MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. DR. MEDHURST.

His early life is soon told. a few months prior to his departure W a l t e r H e n r y (that was liis Chris- at Hackney College, then under the ian name) was born in London in charge of Dr. Collison ; and embarked 1796, and was educated at St. Paul’s from England in September, 1816, at Cathedral School. H e went to Glou­ the age of twenty. cester at the age of fourteen ; was ap­ It is to the subsequent forty years of prenticed as a printer in that city; was his life that our attention is chiefly converted under the ministry of the called, during which period our deceased late Rev. William Bishop; joined the friend gradually rose into notice and Congregational church assembling at eminence as a Christian Missionary, Southgate Chapel; evinced some zeal remarkable for energy, devotedness, and tact in Sabbath-school instruction, and efficiency. tract distribution, and village preach­ The vessel in which Walter Henry ing; had his heart inflamed with a Medhurst left his native shores was desire to be engaged in Missionary obliged cn route to put in at Madras. toils; responded to an advertisement The Christian intercourse which he for a printer to join the Mission at enjoyed in the Missionary circle at that Malacca; was accepted by the Directors station was very beneficial to him ; and of the London Missionary Society, at he never failed to speak with affec­ the earnest recommendation of the tionate interest, especially of the la!e Christian friends in Gloucester; spent Rev. W . C. Loveless, and Richard MEMOIH OF THE LATE BET. BE. MEDHUBST.

Knill, whose acquaintance he had made 1 as a Chinese student, and becoming, at during that stay. It was here likewise no distant period, a useful coadjutor in he formed an alliance by marriage with the mission ; an expectation which has the lady who is now left to mourn over by no means been disappointed. * her loss, after a happy wedlock of full Having shown remarkable fitness for forty years. Mrs. Medhurst was the preaching, he was ordained to the work first person converted in India by the of the ministry by Ur. Milne and his instrumentality of Richard K n ill; and colleagues, in 1819. Among the private the importance of this providential i papers of the deceased, there has been connexion with the subject of our me- ! found the certificate of his ordination, nioir can only be appreciated, by those j — the style and simplicity of which that are cognizant of her devotion to document, not to say also the material the interests ever dear to her husband’s ' on which it is recorded, afiord a singular heart. 1 contrast to ordination-articles of the Mr. Medhurst reached his destina- ; the same class popular now-a-days. It tion at Malacca in June. 1817. where ! reads:— his arrival was hailed with delight by “ This is to certify, that the Rev. the late Dr. Milne, who was at the : Walter Henry Medhurst, a member of time quite alone, without any helper in the Ultra-Ganges Missions, under the his work, and struggling under a load j patronage of the Missionary Society, of cares and labours, far too heavy for usually denominated the London Mis­ an enfeebled constitution. sionary Society, was ordained to the The special duties immediately un­ saered office ofaMinisterandMissionary dertaken by Medhurst were connected of Jesus Christ, by prayer and laying with the mission press at Malacca. on of hands, the 27th day of April, one The “ gift of tongues,” however,— of thousand eight hundred and nineteen, which he had more than an ordinary by us— share of endowment,— naturally enough W i l l ia m M il n e , was directed to the acquisition of the J o h n S l a t e r , Malay language, spoken among the Malacca, J a m e s M i l t o n , natives of that peninsula, and especially April 27, 1819. J. I n c e .” to the study of the Chinese, which was professedly the mother-tongue of tho Subsequent to being thus “ set apart,” thousands, who even at that day were Mr. Medhurst pursued his Missionary emigrating from “ the middle kingdom” labours successively at Penang and to the various dependencies in Malaysia. Batavia,— chiefly at the latter place, And that tribute which Dr. Milne, so where he worked efficiently among Ma­ early as 1820, paid to the lingual lays, Chinese, Javanese, as well as powers of his junior colleague, not only Dutch and English residents. Among was well merited at the time, but was other monuments of his labours at fully confirmed during his subsequent Batavia, there is the Orphan Asylum history as a Chinese Missionary. The at Parapattan, which still preserves its eulogy referred to runs thus:— vigour and perpetuates its success; “ Mr. Medhurst began his Chinese many who were once its inmates studies with teachableness of spirit, cherishing with feelings of gratitude and which never fails to secure respect and reverence the memory of its founder’s affection for a young man’s character, name. and to produce a cheerful readiness in In 1836, Mr. Medhurst paid a visit others to assist him when they can; to his native country .wherehe sojourned and he pursued them with a persever­ for two years. During that time his ing ardour which excited in the n,md travels on deputation were extensive, of his associate the pleasing expecta­ * Retrospect of Chinese Missions, tion of his making good progress n. 19.5. 52G MEMOIR OF THE LATH HEV. 1)11, MEDHURST, his addresses taanly and straightfor­ facility for improving each “ golden ward; and his appeals on behalf of spot in time,” and indomitable per­ China very effective,— particularly in severance, the Father of the Shanghai the work entitled “ China, its State and Mission devoted all to his high vocation Prospects,” which he prepared previous as a Missionary of Jesus Christ among to quitting England a second time. the Chinese, and has left behind him But there was one special purpose on a perfect example of what a real Mis­ which Mr. Medhurst’s heart was set, sionary of the times should be,— a and which he sought during that visit, thorough student of the language of the viz. that there should be a thorough people among whom he labours, a ready revision of the Chinese translation of preacher in it, an invaluable translator, the Scriptures. This met with a refusal, a man-of-all-work and of-work-at-all- which at the time greatly disheartened times, a considerate, thoughtful fellow- our friend. His natural elasticity of labourer, an earnest, faithful Christian, temper, however, helped him to rise — “ instant in season and out of season,” above the disappointment, as well as “ diligent in business, fervent in spirit, the testimony of a “ good conscience ” serving the Lord,” “ with goodwill, doing that he was seeking to do God service. service as to the Lord, and not to men.” It was perhaps a suggestion rather By his untiring industry, he acquired premature then ; but it led to further an extensive knowledge of the several inquiry; and our honoured Missionary languages common in the Indian archi­ lived long enough to see his “ darling pelago, where he first laboured, and scheme ” (we can call it nothing else) chiefly of the Chinese tongue and liter­ cordially approved of, taken up with ature, in which he became facile promptness, carried out with vigour, princeps. He acquired an unwonted and crowned with success, in what is familiarity and facility in the spoken denominated “ The Delegates’ Version language of that empire, and became of the Scriptures.” thoroughly au fait in the Mandarin, Mr. Medhurst returned to his station Puhkien, and Shanghai dialects. Thus in Java in 1838; but, when the five he was able to converse and preach, ports wereopened to foreign intercourse, with marvellous ease and readiness, to under the treaty of Nanking, Dr. Med­ various classes of natives, that were hurst moved up the whole Mission from unreachable except through their own Batavia to Shanghai, about 1843. peculiar patois ; an attainment, indeed, There this standard-bearer of the truth of which very few of the natives continued at his post, until he was com­ themselves can boast. But probably pelled, by n worn-out constitution, to re- his knowledge of the written language embark for England in September last was still more astonishing. By this year. means he gained most extensive in­ Thus thrown at Shanghai into the formation on the literature, philosophy, Chinese Empire, and having his lot cast and ancient history of China, which, EimdRg genuine Chinese, Dr. Medhurst had his life been spared, might have gave full play to liis reinftfkable “ gift.” been of value now* to people in the But foi us te specify Within the “narrow West/ whose attention appears at last pages assigned foi' An obituaty in the to be a little awakened towards China E v a n g e l i c a l MACfAziSE, tile abun­ and her people. dant labours of this Missionary vetera hr Possessed of talents such as these, eveil during his Bervice at Shanghai of Dr. Medhurst gave himself earnestly to fouttseii years, is utterly inipos&ible. the preaihing of the Word and to It iS'enough fbf us to eay tliit God translfttorial labours. In preaching ho having Messed hifH with ft Xviry frame, was pre-eminent, and to this he gave $ood heqrlth,overflowing spirits,aptness apioiaLprominence r ¿0 that, no matter for everything, promptitude in actioiii what othei equally important duties MEilOIH OJ? THE LATE UKV. Bit, MEOHVK8T. 527 pvessed upon him, ho never relaxed iu neighbouring towns and villages, in this department. On week-days as on conducting correspondence with the the Sabbath-day, in the country as in Missionary, Bible, and Tract Societies, the city, in the chapel as in the open and in watching over the native church thoroughfare, he was alike assiduous in and the general interests of the Mis­ commending tho grace of God and pro­ sion (all which involved no iuconsidor- claiming the blessed gospel. A small able amount of physical labour), ho church of native converts was built up w'as regular and indefatigable, per­ at Shanghai, under the watchful caro forming those varied duties, not in a of Dr. Medhurst; and the loss they feel perfunctory mode, but throwing his now at his removal is great— the an­ whole soul into them, as matters in nouncement of his decease creating a which he felt the greatest interest and panic. Besides this, his facility of delight. Unmistakably China was the speaking the dialect intelligibly, and I right sphere of labour lor such a one; his advanced age, obtained for him and as this field became wider and respect and attention in the surrounding wider, he was ever ready to suggest country ; so that “ his very .name forms new plans of usefulness for those imme­ to tho present day a general cognomen diately associated with him, and at the for all missionaries ” * in towns and same time was foremost to lead tho villages inland. way. His translatorial duties it is impos­ O f his bearing towards his fellow- sible to overrate. Of works of this labourers, we quote what Mr. Muir- class wo have before us an incomplete head, speaking in the name of his list; but, upon it there are named no brethren on the spot, says :— less than G2— 8 in the Malay tongue, “ Fromhis many years’ residenco and !H in Chinese, and 20 from Chinese labours as a Christian missionary, it into English— the latter consisting of might be supposed that ho would look aids to tho study of the Chinese lan­ for more than an ordinary amount of guage in the shape of manuals, voca­ deference and respect, in tho ease of bulary or dictionaries, and pamphlets those associated with him, but who or books explanatory of Chinese notions, were so far below him in age and customs, and history. But under this position. Doubtless ho did receive it head the works in which he has ren­ at their hands; but it was tendered, not dered tho most efficient assistance in so much from their feeling that he was establishingthe Chinese mission are,the in the circumstances naturally entitled translation of the Holy Scriptures and to it, but from the kind, encouraging, the English Liturgy into the Chinese considerate manner in which he acted language. The special aid afforded by towards them. There was no assump­ him in completing these works presents tion on his part, hut the humblest a lasting memorial of his ability and unpretending fellow-labourer felt him­ scholarship; and through these writ­ self at ease in his presence. He might ings, although he be now dead, he appear distant and reserved to a will continue to speak to that people to stranger, but the feeling was more in tho latest period of time. that individual’s own mind, from hi« Every one that saw tho man could previous ideas of the man ¡— on further not but remark his energy, activity, acquaintance with him, it was found and diligence in missionary operations that he was marked by an unwonted generally. In the superintendence of degree of mildness, blandness, and the press, in itinerating through the openness, both in manner and dispo­ sition. Those who were more imme­ * Sermon by ltev. W . JIuirUeail, ofdiately connected with him iu missionary Shanghai, preached on occasion of the work, and had constant opportunities death of Dr. Medhurst. of intercourse with him. ever felt that 528 MEMOIR Of THE LAl'E BEV. DE. MEDHUEST.

in him they had a true and warm- '■ merchants of various Christian deno­ hearted Christian friend. There was minations, who came to have his last no restraint in their feelings towards farewell. His address on that occasion, him, or their communications with him ; founded as it was on Matt. xxv. 1— 10, but, while rendering ‘ honour to whom and dwelling on a due and early pre­ honour was due,’ they were encouraged paration for the coming of the bride­ by his uniform bearing to regard him groom, was remarkable — remarkable, writh more than usual affection and as it seemed (we were going to say) esteem. Their reminiscences of their anticipative of the event over which venerated and now lamented friend we now mourn, and remarkable too for will long remain with them, and will the effect ,• so that one (who was on the be precious to them as they- tread this spot) observes, “ for many were deeply wilderness-world without him.” impressed on that occasion with the Then, adverting to “ the Christian searching and solemn character of his tone of his spirit, and the fervour and appeals.” spirituality of his prayers: he was A sea-voyage of four months and a evidently advanced and advancing in half proved

This was a happy index of the bent Missionary, Bible, and Tract Societies, of our friend’s thoughts towards “ the likewise determined to use their in­ things that are above;” and how soon, fluence in securing a sufficient amount in his case, were the joys and glories to purchase an annuity adequate for the chanted forth in that hymn realized! comfortable support of Mrs. Medhurst, W ith the members of his family he dis­ as a tribute of regard for the memory embarked at Southend, on the evening of her departed husband. The response of January 2 ls t ; and next day reached to this appeal (which has been prudently London; but his already exhausted confined within certain limits,) has been frame sank rapidly; and the shadow of promptly and amply given,— his friends death came overhimbeforeit was known of the foreign community in China to those immediately around him that coming forward with a readiness and the time of his departure was at hand. liberality significant alike of their con­ Prom the early part of Saturday, the cern for the bereaved family and of their 24th, he became quite unconscious, and esteem for the deceased. unable to communicate his wishes, It is a remarkable coincidence, thoughts,or feelings; and on the even­ scarcely to be overlooked, that Morrison ing of that same day he expired, in a embarked on the China Mission, January quiet, deep sleep, without a sigh, with­ 31, 1807, and Medhurst returned from out a struggle, without a syllable. it to die and be buried, January 30, •Thus died Dr. Medhurst, in the 61st 1857. Thus was completed the cycle year of his age, and the 40th of his of 50 years in the history of our Pro­ missionary career. testant Mission in China. But, though When the tidings of his decease Morrison, Milne, Collie, and Medhurst reached the Mission House, the Direc­ are no more, the work of evangelizing tors, with a noble generosity and proceeds in China. “ They may rest promptness worthy of the body they from their labours, but their works do represent, at once determined, in token | follow them.” Their example inspires of their respect and esteem for their their successors. Their labours have valued agent, to take the conduct of given an impetus to the work. The the funeral. The cemetery chosen was seed which they sowed has been cast that at Abney-park; and on the 30th abroad, and already we are beginning of January a deputation of the London “ to find it after many days.” Truly Missionary Society was joined by they have departed ; yet, as truly we representatives from the Bible, Tract, shall see that such lives have left be­ and Church Missionary Societies, to hind them foot-prints not only on the commit to the dust the remains of sands of time, but on the shores of the honoured dead. Service was con­ “ the land of Sinim.” ducted by the Rev. Dr. Bennet and The present is but the dawn of Dr. Burder, both surviving members of glorious days for China, “ that hive of the Board at the time of Dr. Med- nations,”— when the glory of the Lord hurst’s early appointment to China. In shall fill -it, as the waters cover the conjunction with some personal friends channel of the deep. of Dr. Medhurst, the Directors of the W . C. M. >J>W

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THE LATE REV. DR. MEDHURST.

A t their last Anniversary, the Direc­ to whom his state of health had tors of the London Missionary Society become a matter of some concern, announced that, having learnt that the he delayed his departure till the au­ health of the Rev. Dr. Medhurst had tumn. He continued at the station begun seriously to fail, they had in­ long enough to see those works brought vited him to revisit England, for the to completion. But there is reason to purpose of recruiting his enfeebled apprehend, that this delay of eight strength. months was not healthful, and that Dr. Medhurst accepted the fur­ labours of such a character, with some lough kindly granted by the Board, unforeseen causes of anxiety, tended and the Christian public longed to to sap a constitution already reduced, welcome to his native shores, one who and, at his time of life, accelerated the had served the cause of Missions for ravages of the chronic disease which forty years,— a longer term of actual ultimately terminated his life. His service than hitherto enjoyed by any cheerful spirits never flagged; and to Missionary on the Asiatic continent. others on the spot, as well as to him­ At a crisis, imminent as the present self, there was every reason to hope in the history of our various relations that he would recover strength by with the Empire of China,— the arrival a run home to his native land. A of this honoured servant of the Church Missionary on the same station wrote was looked for with more than usual of him to a friend, under date Aug. 29th: eagerness. Our Missionary, Bible, and — “ He looks much reduced since you tract Societies were to have special saw him, but the sea-voyage may interviews with him; some private restore him ; ” and the last note that friends were planning a public recep­ friend received from himself, reads, “ I tion; and auxiliaries in the country have taken my passage in the Anglo- had “ put down his name for their Saxon, and we sail the day after to­ meetings.” But, before it was gene­ morrow (Sept. 10th). What an intole­ rally known that he had embarked for rable drudgery this packing and moving England, Dr. Medhurst had landed ;— is. To an old man like myself, it is before the friends of China were aware almost overwhelming ; but1 come what that he had reached their shores, Dr. come may, time and the hour run Medhurst had crossed “ the narrow through the roughest day.’ We are sea ;” and, to most people, the first all well in health, and expect to be in tidings of our revered brother was in England about the beginning of the the short summary, that he had year 1857.” landed, had expired, and was buried. Dr. Medhurst embarked, with his The melancholy news took every one family, at Shanghai, on the 10th of by surprise, filling each heart with September last. During a voyage of profound sorrow,— we may add, with nearly four and a half -months, his painful disappointment,— that this dis­ health underwent various alternations, tinguished man had closed his eyes in but awakened no material anxiety in death. his own mind, or in that of the family. The life and labours of our devoted Throughout the greater part of the friend were brought to a close under voyage, he daily pursued his Chinese circumstances that greatly aggravated studies and translations, until at the affecting character of the event, length, almost by compulsion, he was and, in some respects, were peculiarly induced to desist. touching. The invitation of the Direc­ It was as he came within these cold tors reached Dr. Medhurst early in the latitudes, that the disease that preyed beginning of last year. On receiving on him, before and during the voyage, it, however, he resolved to complete became more aggravated. But, not­ some arrangements and various Chinese withstanding his extreme exhaustion, translations, on which his heart was on the last Sunday before leaving the set, and, rather against the advice of vessel (which was only five days pre­ his personal friends at Shanghai, vious to his death), Dr. Medhurst col- VOL. XIV. M 162 BIOGRAPHY. lected the passengers together, con­ that, since the decease of their beloved ducted Divine service, and delivered parent, they have had to commit to the an address on the words, “ Oh, that cold grave one ofhis grandchildren. men would praise the Lord for his On the Monday following the death goodness, and for his w onderful works of the Rev. Dr. Medhurst, when the to the children of men ; ” in which he startling intelligence first reached the recounted the mercies of the voyage, Board, the Directors of the London and related other instances in which he Missionary Society at once resolved to had been witness of “ the works of the take charge of the funeral, in order to Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” testify their high regard for the de­ As the vessel was coming up the ceased. Accordingly, due arrange­ river, our dear friend showed signs of ments were made for the interment to impatience, and unusual anxiety to set take place, on Friday, the 30th of Jan­ his foot on shore ; and, at his earnest uary, at Abney Park Cemetery; the solicitation, he and his family were place of the honoured dead of the Non­ landed at Southend, on the evening of conformist body, A deputation from Wednesday, January the 22nd. He the Missionary Society, together with reached London on the following day, representatives from the Bible, Tract, and was conveyed to apartments at and Church Missionary Societies, met Pimlico, provided by his relatives. at the Mission-Housc, Blomfield-street. From the time of his landing, how­ From this the mournful cortege moved ever, he became so enfeebled, that but to the cemetery grounds. The service faint hopes were entertained of his was conducted, in an adjoining chapel, recovery; for what was most appre­ by the Rev. Dr. Bennett, aided by the hended, was the effect of such extreme Rev. Dr. Burder,— both surviving mem­ and long continued exhaustion at his bers of the Board at the time of Dr. advanced age. What the best medical Medhurst’s appointment to China. On advice, and the affectionate solicitude that occasion, we recognised a variety of his family and friends, could devise of faces at the grave,— laymen of diffe­ to arrest the disease and to sustain his rent professions, and ministers of vari­ weakened frame, was tried, but in ous denominations, with Missionaries vain. He sank rapidly, unable even to from each quarter of the globe, some communicate his thoughts, wishes, or of whom had been fellow-workers with feelings to any around him. On the the departed, and one, the Bishop of morning of Saturday, the 24th, he Hongkong;— all were there to bear became unconscious, and continued in­ their silent but willing and affectionate sensible and speechless until half-past tribute of respect to this great and eight o’clock of the evening of the same good man, who had consecrated so day, when, without a word, without a many years with an unwavering pur­ moan, without a struggle,— in a quiet pose to the important work of spread­ deep sleep he expired,— within three ing the Gospel in China, and who had days of landing. Thus terminated the left a noble example behind him of one days of the Rev. Dr. Medhurst, in the who, in the Missionary circle, was sixty-first year of his age, and the for­ pre-eminent for being “ diligent in bu­ tieth of his Missionary labours. siness, fervent in spirit, serving the Theimmediatemembers ofhis family, Lord.” who are left to mourn over the loss of so It is impossible, with the space eminent a father, are his widow, three allowed in these pages, to enter into a daughters, and one only son,— Her lengthened or minute narrative of the Britannic Majesty’s consul at Foochow, life and labours of the subject of this China. And without seeking to feed a notice. We can only mention a few prurient curiosity by such recitals, it is salient points in his history, with pass­ mournful for us to relate, that one ing reflections thereon. daughter returned with her father, a wi­ 1st. His conversion is an instance that dow, with an infant charge,— -that ano­ affords encouragement, both to the minis­ ther daughter met him on his arrival in ter in the pulpit and to the earnest Chris­ London, to break theunexpectedintelli- tian in the family circle.— Our friend, gence, that she too had been left, a few Walter Henry Medhurst, was born in weeks previous, in the same desolate cir­ London, in 1796, and left the Metro­ cumstances,— that mother, two daugh­ polis for the city of Gloucester, about ters, and only son, have all been widow­ the age of fourteen. In Gloucester he ed within two years of each other; and was known as an interesting youth, b i o g r a p h y . 163 but without the fear of G od; fond of residence were open on the Sunday the theatre, dancing, etc., and, indeed, afternoons, this young convert took to the life of the parties he joined. distributing tracts in those drinking Shortly after he removed to this city, rooms, till persecution arose, and he — an elder brother, William, a midship­ was forcibly expelled. Nothing daunt­ man, returned to England on sick ed, he next undertook Sabbath-school leave,— also a very wild irregular fel­ instruction. Indeed, the first interview low. However, it happened one Sun­ the Christian friends at Southgate day evening as William was strolling Chapel had with him was on a Sunday through the heart of London, he afternoon, when, without ceremony, stumbled into Weighhouse Chapel, the and without introduction, he walked pulpit of which was, at that time, occu­ into their Sunday-school rooms, and, pied by the late Rev. John Clayton. on being asked what his errand was, Mr. Clayton’s sermon was the means replied, “ Have you anything for me to of arresting the young man’s serious do here? I want to teach some chil­ attention. He was pricked to the dren.” About this time (December, heart, and he went home that night a 1813) he joined the congregational new creature. Feeling extremely anx­ church, under the pastoral care of the ious about the soul of his younger llev. William Bishop; after which, brother Walter, William forthwith partly at the instance of his brother opened a correspondence with him, on already named, he began to direct his the necessity of personal religion and attention to the inhabitants of the religious decision. benighted villages around Gloucester. To redeem a promise he made at the Earnest zeal for his Saviour’s glory earnest request of his elder brother, glowed in his bosom, as he gave him­ Walter went on a Sunday evening self on the Sabbath-days to these village to the Southgate Chapel, Glouces­ efforts; sometimes iu a small chapel, ter, to hear the Rev. Mr. Bishop. The sometimes in an humble cottage; or, minister had begun his sermon, but if prejudice denied that, on an open in its course repeated his text, which village green, addressing the assembled was in these words: “ A firebrand villagers, and urging sinners to repent­ plucked out of the burning.” The ance, and faith in Christ Jesus. While youth felt the words as if addressed to he was engaged in these home labours, him, and, through the Divine spirit, the perusal of letters from Drs. Morri­ they fell upon him as the power of son and Milne kindled in him a desire God unto salvation. This was the to go as a Missionary to distant lands, time in his Christian history, to which and at last, the dying request of bis the departed one used to refer as that brother, that he w ould devote himself ot his true conversion to God. to the work in China, fixed his deter­ What may not a converted elder bro­ mination. ther do, as an instrument in converting We see here the germ of the Mis­ and guiding the young ideas of juniors sionary spirit, first manifesting itself in the family ! The seed that was cast in “ charity at home,” gradually matur­ in Weighhouse Chapel, almost fifty ing in tract distributing, Sabbath-school years ago, fell on good soil; was car­ teaching, or village preaching, and ried by a brother’s hand into a brother’s ultimately developed in “ labours more heart, and, through that brother, has abundant ” iu the populous empire of been sown in China. God grant that China. And is it not so, more or less, it may yet bring forth a hundred fold with every active Missionary to the 10 hisi own glory and honour ! heathen abroad? Where is there one, 11 • ^ atc^‘ the rise and progress of who, before he went forth to Pagan life mnary spirit in his early religious lands, was not first trained and pre­ pared lor the arduous enterprise, by Immediately upon his change of labours at home,— along the highways mind, he conierred not with flesh and and hedges,— or in the streets and blood, but strove to be useful to those lanes, in various departments of Chris­ with whom he came iu direct contact. tian service? His first step was to separate himself 3rdly. Murk his entrance into the Mis­ from his gay companions; but not un­ sionary field. til he had invited them to join him in His early education was limited,— his new course. Then, finding that the chiefly received at St. Paul’s Cathedral public houses in the vicinity of his School, London. On going to Glouces- M 2 164 BIOGRAPHY. ter with his parents, he was apprenticed maker, or the shepherd boy, or the to Mr. Wood, a printer and stationer printer's lad, in these days applied to in that city. But, as his heart began be sent forth as labourers into the to fire with a desire to seek a place in harvest, would not their addresses the Missionary field, an advertisement have been rejected? In this time of appeared for a printer to join the Mis­ lack of men for the Missionary field, a sion at Malacca. This seemed as if voice speaks from the tomb of such a Providence had opened the door for man as Medhurst: “ Wherefore, bre­ him. He applied for the appointment; thren, look ye out among you men of and, in the spring of 1816, being in his honest report, full of the Holy Ghost twentieth year, he was recommended and wisdom, whom ye may appoint by his pastor to the Directors of the over this business.” London Missionary Society. They 4thly. A brief outline of his Mission­ accepted the offer of his services, and ary labours will suffice to show, that appointed him to co-operate with Dr. no Missionary was ever better fur­ Milne at Malacca. Preparatory to hi3 nished for his work, or, under God, departure, he was sent, for three accomplished more to justify the most months, to Hackney College, and placed sanguine expectations. The more im­ under the instruction of its president, mediate object of Mr. Medhurst’s first the late Rev.Dr. Collison. In Septem­ duties was to superintend the Mission­ ber of the same year he sailed for his ary press at Malacca; but, showing suit­ destination.— That youth, a printer’s able qualifications for preaching the lad from Gloucester, of but scanty word, he was ordained by the Rev. Dr. education, and without collegiate in­ Milne and his colleagues to the work struction, w'ent forth in the simple of the ministry, in „1819. During a capacity of Missionary printer; but, number of years, he continued to by untiring self-application, in course labour, in succession, at the various of time he became a proficient in the stations occupied by the Society in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages ; Malayan Archipelago, and more espe­ qualified himself for the work of the cially at Batavia, where he laboured ministry; and ultimately rose to emi­ continuously for twenty-two years. nence as the first Chinese scholar of Throughout this period, he made rapid his day, and, without disrespect to and remarkable attainments in the others, we may say, the most laborious Malay, Javanese,and Chinese languages, Missionary of this century. devoting his various attainments in the It is a remarkable coincidence, that promotion of the single aim of his life, the three pioneers of the Protestant the glory of God in saving sinners. cause in China, were at first youths of In 1836, he paid a visit to England, humble estate, unpretending education, returning to Batavia in 1838. Upon and, humanly speaking, little promise ; the five ports of the Chinese empire Morrison, a last maker ; Milne, a shep­ being opened to foreigners, by the herd b o y ; Medhurst, a printer’s la d ; Nanking Treaty of 1842, Dr. Medhurst but, under the eye of heaven, these removed to Shanghai, and, in conjunc­ were chosen as the early Ambassadors tion with his colleagues, commenced to the “ land of Sinim,” and “ in all that Mission,— which he never quitted things approved themselves as the until last September, when, with a ministers of God, in much patience, in broken and enfeebled constitution, he afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, embarked for England. in labours, in watchings.” In other With exemplary diligence Dr. Med­ parts of the Missionary field, instances hurst employed his “ gift of tongues ” of the same character have occurred. during his prolonged residence among And now that our Missionary So­ the Chinese, till he acquired a perfect cieties are looking through our col­ mastery of some of the chief dialects in leges, as if without hope, for young China (the Fuhkien, the Mandarin, and men of talent and education to go the Shanghai), and was enabled, not forth to the heathen, — is there not only to converse, but to preach the something in the instances cited, to Gospel to natives of different parts chide such highflying ambition ? Are of the country, with a fluency and a our Missionary Boards safe, if they clearness that very— very few even of look out only for educated talent, the natives of China can boast of. or refined genius, in the candidates for But his acquaintance with the “ book Missionary service? Had the last- language ” of China was perhaps more b i o g r a p h y . 165 remarkable than his knowledge of some 5thly. O f his character as a Christian, of their spoken languages. By his we can say from personal acquaintance acquisitions in the literature depart­ and reminiscence, that he was a true ment, he could wade with facility and faithful disciple of Jesus ; not sin­ through very obscure writings, and less, not without fault;— but pure in doc­ offer perspicuous explanations of pas­ trine, deriving all his views of Chris­ sages sometimes unintelligible to the tian truth from the fountain of evan­ literati that visited him. gelism— “ the Bible, the Bible only,” Independently of various transla­ which he daily consulted ; full of faith, tions of tracts, too numerous to par­ through life humbly relying on the ticularize here, the great work of trans­ blood of the Lamb for pardon and sal­ lating the New Testament into the vation, and leaning on the arm of the colloquial Mandarin (aided by the Rev. Almighty Spirit to give success to his John Stronach, of Amoy), the Liturgy labours in seeking to save the lo s t; of the Church of England (which he earnest, fervent, ardent, glowing with undertook at the request of the Bishop love to God and zeal for him ; cheerful, of Victoria), and last, but not least, not dull, gloomy, or unlively, but him­ the revision of the entire Bible of the self happy, and making others “ joyful Old and New Testament Scriptures, in the Lord; ” honest, without guile, which was brought to a completion by without hypocrisy, open, candid, our honoured brother in conjunction straightforward, and transparent; given with the other associated delegates, to prayer, endowed with a gift for will form a signal memorial of his prayer, and always ready for it; active, success in improving the “ five talents” never inert, never slumbering, but delivered to him by his Lord and “ instant in season and out of season ” Master. Besides, we may observe, about his Master’s business; firm, and that in preaching the Gospel he was consistent, steadfast in his profession, as ready and diligent as in translations; and for nearly half a century one of in the temple or the market, the chapel “ the faithful in Christ Jesus ; ” and to or the shop, the town or the country, the end animated by the hope of the glory distributing the message of glad tidings of God, anticipating, as his favourite to all alike, proclaiming peace on earth hymn says (the last hymn, too, in and good will to men; and, till within singing which he called together his a few months of leaving Shanghai, family to join with him a day or two preaching once every day, and often before landing), “ Jerusalem, Jerusa­ three times on the Sabbath. He yearned lem, my happy home.” to see souls converted among the large His Christian hopes are already audiences that frequented his ministry ; realized, sooner realized than he him­ and during the latter years of his self expected,— sooner than we wished, residence he was gratified to see a but so soon as the Lord of heaven saw church growing around him of thirty he was “ meet for the inheritance of or forty members, gathered from sur­ the saints in light.” Thither hath our rounding pagans, some of them giving friend and brother gone, not to spend themselves to works of faith and la­ an eternity in idleness or inactivity. bours of love among their countrymen. He hath gone to a sphere of light and To the last we find this servant of the glory, in which the gigantic talents Church, with estimable singleness of that had been developed in his labours mind, devoting his generally robust for an empir« of darkness, are already health, his untiring zeal, and marvel­ consecrated “ to serve God and the lous energies to the great work of Lamb day and night without ceasing.” evangelizing the Chinese; throwing Cthly. W e cannot overlook the singu­ into this service all his natural and lar coincidence, that the Rev. Dr. Morri­ acquired endowments, his large expe­ son first embarked for China on the rience, his profound knowledge of the 31st of January, 1807, and that the language and the institutions of his funeral of our esteemed friend Dr. adopted sphere; so that, while we are Medhurst took place on the 30th of now called to mourn over his loss, we January, 1857. have great reason to thank the Head Thus endeth the fiftieth year of our of the Church that he had raised up, Protestant Mission to China, with an and long spared to us, one so eminently event unexpected and mournful— a loss qualified to do the work of an evan­ that can only be fully appreciated by gelist in the empire of China. his colleagues in the field, to whom his 166 DOMESTIC AFFAIRS. various labours have become familiar of no mean importance to the Christian — a loss that we in this country deeply church of the present day. In their feel at a juncture in the history of preliminary arrangements for their China like the present. Still, the work next anniversary (in May of the pre­ of evangelizing China is to proceed, it sent year), the Board of the London will go on, it must advance; and, Missionary Society had selected the among other lessons impressed on the Rev. Dr. Harris and the Rev. Dr. Med- friends of the Chinese mission, this is hurst to preach the missionary ser­ ptominent, that it is not in man to mons,— the one in Surrey Chapel,— the direct its steps, and its crowning suc­ other at the Tabernacle ; and that day cesses rest not with human talent or was anticipated with satisfaction when influence, but with him alone who hath the one should awaken our Congrega­ all power in heaven and on earth. To tional churches by his pious, silvery our missionary brethren in China gene­ eloquence, and the other by his stern, rally,— in Shanghai especially,— the ti­ stirring facts. dings that their senior in the mission But— both are already gathered to has been summoned away will be their fathers. Both are now slumber­ peculiarly afflictive ; and if, to their ing in the vaults of the silent dead at stricken hearts, any expression of sym­ Abney Park. To each the command pathy or condolence can even afford a had come forth, “ Go thy way, for the mite of comfort, we do assure them, words are closed up and sealed.” with all our heart, they have the fra­ “ My thoughts are not your thoughts, ternal sympathy of the Churches of neither are your ways my ways, saith Christ in Great Britain. the Lord : for as the heavens are In connection with the decease of higher than the earth, so are my ways this veteran missionary, another inci­ higher than your ways, and my dent has been brought to our know­ thoughts than your thoughts.” ledge, fraught, we believe, with lessons W . C. M.

gomesifc Affairs.

PARENTAL UNFAITHFULNESS. BY DR. CHALMERS. How strange it is that the same parent tenderness the calamities, or to obtain who is so intent on the preferment of for them the good things of this pre­ his children in the world, should be so sent life, there shall be so much of care utterly listless of their prospects, nor and of busy expedient, while not one put forth one endeavour to obtain for practical measure is taken either to them preferment in heaven— that he avert from them that calamity which who would mourn over it as the sorest is the most dreadful, or to secure for of his family trials, should one of them them that felicity which is the most be bereft of any of the corporeal senses, glorious. Why there is indeed such and yet should take it so easily although obvious demonstration in all this of none of them have a right sense of God time being regarded as our all, and or a right principle of godliness— that eternity being counted by us as nothing he, who would be so sorely astounded — so light an esteem in it of that God, did any of his little ones perish in a an inheritance in whom we treat as of conflagration or a storm, should be so far more value for those who are dear unmoved by all the fearful things that to us than that they should be made are reported of the region on the other richly to inherit the gifts of his pro­ side of death, where the fury of an vidence— such a preference for our­ incensed Lawgiver is poured upon all selves, and for the fleeting generations who have not fled to Christ as their that come after us, of the shortlived refuge from the tempest, and they are creature to the Creator who endureth made to lie down in the devouring fire, for ever, as most strikingly to mark, and to dwell with everlasting burnings even by the very loves and amiable sen­ — that to avert from the objects of our sibilities of our hearts, how profoundly SUNDAY AT HOME. a25 our pleasure; now, they are our friends; and spent his teens at St. Paul’s cathedral grammar it is no disgrace among us for a man to love his school, and then removed to the city of Glouces­ wife and show kindness to her, and bear the ter, where he was apprenticed to a printer, of burdens himself which were aforetime laid the name of Wood. The sprightly character of upon the poor squaw.” the youth had already begun to be developed. In brief words, after this, and at painful His face was open, frank, lively, unclouded; intervals of weakness and fainting, Tekoma his manners were brisk, quick, winning; his bade farewell to his friends individually. speech ready, off-hand, straightforward, some­ Where was their boasted native stoicism now ? times blunt, and often racy with humour : what Gone ; swallowed up in natural sorrow. Tears he did, he did from the heart, promptly and ran down faces unused to weep, even in the without delay; and what he enjoyed, he en­ extremity of bodily pain. They wept freely joyed to the very core and thoroughly. This now, as to some the dying chief whispered— was all right and legitimate. It was perfectly for his voice had now sunk to a whisper-—ex­ natural to him. It was the man himself—just hortations to live in peace, and to love one what the same man afterwards was in Java and another, even as Christ had loved them; and China— precisely what he was at twenty, and in not to separate from their fellow Christians, his declining days. His original vivacity never because it was the natural warmth of Christian forsook him, as all that knew him can testify. love that kept the flame of love to Christ burn­ But, before he was fourteen years of age, his ing brightly in their souls. Others he ex­ native liveliness gave way to an insidious horted to seek the Lord while he was to be influence. It ran in “ the broad road to destruc­ found, and to abandon the evil practices which tion,” assuming a type objectionable and hurt­ still clung to them, and to put no trust in the ful ; for he became a frequenter of theatres, vain and false Manitous, but in the living and other places of questionable amusement. Saviour. He exhorted them all to obedience There he was plunging fast intq the whirl of to the laws, which, with the assistance and by giddy dissipation. But, through a kind provi­ the advice of Tuweeksung, their friend and dence, ho was stayed, in a manner not strik­ teacher, had been framed for the government ing or wonderful, but so decided that a visible of the town; * and to follow peace, as much as change came over the complexion of his life. ■wag possible, with all men, especially with He had an elder brother, named William, who their heathen brethren around. was a sailor. By a fall from the topmast, he Then lie laid bis hand affectionately on Semo- broke his leg, and was sent home to London. quin, intimating rather than expressing his At first, one would say that this accident was desiro that their choice of a future chief might unfortunate, but the ultimate results of this fall upon him; and last of all in this solemn disaster mado “ the lame man leap as a hart,” scene, and while the cold dews of death stood and say, “ it is good for me that I have been on his brow, and the film of death glazed his afflicted.” He had hitherto lived “ without the eyes, the lips of Tekoma moved as though in fear of God before his eyes ;” but, one sabbath fervent though inaudible prayer, while he gently evening, as he hobbled along the centre of Lon­ sank back into the arms of Mark Thoresby. don, he sighted the old Weigh-House Chapel, The scene was over; the shades of evening at that time occupied by the congregation had fallen ; the inanimate body of the old chief under the pastoral eare of the late Rev. John had been tenderly conveyed to its former habi­ Clayton. Partly weary, partly curious, he tation, and the spirit had returned to God who walked in to take a seat. The straggler’s gave it. attention was caught. A message from God that evening fell upon the youth’s ear, “ quick, powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword,” THE LATE DR. MEDHUEST, and was the effective means of softening his MISSIONARY TO CHINA. heart. Immediately on his conversion, \Y illiam T he first ^ epoch of Walter Henry Medhurst’s felt intense anxiety about the spiritual state of life is easily and briefly told. He was bom in his brother Walter, and wrote to him from 1796, “ within the sound of Bow bells;” he London, affectionately urging him to attend to the concerns of religion. William also exacted * ‘ At an assembly of Sachems and other principal from his younger brother a promise that he Indians, they agreed to repress, by heavy fines, all in­ temperance, conjuring, falsehood, theft, profanation of the Lord’s day, impurity, gambling, and quarrelling. They to seek after God, to understand and escape the tempta­ determined to punish adultery and murder with death; tions of Satan, to improve their time, to live peaceably they resolved to abandon their old practices of howling witli one another, to labour after humility, to pay their for the dead, and of adorning their hair and greasing debts, and to establish prayer in their habitations.' their bodies; they expressed their desire and resolution Life of the Rev. John Eliot. 326 SUNDAY AT HOME. would go to the Independent chapel, in South- Ho paid a short visit to England in 1837 and gate-street, Gloucester, and hear tho licv. 1838, where he was laboriously engaged in William Bishop preach. To redeem that making his appeals to the Christian churches promise, Walter went. Seeing the chapel door on behalf of China, and likewise prepared his open, ho slunk in, and took a pew nearest the interesting work, entitled, “ China, its State door, not daring to hold up his head. Ho felt and Prospects.” he was a stranger in a strange place, and ex­ On the five Chinese ports being opened to perienced no little awkwardness. Mr. Bishop foreigners by the Nanking treaty of 1842, Mr. had already commenced his sermon; but, re­ Medhurst was removed from Batavia to Shang­ peating his text shortly after the wandering hai. In conjunction with his colleagues, ho youth had entered— “ a firebrand plucked out opened that mission, where he laboured with of the burning,” (Amos iv. 11)—the words exemplary patience and zeal till he re-embarked came with divine power on the heart of this for England in September, 1856—just forty hearer. He thought that he himself was ad­ years after he had first quitted his native shores dressed personally, and he left the chapel con­ as an ambassador to the Gentiles. As neither vinced that Mr. B. must have known all about time nor space will admit a lengthened detail his former life and his giddy irreligion. The of his useful labours, a few brief notices of the impressions thus made, deepened, till he became prominent scenes of the last fourteen years of “ a new creature in Christ Jesus.” his life must suffice. At this era of his history, Walter, with the Adventure was an element in th e character life, warmth, and promptitude so characteristic o f our deceased friend, but it was accom­ of him, betook himself to various plans of work­ panied w it h discreet and cautious prudence. ing in his Saviour’s service. During the While in his occasional flightB of enterprise week-days ho kept to the printer’s desk ; but on the appetite for the curious and romantic was Sunday, he wjis up with the lark, teaching tho satisfied, his chief object in undertaking them young in sabbath schools, giving away tracts in was the prosecution o f his missionary work, the highways and lanes, or in villages around, or, as he in one case observed, “ to discover and addressing the people on the way of salva­ facilities for tract distribution and free inter­ tion. In spite of occasional opposition, his zeal course among the natives of the interior.” Of in the service of God increased, and his heart th is nature was h is voyage along th e coast of burned within him to be employed in some China as far as the Shantung promontory. pagan sphere as an evangelist. This was taken in 1835, during the months of An opening at last appeared. The services September and October, several years previous of a missionary printer were much needed at to the opening o f th e ports o f China. A small Malacca, a station occupied by Dr. Milne in the foreign brig was placed at h is service by some Malayan Archipelago. Hearing of this, Mr. Christian merchants at Canton, manned by Medhurst applied to the London Missionary English seamen, and commanded by an English Society, tendering his services as a printer. captain. He w a s accompanied by an American His application being supported by his pastor missionary, Mr. Stevens. Dr. Medhurst was a t Gloucester, and the church of which he greatly delighted with this trip, and was san­ was a member, he was acceptod. Having guine as to t h e results likely to fo l l o w from it. turned his twentieth year, Mr. Medhurst em­ At the end of that voyage, he drew up the barked from his native shores, in September, following summary of it:— “ I have gone 1816 ; but, through the detention of the vessel through various parts of four provinces and a t Madras, he did not reach Malacca for nearly many villages, giving away about 18,000 a twelvemonth afterwards. His arrival was volumes, of which 6000 were portions of Scrip­ hailed with delight by Dr. Milne, who at once ture, amongst a cheerful and willing people, transferred to his new colleague the sole care of without meeting with the least aggression or the printing department. injury; having been always received by the From the period of his arrival at his destina­ people with a cheerful smile, and most generally tion, Mr. M. continued till 1843 to labour in by the officers with politeness and respect. I succession at the various stations occupied by pray that the Divine blessing may descend on the London Missionary Society in the Indian the seed sown, and make it bring forth an Archipelago, especially at Batavia. He devoted abundant harvest.” this entire period of twenty-seven years to But, shortly after opening the Shanghai every conceivable scheme of missionary effort mission, he undertook another journey, still in the straits of Malacca— to tho study of various more novel and hazardous, into the interior of languages, to translations, school-instruction, the country— extending to a distance of GOO or printing, itinerating and preaching, being 700 miles from the coast. His companion or “ instant in season and out of season.” guide in this undertaking was a converted SUNDAY AT HOME. 327

Chinese. Under his pilotage, Dr. M. quitted wo call “ a tail ”) to the hair of the crown. Shanghai on the 27th of March, 1845, leaving That an artificial queue like this should some­ his wife and family at that mission station; times drop off was to be expected ; and that, in and, having taken a glance at the interior of the case of a foreigner in disguise, its falling off China, or rather at the silk and green tea should awaken some anxiety, was not to be districts, he returned in safety to the circle of wondered at. In his journal of their tour, Dr. his friends on the 14th of May, after an absenco Medhurst mentions the following incident: of more than six weeks. “ After sitting at table sometimes, engaged in During this rapid run through some of the discussion (with a party of natives), I rose and middle provinces of the empire, Dr. Medhurst retired to the bedroom; but, in a few minutes learned a great deal of the real condition of the afterwards, I observed my guide coming in with country and the people, but was greatly em­ my queue in his hand. It had dropped off barrassed in any attempt to distribute tracts or whilst I was sitting in the chair, and had been preach the gospel, by the natural fear that the left behind» My guide was greatly agitated as detection of a foreigner in disguise might in­ he brought in the detached queue, and I could volve his confidante and guide in serious con­ not help sympathizing with him. He said that sequences. One conclusion to which lw was he had just escaped a fearful danger; for, had then led was, that a Christian missionary could the queue become loose or fallen off during our not carry out the purposes of his mission previous march, or at any one of the numerous effectively under the assumed garb and guise iuns and tea-shops at which we put up, we of a Chinaman. Throughout these six Weeks could not have prevented our secret being dis­ of interior travels, he had been disguised as covered. Ho proceeded as speedily as possiblo such. He “ put on ” the dress and manners of to remedy the dalnage. This he did by un­ a native. Being an fait at the language, there winding the locks of hair in the queue and was little in this to lead to discovery. But tying them separately with thread on to tho there were three things which he felt very locks of my own hair behind the crown. 11 is awkward about, and which he considered likely fear lest another accident of the kind should to place his incognito in jeopardy: first, his happen, made him tie the knot so much faster light-coloured eyes; secondly* his want of a as greatly to inconvenience me. This, however, queue; and thirdly, eating with chopsticks. was cheerfully borne, and greater care of course On the first occasion of difficulty, Dr» Mi was taken in future* lest a like mishap should himself subsequently remarked: “ Should the occur in a more public place, where the evil eyes of the traveller be of a light colour, it might be irreparable.” would be better to conceal them by spectacles, There was a third dilemma in which our plain or coloured; both of which may bo missionary traveller found himself, as ho got obtained, made of rock crystal, affording suffi­ amongst the genuine natives of the interior of cient protection to the eye from the glare, and, tho empire. It was occasioned by his clumsy as they are very large, screening it, when pass­ and awkward use of the “ chopsticks.” Here­ ing through large cities, from the curious gaze tofore, he had always used the English knife, of spectators. The best kind to be worn are fork, or spoon; but to do in China as tho glasses made of (what is called) the tea stone, Chinese do, ho must put these utensils aside for about two inches in diameter, with black var­ the “ nimble lads,” as they designate the pair nished rims and made to fit with strings behind of common sticks employed in eating their the ears. When travelling through mountain­ food. Dr. M. jotted down his account of a ous districts or secluded villages, spectacles visit he paid to an intimate friend of his made of plain crystal would answer the purpose, guide, at a large town in tho grcen-tea dis­ as the country people are not so much accus­ trict. “ My fellow traveller being well ac­ tomed to seo persons walking about with quainted with tho manager of one of tho tea coloured glasses, as are those who live in towns. establishments, we stopped at his house for tho The foreign traveller had better be particular night. On alighting from our sedan chairs, we in this matter, as the eyes are the first things were greeted with a kindly welcome by the that attract notice, and may be the most likely host, who entertained us in a hospitablo man­ to lead to tlie discovery of his origin.” ner, and treated us with every mode of kind­ A second desideratum, which Dr. Medhurst ness and respect. We were first regaled with found essential in his preliminary arrange­ basins of hot vermicelli soup; and, as tho ments, was to assimilate his coiffure to that of a evoning set in, a large feast was prepared for Chinaman, that he might pass unobserved us in the central hall. Tho lights upon tho through the interior. For this purpose, he table, however, were very dim, and as I wore underwent the shaving of the head, all but the a pair of dark-coloured spectacles, to prevent crown, and the appending of a long plait (which any remarks being made upon my eyes, I was <328 SUNDAY AT HOME.

PORTRAIT OP 2. M KDHL'RST.

unable distinctly to see what was in the dishes familiarity with the instrument employed. before me. With a great deal of difficulty I His son, a young man between twenty and was enabled to take up with the chopsticks a thirty, certainly suspected something unusual few pieces of meat from the dishes in the middle in the strange guest, for I could perceive him of the table, which I not unfrequently let fall watching my motions and eyeing me from before they reached my plate or could be con­ top to toe. I was glad, therefore, when the veyed to my mouth. Our kind host saw the feast was ended, and we removed from the ill- dilemma I was in, and persisted in assisting me lighted table to a still more gloomy part of the to secure the most dainty bits and lodge them room.” in my plate. He must liavo seen, however, After sundry encounters and novel adven­ that I behaved myself most awkwardly, and tures, our traveller at the expiration of six or acted as no Chinaman would have done under seven weeks returned, gratified with his rusti­ the circumstances. Indeed, nothing but his cation in the heart of China, and resumed native politeness could have led him to over­ with his wonted energy the ordinary duties of look the slips, or prevented him from attributing his station at Shanghai. In a future paper we them to the right causes, namely, a want of shall see the result of his exertions. i , SUNDAY AT HOME. 341 security and civilization, and domestic comfort, j They met generally in a square or open place, which might have been sought for in vain where the passengers could not be incommoded, in that or any neighbouring spot, a few years and at the close of these public harangues qui- before; while the spacious edifice for Christian e ly retired, or made a way for Laou-mih (as worship, now thronged with devout listeners they designated their foreign teacher) to pass to the Word of Life — the great word— and the out. On these interesting occasions for scat­ quiet which reigns in the town, where scarcely tering “ the good seed,” tho “ sower” met with an inhabitant can bo seen, would tell of at encouragement from the people everywhere. least an outward observance of the sabbath, Indeed, the only trouble experienced was from such as in Christian communities of larger op­ the too great anxiety of the natives to crowd portunities and longer standing, would scarcely round the preacher, and to obtain from, him a be found. j tract. At present, this difficulty is what every Enter the habitations— you may, for they are | missionary in China has to encounter; so that, unsecured by locks or bolts— and you will find 1 in the distribution of books, he is compelled to them deserted by all but here and there the give them carefully and cautiously to those who sick or infirm, and their needful attendants. seem able to read. Any attempt at distributing The mystery, if there be one, is explained ; for them in the face of a crowd generally ends listen, from yonder Christian assembly, the in the tracts being pulled in pieces, through song of praise rises and fills the air with music the eagerness of the people to secure copies. to which angels do not disdain to listen, from But there was one missionary tour of the the united voices of “ young men and maidens, above description, from which Dr. Medhurst old men and children,” whose only songs would returned after a narrow escape from death. once have been the war-whoop, the yell of The danger in question was incurred in tho triumph or defeat, and the boasted and boasting month of March, 1848, at a town thirty miles death-song. from Shanghai, called Tsingpoo, from which every year a large fleet of “ grain junks” pro­ ceeds along the imperial canal to the metro­ THE LATE DE. MEDHUEST, polis, Pekin, bearing the taxed produce of each MISSIONARY TO CHINA. province. A good opportunity was thus af­ PART II. forded for distributing tracts among the mari­ F r o m the very opening of the mission, Dr. ners of China, and, through them, for circulat­ Medliurst had been in the habit of preaching ing God’s Word in the northern parts of the to large numbers of Chinese, first in his own empire. Tsingpoo had been visited for this house, and latterly in chapels built in the city purpose in 1847 with great success. On the for that purpose. One of them was erected return of Dr. Medhurst in 1848 to this door of partly by the subscriptions of native residents entrance, he found that many of these inland and merchants, who, although they were them­ sailors were out of employ, and that most of selves bigotted idolaters, so far resigned their them had their claims on the Chinese govern­ religious prejudices, that they might give somo ment unadjusted. There was, in consequence, real and tangible evidence of good-will to the dissatisfaction prevailing among them. They foreigners, who had come to them from a far had grown reckless; and, in this condition of country with the view of teaching them the indolenco and impatience, they seemed ready way of salvation. The success of the mis­ for any disturbance, and especially to annoy or sionary was daily apparent; at least, his power insult foreigners, if not to rob them. in gathering large audiences that had never Dr. Medhurst reached Tsingpoo early on the heard a syllable of Jesus and his truth. Some­ morning of March the 8th, with two of his col­ times, in that chapel, as many as five hundred leagues ; and, as his custom was, proceeded to natives have been assembled. During the whole distribute tracts from house to house. From of the services, they preserved the greatest the turbulent temper existing among the junk­ decorum and stillness, and, at the conclusion, men, no public preaching was attempted. the people invariably dispersed in order and While engaged in tract distribution, how­ quiet to their respective homes or avocations. ever, a number of Shantung navigators came Dr. Medhurst was also in the habit of preach­ behind the missionaries, pushing and striving ing in the various towns within the limit of to get a larger number of tracts than would °ne day’s journey from his station at Shanghai. properly fall to their share, throwing stones At these places he often gave notice of his ap­ also, shouting, and yelling. Dr. Medhurst proaching visit a short time previously, by turned about, and facing tho mob, asked what Cleans of small hand-bills stuck upon the walls, they meant by making such a disturbance ; ho and on reaching the spot he used to find desired, too, to know who the ringleaders were, the people assembled in hundreds to hear him. that they and lie might both appear before tho 342 SUNDAY AT HOME. native magistrate. Upon this, the mob became the only instance in which, on the shores of still, and moving to each side of the street, China, our venerable friend met with such left a free passage for the missionaries, who rough handling, from people who hitherto and proceeded quietly in their work till it was time hereafter invariably respected and honoured to return to their boats. They had not got the very name of Medhurst. above half a mile, however, from the gates of As a missionary, Dr. Medhurst united the Tsingpoo, when they observed a crowd of peo­ unwearied application of a student with the ple rushing after them with the most infuri­ active duties of an evangelist. His attainments ated looks and gestures, and armed with poles, in oriental languages and literature were ex­ bars, swords, and chains. Dr. Medhurst, with tensive ; but his knowledge of the Chinese his companions, began to talk calmly with the tongue was, both for its accuracy and extent, mon, but to no purpose ; he was attacked most unrivalled. In addition to several philological furiously by the rabble. At last, unable to works, designed to facilitate the acquisition of make head against such numbers of armed Chinese, Dr. M. was the author of numerous men, he and some missionaries that accom­ treatises and tracts, explanatory of the divine panied him ran for their lives. The race con­ principles of Christianity— works which have tinued for more than a mile ; but they were had an extensive circulation in the interior overtaken. The pursuers came on in increas­ of the empire. But the revision and transla­ ing numbers and with redoubled fury, cutting tion of the entire Bible, in which (while he off all chance of retreat. Another attempt at was greatly aided by his surviving coadjutors, parley was made, but in vain; for they ap- Messrs. Stronach and Milne) ho was the most roached nearer and nearer, with long poles, efficient labourer, will bo his memorial through eavy hoes, ponderous rakes, and other rough future ages among the myriads of the Chinese, weapons. While warding off the blows aimed who, by the grace and power of the Holy at him, Dr. Medhurst was struck from behind on Spirit resting upon it, may be turned front the crown of the head; and being stunned, he dumb idols to serve the living God. Dr. fell on the ground. The cowardly assailants, Medhurst was the translator of the New Tes­ seeing their victim prostrate, rushed upon him, tament version, of which a few years since the struck him with their clubs while lying on his Christian churches of Great Britain voted one face, and wounded him severely on the knee million copies to be given to the Chinese people. with a blunt sword. As plunder was their This great and useful man, having been in main object, they proceded to rob him of his the missionary field full forty years, left the watch, spectacles, cane, cap, etc. The other adopted land of his toil and labour on the missionaries shared a similar fate : but Dr. 10th of September, 1856. lie quitted it, thank­ Medhurst, felt the attack the more severely at ful that God had spared his life to see that his time of life ; and it was only through the the country was opened to Christian enter­ watchful providenpe of God that the blows did prise ; that the interest of the churches had not cause immediate death. been directed to the claims of China; that After the work of pillage was over, the ruf­ there were already in the field one hundred fians forced their captives back to the city, missionaries from various nations and Christian dealing out fresh blows when any reluctance denominations, while every' form of effort was in was shown, or any appeal for rescue was made. active operation. He rejoiced especially that But, by the time the escort reached the city three great objects of his life had been realised gates, the grain junkmen had, one. by one, ■—the preparat ion of a Chinese dictionary to help slunk away. The townspeople disowned the English students, the foundation of a Christian savagery which had been perpetrated on their church over which he was pastor at Shanghai foreign visitors, and showed the utmost sympa­ for several years, and the revision of the whole thy. The looal magistrate conducted the suf­ Bible in the Chinese tongue. But, though he ferers into his audience-room, and having given left China at the advanced age of sixty, and them refreshment, put down the particulars of with a broken constitution, he still hoped to the outrage. He further promised to punish return to it and spend the remnant of his days the aggressors, and to use every means for there. However, it was otherwise arranged restoring the stolen articles. Having provided by an allwise Providence. A chronic disease, sedans to convoy the disabled missionaries back which had hung about him several months pre­ to their own boats, he despatched two military vious to his leaving Shanghai, continued to un­ and two civil officers to escort and protect them dermine his strength, so that when he landed in from further harm. They at last reached their England on the 21st of January of the current station at Shanghai in safety, but smarting year, he was a wreck, so shattered that he was (especially Dr. Medhurst) under the wounds not even recognised by those who had been and miseries inflicted. This, we believe, was most intimate with him abroad. He died SUNDAY AT HOME. 343

■within throe days of his landing. During a advantage of correspondence with Dr. Med­ part of this brief space allotted him in his hurst, and were anticipating the gratification native land, he, from prudential motives, was of personal conference with him on various kept, very quiet, so that ho spoke little to any subjects connected with the dissemination of person about him, and towards the close he the Scriptures in the country to whose re­ was quite insensible and speechless. He ex­ ligious well-being he had devoted his life, pired at half-past eight o’clock on tho even­ when the tidings of his death reached them; ing of Saturday the 24th of January, without and while they cannot avoid the conviction a struggle. Thus ended the life of a Hercules that the removal of Dr. Medhurst is an event in missionary labours and success. The London deeply to be deplored, they desire to bow in Missionary Society provided for the burial of submission to this mysterious dispensation of their veteran agent; and deputations from that Providence, and would earnestly pray that body, as well as from the Bible, Tract, and God may raise up and richly endow with all Church Missionary Societies, followed his re­ needful qualifications, many who shall conse­ mains to Abney Park Cemetery. There his crate their lives to the same noble service as “ mortal ” was committed to the dust. But his that in which Dr. Medhurst felt it his privilege “ immortal ” had already entered into tho full to spend and be spent.” enjoyment of the new Jerusalem. Thither may The following letter from the Bishop of Vic­ we and our readers follow the departed one. toria (Hong Kong), addressed to the Foreign Upon receiving intelligence of his death, Secretary of the London Missionary Society, the Bible Society passed the following resolu­ will be read with interest, as the testimony tion :— of one well acquainted with the character and “ The committee cannot receive the intelli­ services of the deceased missionary :— gence of the death of the Rev. Dr. Medhurst “ Loudon, 2nd March, 1857. without recording their deep feelings of regret “ It is scarcely necessary that I should re­ on the mournful occasion. The period during mind yoli (who know it so well) that our which Dr. Medhurst has laboured for the lamented friend might, if he had chosen, have spiritual welfare of China, spreading oyer left his widow in circumstances of affluence. forty years ; and the zeal, intelligence, and de­ Ho declined the offer of the British govem- voted piety by which his efforts have ever ifieht to fill a situation with nearly 1000/. been distinguished, render his removal a loss a-year as interpreter, and preferred labouring of no ordinary magnitude to tho cause of as a missionary on the limited stipend furnished Christian missions. But this committee feel by your society. it incumbent to make special reference to the “ His Christian zeal, activity, and disin­ invaluable services rendered by Dr. Medhurst terestedness, were as apparent as his ability in translating the Scriptures into the Chinese and learning as a Chinese scholar. Instead of language. With powers of mind singularly livihg in luxury and leaving wealth to his adapted for the acquisition of that most diffi­ family, he preferred, in the singleness of his cult language, combined with untiring patience heart, the more honourable calling of a preacher and indomitable perseverance, it is believed of tho gospel, and to remain in connexion with that he has left no equal in accurate and ex­ the missionary work. For forty years ho tensive acquaintance with the language and laboured most industriously and faithfully. literature of China. The knowledge thus His various works in Chinese, Malay, and possessed was devoted with undeviating fide­ other tongues, form almost a literature in lity and constancy to the work of furnishing themselves. Besides many Christian tracts, the Chinese with an intelligible, lucid, and and helps to assist learners of Chinese and laithful translation of the Holy Scriptures. Japanese, he principally performed the dis­ Availing himself, as far as practicable, of the tinguished work of translating the last version labours of his predecessors in the same de­ of the whole Bible into Chinese; and it is with partment, he was mainly instrumental in pre­ special thankfulness that I add, that he trans­ paring a version of the Scriptures, possessing, lated our English Liturgy into Chinese among in the opinion of competent, judges, far higher the latest labours of his life. merit as to general correctness and adaptation “ I long and intimately enjoyed his friend­ than any translation previously completed. ship, and I revere his memory ; and pray God And the Committee cannot help regarding it abundantly to bless the beloved ones who sur­ as a matter of devout thankfulness that his vive him. life was spared to witness the conclusion and printing of that translation of the entire Bible “ I remain, dear Sir, known by the designation of the ‘ Delegates’ “ Yours very sincerely, Version.’ The committee have long had the “ (Signed) G. V ic t o r ia .” 344 SUNDAY AT HOME. MEMOIR

OF THE LATE

REV. DR. MEDHURST.

{Reprintedfrom, the Evangelical Magazine.)

MEMOIR OF THE

LATE REV. DR. MEDHURST.

H is early life is soon told. he never failed to speak with affec­ W a l t e r H e n r y (that was his Chris­ tionate interest, especially of the late tian name) was born in London in Rev. W . C. Loveless, and Richard 1796, and was educated at St. Paul’s Knill, whose acquaintance he had made Cathedral School. He went to Glou­ during that stay. It was here likewise cester at the age of fourteen ; was ap­ he formed an alliance by marriage with prenticed as a printer in that city; was the lady who is now left to mourn over converted under the ministry of the her loss, after a happy wedlock of full late Rev. William Bishop; joined the forty years. Mrs. Medhurst was the Congregational church assembling at first person converted in India by the Southgate Chapel; evinced some zeal instrumentality of Richard K n ill; and and tact in Sabbath-school instruction, the importance of this providential tract distribution, and village preach­ connexion with the subject of our me­ ing; had his heart inflamed with a moir can only be appreciated by those desire to be engaged in Missionary that are cognizant of her devotion to toils ; responded to an advertisement the interests ever dear to her husband’s for a printer to join the Mission at heart. Malacca; was accepted by the Directors Mr. Medhurst reached his destina­ of the London Missionary Society, at tion at Malacca in June, 1817, where the earnest recommendation of the his arrival was hailed with delight by Christian friends in Gloucester; spent the late Dr. Milne, who was at the a few months prior to his departure time quite alone, without any helper in at Hackney College, then under the his work, and struggling under a load charge of Dr. Collison ; and embarked of cares and labours, far too heavy for from England in September, 1816, at an enfeebled constitution. the age of twenty. The special duties immediately un­ It is to the subsequent forty years of dertaken by Medhurst were connected his life that our attention is chiefly with the mission press at Malacca. called, during which period our deceased The “ gift of tongues,” however,— of friend gradually rose into notice and which he had more than an ordinary eminence as a Christian Missionary, share of endowment,— naturally enough reniarkable for energy, devotedness, was directed to the acquisition of the and efficiency. Malay language, spoken among the I he vessel in which Walter Henry natives of that peninsula, and especially • h'dhurst left his native shores was to the study of the Chinese, which was obliged en route to put in at Madras. professedly the mother-tongue of the " e Christian intercourse which he thousands, who even at that day were enjoyed in the Missionary circle at that emigrating from “ the middle kingdom” station was very beneficial to him ; and to the various dependencies in Malaysia. 4 MEMOIR OF THE XATE EEV. Bit. MEDHTJEST.

And that tribute which Dr. Milne, so labours successively at Penang and early as 1820, paid to the lingual Batavia,— chiefly at the latter place, powers of his junior colleague, not only where he worked efficiently among Ma­ was well merited at the time, but was lays, Chinese, Javanese, as well as fully confirmed during his subsequent Dutch and English residents. Among history as a Chinese Missionary. The other monuments of his labours at eulogy referred to runs thus:— Batavia, there is the Orphan Asylum “ Mr. Medhurst began his Chinese at Parapattan, which still preserves its studies with teachableness of spirit, vigour and perpetuates its success; which never fails to secure respect and many who were once its inmates affection for a young man’s character, cherishing with feelings of gratitude and and to produce a cheerful readiness in reverence the memory of its founder’s others to assist him when they can; name. and he pursued them with a persever­ In 1836, Mr. Medhurst paid a visit ing ardour which excited in the mind to his native country,where he sojourned of his associate the pleasing expecta­ for two years. liuring that time his tion of his making good progress travels on deputation were extensive, as a Chinese student, and becoming, at his addresses manly and straightfor­ no distant period, a useful coadjutor in ward, and his appeals on behalf of the mission ; an expectation which has China very effective,— particularly in by no means been ’disappointed.”* the work entitled “ China, its State and Having shown remarkable fitness for Prospects,” which he prepared previous preaching, he was ordained to the work to quitting England a second time. of the ministry by Dr. Milne and his But there was one special purpose on colleagues, in 1819. Among the private which Mr. Medhurst’s heart was set, papers of the deceased, there has been and which he sought during that visit, found the certificate of his ordination, viz. that there should be a thorough — the style and simplicity of which revision of the Chinese translation of document, not to say also the material the Scriptures. This met with a refusal, on which it is recorded, afford a singular which at the time greatly disheartened contrast to ordination-articles of the our friend. His natural elasticity of the same class popular now-a-days. It temper, however, helped him to rise reads:— above the disappointment, as well as “ This is to certify, that the Rev. the testimony of a “ good conscience ” Walter Henry Medhurst, a member of that he was seeking to do God service. the Ultra-Ganges Missions, under the It was perhaps a suggestion rather patronage of the Missionary Society, premature then ; but it led to further usually denominated the London Mis­ inquiry; and our honoured Missionary sionary Society, was ordained to the lived long enough to see his “ darling sacred office ofaMinisterandMissionary scheme ” (we can call it nothing else) of Jesus Christ, by prayer and laying cordially approved of, taken up with on of hands, the 27th day of April, one promptness, carried out with vigour, thousand eight hundred and nineteen, and crowned with success, in’ what is denominated “ The Delegates’ Version by us— of the Scriptures.” W il l ia m M il n e , Mr. Medhurst returned to his station J o h n S l a t e r , in Java in 1838; but, when the five Malacca, J am e s M il t o n , ports were opened to foreign intercourse, April 27, 1819. J. I n c e .” under the treaty of Nanking, Dr. Med­ Subsequent to being thus “ set apart,” hurst moved up the whole Mission from Mr. Medhurst pursued his Missionary Batavia to Shanghai, about 1843. * Retrospect of Chinese Missions, There this standard-bearer of the truth p. 195. continued at his post, until he was com­ MEMOIR Or THE LATE IiEY. DR. MEDHURST. 5 pelled, by a worn-out constitution, to re- | his knowledge of the written language embark for England in September last was still more astonishing. By this year. ! means he gained most extensive in- Thus «thrown at Shanghai into the ; formation on the literature, philosophy, Chinese Empire, and having his lot cast and ancient history of China, which, among genuine Chinese, Dr. Medhurst had his life been spared, might have gave full play to his remarkable “ gift.” been of value now to people in the But for us to specify within the narrow West, whose attention appears at last pages assigned for an obituary in the to be a little awakened towards China E v a n g e l ic a l M a g a z in e , the abun­ and her people. dant labours of this Missionary veteran, Possessed of talents such as these, even during his service at Shanghai of Dr. Medhurst gave himself earnestly to fourteen years, is utterly impossible. the preaching of the Word and to It is enough for us to say that God translatorial labours. In preaching he having blessed him with a wiry frame, was pre-eminent, and to this he gave good health, overflowing spirits,aptness special prominence; so that, no matter for everything, promptitude in action, what other equally important duties facility for improving each “ golden pressed upon him, he never relaxed in spot in time,” and indomitable per­ this department. On week-days as on severance, the Father of the Shanghai the Sabbath-day, in the country as in Mission devoted all to his high vocation the city, in the chapel as in the open as a Missionary of Jesus Christ among thoroughfare, he was alike assiduous in the Chinese, and has left behind him commending the grace of God and pro­ a perfect example of what a real Mis­ claiming the blessed gospel. A small sionary of the times should be,— a church of native converts was built up thorough student of the language of the at Shanghai, under the watchful care people among whom he labours, a ready of Dr. Medhurst; and the loss they feel preacher in it, an invaluable translator, now at his removal is great— the an­ a man-of-all-work and of-work-at-all- nouncement of his decease creating a times, a considerate, thoughtful fellow- panic. Besides this, his facility of labourer, an earnest, faithful Christian, speaking the dialect intelligibly, and — “ instant in season and out.of season,” his advanced age, obtained for him “ diligent in business, fervent in spirit, respect and attention in the surrounding servingthe Lord,” “ withgoodwill,doing country ; so that “ his very name forms service as to the Lord, and not to men.” to the present day a general cognomen By his untiring industry, he acquired for all missionaries ” * in towns and an extensive knowledge of the several villages inland. languages common in the Indian archi­ His translatorial duties it is impos­ pelago, where he first laboured, and sible to overrate. Of works of this chiefly of the Chinese tongue and liter­ class we have before us an incomplete ature, in which he became facile list; but, upon it there are named no princeps. He acquired an unwonted less than 62— 8 in the Malay tongue, familiarity and facility in the spoken 34 in Chinese, and 20 from Chinese language of that empire, and became into English— the latter consisting of thoroughly au fait in the Mandarin, aids to the study of the Chinese lan­ Fuhkien, and Shanghai dialects. Thus guage in the shape of manuals, voca­ he was able to converse and preach, bulary or dictionaries, and pamphlets with marvellous ease and readiness, to or books explanatory of Chinese notions, various classes of natives, that were customs, and history. But under this Unreachable except through their own peculiar patois; an attainment, indeed, * Sermon by Rev. W . Muirhead, of ° f which very few of the natives Shanghai, preached on occasion of the themselves can boast. But probably death of Dr. Medhurst. 6 MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. DR. MEDHUR8T.

head the works in which he has ren­ I considerate manner in which he acted dered the most efficient assistance in towards them. There was no assump- establishing the Chinese mission are, the | tion on his part, but the humblest translation of the Holy Scriptures and unpretending fellow-labourer ielt him­ the English Liturgy into the Chinese self at ease in his presence. He might language. The special aid afforded by appear distant and reserved to a him in completing these works presents stranger, but the feeling was more in a lasting memorial of his ability and that individual’s own mind, from his scholarship; and through these writ­ previous ideas of the man;— on further ings, although he be now dead, he acquaintance with him, it was found will continue to speak to that people to that he was marked by an unwonted the latest period of time. degree of mildness, blandness, and Every one that saw the man could openness, both in manner and dispo­ not but remark his energy, activity, sition. Those who were more imme­ and diligence in missionary operations diately connected with him in missionary generally. In the superintendence of work, and had constant opportunities the press, in itinerating through the of intercourse with him, ever felt that neighbouring towns and villages, in in him they had a true and warm­ conducting correspondence with the hearted Christian friend. There was Missionary, Bible, and Tract Societies, no restraint in their feelings towards and in watching over the native church him, or their communications with him ; and the general interests of the Mis­ but, while .rendering ‘ honour to whom sion (all which involved no inconsider­ honour was due,’ they were encouraged able amount of physical labour), he by his uniform bearing to regard him was regular and indefatigable, per­ with more than usual affection and forming those varied duties, not in a esteem. Their reminiscences of their perfunctory mode, but throwing his venerated and now lamented friend whole soul into them, as matters in will long remain with them, and will which he felt the greatest interest and be precious to them as they tread this delight. Unmistakably China was the wilderness-world without him.” right sphere of labour for such a one; Then, adverting to “ the Christian and as this field became wider and tone of his spirit, and the fervour and wider, he was ever ready to suggest spirituality of his prayers; he was new plans of usefulness for those imme­ evidently advanced and advancing in diately associated with him, and at the this frame of mind, and the more so, same time was foremost to lead the it seemed to us, as he was drawing near way. the close of his residence in China. The O f his bearing towards his fellow- bereavements he was called to sustain, labourers, we quote what Mr. Muir- the afflictions that he felt coming upon head, speaking in the name of his himself, and the more serious aspect he brethren on the spot, says :— was led to take of things generally, “ Fromhis many years’ residence and made it appear as if he felt his end labours as a Christian missionary, it approaching, and imparted a solemnity, might be supposed that he would look an earnestness, and a heavenliness to for more than an ordinary amount of his devotions that often deeply im­ deference and respect, in the case of pressed us. Alike at the domestic altar those associated with him, but who and at the social meeting, have we were so far below him in age and witnessed this holy characteristic ; and position. Doubtless he did receive it the remembrance of it will be cherished at their hands; but it was tendered, not by us, and many besides, with sacred so much from their feeling that he was interest and pleasure.” in the circumstances naturally entitled Early in 1856, without solicitation to it, but from the kind, encouraging, on his part, he received an invitation MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. DR. MEDHDEST. 7 from, the Board of Directors to return would praise the Lord for his goodness, to England for a season, as they had and for his wonderful works to the reason to apprehend that his health was children of men !” in which discourse failing. He accepted that proposal; he alluded specially to the mercies ex­ but being desirous to complete certain perienced during the voyage; and also plans that he had already laid out, he recounted some striking instances that deferred his departure till the fall of had formerly come under his own ob­ the year. During the summer months, servation of “ the works of the Lord, his strength by no means improved; and his wonders in the deep.” On the but at length, along with his family, same evening he called the members of he embarked from Shanghai on the his family to the side of his couch, 10th of September, the very month on and joined with them in singing his which he first left England, in 1816. favourite hymn— Upon the Sunday previous to his em­ “ Jerusalem, my happy home, barkation, he preached in the “ Union Name ever dear to me! Chapel,” at Shanghai, to an English When shall my labours have an end, audience, composed of Missionaries and In joy, and peace, and thee ? ” merchants of various Christian deno­ minations, who came to have his last This was a happy index of the bent farewell. His address on that occasion, of our friend’s thoughts towards “ the founded as it was on Matt. xxv. 1— 10, things that are above;” and how soon, and dwelling on a due and early pre­ in his case, were the joys and glories paration for the coming of the bride­ chanted forth in that hymn realized! groom, was remarkable — remarkable, W ith the members of his family he dis­ as it seemed (we were going to say) embarked at Southend, on the evening anticipative of the event over which of January 2 1 st; and next day reached we now mourn, and remarkable too for London; but his already exhausted the effect; so that one (who was on the frame sank rapidly; and the shadow of spot) observes, “ for many were deeply death came over him before it was known impressed on that occasion with the to those immediately around him that searching and solemn character of his the time of his departure was at hand. appeals.” From the early part of Saturday, the A sea-voyage of four months and a 24th, he became quite unconscious, and half proved anything but beneficial;— unable to communicate his wishes, still, through the greater part of such thoughts, or feelings; and on the even­ a dreary and wearisome confinement ing of that same day he expired, in a within “ wooden walls,” he pursued his quiet, deep sleep, without a sigh, with­ Chinese studies and translations, until out a struggle, without a syllable. he was actually compelled by his Thus died Dr. Medhurst, in the 61st friends to desist. When he espied the year of his age, and the 40th of his shores of England on the horizon, he missionary career. seemed cheered up, and yearned to set When the tidings of his decease his foot once more on Albion’s strand. reached the Mission House, the Direc­ It was not deemed prudent that he tors, with a noble generosity and should land anywhere immediately on promptness worthy of the body they the coast, and he was content to pro­ represent, at once determined, in token ceed to the first anchorage in the of their respect and esteem for their Thames. On January 18th, the Sunday valued agent, to take the conduct of before landing, the passengers were the funeral. The cemetery chosen was collected in the cabin, where, with that at Abney-park ; and on the 30th more than accustomed vigour, he con­ of January a deputation of the London ducted Divine service, and addressed Missionary Society was joined by them from the words, “ Oh, that men representatives from the Bible, Tract, 8 MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. DR. MEDHURST. and Church Missionary Societies, to 31, 1807, and Medhurst returned from commit to the dust the remains of it to die and be buried, January 30, the honoured dead. Service was con­ 1857. Thus was completed the cycle ducted by the Rev.' Dr. Bennet and of 50 years in the history of our Pro­ Dr. Burder, both surviving members of testant Mission in China. But, though the Board at the time of Dr. Med- Morrison, Milne, Collie, and Medhurst hurst’s early appointment to China. In are no more, the work of evangelizing conjunction with some personal friends proceeds in China. “ They may rest of Dr. Medhurst, the Directors of the from their labours, but their works do Missionary, Bible, and Tract Societies, follow them.” Their example inspires likewise determined to use their in­ their successors. Their labours have fluence in securing a sufficient amount given an impetus to the work. The to purchase an annuity adequate for the seed which they sowed has been cast comfortable support of Mrs. Medhurst, abroad, and already we are beginning as a tribute of regard for the memory “ to find it after many days.” Truly of her departed husband. The response they have departed; yet, as truly we to this appeal (which has been prudently shall see that such lives have left be­ confined within certain limits,) has been hind them foot-prints not only on the promptly and amply given,— his friends sands of time, but on the shores of of the foreign community in China “ the land of Sinim.” coming forward with a readiness and The present is but the dawn of liberality significant alike of their con­ glorious days for China, “ that hive of cern for the bereaved family and of their nations,”— when the glory of the Lord esteem for the deceased. shall fill it, as the waters cover the It is a remarkable coincidence, channel of the deep. scarcely to be overlooked, that Morrison W . C. M. embarked on the China Mission, .Tanuary

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