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THE
LIFE
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
Fci^A YtcV-\ *^5c l\vu#
MISSIONARY
trichinopoly and tanjore,
IN INDIA.
PUBLISHED BY THE
AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,
150 N ASS AU-STREET, NEW YORK.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Page
His life to the founding of the church at Tan-
JORE, AND HIS MEDIATION WITH HyDER ALLY, 1780
Birth and early life in Germany — Connection with Profes-
sor Francke at the Orphan House, in Halle — Labors in the
Mission at Tranquebar and Trichinopoly — native con-
verts— Sattianaden, the king of Tanjore — the nabob of
Madras — Jesuits — a heathen festival — abundant labors
and success — letter to fatherless children — erection of a
church at Tanjore — requested to visit the Governor and
Council at Madras — Mediation with Hyder Ally — Letter
to Col. Wood, ........ 5
CHAPTER II.
Thirteen years’ labor in India, to his narrative
VINDICATING THE MISSION TO THE SOCIETY FOR PRO-
MOTING Christian Knowledge, 1794 — War and fa-
mine— his admirable character, evangelical principles, and
self-denying labors — letters — success of Provincial Schools,
established by him and Rev. Messrs. Pohle and Kohloff —
letter to a gentleman — Ordination of Mr. KohlofTs son —
4
CONTENTS.
ihe Rajah’s adopted son — the people emigrate from op-
pression, but under the influence of Sir Archibald Camp-
bell, Mr. Swartz induces them to return — converts from
the higher castes — letter to afflicted friends, . . 26
CHAPTER III.
Close of his fifty years’ missionary toils, anl<
his triumphant death — Views of the marriage of mis-
sionaries— maturing for heaven — fidelity and fruitfulness
in old age — sickness — visit of Serfogee Rajah — renewed
and last sickness — visits of Rev. Messrs. Gericke, Jte-
nicke and Holtzberg — his prayers, praises, and triumphant
death — funeral — his last days, character, and labors —
epitaph — Testimony of the government at Madras — the
Rev. Dr. Kerr’s funeral discourse, ... 67
THE LIFE
OF THE
REV, C. F. SWARTZ,
CHAPTER 1.
His Life, to the founding of the church at Tanjore and his
mediation with Hyder Ally.
Christian Frederick Swartz was born at Son-
nenburg, in Brandenburg, in Germany, October
20, 1726. His mother died at an early period of
his childhood : on her death-bed she declared
that she had devoted her son to the Lord, and
exacted a promise from her husband and pas-
tor, that they at least would not oppose him,
should he at a future period evince an inclina-
tion to study divinity.
When Swartz was eight years of age he was
sent to the public school at Sonnenburg : his
tutor, whose name was Helm, attended to the
religious instruction of his pupils, exhorted them
G
LIFE OF
in a fatherly manner to the duty of prayer, and
directed them to express their desires to God in
their own words. In a memoir, written by him-
self, Swartz declares that at that time he often
sought after solitude, and found much comfort
in pouring out his heart to God ; and when he
had done any thing wrong, he was not able to
rest till he had implored pardon of God. These
impressions afterward partly wore off, but were
never entirely effaced. He derived much benefit
from the public ordinances of the sanctuary,
and from the instructions and the books he re-
ceived from a Christian lady. Twice he was
dangerously ill, and then formed resolutions to
devote himself to the service of Ihe Lord ; but
he afterward forgot the fulfilment of his resolu-
tions, they being made in his own strength.
In 1746 he travelled to Halle, where he lodg-
ed at the Orphan House, and diligently availed
himself of the instructions of the tutors of the
university. He was soon appointed to the in-
struction of youth, and also received the ap-
pointment to hold evening prayer with the farm
servants of the Orphan House. Both these em-
ployments. were followed by a blessing to his
own soul. By these means, by conversation
with a pious man of his country, and by the
evening prayers at the Orphan House, he was
established in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ,
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
7
and became anxious to devote his body and
soul to the service of his Divine Redeemer.
At that time preparations were making to
print the Bible in the Tamul language at Halle,
and Swartz was selected to learn that language.
The pains he took induced Professor Francke to
propose to him the work of a missionary. He
obeyed the call, although some days afterward
an advantageous situation in the ministry was
offered him. He obtained his father’s consent,
and, under the sanction of the Danish Missioji
College, he was sent to India, and arrived at
Tranquebar on the 30th of July, 1750. After
laboring zealously with his colleagues at Tran-
quebar for some years, he was directed by the
college to establish himself at Trichinopoly, un-
der the “Society for promoting Christian Know-
ledge.” The society had various missionary
stations toward the southern part of the Indian
peninsula ; and, in 1766 this new one was es-
tablished at Trichinopoly, and over it Mr. Swartz
was appointed to preside.
In this station Mr. Swartz soon found his la-
bors so extensive that it became necessary to
employ some promising native converts as cate-
chists. Among these, who were eight or nine in
number, Sattianaden was appointed in 1772, and
was afterward admitted to holy orders, in which
he labored with great eloquence and success.
8
LIFE OF
His name signified “ Professor of the Truth.” Be-
fore his conversion he was of the highest caste.
In the year 1772 Mr. Swartz experienced the
signal care of his heavenly father. The pow-
der-magazine of the fort blew up, and killed
and shockingly wounded many persons, both
Europeans and natives. The windows of his
house were shattered, and several balls flew
into the rooms, hut he escaped all personal
injury.
His heart was much set on Tanjore. He vi-
sited that place several times in 1772, in order
to strengthen the congregation, and to try whe-
ther, by frequently preaching the word in that
populous city, it might not please God to make
some impression on the inhabitants. With this
hope he took with him three of his catechists,
who went among the people, morning and
evening, laying before them the glorious truths
of the Gospel, and inviting them to the obedi-
ence of faith.
Mr. Swartz had several conversations with
Ihe king on the subject of religion. The king,
understanding that he was explaining the doc-
trines of Christianity to his officers, desired to
hear him himself. He had scarcely opened his
lips when the great Brahmin entered. The king
prostrated himself before him to the ground,
and afterward stood before him with his hands
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
9
folded, while the Brahmin placed himself on
an elevated seat. The king made signs to Mr.
Swartz to enter into discourse with the Brahmin ;
who heard all with seeming attention, but made
no reply. The king asked several questions
concerning repentance, and desired the mis-
sionary to marry a couple of. Christians in his
palace. He readily consented, and performed
the ceremony with as much solemnity as pos
sible. They began with a hymn, after which
Mr. Swartz preached, concluding with prayer
and singing ; all in the Malabar tongue. The
king and many of the people were pleased, but
the Brahmins looked on it as a dangerous in-
novation.
In 1773 Mr. Swartz repeats his' expressions
of gratitude for the Divine goodness toward him
and his fellow-laborers in their preservation, as
an epidemical disease was then raging round
them at Trichinopoly, which had swept off
above a thousand persons in a fortnight.
In 1774 Mr. Swartz went to Madras, at the
desire of his brethren, to procure the grant of
some ground at Tanjore for the erection of a
place -for Divine worship ; but the nabob de-
clined his request. His friend, Colonel Wood,
dying this year, and leaving him one of his
executors, this circumstance occasioned a se-
cond visit to Madras, when he renewed his ap-
10
LIFE OF
plication to the nabob, but met with another re-
fusal, accompanied, however, with a profusion
of oriental compliments.
The heathen were now beginning to be more
inquisitive into Christianity, and this animated
him much in his preaching. The awakening,
however, of some of the Roman Catholics to a
sense of the importance of religion, gave rise to
a spirit of persecution which occasioned him
much trouble. One of the catechists having
visited a sick relative of his own, an ignorant
papist, the sick man entreated his instruction.
The catechist explained to him the doctrines of
repentance and of faith in Christ; he lent a
willing ear, and soon after died. The catechist
wished, as being a near relative, to attend his
funeral ; but the Roman Catholics disliking
this, and the popish catechist having given him
a blow, all the rest fell on him, and beat him so
unmercifully that the very heathens cried out
against them as murderers.
Mr. Swartz found indeed the Jesuits to be the
greatest enemies of the mission. They disco-
vered their enmity in stirring up the poor coun-
try people to raise disturbances. He met, about
this period, with a very mortifying instance of
this evil influence. In a country town there
appeared a most pleasing prospect of a beauti-
ful harvest, the greater part of the inhabitants
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
11
having shown a willingness to be instructed.
In Mr. Swartz’s absence, however, the Roman
Catholic priest threatened his people, and refus-
ed to marry and bury any of his congregation
unless they would enter into a covenant to ob-
tain the removal of the protestant missionary
and his catechists. He told the heathens, too,
that if Mr. Swartz and his assistants gained
ground, their pagodas would fall to ruin and
their feasts cease. The catechists met, in conse-
quence, with such ill-treatment that they were
obliged to quit the place ; and, as any applica-
tion to the magistrates would but have increas-
ed the evil, Mr. Swartz chose rather to bear this
persecution patiently, entreating God to remedy
the evil in his good time.
With all ranks of heathens this man of God
was accustomed to converse freely. Multitudes
would hear him explain Christianity, and would
even applaud. It was no unusual thing with
them to reply : “ True ! what can avail all our
images, and our numberless ceremonies ! There
is but one Supreme Being, the Maker and Pre-
server of all !” But their convictions ended with
their applause !
“ In one of my journies,” says he, “ I arrived
at a large place where the heathen celebrated a
feast. I was struck with the excessive crowd
which I saw before me. I stood at some dis-
12
LIFE OF
tance from them ; but was soon surrounded by
a number of people, to whom I explained the
glorious perfections of God, and remarked how
absurd the worship of images was ; and how
they dishonored God by all their idolatry, and
enhanced their own misery. I told them, at the
same time, what infinite mercy God had shown
to lost sinners by sending them a Redeemer,
and how they might become partakers of the
benefits of redemption. All seemed pleased ;
acknowledged their folly, and the excellency of
this Christian doctrine. Before and after noon,
new crowds came near. I spoke till I was quite
exhausted.”
These labors were not in vain : many of the
heathen were brought to embrace the truth.
Among these converts Mr. Swartz mentions
one in particular — a young man of the higher
caste, who deliberated above three years whe-
ther he should embrace Christianity. His nume-
rous relatives had been his great obstacle. He
had, however, yielded, at length, to his convic-
tions. The heathen shunned and reviled him ;
while he endured their persecution with humi-
lity, yet without dejection. His countrymen per-
ceiving that they could not depress his spirits,
acknowledged, in the end, the wrong which they
had done him, and even entreated him to read
to them some passages of the New Testament.
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
13
In a village not far from Mr. Swartz’s resi-
dence a whole family had been converted. On
their return home all the village was enraged
against them, refusing them a share in the most
common acts of kindness, and even forbidding
them to walk in the public road. As they suf-
fered all this persecution, however, with humility
and with some degree of cheerful boldness, their
heathen neighbors became ashamed of their
conduct and treated them with more humanity.
In another village also a whole family had
embraced Christianity. Their son-in-law was
the principal man in the village. He was in-
censed at the conversion of his family, and di-
rected his father-in-law to return no more. By
gentle representations, however, his rage and
that of the people subsided ; and Mr. Swartz
began to entertain hopes of shortly seeing the
whole place inhabited by Christians.
Mr. Swartz took unwearied pains with his
assistant catechists. They were all employed
daily in preaching the Gospel over the various
parts of the country, “ and trying,” to use his
own words, “ whether they might be so happy
as to bring some of their wandering fellow-
creatures into the way of truth.”
What an abode was the house of this great
and good man! He daily assembled all the
catechists who were not on stations too far dis-
14
LIFE OF
tant, and instructed them how to explain the
truths of Christianity, and to address the na-
tives in a mild and winning manner, overlook-
ing the passionate and rough speeches which
would sometimes be returned for their love. In
the morning the catechists joined with him in
prayer, and in meditating on the word of God ;
after which every one was directed whither to
go that day. In the evening they gave an ac-
count of their labors, relating the encouraging
and discouraging circumstances : and the day
closed, as it began, with meditation and prayer.
His ministry was, in various instances, suc-
cessful among the soldiers in garrison, to whom
he acted as chaplain.
Poor widows also came in for a share of the
attention of this benevolent man. A sum of
money having been sent to him for their be-
nefit, he resolved to expend it in the erection of
comfortable tenements, but the design was
brought to a stand for want of further funds.
The young rajah of Tanjore, however, visiting
that part of the country, Mr. Swartz pleaded
with him in behalf of the widows ; and, suc-
ceeding in his application, completed a row of
small houses for the comfortable reception of
these destitute women.
Anxious to extend the sphere of his labors,
he prayed earnestly for more assistance in the
REV. C. F. SWARTZ. 15
mission, that he might be enabled to reside some
months every year at Tanjore ; and, if it should
be found expedient, establish himself there.
His exertions were not confined to the in-
struction and conversion of the adult natives
and Europeans ; but, with equal zeal and fide-
lity, he labored for the salvation of the Europe-
ans, both civil and military, who resided at any
time within reach of his Christian charity. He
opened English and Malabar schools in various
places, and was affectionate and unwearied in
his attention to children.
Of this part of his character the following
letter is an interesting illustration. It was writ-
ten to the children of Colonel Wood, then left
fatherless : they were from six to eleven years
of age.
“ To the dear children
“ Grace, mercy and peace from
God our father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Dear Children — As the time is very near
when you, as I suppose, will leave this country,
I thought it my duty to write you a short ex-
hortation, which you are so willing to receive
from me, your old friend.
“When you leave this country I beseech
you take none of the sins which are so manifest
here, with you. Beg of your Redeemer to for-
16
LIFE OF
give you all sins, and to grant you the help of
his Holy Spirit, to love, fear, honor and obey
God. Learn the will of God, and practise it
daily, as you have given us some pleasing
ground for hope. As your age is not easily
given to grief, make use of your innocent cheer-
fulness to gladden the heart of your mamma.
You cannot please her better than by obedi-
ence, and willingness to learn to pray, and to
fear God. Endeavor to please her and your
heavenly Father by all this. Read every day
your beloved Bible : pray heartily, and forget
not to sing a song of praise to your Redeemer.
Whenever your dear mamma forbids you a
thing, be ready to obey : never give way to any
stubbornness ; and as you know that God is
highly pleased with humility, learn to be hum-
ble ; entreating your Savior to destroy all the
seeds of pride, and to clothe you with humility.
May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, be with you. Amen.
“ Remember me, and pray for me, that I may
walk worthy of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ ; and that, by my poor ministry, many
souls may be truly converted to him.
I remain, sincerely, dear children, and my young
friends, your affectionate friend and humble servant,
“C. F. Swartz.
“ Trickmopoly, January 16, 1775.”
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
17
He was joined in the work of the Mission in
1777 by the Rev. Christian Pohle, whom the
Danish Missionaries at Tranquebar sent to his
assistance ; — a man of piety, zeal, and talents ;
who fulfilled, in the service of the “ Society for
promoting Christian Knowledge,” as the suc-
cessor of his venerable friend, the expectations
which Mr. Swartz had formed of him. He soon
made himself master, by diligent application,
of the English and Malabar languages, suffi-
ciently to minister with acceptance in both
tongues, and took a very active part in assist-
ing Mr. Swartz in the whole business of the
ministry and the schools.
June the 16th of this year, the Rev. J. J.
Schoelkopf arrived at Madras, being sent out by
the Society to assist Mr. Swartz. It pleased God,
however, to remove him before he could enter
on his labors. He was, almost immediately on
his landing, violently seized with a dysentery,
and died at Madras on the 11th of July. “ My
grief,” says Mr. Swartz, “was great; but, well
knowing that all the ways of a holy God are
good, I resigned my will to his wise providence.
He is the Lord of his Church. May He have
mercy upon us, and send faithful laborers into
his vineyard !”
Mr. Swartz writes, in 1779, that among the
heathen, at his two stations at Trichinopoly and
Swartz. 0
18
LIFE OF
Tanjore, are many thousands, even amongst
Brahmins, who confess that their idolatry is a
vain and sinful thing, and that nothing but fear
keeps them at present from embracing the Chris-
tian religion. It is to be hoped this conviction
will embolden them one day or other to shake
off that inglorious servitude of sin and Satan.
He says that there hardly passes a day in which
Brahmins do not visit his house at Tanjore ;
that they hear attentively what is said to them ;
that they frequently take up a book in which
the doctrine of the Christian religion is explain-
ed, and that they praise that doctrine as a Di-
vine one.
A Brahmin being asked what he would now
resolve upon, whether he purposed to stifle all
conviction, or whether he intended to receive
that Divine doctrine and to profess it, replied,
that he could not deny the conviction which he
had received, and accordingly had sounded
some of his acquaintance, but that they all in-
sisted upon the task as too difficult and dange-
rous, on account of the great numbers of the
professors of idolatry.
For my part, says Mr. Swartz, I entertain a
cheerful hope of seeing better days, and there-
fore rejoice in the present opportunity of preach-
ing the salutary doctrine of Christ, frequently
calling to my mind that there is a time of sow-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
19
ing preceding that of reaping. At Trichinopoly
we begin and end the day with public prayer.
At Tanjore I have introduced the same custom.
Very often Brahmins and other heathens have
been present, observing our reading the word
of God, our singing and praying. I never dis-
courage the heathen from being present at any
of our solemn acts of worship.
In 1779 the garrison at Tanjore being nume-
rous, Mr. Swartz addressed a letter to the Go-
vernor and Council at Madras, and obtained
immediately their public sanction and contribu-
tions to the erection of a church, in which Di-
vine service might be performed in a proper and
becoming manner. The first stone of this edi -
fice was laid by General Munro. The funds
failing, Mr. Swartz addressed the Honorable
Board at Madras for further aid. He was de-
sired, in reply, to come with all possible speed
to Madras. The object of this summons will be
best explained in his own simple and impres-
sive narration.
“At my arrival Governor Rumbold told me
that my request should be granted : the othei
gentlemen assured me of the same. Here I was
acquainted with the purpose for which I was
called before the Presidency. The Governor
told me that they wished to preserve peace with
20
LIFE OF
Hydei Ally ; but, as he entertained some mis-
taken notions, and evil persons endeavored to
confirm him in those bad ideas, the Honorable
Board desired I would take a journey to Serin-
gapatam in a private manner, and undeceive
him by a fair declaration of their pacific senti-
ments ; particularly as I, from my knowledge
of the Moorish language, could converse with
him without the help of an interpreter. The
novelty of the proposal surprised me at first ;
for which reason I begged some time to con-
sider it. At last I accepted of the offer, because,
by doing so, I hoped to prevent evil, and to pro-
mote the welfare of the country. I thought also
that I could thereby give some small proof of
the gratitude which I owe to the Honorable
Board for many favors which they have bestow-
ed on me during my residence at Trichinopo-
ly. Besides, I saw that I should have an oppor-
tunity of conversing with many people about
the things of God, who perhaps never had heard
a word concerning God and a Redeemer.
“ I spent three months in Hyder Ally Khan’s
country. I found Englishmen there, Germans,
Portuguese, and even some of the Malabar peo-
ple whom I had instructed at Trichinopoly.
To find them in that country was painful ; but,
to renew some part of the instruction which
they formerly received, was very comfortable.
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
21
A tent was pitched on the glacis of the fort,
wherein Divine service was performed without
the least impediment.
“ Hyder Ally gave a plain answer to all the
questions I was ordered to put to him ; so that
the Honorable Board at Madras received the in-
formation they desired.
“ Being told that the Governor, Sir Thomas
Rumbold, intended to procure me a present from
the Board, I begged leave to decline accepting
any ; declaring, that if my journey had been
any way beneficial to the public, I rejoiced at
the opportunity. I signified, at the same time,
that it would make me very happy if the Ho-
norable Board would allow to my colleague at
Trichinopoly the same yearly present that they
had given to me ; being convinced that he would
use it for the benefit of the school, and the main-
tenance of some catechists. This my request
was granted : Mr. Pohle receives, at Trichino-
poly, yearly, a hundred pounds sterling, as I do
here at Tanjore ; by which means we are ena-
bled to maintain, in both places, schoolmasters
and catechists.
“ One circumstance relative to my journey I
beg liberty to add. When I took my leave of
Hyder Ally, he presented me with a bag of ru-
pees for the expense of my journey : but, having
been furnished with necessaries by the Honor-
22
LIFE OF
able Board, I delivered the bag to them. As
they urged me to take it, I desired their permis-
sion to appoint this sum, as the first fund for
an English charity-school at Tanjore, hoping
that some charitable people would increase that
small fimd, consisting of three hundred rupees.”
Such noble conduct compelled those who
knew not the value of the principles which ac-
tuated him, to admire his character.
While Mr. Swartz was thus acting as the
great and disinterested friend of his adopted
country and of mankind, he forgot not his pri-
vate attachments. He addressed, about this
time, the following affectionate and faithful let-
ter to the son of his former friend, Col. Wood.
“ Tanjore, Sept. 22, 1780.
“ Dear John — I have received your kind let-
ter, and rejoiced that the son of my much-es-
teemed friend, who is now in eternity, goes on
learning such things as will make him useful
in society. You learn Latin, geography, arith-
metic, French, drawing ; all which may be veiy
serviceable to you, and beneficial to your fellow-
creatures. I entreat you, therefore, to be very
diligent, and to spend your time in the best man-
ner. I remember that when I learnt vocal mu-
sic in my younger days, I did not think that I
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
23
should use it much. And behold, now, every
morning and evening, when the Malabar chil-
dren come to prayer, I teach them to sing in
praise of their Redeemer. Every week they
learn one hymn ; for they are slow. Now I am
well pleased that I was instructed in vocal mu-
sic. All things may become useful to us and
others.
“ But then, my dear friend, our intention, our
desires must be well managed; or, in other
words, our hearts must be truly minded. As
you have spent many months and years in
learning useful things, let your heart now be
given over to your God ; otherwise your learn-
ing will not prove beneficial ; nay, which is de-
plorable, it may be used to your detriment.
“As you are so well pleased, I beseech you,
by the mercy of God, my dear John, to mind
now the best, the one needful thing. Examine
your heart ; and whatever you find in it that is
not agreeable to the will of God (and you will
find much of that sort) acknowledge it ; bewail
it before your God : entreat him to wash and
cleanse you from all your sins. Rest not till you
find rest to your soul.
“ Having obtained pardon and peace through
Jesus, watch and pray that you may not lose
what you have gained ; but that you may rather
grow daily in faith, love, and hope.
24
LIFE OF
“ In your conversation with young people be
very cautious. Their thoughts and speeches
are often too frothy ; ay, and even dangerous.
Above all, try to gain strength, Divine strength,
to overcome that sinful bashfulness, whereby
many people are ashamed to confess or practice
what they approve in their hearts. If you read
your Bible, and pray heartily to God, you will
get strength every day to go on and prosper in
his way.
“ Our time is but short. Eternity, awful eter-
nity, is at hand : let us, therefore, not trifle away
our time ; but let us seek the Lord and his grace,
his blessing and his strength.
“As you, my dear John, are blessed with a
pious mother, who is unspeakably desirous of
promoting your welfare, I hope you will take
all possible care to comfort and rejoice her heart
by your humble obedience and grateful be-
havior.
“ Though I never have seen your schoolmas-
ter, it is enough to induce me to revere him,
that we hear he is a faithful servant of the
Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless him, and all
that is under his care ! so wishes
“Your affectionate friend,
“ C. F. Savartz.”
Mr. Swartz paid great attention to the due
REV. a. P. SWARTZ.
25
celebration of Divine worship. The church at
Trichinopoly was ninety feet by fifty, and the
new one at Tanjore was built on the same
scale. Beside the church at Trichinopoly, which
was occupied chiefly by the garrison and Eu
ropeans, the Malabar congregation used to as-
semble in the large fort, where Major Stephens,
a worthy friend of Mr. Swartz, who was killed
at the siege of Pondicherry, prepared a very
convenient place for their worship. But the spot
on which he built belonged to a Brahmin fami-
ly, which Major Stevens endeavored to disco-
ver, that he might secure a right to it, but in
vain. The family, however, returned at length
to the fort ; and, refusing to sell the spot, “ we
were in conscience obliged,” says Mr. Swartz,
“ to let them possess their own property.” He
soon procured a gift from the rajah of a more
convenient situation ; and, with the aid of his
friends, raised a suitable place of worship for his
Malabar congregation : it lay on a rising ground
about a mile from the fort ; the inhabitants
lived around it. All circumstances concurred to
render this house of prayer convenient : the
situation was healthy, and it was remote from
noise. “Blessed be God,” exclaims Mr. Swartz,
“ that we are so agreeably placed ! May he gra-
ciouAy vouchsafe his blessing, that many thou-
sands of the poor heathen may hear, embrace,
2G
LIFE OF
and practise the truth preached in the midst of
their habitations !”
CHAPTER II.
Thirteen years' labor in India, to his narrative vindi-
cating the mission to the Society for Promoting Chris-
tian Knowledge.
The years 1781, 1782, and 1783, were years
of famine and of complicated distress and mi-
sery. War raged in the peninsula, and was at-
tended and followed by such devastation and
ruin that all former wars seemed trifling in
comparison. Some little interval occurred, but
the famine soon returned.
In September, 1783, Mr. Swartz writes : —
“ The last three years have been years of sor-
row and anxiety. Yet we have no reason at all
to murmur, or to find fault Avith God’s ways,
which are ever just and equal ; and the judg-
ments which have befallen us may, perhaps, be
more conducive to the true Avelfare of the coun-
try than we conceive. This year God’s fatherly
goodness has preserved and strengthened us for
his service.”
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
27
His congregations greatly increased at these
times ; many being compelled, he feared, by the
famine, to come to him for aid.
“Yet,” says he, “ I have given them the ne-
cessary instruction, and this for the space of se-
veral months, during which I have also procur-
ed them some provision, though not quite suffi-
cient for their wants, for that was beyond my
power. The teaching of them was attended
with much difficulty and fatigue, on account of
the great decay of their mental powers : yet 1
could not persuade myself that it would be con-
sistent with the will of God to abandon these
poor people, many of whom afterward died.
“ The famine was so great, and of such long
continuance, that those have been affected by it
who seemed to be beyond its reach. A vigorous
and strong man is scarcely to be met with. In
outward appearance men are like walking ske-
letons.”
Apprehensive of the renewal of war, Mr.
Swartz bought a quantity of rice while the
price was moderate, and God inclined the heart
of some Europeans to send him a portion month-
ly. With this food he preserved numbers from
actually perishing, who were lying about in the
open roads.
His own feelings, in respect to these trying dis-
pensations, are expressed in the following letter.
“ Tanjore, March 4, 1784.
“Dear Sir, — Hitherto a gracious God has
preserved, guided and comforted us. This ought
to be our first consideration in the midst of all
the calamities which we have experienced.
How many dangers have we escaped ! How
many of our fellow-creatures fell on our right
hand and on our left ! But God has hid us un-
der the pavilion of his kind providence. The
103d Psalm should he precious to us, for it ex-
presses and magnifies all the divine benefits
which God has so richly bestowed upon us.
But not only in words ought we to express our
gratitude, but in and by our lives. Surely God
deserves to be obeyed by us, particularly as we
only reap the benefit of it : our goodness ex-
tcndetli not to him !
“ I heartily wish to see you ; and I entertain-
ed a lively hope, that, in my return from the
Mysore country I should meet you ; but God
has been pleased to lead me by another road.
You know that I was desired to go to Seringa-
patarn to join the Commissioners. I accepted
the offer ; but I was stopped and detained ele-
ven days. I wrote to Tippoo, requesting that
he would permit me to proceed ; but I got no
answer. The killadar was ordered to let me
go back ; so I was conducted by thirty horses
back to Daraburm, where our people were. To
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
29
this day I know not the true reason why I was
not permitted to proceed. One said it was be-
cause Tippoo would not treat till Mangalore
was in his possession. Others entertained other
conjectures. I thank God for his mercy and
providence over me. I should have been glad
if I could have been an instrument in that
great work of peace-making : but who knows
but there might have been temptations too great
for me 7 I entreat God to bless our commission-
ers with wisdom, resolution, and integrity, to
settle the business for the welfare of this poor
country. But, alas, we ourselves are so divided ;
so much wickedness and forgetfulness of God
every where prevail ! When I consider all, high
and low, rulers and ruled, I am struck with
grief and a variety of passions. What blind-
ness, insensibility, obstinacy, greediness and ra-
paciousness ! A thousand times I think with
myself, “ Oh, my God ! must all these people
die? Must they all appear before the tribunal of
Jesus, the Mediator and Judge 7 How little do
they mind their end, and the consequences of
their lives !”
“ My sincere wish and prayer is, that you
and I may be found true disciples of Jesus; and
so, at last, rejoice with him eternally.
“ I am your sincere friend,
“C. F. Swartz.”
30
LIFE OF
In April, 1784, he writes : We adore the Di-
vine goodness, which has preserved my fellow-
laborers and me in the midst of calamities.
While the sword, famine, and epidemic sick-
ness swept away many thousands, we have
enjoyed health, and have been accommodat-
ed with all necessaries. May we never forget
the various mercies which God has bestowed
on us !”
The fort of Trichinopoly afforded an asylum
to many of the surrounding inhabitants, who
tied thither to escape the unrelenting cruelty of
the enemy. Daily did Mr. Swrartz labor with
these people to turn them from idolatry to the
living God.
“ It were to be wished” he says “ that the
country people, having suffered for many years
all manner of calamity, would consider the
things which belong to their eternal welfare, foi
which my assistants pray and labor in con
junction with me. They readily own the supe-
rior excellence of the Christian doctrine ; but
remain in their deplorable errors for various fri-
volous reasons. Still I am happy in being made
an instrument of Providence to instruct some
and to warn others. Who knows but there may
come a time when others may reap what we
have been sowing?”
The personal piety, sound discrimination, and
HE V. C. F. SWARTZ.
31
disinterested zeal, discovered in the two follow-
ing letters of Mr. Swartz, are admirable !
“ Tanjore, July 10, 1784.
41 My dear Friends, — I have been prevent-
ed, by illness, from having the pleasure of ad-
dressing you sooner. I can hardly describe to
you the nature of my weakness. I felt no pain,
but such a relaxation in my frame, that speak-
ing, walking, &c. fatigued me greatly. This 1
felt during April and May. When we were fa-
vored with some refreshing showers I felt my-
self a little better. I could not write before, be-
cause my hand shook so that I could not use
my pen. But enough of this ! Age comes upon
me : therefore I have no reason to wonder at
weakness. If the mind be sound, all is well ;
the rest we shall quit when we enter into the
grave. That will cure all our indispositions. On
this subject I meditate frequently. And, oh, may
God grant me grace to do it more effectually,
that I may number my (perhaps very few) days.
Eternity is an awful subject, which should be
continually in our mind.
I know, I feel, that I have no righteousness
of my own whereon I would dare to depend for
eternal happiness. If God should enter into
judgment with me, what would become of me?
But blessed, for ever blessed, be the adorabk
32
LIFE OF
mercy of God, which has provided a sure place
of refuge for guilty man ! The atonement of
Jesus Christ is the foundation of my hope,
peace, life, and happiness. Though I am co-
vered all over with sin, the blood of Jesus Christ
cleanseth me from all mine iniquities, and sets
my heart at rest. Though I am a blind, cor-
rupted creature, the Spirit of Jesus enlighteneth,
cheereth, and strengtheneth us to abominate all
sin, and to renounce the lusts of the world and
the flesh. Though the day of judgment is ap-
proaching, the love of God comforts us so far
as to have boldness to appear before our Judge ;
not as if we were innocent creatures, but be-
cause we are pardoned, washed, and cleansed
in the blood of Christ. Oh ! my dear friends,
an interest in the atonement of Christ, and
a participation in the graces of the Spirit —
these constitute a Christian !— these cheer and
strengthen the heart ! — these glorify God ! —
these entitle and qualify us for heaven ! Let us
daily, therefore, come before God through the
blessed Jesus. But let us, at the same time, not
neglect the second point, namely, our sanctifi-
cation. Our time is short. 1 have sojourned
in this country almost thirty-four years. The
end of my journey is, eveir according to the
course of nature, near. May I not flag ! May my
last days be my best ! — Farewell ! May grace,
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
33
peace, and Divine mercy, follow yon at all times.
“ I am, my dear friends,
“Your affectionate friend and servant,
“ C. F. Swartz.”
“ Tanjore, Dec. 30, 1784.
“Dear Friends, — At present I am so far
established in health that my labor is rather
delightful than troublesome, which was not the
case in April and May. May God, who has be-
stowed so many blessings on me, a poor sinner,
grant that the last days of my life may be well
spent ; that I may finish my course with peace,
if not with joy !
“We are not only allowed, indeed, but we
are commanded, to rejoice in the Lord. No joy
has so good and firm a foundation as that which
is to he found in the Lord, who has bought us,
and with whom we are blessed with all spiritual
blessings. But whoever wishes to rejoice in the
blessings purchased for us by Jesus Christ, must
be in him, intimately united to him by faith, re-
nouncing sin and all the false pleasures of die
world. This true union and communion with
Christ is the source of joy, the only source.
Hence will follow a willingness to love, obey,
and glorify him as long as we live. But if, in-
stead of trusting in Christ and in his consum-
mate atonement, we rely on our own virtue,
Swartz. g
34
LIFE OF
and consequently try to stand upon our own
foundation, we shall never enjoy one moment’s
peace of mind. Our virtue and holiness are
and ever will be imperfect ; we shall, therefore,
always have reason to confess before God, “ If
thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord,
who shall stand before thee ?” Let us, there-
fore, seek for pardon, peace, and joy in Jesus ;
and, having found them, let us be grateful and
obedient. But, though we should be as holy as
any of the apostles, let us beware lest we put
our confidence in any thing except the sulfer-
ings and atoning death of Jesus Christ.
“In this fundamental article of true Christi-
anity I like none more than good Bishop Beve-
ridge. He forgets not to raise the superstruc-
ture of a holy life ; but he lays first the foun-
dation, in a true and lively trust in Christ, after
the example of Paul : read Philippians, chap. 3.
In the explanation of holiness, Archbishop Til-
lotson is excellent ; but he does not so well, so
clearly establish the foundations, as Beveridge ;
and, more particularly, as the first reformers.
“As to the Malabar church which I have
been building in the suburbs, General Munro
engaged me by giving me fifty pagodas. But
when I found that the stones which I needed
for the foundation cost twenty-five pagodas, I
thought I should soon stop my mill for want ol
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
36
water. But the rajah having given me some
golden cloths from the time of Lord Pigott’s ar-
rival, lately, when the General was here, I took
them to the merchants, who, to my most agree-
able surprise, valued them at 136 pagodas, so
that I could prosecute my plan without inter-
ruption. I hope that God, who has so gracious-
ly furnished me with the means of building a
house of prayer, will fill it also with spiritual
children, to the praise of his name. He is strong
who hath promised, us such glorious things.
Read for that purpose my favorite chapter of
Isaiah, 49 : 4-7 ; 18-20.
“ I cheerfully believe that God will build the
waste places of this country. But should it be
done after we are laid in the grave, what harm ?
This country is covered with thorns ; let us
plough and sow good seed, and entreat the Lord
to make it spring up. Our labor in the Lord, in
his cause, and for his glory, will not be in vain.
“I am constantly, dear friends,
“Your obedient humble servant,
“ C. F. Swartz.”
In February, 1785, Mr. Swartz gratefully ac-
knowledges the assistance rendered to his de-
signs by Mr. John Sullivan, the resident at
Tanjore. On the suggestion of this gentleman,
he zealously entered into a plan of establishing
3G
LIFE OF
Provincial English Schools throughout the
country, in order to facilitate the intercourse of
the natives with the Europeans ; that the prin-
cipal natives, learning in some tolerable degree
the English language, might escape the impo-
sitions practised on them; and that, by estab-
lishing good men as teachers, they might, by
degrees, instill into the minds of their pupils
the salutary doctrines of the Gospel. He fore-
saw great difficulties in the execution of this
plan, particularly from the want of suitable
teachers ; but, trusting in God, he entered on
the scheme. Several of the native princes, with
the king of Tanjore, assisted him in this de-
sign. Schools on this plan were soon establish-
ed at Tanjore, Ramanadaburam, and Sivagen-
ga ; and a fourth, afterward, at Cumbagonam,
in 1792. They consisted chiefly of children of
Brahmins and merchants. “ Their intention
doubtless is,” says Mr. Swartz, “ to learn the
English language, with a view to their tem-
poral welfare ; but they thereby become better
acquainted with good principles. No deceitful
methods are used to bring them over to the
saving doctrines of Christ, though the most
earnest wishes are entertained that they may
all come to the knowledge of God, and of Jesus
Christ whom he hath sent.”
The East-India Company directed the Go
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
37
vernment of Madras to pay £100 annually to
ward the support of each Provincial English
School, and the same sum to every other which
might be established. The government inquired
of Mr. Swartz in what manner he purposed to
apply these annual grants. He conferred, in
consequence, with the vestiy, and sent their
minutes to government, which were highly ap-
proved. His assistants, Mr. Pohle and Mr.
KolhofF, were proposed by him as superintend-
ants. This suggestion was made by him, not
because he intended to withdraw himself, but
in consideration of his own advanced age,
and with the benevolent view of rendering
the circumstances of his brethren more com-
fortable.
The Provincial Schools, as well as the En-
glish and Malabar Schools, were attended with
the happiest effects. The Provincial School at
Tanjore, in particular, was much frequented by
children of the first families ; and the improve-
ment made by the scholars was very observ-
able. These different seminaries furnished
young men who were employed at Madras as
writers, with handsome salaries ; and others
who obtained considerable employments.
The following letter was written in 1785 to
a gentleman whom Mr. Swartz was anxious to
win over to the habits of a Christian life. It dis-
38
LIFE OF
covers, at once, the delicacy and the faithful-
ness of a Christian counsellor.
“ Tanjobe, Sept. 28, 1785.
“ Dear Sir, — I am happy to hear that you
will not come by yourself ; you know the con-
sequences attending a bachelor’s life.
“ But, being now in a lawful state instituted
by God himself, take care lest that state prove
a snare. In itself it is lawful, and ordained by
God for wise reasons. But you know that Adam
resembled his Maker before he entered into that
state. The husband must be filled with know-
ledge, wisdom, holiness, and all other Divine
graces ; then will he be able to govern his fami-
ly wisely, to the glory of God. In such a gay
place as Madras, where daily dissipations run
away with all time and strength, it is doubly
necessary to be upon your guard. Never forget
to keep up family prayer in your house : make
it a house of God, and it will be a house distin-
guished by Divine blessings.
“ At present people read all sorts of novels,
and other trash : if you wish to be happy, and
to act wisely, I entreat you to read your bi-
ble with your consort. You will soon find the
greatest advantage originating from it.
Make my best respects to Mrs. , and tell
her that I heartily wish she may he like Sarah,
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
3D
Abraham’s wife ; like Hannah, Samuel’s mo-
ther ; and like those excellent females who were
not ashamed to follow Jesus even when he was
crucified. My best wishes attend you and your
family — being, dear sir,
“ Your most obedient
“ Humble servant,
“ C. F. Swartz.
January 23, 1787, was one of the most so-
lemn days ever celebrated at Tran quebar. On
that day the senior of the Danish mission, the
Rev. John Balthasar Kolhoff, observed his ju-
bilee ; and had the inexpressible satisfaction of
seeing his eldest son ordained in the Mission
Church, to be assistant to Mr. Swartz. The se-
veral Missionaries, both English and Danish,
proposed to the candidate questions in divinity,
which he answered to their great satisfaction,
proving how well he had employed his youth-
ful years under the tuition of Mr. Swartz, who
had undertaken the care of him from his eighth
year. The Danish Governor, and all the Euro-
pean families of the settlement, together with a
great number of Malabar Christians and hea-
thens, attended the service, and a general awe
was conspicuous, particularly during the ordi-
nation sermon, preached by Mr. Swartz from
2 Tim. 2:1,“ Thou, therefore, my son, he
40
LIFE OF
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Af-
ter the ordination the youg missionary enter-
ed the pulpit and preached a Malabar sermon,
which delighted every one who understood it.
Mr. Swartz speaks very feelingly of this event
in the following letter, which bears testimony,
also, to the high estimation in which he was
held by the native princes.
“ Tanjore, March 31, 1787.
My Dear Friends, — As Mr. Ivolhoff writes
to you, I embrace the opportunity of adding a
few lines. At his ordination, which was Janu-
ary 23, the sight of the young man and his
aged father sitting near the altar, melted down
my heart so that I could not refrain from shed-
ding tears. I know how you love my young
friend, and he has reason to look upon you as
a sort of parents. He has now his course to run.
May the Spirit of God be his guide and com-
forter. According to the course of nature I shall
soon leave him and the world. May a gracious
God lead me so that I may not be afraid of
passing through the valley of death.
“You must have heard that the Rajah of
Tanjore adopted a son when I was at Tran-
quebar. I returned the 26th of January. The
29th the Rajah called for me in the afternoon.
He showed me his newly adopted son, saying,
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
41
“ This is not ray, but your son. Into your hands
and care I deliver the child.”
“I replied, ‘You know, sir, my willingness
to serve you according to my scanty ability.
But this your last wish and desire is above my
power. You have adopted a child of nine years.
You know there are parties in your palace. I
may see the child, perhaps, once or twice in a
month. What good can this do to the child ? I
am afraid that the life of the child will be in
danger, and your country brought into a state
of confusion. You must fall upon some other
method.”
He said, “ What method do you mean ?” 1
answered, “You have a brother: deliver the
child to him. Charge him to become his fa-
ther, to bring him up. And when the child is
grown up, let your brother do to the child what
a father would do in such a case. By this means
you save the child’s life, and preserve your
country in a state of tranquility.” The rajah
said he would consider all, and so I left him.
The rajah called that evening for his mother
first, and proposed the case. As she approved
of the advice, his brother was called. The child
was desired to call the rajah’s brother his father.
The next morning Mr. Huddlestone, and the
Colonel, and I myself were called. The rajah’s
brother and the child were sitting under a pa-
42
LIFE OF
vilion. The rajah spoke after the following
manner : “ I have followed the advice given
me by Padre Swartz. I appoint my brother as
father to the child. He is to govern the country ;
but when the child is grown up he is to act as
a father to the child. I hope the Honorable
Company will confirm this my last will. You,
gentlemen, are witnesses to what I have said.”
“ I am, dear friends, your’s, &c.
“C. F. Swartz.”
We add to the information contained in this
letter, that when Mr. Huddlestone promised to
send a faithful account to government, the rajah
said, “ This your assurance comforts me in my
last hours.”
Ameer Sing, the brother, thus appointed by
the rajah, “ promises,” said Mr. Swartz, “ to be
a father to the country, to alleviate their bur-
dens, and to inspect the country, without leav-
ing the whole administration to his servants.
He hopes to be confirmed by the Governor-
General, according to the last will of his brother.
If so, certainly he will not hinder the progress
of the Christian religion, but, at least external-
ly, further it.”
In compliance with the promise of his de-
ceased brother to Mr. Swartz, Ameer Sing de-
livered to him a written document, sealed by
REV. C. F. SWARTZ
43
himself and his chief ministers, in which he
made an appropriation for ever of a village of
the yearly income of about five hundred pago-
das, for the school, and more especially for the
orphans. Mr. Swartz purposed to give it o the
government of Tranquebar, on condition that
five hundred pagodas annually should be paid
to the school.
In this year, 17S7, Mr. Swartz observed, with
much pleasure, respecting the garrison at Tan-
jore, “that the soldiers not only attended Di-
vine service on the Sabbath, but also the work-
ing-day evening lectures, which were frequent-
ed by great numbers, and were encouraged by
the officers, who all confessed that corporal
punishments had ceased from the time that the
regiment began to relish religious instructions.”
Sir Archibald Campbell being appointed go-
vernor of Madras, arrived at a time of great dis-
tress, and both himself and his lady became
blessings to the country. Mr. Swartz expresses
his obligation to them in very strong terms : —
“ The Tanjore country,” says he, “ appeared
to be in a melancholy situation. The inhabi-
tants felt and resented oppression so as to emi-
grate. Whole towns and villages were left
quite empty. In the months of June and July
the country was blessed, as usual, with fresh
44
LIFE OF
water. The rivers were full, but there were few
inhabitants to turn it to their advantage. Sir
Archibald, fearing that this emigration might
cause a famine, ordered a committee of four
persons to inspect the management of the coun-
try ; of which I was desired to be a member.
The rajah, in his present1 state of infirmity,
being unable to bear much fatigue, desired me
to assure the inhabitants, in his name, of jus-
tice and equity. I did so. The inhabitants be-
lieved the promise given them, and 7000 came
in at once ; others followed ; and though the
best season for cultivating the ground was
elapsed, yet the poor people, anticipating better
days, exerted themselves to such a degree that
the harvest of this year seems to become more
plenteous than that of the preceding one.
“ In these transactions I had the best oppor-
tunity to converse with the first inhabitants
about their everlasting welfare. Many began to
be convinced of the folly of idolatry ; and as
we have a prospect of seeing this country bet-
tor managed, that is, with more justice, it is tc
be hoped that it will have a good effect upon
the people. As Sir Archibald Campbell show-
ed the kindness of a father to this country, so
Lady Campbell has acted the part of a mother
to the poor female orphans. She has formed a
plan, and begun to execute it, for educating
KEV. C. F. SWARTZ.
45
poor daughters of soldiers, who hitherto have
been miserably neglected ; or, if they were edu-
cated in private schools, they were, however,
left without protection, and, consequently, often
fell into the hands of destroyers. Lady Camp-
bell’s plan has the sanction and protection of
government. A subscription has been set on
foot, and more than 14,000 pagodas are already
collected. The nabob has given a very spa-
cious house, which he bought, for 8000 pago-
das, for that purpose. Twelve ladies form the
vestry, and each of them is to inspect a month.
Lady Campbell hopes that a similar institution,
for the education of boys, particularly soldiers’
sons, will soon be made. She is, however, of
opinion that gentlemen will soon find proper
means of having their children educated here,
without being obliged to send them to Europe.
“Though this account is but short and im-
perfect, yet I am confident it will be highly
pleasing to the Society. The plan has often
been made, but never put into execution till
now. Every one who takes a delight in trie
welfare of his fellow-creatures will praise God
for the humane disposition he has put into the
heart of Lady Campbell. This is a most com-
fortable sign, and an evidence that God still in-
tends to dwell among us. When the orphans
are collected, and things are put into some or-
46
LIFE OF
der, I hope, as her ladyship has invited me to
be an eye-witness, I shall then be able to trans-
mit to you a fuller account of this matter.
“ As to the provincial schools, which were
to be erected according to Mr. Sullivan’s plan,
in the principal places of the provinces, I hearti-
ly wish they may be established. One such
school is kept in Ramanadaburam, and is
carried on with tolerable success ; but as to the
establishment of others, the external circum-
stances of the districts do not seem favorable.
The petty lords of districts feel too much op-
pression, which, it is to be hoped, will be re-
moved, and then those institutions will be ad-
mitted without impediment. They would faci-
litate the connection between the Europeans
and natives, and would open a door to the mis-
sionaries who visited them, to converse freely
with the principal people of the country ; by
which means Divine knowledge might be con-
veyed to the natives in the easiest manner. It
would not be expedient to appoint the mission-
aries teachers in such schools ; for, by that re-
gulation, they would be too much hindered in
their proper office of conversing with and in-
structing the natives, and of training up young
people for these schools ; and the same plan is
here pursued, where ten European children and
four natives learn English.”
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
47
It having been sometimes objected that few
of the heathen, except those of the lower castes,
were ever converted to the Christian faith, Mr.
Swartz writes from Trichinopoly :
“ Both at Tranquebar and here are nearly an
equal number of the higher and the lower.
Here the men and womenmf the higher caste
sit on one side, and on the other those of the
lower. I have carefully avoided all coercive
measures, and thus have met with fewer diffi-
culties. Even at the administration of the sa-
crament, sometimes one or other of the lower
caste has first approached to receive, and it has
not been taken much notice of. If you were to
visit our church on the Lord’s Day, you would,
with surprise, observe the clean appearance of
those of the lower caste, so that one might
often take them for the higher. One particular,
which renders those of the lower castes so con-
temptible, is their feeding upon dead cattle. I
have always expressed the utmost abhorrence
of such a custom, and declared that I would
suffer no such practice; and, accordingly, I
hardly know any instance thereof here. The
country priests and catechists are of the higher
caste. The catechist, Gabriel, indeed, is of the
lower; but he speaks freely to people of the
higher, as he takes care to keep himself very
48
LIFE OF
clean in his dress ; but, in the country, such
conversation is not so easy. A month ago, when
I was at Timpalating, in the house of a heathen
of the higher caste, the parish-catechist came to
me. I called to him — ‘ Stop ; I will come to
you. The Suttirer,’ that is, the people of the
higher caste, ‘ have not yet learned to be hum-
ble : they are proud sinners yet ! We must bear
with them !’ This they were not willing to ad-
mit, and accordingly showed great kindness
to the catechist. In another place, in the house
of a heathen, many people assembled, whom I
catechised and prayed with, and we even had
Divine service there on the Sabbath. The
owner of the house sat near, and paid atten-
tion. We preach to high and low ‘Christ Je-
sus, made of God unto us wisdom, and righ-
teousness, and sanctification, and redemption.’
1 Cor. 1 : 30.”
The following is a letter from Mr. Swartz to
some afflicted friends :
“ Tanjore, July, 1788.
“ My dear Friends,— I am just come home
from taking my farewell of Mrs. . In hu-
man probability I have seen her for the last
time in this world. She has had her share of
sorrow. May we meet in a blessed eternity,
REV. C, F. SWARTZ.
49
where sin and sorrow cannot afflict us any
more. As there is sin in this world, there is of
course, and must be, sorrow ; nor have we any
reason to complain, since sorrow, if well ma-
naged, will produce excellent effects. Few men,
unacquainted with grief, have come to a lively
knowledge of themselves and their corruptions ;
and if so, how could they in earnest apply to
Jesus Christ the Redeemer, hungering and
thirsting after his righteousness ? How could
they fervently pray for pardon, or for the grace
of the Holy Spirit? In short, I believe every
sincere Christian will confess, with David, “ Be-
fore I was afflicted I went astray ; but now have
I kept thy word.” If, then, sorrow and affliction
are our medicines, let us take from the hand
of the Lord the cup of salvation, and call upon
his name to make it effectual to our good. On
these, and such like meditations, you, jointly
with Mrs. , will dwell, and comfort your-
selves with the prospects of a better world.
They are frequently my thoughts, particularly
as I am so near my end. I am not sick ; I go
through the course of my duties : when alone,
I groan a little, but, I hope, without murmur-
ing. The 17th of this month I finish my thirty-
eighth year of pilgrimage in this country, as I
arrived July 17th, 1750.
Swartz.
4
50
LIFE OF
In 1793 Mr. Swartz says, “ The heathens
observing that many of their relations wished
to embrace Christianity, and that such refused
to join in their plundering expeditions, assem-
bled and formed an encampment, threatening
to extirpate Christianity. Now all looked dis-
mal. Many of the Christians were encouraged
by their relations, who were heathens, to form
an opposite camp. But I exhorted the Christians
to make use of other weapons, namely, prayer,
humility, and patience ; telling them, in strong
terms, that, if they became aggressors I should
disown them. This disturbance lasted four
months, and became very serious, as the mal-
contents neglected the cultivation of their own
fields, and deterred others from doing it. I wrote
to these misguided people, (for they had mis-
chievous guides,) sent catechists to them, ex-
horted them not to commit such horrid sins,
and reminded them that my former endeavors,
so beneficial to them, had not merited such
treatment. At last, finding no opposition from
the Christians, and not being willing to be look-
ed upon as the aggressors, all went to their
homes and work, ploughing and sowing with
double diligence. My heart rejoiced at the kind
over-ruling Providence. Surely he is a God that
heareth prayer.”
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
51
In the year 1793, when the Act of Parliament
was depending for the renewal of the Compa
ny’s charter, certain clauses were proposed in
favor of Free Schools and Christian Missiona
ries. In the Courier of Friday, May 24, of thal
year, the following paragraph was inserted :
11 Mr. Montgomery Campbell gave his decid-
ed vote against the clause, and reprobated the
idea of converting the Gentoos. It is true, mis-
sionaries have made proselytes of the Pariahs,
but they were the lowest order of people , and
had even degraded the religion they professed
to embrace. Mr. Swartz, whose character was
held so deservedly high, could not have any
reason to boast of the purity of his followers :
they were proverbial for their profligacy. An
instance occurred to his recollection, perfectly
in point: He had been preaching for many
hours to this caste of proselytes on the heinous-
ness of theft, and, in the heat of his discourse
had taken off his stock, when that and his gold
buckle were stolen by one of his virtuous and
enlightened congregation. On such a descrip-
tion of natives did the doctrine of the missiona-
ries operate : men of high caste would spurn at
the idea of changing the religion of their an-
cestors.”
i>2
LIFE OF
This newspaper reached India, and was put
into the hands of Mr. Swartz. An answer was
drawn up by him, and sent in a letter, address-
ed to the secretary of the Society for promoting
Christian Knowledge. The Society, judging it
to be “ particularly interesting,” gave it at full
length in their Report for 1795, prefixing to it
their own testimony, and that of the Marquis
Cornwallis, to Mr. Swartz’s character.
“ As the Society,” they say, “ after forty
years’ experience, have had constant reason to
approve of Mr. Swartz’s integrity and veracity
as a correspondent, his zeal as a promoter of
Christian Knowledge, and his labors as a mis-
sionary, they take this opportunity of acknow-
ledging his faithful services, and of recommend-
ing his letter to the consideration of the public,
as containing a just statement of facts relating to
the mission, believing that Mr. Swartz is inca-
pable of departing from the truth in the minut-
est particular.”
After the testimony of Marquis Cornwallis,
follows the letter itself : —
“ Tanjore, Feb. 13, 1794.
“ Rev. and dear Sir, — As his majesty’s
74th regiment is partly stationed at Tanjore,
and partly at Vallam, six English miles distant
from Tanjore, we commonly go once in a week
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
53
to Yallam to perform divine service to four com-
panies of that' regiment. When I lately went
to that place, the 210th number of a newspaper
called the Courier, Friday evening, May 24,
1793, Avas communicated to me. In that paper
I found a paragraph, delivered by Mr. Montgo-
mery Campbell, (who came out to India with
Sir Archibald Campbell, in the station of a pri-
vate secretary,) wherein my name was men-
tioned.
[Here Mr. Swartz recites the paragraph : and
then adds as follows : — ]
“ As this paragraph is found in a public pa-
per, I thought it would not displease the Hono-
rable Society to make a few observations on it ;
not to boast, (which I detest,) but to declare the
plain truth, and to defend my brethren and
myself.
“ About seventeen years ago, when I resided
at Trichinopoly, I visited the congregation at
Tanjore. In my road I arrived very early at a
village which is inhabited by Collaries, (a set of
people who are infamous for stealing ; even the
name of a Collary signifieth a thief.) These
Collaries make nightly excursions in order to
rob. They drive aAvay bullocks and sheep, and
whatever they can find ; for which outrage
they annually pay 1500 chakr, or 750 pagodas,
to the rajah. Of this caste of people many live
LIFE OF
r> 4
ill the Tanjore country, still more in Tondi-
man’s country, and likewise in the nabob’s
country.
“ When I arrived at one of those villages,
called Pudaloor, I took otf my stock, putting it
upon a sand-bank. Advancing a little to look
out for the man who carried my linen clothes, I
was regardless of the stock, at which time some
thievish boys took it away. Not one grown
person was present. When the inhabitants
heard of the theft they desired me to confine
all those boys, and to punish them as severely
as I pleased. But I refused to do that, not think-
ing that the trifle which I had lost was worth
so much trouble.
“ That such boys, whose fathers are professed
thieves, should commit a theft, can be no mat-
ter of wonder. All the inhabitants of that vil-
lage were heathens : not one Christian family
was found therein. Many of our gentlemen,
travelling through that village, have been rob-
bed. The trifle of a buckle I did therefore not
lose by a Christian, as Mr. Montgomery Camp-
bell will have it, but by heathen boys. Neither
did I preach at that time. Mr. Campbell says
that I preached two hours. I did not so much
as converse with any man.
“ This poor story, totally misrepresented, is
alleged by Mr. M. Campbell to prove the profli-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
55
gacy of Christians, whom he called, with a
sneer, “virtuous and enlightened people.” If
Mr. M. Campbell has no better proof, his conclu-
sion is built upon a bad foundation, and I shall
not admire his logic : truth is against him.
“Neither is it true that the greater part of
those people who have been instructed are pa-
riahs. Had Mr. M. Campbell visited, even once,
our church, he would have observed that more
than two-thirds were of the higher caste ; and
so it is at Tranquebar and Vepery.
“ Our intention is not to boast ; but this I
may safely say, that many of those people who
have been instructed have left this world with
comfort, and with a well-grounded hope of
everlasting life. That some of those who have
been instructed have abused the benefit of in-
struction, is certain. But all sincere servants of
God, nay, even the apostles, have experienced
this grief.
“ It is asserted that a missionary is a disgrace
to any country. Lord Macartney, and the late
General Coote, would have entertained a very
different opinion. They, and many other gen-
tlemen, know and acknowledge that the mis-
sionaries have been beneficial to government,
and a comfort to the country. This I am able
to prove in the strongest manner. Many gentle-
men who live now in England, and in this
country, would corroborate my assertion.
5i>
LIFE OF
“ That the Rev. Mr. Gericke has been of em-
inent service to Cuddalore, every gentleman
who was there at the time when the war broke
out, knows. He was the instrument, in the
hands of Providence, by which Cuddalore was
saved from plunder and bloodshed. He saved
many gentlemen from becoming prisoners to
Hyder, which Lord Macartney kindly acknow-
ledged.
“ When Negapatam, that rich and populous
city, fell into the deepest poverty by the una-
voidable consequences of war, Mr. Gericke be-
haved like a father to the distressed people of
that city. He forgot that he had a family to
provide for. Many impoverished families were
supported by him ; so that when I, a few months
ago, preached and administered the sacrament
in that place, I saw many who owed their own
and their children’s lives to his disinterested
care. Surely this, my friend, could not be called
a disgrace to that place. When the Honorable
Society ordered him to attend the congregation
at Madras all lamented his departure. And at
Madras he is esteemed by the Governor, and
many other gentlemen, to this day.
“ It is a most disagreeable task to speatc of
one’s self. However, I hope that the Honorable
Society will not look upon some observations
which I am to make, as a vain and sinful boast-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
57
ing, but rather as a necessary self-defence. Nei-
ther the missionaries, nor any of the Christians,
have hurt the welfare of the country.
“ In the time of war the fort of Tanjore was
in a distressed condition. A powerful enemy
was near, the people in the fort numerous, and
not provision even for the garrison. There was
grain enough in the country, but we had no
bullocks to bring it into the fort. When the
country people formerly brought paddy into the
fort, the rapacious Dubashes deprived them of
their due pay. Hence all confidence was lost ;
so that the inhabitants drove away their cattle,
refusing to assist the fort. The late Rajah or-
dered, nay, entreated the people, by his mana-
gers, to come and help us ; but all was in vain.
“ At last the Rajah said to one of our princi-
pal gentlemen, 1 We all, you and I, have lost
our credit ; let us try whether the inhabitants
will trust Mr. Swartz.’ Accordingly he sent me
a blank paper, empowering me to make a pro-
per agreement with the people. Here was no
time for hesitation. The seapoys fell down as
dead people, being emaciated with hunger. Our
streets were lined with dead corpses every morn-
ing. Our condition was deplorable. I sent, there-
fore, letters every where round about, promis-
ing to pay any one with my own hands, and
to pay them for any bullock which might be
58
LIFE OF
taken by the enemy. In one or two days I got
above a thousand bullocks. I sent one of our
catechists, and other Christians into the coun-
try ; they went at the risk of their lives, made
all possible haste, and brought into the fort, in
a very short time, 80,000 kalams of grain : by
this means the fort was saved. When all was
over I paid the people, (even with some money
which belonged to others,) made them a small
present, and sent them home.
“ The next year, when Colonel Braithwaite,
with his whole detachment, was taken prisoner,
Major Alcock commanded this fort, and behav-
ed very kindly to the poor starving people. We
were then, the second time, in the same mise-
rable condition. The enemy always invaded
the country when the harvest was nigh at hand.
I was again desired to try my former expedient,
and succeeded. The people knew that they
were not to be deprived of their pay ; they
therefore came with their cattle. But now the
danger was greater, as the enemy was very
near. The Christians conducted the inhabitants
to proper places, surely with no small danger
of losing their lives : accordingly they wept,
and went, and supplied the fort with grain.
When the inhabitants were paid, I strictly in-
quired whether any of the Christians had taken
from them a present? They all said, ‘ No, no;
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
59
as we were so regularly paid, we offered to your,
catechist a cloth of small value, but he abso-
lutely refused it.’ ”
“ But Mr. M. Campbell says, that the Chris-
tians are profligate to a proverb. If Mr. M.
Campbell was near me I would explain to him
who are the profligate people who drain the
country. When a Dubash, in the space of ten
or fifteen years, scrapes together two, three, or
four lacks of pagodas, is not this extortion a
high degree of profligacy? Nay, government
was obliged to send an order that three of those
Gentoo Dubashes should quit the Tanjore coun-
try. The enormous crimes committed by them
filled the country with complaints, but I have
no mind to enumerate them.
“ It is asserted that the inhabitants of the
country would suffer by missionaries. If the
missionaries are sincere Christians it is impossi-
ble that the inhabitants should suffer any da-
mage by them ; if they are not what they pro-
fess to be, they ought to be dismissed.
“When Sir Archibald Campbell was gover-
nor, and Mr. M. Campbell his private secretary,
the inhabitants of the Tanjore country were so
miserably oppressed by the manager, and the
Madras Dubashes, that they quitted the coun-
try. Of course all cultivation ceased. In the
month of June the cultivation should com-
60
LIFE OF
mence; but nothing was done even at the be-
ginning of September. Every one dreaded the
calamity of a famine. I entreated the rajah to
remove that shameful oppression, and to recall
the inhabitants. He sent them word that jus-
tice should be done to them, but they disbeliev-
ed his promises. He then desired me to write
to them, and to assure them that he, at my in-
tercession, would show kindness to them. I did
so. All immediately returned ; and first of all
the Kallers, or, as they are commonly called,
Collaries, believed my word, so that 7,000 men
came back on one day. The rest of the inha-
bitants followed their example. When I ex-
horted them to exert themselves to the utmost,
because the time for cultivation was almost lost,
they replied in the following manner: — “As
you have showed kindness to us, you shall not
liave reason to repent of it ; we intend to work
night and day to show our regard for you.” Sir
Archibald Campbell was happy when he heard
it ; and we had the satisfaction of having a
better crop than the preceding year.
“ As there was hardly any administration of
justice, I begged and entreated the rajah to es-
tablish justice in his country. “Well,” said he,
“ let me know wherein my people are oppress-
ed.” I did so. He immediately consented to
my proposal, and told his manager that he
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
61
should feel his indignation if the oppression did
not cease immediately. But as he soon died he
did not see the execution of his order.
“ When the present rajah began his reign I
put Sir Archibald Campbell in mind of that ne-
cessary point. He desired me to make a plan
for a court of justice, which I did ; but it was
soon neglected by the servants of the rajah,
Avho commonly sold justice to the best bidder.
“ When the Honorable Company took pos-
session of the country, during the war, the
plan for introducing justice was reassumed, by
which many people were made happy. But,
when the country was restored to the rajah the
former irregularities took place.
“ During the assumption government desired
me to assist the gentlemen collectors. The dis-
trict toward the west of Tanjore had been very
much neglected, so that the water-courses had
not been cleansed for the last fifteen years. I
proposed that the collector should advance 500
pagodas to cleanse those water-courses. The
gentlemen consented if I would inspect the
business. The work was begun and finished,
being inspected by Christians. All that part of
the country rejoiced in getting 100,000 kalams
of grain more than before. The inhabitants
confessed that instead of one kalam they now
reaped four.
62
LIFE OF
“ No inhabitant has suffered by Christians ;
none has complained of it. On the contrary,
one of the richest inhabitants said to me, “ Sir,
if you send a person to us, send us one who
has learned all your ten commandments.” For
he, and many hundred inhabitants, had been
present when I explained the Christian doctrine
to heathens and Christians.
“The inhabitants dread the conduct of a
Madras Dubash. These people lend money to
the rajah at an exorbitant interest, and then are
permitted to collect their money and interest in
an appointed district. It is needless to mention
the consequences.
“ When the Collaries committed great out-
rages in their plundering expeditions, Seapoys
were sent out to adjust matters, but it had no
effect. Government desired me to inquire into
that thievish business. I therefore sent letters
to the head Collaries. They appeared. We
found out, in some degree, how much the Tan-
jore and Tondimans, and the Nabob’s Collaries
had stolen ; and we insisted upon restoration,
which was done accordingly. At last, all gave
it in writing that they would steal no more.
This promise they kept very well for eight
months, and then they began then old work ;
however, not as before. Had that inspection
over their conduct been continued, they might
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
63
have been made useful people. I insisted upon
their cultivating their fields, which they really
did. But if the demands become exorbitant,
they have no resource, as they think, but that
of plundering.
“ At last some of those thievish Collaries de-
sired to be instructed. I said, ‘ I am obliged to
instruct you, but I am afraid that you will be
veiy bad Christians.’ Their promises were fair.
I instructed them, and exhorted them to steal
no more, but to work industriously. After that
I visited them, and having examined their
knowledge I desired to see their work. I ob-
served with pleasure that their fields were ex-
cellently cultivated. 1 Now,’ said I, ‘ one thing
remains to be done ; you must pay your tribute
readily, and not wait till it is exacted by milita-
ry force;’ which otherwise is their custom.
Soon after that I found that they had paid ofF
their tribute exactly. The only complaint
agaist those Christian Collaries was, that they
refused to go upon plundering expeditions, as
they had done before.
“ Now I am well aware that some will ac-
cuse me of having boasted. I confess the charge
willingly, but lay all the blame upon those who
have constrained me to commit that folly. I
might have enlarged my account, but, fearing
that some characters would have suffered by it,
64
LIFE OF
i stop here. One thing, however, I affirm be-
fore God and man, that if Christianity,
IN ITS PLAIN AND UNDISGUISED FORM, WAS
PROPERLY PROMOTED, THE COUNTRY WOULD
NOT SUFFER, BUT BE BENEFITED BY IT.
“ If Christians were employed in some im-
portant offices, they should, if they misbehaved,
be doubly punished ; but to reject them entire-
ly is not right, and discourageth them.
“ The glorious God, and our blessed Redeem-
er, has commanded his apostles to preach the
Gospel to all nations. The knowledge of God
of his Divine perfections, and of his mercy to
mankind, may be abused, but there is no other
method of reclaiming mankind than by in-
structing them well. To hope that the hea-
thens will live a good life without the know-
ledge of God, is a chimera.
“The praise bestowed on the heathens of
this country by many of our historians, is refu-
ted by a close (I might almost say, by a super-
ficial) inspection of their lives. Many historical
works are more like a romance than history.
Many gentlemen here are astonished how some
historians have prostituted their talents by
writing fables.
“ I am now on the brink of eternity ; but to
this moment I declare that I do not repent of
having spent forty-three years in the service of
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
65
my Divine Master. Who knows but God may
remove some of the great obstacles to the pro-
pagation of the Gospel ? Should a reformation
take place amongst the Europeans, it would, no
dmbt, be the greatest blessing to the country.
“ These observations I beg leave to lay be-
fore the Honorable Society, with my humble
thanks for all their benefits bestowed on this
work, and sincere wishes that their pious and
generous endeavors to disseminate the know-
ledge of God and Jesus Christ, may be benefi-
cial to many thousands.
“I am, sincerely, Rev. and dear Sir, your af-
fectionate brother and humble servant,
“ C. F. Swartz.”
Mr. Swartz was never married ; and, though
this circumstance may induce some persons to
attach less weight to his sentiments on the sub-
ject of a missionary’s marriage than they de-
serve, yet the following remarks justly claim
the serious consideration of all whom they may
concern.
Adverting to information which he had re-
ceived of the arrival of a missionary in India
with his wife, he writes as follows :
“ I confess, dear Sir, I was grieved at it. I
assure you that I honor the state of matrimony
Swartz. 5
66
LIFE OF
as a divinely-instituted state ; but, if a new mis-
sionary comes out, he ought to be unembarrass-
ed. His first work, besides an attention to his
personal religion, is the learning of some lan-
guages, which requires great attention and un-
wearied application. I will not say that a mar-
ried man is unable to learn languages, but this
I know from experience in others, that the work
goes on very slowly. Besides, a new missionary
who comes out in the married state wants many
things to maintain his family decently, which
may distract him. If one should enter into that
state after he had become qualified for his office,
the difficulty would be less ; and, even then, he
ought to be well assured of her real piety, other-
wise she will be a sore impediment to him in
the discharge of his duty.”
But the labors of this eminent man were now
drawing to a close. It has been already shown
how habitual was his expectation of death, and
his preparation for the great change.
In a letter, part of which has been given be-
fore, he says, “ How many thousand benefits
have I received from a merciful God ! How
grateful ought I to have been ! But, alas ! I
must say, ‘Forgive, forgive all my multiplied
iniquities, for the sake of Jesus Christ.’ ”
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
67
CHAPTER III.
Close of his fifty years' Missionary toil e and his Irium
phant death.
“ Whether I shall write again is uncertain.
One tiling only is certain, that we must die.
But if we die in the Lord, united to Jesus Christ,
being interested in his atonement, and renewed,
at least in some degree, by his Spirit, and hav-
ing a well-grounded hope of everlasting life, all
is well. Death has lost its sting, that is, its
power to hurt us. O blessed eternity ! there I
hope to sing the praises of God and our Re-
deemer with you. Till then, let us 1 fight the
good fight of faith, laying hold on eternal life,’
till we enjoy it. Remember me to and
; and tell them I wish to be with them in
the house of my heavenly Father. I am now
on the brink of eternity. Oh, when shall I see
God and praise him for ever ! When shall I be
perfectly wise, holy, and happy ! When shall I
live for ever ! I am, sincerely, to the last breath
of my life, dear friends,
“ Your most obedient
“ Humble servant,
“C. F. Swartz.”
The following is another of his letters :
68
LIFE OF
“ Tanjore, April 10, 1795.
“ My dear Friends, — As Mr. KolhofF has
given you an account of his present welfare, I
will add something concerning my own health.
I praise God for his mercy, which he has be-
stowed upon me. Though I am now in the
sixty-ninth year of my age, I still am able to
perform the ordinary functions of my office. Of
sickness I know little or nothing. How long 1
am to stay, my Creator and Preserver knows.
My only comfort is in the redemption made by
Jesus Christ. He is, and shall be, my wisdom ;
by him I have received the salutary knowledge
which leads me to the favor of God. He is my
righteousness ; by his atonement I have pardon
of my sins ; being clothed in his righteousness,
my sins will not appear in judgment against
me. He is likewise my sanctification : in his
holy life I best learn the will of God : and, by
his Spirit, I shall be daily encouraged and
strengthened to hate eveiy sin, and to walk in
the way of the commandments of God. He is,
and I hope he will be, my redemption : by him
I shall be delivered from all evil, and made
eternally happy.
“ Others may glory in what they please ; I
will glory in nothing else but Jesus Christ, and
him crucified. Should I presume to rely on my
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
69
own virtue, I must soon despair. Though ]
heartily wish to obey God, and follow the ex-
ample of my Savior ; though I will steadfastly
endeavor, by the grace of God, to subdue my
inclination to sin; yet, in all this, there is and
ever will be imperfection, so that I dare not
stand upon so rotten a ground. But to win
Christ, and to be found in him in life, in death,
in the day of judgment, was St. Paul’s wish,
has been the wish of all genuine Christians, and
shall be mine as long as I breathe. This was
not a peculiarity in St. Paul’s character. No :
he admonishes all to follow him in this point.
This close adherence to Christ will not make
us indolent in our obedience. It will rather im-
pel, strengthen, and cheer us in the pursuit of
true and Christian holiness.
“ As this may very possibly be my last letter
to you, I cannot but earnestly entreat you to
follow St. Paul, that excellent pattern of true
goodness. By doing so, you will easily Avith-
stand and overcome the temptations of a vain
Avorld : you will live and die in peace ; and, at
last, be received into glory.
“ We have known one another a long time
on earth. May we know one another in a bless-
ed eternity, where sin and sorrow shall never
disturb us ! Watch and pray, that ye £may be
70
LIFE OF
accounted worthy to stand before the Son of
Man,’ your Redeemer.
“ I am, my dear friends,
“Your affectionate friend,
“ C. F. Swartz.”
Such sentiments are the characteristics of a
mind maturing for heaven !
Among the various trials and difficulties of
Mr. Swartz and his brethren, “ it was their
great and mutual consolation,” to use the words
of the Danish missionaries when writing on
this subject, “ that they were as of one heart
and one soul, assisting one another in their
work, giving and receiving advice one from
another, mutually sharing in sorrows and joys,
receiving and giving thanks for one another’s
gifts, and praying for one another : often deep-
ly wounded, sometimes by the inefficacy of their
well-meant endeavors, and at other times by
sad disappointments respecting individuals —
however, they are comforted again, and com-
fort one another.”
Is it a subject of wonder that the Great Head
of the Church should prosper such men ? When
was it that the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved? Was it not when the
primitive preachers of the word exhibited the
admirable pattern of disinterestedness and con-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
71
cord, the spirit of which these brethren so deep-
ly imbibed ? When all that believed were toge-
ther and had all things common, and sold their
possessions and goods, and parted them to all
men as every man had need ; and, continuing
daily with one accord in the temple, and break-
ing bread from house to house, did eat their
meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
praising God, and having favor with all the
people.
But the time was now come when this vene-
rable man was to exchange the society of saints
on earth for that of the spirits of just men made
perfect.
The following affecting narrative of the clos-
ing scene of his life was drawn up by his pupil
and assistant, the Rev. John Casper Kolhoff,
and is dated Tanjore, Dec. 31, 1799.
From the beginning of January to the middle
of October, 1797, Mr. Swartz pursued his labors
in his ministerial office, and in his studies, with
great fervor, under all the disadvantages of his
advanced age. He preached every Sabbath in
the English and Tamul languages by turns, and
on Wednesdays he preached a lecture in the
Portuguese language, for the space of several
weeks, and afterward in the German language
to the privates who had been made prisoners on
the island of Ceylon, and had been incorporated
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LIFE OF
in his Majesty’s 51st regiment, stationed in this
place. He made likewise a journey to Trichi-
nopoly, and several times visited Yellam, (a
town six miles from Tanjore,) in order to preach
the word of God to some companies of the 51st
regiment, stationed at that place, and to invite
the heathen to accept the blessings of the
Gospel.
During the course of the week he explained
the New Testament, in his usual order, at morn-
ing and evening prayers, which were begun and
concluded by singing some verses of a hymn ;
and he dedicated an hour every day for instruct-
ing the Malabar school-children in the doctrines
of Christianity. He was very solicitous for their
improvement in knowledge and piety, and par-
ticularly for those whom he had chosen and
was training up for the service of the church ;
for whose benefit he wrote, during the latter
part of his life, an explanation of the principal
doctrines of Christianity, an abridgment of Bi-
shop Newton’s Exposition of the Revelation,
and some other books.
Though his strength and vigor were greatly
impaired, yet his love to his flock constrained
him to deny himself a great deal of that ease
and repose which his great age required, and to
exert all his remaining strength for their im-
provement in true religion. He took a particular
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
73
delight in visiting the members of his congre-
gation, with whom he conversed freely upon
the subjects relating to their eternal interests.
He told them plainly whatever was blamable in
their conduct, and animated them, by every
powerful argument, to walk worthy of their
Christian profession. It was a most pleasing
sight to see the little children flock to him with
such joy as children feel on meeting their be-
loved parent after some absence, and to observe
his engaging and delightful method to lead
them to the knowledge of God and of their
duty.
He heard almost every day the accounts de-
livered by the catechists, of their conversation
with Christians, papists and heathens, and the
effects produced by it ; and embraced every op-
portunity of giving them directions for a wise
and faithful discharge of their office. His
strength was visibly on the decline during the
last year of his life ; and he frequently spoke
of his departure, to which he looked forward
with delight.
The commencement of his illness, which
happened on the 7th of October, 1797, consist-
ed only of a cold and hoarseness occasioned by
a check of perspiration. Dr. Kennedy, who was
a particular friend of Mr. Swartz, gave him an
emetic ; but he received no benefit from it, for,
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LIFE OF
after taking it, he was afflicted with vomiting
four or five times every day, so as to be almost
suffocated by it, and which lasted till the 27th
of November following. It was very afflicting
to see the sufferings of our venerable father,
and every remedy rendered fruitless which was
tried by that humane and excellent man, the
late Dr. Stuart, who acted for Dr. Kennedy
during his absence, and who was very atten-
tive to Mr. Swartz during his illness. My afflic-
tion would have proved insupportable, if a mer-
ciful God had not strengthened and comforted
me, which he did especially through the unex-
pected arrival of the Rev. Mr. Jeenicke, on the
4th of November, 1797.
Under all his severe sufferings he never ut-
tered a single expression of impatience — his
mind was always calm and serene. Once, when
he suffered very severely, he said, “ If it be the
will of the Lord to take me to himself, his will
be done. May his name be praised !”
Although his strength was quite exhausted,
and his body extremely emaciated through the
frequent vomitings, yet, under all this calamity,
he desired that the school-children, and others
who usually attended the evening prayers,
should assemble in his parlor, where, after sing-
ing, he expounded a portion of the Holy Scrip-
tures in a very affecting manner and concluded
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
75
it with his fervent and importunate prayers. It
was always his custom to hear the English
school-children read to him a few chapters out
of the Bible after evening prayer, and to hear
them sing some of Dr. Watts’s hymns. During
his illness he seemed particularly pleased with
that excellent hymn which begins with the fol-
lowing words : —
“ Far from my thoughts, vain world, begone,
“ Let my religious hours alone :
“ Fain would mine eyes my Savior see ;
“ I wait a visit, Lord, from thee !”
He called it his beloved song, and desired the
children to sing it frequently to him.
He earnestly exhorted and entreated the hea-
thens, who visited him in his illness, to forsake
their idolatry, and to consider betimes the things
which belong to their peace. When one of them
began relating what wonderful things occurred
in the Town, our venerable father answered,
“ The most wonderful thing is, that, after hear-
ing so often the doctrines of Christianity, and
being convinced of the truth of it, you are, not-
withstanding, backward to embrace and obey
it.” In conversing with another heathen of con-
sequence, he expressed his great regret at leav-
ing him in his idolatry, when he was entering
76
LIFE OF
into eternity ; and added the following words :
“ I have often exhorted and warned you, but
you have hitherto disregarded it : you esteem
and honor the creature more than the Creator.”
On the 23d of November he was visited by
Serfogee, the present Rajah, then presumptive
heir of the kingdom of Tanjore, and to whom
the Rev. Mr. Swartz was appointed guardian
by the late Tulja Maha Rajah. On being in-
formed that Serfogee Rajah wished to see him,
he let him know that he should come immedi-
ately, as he doubted whether he should survive
till the next day. On his arrival he received
him very affectionately, and then delivered to
him his dying charge, by which, though pro-
nounced in broken language, the rajah seemed
to be deeply affected. The tenor of the speech
was as follows :
“After God has called me hence, I request
you will be careful not to indulge a fondness
for pomp and grandeur. You are convinced
that my endeavors to serve you have been dis-
interested ; what I now request of you is, that
you would be kind to the Christians : — if they
behave ill, let them be punished; but if they
do well, show yourself to them as their father
and protector.
“ As the due administration of justice is in-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
77
dispensable necessary for the prosperity and
happiness of every state, I request you will es-
tablish regular courts, and be careful that im
partial justice be administered. I heartily wish
you would renounce your idolatry, and serve
and honor the only true God. May he be mer-
ciful and enable you to do it !”
Our venerable father then inquired whether
he sometimes perused the Bible ; and concluded
with very affecting exhortations to be mindful
of the concerns of his immortal soul.
The resident, Mr. Macleod, who had been on
a visit to Trichinopoly for some weeks, hear-
ing, on his arrival, the ill state of Mr. Swartz’s
health, kindly sent for Dr. Street from Trichi-
nopoly. The doctor arrived here on the first of
December ; and, after consulting with Dr. Stu-
art, he recommended the tincture of steel to be
taken with an infusion of bark, which, by the
blessing of God, put a stop to the vomiting
with which he had been afflicted since the 17th
of October.
On the 3d of December, very early in the
morning, he sent for the Rev. Mr. Jeenicke and
myself, when he put up a long and affecting
prayer. To hear this eminent servant of Christ,
who had faithfully served his Redeemer very
nearly half a century, disclaiming all merit of
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LIFE OF
his own, humbling himself before the footstool
of the Divine Majesty as the chief of sinners,
and grounding all his hopes of mercy and sal-
vation on the unmerited grace of God, and the
meritorious sacrifice of his beloved Savior, was
a great lesson of humility to us.
Our joy was great on his recovery ; but, alas !
it was soon changed into sorrow, when we ob-
served that the severe attacks of his illness had
in a great degree affected the powers of his
mind, which were not entirely restored till his
last illness, a few days before his departure out
of life, notwithstanding all the remedies which
were tried. It was, however, surprising to us,
that though his thoughts seemed to be incohe-
rent when he spoke of worldly subjects, yet
they were quite connected when he prayed or
discoursed about Divine things.
After his recovery he frequently wished, ac-
cording to his old custom, that the school-chil-
dren and Christians should assemble in his par-
lor for evening prayer; with which we com-
plied, in order to please him, though we were
concerned to observe that these exertions were
too much for his feeble frame.
The happy talent which he possessed of
making almost every conversation instructive
and edifying, did not forsake him even under his
weak and depressed state. One morning when
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
79
his friend Dr. Kennedy, after his return, visited
him, the conversation turning upon Dr. Young’s
Night Thoughts, which was one of Mr. Swartz’s
favorite books, he observed to the Doctor, that
those weighty truths contained in it were not
intended that we should abandon society, re-
nounce our business, and retire into a corner,
but to convince us of the emptiness of the ho-
nors, the riches, and pleasures of this world,
and to engage us to fix our hearts there where
true treasures are to be found. He then spoke
with peculiar warmth on the folly of minding
the things of this world as our chief good, and
the wisdom and happiness of thinking on our
eternal concerns.
It was highly pleasing to hear the part which
he took in his conversation with the Rev. Mr.
Pohle, who visited him a little after his recove-
ry, which generally turned on the many bene-
fits and consolations purchased to believers
through Jesus Christ. He was transported
with joy when he spoke on those subjects ; and
I hope I may with truth call it a foretaste of
that joy which he is now experiencing in the
presence of his Redeemer, and in the society
of the blessed.
On the 2d of February last year, our venera-
ble father had the satisfaction of seeing the Rev.
Mr. Gericke, Mr. Holtzberg and his family.
80
LIFE OF
Little did we think that the performance of the
last offices for him would prove a part of the
duty of our worthy senior, the Rev. Mr. Gericke :
and I bless and praise God for leading his faith-
ful servant to us, at that very time when we
were most in need of his assistance and comfort.
On the second or third day after the Rev. Mr.
Gericke’s arrival, Mr. Swartz complained of a
little pain in his right foot, occasioned by an
inflammation ; to remove which, repeated fo-
mentations were applied ; but a few days after
we observed, to our inexpressible grief, the ap-
proach of a mortification. Dr. Kennedy tried
every remedy to remove it, and would perhaps
have effected the cure if his frame had been
able to support what he suffered. He was an
example of patience under all these calamities.
He did not speak during the whole of his illness
one single word of impatience.
The last week of his life he was obliged to
lie on his cot the greatest part of the day, and
as he was of a robust constitution, it required
great labor and exertion to remove him to a
chair, where he would sit up. These exertions
contributed to weaken him more and more.
During his last illness the Rev. Mr. Gericke
visited him frequently, and spent much of his
time with him in conversing on the precious
promises of God through Christ, in singing
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
81
awakening hymns, and in offering his fervent
prayers to God to comfort and strengthen his
aged servant under his severe sufferings, to con-
tinue and increase his Divine blessing upon his
labors for the propagation of the Gospel, and to
bless all the pious endeavors of the Society, and
all those institutions established for the enlarge-
ment of the kingdom of Christ.
He rehearsed, with peculiar emphasis, (whilst
we were singing,) particular parts of the hymns
expressing the believer’s assurance of faith, and
of the great love of God in Christ. His fervor
was visible to every one present whilst Mr.
Gericke was praying ; and, by his loud Amen,
he showed his ardent desire for the accomplish-
ment of our united petitions.
A few days before he entered into the joy of
his Lord, the Rev. Mr. Gericke asked him whe-
ther he had any thing to say to the Brethren.
His answer was, “ Tell them that it is my re-
quest that they should make the faithful dis-
charge of their office their chief care and con-
cern.”
A day or two before his departure, when he
was visited by the doctor, he said, “ Doctor, in
heaven there will be no pain.” “ Very true,”
replied the doctor ; “ but we must keep you here
as long as we can.” He paused a few moments,
and then addressed the doctor with these words,
Swartz. Q
82
LIFE OF
“ O ! dear doctor, let us take care that we may
not be missing there.” These words were deli-
vered with such an affectionate tone of voice
that they made a deep impression on the doc-
tor, and on every one present.
On Wednesday, the 13th of February, 1798,
which closed the melancholy scene, we observ-
ed, with deep concern, the approach of his dis-
solution. The Rev. Messrs. Gericke, Jaenicke,
Holtzberg, and myself, were much with him in
the morning ; and in the afternoon we sung
several excellent hymns, and offered up our
prayers and praises to God, in which he joined
us with fervor and delight. After we had re-
tired he prayed silently ; and at one time he ut-
tered the following words : “ O Lord, hitherto
thou hast preserved me ; hitherto thou hast
brought me ; and hast bestowed innumerable
benefits upon us. Do what is pleasing in thy
sight. I deliver my spirit into thy hands ; cleanse
and adorn it with the righteousness of my Re-
deemer, and receive me into the arms of thy
love and mercy.” About two hours after we
had retired he sent for me, and looking upon
me with a friendly countenance, he imparted
his last paternal blessing in these precious
words : “ 1 wish you many comforts.” On offer-
ing him some drink, he wished to he placed on
a chair ; but, as soon as he was raised upon the
REV. C. F SWARTZ.
83
cot he bowed his head, and without a groan or
struggle, shut his eyes and died, between four
and five in the afternoon, in the seventy-second
year of his age.
Though our minds were deeply afflicted at
the loss of our beloved father, yet the consider-
ation of his most edifying conduct during his
illness, his incredible patience under his severe
pains, his triumphant death, and the evident
traces of sweetness and composure which were
left on his countenance, prevented the vent of
our sorrows for the present, and animated us
to praise God for his great mercies bestowed on
us through his faithful servant, and to entreat
him to enable us to follow his blessed example,
that our last end might be like his.
His remains were committed to the earth on
the 14th of February, about five in the after
noon, in the chapel out of the fort, erected by
him near his habitation in the garden given to
him by the late Tulja Maha Rajah.
His funeral was a very affecting sight. It was
delayed a little above the limited time, as Ser-
fogee Rajah wished once more to have a look
at him. The affliction which he suffered at the
loss of the best of his friends was very affect-
ing. He shed a flood of tears over the body, and
covered it with a gold cloth. We intended to
sing a funeral hymn whilst the body was con
84
LIFE OF
veyed to the chapel, but we were prevented
from it by the bitter cries and lamentations of
the multitudes of poor who had crowded into
the garden, and which pierced through our
souls. We were of course obliged to defer it till
our arrival at the chapel. The burial service
was performed by the Rev. Mr. Gericke, in the
presence of the Rajah, the Resident, and most
of the gentlemen who resided in the place, and
a great number of native Christians, full of re-
gret for the loss of so excellent a minister, one
of the best of men, and a most useful member
of society. O may a merciful God grant that all
those who are appointed to preach the Gospel
to the heathen world may follow the example
of this venerable servant of Christ ! And may
he send many such faithful laborers to answer
the pious intention and endeavors of the honor-
able Society for the enlargement of the king-
dom of Christ ! May he mercifully grant it, for
the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ ! Amen !
Mr. Gericke gives the following account of
the last days of Mr. Swartz :
“ I returned to Tanjore from a short journey,
on February 7, 1798. To me it was a great be-
nefit to witness in our dying friend an awaken-
ing example of faith, of patience, and of hope.
When spiritual and heavenly things were
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
85
spoken of ; when he prayed, exhorted, and com-
forted us ; and when he spoke of the repose and
peace of mind which he enjoyed by the mercy
of God, through Christ, no failure in his power
of recollection could be perceived. He often in-
troduced texts of Scripture, or verses of a hymn,
which were very appropriate, and was continu-
ally engaged in conversation with those around
him. Until the Friday evening before his de-
parture, he often said that he did not consider
his end as immediately at hand, and that it
would not take place till after much suffering.
But after that he sometimes said, I shall now
soon depart to my heavenly Father. Being
asked whether he had the hope that, after his
death, the kingdom of God should extend in
this land, he replied, 1 Yes ; but it will be through
affliction and trouble.’ At another time, when
he was asked if he had any thing to say con-
cerning the congregation, he answered, £ Assist
them to come to heaven.’ He said, at another
time, ‘ There is in many a good beginning of
Christianity, but some one will say, it is not yet
perfect ; then let him first examine himself.’
When a person remarked, with joy, his patience
and contentment, he replied, ‘ Human affliction
is common, and I really suffer very little.’ He
often repeated these words : 1 The faithful God
helps us out of trouble, and chastens us in mea-
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LIFE OF
sure.’ He would say : ‘ How would it be if he
should deal with us according to our sins ? But
there will be no affliction there; and for that
we have to thank the Lord Jesus.’ To his Ma-
labar helpers, who faithfully attended him, he
was very grateful ; and often said to us, “ For
the poor people’s sake, who certainly do all they
can, you ought not to sorrow much, lest their
services should be made painful.”
“ On the 12th of February, 1798, I wished to
set out on a journey, and Mr. Swartz gave me
leave, saying, “You will then depart to-day:
Greet all the brethren, and tell them always to
look at the main object. I shall now soon de-
part to the Lord Jesus. That he has received
me, forgiven me my sins, and has not entered
into judgment with me, but has dealt with me
according to his tender mercy, is well for me,
and I will praise him. He might reject us for
our very works’ sake, because sin cleaves to
them all.” He then praised God for permitting
him to depart out of the world in the society of
faithful brethren, and that God had so ordered
it that I had been brought to visit him in his
great weakness, to commend him to Jesus, the
only Savior, as the Resurrection and the Life.
“Now,” he added, “pray yet once again.” I
complied with his request.
“ I was advised not to leave him in his weak
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
87
state. In the evening I visited him again, when
he suffered much ; but his patience and con-
tentment did not abate ; not a complaint was
heard ; sighs only testified what he endured. I
said, among other things, God grant that we
may, in our last conflict, be able to await our
end in such peace and in such confidence as, to
our consolation and joy, are imparted to you.
He replied, “May it be so, abundantly!” Our
hearts were moved by the affectionate emphasis
with which he pronounced this wish.
“ In the night of the 13t’n he had, during the
intervals of pain, a little sleep ; and afterwards
he was attacked with lethargy. We expected
that he would thus slumber away his life ; but
at noon he was lively again. We sung the
hymn, “ Christ is my life,” &c. when he began
to sing with us. He then spoke very humbly
of himself ; he extolled his Redeemer, and wish-
ed to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. He
remarked, “ Had it pleased him to spare me
longer, I should have been glad. 1 should then
have been able to speak yet a word to the sick
and poor ; but his will be done ! May He, in
mercy, but receive me ! Into thy hands I com-
mend my spirit ; thou hast redeemed me, O
thou faithful God.” After this the Malabar
helpers sung the verse of a hymn, he often
joining in with them: he then rested a little;
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LIFE OF
after which he desired to be raised up, and then
expired, in the arms of his faithful Malabar
fellow-laborers.”
We shall now close our life of Mr. Swartz
by various testimonies respecting his character
and labors.
1. The first attestation will be that of the
HE-4 THEN PllINCE UNDER WHOSE AUTHORI-
TY he lived— a witness, of all others, the
least to be suspected.
“ I beg leave,” says the Missionary Gericke,
addressing the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge, “ to send a letter from Serfogee,
Malia Rajah of Tanjore, and to recommend its
contents to the Society. No son can have a
greater regard for his father than this Hindoo
had for Mr. Swartz, and still has for his me-
mory.”
This letter is as follows :
“ To the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge :
‘•'Honorable Sirs,
“ I have requested of your missionaries to
write to you, their superiors and friends, and to
apply to you, in my name, for a monument of
marble, to be erected in their church that is in
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
89
my capital and residency, to perpetuate the me-
mory of the late Rev. Father Swartz, and to
manifest the great esteem I have for the cha-
racter of that great and good man, and the gra-
titude I owe him, my father, my friend, the pro-
tector and guardian of my youth ; and now I
beg leave to apply to you myself, and to beg
that, upon my account, you will order such a
monument for the late Rev. Missionary Father
Swartz -to be made, and to be sent out to me,
that it may be fixed to the pillar that is next to
the pulpit from which he preached. The pillars
of the church are about two cubits broad.
“ May you ever be enabled to send to this
country such missionaries as are like the late
Rev. Mr. Swartz !
“ I am yours, faithfully and truly,
“ Serfogee Rajah.
“ Tanjore, May 28, 1801.”
The Society concurred in opinion with its
East India Mission Committee, that the con-
tents of this letter from the Rajah of Tanjore
bear strong testimony to the high character of
Mr. Swartz ; that it would be proper to comply
with the request of his Highness ; and that steps
should be taken, without delay, by the Com-
mittee, to have a suitable monument construct-
ed, and that the same be sent out to Tan-
90
r,IFE OF
jore, to be placed in the Mission Church there.
The monument was accordingly prepared by
Mr. Flax man, and is now erected in the church
at Tanjore — a lasting evidence of the duty and
policy of bringing into action on the native
mind the powerful influence of the Gospel of
Christ, when administered by holy men.
How blessed is the memory of the just ! In
several conversations, some time afterward, with
the senior of the Danish Mission at Tranque-
bar, the Rajah “ discovered the most tender and
filial remembrance of the late Mr. Swartz.” But
the influence of his character did not end here :
it disposed the mind of the Rajah to view his
survivors and their work with partiality. He
expressed much friendship for Messrs. Gericke
and Kolhoff; and for all the missionaries in
whom he discovered the same sentiments and
zeal. He expressed his wish, and had declared,
on several occasions, that none but such as
would follow in the steps of Mr. Swartz, and
were like him, at least in piety, should be sent
out to the Mission.
The impression made by the character of Mr.
Swartz on the mind of the Rajah was not of the
fugitive kind ; for, several years after his death,
having erected a very extensive and costly
building, sixteen miles south-east of Tanjore,
for the benefit of Brahmins and travellers, and
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
91
having established therein a very large institu-
tion for the maintenance and education of Hin-
doo children of different castes, his tender re-
gard for the memory of Mr. Swartz induced
him to found, in a neighboring village, a charit-
able establishment for the maintenance and edu-
cation of fifty poor Christian children. Thirty
poor Christians also were maintained and cloth-
ed by the Rajah’s charitable institution ; and, at
another institution near the fort of Tanjore, fifty
poor, lame, blind, and other objects of charity,
all belonging to the Missions, were entirely sup-
ported by his bounteous hand ; besides numbers
of other poor, of all sects and persuasions. He
also gave orders that his Christian servants, ci-
vil and military, should not be denied, by their
officers, liberty to attend divine service on Sun-
days and festivals, and that they should be ex-
cused from all other duty on such occasions.
2. The Court of Directors of the East
India Company are the next witnesses to the
exalted worth of Mr. Swartz.
In the following extract of a general letter
from the Court to the Government at Madras,
dated October 29, 1807, the Directors express
unequivocal admiration of his character.
“ By our extra ship, the Union, you will re-
ceive a marble monument, which has been ex-
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LIFE OF
ecuted by Mr. Bacon, under our directions. H
the memory of the Rev. Christian Frederick
Swartz, as the most appropriate testimony of
the deep sense we entertain of his transcendent
merit, of his unwearied and disinterested labors
in the cause of religion and piety, and the ex-
ercise of the purest and most exalted benevo-
lence ; also of his public services at Tanjore,
where the influence of his name and character,
through the unbounded confidence and venera-
tion which they inspired, was for a long course
of years productive of important benefits to the
Company.
“ On no subject has the Court of Directors
been more unanimous than in their anxious de-
sire to perpetuate the memory of this eminent
person, and to excite in others an emulation of
his great example : we accordingly direct that
the monument be erected in some conspicuous
situation near the altar, in the church of St.
Mary, in Fort St. George, and that you adopt,
in conjunction and with the assistance of the
Rev. Dr. Kerr, the senior chaplain at your pre-
sidency, any other measures that your judg-
ment shall suggest as likely to give effect to
these our intentions, and to render them im-
pressive on the minds of the public at your set-
tlement. As one of the most efficacious, we
would recommend that, on the first Sunday
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
93
after the erection of the monument, a discourse
adapted to the occasion be delivered by the se-
nior chaplain. We desire, also, that the native
inhabitants, by whom Mr. Swartz was so justly
revered, may be permitted and encouraged to
view the monument, after it shall have been
erected, and that translations be made of the in-
scription into the country languages, and pub-
lished at Madras, and copies sent to Tanjore
and the other districts in which Mr. Swartz oc-
casionally resided and established seminaries
for religious instruction.
“We were much gratified by learning that
his Excellency the Rajah of Tanjore had also
been desirous of erecting a monument to the
memory of Mr. Swartz in the church which
was built by Mr. Swartz himself in the fort of
that capital, and had sent directions according-
ly to this country ; in consequence of which, a
monument has been executed by Mr. Flaxman.
We shall give directions for its being received
on board one of our ships, free of freight ; and
we desire that you will afford every facility to-
ward its conveyance to Tanjore.
“ Cf. G. Iyeble,
“ Secretary to Government
94
LIFE OF
Copy of ike Inscription on Mr. Swartz's Monument.
isarah to tjte IHetricco
of the
REVEREND CHRISTIAN FREDERICK SWARTZ,
Whose life was one
Continued effort to imitate the example
of his
BLESSED MASTER,
Employed as a Protestant Missionary from the
Government of Denmark,
And in the same character by the Society in England
For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge.
He, during a period of fifty tears,
“ Went about doing good
Manifesting, in respect to himself, the most entire
abstraction from temporal views,
But embracing every opportunity of promoting both the
temporal and eternal welfare of others.
In him religion appeared not with a gloomy aspect
or forbidding mien,
But with a graceful form and placid dignity.
Among the many fruits of his indefatigable labors, was
the erection of the church at Tanjore :
The savings from a small salary were, for many years,
devoted to the pious work,
And the remainder of the expense supplied by indivi-
duals, at his solicitation.
The Christian Seminaries at Ramnadporam, and
in the Tinnevelly province, were established by him.
Beloved and honored by Europeans,
He was, if possible, held in still deeper reverence by the
REV. G. F. SWARTZ.
95
Natives of this country, of every degree and every sect;
And their unbounded confidence in his integrity and truth
was on many occasions rendered highly beneficial
to the public service.
The poor and the injured
Looked up to him as an unfailing friend and advocate ;
The great and powerful
Concurred in yielding him the highest homage ever paid
in this quarter of the globe to European virtue.
The late Hyder Ally Cawn,
In the midst of a bloody and vindictive war with the
Carnatic,
Sent orders to his officers “ to permit the venerable
father Swartz to pass unmolested, and show him re-
spect and kindness,
For he is a Holy Man, and means no harm to my
Government.”
The late Tulja, Rajah of Tanjore,
When on his death-bed, desired to entrust to his
protecting care
His adopted Son, Serfogee, the present Rajah,
With the administration of all the affairs of his Country
On a spot of ground granted to him by the same Prince,
two miles east of Tanjore,
He built a house for his residence, and made it an
orphan asylum.
Here the last twenty years of his life were spent in the
Education and religious instruction of Children,
Particularly those of indigent parents — whom he gratui-
tously maintained and instructed ;
And here, on the 13th of February, 1798,
Surrounded by his infant flock, and in the presence of
several of his disconsolate brethren,
96
LIFE OF
Entreating them to continue to make Religion the first
object of their care, and imploring with his last breath
the Divine blessing on their labors,
He closed his truly Christian career, in the 72d year of
his age.
The East India Company,
Anxious to perpetuate the memory of such transcendent
worth,
And gratefully sensible of the Public Benefits which
resulted from its influence,
Caused this Monument to be erected, Ann. Dom. 1807.
1
The principal compartment of this monu-
ment is occupied with an alto relievo represen-
tation of Swartz in the closing scene of his life.
He is surrounded by a group of his infant pu-
pils, to whom he afforded an asylum in his
house, and by several of his fellow-laborers,
who attended him in his last moments. One
of the children is embracing his dying hand,
and one of the missionaries is supporting his
head ; but the eyes of Swartz are directed, and
his hand is raised toward the object in the up-
per part of the bas relief, namely, the cross,
which is borne by a descending angel ; imply-
ing that the death of Christ, the grand subject
of his ministry, was now the chief support of
his soul while flesh and heart were ready to
faint and fail.
Over the bas relief is the ark of the covenant,
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
97
which was peculiarly in the charge of the
priests, and was a striking emblem of the con-
stant theme of his preaching.
Under the has relief are further emblems of
the pastoral office : the Gospel trumpet, with
the banners of the cross attached to it, and an
open Bible, on which is inscribed our Lord’s
commission to his servants, “ Go ye into all the
world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.”
3. The Madras Government, jy the fol-
lowing order, strongly expressed its sense of
Mr. Swartz’s worth.
“ Public Department.
“ To the Rev. Dr. Kerr,
Senior Chaplain at Fort St. George.
“ Reverend Sir, — I am directed, by the
Right Honorable the Governor in Council, to
enclose for your information and guidance the
extract of a letter from the Honorable the Court
of Directors, and to inform you of the wish of
his Lordship in Council, that early measures
may be taken for erecting, in St. Mary’s Church,
the monument which has been transmitted to
this place by the Honorable Court as a tribute
of respect to the memory of the late Rev. Mr.
Swartz.
“ His Lordship in Council directs me also to
Swartz. 7
98
LIFE OF
express his confidence that your endeavors wili
be exerted to give every practical effect to the
farther suggestions of the Honorable Court, with
regard to the best means of conveying an ade-
quate impression of the exalted worth of that
revered character; and his Lordship will be
prepared to give every facility to the measures
which you may propose on this subject.
“ Directions will be given to the Board of
Trade for holding the monument in readiness
to be delivered on your application.
“ I have the honor to be, Rev. Sir,
“ Your most obedient humble serv’t,
“ G. Buchan,
“ Chief Sec. to Government.
n Fort St. George, 16th June, 1807.”
4. The Rev. Dr. Kerr, in the sermon preach-
ed in compliance with the above letter of the
Directors, may be considered as speaking with
the full approbation of the Madras Govern-
ment; and the high testimony borne to Mr.
Swartz in the following extracts from that dis-
course, was an appeal, it must be remembered,
on the spot, to those who were themselves wit-
nesses of the truth of the preacher’s assertions :
“ The man who follows the injunction of his
God, £ Go ye into all the world and preach the
Gospel to every creature’ — whose soul is de-
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
99
voted to this one object, who submits to a thou
sand privations in the discharge of his high
calling, who devotes mind and body to the eter-
nal interests of the benighted nations, without
any worldly view whatsoever, who is exposed
to numberless dangers in the course of his jour-
neyings, yet goes on rejoicing to the end ; such
a man is surely deserving of our high esteem,
and has the strongest claim on the benevolent
feelings of all mankind.
“ There is a grandeur in the self-dedication
of a human being to such an undertaking,
which is not to be met with in all the other
pursuits of life. Worldly ambition has her splen-
did votaries, seeking honor in the midst of dan-
ger and in the face of death. In search of the
wealth of this world, we have millions of ex-
amples of the most hardy enterprises under-
taken, and body and soul are daily sacrificed
to this polluted and polluting object ; but, in the
persevering effort to call the heathen from their
debasing superstitions to the worship of the true
God, through Jesus Christ ; in the constant
endeavor to extend the blessings of civilization,
which always accompany the true religion, to
a people whom the darkest clouds of ignorance
and its thousands of ills overshadow ; to labor
to emancipate the souls of men from the thral-
dom of satanic influence, from priestcraft, from
100
LIFE OF
profanation, and idle or vicious ceremonies : ce
renronies calculated to impose on the under-
standing, and destroy the finest feelings of the
human heart : to be employed, I say, in such
pursuits, to follow them up with honest zeal,
with firm faith in the Divine assistance, and
the power of the Gospel, must be acknowledged,
whether we consider the motive which stimu-
lates, or the object in view, to be the most glo-
rious, the most honorable, of all undertakings.
“ When, therefore, we reflect, that such was
the office of the man whose virtues we are this
day called to celebrate ; when we know that he
was peculiarly distinguished in the course of
this high office ; that, by the mere effect of Chris-
tian virtue he attracted the love and secured
the confidence, not only of the flock which he
had called from pagan darkness into the bosom
of Christ’s church, and illumined with the
blessed light of the Gospel, but that he was re-
verenced far and near by all castes and descrip-
tions of people ; that he was even respected by
the enemies of our nation, and, at the com-
mencement of a bloody war, was permitted to
preach the doctrines of peace on the very bat-
tlements of our enemy; when we reflect on
these things, what reverence does it inspire for
the man ! What a signal testimony does it af-
ford of the power of Gospel truth, strikingly
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
101
evidenced in the faithful practice of a Gospel
life ! And what a convincing proof does it pre-
sent of the great benefit to be derived from the
labors of missionaries, well directed and honest-
ly and zealously prosecuted !
“ It is much to be regretted that the extraor-
dinary humility of this most excellent man,
ever averse to display of every kind, has been
the virtuous cause why we are not in posses-
• sion of sufficient materials to give a succinct
account of the various and important labors in
which he was continually engaged.
“ Indeed, his mind was so impressed with
the just sense of the value of his time, and the
necessity for unceasing application in his call-
ing, that he had little leisure for even giving
those details which were expected from him by
the Societies under whose direction he had en-
tered upon his missionary labors, and they
were often indebted to others for information
regarding the important services of their faith-
ful Swartz.
“ He began his missionary career in the lat-
ter end of the year of our Lord 1750 ; when, by
unceasing application, in the course of a few
months, he was enabled to preach his first Ta-
mul or Malabar sermon. His text on that occa-
sion was taken from the 11th chapter of St.
Matthew : — £ Come unto me, all ye that labor
102
LIFE OF
ancl are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for
I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall
find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.’ Thus he first an-
nounced the spirit of the Gospel he was about
to preach to the heathens, and continued to his
last hour, through nearly half a century, to
evince the truth of his Divine text both in word
and life.
“ He had not long entered upon his heaven-
appointed commission when he had the hap-
piness to perceive that his labor was not in vain
in the Lord. He called many from the evil of
their way. He excited a spirit of inquiry even
among the most obstinate of the Brahmins ; and
attached many of them to him by the endear-
ing manner in which he addressed them, while
he silenced their arguments by the powerful
force of his reason, and the simple rational ex-
planation of the Christian system.
“ In the course of a few years he collected a
numerous congregation about him, consisting
of every caste and description of people in this
country, who received the truths of the Gospel
with confidence from his lips.
“ He also established several schools, by
which both old and young were enabled to
read the Sacred Writings ; and the principles
REV. e. F. SWARTZ.
103
of the Gospel live to this day in the hearts of
many in the neighborhood where he resided,
who still bless the memory of their beloved
vastor, Father Swartz.
“ But he did not confine his benevolence to
spiritual instruction. He assisted the poor and
the industrious, to the utmost of his power, out
of his narrow means of subsistence, and always
directed the hand of charity to relieve, when
relief was not in his own power.
“ Such a course of life, zealously pursued for
a long series of years, and accompanied with
that sweetly social disposition for which he was
remarkable, gained him many friends and thou-
sands of admirers. The blessing of the father-
less and widow came upon him, and his hope
was gladness. He rejoiced evermore in witness-
ing the divine effects of his honest endeavors ;
and if he did not make converts of all with
whom he associated, he seldom failed to make
friends of those with whom he happened to
communicate. Not that he ever compromised a
paramount duty from any false politeness, or
deference to superior station ; for he decidedly
and openly declared the condemnation of all
who boldly and openly set Gospel rules at de-
fiance, as often as an opportunity offered for the
purpose. His reproof, however, was tempered
with so much good nature : the desire of doing
LIFE OF
104
good to the offenders was so obviously his in-
tention ; that he seldom provoked the smallest
ill-will by the strong but fatherly remonstrances
which irreligious conversation and conduct fre-
quently drew from him. Indeed, he seemed pe-
culiarly gifted by Divine Providence with a
happy manner, which enabled him to turn al-
most every occurrence, whether great or trivial,
to the praise and glory of God.
“ Completely devoted to the important busi-
ness of his calling, his mind never departed far
from this object. Sensible that no trifling efforts
could be productive of any good purpose in the
missionary cause in any country, but most par-
ticularly in India, he determined that nothing
should draw him aside, either to the right hand
or to the left. With this view he early resolved
on a life of celibacy, and uniformly recommend-
ed the same to his younger brother-laborers in
the vineyard, in order that they might give a
more undivided attention to their missionary
work. With the same view, he accustomed
himself to the most frugal and temperate sys-
tem of diet :* and, except when objects of cha-
° For many years of his life it was his custom to give teu
pagodas at the beginning of each month to his servant, in order
to provide for the expenses of his table, and he gave himself no
trouble about the manner in which it was supplied.
REV. C. F. SWARTZ.
105
nty reminded him of his poverty, he considered
the wealth of the world but as the dust of the
earth.”
Dr. Kerr then refers to Mr. Swartz’s mission
to Hyder, the death-bed scene of the old rajah
of Tanjore, his influence on the natives in re-
lieving the fort of Tanjore from famine, and to
other evidences of his character which are re-
corded in the preceding account of him. He adds :
“ Amidst such great public undertakings, and
the high degree of consideration attached by all
ranks of people in this country to Mr. Swartz’s
character, every road to the gratification of am
bition and avarice was completely open before
him. Courted by the prince of the country in
which he resided, reverenced almost to adora-
tion by the people at large, confidentially em-
ployed by the English government in objects of
the first political importance, to his great honor
it must be recorded, that he continued to value
these things only as they appeared likely to
prove subservient to his missionary work, as
they made friends to assist him in the building
of his churches, or the establishment of his
schools over the country. With the single eye
of the Gospel he looked only to the diffusion of
Divine truth, and the glad tidings of salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. The same prin-
ciples which raised him in the public estimation,
he continued to cherish in every stage of his
106
LIFE OF SWARTZ.
elevation. Uncontaminated by the venality and
corruption which, from various quarters, it is
well known, assailed his virtue, he continued
his missionary life, carrying his cross, following
the steps of his Divine Master to the end of his
earthly being.
“ I know that there have not been wanting
enemies who, both while he was living and
after his decease, have given currency to a dif-
ferent tale, who have flippantly accused him of
meddling in political matters inconsistent with
his ministerial labors, and who insinuated other
suspicions injurious to his fame. But such men
would have reflected on the Lord Jesus Christ
himself, had he lived in this country at the
same period and publicly declared his abhor-
rence, as Mr. Swartz always did, of the base
intrigues, the fraudulent loans, the cruel oppres-
sions, which, during the early part of the good
man’s life, and for many years after, made a
land of misery, desolation, and slavery, of one of
the most fertile provinces of this part of India.
“ Some of the Honorable Company’s servants
long since departed out of life, and others who
are now virtuous and amiable members of the
different communities in which they live, have
blessed the day when they became acquainted
with this venerable man.”
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