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M EM O I R S
OP
THE LIFE AND LABOURS
i'1
OF
ROBERT MORRISON, d.d.
V.RA^ M.IUi.S., MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY ASIATIQUE OF PARIS, Iw. «cc.
COMPILED
BY HIS WIDOW;
WITH
CRITICAL NOnCES OF HIS CHINESE WORKS, BY SAMUEL KIDD,
AMft
fKn flppm^ix contatmns (Qxigjinal BocumenU.
*' He beiag dead yet •peaketb."— B(6. xii. 4.
IN TWO VOLUMES, VOL. L
«- • •
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LONDON
LONGMAN, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.
MDCCCXXXIX.
THOMS,
rRlNTBR AND flTBRBOTTPim, 19, WAEWICX SQOAXI,
LONDON.
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PREFACE.
From the important and conspicuous position which the sub- ject of the following Memoirs so long held^ in relation to the church and to the worlds some apology is felt to be due to the public, on account of the lateness of the period to which their appearance has been deferred.
It may therefore be proper to state, that much of this delay was occasioned (with various other circumstances, over which the Editor had no control,) by the principal docu- ments, which were in China, not having reached England before the middle of the past year (1838). These manu- scripts, and especially the correspondence, being very volu^ minous, required a portion of time and labour, for examining, arranging, and selecting from them, prior to their preparation for the press, of which those only can form an adequate idea, who have had experience in similar occupation. This duty having been performed under the pressure of indifferent health, domestic anxieties, and other unavoidable interrup- tions, has, as it may be supposed, greatly retarded its final accomplishmen t.
11 PREFACB.
These remarks are not introduced with a view to mitigate the force of any critical estimate that may be formed of the work, however unfavourable that estimate may be ; for no one can be more sensible than the vmter, that it might have been executed in a manner much more worthy of its distinguished and lamented subject. Indeed, had the sole object contemplated been to produce a popular book^ or to gratify a particular class of readers, suitable talent and agency could doubtless have been employed with the best hopes of success ; but, as the object was to pourtray more accurately a character, with the leading outlines of which the world was in some degree familiar; yet from whose principal scene of labour, lying remote firom gene- ral observation, and connecting with it circumstances of so peculiar a nature, that a Biographer, though fuUy com- petent to the literary department, yet, destitute of the opportunity of daily observation, or intimate acquaintance, and consequently deficient in the personal knowledge essential to a correct estimate of character, could not be supposed qualified to do justice to the work, in other respects.
It therefore seemed highly desirable that Dr. Morrison's son and successor, Mr. J. R. Morrison, should furnish a de- tailed narrative of his father's life ; however, it was with re- gret that he felt compelled to decline the proposal, on account (with other reasons) of the pressure of his official duties. Application was then made to the oldest of Dr. Morrison's surviving friends, who at first willingly acceded to the request; but, finding that his professional engagements.
PREFACB* 111
and his distant residence (to which documents must be transmitted) firom the metropolis, opposed obstacles to the necessary personal conference between him and the present compiler — ^the plan was eventually abandoned. Dis- appointments of this nature, combined with an unwilling- ness to incur further delay, induced the writer to re-con- sider a proposal made at an early period by friends, and to imdertake herself the preparation of the narrative, having then abundant materials in her possession; and, although the sacrifice of feeling required in the performance of this duty has necessarily been great, yet it would be amply com- pensated, could she indulge a faint hope that this humble tribute of affection to the memory of one so deservedly revered, was at all worthy of his virtues, or might be the means of stimulating others to pursue a similar course, of usefulness and honour, to that which he trod.
In the compilation of the work, it has been the constant aim of the writer to elucidate social, moral, and intellec- tual traits of character, by a simple narrative of facts, which supplies in itself such evidence of sound wisdom, and true piety, as to render unnecessary the aid of edi- torial embellishment, or indeed any original composition, further than was requisite to unite the different portions of the narrative, and explain their mutual connexion and dependence. But while fidelity and simplicity chiefly cha- racterize the narrative, it is hoped that its deficiencies will be satisfactorily supplied by the very comprehensive ana- lysis of Dr. Morrison's literary labours, given in the Ap- pendix, by one, whose extensive acquaintance with the
IV PREFACE.
language and literature of China, qualified him to fill the ofiice of Principal in the Anglo-Chinese College at Ma- lacca; and now fits him for the Professorship, in the same department, in the University College, London ; and it may be supposed, would also render him competent to form a just estimate of those labours, which are, but by few, in Europe, fully appreciated. Therefore, without further explanatory remarks, the entire work is committed to the impartial judgment of the philosophical enquirer, as well as to the christian candour of the general reader.
It only remains to acknowledge the obligations the writer is imder to those public societies and friends, who kindly supplied letters and documents, which materially aided her in compiling the work. Amon^ the former, are the British and Foreign Bible Society ; the London Missionary Society ; and the Religious Tract Society : and among the latter. Sir George T. Staimton, Bart. ; Sir J. B. Urmston ; Rev. J, Clunie, L. L. D. ; J. T. Elphinstone, Esq. ; W. Alers Hankey, Esq., &c., &c.
E. M.
Stoke Nemngton^ July 25th, 1839.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
PERIOD I.
FROM THE BIBTH OF MR. MORRISON, TO HIS ENTRANCE
INTO HOXTON ACADEMY.
A. D. 1782—1803.
Page His Birth. — Parentage. — Education. — Youthful Character. — Conversion. — Early Studies and Engagements.— JuTenile Essays. — Extracts from Journals. — Remarks.— His Health. — Thoughts of Marriage.^Entrance on a course of initiatory study. — Incident related by Mr. A. Wilson. — His Mother's attachment. — Her death. — Reflection on looking for- ward to the Christian Ministry. — ^Application to Hoxton Academy. — He becomes a Student. — His Voyage to London ^ . . 1 — 32
PERIOD II.
FROM THE ENTRANCE OF MR. MORRISON AT HOXTON ACADEMY,
TO HIS EMBARKATION FOR CHINA.
A. D. 1803—1807.
1803. — ^Arrival at Hoxton Academy.— Extract from Diary.— Invitation to return home. — Associates at College. — Dr. Fletcher's cha- racter of him as a Student. — Dr. Clunie's ditto. — Dr. Burder*s ditto. — Dr. Payne's ditto. — Joins Dr. Waugh's Church. — Preaches his first Sermon. — Extracts from Diary.—Extracts from Letters.— Preference for Missionary Service 61
VI CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
Page 1804. — Application to the Mistionary Society. — Letter to hit Father. — Removal to Gotport. — Letter to the Committee of H ox ton Aca- demy*— Extracts from Correspondence. — Appointment to China. — Origin of the Chinese Mission. — Correspondence with Mr.
Clunie. — Letter to his Father 72
1805-6.— Extracts from Diary and Correspondence. — Studies in Lon- don.— Extracts from Diary and Letters 92
1807. — Arrangements for his Departure. — Ordination. — ^Takes leave of the Directors. — ^Their Letters of General Instructions, and of Christian counsel. — Farewell Letters. — He proceeds to Gravesend 105
PERIOD III.
FROM HIS SMBARKATION FOB CHINA, TO THE FOUNDATION OF
THE ANOLO-CHINESE COLLEGE.
A. D. 1807.
SECTION I.
The Voyage to China, by way of America.
From Jan. 31, to Sept. 8, 1807.
Leaves London for Gravesend. — Last Sermon. — Letter to his Brother. — Embarkation and general outline of the Voyage to New York. — Extracts from Journals and Letters. — Storm in the Channel. — Last sight of England. — Tremendous Gale in the Atlantic. — Rescue of the crew of the Merchant. — Arrival at New York. — Journal of occurrences in America. — Acquaintance with Mrs. Graham. — Departure from New York. — Separation from his Missionary companions. — Reminiscences by Sigma. — Letter to his brother Thomas. — ^Voyage to Canton. ^Chased by a French ship-of-war. —Crossing the Line. — Providential deliverance. — Arrival at Canton. — Letter to Joseph Hardcastle, Elsq. — Ditto to Joseph Reyner, Esq.— Ditto to his Father 106—157
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. VU
SECTION II.
From his arrival at Canton, to his Marriage and Appoint- ment as Translator to the East India Company's Factory.
A. D. 1807—1809.
Page 1807. — Retidenee at the American Factory. — Letter to Mr. Hardcastl^^ —Ditto to the Rev. A. Wangh.— Ditto to Mr. Wilson.— Ditto to his RelatiTes. — Directors' Report. — Letter to his Brother. —
Ditto to Mrs. S . — Ditto to Mr. Hardcastle. — Ditto to Mr.
Shrubsole. — Removal from the American Factory. — Conformity \/^ to Chinese habits, and subsequent opinions thereon. — Attempt to establish English worship. — Occupation of iheFrenchFactory. . 158 — 1 94 1808. — Interest taken in his sitnation. — Sabbath sendees wi^ the Chi- nese.— Privations and Illness. — Visit to Macat^— Extracts from JonmaL — Letter to Dr. Wangh. — Letter to his Re^itives. | ./ — Return to Canton, and again to Macao. — Attempt of the English to take Macao. — Extracts from Journal. — Letter to
Mrs. S . — Ditto to the Missionary Society. — Studies. —
Prayers in Chinese. — Seclusion at Macao. — Dr. Milne's Review of Morrison's sitnation, &c. — Mr. M.'s Marriage. — Appoint- ment as Translator to the English Factory. — Extracts from ^' Diary —Letter to his Father 1 95—252
SECTION III.
From his Appointment as Chinese Translator, to the arrival
of the Rev. W. Milne at Macao.
A. D. 1809—1811.
1809.— Peculiarity of Mr. M.'s situation.— Remarks on the Civil Ap- ^ pointment. — ^Extract from Milne's Retrospect. — Letter from the // Directors to Mr. Morrison. — Missionary Society's Report for 1810. — Extracts from Mr. Morrison's Letters to the Directors — Extracts from Journal. — Extract from a Letter to Mr. Morrison's Mother-in-law. — Extracts from Letters to a Correspondent in New York. — Letter to Mr. Shrubsole.— Extracts from Letters ..
to Private Friends.— Extracts from Milne's Retrospect 255*290
b
VIU CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
Page 1810^ — Contiiiiiation of the Ill-health of Mrs. Morrison. — Extract from
a Letter to a Friend, relatiye to Mr. Morrison's Chinese studies. \/' —Dangers to which Mr. Morrison was exposed. — Death of Mr. Morrison's Child.— Its Interment—Progress of Mr. Morri- son's Missionary Stndies.-— His Chinese Translations. — Printing of the Chinese Grammar. — Letter from Sir George T. Staun- ton, Bart., to Mr. Morrison..— Extracts from Private Corres*U pondence. — OfBcial Letter from the Directors. — Mr. Mor- rison's Reply.— Report of the Directors for 1811 291—313
SECTION IV.
A.D. 1811—1814.
1811.- Extract from the Retrospect.— Printing of the Shorter Cate- chism.— Death of Mr. M.'s Father.— Letter to Sir George T. Staunton, Bart.— The Reply. — Letter from the Missionary So- ciety, stating the Appointment of Mr. Milne. — Extract from the Retrospect.— Chinese Edict against the Propagation of thdL/ Christian Religion.— Letter to Mr. Shmbsole.— Extracts from' Mr. Morrison's Diary. — ^Extract from Mr. Morrison's Letter to the Treasurer and Secretary of the Missionary Society. — Mr. Milne's Departure for China. — Extracts from Journal. — Report of the Directors for l814.-.-Progre8S of Mr. Morrison's Studies therein mentioned. — Mr. M.'s Journal for 1814 and 1815. — Style of their Ancient Classics.— Imperial Edict against \ ■' Christianity. — Letter to W. Shrubsole, Esq.— Extracts from
Diary. — Extracts from Letters 314—357
1813. — Extracts from JoumaL 358—375
1814. — Letter to the Rct. W. Milne.— Mr. Milne's Missionary Tour. — New Testament circulated. — Conversion of A-ko. — Commence- ment of the Chinese Dictionary. — Mission at Malacca.— The i Anglo-Chinese College — Official Letter from the Missionary Society. — Letter to Lord Teignmouth^ with a Copy of the Chinese New Testament. — Letter to the Bible Society. — Letter to T. J. Elphinstone, Esq. — Letter to T. Wilson, Esq. — Rebellion in China.— Visit from a Mandarin.— Extracts from Journal. — Sentiments of Lew-sze-yay.— Visit from a Tartar. — Birth of a Son.— The Printing of the Chinese Grammar. — A-ko's Confession of Faith and Baptism. — Extracts from Joumal.^- Iflrs. Morrison leaves China. 376—414
CONTENTS OF VOLUMB I.
SECTION V.
f
I81S.— Court of Directors' Order.— Mr. Moniion'i Replr.— Official ^ Letter from the MlBgionmrj Society. — Negociatioai with the^ Cbineae GoTernment — Leller to Sir George T. Stannton, But.— Lite rBj-y aod Religioas Inilitution at Milncci conlem- pUled. — Propose! foe the isme. — British Embasij to Peking. — Arrival of the Embsaij. — Peraoaa compoiiog the inite of
the A mbtsudor.— Letter to Mr. W. Shrabaole The Book of
Genetis Tnnalited. 4IS — 132
[1816.— Letter to the Rev. G. Border.— Peraecution of the Roman
Catholic! ExecnIioD of sn Impoitor.— Type- Cutters aeiied,
and Block! destroyed ChuueCei of Ko Seea-sSng. Tlie
Book of Ftalms Trail listed.— The ^aat of £1000 from the
Bible Society, for Printing and Circulating the New TeitameBt
Letters from the Rey. J, Owen. — Retnm of the Embusy to Canton. — Joinialvf tbe Embofty to Fcfciog, — Chriit<iait; and I
Pagaaism compared, — The Emperor's Letter to tbe King of England. — Dialogues, Cliiaeie and Englitb, printed.— LetLer froni Mn. Urmiton.— Ditto from J. T. Elphinstone, Esc). .. . 433—447
1817.— Letter to the Bible Societj— To a Correspondent in America. —Extracts from a Letter to Rev. Dr. Wangh,— The Seiiure of a part of the Typ» and Dialogues by tbe Goiemment Officers. — Letter to the Directors of the Miuionary Society. — A View of China, for Philological Porpoies, a Quarto l. Volnme, and Hor« SinicR, printed,— Letter to the Bible
Society. — Leller from the Rev. John Nitcbe Ditto from
Dr. Vater.-DitlofromM, Remosat 448—493
181 S.— Letters from the Rbt. Dr. Rose ; Rev. Dr. Bogne ; and the Rev. Dr. Stoart.— The Language and Folic; of China— I
Mr. Morrison created Doctor in Divinity Tbe RegnlaCioni
reipeeting the Ultra-Gangea Mission.- Tlie Fund for Widowi uid Orphans.— Christian Obligation!.— General Remarki ooL' DiilntereatedaeiB. — Plan of tbe CoUege.- Eitracts of Letten to Dr. Morrijons Mother-in-law.- Letters to Rev. Dr. Waogh; Rev- Dr. Clnnie ; Sir G. T. Staanlon. Bait. : J. T. Elpbin- stone, Esq. ; M. Remusat; Rev. W. P. Crook ^ and Dr. Bainl.— Extract! from the Missionary Report. —Letter from Rev. C. R. Pritchett, and Reply to ditto —Extract of Letter from the Lon- don Missionary Society.— Death of Mr. Hardeastle.- Lettera from W. A.Hankey, Esq. and J.Reyner, Esq 493 56\
« « • a
• * m
• • •
MEMOIR,
&c.
PERIOD L
FROM THE BIRTH OF MR. MORRISON, TO HIS ENTRANCE
INTO HOXTON ACADEMY.
A. D. 1782—1803.
Hit Birth. — Parentage. — Education. — Youthful Character. — Conversion.-* Early Studies and Engagements.— Jurenile Essays. — Extracts from Journals. •—Remarks. — His Health.— -Thoughts of Marriage. — Entrance on a course of initiatory study. — Incident related by Mr. A. Wilson. — His Mother's
attachment Her death. — Reflection on looking forward to the Christian
Ministry. — Application to Hozton Academy.— He becomes a Student — His Voyage to London.
Robert Morrison, son of James and Hannah Morri- son, was bom January 5, 1782, at Buller's Green, Morpeth, in the County of Northumberland, whence he was removed with his parents, in 1785, to New- castle-upon-Tyne, where his early life was spent.
His father, James Morrison, was bom near Dum- fermline, and his mother, Hannah Nicholson, at Win- gates, in the vicinity of Morpeth. They were married at the parish church of Long Horsley, Northumber- land, in the year 1768, and had eight children, of whom Robert was the youngest son. Mr. Morrison removed to Northumberland when a young man, and obtained a livelihood by agricultural pursuits. He
Vol. I. b
i
. . . • . • • • ■
2 PARENTAGE EDUCATION. [1797.
afterwards followed the occupation of a last and boot- tree maker, and employed several workmen in his business. He was a truly pious man, and trained up his family in the fear of God; maintaining family worship, and instructing his children in the duty of a strict observance of the Sabbath day.
On his removal from Scotland, he bore with him an honourable certificate of a Christian character from the Session of the Kirk, of which he was a member. He was, moreover, for many years an Elder of a Scotch church at Newcastle.
Robert, the subject of these Memoirs, received his elementary instruction from a maternal uncle, named James Nicholson, who was a respectable schoolmaster of Newcastle, and under whose care the young pupil evinced an extraordinary delight in the pursuits of learning, although his earliest advances were but slow.
In a religious point of view, his opportunities were greatly superior. In addition to the valuable instruc- tions of his parents, he enjoyed the catechetical exer- cises of the Rev. John Hutton, of the High-bridge Chapel, whose ministry his parents attended ; and to these he always referred vnth lively interest and gra- titude. The following incident, illustrative of his re- tentive memory, is furnished by one of his surviving relatives. " When in his thirteenth year, he repeated one evening the whole of the hundred and ninteenth psalm, Scottish Version. To try him, Mr. Hutton did not go straight forward, but took different parts, for- ward and backward. He nevertheless accomplished his task without a single mistake."
At an early age he was apprenticed to his father, and learned the trade of a last and boot-tree maker, in which his industry was very commendable.
I
1797.] YOtJTHFDL CHARACTER CONTEHBIOK. .1
His youthful conduct was not entirely free from outward improprieties ; nnd over tlu-se he mourned deeply after the light of divine truth had penetrated into the recesaes of his mind. Such, however, was hifl dutiful behaviour at home, that his father was rarely obliged to rebuke him ; and towards his mother, he evinced a warmth of affection which was worthy of universal imitation. Her memory, after her decease, he held in the highest esteem. Ingenu- ousness was also a prominent feature of his character. He has often been heard to say, that he vras not con- scious of having ever uttered a deliberate falsehood, except once ; and then, although there were no probability of detection, he could not rest until he had acknowledged liis fault. This innate rectitude of disposition shows the value of that moral disci- pline to which his mind had been subject; and the example is eminently encouraging to parents to '* train up their children in the way they should go."
Towarrls the close of the year 1797, or the early part of 1798, Robert Morrison became the subject of that great change which the Saviour describes as the new birth, and pronounces essential to admission into "the kingdom of heaven." No remarkable circum- stances led to this conversion. By parental instruc- tion his mind had been full early stored with the prin- ciples of scriptural truth; and his regular attendance on public worship, and especially on the catechetical exercises of Mr. Hultnn, tended still farther to enlighten his mind, and prepare him for that course of serious reflection on the defects and inconsisten- cies of his ovm character, which first filled him with deep compunction on account of sin, and eventually led him to seek salvation and happiness by faith in ChrJBt Jesus. The fullest account of this event is con- b2
4 COKVERSIOK. [1798.
tained in his letter addressed to the Committee of Hoxton Academy in the year 1802, when he applied for admission to that institution, as a student for the Christian ministry. It is as follows : —
" In the early part of my life, having enjoyed the inestimable privilege of godly parents (a blessing for which I desire ever to be thankful), I was habituated to a constant and regular attendance on the preached gospel. My father was ever careful to keep up the worship of God in our family, and educated me in the principles of the Christian religion. When farther advanced in life, I attended the public catechising of the Rev. John Hutton, from whose instructions I received much advanti^e. By these means (under the good hand of God), my conscience was somewhat informed and enlightened ; and I was kept from run- ning to that excess of riot to which many persons in an unregenerate state do, though as yet I lived with- out Christ, without God, and without hope in the world. I was a stranger to the plague of my own heart ; and, notwithstanding that I often felt remorse, and the upbraidings of conscience, yet I flattered my- self, that somehow I should have peace, though I walked * in the ways of my own heart.'
" It was, perhaps, about five years ago, that I was much awakened to a sense of sin, though I camnot recollect any particular circumstance which led to it ; unless it were, that at that time I grew somewhat loose and profane ; and more than once being drawn aside by wicked company (even at that early time of life), I became intoxicated. Reflection upon my conduct became a source of much uneasiness to me, and I was brought to a serious concern about my soul. I felt the dread of eternal damnation. The fear of death compassed me about, and I was led to cry mightily to
I
*
CONTBBMOK.
God, that he would parduii my Rin ; tjiat he would grant me an interest in the Saviour ; and that he would renew me in the spirit of ray mind. Sin became a burden. It was then tliat I experienced a change of life, and, 1 trust, a change of heart too. I broke off from my former careless companions, and gave myself to reading, to meditation, and to prayer. It pleased God to reveal his Son in me, and at that tune I experienced much of ' the kindness of youth, and the love of espousals ;' and though the firat flash of aifection wore off, I trust my love to, and knowledge of, the Saviour have increased. Since that tinie (soon after which I joined in communion with the church under the Kev. John Hutton, my present pastor, and likewise became a member of a praying society) the Lord has been gradually pleased to humble and prove me ; and, thougli I have often experienced much joy and peace in believing, I have likewise experienced much opposition from the working of in-dwelling sin — ' the Heah lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these being contrary the one to the other, I could not do the things that I would.' I have gradually discovered more of the holiness, spirituality, and extent of the divine law; and more of my own vileness and unworthineas in the eight of God; and the frceness and richness of sovereign grace. I have Binned as I could ; it is ' by the grace of God, I am what I am.' "
The cordial reception of Christianity is as favour- able to general improvement as it is essential to spi- ritual character. It elevates, at the same time that it purifies, the mind. The wide field of investigation which it opens, inspires the love of knowledge ; and wherever the intellect is vigorous, general improvement will be desired, and opportunities of making further
6 EARLY STUDIES [1799.
progress will be eagerly sought, and usually found. This was the case with young Morrison. From the time when his mind was seriously occupied with the great truths of the Bible, he began to intermeddle with all knowledge ; and those elements of character quickly appeared, which became the basis of his future great* ness and success.
Hayii^ become a member of the Presbjrterian church in the year 1798, he commenced those habits of study which, by the blessing of God, he maintained with ever increasing effect to the end of life, by learn- ing a system of short-hand writing. His aim was to facilitate his future pursuits, and to record the inci- dents of his life, and, the workings of his mind, in a Diary. This last exercise he commenced on the first of January, 1799. The document still remains; an interesting, though brief record, of his' early habits and piety: — ^the hour of his rising in the morning, and the number of his hours which he slept — ^the passing events of hid family, and of the neighbour- hood— ^his daily occupations in manual labour, in reading, and in efibrts to do good — ^his defects and his aims, are all faithfully written before God. Similar documents are preserved for each succeeding year, with one exception, down to the time of his leaving England in January 1807. His reading, at this pe- riod, was chiefly of a devotional kind, and mostly confined to the Holy Scriptures. The "praying so- ciety," above referred to, met every Monday evening in his father's work-shop ; and on those occasions he was regularly present to take his part in its devotional exercises. A close intimacy too, which subsisted be- tween Morrison and a young man then resident at Shields, was a source of reciprocal pleasure and advanti^e. They met almost daily for religious
1800.]
AND ENUAOBMEK'l'S.
^M I8(
^H purposes, reading, oud conversation ; and went to- ^^ getlier to visit the sick poor. By these raeana hia talents were gradually developed, and his spiritual gifts were strengthened and improved. Hia attention bad been early directed to English grammar, and during the year 1799 lie appears to have examined the Evi-
I deuces of Christianity. Amongst the books men- tioned by liim, is the Missionary Magazine, a monthly periodical then publbhed in Edinburgh. This he borrowed from a friend ; and the circumstance indi- cates the bias of his mind towards Missionary labour, which it probably served to confirm. His ordinary period of rest was about seven hours in the day, and that of manual labour from twelve to fourteen hours; the remainder was spent in retirement and Christian society. Early in the year 1800, for the purpose of securing & larger portion of quiet in his retirement, he had his bed removed to the work-shop, where he wonld often pursue his studies until one or two o'clock in the morning. He had also a little garden in Pandon Dean, where he spent much of his leisure time in
I study, prayer, and meditation. Even when at work, his Bible or some other book was placed open before him, that he might acquire knowledge, or cherish the holy aspirations of spiritxial devotion, whilst his hands were busily occupied in the labours of life. His diary does not record the method in which he pursued Ids Btudies : indeed, at this period he probably knew no- thing of systematic effort, as he frequently changed his object, and complains of not being exactly aware of tlie beat course to adopt. Botany, arithmetic, and astronomy, are incidentally mentioned aa objects of his attention. Comparatively few books were within hia reach ; the following are, however, specified ; — Her-
8 SARLY STUDIES. [1800.
vey's Works, Romaine's Letters^ Marshall on Sanctifi- cation, Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, and Henry's Commentary, from which he made extracts. Besides these, he speaks of the Evangelical Magazine, and the missionary intelligence which it supplied, in such a way as to show his strong predilection for missionary labour. In after life he often referred to the loss which at this period he sustained through the want of books ; and when the means of providii^ them were in his power, he would never allow himself, or his family, to suffer from this cause. He also lamented the scanty supply of books which missionaries in general possess, and deemed that deficiency to be greatly prejudicial to their usefulness, and destructive of their comfort. During the whole of this year he was actively engaged in visiting the sick, with whom he read the Scriptures and prayed, and to whose temporal relief he assigned, every week, a portion of his scanty earnings. His Saturday evenings were often employed in seeking out objects of distress, whom he might thus visit and re- lieve ; and the mingled zeal and tenderness with which, as a member of the Friendless Poor and Sick Society, he performed this service, afforded no faint indication of the spirit in which he afterwards yearned over the mil- lions of China, and persevered in seeking their salva^ tion. Such was the sterling character of his piety, that even at this early age he often conducted the domestic worship of his father's house ; and over the spiritual welfare of a lad, who was apprenticed to his father, he watched with holy assiduity, instructing him in the principles of religion, and taking him aside to pray with him. His attendance on public worship was con- stant and devout ; and the intervals of his Sabbaths were either devoted to the instruction of poor children, or employed in administering consolation to the sick and
I
I
1800.] JVTBNILB S88AY8.
the aged. In speaking of his engagements at this period, hia sister uarrates the following fact: — '* He never heheld sin withont the deepest sorrow, and a wish to reclaim the sinner. We had a relative who gave him much pain on this account. He reasoned, he exposttilated with him ; and at last made thi:) so- lemn appeal—* Can you dwell with eternal fire? Can you endure everlasting bumingal' The young man Was a Bailor. He has since told me that tlieae words were ever in his ears, and were ultimately the means of his conversion. Thus did my beloved, my lamented brother, go about doing good, and dispensing happiness to all around him, from his youth upwards. Oh that we were, like him, following the example of our blessed Saviour, through whom we have life and immortality ! "
In biography every thing is valuable which serves to develop the mental powers. It is therefore especially iuleresting to trace the early workings of such a mind as Morrison's, under circumstances so little favourable to the cultivation of those more delicate traits of cha- racter, and elements of action, on which so much de- pends in after life. With the view of showing the bias his mind had taken, without attempting to defend hia sentiments, we insert a Juvenile Essay which he wrote in January, 1798, involving the Question, " Whether self-love prompts to true piety or not."
" Whatever proceeds from self-love is necessarily sup- posed to promote self-interest. The oracles of God asflvire us that eelf-love, or even our piety, do not en- sure God's fovour ; when we are prompted to true piety, the power proceeds from some other cause than self- love. As Christiana, blessed with the light of the glorious gospel of peace, with the revelation of the only living and true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, we are called upon by every tie to yield a
10 JUVENILE ESSAYS. [1800.
cheerful obedience to his holy commands. Not from an erroneous principle of self-love, as if by our piety we would merit the favour of insulted Onmipotence ; but rather from a principle of gratitude, arising from a due consideration of the great things God hath done for us in having loved us with an everlasting love. Hence the inspired writer emphatically exclaims, ^ We love him, because he first loved us !* thereby plainly intimating that our piety ought to proceed from a grateful sense of the infinite love and goodness of our God, displayed most conspicuously in the grand and adorable scheme of man's redemption.^
Another juvenile essay is still preserved; it is on " Natural Beauty," and is thus expressed : —
** Natural beauty, or the beauty of natural objects, is that quality, or those qualities, in the works of nature, or more properly of God, which are calculated to ex- cite pleasii^ sensations in the mind of all such persons of true taste, who attentively observe them. That sensibility to beauty which, when cultivated, we term taste, is universally diffused through the human species : and it is most uniform with respect to those objects which are not liable to variation from ac- cident, caprice, or fashion. The verdant lawn, the shady grove, the variegated landscape, the bound- less ocean, and the starry firmament, are contem- plated with pleasure by every attentive beholder. But the emotions of different spectators, though similar in kind, difier widely in degree : and to relish, with full delight, the enchanting scenes of nature, the mind must be imcorrupted by avarice, sensuality, or ambi- tion ; quick in her sensibilities ; elevated in her senti- ments ; and devout in her afiections.
*• Would you, then, taste the tranquil scene ? Be sure yoiu* bosom be serene :
JITVEHILB seei-fs.
Devoid of hate, devoid of strife. Devoid of all that poisuna life; And much it 'vaila you, in their place. To grafl the love of human race.'
' Now such scenes contribute powerfully to inspire that serenity, which is necessary to enjoy and heighten their beauties. By a secret contagion the soul catches the harmony which she contemplatea ; and the frame [ within assimilates itself to that which is without. For
' Who can forbear to smile with nature T Can The stormy passion in the bosom roll. While every gale is peace, and every grove Is melody?"
* From this state of sweet composure, we become
I susceptible of virtuous impressions from almost every
I surrounding object. The patient ox is viewed with
I genemus complacency ; the guileless sheep, with pity ;
I and th(i playful lamb raises emotions of tenderness and
I love. We rejoice with the horse in hia liberty and
['exemption from toil, while he ranges at large through
I enamelled pasture ; and the frolics of the colt would
I afford unmixed delight, did we not recollect the bond-
f. age he ia soon to undergo. We are charmed with
I the song of birds ; soothed with the buzz of insects ;
[ and pleased with the sportive motion of fishes, because
I these are expressions of enjoyment : and we exult in
Itiie felicity of the whole animated creation. The taste
*f the florist has been ridiculed as trifling, yet smely
ivithout reason ; for a more rational pleasure cannot
jssibly occupy the attention, or captivate the affec-
ptions of maidviud, than that which arises from a due
consideration of the works of nature. With what ex-
Iquisiteness does she decorate the floweret that springs
leneath our feet, in all the perfections of external
leauty. She has clothed the garden with a constant
12 EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL OF 1799.
succession of various hues. Even the leaves of the tree undergo a pleasing vicissitude : the fresh verdure which they exhibit in spring, the various shades which they assume in summer, the yellow and russet tinge of autumn, and the nakedness of winter, afford a constant pleasure to a lively imagination. But the taste for natural beauty is subservient to higher purposes than those which have been enumerated, and the cultivation of it not only refines and humanizes, but dignifies and exalts the affections. It elevates them to the admira- tion and love of that Being who is the Author of all that is fair, sublime, and godlike in the creation. Scepticism and irreligion are hardly compatible with the sensibility of heart which arises from a just and lively relish of the wisdom, harmony, and order sub- sisting in the world around us ; and emotions of piety must spring up spontaneously in the bosom that is in unison with all animated nature. Actuated by this divine inspiration, man finds a face in every grove, and, glowing with devout fervour, he joins his song to the universal chorus, or muses the praises of the Almighty in more expressive silence. Thus they,
* Whom Nature's works can charm, with God himself Hold converse ; grown familiar, day by day. With his conceptions ; act upon his plan ; And form to his the relish of their souls.' "
A few extracts from his earliest Journals may be added, as specimens of the whole.
• " 1799. Jan. 2.— Did not rise till eight o'clock. That was two hours too late; resolved not to lie so long to-morrow. At eleven a.m. Mr. Stewart died. Left off work at seven p. m. Attended the Fellowship [social meeting for prayer] until ten o'clock. Slept
EXTRiCra PROM JOURNAL OP 1799.
1»
F eight hoi
I
loure. Kead Acts xvii. Uh I tliat 1 may be more Scriptures, more fervent m spirit, and more diligent in business !
" Feb. 3. Sunday. — Rose at seven. Spent the morning in reading Henry's Exposition. Took a walk to the Fortli. Heard a very good lecture from John vii. 1 — 5 ; afternoon, a sermon from Rom. v. 6, 7 ; and at night, an excellent sermon preached by Mr. Laidler. Did not close the day well. Keep me, O God; keep me from sinning against thee. Leave me not to myself, but save me in thy mercy!
" March 1. — Rose at half-past six. Spent tlie day but indifferently. Was not so fervent in spirit, and had not the peace of mind I could wish. I lay it down as an axiom, that it is best never to do but one thing at a time.
" Aug. 1. — To-day was James's birth-day. O God, receive in mercy all my fatlier's house, through Jesus Christ I
Aug. 9.— Rose at six. Text 2 Cor. iii. 2. At night I went up to Wiulaten with a letter, in which "was an account of the ship Duff being taken by a French privateer. O God, do thou in mercy deal with Oh ! may we trust in thee ! Aug. 17. — Text Dan. xii. 3. May I grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God in Christ. May God merciful to my sins. My mind was pretty well employed to-day. I felt much satisfaction from the perusal of two Missionary Magazines, which I obtained yesterday. O God, by the running to and fro of many may knowledge be increased!
" Sept. 28. — At night was with Mr. M. and C. H. We engaged in worship and conversation. I have not set about any thing particular as yet. Tlie Bible is ily study ; and I trust that God will follow it
14 BXTRACTO FROM JOURNAL OF 1799.
with his gracious blessing through Jesus Christ. God seems to be opening my mind more and more. O my Qodf may I wait on thee and be thankful.
" Oct. 21. — Was at the Fellowship, it being my turn to speak.
" Nov. 7. — Read the life of Dr» Owen. God be merciful to me a sinner. May grace be given me to know more of Christ !
" Dec. 31. — At night I collected my papers for the past year, and was very sorry that I had been so slug- gish for some time past. Through the course of the past year three younger and two elder persons than I have died out of the Entry ; a solemn call to me to take warning. * Lord, enable me to number my days, so that I may apply my heart unto wisdom.' "
These extracts are chiefly valuable for the view which they exhibit of his natural simplicity and early piety. His deep humility, his steady perseverance, and his strict fidelity, are at once apparent ; and these were pre-eminently the features of his character to the end of life. It is interesting to observe how the youth shadowed forth the man ; and how the gracious Spirit of God, who " divideth to all men severally as he will," did thus from the beginning prepare him for the work to which he was destined.
His memoranda for the year 1800, although not so regularly kept, are more copious, and serve still more clearly to unfold the principles which formed his character. The following extracts are selected with regard to variety, rather than from any supe- riority to other passages : —
" January 16. — My thoughts were wandering after their foolishness. Oh ! what vain thoughts lodge within
JCTTRACtS PaOM JOUHNAL OF 1600.
15
I
me ! ' Tlie foolishness of a man pervertetli his way, and his heart fretteth against the Lord.' This text struck me forcihly to-day. Oh! may the Spirit con- vince me of ain, and apply the word of God to my heart!
" Feh. 5.— Rose at five. Text, Nahum i. 7, * The Iflrd is good, a strong hold in the day of trouhle ; and he knoweth them that trust in him.' Comfort,ahle words ! In the evening I took a walk, and was de- lighted with the works of God, The sun descending, the moon ahining hrightly, the night was come, and the ocean murmured at a distance! God is my Maker and my Saviour. This night I was alone in ■the house, when I engaged in prayer to my God. Slept five hours.
" Feb. 23. — Sunday. Rose at half-past six. Went and took a walk to the Forth ; very misty. Came home and went to prayer in the shop. O blessed so- litude, I love thee ! I am not alone, for God ia with ijne. Read a part of Mr. Romaine's sermon on the leath of Mr. Hervey. Went to the meeting house, end heard a lecture on Simon Magus. After dinner, I took .lem up into the shop, and prayed with him, and then asked him his Catechism. In the afternoon I heard a sermon on Christ crucified. I took my tea with brother Thomas. C. H. and I joined in singing, prayer, and reading the scriptures. Text, Psalm xlviii. 14. I was beset with vain thoughts, and such is my J weakness, that ' when I would do good, evil is preseni with me.'
"March 11. — I have adopted a number of studies —botany, and some other things. I do not know but it] would be better to study my Bible.
"April 1. — Rose at six. After prayer, set to work. I Nothing particular through the day. At night iJ
16 BXTRACTB FBOM JOURNAL OF 1800.
called to see Mr. H. ; very weak. He talked to me about the great love of God, and rejoiced in hope through Christ. I prayed with him, and then came home. After family worship, I sate down to read a work upon astronomy, but could not through drowsi- ness. After prayer, went to bed. Slept six hours and a half.
^^ April 4. — I got the Evangelical Magazine. No- thing particular, except the sailing of two missionaries for Canada.
^^ April 6. Sunday. — ^Rose at half-past five. At seven^ a. m., was at tlie Postern Meeting House [In- dependent] at the prayer-meeting. They were all strangers to me, but apparently very kind, and are united to the same Saviour, and influenced by the same spirit. After family worship, I went to the gar- den. I called on Mr. Hutton. Happy man ! Went to the chapel ; Mr. H. lectured on the Conversion of St. Paul.
^^At night C. H. and I called on Dewar and Henderson. O Lord, enable me to see the vanity of carnal things!
" April 23. — Rose at half-past five. After prayer, sate at my books till six. Worked pretty hard through the day. Prayed at noon. Much profit, is to be had from reading the Scriptures at my work. O Lord, incline my heart to thy testimonies !
" May 3. — Rose at five. After dinner I engaged in secret prayer and reading ; and mused on the hope of the resurrection of the body, which will be * fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body.'
" June 12. — Rose at five. Went to prayer ; thanked the goodness of God towards me through the night, asked his protection through the day. I have now come to the close of another day ; and am a step nearer
BTTOACre mOM JOTTRWAt OP 1800, 17
F'to the grave — nearer to the judgment — nearer to tlie eternal world ! I did not go out at night, but remained in the house; and after prayer ente down to read.
^^When family worship was concluded, I coumiitted
HoDyeelf to Qod, and went to rest.
^B " June 18. — Rose at five. After prayer, I sate till
^^aix ; then went to work, and wrought till nearly eight p. M., when C. H. 'came up. We joined in singing, prayer, and reading a sermon ; after which, I took a walk as far as the garden with him. We called on Mr. Hutton. We were engaged in serious conversa-
tlion. Oh! that I may watch, and be sober, when my Lord Cometh ! *' July 10. — My mind was very confused through the day with vain and foolish thoughts. Now, 'the thought of foolishness is sin.' Oh! what a sinner am I — a great sinner ; and yet I have hope through the Llilood of the Lamb. After I had given up work, I sate ^ ■in the house, and read my Bible ; I then went to prayer^ i nd souglit to be guided by the good hand of the Lord."
After this month, only six paragraphs were written I in his journal during the remainder of the year: two \ of them may be extracted.
I
"September 27. — More than thirty dayshave elapsed I since 1 wrote the above. I am running swiftly down ^ the stream of time, and shall ere long be launched into eternity. Many things have occurred since the above was written. One thing is the account of the flight of tlie Missionaries to Tongataboo, some of whom werad murdered. The Ix>rd is righteous ; he can and wiD I ido all things well in the end.
December 31. — I have now come to the termina»| ion of the eighteenth centiiry, and the close of th«
18 EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL OF 1800.
year ; so I am now a step nearer eternity. Oh, what sins have I committed since the year began ! Sins of omission, and sins of commission ; presumptuous sins, and secret faults ; for ^ who can understand his errors V O Lord, my God, I have hope; and, blessed be thy name, it is a sufficient hope — a sure ground of hope, even ^ the blood of Christ, that cleanseth from all sin.* Here, let me bless God for his innumerable mercies through the past year. ^ Oh, how great is thy good- ness!' Thou, O Lord, hast preserved me, and crowned me with many mercies ; nay, thou art daily ^ loading me with benefits,' notwithstanding my sins. Obserre : in the course of the past year, twenty-three persons of
my acquaintance have died, counting M . Among
the deaths, that of Mr. P. strikes me much. He enjoyed affluence. He had the esteem in a high degree, whilst living, so much coveted. He was vigorous and strong ; and was as it were envied by all. But now, what is all to him? I might dwell long on the subject, and show the folly of being troubled about those things, concerning which so many are troubled in vain. Blessed be the Lord for his goodness to me, and my father's house. Amen!"
The compiler of this narrative may be permitted to pause for a moment, and request the attention of her readers to those traits of character, which are pro- minent in the above record. Ripened into maturity, they were the features which gave him his subsequent eminence. The strong natural affection of Mr. Mor- rison is seen in the deep interest which he took in every circiunstance affecting the welfare of his family circle, as well as in the appropriate expressions of prayerful solicitude or grateful praise in which he indulged, as the occasion required. His ready and deep sympathy with the sons of need and the heirs of affliction, expressed
1800.] HBALTH. TH0DOHT8 OF MARRIAGE. 19
itself not only in the libeml distribution of temporal
relief according to his circumstances; but chiefly in
hi8 persevering endeavours to lead them to the true
Bource of comfort and peace. In prayer he v/aa
■ abundant. Rising in the morning, he prayed ; amidst
I the bustle and business of the day, he retired to pray ;
I the society of his companions and friends he sanctified
I by prayer ; and retiring at night, his day was closed
1 prayer. Oh, for an equal measure of his devotional
I spirit 1 Nor can his benevolent efforts to instruct the
] lad Jem be overlooked. Little did he know at this
time for what the Spirit of God was thus gradually
preparing lu'm. No serious thoughts of the Christian
ministry as yet occupied his mind: the patient and
laborious toils of the mission to China were not yet
anticipated.
During these two years, there are frequent refer- ences in his journals to head-ache — an affliction from which at intervals he suffered severely, to the very close of life. His mother was aware of their approach by the heat of liis forehead, and was wont to watch this appearance with deep anxiety. He complains also of drowsiness, which often compelled him to re- tire to rest at a comparatively early hour, and pre- I I vented his enjoyment of the evening worship of the imily. Whatever might be the immediate cause of hese symptoms, they betokened a constitution by no "means robust, and were certainly unfavourable to the sedentary habits to which his life was ultimately-! devoted.
From these journals it also appears that towards the Kcloee of the year 1799, he made proposals of marriage ■to a young person resident in Newcastle. His attach- ment to her was evidently strong, and the connexion bus early, perliups prematurely, formed, continued to
20 ENTERS ON INITIATORY STUDY. [1801.
subsist until his decision to go forth as a missionary was fully known. His young friend first hesitated, and then declined to accompany him ; and when her opinions were afterwards expressed in favour of the missionary service, he had already been appointed to China, whither circumstances were such as to render it imprudent, at least in the first instance, to take out a wife. Whatever opinion may be formed of this con- nexion, as to its prudence or otherwise, at so early an age, Mr. Morrison appears to have found in him- self sufficient reasons to justify it ; and it was with him a matter of serious and prayerful anxiety. The fol- lowing aspirations, amongst others, occur in his diary, when this topic is adverted to.
" O my God, do thou direct my path, for Christ^s sake! I long to know the mind of the Lord in this, and to esteem it well in all things. Oh! that I may ever remember that I am in a strange land, and may my heart be towards my father's house. Oh ! that it may not prove sin to me."
The year 1801 is an important era in his history, as he then entered on a more regular course of study. The following passcige, recording this fact, occurs in his journal; and with it the diary itself is discon- tinued until 1803.
I
" Friday, June 19. — ^This day I entered with Mr. Laidler to learn Latin. I paid ten shillings and six- pence, the entrance-money, and am to pay one guinea per quarter. I know not what may be the end, God only knows. It is my desire, if he please to spare me in the world, to serve the gospel of Christ, as he shall give opportunity. O Lord my God, my whole hope is in thee, and in thee alone. Lord, be merciful to me a sinner, through Christ my Saviour ;
1801.] INCIDENTS RELATED BT ««. A. WILSON. 21
and grant thy blessing with this attempt, if it please thee. Amen."
It is plain from this extract, that he now seriously contemplated the work of the ministry ; and, from what he subsequently stated, hia eye was directed to the missionary service. He knew not how it was to be brought about, nor whether the object would be ever gained ; but his heart was set upon it, and he gave himself to thia course of study as a preliminary and preparatory step. The expense was to be saved out of his earnings; his manual labour could not, therefore, be diminished. Accordingly, he still went to work at six o'clock in the morning, and continued until the same hour, and not unfrequently to a later one, in the evening. He attended on Mr. Laidler between the hours of nine and ten in the morning, and redeemed from sleep the tune that was necessary for carrying on his studies. His very meals were so arranged as to aiford opportunity for study. As might be expected, hia proficiency corresponded with hia ardour and his perseverance ; for, when eighteen months afterwards he entered at Hoxton Academy, he had acquired not only an elementary acquaintance with tlie Latin language, but also the rudiments of Greek and Hebrew. His love of learning was great, and no difficulties could discourage him ; but the love of souls was his grand motive. He longed to be uee- fnl in sa\'ing sinners; and these early trials were doubtless permitted, to prepare him for tliose self- denying labours, to which the providence of God subsequently called him.
Mr. Alexander Wilson, one of his associates, with whom he at this period became acquainted at Sunder- land, whither he repaired for a ahort time to gain some
22 mother's affection and death. [1801.
knowledge of another branch of his father^s business, relates in a letter the following incident. It shows the opinion formed of him by his first religious com- panions.
" Four or five of us, very young men, were con- versing together about some of those things which the hoary-headed Christian places among the secret things of God, and which he adores in silent submission. As Mr. Morrison was not forward in speaking, we requested him to favour us with his mind on the sub- ject before us. He replied, * Whatsoever I may not know of these tMngs, this I do know, that I am a obner, and that Jesus Christ is a suitable Saviour.^ Such a remark from the youngest person in the com- pany, forcibly struck us all.''
Kobert was the favourite son of his mother ; and she appears to have been somewhat startled at the course which he was marking out for himself, and which she was inclined to oppose. This did not arise, it is pre- sumed, from any want on her part of sympathy with his object; for he always spoke of her piety as deep^ and of her understanding as superior ; but the pressure of infirmities, and the fondness of maternal love, con- curred to render the idea of separation too formidable to be entertained. And such was the strength of filial attachment^ that he promised not to leave his home whilst she lived. To his piety and afiection^ she had been wont to look for solace in the closing scenes of life ; and so did the providence of God gra- ciously and wisely order the matter, that she was not disappointed in her hope, nor was he hindered from pursuing his object, and directing himself to the work of the Lord.
The last illness and the death of his mother took place in 1802. He watched her dying couch with un-
I
REFLECnONB. 23
remitting attention, and ministered to her comfort to the utmost of his power. He anticipated her wants, administered her medicines, prayed with her, and for her, and finally, received her last blessing and sigh, and closed her eyes in death.
But to proceed. The Rev. W. Laidler perceived tJie character of his pupil, and encouraged hia desire of the ministry. That on which his heart was set, the work, of God among the heathen, seemed to lie beyond his reach, and for the present be was content to merge it in the prospect of general usefulness. At this interesting and critical period of his life, it is pleasing to have such a paper as the following to place before the reader; — a paper, every way indicative of his eminent piety and disinterested motives, as well as of his anxiety to obtain a clear view of the nature and design of the Christian ministry, and imbibe deep iinpressioDB of its incalculable importance.
" RBPLECnONS OF A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE.
" Dost thou, my soul, ' desire tlie office of a bishop,' a minbter of Christ] Examine, with deep concern, thy preparation for, thy call to, and thy end in offer- ing thyself for, this highly important work. Am I B real Christian? or, am I a 'devil;' a dissembler with God and man ; an entertainer of sin and Satan in my heart 1 Am I circumcised with tlie circum- cision of Christ, having my corrupt nature renewed ; * old things passed away, and all things become new V Do I 'worship God in the Spirit;' read, meditate, pray, converse, under the influence of the Holy Ghost? Do I certainly know wliat Christ is to me? Do I rejoice in what he is in himself, and what he is to, and hast done in and for me t Have I ' no confti<>
24 REFLECTIONS. [1802.
dence in the flesh/ in my learning or address 1 Hath the Holy Ghost emptied me of self in every form, until he hath made me poor in spirit ; ^ less than the least of all saints' in my own sight 1 Hath he, ^ with a strong hand/ instructed me to ^ count all things hut loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord/ and to ^ count them hut dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having on my own righteousness, hut the righteousness which is of God by faith T Do I earnestly desire to * know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellow- ship of his sufierings,' and ^ press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus 1 ' What furniture of gifts hath Christ bestowed upon me 1 What aptness to teach 1 What knowledge of * the mysteries of the kingdom V What skill to in- struct others, bringing them out of my * treasure things new and old T What ability to make ^ the deep things of God ' obvious to the weakest capacities ? What pro- per quickness of conception 1 What proper inclina- tion for study, as one devoted to matters of infinite importance? What peculiar fitness for the pulpit, qualifying me to * commend myself to every man's conscience in the sight of God ] ' — not in the * enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and with power?' With what stock of self-experienced texts and principles of inspiration, am I entering this tremendous office 1 — of what truths relative to the law of God, and its threatenings ; relative to sin, to Satan, and to divine desertion 1 Hath my soul ever tasted the wormwood and the gall 1 Of what declarations, and promises of grace 1 Have I tasted and seen that God is good ? What * cords of* infinite * love,' have caught and held my heart 1 What oracles of heaven have I * found ' and treasured up 1 and
1802.]
RBFLEcnoire.
i»
I
have they been the joy and rejoicing' of ray heart 1 Of what tests and truths, could I now say, ' I believe, and therefore speak ? ' What have I seen, heard, tasted, or handled of the good word of life, respecting which I can say, ' that declare I unto you ? ' Suppose my connexions with the pious, or my address with the peo2)Ie, should ever ao easily procure nie a charge, yet if I am unaent of Christ, in my whole ministration, I should act the part of ' a thief, and a robber ;' a traitor to Christ, and a murderer of aoids. If, without his commission, I enter into this office, what direction, what support, what comfort, what acceptance can I expect in and of my work 1 Say then, my con- science, as thou shall answer at the judgment-seat of God ; am I taking 'this honour' to myself, or am I * called of Ood as was Aaron 1 ' Is Christ sending me, and laying a necessity upon me to preach the gospel ] While he commands me to follow Providence, and to take no irregular step, am I thrusting myself into the office 1 la he breathing on my soul, and causing me to receive the Holy Ghost f la he endu- ing me with deep compassion to the souls of men ; and willi a deep sense of my own unfitness, and an earnest desire to he made meet and sanctified for my Master's use 1 In the progress of my education am I going bound up in the Spirit, with the love of Christ fbuming in my heart, and constraining me cheerfully and willingly to sutler poverty, contempt, and the hatred of all men for Christ's sake, willing, if possible, to risk my own salvation in winning others to Christ t What passages of Scripture have directed and encou- raged me to this work 1 In what form doth Jesus aeem to be giving me my commisaion? Wliether to *open the eyes' of the blind, and 'to turn' sinners 'from darkness unto light, and from the power of
26 REFLECnOKS. [1802.
Satan unto Ood, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them who are sancti- fied ;' or, ' Go, make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes that they see not,' but perish with their blind leader ? What pro- mise of Christ's presence with me, and assistance in my work, have I received from above 1 What is my end in my advances towards this work ? Dare I ap- peal to him, who searcheth my heart, and trieth my reins — ^to him, who will quickly be my judge, that I seek not great things for myself; that I covet no man's gold, nor silver, «nor apparel ; that I seek not their's, but them — ^neither of men seek I glory — ^that I look not on my own honour, but the honour of him that sends me 1 Have I considered diligently what is be- fore me, or am I running blind-folded on the tremen- dous chaise 1 Have I considered the nature of the ministerial work, that therein I am to be an ambassa- dor for Christ 1 to beseech perishing souls on the brink of hell * to be reconciled unto God ;' — a steward of the mysteries and manifold grace of God ; that at the in- finite hazard of my soul it is required of me to be foilnd faithful ; that in my ministration, I, with all humility and many tears, serve the Lord, * with my spirit, in the gospel of his Son ;' — ^to keep back no part of the counsel of God, no instruction, no reproof, no encou- ragement ! that I * testify repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ,' not moved with reproach, persecution, hunger, nakedness, nor even ^ coimt my life dear unto me, so that I may finish my course with joy ;' * ready not only to be bound, but to die for the name of Jesus ;' willing rather to be ruined with Christ, than to reign with emperors; — ^that I labour with much fear and trembling, ^ determined to know,' glory in, and make known, ' nothing but Christ,
I
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RSPtB(?noNa. 27
and him crucified,' and that * not with enticing words of man's wisdom,' as a man-pleaser, but in great plain* nesaofspeech,' in demonstration of the Spirit,' and with I great power; speaking the 'things freely given to me of God,' by his Spirit, not in 'words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual ;' ' having the Spirit,' and always triumphing in Christ, and making manifest the savour of his knowledge in every place, being to God a sweet savour of Christ, in tliem that are saved, and in them that perish. ' As of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God, speaking the truth ;' not fainting, 'renouncing the hidden things of dis- honesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully ; but by manifestation of the truth, to every man's conscience in the sight of God.' Not preaching myself, but Jesus Christ my Lord, and myself a servant to the church for his sake ; ' always bearing about the dying of the Lord Jeans,' that his life may be made manifest in me ; and ' knowing the terror of the Lord,' and his future judgments, I must persuade men,' making myself manifest to God, and to their consciences. Constrained with the love of Christ, I must change my voice, and turn myself every way to bring sinners to the tree of life ; jealous over them with a godly jealousy, and espousing them lAA chaste virgins in Christ ; travailing in birth till Christ be formed in them. 1 must * take heed to my ministry which I have received from the Lord to fulfil it.' I must ' give myself wholly to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine;' that I may 'save' myself J and 'them that hear' me, 'watching for their souls s one that must give an account ;' ' rightly dividing the word of truth,' and * giving to every one his portion of meat in due season;' faithfully 'warning every
28 . REFLECTIONS. [1802.
man, and teaching every man/ and labouring* to present every man * perfect in Christ Jesus ;' warring *not after the flesh/ not with 'weapons of warfare' which are * carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds/ ' and casting down of imaginations/ and subduing ' every thought' and afiec- tion * to the obedience of Christ/ having Him for * the end of my conversation/ and ' holding fast the form of sound words, in faith and love which is in him.' I must * go forth without the camp, bearing his reproach,' and * feeding the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost' shall make me * overseer, and which God has purchased by his own blood ;' preaching sound doc- trine *in faith and verity/ ^taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither as being a lord over God's heritage, but as an example to the flock' — exercised *unto godliness,' holy, just, and imblame- able ; — ^an example unto believers ^ in word, in conver- sation, in purity, in charity, in faith / fleeing ^ youthful lusts,' and following * after righteousness and peace / avoiding ^ foolish and unlearned questions / not striv- ing, but being gentle towards all men / * in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves / fleeing from disputes and worldly-mindedness, as most dangerous snares, and * following after righteousness, faith, god- liness, love, patience, meekness / ^ fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold on eternal life / ^ preach- ing the word,' * in season, and out of season / * reprov- ing, rebuking, exhorting with all long-sufiering and doctrine/ keeping the truth of the gospel in love which is committed unto me, and committing the same ^ unto faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also :' and, in fine, to try false teachers ; to * rebuke, before all,' such as sin openly ; to * restore'
r I
I
ISOil.] RKFLECnOTJS. 29
such as ' have been overtaken in a fault, in the spirit of meekness ;* 'having compassion' on them, to 'pull '■ihem out of the fire,' at the same time myself ' hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.' "
The simply scriptural character of this document, shows the kind of training which his mind had re- ceived. Like Timothy, he knew the Scriptures from bis childhood ; and, as has been the case with many others, be always felt how much he was indebted for this extensive acquaintance with the sacred writings to the catechetical instructions of his youth.
About the same time, we meet with the following record of his state of mind ; —
" O blessed Jesus, long have I sought for rest to my immortal soul, at one time in the gratification of ' the lusts of the flesh,' and at another ' of the mind.' When very young, I was a companion of the drunkard, the eabbath-breaker, the swearer, the profane person ; but in these my heart smote me, I had no rest. Then I made learning and books my God; but all, all, are Tain ! I come to thee : ' Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' — Fatigued with unsuccessful pursuits after happuiess, and burdened with a sense of guilt, Jesus, thou Son of God, I come to thee, that I may be refreshed, and my burden removed.
JeBus! my Lord, thou a.rt poasest
Of all that fiUs th" eternal God ! Oh ! bring my weary soul to rest,
Remove my guilt, that pond'rouB load I"
On Saturday, September 25, 1802, lie thus writes: —
*• This day I wrote to , desiring to know some
things respecting the Hoxton Academy. What shall I aay on this day now closing 1 O Lord, pardon my
30 SEEKS ADMISSION TO HOXTON ACADEMY. [1802.
sins, and make me thine in that day when thou makest up thy jewels ; in ' that day when Ood shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.' 'Have faith in Jehovah, with thy whole mind; but lean not to thine own understanding.' — ^ In all thy ways acknowled^ him, and he will direct thy paths.' ' Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy thought. This is the first and great commandment.' '^
On the 24th of November (in the letter above re- ferred to), he made his application to be received as a student at Hoxton Academy (now Highbury CJoUege) ; one of the most valuable of those ' Institutions, formed by Evangelical Dissenters,' for the purpose of afford- ing an extended education to candidates for the holy ministry. After relating, in the paragraph already quoted, the gracious dealings of God with his soul, in bringing him to the knowledge of himself, he thus proceeds : —
^ As the compass of one letter will not suffer me to enlai^e with respect to my principles, it will perhaps be sufficient to observe that, being educated in the doctrines of the church of Scotland, as contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, so far as I have been enabled to examine them as yet, I have espoused them from principle. Hence also my views with respect to the ordinance of Baptism will be known.
" As to the motives that induce me to wish to be a minister, they are these, viz. : — An earnest desire of being instrumental (under the good hand of God) in turning sinners from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God— of being instrumental in building up the church — ^being zealous of spiritual gifts, I seek that I may excel to the edifying of the
1803.] LETTER TO HIS FATHER. 31
church. I covet to prophesy, for he that prophesieth speaketh to men to edification, to exhortation, and to comfort ; and I would moreover observe, that these pas- sages not only express my motives, but also contain what I considered a warrant for my present under* taking, as they come from the apostle to the church at Corinth, in the form of an exhortation : * Seek that ye may excel.' * Covet to prophesy.'
" However, I would willingly resign myself to the direction of my heavenly Father. He knows best, and will choose and use what instruments he seeth meet. His will be done.
" R. Morrison."
*^ Great Market, Newcastle, «* November 24, 1802."
It is almost unnecessary to add that he was at once accepted by the Committee, and directed to proceed forthwith to London, where he arrived January 6, 1803. In a letter to his father, he thus relates the circumstances of the voyage.
**January7, 1803.
"Dear Father,
" By the good hand of God upon me, I arrived safe in the pool, yesterday afternoon, about two o'clock. • * * By the recommendation of Mr. Brodie, of South Shields, I fell in, very fortunately, with a good ship, and a good man for a master. When lying sick in the state room, I was happily surprised by hearing a number of persons sing psalms in the cabin : and every night when the weather would permit, we had prayers and reading of the Scriptures. The passage was very rough, in some parts of it : one night we, or rather they, let the ship drive, and another night we pitched away her bowsprit, which last occurrence was
32 LETTER TO HIS FATHER. [1803.
very serious, as it endangered the loss of our masts. I mention these circumstances to excite thankfuhiess to Ood, who brought us safely through. I pleaded the promise, in its literal sense, ' When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee ;^ and, blessed be God, it was fulfilled."
END OF THE FmST PERIOD.
PERIOD II.
FROM THE ENTRANCE OF MR, MORRISON AT HOXTON ACADEMY, TO HIS EMBARKATION FOR CHINA.
A.D. 1803—1807.
Arrival at Hoxton Academy. — "Rxtnct from Diarj — Inritatioii to return home. — Associates at College. — Dr. Fletcher's character of him as a Student. — Dr. Clunie*s ditto.— Dr. Burder*s ditto.— Dr. Payne's ditto.— Joins Dr. Waugh*s Church. — Preaches his first Sermon. — Extracts from Diary. — Ex- tracts from Letters. — Preference for Missionary Service. — Application to the Missionary Society. — Letter to his Father. — Removal to Gosport.— Letter to the Committee of Hoxton Academy. — Extracts from Correspondence.— Ap- pointment to China.— Origin of the Chinese Mission. — Correspondence with Mr. Clunie. — Letter to his Father.— Extracts from Diary and Correspond- ence.—Studies in London.— Extracts from Diary and Letters. — Arrange- ments for his Departure.— Ordination.— Takes leave of the Directors. — Their Letters of General Instructions, and of Christian counsel. — Farewell Letters. — He proceeds to Gravesend. — Embarkation for China.
Mr. Morrison arrived at Hoxton Academy on Friday, January 7, 1803, and commenced at once the regular course of studies, under his two tutors, the Rev. Dr. Simpson, and Rev. W. Atkinson. He resumed his diary on the 10th of the same month in the following manner : —
" I lament my coldness in spiritual things, and as, O heavenly Father ! I have made an entrance on this work, namely, a design of preaching Christ to poor fallen sinners, and thou by thy good providence hast been pleased to ordain it thus, I desire to leave all things, that I may now devote my time and talents to this blessed work. I pray that I may be sensible of my own weakness, and fully aware of the necessity
D
34 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. [1803.
of thy presence^ and the teaching of thine Holy Spirit. O give me insight and discernment into the deceit- fulness of my own heart ; and impress upon mine own mind a feeling sense of the infinite weight and imports ance of those things, which thou hast been pleased to reveal in thy blessed word. O may my heart tremble at thy word ; and do thou make me fully sensible, — make me to know, and to feel in my own mind, a lively and affecting sense of thy goodness, and of thy love, O God, my Saviour. O God, my Saviour, if I should ever venture, — ^if ever I should be honoured to open my mouth to speak forth thine ^unsearchable riches,' make me to know and apprehend thy worth in some measure. And, oh ! may I be able to show to my poor fellow-sinners those things which thou mayest be pleased to show unto me. O enkindle within me an ardent love of souls. Enable me to * do all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.' O Lord, I humbly desire, if thouseest meet to spare me, and to preserve me, to peruse and to meditate on thy word, throughout, — ^Lord, I desire to submit all my pursuits unto thee. Be with me for good, I humbly entreat thee. Amen."
These sentiments were penned simply for his own subsequent perusal, and in order to engrave more in- delibly upon his mind those impressions which were connected with the vast importance of the service upon which he was entering. They are therefore the more valuable, as indications of his real views and feelings, in consecrating himself to the Christian ministry. Scriptural truth powerfully influenced his mind ; his spirit was sincerely humble ; his eye was singly di- rected to the Saviour's glory ; and the desires of his heart were granted to him.
1803.] INVITATION TO RETURN HOME. 35
It appears that Mr. Morrison had left his father in a feehle state of health ; and that as the business at Newcastle greatly depended upon his own exertions, he had not been suffered to depart from the paternal abode without a considerable degree of reluctance. Scarcely was he settled at Hoxton Academy, when his faith was put to a new trial which originated in an affectionate invitation to return to his father's house, and resume his former engagements. His heart, however, was fixed ; he had fully counted the cost before he re- solved to make the experiment ; and he replied in the following strain of filial kindness and of genuine piety.
«* February 5, 1803.
" Honoured Father, Brother, and Sisters,
" I received your letter of the 19th ult. The ac- count of my father's leg growing worse and worse concerns me : but what can I do ? I look to my God, and my father's God. ^He doeth all things well,' and he will make all things work together for good to those who love him. My father, my brother, my sisters, I resign you all, and myself, to his care, who I trust careth for us. Are not our days few ? yet I desire, if the Lord will, that he may grant you where- withal to provide things honest in the sight of all men during the few days of your pilgrimage. I trust he will ; and may the Lord bless you with rich communi- cations of saving grace and knowledge. You advise me to return home. I thank you for your kind in- tentions : may the Lord bless you for them. But I have no inclination to do so ; having set my hand to the plough, I would not look back. It hath pleased the Lord to prosper me so far, and grant me favour in the eyes of this people."
d2
36 INVITATION TO RETUHN HOME. [1803.
The dissatisfaction, which his relatives appear to have felt at his separation from them, did not at once subside ; he refers to it in delicate terms in later letters. The following is so truly characteristic, and at the same time so creditable to all his feelings, both as a son and as a Christian, that, although its details be rather minute, it would scarcely be just to withhold it. His father, and his relatives at large, lived to acknow- ledge that this thing was of the Lord.
*' London, April 23, 1803.
" Dear Father,
" I long to hear from you, to know your affairs, and how you do. It is with a kind of painful plea- sure I recollect those tears my father, my brother, and my sisters shed on the day that I went out from you, not knowing well whither I went ; and even now mine eye moistens when I recollect my father's house. It was a mark of your regard for, and kindness to me, for which I hope I shall ever retain a grateful impres- sion on my mind, and render thanks to my God who gave me favour in your eyes.
" I have expected a letter some time from my brother, to inform me of the state of your affairs. I cannot help being much affected, so long as there is reason to suspect that you are offended with me, and account me either indifferent, or inimical, to your wel- fare and my own. Be so kind as to send me word how you are in your health ; what you are doing about getting wood this year ; and whether or not you have got any person to help you ? I hope my father is well ; brother Thomas, and his family ; sister Han- nah, and the boy James : I hope he will be diligent.
I also hope and his family are well : would to
God his eyes were opened to see the worth of his soul.
1803.] ASSOCIATES AT COLLEGE. 37
and the baseness and ingratitude of his conduct towards God, that he might repent, and turn to God. Let me know whether old Robert is with you yet or not.
" Though I have left you in disadvantageous cir- cumstances, you are dear to me as my own soul. Your welfare, my dear friends, in time, and in eter- nity, is, and I hope ever shall be, as long as we remain in this world, near my heart. God forbid I should sin against him, in ceasing to pray for you. And I hope my father and my brother will not for- get me, before my father's God. O my friends, my hope is, that God will make all things work together for our good. I trust God hath sent me hither, and that he will care for me. Though my sins be many, and my weakness great, my Saviour God will pardon my sins, and will make his grace sufficient for me.
"I enjoy pretty good health, and the people are kind to me ; my greatest uneasiness arises from the coldness of my affections towards the blessed Jesus, who died for poor sinners, and I trust for me. The wanderings of my heart from God, and a sense of my own weakness, press me down, and make me go mourning all the day."
On his entrance at Hoxton Academy, lie found himself associated, amongst others, with Messrs. Bur- der, of Hackney; Clunie, of Manchester; Fletcher, of Stepney; and Payne, of Exeter. With the two former he contracted a strong intimacy; and his friendship with the whole of them remained unbroken until death. He entered with his usual ardour upon those various branches of sacred and classical literature which were pursued in the Institution ; while, at the same time, his devotion to the great objects of the Christian ministry was such as to place his love to
38 CHARACTER AS A STUDENT. [1803.
Christ and souls in the most unequiyocal point of view. The following testimonials to his character as a student have been volunteered by his four surviving friends.
In his Funeral Sermon for Dr. MorrHon^ the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, D.D., says : — (Sermon, p. 24.)
" In the year of Dr. Morrison's entrance at Hoxton^ I had the honour and happiness of being admitted to that institution, and of being his daily associate in classical studies ; and I refer to the circumstance, be- cause at that period, some of the prominent features of his character were developed, not so much in his ordi- nary intercourse, as in the more private circle of his academic friendships. There was a deep seriousness of spirit, an unobtrusive devotion, without the slightest approach to display, that proved the reality of his communion with God* His interest in the cause of missions was manifest, rather by the impression he felt of its claims, than by his conversation. He seemed to be far less excited by the meetings and movements designed to produce impression on the public mind, than by the calm and retired contemplation of the subject; and I well recollect a conversation in which he spoke of his own personal obligations to become a missionary in a tone of most fervent and impressive conviction. The early development of his mental character was marked by no predominant feature, except that of intense and continued application ; and all that his future life and labours effected, may be traced, under the divine blessing, to this untiring per- severance."
The Rev. J. Clunie, LL.D., in his discourse, en- titled, " A Voice from China," speaks of his former school-companion in these terms : — (pp. 9 — 12.)
"On entering Hoxton Academy, January 1803, I
I
I
I
I
1603.] CHARACTER AS A BTtJDBNT. 39
found that. Mr. Morrison liad arrived a few days be- fore me ; and as we both regularly attended, with our friends, the ministry of that eminent servant of God, the Rev. A. (afterwards Dr.) Waugh, we were very soon intimately acquainted with each other ; and tlie result was an indissoluble friendship of nearly thirty- two years, during the whole of which period, we fre- quently interchanged oiir joys and our sorrows, and reciprocated our congratulations and our sympalliies ; while fidelity and affection mutually tendered, when necessary, admonition and reproof. His character was even then distinguished by those qualities wliich subsequently rendered him so illustrious — the most ardent piety — ^indefatigable diligence — and devoted zeal. His natviral disposition was grave and thought- ful— so that, as his mind was often the subject of anxious and desponding views, especially of himself and his attainments, he, probably, occasionally ap- peared to some as gloomy and melancholy. But those who knew him best were fully convinced, that most of his anxieties arose from his deep sense of the import- ance of the work for which he was preparing, of his own utter incompetency for its faithful discharge, and of the consequent obligation under which he was laid, to exert himself to the utmost, to secure the full bene- fit of every advantage placed within his reach. Hence he was a most exemplary student, and always aimed at distinction, even in some branches of study for which he appeared very little adapted. But his chief reli- ance to ensure success, was not on any effort of his own, however diligently and constantly exerted — but on the divine blessing. Hence few ever entered more fully into the great Luther's favourite axiom, 'to pray well is to study well ;' for of him it may be very justly said, that prayer was the element in which his soul
40 CHARACTER AS A STUDENT. [1803.
delighted to breathe. Hence he encouraged its exercise, not only in his own case, but in that of his fellow^ students, and in the circle of his acquaintance. This was so strikingly remarked that there were not wanting some among the latter who, to their shame be it spoken, so far from appreciating his worth in this respect, secretly desired that his visits, though never frequent, might be less so— because he generally concluded them with prayer. Few students ever left the house more irreproachable in their conduct, or more gener- ally respected by all for their real worth, and imfeigned piety ; or more beloved by those who enjoyed the feli- city of their faithful friendship. Though it was little apprehended, that he would so soon be called to fill one of the most arduous and important spheres which could be conceived, or that he would ultimately rise to such eminence in it, as to command the admiration of all classes of the Christian church, and of the com- munity in general ; yet, it is impossible to reflect on his diligent and devoted course at Hoxton, without clearly recognising the incipient elements of all his future success. Others^ indeed, possessed more brilliant talents — a richer imagination, a more attractive deli- very, or more graceful manners, — but, I trust I may be permitted to say, that there was no one who more happily concentrated in himself the three elements of moral greatness already enumerated — ^the most ardent piety, indefatigable diligence, and devoted zeal in the best of all causes,"
Similar statements have been made by his esteemed friend the Rev. H. F. Burder, D.D., of which the annexed paragraph may be cited as a specimen : —
'^ He pursued his studies with exemplary diligence ; and conciliated, by a spirit of ardent piety and de- votedness, the confidence and attachment both of his
1803.] JOINS DR. waugh's church. 41
patrons and his associates. Then it was [at the Theo- logical Seminary at Hoxton] that a friendship com- menced between the subject and the writer of this sketch, which was cemented by an uninterrupted cor- respondence through life, and which, it is humbly hoped, will, through sovereign grace, be renewed in that world where * they die no more.' "
To these may be added the testimony of the Rev. G. Payne, LL.D., addressed to Dr. Clunie : —
" I am sorry to say that I cannot at all help Mrs. Morrison. The letters I had from our excellent friend have been long destroyed ; and my recollection affords me one fact only of the slightest interest. When he entered the house, he had made some proficiency in Latin, but had done very little in Greek. He wished to proceed in company with us, who were considerably in advance of him ; and by putting forth that power of intense application for which he was so pre-eminently distinguished, and which secured to him, in after life, such splendid success, he attained his object. Labour- ing literally night and day, he soon overtook us ; and we had the pleasure, as I then felt it, and now feel it to have been a high honour, of enjoying his com- panionship till he left Hoxton for Gosport."
The period of preparatory study could scarcely be otherwise than barrejfof incident j there is accordingly little at this period to narrate.
On the 10th of February, Mr. Morrison writes, " I waited on Mr. Waugh, and proposed myself as a member of his church. I look to thee, O Lord, for thy blessing on it. He exhorted me to pray, and to make renewal of my covenant with God, in view of the solemn ordinance of the Supper." And on the 23rd, he says, " This day I attended at Mr. Waugh's three times, and was admitted a member of his
42 PREACHES HIS FIRST SERMON. [1803.
church. The day was kept as fast day. O Lord, grant that it may be for my soul's good and the glory of thy name. Manifest the riches of thy grace in me. Prepare me for the approach to thy holy table, through Christ."
During the period of Mr. Morrison's residence at Hoxton, he regularly attended on Sabbath-days the ministry of Mr. Waugh, except when he was himself engaged in conducting the services of the sanctuary. He also frequented the more social exercises of religion on the week-days, amongst the same people. Oppor- tunities to pursue his favourite work of visiting the sick poor were speedily sought and soon found ; indeed, he was ever ready to do good, according to his ability.
Mr. Morrison preached his first sermon in St. Luke's workhouse ; and, in reference to it at a future period, he said, " I remember shedding in secret tears of joy, when with feelings of deep responsibility I was sent, for the first time, to preach concerning Jesus to the poor people in St. Luke's workhouse. The first pulpit I ever preached in, was that which then stood in their chapel." After this he preached frequently in the villages about London for The London Itinerant Society; and was occasionally sent to more stated congregations in town and country.
The following extracts from his diary, show the ardour of his piety, and the general accuracy of his sentiments : —
"Feb. 22. — Rose at five. Spent the morning in prayer and reading my sermon over. I have been meditating on the last judgment ; — ^that solemn day when I must stand to give an account of my actions before *God the Judge of all:' that God, whom I now profess to serve, and whom I have espoused as my Master. Should I this morning
I
1803.] EXTRACTS FROM DUBY. 43
l)e called before him, to give that account, how should I acquit myself! witli joy or with grief? Thus I tremble. I coul'esa there is much siufulness, and daily do I ottend. I have a vain heart ; a wicked heart, that will not be stayed upon God. I profess to believe in God ; but, alas! I do not conduct myself Worthy of such a Master. I liave not the interests of Christ BO much at heart as I should have. My know- ledge of lus claims and glory is very small indeed. My gratitude for ' the travail of his soul ' is next to nutliing. My faith in him is very weak. My love to him is very cold. O God, increase my knowledge ; strengthen my faith ; excite my gratitude ; infuse into iBiy soul more lively desires after thee, more devoted- ness to thy 8cr\ice. And grant me more comfort from meditating on thy grace and glory, for thine own name's sake !
" March 18. — I went to see Mr. Walker's orrery, ■which gave me much satisfaction. O how great is that God, in whom I trust! How able to deliver! My soul, rest on God in Chriet, as thine only hope and portion ! Thy Saviour is he who made all worlds, and who now upholds them in being, by his almighty power. Is he not ' able to keep that which I have committed' to his hand 'against that day I'
April 4. — This evening I went to the Missionary 'rayer Meeting, and was much comforted. O J^ord,
le with all who are gone to distant parts of the earth, ;to spread the savour of thy name ! Take me under ithy care and keeping. Instruct me in the mysteries
f thy kingdom, for thy name's sake !
"April 14. — The day of judgment hastens apace; and, O how little is the work that I encompass ! O that 1 might keep steady to my purpose, and near to Je8Ui> !
44 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY* [1803.
"April 24. — O that my temper and conversation may correspond with my profession ; that I may walk worthy the holy vocation whereto I am called ! As I am a candidate for the honourable and arduous work of the ministry, if thou art pleased to count me worthy of so high an honour as to put me into the ministry^ oh ! that I may be fitted for the work ; that I may ever have an eye to this, and the high responsibility which attaches itself to it. May I be laborious and Htudious in the use of means, and look to thee for thy blessing. But, O God, forbid that I should run with- out being sent. Do thou own me, and bless me, and preserve me. May the love of God ever warm my heart, and the Spirit of God guide my tongue. En- large my confidence. Give me a firm purpose and resolution that I may rise above the sinful fear of man, and with all boldness open my mouth to make known the mystery of God. O that I were * mighty in the Scriptures.' * Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.' May thy word be in my heart, as seed sown on a good soil. O that my fellowship may be with thee this day, and with thy Son Jesus Christ, in my going out and in my coming in. Be thou present with me, O Lord. Every favour I ask is in the name, and for the sake, of the Lord Jesus.
" Sept. 26. — * Thine understanding,' O God, * is infinite.' Thy knowledge has no limits. Nothing is beyond the reach of thine eyes. Thou comprehendest, in thine immense survey^ the boundless expanse of heaven. Thine *eye runneth to and fro through the whole earth/ and beholdeth the deepest recesses of the nether world. Thine eye is upon my ways^ and all the devious path through which I tread in my journey up through this world. Thine eye attends and beholds
1803.] EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 45
my goings. Could * I ascend to heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and fly to the uttermost parts of the sea, even there should thy hand find me, and thy right hand should hold me.' But will not the darkness hide me from thy sight ? No ; if I say, * surely the thick veil of darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me. The darkness hideth not from thee. The night shineth as the day. The darkness and the light to thee are both alike.'
" O what a solemn thought is this ! Has the eye of the God, who is of spotless holiness and infallible justice, attended me in my sinful wanderings ; when * I walked according to the course of this world V — ^at- tended me, when I was going in the path my parents forbade me ; in my nocturnal rambles round the town with my wicked companions 1 — attended me, on the Lord's day, to the scenes of iniquity 1 — ^in my search of sinful amusements? Has the ear of God been witnessing all my hateful acts? Yes! yes! O my soul, and more than all this. The ear of God has heard my filthy conversation. * There is not a word in my tongue, but he knoweth it altogether; he understandeth my thoughts afar off.' He, he was there when I spake falsely to my father. He knew when I took his holy name in vain, and filled my mouth with leasing ; when I joined in the song of the drunkard ; when I spent the Lord's day in vain conver- sation. He has witnessed my blasphemous thoughts, my impure notions. These are some of the things for which my heart condemns me, and God is greater than my heart, and knoweth all things.' O what shall I say now concerning the presence of God? He at- tended me in my wanderings, and, oh ! eternal thanks
46 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. [1803.
to his name, when his eye saw me, on the brink of the bottomless pit, his arm was stretched out to pluck me as a brand from the burning, and prevented my falling headlong into eternal perdition. Hallelujah! halle- lujah ! Blessing, and praise, and glory, and honour be unto the Lord my God, the all-seeing God. O may the same God attend me through the remainder of my journey, with his eye set upon me, and bring me safe to my wished-for home, my Father's house in heaven. Amen and Amen."
The strong ties of natural affection were most power- fully felt by Mr. Morrison. Neither separation fix)m the objects of his regard, nor change of circumstances, weakened in the slightest degree their influence upon his heart. This is fully evinced by the regular cor- respondence which he maintained with his relations to the close of life, as well as by his readiness to assist them to the very extent of his ability, and sometimes even beyond it. In his correspondence with them, he was wont to detail the most trivial circumstances concerning himself, and to enter as minutely into every thing that affected the welfare of the circle he had left behind. Nor did he ever omit to urge on their atten- tion the truths of Scripture, and the necessity of a salutary acquaintance with them. Some brief extracts from his letters would not be here misplaced : —
"July 14. — As I have never yet written direct to you since I came to London, give me leave to address a few lines to you. In all the letters that have come to me from you, you have complained of vexation and anxiety, partly from the hurry of busi- ness, and inability to fulfil orders, and perhaps from other circumstances. Had I continued with you, so far as we can see, perhaps the management of the affairs you allude to might have been somewhat more
I
I
KXTRACTB FnOM LfflTSBS.
leaaily accomplished : but even supposing tliat I had remained in Newcastle, circumstancee might have occurred to render your situation equally unpleasant and vexatious. I hope you will not reflect upon me , for what is past. • • • •
" My sincere desire is that they may be in good ear- nest about the welfare of their souls, about securing an interest in the blessed Jesua. Our lives are but a vapour
kthat appears for a little time, and then vanishes away ; but if the vapour should vanish while the soul is yet Uninterested in the Lord Jesus, how sad the situation! A mere profession of faith in the Lord Jesus will not do without repentance and godly sorrow for sin, and the love of God shed abroad in the heart. I am afraid they remain prayerless, and if so, then Christless. It is very plain, but I speak it in love ; if I be wrong, it will be a source of comfort to me and of much thanks- giving to God. My love and sympathy to sister Scott ; assist her in a pecuniary way I cannot ; but I ^_ will pray for her, and humbly hope that even these ^■■evere trials will be sanctified to her use, and be ^V amongst the 'all things' that work together for good. " Let my nephew J. M. know that his uncle expects he will be diligent in his business, and endeavour to be H8 useful as possible ; that he will endeavour to retain the learning he has got, and on the Sabbath-day he will read his Bible and attend on the meeting. My
•duty to ray aged father : I have no doubt but he strives together with you in his prayers to God for TOe. The Lord grant that tlie evening of his days may be calm and tranquil : that he may bring forth fruit in old age, and always be flourishing in a spiritual sense. As to the proposed marriage, my scniples are removed : may the Lord direct him in all things for Jesus' sake."
48 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. [1803.
" September 12. — My dear friends, it is probable I shall never see you all again in this world, if ever I see any of you. O think not my importunity is affected when I entreat you to pray much for your- selves, and for me ; and the Lord help me to be much in prayer for my father, my brothers, my sisters, and their little ones : that the Lord may take us all for his own ; that when we die, which will be very soon, for our age is but a hand's breadth, we may go to glory and live for ever in the presence of God and the Lamb. I am
particularly solicitous about , that she may attend
on the means, read the Bible, keep the Sabbath, and learn to pray. I am afraid she lives without secret prayer, and is insensible of her lost state without Jesus Christ. Please to let her see or hear this.
" I had the privilege yesterday of sitting down at the
Lord's table, with brother and sister J ^ and E ^
and commemorating the love of Jesus, in company with the redeemed of the Lord. O that it may be a prelude to that looked for day, when we humbly hope to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
" September 17. — ^The recollection of the favours and indulgence shown to me when at home with you, will, I trust, ever warm my bosom with filial affection ; and in your prayers forme, now that I am separated from you, may this be a constant request, that God may never take his Holy Spirit from me, and that my
love and conformity to Jesus Christ may ever increase. # # # # « Q ^^^ QqJ jjjg^y jjring us all near to him- self, by the blood of Jesus ; keep us from sin and every evil in this world, and save us from hell in the world to come ; so that when a few years are past and gone, we may ifteet in heaven, where I trust those that were near and dear to us, now are."
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EXTRACTS PROM LETTEHS. 49
November 12. — On Monday evening last I had the pleasure of seeiug three of the Hottentots, who formerly lived like beasts, as they themselves said, but who were converted to the faith of Jesus by the ministry of Mr. Kicherer. He and they came to town last week from Holland, and the Indians are now on their way to their own country agaiu. They answered questions in their own language in a manner that many professing Christiana amongst ua would not be able to do. It was such a scene as perhaps was uever witnessed in England before. If you still take in the Magazine you will see an account of it in that of the ensuing month. Blessed be God, who hath owned the labours of his servants and fulfilled his own word."
Tile following letter to one of his sisters is an interest- ing specimen of his solicitude to promote the spiritual welfare of his relatives, and to see them all walking in le good way8 of the Lord.
"Decembers, 1803.
" I received, at least my brother J received, the
letter you sent in the name of my father, mother, brothers, and sisters. I was happy to find that you were all in health ; and the manner iu which you wrote gave me additional satisfaction. 1 was pleased to hear you speak of the necessity of a renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and express a wish that you might experi- ence it. O that God in mercy would thoroughly con- vince you of sin ! Hannah, in a few years at most, we must die, as our mother, our brother, and our sister, have done; and unless our hearts be changed, as you said in your letter, we must be lost, Jesus said, 1 when in the world, and he still says in the Bible, * except a person be bom again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.' And in the other world
Vol. j. e
50 PREFERENCE FOR MISSIONARY SERVICE. [1803.
there are only two places, heaven and hell ; so that those who do not go to the former, must go to the latter. Now the intention I have in saying all this is, to urge you to give yourself up to Jesus Christ, who died for such wretches as you and I. Pray to God to change your heart for Jesus' sake. Though some people may laugh at these things, there is nothing in all the world so important. Your soul, sister, is more worth
than a thousand worlds. And, O that sisters A ^
M f and S ^ would also think more about these
things. I wish I had time to write a little to sister
S , but were I to stop longer I should lose the
opportunity of sending this."
Mr. Morrison's preference for missionary service increased after his entrance at Hoxton Academy ; and in September he again referred the matter to his father and friends at Newcastle, who at length assented, al- though with considerable reluctance. This preference did not originate in mere excitement, but in a calm and deliberate view of the condition of the heathen, and a deep and impressive sense of his own obligations to the Saviour. The following paper, though without date, evidently belongs to this epoch, and shows the holy anxiety which Mr. Morrison felt to know and do the will of God.
" O Lord, may I have the Holy Spirit to direct me. Give me not up to my own devices ! Jesus, I have given myself up to thy service. The question with me is, where shall I serve thee ? I learn from thy word that it is thy holy pleasure that the gospel should be preached *in all the world, for a witness unto all nations.' And hence thou hast given com- mandment to thy servants unto ^ the end of the world,' to * preach the gospel to every creature,' pro-
1803.] PREFERENCE FOR MISSIONARY SERVICE. 51
mising them thy presence. I consider * the world ' as *the field' where thy servants must labour. When I view the field, O Lord, my Master, I perceive that by far the greater part is entirely without labourers ; or, at best, has but here and there one or two, whilst there are thousands crowded up in one comer. My desire is, O Lord, to engage where labourers are most wanted. Perhaps one part of the field is more diffi- cult than another. I am equally unfit for any. I cannot think a good thought of myself ; but, through thee strengthening me, * I can do all things.' O Lord, guide me in this matter. Save me from impatience; save me from self-wiUedness ; save me from every motive but a desire to serve thee, and to promote the welfare of the souls of men. My judgment is per- suaded that it is my duty. It is my heart's desire. Suffer me not to sin either by rushing forward, or by drawing back. Enable me to count the cost, and having come to a resolution, to act consistently. Give me the comfortable persuasion of my own soul's sal- vation."
The preference thus cherished was first made known by Mr. Morrison to the tutors and treasurer of the in- stitution whose advantages he was enjoying; and by them he was advised to make it a matter of serious deliberation and prayer. It was at the same time re- presented to him that the difficulties of foreign service were great, and that he possessed qualifications which might eventually prove useful to his native country. Amongst inducements to remain at home, an offer was made him to pursue his studies at one of the Scotch universities : but the longer he deliberated, the stronger became his conviction of duty ; and early in 1804, he resolved to offer himself to the Directors of the London
e2
52 APPUCATION TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIRTY. [1804.
Missionary Society. The sermons preached at the society's anniversary deeply impressed him ; and on the 27th of May he addressed his letter of application to the Rev. Alexander Waugh, then chairman of the committee of examination. The preachers at this anniversary were the late Rev. W. Thorpe, of Bristol, who discoursed on Elijah's contest with the priests of Baal, 1 Kings xviii. 19, &c.; the Rev. J. Bennett, D.D., then of Romsey, who preached from Isa. lii. 13 — 15 ; the Rev. Dr. Dickson, of Edinburgh, who founded his discourse on Luke ii. 10, 11 ; and the late Rev. T. Scott, M.A., who preached from Matt, ix. 37, 38. The following is the letter to Mr. Waugh ; it is a most interesting document, and has been re- ferred to as a model for missionary applications.
" Sm,
" I humbly beg leave, by you, to lay before the gentlemen of the committee, the commencement and progress, as well as present state, of that desire to en- g^e in the missionary work, which I have expressed to yourself and other Directors of the Missionary Soci- ety ; hoping that the gentlemen of the committee will thereby be better able, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God, to determine respecting me; for I equally deprecate * running without being sent,* and re- fusing to be the messenger of the Lord to the heathen. About seven years ago, after alarming convictions of sin and dread of the wrath to come, I was brought to rest my soul on Jesus Christ, for eternal salva- tion. I should say that about two years after (for I cannot speak with certainty as to the time), I was filled with an ardent desire to serve the Lord Jesus, and the spiritual interests of my fellow-men, in any way, however humble. It was then I formed the
I
»
1B04.] APPLICATION TO TUB MiaBlONAIlY 90CIBrT.'
design of engaging aa a missionary. I can scarcely call it a design; it was only a wish — an anient desire, I indulged it, though I saw uo probability of ever hav'ing it fulfilled. I was then in an obscure situa- tion, nearly three hundred miles from town, and had no one to encourage nor second me. For a long time I thought of it; the crying necessity for missionariea dwelt upon my mind; I prayed lo the Lord to dis- Jiose me to that which was well pleasing in his sight, and, if agreeable to his will, to fulfil the desires of my heart. I conceived tliat nothing was to be done with- out learning. I therefore saved a little money from what my father gave me, to pay a teacher of Latin, which I learned in the mornings before eix o'clock, and in the evenings after seven or eight. Continuing in this way about Iburteen months, my mother died ; whereby one hinderance to my leaving home was removed: yet my affectionate friends pressed me to stay witJi them — my father wept and prayed over me, nnwiUing to part with me, and, afraid lest he should be opposing the will of the Lord, he at last consented. I endeavoured to weigh every side of the case, sought direction of the Lord, and finally determined, in his strength, to give myself up to his service. I came to Hoxton, and was admitted a student, where I have continued a year and a half.
Now my first wish was to engage as a missionary. 'This was the burden of my prayer. I avowed this <«tesign to my friends. I frankly own it was the wish of my heart when I came to Hoxton ; and had the question been asked me, I should have professed it. 1 I had no design to conceal it ; but 1 then considered \ myself unfit, and believed learning necessary. I knew nothing of a missionary academy. I still cherished the desire of being a missionary, but thought it premature
54 APPLICATION TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. [1804.
to come to a detennination, and therefore entered on the foundation at Hoxton.
" Since I came here, I have had my thoughts less or more set upon the same object: — I hope it is of the Lord. I am stating these things, Sir, not as if I were striving to gain a point, but as matters of fact, that you and the gentlemen of the committee may be better able to judge in this matter. I have at Hoxton prayed sometimes about it, conversed with a con- fidential fellow-student on it, and often written to my friends in the country of it. The keenness with which I have followed my studies, and other causes, have often deadened my soul much to spiritual things ; but when brought to my right mind again, the same ardent desire has returned to engage in this par- ticular work. My affections are rarely so much car- ried out on the subject as formerly. I have lately thought of it, as it is likely I shall do when about to die. I conceive that my heart would then reproach me, were I not to act as I now do. I am afraid I should sin were I to keep back. I do not consider it as good and laudable only, but as my duty. Knowing that Jesus wills that his * gospel * should be ^ preached in all the world,* and that ^ the redeemed of the Lord ' are ^ to be gathered out of every kindred, and tongue, and people;* recollecting moreover the command of Jesus to ^ go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,* I conceive it my duty, as a can- didate for the holy ministry, to stand candidate for a station where labourers are most wanted.
" My affectionate relatives in the country, and my kind friends and patrons in town, dissuade me from it, tell me of the difiiculties I shall have to encounter, and promise me much, should I stay at home. I have considered these things, prayed to the Lord to direct
1804.] LETTER TO HIS FATHER. 55
me, and to enable me to count the cost, that I may not act the part of a foolish builder. I am extremely- suspicious of myself, jealous of the strength of my love to Jesus to bear me through. But, leaning on his love to me, I have now, Sir, made up my mind, if the Lord will, to * forsake all and follow him,* to * spend, and be spent for the elects sake, that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.'
" The moment I came to a determination, I thought it my duty to inform my kind patrons at Hoxton, of whose favours I shall, I hope, carry a grateful sense with me to the grave. I have informed them, and now beg leave. Sir, to submit myself to be examined ^y you and the gentlemen of the committee,' hoping the Lord the Spirit will guide "your minds to judge concerning
" Your humble servant in the Lord Jesus,
"Hoxton, May 27, 1804." " Robert Morrison."
A few days before this epistle was penned, he had communicated his intention to his father, in a strain of filial affection and holy conscientiousness, which could not easily be surpassed. The letter is as follows :—
" Dear Father,
" I conceive it my duty to send you the earliest notice that I have it in contemplation to give myself up to the Missionary Society. You will recollect that I entertained this design when in the country, and sometimes mentioned it. I have always kept it in view, more or less, since I took farewell of you and my brothers and sisters. Now at last I have purposed, if the Lord will, to put it into execution. You will say, it is of no use to ask advice after I have deter-
56 LETTER TO HIS FATHER. [1804.
mined ; but if my father, or other friends, can give such reasons why I should not take this step as will satisfy my mind on a dying bed, I will yet desist.
" Father, I conceive of it thus : Prophecy assures me that it is the design of the Lord Jesus, whom I •profess to serve, to have the gospel preached among all nations ; hence I hear him saying to his servants, * go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; I am with you always, even to the end of the world.' I know that the redeemed of the Lord are to be gathered out of every nation, every kindred, and every language, under heaven. From this con- sideration I think it my duty to quit this country, where there is abundance of labourers, and go to those countries where there are few or none. I do not consider inclination only ; I am afraid I should weep for the omission when about to die, should I shun the work. O that, having asked the Lord's di- rection, I may be enabled to act so as to please him ! I hope you will write to me soon ; for I shall not be long in doing something more concerning this affidr, if I do not change my mind. I have already intimated my intention to Mr. Bogue, tutor of the missionary academy, Mr. Burder, Waugh, and others of the di- rectors. I have also acquainted my present tutors with it, and Mr. Wilson, who has been so kind to me. I am afraid of nothing but my own wicked, treacher- ous heart. I am afraid lest I should prove a disgrace to the cause I mean to serve ; indeed, it will be so, unless the hand of God support me. I hope, father, you will agree with me when I say, that since I have given myself up to be the Lord's servant, I ought to be zealous to engage in any work, even the most dan- gerous ; and that I should be careful, above all things, not to act the part of a slothful servant, and so, instead
I
P3804.] REMOVAL TO OOSPOHT. 57
of being welcomed by J^sus in the day of judgment, I be spumed from his gracious presence."
He appeared before the missionary committee on the morning of Monday, May 28th ; and so satisfac- tory was the interview, that, contrary to the usual, custom, tlie second examination waa dispensed with, and he waa accepted by the board of directors on the evening of the same day, and ordered to proceed forth- with to the missionary academy at Gosport, under the superintendence of the venerable Dr. Bogue. On Wednesday in the same week he proceeded to Gos- port, " where" (he says) " 1 waa well received by the Btudents and Mr. Bogue." He adds, " This commences a new period of my life." The interest with which at this moment he must have looked back to the days when he first cherished the idea of missionary service, with scarcely a hope that his desire could ever be gratified ; and the surprise with which he must have reviewed the successive steps of God's wonder-work- ing Providence by which this result had been brought about, can be better conceived than described. Verily " the counsel of the Lord shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure."
Previously to hia departure from Hoxton Academy, he waa " affectionately commended to the special grace of God, by his fellow-students," in a solemn exercise of Hocial prayer ; and on leaving town, he addressed the following letter to tlie committee of the institution, whose advantages he had for a season enjoyed.
" Gentlemen, '? After mature deliberation and earnest prayer to ; I made up my mind to serve the Lord Jesus [8t the heathen, if the directors of the Missionary
58 LETTER TO THE COMMITrSE. [1804.
Society should judge me a suitable person. So soon as I came to this determination^ I informed the trea- surer, and my tutors. They advised me to think and pray over it, so as not to act rashly ; at the same time observing that they would much rather that I should continue at home, on account of the necessity there was for ministers amongst ourselves. I put it off a little longer, and considered what they said to me, and at last concluded that it was my duty to oflfer my- self as a candidate for missionary service. Therefore, having informed Mr. Wilson and my tutors, I pro- posed myself to the committee of examination of the London Missionary Society. On Monday last, I was examined by the committee ; and in the evening the members gave in their report to the directors, who were pleased to accept of me as a missionary. I trust the Lord Jesus will accept of me as his servant, and succour me in his work.
" I beg leave, gentlemen, to assure you (and I feel anxious to do it) that nothing but an urgent sense of duty could have induced me to take these steps. I hope the advantages I have received at Hoxton Aca- demy, will, by the blessing of God, be turned to a good account; and that my kind patrons will not think what they have bestowed upon me, cast away. It only remains that I express the grateful impres- sions I feel (and I hope shall do till I descend to the grave) of the favours which have been bestowed upon me by the constituents, committee, treasurer, and tutors of the Hoxton Academy. May the great head of the church, the Son of God, render a hundred-fold into their bosoms, and grant that their designs to promote the eternal salvation of man may be abundantly suc- ceeded, and perpetually aimed at by,
/* Gentlemen, Yours, &c. &c."
1804.] LETTER TO HIS FATHER. 59
In a letter of the same date. May 29thy he thus communicated the fact of his acceptation as a mission- ary candidate, to his father and relatives at Newcastle.
" God, who knoweth the end from the beginning, hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitations. His kind concern stoops to take notice of our mean affairs. Hitherto his hand has led us, and hitherto goodness and mercy have followed us. We trust the same God will be our guide even unto death. * Short is the passage from the cradle to the tomb/ It is as a span, a hand- breadth. It is less than nothing, compared with that eternity which lies before us. It is not worthy of a thought. To eternity be all our ideas directed. Let it be all our concern, while time shall last, to avoid that hell beneath which our sins have deserved, and make sure our interest in Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant, whereby, at death, the golden gates of paradise shall be opened for our reception. We shall enter in, to go no more out ; but shall meet before the throne of God and of the Lamb, therer to dwell everlastingly. Such are the prospects the Bible opens to our view, if we believe in Jesus. O for stronger faith in him !
" Your minds are, I trust, in good part prepared to receive, with humble resignation to the will of God (whose will I trust it is), the intelligence I am about to communicate. You know that from the first of my design to do any thing in the service of the Lord Jesus (O may he acknowledge me as his servant!), it was my wish to engage as a missionary. At first there was no probability of succeeding ; but the hand of the Lord has hitherto led me by a way that I knew not, a way that I did not expect. I thought, my dear friends.
60 BXTBJLCnS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. [I804«
it was my duty (and it is a happiness if the Lord ac- knowledge me in the work) to act in the way I have done. I was afraid I should have sinned, had I not done it. I was yesterday examined by the committee of Directors of the Missionary Society, and, out of the usual order, was accepted at the first hearing. This evening, at six o'clock, or to-morrow morning, I set off for Gosport, to Mr. Bogue's academy. Mr. Wilson and my friends are reconciled and kind to me ; and I hope you, also, will willingly give me up to the Lord."
The desire which he had so loog cherished, was now gratified ; and he entered on his new sphere with his usual fervour and diligence. The following extract from his correspondence, which is dated June 9th, and is addressed to his esteemed friend Mr. Clmnie, will best describe his situation, and delineate his state of mind at this important crisis : —
« Dear ,
"J expected that my brother would inform you of my safe arrival at Gosport on the evening of the day I left you. Through the good hand of God upon me, in answer to the prayers of my relatives and Christian friends, I am yet in comfortable circumstances, and enjoy something of the presence of God, and of the hope of glory.
" My dear brother, I hope the conversation we had when we travelled together to Leatherhead, will not soon be forgotten. Let the sentiment dwell upon our hearts, that it is the great business of our lives to tes- tify the gospel of the grace of God. Whether or not you and I have the happiness to labour together as it respects place, we shall, I trust, have the happiness of pursuing the same end, seeking to promote tjhe glory
r
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BXTRACTS 7R0H HU COBR^PONBENCE. 61
of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the sal- vation of men. O that this may be in truth our con- stant pursuit ; so shall we have the happiness of God's approbation through life, at the hour of death, in the day of judgment, and be perfectly happy in his imme- diate presence through eternity."
Again, July 3l8t, he thus writes : —
" My situation at Gosport is agreeable ; and the persons with whom I am connected are kind to me. The Lord, who gives me favour in their eyes, con- tinues me in health. My mind is comfortable, and resigned to the Lords pleasure concerning me. I, as formerly, have ' to fight with sins, and doubts, and fears.' Such I expect will be my experience, while I continue in this world. Christ crucified is all my hope, all my desire. 'He will not put my soul to shame, nor let my hope be lost.' 0 that the issue of my labours may be the bringing of some poor soul to Jesus. My young brother, let the glory of God, in the salvation of souls, be the point to which all our labours tend. May we constantly keep our eye on the mark. Let us labour now : in one hundred years' time, I hope we shall be in heaven. Were it possible for us to be stretched on tlie rack all that time, one poor million of years in glory would obliterate the recollection of it,
" My future destination is altogether unknown to me. It is in agitation to send a mission to China. Mr. Bogue seems quite fond of it. I have bad some thoughts of going into the interior of Africa, to Tim- buctoo.' I give up my concerns to the Lord. I hope
• This was with the unfortunate traveller Mungo Park, when he I contemplated forming an English settLement there,
62 EXTRACTS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. [1804.
he will open a door of useful missionary labour in some part of the world, and give me souls for my hire."
On the 29th of July he wrote thus to his sister Hannah: —
« Dear Sioter,
" I am exceedingly sorry that you have never favoured me with a letter as I requested you. • • • I wish you would send me up some account of the concerns of our family, and of the state of your own mind. Permit me, H., to suggest a few thoughts to you by way of advice ; and I pray the Lord to in- cline your heart to listen to them so far as they are proper. It is probable, that in fifteen or twenty years, your soul and mine will be in the eternal world — in heaven or hell. In the last letter I wrote to you, I endeavoured to lead your mind to the most serious consideration of this. I would here repeat it : I be- seech you frequently to meditate upon it. Think also V of the sins of your life ; such, for instance, as slug- gish forgetfulness of God, neglect of prayer, mispend- ing the Lord's day, proud and resentM thoughts, and other sins of the like kind ; and accompany your own endeavours with prayer to the Holy Spirit, to con- vince you of sin. Think, also, of the condescension and piety of the Lord Jesus, displayed in his suffer? ings and death in human nature, in order to save sin- ners ; and pray here, also, that the Spirit of the Lord may take of the things that are Christ's, and show them to you. If you do not already do these things, O do take my advice. If our souls know each other after death, how happy shall we be, having been separated almost the whole of our lives, to meet at the right hand of Jesus Christ, the Judge of the
1804-3 EXTRACTS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE.
63
I
world: but, on the contrary, how miserable a thing, should one be on the right hand, and the other on the [left. Reflect, how wicked it is to think hgbtly con- cerning the Lord Jesus, or refuse to believe and obey bim. Be persuaded to act thus, and tlie Lord give you understanding, and an inclination to seek after spiritual knowledge. Beware of neglecting the Bible. I beg leave to drop a hint to you respecting young men, who may pay their addresses to you. And, first, be determined (for it is of infinite importance), give not the least encouragement to any one who does not love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. If you be detei^ mined to stand on the Lord's side, such a connexion ■would prove a source of perpetual uneasiness through life, and a great snare to your soul. Perhaps you have Bome connexion of this kind formed already. I wish you would tell me all your affairs. We have lost our dear and tender mother; we have not her to advise with. 1 have had one letter trom my brotlier and sister in Loudon since I came here : they were then well, and desired me to send tlieir love to you and all the family, if I should write. My situation at Gosport is tolerably coralbrtable. I have to labour very hardly, but the Lord gives me health to do it, for which I desire to be thankful. There are five missionaries of us who live together with Mr. Frey, the converted Jew, who is preparing to preach the gospel to the Jews in London, and other parts of the world. Two of these at our house, Messrs. Loveless and M'Donald, ■with a Dr. Taylor, from Ediubui^h, are just on the point of setting off on a mission to Surat, in the East Indies. It is in flotation to send me on a mission to China : however, it is altogether uncertain as yet. I have thought of going to Timbuctoo, in Africa. I hope the Lord will carry me out to some situation
64 BXTRACTS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. [1804.
where he will make me abundantly useful to the souls of men. I was going to say, pray for me ; but unless you practise prayer for yourself, I cannot expect you to pray for me. I hope you do pray for yourself.
" Our vacation, which will continue eight weeks, has commenced. Mr. Bogue, our tutor, has gone down to Scotland. I am engaged to write lectures for myself, and preach occasionally during his absence ; so that I shall not be able to go down and see you now. It is likely I shall not go till I am appointed to some mission. When that takes place, I shall cer- tainly see you ere I go."
»
On the 8th of September, he addressed the follow- ing letter to his brother, from Winchester : it discovers the same strong feelings of natural affection, and breathes the same deep-toned piety : —
^^ I almost blush to send you such a piece of paper as this; but such as I can conveniently get, I send; hoping you will receive it as conveying to you my best wishes for your own happiness, and that of your family.
" If it be true that God has determined the bounds of our habitation ; if it is by the Providence of God that I am seated here to-night, 400 miles distant from my father's house, where I once thought I should have lived and died; if, I say, it is the good Provi- dence of God that has placed me here, sustaining a character so widely different from that which I sus- tained when present with you; how mysterious are the dealings of Divine Providence ! How many the changes that take place in our short pass^e from the cradle to the tomb ! O that the same good hand that has provided for us, and guided us hitherto, may yet
p
ft
I
1804.] APPOINTMENT TO CHTNA. ()5
guide us; and, as it 13 more than probable that we shall live apart while on this side the grave, may we (O Lord, grant it) live together beyond the grave, whither our mother, and brother, and sigter, and your children, have gone before. I hope you will fulfil the promise you made in C."s letter, to write to me soon. I mu9tsay, that I have considered tlie silence of my friends and relatives as a very great unkindness: it has given me considerable uneasiness at different times. I hoped that you and my father would have written oftener. I live in a private family, where I am kindly treated, enjoying the comfortable society of Christian friends; and an intimacy with Mr. Anderson, a medical gentle- man, who will be my companion, if the society will allow me to go to Africa. The Committee is willing to allow a missionary to proceed with him, but not me. They want me for other service. Mr. Waugh, in a letter to Mr. Anderson, said they designed me for the Prince of Wales' Island, in Malacca Straits. There is nothing yet determined on."
Shortly after the date of these letters, Mr. M. was appointed to China oa the scene of his future labours. The exact place of his residence, whether China Pro- per, or on aome of the adjacent islands, was not at first determined ; but his attention was at once directed to the acquisition of the Chinese language, with a view to the translation of the Holy Scriptures into that tongue. It was his own deliberate conviction, that his destination to China was in answer to prayer ; for his expressed desire was, that God would station him in that part of (lie missionary field where the dif- ficulties were the greatest, and, to all human appear- ance, the most insurmountable. In this appointment he most cordially acquiesced, and from that time until
Vol. I. P
66 ORIOm OF THE MISSION TO CHINA. [1804.
the day of his death, he had but one ruling object, the conversion of China to the faith of Jesus. Every thing he thought, and said, and did, henceforward tended, directly or indirectly, to the same end ; and to this, every personal gratification and advantage was cheer- fully subordinated.
On the importance of this appointment, there can be but one opinion. The population of China makes at least one-third of the entire population of the globe. Christianity, in even its early triumphs, never gained much footing amongst them. Roman Catholic mis- sionaries had persevered, amidst almost unparalleled difficulties and cruel oppressions, and had but par- tially succeeded in imposing popery upon China. Protestantism had not before thought of evangeliz- ing the vast empire, and all the instruments it could command would necessarily be few. Yet China is a part of the Saviour's appointed dominion. The pen of the prophet has said, ^behold, these shall come from far; and lo, these from the north and from the west ; and these from the land of Sinain.' (Isa. xlix. 12.) May it not be said there was joy in heaven, when the church on earth said to Morrison, Go to China. O for the arrival of that day, when the hundreds of millions of her people, still * wholly given to idolatry,* shall know the God who made them, and worship at his feet, who hath redeemed them by his own blood. Morrison not only sowed, but reaped the first-fruits, and has entered into his rest.
At this period little was known in Europe concern- ing China ; and much less in England than on the continent, where the writings of Roman Catholic mis- sionaries to that empire had excited some degree of interest. In this country, many doubted the practi- cability of acquiring the Chinese langui^e to any
1804.]
ORIOIN OP THS MISIOK TO CUIHA.
07
I
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&
toleraMe degree, and of expresaing in it, with precieioii and force, the great truths of divine revelation. There was, at that time, but one British subject who could be said to know the Chinese language (Sir George Tliomas Staunton, Bart.), and he was not then resid- ing in the British dominions. The credit of awakening public atteution in England, to the spiritual concerns of Cliina, seems to belong, in the arrangements of a gracious Providence, to a Memoir written by the Rev. W. Moseley of Hanley, a dissenting minister. His little work met with gratifying testimonies of appro- bation from several dignitaries of the church of Eng- land, as well as from other quarters.* The author of the Memoir, since well known as W. Moseley, LL.D., shortly after its publication, removed to the vicinity of London, where he was instrumental in keeping alive the impression which his appeal from the press had produced, and which, mercifully, was not permitted to die away, without leading to any practical result.
The British and Foreign Bible Society, almost from its formation, had the claims of China before it; and having been informed that a manuscript version of the New Testament, in the Chinese language, was de- positedin the British Museum, entertained thoughts of printing it ; but, on farther enquiry, the idea was re- linquislied.
Amongst the Directors of the London Missionary Society, the claims of China were chiefly supported by Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., the treasurer, and Joseph Reyner, Esq., afterwards treasurer to tlie Religioua Tract Society. On the motion of these two gentle- men, the Directors unanimously determined on a mis- sion to China. The specific object is thus stated, To
* See Milne's Retrotpect of the FintTen Years of the Chinese Mission, p. 44.
f2
68 ORIGIN OF THE MISSION TO CHINA. [1804
acquire the Chinese language, and translate the Sacred Scriptures. To teach and to preach were not in its im- mediate contemplation. The plan, if a plan it could be called, was to go to China, and if permitted to remdn^ quietly to acquire a knowlei^e of the language ; and from that to proceed to a translation of the Sacred Scriptures. What should next be done, could not then be foreseen.
The wishes and ultimate views of the society em- brace every thing connected with missions in general ; but so scanty was the portion of information then pos- sessed by the Directors, and so numerous did the diffi- culties in their way appear to be, that they could not, for the time, propose to themselves more than a ver- sion of the Holy Scriptures. Indeed, an attempt to preach the gospel in China, would have, in all human probability, effectually cut oflF every opportunity of acquiring the language in the country itself, and of executing a version of the Sacred Scriptures, which they viewed as their first object. There is reason to hope that their not proposing oral instruction as an immediate object, was wisely ordered by Divine Pro- vidence to prevent a speedy and effectual stop to their benevolent views. A version of the Word of God ap- peared to them in all its importance. They thought they saw in that (should Providence crown their effi)rts with success) the basis of every thing requisite to the conversion of the Chinese nation ; and had the distant hope that, by the time that should be com- pleted, Providence would, in some way or other, open a door for their future proceedings.'' *
The first intention of the society was to send three or four persons on this mission; and they actually
* Retrospect, p. 52.
1804.] CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. CLDKIB. 69
appointed Mr. Brown, son of the late Rev. John Brown of Haddington, to accompany Mr. Morrison ; but he declined tlie appointment, ami subsequently resigned his connexion with the society altogether. The Di- rectors applied also to the Rev. Dr. Vanderkemp, to leave Africa and proceed to China, to take the super- intendence of the mission, and give to its members the ' benefit of his experience ; but this also failed. Other I attempts were equally unsuccessful. Tlie wisdom of I Divine Pro\-idence is, however, strikingly manifest in the af&ir ; for the residence of even two persons would have scarcely been practicable at that period ; indeed, it was by a series of remarkable interpositions that Mr. Morrison's continuance was afterwards secured. It was also intended to have sent the missionaries, in the first instance, to Penang, or Prince of Wales's Island ; but this, too, the Directors saw reason to alten and Mr. M. wm ultimately appointed alone, and sent to Canton ; the non-appointment of a second mission- ary, however, arose simply from there being no suit- able offer of service.
Mr. Morrison was anxious to have formed for him- self a companion and fellow-labourer in his friend Clunie; and addressed him several times, urgently and affectionately, on the subject. Mr. C. was not disinclined to the service, but was prevented by what appeared to him imperative duly at home. These letters exhibit the views and feelings of Mr. M. at this important crisis of his life : the following ex- tracts are, therefore, here presented : —
*' October, 1804. — I wish I could persuade you to accompany me. Take into account the three hun- dred and fifty millions of souls in Cliiua, who have not the means of knowing Jesus Christ our Saviour. Think seriously of your obligations to Jesus. Pray
70 CORRESPONBEKCB WITH MR. CLUKIE. [1804.
the matter over before God^ and send me, as soon as is proper, the result.''
On the 18th Nov. he thus writes : — " The under- taking is arduous, my brother ; and I seriously entreat you to count the cost. Many amongst the Chinese are highly refined and well-informed; they will not be beneath us, but superior. The Romish mission- aries will be our bitterest foes, if the Lord do not, in a particular manner, work upon their hearts, as he has done on the hearts of his people, i^ain and i^ain; and if the Romish missionaries be our foes, they will be foes that are far superior: i^ed, venerable, and learned men. These di£Biculties, la3ang aside the one of learning the language, and others that might be mentioned, seem to me very great. If we go, my brother, we must have the sentence of death in our- selves ; not to trust in ourselves, but in the living God. The goodness of the cause, the omnipotent power of Jesus Christ, and firm trust in his promised presence, must support and encourage us. The claims of Jesus of Nazareth are good. Remember, Jesus saves from hell ; is now interceding for us, can make us more than sufficient for our mission ; and if we be faithful unto death, he will give us a crown of life, and a place, if not with Paul, with Brainerd, or Elliot, his faithful missionaries. Were we to lay aside these considera- tions, there is enough in the miserable state of the heathen to excite us to action. Let Owen's advice on his dying bed sound in your ears and mine, — * do all you can for Christ.' This was uttered to a friend, who stood at his bed-side, just before his departure, by an amiable youth who was a student at Gosport, but who was early simunoned away by him who said, * it is well that it was in thine heart.' " He died in Mr. M.'s arms.
1805.^ CORRESPONDENCB WITH MR. CLUNIE. 71
In a letter dated March 24, 1805, he thus writes : — " I pray God that he may pour into my soul, in rich abundance, the daily washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, my brother, are radical qualifications in a minister, and in a missionary. O that you and I may be blessed with large measures of them! Let us keep in sight, my brother, our obligations to God our Saviour, who has redeemed us from the lowest hell, for a short term of service, and an ineffably glorious reward of grace in the kingdom of heaven ; animated by the prospect, let us spend and be spent for the sake of our Lord Jesus. ^ Beloved, I wish that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.' Pray God to make me a good man, and a good missionary."
And again, "May 30th :—- Attend, my dear bro- ther, very particularly to the state of your own soul. Instead of saying * pray much,' as I was just about to say, be very careful that your prayers be spiritual, from the heart; live by faith on Jesus Christ. I would add, I mean examine yourself much on this point; for there is much danger of our — ^those of us whose concern it is constantly to attend to religious matters — I say there is much danger of our doing things, praying, and exhorting, and reading, &c., as matters of course, without entering into their spiritual- ity, and seriousness. Allow me to say, not because I am your master, but because I love you, study gravity, humility, and benevolence of deportment. Consider, we profess to be the messengers of Jesus Christ to the children of God, and to sinful, guilty man ; let us always be grave and serious. You and I are young, and know but little ; let us be humble, considering others better than ourselves. We are the
72 LETTER TO HIS FATHER. [1804.
foUowere of Christ, and therefore should wish well to all, ever pleasing them for their good to edification.*'
The same spirit of fervent piety and prudent zeal breathes in the following letter to his father, dated Dec. 25, 1804. — " I believe that you cease not to pray for me. To remember me at a throne of grace, is the best remembrance. I am sorry I have not your letter by me while I write ; as I cannot, therefore, answer it so particularly as I could wish. I recollect you asked me to let you know when it was likely I should leave this country; but that is a question I cannot solve. I have not been able to obtain any information on that head : indeed, it is a question the Directors themselves cannot answer, for they have not yet obtained missionaries to engage in the mission to China. I shall feel it my duty, as well as a pleasure, to send you the earliest information respecting it. It may be, my dear father, that I shall never be any thing more than a missionary student. You have doubtless heard of the sudden death of Mr. Owen, a fellow-student of mine : he died in my arms after not more than two hours' illness. It was a loud call to me to be ready for death.
" I was happy to have a few lines from H. ; she told me she was a poor sinner : I pray that she may act as a poor sinner ought to do— -^ fly for refuge and lay hold on the hope set before her in the gospel.' I hope that I shall see her, my father and mother, and other sisters and brothers. Should it be the case, I hope I shall find her walking in the ways of God, and loving Jesus Christ the Saviour.
"In your prayers to God for me, father, wrestle with him to make me a faithful and devoted mis- sionary ; and that I may have grace given me to deal
180S.] EXTRACTS FROM D1A.RT.
honestly with my own eoul. My kind love to my brother T. and sister A.: I hope, when I shall see
' them, to find them living together as 'fellow-heire of the grace of life,' and training up their little ones
I in the ' nurture and admonition of the Lord,' I had a letter, a few days ago, from my brother James:
[ he and sister E., with the children, were then well. We have received two new missionaries since Mr. Owen's death ; one of them is a Scotchman, and is going soon, if spared, to Russia, with a number of families, who, supported by the Russian government, are to form a settlement on the Wolga. I enjoy good health, hut not much spirits. Wherever I go, the people think I am unwell. I have much reason to bless God for his guardian care, since I left my father's house ; and, in the prospect of taking farewell of you all, my support is in a firm dependence on the guidance and direction of the same good hand. The hand of God is directed by infinite wisdom, and pos- sesses almighty power. Let us ever recollect that we are immortal. Earth, is the scene of suffering and of labour — heaven, of rest and enjoyment. My love to C 1 : I expect a letter from him for my new year's
gift."
During the year 1805, Mr. M. made occasional notes in his diary ; one or two of which are inserted to show how narrowly he watched over the state of his own heart, and how anxious he was to have his mind fully occupied in preparation for his great work.
" February 23. — At the close of another week I hove to record the goodness of God to me, both in providence and in grace. The Lord is preserving me in health, and enabling me to follow my studies with some degree of vigour. He has given me some expc-
74 SXTRACI9 FROM DIARY. [1805.
rience of pardoning mercy. By reason of sin, I loathe myself in dust and ashes, and fly to the peace-speak- ing blood of Christ, to receive the forgiveness of it.
** I wish it were engraven on my mind, as with a pen of iron, that nothing without study and reflection can fill the mind. When I look back on the past week, I can scarcely tell what I have been doing ; I seem to myself to be better able to tell what I have not done. 1. I have paid some attention to church government. It seems to me, so far as I have examined as yet, that the term church is never applied to more communities than one. I have not examined thoroughly the claims of the Episcopalian body ; I have to charge myself with slothfulness of mind, in not pursuic^ the inquiry with sufficient vigour. 2. The history of the Seces- sion has also engaged my attention this week. It ap- pears to me that there was a great deal of pride and selfishness in it, and that Erskine and the three that were with him, lost sight of the grievances which they had before complained of, and put something else in their place. 3. I paid some little attention also to the Roman controversy. 4. I attended to the distinc- tion between the covenant of redemption and the covenant of grace (I have not made up my mind with respect to them), and, to the wisdom and goodness of God in redemption (Mr. Bogue's Lectures on the subject are excellent) ; I pray that I may see them, and delight in the study of them. I have attended also to Assurance, to the Trinity, and to the Divi- nity of Christ. Theology opens a wide field. It is my business to be familiar with it. 5. — r— 's account of China has had some attention. There seems to me to be much uninteresting matter in it. Little can be derived from every petty circumstance that took place on their voyage, and in their journey through China.
BXTKACTB FROM DIARY.
I I have not attended, 1. To Geography in general. I have not sought out the state and the opinions of different nations. 2. I have not attended to History. 3. Nor to Medicine. 4. Nor to Natural Philosophy. 6. Nor to Language. 6. Nor to Mathematics. 7. Nor to Sermonizing. I praise the Lord for what I have done, and ask his presence and his blessing on the morrow. Amen."
In the month of May, 1805, he visited London, in company mth his tutor and his missionary brethren then at Gosport, to attend the annual services of tlie Missionary Society, and other meetings of similar character and object, held at that season. Whilst in town, he wrote to his brother, chiefly, it would seem, to reconcile him to his missionary engagement; — an extract may be given ; it ia another specimen of his
I entire devotedness.
" I was very sorry to see in your last letter, that you are not yet reconciled to my leaving this country in the cause which I have espoused. I know not what to Bay. What can I say more than I have said? Do, I pray you, recollect our obligations to the Lord Jesus, and say whether or not my serving him thirty or forty years in any way, however difficult, be too much. I know you do not think tliis. I believe it is your kind regard for me that leads you to wish my stay. But do not indulge it so as to forbid me. The time of my leav-
1 ing is altogether uncertain. I was this morning with
' the Directors in Loudon, and from them I learnt that I should (if the Lord spare me) attend to medicine, &c., either in London or Edinhui^li, as I wrote to you. This will not take place till next session, which commences
I in October ; »o that I cannot leave the country till next year, at the soonest. I hope, my dear brother,
76 EXTRACTS FROM DIART. [1805.
that you will be more and more reconciled to it. The cause is good ; I am only sorry that I cannot do more m It.
He added, at the close, a few lines to his father : — ^^My situation is at present tolerably comfortable; and I still have the prospect of going to China. The society has not yet obtained any mi«ionaries to ac- company me, which is another hinderance to deter- mining the time. Labouring under consciousness of many defects, many sins, but looking to Jesus, rely- ing on him, and desiring to serve him, I subscribe my- self your affectionate son.
" P. S. The missionary meetings, which have been highly encouraging and edifying, closed with the Com- munion, last evening, at Spa-fields chapel.^
On his return to Gosport, he made the following entry in his Journal : — " May 25. — Yesterday evening I returned from London, whither I had been at the Mis- sionary meetings. On the whole, I was confortable, and I think I can say that I learned more of my own ignorance, the small attamments I have made in divine things, the necessity which there is for more close application. I pray the Lord to give me more grace, and to strengthen me for the work to which he has called me."'
Mr. M. continued to prosecute his studies at Gos- port, until the month of August 1805, when he re- turned to London, in order to obtain some knowledge of Medicine and Astronomy, which, it was hoped, might prove useful to him in his mission; and to acquire as much of the Chinese language as should be found possible in this country. He accordingly attended the lectures of the late Dr. Blair, on Medi- cine, and under his direction walked St. Bartholomew's
I
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1803.]
hospital. Having also obtained an introduction to the late Dr. Hutton of Greenwich, he pursued with his usual ardour the study of Astronomy. He resided at this period with Mr. Smith of Bishopsgate Street. From thence he was accustomed to walk to tbe Obser- vatory— (he afterwards lived at Greenwich), — him- self carrying the necessary mathematical instruments for observations. He invariably read the whole of the way. For this, his great power of abstraction, whilst either reading or thinking, eminently qualified him; and as he afterwards said, it was, in him, "no affectation of zeal." Besides these engagements, he was also employed in studying the Chinese language with Yong-Sam-Tak, a native of some education, who will be often mentioned in his journals and letters. He was introduced to this young foreigner through the influence of Dr. Moseley of Clapliam ; from him he obtained his first insight into the Chinese language ; and in him he found a specimen of that proud and domineering temper for which his nation is so pro- verbial. To this, however, he tried patiently to sub- mit, for the sake of his great object. On one occasion Mr. M. threw a piece of paper into the fire on which his teacher had written some characters after having committed them to memory ; but such was Sam's indignation, that for three days after he refused to give a lesson to his pupil, who, to avoid a similar offence, wrote tbe characters on a plate of tin, from which he could efface them, when done with- After he had acquired the mode of writing Chinese, and some degree of familiarity with the characters, he com- menced the transcription of the Chinese MS. in the British Museum, which has been already mentioned, containing a Harmony of the Gospels, the Acts of Apostles, and all the Pauline Epiatlees, except thatth
7H fTUDISI m LONDON. [1805.
l4i i\\l^ Hebrew* ; and alao m MSw Latin and Chinese Dlottuiiary» which were lent to him by the Royal Hm>i«»t^« By iud^tatigaUe diligence he acGompli&hed bMtU thtHM^ tai»ka in a few months. These yarioos »lud)^ h^ iHUitiuu^d to puime^ until the time of his d«i|iaHun^ iu Januaiy 1807 ; and in addition to them alii h» ftmud opfiMttiiMly fw fire^iiait pfeaehing, and ftur uuiu^MTMW ^^IKmtu ^' Chiirtian mwcj. Speaking \hit Uin «4islM\^mf» 10 pii^paw himself far his wo^ iVN MiW iMi^ir^ ^whai ww ae^yiind ef Aie lugqagie^ ^v^ atWww^ of \«iT triiiii^ aciEljr. The Sie- Mv4\^^i aiHl iW HanaoDj of the Gopd, wrwe more VMK&t^l^ 'Wm^ were originany the work df sane of the limuhili mlMionaries in Oowl By whal uibdduals, W At what time, these worku were compiled^ has not b(i(m Miieertained; but Fnmdenee had praserfed them (M h^ uieful, and the just merit of their antheis will dpubtleas one day be reelumed to them***
It has been stated that Mr. Morrison resided at this time in the family of Mr. Bmilh. Mrs. S., an esti- mable Christian woman^ endeared by her kindness to many missionaries, became warmly attached to Mr. M« on account of his sterling character, and was after- wards one of his most regular and confidential cone- spondents. She still survives ; and from her reooUec- tions, the following particulars, respecting the habits and engagements of Mr. M. at this period, are gathered.
His strict economy of time was remarkable. He rose very early, and every moment of time that was not devoted to study, he improved in communicating knowledge to any who happened to be within the range of his influence. A female domestic in the family was, by his instruction, brought to a saving acquaintance with the gospel of Christ, and shortly afterwards died, rejoicing in hope of eternal life. In-
r
I
1805.] EXTBACTS FROM SIART AND LETTERS. 79
stead of resorting to the social circle for relaxation, after close sludy through tbe day, he frequently walked several miles to visit the poor and the af- flicted, and to hear children repeat liymna and por- tions of Scripture which he had given them to learn. It ia hut lately that one of the latter individuals told the writer, that all the religious instruction she ever received was from Dr. Morrison; and although so long ago, she still remembers his instructions, and is often consoled by repeating tlie hymns which she then learned.
Mr. M. was accustomed to retire at noon for private prayer; and, aa it was his practice to pray audibly, whenever circumstances would permit, it sometimes happened that he was overheard. Tlie friend above mentioned, discovered his practice, and would some- times kneel at his study door, to listen, and she testi- fies to the strains of devotional fer>'our in which he was wont to commune with heaven, as strikingly indicative of his eminent piety. He continued this practice during his whole life, and numerous indi- viduals in the gayer circles of society, with which he was more or less called to associate in after years, have thereby had their attention arrested, and their minds impressed with the reality and vital importance of religion.
The subjoined extracts from his Diary and letters render him again his own biographer. Tliey are blended in the order of their dates.
" August 13. — The work before me, my dear father, is very arduous, but my hope is in the arm of Ood. If I take the Chinese I am now with as a specimen of their disposition, it is a very bad one. He ia obstinate, jealous, and averse to speak of the
/
/
80 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1805.
things of God.* He says, * my country not custom to talky of God^s business." I should be very happy if you will be so kind as favour me with some account of the state of religion in Mr. Button's congregation, and in the town in general. I conceive there is much need of what is more frequent here ; I mean, pious young men going out into the villages on the Lord's day, to instruct the children and preach the word of life to the poor cottagers. My love to brother Thomas, sisters Ann and Hannah, with the little folks. I have not yet got any companion to go with me; but I understand there are to be three or four in the mis- sion. My love to my mother-in-law; I hope the Lord will bless her and do her good.
"August 25. — You seem anxious to know how — is going on now. I suppose that, with respect to his disposition, he is much the same. He is dili- gent, I believe, in his business. I call as frequently as I can, and endeavour to stir up his mind to a con- cern about the salvation of his soul; but it grieves me to have it to say, that, hitherto, all my endeavours have been ineffectual. When I asked him, a day or two ago, if he had gone to chapel since I was in town last, he said he had not heard any one preach since he had heard me, and would assign no reason why ; indeed, he seems quit« regardless of every thing that is serious. I wish you to pray that God may be found of him, though he seeks him not. My nephew James comes to me every morning, and receives what little instruction and assistance I can find time to give
* This individual was won over bj the kind and conciliating manners of his pupil, not only to read the Scripturea with him, but also to be present at family worship — an exercise which he at first treated with scorn. In after life he obtained a good situation from one of the Hong merchants, through the influence of Mr. M»
L
1805.] EXTRACTS FHOM DIARY AND LETTEHS. 81
him, which is indeed very little ; for my time is more than fully occupied, partly by attention to the Chinese language, and partly to medicine and occasional preaclt- iiig. I was Borry to find by my brother's last letter that you have for the last few weeks been much indiapoacd. I hope the Lord will sanctify your frequent indisposi- tions ; and also enable you to hear them with humble res^nation to the will of God.
October 25. — In his diary he thus writf 5 : — " I think I left Gosport on the 4th of August. Alter my ar- rival in London, I was Gxceedingly busy ; nmning from one place to another, and attending to medicine, and the Chinese language. The Lord, in much mercy, granted me health and strength to go on in the good work. On the 8th of October, Yong-Sam-Tak came to live with me, to teach me the Chinese language, in whicli I am daily making a little progress. I expect Mr, William Brown, from Scotland, in a few days to assist me. I pray that the Lord may make his coming a means of doing much good. I greatly fear that 1 am exi>ecting too much from him, and not enougli from God. Since my arrival in town, I mourn that I have not felt sufficiently my dependence on Gotl, and the absolut* necessity of his blessing to give effect t<i my labours. O Lord, foi^ve me, and in mercy grant me that which I have not been solicitous enough to obtain.
" October 26. — Because of unbelief, they were broken off, and thou standest by faith : be not high- minded, but fear.
"Novembers. — Yong-Sam asked, this evening, if JcBus were a man or a woman. He said that he had seen some kind of figure of a woman in his own country. I cannot determine what he alludes to. He says he has often heard that God has no temper, that Vol. I. G
8'2 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1805.
he is not angry — that God does not send evil on man — -that if there be a storm, or a famine, it is not God who sends it. He says it is folly to pray with- out using the means — ^that it is man who makes his heart good. He seems quite fond of talking of God as the great Governor of the universe. I endeavoured to talk of God's creating the heart, and how ungrate- ful it was not to love him. O that the Lord may open his heart to receive the truth as it is in Jesus !
" Nov. 28. — Mr. Brown is now arrived. I will put down the day. I hope the Lord will bless our so- ciety, and our mutual exercises. I pray that he may give me grace and wisdom to behave with kindness and affection, as to my brother in Christ. O that the Lord may go with us ; give us his presence, or send us not up hence. O may the power of the Spirit rest upon us in a holy prudence. Since brother Brown arrived, the character of my studies is entirely changed. I have forsaken medicine, and have to attend to the mathematics and to astronomy.
" Dec. 9. — Psa. i. 2. * O that the Lord may incline my heart unto his testimonies.' I am ashamed when I see how diligent Yong-Sam is in reading the books of Kung-foo-sze (Confucius), and how little I read the Holy Scriptures, the book of God.^
Dec. 31, he thus writes to Mrs. S. : — " I feel myself under very great obligations to you, for your great kindness, not only to myself, but to the dear little boy also, whom I wish to serve. If you please, I will ask my sister to see you. I feel much for her, and should be very happy that you should know her, and she you. And you will, I hope, make it your study to assist her in spiritual things. O, the value of the soul ! May the Lord enable us all to estimate its value ar^ht. I have this evening, at the close of another year, been
1806.] EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. 83
endeayouring to look at eternity seriously; and, in truth, I shook while I gazed upon the unknown state. When I looked forward to the dissolution of my hody, to the day of judgment, and, onward still, to eternal ages — ^listened to the groans of the damned, and the songs of the redeemed, I need not say how great must have been my terror but for hope in Jesus. Jesus Christ ! Jesus Christ ! He is our fore-runner ; he has gone to prepare mansions for us, and because he lives, we hope to live also.**
To his brother he thus writes, Jan. 3, 1806 : — " I hope, my dear brother, that you are going onward in the narrow way, with your face Zion-ward ; and that sister M. feels interested deeply in seeking the remis- sion of sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. When we look back on the sins of our youth, what abundant reason have we to blush — ^to be ashamed and con- founded— and, humbled in the dust, to cry, ^Lord, remember them not against me." The years that roll on and pass away remind us that eternity — eternity is approaching. O! who knows, or who feels, the full force and meaning of the word eternity? Who ever weighed the two extremes, * everlasting punish- ment' and Mife eternal?' If united to Jesus, we are safe ; thereby shall we have a right to enter into the city of our God, and take up our everlasting abode with him. My love to my niece H. I promise my- self much pleasure, if the Lord shall spare us, when I go down to Newcastle, in witnessing her good be- haviour and progress in knowledge. I shall expect a good many hymns, and questions, and texts, &c. &c. Her cousin James S. comes to see me every morning, and to say his questions and spelling to Mrs. M."
On the 6th of March, addressing his father, he says : — " I sit down for a moment to drop you a line,
g2
84 BXTRACT9 FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1806
to say that the Lord has blessed me in an abundant manner, and has, I firmly believe, sent many bless- ings in answer to your prayers, and the prayers of my dear relatives and friends. Continue to pray that the Lord may confer upon me, in rich abundance, gifts suitable to the missionary work. Ask of him in my behalf a deadness to this present evil world, and an eminent degree of devotedness to the cause of Christ."
At the same date, he thus addresses his sister : — ^* Dear H., permit me c^ain to remind you, and whilst I remind you I would remind myself, of the infinite importance of Bpiritual and eternal things. Think how sad our estate by nature was, when nothing less than the death of our Lord Jesus could help us, could save us. How great his love was, and yet is ; for he now lives to make intercession for all his followers, and he will come c^ain and receive us to himself. Hannah, endeavour to think of death as near; try to look forward to eternity. Think, is there no heaven to make you happy 1 Do you delight in God's people, in God himself, in praising and blessing him ? Do you delight in our Lord Jesus 1 Because you know, from the Holy Scriptures, that such exercises as these are, will be the exercises of heaven. How do you like these 1 If you do not, heaven would not be heaven to you. Give my love to our cousins and to sister Ann. Does nephew James endeavour to retain his questions in the shorter catechism ? You would find a deal of information, if you also would look them over, and endeavour to understand them. One thing, yotf know, is needful, in preference to every thing beside — an interest in our Lord Jesus, by faith in him, which will be accompanied by love and obe- dience."
ioi^ BXTOACra FHOM DIART and LSTTBRflT 85
March 9, he thus wrote to his brother : — ** I have this evening been preaching to some black people, who are gathered together aud formed into a society by some devoted Christians among us. The wife of one of the most serious died last week ; and the sermon had a reference to the occasion : ' Be ye also ready, for in such an hour aa ye think not the Son of Man Cometh.' There was present a black soldier, who plays on the cymbals, and who, our friends hope, is a truly gracious man. Thxia, you see that out of every kin- dred, people, and tongue, the Lord gathers liis people. Brother J. and Allen Aken were present, Allen, I am Borry to have it to say, lives yet in the neglect of the ordinances. O how fearful is backsliding! the Lord keep us firm. May we hold fast our profession without wavering. Allow me to say a few words to sister Ann.
" I am very anxious that you should experience much of your need of the Saviour Jesus, and mucli of the happiness that results from an interest in hJm, Have you, with all senousness, considered your un- happy situation as a sinful woman, as by nature a child of wrath, an heir of hell 1 And, feeling your- self thus, have you fled for refuge to Jesus? Happy shall I be, if you answer, with Christian simplicity and sincerity, in the affirmative. O be earnest in prayer to the Lord for his Holy Spirit, to teach you savingly, and to profit. My love to cousin H. : I was happy to see her write so well ; I hope that she will be very humble. Tell her, from me, that she has good abili- ties, but she must not be proud ; she has nothing but what tlie Lord has given her, and she must be thank- ful : God has given her a father and mother, and mis- tress, who all took much care of her. Farewell, my , dear brother and sister. May yon live together as
86 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1806.
fellow-heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered."
In his diary, March 16, we find the following me- moranda : — " I am quite overpowered by having more to attend to than I am capable of. I am daily mak- ing resolutions, and daily breaking them. I am dis- posed to think that my pride, or ambition, or what- ever name I give that desire to excel, to be paramount ; and this, I feel, gives me much uneasiness, and hinders that grateful sense of the Lord's kindness which I ought at all times to possess. I have determined i^ain and again to ^vrite my diary; but one thing after another has interfered, which has made it im- practicable. I see the utility of what I formerly wrote, and I think if I possibly could continue it, it would be of use to me, should the Lord spare me. I wish much to write an account of myself, for the purpose of bringing the Lord's dealings with me afresh to my recollection. I have at present to attend to natural philosophy and astronomy, but I feel a great reluc- tance, as it draws my attention from the great things of God. As a * man of God,' I ought to give myself much to reading, meditation, and prayer. I am dis- posed to regret that I undertook those things which I have undertaken. I feel much desire to give myself to the study of the Holy Scriptures and the Chinese, for the heathen. My life I am inclined to think little of; but, should it be spared, I wish to spend it to good purpose. O Lord, direct me in this matter, and order events so as shall be most for thy glory, and for the good of precious souls. I desire to labour night and day, and to deny myself, that I may not be chargeable to the Lord's people. I am greatly afraid of entangling myself with these things in such a way as to hinder me in the good work to which I have set my hand.
i806.] EXTRACl'S FROM DtABV AND LEITEHS, 87
" March 29. — 1 have spent the most of the week iu reading Chinese, and have pursued my mathematical Itudies."
"April 1. — Spent about three hours this evening "with two Baptist niisBionarieB, who are about to go out to India — Robinson and Chater. Captain Wickes, Mr, , and others were present; and I felt much com- tfort in approaching God in prayer. O that I were duly I thankful to the Lord for the opportunities of drawing I near to him, and more happy in the prospect of heaven. I O Lord, bless me abundantly."
" April 10. — Tliia eveuiug Mr. Brown put a paper
[ into my hand stating, that ten days ago he had sent a
I letter to Mr. Burder, informing him that he could not
I accompany me to Cliina. I am exceedingly sorry
I that it is so. I pray that I may not discover an im-
Kproper temper respecting it, but may commit my way
to the Lord. May I learn from it to shun every thing
that would irritate, and with meekness and humility
commit my way to Him wlio has led me since I left
I my father's house. I pray that my brother may be
I blessed abundantly in soul and in body, and may be
1 blessed as a servant of the Lord Jesus."
From a letter to Mr. S., dated May 29, the follow- ^ ing extract is taken : — *' May the Lord Jesus accept me as his serx'ant, then shall the kindness of his people I towards me be esteemed and rewarded as done to him- l self. I have received an invitation from a minister at I Newcastle, where my father lives, to preach a quarterly l.Bermon in behalf of a Society for the Sick and Friend- less Poor, on the first Lord's day in August. A gen- tleman who heard me in town, carried down a favour- able report to the society. I am overwhelmed at the goodness of God my Saviour, that he shows me any favour in the sight of his people, when I consider how
88 BXTRACTB FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1806.
^ vile and worthless I am. I hope it is not affectation. I am, before God, one of the most vile and worthless of the human race. O ! the boundless riches of redeem- ing grace and love. Jesus is worthy! and here — here — ^here, I place my trust. * God be merciful to me a sinner!' I am grieving daily on account of my sloth in the service of so good a Master, and so great a work. ^ My leanness, my leanness ; woe unto me.
He visited Newcastle accordingly ; and whilst there, addressed the same friend as follows: — ^^July 28. On the evening of the day that I left your house, I obtained a vessel going down to Newcastle, and arrived early on Saturday morning. My dear relatives were all tolerably well. Many of my acquaintances had departed this life, of whom I had not heard before. Many, I fear, were unprepared to enter into the pre- sence of their Judge : two have destroyed themselves ! When we endeavour to realize the awfiil state of the greater part of the human race, how high should our gratitude rise to God our Saviour for his distinguish- ing love towards us! As you often have said, *0 why was I a guest!'
" On Lord's day, I preached in the afternoon and evening. I hope the Lord did assist me. I had not time to be afraid. I scarcely knew where I was, though my relatives and friends were around me. They wept for joy, and also for fear lest I should stumble. They are in general excessively fond and kind. I tremble about leaving my father, and other relatives, the idea of its being the last time, grieves them much. I purpose leaving immediately after the second Sab- bath in August. Mr. Haldane from Scotland is here to introduce his preachers. I have been in some of the villages, and dispersed most of my tracts. They
1806.] EXTRACTS PHOM DIABY AND LETTERS. 89
were very acceptable. I pruy for the blessing of God on them. Ou Saturday, Mr. Ballantine (Mr. Hal- dane's preacher) aud I intend to go up to a large manufactory of smiths. He will preach in the open air; I don't know if I should have coumge tuough. To-morrow evening, if spared, I shall preach to some meu on the river, who are called keel-men ; and on Lord's day next, three times; in the evening for the Friendless Poor."
Aug. 24, he thus proceeds in liis diary : — *' I left Greenwich on the 15th of last month, and returned after sedng my relatives at Newcastle, besides visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow, tm the 16lh of this month. I bless God for the kindness and love that were shown towards me. I was a fortnight among my relatives and friends, and preached among them thirteen times. Since my return I have at seasons been low- apirited. How eridently does it appear, from the fourth chapter of Nehemiah, that God chooses the ' things which are despised,' to do his work ; and that it is Hidtable for all that build the temple of the Lord, or the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem, to have a strong confidence in God. O Lord, give me 'a miud to work.' Neh. iv. 6. When enemies assail us, prayer to God and watching must go together, ver. 9." " Oct. 12. — To-day I preached at Mr. Beck's. Sam-
Tak and Mr. S were there. I expounded the
fifth chapter of Daniel, and the epistle to Philemon. I have yet to lament before God the prevalence of iniquity. O ! how often do mine ' iniquities prevail t^ainst me." O! that I may learn, like Daniel, to re- gard the law of ray God, to give myself entirely to him, and witliout any reserve to devote myself to his blessed service."
On the 23rd of October, ho wrote to his father.
90 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1806.
announcing the arrangements then made as to his destination.
" I met the Directors on Tuesday last ; when it was agreed by the Committee that I should proceed by the first conveyance to Madras ; thence pass on to Malacca ; there leave my luggage, and pay a visit to Canton, to see whether or not I could settle there. If I can, I shall send to Malacca for my books ; but if not, I shall return and take up my residence at Malacca, where there are a few thousands of Chinese, and where I shall endeavour to learn the language ; and also, as soon as I can, preach the gospel to the Malays. Such is at present the state of the ai&ir. In all probability Sam will go with me. The time of leaving remains quite uncertain, as it depends on an opportunity which may occur in a month, or not till three or four months hence. I pray, my dear father, that we may always be enabled to keep our attention fixed upon the record of God, in the Holy Scriptures, chiefly respecting sin, the Saviour, heaven, and hell. O how solemn and im- portant are the truths of the Bible ! I desire to be grate- ful to God for the unwearied supplications of a tender father at a throne of grace. I, with my brothers and sisters, have been the child of many prayers. I trust, my dear father, that you esteem it a higher honour to have a son the servant of Christ, than to have him in any station of worldly honour or emolument. O that Jesus may acknowledge me as his servant, and at last give me a crown of life; and that he may enable you with cheerfulness to resign me to his ser- vice. My love to mother and sister Hannah. I hope sister Ann's indisposition wiH be sanctified to her; and that she is now quite recovered. I am in tole- rably good health, and seem willing to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. My love to brother T.
1806.] EXTRACTS FBOM DIARY AMD LEITBBa.
and to Cuthbert. 1 hope to hear from him soon. I am happy that my brotJier reaigua me so willingly. Let me hear from you."
And again on December 23, he thus wrote to his brother Thomas: — "I hoped, when I wrote to you last, that ere this time I should have been on my way to China. It was fully the intention of our friends that it should have been bo ; hut owing to the indispo- sition of Me39rs. Hardcastle and Cowie, the necessary steps were delayed ; and at present, tlie affairs of the continent press so heavily on Mr. Cowie, that he is unable to attend to any tiling besides. You must understand that none of our missionaries can go out to India in any English vessel, without the express leave of the East India Company. Their leave was aoHcited for the Baptist missionaries, who are now at Serampore, near Calcutta, and tliey refused it. Our missionaries, who are in India, went out in foreign neutral vessels. Our society never asked their leave, but now think of doing it for me. In this case I shall sail at all events in the beginning of March; if not, tliere is a possibility that I shall nut leave the country this season ; so uncertain is every thing future relative to the present life. However, I shall be careful to send down the earliest notice when there is a probability of my leaving. I have now removed to town from Greenwich, and ^m occupied in the study of the Chinese languii^c, connected with theological and Biblical studies. Without affectation, my dear brother, 1 have, as you observe, entered on a great work ; I feel, ere I proceed farther, its pres- sure. You are concerned for me. Well, be more so, and let that concern lead you to him who can help, even to the God of salvation. 'Tis he that must con- vert the heathen. I arrogate not to myself this work ;
02 EXTRACTS FROM DIARY AND LETTERS. [1806.
I go forward as his unworthy servant, to testify the gospel of the grace of God ; being persuaded that the gospel is the wisdom of God, and the power of God, to all them that believe. As to my being alone, which my father has mentioned, and also in your letter it was noticed, it is, confessedly, not so comfortable ; it makes the task the more difficult ; but, I say the truth, I am not under great apprehensions on that score. My fears relate to the difficulty of living above the world, living only to God, and not seeking myself. I am afraid lest, peradventure, after having preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. A missionary should be eminently a man of God."
His diary for the year 1806 thus closes : — " Dec. 31. — By the good hand of God upon me, I am brought to the last day of another year. I have looked over what I have written in this year's diary. O ! how much is there to be thankful for, and how much to be humbled for. Mr. Brown came and joined me in my studies, and has taken his leave. During the whole year, I have been lamenting an evil heart of unbelief; and I seem at this day in the same situation. I hoped ere this time to have been on my way to China. The work appears increasingly arduous. I have read this morning in the 103rd Psalm what I take for my com- fort, * the Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all.' I this day again yield myself into the hand of the Lord my God. * The Lord reigneth.' "
These extracts have been left, as they may be justly left, to produce their own unaided impression concern- ing the character and pious zeal of the writer. In every relation he appears the same disinterested and devout man ; whilst his habits of activity, and diligence, and perseverance, will doubtless surprise many.
1807.] aurangements for his DEPAnnrBK. 93
Having visited hifi frienda at Nuwcastle, on hia return to Loudon iie found himself fully occupied with the arrangementfl for his departure. At this period " strong prejudices existed in England, and in all parts of India where the British influence extended, against mission- ary exertionfl." Permission to settle in those quarters could not be obtained; and it became necessary to convey the missionaries to their destination by an in- direct course, whilst it remained a question whether, on their arrival, they would be allowed to remain. A pass^e was accordingly taken for Mr. M. and two of liis fellow-students, Messrs. Gordon and Lee, with their wives, in the ship Remittance, to New York ; whence he was to proceed to Canton direct, or by way of Lidia, as circumstances might determine. With the record of thia arrangement he commenced hia journal for 1807.
"January 2. — It was decided this day that I should leave the country by the first conveyance, which will in all probability be the 18th instant, going to Can- ton, by the way of America. It is agreed that my ordination should be next Thursday. This is one of the most important periods of uiy life. O Lord, 'ex- cept thy presence go with me, carry roe not up hence. May the blessing of God Almighty accompany me. May the angel of his presence go before me. I feel not much cast down. I endeavoured this evening to recollect some of the promises on which I hope. ' Fear not, for I am with thee,' came into my mind; and again, 'fear not, thou worm Jacob.' I hope to be enabled to lean always and only on the arm of God ; none else can hold me up."
Mr. M.'fl ordination took place at the Scots church, Swallow Street, on Tliursdny evening, January 8th,
94 ORDINATION. [1807.
in connexion with Messrs. Gordon and Lee. "The service was introduced by the Rev. T. Townsend, with prayer, reading the Scriptures, and exhortation. Several questions were proposed to each of the missionaries, by the Rev. George Burder ; and a profession of the great doctrines which they were to teach the heathen, was made by them. After which, solemn prayer was offered to God on their behalf, by the Rev. A. Waugh, accompanied by imposition of hands. The Rev. Dr. Nicol then delivered to the missionaries a serious and affectionate charge, grounded on Acts xx. 17 — ^27; and the Rev. C. Buck concluded with prayer." Many, to this day, remember, with gratitude, the powerful impression made on that memorable occasion; not more by the addresses and prayers of the men of God since gathered to their fathers, than by the simple, unadorned appeals of a devoted youth of twenty-four, giving himself up as a living sacrifice to the service and faith of the Gentiles. His diary supplies the following record of the interesting transaction : —
" A day never to be forgotten ! I was this evening solemnly ordained to the ministry of the Gospel among the heathen. Mr. Waugh prayed the Ordination Prayer, and Mr. Nicol gave the Charge; for which see my papers. [These papers have not been found.] O ! that the engagements of this evening may be sanc- tioned in heaven ; that the Holy Spirit may separate me to the work of the ministry of the gospel among the heathen. O ! that the instructions, which I this night attended to, may be impressed on my heart and conscience. Brothers Lee and Gordon were ordained with me to the same important and delightful work. I have now to buckle on my armour. O ! to be enabled * to deny myself, to take up my cross,' and to follow the Lamb fully!"
1807.] LBTTER OF INSTRUCItONS. 95
On the 26tli of the same month, Mr. M. took leave of the Directors of the Missionary Society. The llev. A. Waugh, his beloved pastor and faithful and affec- tionate friend, addressed him on the occasion in a most kind and touching manner; and the Rev. J. Chiyton, junr., commended liim to God in prayer.
Before his departure, the society addressed to him a letter of general instnictions, and another of Christian counsel. They are officially signed ; but are under- stood to have proceeded from the pen of Mr. Waugh, "They are here inserted," says Dr. Milne, who has preserved them in his Retrospect; — " the former, because it expresses, in their own words, the views which the Directors had of the mission they were un- dertaking, and of the agent they were employing in the work ; and the latter, because it displays tlie pious solicitude which these venerable ministers and zealous disciples of Christ felt to preserve, in the mind of him whom they were sending forth, a deep and lasting im- pression of the sacred importance of his office."
" JLBTTER OF O&NBRAL DifflRUCTIONS, " DeaB Fbiend, " London, January 20, 1807.
" The Directors of the benevolent institution with which you are connected, have great satisfaction in promoting the commendable desire which you have long felt of acquiring a competent acquaintance with the Chinese language. Tliey have observed with pleasure the assiduity and perseverance with which you have improved, for this purpose, the means of in- struction which have ottered themselves to you in this country, and which they trust will facilitate your pro- gress therein in a great degree, when you enjoy the superior advantages of a residence in a country where it is perfectly understood in its principles, and con-
96 tETTBR OF INSTRUCTIONS. [1807.
stantly spoken on all the occurrences of life. Under the uncertainty in which we are, as to the spot where you may reside, it would be highly improper in us to restrict your conduct by any specific instructions. We must necessarily leave you at full liberty to act on every occasion according to the dictates of your own prudence and discretion. And as we know that it will be gratifying to you, wherever Providence may cast your lot, to be useful to those around you, in the communication of valuable knowledge, we hope you will find an opportunity of exercising the profession of a mathematician, and delivering lectures on its various branches; and also of giving instruction in the English language, which must be an attainment of great value to many whose concerns lead them to hold intercourse with our countrymen who statedly reside in China, or occasionally visit that empire.
" We trust that no objection will be made to your continuing in Canton, till you have accomplished your great object of acquiring the langui^e. When this is done, you may, probably, soon afterwards begin to turn this attainment into a direction which may be of extensive use to the world : perhaps you may have the honour of forming a Chinese Dictionary, more com- prehensive and correct than any preceding one; or the still greater honour of translating the sacred Scrip- tures into a language spoken by a third part of the human race. If it should be expedient that you re- move from Canton, the place to which you may re- move must be decided by your own discretion. If you should call at Prince of Wales's Island, we trust you will find friends there. If you proceed to Madras, Calcutta, or Surat, you will be among friends, who will embrace you with the most cordial afiection, and who will assist your deliberations as to the course most
1807.3 LETTER OP CHRIfiTIAN COUNSEL. 97
suitable for you to pursue ; or should it happen that you may be induced to visit a place where you may be entirely unknown, we hope the production of this letter, which recognises your connexion with our society, will be useful in inducing some benevolent individuals to interest themselves in your situation, afford you their advice, and advance you such pecu- niary aids as you may want, taking your draft on the undersigned treasurer of the society.
" We hope that you will experience all the benefi- cial effects that can be expected to flow from a course of action which is unblameable, discreet, and conciliat- ing. We confide with much cheerfulness in your conduct as the representative of our institution, the character and reputation of which depend greatly on the disposition and proceedings of the persons to whom its countenance is afforded ; and, earnestly recommend- ing you to the care, protection, and guidance of Divine Providence, we remain, with the utmost affection,
" Your sincere friends,
"Joseph Hardcastle, Treasurer. " George Burder, Secretary. " To the Rev. Robert Morrison."
"letter of christian counsel.
" Dear Brother, " London, January 26, 1807.
" Before we part with you, we wish to suggest to you, in the exercise of paternal affection, some serious counsels on matters which lie very near our hearts, and are closely connected with the honour of your own character, and the success of your mission. We will use great plainness of speech, because we love you, and feel deeply interested in the cause in which you are embarked.
Vol. I. H
98 LETTER OF CHRISTIAN COUNSEL. [1807.
"Attend to the spiritual state of your own soul. You go far hence to the Gentiles, as an ambassador of the Prince of Peace. How inconsistent would it be for an ambassador to be ill-affected in his heart to the prince whom he represents, or indifferent to the in- terest which he is commissioned to promote! * All things are of God,' says St. Paul, * who hath reconciled us to himself, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.' There you will take notice, that our own reconciliation to God is supposed to precede our commission to fulfil the ministry of reconciliation. What need have we to take care with this apostle, * lest that by any means, when we have preached to others, we ourselves should be cast away.' It is an alarming truth, Uhat many will say, in the day of judgment. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name V to whom he will profess, * I never knew you : depart from me, ye that work iniquity.' Cherish, therefore, in your own heart, supreme love to the Saviour, whom you recommend to the esteem and confidence of others ; and steady elevation of mind to those celestial objects towards which you direct their expectations.
" Implore of God, and cultivate in your own mind, all those ministerial endowments which are necessary to the honourable, and, by the divine blessing, suc- cessful discharge of the work in which you are engaged. Jesus Christ, our exalted Master, hath received gifts for men. Go to the throne of grace every morning, and implore of God to bestow on you the gift of know- ledge in the mystery of the Gospel — ^the tongue of the learned, that you may speak a word in season to him that is weary — ^meekness of spirit for instructing those that oppose themselves, if peradventure God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth —
1807.] FAREWELL LETTERS. 99
fidelity of mind, constraining you to declare the whole counsel of God — ^bowels of compassion for the souls of men, wandering in ignorance, burdened with guilt, sunk in pollution, and exposed to the wrathful dis- pleasure of the Almighty — sincerity of soul, prevent- ing you from walking in craftiness, from handling the word of God deceitfully, or corrupting the truth — supreme love to your adorable Saviour, and his suf- fering interest in the world, that you may approve yourself a minister of God, in much patience, in af- flictions, in necessities, in distresses, in honour, and in dishonour, in evil report, and in good report. In the use of these endowments, and the exercise of these tempers, you bid fair to enjoy inward peace of mind, and an approving conscience, to be venerable in the sight of good men, and glorious in the eyes of the Lord your God.
" Encourage yourself in the Lord your God. Im- perfect as we are in ourselves, in every view we are complete in him. He is the glory of our strength. Our sufl&ciency is of him. He will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Cast all your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. As your days are, so shall your strength be. Lean on the Saviour's promise. It will impart strength to your hand, and courage to your heart. — * Lo ! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' " Signed, on behalf of the Directors,
"Joseph Hardcastle, Treasurer "George Burder, Secretary.
" To the Rev. Robert Morrison."
" When the time of his departure from his native shores drew nigh," says Dr. Clunie, " as I was then at the University of Glasgow, he thus took his aflection-
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100 FAREWELL LETTERS. [1807.
ate leave of me by letter, January, 1807 : * The period, my dear brother, has now arrived when I must bid s^ain an affectionate, and perhaps a last farewell. Last Thursday evening I was solemnly ordained to the ministry of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ among the heathen. The service was at Swallow Street. Rev. John Townsend opened by prayer and reading the Scriptures; Rev. G. Burder asked the questions; Mr. Waugh offered up the Ordination Prayer; Mr. Nicol gave a Charge, and Mr. Buck closed the service by prayer. It was a very solemn and impressive opportunity. Messrs. Gordon and Lee were ordained with me. We proceed on the 24th instant, in the Remittance, Captain Law, to New York ; from thence they take a ship to India, in all probability, to Madras; whilst I alone, in another vessel, sail for Canton. If permitted, I intend to reside there; if not, I shall probably return to Malacca. Such, at present, my dear , are my external cir- cumstances and prospects. With regard to success, I am not sanguine, nor am I depressed ; I hope — I be- lieve, I may safely take the comfort of our Lord's words, * Lo ! I am with you alway , even to the end of the world ;' and with this persuasion, what have I to fear? If Christ be with me, who can be against me ? Let me, my brother, have occasionally an inter- est in your fervent prayers. Pray that I may not think it hard if I fare as well as my Master. Farewell, my dear young brother; the God of peace be with you ! My love to my dear brother Hooper."
On Monday, January 25, he addressed the follow- ing letter to one of his sisters. — " I promised in my brother T.'s letter that I should write to you, and now I fulfil my prombe.
1807.] I'AREWELL LETTEBS. 101
"I am, my dear H., on the eve of taking a Ia»l farewell, in every probability, of rKlatives, friends, and country. I ehall have no tender mother's care, no sister, no wife, no brother near me, to assist, or coun- sel, or console me ; but my hope is in the sure words of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, leaving all for bis sake, I ehall have manifold more in this present life, and in the world to come life everlasting. I was going to ask you to pray for me. But let me ask first, with all af- fectionate concern, do you pray with seriousness and faith for yourself? My dear H., I cannot go without telling you freely my mind, warning you and admo- nishing you, faithfully and affectionately, to flee from the wrath to come. My dear, dear, dear Hannah, do think of your soul now, set heaven and hell and a dying Sanour before you. My brotherly love to your dear partner: tell him from me these things. Bow down togetlier, and call upon God with tears, and for the sake of Jesus, ask for mercy. I hope to go to-morrow, or Wednesday morning at the latest, to Gravesend, to embark for New York. I am in good health, and am not depressed ;