The preceding letter was written during the se- glorify the Redeemer, according to that measure of cond visit of Swartz to Tanjore, in this year. He grace which is given them. Let us daily join remained there, upon each occasion, a month, and, heartily in lifting up our hands and hearts to God, during the latter, he had the satisfaction of having from whom cometh all gifts and blessing. May his his place supplied at Trichinopoly by Mr. Gericke, kingdom come, even amongst the blind heathens. who, at the request of the Society for promoting Amen! Christian Knowledge, had proceeded thither from "Wishing you all that is needful to you in your Cuddalore. On his return to Trichinopoly, he station, in order to enjoy peace yourself, and to glothus resumed his correspondence with Mr. Cham-rify your Maker and Redeemer, I remain bers. "Your sincere friend and servant, "C. F. SWARTZ. Trichinopoly, July 1st, 1772."

"Nalla Tambi, your former servant, desireth to return, after he has been instructed and baptized. What a beautiful illustration do the preceding He has behaved, during the time of his being in- letters afford of that union of zeal with judgment structed, in such a manner as to give us hope that and of hope respecting the sincerity of his converts, he will prove sincere. But as he has met with no with that cautious reserve which his sagacity and temptations in money affairs, one cannot judge of it. experience, as to the natives of India, had taught May the knowledge of Jesus and of all his suffer him to be so necessary, which peculiarly distinings cleanse and strengthen him against all tempta- guished the character of this eminent missionary! tions of that sort! The point you mentioned has How anxious he is not to excite too sanguine exbeen frequently inculcated upon him, and now no-pectations in the mind of his friend, as to the conthing remains but to pray for him, that he may fol- version of his late servant, and how admirable his low the guidance of the blessed Spirit. As Mr. suggestion, to treat him with a kind severity! The Gericke will acquaint you with all that passed here, wisdom of Swartz is equal to his piety and love. or at Tanjore, I will not repeat it. May God bless In his next letter to Mr. Chambers, he refers to a us, and all the earth fear him! fresh call to Tanjore.

timony borne by the friendly Rajah to the known cursory explanation of the Revelation of St. John, superiority of Swartz to the prevailing love of which some young Malabar people desired me to money, and the Christian integrity and prudence give them at morning and evening prayer. Glowith which he guarded against every engagement rious are the promises which Jesus has given to his which might in the remotest degree hinder or inter-church, in order to encourage them in their pilgrimfere with his one grand object of promoting the gospel in India.

In the mouth of October, he again visited Tanjore, and conversed with numbers of all ranks on the great truths of Christianity. Upon one occasion, however, he was forbidden by an inferior of ficer to preach so publicly without an order from the king; upon which he inquired, whether he had any authority to interrupt him in the peaceable exercise of his duty; and finding that he had not, he concluded that a Brahmin who happened to be present had excited this temporary opposition.

On his return to Trichinopoly, he spent the rest of the year in his usual sacred occupations, in which the goodness of God permitted him to witness much that was hopeful, to the strengthening of his faith and the comfort of his heart, in the midst of many discouragements and trials. He thus piously conclades his journal.

age.

So far I wrote a fortnight ago.

"After that I went to Vellum, from whence I returned yesterday. As some Malabar people seem willing to be instructed, I proposed to the gentlemen there to erect a small house wherein we might assemble in an orderly manner; which they agreed to, and collected fifty pagodas for that purpose. I intend to keep a catechist there, and to visit that place occasionally. As some families beyond the Coleroon came hither and were instructed, they desire to fix one catechist there. In a few days time I intend to go to that place in order to regulate matters as well as divine grace leads us.

"I had many things to write to you, but my time being much confined, I must conclude. May you grow daily in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! May the blessed Spirit of "With this I close, and praise the merciful God Christ glorify Jesus more and more in your heart! for his unmerited goodness to me and the eight as- And, O! may you be honored to be a glorious insistants during the whole year. May He, accord-strument in promoting the honor of God, and coning to the riches of his mercy, forgive us where- sequently the benefit of your fellow-creatures: insoever we have, either inwardly or outwardly, in This is the sincere wish of act or omission, offended him; clothe us with the "Your affectionate friend and humble servant, perfect righteousness of our Redeemer, anoint us "C. F. SWARTZ. with his Spirit, enlighten, strengthen, and bless us all, to the praise of his mercy. Amen!"

CHAPTER IX.

A. D. 1773 TO A. D. 1778.

Trichinopoly, Jan. 20th, 1.773.”

In a letter to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, dated from Tranquebar, Feb. 14th, Swartz expresses his grateful sense of the divine goodness in preserving him and his fellow laborers Mr. Swartz visits Tanjore-Places a Catechist at Vellum-Letters to in health during the prevalence of an epidemic Mr. Chambers and the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge disease which had swept away above a thousand -Renewed hostilities against the Rajah of Tanjore-Capture of persons in a fortnight. He informs the Society of the Fort and City-Unfavorable effect on the ministry of Swartz- his visit to the natives beyond the Coleroon* menTwo journeys to Madras-Progress of the Mission at Trichinopoly tioned in the preceding letter to Mr. Chambers, and -Death of Colonel Wood-Letters of Swartz to his children-Res adds, that finding the greater part of the village intoration of the Rajah of Tanjore-Arrival of a new Missionary-clined to embrace Christianity, he had left two His death--Mr. Pohle sent from Tranquebar to supply his place Frequent visits of Swartz to Tanjore-Letter to Professor Frey linghausen-Rajah of Tanjore-At his request Swartz learns the Mahratta language-Translates his Tamul Dialogue for the Rajah's use-Account of that tract-State of the Mission at the close of the

year 1777.

EARLY in the ensuing year Mr. Swartz proceeded to Tanjore, and finding that an opportunity presented itself of preaching the gospel in the neighboring fort of Vellum, he determined on placing a catechist there, and occasionally visiting it himself. Of this additional station he informs Mr. Chambers in the following letter.

"MY DEAR FRIEND:

"It is now a long time since I have asked you how you did. The business which keeps you from writing oftener is the very same cause of my delaying it so long. But besides the friendly inclination of writing you a line or two, I was stirred up in a particular manner, by finding some of your papers in the bureau Colonel Wood gave me. As they may be useful, nay necessary to you, for aught I know, (for I have not perused them,) I resolved to send them to you.

catechists there, and ordered every thing for the building of a small church, promising to return to them shortly. From thence he went to Tranquebar to see his brethren the Danish missionaries, and to regulate some affairs relating to his congregation. He notices the increasing expenses of the mission, but expresses a humble hope that a merciful God will supply whatever might be needful-a hope which was not long afterwards realized by a donation of 2007. on the part of the members of the Society towards the support of Swartz and his catechists. He gratefully acknowledges the Society's present of Bibles, and common prayer books, which were most useful and acceptable to the English soldiers; and referring to the liberal offer of Archdeacon Congreve to defray the expense of translating into Tamul, and printing, Leslie's short method with the Deists, and Bishop Wilson's Instructions for the Indians, he assures the Society of his intention of accomplishing that design on his return to Trichinopoly. In August he wrote as follows to Mr. Chambers.

"MY DEAR FRIEND:

"Though our correspondence has been much in"Another question which I would put to you is, terrupted by your multiplicity of business, this has whether you have received those books which you not diminished my regard for you. I remember desired me to write for, and which were sent to you often, and wish that all your steps may be blessyour brother* at Oxford, as the late Dr. Knapped, that you may enjoy a rich share of divine light,

wrote me.

Yesterday evening we were finishing a short

Then a fellow of University College.

peace, strength, and consequently true happiness.
"Here all is in confusion. Poor Tanjore will,

About twenty miles from Trichinopoly.

nay must, as they are pleased to say, fall. I am
afraid Tanjore has filled the measure of its sins, and
is given up. Certainly the poor Rajah was blind
and infatuated; otherwise he might have prevented
the present misery that comes upon him. In Ja-
nuary I was there the last time. I warned them, and
told them that in the present course they must perish.
Manoziappa's son said, 'What can we do? I an-
swered, Turn to Him who can help you.' He
said, 'Is it not the way of the world?' 'Well,' I
said, the course of the world will undo you.'-
Within a short time it will be decided. As the
church at Vellum is to be turned into a hospital, I
shall go to try whether it may be prevented. May
Jesus be with you, and your spirit.-Pray for us
here.

"I am, and remain,
"Yours for ever,

"C. F. SWARTZ.

"Trichinopoly, August 2nd, 1773."

the instruction of the small congregation collected there: and that his own at Trichinopoly had received a large accession of members. Several of these, he acknowledged with his characteristic sincerity, had been actuated rather by the pressure of the famine which was then afflicting the country, than by a genuine desire of knowing the way of salvation. "As they insist, however, on being instructed," he adds, "I think it my duty to bestow on them all diligence, though the labor sometimes increases to a great degree, hoping that some at least may make a good use of my instructions; nor have I been disappointed in my expectations.”

The benevolence which was so conspicuous in the character of Swartz, was particularly observable in his love to children, and in his endeavors to promote their moral and religious improvement.— His schools for the instruction of the natives formed, as is well known, an important part in all his plans as a missionary; and in his intercourse with his European friends, his kindness towards the The alarm respecting Tanjore expressed by younger branches of their families was equally Swartz in the preceding letter, was occasioned by striking. Of this amiable feature in his character the determination of the Madras government to as- a very pleasing memorial remains in several letters sist the nabob of Areot in the object which he had written to the children of Colonel Wood,* who, on long had in view of dethroning the Rajah, under leaving Trichinopoly had been stationed at Madras. the pretence of the non-payment of the tribute due They are marked by the affectionate simplicity, the to him from Tanjore, and possessing himself of his sound judgment, and the elevated, but sober and dominions. The army marched from Trichinopoly practical piety which pervades all his correspondfor this purpose on the 3rd of August, and on the ence, and prove how eminently he partook of the 6th encamped within a short distance of Tanjore.-spirit of his gracious and condescending Master, The poor Rajah remonstrated against this unjust who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto invasion, but in vain. The approaches were made, me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingand the breaching batteries opened on the 14th of dom of heaven." The first of these interesting letSeptember. On the 16th a practicable breach was ters is addressed to the eldest daughter, then only reported, and the next day at noon, while the garri- nine years of age, and is as follows:— son had retired for a little refreshment and repose, the English troops advanced to the assault and entered Tanjore with scarcely any resistance or loss. The Rajah and his family were taken prisoners in the fort, and the nabob took possession of his treasure and his kingdom.

The effect of this change in the government of Tanjore was unfavorable to the influence of Swartz, and to the progress of his Christian labors in that quarter. The nabob and his sons, though personally civil, were unfriendly to the exertions of the able and zealous missionary; and the building in which divine service had been performed appears to have been destroyed during the suspension of the Rajah's authority in Tanjore.

In the course of the succeeding year Mr. Swartz undertook a journey to Madras for the express purpose of obtaining from the nabob a spot of ground at Tanjore, on which to build a small church; but the grant was refused. Business having called him to Madras a second time, he repeated his application, but it was again civilly declined. On both these journeys, he observes in a letter from Trichi- | nopoly, dated January 21st, 1775, addressed to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, he conversed freely with the natives, the generality of whom appeared to be more and more convinced of the divine origin of Christianity. "Many of the best families," he says, "would not hesitate to become Christians, could it be shown how they might maintain themselves. But the difficulties are now greater than when Tanjore and the Marawar country had their own princes and governments; many thousands of the inhabitants having quitted the country for want of food and employment. We go on, however, casting all our burden upon Him 'who careth for us,' and who can point out a thousand means of alleviating these distresses, and open the way for the reception of his word."

In the same letter, he informs the Society, that two of his catechists were stationed at Vellum, for

"It is a long time since I had it in my mind to send you a line, because I have known you from your infancy, and that for several years. It is, therefore, natural in me to wish you well, and particularly to desire the welfare of your immortal soul. I know, and am fully persuaded, that your dear mamma will do all that lies in her power to train you up in the paths of true Christian piety; still a well-meant admonition from an old friend may be acceptable. As God has made us reasonable creatures, our great care should be to adorn our understanding with useful knowledge. Now the word of God is particularly given us for that divine purpose of making us wise unto salvation. It teaches us in the best manner what God is, and what we are; and leads us unto Jesus Christ the blessed Saviour, who is able and willing to deliver us from our sins, and to make us beloved children of God.

"I hope that by the example and admonition of your kind mamma, you are desirous of improvement daily in that divine knowledge of Jesus Christ. Besides, we have a will to choose, or to reject something-as this our will is directed either for God and his glory, so we are obedient to him; is this will inclined towards the world and sinful things, so we prove disobedient. There was never a man upon earth whose will was so well directed, as the will of our Saviour. In the midst of his sufferings he said, 'Not my will, but thine, O Father in heaven, be done.' Now as a will, well directed and guided, is a sort of heaven upon earth; so, on the other hand, a stubborn, disobedient will is a sore affliction. Therefore I wish and entreat you, my

Two of the daughters, one of whom was married to the late Rev. Basil Woodd, died early of decline. The son, who followed the profession of his gallant father, is now a lieutenani-general in the army, and still retains a pleasing remembrance of his venerable friend.

dear N., to make God's will your own, saying from
the heart, 'Not my will, but thine be done, O God.'
And as we in our younger years do not know what
is good for us, God has enjoined us to obey our pa-
rents. I make no doubt but a hint from your dear
mamma will be as much as a command. Remem-
ber me to your dear brother, and my young friend,
and to your two dear sisters. May the grace of God
abound in and upon you. Amen!
"So prays your affectionate friend,
"C. F. SWARTZ.

"Trichinopoly, July 1st, 1773."

men.

bestowed on us in Jesus Christ. Pray heartily to him every day, not only with your dear mamma, but likewise by yourself. Endeavor by the grace of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God. All true Christianity is founded in humility. This true humility makes the Lord Jesus so precious in our hearts. This humility produces likewise all Christian dispositions towards our fellow-creatures. It makes us meek, patient, and compassionate towards all Above all, strive to subdue and conquer that most dangerous enemy, self-will. This self-will robs us of all comfort, and our fellow Christians of a good example; besides, it hindereth the Holy SpiThe admonition of the pious missionary to acqui-rit to work in us a glorious resemblance to Jesus esce in the will of God came but too seasonably to Christ. Always think and say, 'Thy will be done, his youthful correspondent, who was called about a O God!' Salute my dear J. in my name. The twelvemonth afterwards to sustain the heavy loss angels sang, 'Glory be to God in the highest.' I of her father. Colonel Wood, who died in July, hope he will glorify God through Jesus Christ. Tell 1774, had requested Swartz to become a joint exe- B. that Jesus loveth all humble praying children, cutor with Mr. Chambers, of his will, an office and that I wish she may always be loved by Jesus. which he could not with propriety decline, consi- Your youngest sister M. tell, that Jesus desireth the dering his personal friendship for that excellent of- children to come unto him. I hope she cometh daily, ficer, and his obligations to him as a generous be-folding her little hands and praising him who was nefactor to his mission. The two next letters to his born a little babe for us. All and every one, I hope, orphan daughter were written after his return from is obedient to your dear mamma, that the blessing Madras, where he had consoled the family, and ar- which God has promised to obedient children may ranged as far as possible, the affairs of his deceased come and rest upon you!" friend.

Simple as these letters are, and adapted to the capacities of children, they will not be deemed unworthy of being recorded, when the importance of such a talent for the instruction of the young on the part of a missionary, and the fine sense and solid excellence of the admonitions which they contain, are duly appreciated. The two following letters were addressed to his young friends in the prospect of their approaching departure from India, and their voyage to England.

"DEAR CHILDREN,

"Trichinopoly, Jan. 16th, 1775.

Trichinopoly, Sept. 10th, 1774. "Your very agreeable letter I received with joy and thankfulness to God, for the divine grace which already has been given you; which, if you continue to implore your blessed Redeemer, and watch over yourself, will be augmented every day. Your dear mamma will show you an excellent admonition which God your Saviour has given you and us all. Give me, my son, (daughter,) thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.' (Prov. xxiii. 26.) Yes, may your heart, all your desires and affections, be given to God, so as to love him above all, and fear him in a filial manner, and trust in him! His "As the time is very near, when you, I suppose, ways you must learn to observe, even with joy, gra- will leave this country, I thought it my duty to titude, and obedience, though they should cross our write to you a short exhortation, which you are so ways; for his ways are good and highly beneficial, willing to receive from me, your old friend. When leading us to the place of eternal happiness. The you leave this country, I beseech you, take none of ways of men are too often sinful, leading to de- the sins which are so manifest here with you; beg struction. Be, then, always observing the ways of of your Redeemer to forgive you all your sins, and your heavenly Father, and follow him in all. Obey to grant you the help of his holy Spirit to love, fear, your dear mamma; and look upon it as the greatest honor, and obey God. Learn the will of God, and blessing, that God has given you such a guide. practise it daily, as you have given us some pleasLove humility as your Saviour did, and let not ing ground to hope you do. As your age is not your heart be deluded by the show of the world. easily given to grief, make use of your innocent Salute my young friend J., and tell him not to stay cheerfulness to gladden the heart of your parent. behind, but to be diligent in learning his book. Tell You cannot please her better than by obedience, your dear sister B. not only to mind the things that willingness to learn to pray, and fear God: endeabelong to the body, but to mind, above all, the bless- vor to please her and your heavenly Father by all ings of the soul; to pray heartily; to obey strictly this; read every day your beloved Bible; pray all the orders of her dear mamma. And last, re-heartily, and forget not to sing a song of praise to member me to my dear P.; ask her whether she can say her A, B, C, and whether she loves prayer. Jesus be with, and in you all!"

Trichinopoly, Dec. 20th, 1774. "Last month I received your most agreeable favor, which rejoiced me much. Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has awakened your heart to a sense of the love of God, and of Jesus Christ. Believe me, this is the greatest treasure which a gracious God bestows on the poor children of Adam and Eve. The blessings which he bestoweth on our bodies are not to be despised; but as our soul is of an infinite value, the benefits which we receive from God in respect of our souls, are much more to be valued than those which belong to our bodies. Go on vigorously in the way of God. Learn to know him better, and what mercy he has

your Redeemer. Whenever your dear mamma forbids you a thing, be ready to obey. Never give way to any stubbornness; and as you know that God is highly pleased with humility, learn to be humble, entreating your Saviour to destroy all the seed of pride, and to clothe you with humility. May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be with you. Amen!

"Remember me, and pray for me, that I may walk worthy of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and that by my poor ministry many souls may truly be converted to our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Trichinopoly, Sept. 8th, 1775. "Having written a few lines to your dear mamma, I thought it proper to address you likewise. You may be sure I have thought of you very often, representing to my mind the comfort which you

at Tanjore. This event led to the renewed and more beneficial intercourse of Swartz with the Rajah and his kingdom.

would afford to her during the passage. In this obedient disposition I hope you will continue, nay, improve, as you advance in knowledge. You know, even in your tender years, how agreeable it is to In the course of this year, professor FreylingGod, and what a great blessing he has promised to hausen, of Halle, to whom the Society for proobedient children. The fear of God, as a reveren-moting Christian Knowledge had repeatedly aptial regard to keep his commandments, and a holy plied without success, informed them that the Rev. care not to offend him, I hope, will preserve your J. J. Schoelkopf, of whom he wrote in strong terms tender hearts; and to strengthen this holy fear and of commendation, was on his way to London, to love to God, I hope you pray often and devoutly. embark as a missionary to India. On the 29th of As you liked prayer in your tender years, I hope October, he was presented to the Society, and was you will not neglect it as you advance in age. Let addressed by the Rev. Mr. Bourdillon, in an elovour Bible be your most beloved book. Read and quent charge in Latin, in which he refers to the consider how Jesus your Saviour lived, how he subject of this memoir, in language which proves gave himself for us all, how he sits at the right hand the high estimation in which he was held in this of God to bless us, and to send his holy Spirit into country. "Neither," he observed, "do you engage our hearts. But all this your dear mamma will ex-in this career alone: for, independently of that diplain to you more clearly. May God lead and guide you by his holy Spirit, that your whole life may bring glory to God and comfort to your dear parent

and friends!

"My dear J. intreat particularly to be diligent in learning useful knowledge, and sincere. I hope to hear from him, and to learn how he has improved in those things which suit his age.

"Next January, the little J. whom I educate, shall write him a letter; at present he begs to send his compliments. He is just now reading his Persian books, which he began to learn just after your departure. Farewell, beloved children! May the blessing of God be upon you at all times!"

vine assistance which will attend both your entrance upon it, and your daily progress, you have the hap piness of finding a wide and effectual door opened to you, and of being preceded by the illustrious example of Swartz, as a fellow-laborer; by whose unwearied diligence, admirable prudence, and incredible labors, the work of the gospel has, to the great joy, and gratulation to heaven, of this Society, within these few years, made no inconsiderable advances in Tanjore: whose footsteps, if you follow, not only as a friend and colleague, but as a most skilful leader, and imitate his faith, his zeal, his virtues, how will the solid experience of the one, the cheerful emulation of the other, and the united studies and labors of both, redound to the influence and efficacy of pure religion, and to the desired enlargement of the kingdom of Christ!"

but died soon after his arrival, to the great disappointment and concern of Swartz, who mentions, with genuine Christian feeling, this afflicting event in the following extract from a letter to Professor Freylinghausen, dated September 25th, 1777.

The converts to Christianity in Trichinopoly and the neighboring villages, during the year 1775, were numerous, and, in general, able to give a satisfac- Mr. Schoelkopf replied in Latin, in a manner tory account of their faith. Among them, Swartz which gave a very favorable impression of his tamentionst a young man of high caste, who had de-lents and piety, and sailed immediately for India, liberated more than three years, whether he would embrace the gospel. His relations opposed his conversion; but he followed the convictions of his own mind, and, having cultivated our language, was taken into the service of an English gentleman. His countrymen shunned and reviled him; which he bore with humility, yet without dejection; and, finding that they could not depress his spirits, they acknowledged the wrong they had done him, and even entreated him to read to them some passages of the New Testament. In the same letter, Swartz speaks of two families near Trichinopoly, who had been converted, and whose patience, under the persecution which had followed from their heathen neighbors, combined with a degree of cheerful boldness in maintaining their Christian profession, had been productive of such happy effects, that a third family had been induced to embrace the truth; and he entertained the hope of shortly seeing the whole village converted to Christianity.

"Your letter, containing the agreeable intelligence of a missionary coming to my assistance, afforded me great satisfaction. This gentleman arrived safely at Madras; but it pleased the Lord of life and death soon to call him to himself, by a pleurisy, which terminated his life in a few days.You may easily conceive how deeply this intelligence affected me. But the Lord is holy: just and true are all his ways. Our duty is to submit to his will. May he have mercy on us, and support the work in which we are engaged, for Christ's sake!"

The next extract from this letter, affords another illustration of the wise and pious caution of the writer, as to any interference in political matters.

The deposition of the Rajah of Tanjore, and the assumption of his country by the nabob of Arcot, having been the sole act of the Madras government, was, after a considerable interval, the subject of serious discussion in England. Notwithstanding all the efforts of the nabob, the voice of justice prevailed, and an order was sent out from the Court of Directors to restore the Rajah to his former authority. The president of Fort St. George was, in consequence, recalled; and, in April, 1776, the re-placed confidence in me, I received letters requeststoration of Tuljajee, under certain conditions highly favorable to the British interests, was proclaimed

This was the son of his friend, the excellent Mr. Kohlhoff, of Tranquebar, whom Swartz had adopted, and whom he was educating; who was afterwards his colleague and successor at Tanjore, and still lives, the highly respected superior of that mission.

+ Abstract of Society's Reports, p. 180.

"Respecting our sitnation at Tanjore, you will easily conceive the confusion into which we have been thrown by the late events at Madras.* Indeed, the arrest of the governor by his council, could not fail to have a great influence on the af fairs of Tanjore. It being known that the king

ing me to persuade him to accede to certain propositions; but this I refused in a polite way, as a business which would interfere with the conscientious discharge of my sacred office. This is the cause of my not having conversed with the king for these six months past. It is with great regret I have to

*Alluding to the contest between the governor and the council, and the subsequent arrest of Lord Pigot.