inform you, he has lately given way to a luxurious and dissipated life; so that little hope can now be entertained respecting him. Yet, let us not forget, that God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think." how they might get rid of me, or confound me by their answers. But after hearing a more complete representation of the different facts and points of the Christian religion, they then saw the end in view, and the advantages to be obtained. God grant that we may put our hands with renewed How clearly does Swartz here intimate one of zeal, vigor, and joy, to the great work of convertthe most powerful causes which hindered the reli-ing the heathen!" gious progress of the Rajah; yet with what faith and charity does he express his feelings on this in- The regret so frequently expressed by this great teresting point, both in this and in a succeeding let-missionary, at his inability to reside more constantter, while, at the same time, what immediately fol- ly at Tanjore, was happily relieved by the kindness lows, shows his anxiety to promote the improve-of his Danish brethren at Tranquebar. On hearment of the Rajah in Christian knowledge, though at the expense of additional labor in acquiring another language. * "I learned," he continues, "at the request of the king, the Mahratta language, into which I have translated a dialogue between a Christian and a heathen, composed by me in the Malabar (Tamul) tongue, at the express desire, and at the expense, of Archdeacon Congreve.t May God command his blessing according to the riches of his grace! The order and contents of this dialogue are as follow: 1st. On the being and infinite majesty of God. 2d. On his glorious attributes. 3d. On creation and providence. 4th. On the overflowing goodness of God towards our first parents, in creating them good and happy. 5th. On their deplorable fall, and consequent great misery. 6th. On the unspeakable mercy of God, in promising, and sending in due time, a Saviour, to the fallen human race. 7th. On our Saviour's person, and what he has done for the redemption of mankind. 8th. The way appointed by God for receiving man into his favor again; namely, that of repentance, faith, and holiness. 9th. The means by which mankind may obtain strength for repentance; namely, prayer and the sacraments. 10th. On the unspeakable happiness of those who walk in the path of faith, ordained by God, and keep his commandments. 11th. Lastly, a Treatise, proving the truth of the Christian religion." ing of the death of Mr. Schoelkopf, they sent one of their own number, the Rev. Christian Pohle, then recently arrived in India, to assist him; and on his earnest recommendation, the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge received him as one of their missionaries at Trichinopoly, thus enabling Swartz to direct his more immediate attention to Tanjore. "Mr. Pohle," he says, "has a clear head and a pious heart, with a great desire of doing good to the natives, and has made such proficiency in the Oriental languages, as to be able, in three months, to preach in Malabar." This excellent missionary made himself master of the English as well as the Tamul language, so as to officiate with acceptance in both, and soon took a very active part in the work of the ministry and the schools. " In consequence of the assistance thus seasonably obtained, Mr. Swartz, during the year 1777, visited Tanjore four times. In one of my journeys," he says, "I arrived at a large place, where the heathen were celebrating a feast. I was struck with the excessive crowd which I saw before me. I stood at some distance from them, but was soon surrounded by a great number of people, to whom I explained the glorious perfections of God, and remarked how they dishonored him by their idolatry. I told them at the same time, what infinite mercy God had shown to lost sinners, by sending them a Redeemer, and how they might become partakers of the benefits of redemption. All seemed pleased, and acknowledged their own folly, and the excellence of the Christian doctrine. I spoke till I was quite exhausted." In his letter to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, he laments in this year the loss of This dialogue, the admirable outline of which is the able and exemplary catechist, Rayappen. "His thus detailed by its excellent author, is still highly solid knowledge," he says, "of the Christian docvalued, and extensively used in its original lan-trine, his meek behavior towards all, his contented guage on the coast of Coromandel. mind, and, more particularly, his love of Christ and "I regret," thus Swartz concludes this interest- humble zeal in preaching the word of God, were ing letter, "that I cannot reside more constantly at acknowledged both by Christians and heathens." Tanjore. I have scarcely found an entrance into With respect to the natives in general, he obthe hearts of my hearers, when I must leave them serves, "that though many who were convinced of again. You are well aware, that a few conversa- the truth and excellence of Christianity were retions will not suffice. Continual preaching is re-strained by worldly considerations from embracing quired, as well as frequent friendly converse, which will afford an opportunity of bringing to their consideration the various divine truths of the Scriptures. By relating to them the many remarkable events revealed in the Old and New Testaments, the foundation of heathenism is shaken, and Christianity appears in all her beauty. Many have observed, that when they first conversed with me, scarcely any thing struck them as deserving par-ings in the review of the preceding year. ticular attention; and that they secretly thought This is in use by the princes of Tanjore, as descended from the Mahratta conquerors; and to his acquisition of it, for the purposes of his mission, Mr. Swartz, doubtless, owed much of his subsequent influence in that court. +Thus virtually fulfilling the object of the venerable Archdeacon's proposal, mentioned p. 59. it, the divine blessing rested on his endeavors, to the real conversion of some." "It is our duty," he adds, "to be faithful in the discharge of our office, without being too anxious as to the number of those who are benefited by our labors." The following extract from a letter to professor Freylinghausen, dated Tanjore, Jan. 23d, 1778, contains a brief, but interesting expression of his feel "Biessed be God for his abundant mercy, by which the missionary brethren and myself have been spared, supported, directed, and consoled! Who are we that He should have compassion on us from day to day! We are all well, although some of us begin to feel the effects of advanced age. The different congregations at Trichinopoly, Vellum, and Tanjore, are not only preserved, but have lately received an accession of fifty members. Christian Knowledge his general report for the The schools are continued with good success; but year 1778, he observes, that among the Hindoos at it is with regret that I have to state, that the junior | Trichinopoly and Tanjore, there were many thouteacher of the English school has applied for leave sands, even among the Brahmins, who confessed to resign his place, as another more lucrative situation has been offered to him. The senior schoolmaster also wishes to leave us; he intends to turn merchant. They have by no means"-such is the pious reflection of the devoted missionary upon the secession of these useful fellow-laborers-"a due value for the welfare of immortal souls. As they see other people laboring for riches, and many succeeding in their schemes, they also become eager for their possession. O may the gracious Lord not leave us? that their idolatry was both vain and sinful. It was not unusual for them, when pressed by his arguments, to reply, "True-what can avail all our images and innumerable ceremonies! There is but one supreme Being, the maker and preserver of all!" "Hardly a day passes," he says, "in which Brahmins do not visit my house at Tanjore, hear attentively what is addressed to them, frequently take up a book in which the doctrines of Christianity are explained, and praise it as a divine religion." But too generally their convictions ended with their applause. "A Brahmin," he continues, "The catechists are all out on different journeys to preach the gospel to Christians and heathens.-"being asked what he would resolve upon, whether From their reports, as well as from my own observations, it appears that the principal cause which prevents most heathens from embracing Christianity, is the fear of man. "Of the king of Tanjore, I cannot relate much good at present. Formerly the Brahmins stood in his way; and now But let us recollect, that all things are possible with God. He has ways and means of humbling the proud, and of opening prospects for the dissemination of the gospel. I have presented the king with a copy of the Treatise, which I composed at the desire of Archdeacon Congreve, which he received kindly; and it is said that he reads it. May God bless its perusal !" CHAPTER X. A. D. 1778 TO A. D. 1779. Tanjore, the future residence of Mr. Swartz-His Report of the Mission for the year 1778-Letters to friends-History of a young Hindoo convert-Major Stevens--Foundation of a Church at Tanjore-Mr. Swartz called by the governor to Madras-His mission to Hyder Ali-Account of his journey to Seringapatam-Reception by Hyder-His Palace and government-Swartz's occupations dur ing his stay-His last interview with Hyder-His return to Madras -His disinterestedness as to remuneration-He obtains a salary for Mr. Pohle, and assistance towards building his Church at Tanjore -Reflections on his embassy to Hyder. FROM this period, Tanjore formed the chief residence of Swartz, though he occasionally visited Trichinopoly, and superintended the missionary proceedings at both places. The territory of Tanjore was conquered from the reigning Hindoo prince, by Eckojee, a member of the Mahratta family, towards the close of the sixteenth century. Fertilized by the sacred waters of the Cavery, it is considered as holy land, and has always been a most favorite residence of the Hindoos. Its capital, bordering on the delta of the Celeroon and the Cavery, is wealthy and splendid, adorned with a pagoda, which eclipses in magnificence all other structures in the south of India; and exceeding, in the number of its sacred buildings and charitable institutions, all the neighboring provinces. Its soil is peculiarly rich and productive, and its inhabitants numerous and industrious.Having suffered but little from the Mohammedan invasion, the Hindoos of Tanjore preserved much of the original character of their religion, and cultivated the study of their sacred literature with ardor and success. Though inconsiderable in point of extent, its comparative opulence and its local position rendered Tanjore, at that period, the seat, both of a political resident and of a British garrison, a place of great interest and importance. Such was the spot in which the future exertions of Swartz, for the diffusion of our holy religion were to be conducted. In communicating to the Society for promoting he intended to stifle his conviction, or to receive that divine doctrine, and to profess it, replied that he could not deny the impression he had received, and that he had sounded some of his acquaintance; but that they all insisted upon the task as too difficult and dangerous, on account of the great numbers of the professors of idolatry. Nothing, therefore, but fear keeps them, at present, from embracing the Christian religion; but it is to be hoped that this conviction will embolden them, one day or other, to shake off that inglorious servitude of sin and Satan. For my part," he adds, "I entertain a cheerful hope of seeing better days, and therefore rejoice in the present opportunity of preaching the salutary doctrine of Christ, frequently calling to my mind, that there is a time of sowing preceding that of reaping. At Trichinopoly, we begin and end the day with public prayer. At Tanjore, I have introduced the same custom. Very often, Brahmins and others have been present, observing our reading the word of God, our singing and praying. I never discourage the heathen from being present at any of our acts of solemn worship."* Early in this year, Swartz addressed the following affectionate and instructive letter to the children of his late friend, Colonel Wood. "MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: "I hoped to read a line from you this year; nay, from the letter of your dear mamma, I understood that you were kindly inclined to make me so happy; but perhaps the ship sailed before you had finished it. Well, I am fully satisfied with the good account she sent me of your health and improvement in all useful knowledge; particularly I rejoiced at your filial obedience to her. Truly this account was joyful, and a subject of thanksgiving to God. As you have begun so hopefully, I trust you will continue in that path which will not only rejoice the heart of your dear mamma, but, which is infinitely more, will be a joy to angels and their Lord. Oh, my dear friends, read daily the word of God, and let the meditation of it be your delight. By so doing, your understanding will be enlightened; the doctrine of your blessed Redeemer will be like food to your hearts; your affections will be fixed upon Him who is the source of your blessing; your whole conduct will be conformable to the will of your best friend; and lastly, this daily meditation of Holy Scripture will guard and preserve you from the path of the wicked. "Never read the word of God without prayer. Be sure, my dear friends, that the neglect of fervent prayer is the cause of so much iniquity in the world. Forget not how tenderly the blessed Redeemer has "An instance of the beneficial effect of this practice occurs in the next letter to Mr. Chambers, page 65. advised us to enter into our chambers, to shut the | door, and to pray to our Father in secret. You know that he himself practised prayer, and so set us an example which it is our duty and happiness to follow. "Wherever you are, watch lest evil conversation deprave your tender hearts. You know that we cannot trust our hearts; therefore be always upon your guard, and walk as in the presence of God. "You see how plain I am to you, because I love you all, and wish to hear of your spiritual and temporal happiness. How happy should I be if I could be with you, and bend my knees with you before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! But that being very improbable, I hope to spend with you a blessed eternity. "Pray for me, my dear friends, that I may preach the gospel of my Saviour faithfully; that I may not labor in vain, but win immortal souls unto Christ; and that I may finish my course with joy, and enter into the joy of my Lord. "Remember me respectfully to your kind governess. May divine grace guide her in instructing you! Farewell, my dear friends, and fulfil by your Christian behavior the wished-for joy of your affectionate friend and servant, "C. F. SWARTZ." It is difficult to conceive any thing more truly wise, Christian, and paternal, than the preceding letter, more perfectly illustrating the character of the excellent writer, or better adapted to impress the hearts and to promote the improvement of the young persons to whom it was addressed. To Mr. Chambers, who had now removed to Calcutta, Swartz wrote in this year, as follows. "MY DEAR FRIEND: "You have truly put me to shame by your repeated kind favors, when I reflect on my neglect in answering. Pardon this neglect. I promise to mend in this, as I ought in all points of my duty. "Hitherto a merciful God has preserved your unworthy friend, and bestowed on him innumerable benefits. Would to God I had made proper returns for all his unmerited kindness! "The mournful story of your valuable servant* has much affected me and every one who has heard of it. Satan is 'a murderer from the beginning,' and his servants are too often, at least in their hearts, of the same hellish disposition. The conduct of that young man is a great comfort to you, and to us, in this melancholy affair. May God raise up many to be witnesses of his grace, and the divine effects which it produces in the hearts of all, who do not wilfully oppose it! neficial effect of the practice already mentioned of permitting the natives to be present at the devotional exercises of the missionaries, as well as the difficulty attending their conversion to Christianity. "Here I had a few days ago an example which pleased me very much, though attended with trouble. A young man of twenty-four years, of the shraf caste, resolved to visit us at our evening prayer-heard the word of God explained, joined in prayer, meditated what to do came to a settled resolution to join the despised people of God. Not poverty, not quarrel, but a desire of being happy, inclined him. He was engaged to marry a young woman, the daughter of a rich man at Seringham. The day of their wedding was appointed. He told his mother that he would fain marry that girl, but not with idolatrous rites. The mother said, 'I wish I had killed you as soon as you were born.' &c. All this happened before his being baptized. The relations got him cunningly, and kept him a close prisoner; but he found an opportunity of making his escape, and came hither to Tanjore. His mother and others made a great noise, and came and begged I would not admit him. I replied, in the presence of Brahmins and a number of people, that I never forced any body; but that I could not reject him, if he desired me to instruct him. Further, I said, 'Here he is; ask him whether he likes to go with you, or stay with us.' The young man said, 'Mother, and friends, if you can show me a better way to heaven, I will follow you-but I will not live any longer in idolatry.' I remained in my house; the young man went to the chattiram; his relations followed him, and fairly carried him off to Vellum; but he again contrived to make his escape. After that, I instructed him daily, and baptized him. May Jesus triumph over all his enemies shortly! "As to the Rajah here, I thought to write to you as soon as I knew any thing with certainty. But I saw that this might detain me too long. I have not seen him since February. He has married more wives-lives a sensual life, and indulges much, as his people say, in drunkenness. He is surrounded with bad people. Nay, to say the plain truth, the behavior of many Europeans to him has disgusted him much. You know, my dear friend, that the generality of our people do not mind that which is Christ's. "In Colonel Wood's affair, he has declared that not he but the nabob is obliged to pay the debt. "Remember me to your kind brother. O how I esteem people who introduce justice into this desert. May your brother prosper! But you mention not a word of your mother. God bless you! "I am, "Your affectionate friend and servant, "C. F. SWARTZ. "Your blessed employment, how it rejoiceth me! -Blessed be God! Watch and pray, without ceas..ting." "The most agreeable account which I have heard a long time of the conversion of souls, is doubtless that which you so circumstantially described to me. I mean that happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Tell them that as all angels and servants of God rejoice over a sinner that repenteth, so the devil and his servants murmur and blaspheme. O may our blessed Redeemer fill their hearts with 'joy and peace in believing,' that they may go on vigorously to the praise of their Saviour, to the encouragement of fellow Christians, and to the confusion of the devil!" The narrative which follows, illustrates the be * The particulars of this story do not appear. It seems probable that the enmity of some of the natives had proved fatal to a converted servant of Mr. Chambers. + The friends here alluded to, continued, during many years, both in India and in England, to adorn and promote the religion of the gospel. His next letter to Mr. Chambers is strongly indicative of that simple, yet elevated and devoted piety which so peculiarly distinguished Swartz. The individual to whom he so painfully refers, had long been connected with the mission at Madras, but was now involved in pecuniary embarrassments arising from secular speculations and engagements, which obscured the lustre and impaired the efficacy of his previous exemplary labors. It is consoling to know that he was spared for several years after this period, and lived in some measure to redeem his character, and to prove the substantial excellence of his religious principles, and the validity of his Christian profession and hope. The allusion, however, to his case is preserved as a warning to those who may be engaged as missionaries, particularly in In dia, to avoid, with the utmost caution, all worldly occupations and pursuits; while the kindness and forbearance exercised by Swartz upon this painful occasion, may teach a lesson of charity to all with respect to an offending and fallen brother. "MY DEAR FRIEND: "I arrived here at Madras yesterday; and as I heard that a vessel is to be despatched to-morrow for Bengal, I thought it my duty to write you a line or two. The occasion of my taking this journey is melancholy. Mr.: who has brought disgrace upon himself and us all, is dangerously ill. Some friends thought it necessary that I should try to get some information concerning certain points before he died. He is a little better, and as I have been dissuaded from entering upon that business, I shall say no more of it, except that his conduct has given me the most pungent pain. What shall I say? Let us watch and pray, lest we enter, fall, and sink into temptation. What is man when left to his own foolish devices! "Your truly friendly letter has revived me in the midst of all my present anxieties. The contents of it are glad tidings out of Sion. Blessed be God! "I rejoice that you have awakened in some degree Mr. O may you be a happy instrument of his thorough recovery! Your advice to him not to compose his own sermons till he be more perfect in the English language is prudent. Any thing of his own composition in his present condition would rather hinder edification. May he have so much good sense as to follow the advice of sin cere friends! Farewell, my dearest of all friends. Be strong, "Your affectionate friend and servant, Major Stevens's quarters, "My old friend Obeck salute in the Lord. You will pardon my writing so badly; but I was obliged to do it in the night. Major Stevens desires to be remembered to you." Major Stevens, from whose quarters at Madras the preceding letter is dated, had been stationed at Tanjore, and was an intimate friend of the pious Missionary. On the restoration of the Rajah, the zeal of this brave and excellent officer for the interests of religion, induced him to erect at his own expense a temporary building in the large fort, in which Swartz officiated to the English garrison, and other Christians, native and European, in that place. "We had lost our church in Tanjore," he observes in a letter to a friend, "after that fort had fallen into the hands of the nabob. He amused us with empty promises; but when we were quite at a loss where to assemble for divine service, my pious friend, Major Stevens, built us a fine mud-wall church, which cost him upwards of a hundred star pagodas. But the congregation increasing rapidly, and a fresh covering with straw being requisite from time to time, we began in Jan. 1779 to think of building a spacious and permanent church. A subscription was set on foot, but the amount was shamefully insignificant. At Madras, about ten thousand pagodas were cheerfully contributed to"That this time is a time of apostasy and blas-wards erecting a play-house. But to build a house phemy none can deny; but this must not discourage us from glorifying our God and Redeemer. No; 'tu contra audentior ito. Who knows but God may bless us one way or other? And if, (which God forbid !) we should seem to spend our strength in vain; yet the work (and the fruit of it) is the "It is cheering to reflect on the externally devout behavior of the congregation. O may the Spirit of Jesus come on them like a rain, that the Bengal desert may become a fertile soil, and fruitful field of the Lord! Lord's. 'It is a most pleasing reflection to me, which has been much strengthened by the reading of your favor, that God is able to raise himself servants to do his will, and to promote the glory of his name, though those who are most obliged to do it should turn faithless to their charge. of prayer, people have no money. Major Stevens, who could have effectually promoted the subscription, and superintended the building, and who intended to return to Europe, and make a faithfu! representation of what might promote the true interest of the Honorable Company, and the welfare of this country, was killed on the 14th of October, 1778, before Pondicherry. "General Munro, who knew, as well as every body, that Major Stevens and I lived together as brethren, condoled with me in the kindest manner, saying, You will not soon get a Stevens again however, I request you will consider me as your "May you be a burning and a shining light, like liance upon men, and although their promises are friend.' Although we are bid not to place our reSt. John-a light, full of divine knowledge-burn- seldom any thing more than compliments; yet I ing, and vigorous to live according to that know- praise the Lord, whenever he makes any one's heart ledge; and lastly, shining, and diffusing that know-willing to further the work of God, even in the ledge wherever you are! smallest degree. At a visit which general Munro "My poor prayer shall attend you, and your dear and I paid the Rajah, the general observed, that friends. Whenever I bow my knees before the Fa- Christianity is far to be preferred to Paganism. 'I ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, I shall often remem-am convinced,' said the Rajah, 'that the Christian ber you, not only because you are my friend, but because you are a friend of my dear Master. "Remember me kindly to Mr. and Mrs. likewise the young lady that has dared to be unfashionable, so as to count all things but dross in comparison of the excellency of Jesus Christ our Lord. My prayer to God is, that they all may be fruitful branches ingrafted into the true vine, viz. Jesus Christ. "And now, my dear friend, abide in him, so shall you become daily more fruitful, and your fruit shall remain sure; and, which above all is comfortable, your prayer will be acceptable before God, so that *A young missionary at Calcutta. religion is an hundred thousand times better than idolatry.'-but the conduct of the Europeans makes a bad impression on his mind. "In full reliance on the help of God, I set about the building of the church in the little fort. On the 10th of March, 1779, the general laid the foundation stone, nine feet deep; and the garrison being assembled, I preached a short sermon from the sixtyseventh Psalm. "As I had rendered the general some little service, by translating the letter which the Court of Directors had written to the king, by performing the duty of a chaplain in camp, for a short time, and otherwise, I was informed that he had requested government to make me a present for my trouble. Instantly, when I heard it, I wrote to Madras, declining any present for myself; but if they would do me a favor, I requested that they would make a present of bricks and lime, of which the Company had here a quantity in store, towards building of this church, as we had not even money enough to pay the laborers, much less to purchase materials. The general, who went to Madras, promised to support and promote my request." sequently need no interpreter in your conferences. We are convinced that you will act disinterestedly, and will not allow any one to bribe you. "You can travel privately through the country, without external pomp and parade, and thus the whole journey will remain a secret (which is of great importance to us) until you reach Hyder Naik himself. "You will have nothing to do but to refer Hyder It was some time before Mr. Swartz heard any to his own letters, and to explain some dubious cirthing further upon the subject; but at length he cumstances; and if you perceive him to be peacea received a letter from the general, desiring him to bly disposed, inform him that some principal memrepair without delay to Madras, as the governor, bers of council will come to him to settle the busiSir Thomas Rumbold, had something of importance ness finally. As the intention of the journey is good to communicate to him. On his arrival at the pre- and Christian, namely, to prevent the effusion of sidency he was assured that his request respecting human blood, and to preserve this country in peace, the church should be granted; and was informed this commission militates not against, but highly of the purpose for which he had been summoned. | becomes, your sacred office; and therefore we hope This was no other than to undertake a confidential you will accept it.'" mission to Hyder Ali at Seringapatam, to endeavor to ascertain his actual disposition with respect to the English, and to assure him of the pacific intentions of the Madras government. Of this singular embassy Swartz gave a brief account in his annual report to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge; but as his conduct throughout this delicate and difficult undertaking was equally honorable to his ability and his character, it deserves the more detailed narrative which he transmitted to his friends in Germany, and which contains many curious and important particulars both of his journey and of his intercourse with the very remarkable personage to whom he was sent. His description of Seringapatam and of the government of Hyder, at a period when he was at once the terror and the scourge of the British possessions in India, will still be read with interest; though his name, and that of his son, like those of greater conquerors, have ceased to excite either admiration or alarm. It has been already observed, that upon more than one occasion Mr. Swartz had been solicited to act as the medium of communication between the English government and some of the native princes of Hindostan. This is by no means extraordinary.His remarkable sagacity and penetration, his familiar acquaintance with the native languages, his extensive information and experience, his calm temper, and perfect self-possession, his open countenance, and simple, ingenuous manners, and above all, his known disinterestedness and incorruptible integrity, peculiarly qualified him for such services. But these, like all his other talents and acquirements, were directed and controlled by the purest Christian principles, and rendered subservient to the honor of his divine Lord and Master; nor does he, upon this or any other occasion, appear for a moment to have forgotten his one great character as a Christian missionary. On being introduced to Sir Thomas Rumbold, for the purpose of receiving his instructions for the commission with which he was about to be entrusted, "the governor," he writes, "addressed me nearly as follows: "There is reason to believe that Hyder Ali Cawn meditates warlike designs; he has in some letters expressed his displeasure, and even speaks in a menacing tone. We wish to discover his sentiments in this weighty affair with certainty, and think you are the fittest person for this purpose.You will oblige us if you will make a journey hither, sound Hyder Ali, and assure him that we entertain peaceable thoughts. "The reason why we have fixed upon you, is, because you understand the Hindostanee, and con * Missionary Correspondence. This unexpected proposal, as may be readily imagined, surprised and perplexed the good missionary. "I requested time," he says, "for reflection, intending to lay the case in retirement before God. It immediately occurred to me that it was in more than one respect an undertaking of danger."It was, indeed, truly such, both from the nature of the country through which he was to pass, and from the fierce and perfidious character of the despotic chief whose territories he was about to enter. "C Having implored wisdom from above, I thought it," he continues, "my duty not to decline the proposal. The grounds which determined me, were, "1st. Because the mission to Hyder was not attended with any political intrigues. To preserve the blessings of peace was the only aim I had in view, and at that time I really believed Sir Thomas's intentions to be upright and peaceable. I considered, that if God, according to the riches of his mercy, would vouchsafe to employ me as an instrument to establish the happiness of British India, I durst not withdraw myself, nor shrink back on account of the danger of the undertaking, of which I was fully aware; but I ventured upon it in firm reliance upon God and his fatherly protection. "2nd. Because this would enable me to announce the gospel of God my Saviour in many parts, where it had never been known before. And, "3rd. As the Honorable Company and the government had shown me repeated kindness, I conceived that by this journey I might give them some marks of my gratitude. "But at the same time I resolved to keep my hands undefiled from any presents, by which determination the Lord enabled me to abide; so that I have not accepted a single farthing, save my travelling expenses. "These,” he adds, "having been given me, I returned to Tanjore, where I left directions with the native teachers, how they were to act during my absence, and then to Trichinopoly, where I preached to the Europeans and natives in the absence of the Rev. Mr. Pohle, who was on a tour to Palamcotta." On the 1st of July, 1779, he set out from Trichinopoly on his important and honorable mission, accompanied by his able catechist, Sattianaden. He stopped the first night at Curuttaley, a beautiful place near the Cavery, the aqueduct from which irrigating the low south lands, enabled the nabob to reap the fields thrice every year as far as Trichinopoly. The catechist here read to the inhabitants, and many attending Brahmins, from the Tamuí dialogues between a Christian and a heathen. On the 6th they halted at Cattaley, and conversed with many of the natives on the salvation of the gospel; in the evening they arrived at Caroor, the frontier |