In India, 1853–1854

Wing reached Calcutta, Mr. Milne lost not an hour in beginning his work. It was on Sabbath, May 29, that he landed, and passing almost from the steamer to the church, he preached in the evening to the congregation, of which he had undertaken the charge, from the text, ‘ Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ He was not, however, regularly inducted till the r2th of June. Looking round him on the mighty India which was now to be his home, and marking the eager worldliness on all sides, he exclaims: ‘ Poor India! Its cadetships and writerships are sought after; but its schools and pulpits few seem to care for.’ How is it, we may ask, that among the thousands of Christians and Christian ministers at home, so many seek their own, and so few the things that are Jesus Christ’s? Worldly men rush out in thousands to become rich; Christian men lag behind, when souls only are to be won. For the corruptible gold multitudes compete; for the incorruptible, but a handful. In the course of a few days Mr. Milne had overtaken a considerable amount of work; so that, in a fortnight after his arrival, he could write in his Journal: —

“¥yune 16th. — Chowringhee Road. — -Little more than a fortnight, and yet how much has passed! I have visited many of; my people, the religious institutions, become acquainted with ministers and missionaries, and am as much at home as if I had lived here for years. I acknowledge Thy kindness, O my Lord! in the warm welcome I have received from them, in the large open door that seems set before me, and in the hope and freedom from care which I enjoy. I see that it must be a daily taking up of the cross. The heat, my bodily uneasiness, and the dark heathenism all around, with the distance from beloved friends, make it a real sacrifice to be here. Yet I feel that the truth as it is in Jesus can carry me on. May I daily kindle my dim lamp, and warm my cold heart, and renew my failing strength at this changeless glory, and so go on my way rejoicing. Let me feel increasingly the power of the truth to sanctify, gladden, and animate to all patient suffering and earnest well-doing.

‘ ¥une 17th. — 1 see more and more that if I am to live in some measure of holy activity here, I must fix my eye on the eternal rest, and press through, quite irrespective of present experiences and events. There is here a bodily irritation from the insects, and a lassitude from the heat. There is the absence of all early friends who knew and were known. There is the impossibility of moving about during part of the day. ‘There is the pain of seeing multitudes perishing, and yet, from ignorance of the language, being unable to speak a single word. How can one bear up in such circumstances, unless, like Abraham, he determine not to look at them, but to press on to the glory which is to follow? Help me to persevere!

‘ Afternoon. — Various frames of mind. But, after all, am setting my face forward; and yet not ina self-seeking or selfrejoicing spirit, but broken and weak. Lord, raise and revive; yet so that I may still be broken and contrite.

‘ Yune 18th. — Saturday morning. — I have had some thoughts of the blessedness of a complete deliverance from a legal spirit, and a quiet unsuspecting rest and abiding in the free love and faithfulness of God.’ How slow we are to come to this! And hence all our sinful fears of being overcome by temptation, and failing in duty. Lord, help me to such growing assurance of Thy love that I may walk in peace, and especially in the prospect of another Sabbath. Save from the workings of an unpurged, unreconciled heart. Make me fruitful and full of sap, to show that Thou art righteous.

‘“Fune 19th. — Sabbath night. — Varied experiences to-day. All is new here; and I find that all day there must be the carrying of the cross. I fear, Lord, Thou seest me often shrinking, surprised, languid; but Thou canst subdue, and quicken, and uphold. Grant me to have a lively, growing sense of Thy nearness, and of the seasonable help which Thou ministerest. Oh, what a thought it is, if habitually realized, that Thou art watching, praying, ministering, upholding! Lord, let me not be brutish to overlook Thy benefits. I have been seeking the clean heart. I now seek the tender, heedful, mindful one. O my Lord, how we stand, as it were, on the very brink of the mightiest, most blessed truths, and yet scarce look at them! Draw me; bring it before me again and again. Deal with me as with Peter, — show me again and again; as with Zechariah, — waken me again and again. I have seen my weakness in two affairs to-day; and yet I think that I have been guided aright in both. O my Lord! let my character be transparent here; and let me be a blessing.

‘Fune 20th. — Monday Apepnoun — I have moved about a good deal to-day, and come into contact with minds in many different states. I quite feel that, as minister of Christ, I must be the teacher, the brother, and the preacher. Help me, Lord, to fulfil my office, and not to fall beneath, nor yet strive to go beyond, my calling. “Let Thy covenant be with me of life and peace.” JI find the daily cross; but have I not vowed to take it up daily? Let me not forget nor grudge. I do not look

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back, but I do look forward, and heaven brightens and is more attractive.’

All who knew him, or even met with him but once, recognised in him that ¢ransparency of character, that grace for which in the above extract he prays. He had no reserve, no guile; he sought to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man. ‘With great mildness of speech and kindliness of tone, he was honest and straightforward, both in the pulpit and out of it. His conscience was tender, and showed its tenderness in little things as well as great. It troubled him, for instance, as he told me, that during his later months he could not always veel for prayer, on account of the heart-complaint, but felt it necessary to stand, or perhaps walk about. ‘There was no heedlessness about him as to what he did. He considered and weighed everything. He had a purpose in all his doings, even those that looked most hasty and impulsive. He had less of routine about him than most; less of stiffness in any part of his life or intercourse with others.

“Yune 21. — Tuesday morning. — l see some difficulty before me in money matters. I have been too unheedful of my matters. But, Lord, Thou knowest that I have done this in simplicity; and if there is a net here, in which I am caught,

I feel sure that Thou wilt bring me out. My eyes are ever toward Thee, and Thou wilt bring my feet out of the net.’

Such an entry as the above is quite characteristic, and just what we should have expected. Both in Perth and in Calcutta he showed great heedlessness in money matters. It would not be wise to give details; but the instances of

his liberality, his generosity, his putting away money when

SPB 8 ge eee it came to him, of his refusing to be rich, would, if we were at liberty to give them, make some, who think themselves liberal, ashamed of their covetousness.

It is now nearly thirty years ago that a friend was making inquiries about Robert M‘Cheyne, of whom he had heard somewhat, but whom he had not seen. ‘ They tell me,’ he said, ‘that he is immensely generous; that he cares nothing for money, but gives away all he has.’ It was a true report, and it added not a little to the influence exercised by that man of God during his brief course among us, that he was known to be so open-handed in all things; for nothing so destroys ministerial weight, either in the pulpit or out of it, as covetousness or penuriousness. Mr. Milne was no less known for his liberality than his early friend. His hand was always open; and it was to him ‘more blessed to give than to receive.’ He was not so fond of receiving gifts as of bestowing them; and we remember well a brotherly talk as to the propriety of his conduct in returning certain gifts which had been sent to him.. We could not convince him at the time that he was wrong; but he admitted that there might be pride in such refusals which it was needful to guard against. During his first years in Perth he used (as he told me) to go to the bank at certain times, draw out all the money that had been placed at his credit, pay his bills and give the rest away; thus providing the bags which wax not old, and laying up the ‘treasure in the heavens which faileth not.’

In his entry of the 25th of June, he refers to his bodily trials from the new climate; but thinks he is getting out of this ‘irritating, feverish condition of body.’ Then he adds : —

‘Deliver me from carefulness. Have I not given all up to Thee? Am I not professedly a whole burnt-offering? Help me more and more to walk by faith, and not in bondage in any way to this present world. O my God, bring me more and more under the dominion of the world to. come, so that I shall be satisfied with its joy and. glory, and be indifferent to things of time. I ask Thy blessing this day. Help me to prepare for to-morrow, and to be much in the exercise of supplication. Lord, endear this exercise. May I see that true love will find its chief outlet here.

‘une 29. — Wednesday. — Varied experiences, yet many loving-kindnesses from God and man. My Lord surely “dawts”? his weak, foolish child.... I am conscious of a slight occasional drawing to a closer walk with God. Lord, help me to be Thy simple, truthful child, coming to Thee in holy familiarity, Bless my friends at home; those whom I have been unable to write to, etc.; keep them from wearying or suspecting that I forget them.

‘¥uly 2da. — Saturday. — Give me, O my Lord, heart and activity. How easily I allow religious work, people, plans, exercises to take Thy place! (Help me to be alone with Thee, near Thee, delighting in Thee, hoping in Thee.) To give way to/this is a slow, withering death. All my springs are in Thee. Bless my friends at home; in China and these eastern regions; here and in Madras, Bombay, Ceylon, Alexandria, Malta, Gibraltar, London, Liverpool, Newcastle, and all through dear Scotland. Bless my relatives and friends in the West Indies and America. Thou lookest down, and seest all at this moment. Let them be blest more than I can ask, Give some blessing, much blessing to-morrow, and all the week. Thou knowest the engagements, and opportunities, and meetings with friends

1‘ Dawts,’ — fondles, caresses; an old Scotch word, often used by Samuel Rutherford.

that lie before me. Pity my weakness, languor, emptiness, dryness, want of power, and give me grace to glorify Thee, and to do good.

“Fuly 3a. — Sabbath. — I feel in full health to-day. Give me spiritual strength and grace. I have been thinking of Ps. Cxxxii., in connection with Is. lxi. 10: “Let thy priests be clothed with salvation.” “I will clothe my priests with salvation.” And now in Isaiah, “He hath clothed me.” Often what we find only a seed in an early part of the word, we meet with afterwards a full-grown, fruitful tree.’

The subsequent entries for some weeks are fluctuating in their tone. The heat prostrates him; the climate seems as if sapping his constitution; difficulties confront him; success is small; the enemy is powerful; the mass of idolatry appals; he stands dismayed before that ‘vast pile of human mockeries;’ the inconsistencies of Christians depress him; his old friends are far away; he seems as if falling into one of his old lownesses. But the cloud passes off; his ‘horizon clears,’ as he expresses it; he gives ‘thanks to the Lord for softening of heart;’ adding, ‘Save me from causing offence, or hindering Thy work; rather take me away with a stroke. Give tenderness of heart; love to Thee and holy things; grant holiness.’ He is not quite delivered. Troubled thoughts force themselves in. He wonders if he is in the right place; whether he has not done wrong in leaving Perth; and then adds, ‘I desire to walk in Thy light.’ Perhaps, in these variations or perturbations, he is not at all unlike his brethren, either in India or at home; but he gives way to what some resist; he speaks out what others conceal. The power or habit of self-control is a great thing for a Christian. It helps to steady him, both in feeling and in action; it saves him from hasty - plans and inconsistencies. Like the strong hand of the pilot grasping a strong helm, it keeps him from drifting or deviating. Mr. Milne often spoke of ‘the iron will’ of some. He had himself a thoroughly vigorous will, when. his health was good; but he sometimes succumbed to his own varying moods, instead of resisting them, when de-. pression for a season had taken the pith out of his natural character. But these many tossings sifted him; drawing out his whole man, both in its strength and weakness, and delivering him from all self-leanings. He needed them to make him what he was, to fit him for the work he had to do, and to make his light shine. JVi, thus, st deficit ignis.

‘ August 24th. — 1 was preaching on Sabbath upon that text, “Take heed, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.” I can see that almost all my sorrow has sprung from this. Yet how unwatchful and uncareful to keep my heart! But there is another keeper, Is. xl. 27-29. Here is the heart of unbelief [saying], God has forgotten me, He does not care for me, He does not deliver me. How does. Jehovah-Rophi deal with this sore disease? Why, what reason have you for these hard thoughts of me? Adam, why dost thou think that I have withheld thee from good? Cain, why is thy countenance fallen? Jonah, why angry? Disciples, why are ye fearful? Examine and see how groundless and sinful. Pride and self-will. The prince of darkness increases gloom, and all is distorted. What damage to our own peace, to the comfort of others, to the glory of God, when thou sayest thy way is hid! But not only, Why dost thou doubt? but, Why dost thou not believe? Hast thou not heard? [He is] mdghty, — look at His works; not a sparrow falleth; consider the lilies. W2se, — how unsearchable His judgments; wait and see His end, that He is very merciful. Good, — He giveth liberally unto the evil and unthankful. He does not despise; His bringings down and weakenings are in order to make way for strengthening. Lord, help me to feed on this, and to feed others. Let truth dwell in the heart; let the lip spread it abroad. Pity those who have trials and temptations, and yet who “have not heard,” who “do not know.” Shall I ever become crucified? Why go I about to build up my own glory? Why not willing to see, and that others should see, that I am nothing? Lord help me! I desire to be poor in spirit, and to take Thy yoke, and learn of Thee. Bless me this day. Live and walk and work in me.’

Subsequent entries are for some time much of the same cast. Hope and fear, sunlight and dimness, rest and trouble alternate. Yet never once does the question of his own sonship emerge. ‘That was all settled long ago. In all the varying frames which this journal records, doubt has no place. He speaks of God, and to God, as one who knew him and was known of him. He is cast down when confronted with the immensity of wickedness and idolatry and worldliness; he asks if he is the man for such a position; he is weak in body, but his hold of the cross is always the same. It is with him as with the apostle in his work and warfare: ‘As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing’ (2 Cor. vi. 9, 10). He says calmly, yet sorrowfully, “There is nothing to cheer here but the favour of the Lord; none know or care what you are doing;’ yet, when lying down tired at night, he speaks of ‘peaceful days,’ and a ‘sense of the blessed liberty which Christ gives.’ He speaks of his visits to the hospital; of missionary meetings, and his enjoyment of them; of his intercourse with young men; of fellowship with brethren; of work among the heathen. ‘Save us,’ he cries, ‘from seeking anything lower than conversion; from falling into mere routine; let us avoid inflating them with the idea of their importance.’ And then we find him saying, ‘I desire to live for my Lord. Deliver me from lower aims. Let me not seek the honour that cometh from man. Let not my life be a lie.” And then again, ‘A peaceful day, though not strong... Make me prayerful, calm, self-recollected, trustful... I have been kept, but I have not been watchful; a foolish child. I war not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers. ... Give me the right, Christian, truly heroic frame of spirit.’ At another time he says, in reference to the previous day: ‘No entry yesterday; I did not seek my Lord, and so it was a useless and unprofitable day. Lord heal me.’ At another time: ‘I have had several wounds to-day, and see that only the shield of faith can save from pain and sorrow. I would be daily putting on the whole armour of God.’ His entry one Monday morning is worth noting: ‘Have been to the hospital, and so not enough yet with God.... Peaceful all day.’ Again: ‘ Peaceful, yet not very lively. Would that my soul and heart sprung joyfully to my Lord!.. May I not fear or honour man above my Lord; but may my heart at all times flee to Thee.’ Again: ‘ Awoke early, and lay in bed till gunfire. I had not communion; my mind seemed to rove among earthly objects.’ ... Again: ‘ Refreshed, peaceful, hopeful; yet this joyful hope can only be by the power of the Holy Ghost enabling me to receive and live upon the promises, so that there may be a constant upspringing of peace and joy in believing.’ ... Again: ‘Tired at night, yet comforted and kept. 1 feel that my Lord is increasing my faith, and enabling me more simply to rest on Him.’ ... Again: ‘Let me feel that Iam in my place, and let me not be mindful of the things behind.’... Again: ‘Much occupied reading letters from home. But Thou wilt restore my soul. Bless my dear friends at home, and let not any change in my condition abate their love.. .. Felt the effect of not having my reading before looking at my letters. But I think the Lord helped me and upheld me. Grant me grace in my intercourse with missionaries and ministers, and suffer me not to se/t/e down in this dark land; but may I growingly learn, through the mighty power of the Holy Ghost. Deliver me from all the excuses and plausibilities which sloth is wont to produce, and help me to be stedfast and pressing forward.’ Again: ‘Be with me in meeting the brethren this morning; give me the spirit of prayer and real joy, and spiritual benefit in approaching Thee.... Lvening — A peaceful day. I found the missionary conference useful and profitable.’

The following entry, of date October 5th, will give some idea of his work : —

‘Have been at the hospital, and am a little fatigued. Looked in at morning prayers in the cathedral; I fear I should soon feel such duty a bondage. But how easy and pleasant would all be, blessed Lord, if we did all from love to Thee! Show me how worthless all those acts are which proceed not from love. Strengthen me to look this fairly in the face, even

though I should be constrained to acknowledge that I have been walking in vanity, and am an empty voice. Let me

think of the glory of Thy kingdom, and speak of Thy power, Let me make a good confession in the face of this vain, proud, despising world. Thou art my King; Thou shalt reign, and unto Thee every knee shail bow. Lord, guide and bless me this day. Beginning in weakness, may I end in peace and strength. Evening. — The day did end in peace and strength.

* Oct. 6. — Thursday morning. — Too late in going to bed last night. Tried a little during the night, and without the softness I had last evening. O Lord, Thou seest how unwilling Satan is that I should make progress. Incline and help me to “pray with all prayer.” This is the chief thing, in putting on the armour, for night or for day. The Lord is our armour, our shield, our helmet, our sandals, our girdle, Help me to live in the spirit of prayer. Give me to mingle in spirit with those above, and to see and feel as they do. It is the Lord. Grant that all difficulties may fly at the sight of Thy glory. Bless my flock; feed and advance them. Bless my distant friends. Guide me wisely in a perfect way.

‘ Oct. 7. — Friday morning. — Peaceful, Whom have I but Thee? May I be prepared for Sabbath. I had opportunity of seeing yesterday how much the world is in the heart of those with whom I have to do. Grant that it may not be in mine; and let men see and acknowledge that it is not. I desire grace to persevere, and then my little meetings will gradually ¢e//. I am thankful, Lord, for being able to remain quite cool and collected in dealing with gainsayers, and I see the advantage this gives. Make me wise, yet humble, and may I win souls. O my God, stir me up and quicken me, and fit me to plead Thy cause. It strikes me that our missionary friends act too little on the aggressive; but I am also becoming more alive to the difficulties they have to contend with.’

In the evening of Friday, October roth, Mr. Milne was married to Barbara, only daughter of Simon Nicolson, Esq., of the Bengal Medical Service. Very frequently in

his journal does he refer to this union as the source of joy, -O.

and strength, and blessing. The simplicity and tenderness of these allusions are very characteristic, very illustrative of the man; but they are not for the public eye.

After this we have such entries as the following : — ‘Thou hast graciously repaired Thy servant’s breach, and healed his wound.’... ‘Iam far from the cares of a distant land. I have few [cares] here, except to care for Thy work and glory. O my Lord, I desire to be holiness to Thee!’. ... ‘A peaceful, happy day, as free from care and full of good as I ever could well look for here, unless,

Lord, there were again the raining down of life and ae eousness from the opened ‘windows of heaven.’. Again: ‘Resting, peaceful, happy, and, I trust, preparing for coming action and usefulness.”... Again: ‘Feel refreshed and solemnized. Take and keep Thy place, O Lord, in our house and heart!’

He mourns the little amount of work he is able to do. He desires greater aggressiveness in missionary operations. He longs for the coming of the Holy Ghost in fulness and power. He asks if we could not deal more directly with prevailing superstition. He is cheered by the visit of two young natives, asking their way to the cross. ‘ This,’ he adds, ‘and some other things to-day, encourage me to hope that a holy, earnest, kindly aggressiveness, tempered by prudence, will be accepted and blessed of the Lord.’ He visits ‘the Institution,’ and rejoices to take part in its work. Again, he is ‘ pleasantly occupied with tidings from home.’ Again, he rises early, a little before four, and walks on the roof, thinking of Him who rose a great while before day. He is struck with the longing which these two youths who visit him have for knowledge, as that which would lift their country from degradation. He feels the responsibility which this brings upon our nation and our Church. Another native comes to him, and he is cheered again, though it breaks up his plans; yet he comforts himself by remembering now his Lord, even when He had gone aside for rest, came forth to the multitudes. ‘My heart,’ he says, ‘is open to Thee, O Lord! I have been thinking that I should like to live a heavenly life on earth. O my God, help me! The element in which my soul thrives is faith and love. Unbelief, cares, frettings, are death. Teach me to hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. Lord, draw me to Thy seat! Let me not rest in saying that all will be barren till the rain comes; but may I more become as im an agony until the shower begins to fall.’ He is troubled because of the little access he has to his fellow-men, in comparison with what he had at home. He finds few godly ones; such ‘ distance, coldness, and isolation.’ ‘Puseyism, evangelized moderatism, and the strong tide of worldliness’ shut him in on every side. The following more lengthened extract gives us an insight into the workings of his spirit, and shows how he realized in Christ the forgiveness of sin, and in His gospel the good news of a work done once and for ever. It reminds us of Luther’s words: ‘ Christ is no exactor, but the Propitiator of sin. Hold this tenaciously (oc mordicus tene, with “tooth and nail”), nor suffer thyself to be plucked away from this most sweet definition of Christ, which gladdens even the angels in heaven, — that Christ is no Moses, no exactor, no executioner, but a Propitiator of sin, a bestower of g-ace, of righteousness, and of life; who gave Himself, not for our merits, or holiness, or righteousness, or our holy life, but for our sins’ (On Gal. i. 4).

‘Oct. 25¢i. — I have found repeatedly how little the gospel is known, and how little, Lord Jesus, Thou art understood. Men walk with Thee as if Thou wert a Lawgiver from Sinai, and not a Saviour from Zion; as if they must follow Thee and serve Thee wholly at their own charges. O my Only Wisdom, my only Ability, help me to preach, and teach, and live down this error! May I see springing up a number of humble, believing souls, that feel their poverty and wretchedness, and yet rejoice and glory in Thee as their righteousness and strength! Fit me for my work here; save me from all earthly selfish motives and impulses; baptize me with power; and so may I break in upon the preserves of the god of this world, and break through all the cordons of worldly etiquette and carnal ecclesiasticism. Oh that some of my thoughts long ago might now be realized!

Oct. 26th. — Wednesday morning. — Refreshed and thankful. Comforted in reading. Let the 91st Psalm dwell with me to-day. Thou knowest it is not corn and wine, nor gold and

silver that I seek, but showers of grace and harvests of conversion.... Guide me in writing to my people at home. I pray that I may be enabled to write what will illustrate and endear Thy word, and also what will give an increased interest in this land.

‘ Oct. 29th. — Saturday morning. — Have been at the hospital, and begun what may prove a pleasant acquaintance. Lord, guide in regard to ministering to the soldiers to-morrow; also in getting Bibles for them; also in teaching them to learn to read. Save me from thoughts of self in these things; guide me till I may carry them through. Make me holy, and then use me for Thy purposes.... Oh that I had perpetual sunshine in my soul, as we have it in our skies!

‘ Oct. 31s¢. — Occupied with the Hindoo youths, and have got a lesson in duty with them. I desire to pity them, and to wonder at distinguishing mercy. I would delight myself more in my God, run to Thee, and rejoice in Thee, and admire Thee greatly. There is none like unto Thee, and no works like Thy works. Draw me this day, for 1 am feeble. Went down the river with Mr. Smith and Behari. Enjoyed much the sail up and down, though the tide was against. Was interested by what I saw of Indian village life. The people are more comfortable and more accessible than I thought. May this be but a beginning of work of this kind!

‘Vov. 2. — At the hospital, and a good deal worn out. Also have not had my usual reading. My peace and strength depend on getting hold of the Lord and His word before I go among my fellows or engage in other matters.... Have found this day the evil of having mind ard heart unfurnished before going out.... Vexed at the apathy of the native converts, and their want of interest in the salvation of their countrymen.’

Often does this entry recur: ‘A peaceful, happy day;’ and in one place this is added, ‘I have been thinking how good it would be if I were wholly of my feet, and carried in the everlasting arms;’ and again, ‘O my Lord, let me live habitually wz Thee! Was not Jesus ever with Thee? Let me now, in Him, be with Thee. Was I not, in Christ, with Thee before? Am I not ever there? Let me realize this from hour to hour.... Help me to have no desire but for Thy joy and glory, and then nothing can offend me.’ These Hindoo youths sometimes cheer and sometimes trouble him; he feels as if they were coming to him as the multitudes did to Jesus, — for the loaves; yet he resolves to set before them the bread of life; he prays that they may be stirred up to think of their countrymen; and adds, ‘ Bless this small beginning, which seems so unpromising; but of it Thou couldst make a native home-mission to spring. Musr Nor INDIA, AFTER ALL, EVAN-GELIZE INDIA?’ The following overflow of feeling with regard to himself is striking; and the picture drawn is not wholly unlike :- — ‘Fit me for this place. I feel that I am rash, impulsive, incautious, inconsiderate of the feelings, views, prejudices, and habits of men; and, moreover, too often forgetful of difficulties that are in the way. Incline and help me to watch and pray. Give me quiet influence. Look upon Thy work in this place. It does not prosper as it ought. Draw me to Thy seat, for the spirit of power, and of a sound mind. Give this grace also to many here. Use them, and let me follow and sit at their feet. But save from contentment in a low unprofitable state of things. J do earnestly pray for a living, vigorous, evangelistic native church. ...I1 should like to see a time of revival, a stirring up of the hearts of the converts to love the souls of their countrymen, and labour for their salvation; a great ingathering of souls; and a new unity among the various religious denominations. I should like also to see my countrymen beginning to care for the good of this great land, and temporal and spiritual prosperity advancing and keeping pace. Yet let nothing, not even this, turn away my heart from Christ, or take, or keep His place.... May I not give unnecessary offence, and yet not fear to offend, if Thy work requires it. Be pleased to use us both and prepare us for the coming of Thy dear Son. Have visited a good deal, and like to move about among my fellow-creatures. Trials also of various kinds. Yet they are good, for they show both corruption and grace; it is safe to see the first, and it is comforting to see the second. May I hate this evil and abominable thing. May I rejoice more and more that there is a laver that washes it away, and across that kills it. Nothing can thrive into which sin enters. It is a worm at the root; it is rottenness in the foundations. It will blast and wither all”

Then follow many similar entries: his own peacefulness; the benefit of trial; pleasant intercourse with the young Hindoos; his visit to a native house; his quiet breathing time of domestic joy and sunshine; clouds ‘ gathering and closing;’ his determination more and more to search for truth; his wish in company to lead the conversation to holy things. Then he asks, ‘Am I ready for the coming of the Lord? Is there anything in the world that I should like to keep as it is? Would it be painful to have the Master come and supersede my work by His own mighty power? Could I rise up joyfully and welcome Him? I have not come to teach mere literature, but to teach sinners the way of life.’ The following sentence is worth

setting by itself : —

“J have desires in my heart which perhaps God will grant me to see fulfilled before I die. (1) A true revival here. (2) A holy, active, numerous church. (3) The native Christians fully awakened, stirred up, and made successful in seeking the conversion of their countrymen. (4) The East Indians raised from their present degradation and put in their proper position,’

And not less the following : —

‘I am quite sure that the word of truth alone will be owned * by Thee for the conversion and salvation of men. Help me quietly to go on studying and preaching it.’

‘ December 17 th. — Saturday morning. — 1 am very wearied; rather cast down; but some peace in Psalm cxxii., and looking forward to the heavenly city. Why am I careful about things on the passage? My citizenship is there. My Elder Brother and friends are there. Let my affections and interests be all there. Let me walk as they walked. The traveller does not stop because the day looks cloudy or threatening, but presses on. The workman goes to his labour in sunshine and shower;

els his work must be done. So, Lord, let me go on. Daily trials there must be; daily causes of care and casting down; but let me still trust in Thee, and do good.’

‘A quiet day, without much trial. ... Lord, I am Thine. Thy will be done. Keep my heart and life, and all the outgoings of my soul. Let me forget myself, thinking of Thee, and seeking Thee. ... Fightings and fears, I can scarcely say deliverance. How weak my faith is; how small my submission to Thy holy will! Let me begin more truly to take up my cross ... Going to Chinsurah. Lord keep me in all company and engagements; let me not grieve nor dishonour Thee. Be my gracious Monitor and Preserver. Let me praise Thee at my return.. .. Disappointed in my plan of journeying at the last moment, and so have hurried back, not doubting but that it is for good. Quiet rest during the afternoon, and so refreshed and strengthened.... Peaceful, yet need to watch. The flesh waits its opportunity. How great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord! What care Thou takest! What patience Thou exercisest! Yet let me not provoke Thee, nor tempt. Quiet day, but not much done.... Make my Wednesday meetings times of great sensible enjoyment (and may the flock thus be built up in the Lord) ; — make them also times of enlarged, hopeful prayer for all people.... Interested by meeting with Mr. ’s family from the Moffussil. People say it is impossible to walk with God and be an indigo planter; but this seems to be a humble Christian. Abraham loved and feared the Lord in Canaan.’

‘ December 24th. — 1 know not what may be doing at Perth. This was the season when we used to look specially for mercy. Yet, Lord, Thou canst bless me, and make me a blessing here... I see more and more that my life here is to be quite different from what it was at home. But it is well to pass through changes, and I shall have larger sympathy and fellow-feeling with those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.... A busy yet very happy day; refreshed at night by F — — ’s prayer.’

ie

“December 29th. — beseech my Lord to put an edge upon my spirit. I think Thou art dealing with me for good. Be pleased to put a new edge upon,my spirit. Let me feel as one standing between the living and the dead; let my spirit be up to the measure of my position. I will wait on Thee for Sabbath.

‘ December 31st. — Friday. — What a life mine has been! I can look back on nothing with satisfaction. I have been covered with sin, and have no righteousness. But Thou castest out none. I have latterly become more sensible of sins of omission — the want of zeal, life, love; falling into a sluggish, forgetful, cold state of soul. May I be delivered from this in the new year! Also, may I be more drawn to prayer, yea, may I set myself to pray much and often. Also, help me to interest myself more directly in the state and conversion of particular individuals. I desire also to be enabled to walk more evenly, living a life of faith, and not looking so much to the seen and earthly. My eternal interests do not at all depend upon my worldly standing and prosperity. On the contrary, when I am poor, then am I likeliest to be rich. Help me to be more concerned about men’s feelings toward Zee, and not so much to care how they feel, or what they think of me. Oh, how hard it is for my proud heart to be overlooked, lightly esteemed! but I desire to have no will but Thine. Lord, undertake for me.’

For several months there is no record; and then the following entry stands alone : —

‘ April 26th, 1854. — My birth-day. Iam now far on in life, and have learned and done little. I can scarcely hope to do much in what remains. Visit me, O Lord, this day, with Thy good Spirit, that I may wisely consider what I am, where I am, and what I can now do for Thee... Nothing would so delight me as to see times of refreshing and abounding spiritual life.... I am afraid to think how I should feel if revival were to come by means of others, while I was passed by. Yet, I think, I should acquiesce, perhaps rejoice, and join heartily in helping on the work. ... I have left all my dear people and beloved friends, and am now among strangers who do not know me, nor care for me. There are here trials unknown at home: languor arising from the heat; pining of heart for wonted fellowship; the low state of religion generally; and the apathy and unmoveableness of the heathen. Yet Thou hast been kind, Lord, in giving me a loving wife, and bringing me into a family, where I am thoroughly domesticated. Thou hast in earthly things compassed me with many comforts. It is and must be a very monotonous life. Lord, undertake for me. I have no access to the general population. T hey seem settled down in their several encampments, and in determined irreligion.... I have been useful, I believe, to some souls. Though sometimes cast down, the Lord seems to lift me up again. I have had a good deal of intercourse with the English-speaking natives; but as yet none have turned to the Lord, and the door at present is very much closed. Lord, fit me for this work. I pray for tenderness of heart, and a willingness to wait much in quiet, and to pray. Give a time of refreshing, This is a kind of watchtower, where I might see much of the state of the world, and might be useful to brethren at home, in informing and stirring them up. — Lord, help me to see what I might do, and enable me, and fit me for it,’

A month elapses, and there is another entry tu the following effect : —

‘May 31st, 1854. — I have now been a whole year in this place, and can form some correct idea of the nature of my position, I see that I am compassed with difficulties. But I will not look at them. Give me the heritage of those who fear Thy name. Give me fitness and heartiness in my work, I look to Thee, O Lord; give me utterance and entrance, and zeal and help.’

Such is the substance of the volume in which he records his first year’s experiences in India. Ona blank leaf at

a rrereeermemeneeemeeneeneeememeeeee the close of it, there is written the following arrangement of subjects for daily prayer throughout each week:’ —

Sabbath. — Ministers; work of God; refreshing,

Monday. — W orld.

Tuesday. — Church.

Wednesday. — India and Calcutta.

Thursday. — Congregation; office-bearers; Sabbath-school classes.

Friday. — Family and friends.

Saturday. — F¥ree Church; missions.

The following sketch or narrative from Mr. M‘Leod Wylie, regarding Mr. Milne, will be more effective than any statement that could be given by one not on the spot : —

‘Before Mr. Milne’s arrival in 1853, some of us, who were deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of the people, met weekly, to pray that the Lord would send us a man after His own heart; and when we heard some preliminary accounts of our coming minister — that he had been a friend of M‘Cheyne’s,

and that he was (as one letter said) “one of the best of the revival preachers,” — our hearts were gladdened by the hope

— — — ae

1 T have beside me Mr. M‘Cheyne’s jottings of a similar kind. They will interest some, though fragmentary. They are divided into — (1) confession; (2) prayer.

Confession. — Sins of natural life. Sins of ministry. Sins under affliction. Sins against Father, Son, and Spirit.

Prayer. — Pray for my health. Pray for my soul; especially submission, — deliverance from envy, love of praise. For thankfulness, humility, brokenness of heart. For my family and friends. For Burns, and other fellow-labourers. For the whole of my people; awakened, believing, backsliding, unconverted. For direction to the prayer-meetings, etc. For preparation for the communion to them and me. For help and success on Sabbath. For the Carse. For the Jews. For the Church in this dark time.

[ie ee ee)

that we should see days of blessing. I well remember his arrival. It was the Lord’s day, and I was detained at home by illness; but I heard the steamer’s guns; and soon after the service was finished he came over to see me, and then I found that he had, immediately on landing, hurried to the church, and had reached it in time to see the assembled people, and that he was ready to begin his work by preaching in the evening. He was the guest of good old Dr. Nicolson; and that family and mine, I can truly say, rejoiced together in the grace we saw in him. Everything seemed to encourage our expectation that we should ourselves be animated to fresh devotedness, and that we should see a revival around us. But while others, I know, were greatly blessed through the ministry of that humble man of God from the first, I soon found Satan very busy; and as the case may not be unprofitably considered by other believers, I will mention the circumstances. The Christian people in Calcutta had gone on for many years in an easy, contented way, with a name to live, showing a measure of zeal and liberality in mission work, and in many benevolent undertakings; but there was little deep knowledge of the word, and little decisive testimony for the Lord. It was an unusual thing to speak plainly in private to worldly friends and associates, or to have much spiritual communion one with another. Meetings for reading the Scriptures were very little known. There had been a meeting, some years before, at Mr. Hawkins’ house, at which good Mr. M‘Donald, the Scotch missionary, expounded; and at Mr. M‘Donald’s house, for a time, a few friends met on Saturday evenings for reading the word; but, on looking back, I can scarcely remember to have learned any truth from others. Mr. M‘Donald used himself much to dwell on the Puritan divines, and much recommended them; and for some years I was a diligent student of them. But I am sure that it was a rare thing among the believers in Calcutta to help and edify one another with fresh views of truth gained by personal study of the word; and the general state of things was formal and cold. It was the Lord’s purpose

MR. M‘LEOD WVYLIE’S SKETCH. 221

to send His messenger and His message, and then (as always has been the case when the Lord has drawn near) the thoughts of many hearts were revealed. While many, who had previously made no profession of religion, heard from Mr. Milne new, stirring, and affecting appeals, which, touched their hearts and roused their consciences, there were others (and I was one) who felt that this kind of religion went beyond their experience, and in effect tested and exposed them. At times the power of his preaching was irresistible. Such, I remember, was a sermon on the Saviour in the house of Simon the leper, — detecting the true communicant, not in the rich professor, but in the poor abashed suppliant at His feet; and I remember, too, one occasion when Mr Granger (one of the Baptist missionary deputation from the United States) described to me his experience while listening to another sermon before the communion. He said that he sat there overwhelmed, and could only feel the force of such words as “I am a worm and no man.” There were many who affected to think lightly of Mr. Milne’s preaching. It was not “prepared,” it was not learned, and so on; but this was all misconception. The preparation was, in fact, of the best kind. He preached weekly out of a full and exercised soul, which was constantly occupied in applying the word to the hearts of inquirers or mourners; and he gave forth out of the good ¢reasure, which his own study of the word was gaining day by day, things new and old. And though there was no show of learning, yet there was learning, and far more, I believe, than would have been displayed by retailing the comments of critical authors. The result was, that he often conveyed vivid impressions of the true, free, and full meaning of many passages of Scripture; so that his hearers often associated for ever afterwards particular portions with recollections of his unfolding of them. I can say this, for instance, of the last chapter of Micah, and of passages in Hosea xiv. and John iv. But there certainly was something unusual in his way of acting and speaking. He had little concern for the outward business of the house of

God, though, I must say, I never saw any sickly and unmanly indifference to really necessary work; and he was anxious to show his interest in all such meetings as those of the Bible Society’s Committee and the Missionary Conference. But then he put spiritual and personal work /irs¢, in a very decided manner. He paid visits which were solely visits of a pastor or a brother in the gospel, and he came therefore only to speak of spiritual things and to pray. He was “instant in season and out of season.” He spoke with much directness — without ambiguity, and in a searching way, — that often startled and displeased. This often led to rebuffs. But how many can testify, as I can, that they zever saw him angry or displeased; zever manifesting the pride of ruffled spirit; ever treasuring the memory of unkind or harsh treatment! He had, I think, more of the mind of Christ in this respect than any man I ever saw. He was content to be abased if others were exalted; to be accepted “‘ only in part;” to be treated as an inferior — inferior in judgment and knowledge; and I think, too, I may say that I never saw 1 Cor. xili. so exemplified as it was in him. How he could suffer long and be kind; how he lived and acted as judging none, and thinking no evil! Of our blessed Lord it is spoken that He was deaf and dumb, and that He suffered not His voice to be heard: He was dumb, He bore the contradiction of sinners; and He opened not His mouth; and how delightful it is to see in one of His followers this meekness and gentleness of Christ:! There was much of it in Mr. Milne. And then he was entirely unworldly. He cared not for the worldly appearances and human praise, but had that faith which overcomes the world. ‘His course in India extended from May 1853 to August 1857 — more than four years. Before he left, he had settled down into habits of regular work among his own growing congregation, ‘and was less engaged with others outside. But his work was ‘extending in another way. In Calcutta itself it was chiefly confined to his own people; but he was sought out by Christians who came there, and he was led into correspondence.

Ne

MR MLEOD WYVLTES SKETCH, 22g

with those who left for other parts of the country. I suppose that, if he had remained, his influence would have rapidly extended; for he was an epistle of Christ, known and read of all men. In some cases his usefulness was very remarkable. A young civilian, for instance, a stranger to him, lived near him, and was suddenly plunged into deep affliction by a bereavement. Mr. Milne at once ventured in to see him, with words of comfort; led him to the Saviour; and afterwards, when he left Calcutta for the Upper Provinces, was his friend and counsellor. And certainly he had the gift of ministering to strangers, for his perfect guilelessness removed all annoyance at apparent intrusions. It was impossible to mistake his “purpose,” or “his manner of life or charity.” He was eminently transparent, and evidently had but one thought and one object; and thus very often he overcame evil with good. Where, at first, he was met with impatience, and even contempt, he won his way by the meekness of wisdom. And, indeed, often have J, in reference to him, thought of the words, “He that winneth souls is wise.” Much else there is that appears wise, and is highly esteemed among men; but there is one work in which it is truly wise to spend all our strength, and which certainly will abide — the Christ-like work of seeking out, to save, the lost; and to this blessed work our dear friend devoted himself. This one thing he did. He gave himself wholly to the work of the ministry, and he had special qualifications for the work. He was remarkably self-denying and generous, so that he spared no pains, and would willingly part with everything he had to show his sympathy. He was quite free from jealousy and envy, from secular pursuits and engagements, and from habits of variance and contention. He was full of tender compassion, and could truly weep with them that wept, and rejoice with them that rejoiced. His successor in the ministry in Calcutta, Mr. Pourie, told me he had experienced quite a new blessing to his own soul in visiting among those who had been quickened under Mr. Milne’s ministry.

‘While in Calcutta, our friend always showed a real and hearty interest in all mission work. He took a class in the Free Church Institution every week to expound the Pilgrzm’s Progress, and I know of other evidences of practical co-operation in mission work, or at least of lively affection to those engaged in it. When such choice missionaries as the late Mr. “Ingalls, of the American Mission in Burmah; and Mr. Jaaske, ’ of the Moravian Mission in Thibet; and the late Dr. Ribbentrop of Chupra, were in Calcutta, his heart overflowed with love to them; and after he returned to Scotland, he and his beloved wife ceased not to remit aid for some of the work in India.

‘As might be supposed, a man of this kind attracted much (and, I may say, more and more) love from those who were most manifestly on the Lord’s side, and who were able to appreciate the depth and the fervour of his spiritual life. I may mention particularly the late Colonel Wheler, who was generally very reserved in his communications, even with old friends. ‘To Mr. Milne he opened his heart, and gave records of his work, much more than to others — more, certainly, than he did to me, who had known him and corresponded with him far longer. I remember hearing, through Mr. Milne, a wonderful narrative I had never heard from Colonel Wheler himself, of an Afghan convert of his who went forth into his own dark country with his life in his hand, resolved there to speak of Jesus at all hazards, — one of whom the world was not worthy, and whose name will never be known till “that day,” when his work, and perhaps much fruit from it, shall be declared openly.

‘Mr. Milne’s departure from India was rendered necessary by the continued illness of his wife. They were separated in 1855 in the hope that she might return to India sufficiently strengthened to bear the climate; and to one so affectionate and so dependent as he was, that separation was no ordinary trial. He was liable to fits of extreme depression, and I recol-

1 See that most stirring and remarkable book, Memoir of Colonel Wheler, WUondon: 1866, lect one occasion when I went to see him, at a time when he was quite alone, and found him in great darkness and distress. At such times he found no relief except in spiritual work; and if there were but some call on him for counsel, or some case in which there was hope of the Spirit’s work, his thoughts seemed instantly diverted from himself, a new song was. put into his mouth, and he went on his way again rejoicing.

‘I might say much more; but I cannot doubt that others, -

who knew him longer and better, will be able to describe his general course fully; and as he was the same man in India and at home, so the account of his home life will answer the purpose of a more complete sketch of his career abroad. The impression in my own mind, from a review of all my acquaintance and intercourse with him, has been very deep. The simplicity of character, the long-suffering, the willingness to be counted even a fool for Christ’s sake, made many think of him as weak and powerless; but he was able to glory in infirmities, that the power of Christ might rest in him; he was strong in His strength; and so, while some thought that he was scarcely to be accounted of, his influence was felt by every man, and his labours were blessed beyond almast all. I read in his life a great lesson, — the lesson that true strength and true power come only from much living communion with the Lord; that He will use and exalt those who are willing, for His sake, to be abased; and that the memory of these is most blessed who here do most truly glorify Him by likeness to the lowliness and service of Christ. We live in days when we hear much of the need of an intellectual ministry, and of preaching to meet the wants of the age; but the career of this dear servant of Christ may serve to show that, if we want to win souls, we must know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. While hundreds of elaborate discourses — the products of research and painful labour — have served no purpose whatever but the gratification of so many of thé hearers as were able to understand them, the sermons which Mr. Milne preached, fresh from the fulness of his own experience, fraught with the spirit of the P.

gospel, directed only to the consciences and hearts of the people, are remembered, and have borne fruit to life eternal. May the Great Head of the Church send forth into His vineyard hundreds of servants qualified with “like precious faith,” and sustained from first to last with a quenchless desire to make full proof of their ministry to the glory of His name only, in the salvation of sinners, and the manifest example of a heavenly mind!’

Ere leaving home he had counted the cost, and never for one moment regretted the step he took. Yet he felt the difference between Calcutta and Perth, though he enjoyed the intercourse of his missionary brethren, and speaks of them with great kindness. ‘ How little,’ he writes, ‘we seem to know, in this land, of the communion of saints! But the life and sweetness of that is the communion of the Lord; and His fellowship can be enjoyed in private as well as in company. ... How I should like to have Andrew Bonar here, and be able to say all I think and feel, with a sense of reciprocation!’

The following hymn, one of many such found in his note-books, gives expression to his feelings. It is upon Ps. xxxvii. 1, and occurs after an entry to this effect : — ‘Driven about all day, and no rest. I was away from Thee, O Lord, and so I sank; and then sin comes in with resistless power.... My life is passing fast away, and I continue poor and helpless. Undertake for me... Feel the need of the Lord. Surely He is making me feel

my need of Him!
‘FRET NOT.

‘Lord, help me not to fret, when troubles o’er me flow; But still before me set the path of toil and woe.

se Se Ee For few Thy comforts were; Thou thoughtest not of ease; But soughtest still from Satan’s snare Thy brethren to release.

Grant me to follow Thee, my self-forgetting Lord! And when from toil I flee, reward me of Thy word; For Thou hast said that they, who will Thy service try, Must ever, day by day, both self and sin deny.

The cross I now uptake; the burden seek to bear;

And for Thy dear name’s sake, I would Thy sorrows share. Deign, Lord, on me to smile; my fainting spirit raise;

And make me, ’mid my toil, lift up the song of praise.’

He delighted to speak of John M‘Donald, and of what he had heard of the sayings and doings of that noble missionary, who, in his brief course, gave such a decided testimony for Christ in Calcutta, and shone there as a burning and shining light.’’ Once’and again he referred to the deathbed of that man of God, as it had been described to him by those who witnessed it; especially recalling the words of Lacroix (a well-known missionary of the London Society), as he stood in the death chamber, ere the spirit had departed, ‘ There lies the holiest man in India.’

1¢ What I miss in some missionaries (he writes), is that glow, and warmth, and stirring of spirit which you see in Paul to the very end.

May I live fast and get an early grave, if one must, after a time, cool

down.’