Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

in distress. With joy we saw every wave approach, though it might bring death to us. Strange it seemed, that the sky was sometimes clear and friendly, and the sun shone with all his bright ness amid the terrible tumult of the billows-a truly grand and awful scene! The following morning, the sea was gone down far and wide; and we sailed on our course with great rapidity. Our hearts were filled with thankfulness to our Heavenly Father. The weather was fine and clear, and we employed this opportunity to dry our clothes, beds, and books. The binding of many of our books is entirely destroyed.

But the picture of our dangers and trials is not yet finished. The second night after the storm, the officer on deck omitted to keep a regular lookout: a large East-Indiaman, homeward bound, approached rapidly toward the larboard side of our vessel, when the Captain, at an unusual hour, came on deck, and perceived the danger: as the approaching vessel was already very near, our ship could only escape the certain fate of being run down by giving her as quickly as possible another course; which was providentially effected.

Being in want of water, it was determined that we should pass through the Channel of Mosambique, in order to water the ship at the Island of Johanna; but, before we reached that place, the mercy of God was again manifested to ward us, in a most signal manner.

After having entered the Channel, we were becalmed for nine days, till the 26th of July, when a fresh breeze again arose. On the 30th, we saw an island, which the Captain, imagining it to be Johanna, steered for; but, when we came near, he doubted, and we passed by. Having scarcely lost sight of it, he returned: when we were only two miles from the shore, the sounding was thirty fathoms; then fourteen; and, suddenly, only three; and, a few moments after, the ship struck on a coral rock. This happened at one P. M. The paleness of death covered the faces of the ungodly, and every heart was moved by fear. The Captain lost all courage, and despair overwhelmed his mind. The Chief Mate only (an old, experienced, and clever seaman) cherished the hope of getting off, and immediately made arrangements to save the ship. The sails were taken in, and two haw sers brought out into the sea behind the

stern. Happily the moon was just on the increase; and the sea, of course, rose higher every flood. In the evening, two Natives came on board, and informed us that this was the Island of Mohilla, and that Johanna was thirty miles distant: they expressed little hope that we should get away from the rock, which was very distressing news to us; the more so, as the inhabitants of that island are an unfriendly and uncultivated people. After these men were gone on shore, they were considered as spies; and orders were given that every man in the ship should be at arms all night: the guns were loaded, and muskets and swords were ready for the dreaded encounter: even we Missionaries must be ready to fight. We watched all night, and, although we saw many fires on shore, yet nobody came off: our suspicions were groundless. Two floods had gone; and, in spite of all exertions, the ship still remained fast. They were now obliged to lighten her, by throwing part of the cargo overboard: more than 120 pipes of Madeira, 24 chests of Vitriol, &c., were thrown into the sea. An Arab Sloop was hired, and loaded with 200 chests of Port Wine; and two other large boats with the chain-cable and wine: thus the ship was sufficiently lightened. We passengers were obliged to work like the sailors. Two other floods passed, and we were still on the rock. The ship was constantly grounding on her bottom in a terrible manner, so that every one believed her keel would break, and that we should be obliged to leave the vessel to the sea, and the rapacity of the Islanders. Brother Maisch and I had packed up a little bundle of clothes and a Bible, with which we thought to leave the ship: we prayed unceasingly to the Lord for help and mercy; pleading His gracious promises, and our calling to the Missionary Service, and felt the peace of God. On Friday afternoon, the flood rose higher than ever; and, by the Divine Blessing on our utmost exertions, the ship moved, pitched, and rolled; and, in half-an-hour after, she was afloat. A little breeze, just now springing up from the shore, drove us some miles farther out to sea. The joy felt in the ship can be better imagined than described: every one now looked as friendly and cheerful as ever, feeling himself thankful toward Almighty God, We three Missionaries assembled, in

order to offer up our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to our gracious and faithful Redeemer. The ship had only lost her copper, and made no water at all.

State of the Natives. Missionaries, just arrived among the Heathen, are naturally impressed by their customs in a more lively manner, than when the mind has been habituated to the scene. The Missionaries, whose perils we have just recorded, give the following sketch of what passed before their eyes on their arrival at Madras:

Our hearts bleed when we think on the follies which we see daily committed here by Heathens and Mahomedans. The Mahomedans have now their month Ramazan, which is almost a constant festival for them. More than 30,000 people passed the Mission House to-day, on their way to the Mosque, with music. Many danced before the idols and figures, which they carried with them. Many were painted quite black, and were entirely naked: some were dressed in tiger-skins, which others held fast by the tails: many were quite intoxicated. In short, it was a horrible sight-shameful to human beings! They were indeed serving the Devil: the noise and tumult which they made were terrible. Oh may the meek and lowly Jesus be soon known in this country as the only Saviour; whose service is in spirit and in truth, and is perfect freedom!

Trials to which Native Converts are

[blocks in formation]

It is a temptation in this country for a Missionary to make converts, or rather proselytes, of which I am aware; and I endeavour to guard against it, by keeping the grand object of St. Paul in view" I am come to preach the

Gospel;" leaving it to the Lord to convert the heart. It is by admitting persons to baptism, who are actuated by merely carnal motives, that corruption enters the Congregation, and the Name of Christ is profaned in the sight of the Heathen.

Two Heathens, who attended at the Mission House (one of them for a considerable time) were inclined to make an open profession of Christ by receiving baptism. I could not prevent one of them being sent by a Gentleman to Tranquebar, in order to remove the opposition of his parents, as it was with a good intention: though I foresaw and told him, that this would only increase his troubles; and that, leaving his parents suddenly, without their knowledge, they would have an appeal to his conscience, and a strong argument for his return, while, by remaining here, he might be brought on gradually: he returned after a few weeks' absence, and we have never since had an interview with him; but fear that he has been laid by his relatives under such obligations, that he never can think of coming to the Mission House again. The other, who was also to have been sent, but happily remained, was baptized in February; and we trust, by Divine Grace, that he will prove faithful.

The circumstances under which one of the Converts was baptized were very interesting :

Vengedasalam, a Heathen, a candidate for baptism, was severely tried. His Wife had, some time before, removed into the country, to her relations. Hearing that her Husband was preparing for baptism, she refused to return. Several of his relatives, who lived with him, forsook him; and others threatened him: but some advised him to go and fetch his Wife first, and then to be baptized. When he informed me of his affliction, I directed him to commit himself to Christ, and exhorted him to be much in prayer, looking upward for strength and support. I inquired into all that I could learn, there remained no the matter, and visited him; and, from doubt but that the case was according to

his statement. Under this trial I felt much for him; and feared that he might be prevailed on to look back. He was frequently remembered by us at the Throne of Grace.

As he was now sufficiently instructed to give an account of his faith, and make an open profession of the doctrine which he believed, I proposed to receive him the next Sunday into the Church of Christ, if this were agreeable to his wishes. He complied with this, chose his name, and acquainted me with his

sponsors.

The next morning, poor Vengedasalam came to my room, in great anxiety. He could not bear the thought of separating from his Wife; nor did he think that he should be able to endure the reproach of his relations, for Christ. He said that he should go and fetch his Wife and Child; and then, on his return, receive baptism. I foresaw, that, if he went, he would assuredly be prevented by his relatives from returning; and that they would succeed in their mischievous plans. After praying with him, I told him to be on his guard, and not to go a step without the Lord. I encouraged him to look to Christ for strength, because He says plainlyWhosoever loveth father or` mother, or wife or children, more than me, is not worthy of me. "Consider this," I said, "and enter not into temptation. I know that your trial is severe, and I feel for you: but remember that there is a God, who will take you up when your friends and relatives forsake you: He will prove more faithful to you: He, will not leave nor forsake you; no, not even in Death or in the Day of Judgment. He is able, if it be good for you, and you can put your trust in Him, to restore to you your Wife, even though she were kept under the most suspicious eye of your enemies. Remember, that, whosoever giveth his life for the Lord, shall preserve it; but he who doth not intrust the Lord with it, shall lose it-so, consider, it will be with your Wife. The case is such that it must be left to you only: you must come to a determination; but do not determine without prayer." He took leave of me to go and fetch his Wife to town, and promised to return after three

weeks and I looked to the Lord, the only help in time of anxiety, and sought His grace to support him, and enable him to a full resignation.

[ocr errors]

In the afternoon, Vengedasalam came to my room, quite composed, and with joy in his countenance. "The Lord has given me grace," said he: I cannot transgress against those words which you mentioned. I must love Christ, more than my Wife and Friends. I will commend all things to God, and trust Him. He will take care of me. I sincerely wish, in the name of the Lord, to be baptized to-morrow." As soon as he was gone, my dear Wife joined me in praising the Lord for His mercy; and we rejoiced in our hearts, that he was found again. May he be the Lord's for ever, and may the Holy Spirit descend' upon him with power from on high!

The next morning was Sunday, and many Heathens were present at Tamul Service. Vengedasalam was received into the Church of Christ by Baptism, and took the name of Cornelius, which he chose from the subject of my first Tamul Sermon. After Divine Service he came to my room, thankful, as he expressed himself, for the mercies of God.

The same evening, Cornelius was summoned before the Headman of his Caste. This man had formerly been very kind to him. When he went, with the Catechist, he was asked why he had acted so foolishly as to embrace the Christian Religion: he replied, "I have not acted foolishly; for I believe that I cannot be saved from eternal damnation without the Redeemer Jesus Christ." He answered, "That is your misled mind, which makes you think thus. By what can you know, that it is the Word of the True. God ?" His reply was, "Permit me to say, Honey is sweet, but its sweetness is known by him only who has tasted it: knowing no taste, nor what sweetness is, a man cannot conceive, by any description, the sweetness of honey. Read but our True Vedam; and, if you seek earnestly the salvation of your soul, you will then know that it is the Word of the True God."

Necessity of Divine Influence.

Mr. Bärenbruck's reflections on another case may serve to deepen the convictions of the Reader, that the special influence of the Holy Spirit is indispensable to success among these Heathens :

I had a conversation with a Heathen,

a pleasing young man of some abilities. I might say of him, in one respect, that he is not far from the kingdom of God. He expressed a great desire to be received into the Church of Christ; but his numerous family and relatives prevented him. When I spoke to him on this subject, and shewed him whom he had to fear, as being able to destroy both soul and body in hell, he replied, "I know, Sir, that you are right in what you say. The witness of my mind speaketh the same truth; but suppose yourself in my circumstance. I cannot yield to the truth, at present; but I shall do so, when my friends are more reconciled to the idea of my becoming a Christian." I reminded him of the danger of delay, and the probability that he would never come to a resolution, if he conferred on the subject with flesh and blood. I left him, not without emotions of compassion-recommending him to that God, who is able to give him both willingness and strength.

In cases like this, we feel our entire dependence on God; and that though the preaching of the pure Word of God and the calling upon sinners for repen. tance are our duty, yet the conversion of a sinner is of the Lord. We need, therefore, the grace of the Holy Spirit, when we are in the pulpit: we are in need of His power, when we talk to Heathens or to Christians: and we need it, when we put a Tract into the hand of a man. Oh! that the Church of Christ would more earnestly pray for the out-pouring of the Holy Ghost on Missionary Labours, and on the Missionaries themselves! and that this gracious effusion may not be retarded, by our grieving of this Blessed Spirit! Mr. Barenbruck's Visits to the Country

Schools.

The Madras Schools will be noticed in the Survey. Mr. Bären bruck's narrative of his visits to the Schools situated at some distance from Madras, affords many interesting particulars relative to the Natives. They were made in June and July of last year.

Conjeceram.

When I saw the Schools in Conjeveram, the Cholera was raging in the place; and the parents were, in consequence, afraid to send their children to School. During my stay, four children

of the First School were attacked, and three of them died. The usual attendance of this School was fluctuating from 14 to 18 children: at the examination there were 20 Boys present.

The Second School had been removed, when the Cholera commenced, from Great Conjeveram. There have been only two children taken ill, and neither died. At the examination, 28 attended, who gave good proofs of their diligence, and of the regular attendance of the Schoolmaster.

The School in Little Conjeveram did not give me the same satisfaction; and, from the information which I got from someofthe parents, I was convinced that the Schoolmaster had not been faithful

in the discharge of his duty.

During the four days that I was at Conjeveram, I found much work among the Heathens. Some of them appeared greatly alarmed by the sudden deaths of their neighbours, relations, or children. I was every day engaged, especially in the afternoon from four to seven o'clock, in preaching or explaining the Word of God to the people; of whom 40, and sometimes 60, many of them listened. Brahmins and Pandarams, Some Pandarams came afterward for

further conversation.

I was engaged, with a Native Reader and one of the Seminarists who accompanied me from Madras, in proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation: there were so many people collected at one time, that we were all three separately employed. I was greatly encouraged

the work, by observing the attention that generally prevailed; and I think there were some who were really concerned for their salvation. A few started objections; among whom was a Brahmin, who appeared to make it his object to divert the minds of the hearers by jesting remarks. Another Brahmin told him to be silent, it being not now the time for jesting.

During the time that I stayed here, scarcely an hour passed without deaths in the street; and, during the night, we were frequently disturbed by the cries and lamentations of the survivors. It was affecting to hear the voice of lamentation, in almost every street as I passed. My palanquin was surrounded by Heathens, some of whom bewailed the deaths of their relatives, and were apparently under great fear, We pointed out to them the only refuge

and security in Christ. Some of them followed me to some distance, and inquired when I purposed to come again.

Trivaloor.

At Trivaloor, Mr. Bärenbruck fixed the Reader, for the superintendance of the School, and to labour among the Heathen. It had been the intention to station him at

Conjeveram; but the prevalence of the Cholera at that place prevented this for the present. On the road from Trivaloor to Madras, Mr. Bärenbruck writes

The road was filled with crowds of people, who were returning from the late festivals in Trivaloor. I was at a loss to find a place of shelter from the hot winds and the sun, as every choultry and wood was filled with people. We came, at length, to a choultry, where I found some Heathens who knew me, among whom I got admittance. My palanquin was immediately surrounded by Heathens: having myself contracted hoarseness, I got one of them to read to the others, and explained as much as I was able, until the Readers arrived, whom I set to work immediately. We were almost without interruption engaged until the evening. I distributed many Tracts; and, several times, as I could not give to all who applied, I found it necessary to keep them away from the palanquin that they might not upset it, for every one would have a book if possible. On my way to Madras, I had the gratification to see the people travelling three and four together, reading and hearing the Tracts: some came and stopped the palanquin, desiring some explanations, until the bearers became displeased, and would not permit them. As often as the palanquin was set down, I was surrounded by Heathens, till it got dark.

Visiting Trivaloor again shortly afterward, he thus writes

The School gave me much pleasure. It is in good order, and the attendance of the children as regular as can be expected in a Native School. There have been several attempts made by the Schoolmasters of Heathen Schools, to persuade the parents to send their children from our School to theirs; but they have only succeeded for a few days, when the children returned again. I examined 40 children: of them, 30 atOct. 1823.

tended regularly, who delivered the lessons prescribed for this month, and stood the examination well. On catechising them, I found, to my pleasure, that they had greatly improved in answering the questions put to them. After the examination, several of the

parents expressed their fears, that, within a few years, these children would turn Christians. The Reader

replied, "I trust you will not be afraid to think that they will become useful and good men, and a comfort and consolation to you in your old age, which is our object for educating them in the doctrines of our Religion."

I went into the town, to converse with Heathens at the large Pagoda ; and sat down near a tank, where the Brahmins usually perform their prayers

at sun-set. One old Brahmin attracted my attention. After having performed his ceremonies, I asked him how long it was since this tank was built. "Five hundred years, I am told," he replied."And do you think there is any benefit arising from washing in the tank ?" "Why not? for this is the belly of my Swamy." I asked him to tell me, if this was the belly of his Swamy, where his head could be. "Ah! my dear man," I said, "how much do you forget yourself, your immortal soul, and Him who created you, and redeemed us from sin and eternal death!" While I was speaking, many Heathers, chiefly Brahmins, collected round, to whom a word of exhortation was spoken; and, when I returned to my palanquin, several of them followed me: after our evening prayer, at which they remained, I had a conversation with them till nine o'clock, when they received, at their own request, some Tracts, and left

[blocks in formation]
« AnteriorContinuar »