Christian knowledge. This is no time for discuss- | ing that question; but if the thing is done, and the natives understand it as an institution for teaching the language only, never break their confidence by seeking for converts here. Our religion is not to be advanced insidiously, but proposed boldly; and the first moral principle is good faith." The nature of these institutions was, in fact, perfectly understood and approved by the natives, and they were attended with the happiest effects. The provincial school at Tanjore, in particular, was frequented by children of the first families; and the improvement of the scholars was very observable. These seminaries furnished many young men who were employed at Madras as writers with handsome salaries; and others who obtained considerable employments. It appears, however, from a subsequent account of one of these schools, that Swartz anticipated some direct Christian benefits from their institution. The general impression upon this subject, is strikingly marked in the following account of his interview with the Rajah Ameer Sing, respecting the establishment of such a school at Combaconum, one of the principal seats of idolatry in Tanjore. on that Epistle, written by Thomas Adam, rector of Wintringham, in Lincolnshire, which has pleased me much; and I am sure it will please you. At present many doctors teach mankind to stand upon their own righteousness, neglecting the atonement made by Christ. But they must have an unspotted righteousness to stand before God, and where is that man who will dare to say, 'I never sinnedI am perfectly holy?' Consequently none should dare to appear before a righteous God without trusting in the atonement of Christ. You will find by experience that the doctrine of the atonement will incline you to be thankful, grateful, and obedient to all commandment. "Mr. Hudleston sent me, some years ago, Dr. Price's sermons, which almost totally destroyed the Christian doctrine. I cut the book in four pieces, and buried it before my door, that none by reading that book might be poisoned.* "But now, my dear madam, I must mention the precious (and I must say the expensive) present of the books which you have sent me. The books no doubt are highly valuable, and therefore agreeable to me. But I have suffered much for my impudence-how shall I call it otherwise? All that I can say is no apology. I did not know that they were so voluminous. "One whole night I have dreamt of this my presumption. I thought in my dream, Can't I find out something in return for the expensive trouble I have given to my friends? I awoke and again the same thing came into my mind. I spoke," he observes, "with the Rajah on the subject, but he seemed not to approve it, and afterwards sent to inform me of his disapprobation. I went to him and inquired how it was he did not approve it, especially when every one was left at liberty to have Hindostanee, Persian, Mahratta, and Malabar schools. But,' I said, 'the true reason of your disapprobation is a fear that many would be converted to the Christian religion. I wish you would all devote yourselves to the service of the true God. I have assisted you in many troubles, and will you now treat me as an enemy? Is this right?' He answered, 'No: that is not my meaning; but it has never been the custom.' Ought it "Your two acquaintances, Mrs. Knox and Mrs. then,' I replied, always to remain so? There has Kinsey, are well. Mrs. Knox is at present in Mabeen much done already, that never was the cus-dras, where she has found in Mrs. Duffin a most tom.' He said, 'Good, good, I will do it."" "You may say, 'Why will you dream so? don't mind it because it was only a dream.' I confess it was a dream; but it was a strong proof that the thing must have made a deep impression on my waking mind; otherwise I could not have dreamt in such a manner. Now I can say no more than many many thanks to you. agreeable comforter. Mrs. Kinsey is at Trichinopoly. The two boys are still with me. Without The following letter was addressed to Mrs. Hip-injuring Captain K-, one may call him a trifler. pisley, and contains some excellent hints on the religious education of children. What an excellent correspondent are you! have received three of your kind letters. I "I rejoice that you are well with your dear childrea. May they all grow up in a truly reverential fear of God; so that they may prove a blessing to their country, a joy to their parents, and an example of every virtue to their fellow creatures. By this they will live to the glory of God, and at last be happy for ever. Amen, be it so! "Your daily business is now to educate these lovely plants, and to rear them up in a truly Christian manner. (God forbid that they should be brought up in the present fashionable way!) No business is equal to that of educating children. "I hope you tell them those excellent pieces of history recorded in the Scripture, with suitable remarks on them. i hope you bend your knees before God in conjunction with your children. You were not ashamed to do it at Katernat. When your children see such an example of piety in you, it will do them more real good than hearing a thousand sermons. I intreat you to let your children learn their religion from their Bible, and not from every new book. My most beloved teacher is St. Paul. Read his Epistle to the Romans, which exhibits a system of faith and morality. "Some years ago a friend sent me a paraphrase "Your two nurses are alive, and live upon your bounty. Your house at Katernat, as likewise that at Maricukoil, go to ruin, because none lives in them. I have not been able to hear of that girl who went with Mr. Sullivan's sister. "God bless you and all your dear children. Next "Your most obedient Servant, The extracts which follow, from several letters written in the course of this year to Mrs. Duffin, at Madras, evince the animated and wakeful piety of Swartz, and illustrate, by the little details of familiar correspondence, the peculiar sweetness and benevolence of his character. "Tanjore, Feb. 19, 1789. "I arrived here on the 7th inst., having had a very pleasant journey. Blessed be God, who has preserved me during my absence from Tanjore! * Dr. Price, the celebrated dissenting minister, is the author here referred to. He was a professed Arian. Candid and benevolent as Swartz was, in the truest sense of those terms, he could not endure a doctrine which so directly derogates from the glory of Christ, and undermines the very foundation of the Christian redemption; but entered deeply into the spirit of the beloved apostle's injunction, 2 John 10. I showed So we go from place to place, till our pilgrimage be | two pieces of cloth for Mrs. K- your letter to her. She wished to get the cloth " Sept. 10. "Though I have not written to you these last few months, I have not forgotten you. No; I remember you and your family often, and wish that you may prosper in the way that leadeth unto life eternal. "Is the new couple in your house? Do they rejoice your heart by their conduct? I hope you and Mr. D. enjoy tolerable health; for, knowing your frequent ailments, I will not express it in stronger terms. I have suffered a good deal from a wrench, though I know not when and where I got it. However, all is for our benefit. These things put us in mind of our departure, which we must expect, and for which we are to prepare. Oh, what unspeakable happiness will it be, to be free from "Here we are under apprehension of being mo- of God and all his children! There I hope I shall sin, pain, and sorrow, and to rejoice in the presence lested by Tippoo. He has collected an army at sing the praises of God and our Redeemer with you. Dindegal. Colonel Stuart is ordered to form a Till then let us 'fight the good fight of faith,' laying camp at Warriore to be in readiness if Tippoo hold on eternal life, till we enjoy it. My best wishshould commence hostilities. We are but ill pre-es to my dear friend, Mr. D, and all your pared in respect of provision. And though we have suffered much formerly by our neglect, nothing will make us wiser. And as it is in that respect, so in other articles likewise. "But oh, if God were with us, we might be confident, trusting in his Almighty arm. But Him and his word we disregard shamefully, as if we needed him not. However, we are in his hands, to save or to chastise us. May we seek and find mercy in and for Jesus' sake! "I hope you go on well in your female asylum, where Mr. Gericke, as I understand, has the inspection. But I cannot learn who has the management of the male asylum. God bless you and us all! May he be our light and salvation in all circumstances!" household." "Dec. 29th. "Your last favor I have received. Since that, the chest arrived from Negapatam. The snuff, the pickle, the book, the hats, were all in good order.For all these new proofs of your repeated kindness, I thank you sincerely. "Mrs. K- - will be with you in a few days. I hear that she will live in the fort. You will de light in the behavior of her children, who have been brought up under the closest inspection of a careful mother. "I have been informed of the severe illness of Mr. D; but at the same time I have heard the agreeable news of his perfect recovery. No wonder if he feels himself weak, as he daily goes through so much fatigue. May God preserve his health to your comfort, and to the benefit of those who need his assistance! Every sickness reminds us of our end. "We are now completing a whole year. How fast passes away our time! At length, we must quit the whole period. However, let us only take care to finish our course with joy." Sept. 25th. "We all here rejoice at the happy change which -has made. We join with you in wishing that she and her husband may be one in seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness; for then he will direct and bless all other things. That divine pursuit of the best thing makes that state truly happy. Tell, therefore, our friend to persuade her husband by all gentle methods to read daily with her the word of God, and to keep up family prayer. claimed the intention of his coming into this world, "When our Saviour was born, the angels proMen sometimes indulge pride and stubbornness in viz. to glorify, or declare the glory of God; to esthis respect; but a friendly perseverance on her side will be blessed with good effects, though in the be-tablish peace on earth, good-will in and towards ginning impediments will tire us a little. But tell her not to give up that point, but meekly to persevere. I shall be very happy to hear of her and her husband's Christian course. I rejoice that you and my brother, Mr. Gericke, jointly work in improving the females in the asylum. May you find many (I wish all) of them in a blessed eternity! There shall we sing praises to our Redeemer for ever. "Pray give my respectful compliments to Lady the governess of the asylum. Tell her that I wish she may be a true mother to that beneficial institution. May a merciful God awaken us to become vigorous Christians!" "Nov. 17th. "Your last letter I should have answered much sooner, had I not waited for the arrival of the vessel on board of which you had sent a box for me, and mankind. "This treble blessing He procured for us. If we then, by a lively faith in our Redeemer, partake of these three inestimable mercies, so as to glorify God for his goodness, and to enjoy that peace, which Jesus, by suffering and dying for us, has obtained, surely we shall have a good-will towards God and men, and be truly happy.* D "This happiness I sincerely wish to you and Mr. This was evidently a favorite train of thought with the venerable missionary. The reader will recognise the similarity of these sentiments with the subject of one of his sermons. CHAPTER XVI. A. D. 1789 TO A. D. 1790. |ject have been no less frequent than forcible; and Misgovernment of Ameer Sing-Mr. Petrie sent to Tanjore-Com- to Serfojee-He is consulted as to the adjustment of the revenue accounts-His letters to Sir Charles Oakley, respecting the general management of the country-Confidence of the governor and coun cil of Madras in Mr. Swartz. It will now be necessary to revert to the public affairs of Tanjore, and the conduct of the new Rajah. It has been already stated, that, upon his accession to the throne, the government of Fort St. George addressed to him a letter of counsel and advice, particularly calling his attention to the state of the revenue, and to the administration of justice among his subjects. Notwithstanding this friendly admonition, it appears that, at the commencement of the year 1788, Mr. Swartz reported to the government that Ameer Sing was managing his affairs so injudiciously, that the very worst consequences were to be expected; that he was alienating his lands in an extravagant and improvident manner; that he entirely neglected the administration of justice; and that unless some means were adopted to check the profusion and folly of the Rajah, and of his sirkeel, or manager, Shevarow, the most ruinous results were to be apprehended. In consequence of this communication, Mr. Petrie, one of the members of the Madras council, proceeded as commissioner to Tanjore, and Mr. Swartz was requested to render him the assistance which his knowledge and influence in the country would enable him to afford. Mr. Petrie's first object, on his arrival, was to procure the dismissal of the obnoxious minister, Shevarow: but, failing in this, he persuaded the Rajah to associate with him two other respectable natives, as managers of the revenue, who should become responsible to the Company for the payment of the subsidy, for the more prudent administration of the affairs, and for the allotment of a just proportion of the produce to the inhabitants of the country. It was also agreed that Mr. Swartz should have the superintendence of the court of justice, which, in consequence of his repeated solicitations, the Rajah had consented to establish at Tanjore; that he should be made acquainted with the causes which came under the cognizance of that court, and that a weekly report of its proceedings should be delivered to him, which he should remit to the British resident, whose powers were enlarged, to enable him effectually to secure these important ends. By these judicious arrangements, considerable advantages were obtained, both in the more regular management of the revenue, and in some slight appearance of a better administration of justice; but these improvements were only temporary, and were unhappily counteracted by the Rajah, and his favorite, Shevarow. "In addition to the knowledge Mr. Swartz and myself have of his situation, the widows of the late Rajah have stated the condition in which he is held, and have called upon me, as representative of the honorable Company here, to procure for him that protection which has hitherto been refused him by the present Rajah. "He remains still deprived not only of all education, but also of free air, exercise and attendance. There being no prospect of a favorable change in his situation, humanity induces me to hope that some effectual mode of interposition may suggest itself to you, by which the boy may receive the protection he so well merits from the justice of the honorable Company. "I beg leave to add, that the Rev. Mr. Swartz (whom Tuljajee on his death-bed appointed guardian to Serfojee) might, with propriety, be constituted the judge of his condition; and while he approved of the treatment shown by his excellency, the child would be secure of every protection the honorable Company could desire to obtain for him." On this communication, the following minute was recorded. "The board approve the suggestion of Mr. Macleod respecting the appointing the Rev. Mr. Swartz guardian to the adopted son of the late Rajah of Tanjore; and it is accordingly agreed that a copy of the foregoing letter be sent to Mr. Petrie, and that he be desired to pay every attention to the subject contained in it.” In consequence of this recognition of Mr. Swartz, as guardian of the adopted son of the late Rajah, he had access to him from time to time, and acquainted the resident with his state; who, in a letter to the government secretary, dated 12th of August, 1789, reported it as follows: "You will be pleased to acquaint the honorable the President and Council, that on the 8th inst. Mr. Swartz and myself had an interview with the adopted son of the late Rajah. He appeared to be in good health, though a gloom hung upon his countenance. His place of confinement is spacious, though I believe he is never permitted to come out of it. He told us, upon inquiry, that he had no masters given him to instruct him, complained of his confinement, and wished to go to the house of his mother-so he calls the widow of the late Rajah. "I had before told Shevarow, that at least he should be permitted to have the exercise of riding within the walls of the palace. Shevarow's answer was, that he had repeatedly, but in vain, recommended it to the Rajah. But it is much to be doubted whether he would say any thing so much against the Rajah's inclinations." Besides this mal-administration of the affairs of government, and his failure in the stipulated payments to the Company, another subject of com- On the receipt of this letter, the governor adplaint against Ameer Sing about this time arose, dressed one to the Rajah, which contained the folwhich cannot be better stated than in the follow-lowing paragraph; and the resident was directed ing report from the resident to the government of to observe the treatment of Serfojee. Madras: "I have been informed that the adopted son of "I lament the occasion which obliges me again the late Rajah is kept by your excellency under to address you on the treatment shown by his ex- close confinement, and deprived of the means of cellency to Serfojee, the adopted heir of the late an education suitable to his rank and condition. Rajah. This I think proper to mention to your excellency, ،، Though my representations to you on this sub-not doubting that you will order him to be set ar was informed it was by his counsel that Sertoje The conference running to a great length, the "The Rajah began, of his own accord, on the subject of Serfojee, and gave the strongest assurances that in a very short time he would so act as to give entire satisfaction; and that we being on the spot, should be witnesses and judges of it. Mr. Swartz then observed that it must be by releasing Serfojee from the present dark and dismal place of his confinement, to which the Rajah asserted, but declined being more particular, repeating his asOf the subsequent proceedings, the following re-surances that he was certain we should be satisfied port was transmitted to the Madras government a few days afterwards, by Mr. Ram, who had succeeded Mr. Macleod, as resident at Tanjore. "Having obtained an interview with the Rajal, with his conduct. With respect to Shevarow, he affirmed that he had been calumniated, and hoped that he would be able to clear himself to my satisfaction. I had given a short memorandum to Mr. Swartz, of the points I wished to be satisfied on- | Rajah requested that my peons might be stationed one of which was, to obtain information respecting a late grant from the Rajah of a considerable district to his son-in-law; on the impropriety of which, at a time when he could not pay his kists, (instalments to the Company,) I desired him to remark. The Rajah admitted that he had made such a grant, but defended it on the ground that a similar provision had been allowed for the son-in-law of the late Rajah. "Notwithstanding that Mr. Swartz appeared to place some confidence in the above assurances of the Rajah respecting Serfojee, I must own they appear to me rather evasive, and calculated to gain time; but of that the honorable board will be more capable of judging." About a week after the preceding communication, the resident received an order from the governor of Madras to remove Serfojee from the immediate control of the Rajah; of his execution of which the following is his official report. in lieu of them; but this appearing to me as very insufficient security, I persisted in my first position; and having sent for the sepoys the next day, no further objection was made. "Mr. Swartz was of opinion that after what had passed, Serfojee ought to have his provisions furnished by the Rajah's widows, to which his excellency has made no kind of objection. Indeed I understand that having been aken under the protection of the Company, his food may be provided by any one he chooses. Mr. Swartz is likewise of opinion that a discontinuance of the guard would be attended with some risk to the person of Serfojee. "The house in which he now is, has been somewhat encumbered by buildings since the time of the late Rajah. It is, however, pleasantly situated, and has a small garden adjoining. "I have great hopes that the enlargement of the boy being thus effected, will remove the improper influence which Shevarow had obtained over the Rajah, by persuading him that whilst his excellency adhered to his counsels, the release of Serfojee would never be effected." "I shall proceed to relate the steps by which the situation of Serfojee has been so considerably altered for the better. The letter of Mr. Chamier of the 16th, arrived about noon, on the 20th. I requested an interview with his excellency for the In the month of February, 1790, the resident, in day following, which being granted, I repaired to announcing to the governor in council at Fort St. the palace, accompanied by Colonel Stuart and Mr. George, the arrival of despatches from the Court Swartz. Having desired that Serfojee might be of Directors very favorable to the interests of the brought into our presence, which was with some Rajah of Tanjore, submitted to the board, whether difficulty complied with, (the Rajah apprehending it might not be proper to take that opportunity of that he might charge him with neglect of his edu- urging upon his excellency the performance of his cation to his face,) I took the youth by the hand, promise to Sir Archibald Campbell, to reform the and having declared your orders that he should be administration of justice, but which had been enremoved from the palace, I was proceeding to con- tirely forgotten or neglected since his inauguration. duct him out, but was prevented by the violent agi- "The good Mr. Swartz," the resident observes, tation of the Rajah, who took hold of my other having frequently lamented the mischiefs which hand, and of my clothes, conjuring me not to dis- are daily happening for want of a regular system grace him so much in the sight of his people. I of justice, (with that knowledge which his long endeavored to make his excellency comprehend acquaintance with the language and manners of that the step I was taking was for his own reputa- the country has given him,) has favored me with tion, which suffered by the treatment hitherto ob- his thoughts upon that important subject, which I served towards Serfojee. It would be needless to have the honor to enclose. The want of such regurepeat all that passed during a couple of hours. lations are daily before my eyes. Any man in the The Rajah at length finding me resolved, either to Tanjore country (who has the power) ties up and take the boy out of the palace, or to place him un- tortures whomsoever he pleases, on the most frivoder the protection of the Company's sepoys within, lous pretences." after affirming that the proper house could not be prepared for him under seven, then three days, and at last by the next day, most solemnly promised that it should be done; upon which I retired, leaving Serfojee under the protection of Mr. Swartz, near to whom it was settled he should sleep for that night. Of these acts of oppression and injustice, the resident then mentions some gross instances, which clearly proved the inability of the Rajah himself, under the present corrupt system, to restrain and punish such atrocities. The letter from Mr. Swartz to the governor in council, referred to by the resident is as follows. "HON. SIR, AND GENTLEMEN: "Permit me humbly to address you, in behalf of this country, of which you are constituted guar. dians and defenders, and in whose prosperity or distress you are concerned. "The next morning he, for the first time since his confinement, saw the sun! Between eight and nine I returned to the palace, and about eleven we were joined by Colonel Stuart; about one, having notice that the house was nearly cleaned out, and Serfojee's furniture removed there, with the Rajah's consent, who did not appear, I conducted him to it, and placed a guard of twelve sepoys of the 23d "Every government is to be supported by a raover him. I have ordered a proper person, recom- tional administration of justice, without which both mended by Mr. Swartz, a Mahratta Brahmin, nam-king and subjects cannot prosper. This proposition ed Dadarow, to attend to his education, which has been entirely neglected, he not being acquainted even with the alphabet. The person before mentioned has likewise been instructed to prevent such discourse being held in his presence as might tend to put ambitious thoughts into his head, upon his present enlargement. Serfojee expressed his gratitude for the favor shown him, and was desired by me to send his acknowledgments to the Rajah for his ready compliance with your orders. The admitting of the sepoys to this part of the palace was long disputed. On the evening of the 21st, the needs no proof, being self-evident. All nations confirm it, at least in theory; experience, nay, all history, gives us the strongest proof, that a country without justice is a ruined country. "When, some years ago, the spirit of despotic cruelty drove the people to despair, the late Rajah promised to alleviate the burthens of his people, and to introduce a better administration of justice. And as the people, so often deceived and oppressed, entertained strong doubts of the truth of this noble and exhilarating promise, he empowered me to publish it in writing, and to become responsible for the |