Page images
PDF
EPUB

MISSIONS AT HOME AND ABROAD.

tion did not change. The hopeful state of his mind and his desire for religious instruction were at times no doubt the cause of a little injudiciousness, and the visit was longer than regard for one's own health should have dictated; sometimes also circumstances prevented my taking up a position on the right side of his bed so as to avoid the effluvia of his leg and the not less disagreeable smell of his breath. Nothing, however, more than is usual with such cases occurred until the morning of his death, when, partly from a strong desire to do all that could be done, and to say all that could be said to a man in a dying state, and partly in consequence of his apparently being more deaf than usual, ordinary measures of caution were forgotten until his offensive breath was found by me to be almost unbearable. For a considerable time that morning disagreeable nausea and a tendency to sickness was felt, and when it subsided it was only again to reappear in a worse form in the course of a few days. The result was a very sore mouth and tongue which lasted for several weeks; and, indeed, the attack was so severe that for nearly three weeks I had much difficulty in masticating solid food. This case of course is to a certain degree exceptional, but must not be regarded as isolated. It is alluded to here only as an illustration, and by no means to indicate that the visitation of such patients is a task, for however unpleasant, it is a matter of fact, and to my own sensitive nature often unaccountable, that the interest felt in such cases, and the pleasure derived from imparting religious instruction to them in such trying circumstances, surmount all the unpleasantness that is encountered, and exclude almost all apprehension of danger."

The fearful visitation of the cholera in the East of London has occasioned intense toil, heartily rendered by these messengers of mercy; for one of the most esteemed of their number (Mr. Vass, of Whitechapel), this arduous service has proved a "Messenger from Home;" and by the cholera he has fallen, but it is "asleep in Jesus."

In the journal of another missionary in the same district occur the following entries taken almost at random :

"This day I was visiting the sick and dying twelve hours, from a.m. to 9.30 p.m. If my strength had allowed, it would have been no difficulty to have continued the work all through the night. Friends speak to me of caution' and 'prudence,' but I cannot but feel that men

227

and women are dying while they are thus speaking, and that those who are yet spared are greatly impressed by the solemn visitation.

"The first case visited to-day was one of cholera. I was just able to read a few verses of the Scriptures and to offer up a short prayer. The poor man said, ' If I do but recover, you shall see me a different man.'

"In the next visit I was taken by the man into the cellar. There lay two bodies of his children dead from cholera. This cellar was built for a kitchen, but it is worse than a stye. The stench was horrible. The man, his wife, and eight children had all lived in one room in another part of the house, and in that room had died one child, and a second was dying. Nineteen souls had lived in these two rooms. Read and prayed and gave what advice I could."

"Visited a woman, who had lost her husband and children of cholera this week. This morning the eldest girl is seized. I did what I could to console her."

"Called on poor A. Surprised to find him dead."

"Poor B. died of cholera this morning, and his wife has just been taken to the London Hospital.'

"A fallen girl died to-day. She was dead in little more than an hour after she was siezed. Had often warned her."

"Mrs. C. opened the door to me with eyes red from weeping. On inquiry I found her husband had died two hours before, and that one child was lying dead. Went upstairs, and tried to comfort her; but could get no answer to what I said but tears. No words can convey an idea of her utter grief, and the misery around. The room was wretched in the extreme. An old bed on the floor, two bottomless chairs, and an old table was about all the furniture. There was the woman with four little children, one fast dying of cholera, and one hanging at her breast. May God help her in her overwhelming troubles!

"Visited Mrs. D. She has just lost her daughter from cholera, a little girl of four years. She is almost broken-hearted."

"Visited Mrs. E. She has just lost her son from cholera. There he lay covered with rags, in a most miserable and dirty room."

"Another fallen girl is just dead in this house. She was taken and gone in four hours."

"Mrs. F. died in this room a few days

228

MISSIONS AT HOME AND ABROAD.

since. To day the lodger is dead after a few days' illness."

"I have recorded the deaths of two fallen girls. To-day the old woman who kept the house of sin died also. She was well at the beginning of the day, and was dead at its end."

"Visited poor G. He was disinfecting his wife's clothes, and the blankets, sheets, &c. No one else will do it."

"Poor Mrs. H. took the cholera while waiting on her neighbour. Tried to comfort her broken-hearted husband."

"Cholera seems to have sobered the people to-day; most of them looked very serious when I spoke to them."

"The black flag is hung out in several streets."

"I cannot conclude these entries of another week without recording my gratitude to Almighty God, that I am still preserved in the midst of death on every side. I am not alarmed, but the sight of such misery, the prevalence of such sickening smells, and the incessant visitation are very exhausting."

INDIA.

ONE of the great strongholds of iniquity among the natives of India, is the frequent recurrence of idol-festivals. On these occasions vice is formally united to the false religion, under the sanction of which it rides rampant; and on the great days when the festivals take place, the shrines of idols are scenes of the extremest depravity.

From Tulleygaum (a district between Bombay and Poona) Gyanoba Powar, the hard working Missionary of the Strict Baptist Mission, writes:

March 3rd, 1866. At Dehoo.-It was the Holee festival to-day, so called from fire being kindled in front of the Chowree or of Marotee's temple, and in large towns before the door. The Patel has the honour of lighting the fire and throwing cakes and money into it, while he divides the kernel of a cocoa-nut among the bystanders to allay pain and trouble. The people then blow horns and shout. This is done in the evening, and the four days following are spent in throwing dirt, mud, and paint on each other, while harlots dance in men's clothes, and all shout and play, using the most filthy language. This is the most obscene of all the Hindoo festivals, and cannot be described without the greatest disgust. The government tries to close it, but the native officials delight in it. Children are ruined by it for time and eternity.

It is always enjoined upon the missionary to watch the cases of individual inquirers, to pray over them, and to seek to aid and instruct them in their struggles after the light of divine truth. One such case he has specially reported on from time to time; and it cannot be doubted that others exist, though they may remain unknown at present. This individual, named Sukaran, is a native of the village of Kakwee, near Tulleygaum, and is called the Patel of the Village-a term of honour

in his case. Gyanoba first mentioned him in September last, as follows:

"The Patel of Kakwee openly says he cannot get the truth out of his mind, and hence he supposes that God's word is true; for he cannot believe their (Hindoo) ceremonies, and concludes that his change is from God, and that he cannot thwart it."

Writing again of him, he says,—

"Dec., 1865.-Kakwee has been specially visited. Sukaran, the Patel, wishes me to stay there, and itinerate thence, and teach him the scriptures. Sukaran is fully convinced of the truth of christianity, and avows that Jesus is the Saviour, and that he believes on him. He endures much annoyance from his people with meekness, saying, 'It is God's work, not mine;' and declaring that he merely tells of the light which God has shed. His people forbid his associating with a christian, lest he should be turned away. He replies, that he fears to sin, but will walk with the good at all hazards, and labour to obtain eternal happiness. He often declares that he will embrace the truth, though he should die for it. I have prayed with him morning and evening, and he seems soothed by the exercise. He says he believes that Jesus Christ became incarnate for him a sinner. May his works and words show this. The people hate me because I visit Kakwee, and forbid my speaking of these things, saying that one has been entranced, and become a christian. May the Patel's faith increase, is my earnest prayer. hope he will (fully) turn to God, and, at his own request, be baptized."

I

"Jan. 16th, 1866.-Sukaran, is fully convinced, and understands everything, and (himself) preaches to the people. He prays, and has got some books I gave him to read to them, and distribute."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

Speaking of him on a special occasion afterwards, he says,

"Feb. 28th.-Sukaran, the Patel, seems still steadfast in the faith, and is hated by his people. I rejoice to say he prays alone, instead of repeating after me, as hitherto. We went together on the 28th to the river to pray; and I asked Sukaran to pray first. I cannot describe the softness of his heart while he prayed. He said, 'Our heavenly Father, have mercy; I am a sinner. Pardon me through Jesus Christ, with thy words on my heart. Purify my soul by the Holy Spirit. Convert the hearts of my family. Bless all. Hear, through Jesus Christ. Amen.' I was gladdened; and I praised God for sending his light into his soul,

229

and prayed that he might be kept steadfast.'

This simple, touching prayer from the stronghold of Satan in that heathen land, will, we doubt not, be both interesting and encouraging to the friends of this mission. Surely it is worth all that we have hitherto done, to hear an untutored Hindoo say that he believes "that Jesus Christ became incarnate for him, a sinner;" that he "merely tells of the light which God has shed in his mind;" and that "he will embrace the truth, though he should die for it." May his case prove to be the harbinger of many others, so that a church of Christ may arise, and be set as a candle in a candlestick in the centre of the kingdom of darkness and sin in the empire of India.

Biographical Sketch.

REMINISCENCES OF ROBERT AND JAMES ALEXANDER HALDANE.

I BECAME acquainted with Jas A. Hal-
dane at a very early age. My father being
a deacon in his church, I was taken to
every meeting for years, especially after
he began to preach in the Tabernacle at
the head of Leith walk, Edinburgh. The
congregation had for nearly three years
before this occupied the Circus. The
Tabernacle had the capacity of containing,
when crowded, over 4,000 hearers. And
as Mr. Haldane was the most popular
preacher at this time (Rowland Hill ex-
cepted) the house was always well filled.
The membership in a little while became
very large, notwithstanding a colony had
gone off to a new house built by Mr.
Aikman; "so mightily grew the Word
of God and prevailed." Mr. Haldane's
chief power lay in breaking down every re-
fuge that a sinner would resort to, and
bringing him to Christ. This accounts
for the great success of his labours as an
itinerant through the length and breadth
of Scotland, as well as in Edinburgh. It
is true his birth and education, for he was
connected with the first families in the
land, and his brother's resources, as well as
his own, made him independent, and the
force and compass of his voice, which
could reach many thousands, all were in
his favour. On the other hand, he had to
contend with many enemies. The priest-
hood were opposed to him, and would stir

up the civil authority to stop him. When
officers were sent to apprehend him, he
was prepared to meet them, and would not
stop preaching. If they persisted in
taking him, he would take out of his pocket
the Toleration Act, and read it to them,
warning them of the consequences of
laying hands upon him. Everywhere,
with a courage that was fearless, and with
dignity of manner, he would stand firm
as a rock. While the storm that was
raised would have smitten and scattered
timid men, he stood before them in all
the uprightness and confidence of Mr.
Great Heart. Evangelizing was a work
that he was admirably qualified for, and it
was only on condition that he should be
allowed in the summer to go to the way-
side and hedges to preach to the multitudes
that came to hear him, that he would con-
sent to be pastor of the church. He was
always accompanied by some ministering
brother, and it was admirably arranged to
have his place supplied during his absence
by excellent men-such as George Burder,
author of the Village Sermons, Chas.
Simeon, of Cambridge, Rowland Hill and
others. On one occasion, Andrew Fuller
preached for him, but I was too young to
remember how he preached.
As my
father made me repeat the text when I
got home, I remember he spoke from the
Epistle to the Galatians: Be not de-

[blocks in formation]

ceived: God is not mocked, &c." But Rowland Hill, from his excentricities, surpassed them all in my estimation, and on a Sabbath evening no house could hold one-third of the crowd who turned out to hear him. So he had to resort to the Calton Hill, where it was estimated from 15,000 to 20,000 would assemble to hear him. I remember going to Mr. Aikman's one Friday evening to hear him, and on account of the drawling manner of singing, so often then practiced, he rose and stopped them, saying, "My friends, we are commanded to make a joyful noise but you are making a doleful one," and then he struck up a tune himself. Mr. Haldane was a great admirer of Mr. Hill, and delighted in his sermons, that were always aimed at the awakening of the sinner, and were well-calculated to do good. There was nothing in Haldane's preaching, however, that was not solemn and awful. His explanation of faith was short. It was to have confidence in Christ. He would say, "If any man here is trusting to the act of faith, he is stopping short of the mark, and is not trusting in Christ. You are believing in your faith and not in the Saviour. If you bring in your faith, even as a part of your justifying righteousness before God, you are destitute of saving faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is the hand to take hold of Christ, but it is not Christ. I was often impressed with the worship conducted at the Tabernacle. To go three times every Lord's day was to many a soul a delightful employment. It was the season of first love to many hundreds, and others were from the Establishment, and had longed to be delivered from the mixed communion in

State churches, where the tares and wheat grew together-the tares growing rank and strong." Numbers were awakened or converted by every sermon, and that not for weeks or months, but for years. At the same time to warn, to exhort or to beseech their fellow sinners, seemed to be the employment of all the members. It was not only a source of thanksgiving, but of great encouragement to Mr. Haldane, when a spectator beheld such a sight, and drawing still nearer would listen to them as they expressed the overflowings of their actual experience, or described the blessedness of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, saw such power of spirit, such love to each other for the truth's sake, such earnestness in prayer, such singing with the understanding, such joy in the ordinances of God's house; in short, if the Tabernacles of Jacob and the tents of Israel smote the conscience of the false prophet, who could refain from saying, "This is none else than the house of God and the gate of heaven? The most profane sinner became afraid to desecrate a place where the Lord was, and his presence was felt. But the tokens of the work of grace had extended not only from the Frith or Forth to the Orkney Islands, but as far south as the border, and west to the shores of the Atlantic. What a change! Suppose every church exhibited as much of the glory of Christ as the two churches in Edinburgh did, what an influence for good would be exerted. The impulse given out by them was made to vibrate through the Established Churches, and called to life many who before were satisfied to continue in the repose and shadow of death.

F. J.

JACOB'S WELL.

Poetry.

HERE, after JACOB parted from his brother,
His daughters linger'd round this well, new
made;

Here, seventeen centuries after, came another,
And talk'd with Jesus, wond'ring and afraid.
Here, other centuries past, the Emperor's mother
Shelter'd its waters with a temple's shade.
Here, mid the fallen fragments, as of old,
The girl her pitcher dips within its waters cold.
And JACOB's race grew strong for many an hour-
Then torn beneath the Roman eagle lay;
The Roman's vast and earth-controlling power
Has crumbled like these shafts and stones away;

But still the waters, fed by dew and shower,

Come up, as ever, to the light of day. And still the maid bends downwards with her urn, Well pleased to see its gloss her lovely form return. And those few words of truth, first utter'd here, Have sunk into the human soul and heart; A spiritual faith dawns bright and clearDark creeds and ancient mysteries depart; The house for God's true worshippers draws near; Then mourn not o'er the wrecks of earthly art: Kingdoms may fall, and human works decay,NATURE moves on unchanged-TRUTHS never pass J. F. C.

away. Boston.

THE WINGS OF A DOVE.

POETRY.

"Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove, and her feathers with yellow gold."-PSA. lxviii. 13.

A POOR little trembling silver dove,

With beautiful pinions of yellow gold,
Forsaking the regions of peace and love,
Nestled down in a potter's field of old,"
And among the broken pots she lay;
But no rest for her was the cold hard clay.
All dust-soil'd her plumage of silvery white,
And ruffled her feathers of yellow gold,
And hush'd is the song of pure delight,
So sweetly warbled in days of old.
Ah! why did the dove forsake her nest,
And fly to the potter's field for rest?

But the still small voice of a Radiant One
Sweetly is heard in the potter's field,
And brighter his smile than meridian sun,

While his love to the lone one he thus reveal'd:"My dove, my fair one, O come away,

Thou shalt dwell with thy Saviour in endless day."

From his breast a golden chain he drew,

Inscrib'd with the motto "Obedient love,"
Which with tender grace o'er her neck he threw,
And link'd to his heart the feeble dove-
Now free to fly on her heaven-ward way;
But no longer to nestle on worthless clay.

Poor sinner! thine emblem, the silly dove,
Shall teach thee a lesson, tis life to know ;-
But one power on earth-'tis Jesu's love,
Can rescue thy soul from eternal woe.
Oh! fly to the blood, and thy guilty soul
Shall be wash'd, shall be heal'd, shall be
"perfectly whole."

HARRIETT A. NOEL.

[blocks in formation]

press the greensward lightly

Along my pilgrim way,

His dear hand clasping tightly
Who leads me day by day.
Sometimes the path is winding,
Sometimes 'tis very steep,
Sometimes I am unminding
Which track I ought to keep,
Sometimes the road is lonely,
Or frowning ones withstand,
But I am safe if only

He holds me with His hand.

I skip along for gladness,

With such a tender guide;
What cause have I for sadness
With Jesus at my side?
Kind angels too watch o'er me
As through the world I roam,
And all looks bright before me,
For I am going home.

Home, home, sweet home! no sorrow
Nor sin can enter there,

No parting on the morrow,

No gathering clouds of care.

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »