Читать книгу Memoir of Mrs. Ann H. Judson - James Davis Knowles - Страница 9

CHAPTER IV.

Difficulties with the Bengal Government—Sail for Isle of France—Death of Mrs. Newell.

On the 18th of June, 1812, the missionaries landed at Calcutta, where they were met and welcomed to India, by the venerable Dr. Carey. He immediately invited them to Serampore, to reside in the mission family, until the other missionaries, in the Harmony, should arrive.* They accordingly stayed one night in Calcutta, and the next morning they took a boat, and went up the river, fifteen miles, to Serampore. Here they were received with the utmost kindness by the mission family. Mrs. J. speaks, in warm terms, of the piety, industry, economy, and order, which distinguished the operations at that great missionary establishment. Messrs. Carey, Marshman, and Ward, then resided there with their families. Dr. Carey was employed in translating the Scriptures ; Dr. Marshman, his wife, and son, taught a male and female school. Mr. Ward superintended the extensive printing establishment.

The following letter of Mrs. J. contains some interesting particulars :

To her Sister.

“Serampore Mission-House.

“I have left your letter, my dear sister M., until the last, to continue my narrative to the family. I concluded A.’s with saying, Captain Heard had just invited us to go to his house. Mr. Judson came on board with an invitation from Dr. Carey to spend the night with him. I got into a palankeen—Mr. Judson walked to the house. It was with considerable fear I rode, as the streets were full of natives and English carriages. Those who carried me went so much faster than Mr. Judson, that I soon lost sight of him, and did not know where they would carry me. They, however, stopped before a large stone building, which I soon found to be Dr. Carey’s house. We were directed up a pair of stairs, through one or two large rooms, into his study. He arose, shook hands with us, and gave us a cordial welcome to this country. His house is curiously constructed, as the other European houses are here. There are no chimneys or fire-places in them, the roofs are flat, the rooms twenty feet in height and proportionably large. Large windows, without glass, open from one room to another, that the air may freely circulate through the house. They are very convenient for this hot climate, and bear every mark of antiquity. In the evening we attended meeting in the English Episcopal Church. It was the first time of our attending meeting for above four months, and as we entered the church, our ears were delighted with hearing the organ play our old favourite tune, Bangor. The church was very handsome, and a number of punkies, something like a fan several yards in length, hung around, with ropes fastened on the outside, which were pulled by some of the natives, to keep the church cool. We spent the night at Dr. Carey’s, and were rejoiced to find ourselves once more in a house on land. Very near the house, is a charity school supported by this mission, in which are instructed two hundred boys and nearly as many girls. They are chiefly children of Portuguese parents, and natives of no cast. We could see them all kneel in prayer time, and hear them sing at the opening of the school. It was really affecting to see these poor children, picked up in the streets, learning to sing the praise and read the word of God.

“While at Dr. C.’s, we saw a wedding procession pass. The bridegroom was carried in a palankeen, with flowers in his hands, and on his head. He appeared to be about ten years of age. The procession were dressed in uniform, with large branches of flowers, and instruments of music. The Hindoos are frequently married when children, the contract being made by their parents. In the afternoon, we left Calcutta, for Serampore, having previously received an invitation from the Missionaries to reside with them, until our brethren arrive. We were met at the water side by Messrs. Marshman and Ward, who led us to the house, and introduced us to their wives. They received us very cordially. The school kept by Mrs. Marshman consists almost entirely of the children belonging to the mission, and European young ladies. They are taught various kinds of needle-work, embroidery, &c. and study the languages. Mrs. Marshman’s eldest daughter, fourteen years of age, reads and writes Bengalee and English ; and has advanced some way in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. The three families live in separate houses, but all eat together, in a large hall, in the mission house. The bell rings at five in the morning, for the boys to arise for school. Again at eight, for breakfast. Immediately after breakfast, we all assemble in the chapel, for prayers. Begin with singing a hymn, in which most of the children join ; read a chapter in the Bible, and conclude with prayer. On the Sabbath, they have worship in English, from eleven till one : in Bengalee, for the natives, in the afternoon, and in English again, in the evening. Monday evening they have a religious conference for the native brethren and sisters. Tuesday morning an hour is spent in explaining passages of Scripture ; Thursday and Saturday evenings, in conference meetings. These Missionaries are eminently pious as well as learned. The garden is as far superior to any in America, as the best garden in America is to a common farmer’s. It consists of several acres, under the highest state of cultivation. Fruits of various kinds, plants, flowers and vegetables, grow here in great abundance. The pine-apple grows on a low bush, the plantain on a tall stalk, and the cocoa-nut on a high tree, resembling our pine tree.

“The third day after we came here, there was a celebration of the worship of Juggernaut. We went about ten in the morning. The immense multitude of natives assembled on the occasion, and the noise they made, answered to the account Buchanan gave. The idol was set on the top of a stone building. He is only a lump of wood, his face painted with large black eyes, and a large red mouth. He was taken from his temple, and water poured on him to bathe him. This is introductory to a more solemn act of worship, which will be performed a fortnight hence. After these poor deluded creatures had bathed their god, they proceeded to bathe themselves. Poor, miserable, deluded beings, they know not what they do. O Mary ! the inhabitants of America know nothing of poverty, slavery, and wretchedness, compared with the natives of India. So very numerous, they cannot get employ; and when they do, they are treated by the Europeans like beasts more than like men. Many of them die for the want of nourishment. Add to all this, they are ignorant of the only way of salvation. Who would not pity the poor heathen, and rejoice to contribute his mite to relieve some of their distresses !”

After they had been here about ten days, Messrs. Judson and Newell were summoned to Calcutta, and an order of the government was read to them, requiring them immediately to leave the country, and return to America. The government of India, at that time, were resolutely opposed to missions. Their motives we need not now canvass. The charter of the East India Company, which was renewed in 1813, was so altered in its passage through Parliament, by the zealous exertions of Wilberforce, Smith, Thornton, Fuller, and other friends of Christ in Great Britain, as to secure toleration for missionary efforts. The British possessions in the East were constituted an Episcopal See, and placed under the superintendence of a bishop and three archdeacons. The Rev. Dr. Middleton was the first bishop, and was succeeded by Bishop Heber, who has since died. It is just to say, that a great change of feeling has taken place among the officers of government, and the European residents, in India. Their fears concerning the effects of missionary operations, have subsided, and they are now disposed to favour and promote them.

This order was a very alarming and distressing one. The thought of returning, without accomplishing, in any degree, their object, was insupportable. The instructions of the board of commissioners, when they left America, directed them to fix the seat of their mission in the Burman empire, unless circumstances should render it inexpedient to attempt it. All the missionaries, however, thought it impracticable to establish a mission there. The despotic character of the government, and the failure of all previous attempts to introduce the Gospel into that empire, induced them to renounce the idea of a Burman mission. Mr. Nott, in a letter to a friend, said, “The Burman empire seems at present out of the question.” Mrs. Newell, in her journal, July 16, 1812, says : “We cannot feel that we are called in providence to go to Burmah. Every account we have from that savage, barbarous nation, confirms us in our opinion, that the way is not prepared for the spread of the Gospel there.” They therefore petitioned for leave to go to the Isle of France, which was granted ; and Mr. and Mrs. Newell sailed about the 1st of August. As the vessel could accommodate but two passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Judson remained in Calcutta, about two months longer. They were entertained with the most liberal hospitality, at the house of Mr. Rolt, an English gentleman : and the treatment which they received from other Christian friends was kind and soothing to their feelings, amid their difficulties.

About this time, Mrs. J. wrote the following letter to her sisters :

“Calcutta, Aug. 23, 1812.

“My Dear Sisters,

“A melancholy pleasure pervades my mind, when I take up my pen to address those whom I love, and whom I never expect to meet again in this world. When thinking of my friends and much loved native land, I frequently join with Ossian in saying, ‘There is a joy in grief when peace dwells in the breast of the sad.’ Grief for the deprivation of my friends, I love to indulge ; and I find every such indulgence binds them more closely to my heart. Can I forget thee, O my country ? Can I forget the scenes of childhood ; and the more endearing scenes of riper years ? Can I forget the parental roof, sisters, companions, and associates of my life ? No, never ! Never, till this pulse ceases to beat, this heart to feel. Yet, my dear girls, think not that I am habitually melancholy, or regret having left my native land. I never was happier, never was more cheerful, and never more satisfied in having engaged in my arduous undertaking.”

The following paragraph, from the same letter, is quoted here, because the opinion of Mrs. J. on the subject referred to, is entitled to much weight, and applies with equal force, to almost every heathen country ;

“Good female schools are extremely needed in this country. I hope no missionary will ever come out here, without a wife, as she, in her sphere, can be equally useful with her husband. I presume Mrs. Marshman does more good in her school, than half the ministers in America.”

While they remained in Calcutta, their minds were agitated with doubt, respecting their future course. They could not stay in Hindostan ; and yet they resolved to devote themselves to missionary labours, if any position could be found, where they could stay and toil. At one time, they thought it expedient to attempt a mission in South America ; and Mr. Judson commenced the study of the Portuguese language. Japan, Persia, Madagascar, and other countries, were thought of, as fields for missionary efforts. Mr. Judson had long regarded Burmah, as the most desirable station ; but it seemed inexpedient, at that time, to attempt to establish a mission there. The following extract of a letter from Mrs. J. dated Calcutta, Sept. 19, will shew in what light the design was regarded, and will increase the evidence which many other events afford, that a special providence conducted them to Rangoon, contrary to their expectations, and to all apparent probabilities :

“We had almost concluded to go to the Burman empire, when we heard there were fresh difficulties existing between the English and the Burman government. If these difficulties are settled, I think it probable we shall go there. It presents a very extensive field for usefulness, containing seventeen millions of inhabitants;—and the Scriptures have never been translated into their language. This circumstance is a very strong inducement to Mr. Judson to go there, as there is no other place where he could be equally useful in translating. But our privations and dangers would be great. There are no bread, potatoes, butter, and very little animal food. The natives live principally on rice and fish. I should have no society at all except Mr. J. for there is not an English female in all Rangoon. But I could easily give up these comforts, if the government was such as to secure safety to its subjects.

“But where our lives would depend on the caprice of a monarch, or those who have the power of life and death, we could never feel safe, unless we always had strong faith in God. Notwithstanding these difficulties, we are perfectly willing to go, if Providence opens the way. Mr. Judson has written to Mr. Chater, at Ceylon, to get all the information respecting that place, he can. Felix Carey has lately arrived from Rangoon, and wishes us to return with him, as he is entirely alone, there being no other Missionary in all Burmah. Mr. Judson and myself enjoy perfect health, and yet this is the most fatal month in the year, and is considered more sickly this year, than many years before. All our brethren have been sick with fevers, but are getting better. Why we are thus distinguished with such uncommon health, we know not, but can only ascribe it to the sovereign mercy of our Heavenly Father. We are still at Mr. Rolt’s, in Calcutta, where we are treated with the greatest kindness. I hope these favours will not induce us to forget our great object, or make us less engaged in our mission than when we were deprived of them. Mr. J. and myself spend the greater part of our time alone, and endeavour to realize the greatness of the work in which we have engaged—our dependence on God for success and direction—and the shortness and uncertainty of life.”

The following letter to her parents shows that they were still “perplexed, but not in despair—persecuted, but not forsaken.”

“Calcutta, Oct. 9, 1812.

“My dear and honoured Parents,

“I know you wish to hear from us every opportunity ; and to bear of our continued prosperity will afford you peculiar pleasure. When we reflect on the goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father to us since we left our native land, we are filled with wonder and gratitude, and feel the obligations these distinguished favours lay us under of renewedly devoting ourselves to his service. We view his hand in leading us by a way we knew not, and in raising us up friends where we had no reason to expect them. If God has made it our duty to leave our home and friends, he has given us a home here in a land of strangers, and friends who are kind and sympathizing. If he has presented dark and gloomy prospects, and, for a time, hedged up our way, yet he has enabled us to trust him in the dark, to feel our entire dependence on him, and lean on him for direction and support. We are still at Mr. Rolt’s in Calcutta, where we receive every attention we can wish. Although we are so comfortable here, and have every thing we wish, yet we long to get away to the place where we shall labour among the heathen. Mr. Judson is making daily exertions to get away. We have at present some prospect of going to Java. It presents a wide field for missionary labours, and no Missionary is there. We have spoken for a passage; and unless some new prospects open of getting into the Burman empire, it is probable we shall go to Java, if government will permit. There is some prospect of brother Rice’s going with us, which we consider as a great favour in Providence, as we expected to go alone.

“The Missionary cause continues to prosper in this country, and constant additions are making to the churches. As many as twenty have been added to the Baptist church in Calcutta, since we have been here. I heard the relations of four native women before the church, a short time since, which were very interesting. They were converted by the means of a native who is a preacher, and has been the means of converting a great number, Last Sabbath, I communed with this Church, which is composed of Europeans, Armenians, Hindoos, Portuguese, and a class of people called half-cast, on account of one of their parents being a European, the other a Hindoo. I could not but be affected to see so many which were called emphatically from ‘the highways and hedges,’ commemorating the dying love of Christ, in a heathen land.”

Another circumstance, of which further notice will be taken in the next Chapter, added to their embarrassment at this time. Mr. and Mrs. Judson, and Mr. Rice, had become Baptists, and been baptized in Calcutta. Their connexion with the American Board of Commissioners, therefore, they considered as virtually dissolved. They could expect no support from that Board, and they could not be sure that their Baptist brethren would aid them.

The government were offended by the stay of the Missionaries at Calcutta, supposing, probably, that they intended to remain in Bengal.

“They accordingly,” says Mrs. Judson,* “issued a most peremptory order for our being sent immediately on board one of the Honourable Company’s vessels, bound to England. A petty officer accompanied Messrs. Rice and Judson to their place of residence, and requested them not to leave it without permission. We saw our names inserted in the publick papers as passengers on board a certain ship, and now there appeared very little hope of our escape. Mr. Rice and Mr. Judson, however, soon ascertained that a ship would sail for the Isle of France, in two days. They applied for a pass from the chief magistrate, but were refused. They communicated to the captain of the ship their circumstances, and asked if he would venture to take them on board without a pass ? He replied that he would be neutral ; that there was his ship, and that they might do as they pleased.

“With the assistance of the gentleman in whose house we were residing, we obtained coolies (porters) to convey our baggage, and, at twelve o’clock at night, we embarked, though the gates of the dock-yards were closed, and the opening of them at that time of night, quite contrary to the regulations of the Company. The next morning the ship sailed. She had proceeded down the river for two days, when a government dispatch arrived, forbidding the pilot to go farther, as passengers were on board who had been ordered to England.”

A letter to her parents, dated at sea, Dec. 7, contains some interesting particulars of the incidents, at this crisis, and of their subsequent arrival at the Isle of France, where they learnt the melancholy tidings of the death of Mrs. Newell.

“At Sea, N. Lat. 12, Dec. 7, 1812.

“My dear Parents,

We immediately concluded that it was not safe to continue on board the remainder of the night. Mr. Rice and Mr. Judson took a boat and went on shore to a tavern little more than a mile from the ship. The captain said that I, and our baggage, could stay on board with perfect safety, even should an officer be sent to search the vessel. The next day we lay at anchor, expecting every hour to hear some intelligence from Calcutta. In the evening, the captain received a note from the owner of the vessel, saying he had been at the Police to enquire the cause -of the detention of his ship ; and the cause assigned was, ‘it was suspected there were persons on board which the captain had been forbidden to receive,’ and that the ship could not proceed, until it was ascertained that no such persons were on board. The pilot immediately wrote a certificate that no such persons were on board, at the same time giving a list of all the passengers. I got into a small boat and went on shore, where the brethren had been anxiously waiting through the day. We knew not what course to take, as it was then impossible that we could proceed in that ship, without a pass from the magistrate. Brother Rice set out directly for Calcutta, to see if it was possible to get a pass, or do any thing else. We spent the night and the next day at the tavern, without hearing any thing from the ship, fearing that every European we saw was in search of us. Brother R. returned from Calcutta, but had effected nothing. The owner of the vessel was highly offended at his ship’s being detained so long on our account, and would do nothing more to assist us. We felt our situation was peculiarly trying, and could see no end to our difficulties. Early the next morning we received á note from the captain, saying he had liberty to proceed, but we must take our baggage from the vessel. We thought it not safe to continue at the tavern, where we were, neither could we think of returning to Calcutta. But one way was left—to go down the river about 16 miles, where there was another tavern. I went on board to see about our baggage, as the brethren did not think it safe for them to go. As we could get no boat at the place where we were, I requested the captain to let our things remain until the vessel reached the other tavern, where I would try to get a boat. He consented, and told me I had better go in the vessel, as it would be unpleasant going so far in a small boat. I was obliged to go to the shore again, to inform the brethren of this, and know what they would do. Brother R. set out again for Calcutta to try to get a passage to Ceylon, in a ship which was anchored near the place we were going to. Mr. J. took a small boat in which was a small part of our baggage, to go down the river, while I got into the pilot’s boat, which he had sent on shore with me, to go to the ship. As I had been some time on shore, and the wind strong, the vessel had gone down some distance. Imagine how uncomfortable my situation. In a little boat rowed by six natives, entirely alone, the river very rough, in consequence of the wind; without an umbrella or any thing to screen me from the sun, which was very hot. The natives hoisted a large sail, which every now and then would almost tip the boat on one side. I manifested some fear to them, and to comfort me, they would constantly repeat, ‘Cutcha pho annah, sahib, cutcha pho annah.’ The meaning, Never fear, madam, never fear. After some time we came up with the ship, where I put our things in order to be taken out in an hour or two. When we came opposite the tavern, the pilot kindly lent me his boat and servant, to go on shore. I immediately procured a large boat to send to the ship for our baggage. I entered the tavern, a stranger, a female, and unprotected. I called for a room and sat down to reflect on my disconsolate situation. I had nothing with me but a few rupees. I did not know that the boat which I sent after the vessel would overtake it, and if it did, whether it would ever return with our baggage ; neither did I know where Mr. J. was, or when he would come, or with what treatment I should meet at the tavern. I thought of home, and said to myself, These are some of the many trials attendant on a missionary life, and which I had anticipated. In a few hours Mr. J. arrived, and toward night, our baggage. We had now given up all hope of going to the Isle of France, and concluded either to return to Calcutta, or to communicate our real situation to the tavern keeper, and request him to assist us. As we thought the latter preferable, Mr. J. told our landlord our circumstances, and asked him if he could assist in getting us a passage to Ceylon. He said a friend of his was expected down the river the next day, who was captain of a vessel bound to Madras, and who, he did not doubt, would take us. This raised our sinking hopes. We waited two days ; and on the third, which was Sabbath, the ship came in sight, and anchored directly before the house. We now expected the time for our deliverance was come. The tavern keeper went on board to see the captain for us ; but our hopes were again dashed, when he returned and said the captain could not take us. We determined, however, to see the captain ourselves, and endeavour to persuade him to let us have a passage at any rate. We had just sat down to supper when a letter was handed us. We hastily opened it, and, to our great surprise and joy, in it was a pass from the magistrate for us to go on board the Creole, the vessel we had left. Who procured this pass for us, or in what way, we are still ignorant ; we could only view the hand of God, and wonder. But we had every reason to expect the Creole had got out to sea, as it was three days since we left her. There was a possibility, however, of her having anchored at Saugur, seventy miles from where we then were. We had let our baggage continue in the boat into which it was first taken, therefore it was all in readiness ; and after dark, we all three got into the same boat, and set out against the tide, for Saugur. It was a most dreary night to me ; but Mr. J. slept the greater part of the night. The next day we had a favourable wind, and before night reached Saugur, where were many ships at anchor, and among the rest we had the happiness to find the Creole. She had been anchored there two days, waiting for some of the ship’s crew. I never enjoyed a sweeter moment in my life, than that when I was sure we were in sight of the Creole. After Spending a fortnight in such anxiety, it was a very great relief to find ourselves safe on board the vessel on which we first embarked. All of us are now attending to the French language, as that is spoken altogether at the Isle of France. Though it has pleased our Heavenly Father lightly to afflict us, yet he has supported and delivered us from our trials ; which still encourages us to trust in him.

“Jan. 7, 1813. We have been at sea nearly six weeks, and are within a week’s sail of the Isle of France. It is a long passage, but we have had contrary winds, and much rough weather, and shall arrive at the place in the worst season of the year, on account of the heavy winds and hurricanes which are frequent at this season. There are four passengers besides ourselves, and the captain’s wife. None of them in the least seriously inclined. We three have worship twice every Sabbath, and prayers in our room every evening. The other passengers spend their Sabbaths on deck in playing cards and chess, and trifling conversation. It is very trying to us to see the Sabbath profaned in such a way. But we cannot prevent it. Though they treat us with respect, yet I presume they consider us as superstitious, enthusiastic, unsocial creatures. But we know it is our great business to serve our Heavenly Father, and prepare for usefulness among the heathen. In order to do this, we must take those methods which make us appear contemptible in the eyes of the men of this world.

“We continue to attend to the French language. Find nothing difficult about it. I shall finish this when we arrive.

“17. Saturday. We have, at last, my dear parents, arrived at the Isle of France. We are now anchored in the harbour, and hope to go on shore in the morning. But O how have our hearts been wrung with anguish this evening in hearing that Harriet is dead ! Alas ! she has soon ended her missionary life—she is early released from her toils and labours. Happy girl ! you will suffer no more—your tears are wiped away, and your soul is made pure in the blood of Jesus ! We have had no particulars of her death ; but I have conjectured much. I have anticipated much pleasure during my passage, in meeting her with her little babe, But our Heavenly Father, who doth all things well, hath ordered otherwise.

“Sabbath morning. Brother Newell has just come on board, and appears disconsolate and heart-broken. He has borne his sorrows alone, having no Christian friend to comfort him. He has given us the particulars of Harriet’s death, which I will here insert ;

Soon after they left Calcutta, in consequence of contrary winds and storms, the vessel was found to be in a leaky, sinking condition, which obliged them to put into Choringa to repair. Before the vessel got in, Harriet was seized with the bowel complaint, which was extremely distressing in her situation. She however was considerably recovered before they put to sea again, and was in hopes of getting to the Isle of France before she was confined. But they again had contrary winds, which made their passage so much longer, that she was confined on board the vessel. She was safely and very comfortably delivered of a little girl, a fortnight before the vessel arrived. She was much better for a few days than she had been for weeks before ; and the child was perfectly well, and appeared as likely to live as any child. In a few days a storm came on ; and as she and the infant were much exposed to the wet weather, they both took cold, which speedily terminated the life of the infant, and threw Harriet into a consumption, of which she died, on the 30th of Nov. She thought herself in a consumption from the first of her illness, and endeavoured to be prepared to meet the king of terrors. She had her reason perfectly to the last moment of her life. She felt no fear of death, but longed for its approach. The day before she died, her physician told her she would not continue another day. She lifted up her hands, and exclaimed, ‘O glorious intelligence !’ She took a formal leave of Mr. Newell, and delivered to him messages to her friends with the greatest composure. She frequently mentioned in her sickness that she had never repented leaving her native country, and that the consideration of having left it for the cause of Christ, now afforded her great consolation. She died in a happy, composed frame, without a struggle or a groan. Her body now lies, solitary and alone, in yonder heathy ground. No marble monument* is erected to speak her worth, no common gravestone to tell the passing stranger, Here lie the remains of one, who, for the love of Christ and immortal souls, left the bosom of her friends, and found an early grave in a land of strangers. But angels will watch her dust, even in this benighted land ; and at the resurrection of the just, it will be reunited to her immortal spirit, which, no doubt, is now in the full enjoyment of her God.

Notes

* The Harmony arrived six weeks after the Caravan.

* Burman Mission, pp. 18, 19.—Messrs. Nott and Hall obtained a passage for Bombay, and sailed thither about November 20,

* A monument has since been erected over her grave, by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.