influence and popularity which he acquired, both with Mussulmans, Hindoos, and contending European governments, I need give you no account, except that my idea of him has been raised since I came into the south of India. I used to suspect, that, with many admirable qualities, there was too great a mixture of intrigue in his character; that he was too much of a political prophet, and that the veneration which the heathen paid and still pay him, and which indeed almost regards him as a superior being, putting crowns and burning lights before his statue, was purchased by some unwarrantable compromise with their prejudices. I find I was quite mistaken. He was really one of the most active and fearless, as he was one of the most successful missionaries, who have appeared since the apostles. To say that he was disinterested in regard to money, is nothing; he was perfectly regardless of power, and renown never seemed to affect him, even so far as to induce an outward show of humility. His temper was perfectly simple, open, and cheerful; and in his political negotiations, (employments which he never sought for, but which fell in his way,) he never pretended to impartiality, but acted as the avowed, though certainly the successful and judicious agent of the orphan prince entrusted to his care, and from attempting whose conversion to Christianity he seems to have abstained from a feeling of honor. His other converts were between six and seven thousand, besides those which his predecessors and companions in the cause had brought over."

Such was the testimony of Bishop Heber, when writing from Trichinopoly, immediately after his most interesting and memorable visit to Tanjore, and within three days of his own unexpected and lamented removal from the world. There he had witnessed with almost overwhelming delight the success of Swartz's labors, and had pronounced the episcopal blessing in their own language upon more than thirteen hundred native Christians, assembled in one of his mission churches; and there, while standing on the grave of that apostolic man, he addressed both the missionaries and the people in a solemn and affecting charge, the deep impression of which, can never, surely, be effaced from their remembrance, commending them to God, and to the word of his grace, and animating them by the memory of their departed father, to Christian union and order, and perseverance in the faith of the gospel.

Of the origin and progress of these flourishing and important missions, of the zeal and diligence, the self-denying and disinterested, the patient and unwearied labors of their venerable founder, the preceding pages abundantly testify. "I can bear witness," says one of his most valued, and one of his very few surviving friends,* "to the truth of the anecdotes which have been already published relative to Mr. Swartz. His indefatigable zeal in propagating the Christian religion has never been surpassed. Whenever he travelled and rested at a village for his palankeen bearers to refresh themselves, the natives collected around him, listened to him with the greatest attention, and paid him the utmost respect. His cheerful countenance and pleasing manner impressed them with an earnest desire to hear him."

For, letting down the golden chain from high, He drew his audience upward to the sky. The zeal of Swartz was untinctured by fanaticism, and undebased by extravagance, eccentricity, intolerance, or harshness, whether of spirit or expression. It was a mild, pure, and steady flame, which did not astonish, much less alarm, by any sudden, violent, or fitful blaze, but, like "the Sun of righteousness," or "the day-spring from on high," by whose rays it was kindled, and by whose influence it was nourished and preserved, it enlightened, healed, and cherished those who were disposed to follow it, and "guided their feet into the way of peace."

In all his intercourse," said one of his colleagues, "with the idolatrous natives, or with the Roman Catholics, his great aim was to convince them of the corruption of their hearts, and to direct them to Christ as their only refuge. He earnestly admonished them to seek reconciliation with God in the days of health, since they were so constantly exposed to the attacks of death."

If, as the messenger of the Lord of hosts, "the law of truth was in his mouth," as the minister of the Prince of peace, the law of kindness which was in his heart prompted him upon every occasion to "speak the truth in love." Though "his spirit," like that of the apostle, was stirred within him" while he beheld the surrounding idolatry, hẹ inveighed not against it in terms of bitterness and reproach, but testified against its guilt and folly, "even weeping," and invited its wretched votaries, in the tender language of the parable of the prodigal "We leave Tanjore," says Archdeacon Robin- son to arise and return to their heavenly Father. son, † "with the sincerest regret, and with the Calm and dispassionate, he detected the sophistry of strongest interest in a spot so favored and so full of the Brahmin, and refuted the cavils of the Mohampromise. The bishop has more than once observed medan, by that perfect acquaintance with the docto me, that instead of the usual danger of exagger- trines and errors of both, which he had happily acated reports, and the expression of too sanguine quired by the labor and the study of his early years, hopes, the fault here was, that enough had not and feared not, in the presence of princes and gobeen said," though the excellent Buchanan had vernors, to enforce the principles and precepts of twenty years before described, in the most glowing the gospel in all their genuine simplicity and truth. language, the same gratifying scene, and had utter- The only tract in Tamul, which he ever published the same sentiments," and repeats his convic-ed, is still extensively circulated in the south of tion that the strength of the Christian cause in In- India, and in Ceylon; and "when we read," says dia is in these missions, and that it will be a griev- one of the native catechists in Tinnevelly, "our ous and heavy sin, if England and the agents of late father Swartz's dialogues between a Christian its bounty do not nourish and protect the churches and a heathen, we are constrained to say, that he here founded. He has seen the other parts of India still lives to teach the present, yea, succeeding geneand Ceylon, and he has rejoiced in the prospects rations." opened of the extension of Christ's kingdom in many distant places, and by many different instruments; but he has seen nothing like the missions of the South-for these are the fields most ripe for the harvest."

"with

The preaching, however, and the instruction of Swartz, were not, as we have already seen, excellency of speech," or of man's "wisdom." He determined, like the great apostle, "to_know nothing," whether among Hindoos or Europeans save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." This di*For the correction of this misapprehension, see vine and all-important topic, not stated barely or p. 157 of this volume.

The Last Days of Bishop Heber, p. 176.

* W. Duffin, Esq. of York.

be thus employed, his interposition and assistance should, upon various occasions, have been solicited and courted in affairs of civil and political importance, in every one of which the result was equally honorable to the uprightness of his principles, and the ability of his conduct. "The spirit of power and of love, and of a sound mind," was in this, as well as in every other part of his character, conspicuous and predominant, and tended at once to give him favor, and to render him acceptable both with God and with men.

The talents and acquirements of a man so highly it cannot be a subject of surprise, that he should honored, and so eminently and extensively useful, subdue the prejudices and win the hearts of all could be of no ordinary and limited kind. His na-around him; and that without the slightest wish to tural endowments, though not brilliant, were superior and commanding. A sound judgment, calm and steady energy, great acuteness and sagacity in the discernment of character, and in the conduct of important affairs, resolution and perseverance in the execution of plans deliberately formed, were their principal characteristics. Though not profoundly learned, in addition to the knowledge of classical literature which he acquired in Germany, he was a good Hebrew scholar, and a master of the Tamul and Persian, the Hindoostanee, the Mahratta, and the Indo-Portuguese tongues. These The personal habits of this extraordinary man were all which were practically useful in the posi- have been already sufficiently apparent. Simplition which he occupied in India. The stores of city, moderation, self-denial, activity, regularity, Sanscrit learning would otherwise have been ob- patience, kindness, courtesy, cheerfulness, pervaded jects of his research. The correctness and ease his every thought, word, and action. He was enwith which he wrote and spoke the English lan- gaged in a multiplicity of affairs, civil and politiguage were remarkable. From the period of his cal, as well as religious; wrote, and for many years settlement at Trichinopoly, he was indeed closely corresponded much, both on matters of public busiconnected and identified with English society, ha-ness and of private friendship; but such was his bits, and manners. He was warmly and loyally attached to the British government and interests in India, anxious only for the correction of abuses, and the rendering of our growing ascendancy and power subservient to the moral and religious, as well as civil and political, welfare of the natives of the vast empire so wonderfully submitted to our control. His cultivation of English literature, though in some degree general, was chiefly confined, as might be expected, to our theological writers.

vigor and such his habits of application and despatch, that he was never hurried or overwhelmed. His favorite recreation seems to have been in the intercourse of Christian friendship, and in the exercise of Christian psalmody, the taste for which he acquired in his youth, and the melody of which soothed his departing hours.

How frequently the repose of the night was interrupted by the necessary occupations of business, or the more sacred duties of devotion, we have before had occasion to observe; and when, a few years after his departure, Dr. Buchanan visited Tanjore, he was told that Swartz seldom preached to the natives without previous study, and that he continued a diligent study to the last-thus proving, by his powerful example, what is also eminently illustrated by that of Martyn, that though human learning or knowledge is not to supersede that which is divine, or the meditations of the student to preclude a humble dependence on the teaching which is from above, they are, at the same time, the best companions and auxiliaries of missionary piety, and missionary labor and success.

If to these intellectual endowments and attainments be added that entire freedom from every selfish and personal consideration, whether of wealth, fame, or power, that perfect disinterestedness and integrity, which the united voice of friends and enemies, of contemporaries and succeeding inquirers, has so unequivocally and so justly ascribed to him, guish of conscience from having acquired a considerable sum of money by fraudulent means, and anxiously requested his advice under these distressing circumstances. Mr. Swartz at once informed him, that it was his bounden duty to make restitution of the property thus unjustly obtained. He It is remarkable, considering the length of his then confessed that the money in question, amount-career, and the variety, and frequently the diffiing to several thousand pagodas, belonged to the culty and delicacy, of his engagements, that the nabob of Arcot, whom he had defrauded by ren-testimonies to the character and conduct of Swartz dering him false accounts. Mr. Swartz next pro- should be concurrent and unanimous; that with the posed that, without disclosing his name, he should single exception of his supposed tendency to policommunicate these painful facts to the prince. Of tical interference, which has been so perfectly rethis the gentleman fully approved, though the re-futed, there should be absolutely no discordant payment would deprive him of the means of pro- voice; that all, however differing on other points, viding for his family; and immediately deposited should agree in admiring and revering him. It was the money in a friend's house for this purpose. Mr. not that his principles and his proceedings were Swartz accordingly wrote a full account of the universally approved; for many, doubtless, both whole to the nabob, who in a reply which does Hindoos and Europeans, from unbelief or mere equal honor to the Mohammedan prince and to the nominal Christianity, thought both the one and the upright missionary, after expressing his just sense other mistaken, visionary, and extreme; while of the unworthy conduct of the European, and of others might perhaps have been inclined to interthe beneficial influence of Mr. Swartz in leading rupt or oppose him in his plans and labors. But him to repentance, in order to mark his approbation such was his wisdom, his prudence, his blamelessof the return of the unhappy man to the paths of ness, his sanctity, his acknowledged usefulness and rectitude and truth, generously resolved, if the mo- beneficence, that prejudice was disarmed, malice ney should be found to belong to himself, to forgive was defeated, enmity, if at any time it existed, was the whole debt; but if, upon strict inquiry, it should subdued. Those who would willingly have blamed, appear that it was the property of his subjects, found no just ground of complaint against him, and while he could not but direct it, in that case, to be those "who were of the contrary part were ashamed, returned to the rightful owners, he nobly offered to having no evil thing to say of him." present the penitent offender with a donation of one thousand pagodas, to preserve him from absolute ruin, and to encourage him to future integrity.

* Dr. Buchanan mentions that he found at Tanjore some Syriac tracts, translated by Mr. Swartz from the Germa...

It is still more extraordinary that, whether during the extended course of his ministry, or during the long interval of years which have elapsed since his departure to a higher world, no one, whatever might be his dispositions, relations, or opportunities, has ever asserted or insinuated any thing injurious

or depreciating respecting the character or memory interesting languages, and of associating with those of this admirable man. It is not intended to be whose errors, superstitions, and vices, could not but affirmed that he was faultless. The sins and im- be peculiarly painful and revolting to a religious perfections of the holiest of the sons of men, and mind, is widely different from that which may legihis own singular humility, and unaffected acknow-timately lead to a dedication to the office of the ledgments, sufficiently preclude so arrogant and in-ministry in a native and a Christian land; while consistent a claim. the grace which, amidst incessant toil, frequently amidst discouragement and disappointment, not seldom under the pressure of infirmity, and amidst the prevalence and the danger of surrounding disease and death, and, what is more than all, amidst perpetual temptations to the indulgence of cupidity and earthly gratification, must be allowed by all who are competent to form a correct judgment upon the subject, to be equally rare and exclusively Christian, to be the result only of the closest and most uninterrupted communion with God; of unreand unbroken meditation upon the inspired sources of wisdom and consolation, and of fervent and persevering prayer. Yet such was the course which the grace of God originally inspired in the breast of the subject of these memoirs, and which it continued uninterruptedly to cherish, and, at the close of fifty years, crowned with unexampled success and honor.

It is, however, undoubtedly true, that whatever may have been the failings and infirmities of Swartz, they were known only to himself and to God. By his fellow-mortals they have not only never been proclaimed, but never even conjectured. He was like the patriarch of old, "perfect and upright in his generation," and, so far as the observation and scrutiny of man extended, exemplary and blameless. To whatever degree this peculiar excellence really belonged to him, he owed it, as he would gratefully have acknowledged, to the princi-mitting watchfulness and self-control; of habitual ples and motives of the gospel, and to that grace of God which had made him what he was, by which he ennobled the name of missionary, and displayed in these latter days the virtues of the apostolic age. But he has long since quitted a state of being from which imperfection is inseparable, and has joined the assembly of the "just made perfect," where, clothed with that robe of righteousness to which by faith in his Redeemer he alone trusted for acceptance, he has been "presented faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."

The character and example of Swartz have been justly exhibited as a model to Protestant missionaries of every class, during more than half a century. "The bishop," observes the biographer of a late Oriental prelate, "used to say at his table at Calcutta, that he wished a copy of the memoirs of Swartz might be placed in the hands of every student at Bishop's College, and every missionary throughout the diocese." The peculiar nature of his example renders it eminently worthy of such a recommendation. It is not that of one whose talents or acquirements were so exalted and extensive as to dazzle and confound the beholders, and, by its immense superiority, or unattainable excellence, to preclude all hope of successful imitation. It is, as we have already observed, that of a man of solid, but not in themselves and separately considered, of splendid endowments; though, in their proportion, combination, and harmony, it must be admitted, not often witnessed or possessed. Sound, however, and valuable as his intellectual powers and acquisitions were, his moral and religious qualities were those which chiefly distinguished him; which gave force and energy to his character, which conciliated the esteem, and secured the confidence of all, and which have rendered his name illustrious, and his memory, as well as his labors, so inestimable a blessing to the church and to the world. It was the triumph of principles and of conduct purely and eminently Christian, of that singleness of eye and simplicity of purpose, which at first carried him willingly and with his whole heart to India, of that faith, hope, and love, which, placing full before him "the prize of his high calling," the crown of righteousness," the "crown of life," and strengthening, animating, and constraining him, led to that "patient continuance in well doing," whether in the humbler or more elevated departments of his duty, which at length conducted him to "glory, and honor, and immortality."

And let not any one imagine, that this is a course which, though easily described, may be easily exemplified and pursued. The grace which originated so holy and self-denying a purpose, as that of abandoning the ties of kindred and of country, and of crossing distant seas, and sojourning in strange, and partially civilized regions, of acquiring difficult, and, in any other view, for the most part, un

Of the extent to which his character and his services were held in admiration and reverence, the pious missionary himself was utterly and unaffectedly unconscious. Neither in his public nor in his private correspondence, can the slightest trace be discerned of any feeling of self-complacency. His history affords a striking and encouraging illustration of the truth of that general principle of the conduct of Almighty God towards mankind,—“ Them that honor me I will honor;" and of that corresponding declaration of our Lord and Master,—“ If any man serve me, him will my Father honor." It was verified in the respect and confidence which his name inspired, both in India and in Europe, in the esteem and affection of the wise and good, in the signal blessing which accompanied his labors, and in the veneration with which his memory is every where cherished.

66

Honored, however, as he was, both in his life and in his death, he was still in this world, to adopt the beautiful language of the son of Sirach, like the morning star in the midst of a cloud," which intercepted, and partially obscured his rays, and deprived him at once of his native lustre, and of his unimpeded influence and power. But he kindled in the south of India a light which has been continually growing brighter and stronger, and is hastening, as we devoutly trust, to a more complete and "perfect day;" while he is already, to the eye of faith, exalted among the children of God," above the brightness of all earthly glory, and shall ere long "shine forth like the sun," in full and unclouded splendor, "in the kingdom of their Father."

CHAPTER XXIV.

State of the missions for some years after the death of Swartz-Labors and success of Messrs. Joenicke and Gericke in the South of the Peninsula-Death and Character of those missionaries-The Rev. Mr. Horst-Ordination of four Chatechists-Exertions and writings of Dr. Buchanan for the promotion of Christianity in India-Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India-Beneficial effects of it -Bill for the addition of two Suffragan Bishops, and for rendering Christian converts eligible to all situations and employmentsProgress of the Gospel in Tinnevelly-Testimonies of Bishops Middleton and Heber, and of the Rev. Mr. Hough-Reflections on the numbers of the converts to Christianity, and on the duty and the means of promoting their increase-The importance, in this view, of Swartz's example-Conclusion.

THE history of the life and labors of Swartz would be imperfect and incomplete, if we were not briefly to advert to the events and circumstances which

A new school-house had also been opened at Tanjore, capable of accommodating above a thousand children, in which the English, the provincial, and the Tamul schools were collected together.

occurred within a few years after his lamented de- | Leraloor, villages in a different direction from Tanparture from the world, with reference more par-jore, many others had been converted to the faith ticularly to the missions with which he was con- of the gospel, and chapels had been erected for dinected. He left behind him several able and ex- vine worship. cellent coadjutors, by whose zealous and devoted The majority of the members of these new conexertions the cause of Christianity in India con- gregations were of the Collary caste, and proprietinued to flourish and increase. Of these, the senior tors of lands, cultivated by themselves, and at Pudawas the pious and admirable Gericke, who, though patty, which is nearly in the centre of the Collary statedly resident at Vepery, near Madras, occasion- district, a chapel had been built, and an able cateally assisted with his counsels and his labors, Mr. chist, educated by Swartz, was stationed there.— Kohlhoff, the worthy successor of Swartz at Tan-"Formerly," observed Mr. Gericke, in his journey jore, and particularly co-operated with the indefati- through this country, "the road between Trichinogable Joenicke, in the south of the Peninsula. The poly and Tanjore had been very unsafe, from the latter of these valuable missionaries did not long depredations of the Collaries; but since the late Mr. survive his apostolic predecessor. In a letter to the Swartz had been among them, and had formed conSociety for promoting Christian Knowledge, dated gregations in these parts, we have heard nothing of at Tanjore, the 23rd of May 1800, his brethren and robberies." fellow-laborers lament the severe loss which they and the mission had sustained by his recent death. "From the time of his arrival in India," they observed, "till seized with that dreadful sickness, the hill fever, he had pursued his work with fervor and delight. He was a great blessing to the congregation and school at Tanjore, and a happy instrument for the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, in the countries to the south; where he erected several churches, established schools, and had labored with all his strength to instruct the ignorant, to awaken the careless, and to animate every one to walk worthy of his holy profession. The great endowments of his mind," they added, "the excellent dispositions of his heart, and his zeal for the glory of God, and the good of souls, had given them cause to regret his early death; and it was matter of especial sorrow to them, that such an afflicting stroke should so soon have followed the lamented death of the venerable Mr. Swartz; but they prayed that God might mercifully look upon the afflicted state of the mission; that he might be their helper and protector, and supply his church in that country with able and faithful laborers !"*

In the following year, Mr. Gericke communicated to the Society the gratifying intelligence that several new congregations had recently sprung up in the south; that at Dindegal and Madura, chapels were building; and that it was his intention to employ Sattianaden as an itinerant teacher at these and other places, for which stated laborers could not as yet be provided. In another letter, he laments the want of assistance at Tanjore. "It is delightful," he says, "to see the growth of the Tanjore mission, and the southern congregations dependent on it.The inhabitants of whole villages flock to it. What a pity that there are not laborers for such a great and delightful harvest! At Jaffna, and on all the coast of Ceylon, there is another great harvest. We have sent such of our native catechists as could be spared; but many are required for that extensive work."

Mr. Kohlhoff confirmed this encouraging report. He and the native assistants have made several journeys to publish the word of God in various towns and villages of Tanjore, where new congregations had been formed. At Kanandagoodi, where the charitable and munificent institutions of the Rajah, already mentioned, were afterwards established, about forty families had come to the resolution of renouncing the worship of idols, and of turning to "the living and true God." At Adanjour, and at

The pious Joenicke died at Tanjore, and was buried in the mission church near the remains of his revered friend, with whom he had so faithfully and affectionately served as a son in the gospelamid the sighs and tears of the sorrowing congregation.

Number 35.

The following extract from a journal of the Rev. Mr. Commerer, in 1803, gives a very interesting account of the state of Christianity in the mission churches at and in the vicinity of Tanjore.

"When I visited the mission congregation at Tanjore, and prepared its members for the ordinance of the Lord's supper, I observed with great pleasure and satisfaction the blessed effects which Christianity had evidently produced among the natives, more especially among those who had been favored with the personal instructions of our dear departed fellow-laborer Swartz. Their attention, devotional fervor, and earnestness in prayer, truly edified me, and though my labor in the Lent season was exhausting, having to attend not only to the congregation in the city of Tanjore, but also to those dispersed through the adjoining villages, yet all labor and exertion were rendered easy by the Christian spirit and conduct which I witnessed.

"In paying a visit to the neighboring Christian congregations, I also came to Pudapatty, half a day's journey from Tanjore; where a beautiful Christian church has heen erected. The catechist (Wedamaniaken) a truly amiable man, (who was a schoolboy when in 1792 the late venerable Swartz instructed me in the Malabar language,) came to meet me there with a numerous band of native Christians, whose conversation I greatly enjoyed, more especially in the quiet evening hours. I performed here the public worship of God in the church, and afterwards addressed the heathen.

"I then proceeded to the next village, called Budelur, in which I met a still more numerous congregation of native Christians, under the immediate care of an aged and faithful catechist, of the name of Dewasagajam, who had been gardener to Mr. Swartz about fifteen years, and had planted many a tree by his direction, of whose refreshing fruits we now have the pleasure of partaking. This man enjoyed familiar intercourse with our revered father, and frequenting, as he did, his daily morning and evening devotions, he made considerable progress in Christian knowledge, and also constantly exercised himself in reading and writing. Mr. Swartz having long watched him, and convinced himself of his Christian integrity and zeal, made use by degrees of his talents and acquirements by requesting him to teach the ten commandments, and also the great fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion to those heathen who had declared their intention to receive Christian instruction, and also to repeat those preparatory lessons which Mr. Swartz had himself given to those hopeful beginners. By constant exercise the native teacher acquired such facility in Christian instruction, that the late excellent Mr. Janicke could profitably use