FROM COLLEGE TO MISSION FIELD.

In the little town of Sonnenburg, in the Electorate of Brandenburg, as it was then called, was born on the 8th October, 1726, a little boy, Christian Frederick Schwartz. Little is known of his home and parents; his father, however, seems to have occupied a respectable position in life, and, what is of much more consequence, he was a devout and godly man. His mother, like so many of the mothers of missionaries, was a woman of consistent piety, and her child was from the very threshold of life dedicated by her to God and His service. She was not spared to see her son grow up—even in his boyhood he was motherless—but before she passed away she solemnly left him to the care of his father and the pastor of their church, to be trained up like Samuel as a servant of God, and as her natural and devout ambition was that he might one day become a minister she made them promise that they would in every possible way encourage and help her boy to that end. There is no evidence to show that these guardians were in any way unfaithful to this solemn charge. At the early age of eight years we find the boy a scholar in the principal Grammar School of his native place, and in Herr Helm, the rector, he had a guide and adviser who trained his pupils well. His boys were not only given a good education, with a special eye to the classics, but they were taught to pray and commit all their needs to the care of their Heavenly Father. The boy Schwartz was evidently of a thoughtful disposition. Like Henry Martyn he was wont to steal away from the playground to read a book; probably his love of retirement at this period was also due to a lack of the physical robustness of the average school boy. From his earliest years he had a sensitive soul which felt instinctively any act of wrong-doing, however simple it might appear, and he could never rest until in the solitude of his room or in a walk in the woods he had poured forth his confession to God and regained the peace of forgiveness. He seems to have been singularly fortunate in having a wise and sympathetic teacher in Herr Helm, and the boy was ripening under his training when a change came, a new headmaster being appointed, who perhaps did his part well as an educationalist, but lacked the moral and religious tone of his predecessor. None are so quick to catch the change of temperature in moral training as boys, and the young Schwartz seems to have soon abandoned many of his religious habits and grown cold and indifferent towards higher things. In the ordinary course, however, he was confirmed with other scholars according to Lutheran usage at the school, but it is recorded that his preparation for this solemn occasion was hardly more than superficial and that the clergyman who performed this office scarcely impressed this candidate, at any rate, with the necessity of a real consecration of his heart and life to God. He partook of Holy Communion with some little religious emotion but this soon passed away.

The time now came for him to be removed to a better school, to complete the knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew which he had up to a point acquired. Schwartz was now in his sixteenth year and his father took him to the adjoining town of Cüstrin, where he might at a more advanced academy prepare himself for the University course. It is clear that this wise parent foresaw the risks which lie in wait for a youth away from home, and as he walked with his boy, giving him many admonitions, he also told him that he must exercise self-denial, live a life of economy and simplicity, fear God, and not forget his father. He showed his wisdom in giving him only a limited supply of pocket money, which would at any rate be a safeguard against luxury and its many temptations, to which some of his fellow-students soon fell an easy prey. When he came home for his first vacation his father took him aside and gave him again some excellent advice. “My dear Frederick,” he said, “you may perhaps have sometimes repined on comparing your homely food and clothing with that of others, and possibly you may have thought that your father did not love you so much as the parents of some of your friends, but I trust that your own good sense and the painful example of their failure will have led you to perceive my reason for inuring you to hardships and never encouraging you to self-indulgence. I may now justly hope that in whatsoever situation it may please God to place you, you will be qualified to sustain it.”

We have no clue to the character of his new headmaster at Cüstrin, but the parish clergyman, named Stegmann, was undoubtedly an earnest and devout preacher and awakened in the young student a desire for spiritual progress. But while outwardly living a life which did not discredit his father’s counsels and being diligent and successful in his studies, he had not yet fulfilled his confirmation vows. To someone who urged him to be a whole-hearted Christian he excused himself on the ground that it was difficult, if not impossible, to be over-religious amid the conditions of life at Cüstrin. He had yet to learn that in circumstances adverse to a deep spiritual experience there is the greater and urgent need for making a definite stand for God. His studies were, however, interrupted by two severe attacks of illness, which were not without profit to him, for we can generally correct our estimate of the real value of things from the standpoint of a sick bed. But in the providence of God the discipline of sickness was assisted by the kindly interest of a friend. He had been in the habit of visiting a gentleman who was a man of study, much respected by the Professors at the Halle University. The daughter of this good man, a girl of great piety, became much interested in the young student. She tried her best to persuade him to commit himself wholly to the mercy and care of God and lent him books from her father’s library to help him. One of these greatly took his fancy; it was the story of the founding of the Orphan House at Glaucha, near Halle, entitled “Demonstrations of the Footsteps of a Divine Being yet in the World,” by that famous divine and philanthropist, Augustus Hermann Francke. This book much inspired him; the faith of such a patient and persistent worker, the difficulties he overcame and the gladness of achievement, all made a deep impression upon the mind of young Schwartz. It gave him an increased desire to visit the scene of such a noble labour and probably awoke in his heart the first stirrings towards his future life work. Indeed, on leaving Cüstrin he made his way at once to Halle with the intention of entering the Grammar School at the Orphan House. He was being led on step by step. Before taking this course he was influenced greatly by the advice of Benjamin Schultze, who, as we have seen, had recently returned from the Madras Mission invalided. What communications they had and how far the old missionary fired the zeal of his young friend we have no evidence, but this we know, that upon the advice of Schultze he entered at once the University of Halle, being now in his twentieth year. His thirst for knowledge was shown by the way in which he made the most of his opportunities, attending lectures under his professors, Baumgarten, Michaelis, Knapp, and Freylinghausen. While studying at the University he lived at the Orphan House and thereby was brought into daily contact with its venerable founder, Professor Francke, whose influence over young Schwartz at this time was the means of bringing him to a decision for Christ and His service. The fact that he was associated with a University famous for its missionary interests and also lived in the atmosphere of godliness at the Orphan House, contributed to his full determination to devote himself to service in the foreign field and the well-being of his fellow-men.

He became preceptor in the Latin School of the Orphan House and it was his duty in that capacity to gather the scholars and the servants of the establishment together every morning for family prayers and at the same time to give them an exposition of some portion of Holy Scripture. This was also a preparation for his future sphere of work. The principal of the Orphan House, G. P. Weiss, took a lively interest in him, and he also received much benefit from the Divinity lectures delivered by Dr. Francke, the son of the founder of the work. Here then, under excellent auspices, he was able to practise habits of self-denial and thrift and to live that simple life which was so much impressed upon him by his father.

A special opportunity presented itself after Schwartz had completed three years of his term at the University. It was in the mind of the old missionary, Schultze, to prepare a new and corrected edition of the Holy Scriptures in the Tamil language, and also a tract in the same tongue to be sent out for distribution among the natives of India. Young Schwartz was asked to qualify himself to help in the preparation of these by studying Tamil and for some months this new engagement occupied much of his time. While he was still working at this the call came for him to devote himself henceforward to a missionary life and service.

A
MAP OF INDIA
TO ILLUSTRATE
THE LIFE OF C.F. SCHWARTZ.
1750-1800

At this time the work in India was passing through anxious times; the French had captured Madras, and Fabricius was compelled to fly with his little flock, leaving behind the devastated mission buildings. But afterwards, when the British troops had turned the tide of war, the Lutheran missionary was invited to take charge of the church buildings at Vepery, from which the Romanists had been ejected for their treason. The call for fresh helpers was urgent and Fabricius pleaded for reinforcements. In response Professor Francke was asked to select some fit men in the University to go out and take up this work, and it is not surprising that Schwartz should have been selected and recommended. He was evidently prepared for this and readily consented, but stipulated that his father’s permission must be obtained. After much prayer, for he felt the turning point in his life had come, Schwartz hastened homeward to his native Sonnenburg. At first his reception was by no means favourable. He was the eldest son, and the whole family were looking forward to his advancement as a Lutheran clergyman at home, and even his father quite naturally hoped that, as he was getting into years, this worthy son of his would take his proper place as head of the family. It was a crisis, one which has occurred in the life of many a young missionary on the threshold of his career of divine service. At such a time we often extend to the young son a deep sympathy, which, however, in justice ought to be shared with his parent. In the case of Schwartz’s father, the decision involved so much that he took three days to consider his duty, and when this time of waiting had expired the family expected that their own views on the subject would be promptly confirmed. But the old man had taken counsel of God, and he was ready, like Abraham, to make any sacrifice in obedience thereto. He came downstairs and laid his hand upon the shoulder of his expectant son, bidding him God-speed and granting him his blessing and approval, asking him never to forget his own country and his father’s house, but to go in God’s name to win many souls for Christ. The brave old man little thought how much he was giving for the welfare of the world.

The young man had made his resolve, his father’s blessing had been obtained, and he forthwith burnt his boats by handing over to his brothers and sisters the portion which would have fallen to him, and hastened back to Halle with a light heart, full of thankfulness for the past and plans for the future. His choice was soon tested by the offer of a lucrative appointment in the ministry of his Church at home, but his mind was fully made up and henceforward his face was steadfastly set towards the foreign mission field. The claims of India were laid upon his heart, and he longed to be going where he felt sure God had called him. Two other young men had also been selected for the work by Dr. Francke; David Poltzenhagen of Willin in Pomerania, and George Henry Hüttemann of Minden in Westphalia. On the 8th August, 1749, the three arrived at Copenhagen to receive Holy Orders. A month later they were prepared for this sacred office by the counsels and instruction of Dr. Hersleb, Bishop of Zealand and Primate of Denmark, and in due time, on the 17th September, they were ordained by Bishop Horreboa to the office of ministers. It only remained for them to bid farewell to their families and friends, and Schwartz parted from his aged father, never to see his face again, and received many good wishes from the old comrades and professors at Halle University. It was thought better for the party to go to India by an English vessel, so they embarked at Helvoetsluys and arrived at Harwich on the 6th December, 1749, and so on through Colchester to London. Their stay in the great city was only about six weeks and they were comfortably lodged in Kensington. From the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge the young missionaries received a hearty welcome, and every possible arrangement for their comfort and travelling requirements was made by that Society. In the Royal chaplain, the Rev. W. Ziegenhagen, they found a wise and helpful friend, and one of the pleasant memories which Schwartz carried away with him from our English shores was the kindness which he and the other out-going missionaries received from this good man. They were able to get a little practice in English during their stay and also had the opportunity of preaching in our pulpits. Arrangements were made for them to embark on the “Lynn” under Captain Egerton, the directors of the East India Company having kindly granted them a free passage. Writing from Deal, where he was awaiting the vessel’s arrival, Schwartz expresses his grateful thanks in a letter written to Dr. Francke on 24th February, 1750, and also in another previously written from Kensington on the 18th of the preceding month. The following extracts in the order in which they were penned, are full of interest:

“God hath ordered all things well on the voyage. Our hearts (more especially mine) were very cheerful during the storming and raging of the sea; and I have frequently reminded myself of the 46th Psalm with great joy. Praised be God! This ought to be the beginning, middle and end of my letter. If God maketh this only to resound in our hearts, that the Jehovah, our sun and shield, is with us, we can then not only be tranquil but cheerful.

“Our occupations here have been of singular use and a great refreshment to us. In every difficulty we could have recourse to the Rev. Mr. Ziegenhagen, the venerable chaplain of His Majesty, who has behaved to us with paternal kindness and has given us such plain directions as we, like inexperienced children, stood in need of. This was our daily occupation, to take lessons and receive instructions. Then we had also to preach a few sermons; I twice, namely, once in the Royal Chapel on the first day of Nativity and afterwards for the Rev. Mr. Pittins at the Savoy; Mr. Poltzenhagen four times and Mr. Hüttemann three. May God bless what has been spoken in great weakness.”

And now from Deal:

“The 10th of January, according to the old style, which is yet used here, or the 21st according to the new, was the day on which we left Kensington, where God bestowed so much grace upon us. On the preceding evening we were from seven till ten with His Majesty’s chaplain, who said many things to the awakening of our hearts. He gave us the 121st Psalm for meditation on our voyage, ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help’. Whatever could in any way constitute to our comfort and encouragement, that he did. On New Year’s Day also he addressed us publicly from the pulpit from these words, ‘Be not afraid, only believe’ (Mark v. 36). At the same time he exhorted the congregation to pray for us. On the same evening he prayed again with us, commended us to the mercy of God and gave us some copies of his lately published ‘Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer’. He then dismissed us with the cordial admonition not to allow our brotherly love to cool. May God write all that we have heard deeply in our hearts!

“Thus we departed on the 21st January, N.S., in the Name of Jesus, accompanied by that trusty German, Matthieson, who has conducted all the missionaries from Mr. Walther until now. On the 23rd we arrived at Deal, in perfect health and spirits. Here we lodged in a house which is only a few paces from the shore, so that from our windows we see nothing but the sea. My heart is filled with cheerful confidence, being convinced that as God has taken us under His paternal care during our late travels so will He likewise continue to be our Protector. If we will only cleave steadfastly to Him, He will most certainly be with us and be our faithful God. And He will graciously hear the prayers with which we know so many of His children and servants accompany us. Now, therefore, we go forth in the Name of the Lord Who hath called us to be His servants and messengers among the heathen, Who will also guide and bring us to the destined place.”

A few days more and the ship, with her three missionary passengers, stood out to sea. Not yet out of sight of land, they would watch the lessening shores and hills of England as they sailed down channel. Some favourable winds had sprung up, but they could not take advantage of them because the boat which was to victual the ship for their long voyage had not arrived. So they lay off the Isle of Wight, and Schwartz takes advantage of the delay to send some very interesting details in letters to his friend, the Chaplain Ziegenhagen, under dates 1st and 3rd February, 1750.

“There comes a ship to bring us provisions by which I send you a few lines. On the 29th of January we left Deal. God hath given us a favourable wind, with which we have already sailed past Portsmouth. Praised be His name we are all well. Our cabin is below that of the captain. We are alone, for which we have thankfully to acknowledge the goodness of God. We are as conveniently accommodated as can be expected on board ship. God be praised for it! The captain is a good, plain dealing man, and the other passengers show us much kindness. We talk English as yet very badly but they all encourage us to speak and no one laughs at our blunders. Several of them know a little Latin and use their utmost endeavours to explain to us whatever we do not understand. We return hearty thanks to God for having brought us to this ship. Hitherto He hath graciously preserved us, that no one has sustained any hurt, except that last night a sailor fell into the water; however, he was saved. The number of persons on board is about a hundred and a few passengers. We pass our time in reading the Holy Scriptures in the original language and other good books, and practise reading and writing English, according to your kind instruction. There are persons on board who go to India for pleasure. One of them goes for the fifth time and says it is a very pleasant voyage. There are also many children on board who learn navigation. Now this I have written in haste. May Jesus bless you abundantly and hear your prayers and those of other children and servants of God for us! O the Lord is faithful and never yet forsook His people.”

The delay in receiving the expected provisions kept them back and we find Schwartz again sending a few more lines to his friend in England.

“Filial love requires us to make use of this opportunity of informing you of our circumstances. When we last wrote to you we were off the Isle of Wight and had a most favourable wind but we were obliged to lay to for more than half a day, before the things which the ship brought us from Deal were taken on board. Towards evening we sailed and by Monday came already close to the Bay of Biscay. In the morning the wind veered about and the captain found himself compelled to return to some harbour. Here the motion of the ship was so violent that I experienced something of sea sickness but only for a few minutes. That day about four we arrived off Falmouth. We were met by two pilots and the captain engaged him who came first to the ship, but the other, on coming up, expressed his great dissatisfaction, not so much because he had not been engaged, as because the other had not conducted us aright. He disputed so long that the first was obliged to go away. This morning we found that the man had just grounds for his displeasure. For when it was ebb tide our ship had not sufficient water but struck frequently against the ground with such a crash as if a gun was fired. At the same time there was a great storm so that we might have sustained much injury if God had not preserved us. Now we praise Him that we were forced to return, for in this storm we should have been in the greatest danger off the Spanish coast. Thus we daily perceive that His goodness preserves us. O that we might always look only to Him, rest in His will and filially resign ourselves to it! Our captain shows us great kindness. For the rest I pray God daily that He would purify my heart more and more from all dross and by His Spirit fit me for the important office for which, unworthy as I am, He has out of mere grace ordained me.”

They appear to have been weatherbound at Falmouth for over a month but the delay was not lost upon Schwartz and his colleagues. They had a little unexpected quiet in which to prosecute their studies, and, as will be seen by the letter which Schwartz wrote on their arrival at Tranquebar, they were enabled to keep in touch with England a little longer and felt the pulse of that throbbing wave of revival of religion which under the Wesleys and Whitefield was passing over the people. It is evident that during their brief stay in London this had not affected them; being so much in the company of the Royal chaplain, and not having time or inclination to visit any parts of the country, they had missed this stimulus to their faith. But in the little world of their life on board during this long voyage of four months from their leaving the shelter of Falmouth Harbour, they had many experiences to record, which awakened a spirit of thankfulness, and as this was the first time they had made a voyage the incidents related by Schwartz in his letter of 8th October, 1750, are well worth preserving. They give us a side light of his character and how step by step and day by day God was preparing him for the great work which was awaiting him at Tranquebar.

“We can now,” says he, “joyfully relate how graciously God hath heard your supplications in His goodness to us. With undeserved grace and mercy He hath brought us, hath graciously averted all perils on our long voyage, mightily refreshed us during the course of it both in soul and body, and caused us to reach the end of it in four months and four days. We could scarcely have imagined that He would so paternally and graciously guide us. His Name be humbly praised and glorified now and in eternity!

“In order to give you, reverend Sir, a somewhat detailed account of this gracious guidance of our God, that you may magnify His name with us, I shall briefly relate the most important particulars from our diary, not having yet found time to copy the diary itself, which your Reverence will kindly excuse.

“How God conducted us into Falmouth Harbour and what we there noticed to His praise, you will have observed from the short letter which we wrote on the day of our departure. On the 12th March God gave us a good wind, and everything was prepared for sailing. But the tide being then at ebb, we were obliged to wait till the evening as we could not otherwise get safely out of the harbour. In the afternoon an inhabitant of the town came on board who had been powerfully awakened by Mr Whitefield. This man related to us many things, particularly of the minister of Falmouth—how zealous he was in the discharge of his duty. We regretted that we had not visited him, but as the stranger intimated that he would salute him from us we sent the minister Professor Zimmermann’s treatise on the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ, translated into Latin, in which we wrote a few lines.

“About seven in the evening we sailed, in the name of God, out of the harbour, with a man-of-war, which we thought was to escort us, but the next day we learned that she was to escort the ‘Norfolk.’ With this Divine dispensation we were well satisfied, believing that we should not need that convoy if we could only say with David (Psalm xlvi. 7): ‘The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ If the Lord be for us who or what can be against us? We met a Dutch ship from Smyrna to Rotterdam, the captain of which informed us that he had suffered much from the late severe storms, whilst we were quietly in the harbour. On the 16th we were met by two ships which exhibited a sad spectacle. One of them had sprung a large leak and drew several feet of water, so that she lay very deep and rolled from side to side. Our captain backed the sails and sent the carpenter with an officer and some others to see whether they could assist, but on their return they declared that the vessel must sink. The other ship therefore kept quite close to the damaged one that the people might save themselves.”

The health of Schwartz had by this time been re-established and, although subject to the delicacy which is common to people of sedentary habit who have not developed their physical capacities by exercise, the young missionary appears to have started his voyage without much discomfort except a little sea-sickness. But we find him suddenly laid aside.

“On the 21st March I had a fever, which continued till the 10th April. As I fell away so much the doctor was alarmed, but God helped me graciously and soon restored me my bodily health. I must also confess to His praise that this sickness has been of great service to me. On the 22nd March we had for the first time Divine service on board our ship, which afforded us great pleasure. On the 29th we passed the tropic of Cancer and on the 18th April we crossed the line for the first time. There was great joy on board that we had not been detained longer. On the 22nd we were in the bight of Ascension. The 30th God visibly preserved a youth from death, who had entered on board to learn navigation. A thick cable fell down from above, exactly on the spot where he was standing but before it reached him he perceived it and narrowly escaped. Towards evening a ship was seen. We rejoiced at first, hoping for an opportunity of sending letters, but our joy had nearly been changed to fear, as our people began to think that they might be enemies and made preparations for defence. Early next morning we looked out for her but in vain. On the 5th May we passed the tropic of Capricorn and thus left the torrid zone. As soon as the trade wind ceased we were favoured with a delightful breeze from E.N.E. If we attend to the different changes of wind, we may observe agreeable traces of the admirable wisdom of God. On the 7th we saw a French vessel and on our captain firing a signal gun, to desire them to wait, they did so and we came up with her towards evening. The captains conversed with each other on their observations and ours agreed pretty well with theirs. It was a great advantage that we could observe so well in our ship for even in hazy weather the sun appeared a little about noon. The chief mate requested us to communicate the observations contained in our diaries, particularly with regard to the variation of the compass. We did so and he gratefully acknowledged it by giving us a fine large Cheshire cheese. The 11th May we had a very high wind, and the next day a calm. While we spoke of it in the evening and sighed to God that He would have pity on us, as before, suddenly there arose a very favourable breeze. Thus God fulfilled us what He had promised—‘Before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear.’ So that we could praise God with joyful hearts. On the 17th May we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost and heartily besought God that by His Spirit, whom Jesus has obtained, He would fit us for the important office to which He has called us. The 12th May our dear brother Hüttemann was seized with alarming sickness but God most graciously blessed the use of the medicines out of the travelling chest which you gave us, so that he was fully restored to us in a few days. On the 23rd we had an unusually brisk gale, the vessel inclined so much that it shipped water which we had not hitherto seen. However, it passed over without damage. On the 27th we had a complete calm so that the captain and the chief mate went out in a boat to shoot birds, but on the following night arose a real storm, which, as it came unexpectedly, tore all the sails. When we came upon deck in the morning they all hung in rags, and we had only one small sail hoisted. We did not, however, yield to anxious or desponding thoughts. So faithful is God! In need He refresheth and comforteth abundantly. The 30th May we had very pleasant weather, which was a great relief after the storm. On the 31st we saw a Dutch ship. We all wished it might approach us but were disappointed as it passed us at a considerable distance, but in the afternoon our joy was greater, as we caught sight of the Cape. The mountains presented themselves at a distance like clouds, but as we came nearer we could see them distinctly. We praised God heartily, the more so as we had on this very day been powerfully impressed in meditating on the words (1 Cor. xv. 58): ‘Therefore, my blessed brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.’”

From these incidents recorded by Schwartz it is easy to recall the difficulties of navigation at a time when the ship was absolutely dependent upon the winds and tides. These fine old East Indiamen vessels, which were far more picturesque than are the steamships of to-day, had in his time the double risk to contend with of great and fierce storms in the eastern seas and the prospect of capture, or at any rate injury, by the French Navy, with which nation we were then at war. For these and other reasons the missionaries began to hope anxiously for their journey’s end.

“From this time we began to look out for India, and thought we had now left the worst behind. But on the 17th June, in the night, we had a most furious storm, in which all declared we were in great danger. Even the next day it was frightful to behold and it was much heightened by the heavy rain which accompanied the wind. Meanwhile, when the tempest was at the highest, we slept in peace and quiet, a gracious God had hidden the danger from us. On the 19th there was a pretty strong breeze. A rope, with which a sail was belayed, happened to break, which caused the ship to heel a little, and all at once we lay on our side. The captain called out to the man at the helm to put the ship about, but they could not accomplish it. The vessel had inclined altogether to one side, and was, moreover, quite wet from the rain, so that the people fell as they attempted to walk on the deck. However, the storm at length subsided and we sustained no material injury. In how many distresses hath not our gracious God covered us, as it were, with His wings! On the 30th of June we passed the tropic of Capricorn a second time. Now we came again into a pleasant climate, hitherto we had sometimes very cold weather. On the 4th July the rope of the helm broke, and as the wind happened to blow fresh, the ship fell into some disorder. On the 10th we again crossed the line. The 13th was a most agreeable day for we then came in sight of Ceylon. The chief mate discovered it about nine in the morning. The joy which this produced on board is hardly to be described, since the greater number scarcely expected that we should make it so directly. We said, ‘This hath God done! O how great is His goodness and how graciously doth He hear our prayers! May the kindness which He hath showed us in this instance serve to strengthen us in filial confidence!’

“This day and the following we enjoyed the delightful smell of cinnamon. At the same time we had a most favourable wind so that during the day we passed at a good distance by the rocks of Ceylon. On the 16th of July we were approaching the coast of Coromandel; everyone therefore looked out eagerly for land but the night drew on and we could see none. About nine we found a bottom at fifteen fathoms, and it was remarkable that as soon as it was found, the wind ceased. We therefore dropped the anchor. In the morning when we looked out, we not only beheld the coast but found ourselves right opposite to Cuddalore. We praised the name of the Lord for this paternal guidance, and whosoever delights in the traces of His gracious providence will, on hearing it, exalt His name together.

“After we had cast anchor the natives immediately came on board. The sight of these poor people, who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, deeply affected our hearts, and we awakened ourselves cheerfully to work at their conversion and to recommend to them the salvation of the Gospel. Now the Lord vouchsafe to give us wisdom, grace, and strength to accomplish this purpose, since we are most unworthy to be unto them ‘a savour of life unto life.’

“We informed the Rev. Mr. Kiernander of our arrival and he sent in the afternoon a country boat to fetch us. There we took our leave of the officers and passengers who had shown us every kindness. They were much moved at parting and wished us every blessing in our future ministry. May the Lord do good abundantly to them all! In the evening dear Mr. Kiernander received us and praised the name of the Lord for all the mercy He had shown us....

“On the 24th of July the Rev. Senior of the Danish missionaries, Mr. Wiedebroeck, came from Tranquebar to fetch us. He joined us in hearty praises to God for all His mercies. After having therefore visited several English gentlemen, we departed on the 28th from Cuddalore. Dear Mr. Kiernander accompanied us as far as the first river and there took leave of us. On the 30th we arrived at Tranquebar in perfect health and were most paternally received by our dear brethren. Now hitherto the Lord hath helped us. To Him be glory for ever and ever.”

It is not recorded in this letter, but it is worthy of note, that the vessel from which they were landed at Cuddalore was quite shipwrecked on her departure at the mouth of the river.

Schwartz was now at what he had called the destined end of his travels and the appointed beginning of his life work. He saw at once that a knowledge of Tamil was the first necessity of his work, and, therefore, with a native catechist who could also speak German, he laboured hard to qualify himself. So successful was he that in less than four months after his arrival in India he was able to preach his first sermon in Tamil from Matthew xi. 25-30, with its true missionary appeal. “Come unto me, all ye that labour end are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” in the New Jerusalem Church where Ziegenbalg used to preach. It was his first word for his Master and Lord, possibly uttered with much humility and some misgivings of his own fitness but full of the abundant grace which is ready to fulfil the promise to every creature. Of this discourse some brief outlines are preserved. It was a very earnest appeal to these people, facing him for the first time with their dark faces and hearts full of shadows from superstition and ignorance. He began at once by pointing out the one and only hope for humanity and begged them to take advantage of the gracious offer of salvation. This was the key note of his life work, and it has been well pointed out that in an age when theological controversies and contention were the characteristic of the Church, it is a cheering fact that the faith of Schwartz preserved its simplicity, and that he preached the great essential verities of the Evangel of God to a sinful world.