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LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

Theological  Seminary, 

PRINCETON,  N.  J. 

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Shelf, ..Sect,,  ;..  , 7 ...mm 

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https://archive.org/details/spiritofmissions164epis 


©f)e  Spirit  of  itliosiono 


EDITED  FOR 

THE  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS 


OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


PREACH  THE  GOSPEL  TO  EVERY  CREATURE. 


VOL.  XVI. 


APRIL,  1851. 


No.  4 


MISSIONARY  REPORTS. 


Illinois. 

Collinsville — Rev.  J.  L.  Darrow. 

“ Our  contemplated  improvement  in  the  Church  has  been  made,  the 
house  has  been  filled  with  neat,  comfortable  slips,  and  we  are  now  making 
arrangements  to  have  it  painted.  There  have  been  four  infant  and  one  adult 
baptisms ; three  have  been  added  to  the  Communion,  and  two  lost  by  re- 
moval.” 

Grand  Detour — Rev.  A.  J.  Warner. 

“ Our  Church,  of  which  I gave  you  full  particulars  in  my  last  report, 
was  completely  finished,  and  we  had  hoped  to  have  it  consecrated  at  the 
time  of  the  Bishop’s  last  visit.  In  this,  however,  we  were  disappointed. 
Some  changes  had  taken  place  in  our  circumstances,  particularly  the  death 
of  one  of  our  most  efficient  members,  and  it  was  found,  on  settling  with  the 
contractor,  that  the  building  committee  owed  him  about  four  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars  over  and  above  the  amount  of  subscriptions.  This  they 
were  not  able  to  pay  themselves,  nor  could  it  then  be  raised  in  the  place, 
such  was  the  scarcity  of  money  in  the  country.  Under  these  circumstances, 
the  Bishop  could  not  consecrate,  it  being  a rule  with  him  never  to  conse- 
crate a Church  that  is  in  debt.  The  builder,  moreover,  had  depended  on 
the  money  when  the  Church  should  be  finished,  to  meet  his  own  payments, 
and  was  unwilling  to  give  up  the  key  until  he  should  be  paid.  The 
committee  borrowed  $200,  on  which  they  had  to  payl  10  per  cent,  in- 
terest, and  consented  to  allow  him  the  same  interest  on  the  remainder. 
This  was  not  remedying  the  evil  as  it  affected  the  parish  itself,  but  only 

1 


160 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 


increasing  it.  Begging  was  therefore  the  only  resort ; and,  having  ex- 
perienced the  liberality  of  one  Church  in  the  East,  I had  hopes  that  this 
small  sum  might  be  raised  in  a short  time.  The  Bishop  gave  his  consent, 
and  I set  out  on  such  a mission  as  I hope  never  to  be  under  the  necessity 
of  again  undertaking,  the  result  of  which,  when  completed,  I will  give  you 
full  details  of. 

“ My  parish,  absence  from  which  rather  increases  than  diminishes  my 
interest,  is  in  much  the  same  condition  that  it  was  when  1 left  it ; 
1 had  at  that  time  commenced  again  the  services  in  Dixon,  which  were 
interrupted  during  the  winter ; had  officiated  at  several  funerals  and  one 
marriage,  of  which  I have  not  with  me  the  exact  statistics. 

“ I have  felt  it  right  to  state  thus  briefly  the  true  condition  of  my  parish  ; 
and  desire  to  add,  that  the  business-men  of  the  place  generally  have  mani- 
fested a great  interest  in  this  undertaking,  and  done  all  in  their  power  to 
assist  us,  whether  by  money  or  their  own  personal  services.  Our  Sunday- 
school,  for  which  we  have  the  books,  will  be  opened  as  soon  as  I return.” 


JHidjigatt. 

Adrian — Rev.  Rufus  Murray. 

“ I am  happy  to  say,  that  by  the  blessing  of  the  Divine  Head,  the  parish 
was  never  in  a more  prosperous  condition,  and  that  my  ministry  here  has 
been  greatly  blessed,  both  as  to  the  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare  and  growth 
of  the  parish.” 

St.  Clair — Rev.  M.  Ward. 

“ Since  my  last  report,  some  progress  has  been  made  toward  the  perma- 
nent establishment  of  Church  institutions  in  St.  Clair.  At  a visitation  of 
the  parish,  holden  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  on  the  26th  and  27th  of 
August  last,  seventeen  persons  were  confirmed,  and  the  corner-stone  of  our 
proposed  church  was  laid.  It  was  intended  that  this  edifice  should 
be  completed  before  the  close  of  the  year,  but  unexpected  difficulties  having 
intervened,  the  accomplishment  of  so  desirable  an  object  has  been  neces- 
sarily delayed.  The  foundation  has  been  finished,  and  the  walls,  which  are 
to  be  of  brick,  have  been  raised  to  the  height  of  a few  feet.  The  materials 
required  for  the  remainder  of  the  work  have  been  mainly  provided  ; and, 
the  good  Providence  of  God  permitting,  at  the  opening  of  the  spring  we 
shall  prosecute  the  sacred  enterprise  on  which  we  have  entered,  with  hope 
and  confidence,  to  its  final  completion.  We  encounter  opposition  from  all 
quarters,  but  we  are  not  dismayed ; if  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against 
us  V9 

tXHsconsin. 

Delavan — Rev.  S.  McHugh. 

“ I lost  two  communicants  by  removal,  and  gained  two,  so  that  the  num- 
ber continues  the  same;  I baptized  one  infant,  attended  six  funerals,  and 
performed  the  usual  amount  of  public  services  here,  with  the  addition  of  two 
at  Beloit,  in  the  absence  of  the  Missionary  at  that  station. 

“ With  sorrow  I say  it,  my  congregation  here  has  increased  but  little 
during  the  past  six  months,  owing  to  various  causes.  In  the  first  place,  we 


DOMESTIC. 


161 


1851.] 


have  had  more  sickness  among  us  than  at  any  former  period  of  my  ministra- 
tions. I’have  lost  a most  estimable  member  of  my  Vestry  by  death,  causing 
the  breaking  up  and  dispersion  of  his  family ; another  with  his  family  has 
removed  to  your  city.  And  what  may  be  considered  an  anomaly  in  Western 
villages,  our  population,  at  the  taking  of  the  late  census,  did  not  exceed 
that  of  two  years  ago ; in  addition  to  all  this,  in  money  matters  we  are 
labouring  under  a greater  degree  of  public  pressure  than  1 have  ever  known 
in  Wisconsin.  This  may  be  attributed  to  the  poor  wheat  crop,  which  is 
the  staple  commodity.  Would  you — would  any  of  my  friends  at  the  East 
believe,  that  in  the  three  years  next  March  since  I returned  to  this 
.station,  I have  received  just  $15  in  cash,  and  probably  about  $100 
in  every  way  7 This,  it  is  true,  would  not  be  so,  were  it  not  jpr 
the  building  of  our  church ; nor  could  I have  stood  it,  were  it  not  for  aid 
from  other  sources — sources  from  which  I can  obtain  no  more — so  that  I 
have  still,  under  God,  to  depend  on  Missionary  aid  ; but  so  far  am  I from 
despairing,  being  cast  down,  or  abandoning  my  post,  that  I have  strong  con- 
fidence, both  spiritually  and  temporally,  my  next  report  will  be  of  a more 
cheering  nature.” 


Green  Lake — Rev.  G.  R.  Bartlett. 

“ Since  my  last  report,  Bishop  Kemper  visited  this  station  and  conse- 
crated our  new  Church,  which  we  have  been  enabled  to  finish  by  the  liber- 
ality of  our  Eastern  friends.  The  Church  on  that  occasion  was  crowded, 
and  much  interest  was  manifested  in  the  services  by  those  present.  I have 
officiated  here  every  Sunday  morning  up  to  October  1st.  On  the  28th 
of  July,  I commenced  holding  service  at  Marquette,  which  is  the 
county  seat,  in  connection  with  this  station.  I have  officiated  to  large 
and  attentive  congregations,  and  on  Monday,  September  9th,  a parish  was 
organized  called  Trinity  Church.  One  of  the  members  of  the  parish 
has  promised  us  a building  lot  in  the  village  for  the  site  of  a Church. 
Much  interest  is  felt  in  having  our  services  permanently  established  there, 
and  it  is  thought  that  by  next  Spring  we  shall  be  able  to  erect  a house  for 
public  worship.  Such  an  edifice  is  much  needed.  At  present  we  have  no 
other  place  for  public  worship  than  an  unfinished  room  in  the  Court  House, 
which  is  used  by  the  various  denominations  as  well  as  ourselves.  As  Mar- 
quette is  likely  to  be  a place  of  much  trade  and  is  being  rapidly  settled,  it 
is  very  important  that  our  Church  should  be  established  immediately.” 


Mountford , Grant  Co. — Rev.  E,  Williams. 

“ This  county  is  extensive,  containing  many  souls.  We  have  not  a 
Church  within  its  boundaries,  and  by  many  of  the  people  our  services 
were  never  heard  uutil  now. 

“ Were  the  good  people  of  the  Eastern  Dioceses  to  aid  me  with  $500 
towards  the  erection  of  a small  house  of  worship,  I would  willingly  give 
my  services  free  to  the  congregation.  As  it  is,  the  only  salary  I receive  is 
from  the  Domestic  Committee. 

“ I am  in  need  of  Prayer-books  and  Sunday-school  books.  I really  am 
unable,  at  present,  to  defray  the  expense  of  any  from  the  East,  even  were 
my  friends  kind  enough  to  send  me  any — still,  I need  them  very  much,  as 
1 have  several  calls  for  some — and  upon  the  whole  my  field  of  usefulness  is 
encouraging. 

“ I embrace  this  opportunity  of  returning  my  very  grateful  thanks  to  the 


162 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 


ladies  of  St.  John’s,  Bridgeport,  Conn., — for  their  sympathy  and  useful 
present  to  myself  and  family.  Were  the  rich  congregations  to 
follow  such  benevolent  practices,  as  the  ladies  of  St.  John’s — the  Western 
Missionaries  would  not  so  much  feel  the  toils  and  difficulties  in  their  Mas- 
ter’s vineyard  which  none  know  but  themselves.” 

Fond  Du  Lac — Rev.  J.  Swett. 

“ I have  continued  to  preach  at  this  place  regularly,  twice  on  Sundays, 
and  once  in  two  weeks  at  Taycheedah,  on  the  same  day,  except  a few  Sun- 
days, when  the  travelling  was  so  bad  from  the  excessive  rains  of  the  season, 
that  I could  not  walk.  One  Sunday  also,  I have  spent  at  Oshkon,  upon  the 
earnest  request  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  and  with  the  consent  of  the 
Vestry  of  this  parish.  We  have  possession  of  the  room  in  which  we  hold 
service  here,  only  on  Sundays ; consequently,  we  have  had  service  but 
seldom  on  other  days,  except  on  the  great  festivals  of  the  Church. 

“ I have,  since  my  last  report,  baptized  two  infants ; added  communi- 
cants four;  lost  one  by  removal.  Buried  adults  four,  children  six.  One 
family  has  been  added  to  the  parish  by  removal.  I have  procured  money 
to  purchase  a Sunday-school  Library  which  I shall  receive  in  a few  days. 
We  have  rented  a room  more  convenient  for  service,  and  hope  to  occupy  it 
in  a week.  I have  exerted  myself  as  much  as  possible  to  hasten  the  erec- 
tion of  a Church,  but  I am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  say,  that  little  .has 
been  done.  We  have  the  ground,  the  plans  also,  and  hope  in  a few 
days  to  execute  a contract  for  building  it.  It  cannot,  however,  be  com- 
pleted in  less  than  a year.  If  our  Church  were  built,  we  should 
stand  on  a comparatively  safe  footing.  At  present,  the  prospect  is  far 
from  cheering.  The  season  has  been  exceedingly  bad,  crops  have  been 
nearly  destroyed  by  the  rain ; business  is  consequently  unprofitable,  the  ex- 
pense of  living  much  increased,  and  the  ability  of  my  parishioners  to  aid  in 
any  enterprise  of  the  Church  reduced  almost  to  nothing.  But  the  great- 
est obstacles  to  the  progress  of  the  Gospel  which  we  here  encounter,  con- 
sists in  the  very  general  prevalence  of  infidel  opinions,  gross  immorality, 
and  a torpidness  of  religious  feeling — a wonderful  indifference  to  all  sacred 
things  as  well  as  a most  engrossing  worldly-mindedness  in  all  the 
pursuits  of  life.  All  these  prevail  among  nearly  all  classes  to  an  extent 
absolutely  incredible  to  those  who  have  not  witnessed  it.  Yet  Fond  du 
Lac  is  a place  of  great  importance  for  the  Church.  It  must  inevitably 
become  a large  city,  to  which  an  extensive  country  will  be  tributary, 
and  that  country  one  of  the  most  fertile  in  the  world.  Its  commercial 
prospects  are  also  very  great.  Its  population  is  now  2,000.  My  means 
of  support  are  very  small,  and  subsistence  during  the  coming  year  must 
become  exceedingly  difficult ; but  knowing  the  real  importance  of  the 
place,  I have  resolved  to  exhaust  every  resource  rather  than  leave  it.” 

Mineral  Point — Rev.  J.  De  Pui. 

“ The  congregation  is  in  a fair  way  of  prospering.  We  have  lately  lost 
our  senior  warden  by  cholera.  His  death  has  been  a serious  loss  to  us,  but 
our  loss  we  have  every  reason  to  think  is  his  gain,  for  he  was  an  upright 
and  good  man,  and  a lover  of  Christ  and  his  Church.  We  have  had  many 
sudden  deaths  by  cholera.  Two  of  them  were  called  away  im- 
mediately after  participating  in  the  Holy  Communion.  This  was  the 
case  of  the  senior  warden.  From  celebrating  the  wonders  of  redeeming 


1851. J 


DOMESTIC. 


163 


love  with  us  here  on  earth,  he  was  called  to  celebrate  them  with  angels  and 
archangels,  and  all  the  company  of  heaven.  Much  of  my  time  has  neces- 
sarily been  occupied  in  visiting  the  sick  and  the  dying,  and  attending 
funerals. 

“ May  the  melancholy  and  distressing  scenes  which  we  have  witnessed 
have  a salutary  influence  upon  us  all,  and  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days 
that  we  may  seriously  apply  our  hearts  to  that  holy  and  heavenly  wisdom, 
whilst  we  live  here,  which  may  in  the  end  bring  us  to  life  everlasting, 
through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 

“ A kind  Providence  has  preserved  myself  and  family  in  tolerable  health, 
while  many  were  sick  and  dying  in  every  direction.  I hope  that  I have 
been  spared  to  do  yet  some  little  good  before  I am  called  hence  and  am  no 
more  seen.” 


Sheboygan — Rev.  L.  W.  Davis. 

“ During  the  last  six  months,  I have,  with  the  permission  of  Bishop  Kem- 
per, been  twice  absent  from  this  station,  viz.,  the  last  week  in  the  month  of 
June, — when  I preached  twice  in  Christ  Church,  Green  Bay, — and  the 
whole  of  the  month  of  September,  during  which  I administered  the  Holy 
Communion  to  one  sick  person  in  Vernon,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  preached 
once  on  board  the  steamer  Michigan,  on  Lake  Huron,  and  twice  in  Christ 
Church,  Green  Bay. 

With  these  exceptions  1 have  continued  regularly  in  the  discharge  of  my 
duties  in  Grace  Church  Parish,  holding  morning  and  evening  service  on 
Sundays  and  holydays,  and  administering  the  Holy  Communion  once  a 
month.  I have  also  officiated  occasionally  at  Sheboygan  Falls;  but  the  re- 
moval from  that  place  of  the  only  persons  who  were  communicants,  has  ren- 
dered the  prospects  of  the  Church  less  encouraging,  humanly  speak- 
ing, than  they  were  a year  ago.  One  of  the  most  important  of  our  Church 
families,  numbering  four  communicants,  intending  soon  to  move  to  Ply- 
mouth, sixteen  miles  west,  I shall,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Bishop,  hold 
services  there,  D.  V.,  as  often  as  once  a month  hereafter  The  fluctuating 
nature  of  the  population,  one  of  the  greatest  difficulties  the  Church  has  to 
contend  with  in  the  West,  has  operated  especially  to  the  disadvantage  of 
this  parish  during  the  past  half-year.  The  number  of  communicants,  how- 
ever, notwithstanding  the  many  changes  that  have  occurred,  remains  nearly 
the  same  as  given  in  my  last  report,  as  also  the  number  of  individuals  other- 
wise attached  to  the  Church.  May  the  Lord  vouchsafe  the  abundance  of 
his  Spirit  to  the  increase  and  prosperity  of  this  portion  of  His  vineyard !” 

Watertown — Rev.  M.  Hoyt. 

“ In  consequence  of  the  want  of  Sunday-school  books,  and  our  inability 
to  procure  any,  there  being  none  to  be  purchased  in  Milwaukie,  the  Sun- 
day-school has  very  much  languished.  Having  recently  obtained  a 
library,  through  the  kindness  of  an  unknown  friend,  we  shall  again 
attempt  to  revive  it,  and  we  trust  with  success.  During  the  past  six  months 
we  have  had  no  additions  to  our  Church  by  removals  into  the  place.  One 
has  been/added  by  baptism.  The  condition  of  the  parish  is  much  the  same 
as  at  the  last  report. 

“ Besides  the  services  at  Watertown,  I have  occasionally  officiated  at  Hori- 
con  and  Maysville  on  a week  day.” 


164 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 


Waukesha — Rev.  J.  Abercrombie. 

“ As  Missionary  at  Waukesha,  I have  to  report  to  the  Domestic 
Committee  of  the  Board  of  Missions,  that  since  the  1st  of  May, 
I have  been  absent  from  my  charge,  endeavouring  to  obtain  the 
means  to  build  a suitable  house  of  worship,  without  which,  I became 
convinced  that  all  the  labour  and  all  the  money  expended  to  plant  the 
Church  in  this  beautiful  and  thriving  county-seat  would  be  of  no  avail. 
Though  I have  not  yet  entirely  succeeded  in  my  effort,  I am  nevertheless 
sufficiently  encouraged  to  persevere.” 

Duck  Creek — Rev.  F.  R.  Haff. 

‘c  Everything  goes  on  so  quietly  with  us,  that  in  making  my  report  at 
this  time,  1 have  nothing  new  or  very  important  to  present.  The  interest 
of  our  communicants  in  the  services  and  ordinances  of  the  Church  con- 
tinues unabated.  Some  new  communicants  have  been  added.  I wish  the 
number  were  greater  ; but  I have  endeavoured  to  be  faithful  in  sowing  the 
good  seeds  of  the  Word,  and  I pray  that  our  gracious  Master  may  send  the 
dew  of  His  blessing  to  make  it  spring  up  and  bear  fruit  abundantly  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  committed  to  my  charge.” 


foum. 

Burlington — Rev.  J.  Batchelder. 

“ There  has  been  encouraging  general  attention  to  the  preaching  of  the 
Gospel,  and  attendance  on  its  ordinances ; and  some  who  have  hitherto 
been  undecided,  have  become  determined  to  connect  themselves 
with  us,  I trust  and  believe,  from  an  intelligent  and  just  appreciation 
of  the  claims  of  the  Church.  We  have  also  had  some  additions  by 
removals  to  the  place,  and  have  lost  some  by  removals  from  the  place. 
We  are  constantly  kept  weak  and  feeble  by  the  unsettled  and  roving 
habits  of  the  people.  Our  actual  members  at  any  given  time  have  never 
been  large.  I commenced  my  labours  here  with  only  one  family,  and  that 
a small  one,  of  Episcopalians.  Nothing,  or  next  to  nothing,  was  then 
known  of  the  Church  in  this  place,  or  in  the  State.  But  still,  I have  had 
more  than  five  hundred  persons  connected  with  the  Church,  either  as  com- 
municants, or  as  regular  attendants  on  its  services.  Most  of  these  are  now 
scattered  to  and  fro.  Although  this  unsettled  state  of  the  community  is 
often  a source  of  deep  regret  and  pain,  still,  who  shall  attempt  to  estimate 
the  amount  of  good  ultimately  destined  to  be  accomplished  by  means  of 
the  very  process  which  we  often  deplore  ? 

“ The  past  season  has  been  one  of  deep  distress,  of  suffering  and  mourn- 
ing with  us.  The  cholera,  with  all  its  awful  terrors,  has  been  among 
us,  and  hundreds,  not  of  the  profligate  and  vicious,  but  of  the  most  so- 
ber and  virtuous,  have  fallen  before  its  destroying  power.  I have  myself 
deeply  suffered  from  its  terrible  ravages,  and  for  four  days  lay  seemingly 
suspended  between  life  and  death.  I still  suffer,  often  severely,  from 
its  effects,  and  from  the  prostrating  debility  which  it  has  left  behind.  I 
hope  I shall  be  able  to  recover  from  this,  now  the  weather  is  becom- 
ing cooler  and  more  healthful.  I regret,  however,  that  I am  prevented 


1851.] 


DOMESTIC. 


165 


from  taking  a journey  for  the  benefit  of  my  health,  as  I had  intended.  I 
have  been  prevented  by  my  utter  inability  to  obtain  the  requisite  funds.  I 
perform  my  ordinary  labours,  though  they  are  often  very  fatiguing.” 

Cedar  Rapids — Rev.  J.  Keeler. 

“ With  the  approbation  of  our  Bishop,  I removed  to  Cedar  Rapids,  and 
have  celebrated  divine  service,  preaching  both  morning  and  evening  in  a 
large  upper  room,  fitted  up  by  one  of  our  members,  since  the  first  of  July. 
Our  congregation  is  increasing  in  numbers,  and  the  responses  are  very  well 
made.  We  expect  in  a few  days  to  organize  a Church,  and  also  to 
establish  a Sunday-school.  But  we  labour  very  much  for  the  want  of  prayer 
books,  tracts,  and  library  books  for  our  Sunday-school.  No  one  at  the 
East,  where  these  things  so  much  abound,  can  imagine  what  a treasure  they 
would  be  to  us  here  in  the  West.  May  the  good  Spirit  put  it  into  some 
of  your  hearts  to  send  us  a small  supply.” 

Davenport — Rf.v.  Alfred  Louderback. 

“ The  prospects  at  this  place  for  the  Church  are  by  no  means  discoura- 
ging. We  have  been  gaining  ground  gradually,  both  in  point  of  numbers 
and  influence  for  the  Church ; as  much  so  as  could  be  expected  under  our 
peculiar  circumstances.  Several  have  been  added  to  the  number  of  our 
communicants,  who  await  Confirmation  at  the  hand  of  the  Right  Rev.  the 
Bishop.  Several  adults,  and  many  children,  have  been  admitted  within  the 
sacred  fold,  by  holy  baptism.  There  are,  beside  these,  several  candidates 
for  that  ordinance.  Our  Sunday-school  is  still  flourishing.  Two  services  on 
each  Sunday  have  been  maintained,  and  a monthly  administration  of  the 
Lord’s  Supper,  with  the  use  of  the  offertory  every  Sunday  at  the  collection. 
We  still  feel  very  much  the  need  of  a more  commodious  and  a larger 
Church  building  than  the  mere  shell  which  we  at  present  occupy.  Plans 
have  arrived  from  the  hands  of  Mr.  Frank  Wills,  of  your  city,  who  very 
generously  offered  to  draft  them  for  us,  and  leave  the  amount  of  remunera- 
tion to  be  determined  by  our  ability  and  resources.  Between  this  and 
spring,  we  shall  endeavor  to  mature  our  measures  with  a view  to  building. 
The  plans  call  for  a cruciform  edifice,  part  of  which — the  foot  of  the  cross 
— will  be  built  first,  leaving  the  transepts,  and  the  head  of  the  cross,  as  a 
future  addition,  when  our  necessities  shall  require,  and  our  resources  enable 
us  to  make  it.  Thus  we  shall  build  permanently  what  we  do  build,  with  a 
view  to  our  wants  for  a few  years  to  come.  Our  present  little  Church  is 
extremely  crowded  at  times,  thereby  keeping  many  away  for  fear  of  intru- 
sion upon  the  rights  of  others. 

£‘  Your  Missionary  has  just  returned  from  a visit  to  the  town  of  Fair- 
field,  in  the  interior,  about  60  miles  from  the  Mississippi,  back  of  Burling- 
ton. This  was  undertaken  at  the  instance  of  the  Bishop,  who  had  re- 
ceived several  letters,  imploring  a visit  from  him  on  the  part  of  Episcopa- 
lians. Being  unable  to  comply  with  their  wish,  until  after  the  General 
Convention,  he  desired  me  to  visit  them.  It  is  a town  of  about  1200  inha- 
bitants, remarkable  for  its  health  and  attractive  for  its  beauty.  The  names 
of  those  who  had  been  baptized  in  the  Church  were  secured  with  their 
own  permission,  together  with  their  children,  indicating  between  the  bap- 
tized, confirmed,  and  communicants.  An  informal  association  was  entered 
into  with  a view  to  a regular  organization,  and  a register  commenced.  Among 
the  number  whose  names  were  thus  secured,  were  many,  I am  glad  to  say, 


166 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 

who  had  been  induced  to  connect  themselves  with  the  sects  around  them. 
Three  services  were  held  on  the  Sunday  of  my  visit,  the  first  that  were  ever 
held  in  the  place,  with  the  full  chants  well  performed,  on  the  part  of  those 
familiar  with  our  service.  Two  lots  can  be  secured,  upon  which  to  build 
a Church  and  parsonage.  My  advice  to  the  friends  of  the  Church  was 
to  endeavour  to  secure  the  title,  and  in  a united  effort  make  a beginning  to 
build ; and,  if  possible,  sustain  in  the  interval,  until  a clergyman  can  be  ob- 
tained, lay  reading.  The  Bishop  will  visit  them  on  the  10th  of  November. 
Could  a devoted  and  acceptable  clergyman  be  sent  there  soon,  to  unite  that 
with  other  places  in  the  vicinity,  by  the  blessing  of  God  he  might  be  en- 
abled to  reap  a rich  harvest. 

KeoJcuJc — Rev.  Otis  Hackett. 

“ This  Report  is  the  first  you  will  have  received  from  this  station.  The 
parish  was  organized  at  the  instance,  and  through  the  personal  exertions,  of 
Bishop  Kemper,  in  April  last.  I took  charge  of  it  on  the  first  of  July  fol- 
lowing. There  were  then  connected  with  the  Church  some  six  or  eight 
families,  and  about  as  many  communicants. 

“ It  was  at  first  with  much  difficulty  that  any  room  could  be  obtained  for 
public  worship.  Several  times  v/e  were  obliged  to  change  places,  occu- 
pying successively  a school-room,  and  at  such  hours  as  they  were  unen- 
gaged) the  Baptist  and  Presbyterian  meeting-houses.  A faithful  few,  how- 
ever, were  always  in  attendance  wherever  and  whenever  public  worship 
was  celebrated. 

“ At  length  we  secured  a place — the  Court-room — that  we  could  command 
on  Sundays,  morning  and  evening.  Since  then  our  congregations  have 
been  gradually  and  constantly  increasing.  We  have  now  connected  with 
the  Church  twenty  families  and  twenty-two  communicants.  Seven  of  the 
latter  were  confirmed  by  Bishop  Kemper  on  the  19th  inst. 

“ The  services  on  this  occasion — it  was  the  first  Confirmation  ever  held  in 
Keokuk — were  of  unusual  interest,  and  the  attendance,  though  the  visit 
occurred  on  a Tuesday,  encouragingly  large.  A goodly  number  were  out 
in  the  morning,  on  which  occasion  a sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  A. 
Louderback,  and  the  Holy  Communion  administered  by  the  Bishop.  It 
was  a precious  season  to  us,  few  of  the  communicants  having  enjoyed  a 
similar  privilege  for  many  months. 

“ In  the  evening  a sermon  was  preached,  and  Confirmation  administered  by 
the  Bishop1.  The  impression  made  upon  the  crowded  auditory,  many  of 
whom  had  never  before  witnessed  the  latter  service,  was  obviously  most 
happy.  Not  only  a respectful  and  profound ‘attention  was  given,  but  great 
solemnity  manifested,  especially  during  the  impressive  address  of  the  Bishop 
to  the  confirmed. 

“ With  whatever  sentiments  the  congregation,  or  any  portion  of  it,  may 
have  come  together,  no  one,  I am  certain,  could  have  gone  away,  retaining 
still  the  vulgar  prejudice  that  form  and  show  predominate  in  the  services  of 
the  Church.  t 

“ Though  we  have  many  difficulties  still  to  contend  against,  yet  we 
think  we  have  something  to  encourage  us.  Saying  nothing,  however,  of 
the  difficulties — for  you  can  readily  imagine  them,  the  obstacles  to  be  sur- 
mounted, and  the  work  to  be  done,  being  much  the  same  in  every  Mis- 
sionary parish — 1 will  glance  at  a few  of  the  things  that  give  us  hope. 

“ 1.  A new  Field. — The  ground  is  fresh.  . There  is  no  half-reared  edi- 


DOMESTIC. 


167 


1851.] 

fice  in  ruins  to  remove — no  old  rubbish  in  the  way — no  past  failures  to  dis 
hearten. 

“ 2.  Exemplary  piety  of  the  Communicants. — They  are  chiefly  ladies  ; 
but  while  they  are  distinguished  by  the  piety  which  is  the  highest,  as  it  is 
too  much  the  peculiar  ornament  of  their  sex,  they  have  the  energy  of  the 
other.  They  exhibit  an  intelligent  zeal  for  the  Church,  and  a readiness  to 
every  good  word  and  work  that  promise  the  happiest  results. 

“ 3.  Commercial  Importance  of  the  Place. — Keokuk,  besides  being  situ- 
ated at  the  foot  of  the  Lower  Rapids,  which  circumstance  of  itself  would 
make  a town  of  it,  is  the  natural  outlet  for  the  produce  of  the  rich  Des 
Moines  Valley.  A heavy  trade,  wholesale  as  well  as  retail,  has  already 
sprung  up  with  the  interior.  This  business  is  increasing  at  an  unprece- 
dented rate.  Under  its  influence,*  the  town  is  rapidly  enlarging  its  limits  ; 
and  if  we  might  judge  from  the  ratio  of  its  past  increase,  not  many  years 
will  elapse  before  we  shall  have  a city  here  of  commanding  importance. 
With  the  city,  the  Church  should,  and,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  will 
grow. 

“4.  A Disposition  to  give  us  a Hearing. — If  I mistake  not,  there  is  an 
unusual  readiness  here,  especially  on  the  part  of  the  young  and  intelligent, 
to  examine  and  receive  the  views  of  the  Church.  Certainly,  I have  en- 
countered far  less  of  prejudice  than  I had  anticipated. 

“From  this  disposition  much  is  to  be  expected  ; for  what  more  need  we  to 
bring  honest  men  into  the  Church,  than  a candid  and  thorough  investigation 
of  her  claims  ? 

“5.  Finally,  we  have  the  common,  and  of  itself  all-sufficient  encourage- 
ment contained  in  the  immutable  promise — “ Lo,  I am  with  you  always , 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 


JRissouri. 

Boonville — Rev.  A.  D.  Corbyn. 

“ During  the  past  year  the  parish  has  raised  nearly  $1000,  great  part 
of  which,  $700,  has  been  used  to  pay  a debt  or  debts  of  the  church. 

“ The  population  are  constantly  on  the  move,  some  coming,  others  going. 
One  of  our  most  valuable  communicants  was  taken  from  us  by  death,  in 
June.  So  it  seems  to  be  with  us  here,  as  fast  as  the  Church  makes  her 
triumphs,  and  gathers  in  some  valuable  ones,  they  are  either  removed  by 
death,  or  go  to  some  other  place  to  reside.  Had  we  now  all  that  have  been 
added  to  this  parish  during  my  ministry  here,  we  should  have  a strong  par- 
ish, and  able  to  support  itself.  But  it  is  ever  changing  its  character  ; the 
old  ones  go  away,  and  we  are  obliged  to  raise  up  new  ones  to  take  their 
places.  Hence,  we  constantly  need  the  aid  of  the  funds  from  the  Domestic 
Committee.  By  a reference  to  the  list  of  our  baptisms  and  confirmations 
for  the  last  five  years,  you  may  see  the  proof  of  what  I have  said. 

“We  have  daily  service  throughout  the  year  ; the  Holy  Communion  once 
a month,  and  on  the  great  festivals ; and  we  are  confident  that  the  Church, 
is  doing  her  own  work  here  in  going  on  from  “ conquering  to  conquer.” 
Still  the  Church,  now  as  ever,  must  sow  in  tears  in  order  to  reap  in  joy. 
This  is  the  principle  of  Her  divine  polity  given  by  Her  ever  blessed  Head, 
and  it  is  by  looking  for  too  great  and  speedy  success,  that  many  are  disap- 
pointed in  regard  to  the  success  of  the  Missions  of  the  Church.  He'r  work 
is  one  of  time,  patience,  suffering,  tears,  deprivation,  joy,  and  full  of  glory.” 


168 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 


Lexington — Rev.  J.  A.  Harrison. 

“ Divine  services  continue  to  be  celebrated  in  this  parish,  twice  on  every 
Lord’s  day,  and  on  every  Friday  and  Saints’  day,  that  “ one  or  two”  can 
be  gathered  together.  There  has  been,  recently,  one  addition  to  the  Holy 
Communion,  and  there  are  now,  awaiting  a visitation  from  the  Bishop 
several  candidates  for  Confirmation.  We  thank  God,  and  take  courage. 
The  size  of  the  congregation  is  much  as  heretofore.  The  church  edifice 
remains  in  its  former  unfinished  state.” 

Arkansas. 

Fayetteville — Rev.  W.  C.  Stout. 

“ Since  my  April  report,  the  Bishop  cheered  us  with  a visit.  His  stay 
was  short,  but  gave  us  strength  and  consolation.  Five  persons  were  con- 
firmed during  this  visit. 

“ Thp  attendance  is  about  as  heretofore.  We  still  occupy  the  Court- 
house for  worship,  and  cannot  accommodate  a general  congregation.  This 
is  a cause  of  sorrow,  but  beyond  remedy.  I made  an  appeal  to  the  Church 
last  year,  but  wholly  failed  in  the  effort.  I do  not  know  how  to  beg,  as  some 
of  my  brethren.  The  largest  number  of  males  belonging  to  the  congrega- 
tion are  gone  to  California  in  search  of  gold.  If  they  succeed,  I am  prom- 
ised means  to  build  a church.  May  the  Lord  prosper  them.  My  health  has 
not  been  good  this  year.  Exercise  on  horseback  seems  to  do  me  more 
good  than  anything  else.  I think  it  will  be  best  for  me  to  itinerate  this  win- 
ter, as  I did  last.” 

Little  Rock — Rev.  A.  F.  Freeman. 

“ The  cause  of  Christ  and  his  Church  is  evidently  advancing  at  this 
station,  and  the  Missionary  feels  encouraged  to  give  himself  up  to  the  work 
committed  to  him  more  devotedly  than  he  has  yet  done.  The  congregation 
and  the  number  of  communicants  have  increased  considerably  during  the 
past  year,  and  the  parish  is  at  this  time  more  at  unity  in  itself,  and  more 
zealous  for  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  than  it  has  been  for  some  years  past. 

“ Through  the  laudable  zeal  of  the  ladies,  and  the  liberal  subscriptions 
of  the  gentlemen  of  the  congregation,  we  have  been  enabled  to  make  exten- 
sive improvements  in  the  Church  building.  A handsome  tower  is  erected, 
at  a cost  of  $600,  in  which  hangs  one  of  Meneely’s  sweetest  toned  bells, 
of  630  pounds  weight.  We  are  also  in  daily  expectation  of  a fine  organ, 
from  the  manufactory  of  Henry  Pilcher,  of  Newark,  New-Jersey.  I am 
not  without  hope  that  these  instances  of  external  prosperity  are  indicative 
in  the  congregation  of  a growth  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

“ I visited  Batesville  in  August  last — a flourishing  town  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  State.  During  my  stay  of  a week,  I officiated  five  times,  before 
large  and  attentive  congregations,  and  baptized  three  infants.  There  are 
some  ten  or  twelve  families  in  Batesville  attached  to  the  Church,  and  a 
faithful  clergyman  would  find  it  an  interesting  and  most  encouraging  field 
to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  service  of  Christ. 

“ I also  performed  the  Church  services,  and  preached  four  times  in  Searcy, 
in  White  county,  while  passing  to  and  from  Batesville. 


1851. J 


DOMESTIC. 


169 


“ The  field  throughout  Arkansas  is  white  unto  the  harvest ; and  could 
our  Bishop  only  procure  the  requisite  number  of  clergymen,  and  those  of 
the  right  stamp,  many  souls  now  perishing  might  be  made  fit  and  ready  for 
the  garner  of  the  Lord.” 


Intelligence. 


A READY  MIND. 

Extracts  from  a private  Letter  of  a Missionary  in  Newfoundland. 

“We  have  been  shut  up  for  three  or  four  months,  and  have  had  no 
opportunity  of  hearing  any  news,  or  sending  any  correspondence  to  St. 
John^.  I hope  the  ice  will  soon  break,  and  I shall  have  the  pleasure  of 
hearing  from  you.  In  expectation  of  the  boat’s  sailing,  I am  writing  this. 
The  winter,  though  long,  and  my  position  most  solitary,  has  yet  been  a 
happy  one  and  a busy  one,  for  in  addition  to  my  usual  duties  I have 
been  schoolmaster  for  two  hours  a-day  (the  schoolmaster  having  left.) 
I am  much  rewarded  for  the  exertion  by  the  many  expressions  of  gra- 
titude of  the  people  who  remained  with  us,  or,  as  we  say,  ‘ stayed  on 
the  room.’  A number  of  my  flock  go  into  the  woods  in  the  winter  to  cut 
timber  and  shoot  birds  or  deer;  their  children,  of  course,  could  not  attend. 
I average  fifteen  daily.  Mrs.  W.  taught  the  girls  knitting,  marking,  &c. 
I am  on  the  best  terms  with  my  people,  and  1 am  very  thankful  to  say, 
that  they  attend  service  on  Sundays,  Saints’  days,  and  week-days,  very 
well.  The  full  service  on  Wednesday  evening,  when  I have  been  lectur- 
ing on  the  Prayer-book,  has  been  as  well  attended  as  the  Sunday  service. 
In  the  Sunday-school  I have  some  very  quick  children  ; on  Palm  Sunday 
two  boys  learnt  the  whole  of  the  Gospel,  with  the  Collect,  and  a Psalm  ; 
the  children  regularly  learn  Collect,  Gospel,  and  Psalm.  I have  had  a 
class  of  adults  on  the  Sunday  evening,  when  we  have  read  Exodus,  illus- 
trated and  explained  with  maps,  and  other  books. 

“ My  Missionary  Meetings  have  been  as  successful  as  I could  well  ex- 
pect, and  the  duty  of  subscribing  to  enable  those  ‘ who  preach  the  Gospel 
to  live  of  the  Gospel,’  is  fully  recognised.  I had  a meeting  in  December  to 
arrange  the  warming  and  lighting  of  the  church,  as  well  as  to  consult  upon 
the  best  means  to  finish  the  building.  As  we  have  no  carpenters,  it  was 
agreed  that  the  4 handy’  men  should  meet  for  the  improvement  of  the  church 
on  a given  day  to  be  named  by  me.  On  the  9th,  10th,  and  1 1th  of  January 
they  came,  and  spent  their  days  manfully,  working  very  hard,  and  with  the 
best  of  feelings.  As  the  work  was  all  gratuitous  and  voluntary,  I prepared 
dinner  for  them  each  day  at  the  parsonage.  This  done,  the  churchwardens 
and  I consulted  about  the  tower,  vestry,  and  chancel,  which  we  desire  to 
add  to  the  present  fabric,  and  I deemed  it  advisable  to  send  to  the  people 
in  the  woods,  requesting  them  to  cut  the  necessary  timber  ; this  they  agreed 
to  do.  Last  Monday  (Easter  Monday)  at  the  usual  meeting,  the  electing 
of  churchwardens  being  over,  and  the  accounts  (13Z.  4s.  Sc?,  in  amount) 
passed,,  I asked,  should  we  enter  upon  the  question  of  the  improvement? 
‘By  all  means,  let’s  have  a hack  at  it,’  was  the  general  reply  ; so  I pro- 
duced the  plans  and  estimate,  and  explained  them.  I asked  who  was  to  do 
the  work.  ‘ We  will,’  was  promptly  answered.  ‘ Perhaps,  there  will  be 


170 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 


something  too  difficult  for  you,’  I suggested.  * Oh  no,  sir.’  The  builder 
of  the  present  church  said  that  there  were  ‘ twenty-eight  men  in  Harbour 
Beaufort  able  to  do  anything.’  I smiled,  and  I confess  I felt  pleased  with 
their  simple  but  hearty  zeal.  ‘ Where  shall  I begin  the  subscription]’  I 
inquired.  ‘ Begin  with  the  sun,  sir,  and  go  round,5  was  suggested,  and  so 
I did  begin.  The  fish  or  cash  was  promised  for  the  1st  of  August,  the  la- 
bour for  October.  I asked  how  much  labour  they  would  give.  4 We’ll  stick 
to  it  till  it  is  done,  sir."'  34/.  and  labour  were  promised  at  the  meeting. 
The  estimates  give  58/.  without  wages,  about  100/.  with.  The  feeling  was 
general ; the  meeting  most  unanimous.  1 then  suggested  that  the  labours 
of  the  good  Bishop  merited  notice,  that  we  were  indebted  to  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  for  many  blessings,  and  that  we  had  never 
acknowledged  their  bounty ; and  spoke  upon  the  duty  of  each  Church  to 
support  its  own  Clergyman.  The  meeting  unanimously  agreed  to  an  ad- 
dress to  the  Bishop,  embodying  these  subjects,  which  was  signed  J?y  all 
present,  and  the  meeting  broke  up.  The  most  united  and  pleasant  com- 
pany I ever  met.” — ( Quarterly  Paper , Soc.  Prop.  Gosp.  in  Foreign  Parts.) 


CANADIAN  MISSIONARIES. 

The  number  of  Clergymen  of  the  Church  in  the  province  of  Canada  is 
221.  They  have  to  minister  spiritual  instruction  and  comfort,  to  congrega- 
tions scattered  over  a surface  of  more  than  200*000  square  miles.  A great 
part  of  this  immense  country,  being  very  thinly  peopled,  is  left  entirely 
without  the  ministrations  of  religion.  The  way  in  which  the  inhabitants  of 
back  settlements  live,  is  thus  described  by  a Canadian  waiter  :* — 

“ I do  most  sincerely  wish  that  we  could  only  have  a Clergyman  among 
us  in  the  bush.  I am  a very  long  way  from  being  what  I ought  to  be  ; but  I 
don’t  think  I should  be  as  bad  as  I am  if  there  were  only  something,  and 
some  person,  to  put  one  in  mind  of  one’s  duty  now  and  then.  We  are  be- 
coming practically  heathens — working  like  galley-slaves  all  the  week,  and 
making  Sunday  a general  holiday,  with  the  pleasures  of  which,  if  a 
little  business  can  be  united,  so  much  the  better.  We  have  no  one  to  startle 
us  from  our  worldliness  by  bringing  to  our  minds  those  solemn  considera- 
tions which  we  are'so  prone  to  forget.  And  when  anything  happens  to  so- 
ber us  a little,  the  effect  soon  passes  away,  for  there  is  nothing  to  deepen 
the  impression  and  render  it  permanent.” 

What  a striking  commentary  is  this  upon  the  text  of  the  Apostle  (Heb. 
x.  25) : “ Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner 
of  some  is.”  There  is  no  spectacle  on  earth  more  sorrowful,  than  that  of 
Christian  souls  becoming  gradually  estranged  from  Christ,  and  “ without 
God  in  the  world.” 

Yet  such  would  be  the  case  with  the  greater  part  of  the  people  of  Cana- 
da, if  it  were  not  for  the  exertions  which  are  made  in  England  to  send 
Ministers  and  to  build  Churches  amongst  them. 

A few  of  the  221  Clergymen  above  mentioned  are  resident  in  the  large 
towns,  as  Toronto,  Kingston,  Montreal,  Quebec,  &.C.,  where  the  people  are 
wealthy  enough  to  support  ministers  for  themselves;  but  between  the  large 
towns  and  the  back  settlements,  most  of  these  Clergymen  are  stationed  to 
minister  amongst  poor  people.  A.  parish  (as  it  would  be  called  in  England) 
frequently  embraces  an  area  of  100  square  miles;  sometimes  more.  In  this 
extensive  tract  one  Clergyman  resides.  Perhaps  there  is  a Church,  in 


* Sketches  of  Canadian  Life,  p.  120. 


DOMESTIC. 


171 


1851.] 

which  he  officiates  twice  on  a Sunday.  Probably  in  some  remote  part  of 
his  parish  there  is  also  a station  where  a few  members  of  his  flock  are  ga- 
thered together,  and  expect  him  to  join  them  in  a third  service.  And  on 
certain  appointed  days  in  the  week  he  rides  through  the  woods  to  visit  the 
farthest  corners  of  his  parish,  where  two  or  three  families  who  are  settled 
at  too  great  a distance  to  come  to  Church,  will  leave  off  their  work  for  an 
hour  or  two,  and  meet  together  in  some  cottage  or  log-house  to  unite  with 
their  Minister  in  prayer  and  praise,  and  in  reading  and  hearing  the  word  of 
God.  Where  but  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  we  know  that  He  is  in  the  midst  of  them. 

A Canadian  Clergyman  faithfully  labouring,  generally  single-handed,  in 
such  an  extensive  charge,  impeded  by  the  perpetual  difficulty  of  travelling 
through  a country  almost  without  a road,  liable  to  be  summoned  at  any 
hour,  and  in  all  seasons,  to  exercise  his  ministry  in  behalf  of  the  sick  or  the 
dying,  at  the  distance  of  many  miles, — such  a Clergyman— and  let  us  be 
thankful  that  there  are  many  such  in  Canada — presents  in  his  daily  life  a 
striking  image  of  those  abundant  labours  and  privations  which  were  under- 
gone when  the  Apostles  themselves  first  planted  the  Church  of  Christ  in 
Judaea,  Asia,  and  Greece. 

And  in  their  poverty , as  well  as  in  their  labours , the  Canadian  Mission- 
aries may  remind  people  of  apostolic  times.  There  are  many  among  them 
who  could  say  with  St.  Paul,  that  they  have  laboured  with  their  own  hands 
that  they  might  not  be  a burden  to  their  flock.  Most  of  them,  like  him, 
are  indebted  to  distant  Churches  for  ministering  to  their  necessities,  while 
they  spend  their  strength  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  Nearly  all  of 
them  have  families  to  support,  and  are  under  the  necessity  of  keeping  one 
horse,  or  sometimes  two,  to  enable  them  to  perform  their  duties.  Conse- 
quently, one  or  two  servants  are  generally  necessary.  Two  servants,  in 
wages  and  food,  will  cost  50/.  per  annum ; and  a horse  cannot  be  kept  for 
less  than  10/.  or  15/. ; yet  the  guaranteed  income  of  most  of  the 
Clergy  is  not  more  than  100/.  per  annum.  Some  derive  assistance  to  a 
small,  but,  it  is  hoped,  an  increasing  extent,  from  glebe  lands,  or  from  the 
contributions  of  their  parishioners.  If  some  of  them  had  not  private 
means,  and  if  it  were  not  a cheap  country  for  all,  they  could  scarcely 
exist. — (Ibid.)  I 


OREGON. 

How  different  the  views  and  feelings  of  our  great  community  in  regard 
to  Oregon,  now,  from  what  they  were  four  years  ago.  Then  the  far-casting 
mind  of  the  Christian  philosopher  foresaw  its  future  greatness,  and  planned 
to  anticipate  the  distant  date,  by  all  the  preparatory  processes  of  faith  and 
wisdom.  Then  the  sanguine  or  imaginative  mind  would  plant  itself  on  some 
spot  of  time  a century  ahead,  and  look  out  upon  the  wide  scene  around, 
populous  and  prosperous,  with  infinite  satisfaction ; or  would  course  through 
cities,  villages  and  fields  waving  with  grain,  and  a land  seamed  with  high- 
ways, rail-roads  and  canals,  and  dotted  with  all  the  signs  of  Christian  civili- 
zation. But  who,  at  that  time,  thought  it  was  so  soon  to  become  what  it  now 
is,  and  what  it  manifestly  must  be;  and  that  the  eyes  of  all  mankind 
should  be  directed  with  such  intensity  of  gaze  on  that  far  Pacific  shore  ? 
Who  could  have  guessed  of  the  startling  uprising  of  civilized  empire  in  that 
loqely  realm. 

Now  the  strong  contrast  has  come.  Oregon  and  the  Pacific  are  familiar 


DOMESTIC. 


[April, 

as  household  words,  and  incidents  occurring  there  are  read  and  known,  and 
talked  of,  as  if  they  belonged  to  some  next  door  settlement.  It  is  no  longer 
the  prophesy  of  the  sagacious,  the  speculation  of  the  intelligent,  the  dream 
of  the  enthusiastic;  it  is  literal  fact,  that  a vast  nation  has  laid  there  its  solid 
foundation,  and  is  erecting  the  superstructure  with  a rapidity  of  which  ex- 
perience gives  no  parallel,  and  with  a promise  of  magnificence  which  the 
spirit  of  romance  could  scarcely  have  ventured  to  evoke.  It  was  to  be  ex- 
pected that  Christian  philanthropy  would  soon  look  with  solicitude  in  that  di- 
rection, and  that  the  Church  of  Christ  would  regard  the  field  as  an  important 
one  for  exploration,  for  missionary  effort  and  accomplishment.  Ac- 
cordingly, for  some  time  past,  the  Domestic  Committee  has  exerted  itself  to 
secure  for  Oregon  a well  appointed  mission  of  the  Church.  Once  and  again, 
pastors  of  reputation  and  efficiency  made  signs  of  a disposition  to  labour 
there,  and  it  was  thought  that  the  object  was  attained,  but  Providential  disap- 
pointments interfered.  Then  to  several  selected  men  deemed  suitable  was  the 
post  of  honour  offered  ; but  other  views  of  duty  and  other  engagements  of 
life  prevented  their  acceptance.  And  now,  when  well  nigh  discouraged,  a 
reverend  brother  has  offered  himself  for  this  noble  enterprise,  with  entire 
readiness  and  cordiality  on  his  side,  and  with  high  satisfaction  on  the  other  ; 
one  whose  devotedness  and  ability,  whose  experience  and  activity,  whose 
influence  and  bearing,  are  commended  of  all  men,  and  around  whom  the 
affections  and  the  energies  of  the  Church  seem  to  rally  with  no  ordinary 
interest. 

Fault  is  found  with  our  mother  Church,  that  she  has  been  late  in  enter- 
ing upon  her  colonial  domains,  though  now  gloriously  redeeming  her  past 
remissness,  multiplying  her  Episcopates,  and  all  the  ministries  and  institu- 
tions for  proclaiming  and  extending  the  Gospel  of  salvation.  We  have 
merited  a like  rebuke,  and  it  yet  remains  to  be  verified,  whether  we  shall  de- 
serve the  commendation  of  redeeming  our  Christian  fame,  and  of  travelling 
along  with  our  parent  with  steps  at  all  equal  or  proportionate.  We  have 
long  been  surrounded  with  Oregons, — realms  opening  far  before  us,  into 
which  hundreds  of  thousands  have  poured,  and  in  which  thriving  cities  have 
grown  up  in  rapid  succession.  What  was  Ohio,  or  Indiana,  or  Illinois,  or 
M issouri,  or  Michigan,  but  each  an  Oregon  in  its  time,  so  far  as  population, 
or  to  use  better  words,  so  far  as  souls  of  immortal  men  are  concerned. 
What  is  Wisconsin,  when  compared  with  Oregon  as  it  is  this  very  moment, 
but  as  seven  Oregons,  and  now  what  Oregon  Is  destined  to  be  some  six 
years  hence1?  What  are  Iowa,  Minnesota,  Nebraska,  but  as  central  Ore- 
gons of  one  mighty  nation  ? In  these  vast  and  important  fields  we  have,  it  is 
true,  laboured  somewhat,  and  accomplished  a certain  amount  of  good,  but 
oh,  how  far  have  we  been  below  the  reality  of  our  privilege  and  power,  the 
proportions  of  our  duty,  or  the  wants  of  the  immense  territory  teeming  now 
with  life,  and  with  what  slender  force,  and  at  how  late  an  hour,  have  we 
ventured  on  the  plain  ! 

Now  a new  scene  suddenly  strikes  our  eyes,  and  Oregon  beyond  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  Oregon  of  the  Pacific  coast,  Oregon  of  the  very  farthermost 
West,  the  literal  Oregon,  claims  our  prayers,  our  gifts,  our  influence — and 
all  hearts  and  minds  seem  with  one  consent  settled  to  this  purpose.  Oh, 
that  we  might  here,  at  least  in  this  one  instance,  if  in  no  other,  unite  in 
concentrated  and  persevering  effort  to  prove  what  can  be  done  by  able  and 
faithful  ministrations,  sustained  by  unsparing  liberality.  Who  can  tell 
what  blessing  and  encouragement  might  ensue,  and  what  great  heart 
we  might  take  for  any  kindred  effort,  when  we  but  once  found  out  how 
God  would  reward  our  faithful  endeavouring,  and  could  see  with  our 


DOMESTIC. 


173 


1851.] 


scarce-believing  minds  what  we  could  accomplish  through  His  grace  and  in 
His  name.  God  help  our  unbelief — God  increase  our  faith — God  speed  the 
work  and  the  man  ! God  so  prosper  the  cause,  that  if  there  be  a pilgrim 
from  our  parent  Church  wandering  in  our  realm,  he  may,  in  returning,  car- 
ry back  good  tidings  of  our  awakened  Christian  sympathy,  of  renovated 
and  enlarged  missionary  spirit  kindred  to  its  own. 

A welcome  and  distinguished  pilgrim  was  thus  present,  when,  on  Sunday 
night,  the  third  in  Lent,  a missionary  gathering  was  held  for  Oregon,  in 
the  Church  of  St.  Bartholomew,  and  he,  the  sage  and  the  poet,  the  Christian 
sage  and  Christian  poet,  whose  name  and  fame  have  become  proverbial 
and  cherished  as  home  memorials,  whose  zealous  effort  it  has  lorfg  been  to 
bind  together  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  in  bonds  of  faith  and  brotherhood — he, 
rising  in  his  place,  expressed  his  warmest  wishes  in  behalf  of  the  Church  in 
Oregon,  and  of  his  friend,  the  missionary  priest,  venturing  in  confidence 
of  faith  upon  his  great  but  trying  enterprise.  We  trust  he  may  yet  be  the 
spectator  of  our  awakened  and  liberal  zeal.  No  better  tidings  could  he  carry 
back  to  our  beloved  mother  land,  nor  could  we  ask  a messenger  more  select 
or  more  a favourite.  On  that  evening,  while  earnest  addresses  were  delivered 
by  our  Vinton,  our  Richmond  and  our  Tyng,  he  added,  as  a voluntary  trib- 
ute of  his  interest  and  sympathy,  the  following  beautiful  ode,  hastily  penned 
for  the  occasion,  but  nobly  conceived,  and  felicitously  uttered. 


A WORD,  (by  REQUEST,)  FOR  THE  OREGON  MISSION. 


Push  on  to  earth’3  extremest  verge, — 
And  plant  the  Gospel  there, 

Till  wide  Pacific’s  angry  surge 
Is  soothed  by  Christian  pray’r  ; 
Advance  the  standard,  conquering  van  ! 

And  urge  the  triumph  on, 

In  zeal  for  God  and  love  for  man, 

To  distant  Oregon ! 

Faint  not,  O soldier  of  the  Cross, 

Its  standard-bearer  thou  ! 

All  California’s  gold  is  dross 
To  what  thou  winnest  now ! 
t A vast  new  realm, ‘wherein  to  search 
For  truest  treasure  won, 

God’s  jewels — in  his  infant  Church 
Of  newborn  Oregon. 

March  23,  1851.- 


Thou  shalt  not  fail,  thou  shalt  not  fall ! 

The  gracious  living  W ord 
Hath  said  of  every  land,  that  all 
Shall  glorify  the  Lord  : 

He  shalrbe  served  from  East  to  West, 
Yea,— to  the  setting  sun — 

And  Jesu’s  name  be  loved  and  blest 
In  desert  Oregon. 

Then,  Brothers  ! help  in  this  good  deed, 
And  side  with  God  to  day  ! 

Stand  by  His  servant,  now  to  speed 
His  Apostolic  way  : 

Bethlehem's  everleading  star 
In  mercy  guides  him  on 
To  light  with  holy  fire  from  far 
The  Star  of  Oregon. 

Martin  F.  Tupper. 


Appointments. — The  Rev.  Wm.  Richmond,  of  the  Diocese  of  New- York,  has 
been  appointed  Missionary  to  Oregon  ; Rev.  F.  D.  Harriman  to  Crawfordsville, 
Ind.,  from  April  1,  1851  ; Rev.  J.  B.  Colhoun  to  Muscatine,  Iowa,  from  October 
20,  1850  ; Rev.  J.  D.  Brooke  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  from  November  1,  1850  ; Rev. 
J.  Batchelder,  itinerant  in  Des  Moines  Co.,  Iowa,  from  April  1-,  1851  ; Rev. 
W.  J.  Ellis  to  Eufaula,  Ala.,  from  January  1,  1851;  Rev.  J.  H.  Ticknor  to 
Livingston,  Ala.,  from  January  1,  1851  ; Rev.  C.  Cleveland  to  Canton,  Miss.,  from 
October  1,  1850  ; Rev.  J.  H.  Ingraham  to  Aberdeen,  Miss.,  from  Oct.  1,  1850; 
the  Rev.  J.  S.  Greene,  the  Rev.  B.  Wright,  and  the  Rev.  C.  C.  Adams,  have 
been  re-appointed  Missionaries  in  Florida,  from  October  1st,  1850.  The  Rev.  A. 
Louderbaek,  the  Rev.  J.  Keeler,  and  the  Rev.  Otis  Hackett,  have  been  re-ap- 
pointed Missionaries  in  Iowa,  from  Oct.  1st,  1850.  The  Rev.  T.  S.  Savage,  and 
the  Rev.  W.'  P.  C.  Johnson,  have  been  re-appointed  Missionaries  in  Mississippi, 
from  October  1st,  1850. 


Resignations. — Rev.  H.  Sansom,  of  San  Augustin  and  Nacogdoches,  Texas, 
to  take  effect  April  1st,  1851.  Rev.  J.  De  Pui,  of  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  to  take 
effect,  January  1st,  1851  ; Rev.  J.  Batchelder,  of  Burlington,  Iowa,  to  take  effect 
April  1st,  1851. 


174 


DOMESTIC, 


[April, 


2UknotoUbgnunt0. 


DOMESTIC  MISSIONS. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Domestic  Committee  ac- 
knowledges the  receipt  of  the  following  sums,  from 
the  15th  February  to  the  15th  March,  1851  : 

* 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 


Claremont — Union  Ch 50 

VERMONT. 

Brandon — St.  Thomas’s 8 00 

Hyde'ville — St.  James’s 7 37 

Poultney — St.John’s 7 35 

Wells— St-  Paul’s 1 13  23  85 

* RHODE  ISLAND. 

Wickford — St.  Paul’s,  £ 5 00 

Bristol — H.  F.  M 1 00  6 00 

CONNECTICUT. 

Birmingham — St  James’s 17  73 

Fairhaven — St.  James’s 17  12 

Guilford — Christ  Church,  £ 15  00 

Hamden — Grace  Church 30  00 

New-Canaon — St.  Mark’s 10  00 

New-Haven — St.  Paul’s 158  00 

Do.  do.  for  Illinois 2 00 

Do.  do.  for  Milwaukie.  3 00 

Stamford— St.  John’s 21  10 

Weston 4 00 

Winsted— St.  James’s 10  00  287  95 

NEW-YORK. 

Cold  Spring  Harbor — St.  John’s 5 27 

Cooperstown — Christ  Church,  £ 10  00 

Delhi — St.  John’s. 7 00 

Goshen — St.  James’s  S.  S 2 00 

Kinderhook — St.  Paul’s,  offerings  of 

a Communicant 3 00 

New-York — Ch.  of  the  Ascension,  add.  2 50 

Do.  do.  for  Oregon 544  79 

Do.  do.  two  ladies,  per  Mr. 

Jackson 11  00 

Ch.  of  St.  John  the  Baptist 10  00 

Grace  Ch.,  J.  D.  Wolfe,  Esq,  for 

Oregon .200  00 

St  Bartholomew’s,  Missionary 

Meeting  in,  for  Oregon 334  10 

St.  John’s  Chapel,  a member,  for 

Oregon 10  00 

Potsdam — Trinity,  add’l 9 31 

Ulster — Trinity  S.  S.,  * 3 70  1152  67 

NEW-JERSEY. 

• 

Elizabethtown—  St.  John’s 7 16 

Spottswood — St.  Peter’s 5 00 

Van  Voorst — Grace,  £ 7 15  19  31 

MARYLAND. 

Baltimore — Anonymous 50  00 

Do.  Rev.  J.  R.  Keech 7 50  57  50 


Foreign  Acknowledgments — Correction. — Ohio, 
and  T.  Tuttle,  25  c.,”)  read  $2. 


VIRGINIA. 


Alexandria — Christ  Ch 40  00 

Fauquier  Co. — Mrs.  H.  E.  S.,  J- 5 00 

Fredericksburgh— St.  George’s,  for 

Oregon 50  00 

Lynchburgh— St.  Paul’s 51  00 

Madison  Co.— Bloomfield  Par.,  i ...  3 25 

Norfolk— J.  E.  A 10  00 

Orange — St.  Thomas’s  £ 19  00 

Petersburgh — Grace  Ch 45  00  223  25 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Leaksville—Mr.  Nelson,  $2  ; Mr.  Bur- 

ford,  $1 ; Rev.  J.  R.  Lee,  $5 . . . 8 00 

Plymouth — Grace  Ch 13  45 

Raleigh — Christ  Ch 40  00 

Wilmington — St.  James’s 101  42 

Washington — St.  Luke’s 1 00  163  87 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Charleston — St.  Michael’s 35  13 

St.  Paul’s 73  22 

Do.  for  Indians 1 50 

St.  Philip’s,  Bishop  Kemper’s  ju- 
risdiction  25  00 

Do.  Bishop  Freeman’s 26  00 

Do.  Mon.  Miss.  Lee 9 38 

Clarendon— St.  Mark’s 52  50 

James’s  Island—  St.  James’s 8 00 

Prince  Frederick  Parish 80  00 

Sumter  District — W.  Barrows,  Esq.  25  00  334  88 

GEORGIA. 

Columbus  V. — Home  Missions 20  00 

ALABAMA. 

Mobile— Trinity 29  70 

Montgomery— St.  John’s. .t 10  00  39  70 

MISSISSIPPI. 

Natchez — Trinity 171  38 

OHIO. 

Dayton — Rev.  J.  B.  Britton,  for  Ore- 
gon   5 00 

Marietta — St.  Luke’s 6 00 

Cincinnati — Christ  Ch.,  a member...  3 00 
Gambier — Dr.  and  Mrs.  Patterson 2 00  16  00 


MICHIGAN. 

Adrian — Christ  Ch. 3 00 

Detroit — “ Sigma,”.. 6 00  9 00 

MISSOURI. 

St.  Louis — St.  John’s 5 50 

St.  Paul’s 7 50  13  00 

LEGACIES. 

Mrs.  Frances  Miller,  late  of  Philadel- 
phia  600  00 

Total $3,153  86 


(Total  since  June  15th,  1850,  $28,325  02.) 
i Falls,  St,  John’s,  $10,  for  (“  of  which  from  G. 


1851.] 


FOREIGN. 


175 


FOREIGN. 


MISSIONARY  CORRESPONDENCE. 


The  journals  from  the  China  Mission  in  this  number  are  very  brief,  for 
the  pressing  demands  made  upon  the  Mission  leave  little  space  for  cor- 
respondence and  journalizing.  The  few  points  referred  to  in  the  subjoined 
summary,  are  interesting  : — the  baptism  of  candidates, — the  administration 
of  the  same  rite  to  a child  of  converted  parents, — the  arrival  of  the  Bishop 
of  Victoria, — and  the  renewed  evidence  of  the  ill  effects  of  overtasked 
strength.  Happily,  the  Missionary  Bishop  will,  we  trust,  soon  hear  that 
kind  Providence  is  raising  up  helpers  from  home. 

QTfjina. 

LETTER  FROM  REV.  E.  W.  SYLE. 

Shanghai , 13 th  November , 1850. 

I must  content  myself  with  sending,  in  the  form  of  a letter,  a few  extracts 
from  my  journal  for  the  last  two  months.  I did  not  send  anything  by  the 
last  mail,  knowing  the  Bishop  was  writing,  and  being  pressed  by  other 
occupations. 

September  14 th. — The  little  daughter  of  a blind  woman — one  of  our  can- 
didates for  baptism — was  admitted  by  Mrs.  Bridgman  to  her  school. 

Sunday , Sept.  15 th. — Services  at  the  Church  well  attended.  During  the 
interval  many  came  to  converse — a tea  merchant  from  the  interior,  whose 
mind  was  full  of  Pantheism;  a broken-down  opium-smoker;  a school 
teacher  to  read  the  Scriptures,  and  three  youths  from  Nankin,  who  had  just 
set  out  on  their  travels.  Such  visits  are  now  become  of  constant  occur- 
rence, so  that  I need  not  repeat  the  mention  of  them.  In  the  evening  a 
company  of  Parsees  came  to  the  school-house. 

Sept.  18$A. — Miss  Jones  being  too  sick  to  teach  this  morning,  I took  her 
place  in  the  school-room. 

Sept.  19 th,  20 th,  21s£. — Miss  Jones  still  sick, 

Sept.  22 d,  Sunday. — Usual  services.  Several  Romanists  came  ; among 
them  an  intelligent  young  man  from  Soo-choio,  who  told  me  many  strange 
things  about  Romish  proceedings  there. 

Sept.  24 th. — Chill  and  fever,, so  that  I could  not  accompany  the  Bishop, 
who  went  to  the  Church  for  the  purpose  of  examining  several  candidates 
for  baptism ; thus  is  our  experience  diversified. 

Sept.  27 th. — During  the  past  week,  occupied  with  the  school  in  the  fore- 
noon. Miss  Jones  is  a little  better,  but  extremely  weak.  Letter  from  Mr. 
Irving  received  to-day,  making  mention  of  Miss  Fav’s  appointment.  An- 

2 


176 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

other  proof  of  Divine  goodness  in  blending  alleviations  with  our  troubles, 
and  truly  vve  were  in  need  of  comfort!  for  now  are  we  realizing  the  evils 
of  which  the  premonitions  have  been  given  so  long  ago,  and  with  so  great 
certainty. 

Sunday , Sept.  29 th. — Both  schools  and  all  our  Mission  company  (with 
one  exception)  were  present  in  the  Church  to-day,  at  the  baptism  of  four 
from  among  the  candidates  who  have  been  receiving  regular  instruction.  I 
administered  the  rite,  and  the  Bishop  (though  feeling  very  sick)  preached; 
not  however  venturing  to  ascend  the  pulpit,  but  speaking  from  the  reading- 
desk.  A solemn  day  to  me,  for  it  brought  back  strongly  the  memory  of  our 
dear  Brother  Spalding : three  of  those  baptized  had  received  instruction 
from  him. 

October  4 th. — Monthly  examination  of  the  school — progress  encouraging. 

Oct.  1th. — Our  good  Christian  friend,  Mr.  Olyphant,  of  New-York,  being 
here,  I conducted  him  and  Rev.  J.  K.  Wight,  of  the  Presbyterian  Board’s 
Mission,  to  look  at  a building-lot  in  the  city.  The  Monthly  Missionary 
Meeting  was  held  at  our  school-house  in  the  evening — full  attendance. 

Oct.  12 th. — The  past  week  occupied  with  the  usual  routine,  the  pressure 
of  which  is  very  burdensome,  and  but  for  Miss  Tenney’s  timely  arrival  and 
valuable  assistance,  would  prove  intolerable.  Miss  Jones  and  the  Bishop, 
both  of  them  still  very  far  from  well. 

Sunday , Oct.  13 th. — A dear  little  Chinese  girl,  scarcely  three  months 
old,  daughter  of  our  young  man,  Chung-chan,  was  baptized  this  morning — 
the  first  who  may  be  considered  as  “ born  in  the  Church”  here.  My  own 
little  boy,  Walter  Meade,  baptized  at  the  same  time. 

Oct.  14 th — Miss  Jones  joined  a little  party  consisting  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Medhurst  and  others,  who  are  going  to  “ the  Hills,”  (so  called,)  hoping  to 
recruit  their  strength  by  change  of  air  and  scene  for  a few  days. 

Oct.  loth. — The  Bishop  of  Victoria  arrived  yesterday  in  the  “ Reynard,” 
a British  screw  war-steamer.  I met  his  lordship  to-day,  and  found  him 
much  altered  since  the  time  I had  seen  him  at  Chusan  in  1845. 

Oct.  19 th. — Miss  Jones  has  returned,  apparently  much  benefited. 

Sunday , Oct.  2 ftth. — Very  few  attended  the  services  at  the  Church  to- 
day. 

Oct.  2\st.—A  young  Englishman,  who  came  up  with  the  Bishop  of  Vic- 
toria, (Mr.  Summers — the  same  who  gave  occasion  to  that  affair  at  Macao, 
because  he  would  not  take  off  his  hat  to  a Romish  procession,)  has  been 
temporarily  engaged  by  our  Bishop  to  instruct  in  our  school  during  the  hours 
allotted  to  the  English  studies.  This  will  be  a great  relief. 

Oct.  22 d. — All  the  Episcopal  Missionaries  met  the  Bishop  of  Victoria  at 
dinner  to-day  at  Bishop  Boone’s. 

Oct.  23 d. — Transferred  to  Mr.  Summers  my  part  of  the  charge  of  the 
school-boys,  all  except  the  head  class,  the  instruction  of  which  1 retain  until 
the  Bishop  shall  be  at  liberty  to  take  charge  of  them  himself ; then  I shall 
be  free  to  return  again  to  my  more  appropriate  duties  at  the  Church,  and 
amongst  the  people  in  the  city. 

Sunday , Oct.  27th. — A very  interesting  day  altogether — good  attendance 
at  both  services.  A most  extraordinary  case  of  application  for  instruction — 
quite  a well-looking  young  man,  who  professed  to  be  troubled  in  his  con- 
science, because,  during  the  famine  last  year,  he  had  negotiated  the  purchase 
and  sale  of  many  children  ! He  said  he  did  not  want  any  money  or  em- 
ployment from  us;  in  which  respect  his  application  was  unlike  most  of  those 
which  are  made  to  us.  Bat  how  was  he  supported  ? His  mother  is  the 
keeper  of  a house  of  ill  repute,  and  he  acts  as  a servant  to  her ! 


FOREIGN. 


177 


1851.] 

Oct . 30M. — Although  I have  no  time  to  spare,  and  no  skill  in  surgery, 
yet  some  of  the  poor  people  about  us  suffer  so  much  from  sores,  which  only 
need  a little  dressing  every  day,  and  come  to  us  with  so  much  confidence 
in  our  good  will  and  ability  to  help  them,  that  I cannot  altogether  refuse; 
consequently  I have  four  or  five  cases  on  my  hands. 

Sunday , November  3 d. — After  my  nine  o’clock  service  at  Christ  Church, 
I indulged  myself  by  attending  service  at  Trinity,  where  the  Bishop  of  Vic- 
toria preached  and  administered  the  Communion.  Chinese  service  at  three 
o’clock,  well  attended.  This  is  the  best  hour  of  the  day,  though  I think  a 
service  at  night  would  bring  large  numbers  to  listen. 

.Nov.  4 th. — The  Monthly  Missionary  Meeting  was  held  at  Mr.  Hobson's, 
and  was  conducted  by  the  Bishop  of  Victoria — attendance  very  general. 

Nov.  9th  — 1 The  “ Reynard,”  with  the  Bishop  of  Victoria  on  board,  left 
Shanghai  for  Ningpo. 

Sunday , Nov.  10) th. — Communion  at  school  chapel  in  the  morning.  Af- 
ternoon congregation  at  the  Church  more  than  usually  large  and  attentive. 
Surely  we  shall  see  a large  in-gathering  soon  ! 

Nov.  1 \th. — Miss  Jones  continuing  to  suffer  from  extreme  weakness,  has 
again  gone  to  the  Hills  in  company  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hobson. 

Nov.  12 th. — The  number  of  applicants  for  baptism  is  increasing. 

You  have  above,  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir,  an  extremely  meagre  outline  of 
what  has  occurred  amongst  us ; and  one  reason  why  it  is  so  meagre  is,  that 
the  cases  which  come  before  us,  and  the  occupations  in  which  we  are  en- 
gaged, are  so  full  of  interest,  that  any  attempt  to  write  them  out  fully  would 
be  futile;  it  would  take  all  of  one  person’s  time.  The  compositions  of  our 
head-class  boys,  and  the  daily  conversations  I have  with  them  over  our  his- 
tory lessons,  would  make  a volume,  and  that  none  of  the  least  interesting,  I 
can  assure  you.  Four  adult  and  one  infant  baptisms  to  encourage  us,  and 
two  suspensions  to  distress  our  hearts.  Miss  Jones  quite  sick,  but  the  Bi- 
shop better,  and  I myself  quite  recovered  from  the  slight  attacks  of  the  fever 
and  ague. 


Africa. 

JOURNAL  OF  THE  REV.  J.  RAMBO. CAPE  PALMAS. 

ARRIVAL  OF  MR.  HENING  AT  THE  STATION  OF  MR.  RAMBO. 

(Continued.) 

June  12 th,  1850. — To-day  Rev.  Mr.  Hening  and  Mrs.  Hening  joined  me 
at  this  (Fair  Haven)  station,  after  an  absence  of  some  ten  weeks,  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health.  They  have  been  staying  at  Cape  Palmas,  near  the  phy- 
sician. Through  the  goodness  of  God,  Mr.  Hening’s  health  seems  well  es- 
tablished again ; Mrs.  Hening  still  delicate.  I rejoice  to  see  them  back 
again,  to  aid  and  cheer  me  in  this  arduous  work.  Mr.  Hening  will,  as  be- 
fore, share  my  labours. 

Sunday , June  16 th. — Mr.  Hening  preached  to  a good  congregation  in  the 
morning.  I attended  the  Sunday  School  in  the  afternoon,  and  preached  at 
night  in  the  school-house. 

June  24 th. — The  examination  of  the  Fair  Haven  schools  took  place  to- 
day in  the  afternoon.  Went  to  meet  the  “ brig  Smithfield,”  which  anchor- 


FOREIGN. 


178 


[April, 


ed  last  evening  in  Cape  Palmas  harbour.  My  object  is  to  meet  my 
brethren  to  transact  business,  and  forward  letters  home. 

June  25th. — Met  Rev.  Mr.  Walker,  of  the  Gaboon,  who  is  a Missionary 
of  the  American  Board,  and  is  returning  home  on  a visit.  His  accounts  of 
the  Mission  at  Gaboon  were  encouraging.  The  wife  of  one  of  the  Presby- 
terian Missionaries  who  came  out  last  winter,  died  soon  after  reaching  the 
Gaboon. 

SCHOOL  EXAMINATIONS  AND  MISSIONARY  EXCURSIONS. 

June  2 6th. — Attended  the  examination  of  the  High  School,  and  Female 
Primary  School,  at  Mount  Vaughan.  The  examinations  were  creditable  to 
both  scholars  and  teachers.  Some  of  the  pupils  of  the  High  School  seem  to 
be  very  promising.  Five  of  the  six  boarders  are  professors  of  religion.  These, 
with  several  colonists  who  study  privately  with  us,  will,  we  hope,  soon  ren- 
der (as  indeed  some  do  now)  most  efficient  service  as  teachers  in  the  Mission. 

In  the  evening  exhibited  the  Magic  I^antem  in  the  Chapel  to  a crowded 
audience  of  children  and  youth.  When  catechised,  they  answered  prompt- 
ly and  correctly,  much  to  the  gratification  of  the  lecturer  and  teachers. 

June  2 8th. — Attended  the  Quarterly  Examination  of  the  Cavalla  Schools. 
It  passed  very  well,  especially  that  of  the  Female  School.  There  had  evi- 
dently been  great  improvement  under  its  new  directress.  It  had  formerly 
been  under  the  superintendence  of  a male  (native)  teacher. 

Sunday,  June  30 th. — Preached  in  Wotte  and  Kobla,  river  towns,  and 
taught  and  catechised  the  children.  Owing  to  a late  palaver,  some  of  the 
citizens  had  to  leave,  and  take  refuge  in  a neighbouring  tribe.  The  houses 
of  these  had  been  either  in  part  or  wholly  demolished.  The  difficulty  is 
likely  soon  to  be  settled  amicably.  Was  almost  overcome  by  the  ride  and 
duties  of  the  day,  as  I was  somewhat  feverish  when  I left  Cavalla.  The  er- 
rand was  the  Lord’s,  and  I could  not  resist  the  pleasure  such  a trip  and 
such  services  afford  me.  Much  better  in  the  evening,  thank  God. 

July  3d. — Left  Cavalla  for  Fair  Haven.  Procured  new  hammock-bear- 
ers at  Cape  Palmas.  After  crossing  the  Hoffman  River,  and  proceeding  up 
the  beach  one  mile,  two  of  the  bearers  complained  of  my  being  heavy,  and 
suddenly  left  me  with  one,,  boy  only;  aud  the  consequence  was,  I walked 
five  miles  through  sand  to  Rocktowu,  where  I procured  a full  set,  (which  I 
could  not  do  at  the  Cape,)  and  the  remaining  four  miles  were  soon  travelled. 
I reached  my  home  not  a little  fatigued,  and  somewhat  feverish. 

A RUMOURED  MURDER. SICKNESS  OF  MRS.  HENING.— -A  SPECIMEN 

OF  HEATHENISM. 

July  6th. — -In  my  visit  to  town  this  afternoon,  endeavoured  to  ascertain 
the  truth  of  general  rumor  in  the  colony  and  other  places,  that  these  (the 
Fishtown  people)  have  within  a few  weeks  murdered  and  robbed  some  Fish- 
men  as  they  were  returning  home  (to  the  windward)  with  their  money  lately 
made  by  fishing.  Several  men  were  said  to  have  been  in  the  canoes,  and  all 
killed.  As  these  Fishmen’s  countrymen  had  a short  time  before  killed  two 
Kroomen  of  this  place,  just  from  sea,  and  took  their  money,  these,  doubtless, 
if  guilty,  would  justify  themselves  in  this  way  ; for  the  spirit  of  retaliation  is 
found  in  every  bosom  among  these  poor  heathen.  When  I questioned  indi- 
viduals, all  assumed  ignorance;  no  one  had  even  heard  of  any  rumors. 
This  is  but  human  nature.  As  no  one  of  the  Fishmen  probably  survived, 
(if  true.)  none  but  the  murderers  are  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances. 

Sunday , July  1th. — About  one  hundred  persons  in  the  Chapel  in  the 
morning.  At  12,  M.,  administered  the  Communion  to  Mrs.  Hening,  who 


1851.] 


FOREIGN. 


179 


was  very  ill.  Her  physician  having  decided  that  it  was  necessary  that  she 
be  removed  ten  miles  to  Cape  Palmas,  where  she  would  be  constantly  under 
his  superintendence,  though  very  much  debilitated,  was  removed  without 
great  fatigue  to  his  residence  in  the  afternoon. 

At  half  past  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  administered  the  communion  to  mem- 
bers of  this  station,  and  catechised  the  schools  in  the  evening. 

Thursday , July  1 If  A. — Delivered  the  Monthly  Missionary  Lecture  this 
evening.  Text : “ What  hath  God  wrought.” 

July  13 th. — In  my  visit  to  the  town  this  afternoon,  I called  as  usual  on 
my  blind  friend,  Puah,  who  is  a constant  worshipper  in  the  Chapel  on  Sun- 
day mornings.  He  has  but  one  wife,  and  his  two  or  three  children  are 
grown.  He  sat  upon  a mat  near  the  fire,  and  a sick  son  near  him,  and  his 
wife  was  busy  about  culinary  affairs.  The  narrow  hovel  was  the  only  one 
he  owns,  and  it  is  quite  time-honoured  ; it  is  almost  ready  to  fall  to  pieces. 
I asked  why  his^ieighbours  did  not  join  and  put  up  a new  and  comfortable 
house  for  him  ? He  said  he  dare  not  propose  it,  because,  instead  of  waiting 
on  him,  they  would  in  all  probability  take  him  and  give  him  sassa-wood  for 
his  presumption.  They  would  answer  him  : “ You  be  an  old  blind  man  ; 
you  can’t  help  us  in  return;  why  then  do  you  ask  for  our  assistance?” 
Such  are  the  tender  mercies  of  these  cruel  heathen.  He  said  his  sons  in- 
tended soon  to  make  the  hut  comfortable  for  him;  I hope  it  may  be  so. 
Children  are  often  as  unkind  to  afflicted  and  helpless  parents  as  the  most 
indifferent  neighbours. 

Though  the  natural  world  is  all  darkness  to  him,  I trust  the  eyes  of  his 
understanding  are  being  enlightened,  for  he  apparently  hears  the  Word  glad- 
ly, as  he  seemed  to  do  on  this  occasion,  as  the  doctrines  of  the  Cross  were 
unfolded  to  him  and  his  family. 

One  of  my  pious  school-boys  gladly  performs  the  part  every  Sunday  morn- 
ing, of  a leader  of  this  poor  blind  man  to  the  Sanctuary  of  the  Lord. 

EXCURSIONS. AN  AFFLICTED  HEATHEN. 

Sunday , July  14 th. — From  eighty  to  ninety  persons  in  Chapel  this  morn- 
ing. The  people  generally  on  their  rice  farms  gathering  the  harvest.  One 
hundred  children  were  in  the  Male  School  this  afternoon  in  the  Chapel. 
Three-fourths  of  them  were  from  the  villages.  Lectured  in  the  School-house 
in  the  evening. 

July  20 th. — In  the  afternoon  walked  three-fourths  of  a mile  to  the  nearest 
rice  farms,  and  found  their  owners  busy  cutting  one  head  at  a time  with 
small  knives — rather  a tedious  process  compared  with  the  despatch  of  Ame- 
rican harvestmen.  The  grain  is  well  filled,  and  all  have  begun  to  rejoice  at 
the  bountiful  return  of  their  labour.  Many  attended  the  Annual  Thanks- 
giving Service  last  year ; I trust  all  will  be  present  this  year. 

Also  visited  the  villages  to  invite  the  people  to  attend  the  Chapel  on  the 
following  Lord’s-day.  Had  a long  talk  with  an  intelligent,  but  greatly  af- 
flicted Krooman.  His  name  is  Dr.  Freeman.  A few  days  ago  two  of  his 
three  wives  died  suddenly,  and  within  two  hours  of  each  other.  His  head 
had  been  shaved,  (as  is  the  custom  of  the  bereaved,)  and  he  bore  in  his  face 
the  marks  of  deep  sorrow.  He  seemed  glad  to  see  me. 

The  afternoon  seemed  much  like  one  in  the  pleasantest  part  of  October  in 
America.  / The  searching  salt  winds  (from  the  sea)  had  strewed  the  ground 
with  the  leaves  of  the  wide-spread  india-rubber  tree  under  which  we  had 
seated  ourselves. 

The  appearance  and  state  of  mind  of  this  stricken  heathen  deeply  interest- 
ed me.  We  sat  and  conversed  together  for  some  time.  I asked  him  if  he 


180 


foreign. 


[April, 


thought  any  person  had  poisoned  his  deceased  wives  ? “ No,  no  !”  said  he  ; 

“ God  has  taken  them  from  the  world,  and  he  does  all  things  well.  I must 
not  complain.  I will  try  to  take  the  affliction  patiently.”  He  spoke  with  a 
trembling  voice,  indicating  feeling. 

His  wives  had  gone,  and  he  was  serious,  and  I hoped  at  this  time  to  do 
him  good ; and  I asked  him  if  he  did  not  consider  the  death  of  his  wives 
was  a loud  call  to  him  to  be  also  ready?  He  said  it  was.  He  said  serious- 
ly, “ It  is  my  duty  to  turn  to  God ; to  pray  to  him  daily  ; to  thank  Him  at 
night  for  the  mercies  and  blessings  of  the  day ; in  the  morning,  for  His  pro- 
tection during  the  night.  When  I sit  down  to  my  meals  I must  ask  His 
blessing  upon  them,  and  when  I rise  up  I must  thank  Him  that  I have  been 
permitted  to  enjoy  the  bounties  of  His  hand.”  I urged  him  to  attend  to 
these  duties  regularly,  and  by  no  means  to  neglect  them.  He  assured  me 
that  he  would  try  to  do  as  I requested  him,  and  that  upon  the  following  day 
he  would  attend  the  Chapel.  f 

July  25th. — Was  called  upon  by  the  serious  doctor,  and  accompanied 
him  to  see  his  father,  who  seemed  to  be  at  the  point  of  death.  The  old  hea- 
then listened  to  my  counsel  about  his  soul;  but,  alas,  he  had  made  no  pre- 
paration for  death.  When  I asked  him,  he  said  “ he  was  afraid  to  die;”  he 
wished  to  live,  though,  owing  to  a peculiar  disease,  his  life  must  latterly 
have  been  a very  suffering  one.  He  died  that  evening. 

MISSIONARY  LIFE. A WEDDING. A CASE  OF  DISCIPLINE. A RESCUE. 


July  30 th. — Took  boat  for  Cape  Palmas,  and  preached  in  the  School- 
house  there  to  a good  congregation  of  colonists. 

July  31s£. — Lectured  in  the  evening  to  children  at  Mount  Vaughan,  hav- 
ing preached  in  a native  town  at  Cape  Palmas  in  the  morning. 

Sunday,  August  4th. — Preached  to  a small  congregation  in  the  Chapel 
in  the  morning.  Administered  the  Communion.  Owing  to  recent  open 
sin  on  the  part  of  some  of  the  members,  they  were  on  this  occasion  ex- 
cluded from  participating  in  this  holy  sacrament.  Catechised  the  scholars 
in  the  evening. 

Aug.  6th. — Preached  in  Rocktown  and  Middletown,  each  once,  to  fair 
congregations. 

Aug.  8th. — Married  Benjamin  W.  Dorr  to  Amelia  Griswold,  both  belong- 
ing to  this  station. 

Sunday , Aug.  1U1 — Having  two  days  ago  come  to  Cavalla,  I preached 
here  this  morning  to  a good  congregation.  Afternoon,  conducted  and  lec- 
tured to  the  Male  Sunday  School.  Preached  at  night  in  the  School-house. 

Aug.  1 5th. — Having  two  days  since  returned  to  Fair  Haven,  to-day  in- 
vestigated the  case  of  a communicant,  who,  in  my  absence,  was  charg- 
ed by  his  fellows  with,  some  time  since,  having  been  guilty  of  a dis- 
graceful, un-Christian  act,  and  has  for  months  hid  it  and  continued  to  com- 
mune. He  was  found  guilty  of  the  charge,  and  dismissed  from  all  duties  in 
the  Mission. 

Alas!  The  shades  are  dark  now:  may  succeeding  lights  be  correspond- 
ingly bright!  Man  cannot  understand  why  these  reverses  are  sent,  but 
God  can  cause  even  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  Him. 

Freeman  called  last  evening.  Seems  as  serious  and  as  willing  a hearer 
as  ever.  But  he  is  still  undecided  as  to  whether  he  can  now  leave  the  hea- 
then town,  give  up  for  ever  all  heathen  notions,  and  come  and  live  in  our  little 
community,  to  serve  God,  his  best  friend,  forever. 

Aug.  1 6th. — This  morning,  at  seven  o’clock,  one  of  the  school  boys  came 


FOREIGN. 


181 


1851.] 

into  my  study,  and  informed  me  thgt  the  sedibo  had  taken  a man  out  to  the 
common  near  by,  in  order  to  administer  to  him  gidu.  Without  hesitation  I 
repaired  to  the  spot.  The  prisoner  was  there,  and  some  twenty  or  thirty 
persons  besides.  The  executioners  had  not  arrived.  As  some  preparations 
were  yet  to  be  made,  I returned  home,  and  after  family  prayers,  repaired  a 
second  time  to  the  scene  of  execution.  Hyano,  the  Governor,  had  just  fin- 
ished his  harangue  in  behalf  of  the  condemned.  The  crowd  had  increased 
to  at  least  two  hundred  persons.  The  prisoner  was  seated  beside  a fire  in 
the  midst  of  the  assembly,  nearly  all  of  whom  were  seated  on  the  ground. 

As  soon  as  Hyano  had  finished,  I advanced  towards  the  prisoner,  rernark- 
iiig,  as  I went,  that  as  I had  never  before  had  an  opportunity  of  asking  them 
to  release  a person  in  like  circumstances  with  him,  and  he  was  my  friend, 
they  must  therefore  let  me  take  this  man  to  my  home. 

“ Take  him ,”  said  one  of  the  soldiers,  “he  is  yours”  I took  hold  of  his 
hand,  and  led  him  forth  to  the  Mission-house,  amidst  the  shouts  and  applause 
of  his  family  and  friends,  most  of  whom  followed  us. 

In  less  than  half  an  hour  the  innocence  or  guilt  of  the  prisoner  would 
have  been  tested  by  the  poisonous  draught,  perhaps,  though  not  certain. 
The  poor  man  seemed  grateful  to  me  for  his  release. 

This  is  the  third  or  fourth  person  who  has  been  rescued  from  passing  this 
trying  ordeal  at  this  place  during  the  past  year.  All  had  been  accused  of 
witchcraft,  as  was  the  case  with  the  man  released  to-day.  My  blind  friend’s 
(Puah’s)  son  has  died  within  two  days,  and  the  person  accused  was  his  neigh- 
bour. 

This  afternoon,  the  sedibo,  who  at  my  request  delivered  up  the  man  ac- 
cused of  witchcraft  this  morning,  came  to  me  demanding  pay,  because  they 
granted  my  request.  I asked  them  if  they  had  not  given  him  up  willingly? 
They  replied  they  had.  I then  asked,  why  they  should  demand  pay  ? I had 
not  promised  to  pay  for  his  release,  nor  ought  they  to  expect  it.  They  re- 
tired satisfied  that  I was  right,  and  acknowledged  that  they  ought  not  to  ask 
for  remuneration. 

Several  other  persons  were  taken  out  to  the  common  for  the  same  pur- 
pose during  the  day — but  none  were  subjected  to  the  ordeal.  It  is  quite 
probable  some  of  them  will  yet  either  voluntarily  drink  the  poison,  or  have 
it  administered  to  them  by  the  sedibo.  There  can  be  no  greater  stigma 
upon  the  character  of  these  poor  creatures,  according  to  their  judgment,  than 
to  be  branded  with  the  epithet  of  wizard  or  witch.  The  accused,  there- 
fore, are  generally  anxious  to  have  the  matter  tested,  and  set  at  rest. 

Aug.  17 th. — The  father  and  principal  wife  of  the  man  yesterday  rescued 
from  drinking  sassa-wood,  came  to-day  to  thank  me  for  my  kindness  (as 
they  said)  in  saving  their  relative  from  passing  the  dread  ordeal. 

Afternoon  visited  blind  Puah,  and  tried  to  impress  his  mind  with  the 
importance  of  preparing  to  die,  for  he  must  soon  follow  his  son  to  the  grave. 
Both  he  and  the  mother  of  the  deceased  youth,  seemed  to  grieve  much  on 
account  of  his  death.  But,  alas  ! their  drooping  spirits  would  not  be  buoyed 
up — for  they  are  without  the  consolations  of  the  grace  of  God — they  have 
“ no  hope,  and  are  without  God  in  the  world.” 

ARRIVAL  FROM  HOME. MISSIONARY  MEETINGS. 

Aug.  26th.— -The  brig  “ Lowder”  brought  many  letters  from  our  native 
land,  from  dear  friends,  to  cheer  us  in  our  work. 

iSept.  2d. — Took  part  in  the  Missionary  meeting  at  Cape  Palmas. — 
Lectured,  on  the  4< Spiritual  Results  of  Christian  Missions.”  Rev.  Mr. 
Payne  followed  with  appropriate  remarks. 


182 


FOREIGN. 


[Apri 


Sept.  3 d. — Bade  adieu  to  Dr.  Ford,  *vho  is  on  his  way  to  the  Gaboon, 
to  join  the  Mission  of  the  American  Board.  Our  acquaintance  and  inter- 
course were  short,  but  pleasant. 

Sept.  5th. — Held  the  monthly  Missionary  meeting  at  this  station.  After 
a short  lecture  by  myself,  G.  T.  Bedell  (a  native  convert)  delivered  an  ap- 
propriate address. 

Sunday,  Sept.  8th. — Congregations  as  usual.  The  Communion  was  ad- 
ministered in  the  afternoon,  and  the  Sunday  schools  catechised  in  the 
evening. 

Sept.  9th. — Visited  Middletown  and  Rocktown,  and  preached  in  each 
once.  The  congregations  quite  large  and  attentive.  Have  heard,  that 
several  of  the  persons  recently  accused  of  witchcraft,  have  drank  sassa- 
wood,  and  died.  One  took  it  voluntarily. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

iHissionarj}  labours  in  tije  Jslanirs. 

LETTER  FROM  B.  J.  BETTE L HEIM,  M.  D.,  TO  REV.  P.  PARKER,  M.  D.,  DATED 
NAPA,  SEPTEMBER,  1849. 

(Continued  from  page  141.) 

The  inquiry  has  been  made  by  some  of  our  readers,  “ who  is  Dr.  Bettel- 
heim,  and  with  what  Missionary  Society  is  he  connected  V* 

We  have  no  very  precise  information  to  give  in  reply.  He  is  only 
known  to  us  as  a converted  Israelite,  an  eccentric,  but  pious  and  zealous 
man,  in  whose  efforts  our  Missionaries  in  China  have  taken  a lively  interest, 
and  who  is  endeavouring  to  establish  himself  in  the  islands,  so  well  known 
from  the  reports  of  a British  Naval  Commander,  Captain  Basil  Hall. 
It  is  our  impression  that  he  has  been  connected  with  the  London  Mission- 
ary Society,  but  whether  he  remains  so  or  not,  we  cannot  say. 

I beg  you  to  forgive  this  digression,  and  kindly  to  forbear  with  me.  It 
may  after  all  be  no  digression,  in  view  of  the  Missionary  interest  at  large, 
though  no  doubt  it  is  so  from  my  report.  But  I am  glad  to  have  thus  unin- 
tentionally proved  that  I am  able  to  forget  my  own  trials,  whenever  an  op- 
portunity offers  to  speak  for  Missions.  Tears  have  often  moistened  my 
eyes  while  writing  the  above  lines,  partly  sorrowing,  I hope  after  a godly 
manner,  for  the  delinquencies  attaching  to  the  Church  even  in  her  Mission- 
ary enterprises,  and  partly  moved  by  heavenly  joy,  when  the  whole  tenor  of 
the  divine  scheme  of  salvation,  beaming  from  the  page  of  Revelation,  flash- 
ed upon  my  mind,  and  told  me,  “ Refrain  thy  voice  from  weeping  and  thine 
eyes  from  tears,  for  there  is  hope  in  the  end,  that  thy  brethren  will  come 
out  from  their  borders,  and  push  their  way  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.”  As 
for  me,  I have  not  hastened  from  being  a pastor  at  home  to  follow  after  the 
Lord  in  a land  that  is  not  known,  neither  have  I desired  the  woful  days  we 
pass  in  Lewchew. 

Repeated  consideration  respecting  my  duty  to  God,  and  examination  of 
his  plan  of  evangelizing  the  world,  have  confirmed  me  in  the  view,  that  to 
break  up  new  ground  is  most  consonant  with  the  wide-reaching  aim  of  the 


FOREIGN. 


183 


1851.] 


Gospel ; and  I am  thankful  to  say,. that  though  nearly  four  years  of  great 
hardship  have  passed  over  me  since  I left  England,  1 feel  myself  like  Ca- 
leb— that  as  my  strength  was  then,  even  so  is  my  strength  now.  I mean 
strength  of  purpose  in  the  Lord  to  persevere  in  the  aggressive  system. 
Just  in  proportion  to  the  little  ground  which  has  been  gained,  do  I feel  my 
zeal  awakened  to  new  efforts  for  continuing  the  attack,  only  praying  for 
grace  that  this  zeal  may  not  degenerate  into  obstinacy,  become  the  tool  of 
wounded  pride,  nor  use  unlawful  weapons.  When  I feel  sure  against  such 
drawbacks  of  the  natural  old  man,  then  am  I strong  when  I am  weak.  It 
is  in  the  spirit  of  this  discipline  that  I waged,  and  do  wage,  the  warfare  of 
faith  in  Lewchew.  It  is  like  an  onset  of  cavalry  upon  a strong  square  of 
infantry  ; but  it  has  its  blessed  trophies,  and  its  sustaining  encouragements 
also.  I can  exclaim,  “ By  thee  have  I run  through  a troop,  and  by  my 
God  have  I leaped  over  a wall ; thou  hast  also  given  me  the  shield  of  thy 
salvation,  and  thy  gentleness  has  made  me  great.” 

How  I felt  the  first  time  I found  myself  within  a Lewchewan  house  can 
be  better  imagined  than  described;  but  as  I had  counted  the  cost  before- 
hand, and  was  prepared  even  for  a “ Get  thee  behind  me  ! Get  thee  hence  !” 
or  something  still  more  forcible  than  words,  nothing  new  could  well  befall 
me.  I was  little  moved  with  the  cries  of  the  women,  or  frightened  at  the 
screams  of  the  children,  but  seated  myself  in  the  first  room  I could  get 
access  to.  You  will  perhaps  ask  in  surprise,  at  the  outset,  how  I could 
gain  access  into  houses,  whose  doors  a well  trained  body  of  spies  would 
certainly  take  the  precaution  to  have  shut  ? The  answer  is  simple.  I did 
not  enter  by  the  door,  at  least  in  most  cases,  for  I could  not,  but  found  my 
way  in  through  the  deep  gaps  in  dilapidated  back  walls.  I might  say, 
I have  done  some  service  to  the  masons  in  this  way,  and  perhaps  to 
the  owners  too,  for  by  and  by  the  former  got  more  work,  and  the 
latter  got  their  walls  repaired ; this  whole  practice  of  getting  in  through 
such  an  opening  at  the  back,  at  first  considered  here  no  more  irregular  than 
it  would  be  in  villages  at  home  to  get  over  a fence  or  a hedge,  came  by 
and  by  into  disuse,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the  children  and  the  youth 
who  are  capital  jumpers,  and  feel  as  much  at  home  on  the  top  of  the  roofs 
as  a cat  does.  At  present  the  spies  alone  are  entitled  to  this  privilege; 
they  appear  and  disappear  like  ghosts  on  the  stage,  the  magic  consisting  in 
the  easy  removal  of  the  straw  sandals,  and  the  adaptation  of  their  exercised 
naked  feet  to  all  the  inequalities  that  this  rocky  coral  shore  affords.  One 
would  often  be  tempted  to  think  they  can  pass  through  walls,  so  sudden  is 
their  disappearance  and  reappearance.  More  than  once,  when  congratulat- 
ing myself  on  a short  interval  of  the  free  use  of  my  limbs,  have  I been  un- 
deceived by  perceiving  the  spies  on  the  roofs  looking  down  upon  me.  The 
masons  have  likewise  to  thank  me  for  jobs  of  work  they  had  on  low  walls, 
over  which  I addressed  the  people  in  the  yards,  when  as  yet  I had  not 
courage  enough  to  enter  ; and  several  of  such  walls  I could  point  out,  which 
have  been  raised  two  or  three  feet. 

By  manoeuvring  to  get  out  of  the  track  of  the  spies,  or  turning  quite  sud- 
denly in  an  unusual  direction,  I have  always  the  choice  of  a few  open  doors. 
A strong  gale  overthrows  a Lewchewan  wall  almost  as  easily  as  it  does  the 
sliding  paper  doors  and  partitions  inside  the  houses ; and  a long  rain  is 
sure  to  wash  open  some  new  entrance,  by  carrying  away  the  dust  and  mov- 
able filth  stuffed  between  the  stones,  so  that  one  can  pass  and  repass  for 
several  weeks  over  the  traces  left  behind  by  a typhoon  before  the  many  fresh 
thoroughfares  are  stopped  up  again.  Besides,  the  greater  part  of  the  houses 


184 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

I visit,  at  least  at  present,  are  of  the  poorest  sort — huts  and  hovels,  some- 
times accessible  on  all  sides,  or  standing  in  a yard  formed  by  a few  bam- 
boos sparingly  planted  around  them;  if  they  have  a door  at  all,  it  consists 
usually  of  a few  bamboo  branches  knotted  together  with  straw  strings,  a 
loop  of  the  same  material  being  all  the  fastening  required,  and  as  easily  un- 
tied by  me  as  by  any  one  else  who  has  to  enter.  So  much  for  the  mode  by 
which  I gained  admission  into  the  houses. 

Their  furniture  and  domestic  arrangements  are  all  in  the  Chinese  style. 
As  is  the  mother,  so  is  the  daughter ; and  I might  add,  as  a cage  is  full  of 
birds,  so  are  their  houses  full  of  deceit,  of  charms  and  scraps,  and  other 
emblems  of  idolatry  and  belly-worship ; such  as  cups,  trays,  tea-holders, 
and  chopsticks  in  abundance,  and  constantly  in  use.  When  you  go  from 
house  to  house,  you  would  suppose  the  population  were  constantly  at  meals, 
especially  the  higher  classes,  whom  I meet  always  either  at  their  breakfast, 
lunch,  dinner,  or  supper.  No  wonder  they  are  great  of  flesh  and  slow  bel- 
lies, pacing  along  with  measured  dignity  like  idlers,  whose  only  business  is 
to  watch  their  gait  and  looks  before  the  multitude,  accustomed  to  measure 
grandeur  by  such  and  like  outward  farces.  As  neither  tables  nor  chairs  are 
used,  the  written,  and  sometimes  painted  ornaments  on  the  walls  are  very 
conspicuous ; but  most  so  is  the  god’s  corner,  where  the  ancestral  tablet  is 
set  up,  either  open  or  enshrined,  and  provisioned  with  a stock  of  sacrifices, 
varying  according  to  the  wealth  of  the  householder.  What  the  prophets  of 
old  said  of  degenerate  Israel,  applies  fully  to  them  : **  These  men  have  set 
up  their  idols  in  their  belly,  and  put  the  stumbling-block  of  their  iniquity  be- 
fore their  face.”  Nothing  can  be  more  revolting,  more  abominable  than 
this  constant  display  of  idols  and  eatables,  while  you  have  to  tell  them  of  a 
God  who  is  a Spirit,  and  whose  kingdom  is  not  meat  and  drink. 

In  the  beginning  of  my  visits  to  the  dwellings,  I rather  selected  the  re- 
spectable part  of  the  population,  and  met  with  astonishing  good  reception. 
After  the  first  surprise  and  confusion,  occasioned  by  my  sudden  appearance, 
was  over,  one  or  other  of  the  family,  and  sometimes  even  the  master,  kept 
me  company,  and  was  sure  to  hear  the  message  of  salvation,  as  I was  watch- 
ing my  time,  and  gave  my  visits  a professional  turn  as  soon  as  I could. 
But  invariably  the  second  or  third  visit  to  the  same  house  found  matters  al- 
tered. In  some  instances,  I was  plainly  forbidden  the  house.  In  some,  all 
the  inmates  ran  off.  In  others,  the  master  told  me,  if  I had  any  compassion 
upon  them,  I would  not  expose  them  to  the  dangers  they  ran  in  letting  me 
enter  their  doors.  Not  very  long  ago,  in  three  instances,  I had  hairbreadth 
escapes  from  a good  beating;  on  one  occasion  the  stick  being  already  lift- 
ed up  for  a blow,  and  arrested  only  by  another  person  seizing  the  hand  of 
the  infuriated  old  Confucian  fool,  whose  language  was,  “ prophesy  not  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  lest  thou  die  by  our  hand.”  Nothing  of  the  sort 
threatened  me  when  I began  these  visits,  and  these  methods  of  opposition 
have  been  gradually  ripened  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  enemy.  The 
people,  if  left  to  themselves,  are  too  indolent  for  any  act  of  unkindness  that 
requires  exertion,  and  would  never  dare  to  withhold  from  another  the  com- 
mon marks  of  respect,  universal  in  this  land  even  between  peasants,  unless 
they  were  commanded  to  do  so. 

Formerly,  there  was  at  least  some  appearance  of  regard  paid  me  by  the 
spies.  They  contented  themselves  to  hint,  to  hiss,  to  beckon,  or  to  voci- 
ferate unseen  by  me,  placing  themselves  in  a back  or  side  ground.  Now, 
all  is  done  in  my  very  face  and  eyes.  Whole  troops  of  these  wretched 
hirelings,  swelled  by  a levy,  as  I suppose,  from  the  neighbourhoods  I sue- 


FOREIGN. 


185 


1851.] 

cessively  cross,  march  in  files  before  and  behind  me,  like  soldiers  ; every 
side  lane  being  guarded  on  both  openings,  and  their  shooting  and  hooting 
almost  deafening.  Thus  my  heritage  is  unto  me  as  a lion  in  the  forest,  it 
roareth  out  against  me ; but  shall  I therefore  hate  them  ? No.  I only 
abominate  the  government,  which  brought  about  such  a state  of  things  all 
the  while  its  officers  made,  and  still  make,  professions  of  goodwill  and 
friendly  offices,  whenever  a ship  calls  in.  I do  not  suppose,  that  with  all 
this  drilling  and  manoeuvring  around  me,  the  rulers  would  dare  to  order  an 
open  assault,  or  hazard  our  lives.  This  display  of  physical  force  is  no 
doubt  partly  intended  to  provoke  me  to  some  overt  act  of  revenge,  and  war- 
rant thereby  what  they  might  further  have  in  view  to  do  with  us  ; partly  it 
may  be  a measure  of  intimidation  to  keep  us  locked  up  at  home,  seeing 
what  reception  we  meet  with  out  of  doors,  and  partly  that  they  might  degrade 
us  before  the  nation,  and  show  they  have  as  much  power  over  us  as  over  the 
peasant,  and  that  there  is  none  who  bemoaneth  or  hath  pity  upon  us.  But 
they  have  forgotten  that  I am  a Missionary,  a soldier  that  beareth  hardship, 
and  to  whom  life  is  not  more  dear  than  the  end  for  which  it  is  to  be  en- 
dured. I have  set  my  face  like  a flint  against  their  assaults ; I know 
they  shall  not  prevail  against  me,  for  the  Lord  is  with  me  to  save  me  and 
keep  me.  I fear  nothing  but  myself.  A single  moment  of  forgetfulness, 
the  least  act  of  rashness,  might  cut  the  thread  on  which  our  lives  hang  ; but 
t is  my  prayer  and  hope  that  the  Lord  will  perfect  me  in  humility  and  self- 
abasement,  so  that  nothing  shall  be  able  to  offend  me  that  does  not  offend 
him,  and  then  I may  safely  leave  the  requital  of  my  wrongs  to  him. 

Among  other  measures  contrived  to  make  my  visits  disagreeble  to  my- 
self as  well  as  my  hosts,  or.e  was  that  the  latter  were  to  plead  deafness  and 
dumbness,  and  as  soon  as  I came  in  sight,  they  were  to  motion  with  the 
hand,  by  pointing  to  their  mouth  and  ears,  and  shaking  the  head  in  the  ne- 
gative. It  would  be  amusing,  but  out  of  place  here,  to  tell  you  how  I sur- 
prised some  of  these  mimic  fools  into  a sudden  cure,  but  this  device  shows 
you  that  no  method  is  left  untried  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  the  Gos- 
pel, especially  into  houses  of  the  better  sort.  Still  here  and  there  I have 
found,  and  to  my  surprise  still  find,  at  least  an  ear  to  hear ; and  the  rest  I 
leave  cheerfully  with  Him,  who  promised  that  his  word  shall  accomplish 
that  which  he  pleases,  and  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  he  sends  it.  I 
greatly  long  and  pray  for  a companion  in  these  rare  trials,  for  though  I fear 
not  the  reproach  of  man,  nor  am  afraid  of  their  revilings,  I am  afraid  of 
their  lying  falsehoods  ; and  it  is  but  common  prudence  to  wish  for  a witness, 
where  both  parties  are  full  of  distrust,  and  a breach  is  impending  every 
moment. 

The  kung-lcwan , or  public  office  at  Napa,  is  a building  which  serves  for 
public  business  and  for  a school.  I visited  it  regularly  for  eighteen  months, 
meeting  there  from  five  to  thirty,  and  even  as  many  as  fifty  persons,  when  I 
happened  to  surprise  them  at  official  meetings.  Sometimes,  if  the  leaders 
were  inimically  disposed,  a hint  from  them  sufficed,  and  the  whole  congre- 
gation jumped  out  of  the  windows,  or  over  the  wall  into  the  neighbouring 
houses.  But  usually  I have  been,  and  am  still  pretty  well  received,  only 
that  at  present  I cannot  get  out  one  single  answer  from  them  to  my  ques- 
tions. In  this  office,  for  several  months,  I had  a few  books  hung  upon  a 
nail,  which  I always  found  on  the  spot  on  my  arrival;  in  a similar  way,  I 
held  some  maps  there  stuck  up  on  the  wall.  Gradually  all  this  was  discon- 
tinued, as  none  would  produce  either  books  or  maps  when  I asked  for  them 
a second  time.  I likewise  regularly  visited  the  public  office  at  Tumai  (the 


186 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

village  in  which  the  French  Missionaries  resided)  for  nearly  a year,  meet- 
ing there  very  many  children.  I continued  my  visits  to  this  place  for  a 
long  time,  even  after  I had  found  none  there  beside  the  two  guards.  The 
kicnrf-kwan  at  Napa,  being  near  at  hand,  has  still  my  attention,  though  less 
regularly ; I usually  find  there  the  same  company,  and  they  have  heard 
enough  to  know  better.  My  time  is  certainly  better  spent  among  the 
peasants  and  workmen,  than  among  the  class  of  literati,  who  are  all  fed  on 
the  sweat  and  labour  of  the  enslaved  common  people — a class,  whose  mem- 
bers, unlike  their  fellows  in  China,  are  here  never  allowed  to  raise  them- 
selves to  stations  of  power. 

Among  the  poor,  especially  in  very  filthy  neighborhoods,  where,  accord- 
ing to  Confucian  etiquette,  I am  sure  even  their  cynic,  Liu-hia  Hwui 
might  have  hesitated  to  venture, * I have  somewhat  more  freedom,  provided 
it  be  not  at,  or  near  the  harbour,  where  I have  always  met  with  the  most 
determined  opposition.  Need  I say  to  him  who  knows  that  God  has 
chosen  the  poor,  the  weak,  yea,  even  the  foolish  and  base  things  of  the 
world,  that  Missionary  visits  to  the  most  degraded  class  of  fellow-men 
are  the  most  sought  after  and  welcome,  inasmuch  as  they  have  the 
mercy  of  the  Scriptures  plainly  on  their  side.  And  though  I would  despair 
to  bring  any  aid  merely  human  to  bear  upon  such  a destitute,  brutalized 
mass  as  our  poor  are,  I cannot  for  a moment  doubt  divine  things  must  have 
their  promised  effect  on  them.  If  the  dry  bones  of  Ezekiel’s  valley  began 
to  live,  and  the  stones  by  Jordan’s  shores  are  said  to  quicken  into  children 
of  Abraham,  the  hand  of  God  is  surely  not  too  short  to  reach  and  remedy 
Lewchewan  abjects.  Yet  even  among  these  outcasts  of  humanity  the  un- 
seen enemy  of  the  soul  has  his  usual  stronghold ; and  the  general  rule  of 
espionage,  though  occasionally  slackened,  is  still  so  visibly  interfering, 
that  I have  little  to  boast,  and  much  to  be  humbled  for,  even  among  the 
humble. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  present  year  our  troubles  multiplied  thick  upon 
us;  these  two  things  befell  us,  famine  and  beating.  Our  appointed  pur- 
veyors for  some  time  supplied  us  with  the  worst  articles  possible,  so  that 
we  were  obliged  to  refuse  payment,  and,  of  course,  refuse  all  acceptance  of 
food  through  them.  On  one  occasion,  I succeeded  in  getting  a man  with 
a horse-load  of  potatoes  into  the  house — no  mean  proof  that  the  natives 
have  neither  enmity  against  us,  nor  desire  to  know  of  any  law  prohibiting 
dealings  with  foreigners.  The  step  was  taken  so  suddenly  on  my  part,  and 
so  early  in  the  morning,  that  I had  my  man  in  the  lane  leading  up  to  our 
house,  before  the  spies  were  on  the  alert.  A tremendous  hooting  drove  off 
the  man  as  soon  as  he  came  in,  but  being  so  near,  I led  the  horse  up  to  the 
door  myself.  However,  on  going  out  for  other  purchases,  we  met  with  a 
frightful  accident.  I had  a servant  with  me  at  the  time,  and  after  se- 
lecting and  laying  down  a good  price  for  a piece  of  meat,  ordered  him 
to  take  it  home.  But  on  hearing  the  spies  cry  out  and  order  the  rabble 
to  run  after  and  tear  it  away  from  him,  I took  the  meat  into,  my  own 
hand,  and  twice  succeeded  in  dissuading  them  from  attacking  me,  but 

* Liu-hia  Hwui  was  one  of  the  seventy-two  worthies,  who  were  disciples,  and  many  of 
them  contemporaries  of  Confucius.  His  family  name  was  Chen,  and  his  name  Hwoh ; he 
received  the  title  of  Liu-hia,  or  Under  the  Willow,  from  the  place  where  he  ruled.  He 
belonged  to  the  same  country  and  age  as  Confucius,  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  his 
sovereign.  He  was  very  strict  in  his  observance  of  the  forms  of  etiquette,  and  is  chiefly 
known  for  his  not  noticing  a young  girl  of  eight  or  ten  years  of  age,  who  was  once  seated 
in  his  lap  by  a relative.  He  is  also  styled  Chi-ching  the  Just,  from  his  regard  to  equity 
and  veracity. 


FOREIGN. 


187 


1851.] 

they  were  repeatedly  urged  on,  so  that  I took  to  my  heels.  Through  a 
whole  long  street  they  pursued,  and  finally  overtook,  and  tore  away  from 
me  this  purchase  made  in  a way,  for  which  we  have  established  several  pre- 
cedents in  the  markets,  where  no  opposition  had  been  attempted,  neither 
towards  myself  nor  Mrs.  B.,  whenever  we  laid  down  silver  coin  for  the  ar- 
ticles we  took  from  a stall.  This  public  attack  and  disgraceful  defeat 
frightened  us  greatly,  and  certainly  there  was  much  ground  for  it,  consider- 
ing the  effect  such  scenes  have  on  the  mass  of  this  population. 

In  this  trying  juncture  of  circumstances,  we  heard  of  an  English  bark 
being  wrecked  off  Kumisan,  whose  captain  had  been  brought  hither  by  two 
American  whalers  to  solicit  a junk  in  order  to  take  off  his  cargo,  and  wait 
until  some  ship  put  in,  the  whalers  not  being  able  to  give  him  any  other 
succor.  It  would  take  me  too  much  time  to  spare,  in  this  already  long 
paper,  were  I to  detail  all  the  treachery  with  which  this  “hospitable”  go- 
vernment met  our  application.  Captain  Clark  had  to  find  his  way  in  the 
whalers  to  Shanghai,  from  whence  H.  M.  S.  Mariner  was  ordered  over  to 
the  assistance  of  the  wreck.  A letter  intrusted  to  the  whalers,  in  which 
we  begged  succor  from  the  nearest  British  authority,  thus  reached  our  con- 
sul at'Shanghai,  and  though  when  the  Mariner  was  here,  I was  not  told  she 
had  been  sent  further  than  to  Kumisan,  I still  incline  to  think  the  urgent 
note  I addressed  to  the  captain  of  any  ship  that  might  arrive  at  Kumisan, 
and  which  the  officers  here  were  over  glad  to  take  thither  and  keep  in 
readiness,  was  not  of  itself  sufficient  to  bring  a man  of  war  seventy  miles 
off  its  track.  I am  therefore  grateful  for  any  hint  Mr.  Alcock  felt  himself 
permitted  officially  to  give  for  extending  us  so  opportune  a relief. 

This  government,  persuaded  that  I had  now  had  enough  of  Lewchewan 
hospitality,  sent  message  after  message  to  learn  if  the  ship  could  be  induced 
to  come  hither,  supposing  that  I would  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity.  To 
make  still  more  sure,  on  my  advice,  they  prepared  and  kept  ready  a letter 
at  Kumisan,  in  case  the  ship  would  or  could  not  put  in  here,  to  be  sent  to 
the  governor  of  Hongkong.  They  hesitated  long  before  they  ventured  on 
such  a step,  which  they  plainly  saw  assumed  a political  character,  and 
upon  which  ground  I found  it  all  the  more  palatable:  for  I thought  it  a 
good  piece  of  diplomacy  to  bring  about  an  overture  from  a Japanese  govern- 
ment to  English  officials,  however  trifling  the  motive  might  be. 

Our  situation  was  such  that  I felt  fully  justified  in  appealing  to  the  Eng- 
lish government  for  protection  ; but  being  persuaded  that  a Missionary’s 
prayer  would  likely  be  quite  disregarded,  I tried  to  give  it  as  much  weight 
as  I could.  Since  the  government  here  with  pleasure  became  my  secretary, 
I confess  I expected  that  some  step  or  other  would  be  taken  by  the  English 
government,  if  not  for  us,  at  least  for  themselves.  The  way  was  open,  the 
passage  from  Hongkong  or  Shanghai  to  Napa  takes  from  four  to  six  days, 
and  for  so  long  a time,  it  seemed  to  me  an  English  ship  might  absent  it- 
self, and  no  doubt  often  does  so  for  naval  exercise.  So  cheap  and  easy  an 
opening  for  diplomatic  relations  with  Japan,  who  knows  when  it  will  offer 
again  ? Government  here  saw  eye  to  eye  with  me.  I told  them,  that 
though  I had  often  written  on  the  difficulties  I meet,  none  will  easily  be- 
lieve, that  the  rulers  of  a country,  which  has  obtained  such  renown  for 
hospitality,  should  be  in  earnest  in  opposing  the  residence  among  them  of 
a family  which  brings  them  advantage,  and  never  can  do  them  any  harm. 
I further  told  them,  that  I was  sent  by  a public  body,  very  much  interested 
in  the  welfare  of  Lewchew,  and  that  I can  by  no  means  return  without  first 
hearing  from  them  on  the  subject.  Moreover,  I am  here  so  placed,  that  I 


188 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

cannot  call  a ship  over  here  when  I like  ; it  must  be  sent,  or  come  of  it- 
self ; and  as  the  English  government,  in  cases  when  no  other  can  be  got, 
will  always  feel  it  their  duty  to  succor  a subject  by  a ship  of  war  when  near,  it 
is  quite  likely,  if  the  authorities  in  Levvchew  bring  the  case  strongly  and 
clearly  enough  before  our  government,  that  we  would  obtain  a ship  to  take 
us  off. 

I have  been  the  more  particular  in  giving  you  the  secret  springs  of  this 
transaction,  for  I am  persuaded  that  evil-minded  persons  will  avail  them- 
selves of  the  dispatch  written  by  the  Lewchewan  authorities  to  our  go- 
vernor, to  prove  more  conclusively  that  I assumed  an  official  character. 
At  the  same  time,  I confess  I promised  myself  direct  relief  from  any  issue 
the  matter  might  take;  and  some  hopes  indirectly,  since  the  government 
here  would  now  be  persuaded  I was  ready  to  leave  if  recalled.  What  they 
actually  wrote  to  governor  Bonham  I know  not ; but  they  told  me  it  was  in 
all  respects  parallel  to  the  following  dispatch,  addressed  to  the  captain  of 
the  Mariner. 

“ A prepared  petition.  Shang  Tingchu,  the  superintendent  of  affairs 
and  great  minister,  (now  the  Regent,)  and  Ma  Liangtsai,  the  treasurer  (or 
governor)  of  the  department  of  Chungshan  in  the  kingdom  of  Lewchew, 
hereby  beg  you  to  take  pity  on  us,  and  receive  Bettelheim  on  board  arid 
carry  him  home,  in  order  to  do  a favour  to  this  little  land. 

“ You  plainly  see  that  this  kingdom  is  exceedingly  small,  its  productions 
scanty,  its  people  destitute,  so  that  we  are  unable  to  have  relations  with 
other  countries  in  a suitable  manner;  and  therefore  when  their  people  or 
officers  come  ashore  here  to  live,  they  do  what  the  laws  of  the  land  prohibit. 
Yet  Englishmen  and  Frenchmen  have  come  here  loitering  about,  and  in 
order  to  provide  them  with  things  necessary  during  several  years,  both 
officers  and  people  have  been  obliged  to  come  at  all  hours,  in  order  either 
to  oversee  or  to  work  for  them ; the  one  to  disburse  from  the  public  stores, 
the  other  to  labour  for  the  daily  use  of  these  men — all  which  has  been  very 
distressing,  impoverishing,  and  irksome.  The  Frenchmen  went  away  last 
year  about  the  seventh  month  in  a ship  of  their  own  country  which  came 
in  here  ; but  your  countryman  Bettelheim  has  delayed  his  stay  here  a long 
time,  whereby  poverty  has  been  added  to  poverty,  and  the  country  is  not 
able  to  stand  it.  Moreover,  our  country  is  out  of  the  way  in  a corner  of 
the  ocean,  and  there  are  always  mists  upon  the  hills  and  exhalations  aris- 
ing, so  that  we  fear  the  climate  will  not  agree  with  them,  and  they  will  un- 
happily be  liable  to  sickness.  Besides  requesting  Bettelheim  himself  to 
embark  and  return  home,  as  is  proper,  we  humbly  request  and  beg  your 
Excellency  to  glance  at  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  take  pity  on  us; 
and  when  your  noble  ship  is  about  to  turn  her  head  homeward  to  take  the 
said  Bettelheim  on  board,  then  not  only  will  we  ourselves  be  much 
obliged,  but  officers  and  people  generally  will  implore  blessings  upon  you. 
An  urgent  petition.  March  9th,  1849.” 

If  anything  is  to  be  wondered  at  in  this  dispatch,  it  is  how  these  astute 
and  crafty  Japanese  officials  can  think  that  Englishmen  are  so  stupid  as  to 
believe  such  nonsense  and  act  upon  it;  a cursory  perusal  would,  I think, 
leave  this  impression  upon  the  mind.  But  my  conclusion  is  quite  different. 
They  are  so  cunning  as  to  desire  to  pass  for  simpletons,  in  order  thereby 
to  throw  us  off  our  guard  ; they  stupidly  try  to  ape  the  partridge’s  simpli- 
city, supposing  it  will  be  taken  for  sincerity,  or  perhaps  for  a mistake.  As 


FOREIGN. 


l89 


1851.] 

they  well  know  the  only  ground  on  which  to  base  a request  for  our  re- 
moval is  their  law  prohibiting  residence  to  foreigners  (more  than  which 
really  the  whole  dispatch  means  nothing) ; so  that,  if  you  yield,  they  boast 
they  know  howto  force  their  old  law,  unmitigated  by  any  collateral  plea, 
even  upon  nations  like  England  and  France.  You  may  be  assured  that 
this  is  the  drift  of  their  diplomacy. 

Except  one  question,  raised  at  the  conference,  either  by  Captain  Mathe- 
son  of  the  Mariner,  or  by  Mr.  Robertson,  the  vice-consul  at  Shanghai, 
Whether  they  had  any  complaint  to  bring  against  me? — all  went  well. 
And  even  to  this  question,  the  hypocrites,  in  the  full  supposition  that  we 
were  to  leave,  thought  it  becoming  the  joyful  occasion  to  answer,  by  all 
rising  and  unitedly  holding  out  their  arms  as  if  to  embrace  me.  We  met 
every  argument  they  urged,  some  being  sufficiently  answered  by  a general 
laugh,  and  concluded  by  telling  them  plainly,  we  did  not  feel  called  upon 
to  acknowledge  a law  by  which  a peaceable  man  was  forbidden  to  reside 
in  any  country. 

Their  disappointment  at  this  result  was  great,  too  unexpected  to  be  con- 
cealed, and  I took  good  care  not  to  add  my  complaints  to  their  already 
sufficiently  bitter  chagrin.  I begged  Captain  Matheson  not  to  produce 
the  letter  I had  addressed  to  him  recounting  my  grievances,  and  except 
a few  tfifling  points  orally  mentioned,  I thought  the  conference  had  better 
be  broken  up,  which,  as  I was  the  interpreter,  was  easily  done,  though  I 
saw  they  wished  to  prolong  it. 

How  little  advantage  Christian  nations  can  promise  themselves  to  obtain 
from  Japan,  by  yielding,  temporizing,  gentlemanly  appeals,  has  already 
been  many  times  shown;  and  how  little,  on  a minor  scale,  we  gained  here 
by  the  intercessions  of  the  Mariner,  was  soon  seen  ; for  a passage  across 
the  river  in  the  public  ferry-boat  was  refused  me,  as  heretofore,  and  still 
more  unmistakably  in  another  pelting  at  noon-day,  which  I received  before 
March  ended,  while  addressing  a few  people  in  the  streets,  at  their  open 
shop  doors.  On  my  repeated  complaints,  I got  only  a verbal  message, 
that  a boy,  wishing  to  drive  off  some  fowls,  had  missed  the  birds  and  struck 
the  wall,  from  which  the  stone  rebounded  and  hit  me  on  the  inside  of 
the  fore-arm,  a place  to  which  no  missile  taking  such  a ramble  could 
possibly  find  its  way,  and  still  less  retain  force  enough  to  inflict  a consider- 
able wound. 

(To  be  concluded  in  our  next.) 


Systematic  €l)ariiy. 

The  subjoined  communication  from  the  American  Tract  Society  may  be 
interesting  to  our  readers,  as  advocating  the  very  system  which  the  services 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  recognise,  and  which  so  many  of  our 
Bishops  and  Clergy  have  of  late  been  enforcing. 

And  it  js  to  be  hoped  also,  that  the  perusal  of  these  remarks  may  stimu- 
late many  to  act  at  once  upon  that  apostolic  rule,  “ as  I have  given  order 
to  the  churches  of  Galatia,  e-ven  so  do  ye ; upon  the  first  day  of  the  v/eek 
let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him. 


190 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

The  little  Treatise  referred  to,  entitled,  “ The  Divine  Law  of  Beneficence," 
is  most  excellent;  and  may,  with  great  advantage,  be  circulated  by  evvj 
parish  minister.  We  are  certain,  that  any  clergyman  who  will  place  a copy 
in  every  pew  in  his  church,  will  find  himself,  as  well  as  the  cause  of  Mis- 
sions, benefitted  thereby. 

SCRIPTURE  SYSTEM  OF  BENEVOLENCE. 

WILL  PASTORS  AND  OTHERS  JOIN  IN  ITS  ADOPTION  ? 

The  attention  of  many  minds  is  now  turned  to  this  subject.  Three  able 
treatises,  discussing  the  Scripture  principles,  called  forth  by  a gentleman 
who  believes  he  has  found  great  benefits  in  practising  them,  have  been 
published  by  the  American  Tract  Society,  and  approved  by  pastors  and 
leading  men  in  the  churches,  of  one  of  which,  “ The  Divine  Law  of  Bene- 
ficence," about  30,000  have  been  circulated. 

The  author  of  this  treatise,  Rev.  Parsons  Cooke,  has  also  prepared  a 
Tract,  giving  a briefer  view  of  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  and  the  example 
of  Scripture  worthies,  from  the  ancient  patriarchs  and  people  of  God  to 
pentecostal  days,  and  the  instructions  of  Christ  and  the  apostles  ; and  show- 
ing that  the  Bible  injunctions  are  practically  combined,  with  divine  wis- 
dom, in  the  simple  principles,  that  “ every  one ” give,  and  give  statedly,  and 
“ as  God  prospers  him  .”  In  receiving  these  simple  principles  as  from 
above,  there  is  great  harmony  ; indeed,  it  is  found  that  the  most  benevolent 
Christians  have  long  been  acting  upon  them.  The  desideratum  now  is, 
that  they  should  be  understood,  received,  aud  practised  by  all  who  bear  the 
Christian  name.  As  a means  of  diffusing  intelligence  on  the  subject,  by  a 
gift  of  the  donor  and  a grant  from  the  Society,  100  copies  of  this  Tract, 
“ Religion  and  Beneficence,”  No.  535,  will  be  furnished  for  a dollar,  and 
of  a four-page  document,  “ Scripture  Plan  of  Benevolence,”  giving  a still 
briefer  view  of  the  subject,  700  for  a dollar,  or  at  that  rate,  when  100  or  more 
of  either  shall  be  ordered,  before  April  1,  1852,  to  the  amount  in  all  of 
5,000,000  pages. 

For  the  sake  of  harmony  and  mutual  encouragement  from  united  action, 
the  Tracts  named  present,  as  comprising  a brief  expression  of  the  system, 
the  following  pledge  or  purpose,  which  many  pastors  and  prominent  lay- 
men connected  with  different  denominations  have  adopted  to  be  observed 
by  each  as  long  as  he  shall  see  fit,  and  in  which  they  will  be  glad  to  be 
joined  by  those,  who  do  not  prefer  regulating  their  charities  by  some  other 
method  : 

“ Believing  that  the  Scripture  system  of  benevolence  requires  every  one 
statedly  to  ‘ lay  by  him  in  store  as  God  hath  prospered  him,’  I engage,  on 
every  Sabbath  or  at  other  stated  periods,  to  set  apart  such  a portion  of 
what  God  shall  give  me  as  my  judgment  and  conscience  shall  dictate;  to 
be  sacredly  applied  to  charitable  objects  according  to  my  sense  of  their 
respective  claims.” 

It  will  be  observed,  that  this  form  gives  no  intimation  what  proportion 
any  one  will  give,  for  this  is  left  to  each  individual  to  determine  with  him- 
self before  God  : nor  does  it  indicate  whether  he  will  give  on  the  Sabbath, 
or  regulate  his  charities  by  other  stated  periods ; nor  in  any  sense  imply 
that  we,  our  children,  and  all  we  have,  are  not  wholly  the  Lord's  ; or 
abridge  our  liberty  to  go  beyoud  what  we  may  have  proposed.  But  it  im- 
plies that  the  person  signing  it  adopts  a system  of  his  own,  perhaps  known 


1851.] 


FOREIGN. 


191 


only  to  himself  and  to  God,  by  which  he  statedly  sets  apart  “ as  God  pros- 
pers him. 

There  is  in  the  system  a simplicity,  an  adaptation  to  rich  and  poor,  to 
men,  women  and  children,  which  marks  its  divine  original.  One  puts 
in  a box,  every  Sabbath,  what  he  devotes  to  charity.  Another  enters  on 
a benevolent  account  what  he  statedly  gives.  Another,  who  cannot  com- 
mand money,  sets  apart  some  product  of  industry.  Another,  looking  to 
the  future,  makes  a private  record,  that  until  he  sees  reason  to  change 
his  system,  he  will  devote  to  charity  some  portion  edfined  by  himself, 
of  the  proceeds  of  his  business  and  of  what  God  shall  commit  to  him, 
for  every  month,  every  quarter,  or  every  year ; supporting  his  family,  and 
bearing  all  other  expenses  from  the  remaining  portion  not  thus  set  apart 
for  charity.  Another,  who  adopts  this  last  mentioned  course,  further  re- 
solves, that  if  his  receipts  shall  exceed  a certain  amount,  he  will  enlarge 
the  proportion  devoted  to  charity  ; and  others  still  adopt  the  system,  with 
other  variations  in  the  details  which  they  judge  best  adapted  to  their 
own  case. 

Since  attention  has  been  called  to  this  subject,  the  most  interesting 
developments  have  been  confidentially  made  by  benevolent  clergymen 
and  laymen,  of  the  benefits  they  have  themselves  derived  from  it ; *and  no 
case  is  known  of  one  conscientiously  and  perseveringly  adopting  the 
system,  who  does  not  regard  it  as  fraught  with  blessings,  and  promising, 
if  generally  adopted,  untold  good  to  the  donor’s  own  soul,  to  the  welfare 
of  the  churches  and  of  a perishing  world,  and  thus  a revenue  of  praise 
to  the  great  Redeemer. 

Every  pastor  and  every  Christian  is  desired  to  give  this  subject  the  care- 
ful examination  which  its  prominence  in  the  Scriptures  requires ; to  adopt 
this  system  if  it  seems  to  be  divinely  sanctioned  ; and  then  to  secure  its 
adoption  as  far  as  practicable  by  others.  It  will  devolve  on  the  pastor 
in  every  church  or  congregation,  to  make  known  and  introduce  the 
system ; and  when  adopted,  to  assist  in  collecting  the  fruits  of  this  charity, 
and  directing  the  minds  of  the  donors  to  proper  channels  of  distribution, 
in  such  a way  as  shall  seem  in  each  case  most  to  accord  with  providential 
claims. 

We  are  gratified  to  be  allowed  to  add  some  animating 

TESTIMONIES  TO  THE  SYSTEM. 

An  esteemed  and  devoted  pastor  says,  “For  many  years  it  has  been  my 
delight,  ‘ to  lay  by  in  store  as  God  has  prospered  me.’  I am  sure  it  is  good 
to  do  so,  and  I shall  not  only  put  my  name  to  the  pledge,  but  endeavor  to 
encourage  others  to  do  the  same.  I shall  shortly  send  an  order  for  the 
documents.” 

A father  in  the  Church  says,  “ I subscribe  my  name  to  the  pledge. 
Make  what  use  of  it  you  please,  as  approving  the  plan  of  benevolence  pro- 
posed.” 

Another  aged  clergyman,  whose  charities  have  been  widely  diffused, 
states,  that  for  fifty  years  he  has  acted  on  a written  pledge,  made  by  him- 
self beford  God  alone,  and  that  when  his  means  increased,  he  increased  the 
proportion  sacredly  devoted  to  charity. 

A distinguished  civilian  Says,  “ I have  for  many  years  adopted  the  rule 
of  setting  apart  a portion  of  income  * as  the  Lord  has  prospered  me.’  I 

3 


* 


1942  foreign.  [April, 

have  felt  that  more  than  a tenth  was  my  duty  ; and  I can  testify  to  the 
blessed  influence  of  the  system.  It  enables  us  the  better  to  discriminate  be- 
tween the  various  objects ; to  discover  how  far  we  have  denied  ourselves 
for  Christ  and  a perishing  world ; and  benevolence  thus  becomes  inter- 
woven with  our  Christian  principles,  our  high  and  sacred  duties.” 

Another  civilian  says,  “ The  system  has  my  cordial  assent.  The  pledge 
I like,  and  have  adopted.  The  tracts  and  essays  upon  the  subject  I hope 
may  have  a wide  circulation.” 

A distinguished  citizen  says  of  the  system  of  “ laying  by  in  store  on  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  as  God  has  blessed  us,”  “ I have  practised  it  for  se- 
veral years,  and  found  a blessing  in  it.  It  is  God’s  own  plan,  and  there- 
fore better  than  any  other.  So  every  one  will  find  it,  who  will  but  try.  It 
increases  our  charity  fund  many-fold,  without  our  perceiving  any  diminu- 
tion of  capital  or  income ; and  the  fund  thus  set  apart  being  consecrated  to 
the  Lord,  we  are  able  to  distribute  it  without  grudging,  and  with  a more 
unbiassed  judgment,  as  occasion  arises.  My  name  is  at  your  service  as 
one  of  the  witnesses  for  God,  that  in  this  matter,  as  in  all  others,  he  is 
good.” 

An  eminent  clergyman  says,  in  confidence,  “I  have  for  many  years  had 
a fixed  system  of  devoting  from  one  fifth  to  one  quarter  of  my  income  to 
religious  and  charitable  uses.  I have  laid  out  my  plan  at  the  beginning  of 
each  year,  keeping  a private  account  of  all  donations,  and  leaving  nothing 
to  mere  accident  or  excited  feeling  at  the  moment.  At  the  end  of  about 
thirty  years,  during  which  I have  carried  on  this  system,  I find  my  property 
materially  increased ; and  I am  surprised  to  find,  on  looking  over  my 
accounts,  how  many  hundreds  of  dollars  I have  thus  been  permitted  to  con- 
tribute to  the  cause  of  benevolence.” 

A prosperous  merchant  says,  “ I have  myself  acted  on  this  principle  for 
many  years ; and  have  some  faith  to  believe,  that  spreading  before  the 
people  the  great  principle  of  systematic  giving,  is  to  be  a mighty  instrument 
in  the  hands  of  God  for  the  conversion  of  the  world.” 

Another  merchant,  in  large  business,  says,  “ I would  not  consent  to  pro-  . 
claim  my  charities;  but  cannot  hesitate  to  unite  with  others  in  adopting  the 
Scripture  system  of  laying  by  in  store,  statedly,  as  God  prospers,  irrespective 
of  any  immediate  call.” 

An  eminent  jurist  says,  “ Impressed  as  I am  with  the  correctness,  and 
great  practical  importance,  of  the  three  simple  principles, — ‘ the  Scripture 
plan  of  benevolence’ — that  every  one  should  give,  and  at  stated  periods,  and 
as  God  hath  prospered  him,  I cheerfully  consent  that  you  record  my  name 
as  one  who  wishes  to  adopt  the  system  and  pledge  proposed.” 

An  officer  of  one  of  our  benevolent  societies  says,  “ I give  my  deliberate 
and  cordial  adhesion  to  the  plan  of  each  one’s  ‘ laying  by  in  store,’  ‘ upon 
the  first  day  of  the  week,’  or  ‘ at  other  stated  periods,’  * as  God  has  pros- 
pered,’ for  the  purpose  of  creating  a private  fund  for  religious  charities.  It 
is  the  Scripture  plan  in  its  perfectly  simple  form  that  I assent  to,  as  ably  set 
forth  in  the  prize  essays,  especially  by  Rev.  Dr.  Cooke,  and  more  concisely 
in  the  Tract,  * Religion  and  Beneficence.’  ” 

An  officer  of  another  benevolent  society  says,  £<  I have  acted  substantially 
on  this  plan  for  nearly  thirty  years,  keeping  an  accurate  record  of  all  I 
give,  and  at  the  end  of  each  year  comparing  it  with  my  total  receipts,  that 
in  the  sight  of  God  I may  give  as  he  has  prospered  me ; and  the  total 
amount  fills  me  with  joy  and  gratitude  to  Him.  This  amount  would  be  a 
valuable  legacy  for  my  wife  and  children,  but  it  has  been  given  at  the  call 


FOREIGN. 


193 


185  i.J 


of  God,  and  to  his  ever  watchful  and  gracious  providence  I commit  myself 
and  them.  On  the  first  of  January  last  I adopted  the  pledge  proposed,  pri- 
vately consecrating  to  charity  for  the  present,  a tent  h of  what  I may  receive, 
believing  it  will  assist  me  and  may  encourage  others  in  the  better  per- 
formance of  duty.” 


African  ID  iscouer  ies. 

Few  things  have  arrested  our  attention  so  strongly  during  the  last  year 
or  two,  as  the  rapidly  increasing  interest  which,  both  in  England  and  in  the 
United  States,  is  exhibited  concerning  Africa. 

A few  years  since,  that  vast  portion  of  the  globe  was  as  little  thought  of 
as  it  was  unknown.  Now,  the  minds  of  many  are  turned  to  it,  and  publi- 
cations of  much  variety  and  interest  are  appearing  in  reference  to  it.  It  is 
true  that  these  have  regard  to  Africa  chiefly  in  a commercial,  political, 
or  geographical  point  of  view.  Yet  what  Christian  mind  can  help  per- 
ceiving that  the  God  of  Providence  is  thus  opening  thfe  way  for  the  mani- 
festation of  Himself  as  a God  of  Grace? 

It  is  on  this  account  that  we  have  published,  in  many  late  numbers  of  the 
Spirit  of  Missions,  articles  bearing  upon  the  condition  of  the  African  Con- 
tinent ; and  we  shall  avail  ourselves  hereafter  of  fuller  materials  on  this  sub- 
ject. We  desire  to  make  our  readers  feel,  that  in  sustaining  our  African 
Mission,  they  are  privileged  to  be  “co-workers”  in  a cause  which  the  Lord 
of  Nations  has  now  evidently  taken  in  hand. 

The  following  paragraph  has  reference  to  Southern  Africa , a region  of 
that  land,  in  which  the  Missionaries  of  the  Church  of  England  are  just  be- 
ginning to  put  forth  their  efforts  with  vigor  and  resolution : 

“ By  a recent  arrival,  interesting  intelligence  is  brought  from  Africa. 
Experiments  are  being  ma*le  in  South  Africa,  on  a suitable  scale,  to  ascer- 
tain the  capabilities  of  the  country  as  to  the  production  of  cotton. 

“ Discoveries  are  daily  making  in  regions  beyond  what  was  denominated 
the  frontier.  Among  others,  travellers  have  arrived  from  the  Zulu  country. 
In  some  places  it  was  feitile  and  beautiful,  with  vegetation  luxuriant;  in 
others  the  land  was  barren,  with  not  a tree  to  be  seen  for  miles.  The 
chief  food  of  the  inhabitants  is  milk,  rice,  and  sweet  potatoes. 

“ In  one  place  a party  of  travellers  came  to  the  krall  of  one  of  the  princi- 
pal Zulu  chiefs,  styled,  by  the  natives,  En  Corzan.  Here  they  were  hospi- 
tably entertained  for  four  days.  Large  crops  of  mealies,  sweet  potatoes, 
and  Caffre  corn,  were  seen,  as  well  as  immense  quantities  of  sugar  cane. 

“ Discoveries  of  considerable  magnitude  have  been  made,  throwing  light 
upon  the  geography  of  the  interior  of  Africa.  The  great  lake,  discovered 
about  a year  since  in  Southern  Africa^  though  receiving  the  waters  of  seve- 
ral rivers,  has  no  outlet  to  the  ocean.  North  of  this  lake,  about  seven  days’ 
journey,  not  by  rail-road  but  by  ox  teams,  a ridge  of  very  high  mountains 
crosses  the  continent,  and  beyond  it  a new  * river  system’  commences — the 
streams  all  falling  to  the  north,  and  ultimately  into  the  ocean.  A chieftain, 


194 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

with  his  tribe,  oppressed  by  a powerful  tyrant  in  the  Zulu  country,  twenty- 
eight  degrees  south  of  the  Equator,  near  the  eastern  coast,  fled  over  these 
mountains  to  the  north-west,  carrying  desolation  along  with  him,  and  was 
in  turn  driven  further  north  by  the  boers,  till  he  has  traversed  with  his  tribe 
about  a thousand  miles.  The  boers  are  still  pressing  upon  him  like  a re- 
treating lion,  and  are  beginning  to  rout  him  from  his  latest  lair  in  Central 
Africa,  while  they  take  possession  of  his  territories.  The  Cape  Town  Mail 
hazards  the  prediction,  that  before  twenty-jive  years  shall  elapse,  the  whole 
interior  of  Africa  to  the  equator,  will  be  occupied  by  civilized  communities 
of  the  European  race. 


Intelligence. 

From  Bishop  Boone. — The  last  overland  mail  from  Shanghai,  brings  a 
letter  from  Bishop  Boone,  dated  20th  December,  from  which  we  are  much 
gratified  to  learn  that  his  health  had  improved,  and  that  he  was  again  vigor- 
ously employed.  He  mentions  that  he  had  temporarily  employed  a young 
gentleman  as  Superintendent  of  the  Boys’  School,  which  had  afforded  him 
no  little  relief.  He  will  rejoice  to  learn  that  the  Foreign  Committee  have 
secured  the  services  of  one  highly  qualified  for  the  Station,  who  proposes  to 
sail  for  Shanghai  in  company  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson,  recently  appointed 
to  the  Mission. 

The  Bishop,  after  some  remarks  on  the  state  of  money  affairs  at  Shang- 
hai, and  the  high  rate  of  exchange,  which  had  caused  a serious  loss  to  the 
Mission,  closes  with  the  remark:  “God,  however,  causes  us,  I trust,  to 
prosper  in  things  much  more  precious ; and  I think  I may  say,  every  mem- 
ber of  the  Mission  is  happy,  contented,  and  diligently  engaged  in  the  per- 
formance of  duty.  For  myself  my  constant  song  is,  ‘ The  lines  have  fallen 
unto  me  in  pleasant  places.’  ” 


Female  School-Building  at  Shanghai. — The  contributions  to  this 
most  important  object  came  in  quite  liberally  at  first,  but  during  the  last 
three  or  four  weeks  they  have  been  few  and  small.  The  whole  amount  re- 
ceived does  not  exceed  twelve  hundred  dollars.  At  the  same  time,  every 
letter  from  the  Missionary  Bishop  presses,  with  renewed  energy,  the  essen- 
tial importance  of  immediately  entering  upon  this  work. 

In  the  most  recent  communication  from  him,  after  mentioning  circum- 
stances which  demonstrate  the  necessity  of  providing  immediately  a sepa- 
rate building  for  the  benefit  of  female  pupils,  he  adds  : “ The  customs  of  a 
country  which  regulate  the  intercourse  of  the  sexes,  must  be,  to  a great  ex- 
tent, respected.  They  are  the  best  judges  of  what  measure  of  precaution  is 
necessary  in  the  existing  state  of  morals.  They  could  not  bear  the  free  in- 


FOREIGN. 


195 


185 1.] 

tercourse  that  exists  with  us.  They  can  only  be  introduced  to  it  gradually, 
and  we  must  therefore  have  a separate  place  for  our  female  operations.  I 
am  longing  to  receive  a letter,  saying  that  some  generous  friend  has  given  us 
the  necessary  sum. 

“ Upon  the  arrival  of  the  female  teachers  now  expected,  Miss  Jones  pro- 
poses to  go  back  into  a Chinese  house,  and  there  open  a school  for  girls, 
while  waiting  the  arrival  of  funds  for  the  erection  of  a female  school-build- 
ing. If  her  health  does  not  improve,  however,  ‘ ad  interim ,’  I shall  not  be 
able  to  give  my  consent  to  the  plan.  Should  she  be  well  enough,  nothing 
can  be  better,  for  we  cannot  afford  to  lose  a single  hour.” 

We  can  only  add  to  this,  the  expression  of  our  hope  that  the  earnest  ap- 
peals of  the  Bishop  will  not  pass  unheeded. 


Will  Christian  Women  Help? — We  have  already  called  attention  to 
the  imperative  necessity  of  an  immediate  provision  for  the  erection  of  a fe- 
male school-building  at  Shanghai.  The  following  letter  from  a teacher  in 
that  Mission  to  a lady,  is  so  much  to  the  purpose,  that  we  insert  it  gladly, 
soliciting  for  it  the  attention  of  mothers  and  daughters  in  the  Church.  Scho- 
larships are  now  endowed,  enough  to  enable  the  Bishop  to  commence  ; all 
they  need  is  a school-house  : 

“ Shanghai,  November  I If  A,  1850. 

“ There  are  many  things  I would  like  to  speak  of  as  to  the  actual  state  of 
things  here,  but  there  is  one  subject  in  which  we  all  feel  so  much  interest 
at  this  time,  that  you  will  excuse  me  if  I make  it  the  principal  theme  of  my 
hasty  note.  Doubtless  you  remember  the  manner  the  Bishop  writes  in  the 
later  numbers  of  the  Spirit  of  Missions,  concerning  the  Girls ’ School  in 
China.  Now,  though  so  many  are  interested  in  the  Mission,  giving  con- 
stantly and  willingly  their  sympathies,  prayers,  and  pecuniary  aid,  and  clear- 
ly as  they  may  perceive  the  expediency  of  a Girls’  School,  I fear  the  matter 
may  progress  slowly;  partly,  it  may  be,  from  failure  to  realize  individual  re- 
sponsibility and  the  importance  of  individual  aid,  and  partly  from  want  of 
a definite  plan  and  energetic  action.  I know  not  what  the  Committee  may 
have  already  proposed  or  effected,  but  I trust  I am  not  stepping  beyond  my 
proper  duty  in  suggesting  a thought  that  has  occupied  my  heart  ever  since 
I have  been  in  China — Would  it  not  be  most  desirable  and  praiseworthy 
that  the  females  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  America  should  assume  the 
burden  of  providing  a Girls’  School  in  China?  If  it  can  once  be  got  into 
operation,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  beneficiaries  will  be  easily  provi- 
ded for.  An  entirely  distinct*,  and  somewhat  removed  establishment,  is  ne- 
cessary for  girls  in  China.  Hitherto  all  the  strength  of  effort  has  been  given 
to  Boys,  and  now  where  are  the  wives  for  Christian  boys  ? The  boys  are  of 


196 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 


age ; the  girls  have  not  begun  to  receive  education.  Can  you  wonder  that 
we  feel  like  pressing  the  matter,  so  that  the  labour  of  years  be  not  lost? 
All  must  see  the  necessity  for  a Girls’  School ; 1 need  not  stay  to  make  that 
plain.  The  call  is  peculiar,  and  can  hardly  wait  the  slower  movement  of 
the  general  contributions.  Could  there  not  be  something  like  this  ? Sup- 
pose the  ladies  of  a few  large  Churches  merely,  but  all  the  better  if  the  la- 
dies of  many  Churches  should  say:  “We  will  erect  these  buildings;  we 
will  care  for  this  Girls’  School.  Christianity  has  done  everything  for  us  as 
women ; we  will  make  this  one  expression  of  our  gratitude  to  our  Redeem- 
er ; we  will  offer  this  as  one  expression  of  our  Christian  benevolence  and 
love  to  the  benighted  females  of  China  ; we  will  work  with  our  might,  while  we 
may,  and  see  that  the  funds  are  specially  provided.”  Suppose  a contribution, 
or  rather  subscription  were  raised,  in  addition  to  the  general  contribution , 
the  amount  being  fixed,  and  not  large,  that  none  may  decline — any  larger 
offerings  can  be  added  in  another  way — and  suppose  that  Sunday  schools 
add  a cheerful  mite.  If  this  were  done  in  a few  Churches,  how  quickly  the 
amount  might  be  raised  1 Suppose  you  should  speak  of  this  idea  to  your 

Minister,  to  your  mother,  and  to  Dr. . Will  you  not  do  what  you  can 

personally,  and  by  your  influence  ? Perhaps  some  may  say  to  you,  ‘ but  we 
have  so  many  calls  on  us.’  ‘Yes;  but  we  are  not  our  own.  It  is  our  Lord, 
who  bought  us,  that  calls.  To  whom  did  he  say,  ‘Go  ye  into  all  the  world,’ 
&c.  Our  blessed  Saviour’s  was  a life  of  self-denial ; He  pleased  not  Him- 
self. Let  us  all,  especially  us  Christian  women,  study  his  example,  and 
catch  his  spirit.’  I would  love  to  add  more,  but  cannot  now.  Think  of 
what  I have  said;  will  you  not  ? Love  to  friends  : and  forget  not  to  pray 
for  the  dark  places  of  the  earth,  and  for  those  who  in  much  weakness  have 
ventured  thither. 

“ Very  truly  yours, 

“ C.  P.  Tenney.” 


China. — The  last  overland  mail  brought  a letter  from  the  Rev.  E.  W. 
Syle,  which  we  publish  entire  in  this  number.  It  is  matter  of  regret  that 
a report  of  the  remarks  referred  to  in  the  opening  paragraph,  should  have 
reached  the  ears  of  any  of  our  Missionaries  abroad,  as  it  can  only  tend 
to  wound  their  feelings  and  to  discourage  them  from  preparing  journals 
in  future.  Periodicals  of  all  other  Missionary  institutions  are  made  up 
exclusively  of  communications  from  Missionaries ; and  vve  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  express  the  opinion,  that  those  found  in  the  pages  of  the  Spirit 
of  Missions  will  bear  a most  favourable  comparison  with  those  presented 
to  the  readers  of  the  papers  of  other  institutions.  Indeed,  we  have  no 
manner  of  doubt,  that  these  very  communications  have  been  the  chief 
means,  under  God,  of  keeping  alive  what  little  interest  in  Missions  now 
exists  in  the  Church. — These  remarks  are  especially  applicable  to  the 
communications  of  the  Rev.  gentleman  whose  letter  we  now  publish. 


1851.] 


FOREIGN. 


197 


LETTER  FROM  THE  REV.  E.  W.  SYLE. 

Complaint  made  by  members  of  the  Board  of  the  want  of  interest  in 
communications  from  Missionaries. — Restored  health  of  Miss  Jones. — 
Translation  of  the  Scriptures , and  the  “ Shin ” controversy. — The 
School , and  temporary  employment  of  a male  teacher. — Bay  school  at 
the  city  gate. — Services  at  the  Mission  Church. — The  Bishop  of  Vic- 
toria.— Items  of  Missionary  intelligence. 

Shanghai , 19 th  Dec.,  1850. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 

It  is  with  a feeling  of  much  embarrassment  that  I sit  down  to  write  my 
usual  monthly  communication  to  you.  It  appears  to  have  been  complained 
of,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Missions  at  Hartford,  that  the  communi- 
cations of  our  Missionaries  are  “wanting  in  interest;”  and  it  seems  to 
have  been  intimated,  that  much  greater  condensation  is  desirable.  Now, 
as  far  as  I may  have  any  concern  in  the  above  remarks,  I can  only  regret 
that  I have  succeeded  so  indifferently  in  what  I have  bestowed  some  pains, 
and  spent  many  precious  hours,  in  attempting.  For  the  future,  brevity 
may  certainly  be  secured  ; and  as  to  the  “ want  of  interest,”  all  I can  do  is,  to 
offer  to  answer  fully  any  number  of  questions  that  may  be  sent  to  me,  by 
those  who  are  desirous  of  informing  themselves  on  points  which  they  feel  to 
be  interesting,  in  connection  with  the  Chinese  and  our  Mission  to  them. 
I am  most  sincerely  desirous  that  the  character  of  our  field  should  be 
much  better  known  than  it  is  ; and  I can  think  of  no  plan  better  adapted 
to  make  it  so,  than  for  those  who  feel  the  want  of  information,  and  its 
attendant  lack  of  interest,  to  intimate,  by  a friendly  letter  to  some  one  of 
our  little  company,  how  we  may  best  promote  the  object  nearest  to  our 
hearts — that  object  to  which  we  have  devoted  our  lives,  and  for  which  we 
desire  to  secure  the  affectionate  prayers  of  all,  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in 
sincerity.  We,  who  are  engaged  in  the  Missionary  part  of  the  work,  great- 
ly feel  the  need  of  more  sympathy  and  more  fellow-labourers  than  we  have 
had  heretofore:  though  howto  enlist  either  the  one  or  the  other,  I,  for 
one,  am  at  a loss  to  know.  My  oft-repeated  efforts  have  been  so  signally 
unsuccessful,  that  I feel  no  heart  to  make  any  more  of  the  same  kind  ; if 
any  one  will  point  out  a more  excellent  way,  he  shall  have  my  warmest  and 
most  grateful  thanks. 

Since  I last  wrote  to  you,  (under  date  of  13th  Nov.,)  much  has  happen- 
ed, which  possesses  great  interest  to  us  : indeed,. there  is  hardly  a single 
day,  the  history  of  which,  as  noted  down  briefly  in  my  journal,  would  not 
furnish  topics  of  long  discussion  with  those,  who  could  enter  feelingly  into 
our  circumstances.  But  as  that  cannot  be  reasonably  looked  for,  consider- 
ing the  extreme  remoteness  of  Shanghai  from  New-York,  I will  not  betake 
myself  to  journalizing  any  more;  but  will  give  you  instead,  a brief  sketch 
of  “ how  we  do”  in  the  several  departments  of  labour  in  which  we  are 


198 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

engaged.  But  first  let  me  mention  the  happy  fact,  that  Miss  Jones’  health 
is  in  a great  measure  restored,  though  she  has  not  yet  regained  all  the 
strength  vve  could  wish  to  see  her  enjoy.  Twice  our  physician  recom- 
mended that  she  should  break  off  from  her  too-absorbing  occupations,  and 
go  away  to  what  are  called  here  “ the  Hills.”  The  first  time  she  joined  a 
party  under  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Medhurst’s  charge ; and  the  second  time,  she 
went  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hobson  ; the  effect  of  the  whole  has  been,  to  make 
her  feel  a gj*eat  deal  better. 

Now  for  our  work  : The  Bishop,  notwithstanding  a return  for  several 
weeks  of  some  of  his  most  distressing  symptoms,  has  nevertheless  been 
carried  through  the  labour  of  preparing  for  the  press  a pretty  long  “ De- 
fence” of  his  “ Essay,”  written  about  four  years  ago,  and  which  had  been, 
in  the  mean  time,  assailed  by  Dr.  Medhurst,  Sir  George  Staunton,  Dr. 
Legge,  and  others  Of  its  character,  and  the  necessity  for  its  publication, 
you  will  be  able  to  form  a better  judgment  on  perusing  it  than  I could  well 
give  in  this  letter  ; though  T ought  perhaps  to  add,  that  only  those  who  are 
made  to  feel  (as  I am  every  day)  how  shocking  a thing  it  is  to  hear  the 
Holy,  Blessed,  and  Only  God,  called,  by  Christian  Missionaries,  after  the 
name  of  an  odious  idol  or  an  atheistic  abstraction — only  such  can  know 
fully  how  imperative  the  necessity  is,  that  some  one  competent  to  the 
task  should  stand  up,  and  stand  out  in  resisting  the  ill-omened  phraseology, 
which — alas,  for  our  peace  and  the  spread  of  the  Truth  of  God — has  within 
a few  weeks  been  deliberately  printed  in  a large  edition  of  St.  Matthew’s 
Gospel. 

But  to  come  to  a pleasanter  topic — our  school.  Whilst  the  Bishop  was 
engaged  at  his  desk,  my  mornings  were  occupied  in  instructing  the  head 
class  of  boys,  eleven  in  number.  This  duty  became  so  interesting,  that  it 
was  not  without  some  reluctance  I gave  back  my  temporary  charge  of  them, 
and  betook  myself  once  more  to  my  Chinese  studies  and  teachings.  The 
boys  (or  youths  rather,  for  they  are  all  about  17  or  18  years  old)  will  now 
enjoy  great  advantages  from  the  hours  they  spend  in  the  Bishop’s  study, 
where  they  go  over  every  morning  to  be  taught  by  him.  Mr.  Summers  is 
in  charge  of  what  was  Miss  Jones’  school-room,  and  Miss  Tenney  is  exhi- 
biting great  efficiency  in  the  instruction  of  the  younger  classes.  A little 
company  of  six  or  eight,  just  entered,  will  enjoy  great  advantages  over 
any  of  their  predecessors;  some  of  the  older  scholars  are  showing  a good 
deal  of  tact  in  helping  on  these  newly-admitted  ones. 

The  little  day-school  at  the  South-gate  was  much  neglected  during  my 
months  of  occupation  with  other  duties.  On  revisiting  it  again,  and  scru- 
tinizing the  progress  of  the  scholars,  I found  many  changes  and  not  much 
improvement.  The  former  teacher  fell  sick  some  two  months  ago,  and 
went  home,  sending  his  younger  brother  to  fill  his  place.  The  news  of 
his  death  reached  us  soon  after,  and  gave  me  many  hours  of  sadness,  for 
he  was  a candidate  for  baptism ; and  though  I never  saw  in  him  such 


FOREIGN. 


199 


1851.] 


marks  of  a decided  change  of  mind  as  alone  would  make  me  feel  justified 
in  baptizing  him,  yet  it  was  not  a little  distressing  to  think  of  one,  who 
had  applied  for  the  holy  rite,  and  yet  had  died  without  receiving  it.  The 
younger  brother  is  promising  ; his  regular  attendance  with  his  scholars  at 
the  early  Sunday  service,  and  the  eagerness  he  shows  in  instruction  by 
frequent  visits  to  my  study  at  the  Church,  are  tokens  of  some  real  good, 
I trust. 

This  brings  me  to  the  Church,  and  my  labours  in  connection  with  it. 
Public  services — not  always  numerously,  but  now  always  respectfully  at- 
tended— are  held  twice  on  Sunday,  at  9 and  3.  When  we  have  another 
preacher  among  us,  two  more  services — at  noon  and  at  7 in  the  evening — 
would  not  be  too  much  to  hold,  in  order  that  the  Sabbath-day  might  be  a 
high  day,  and  strongly  distinguished  from  all  the  others.  Tuesday  and 
Friday  afternoons  are  the  regular  times  for  instructing  those  who  come  as 
learners,  and  for  distributing  alms  to  the  very  poor,  and  for  bringing  to- 
gether, praying  with,  and  building  up  those,  who  have  been  baptized,  and 
are  considered  as  “ belonging  to  this  parish.”  It  is  at  these  times,  when 
all  five  of  them  are  gathered  together  in  my  little  study,  that  we  feel,  how 
true  to  His  promise  is  the  gracious  Lord  and  Master.  We  are  but  “ two 
or  three;”  but  truly,  He  is  “ in  the  midst.”  Four  are  looking  forward  to 
be  confirmed  next  Sunday,  and  it  is  more  than  refreshing,  it  is  truly  excit- 
ing, to  see  the  joy  and  gladness,  with  which  they  contemplate  this  ratification 
of  their  baptismal  vows.  Would  that  I could  say  something  satisfactory 
concerning  the  case  of  two  who  have  fallen  into  disgrace ; but,  alas  ! 
they  give  no  reliable  proofs  of  penitence,  though  they  have  volunteered 
more  than  one  so-called  confession.  Only  one  more  event  of  interest  has 
happened  in  connection  with  the  baptized  ; and  that  is  the  death  of  our 
old  nurse’s  husband— an  aged  man  whom  I,  and  Chi,  and  Soo-dong,  all 
tried  (but  without  effect)  to  convince  of  his  need  of  salvation.  We  were 
quite  anxious  about  the  funeral  ceremonies,  fearing  that  during  the  course 
of  them,  the  widow  might  be  betrayed  into  the  observance  of  some  idola- 
trous practice ; but  the  people  about  here  seem  to  expect  that  a Christian 
will  have  nothing  to  do  with  burning  incense,  silver  paper,  &c.  One  of 
the  relations,  who  took  charge  of  the  ceremonies,  is  reported  to  have  said 
to  the  widow  : “ You  have  received  baptism,  and,  depend  upon  it,  when 
you  die,  we  will  not  burn  any  silver  for  you  ; but  the  old  grandfather  was 
never  baptised,  and  there  must  needs  be  some  burned  for  his  benefit.” 

Having  resumed  my  custom  of  going  into  the  city  every  morning,  the 
first  thing  after  breakfast,  I have  a great  deal  of  intercourse  with  people  of 
all  kinds  (except  rich  men,  scholars,  and  officials,)  who  come  to  the  Church, 
which  is  now  becoming  a well-known  centre,  for  all  purposes  connected 
with  our  preaching  and  tract-distributing  efforts.  Even  children  in  the 
school  are  often  brought  to  me  there;  and  amongst  them  lately  have  been 
several  girls.  One  of  these,  Miss  Jones  (though  at  great  inconvenience) 


200 


FOREIGN. 


[April 


took  charge  of;  the  rest  have  been  sent  to  Mrs.  Bridgman’s,  as  the  best 
thing  we  could  do  for  them.  A few  Sundays  since  I visited  her  little 
establishment,  and  was  much  delighted  with  the  appearance  of  the  clean, 
cheerful  looking  group  of  sixteen  little  girls — all  learning  the  Creed, 
Lord’s  Prayer,  &c.,  out  of  our  books — which  fact,  you  may  be  sure,  did 
not  diminish  my  satisfaction.  Chi  goes  up  regularly  every  Sunday  morn- 
ing to  instruct  them.  He  also  renders  a good  deal  of  service  to  me  at 
the  Church,  in  catechising  the  blind,  and  aged,  and  others,  who  put 
themselves  in  the  class  of  learners. 

A few  words  more  about  the  surrounding  country.  I have  no  time  to 
go  among  the  villages  that  cluster  around  us  so  thickly  on  every  side; 

I have  tried  it,  and  find  it  impracticable  for  the  present.  But  the  people 
come  to  me  at  the  school-house,  asking  for  medicine,  plasters,  &c.  &c. 

I found  it  impossible  to  repulse  every  applicant,  so  I undertook  some 
three  or  four  cases,  that  required  nothing  more  than  a daily  visit,  for  the 
purpose  of  dressing  some  bad  sores  with  ointment  Dr.  Lockhart  gave  me. 
But  even  these  I had  jto  give  up,  and  send  the  patients  at  my  own  charge  to 
the  hospital,  where  they  would  be  so  much  better  treated,  and  constrained 
to  keep  themselves  still.  A few  days  ago,  paying  a visit  to  our  rich 
acquaintances,  the  Wongs , I found  a Bonze  from  a neighbouring  town 
acting  the  part  of  physician.  Could  I forbear  from  wishing  that  it  had 
been  a Christian,  and  not  a Buddhist,  that  was  prescribing  for  the  poor 
heathen  sufferer  ? 

The  Bishop  of  Victoria  has  gone  on  from  Ningpo  to  Foochow,  and  will, 
I presume,  touch  at  Amoy  also.  The  Missionary  band  has  lost  another  of 
its  members  by  a violent  death  : Mr.  Fast,  a Swedish  Missionary,  was 
murdered  by  pirates  not  far  from  Foochow.  Mr.  Edkins,  of  the  London 
Missionary  Society,  and  Mr.  Taylor,  (American  Episcopal  Methodist,) 
have  made  a visit  to  the  great  city  of  Soochow  ; they  wore  Chinese  clothes, 
and  met  with  no  molestation  : Mr.  Edkins  caught  the  small-pox.  The 
Presbyterian  Board  has  resolved  on  establishing  a Mission  here.  During 
Mr.  Olyphant’s  visit  to  Shanghai,  I showed  him  several  sites  for  building 
that  might  be  procured  ; but  they  have  not  purchased  yet. 

With  these  items  of  intelligence,  which,  though  not  immediately  con- 
nected with  our  own  operations,  will  not,  I suppose,  be  without  some  in- 
terest to  you,  I conclude  my  present  communication. 

Believe  me  to  be,  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 

With  much  respect  and  regard, 

Yours  in  the  Lord, 

E.  W.  SYLE. 

I am  happy  to  be  able  to  inform  you,  that  my  health  is  much  bet- 
ter ; quite  restored,  I hope.  I should  be  glad  to  know  whether  you  wish 


FOREIGN. 


201 


1851.] 


me  to  send  any  more  pictures,  &c.,  illustrating  the  superstitions  of  the 
Chinese.  Now  that  I have  more  leisure  for  such  matters,  and  have  more 
access  than  heretofore  to  the  mind  of  the  common  people,  I think  I could 
find  many  things  which,  with  proper  explanations,  would  disclose  a good 
deal  of  that  especial  mystery  of  iniquity,  which  holds  in  its  thraldom  so 
large  a portion  of  the  whole  human  race. 


i 


Letter  from  the  China  Mission  to  a Sunday-School. — The  follow- 
ing letter  was  addressed  by  one  of  our  Missionaries  to  a Sunday-school  of 
the  Church.  We  hope  it  may  be  read  to  other  Schools,  and  animate  the 
members  to  perseverance  in  that  good  work,  which  finds  one  of  its  promi- 
nent pillars  of  support  in  the  offerings  of  children  : 

“ Shanghai,  China,  September  6,  1850. 

“ I must  not  conclude  my  letter  without  saying  a few  words  about  our 
School,  though  after  writing  so  lately  1 need  not  add  much. 

“This  morning  I conducted  our  usual  monthly  examination,  and  I am 
sure,  if  you  could  have  been  present,  it  would  have  done  your  heart  good  to 
observe  the  much  higher  degree  of  general  intelligence,  and  the  much 
greater  activity  of  mind,  which  is  exhibited  by  our  hoys,  than  by  those  in 
Native  Schools  of  the  same  age.  You  would  hardly  have  been  able  to  ap- 
preciate this,  however ; nor  could  any  one  who  has  not  the  opportunity  of 
learning,  by  repeated  questionings,  what  is  the  depth  of  that  inanity  which 
the  Chinese  system  of  education  induces.  Their  instruction  is  such,  that  it 
positively  amounts  to  teaching  them  not  to  think. 

“ Our  hope  is,  that  as  a reward  of  these  first  years  of  heavy  drudgery  and 
anxious  effort,  we  shall  see  a generation  of  praying , thinking,  and  believing 
young  Chinamen  growing  up  to  enlighten  their  countrymen. 

“ With  kindest  regards  to  both  children  and  teachers  of  your  Sunday- 
school,  believe  me  to  be, 

“ My  dear  friend,  very  truly  yours, 

“E.  W.  Syle.” 


Funds  Needed  by  the  Foreign  Committee  for  China  and  Africa. 
— The  Foreign  Committee  have  determined  on  strengthening  and  enlarg- 
ing these  most  important  missions.  Two  female  missionaries  embarked  for 
China  la,st  November.  One  clergyman  and  his  wife,  and  one  layman,  are 
to  sail  for  the  same  field  in  a few  days.  Our  work  in  Africa  is  on 
a more  extended  scale  than  formerly.  Within  the  past  week  a shipment  has 
been  made  for  that  Mission  amounting  to  nearly  six  thousand  dollars  ; and 
there  is  some  prospect  of  sending  out  additional  laborers. 


202 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 

It  is  evident,  then,  that  the  Foreign  Committee  will  need  a great  increase 
of  funds,  and  for  this  they  must  look  to  their  Christian  brethren  in  the  Church. 
The  Committee  are  out  of  debt;  but  they  have  no  resources  upon  which  to 
fall  back  but  the  stated  contributions  of  the  friends  of  these  missions. 
These  contributions  must  be  increased  in  proportion,  at  least,  to  the  increase 
of  our  expenditures,  or  serious  embarrassment  must  ensue.  The  Committee 
do  not  anticipate  this,  or  they  would  not  attempt  what  they  are  doing.  They 
believe  that  the  Church  at  home,  no  less  than  the  appeals  of  their  missionaries 
and  the  claims  of  benighted  heathen,  to  whom  God,  in  his  providence,  has 
opened  to  us  an  effectual  door  of  entrance,  will  justify  them  in  the  effort  they 
are  now  putting  forth.  They  believe,  that  when  the  present  necessity  and  the 
occasion  of  it  is  known,  a multitude  of  Christian  hearts  will  respond  and 
encourage  us  to  go  on  with  their  prayers  and  their  contributions.  Instead, 
therefore,  of  waiting  for  the  painful  contingency  of  embarrassment,  it  is  far 
better  to  say  to  our  brethren,  clerical  and  lay  : you  have  hitherto  sustained 
us  well;  but  now  we  need  a more  enlarged  liberality,  or  the  important 
work  of  strengthening  and  enlarging  our  Missions  to  China  and  Africa 
cannot  go  on.  We  believe  that  you  will  rejoice  at  what  we  have  done,  and, 
by  God’s  blessing,  intend  to  do,  in  the  discharge  of  the  trust  committed  to 
us ; but  you  must  also  remember,  that  upon  you  must  we  depend  for  sus- 
taining us  in  the  effort,  by  an  enlarged  liberality. 

Should  this  meet  the  eye  of  any  who  have  not  contributed  to  the  Foreign 
Missionary  Treasury  within  the  year  ; or  if  those  who  have  contributed  less 
than  in  former  years;  or  of  those  who,  in  God’s  Providence,  have  in  their 
power  to  enlarge  their  gifts;  we  would  earnestly  ask  them  to  let  our  work 
among  the  heathen  experience  the  fruits  of  their  abounding  liberality,  with- 
out delay. 

An  early  response  to  this  appeal  will  not  only  save  further  embarrassment 
to  the  Missions,  but  will  greatly  encourage  the  Foreign  Committee  to  go  on 
in  the  work  of  strengthening  our  Missions  in  China  and  Africa. 

New-York , March  17 th,  1851. 

James  W.  Cooke, 

Sec'y  and  Gen.  Agent  For.  Com. 


Church  Edifice  at  Cape  Palmas. — Funds  are  needed  for  the  comple- 
tion of  the  Church  edifice  for  the  use  of  the  Colonists  at  Cape  Palmas. 
The  building  is  now  in  progress,  and  the  senior  Missionary  earnestly  solicits 
additional  contributions  from  those  interested  in  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the 
Colonists.  An  interesting  congregation  has  been  gathered  there,  and  the 
High  School,  under  the  charge  of  the  Mission,  is  in  a very  encouraging 
condition. 


1851.] 


FOREIGN. 


203 


“ The  Spirit  of  Missions.” — Parish  Clergymen,  who  may  not  receive 
“The  Spirit  of  Missions”  regularly  every  month,  are  particularly  requested 
to  notify  the  publisher  by  mail  of  every  omissioji,  as  it  is  the  desire  of  the 
Committees  to  give  every  Parish  Minister  an  opportunity  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  the  progress  of  the  Missionary  work  in  both  departments. 

It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  the  circulation  of  this  periodical  has  been 
very  considerably  increased.  As  incentives  for  immediate  personal  activity, 
we  urge  upon  our  readers  the  considerations, — that  every  dollar  of  profit  goes 
into  the  General  Treasury,  and  that  if  each  Parish  Clergyman  and  lay  sub- 
scriber would  procure  but  one  additional  subscriber,  the  amount  raised 
would  be  sufficient,  after  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  publication,  to  sustain 
several  Missionaries.  Not  a little  of  our  present  enlarged  subscription  list 
is  owing  to  the  interest  manifested  by  a few  Clergymen,  who  have  publicly 
urged  upon  their  parishioners  the  duty  of  making  themselves  acquainted  with 
the  missionary  work  by  procuring  and  reading  the  authorized  missionary 
journal  of  the  Church. 

The  following  resolution  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the 
late  General  Convention,  specially' commends  this  subject  to  the  Church  at 
large. 

Resolved,  That  agreeably  to  the  request  contained  in  the  Report  of  the 
Board  of  Missions,  this  Convention  do  cordially  recommend  to  the  mem- 
bers, both  clergy  and  laity,  of  the  Church,  that  circulation  and  encourage, 
ment  be  given  to  the  “ Spirit  of  Missions,”  as  the  medium  of  communica- 
ting information  respecting  the  Missions  of  the  Church. 

The  Church  Journals  will  confer  a favor  by  inserting  the  above 
paragraph. 


^cknctulebgments. 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Foreign  Committee  ac- 
knowledges the  receipt  of  the  following,  from 
February  15,  to  March  15,  1851. 


NEW-HAMPSH1RE. 


Claremont — Union  Church $1  50 

VERMONT. 

Arlington — St.’James’s $24  00 

Brandon— St.  Thomas’s 4.00 

Factory  Point — Zion 10  00 

Poulleney — St.John’s 4 50 

Wells— St.  Paul’s 1 65  44  15 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


Andover — Christ,  S.  S.,  Ed.  pupil, 

Af.,  under  Rev.  J.  Rambo 23  00 

CONNECTICUT. 

Birmingham — St.  James’s 5 00 

Bristol — Trinity 11.50 

Cheshire — St.  Peter’s,  Africa 11  00 

Guilford — Christ,  £ 15  00 

Hamden — Grace 30  00 

New- Canaan — St.  Mark’s 2 50 

New- Haven — St.  Paul's,  of  which  for 

Africa,  $3 107  00 

New-London — St.  James's.  Af. 30  00 

Plymouth — St.  Peter’s,  of  which  for 

China,;50  c 9 20 

Winsted—  St.  James’s 5 ( 0 226  20 


204 


FOREIGN. 


[April, 


RHODE  ISLAND. 

Bristol — H.  F.  M , Africa  and  China..  2 00 

Do.  A.  & C , Cape  Palmas  Ch 6 00 

Providence — Grace 36  81 

Wickford— St  Paul’s *0  00  64  81 

NEW-YORK. 


WESTERN  NEW-YORK. 

Oxford — Misses  Van  Wagenen,  7th 
annual  payment  support  pupil 
named  “ W.  H.  De  Lancey,” 
Africa 


NEW-JERSEY. 


Frederick — Anon.,  for  Mrs.  Hill’s 

School,  Greece $20  00 

For  Female  ed.  China. . 20  00 
Ed.  Upton  Beall,  5tb 

payment,  Africa 20  00 

60  00 

Washington,  D. C. — Dr.  W.  P.  Johns- 
ton, Christmas  offerings  of  four 
children,  ed.  Africa 20  00 


VIRGINIA. 


Albemarle — St.  Ann’s  Parish,  Christ 

Church 30  00 

Alexandria — Christ,  General.. $26  65 

Do.  do.  Africa 3 50 

Do.  do.  Greece...  2 50 

Do.  do.  China 2 50 

Do.  Mrs.W.G.C.,ed.  Chi.  25  00 

60  15 

Caroline  Co, — Grace,  Africa 20  00 

Charlestown — St.  Andrew’s  Parish, 

Zion  Ch.,  Af.  $5,  Gen. $23....  28  00 
Fauquier  Co. — Mrs.  H.  E.  Skinker,  £ 5 00 
Lynchburg— St.  Paul’s,  $66 and $1..."  67  00 
Madison  Co. — Bloomfield  Parish,  3 25 

Martinsburg — Trinity 20  00 

Milltoood,  Clarke  Co. — Christ,  Mrs 
M.  B.  Whiting,  Greece. $10  00 
Miss  Lucy  G.  Nelson,  Af.  2 00 
For  Mrs.  Hill’s  School.  3 00 

General 25  00 

40  00 

Orange,  C.  H. — St.  Thomas’s,  £ 19  00 

Winchester — Christ,  Mr.  Thos.  Mar- 
shall, China 4 00 


Brooklyn—  Ladies’  Miss’y  Circle,  Fe- 
male Ed.  China 25  00 

Cold  Spring  Harbour,  L.  I. — St. 

John’s  ..: 3 00 

Fishkill  Landing — St.  Anne’s,  S.  S. 

CavallaCh 4 00 

Jamaica — Grace 15  00 

Kinderhook — St.  Paul’s,  a Communi- 
cant  2 00 

Little  Neck — Zion $13  45 

Do.  do.  S.  S.,  Af....  5 25 

18  70 

New-York — Holy  Communion,  Chi.. 100  00 

Do.  Ascension 2 50 

Poughkeepsie — Christ 69  00 

Miscellaneous — Family  Mite  Box,  2, 

2,2,1 7 00  246  20 


20  00 


Elizabethtown — St.  John’s,  (of  which 

for  Africa,  $1  31) 8 48 

New- Brunswick — Christ,  China,  $10, 

General,  $20  30  00 

Van  Voorst— Grace,  £ 7 15  45  63 


DELAWARE. 

Middletown — St.  Ann’s 2 83 

Wilmington — Trinity 40  00 

Do.  St.  Andrew’s  . . . .$36  00 
Do.  do.  S.  S. 

Cavalla  Church 10  00  46  00  [88  83 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

Honesdale — S.  S.  Grace  Ch.,  Female 

School  Building,  China 10  00 

Oxford— Trinity 6 10 

Pequca — St.  John’s 11  25 

Philadelphia — Calvary 6 00 

Do.  St.  Jude’s ...23  54 

Do.  Gloria  Dei,  Africa 20  00 

Reading — Christ 50  00 

Wilkesbarre — St  Stephen’s  addition- 
al from  a member,  by  Rev.  G. 

D.  Miles 10  00  136  89 


SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Aiken — St.  Thaddeus’s 7 65 

Beaufort — St.  Helena  Parish,  through 
Rev.  J.  R.  Walker,  for  Miss 

Williford,  Africa $20  00 

S.  S.  ed.  China 31  21 

China  and  Africa 78  35 

129  56 

Do.  do.,  through  R.  W.  Barn- 
well, Esq.,  for  ed.  Chiua,  viz., 

MissJ.  S.  B.,$25;  J.  J.  S.,  Esq., 

$50 ; Edm’d  R.,  Esq.  $25  ; Mrs. 

M.  S.,  $25  ; R.  W.  B.,  $25 150  00 

Charleston — Monthly  Miss.  Lee 2 87 

St.  Philip’s,  China $2  00 

do.  Greece 5 00 

do.  Africa. 24  00 

do.  Ed.  Mary  Bow- 
man, Africa. 20  00 

51  00 

St.  Paul’s 26  51 

Clarendon — St.  Mark’s.  $4  50  & $52  50  57  00 

James's  Island— St.  James’s 10  00 

Spartenburg — Bradford  Springs,  W. 

Burrows 25  00 


MARYLAND. 


GEORGIA. 


Baltimore — Anonymous,  dated  Feb. 

14  th 50  00 

Christ  Ch.  Male  S.  S.,  Cape  Pal- 
mas Ch 70  00 

St.  Peter’s,  a member,  ed.  Af.  E. 

J.  P.  Messenger $20  00 

S.  S.  Cape  Palmas  Ch..  25  00 
Do.  African  Mission. . . 15  57 

General 125  00 

185  57 

Charles  Co  — Rev.  Robert  Prout’s 

contribution 30  00 


| Clarksville — Grace 10  00 

Savannah — Christ.  Collection  after 
an  address  by  the  Bishop.169  00 
Previously  collected  2 00 
For  Cavalla  Church  2 50 
Collection  of  S.  S.  Class, 

Fem.  Sch.  Buiid’g.Chi.  1000 

183  50 


ALABAMA. 
Mobile — Trinity 


415  57 


296  40 


459  59 


193  50 


31  70 


1851.] 


FOREIGN, 


205 


MISSISSIPPI. 

Natchez — Trinity 106  55  j 

OHIO. 

Cincinnati — Christ 88  18 

Gambier — Dr.  and  Mrs.  Pattison 2 00 

Marietta — St.  Luke’s,  $14  and  $1 . . . 15  00 

Piqua — St.  John’s,  ed.  China,  “ Eliza- 
beth Mitchell,” 25  00 

Sandusky  City — Grace,  Africa  $10, 

China  $10 20  00  150  18 

ILLINOIS. 

Jubilee  Chapel— By  J.  W.  Dominick, 

Esq 8 00 

Limestone  Prairie , Peoria  Co. — 

Christ,  by  J.  W.  Dominick, 

Esq 4 02  12  20 


MICHIGAN. 

Detroit — “ Sigma” 4 00 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Dr.  Minor,  U.  S.  N.,  by  Rev.  E.  C. 

McGuire,  D.  D.,  for  Cavalla  Ch..  20  00 
I Cash,  discount,  by  T.  N.  S 30  20  30 

Total  15th  Feb.  to  15th  March $2,505  30 

Total  15th  June,  1850,  to  March  15.$23,366  85 


Correction. — Emmanuel,  Holmesburg,  Pa.,  $5,  entered  in  last  number  as  a thank-offering  for  Greece, 
should  have  been  for  China. 


Princeton  Theot 


1012  01047  1631 


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