored by their presence. It must not be thought that such a house was gloomy and uncongenial to the young people belonging to it. The reverse of this was the case. It was a high d£iy for the children when good Mr. Beddome of Bourton on the Water, — whose hymns are well known to us all, — or any other pillar of nonconform- ing piety was their father's guest ; and it was a gala time to them when, on the occasion of an Association or a Ministers' Meeting at Fairford, they were allowed to attend the services, long protracted and numerous as they some- times were. As to him whose history the following pages are to unfold, it is most evident that unwelcome as he may sometimes have found the restraints of his home, his recollections of it in after-life were full of tender affection. His father and his father's chosen friends were the exam- ples from which his ideal of practical excellence was derived. In them he saw the realization of that Christian morality and piety, which he himself strove to attain. Like so many other lads similarly brought up, John che- rished a very early ambition to become a preacher. " From a child," he wrote, many years afterwards, " I always had extraordinary stirrings of mind to the work of the minis- try." " I preached before I was five years old, and from that time till I was fourteen or fifteen, I never dropped the bent ; but, whenever I was alone, in lanes, and hedges, and high roads, I used to preach aloud ; and oftentimes from I Corinthians xv. 58, which I never had heard preached from." But although he deeply felt the reality and priceless value of that godliness which he saw within the circle in which his father moved, and, even as a child, " coveted the best gifts" there exercised, he did not soon yreld himself to the restraints and direction of divine influence. He says of himself : — I had many serious convictions from my childhood, which were stifled by various cares, pleasures, scenes of dissipation and wicked- ness, too horrible to remember without deep abasement of soul and detestation of myself. I was quite sensible all the while of the truth and reality of the word of God, the certainty of future judg- HE BECOMES A MEDICAL STUDENT. 3 ment, and the danger of my utterly perishing, which I was sure of in case of death ; still I went on in paths of sin and forgetfulness of God. Sometimes, after a sharp sermon, I would set up stated prayer, and continue it for a little while, with reading the Scrip- tures and other good books, determining never to leave it off; but the first temptation proved that the change was founded only on brittle resolutions, and not the work of the blessed Spirit, who only can renew the heart. We may start out of our common course, when shook, like the needle of a compass ; but, the disturbance over, we turn to our own track again. When, however, we are thoroughly convinced of the evil propensity of our own hearts, and of our utter inability to change them, or to escape wrath, and are brought by the Spirit of God to see an able Saviour calling us to look to Him and be saved, and are grounded and settled in love of Him and His ways, then we are still like the compass, effectually and chiefly inclined, not now, however, to that which is evil, but to that which is good. Yet notwithstanding this good bias of the mind and will, we are moved to evil by the shock of temptation ; but return, bent in the main to that which is * holy, and just, and good.' Meanwhile, his constitutional " flightiness" gave his friends no small anxiety. His brother James was a lad of far quieter disposition, and afforded satisfactory evidence of early piety ; but it may be feared that Jack, as he was called by the Fairford community, did much to earn for himself the reputation of a " ne'er-do-well," who was likely to cause his father endless trouble. "With excellent natural abilities, he gave little satisfaction to his friends by his pro- gress at school ; but bird-nesting, shooting, fishing, and any other sport in which he could engage, was followed with the utmost alacrity. How difficult it was to find the boy a calling in which he would abide, and how troublesome he must have been to all concerned in his bringing up, appears from a list of " some of the most remarkable things" which happened to him, which, with much sadness, he drew out about six weeks before his death. This memo- randum speaks of his having run away from home, and of his going to London, and of eight or nine fruitless attempts to settle him as an apprentice, as well as of several narrow escapes from death. At last, he was placed at Westminster 4 HE NARROWLY ESCAPES SHIPWRECK. Hospital, and in his medical studies there he found an employment in which he took very deep interest, and wherein his proficiency was acknowledged by most compe- tent judges. Having attained the requisite qualifications, Mr. Thomas first secured an appointment as Assistant Surgeon on board H. M.'s ship Nymph, and then was removed to the Southampton frigate. Here he narrowly escaped shipwreck, under circumstances thus described by himself in a paper written in March, 1784. — We had been out to sea in the Sotdhampton frigate, together with three other frigates and two line of battle ships, in search after Paul Jones, and, it being winter, every one of the ships returned to port before her appointed time, with considerable damage from a severe gale of wind in the Bay of Biscay, Our ship had, some months before this cruize, ran foul of H. M.'s ship Phceiii'x, and, being a very old vessel, she suffered very much in her timbers, and the repairs she received in dock were insufficient to fit her for such a terrible tempest as this proved to be in the Bay. She soon sprang a large leak, and this leak continually increased, till the ship was thought to be in very great danger. Every method that could be devised was made use of, with very inconsiderable success, and all the hand pumps, working both night and day, hardly sufficed to preserve us from sinking. To make our fearful situation more terrible, we were utterly separated by the storm from all the ships of the squadron ; and after several days' fear and alarm, which we thought hardly capable of increase, we discovered ourselves in dan- ger of driving on a rocky coast ; to avoid which we were obliged to carry a press of sail, and so increased the leak. Our hopes were almost driven to distraction ; vast seas threatening every moment to swallow us up ; no ship to be seen ; no port, but what was either foreign and too far, or else the foul wind was increasing our dis- tance from it. And when Providence favored us with a change of the boisterous wind, we sprung our main-mast, and so were disabled from using the last chance for our lives in that measure which our driven thoughts panted for. But that immeasurable goodness, that unsearchable Providence, which so often banishes our terrors and fears, though ever so violent, adapted our relief to the measure of our distress so nicely, that we did not let go our hope till it was swallowed up in the enjoyment of a safe arrival in harbour. This affecting preservation from death changed my opinions on religious matters, which otherwise had about this time been strongly biased by principles of rank infidelity and deism. HASLAR HOSPITAL. 5 In a letter to a friend, Mr. Thomas says of thjs same time of trouble : — I shall never forget what happened to me. All was given over for lost. I heard the boatswain say we were like men imder sentence of death. My terror was exceedingly great within, though out- wardly I calmly begged the captain's clerk to lend me his cabin. There I went ; and, kneeling down, vowed to the Lord to live a new life, if He would spare me this once ; and, if the ship was to be lost, to save my soul. I cried out, and feared exceedingly ; being well enough acquainted with the truth we know assuredly that, if I died, I should die in my sins, and so perish for ever and ever. I knew I should die unconverted and accursed. I believe it was the same day, the wind changed, the storm abated, and we set sail for England. We got safe into port, and there I was too base at heart to think much of the tender mercy of God to my poor perishing soul. Psalm cvii. 31. I hardened in harbour into my old sins, and forgot the God of my mercies. I soon felt the truth of the observation : ' If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.' Shortly after this, he was seized with a violent fever, and was carried into the Haslar Naval Hospital, insen- sible. Let him again narrate his own story. — Being often delirious, my physician had blistered me and ordered the other necessary applications and medicines, and then delivered me to the care and attention of the appointed nurses. In the night time, after having reflected, with uneasy fears, on the danger of my disorder, I renewed my thoughts for and against the immortality of the soul and other matters of revelation, till the force of the fever involved me in a mixed multitude of puzzling thoughts, which jumble I sensibly remember, and which was the effect of approaching deli- rium ; and at last I was lost in pain and confusion. I very plainly recollect my becoming unconscious of surrounding objects, either by sight or touch ; that the pain of my head was almost insupportable ; and that I settled within my thoughts that it must immediately occasion my death ; and, though I was certainly delirious, the arrangement of these circumstances of thought was very plain,! together with all those very extraordinary feelings that did accom- pany the more wonderful parts of the following vision. I thought the violent pains of my head continued till I expired ; and I thought I did expire, and felt an utter freedom and separa- tion of the soul from my body ; and this moment of departure was 6 A VISION. sensibly distinguished by a total exemption in one moment from all pain of the body. As soon as I felt myself clearly satisfied that my death was fully over, I heard a sound of words, as though a voice has uttered them, to this ver)' purport : ' There ; now you see the immortality of the soul !' My feelings were at this time exer- cised in such a manner, that though I could ever recollect it clearly, yet it was unutterable. I thought myself unspeakably filled with joy and freedom. I thought myself in the midst of immensity, and capable of sweeping through immeasurable distances in a moment, with extasy and vast power. I saw myself surrounded with appearances of substance, which, whether they were angels or souls, I do not remember to have determined ; but with my happy situation and their appearance, (which was not beheld in so much splendour as with heartfelt enjoyment,) I was filled with inexpres- sible awe and admiration. This most delightful of all sensible enjoyments endured but for a short time, when I began to think whether that was heaven, and what / was in heaven for ; when, on a sudden, the Almighty spoke, and in a moment I beheld the world beneath me consuming in flames of fire, and I myself insensibly forced thither ; and, feeling the scorch of that fire, I became lost in dreadful astonishment and fear. And so ended the vision, which I have never yet had occasion to think had any remarkable utility or design in its accomplishment. But thus it happened to me exactly ; immediately after my fever, I was clearly convinced in my judgment of the reality of my immortal soul, and that it was, without the body, capable of both enjoyment and suflfering. The importance and the strangeness of it had some temporary influence on my affections, but, these, after a little while, together with the remembrance of the vision, declined and fell away very fastly. My prayers, which had been ofl'ercd up by the force of these occasional feelings, soon became short and lifeless, and at last were totally neglected. As little regard as ever was now paid to the things of religion ; and the time that elapsed between this period and my marriage was of no consequence to my present design, for it was spent in sinful courses of life, neglect of worship, worldliness, hardness of heart, and forgetfulness of God. From Haslar he was transferred to Winchester Hospital, and then was appointed " Hospital Mate for Barbadoes." But he very soon after left the navy, and began business as a Surgeon and Apothecary, in Great Newport Street, Lon- don. The paper already quoted goes on to say : — HIS MARRIAGE. 7 In my more youthful days, when the thoughts of my future life, blended with the ripeness of my years, often led me to the subject of matrimony, I very customarily formed a maxim in my mind that I would never marry any person but one of my own religious tenets, and more inwardly religious than I myself was. But being entwined with the world, and with almost all sorts of vice and habitual sin, this became a matter of no particular importance to me, so that I wonder, from circumstances which I cannot forget, why I was not permitted to marry one of those who were lost to all sense of comeliness in virtue and religion, except certain forms and customs, which the generality of people can by no means openly dispense with. At the solemnization of my marriage, which happened in March, 1781, being then twenty-four years of age, I was sadly lost to a proper sense of those solemn requisites that must alone, at the bar of conscience and in the sight of God, constitute a right to that com- munion. But I feel at this moment emotions of praise and thank- fulness in my heart, that notwithstanding my wrong motives, by which I naturally exposed myself to the common misery and unhappiness of a married state, yet God was pleased to give the person I had taken for a wife a true love and aftection for me, which was so evident to me on many occasions that it could not but win my regard. Her religious principles w'ere different from mine, she being a strong advocate for the Church of England, and I still harbouring sense enough of religion to make choice and preference, which I bestowed on the Baptist persuasion ; but by what I have already said, you will perceive that nothing of this kind was then matter of trouble to me. After marriage, I now and then attended places of worship on a Sabbath day, and once I accidentally dropped in where Mr. Robert Robinson of Cambridge was preaching on the instability of the natural man, and his words very much affected me, being very applicable to my case. After this sermon, -I felt my inclination lean more naturally to some place of worship ; and resolutions, prayers, and reformations were again set up and carried forward for a short time with self-approbation, till either the pleasures or cares of the world had recovered their usual dominion ; and then all was laid aside, except public worship, or rather the attendance at public worship, once or twice on a Sabbath day. The next remarkable impression was under the ministry of Dr. Stennett, whose manner of delivery and language had ever some weight with me. He was now preaching from those words, in John xvii. 20, ' Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me 8 HIS CONVERSION. through their word.' I have nearly lost the memory of the dis- course, but recollect that that part of it which was delivered from the last clause had a peculiar effect upon my heart. It was about this time that I had many troubled thoughts of the eternal danger I was in, and felt much of the burden of guilt ; so that I was afraid to be alone. Very often, I was almost distracted, starting up in my bed, and crying out with fear. One afternoon, I had retired for prayer, and I was so apprehensive, that I thought I felt Satan come and touch my heel, which gave me great fear and mental distress. Notwithstanding these great emotions of mind, I was so allured with a sporting pleasure that was seasonable about this time of the year, that, after many endeavors to stifle the thoughts of it, I one day deliberately determined that, though it should be to save me from hell itself, and give me a possession in heaven, I would not deny myself the pleasure of the approaching sporting day. That determination convinced me that all was wrong, and inclined me to believe that all I had felt was nothing more than a working up of my imagination, whereas I was sensible that the work of con- version, for which I seemed to have great desires, was the opera- tion of God on the heart and principles, and not barely on the mere affections. It was before the month of August, 1781, had expired, when I heard Dr. Stennett preach from these words, ' Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto ever- lasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you : for him hath God the Father sealed.' John vi. 27. Now if ever I was efTectually called by the grace of God out of natural darkness into spiritual light, it was on this occasion. My heart was strongly moved by what was said on the promise, particularly the enforce- ment of the word ' shall.' On the same day, I heard with uncom- mon pleasure a sermon preached by a stranger in Eagle Street, from these words, 'AH things are yours,' (i Corinthians iii. 21,) wherein there shone s-iich inestimable privileges of the people of God, and so much of the bounty and goodness of God through Christ to all those who are his true worshippers, that I was very much amazed and aflcctcd. The scriptures now became more particularly the object of my thoughts, both night and day, sleeping or awake. On the following Tuesday, Dr. Gill's Exposition of the Gospel of Matthew had for some time engaged my meditations ; but I remember no particrilar word or passage by which I was encouraged ; but towards evening I had such an apprehension of the method of salvation by Jesus Christ, of his sufferings, and suretiship, that I could hardly behave myself moderately before those whom I con- HIS BACKSLIDINGS. g sidered as destitute of any right knowledge of such things. Many days and nights were spent in the enjoyment of believing that Christ had suffered for me in particular. Me, ME, so insignificant, so worthless ! that such an one as / should be a partaker of his benefits ! — this thought attended me for many days ; and wherever I was, I had many tears of joy and gladness. Once, the effect it had on my affections was so powerful that I became apprehensive of losing my senses suddenly ; on which occasion I earnestly be- sought the Lord for more moderation. Not many days after this, I detected myself in sinning with my tongue so deliberately that it gave me trouble, and I was humbled on the occasion ; and I de- scribed what I had said before some Christian friends, thinking nothing at all of their thoughts of me, in comparison of that appre- hension of myself before God. The word of God became very pre- cious to me, and was read with a new ability of understanding and clearness. My zeal was often very strong, and I inwardly thought that the Lord was going to make an eminent Christian of me. Dr. Stennett, in or about September, had preached from these words, ' Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.' i Kings xx. 1 1. This was mentioned to me by a Christian friend, and he made remarks on what the Doctor had said, that were so suitable to my case that I bitterly lamented I had not been there. Now I began to think that, after all, I might, according to the Doctor, only have been warmly moved in my passions, and that the amount of all was an ignorant zeal or a fit of enthusiasm. But this thought did not give me much concern, because I thought my inclinations and desires were so different from what they formerly were, that I must have undergone the great change of regeneration. My assurance of pardon and ever- lasting happiness ran high and strong, without any intermission for a long time. If I were now to describe what passed in my soul after the end of four months, I must write with such words as would deeply aftect me. I must relate sad instances of declension ; awfully sad indeed. It is true, I constantly attended the preaching of the word ; but, oh, how grievously did my life and conversation differ from that of a disciple and follower of Christ ! No words are strong enough, no language is severe enough, to express my thoughts of my conduct which yet fall infinitely short of the baseness and disinge- nuousness with which I now walked before God. What lamentable occasions did I furnish to the enemies of the Lord for blasphemy. Their words to my face were piercing ; and what must their 2 lO HIS FAILURE IN BUSINESS. thoughts have been ? They saw me intemperate, resentful, impa- tient, and furious, with such other irregularities as raise my wonder why I was suflcred to live, why eternal vengeance did not utterly consume me ; only His compassions fail not. Dear me ! who can utter anything adequate concerning the patience of God ? My affairs in worldly respects were very distressing, and my sufferings were not small, and though I heard the word with now and then some comfort, yet I do not remember much else left that was Christian- like. I grew so poor that, after being teased by many people, very often in a pressing manner, for debts I could not pay, after being arrested and for two days imprisoned, I left off business, and had much difficulty and distress in raising a shilling to defray the expenses of a day. Almost every valuable I had was in pledge for money, and the money all gone ; so that I did not know where to look. Well ! an unexpected messenger came to my mournful house one day. A friend, unsought, offered to procure for me the surgeoncy of a ship bound to the East Indies ; and this offer led me to discover by enquiry two such ships. The one my friend meant was under imperial colors ; but that I chose was the Earl of Oxford, one of the Hon'ble East India Company's ships, to which I was very readily appointed, by a number of helps from entire strangers, who intro- duced me to the captain, who received me with partial favor. My poor wife was sadly distressed at this prospect, and for several days it was an affliction of great weight to her. But I am amazed as I look back on the multitude of providential circumstances that brought me through every difficulty that stood in my way, and so quickly and so effectually placed me in this new office ; for I had on lesser occasions humbly solicited a host of friends, by whom I was sadly mortified. Oh how greatly does the insincerity and selfishness of friends embitter what arc called the misfortunes of this life ! Here the guidance of Vix. Thomas's autobiographical sketch is suddenly lost. Although thoroughly a Baptist in his religious sentiments, he for the present made no public profession of his consecration to God. Tike his temporal affair:;, his religious connexions seem to have been unsettled. He was frequently a hearer of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Stennett, at Little Wild Street ; but he also sought to recommend himself, with a view to being baptized by him, to the Rev. Abraham Booth, who knew some of his relatives. Mr. Booth, however, regarded him as too wild SURGEON IN THE "EARL OF OXFORD." II and enthusiastic to deserve much encouragement, espe- cially as he was very desirous of becoming a preach- er. He received from Mr. Booth therefore only some good advice, and a copy of Chauncy's Doctrine according to God- liness^ from the study of which he derived much benefit. Meanwhile his appointment to the Earl of Oxford^ 758 tons burden, John White, commander, was confirmed. He ap- pears to have gone on board early in January, 1783, and, on the 1 1 th of March, sailed with the Indian fleet, leaving his poor " tender and delicate wife," who was very shortly to become a mother, in painfully straitened circumstances, and to a large extent dependent upon the generosity of her friends. The foregoing narrative, imperfect as it is, lays bare the guilt and misery of a life misspent notwithstanding much knowledge of God's will. From the time of his marriage to his leaving England, the unhappy man must have suf- fered inexpressible distresses and mortifications, and, alas, he only too well deserved the most of them. But these painful details are given because they may help to an un- derstanding of the following story. Who that reads this account of Mr. Thomas's vision, of his secret terrors, his floods of happy tears, his extasies of rapturous confidence and his fits of despondent gloom, his eager entire conse- cration and his so speedy obliviousness of the restraints of dutiful obedience, with the other contrasts and extrava- gancies here exhibited, can fail to perceive that his mental constitution was not evenly balanced, but was peculiarly liable to disturbance ? His brain was easily excited to a morbid activity, he was impulsive and imprudent, his imagination was vivid, his affections fervid, his purposes precipitate, — and then there came the reaction. For such a man, the even path of tranquil steady trust and obe- dience was very hard, nay, was impossible, to tread. If indeed his restless, easily perturbed spirit had been regu- lated by wise early discipline and soothed by all that propitious circumstances could yield of quiet happy influence, his character might have developed itself far differently ; but cast, as he was, into fierce temptations in his 12 REFLECTIONS. youth, and subsequently becoming the victim of so many failures, disappointments, hardships, reproaches, conflicts, throughout his whole life, mostly passed amidst the aggra- vations of an Indian climate, what marvel was it that he was always erratic, and that on some occasions the poor overwrought brain yielded to assaults of positive mania ? Vv^hat wonder if there be found in this narrative occasions for the exercise of patient forbearance ? And, if notwith- standing all such instances of defect and infirmity, there be traced in it the indubitable results and the final tri- umph of divine grace, what abundant reason will it afford to ascribe glory to Him whose goodness conducts His feeblest and most erring children, and makes them " more than conquerors " over the difficulties and temptations which beset them throughout their earthly way ? But a yet higher interest belongs to the history this book will relate. Whatever were the infirmities or faults of the subject of it, "out of weakness" he was "made strong" to labour for Christ in circumstances of most peculiar diffi- culty. He was the first to preach the gospel to the idola- tors of Bengal, and, through him, other labourers were brought in to a vast field for Christian effort, which had before been close shut against the messengers of the cross. He whose life issued in such grand results lived not in vain. No apology need be offered for recording the facts of his career. They form part of the history of the pro- gress of the gospel, and may claim affectionate remem- brance by those who desire the glory of Jesus Christ in the salvation of men. CHAPTER II. Calcutta in the latter half of the Eighteenth Century. IN order to the better understanding of the subsequent narrative, a few pages must be devoted to an account of the city whither the Earl of Oxford was bound, and, more particularly, to an attempt to describe the state of religion there and in the great province of Bengal, in the latter half of the eighteenth century. In 1756, a woeful calamity befell the English factory at Calcutta. Siraj-ud-Daulah, having recently succeeded his grandfather as Nawab of Bengal, in displeasure at some proceedings of the British, resolved upon the destruction of their settlement, and suddenly attacked it with a force said to number seventy thousand men. Our countrymen were ill-prepared to meet his attack. They had originally come to Bengal only as merchants, and their fort was designed for the protection of their commerce, not for resisting the power of the princes of the country, to whose haughty sufferance they were indebted for their highly- prized right to dwell and traffi.c in the land. But, for whatever purpose designed, their fort was now in disrepair. Arrangements to restore and strengthen it had been for years under consideration ; but had been frus- trated by the sickness or death of the engineers charged with the important duty. New guns had been sent out by the East India Company for its protection ; but, until the ramparts could be made strong enough to bear them, these were lying unmounted under the walls. All the regular troops in the garrison fell short of two hundred men. Their supply of ammunition also was very scanty. 14 THE BLACK HOLE. Such was the condition of the settlement when this over- whelniing- danger threatened it. A considerable number of civilians of all ranks hastily volunteered to bear arms ; and the 1 8th of June witnessed a spirited resistance to the host of invaders. By the next morning, however, the president had lost all heart, and, together with some of the chief military and civil officers, the ladies, and most of the other residents, he took refuge in the shipping and dropped down the river beyond the reach of the enemy. Only one hundred and seventy men were left behind. These bravely held the fort till the forenoon of the 20th, when, utterly exhausted, they could sustain the conflict no longer. Twenty-five were killed, and seventy wounded. In sheer helplessness, they surrendered themselves ; and that even- ing were all mercilessly thrust into a single ill-ventilated room, eighteen feet square, for confinement through the sultry night. When the morning came, the door was opened ; but, out of one hundred and forty-six prisoners,* twenty-four only were living. The rest had expired in the agonies of suffocation. For half a year after this horrible catastrophe, there was little left besides the blackened ruins of the fort and factory buildings, to show how a company of adventurous English- men had made an abortive attempt to settle on the fertile plains of Bengal, and to establish commercial relations between their own distant island and the nations of North- ern India. A large native town remained, which had rapidly grown up around the factory ; but it was vSiraj-ud- Daulah's resolve to wipe out all traces of British occupancy from the country over which he ruled. Those who escaped from the besieged factory lay " on board a few defenceless ships at Fultah, the most unwhole- some spot in the country, about twenty miles below Calcutta, and destitute of the common necessaries of Iffe :" but by the assistance of the French and Dutch, and partly * Tliis number was made up by the presence of a woman, Mrs, Carey, wlio would not be separated from her husband, lie perished ; but she was taken out alive, and lived to be the last sui-vivor of the Black Hole prisoners. She died in the year itJoi. CALCUTTA. 15 by the help of the natives, who privately sold them all kinds of provisions, they supported the horror of their situation till August. Then two hundred and forty men came from Madras. But evil was still before them. Dis- ease, arising from " bad air, bad weather, and confinement to the ships," with the w^ant of proper supplies, now broke out, and swept off " almost all the military, and many of the inhabitants." How little were the strange issues of these dismal events foreseen ! Intrepid Britons soon came with Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive from jMadras, to the succour of those of their countrymen who had escaped destruction. Victory attended the little army whithersoever it advanced, and before the anniversary of the unhappy siege came round, Calcutta had been triumphantly retaken, the battle of Plassey had been won, and the throne of the Nawab was occupied by a partisan of the English. By those who had been his own creatures, the fugitive tyrant was put to death, while the British obtained that firm footing and that arm of power in Bengal which speedily led to their acknowledged supremacy there. In short, the foundations had been laid of that great Indian empire whose growth has been as marvellous as its beginning. The history of British India must be strangely read by any one w^ho fails to discover in it the providence of Him who ruleth among the nations. Valiant as our countrymen are, and daring as their exploits in India have been, " they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them ; but His right hand, and His arm, and the light of His countenance, because He had a favour unto them." The tragedy of the Black Hole has been related here because the present city of Calcutta may be regarded as dating from it. The English factory was first founded there before the year 1690, and a considerable town had sprung up around it. But very few features of old Calcutta can be traced in the modern city. The sites of some of the principal buildings are known ; but only to the antiquarian. The present city, like the empire of which 1 6 ITS UNHEALTHINESS. it is the metropolis, has come into existence since the year 1756. Calcutta did not immediately acquire that elegance which has gained for it the designation of the City of Palaces. In 1769, when Mr. John Shore, afterwards Lord Teignmouth, came to it, it consisted of " houses, not two or three of which were furnished with Venetian blinds or glass windows ; solid shutters being generally used ; and rattans, like those used for the bottoms of chairs, in lieu of panes ; whilst little provision was made against the heat of the climate." Another writer of about the same period says that Calcutta was " one of the filthiest places in the world." Down to a much later date, the extreme nastiness of the streets, and the absence of all sanitary regulations, afforded occasion for frequent animadversion in the newspapers.* The dead bodies of indigent natives were dragged naked through the crowded thoroughfares to the river, into which they were thrown ; and sometimes a corpse in a state of putrefaction was left lying in close proximity to some crowded bazar, until the distressed neighbours would liberally fee the Hdris or scavengers charged with the duty of removing it. The country around the city was very insalubrious, and epidemic diseases often devastated the settlement. Early in the eighteenth centu- * One illustration may suffice. Hicky s Bengal Gazette ior yLziXch, 1780, says, <' Would you believe it, that in the very centre of this opulent city, and almost under our noses, there is a spot of ground measuring not more than 600 scjuare yards, used as a public burning ground by the Portuguese inhabitants, where there arc annually interred, upon a medium, not less than 400 dead bodies, that these bodies are generally buried without coffins, and in graves dug so exceeding shallow as not to admit of their being covered with much more than a foot and a half of earth, insomuch that, after a very heavy fall of rain, some parts of them have been known to appear above ground, that when the jjressure of the atmos- phere happens to be at any time diminished and the efiluvium arising from the accumulating mass of corniplion lias room to expand, the stench becomes intoler- able and sufficient to give the air a pestilential taint ? Moreover the quantity of matter necessarily flowing from it assimilating with the springs of the earth can scarcely fail to impart to the water in the adjacent wells and tanks a morbid and noxious quality, laying by this means the foundation of various diseases among the poorer sort of people, who are obliged to drink it ; nor can those in more affluent circumstances, from the natural indolence and deception of Servants, promise them- selves alisolute exemption from it." This burial ground was, it is believed, in the vicinity of the Armenian church. FIRES AND FAMINES. 1 7 ry, out of twelve hundred Europeans, four hundred and sixty burials took place in six months ; and for some years after the reoccupation of Calcutta, it was a most un- healthy place. This was probably owing to the salt water lake to the east, and to swampy fields and tracts of un- cleared jungle, the lurking place of the tiger and the leopard, within a very short distance from the town. So great was the annual mortality, that it is said that the Eu- ropean residents met on the 15th of October in each year, to congratulate one another on their escape from the pestiferous influences of the rainy season. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, however, the healthiness of Calcutta was well established in the opinion of its inhabi- tants ; and it has continued ever since to be a very salubrious place, notwithstanding its great natural disad- vantages. European residences were at first collected around the Old Fort ; but, as confidence grew stronger, " garden houses" sprung up in the suburbs, and the area of the town was enlarged. The thatched huts of the natives composed most of the streets, and accidental and incendiary fires annually produced wide-spread devasta- tion amongst them. In March, 1780, no fewer than fifteen thousand " straw houses" were thus destroyed ; and a hun- dred and nineteen persons perished in the conflagration. Famines were also frequent and frightfully destructive. One which extended over 1770 and 1771 was the most terrible in its consequences ; but others of shorter dura- tion occasioned unspeakable suffering. In 1788 it was necessary to give daily allowances to upwards of twenty thousand starving people in Calcutta ; whilst " the crowds of those who surrounded the city and lined the roads to it exhibited a scene of misery and wretchedness which words could not paint or tongue express."* The European resi- * " So numerous," says the Calcutta Chronicle of October 9th, 1788, " are the wretches who daily expire on the roads leading to Calcutta, that there is scarcely a sufficient number of men of the Hdri caste to carry the bodies away before they turn putrid and infectious." The Chronicle proceeds, — " Some more decent, and less shocking manner should be practised in carrying the dead bodies to the river, instead of that now in use. Sometimes they are loosely flung across a bamboo, and frequently tumble off on the way. At other 3 J 8 DACOITS. dents were always generous in aiding- such sufferers; but it was often declared that the opulent natives seemed to be utterly regardless of the woes of their miserable country- men,* and gave only when superstition extorted what phi- lanthropy would not yield. The most revolting practice? of Hinduism were unblushingly exposed to public view. The editor of one of the newspapers complains, in October, 1792, that he had just seen about fifty Sanydsis parading the streets of the city, all utterly naked. Widows were burned with the bodies of their husbands, or, in some inferior castes, were buried alive with them, close to the city ; and there was reason to believe that, now and then, the bloody goddess Kali was propitiated by a human sacri- fice at the celebrated shrine in the south-eastern suburb, from which, most probably, the city takes its name. The police regulations in these early days were very inefficient. Dacoits, those red-handed robbers, who ruthlessly com- bined most cruel atrocities with destructive pillage, abound- ed in many districts of Bengal, both on land and upon the rivers ; and the consternation their daring exploits pro- duced was felt in Calcutta itself f Murders and robberies times, the feet and hands are tied together, and in this shocking and indecent manner the bodies are carried naked tluough the streets." So the Calcutta Chronicle of November 19th, 1789, says, — "It is really shocking to humanity to behold in the streets of Calcutta so many poor wretches, dying of hunger, chiefly women and children. Not an instance occurs of the least " assistance being afforded to any of them by their callous and inhuman country- men." t The Calcutta Ckrom'cle of Fehraary 19th, 1789, relates, with strong expres- sions of disapprobation, an instance of the punishment of a gang of dacoits found guilty of burglary at a place near Kishnagur, and sent by Francis Redfearn, Esq., to be tried at the Criminal Court at Salkea, on the western bank of the river, op- posite to Calcutta. At I o'clock, on Sunday, February 15th, the fourteen criminals were brought out, to undergo the sentence passed upon them, to the Sair Bazar, a little to the southward of the Orphan House. The horrible scene is thus described. — " One of the dacoits was extended upon his back, with a tillet or band covering his mouth, and tied at the back of his head, to prevent his cries being heard by the others, who were witnesses of the fate they were themselves to experience. He was then pinioned to the ground with only his right hand and left leg at liber- ty. This done, the operator began to amputate the hand. It was performed with an instrument like a carving knife, not at a stroke, but by cutting and hack- ing round about the wrist, to find out the joint ; and in about three minutes the SLAVERY. tg were of very frequent occurrence in the heart of the city ; and, in the suburbs, armed gangs of these marauders some- times boldly paraded the highways by torch light.* Sla- very also existed in Calcutta. The old newspapers publish many advertisements of slaves — chiefly " Coffries," or ne- groes, — for sale, or of rewards for the recovery of those who had run away from their owners. The most numerous class of slaves, however, were Bengalis who had been sold in childhood by their parents in times of scarcity. f When the hand was off. The same mode was observed in amputating the foot, at the ancle joint. Both operations took up together from six to eight minutes in performing. After the hand and foot were off, the extremities of the wounded parts were dipped in boihng ghee ; and then he was left to his fate. The other thu-teen were served in the same manner ; yet, what will appear very strange, not one of them expired under the severity of the operation. " The hands and feet of the criminals were thro^^'n into the river. Four of the men have since died i but more from the influence of the sun on the wounded parts, and through want of care, than from the more than savage cruelty of the operation." In April, 1780, the same punishment was inflicted upon an incendiary at Mur- sliidabad. It was a Muhammadan penalty, and was resorted to in the case of the dacoits in the hope of striking terror into the hearts of the numerous robbers who were devastating the country in so many districts, and producing every^vhere so much alarm. It is hoped and believed that the above was the only instance in which so ferocious a punishment was administered under British authority. In 1793, a Regulation of Government made it illegal to inflict mutilation, and prescribed imprisonment in lieu of it. * Within the city, where offences against life or property were perpetrated more cautiously, craft took the place of effrontery. The single thief committed his nightly depredations, having his naked body smeared over with oil, so that it was next to impossible to hold him. Hicky''s Gazette recommended that a long bamboo with a triple iron hook at the end of it, should be kept in readiness for detaining such visitors. In November, 1788, two Bengali policemen were appre- hended in an attempt to rob the house of a wealthy nativ'e, in a very different style. — " They had disguised themselves in the dress of Portuguese, with their hair curled, frizzed, and powdered, cocked hats, and very smart coats, shoes, stockings, &c." t Sir William Jones, in a charge to the grand jury at Calcutta, in 1785, de- scribed the miseries of slavery existing at that period, even in the metropolis of British India. " I am assured, from evidence which, though not aU judicially taken, has the strongest hold on my belief, that the condition of slaves within oiu- jmisdiction is, beyond hnagination, deplorable ; and that cruelties are daily prac- tised on them, chiefly on those of the tenderest age and the weaker sex, which, if it would not give me pain to repeat, and you to hear, yet, for the honour of human nature, I should forbear to particularize. If I except the English from this censure, it is not through partial affection to my o^^'n countrj-men, but because my information relates cliiefly to people of other nations, who lilvewisc call themselves 20 EARLY CARE FOR RELIGION. indignation of the British Parliament was directed against slavery in the West Indies, the Calcutta newspapers de- clared that " the barbarous and wanton acts of more than savage cruelty daily exercised upon slaves of both sexes in and about Calcutta by the native Portuguese " made it most desirable that the system of bondage in the East also should be brought under the restraints of the legislature. If drunkenness was introduced amongst the natives of Ben- gal through the influence of European example, that effect was produced very early. The oldest prints complain loud- ly of the number of arrack shops everywhere set up, and of the difficulty of obtaining domestic servants whose so- briety could be relied upon. These general remarks upon old Calcutta might easily be expanded by the introduction of many similar facts. Let these suffice, as introductory to the particulars re- garding the religious state and history of the city and the circumjacent province, which are now to follow. It is surely more than probable that amongst the earliest adventurers in the East India Companies, there were some God-fearing men, who looked with indignant grief upon the cruel idolatries of the land in which they had come to sojourn, and who heartily wished that Christianity might supplant and destroy them. But such engagements and circumstances as theirs were very unfavorable to the life of religion in their own souls, as may easily be supposed ; and there is reason to fear that the representatives of our native country in the far East did but little to show that they came from a land blessed with the pure light and the excellent morality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Charter conferred upon the East India Company by William III. in 1698, made careful provision for the spiri- tual interests of the servants of the Company employed in Christians. Hardly a man or a woman exists in a comer of this populous town, who hath not at least one slave chUd, either purchased at a trifling price, or saved, perhaps, from a death that might have been fortunate, for a life that seldom faUs of being miserable. Many of you, I presume, have seen large boats filled with such children, coming down the river for open sale at Calcutta ; nor can you be ignorant that most of them were stolen from their parents, or bought, perhaps, for a measure of rice in a time of scarcity." OLD ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 21 the East. It expressly stipulated that " in every garrison and superior factory," there should be " set apart a decent and convenient place for divine service only ;" that one minister should be constantly maintained in every such place ; and that every ship of 500 tons and upwards sent by the Company to the East Indies should carry a chaplain approved by the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Bishop of London. It was further provided that all such ministers as should be sent to reside in India should be obliged to learn, within one year after their arrival, the Portuguese language, and should also apply themselves to acquire the language of the country where they should reside, the better to instruct the Gentoos who should be the servants or slaves of the Company or their agents, in the Protestant religion. We know not that there is any evidence to show that either the letter or spirit of this enactment was observed in the Bengal factories and in other parts of India. In Calcutta, a handsome church was erected by subscription about the year 17 15, and it is said that the chief persons in the factory were regular in their observ^ance of the public worship of God.* The portion of the settlement occupied by Europeans was small, and the Governor walked to church, attended by the civilians, and by the military not actually on duty. The fate of this old church was remarkable. In 1737, its much-admired spire was thrown down in a most furious cyclone, accompanied, as it was said, by an earthquake. The re-erection of the steeple was repeatedly talked of, * " About fifty yards from Fort William, stands the church, built by the pious charity of merchants residing there, and the Christian benevolence of sea-faring men, whose affairs called them to trade there, but ministers of the gospel being subject to mortality, very often young merchants aie obliged to officiate, and have a salary of;!f5oper annum, added to what the Company allow them, for their pains in reading prayers and a sermon on Sundays. " In Calcutta all religions are tolerated but the Presbyterians' and that they brow-beat. The pagans carry their idols in procession through the town. The Roman Catholics have their church to lodge their images in, and the Mahomedans are not discountenanced ; but there are no polemics except what are between our High Churchmen and our Low, or between the governor's party and other pri\ate merchants in points of trade." — Captain Alexander Hamilton's Travels, published 12 THE BUNGALOW CHURCH. but as often postponed ; and when the fort was besieged, the church immediately fell into the hands of the enemy, who, under the shelter of it, directed a galling fire upon the unfortunate garrison. After the siege, the remains of the building were wholly demolished by Siraj-ud-Daulah, who employed his brief period of dominion in Calcutta, in erecting a mosque there, as if to give his triumph a reli- gious aspect. The two chaplains were also victims of the siege. One of them, the Rev. Jervas Bellamy, perished in the Black Hole, and was found lying amongst the dead there, his hands fast locked in those of his son, a young Lieutenant. The Rev. R. Mapletoft escaped with the fugi- tives to Fultah ; but soon died there of the malarious fever which swept off so many more, as they in impatient misery awaited the arrival of the relief looked for from Madras. Specific and sufficiently ample compensation for the church which had been destroyed was exacted by Colonel Clive ; but he and his companions were too intent upon the dazzling prospects of dominion and wealth which had suddenly opened before them to be able to bestow much care upon the ordinances of public worship. The compen- sation money was therefore not devoted to the erection of a new church ; but was thrown with other sums into a charitable fund, subsequently applied to the foundation of the Calcutta Free School. Not until thirty years after the English had returned in triumph to Calcutta, was a church built there to take the place of the one destroyed by the Nawab's troops. In the meanwhile, however, a succes- sion of chaplains performed public service for those who cared to attend it, at first in the Portuguese or Roman Catholic church, and then in a thatched bungalow in the Old Fort. The fact was, without doubt, a significant one, and was so noted at the time : Calcutta had " a noble play house, but no church." The history of religion is not indeed a history of buildings for public acts of worship ; and if any better and surer indications of the existence of spiritual life amongst our countrymen at that time in Bengal were obtainable, we would gladly record them. None such have been discovered. " In those days," wrote NEW ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 23 one who remembered them, " the Lord's-day was nearly as little regarded by the British as by the natives : the most noted distinction being hardly more than the waving of the flag at headquarters ; except as it was the well known signal for fresh accessions of dissipation ;" and when at last the Presidency church of St. John was built, it could scarcely be regarded as an expression of the religious sentiment of the community for whom it was to be the house of prayer. Sir John Shore wrote of the undertaking at the time ; " A pagan gave the ground ;* all characters subscribed ; lotteries, confiscations, donations received con- trary to law, were employed in completing it. The Com- pany contributed but little : no great proof that they think the morals of their servants connected with their religion." But if religious observances were long neglected by the so-called Christians in Calcutta, there were yet fewer traces of them in the other European stations in Bengal. Four or five military chaplains were usually distributed amongst the places occupied by British troops ; but little indeed was done by them to enforce the claims of the holy religion of which they were the acknowledged ministers. What were called " surplice duties" made up their ordinary work.f A sermon was very rarely delivered in those days, out of the metropolis. Nor was this always the fault of the clergyman. The commanding officer at a military * The ground upon which St. John's church stands, was the old British ceme- try of Calcutta, and, together with an adjacent piece of land, was given by the proprietor, Maharaja Nabakissen, for the purpose. It was remarked that the natives, especially Musulmans, who regard all human remains with superstitious feelings, were horrified at seeing coffins disturbed and the bones of the fathers of the English settlement shovelled away that the foundations of the new sanctuary might be laid. t In a pasquinade upon the Calcutta doctors, published in Hicky's Bengal Gazette, for February, 1781, the negligence of the clergy even as to some of these, duties seems to be hinted at in the last verse. " Thus to Pluto's domain, by the Milgar called hell, Those excellent doctors dispatch us pell mell. In a very few days you're released from all cares. If the Padrie^s asleep, Mr. Oldham reads prayers, To the grave you're let down with a sweet pleasant thump. And there j'ou may lie, till you hear the last tnimp." Mr. Samuel Oldham was the undertaker of the settlement. 24 REMONSTRANCE OF THE DIRECTORS. Station sometimes obstinately refused to permit public worship to be held. This was the case at Barrackpore, only fifteen miles from Calcutta. Claudius Buchanan was chaplain there for about three years, and was allowed to address no congregation but such as he could collect within his own dwelling. In view of such facts, we can well believe that Mr. Tennant, one of the king's chaplains, affirmed nothing beyond probability, when he wrote of British soldiers at the period, — " It must happen that many persons have left England at an early age, and re- sided in India for twenty or thirty years, without once having heard divine service till their return." In May, 1798, the Court of Directors addressed a letter to the Governor-General of India, in which attention was called to the flagrant profanation of the Lord's day by the officers of Government, and the general neglect of public worship was severely censured. " We have now before us," wrote the Hon'ble Court, " a printed horse-racing account, by which it appears that not less than eight matches were run at Chinsura in one day, and that on a Sunday. We are astonished and shocked at this wide deviation from one of the most distinguished and universal institutions of Christianity. We must suppose it to have been so gra- dual that transitions from one step to another have been little observed ; but the stage at which it is now arrived, if our information be true, must appear to every reasonable person highly discreditable to our Government and totally incompatible with the religion we profess. We enjoin that all such profanations of the Sabbath as have been men- tioned be forbidden and prevented ; and that divine service be regularly performed, as in England, every Sunday, at all the military stations ; and all European officers and soldiers, unless hindered by sickness or actual duty, are required punctually to attend, for which such an hour shall be fixed as shall be most suitable to the climate. The chap- lains are to be positively ordered to be regular and correct in the performance of their duty ; and if any one of them neglect it, or by his conduct bring discredit on his pro- fession, we direct that he be dismissed from our service." CALCUTTA CHAPLAINS. 2$ It appears from the wording of this extract that the Court of Directors had no very strong- confidence in the piety and zeal of their clerical servants. A very low esti- mate would indeed seem to be fully justified by the testimony of Sir John Shore, the Governor-General, in 1795. " Our clergy in Bengal," he wrote, " with some exceptions, are not respectable characters. Their situation is arduous, considering the general relaxation of morals, from which a black coat is no security." Perhaps it may shed some light on the general character and social influence of the Calcutta chaplains of this period if it be here stated, that of three of them retiring from the service towards the close of the last century, one, after twenty-three years' incumbency, was reported to carry away with him, ;^50,ooo ; another, after thirteen years, ;^ 3 5, 000 ; and the third, after ten years, ;^ 25,000.* The gentleman last referred to, the Rev. John Owen, was a correspondent of the excellent Cecil, and, as may be judged from an address he delivered in 1796, was himself a man of thoroughly evangelical opinions and of very superior abilities. That his influence for good in Cal- cutta, in the dark period to which he belonged, is not more manifest, may well be regarded as matter for surprise. But, leaving the Calcutta chaplains, let us see what missionary effort was directed to the enlightenment of Bengal in the eighteenth century. To Frederick IV., king of Denmark, belongs the honor of first sending a Protestant mission to the East Indies. * The " salary" allowed by the Court of Directors to a chaplain was only ^50 per annum ; but gi-atuities and various allowances which " crept in by custom and con- nivance" very considerably augmented this insignificant stipend. In January, 1759, the Court ordered that each chaplain should have a consolidated annual allowance of ^230. In 1764, an additional Rs. 100 monthlj- was conceded in consideration of " the great increase of expenses in Calcutta." The Presidency chaplains, liowever, had another source of far greater emolument in their share in certain monopolies, particularly salt, beetle-nut, and tobacco, — and, as appears from the instances above given, they found means to realize large for- tunes. That this was true not only of the Calcutta chaplains, or of those of a particular period, may appear from a letter written in September, 1691, by the Rev. Jethro Brideoake, when about to sail as chaplain to Madras. He says : " I am told of those chaplains who have got very great estates there, whither I am going, and particularly of one Evans, who, having been there but a short time, is now coming home worth above ^,^30,000." 4 26 THE REV. J. Z. KIERNANDER. In the year 1705, Bartholomew Zeig'enbalg and Henry Plutscho were sent under his auspices to establish them- selves at the Danish settlement of Tranquebar ; and, subsequently, missions were also conducted at Madras, Cuddalore, and Trichinopoly. The work commenced by Zeigenbalg" and his companions soon attracted the attention and sympathies of British Christians, and from the year 17 10 the reports of the venerable Society for Promoting Christian Knowledg-e contain notices of the progress of the Danish missions in the East ; and the Society generously aided them by contributions of money, paper, and printing materials. Amongst these notices, mention is made of the Rev. Mr. Aguiar, who, after living for ten years " as a Protestant missionary at Calicatta, in Bengal, was ap- pointed Portuguese preacher at Colombo and other places at Ceylon," about the year 1742. At the same time, it it stated that " Mr. Sichterman, the Dutch Director at Houghly in Bengal, greatly wishing a Protestant mission might be established at Calicatta, had promised to give any missionaries all the liberty and encouragement in the Dutch territories, in his power." No other references to missionary work in Bengal are discoverable until the period when Calcutta was emerging from the ruins of the old factory. In 1758, the mission at Cuddalore was broken up by the French troops under Count Lally, and the missionaries had to retire to Tranque- bar. One of them, the Rev. John Zachariah Kiernander, a native of Sweden, was then invited by Colonel Clive to transfer his labours to Bengal, and to establish a mission in Calcutta. He gladly accepted the invitation, and, in September, 1758, began operations with all the encourage- ment Colonel Clive could give him, and with the approval of the chaplains. The Governor put at his disposal a house rent free ; and the children sustained by the charity fund were placed under his instructions. These facts must be felt to be very remarkable. They stand quite alone, and are in strong contrast with the policy of the Government in regard to the propagation of Christianity, and indeed with its customary indifference THE PROTESTANT MISSION. 27 to all Christian interests. Was it so, that, at the outset of British conquest in the East, there was a disposition to acknowledge the claims of religious duty, and to honor the Lord in the sight of the heathen, which disposition was afterwards destroyed by the selfishness engendered by unprecedented prosperity ? We see no reason to think this was the case. Far more probably. Colonel Clive's patron- age of the distressed Swedish missionary arose out of the personal kindliness he cherished towards him as the brother-in-law of his fellow-soldier, Colonel Fischer of the Madras army. Nor was that the only consideration. There was politi- cal importance in such a mission as Mr. Kiernander was to conduct. It was apprehended that, in case of a conflict with the French, the Roman Catholics would refuse to bear arms against their co-religionists. " The public exer- cise of the Roman Catholic religion" was therefore forbid- den upon the return of the English to Calcutta, and priests were not allowed to reside within British bounds. Even before the siege, the Rev. R. Mapletoft had obtained help for the charity school boys, on the plea that " the original design of the school was to educate children in the Protes- tant religion, and keep them so w^hen they had got from under the master's care." In perfect consistency with this design was the mission conducted by Mr. Kiernander, as appears from his appeal to Governor Vansittart, November 23d, 1763. " I need not mention," he wrote, "what ad- vantage it will be to any Protestant Government to have the number of such subjects as are by their very religious principles bound to be haters and enemies, lessened not only, but reduced to the same principles ; which cannot well be expected, so long as they have not an opportunity to be better instructed." Therefore he urged that " a con- venient place for a Protestant Portuguese church should be granted, " which, as it would be a public benefit for the town, it may not be improper that the public should pro- vide the same." Nor did he plead in vain. A house which was formerly the Collector's Office was granted to the missionary for the Charity School, and the permission 28 RESULTS OF THE MISSION. of the Council was given, that it might be used " also as a church for his converts." The mission thus inaugurated was conducted by Mr. Kiernander down to the year 1787, and the reports of the venerable Society with which he corresponded contain records of his proceedings, and exhibit an amount of suc- cess as resulting from them, which the friends of any modern mission might well rejoice over. Within twenty- eight years, not fewer than two hundred and nine heathens, including natives of Siam, China, and Macassar, and about three hundred Roman Catholics, of whom at least three were priests, were spoken of as the fruits of the mission. The Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan in his Apology for Pro- moting ChrisHaiiity 171 India, says : — The Honorable Company's ships brought out the annual sup- plies for this mission, and, before the year 1770, religious tracts were translated into the Bengali language ; and Hindu Christians preached to their countrymen, in the time of Hastings, in the town of Calcutta.* It must be added that much mystery rests upon these alleged facts. They altogether escaped the notice of some most observant men who dwelt in Calcutta at the time they are said to have occurred. And if this be accounted * Dr. Buchanan's reference to the time of "Wanen Hastings seems to imite a reference to the observations of that gentleman on this mission, given in his evidence before the House of Commons, on the 30th of March, 1813. In reply to questions as to whether he recollected if any persons employed themselves as missionaries in India during the time of his residence there, &c., he said, — " I do. I remember a very worthy gentleman, in that character, Mr. Schwartz, in the Camatic ; another in Bengal, named Kiernander : I do not know whether I can call him a missionary ; he was sent out from London, and supported, I believe, by the Society for Propagating the Gospel. I remember his conversion of one Indian, because it was announced with great pomp and parade Mr. Kiernander, whom I too inconsiderately named as appertaining to this character, was a constant resident in Calcutta." On the same occasion, William Cowper, Esq., mentioned Mr. Kiernander, but stated that he had never heard of a single instance of conversion to the Christian religion amongst the natives of India. To these testimonies, may be added that of the Rev. D. Brown, who was per- sonally intimate with Kiernander, and who took charge of the mission church on his retirement from Calcutta. In a letter, written in 1787, he says, "Out of ten million natives, we know of no Christian." — Yet in the previous year alone, Mr. Kiernander had baptized " twenty heatliemy THE MISSION CHURCH. 29 for by the common indifference of worldly men to Christian effort and success, we have still to ask, What became of all the numerous Hindu and Musulman converts Mr. Kier- nander is said to have baptised ? and how could a work of such a nature have been carried on so successfully and so long, without leaving, at the close of the eighteenth century, at least some perceptible traces of its reality and power ? How passing strange, that men deeply interested in all that related to the spread of the gospel in Bengal, and who were familiar with all the different classes of society in Calcutta, should with unfaltering and sustained confidence have regarded Krishna Pal as the very first Hindu native of Bengal who abandoned his caste by submitting to the rite of Christian baptism ! It is, we believe, an unquestionable fact, that Mr. Kier- nander never learned either Bengali or Hindustani. The language he used was Portuguese, and Mr. Charles Grant no doubt correctly stated that his labours were " confined to the descendants of Europeans," and " hardly ever embraced a single heathen." His work was always spoken of in the correspondence with England as " the Portuguese mission." Mr. Kiernander, however, left behind him in Calcutta a very valuable and interesting monument of his earnest desire to promote the Christian religion there. By a se- cond marriage he became a wealthy man, and he resolved to erect a mission church ; which appears to have been completed with a very inconsiderable amount of help from others. His personal outlay upon the building was said to be between five and six thousand pounds. It may be noted, as an indication of the state of European morality at that time, that Mr. Kiernander' s friends claimed remark- able credit to him because he did not suffer the brick- layers to work upon his church on Sundays. It was opened for worship in 1770, and services were from that time held in it both in English and Portuguese. It would accommodate two hundred persons, but its internal arrange- ments were clumsy and uninviting. It was therefore pro- nounced by the European community to be altogether beneath their notice, and to be " fit only for stable boys 30 THE MISSION SCHOOLS. and low Portuguese," Perhaps if it had been much more elegant, they would have been little better disposed to frequent it. As it was, it accomplished very little, at the time it was built, in the direction of influencing the Euro- pean population of the city to yield a more decorous attention to the forms of religion. Mr. Kiernander built a school house, close to his church, in Avhich between two and three hundred children might be accommoda- ted. He also erected at his own cost a dwelling house, for the residence of two missionaries. The reader who knows Calcutta as it is, and remembers Mission Row, may smile at the statement, made in 1777, that this mission house stood " near the church, the school, and the in- dustrial school, in a delightful situation, whence all the ships could be seen, as they passed up and down the Ganges."* The munificence exhibited in these and other acts is worthy of perpetual remembrance ; but we would gladly discover facts, showing that this worthy man himself clearly apprehended, and fully and effectually made known to those who came under his teaching, the divine way of salvation. Such facts we have not found. Memoranda of his own, still in existence, show that he was a man of remarkable simplicity and benevolence, but they do not bear the testimony we desire that he gloried in the cross of Jesus Christ. t * The mission was also provided with a press, but Httle was effected by it, and Mr. Kiernander incurred some obloquy because, to oblige a friend, he lent his " Gospel types" for secular uses, and thus disturbed the balance of power amongst the few members of the fourth estate then in Calcutta ! t The following statement has tlie great disadvantage of being reported after the death of the nanator. The circumstantial character of the anecdote and the intelligence and integrity of the Rev. Joseph Ivimey, who wrote it, entitle it, how- ever, to full confidence. — It is extracted from the Baptist Magazine for 1828, page 254. " Having called upon Mr. Charles Grant, on business connected with the Baptist Missionary Society, on the 26th November, 18 14, I mentioned to him a letter just received from the Rev. Dr. Carey, which shewed the increase of Christians in Calcutta, and I observed how different this was from the period, I 783, when Mr. John Thomas advertised in the India Gazette for a Christian. Mr. Grant said, — ' 1 was in India at that time, and resided at Malda. About seven years before the arrival of Mr. Thomas, I lived at Calcutta, and was brought under LORD CORNWALLIS. 31 Thus then, seventeen years before the Presidency church was opened, the generosity of a Swedish missionary pro- vided a house of prayer in addition to the bungalow near the Old Fort, used by the chaplains. Even after the new St. John's church was consecrated in June, 1787, its supe- rior accommodations attracted few of the citizens. If the Governor-General was in Calcutta and was expected to at- tend church, it was fashionable to be there,* Otherwise, few persons chose to devote their leisure to such an engage- ment. Lord Cornwallis was remarkable for his decorous obser\^ance of public worship ; but Sir John Shore, though himself a religious man, rarely went to church ;t and the indifference of men inferior in character and position was therefore in no way remarkable. Ungodliness was the deep concern about the state of my soul. There was no peison then living in Cal- cutta from whom I could obtain any infoiTnation as to the way of a sinner's salva- tion. I at length went to the Dutch Missionary', (the same who had built what is called the Old Church,) but he had outlived his zeal, and, I suppose, was a man destitute of religion. I found him lying on his couch. My anxious enquiries as to what I should do to be saved appeared to embarrass and confuse him exceedingly ; and when I left him, the perspiration was ninning from his face, in consequence, as it appeared to me, of his mental distress. He could not answer my questions, but he gave me some good instructive books." * So a letter from a young man at Malda, dated November 30th, 1787, says, — " There are some churches in Calcutta, but, tiU lately, our good and worthy countrymen hardly ever frequented them. However, when Lord Cornwallis came to Bengal, he attended every Sunday, regularly, which at once made going to church fashionable, and every Englishman mostly in the settlement went to hear sermon, because the Governor did so. So it continued for a considerable time ; but it happened, at the end of a month or two, that his Lordship went into the country on Saturday for foiir weeks, and did not return to town again till the Monday morning following. The people in Calcutta thus seeing their Governor staid in the country four Sundays, thought he had left off going to church ; so they by degrees gave it up too. Now, what the Governor meant by this, I cannot say, but, on the fifth Sunday morning, he returned from the countiy and went to church, and found it almost deserted. In the course of the week, the people heard that the Governor had been at the church, and so, next Sunday, it was as throng as ever again. From the circumstances of this story, it is but too apparent that vital religion is little kno\\Ti in this country. The morals of both sexes are in ge- neral but depraved. It is a wonder to see how indelicate some of them are. They glor}' in things that they ought to be ashamed of." t Some excuse for infrequent attendance at public worship might have been pleaded, because of the great heat of the climate, to which there was then no mitigation, except by the use of a lady's fan. Punkahs and tatties were first introduced into the churches at the suggestion of Lord Wellesley, in 1801. 32 THE STATE OF MORALITY. prevailing" rule amongst all classes of society, and any manifestations of piety were rare indeed. Many painful details as to the general depravity of morals at this period might easily be collected. Chris- tianity appeared to great disadvantage in the conduct of those who represented it before the heathen and Muham- madan population of the city. The Portuguese, or " black Christians," were almost wholly Roman Catholics ; and, with a few exceptions, they formed " the most debased and despised class in Calcutta," whilst the English and their descendants, who were mostly called Protestants, were still less religious, and perhaps not more moral. " Europeans had their work carried on, their assemblies and routs, on the Lord's-day the same as any other day ; and a man when he arrived in India showed what he would have been in England, if there had been no restraint there." Duelling was very frequent, and was encouraged by the example of some of the chief persons in the settle- ment. Deism was the fashionable profession ; yet, for the sake of gain, or from other motives as ignoble, the idola- trous ceremonies of the natives were encouraged by the contributions, and honored by the presence, of the repre- sentatives of Protestant England. Drunkenness, gam- bling and profane swearing were almost universally prac- tised. The public journals testify to the absence of " decency and propriety of behaviour" in social life. In December, 1780, one of them complains that " Europeans of all ranks" ordinarily made Christmas festivities " a plea for absolute drunkenness and obscenity of conversation, &c., — that is, while they were able to articulate at all," and urges that respectable men ought not to subject their wives to such impure and injurious associations. Another, in 1788, complains of " a very general depravity of con- versation and manners, both in mixed and male societies," such as he " hoped, for the honor of human nature, was not the case in other countries." Nearly all the unmarried Europeans, — and few were married in those days, — lived in acknowledged concubinage with native women.* * Perhaps the following illustration of this statement may be admitted. In EXCEPTIONAL CASES. 33 Such was Calcutta in the eighteenth century. Mr. Wil- liam Chambers, Master in Chancery in the Supreme Court, often used to say that Calcutta and Batavia were the two vilest cities upon earth, and he called them Sodom and Gomorrah.* Notwithstanding this general irreligiousness, there were unquestionably some excellencies which sustained the cre- dit of the European settlers with the natives of Bengal, and which, if not the immediate fruits of our holy religion, were traceable to its influence upon the character of every com- munity in which it is acknowledged. Mention has already been made of the generosity displayed by English residents in Calcutta towards those who suffered in times of scarcity. To the needy amongst themselves also, they were ever ready to afford most liberal aid. Dr. Edward Ives bore his testimony to this, shortly after the reoccupation of Cal- cutta, in the following strong language : " It is not possi- ble to point out a part of the world where the spirit of charity is more nobly exerted than in our East India Com- pany's settlements. Numerous instances may be mention- ed, where princely subscriptions have in a few hours been 1 8 10, a work, called the East India Vade Mecum, was published by Captain Thomas Williamson. It was intended to contain a compendium of information valuable to persons about to settle in India, and was dedicated to the Honorable Court of Directors of the East India Company, as designed particularly to be a guide to young gentlemen in their service. In this work, concubinage is regarded as a matter of ordinary necessity, and ad\-ice is given as to the female establish- ment a young man should set up, its proper cost, &c. The impossibility of marriage with Englishwomen is shown, by the declaration that an English lady could not be landed in India, "under respectable circumstances throughout, for less than ^500," and the connexions recommended are justified by the statement that " the number of European women to be found in Bengal and its dependen- cies, cannot amount to two hundred and fifty ; while the European male inhabi- tants of respectability, including military officers, may be taken at about four thousand." * The public prints at this period bear unmistakable testimony to the universal depravity of social life. A writer in Hick/s BeJtgal Gazette, in June, 1780, speaks of himself as having been " led by the hand of fate from Christendom to the land of Pagans," adding, " The Oriental morality differs from the H}^erborean, as much as heat from cold, and darkness from light. It is not for me to determine which is better or worse. "While I remain in this Paradisial region, it is sufficient that I conform to its customs ; never affecting singularit)', and keeping in mind the maxim of the Apostle, ' Cum Romano Romanus eris" " ! 5 34 MR. CHARLES GRANT. raised, and applied to the effectual relief of many unfortu- nate families." So also in reference to truthfulness and commercial integrity, the reputation of the English in India stood very high. The Rev. John Owen states, — " There are exceptions, in the character of worthless adventurers, which the natives know how to make ; and when they have made them, you will daily see them reposing their fortunes with Englishmen, in such ways as they will tell you they dare not with persons of their own complexion." But in the midst of the general ungodliness of European life in Bengal, there were, even at this early period, a few Christian men whose exemplary lives shone brightly in contrast with the darkness around them. Conspicuous amongst these, was Mr. Charles Grant, a civilian of high position and very great influence. Mr. Grant's first intro- duction to India was in the military service, in 1767, but he soon went home, and returned as a writer on the Bengal establishment, in 1772. Shortly afterwards, a number of painful domestic afflictions led him to seek ear- nestly the consolations of the gospel ; and throughout his subsequent career in India, and then for a long series of years in England, where he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hon'ble East India Company, his hearty endeavors were directed to the promotion of Christianity in India and elsewhere. Mr. Grant brought out from England, with his wife, her mother and sister.* The last mentioned lady afterwards became the wife of Mr. William Chambers, a man of unquestionable piety, who had formerly resided near the excellent missionary Schwartz, and was deeply indebted to his influence and instruc- tions. When he came round to Calcutta, he brought with him another pupil and friend of the same missionary. This was Mr. J. C. O'Beck, who became ]\Ir. Grant's steward, and appears to have been a very good man. In * It is a curious fact that at this period several elderly persons ventured upon life in India for the sake of the society of their children. Thus, in the circle spoken of above, besides Mrs. Frazer, Mr. Grant's mother-in-law, there had been Mrs. Chambers, the mother of Sir Robert and Mr. William Chambers ; and, a little later, there was added to it Mrs. Udny, the mother of the brothers of that name. THE MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES. 35 1 78 1, Mr. Grant's appointment as Commercial Resident at Malda gave him an influential position amongst a number of young Europeans ; and he strove earnestly to promote their spiritual advantage. His influence over them was productive of very happy results, and some of them became exemplary Christians. When Mr. Grant left Malda^ he was succeeded by Mr. George Udny, who had been his assistant, and who most worthily carried forward all his plans of Christian benvolence there. Mr. Grant and his brother-in-law were very anxious to establish an evangelical mission in Bengal, and proposals regarding it, which, they hoped, might obtain the sanction of the Government, were drawn up, and, as opportunity offered, recommended to the notice of those who appeared to be likely to forward the plan. Of the results, more will be said hereafter. Mr. Chambers was Persian Interpre- ter to the Supreme Court, and a distinguished Persian scholar. He attempted to translate the N^w Testament into that language ; and proposed to have his translation turned into Bengali by a native scholar. This method of producing a Bengali New Testament must be regarded as singularly unpromising, and it was never more than a pro- ject. Mr. Chambers had the work in hand at least seven years ; yet at this death he had translated only thirteen chapters of Matthew into Persian, — of which those con- taining the Sermon on the Mount may now be seen printed at the end of Gladwin's Persian Munshi. There is yet another attempt to enter upon evangelistic work in Bengal to be spoken of. The Moravian Brethren, who had accomplished so much in many other parts of the world, had missionaries also in Bengal. At the request of the Danish Asiatic Company, two of them settled near Serampore. A few years later, others resided in Calcutta, where they had a mission house in Park Street, and where one of them. Dr. Charles Frederick Smith, died on the 31st of August, 1783. No success appears to have resulted from their labours, and, on the death and removal of the mis- sionaries, the mission was discontinued. In March, 1787, Mr. Thomas was told that in these Moravian missions there 36 CALCUTTA AS IT IS. had been only one case of hopeful conversion in about thirty years. Calcutta is still the scene of much gross immorality, of great ungodliness, and of wide-spread unbelief; and its vast population of Hindus and Musulmans is still far from th^ acknowledgment of the truth of the gospel. The heart of the Christian philanthropist must sink within him as he surveys the evil which the great metropolis of India exhibits even now. Yet who can contrast the Calcutta of the present, — its numerous places of worship of all deno- minations, well filled with attentive hearers of the gospel, — its many churches of faithful men, — its evangelical agen- cies, — and its increasing community of native converts, with the city of which we have been speaking, without acknowledging that a great and happy change has been effected ? We have much, in our day, over which to lament ; but, nevertheless, " the Lord hath done great things for us," whereof we are glad." CHAPTER III. Vb)'a£'es to Calcutta and engagejnent as a missionary. — 1 783-87. THE reader may have made the voyage from Gravesend to Calcutta in a passenger-ship of modern days, and yet know but little of the voyage as it was in the period to which this biography belongs. From the time when the last trace of the English coast fades out of sight, to that when the fringe of trees upon the banks of the great Indian river is discovered, the modern voyager very possi- bly sees no land. If his voyage be speedy and without disaster, he needs to anchor upon no intermediate coast. It was otherwise when Mr. Thomas sailed in the Earl of Oxford, and a few particulars of his first voyage, gathered from the fragments of his journal, may be interesting. The squadron was composed of the Commodore Morgan's ship, the Pigot, the Duke of Kingston, the Vansittart, and the Earl of Oxford, East Indiamen. On the nth of March, they sailed from the Motherbank, and passed through the Needles at 4 o'clock next morning. When to the westward of the Scilly isles, the captains opened their instructions, and found orders to touch at Santiago, one of the Cape Verd islands, for fresh water. Several troops, with officers, were on board ; and, early in the voyage, Mr. Thomas mentions that a court-martial was held upon a man who had in a frolic thrown his comrade's cap overboard. The delinquent was punished with fifty lashes ! Some severe weather was experienced before the squad- ron entered the tropics ; but early in the morning of the 28th of March, the sleepers on board the Earl of Oxford were 38 A FIRE AT SEA. called up on deck to see the high mountains of San Nico- lao, which island was so close to the leeward of the vessel, that they dreaded lest they should be driven upon the rocky shore. On the morning of the 31st, however, they safely anchored in Porto Praya. Here a few days were spent very pleasantly in excursions on shore. They left Santiago on the 5th of April. Another place of anchorage was the island Johanna, or Anzuan, between the northern part of Madagascar and the coast of Africa. Whilst here, Mr. Thomas received most satisfactory evidence of the confidence reposed in his medi- cal skill. His captain had been severely ill for some time, and there was now an opportunity to hold a medical con- sultation, by calling in the surgeons of the other English vessels. Mr. Thomas strongly urged this ; but captain White would not hear of it. He would take no medicine, he said, but that prescribed for him by his own doctor ; and his subsequent recovery justified this determination. When off Ceylon, a terrific disaster befell the squadron. The Dake of Kingsfon took fire, and in a short space of time was utterly destroyed. The Earl of Oxford was close at hand, and gave all the assistance in her power. Some of Mr. Thomas's reflections upon the dreadful occurrence may be quoted here. — The people on the ship expected every' moment that she would blow up ; they therefore did not stay to take money or clothes out of their cabins ; but left her as speedily as they could. Some, who could swim, leaped out of the ship, without waiting for rafts ; but the current carried them away, and they perished. Others escaped by our boat and by rafts, and got on board our ship. One man, not contented with his life, returned to fetch away some valuables from his cabin. He secured his treasure, but lost his chance of escape. He perished, reaching in vain after a second opportunity. Captain Nutt, the master of the unhappy vessel, was saved. Many who sur- vived were so burned and scorched, that I was long in soothing their agonies, and they remained disfigured all their days. The most part perished. What struck me most of all was, that those with most skill in swimming perished first, and perished miserably. They were swept far away, beating the fierce current in vain ; and at last, hope and strength sinking, were overpowered by the dreary sea, in sight of our ship and of the distant mountains. SICKNESS AT KEDGEREE. 39 After a short stay at Madras, the Earl of Oxford safely- reached her anchorage in the Calcutta river. It is to be regretted that few memoranda concerning this visit to Cal- cutta have been left by Mr. Thomas. His first impres- sions of the great city would doubtless be interesting to the reader. Most of his time, however, was spent in his ship at Kedgeree ; for East Indiamen were not accustom- ed to come up to Calcutta, but anchored at Kedgeree or Diamond Harbour, at which latter place they discharged and took in their cargoes. This arrangement seems to have been very unfavorable to the health of ships' crews. The river carried down vast quantities of decomposing animal and vegetable matter, much of which, at low water, lay stranded upon the muddy banks, exposed to the fervdd heat of the sun. In the rainy season especially, the mala- ria from the swampy Sunderbun forests also rendered the anchorage at Diamond Harbour most unhealthy, and the mortality amongst the shipping was very great, almost every year. In 1783, the season was exceptionally sickly. Mr. Thomas says : — Vast numbers died ; and in some ships there were not enough living to bury the dead ; so that without ceremony, coffin, or much grave, the surgeon of the Lord Maca?iney, and others, were buried by black men. I was the only visiting surgeon in the fleet for several weeks, and was preserved in perfect health. With a very grateful heart, he aftervvards looked back upon this time of danger, and thanked God for the pre- servation of his life, when he ran so much risk of acci- dent in passing from ship to ship, and in ministering to the diseased, escaping as he did " the infection of putrid fluxes, rotting bodies alive ; the fury of the tides several times a day ; and all the variety of diseases and perils of service at Kedgeree ; dangerous vessels in the river ; up and down, to and from Calcutta, with all his property ; and more instances than could be remembered ; besides all the dan- gers of fire and shipwreck, storms and tempests." He also had escapes from wild beasts, which abounded in the jungles on shore at Kedgeree, and which his adven- turous disposition led him to encounter there. Twice he 40 ESCAPE FROM A TIGER. was confronted by tigers, and his adventure with one of them may be related in his own words. — One evening, I left the ship to take a walk on shore ; and, that I might shoot some jungle fowl, I went into the woods. I found a long strip of grassy land where some deer were feeding, and, hav- ing loaded my guns with ball, I pursued them to the bottom of this lawn. Finding the thicket beyond it impenetrable, I waited until sunset for them to come out ; when I thought it prudent to return. But, judge of my alarm, when I saw that a tiger had come out upon the grass, and was lying down in the way I had to take. I had a boy with me, of whom I enquired if there was any other path out of the jungle. He said there was not. I primed my guns, and told the boy to escape, if he could : but he chose to remain with me, relying upon my weapons. The lawn was about eighty yards wide where the creature was ; and, as he was at the one side of it, I deter- mined to pass him on the other, if he would let me. If not, I in- tended to reserve my fire till he came close to me. I marched on, or rather crept ; and to my great terror and satisfaction, the beast raised his tail, and, with a frightful roar, turned into the woods ; when, all of a sudden, I and my companion became quite light-footed. Of all such dangers he spoke in after-life with suitable acknowledgments of the goodness of God, which delivered him from these imminent perils ; but usually his thoughts of this period of his life were burdened with other recollec- tions, which filled him with shame and remorse. At Ked- geree he was thrown into close intimacy with many irreli- gious men, in the several vessels of the fleet. His hands were filled by his professional duties. His mind was occu- pied with many worldly cares. In the midst of these adverse circumstances, his watchfulness over his own heart was relaxed, and he fell into sad neglect of his religious duties and into conduct which he felt to be unworthy of a Christian life. That his wickedness was not an open disgrace to his profession, was occasion for much thankful- ness. He has left no particulars on record as to these backslidings ; but the terms in which he condemned himself were unsparing and most severe. There were many occa- sions on which he awoke to some sense of his guilty wretch- edness ; but to little effect, until at length his remorseful terrors culminated in a vision of an unspeakably awfu} ANOTHER VISION. 41 character. The fullest reference of this circumstance is contained in an entry in his journal of July nth, in the following year. It is as follows. — On perusing the story of Colonel Gardiner's conversion, I find a remarkably striking- similarity between the vision which effectually wrought on him, and that which had little influence, — so very short and little, — upon my hardened cruel heart, concerning our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I remember that before the time of my vision — it may be about two months — I had read Colonel Gar- diner's Life throughout ; but this part of it had been entirely lost from my memory, in that awful vision at Calcutta, in October, 1783, and ever since ; for I never had heard (to my recollection) of any thing, till this day, that was like my own experience in any measure, and therefore should have been extremely fearful of my credit when I offered to relate it. But, alas, the disparity of effects is so great ! — His very soul turned ! — My heart returned, dog-like ! O Lord, I beseech thee, show me my folly. In another place, he refers to the same thing in the fol- lowing terms : — I had my senses brought into the invisible world. I beheld more than one risen from the dead ; one whom I knew ! free from all the appearance or likelihood of a mistake. If I had heard him speak ever so long, what could he have said more ? If he had been more explicit in all I had done, or more particular in describing all my in- gratitude, or more plain in setting forth the terrors of the Lord, how could I have been more affected } — how could I have borne more } This instance is enough to teach me that, though a man be enlighten- ed, and not only acknowledges, but has tasted of the heavenly gift, — that, though a spirit, though an angel, come and talk with him, — all will not do. He will not believe to the overcoming of the world, — which is of God only. If the reader be disposed to deride the weakness which induced this good man to treat an illusion of his disturbed fancy as a supernatural vision contemplated by his bodily eyes, let him call to mind the many similar cases which were current and familiar in the Christian literature of the period of which we write. There was the remarkable example of Colonel Gardiner, to which Mr. Thomas himself adverts. There was also the dream of Mr. Newton, the case of Mr. Hart, that of Mr. Grimshaw, and many similar facts, which, 6 42 VISIT TO CALCUTTA. however popular psychology may now explain them, were regarded by most intelligent good men of the former gen- eration as supernatural ; and were accounted for as being the extraordinary methods employed by God to awaken conviction, or to convey instruction to those who were the objects of His special favor. Just after this, Mr. Thomas obtained some release from his duties on ship-board. The rains were over, and a more healthy season had set in, and he was able to visit Calcutta. With a heart reawakened to the supreme importance of divine things, he eagerly sought after some Christian com- panionship, if that were to be found in the great city. Let him relate his procedure there in his own words. — On my arrival at Calcutta, I sought for religious people ; but found none. At last, how was I rejoiced to hear that a Mr. Reed, a very re- ligious man, was coming to dine with me, at a house in Calcutta ; — a man who would not omit his closet hours, of a morning or evening, at sea or on land, for all the world ! I concealed my impatience as well as I could till the joyful moment came : and it was but a moment ; for I soon heard him take the Lord's name in vain ; and it was like a cold dagger, with which I received repeated stabs in the course of half an hour's conversation : and he was ready to kick me when I spoke of some things commonly believed by other hypo- crites, concerning our Lord Jesus Christ ; and, with furv', put an end to our conversation, by saying I was a mad enthusiast to sup- pose that Jesus Christ, who was born only seventeen hundred years ago, had any thing to do in the creation of the world ! When I returned, he went home in the same ship, and I found him a strict observer of devotional hours ; but an enemy to all religion, and hor- ribly loose, vain, and intemperate in his life and conversation. After this I advertised for a Christian ; and, that I may not be misunderstood, I shall give you a copy of the advertisement, from the India Gazette of November ist, 1783, which lies now before me, and the answers I received. RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. A plan is now forming for the more effectually spreading the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and his glorious gospel, in and about Bengal. Any serious persons, of any denomination, rich or poor, high or low, who would heartily approve of, join in, or gladly for- ward such an undertaking, are hereby invited to give a small testi- AN ADVERTISEMENT. 43 mony of their inclination, that they may enjoy the satisfaction of forming a communion the most useful, the most comfortable, and the most exalted in the world. Direct for A. B. C, to be left with the Editor. The two following answers were received the next day : — If A. B. C, will open a subscription for a translation of the New Testament into the Persian and Moorish languages, (under the di- rection of proper persons,) he will meet with every assistance he can desire, and a competent number of subscribers to defray the expence. ANOTHER. The Rev. W. JOHNSON, having read the advertisement of A. B. C. in this day's paper, takes the earliest opportunity of expressing his satisfaction at a proposal for the more effectually propagating, and making known the truths of the Christian religion, in this country of superstition, idolatry, and irreligion ; and for setting forth the excellence of that holy institution, so replete with the means of ren- dering mankind happy, both here and hereafter ; most cordially offers his services for promoting and encouraging so laudable an undertaking, and will think himself happy, if he can be at all in- strumental in bringing it to any degree of success. Mr. JOHNSON, from the above reasons therefore, wishes an op- portunity of conferring with the advertiser, on the occasion. I have never yet found out who was the author of the anonymous note ;* and as to Mr. Johnson, he was chaplain to the Presidency, and I was afraid to answer him, lest I should be scouted ; for I had heard him preach, and the sermon as well as the text was, The un- knotvn God.\ This well-worded note of his was intended, I suppose, merely to find me out ; and I have certain reasons to believe that the advertisement gave him offence. The following year, being at a house in London, where the Rev. John Newton had just called, I heard that a gospel minister was going out to Bengal, and that INIr. Newton had reason to think there were religious stirrings in that country, as he had read a certain advertisement in a newspaper * It has been assumed by some who have mentioned this circumstance, that Mr. William Chambers was the writer of this advertisement. If so, it is ver)' strange that the fact was never kno^\^l or suspected by Mr. Thomas, who, soon afterwards, was for some time upon terms of friendl}' intimacy with Mr. Chambers. t The Rev. W. Johnson returned to England in March, 1 788, having been chaplain for thirteen years. He was reported to have amassed during that period the sum of ^^35,000. 44 MR. JAMES WITTIT. of sucli an import ; Mhich advertisement was, indeed, wliat yon have now read. Before he left Calcutta, Mr, Thomas made the acquain- tance of a pious tradesman there. This was Mr. James Wittit, a very successful " Europe and China shop-keeper," whose " dwelling house, shop, and warehouses," were " near the Bankshall." He had also a garden house " on the road from the Bytaconnah to the burial ground."* From Mr. Wittit, ]\Ir. Thomas heard of Mr. Charles Grant, then residing at Malda. It is remarkable that nothing seems to have been said by him of Mr. Kiernander or of his mission. That mission had reported seventeen heathen of different castes as baptized in 1783. One of the passengers to England in the Earl of Oxford, on her return, was the Rev. Dr. James Burn, who was retiring from his office of Senior Presidency chaplain, in his eighty fourth year ! Mr. Thomas says little about him in his journal. It is, however, evident that the aged clergyman regarded the pious surgeon as being very ex- travagant in his religious opinions, and was looked upon by him as one who had sought and found his portion in this life. ^\iQ Earl of Oxford ^QA\e.6i. for England on the i6th of March, 1784, with a cargo valued at Rs. 12,32,350. Mr. Thomas left Bengal, in a very different spirit from that he had brought with him there. He says, " In Isaiah xliii. I read my character, the patience and forbearance of God, and, what exceeded all, his blotting out my transgressions freely. The rest of the voyage, I ate, and drank, and lived upon the word of God. My breath was chiefly filled with * Mr. Wittit's piety has left some traces upon the advertising columns of the early Calcutta newspapers. In 1784, he invites inspection of his premises and conference as to terms of sale, &c., " any clay of the week, except Sunday," a verj' remarkable exception in those days. Hick/s Bengal Gazette, for March, 1781, refers to his endeavours to put good books into circulation. A Hudibrastic rhyming list of goods for sale enumerates, — " Ladies' caps to adorn the head ; Shrouds to wrap them in when dead ; Salves to cure the itch or evil ; Bible books to scare tlie Devil, As good as e'er old Wittit did sell." ST. HELENA. 45 prayer and praise." A journal which he began to keep at the end of April, very remarkably illustrates this state- ment. It bears testimony to many transgressions and to the consciousness of much depravity, but no candid reader could fail to discover in it the character of one whose de- light was in the word and service of God. On the 1 2th of July, the ship reached St. Helena, and, for the first time since the voyage began, he received letters from his family at home. " After many impatient circles of thought," he perused with deep thankfulness that which his wife had sent him, and found that he was now a father. He wrote to her, the same day, — I am unspeakably pleased with our ' son and heir,' who has entered into a world of affliction, of which he has begun to taste. — ' A world of affliction,' did I say ? — Lord ! I bless thee for my crea- tion ! An eternity of praise to my God for participation in a life, which, though embittered with the effects of a sinful state and na- ture, yet abounds with mercy and goodness. But what are all these short-lived mercies, in comparison with redemption from sin and all its consequences, communion with a God ready to pardon and full of compassion, and also the hope of glory ? At St. Helena, he complained much of his want of sted- fastness, in allowing " the attraction of shore-fishing" to draw him from the religious exercises in which he found far higher delight. He also encountered very serious danger upon a shooting expedition. Having lost his way, he tried to cross a precipitous part of the mountains, but found himself unable either to proceed or to return ; when the soil under his feet crumbled beneath his- weight, and the rock by which he held slipped and fell. Had he himself slid down but a couple of yards further, he must inevitably have fallen and been dashed to pieces. After a little, he succeeded in passing, " where perhaps never human foot had before trod, or ever would again," and so he escaped. When he returned, he was filled with horror at the dangerous aspect of the pre- cipice, all the way, and his heart abounded with thanks- giving to God " for his goodness and help." After a few days, the vessel proceeded on her way to England, which was reached about the end of September. 46 REVIEW OF THE VOYAGE. In review of his connexion with the Earl of Oxford, Mr. Thomas found great cause for thankfulness. His captain, though an irreligious and very profane man, had shown him much kindness. The ship had suffered with the rest of the fleet at Kedgeree, from the prevalence of disease, but in a far less degree ; and not one of her officers had died throughout the voyage ; all which had been attribut- ed to the care and ability of the surgeon, and he was warmly invited to make another voyage. His endeavours to hold forth the word of life to his ship-mates were not wholly in vain. He felt that he had not always been wise in his attempts to introduce religious conversation on board ; yet those he had talked with appeared to be convinced of the reality of religion. In particular, the chief officer of the ship had been brought under deep convictions of sin, and was anxiously enquiring after the way of salvation. On the 23d of September, he wrote to his father, — I am restored through the host of perils common to a sea life, once more to my native country in prosperity and safety. I have been in the midst of sicknesses and deaths, but always in health ; dwell- ing amongst a crowd of dangers, yet kept safe from all ; living a life often notorious for want and hardships, yet, in my case, abounding with rich supplies of all needful things, with enjoy- ment. In travels through so many thousand trackless leagues of the sea, and naturally exposed to tempests, stormy winds, and hurricanes, we have never had one hard gale of wind. Separated from all my friends and acquaintances, in the midst of strangers, I yet found favor in the sight of men, and am befriended with many gifts of money and other unexpected presents and assistance ; and were I not abundantly convinced that the ways of God are unspeakably far above our ways, I should be at a loss to understand how it comes to pass that I, who have been so preposterously undeserving, should yet be a partaker of so many of His benefits ; for I have no sooner tasted than abused them, or received than forgotten them. I have taken small heed to an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God ; but have gone astray like, though not with, them that go down to the pit. And not only my body, but my soul, with all her fading, dying interests, — He has raised her up from the chambers of death again ! — cleansed and robed her again ! — brought me from feeding on husks with swine again, and feasted me with the fatness of His house, and covered me with the richest apparel. This is a HIS BAPTISM. 47 mercy that transcends all the rest in its unspeakable value and rich- ness. There was one remarkable providence, so uncommon, that happened to me before I was brought up out of the miry pit, that I shall be unwilling, through former experience, to relate it fully as long as I live ; for with eye-witness I have proved the truth of that testimony in Luke xvi. 31. I have been distracted with the terrors of the Lord ; yet His grace only was sufficient for me. This has been sufficient, I trust. It is now sufficient ; and, after all the crimsons and scarlets, I am left with a comfortable hope that it ivill be abundantly so, far above all I am able to think of it. The reference to his vision here will not be overlooked by the reader. The terms of self-condemnation in con- nexion with which it occurs, accord with the general strain of his journal. He charges himself with a number of be- setting sins : amongst which may be enumerated hastiness of temper, fickleness in his best purposes, sensitiveness as to his own honor, fondness for amusements, and other forms of self-indulgence. Of a sprightly social tempera- ment, and holding, as the ship's surgeon, a position and relation to all on board which naturally led to intimacy, he found it very difficult to preserve that complete holy consecration which constituted his ideal of the Christian life, and which he was continually bringing into unsparing contrast with the actual results of his endeavours to walk before God and be perfect. It is clear, however, from the imperfect records he has left, that he was earnest in his attempts to do good, and that he was zealous and diligent in his study of God's word and in his strife against every disposition which he saw was condemned by it. The voyage over, he, with great joy, found himself restored to the privileges of Christian society in his native land, and he now desired at once to profess his allegiance to Christ in baptism. But the discredit of his former difficulties was not yet forgotten, and his proposals met with what he felt to be " undue discouragement." At length, he was bap- tized by the Rev. Mr. Burnham of the Soho Chapel, without, however, any purpose of joining the church under that minister's care. It was on Christmas-day, 1784, that he thus solemnly " put on Christ." His journal records some 48 HE BEGINS TO PREACH. disappointment on the occasion. He had supposed it would be a season of very lively enjoyment of the divine presence and favor ; but his mind was depressed, and his emotions restrained. He was, however, prayerfully desirous that all his future life might bear witness to his true consecration, and that his divine Master's strength might be made per- fect in his own weakness. In regard to the future, his plans were very unsettled. He was reluctant to go again to India, and made another attempt to establish himself in surgical practice, in Great Portland Street, Oxford Road ; not, however, with much promise of success. Although his difficulties were very greatly relieved, he was still in debt, and was occasionally sorely harassed by his creditors. The Earl of Oxford was not sent out in 1785, so that for several months he had no need to determine whether he would accompany her or not. After his baptism, he entered upon a course of engage- ments which probably interfered with his success in world- ly business. Ever since his conversion, he had ardently longed to become a preacher of the gospel. His private memoranda exhibit this cherished wish and the constant bent of his mind towards the study and exposition of the word of God. Now, he " began to exhort in private societies and to preach in different places in town and country." In thus employing himself, he was greatly encouraged by some of his hearers, who recognized in his fervent exhortations and addresses " the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." Others of his relatives and friends did all they could to deter him from preaching. Their opposition did not pre- vail against his determined inclination, although there were amongst them persons of prolonged experience, — " Chris- tians," as he caustically remarked, " of thirty years ' stand- ing' — not * running' " Their objections, however, had some effect upon his mind. For years afterwards, " the liberty of prophesying" was a subject frequently discussed in his letters, especially in those addressed to his brother, who also had thoughts of the ministry of the gospel. Very probably, the chief reason why such discouragements were put in the way of Mr. Thomas's ministry, was the unsatisfactory state ISAIAH XUX. .49 of his affairs. Whilst the dishonor of debt rested upon him, his best friends might well be excused if they desired to see him devoted to his secular business, that he might owe no man anything, rather than to witness public labours which were liable to be carried forward with reproach. Only a few fragmentary accounts of his first efforts in preaching the gospel are in existence ; but these show that he found most exercise for his zeal in parts of Hertford- shire. He mentions Codicote, as a place where he had found " beloved saints and enquiring sinners," and he was at length invited to become the pastor of a small Baptist church at Hoddesdon. This proposal was under consider- ation for some time. The most wealthy subscriber to the support of the ministry there, a Mr. Thoroughgood, did not unite in the otherwise unanimous request ; and at length Mr. Thomas, somewhat reluctantly, took the advice of Mr. Booth, who recommended him, on account of his youth and inexperience, to decline the invitation, and to make another voyage to Bengal in the Earl of Oxford^ when she sailed in 1786. In August, 1785, whilst undecided whether to settle at Hoddesdon or not, he was very powerfully impressed by the perusal of Isaiah xlix., and he seems to have regarded the thoughts which then crowded upon his mind as a reve- lation of the Lord's will in regard to his whole future life. In his journal, more than four years afterwards, he says of this occurrence : — After earnest prayer, my mind was unusually impressed, like broad day-light, with many passages in that chapter. Particularly, I understood that, ahhough I had not * gathered Israel,' yet the Lord had not * forgotten me' ; but had intimated His design to- wards me when I was a little child. I understood also that the Lord had hitherto hid me ; but it should not always be so : that it was a very small matter, in comparison of what He had for me to do, that I should edify a little congregation of Israel ; for He would send me forth into the world, afar off among unconverted Gentiles. This God had in view concerning me, who was. He knew, despised in my own country, and abhorred by many religious professors in my own nation. I understood that I had come with an acceptable petition to the Lord, and, in His own proper time and manner, 7 •50 FUTURE EXPECTATIONS. He had chosen, and would bless and prosper me in preaching the gospel. I understood that by ' desolate heritages' it was intimated that, by my preaching, those who were utterly destitute of the gospel should receive it, and God would Himself lead them, and would bless and cause them to flourish. And as, humanly speaking, difficulties like mountains would lie in the way. He would remove them. And now the scene began to open as broad as day- light from heaven on my mind, with an inexpressible sweetness and composure of soul. So great and extensive were the things shown me, that I drew back, thinking it too much ; for how could all these things be ? I understood that the Lord had observed my downcast looks and unbelief, as though He had forsaken me ; but my parti- culars were continually minutely before Him. I understood that the Lord would surprise me with numbers, surpassing my crediting powers : that I should stand astonished at it ; and that great per- sonages should be among those who would nurse and take care of me and mine, and the temporal affairs of the Lord's sheep. An uncommon readiness to receive the gospel and a running to it were the last thing in the chapter which the Lord shewed me ; and I understood also that these words were written concerning Isaiah and concerning Christ, not excluding our instruction ;* and the word of God is not bound, his testimonies are everlasting, and no scripture is of private interpretation. Amen, Lord Jesus. Even so ; come now. Lord Jesus ! With reference to this, he further wrote : — I just add that the way I understood it all was this : that I might fix at Hoddesdon, and go and preach to all the country round about . Cambridge and Hertfordshire. But this did not satisfy me ; be- cause the field was not big enough to hold one of the scenes, which appeared to me to be many and great ; therefore, thought I, it may be that .the Lord will take me another voyage, and, among the un- converted desolate heathens, he may send me to preach the gospel. Here all things suited ; only the impossibility of leaving the ship, my family, &c. So the state of the case was. I abode in surprise and joy, believing that what the Lord had said would verily come to pass ; though I did not know exactly how antl when, or other particulars. Soon after, going by Tottenham Court Chapel, I drop- ped in, as Mr. Matthew Wilks was in the middle of his sermon, on * This is not very intelligible. Mi. Tliomas's meaning will better ajipear from what he wrote to his brother in January, 1787. " From Isaiali xlix. I was made to see the truth of that saying of Witsius : ' ^^^latever is written of Clarist, be- comes true in its order and degree, Ici all that arc Christ's.' " A DREAM. 5r this text : ' Thy testimonies arc wonderful.' — Psalm cxix. 129. Just as I went in, he spoke to this effect, ' Sometimes the Lord shows' His people in a wonderful manner, by His testimonies. His own secrets ; and yet, though they are so surprised and satisfied, they da not know and understand for some years afterwards ; but when the things come to pass, then they know clearly.' Two or three years before this, he had a dream, to which likewise he makes frequent reference in his after-life. This, too, may be quoted here. — In this dream, I thought I had something in my ear, — very large, but not painful to me ; and I picked it out, and it fell down ; and, lo, it was a crab-fish ! I was afraid of its claws ; for it was alive ; and I took it up carefully, holding its back, whilst the claws played about, reaching after anything they could lay hold of. While it did this, I looked, and, behold, its legs and claws became lilies, such as I had never seen ! — very beautiful flowers 1 — very fra- grant ! — and I smelt them with delight, and wondered at their sweetness ! And, behold, in one moment, in the twinkling of an eye, these flowers were transformed, and became ears of ripe corn, very large, very full, very long in the ear, with the sun shining upon them in his strength : — and I awoke, and, behold, it was a dream ! These curious extracts are not without importance to the narrative. The reader will, very probably, deem them in- significant trifles ; but the impressions and the dream here described were esteemed by Mr. Thomas as having a divine origin. Nor was their influence upon him fugitive. On the contrary, it will be seen that, more or less actively, it wrought upon his mind throughout all his subsequent history'. Nothing of particular interest appears to have happened during this sojourn in England, save that a second son, whom he called James, w^as born to him in October, 1785. Both this child and John, the first-born, died at a very early age. When upon the point of embarking for his second voy- age, he wrote to his beloved sister Sarah a letter, begin- ning, with characteristic abruptness, thus : — Death is disarmed : never fear him. You ask me of the antidotes against the fear of death, and I shall not deny you my thoughts be- 52 LETTER TO HIS SISTER. cause they are weak ; for there is One stands by me and you who has strength enough for us both, and to spare. The fear of death in a believer may be either a wile of the devil, a shudder of flesh and blood, a dark drapery of a gloomy imagination, or the teeming of a timid constitution. It is a disease that hath many causes, and but one remedy, and that remedy is Christ, even He who came * to deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage.* ' In Him is plenteous redemption.' — Psalm cxxx. 7. Now when the soul can realize this text, what can be wished for more .-^ All fear of death is then taken away. If our trust were wholly out of our- selves, and only in Him, these fears and doubts would be overcome and put to silence ; but the mischief is, we all like to trust in our- selves, more than we think we do ; thence it is that, upon finding in ourselves deficiencies, immediately the fear of death advances. Courage fails in proportion as that fails in which we trust. But Christ will never fail us : we have need of much, and in Him is plenty. What would it avail you to plead before God that you had as much moral righteousness as all the holy prophets and apostles ? One spark of Christ's righteousness would as far outblaze it all as the sun surpasses a glowworm. And if one spark is so, and sure I am it is, then what have they to complain of who shall be covered with it, — filled with it .? And what if you were loaded with the sins and blasphemies of a whole age of men ? What would all these be for the blood of Christ to cleanse away } Not so much as a grain of sand before a boisterous sea. Jesus Christ is an altar which whatsoever only toucheth shall be holy. — Exodus xxix. 37. There- fore I think that an apprehension of Him by an eye of faith is the best antidote ; and you know this. The Holy Ghost expresses dili- gence as the best cure in the world of a saint's doubt and scruples of his salvation. Let us follow the wise men, who set out and sought Christ diligently ; and, till they had found Him, returned not back. Seek, and you shall find ; for every one that seeketh findeth. Whom did Christ suffer for 7 It could not be for Himself: He was the Holy One. It must have been for us ; and let us take the bene- fit thereof, rejoicing in Him, and having no confidence in the flesh. My things are gone aboard ; and I leave town to-morrow. May the peace of God be with you. May you labour these eighteen next months for those things of eternal life which overcome temporal death, which the Son of man shall give unto you. Him hath God the Father sealed. And then, when I return, if ever that should be, I shall hear a new song, which Christ can put in your mouth, of praise to God for Jesus Christ, who performeth all things for you. THE REV. DAVID BROWN. 53 Few incidents relating to his second voyage to Calcutta are worthy of record. The Earl of Oxford sailed from the Downs on the 5th of March, in company with the Walpole and the Bcrrington. She called at the Cape of Good Hope. It is interesting to find the following observations, under date of July 6th, just before Mr. Thomas reached Bengal, introduced by the words, " Propose to address this to young ministers and students." Hath God revealed the spread of the gospel, for nothing ? Do not all things revealed belong to us ? But how much more espe- cially these things ? — to us, in particular, upon whom the ends of the world are come ? for the time is nigh at hand : — * It shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues ; and they shall come, and see my glory,' saith the Lord. — Isaiah Ixvi. 18. If we live to see the dawn of this day only ; surely it becomes us to leave a mark behind us of our eager expectation, from the trust we have of the faithfulness of God. He that heareth and keepeth fast the testi- monies of the Lord concerning these things, in these latter days, is a blessed man, and getteth great good to his soul. Such sentiments were not a little remarkable when they were penned ; and if the appeal the writer of them intend- ed to make was never put forth, as he originally proposed, his life itself became the means of awakening missionary devotedness in the classes he desired to address. When the above remarks were being written, another good man had found a home near Calcutta, prepared to de- vote himself to the promotion of Christian truth there ; and, as he was to exercise much influence over the career of Mr. Thomas, he must here be introduced to the reader. The Rev. David Brown, late of Magdalen College, Cam- bridge, was selected by Major Mitchell, on behalf of the Military Orphan Society, as well fitted to take the su- perintendence of their school for the children of non- commissioned officers and private soldiers, then established at Howrah, on the western bank of the river, opposite to Calcutta.* INIr. Brown accepted this appointment, and * The school for officers' children was to be under the diiection of another gentle- man, who was expected from England. Until he came, Mr. Brown had the general superintendence of both schools, which were for some time held on the same premises. 54 ARRIVAL IN CALCUTTA. having obtained deacon's orders from the bishop of Llandaff, came out to India in the ship Juliaiia Maria, captain Da- vidson. He landed in Calcutta on the 8th of June, 1786, and was kindly welcomed by Mr. William Chambers and a few others who rejoiced at the arrival of an English clergyman of thoroughly evangelical principles. For the especial benefit of the numerous young people under his charge, Mr. Brown commenced a Sunday morning service in the school house. He also preached to the troops in the garrison, having been appointed chaplain to the 6th battalion, immediately upon his arrival in Bengal. The Earl of Oxford anchored at Diamond Point on the 14th of July. Throughout the voyage, Mr, Thomas had very faithfully striven to do good to all on board, and a small congregation used to meet in his cabin for religious services. On arriving in Bengal, his great desire was that he might be able to maintain a holy deportment before all men, and to exert a Christian influence upon his acquaint- ance in Calcutta, whether he discovered any fellow-believ- ers there or not. The principal officers on board East Indiamen were all entitled to a certain amount of tonnage in their vessels, to carry merchandise for sale on their own account. The Cal- cutta newspapers of this period nearly always contained advertisements by merchants and shop-keepers, in which the investments brought out by the captain, the chief ofii- cer, or the surgeon of some ship just arrived from England, were offered for sale. Mr. Thomas of course availed him- self of this privilege of trading. Captain White most kindly became his security with the merchants who en- trusted their goods to him ; and on the present occa- sion he was so successful that he reckoned his profits to be upwards of ;^5oo. This was much more than enough to release him from all his pecuniary difficulties ; but it was also a strong inducement to him to venture yet more freely in the purchase of goods for the return voyage, and thus, as will be seen, his present success brought about a calamity which embittered and most disastrously affected all his subsequent life. CHRISTIAN FRIENDS. 55 Holding the medical charge of a large ship, which lay at Kedgeree, he could not spend the whole of his time in Calcutta ; but when there he eagerly resumed his enquiries after God-fearing men. Mr. Wittit, the only Christian, man he could discover in 1784, was now on his way to Europe ; but he met with Mr. Robert Udny, by whom he was introduced to Mr. William Chambers and to Dr. James Nasmyth, and a few other good men, and he was soon upon terms of warm intimacy with them all, taking an ac- tive part in the meetings for prayer and exhortation which they held in each other's houses. Between Mr. Chambers and Mr. Brown there was at this time some unpleasant- ness. The young clergyman appears to have been censured for accepting the military chaplaincy in addition to the duties he had been brought out from England to perform at the Orphan House. Dr. Nasmyth, however, who was the surgeon of that establishment, spoke very highly of him, and, after hearing him preach at Howrah, Mr. Tho- mas strongly urged his friends to attend his ministry, rather than that of INIr. Kiernander and his son, whom they were accustomed to hear at the mission church. He ap- pears also to have done all he could to remove mis- understandings between Mr. Brown and the few persons ia Calcutta who could sympathise with him in his aspirations after usefulness. This appeared to be happily effected, when, towards the end of October, fresh discord arose.*" * " October 27th. — This day we had a meeting at Mr. Udny's, in behalf of Mr Bro^vn, whose conduct has been much blamed by us all, and he avtII not receive our mild admonitions. I therefore proposed this meeting to be held twice a week,, that the Lord may be pleased to forgive him and restore his soul. I read the beginning of Luke xi. and xviii. on the encomagement our Lord gives us to pray, and Mr. Udny prayed. I then read 2 Samuel vii. and went to prayer. Afterwards,' I read 2 Chronicles vii. 12 — 22, and Mr. Nasmyth concluded in prayer. Proposed to meet again on Monday. " October 30th. — I met my Christian friends again at Mr. Udny's, for prayer and reading of the word. Great consolations on the house-top, where I retired a little before we met. We read Jeremiah ii. and Nehemiah ix. shewing the good- ness of God to backsliders, and each of us engaged in a lively manner on behalf of our drooping brother and minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. He still seems heady, " impatient of reproof, overbearing in his opinions, full of contradiction and dispute, and on Sabbath day preached to us a defensive misquoting sermon, and leant a great deal on our conduct towards him. I feel myself attached to him iu 56 MR. CHARLES GRANT. Mr. Thomas evidently enjoyed the warmest esteem and affection of these friends, and was " strangely caressed" by them. His prayers, his addresses, and, whenever ab- sent from Calcutta, his letters to them, were highly appre- ciated ; and their deference to his judgment and counsels encouraged him to use much boldness towards them, in the belief that the Lord would accomplish great good amongst them by his means. He cherished expectations of yet wider usefulness. In the early part of December, he employed his leisure in writing a little book for dis- tribution, which he called, A Word of Comfort and Encou- ragement to the Poor Afflicted People of God. As " a physi- cal man," he wrote, he had often good opportunities of putting such a paper into the hands of his patients. It was printed ; but no copy of it has been preserved. Mr. Charles Grant was now looked for in Calcutta, to make arrangements for removal from Malda to a more important post at the Presidency. He had heard much from his correspondents of the pious surgeon of the Earl of Oxford^ whose society had so much delighted them, and he came fully prepared to admit the stranger to his most affectionate confidence. On the i6th of December, they met for the first time, and had much " sweet conversation" together. Mr. Grant laid before him his wishes as to the diffusion of the gospel in Bengal, and spoke with him of his own Christian experience. Mr. Thomas found him ** harassed with perplexing doubts and fears, jealousies of himself, &c., but with much appearance of unfeigned love, and humble sincerity." On the other hand, the impres- sion Mr. Grant received from the lively spiritual dis- course of his new acquaintance was such as to confirm all the midst of all, and, at the bottom, see in him something lovely, and that loveth, hopeth, and bearcth, and is not easily provoked. " November 3d. — Heard of some very reproachful speeches that had been ut- tered against me by Mr. Brown : — that I am a babbler, and quote scripture with- out meaning ; but he did not instance one particular. Mr. Udny has received a letter from him, wherein he calls him the devil's instrument, and desires him to be open, honorable, and undisguised, and to leave all intrigues to the devO, with several oilier similar insinuations. He spoke slightingly of Mr. Chambers, and said he would answer his letter ofl-hand." — Mr. Thomas's Journal. MR. grant's missionary PLAN. 57 the favorable accounts he had received concerning him. This was clearly shown when, on the evening of the i8th, Mr. Robert Udny informed him that Mr. Grant was very desirous to have him stay in Bengal, " for the work of the ministry." INIr. Grant put into his hands the proposals he and Mr. Chambers had drawn up, for the establishment of a Pro- testant mission in Bengal and Behar. These had already been submitted to Mr. Brown, who had entered heartily into the plan, suggesting several details, with the very natural impression that the effort would be under the direc- tion of the Church of England. But now that Mr. Grant had been introduced to dissent in the person of Mr. Thomas, he was willing to include in his scheme the co-operation of pious nonconformists also ; and he encouraged his new friend to alter his plan freely, and to forward copies of it to such dissenting ministers at home as would be likely to take a practical interest in the great object they had so much at heart. The proposal that he himself should become a missionary, was without doubt very gratifying to Mr. Thomas. It was the cherished desire of his heart to be a minister of the gospel, and he firmly believed it to be God's purpose to make him useful to many souls. The noble apostolic work of witnessing for Christ in a heathen country hitherto destitute of any spiritual light, must have appeared emi- nently attractive ; yet, at first, he thought it quite im- possible that he could accede to a suggestion encumbered by so many difficulties. The absence of his family, the unsettled state of his temporal affairs, and the labour and difficulty of acquiring the Bengali language before he could preach to the heathen, appeared to be insuperable obstacles, and his reply to Mr. Udny altogether discouraged any endeavours to urge the proposal upon his consideration. His intimacy with iSlr. Grant became closer day by day. On the 29th of December, he was invited by him to address the little company of Christian friends ; and, taking for his text Galatians v. i, he endeavoured to set before them the liberty of the gospel of Christ. In this discourse, which was 8 58 PREACHING AT MR. GRANT'S HOUSE. not delivered without serious apprehension of offending his hearers, he pointed out with much boldness and force seve- ral doctrinal and practical errors which he had observ^ed amongst them. But his pointed animadversions were taken in excellent part by them all. In the words of Mr. Grant, all he said " was received with submission and respect : no one gainsaid, no one disputed," He was after- wards repeatedly invited to preach again ; and very much pleasure and profit were acknowledged by those who heard him. In a letter to his brother, dated January nth, 1787, Mr. Thomas thus describes Mr. Grant's missionary project, and the part he was taking in giving shape to it : — I have a piece of news for you. You must understand there is a Mr. Grant here, a man of fortune and consequence, who has pro- jected a mission of gospel ministers to this country from England. The papers are drawn up and are now in my hands, submitted to any alteration I may think necessary. Mr. and Mrs. Grant, with about eight or nine others, dependents, serve God, and he himself is a humble, teachable, strict and zealous man. He is too partial to me, a great deal, and has made an offer for my support with my family, if I would stay here and reside at Malda. He has made several alterations in the proposals of ??i)> stating, and has now given the papers wholly into my hands. Mr. Brown, a preacher of the gospel here, who has the care of an Orphan House, at first regulat- ed the plan, and named eight young men who are in the Colleges at home, as fit persons to be invited to this work. Here I have objected that j'oung men in Colleges are tender and nice, unlikely to endure hardship ; that, besides, from the scarcity of gospel ministers of this denomination in England, it was to be supposed that, if either of these men were likely and promising, he would be taken parti- cular care of for destitute churches there at the disposal of friends of the gospel. Besides I argue that the character of missionaries ought to be settled and known, having been proved. So we have spared the young collegians from the undertaking. Brown is jea- lous of me, and severe ; but I stand as firm as a rock in mind and conscience, and am /oo high in the favor and opinion of Mr. Grant, to whom the Lord has made me useful. Brown is to blame. Mr. Grant proposes to send papers acquainting ministers of the gospel in general of the opening in this country, and he also offers to en- tertain two missionaries at his own expense, and will allow each a MR. THOMAS'S "MATE." 59 salary o{ £io a month ; will furnish them with books and teachers besides, whereby they may become acquainted with the languages of the country. A Mr. Schwartz, a Dane, has had great success upon the Coromandel coast, and his converts have suffered shame, exile, and death from their countrymen, and joined the martyrs above. He is a most exemplary man and an indefatigable labourer in Christ's vineyard. I have begun to speak in this country, and with power. Mr. Grant and almost half of the few saints here are shackled, but their bars are almost broken asunder by what is revealed Galatians V. I, and elsewhere, concerning the grace of the gospel and entan- glements of the law. They have received it well, and I have reason to be thankful ; only they try me with too much commendation. Flattered by the admiration of his Calcutta friends and, without doubt, really useful amongst them, Mr. Thomas was under strong temptation to neglect his duties to his ship, which was lying at Diamond Harbour. His " mate," the assistant surgeon, soon felt that he was badly used, in being detained on board through the prolonged absence of his superior, and he wrote to Mr. Thomas with bitterness, and complained of him to the captain. Some other dis- agreeable occurrences, connected with the ship, combined with these things greatly to annoy him, and the result of them all was a most momentous change in his plans. The invitation given him to remain in Bengal had not been forgotten. It had never been explicitly renewed ; but remarks had been dropped every now and then by Mr. Grant and the rest, which Mr. Thomas interpreted as indi- cations of their unaltered desire that he would give it more favorable consideration. These things had somewhat unsettled his mind, leading him often to contrast the pleasantness and advantages of such a life of servdce to Christ amongst the heathen, with the uncongenial charac- ter of his situation as surgeon on board an East Indiaman. But now that actual unpleasantness had arisen between himself and his fellow officers there, he thought it might be that the Lord was showing him that he should quit the ship and give himself up to the work of the mission. The suggestion kindled in his heart a flame of desire for missionary service, and his mind was soon filled with a rap- turous persuasion that he had a divine call to undertake it 60 IS EAGER TO BECOME A MISSIONARY. in Bengal. The impressions he had received in August, 1785, when Isaiah xlix. appeared to set forth before him God's purposes as to his career, were now vividly revived, as he contemplated a field of usefulness broader and more fruitful than he had ever before imagined. In the deep emotion thus excited, he spent the night of Thursday, the i2th of January, 1787, "in prayer and meditation, with fear and trembling ; and concluded that he was heard of God ; and rested satisfied." On Friday morning, he hasted to announce his convictions and plans to Mr. Grant. He and Mr. Udny both appeared to rejoice in his readiness to undertake the mission ; and Mr. Thomas immediately went to ask the captain's consent to his release from his engage- ment with the ship. This, however, was positively refused, *' with three hours' pouring out of rage, threatenings, and abusive language." But his confidence that the Lord had sent him to the people of Bengal remained unshaken, and he was persuaded that the captain's opposition and every other obstacle would speedily be taken out of his way. His journal for January i6th, and one or two following days, may be quoted, to show the reasons why he so firmly believed that he was called by God to become a missionary to the heathen, and the progress of his arrangements. — When Mr. Grant first asked me to the work, it was both unsought for and unexpected by me, and seemed to be accompanied with warm and continued desires in him that I should undertake it ; for though I had some thoughts and tears about the condition of the heathens and my preaching to them, yet there was no probability of it. And when I was invited, although I did not feel at all unwilling, yet the thought about my creditors, leaving the ship, my wife and family, and the people in Hertfordshire, seemed to me most insurmountable objec- tions indeed ; and Mr. Grant, being a discreet man, thought it not best to press the matter in that case ; but continued showing me the abiding bent of his inclinations by every now and then hinting about my staying in this country. On Thursday, I conceived a most formidable disgust of mind against my ship, partly occasioned by a trifling affront from my mate and other news of rather an imposing and oppressive nature. Still, though it was all trifling, they occa- sioned a very disproportionate and almost insupportable weight upon my spirits. But late in the evening of that day, near midnight, I had EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL. 6 1 such a powerful persuasion of mind that I was intended to be a messenger of the Lord to the poor heathens, that I could but stand astonied at it. I hurried my servant away, and prayed heartily to God, confessing my sin, and the guilt of it that bore upon me, and after prayer the persuasion grew stronger. I continued, sometimes in tears and in strong cries, till 3 o'clock in the morn- ing, when my mind was so fully satisfied that it was so, that I spent the remainder of the night-time, till half past 5 o'clock, in wonder at my own situation of circumstances and condition in the world. I begged of God that, if it was a delusion, he would be pleased to reveal it to me ; but still my persuasion grew stronger and stronger ; insomuch that I was fully sure that when I should come to open my mind to Mr. Grant, he would assent to it ; which made me long for the morning light, that I might tell him all my heart. And after prayer with him and my well-beloved Udny, they both did soon very joyfully receive me. The next step was to communicate the matter to the captain ; thinking it prudent to conceal from him my purpose of preaching, and only ask his permission to stay, promising him repeatedly that I would not stay without his leave. This seemed at first to produce no visible alteration in him ; but at supper-time he broke out into the most passionate expressions against me, telling me that I and all my friends were what is too bad to be mentioned. He threatened to put me under a charge of sepoys when I got up to leave him ; but I told him I only made him angry by staying. He mixed his wrath with expressions of friendliness, and paid me the highest compliments as a professional man ; but continued in the greatest displeasure not- withstanding. I reasoned with him, off'ered to go home, or do anything ; but all to no purpose. About i o'clock, he retired, and so did I, still trusting in the Lord to move his heart to the cause, however much against his mind. My mate had all along intended to stay in the countr}' ; which determination was all against me, having nobody else to supersede me : but much about this time, he changed his mind ; for the captain had both shewn and promised him his favor and interest. Isaiah xlix. which had formerly been so strongly impressed on my mind after prayer, though not understood then, was now re- newed to my soul. Enemies of the worst sort who formerly resided here, were all removed away ; and the door formerly opened seemed now to be wide open. The leaving of my few friends in England for ever, the improba- bility of my ever living any more but among heathens, — poverty, and many other formidable shocks to flesh and blood, did not alter my 62 EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL. determination to give up all and follow Christ, but rather excited me so to do. Though I do find a mixture of base motives, yet these are all weak and despised by me, and, upon the whole, I have cause to think that I am seeking His glory that sent me, and not my own. Assurances that I could not destroy another man's foundation also encouraged me. Also, in all this business, my heart has been, by night and by day, like a weaned child. A holy, quiet, assured, peaceable, mild, gen- tle, forgiving, heavenly, loving frame of mind has possessed me all the while. I feel as though I could do anything for Christ : go or stay, live or die. I would go and suffer shipwreck and death, to glorify Him but a little, or even to satisfy His desire. But if He should tear my heart from these heathens, there would be a bleeding, for my soul is set upon them. Psalm xxxix., from the loth verse to the end, has just afforded me support under the threatening opposition. It is a comfort to me to think that, as to the captain, the Lord seeth his very looks. January 17th. — Spent the rest of yesterday in great heaviness of heart and grief of mind. Fear and heaviness were my por- tion for the day. New sources of discomfort this morning, and new reasons to believe that the course of human events is against me, and that the captain will never consent to my staying. His cruelty provokes me ; and I have sinned in being angry. The Lord is kind and merciful to my soul in a storm. I have been pouring out my heart unto the Lord, and recollect- ing that it is His leave only, that I should ask, about staying in this country ; and when I rose from my knees, I intended to look in my concordance for this text, ' Wait thou only upon God.' And, behold, instead of what I looked for, these words came before my eyes : * Pharaoh shall restore thee to thy place,' but I do not I was just going to say that I did not understand the Lord's answer, when, in came Mr. White, the captain's brother, and told me that he had been ' working for me at the captain,' and had obtained his consent so far as to say that, as he is bound for me, I must satisfy that demand. O God, who will not fear and glorify thy great name ! Thou art faithful, but I am unbelieving ! Mr. White has been telling me, that he has also been treating with Curry's friends ; and they all advise him to go home. Oh, in how many ways doth the Lord work to-day ! The remainder of the day was spent in joy and solid comfort, and PERMISSION TO STAY GAINED. 63 was closed with social prayer at Mr. Grant's. I spoke a few words from Job xlii. 7, 8, 9. » Wednesday 1 8th. — I begin the day abundantly satisfied that God is with me indeed, and will bless me. The captain to-day personally consented to let me stay, on the condition of Mr. Curry's taking my place. I left Calcutta, after taking leave of Mr. Grant and Mr. Udny, with prayer. The arrangements into which Mr. Thomas and his friends wished to enter involved many very difficult and delicate questions and relations, which ought to have been considered before-hand with much deliberation and care. Mr. Grant was a man remarkable for his great prudence : Mr. Thomas certainly could make no pretensions even to an ordinary share of it ; and his precipitancy in this matter is not so much to be wondered at, as that of his friends. To his mind, the arrangement proposed had been encumbered only by the one great difficulty of obtaining the captain's consent, and he believed that the providence of God would certainly secure this, in pursuance of His own purpose, and in answer to his prayers. His " mate," Mr. Curry, had before obtained leave to stay in India ; and the vessel could not be left without a surgeon. The captain moreover thought very highly of Mr. Thomas's professional skill, and had a great liking for him. In two or three days, how- ever, all was amicably adjusted. Mr. Curry was induced to alter his plans and accept the promotion on board the Earl of Oxford, and captain White laid aside his profane bluster, and consented to his surgeon's application for release. This was regarded by Mr. Thomas as a most signal interposition of God's hand, confirming his call to the mission ; of the reality of which, indeed, he was so fully assured that, afterwards, when Mr. Grant and all his Calcutta friends were quite convinced that they had been misled when they engaged him, he found comfort under their desertion of him, in the persuasion that even Paul's vocation to preach the gospel in Macedonia was less distinct and direct than that which now determined him to devote his life to the evangelization of Bengal ! On the 1 8th of January, therefore, he left Calcutta and 64 RELEASE FROM THE "EARL OF OXFORD." proceeded to Kedgeree to attend to the ship's company, untithe should be finally released from his duties, and was for some weeks with the vessel, suffering nearly the whole time from severe illness, having incautiously sali- vated himself, by wearing " an under-waistcoat which was full of mercury," Mr. Grant also went back to Malda ; but finally removed to Calcutta, on the 19th of February, to take his place as fourth member of the Board of Trade, to which he had been appointed by Lord Cornwallis. Mr. George Udny succeeded to Mr. Grant's former position, as Commercial Resident at JNIalda. Mr. Thomas returned to Calcutta fully released from the ship, on the 1 6th of February ; but he had not secured his liberty without considerable difficulty and sacrifice. His successor took advantage of his eagerness, to make hard terms with him, and claimed compensation for the relin- quishment of his own plans. Mr. Thomas was induced to pay him Sicca Rs. 1000, and to give him in addition a bill upon his London agent for ^36. He also had to pay him for the freight of goods he was sending to England, and he made over to him the care of a young passenger, " Mr. Grant's little nephew ;" for looking after whom he was, no doubt, very handsomely remunerated. Indeed, Mr. Thomas computed all his " expenses and losses in staying in the East Indies" " to amount to ;/^6oo, at the least." This was inuch more than he had to lose ; but he had arranged that the ship should carry home a quantity of Indian mus- lins and other goods, which he believed would sell for at least ;/^ 2000, and he confidently expected that his profits would clear every liability, and leave a considerable surplus for the support of his family until they could join him in Bengal. The ship sailed on the i8th of March, and he was left to engage in his new duties, one of the first and chief of which was the acquisition of the Bengali language. He had procured Halhed's Grammar, and applied himself to the study in January, with strong hope that, in spite of all difficulties, he might be able " to preach to the black fellows at Malda on his birth-day." But he could learn little of STUDY OF BENGALI. 65 the language without a teacher. Now, on the 8th of March, he engaged a munshi, recommended to him by Mr. William Chambers. This man was of the Kayastha or writer caste, and was named Ram Rdm Basu, or, as the name is commonly pronounced, Bose. He was said to be a good Persian scholar ; but knew very little English. There will be frequent occasion to speak of him hereafter. Who has not suffered severe disappointment after some long-coveted object has been attained, and especially an important change in the conditions of life ? A closer know- ledge of new circumstances and associates often falsifies our anticipations regarding them ; and, most commonly, we find ourselves self-deceived. We thought to leave evil in- fluences and sinful tendencies behind us in the scenes of our former failures and defeats, and expected to have, in our new positions and surroundings, only incentives to all that is good ; but we discover that we have brought with us into our new w^orld our old dispositions, and have greater need than ever to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. It was so with Mr. Thomas now. Not that he had look- ed forward to a life of quiet enjoyment in the service of Christ henceforth. He had endeavoured duly to estimate all the difficulties of the course he was adopting. He was prepared to encounter many trials, to engage in painful and laborious efforts in preaching the gospel, to brave the contempt and hostility of his ungodly countrymen and the hatred and persecution of idolaters, and at last, perhaps, to suffer a martyr's death. " None of these things moved him ;" but these were not the evils with which he was actually to contend. Dangers more subtle and insidious, and trials more bitter, which he had not anticipated, were, however, close at hand. When free to live on shore, he soon felt that he stood upon an altered footing with his friends. Before leaving the ship, he had been their much honored guest, perfectly independent of their assistance and support, and able, as all felt, to "help them much w^ho had believed through grace," by his larger knowledge of divine truth, as well as of the opinions and usages of Christian people at home. 9 66 DISAPPOINTMENTS. Now, he was to do certain work, in which they desired to employ him ; and he was to receive from them his support. Possibly neither party at once clearly recognized the change in their mutual relations, but both w^ere instinctive- ly conscious of some difference in the terms of their associ- tion. Mr. Thomas began to fear that his friends were not as completely devoted to the service of Christ as he had before supposed. Mr. Grant's position in Calcutta was one of great prominence and responsibility, and he was necessa- rily closely occupied with his official duties, which also brought him into the society of other principal men in the Presidency, most of whom had no fear of God before their eyes. This was unavoidable ; but Mr. Thomas saw it with much dissatisfaction, and with a jealousy which may not have been wholly unselfish. He thought that the character and tastes of the little society he had assisted to build up in Calcutta were undergoing a change, through the familia- rity with worldly men which Mr. Grant's settlement in the city had brought about. He wrote in his journal : " Repu- tation is a snare to those who are called to follow Him ' who made Himself of no reputation.' " And again, — " Our Lord Jesus Christ, his gospel, and his honor are more at stake through Mr, Grant's coming to Calcutta, than through all else that has taken place." He com- plained that " the glory of the Lord was becoming dim in his house. Little or nothing was ever heard there of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who would know it to be a Christian's house ?" These were his reflections as early as the loth of March. But he did not mourn over the failings of others only. He bitterly deplored the frivolousness of his own spirit, confessing that he found himself frequently betrayed into levity and jocularity amongst his friends, notwith- standing his earnest desires and prayers that he might be able to lay aside all such foolishness, and to have his " speech always with grace, seasoned with salt, that he might know how he ought to answer every man." Mr. Grant was accompanied from Malda by his steward, Mr. O'Beck. This good man's Lutheran instincts appear to have been immediately affronted by the position Mr. Tho- RELATIONS WITH MR. BROWN. 67 mas, a lay-man, had assumed amongst his friends. His early scruples as to his employment as a missionary were, however, for the present overruled, and they occasioned no breach of the harmony which existed in the circle he now joined. Mr. Thomas found great pleasure in his society, and heard from him with much delight details of the self- denying labours and extensive usefulness of Mr. Schwartz and the other missionaries on the coast. Mr. Brown was still in some measure estranged from the society to which Mr. Thomas was attached, and had been no party to the action Mr. Grant had taken in engaging him as a missionary. He would probably have prevented it, if he could ; and, had his counsels been invited, he could certainly have pointed out difficulties likely to arise between the Baptist missionary and his Paedobaptist supporters, which none of them had been sagacious enough to anticipate. His little intercourse with them was partly due to the displeasure he had manifested in October, and partly, no doubt, to the fact of his living on the other side of the river. Probably his reserved manner and unattrac- tive address in the pulpit also contrasted very unfavorably with the vivacity and affectionate earnestness of Mr. Tho- mas, who was ever ready to lay himself out for the edification of his friends. ]\Ir. Brown was soon, however, to gain a high position in the esteem and confidence of Mr. Grant and the rest, and Mr. Thomas did all he could to bring this about, in the following manner. His surgical skill was, of course, at the service of his kind friends. On the 9th of March, he inoculated Mr. Grant's youngest child for the small pox, and, the next day, a child of Mr. William Chambers. The measles raged with great violence during this month at the Orphan House at Howrah, and it was therefore thought best that Mr. Brown's little boy should not be inoculated by the surgeon in attendance there ; and as Mr. Thomas's young patients were doing well, he was asked to inoculate Mr. Brown's child. He most cheerfully consented, and it was done on the 2ist of March. On the 9th of April, however, he was suddenly called in to see the child, who had been seized 68 RECONCILIATION. with inflammatory symptoms, and was in great danger. All that could be done to relieve the little sufferer was of no avail, and, on the 20th of April, he expired. During the intercourse brought about by this sorrowful event, Mr. Thomas discovered the cause of the unpleasant- ness which had existed for so many months. Mr. Brown stated that Dr. Nasmyth, the intimate friend of both parties, had informed him that Mr. Thomas had written a long letter to Mr. Grant at Malda, very much to his disadvan- tage. At the same time. Dr. Nasmyth had told Mr. Thomas that Mr. Brown had spoken of him in terms of most contemptuous disparagement. The story of the letter was utterly untrue, as was now confessed ; and, when, confronted by both parties, the mischief-maker was constrained to acknowledge the wrong he had done them. With un- feigned delight, Mr. Thomas communicated this explanation of the mysterious discord to his friends in Calcutta, and a cordial reconciliation was the immediate result.* * Mr. Thomas thus related this circumstance : " One of the members of our little prayer-meeting falsely accused me of having written a letter of eight sides to Malda, full of reproach against Mr. Brown. A coolness took place on his part, which I never could account for, till providence one day placed me in company with Mrs. Brown, to whom I expressed my cordial wishes for the welfare of her husband. She rejected these with disdain ; and a discovery followed of the charge which had so long lain against me. I denied the fact, having never wTitten to Malda, or to any one anything against Mr. Brown. On seeing Mr. Brown, he brought me and my accuser face to face ; and, with many tears, this person ac- knowledged the whole to be a falsehood, fabricated, without any other inducement than an unaccountable secret urging in his mind so to do." This accords with the entries in the journal. — "April 19th, 1787. — Returned from Mr. Brown with a heart full of joy, and all my best wishes fired with a prospect of fulfilment. We all have for a long time considered our friend Brown in a wrong light, and at last I have detected the rea- son of all our division and strife, and all the disaffection that, to our shame, has been amongst us these five or six months. The ' tale-bearer,' the ' revealer of secrets,' the ' sower of strife,' with ' words as wounds,' is at last, by the mercy of God, discovered to us. " April 2ist. — AVith much delight, communicated to our friends the happy pros- pects of love restored, to their great joy and comfort. "April 23d. — The Lord hath granted peace, love, and unity, according to my prayer, when all was dark, and it seemed to us to be impossible. Nasmyth owned that he caused the sejiaration. Pie wept, and said that he was afraid he had not the grace of God, that he had acted wrongly ; nay, that he had injured the cause of religion ; but with the same mouth he told Mr. Brown, that, if he was a man of the world, he would commence a pitch (juarrci with him !" THE MISSION CHURCH. 69 Shortly before this, Mr. Kiernander, now in his seventy- sixth year, was overwhelmed by calamity. The residue of his once large property was involved, and finally lost, in some unfortunate speculations conducted by his son, and his estate was attached for the benefit of his creditors.* The mission church which he had built was seized, with the rest of his possessions, and there was a project to convert the building into a public auction room, when Mr. Grant came forward to secure its continued appropriation to the worship of God. He gave Rs. 10,000, the amount at which the church, with the school house and burial ground, was valued, and so secured the whole from desecration to secular uses. It was supposed that the Calcutta mission would be revived by the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, under whose patronage jSIr. Kiernander had laboured, and that they would send out clergymen to con- duct public services in the church ; but in the meanwhile a temporary arrangement had to be made in Calcutta. This occurrence gave a new direction to Mr. Thomas's thoughts. He was secretly wishful that Mr. Grant would make him the minister of the mission church, and a word of invitation to it, would, no doubt, have assured him that this was the purpose of God. All the night of March 28th, he lay " very wakeful, with continual thought and prayer concerning the expediency of abiding in Calcutta ; and was all night long much impressed about Kiernander's church, thinking," as he wrote in his journal, " I might be called to speak for Christ there, till I had gained the Ben- All the entries reveal a disposition of most cordial desire for Mr. BrowTi's re- conciliation with his Calcutta friends, very far from any appearance of jealousy or ill-will. Mr. Thomas would have been more worldly-wdse had he left INIr. Brown to fight his own battles. He wrote afterwards : — " He has greatly discouraged me all along, from the first ; and was always very cool, except just while I was re- conciling him to his friends." * The statement made above as to the origin of Mr. Kiernander's troubles seems to be well sustained by the best accounts of his history. As was to be ex- pected, in such a case, many unfavorable inimours were afloat as to his conduct. In October, 1788, " Messieurs Kiernander, senior and junior," inserted an adver- tisement in the Calcutta Gazette, in which they cautioned the public against giving credence to " various quite false and malicious reports," "industriously spread about" tq,theu- prejudice. They added, " It is very hard when sufferers by a public calamity are still more hurt by false tongues." 70 GOOD-FRIDAY, 1 787. galese, and then there might be persons arrive better fitted to fill the station. I leave this before the Lord, hoping that, if it is of Him, I shall hear my friends speak of it, and find His direction in their mouths." He appears to have sounded Mr. Grant's inclinations in this matter ; but met with no encouragement to think that his wishes would be realized, and he therefore soon abandoned them. An extract from Mr. Thomas's journal for Good Friday, April 6th, 1787, may be interesting in its reference to the mission church, and will indicate the arrangement made for supplying its pulpit. A day of solemn awe on my spirit. Heard Mr. Brown unex- pectedly at Mr. Kiernander's church ; and rejoiced with the brethren that he has at length been permitted to preach.* I was unexpectedly asked to Mr. Grant's, where, without much previous study, I exhort- ed them in the words of the apostle, Philippians iv. 6, 7, observing that this precept and promise offered to believers, was not the effect of a start, but of a durable habit of soul, answered by a durable dwelling, and not a transient visit, of the peace of God which passeth all understanding. Glory be to God for liberty, clearness, consolation, and hope. All which was greatly added to by our father O'Beck's devout and fervent prayer. Mr. Grant's plan for Mr. Thomas, from the time of his engagement, had been, that he should go to Malda, where Mr. George Udny would, for the present, entertain him in the English Factory. There he was to study Bengali, and to preach in English to the Europeans under Mr. Udny's direction. When he had gained an adequate knowledge of the Bengali language, he was to live at Goamalty, where Mr. Grant possessed a large tract of land within the limits of the ancient city of Gour, and had established an indigo factory, under the management of Mr. Henry Creighton. It was thought that the settlement of the mission here, on a spot which was Mr. Grant's own property, and amongst some two hundred families, to whom he had given homes * On the 31st of December, 1806, Mr. Brown reminded his hearers at the mis- sion church of the same circumstance. " It was," he said, " on Good Friday, in the year 1787, nearly twenty years ago, since I commenced my ministry in this place, and I recollect that my text was part of the words which I ha\c now chosen, viz. ' I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.' " DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES. 71 and employment, would be an arrangement exceedingly favorable to the missionary's comfort and influence, as well as to his success. Not without some secret reluctance, Mr. Thomas adhered to these plans. He would have liked rather to continue in Calcutta till he could preach in Bengali. His friends had highly appreciated his efforts, and had warmly acknow- ledged the benefit they had derived from his instructions. He delighted in his labours amongst them, and was very unwilling to leave them ; and though the beginning of April was fixed upon as the time of his departure, he remained fully a month longer, before all his arrangements could be completed. Before he left, however, he saw reason to believe that his friends were ceasing to defer to his judgment in reli- gious matters as they had done at the beginning. Both Mr. Chambers and Mr. O'Beck had, he believed, brought with them from the Coromandel coast strong Arminian tendencies, upon which he looked with great alarm and aversion. Mr. Chambers had been one of his warmest admirers at the outset of their intimacy, and he was still " kind and loving ;" but he would not be argued out of these errors. Mr. Thomas was a firm Calvinist, and felt it to be his duty to warm Mr, Grant of the pernicious tendencies of his brother-in-law's sentiments. Mr. Grant, however, loved peace ; and while he assented to his friend's doctrinal theses, he strongly dissuaded him from controversy. Mr. Thomas was intensely uneasy in the restraints thus imposed upon his ministry, and they serv^ed to reconcile him to departure to Malda ; where he hoped to be able to declare all the counsel of God, as he had himself received it. Before leaving Calcutta, he spoke with great seriousness in reference to some of these difficulties, taking for his text Psalm xviii. 26, " With the froward, thou wilt show thyself froward," yet he appears to have escaped giving offence to his hearers. To the last, they continued upon affectionate terms with him, and he often afterwards called to mind the loving expressions they used towards him, and how Mr. Grant in particular had said, as they 72 FRUITS OF LABOUR IN CALCUTTA. walked together up and down his hall, " When you are gone from us, Doctor, I fear we shall go on poorly." There is no room for doubt that his ministry in Calcutta had been attended with a blessing. Two or three young men were hopefully converted under his preaching. One of these was Mr. Richard Thomas Burney, a brother of the once renowned authoress of Evelina, and son of the cele- brated Charles Burney, Doctor of Music. Mr. Burney lived in Calcutta for upwards of twenty years subsequently, and was the means of turning many to righteousness. Apart from such instances of good accomplished by his preaching, there is every reason to believe that Mr. Tho- mas's sojourn in Calcutta after leaving the Earl of Oxford was both useful to his companions and pleasant to himself. Though he found the study of Bengali an irksome task, and had been desirous of escape from going to Malda, it must not be imagined that he ever turned aside from his missionary calling, which he was assured he had received from God. On the contrary, he rejoiced greatly in it, and maintained a spirit of assured confidence that the divine blessing would attend him in the discharge of it. On the 5th of May, when his stay in Calcutta was drawing to its close, he wrote in his journal the following remarkable words : — Day and night, I meditate on the word of God, both when asleep and awake, and have much fellowship with God, and much confi- dence of being sent with a message from God to these poor hea- thens, and that the Lord will certainly bless the preaching of the gospel now at this very time. I have said that the gospel would never depart from this country till the glory of the latter times comes. I have made my boast of God amongst the people, and told them that I had unshaken trust in God ; and I do not think of being ashamed of this boasting ; but believe what God hath spoken concerning those that wait for Him and put their trust in Him. The ordinary tone of his letters and journal at this period indicates the same persuasion, and betokens much spiritual enjoyment, and a firm assurance of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Perhaps it might have been well to give fuller illustra- tions of the state of mind in which Mr. Thomas abandoned REVIEW OF MOTIVES. 73 his secular employment and became a missionary to the Bengalis. It cannot be denied that he was actuated by zeal for the glory of God and ardent desire to be consecrated to the service of Christ, with tender compassion for the perishing heathen and for his godless countrymen in India. These grand motives were, no doubt, mingled with much imperfection and weakness. Considerations of ordinary prudence appear to have been quite overlooked by him, and the requirements of domestic duty seem, in this crisis of his history, to have received little thought. But it is any- how clear that it was not to improve his worldly circum- stances, that he became a missionary. Never had his pros- pects of pecuniary gain been so bright as when he resolved to quit the Earl of Oxford ; and the sacrifices he made to purchase the possibility of release, sufficiently prove how indifferent he was to all temporal advantages, as compared with the desire of his heart to be a missionary. This he also clearly shows in a letter to his father, written on the 6th of March. He says there, — I have written to my creditors, made my will, and consigned the care of all my matters at home, by power of attorney. I have sent home goods and mone3^ to the amount of /"2000, computed value here, which may well be expected to fetch somewhat more in England. Also I have sent an account of my old and new debts, directing that all shall be paid. So that my debts are but paid, and I have food and raiment, I care not what becomes of me, I assure you ; neither do I desire the riches of this life, nor a quiet death. I care not how or where I temporally live or die. I find the daily comings in of the service of God sufficient. I have placed my happiness in His favor, and enjoy the light of His countenance. He overcometh my follies, and passeth by my transgressions. I have not deserved any of His mercies, nor acquired one of them. But He hath been pleased thus to deal with me. I reap as I sow. By grace, I am delighted in His service, and that not of myself, it is the gift of God. I am not enthusiastic ; neither do I much neglect temporal affairs ; and if I do, I choose that fault before a greater, namely, that of neglecting the great salvation. O for a seeking /rj/ His kingdom daily ! O for the marrow of His word, the energy of His Spirit, and the sober consolations of 10 74 REMARKS UPON PRAYER. uninterrupted fellowship with Him. Hut 1 do not desire consola- tions only, seeing it is best sometimes to suffer ; therefore I throw the reins to Jesus, not with an air of carnal ease, but with the utmost desire that He should undertake the work of guiding and governing me through a slipper}' dangerous path. I want nothing. When I want money, I have a banker in heaven. When I want any thing else that heaven or earth can afford, I shall have it. Ask what I will ; it shall be given to me. — John xv. 7. This is a text I have lately considered at large, and, to my no small comfort, have discovered by many days' search, prayer, and meditation, some things which you have learned long ago : as, for instance, — I. — That the text is a tnie report. II. — That the abiding in Christ on which this promise rests de- notes stedfastness ; not mere sincerity, which is its meaning in the previous verse, where it is opposed to the casting forth, the wither- ing, and the gathering to be burned, which are the fate of those who have no root, and a beacon to those who have. III. — That this abiding consists in a steady apprehension of Christ, branching out into close conformity with His will, and so ' bringing forth much fruit.' IV. — That this asking has always four things essential to it, without which our prayers are not asking, according to the text : — I St. — Desire, arising from a knowledge of value and worth in the things asked for, — from a sense of their necessity, — and from a re- membrance of the promise of God to bestow them. 2nd. — Expectation, that cuts off extravagant and impertinent desires and petitions, and is excited by the truth moving in energy upon the soul. 3rd. — An estimation and use 0/ appointed tneans, without idolizing, and without slighting them. 4th. — Importunity, not soon forgetting what we ask, but making unceasing application at the door of mercy. I must go no further ; but eight or ten other things are considered, and have been read in manuscript by my friends here. I intend to investigate this pregnant promise more fully, and to reduce its truth to some practical results ; and this I will do in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might. My moments fly. INIy life is a vapour. I truly rejoice that there is a bodily death coming. The Lord keep me from desiring it ! May I wait patiently till my change come. I am not now under troubles ; but I see in death the source of life, and the concealed CONFIDENCE IN GOD. 75 glories of the world to come, centering and blazing effulgence in Christ. In a letter to his brother also, he says, — I tremble to think of my future temptations, because of my own weakness and remains. I am sure if I fall, I shall rise again ; but, for all that, I do fear declension exceedingly. There is but one thing that keeps me from being sure that I shall sooner or later fall, as I and others have done, to the dishonor of God : namely, my trust in Him who is faithful and able to keep me from falling, and, till that trust fails me, I deny danger. As to health, and money, and friends, I have enough ; and if I wanted more, I could have them. The Lord will give me any thing that I ask Him for. But the truth is, we are not fond of asking trifles, when we are in the spirit of His will. Our words and wants are few then, and large. One will serves God and me too. I find when I have no sensible comfort, I can stay my mind a little on Christ. I am beginning to live the life of faith. Another short extract may be added from his journal, written just at the close of his stay in Calcutta. — JNIay I St. — Sweet, sweet, and happy day. How I boast in God to-day ! Wy thoughts rise in multitudes, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost delight my soul. I boast in the Lord without either measure or limit. I therefore become most willing to enter into His vineyard, whatever sufferings may await me there. Mr. Thomas's departure for IMalda took place early in iMay. On the 2nd, a prayer meeting for the success of his ministry was held at Mr. Grant's house. INIessrs. O'Beck, Udny, Chambers, and Grant took part in it, with INIr. Thomas himxSelf. They began their devotional exer- cises at a quarter before 10 o'clock, P. M., and continued them until a quarter after 12. He left his friends on the 7th, " with an exhortation from Ephesians iii. 13-19, and the blessing of the Lord upon it." The first day's journey was ended at jNIenampore, a place between Barrackpore and Pulta, where jNIr. Chambers had a small country house. Here he tarried more than a week, being delayed through ]\Ir. Robert Udny's illness. He was to accom- pany Mr. Thomas to Malda ; but severe rheumatic disease had so disabled him that it was feared he might lose the 76 JOURNEY TO MALDA. use of his limbs. On his account, the journey had to be made slowly; and the care his painful affliction rendered needful was laborious and full of anxiety to his companion. The travellers did not arrive at Malda until the i8th of June. The circumstances of Mr. Thomas's engagement by IMr. Grant and of his sojourn in Calcutta, have been detailed at perhaps tedious length ; but this was needful to explain subsequent events. The reader has now seen evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by his Calcutta friends, and how, in the peculiar circumstances in which he found them, he became their minister and helper in the ser\'ice of Christ. Just before he left them, to remove to ]\Ialda, the purchase of the mission church by ]\Ir, Grant had opened the way for the exercise of Mr. Brown's ministry in the city, and the circumstances of the society in which Mr. Thomas had moved were thereby greatly modified. It would have been wisdom on his part had he more promptly recognised this obvious fact. Instead of this, however, he carried with him to Malda the consciousness of a quasi-pastoral authority over his friends in Calcutta ; and, as will be seen hereafter, he was thereby led into very great difficulties. His excuse for this mistake lies in the facts now detailed, and in his sincere, even if mis- taken, sense of responsibility in regard to those who, a few months before, had so warmly welcomed all his counsels and admonitions. CHAPTER IV. The First Year at Malda. — 1787-8. THE confidence with which I\Ir. Thomas committed him- self to the enterprise he was to undertake at Malda was not unmingled with apprehensions that many new troubles awaited him there. Of Mr. George Undy, in whose house- hold he was to reside, he had heard only most favorable reports, but in view of the instability and imperfection of all human friendships, he told him in a letter, before they met, that much as they expected pleasure and advantage from their future intimacy, " the time might come when they both would wish they had never seen one another." But the arrangement opened with the fairest promise. A most kindly welcome was given to the missionary, and he was soon quite at home at Malda, in the society of the young men connected with the Commercial Establishment. Mr. Udny was unmarried, but was expecting his mother from England in the following year, and Mr. Thomas confidently hoped that his wife and child would be her fellow voya- gers. A month after he reached Malda, the following des- cription of his new situation was written to his brother. — Still among the living, greatly rejoicing in God, through Jesus Christ. This is so strange a part of life to me, that I cannot help likening it to a great calm, after a long and boisterous storm. Psalm ciii. is woven into the texture of my mind, so that it will never be picked out. All I desire or wish below is in possession, save my poor wife and babe, Avho are yet in the storm. When the Lord has done this ; nay, even now, I want to be neither greater nor richer. The sorry riches and honors of life, which have cast down many strong men, are now in Agur's scales. I have a pleasant and 78 THE FACTORY AT MALDA. beautiful situation, and my days arc portioned out in the following manner. The Chief or Governor is I\Ir. George Udny, with whose brother I became usefully acquainted at Calcutta. He is a mild and beau- tiful copy of Christian temper ; a heart meltable to divine things ; an obedient ear ; a growing cedar, flourishing in the courts of our God. In his house I live ; under whom are about seven Europeans, and sometimes more, who, together with visitors, officers, and people of rank that drop in, compose our family. At 6 o'clock, there is a large bell rung, which calls all the party to a chapel in the house, where a portion of Doddrige's Family Expositor is first read, and then prayer is offered up by the mouth of one of us. We then breakfast, and find it half past seven. I allot the following hours till ten o'clock for sweet meditation, reading and prayer ; but it is very short. From ten till two, I give to the study of the Bengal language. We rise from dinner before four ; then sleep, according to the custom of hot climates ; read ; ride out in a carriage, (for we have no less than seven carriages, of which two are the Governor's phaetons,) in the cool of the evening ; and rise from the tea table at about half past seven. I allow till nine for the study of the language, and till ten for private devotion ; at which hour we all meet again. After a hymn, I read, and close with prayer. A refreshment of fruits and wine afterwards completes the mercies of a day. On the Lord's-day, the same in the morning, and at ten the bell rings. All are assembled, and, before I arrived here, they read the prayers of the Church of England and a sermon. But now, after the first day, — on which prayers were read, and I exhorted, — I give out a hymn, read a striking portion of God's sweet word, call on the name of Jesus, to be in the midst of us, and then deliver my message in His name, and close in prayer, after a hymn. We then, without one word spoken, retire to our closets ; an example they have steadily followed, and, I have no doubt, to their advantage. We meet again, and I give them an evening lecture ; and truly there is One among us whom we see not. I find my poor talent enlarged, and by night and by day, the word of God is as a fire shut up, or breaking out. The Lord says great and many things to me in Isaiah xlix. He made me useful at Calcutta ; but I was obliged to cry aloud there. However the Lord opened their ears, and, after one alarm, their whole conduct was altered, and continues so, with thanksgiving, to this day. I wrote a letter to a profane young man in distressed circumstances, on the one thing needful, and the Lord MR. THOMAS'S COMPANIONS. 79 was pleased to raise him from his sepulchre, and he is now come among us, calling on the name of the Lord. We are all young men ; and they look to me on all occasions, in matters of duty. I feel how unfit I am in some instances, and perceive much more, with the quellings of Christ within. Considering the kindness of God my Saviour, I am baser than ever. However, the Lord smiles upon me, and makes every man about me join Him. They make too much of me, and sometimes become snares to my soul. But the Lord is my strong tower. I run into it, and am safe from every thing. The young man to whom J\lr. Thomas here says his correspondence had been made useful was Mr. F. Dingley, who had formerly been an officer in the Dragoons, and had come out to India in the Earl of Oxford. The kindness of Mr. Udny now found employment for him, so that he conti- nued to enjoy the counsel and help of his Christian adviser, at Malda. Another young member of the family there, was Mr. William Long, a relative of Mrs. Thomas ; and, no doubt, he also was entertained out of kind consideration for the missionary, who always mentions him in his journal by the familiar name of Bill. He appeared to be a sincere Christian. A cloud of trouble rested on the Malda family within a month after Mr. Thomas's arrival, in the illness and death of Mr. Forsyth, one of its members. A young civilian, Mr. Harry Verelst Darell, with Mr. William Grant, Mr. William Brown, and Mr. Henry Creighton of Goa- malty, made up the company of Mr. Thomas's ordinary associates. Mr. Robert Udny's home was in Calcutta, but he frequently came to Malda. Visitors of high respect- abilty were often at Mr. Udny's house, and all his guests were expected to be present at the devotional exercises held there. Many interesting details as to jMr. Thomas's early minis- try at Malda are recorded in his journal. Prayer meetings were regularly held, in which nearly all the young men took their part, and a very lively interest in divine truth was manifested by some of them. Of Mr. Thomas's ad- dresses, a single specimen outline may be presented, out of a very considerable number which have been preserved. It is prefaced by many expressions of self reproach, that 8o OUTLINE OF A SERMON. he had so imperfectly prepared himself for the labour he had in hand. 2 Kings V. 13, 14, 15.' 'And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said. My father, if the prophet had bid thee do 'some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it ? how much rather then, when he saith to thee. Wash, and be clean ? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God, and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him : and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel : now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.' Our Lord Jesus hath fitted the leper's case to the sinner's, so that we may here be instructed of — I. The evil of sin ; — for if the prophet had bid this leper ' do some great thing,'' he would have done it ; and such a keen sense of the evil of our leprosy, and the value of a cure, becomes us. II. The means of grace are easy ; — ' He saith to thee, Wash, and be clean! Christ's yoke is easy and his burden light. The children of grace have not to earn, to buy, to deserve ; but to open their mouths and be filled, to eat, and to let their soul delight itself in fatness. III. In the use of the means of grace, there is always impor- tunity when their success is really known and when the power of God in them is really felt. '■ He went and ivashcd seven times ; and his flesh was as a child's, and he was clean.' Thus in the means of grace, as rightly used, our withered frames, withered zeal, self- revenge, contempt of the world, &c., come fresh upon us, and we receive the kingdom again, as it were, as a little child, and by His word of grace we find we are made clean. IV. As our sense of the evil of our sinning leprosy is great or small, so will be our sacrifice of joy, after profitably using the means of grace ; — ' and he returned to the man of God, &c.' Improvement i. — Nothing is to be attributed to chance or the design of men, in the means of grace they may bring to us, or that are with us. — Luke iv. 27 ; 2 Kings v. 2. 2. — We are unacquainted with our own hearts if we are not afflicted by a sense of the grievous leprosy that remains there still. — Romans vii. 20. Let us compare ourselves with others who excel in their walk : — the difference we may discover all arises from the body of uncleansed leprosy. MISSIONARY ZEAL. 8 1 3. — If the waters of Jordan so cleansed Naaman, how much more shall the blood of Jesus Christ purge us from our dead ser- vices and duties, to serve the living God, in a more lively and spiritual manner ! 4. — If we belong to Christ, the means of grace have a power and efficacy in them to us, that they have not for others. If all the lepers in Israel had gone and washed in Jordan, not one of them would have been cleansed ; but to Naaman it was said, ' Wash and be clean.' It would be easy to multiply examples of such exhibitions of divine truth. Surely this little congregation at Malda, with their minister, formed a spiritual oasis in the midst of the dreary desert of Bengal, where, as we have seen, there was at this time every^vhere a dearth of divine know- ledge, a famine of the word of God. Of Mr. Thomas's missionary zeal, many illustrations might be quoted. One passage, from his journal of July 2nd, especially deserves to be quoted here. He wrote, — I have thought of Thy word by night and by day ; and, when I am in sleep and when I awake, I am still by a multitude of thoughts led into and all about Thy word, and I find in the mean time my lusts, and self-pleasings, and indulgences laid low. I fervently desire the good of souls, and that the great name of the Lord Jesus may be magnified, whether by me or by others ; and I remember this day out of what a low, gorged and miserable state of body and mind I was called to this service among the heathen ; and, after all this, I cannot doubt that the Lord Jesus will be magnified, according to Thy word, on which Thou hast caused me to hope, and I am persuaded beforehand that the everlasting gospel will spread from this time in Bengal. Frequent references to Isaiah xlix, show that he never lost sight of the predictions in it which had with such peculiar power been impressed upon his heart. He evidently was greatly predisposed to apocalyptic studies, and was fully persuaded that the grand events foreshadowed in divine revelation were swiftly approaching fulfilment, and would in a very few years be developed with an awful rapidity, which would demonstrate the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power. ^ Several occurrences within the year 1787 were well II 82 CALAMITIES IN 1 787. adapted to deepen Mr. Thomas's compassion for the peo- ple to whose enlightenment he had now devoted himself. Some of these he mentioned in a letter to Dr. Stennett, in the following order. — The first was the extraordinary breaking in of the sea upon the neighbouring coast, which swept away great multitudes of people, over an extent of almost one hundred miles. Another was the falling of a vast rock into a great river, which immediately turned its course, so that the stream ran violently and desolated whole districts before it.* Another event was the great flood of the rainy season, by which the inhabitants of the country have been distressed and destroyed, without any to help or pity them. The thousands who have perished by this inundation are not so much as mentioned among the natives, or at all noticed by Europeans. Add to this, a grievous famine, which has spread almost all over the country. In some places the living were too weak and too few to bury the dead, and the air was poisoned by putrid exhalations from the unburied corpses, so as to threaten a pestilence. The soreness of the famine was to the eastward of us, about nine or ten days' journey. On the 2nd of November, there was a terrific storm of wind.f such as I never before witnessed, on land or sea. A cold rain fell with it. Many cattle were killed. The rivers were covered with fragments of boats, and the villages with roofs and other scattered materials of native houses. Trees of forty or fifty years' growth were torn up by the roots ; and in some places whole groves were destroyed, and the trees laid one over another. I see no spot of the country without some marks of this desolating wind upon it, which may continue for years to come ; for the trees which remain are shattered and bent out of their erectness. The number of boats lost upon the river between Calcutta and Murshidabad alone is computed at about five thousand. * Mr. Carey also alluded to this curious fact in a letter, ^\•ritten in 1 795, as fol- lows : — " We have a river, named Atrcyi, almost as large as the Thames, into which, a few years ago, there fell an amazing rock, on the borders of Bootan ; and though many hundreds of people were long employed to clear the old channel, it was choked up. But this did not stop the river. It took another course, formed a new channel far from the old one, but in the same direction, till it found the sea." t The Calcutta Gazette for November 8, 1787, stated that this cyclone, as it would now be called, " exceeded in violence any that had been experienced in Calcutta for twenty years past," and gave many particulars of its destructive fury. MEDICAL LABOURS. 83 Add to these things the public and domestic wars and bloodshed among themselves, the heavy oppressions of others, cruel robbers, cities, like Gour, lying waste, with the houses inhabited by all manner of wild beasts, and I cannot but view these people as distinguished from the rest of the world by their weakness and adversity, as much as England is by her power and prosperity. I compare their calamities to the confusion of Egypt, and the people to her inhabitants. — Isaiah xix. 1-17. Truly these men are Mike unto women,' timorous, fearful, feeble, childish. One European might put to flight a little army of them. During the famine, the natives have sold, and are now selling, their children, to buy rice for themselves. As many such poor children fall into bad hands, it was thought expedient by Mr. Grant, Mr. Udny, and others, to save a few of them by paying for them, and forming them into a school, where they may be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Some of them were accordingly purchased for less than an English three-pence each ! Blessed be God, great numbers of starving people have been liber- ally relieved since that time by the flock at Malda ; and larger measures are now being adopted by Government for a more general relief. The children thus saved from stan^ation were intended to be sent down to Calcutta, to a charity school, which was projected by Mr. Brown. For the present, however, they were gathered into a school at Malda, the oversight of which devolved upon Mr. Thomas. He also found much employment for his knowledge and skill as a doctor. The natives of the East are everywhere glad to be treated by European physicians, and he was soon beset by a throng of eager applicants for medical relief at Malda. He was very happy to obtain influence with the people by such means, and " never turned aside from man, woman, or child ;" but did what he could for them, however insignificant their maladies appeared to be. "No small success in two or three noisy cases " spread his fame to a considerable distance ; and his acting also as Mr. Udny's almoner largely contributed to the increase of the numbers who came to him daily for assistance. Pleasant as, in most respects, his situation at Malda was, it had, nevertheless, its own disadvantages, in ad- 84 REVIEW OF 1787. dition to his painful separation from his wife and little one. He resided in the same house with those to whom he ministered, and in the intimacy of daily companionship, he found it difficult to avoid the social temptations which were regarded by him as his most powerful and insidious foes. The amusements of his associates, their quoit playing and shooting, sometimes enticed him from the studies to which he had pledged all his strength ; his cheerfulness now and then degenerated into jocularity ; or the discussions which arose out of ordinary conversation were pursued with such positiveness of assertion and combative ardour, as he afterwards feared were very unwise and injurious. As on board the Earl of Oxford, so here also, his sen- sitive vivacious mind too often forgot in familiar intercourse with his daily associates the severe restraints which he had anxiously adjusted to himself in his closet, and this failure to realize and preserve his own ideal of the Christian de- portment and spirit was the occasion of frequent and bitter lamentation and repentance. On the whole, however, his associations at Malda were very satisfactory, and at the end of 1787, he could write of them in the language of grateful love, as follows : — Thus closes a most important year of my chequered life : full of changes, big with events. I am now separated from all my kinsmen, and friends, and countrymen, in a foreign land, separated from my wife, dropping my profession, and taking upon me the ministry of God's holy word. He that hath fixed the bounds of my habitation hath done this. He hath brought me out of great and sore trou- bles, and cast my lot in pleasant j)laces. He has raised me up new and valuable friends. He hath watered my soul from on high, and after the storms of sorrow and the floods of care I have been used to all my life, he has made peace in my borders, and filled me with the finest of the wheat. Yea, he hath turned my mourning into dancing. He hath put off my sackcloth, and girded me with glad- ness, to the end that my glory may sing praise unto my God and not be silent. I am now the leader in worship among six or seven young men, of all of whom, except one, I have reason to hope well. We have no jars or dissensions ; and if there happens a trifling dispute among us, I have more than once observed that it awakens that brotherly relenting that in the end knits and confirms the bands A TESTIMONY TO MR. THOMAS. 85 of our friendship. They have obedient ears, and are all willing to forward the gospel, as the greatest work of their lives, and to distri- bute to the poor and distressed most liberally. The Lord hath been particularly bountiful in raising me up such a friend as George Udny, in whom there is an association of qualities suited to my temper, with no small measure of those spiritual gifts and graces which make him still more valuable ; so that I have all I want or wish in this transitory life, except my wife and child. But I have experienced so many fluctuating changes in my past life, that I am ready to think these things will not last long, but that evil is before me. Sufficient, however, unto the day is the evil thereof. This God is the God I adore, My faithful, unchangeable Friend, Whose love is as large as His power, And neither knows measure nor end. 'Tis Jesus, the first and the last, Whose Spirit shall guide me safe home ; I'll praise Him for all that is past. And trust Him for all that's to come. It is very pleasant to be able to record at least one testimony, given about the same time, by one of Mr. Thomas's associates, as evidence that he did not over- estimate their affectionate feeling towards him. We cannot recover the name of the writer, but his letter may be read in the il/m/wz^ry il/(^^«2/>2tf, for March, 1797. It was writ- ten, November 30th, 1787, and says : — Our society here at Malda underwent a great change about the beginning of the year. Mr. Grant and his family then removed from us to Calcutta ; and he was succeeded by a gentleman who has been in the family seven or eight years, and who being, like Mr. Grant, a well-wisher to religion, the alteration has caused but little difference in our way of living. God has, since that time, been pleased to add another man, Dr. Thomas, to our little family, and every one of us has great reason for thankfulness for such a gracious providence. He was surgeon of the Oxford Indiaman, but a desire of becoming serviceable to the souls of the heathen here induced him to leave his post on board ship, and to remain in the country. He has been blessed with great gifts for preaching and praying, and gives us a regular discourse, extempore, twice every Sunday, and short exhortations frequently on other occasions. He is now busy learning the Bengal language ; and, being of a 86 ANXIETY FOR HIS CALCUTTA FRIENDS. conciliating temper, he may, very probably, through the blessing of God, become serviceable to the natives, as well as to us. Reference must now be made to Mr. Thomas's relations with his Calcutta friends, for it was of these he especially thought when he wrote at the close of 1787, that he was ready to think evil was before him. The reader has seen upon what happy terms of inti- macy he had lived with these friends, how active he had been amongst them as a minister of the truth, and how well they had appreciated his services in the circumstances of spiritual privation in which he found them. He had " borne his testimony as to what he saw amiss," he had *' done what he could to reconcile their broken friend- ships," and he had " received in writing the thanks, the hearty thanks, of them all," before he left Calcutta. Was it at all strange that, on removing to a distant station, he should carry with him many anxieties on their account, and should earnestly strive still to help forward the good work which he believed he had already promoted in their hearts ? How disastrously his well-meant endeavours issued, will, however, now appear. The Arminian tendencies he had detected in Mr. William Chambers sorely troubled him. He had been restrained from fully controverting them in his sermons at Calcutta ; but could not satisfy himself with avoiding the further discussion of sentiments which he believed to be fraught with danger to his friend's best interests. He had indeed already said enough to Mr. Chambers to provoke some displeasure ; and, in his journal, before leaving Calcutta, he speaks of him as a " Galatian," who had, at his first coming, " received him as an angel of God, even as Jesus Christ ;" but to whom he was now almost " become an enemy, because he told him the truth." But, at the end of April, he prepared a letter to Mr. Chambers, inveighing against the tenets he held in terms so authoritative and severe that it must have been grievously offensive. Be it remembered, however, that this act of imprudence was committed in an age when the amenities of religious con- troversy were little understood, and when many holy and LETTER TO MR. CHAMBERS. 87 good men saw nothing more than godly zeal for the truth in the most acrimonious and offensive epithets with which Augustus Toplady and others could assail the apostle of Arminian Methodism, who, on his side also, lacked not bit- terness in his treatment of doctrinal opponents. " There is no doubt at all," Mr. Thomas wrote, " that your error ranks you with the Arminians of this day ; a sect which, as Rutherford says, ' throweth Christ on his back, in his weak servants ; and oppresseth truth !' " " No man," he added, " ever stabbed election and perseverance, without going all through the heart of Christ and the promises of God." He went on to say that the error would be of less con- sequence anywhere else than at the beginning of the Gos- pel stream in Bengal : there, it would empoison every attempt his friend might make to do good ; and he signifi- cantly told him, " Perhaps there will be a Bible from a quarter that none of us expects. As to your translation, I shall so far pray against it, as I love Christ." He con- cluded this strange epistle in the following terms : — I earnestly entreat you to be careful what use you make of this friendly letter ; for if the Lord is not in it, He hath not spoken by me. I humbled myself before you in red ink,* on purpose that you might freely discharge me from setting up myself as some great one. I abase myself ; but the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and Christ's people shall, by and by, acknowledge me, that I am among the seed which the Lord hath blessed. — Isaiah Ixi. 9. In all this, Mr. Thomas had not the excuse of haste. Made ready in April, his letter was not despatched from Malda until the end of June. Mr. Chambers seems to have thought * He refers here to a note he had written to Mr. Chambers, in which he dis- closed the most discreditable facts of his own history, — a piece of gratuitous candour which did him considerable harm in the estimation of liis Calcutta friends. He thus explained his motives to Mr. Grant : " After much prayer and many fears, I detennined to do thus : I would first abase myself, and show him and you my own enor and ^\^ckedness ; then I would speak home to all your con- sciences on the lesser blemishes I now saw in your conduct, knoAving that He that riileth in His Gospel had taken the beam out of mine eye, that I might the more plainly see how to take the mote out of my brother's eye ; and, this done, I detennined to tell him plainly that he actually was in the eiTor of the Arminians." 88 ATTEMPTS AFTER CONCILIATION. it undeserving of any reply ; but, a month later, Mr. Thomas wrote to him again ; and then, as he obtained no answer, he wrote to Mr. Grant, begging for his interposition with Mr. Chambers. Mr. Grant seriously remonstrated with him upon the arrogance and indiscreetness of his letter, and advised him to withdraw it. In reply, Mr. Thomas was ready to admit his imprudence, in not having sought out more acceptable words, but still affirmed the substance of his epistle to be according to the will of God. He, how- ever, did all he could to bring about the restoration of Mr. Chamber's friendship, and on the 28th of December, 1787, wrote him a letter, from which the following extract may be made. — Before the year shuts up, allow me the hindermost place among them that bring you the compliments of the season. You and I have had some severe weather between us ; but when we get into our harbour, we shall forget our sorrows, in the joy of finding it was a right way by which the Lord led us. You are sensible that I meant to do you good, and not evil, in what is past, and also that young beginners generally do mischief before they do good, in most trades and callings, and sometimes it is the same in the gospel ; and though I hope I have done no material mischief, yet I would wish you to avail yourself of that supposition, and, even then, conclude in yourself, whether I ought not to be forgiven, or at any rate released, after having been so long punished with the loss of your company and conversation, in a country where such company is scarce, and such conversation precious. Therefore let us not be rigid towards one another, especially as this is the first offence, but tender-hearted, forbearing, and forgiving one another. The matter now must have been sufficiently considered, and the result is by no means at all necessary to be made known. If you cannot benefit by what I wrote as an exhortation, take profit out of it as a trial ; and I will not fail on my part to lecture myself on all parts of our past disagreements, so as to be more wary and wise in matter and manner another time. Say, are we never any more to help one another on in the way ? Shall we no more weep together with them that weep, and rejoice together with them that rejoice ? Shall we never mourn together any more over the world's coldness to a crucified Saviour, nor rejoice over those things which discover an accepted gospel, and the saving of a soul } The worldly fall out with one another, and fall FINAL EREACTI OF FRIENDSHIP. 89 in again ; and why not we ? Have we not hoped for it, longed for it, and prayed for it ? Have we not said within ourselves. When shall it once be ? Have we not spoken well of each other concern- ing other matters ? and approved each other in other things ? and profited each other on other occasions ? Let the shadows flee away then, and let us say, The winter of our friendship is past, and the time of singing of birds is nigh. True it is, that, like many others, we have fallen out, we neither know how nor why ; and it will be a virtue to fall in so too. But this affectionate overture was made in vain. The result of it may be given in the words of his journal for January 17 th, 1788. — Received a letter from Mr. Chambers, pretending to forgive me, but, at the same time, discharging all acquaintance, and forbidding future correspondence, on account of the inconsistent behaviour he has observed in me ever since I have been in this country 1 Here was a wretched termination to a once pleasant and profitable friendship ! Mr. Thomas was very deeply wound- ed. He could only solace himself with the assurance that indignant resentment only, and not calm judgment, had found expression in words at once so harsh and so inconsistent with Mr. Chambers's many former professions of affectionate esteem for him. His correspondence with the Rev. David Brown was almost equally unpleasant. With him there had been repeated misunderstandings from the beginning of their acquaintance. In his situation at the Orphan House, upon the opposite side of the river, Mr. Brown was very much out of the way of intimacy with his Calcutta friends, and his ministry was available for them only when they were able to cross over to Howrah to hear him, or to join the congregation of troops of his battalion. There was no- thing at all attractive in his preaching or personal address. He was a very sensible scholarly man, quite evangelical in his opinions ; but devotedly attached to the Church of England, and, in particular, a resolute Paedobaptist, and a strong admirer of the Book of Common Prayer. Mr. Thomas had attempted to lead his friends to a higher level of Christian privilege than that represented by the formu- 12 90 THE MISSION CHURCH. laries of the Establishment. As they had hitherto known these, they were indeed lifeless things ; and the lively sti- mulating addresses of the pious surgeon, and their plea- sant meetings with him for reading the Scriptures and offering heartfelt prayer to God appeared to be far more edifying, than attendance upon the services held by the Calcutta chaplains. His dissent, and even his opinions as a Baptist, did him little harm in their estimation in those early days. It has been seen already that at the close of his stay in Calcutta, his personal relations with Mr. Brown were quite friendly. He had become a frequent visitor at the Orphan House, and held long conferences there regarding the prospects of Christ's cause in India. On leaving Calcutta, he carried away an injunction from Mrs. Brown to send her down a supply of the mangoes for which Malda is so famed, in the ensuing season ; and from Mr. Brown he had received a more serious commission, to get for him from the ruins of Gour, a slab of black marble which might serve for a memorial tablet to be placed over the grave of the child they had so recently lost. But religious affairs in Calcutta were greatly altered after the mission church became the property of Mr. Grant. The Kiernanders had left the city, and no new missionary of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge could be expected for more than a year, to occupy the deserted sanctuary. Mr. Brown was the only clergyman available for the immediate necessities of the church, and he was willing, notwithstanding the opposition of the Managers of the Orphan Establishment, to undertake regular services there. Accordingly, about a month before Mr. Thomas's departure from Calcutta, Mr. Brown com- menced his disinterested ministry at the mission church; and on the last day of October, 1787, Mr. Grant executed a deed which transferred the church and the property con- nected with it to three trustees, — the Rev. David Brown, Mr. William Chambers, and himself, — that it might be for ever appropriated to religious uses, for the benefit of the Protestant inhabitants of Calcutta. With the occupation of the mission church, ]\Ir, Brown THE REV. DAVID BROWN. 9 1 passed into a new relationship to the members of the circle in which Mr. Thomas had moved. He now became their pastor, and possessed the great advantage of combining in himself the unquestioned status of a clergyman of the Church of England, with a sincere attachment to those views of Christian truth which they had been previously taught of God to hold dear. In these arrangements, Mr. Thomas naturally took an intense interest ; but he was by no means satisfied with them. He thought that Mr. Brown's ministry was lacking in simplicity, and destitute of warmth and power, and he had no expectation that any considerable success could attend it. He believed that Mr. Brown's influence for good was impaired by a too easy compliance with the habits of Calcutta society, whilst he anticipated nothing but evil to himself from his prejudices as a churchman, and from his natural dislike to dissent, and to the out- spoken nonconformity of the Baptists in particular. Mr. Brown was, there is very good reason to believe, a lover of all good men, and his later history exhibits him in most friendly relations with the Baptist missionaries at Seram- pore ; but, at the present period, he evidently regarded it as a very grievous mistake that Mr. Grant had attempted to give effect to his mission scheme by engaging the agency of a Baptist,* whose presence in a ministerial capacity, whether in Calcutta or at Malda, appeared to him to threaten disturbance and disunion amongst the very few godly people at that time to be found in Bengal ; and, feeling thus, it was no marvel if his free strictures upon the missionary's proceedings contributed not a little to aid the development of the mischiefs he foresaw. The position of Mr. Thomas in such circumstances was * Mr. Thomas vTote to Dr. Stennett at the beginning of 1788 : — " ^Ir. Bro^ii, a minister of the Chiu'ch of England, at Calcutta, is far from showing himself friendly to the Baptist cause. Mr. Grant and his friends had agreed to send the mission papers to you also, as well as to Mr. Newton and others ; but, in my • absence, by various arguments about the danger of mixtures, he overruled this measure ; and they are gone home to Mr. Newton and other clergjinen of the Church of England." Mr. Bro\\Ti, however, himself sent a copy of the Proposals to the Rev. Robert Robmson of Cambridge. 92 CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. BROWN. evidently one of great difficulty, and the exercise of the utmost prudence would hardly have secured him from un- pleasantness in the conscientious avowal of the sentiments he held ; but he was constitutionally imprudent, and per- haps nothing could have been more unguarded and unwise than his actual procedure. He wrote letters to Mr. Brown which, though affectionate and well-intended, immediately affronted him by the tone of fraternal equality they maintained, and by the animad- versions they conveyed, when any thing appeared to the writer to call for the exercise of Christian faithfulness. Mr. Brown at once indicated his dislike of such correspon- dence ; but, in reply, was told that Mr. Thomas " must for ever differ" from him as to the principles which should regulate Christian intercourse, and he was desired to peruse the offending letters again, since they contained a blessing not as yet recognized. Mr. Brown in his rejoinder, unsparingly animadverted upon Mr. Thomas's presump- tion, and charged him with many defects of character : using reproofs much more severe and caustic than his own, and he thus completed a breach between them, which was never healed. Mr. Grant must have suffered immense vexation in the differences we have now adverted to. To him Mr. Thomas wrote most frequently and voluminously, and although for several months his friendship was preserved, it was very sorely tried. His brother-in-law and Mr. Brown complained of the character of Mr. Thomas's letters to them. Mr. Thomas on the other hand appealed to him against them both, complaining of the unchristian manner in which they had received his " brotherly reproof," and also sent to Mr. Grant himself admonitory epistles, which he must have found it hard to take in good part. Mr. Thomas saw with grief that, under Mr. Brown's influ- ence, Mr. Grant was becoming a more thorough churchman than before. He also thought him less zealous for the spread of the gospel, and feared that he had become more " conformed to this world." Having been his intimate friend and adviser in spiritual things, he very naturally wished VEXATIOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 93 to be SO still, and wrote him pungent exhortations adapted, as he supposed, to the state of his soul. Two very lengthy letters upon " Laodicean Christians," in which the evils of lukewarmness were forcibly described, were amongst these, and the busy Member of the Board of Trade must have sighed over the bulky documents which, almost every week, came to him from Malda. Mr. Thomas also ventured upon topics which prudence would most certainly have counselled him to avoid. Thus when Mr. O'Beck, of whom Mr. Grant thought so highly, was invited by the trustees to occupy the school house, next door to the mission church, and to assist Mr. Brown in looking after the poorer and more ignorant members of the congregation, Mr. Thomas expressed his strong disapproval, in terms which must have been very offensive to the good man's friends. Mr. Brown himself fared but little better at his hands. Mr. Thomas said he could hope for no success as the results of his labours, and told Mr. Grant, " I fear that the mission plan is ruined ; for who ever prospered who was like him ? But I am not afraid : the Lord Jesus Christ will Himself send out labourers in a way not sought for or expected." However such asperity may have been provoked by the bitterness which had been manifested towards him by some of his former friends, it is to be deplored that anything should have induced Mr. Thomas to write of God-fearing men so severely. The consequences to himself were most painful and disastrous. His excuse must be that he fearless- ly spoke out his honest convictions, upon subjects in which he thought that the interests of truth were deeply involved ; and let it ever be remembered that he did it in the full know- ledge that he was acting so as to endanger and impair his own private advantage. He believed that " necessity was laid upon him" in these things : that God had made other men's sins a burden to his heart, that he should reprove them in the spirit of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Ezra, " whether men would hear or whether they would forbear." He felt sure that God was for him, in the opinions he held, and he therefore resolutely avowed them ; not fearing what man could do unto him. 94 MR. UDNY S GENEROSITY. It is time, however, that the history of events at Malda should be resumed. Early in 1788, Mr. G. Udny gave Mr. Thomas a very pleasant proof of his confidence. He put into his hands the sum of ^200, to be distributed in Eng- land amongst the poor of Christ's people, as he thought best. Accordingly ;i^ioo was sent to Dr. Stennett, for indigent Baptist ministers, and ^50 each to two other faithful almoners. Nor did Mr. Udny's " voluntary bounty" cease with this donation. Another ^200 was sent again towards the end of October, 1788, and other such gifts subsequently; and when Dr. Stennett died, in 1795, Mr. Thomas wrote that his generous friend was very deeply affected, and that he had sent the good Doctor at various times " several hundred pounds," to be disbursed for the relief of poor Baptist ministers. A very considerable part of the young missionary's time at Malda was daily devoted to the acquisition of the language in which he was to preach to the heathen. This was a pursuit not at all congenial to his natural disposi- tion and his dislike to the close application it rendered necessary afforded him abundant occasion for bitter self- reproach in his journal. In after years, however, he recog- nized the kind help of the Lord in the perseverance and success with which, notwithstanding all drawbacks, his studies were now carried forward. Never before did he succeed in learning a foreign language. The mastering of the Bengali tongue, when he learned it, was not an easy task.* Standard books in it were then unknown ; and its * The Bengali language had been very little cultivated by Europeans at this time. In 1778, Mr. Nathaniel Brassey Halhed had printed his Grammar, having obtained Bengali tyjie for the purpose through the extraordinary mechanical skill of Mr., afterwards Sir Charles, Williins, who cut the punches with his own hands. This Bengali Grammar Mr. Thomas had, but no Dictionary or even Vocabulary of the language was then in existence, nor were there any printed Bengali books to help his studies. The urgent need of a dictionary was set forth by natives anxious to leam English in the following advertisement, which appeared in the Calcutta Gazette for April 23d, 1789. " CARD. " The humble request of several Natives of Bengal. — We humbly beseech any Gentlemen will be so good to us as to take the trouble of making a Bengal Grammar and Dictionai-y, in which, we hope to fmd all the common Bengal country words ATTEMPTS TO PREACH IN BENGALI. 95 colloquial dialects differed widely in different places.* Hindustani was mixed largely with them all. The Mora- vians had pronounced Bengali to be inadequate to the statement of Christian doctrines, — an opinion which Mr. Thomas strongly combatted. He had a clever teacher in his miinshi, Ram Ram Basu, but found very little help from books. His journal thus relates one of his earliest attempts to preach : — Friday, December 7th, 1787. — Went round the road to-day, after visiting the children, whose school began last Monday, and when I came to the high place, under the green tree, where an idol is worshipped, I stopped, and began talking to a few people. The sum of what I said was, the experienced inefficacy, both in good and bad men alike, of worshipping idols. But that the true worship of the true God is accompanied by such effects, so similar and so great, as give an unquestionable proof that it is accepted by God. This appears in its changing the inclinations of the heart, which none ever did but God. One blood in all nations — one law for all — one work prepares all men to enter into heaven. I found this a pleasant and profitable work. Oh, that I had more words. When shall I speak again ? Oh, for seriousness, spiri- tuality, and meekness of spirit ! The following Tuesday, he relates a conversation held with people who had brought an offering to their idol. He was encouraged by their apparent ability to understand him ; but the priest was greatly provoked by his address. A few weeks later, he was able to inform his father that he " had held straggling conversations with the people, and had spoken, for twenty minutes or so, about the first things of religion ;" but was not able yet to " deliver him- self handsomely, or, in other words, to preach to them." made into English. By this means we shall be enabled to recommend ourselves to the English Government, and understand theu" orders. This favor wUl be gratefuUy remembered by us and our posterity for ever." * Mr. Forster, in the introduction to his English and Bengali Vocabulary, published in 1799, says, — "There never having been a native Bengali gi'ammarian, nor indeed any author of note (I speak of the vulgar Bengali), who might be considered a standard, the orthography has, consequently, never been fixed ; and being current over an extensive country, and amongst an illiterate people, almost every word has been, and continues, in one district or other, to be va- riously spelt, and not unfrequently is so disguised as to render it difficult to recognize it when met in its genuine fomi in the Songskrit." g6 FIRST BENGALI SERMON. Very soon, he was anxious to attempt a translation of the Gospels. His journal says, — "Tuesday, March 4th, 1788. — This day, after having desired the prayers of others, and after earnest prayer to God, I began transla- ting the book of Matthew into Bengalese, that I may have it in my power to read the word of God to myself and others in that lan- guage. O that I may labour and not faint, and may the blessing of God be in it. If ever I did show perseverance in any thing, I should think it would be in this. One means of continuing this good work will be a regulation of time in it, not to be trespassed upon by any other work whatever ; and, that I may not fall short or exceed, I ap- point two hours in the morning and one in the evening, and a faithful register to be kept of my proceedings in a book made for that purpose. Not very much was to be expected from so premature an eifort to translate the word of God ; but who can wonder that, in Mr. Thomas's circumstances, this was one of the first things he attempted ? and what friend of Bengal will look back upon the purpose here recorded without gratitude to God for all the successful labour in the translation of His word which was begun in that feeble attempt, and which has been carried forward to the present day by men evidently fitted by God to accomplish it ? On Lord's-day, April 20th, he records his anxiety to pro- mote the better observance of the day, and the following resolution is entered in his journal : — To give all my servants, my munshi, harcara, boy, washerman, and tailors positive orders to attend me at the school bungalow every Lord's-day, where by the blessing of God, I intend to read a por- tion of God's holy word in Bengalese, and offer such things for their instruction as I may be able to prepare from Sabbath to Sab- bath : beseeching them to save themselves from this untoward generation. The following Sunday, April 27th, he writes : — Having placed all my servants and the forty children, I delivered in Bengalese an exhortation, for the first time, from Isaiah ii. 2-6, 8, 17-20, and Iv. i-g. I told them that the Lord's house was any place where two or three met together to hear His word and to worship the true God. I spoke of the happy days coming ; and explained PREACHING AT GOAMALTY, 97 to them that the thirst, the wine, the water, and the milk here spoken of were for the soul, not for the body ; and told them that God spake to them, for the wicked to turn, and He would pardon and receive them, — and for the thirsty to come to His word, and He should and would satisfy them. I told them that God was the Friend of friends, — that their books taught them how the rich and the wise should enter into the kingdom ; but this how the poor also, and the ignorant, and the repenting sinner should be received. I besought them to pray to God when they came again, &c. Great pleasure had I in this service, and blessed be the God of all comfort ! Encouraged by the success of this first attempt to preach in Bengali, he wrote to Mr. Creighton, and arranged for a visit to Goamalty on the following Friday, that he might repeat his discourse there to the people employed at the factory. This he was able to do, and had about two hun- dred hearers on the occasion. On the 9th May, the journal contains the following entry, about a sermon at Goamalty. — I must needs take my notes to-day and read them over in English to Mr. Udny, and thus I got myself considerably dis- heartened ; for he would have it at once, that it was what they could not understand : — that I ought to preach more against their idols, and less about eternal life. c^w? sjil^wi t^ i%w ctff^ ftnri f^ 'Sw^ %5f^ 3?t^ ^'$c\*) I* The above text was preached from to about one hundred and fifty natives, and the text itself I caused to be written in red ink on twenty pieces of paper, for them that could read. Before I began, I dealt out about four, and they asked me who Jesus Christ was, and I told them that they should hear presently. While I was preach- ing, to my great surprise, there was several times an involuntary groaning among them, and that out loud. I told them particularly to observe that the death was ivagcs, but the life was not so : the life was a gift. No good work could de- serve such a blessing, especially from a sinner all full of sin. It was a free gift. To whom ? To sinners, — the vilest of sinners. It had in it the pardon of all sins and offences whatsoever. This is the gift of God. * This is given as a specimen of ^Ir. Thomas's earhest Bengali. The text is Romans vi. 23. 13 98 EXTRACT FROM JOURNAL. I said that it began in this life, with joy, and peace, and love toward God ; which joy I had ; and that I now wished to lead them to this Saviour, that they might have the same. I said, This night God has sent His word. Hear, and your soul shall live. I fain would have said much more concerning a precious Saviour ; but concluded by saying that he that had got this gift of God, his soul would fully partake of life after death. When the body died, he would be cleared at judgment, and the soul and body coming together again, as they are now, would go up into heaven to be happy in the presence of God, without end. I besought them to remember and believe what I had said, else these eyes would see them in the lake of fire. Many were pricked in their heart, and unitedly sent forth a sort of involuntary groan, appearing to be ready to say, ' Sirs, what shall we do ?' The strips of paper with the text in red ink were caught at, like so many bank-notes, and eager were they for more when the last was given. I observed also that, when I had done, they did not all get up immediately, as before ; but sat astonished, till I had spoken to them repeatedly to go. This extract is long, but the records of first endeavours in a great work are always interesting ; and what work is greater than to bring the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the ears and hearts of a people who for many ages had been sunk in heathen ignorance and misery ! Mr. Thomas was one of the very first to speak of the great salvation in the Bengali tongue. He now began a mission which has been carried on by a goodly company of preach- ers since, and not in vain ; but to the glory and praise of God in the salvation of many hearers. Great results of the work so imperfectly and feebly commenced have been already achieved, and results beyond these will every day accumulate, as the Lord more abundantly acknowledges the labours of his servants in Bengal. But in the midst of these beginnings of missionary effort, things were taking place which rapidly led on to the completion of that alienation from his friends which he had seen reason to anticipate. In August, 1787, Mr. Thomas suffered very severely from boils, so that he could scarcely walk, or even use his hand to write. While thus afflicted, his thoughts were directed to the practical neglect of the Lord's Supper BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER. 99 in which he and his frends at Malda were living". Here is the conclusion to which these reflections brought him. Having had very sharp impressions on my mind about my boils and . other remarkable diseases of body, which bring to mind the saying that is written of this ordinance abused or neglected, ''for this caiife many are sick,' — i Corinthians xi. 30, I intend thus to commemorate Christ's death, once a month, and to signify it to some of the brethren, of whom I find reason to believe they trust in His blood, and make His word the rule and governing of all they do. From this it may be concluded that, up to this time, the communion question had suggested no difficulty in the way of Mr. Thomas's ministry among his friends. Probably he had thought little about it. Now, however, it became a question of no small interest ; and, remembering the practice of most of the Baptist churches he had known in England, his convictions gradually grew stronger and stronger that he ought to insist upon the immersion of all those who claimed to partake with him in the fellowship of the body and blood of Christ. • But even after this, for some time, the matter does not appear to have come into actual debate amongst his friends at Malda. The next entry bearing upon the subject is dated April 12th, 1788 : — O Lord, forgive the things that are past ! This day some movings of conscience urge me to speak boldly to all concerning their baptism and partaking of the Lord's Supper. Lord, grant me wisdom and discretion how to walk, when thou hast delivered me from this half-hearted way and frame of mind. As to the word of God, I know more than I practice. Convinced that he ought to speak out plainly upon the subject of baptism to his friends, Mr. Thomas proceeded to do so with the utmost confidence, not only in the scriptural authority of the opinions he himself held, but in his ability to bring others to accept them. It was not in his nature to do things by halves. He was not content with insisting upon the necessity of immersion, at Malda, but he wrote largely upon the same subject to Mr. Grant and others in Calcutta. The consequences which resulted may be seen in a later entry in his journal. — lOO PAMPHLET ON BAPTISM. Sunday, May 24th. — This day, I saw that Mr. Udny received two books from Mr. Grant, with Mr. Brown's name, on the subject of baptism. This is ominous. They show secresy. I have no doubt, these books are sent up in consequence of the letters I lately wrote to Mr. Grant, declaring my sentiments in favor of adult bap- tism, with my clear convictions and settled determination. If the tiny pins of a watch are of so much value and use, notwith- standing their smallness, and if it be essential that they are rightly placed, who can say that the ordinances of God's house are less so ? I will give myself unto prayer. The lion roars. Lord, be thou near at hand. Monday. — This evening, I had a very long conversation with Mr. Udny about baptism, in which we greatly disagreed. I avowed my sentiments clearly, and was grieved. After prayer &c. we were quiet, and I finished the evening with a few reflections upon the opposition I had met with in Calcutta, and, from the length it has gone, concluded that some providence will overtake us, and show itself strong on behalf of them that fear God, and a swift witness against others, &c. Whatever the causes and instruments used in this affliction, let me not forget that it is a rod, and cometh not from the dust. Oh for meehiess of spirit and patience ; then who or what can hurt me ! Wednesday. — I praise the Lord with great joy and thanksgiving for the recruited strength and spirits he has given me, in writing a reason why I would not baptise infants, but immerse adults. Now I begin to think that, though I am become as the offscouring, and have many troubles all around me, yet the Lord will certainly bring me so out of them, as may work together for my good. So surely as, after the longest and darkest night, the sun arises, and seems brighter than it was before, to them that see it, so surely shall the Lord make my enemies to be at peace with me. Thursday. — Proclamation of peace. Mr. Udny sent me a letter. I resolved to jniblish my pamphlet, if God gives me wisdom to finish it, and if Dr. Stennett tii)proves of it, and to give the sale to the poor Baptist ministers in Europe. Friday. — All this week I have been labouring night and day about the controversy on Baptism, and I have prepared, as I suppose, an unanswerable refutation of infant sprinkling and a defence of im- mersion. Special help from God has surely been bestowed. Truth is on my side, and I fear not ; though I am like a sparrow alone. My confidence is strong, and I am persuaded that I shall con- vince every one of my hearers. If so, I will publish it, and give EXTRACT FROM JOURNAL. lOI the proceeds to poor Baptist ministers in England, &c. I think I shall convince, because God seems on my side.* For my own part, as my arguments rise up, they astonish me with their simplicity and clearness, as though the Lord had heard my prayer indeed. I prayed it might be useful to thousands, and who can tell } My confidence is free, easy, and clear, that I shall indeed convince beyond the power of any to answer to good purpose. How many times I have thanked the Lord for it, as though it was already done ! Lord's-day evening. — INIr. Udny having heard all these argu- ments, seems to fortify himself and the rest by saying he would hear what others say on the matter, and by quoting Nebuchadnez- zar's dew, and the children of Israel being baptized into the cloud and into the sea, which he thought favored the idea of sprinkling. I thought otherwise. However, give me, O my God, meekness, patience, and love to those that differ. Friday. — I leave all in thy hands, O God of truth, and may no wrath be used to work the righteousness of God. June 2nd. — Mr. Udny this morning read Romans xv., and I incline to think he judges me to be pleasing my own self, and thinks that I fail to please my neighbour for good to edification. An expression or two in his prayer still further convinced me that the opposition awakes again. Now, being thus arraigned secretly, I thought it my duty to write him plainly — yet as peace is to be followed, I have torn up the letter and declined it. In controversy, let him that thinketh he is on the right side be mild ; and now I will betake myself to prayer and the word, thinking I have some right and title to the following texts : — 2 Timothy i. 8, ' Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testi- mony of our Lord ; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel.' I Corinthians iv. 3-4, ' It is a very small thing (how I wish it were !) that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment ; yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself ; yet am I not hereby justified : but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and wall make manifest the counsels of the hearts : and then shall every man have praise of God.' ' I know nothing by myself,' but from the Holy Spirit, whose gift knowledge is; 'yet am I not hereby justified,' either from * A note in the journal against this says, — "That is no proof! Remember Jesus ! ! " 102 DISAPPOINTMENT. error or mistake, of myself or others. But I shall be brought into jutlg-ment, after all ; and He that judgeth me is the Lord. After I had delivered my sermon last night, Mr. Udny prayed as usual, and in his prayer quoted a text of scripture, and expound- ed it contrary to what I had been saying. In my discourse, I said that the believer was directed to look back to his baptism as an in- centive to holiness of life. — (Romans vi. 3, 4.) ' We do,' said Mr. Udny in his prayer, ' O Lord, look back to the time when we were dedicated to thee (in infancy).' All this is so marked, and so far from edifying, that I know not what to do. It seems to me as though all I said now would be brought into judgment and condemned. Oh what a leaven is this that is come up from Calcutta ! I have determined to go to Goamalty ; thinking there to be at peace. Our Lord did not do many mighty works because of men's unbelief ; and how is it possible I can edify ? It seems to me, in my heart and conscience, impossible. Mr. Udny's influence is very considerable, on account of his high station. I therefore pro- posed by letter to remove to Goamalty. Mr. Udny expressed his surprise. Afterwards, we both lamented our disputes ; and I agreed to defer the step for one week. These extracts exhibit the feverish impatience and exci- tableness of Mr. Thomas's character, and its sensitive petulant weakness. He had begun a controversy, full of unpleasantness to his friends, and had, no doubt, used the strongest and hardest arguments he could find to make good his position. When they, however, defended their long cherished opinions, he was immediately sore and offended ! If he was touchy and weak in some respects, however, he was bold and strong in his assertion and defence of truth as he had received it in the word of God, and was quite resolute to dare all the issues which his unwelcome avowal of it might provoke. " If the conse- quence should be that I am to be cast out, and become a vagabond, or if I come to a morsel of bread, I will still stand up for the Lord, and against them that receive not His word in meekness and love." Such was his determined resolve, and to this he stood firm. But even now he hoped for better things from his beloved hearers. Poor simple man ! his tractate on baptism /u?is^ convince, first them, and then all the misguided Christian HUMBLE REFLECTIONS. 103 world besides ; and* the profits of its publication should fill the empty pockets of poor Baptist ministers ! He could have known little of the world, when he thought the work of persuasion so easy. Perhaps, however, some who now read of his disappointment may be reminded of their own similar failures. What assured Baptist has not at some time felt that, with a command so explicit, expressed in words so sim- ple and intelligible, and which, in its obvious import, is so perfectly and beautifully in harmony with all the analogy of the Christian faith, he tmist be able to convince every candid opponent that his practice w^as in accordance with the ordinance of God ? And who has not found upon experiment that nothing is so hopelessly obstinate as theological traditional prejudice ? It would be unjust to Mr. Thomas to omit from this account of his controversy the remarks upon it which he recorded upon the 12th of June. — Whether the wrath of man intermingled may prevent the efficacy of my simple arguments, I cannot tell ; but I greatly fear it. I pray thee, O Lord, to preserve me from this evil, and to give us one heart and one mind, and suifer us not to hinder or forbid one another ; because we follow not with them that differ in such res- pects. Confirm them that are in the truth, and loosen and lessen our mistakes for us. Surely hitherto I am deceived. I may stand on good ground, so far as baptism is concerned ; but I have certainly acted ill upon it. My confidence, my self-sufficiency, my assurance of success, my anger, my uncharitable walk towards my brethren, all seem to be too glaringly uppermost, as I look over my diary of the last few days. I desire to cease from anger and forsake wrath, to humble myself before God and man. Oh that I may do this wisely, O Lord, give me true repentance, I beseech thee. Two of the young men at Malda, however, Messrs. Ding- ley and Long, professed to be convinced that the Baptists were in the right, and, in the face of all opposition or displeasure, he determined to baptize them at once, ac- cording to their desire. As the appointed time drew near, however, Mr. Dingley first wavered in his purpose, and then altogether abandoned it. This was a severe mortification to Mr. Thomas ; but the other young man. I04 A BAPTISM AT GOAMALTY. Mr. William Long, persisted in his wish, and we must extract from the journal an account of probably the first administration of the rite of baptism, according to scriptural example, in Bengal. Friday, June 13th. — Went early to Goamalty, and enjoyed a calm and delightful day in prayer and meditation. In the evening, having well arranged and studied my Bengali address, I was able to deliver it with freedom and delight, and that in an uncommon measure. We then proceeded to the river ; but the sun being set, I was in too much haste. I read and commented all the way, which was half a mile. After a short exhortation by the water's side, we went down with these words, hand in hand, ' And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him.' The water was of a proper depth and gradual descent. Having pronounced the words first in Bengalese, I then repeated them in English, in the usual manner, and so baptized him. On the bank of the river, I offered a short prayer and an exhortation, both in English and Bengalese, in the midst of which Mr. Udny came, with Mr. W. Brown and a few natives. After dressing in the house, I continued exhorting him against self-sufficiency, as in Peter's case, forewarning him of troubles, persecutions, and much tribu- lation : but spoke also of the good Master. I insisted also upon the necessity of watchfulness and prayer, and the power of indwelling sin, and warned him of the inexperience of young converts. Here- in also were mingled remarks upon the benefits into which he had been baptized. I enjoyed much solemnity and liberty. Lord, teach me what to do about the Lord's Supper. And now Mr. Thomas had witnessed for truth before his Christian brethren, in a manner which he believed must deeply displease them ; and he certainly did this with a clear persuasion that many severe trials were likely to arise out of his procedure. For the present, however, nothing took place to disturb his position. Up to this period, he was quite uncertain whether his wife was coming to join him in India. At the beginning of June, he heard good tidings of her improved health, and that a daughter had been added to his family. The letter of his sister-in-law announcing these mercies gave him unspeakable joy. He had suffered a thousand tender RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. 1 05 anxieties for his delicate wife ; and it was delightful to him to be assured of her safety, and to read of his little James, whose " face was like a peach, fresh, fair, and ruddy," and of the babe Betsey, " one of the linest girls in the world." The faded pages which told their father this have long survived those whose early bloom they described. The little boy died in his infancy, but his sister lived to suffer the infirmities of old age. Mr. Thomas's religious experience during this first year at Malda exhibits the same unevenly ardent aspirations after holiness, and the same bitterness of disappoint- ment in the consciousness of a strong tendency to sink down to the level of a mere pleasant associate of the cheerful young men around him, as he had experienced in his former situation : the same lofty standard of self-denying consecration, and the same failures in the attempts he was continually making to attain and preserve it. No mention is made here of any new vision, but he appeared to live as if always in anticipation of disclosures from the unseen world. He was persuaded that God still spake with men in dreams and visions of the night ; and often recorded his nightly fancies, as though they were intended to be vehi- cles of instruction to his mind. They may, perhaps, inform us as to the inmost desires and most secret thoughts of the dreamer, and it is interesting to notice that they were almost always " employed on the word of God," or in imaginary translating or preaching in Bengali. The enthusiasm of his nature appears also very par- ticularly .in relation to prayer. He took such promises as Mark xi. 24, in their strictest literalness of interpreta- tion. In the confidence that their prayer of faith would save the sick, he gathered his companions around the death-bed of Mr. Forsyth, and earnestly besought his re- covery ; which, as we have seen, was not granted. In another case, he was most keenly distressed and disappointed. A poor child afflicted with disease of the spleen was brought to him for treatment, and the medicines given, acting upon a very feeble constitution, resulted in most danger- ous symptoms. Mr. Thomas fasted, wept and prayed, and 14 lo6 RELIANCE UPON PRAYER. endeavoured to obtain the child's recovery by most impor- tunate supplications, which he tried hard to assure himself must prevail ; but the issue disappointed his desires, and covered him with sorrowful humiliation. These incidents are related as not unimportant contributions to the under- standing of his character and history. How many of the mistakes and disasters of his life were traceable to his premature confidence that God would bring to pass the desires he laid before Him in prayer. By his sanguine excitable mind an assurance of this kind was regarded as almost a special revelation, in reliance upon which he ventured upon things which in the end disappointed his hopes and seriously augmented his difficulties. It is matter for more pleasant observation that none of these things moved him from his firm confidence in the fidelity of Him who has promised. He was ever ready to attribute all error and failure to himself; and with abase- ment to acknowledge that, if his requests were not granted, it was only because he had not fulfilled the express condi- tions of his Lord : — " If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." Never did his trust in the truth and divinity of God's word seem to waver. He had been sceptical in his younger days, as ha§ been seen ; and now he was continually encountering sceptical arguments and sneers from visitors at Mr. Udny's house. But no such argument had weight with him, and no sneer made him. ashamed of his hope. He had too truly " tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come" to be ever disposed to question the foundation of his faith. CHAPTER V. Coniroversy and Disaster. — 1788-89. THE variance which arose between Mr Thomas and his friends and supporters, some of the causes of which have already been indicated, must now be more fully written of. He conscientiously thought, and he thought truly, that God had given him ability to do much good by letter ; and now that he had left his Calcutta friends, and could no longer admonish them by word of mouth, he felt it to be his duty to write to them with a frequency and copious- ness which were, to say the least, imprudent and ill-judged. Think of a letter to Mr. Robert Udny, upon " the divine story of Jacob's wrestlings," extending to eighty-eight pages ! Mr. Grant was more usually the object of this cacoethes scribendi, anci he received the elaborate treatises which came to him from Malda, with dismay and with ineffectual remonstrance.* These letters dealt with whatever their author considered a failing with almost epigrammati- * In addition to letters, Mr. Grant received other proofs of the missionary's desire for his edification. Amongst these were copies of verses, much more cor- rect in doctrine than in metre and expression. How Mr. Thomas spent some of his leisure, the following extract relates. — " I have been five or six weeks about a work for you and Mrs Grant, and I have just discovered that you have it in print. It wiU nevertheless be acceptable and useful to those who have it not. It is that incomparable work, Dr. Clarke's Promises of Scripture, drawn out to the full." He commonly WTOte negligently, and sometimes very illegibly, but he could displaj' remarkable neatness of penmanship. AVe have now before us, in his Common Place Book, a compendium of doctrines, compiled in Scripture texts, all written out with such exactness and care as to be a very beautiful speci- men of caligiaphy. Its interest in this respect is, however, far surpassed by that which it inspires as a monument of the writer's profound reverence for the word of God, and of his patient, diligent, and loving cultivation of the knowledge of it. Io8 LETTER TO MR. GRANT. cal severity ; and could not but provoke antagonism in those who felt themselves treated with most uncompromis- ing plainness of speech by a man whose advice they had now no disposition to seek. But his procedure in this respect cannot, perhaps, be more fairly stated or better defended than in his own words, addressed to Mr. Grant, upon this subject, at the end of February, 1788. He that writes letters in the fear of God, with an aim to edify, must stedfastly pursue ' the old man' and his deceits, by warnings, cautions, charges, and loud and plain personal cryings out, and rebukes against secret or open evils ; and, on the other hand, he must follow ' the new man' with cordials, refreshments, consolations, and praise, according to the unalterable prescription revealed of the will of God : and who is sufficient for these things ? And in this course, if he writes personally and faithfully, he will surely in- volve himself in manifest contradictions, to a carnal eye ; but they are none other than spiritual consistencies in the analogy of faith and according to the mysteries of godliness ; and therefore it is, that, in the inspired writings, the propositions and arguments offered are frequently directed to him * that hath an ear,' that is able to understand, ' to him that is wise,' &c. whilst others secretly reject the good counsel of God, being wise in their own conceits ; and, being accounted of God ' rich' in carnal wisdom, are ' sent empty away.' For the word of God itself will not profit any man, if it is not mixed with faith and simplicity in him that receives it. Now what I have said may be clearly illustrated and proved by what is found in the Holy Scriptures on this very subject, and the kind of contradiction in letter writing that I chiefly allude to is such as is often found in Paul's writings : full of ease, and simplicity, and plainness to the eye of faith, but seemingly inconsistent to the carnal eye, were it to be found anywhere else than in the Holy Scriptures. Instances to my purpose are to be found in Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians : particularly, to mention the first I come to, and that only, i Corinthians i. 7, where Paul says to that church, * In every thing ye are enriched. . . .so that ye come behind in no gift ;' yet to the very same people he also says, (iii. i,)'l could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal.' &c ' For ye are yet carnal.' I find enough to mortify me for ever, and enough to make me blush whenever I read it, among the remarks on my letters from RELIGIOUS CORRESPONDENCE. lOQ various correspondents ; and this would be enough to persuade me to write much more seldom, and, like the merchants of this world, three lines at a time ; were it not for other considerations, such as these : — God has been pleased to own and bless some extracts, overlooking and pardoning the rest, to the conviction, conversion and edification of some ; and I have also, now and then, received a very supporting, animating, and strengthening word, from the wisest, most holy, and circumspect men I ever had the honour of being intimate with. The gold, it must be acknowledged, bears no proportion to the dross ; but I am not going to affect any very humbling expressions, neither would I avoid them, for fear of being suspected of affec- tation ; neither am I at all afraid to speak moderately of any gift or endowment God has granted me, for fear of being accused of boasting ; for the wise will always distinguish, and the foolish will always be prating. David said, * Thou hast made me wiser than all my teachers.' Now I am as far from that as the North Pole. Yet I am not at all afraid to think or to say, that God has made me wiser than some men. And I cannot but wonder at, and wish to correct, what I find among many good people, a habit of abusing themselves without mercy, with the odium of ignorant, weak, &c. when they are speaking with persons of acknowledged comparative inferiority. On the other hand, there is nothing so pleasing and gratifying to a holy self-revenge as the epithets of filthy, vile, foolish, igno- rant, beastly, &c. which the private meditations and prayers of good men are therefore filled with on particular occasions. In such matters then, let us pray for wisdom to discern between men and things, ourselves and others, according to the station God has placed us in, to the honour of the gospel, the edification of souls, and the glory of God. I should like to know which character is to be more avoided by him that would walk in the strait path of wisdom : — such excess of faithfulness as to have no appearance of tenderHess, or so much of tenderness as to have no appearance of faithfulness. I know by experience that those who stand most in need of faithful rebukes, as well as those who are over-tender, cry out against the want of tenderness ; and those who have the gift of boldness are apt to make a great noise about the want of faithfulness. When I think much of such things, I conclude that we are all of us made up of inferiority and ignorance. On the 24th of June, after the news of Mr. Long's baptism no CALCUTTA FRIENDS. had reached Calcutta, ]\Ir. Thomas received a letter from Mr. R. Udny, in which he said : — " It struck me that you had no authority for baptizing ; as I always supposed it was a viinisicr who performed that service." " I wonder," said ]\Ir. Thomas, " what he thinks ' a minister 'to be ! I have been initiistcritig to him these twelve months, and yet he is unwilling to allow me the same authority as a poor uncalled, unsent, unconverted, but ordained gowns- man !" Without doubt, this was a very important point in the dispute between the missionary and his friends. They charged him with presumption ; and he convicted them of inconsistency with their avowed evangelical principles. He was deeply conscious of a very special call to the ministry he was exercising — a call something like that which laid " the burden of the Lord" upon the ancient prophets. They disputed this call, because it was certified by no human authority, and indeed came into collision with the eccle- siastical system to which they had been taught to bow. Could any association be more incongruous, or more fully fraught with elements of discord than was the engage- ment between them and himself? He could only quiet himself with such reflections as the following: — "Let me not murmur ; but rather be a partaker of the sufferings of Christ ; for even His mission was constantly questioned with a ' Who is this fellow ?' Why should I think so much of it, who am a sinful worm, when He, the Lord of glory, bore it ? Let me rather take up my cross and fol- low Him, rejoicing that I am counted worthy to suffer with Him." About this time, he thus reviewed his present relations with his Calcutta friends and others : — The Lord hath indeed put lover and friend far from me. Mr. O'Beck opposed my coming, and hindered my work ; but Christ did forward my coming here, and blessed my work. When I spoke a word of needful remonstrance to our friends in Calcutta, Mr. O'Beck rose up, like ' the princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown,' who withstood Moses and Aaron. Mr. Brown, from whom I should have expected great encourage- RAM RAM BASU. Ill ment, has veered like a weather-cock, and failed me like a break- ing bridge. Mr. Chambers, who professed such piping-hot love and thankfulness, turned away because of one unwelcome letter, cast me oft" from his acquaintance, and deliberately declared me to be a person of a false profession I But ' doth our law condemn a man before it hear him ?' He has never yet told me wherefore he condemns me, nor has he heard my defence. O Lord, let me not fall into the hands of men 1 Mr. Grant has defended Brown, Chambers, and O'Beck, and has never once said a word about their faultiness ; and he has grown slack and shy in writing. But, what is worse than all, Robert Udny is working, and Dingley also. Both have opposed me on baptism ; and Mr. Grant sent up books whereby our peace has been disturbed, and those even who before seemed to hear me with candour and acceptance are risen up against me. Mr. Frushard has ceased to correspond ; and even Burney grows cold and indifferent. All this is like cold lead in my bosom, even while I eat, drink, or sleep. He was cheered amidst these discouragements by the hope that the Spirit of God was powerfully working in the heart of his munshi, Ram Basu. This man told him in June, 1788, that he had found Jesus to be the answerer of his prayer. He had cried to Him in sickness, and a speedy cure had been granted. Towards the end of the same month, he brought Mr. Thomas, " a gospel hymn of his own composing, the first ever seen or heard of in the Bengalese language," — a lyric which still holds its place in our collections of Bengali hymns.* Ram Basu's daily * This hymn deserves preservation in its original form. It has not been much used of late years ; but a few of the older native Chiistians remember the air, and stni occasionally sing it. The Bengali original and Mr. Thomas's translation are given side by side. C^ ^^7i vJlt^C'^ ^C^ O who besides can recover us, _, . . . From the everlasting darkness of sin, vfT^^^^t^^ CTin Except the Lord Jesus Christ ? C7{^ '5r^t*t.-r— ^ . Thc intermediate of a sinner's salvation : nTT*i^ ^ Whosoever adores Him, ^IC?- C^t m^ ^^C? «Sf^ ^yjii get over his eternal ruin. *(T^ '5C^ ^^CT^ 1 O who besides can recover us, &c. 112 HOPES OF SUCCESS. conversation betokened also a deep conviction of the truth of the gospel, and there was reason to hope he might soon be an acknowledged follower of Christ. Brainerd's inter- preter in the Indian language was one of the first converts made by that celebrated missionary, and Mr. Thomas rejoiced in this parallel with his own experience. Similar hopes were entertained as to Mr. Long's miinshi. The Bengali preaching at Goamalty and elsewhere also was listened to with great interest ; and thus it appeared that *' a door of faith" was being opened to the heathen of Bengal. In the confidence that God was indeed granting His blessing, Mr. Thomas found consolation amidst all his troubles, and trusted that, notwithstanding all his failings and disappointments, the issue of his engagement in the vfl^ ^foJ-^C^ STTft C^.tJT W^ In all this earth, St^fCS^ 4T«1«1 C^t' ®iV{ Except the Saviour of the world, And His name is Jesus. fSiSf^^ •'T^ ^^iT^t^ I O who besides can recover us, &c. ^ ^i. ^ cv That Lord was bom into the world, ^'? ^_, „^ ^*^ " Whoso is thirsty, let him come to Me, <' I will give hiin the living water." Gi C^^ ^f5"5 ^TT I O who besides can recover us, Sec. C^ ^7[ ^ifjlC^ ^^ 7[]fi[ *tT^^ Therefore adore, O my soul, ^lt^ It'^ C^ ^T5tf 9-9 ; at Tewkesbury, /"S-i ; at Bath, £zz ; and at Bristol, £ \^, to begin with. The first gentleman gave twenty guineas. Thus you see the Lord lifts up those who are cast down, and surprises the desolate, with money, friends and favor. Mr. Pearce of Birmingham is a very successful preacher, and the hand of the Lord is so much revealed in him that hardly a Sabbath passes without some being called out of darkness into the light. He is with me at Bristol, and is going to London with me on pressing business, for we have but a few days to stay. Our last solemn and occasional association will be at Leicester, the 20th of March. Mr. Ryland and your son are to preach. IVIany ministers will be there, and very glad indeed should I be to have you there too, if possible. I walked yesterday from Bristol to Bath ; then rode to Bradford, preached and return- ed. We want ^550, and have almost got it. 224 " WORTHLESS DUST AND ASHES." A more detailed account of his experiences at these places was sent to Mr. Fuller : — You will wish to know how we came on since we left Birming- ham, I passed through Bromsgrove, and saw Mr. Butterworth, left him some papers, told him my tale, and he seemed quite pleased with it. On my arrival at Worcester, I had poor encour- agement, and began to be cast down. Mr. Evans, who was there on occasional supply, said there were about thirty hearers, even on a Sabbath day. Others told me I was come to the wrong place ; that they and several others could not be there ; that the house was damp &c. But it got wind that an East Indiaman was to preach, and I suppose the pleasure of expecting a black face and broken English drew more than usual ; for we had almost all the seats full, which they had not seen a great while before. And we had a good time also, for my chief aim was to promote their spiritual interests, which seemed rather low ; and after I had done, my tongue was ready oiled to run smoothly over my tales, agreeably to myself, affectingly to them, and with interest to us all. They say they never knew so large a collection there. One good woman, who had put 5 shillings in the plate in the evening, came next morn- ing with tears in her eyes and blessings in her mouth, and willingly gave 10^. bd. more. I asked her name ; but she would not have it used : ' But set me down as Wotihlcss Dust and Ashes P So I did. She thinks prayers will ascend, legacies will be left, and the work will go on and prosper. Thus we see, they who lie the lowest in their own eyes have the nearest at heart the cause of the Most High. I met with a willing mind and an active hand in Mr. Willoughby. I called on Mr. Osbourne, who is a Baptist Minister, though he preaches to an Independent congregation. He heard me preach, took one of Carey's pamphlets, and was very desirous of hearing more of it. I was asked to preach at Lady Huntingdon's chapel by one of their people who heard me. I tell you all these things, out of gratitude to our friends, and for information to you. I brought away in all /^9-9 from Worcester. I walked to Upton, and preached there next night to a very thin congregation indeed ; for, not having received due notice, very few attended. 1 met with nothing very pleasing here. Mr. Trevor thought it quite unnecessary to have any collection then, and most expedient to defer it till the following Sabbath. Mr. Davis of Tewkesbury preached there on that day and promised to urge our necessity. The money collected there will be sent to one of the treasurers. BATH AND BRISTOL. 225 The same evening I went to Tewkesbury, where a sister of mine lives ; and the next day, Thursday, I preache"d there and collected ^8-1. On Friday evening, I arrived at Horsley, and spent the evening with dear Mr. Francis, at a Mr. Erskine's, in high spirits, with hearty friends. Mr. Francis would have had me stop and preach on the following Sabbath day ; but I could not. He has two or three guineas, and will have a collection for us, to be sent to one of the treasurers. The coach came by on Saturday evening at 6 o'clock, quite full inside. I took my dreary seat on the top, and it rained all the way to Bath, where I arrived, dripping with wet and benumbed with cold, at 1 1. After seeing my brother and all my relations, it was 2 o'clock in the morning before I retired. I preached for them ; but as they had made it a rule not to have more than one or two cases a year and no collections, I thought I should have nothing there : but a woman, after hearing the case, sent in a penny ! I thanked them, and said I should set down, ' Bath, One Penny P On further thinking of the emergerxcy of the case, &c. they agreed to have a collection, and at my brother's table a plate was handed round and / 7-7 collected, which, together with what was given at the door, amounted in all to/"22-8-6J. I went out of the pulpit into a return chaise, and arrived at Broadmead meeting just as worship began. I preached there, but my tongue clave to the roof of my mouth, both literally and spiritually. My ser- mon was like so much cold lead in my bowels all night. I was revived in the morning by the coming of brother Pearce ; and on our going round to our friends. The first subscriber was a coun- tryman, who heard me and supped with me at Mr. Harris's. He put down twenty guineas, to begin with, and promised as much more at another time. His worthy name is Newcomen, of Barn- staple, Devonshire. ' One of 7?iy countrymen, tell him,' says brother Pearce. Mr. Hughes, who desires his love to you, has been with us from house to house to a few places, and we have received about ^10-10 more, and hope for twice as much as we have in all, besides a collection at the door next Lord's day even- ing. Mr. Francis is to preach. And now, having finished all business for the present, I may talk about myself. All the success in the world in money matters would not raise my spirits ; for I am not got over that heavy stroke on my pride ! My text was, ' Without me ye can do nothing,' and my sermon was a practical exemplification of the truth ! The people expressed no small dissatisfaction ; at least, one of them. ' O turn unto me, O Lord, and have mercy upon me, for I am afflicted and 29 2 26 GENERAL INTEREST IN THE MISSION. desolate* ' To thee be all glory,' I said, and why should 1 want any myself? O that I could be contented every moment to see my honour trampled in the dust, if Christ be but honoured and magnified. Brother Pearce continues indefatigable in desires and exertions for promoting the good work. jfs-5> more, since I wrote the above. Our sum total last night at Bristol was /'44, and upwards. We are in distress for time : disappointed of your letter. The words, Particular Baptists, seem to stand so very much in our way, that brother Pearce was minded to print a few papers at Bristol. Time fails ! Mr, Carey also visited a few places in the north of Eng- land and as the result of these endeavours, which were the commencement of those " missionary deputations," now so familiar to the churches at home, together with the liberality excited generally in the denomination by the enterprise, the sum in hand was augmented to upwards of ;^8oo before the end of March, and a very hearty desire for the prosperity of the mission was excited. Mr. Fuller wrote to Mr. Stevens of Colchester, — O my dear brother, it would do your heart good to see the love to Christ and the souls of men, discovered in many parts of the country, in readily contributing to this business. Good old Mr. Crabtree, of Bradford, in Yorkshire, upwards of seventy, could not sleep for joy. He laboured night and day ; went to the vicar and curate, who cheerfully gave him a guinea each ; obtained in the whole upwards of ^40, and a great deal of respect from the neighbourhood into the account. ' My heart has been so much in this work,' says the venerable man, ' that it has almost been too much for my poor old body.' * Blessed be God,' says dear Mr. Fawcett, of Brearly Hall, near Halifax, ' that I have lived to see so much love to Christ. I account it one of the greatest blessings of my life, to have assisted in so glorious and disinterested an under- taking.' Birt of Plymouth Dock, Steadman of Broughton, in Hampshire, and many more, all write in the same strain. I feel an exquisite satisfaction that we have made the attempt : the issue is in His hands, whose cause it is. Amidst all this enthusiasm and generosity, it does not appear that the ministers and churches of London very greatly distinguished themselves. There were some most MR. FULLER'S CONFIDENCE. 227 honourable exceptions ; but the strength of the missionary- cause lay in the provinces. Dr. Stennett did not even give a donation to the Society's funds, and he counselled his metropolitan brethren " not to commit themselves." Mr. Fuller wrote, — Dr. Stennett predicts, I am told, that the mission will come to nothing ; from this cause, — people may contribute, he supposes, for once, in a fit of zeal : but how is it to be supported ? For my part, I believe in God ; and have not much doubt, that a matter begun as this was will meet His approbation, and that He who has inclined the hearts of our brethren hitherto, so much beyond our expectations, will go on to incline their hearts * not to lose the things which they have wrought.' I confess I feel sanguine in my hopes ; but they are fixed in God. Instead of failing in the East India enterprize, I hope to see, not only that, but many others accomplished. I hope the Society will never slacken its efforts, while there are such vast numbers of heathens in almost every part of the world. Surely the Christian philanthropist will delight to turn away from the avarice and practical infidelity of the East India Directors and the leading politicians of that day, who, as we have seen, were obstinately set against the intro- duction of Christian truth into Bengal, to contemplate the generosity, love, and zeal, of these poorer, but far nobler, representatives of our beloved country.* * The Circular Letter of the Northamptonshire Association, for 1793, contains the following grateful aclcnowledgment of the sympathy and help the mission had called forth. — " With gi-atitude to the God of all grace, and to our dear brethren in various parts of the kingdom, we acknowledge that He has stirred up their hearts to concvu: with our design, and to send us generous aid from the distant extremities of the land. You know already how early and how liberally we received encou- ragement from Birmingham ; where a corresponding society was immediately established in aid of the mission ; and by the instrumentality of our active friends, we soon derived further assistance from several churches in JVatwickshtre, Shrop- shire, and other adjacent counties. — From Yorkshire, and its borders, where our brethren, unlaio\\Ti to us, had chosen the same subject of Christian Zeal for their last year's letter, we soon received a noble evidence that they had not been meditating on a topic they did not feel. The establishment of a society there, which sent us two hundred pounds in proof of their fraternity, caused our hearts to rejoice in that union which flows from the love of Christ. — From many of our sister churches, both in the neighbourhood of this association, and in more remote parts of the island, we have received substantial succour; in some 228 VALEDICTORY SERVICE. On the 2oth of March, the friends of the Mission came together at Leicester, that they might solemnly commend to God the beloved brethren so soon to leave them for the distant East. The forenoon was devoted to prayer. In the afternoon, Mr. Thomas preached from Psalm xvi. 4. In the evening Mr. Hogg took for his text Acts xxi. 14 ; and when Mr. Fuller addressed the missionaries from the Saviour's commission to his disciples in John xx. 21, the impression produced was profound. The athletic form of the speaker was tremulous with his deep emotions ; and his hearers w;ere greatly affected. How much more so those to whom his words were addressed, as he developed the analogies between the mission of the Saviour and their own, — in their objects, their divine direction, their difficul- ties and trials, and in their promises and rewards, conclud- ing with the words, — instances unsolicited, and in many beyond our expectations. From Newcastle and Plymouth, Cambridge and Luton, Devizes, and Bath, and Frome ; from several places in Hatnpshire, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent, have kind and consider- able donations been transmitted. Bristol and the great Metropolis of our land have lent assistance in this good work, with a generosity for which the inhabitants of those cities have long been renowned ; and wliich the sad shocks given to commerce and public credit, before their benefactions were solicited, could not suppress. Nor has this encouragement been received merely from our owti denomination. Though this Society honestly acknowledged that its founders were of the Particular Baptist persuasion, we are sure it was not the interest of a party they wished to promote, but the glory of our divine Lord, and the salvation of immortal souls. Hence it was proposed at first, if no opening was soon found for a Baptist mission, to have requested the Presbyterian and the Moravian brethren, who had been already employed in labouring among the heathen, to accept some assistance from our subscriptions : for by the leave of the God of heaven, we were determined to do somewhat toward propagating his Gospel in pagan lands. The providence of God pointing out so speedily a sphere of action sufficient to require all our exertions, prevented this testimony of our brotherly love for the present ; but He who knew our hearts in this request, has inclined our brethren to show us favor. Our Pcrdobaptist brethren have not looked upon us with a jealous eye ; but evangelical Episcopalians, as well as different classes of Dissenters, notwithstanding their difference of judgment and practice respecting one of the positive institutions of the New Testament, have befriended our design ; and some friends belonging to the people called Quakers, who suppose the ordi- nance from which we are denominated has ceased, have sent in unsolicited aid. One of the ministers of the Unitas Fratrum sent us pecuniary assistance ; and another in a most friendly letter expressed his earnest wishes for our success, and with great candour and piety, answered some of our ])rinte(l enquiries respcctinjj the needful qualifications of missionaries, and the advice proper to be given them." THE society's LETTER TO THE CONVERTS. 229 Go then, my dear brethren, stimulated by these prospects. We shall meet again. Crowns of glory await you and us. Each, I trust, will be addressed in the last day by our great Redeemer, * Come, ye blessed of my Father ; — these were hungry, and you fed them : athirst, and you gave them drink : in prison, and you visited them. Enter ye into the joy of your Lord !' Not the least interesting engagement of this solemn day- was the business of adopting a letter to be sent to the Hindu enquirers of whom Mr. Thomas had told them. The letter was read before the assembly, and received the signatures of the ministers and several other Christian friends who were present on the occasion. It was as follows. — The Society for Propagating the Gospel among the heathen, to Ram Ram Basic, Pdrbati, and all in hidia who call upon the name of fesus Chi'ist our Lord, both theirs and ours. Dearly beloved brethren. We rejoice that we have an opportunity of addressing those as fellow-christians, who till lately were lost in heathen darkness and superstition. The accounts which our beloved brother Thomas has given of you have greatly refreshed us. For many years we have been praying to God on your behalf. We knew but little of what our dear brother Thomas was doing among you, but had united together, before we heard of his being in England, for the purpose of sending the gospel into heathen countries. It was by the spe- cial providence of God that we heard of him, and of the state of things among you. We thankfully embraced the opportunity, and have ever since been heartily engaged in promoting the good work. From Asia sounded out the word of the Lord into Europe ; glad shall we be to have that joyful sound reverberate to Asia again, and extend to every other part of the earth ! You requested in your letter, sent to the Rev. Dr. Stennett, that ' Missionaries might be sent to preach the gospel among you, and to help forward the translation of the word of God.' For these purposes we recommend to you ourmuch esteemed brethren Thomas and Carey, men who, we are persuaded, are willing to hazard their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus ; men who will seek not yours, but you ; men who, though not pretending to infallibility, we doubt not will labour to translate the Bible as fast as they are able; who will teach you the word of the Lord in truth, and adorn the doctrine they preach by a life of holiness, righteousness, and good- 2 30 GENERAL EXHORTATIONS. ncss. Receive them in the Lord, and strengthen their hands by uniting with them in every good word and work. We hope that upon the arrival of our brethren, you will be solemnly baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the one living and true God, thereby putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, and making an open profession of His name. Expect persecutions and reproaches. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution, because the hearts of men are by nature at enmity with God and true religion. But be not disheartened ; tribulations will turn to your advantage and the furtherance of the gospel, through the blessing of your and our God, who will be with you to support you in all your afflictions. Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Ciirist, that the enemies of godliness may have no evil thing to say of you. Shun all evil company, and all idolatrous assemblies and customs : ' Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you ; and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daugh- ters, saith the Lord Almighty. Nevertheless, though you have no fellowship with the uncon- verted in their evil works, yet be courteous, kind, affable, pitiful, and ready to do good to all men, even to your enemies, as occa- sions may offer. Be faithful and just in all your dealings, speaking the truth, and acting with uprightness. Pray for those that persecute you. Consider who it is that maketh you differ, and pray that the same almighty love which hath conquered your hearts may conquer theirs. Let unchastity, and all manner of unclcanness, and all intemperance in eating and drinking, be unknown among you. Put far away all lying, and deceit, and treachery, and double dealing. Be subject to the laws of your country in all things not contrary to the laws of God. Be obedient to your superiors, and compassionate to your inferiors. Be faithful in all your relative connections. Cultivate love, meekness, gentle- ness, goodness, and mercy. If any of you be overtaken in a fault, be ready to reclaim and forgive, as Christ also has forgiven you. You have read the eighteenth chapter of JMatthew on this subject. If any turn back after professing the name of Christ and are not to be reclaimed, be not stumbled at it, but withdraw yourselves from all fellowship with them. Such things will be permitted to try your sincerity. In short, in your spirit and conduct, let your coun- trymen behold the tendency of the doctrine of Christ, and we doubt not but God, your own God, will bless and multiply you abundantly. SPECIAL MESSAGES. 23 1 Dear brother Ram Ram Basu, Thousands in our solemn assemblies have read and sung your gospel hymn, with joy, and hope, and brotherly love !* Your sentiments and feelings are ours ! We feel that we are brethren ! Though wide oceans divide us, we are of one spirit ! We have heard of your labours of love. Go on, very dear brother, and by every means in your power, disseminate the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Teach the gospel which you have heard and learned. Teach your countrymen, by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, to make melody in their hearts to the Lord. Dear brother Parbati, We have been made acquainted with the affecting circumstances of your conversion to our Lord Jesus Christ ; and we greatly re- joice with you and for you. It does our hearts good to hear of your readiness to avow your attachment to Him ; and that you have declared yourself ready to encounter all the difficulties and perse- cutions that might follow your being baptized in His name. Go on, dear brother. Eternal life is before you ! Be you also a helper of our brethren. Endeavour by every means to teach others what you know of Christ; and adorn your profession by an unblemished conversation. Might we add ? (surely we may,) Dear brother Mohan Chand ! We have heard of your serious attention to the preaching of the gospel, of your being convinced by it that you were a great sinner before God, that there was no refuge for you among all your shas- tras, and that the gospel alone was of God, discovering the way of salvation ; and further, that you had disused the idolatrous worship of your countrymen ; had forbidden the vain homage paid you by the deluded people, and had subjected yourself to temporal loss for Christ's sake : yes, we have heard of your adherence to the gospel when visited by Parbati previous to his conversion, and how when threatened by him respecting losing caste, you left the com- pany, and went and poured out your complaint to God in prayer. And moreover, when he came to you in the agony of his soul, requesting to hear the gospel, you directed him in the way of eternal life. O brother Mohan Chand ! can you think how it grieved us to hear, after all this, that your heart failed you in a time of trial : that you dissembled for a piece of bread ! Surely * Ram Ram Basu's " Gospel Hymn" had been " imitated in English verse" by Mi: Fawcett and also by IMr. Samuel Peaice. The original has been given at page 1 1 1 . 232 MR. fuller's REFLECTIONS. your heart has ere now smitten you ! Our Redeemer is merciful ! Remember Simon Peter ! But He also is holy, and jealous of His honour. He who denieth Him before men, and repenteth not, him will He deny before His Father and the holy angels ! Dearly beloved brethren, farewell ! Thousands of prayers have already been offered up on your behalf ! Thousands more will follow ! Let us have yours for us in return ! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. Amen. Sighted at Leiceste?; March 20, 1793. Andrew Fuller. E. Sharman. Rey. Hogg. C. Briggs. J. SuTCLiFF. T. Edmonds. S. Pearce. R. Watts. R. Hopper. T. Trinder. J. Ryland. J. Yates. Robert Mills, J. Canner. T. Blundell. J. Purser. J. W. Morris. T. Prowitt. W. Staughton. Mr. Fuller wrote of the proceedings of the day to Mr. Fawcett, — I need not say it was a solemn and aflfectionate meeting. Thou- sands of tears of joy have been shed on this occasion. We love Christ better: we love one another better. A new bond of union subsists between the churches and ministers who have embarked in this cause. How many names will now be embalmed in our re- membrance for ever ! When we review the shortness of the time, and the magnitude of the object, we seem * like them that dream.' It seems to be too great to be true ; but ' the Lord hath done great things for us.' May He yet do greater things by us. We fasted and prayed and trembled, when we set out. It seemed to us that we were launching a vessel that required superior ability to stir it. — At length we ventured ; and hitherto we have succeeded. Surely the Lord hath been our pilot ! Perhaps the greatest storms are yet to come. Be it so! Our eyes shall be up unto Him! When Christ was 'on board, the vessel could not sink ; and those who doubted were reproved for their want of faith. Mr. Pearce went with the missionaries to London, to arrange for their departure ; and quiet enquiries were made as to the possibibility of obtaining leave from the Court THE PASSAGE TAKEN. i^$ of Directors. To this end, Mr. Newton and Mr. Scott were asked to use their influence with Mr. Charles Grant. They did so ; but quite in vain. He might, he said, have aided J\lr. Carey ; but he would be no party to the return to India of Mr. Thomas. All their endeavours were alike unsuccessful. If, however, Mr. Thomas met with dislike from a for- mer friend, he had many evidences that his own brethren regarded him most affectionately. The portrait of him which now hangs in the Museum of the Baptist College at Bristol was painted at this time by Mr. S. Medley, and a warm interest in his missionary labours spread itself throughout the denomination in England. Most unwillingly, Mr. Fuller and his brethren aban- doned the hope of obtaining formal sanction for their mis- sionaries ; but they saw clearly that no such sanction would be given by the Board of Directors. Men in power discouraged or forbad their enterprise : in this respect they were in a position similar to that of the pro- jectors of " the Bengal Mission." But they believed that they had divine authority to go forward in their undertak- ing ; that it was right to obey God rather than men ; and that therefore they ought to go on. Captain White's brother William had succeeded him in the command of the Earl of Oxford. He knew Mr. Thomas intimately, and though well aware that the missionary party had no license from the Board of Directors, he was quite willing to take them in his vessel, upon advantageous terms. £2^0 was to cover the cost of the passage for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and child, and for Mr. Carey and Felix. Perhaps, Mr. Tho- mas was to earn his passage by medical service to the ship. Mrs. Thomas had somewhat reluctantly consented to go, with her little Betsy. Mrs. Carey was expecting to give birth to a child at the beginning of May, so that her going seemed to be impossible. She was besides very unwilling to leave England, having no sympathy with her husband's missionary aspirations. It was therefore arranged that she should remove from Leicester to her former home at Piddington, near Northampton, and should, with her little 30 234 ^11^- CAREY'S ARRANGEMENTS. ones, be supported there by the Society on an allowance of ;^50 per annum, until Mr. Carey, after three or four years, could return to fetch her. Their eldest boy, Felix, a child of between seven and eight years old, was to go with his father now. There were two other members of the party about to sail : Samuel and Sarah Powell, first- cousins to Mr. Thomas. And so every thing appeared to be finally settled. The 3d of April was the day appointed for sailing, and Mr. Carey thought they would then leave England. He had no foreboding of the delays and difficulties which were to arise ! They embarked, and " sailed off with great joy to the Motherbank," between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. There the Earl of Oxford anchored to await con- voy, and her passengers had to live on shore until she was ready to proceed upon her voyage to Calcutta. The missionary party took lodgings at Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, and longed for the termination of all their anxi- ous preparations by the departure of the Indian fleet ; but terrible perplexities and unexpected troubles were still in store for them. Mr. Thomas's debts were the first cause of disquietude. He had tried in vain to come to a settlement with his creditors. Always sanguine in his expectations, he had proposed to make them a payment on account, which afterwards he found himself quite unable to do. Unques- tionably, he ought then to have met them with a candid statement of his case, and should have accepted the con- sequences ; but he neglected to do so, and was soon beset by the disappointed creditors with clamorous importunity. He then declared his present inability, but full purpose, to pay them all ; but there was little disposition to receive his assurances. The fact that he and his family were now going out to India seemed to the creditors proof that he could pay them if he would. The consequences were most humiliating and discreditable. " They began to hunt ; and I," wrote Mr. Thomas, " to flee as a partridge ; yet still continuing to preach publicly wherever I Avas asked. Every day I had fears without that I should be MR. THOIMAS IN LONDON. 235 arrested, and hopes within that I should escape ; till at length the happy day was come when I was relieved by a chain of providences, and embarked, with my family and fellow labourer, on board the Earl of Oxford." Having some things yet to arrange in London, Mr. Thomas left Mr. Carey and his own family at Ryde, and went there. Just after his departure, one of his creditors called at the lodging, " with a writ and bailiff, to arrest him for ;^ 1 00 or less." This circumstance and the threats of the disappointed visitor greatly distressed them all, and Mr. Thomas endeavoured to escape arrest by remaining in London. A letter which he wrote to his father from that city on the ist May, speaks of the " hurry and confusion," the " stagnation of all enjoyment in heaven and earth," " without retirement, peace or quietness, or any such thing as meditation," through which he had latterly passed. His complaints related to circumstances for which he was him- self answerable. He broke open this letter to say that, after writing it, he had gone to the House of Commons, and had heard Pitt, Fox, Dundas, Sheridan, and Grey speak, with many others. He was " vastly pleased" with Mr. Pitt's oratory. Petitions for a reform of Parliament were presented, which were to be followed by many others, and he expected that " these things would issue in great changes." He adds, " I was at the trial of Hastings yesterday ; and, a few days ago, in the House of Lords, and heard the debates there. They speak not quite so well there, as in the Commons. The Duke of Leeds and the Chancellor spoke well ; but are, I find, men of like passions." He was trying to arrange for clearing off his debts, by again taking out with him " a number of things for sale," but though sure of being able to obtain these when he wrote to his father, he, perhaps happily, failed to accom- plish this purpose ; and on his arrival in Calcutta he had no goods to dispose of on his own private account, except a few English dogs ! Thus, with many sor# anxieties and troubles, April had slowly passed by, and the ship still lay at anchor. At the beginning of May, Mr. Carey was made glad by tidings 236 WEARISOME DELAY. from his wife, which made him feel that this unwelcome delay had yielded comfort in the end.* Then ISIay ad- vanced, and when, about the middle of it, some more definite prospect of departure was gained, the mis- * The letter written by Mr. Carey in reply, may interest the reader. ''Ryde, Isle of Wight, May Gth, 1793. "My Dear Dorothy, "I have just received yours, giving me an account of your safe delivery. This is pleasant news indeed to me ; surely goodness and mercy follow me all my days. My stay here was very painful and unpleasant, but now I see the goodness of God in it. It was that I might hear the most pleasing accounts that I possibly could hear respecting earthly things. You wish to know in what state my mind is. I answer, It is much as when I left you. If I had all the world, I would freely give it all to have you and my dear children with me ; but the sense of duty is so strong as to overpower all other considerations ; I could not turn back without guilt on my soul. I find a longing desire to enjoy more of God ; but, now I am among the people of the world, I think I see more beauties in godliness than ever, and, I hope, enjoy more of God in retirement than I have done for some time past. " Yesterday, I preached twice at Newport, and once in the country. This place much favors retirement and meditation ; the fine woods and hills and the sea all conspire to solemnize the mind and to lift my soul to admire the Creator of all. There are no serious persons at the place where we are, but many on the island. To-day I dined with Mrs. Clark at Newport, and Felix found Teddy Clark one of his old play-fellows, which pleased him much. He is a good boy, and gives me much pleasure. He has almost finished his letter, and I intend to add a Uttle to it before it comes. He has been a long while about it ; and I question whether you can read it when it comes. "You want to know what Mrs. Thomas thinks, and how she likes the voyage. She is a very delicate woman, weak and very nen'ous, brought up very genteel, and cousin to Squire Thursby of Abingdon, near Northampton. I believe, a good woman. She goes in good spirits, and the sea agrees with her very well. She sends her love to you, and is glad to hear the good news concerning your delivery. She would rather stay in England than go to India ; but thinks it right to go with her husband. A young gentleman and his sister, cousins to Mr. Thomas, go with us. They have been brought up under the gospel. Mr. Thomas and I act as , masters of the family, and maintain religious exercises. "I shall be glad to hear of you, and how you do, as often as possible. We do not know when we shall go, but expect it will be in a week at farthest. My love to all of you. Tell my dear children I love them dearly, and pray for them con- stantly. Felix sends his love. I look upon this mercy as an answer to prayer indeed. Trust in God. Love to Ivitty, brothers, sisters, Sec. Be assured I love you most affectionately. Let me know my dear little child's name. " I am, for ever, " Your faithful and affectionate Husband, • " William Carey. " My health never was so well. I believe the sea makes Felix and me both as hungry as hunters. I can eat a monstrous meat supper, and drink a couple of glasses of wine after it, without hurting me at all. Farewell." EJECTED FROM THE SHIP- 237 sionaries thought that the end of their distressful sus- pense was at last nearly reached. Mr. Thomas ven- tured to rejoin his family, and all were in readiness to embark, when, four days before sailing, captain White received a letter from the East India House, signed Vcrax^ stating that it was known that " a person" was going out in his ship without the Directors' leave, and that if this pas- senger were allowed to proceed to India, an information would be laid against him. Now this would inevitably have deprived him of his command. Mr. Thomas felt sure the letter did not refer to himself or Mr. Carey ; and he took it with him to London, hoping to find out the writer, through his friend, Mr. James Savage, of the East India House, and so to clear up the difficulty. But his attempt was unsuccessful ; and on returning to Portsmouth, he found Mr. Carey in tears, with the news that the captain insisted that they should both take out their things at once, and quit his ship. There was no help for it ; and, with a third passenger similarly situated, they had to comply. Mrs. Thomas and her child, Mr. S. Powell and his sister, and Mr. Thomas's " black boy Andrew," were allowed to pro- ceed, " for they had the Company's leave," and they did so. " My dear wife," Mr. Thomas wrote, " had uncommon supplies of fortitude. She proceeded on the voyage wil- lingly ; and endured the day of adversity better than I." This, he felt to be providential and very remarkable, since it was not without much difficulty she had been induced to consent to leave her native land. The baggage was taken out of the ship ; and Mr. Carey " with a heart heavier than all, came aw^ay" with his companion. Their " venture," that is, the packages of goods for sale in India which made up the investment of _;^i5o, intended for their support during the first year after their arrival in India, had to go on with the ship. It would otherwise have been " seized by the Custom House offi- cers." With unspeakable distress, they saw the Earl of Oxford, with her consorts, the Ptgoi, the Prince William Henry, the Houghton, and the William Pitt, get under weigh, and sail off, on Thursday, May 23d; and, leaving 238 A DANISH EAST-INDIAMAN. their baggage at Portsmouth, they " at the same instant," returned to London. Mr. Carey had written the bad news to Mr. Fuller on the 2 1 St, and had suggested that the warning to the cap- tain came from one of Mr. Thomas's creditors, which does not appear to have been the case. Mr, Fuller wrote, on the 24th, sending on the disastrous tidings to Mr. Ryland, — We are all undone. I am grieved. Yet perhaps it is best. Thomas's debts and embranglemcnts damped my pleasure before. Perhaps it is best he should not go. I am afraid leave will never be obtained now for Carey or any other. And the adventure seems to be lost ! He says nothing of the/^250 for voyage. It is well if that be not lost ! Before these words were written, however, a way of escape from the difficulties of their position was beginning to appear. The two disappointed missionaries, with little Felix, had made their mournful journey to London. Small charm for them had the flowery hedge-rows, and green fields, and blooming gardens, beside which they travelled, full of beauty as they were. What were they to do ? and how could they possibly get out to Bengal r Was there any way of going by land ? or of taking a passage from some other country ? Mr. Carey talked wildly of demand- ing the consent of the Board of Directors ; but their very recent outcry against Mr. Wilberforce's Resolutions, left no hope of any concession, generous or timid, from them. Baffled and dispirited, the two good men got to London at last. Mr. Thomas has left a lively description of their anxieties. He says, — While Carey wrote to his wife, I would go to the coft'ec-house, with eager desire to know whether any Swedish or Danish ship was expected to sail from Europe to Bengal, or any part of the East Indies that season ; when, to the great joy of a bruised heart, the waiter put a card into my hand, whereon Avere written these life- giving words : — ' A DANISH EAST INDIAMAN. No. 10, Cannon Street^ No more tears that night ! Our courage revived. We Hcd to No, 10, Cannon Street, and found it was tiie office of Smith and MRS. CAREY CONSENTS TO GO. 239 Co., agents ; that Mr. Smith was a brother of the captain's, and lived in Gower Street ; that this ship had sailed, (as he supposed,) from Copenhagen ; was hourly expected in Dover Roads ; would make no stay there ; and the terms were ^100 for a passenger, £^0 for a child, /"25 for an attendant. We went away, wishing for money! Carey had /"i 50 returned from the Oxford.'^' This was not half sufficient for all ; and we were not willing to part. Be- sides, our baggage was still at Portsmouth ; and Mr. Carey had written to his wife that he was coming to see her ; and also he entertained some faint hopes that she might now join us, if she could be so persuaded, for she had lain in only three weeks ; but the shortest way of accomplishing all this would take up so much time, that we feared we should be too late for the ship. It was, indeed, to all appearance, an impossibility that so much could be done in so short a time as probably would be available. Not a moment was lost, however. At 9 o'clock on Friday night, May 24th, Messrs. Thomas and Carey left London, and reached Northampton the next morning. They breakfasted with Mrs. Carey at Piddington, and said all they could to induce her to accompany them to India. Mr. Thomas says, — She refused to go with us ; which gave Mr. Carey much grief. I reasoned with her a long time, to no purpose. I had entreated the Lord in prayer to make known His will, and not to suffer either of us to fight against Him, by persuading her to go, on the one hand, or to stay, on the other. This expression moved her ; but her determination not to go was apparently fixed. We now set off to Mr. Ryland of Northampton, to ask for money [for the passage] : and on our way thither I found Mr. Carey's hope of his wife all gone. I proposed to go back once more ; but he overruled it, saying it was of no use. At last, I said, ' I will go back.' — ' Well, do as you thiiik proper,' said he, ' but I think we are losing time.' I went back ; and told Mrs. Carey her going out with us was a matter of such importance that I could not leave her so. Her family would be dispersed and divided for ever. She would repent of it as long as she lived ! As she tells me since, that last saying, frequently repeated, had such an effect upon her, that she was afraid to stay at home ; and afterwards, in a few minutes, deter- mined to go with us, trusting in the Lord : but this should be on * We presume the captain of the Earl of Oxford retained ^100 for the passage of Mrs. Thomas and her little girl. 240 LEAVING PIDDINGTON. condition of her sister going with her. This was agreed to. We now set off for Northampton like two different men : our steps so much quicker, our hearts so much lighter. The counting of the cost, however, was still enough to damp all our hopes. No less than eight persons' passage to be paid for, besides the necessaries to be bought for fitting all out for so long a voyage, would require ^700 at least. When they reached Mr. Ryland, he was just sitting down to answer his brother Fuller's despairing note ; and he told them he knew not whether to be glad or sorry to see them. They told him of their success with Mrs. Carey, and made known their wishes and needs as to money for the new arrangements. He replied, " I have about ;^ 9 in my hands, belonging to the mission ; and between £^ and ;^5 of my own. That is all with which I can furnish you." "We m?is^ have £200," they said. "Well," said he, "I recollect that there is at Kettering a bill for ;^200, sent from Yorkshire. It is, I suppose, not yet due ; for it had a pretty long time to run ; but that would exactly answer your exigencies." " We have no time to go to Kettering," said they : " we must be off directly." But this Yorkshire bill, sent up by Mr. Fawcett, and representing the affectionate zeal and devotedness with which he and his aged brother Mr. Crabtree had striven to aid the missionary cause, was the effectual help provided for this time of need. Remembering this bill, Mr. Ryland begged them to sit down for a few minutes, while he " wrote letters to Mr. Newton, Mr. Booth, and Dr. Rippon, stating the case, and requesting them to advance the money," which he assured them could be immediately repaid ; and then he once more parted from his two missionary brethren, never again to see them on earth. They now hasted back to Piddington ; and that Saturday was a busy packing day for the Carey family. They had, however, a most energetic helper, whose experience in such matters stood them in good stead ; and, somehow or other, the needful arrangements were made, with many misgivings in the mind of the bewildered mother and aunt. On Sun- day morningj JNIr. Thomas put all the astonished family WAITING AT DOVER. 24 1 into two post chaises, and they arrived in London that night. Next morning, the notes from Mr. Ryland, and the emergency of the case, called forth active help. Mr. Booth, Mr. Timothy Thomas, and Dr. Rippon gave their ready aid ; while Mr. Thomas went eagerly to bargain with the captain's brother. He told him, to his no small surprise, what had been accomplished since Friday ; and how large a family he had brought up from Northampton- shire. His narrative proceeds, — I continued to say that their finances were slender, and expenses very great : that the terms I had to oflFer him were these : That two people only — Mr. and Mrs. Carey — should be at the captain's table ; that two cabins only would be required ; and two persons — ■ Mrs. Carey's sister and myself — would go as attendants, and receive their dinner from or with the servants, or any way whatever that would be convenient to the captain ; — that, for these accommoda- tions, I had three hundred guineas to ofifer him. I was moved with wonder to see the hand of God on this occasion, in his accepting these terms : the lowest, I suppose, that ever were heard of. He said what wrought the most with him was, such a large family being actually advanced to go. The terms were happily settled and the passage money paid, and that same day, Monday, May 27th, the Careys embarked for Dover, to be ready to catch the ship ; while Mr. Thomas hurried off to Portsmouth, to bring away the baggage which had been left there. There was not time to get it to Dover by land ; and it seemed impossible to hire a boat for the purpose, the men declaring that the Channel swarmed with French privateers, and that the risk of capture was so great, they would not go for any money. Then, a boatman offered to take twenty guineas for the trip, in an open boat ! Mr. Thomas was in constant terror lest he should, after all, lose the ship ; yet he could not accept terms so exorbitant ; and two whole days were spent by him in an agony of impotent impatience. At last, on Wednesday evening, a fisherman was found willing to go for nine guineas. The bargain was immediately con- cluded, the packages were put into his boat, and, the next evening, baggage and passenger were landed at Dover, " having run through all the privateers in the dark, if there 242 EMBARKATION. were any." " With great gladness of heart," Mr. Thomas met his brother Carey there. And now the Kron Pnncessa Alarm, could not come too soon. But their patience was yet to be tried. Day after day, for a whole fortnight, passed and she did not appear. On the 6th of June, they had to write to Mr. Fuller, and ask for a further supply of money, as their funds were fast running out, at their lodgings " at Mr. Reynolds' in Crane Street, Dover." As summer advanced, holiday-keepers became more numerous there, day by day, and the cost of living grew more and more oppressive to the missiona- ries. The boatmen here also w^ere found to be an extortion- ate set of men. Not one would agree to put the party on board for less than three guineas ! The missionaries were living " in earnest hope and expectation ; but no ship yet." " The winds were unfavorable for her coming down." At last, before 3 o'clock in the morning of June 13th, they were all roused up from their slumbers by the joyful tidings that the ship was in the Roads. While the Careys got their children ready, Mr. Thomas hastily wrote to a friend in London, — The ship is here ! — the signal made, — the guns are fired, — and we are going, with a fine fair wind. Farewell, my dear brethren and sisters. Farewell ! May the God of Jacob be ours and yours ; by sea and land ; for time and eternity. Most affectionately, adieu ! Adults and children were soon all ready to embark, and took their places in the boat. How cool and clear the waters looked, that early midsummer morning, as they made their way to the Danish Indiaman standing out before them, and only waiting their coming to start forward again upon her way. By 5 o'clock, they were on board, and had been cordially received by captain Smith, or, as he was now called, having been naturalized in Denmark, captain Christmas ; and now they were speedily borne onward, out of sight of the chalky cliffs, and verdant slopes, and happy English homes, which these two devo- ted messengers to the heathen were never to look upon again. CAPTAIN CHRISTMAS'S KINDNESS. 243 Captain Christmas would not hear of the humiliating arrangements which had been so magnanimously suggest- ed, with a view to economy. Mr. Thomas wrote, — On our coming on board, we felt ourselves a little awkward, thinking that some there seemed very sensible that they were passengers of a better rank than we were, and considering that they had paid /'i 00 each, whilst we, who were eight persons, paid only ^315; wherefore, we expected to be treated accordingly, and determined to endure it. For my part, I looked for a very uncomfortable and lonely passage, having agreed to mess with the servants ; but He who gave Joseph favor with Pharaoh had graci- ously provided for us and our little ones, far beyond our expecta- tions. The captain would suffer neither me nor Mrs. Carey's sister to absent ourselves from his table : and received and entertained us all along as though we had been people of consequence ; so that he has often shown kindnesses that we could no otherwise account for than by the good hand of God being upon us. On our coming on board, he immediately ordered the very best accommodation in the ship, and the largest, to be prepared for Mrs. Carey and her children, and a cabin was granted for me, and another for her sister. On their being sea sick, he ordered them soup, sent wine and other comfortable things, and would come himself and visit them, to see they wanted nothing he could supply them with. Two days after embarking, Mr. Thomas wrote thus to his father : — On the Atlantic Ocean, Lat. 49 N. Long. 6 W. We are most comfortably situated, and treated like gentlemen. We have been highly favored every way. We have now both our families, and our work is in view. I have lost much of my savour, in hurry and confusion. I retract, — as thinking I had not much to lose ! My heart is tuned to praises, for He has been to my soul at Dover as the dew and as the rain. The Triton frigate convoyed them out of the track of privateers, and they hoped to send word by her of their comfort and prospects. When she left them, however, the breeze was so strong that they could not hoist out a boat to convey their letters. No news of them consequently reached their anxious friends until the return of the ship in which they sailed. The embarkation of the missionaries in a foreign vessel. 244 THE VOYAGE. without the permission of the Directors of the East India Company, was regarded by some persons with displeasure and censure, Mr. Fuller's reply to their animadversions may be quoted here. — The apostles and primitive ministers were commanded to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; nor were they to stop for the permission of any power upon earth ; but to go, — and take the consequences. If a man of God, conscious of having nothing in his heart unfriendly to any civil government whatever, but determined in all civil matters to obey, and teach obedience to, ' the powers that be,' puts his life in his hand, saying, * I will go ; and, if I am persecuted in one city, I will flee to an- other,' — whatever the wisdom of the world may decide upon his conduct, he will assuredly be acquitted, and more than acquitted, at a higher tribunal. The voyage w^as prosperous. The missionaries laboured hard in attempts to do good, and gave much of their time to Bengali. Mr. Thomas taught his beloved companion, and endeavoured to translate the book of Genesis ; in difficult passages of which Mr. Carey helped him with his critical suggestions. " So," said the former, " let the gold- smith help the carpenter, and the carpenter the goldsmith, that the work of God be done." Mrs. Carey had many fears and troubles ; " so that," Mr. Thomas wrote, " she was like Lot's wife, until we passed the Cape ; but, ever since, it seems so far to look back to Piddington, that she turns her hopes and wishes to our safe arrival in Bengal." Many apprehensions and anxieties arose sometimes as to the course they should take when they reached Calcutta ; but the prevailing idea was that they should settle on some grant of Government land, where they might procure subsistence by agriculture and could preach to the people around them. All such schemes appeared very uncertain, however, and fears often invaded their minds. Air. Thomas wrote : — The captain has promised to recommend us to the Danish Governor of Scrampore, sixteen miles from Calcutta ; which will be no small favor or convenience, if the Company should consider us as trespassers on their ground. But what is more, he has oflered to recommend us to the Secretary of the Supreme Council, that MR. FULLER'S REMARKS. 245 we may procure land ; and if this should be of God, we shall rejoice ; if not — we will be contented. But in one sense, we are sure these kind favors from men are of God ; and we have good hope that God will make room for us and our little ones, especially when we look back and see ourselves on the brink of sailing, but suddenly stopped and sent back : no prospect of another ship : I and my family become two bands : all darkness and threatening, fear and dismay : but in three days, another ship appears, takes us and the whole family ; which we just before thought on many accounts impossible to be done ! When we think of these things that are past, " We trust Him for all that's to come." So let the happy voyagers go on upon their way to Bengal. We will for a moment look back upon the breth- ren they left behind them. How did they feel, as they thought over the wonderful enterprise which had so suddenly matured itself amongst them, and the accom- plishment of which had so actively engaged their sympa- thies and efforts .? They were men of quiet regular procedure before this missionary project invaded their hearts and altars ; but how completely all their thoughts and habits had been revolutionized by it ! And now the strain of eager expectation and effort was over. Their messengers to the heathen were gone ; and they must wait for the results of their embassy. Let Mr. Fuller tell us how himself and his brethren thought and felt. He says : — After their departure, we had time for reflection. In reviewing the events of a few preceding months we were much impressed : we could scarcely believe that such a number of impediments had, in so short a time, been removed. The fear and trembling which had possessed us at the outset had insensibly given way to hope and joy. Upborne by the magnitude of the object, and by the encouraging promises of God, we had found difficulties subside as we approached them, and ways opened beyond all our expecta- tions. The thought of having done something towards enlarging the boundaries of our Saviour's kingdom, and of rescuing poor heathens and Muhammadans from under Satan's yoke rejoiced our hearts. We were glad also to see the people of God oflfering so willingly : some leaving their country ; others pouring in their property ; and all uniting in prayers to heaven for a blessing. A 246 IMMEDIATE RESULTS. new bond of union was furnished between distant ministers and churches. Some who had blacksliden from God, were restored ; and others who had long been poring over their unfruitfulness, and questioning the reality of their personal religion, having their attention directed to Christ and His kingdom, lost their fears, and found that peace which, in other pursuits, they had sought in vain. Christians of different denominations discovered a common bond of affection ; and instead of always dwelling on things wherein they differed, found their account in uniting in those wherein they were agreed. In short, our hearts were enlarged ; and if no other good had arisen from the undertaking, than the effect pro- duced upon our own minds, and the minds of Christians in our country, it were more than equal to the expense. CHAPTER X. How the Lord made Room for His Servants^ thai they might dzvell in the Land. — 1793-4. THE Kron Princcssa Maria encountered some severe weather, but, upon the whole, made a favorable voyage ; yet the close of it was very tedious to her impatient pas- sengers. The winds were fickle and often contrary in the Bay of Bengal, where, for nearly a month, the ship made little progress : the strong currents sweeping her back, as often as any advance had been gained. At last, they entered the mouth of the Calcutta river. Fishing boats came alongside the ship on the 9th of November, and with deep interest Mr. Thomas's companions looked for the first time upon the natives of Bengal. Next day, Sunday, the missionary party left the ship at Kedgeree, to come up to Calcutta in a small native boat, called a pdnsi. When the tide failed them, they put to at a market place on the river side. Mr. Thomas preached, and a large number of the market people listened with much attention, one of whom afterwards prepared them a dinner, which was served out upon plaintain leaves, and which they ate, in primitive style, without knife or fork. Calcutta was safely reached on Monday, the nth of November. Mrs. Thomas with her child was there, await- ing her husband's arrival. The Earl 0/ Oxford, in which she came, had arrived on the 4th of October. She had met with much kindness from many persons who knew Mr. Thomas, and especially from Mrs. Udny, who appears to have been in Calcutta on a visit to her younger son, who 248 IN CALCUTTA. married in May, 1792, and was now a member in the mercantile firm of Udny, Fnishard and Laprimaudaye. Mr. James Mackay of the Orphan House also was most kind to Mrs. Thomas and her little daughter. Ram Ram Basu heard of their arrival, and came to welcome the missionaries. Their gladness in meet- ing him was damped by hearing that he had acted unworthily, after Mr. Thomas left. Having no Christian friend or helper, he had fallen into difficulties ; and had attempted to please his kindred and connexions by com- pliance with idolatrous ceremonies. Now, however, he was full of penitence ; and the missionaries were ready to accept all his assurances of contrition. Of Parbati, they heard good accounts ; but he was at a distance. Mo- han Chand also wrote to Mr. Thomas. Mr. Carey at once engaged Ram Ram Basu to be his miinshi, and was great- ly impressed in his favor by all he saw of him and by his pious conversation. Notwithstanding his grievous fall, he did not hesitate to regard him as a " converted per- son." Mr. Thomas likewise re-engaged Padma Lochan as a pandit, to enable him to carry forward his Sanscrit studies. Death had made some changes in Calcutta society, as Mr. Thomas knew it, during his absence in England. On the 22nd of August, Mr. William Chambers had died, and this news must have awakened many sad memories.* He had once been one of Mr. Thomas's warmest friends. * The Calcutta Chronicle oi Ayigasi 27th, 1793, says, — " On Thursday last, after a short illness, died William Chambers, Esq., Pro- thonotary of the Sujjreme Court, deeply rejj^retted by those who enjoyed the honour of his acquaintance. He possessed abilities useful rather than splendid, a vigorous and cultivated mind, dexterity and application in business, a judicious mixture of liberality and economy, of mildness and vigour, and animated, yet ■well-regulated, warmth in support of the religion he professed, which enlarged his heart, without weakening his understanding. In the various turns of his pros- perous and adverse fortune, — and he had many, — he never lost the confidence of those who were his friends nor tlie esteem of those who were not so. Originally engaged in the Company's Civil Scn'ice, he became embarrassed by speculations in trade ; he then altered his destination and obtained tlic office of Master in Chancery in the Supreme Court, and discharged the duties of his situation with equal honour to himself, and advantage to the public. In March, 1792, on the death of James Stark, Esq., he obtained the place of Protlionotaiy and executed DELIBERATIONS FOR THE FUTURE. 249 And now Thomas and Carey, with their families, were in the country which the Directors of the East India Com- pany had resolved should not be invaded by missionaries of the gospel. But what were they to do to secure their footing, and how were they to sustain themselves whilst they preached the word of life to the Bengali people ? Their plans were very indefinite. Mr. Thomas had no clear purpose as to the place they should occupy, or the methods they should adopt to obtain subsistence. He had told the members of the Society at home that, at any rate at the beginning, they must support the missionaries they sent out ; but he had spoken so enthusiastically of the cheapness of provisions in India, and his statements as to the possibi- lity of living very much as the natives of Bengal themselves do, were so unguarded, that it is not strange that the sup- porters of the mission concluded that a very small allowance would suffice for their brethren, wherever they might be. Mr. Carey, it will be remembered, had written a book, and therein had elaborated a theory as to the way in Avhich missionaries to a heathen country should subsist. The following extracts will suffice to set forth the views he entertained upon this subject. He says : — As to the difficulty of procuring the necessaries of life, this would not be so great as may appear at first sight ; for though we could not procure European food, yet we might procure such as the natives of those countries which we visit, subsist upon them- selves. It might be necessary, however, for two, at least, to go together ; and in general I should think it best that they should be married men, and, to prevent their time from being employed in procuring necessaries, two, or more, other persons, with their wives and families, might also accompany them, who should be wholly em- ployed in providing for them. In most, countries it would be necessary for them to cultivate a little spot of ground, just for their support, which would be a resource to them, whenever their supplies failed. Not to mention the advantages they would reap the business of that office till his death with unimpeached integrity and general approbation. " Such was William Chambers : let those who may object to his peculiari- ties—for he had some — imitate his virtues, while they avail themselves of his example." 32 250 MR. CAREY'S PLANS. from each other's company, it would take ofT the enormous expense which has always attended undertakings of this kind, the first expense being the whole ; for though a large colony needs support for a considerable time, yet so small a number would, upon receiv- ing the first crop, maintain themselves. They would have the advantage of choosing their situation, their wants would be few ; the women, and even the children, would be necessary for domes- tic purposes : and a few articles of stock, as a cow or two, and a bull, and a few other cattle of both sexes, a very few utensils of husbandry, and some corn to sow their land, would be sufficient. Those who attend the missionaries should understand husbandry, fishing, fowling, &c. and be provided with the necessary implements for these purposes. Indeed a variety of methods may be thought of, and, when once the work is undertaken, many things will sug- gest themselves to us, of which we at present can form no idea. The missionaries must be men of great piety, prudence, courage, and forbearance ; of undoubted orthodoxy in their sentiments, and must enter with all their hearts into the spirit of their mission ; they must be willing to leave all the comforts of life behind them, and to encounter all the hardships of a torrid, or a frigid climate, an uncomfortable manner of living, and every other incon- venience that can attend this undertaking. Clothing, a few knives, powder and shot, fishing-tackle, and the articles of husbandry above-mentioned, must be provided for them ; and when arrived at the place of their destination, their first business must be to gain some acquaintance with the language of the natives, (for which purpose two would be better than one,) and by all lawful means to endeavour to cultivate a friendship with them, and as soon as possible let them know the errand for which they were sent. They must endeavour to convince them that it was their good alone, which induced them to forsake their friends, and all the comforts of their native country. They must be very careful not to resent injuries which may be off'ered to them, nor to think highly of themselves, so as to despise the poor heathens, and by those means lay a found^ation for their resentment, or rejection of the gospel. They must take every opportunity of doing them good, and labouring and travailing, night and day, they must instruct, exhort, and rebuke, with all long suffering, and anxious desire for them, and above all, must be instant in prayer for the effusion of the Holy Spirit upon the people of their charge. Let but mission- aries of the above description engage in the work, and we shall see that it is not impracticable. EARLY ARRANGEMENTS. 25 1 Such were Mr, Carey's ideas, when projecting mission work, at home ; and, when he had been more than a month in India, he wrote : — The plan laid down in my little piece I still approve ; and think -it the best that can be followed. A missionary must be one of the companions and equals of the people to whom he is sent. For this system of missionary colonization more persons were required than those who composed the present mis- sionary party ; but it appears to have been Mr Carey's wish that, as far as possible, Mr. Thomas and himself should carry out the project, by procuring a piece of land in some rural district, upon which they might set up huts, and support their families by cultivating the soil, and by the occasional use of their guns. But now they were in Calcutta, and something must be done to settle themselves and to begin the great work they had undertaken. What were they to do ? The first thing obviously was to convert the goods they had for sale into money. They had no Bills of Exchange, or Letters of Credit, upon any merchant or banker in Calcutta. What the Society had granted for their support for twelve months to come, was the sum of ;^ 150, to be divided equally be- tween the two families ; and this money had been invested in articles of merchandise, which had now to be sold to the best advantage. For some days then, it was clear, they must stay in Calcutta, where Mr. Thomas undertook to keep house for the two families ; and they all lived together. Mr. Carey looked with many secret misgivings upon the liberality of " his guide and fellow-labourer's" domestic menage, but did not like to interfere in matters which one who had been in India before must understand so much better than himself. Some friends, who sympathised in their missionary pur- pose, wished them to settle permanently in Calcutta. There, it was urged, Mr. Thomas might obtain a profitable practice as a surgeon ; and, in the native population, and particularly amongst the Portuguese Roman Catholics, then wholly neglected, there was a broad and extensive 252 BANDEL. field, upon the cultivation of which they might enter with good hope of success. But Calcutta was a most expensive place, and they wished to live near to the people of the land in their quiet villages. At the end of November therefore they removed to Bandel ; intending to buy or rent a house there. To buy one proved to be impossible, without far more money than they had ; but they rented one of Mr. Joachim Spiegel, who kept a sort of hotel at Chinsura, in the neighbourhood, and continued there all through the month of December. What inclined the missionaries to think of settling at Bandel, it is hard to say. It is a village immediately adjoining Hooghly, and, as early as 1599, ^ convent, ca- thedral, and other ^ecclesiastical buildings were founded there by Augustinian monks, whose present representa- tives still enjoy a grant of land made to the establishment by one of the Moghul emperors. Ten or twenty years before Messrs. Thomas and Carey went there, Bandel was a favorite and fashionable place of resort for those who desired rest and change after the fatigues of Calcutta life. It was less frequented now ; and probably recommended itself as being a cheap and quiet place, where the mission families would enjoy the advantages of proximity to Euro- peans, whilst the missionaries themselves would find numerous villages around to which they might convey the glad tidings of the cross. " Here," wrote Mr. Carey, on the 4th of December, " we intend to reside. All the people are Catholics or Muhammadans ; but many Hin- dus live at a distance of a mile or two ; so that there is work enough for us here ; and ten thousand ministers would find full employment to publish the gospel." On the 1 6th, he wrote again : — We have frequent opportunities of addressing the Hindus ; and their attention is astonishing. Last Lord's day we visited them at a neighbouring village called Saatgunge, and Mr, Thomas preached to near two hundred of them. They listened with great serious- ness, and several followed to make further enquiries about which is the way to heaven, and what they should do to walk therein ? Every place presents us with a pleasing prospect, and we are of NEW DIFFICULTIES. 253 one mind, and one soul. Pray for us : we daily remember you, and the prosperity of the Society lies very near our hearts. Mr. Carey, however, found that he could not carry out his plans at Bandel ; and they anxiously discussed the advantages of Gour, Malda, Cutwa, and Nuddea, as suit- able localities for their mission. To be able to visit towns and villages on the river-side, they bought a small boat ; and on Sunday, December the 22nd, they were, with Ram Basu, at Nuddea, where some of the pandits begged them to settle, and where they made earnest prayer to God for his guidance in their increasing perplexities. They appear indeed to have resolved to accept this proposal that they should make Nuddea their place of abode, for, on Christ- mas day, Mr. Carey wrote, " Next week, we go to live entirely amongst the natives." But Mr. Thomas's debts had meanwhile found him out. As yet, he had nothing owing to any one in India ; but whilst he listened to Mr. Carey's views, and discussed with him plans upon which no European of any sort has ever yet subsisted in Bengal, he knew that, one of his creditors having sent out his bond to Calcutta, he might any day be arrested and put into prison. It soon appeared that his only chance of escape, and of doing any good in the mission, was to try and earn money in some way which would afford his creditors a reasonable hope that payment would at length be made to them. Nothing deterred him from setting up as a surgeon in Calcutta, as some opulent natives urged him to do, with most gene- rous promises of their patronage, but his reluctance to be detached from the brother who had come out with him from England, and who was so bent upon a rural settle- ment in some interior district. At length, there was hope that Mr. Carey might get employment in the Botanical Gardens just below Calcutta. This issued in disappoint- ment ; but the two families removed to Calcutta at the end of December, ]\Ir. Thomas to open business as a surgeon, Mr. Carey to carry out his cherished plan as soon as he could hear of a piece of land procurable on favorable terms. They now separated their house-keeping. Mr. Thomas 254 SICKNESS AND ANXIETY. took a house in Zig Zag Lane ; and Mr. Carey, who was consulting about waste lands with Nelu Datt, a native banker, from whom Mr. Thomas had taken some advances, accepted his offer of leave to occupy his garden house in Manicktolla, a north eastern suburb of Calcutta, until he was ready to go to his new home. It was a time of heavy calamity to th« inexperienced missionary. At Bandel, his family had suffering severely from dysentery ; and they were still sorely afflicted in the squalid place where they had found a temporary refuge. Rdm Basu was with him and was a comfort to him. He was, however, also a burden, for he wanted to be helped out of debt. Mr. Carey found on enquiry that he could obtain land to any extent at Dehatta, to the eastward, about forty miles from Calcutta. Ram Basu's uncle was the zemindar of the place, and would no doubt be kind and helpful. There he resolved to go, and to build " a bun- galow, or straw-house," and cultivate about fifty or one hundred bigahs of land. His difficulty was the unwill- ingness of his wife and her sister to commit themselves to such a mode of life, with four helpless sickly children. They thought it very hard that, while Mr. Thomas was going to stay in Calcutta, they should be " forced to go into a wilderness and live without many of what they called the necessaries of life, bread in particular." Mr. Carey, however, was resolved, and would have proceeded to Dehatta about the middle of January, but for a most painful difficulty, which shall be stated in his own words. January 15th and i6th, 1794. — On the first of these days, I re- ceived an account that I may have as much land as I please, for three years, for nothing, and, after that, to pay a small rent per annum. I therefore went to ]Mr. Thomas to consult him, and to obtain money ; when I found that my all was expended, and that Mr. Thomas was already in debt. I was much dejected at this. I am in a strange land, alone, no Christian friend, a large family ; and nothing to supply their wants. I blame Mr. Thomas for lead- ing me into such expense at first, and I blame myself for being led ; though I acceded to what I much disapproved of, because I thought he knew the country better, and was in earnest to go and live up the country ; and that, for a week or two, while we sold our MR. CAREY'S JOURNAL. 255 venture, it would be a greater expense to have a separate house and servants than for us to live together. I am dejected, not for my own sake, but my family's, and his, for whom I tremble. He is now at the certain expense of ^4.00 per annum ; and, unless he has speedy practice, he must be irrecoverably involved. I must borrow five hundred Rupees, if I can ; with which I intend to build a hut or two, and retire to the wilderness. There are many serpents and tigers ; but Christ has said His followers shall take up serpents, &c. unhurt. January 17th. — Went to Calcutta to Mr. Thomas for money ; but to no purpose. Was very much dejected all day. January 20th. — This has been a day of seeking money. I had an offer of a bungalow, belonging to the Company, at Dehatta, till I can get a place made for myself and family ; so that it has been a day of mercy ; though, to my shame, of spiritual barrenness. January 23d. — My temporal troubles remain just as they were. I have a place ; but cannot remove my family to it for want of money. Mr. Thomas has now begun to set his face another way. At his motion, I went to Calcutta ; then to Bandel ; at which place all our money was expended. He ordered all the expenses, and lived in his own way : to which I acceded, though sore against my will. He was inclined first, then determined, to practice sur- gery at Calcutta. I agreed to come and settle as near him as possible ; though I had previously intended to go to Gour near Malda ; and all this that I might not be the first in a breach of our mutual undertaking. Now he is buying and selling, and living at a rate of I know not how much, — I suppose, 250 or 300 rupees per mensem, — has twelve servants, and is this day talking of keeping his coach ! I have remonstrated with him in vain ; and I am almost afraid that he intends to throw up the mission. How all these things can be agreeable to a spiritual mind I know not. But now all my friends are but One. I rejoice, however, that He is all- sufficient, and can supply all my wants, spiritual and temporal. My heart bleeds for him, for my family, for the Society, whose stedfastness must be shaken by this report, and for the success of the mission, which must receive a sad blow from this. But why is my soul disquieted within me ? Things may turn out better than I expect. Every thing is known to God, and God cares for the mission. January 24th. — I wish to feel myself always in the excuse of a spirit of a meekness ; but it is hard work. Yesterday my mind was much hurt to see what I thought a degree of selfishness in my ?56 CENSURE OF MR. THOMAS. friend, which amounted to an ahnost total neglect of me, my family, and the mission ; though I do not think he seriously intends to neglect either, but inadvertently runs into such things as make it impossible to attend to either. January 25th. — Was employed in buying some necessaries for our removal into the wilderness. January 27th. — This morning, went to Baliaghat, to procure a boat to carry us over the lakes to the place where we hope to go. Through the delays of my companion, I have spent another month, and done scarcely anything, except that I have added to my know- ledge of the language, and had opportunity of seeing much more of the genius and disposition of the natives than I otherwise could have known. January 28th. — This morning I was at Calcutta. Again disap- pointed about money. Was much dejected and grieved. Advised with munshi, who is my trusty friend ; but could find no settled plan. These paragraphs have been quoted, because they con- tain statements which have most seriously damaged the reputation of Mr. Thomas, ever since they were first pub- lished. Similar assertions are to be found in other parts of Mr. Carey's journal, and in letters written at the same time of trouble. So prone are even good men to remember the failings rather than the excellencies of others, that the things here stated of Mr. Thomas are just those which almost every student of Baptist Missionary history knows about him, whilst he knows no more. Our first missionary is remembered as the man who, on getting out to Calcutta with Mr. Carey, spent both his own share of their joint property and his colleague's, in reckless extravagance, and who, when all was gone, left his brother to be well nigh starved, without making any generous earnest effort to relieve the necessities he had himself created. Mr. Carey afterwards desired to have what he had writ- ten to Mr. Thomas's disadvantage " for ever suppressed and buried in oblivion ;" and there was at least as much of justice as of generosity in the request. The effect of it was, however, disastrous. Mr. Thomas never knew what had been said of his conduct ; and therefore never defended himself against the charges his companion made. Mr. STATEMENT OF THE FACTS. 257 Carey did, indeed, in the middle of 1797, complain of these early transactions, but the reply made by Mr. Thomas was, " I know you approved of my management at the time ;" and his explanations certainly left no good room for dispute, either as to his kindness or his integrity. Mr. Carey's early difficulties, however, were too full of interest to his biographer, to be relieved of any of their original poignancy in his Memoirs ; and the expressions which were so damaging to his brother missionary were repro- duced there ; and the selfish extravagance of Mr. Thomas, supposed to be thus demonstrated, has, in several later- written narratives, served to set off Mr. Carey's self-denial. Christian endurance, and patient excellence, under the deepest injury and provocation. Let all the facts, however, be briefly recounted. It will be remembered that the missionary party was originally expected to include only Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and their child, with Mr. Carey and his little boy. For the support of these five persons ^150 had been invested in goods, to be taken with them, and sold in Calcutta. This it was hoped, would produce upwards of ^75 for each missionary, for a year's support ; and the equal division of the money gave Mr. Carey an advantage, in prospect of which Mr. Thomas never complained. The inadequacy of the allow- ance was, however, most seriously aggravated by the unexpected addition to the party of Mrs. Carey, with four children and her sister. This doubled the number to be provided for. Whilst that difficulty naturally most affected Mr. Carey's finances, Mr. Thomas had one of almost equal weight in his separation from his wife on the voyage. She had already borrowed more than Rs. 500 from persons who knew him, to enable her to meet expen- ses in Calcutta, before the arrival of the Kroii Princessa Maria. But, quitting these considerations of the difficulties which the missionaries had to encounter with very narrow means, let us examine the truth and justice of the charges laid against Mr. Thomas by his dispirited colleague. We are happily able to do this ; for an account of their pecu- 258 AN ACCOUNT CURRENT. niary relations at this time, drawn up by ]\Ir. Thomas, and corrected by Mr. Carey's own hand, has been preserv^ed. An account current is not easily introduced into a narrative, but perhaps the substance of this may be rendered readable and intelligible. Mr. Carey blamed Mr. Thomas for leading him into ruinous expense in their joint house-keeping. The two families lived together " and kept but one table," from the time they left the ship, on the loth of November, till the end of December ; and the account debits ]\Ir. Carey for " expenses of house-keeping," including rent, servants' wages, &c., Sicca Rupees 150 only. He had to pay nothing more for the board of his family, except the half of " Spiegel's bill," for " wine, pork, gardener's wages, and rent," which belongs to the period of their residence at Bandel ;• — but, adding Sa. Rs. 34 for this, how could three adults and four children have been more economi- cally provided for, during seven weeks ? We find too that the " cash" received by Mr. Carey from his colleague in several, mostly small, sums before the 31st of January, amounted to Sa. Rs. 382-5-0; whilst for " cloth for gowns," " gingham," " shoes," made necessary by the haste in which his family prepared to leave Eng- land, and their consequently most imperfect outfit, together with "earthenware," " a table," and other articles of furni- ture, with a few household stores, tools, and " two bill- hooks," before going to Dehatta, there had been paid on his behalf, in addition, Sa. Rs. 217-13-1. Lastly, payments to the steward of the Kron Princessa Marin, &c. with the outlay and loss upon the boat they had jointly purchased, amounted to Sa. Rs. 56-8-0. These sums are none of them very large, and it is easy to see how such expenditure was needful, but, added together, the items made up Sa. Rs. 840-10-1 ; which Mr. Thomas had paid to or for his colleague when the complaints we have quoted were written. The same account includes the sums received to Mr. Carey's credit, (some of which appear to have come in at a much later date) by the sale of cutlery, hosiery, and wine ! The MERITS OF THE DISPUTE. 259 total was only Sa. Rs. 731-7-2!. Mr. Carey had therefore, as he subsequently acknowledged, already over-drawn his share of the money at the very time his unguarded expressions accused his colleague of having deprived him of the scanty means the Society had allotted. That the good men had not a clearer understanding of the state of their joint finances was certainly very unfor- tunate ; but Mr. Thomas could have had no motive to reticence in the matter, except indeed his desire not to encourage the despondent apprehensions of Mr. Carey, whilst the later ought to have known how much he had received in money and by payment for his purchases ; and, in fact, did thus possess all the data requisite for a perfect knowledge of the condition of his own affairs. No remarks are offered upon the reflections made upon Mr. Thomas's personal extravagance, after the families separated. Mr. Carey's words were written in moments of agitation, and should not be taken as his deliberate utter- ances. And, without any doubt, Mr. Thomas was to blame. He was constitutionally profuse, and ahvays reckless of future difficulties. Mr. Carey very justly estimated him, when he said that, good man as he was, he was " only fit to live at sea, where his daily business would be before him, and daily provision made for him." But it must be remembered that at the time when he was so unconsciously exposing himself to the animadversions of Mr. Carey whose own previous life had necessarily been one of rigor- ous economy, he was seeking to establish himself as a surgeon in Calcutta. A conveyance was a necessity, if he was to visit patients in so large a city, and some res- pectability of appearance was requisite to ensure the chance of success. No further apology for expenses which he had to suffer sorely for, somewhat later, need be offered. His dealings with Mr. Carey are now under review. They have been held to exhibit self-indulgent indifference. They are certainly capable of a very much more favorable interpretation. He was in overwhelming difficulties him- self, yet he not only paid Mr. Carey more than he was entitled to receive from him, but pledged his already 26o MR. CAREY LEAVES CALCUTTA. overstrained credit to borrow money for his brother's relief, Mr. Carey's history may be pursued for a while, before that of his colleague is resumed. He had a most dreary sojourn at Manicktola, with sick children and a dissatisfied wife, ever ready to reproach him with the discomforts of their daily lot. Yet, on Sundays especially, and on other days, he attempted, with Ram Basu's aid, to talk of the Saviour to those he met with in the bazar and shops in his neio-hbourhood. His journal records that on the 24th of January, he tried to find solace in the acquaintance of religious friends. He writes : — I went to visit a professor of religion, to whom I was recommend- ed at the Isle of Wight ; but to my sorrow found him at dice ! Thence went to see the Rev. David Brown. He is an evangelical preacher of the Church of England, and received me with cool po- liteness. I staid near an hour with him : found him a very sensible man ; but a marked disgust prevails, on both sides, between him and Mr. Thomas. He carried himself as greatly my superior, and I left him without his having so much as asked me to take any refreshment, though he knew I had walked five miles in the heat of the sun. Mr. Brown's displeasure against Mr. Thomas did not soon abate. In a letter of much later date, — March 23d 1 7^7^ — Mr. Carey says of him, " He is a virulent enemy to our undertaking." The account current proceeds to show that, on the 31st of January, Mr. Thomas gave his colleague Sa. Rs. 150, which he had borrowed with other money from Durgacha- ran Datt, a native banker, at 1 2 per cent, interest. The next day, Saturday, Mr. Carey and Ram Basu made arrange- ments for departure to Dehatta. On the Monday, a boat was procured at Baliaghat, the few articles of furniture and other baggage in their possession were put on board, and on Tuesday, the 4th of February, the Carey family pro- ceeded on their way to Dehatta. On the 6th, they arrived there, weary of their journey in the crowded boat, and with their supplies exhausted. Mr. Carey had been told that there was a bungalow at the place, in which he might MR. CAREY AT DEHATTA. 26 1 for a time put up, whilst his own house was building. On his arrival he found it was occupied by Mr. Charles Short, who resided there as superintendent of the salt works in the neighbourhood. ]\Ir. Short met them with most gene- rous hospitality, brought them all into his house, insisted on their continuing there until they could provide them- selves with another dwelling, and bountifully supplied all their wants. As to land, there was plenty to be had here. Mr. Carey wrote : — Hashnabad, Kollatola, and several other adjacent parishes were at that time very nearly uninhabited. I went to Hashnabad, and thence to Kollatola, where I pitched on a place ; but in a day or two, relinquished that and chose another at Hashnabad, where I began to build. He thus describes his progress : — February 15th. — I have taken a few acres of land at Hashnabad, near Dehatta, which is about forty miles east of Calcutta, upon the river Jabuna. An English gentleman, to whom we were entirely unknown, has generously invited us all to stay in his house, till we have erected one of our own. This I am now engaged upon. The walls will be made of mats fastened to wooden posts, and the roof formed of bamboos, and thatched. The neighbouring inhabitants yield me a little assistance in the work, and four or five hundred families intend to come and reside in our neighbourhood. This is occasioned by munshi's representing me to them in a favorable light. Although the country is an excellent soil, it has been lately almost deserted, on account of the tigers, and other beasts of prey, which infest the place ; but these are all afraid of a gun, and will soon be expelled. The people, therefore, are not afraid, when a European is nigh. We shall have all the necessaries of life here, except bread, for which rice must be a substitute." Wild hogs, deer, and fowls, are to be procured by the gun, and will supply us with a considerable part of our food. I find an inconvenience, in having so much of my time necessarily taken up in procuring pro- visions, and cultivating my little farm ; but, when my house is built, I shall have more leisure than at present, with daily oppor- tunities of conversing with the natives, and pursuing the work of the mission. Here is certainly a large field for usefulness : — much larger than you can conceive, both among the Hindus and Mussul- mans. They are very numerous, very inquisitive, and very 262 MR. CAREY'S PROSPECTS. attentive to the gospel. When I know the language well enough to preach in it, I have no doubt of having a stated congregation, and I much hope to send you pleasing accounts. I can so far converse in the language as to be understood in most things belonging to eating and drinking, buying and selling, &c. My ear is somewhat familiarized to the Bengali sounds. It is a lan- guage of a very singular construction, having no plural except for pronouns, and not a single preposition in it : but the cases of nouns and pronouns are almost endless, all the words answering to our prepositions being put after the word, and forming a new case. Except these singularities, I find it an easy language. I feel myself happy in my present undertaking, for though I never felt the loss of social religion so much as now ; yet a consciousness of having given up all for God is a support ; and the work, with all its attendant inconveniences, is to me a rich reward. I think the Society would do well to keep their eye towards Africa or Asia, countries which are not like the wilds of America, where long labour will scarcely collect sixty people to hear the word : for here it is almost impossible to get out of the way of hundreds, and preachers are wanted a thousand times more than people to preach to. Within India, are the Mahratta country and the northern parts to Cashmire, in which, as far as I can learn, there is not one soul that thinks of God aright. February 23d. — Though I am surrounded by mercies, yet for this fortnight past my life has been rendered useless as to spi- ritual things, being for the present wholly occupied in temporal concerns, and the Sabbaths now are quite disconsolate. In one of these Sabbaths I am seeking communion with you, and I feel that a distance of ten or fifteen thousand miles, cannot prevent the communion of saints. Though deprived of a personal inter- course with my European friends, I have at least one religious friend, and that is Ram Ram Basu, He has indeed much timidity, but is a man. of very good understanding, and well-informed ; he is also a person of strict probity. The part where I am building my house is within a quarter of a mile of the impenetrable forests called Sunderbunds : and though quite deserted before, through fear of the tigers, the people are now returning, encouraged by my example, and we shall soon have three or four thousand in our vicinity. These people and all others in the neighbourhood are much pleased with my coming, and two or three days ago a depu- tation of five or six Brahmans, with a present in their hands, came to thank me ; or rather to say that they were glad I was coming to man's extremity. 263 live among them, for they have no such word as Iharik you, nor any expression of thankfulness, in all their language. With respect to personal safety, I am just the same here as in England. My health was never better. The climate, though hot, is tolerable ; but, attended as I am with difBculties, I would not renounce my undertaking for all the world. These extracts breathe a noble spirit of devotedness to the great work the writer had undertaken, — devotedness undisturbed by the most adverse circumstances conceivable. Mr. Carey had to sustain the burden of domestic misery, in the displeasure of his wife and family with all his pre- sent arrangements. He was separated from his colleague, who also had no ability to send him help. He was almost penniless, for the little money he had on leaving Calcutta was now all gone, notwithstanding the relief to his finan- ces afforded by Mr. Short's kind help. He had no supplies in prospect for many months to come. He was now about to dwell in a hut altogether unfit for the occupation of Europeans new to the country, and erected in a malari- ous uncultivated district, with a family already predisposed to dangerous sicknesses. Strong in faith, Mr. Carey felt himself safe in the hands of God ; and he was so ; but surely all must feel that his deliverance from disease and death depended, under God, upon his speedy removal from his present position. Hitherto the miseries of his situation had been mitigated by the circumstance that he and his family lived in Mr. Short's house and were fed at his table. He was now about to occupy his own dwelling, and to become dependent upon his own exhausted resour- ces ; whilst the hitherto moderate heat of the climate was daily becoming more and more oppressive to those who had never before experienced its intensity. But unexpected relief was near at hand. He who had so wonderfully " furnished a table in the wilderness" for His servant, was now providing for him an escape from the dangers which beset him at Dehatta ; and if Mr. Thomas be held responsible for some of his brother's calamities, it is pleasant to mark how the providence of God made him the joyful instrument of obtaining for him a most happy 264 A FATAL ACCIDENT. release from them. To do this, we must revert to the progress of affairs in Calcutta. Very little can be said of Mr. Thomas's prospects of success as a surgeon. He kept no journal at this time, and information as to his doings is very scanty and imperfect. But there can be little doubt that the issue of his attempt to establish himself in Calcutta must have been an utter failure, had it been continued. As it was, he contracted debts which very seriously added to his former embarass- ments ; and, as he himself felt and acknowledged, the effects of his anxious struggles to succeed, and of his endeavours to discover some method of overcoming his difficulties, were most unfavorable to his spiritual life and missionary usefulness. Thus the feeble infant mission appeared, under all these adverse circumstances, to be about to expire, in the death or ruin of its first agents. No human eye could have foreseen its recovery from disaster so complete and overwhelming. We left Mr. Thomas attempting to establish himself in practice as a surgeon in Calcutta. A few days after he had made his arrangements for this, an event occurred which was related by the Calcutta Mirror y of January 7 th, in the following words. A most unfortunate and melancholy accident happened on Friday evening, January 3d. As Mr. R. Udny, his lady, Mr. Lapri- maudaye, and Mr. Robinson were crossing over to Calcutta from the opposite side of the river, their boat, getting athwart the hawser of a ship lying at anchor, was suddenly overset, and carried down under the ship's bottom by the rapidity of the tide ; by which acci- dent Mr. and Mrs. Udny unhappily perished. Mr. Laprimaudaye was taken up in the course of a few minutes, but was insensible. Some doubt was at first entertained of his recovery ; but we are happy to understand that he is free from danger. Mr. Robinson was carried along between the boat and the ship's bottom, from which he was much torn and bruised."^' * In the Old Burial Ground at Calcutta is the following inscription : — " Here lie interred the bodies of Robert Udny and of Ann his wife, who, on the 3d of Januaiy, 1794, were overset in a boat, as they were crossing the river opposite to Calcutta, and perished, — he aged 31, she aged 26 years. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. — 2 Samuel i. 23. Prisoners of hope. — Zachariah ix. 12." MR. THOMAS VISITS MALDA. 265 This deplorable catastrophe overwhelmed the Malda family with distress, and especially the tender mother of the deceased young man. Mrs. Udny was so sorely afflict- ed that it was feared she would sink under the terrible stroke. As the reader will suppose, Mr. Thomas was greatly affected by this sad event. Robert Udny had been one of his earliest acquaintances amongst those who feared God in Bengal ; and his death under circumstances so painful occasioned very deep feeling. We have seen that Mr. George Udny had most kindly aided Mr. Thomas down to the time when he left India. He, however, had " declined the support of the mission," and no appeal was made to him for assistance in the difficulties in which the missionaries found themselves placed. Now, however, on hearing of the illness of his kind friend Mrs. Udny, ]\Ir. Thomas wrote at once to her surviving son, expressing his warm sympathy and saying that, but for the impossibility of leaving Calcutta at the time, he would have set off for Malda as soon as the news reached him. His affectionate overtures were gratefully Avelcomed. Mr. Udny wrote at once, begging that he would come to them. Early in February, therefore he set off to Malda, leaving his family in Calcutta. Some particulars of this visit are related in the following extracts from a letter written on the loth of March, at Baddaul, sixty miles to the eastward of Malda, whither he had accompanied the Udny family on a trip for change of air. Speaking of his interview with Mr. George Udny, he says : — We met, with two hearts overflowing with affectionate remem- brances of each other, and recollections of the sad occasion of our meeting now. Many tears fell, and many steps were taken, before one word was uttered on either side. We went and mingled our tears with those of his dear mother, who lay smarting under the afflicting hand of God, in body and mind : carrying about with her deep marks of heart-breaking grief. The same morning, I directed her to get a word from Christ, by preaching from Canticles viii. 13. I fatigued her body with long walks, hoping thereby to render her mind less capable of grief : and the Lord gave His blessing. This led to most important results. Re-established in the affections of his Malda friends, Mr. Thomas did 34 266 THE MISSIONARIES BECOME INDIGO FACTORS. much to restore their tranquillity, and they were wishful to retain near them a friend so useful, both as a physician and as a Christian minister. While these wishes were as yet unknown to him, he was one day in the chariot with Mrs. Udny, when she said, " You have no mind. Doctor, for indigo works, have you ?" " Yes, madam," was the reply ; " I should like it very much, if any one would so employ me." She spoke to her son, and he at once ac- quiesced in the proposal that Mr. Thomas should take charge of the factory he was erecting at Moypaldiggy. He had another set of works also building at Mudnabatty, and Mr, Thomas's entreaty that his brother Carey also might be employed in the same way met with a ready acceptance. Before the end of February therefore, he was able to write to his sorely tried brother and to make him the offer of employment as an indigo planter. In the letter already quoted he goes on to say, — I intended no other than to return to Calcutta ; but during my visit at Malda, Mr. Udny proposed that I should superintend one of his indigo manufactories ; and I have acceded to his proposal. It appears to me a great opening for usefulness ; as it affords large opportunity of communicating knowledge by schools and stated instruction. Here I shall at length have perhaps five hun- dred of the natives in employ ; and, from November till June, be entirely at leisure to pursue my usual labours. Mr. Carey is offered another of the manufactories ; but I have received no answer from him yet. If he accepts it ; as I think he will, we shall be within twenty miles of each other. I consider this employment for us and our people as every way becoming and suitable ; and I hope it will afford the Society pleasure and satisfaction. When our salary will commence, or what it will be, I know not as yet. We wish to know : for our money is all gone : and I have borrowed for both, and that is gone also. Poor brother Carey was sadly grieved in behalf of Ram Ram Basu, who had a debt to discharge, and his wages were due. He was beset for the debt, and we were two months before we could spare him relief. Having never maintained a family, nor lived at my own expense, in Cal- cutta, I little thought how much money it would require to keep house in the same line and proportion as Mr. Carey had lived in at home. We should have written soon, and entreated the Society to spare us more : but now, I hope, we shall soon be able to do with MR. CAREY AT MALDA. 267 less, perhaps with nothing, from them ; but may add something to the strength of their hands, I have not seen Parbati yet, nor Mohan Chand. The former is four hundred miles away, up the country. He is expected down ; and when he and Mohan Chand, and Ram Basu are all together, your letter is to be solemnly read and explained, and delivered to them. Let it not grieve you that it has been so long delayed. We have been much favored and helped of God, and are happy and comfortable with each other. O that I could tell you how useful, and how successful we had been in bringing the Hindus to Christ ! I mourn to find my time and thoughts so dissipated with cares, and so unhinged for this great work : but, notwithstanding this, I hope for precious times to come. Mr. Carey received the welcome invitation to remove to Malda on the ist of March, but he was detained at Dehatta some time after he knew that a home was provided for him elsewhere. On the 23d of May, he started with his family, on the journey to Malda ; and reached it on the 15th of June. Mr. Udny and his mother gave them a most kind recep- tion. Next day was Sunday, and Mr. Thomas came in to the services, and there was a joyful reunion between him and his colleague. Mr. Carey delighted in the opportunity to preach again, and had an attentive and intelligent congregation of sixteen, in the scene of Mr. Thomas's early labours. Mr. Charles Short who had so generously entertained Mr. Carey's family at Dehatta became shortly afterwards a member of it. On the 15th of November, 1794, he was married at Chinsura to Miss Catharine Placket, Mrs. Carey's sister. Mr. Udny made generous arrangements with his mis- sionary planters. The monthly salaiy of each was to be Rs. 200 ; but very large returns were looked for from the factories, and, over and above their salaries, they were to obtain a commission upon all the indigo made ; and, if things answered expectation, a proprietary share in the works was also to reward their efforts. For the present, their business was one of preparation. Houses had to be erected, factory buildings and vats constructed ; and a busy time was before them, in which they could not hope to do much to their higher work of making known the truth. But they looked 268 HAPPY PROSPECTS. forward to the quiet times which would follow, and rejoiced that God had so graciously provided homes and profitable employment for them, in which they could hope to be so useful in His cause. However the indigo manufacture might answer in time to come, one thing was already clear to the two missionaries : further support from the Society was now needless. Let the funds collected for them goto evangelize some other country. They in Bengal could now sustain themselves, if indeed they could not do much more. They wrote therefore, in the spirit of true Christian generosity, declining further remittances, yet holding themselves as closely as ever bound to the Society at home, whose sympathy and help had done so much to promote their hearts' desire. Our narrative has shown how necessary the support this employment gave to the missionaries really was ; and, all things considered, it appears to be impossible to con- ceive of any situation which would have better suited them and the work they had come to India to accomplish. Events subsequently showed that, without secular employ- ment of the kind, they would not have been permitted to stay in India ; and an arrangement which, while it gave them support, left so much time at their disposal, whilst it also placed them under the protection of a man of Mr. Udny's character and commanding influence, was so sin- gularly felicitous, that we must see in it the finger of God. How important an instrument in bringing about this arrangement Mr. Thomas was, must appear to every one who has read the foregoing pages. Imprudent and erratic, as we freely admit that he was, the Lord employed him in a remarkable manner to facilitate the entrance of His word into the long benighted province of Bengal. CHAPTER XI. Moypaldiggy. — 1794-7. MOYPALDIGGY, the place of Mr. Thomas's residence was not destitute of antiquarian and other interest. In his Descripticni of the District of Dinajpur^ Dr. Francis Buchanan Hamilton thus speaks of it : — In the North East part of the Bangshihari division, is a very large tank, supposed to have been dug by Mohipal raja, and called after his name, Moypaldiggy. This sheet of water extends 3800 feet from North to South, and 11 00 from East to West. Its depth must be very considerable, as the banks are very large. On the banks are several places of worship, both Hindu and Moslem, but none of any consequence. Nothing remains to show that Mohipal ever resided at the tank or near it ; but there is a vast number of bricks, and some stones, that probably belonged to religious buildings, erected by the person who constructed the tank. The people in the neighbourhood have an idea, that there has been a building in the centre of the tank, but this is probably devoid of truth, as there is no end to the idle stories which they relate concerning the tank and Mohipal. Both are considered as venerable, or rather, awful, and the raja is frequently invoked in times of danger. A canal and road, formed from the earth thrown out, lead south from the tank about four miles, where they join others, leading east and west. From " bricks of an uncommon size," dug out of the pavements around this tank, the house Mr. Udny erected for his factory was in great part built. The outlay was very considerable, not less than ^12,000 being expended upon the buildings at Moypaldiggy and Mudnabatty. A letter written by Mr. Thomas to his father, in August, 270 MOYPALDIGGY. 1795, supplies a rude sketch and description of his dwell- ing house. He says, — This is a little like the part of the house we have begun to build, and this a plan of the te^tW^s?^ whole when finished. It will have two [^['1''d piazzas, a hall, and four store rooms below ; two JJ|G^p. piazzas, a hall, and four bed rooms above stairs ; and a study at the top of the house. On the other side is the head of the staircase. The situation was, upon the whole, very healthy and pleasant. Numerous villages of people to whom the gospel might be preached lay within an easy distance all around. The noble sheet of water close to the house was pleasant to the eye and, when the wind blew over it, greatly con- ducive to coolness. And, away to the north, was to be seen, when the atmosphere was clear, the magnificent peak of Kunchinjinga, 28,177 feet above the level of the sea, with adjacent mountains, covered with everlasting snows, and speaking ever to the missionary of the people dwell- ing in ignorance in the valleys at its feet. Mr. Thomas regarded it as a great mistake that " in the first setting out of Moypal," lands of a very low level were secured for the indigo cultivation, and that they were so widely scattered. In one of his notes to ]\Ir. Udny he says, " It is not much less than thirty krosJi* to go quite round the borders of our lands." This was a very " expen- sive inconvenience," rendering inspection of the growing plant very laborious, and occasioning much outlay at the time of manufacture to bring the indigo to the vats. The district of Dinajpur is very populous, yet large tracts were uncultivated, and wild animals abounded in many parts of it. Tigers were considered rare. In August 1796, however, Rs. 800 was paid in rewards for killing them, by the collector of Dinajpur, at the rate of Rs. 12 per head. The most injurious beasts there were leopards, wild boars, and buffaloes, especially the last named, which were so numerous that more than sixty were killed in the neighbourhood of Moypaldiggy, in little more than three years. It was no uncommon thing for Mr. * The krosh is about nine furlongs. CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE. 27 1 Thomas to be summoned to assist some poor neighbour who had received frightful hurt in an encounter with one of these animals in his rice fields. The inhabitants of the district were a very simple inof- fensive people. Mr. Thomas illustrates this, in one of his letters to Mr. Samuel Pearce, as follows : — When I call the Hindus harmless, what do I mean ? I do not contradict the bad name given them by Europeans for deceit, treachery, &c., but I have done business with some thousands of them, and I say again they are the most harmless and inoffensive people I know of in the world, or have ever heard of. I speak, of course, not absolutely, but comparatively. If I look at the American continent, the African, the European, — if I think of the lower class of menin England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, — if I visit the Malays, the Tartars, or the Chinese, — I still come back to the Hindus, not- withstanding all their frauds, as a man would come home from people of fierce brutal lusts and passions to his own quiet neighbours. Not far from my place of residence, there was a European of high rank riding one day through the rice fields, which are very extensive in this district. The road from here to Mudnabatty is eighteen miles or more, all the way through rice fields, with here and there a village whose little straw huts are surrounded by bamboo and mango trees. This gentleman had lost his way, but came upon people ploughing their fields, by whom he wished to be directed. They, however, seeing him approaching, left ploughs, bullocks, and all, and fled, as if death was behind them, having had experience of the way such gentleman treat them. He rode after them, and unhappily overtook a poor man, whom he ordered to be severely flogged, and then made him and his son go on before to show him his road. You may be sure that, at parting, the poor fellow gave this gentleman as many salams as if he had made him a liberal pre- sent. This was told me by the person himself. Now had he ventured to do so in the countries I have named above, he would soon have found himself overtaken by stones, bludgeons, pitchforks, kreeses, daggers, or the like, before he had gone far upon his journey. Any person might enter my house at midnight ; for I have neither bar nor bolt, hasp nor lock, nor any thing of the kind ; and yet I am as safe here, as you are in Paul's Square, Birmingham, at noonday. Could I venture to sleep so any where in Europe, America, or Africa ? Much has been said of the murderous Fakirs and of dacoits ; but the acts of violence of these lawless depredators do not affect the character of the people at large. 272 OPPRESSION BY THE DINAJPUR RAJA. Such Europeans as the one mentioned above were not the hardest oppressors the poor ryots of Dindjpur had to complain of. In March, 1796, Mr. Thomas writes, — A few days ago the raja of the district came into this neighbour- hood hawking. One of his hawks seized a bird, and fell with it close to a poor man's hut. The man supposed that it was a wild hawk and, in trying to catch it, broke its wing. Another hawk was lost. For these two misadventures the raja fined two Chowdrees, or head men, who were with him, Rs. 600. They, in turn, extorted the money from the poor cultivators ; and the messengers employed to make the collection aggravated the evil by taking still more than they were ordered to do. It is truly fearful to see how the poor are fleeced and plundered. One of our own factory people had his bullock seized and sold, and Rs. 8 taken from him, on account of these wretched hawks ; but I got it back for him. It was all he had in the world. So, in 1797, he says, — The raja, who did me the honour of calling to see me, has been very extravagant this year, so he has levied upon his ryots, not a forced loan, but a forced gift or ' benevolence' ! of about bd. per acre ; and I am told that the amount of the contribution made up some two months ago, was more than ^12,000 sterling. It was then not completed ! How unhappy was the condition of a people who were defenceless against such cruel extortion ! No marvel that the indignation of the compassionate missionary was often roused by the spectacle of their miseries. The history of Mr. Thomas's residence at Moypaldiggy has many points of great interest. In some respects, it was the happiest period of his missionary life. He began it with a good knowledge of the language of the people around him. He had business relations with many hun- dreds of them, which naturally secured him influence over their minds, and this seemed likely to contribute to the suc- cess of his missionary efforts. He had at a least a sufiicient maintenance, in the allowance made for his services in the indigo manufacture, by Mr. Udny. His family were with him; and he enjoyed the advantage of affectionate inter- course with a devoted and judicious colleague, deeply interested with him in every detail of missionary effort or EXPOSURE OF CHILDREN. 273 success. He had also the encouragement and stimulus afforded by his connexion with the Baptist Missionary Society, some of whose members corresponded with him, and were always delighted to receive notices of his encou- ragements or progress. The indigo cultivation had been commenced at INIoypal- diggy, towards the end of 1793 ; but when Mr. Thomas took charge, little was done towards completing the requisite buildings. Both he and Mr. Carey at Mudnabatty had much to do in superintending bricklayers and carpenters. In July, 1794, a small beginning in the manufacture was made ; and both missionaries spent much time in visits to neighbouring factories, that they might acquaint them- selves with all the details of the business. On one of these occasions, as they were riding together, near Bhulahath, they found " a basket hung in a tree, in which an infant had been exposed. Its skull alone remained : the rest had been devoured by ants." The circumstance reminded Mr. Thomas of a somewhat similar occurrence, which took place when he was living close by, at Harla Gachi. A mother had hung up her puny infant in that same tree. The poor wailing child strug- gled, and at last fell out of its basket ; and a jackal was making off with it, when it was rescued and carried back to its home by the indignant missionary. Such exposure of sick infants, supposed to be bewitched, was a common practice in those cruel days. Sometimes a child sur\dved, and was reclaimed. Far more frequently, it fell a victim to the superstition of its parents.* * In the Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan's " record of the superstitious practices of the Hindus, which inflict immediate death, or tend to death, deducted from the evidence of the pandits and learned Brahmans in the College of Fort AVil- liam," and printed in the Appendix to his Memoir of the E.xpedie.?icy of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India, 1805, he says of the "exposure of children," — " If a cliild refuse the mother's milk, whether from sickness or from any other cause, it is supposed to be under the influence of an evil spirit. In this case, the babe is put into a basket and hung up in a tree for three days. It generally happens that before the expiration of that time the infant is dead ; being des- troyed by ants, or by birds of prey. If it be alive at the end of the three days, it is taken home, and means are used to presen'c its life." 35 2 74 -AJ^ EXCURSION TO THE NORTH. On the removal of Mr. Carey's family to Mudnabatty, they suffered very severely from the fevers which were prevailing at that time in the neighbourhood. The situa- tion appears to have been a very unhealthy one. All September, Mr. Carey was terribly ill with a malarious fever ; and, at the end of the month, his third son, Peter, a fine engaging boy of five years old, fell a victim to the same disease. In this affliction, the sympathy and help of his medical brother were of course freely given ; and they were a source of very great comfort to the distressed family. In one of their conferences held during this season of trial at Mudnabatty, Mr. Carey records that Mr. Thomas and himself " agreed to spend the Tuesday morning of every week in joint though separate prayer to God for a blessing on the mission." As Mr. Carey did not speedily regain his health, Mr. Udny was anxious to settle him elsewhere ; and, hoping that a change of air might prove beneficial, he asked Mr. Thomas to accompany the invalid on a journey of explora- tion to the northward, lending them his own pinnace that they might travel in comfort up the Tangan river. On the 22nd of October therefore Mr. Carey arrived at Moypaldiggy, where he and Mr. Thomas enjoyed happy union in prayer, and profitable discourse, and, next day at noon, they proceeded on their excursion. On Saturday, they arrived at Sadamahal, where they spent their Sunday, thus making their first acquaintance with a place with which Mr. Thomas afterwards was closely connected. Having advanced as far as the shallowness of the river permitted in the pinnace, they went yet farther in a small boat, hoping to be able to reach the foot of the Boutan hills ; which, however, they soon found was impossible. They enjoyed some fine opportunities for preaching the gospel, and arrived again at Moypaldiggy by the end of October. As the result of their report to Mr. Udny, he wished to remove Mr. Carey from Mudnabatty to Sadamahal ; and sent him back thither to make arrangements accordingly ; but the project was given up ; and, after some improve- CORRESPONDENCE AVITH ENGLAND. 275 ments had been carried out at Mudnabatty, that place seems to have been found very healthy. When the ships from Europe began to arrive, the mis- sionaries looked eagerly for letters from their friends at home. Mr. Thomas's correspondents, at least, had had suffi- cient experience of the Indian mails to avail themselves of the ordinary opportunities of sending to him. Neither they, however, nor the members of the Society, appear to have done so ; and the missionaries who quitted England on the 13th of June, 1 793, received their first letters from the friends they had left behind them, in the middle of May, 1 795 ! To be so long without any communications from those to whom they looked for sympathy and encouragement in their arduous undertaking, must have been a severe trial of patience. A yet more serious disappointment would have befallen them had not the good providence of God relieved them from dependence upon their brethren at home, inexperienced as they were in the art of remitting funds to India. The first remittance from the Society was made in stationery and drugs, to the value of ^50, sent in May, 1794. This was despatched " at a venture" by Mr. Fuller, during a visit which he paid to London. A more important consignment, amounting in value to ^145, was to be sent in the autumn of the same year ; but, through a mistake made by Mr. Savage, of the East India House, who undertook to ship the goods, they were stored in a London warehouse, until April, 1796, when,having been ac- cidentally discovered, they were despatched the following month. Mr. Fuller very truly remarked on the occasion, — " If our brethren had not been provided for another way, such an oversight might have been very serious in its conse- quences !" Meanwhile the utmost harmony and affection prevailed between the two missionary brethren. They met together v as often as possible, prayed together, discussed plans of usefulness together, and were helpers of each other's faith and joy. Preaching in the villages around them was carried on, and schools were set up for the children, which, however, the ignorance of the parents led them to neglect. 276 MISSION SCHOOLS. To remedy this evil, the missionaries formed the follow- ing project, described by Mr. Carey, in January, 1795, — We formed a plan for setting up two colleges, for the education of twelve youths in each. We intend to clothe and feed them, and educate them for some years in Sanscrit, Persian, &c., and parti- cularly to introduce the study of the Holy Scriptures and useful sciences therein. We intend also to order types from England at our own expense, and to print the Bible and other useful things in the Bengali and Hindustani languages. We have reason indeed to be very grateful to God for His kind providence, which enables us to lay out anything for Him. May our hearts be always ready. Much of all this they found themselves unable to carry into execution ; but hearty practical efforts were steadily made by both brethren to sustain their high calling as missionaries in a heathen land. Mohan Chand visited them both ; but Parbati was still at a distance, and seemed to be little disposed to come to them, owing to a quarrel he had had with Ram Basu. The accounts they received of his character were, however, very encouraging. Ram Ram Basu was still Mr. Carey's teacher of Bengali, and was helpful to him in his efforts to preach to the villagers, but the hope that he would become a profess- ed Christian grew less and less confident as his charac- ter more fully developed itself. Mr. Thomas had Padma Lochan as his pandit, and began to entertain hopes of his conversion. He was silent, his master said, when asked, " What think you of Christ r" but he put into Bengali verse the hymn, — Jesus, and shall it ever be, A mortal man ashamed of Thee ! which for several years was used by the Bengali Christian , congregations.* The work of translation was not neglected. ]\Ir. Carey had already begun to display that extraordinary persever- ance and facility in this labour, for which he afterwards became so eminently distinguished ; and had translated the * This Bengali hymn commences, — CW. ^C**!?! S^J ST^ 3f)$ | MOHAN CHAND. 277 book of Exodus into Bengali, besides bestowing much toil upon the revision of the portions previously executed. Luke was also begun by j\Ir. Thomas, and they both hoped, when the expected profits of the indigo manufacture for 1795 were realized, that they should be able to print and send abroad some portions of the work at their own proper cost. They hoped also to form a Christian church, without delay. Mr. William Long, whom Mr. Thomas baptized in June, 1 788, was living within a few miles of them, at Baman- gola, where he superintended an indigo factory, and Mr. Samuel Powell, who was at Moypaldiggy as Mr. Thomas's assistant, and who had derived much spiritual benefit from his cousin's close and affectionate conversation, was anx- ious to be baptized. His severe illness, however, in July, 1795, made it necessary to postpone these arrangements for a few months. jMohan Chand's conduct and conversation excited much hope in Mr. Carey's mind that, although very timid and irresolute, he was really sincere. He read with great interest the portions of the Old Testament which had been put into Bengali, and found much in the Mosaic ritual which pleased him greatly, since he was disposed to think that the Hindu ceremonies far more nearly resembled the Jewish, than any practices he had witnessed amongst Christians ! Mr. Carey had also a young pandit in his employ, named Kasinath Mukerjea, of whom he saw some reason to hope well. Meanwhile a dreadful calamity was befalling Mr. Carey, in his wife's insanity, which took the form of the most odious suspicions regarding her husband, and sometimes assumed a very violent character. In this terrible trial, Mr. Carey had the tenderest sympathy and help from Mr. Thomas, who wrote him on one occasion as follows, — I have many things to say, and this is a very imperfect way of conveying thoughts in comparison with talk. You know Mrs. Carey sent a letter express to me yesterday, and gave a man a rupee to bring it. I was seriously frightened. — Her false surmises may bring on true troubles, that are rising to such a height that I know 278 MR. CAREY'S TROUBLES. not what will be the issue of it. You must endeavour to consider it a disease. The eyes and ears of many are upon you, to whom your conduct is unimpeachable, with respect to all her charges ; but if you show resentment, they have ears, and others have tongues set on fire. Were I in your case, I should be violent ; but blessed be God, who suits our burdens to our backs. Sometimes I pray earnestly for you, and I always feel for you. Think of Job. Think of Jesus. Think of those who were ' destitute, afflicted, tormented.' It is but a little while, and all will be over. Times of trial are special times to serve and glorify God, by patience, by meekness, by gentleness ; all which I am striving for, and following after ; for they are comforts as well as duties, and duties as well as comforts. * Physician, heal thyself!' Ah, my dear brother, I am sensible you may always use with propriety such a word whenever I endeavour to provoke you to love and to any good work. God be praised, His word is still extant, His throne of grace still accessible. I still have space. Still I am on this side of that door of perdition, — * past feeling.' — Still out of hell. Glory be unto God : and you will say. Amen. And so each of our first missionaries had his own pecu- liar and most heavy trials. The foundations of the mission work were laid in tears of anguish, and with the deepest consciousness of humiliation and insufficiency ; and its success was finally given by Him " that comforteth those that are cast down." After the first letters came from England, Mr. Thomas went over to Mudnabatty, to discuss their contents with his fellow-missionary, and to preach to the people Mr. Carey had collected to hear the gospel. Such a day of prayer, conference, and preaching, brought back the memory of the happy Ministers' Meetings in Northamptonshire ! A few days after, they invaded an old temple of Shib, which stood near the house, for the purpose of a solemn prayer meeting. Poor Ram Basu was with them, and all of them engaged in supplication for the revival of godliness in their own souls, and for the prosperity of their work amongst the people of the land. " That day of prayer," wrote Mr. Carey, " was a good day to our souls." Not a little discussion was occasioned in England when the news arrived that the missionaries had obtained em- ADMONITIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 279 ployment as indigo planters. It had been intended by the Society from the first that their brethren should endeavour to support themselves in India ; but now that the provi- dence of God had placed them in circumstances so much beyond expectation, great disquietude was felt on their account, and " though, upon the whole, the Committee could not disapprove of their conduct in accepting the engage- ment ; yet, considering the frailty of human nature in the best of men, they thought it needful to send them a letter of serious and affectionate caution." They further very kindly intimated their readiness to resume their payments to them, if help was at any time needful. Mr. Thomas wrote in reply to this letter of admonition, — You are very dear to us, and your counsels of love are exceed- ingly welcome to our hearts ; and I hope efficacious in strengthen- ing our hands. We entertained the same thoughts and fears on our entering into trade, which you have so kindly expressed to us ; and we think, more than ever, that missionaries had need to be dead indeed to this present world. Getting of money we are quite strangers to ; not having gained one shilling yet above necessaries ; and the thought of ever enriching ourselves, or our families, is far from us. On our arrival in this country, we both suffered many straits, fears, and reproaches, on the score of temporal things ; but the Lord quickly, wonderfully, and unexpectedly opened a door to us, for providing for our families, and perhaps for many others. We thought, upon the whole, that it was quite right in itself to enter upon our present undertaking, and that the Society would be pleased to hear of it. We are both very thankful for the resolution of the Society on our behalf, in case we should request them to supply us again with money. We resigned our salary whilst yet poor, not with the least idea of becoming independent of the Society, but to enable it to extend its benevolent exertions to other parts of the world. And oh that God may yet cause His face to shine upon us, and bless us ; that His way may be known upon the earth, and His saving health among all nations ! JMay we still more than ever be remembered in your prayers, that we be kept from the evil, and may do good. On the 7th of October, 1795, Mr. Thomas wrote to Dr. Ryland of Bristol : — 280 CORRESPONDENCE WITH DR. RYLAND. We cannot say that the mission has been blessed with that visible success we could wish. Never was a people more willing to hear. Never was a people more slow to understand. Yet I dare not say that no success has attended us, and we may now be casting that bread on the waters which shall be found after many days. Since tasting the social pleasures of reli- gion in England, I have felt more than ever the gloom of my lonely situation here. The letters of religious friends in Europe have proved very quickening and refreshing to me. Do write. I shall read it with avidity. I shall eat and drink your words ; and you may do as much good to the mission, as some have done to the commercial interests of this country, by sending a bit of the prickly- pear plant, with the cochineal insect living upon it. In the hands of the original owner it was not worth six-pence ; but here it may prove eventually to be worth millions.* Should any more brethren come to us, I think I should receive them with rapture ; and to have a few more would greatly strength- en our hands, and tend to establish the work in which we have engaged. I must conclude. Notwithstanding our discouragements, I indulge a hope, that through this very mission, the Gospel will certainly spread over all Hindustan into Tartary itself, and cover all the mountains above, and all the valleys below us — spread in Bengali, Boutani, Persian, Sanscrit, and other languages to us as yet unknown and unheard of, and then the devil himself may say, ' Behold 1 how great a matter a little fire kindleth 1' The letters from the Society brought communications to Mr. Thomas which it must have given him much pain to receive. Mr. Fuller had now become acquainted with Mr. Charles Grant, whose advice on matters connected with In- dia was much esteemed, and he heard from him some things * Tliis allusion may be best explained by an extract from the obituary of the Calcutta Gazette for March 9th, 1797. It says, — " Died, on his passage from Madras to England, Captain Neilson, of H. M.'s 74th Regiment of Foot, a meritorious officer and a worthy man. " It was to the enterprising spirit of Captain Neilson that India Avas indebted for the introduction of the cochineal insect, about eighteen months or two years ago." Some varieties of this valuable insect are indigenous in India ; but the finest species was a desideratum there for many years after the lieatli of Captain Neilson. In the year 1807, the Court of Directors offered a premium of ;if2000 to any one who would introduce " the fine grained cochineal" into their tenitories, in a state fit for propagation there, provided the insect was brought in a British vessel. They did not wish other nations to profit by their enterprise. CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. FULLER. 28 1 which tended to lower Mr. Thomas in his opinion. He had listened to his own statements as to his connexion with Mr. Grant, when they first met, in January, 1 793. He now had heard Mr. Grant's side of the same story, and he could not but be deeply mortified to find that one of the missionaries he had helped to send out to India had parted from his for- mer friends after disputes so unpleasant, and that he was so hopelessly involved in debt. Mr. Fuller was a man of severe integrity ; and debt, however honestly contracted, was to him a most odious thing, so that Mr. Thomas's difficulties now appeared to him to be a very serious disqualification for usefulness. It is greatly to be regretted that any such cause for Mr. Fuller's displeasure existed, and that it wrought the unpleasantness it did in Mr. Thomas's later missionary life. He evidently felt that he was mis- judged, and the severity of Mr. Fuller's remarks ultimately led him to refrain from that freedom of correspondence which was desired at home. In reply to one of the earliest letters from the Secretary, he wrote on the i ith of January, 1796,— Considering the information which you acknowledge I gave you, and the knowledge you had of my affairs by reading my letters to Mr. Booth, I am quite at a loss to imagine in what manner I ' ouo-ht to have been more explicit.' However, I reckon all these things into that inevitable ' sweat of the brow' which falls to my lot as a son of Adam ; and I shall be glad to have my hopes realized of rendering to my creditors all their due. You give me pleasure after pain by saying after this, * you all love me.' Every token and every expression of your love is always very precious to me, and although in my daily life you may find occasion enough to think ill of me, I am satisfied that, upon the whole, your opinion of me is quite as good as I deserve, nay, better. You say, ' Our Episco- palian friends have set their faces against you.' Well, they serve me very right ; for I remember how I set my face against them • but now I am bound to bless and pray for them. — Matthew v. 44. I admire the next passage of your letter. — ' Mr. Newton says, in a letter to me of last week, * Now they are both connected with Mr. Udny, I shall cheerfully pray for the success of both.' You see what influence connexions have, even upon our prayers ! True. * This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must 36 282 MR. CAREY'S GARDEN. put on immortality.' Till then, wc shall see no end of this. Little differences make great difficulties among people who have to act together ; and I rejoice always to have to do with persons of one mind in the work of the mission. To maintain the conflict between truth and error with proper spirit, and to preserve peace and love, however, is not impossible with some men. I am grieved to hear you mention ' mean and mercenary conduct' in one so near your own sentiments as I. ' This mortal must put on immortality' too ; so love him still, with all forbearance. When the letter to which this was a reply was written, Mr. Fuller had received Mr. Carey's representations of the events of January, 1794, and those statements also had produced their natural impression upon the mind of the worthy Secretary to the mission. He did not indeed say any thing about those things ; for Mr. Carey had entreated that the matter might not be referred to. Mr. Thomas there- fore could not vindicate himself from the effects of the mis- representation by an explanation of the facts. He could only reply to matters of which his correspondent explicitly wrote. The letter goes on to deal with some remarks which had been made upon Mr. Carey's request that a few ordinary English garden seeds and roots might be sent out to him. This seemed to the excellent Mr. Sutcliff even, to be some- thing like the " looking back" of one who had " laid his hand upon the plough." Mr. Thomas stood up stoutly in his brother's defence. He says to Mr. Fuller, — What you say about brother Carey's seeds, and what brother Sutcliff says about letting the dead bury their dead, is a little awry. Brother Carey keeps a garden, and a man to look after it : but if he saw the least occasion so to do, he would give up, not only his garden, but all he has. I confess, my own occupations do most certainly prove such an interruption to my great work, that I some- times think of taking such a step as perhaps would turn the consciences of men into quite another channel. If I thought it was the will of God, I had rather be a fugitive and a vagabond to-morrow, and go and translate all the rest of my days in Calcutta jail, than be an indigo maker. But when I consider my debts ; my wife, so delicately brought up ; the remarkable appearance of providence in working out, unasked of men, such a provision for us DIFFICULTIES. 283 all, and so preventing us from begging by giving us an opportunity of working with our own hands, ' I am in a strait.' I proposed to brother Carey to give it up ; but his wiser solid reason was a check to my folly. You see in Mr. Carey and myself some differences in taste, manners, &c., and there are many differences between us which you do not see. Do not be alarmed, for our very noses are not alike ; but our hearts are one. We may differ in faces, but not in hearts. One heart, one soul, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. There may be one Lord, one faith, and two baptisms ; but this is like a house on fire at one corner. I admire the grace of God, in knitting together diverse people, like brother Carey and myself; for we never differ, but we agree to differ ; and in things respecting which it is no matter whether we differ or not. We often fall into each other's opinions, are always delighted to see each other, and we love each other fervently. This information, though you have had it before, I consider far from uninteresting. We often lay our heads together, and form large plans, for all we produce such little executions ; but we have difficulties you know nothing of. Sore troubles ; implacable enemies ; jealous eyes over us ; and a variety of opinions formed on our conduct and designs. Some think we intend at bottom to turn this part of the world upside down, as missionaries ; others think we have quite forsaken the mission, and gone after filthy lucre, in the way of Balaam : some think us wise, others think us foolish ; some sober, others mad : and all these contrary opinions have their use, perhaps. On this paragraph, I could fill a ream of paper. One of our difficulties is that the people hereabouts speak a mixed language, part Persian, part Bengali, and part Hindus- tani or the Moor language ; so that we do not understand them nor they us, half so well as though w^e were nearer Calcutta ; but whenever we meet with Brahmans, the case is different. The majority of the people here are not Hindus, but Muhammadans. Under date of January 13th, he says that the Indian Government had required of every individual Englishman, not in the Company's service, to give in his name, place of abode, occupation, and date of arrival in India, in order if permitted to remain, to enter into covenant, and find two securities for the due performance of it, in ^2000 each or, in other cases, ^500 each. Had the two missionaries not been engaged as indigo 284 COVENANTS WITH THE E. I. COMPANY. planters when these requisitions were addressed to them, they must inevitably have been forbidden to remain in the country. This action of the Government was considered very oppressive at the time, and some persons ventured to refuse the Company's demand. In particular, Mr. Fairlie, a prosperous merchant in Calcutta, defied the Government to deport him, if it dared. " But," said Mr. Thomas, " such great words cannot be uttered by little mouths !" The part of the missionaries evidently was compliance ; and the covenants were entered upon : Messrs. Udny and Carey becoming securities for Mr. Thomas ; Messrs. Udny and Creighton for Mr. Carey ; and Messrs. Thomas and Carey for Mr. Powell. These covenants, however, were not immediately executed, but, after many dela3^s, in the middle of 1797 ; after which the missionaries enjoyed greater security than ever before. They were now, for five years, recognised residents in India ; and no man could call their right to dwell there into question. In the letter from which so much has been already quoted, Mr. Thomas mentions the deep dissatisfaction generally felt and expressed against the government of the East India Company in India at this time. He says, — The whole army of India is full of loud murmurs on account, as they say, of the little regard which has been paid to their remonstrances and petitions. All the officers are of one mind, and have formed regular councils, in Fort William, Cawnpore, Fort St. George at Madras, Bombay, and every settlement in India. I have conversed with some, and have heard of the language of other officers, who have never seen each other, and their minds are one ; and the oppressions which many Europeans here have suffered, who are not in the Company's service, but form a large majority, will induce them also to take part against the Company. They all say it can be no treason ; for they will not be found acting against the king, but only against a parcel of merchants. Upon the whole, we seem to be upon the very eve of a change ! Both missionaries had begun to feel great anxiety to arrange for the extension of the Society's labours to some other countries, contiguous to India, where perhaps the same difficulties in the way of the progress of the gospel might not exist. Towards Boutan, in particular, they both DISAPPOINTED HOPES. 285 looked with strong desire. In the same letter, Mr. Thomas says : — The Boutan people have no caste, neither have the Rajmahal Hill people, which hills are inhabited by men of very different appear- ance, habits, language and religion from the Hindus. These hills are situated about thirty miles from Malda, to the N. E. of us ; and Boutan is about eighty or a hundred miles to the northward of us. I heartily wish that three or four young men and their families were settled among the Boutan people, and four on the Rajmahal Hills. Dr. Coke talked of sending missionaries there ; and, if he did, we should be bound to help them all in our power. At present indeed we have but maintenance for ourselves, for the indigo was almost all drowned by the floods of last year, otherwise we had agreed together to lay out about /'soo of our profits in printing the gospels, or such parts as are ready ; and other large sums we both had appropriated to similar purposes. Indeed it is possible that one good season would enable me to pay off all my debts, and furnish me with overplus, several hundreds besides. If ever this is the case, when I am out of debt, I mean to have less to do with indigo than I now have, for the sake of the work of the mission. This letter also contained some distressing particulars as to ]Mr. Thomas's circumstances. At the close of 1794 his debts were reckoned as about ;^ 1300 ! This he hoped almost to clear by the profits of the indigo season for 1795, and the lawyers who represented his creditors, had been content to wait the results of the year, before pressing their claims. Now that all hopes of profit had failed, they had, of course, become more urgent, and he w^as glad to make terms with them by the payment of ^100, which he con- trived to borrow for the purpose, thus in fact adding to his difficulties. He had confidently hoped for more than release from the pressure of debt, and had planned many schemes of usefulness to be supported by the gain which not he only, but also his employer and his colleague looked upon as sure to be realized. His disappointment was not the less severe because the unattained advantage was to be devoted to the payment of his debts and to benevolent purposes. " If God puts money into my hand," he wrote, " it shall not stay there ; but I will study to do good and to communicate. 286 FAILURE OF THE INDIGO. My past wants make me feel for others, and I cannot en- dure to see any in need and distress without relieving them ; and this is a sweet and pleasant duty, and I see how much more blessed it is to give than to receive, even to me, a frail worm, how much more so to Him, who is abundant in goodness, and ' giveth liberally and upbraid- eth not.' " Who can wonder that, in such circumstances, he some- times gave way to " a spirit of dejection r" Mr. Fuller, in some letters of his which have been preserved, expostulates with his missionary brother, tenderly, yet closely, in refer- ence to this ; and to other correspondents he admitted that he sometimes " thought hardly" of Mr. Thomas because of it ; but how little did he then understand all the anguish of his unhappy brother's despondency, rendered doubly poignant by its reaction from the sanguine confidence which was so natural to him in his happier healthier moods. The manufacture of indigo at Moypaldiggy and Mudna- batty was not expected to yield any very considerable returns in 1794 ; since it was then conducted under the dis- advantage of imperfectly completed apparatus and a very limited extent of cultivation. Great anticipations were, however, cherished as to the results of the year 1795. The crops promised excellently ; but at the setting in of the rainy season the low lands, which were chiefly under culti- vation, were at once inundated, and very much of Mr. Thomas's "plant" was immediately destroyed. At the beginning of August, however, he wrote to his father that he still confidently expected to make, " at the worst," a profit of between ;^ 600 and ;(^7oo. The bulk of this was to go towards paying off his debts ; but a portion was to be expended upon the long desired work of printing Bengali translations of IMatthew, Sec. Grievously Avas he disappointed. Flood after flood swept away his growing indigo ; and when at last the poor residue of the crop came to be manufactured, the amount made in 1795 actually fell short of that secured in the previous year, by more than one fourth ! At Mudnabatty, the out-turn was even A BAPTISM AT MUDNABATTY. 287 worse. To complete the misery arising out of this great calamity, the unfortunate missionary-planters learned that Mr. Udny was disposed to trace his ill-success in the two factories to their bad management. " His countenance was not toward them as before." Their letters to him re- mained unanswered for weeks ; and both felt that it was necessary to come to a clear understanding with him. On the 2nd of November, therefore, they sent him a joint letter, stating that they had hitherto " laboured under several manifest disadvantages, inconsistent with responsi- bility ;" that they had been allowed " neither to appoint nor discharge the principal agents by whom they had to con- duct the business of their factories ;" and that they regarded the men Mr. Udny employed as " either unfit, incapable, or dishonest," that they had suffered much insult, and Mr. Udny much loss, by these arrangements, and that they thought, if they really were managers of their respective factories, that orders and enquiries from Malda should not be sent directly to the servants who ought to work under them. Much of the avoidable disaster had arisen, they said, from these irregularities in conducting the business. On the day before this letter was written and despatched, much more pleasant occupation engaged both missionaries at Mudnabatty. On the ist of November, 1795, INIr. Sa- muel Powell was baptized there by ]\Ir. Carey. Mr. Long was present ; and the two mission families, with a Mr, Rebellio, Mr. Carey's Portuguese assistant, and Mr. Thomas's black boy Andrew, made up the afternoon con- gregation, when Mr. Carey preached from Matthew xi. 19, "Wisdom is justified of her children." About forty natives were gathered as spectators at the water side, and Mr. Thomas addressed them in explanation of the rite they were to witness. The baptism then took place. Af- terwards, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Carey, Mr. Long, and Mr. Powell solemnly united as a Christian church, and having given each other the right hand of fellowship, proceeded to partake of the bread and the wine which the Lord has ordained to be received by his disciples in remembrance of Him, till He come. 288 . A LETTER OF ENQUIRY. This was the first Baptist church formed in India. A little band, indeed ; and soon to be discouraged by defec- tion and separation ; but it was the beginning- of a fellow- ship which has since embraced thousands, both of European and of many Indian tribes, and which has now many happy representatives, not only upon earth, but " before the throne of God." Just at this time, an incident occurred which interested and encouraged the missionaries not a little. The follow- ing letter was sent them from Dinajpur, by persons they had never seen. The English date of the document is October 29th, 1795 : — Three years ago, Mohan Chandra, Brahman, came to Dinajpur, and we then heard a little about the gospel of God. At that time he also promised to send us seven or eight chapters of the Bengali translation thereof. After this, we sent to his house for the same ; but did not obtain it. Now the brahman is here again. Many people have heard the unparalleled words ; but the promised trans- lation we have not yet obtained, and he does not wish to stay here longer. On this account we write to you, that you would shew favor to us sinners, and send us a few chapters of the translation, and also that you would order the brahman to stay with us a few days longer, that he may make the path of the gospel plainer to our apprehensions, and that we may cast oif our old idolatrous and evil customs. We are servants, and if we should leave our services to visit you, we should have nothing to eat. Should the brahman stay with you a little time, we will after that send to fetch him for a few days, if you will give us leave ; and then we will hear again from his mouth, and will come with him to hear the word from you — the word of faith — the manner of prayer — the joyful news from heaven ; and, having heard it, be blessed. This is our desire — this grant. (Signed) Balaram Das. Radha Mohan Basu. Krishna Mangal Gupta. Braja Mohan Basu. Prasad Das. Karlik i^lh, 1202. Nothing appears to have arisen out of this letter. The missionaries were full of hope that the writers would con- MR. UDNY'S LOSSES. 28^ tinue their correspondence, and in the end prove to be sincere seekers after salvation. But they wrote no more ; and, afterwards, when enquiries were made after them in Dinajpur itself, no trace of them was to be found. It seems but too likely that the letter was concocted by Mohan Chand himself, with the intention of magnifying his own services in speaking of the gospel, and so inducing his missionary friends to supply him more liberally with money. The remonstrance written to Mr. Udny brought about a reconstruction of arrangements, and a much happier understanding with him. At the close of 1795, Mr. Thomas spent a fortnight with him at Malda ; and, when he left, Mr. Carey also went for a similar period. Whilst there, they learned much which awakened their sym- pathies on Mr. Udny's behalf. He had suffered greatly from other disasters besides his disappointments in their indigo manufacture. By the failure of the mercantile house in Calcutta, in which his late brother had been the princi- pal partner, he had sustained heavy losses, estimated at upwards of ;/!^ 3 5, 000 ; and his large outlay upon his indigo manufactories had hitherto yielded him no returns. Thus the year 1796 opened with the promise of in- creasing usefulness. The houses and factory buildings, the erection of which had occupied so much care and time, were now completed ; and both missionaries were able to give fuller and more vigorous attention to the delivery of their divine message to the people around them. They rejoiced greatly in this. " We are now entering," wrote Mr. Thomas, towards the end of 1795, *' upon a very agreeable change in our circumstances. No more building ! Nothing more to learn of the art neces- sary to conduct our manufacture ; except such things as naturally and continually occur to observation and expe- rience. The noise of axes and hammers will now give place to the sweet silence of solitude and retirement, broken only by the echo of a song of Zion," On returning from his visit to Malda, where he preached on Christmas-day, New Year's-day, and two 37 290 DAILY OCCUPATIONS. Sundays, he resumed his work with great zeal and many encouragements. He preached frequently in neigh- bouring villages, and, every vSunday, the tomtor^i was beaten slowly at Moypaldiggy, " for the purpose of assembling the servants of the family and factory, and neighbours, to hear the word of God," In fine weather the usual place for preaching was " under the great tree," about one hundred yards from his door, but on rainy days the assembly came within the house. The enquiries made by some of his hearers proved that a very intelligent interest was taken in his sermons by many. More than a hundred usually came on a Lord's-day. He also had a regular preaching service every week at a populous village called Basattipara, where sometimes two hundred hearers assembled. His medical skill was greatly in request, and Moypal- diggy became the place of resort for all the sick and poor in the district around. Several sheds were put up for the shelter of such poor applicants, and the generous assistance of the compassionate missionary was never refused in any case of distress. His time passed rapidly in the discharge of a variety of duties. He wrote to his father, " I act part of the day as a servant, part as a master, doctor, missionary, merchant, justice of the peace, and can even make bread occasionally ! I like the part of a strolling missionary best of all ; and, next to that, it is a pleasure to heal the poor and relieve them from any of their pains and diseases. I have patients from all parts, all poor and costly, but some of my sweetest moments are spent in giving them relief." As to itineracy, he and Mr. Carey were projecting " a jour- ney of one thousand miles, preaching Christ all the way." Much of his time was spent in the translation of Luke into Bengali, and occasionally in examining translations prepared by Mr. Carey, whose progress was far more steady and rapid than his own. He was also endeavouring to prepare a set of Bengali letters, simple and compound, to send to England, that punches might be cut from them there, and type for printing the scriptures cast. Mr. Carey was often disappointed by his delays in this matter, which, indeed, was never accomplished ; but probably it was very DESIRE FOR A BENGALI BIBLE. 29 1 advantageous that the plan proved a failure. The delay in printing, however discouraging at the time, certainly con- duced to accuracy in the translation, by permitting more careful revision ; and, afterwards, unexpected facilities both for type-founding and printing became available at Seram- pore. In the meantime Mr. Thomas was as fervently anxious as ever for the publication of the scriptures in Bengali. At the end of January, he wrote to Mr. Fuller, — I would give a million pounds sterling, if I had it, to see a Bengal Bible. O most merciful God, what an inestimable blessing will it be to these millions ! The angels of heaven will look down upon it, to fill their mouths with new praises and adoration. Me- thinks all heaven and hell will be moved at the Bible's entering such a country as this. O Lord, send forth thy light and thy truth ! Some other extracts from letters written about this time may be given here. To Mr. Pearce, Mr. Thomas wrote as follows : — February 6th. — We have reason to praise God for some appear- ance of the power and effects of His word on a few of our hearers ; but it seems more as the moving of the Spirit on the face of the waters, than like the particular acts of creation. ]\Iy pundit, Padma Lochan, asks questions, sheds tears, and re- quires parts of the scriptures of us. Brother Carey has another enquirer or two, and some people have sent us a hopeful letter from Dinajpur ; so that they are not totally indifferent about the gospel, although they have only heard the conversation of IMohan Chand. And the Lord has appeared to answer the prayers of brethren in England, and has remembered His former mercies in gracious revivals ; so that, for my part, I, who, but a little while ago, feared to stand up and speak to the natives, now long to be thus employed ; and say, I will speak that I may be refreshed ; and instead of preaching as out of a pump, I speak of the over- flowings of my heart. Our congregation here increases ; and, on the Lord's-day, we see the natives coming across the fields from all parts to hear the word of God. Yesterday, at the market, which is held twice a week under the great tree near my house, many strangers asked if I should preach next Lord's-day, professing their' desire to come and hear me. Two translating assistants are just come in, and I must take leave ; but let me just say, this great, but not noisy part of our labours, I huvc set my whole heart upon. Much 292 MISSIONARY ENGAGEMENTS. of the holy scriptures is already intelligible to the inhabitants of this country. O that this light may not go out, and that wc may by no means quench or grieve Him who comforts our hearts, and strengthens and enlivens our hopes and expectations. I can no more doubt that the Lord will bless our mission now, that I can doubt of the rising of the sun again. To Dr. Ryland he wrote, on the 7th of March, — I have just been talking to sixty or seventy of the natives of this country, about the power and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, in cleansing a leper and healing the centurion's servant. I came among them very spiritless ; but when I left them I felt like one that had been anointed with fresh oil. It was a sweet season, in which the strength of Christ seemed exerted and shewn in a time of much weakness. Padma Lochan, who is very inquisitive, first of all read the eighth chapter of Matthew ; after this I said a few words, intending it as a general preface ; but was led away into the heart of my subject ere I was aware. I paused, and we sang a hymn ; then I prayed, and resumed my discourse ; then prayed, sang again, and again continued my dis- course. This will perhaps appear very singular, unless I farther explain myself. The preface is always delivered in consideration of some among the number who never heard before, and who are sure to reply to what you say, and ask questions in the midst of your discourse, unless they are expressly desired not to do so ; and besides this, there are truths already stated and known to those who hear the gospel regularly, with which the new comers, being totally unacquainted, are so much the more in danger of misap- prehending the meaning. The people at both our factories sing, as they work. Ram Basu's ' Ke dro T ' Who besides can recover us ?' and some few appear to be under very serious impressions. A number of creditable IMaho- medans paid brother Carey a visit lately, on purpose to hear the gospel. Another messenger came to him from a village in the neighbourhood of which there are several thousands desirous of hearing the gospel ; and I had some few come to day from a con- siderable distance, though the weather was very rough and threat- ening. Both of us have been encour^iged and animated by these things, though wc have still fears and distresses if we enquire. To whom, in particular, is the arm of the Lord revealed ? I trust God will appear at last. The devices of the heathen are as nothing before Him, and every difficulty under which we now labour, shall fly anon, like chaff before the hurricane. VISIT TO THE NEIOIURD MELA. 2Q3 Repeated mention has been made of the interest felt by the missionaries in the neighbouring country of Bou- tan. They were disposed to think that the gospel would encounter fewer hindrances there than on the plains of India. This country lying beyond the territories of the East India Company, their restrictive jealous policy would be escaped there ; and as the people of Boutan have no caste, they would not be deterred by that from professing Christianity, as Hindu enquirers had been. Both Thomas and Carey greatly desired therefore to obtain such a knowledge of Boutan as might enable them to secure an entrance to the people ; and hoped, if the Society w^ould send out some missionaries for the purpose, that they might be able to promote their settlement there. The following extract from a letter sent to the Society describes one of Mr. Thomas's attempts to obtain fuller knowledge about this country. — In order to examine into the practicability of a mission to Boutan, and to obtain necessary information, I have endeavoured many months to procure a munshi from that country, but in vain. Lately, I have taken a different course, which may succeed better. Early in April, I went to a great fair, called the Nchniird Mela, about forty miles from Moypaldiggy, towards Boutan, where the natives come down yearly. I found there only two real Bou- tanese, and enquired the reason. I find that they have suffered losses, by thieves ; which has discouraged them from coming to the fair. These two persons were a merchant and his servant, with woollen blankets, elephants' teeth, «&:c., for sale. I was truly sur- prised to behold a people situated so near to us, and yet so totally different from the inhabitants of Bengal, in all their cus- toms and manners, dress, persons, and features. The worthy merchant's name is Shreecha, and, on my first approach, he was a little disconcerted ; but I spoke familiarly, sat down on his blanket, bought some of this commodities, and asked him some five hun- dred questions ; for I was so much pleased with my visit that I frequently came again ; but the crowds of people wishing to hear me were so great, that nothing could be bought or sold while I remained with him. I made him amends for this afterwards. Shreecha was dressed in many folds of loose garments, and complained of the heat of Bengal. His cap was of neat basketing, in shape of a bell, ornamented at the top with peacocks' feathers. He spoke a little 294 A BOUT AN MERCHANT. Hindustani, and was attended by a Bengali writer ; so that, with his help, I was able to converse very largely. With great difilculty I pre- vailed with Shreecha to come and sup with me in my straw hut. We sat down on the ground and ate and drank together, and conversed much. He came readily the next evening ; and, after many refu- sals, he at last consented to go with me to Moypal, on condition of my promising not to detain him by force, but suffer him to return to Boutan after two days. Next morning, we all set off ; Shreecha and six of his servants ; but the other Boutan native could not be prevailed on to go with us. After two days' abode in my house, he took leave, and I sent two guides, according to his desire, to conduct them to Raniganj, about twenty-four miles on their way. Shreecha promises to return in about two months with a munshi from the Penlow-Rajah ; to whom I have sent some few rare and acceptable things as a present ; with a letter, requesting per- mission to visit his dominions, in the month of March, 1797. The Penlow-Rajah is subordinate to the monarch called the Deb Rajah ; and he is said to be a very humane man, protecting and providing very carefully for the subsistence of orphans and other destitute people among his subjects, and continually requiring his officers to use gentleness among his people, especially to the poor and distressed. His place of residence is at Paragong, a little distance from the capital. His palace is said to be very lofty and large ; built of huge timber and stones, and the materials overlaid with silver and gold. There are commonly about two thousand persons within its walls, and these are his household. The city of Paragong is said to be very large ; but no European has been known to visit it. They use bread ; and wheat, with every other sort of corn, is very cheap there ; and the land in the plains and valleys is very rich and fruitful. Hogs and sheep are dear ; for they eat these, and all other sorts of cattle which are commonly eaten in Europe. They worship they know not what. I must obtain much more informa- tion before I touch on this point ; however, it seems clear to me that their chief object of worship is the Grand Ldma. They use the inner peeling of the bark Of a tree for paper, and it looks like thin parchment, and is very pleasant and strong to write upon. The inhabitants of this country seem very frank and open, manly and generous, and have refined ideas of friendship, and great vigour of body and mind. Their la nguage is soft and easy to be pro- nounced. About this time, a very painful disappointment befell the missionaries. A report that RamRdni Basu had been guilty RAM RAM BASU. 295 of adultery with a young widow, and that the offspring of his guilt had been murdered, was brought to Mr. Thomas by some of the people at Moypaldiggy. He Avrote immedi- ately to I\Ir. Carey, urging him to investigate the matter thoroughly. This was done ; and the unhappy man's guilt was established. He at once departed from Mudna- batty, leaving both missionaries to mourn over this bitter disappointment of their long cherished hopes of his sin- cerity and change of heart. Mr. Carey wrote to Mr. Pearce of this sad calamity and of his hopes at Mudnabatty, — I have written to some of my correspondents an account of poor Ram Basu's awful fall. He is gone, I know not whither ; and it appeared as if all was sunk and gone. After the munshi's fall, my school fell also, as I found my income could not possibly sup- port it, and, the school-master going with the munshi, his relation, it was broken up ; nor is it yet resumed, though I much desire it. In this situation, I was for some time much dejected ; but one Lord's-day, although I preached in a very low, distressed frame of heart, I was very earnest with poor souls. The text I have forgot- ten ; but I now remember that I used the words of the Psalmist with much affection : — ' Whither shall I flee from thy presence ?' — Psalm cxxxix. 7. I had almost lost the recollection of this circum- stance the next morning ; but, walking out on the Monday, three Mussulmans came, and, with apparent agitation, asked me,' Sir, what must we do to be saved ? C^-^^ 'fT?' "^^^ ? How shall we get over ?' I talked much with them, and hoped God was beginning a work. In a short time, however, two of them ceased their enquiries : but the other, Sookman, is still in a hopeful state. He has been conversing with me this morning with increasing earnestness, and I have reason to believe ' he prayeth.' On the 2nd of September, Mr. Thomas gave Mr. Fuller the following account of some enquirers at Moypaldiggy : — Brother Carey has some hearers under great concern, on one of whom, a poor labourer, he thinks the word of God has taken effect. I also have two or three, of whom I should think more hopefully, perhaps, if past experience did not check me. One is a blind brahman, who came, about six months ago, for medicines for his eyes : which, however, were then quite lost. He lives in a Moypal hut. He hears me constantly, and' says that he prays to Jesus Christ night and day. When I have been absent on a Lord's 296 FRESH ENQUIRERS. day, and preached elsewhere, he comes on my return, and pro- fesses regret at not hearing the word of God that day. One week day, having some close conversation with him, he said, among other things, ' I am the servant of Jesus Christ in my heart 1' ' But,' said I, ' if Jesus Christ were to come and touch your dinner, you would throw it all away directly, and refuse to eat a morsel more ! What,' I added, ' would you think now, if I were going from home, and bade a servant let off such a vat of indigo within half an hour, telling him that if he should forget it, or by any means let it steep longer, it would be all spoiled ? I warn him, repeat it, intreat him to take care, and take leave. After a long time, I return, and find this vat still steeping ; and of course utterly lost. I call this servant, and say, ' How is it that you have not done as I said ?' He answers, * O sir, it was in my heart to do it. I am a faithful servant to you in my heart : therefore you will excuse the outward act !' — Brahman, Jesus Christ declares plainly that many will say to Him in the great day, ' Lord 1 Lord 1' But not these, but only such as do the will of God, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. He says, ' Except a man hate all, forsake all, and follow me, he cannot be my disciple.' He went away dejected ; and still makes enquiries ; but the great deep, I fear, is not broken up. The other two appear more deeply concerned at present, and are both Mahomedans. One of them, whose name is Yardi, often asks Mr. Powell, myself, and my little daughter, how such an one as he is can be saved ; acknowledges that he is ' a poor ignorant sinner,' and says he is greatly disturbed. He and the other IMahomedan are easily to be known in our stated times of worship from all the rest, by their uncommon seriousness. " These enquirers comfort our spirits and animate our depressed hopes. In another letter of about the^ same date, Mr. Thomas says of the same two men, — They make frequent and lively enquiries for the way to Zion ; but many have done so, and gone further, and left us lamenting after all, saying, ' I have laboured in vain.' ' Who hath believed our report .''' In the middle of September, a third missionary arrived to join the brethren, in the person of Mr. John Fountain, and he immediately proceeded to Mr. Carey's house. He reached Mudnabatty on the loth of October, and, just after- wards, the folio wing, letter came in from Mr. Thomas. — I wish you could step up here ; for I am at a loss how to proceed. YARDI AND DURGATIA. 297 The Lord has certainly appeared to this poor people : and my heart is full of joy and thanksgiving. There are five here under great concern. One of them, Durgatia, has suffered threats and persecutions from his family, unknown to me ; and it has made a noise in the neighbourhood. Ydrdi, who is more enlightened, says that Durgatia's father came to him to ask if his son was gone out of his senses or not ? for Durgatia and the others declare they will no longer be Mussulmans. Yardi says he cannot sleep at night. Many tears are shed. The sins of their youth are brought to their remembrance, so far beyond what anything of my preach- ing has extended to, that I have no doubt at all that the Spirit of God has wrought in them. They seem willing to do anything Christ would have them ; and, by their expressions, they would part with all for Him. Now, I say, I am at a loss ; for when I hear them speak so sweetly and experimentally of the things of God, mourning over their sins, and glad at heart to hear of Christ, I am struck with that word : What doth hinder them to be baptized .'' I should like you to hear them, and talk with them ; and, if your opinion is like mine, I shall say, ' Be baptized.' They are all going to learn to read and write. I preached at day- light last Lord's-day, and had a very uncommon day throughout. God appeared in Christ in all that was said and done. Such of your people as would be willing to join any of these who may be found sincere and ready to give themselves up to the Lord, might be asked, and they might all join together and become free at once ; — or would it be better to wait longer, and see ? In compliance with this invitation, Mr. Carey rode over to Moypaldiggy, on the 15th of October, taking Mr. Foun- tain with him. The younger missionary says, — On the Saturday we went, with eager expectation. I was kindly received by brother Thomas, as I had been before by brother Carey. On the Sabbath, at sun-rise, worship began. Nearly a hundred people were assembled. After prayer, brother Thomas preached from Ezekiel xxxvi. 27 : — ' And I will put my Spirit within you.' After which, brother Carey preached from Acts iv. 12: — 'Neither is there salvation in any other.' Very great attention was paid by all. After breakfast, three persons concerned about the salvation of their souls, came again, with whom brethren Carey and Thomas spent a considerable time. They appear hopeful characters. They daily pray together. One of them, Yardi, is a man of good natural abilities, and seems to possess much Christian simplicity. They appeared much affected 38 298 A SUNDAY AT MOYPALDIGGY. when I informed them, through brother Thomas, how the people of England were praying for the salvation of their souls. ' What !* said they, * do they pray for us ?' At twelve o'clock, brother Carey preached in English, from James i. 6 : — ' But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.' At half past three o'clock, the natives assem- bled more numerously than in the morning. Brother Thomas preached from Acts xvii. 30 : — ' But now commandeth all men every- where to repent;' and brother Carey from Psalm Ixxxix. 15: — * Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound : they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.' In the evening, brother Thomas preached in English from Isaiah Iviii. 1 1 : — * And thou shalt be like a watered garden.' They both declared I had seen more attention and seriousness, my first Sabbath, than they had seen all the three years they had spent in India. Brother Carey returned home the following evening ; but I staid near three weeks. The congregation increased the two following Sabbaths that I was there. Mr. Carey also was most favorably impressed by what he saw and heard during this visit. He wrote, — Three at Moypal appear to be in earnest about eternal things, and I am not without hope that some good may be found in others there. There is a great stir in all the neighbourhood, and many come to hear the word of God. This is, in some degree, owing to Yardi, who is a man of a sweet natural temper, with good abilities, a readiness to discourse with others, and a zeal for Christ. Mention should be made here of one of Mr. Thomas's European neighbours, Mr. Gready, an indigo planter. He had once been a member of the Moravian church at Bris- tol ; but his life in Bengal had led him to forget the fear of the Lord, and he had ceased to walk in the narrow way. His unhappy condition was made known to Mr. Thomas, and he felt the most tender interest in the backslider. He invited him often to his house, and amongst his corres- pondence there is a letter, dated October 6th, 1796, in which, with most affectionate importunity, he seeks to win him back to the service and love of Christ. In this letter he says, — As to myself, I have experienced all that you express. I have made a profession of religion these fifteen years ; and, the farther I go, the more I am convinced that all that is in the world, though MR. IGNATIUS FERNANDEZ. 299 enjoyed for a thousand years, is not to be compared with one hour's holy enjoyment of Christ. Formerly I thought I should be a great Christian ; but now I sink into nothing, and Christ, my precious Saviour, is all in all to me. All my hopes of salvation now are in the free unmerited favor and mere sovereign mercy of God, through Jesus Christ. My former hopes were more lively, but my present hopes are more solid, lasting, and satisfactory. The punc- tuality of God in His word, both in threats and promises, makes me 'rejoice with trembling' sometimes. I believe I have obtained the good part which shall never, no never, be taken away from me, and oh that God may grant me the pleasure of being, in any way, the instrument by which He may convey to you any help and encouragement in His good ways, where you will be sure to find peace and pleasantness now, and everlasting blessedness in the end. Let us pray often for ourselves, for our children, and for one another, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'Labour,' 'Strive,' 'Watch,' ' Pray,' 'Ask,' 'Seek,' 'Knock,' &c. Another most encouraging- circumstance occurred at this time. Mr. Ignatius Fernandez, of Dinajpur, but a native of Macao in China, a gentleman of European parentage, who had been intended by his friends for the Roman Catho- lic priesthood, but had declined to take the vows, owing to a growing dislike to the principles and practices of the Romish church, having heard of Mr. Thomas, applied to him through a friend for some books which would afford him instruction in the doctrines received by Protestant Christians. Mr. Thomas sent him Bishop Newton's Dissertations on the Propheeies, and some other works ; and while Mr. Fountain was paying his first visit to Moy- paldiggy, he and Mr. Powell rode over to Dinajpur to see Mr. Fernandez. They spent two very pleasant days in his society, and met many enquiries which he made in his anxiety to be informed upon religious subjects. He then came back with them to Moypaldiggy, and spent Sunday, the 23d of October, there, when Mr. Fountain preached, from Psalm xiv. 7, " the first gospel sermon he ever heard in all his life." From this time, Mr. Fernandez attached himself to the missionaries with much affection, was always glad to receive them at his house and laid himself out to make their ministry available for 300 INDIGO IN 1796. the benefit both of Europeans and natives at Dinajpur, striving by every means in his power to promote the spread of the gospel. To this end, he immediately under- took the erection of a brick house for worship, at his own cost, where people might be gathered to hear the word of God, whenever one of the missionaries was able to visit Dinajpur.* But the history of the indigo manufacture must be resumed. The year 1796 opened with fairest promise. Mr. Thomas had striven to remove his cultivation to high- er lands than those before chosen ; and as the young indigo sprang up, he was able to regard his as " one of the finest crops in India." His neighbours who saw it congratulated him on his bright prospects for the season ; and all went well until within a month of commencing the manufacture. Then the annual " rains descended, and the floods came," and the waters rose to a height almost unprecedented, " se- veral feet higher than those of the former year," thus fol- lowing up the plant which he thought he had placed quite beyond the reach of such disaster. As the result, only about one third of the expected quantity of indigo was made. Although this was considerably more than double the amount made in 1795, and was beyond the average secured by neighbouring factories, Mr. Udny was greatly disappointed. Poor Mr. Carey, at Mudnabatty, did yet worse. He " had a woeful season," and he wrote to Mr. Fuller in November that the abandonment of his factory was inevitable. " My place," he said, " cannot be tenable much longer ; Moypal may. Large floods have destroyed the whole crop almost every successive year." He ascrib- ed the disaster to the unfortunate position of the factories, which had been determined, before the missionaries en- tered l\lr. Udny's service, by native servants, utterly ignorant of the principles of agriculture, who had chosen " the most improper places that could be thought of." * Dinajpur is not n very favorite place in the present day, and is reported to be very unhealthy. It seems to have enjoyed a diflercnt reputation formerly. When Mr. Thomas had paid his first visit there, he wrote, "Dinajpur has greatly exceeded all expectation, and is, 1 think, the most beautiful situation I have seen in India, not excepting even Pondicherry." MR. THOMAS'S DIFFICULTIES. 301 In August, Mr. Thomas obtained Mr. Udny's consent to the establishment of a small out-factory at Sadamahal. Here were lands not likely to be inundated, and he thought that a profitable crop of indigo might be cultivated upon them at a very small annual cost. The works were to be superintended by himself from Moypaldiggy. He was also eager in his attempts to persuade Mr. Udny to make vigorous preparations for the year 1797 at Moypaldiggy. He wished to secure the higher lands, and to increase the extent of the cultivation ; but, to accomplish this, the prompt outlay of a very large sum of money was required. Many of the ryots, having lost their crops in the floods of former years, were unwilling to undertake the precarious work again ; and all who consented to cultivate indigo needed to be bound dow^n by advances made to them now, in anticipation of the coming season. Other capitalists also were in the same neighbourhood, engaging people to rear silk worms, or to grow opium ; and the competition for labour enabled the cultivators to increase their demands and to refuse the old terms of engagement. On the other hand, repeated disappointments had made ]\Ir. Udny more timid, and the heavy losses he had suffered in Calcutta made it difiicult for him to do all that ]\lr. Thomas saw to be necessary for future success. He was indeed labouring under a double disadvantage : the quantity of indigo pro- duced at his factories was small ; and, owing to the large supplies sent into the market from other places, its average value was very low.* All this diffidence as to enlarged projects for the future, however, Mr. Thomas found com- paratively easy to bear ; but when, after a visit to Calcutta^ * A notice in the Calcutta Gazette gives the prices of indigo sold by the East India Company, in November, 1794, as ranging from 2s. to loj. bd. per lb. and a note written by Mr. Udny early in October, 1 796, says : " Moj-pal and ^ludnabatty indigo of 1794 sold at an average at 4^-. o\d. per Hj. 1795 is expected to be as low, if not lower, as 50,000 went home. The Company gives 12 per cent, for money ; which has made it very scarce, and almost impossible to be had. I pray you to eftect this point : the reduction of charges and all expenses immediately, without loss of time. If I had only a small sum embarked in indigo, I should be for giving up altogether, and putting up with the lirst loss. News bad from England. "War ! AVar ! It is feared that Tippoo is preparing ! In packing the indigo, care must be taken that it be thoroughly dried lirst. Mr. Carey's, last year, was, some of it, damp." 302 MR. THOMAS'S CIRCUMSTANCES. Mr. Udny wrote, at the beginning of November, impera- tively enjoining him to put a stop to all he was doing at Sadamahal, and to send back to Malda all the money in hand for advances at Moypaldiggy, he felt that he was humiliated in the eyes of the people, and that the ne- cessary conditions of success for the coming indigo season were being most disastrously interfered with. Other afflictions befell Mr. Thomas at the same time. In July, his wife, always very delicate, was suddenly attacked by a severe spasmodic affection, which happily was soon relieved, but it left her " trembling, weak, and low." Mr. Carey also suffered severely, towards the end of Octo- ber, from " an imposthume, near his throat ;" which was the more alarming, because his mother had died an almost sudden death from the same disease, the carotid artery having been, in her case, corroded by it. Mr. Thomas skilfully lanced the abcess, and immediate relief and speedy recovery followed. It is sad to say that the close of 1796 found him as deeply involved in debt as he was at the beginning of it. Mr. Fuller solicited from Mr. Carey a confidential statement concerning his colleague's character and affairs, and a few sentences may be taken from the reply written in November of this year. Mr. Carey says, — There are some such traits of genuine and hearty religion in Mr. Thomas as are perhaps equalled by few ; but on the other hand he has such eccentricities and foibles as can scarcely be found in any one else. He is either very warm, or exceedingly cold in religion. He is a hearty friend ; but so very delicate in his sense of honour, that though others must bear everything from him, he will unhappily misconstrue the most affectionate admoni- tion into a reflection upon his conduct. Besides his debts in England, when he was about to set up as a surgeon in Calcutta, he borrowed Rs. 1200 from a native. This is still unpaid, I believe. Mr. Udny has advanced about Rs. 1500 for his re- lief, which was paid to his creditors ; and I expect Mr. Tho- mas owes him much more, and is in debt besides to almost every one who would give him credit, either little or much ; and I dread the consequences. Mr. Udny cannot help us now, as formerly, on account of his recent heavy losses, and he refuses to ad- VISITORS FROM BOUTAN. 303 vance Mr. Thomas more, and retains his commission on the indigo he has made this year, to liquidate the amount already owing to him. The consequence is, that Mr. Thomas is constantly in danger of an arrest. Depending upon INIr. Udny's helping him as before, he had promised to go to Calcutta, and to pay off a large propor- tion of some of his debts this month, his works having been more productive than some others ; but Mr. Udny refuses, and the attorney threatens. You will ask, ' What does he do with his money ? Does he live high and luxuriously ?' I reply, ' Though he lives more expen- sively than I, who have neither tea nor wine, yet not luxuriously ; but his compassion to the poor leads him to give far beyond his ability, and his mind is so unsteady that whatever he sees which excites his desire to possess it, he must have at any rate. He is a man of great closet piety, and has lately preached much amongst the natives. I have great hope of some people there. He is very compassionate to the poor ; and in instructing those who are enquiring after the truth, he is indefatigable. He has excellent aptness for that work. In translations, the gospel by Luke is all he has done since we came to the country. These sad statements as to Mr. Thomas's circumstances and infirmities of character could not in fairness be with- held from the reader. Who does not pity the unhappy- man, so entangled in the meshes of debt and difficulty, and so little able by natural disposition and steady resolution to make the best of the advantages his present situation afforded, uncertain and often disappointing as they were ? In December, Mr. Carey paid a short visit to Calcutta, borrowing Mr. Thomas's boat for the purpose. On his re- turn, both he and Mr. Thomas hoped to enter the Boutan country and to endeavour to secure a footing there. At the close of January, 1797, a party of five men from Boutan came to Moypaldiggy, with ponies, musk, and blankets for sale. They were welcomed with great delight by Mr. Thomas ; but we may quote a short account of them from one of his letters. — Glad was I to get rid of them without bloodshed ; for they quarrelled amongst themselves like tigers, and threatened our people that if any man came near them in the night time, they would cut him down. This threat fell the heavier because of the sense we had of the heavy broad-sword which every man carried at 304 THE ENQUIRERS. his side, and the muscular strength of each man, which appeared to be twice that of a Bengali. But the hearts of all men are so entirely in the hand of God, and ' all power in heaven and earth' so minutely dispensed, that we have no reason to fear going to * preach the gospel to every creature.' If I could only speak their language but a little, I would go up among them. They drank tea and dined with us, eating — or rather, devouring — every thing that was given them. I was sorry to sec them so excessively fond of strong liquors, and ready to drink an immoderate quantity. I detected one of them in a theft ; but did not appear to notice it at the time. However, next morning, I gave him an admonition, if it was only for his neck's sake. After all, there is something about these men so open and manly, so sociable and free, that I take great pleasure in seeing them. ' The Desire of all nations,' shall come 1 What a lovely people they will be then ! It seems, to sense and reason, that these people, having no caste, would be more easily converted than the Bengalis. No such thing ! The depravity of the heart is the great difficulty in all countries ; which, if once overcome from above, all the rest will vanish. Mr. Carey was saying the other day, however, that if we had no more obstacles than the mission- aries in the wilds of America, we should have baptized several this last year. I gave these men a letter to one of their great men to enquire after the letter and present I sent last April to the Penlow- Raja, and to ask again for a munshi. The hopes entertained of the enquirers at Moypaldiggy are spoken of in the same letter. Mr. Thomas says, — You have been told of Yardi and Durgatia. My bowels of love yearn over them. Yardi's wife told him the other day that she would kill herself and her child if he was baptized. His eyes are full of anxiety and his poor troubled heart may be seen through his face, as Nehemiah's was. Durgatia's father and brothers set upon him, and dissuade him with all their might ; but he is resolute and unmoved. Yardi sufi'crs far more from his wife than from all others. She mocks him cruelly. They agreed very well before, he says. He is a man, in whom natural patience, mildness, and meek- ness are remarkably apparent ; but our blessed Lord's words are herein partially fulfilled, — ' Suppose ye that I am come to give peace in earth } I tell you, Nay, but rather division.' — Luke xii. 51. How it will all end, I cannot say. He has at times deter- mined, if she will depart, to ' let her depart ;' but her threats as to destroying herself and the little one terrify him greatly. How many difficulties stand in the way of the gospel here ! If THE ZINKAFF OF GOPALGANJ. 305 any of the natives are baptized, they cannot marry or be married to any others than to their fellow Christians ; nor will it be proper to marry Christians according- to the customs of the Mahommedans or Hindus ; neither will it be expedient to go to the other end' of the world for a clergyman of the Established Church to marry them. What is to be done ? I suppose, any particular appoint- ed method, agreeable to the word of God, would be religiously lawful ? But the legality and propriety of such marriages, amongst men, are topics I should like to see well discussed. In company with Mr. Carey, he made the long antici- pated journey to the borders of Boutan, in March, 1797. They travelled northward from Moypaldiggy, to Bote- Hath, beyond which they were not able to proceed, though the snowy range of mountains appeared to be nearly as far from them there as it was at Moypaldiggy. On their return, they went through part of Cooch Behar and Rungpur, visiting all the indigo works met with upon the way, and trying to learn something from the experience of those who conducted them. The following account of the excursion was sent by ]\Ir. Carey to Mr. Fuller, dated March 23d : — Mr. Thomas and myself are just arrived at home from an excur- sion to Boutan, in which we preached Christ in many places where His name was never heard before, and were attended to with great ardour. The name of our Redeemer has been declared in that unknown country ; and we have the greatest encouragement to hope that a mission may be begun to great advantage in those parts. I will relate a little of our expedition. We set out from Moypal- diggy on the 6th instant, and arrived on the loth in the Boutan country, viz. that part of it which is below the hills ; for we did not ascend the mountains : our time not being sufficient to permit us to go through all the formalities requisite thereto. We went to a place called Gopalganj, and waited on a Bootea officer called the Zinkaff. He received us very kindly, and we presented him with a few articles, with which he was much pleased. Here we found that it would be necessary to see some more officers, and to get a regular permission to ascend the hills. During the greatest part of the day, we were in his house, which is large, and made of bamboos and mats ; with saul-tree pillars ; and has an upper floor, on which he lives, made of split bamboos. He made us a present of some pieces of bacon, about a foot long, but which 39 3o6 JOURNEY TO BOTE-HATH. were so stale as to be smelt at a great distance. After that, he treated us with tea. The tea-pot is a large bamboo, with a hole perforated through one of its knots on the inside, which is the spout. Their tea is made into cakes with some composition, and, when used, is mixed with boiling water, ghi, and salt ! We tried in vain to swallow it, though the Booteas drank very copiously of it. His kindness, however, was very conspicuous, and he drank of our rum more than we washed him. The Booteas are much addicted to drinking spirits, and pride themselves upon drinking much ; though drunkenness is reckoned a shame among them. However, all will intoxicate themselves, if they can get English spirits. They are taught to drink spirits as soon as they can talk, and in all their houses you see large pitchers, called kalasis, about the size of a small bucket, full of Bengal arrack, which they drink as we should water. The natives call themselves Botes, but the Hindus call them Booteas. They are very stout, robust, people ; and, with respect to dress, colour, and appearance, are like an amazing stout athletic Eng- lish waggoner, very much weather-beaten. They have no stockings, but their dress is like a waggoner's smock-frock, except the higher ranks, who have a dress very much like an English gentleman's morning gown, made of blue, red, or green stuff, with large figures wrought in it like diaper. The women are tolerably white ; their dress consists of a petticoat, and a cloth which is so fastened from the shoulders to the waist as to appear like a monstrous pouch over the breasts, in which they keep every article, as in a pocket. Their hair is parted on the top of the head, and we saw no cover- ing for the head of the females, though the men in office had different coverings for the head. From Gopalganj we went to Bote-Hath, to see the Suba, who is the greatest officer : that is, a kind of viceroy, below the hills. A letter having been sent to him from the Zinkaff, he sent two horses to attend us, and the Zinkafi' himself went with us. The procession was the most comical and singular that could well be imagined, yet it strongly proved their great attention to us. We were preceded by a band of Bengal music, if such it can be called. We were six horsemen, and servants, and a number of spectators, besides people to carry our baggage, tents, &c., which in travelling by land in this country must be carried on men's shoulders. On one horse was the ZinkafT, led by two men : notwithstanding which, he was sometimes first, sometimes last, and sometimes turning round, his horse being ungovernable. Every mile or two, he was stopping to INTERVIEW WITH THE SUBA. 307 drink spirits. A Hindu on another horse was much like him, except in drinking ; and we had enough to do to keep our horses out of their way ; to effect which we were always wheeling to the right or left. At our approaching the town, a number of women met us, and made their salam ; after which they ran buefore the horses, and all the inhabitants of the place, I should suppose, to the number of two or three thousand, all Hindus, joined the procession. We went in this manner to the Suba's house, who received us with great politeness, and made us presents of silk ; viz. a white scarf in the name of the Grand Lama, a red one in his own name, and another red one in a friend's name. After receiving the presents, we ascended the ladder to his house, which was like the Zinkaff' s, but much larger and more elegant, It had four rooms on the upper floor, which were entirely covered with mats. At the farther end of the principal room was the seat of the Suba, raised about two feet from the floor, covered with red cloth, and hung round with thin gauze curtains. Here we were seated by the Suba On two sides of the same room were seats for the servants, raised about six inches from the floor ; and, like the Suba's, made with planks of saul-timber, but covered with sack-cloth. A window of about a foot deep, made of lattice-work, ran throughout the two sides on which the servants' seats were placed, these only being the outward walls ; and a curtain of white cotton cloth was placed just above the window. On this curtain were hung shields and helmets, and under it matchlocks, bows and arrows. The under part of the house serves for a stable, &c. The genuine politeness and gentleman-like behaviour of the Suba exceeded every thing that we could have imagined, and his generosity was astonishing. He insisted on supplying all our people with every thing they wanted : and if we did but cast our eyes on any object in the room, he immediately presented us with one of the same sort. Indeed he seemed to interpret our looks before we were aware ; and in this manner he presented each of us that night with a sword, shield, and helmet ; also a cup made of a light beautiful wood, used by all the Booteas for drinking. Perceiving that we admired the wood, he gave us a large log of it, which appears like fir, with a very dark beautiful grain. It is full of resin, or turpentine, and burns like a candle, if cut into thin slices, and serves for that use. In eating, the Suba imitated our manners so quickly and exactly, that he appeared as free as if he had spent his life with Euro- 308 FRIENDLY CEREMONIAL. peans ; though he had never seen any of them before. We ate his food ; though I confess the idea of the ZinkafTs bacon made me eat rather sparingly. We then talked about Boutan, and about the gospel ; and the appellation of Lama was given to us, which appears to mean teacher, and which title is by them emphatically given to the Grand Lama. We found that he had determined to give all the country a tcsti- monv of his friendship for us in a public manner, and the next day was fixed on to perform the ceremony in our tent, on the market- place. Accordingly we got instructed in the necessary etiquette, and informed him that as we were only come a short journey to see the country, we Avere not provided with English cloth, &c. for presents. The time being come, however, we were waited on by the Suba, followed by all his servants, both Booteas and Hindus. Being seated, we exchanged each five rupees, and five pieces of beetle, in sight of the whole town. And, having chewed beetle, for the first time in our lives, we embraced three times in the eastern manner, and then shook hands in the English manner. After which he made each of us a present of a piece of rich Debang, wrought with gold, a Boutan blanket, and the tail of an animal ; but we could not ascertain what animal it is. The Siiba says they are kept tame, are as large as a buffalo, and live only on the tops of the high- est mountains, which are covered with snow. The tail is as bushy as a horse's, and is used in the Hindu worship. When the ceremony was over, we were conducted to the Siiba's house, where we found another officer, I believe, the Vakeel, or attorney of the court below the hills. This man was just the re- verse of all we had seen. He had been to Calcutta, and was a man of great consequence in his own eyes. He sat on the Suba's seat like a statue, not rising when we entered, which the Suba, a much greater man, always did. When we sat down, he began a long discourse with the others in the Boutan language, and, as we did not understand it, we also talked to each other in English. All this time a servant, by his orders, held a lighted torch just in our faces, that he might stare at us. Mr. Thomas ordered it away. He then asked how many servants we kept. Mr. Thomas told him that, if he would go to our houses, he might satisfy himself about that. All this was to see whether we were great men or not. He then enquired if we had a tent. We answered in the affirmative. We treated him with as little ceremony as he did us, and, after FEAR IN THE NIGHT. 309 exchanging a few words with the Siiba, he took his leave abruptly. The Suba was then transported with rage, and threatened him dreadfully. He tore off his upper garnnent, seized a kreese, a kind of dagger, stuck it into the table, beat his breast, threatened to go after him and kill him I We tried to appease him, and were successful. We declined going up the hills, as we found it was necessary to wait for an order from Paragong, the seat of the Pcnlow-Rajah, who is a kind of minister of state to the Deb-Rajah himself, whose palace, if we were not misinformed, is at Tassisudon. Our people were much afraid : for though the Hindus had till now expressed the greatest confidence in the gentleness of the Booteas, yet they now began to propagate a great number of bloody tales ; and nothing was talked of but the insincerity of the Booteas. As for ourselves, we were not quite so timid, though we were not without our cogitations. We, however, laughed at the people, and told them to run away for their lives, if any danger appeared. For fear of wild elephants, &c., Ave had taken a gun or two ; but we ordered that no gun should be loaded, nor any additional care whatever manifested, though we were certain the people would not sleep much that night. We then commended ourselves to God in prayer, and slept till morning. In the morn- ing the Suba came, with his usual friendship, and brought more pre- sents, which we received, and then took our leave. He sent us away with every honour that he could heap upon us, such as a band of music, guides to show us the way, &c. In short, the whole of his conduct towards us was invariably as generous, polite, and friendly as I ever witnessed. I suppose the disagreeable conduct of the Vakeel arose from his thinking himself to be a great man, and somewhat slighted in not having any present from us ; but in truth we had nothing to present. The Suba proposed paying us a visit in a little time. Should he do this, I hope to improve the inter- view for the great end of settling a mission in that country. I have never before seen so great a contrast between two neigh- bouring nations as in the case of the Booteas and Hindus. The latter are small, puny, fearful people ; the former athletic and fearless. They have a great deal of curiosity. We gave them several articles, as a looking glass, a pocket compass, &c., which were examined in every point of view. They have a written language, and, I am informed, many books written in it. The names of the letters are the same as the Ben- gali, with a few exceptions, and are written in the same order, 3IO THE BOOTEA LANGUAGE. with only this difference, that the Bengalese have five letters in a series or line of the alphabet, but the Booteas only four. I think the accent of the Bootea language not much unlike that of the French ; but more acquaintance with it may alter my mind in that particular. I am to be furnished with a Bootea miinshi, and Mr. Thomas with another. Boutan is a very large country, subject to the Deb-Rajah. The Lama Guru, as they call him, is, I think, only considered as a representative of God ; and they have his image in their houses, about the size of a large man's thumb. The Suba said there was a greater object of worship, which could only be seen by the mind. To say any thing of my own personal exertions, would be only filling up paper with a long tedious tale about myself; I therefore decline it, and only say that I have daily cause to complain, yet complain in reality but little. I need all the advantages of godly society to set the springs in motion ; yet this is a blessing of which I am nearly destitute. Brother Fountain is a great advantage ; but we can scarcely vary conversation so much as to keep up its zest. I labour in the word ; public exercises are pleasant to my soul ; though I want that aptness to converse closely about the things of God which is so conspicuous in brother Thomas. The accounts of Yardi, Durgatia, Sukman, and others will, I trust, give some pleasure to the Society and the numerous friends of Christ in England ; and will shew that their prayers have not been in vain, while it affords encouragement to us. One of these persons has, however, entirely deserted us. I have great reason to hope that the others are really converted to Christ. They speak in an interesting manner about the things of God, and grow in knowledge, and I trust also in grace. So great an opposition to their baptism has been stirred up, that I am not sure when we shall have the happiness to receive them as members of our com- munion ; but hope that will be the case before a long time shall have elapsed. Brother Thomas labours with greater and greater vigour in preaching the word, and appears alive. As the result of this visit to Bote-Hath, a friendly corres- pondence with the Siibd was maintained for some time. At the beginning of April, he sent some of his men to Moypal- diggy ; from whom Mr. Thomas obtained much informa- tion as to routes of travel in Boutan, with particulars as to some of the tribes occupying the border country between Boutan and Bengal. Amongst these, it is curious to find THE BOOTEAS. 3" the Gdros mentioned, — " a people who eat dogs !" and who have a savage propensity to attack their neighbours and carry off their heads as trophies of valour ; but who in these later years appear to be well prepared to receive the gospel. In October, the Suba sent a miinshi to Moypal- diggy ; but his extravagant demands for brandy could not be complied with, and he would not stay. This was Mr. Thomas's last opportunity of learning or teaching any thing by personal intercourse with this people. His interest in them was, however, unchanging ; and Mr. Carey also never ceased to long for the establishment of a mission to Boutan.* * The notices of the Booteas given in the foregoing pages, may be compared with the estimate of the same people written by the Hon'ble Ashley Eden, after his Mission to Boutan, in 1864. " The lower classes are very superior to the higher classes ; though amongst the surrounding tribes the name 'Dhurma Bootea' is supposed to signify every thing that is low, treacherous, and fraudulent. I must say that I did not form an unfavorable opinion of the peasantry. Tliey seemed intelligent, tolerably honest, and, all things considered, not very untruthful. Looking at the Government under which they live, the only wonder is that they are not worse. They are immoral and indecent in their habits to an extent which almost surpasses belief. They have no soil of sense of shame or honour. The outward form of Polyandry, which once existed in North Boutan, is not even adhered to in the present day. The conversation of the highest officers of State would put the lowest Bengali to shame. Of the upper classes generally, it is impossible to speak in sufficiently unfavorable temis. Physically, the Booteas are a very fine people. There are some really tall men amongst them ; but, though very robust as compared with the people of the plains, they are not nearly such a stalwart race as the Sikhim- ese and Thibetans ; which is possibly to be attributed to their immorality and drunken habits. Their dress is a loose woollen coat reaching to the knees, bound round the waist by a thick fold of cotton cloth. The full front of the coat is used as a pocket, and is well stored with beetle-nut, prepared chunam, &c. The higher classes have their mouths perpetually filled with this disgusting stimulant. They almost live upon it. The woman's dress is, like that of the Sikhimese, a long cloak, with loose sleeves. Their chief ornaments are amber beads, corals, with those who can afford them, and large pins. The women would not be bad- looking, if they were not disfigured by having their hair cut short, like the men. The Booteas are an idle race, indifferent to every thing except fighting and killing one another, in \\'hich they seem to take a real pleasure. They are dirty in their persons and habits, to a degi-ee. The insecurity of property makes exer- tion quite useless, and a Bootea's energies never take him further than the provi- sion of the day's meal, which, if he cannot obtain by fair means, he will by foul. They live on meat,^ — chiefly pork, — turnips, rice, barley-meal, and tea made from the ' brick-tea ' of Cliina, which is the main article of sustenance throughout the Himalayas and Central Asia. The ' brick ' is cut up with a knife, and the leaves 312 INDIGO DISPUTES. The pecuniary difficulties which beset Mr. Thomas at the close of 1796, he found means to escape. A wealthy na- tive patient, whom he had " cured of a total deafness," lent him Rs. 1000; and, in February, Mr. Udny also enabled him to make such remittances to Calcutta as quieted the impatience of his creditors there ; so that for a little while he was able to feel relief and comfort. The evil day was, hovv^ever, only postponed. As to the indigo cultivation, the year 1797 brought about an abundance of new anxieties and troubles. Some of the readers of this book may remember the agitation which prevailed in Bengal more than sixty years after the period now written of. They can call to mind the conflict of statement which then arose between planters and ryots, wherein the alleged oppressions of the one and the frauds of the other party, were discussed ; whilst several expedients for placing the manufacture of indigo upon a more satisfactory basis were advo- cated. The history of the Moypaldiggy factory during 1797, might furnish an epitome of this later and wider dispute. First, the zemindars made a claim upon their ryots for bhtkhyd^ or a forced benevolence, and took away the bullocks of many of them, thus rendering them are placed in a large hollow bamboo. Hot water is first poured on, and then boiling butter, with salt and a little crude soda. A cover is put on the bamboo, and through a hole in the cover the tea is churned for about ten minutes, with a stick, at the end of which is a notched round piece of wood. The tea is then put into large tea-pots, many of which are really very handsome and highly orna- mented silver vessels. It is poured out into little handleless china or wooden cups, and as many as twenty of these are consumed by one person in a sitting. A little parched barley-meal, rice, or Indian corn is thrown into the cup, and this IS often the only food that a Bootea cares for for days together. It is unquestionably a very nourishing diet. A cup or two of such tea is most invigor- ating after gi-eat exhaustion or cold. Their favorite drink is cinmg, distilled from rice or barley and millet. It is really not a bad substitute for whiskey. The IMurwa beer, made from fermented millet is largely consumed. As a race, their failings were very conectly described by Captain Pcmberton, in 1837, in the fol- lowing words : — ' I sometimes saw some few persons in whom the demoralizing influences of such a state of society had yet left a trace of the image in which they were originally created, and where the feelings of nature still exercised their accustomed influence ; but the exceptions were indeed rare to universal demorality, and much as I have travelled and resided amongst various savage tribes on our frontiers, I have never yet known one so wholly degraded in morals as the Booteas.' " RYOT VERSUS PLANTER. 313 unable to plough their fields. Then some poor ryots, cultivating- indigo for the neighbouring factory at Berole, were harshly treated by the superintendent, and thereupon brought a complaint against him in the judge's court at Dinajpur, where Mr. Parr fined the oppressor Rs. 60, with costs, &c. This victory of ryot over planter excited the cultivators in all the neighbouring district to hope for release from their engagements with the factories. Agita- tors went round, and endeavoured to stir up the villagers to a general repudiation of their agreements to cultivate indigo ; and many people fiocked in to Dinajpur, with all sorts of complaints against the planters. Then, in the disputes thus created, it came to light that the cultivation of indigo was rendered odious to the people not only by the risk of loss it involved, but by the peculation and exactions carried on by the native servants of the factories. Mr. Tho- mas had the distress to find that Padma Lochan, of whom he hoped so well, was deeply involved in this way ; and he discharged him on account of it. In the midst of all these great difficulties, he appears to have acted with commendable judgment and prudence. His letters to Mr. Udny show that, with a careful regard for his em- ployer's interests, he was most anxious that every just complaint brought forward by the ryots should have candid and generous hearing and redress, and his suggestions as to the measures which should be adopted, to conduct the cultivation upon principles just and advantageous, at once to labourer and capitalist, appear to be those which sub- sequent experience has approved. But he found difficul- ties which thwarted his best intended efforts, on both sides. As to the ryots, he had to say, " I would sooner undertake to persuade their bullocks to walk on their hind legs only, than to induce this people to act like the rest of the inhabitants of the earth in any point of advan- tage in agriculture !" On the other hand, he wrote to Mr. Udny, in June, in the following very plain terms, — As to its being better for you to put up with the first loss, and to leave off making indigo, I really think it would be altogether so. You never had, and it is most probable you never will have, 40 314 SYMPATHY WITH MR. CAREY. sufficient confidence in those you have employed, to let them proceed on any plan which the circumstances of their case really require, unless such and such persons, who are situated in totally different circumstances, happen to do the same ; while you readily adopt the most ruinous measures, if proposed by strangers. I have never had the happiness, after the most elaborate attempts, to persuade you to do any one thing in consequence of its being, in my opinion, the best. I do not say these things in ill humour, as you may suppose ; but to acquit myself, by mentioning them to you ; as they appear to me to affect your interest, and to contain some reasons why you should abandon indigo making ; for I do not think that you will ever gain by it. It has often struck me with surprise, how you can be so easily led about, this and that way, by strangers who are not at all concerned, while you are so difficult to be persuaded by those in your immediate employ, whose interests are blended with your own. Mr. Carey laboured under similar disadvantages at Mudnabatty, although he did not allow himself to be so much disquieted thereby. On the 12th of August, Mr. Tho- mas wrote to him, — I heartily sympathise with you in all your afflictions. Mr. Udny*s letter must distress you. How cautious we ought to be in writing letters, while the evil passions are in motion. A word spoken amiss by the tongue may be afterwards immediately softened, changed, recalled, or turned right about by the tone of the voice ; but half as much written in a letter enters the bones like a sharp arrow, and there sticks, burns, and galls. I pray God, for Christ's sake, to forgive me all this iniquity of afflicting others with my pen, and I intend evermore to take care. This great letter, with the improved or rather altered plan, I cannot answer now ; but I am most decidedly and calmly of opi- nion that Mr. Udny, all things considered, had better go no further at Moypal. I am so sadly afflicted with boils, that I cannot move from my bed to a chair without crutches, otherwise, I believe, I should have come down to Mudnabatty. This is a time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. My new enquirer is a Hindu, and appears ver}- anxious. Y^rdi has got him in the drying house. He can read, and Vardi says he always has the hymns in his hands. Together with these difficulties, both with employer and A DROUGHT. 315 with cultivators, there were others in 1797 which made success almost impossible. Rain indeed fell early, which admitted of favorable sowings, and notwithstanding all the unwillingness of the ryots, and their want of bullocks, Mr. Thomas induced his people to cultivate indigo near- ly as extensively as before. But now the district had to suffer for want of rain. So little fell throughout the wet season, that it was only by much labour the crops were kept alive. The rice fields were burned up. The rivers became almost dry ; and people from considerable distances were constantly employed in conveying water to their fields from the great tank near Mr. Thomas's house. Famine threatened, and a malignant fever was frightfully prevalent. At Mudnabatty, " seven out of twelve" died. "At Moypal," he wrote, on the 14th October, " we have people falling down with it every day ; but I am happy to say none have died of it yet ; for if any die of any disorder near me, and under my care or within my reach, I feel more or less as if I had killed him by negli- gence or unskilfulness ! I have seen thousands almost fall on my right hand and on my left, by this fever ; but, in all these years, God has not suffered it to touch me yet." When the time of manufacturing indigo came, another difficulty arose from the general drought. The plant, when cut, could not be brought in by boat, as in other years, and it seemed impossible to convey it to the vats. Notwithstanding all these great hindrances, however, the quantity of indigo made at Moypaldiggy in 1797 was considerably in excess of that obtained in any former year, though it still fell very much short of Mr. Thomas's early expectations, and of the success needed to repay Mr. Udny's outlay upon his works.* Something was done * The follomng particulars are taken from Mr. Thomas's accounts. The manufacture of indigo was, — At Moj^aldiggy, — At Mudnabatty, — In 1794, maunds 69- 19^ maunds 15-33 In 1795. „ 46-29 „ 39 In 1796, „ 109-31I „ no record. In 1797. „ 139-23? .. In 1 796, a yield of 400 maunds appears to have been regarded as a veiy moderate expectation for Moypaldigg}'. 3l6 DISCOURAGEMENTS IN THE MISSION. also to complete the arrangements at Sadamahal ; and Mr. Thomas hoped to establish a nopalcric there, for the production of cochineal. In other respects, the year was one of trial. For some months, he was confined to his bed by an abscess in the thigh, and afterwards by very painful boils. His missionary work was thus greatly hindered, but not wholly suspended ; for his congregation assembled within the house, and he preached to them as he lay upon his couch. Mrs. Thomas also was in very delicate health. In Sep- tember and October, Mr. Fountain was most seriously ill of the fever. He removed to Moypaldiggy, in order to obtain the benefit of his missionary brother's medical care, and, by God's blessing upon it, he regained his health. On the loth of October, Mr. Thomas received intelligence of the death of a sister, Mrs. Pearce of Tewkesbury. The news deeply distressed him. " Death," wrote he, " has now come into my very blood ; and what an effect it has upon me !" In the mission, little progress was made. As the year advanced, Yardi and Diirgatia appeared to grow colder in their enquiries and there was reason to fear that, like others before them, they were turning aside from the gos- pel of Christ. Parbati came about the middle of the year, and remained some time at Moypaldiggy. He still ex- hibited much interest in the way of life, and after hearing a sermon, could give a full and exact account of the truths set forth in it. But his conduct and conversation too clearly proved that his whole heart was not engaged in the word of Christ. The present world held the first place in his affections ; and he could not be induced to declare himself upon the Lord's side. Another sad discouragement to the missionaries occurred in August, when Mr. Long, a member of their little church, had to be excluded from it for dishonesty. This was a terrible disappointment to Mr. Thomas. From the time of his baptism, in 1788, he had taken the most affectionate interest in Mr. Long, and, for several years, thought very highly of his piety and consistency of deportment. He MISSIONARY EXPERIENCE. 317 was now compelled to think badly of him ; but his letters and journals show that he never ceased to care for him tenderly, and to pray earnestly for his restoration to the right and good way. How full of disappointment were the first years of this mission ! Who does not admire the stedfastness with which those who laboured in it retained their confidence in the ultimate triumph of the gospel, and their enthusiasm in preaching it, notwithstanding all discouragements. This confidence is expressed in an interesting manner by Mr. Thomas in a letter written in the year of which we now write. He sa)^s, — We often enjoy very sweet liberty, zeal, and abundant utterance in preaching to this people. The language of our hearts has been, * I will speak that I may be refreshed ;' but yet, ' Who hath believ- ed our report, and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed ?' is our sorrowful complaint that remains after all. When I have been abundantly refreshed in private, I have gone out with an overflowing sense of a realized eternity, and have laid hold of na- tives to whom the gospel was no longer a novelty, and have uttered my thoughts so plainly, that I have wondered that they have not seen with my eyes and heard with my ears ; and at last I have quite tired out the poor mortals' patience ; and found, as good Mr. Flavel says, that ' you may tie a carnal man to a whipping post, and soon preach and pray him to death !' Sometimes, I am not humble, nor lowly, nor meek enough to go on without such thoughts as these : — * Why should I preach any more, or wait any longer ? Why not go to England, and sell holy ballads for my bread, rather than live in these suburbs of hell, where religion itself is as cold as death, and where Satan's seat is, visibly ? Why not go and feed with the flock of Christ in my native country, and give this work up, as one which the Lord will not prosper ?' I suppose there is a good deal of flesh and blood at the bottom of all this. But again, I think of my adorable Master, and of some of His servants, like Jeremiah, and, at a very humble distance, I follow on, determined at all events to pray and preach among them here, till I die myself. That can- not now be very long hence, for I am forty-one years of age, and I feel myself begin to change, and to lose my health, natural spirits, and strength. I would therefore have you look out in time, for another man to take my place ; — but do not let him be such an one as I am 1 — But now I am forgetting the Lord of the vineyard. 3l8 A CHAPEL AT DINAJPUR. He will send by whom He will send : — sometimes by an angel, and sometimes by an ass ! One very cheering incident has yet to be recorded amongst the events of 1797. On the ist of November, the place of worship Mr. Fernandez had erected was opened. All three missionaries were there, and the proceedings of the day were thus recorded by Mr. Fountain : — At 8 o'clock in the morning, I began the services. After singing, I read Isaiah xlix. and prayed. After this, brother Carey preached from Luke ii. 10, — 'Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.' A great number of the natives having afterwards assembled, amongst whom were the heads of the place, the raja's servants, &c., brother Thomas preached to them from I Timothy i. 15, — 'This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.' At this service we sang three hymns in Bengali. In the after- noon they assembled again, and brother Carey discoursed from I John iii. 8, — ' For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.' The hearers paid great attention. In the evening, brother Thomas preached to us in English. We then agreed that one or the other of us should go over to preach on the first Lord's-day in every calendar month. Early in December, Mr. Thomas obtained Mr. Udny's permission to visit Calcutta, as he had so long proposed to do. He intended, when he left Moypaldiggy, to be absent only two months ; but, alas, he was leaving it to return there, as to his home, no more ! Of his journey down the river, he gave the following account to Mr. Carey : — Nothing can be said to describe how well I was received at the college below Rangamatty and also at Cutwa, where I remained on the Sabbath day and preached. I also attended to some hundreds of sick folks, and ate and drank blessings from all hands, and hearts too, I suppose. I was surprised to see what a truly magni- ficent temple they have built at Nuddea. It is an edifice that would adorn any F-uropean neighbourhood : built by one man at his own cost, of the best materials, and by a European architect. It cost a lac of rupees and more. I did not stop anywhere else with equal pleasure, reserving myself for the return. But alas, when that will be, I cannot tell ! DISAPPOINTMENTS. 319 All sorts of preaching in Calcutta. IMr. Ringeltaube, a young man, the most evangelical of all. You will be surprised ; but I stay in Calcutta, and have hired a pretty little place to preach in ! The reasons which led to so momentous a change in his plans and circumstances shall be stated in the next chap- ter, as far as they can be ascertained. Here it may suffice to glance back upon the hopes and expectations entertain- ed during the period included in this chapter. When he first went to Moypaldiggy, he cherished bright and not wholly unreasonable expectations of release from debt and shame, and he had many encouragements to look for most happy results from his missionary labours. But now he was going away, and nothing but disappointment was left behind him. His converts were . all " as grass upon the house tops, which withereth afore it groweth up ; wherewith the mower filleth not his hands, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom." The cheering hopes enter- tained of Ram Ram Basu, Mohan Chand, Parbati, Padma Lochan, Yardi, Diirgatia, and others, had all proved deceptive, and, in leaving IMoypaldiggy, he had to feel that the hopes with which he had gone there, both as to missionary usefulness and as to deliverance from his many difficulties and long contracted debts, were all disap- pointed. It seemed all a blank failure ; and he had the world to begin anew, with burdens and disadvantages which might well have broken a more stedfast spirit than he possessed. Yet surely he had been a blessing to many. The afflict- ed and the poor had lived under his shelter, and had good cause to bemoan his departure. Nearly a year after he left, Mr. Fountain wrote of him : — Brother Thomas's removal is a great loss to this part of the country. I understand he has been thronged with patients from place to place, wherever he has gone. Perhaps there never was a person in this country who has done so much in this way for the poor and needy as he has. The blessings of hundreds ready to perish have fallen upon him. His regard for them is so great that I have known him to get no sleep for a whole night when he has had a surgical operation to perform the next day. He has many 320 MOYPALDIGGY AS IT IS. qualifications which render him the fittest person for a missionary that could anywhere be found. To a similar effect Mr. Carey had previously written, — Brother Thomas has been the instrument of saving numbers of lives. His house is constantly surrounded by the afflicted ; and the cures wrought by him would have gained any physician or surgeon in Europe the most extensive reputation. The stranger who visits Moypaldiggy now finds it a scene of desolation. The foundations of the house occupied by Mr. Thomas may yet be discovered, at the side of the great tank, and the indigo vats are still there. Mango and other trees which he planted, a few of them otherwise un- known in the district, retain their vigour ; but the neigh- bourhood is most of.it covered with jungle. The visitor who lingers to trace out the remains of the English home once planted there, will probably be accosted by some villager who can tell him the traditions of the place, amongst which he may hear of the Doctor SdJiib who once lived there and generously ministered to all the sick who sought his aid. Nearly three quarters of a century have elapsed since Mr. Thomas quitted Moypaldiggy, but the recollection of his humanity still survives in the place where all his efforts to communicate the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ proved to be abortive. CHAPTER XII. Having no cerfaiu dwelli)ig place. — 1797-9. AS IMr. George Udny is going to England verj' shortly, and has agreed with Mr. Carey and me to dispose of his works, and as we have not gained to ourselves any money above our expenses and those of our families, and as the Society has resolved to supply us when necessary, I have this day given Bills of Exchange for/" 100, payable on account to Christopher Dexter or order, which you will please pay on behalf of the Particular Baptist Society for spreading the Gospel. As I have written largely, and am writing, by these ships, I need not say more here. Such was the letter, bearing date of December 28th, 1797, which reached Mr. Fuller in explanation of the change in Mr. Thomas's circumstances. The Bill for;!^!©© also came duly to his hands, and was paid ; but the other letters spoken of came not, and it was clear enough from the communications of Messrs. Carey and Fountain that Mr. Udny's works were not given up, and that Mud- nabatty, at least, was still carried on as before under Mr. Carey's superintendence. What did it mean r — was a question hard to answer at the time ; and necessarily yet more difficult to satisfy now. Little information concerning the matter survives in any documents which have been preserved. Mr. Thomas abandoned the use of his journal from the end of October, 1797, to the 8th of July, 1798, and a few letters alone re- main to tell what his intermediate history was. His object in visiting Calcutta had been the adjustment of his affairs there, and this required the payment of a considerable sum of money. His commission upon the 41 322 EXPLANATIONS. indigo made in the season just past might have enabled him to arrange matters ; but Mr. Udny detained it to cover the advances he had himself made. This, however right and just, was fatal to Mr. Thomas's hopes of effecting a settlement with his creditors in Calcutta ; and, upon his journey down, he wrote to Mr. Udny proposing some plan which he thought would enable him soon to repay his ]\Ialda debts, but which required the immediate use of the money in dispute between them. But his employer still refused to let him have it ; and, receiving this news on his arrival in Calcutta, he was driven almost to despair of any accommodation with his impatient creditors. Just then, he met with Dr. Barron, a medical man, who proposed to him to become his partner in a Calcutta practice, and hoping and believing that he might thus escape from his difficulties, as he now despaired of doing by means of the uncertain cultivation of indigo, he wrote to Mr. Udny resigning his service, and withdrawing from further connexion with Moypaldiggy ! But what can be said concerning Mr. Udny's alleged purpose of retirement from his works ? If no very satis- factory explanation is possible, in the absence of complete and exact testimony, it is any how clear that, three years later, Mr. Thomas met the charge that he had not repre- sented things fairly, with a most unfaltering assurance that he said only what he believed in this matter, when he put his name to the unfortunate letter above quoted. And perhaps the reader has himself seen, in facts al- ready related, reason enough to think that in ]\Ir. Udny's letter of refusal to pay him the money he asked for, there may have been an intimation that these works would very probably be at once given up r — If indeed he was fully deter- mined to carry them on, he was interested in pacifying the claimants who had it in their power to arrest a superin- tendent whose services he had no wish to lose. In that case, his own claims might be satisfied in the future. But if he meant at once to give up the works, he was wise to take pay- ment of his advances while he could. Evidently Mr. Udny's mind had long wavered upon this subject, as appears from DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES. 323 his words quoted at the bottom of an earlier page. And Mr. Thomas, for his own part, had been confident that his employer viusf^ sooner or later, abandon these factories, and so, after many unpleasant uncertainties, he was in too much haste to believe that this decision had actually been arrived at.* The further history of both places proved but too well that such a decision would have been wise. No better solution of this mysterious and unhappy busi- ness presents itself. But if Mr. Thomas resigned his post under such an impression as to Mr. Udny's pur- poses, he was soon conscious of the mistake he had committed, and of the hopelessness of his success as a sur- geon in Calcutta, and, in the middle of January, 1798, he hastened back to Malda, to regain, if possible, his en- gagement at Moypaldiggy. But he was too late. Mr. Udny had given the situation to Mr. Powell ; and was so seriously displeased as to be not at all disposed to listen to Mr. Thomas's entreaties for restoration to his patron- age. By his precipitancy therefore the unhappy man was at once reduced to a condition of almost helpless poverty. For property left at Moypaldiggy, he was to receive a monthly remittance from Mr. Powell of Rs. 100, for several months to come. The Society's aid he had availed himself of already, and had paid away the money. How he should live and support his family for the future was a question impossible to answer. One most disastrous consequence of this change in his arrangements was the permanent loss of Mr. Udny's favor. He had been an unfailing friend, whose kind- ness, notwithstanding any occasional disputes and mis- conceptions, had been shown in many ways, and with a very extraordinary degree of generosity. He evidently had desired to retain Mr. Thomas's services, and was greatly offended by the withdrawal of them. It appears * That the above explanation is correct seems to be corroborated by a passage in a letter to Mr. Carey, dated July 8th, 1799. In this Mr. Thomas says, "I wrote a letter to Mr. Fountain, explaining my sentence, with many quotations from Mr. Udny's letters, which ^vill enable you to wTite of jt." Mr. Fuller had asked Mr. Carey to explain the matter. He, however, declined using the information furnished to Mr. Fountain, because it would have been " highly improper to transcribe" passages from Mr. Udny's confidential coiTespondence. 324 VISIT TO SERASING. also thcat his resentment against his poor unhappy friend was heightened by some who told him that, in quitting his service, Mr. Thomas had but carried out a long pre- meditated design. This assertion had no other justification than could be found in the hasty expressions which had been sometimes- provoked by vexatious disappointments, such as were but too frequent at Moypaldiggy, but which had never been uttered outside the privacy and confidence of his own family circle. His attempts to regain Mr. Udny's patronage hav- ing all failed, he left Mudnabatty, where he had gone to take counsel with Mr. Carey, and, at the end of February, went to Serasing, at the foot of the Rajmahal Hills. His cousin Miss Powell had married an indigo planter there, and he was invited to visit them, and to inoculate their children for the small pox. Mrs. Thomas and the little girl were still in Calcutta with a friend, waiting until he could find a new home to which they might be brought. He reached Mr. Hasted' s house on the 7th of March. In a letter written just afterwards to Mr. Carey, he says, — I have been variously affected under these dispensations, since I saw you : but am more composed now. The word of God affords me grounds and reasons enough to be content for the present, and to hope for the future. I have had some conversation with the Hill people, and learn from them that they have no history, nor books of any kind, nor method of writing, except the very few who may chance to write the Bengali or Nagri. They have gosains, who, I suppose, rule them. They have also four regular festivals ; of what kind I know not. I shall ascend the hills, I suppose, before I leave. On the 14th, he wrote to Mr. Carey again : — With respect to spiritual welfare, it seems to me as though I had ruined myself by doing and suffering little things in my own strength. I come back once more to this point, ' Power belongeth unto God.' ' He giveth strength and power unto His people.' * Without me ye can do nothing,' &c. When such texts of Scrip- ture are abused, they are ' a savour of death unto death,' sloth unto sloth, deadness unto deadness. But where they enter, they IN NEED. 325 give light, life, and encouragement to activity. It seems to be your opinion now again that I had better follow the mission alone, but you have not annexed any reasons. I am a poor judge of my own mind, I confess ; however, it seems to me as if I should like this ; but that my embarrassments, my family, and the Company's pro- ceedings are objections apparently at present totally insuperable. I have much and frequently entreated of the Lord that He will also plainly guide me at this crisis, that I may surely do that which will be best on the whole for the glory of the gospel, for my own soul, and for others, and I have some hope that He who hath been my help by wondrous events of past providence, will not leave nor forsake me now. Join me in this request at a throne of grace ; and let me attend to the leadings of providence and do valiantly for the best : and the Lord do as seemeth Him good. Psalm cxix. and the whole word of God seems to have doubled and trebled its produce to me by this fermentation ; and I have been cordially thankful for it as a mercy that I was in need of, and as an instance of divine faithfulness and everlasting mercy to an undeserving wretch. How quiet it is after a brisk storm ! So it is with me. I sit still. I hope I shall have to write to you of the furtherance of the gospel yet. On the 24th, he wrote again. His medical charge was not yet fulfilled. He had sent off his boat to bring up Mrs. Thomas and his little girl ; but the failure of the hiindiy or draft, expected from Mr. Powell had detained her in Cal- cutta, and put them to sore inconvenience. The main object of his letter was to beg Mr. Carey to use his influ- ence to secure the remittance without further delay ; and, since April was at hand, to obtain also the payment of the amount due for March. " I am sorry," he says, "to make these complaints and give you all this trouble ; but, remember, I have no one else to help me now. I suppose Mrs. Thomas and Betsy will stay at Mr. Hasted's till I have prepared a shelter for them." Poor man, the shelter he projected was but ill fitted for the protection of himself, to say nothing of any risk of evil to a delicate wife and child. But the hot season was at hand, and his boat was so small that " only Betsy could stand upright in it." To live in it under the sun of a Bengali May was not to be thought of. He proposed 326 AT HARIN DANGA. therefore to find some suitable place near Nuddea, where, as he had done before, in 1791, he might put up a hut to dwell in. Mrs. Thomas preferred to accompany him ; and after her arrival they all left Serasing. Towards the end of April, they were at Berhampore, again disappoint- ed of the money which, if it had come, would have been all too little for their needs. But they had to go on with- out it to Kishnagur, a few miles to the north of which, at a place called Harin Danga, he proposed to make himself a home. Indeed he seems to have intended to cultivate indigo there for his support. Mr. Hasted had offered him as much seed for the purpose, as he needed. The people there " heard the gospel with avidity." But his purpose to establish himself at this place could not be carried out. On the 7th of May, he wrote to Mr. Carey. " No Imndi for the month of March or April : and this is May ! As you were so good as to say you would see to this for me, and I know it is of no use to expect help from any other man in your neighbourhood, I must beg you to consider and recollect my case, with all the obvious concomitants ; for I have but Rs. 3 left \" More than a week later, he was still unreliev- ed, and wrote with excusable bitterness that "his inconve- niences, though patiently borne by others, were severe to his family." Amidst these distresses, however, the interests of his great work held place in his heart. He wrote, — I am quite weary of hearing and seeing hopeful beginnings end in a hopeless manner, or near it. Yardi, like all the rest, is going ; and if I ever meet with any that distinguish themselves by enquiry, attention, and seriousness, they only give me pain, where once I only felt pleasure. — I heard a voice saying, ' All that the Father hath given me shall come unto me.' The Holy Spirit never de- signed this truth to encourage wicked and slothful servants in their evil habits ; but He designed it for various uses to His church and people ; one of which may be to encourage faint hearts still to go on in their use of the appointed means. The people hear and attend here with that spirit which would charm and delight me, if these appearances had not so often vanished and deceived. He speaks of kindness received in his need. — The Magistrate of the district received me with very pleasing attention and politeness ; offered to send us, and does send, bread, AT NUDDEA. 327 butter, biscuit, &c., in quantities ; and when I eat a tiffin with him, I think I have a feast fit for a prince. The raja also is very friendly, and I attend him as my patient : a very shrewd, sensible man, and a man of eastern learning, I have met with very great friends amongst the natives, who have laboured night and day for me, without any apparent prospect of reward. I am crowded with patients from morning till night. The season was insufferably hot, but " we still," he wrote, " live in a boat, and have had many a storm to weather, night and day. Not a bamboo bought yet : and good reason why ! He that is a refuge to those in trouble meets my expectations, as He does those of the worthless, when no one else will accept of them. He raises up one and another, to pity me and help me. Oh for a more thankful heart I" On the 17th of June, the straitened family were " still in the boat, learning how to endure." A hundi for March, bringing, like that for February, Rs. 80 only, instead of 100, had come. He was now at Nuddea, and wrote to Mr. Carey : — " I find the pandits clever fellows ; but none behave with asperi- ty. I have hundreds of patients ; and I go on in my old way. I maintain here and there a most deplorable object, while I am in want myself ; but it looks to me like murder to neglect those who are actually ready to perish, on any pretence whatever." His letter closes with an entreaty to Mr. Carey to pay some small sums due to servants at Moypaldiggy, which had been overlooked. " To fail in this drought, would be shocking," he says, feeling tenderly for others, whilst suffer- ing so sorely himself. On the 2 1 St of June, they were in the same state, but " through wonderful mercy, all well," except the boils from which himself and his daughter suffered. That, however, was " not to be compared with the heaviness and perplex- ity they had undergone through the neglect and vain excuses, from time to time, which they were supplied with instead of money." The rains had begun ; and it was needful that they should seek some better shelter than their boat. They were intending to remove to Chinsura. He adds, — 32 8 AT CHANDERNAGORE. We have long been without the common necessaries of life, and, for about ten days, we have been obliged to do with- out bread, butter, &c., and, as to wine and tea, they are never thought of. I have such a number of poor people come every morning for medicine as would astonish you. I am fre- quently six or seven hours before I give over my morning attend- ance, and then generally leave many begging in vain for relief. I disposed of nearly five hundred pills yesterday, besides other medicines ; and several persons have obtained great relief. The distressed family, after moving down the river, found a little upper-roomed house at Chandernagore, " with four rooms and an enclosed verandah above, and fourteen or fifteen little places below, at Rs. i6 per mensem," and pro- ceeded at once to remove into it, and so " got into shelter from the rains." The preserving goodness of which they were, in all their troubles, the objects, appeared to them very singularly at this juncture of their affairs. Mr. Thomas wrote to a niece, — ■ We had taken all our trunks, baskets and stuff of every kind out of the boat : and then, and not till then, a plank which the water- worm had eaten gave way, — and down she went to the bottom, though several men attempted to prevent it by baling her. Had this happened in deep water, and far from shore, you would have heard of us no more till you had ended your pilgrimage. Two brahmans had followed him from Nuddea, " with the avowed intention of reading and hearing the word of life ;" but he feared they were really seeking " the word of this life." He says, in a letter to Mr. Carey, — Instead of having my hopes enlivened by my late excursions among these people, I feel greatly disheartened. The gospel, however, the glorious gospel, is quite sufficient for all the great ends and purposes we have in view, for ourselves and others. The. Lord's hand is not shortened ; but His face does not shine upon me. I sometimes am swallowed up in a dark thick cloud of dejec- tion ; so that it is distressing to speak. I have several times gone out to preach in this frame, and found it all pass off ; but lately, especially on Sabbath days, I have gone, found people, attempted to speak ; but a ton weight was on my soul ; and oftentimes I have gone moping through the villages, followed by a crowd, without saying one word about the gospel ; and, if I replied to any other PROVIDENTIAL RELIEF. 329 question, it was with distress and difficulty. Of all the missionaries on the earth, I am one of the most hopeless. Mrs. Thomas has had much more of the spirit of a missionary in her than I have, and though she cannot keep it long out her head, — * What shall we eat, and wherewithal shall we be clothed ?' yet, to her praise I speak it, she has advised me to give up all things for the mission, and sometimes has reproved me for my inactivity, in which I heartily joined her; but then it is, as I have said elsewhere : I have the heart of a dead dog in it. I use David's argument when en- treating deliverance : ' for I am brought very low.' The heavens over my head are become brass, and the earth is iron to me. He still complained of the delay with which he received instalments from Moypaldiggy. Out of Rs. 700 which was due, he had received Rs. 260 only ; and he entreated Mr. Carey's interposition. On the 27th of July, he wrote of the long delay in answering his letters. Driven to the last extremity, he was thinking of going to Calcutta to " write for his bread," and he knew not how he could await the return of the post from Mudnabatty. He adds, " I thought you never more would have heard from me ; being a few days ago laid up with liver disorder and fever. Let me entreat you to reflect on what you suffered in my case, and how I acted ; but I am determined to say no more. If I perish, I perish ! Not I ! No : I shall never perish ; but what effect all these troubles may work upon this mortal body, I know not." Help was now at hand. On the i ith of August, he writes to acknowledge the receipt of letters which had been lying at the Post Office at Kishnaghur for weeks ; and, better still, relief from England was soon to be available. The kind providence of God, which had so often interposed for him before, was manifested now in the action — unsolicited by the missionaries — of the Committee of the Society. A resolution of theirs, dated August 29, 1797, of which the news now reached India, was as follows : — Our brethen having, in a disinterested manner, declined their ordinary income from us, at a time when they thought they could do without it ; and various unforeseen circumstances having since occurred, which render it necessary that we should afford them substantial assistance, resolved, that at this time we will pay them 42 330 ITINERANT PREACHING. those arrears, which they voluntarily declined, that is, that we will make up what has been sent out in goods at different times to ^100 per annum to each family, for four years, viz. from Novem- ber 7, 1793, to November 7, 1797. Mr. Thomas's share of the money thus voted was to be about ;^ 2 20. He says to Mr. Carey, — How seasonably has the Lord sent us help ! We have had great discouragements to flesh and blood ; but the hand of Lord is not shortened. Let not the axe murmur against the hand that lifts it. It is peculiarly good for missionaries to both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God. I have read much of the word of God this last month, both in my family and in private. I am ashamed of all my afflictions and sufferings, as not worthy to be mentioned, when I see what is written there. I repent of my grievous com- plaints to you in my last letter ; but you know what they are : the scum and spawn of ingratitude and infidelity to God. By the word of God, I see a needs be for myself in every pang, and it is good for me that I have been, am, and shall be, afflicted. In this letter he adverts to a, very painful subject, which Mr. Carey had brought to his knowledge. Parbati was now at Mudnabatty, and the^e was reason, from his own admissions, to believe that he had from the first been a deceiver, and that his marvellous dream and subsequent conversion were matters fabricated between himself and Mohan Chand at Bhulahath. Mr. Thomas wrote, — I feel myself sorely hurt to this day at hearing of the device of Mohan Chand and Parbati. I had no suspicion of them. My budgerow is just fit to float, and I intend to go and sow the good seed, from town to town, and village to village, next week, making Chandernagore my place of residence. On the 22 nd of August, leaving his family behind, he took his little boat and went forth preaching the gospel, which in some places was listened to with apparently genuine interest ; whilst elsewhere the utmost indifference was manifested to whatever he said. He wrote on the 24th, — I see by experience how necessary it is to make a longer stay among the people, and I am also taught that this is necessary by the Acts of the Apostles ; though as I am going from place to place, I will not refuse to speak of the gospel, because I cannot tarry. Our blessed Lord sometimes preached at several towns in EAGER LISTENERS. 331 one day, where he made no particular stay. But who is suflTicient for these things ? To go from place to place, in the darkness of Egypt, a man had need have God at hand, to keep his heart up. Without you stay and reason with them, once preaching amounts to this : ' Vou are all in the wrong, and / am all in the right.' If )'0U stay to reason with them, the people you begin with to-day disappear to-morrow. If you sum up all you have to say in a few words, it is like the index of a book, or a syllabus of lectures, and is received by them as a dry uninteresting subject, or, at best, as the plan of a chain of reasoning by those who have never yet begun thinking. I find these and other discouraging barriers and impassable gulfs be- tween this people and the gospel, so that except the Lord be merci- ful to them for Christ's sake, and come forth with irresistible power, it is impossible that any of them should ever be converted. But who can tell but the Lord may do this ? It is all the hope I have left. The difficulties are very great, but the work is still very sweet and desirable. It is a little heaven to me tcJ go and speak to these sheep without a shepherd, of the great things which concern their everlasting peace. This preaching excursion appears to have afforded him much interest at many places, and especially at Malanpara, where, having one evening promised to preach next morning, he was accordingly called out of his boat a little after day-light by a pandit, who said the people were all ready. All day long, he was engaged with them in eager debate. He wrote in his journal, — No indifference here ! I think this is the first congregation that ever tired me out, and stayed longer than I asked them. I have been speaking loudly to them for the space of eight hours in all, and have suffered in spirit very sorely because of the many blas- phemous opinions which have been uttered, and on account of those notions they firmly hold, which strike at the root of all religion and virtue, and make sin to be a sort of play-thing which God ordained, as well as righteousness. « The discussion was renewed the next day, and he left them with a very solemn exhortation and remonstrance concerning the pernicious doctrines they had advanced against the truth. During this journey a great sensation was produced amongst some of Mr. Thomas's hearers by the discovery 332 THE GAYATRI. that he was in possession of the mysterious Sanscrit verse called the Gdyatri. He wrote, — I found it, about seven years ago, in Roman letters, in a book written a hundred years ago by a Portuguese priest,* and I im- mediately put it into the Bengali character. Then, one day, I met a pandit in the open field, who proved to be a man of uncommon candour, and, after a long talk, I told him I had the Gdyatri. He read over my copy of it ; and by his remarks I discovered some blunders, which I corrected with a straw dipped in the mud. Thus I obtained a copy which all admit to be correct. It is difficult to express, by any words, the reverence in which they hold this text. When questioned as to the Gdyatri, they thrust the tongue out as far as they are able, and clap their hands over their ears ; as though they were deaf and dumb. They have disputed my know- ledge of it, but no sooner have I silently written the first letter of it on the palm of my left hand with my finger, then they have covered their eyes and run away, in a crouching posture, as though they had seen something forbidden to mortal eyes. A Brahman from Orissa, " very illiterate, wonderfully simple, but a very intelligent man," attached himself to the missionary as an enquirer during this journey ; and, for a time, there seemed to be reason to hope that he and one of the boatmen were disposed to become followers of Christ. Indeed he wrote of all his boatmen, — " They are all moved, more or less, and sit and ask questions, and acquiesce, and wonder." But the end of it was only disappointment. Other interesting details must be omitted. On the i ith of September, he rejoined his family at Chandernagore. During his absence he saw reason to think that he might sustain his family, and do something to defray his debts, by purchasing cotton cloth from the weavers in country places and selling it in Calcutta. This he accordingly attempted, and was for a little while encouraged by the results. Unhappy as he had been in his earlier engage- ments and involved as his circumstances were, he found people in Calcutta who were ready to offer him encourage- * Sir William Jones refers to the same book in the following words, — "The original Gdyatri, or holiest verse of the Veda, has already been pub- lished, though very incorrectly, by Fra Manuel da Assomcaon, a successful missionary from Portugal, who may have received it, as his countrymen assert, from a converted Brahman." CONVERTS AT NUDDEA. 333 ment in new speculations. In the middle of September, he had proposals made to him to undertake the charge of two indigo factories, with the promise of substantial help to carry forward the undertaking. He, however, declined these offers. " The very sound of indigo," he wrote to Mr. Carey, " is shocking to me ; and I have become quite averse to running into any more nooses. I think Providence smiles upon me in the small way, and seems willing to give me my daily bread, and what lack I more ?" It had been happy for him had this resolution been maintained. He would have been glad to make a home in some spot in the wilderness, as he had thought of doing at Harin Danga ; but he heard the most dreadful reports, every where as he travelled, of the atrocities committed by dacoits. Harmless villagers were attacked and cut to pieces by them, and their heads hung up upon the trees, and the most revolting cruelties were perpetrated upon any who were supposed to have hidden away their property. In carrying forward this traffic in native cloth, he seems to have travelled mostly in the district around Nuddea and he was a very frequent visitor at that place. There he had some hearers of whom he hoped well ; especially a man named Ram Mohan, a podddr, or money-changer, whose simplicity and interest in the gospel won the heart of the missionary. He had also a wealthy patient, "the famous Ganga Gobind Singh, Mr. Hastings's Dewan," who built the nabarafna, at Nuddea, of w^hich he had written with so much admiration to Mr. Carey. His attempts to win men to Christ here seemed as though crowned by the blessing of God, towards the end of the year. Ras Chandra, a Brahman, and two or three others professed to be Christians ; and he wrote a letter to Mr. Carey, begging him to bring J\Ir. Fountain with him to Nuddea on the 28th of January, 1799, that they might be present at the public baptism of these converts. The re- quest ran in the following confident terms, — I hope you will not fail me, but consider how greatly the cause of Christ calls you on this occasion. Let nothing prevent your coming. Let not our past disappoinments, which have discouraged 334 THE REV. NATHANIEL FORSYTH. me from writing much to you about the work of the Lord lately at Nuddea, discourage your hope. Doubt not, but be assured, the Lord has appeared, and does appear, making bare His arm. You will find the simplicity of the gospel, and that divine mark in their foreheads, love to the brethren, with repentance towards God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. It would take up too much time to tell you how the Lord has been with me lately in daily prayer, and in expounding and reading the word of God to them in Bengali ; but come and see. Come over and help us. I want your advice ; and long, day and night, for your speedy coming. Mr. Carey went to Calcutta in January, and was able to comply with the request made to him that he should visit Nuddea ; but, before the date fixed for the baptism came, the Brahman's conduct showed that he was a deceiver ; and yet another disappointment was added to the retrospect of missionary failures. At the end of 1798, the Rev. Nathaniel Forsyth, arrived in Calcutta as a missionary of the London Missionary Society. He had been one of the number intending to come to India with Mr. Robert Haldane ; and, on the fail- ure of that enterprise, he still persisted in his purpose to labour in Bengal. It does not appear that he ever acquired either of the vernacular languages of India, but he was inde- fatigable in his attempts to do good, as he had opportunity, and he supported himself by his own property. On his arrival, Mr. Thomas met him, and found great pleasure in his society. He describes him as " a very grave, sensible and pious man, about thirty years of age ;" and in senti- ment " an unbigoted Presbyterian." Mr. Forsyth began to preach in Calcutta in the lecture hall of Dr. Dinwiddle ; where he had very small encouragement ; for his congre- gation was " sometimes only two, seldom ten." Towards the end of April, a startling change in Mr. Thomas's arrangements suddenly meets us. Notwithstand- ing his aversion to indigo planting, he was induced to rent on his own account a factory at " Cooleadean, half a krosh inland from Ldl Ganj, which is opposite Santipore, and near Culna, and about six krosli to the southward of Nuddea." He says to Mr. Carey, — ANOTHER FAILURE. 335 I have been in great trouble and conflict, but at present there is such a probability of retrieving my temporal circumstances as leaves room to hope ; but that hope is founded, I confess, on the uncertain turn of an indigo season. Thus far my temporal circum- stances. My soul, I cannot say, is prosperous. I do not see how it should be so. As I have opportunity, I speak, vi^ith apparent concern of heart, the great truths of the precious gospel ; but with no more efficacy than before. Poor and wretched art thou, my soul, in these respects ; but I cannot add, * and knowest it not ;' or, ' thou sayest, I am rich.' And now in return, my dear brother, tell me how it is with you. Do your souls prosper better than mine .'' Then be thankful for what you have received. Does the Sun of righteousness shine on your labours ? — though this is a hard ques- tion ; because He shines sometimes as brightly when the darkness of the clouds prevents our observation, as when the light of His countenance fills our unbeclouded hearts with joy and peace through believing. I see with some satisfaction and quietness that, in all these tossings, God is at the bottom. This rash undertaking at Cooleadean, proved an utter failure. The unhappy adventurer felt himself to be sin- gled out by providence for disappointment and ruin ! The neighbouring factories, both above and below him, had seasonable rain upon their fields ; but he had none, and could not put in his seed till late in June, when such a deluge descended as speedily drowned all his hopes. " His indigo concern thus sunk to nothing, and almost sunk him with it." His circumstances were more hopeless than ever. He wrote to his father that he had now " done with all indigo works. But some thing must be done, to render to every one his due." While at Cooleadean, Mr. Thomas had, as one of his nearest neighbours, Mr. Cardin, " the Company's distiller," whose house was at the Dhoba Distillery, near Mirzapore. Mr. Cardin had been a planter in the West Indies, and had proved by experiment that a very great improvement in the cultivation of the sugar cane and the manufacture of sugar and rum might easily be attained, if the West Indian methods were followed. Communications with this very kind neighbour gave a new bent to Mr. Thomas's efforts to support himself and to pay his debts. There was now 336 FRESH HOPES. a great demand for sugar. People said that the Russians had found out the use of it, and that the demand for it was likely to become more and more active. He there- fore entered into partnership with a Calcutta merchant who was to advance the money needed for very exten- sive purchases, and he began this new business with the liveliest confidence in the success it was to yield. On the 8th of July, he wrote to Mr. Carey of his undertaking. He was then " in a 500 maund boat, on his Avay to Cutwa, to buy sugar for shipping," wherever he could procure it in that neighbourhood. He was full of hope that " with the blessing of God on the labour of his hands," his new occupation would " yield back all his losses." This employment also gave him good opportunities to visit different parts of the country, and he was active in preach- ing wherever he went. He said to Mr. Care}^, — The Lord will have His will and Flis way, and His means, and He will work, and who shall let it then ? — Till then, we must tvait, and wait long, perhaps, as the husbandman docs for the fruit. But if we have any expectation in our hearts, and if that expectation is in God only, we shall not be finally disappointed. I do truly and deeply mourn and lament with you our want of success in the gospel. For my part, I have shame, and fear hangs about me when I attempt to speak again of people who hear at all hopefully : — I have been so exceedingly deceived and disappointed. This part of the country is favorable. A Bible is much desired and asked for at Cutwa. ' It seems more unlikely than ever that we shall do any good.' This is the language of sense ; but the language of faith is, * We are as likely now as ever we were.' To attempt is ours : to suc- ceed is not ours ; nor is it expected of us, but of God only. O for more of Christ dwelling in our hearts, and more of His sweet name in all our common undertakings, and more of His interest, honour, and glory in all our designs (Ezekiel xxxvi. 23) ; but I have walked contrary to Him, and He has walked contrary to me, according to His word, and blessed be His name ; but I feel His sovereign mercy and enjoy it. I have all along thought myself something, while I was nothing. I had need of all my trials, and envy no man his prosperity. O bleeding Lamb of God for me, may my pride bleed to death through thee, and my loftiness be thoroughly brought down ; and be thou, thou alone exalted. * Then will I teach trans- gressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ETINDA. 337 I earnestly entreat you to pray much and often for me, that Christ may come and dwell in my heart by faith more than He has done. Pray that I may be upheld and, ' after suffering awhile, stablished, strengthened, settled.' And, oh, may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be in us all of a truth, that we may glorify Him here on earth, while we stay, by doing or suffering, and enjoy Him for ever in heaven, where neither the evil root of sin, nor the bitter fruit of sorrow shall ever again interrupt our joy in the Lord. In all this time since leaving Moypaldiggy, ]\fr. Thomas had wholly neglected to write to Mr. Fuller. He " left it all" to Mr. Carey. On the 17th of January, 1799, indeed, he did post a letter to the Secretary, but it was written two years before, and had been lying by him all that time. It was, nevertheless, published in the Periodical Accounts^ and was read with great interest by many. ]\Ir. Fuller also printed two letters which Mr. Thomas wrote to his nieces on hearing from them of the death of his sister Mrs. Pearce. He said of these letters, — Truly the spirit which they breathed, the sentiments they en- forced, and the complicated trials which they implied on the part of the writer, dissolved my heart in tender affection towards him. I read the letters to our congregation as a part of the afternoon worship. Many of our friends felt with me ; but they must wonder that all we know of Mr. Thomas is by copies of letters sent to his relations. The new undertaking seemed likely to succeed. Towards the end of August, he informed Mr. Carey that he had carried his cargo of sugar to Calcutta, where he had been offered a good profit upon it. " For once, he had gained." In a letter to his father, a few days later, he gratefully ac- knowledges the same success : — " I ought not have said, I had been smitten in all my labours ; but we are prone to overweigh afflictions, and to overlook sins and mercies. This is no uncommon mistake." The district of Birbhum offered the most inviting field for the business Wx. Thomas was now carrying on, and he found it needful to secure a depot at Etinda, where his sugar might be refined and prepared for transmission to Calcutta, and where he also set up a small distillery. 43 338 ADVICE TO MR. CAREY. So greatly was he encouraged by his present prospects, that he was eager to induce Mr. Carey to profit by his ex- perience, and " to turn his eye to sugar, instead of that pre- carious indigo, which would exist neither a dry month nor a wet one, without loss or damage ; while the sugar-cane would do both, without either, and would afford a missionary more regular and more numerous advantages." Nor did his representations fail to take considerable effect upon his less excitable colleague. On the 1 8th of October, Mr. Thomas wrote him a long letter in reply to questions he had pro- pounded upon the manufacture of sugar and rum. Let not the reader be shocked by the fact that these good men could hold the labours of the distiller innocent and compatible with the missionary calling. The moderate use of spirits was not then accounted an evil thing. As to this matter, the Christian conscience had not been educated in accord- ance with our present standards.* Country rum was the commonly used beverage of such Europeans as could not afford claret, madeira, or porter, and the production of it was not held to be an iniquity, on the part either of the manufac- turer or of the Government. So far was Mr. Thomas from any thought of wrong-doing in this business, that affcer answering all Mr. Carey's queries, he wrote, — " I beg and beseech you to consider the matter well, and, for your own sake, for your family's sake, and for the gospel's sake, have no more to do with the precarious deceiving indigo !" * A yet more curious illustration of the fact that even an enlightened conscience takes much of its tone from the society around it is supplied by the excellent John Newton, in whose Olney hymns every Christian finds the record of his own expe- rience. This good man says, in his autobiogiaphical narrative : — " During the time I was engaged in the slave trade, I never had the least scruple as to its lawfulness. I was, upon the whole, satisfied with it, as the appointment Providence had marked out for me ; yet it was, in many respects, far from eligible. It is, indeed, accounted a genteel employment, and is usually veiy profitable, though to me it did not prove so, the Lord seeing that a large increase of wealth could not be good for me. However, I considered myself as a sort of gaoler or turnkey ; and I was sometimes shocked with an employanent that was jjcrpetually conversant with chains, bolts, and shackles. In this view, I had often petitioned, in my prayers, that the Lord, in his own time, would be pleased to fix me in a more humane calling, and, if it might be, place me where I might have more frequent converse with Plis people and ordinances, and be freed from those long separa- tions from home, which very often were hard to bear." CHAPTER XIII. Serampore. — 1 799- 1 800. AN extract from Mr. Carey's essay on Christian mis- sions, given upon an earlier page, has informed the reader as to the method in which he thought they ought to be con- ducted, when he formed his plans in England. He was anx- ious to put those plans into operation, as far as possible, at Dehatta ; but the providential opening for him at Mud- nabatty induced him to abandon his half finished house and farm there ; and the project he had elaborated at Moulton and Leicester was laid aside to be reconsidered whenever circumstances should render a reconstruction of affairs desirable or necessary. Such a time seemed to be at hand at the close of 1796, when, as has been seen, the failure of the indigo manufacture at Mudnabatty made the imme- diate relinquishment of his works there appear inevitable. Thinking that it was so, he addressed to Mr. Fuller the following project for the establishment of the Bengal mis- sion, as soon as his support from Mr. Udny should cease. I will now propose to you, what I would recommend to the Society. You will find it similar to what the IMoravians do. Seven or eight families can be maintained for nearly the same expense as one, if this method be pursued. I then earnestly entreat the Society to set their faces this way, and send out more missionaries. We ought to be seven or eight families together ; and it is abso- lutely necessary for the wives of missionaries to be as hearty in the work as their husbands. Our families should be considered nurse- ries for the mission ; and among us should be a person capable of teaching school, so as to educj|itc our children. I recommend ail 340 MR. CAREY'S MISSIONARY PLAN. living together, in a number of little straw houses, forming a line or square, and that we have nothing of our own ; but all the general stock. One or two should be selected stewards to preside over all the management, which should, with respect to eating, drinking, working, worship, learning, preaching, excursions, &c., be reduced to fixed rules. Should converts from amongst the natives join us, all should be considered equal, and all come under the same regula- tions. The utility of this community of goods in the beginning of the gospel church here, will be obvious, by considering the following things : — 1. Our finances being small, it will be necessary to live econo- mically ; but one set of servants will do all the work for the whole, if thus organized, when, if otherwise, every separate family must have the same number as would be necessary for the whole, if united : and, if God converts the natives, they would in time super- sede all want of servants, being partakers of the public stock, and therefore bound to labour for the public benefit. 2. Education of our own and converted heathens' children is a very important object, and is what might, if followed by a divine blessing, train up some of them to be useful preachers or other members of the mission themselves. 3. The example of such a number would be a standing witness of the excellence of the gospel, and would contribute very much to the furtherance of the cause of Christ. 4. Industry being absolutely necessary, every one would have his proper work allotted him, and would be employed at his post ; some cultivating land, some instructing, some learning, some preaching, and the women superintending the domestic concerns. In order to this, I recommend about one or two hundred bigahs to be cultivated for the mission, which would produce most of the articles necessary for them and their cattle ; that all these people should not come at one time, but one or two families in a year, or in two years or so. But as brother Thomas, for obvious reasons, could not join this family, and as there is a far greater probability of his being torn from the work than not, we are in immediate want of more, say one family more, of missionaries ; and I entreat the Society to send them, as the only way of keeping the mission to- gether : but pray be very careful what stamp missionaries' wives are of. Should this place be continued to me, I recommend the seat of the mission to be here ; and my incpme and utensils will be imme- MR. FULLER'S ACQUIESCENCE. 34I diatcly thrown into the common stock. Or any part of Bengal would do ; though the north is most agreeable, and will produce wheat, a very necessary article : the heat also is more moderate. Should we go south, the neighbourhood of Nuddeais most eligible ; but, I fear, too near Calcutta. All provisions also are much cheaper in the north ; and by keeping a small boat, which can be bought for thirty rupees, two persons may travel any where at a time. Cultivation, and all except superintendence, must be performed by natives. Expense. The number of servants kept would fall under two hundred rupees per month ; I think, about a hundred and thirty : and the expenses of clothing and articles of furniture would be near one hundred for the number mentioned. The table might be well supplied, for all above mentioned, for one hundred rupees at furthest : I think, for sixty; but I say the utmost. Now, if eight families were distinct, their monthly expenses could not, with the utmost frugality, come under one thousand rupees per month : the whole of this would only be four hundred, and the produce of the land would go to lessen even that ; so that we should receive from the Society for such a number £10 per month, or £1^0 per annum, till we were able to say we could do with less. It would be a great saving of even this, if the Society were to send /'so a year of this in woollen cloths, light shoes, strong stockings, hats, and garden seeds. This £ z^o would save the mission about/' 100 or /'iSo a year. Having said this much, I recommend it to your se- rious consideration. The calculations may all be depended upon. The communistic scheme thus propounded would pro- bably recommend itself to very few directors of mission- ary societies in the present day ; and many objections to it will, no doubt, occur to every reader. Mr. Fuller's sagacity and strong common sense, however, found nothing in it to object to. His reply was a model of laconic, but most complacent, acquiescence. "Do whatever your own judg- ment dictates, all circumstances considered. We have great confidence in your prudence."* * That Mr. Fuller's ready acceptance of j\Ir. Carey's plan did not imply an unqualified admiration of all his performances, a quotation from this same letter will prove, in a somewhat amusing manner. Mr. Carey had asked that his mode of spelling Indian words might be always adhered to, when any of his letters were printed. ^Mr. Fuller Aviote in rejoinder, — " But you do not always spell alike. Sometimes you write inoonshee, and someLiroes niuiis/ii. ' If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who can prepare 342 MUDNABArrY ABANDONED. But Mr. Carey's fears as to the immediate abandonment of Mudnabatty were not realized. The works there were still, for a time, carried on. In 1797, the results of the ma- nufacture were more favorable. In 1798, Mr. Carey wrote to Mr. Thomas " sad accounts of the season ;" yet his ill- success did not bring about the expected crisis. But it came in 1799. Scarcely had the seed begun to spring up, when the young indigo was almost totally destroyed by an in- undation. The matter was now decided ; and, in September, Mr. Carey received notice that the works were to be closed. He most frankly acknowledged that his employer did wisely in determining to abandon his unfortunate speculation at Mudnabatty forthwith. With the year 1799, his allowances as superintendent of the factory ceased. Now therefore it was necessary to make new arrange- ments. In view of such an event he had already agreed with Mr. Udny to purchase from him a small out-factory at Kidderpur, twelve miles from Mudnabatty. It had not answered Mr. Udny's expectations, and he consented to transfer it to Mr. Carey, upon his paying for it about Rs. 3000, the sum already laid out. Here therefore, Carey and Fountain proposed to erect houses, a printing office, and other buildings for the accommodation of themselves and the brethren about to reinforce the mission, of whose com- ing they had been apprised ; and, in doing this, they pro- posed to follow the plan advocated at the close of 1796. The missionaries were, Mr. William Ward, Mr. Joshua Marshman and his wife, Mr. Daniel Brundson and his wife, Mr. William Grant and his wife, and Miss Tidd, who was to marry Mr. Fountain. All were to settle with Mr. Carey at Mudnabatty ; but the Committee were apprehensive of difficulty in obtaining a footing for their brethren there. They knew well that the permission of the Indian Govern- f(5r the battle ?' You must again allow me to remind you of your punctuation. I never knew a person of so much knowledge as you possess of otlier languages write English so bad ! You huddle half-a-dozen periods into one. Where your sentence ends, you very commonly make only a semicolon, instead of a period. If your Bengali New Testament should be thus pointed, I siiould tremble for its fate." ARRIVAL OF THE "CRITERION." 343 ment was not likely to be granted for their settlement as missionaries, and they thought it best not to ask for it, but to let them go quietly to the place of their desti- nation, unnoticed, if that were possible, by the autho- rities. Mr. Fuller wrote, — " On advising with Mr. Short," who was then in England, " and also with Mr. Charles Grant, the Director, they recommended that the mission- aries should not be landed in Calcutta, but at Serampore, a Danish settlement, between Calcutta and Hooghly. We have therefore," he added, " ordered matters so that, in Calcutta river, they, instead of going into the city, get out of the ship into a boat, take their chests with them, and go immediately to Serampore." There Mr. Carey was to make arrangements to meet them, and to conduct them to his place of residence. The Criterion, an American vessel, commanded by Mr. Benjamin Wickes, a very excellent Presbyterian of Phila- delphia, sailed from Gravesend with the missionaries, on the 26th of May, 1799, and reached Calcutta on the 12th of October. The missionary party followed the instructions given them in England. A little below the city, they all left the ship in two boats, and went on without landing to Serampore, which they reached at day-break on Sunday morning, the 13th. They hoped to be met by one of the brethren from Mudnabatty, and to travel thither under his direction. But unexpected difficulties arose. When Captain Wickes went to enter his ship at the Custom House in Calcutta, he was ordered to produce his missionary passengers ; and permission for him to trade at the port was made conditional upon his giving them up, or engaging that they should be sent out of the country. These harsh conditions were afterwards withdrawn, and the good captain's difficulties were surmounted ; but it was found that there was little or no hope that they could be allowed by the British authorities to labour as missionaries in Bengal. So jealous was the Company's Government of all " interlopers," and so op- posed to all religious agitation amongst the natives, that there was reason to fear that even the enlightened Gover- 544 COLONEL BIE. nor-General, the Marquis Wellesley, would deport them, if they attempted to set up their press and to carry out the other purposes for which they had come to Bengal, either at Kidderpur or at any other place within the British territories.* Whilst they were discountenanced thus by their own countrymen, God gave the missionaries a generous protec- tor in the person of Colonel Bie, the Danish Governor of Serampore. From the time of their arrival, he was their adviser and friend. They waited upon him the day after they reached the place, and " found him very friendly and disposed to do them all the service he could," but his help could avail them little beyond the limits of his small terri- tory. He counselled them as to the communications they should make to the authorities in Calcutta, and assured them of his protection if they chose to remain within the Danish settlement. Mr. Thomas was deeply interested in the anxieties of the newly arrived brethren, and wrote to them frequently. It was his strong wish that one or more of them should join him, now that he had such favorable prospects of both temporal success and missionary usefulness in the Bir- bhiim district. They, however, had heard much at home which made them unwilling to enter into needlessly close relations with him ; and the rumours which now reached them of his debts and entanglements filled them all with most painful apprehensions of discredit to the mission on his account. Mr. Ward, indeed, did not hesitate, within a month of his arrival in India, to suggest to I\Ir. Fuller that Mr. Thomas's connection with the Society ought to be severed. * The manner in which the ship was reported in the newsj^apcrs was thought to have led the Government to suppose that the missionaries were French spies. The Calcutta Gazette of October 17th thus announced the anival of the vessel :— " The American ship Criterion, Captain Wickcs, came into the river on Thursday last. She left London on the 26th May, and saw the Land's End on the 8th June following. On this ship came passengers :— Sir John Meredith, Bart, and four missionaries deputed by the Papist Mission Society." Of these passengers, two died before the month in which they landed in India had expired ; viz. Sii- John Meredyth on the 27th, and Mr. W. Grant, one of the missionaries, on the 31st of October, 1799. DEATH OF MR. GRANT. 345 Colonel Bie made it evident that he well appreciated the great objects for which the missionaries had come to Bengal. When they commenced a public service at their hired house, he came to it with his guests and friends ; and, that he might the better introduce the missionaries to the notice of the residents at Serampore, he invited them one Sunday in November to preach in his own large hall to as many as could be induced to come. He had no wish however, so to employ his official influence as unduly to constrain others in matters of religion. Having once had the service in his house, he " intimated that he had now brought the people under the word, and could do no more. He must leave them to their own discretion." The services were therefore afterwards again held at the missionaries' house ; but the Governor still set a good example by being himself a regular attendant. In the midst of all their anxieties, the missionaries suf- fered the loss of one of their number in a very unexpected manner. Mr. Grant was, upon his arrival at Serampore, apparently in perfect health. On the 27th of October, he suffered from a cold ; but no thought of danger arose till the morning of the 31st, when a convulsive fit alarmed the family around him, and, in the afternoon of the same day, he expired. His death was a severe shock to his brethren, by whom he was much beloved ; and he left behind him a widow and two little girls. Mr. Carey did all he could to obtain permission for the removal of the missionaries to Mudnabatty. He wrote to every influential friend he had in Calcutta, whither Mr. Udny was now removing, to take his seat in the Board of Trade. Dr. Roxburg, Mr. Carey's botanical friend and correspondent, was also asked to help ; but all was to no purpose. The conclusion the missionaries arrived at was : — " The Company do not wish for the settlement of Europeans in Bengal. No European can be a proprietor of lands, nor indeed can any one properly come or stay here without their permission. That permission we shall never obtain ; and without it we could never be secure. We therefore rejoice that here there is a resting place ; and 44 346 MR. CAREY LEA\T£S MUDNABATTY. from here we can itinerate to any part we choose. The paper, the press, and the types are at Mudnabatty ; but in other respects the mission is surrounded with gloom, and we are almost disheartened, Europeans every where laugh at us, and God seems to cover Himself with impenetrable clouds."* This was written on the 9th of November. Mr. Fountain had come that day to meet them, and they had called on Colonel Bie, who renewed his offers of protection and assistance if they liked to remain at Serampore, and pro- posed to help them now by giving one of them a passport to Mudnabatty. This would enable them to confer with Mr. Carey more freely than was possible by letter, and something might then be resolved upon. On the 14th of November, therefore, Mr. Ward, pro- tected by the Governor's passport, set out for Mudnabat- ty, in company with ]\Ir. Fountain. They stopped at Nuddea, and heard of Mr. Thomas there, as well-known by his preaching and his kindness to the sick. They reached Mudnabatty on the ist of December, and, by the next morning, Mr. Carey's mind was fully made up to leave the place in which he had so long laboured, and to join the missionary band at Serampore. To do this in- volved the abandonment of many long cherished hopes of usefulness in the Dinajpur district, the loss of much money laid out at Kidderpur, and the sacrifice of the amount still owing for the premises ; but there was no help for it; and, on the 25th of December, he finally quitted IMudnabatty, and set out on the journey to his new home, — the place to which his learning, ability, diligence, * Mr. Brunsdon wrote to Mr. Chamberlain, then a student at the Bristol Academy, — "This is indeed a land of darkness and the shadow of death. The primate of Bengal seems to thinlv they are too mucli sunlc in sin and ignorance for divine grace to work upon ! What views he must entertain of his own nature and of the giace of God ! He says, when he came first to this countrj', he used to try what could be done ; but lie had then more zeal than knowledge. Oh may I ever remain ignorant as I am, if an increase of knowleilge is to abate my zeal and diligence in endeavouring to set before these poor heathens the unsearchable riches of Christ," A MISSION HOUSE PURCHASED. 347 and stedfast zeal and piety were soon to give so much celebrity. On Friday, January loth, 1800, the travellers reached Serampore ; and Mr. Carey was received by Colonel Bie with all the kindness he had already shewn to the rest. He had tried in vain to find a suitable house for them. Then he offered them a piece of land upon which they might build. This they were intending to accept, and meant " to build six mat houses, of three or four rooms each ; a school, a place of worship, and a printing ofhce." But the ground offered them was too small for all this ; and consequently they embraced an opportunity which arose, a few days later, to purchase of the Governor's nephew " a large house in the middle of the town." " It consisted of a spacious veranda and hall, with two rooms on each side. Rather more to the front, were two other rooms separate, and on one side was a store house. It stood by the river side, upon a pretty large piece of ground, walled round." For these premises they paid Rs. 6000. Here they were comfortably provided with a home, and were able to arrange to set up their press, and for the school, which for many years to come was a source of great benefit to the European community in the neigh- bourhood of Calcutta.* A series of rules for the management of the mission family was immediately drawn up and adopted. f They * The Calcutta Gazette for March 20th, 1800, contained this advertisement. " A/IS S /ON I/O USE " SERAMPORE. '< On THURSDAY, the ist of May, 1800, a SCHOOL will he opened at this House, which stands in a veiy health^' and pleasant situation by the side of the river. "TERMS, "INCLUDING BOARD AND WASHING, Per month Sa. Rs. " Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Geography &c., .... 30 *' Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Persian or Songskrit, 35 " Particular attention will be paid to the correct pronunciation of the English language. " A Persian and Songskrit numshi will be employed. " l^° Letters addressed to MR. CAREY will be immediately attended to." t As these rules are numerous, only the more important of tiieni are reproduced in this note. 348 THE DANISH GOVERNMENT. were in some respects unlike those devised at Mudna- batty; but they soon required other modifications, and the history of the Serampore mission proved how little suited to the genius of Baptist missionaries " the Moravian system" was. Tliose who contend for a very precise adhe- rence to missionary methods, may with advantage compare the plans devised by Mr. Carey at the outset of his mis- sionary life with the actual procedure of his own career, devoted and useful as it was, and with the experience developed by practical contact with his colleagues, — several of whom were remarkably pious and excellent men, and who all exceedingly admired and loved him. Colonel Bie at once reported to his Government the arrival of the Baptist missionaries, and the encouragement he had given them. A kind response speedily came from Copenhagen. Full permission was accorded to the missionaries to establish themselves at wSerampore, and the Governor and Council there were instructed to afford them protection, in the confidence that, as good citizens, they would pay all due obedience to the laws and regulations. The brethren of the mission form a community, in which no one has the pre- eminence. Eveiy question relative to the affairs of the Society shall be determined by a majority ; to whose determination the minority shall peaceably accede. Any brother may call a meeting of the brethren in the evening after worship. Whatever worldly employ the brethren, as a body, may think it expedient to pursue, no one must refuse to take the share assigned him, nor shall any part of the profits arising therefrom be accounted private property, except so appropriated by the majority. No brother shall engage in any private trade whatever. Each of the brethren, in rotation, shall superintend the affairs of the family for a month. In case of inability, the next in turn shall supply. This superin- tendence shall extend to providing for the table, presiding at meals, keeping the family accounts, watching over and paying servants, preserving order and a due observance of family rules, waiting on strangers, and whatever may proi^erly belong to the affairs of the family. The superintendent shall deliver up his accounts the last day of the month, or as soon as possible aftersvards. A prayer-meeting shall be held on the first Monday in the month for the success of the gospel. Saturday evening, a meeting of the brethren shall be held to consult on the affairs of the family, and promote brotheriy love. All censures shall be passed by a brother selected for the purpose. CHAPTER XIV. Cast down^ hut not destroyed. — 1 799-1800. MR. THOMAS'S history must now be resumed. Early in November, he removed his residence for a time to Siipiir, not, however, giving up his premises at Etinda, and the fatigue, exposure, and anxiety which he underwent in carrying out his arrangements, resulted in a very alarming illness. He gave the following account of it in a letter to Mr. Carey. I have been very ill indeed, upon and since the 9th of November. I thought I should never more see your face in the flesh, or write you again, I received a letter from my father on the morning of the 9th, telling me of the death of my last surviving sister. My head became giddy, my heart palpitated, and I set down the palanquin and rested. After having spoken the word of God to the bearers and others who were with me, with much solemnity, I again got into the palanquin, and told them to go on to Mons. Chamboo's, who lives on a mount two krosh off. I now felt myself worse and worse ; my hands became livid, and I found I was fast going. My pulse stopped, and then went on again, till I was quite unable to proceed further. — I was within two arrow's-shot of the house. I sent for W. Chamboo, and told him I Avas dying. He gave me vinegar, which revived me. I gave him my letters, and made what I supposed to be my last requests. I had little or no fear, or doubt of mercy, at that moment. I now fell into a fit, or phrensy, and convulsion, tore my palanquin to shivers, wounded my body severely, which wounds and bruises are not even yet healed, and, for three days and three nights, I ate no food, but was insane. I thought I was in heaven ; and that heaven was like earth ; only all was extasy. I leaped and sang, ' Arrived ! Arrived ! How came I here ? Nottingham, ditto ditto, 13 13 o Northampton, ditto ditto, 23 i 6 Olncy, Bucks, ditto ditto, lo 15 6J Plymouth Dock, ditto ditto, 20 2 9 Road, Northamptonshire, ditto ditto, i 12 oi Salisbury and Devizes, ditto ditto, i 6 1 6 o"' Shcepshead, Leicestershire, ditto ditto, 9 q 6 Spalding, Lincolnshire, ditto ditto, z^ c o Tewkesbury, ditto ditto, 8 i o Thorn, Bedfordshire, ditto ditto, 11 5 5 Worcester, ditto ditto, <) 9 o IVeston by Weedon, ditto ditto, o 9 o £ '091 9 3^ APPENDIX. 417 DlSRURSEMENTS. To Mr. Carey, for time and travelling expenses on the concerns of the mission, for three months, with the removal of his family to Piddington, £ 26 16 6 To Mr. Thomas, for tmie and travelling expenses, for three months, 28 9 6 Expenses of Messrs. Carey and Thomas, during the months of April and May, in endeavouring to obtain a passage, '9 19 o Travelling expenses of Messrs. Carey and Thomas, from Ports- tnouth to Northampton, and removing the whole of Mr. Carey's family thence to London, 13 " 5 To Mr. Carev, for expenses attending the removal of himself and family to Dover, and incurred during his and their residence there, whilst waiting for the ship, 25 5 o Mr. Thomas's journey to Portsmouth, and removal of goods by sea io Dover, 15 5 ^ To Mrs. Carey during her residence at Piddington, according to agreement, in case she had not gone with Mr. Carey, one quarter in advance, and five guineas for expenses attending her l}-ing-in, I? '5 ° Journeys of Messrs. Fuller, Sutcliff, Tim. Thomas, and Pearce, on collecting and other business, with supplies for their con- gregations during their absence, 16 2 o To printing, carriage of goods and parcels, with postage of letters,.. 8 15 4 To books and globes taken to India for the use of the mission, .... 13 13 o To passage money for ten persons, viz. five adults and five children, together with supplies of linen, &c. for the voyage, and for their use when arrived in India, 7^9 '^ ' ^ To allowance to the missionaries in advance for the first year after their arrival, 150 o o To balance in the hands of the Treasurer, October i, 1793, £ 3^ 4 I4 £ 1091 9 i\ BuDFORD Street, Covent Garden, London, Aj>nl, 1872. Macmillaa &■ Co:s Catalogue of Works in the Departjiieiits of History, Biography, and Travels ; Politics, Political and Social £conomy, Law, etc.; and Works connected with Laiicna^c. With so?ne short Accoiuit or Critical Notice concei^ning each Book. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, and TRAVELS. Baker (Sir Samuel W.)— Works by Sir Samuel Baker M.A., F.R.G.S.:— THE ALBERT N'YANZA Great Basin ot the Nile, and Explora- tion of the Nile Sources. New and Ciieajier Edition. Maps and Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 6j. ^^ Bruce won the source of the Blue Nile ; Speke and Grant won the Victoria source of the great White Nile ; and I have been permitted to succeed iff completing the Nile Sources by the discovery of the great reservoir of the equatorial waiei^s, the Albert N'^yanza, from which the river issues as the entire While A^ile." — Preface. "As a Macaulay crrose among the historians," says the Reader, "so a Baker has arisen among the explorers." " Char^ningly written;" says the Spectator, "full, as might be expected^ of incident, and fi-ee from that zvcarisome reiteration of useless facts which is the drawback to almost all books of African travel." THE NILE TRIBUTARIES OF ABYSSINIA, and Uie Sword Hunters of the Hamran Arabs. With Maps and Illustrati.ons. Fourth and Cheaper Edition. Crown 8vp. 6j-. A. I.. A 3.000.417?. MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN Sir Samuel Baker hei-e describes hvelve months' exploration, during which he examined the rivers that are tributary to the Nile from Abyssitiia, including the Atbara, Sdtite, Royan, Salaam, AftgJ-ab, Rahad, Binder, and the Blue Nile. The interest attached to these portions of Africa differs entirely from that of the White Nile regions, as the whole of Upper Egypt ami Abyssinia is capable of development, and is inhabited by races having some degree of civilization; while Central Africa is peopled by a race of savages, whose future is more problematical. The TiMKS says : " It solves finally a geographical riddle which hitherto had been extremely perplexing, and it adds much to our information respecting EgyJ>tian Abyssinia and the different races that spread over it. It contains, moreova; some notable instances of English daring and enterprising skill ; it aboiuids in ani- mated tales of exploits dear to the heart of the British sportsman ; and it .will attract even the least studious reader, as the author tells a story well, and can describe nature zvith uncommon power." Barante (M. De). — Scc Gvizot. Baring-Gould (Rev. S., M. A.)— legends OF OLD TESTAMENT CHARACTERS, from the Talmud and other sources. By the Rev. S. Baring-Gould, M.A. Author of •' Curious Myths of the Middle Ages," " The Origin and Develop- ment of Religious Belief," " In Exitu Israel," &c. In Two Vols. Crov^'n 8vo. 16^. Vol. I. Adam to Abraham. Vol. II. Mel- chizedek to Zechariah. Mr. Baring- Gould's previous contributions to the History of Mythology and the formation of a science of comparatiiie rcliqion are admitted to be of high importatice ; the present ivork, it is believed, will be found to be of equal value. He has collected from the Talmud and other sources, Jewish and Mohainmedan, a large number of curious and interesting legends concerning the principal characters of the Old Testament, com- paring these frequently tvith similar legends current among many of the Peoples, savage and civilized, all over the world. ' ' These volumes contain much that is very strange, and, to the ordinary English reader, very novel." — Daily Nkws. Barker (Lady). — See also Belles Lettuls Cataloc.uk. STATION LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND. By Lady Barker. Second and Cheaper luliliun. Globe 8vo. 3^-. 6d. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. 3 T/iese lettefs are the exact account of a lady's ex/>eriencc of the brii^hlcr and less practical side of colotiizatiott. They record the expeditions, ad- ventures, and emergencies diversifying the daily life of the 7vife of a Nenv Zealand sheepfarmcr ; and, as each was written while the noz'elty and excitement of the scenes it describes were fresh upon her, they may succeed in giving here in England an adequate impression of the delight and free- dom 0/ an existence so far removed from our cnvn highly-wrought civiliza- tion. "l-Ve have never read a more truthful or a pleasanter little booh." — AtHEN/EUM. Bernard, St. — ^'^c Morison. Blanford ("W. T.)— geology and ZOOLOGY OF ABYSSINIA. By W. T. Blanford. 8vo. 21s. This work contains an account of the Geological and Zoological Observations made by the author in Abyssinia, when accompanying the British Army on its march to Magdala and back in 1868, and during a short journey in Northern Abyssinia, after the departure of the troops. Parti. Personal Narrative; Part II. Geology; Part III. Zoology. With Coloured Illustrations and Geological Map. " JVie result of his labours," the ACADEMY says, "is an important contribution to the natural history of the country." Bryce. — THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE. By James Bryce, D.C.L., Regius Professor of Civil I^aw, Oxford. New and Re- vised Edition. Crown 8vo. "js. 6d. The object of this treatise is not so much to give a narrative history of the cotintries included in the Romano-Ga-manic Empire — Italy during the Middle Ages, Germany from the ninth century to thenineteenth — as to describe the Holy Empire itself as an institution or system, the wondeyfid offspring of a body of beliefs and traditions which have almost wholly passed away from the world. To make such a description intelligible it has appeared best to give the boolc the form rather of a narrative than of a dissej-tation ; and to combine with an, exposition of what may be called the theory of the Empire an outline oj the political history of Germany, as well as some notice of the affaiis of mediccval Italy. Nothing else so directly linked the old world to the neiu as the Roman Empire, which exercised over the minds of ■ men an influence such as its material strength could never have commanded. It is of this influence, and the causes that gave it power, that the present ■work is designed to treat. "It exactly supplies a want ; it affords a key A 2 4 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN to much xvhich men read of iu their books as isolated facts, but of which they ha'i'e hitherto had no connected exposition set before them. We kncav of no wi itjr who has sp thoroughly grasped the real nature of the mediisxial Empire, and its relations alike to earlier and to later times. " — Saturday Review. Burke (Edmund).— ^'^-.-Morley (John). Cameos from English History — 3-^^ Yonge (Miss). Chatterton. — 5^-;? Wilson (Daniel). Cooper. — ATHENE CANTABRIGIENSES. By Charles Henry Cooper, F. S.A., and Thompson Cooper, F.S.A. Vol. I. 8vo., 1500—85, i^s. ; Vol. II., 1586— 1609, iSs. This elaborate 7Vork, which is dedicated by permission to Lord Macaulay, coulciins lives of the eyninent men setit forth by Cambridge, after the fashion of Anthony h IVood, in his famous " A thence Oxoniefises." Cox (G. v., M. A.)— RECOLLECTIONS OF OXFORD. By G. V. Cox, M.A., New College, late Esquire Bedel and Coroner in the University of Oxford. Cheaper Edition. Crown 8vq. 6s. "An a musing farrago of anecdote.^ and will pleasantly recall in many a country parsonage the memory of youthful days."—l!\UY.^. *' Those who wish to make acquaintance with the Oxford of their grandfathers, and to keep up the intercourse wifh Alma Afater dining their father^ s time, even to the latest novelties in fashion or learning of the presetil day, ivill do well to procure this pleasant, unpretending little volume.'''' — Atlas. "Daily News."— the daily NEWS correspond- ence (if the War liet ween Germany and France, 1870 — I. Iulite(i with Notes and Comments. New Edition. Complete in One Volume. With Maps and Flans. Crown Svo. 6/. This Correspondence has been translated into Germj^n. ^n a Pretace ihe Editor says: — ^^ Among the various pictures, recitals, and descriptions which have appeared, both of our gloriously ended national war as a whole, and of its several episodes, we think that in laying before the German public, through HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. a translation, the /ollo7ving War Letters which appeared first in ///y well executed and continuous history." Dilke.— GREATER BRITAIN. A Record of Travel in English- speaking CouTitries during 1866-7. (America, Australia, India. ) By Sir Charles WENTWofexH Dilke, M.P. Fifth Editioa. Crown 8vo. 6s. " Mr. Dilke," says the Saturday Review, " has written a book which is probably as well worth redding as any book of the same aims and character that ever was written. Its merits are that it is written in a lively and agreeable style, that it implies a great d^al 0/ physical pluck, that no page of it fails to shotv an acute and highly intelligent observer, that it stintulates the imagination as well as tJie judgment of the reader, and that it is on perhaps the most interesting subject that can attract an Englishman who cares about his coUntry." '■^ Many of the subjects dis- cussed in these pages" says the Daily News, "are of the widest interest, and such as no man who cares for the Juture of his race and of the world can afford to treat with indifference. " Diifer (Albrecht). — s«e Heaton (Mrs. C.) Eutopean History, Narrated in a Series of Historica Seleclions from the best Authorities. Edited and arranged by E. M. Sewell and C. M. Yonge. First Series, crown 8vo. ts. ; Second Series, 1088-1228, crown 8vo. 6j. When young children have acquired the outlines of history froHi abndg- metUs and catechisms, and it becomes desirable to give a more in'arged view of the subject, in ordei- to render it really useful and l>i/,i\sting. a 6 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN difficulty often arises as to the choice of books. Two courses are open, either 10 take a general and consequently dry history of facts, such as RusselVs Modern Etcrope, or to choose some work treating of a particular period or subject, such as the zuorks op Macaulay and Fioude. The former course usually renders history iminteresting ; the latter is ttnsatisfactory, because it is not sufficiently comprehensive. To remedy this difficulty, selections, continuous and chronological, have in the present volume been taken Jrom the larger works oj Freeman, Jllilman, Palg)-ave, Lingard, Hume, and others, which may serve as distinct landmarks of historical reading, " iVe know of scarcely anything," says the Guardian, of this volume, "which is so likely to raise to a higher level the average standard of English education.'''' Fairfax (Lord). — a life OF THE GREAT LORD FAIR- FAX, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Parliament of England. By Clements R. Markham, F.S.A. With Portraits, Maps, Plans, and Illustrations. Demy 8vo. xds. No full Life of the great Parliamentary Commander has appeared ; and it is here sought to produce one — based tipon carefd research in con- temporary records and upon family and othci' documents, " Highly usefid to the carefd student of the History of the Civil War. . . . Pro- bably as a military chronicle Air. Markham' s book is one of the tnost full and accurate that we possess about the Civil War." — FoRTNIGHTLY Review. Field (E. W.)— ^.v Sadler. Freeman. — Works by Edward A. Freeman, M.A,, D.C.L. "That special power over a subject which conscientious and patient research can only achieve, a strong grasp of facts, a true mastery over detail, with a clear and tnanly style — all these qualities join to make the Historian of the Conquest conspicuous in the intellectual arena." — Academy. HISTORY OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, from the Foun- dation of the Achaian League to the Disruption of the United States. Vol. I. General Introduction, History of the Greek Federations. 8vo. 2ls. Mr. Freeman's aim, in this elaborate and valuable work, is not so Viuch to discuss the abstract natti re of Federal Government, as to exhibit its actual working in ages and countries widely removed from one another. Four Federal Cominomvealths stand out, in four diffirent ages of the world, as commanding above a^J others the attention of students of political history, HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, e as an incentive to a more accurate study of historic geography. " The rapid sale of the first edition and the universal approval with which the work has been received prove the correct- ness of the author's notions, and sko7a that for such a book there was ample room. The work is suited not only for children, but will sa~ve as an ex- cellent text-book for older students, a clear and faithful summary of the history of the period for those who wish to revive their historical know- ledge, and a book full of charms for the general reader. The work is preceded by a complete chronological Table, and appended is an exhaustive and useful Index. In the present edition the whole has been carefully revised, and such improvements as suggested themselves have been introdueed. " The book indeed is full of instruction and interest to students of all ages, and he must be a well-informed man ittdeed who will not rise from its perusal with clearer and more accurate ideas of a too muck negleclea portion of English history." — SPECTATOR. HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF WELLS, as illustrating the History of the Cathedral Churches of tlie Old Foundation. Crown 8vo. 3^. 6d. 8 MACMJLLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS lA Freeman (E. A.) — con tinned. ' / have here," the author says, "tried to treat the history of the Church of Wells as a cotttrihution to the general history of the Church and Kingdom of England, and specially to the history o/ Cathedral Churches of the Old Foundation. . . . I wish to point out the general principles of the original foundei's as the model to which the Old Foun- dations should be brought back, and the New Foundations reformed after their pattern." " The hisioiy assumes in Mr. Freeman'' s hands a signi- ficance, and, %t'e may add, a practical value as si/ogestive of what a cathe- dral ought to be, which make it well worthy of mention." — Spectator. HISTORICAL ESSAYS. Second Edition. 8vo. lo^. 6d. The principle on which these Essays have been chosen is that of selecting papers which refer to comparatively modern times, or, at least, to the existing states and nations of Europe. By a sort of accident a number of the pieces chosen have thrown themselves into something like a continuous series bearing on the historical causes of the great ei'ents of 1870—71. Notes hazre been added whenever they seemed to be called for ; and whenever he could gain in accuracy of statement or in force or clear- ness of expression, the author has freely changed, added to, or left out, what he originally wrote. To many of the Essays has been added a short note of the circumstances under which they were xvritten. It is needless to say that any product of Mr. Freeman's pen is worthy of attentive perusal ; and it is believed that the contents of this volume will throw light on several subjects of great historical importance and the widest interest. The following is a list of the subjects: — i. The Mythical a7id Romantic Elements in Early English History ; 2. The Continuity of English History ; 3. The Relations beliueen the Crowns of Englatui and Scotland ; 4. Saint 'Thomas of Canterbury and his Biographers ; 5. The Reign of Edward the Third ; 6. The Holy Roman Empire ; 7. The Franks and the Gauls ; 8, The Early Sieges of Farts ; 9. Frederick the First, A'ing ef Italy ; 10, The Emperor Frederick the Second ; \\, Charles the Bold ; 12. Presidential Government. '^ He never touches a question without adding to our comprehension of it, without leaving the impression of an ample kntivledge, a righteous purpose, a clear and poiverful under- standing."— 'Sktvkvky Review. THE GROWTH OE THE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES. In the press. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &* TRAVELS. 9 Galileo. — the private life of GALILEO. Compiled principally from his Correspondence and that of his eldest daughter, Sister Maria Celeste, Nun in the Franciscan Convent of S. Matthew in Arcetri. With Portrait. Crown Svo. ^s. bJ. It has been the endeavour of the compiler to place before the reader a plain, tmgarbled statement of facts ; and, as a means to this end, to allow Galileo, his friends, and his judges to speak for themselves as far as possible. All the best authorities have been made use of, and all the materials ivhich exist for a biography have been in this volume put into a symmetrical form. The result is a most touching picture skilfully arranged of the great heroic man of science and his devoted daughter, zvhose letters are full of the deepest reverential love and trust, amply repaid by the noble soul. 7'he SATUR- DAY Review says of the book, "It is not so much the philosopher as the man who is seen in this simple and life-like sketch, and the hand ivhich portrays the features and actions is mainly that of one -who had studied the subject the closest and the most intinuitely. litis little volume has done much within its slender compass to pnn'e the depth and tenderness of Galileo^ s heart. ^^ Gladstone (Right Hon. W. E., M.P.) — JUVENTUS MUNDI. The Gods and Men of the Heroic Age. Crown Svo. cloth. With Map. lo.f. 6d. Second Edition. This wo7-k of Mr. Gladstone deals especially with the historic element in Homer, expounding that element and furnishing by its aid a full account of the Homeric men and the Homeric religion. It starts, after the introductory chapter, with a discussion of the several races then existing in Hellas, including the influence of the Fha:nicians and Egyptians. It contains chapters on the Olympian system, with its sevei-al deities ; on the Ethics and the Polity of the Heroic age ; on the Geography of Homer ; on the characters of the Poems ; presenting, in fi7ie, a view of primitive life and primitive society as found in the poems of Homer. To this A^ew Edition various additions have been made. " Seldofn," says the A'VH'E- N^UM, '^ out of the g7-eat poems themselves, have these Divinities looked S0 majestic and respectable. To read these brilliant details is like standing on the Olympian threshold and gazing at the ineffable brightness within.''' " lyiere is," according to ///^Westminster Review, ^'probably no other writer notv living who could have done the tuork of this book. . . It tuould e difficult to point out a book that contains so much fulness of knowledge long with so much freshness of perception and clearness of presentation." lo MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN Guizot. — AI. DE BARANTE, a Memoir, Biographical and Auto- biotjr.iphical. By M. GuiZOT. Translated by the Author of "John Halifax, Gentleman." Crown 8vo. 6j. 6(/. ' ' It is scarcely iieccssarv to zurite a pre/ace to this book. Its lifelike, portrait of a true and ^reat man, painted unconsciously by himself in his Utters and autobiography, and retouched and completed by the tender hand oj his surviving friend — the friend of a lifetime — is sure, I think, to be appreciated in England as it was in Fi'ance, where it appeared in the Revue de Deux Mondes. Also, I believe every thoughtful mind will enjoy its clear reflections of French and European politics and history for the last seventy years, and the curious light thus throavn upon many present events and combiiuitions of circumstances." — Preface. " The highest purposes of both histoiy and biography are answered by a memoir so life- like, so faithful, and so philosophical." — BRITISH Quarterly Review. " This eloquent memoir, which for tenderness, gracefulness, and vigour, might be placed on the safne shelf with Tacitus' Life of Agricola. . . . Mrs, Craik has rendered the lungtiage of Guizot in her own siveet translucent English."— BAit,Y News. Heaton (Mrs. C.) — history of the life OF AL- BRECHT DURER, of Niirnberg. With a Translation of his Letters and Journal, and some account of his Works. By Mrs. Charles Heaton. Royal 8vo. bevelled boards, extra gilt. 3iJ-. 6d. This ivork contains about Thirty Illustrations, ten of which art produc- tions by the Autotype {carbon) process, and are pritited ift permanent tints by Messrs. Cundall and Fleming, tinder licence from the Autotype Com- pany, Limited ; the rest are Photographs and Woodcuts. Hole.— A GENEALOGICAL STEMMA OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE. By the Rev. C. Hole, M.A., Trinity College, Cambridge. On Sheet, \s. The different families are printed in distinguishing colours, thus facili- tating reference. Hozier (H. M.) — Works by CAPTAIN HENRY M. IIozier, late Assistant Military Secretary to Lord Napier of Magdala. THE SEVEN WEEKS' WAR ; Its Antecedents and Incidents. New and Cheaper Edition. With New Preface, Maps, and Plans. Crown 8vo. bs. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. ii Hosier (H. M.) — amtimu-d. This account of the brief but momentous Aiistro- Prussian War of i866 claims consideration as being the product of an eye-witness of some of its most interesting incidents. The author has attempted to ascertain and to advance Jacts. Two maps are given, one illustrating the opera- tions of the Army of the Maine, and the other the operations trom Kliniggriitz. In the Prefatory Chapter to this edition, evcir.s resulting from the tear of 1866 are set forth, and the current of European histery traced down to the recent Franco- Prussian war, a natural consequence of the war whose history is narrated in this volume. "Air. Ilozier added to the knowledge of military operations and of languages, which he had proved himself to possess, a ready and skilful pen, and ex- cellent faculties of observation and description. . . . All that Mr. Ilozier saw 0/ the great events of the war — and he saw a large share of them — he describes in clear and vivid language.^' — Saturday Review. "Mr, Hoziefs volumes deserve to take a permanent place in the literature of the Srven Weeks' War." — Pall Mall Gazette. THE BRITISH EXPEDITION TO ABYSSINIA. Compiled from Authentic Documents. 8vo. gs. Several accounts of the British Expedition have been published. They have, hoivever, been written by those who have not had access to those authentic documents, which cannot be collected directly after the termination of a campaign. The endeavour of the author 0/ this sketch has been to present to readers a succinct and impartial account of an enterprise which has rarelv been equalled in the annals of war. " This," says the Spectator, " will be the account of the Abyssinian Expedition for professional reference, if not for professional reading. Its literary merits ai-e really very great. " THE INVASIONS OF ENGLAND. A History of the Past, with Lessons for the Future. 'In the press. Huyshe (Captain G. L.)— the red river expe- dition. By Captain G. L. HuYSHE, Rifle Brigade, late on the Staff of Colonel Sir Garnet WoLSELEY. With Maps. 8vo. IOJ-. 6i/. This account has been written in the hope of directing attention to the successful accomplishment of an expedition which was attended ivith more than ordinary difficulties. The author fias had access to the official 12 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN liocuinenls of the Expedition, and has also availed himself of the reports on the line of route published by Mr. Dawson, C.E., and by the Typogra- phical Depaj-ttnent of the War Office. The statements made may therefore be relied on as accurate and impartial. The endeavour has been made to avoid tiring the general reader with dry details of military movements, and yet not to sacrifice the character of the work as an account of a military expedition. The volume contains a portrait of President Louis Riel, and Maps of the route. 7>5^ Athen/EUM ccills it ^'' an enduring authentic record of one of the most creditable achievements ever accomplished by the British Army." Irving.— THE ANNALS OF OUR TIME. A Diurnal of Events, Social and Political, Home and P'oreign, from the Accession of Queen Victoria to the Peace of Versailles. By Joseph Irving. Second Editio7i. 8vo. half-bound. 16^-. Every occurrence, metropolitan or proznncial, home or foreign, which gave rise to public excitement or discussioit, or became the starting point for 7iew trains of thought affecting our social life, has been judged proper matter for this volume. In the proceedings of Parliament, an endeavour hds been made to notice all those Debates tvhich luere either remarkable as affecting the fate of parties, or led to important changes in our relations 'with Foi-eign Poivers. Brief notices have been given of the death of all noteworthy persons. Though the events are set dcnvn day by day in their order of occurrence, the book is, in its way, the history of an important and well-defined historic cycle. In these ^Annals,'' the ordinary reader may make himself acquainted with the history of his oum time in a way that has at least the merit of simplicity and readiness ; the more cultivated Student will doubtless be thankful for the opportunity given him of passing down the historic stream undisturbed by any other theoretical or party feeling than what he himself has at hand to explain the philosophy of our national story. A complete and useful Index is appended. The Table of Administrations is designed to assist the reader in following the various political changes noticed in their chronological order in the 'Annals.^ — In the new edition all eri-ors and omissions have been rectified, 300 pages been added, and as many as 46 occupied by an impartial exhibition of the wonderful series of events marking the latter half of 1870. " IVe have before us a trusty and ready guide to the clients of the past thirty years, available equally for the statesman, the politician, the public writei; and the general reader. If Mr. Ii-ving's object has been to bring before the reader all the most noteiaorthy occurrences which have happened HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, <&- TRAVELS. 13 st?tce the hegi/ming of her Majesty's reign, he may justly clahn the credit of having done so most briejly, succinctly, and simply, and in such a manner, too, as to Jurnish him with the details necessary in each case to comprehend the event of which he is in search in an intelligent manner." — Times. Kmgsley (Canon). — Works by the Rev. Charles KiNGSLEY, M.A., Rector of Eversley and Canon of Chester. (For other Works by the same Author, see Theological and Belles Lettres Catalogues. ) ON THE ANCIEN REGIME as it existed on the Continent before the French Revolution. Three Lectures delivered at the Royal Institution. Crown 8vo. 6^. These three lectures discuss set'erally (i) Caste, (2) Centralization, (3) The Explosive Forces by 7vhich the Rez'olution was superinduced. The Preface deals at some length with certain political questions of the presettl day. AT LAST : A CHRISTMAS in the WEST INDIES. With nearly Fifty Illustrations. New and Cheaper Edition. Crown 8vo. los. 6d. Mr. Kingsley's dream of forty years was at last fujftlled, when he started on a Christmas expedition to the West Indies, for the purpose of becoming personally acquainted with the scenes which he has so vividly described in " IVesttaard Ho !" These two volumes are the jotirnal of his voyage. Records of natm-al history, sketches of tropical landscape, chapters on education, vieivs of society, all find their place in a work written, so to say, under the inspiration of Sir Walter Raleigh and the other adventurous men who three hundred years ago disputed against Philip II. the possession of the Spanish Main. " We can only say that Air. Ringsleyi's account oj a ' Christmas in the West Indies ' is in every way worthy to be classed among his happiest productions." — STANDARD. THE ROMAN AND THE TEUTON. A Series of Lectures delivered before the University of Cambridge. 8vo. 1 2s. Contents: — Inaugural Lecture ; The Forest Children; The Dying Empire; The IIic?nan Deluge ; The Gothic Civilizer; Dietrich's End; The Nemesis of the Goths ; Paulus Diaconus ; The Clergy and the Heathen The Monk a Civilizer. ; The Lombard Laws ; The Popes and the Lombards ; 14 MACAflLLAN'S CATALOGUE OF U'OEKS IN The Strategy of Providence. "He has rendered" says the Noncon- formist, ^^ good sendee and shed a neia lustre on the chair of Modern History at Cambridge .... He has thrown a charm around the work hy the marvellous fascinations of his oavn genius, brought out in strong relief those great principles of which all history is a rci'clation, lighted up many dark and almost unknown spots, and stimulated the desire to tinderstand more thoroughly one of the greatest moi'ements in the story of humanity." Kingsley (Henry, F.R.G.S.) — For other Works by same Author, see Belles Lettres Catalogue. TALES OF OLD TRAVEL. Re-narrated by Henry Kingsley, F.R.G.S. ^\'0a. Eight Illustrations \iy\\\i^.v.v>. Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6j. In this volume Mr. Henry Kingsley re-narrates, at the same time preserving much of the quaintness of the original, some of the most fasci- nating tales of travel contained in the collections of Hakluyt and others. The Contents are — Marco Polo ; The Shipwreck of Pelsart; The Wonderful Adventures of Andrew Battel; The Wanderings of a Capuchin; Peter Carder; The Preservation of the " Terra Nova ;" Spitzbergen; D' Ernie- nonvilli s Acclimatization Adventure ; The Old Slave Trade; Miles Philips ; The Sufferings of Robert Eva-ard ; John Fox ; Alvaro Nunez ; The Foun- dation of an Empire. " We know no better book for those who want knaivledge or seek to refresh it. As for the '■sensational,^ most novels are tame compai-ed with these narratives." — Athen.^um. ^'Exactly the book to interest and to do good to intelligent and high-spirited boys." — Literary Churchman. Macmillan (Rev. Hugh). — For other Works by same Author, sec Theological and Scientific Catalogues. HOLIDAYS ON HIGH LANDS ; or, Ramifies and Incidents in search of Alpine Plants. Crown 8vo. cloth. 6^. 77^1? aim of this book is to impart a general idea of the origin, character, and distribution of those rare and beautiful Alpine plants which occur on the British hills, and which arc found almost everywhere on the lofty tnountain chains of Europe, .-Isia, ylfrica, and America. The informa- tion the author has to give is conveyed in untechnical language, in a setting oj personal adventure, and associated with descriptions of the HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, 6- TRAVELS. 15 natural sceuery and i/ie fixuliari/iesof t/ie /uinian life in the midst of u-it and value, dealing most thoroughly with one of the most in- teresting characiet-s, and one of the most interesting periods, in the Chuich history of the Middle Ages. Mr. Morison is thoroughly master of his subject. iS MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN and 'turites with great discrimination and fairness, and in a chaste and tlegant style." The SPECTATOR says it is "not only distinguished by research and candour, it has also the great merit of never being dtdl." Palgrave (Sir F.) — history of NORMANDY AND OF ENGLAND. By Sir Francis Palgrave, Deputy Keeper of Her Majesty's Public Records. Completing the History to the Death of William Rufus. Four Vols. 8vo. £^ /^. Volume I. General delations of Meduwal Europe — The Carlovingian Empire — The Danish Expeditiojis in the Gauls — Aiid the Establish})ient of Hollo. Volume II. The Three First Dukes oj Fformandy ; Folio, Guillaume Longue-Epce, and Fichard Sans-Feur — The Carloznngian line supplanted by the Capets. Volume III. Fichard Sans-Feur — Richard Le-Bon — Richard III. — Fobert Le Diablc — William the Con- queror. Volume IV. William Fufus — Accession of Henry Beauclerc. It is needless to say anything to reco?)imend this work of a lifetime to all studatts of history ; it is, as the SPECTATOR says, '"perhaps the greatest single contribution yet }?iade to the authentic annals of this country," and " must," says the NONCONFORMIST, ^^ ahvays rank among our standard authonties. " Palgrave (W. G.) — A NARRATIVE OF A YEAR'S JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL AND EASTERN ARABIA, 1862-3. By liam Gifford Palgrave, late of the Eighth Regiment Bombay N. I. Sixth Edition. With Maps, Plans, and Portrait of Author, engraved on steel by Jeens. Crown 8vo. 6j. " The work is a model of what its class should be ; the style restrained, the narrative clear, telling us all we wish to know of the country and people visited, and enough of the author and his feelings to enable us to trust ourselves to his guidance in a tract hitherto untrodden, and dangnvus in more senses than one. . . He has not only written one of the best books on the Arabs and one o/ the best books on Arabia, but he has done so in a manner that must command the respect no less than the cuimiration of his fellow-country }nen." — FORTNIGHTLY Review. " Considering the extent of our previous ignorance, the amount of his achievements, and the im- portance of his ccfitributions to our kno7vledge, we cattnot say less of him than was once said of a far greater discoverer — Mr. Palgrave has indeed f^iven a new world to Europe." — Pall Mall Gazette. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. 19 Paris.— INSIDE PARIS DURING THE SIEGE. By ap Oxford Graduate. Crown 8vo. ys. bd. This volume consists of the diary kept by a gentleman who lived in Paris during the whole of its siege by the Prussians. He had tnany facilities for coming in contact with t?ien of all parties and of all classes, and ascertain- ing the actual motives which animated them, and their real ultimate aims. These facilities he took advantage of, and in his diary, day by day, care- fully recorded the results of his obseii'ations, as well as faithfully but graphically photographed the various incidents of the siege which came under his ozvn notice, the actual condition of the besieged, the sayings and doings, the hopes and fears of the people among whoTH he freely moved. In the Appendix is a?t exhaustive and elaboi'ate account of the Organization of the Republican party, sent to the author by M. fides Andrieu ; and a translation of the Manifesto of the Commune to the People of England, dated April 19, 1 87 1. " The author tells his story admirably. The Oxford Graduate seems to have gone everywhere, heai'd what everyone had to say, and so been able to give us photographs of Paris life during the siege which zve have not had from any other source.'" — Spectator. ' ' He has written brightly, lightly, and pleasantly, yet in perfect good taste." — Saturday Review. Prichard.— THE ADMINISTRATION OF INDIA. Froni 1859 to 1868. The First Ten Years of Administration under the Crown. By Iltudus Thomas Prichard, Barrister-at-Law. Two Vols. Demy 8vo. With Map. 21s. In these volumes the author has aimed to supply a full, impartial, and independent account of British India between 1859 aftd 1868 — which is in ffiany respects the most important epoch in the history of that country that the present century has seen. " It has the great merit that it is not exclusively dez'oted, as are too many histories, to military and political details, but entas thoroughly into the more important questions of social history. We find in these volumes a well-arranged and compendious reference to almost all that has been done in India during the last ten years ; and the most important offieial documents and historical prieces are well selected and duly set forth." — Scotsman. "It is a work which, every Englishman in India ought to add to his library." — Star Of Ikdia. p a 20 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN Robinson (H. Crabb)— the diary, reminiscences, AND CORRESPONDENCE, OF HENRY CRABB ROBIN- SON, Barrister-at-Law. Selected and Edited by Thomas Sadler, Ph.D. With Portrait. Third and Cheaper Edition. Two Vols. Crown 8vo. i6j-. The Daily News says: " The two books which are ?>tost likely to survive change of literary taste, and to charm while instmcting generation after generation, are the ^ Diary' of Pepys and BosweWs ^ Life of yohnson.' The day will come tvhen to these many 7vill add the ' Diary of Henty Crabb Robinson.' Excellences like those which render the personal revelations of Pepys and the observations of Bosivell such pleasant reading abound in this work . ... In it is to be found something to suit every taste and inform every mind. For the general reader it contains much light and amusing matter. To the lover of literatttre it conveys information tvhich he will prize highly on account of its accuracy and rarity. The student of social life will gather from it many valuable hints whereon to base theories as to the effects on English society of the progress of civilization. For these and other reasons this ' Diary ' is a work to which a hearty welcome should be accorded. " Rogers (James E. Thorold), — HISTORICAL GLEAN- INGS : A Series of Sketches. Montague, Walpole, Adam Smith, Cobbett. By Prof. Rogers. Crown 8vo. /^. ()d; Second Series. Wiklif, Laud, Wilkes, and Home Tooke. Crown 8vo. 6s. Professor Rogers's object in these sketches, which are in the form of Lectures, is to present a set of historical facts, grouped round a principal figure. The author has aimed to state the social facts of the time in which the individual whose history is handled took part in public business. It is frotti sketches like these of the great men who took a protninent and influential part in the affairs of their time that a clear conception of the social and economical condition of our ancestors can be obtained. History learned in this tvayis both instructive and agreeable. " His Essays," the Pall Mall Gazette says, '■^ are f til of interest, pregnant, thoughtful, and readable." " They rank far above the average of sitnilar perfor- mances," says the Wesi'MINSTER Review. Raphael.— RAPHAEL OF URBINO AND HIS FATHER GIOVANNI SANTL By J. D. Passavant, formerly Director of the Museum at Frankfort. With Twenty Permanent Photo- graphs. Royal 8vo. Handsomely bound. 31^'. 6d. HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, 6- TRAVELS. 21 To the ailargid Fi-ench edition of Passavant'' s l.ife of Raphael, that fainter' s admirers have turned whetiever they have sought inforniation, and it will doubtless remain for many years the best book of reference on all questiofis pertaining to the great paifiter. The present work consists of a translation of those parts of Passavant' s volumes which are most likely to inteiest the general reader. Besides a complete life of Raphael, it contains the valuable descriptions of all his knmun paintings, and the Chronological Index, which is of so much service to amatetirs who wish to study the progressive character of his works. The Illustrations by Woodbury s neiu permanent process of photography, are taken from the fittest engravings that could be procured, and have been chosen with the intention of giving examples of Raphael's various styles of painting. The Saturday Review says of them, " We have seen not a fe^v elegaiit specimens of Mr. Woodbury' s new process, but we have seen none that equal these. " Sadler. — EDWIN WILKINS field. a Memorial Sketch- By Thomas Sadler, Ph.D. With a Portrait. Crown Svo. a^.bd. Mr. Field was well knozvn during his life-time not only as an eminent lawyer and a strenuous and successful advocate of law 7-eform, but, both in England and America, as a man of wide and thorough culture, varied tastes, large-hcartcdncss, and lofty aims. His sudden death was looked up^on as a public loss, and it is expected that this brief Memoir will be acceptable to a large number outside oj the many friends at whose request it has been written. Somers (Robert) —THE SOUTHERN STATES SINCE THE WAR. By Robert Somers. With Map. Svo. gj. This work is the result of inquiries made by the author of all authorities competent to afford him information, and of his oiun observation during a lengthened sojourn in the Southern States, to which writers on America s» seldom direct their steps. The author's object is to give some account of the condition of the Southern States under the Jteiu social and political system introduced by the civil war. He has here collected such notes of the progress of their cotton plantations, of the state of tjicir labouring population and oj their industrial enterprises, as may help the reader to a safe opinion oj their means and prospects of development. He also gives such inj'ormation of their natural resources, railways, and other public works, as may tend to shcnv to ivhat extent they are fitted to become a profitable field of 22 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN enlarged immigration, settlement, and foreign trade. The volume contains tnany valuable and reliable details as to the condition of the Negro popula- tion, the state of Education and Religion, of Cotton, Sugar, and Tobacco Cultivation, of Agriculture generally, of Coal and Iron MinDig, 3Ianu- factures., Trade, Means of Locomotion, and the C07idition of Towns and oj Society. A large map of the Southern States by Messrs. l-V. and A. K. Johnstoti is appended, which shozvs with great clearness the Cotton, Coal, and Iron districts, the railways completed and projected, the State bouiuiarics, and other important details. " full of interesting and valuable informa- tion." — Saturday Review. Smith (Professor Goldwin). — three ENGLISH STATESMEN. See p. 37 of this Catalogue. Streets and Lanes of a City. — See Button (Amy) p. 31 of this Catalogue. Tacitus. — THE HISTORY OF TACITUS, translated into English. By A. J. Church, M.A. and W. J. Brodribb, M.A. With a Map and Notes. 8vo. 10s. 6d. The translators have endeavoured to adhere as closely to the original as ivas thought consistent with a proper observance of Eni^lish idiom. At the satne time it has been their aim to reproduce the precise expressions of the author. This work is characterised by the SPECTATOR as *^ a scholarly a)id faithjul translation. " THE AGRICOLA AND GERMANIA. Translated into English by A. J. Church, M.A. and \V. J. Brouribb, M.A. With Maps and Notes. Extra fcap. Svo. "Zs. 6d. 7 he translators have sought to produce such a version as may satisfy scholars who demand a faithful rendering of the original, and English readers zvho are offended by the baldness and frigidity which commonly disfigure translations. The treatises are accompanied by Introductions, Notes, Maps, cind a chronological Summary. The AtheN/EUM says of this work that it is " a version at once readable and exact, which may be perused with pleasure by all, and consulted with advantage by the classical student;" and the Pai.l Mall Gazette says,^'' What the editors have attempted to do, it is not, we think probable that any living scholars could have done better.^' HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. 23 Taylor (Rev. Isaac). — words and places. See p. 44 of this CaUilogue. Trench (Archbishop).— For other Works by the same Author, see Theological and Belles Lettres Catalogues, and p. 45 of this Catalogue. GUSTAVUS ADOLl'HUS : Social Aspects of the Thirty Years' War. By R, Chenevix Trench, D.D., Archbishop of DubUn. Fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d. " Clear and lurid in style, these lectures will be a treasure to rnany to whom the subject is un familiar.'''' — DUBLIN Evening Mail. " These Lectures are vizid and graphic sketches: the first treats of the great King of Sweden, and of his character rather than of his actions; the second deso-ibes the cotuiition of Germany in that dreadful time when famine, battles, a)id pestilence, though they exterminated three-fourths of the population, were less terrible than the fend-like cruelty, the titter lawless- ness and depravity, bred of long anarchy and suffering. The substance of the lectures is drawn from contemporary accounts, which give to them especial freshness and life." — LITERARY Churchman. Trench (Mrs. R.)— Remains of the late Mrs. RICHARD TRENCH. B^ing Selections from her Journals, Letters, and other Papers. Edited by Archbishop Trench. New and Cheaper Issue, with Portrait. 8vo. 6j-. Cotitains Notices and Anecdotes illustrating the social life of the period — extending over a quarter of a century (1799 — 1827). It includes also Poeins and other tniscellaneous pieces by Mrs. Trench. Wallace. — Works by Alfred Russel Wallace. For other Works by same Author, see Scientific Catalogue. Dr. Hooker, in his address to the British Association, spoke thus oj the author : — " Of Mr. Wallace and his many contributions to philosophical b-ology it is not easy to speak 'without enthusiasm ; for, putting aside theit great merits, he, throughout his writings, with a modesty as rare as I believe it to be unconscious, forgets his ozvn unquestioned claim to the honour of having originated, independently of Mr. Varzvin the thecries which he so ably defends." 24 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN Wallace (A. R.)— continued. A NARRATIVE OF TRAVELS ON THE AMAZON AND RIO NEGRO, with an Account of the Native Tribes, and Obser- vations on the Climate, Geologj', and Natural History of the Amazon Valley. With a Map and Illustrations. 8vo. I2s. Mr. Wallace is acknowledged as one of the first of modern travellers and naturalists. This, his earliest work, will be found to possess jnany charms for the general reader, and to be full of interest to the student of natural history. THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO : the Land of the Oranj^ Utan and the Bird of Paradise. A Narrative of Travel with Studies of Man and Nature. With Maps and Illustrations. Third and Cheaper Edition. Crown- 8vo. 'js. 6d. " 7 he result is a vivid picture of tropical life, ivhich may be read with unflagging interest, and a sufficient account of his scientific conclusions to stimulate our appetite 7vithout wearying its by detail. In short, we may safely say that zue have never read a more agreeable book of its kind." — Saturday Review. ^^ His descriptions of scenery, of the people and their manners and customs, enlivened by occasional amusing anecdotes, constitute the most interesting reading we have taken up for some time." — Standard. Ward (Professor).— THE HOUSE OF AUSTRIA IN THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR. Two Lectures, with Notes and Illus- trations. By Adolpiius W. Ward, M.A., Professor of History in Owens College, Manchester. Extra fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d. These two Lectures war delivered in February, 1 869, at the Philosophical Institution, Edinburgh, and arenoiv published loith Notes and Illustrations, bear more thoroughly the impress of one who has a true and vigorous grasp ' ' We have nez TRAVELS. 25 Wedgwood.— JOHN WESLEY AND THE EVANGELICAL REACTION of ihe Eighteenth Century. By Julia Wedgwood. Crown Svo. Ss. bd. This book is an attempt to delineate the influence of a particular man upon his age. The backgi-ound to the central figure is treated -with considerable minuteness, the object of representation being not the vicissitude of a particular life, but that element in ihe life which impressed itself on the life of a nation, — an element which cannot be understood without a study of aspects of national thought which on a superficial viezu might appear wholly unconnected with it. "In style and intellectual p07ver, in breadth of vieiu and clearness of insight. Miss Wedgwood'' s hook far surpasses all rivals." — Athen^UM. ".^j a short account of the most remarkable movement in the eighteenth century, it must fairly be described as excellent.'" — Pall Mall Gazette. Wilson.— A MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON, M. D., P".R.S.E., Regius Professor of Technology in the University of Edinburgh. By his SiSTER. New Edition. Crown Svo. 6s. " An exquisite and touching portrait of a rare and beautiful spirit. " — Guardian. ^'' He more than most men of who?n we have lately read deseii'ed a minute and cai-eful biography, and by such alone could he be understood, and become loveable and influential to his fellow-men. Such a biography his sister has written, in which letters reach almost to the extent of a complete autobiography, with all the additional charm of being unconsciously such. We revere and admire the heart, and earnestly p^raise the patient tender hand, by which such a worthy record of the earth-story of one of Goif s true angel-men has been constructed for our delight and- profit. ' ' — N O N CO N FO R M I ST. Wilson (Daniel, LL.D.) — Works by Daniel Wilson, LL.D., Professor of History and English Literature in University College, Toronto : — PREHISTORIC ANNALS OF SCOTLAND. New Edition, with numerous Illustrations. Two Vols, demy Svo. 36^. One object aimed at when the book first appeared 7uas to rescue archaological research from that limited range to which a too exclusive dez'otion to classical studies had given rise, and, especially in relation to Scotland, to prove how greatly more comprehensive and imfoiiant are its native antiquities than all 26 MACMILLAX S CATALOGUE OF WORKS IN ^Vilson (Daniel, l-,l^.T>.)—fontiniied. the traces of intruded art. The aim has been to a large extent effectually accomplished, and such an impulse given to archceological research, that in this new edition the whole of the work has had to be remodelled. Fully a third of it has been entirely re-written ; and the remaining portions have undei'gone so minute a revision as to render it in many respects a new work. The number of pictorial illustrations has been greatly increased, and several of the former plates and woodcuts have been re-engraved from neiu drawings. This is divided into four Parts. Fart I. deals with The Primeval or Stone Period : Aboriginal Traces, Sepulchral Memorials, Dxvellings, and Catacombs, Temples, Weapons, etc. etc. ; Fart II. The Bronze Period : The Metallurgic T7'a7isition, Frimitive Bronze, Fersonal Ornaments, Feligion, Arts, and Domestic Habits, with other topics ; Fart III. The Iron Period : The Introduction of Iron, The Roman Invasion, Strongholds, etc. etc.; Fart IV. The Christian Period : Historical Data, the Norriis Lazu Relics, Frimitive and Mediccval Ecclesiology, Ecclesiastical and Miscellaneous Antiquities. The work is furnished with an elaborate Index. " One of the most interesting, learned, and elegant works we have seen for a long ti?ne.^' — WESTMINSTER Review. " The interest connected with this beautiful volume is not limited to that part of the kingdom to which it is chiefly devoted ; it will be consulted with advantage and gratification by all who have a regard for National Antiquities a)id for the advancement of scientific Archeology. ^^ — Arch^ological Journal. PREHISTORIC MAN. New Edition, revised and partly re-written, with numerous Illustrations. One vol. 8vo. 21^-. Tins work, which carries out the principle of the preceding one, but with a tvider scope, aitns to " view Man, as far as possible, unaffected by those modijying influences zvhich accompany the development of nations and the fiiaturity of a true historic period, in order thereby to ascertain the sources from whence such development and maturity proceed. These researches into the origin of civilization have accordingly been pursued under the belief which influenced the author in previous inquiries that the investigations of the archaologist, tuhen carried on in an enlightened spirit, are replete with interest in relation to some of the most important problems of modern science. To reject the aid of arcJucology in the progress of science, and especially of ethnological science, is to extinguish the lamp of the student when most dependent on its borroxved rays." A prolonged residence on some of the nnvest sites of the Neto World has afforded the author many HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &- TRAVELS. 27 Wilson (Daniel, 'L'L.J^t.)— continued.- opportunities of investigating the antiquities of the American Aborigines, and of bringing to light many facts of high importance in reference to primei'al man. The changes in the neio edition, necessitated by the great advance in Archeology since the first, include b^th reconstruction and condensation, along with considerable additions alike in illustration and in argicment. " We find," says the Athen^UM, '* the main idea of his treatise to be a pre-eminently scientific one, — namely, by archccological records to obtain a definite conception of the origin and nature of man's earliest efforts at civilization in the Neui IVorld, and to endeavour to dis- cover, as if by analogy, the necessary conditions, phases, and epochs through which man in the pi-ehistoric stage in the Old World also must necessarily have passed.''' The North British Review calls it "a mature and mellow work of an able man ; free alike from crotchets and from dog- matism, and exhibiting on every page the caution and moderation of a well-balanced judgment. " CHATTERTON : A Biographical Study. By Daniel Wilson, LL. D., Professor of History and English Literature in University College, Toronto. Crown 8vo. 6j. bd. The author here regards Chatterton as a poet, not as a ^'^ mere resetter and defacer of stolen literary treasttres. " Keviewed in this light, he has found much in the old matei-ials capable of being turned to new account ; and to these materials research in various directions has eitabled him to make some additiotts. He believes that the boy-poet has been misjudged, and that the biographies hitherto written of him are not only imperfect but untrue. While dealing tendei'ly, the author has sought to deal truthfully with the failings as zoell as the virtues of the boy : bearing always in remembrance, what has been too frequently lost sight of, that he was but a boy ; — a boy, and yet a poet of rare power. The Examiner thinks this "■^ the most complete and the purest biography of the poet which has yet appeared." The LITERARY CHURCHMAN calls it '' a most charming literary biography. " Yonge (Charlotte M.)— Works by Charlotte M. Yonge, Author of "The Heir of Redclyffe," &c. &c. : — ^ A PARALLEL HISTORY OE FRANCE AND ENGLAND : consisting of Outlines and Dates. Oblong 410. 3j-. dd. This tabular history has been drawn up to supply a want felt by many teachers of some 7neans of viaking their pupils realize rvhat events in the 28 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE. Yonge (Charlotte M.)—co7tt{nued. two countries wet-e contemporary. A skeleton iia7-rative has been constructed of the chief tratisactions in either countiy, placing a column betivcen for ■what affected both alike, by which means it is hoped that young people may be assisted in grasping the mutual relation of events. CAMEOS FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. From Rollo to Edward II. Extra fcap, 8vo. Second Edition, enlarged, 5j. A Second Series, THE WARS IN FRANCE. Extra fcap. 8vo. 5J-. The endeavour has not been to chronicle facts, but to put together a so-ies of pictures of persons and events, so as to arrest the attentiott, and give some individuality and distinctness to the recollection, by gathering together details of the most memorable moments. The ' ' Cameos " are intended as a book for young people just beyond the elementary histories of England, and able to enter in some degree into the real spirit of events, and to be struck with characters and scenes presented in some relief. ^^ Instead of dry details,^' says the Nonconformist, " tc^ have living pictures, faithful, vivid, and striking. " Young (Julian Charles, M.A.)— a MEMOIR OF CHARLES MAYNE YOUNG, Tragedian, with Extracts from his Son's Journal. By Julian Chari.es Young, M.A. Rector of Ilmington. With Portraits and Sketches. Aliv and Cheaper Edition. Crown 8vo. 7^. bd. Round this menioir oj one who held no mean place in public estimation as a tragedian, and zvho, as a man, by the unobtrusive simplicity and moral purity of his private life, won golden opinions f-oni all sorts of men, are clustered extracts from the author^s Journals, containing many curious and interesting reminiscences of his father's and his oivn emijtent and famous contemporaries a7td acquaintances, someivhat after the manner of H. Crabb Robinson's Diary. Every page will be found jull both oJ entertainment and instruction. It contains four portraits of the tragedian, and a few other curious sketches. " In this budget of anecdotes, fables, and gossip, old and nrcv, relative to Scott, J\Ioorc, Chalmers, Coleridge, JVords- worth, C7-oker, Mathews, the third and fourth Georges, Bo7C'les, Bcckford, Lockhart, Wellington, Peel, Louis A'apoleon, D^Orsay, Dickens, Tliackeray, Louis Blanc, Gibson, Constable, and Stanfield, etc. etc. the reader must be hard indeed to please rvho cannot find entertainment. " — Pall Mall Gazette. POLITICS, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ECONOMY, LAW, AND KINDRED SUBJECTS. Baxter.— NATIONAL income : The United Kingdom. By R. Dudley Baxter, M.A. Svo. 3^. 6r/. The present work endeavours to ansiver systematically iuch questions as the folloiuing: — What are the means and aggregate wages 0/ our labouring population ; what are the numbers and aggregate profits of the middle classes ; what the revenues of our great proprietors and capitalists ; and zvhat the pecuniary strength of the nation to bear the burdens annually falling upon us ? What capital in land and goods and money is stored up for our subsistence, and for carrying out our enterprises ? The author has collected his facts from every quarter and tested them in various ways, in order to ■make his statements and deductions valuable and trustrvorthy. Part I. of the work deals twV/^ ///f Classification of the Population into — Chap. I. The Income Classes ; Chap. II. The Upper and Middle and Manual Labour Classes. Part II. treats of the In- come of the United Kingdom, divided into — Chap. III. Upper and Middle Incomes ; Chap. IV. Wages of the Manual Labour Classes — England and Wales ; Chap. V. Income of Scotland ; Chap. VI. Income of Ireland ; Chap. VII. Income of the United Kingdom. In the Appendix will be found many valuable and carefully compiled tables, illustrating in detail the subjects discussed in the text. Bernard. — FOUR LECTURES ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH DIPLOMACY. By Mountague Bernard, M.A., Chichele Professor of International Law and Diplomacy, Oxford, 8vo. 9J-. 30 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF These four Lectures deal with — /. " The Congress of Westphalia ; " //. ^^ Systems of Policy ;" III. ^^ Diplomacy, Past and Present ;" IV. '■'■The Obligations of Treaties." — ^^ Singularly interesting lectures, so able, clear, and att7-active." — Spectator. *'The author of these lectures is full of the knowledge which belongs to his subject, and has that power of clear and vigorous expression xvhich results from clear and vigorous thought," — SCOTSMAN. Bright (John, M. P.)— SPEECHES ON QUESTIONS OF PUBLIC POLICY. By the Right Hon. John Bright, M.P. Edited by Professor Thorold Rogers. Author's Popular Edition. Globe 8vo. 3^:. dd. The speeches which have been selected for publication in these volumes possess a value, as examples of the art of public spea/dng, which no person will be likely to underrate. The speeches have been selected with a view of supplying the public with the evidence on zvhich Air. Brighfs friends assert his right to a place in the front rank of English statesmen. They are divided into groups, according to their subjects. The editor has naturally given prominence to those subjects with which Mr. Bright has been specially identified, as, for example, India, America, Ireland, and Parliamentaiy Reform. But nearly every topic of great public interest on which Mr. Bright has spoken is represented in these volumes. "Mr. Brighfs speeches will always deserve to be studied, as an apprentice- ship to popular and parliamentary oratory ; they will form matei'ials for the history of our time, and many brilliant passages, pei'haps some entire speeches, will really become a part of the living lita-ature of England." — DAILY News. LIBRARY EDITION. Two Vols. 8vo. With Portrait. 25J.' Christie. — THE BALLOT AND CORRUPTION AND EXPENDITURE AT ELECTIONS, a Collection of Essays and Addresses of different dates. ByW. D. Christie, C. B., formerly Her Majesty's Minister to the Argentine Confederation and to Brazil; Author of " Life of the First Earl of Shaftesbury." Crown 8vo. i,s. 6d. Mr. Christie has been well kno7vn for upnciards of thirty years as a strenuous and able advocate for the Ballot, both in his place in Parliament and elsc7vhere. The papers and speeches here collected WORKS IN POLITICS, ETC. 31 are six in number, exclusive of the Preface and Dedication to Pro- fessor Maurice, which cotitains many interesting historical details concerning the Ballot. " You have thought to greater purpose on the means of preventing electoral corruption, and are likely to be of more service in passing measures for that highly important end, than any other person that I could name." — J. S. Mill, in a published letter to the Author, May 1868. Corfield (Professor W. H.) — a digest OF FACTS RELATING TO THE TREATMENT AND UTILIZATION OF SEWAGE. By W. H. CoRFirLD, M.A., B.A., Professor of Hygiene and Public Health at University College, London. 8vo. 10s. 6d. Second Edition, corrected and enlarged. In this edition the author has rnnsed and corrected the entire work, and made many important additions. The headings of the eleven chapters are as follozv: — /. ^^ Early Systems: Midden-Heaps and Cesspools." II. "Filth and Disease — Cause and Effect." III. "Im- proved Midden-Pits and Cesspools ; Midden- Closets, Pail-Closets, etc." IV. " The Dry-Closet Systems." V. "Water- Closets." VI. ^^ Seiva-age." VII. ^^ Sanitary Aspects 0/ the Water- Carrying System." VIII. "Value of Sciuage ; Injury to Rivers." IX. ToT.vn Sewage ; Attempts at Utilization." X. ^^ Filtration and Irrigation." XI. ^^ Influence of Seivage Farming on the Public Health." An abridged account of the more recently published researches 071 the subject will be found in the Appendices, while the Summary contains a concise statement of the Z'ie7us which the author himself has been led to adopt; references have been inserted through- out to show from what sources the numerous quotations have been derived, and an Index has been added. "Air. Corfield' s work is entitled to rank as a standard authority, no less than a convenient handbook, in all matters relating to sewage." — AtheN/EUM. Button (Amy). — STREETS AND LANES OF A CITY: being the Reminiscences of Amy Dutton. With a Preface by the Bishop of Salisbury. Pp. viii. 159. Globe 8vo. 3J. 6d. This little volume records "a portion of the experience, selected out of ove7'flcnuing materials, of two ladies, during several years of dei'Oted work as district parochial visitors in a large population in the North of Engla7id." The "Reminiscences of Amy Dutton" serz>e 32 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF to illustrate the line of argument adopted by Miss Stephen in her work on the ''''Service of the Poor" because they shozu that as in one aspect the lady visitor may be said to be a link betiueen rich and poor, in another she helps to blend the ^''religious" lije ivith the ^'secular," and in both does service of extreme value to the Church and Nation. ' 'A record only too brief of some of the real por- traits of humanity, painted by a pencil, tender indeed and sympa- thetic, but with too clear a sight, too ready a sense of humour, and too conscientious a spirit ever to exaggerate, extenuate, or aught set dotvn in malice." — GUARDIAN. Fawcett. — Works by Henry Fawcett, M.A., M.P., Fellow of Trinity Hall, and Professor of Political Economy in the University of Cambridge : — THE ECONOMIC POSITION OF THE BRITISH LABOURER. Extra fcap. 8vo. 5^. This work formed a portion of a course of Lectures delivered by the author in the University of Cambridge, and he has deemed it advisable to retain many of the expositions of the elementary prin- ciples of Economic Science. In the Introductory Chapter the author points out the scope of the work and shows the vast import- ance of the subject in relation to the commercial prosperity and even the national existence of Britain. Then follow five chapters on " The Land Tenure of England," ^''Co-operation," ''''The Causes which regulate JVages," "Trade Unions and Strikes," and "Emigration." The Examiner calls the work "a very scholarly exposition on some of the most essential questions of Political Ecomvny ;" and the Nonconformist says "it is ivrilten with charming freshness, ease, ami lucidity." MANUAL OF POLITICAL ECONOMY. Third and Cheaper Edition, with Two New Chapters. Crown 8vo. \os. 6d. In this treatise no important branch of the subject has been omitted, afui the author beliezies that the principles which a^-e therein ex- plained 7vill enable the reader to obtain a tolerably complete view 0/ the whole science. Mr. Fawcett has endeavoured to shotv hoiv intimately Political Economy is connected with the practical ques- tions of life. For the convenience of the ordinary reader, and especially for those who may use the book to prepare themselves Jor WORKS IN POLITICS, ETC. 33 Fawcett (H. )_«•<,«//«««/. examinations, he has prefixed a ve)y detailed summary of Contents, which may be regarded as an analysis of the work. The tiau edition has been so carefully revised that there is scarcely a page in which some improvement has not been introduced. The Daily News says: '' It forms one of the best introductions to the principles of the science, and to its practical applications in the problems of modern, and especially of English, government and society." " The book is written throughout," says the Examiner, "with admirable force, clearness, and brevity, every important part of the subject being duly considered." PAUPERISM : ITS CAUSES AND REMEDIES. Crown Svo. 55. 6(/. In its number for March nth, 1871, theSp'E.CTA.iOV. said : " Wein'sh Professor Fawcett 'would de-jote a little more of his time and energy to the practical consideration of that monster problem of Paupei-ism, for the treatment of which his economic kno7vledge and popular sympathies so eminently ft him." The volume noiv published may be regarded as an ans^uer to the above challenge. The sezcn chapters it comprises discuss the follaiuing subjects: — /. ^^Paupetism and the old Poor Law." II. " The present Poor Zaw System." III. ' ' The If urease of Population ." IV. " A^ational Education ; its Economic and Social Effects." V. " Co-pa7-tnership and Co operation." VI. " The English System of land Tenure." VII. " The Inclosure of Commons." The AtheN/EUM calls thework "a repertory of interesting and well-digested informaiimt." ESSAYS ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SUBJECTS. By Pro- fessor Fawcett, M.P., and Millicent Garrett Fawcett. Svo. lOi-. 6r/. This volume contains fourteen papers, some of which have appeared in various jourmils and pa-iodicals ; others have not before been published. They are all on subjects of great importance and uni- versal interest, and the nafues of the two authors are a sufficient guarantee that each topic is discussed with full kno7i>ledge, grent ability, clearness, and earnestness. The follo7!'ing are some of the titles: — "Modern Socialism ;" '''' Free Education in its Economic Asf>ects ;" "Pauperism, Charity, and the Poor Law ;" " National Debt and National Prosperity ;" *' What can bf done for the C 34 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Agricultural Labourers ;'" " The Education of Women;" " T/ie Electoral Disabilities 0/ IFomen ;" " The House of Lords." Each article is signed with the initials of its author. Fawcett (Mrs.)— political economy FOR BEGIN- N]':rs with questions. By MiLLiCENT Garrett Fawcktt. iSmo. 2s. 6d. Ln this little ivork are explained as briefly as possible th€ most im- portant principles of Political Economy, in the hope that it 7vill be useful to beginners, and pei'haps be an assistance to those who are desirous of introducing the study of Political Economy to schools. In order to adapt the book especially for school use, questions have been added at the end of each chapter. The Daily News calls it ^^clear, compact, and comprehensive ;" and the SPECTATOR says, "Airs. Fa%vcett''s treatise is perfectly suited to its purpose.^' Freeman (E, A., M.A., D.C.L.)— HISTORY OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. See p. 6 of preceding His- torical Catalogue. Godkin (James).— the land war IN IRELAND. A History for the Times. By James Godkin, Author of "Ireland and her Churches," late Irish Correspondent of the Times. 8vo. 1 2 J. A History of the Irish Land Question. ' ' There is probably no other account so compendious and so complete. " — FoRTNlGHTLY REVIEW. Guide to the Unprotected, in Every Day Matters Re- lating to Property and Income. By a Banker's Daughter. Third Edition. Extra fcap. 8vo. 3^'. 6d. Many wido7us and single ladies, and all young people, on first possessing money of their ozvn, are in want of advice when they have comtnonplace business matters to transact. The author of this 7vork zvrites for those who kno7U nothing. Her aim throughout is to avoid all technicalities ; to give plain and practical directions, not only as to what ought to be done, but hoio to do it. '■^Alany an unprotected females will bless the head zahich planned and the hand ivhich compiled this admirable little manual. . . . This book zvas very much wanted, and it could not have been better done." — Morning S'iar. WORKS IN POLITICS, ETC. 35 Hill.— CHILDREN OF THE STATE. THE TRAINING OF JUVENILE PAUPERS. By Florence Hh.l. Extra fcap. 8vo. cloth. 5^-. In this work the author discusses the various systems adopted in this and other countriei in the treatment of pauper children. The BlRMlNGn.\M Daily Gazette calls it "a valuable contribution to the great and important social question ivhich it so ably and thoi'oughly discusses ; and it must materially aid in producing a wise tnethod of dealing with the Children of the State." Historicus.— LETTERS ON SOME QUESTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW . Reprinted from the Times, with considerable Additions. 8\o. "js. 6d. Also, ADDITIONAL LETTERS. 8vo. 2s. 6d. The author'' s intention in these Letters was to illustrate in a pojmlar form clearly-established principles of lazv, or to refute, as occasion 7-equired, errors which had obtained a mischievous currency. He has endeavoured to establish, by sufficient authority, propositions which have been inconsiderately impugned, and to point out the various methods of reasoning which have led sotne modern writers to erroneous conclusions. The volume contains: Letters on "Hecog- iiition ;'" '''■On the Perils of Intervention;" "■The Rights and Duties of N'eutral Ahitions ;" "On the Law of Blockade;" "On A'cutral Trade in Contraband oj War;" " On Belligerent Viola- tion of Neutral Rights;" "The Foreign Enlistment Act ;" "The Right of Search;" extracts from letters on the AJ/air of the Trent; and a paper on the "Territoriality of the Merchant Vessel." — "// is seldom that the doctrines of International Law on debateable points have been stated with more zigour, precision, and certainty."— Satvrvw Review. Jevons. — Works by W. Stanley Jevons, M.A., Professor of Logic and Political Economy in Owens College, Manchester. (For other Works by the same Author, j^^ Educ.\tion.\l and Phii.<,' sopHicAL Catalogues.) THE COAL QUESTION : An Inquiry Concerning the Progress of the Nation, and the Probable Exhaustion of our Coal Mines. Second Edition, revised. 8vo. los. 6d. (■ 2 36 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Jevons (W.S.)— continued. ^'Day by day," the author says, "it becomes tnore erident that the coal tve happily possess in excellent quality and abundance is the mainspring 0/ modern 7naterial civilization." Geologists and other competent authorities have of late been hinting thai the supply of coal is by no means inexhaustible, and as it is of vast importance to the country and the world generally to know the real state of the case. Professor jfevons in this work has endeavoured to solve the question as far as the data at command admit. He believes that should the consumption multiply for rather more than a century at its present rate, the average depth of our coal mines would be so reduced that we could not long continue our present rate of progress. '^We have to make the momentous choice," he beliez'cs, "betiveeft brief greatness and long-continued prosperity." — "The question of our supply of coal," says the Pall Mali, Gazette, " be- comes a question obviously of life or death. . . . The %vhole case is stated tvith admirable clearness and cogency. . . . We may regard his statements as unansivered and practically established."' THE THEORY OF POLITICAL ECONOMY. 8vo. 9^. In this tvork Professor Jezions endeavours to constnict a theory of Political Economy on a fnathematical or quantiiatiite basis, beliei'ing that many of the comtnonly received theories in this science are pei-- niciously erroneous. The author ha'e attempts to treat Economy as the Calculus of Pleasure and Pain, and has sketched out, almost irrespective of previous opinions, the form which the science, as it seems to him, ?mist ultimately take. The theory consists in apply- ing the differential calculus to the familiar notions of Wealth, Utility, Value, Demand, Supply, Capital, Interest, Labour, and all the other notions belonging to the daily operations oj industry. As the complete theory of almost ez'ery other science involves the use of that calculus, so, the author thinks, we cannot have a true theory of Political Economy without its aid. ' 'Professor jtez'ons has done in7'aluable service by courageously claiming political economy to be sttictlv a branch 0/ Applied Mathemtitics." — WESTMINSTER Review. Martin. — the STATESMAN'S YEAR-BOOK: A Statistical and Historical Annual of the States of the Civilized World. Handbook for Politicians and Merchants for the year 1872. By WORKS IN POLITICS, ETC. 37 Frederick Martin. Niiith Annual Publication. Revised after Official Returns. Crown 8vo. los. 6(i. The Statesman's Year-Book is the only work in the English language wliieh furnishes a elear and concise account of the actual condition of all the States of Europe, the civilized countries of America, Asia, and Africa, and the British Colonics and Defendencies in all pQrts of the world. The new issue of the n'ork has been revised and corrected, on the basis of official reports received direct from the heads of the leading Goz'cmments of the world, in reply to letters sent to them by the Editor. Through the valuable assistance thus given, it has been possible to collect an amount of information, political, statistical, and commerciaJ, of the latest date, and of unimpeachable trustworthiness, such as no publication cf tJie same kind has ever been able to furnish. The neiu issue of the Statesman's Year- Book has a Chronological Account of the principal ez'ents of the past momentous twelve months. ' ' As indispensable as Bradshaio. ' ' — Times. Phillimore.— PRIVATE law among the ROMANS, from the Pandects. By JOH.\ GEOiUiE PiiiLi.iMoKE, (^.C. 8vo. l6s. IVie author's belief that some knowledge oj the Roman System of Municipal Laio will contribute to improz'e our own, has induced him to prepare the present work. His endeavour has been to select those parts of the Digest which would best shaiv the grand manner in which the Roman jurist dealt with his subject, as well as those which tnost illustrate the principles by which he luas guided in establishing the great lines and propositions of jurisprudence, which ■ every lawyer must have frequent occasion to employ. ^^ Air. Philli- more has done good service towards the study of jurisprudetue in this country by the production of this volume. The work is one which should be in the hands ofeveiy student." — Athen^UM. Smith. — Works by Professor GoLDWiN Smith :— A LETTER TO A WHIG MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN INDEPENDENCE ASSOCIATION. Extra fcap. 8vo. 2s. This is a Letter, written in 1864, to a member of an Association foimed in this country, the purpose of which was ^Uo lend afsistante 38 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Smith (Prof. Qi.)^conlim(ed. to the Slave-aiviiers of the Southa'n States in their attevipt to effect a disruption of the American Commomvcalth, and to establish an independent Po^ver, having, as they declare, ^A^ivery for its corner- stone.^' Mr. Smith endeavours to show that in doing so they luould have committed a great folly and a still greater crime. Throughout the Letter many points of general and permanent importance are discussed. THREE ENGLISH STATESMEN: PYM, CROMWELL, PITT. A Course of Lectures on the Political History of England. Extra fcap. Svo. New and Cheaper Edition. <^s. "y? ivork which neither historian nor politician can safiy afford to neglect.'''' — Saturday Review. " ' ' There are outlines, charly and boldly sketched, if mere outlines, of the three Statesmen who give the titles to his lectures, whicharetvell deservingof study." — SrECT.VTOK. Social Duties Considered with Reference to the ORGANIZATION OF EFFORT IN WORKS OF BE- NEVOLENCE AND PUBLIC UTILITY. By a Man of Business. (William Rathbone.) Fcap. Svo. /^. 6d. The contents of this valuable little book are — /. ^^ Social Disintegi-a- tion." II. ''''Our Charities — Done and Undone." III. ^'■Organiza- tion and Individual Benevolence — their Achievements and Short- comings." IV. " Organization and Individualism — their Co- operation Indispensable." V. "Instances and Experiments." VI. " The Sphere of Government." " Conclusion." The vieivs urged are no sentimental theories, but have gro'cvn out of the practical ex- perience acquired in actual -ivork. '^Mr. Rathbone' s earnest and large-hearted little book will help to generate both a larger and linser charily." — BRITISH Quarterly. Stephen (C. E.)— the service of the poor ; Being an liKiuiry into the Reasons for and against tlie T-staldi-sli- nient of Religious Sisterhoods for Charitable Purposes. P>y Caroline Emilia STErnKN. Crown Svo. 6j-. (yd. Miss Stephen defines Keligious Sisterhoods as "associations, the organization of tvhirh is based upon the assumption that works of charity are either acts of worship in themsek'cs, or means to an end, that end beir?g the spiritual 7i'elfare of the objects or the performers WORKS IN POLITICS, ETC. 39 of those works." Arguing from that point of view, she dez'otes the first part of her volume to a brief history of religious associations, taking as specimens — /. The Deaconesses of the Primitive Church. II. TheBeguines. III. The Third Order of S. Francis. IV. 7he Sisters of Charity of S. Vincent de Paul. V. The Deaconesses of Modern Germany. In the second part. Miss Stephen attempts to show what are the real wants met by Sisterhoods, to tuhat extent the same wants may be effectually tnet by the organization of corre- sponding institutions on a secular basis, and what are the reasons for endeavouring to do so. " The ablest advocate of a better line of loork in this direction than we have ever seen." — EXAMINER. Stephen (J. F.)— A GENERAL view of the CRIMINAL LAW OF ENGLAND. By James Fitzjames Stephen, M.A., Eanister-at-Law, Member of the Legislative Council of India. 8vo. iSj. The object of this work is to give an account of the general scope, tendency, and design of an important part of our institutions, vf which surely none can /lave a greater moral significance, or be more closely connected with broad principles of morality and politics, than those by 'which men righlftdly, deliberately, and in cold blood, kill, enslave, and otherwise torment their felhnv- creatures. The author believes it possible to explain the principles cf such a system in a manner both intelligible and interestim^. The Contents are — /. "The Proznnee of the Criminal law." II. '' Historical Sketch of English Criminal laiv." IIP. ^^Defi- nition cf Criine in General." IV. " Classification and Definition of Particular Crimes." V. '■^Criminal Procedure in General." VI. "English Criminal Procedure." VII. "The Principles of Evidence in Relation to the Criminal Law." VIII. "English Pules of Evidence." IX. '^^ English Criminal lu-gislation ." The last 1 50 pages are occupied with the discussion of a number of important cases. "Peaders feel in his book the confidetue which attaches to the writings of a man 7i'ho has a great practical acquaintance with the matter of 'which he writes, and lawyers 'will agree that it fully satisfies the standard of professional accuracy ^ — Saturday Review. '■'■ His styleis forcible and perspicuous, and singularly free from the uniieees.ary use of p>rofssional l.rius." — , Spectator. 40 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE. Thornton. — ON LABOUR : Its Wrongful Claiins and Rightful Dues ; Its Actual Present State and Possible Future. By William Thomas Thornton, Author of" A Plea for Peasant Proprietors," etc. Second ILdition, revised. Svo. 14.?. 'J7/C object of this volume is to endecn'oiir to find "a cure for human destitution," the search after which has been the passion and the work of the author's life. The work is divided into four books, and each book into a number of chaffers. Book I. "Labour's Causes of Discontent." II. "Labour and Capital in Debate." III. "Labour and Capital in Antagonism." IV. ^^ Labour and Capital in Alliance." All the highly important problems in Social and Political Economy connected with Labour and Capital are here discussed with knotuledge, vigour, and originality, and for a noble pU7pose. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and considerably enlarged. " We cannot fail to recognize in his work the result of itidependent thought, high juoral aim, and generous intrepidity in a noble cause. .... A really valuable contribution. The number of facts accumulated, both historical and statistical, make an especially valuable portion of the work." — WESTMINSTER Revikvv. WORKS CONNECTED WITHTHE SCIENCE OR THE HISTORY OF LANGUAGE. (Tvr Editions of Greek and Latin Classical Authors, Gram- mars, and other School tvorks, see Educational Catalogue.) Abbott.— A SHAKESPERIAN GRAMMAR : An Attempt to illustrate some of the Differences between Elizabethan and Modern Enj^dish. By the Rev. E. A. Abbott, M.A., Head Master of the City of London School. For the Use of Schools. New and Enlarged Edition. Extra fcap. 8vo. 6j. The object of tliis worli is to furnish students of Shateespearc and Bacon with a short systematic account o/ some points of difference between Elizabettian Syntax and our own. The demand for a ttiird edition within a year of the publication of the first, has encouraged the author to endeavour to maize the work somcwiiat more useful, and to render it, as far as possible, a complete book of referetue for all difficulties of Skakesperian Syntax or Prosody. For this purpose the whole of Shakespeare has been re-read, and an attempt has been fiiade to include within this edition the explanation of et'cry idiomatic difficulty (where the text is not confessedly corrupt) that comes within tJie province of a grammar as distinct from a glossajy. The great object being to make a useful book of reference for students and for classes in schools, several Plays have been indexed so fully, that zvith the aid of a glossary and historical notes the references 7uill sei-ve for a complete commentary. "A critical inquiry, con- ducted with great skill and knowledge, and with all the appliames of modern philology.'" — Pall Mall Gazette. '^'^ Valuable not only as an aid to the critical study of Shakespeare, but as tending to familiarize the reader with Elizabethan English in general." — Athen.ccm. 42 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Besant.— STUDIES IN EARLY FRENCH POETRY. By Waltkr Besant, M.A. Crown 8vo. "&$. dd. A sort of impression rests on most minds tliat French literature begins with the "sieele de Louis Quatorze;^' any previous liter atttre being for the most part unknown or ignored. Feii) know anything of the enormous literary activity that began in the thirteenth century, was carried on by Rulebeuf Marie de France, Gaston de Foix, Thibaull de Champagne, and Lor7-is ; was fostered by Charles of Orleans, by Margaret of Valois, by Francis the First ; that gave a crowd of versifiers to France, enriched, strengthened, developed, and fixed the French language, attd prepared the way for Corneille and for Racine. The present work aims to afford information and direction touching these early efforts of France in poetical literature. "'In one moderately sized volume he has contrived to introduce us to the very best, if not to all of the early French poets." — Athen/EUM. '^Industry, the insight of a scholar, and a genuine enthusiasm for his subject, combine to make it of very considerable value." — Spectator. Helfenstein (James).— a COMPARATIVE GRAMMAR OF THE TEUTONIC LANGUAGES : Being at the same time a Historical Grammar of the Enghsh Language, and com- prising Gothic, Anglo-Saxon, Eaiiy English, Modern English, Icelandic (Old Norse), Danish, Swedish, Old High Gennan, Middle High German, Modern German, Old Saxon, Old Frisian, and Dutch. By James Helfenstein, Ph.D. 8vo. i8j. This work traces the different stages of development through which the various Teutonic languages have passed, and the laws which have regulated their groiolh. The reader is thus enabled to study the relation which these languages bear to one another, and to the Eng- lish language in particular, to which special attention is devoted throughout. In the chapters on Ancient and Middle Teutonic languages no grammatical form is omitted the knoiuledge of 7c>hich is reijuired for the study of ancient literature, whether Gothic or Anglo-Saxon or Early English. To each chapter is prefixed a sketch shilling the relation of the Teutonic to the cognate languages, Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit. Those who have mastered the book will be in a position to proceed with intelligence to the more elaborate works of Grimm, IJopp, Pott, Schleicher, and others. WORKS ON LANGUAGE. 43 Morris.— HISTORICAL OUTLINES OF ENGLISH ACCI- DENCE, comprising Cha]jtcis on tlie History and Development of the Language, and on Word-Ajrmation. By the Rev. Richakd Morris, LL. I)., Member of the Council of the Phiiol. Soc, Lecturer on Enghsh Language and Literature in King's College School, Editor of "Specimens of Early English," etc., etc. Fcap. 8vo. 6^. Dr. A/orris has endeavoured to write a work luJiich can he frofitably ttsed by students and by the upper forms in our public schools. His almost unequalled hiowledge of early English Literature renders him peculiarly qualified to write a work of this kind ; and English Grammar, he believes, without a reference to the older forms, must appear altogether anomalous, inconsistent, and Unintelligible. In the writing of this volume, moreover, he has taken advantage of the researches into our language made by all the most eminent scholars in England, America, and ojt the Continent. The author shows the place of English among the languages of the world, expounds clearly and with great minuteness " GinmnCs Law," gives a brief history of the English language and an account of the various dialects, investigates the history and principles of Phonology, Orthography, Accent, and Etymology, and devotes several chapters to the consideration of the various Ihs'ts of Speech, and the final one to Derivation and Word-fornuition. Peile (John. M.A.)— an INTRODUCTION TO GREEK AND LATIN ETYMOLOGY. By Johx Peile, M.A., Fellow and Assistant Tutor of Christ's College, Cambridge, formerly Teacher of Sanskrit in the University of Cambridge. New and revised Edition. Crown 8vo. loj. bd. These Philological Lectures arc the result of Notes made during the author's reading for some years previous to their publication. These Notes were put info the shape of lectures, delivered at Chrises College, as one set in the ''Intercollegiate" list. They have been printed with some additions and modifications, but substantially as they were delivered. ''The book may be accepted as a very -.■aluablc contribution to the science of language." — S.ATURD.W Review. 44 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Philology.— THE JOURNAL OF SACRED AND CLAS- SICAL rHILOLOGY. Four Vols. 8vo. \^s. i,d. THE JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGY. New Series. Edited by W. G. Clark, M.A., John E. B. Mayor, M.A., and W. Aldis Wright, M.A. Nos. L H., HL, and IV. 8vo. 4^. dd. each. (Half-yearly.) Roby (H. J.)— A GRAMMAR OF THE LATIN LANGUAGE, FROM PLAUTUS TO SUETONIUS. By Henry John Roby, M.A. , late Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. Part I. containing : — Book I. Sounds. Book II. Inflexions. Book III. Word Formation. Appendices. Crown 8vo. 8.f. dd. This liwrk is the result of an independent and careful study of the •writers of the strictly Classical period, the period embraced between the time of Plautus and that of Suetonius. The author'' s aim has been to give the facts of the language in as fcM words as possible. It will be found that the arrangement of the book and the treatment of the various divisions differ in many respects f-om those of previous gra?nmars. Mr. Roby has giz'en special prominence to the treat- ment of Sounds and Word-foj-tnation ; and in the First Book he has done much towards settling a discussion which is at present laigely engaging the attention of scholars, viz. , the Pronunciation of the Classical languages. In the full Appendices will be found various valuable details still further illustrating the subjects discussed in the text. The author''s i-eputation as a scholar and critic is already well knoivn, and the publishers are encouraged to belirje that his present work will take its place as perhaps the most original, exhaus- tive, and scientific grammar of the Latin language that has ever issued from the British press. ' ' The book is marked by the clear and practical insight of a tnasfer in his art. It is a book ivhich 70ould do honour to any country." — Athen^UM. "Brings before the student in a jnethodical form the best results of modern philology bearing on the Latin language." — SCOTSMAN. Taylor (Rev. Isaac).— WORDS AND PLACES ; or, Etymological Illustrations of History, Ethnology, and Geography. By the Rev. Isaac Taylor. Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 1 25. 6d. WORKS ON LAACUAGE. 45 This work, as the .Saturday \\V.\ie\\ acknozvledges, "is one which stands alone in our lani^uage." The subject is one ackno7vledi:;ed to be of the highest importance as a handmaid to History, Ethnology^ Geography, and et'en to Geology ; and Mr. Taylor's 7vork has taken its place as the only English authority of value on the subject. Not only is the xvork of the highest value to the student, but will be found full of interest to the general reader, affording him luonderful peeps into the past life and wanderings of the restless race to which he belongs. Every assistance is given in the way of specially pre- pared Maps, Indexes, and Appendices ; and to anyone who wishes to pursue the study of the subject fu)-ther, the Bibliographical List of Books will be found invaluable. Tlie Nonconformist says, "The historical importance of t lie subject can scarcely be exaggerated." "His book,'' the Reader says, "-vill be invaluable to the student of English history." "As all cultivated minds fed curiosity about local names, it may be expected that this will become a household book," says the Guardian. Trench. — Works by R. Chenevix Trench, D.D., Archbishop of Dublin. {For other Works by the same Author, see Theological Catalogue.) Archbishop Trench has done much to spread an interest in the history of our Englisli tongue. He is acknoxaledged to possess an un- common power of presenting, in a clear, instructive, and interesting manner, the fruit of his oiun extensive research, as well as t/te results of the labours of other scientific and historical students of language ; while, as the ATUV.'i^JS.VU says, "his sober Judgment and sound sense are barriers against the misleading infiuence oj arbitrary hypotheses." SYNONYMS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. New Edition, enlarged. 8vo. cloth. 12s. The study of synonyms in any language is valuable as a discipline for training the mind to close and accurate habits of thought; more especially is this the case in Greek — ' ' a language spoken by a people oJ the finest and subtlest intellect; who saiu distinctions cohere others saw none; who divided out to different words what others often were content to huddle confusedly under a common term." This work is recognized as a valuable companion to every student of the N'exv Testavicnt in the original. This, the Se7-enth Edition, has been 46 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE OF Trench (R. Q,.)—conthi7tcd. carefully revised, and a considerable number ofnezv synonyms added. Appended is an Index to /he synonyms, and an Index to many other words alluded to or explained throughout the 7vork. "He is," the AthenMlUM says, "« guide in this department of kno^vledge to whom his readers may entrust themselves with confidence." ON THE STUDY OF WORDS Lectures Addressed (ori-inally) to the Pupils at the Diocesan Training School, Winchester. Fourtecntli Edition, revised and enlarged. Fcap. 8vo. a,s. 6d. This, it is believed, was probably the first work which drciu getieral attention in this country to the importance and interest of the critical and historical study of English. It still retains its place as one of the most successful if not the only exponent of those aspects of Words of which it treats. The subjects of the several Lectures are — /. '■'■ Introductory." II. "On the Poetry of Words." III. "On the Morality of Words." IV. "On the History of Words." V. "On the Rise of Nevo Words." VI. "On the Distinction of Words." VII. "The Schoolmaster's Use of Words." ENGLISH PAST AND PRESENT. Seventh Edition, revised and improved. Fcap. 8vo. a^. 6d. This is a scHes of eight Lectures, in the first of which Archbishop Trench considas the English language as it now is, decomposes some specimens of it, atid thus discovers of what elements it is compact. In the second Lecture he considers lohat the language might have been if the Norman Conquest had never taken place. In the following six Lectures he institutes from various points of vieiu a comparison bet7veen the present language and the past, points out gains which it has made, losses rvhich it has endured, and generally calls attention to some of the more important changes through zohich it has passed, or is at present passing. A SELECT GLOSSARY OF ENGLLSH WORDS USED FORMERLY IN SENSES DIFFERENT FROM THEIR PRESENT. Third Edition. Fcap. 8vo. 4^. 'Jliis alphabetically arranged Glossary contains many of the most important of those English words which in the course of time have gradually changed their meanings. The author'' s obfi'ct is to point out some of the^e changes, to suggest how many 7nore there may be, WORKS ON LANGUAGE. 47 Trench (R. Q.)—coiitinut'({. to s/io70 how slight and subtle, while yd most real, these changes have often been, to trace here and there the progressii'e steps by which the old meaning has been put off and the neiv put on — the exact road which a rvord has travelled. The author thus hopes to render some assistance to those 7vho regard this as a seti'iceable dis- cipline in the training of their 07vn minds or the minds of others. Although the book is in the form of a Glossary, it will be found as interesting as a series of brief well-told biographies. ON SOME DEFICIENCIES IN OUR ENGLISH DICTION- ARIES : r.cintj the substance of Two Papers read before the Philological Society. Second Edition, revised and enlarged. 8vo. 3J-. The folloioing are the main deficiencies iti English dictionaries pointed out in these Papers, and illustrated by an interesting accumulation of particulars : — /. "Obsolete wo7-ds are incotnpletely registered." II. '■^Families or groups of words are often imperfect." III. '■^ Much earlier examples of the employment of words oftentimes exist than any which are cited, and much later examples of words no7ci obsolete." IV. "Important meanings and uses of words are passed over." V. "Comparatively little attention is paid to the distinguish- ing of synonytnous words." VI. "Many passages in our literature are passed by, luhich might be carefully adduced in illustration of the first introduction, etymology, and meaning of words." VJI. " Our dictionaries err in redundancy as well as defect." Wood. — Works by II. T. W. Wooii, B.A., Clare College, Cambridge : — THE RECIPROCAL INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH AND FRENCH LITERATURE IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. Crown Svo. 2s. 6d. This Essay gained the Le Bas Prize for the year 1S69. Besides a general Introductory Section, it contains other three Sections on " The Infliience of Boileau and his School ;" "The Influence of English Philosophy in France;" "Secondary Influences — the Drama, Fiction," etc. Appended is a Synchronological Table of Events connected with English and French Literatjire, A.D. 1700 — A.D. iSoo. 48 MACMILLAN'S CATALOGUE. Wood (H. T. V^ .)— continued. CHANGES IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE BETWEEN THE PUBLICATION OF WICLIF'S BIBLE AND THAT OF THE AUTHORIZED VERSION ; a.d. 1400 to a.d. 1600. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. This Essay gained the Le Bas Prize for the year 1870. Besides the Introductory Section Explaining the aim and scope of the Essay, there are other three Sections and three Appendices. Section II. treats of ^^ English before Chaucer." III. " Chance)- to Caxton." IV. ^^ From Caxton to the Authorized Vasion." — Appendix: I. '■'■Table of English Literature" A.D. 1 300 — A.D. 16 1 1. //. ^' Early English Bible." III. ^'Inflectional Changes in the Verb." This tvill be found a most valuable help in the study of our language during the period embraced in the Essay. "As we go with him" the Athenaeum says, "zee learn something ne7u at every step." Yonge. — HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN NAMES. By Char- lotte M. Yonge, Author of " The Heir of Redclyffe." Two Vols. Crown 8vo. i/. is. Miss Yonge's work is acknoiuledged to be the authority on the interest- ing subject of which it treats. Until she zvrote on the subject, the history of names — especially Christian Names as distinguished from Surnames — had been but little examined ; nor why one should be popular and another forgotten — wfiy one should flourish through- out Europe, another in one country alone, another araund some petty district. In each case she has tried to find out whence the name came, whether it had a patron, and whether the patron took it from the myths or heroes of his ozvn country, or from the mean- ing of the words. She has then tried to classify the names, as to treat them merely alphabetically would destroy all their interest and connection. They are classified first by language, beginning with Hebrew and coming do7un through Greek and Latin to Celtic, Teutonic, Slavonic, and other sources, ancimt and modern ; then by meaning or spir-it. "An almost exhaustive treatment of the subject . . . The painstaking toil of a thoughtful and cultured mind on a most interesting; theme." — London Quarterly. R. CLAV, SONS, AND TAYLOR, I'KINIKKS, LONDON. tn DATE DUE ^^WWB Mfc JUI*«|l i4d94 ■ ^ ' CAVLORD ^HINTCO INOS*. Princploo Thfotoqical Sfminary-Speer Library 1 1012 01045 2482