The directors of the East India Company having, at the request of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, kindly granted the three missionaries a free passage on board the Lynn, Captain Egerton, they proceeded to Deal to embark in that ship. The second letter referred to is dated from that port, January 24th, 1750, in which Swartz thus writes. "The 10th of January, according to the old style, which is yet used here, on the 21st according to the new, was the day on which we left dear Kensington, where God bestowed so much grace upon us. On the preceding evening we were from seven till ten with his majesty's chaplain, who said many things to the awakening of our hearts. He gave us the 121st Psalm for meditation on our voyage: 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Whatever could in any way contribute to our comfort and encouragement, that he did. On new year's day also he addressed us publicly from the pulpit from these words, 'Be not afraid, only believe.' (Mark v. 36.) At the same time he exhorted the congregation to pray for us. On the same evening he prayed again with us, commended us to the mercy of our God. and gave us some copies of his lately published Exposition of the Lord's Prayer. He then dismissed us with the cordial admonition, not to allow our brotherly love to cool. May God write all that we have heard deeply in our hearts! "Thus we departed on the 21st of January, N.S., in the name of Jesus, accompanied by that trusty German, Matthieson, who has conducted all the missionaries from Mr. Walther* until now. On the 23d we arrived at Deal, in perfect health and spirits. Here we lodge in a house which is only a few paces from the shore, so that from our windows we see nothing but the sea. My heart is filled with cheerful confidence, being convinced that as God has taken us under his paternal care during our late travels, so will he likewise continue to be our Protector. If we will only cleave steadfastly to him, he will also most certainly be with us, and be our faithful God. And he will graciously hear the prayers with which we know so many of his children and servants accompany us. Now, therefore, we go forth in the name of the Lord, who hath called us to be his servants and messengers among the heathen; who will also guide and bring us to the destined place." The next letter, which was addressed to the Rev. Mr. Ziegenhagen, announces his actual embarka tion. "From on board the Lynn, off the Isle of Wight, "There comes a ship to bring us provisions, by which I send you a few lines. On the 29th of January we left Deal. God hath given us a favorable wind, with which we have already sailed past Portsmouth. Praised be his name, we are all well. Our cabin is below that of the captain. We are alone, for which we have thankfully to acknowledge the goodness of God. We are as conveniently accommodated as can be expected on board ship. God be praised for it! The captain is a good, plain-dealing man, and the other passengers show us much kindness. We talk English as yet very badly, but they all encourage us to speak, and no one laughs at our blunders. Several of them know a little Latin, and use their utmost endeavors to explain to us whatever we do not understand. We return hearty thanks to God for having brought us * In the year 1725. to this ship. Hitherto he hath graciously preserved The ship did not, however, proceed on its voyage so quickly as was expected. On the 3rd of February, Swartz wrote to Mr. Ziegenhagen as follows: "Filial love requires us to make use of this opWhen we last wrote to you, we were off the Isle of portunity of informing you of our circumstances. Wight, and had a most favorable wind; but we were obliged to lay to for more than half a day, Deal were taken on board. Towards evening we before the things which the ship brought us from sailed, and by Monday had come already close veered about, and the captain found himself comto the Bay of Biscay. In the morning the wind pelled to return to some harbor. Here the motion of the ship was so violent, that I experienced something of the sea sickness, but only for a few minutes. We were met by two pilots, and the captain engagThat day, about four, we arrived off Falmouth.— ed him who came first to the ship; but the other, tion, not so much because he had not been engaged, on coming up, expressed his great dissatisfacHe disputed so long that the first was obliged to go as because the other had not conducted us aright. away. This morning we found that the man had just grounds for his displeasure. For when it was struck frequently against the ground with such a ebb tide, our ship had not sufficient water, but crash, as if a gun was fired. At the same time there was a great storm, so that we might have sustained much injury, if God had not preserved us. Now we praise him that we were forced to return; for in this storm we should have been in the daily perceive that his goodness preserves us. greatest danger off the Spanish coast. Thus we that we might always look only to him, rest in his will, and filially resign ourselves to it! Our captain shows us great kindness. For the rest, I pray God daily, that he would purify my heart more and more from all dross, and by his Spirit fit me for the important office for which, unworthy as I am, he has, out of mere grace, ordained me. I rest assured that you also will daily beg this grace for myself, and my dear brethren. "C. F. SWARTZ.” The ship was detained at Falmouth by contrary winds rather more than a month; but this delay was amply compensated by its escape from the storms which, as it afterwards appeared, some others had encountered; in noticing which circumstance, many years afterwards one of the brethren at Tran quebar took occasion to observe, that during the century which had elapsed since the commencement of the Danish mission, and in the course of which about fifty missionaries had sailed to India, no vessel which contained any one of them had perished. In the following letter addressed to professor Francke, Swartz, with a fervor and simplicity of "About seven in the evening we sailed, in the name of God, out of the harbor, with a man of war, which we thought was to escort us; but the next day we learned that she was to escort the Norfolk. With this divine dispensation, we were well satisfied, believing that we should not need that convoy, if we could only say with David, (Ps. xlvi. 7) The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. If the Lord be for us, who or what can be against us? We met a Dutch ship, from Smyrna to Rotterdam, the captain of which informed us, that he had suffered much from the late severe storms, whilst we were quietly in the harbor. On the 16th, we were met by two ships, which exhibited a sad spectacle. One of them had sprung a large leak, and drew several feet of water, so that she lay very deep, and rolled from side to side. Our captain backed the sails and sent the carpenter, with an officer, and some others, to see whether they could assist; but on their return, they declared that the vessel must sink. The other ship, therefore, kept quite close to the damaged one, that the people might save themselves. "On the 21st of March, I had a fever, which continued till the 10th of April. As I fell away so much, the doctor was alarmed; but God helped me graciously, and soon restored to me my bodily strength. I must also confess, to his praise, that this sickness has been of great service to me. On the 22d of March, we had, for the first time, divine service on board our ship, which afforded us great pleasure. On the 29th, we passed the tropic of Cancer; and on the 18th of April, we crossed the line, for the first time. There was great joy on board, that we had not been ble, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for- | nistry. May the Lord do good abundantly to them asmuch as ye know that your labor shall not be in all! In the evening, dear Mr. Kiernander received vain in the Lord.' us, and praised the name of the Lord for all the mercy he had shown us. "From this time, we began to look out for India, and thought we had now left the worst behind. But on the 17th of June, in the night, we had a most furious storm, in which all declared we were in great danger. Even the next day it was frightful to behold, and it was much heightened by the heavy rain which accompanied the wind. Meanwhile, when the tempest was at the highest, we slept in peace and quiet: a gracious God had hidden the danger from us. On the 19th, there was a pretty strong breeze. A rope, with which a sail was belayed, happened to break, which caused the ship to heel a little, and all at once we lay on our side. The captain called out to the men at the helm to put the ship about; but they could not accomplish it. The vessel had inclined altogether to one side, and was, moreover, quite wet from the rain, so that the people fell as they attempted to walk on the deck. However, the storm at length subsided, and we sustained no material injury. In how many distresses hath not our gracious God covered us, as it were, with his wings! On the 30th of June, we passed the tropic of Capricorn a second time. Now we came again into a pleasant climate; hitherto we had sometimes very cold weather. The 4th of July the rope at the helm broke, and, as the wind happened to blow fresh, the ship fell into some disorder. On the 10th, we again crossed the line. The 13th was a most agreeable day; for we then came in sight of Ceylon. The chief mate discovered it about nine in the morning. The joy which this produced on board is hardly to be described, since the greater number scarcely expected that we should make it so directly. We said, "This hath God done!" O, how great is his goodness, and how graciously doth he hear our prayers! May the kindness which he hath showed us in this instance, serve to strengthen us in filial confidence! "I should now give an account of our occupations during the voyage. But as they were substantially the same as those of our predecessors, that is, preparing ourselves for our duty in the best manner we were able, I shall be brief. Every morning and evening, and frequently during the day, we stirred up ourselves by joint prayer and meditation on the holy Scriptures, by which God graciously refreshed us. Afterwards, each of us, apart, used either to meditate on some passage of Scripture, or read some other devotional book. From eleven to twelve, we practised reading English together, besides what each afterwards read for himself. The German Mission Accounts hitherto edited, five volumes and a half, we have partially perused. Mr. Niecamp's Abridgment, and the first volume, we have nearly read through. This occupation we have found to be of great advantage. We also kept a diary; but as in many places it is rather illegibly written, in consequence of the rolling of the vessel, and we do not wish to send it so, we shall by the first ships send one fair copy of it to your Reverence, and one to the Mission College. "On the 24th of July, the Rev. Senior of the Danish missionaries, Mr. Wiedebrææck, came from Tranquebar to fetch us. He joined us in hearty praises to God for all his mercies. After having therefore visited several English gentlemen, we departed on the 28th from Cuddalore. Dear Mr. Kiernander accompanied us as far as the first river, and there took leave of us. On the 30th we arrived at Tranquebar in perfect health, and were most fraternally received by our dear brethren. hitherto the Lord hath helped us. To him be glory for ever and ever! Now "Our present occupation can be described in a few words. At seven in the morning we begin, and "This day and the following, we enjoyed the de- practise Tamul almost the whole forenoon. Three lightful smell of cinnamon. At the same time, we days in every week Mr. Maderup comes to us at ten, had a most favorable wind, so that, during the day, and gives us a lesson in Portuguese. From two to we passed at a good distance by the rocks of Ceylon. three in the afternoon we again read Tamul. AfOn the 16th of July, we were approaching the coast terwards every one remains alone till five. From of Coromandel: every one, therefore, looked out five to six, I and dear brother Hutteman practise eagerly for land; but the night drew on, and we speaking Tamul. We have Christopher with us, could see none. About nine, we found a bottom at who affords us wonderful help in that language, befifteen fathoms; and it was remarkable that, as soon cause he talks German fluently; and where we as it was found, the wind ceased. We therefore make mistakes, he corrects us. The Rev. Mr. Zegdropped the anchor. In the morning, when we lin is holding at this time a preparation for baptism looked out, we not only beheld the coast, but found with some heathen, at which we also attend, as we ourselves right opposite to Cuddalore. We praised begin already to understand a little. We perceive the name of the Lord for this paternal guidance that God helps us on from day to day. Dear brother and whosoever delights in the traces of his gracious Poltzenhagen and I live together. We do not, howprovidence will, on hearing it, exalt his name toge-ever, provide for our diet, as Mr. Kohlhoff has taken ther. us to his table. In the morning and evening we excite each other by joint prayer and reading the word of God. "This is the principal intelligence which I can at present impart to your Reverence. "C. F. SWARTZ." "After we had cast anchor, the natives immediately came on board. The sight of these poor people, who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, deeply affected our hearts; and we awakened ourselves cheerfully to work at their conversion, and to recommend to them the salvation of the gospel. Now, the Lord vouchsafe to give us wisdom, grace, and strength, to accomplish this purpose, since we are most unworthy to be unto them 'a savor of life unto life.' We informed the Rev. Mr. Kiernander of our arrival, and be sent in the afternoon a country boat to fetch us. There we took our leave of Such was the diligence with which Swartz purthe officers and passengers, who had showed us sued the study of Tamul, that, on the 23d of Noevery kindness. They were much moved at part-vember, that is, in less than four months after his ing, and wished us every blessing in our future mi The Society's missionary at Cuddalore.-See Introductory Sketch. The providential escape of Swartz and his brethren from shipwreck, though not noticed in the preceding letter, crowned the mercies of their voyage. The vessel in which they sailed was lost in the river soon after their landing at Cuddalore. arrival in India, he preached his first sermon in Ziegenbalg's Church, called New Jerusalem, from Matthew xi. 25-30. Having pointed out the invitation of Christ to all to come to him for the bless ings of heavenly rest and peace, and observed that they could only be obtained in the order here prescribed by the Redeemer, he earnestly exhorted all who were present not to think lightly of this gracious offer; thus exhibiting, in his first address to the heathen, the very spirit of that gospel which he was commissioned to proclaim, and which he continued unceasingly to recommend and to exemplify during his long and honorable career as a missionary in India. CHAPTER II. A. D. 1751 To A. D. 1754. "But that you may know this from more special "As to external things, God has given me life and health, and has made the climate and the heat supportable; so that, though my breathing was Mr. Swartz enters on the Duties of a Missionary-His account of sometimes oppressive, yet I have not been induced these in a Letter to a Friend-Careful preparation of Candidates to complain. Praised be his name also for his grafor Baptism-Excursions to the Towns and Villages near Tranque-cious help! Whoever always reposes in the good bar-Specimens of Swartz's Conversations with the Natives-Let- and holy will of God, saves himself much trouble, and makes that supportable which an impatient and unsubdued self-will renders intolerable. May the Lord subdue this self-will more and more by the power of the cross of Christ! ter to Dr. Struensee-Periodical Reports of the Danish Mission Pious Custom of the Missionaries on proceeding upon a Journey -Visit of Messrs. Kohlhoff and Swartz to Cuddalore-Pastoral and weekly Conferences with their Brethren there-Return to Tran quebar. No sooner had Mr. Swartz attained some know Concerning the language of this country, I freledge of the native language, than he entered vi- quently thought during the voyage-Behold, at gorously upon the discharge of the various duties Halle I learned Tamul three months, and I made but little progress; how much time will be required of the Mission. Early in the year 1751, he comto learn that language, even though it be only so menced a daily catechetical exercise with the young much as to be able to express myself intelligibly!' est children of the Tamul school, which consisted But God has graciously removed this difficulty, not merely in questioning them, and receiving their which appeared to me so great; for after we had once preached, it became more and more easy. answers, but in explaining the principles of Chris"Soon after the commencement of the new year, tianity, in the order prescribed by the catechism, in the simplest manner, and in familiar dialogues by I began a catechetical hour in the Tamul, or Maexamples taken from common life. He also cate-labar School, with the youngest lambs; and thus I chised the children of the Portuguese school alter- learned to stammer with them. At the same time, nately with Mr. Poltzenhagen, and preached in I made almost daily excursions, and spoke with Portuguese alternately with him and Mr. Maderup, Christians and heathens, though, as may be easily another missionary, who had the superintendence conceived, poorly and falteringly. However, God of the Portuguese congregation. these stated occupations, Mr. Swartz held in this helped me on from day to day. year two preparations for baptism with natives, and afterwards baptized many of the candidates. These, with other interesting particulars, are related with great simplicity and piety in his second letter from India, dated September 28, 1751, and addressed to a clergyman at Halle, of which the following is an extract. In addition to "The manifold kindness which you showed me in my university years, induces me to address a letter to you from this country; the more so, as it was you who first gave me a hint that I should, perhaps, be asked to go to India. When I think of this, and of the first distant preparations made by the divine providence, I praise and humbly thank the only wise God. It is also a sweet comfort to my heart, that I am enabled to say, 'It is thou, O my God, who hast conducted me to these parts; I have not run hither of my own accord, but would rather have declined the call, if thy unseen hand had not retained me. O therefore help, and bestow upon me all necessary wisdom, grace, and strength, for this office!" "My gracious God has already manifested so many proofs of his paternal love towards me, that I cannot but remember the word of the Lord Jesus, which he spake to upright Nathaniel, (John i. 50,) 'Thou shalt see greater things than these.' May the Lord give me grace, that, like Nathaniel, I may use the proofs of divine goodness and mercy which I have hitherto experienced, as a solid foundation, If strengthening, and confirmation of my faith. henceforth I do not behold the glory of God, then verily unbelief will be the cause of it. At Nazareth, my Saviour did not many mighty works, because of their unbelief. Now, Lord, grant faith, ind that lively faith! "After I had thus practised reading and speaking for nine months, I began the first preparation on the 26th of May, 1751, and finished it on the 2d of July, when I baptized most of the converts. Each of my brethren was occupied with preparing a small number for holy baptism. When, therefore, ten days afterwards, another party came, I began the second preparation on the 12th of July, and ended it in six weeks. With these souls I hope the Lord has not permitted me to labor in vain. How they now conduct themselves, I cannot say, as the far greater part of them were from the country. "The increase this year is very pleasing, consisting of four hundred in the Tamul congregation, including a hundred and fifty-nine children, partly of Christian, and partly of converted heathen, parents; though the real blessing does not amount to the whole of that number. God send forth faithful laborers, for the harvest is indeed great! Therefore help us, dear sir, to implore the divine assistance. "This short account I have given you, in humble praise of our gracious God. To him alone belongeth glory, but to us shame; and if we should even suffer ignominy and disgrace for the sake of Jesus, we are unworthy of so great an honor." The preparation of candidates for baptism, mentioned in the preceding letter, was frequent at stated periods in every year. Several of the missionaries were occasionally employed with different parties of the natives at the same time, which was the case in the year 1751, in the course of which, twenty of these preparatory lectures and instructions took In general, the greater proportion of such place. labors devolved on the junior missionaries, as soon as they were sufficiently conversant with the native language, both for the purpose of rendering them familiar with this important employment, and of affording to the seniors more leisure for correspondence, and other laborious duties of the mission. The utmost care was taken during these exercises to ascertain, not only the religious knowledge, but the Christian dispositions of the professed converts. Those who were slow of apprehension, or the sincerity of whose views in embracing Christianity appeared doubtful, were deferred to the next preparation. This occurred with respect to two candidates on one of the occasions just mentioned, of whom one was found to be deficient in knowledge, and the other of too worldly a mind to be admitted into the Christian church. The period of probation for baptism was sometimes extended to several months, that the missionaries might have a better opportunity of observing the moral character of the converts, and with respect to those who came from distant places, of obtaining information as to their previous conduct. siderably removed by the improved character and conduct of our own countrymen; more particularly in stations of influence and authority. May it daily become less merited! Swartz one day met a Hindoo dancing-master, with his female pupil, and told them, that no unholy persons shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.— Alas, sir!" said the poor girl, "in that case hardly any European will ever enter it ;" and passed on. Having asked a Pandaram, or Hindoo devotee, who carried about an idol, why he did so; "For my support," said he. Swartz reproved him for his baseness, and inquired the name of his idol.He replied by a Tamul word, signifying, "He that removes evil." Upon this, the missionary spoke to him of Jesus, as the only Saviour who took away the sins of the world. งา A Hindoo pretended that he and his countrymen worshipped the same God as the Christians did, only under other names. Swartz replied, "The true God must possess divine perfections; such as supreme wisdom, omniscience, omnipotence, holiAgreeably to the practice of that comparatively ness, justice. Now, nothing of this is found in your early period, when there were seven or eight mis- divinities; but, by your own records, ignorance, sionaries at Tranquebar, Mr. Swartz, as he inform-impurity, cruelty. How can it be said of such that ed his friend in the preceding letter, was accus- they are gods? You have a proverb, that where tomed to make excursions almost daily among both sin is, there is no excellence. Now you acknowthe Christians and the unconverted natives, gen- ledge the practices ascribed to your gods to be sinerally in company with one of the elder brethren.- ful; consequently, by your own confession, they Four or five missionaries occasionally went out, are unworthy of the name." "That is very true," attended by one or both of the country priests, and said the Hindoo; "but if we receive even what is each missionary followed by a catechist or an as- false, and think it to be true in our heart, it is done sistant, and some of the school-boys of the first class. to us according to our faith." "How can you They divided themselves, either singly or in parties adopt," answered Swartz, "a sophism, which you of two, among the neighboring towns and villages, yourselves, on other occasions, reject? You are conversing with the natives, endeavoring to con- accustomed to say, 'If one write the word sugar, vince them of their errors, and to persuade them to and then lick his finger, it will not on that account embrace the religion of the gospel. Various speci- become sweet, though he believe it ever so firmly.'" mens will be given in these memoirs of the wisdom A native objected, "Show us any one who has and ability, as well as the kindness, evinced by Mr. embraced your religion, and has been actually Swartz in such conversations. A few shall here be saved, and we will believe you." Swartz answered, inserted, which may serve to show his early profi- in the spirit of Abraham's reply in the parable of ciency in the exercise of a talent peculiarly impor- the rich man and Lazarus, God has given you tant to a missionary, and in which he afterwards so his word-prove and examine it. Such an evieminently excelled. dence as you require is not the appointed way of becoming convinced of the truth; for the devil can transform himself into an angel of light.” A Hindoo merchant said to him, "God has created us to the end that we should know and serve him." This Swartz confirmed, and then added Another observed, "I am surprised to hear you with regret, that although God had given him and say, that if we forsake, Paganism, our souls will be many of his countrymen a knowledge of the end of happy, and that if we do not, God will punish us.their creation, yet they remained in idolatry, and What is the soul? A breath, which, when it has thus unhappily never attained it. He then declared left the body, is blown away with other winds. You the doctrine of Christ, and pointed Him out as the may perceive this by our holding the hand to a only way to the true and saving knowledge of God. dying person's mouth, to feel whether there is yet Another wealthy old merchant, who understood breath. If there be, life is still in him. Thus breath Danish, English, and French, said to him, "Sir, be and the soul are one and the same thing. Who not displeased; I wish to ask you a question. Do then can say that wind shall be punished? What all Europeans speak like you?" Swartz replied, is God? Can he be seen? He is the universe. I that all Europeans were not true Christians; but die:-that means nothing more than that my body that there were many who were really so, and who is resolved into its original elements-water, fire, sincerely prayed for the Hindoos, that they might earth, air. But the existence of such a spirit within become acquainted with Jesus Christ. "You as-me as you speak of, I believe not. Where is it tonish me, said he; "for, from what we daily ob- when I sleep, when I see no one, or though one serve and experience, we cannot but think Euro-touch me, I do not feel it?" Swartz replied to each peans, with but few exceptions, to be self-interested, incontinent, proud, full of illiberal contempt and prejudice against us Hindoos, and even against their own religion, especially the higher classes. So at least I have found it with the majority of those with whom I have had any intercourse." point. He reminded the objector of the operations of the soul, such as thinking, judging, determining; and asked, whether wind was capable of these? whether he could not by this perceive that he had a soul, which is a real being, endowed with understanding and will, and which is therefore susceptiThis is a reproach which has been but too justly ble of sorrow, anxiety, and pain. He next explainthrown upon Europeans by the unenlightened na-ed the doctrine of the resurrection. This man extives of India, and has ever formed one of the most pressed, without reserve, the doubts which other powerful obstacles to their conversion to Christian-heathens entertain; from which it appears that the ity. It is, however, a reproach which, though still errors of Spinoza are not unknown in India. too frequently deserved, has of late years been con- deed they are not new, having been long since no In |