expressed his apprehension that his work was finished, and his gratitude to God for what he had been permitted to accomplish for the Redeemer's cause." He had been for some time in a state of declining health, which was aggravated by the heat of the weather at the time of Lord Napier's arrival at Macao. His illness was greatly increased by the fatigue he encountered, and by exposure to heavy rain, in accompanying Lord Napier to Canton. There, after a week of debility and exhaustion, sustained with exemplary patience, and a tranquil hope of approaching glory, on the first of August he expired in the arms of his eldest son, and entered on the "blessedness of the dead who die in the Lord, who rest from their labours, and whose works shall follow them." Under the painful pressure of a loss sustained, not by the Chinese Mission only, but by the entire Church of Christ, and by the world at large, it is soothing and consolatory to think, that such a man is succeeded by such a son; not only occupying his station in his official appointment at Canton, but also bearing resemblance to his honoured and lamented father, in character and in spirit, in missionary ardour, and in devotedness to his Saviour and his God. Blessed be God, that the mantle of Elijah appears to have fallen on Elisha. May even a double portion of heavenly influence descend on the survivor! An appropriate and an affecting conclusion to this brief sketch of Dr. Morrison's missionary career may be borrowed from a paper, written, it may be presumed, by himself, and signed with his own name, and that of the excellent Mr. Bridgeman, an American Missionary at Canton. It is dated, Canton, September 4, 1832. It presents to view an interesting and encouraging retrospect of the progress of the Chinese Mission. It is addressed "to the Churches of Christ in Europe, America, and elsewhere." "Twenty-five years have this day elapsed, since the first Protestant Missionary arrived in China, alone, and in the midst of perfect strangers,-with but few friends, and with many foes. Divine Providence, however, prepared a quiet residence for him; and, by the help of God, he has continued to the present time, and can now rejoice in what God has wrought. The Chinese language was at first thought an almost insurmountable difficulty. That difficulty has been overcome. The language has been acquired, and various facilities provided for its further acquisition. Dictionaries, grammars, vocabularies, and translations have been penned and printed. Chinese scholars have increased, both at home and abroad, both for secular and religious purposes. It is not likely that Chinese will ever again be abandoned. The Holy Scriptures in Chinese, by Morrison and Milne, together with religious tracts, prayer-books, &c., have been published; and now, thanks be to God, Missionaries from other nations have come to aid in their distribution and explanation. The London Missionary Society's Chinese press, at the Anglochinese College, Malacca, and Mr. Medhurst's on Java, have sent forth millions of pages, containing the truths of the everlasting Gospel; and that institution has given a Christian education to scores of native youths. There are also native Chinese, who preach Christ's gospel, and teach from house to house. Such is a general outline of the progress of the mission. We boast not of great doings; yet are devoutly thankful to God, that the work has not ceased, but, amidst many deaths and disasters, has still gathered strength from year to year. "The establishment of English presses in China, both for the diffusion of general knowledge, and for religious purposes, arose out of the Protestant mission. The Hon. East India Company's press, to print Dr. Morrison's Dictionary, was the and now, both English and Americans endeavour, by the first; press, to draw attention to China, and give information concerning it and the surrounding nations. The Indo-chinese Gleaner, at Malacca; the Canton newspapers; and the Chinese Repository, have all risen up since our Mission commenced. Missionary voyages have been performed, and the Chinese sought out, at various places under European control, in the Archipelago; as well as in Siam, at the Loochoo islands, at Corea, and along the coast of China itself, up to the very walls of Peking. Some tracts, written by Protestant Missionaries, have reached and been read by the Emperor himself. Still this is but the day of small things. The harvest is indeed great, but the labourers are few. Preachers, and teachers, and writers, and printers, in much larger numbers, are wanted, to spread the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, among the Chinese-language nations. O Lord, send forth labourers whom Thou wilt own and bless; and let Thy hand work with them, till China shall be completely turned from dumb idols, vain, superstitious, wicked works, and false hopes,-'from Satan to God"" "WE DO HEAR THEM SPEAK IN OUR TONGUES THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD."-Acts ii. 11. WHEN shall every tribe have heard, Though not yet the saving word Are with slow reluctance taught In his polished tongue revealed, Which shall make the man of pride Boodha's votary now receives Lo! a greater miracle! China's mute enigmas tell All the speaking Scriptures teach; Prone before the Cross, and then Soon shall every tribe have heard, Heart of commerce, power's true source, All within her intercourse. Sceptred isle; the ocean's throne; Jewel of this azure zone Fortress reared by liberty, Bound with the triumphant sea! O ye sons of Britain, raise High as heaven your songs of praise; Till the slumbering nations round In all languages proclaim To all the tribes the Saviour's name, Till his universal sway All dominions shall obey, And in each accordant tongue, Lamb of God, thy praise be sung! JOSIAH CONDER. |