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 glo thus resumed his correspondence with Mr. Cham-rify your Maker and Redeemer, I remain "Your sincere friend and servant, "C. F. SWARTZ. bers. "MY DEAR FRIEND: "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 and all the earth fear him! fresh call to Tanjore. us "Your sincere friend and brother, Trichinopoly, June 16th, 1772." "MY DEAR FRIEND: "It is now above eight days since Nalla Tambi, (or, as he has chosen the name of Pracasam,) went | from this place to Negapatnam. I suppose he is now with you. He has attended tolerably well; so that I am not without hopes of his good behavior. He desired me, before he was baptized, to entreat you to be his god-father. I told him that you would readily perform the duty of god-father, provided he would behave as a Christian. He is naturally passionate, but not malicious. The points you mentioned in your letter, I have endeavored to instil into his mind. May the Spirit of Jesus Christ stir him up daily to watch and pray! You know how to behave to such beginners; how to treat them with a kind severity. Though such people have a good will and intention, they must not expect that we should trust them immediately, much less blindly. I beseech the Father of mercy to grant him a truly Christian spirit, 'to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he is called.' "Some weeks ago, I received the last sum of one hundred pagodas, that belong to Capt. Heyn's orphans. I have forwarded them to Madras, and desired Mr. Fabricius to offer them to you. "Concerning my circumstances, I cannot say much about them. The worst is, whatever is done at Tanjore, transpireth immediately and so their schemes prove abortive. I had wished you had been there. But, alas! there are wheels within wheels. The poor king desired sincerely peace; but his own people are treacherous creatures. For my part, I bewail their confusion, and entreat God to assist them, or rather to revive them. "When I consider how many people heard the word of God, and what a prospect of a harvest there was in that place, I wish heartily some laborers could be sent there. But our duty is to be faithful in that which is committed to our care. have at present eight* catechists, who are willing to I *The eighth was named Abiseganaden, (Christian.) "MY DEAR FRIEND : To-day I received your kind favor just before I would catechise the children. In the time of catechization I got a letter from Tanjore, in which I was invited to come, the Rajah desiring to see me. The poor people will be afraid now, lest they may share the fate of the Marawar Rajah. I shall, if God pleaseth, take a journey thither next Monday. O that they might consider in time what belongs to their peace, before it be too late! Now you may sharpen your fervor in prayer. Remember them and me before the throne of grace. But let none know any thing of this journey. The last time, the Cuddalore people were very industrious to spread their conjectures, which is often prejudicial to the cause of God. May God bless all your study and prayer! When you can send a line it is very acceptable; but I desire it not at the expense of your precious time. The time is truly short! Happy if we spend it to the best of purposes. Wishing you a daily supply of divine grace and strength, "I remain "Your sincere friend and servant, "Trichinopoly, July 29th, 1772.” The object of the king's invitation to Swartz at this time was, as he mentions in his journal, of a political nature. He perceived the storm which was approaching him on the part of the nabob of the Carnatic, and was desirous of employing the respected missionary as a mediator between him and the English, in order to revive their drooping friendship. "Now," he observes, "this in itself would not be sinful; but it is a dangerous matter to engage in such things with a people so prone to deceit; and this I distinctly avowed to them. The king said, 'Padre, I have confidence in you, because you are indifferent to money. But his officers did not wish me to be engaged in this affair, lest their own iniquity might be discovered. And thus it passed off; for which God be praised, as I had no occasion to declare fully my averseness to the employment." Here again it is impossible not to admire the tes This is an allusion to the recent conquest of both the Marawar Polygars, by the nabob of the Carnatic. timony borne by the friendly Rajah to the known superiority of Swartz to the prevailing love of money, and the Christian integrity and prudence with which he guarded against every engagement which might in the remotest degree hinder or inter fere with his one grand object of promoting the gospel in India. In the month 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 officer 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 concludes his journal. cursory explanation of the Revelation of St. John, which some young Malabar people desired me to give them at morning and evening prayer. Glorious are the promises which Jesus has given to his church, in order to encourage them in their pilgrimage. "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 as semble 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 perfect righteousness of our Redeemer, anoint us 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. Mr. Swartz visits Tanjore-Places a Catechist at Vellum-Letters to "Your affectionate friend and humble servant, "C. F. SWARTZ, " Trichinopoly, Jan. 20th, 1773.” 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 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 men Two 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- catechists there, and ordered every thing for the Frequent visits of Swartz to Tanjore-Letter to Professor Frey building of a small church, promising to return to linghausen-Rajah of Tanjore-At his request Swartz learns the Mahratta language-Translates his Tamul Dialogue for the Rajah's them shortly. From thence he went to Tranquebar use-Account of that tract-State of the Mission at the close of the to see his brethren the Danish missionaries, and to year 1777. 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 2001. 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. 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. "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, peace, strength, and consequently true happiness. "Here all is in confusion. Poor Tanjore will, wrote me. "Yesterday evening we were finishing a short Then a fellow of University College. * 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 January 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 answered, 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 alarm respecting Tanjore expressed by Swartz in the preceding letter, was occasioned by the determination of the Madras government to assist the nabob of Arcot in the object which he had long had in view of dethroning the Rajah, under the pretence of the non-payment of the tribute due to him from Tanjore, and possessing himself of his dominions. The army marched from Trichinopoly for this purpose on the 3rd of August, and on the 6th encamped within a short distance of Tanjore.The poor Rajah remonstrated against this unjust invasion, but in vain. The approaches were made, and the breaching batteries opened on the 14th of September. On the 16th a practicable breach was reported, and the next day at noon, while the garrison 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 Trichinopoly, 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 | 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 younger branches of their families was equally striking. Of this amiable feature in his character a very pleasing memorial remains in several letters written to the children of Colonel Wood, who, on leaving Trichinopoly had been stationed at Madras. They are marked by the affectionate simplicity, the sound judgment, and the elevated, but sober and practical piety which pervades all his correspondence, and prove how eminently he partook of the spirit of his gracious and condescending Master, who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." The first of these interesting letters is addressed to the eldest daughter, then only nine years of age, and is as follows: "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 lieutenant-general in the army, and still retains a pleasing remembrance of his venerable friend. "So prays your affectionate friend, "Trichinopoly, July 1st, 1773.” men. dear N., to make God's will your own, saying from | bestowed on us in Jesus Christ. Pray heartily to the heart, 'Not my will, but thine be done, O God.' him every day, not only with your dear mamma, but And as we in our younger years do not know what likewise by yourself. Endeavor by the grace of the is good for us, God has enjoined us to obey our pa- Holy Spirit to do the will of God. All true Chrisrents. I make no doubt but a hint from your dear tianity is founded in humility. This true humility mamma will be as much as a command. Remem- makes the Lord Jesus so precious in our hearts. ber me to your dear brother, and my young friend, This humility produces likewise all Christian disand to your two dear sisters. May the grace of God positions towards our fellow-creatures. It makes abound in and upon you. Amen! 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. 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. Simple as these letters are, and adapted to the ca"Trichinopoly, Sept. 10th, 1774. pacities of children, they will not be deemed un"Your very agreeable letter I received with joy worthy of being recorded, when the importance of i and thankfulness to God, for the divine grace which such a talent for the instruction of the young on the already has been given you; which, if you conti-part of a missionary, and the fine sense and solid nue 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 ways you must learn to observe, even with joy, gratitude, and obedience, though they should cross our ways; for his ways are good and highly beneficial, leading us to the place of eternal happiness. The ways of men are too often sinful, leading to destruction. Be, then, always observing the ways of your heavenly Father, and follow him in all. Obey your dear mamma; and look upon it as the greatest blessing, that God has given you such a guide. Love humility as your Saviour did, and let not your heart be deluded by the show of the world. Salute my young friend J., and tell him not to stay behind, but to be diligent in learning his book. Tell your dear sister B. not only to mind the things that belong to the body, but to mind, above all, the blessings of the soul; to pray heartily; to obey strictly all the orders of her dear mamma. And last, remember 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 "As the time is very near, when you, I suppose, will leave this country, I thought it my duty to write to you a short exhortation, which you are so willing to receive from me, your old friend. When you leave this country, I beseech you, take none of the sins which are so manifest here with you; beg of your Redeemer to forgive you all your sins, and to grant you the help of his holy Spirit to love, fear, honor, and obey God. Learn the will of God, and practise it daily, as you have given us some pleasing ground to hope you do. As your age is not easily given to grief, make use of your innocent cheerfulness to gladden the heart of your parent. You cannot please her better than by obedience, willingness to learn to pray, and fear God: endeavor to please her and your heavenly Father by all this; read every day your beloved Bible; pray heartily, and forget not to sing a song of praise to 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 |