The First Campaign

The Eayi of 3foira, commanded by Captain Kemp, sailed from Deal on 20th April, 1816, with a large and interesting force of missionaries for the East. It included Messrs. Hough and Winter, of the Church Missionary Society; Mr. Randall, of the Baptist Missionary Society; Messrs. Townley and Keith for Calcutta, Messrs. Meade and Reader for Travancore, Mr. Reeve for Bellary, and Mr. Knill for Madras, of the London Missionary Society. All these brethren, with one exception, were accompanied by their wives: Mr. Knill was unmarried, having met with a disappointment, which, considering his affectionate nature, he bore heroically.

“My dear, faithful, and affectionate ran a few lines to Mr. Rooker, at the moment of embarkation,” I cannot let Britain go till I have blessed God for you, and once more

thanked you for your affection and kindness. The Lord reward you and yours a thousandfold.

“My hand trembles, but my heart rejoices in the prospect of taking a long farewell of Britain, and her highly -favoured children. In case the depths of the sea should provide me a grave, or some fatal disease put a speedy termination to my life, accept this as my last tribute of grateful remembrance; but if the Great Head of the Church, in His infinite kindness, spare my life to reach Madras in peace, be assured that soon you shall hear from your affectionate and obedient — Richard Kxill.”’

The external circumstances of ship and weather conspired, with the delights of intelligent Christian fellowship, to make the voyage most auspicious.

Our privileges,” it is said in the reminiscences, were greatly owing to the pious feeling of the captain. TThen he was an ofiicer in an East Indiaman, a gay and thoughtless young man, he went ashore one Sunday at Calcutta, and seeing some English people enter a house which had the appearance of a chapel, he followed them, and heard Dr. Carey preach. The sermon was blessed to the conversion of his soul, and the swearing youth returned to England a man of prayer. On his passage home he made a solemn vow, that if ever providence gave him the command of a ship, and a missionary were going to Dr. Carey, he would give him a free passage. We had the result of this daily before our eyes; on a former occasion he had taken out Dr. Yates, and now he was taking Mr. Randall and his family.

“When we had become accustomed to the motion of the ship, and had braced up our minds for action, this good man said, ‘Now, let us turn this ship into a Bethel; let us have family prayer every day, and sermons on Sunday; it will sweeten the voyage, endear us to one another, and draw down the Divine blessing.’”

How this plan succeeded is told in a letter to Mrs. Isaac, dated the Cape of Good Hope, July 3, 1816: —” It is an unspeakable privilege to sail in such a ship. Though removed from friends and all that is dear at home, we

can hold fellowship with saints even on the bosom of the Atlantic. We muster no fewer than nine chaplains, “besides the captain, who takes his part, and deservedly has our praise.

“Each chaplain acts for the day in alphabetical order.. We have eight preachers; two sermons on the Lord’s day, and one on Thursday — the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday, and the missionary prayer-meeting on the first Monday of the month. Think, my dear madam, how great the privilege I Surely the ship which, after a twelvemonth’s voyage, rested on the mountains of Ararat, could not vie with ours.

“This is a part — let me now tell you of the harmony which exists among us, and then join with David, and say, ‘How good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ Our company consists of clergymen, Baptists, Independents, and one Methodist; but we live like brethren, ’ each esteeming other better than himself.’ The tools of controversy have been thrown overboard; we perceived they were grown rusty and out of date; we saw them ’ sink as lead in the mighty waters, and they are now where, I trust, your sins are — viz., ’ in the depths of the sea.’ I have reason, indeed, to hope that much of the ?: Divine presence has been experienced on board. That blessed Saviour who sanctified the mountains round about Jerusalem, and sometimes had a boat for His pulpit, has honoured this ship with His love. For ray own part, I have never felt more of my own vileness and unworthiness in my life; for here is time for reflection — things which were once forgotten are remembered, and at times death and judgment appear just at hand. On the 1st June, when chaplain, and engaged in family prayer, I had such an overwhelming view of myself that I was forced to stop in the midst, and give way to a flood of tears, while Mr. Meade concluded the service; but I have not always been cast down.

“Shall I now tell you how we have been favoured as it respects the weather? We left Deal, under the most pleasant circumstances, on the 20th April. On the 23d we entered the Bay of Biscay, where the tremendous swell which generally pervades those seas affected 8^-

US but little. On the last day of the month we passed the isles of Madeira. The weather being cloudy we saw them not, but on the following morning an officer perceived them at daybreak about sixty knots astern — the weather being still so delightful that we thought we might have sailed in the long-boat without danger. At dawn, on the 3d, the captain discerned one of the Canary Islands, called Palma; we all hastened on deck, glad to behold it, and gratifying indeed was the sight, being the first land we had seen for many days. On the 27th we crossed the line, but felt nothing oppressive in the heat, though there was an almost perfect calm, which reminds one of the poet’s words —

‘More the treacherous calm I dread, Than tempests bursting o’er my head.’

“I am happy to inform you that, after a passage of sixty-eight days, and sailing eight thousand miles, we landed safely at Simon’s Bay, which lies about twenty-one miles from Cape Town. It happened to be on that sacred day when the tribes go up to the house of the Lord.

There are but few houses at that place, but they are exceedingly white and clean. There is a little military force, a pretty little church, and a nice little parson. When our blessed Redeemer came to Jerusalem, He first visited the temple, and we imitated His example; the bell was ringing when we came on shore, and we walked immediately to the church. The lessons for the day particularly struck me; they were 1 Sam. ii, and Luke xv, and the text was, ‘There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.’ We afterwards strolled into the burial-ground, sat among the tombs, and sang praises to God. We read inscriptions on the tombs of our countrymen who had gone thither to die, and sought to imbibe the solemn lesson.”

“The next day,” says another communication,” having been joined by our dear brother, Mr. Thorn, we travelled in ox-wagons to Cape Town. There I first saw a congregation of heathen, composed of persons from seven different tribes of Africa; and, having spent a most refreshing time, during which great kindness was shown to us by the Rev. George Thom and his congregation, we again weighed

anchor, and, after a favourable run, anchored in Madras Roads. Thus I found myself in my adopted country, surrounded by heathen gods, heathen temples, and heathen people.”

The excellent man whom Mr. Knill joined was the first English missionary to Madras, and had at that period resided there for eight years. He had formed a church, of persons who had been converted through his ministry, and had been of great service in the establishment of schools, and in the distribution of Christian books throughout the presidency. His wise and benevolent measures had produced a considerable impression on the public mind; so that Mr. Knill always delighted to observe,” He laboured, and I entered into his labours.’’

“Mr. and Mrs. Loveless,” he says,” were among the best people I ever saw. Their house was the ‘Saints’ Rest.’ Godly men of all denominations found a home under their peaceful roof. They had a large and profitable boarding-school, which enabled them to use hospitality to strangers, and to entertain angels unawares. Mr. Loveless received no

THE FiRbT Campaign. salary from the Missionary Society, but was a large contributor to its funds by preventing expenses when missionaries arrived.

“We landed on a Tuesday, and the next evening I preached my first sermon, from these words, * Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world;’ and God blessed it to the conversion of a young widow, who afterwards became the wife of Dr. Medhurst, our oldest Chinese missionary.

“The next day Mr. Loveless said to me: — * It has long been the desire of my dear wife to have a free school for girls, as large as the free school for boys; and now you are come, we must set about it. I have my plan, and think we shall succeed.’ In the next week I obtained a sum of money, in a most remarkable way, to commence it, as will appear from what follows. The wife of a minister in England had a brother, a captain in the Madras army. She wrote to her brother about me, and one day, when he had a party of officers at his house, the letter arrived. An English letter always produces a great sensation in India on tender spirit&. The captain said to

his guests, ‘Permit me to open my letter.’ He read on, and as he read he laughed heartily. * What is the matter?’ said they. ‘Oh,’ said he, ’ it is a letter from one of my sisters, who is introducing a gentleman to me, and wishes me to be very kind to him. Who do you think it is? — a missionary.’ They joined in the laugh, and said, ‘What will you do with him?” Why, I will make him drunk, and you shall come and see the fun.’ A young officer who was present had a brother at Mr. Loveless’ school, and on his way to the Fort, he called to see his brother. In conversing with Mr. Loveless, he said, *I am glad you are going to have a coadjutor, sir. My captain has just received a letter from his sister about it.’ And then, referring to the ’ fun’ they had enjoyed, he said, * I advise you to put him on his guard when he arrives.’

“On the arrival of the ship, the captain saw my name in the Gazette, and on the Sunday morning after, he came, and brought several other officers with him, to the chapel. The sight was quite novel. At the close of the service, my friend inquired for me, and expressed great pleasure at seeing me, asked many questions about Bideford and Axminster, and added,

* When will you come and dine with me? ‘I begged to be excused just then, as my baggage was still in the Custom House, and my presence was needed there. He shook hands, and said, * I will call on you.’ He did so, and as soon as he had retired, Mr. Loveless told me of the plot, but added, ‘You must go. Be upon your guard. I am not without hope that God will bless your visit.’ I dined with the captain and the party who knew about his sister’s letter. Englishmen in India are noted for their hospitality. They live like princes. They fare sumptuously every day. The wine passed round merrily. They pressed me to drink. I politely declined. The captain said,

* When you are at Rome, you must do as Rome does.’ I said, ‘Captain, if you urge me to drink, I will write to your sister about it, and what will she say?’ The snare was broken. ‘Well,’ said he, ’ do as you please.’ They related soldiers’ stories, and I related missionary stories, and by way of application, I said, ‘Gentlemen, we are going to build a girls’

school in Black Town, near our chapel, to correspond with the boys’ school, and as this is the first visit I have paid, I should like to make it memorable by your becoming the first contributors. Give me something for a foundation stone.’ They cheerfully responded, and sent me home in the captain’s palanquin, with fifteen pounds towards the girls’ school. From that time the captain bame a regular attendant at chapel, and sometimes ten or twelve officers came with him; one of whom was converted by a sermon from Mr. Reeve. The captain also bought a large Bible and Hymn-book for himself, and sent copies of valuable books to various parts of India to his old friends. He never ceased to be my friend. After I had become very intimate with him, he said to me, ‘If I had gone home before I saw you, and my sister had inquired about the missionaries at Madras, I should have said, “There are none,” or, if she had asked me about your chapel, I should have said, “There is no such place.” ‘So much for the testimony of worldly men on the subject of missions.”

On the 4th February, 1817, he writes:

“My dear and tender Parents, — Fourteen thousand miles have not in the least abated my affection for you, my brother, or the dear children. No; I have you on ray heart. In the beginning of January, I forwarded, by the Albion, five copious letters, but, to my great mortification, they are completely gone. The ship is wrecked; but every person saved. The cargo lost, and the packet of letters soaked and spoiled. This comes with only a few of the numerous particulars stated in the- one that is gone, and to none of my dear friends can I write at present.

“Through the tender mercies of God, I am well, very well, much better than when I last saw your face. India agrees with me much better than I could have even hoped for. My dear brother and sister. Loveless, are most affectionate creatures. I live with them, and am quite at home. I live principally on rice, which suits my constitution. I take much exercise in the morning before the sun rises. The morning and the evening are the only seasons which are safe for Europeans to go out, because the heat of the sun is quick de-THE FIRST CAMPAIGN.

struction. I wear very thin clothes — white jacket and Nankeen trousers — sleep very cool — drink very little — preach very often — study very closely — make some advances in the language — visit the schools twice a week — see some fruit of my labours — and want nothing but a thankful heart. This is my language:

‘Gracious Redeemer, make me bear
More of Thy Gracious image here.’

“This is a hasty glance at myself; now let me tell you of our chapel. Here we have service thrice a week, and many attend. On each side of the chapel we have a charity school: on the right side for boys — 147 belong to it; on the left side for girls, which is in its infancy, but bids fair for much good. Between the boys’ school and the chapel, we have a school for the native children, little, sharp, intelligent creatures, almost naked. They sit on the ground, write on the sand till they can make good letters, and then on the leaf of a tree with a pen of iron. We have four other schools in various parts of Madras, in which are about 200 boys; but the natives will not permit their girls to learn reading — even a princess does not know a letter. Mr. Loveless has opened the large school-room for divine service; and every Sunday evening great numbers attend. We read the prayers of the Church of England in this place. I have no less than twenty-five officers of the army at once to hear me. In the fort, we preach twice a week to the soldiers; few attend. They do not think (generally speaking) that they are sinners. At the ‘Mount ’ we preach once a week to a party of soldiers, in a house left for that purpose by a pious serjeant-major. This is eight miles from Madras; a lovely place; the road thickly set with beautiful banyan trees, which in some parts form an arch, and yield a delightful shade to the weary traveller.”

Mr. Knill gained much influence over these officers. His sincere, open and direct manner suited their taste. He seemed to know instinctively when to assault the conscience, and when to touch a chord of home recollections. “What do you missionaries mean?” said one of them;” do you think that poor black fellow

will be damned?” “I hope not,” was the answer; but if he is, I think his punishment will be very light compared with yours, if you neglect God.“^ The interrogator, convinced, lifted up his hands, and said,” I believe it; I have long thought so Another, whose conscience had been aroused, but who still clung to his sins, one morning called, and sought to get into an argument. “There are many things in the Bible, sir, impossible to be understood.” “There are, sir,” was the reply; “but the seventh commandment is very plain.” The controversy ended. A young civilian, while engaged in writing a book on infidel principles, probably visited by some relentings, went one Sunday to the mission chapel. “The text,” says Mr. Knill, was, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ I saw the stranger in tears, and said to one of the deacons, ‘Do you know where he lives? I must write to him.’ I did so; and received an answer, requesting me to * call at once.’ I found him in tears. ‘You felt a good deal this morning, sir?’ said I. ‘Yes,’ he replied; ‘Christ has so often knocked at my door, and been refused admission,

that I feared to-day that He would knock no longer.” To prevent that, I said, ’ let us kneel down immediately and ask forgiveness; that is the plan.’ We prayed; he wept; he resolved; ho tore his infidel manuscript in pieces; left his infidel associates; abandoned his lucrative situation in the Company’s service, and sailed for England. Before leaving India, he wrote a spirited letter to the public, calling a meeting for the formation of a missionary association. We had a good meeting, at which he spoke-, making a public recantation of his former errors. A report of the proceedings was drawn up, and presented to the Governor, for permission to print it. His Excellency, with his own hand, erased ’ all objectionable parts,’ that is, all that was worth printing, and then gave us permission to proceed. We carried out the object, without employing the press at all.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Loveless,” continues the reminiscences,” would have me live with them, but they charged me very little for my board, whereby I was enabled, with my salary, to support seven native schools. These were so

situated that I could A’isit them all in one day; and while they gratified my heart, they aided me in attaining the colloquial language of the people. My horse and gig were seen constantly on these rounds; and my horse at last knew where to stop as well as I did. This nearly cost a Bengal officer his life. Captain Page, a godly man, who was staying with us until a ship was ready to take him to the Cape, one morning requested me to lend him my horse and gig to take him to the city. The captain was driving officer-like, when the horse stopped suddenly, and nearly threw him out. He inquired, ‘What place is this? ‘The answer was, ‘It is the Sailor’s Hospital.” ‘They started again, and soon the horse stopped suddenly, and the captain was nearly out as before. ‘What is this V ‘A school, sir,’ was the reply. At last he finished his business, and resolved to return another way. By doing this, he came near my schools, and again and again the horse stopped. When he got home, he said, ‘I am glad that I have returned without broken bones, but never will I drive a religious horse again! ‘”

These labours, however, were not to be without interruption. Coraing home exhausted one day during the rainy season, he flung himself on his bed, and fell asleep. He did not know that the bed had been exposed to the rain, until he experienced effects from which he did not recover for several years. The immediate result was, that he was compelled to leave Madras for a season; and by the kindness of the Rev. Charles Church, an excellent chaplain to the East India Company, spent about two months at Cuddalore. From that place, on June 10, 1818, he thus writes to the Rev. S. Rooker:

“The heat, and other things connected with this country, are not favourable to a speedy recovery from sickness; yet I trust the Lord has more work for me to do at Madras, and will, therefore, prepare me for it. I have much reason to adore Him for this affliction; it was sent in great mercy, and has been sweetened by a thousand consolations. Ah, my dear Rooker, missionaries want chastisement as well as others, and their Father loves them too well to spare them. We want to learn how to

mffei as well as do the will of God, and I believe my soul has been as a weaned child. It is rather singular that, during my affliction, I have been staying with three pious chaplains; with Mr. Thompson I remained a few days, with Mr. Malkin also a few days, and with Mr. Church I have been more than six weeks, and shall not leave his habitation till the hot winds have ceased, which will not be for some weeks. He lives at Cuddalore, about 130 miles from Madras, in one of the pleasantest places in India. I mention this to show that Churchmen and Dissenters can love each other, provided they have a supreme love to Christ. The doctors whom I have consulted give it as their opinion that my liver is not attacked, nor are my lungs affected, but my debility has arisen chiefly from ’ excessive labour and great abstemiousness.’ This, I believe, is the case; but I did it, as I thought, for the best. And, my dear sir, there is no man who has a tender concern for the glory of God and the happiness of man, who can live in India without exerting every power; for sin is doing all it can do in its very worst forms; and who would not endeavour to stop the torrent? I assure you, that at Madras I have every encouragement to work; the Lord smiled upon me, which put new life into all I did and said.

“About this time last year, two young men were first seemingly concerned about their souls under a sermon I was preaching from Rev. iii. 20. One of them was a young Englishman, a very clever, and. now a very useful young man; he is about to return to Europe, and intends to spend the remainder of his days as a missionary. The other was the descendant of a Dutchman, who had scarcely even seen a house of worship before, or heard any thing of the blessed Redeemer. He had lived on the north coast, speaks the Gentoo fluently, and is now studying it with a view to proclaim the everlasting gospel in that language.

“Since I have been sick, I have received several letters full of encouragement, and calculated to excite the most grateful feelings in my heart to the ever-blessed God. Among the rest is a letter from a lady, who, twelve years ago, let her house to Mr. Loveless to preach in; and though she had the gospel preached

under her roof, she seldom heard it, and never felt it till one Lord’s day she came to the chapel. I was preaching on ’ family prayer, and the Lord opened her heart, and now, for the first time, she began to pray. These things, you know, my dear sir, are such as stimulate to every holy action; they wind up all the springs, and put all the wheels in motion: every power is put to the stretch in devising and acting for the glorious cause.

“The last sermon I preached was from the last verse of James. One of the primary objects I had in view was to stir up the people to a serious concern about the Sunday-school. It had chiefly devolved upon me before my affliction. It was too much for Mr. Loveless, and hence it began to fall off. Thanks be to God, He blessed the sermon for its desired end; nine male teachers immediately volunteered their services, and some females, so that I believe we muster upwards of 100 Sunday-school children, and 13 teachers. This, for India, is wonderful. Perhaps I have already written you of my giving theological lectures to a dozen young men. This promised very fair for great usefulness. One evening in the week was devoted to this. Mr. Bogue’s plan was adopted, which to his students has proved a very efficient one, though, I believe, it is not adopted by any other academy. This, with all my other plans, has been laid aside by me for many months. Oh for strength, grace, and zeal, to enter on my delightful work again!”

The eminently Christian character of Mr. and Mrs. Church, whose acquaintance he had formed on their landing at Madras, united with the fine climate, and the beautiful scenery in which their residence was situated, revived the buoyant spirits of the invalid, but did not essentially restore his strength. “The doctor of the station was unremitting in his kindness to me. I had a visit from him daily; and after one of his calls, he said to my host,” I think Mr. Knill cannot recover; he has no stamina left. I wish you to advise him to go back to Madras, and the sooner the better.’ Mr. Church sought an opportunity to speak to me. He first spoke very comfortingly about heaven, and the prospects of going there. Then he asked me about my hope. I had no doubts;

God favoured me usually with bright hopes. ‘Then, said he, ’ it is right I should tell you the doctor’s opinion.’ He did so, prayed with me, and then left me. It was a solemn moment; I was glad to be alone. I felt as if I had received the message of death. I took a review of my coming to India. The field was promising, and the labourers were few. We had started many things, and prosperity had crowned them all; and ‘it seemed mysterious, that just when I was able to speak to the heathen, all the purposes of my heart should be broken off. But I had left all for Christ and souls; and if God saw fit to take me to Himself, I wished to say, ‘Thy will, 0 Lord, be done.’

“Very soon after this, it was reported that an open boat was going to Madras, 100 miles distant; and as this was an easy mode of travelling, the doctor advised me to go by it. I embarked in my palanquin, and was carried safely to dear Mr. Loveless’s again.”

About this period Mr. Loveless and Mr. Enill had an opportunity of showing kindness to one of the greatest of their fellow-labourers,

Dr. Judson of Burmah. He had left Rangoon in a small native vessel, of a class that never can safely lose sight of land, with a view of proceeding to Chittagong, ten or twelve days’ sail distant. Tempestuous weather drove them to sea, and involved them in horrible sufferings. After two or three months’ struggle with almost every species of privation, the little vessel came to an anchor in the mud of Masulipatam, about three hundred miles north of Madras. Mr. Judson gathered sufficient strength to pencil a note begging for a place to die in, and addressed it “To any English resident.” When told, a little while afterwards, that a boat was approaching from the shore, he succeeded in crawling to the window of his cabin, and perceiving the red coat of the soldier, and the white jacket of the civilian, he sank down on his knees and wept. One of the officers treated him with the most generous hospitality, until he set out to Madras in search of a ship to Rangoon. He waited three months for a passage, while his friends in Burmah were held in painful suspense as to his fate. But it may easily be imagined how much his sorrow

was alleviated by the friendship of the missionaries. ‘’I received,” says he, in a letter to America, “such proofs of Christian affection from many dear friends, as rendered parting with them very painful, though my detention in Madras had, in other respects been almost insupportable.’*^^ Mr. Knill mentions but one incident of the visit: — “A young man,” says he, “called on me one day, to speak about being baptized. Mr. Judson sat and listened to the conversation. The young man spoke admirably as to himself, the Scriptures, and the Saviour. At last Judson rose to his feet, and clasping his hands, exclaimed — ‘If ever I should live to liear one of the Burmese expressing himself as this man does, my heart would leap for joy.’ Happily he did live to see his ardent wish fulfilled.”

Another hot season in Madras was not reckoned safe for Mr. Knill, and he was persuaded to pay a visit to his former fellow-passenger, Mr. Meade, who laboured at Travancore. After an interesting journey through Tranquebar, Tanjore, Trichinopoly,

* “Wayland’s “Life of Judson,” vol. i., p. 154. and Palmacotta, where he became acquainted not only with new forms of idolatry, but with evidences of the Divine blessing on the labours of the early Danish missionaries, which at once affected and cheered his mind, he was cordially hailed by his friend, who, then in widowed solitude, persevered in proclaiming the glad tidings near the Serpent’s Temple at Nagercoil. “I found him, with his dear little boy, in excellent health and spirits, but there seemed something wanting. When we parted at Madras, I carried the dear child in my arms to the ship, and Mr. Loveless supported poor Mrs. Meade who was then very ill; but now she has been twelve months an inhabitant of another world — a citizen of a nobler city. Poor, dear Meade looked forlorn; the sight of me revived his recollection of the wife of his youth; but the important duties of his station called, and he obeyed; and I had now a little time to reflect on my new position.”

The salubrious climate had a reviving influence on Mr. KnilFs enfeebled constitution, and he threw into the work all the energy at his

disposal. New schools were opened, sermons, consisting of short questions and answers, were delivered to willing auditories, and native teachers, bearing the names of English benefactors, were sent forth to the villages. AYith characteristic hope, the foundation of a very large chapel was laid; and when the difficulties which invariably gather round such nndertakings appeared, they were met with unflinching courage. There were stones enough in the mountains, and trees beyond number in the forests; but the means of their transportation could not be found. While this problem was waiting for solution, “I saw,” says Mr. Knill, a huge elephant feeding near a temple with a keeper by his side. I said to the man, ‘Whose elephant is this? ‘The reply was, ‘He belongs to the goddess who lives in the temple.” What does the goddess do with an elephant V ‘She rides on him,’ it was answered, ’ twice a year at the processions.’ I thought if we could get this elephant to draw the building materials for our chapel, the animal would serve a new master, and be employed in a better work than canying an idol. I mentioned it to Mr. Meade, and through the Resident the matter was laid before the Queen. Her Majesty said, ‘They may have the elephant but they must feed the animal and pay the keeper.’ We readily consented, and had the gratification of seeing the monster daily engaged in drawing stones and timber for the house of the Lord. The chapel was some years in building, but now some of the largest and most interesting anniversaries in India are held in it.”

In the midst of these pleasant and important labours, a fearful visitation of cholera desolated that part of India. The affrighted population fled to the missionaries for relief, and gave them little repose night or day. They, having procured medicines, laboured to meet the demand, and were the means of rescuing many from death; But the sudden and excessive exertion told quickly on Mr. Knill’s strength. “As I rode,” says he,” from place to place, the distress was very alarming. At one place I saw a cluster of people on the roadside sui-rounding a man agonized by cholera. I gave him medicine and ordered the

people to rub him. At last the poor creature began to recover; and opening bis eyes, said, * Who are my helpers?’ In an hour he was able to walk to the next village; but while engaged with him I was exposed to a very sharp wind. Choleric symptoms followed, which nearly killed me. This was decisive. From this time there could be no reprieve. On partial recovery the doctor ordered me to quit India at once. Dear Mr. Meade, though reluctantly, helped me away; and on the morning of the 15th February, 1819, 1 set sail for Colombo. Vessels generally cross the Gulf of Manaar in twenty-four hours; but we were becalmed for five days, and the sun beat upon us very much. I sat, or lay, in my palanquin on the deck the greater part of the way, and suffered much from the liver, which was affected again by the intense heat. On our arrival at Ceylon, I was removed to the Wesleyan mission-house, where I was treated with all the affection and tenderness which the servants of Christ are wont to show each other.”

After a short sojourn, Mr. Knill succeeded in securing a passage to England in the ship Bichnond, Captain Home,” The vessel had to go round to Madras to complete her cargo; and for the third time I entered Madras Roads, and once more, and for the last time, found myself with beloved brethren and sisters in India. It was early on Sunday morning. Two of the members of the church came off for me, and took me direct to the chapel. They were singing when we entered, and I heard the verse given out by Mr. Hands of Bellar- —

‘Grace will complete what grace begins,
To save from sorrow and from sins;
The work that wisdom undertakes,
Eternal mercy ne’er forsakes.’

A poor creature, tossed about as I had been, and who was just about to leave the land of his adoption, for, perhaps, a watery grave, alone could imagine how these lines soothed my troubled breast. I silently added, ‘Even so. Father, for it seemeth good in Thy sight.’

“On the morning on which the ship again set sail, a new mission-chapel was commenced, and, as a token of my brethren’s love, I was honoured to lay the foundation-stone; after which, amid their tears and prayers, I bade

farewell to India forever. The chief officer, whose cabin was very airy, kindly gave it up to me, and I found it a great comfort. My health went through several changes in the tropics. One night the doctor considered me dying; and dear Mr. Griffiths, a Baptist missionary, who, with his wife and daughter, was returning in the same ship, sat with me and prayed with me, commending me to the care of Him who received the spirit of the dying Stephen. But I revived. Off the Cape of Good Hope we had stormy weather, which so increased the illness of two military officers — a captain and a major — that they both died; and their funerals exceeded in solemnity, I thought, any funeral I had seen on shore. The weather not permitting us to land at the Cape, we put into St. Helena, where we remained in lodgings for four days. The charges were thirty shillings a day, which, for me, amounted to six pounds, and for Mr. Griffiths and his family to fifteen pounds. But when we asked for the reckoning, the host answered that he had been ordered to present us with our bills discharged. On begging to know our bene-IIT

factors, he answered, the Rev. Mr. Yernon, the chaplain, and Captain White. Many will have to thank God for sending English ministers to that rock — then the lonely prison of Napoleon. The chaplain accepted from me ‘CeciUs Remains’ as a keepsake, and again we set sail for Old England.

“On the 30th November, 1819, we landed at Margate, and after a day’s rest, I set off for Mr. Nisbet’s where I was cordially received.”

“Oh, my dear Mr. Rooker,” runs a note, dated’ a few days afterwards,” how can I begin a letter to you? My heart grows warm at the recollection of the blessings I have received through your ministry, and the favours I have received from your hands. May the Lord repay you a thousand-fold! You have heard of my affliction, and I doubt not that I have shared in your sympathy and your prayers. Now, let me entreat you to praise the Lord for His goodness to me in bringing me in safety to my native shores, and mercifully restoring me to such a measure of health and strength, as I never could have expected. The

improvement of my health since I landed at Margate (30th November), has been very rapid, and very great. Last Monday I saw the directors, and met with all that affectionate kindness which the blessed gospel inspires. Tuesday, good old Dr. Waugh took me to his physician, who reported well respecting me. The directors offered to send me to any place which appeared most suitable to my present state. The physician did not think that Devonshire was altogether suitable, as it was too damp; but I shall come down, by the help of God, for a few days, and stay among my dear friends for a little Russia is contemplated as my future home. Probably the place of my residence may be St. Petersburg, but this is not yet decided.”

Journal. — ‘’January 1, 1820. — On this first day of the new year, I set out for Bath. The weather was exceedingly cold, and travelling rather dangerous, but through mercy I suffered no injury, and about 8 p. M., was safe in the York Hotel in this beautiful city.

“January 2. — This day being the Sabbath of the Lord, I had the pleasure of hearing Mr.

Jay preach from the words, ‘We thanked God and took courage.’ I afterwards became acquainted with the Rev. Dr. Haweis, one of the fathers of the London Missionary Society. He was an old man, and full of days. More than fourscore years had rolled over his head, and yet there were moments when he was all vivacity. His heart was always warm on missionary subjects, and his eyes frequently flowing with tears, while I told him of the wonders of redeeming love among the heathen. The venerable saint talked of going to London in May, but he was removed in a few days to the rest which remaineth for the people of God.

“January 3. — The missionary prayer-meeting at Mr. Jay’s. He pressed me to give the address, which I did to a large and interesting congregation.

January 4. — Set off, after experiencing a thousand kindnesses from the Yockney family, for Bristol. As I entered this city, and was passing from the coach-office to Mr. Skinner’s, my heart was so full that I was much relieved by giving vent to tears. When I last saw that city, I was a stranger to God, being far

from comfort and holiness. 0 my soul, if I had died then, what would have become of thee? I look back and tremble. I look up to Thee, 0 my God and Saviour, and adore Thee for Thy great goodness.

“January 6. — Having tarried with the truly excellent family of Mr. Skinner till to-day, I posted onward to Poundsford Park, the seat of Thomas Welman, Esq., — the refuge of Christian ministers in the days of persecution, and the hospitable home of one or other of them ever since.

“February 9. — Took leave of the hospitable mansion. I received the most affectionate kindness, which, together with the peace and happiness I have enjoyed, has tended greatly to strengthen my body and establish my health. My dear and honoured friends, Mr. and Mrs. Welman, accompanied me to Taunton, where I took coach, and proceeded to Barnstaple.

“February 10. — Rev. W. H. Gardiner went with me to Braunton, the place of my nativity. My dear parents are greatly altered, having now exceeded the lease of human life — my dear father being in his 74th, and mj mother in her 75th year. On our arrival, my mother fainted, and I thought she had sunk to rise no more, but the Lord was merciful to her, and to me also, in that she gradually revived, and was wonderfully cheerful and happy; her mind stayed upon God, her soul fixed upon the Rock of Ages.

“February 13. — Preached at Braunton to my old neighbours and companions with more than usual energy. Lord, bless Thy holy Word! During an absence of four years, I found many of the neighbours dead and gone, and their places filled by others, many of whom I know not. What a change does only four years make I — 0 my God, all things fade and die; but Thou remainest. Help me to seek Thee for my present and eternal portion!”

For nearly three months, Mr. Knill tarried among the friends of his youth, in all the towns and villages of that part of Devon, requiting their kindness by touching and animating addresses, accompanied by a large blessing from on high.