MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN SAN PAULO. Original. MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN SAN PAULO. BY D. P. KIDDER. THE "Sketches of Travel in Brazil" which have hitherto appeared in this periodical, were not penned without a higher object in view than the mere entertainment of those who might take an interest in their perusal. Experience has shown the great difficulty of making correctly understood, the actual nature and bearing of our missionary labors in South America, without previously giving more definite and authentic information respecting the state of the country, than is to be obtained from existing publications. Although a systematic arrangement of the facts and materials in my possession would require several numbers more, upon the history, literature, and manners of the country antecedent to my present topic, yet I feel anxious to record at this time several circumstances connected with the special object of my tour in the province of San Paulo. 9 of letters of introduction, to gentlemen of the first respectability in the various places of the interior which I wished to visit. At one of those places, the individual to whom I was thus addressed, and by whom I was entertained, was a Roman Catholic priest; and it affords me unfeigned satisfaction to say, that the hospitality which I received under his roof, was just what the stranger in a strange land would desire. When on reaching the town where he lived I first called at his house, the Padre had been absent about two weeks, but was then hourly expected to return. His nephew, a young gentleman in charge of the premises, insisted on my remaining, and directed my guide to a pasture for his mules. In a country where riding upon the saddle is almost the only way of traveling, it has become an act of politeness to invite the traveler, on his first arrival, to rest upon a bed or a sofa. This kindness having been accepted in the present instance, was in due time followed by a warm bath, and afterwards by an excellent, but a solitary dinner. Before my repast was ended, a party of horsemen passed by the window, among whom was the Padre, for whom I was waiting. After reading the letter which I brought, he entered the room and bade me a cordial welcome. He had arrived in company with the ex-Regent Feijo, Although two hundred years had elapsed since the discovery and first settlement of that province, it is not known that a Protestant minister of the Gospel had ever visited it before. Although colonized with the ostensible purpose of converting the natives, and sub-with whom I had previously enjoyed an interview at sequently inhabited by scores of monks and priests, there is no probability that ever before a person had entered its domains carrying copies of the word of life in the vernacular tongue, with the express intent of putting them in the hands of the people. It is necessary to remind the reader, that throughout the entire continent to which reference is now made, public assemblies for the purpose of addresses and instruction are wholly unknown. The people often assemble at mass, and at religious festivals, and nearly as often at the theatre; but in neither place do they hear principles discussed or truth developed. The sermons in the former case are seldom much more than eulogiums on the virtues of a saint, with exhortations to follow his or her example. Indeed, the whole system of means by which in Protestant countries access is had to the public mind, is unpracticed and unknown. The stranger, therefore, and especially the supposed heretic, who would labor for the promotion of true religion, must expect to avail himself of providential openings, rather than to rely on previously concerted plans. The missionary, in such circumstances, learns a lesson of great practical importance to himself; to wit, that he should be grateful for any occasion, however small, of attempting to do good in the name of his Master. The romantic notions which some entertain of a mission field, may become chastened and humbled by contact with the cold reality of facts; but the Christian heart will not be rendered harder, nor genuine faith less susceptible of an entire reliance on God. the city of S. Paulo, and from whom he had received notices of me, as inquiring into the religious state of the country. My way was thus made easy to introduce the special topic of my mission. On showing me his library, a very respectable collection of books, he distinguished as his favorite work Calmet's Bible, in French, in twenty-six volumes. He had no Bible or Testament in Portuguese. I told him I had heard that an edition was about to be published at Rio, with notes and comments, under the patronage and sanction of the Archbishop. This project had been set on foot in order to counteract the circulation of the editions of the Bible societies, but was never carried into effect. He knew nothing of it. He had heard, however, that Bibles in the vulgar tongue had been sent to Rio de Janeiro, as to other parts of the world, which could be procured gratis, or for a trifling consideration. Judge of the happy surprise with which I heard from his lips, that some of these Bibles had already appeared in this neighborhood, three hundred miles distant from our depository at Rio. His first remark was, that he did not know how much good would come from their perusal, on account of the bad example of their bishops and priests. I informed him frankly, that I was one of the persons engaged in distributing these Bibles, and endeavored to explain the motives of our enterprise, which he seemed to appreciate. He said Catholicism was nearly abandoned here, and all the world over. I assured him that I saw abundant proofs of its existence and influence; but he seemed to The unexpected friendship and aid of mine aged host consider these "the form without the power." Our at San Bernardo, already mentioned, was not a circum-conversation was here interrupted, but having an opstance to be lightly esteemed. Scarcely less expected portunity to renew it in the evening, I remarked, that was the provision made for me at the city of S. Paulo, knowing me to be a minister of religion, he had reason VOL. III.-2 10 MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN SAN PAULO. to suppose I would have more pleasure in conversing || prise would scarcely admit of discussion. "Then," on that subject than upon any other. said I, "when we are engaged in this work, we can have the satisfaction to know that we are doing what the better part of your own clergy approve." "Certainly," he replied, "you are doing what we ought to be doing ourselves." I then told him I did not comprehend what he meant by saying, that Catholicism was nearly abandoned. He proceeded to explain, that there was scarcely any thing of the spirit of religion among either priests or people. He being only a diacono, had the privilege of Seldom have I spent a night more happily than the criticising others. He was strong in the opinion that one which followed, although sleep was disposed to flee the laws enjoining clerical celibacy should be abolished, from my eyelids. I was overwhelmed with a sense of since the clergy were almost all de fucto much worse the goodness and providence of God, in thus directing than married, to the infinite scandal of religion-that my way to the very person out of hundreds best qualisuch was their ignorance, that many of them ought to fied, both in circumstances and disposition, to aid in sit at the feet of their own people, to be instructed in promoting our great work. This fact was illustrated the common doctrines of Christianity-that the spirit in the circumstance, that although I had a most cordial of infidelity had been of late rapidly spreading, and in- letter of introduction to the Vigario of the same village, fecting the young, to the destruction of that external which I left at his house, he happening to be out when respect for religion, and fear of God, which used to be I called, yet I did not see him at all. To use the exhereditary. Infidel books were common, especially pression of a gentleman acquainted with the circumVolney's Ruins. I asked whether things were grow-stances, "he hid himself," as though fearing the conseing better or worse. "Worse," he replied, "worse con- quences of an interview; and by not showing at least tinually!" "What means are taken to render them the customary civilities to a stranger, greatly offended better?" "None! We are waiting the interference the gentleman who had given me the letter. The Padre, of Providence." I told him there were many pious whose kindness I experienced, had paused in his cleripersons who would gladly come to their aid, if it were cal course some years before, and was engaged in the certain they would be permitted to do the work of the legal profession, although he retained his title and charLord. He thought they would be well received if they acter as a priest. In correspondence with this circumbrought the truth; meaning, probably, if they were stance, there is scarcely any department of civil or poRoman Catholics. litical life in which priests are not often found. After the second night I was under the necessity of taking leave of him, in order to pursue my journey. I asked him what report I should give to the religious world respecting Brazil. "Say that we are in darkness, behind the age, and almost abandoned." "But that you wish for light?" "That we wish for nothing. We are hoping in God, the father of lights." I proceeded to ask him what was better calculated to counteract the influence of those infidel and demoralizing works he had referred to, than the word of God. "Nothing," was the reply. "How much good then is it possible you yourself might do, both to your country and to immortal souls, by devoting yourself to the true work of an evangelist?" He assented, and hoped that some day he should be engaged in it. I had before placed in his hands two or three copies of the New Testament, to be given to persons who would receive profit from them, and which he had received with the greatest satisfaction. I now told him, that whenever he was disposed to enter upon the work of distributing the Scriptures, we could forward them to him in any quantity needed. He assured me that he would at any time be happy to take such a charge upon himself; that when the books were received, he would circulate them throughout all the neighboring country, and write an account of the manner of their disposal. We accordingly closed an arrangement, which subsequently proved highly efficient and interesting. When I showed him some tracts in Portuguese, he requested that a quantity of them should accompany the remission of Bibles. On my asking how the ex-Regent, and others like him, would regard the circulation of the Scriptures among the people; he said they would rejoice in it, and that the propriety of the enter I found various occasions for giving tracts to persons with whom I met. In one instance, after having drank a glass of milk, for which nothing would be taken in payment, I offered the man of the house a tract. He asked what it was for. I told him it was to be read, and explained its contents. He said, "I do not know how to read." I then requested him to keep it for my sake, and to cause his children, a number of whom were around him, to learn to read. He thanked me, and showed the folhetinho as an object of great curiosity. At another village I was entertained at the house of a German physician, a very learned and agreeable man. His nephew, a young gentleman who had been educated in Germany, was often in my room, and rendered himself very agreeable by his frank and intelligent conversation. He represented this to be one of the most religious places in the country, having a large number of churches and priests, in proportion to the population. In one church, particularly, the priests were unusually strict; and in the judgment of my informant, quite fanatical. They always wore their distinguishing habit, were correct in their moral deportment, required persons belonging to their circle to commune very often, and moreover, discountenanced theatres. This latter circumstance was unusual; for in addition to the clergy being often present at such amusements, there was even in that place the instance of a theatre attached to a church. I introduced to this young gentleman the subject of MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN SAN PAULO. 11 pleasure in this respect. My mind had dwelt intensely upon the state of the country, as shown by facts communicated to me from various and unexceptionable sources. I had anxiously inquired how something for its good might be accomplished; whether there was any possibility of exceeding the slow and circumscribed limits of private personal communication of the truth. Hope, in answer, had sprung up in my mind, and was beginning to be cherished with fond expectation. From the idea of distributing a couple of dozens of Testaments in several schools of the city, I was led to circulating the Bible. He at once acknowledged the importance of the enterprise, and expressed great desires that it should go forward; saying that the Brazilians once understanding the objects of the friends of the Bible, could not but appreciate them in the most grateful manner. He proposed to converse with his friends, to see what could be done towards distributing copies among them. I put two Testaments in his hands as specimens. The next morning he told me, that having exhibited them the evening previous to a company of young persons, there had arisen a universal demand for them, and many became highly urgent not to be over-think of the practicability of introducing the same as looked in the distribution. He consequently repeated his assurance that the sacred books would be received with universal delight, and requested a number of copies to be sent to his address. I was told that here also many of the rising generation had very little respect for religion, through the influence of infidel writings, and of other causes. The apology for almost any license was, "I am a bad Catholic." The people generally assented to the dogmas of the Church, but seldom complied with its requirements, except when obliged to do so by their parents, or prompted by the immediate fear of death. The rules requiring abstinence from meats on Wednesdays and Fridays, also during Lent, had been abolished by a dispensation from the diocesan Bishop for the last six years, and the Provincial Assembly had just asked a repetition of the same favor. The decision of the Bishop had not then transpired, but many of the people were expressing a disposition to live as they should list, be it either way. Just previous to my visit to this place, a young man of a respectable family, having sunk his fortune in an attempted speculation on a newly arrived cargo of African slaves, had committed suicide. It was said to be the first instance of that crime ever known to be committed in the vicinity, and the result was, an unusual excitement among all classes. I may here observe, that suicide is exceedingly rare throughout the whole of Brazil; and there can be but little question that the rules of the Church, depriving its victim of Christian burial, have exerted a good influence in investing the subject with a suitable horror and detestation. Would to Heaven a similar influence had been exerted against other sins, equally damning, but more insidious. The very abomination of moral desolation could exist in the same community almost unrebuked; while the assassin himself would find many chances of protection and escape. At a third village I was entertained by a merchant, of truly liberal ideas, and of unbounded hospitality. He also offered to co-operate with me in the circulation of the sacred volumes, not only in his own town, but also in the regions beyond. Having accomplished a journey of about two hundred miles under very favorable circumstances, I again reached the city of S. Paulo. I had not staid so long in various places as I should have been interested and happy to do, in compliance with affectionate invitations. I had, however, important reasons for not indulging my reading books in the schools of the whole province. This seemed the more desirable from the fact, universally affirmed, that there then prevailed an almost entire destitution of any books for such use in the schools. The Montpelier Catechism was more used for this purpose than any other book; but it had little efficacy in fixing religious principles upon a proper basis, to resist the undermining process of infidelity. Encouraged by the uniform thankfulness of those individuals to whom I presented copies, and also by the judgment of all to whom I had thought proper to suggest the idea, I had finally resolved to offer to the government, in some approved form, a donation of Testaments, corresponding in magnitude to the wants of the province. Fortunately I had in the Secretary and senior Professor of the University, a friend fully competent to counsel and aid in the prosecution of this enterprise. I laid the whole subject before him. He informed me that the proper method of securing the object would be by means of an order from the Provincial Assembly, (if that body should see fit to pass one,) directing the teachers of schools to receive said books for use. Early next morning he called with me to propose the subject to various prominent members of the Legislative Assembly. We visited gentlemen belonging to both political parties; two priests, one a Doctor in Medicine, and the other a Professor in the Academy of Laws; the Bishop elect of Rio de Janeiro, who was confidential adviser of the old Bishop of S. Paulo, the latter also belonging to the Assembly; and at length the Andradas, men of great distinction in the empire, and surviving brothers of the late José Bonefacio de Andrada, sometimes denominated the Franklin of Brazil. Each of these gentlemen entertained the proposition in the most respectful manner, and expressed the opinion that it could not fail to be well received by the Assembly. The Bishop, who was chairman of one of the committees to which it would naturally be referred, said he would spare no effort on his part to carry so laudable a design into effect. He, together with one of the Padres referred to, had purchased copies of the Bible at the depository in Rio for their own use, and highly approved of the edition we circulated. Our visit to the Andradas was peculiarly interesting. These venerable men, both crowned with hoary hairs, and almost worn out in the service of their country, received me with gratifying expressions of regard to 12 MISSIONARY EFFORTS IN SAN PAULO. wards the United States, and assurances of entire reci-|| procity of feeling towards Christians who might not be of the Roman Church. They were acquainted with, and appreciated the efforts of the Bible societies; they moreover highly approved of the universal use of the Scriptures, especially of the New Testament. They pronounced the offer I was about to make to be not only unexceptionable, but truly generous; and said that nothing in their power should be wanting to carry it into full effect. Indeed, Martin Francisco, the President of the Assembly, on parting, said, that it gave him happiness to reflect that their province might be the first to set the example of introducing the word of God to its public schools. Senhor Antonio Carlos, at the same time, received some copies of the Testament as specimens of the translation, which, with the following document, as chairman of the committee on public instruction, he presented in course of the session for that day: "Proposition to the Honorable Legislature, the Provincial Assembly of the Imperial Province of S. Paulo. "Whereas, having visited this province as a stranger, and having received high satisfaction, not only in the observation of those natural advantages of climate, soil, and productions, with which a benignant Providence has so eminently distinguished it; but also in the generous hospitality and esteemed acquaintance of various citizens; and, Among other acquaintances formed at S. Paulo, was that of a clergyman, another Professor in the Law University. His conversation was frank and interesting, and his views unusually liberal. He gave as emphatic an account as I had heard from any one of the unhappy abandonment of all vital godliness, and of the unwor “Whereas, in making some inquiries upon the sub-thiness of many of the clergy. He approved of the ject of education, having been repeatedly informed of a great want of reading books in the primary schools, especially in the interior; and, "Whereas, having relations with the American Bible Society, located in New York, the fundamental object of which is to distribute the word of God, without note or comment, in different parts of the world; and, whereas, the New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a choice specimen of style, as well on subjects historical as moral and religious, in addition to embodying the pure and sacred truths of our holy Christianity, the knowledge of which is of so high importance to every individual, both as a human being and as a member of society; and, "Whereas, having the most unlimited confidence in the philanthropic benevolence of said Society, and in its willingness to co-operate for the good of this country, in common with all others, and especially in view of the happy relations existing between two prominent nations of the new world: therefore, I propose to guaranty on the part of the said American Bible Society, the free donation of copies of the New Testament, translated into Portuguese by the Padre Antonio Pereira de Figueiredo, in sufficient number to furnish every primary school in the province with a library of one dozen; on the simple condition, that said copies shall be received as delivered at the Alfandega (Custom House) of Rio de Janeiro, and caused to be distributed among, preserved in, and used by the said several schools, as books of general reading and instruction for the pupils of the same. enterprise of the Bible societies, and cheerfully consented to promote it within the circle of his influence by distributing Bibles and tracts, and reporting their utility. Exchanging addresses with this gentleman, I left him, entertaining a high estimation of his good intentions, and with ardent hopes that he might yet be greatly useful in the regeneration of his Church, and in the salvation of his countrymen. Thus were happily completed arrangements with persons of the first respectability and influence in each principal place of the interior which I had visited, that they should distribute the word of God among their fellow citizens. All the copies that I brought were already disposed of, and there was a prospect that the day was not distant when it could be said that a Roman Catholic Legislature had fully sanctioned the use of the Holy Scriptures in the public schools of their entire territory. I was told, on the best authority, that the committees of the Assembly were drafting a joint report recommending compliance with the offer by means of an order on the treasury for the funds needed in payment of the duties and the expense of distribution. Such circumstances as the results of this short visit were so far beyond the most sanguine anticipation, that on leaving I found it difficult to restrain my feelings of gratitude and delight for what mine eyes had seen and mine ears had heard. In conclusion of this article, it becomes necessary to add, that, owing to the agitations and intrigues common to most political bodies, action in reference to my proposition was delayed beyond the expectation of its THE TRIUMPH. friends. Before long the suspicions of the old Bishop were excited by slanders put in circulation by an English Catholic priest, and the Legislature finally adjourned without acting upon the question. The last direct intelligence I had from the subject was received in conversation with the President of the Assembly at Rio, who expressed a hope that on the next organization of that body the proposal would be fully accepted. Although I have never heard of its reception, yet I have much pleasure in recollecting the assurance of the venerable Andrada, that it would never be rejected. It probably was suffered to remain on the table. THE CONDITION OF HUMANITY. MAN's earthly being, in its best estate, what is it? It is, for the first twenty-five years, mostly physical in its claims and tendencies, with the moral sense, and taste, and intellectuality, as references, rather than as integral motives of action. Again, from twenty-five to fifty years of man's life, he follows to the lead and in the reign of intellectual novelty, as a resource from the engrossing, restless, and somewhat exhausted vivacity of physical impulse; and this intellectuality for years suffices to amuse and to engage him, being a part both by impetus and momentum of his worldly speculations as of his preferments of character. But these again grow cold as the snows gather about his head, and he in part relinquishes what has also in part gone away from him. And being now indeed in the meridian of his humanity, he rallies to the last vital principle—the heart, and in its precious moralities, blending the three-fold cord of being-itself the strongest, (and however unwise have been his previous engrossment,) he is able, with attention, thence to evolve another principle-the fair compound of all these. The interests of physical life are warmed, not as before stimulated, into action by the moral tendencies; whilst his intellectuality, now disembarrassed, as a load star draws the ship with its richer freight away from the yawning gulf ere it is whelmed. And this is the work of man's spirit, as educed and submitted to the transforming influences of the Spirit of the holy One. And of man's present advent, it is the completion, By this time he is ready to be gathered anew into his elements-his body to the dust from whence it was his moralities conservated in the memories of an other generation—and his intellectuality, unless, woe to him, he have hidden it under a bushel, reflecting, and refracting many beams, heaven derived, to many looking eyes still on earth; whilst his piety, by the grace of God, is effectual to the saving of his own soul. THE worst thing that can be said of the most powerful is, that they can take your life; but the same thing can be said of the most weak. THE TRIUMPH. 13 DIED, at the residence of her mother, at North Bend, Ia., on the 16th of November last, Mrs. MARY, wife of Dr. J. F. Thornton, and daughter of the late President Harrison, in the 34th year of her age. In the summer of 1828 she became a member of the Baptist Church in this city. This profession, however, did not bring peace to her soul. She remained, according to her own views, a stranger to the love of Jesus, and the plan of salvation. About five years since it pleased God to reveal Christ to her soul, as the way, the truth, and the life. With a joyful heart she united with the Presbyterian Church at Cleves, and continued to walk with them until her death. After careful and prayerful inquiry on the subject, she viewed with regret and surprise her past neglect of duty towards her children, and hastened to dedicate them to God in the ordinance of baptism, observing that no duty appeared more obvious or gave more perfect satisfaction to her own conscience. During her painful and protracted illness she manifested composure of spirit and perfect resignation to the will of God. Her last conversation with a friend for whom she had sent, when death approached, exhibited the state of her mind in her dying moments. was in substance as follows: It "My dear friend, how good is God to permit you to come in time. I have had an inexpressible desire to see you before I go home, and to express my gratitude to you for your efforts in behalf of my poor soul. To you under God I am indebted for the happiness of this dying hour. When you first saw me I was a stranger to experimental religion. Your preaching and conversation led me to a knowledge of myself and a knowl edge of the Savior, and he has become the rock of my salvation. In this house of death I have the most perfect peace with God. Not a cloud intervenes between me and Christ. He is all in all to me. I only fear of offending him by a desire to depart. But, O tell me how it is possible for a sinner like me to enjoy such perfect peace when dying. How is it possible for me to be so entirely weaned from the world? If I could now be assured of living here ten thousand years in the highest state of enjoyment I ever conceived of, it would be no inducement to stay here. Let me depart and be with Christ which is far better.' I once thought I could not leave my children; that the tie that bound me to them must be violently broken. But now I resign them as cheerfully as I ever laid them in the cradle. I part with them without a single pang—I have given them to Christ. They are his, and will be abundantly provided for." When the angel of the covenant came and summoned her to yield up her spirit, she inquired of her husband, "Am I not dying?" Being answered in the affirmative, joy beamed in her eye, as with a voice of gladness she bade him tell her friends the good tidings. Then folding her hands upon her bosom, she calmly fell asleep. |