GkVI162-5_1838
author: Schaffter, Paul PacifiqueandMuller, J. J.

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{3

4

HALF-YEARLY REPORT

OF THE

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION

IN TINNEVELLY,

TO THE END OF JUNE 1838.

Our Christian friends and supporters are already informed of the

heavy affliction, with which ourselves individually, and the whole

Mission, have been visited, by the removal of our dear and ever

lamented brother Mr. Rhenius.

it is a mysterious dispensation of the

Lord, and we are sometimes inclined to ask, ¢ wherefore hast thou done

this "’

But He answers us, as he did one of his disciples; * what L

do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.”” We in-

deed feel the Joss most deeply, and did we not know that the Lord in

His infinite wisdom does every thing well, we should have reason to

repine.

We do mourn, but not as those without hope.

We know that

our dear departed brother has gained Dby our loss, and this is

one reason which makes us to submit with some degree of cheer-

Our fervent prayer is, that

fulness to our Heavenly Father’s will.

this affliction may be sanctified to us all ; that the good the Lord in-

tends to bring out of this apparent evil, may not be lost upon us.

But as we intend to annex to this Report a short memoir of our de-

parted brother, we shall here leave this mournful subject, and proceed

to give a short account of what the Lord has been graciously doing

during the past six months. We must necessarily judge from outward

appearances ; the Lord alone knows the hearts of men. Whatever

good there may appear to be, we would ascribe it all to the Lord and

His grace; whatever of infirmity and shortcoming, we take to our-

selves.

We are fully aware that we are erring and sinful creatures;

we therefore ask daily for the guidance, instruction and enlightening

of his Holy Spirit, and implore pardon for all faults, errors and sins.

‘We are further convinced by our own experience that Paul may plant,

and Apollos may water, but that the increase is of the Lord; and

therefore we daily ask for his blessing upon our humble labours.

For our own encouragement also we have experienced that our labours

in Him and for Him are not in vain: and O ! that we were more thank-

ful to our good Lord for all His mercies towards us !

We shall follow the same order in our present account of the Mission

as was observed in former half-yearly reports. We therefore begin

with

I.—MISSIONARIES.

The number of our Missionary family circle is the same as stated in

our last Report, with the exception of our lamented brother Rhenius,

who has now joined the company of just men made perfect in the

2

‘FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

mansions above.

We are very sorry to state that Mr. Lechler has not

yet been restored to his former health and strength. Whilst at Ma-

dras he became rather worse, and it was thought desirable that he

should take a voyage.

Accordingly he embarked at the beginning of

May for Penang.

Since that time we have not heard from him nor

about him ; but it is our prayer, that if agreeable to the will of our

Heavenly Father, he may soon return in perfect health, and help us in

the great work which the Lord has now committed to our feeble hands.

According to the strength the Lord has granted us, we have continued

our journies not only among the congregations, but also at times among

the heathen.

To both we have declared the glad tidings of salvation;

and it is our prayer that the seed sown may spring up, and yield

much fruit, to the glory of our ever-blessed Redeemer.

II.—.CONGREGATIONS.

According to the list made up at the end of this month, and of which

Wwe annex a summary statement, the total of people in our connexion

at present is..

ea veeae

.

o »

-

es 0 e 0

.. .2255 families,

or

7880 souls.

The total at the end of Dec. last was. .2157

do

or

7378 do.

——

or

502 souls.

Increase during the last half year..

[ —

98 families,

e o

These 2255 families are in 223 villages.

There have been 122 baptisms, viz. 37 men, 22 women, and 63

children.

The Lord’s Supper has been administered not only every month at

Pallamcottah and Suviseshapuram, but also at several places in the

counfry.

Those who administered it in the latter places have derived

great encouragement to continue in season and out of season to preach

the word of life to poor perishing sinners: and the partakers of the

sacred feast have found, we believe, great comfort to their souls.

Wiih reference to the general state of the congregations, we would

say, as we used to say in our former years, that it resembles that of

a hospital.

All are sick : all want the healing medicines of the

Heavenly Physician

to all they are offered.

But there are many

who do not choose to conform in every respect to the prescrip-

tions of this great Physician, and thus make ineffective that which

was intended for their restoration.

But thanks be to our gracious

God, there are others who willingly obey the precepts of their Saviour,

and,though they find it to be hard, yea nearly impossible to crucify their

old man with the lusts thereof, yet they can in some degree say with

the Apostle, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth

me.” We and they are fully convinced, that it is Christ, and Christ

alone who can heal all the wounds, sin has inflicted upon the soul ; and

it is on this account that we do, and mast direct them to Christ ouly,

whose grace is sufficient to save all who come unto Him. Our duty

and privilege it is to preach Christ crucified to them, and the rest we

can joyfully leave to Him who has promised that “ His word shall not

return unto Him void, bat it shall accomplish that which He pleaseth,

and it shall prosper in the things whereunto He sent it.”

3

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

IIT.—CATECHISTS.

We have now 112 Catechists and Assistant Catechists, labouring

principally among those congregations or souls, the number of which

we have stated above.

At the end of December last there were one

hundred and

there has

been

sixteen Catechists,

consequently

a decrease of four, during the last six months,

That this should

be the case, while there

is a considerable increase among

the

congregations, is accounted for

by the three

following circum-

stances ; lst, the increase has been principally among the old congre-

gations ; 2d, in several places where the congregation was small, the

Catechist has been removed to a new one, the people he formerly in-

structed being placed under the charge of a neighbouring Catechist ;

3d, several Catechists have been dismissed.

Their monthly meetings have been regular here, and at Suvisesha-

puram.

Several of them we were obliged to dismiss on account of

bad conduct, and remissness in their duties : one or two have resigned,

not being willing to snbmit to a little punishment they had deserved.

Their growth in the knowledge of themselves and the Lord Jesus

Christ, as also in the sacred oracles, is our chief object and care.

One

of the assistant head Catechists has been found insufficient for his du-

ties, and has therefore been put as a Catechist to a congregation.

Another we were obliged to suspend for some months for having told

a falsehood.

We commend them all to the particular notice of our

Christian friends to remember them in their prayers, that the spirit of

God may be richly bestowed upon them for their own spiritual good,

and the building up of the congregations in our most holy faith.

IV.—SCHOOLS.

At the end of Dec. last, there were 44 Schools under proper Masters.

42

do.

under Catechists.

B —

Total 86

ey

There are now 41 Schools under proper Masters.

93

do.

under Catechists.

s

Total 94 Inerease 8.

e

Though there is an increase of eight Schools, yet there is a decrease

of sixty-seven Scholars.

This is accounted for when it is considered,

that the increase of eight Schools is in the number of Catechists’, not

proper Schoolmasters’ Schools; for of the latter we have three

Schools less than we had last December.

Those under Catechists

contain on an average not more than from two or four te fifteen or

twenty children.

Those Schoolmasters who have a greater number of

children than they can efficiently attend to, are allowed to have an

usher or assistant; also, Catechists who have a large congregation,

or more than one or two small villages under them, are assisted in

their Schools by an usher.

The number of ushers under proper masters 1S.......oevevv

]

do.

do.

ubder Catechiglss . il cuis s bt

19

Total 28

4

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

The number of Scholars in December last was...c.coveeoenven

2513

There are now in the 41 regular Schools..... ......

1705

Inithe 53 Uateehists: Scheols., . i i b .. L bd

741

Total 2446

The decrease, therefore, is

eee0ce

veee00s wooeoe

ooooo

67

The daily average attendance is......

sin s 147D

Two of the Schoolmasters have had grace given them to break

through the barriers of caste, and to confess their faith in Christ Jesus,

by receiving baptism. May they walk worthy of their high calling!

In May last, a general examination of the Schools in the Suvise-

shapuram District took place at Aubinnagaram, where about three-

hundred children were present.

They were examined in reading,

writing and the catechism ; to the cleverest of them small rewards of

After the examination

books, iron-pens, cloths and pice were given.

they all satdown to a dinner prepared for them, consisting of curry and

rice.

They enjoyed 1t exceedingly ; and it did one good to see them

so merry and happy together.

They went home again in the evening,

quite satisfied with what they had heard and seen.

Mrs. Schaffter’s School consists at present of twenty-seven girls.

The Nganapuram day-School has been given up, as the girls did not

attend regularly. The Schoolmaster has been taken away, and the

few remaining girls are learning under the Catechist.

In our other

Schools about fifty-nine girls are learning; consequently the whole

number receiving instruction is eighty-six ; nine less than in December

1837. This number of female Scholars is included in the total of

Scholars mentioned above.

V.—SEMINARY.

The Seminary, according to the last Report, consisted of twenty-

five boys. A few months ago the number was reduced ; or we should

rather say, that the boys who were received latest were sent back to

their homes, because they were too young, and required more attention

the

interest of the

than could conveniently be given to them,

elder ones being considered. Some time ago too, one of the younger

boys, it is not known from what motives, suddenly disappeared, and

we heard had gone northward. Attempts have been made to discover

him, but in vain.

The subjects of instruction have been the same as stated in the last

Report. An essay, written in English by a boy of the 1st class, on the

question, “What advantages have Native youths receiving education in

Christian Seminaries above others who are not so educated ?”” has par-

ticularly gratified us, and did space pgrmit, we should probably have

inserted it here for the gratification of our readers.

The conduct of the youths has on the whole been satisfactory.

We

regret that from various causes, they, but especially the Ist class,

have not advanced so much as we could wish,

Sickness for a consi-

derable time has been very prevalent among them, and has of course

aflected their progress.

The number of Scholars is at present 19, besides four day-Scholars.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MI1SSION,

19

VI.-.PREPARANDIL

There have been from ten to fourteen persons in this class, during

the last six months.

Several of the assistant Catechists,

whom we

found rather insufficient for the duties of their office have been again

taken into this class for further improvement.

Some of them have

during the last six months been sent out as assistant Catechists.

They

have during this time committed to memory, and have had explained

to them the Epistles to Timothy and to the Thessalonians, as also a

Seripture doctrinal Catechism, and have commenced the Epistle to the

Romans. It has been very pleasing to us to see in them during the

last three ov four months a particular desire after divine knowledge.

indeed

all become wise unto

salvation!

The more

May they

advanced of them have begun to deliver now and then a short

address in the evenings.

The verse or portion of Scripture, upon

which they are to preach, is previously explained or analyzed to them.

We commend them all to the prayers of our Christian friends.

VIL.—FINANCES.

We must however inform our

We need not say much on this point.

friends, that we want their assistance particularly at present.

We

trust and pray our good Lord may put it into their minds to come to

our help immediately.

We are sure it would grieve not only our hearts,

but also theirs, if we should be obliged to retrench or limit our present

operations merely from want of funds.

At the close of the year, we

intend giving as usual an account of our income und expenditure.

VIII.—MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS.

1

Some of our friends have strongly recommended us to leave

Tinnevelly immediately, urging that it will be impossible to remain in

our present position, and that in a very short time, from want of funds

and other reasons, we shall be obliged to remove hence.

We have

given the most serious consideration to all these reasons. When con-

sidered in the light of human reason alone, they are strong enough to

drive not only us, but men stronger than ourselves from our position.

But when we consider them in the light of the Gospel we find that

they are quite unsatisfactory.

The question appears to us to be, not,

how long shall we be able to continue with the people, but what is our

present path of duty ?

Our duty appears to us clear as daylight.

Our

duty is to remain in Tinnevelly preaching the Gospel to the people

with us, as long as the Lord will suffer us to do so, leaving the future

entirely with Him.

And this for several reasons:

(I.) Because it is our conviction, and woe to us if we do not act

according to our convictions.

(2.) Because the people with us, in whom we feel and ever must

feel a particular interest, wish and intreat us not to leave them.

(3.) Because the people throughout the congregations are in great

fear and affliction, on account of the grievous loss they have sustained

in the death of their beloved and ever-lamented teacher.

It is certain-

ly our duty toremain with them in order to comfort them, and to con-

tinue the ministry of the gospel among them.

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OE THE

(4) Because it appears to us unworthy of a servant of Christ te

abandon his flock, when they are in affliction, merely for the sake of

avoiding trouble, obtaining comforts, or from fear of the alarming ap-

pearance of a gloomy future.

2. Good effects of Tracts and the Scriptures. We have had many

applications for these, and have also given away many copies. Thoagh

we cannot always see the effects they produce, yet from time totime

the Lord grants us to meet with instances which shew us that Bible

and Tract associations are of great use, and a great help to the Mis-

sionary in his holy calling.

We would this time only refer to those

two instances which our deceased brother mentioned in his letter of

February last to the Bible Society of Madras.

It was a tract which

The New Tes-

led the man, Mutteiya Pilley, to the New Testament.

tament led him to the Old, and both revealed to him Jesus the Saviour

of sinners, whom he could apprehend by faith and prize asthe great

pearl spoken of in the gospel.

He was not of those who say, “I be-

5

lieve in Jesus in my heart, though I do not confess Him openly.’

He

felt what the Apostle said, Rom. x. 10. “ with the heart man believeth

unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto Salva-

tion.”

In February last, when Mr. Rhenius was on a journey in the

neighbourhood of Mutteiya’s residence, he requested Baptism and

received it ; thereby showing not only to his wife and relations, but to

all other people around him, that he was in earnest.

Since his Bap-

tism he has suffered a great deal of persecution from his friends and

relatives.

His own wife, who formerly showed a better mind, has left

him and taken with her all the valuables in the house, so that he has

become at once a poor man.

He lives now upon charity, going about

from village to village, preaching the Gospel of Christ.

May the Lord

give him grace to stand fast till the end, and may he derive great com-

fort from the words of the Apostle, ¢ we must through much tribula-

tion enter into the kingdom of God.”

The Chetty mentioned in the letter above alluded to, continues to

read the Scriptures and religious Tracts, not only in private, but also

He cannot yet fully overcome the fear of

to any who will hear him.

the world, and confess Jesus openly, like Mutteiya Pilley, by receiving

Baptism. But we hope and pray that the time may soon come when:

he may be enabled to say, I count all things but loss, for the excellen-

cy of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.”

3. The Native Societies mentioned in our last Report are silently

progressing, and we have reasons tc hope that a blessing rests upon

them.

At the close of the year, “if the Lord will,” we shall let our

friends know what they have been doing, or rather what the Lord has

been doing through them.

We conclude this report with the prayer of Moses the man of God :

¢« Let, O Lord, thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto

their children ; and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and

establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our

hands, establish thou it.”

P. SCHAFFTER.

J. J. MuLLER.

SINADPOONTUREI :

?

June 28, 1833.

§

GERMAN

EVANGELICAL MISSION.

AnsTrACT of the Congregations

under the charge of the German

Missionaries in Tinnevelly,

at the end of June, 1838.

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Baptized.

Candidates for

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170

150

113

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VII

|

175

31

22

271

15

135

1721 540

24

38

VIII

50

77

67

951

392

371

617 1619

20

32

[T

IX

oo oo

379

80

62

£

09

701

205 791Ei2()17'

112

223

Present Total...

2255

607

447$ 975 ;1810 1791|2650 g7880%

116

210

Total at the end

|

of Dee, 1837...112157i 552

425 537 il1679 1684250117378

i

13} Increase

within

the last 6 months.

98

39

22] 38

13

107} 149

502

5. Decrease. .....5.

tevslrecoelrovelsese

*essfsvorlvenc

eecs

)

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

APPENDIX No. I.

We subjoin a portion of Mr. Rhenius’ journal, which had been pre-

pared by him for insertion in this half-yearly Report.

1836, July 2d.—1I was this week at Courtallum with our daughter

Lydia, who is very ill; but returned this morning, because the change

At Courtallum I revised the Acts in Tamil for the

did her no good.

Jaffna Bible Society.

The Catechists assemble.

This evening we

had Missionary prayer-meeting. Between fifty and sixty familigs

from the heathen have joined the congregations.

6th.—These three days I was engaged with the Catechists. They

gave a pretty good account of the contents of the Epistle to the Ro-

mans, which they had to study during the last month. This evening

we had the Lord’s Supper together; several men and women had

come for the purpose from Sattirapetti and Kaliyanapuram ; the former

abont eighteen miles and the latter about seventy miles distant from

Palamcottah.

8th.—Our daughter Lydia is better-—-blessed be the name of the

Lord! We are forming a new village near Murugenkuritchy, of the

small congregation of shoemakers who lived hitherto at Rajahkudy.

The new village is to be called Nganapuram.

9th.--Making up the half-yearly list of our congregations, I find an

increase of 755 souls, during the last six months.

Oh may they all

not only hear and learn the word of God, but also do according to it !

11th.--To-day had the half-yearly examination of our Seminary.

They did not give entire satisfaction as to increase in knowledge. But

the troubles of the last six months account for it.

puram. It

22d.--This evening we opened the new chapel in Ngana

I read the

was filled with hearers; many heathen were present.

second chapter of the lst Epistle of Peter; and exhorted them on

« Walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith ye are

Ephesians, iv. 1

called.”

May the Lord hear our prayer !

24th,---Last night I left on a tour southward, and arrived this morn-

ing at Doknavoor or Puliyarkwritchy.

After morning prayer at my

tent, I had divine service, at noon, in Mary’s house, where there is a

spacious place for the purpose. The people heard with attention---and

I have reason to believe there are some good souls among them. In

the evening I preached there again on a portion of the 6th chapter of

St. John.

25th.---In the morning I went over to Kuttavenkullam, in the neigh-

bourhood, where I preached to at present but a small congregation, and

also to the heathen in the street. A man who was before a Roman

Catholic gave me much pleasure by his diligently reading the serip-

tures, and by the various inquiries he made on scriptural subjects. In

the afternoon I set out for Kalandeipannet, where there is a new con-

gregation. In the evening the people were together, and very atten-

tive to the word of God, but it must be instilled into their minds like

milk into the mouth of babes.

A desire to hear, learn and understand,

is a great blessing to these people in their present state.

926th.---This morning I discoursed to them on holiness. After break-

fast I went to Komandenoor, where our people came together in a shed.

I had liberty to baptize of them, four men and two boys. There was

GERMAN

EVANGELICAL MISSION.

nothing * to hinder the water.”

I returned to Kalandeipannei, and

I

after dinner proceeded to Sundenvilez, which is a mission village.

stayed the evening with them and preached on “ you are bought with

a price,” &ec.

This congregation is but about a year old---1 hope some

at least among them scek the grace of God indeed. Late I went to

Valletyammeipuram, where a large concourse of people saluted me;

many of whom were heathen.

27th..--Beginning my work here this morning, I found the people

very ignorant, though they have been under Christian instruction

nearly a year and a half. This noon, we assembled under a fine shady

tree, when I inquired particularly into the cause of their state of mind.

The Catechist reported faithfully what we knew of it---and the various

expressions which some of them had given of their hearts desires, &e.

A woman for instance had said--* What have we got by Christianity ?

Does it give us rice ?”” &c. The persons concerned, acknowledged these

things, and all seemed to be ashamed, promising that they will mend.

It was a sharp trial of their inmost thoughts. In the evening we were

§'

again together under the trees, with fine moonshine, when I preached

to them on Ist Peterv. 8,9, giving them a description of Satan;

against whose devices I endeavoured to warn them; more especially

as they appeared to have the sad habit of quarrelling for the least

thing. There is hope that they will be benefited by these exhorta-

tions.

I went to see a piece of land, which I lately purchased for 31 rupees

13 annas, with 34 palmira trees on it, for settling the Christians on it.

1t appears to be a suitable place for a village.

28th.---This morning I arrived at Aarupully ; where, about half the

i.

number of the inhabitants have lately come out from heathenism. Early

and at noon the people assembled in front of the temple of Perummal

Sami for prayer, and hearing the word of God. The door of their

t

hearts seems to be open to the gospel. Before I reached this place, in

thé morning I passed through Madapuram, where I found weavers in

the street preparing to commence their work.

I spoke with them, but

they immediately said that they do not worship idols, and that their

Perumal was the same as our God; and at last they desired me to go

on. There has been one Christian family here for many years, which

has suffered much all the time from the Mirasdar of the place.

1{1

The afternoon and evening [ spent in daneikullam : our eight families

here are still without a chapel : we assembled under a tree.

I had a

conversation also with a Nadan, who several years ago backslided and

’é

returned to heathenism with nine families.

I endeavoured to lead him

to a sense of his sin; but I fear he is greatly hardened.

29th.---Early this morning returned home, ard found all well.

i

August 3d.---Having gone through the needful business with the

n

Catechists, we had the Lord’s Supper together this evening.

23d.--We were rejoiced to-day by a load of Tamil scriptures from

the Madras Bible Society.

Receiving a visit of two native gentlemen,

I gave them each a Tamil new Testament, which they accepted.

{7

27th, Saturday.---At the Mission prayer meeting this evening I had

the pleasure to baptize ten young men, five of whom were Seminarists.

)

May tliey be the Lord’s for ever.

31.--A man famous as a wise man among the Shanars, lately wrote

"5

me a letter, remonstrating against my teaching that “ God cannot

]

be seen with our bodily eyes.”

To-day he came himself; and I had

10

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

a short conversation with him, in which I could not get any thing out

of him. He seemed to be confounded, so that he could not explain

himself. He meant he could see God. He will come again to-mor-

row. This evening I was at Tinnevelly preaching to Christians and

heathens. A Moorman appeared very teachable.

conversation with the before-mentioned wise

Sept. 1st.---Another

man ; he maintained that God coul

d be seen in the form of a certain

licht. Of course, these men have not the least idea of sin,---nor of

A christian from Sekadivilei made several

their need of a Saviour.

inquiries ab

out Christ and his word,

It was a very interesting con-

versation.

This evening I was at Minatchipuram, where I conversed

with the school children and the grown people in the street about the

salvation of their souls.

15th.---An aged native gentleman came to see me; he said among

other things that all the idols in the temples are useless, and that

therefore he does not go thither to worship them, but he thought that

the Suan is God, and that therefore he worships him every morning.

1 entreated him not to do so, and seek the knowledge of Him who

made the Sun. He took some discourses on the subjeet with him.

16th.—-The respectable native mentioned before, attended to-day

the lecture I gave to the Pre

parandi.

He expressed the notion, so

common among the natives,

that without God he could not even do

evil; he would not however ¢

harge God with being the author of sin,

He said also that at nig

hts he worships the light when it is brought

into the room.

20th.—Another respectable native, styling himself the Doctor of

the Nabob in Madras, who has come hither on private affairs, paid

me a visit as an inquirer after truth ;—--but I fear he is merely an idle

flatterer,

28th.--This evening I preached as usual in Tinnevelly, to Christians

and heathens,

—The Catechists assembled, and we had our Mis-

Oct. 1st, Saturday,

In two heathen villages there are

sion prayer-meeting t

his evening.

new congregations.

The formerly mention

ed rich Chitty of Kalla-

elative continue to read the scriptures, and to

deikuristchy and his r

forsake idolatry

they

have also left off taking unjust gain in their

merchandize, to t

he great amazement an

1 grief of his father. Last

our Chapel at Erammalpuram, and worship-

month they went also to

ped with the Shanars,

His father got very angry at this also, and

will hardly see or speak with the

m; in his rage he ran his head

The word of truth seems to have

against the wall, and hurt himself.

he is afraid of sinning.

taken strong hold of the young man’s heart ;

the translation of the Psalms in

7th.—A few days ago I finished

Tamil.

Blessed be the Lord for the

help afforded in this imporiant

work.

12th.—This evening spent in Tinnevelly.

17th.--Set out on ajourney to the West.

18th.—-This morning arrived at Paramkundapuram, where there is

o

a large congreg

ation of more t

han fifty families; but of late the head-

men and others

have carried on their marriages notin the Christian

wise shown a desire to

but in the Shanar way ; they have also other

unite worldly fashions with christiani

tys. They

find difficulty in per-

the chapel, because among the

forming the marriage ceremony in

GERMAN EVANGELICAL Mission:

11

heathen, the temple-women only do soin the temple; another diffi-

culty is the women being obliged to say the name of her intended

husband, which no heathen women will do; as it is considered dis-

honoring him.

At morning prayer, I did not mention any thing

about these subjects.

At noon most of the women were together.

I was glad to find that they had made good progress in knowledge;

In

they had learned nearly the whole of the catechism by heart.

the evening the men assembled with but a few women: I now ques-

tioned them about their late marriage proceedings; also about some

of them having gone to a heathen festival in the neighbourhood.

The latter they acknowledged to be wrong, and promised to do so no

more ; but about the marriages, the headman maintained that as they

are in the world, they must follow its custom in this matter, otherwise

they expose themselves to much reproach. The idolatrous part they

of course exclude, but there are many foolish ceremonies, in which

a christian mind should not indulge ; the same is the case alco with

their barials; the difficulty in managing these matters is the greater,

as we have no special rules in the scriptures to guide us therein.

I had after-

The subject was left for further consideration, to-morrow.

wards prayer in my tent.

19th.---This morning the headman was at prayer; and discovered

a little better sense on the subject of marrying; and I have a hope

that things will come to rights.

In the forenoon I went to Latchmz-

puram, where there is a congregation of sixteen families.

Examining

them, [ found the women to have made but little progress in the ca-

techism ; some of the men also were not far advanced; the cares of

this world seem to trouble them much. However there is a Hannah

among them, an aged woman of about eighty years old. She was

with me yesterday at Faramkundapuram, and 1 found her to be a

single-hearted christian, resting herself entirely on the Lord Jesus

Christ.

Her I baptized, together with a child of the Catechist, and a

I exhorted them all on Jamesi. 12. ¢ Blessed

son of another family.

is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall

receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that

love him.”

In the evening I went to Aladipatis.

The congrega-

tion here is still in a very raw and lukewarm state, because, as it

appears, their village concerns brought before the Collector do not

prove according to their wish.

I entreated them earnestly to con-

sider their latter end. But I doubt whether they will petsevere.

20th.---During the day the aged head of this family, ninety-seven

years old, came to see me. I had a long conversation with him

about his heart’s desire, now that he is so near his grave. He desires

to have his sins blotted out, and to have a place in heaven; but that

his children shall lose their property seemed to give him the chief

concern.

Poor old man! may the Lord Jesus be revealed to him!

In the afternoon I went to Papanasapuram, a large village of about

a thousand houses, of various castes; nine persons learn here, chiefly

Maravars. Like the people of Aladipatti, they are in dispute with

certain Bramins about the village. That their wives do not join them

in learning the word of God, is suspicious, and shows that they have

some thing else in view.

I had to preach to them about covetousness

and the love of the world.

2lst.--This forenoon proceeded to Sorandei. The small congre-

gation here also is much troubled with the cares of this life.

They

are partly persecuted for the gospel’s sake, I endeavoured to stimu-

12

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

late them to greater and more sérious consideration of spiritual things;

In the afterncon i went to FVirakelamputtoor, and spent the evening

there. The congregation consists of fourteen families ; including two

in a new village which is rising in the neighbourhood by the exertions

of the headman. Last year I baptized here twelve persons; now I

had the pleasure to baptize two men, three women and one child, in

all six persons.

The Lord is: very gracious to this congregation.

Their manifold trials seem to.do them good. I was highly gratified

with them ; and praised God on their behalf.

22d.—This morning I had prayer with the people, which was at-

tended by several heathen.

In the forenoon, many heathen of those

who had come for the market here, assembled at my tent, to whom I

preached the word of life. My native assistants read tracts to the mul-

titude at the market. At noon the congregatiou came together, with

some of our people from Kalungapetti; the latter seemed willing to

follow Christ, chiefly for the sake of the bread which perisheth. In-

deed I find many people in the villages,who appear to believe in Christ

sincerely, but not so much for the sake of being saved from sin as from

the misery of ¢his life. My earnest endeavour is to make them see the

their hearts.

cause of all these miseries, of‘sin; but the Holy Ghost must teach

7

In the afternoon I set ovt for Ootamalei ; but stopped on the

>way at

Kaliyanapuram, where I arrived about sunset; our small congregation

there came together, to whom I eould freely preach the blessed gospel ;

they appeared to be very glad of it.

Late at night, I arrived at

Ootamales.

93d.—-Sunday. At morning prayer, Christians and heathens were

together. At noon I bad divine service in their chapel, which was

The people

quite full; indeed it was too small to accommodate all.

were very attentive,

and desirous of being true believers.

I preached

on “ the wages of sin is death,” &c.

We had not yet finished, when

it began to rain; and continued so till 4 or 3 o’clock in the afte

rnoon,

with but little intermission.

Towards evening ‘“ a wise man” came

with the brother of the headman here, to speak about salvation. We

had a most interesting conversation together, particalarly on the atone-

Indeed they,

ment of Christ. They had been this noon at charch.

especially the wise man, appear to be not far from the kingdom of

God.

In the evening I expounded to the people the Hth chapter of the

Acts.

24th.--Arrived at home, thankful for all the mercies received on the

way.

97th.---From Tirumaleikolundapuram about seven miles distant from

here, eastward, three persons cam

e to ask for a Christian teacher.

Whether their intentions are pure, time will show.

Also at Seetakul«

lam, about twenty miles from here, eastward, there is a movement

towards the gospel among the relations of our Catechist Hoirvadam.

29th.---Saturday. The Catechists having assembled, we had the

usual monthly Mission prayer-meeting this evening. There are a few

additions to our congregations in various places.

30th.--Sunday. A large congregation; to whom I preached on

Zech. iv. 6, % not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the

Lord.”

13

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

3lst.---Remembered this evening the glorious Reformation, and

praised God for it.

Nov. 2d.---The merchant in K—, goes on to improve; he diligently

reads the scriptures, and begins to believe in Christ.

Only the ashes

he cannot yet put away from his forehead.

At Kulasegarapatam, the

congregation has been torn by quarrels. There is a bad spirit in some

of them.

In the evening we had the Lord’s Supper. Being not well,

I went through the business of the day with difficulty. Blessed be the

Lord for all the strength afforded.

‘5th.—There is an idol feast to-day at Tinnevelly. Crowds of people

The mer-

run to it. Preached to several groups of them on the road.

chant of K— mentioned before, and a relation of his came to see me

and to hear the word of God. This forenoon I had a long conversation

with them, which was ended with prayer.:

7th.—-The merchant’s father and elder brother, seem to have been

alarmed about their relative, as if he had come hither to be baptized.

Th8y made their appearance here this morning in order to prevent it.

1 endeavoured to allay their fears.

9th,—Catechist A— of T—, did not take his pay for September last

because he had during the month attended also to some secular affairs

of his own, in connexion with his relations.

His conscience did noé

allow him to take the money. This is pleasing.

Dec. 8th.---The Zemindaryv of Ootamalei has been formed by the

Collector into a Tahlook. The new tahsildar (a Bramin) is very de-

sirous of making a grand feast to the gods; but as there are many

Christians thereabout, he seems to feel very awkward, and therefore

endeavours to persuade them to smear holy ashes and to sacrifice, pro-

mising them a favourable settlement of their lands, &c. but threatening

them with the contrary, if they do not.

This will be a wholesome

trial for them.

I hear that one Nadan (headman) of Paramkunda-

puram, has begun to listen to these persuasions ; but the rest refuse,

10th.—1I went to catechize and preach in our new school at Tinne-

velly.

Many heathen were there, and received tracts.

15th.—Last night I set out for Supramaniyapuram, about thirty

miles south, in order (with the brethren Schaffter and Miiller) to fix on

a spot for a second Mission establishment.

During the day we had

conversations with many people from various places.

Several Cate-

chists from the neighbouring villages also were together, likewise

David Pilly, whose village Pudiruppu is close by here, where he is

most willing to give us a large piece of land for our purpose. Towards

the evening we proceeded thither, and having selected a spot large

enough for two Bungalows and a Christian village, we performed the

usual ceremony of appropriation, by laying hold of a piece of timber,

and putting it into the ground. We then offered up a prayer for the

Lord’s blessing, and sang “ Praise God from whom all blessings flow”

—in Tamil. The new village is to be called Suvisechapuram i. e. the

gospel-village. Many people were present. After a short address to

our small congregation at Podiruppu, we returned to Supramaniyapus

ram, where I had evening prayer, whilst brother Schaffter went to

Pudoor for the same purpose.

I was grieved at the backwardness of

the women in the former place to learn the word of God.

16th.—Early this morning I arrived at Kumarenvilei where our peo-

ple from Nallammalpuram have found a place of refuge, and where

14

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

also several heathen families have newly embraced the gospel. At

morning prayer many heathen were present, with the headman who

is persuaded to be a Christian, but not before January. At noon the

congregation was again together, among whom I sowed the good seed.

In the evening I went to Kaliyenviler, and preached to the people

there.

Most of them embraced Christianity, only three months ago.

About ten o’clock at night, I arrived at Naduvakuritchy, where our peo-

ple from Saukiyapuram have lately settled.

They came together, and

heard the word.

It was near midnight before we parted. They have

had much trouble during this year; but the Lord has helped them safe-

ly through.

17th.—This morning I arrived at Dharmakuttivilei, where a number

of families wish to be instructed in the word of God, with several more

at the neighbouring villages.

Pureikudiyiruppu and Tangei.

Some

of them came to me the other day at Supramaniyapuram, and request-

ed me to visit them.

In the afternoon the headmen came together to

whom I explained the chief points of Christianity. Until lately they

were opposed to the gospel, and hindered many from embracing it,

One of them, the chief opponent, died lately ; the rest feel themselves

now at liberty.

But whether they are in earnest, time will show.

They have often heard of the gospel from their Christian neighbours

at Anbinnagaram and Vattikaivilei.

The Catechist of Kulasegarapataram came with ten or twelve of his

congregation.

They are in a sad state ; there is so much quarrelling,

and some drunkenness among them. They are of the low caste ; and

the Mahommedans and heathen around them foment these quarrels.

I had a sharp conversation with them; at last they seemed to get sense,

and resolved to drink liquor no more.

A kind of Temperance Society

has been commenced among them ; to the rules of which all those pre-

sent immediately subscribed.

In the evening I rode over to Sembaga-

lingapuram, where there is a nice congregation of fifteen families.

They are still ignorant, but desirous to learn and uinderstand.

18th.—In the morning I had another discourse to the people, and

then set out for Anbinnagaram, a Mission village, where I spenttwo

hours with the people, examining them in the things which they had

learnt by heart and in their conduct.

I was gratified, and hope the

Lord is working among them.

In the afternoon I proceeded to Aanandapuram, another Mission vil-

lage ; where there are now nineteen families.

I spent a pleasant even-

ing with them.

it being Saturday evening we had Mission prayer

meeting.

19th.—Sabbath. We had divine service in the morning, atnoon and

in the evening. The people have but lately come out of heathenism g

they are of course still ignorant; and to some the learning of the Cate-

chism is difficult ; but they are willing to learn and seem delighted

with their having renounced idolatry and their being now in the way

of learning to know the true God and his Salvation in Jesus Christ. The

school also appears to be in a good state.

The Catechist’s wife seems

to be a nice woman, zealous in learning and setting a good example to

the other women.

Some heathen were also at divine service and took

copies of the converted Guroo’s Christian songs made by him on the

occasion of his Baptism, at Madras. 1In one of these men there is some-

thing very hopeful ; but the Soodras find greater difficulty in giving

up idolatry and becoming Christians than the Shanars.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

15

90th.—Early I went to Vayititlingapuram, and had morning prayer

with the people, and then proceeded to Pudupatchery, close by the

At noon I

former, where we had another morning prayer together.

had the usual examination into their knowledge and their conduct, and

in the evening I baptized three men and one child, The wife of the

headman is sick, and wished to see me,

I had a pleasing conversation

with her; she trusts in the Saviour, and has joy in the hope of going

to him. I then paid a visit to Kwurippenkullam where Catechist Aral-

Jananden introduced to me his aged mother, as one who will not give

up her idols.

He has often entreated her with tears to repent and

turn to the living God, but in vain.

She is afraid of leaving their old

Sami of the village. [spoke with her, and showed her the awful con-

sequences of her obstinacy; but though she gave way a little, she

seemed rather inclined to abide those consequences,

21st.---This morning returned home,

Blessed be the Lord God for

all his mercies to me and mine and to this people!

Our

25th.---We had special remembrance of the birth of Christ.

chapel was nearly full ; also heathens were present. Great is the mys-

tery, “ God was manifested in the flesh.”

30th-—-A young man, Mariyan, from Tatchenalloor, formerly a Ro-

man Catholic, came and asked for a Tamil New Testament.

Many

years ago, his brother-in-law Michel, now one of our Catechists, learnt

in our School there; and Mariyan learnt from him to read when at

home.

He reads very fluently and intelligently, and shows a lively

faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was edifiying to converse with them.

I gave him a New Testament with much pleasure.

He carried it away

as one who had obtained a great treasure.

The friends of the Bible

Society ought to have seen this young man’s joy. 1 hope he will still

become useful to his generation.

His family is also an instance of the

good effect of our Schools, though taught by heathen masters.

3lst.—Saturday many of the Catechists with numbers of their con-

gregations have arrived, We closed this year in the evening with self-

examination, prayer and praise. Lastyear this time we were in no

small trouble.

Now we are pretty comfortable,

Jan. 1st 1837.— After breakfast all the Catechists, Schoolmasters

and people came to wish usa happy new year. Some of the former

sang odes made by themselves for the occasion—all expressive of their

joy and gratitude to the Lord for his great goodness to us all. [t was

highly gratifying, particularly as we know that they are expressions

not only of the lips but also of their hearts. And indeed when we look

back, we have to sing of mercies.

With these feelings we went to

church. We read the 107th Psalm and Luke 2d.

I preached on Re-

velation xx. 2, 10,

“ Behold ! I come quickly.

b3

We have much cause

for shame and humiliation ; but the goodness of the Lord is overwhelm-

ing. We have not only been brought safely through a whole year full

of trials and temptations; but our hands are strengthened, the congrega-

tions and Schools are increased, and we have a comfortable hope for

the future.

“ Those who trust in the Lord, shall be as Mount Zion,

which cannot be moved.”

A Mudelliar of Tatchenalloor also came.

He was once a tahsildar

He has

and in affluent circumstances ; now he is old and very poor.

often been with me during the last six months, heard the word of sal-

vation, and taken books on the subject ;—still his livelihood remains

the chief care of his soul !

His sons give him great trouble by their

FiFTH EVANGELICAL REPORT OF THE

9t

wickedness. I gave him a New Testament and two rupees. May the

Lord give him life, light and comfort !

This heathen manis so anxi-

ous about the wants of his body—who have an Almighty and all-suf-

ficient Saviour to look to, better in this respect than he ?

How greatly

ashamed ought we to be of our earthly mindedness, and little faith !

2d.—To-day we established the Satyaputtaka Sangam, i. e. a Religi~

ous Book Society ; and the Samadana Sangam, i.e. a Peace Society

which has for its object to provide lands for forming Christian vil-

lages of such families as desire to be instructed in the word of God, and

live scattered among the heathen. The meetings weve interesting—be-

tween two and three-hundred people were together. May the Lord

prosper all ! Allis to be subservient to the extension of his kingdom.

18th.—Spent this evening in Tinnevelly, and preached there in the

Afterwards I visited old sick Nal-

street and in the chapel as usual.

latambi, a number of the congregation.

He appeared willing to leave

this world and go to Christ.

20th. — Some families at Kovilpatnam request for a Christian teacher.

Several years ago a girl of our Seminary was married to a heathen man

at this place.

She used to read the Scriptures and tracts to her neigh-

bour ; and this seems to be the origin of their change of mind, and their

request for a teacher.

“ Cast thy bread upon the waters and thou shalt find it after many

days.”

21st.—Saturday, to-day is an idol feast.

The Tinnevelly Sami comes

to bathe here in the river. The roadis covered with people to cele-

brate the feast.

The Preparandi and others of our people read tracts

to them. I preached this evening to two crowds.

22d.---Sabbath. The Mudelliar mentioned before, was for the first

time in church this evening. A native woman who frequents our

house was also in church this noon ; she afterwards told our children,

how much she liked this preaching and to be a Christian ; but her re-

lations hinder her. She asked them to tell me to speak with her on

the subject.

26th.---This evening I was in Tinnevelly. Our people are troubled by

various questions of the heathen ; for instance, how sin can have come

into the world without God’s will---and therefore he must be the author

of sin, &c. I instructed them on the subject.

28d.---The Catechists assemble ; and we had the usual Mission prayer-

In some places there 1s an increase ; in others

meeting this evening.

a decrease. The new people near A--- have gone back to heathenism,

through the persuasions of the Mirasdars.

Also among the people of

Tattanmadam there is no good spirit.

30th.---Engaged with the Catechists. Every month there is one or

the other of them,who needs reproof ; which makes me often sad. The

Chetty (or merchant) in K--- is still holding on.

His father troubles

him much on account of his desire to become a Christian.

Since his

knowledge of Christ and his gospel he has left off cheating in

bhis mercantile concerns.

Lately some heathens said that he had

become a “ man of truth,”---whose word can be believed.

3Ist.---This evening I had the pleasure to baptize Vedandyagam,

the headman of Paramkundapuram, and Samuel, the headman of

Kalungupetti.

I trust both truly believe in Christ as their Saviour.

The former has been in the christian church abont five years; the

latter about three years.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MI1SSION,.

17

Feb. 1st.-I had comfortable meetings with the Catechists, particu-

larly about prayer and following the dictates of the Holy Spirit.

In

the evening we celebrated the Lord’s Supper with sixty-seven. per-

sons.

7th.---This evening spent in Tinnevelly.

Old Nallatombi (see Jan.

18th) died this morning. There is something very pleasing in his

latter days.

I am informed that he appeared always ready to go to

the Lord. Some days ago he told his son, &c. “that he must wash

well, and put on his best clothes, as he cannot be received in the up-

per congregation in a dirty condition.”

He often used to say, “ The

Lord is Almighty, very gracious, very merciful.

He is my mother,

sister, brother and friend. 'What else doI want

?7’

Lately he called

for his sen, &c. and said ““ I must teach you,”---and then told them

these words, “ Never forget Christ! never forget Christ!”

Last

night he was very weak, but still sat up; so also this morning. None

thought that his hour was come.

All went to their looms, &c.; when

they returned to his room, they found him lifeless. We improved the

subject this evening by meditating on the words * Blessed are the

dead whick die 1n the Lord.”

21st.--A man of the Oilmaker caste of Pottelpudoor came and

requested to be instructed in christianity. He said that he has got

knowledge of it by its being spread- every where, by hearing tracts

read, and by conversations with Catechist M——

In that place

we have but one family, May this man become a real increase.

Whether he is in earnest tim‘e will show.

22d.---We had sent six of our Preparandi to the great idoi fe‘ast at

Tritechendoor with tracts.

Some of them

returned to-day.

Many

people have heard the word and received tracts. May all be blessed !,

28th.---A man from P—— came and earnestly asked for baptism.

He has been several years in the Christian church, and appears to be

fit for the sacred rite.

A heathen headman of P—— where we

have a congregation came and said that he and some other heathen

families of the place have resolved on jeining the congregation and

learning the word of God. He has been hitherto a kind of priest or

devil’s devotee among the heathen.

This service he will of course

give up.

I had an interesting conversation with him on the subject.

eternal life !

May his learning the word of God become profitable to him unto

A wealthy Retty (or gentooman) of N

came with

a present of fruits on the occasion of his approaching marriage; I

discoursed to him on “ marrying in the Lord.” It ismnot to be dis-

pised that these heathen’s seek a blessing frem christians on these

occasions,

I am now translating the book of Judges.

A

March 24.—1 was this

evening in Tinnevelly and preached as

usuzl to the heathen in the street

and to the congregation in the

Chapel. Some of the latter had gone last week to the idol feast at

Tritchendoor simply to look at, and for the market that is held there

on these occasions.

They had taken tracts with them for distribution.

I showed them the danger of going to such feasts. A few days ago,

the remainder of our Preparandi also returned from Tritchendoor.

They have distributed about one thousand two hundred tracts.

They

have met with much encouragement, an

d also with some opposition.

18

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

The heathen relations of one of the Preparandi, who live near K ——

disired him to tell me to send persons to their villages to teach them.

4th.--To-day another wealthy Retti of S—— paid me a visit.

I had a long conversation with him about christianity. He is almost

convinced that idolatry is useless; I showed him that it also sinful.

He took a tract on * Holiness,” and a copy of the Madras converted

Gooroo’s Songs.

After a great deal of trouble, our new village Ngadnasundirapuram

is rising fast.

There are already thirty six houses on it.

8th.---The congregations in the west have a time of trial.

The new

tahsildar there is still endeavouring to bring the people off from

christianity ; but he has not yet succeeded, excepting with one or two

individuals.

One of them at P

has begun again to besmear

his forehead with ashes; and as he does not wish to be alone, he

endeavours to draw other members of the congregation on his side.

This causes trouble to the people.

Among the congregations in

the south east also there is a good deal of trouble arising from other

quarters.

In the south, at M

four men of our people got it

into their heads lately to act according to their caste-customs ; in con-

junction with their heathen relations.

They have been told that if

the heathenish caste shall be their rule of acting they must leave out

In

village.

They may have promised that they will behave better.

the north, assistant Catechist A—— has been guilty of bad con-

duct, for which he has been dismissed ; indeed he has dismissed him-

self, as he knew what he had to ex

pect. May the Lord be pleased to

heal all the breaches!

9th---Engaged with the Catechists. A Maraven, member of our

small congregation’ of K--- mnorth west,

came with his son to

see

me

I

asked the

whether he knew

old man,

the cate-

chism? ¢ Yes” said he, and therewith he began tosay it so dis-

tinctly and correctly and intelligently, as to rejoice me greatly. When

I asked him whether he truly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as his

Saviour, he said ¢ yes,” and spoke very feelingly on the subject to my

great joy. To the question, how he came to the knowledge of the

gospel, he replied that he was once at a market, when he heard our

Catechist Joel preach and read tracts, which he liked so much that he

afterwards went to him and inquired more particularly about this way—

and then renounced idolatry for Christianity. His wife seems to be of

the same mind. A heathen from Satoor, in the north, came this after-

noon and asked for books.

I'gave him several tracts.

A Christian of

our congregation at A--- in the south, came to be received into the

preparandi class.

He seems to be a truly believing, and able man.

12th.--Sunday. This evening had the pleasure to baptize three men ;

one of whom has been in the Christian church one year and a half,

and was lately a schoolmaster ; the means of his conversion were tracts,

and hearing the word of God preached. The other has been in the

Christian church four years. Head Catechist M--- and Catechist A---,

have been the means of his conversion.

He wept to-day, when Mr.

Miiller talked with him about Christ, saying, ¢ who can help weeping

when considering his love to us.” The third has been in the congre-

gation ten years.

He was lately led more particularly to consider his

ways and give himself up to Christ, by the teaching of Catechist V--e

at A--. We had a happy evening.

192

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

15th.—-I spent this evening in Tinnevelly. Our people here are still

in a sullen state. The loss of a small piece of ground, by the unjust

proceedings of others, has put them quite out of humour. I earnestly

and affectionately warned them against this spirit. Last month some

of them had gone to Tritchendoor, where there was the great idol

feast, not with the best mind. Soon after their return one of their:

children died; which has given them a wholesome shock.

C. T. E. Ruenius.

No. II.

Brief Memoir of the late Reverend C. T. E. Rurnius:

It is with peculiar feelings that we enter upon the difficult duty of

committing to paper some particulars of the life and death of Mr.

Rhenius.

We feel that his course has been an honourable one, and

yet are jealous over ourselves, lest, in giving him the praise which we

think due to his memory, we should seem to forget that he was a man.

It is our desire to do him the justice which was his desert, and it must

be left to the reader to draw conclusions for himself. We intend

therefore to confine ourselves almost exclusively to facts and plain

narration—not to draw up a panegyric.

And we think, that on a re-

view of the life and character of the departed saint, it will be found

that to the work of a Missionary “many are called, but few are

chosen.”

Charles Theophilus Ewald Rhenius was born on the 5th of Novem-

ber, 1790, at the fortress Graudens in West Prussia.

His father,

Otho Rhenius, was an officer of infantry in the Prussian army, and

died when his son Charles was but six years old. Besides Charles, one

elder brother, a younger brother, and a sister were thus early depriv-

ed of an affectionate parent.

The care of all four now devolved

upon their mother, and most enthusiastically does her son speak of

the affection, the faithful and anxious love with which she ever

watched over the welfare of her children.

Till the year 1804, Charles visited the Cathedral school at Mari-

enwerder. The three following years he spent at Balga, near Konigs-

berg; but, in the spring of 1807,was invited by an aged uncle to his es-

tate near Memel,in order to assist him in the management of its concerns.

Of this uncle, the departed always spoke with the greatest pleasure ;

for it appears that with him real piety took deeper root in his heart

and grew into strength. Of his reception at Bachmann, his uncle’s

estate, Charles writes thus ; “he received me with the love of a father,

and I enjoyed the rights of a son.”

9

=

0

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

+ These particulars, and others mentioned in this brief notice of his

early life, are extracted from some papers written by him many years

ago.

The following passages are translated from the German.

“ The year 1807, was mel;aorable as being that, in which I was

directed to the knowledge of divine things.

It would be too long to

relate fully the circumstances.

One word of our Saviour I found

verified again in my own experience, viz. : ¢ the Son of man is come

to seek and to save that which was lost.

This word, together with

the precept, ‘follow me,” was the means of producing a saving

(14

change in my soul.

The grace of God in Christ Jesus began now

to dwell in my heart, and enlightened me with the pure light of

the gospel : after which the sweet truth penetrated me—God be-

came man, and died for man.

It was then I could fully appreciate

the word in John iii., ¢ Gobd so loved the world, that he gave his

only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not

perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Spirit of our Lord Jesus

Christ, who had manifested himself to me as the true God and

life eternal, found a free entrance into my heart, and impressed me

with the firm resolution to ¢ follow him.’

Daily I improved in

knowledge of myself, seeing my extreme sinfulness—I improved

in the knowledge of the love of God towards poor sinners, and of

the redemption which had been effected through Christ. And thus

was I confirmed in my resolution by that blessed Spirit, to whom

I committed myself, to follow Jesus, and in future to depart from

iniquity---and to dedicate to him my soul and body with all their

faculties for the practice of righteousness.

To sum up all in a few

(11

words, a lively faith in Christ Jesus was begun to be wrought with-

in me.”

After some remarks as to the vanity of relying on mere moral and

externally correct conduct, he proceeds,

“ I now found, in the gospel, words of eternal life which pointed

out the way of communion with my Creator and Redeemer.

I dis-

covered a force in it which overcame and cast down all carnal rea-

soning, and I found it counfirmed by my own experience that Jesus

Christ is God and Lord, no less than He was man.

I could not un-

derstand it; but I could believe it; and this faith had been kindled

in me by the power of God.

I felt my heart longing for the things

above, where my Saviour reigns.

I felt enjoyment in Him, and in

(11

the meditation of His love during the silent hours of retirement.

I knew what was trath, and desired to be but truth myself.”’

We extract a few more lines, connected with the same subject,

which show the ardour of that devotion which has since distinguish-

ed his career.

“ What more shall I say of these happy circumstances of my life?

They are too momentous to be deseribed by me---attended with too

many consequences to make it possible for me to tell them all.

What shall I say of Him who has wrought this in me ?~-who has

commenced so good a work? To praise Him as Heis worthy, I

am yet too imperfect---too much polluted with sin.

This humbles

me indeed before my God, but it causes me also to experience the

&6

healing power of my Saviour which is despised and denied by the

world; and I have a firm confidence, grounded upon His word, that

‘GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

his loving mercy will bring me nearer and nearer to that happiness

which consists in being made alike to Jesus.

His name be adored

and glorified. And, even if all the world, out of ignorance and

malice, should rise up against Him, truly my experience shall fur-

nish me with strength not to deny that He is Lord, and God over

all for ever and ever.”

He appears to have desired, at a very early period of life, to devote

himseli to the ministry, and he patiently waited upon the Lord

for an opening.

Whilst indulging in expectation, he met with

several accounts of Missions and Missionaries;

and

the mere

seems aft

once

to have led him

to decide

perusal of them

on his course.

After consulting with his uncle, whom alone he

let into the secret, he applied for admittance into a Missionary insti-

tution which had been lately established in Berlin, of which the Rev.

John Jinicke was principal.

He kept his intention as secret as pos-

sible. To no one of the members of his family did he reveal it—indeed

his design would have been scarcely intelligible to seveval of them,

and he probably feared that attempts would be made to keep him from

his purpose. On his way, therefore, from Bachmann to Berlin, he told

his beloved mother that he was going to study theology.

This seem-

ed to satisfy his brothers, but she had some misgivings respecting his

real intention.

“ My dear child,” she said to him, “only do not go

over the sea.” The reply was, * what am I to do, if the Lord should

order it so ?’ Upon this obscure intimation of his views, neither pa-

rent nor child was desirous of dwellingon so painful a subject; and a

few minutes after this conversation, Charles started for Berlin, where

he arrived on the 6th of May, 1811.

On the 7th of August, 1812, he was ordained, and in the course of

that month left Berlin for England. Here he was taken into conne-

xion with the Church Missionary Society, and committed to the care

of the Rev. Thomas Scott.

Of the seventeen or eighteen months

which he spent in England we cannot find a regular journal. But it

appears that his parent, and especially his brothers, were greatly an-

noyed at his getting away from them by stealth ; and most impassion-

ed letters did he receive from them, endeavouring by the mention of

all that was dear, and by alluring prospects, to divert him from his

determination.

He was not, however, to be so moved. On the 7th of

January, 1814, he took his formal leave of the Committee and members

of the Church Missionary Society in London ; and sailed from Ports-

mouth on the 22d of February.

He and the Rev. J. C. Schnarre were the first Missionaries to India,

after the renewal of the H. E. I. Company’s charter in the year 1813.

They embarked on board the Marquis of Huntley in company with a

fleet, consisting of other East Indiamen, and of several ships of the

royal navy. The journal, written on board by the Missionaries, shows

that they had scarcely a single person who could much sympathize

with them. The passage, though attended with difficulties, or dan-

gers, now scarcely known, was on the whole a prosperous one; and,

by sailing with a considerable fleet, they witnessed several interesting

incidents, which they have mentioned in their journal, but which must

here be omitted.

On the 4th of July, 1814, the Marquis of Huntley anchored before

Madras ; and Messrs. Schnarre and Rhenius were heartily welcomed

to the house of the Rev. Marmaduke Thompson, then one of the chap-

22

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

lains at the Presidency. From him and other Christian friends they

experienced much kindness, for which they express in their journal

their humble thanks to the Lord.

A fortnight after their arrival they

proceeded to Tranquebar, to which station they had been appointed by

the Parent Committee.

Here they zealously applied themselves to the

task of learning the Tamil.

The following we find in the journal, for

the 24th of December i814.

(14

“ Seeing our servants spend the even-

ings in an idle manner, (and our circumstances greatly encourage

this habit,) I thought of reading to them in the Tamil language

something out of the Testament, especially as we now celebrate the

nativity of our Lord. This I thought would also be of great advan-

tage to me in the Tamil.

I have therefore begun the practice, and

make also some remarks on what I read. Itistrue my Tamil speak-

ing is yet very poor; however, such exercises serve to improve me

therein.”

But, in January 1815, for reasons which we do not findin the jour-

nal, Mr. Rhenius was removed from Tranquebar to Madras.

Here he

again joyfully resumed his labours, as he hoped this would be “ a per~

manent station.”

In the Schools he was diligently employed nearly

every day ; and commenced his translation of the Seriptures into Ta-

mil, taking for the groundwork the version of Fabricius.

He also

made many excuarsions into the country, to Tripassore, Chiitoor, and

among the Jaina sect.

He was instrumental in establishing the Tract

Society, and a Tamil Bible Society ; and apparently the Lord’s bless-

In the year 1820, however, in con-

ing rested upon his varied labours.

sequence of differences with the corresponding Committee of the

Church Missionary Society, he was, when on the point of returning to

Europe, induced to remove from Madras to Palamcottah. Of his de-

parture from the place, in which he had begun to see the Lord’s work

prosper, he thus writes.

« T left, therefore, Madras for Palamcottah this day, June 2d, much

affected, but much comforted, knowing that the Lord reigns and that

Oftentimes does the word occur to

he will turn this also for good.

my mind, ¢ what I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know

hereafter.’

The Mission affairs I left in the hands of Mr. Béren-

bruck. My separation from dear brother Schmid was particularly

affecting to both of us.

The Lord bless him and comfort him abun-

dantly !”

Itis with pleasure that we have incidentally to mention the name of

that devoted servant of God, the Rev. Bernhard Schmid ; and we arve

sure that all who knew him must have the same feelings for him, those

namely of love and esteem. In the course of October in the same year,

1820, he too arrived at Palamcottah to be a fellow-labourer with Mr.

Rhenius.

For the space of ten years he diligently employed his ta-

lents in the Tinnevelly district, and now, in Germany, is doing all in

his power to aid the cause of Missions.

For the 6th of October, 1820, is the following entry in Mr. Rhenius’

Journal.

“ Opening a letter from Mr. Caemmerer this morning, I

¢ read thus : ¢ My dearest brother, this is the first letter I write to you

¢« at Palamcottah ; yet not with joy or pleasure, but with grief of beart.

¢ My dear Schnarre is no more ! Just now I come from the burial-

¢« ground, where 1 had the heart-rending duty of committing

¢ his remains to the earth.

I could not possibly get a great-

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISSION.

23

er shock by any other intelligence than by this. My dear brother

Schnarre no more!

What shall we say to these dispensations of

our God?

A few months ago brother Schreeter was called to his

eternal rest.

Now also Schnarre, long my companion—fellow-stu-

dent—fellow-traveller—and fellow-labourer !

One labourer less in

this wilderness.

O! how I wish to have been with him in his last

days and hours.

But he is gone to glory, he rests from his labours,

from establishing and enlarging the kingdom of God in his own

soul and in those of his fellow-creatures.

Now he rests!

Nothing

will now obstruct his love to the Saviour; his following the Saviour

—his praising the Saviour with a pure heart; nothing keep him

from being holy as God is holy !

Now the turn is mine.

[ am the

[11

last of those who studied together in Berlin in 1I811. Where my

body of clay will rest, I know not.

Let it be wherever the Lord

please. Only may my soul be found with him. Therefore, my soul,

watch and pray !

Be ready.

Do diligently what thou hast to do,

whilst it is yet day to thee in this land of the living, and at last go

into the blessed mansion prepared for thee by thy gracious Redeem-

er!

Amen!”?

He was spared yet longer.

And though to him life has been attend-

ed with greater and more numerous trials, his labours also have been

more abundant.

From the year 1320, till 1835 he quietly and steadily

prosecuted his Missionary labours, except with the interraption of an

occasional visit to Madras.

His name began to be associated as one

with Tinnevelly, and the people of this district venerated him, we

might say, universally.

We think it, however, unnecessary here to

dwell upon a life which has so eminently been one of usefulness, and so

extensively known throughout India: and for this reason we pass over

these fifteen years without any further mention.

In 1835 his connexion with the Church Missionary Society termi-

nated.

Two pamphlets which he had published the year before, mili-

tating against the principles of the English Kstablishment, but never

intended to give the slightest affront to the members of the Church

Missionary Society, were the ostensible cause of this separation.

The

Committee required that he should leave the Mission without delay ;

and accordingly, for the sake of peace, but not acquiescing in the jus-

tice of the other party towards himself and the native Christians, he,

on the 19th of June 1835, quitted Palamcottah. His colleagues soon

followed him, and having arrived at Madras they removed to Arcot, as

their future station for Missionary labour.

But, both here, and previ-

ously at Madras, they received letters from many Catechists in Tinne-

velly, expressing the wishes of a majority of the people for the return

of their former pastors.

Mr. Rhenius, therefore, felt it his duty to ac-

cede to their wishes, left Arcot, and arrived at Palamcottah on the 224

of October 1n the same year.

Since that time, the Mission in connexion

with him and his brethren has been known under the name of * The

German Evangelical Mission in Tinnevelly.”

We now willingly pause, to consider for a few moments the striking

features of his character,

None was ever more diligent than Mr.

Rhenius was in those duties which devolved upon him. Indeed they

were not duties to him.

It was his meat and his drink to do the will

of his Maker.

In season and out of season was he to be found sedu-

lously engaged in something directly useful. His diligence was not

24

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

occasionally exhibited, nor did it strike by any peculiar zeal existing

only for a season and then waxing cold, but it was steady and uniform,

Indeed, but for this quality, and the great blessing of general physical

health, he could never have produced so many monuments of his zeal

and perseverance. Of time he took especial note; and in the regular

routine of Mission work, every department had its particular hour.

Except during a few years before his death, he re

gularly sat up till

twelve or one o’clock at night.

In the middle of the day he rested for

about an hour.

In the household arrangements he studied simplicity ;

and by regulated temperance he was suffered to be free from ma

Y

lg

ailings too common in this country.

Neyer did he omit an opportunity of doing good. Whether it was

a native or European, rich or poor, high or low, to any, if there oc-

curred a fit opportunity, he would endeavour to do some good. A few

years after his arrival in India, he wrote to the King of Prussia, a let-

ter containing an account of Indian Missions and

of his own labours,

and sent with it copies of the Tamul and T

eloogoo New Testament.

His Majesty returned a gracious answer,

and from that time ordered an

annual sum to be

paid from the Royal treasury to the Missionary Insti-

tution in Berlin.

But, it will be sufficient to have mentioned this one

§

instance : for many in India and elsewhere have, we know,

been per-

sonal witnesses to that zeal for his Heavenly Master,

which was so

3

prominent in every period of his career.

His patience and submission to the Divine will were truly admirable.

|

4

He was never known to fall into any fit of impatience or sullen discon-

tent. Whatever happened he recognized as the ordinance of God ;

and through grace he cheerfully submitted to it, allowing nothing to in-

|

f;

terrupt that peace of mind which was so richly bestowed upon him.

In any afflictive dispensation, he was the pillar of consolation to those

around him ; and, even when in personal affliction, have we seen him

with tears in his eyes singing the praises of God. His patience under

provocation was equally great. When ill-treated, he seemed not so

much to think of himself, as to lament over the poverty and weakness

of human nature; and many a thing which would sorely try the tem-

pers of other men, he appeared scarcely to feel. In sickness too, his

patience was wonderful.

We allude particularly to his last days, when

not a single repining word escaped his lips.

for many years

Thougb he had enjoyed

a good degree of health and strength, and during that

time not a day passed without active engagement, yet for the three or

four weeks preceding his death

and waited till he should feel b

etter.

, he quietly laid aside his regular dutics,

But this resignation may be at-

tributed to that decision of purpose w

hich, we may observe, was the

most striking feature in his character.

He probably saw that it was

now his duty to cease a little from his work, and so he at once resoly-

ed to abide by this conviction.

————

The firmness of his mind was ind2ed remarkable.

‘What he found

to be his duty, was every thing to him. He persisted in it through

all opposition, and never heeded the opinions of others, unless they

were satisfactory to his own mind and his own conscience.

Did he

fix upon any plan, and he never did this without prayer and mature

consideration, he ceased not, till it was, if possible, carried into effect.

To those who felt unpleasant consequences from his determined pur-

pose, it cannot be expected that his proceedings could be agreeable,

o

T e

2

GERMAN EVANGELICAL MISS10N.

25

and to such they might appear to be the fruit of pure obstinacy. But

we know well the kindness of his heart, and that nothing but internal

conviction as to the path of duty ever led him to act in opposition to

the desires or entreaties of others:

At least, we have the testimony

of one, who was for twelve years his fellow-labourer; and as well ca-

able as any to judge impartially of the character of the deceased:

!

Je refer to Mr. Schmid.

In a conversation with a friend respecting

Mr. Rhenius he spoke thus.

« He is a remarkable man.

We often

t¢ differ, and [ often think him precipitate and deaf to counsel; but

“ gimost invariably the end has proved thot he was right.”” We quote

these words from memory, as they were related to us by the friend

with whom the conversation took place; and they will be allowed to

be no less honourable to Mr. Schmid himself; than to the memory of

i

the departed saint.

His talents as a Missionary, we have no hesitation in saying, were

of the first order.

His Tamil writings tended not only to lead to the

principles of practical Christianity, but were of a far more diversified

kind. On morality, on general knowledge in different departments;

in fact on whatever subject which he thought would be useful for en-

larging the minds of the Native christians or the heathen, he attempt-

ed to write; and has written much. Latterly he composed a Tamul

grammar in Eonglish; and it was his intention, in case the present un-

dertakings by others should happen to be frustrated, to enter upon the

Just before his

laborious work of compiling a Tamul Dictionary.

illness, he finished “ The Body of Divinity” in Tamul; a book intended

particularly for the use of Catechists: but his translation of the

Scriptures has been left incomplete; several of the books of the Old

Testament not being translated.

He possessed a tetentive memory. When going abotit among the

villages and congregations, if there was any of the people; noted for

something either of a pleasing nature ov otherwise; he has been

kuown to recognize such an one immediately; though he may not have

seen him for a considerable time:

His manner among the people was

the most affectionate and attractive, and his command of the langnage

was very great.

In his Diary, many are the interesting accounts to

be found of bis journeys; not only within this district, but in other

parts of India; and we believe his remarks to be valuable in many

respects. From a hasty perusal of his journals it appears to us that

he very early obtained an insight into the Hindoo character. There

was much indeed to blame and dislike in itj but, though he always

sharply rebuked the blame-worthy; he never behaved towards this

eople in any other than the mildest and most considerate way.

hile none was more quick in discovering their faults; yet; unless

fully convinced of their guilt; he put the best possible construction

apon their actions, and aimed only at teaching them the ways of

purity and holiness.

He well knew that a moral change cannot be

wrought apon a people so long immured in darkness,; without time and

withott much patience. And thus, especially in the later years of

his life, there was a tenderness in his exhortations both to heathen

and to erring native christians, which they only can imagine who

|

have witnessed the love and the forbearance which he manifested on

i

those occasions:

a6

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE

We have hardly any room for enlarging upon his private virtaes.

His habitual cheerfulness and patience saved his family from many

a scene of confusion and unhappiness.

His love, and above all, the

concern he showed for the spiritual welfare of the children the Lord

had given him, will we trust never be forgotten by any of them who

can appreciate a father’s affection. But we may proceed to express

our feelings upon one more point of his character, bearing principal-

ly upon his public connexion with Tinnevelly.

It was that entire

subordination of all else to the grand work of Missions.

Every thing

he did was with this view, and for this end.

It was the earnestness

of his zeal for their real good, wkich secured to him the love and ve-

neration of this people.

He thought himself well rewarded, if be-

sides an approving conscience, he obtained the affections of those

whom he loved, and for whom he sacrificed much of private comfort.

Many years ago, when he found that his work here was gaining

strength and the Lord’s blessing rested upon it, he resigned to other

members of his family in Prussia the property which he there pos-

sessed. Latterly too, when his brothers urged him to return home,

and they would secure him a living, he decidedly refused to entertain

the thought. There was none, we believe, who so entirely took the

word of God for his guide, heedless of men’s opinions-—-none, who

more fully, more unreservedly castall his cares upon the Almighty :

and truly never did the Lord put to shame the confidence of this His

servant.

Among the people whom he loved, and by whom he was venerated,

has he closed his useful life.

His remains lie, not very far from the

spot in which were written the affecting lines in his journal, already

quoted in another page.

On the 12th May, he commenced a letter to

He now ceased

a friend in Europe, but did not live to conclude it.

from his regular oceupation, and although he sat up every day,even till

that of his death, he contented himself with occasionally giving some

unimportant directions in the Mission.

His last act in the service of

his Lord was signing some notes to the residents of the station, asking

for subscriptions to the Madras Auxiliary Bible Society.

This he did

on the morning of the day of his death,

During his illness, he

of St.

John

read

frequently

had the 14th chapter

to him,

and portions of the epistles to Timothy and the Colossians.

Four

or

five days before his

death, he

admitted

into his room

all the

Seminary boys, desired them

to -pray that if it were

the will of God he might be restored to health, and reminded

them of the words, “ Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and

for ever.”

There was during the three weeks preceding his death a

constant dry heat about the head and neck, The whole time of his

illness he suffered no pain : he complained only of a drowsy feeling,

and a kind of heaviness in the head. For some time, the remedies

employed appeared to be useful ; but on Sunday, the 3d of June, the

symptoms of determination of blood became worse.

On that day and

the following, bleeding by leeches was resorted to as before, and all

was done to induce moisture and coolness about the head and neck;

but in vain.

On the morning of the 5th he appeared indeed to feel

better, but about half-past two in the afternoon, the symptoms sudden-

ly became very urgent.

He was quite restless, and already it seemed

as though his last moments were come.

It was a mercy that during

these trying hours, and for a week ~preceding his death, there wasa

GERMAN EVANGELICAL M1SSION.

27

medical friend in the house—a Surgeon attached to the Travancore

Mission—and it was a consolation to us to think that all the means

The medical aid of the station was also ob-

possible would be used.

tained ; but all in vain.

A little after five, the apoplectic fit cameon

in all its violence, and about half-past seven o’clock he ceased to

breathe.

His age at death was47 years and 77 months, Of these he spentin

India 24 years, all but one month.

The nature of the attack did not admit of his speaking much, during

the last hours, to any around him.

The evening before his departure,

he derived great comfort from the 23d Psalm, which he desired to be

read to him ; and, on the afternoon of the 5th, before he became insen-

sible, when asked whether he felt the presence of God, he faintly said

“ yes,” and already joy indescribable brightened his countenance. Se-

veral words and sentences escaped his lips, while he was in the deli-

rious state.

He was heard to say the German for the words “ my be-

loved Lord,” and to speak of * the remainder of life.”

Also, while in

the state of restlessness he sat upon the bed for a few minutes, when

the fear was expressed to him that he was going to leave us, he repli-

ed, “ we must have patience---patience.”

He expired amid the sobs

and tears not only of his family and friends, but of many npatives,

Christian and heathen, who collected at the doors, as soon as they

heard of his dangerous condition,

When in health, he is remembered several times to have expressed

a wish that when his end drew near, he might be taken away unex-

pectedly.

It was but natural that a man of his usual health and acti-

vity should recoil at the thought of bodily pain or comparative idleness.

And the event has been according to his desires.

Suddenly was he

deprived of sensibility, and it was solemn to witness the gradual sink-

He quietly fell asleep in Jesus.

ing of his earthly frame,

Most affecting was the sight, when, one after anaother, the Catechists.

who were out in the District, and the people, came breathless to the

E

house, to try if by any means they might once more behold the face

of their long-loved teacher.

Many were too late, even to be present

at the funeral ; and for a whole fortnight after, Catechists and people

were coming in here, in order to mourn the loss of their spiritual Fa-

ther with his surviving brethren.

We now bring to a close this hasty review of Mr. Rhenius’s life.

Imperfect it must be confessed to be; and we trust that we shall be

excused for having dwelt at some length upon the last hours of his ex-

istence.

These, at least for the present, retain the strongest hold upon

our memory, and have inflicted the deepest wound upon our feelings.

But we are assured of the joy unspeakable and full of glory which has

now become his portion; and we mourn for ourselves, not for him.

His religious course has been that of “a strong man” rejoicing. To

us it appears to resemble the scene, which we in these c¢limes witness

nearly every day.

His 'sun was not preceded by a long and faint

twilight.

He rose at once into brightness and warmth, and took his

steady course upwards, and increased only in splendour : but, scarcely

had he reached the meridian, when he has been snatched away to

28

FIFTH HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE GERMAN EVAN. MISSiON.

fairer worlds.

His was the life of a cheerful Christian from first teo

last; and we shall not perhaps better express the feelings and thoughts

which were present with him during the whole of his eventful career;

than by transeribing a passage from his journal of the year 1811. The

following lines, originally in German, were written when he was on

the point of devoting himself to the work of a Missionary, by enter

ing

5

the Institution in Berlin.

“ ¢ His will be done,’ was the motto of my heart, in respect to what

was to happen to me in future,

On him, who is the Lord of the whole

creation— the greatest Benefactor of men—the All-wise finisher of the

&©

great work of making known his Gospel to every nation, [ could im-

o

plicitly trust, because he would do all things well. And indeed I

have at all times—even under the most trying and afflicting circums

stances experienced his free grace.

For without him, I should bea

miserable grovelling creature, who would have for ever perished.

%

¢ The glory of his name sound far and wide from eternity to eterni-

ty-—-from one end of earth to the other ; and in all the heights of hea-

ven be sung, Amen,

Hallelujah 1’

July, 1838.

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