1^ 
 
 Culman & Wheelock 
 
 The Missionary Ship. 
 
m^rv Av\-n Chillier 
 
 COLMAN AND WHEJ 
 
 »«. ( ^ APR 7 t9e' ' 
 
 ^eeiuAL 
 
 Ciie 6arli| 
 
 OF THE BURMAN MISSION. 
 
 8V THE AUTUOR OF "CillLDREX FIFTY YEARS AGO." 
 
 |3!iilnirlp!|iii: 
 
 AlIERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 
 
 118 ARCH STREET. 
 
Eutered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1853, by tlia 
 
 AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in 
 and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 BTEREOTTPED BY GEORGE CHARLES. 
 PRINTED BY KING & BAIRH, 
 
Go 
 
 Whether the subjects of this Memoir be 
 considered, with regard to the period in the 
 history of the Burman Mission, when they 
 became connected with it — their own age at 
 that time — or the period of their so much 
 lamented death — in either of these aspects, 
 they may be distinguished as the " Early 
 Called." 
 
 Their connection with the Mission in its 
 formative state, gives, of itself, an interest to 
 their names. The historic position which 
 they occupy is, however, by no means, their 
 sole claim to an honored remembrance. 
 
 The Author's thanks are due to those 
 friends of the deceased who have kindly fur- 
 nished original documents. 
 
 THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN MlSldNllBRARY 
 475 lliverside Drive, New York 27. N.Y. 
 
 m^^ 
 
 (3) 
 
(CnntBiils. 
 
 Page. 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early Preparation 5 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 A Happy Voyage 28 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Calcotta and Rangoon 46 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 A Death on the Ocean 73 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Visit to Ava 87 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Death at Cox's Bazaar 97 
 
 CHAPTER Vll. 
 The Widowed Sunvivons 109 
 
 (4) 
 
COLMAN AND WHEELOCK, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Burmah — Labors of Mr. Judson — Interest felt at Home — Col- 
 man — Wheelock — Their desire for the Missionary work- 
 Acceptance by the Board of Missions — Departure. 
 
 Burmah, as a field of widening Missionary en- 
 terprise, is fast becoming familiar to us. We 
 begin to understand that it is the finest and love- 
 liest region of the remote East. We know that 
 it abounds in vegetable and mineral riches. Its 
 mountain ridges on the north are the sources of 
 noble rivers, of which, as far as Burmah is con- 
 cerned, the Irrawaddy is the chief. Flowing 
 through the centre of the country from north to 
 south, it enters the sea like the Nile, through 
 many channels, on the north-eastern side of the 
 Bay of Bengal. Here, where the main channel 
 widens to meet the ocean, we find the city of 
 Rangoon. 
 
 Attempts to introduce the Christian religion 
 1* (5) ■ 
 
6 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 into the empire, were made at this place as early 
 as 180T. The English Baptist Missionaries at 
 that time here took up their abode, and began the 
 study of the language. They had left their Mis- 
 sionary friends at Serampore and come to a 
 strange land shut out from the rest of the world, 
 where the face of a white man was seldom seen. 
 For while on the western shore of the Bay of Ben- 
 gal, the English government held large posses- 
 sions, on the eastern side it was far different. 
 Here the British troops had not yet penetrated ; 
 the native kings held despotic sway, and but little 
 intercourse was allowed with the rest of the 
 world. They were not, however, at peace ; wars, 
 cruel wars, among the native princes, rent the 
 country to pieces, and threatened to reach even to 
 Rangoon. 
 
 Meantime, an extensive fire had destroyed the 
 greater part of the town. Bursting out in several 
 places at once, it proved itself to be designed, and 
 the light, frail bamboo houses, with their roofs of 
 thatch, disappeared rapidly before the flames. 
 We do not find, however, that the Mission house 
 was destroyed. A retired spot in the outskirts 
 of the town, it escaped the general wreck. 
 
 In 1813, when Mr. and Mrs. Judson arrived 
 at Rangoon, in this very place they took up their 
 abode. The same roof that had covered their 
 
RANGOON MISSION. 7 
 
 Englisli brethren now sheltered them, and the 
 rays of the tropic sun fell for the first time upon 
 an American Mission House in Burmah. The 
 last of the English Missionaries had retired from 
 the ground.* His family, shipwrecked on their 
 voyage, had been swallowed up by the ocean 
 waves ; and he himself had been ordered by the 
 King of the Burmans to visit the capital, some 
 hundred miles up the river. Skilled in medicine, 
 his services were claimed by the monarch, and he 
 returned no more to Rangoon. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Judson were thus left alone. Surrounded by 
 dusky forms and strange faces, they sometimes 
 passed months without the slightest word from 
 a Christian, or from a fellow countryman. Little 
 intercourse took place between Rangoon and Cal- 
 cutta — but few vessels went and came in the course 
 of a year. 
 
 Of books, such as we use, the Missionaries 
 found none. The broad, shining leaves that 
 made such thick shade, studded with such count- 
 less blossoms of every form and hue, were by 
 the natives dried and polished, and used as we 
 use paper. Upon these were written the Burmau 
 books, and from these the Missionaries studied. 
 
 Four years passed before there came a single 
 Burman who appeared to be in earnest in seeking 
 
 * Mr. Felix Carey. 
 
8 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 after the light which the Missionary was kindling 
 in a dark place. Some tracts had, however, been 
 prepared. Printing materials had been furnished 
 by the friendly laborers at Serampore ; a Mission- 
 ary printer had also arrived ; and portions of 
 Christian truth had been circulated. 
 
 One day a Burman came inquiring after the 
 writing that told of Jesus Christ. 
 
 '' How came you," said the Missionary, ''to 
 know anything of Jesus ? Have you been here 
 before ?" 
 
 ''No." 
 
 ''Have you seen any writings concerning 
 Jesus ?" 
 
 "I have seen two little books," was the reply. 
 
 " Who is Jesus ?" 
 
 " He is the Son of God, who, pitying creatures, 
 came into this world, and suffered death in their 
 stead." 
 
 "Who is God?" 
 
 " He is a Being without beginning or end, who 
 is not subject to old age or death, but always is." 
 
 "This," says the Missionary, "was the first 
 acknowledgement of an Eternal God, that I had 
 ever heard from the lips of a Burman." 
 
 Before this, the sympathies of Christians in 
 America had been deeply awakened in behalf of 
 the Missionaries and the heathen among whom 
 
INTEREST AT HOME. 9 
 
 they toiled. " Surely," was the language of many, 
 *' God has a work to do in Burmah." They 
 trusted iu Him, that having manifestly a purpose 
 to fulfill, he would raise up those who should ac- 
 complish it. They brought their offerings and 
 cast them into the treasury of the Lord, and in 
 prayer and hope awaited the fulfillment of his 
 will. 
 
 The tidings from the far East awoke in the 
 hearts of two young men, resident in Boston, a 
 love for these distant heathen, such as we may be- 
 lieve our Saviour felt when he came forth from 
 God to dwell with man on earth. They were in 
 early youth. But a few years before, they had 
 been school-boys. With their books under their 
 arms, or their satchels swung from their shoulders, 
 we may suppose that we see them in the morning, 
 joining the throng of boys that gather around 
 the door of the school-house. They spent their 
 boyhood, too, among stirring times. A mighty 
 warrior had swept over kingdoms with blood and 
 fire, and the name of Napoleon was familiar to 
 the lips of all. Many a boy, as he heard the tale 
 of his renown, forgot the scenes of crime and 
 slaughter through which the Emperor had passed, 
 and longed to share in the glory to which he had 
 attained. But, in the hearts of the two youths 
 of whom we speak, a nobler ambition had arisen 
 
10 COLMAN AXD WHEELOCK. 
 
 — a purer flame burned — a diviner impulse led. 
 The idol love that was lavished upon the warrior 
 by his followers, these gave to the rightful Lord 
 They gave themselves to Christ. So great was 
 their love to Him, that they thought no service 
 hard, even to the laying down of their lives. 
 CoLMAX and Wheelock, for these were their 
 names, at length desired of the Missionary Board 
 that they might be sent to the heathen. But we 
 hasten to a more particular account of each. 
 
 James Colman, the elder of the two, was bom 
 in Boston in the year IT 94. He was an only 
 child, and his pious father was desirous that his 
 son might be a servant of God. In this hope he 
 was much encouraged, for even the childhood of 
 the future Missionary was marked by the appear- 
 ances of piety. Like many others who have lived 
 to be preachers of the Word, young Colman loved 
 to gather, even in boyhood, his companions around 
 him and engage in religious exercises. As early 
 as eleven years of age, such proof had he given 
 of his fitness for the sacred privilege, that he was 
 led by his pastor. Rev. Dr. Baldwin, into the 
 baptismal waters, and his name enrolled among 
 the members of the Second Baptist Church, in 
 Boston. In these early days of the religious life, 
 he expresses a high sense of enjoyment. This, 
 however, was by no means uninterrupted. 
 
YOUTH OF COLMAN. 11 
 
 Three years after his baptism, we find him 
 among among a few who formed a new, a third 
 Church. This was, not long after, placed under 
 the pastoral care of Rev. Daniel Sharp. His new 
 pastor, then but a youth himself, proved to young 
 Colman an invaluable friend. His talents were 
 discerned and appreciated, and, better still, his 
 mind was judiciously guided by his spiritual ad- 
 viser, who perceived the probability that he would 
 one day be very useful in some way in the king- 
 dom of Christ. With this view, he was directed 
 by his pastor to the careful improvement of his 
 mind, to useful reading, thereby treasuring up a 
 valuable stock of knowledge. However public, 
 or however private might be the sphere in which 
 he should ultimately move, the pastor wisely 
 judged that useful knowledge could never come 
 amiss. 
 
 Early aspirations after the ministry became, as 
 manhood approached, somewhat modified. As 
 his mind expanded, his views increased in depth 
 and seriousness. When questioned by his friends 
 on giving himself up to this work, he would reply, 
 that though his desire for it was very great, he 
 felt himself unworthy. His reflective mind and 
 conscientious spirit led him to look with awe 
 upon the work, and to feel his insufficiency. So 
 strong a hold had these desponding feelings upon 
 
12 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 his heart, that before he reached his twentieth year, 
 he had abandoned the expectation, and having 
 formed a partnership with another person, he 
 went into trade. But we give a record of his in- 
 ward conflict in his own words. Speaking of the 
 arduous responsibilities of the Christian minister, 
 he proceeds : — 
 
 '* When I had viewed these duties, I was led 
 with the Apostle to exclaim, " who is sufficient 
 for these things!" At different periods during 
 two years, I was impressed with a sense of the 
 difficult station which a faithful minister occupies. 
 Whenever I was the subject of these impre'ssions, 
 solitude was my delight. Unfit for society, with 
 pleasure I retreated to some lonely spot, and with 
 feelings I cannot describe, would exclaim, ' Lord, 
 I am a child, and know nothing.' At this time 
 I viewed myself as the least of saints, and thought 
 I was as able to pluck the sun from his station 
 as to dispense the word of life. With these views, 
 I began to consider it as the extreme of folly for 
 me to indulge the least idea of preaching. 1 
 thought all my feelings were but the phantoms of 
 a childish imagination, and should be entirely 
 suppressed. But now the commandment lay 
 heavy upon my mind ; it seemed as though a woe 
 was pronounced against me, if I preached not the 
 
CONVICTION OF DUTY RESISTED. 13 
 
 gospel. The words of Watts would often sound 
 like a peal of thunder in my ear. 
 
 * Gro, preach my gospel, saith the Lord, 
 Bid the whole earth my grace receive.' 
 
 " This situation was very trying. I viewed 
 myself as altogether unfit to perform the duties of 
 a minister, and yet a solemn command was laid 
 upon me to go forward in the work. In this con- 
 dition I resolved to stifle all impressions of this 
 kind. With sorrow, Hook back to the time when 
 I formed this resolution. I believe that it has 
 been the cause of trials and difficulties unknown 
 before. ******* 
 
 " During the winter of 1812, I was convinced 
 that my feelings were not all imaginary, and made 
 several attempts to unbosom them to the Pastor 
 of the church of which I am a member. But all 
 in vain — my heart failed ; and now I renewed my 
 former resolution to efface these impressions from 
 my remembrance." 
 
 ^NTot far from this time, he mourned with no 
 light grief the death of his excellent and revered 
 father, whose "upright and unblemished deport- 
 ment," with his fervent prayers, had been blessed 
 of God in the formation of the character of the 
 son. He had also other trials, inseparable from 
 2 
 
14 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 his position in business. Speaking of the minis- 
 try, he again says : — 
 
 " I began to have different views of the work. 
 The worth of souls lay heavily upon my mind. It 
 appeared a pleasing employ to point the enquir- 
 ing sinner to Jesus, and to establish the saint in 
 every good work. Although I perceived in some 
 measure the important duties of ministers, yet 
 Jesus was sufficient for all their wants ; he had 
 promised to be with them always, even to the end 
 of the world. I then felt resolved, that whenever 
 the providence of God pointed the way, in his 
 strength to go forward." 
 
 In February, 1815, Mr. Colman preached be- 
 fore the church of which he was a member, seve- 
 ral ministers also being present. These fathers 
 and brethren in the ministry expressed much ap- 
 probation, and a formal vote of the church set its 
 seal to his vocation. He was placed under the 
 care of Rev. Dr. Chaplin, then resident in Dan- 
 vers, as a student for the ministry. Here he be- 
 came associated with a class of young men, who, 
 like himself, were to become preachers. Here he 
 applied himself resolutely to study. He also en- 
 joyed the privilege of corresponding by letter 
 with his pastor. He thus found sympathy and 
 companionship. Here he became acquainted 
 with Mr. Wheelock, whose aspirations for the 
 
LOVE FOR MISSIONS. ' OPPOSITION. 15 
 
 Missionary work had already received encourage- 
 ment. Few as yet knew that Colman had any 
 leaning towards the life of a Missionary. But on 
 this subject there had been emotions which he had 
 long concealed, and now by intercourse with this 
 young Missionary elect, that smothered fire was 
 fanned into a flame. 
 
 The smile of Christian friends, their recognition 
 of one designed by character as well as by desire 
 for the Missionary work, opened in the heart of the 
 young aspirant for that office gushing streams of 
 love and joy. When the secret workings of the 
 soul are made known, pleasant beyond all things 
 else, is the ready response from other hearts. It is 
 a pledge of success, an earnest of the approbation 
 of God. 
 
 But with Colman, this pleasant aspect of things 
 was reversed. When he announced his desire to 
 join the Burman Mission, he met with strong op- 
 position. The voices of his fathers in the minis- 
 try spoke to him no word of encouragement. 
 With one consent, they appear to have advised 
 him to remain at home. An expectation seems to 
 have existed that he was to be very useful in some 
 sphere of cultivated life. Eloquent in speech, and 
 persuasive in manner, he was calculated to adorn 
 society. Possessed of superior mental powers, 
 capable of comprehensive views of divine truth, 
 
16 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 an example of earnest piety, might he not, in 
 coming years, take the place of a standard-bearer 
 in our own American Zion ? A feeling like this 
 seems to have swayed the minds of those who 
 threw obstacles in his path. These difficulties, 
 we, at this late day, can hardly regret, when we 
 read the words of expostulation with which they 
 were met. After dwelling at some length on the 
 WTetchedness of heathen countries, he proceeds : — 
 " Shall not we, who know the true God, and 
 have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, apprize 
 them of their situation, and teach them the way 
 of salvation through the great Redeemer ? Some, 
 perhaps, will say, 'we have Missionary ground 
 enough at home ; you had better reserve your 
 strength for your own countrymen ! ' Ah ! is this 
 the voice of Christian benevolence ? Is this the 
 language of converted Hindoos ? Is this the 
 Macedonian cry from the wilderness ? Is this fol- 
 lowing the example of Christ, or of the first disci- 
 ples, who did not confine themselves to the Jews, 
 (though no people in the world needed the gospel 
 more,) but went everywhere preaching the word ? 
 Let us ever recollect the language of sacred truth, 
 ' He that watereth shall be watered himself.' Have 
 we not the most abundant reason to conclude 
 that, if we send the ministers of Christ abroad, he 
 will raise up an abundant supply, and thrust them 
 
LOVE OP MISSIONS. IT 
 
 into the gospel vineyard at home ? Do not Chris- 
 tians find, by happy experience, that it is ' more 
 blessed to give than to receive.' It is according to 
 the very genius of the gospel, that the liberal soul 
 shall be made fat ; that he who sows sparingly 
 shall reap also sparingly ; but he that soweth 
 liberally shall reap an abundant harvest. But, 
 indeed, if ministers were going by hundreds to 
 India, there might be some cause for alarm. This, 
 however, is not the case. There are only a few 
 solitary individuals who have any desire to go. 
 
 " Perhaps, after what I have written, it will be 
 unnecessary to say that I have an ardent desire 
 to go to India. I pant for the Missionary work. 
 I long to read the sacred oracles and explain 
 their cheering contents to the miserable heathen. 
 How animating the idea that, at some future 
 period, under the covert of some shady tree, and, 
 perhaps, within the sight of a Pagan temple, I 
 shall have the unspeakable privilege of pointing 
 the listening Burmans to the Lamb of God !" 
 
 At another time, he views the subject in ano- 
 ther aspect. 
 
 " I am conscious that the bounds of our habi- 
 tations are marked by God, and that we can 
 never pass beyond them. There is, undoubtedly, 
 a sphere allotted to every Christian, in which it 
 should be his great aim to move. Out of this 
 2* 
 
18 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 sphere, he will neither enjoy his own mind, nor 
 advance the interests of Zion. If the bounds of 
 my habitation are fixed on American soil, and if 
 my sphere of usefulness is confined to the Ameri- 
 can church, here I wish to stay and draw my latest 
 breath. At times I have felt, and, if not greatly 
 deceived, I now feel willing to go where He 
 would have me go, and stay where He would 
 have me stay." 
 
 Again, he says : — 
 
 "1 cannot read a Missionary account, nor hear 
 the subject conversed upon, without feeling dis- 
 tressed. The tear will often start from my eye, 
 and the sigh heave from my bosom, when only 
 the name of Burmah is mentioned. Notwith- 
 standing the discouragement which I have met 
 with, I feel the same desire for the Missionary 
 work. In pointing the poor pagans to the Lamb 
 of Grod, I fain would spend my latest breath." 
 
 The desires expressed were not to be un- 
 heeded. The Baptist Convention for Foreign 
 Missions held its session in Philadelphia in 1811, 
 and at that time Colman was recommended to 
 their patronage. But we must hasten to some 
 account of his coadjutor in the work. 
 
EARLY LIFE OF MR. WHEELOCK. 19 
 
 Edward Willard TVheelock was also a native 
 of Boston. He was born July Itth, 1796. He 
 was, therefore, about two years younger than 
 Colman. The memorials of his childhood and 
 early youth are but few, yet those few are full of 
 meaning. Like the beloved disciple does tht 
 subject of the sketch seem to have learned the 
 meaning of those blessed words, '' He that dwell- 
 eth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 
 Since the events we are now recording occurred, 
 many years have passed away ; a generation has 
 disappeared ; yet there are still those among the 
 old who delight to recall the presence, the con- 
 versation, the influence of this youthful saint. 
 More than one aged face even now, lights up at 
 the mention of his name, which has still power to 
 unlock sacred and tender recollections. The re- 
 membrance is a joy, for in his life the joy that 
 springs from holy love was constantly and beau- 
 tifully illustrated. Wherever he was, there was 
 a gentle and loving presence, animated with the 
 spirit of prayer and praise. They, who doubted 
 the reality of the life of God in the soul, were 
 forced to believe in his case, that the light that 
 burned so brightly must be fed from above. 
 
 One familiar with the daily outgoings of his 
 life of piety and love, has placed in our hands a 
 few valued memorials of distant days. We have 
 
20 COLMAN AND "WHEELOCK. 
 
 before us two small maimscript books, bearing 
 date 1811. These, in the prim hand-writing of a 
 school-boy, contain much that is illustrative of his 
 character. One of these is completely filled with 
 texts of sermons to which the writer had listened, 
 and to which occasional short observations of his 
 own are added. On the closing page, the follow- 
 ing interesting record is made, the text immedi- 
 ately preceding it bearing date August 9th, 1812. 
 
 " When I began this book I was in nature's 
 darkness, but I humbly hope and trust that the 
 Lord has in infinite mercy and tender compassion 
 taken my feet out of the horrible pit and miry 
 clay, and set my feet upon a rock I 0, what 
 great obligations am I under to live to His honor 
 and glory ! I have great reason to lament how 
 little I live as I ought to, yet the Lord is exceed- 
 ingly good and kind, and I have great reason to 
 adore and magnify his holy name forever." 
 
 E. W. W. 
 
 His childhood had been, when compared with 
 that of others, marked by a singular gentleness, 
 and purity, and obedience ; but as his eyes were 
 opened to discern something of the spiritual glory 
 of God, he felt his need of a changed heart, a 
 renewed nature. Trusting in Christ for that sal- 
 vation which he needed, and joying in the mercy 
 of God which had been imparted to him, the 
 
MR. 'svheelock's baptism. 21 
 
 foundation was laid for that development of re- 
 ligious life and character which distinguished him. 
 The seed had fallen into good ground, and was 
 destined to bring forth fruit abundantly. 
 
 He was baptized by Rev. Dr. Baldwin. On 
 that solemn occasion, the heart of another young 
 person was impressed with the idea of preparation 
 for another world. She was in the very bloom 
 and brightness of early youth, when the great 
 necessity of God's favor and the soul's return to 
 Him, took possession of her mind. This was 
 Eliza Harriet Newman, some years afterwards the 
 wife of Wheelock, the companion of his wander- 
 ings in foreign lands, whose history is so inti- 
 mately blended with his, and whose pen has also 
 detailed so many of the scenes of their Mission- 
 ary life, that the two cannot, in this memorial, be 
 separated. 
 
 In the year 181Y, we find Mr. Wheelock pur- 
 suing a course of study with reference to the min- 
 istry. Of his ability and adaptedness to this 
 work, we need no other evidence than we find in 
 his peculiar power over the minds and hearts of 
 those with whom he came in contact. He now 
 became a resident of Danvers, a member of the 
 class of young men who were pursuing their stu- 
 dies under the care of Rev. Dr. Chaplin. These 
 associated classes may be regarded as the begin- 
 
22 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 ning of Waterville College, the presidency of 
 which was afterwards held for so many years by 
 their revered Instructor. During a portion of his 
 residence here, Mr. Wheelock kept a regular 
 diary, writing in it apparently every day. A few 
 brief extracts may throw light upon his character 
 and position. 
 
 *^ March 5, 181*7. — This day wrote an address 
 to the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, agree- 
 ably to the direction of my dear Pastor. Enjoyed 
 a very solemn season and considerable freedom. 
 O may the Lord direct his servants to the adop- 
 tion of those measures which shall best promote 
 his glory and the salvation of the heathen ! Grant, 
 blessed God, I humbly beseech thee, my ardent 
 desire to advance thy kingdom among the poor 
 Burmans. This has been a solemn day to me. 
 One of the most important transactions of my life" 
 has occurred this day. God ! may it terminate 
 to thy glory." 
 
 The following is an extract from the letter to 
 which reference is made, it being addressed to the 
 Missionary Board : — 
 
 " To you, honored fathers, is my mind directed, 
 as to those who, under God, must decide my case. 
 To you I offer, freely and joyfully offer, myself to 
 become your Missionary, to aid those already 
 under your patronage, to turn the poor Burmans 
 
MISSIONARY ZEAL. 23 
 
 from idols, to serve the living and true God. And 
 oh, if it is consistent that one so unworthy and so 
 unqualified as myself should engage in this glori- 
 ous work, deny me not, I beseech you, the un- 
 speakable privilege ; deny me not the fondest, the 
 most ardent desire of my sonl, that can, in this 
 world, be gratified. To deny me this, would be 
 to deprive me of the greatest happiness which in 
 this world I can possibly enjoy. I would rather 
 be a Missionary of the Cross than a king on a 
 throne. Let the men of this world possess its 
 glittering toys ; let the miser grasp his cankered 
 gold ; let the voluptuary enjoy his sordid plea* 
 sures ; let the ambitious ascend to the pinnacle 
 of earthly honor ; but let me enjoy the sweet 
 satisfaction of directing the poor Pagans to the 
 ' Lamb of God.' I court no greater good ; I de- 
 sire no greater joy ; I seek for no greater honor. 
 To Burmah would I go ; in Burmah would I live ; 
 in Burmah would I toil ; in Burmah would I die ; 
 and in Burmah would I be buried." 
 
 We recur again to the diary. 
 
 "April 2. — This afternoon, my dear brother 
 Colman and myself retired to a secret place, and 
 united in repeatedly presenting our supplications 
 to the Father of mercies, for his direction and 
 blessing to rest upon his dear servants, who will 
 decide our case with respect to our going to 
 
24 CO.LMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 India. It was a refresbing season to our souls. 
 Blessed be God I we intend to practice it daily 
 when we can." 
 
 " May 6. — This eve brother Colman and my- 
 self retired to our place of prayer, and poured out 
 our souls to God. Of a truth He was there, and 
 manifested himself to us as he does not unto the 
 world. May our united petitions, together with 
 those of our dearest friends, come up before the 
 throne of God. May gracious answers be 
 afforded." 
 
 '' Wednesday T. — This morn, brother Colman 
 and myself, in our usual place of retirement, met 
 to pour out our souls to God for his servants, 
 who this day expect to meet to consult on the af- 
 fairs of his kingdom. ! may our feeble suppli- 
 cations be heard and accepted. This eve we 
 again united, and enjoyed a season of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord. How great is the 
 privilege of prayer ! How sweet the exercise !" 
 
 ^^ July 16. — Received a precious letter from my 
 dear brother Colman, and the report of the Board 
 of Foreign Missions from Philadelphia. Bless 
 the Lord, 0, my soul, and forget not all Ms bene- 
 fits." 
 
 Both Colman and Wheelock were accepted as 
 Missionaries. But the fair prospect in which 
 they rejoiced was soon overclouded by the dan- 
 
ORDINATION AND MARRIAGE. 25 
 
 gerous illness of the former. He recovered, and 
 in September both were ordained. From these 
 public services they retired to Danvers, but in a 
 few weeks were again summoned to Boston. We 
 quote again from the journal. 
 
 Oct. 20. — Received a letter informing me that 
 two vessels are about to sail from Boston for India 
 in about three weeks. May we be permitted to go, 
 gracious Father, if it can be consistent with thy 
 blessed will. 0, lead us in the right way ! 
 
 Nov. 8. — To-morrow morn I expect to give 
 my hand to my dearest Harriet, to be united to 
 her for life. How solemn, how important the act ! 
 May I realize it to be such. May I remember 
 that very happy or very miserable will be the re- 
 sult of this union. God, I trust, has directed me 
 in this choice ; he, I trust, will bless us and make 
 us helpmeets to each other. 0, may this be the 
 case. May I (as I doubt not I shall) find in my 
 beloved Harriet all that which is necessary to 
 render her an agreeable, a useful, and an affec- 
 tionate wife. And 0, may she find in her unwor- 
 thy friend all that tenderness, that sympathy, that 
 attention, that interest, and that affection which 
 are so justly her due. To thee, Heavenly Father, 
 do we unitedly look, for thy blessing to rest upon 
 us. May this union be productive of great mu- 
 tual good, productive of great good to thy blessed 
 3 
 
26 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 cause, and to the poor heathen. United may we 
 go to Burmah — there may we live, there may we 
 labor, there may we die. 0, God, how great are 
 thy blessings ! But they are not too great for 
 thee to bestow. 
 
 The day of their departure arrived. It was the 
 10th of November, 1811. The farewell scenes, 
 since so frequently repeated, had then the exciting 
 interest of novelty. The crowded decks — the 
 unwonted voice of prayer — the floating sound of 
 solemn melody — the bursting sobs of friends — the 
 contrasted calmness of the missionaries — such were 
 the scenes of that solemn Sabbath morning. The 
 order is given to clear the ship. The last words 
 have been spoken — the last embraces given — the 
 last tears kissed from the pale cheeks of mothers 
 and sisters — the assembled friends are all on the 
 wharf, and the vessel about to part from her 
 moorings. Suddenly, the crowd opens. For 
 whom does it make way? One of middle age 
 and manly bearing appears ; he stands by the ves- 
 sel's side, with uncovered head. 
 
 '' Willard, my dear soul let me see your face 
 once more !" 
 
 Wheelock, thus addressed, advances to the ves- 
 sel's side, and the youthful Missionary stands with 
 uncovered brow before his loved and honored 
 parent. The crowd hold their breath, while the 
 
THEIR DEPARTURE. 2T 
 
 father takes one long look at the countenance of 
 the son so worthy of his love, and turns away in 
 silence to depart. Immediately the vessel is under 
 way, the forms of the Missionaries are soon lost 
 in the distance, even the waving of white hand- 
 kerchiefs can be no longer seen — parents, sisters 
 and brothers, return to their desolated homes in 
 silence and in prayer. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 Journals of the Missionaries — Religious Interest among the 
 Sailors — A storm at sea — Island of St. Anthony — A pleasant 
 Sabbath — Sight of land — Arrival at Calcutta. 
 
 The journals and letters of the Missionaries 
 furnish interesting details concerning the events 
 of the voyage from Boston to Calcutta. 
 
 Extracts from Mr. Wheelock's Journal. 
 
 At Sea, Nov. 29. — Mr. Wheelock writes : — 
 One day only has passed without sea-sickness. 
 Harriet has been the least affected of our little 
 band. For the greater part of the time, I have 
 been confined to my room. Family prayers have 
 been attended every morn and eve in the cabin, 
 since last Lord's day. This, we consider a great 
 privilege. As yet we have had no preaching on 
 board. To-morrow we hope to be favored with 
 it. Though confined to my bed, I have enjoyed 
 the privilege of reading considerably. Prideaux 
 on the connection of the Old and New Testament, 
 I have found highly interesting and instructive. 
 (28) 
 
JOURNAL OF MR. WHEELOCK. 29 
 
 It reflects mucli light upon the prophecies and 
 historical parts of Scripture. Reading this work 
 and the blessed Bible has occupied much of my 
 time. 
 
 Dec. 4. {Thursday.) — We have had a most de- 
 lightful day. The breezes were gentle, the water 
 calm, the sun resplendent. I have been on deck 
 the greater part of the day ; have not felt so well 
 one day since we sailed. 
 
 6. {Saturday evening.) — In peace I close ano- 
 ther week ; am more than two thousand miles 
 from my dear native land, and still dearer friends. 
 But God is here. And here he sheds abroad his 
 love in my heart, manifests his pardoning mercy, 
 and affords the richest consolations. '' The Com- 
 foi'ter,^'' not a comforter, but the Comforter is 
 here, sent down from Heaven. Jesus does not 
 forget his ancient promise. How striking and 
 how just is the name of the blessed Author of all 
 our joys — " The Comforter !^^ He comforts the 
 people of God. '' Him the world cannot receive." 
 Why ? " Because it seeth him not, neither know- 
 eth him, but ye know him," says Jesus to his dis- 
 ciples, "for he dwelleth with you and shall be in 
 you." Blessed Jesus ! make us thankful for this 
 gracious promise, and fulfill it daily to our souls. 
 
 ^. {Lord^s day.) — We have been favored with 
 divine worship all day. In the afternoon, brother 
 3* 
 
30 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Colman preached from John 8 : 37. It was an 
 interesting season. Light winds — favorable to 
 the meeting. 
 
 13. — To-morrow, the Lord wilHng, I shall 
 speak on board for the first time. May I be pre- 
 l^ared and assisted to speak a word in season. 
 
 It has been very justly remarked, that a life 
 spent at sea affords very little variety. 
 
 14. {Lordh-day.) — In the morning attended 
 divine worship below. The Captain favored ns 
 with his company. A portion of scripture and of 
 " Owen on Spiritual Mindedness" was read. In 
 the afternoon spoke on deck from Matt. 22 : 42. 
 ''What think ye of Christ?" The season was 
 very solemn. O, may it not be in vain. My 
 heart feels for these poor sailors. It was pleasant 
 to have the privilege of once more directing the 
 attention of my fellow sinners to the blessed 
 Saviour. This is the first discourse that I have 
 delivered since I spoke for Mr. Colman at Dor- 
 chester. 
 
 28. {Lord''s-day.) — Attended divine worship as 
 usual. In the afternoon spoke from Luke 19 : 10. 
 May salvation come to the ship I We visit the 
 sailors every Lord's day morning, to read and pray 
 with them. Two of them we instruct in reading. 
 They are very grateful. 
 
 31. — This year has drawn to a close. 0, that 
 
A SAILOR AWAKENED. 31 
 
 I may commence the approaching year with God, 
 and, if my life is spared, spend it in his service. 
 
 " for a closer walk with God, 
 A calm and heavenly frame." 
 
 Christian, wouldst thou live ? Forget not then 
 to pray much, to pray often and fervently. For- 
 get not to meditate much upon the love, the con- 
 descension, the dignity, the intrinsic excellencies 
 and perfections of Jesus. 
 
 Feb. 1- {Lorcfs-day.) — In the morning had an 
 interesting and solemn season in prayer with the 
 sailors. Had some conversation with James, and 
 obtained some evidence that he is a Christian. 
 No public worship to-day on deck, on account of 
 the weather. Below, however, we enjoyed divine 
 service. 
 
 2. — This afternoon we have had our monthly 
 prayer-meeting. It was a sweet season. It is 
 good for me to draw near to God. In the even- 
 ing, had some conversation with Stephen, another 
 of the sailors, an amiable youth. He appeared 
 deeply sensible of his sins. His heart appeared 
 rent with anguish. He was desirous of convers- 
 ing upon religion, and had been for some time 
 Blessed be God for this new expression of his 
 mercy. Surely he is in this {ship,) though I knetv 
 
32 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 it not. My heart has felt, and does peculiarly 
 feel for these sailors. 
 
 3. — Attended to our usual studies — Hebrew 
 and Greek. My soul has been filled with admi- 
 ration, on reading " Browm's History of Missions." 
 Especially did the exertions and sufferings of the 
 " United Brethren" touch my heart. They, in- 
 deed, manifested zeal and perseverance worthy of 
 the Christian Missionary. They endured hardness 
 as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. They met death 
 and danger in the face. To convert the wretched 
 Greenlander from the error of his ways, they en- 
 dured every privation. 
 
 6. — " The fear of man bringeth a snare." For 
 the Christian to fear to be singular, will bring 
 death into his soul. To be independent and in- 
 different both to the smiles and frowns of the 
 world, will best enable him to live like Christ. 
 
 20. — This day the power of God has been 
 manifest. He is in the midst of us. This after- 
 noon, James requested me to come below to con- 
 verse with him. Another with whom I conversed 
 seemed very solemn. L. was in an agony, said 
 he never felt his sins so sensibly as yesterday, 
 when brother Colman conversed with him. I 
 promised to pray wdth him. All consented. 
 We bowed the knee and called on God. Every 
 person present was deeply affected This even- 
 
MORE SAILORS IMPRESSED. 33 
 
 ing I was again sent for, to pray with the sail- 
 ors. I went, and what did I behold ? The 
 place echoed with the groans of the wounded. 
 God was evidently there. All were solemn. I 
 addressed Jacob, one of the sailors, who was 
 greatly distressed ; but soon found it expedient to 
 pray. After prayer I found brother Colman had 
 also come down. We both conversed with them 
 and then prayed again. 
 
 L. professed that he had found relief to his 
 mind after prayer in the afternoon, and was now 
 rejoicing in the Lord. Surely angels rejoiced. 
 How good is the Lord ! I feared that I was too 
 unworthy to be employed in converting sinners to 
 God. But, blessed be his name, he seeth not as 
 man seeth. I pause, admire, and adore the riches 
 of divine grace. We afterwards conversed with 
 Mr. D., the second mate, who appeared very 
 solemn. I longed to get to my room and pray. 
 H. and myself, repeatedly joined in prayer. Let 
 your prayers, my dear friends, repeatedly ascend 
 with ours. Nor let us cease to pray while there 
 is an unconverted soul upon the face of the 
 earth. 
 
 21. — This has been a blessed day. Have had 
 frequent conversation with the sailors. Every 
 countenance is solemn. N. gives us much evi- 
 
 475 liversiiie Drive. New York 27, H.Y. . 
 
34 COLMAN AXD TVHEELOCK. 
 
 in his heart. James is very happy to-day, though 
 last night he was much tried. Samuel, whom I 
 instruct in reading, appeared much affected this 
 morning. Brother Colman visited them below. 
 Mr. D., the second mate, still appears very serious. 
 0, Lord, carry on the work, we humbly beseech 
 thee. Accept our grateful praises for what thou 
 hast done. 0, glorify thyself. This evening had 
 a precious meeting with brother Colman and 
 brother Titcomb. The blessed Jesus was indeed 
 present. 
 
 22. {LorcVs-day.) — This is the most blessed 
 Sabbath that I ever saw,' say James and N. 
 Surely it is the most blessed by far, that I have 
 seen on board. I cannot but admire the good- 
 ness and mercy of God. Enjoyed the privilege 
 of praying with the sailors. Conversed, then sung, 
 
 " When God revealed his gracious name, &c" 
 
 How delightful it was to see these sailors, who 
 were, a short time since, swearing, now praying. 
 Blessed be God I Even the man at the helm was 
 released by the mate, who kindly took his place, 
 and permitted him to attend prayers. In the 
 afternoon, brother Colman delivered a very good 
 discourse from John 3 :. 16. " God so loved the 
 world, that he gave his only begotten Son." 
 
CONVERSION OF SAILORS. 35 
 
 March 5. — T have omitted a number of cir- 
 cumstances purposely, fearing that I should write 
 in too glowing terms of the young converts. 
 
 IT. — Attended to my studies as usual in the 
 morning, but in the afternoon I was called for- 
 ward to converse with the sailors. Conversed 
 with Stephen, who appeared much dejected. 
 Afterward with another, who seemed very sensi- 
 ble of his sins. We feared that the latter had 
 lost his impressions, and, indeed, he has appeared 
 quite careless, but our hopes are again raised. 
 0, may the Lord convert his soul. Endeavored 
 to pray with him repeatedly. It was a solemn 
 season. 
 
 18. — This eve, had some further conversation 
 with the sailors. My hopes and fears are much 
 excited about them. Of some, I feel much confi- 
 dence in their piety ; of others, I stand in doubt. 
 
 22. — This has been a very solemn day. In 
 the morning had an excellent meeting. Capt. 
 B. was present. We held our meeting in tlie 
 cabin. 
 
 April 8. — This morning, our hearts were glad- 
 dened by the joyful sound of "land! land!" 
 It was the coast of Golconda. The water assumed 
 a new hue, and, indeed, we could smell the land. 
 This was truly reviving. We had seen nothing 
 but sky and water for one hundred and forty-three 
 
36 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 days, except the glimpse of St. Anthony. We 
 hope to arrive at Calcutta in about a week. 
 
 This evening, for the first time, saw the sun set 
 beneath the distant hills, instead of sinking into 
 the ocean. The sound of " Land !" this morning, 
 reminded me of that far more blessed period when 
 the dying believer, closing the voyage of life, 
 beholds with rapture the Heavenly Canaan, and 
 hails the blissful shore with unspeakable delight. 
 May it be our happy case at last. Now we are 
 approaching a land of darkness, the habitation of 
 cruelty. But the dying saint approaches everlast- 
 ing light — the Kingdom of Heaven — the abode 
 of the blessed ! " 
 
 The details of this voyage give pleasing proof 
 that the Missionaries, though so desirous of preach- 
 ing the gospel in foreign lands, were by no means 
 guilty of the absurdity of neglecting the duties 
 nearest at hand for those afar off. Aware that 
 to these sailors who appeared forgetful of God a 
 new life was as necessary and salvation as pre- 
 cious, as to the heathen to whom the gospel was 
 to be carried by their efforts, they did not neglect 
 to seek for that intercourse with those around, 
 which resulted in affection and confidence, and 
 with the blessing of the Most High in the conver- 
 sion of several. 
 
 A few more particulars descriptive of the same 
 
MRS. wheelock's jourxal. 37 
 
 scenes we find in the journals of the other Mission- 
 aries. Mrs. Wheelock has detailed some of the 
 occurrences of the voyage in a manner so inter- 
 esting, that we make a few extracts from her pen. 
 
 " Ever memorable will be the 16th of Novem- 
 ber, 1817, a season when all the feelings of my 
 soul, both painful and jo5^ul, were called into ac- 
 tion — painful, because I never expected to see 
 those dear friends again, whose half-articulated 
 sound, 'farewell,' then reached my ear — painful, 
 because that, instead of spending the remainder 
 of my life in a civilized land among moral and 
 religious people, I shall pass away my earthly 
 existence in a foreign, sultry clime, surrounded by 
 pagans, who are destitute of the common feelings 
 of humanity ; yet joyful, because God has con- 
 ferred on me the great privilege of walking in 
 tills self-denying path — joyful, because that at 
 some future period, I hope to be useful to the 
 poor deluded creatures who inhabit that part of 
 the world, in being the instrument employed by a 
 wise and gracious God, of bringing them to a 
 saving acquaintance with the Saviour of lost sin- 
 ners. When I entered the floating prison, a sweet 
 serenity, unknown before, possessed my bosom. 
 I remembered the season when, weeping over the 
 deplorable state of the heathen, I pitied them ; 
 and now my soul was affected with the goodness 
 4 
 
38 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 and condescension of God in giving me an oppor- 
 tunity of going to those benighted regions. 
 
 Nov. 31, 1817. — Among the most solemn of my 
 days must be numbered the last Sabbath. On 
 that day we hoped to enjoy divine worship on 
 deck. In the morning attended prayers as usual. 
 At 10 o'clock, we met in one of our little rooms 
 for social, divine worship. Prayer was offered by 
 brother Titcomb, after which a hymn was read, 
 and then a chapter in ' Owen on Spiritual Mind- 
 edness ;' and the meeting was closed by prayer. At 
 12 o'clock we attempted to dine. We were seated 
 around the table, when lo ! a sudden storm arose. 
 To describe the scenes of the next half hour re- 
 quires an abler pen than mine. Every moment 
 we expected to be engulfed in the mighty waves. 
 After the storm had abated, Capt. Bangs said, 
 that during all his voyages he had never suffered 
 so much damage as on this occasion. The main 
 and fore-top-sails, together with jib and fore-top 
 main stay-sails and spanker, were very much split. 
 The gaff was also broken. Through divine mercy 
 no lives were lost. During this tempestous sea- 
 son, I trust my soul was stayed on God. Kever 
 did I view death so near, and never did I feel 
 so safe and happy. Truly, says the pious Psalmist, 
 *unto God, the Lord, belong the issues from 
 death.' By his irresistible power, he has pre- 
 
MRS. TVHEELOCK's JOURNAL. 39 
 
 served us in the time of trouble. Underneath us 
 were the everlasting arms. The Lord was our 
 rock, and our fortress, and our deliverer. In the 
 time of trouble he hid us in his pavilion. 
 
 Dec. 11, — It is now nearly four weeks since 
 we embarked on the mighty waters, and we have 
 just began to taste the pleasures of a sea life. 
 Yesterday we passed the island of St. Anthony. 
 When first discovered, it appeared like a cloud ; 
 but as we approached it we were delighted with 
 its craggy rocks and beautiful rivulets. Our dear 
 friends cannot easily imagine our transports on 
 beholding this huge mass. It is supposed to be 
 more than three thousand feet in height. How 
 delightful would it be, thought I, to walk upon 
 its sandy plains, or climb its rugged steeps. 
 Capt. Bangs thought of stopping at St. Jago, 
 but has concluded otherwise. We shall not pro- 
 bably see land again till we draw near to our de- 
 sired haven. 
 
 IT. — To-day, Capt. B. treated us with a sail 
 in the small boat. This was highly gratifying to 
 us. Imagine how we must have appeared, float- 
 ing upon the vast Atlantic in this little bark. 
 We sailed round the ship, which moved majesti- 
 cally upon the waters. With the last week we 
 have had several calms. At times I feel \tvy 
 anxious that we should speed our way to the 
 
40 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 heathen world. But why indulge this anxiety ? 
 If the Lord hath need of us there, he will surely 
 prosper our way. He will command the winds 
 and the waves to bear us with rapidity to our de- 
 sired haven. 
 
 2t. — This afternoon spoke a vessel, the Queen 
 Elizabeth, fourteen weeks from London, bound 
 to the Cape of Good Hope. After being on the 
 Atlantic seventy-two days, it was refreshing to 
 hear a human voice not of our number. There 
 were some passengers on board ; saw one female. 
 We sail very fast. May we soon have the plea- 
 sure of speaking a vessel bound to beloved 
 America ! 
 
 Feb. 8. — God, we humbly trust, is about to 
 manifest his glory and make his power known in 
 this vessel. Several of the sailors are very serious, 
 and one is under deep convictions of sin. 
 
 20. — Unite with us, my dear friends, in prais- 
 ing God for what he has wrought on board this 
 ship. The person of whom I first wrote is 
 brought, we humbly trust, to rejoice in the par- 
 doning mercy of our God. For more than a week 
 past he has given evidence of a change of heart, 
 and now he rejoices with joy unspeakable and full 
 of glory. With great simplicity and godly sin- 
 cerity, he expresses his views, and feelings, and 
 his hope in Christ. Several of the other sailors 
 
MRS. TTHEELOCK's JOURNAL. 41 
 
 are also deeply impressed. While I write Mr. 
 "W. is at prayer with them. 0, what love and 
 condescension has God manifested. These are 
 the blessings that result from the life, the suffer- 
 ings, and the death of the blessed Saviour. My 
 soul, adore and praise. 
 
 21 — This has been a pleasant day, and by far 
 the most solemn that I have experienced on 
 board. This morning, as usual, I went on the 
 deck to walk. What a solemnity pervaded the 
 place ! Every countenance indicated a heart 
 deeply affected with sin. Surely the Lord is in 
 this place. What wonders hath he wrought I 
 The progress of this work has not been rapid, but 
 the still small voice of God has gently penetrated 
 the heart, convinced it of sin, of righteousness, 
 and of judgment, and spoken peace to the trou- 
 bled conscience. May we never cease to praise 
 him ! May the recent manifestations of Almighty 
 power and goodness encourage us to persevere in 
 well-doing, even unto the end. Should trials and 
 opposition to the religion of Jesus threaten to hin- 
 der us from being useful to the poor Burmans, may 
 we recollect ichat wonders God performed on hoard 
 the Independence^ and may the recollection stimu- 
 late us to diligence aud activity in his service. 
 
 March 15. — This has been a pleasant Sab- 
 bath. It is delightful to see the dear, young con- 
 4* 
 
42 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 verts, no less, we humbly trust, than six in num- 
 ber, listening to the words of life. Yet I tremble 
 for them. How little do they anticipate the trials 
 that await them. Keep these tender lambs, kind 
 Shepherd of the flock, from the evil that is in the 
 world.* 
 
 24. — We are now within three hundred miles 
 from Sumatra. The idea of being so near land 
 again is truly pleasant, and gives rise to many 
 pleasant emotions. This afternoon a pretty land 
 bird came and sat in the edge of the cabin win- 
 dow. He engaged our attention a few moments 
 with his soft notes, and then took his flight to the 
 rigging. Poor little wanderer ! He was proba- 
 bly blown off the coast in some of the late 
 squalls." 
 
 From a published journal of Mrs. Colman, we 
 extract a few sentences descriptive of other parts 
 of these same interesting events. 
 
 * "We find from one of the English Missionaries, Rev. John 
 Lawson, testimony in favor of these sailors after their arrival 
 at Calcutta. Speaking of the occurrences on board of the In- 
 dependence, he says, *' What drunkenness and swearing have 
 been prevented, and health and sobriety promoted ! Instead 
 of seeing this crew in the gutters of Calcutta, exposed to the 
 sun and rain in a state of intoxication, we had the pleasure of 
 seeing nearly all of them at worship, the first Sabbath after 
 their arrival, dressed as neat and clean as we could wish, and 
 fresh health and peace depicted as strongly as possible on their 
 weather-beaten 
 
MRS. colman's journal. 43 
 
 " On Thursday morning brother Titcomb saw 
 one of the sailors, to whom he teaches navigation, 
 standing at the helm. He observed to him, that 
 at a certain hour in the forenoon, he would come 
 forward for the purpose of giving him instruction. 
 The sailor replied, ' You need not come to-day, 
 for I have something of more importance than 
 ]iavigation to attend to.' He then freely related 
 to Mr. Titcomb the distress which he felt on ac- 
 count of sin. 
 
 In the evening, Mr. Colman conversed with 
 him and found him deeply concerned for his soul. 
 
 On Friday afternoon, brother Wheelock spent 
 a considerable time conversing and praying with 
 the sailors. He observed that there was a gene- 
 ral solemnity on their minds. He and Mr. C. 
 visited them in the evening. When they returned 
 they remarked, that the scenes which they had 
 witnessed were calculated to melt the hardest 
 heart. Those who, but a few days ago, were liv- 
 ing in opposition to God and profaning his sacred 
 name, were now falling upon their knees, and 
 appeared greatly distressed on account of their 
 past transgressions. One person, who six days 
 ago, did not believe there was a God, and made 
 a ridicule of divine things, was now pierced to 
 the heart, and anxiously enquired ' what must I 
 do to be saved V Indeed, the cry for mercy was 
 general." 
 
44 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Thus, in tlieir o^Yn words, have we suffered the 
 Missionaries to portray the scenes and incidents 
 of their outward voyage. So great had been their 
 enjoyment of the Divine presence, so vivid their 
 consciousness of the love and sympathy of the 
 Saviour, that, in the words of Mrs. Wheelock, 
 ''the floating vehicle had been at times a floating 
 heaven." 
 
 But their long voyage was now drawing to a 
 close. The tokens of land became more numerous 
 and distinct. One more terrific gale was encoun- 
 tered, but while some other ships were dismantled 
 they escaped unharmed. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock remarks in his journal at this 
 time : — 
 
 " To recount the goodness of the Lord is cer- 
 tainly an incumbent duty. Contrary to our ex- 
 pectations, the storm has not driven us out of our 
 course. How mercifully were we preserved. If, 
 as we expected, we arrive in Calcutta to-morrow, 
 we shall be remarkably favored. The rich display 
 of grace on board, too, should never be forgotten. 
 The dear young converts were comforted yester- 
 day. Some of them were very happy during the 
 most violent part of the storm. Glory be to God I 
 In two severe gales we have been preserved, all 
 favored with good health the greater part of the 
 time, and brought in safety to our desired haven. 
 
MISSIONARY GRATITUDE A^D ZEAL. 45 
 
 Forever blessed be God I Our dear brother Tit- 
 comb's kindness we can never forget. Harriet 
 and myself sung together, since the pilot came on 
 board, 
 
 ' Bless, my soul; the living God !'• 
 
 The shores of the eastern world, the land of 
 strangers and of idolaters, now lay before the 
 Misionaries, and anew they dedicated themselves 
 to the service of God. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Calcutta — Natives — English Missionaries — Letters home — 
 Sickness of Mr. Titcomb — Mr. Wheelock preaches to the 
 soldiers — Departure — Arrival at Kangoon. 
 
 Passing the flat, monotonous region that marks 
 the entrance to the waters of the Hoogly, our 
 voyagers soon found themselves in the midst of 
 busy life. Small boats float around the vessel, as, 
 under the guidance of the English pilot, she slowly 
 pursues her course up the river. Meantime, on 
 all sides, objects of interest are continually in- 
 creasing. The slight, half- naked, bronze figures 
 of the natives are seen side by side with the pale 
 yet comparatively robust European. Mingled 
 with the unmistakeable signs of heathenism, are 
 also evidences of British rule — traces of wealth, 
 civilization and refinement. Glimpses of white 
 villas are seen from amid groves of embowering 
 trees. Along with the Hindoo temples may now 
 be seen also the spires of Christian churches. 
 
 On the 15th of April, 1818, while their own 
 western home which they had left was clothed iu 
 (46) 
 
MISSIONARIES AT CALCUTTA. 47 
 
 the first green robe of spring, the Missionaries 
 arrived at Calcutta. 
 
 They received an afi'ectionate welcome from the 
 resident Missionaries, and found for the time a 
 home at the English Mission House. From this 
 place Mrs. W. writes to her sister : — 
 
 " April 16, 1818. — Yesterday, at about four 
 o'clock, we arrived here in palanquins. I need 
 not assure you that it was really delightful once 
 more to step on solid ground, to meet these dear 
 Christian friends, and unite with them in a song 
 of praise, and in family prayer. I am very much 
 pleased with the harmony and union of these dear 
 people. They are indeed a happy band of breth- 
 ren and sisters. Mr. Carey has a boarding-school 
 in the house, composed of eight European child- 
 dren and five more pupils who do not board in 
 the family. These are all taught the English 
 language, Geography, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Penney 
 have also their respective schools, in which they 
 are very useful. Mr. P. 's school consists of two 
 hundred and ninety-nine scholars. Mrs. P.'s of 
 about eighty. They are unwearied in their efforts 
 to do good. 
 
 18. — Had a pleasant ride this morning in a 
 buggy. The verdure of the country, and the 
 breezes fanning us through the trees, were both 
 delightful and refreshing. The dear friends here 
 
48 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 do everytliiug in their power to render us com- 
 fortable. May they be abundantly rewarded for 
 their kindness. 
 
 May 3. {Lordfs-day.) — May it ever be remem- 
 bered with sensations of peculiar gratitude and 
 love to God ; this morning I sat with Europeans, 
 Musselmen, Hindoos, and Americans at the table 
 of the Lord. After being deprived of this great 
 privilege for about six months, I need not assure 
 you that it was exceedingly precious. And hav- 
 ing before my eyes the subjects of divine grace 
 out of Jive different nations of the earth, a part of 
 whom were once 'joined to idols,' my heart was 
 melted within me. Dr. Marshman received one 
 female, a native of the country, into the church. 
 
 I now hasten to close this long letter. You 
 can have no idea, my sister, of the intense heat 
 which we daily feel. The people here dress very 
 thinly, and always in white. The greater part of 
 the natives go almost without clothes. An En- 
 glish lady is never seen walking in Calcutta. No 
 person can wonder at this, when they are informed 
 that it is absolutely necessary for every one who 
 rides in a carriage or buggy to have a servant to 
 clear the way." 
 
 The next letter is from Mr. Wheelock to his 
 pastor. Rev. Dr. Baldwin of Boston. 
 
letter of mr, ttheelock. 49 
 
 Mr. Wheelock to Rev. Dr. Baldtvin. 
 
 " Calcutta, April 28th, 1818. 
 
 Dear Sir : 
 
 Permit me, from a heart filled with gratitude, 
 to express my feelings to you, my very dear Pas- 
 tor ; and not only my feelings would I express, 
 but the great goodness of the Lord to us his un- 
 worthy creatures. This day, while at dinner, was 
 your very acceptable parcel presented to me. O, 
 may I never cease to be grateful to my Heavenly 
 Father for all his mercies manifested towards me ! 
 In a heathen land, a letter from the most distant 
 friend would be highly interesting, but one from 
 my dear Pastor is unspeakably so. I rejoice ex- 
 ceedingly in the prosperity of Zion in beloved 
 America, and especially in that of the dear church 
 with which I have so often engaged in Divine wor- 
 ship, and in celebrating the dying love of Jesus. 
 My pen, alas I but feebly portrays the feelings of 
 my soul. 
 
 On the fifteenth of this month, just five months 
 from the time we left our dear native land, we ar- 
 rived at Calcutta. We were soon met by our Mis- 
 sionary brethren Lawson and E. Carey, who very 
 affectionately welcomed us to India, and invited 
 us to their house. These dear men, with several 
 others, are very kind to us indeed. They live in 
 6 
 
50 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 much harmony and love. We have been endea- 
 voring to prepare for our departure for Rangoon 
 by the first opportunity. We have made a short 
 visit to Serampore, and were received by the 
 brethren there with much kindness and affection. 
 We were highly gratified with the fatherly advice 
 and instruction, relative to our temporal affairs 
 and our spiritual course, that we received from 
 our elder brethren. 
 
 In returning to Calcutta we beheld, in many 
 places, the banks of the river thronged with the 
 poor natives, who came hither to icash and he clean 
 from all pollution. How painful to behold I 
 Surely if Christians in America could be trans- 
 ported here only for a few hours, their hearts 
 would be melted with pity, and would receive such 
 a Missionary influence as would not cease to en- 
 gage them in spreading the gospel among these 
 poor Tjenighted creatures. 
 
 I must now give you a few particulars of our 
 Toyage. The weather was, generally, very fine ; 
 we experienced but few storms. Capt. Bangs has 
 treated us very kindly. We shall ever have occa- 
 sion to speak of him with gratitude and much re- 
 spect. He continued one unvaried course of kind- 
 ness from the beginning to the end of the voyage. 
 The other officers were attentive and polite in 
 their treatment towards us. The kindness and 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. TITCOMB. 51 
 
 affection of our esteemed brother Titcomb, the 
 supercargo, have been great, and many have been 
 the offices of friendship which he has performed 
 towards us."* 
 
 An account of the conversion of the sailors 
 follows, which we omit. 
 
 We have already alluded to the fact, that thirty- 
 five years ago, the Burman Empire held but little 
 intercourse with the rest of mankind. The east- 
 ern shores of the Bay of Bengal were, to the 
 dwellers towards the setting sun, as the shores of 
 
 * Captain Paul Titcomb, of Newburyport, Mass. Of tho 
 uniform friendship manifested by this officer for the Mission- 
 aries, we cannot speak too highly. "When he learned that 
 Colman and "Wheelock wished to take passage on board the 
 Independence, he expressed much pleasure. His knowledge 
 of the sea, and of what was necessary in a voyage to India, 
 was of great service to them, in preparing their outfit. He 
 also used his influence in lessening their expenses, and in pro- 
 moting continually their comfort and usefulness. A member 
 of another denomination, he evinced, says one, "a noble supe- 
 riority to those sectarian feelings which have so often kept 
 good men asunder from each other." 
 
 During their stay in Calcutta, the Missionaries had the grief 
 to see this beloved and valued friend brought very low with a 
 fever, from which he never fully recovered. He died on the 
 homeward passage, July 30th, 1818. "He enjoyed sweet 
 peace of mind, and looked forward to his departure with calm 
 and joyful hope." 
 
 A sketch of his truly Christian character may be found in 
 the American Baptist Magazine, for March, 1819. 
 
52 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 some distant planet. The following letter from 
 Mr. Colman, illustrates this assertion. It is ad- 
 dressed to Rev. Dr. Sharp. 
 
 Mr. Colman to Rev. Dr. Sharp. 
 
 "Serampore, June 25th, 1818. 
 
 My dear and respected Pastor : 
 
 Before this time, you have, undoubtedly, con- 
 cluded that we have joined our dear friends in 
 Burmah. But the Lord has directed otherwise. 
 The trade between Calcutta and Rangoon is 
 very dull. No freight can be obtained for the 
 latter place. In addition to this the south-east 
 monsoon has set in, which is directly contrary to 
 vessels proceeding to any port in the Burman 
 dominions. But we feel more contented to re- 
 main here now, than we did a short time since. 
 Mr. Felix Carey has recently arrived at Seram- 
 pore from Ava, and has generously offered to 
 instruct us in the Burman language until an op- 
 portunity offers to convey us to Rangoon. Accord- 
 ingly we have all commenced, and feel, I believe, 
 real satisfaction in treading this new path. We 
 find it rugged and intricate, but hope it will, ere 
 long, conduct us to an extensive field of useful- 
 ness and pleasure. We look forward to the time 
 when, in this language, we shall speak the words 
 of eternal life to the perishing heathen. The 
 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASIA. 53 
 
 eye of the Missionary should not be bounded by 
 external objects. He should look forward to the 
 time when the difficulties which at first obstruct 
 his path will be surmounted, and when he shall 
 be engaged in the delightful employ of pointing 
 pagans to the Lamb of God. For years his lips may 
 be closed in silence. A foreign language must be 
 acquired. This work will consume much of his 
 time and youthful vigor. But this being accom- 
 plished, his reward begins to come — the sweet 
 satisfaction of relating the proposals of mercy to 
 the poor pagans. To them the gospel will be as 
 new as it was to the shepherds on the plains of 
 Judea, or to the apostles, when first they were 
 called to follow the Saviour of mankind. To 
 them the history of the Redeemer's life and death 
 will be clothed with all the charms of novelty, as 
 though it had never been known to an individual 
 upon earth. 
 
 The quarter of the globe in which we expect 
 to reside, must be interesting to a pious mind. 
 Here our first parents were created ; here Abraham 
 lived, and Jesus died. Asia was the most distin- 
 guished part of the world for several thousand 
 years. And have we not reason to believe that 
 it will yet be highly distinguished for the triumphs 
 of Divine grace ? Other sections of the world are 
 thinly inhabited compared to this. And when 
 5* 
 
54 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 the Hindoos, and Burmans, and Chinese, are con- 
 verted, what a loud anthem of praise will ascend 
 to our blessed Lord !* 
 
 With much pleasure I received your letter. It 
 afiforded us great satisfaction to learn that you re- 
 membered us in your petitions to God. ! for- 
 get us not. Pray that we may be fitted for our 
 work, may be clothed with humility, patience, 
 and zeal, and may be rendered abundantly use- 
 ful. Could I see you, my dear Pastor, and 
 some others of my American friends, one of the 
 dearest wishes of my heart would be gratified. 
 But this privilege I expect not to enjoy on earth. 
 0, may we meet in heaven, never, never, to be 
 separated." 
 
 Yours, affectionately, 
 
 James Colman. 
 
 The next letter is from Mr. Wheelock, and is 
 addressed to Rev. Dr. Baldwin. We give a few 
 extracts. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock to Rev. Dr. Baldwin. 
 
 " The fatherly advice, which from time to time 
 you have given me, and the tender interest which 
 
 * The present aspects of China are full of bright and unex- 
 pected promise — calling for increased prayer and exertion in 
 behalf of her teeming millions. — [J. N. B. 
 
CHRISTIAN GRATITUDE. 55 
 
 you have manifested in my welfare, can never be 
 forgotten, can never fail to excite emotions of 
 gratitude. Especially do I remember your kind- 
 ness in bringing me forward to enjoy the advan 
 tages of an education, that, under God, I might 
 in some degree be qualified for the great work 
 which he has been pleased to assign me. Lan- 
 guage can but feebly describe the feelings of my 
 heart towards you. Forgive, dear sir, the free- 
 dom with which I write. For " out of the abun- 
 dance of my heart does my mouth speak. " Happy 
 am I under these considerations to remember 
 that you will not, that you can not, lose your 
 reward." 
 
 From a journal kept by the same hand and 
 sent to Rev. Dr. Baldwin while at Calcutta, we 
 make the following extracts. 
 
 Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Wheelock. 
 
 " Calcutta, May 17th, 1818. 
 
 Attended Bengalee worship this morning 
 After sermon, brother Peters arose and made a 
 very fervent prayer. He is considered the best 
 of the native preachers, has a very fine command- 
 ing voice, and obtains much attention from the 
 natives. Between nine and ten o'clock, we went 
 from the chapel to a Bengalee place of worship 
 
56 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK, 
 
 made of bamboos and mats. Our English breth- 
 ren, E. Carey and J. Penney, accompanied us. 
 Here we had another meeting, which lasted nearly 
 three hours. Four addresses were delivered, two 
 by brother Carey, and two by the native brethren. 
 Several hymns were sung and prayers offered. 
 Though the speakers were barbarians to me, the 
 meeting was highly interesting. 
 
 I am quite at a loss to know how to give you 
 any description of the place of worship, or of the 
 assembly. I never beheld anything of the kind 
 before, and both are so unlike anything in Ame- 
 rica, that I fear no language of mine can convey 
 a correct idea to your mind. I can only say that 
 I believe that the same gospel was preached here 
 that is preached there. The pulpit was composed 
 of bamboos, stuck into the ground on a little 
 raised spot of earth. The house would probably 
 contain one hundred and fifty people. Sometimes 
 it was nearly full, but, perhaps, in a few minutes, 
 the number of people would be quite reduced. 
 Many were continually passing, engaged in their 
 worldly occupation. They frequently stopped 
 and listened for a few minutes to what was said, 
 made their remarks and went their way. One 
 said, *'the common people do this (preach) to get 
 their bread." Another, " this is not right." An 
 
PREACHING IN INDIA. 57 
 
 old woman, who had listened for some time, said, 
 ^' that is very true, that is very true.'''' 
 
 The preachers were repeatedly interrnpted by 
 being questioned. One enquired, " what are 
 tithes ?" The subject of the speaker was the 
 Pharisee and Publican. Another was so inquisi- 
 tive and talkative, that he nearly broke up the 
 assembly. Some would frequently come and in- 
 quire of their native brethren, ''what is this?" 
 The answer given, is ''Jesus Christ, Jesus 
 Christ." May we not then conclude, that many 
 will hear of this sacred name, and will seek a 
 knowledge of him ? During worship, the image 
 of one of their gods passed by, attended by much 
 noise and many people. Some went out, but the 
 greater part remained. 
 
 The offence of the cross is great unto them, I 
 am informed by our brethren, that they will hear 
 a discourse on moral subjects, but if they are told 
 that there is no Saviour but Jesus Christ, they are 
 quite offended and frequently go away. After 
 meeting, a number of tracts were distributed 
 among them. They appeared very anxious to 
 obtain them, but are quite fond of any books. 
 
 I was not a little interested at beholding a 
 Burman present, though it is probable he did not 
 understand. What bowels of compassion I felt 
 for him ! How did I long to preach to him, and 
 
58 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 to his nation, 'the unsearchable riches of Christ!' 
 What would our congregations in America have 
 thought, to have beheld this almost naked assem- 
 bly ; to have seen some with baskets, some with 
 bundles on their heads, others sitting on the 
 ground, and some constantly coming or going 
 from meeting? What feelings of pity, of com- 
 passion, of love, would have been excited in every 
 pious soul I What devou aspirations would have 
 ascended to God for the salvation of these deluded 
 pagans ! 
 
 June 6. — Towards night, I walked out with 
 brother Penney among the native huts. They 
 are principally built of mud and straw. They 
 are exceedingly numerous, and stand very close to 
 each other. The natives are quite civil ; indeed, 
 they are remarkable for their politeness. Some 
 of the females were much afraid of us, and ran 
 away as we approached them. 
 
 We went among some of the farmers. What a 
 difference between them and our American far- 
 mers ! Their cattle looked very meagre, as if 
 roughly treated,* and quite small. All of their 
 cattle appear small when compared with ours. 
 
 * The same remark occurs in the Journal of Bishop Heber. 
 Describing a drive in the vicinity of Calcutta., he says : " The 
 crowd of people was considerable, and kept up something like 
 the appearance of a fair along the whole line of road. Many 
 
LONGINGS FOR USEFULNESS. 59 
 
 How did I long to preach to these people the 
 unsearchable riches of Christ ! But, alas I my 
 mouth was shut. May I soon arrive at Burmah, 
 and commence the acquisition of their language. 
 Several years, however, will undoubtedly elapse 
 before I can direct the poor Burmans to the Lamb 
 of God. Brother Judson says truly, that "the 
 thoughts of these people run in channels opposite 
 to ours." 
 
 We also went into a bazaar. The noise and 
 bustle reminded me of Boston market. Here, 
 again, I remarked a very striking contrast be- 
 tween the two. I saw no meat at all. A few little 
 fishes, fruit and vegetables, were the principal 
 commodities for sale. The people who sold were 
 seated on a mat spread upon the floor. 
 
 14. {Lord's-day.) — Spoke in the morning in the 
 chapel, in the afternoon heard brother Ward 
 preach in Bengalee. About one hundred of the 
 natives were present, twenty of whom are mem- 
 bers of the church. Evening, heard Dr. Carey de- 
 liver a most excellent sermon ; text, Rom. 12:2. 
 
 ■were in bullock carts, others driving along bullocks before 
 them ; a few had wretched ponies, which, as well as the bul- 
 locks, bore too many marks of neglect and hard treatment. Tho 
 manner in which the Hindoos treat their horned cattle, sacred 
 as they are from the butcher's knife, appears far worse than 
 that which often disgusts the eye and wounds the feelings of a 
 passenger through London." 
 
60 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Received a precious letter from our dear sister P. 
 It was truly refreshing. It is another proof that 
 our beloved friends have not forgotten us. 
 
 16. {Tuesday.) — This evening received a packet 
 of magazines and letters from our beloved Dr. B. 
 Never before was I so affected by a letter. It 
 contained a hymn, composed on our departure 
 from America. Surely it is enough to draw tears 
 from eyes which never wept before. But, ah ! 
 while I weep for you, permit me also to weep for 
 the poor heathen. Even now, while I write, the 
 horrid din of their music, at this late hour, strikes 
 my ears. Thousands of them are preparing for a 
 grand festival of Juggernaut, which we expect to 
 behold in a day or two. Let me then weep also 
 for these wretched idolaters. And while a spark 
 of life, or a drop of vital blood remains, let me 
 labor for the salvation of their immortal souls. 
 0, my dear Pastor, how great are my obligations 
 to God and to you ! O, that this evening I could 
 express to you the gratitude wiiich I feel. While 
 I live, I humbly trust that the Lord will enable 
 me to pray for you. 
 
 I have read a good part of your Magazine, and 
 my heart rejoices at the cheering news which it 
 «ontains. I have had the pleasure of becoming 
 acquainted with Rev. Messrs. Townley and Keith. 
 They pteach in Calcutta, and appear much en- 
 
APPEAL TO AMERICA. 61 
 
 ga^ed in the cause of missions. While America 
 manifests so much zeal in this blessed work, may 
 immortal blessings be continually poured upon 
 her. May she become a ' mountain of holiness, 
 and a habitation of righteousness.' How highly 
 favored is she already ! And how highly favored 
 may we conclude she will he, if she continues to 
 exert herself in the cause of God ! 
 
 Go on, my Christian friends, go on in the work 
 of the Lord ; nor cease from your noble and glo- 
 rious efforts, while one fellow sinner is ignorant 
 of the adorable Jesus. You shall not labor in 
 vain, God is faithful ; and in due time you shall 
 reap, if you faint not. Expect not immediate 
 success. Could you see the heathen, I am in- 
 clined to think that you would utterly despair of 
 their conversion, did you not possess unshaken 
 confidence in the promises of the eternal and im- 
 mutable Jehovah. His word is settled in Heaven. 
 It must be accomplished. The gospel must pre- 
 vail. The kingdoms of this world must become 
 the kingdoms of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus 
 Christ. The period must arrive when "the earth 
 shall be filled with the glory of the Lord." O, 
 blessed era ! I hail thee with delight. I lift my 
 mournful eyes from this, at present, dark world, 
 and look forward with divine rapture. What can- 
 not Omnipotence perform ? When it ceases to bo 
 6 
 
62 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 an attribute of our God, let us then despair of the 
 success of his cause. Yes ; then, and not till 
 then, may we despair of success. 
 
 18. — Witnessed the awful scene — the worship 
 of Juggernaut. Dr. Marshman calculated that 
 there were at least 500,000 people present !" 
 
 While detained at Calcutta the Missionaries 
 were by no means idle, as may be seen, indeed, 
 from what has been already stated. 
 
 A sermon preached before a portion of the 
 •British soldiers of the fifty-ninth regiment, by 
 Mr. Wheelock, was so favorably received, that at 
 their own expense they caused it to be published. 
 The subject stated is, '' Humility. ^^ Among the 
 invincible troops of Britain, the conquerors of the 
 wide and rich domains of the East, one is hardly 
 prepared to look for the gentler and lowlier fruits 
 of Christianity. The story of European conquest 
 in Bengal is not surely suggestive of the meekness 
 and gentleness of the gospel. Yet as among the 
 Roman legions of old were found one or two cen- 
 turions truly humble and devout, so among these 
 men of war and blood were those upon whose 
 ear the persuasive words of piety fell even as re- 
 freshing rain from Heaven. They listened with joy 
 'to the winning words of our Saviour, " Learn of 
 me; fori am meek and lowly in heart." With 
 
SERMON OF MR. TVHEELOCK. 63 
 
 eager delight they imbibed the pious thoughts of 
 the young Missionary, who, from the ends of the 
 earth, had sought that sultry clime, there to dis 
 pense the words of eternal life. 
 
 From this sermon, which bears date, "Colom- 
 bo, Wesleyan Mission Press, 1818," we copy a 
 few closing paragraphs. The preacher dwells 
 with much animation upon the rest of soul which 
 is the portion of the lowly in heart. In conclu- 
 sion, he remarks, the rest of the humble will be 
 consummated in the skies. 
 
 *' There remaineth a rest, says the Apostle, 
 to the people of God. They will arrive at 
 that blessed abode, where the wicked cease from 
 troubling, and the weary are at rest. They will 
 possess rest, inasmuch as they will be secure from 
 the attacks of their enemies. The world, which 
 has so often allured them from the right way of 
 the Lord, will no longer allure them. The devil 
 will no longer harrass them. No more will they 
 be oppressed with a body of death. They will be 
 delivered from all corruption, and made com- 
 pletely holy, even as God is holy. They will be 
 with their blessed Saviour, and behold his glory ; 
 nay, they will be like him, for they will see him 
 as he is. 
 
 " This rest is strihingly typified hy the Sabbath. 
 On the Sabbath, we cease from w^orldly employ- 
 
64 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 ments, and engage in the service of God. In 
 Heaven, where the eternal Sabbath will be en- 
 joyed, the believer will be delivered from all 
 worldly concerns, and engage with all the powers 
 of his soul, in the service of God. Worldly care 
 and anxiety will no more disturb his bosom. The 
 perplexities of his life will cease. No more will 
 he meet with disappointments of any kind. All 
 tears will be wiped from his eyes by the soft hand 
 of everlasting love. He will enjoy rest — undis- 
 turbed, unmolested, eternal rest. There will the 
 service of God be constantly performed with ever 
 new delight. Dull mortality will no longer clog 
 his active soul, but with the ardor of angels will 
 he praise and adore his God. 
 
 '* On the Sabbath, we are permitted to hear the 
 servants of God describe his character. In Hea- 
 ven, the believer will be favored with the most 
 clear and enlarged views of it. God himself will 
 unfold to the mind of every saint his adorable 
 perfections. Each of them will learn more of 
 God in one hour, (if we may use the expression,) 
 than all of them could learn together during 
 their stay in this world. 
 
 " On the Sabbath the character of Christ is ex- 
 hibited to our view ; but, alas ! how faintly ! In 
 Heaven, Jesus will discover himself to his dear 
 disciples in the most glorious manner. Low, in- 
 
SERMON OF MR. WHEELOCK. 65 
 
 deed, are our present conceptions of him. How 
 exalted will they be, when, without a glass be- 
 tween, we shall gaze upon his uncreated glory ! 
 Then shall we feel most deeply sensible, that he 
 is the chief among ten thousand — the only one 
 altogether lovely. 
 
 " On the Sabbath, the way of life and salvation 
 is held up to our view. But our ideas of its glory 
 are contracted compared with what they will be, 
 when upon our astonished souls will burst the 
 full vision of God and the Lamb I For ' eye 
 hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered 
 into the heart of man, the things which God hath 
 prepared for them that love him.' 
 
 " On the Sabbath, the saint obtains fresh 
 strength to go forward in the Divine life. In Hea- 
 ven, his soul will be constantly invigorated by re- 
 ceiving fresh communications of grace and love. 
 
 " On the Sabbath he enjoys an antepast of glory ; 
 he sips at the stream which issues from the foun- 
 tain of eternal love. In Heaven, he will drink 
 large draughts of the water of life, drink from the 
 fountain ; forever will he allay his thirst from the 
 river of God. 
 
 " Our description of the rest that remains for the 
 
 people of God must be faint. On this subject 
 
 'thought is poor, and poor expression.' Let it 
 
 suffice, therefore, to say, it consists in the full, 
 
 6* 
 
66 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 perfect, everlasting enjoyment of God and the 
 Lamb! 
 
 " Here, Christian, repose your weary soul. To 
 you, Jesus says, Learn of me, for I am meek 
 and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto 
 your souls !" 
 
 The spiritual life and warmth that pervade 
 this discourse were, without doubt, grateful to 
 those who listened to it. They sought, by its 
 publication, to perpetuate the emotions called 
 forth by its delivery. On the printed page, how- 
 ever, we miss the beaming countenance and per- 
 suasive tones that gave power to its utterance. 
 The warmth of holy love, the brightness of hea- 
 venward hope, the fervent sympathy of spirit that 
 gave to this young servant of God such access to 
 the souls of others, we are told, by those who bear 
 in their hearts the pleasant remembrance of that 
 early day, was wont to engrave itself upon his 
 features and pervade their entire expression, giv- 
 ing power to his words, and impressiveness to his 
 tones. 
 
 The next letter is from Mr. Colman, addressed 
 to Kev. Dr. Sharp, and announces the fact that 
 after so long a detention, they have at last a 
 prospect of sailing for Rangoon. 
 
 The Missionaries had now been residing in 
 Bengal three months and a half, and gladly 
 
THEY SAIL TO RANGOON. 67 
 
 availed themselves of the first opportunity that 
 presented to pursue their voyage. Pleasant and 
 tender friendships had been formed among these 
 English brethren, who were laboring in the same 
 cause to which Colman and Wheelock had dedi- 
 cated their lives ; and much valuable information 
 and advice had been received from those who had 
 been long laboring among the heathen. With 
 many prayers and blessings from these devoted 
 fellow-laborers and friends, our wanderers once 
 more found themselves on board ship, and with 
 favoring breezes, were soon far at sea upon the 
 great Bay of Bengal. 
 
 They sailed from Calcutta on the 19th of Au- 
 gust, and arrived at Rangoon in about four weeks. 
 The reception of the Missionaries by their friends 
 in Rangoon, is described by Mr. Colman. 
 
 " We found, upon arriving at the landing-place, 
 our beloved brethren waiting to receive us. For 
 a short time we could do no more than take each 
 other by the hand. The sensations of our minds 
 destroyed the power of utterance. In about an 
 hour the females came on shore, when the whole 
 Mission family met, and by mutual expressions of 
 love and joy attracted universal attention. This 
 was a memorable season. Such a combination 
 of unusual feelings never rushed upon my mind 
 before. We were immediately conducted to the 
 
68 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 king's godoivn, where, according to the custom 
 of the country, we were strictly searched. We 
 then proceeded to the Mission house. Imagine, 
 if you can, our sensations when we stepped be- 
 neath its roof, and found ourselves in that dear 
 company which we had long desired to enjoy. 
 That was a season of feasting. How swiftly the 
 hours passed away 1 How varied, how cheering 
 was the conversation I How fervent were the 
 prayers and thanksgiving to Almighty God ! The 
 events of those sweet days can never be effaced 
 from my memory. I feel something of their in- 
 fluence at the present time." 
 
 The same scenes are further detailed by Mr. 
 Wheelock. 
 
 " At the mouth of the river we were favored 
 with a note from brother Judson, informing us 
 that brother Hough, or himself, would be ready 
 to meet us at the wharf, or, more properly, the 
 landing-place. Judge of our feelings when we 
 arrived before the town, which is to be, as we 
 trust, our home on earth 1 We were all soon 
 landed, and in the company of our dear Mission- 
 ary friends. What a meeting was this ! Never 
 before did I experience such a joyful season. 
 To behold our beloved brethren, and their com- 
 panions, afforded me such joy as I cannot ex- 
 press ! Indeed, the joy was mutual. We felt our 
 
INTRODUCTION TO THE VICEROY. 69 
 
 souls united. After we had been searched by 
 the officers of government, we, a happy Mission- 
 ary band, proceeded to the Mission House. 
 Here we arrived at about dark on Saturday even- 
 ing. ' Bless the Lord, 0, my soul, and all that 
 is within me bless his holy name !' 
 
 The Mission House is delightfully situated 
 among the trees, about two miles from town. A 
 large piece of ground is attached to it, contain- 
 ing a number of fruit trees. 
 
 Shortly after our arrival, brother Judson went 
 with brother Colman and myself to introduce us 
 to the Yiceroy. We found him in his garden- 
 house, surrounded with his officers of government. 
 We took off our shoes before we came into his 
 presence (which is the same thing here as taking 
 off the hat in America), and then seated ourselves 
 on a mat opposite him. He observed that we 
 were not accustomed to the Burman mode of sit- 
 ting, and said to brother Judson, ' Let them sit 
 comfortably.' 
 
 We had brought with us, from Calcutta, a small 
 chest of carpenters' tools for the use of the Mis- 
 sion. The Yiceroy heard of it, and expressed a 
 desire for it. As there never was one like it seen 
 here before, it was a great curiosity. We carried 
 it with us as a present, knowing that he must 
 have it. Accordingly, it was placed before him, 
 
10 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 and he arose himself (a thing very uncommon on 
 such occasions), and opened it. He appeared 
 much gratified with it, and called one of his arti- 
 ficers to examine it also. He inquired if we in- 
 tended to remain here, and had brought our 
 women ? Mr. Judson observed that we had, and 
 that 'we wished to take shelter beneath his 
 glory.' To w^hich he answered, 'stay! stay I* 
 and desired that Mr. Judson might come with our 
 women. Business being entirely suspended while 
 we remained, he seemed to desire our departure. 
 We therefore again paid him our respects and 
 retired, much gratified with the favor shown us, 
 and which we hope, through the overruling hand 
 of our Heavenly Father, will be continued. " 
 
 Descriptive of these same initiatory scenes, 
 Mrs. Wheelock writes with some variety of de- 
 tails and reflections. 
 
 "Our arrival at Rangoon apparently afforded 
 much diversion to many of the Burmans. A sight 
 of eight foreigners, and four of them newly ar- 
 rived, was sufficient to collect many of the inhabi- 
 tants together. Had you been a spectator of our 
 meeting the dear friends here, I think you would 
 have congratulated each of us. Brother Judson 
 and brother Hough were waiting on the shore to 
 receive us. 
 
 Our united desire is to be useful to the souls 
 
HAPPY COMMUNION. 11 
 
 of this people. This is the object, the only ob- 
 ject for which we left our native land. To ac- 
 complish this, we trust that we constantly have 
 your prayers, and the prayers of all the dear peo- 
 ple of God. For Zion's sake may Christians not 
 hold their peace, and for Jerusalem's sake may 
 they not rest, until the righteousness thereof go 
 forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as 
 a lamp that burneth ; until this desert rejoice 
 and blossom as the rose, and streams of living 
 water, from the river of God, refresh this parched 
 ground. 
 
 Since our arrival, we have enjoyed the privi- 
 lege of meeting around the sacramental board, 
 and commemorating the dying love of our ascended 
 Redeemer. It was, indeed, a precious season. 
 The Saviour's fruit was sweet to our taste, and 
 his banner over us was love. In this benighted 
 region, the ordinances of the Gospel shine with 
 redoubled lustre. Everything around is calcu- 
 lated to incite us to activity in his blessed service. " 
 
 The Missionaries having now, after nearly a 
 year from the time they left Boston, attained their 
 destination, and entered the dwelling so long re- 
 garded as their future home, we leave them for 
 the present in the enjoyment of much happiness, 
 closing this chapter -wdth a short extract from a 
 letter of Mr. Judson, with reference to the newly 
 
72 COLMA.S^ AXD -WIIEELOCK. 
 
 arrived members of the Mission family at Ran- 
 goon. 
 
 "We have had, I can truly say, a most joyful 
 meeting. You have never seen them, or it would 
 be unnecessary to add that they are four lovely 
 persons, in every sense of the word, and appear 
 to have much of an humble, prayerful spirit." 
 
CHAPTER lY. 
 
 niaess of the Missionaries — Journal — Continued illness of 
 Mr. Wheelook — Fatal delay — Final departure — Temporary 
 aid — Increased fever — Delirium — Death. 
 
 The joy of meeting portrayed at the close of 
 the last chapter was destined soon to be over- 
 clouded. 
 
 The passage from Calcutta to Rangoon had 
 been long, the accommodations poor, the voyage 
 on the whole uncomfortable. The rainy season 
 had set in, and the dampness of the bedding, &c., 
 induced coughs and colds. Both Colman and 
 Wheelock, neither of whom were of robust con- 
 stitution, suffered from affections of the lungs. 
 The same letter from Mr. Judson that expresses 
 his satisfaction at their arrival, adds his regret at 
 their ill-health. But while the one soon recovered, 
 the other remained prostrate under the influence 
 of disease. Mr. Wheelock -wTites thus, in one of 
 his earliest letters after his arrival. It is ad- 
 dressed to his parents. 
 
 7 (73) 
 
74 colman and wheelock. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock to his Parents. 
 
 " The excessive heat of Bengal, combined with 
 my exertions in private and public, considerably 
 enervated my system. My extreme sea-sickness 
 reduced me much lower. But after our arrival 
 in Rangoon, I forgot my weakness and exerted 
 myself too much in attending to our affairs, the 
 difficulty of which can only be known by experi- 
 ence. The Saturday evening following our arri- 
 val (a week before,) after engaging in family 
 worship, I was attacked with a slight turn of 
 raising blood. It was very unexpected and 
 alarming at first. But, in a few days, I ceased to 
 raise any more, and have now gained considerable 
 strength in my lungs. Through Divine mercy, I 
 trust that I am getting better. Blessed be God, 
 that I have an encouraging prospect of returning 
 health. I have a Burman teacher ; engaged him 
 the 5th instant, and attempted to study, but was 
 obliged to relinquish it. Harriet, however, em- 
 ploys him, and has now begun to read the 
 Burman." 
 
 The ensuing months brought partial recovery. 
 In Mrs. Wheelock's Journal we find the follow- 
 ing entries at this period, illustrative of their new 
 condition and progress. 
 
journal of mrs. wheelock. 75 
 
 Extract from the Journal of Mrs. Wheelock. 
 
 ''March 29, 1819. — This afternoon, we visited 
 our Burman teacher, who, for several days past, has 
 been sick of a fever. He was extremely feeble, 
 but his mind appeared somewhat tender, when 
 Mr. Wheelock endeavored to direct him to the 
 Saviour of whom he had so often read, and about 
 whom he had so often conversed. He received it 
 kindly, and answered with a look expressive of 
 his feelings, that he had never yet learned to pray 
 to that Being, who, so unlike all others, is not 
 the subject of old age, sickness, or death. "We 
 both left this miserable little dwelling with sensa- 
 tions different from what we ever felt before. By 
 contrasting our situation with his, we could not 
 forbear exclaiming : ' Oh ! how rich is the good- 
 ness of our covenant God towards us !' 
 
 "■ April 7. — The Burmans have no coin among 
 them. Their money, which consists of gold, sil- 
 ver, and lead, is always dealt out by weight. At 
 first it was a strange thing to weigh out a few 
 pounds of lead to purchase vegetables in the mar- 
 ket, and little pieces of silver, also, for other 
 necessary articles. From our first residing here, 
 I have taken the care, exclusively, of providing 
 for our family. This I did at first that Mr. W. 
 might have more time to study, and not have his 
 
76 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 mind in the least burdened. Bat his health has 
 not yet permitted him to attend closely to any 
 thing." 
 
 The services of the Burman teacher were, how- 
 ever, still continued, and efforts for the acquisi- 
 tion of the language perseveringly made We 
 continue our extracts. 
 
 " IT. — Could my dear Mrs. make us a short 
 
 visit, she would see us sitting in a long, open veran- 
 dah with our teacher, eagerly catching the instruc- 
 tion which he imparts. To get hold of the idiom 
 of a foreign language, and to be able to communi- 
 cate one's ideas intelligibly, is no small task. It 
 must be the labor of years. Work preparatory to 
 study, such as copying off the grammar and dic- 
 tionary, has hitherto employed the greater part 
 of my time. I have now finished copying the 
 grammar and four hundred and twenty pages of 
 the dictionary, which is all that brother Judson 
 has yet prepared. These will be invaluable helps. 
 We find it to be a great assistance to hear Bur- 
 man conversation, and with this we are frequently 
 favored, on account of our occupying the two 
 middle rooms, which are better situated for the 
 reception of Burmans than any other in the 
 house. 
 
 Sometimes they are disposed to hear the truths 
 of the Gospel, and will listen attentively while two 
 
HEATHEN DIFFICULTIES. 17 
 
 or three chapters of Matthew are read. To-day, 
 two or three women appeared particularly anxious 
 to hear and understand, and seemed to feel the 
 propriety of several remarks. They had never 
 before thought of the existence of a God. They 
 could not conceive that they had been sinning 
 against Him all their lives, as they had never be- 
 fore heard the mention of his name. We should 
 often have our hopes raised of these Burmans who 
 appear so attentive to the words of life, had we 
 not so frequently been disappointed. We are 
 daily, nay, hourly convinced that nothing short 
 of Almighty grace can effect the conversion of 
 their souls. 
 
 ^' April 28. — God has been pleased to deprive us 
 of the privilege of an intense application to study, 
 and has blighted our prospects of present useful- 
 ness by visiting Mr. Wheelock with sickness. He 
 raised blood soon after our arrival, and has never 
 been well since." 
 
 Again, under date of July 14. — " Mr. W. has 
 had a slight cough, which has increased and 
 preyed upon his constitution. It is attended with 
 a fever, night sweats, and sometimes a pain in his 
 side. My fears respecting him are greatly ex- 
 cited. Could we obtain medical advice here, my 
 mind would be greatly relieved. But with this 
 we cannot be favored without taking another voy- 
 1* 
 
T8 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 age at sea. We have seriously thought of going 
 to Bengal, and hesitate only at the expense which 
 must necessarily be incurred. We know not the 
 path of duty, nor the will of God respecting us. 
 Guide us, thou great Jehovah, and glorify thy- 
 self of us !" 
 
 The Missionaries hesitated long whether they 
 should impose upon the Board at home the ex- 
 pense of their voyage. Mr. Wheelock, in a jour- 
 nal kept occasionally by himself at this time, asks, 
 " Is money to be put in competition with life ?" 
 He was himself desirous of going. In the inter- 
 vals of a flattering disease, he felt that, under 
 more favorable circumstances, health might be 
 regained. This hope was not shared by his Mis- 
 sionary brethren. Mrs. W., after expressing re- 
 gret at the necessity of acting without the advice 
 of the other friends, proceeds : 
 
 " Feeling a settled conviction that it is his duty 
 to use every means in his power to regain his 
 health, Mr. W. has made application to Captain 
 Snowball, for a passage on board the Britannia. 
 He will take us for three hundred rupees (one 
 hundred and fifty dollars). The vessel is large, 
 of eight hundred tons. It has already dropped 
 down the river, and we shall probably go the day 
 after to-morrow. On account of the expense, I 
 have thought of remaining in Rangoon, but I can 
 
LETTER OF MRS. WHEELOCK. T9 
 
 not think this is a sufficient reason. No ; I will 
 go with him.^'' 
 
 Letter of Mrs. Wheelock. 
 
 On board the Britannia, Au'^ust 13, 1819. 
 
 " Five days since we left the Mission house. 
 Mr. Wheelock was carried in a chair by four men, 
 to the house of Mr. Turner, near the water side. 
 From this place, after a little rest, we embarked 
 in a large boat, and sailed about ten miles ere we 
 reached the ship. Capt. H. and brother C. ac- 
 companied us. Mr. Wheelock is now much bet- 
 ter than he has been for several weeks past. Our 
 accommodations on board are excellent. We 
 have a large cabin, in which are two doors, and 
 five windows with venitian blinds, and one glass 
 window. One door opens into a spacious gallery, 
 half of which we also occupy, and the other into 
 the dining room. We can have as much or as 
 little air as we please. This we highly prize. 
 
 " I think Mr. W. is stronger and better now than 
 when we left Hangoon, though his dreadful cough, 
 fever, and night-sweats still attend him. We 
 have at present, however, reason to believe that 
 the voyage will be beneficial to him. When 
 we left Rangoon, I thought him too low to sur- 
 vive the voyage ; but my hopes and expectations 
 are now a little raised, and I think I may yet see 
 
80 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 him in the enjoyment of health. He is able to 
 speak stronger, sit up longer, and take more 
 nourishment than when he came on board. We 
 hope our passage will not exceed fourteen days. 
 Nearly half that time has already expired ; and I 
 would record it among the greatest of our tempo- 
 ral mercies, neither Mr. W. nor myself has yet 
 experienced the most slight attack of sea-sickness. 
 This is, probably, owing to the free circulation of 
 air which we constantly enjoy, and to the size of 
 the ship. It rides upon the waters with perfect 
 ease, and we scarce feel the motion." 
 
 Again, at another date, Mrs. W. proceeds : — 
 ''Mr. Wheelock's mind was in the same com- 
 fortable, happy state for seven or eight days after 
 we embarked, that it had been for six months be- 
 fore. ' My dear Harriet,' said he to me at one 
 time, ' I feel sweetly resigned to the will of God. 
 as it respects my present and future state of 
 health. I feel that I have done my duty in leav- 
 ing Rangoon, and that God will accept my desires 
 to do something for the poor Burmans, even if he 
 should never permit me to return.' At another 
 time he said, * I feel my soul enlarged in prayer 
 for the salvation of the heathen. 0, if it is the 
 will of God that I shall be again restored to 
 health, with how much delight shall I enter upon 
 the work of preaching Christ unto the Burmans.* 
 
MR. WHEELOCK's last WORDS. 81 
 
 At another time, thinking him a little dejected, I 
 inquired why he was cast down. ' I am not cast 
 down,' said he ; ' on the contrary, I am tranquil 
 and happy. I feel the truth of that passage in 
 John, ^ God is loveP He has manifested his love 
 to my soul in such a manner, he has given me such 
 blessed assurances of a final victory over all my 
 sins and corruptions, that my heart is melted 
 within me. O, the amazing love of God !' 
 
 This voyage was also made comfortable and 
 happy by the captain of the ship, who was most 
 assiduously kind in providing every comfort and 
 indulgence grateful to an invalid. The ship af- 
 forded many little luxuries not to be obtained in 
 Rangoon ; the absence of which, unnoticed in 
 health, is in sickness always regretted by those 
 whose duty it is to minister to the suffering. In 
 the means of rendering life comfortable, they 
 were far better off on ship-board than on shore. 
 
 But this pleasant aspect of things was of short 
 duration. Symptoms of an unfavorable nature 
 appeared. These are regretfully recorded by 
 Mrs. W., and, as before, she casts her care on 
 God. 
 
 But darker days were to come. The seat of the 
 disease seemed changed. The mind, hitherto 
 calm and clear as crystal waters beneath a sum- 
 mer sky, was overclouded. The bitterest of all 
 
82 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 griefs awaited the lone watcher by the couch of 
 the dying. How often does the mystic chain, 
 which binds soul and body together, cause the 
 one to suffer through the infirmities of the other. 
 So it was now. The soul, which had often 
 plumed its wing and soared to the heights of re- 
 ligious joy, was now cast down into the depths of 
 despondency. The lips, which had hitherto spo- 
 ken only words of love, now addressed her who 
 stood at his side, as an utter stranger I The 
 tones that had so often, and with so much sweet- 
 ness, revealed to others the great idea of the Di- 
 vine glory, now bewailed the imagined misery of 
 having become an outcast from God. 
 
 The journal of Mrs. W. proceeds : 
 
 '' His depression of spirit increased. The fever 
 also increased, and, from that time, raged princi- 
 pally in his head, and deprived him of his senses. 
 Several times, during the two first days of his 
 distress, he looked very wild, and complained of a 
 severe pain in his head. I had not then, however, 
 the least idea of his being delirious. But the 
 next morning, as I was sitting reading the Bible 
 to him, he suddenly rose up from the chair in 
 which he reclined, and went out of the cabin door 
 into the quarter gallery. I instantly followed 
 him, and began to express my surprise that he 
 should have attempted going there without my 
 
JOURNAL OF MRS. WHEELOCK. 83 
 
 assistance (a thing which he had never done be- 
 fore). He had, by this time, reached a window 
 in the back part of the ship, and was just ready 
 to jump out. I caught him, clasped him in my 
 arms, and then led him back to the bed. When a 
 little revived, (for he was quite exhausted by the 
 effort which he had made, and was as helpless as 
 an infant,) I endeavored to converse with him, 
 and found that he v/as entirely ignorant of what 
 he had attempted to do, and that he did not even 
 know where he was. Towards evening he again 
 attempted to get out of the cabin to destroy him- 
 self. 
 
 " From the time that I at first discovered his de- 
 lirious state, I never left him a moment without 
 charging the servant to take particular care of 
 him, and I now redoubled this charge not to let 
 him rise from the chair or bed till I returned. 
 But with all my anxious care and watchfulness, I 
 could not preserve him from death. During the 
 whole of the night he appeared very wild, and 
 never closed his eyes in sleep. Early in the 
 morning he was quite insensible to anything that 
 occurred, but expressed great anxiety to know 
 what place he was in. This morning, however, 
 he went into the public room and breakfasted. 
 Capt. S. then observed, that he was an altered 
 person. I had desired Mr. W. to l-et me take 
 
84 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 breakfast with him in our cabin, being afraid to 
 leave him even with the servant, but to this he 
 would not consent and therefore went with me. 
 All the forenoon he was in great distress of body 
 and mind. I endeavored to comfort him, but it 
 was all in vain. He believed me to be an evil 
 spirit sent from the Lord to afflict him. At noon 
 he took more nourishment than usual, and I 
 thought him better." 
 
 They were now, (Aug. 20th,) approaching Cal- 
 cutta, and sailing very rapidly. In the expectation 
 that a post-boat would be alongside in the morning, 
 Mrs. Wheelock thought it best to make the ear- 
 liest possible effort to procure medical aid. The 
 sufferer was reclining in an easy chair. More com- 
 fortable than he had been before at any previous 
 hour of the day, he had apparently fallen into a 
 slumber. Mrs. W. sat down to inform the En- 
 glish Missionary friends of the state of things — 
 well knowing that every aid in their power would 
 speedily be afforded. In order to write, the mo- 
 tion of the vessel obliged her to turn partially 
 away. She had but just put pen to paper, when 
 she heard the door of the quarter gallery close. 
 Supposing it to have been left ajar, she arose to 
 secure it, that its swaying might not awaken the 
 sleeper. On returning to the spot which she had 
 left, the easy chair was vacant I 
 
DEATH OF MR. WTTEELOCK, 85 
 
 Shrieks of fearful agony rung through the ves- 
 sel ; a frantic form flew up and down and searched 
 in all directions for the missing ; others joined in 
 the search. It was in vain ! The huge ship 
 was holding on her rapid way ; but the fever- 
 wasted form of the stricken child of sufiTering 
 rested beneath the waves. 
 
 Lamented youth ! How like the orb of day, 
 
 Brilliant and doudless rose thy morning ray; 
 
 Rejoicing myriads hailed the lovely light 
 
 Ascending swiftly towards meridian height; 
 
 The hardy sailor blest it on the sea, 
 
 The awe-struck soldier owned its purit}' ; 
 
 When lo ! struck down, ere half thy course was run, 
 
 Our startled eyes beheld thy setting sun ! 
 
 The mournful tidings spread a sudden gloom — 
 
 * Wheelock has sunk into an ocean tomb — 
 
 Denied his fondest wish, his fervent prayer, 
 
 To die in Burmah, and be buried there : 
 
 Lo, widowed Love, and pure Religion weep — 
 
 Their hopes, with ours, are buried in the deep !' 
 
 Speak, sainted spirit, from thy new-found sphere — 
 If Heaven permit — into the mourner's ear ; 
 ' Thoug'h worn with sickness and harassed with pain, 
 Dark shadows gathered o'er my fevered brain ; 
 They had no power immortal ties to rend, 
 My much loved Master loved me to the end ; 
 And His calm voice broke through the shades of death- 
 Why didst thou doubt— thou of little faith ? 
 When dim delirium o'er my senses stole, 
 A glorious vision brightened on my soul, 
 
 8 
 
86 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Of Jesus walking on the midnight 
 And my heart cried, Lord, bid me come to thee ! 
 I sprang, like Peter, at the welcome word, 
 On the sea's heaving waves to meet my Lord : 
 I sank, like Peter — but more highly blest — 
 My Saviour caught me to His Heavenly rest !* 
 
 J. N. B. 
 
CHAPTER y. 
 
 The Mission reduced — Journey of Judson and Colman to Ava 
 — The visit to the Palace — The petitions — The disappoint- 
 ment — The return to Rangoon. 
 
 Colman was now the only assistant of Judson. 
 In the early part of 1819, he writes thus, concern- 
 ing the people among whom he was preparing to 
 labor. 
 
 " In the mind of a Burman there are none of 
 those strings which preachers in Christian lands 
 touch with success. He denies the existence of 
 a Supreme and Eternal Being." If this denial 
 be true, there can be no sin against him, and 
 consequently, there can be no necessity for an 
 atonement. These great truths, which lie at the 
 foundation of revealed religion, never glanced 
 into a Burman's mind. He has not the least con- 
 ception that this world was created and is up- 
 held by Almighty power, wisdom and goodness. 
 When puzzled in argument, he still remains unaf- 
 'fected, unimpressed. The utmost which he ac- 
 knowledges is, that superior genius compels him 
 to bow. Here, generally, conviction ends. 
 
 (87) 
 
88 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Among a people so dark and impenetrable, 
 how clearly do we see the necessity of Divine 
 operation ! Yain are the powers of reason ; vain 
 are the charms of eloquence. 0, that our Ameri- 
 can friends would pray for us and for the poor 
 heathen to whom we are sent. Could they but 
 see the thousands which, once every week, press 
 to the great Pagoda, their hearts would be deeply 
 affected, and a new spring be given to their Mis- 
 sionary efforts. 
 
 The house in which we live, stands at some 
 distance from any public road. It is advantage- 
 ously situated for those who are acquiring the 
 language. We can just hear the bustle of the 
 town without being disturbed by it. This retired 
 spot, however, is but poorly calculated to attract 
 the attention of the Burmans. This is one rea- 
 son why so few call to inquire about the religion 
 of Jesus. 
 
 Feeling this to be a serious obstacle to Mission- 
 ary exertions, we have finally purchased a small 
 piece of land adjoining a part of the premises 
 which previously belonged to the Society. Here 
 a temporary house in Burman &tj\e is erecting, 
 in which brother Judson intends to pass the prin- 
 cipal part of each day. It will stand upon one 
 of the roads, which lead to the great Pagoda. 
 
THE WHITE ZAYAT. 89 
 
 The passing is immense, especially on worship 
 days. 
 
 We hope and pray that the Divine blessing will 
 attend this effort. It is the most public one that 
 has yet been made. The Gospel must be openly 
 preached — the event must be left with God." 
 
 A description of this first Christian temple in 
 Burmah, (opened April 25th, 1819,) we find in a 
 letter of another Missionary. 
 
 '' The Zayat is situated thirty or forty rods 
 from the Mission House, and in dimensions is 
 twenty-seven by eighteen feet. It is raised four 
 feet from the ground, and is divided into three 
 parts. The first division is laid entirely open to 
 the road without doors, windows, or a partition 
 in the front side, and takes up a third part of the 
 whole building. It is made of bamboo and 
 thatch, and is the place where Mr. Judson sits 
 all the day long, and says to the passers by, ' Ho I 
 every one that thirsteth !' &c. The next and 
 middle division is a large, airy room, with four 
 doors and four windows, opening in opposite di- 
 rections, made entirely of boards, and is white- 
 washed to distinguish it from the other zayats 
 around us. In this room we have public worship 
 on the Sabbath. The third and last division is 
 only an entry way, which opens into a garden 
 leading to the Mission House." 
 8* 
 
90 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 But these improved arrangements had been made 
 but a few months, when difficulties arose, such as 
 had been unknown before. Hitherto, in their 
 peculiar labors, the Missionaries had been free 
 from irksome restraint on the part of the Burman 
 government. The retired lives of the white for- 
 eigners, the few and obscure converts that had 
 been made, had attracted little attention. But it 
 could not be always so. A Burman teacher, a 
 person of some literary distinction, was known to 
 be examining into the truth of the new religion. 
 A single remark from the viceroy, when informed 
 of this, spread terror among the inquirers. ' The 
 "White Zayat ' was forsaken. 
 
 Mr. Judson became convinced that without 
 the favor of the monarch of Burmah, protection 
 was not to be expected for those who might em- 
 brace Christianity. He finally resolved to visit 
 the capital to petition for the privilege of preach- 
 ing the gospel. In this most interesting journey 
 he was accompanied by Mr. Colman. 
 
 The city of Ava, the capital of Burmah, is also 
 on the Irawaddy, some three hundred and fifty 
 miles from Rangoon. The pointed, canoe-like 
 boats, manned and guided by the natives, pre- 
 sented the mode of traveling, and on the 22d of 
 December, 1819, in the dry season of the year, 
 when vegetation is in all the richness and beauty 
 
VISIT TO AYA. 91 
 
 of that tropic clime, tliey bade farewell to their 
 home and companions, and set out on their un- 
 tried journey. Their course lies, for many days, 
 through a flat, level country, its sameness scarcely 
 relieved by a hill, though abounding with popu- 
 lous villages. As they ascend the river the sur- 
 face becomes gradually more undulating and the 
 scenery changed. The green hills are crowned 
 by gilded Pagodas. Ah, how pleasant, how joy- 
 ful would be the sight, were these pointing spires 
 the indexes of Christian temples ! 
 
 " Like moral telegraphs that bear 
 The upward thoughts of the forgiven." 
 
 But the Missionaries cannot forget that these are 
 idol shrines, and though they crown the green 
 hill-tops with splendor, yet to the thoughtful mind 
 there is evermore a blight upon their beauty, a 
 mildew upon their brightness. 
 
 Yet the travelers went cheerfully on, for their 
 minds were full of the sunshine of hope. Would 
 the monarch of all this wide realm but smile upon 
 their petition, then, without molestation, they 
 could preach the Divine word. The native vil- 
 lages furnished opportunities to distribute tracts, 
 telling of the Eternal God, and the Missionaries 
 could leave their boat and walk among the 
 thatched houses that stood upon the river banks. 
 
92 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Now the little vessel sails slowly by the magnifi- 
 cent ruins of an ancient city — deserted, but not 
 entirely dismantled of its splendor. Weeks pass, 
 yet still the frail barque holds on her way. Rumors 
 are heard of daring robberies. These two Mis- 
 sionaries have truly taken their lives in their 
 hands. They meet nowhere a familiar face, save 
 the faithful Moung Nau, the first Burman con- 
 vert, who accompanies them ; they know not of a 
 Christian in all that region, so new, so strange. 
 
 After a voyage of five weeks, they arrived, Jan. 
 25th, 1820, at Amarapoora, the seat of govern- 
 ment, four miles above Ava, the present capital. 
 
 Here they found Mya-day-men, the former vice- 
 roy of Rangoon. He was known to the Missiona- 
 ries, had treated them with consideration at their 
 home, and his wife had extended very courteous 
 regards to Mrs. Judson. To appear before a 
 Burman officer of government without a gift 
 would be considered rude. The Missionaries were 
 therefore provided with suitable presents. An 
 elegant gilt Bible was designed for the King. It 
 was in six volumes, each volume being enclosed 
 in a rich envelope. Valuable gifts had also been 
 prepared for the officers of government. The 
 kindness of Mya-day-men formerly extended to 
 the Missionaries, was not withheld now. The 
 presents brought to himself and wife were received 
 
VISIT TO AVA. 93 
 
 and the petition for leave to behold the golden face 
 passed to the person proper to attend to it. This 
 was a private minister of state called an Atwen- 
 ivooR. Little idea can they, whose home is in a 
 land of freedom, where government is based upon 
 the equality of men, where rulers are made so by 
 the voice of the people, know of the homage paid 
 in the eastern world to royalty. Little even does 
 the European know of the craven humility, the 
 abject fear, with which the East Indian approaches 
 his lord. 
 
 The favor of Mya-day-men saved the Missiona- 
 ries much trouble and delay. But for this, to- 
 gether with his high standing as an officer of state, 
 their petition, instead of going so directly to the 
 King, would have passed up through various 
 grades of officers, attended, at each successive 
 step, with outlay and inconvenience. 
 
 Evening came, and in their boat, their only 
 home, they had leisure to think upon their situa- 
 tion and prospects. Their hopes were kept alive 
 by a visit from Moung Yo, the officer who was to 
 conduct them to the Atwenwoon. He would, he 
 said, attend them on the morrow. What thoughts 
 filled their minds, what prayers sprung from their 
 lips, as, at that eventful period, they together 
 awaited the morning. They could not sleep. 
 Their position, the remembrance of the object for 
 
I^i COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 which they had come, the royal word, so big with 
 joy or grief for them, with spiritual life or death 
 for that vast realm, as it then seemed to them, 
 held their eyes waking. What could they do but 
 again and again commend themselves to the Al- 
 mighty, taking, as the hours of night waned slowly, 
 firmer and firmer hold on that strength which is 
 Eternal, 
 
 The next day the Atwenwoon, Moung Zah, re- 
 ceived them graciously. Here they disclosed 
 their object. They were "propagators of reli- 
 gion." They wished to have leave to exercise 
 this privilege in the Burman Empire. The min- 
 ister of state took their petition and began to 
 read. At that moment he was told that the golden 
 foot was about to advance. Kising, he told the pe- 
 titioners that he must seize that very moment to 
 present them to the Emperor. Arrayed in full 
 dress, he exclaims, " Come along. ^^ They fol- 
 lowed, and through many passages and up a 
 flight of stairs, were ushered into a magnificent 
 ball. Its lofty dome was supported by pillars, 
 the whole blazing with burnished gold. Erom 
 the further end of this princely saloon, the mon- 
 arch advanced. "Every head," says Mr. Jud- 
 son, "excepting ours, was now in the dust. "We 
 remained kneeling, our hands folded, our eyes 
 fixed on the monarch. When he drew near, we 
 
PRESENTATION TO THE KING. 95 
 
 caught his attention. He stopped, partly turned 
 towards us — ''Who are these ?" " The teachers, 
 great king," I replied. "What, you speak Bur- 
 man — the priests that I heard of last night ?" 
 "When did you arrive?" "Are you teachers 
 of religion?" "Are you like the Portuguese 
 priests ?" " Are you married ?" " Why do you 
 dress so ?" These and some other similar ques- 
 tions, we answered ; when he appeared to be 
 pleased with us, and sat down on an elevated 
 seat^ — his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, 
 and his eyes intently fixed on us." 
 
 The officer who had presented them, now seiz- 
 ing the favorable moment, began to read the peti- 
 tion. It was to the effect that they be permitted 
 to preach and propagate their religion without 
 molestation. The king heard it through, and 
 reached out his hand for the paper. How did the 
 hopes of the Missionaries rise ! He looks at it, 
 reads it through deliberately. Then a tract is 
 handed out by Mr. Judson. This was a moment 
 of hope and prayer. Will the golden face smile 
 upon the petitioners ? Xay, will he believe ? 
 For in that little paper which he holds in his 
 hand are the words of Eternal Life. But no ; he 
 has read a sentence or two — he dashes it to the 
 ground I He rises with the port and stateliness 
 befitting a king, but little weens that he has cast 
 
96 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 away the knowledge of the King of the universe— 
 the pearl of great price, for which it were wisdom 
 to sell all the kingdoms of the earth, parting even 
 with all the gems and gold of the Indies to buy. 
 
 Both Judson and Colman knew that this deci- 
 sion was final. They had ascertained beyond a 
 doubt, that the toleration of the Burman govern- " 
 ment extended no further than merely to allow to 
 foreigners the exercise of their own religious wor- 
 ship. The converts among the natives were, and 
 must be, by this rule, entirely unprotected. So 
 fully aware were they of the defeat of their hopes, 
 that they were ready at once to return. With 
 hearts saddened by disappointment, yet sustained 
 by a trust in God, and a belief in the ultimate 
 wisdom and perfection of all which he ordains, 
 they repaired to their boat. After a rapid pas- 
 sage of twenty days down the river, (they had 
 been more than thirty in ascending it,) they were 
 welcomed once more to the Mission House at 
 Rangoon. 
 
CHAPTER YI. 
 
 Chittagong — Labors of De Bruyn — Contemplated removal— 
 Remonstrances of the Burman converts — City of refuge — 
 Departure of Colman for Chittagong — The Arracanese con- 
 verts — Cox's Bazaar — Plans for native schools — Sickness of 
 Mr. Colman — Death. 
 
 Having failed to obtain favor from the Burman 
 king, Messrs. Judson and Colman turned their at- 
 tention to a region where they would be out of 
 his power. 
 
 Half way between Rangoon and Calcutta lay 
 the little province of Chittagong. About one 
 hundred and twenty miles in length, its inhabi- 
 tants, of the Arracanese nation, speak the Bur- 
 man language. This province, with its chief town 
 of the same name, was, even at the time of which 
 we speak, under the British rule. Here was a 
 promising field of Missionary labor. An English- 
 man, named De Bruyn, by profession a teacher, 
 had here labored and gathered sixty or seventy 
 converts. The work was progressing in his 
 hands, when he lost his life through the treachery 
 of a young man who had been received into his 
 9 (9T) 
 
98 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 family, and repaid the kindness given by murder- 
 ing the bestower. Mr. de Bruyn was, at the time 
 of the arrival of Colman and Wheelock, the most 
 successful of the English Missionaries. Mr. Jud- 
 son had himself, not far from this time, under- 
 taken a voyage to Chittagong to obtain some aid 
 from the native converts. In this he was unsuc- 
 cessful — having been, against his will, carried to 
 the Coromandel coast and detained from his labors 
 many months. 
 
 Safety for the Christian Burmans in Rangoon 
 could no longer be expected. A word from the 
 residing governor, the representative of the golden 
 face, might at any time disperse the crowd of in- 
 quirers that filled the Zayat. The Missionaries feit 
 that in the beginnings of the religious life, the first 
 dawning of the day, they could hardly look for 
 the strength of martyr zeal from all the baptized. 
 They thought of leaving the Mission House in 
 Rangoon for a more inviting field at Chittagong. 
 They wished also to prepare a place to which per- 
 secuted Burman Christians could flee, without los- 
 ing the religious privileges to which they might 
 be accustomed. 
 
 The faith, however, of the converts in this time 
 of trial, exceeded their expectations. They gath- 
 ered around the Missionaries, they entreated 
 movingly that the teachers would stay. One 
 
ZEAL OF THE CONVERTS. 99 
 
 declared that he would never leave them but 
 would follow them to any part of the world ; an- 
 other, that he would go " where preaching was to 
 be had." Said another, "if I must be left here 
 alone, I will remain performing the duties of 
 Jesus Christ's religion ; no other shall I think of." 
 
 The Missionaries wept. They had not been 
 aware that the converts had for themselves so 
 strong a regard, for the Christian faith so pervad- 
 ing and absorbing a love. How shall they leave 
 this little baud of brethren to whom their hearts 
 are knit, and who are entreating them not to go ? 
 Though the King of Burmah has frowned upon 
 their labors, is not the smile of God resting upon 
 them ? 
 
 It was now suggested that one missionary 
 might remain, and the other go. If Colman go 
 to Chittagong, should persecution rage in Ran- 
 goon, the former place would be as a city of 
 refuge to such converts as might be obliged to 
 flee. This measure at first seemed grievous. 
 Shall the missionary, who labored so long single 
 handed, be again left ; and that without the hope 
 of toleration ! Again, shall Colman leave this 
 little band of disciples in the very paw of the lion, 
 to go himself to a place of greater security ? 
 Having braved so much of danger along with 
 Judson, shall it be said that he deserted the sta- 
 
BMOO dOLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 tion in its day of darkness ? Thus he reasoned. 
 This, however, was overruled. '* It was," said 
 Mr. Judson, " for the good of the whole mission." 
 The matter was freely canvassed, and the result 
 was the establishment of the new station. 
 
 On the 2nh of March, 1820, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Colman left Rangoon for Chittagong, now called 
 Arracan. It was necessary to go by sea to 
 Calcutta, crossing the Bay of Bengal, and then 
 skirting along the northern coast, arrive at their 
 destination. 
 
 Mr. Colman writes, June 17th. — " The district 
 of Chittagong contains 1,200,000 inhabitants. 
 As yet I have been able to ascertain but little 
 concerning the converted Arracanese. They re- 
 side between forty and fifty miles from the place, 
 and as the rainy season has commenced, I shall 
 be under the necessity of deferring a visit to 
 them for several months. This is a severe disap- 
 pointment, as I anticipated the happiness of 
 immediate intercourse with them. I expect, 
 however, in a short time to obtain a teacher, by 
 means of whose assistance I hope to be better 
 qualified to afford them instruction." 
 
 At this place also (the city of Chittagong) dif- 
 ficulties assailed the missionaries. No sooner 
 was their object known than they were informed 
 by the resident magistrate, that without an order 
 
DIFFICULTIES AT CHITTAGONG. 101 
 
 from the English government, they would not be 
 permitted to remain. This proceeding on the 
 part of the magistrate was dictated evidently by 
 a sense of duty to his superiors ; as he had, since 
 the arrival of Mr. Colman in the territory, treated 
 him with much politeness. Difficulties from the 
 East India Company, similar to those experienced 
 by Messrs. Judson and Newell, some years before, 
 were apprehended. With much misgiving as to 
 success, efforts were now made by Mr. Colman 
 for permission to remain in this remote part of 
 the Company's dominions, in the capacity of a 
 Christian teacher. The English Missionaries at 
 Calcutta aided Mr. Colman in this with much 
 zeal — thus adding another proof of their truly fra- 
 ternal regard for their American brethren. The 
 magistrate also added his testimony in favor of 
 the character and conduct of the applicant. The 
 result was, the order was obtained, and the Gos- 
 pel made free in the province. There had been, 
 however, unavoidable delays with regard to mis- 
 sionary labor. 
 
 Jan. lY, 1821, Mr. Colman writes, "I have just 
 returned from a visit to the Arracanese converts. 
 On Saturday, the 25th of December, I arrived 
 at a small village, the inhabitants of which, I had 
 been informed, were all the disciples of Christ. 
 Pushing our boat into a creek and walking a short 
 9* 
 
102 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 distance, I came to their place of worship. The 
 roof consists of thatched leaves, the sides are 
 made of bamboo, and nature has supplied it with 
 a floor. The inhabitants were assembled previous 
 to my arrival, and in a short time divine worship 
 commenced. The head man of the village ad- 
 dressed the throne of grace, while the whole as- 
 sembly kneeled. He then read and expounded a 
 part of the fifth chapter of Matthew. I was 
 so much animated by the scene before me that, 
 almost involuntarily, I commenced speaking. I 
 had never made the attempt before, and soon re- 
 collecting my incapacity, asked them whether they 
 understood me. They simultaneously exclaimed, 
 *^ we understand.''^ I now proceeded more rapid- 
 ly, often repeating my interrogation, and was as 
 often gratified with the same answer. In the af- 
 ternoon I spoke to them concerning the character 
 of God, and quite exhausted my little stock of 
 words. The evening now approached, and with 
 feelings of regret, I bade them adieu. We rowed 
 about an hour and came to Cox's Bazaar. At 
 this place I spent the Sabbath, opening the scrip- 
 tures to the disciples." 
 
 Mr. C. in the next paragraph alludes to an 
 evil, probably inseparable from the history of na- 
 tive converts, when for any cause they are left 
 destitute of intelligent Christian teachers. 
 
RESIDENCE AT COX's BAZAAR. 103 
 
 " My visit to these disciples would have aJBTorded 
 unalloyed pleasure, had I not found them very 
 defective in their views of Christianity. They 
 have mixed its doctrines with many of their hea- 
 thenish notions, and have thus attempted to form 
 an harmonious system out of the most discordant 
 ideas." 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Colraan were now comfortably 
 situated at Chittagong, but they were not among 
 Burmans. The Mahometan and Hindoo popu- 
 lation spoke a language they could poorly under- 
 stand, and much as these people needed the Gos- 
 pel, to them it could not be communicated. A 
 severe disappointment had been experienced in not 
 finding, as had been anticipated in this place, an 
 Arracanese population. They resolved to take up 
 their abode in a native village where they might 
 bring the Gospel of Christ into contact with the 
 hearts of the people. A populous place (Cox's 
 Bazaar) was selected as their residence. It was 
 regarded by the English as an unhealthy spot, 
 and on this account, to render an abode there at 
 all practicable, a more substantial dwelling must 
 be erected than the huts of the natives. An airy 
 site was selected and a bungalow or cottage was 
 built. 
 
 "We hope soon," writes Mrs. Colman, "to 
 pitch our tent in the midst of those who (with a 
 
104 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 slight difference of pronunciation) speak the same 
 language that we have been studying. There we 
 shall, on the Sabbath, be surrounded with a group 
 of heathens, to whom Mr. C. can make known 
 the joyful tidings that Christ has suffered and 
 died to save guilty sinners. Pray for us, my sis- 
 ter, particularly on the Sabbath. Pray that while 
 we are situated in this parched land, where no 
 cooling streams flow from earthly sanctuaries to 
 refresh our souls, we may be supplied from the 
 fountain above." 
 
 On the 12th of November, 1821, the Missiona- 
 ries arrived at Cox's Bazaar, and commenced 
 their labors. Opposition soon arose. A Bud- 
 dhist priest, not a resident of the place, but a visi- 
 tor from Ceylon, on hearing of the arrival of a 
 teacher of a new religion, excited numl)ers of the 
 people, who surrounded the dwelling of the Mis- 
 sionaries for the purpose of destroying their goods 
 and expelling them from the town. These designs 
 were, however, overruled, and ultimately protec- 
 tion found from the magistracy. Plans for the 
 establishment of schools, similar to those of Cal- 
 cutta, were formed by the Missionaries, and one 
 school was put in operation. 
 
 Reference to their labors and prospects is made 
 in a letter addressed by Mr. Colman to Rev. Dr 
 Sharp. 
 
LETTER TO DR. SHARP. 105 
 
 "ApnllQ, 1822. — Since our arrival I have had 
 considerable conversation with many who live 
 around us, and with many who live in different 
 parts of the Burman Empire. The imperfect 
 views of Divine truth which have been given, and 
 imperfect they must be, with my limited know- 
 ledge of the language, will not, I hope, be in 
 vain. From some we have been favored with 
 several visits, and one or two afford considerable 
 evidence of being renewed by Divine grace. In- 
 quiry has been excited. The people frequently 
 meet together, and have warm debates respecting 
 the Christian religion. 
 
 I had scarcely finished the preceding sentence, 
 when a man came in, of whose conversion we en- 
 tertain strong hopes. I told him I was writing 
 to a teacher in the great country of America. 
 ' Tell the people there,' said he, ' that among 
 all the kindreds that dwell upon the earth, the 
 Arracanese are the darkest. They are as dark 
 as the darkest night in the rainy season. Let the 
 disciples of Christ therefore be diligent in praying 
 and laboring for their salvation.' 
 
 Is not this, thought I, a Macedonian cry from 
 the wilderness ? Here are two-thirds of a nation, 
 not inconsiderable in point of numbers, exiled from 
 their country, and compelled to take shelter in 
 one governed by Christian rulers. This move- 
 
106 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 ment has placed them within reach of benevolent 
 exertions. May we not hope that He who guides 
 the affairs of kingdoms has sent them from the 
 land of their fathers, that they may become ac- 
 quainted with the Gospel ? Until within a short 
 time past, they have been in too unsettled a state 
 to admit of the residence of a Missionary among 
 them. But now they have built for themselves 
 towns, and planted vineyards. The field of labor 
 among them is open — open to American Baptists. 
 Shall the privilege be granted them in vain ?" 
 
 A solemn interest invests this letter from the 
 consideration that it was probably the last Mr. Col- 
 man ever wrote. It was written but a few days 
 before he was attacked with the fever which caused 
 his death. A part of a letter from Mrs. C. is 
 subjoined. It is addressed to the mother of the 
 deceased. 
 
 Letter of Mrs. Colman. 
 
 *' Cox's Bazaar, July, 1S22. 
 
 On the arrival of your letter, which was the 
 eighth of June, Mr. C. was well, and enjoyed an 
 unusual flow of spirits. He was warmly engaged 
 in the cause of his Divine Master, and his life, to 
 human appearance, was never more necessary. 
 But just at this interesting period, Infinite Wis- 
 dom saw fit to remove him. On the 28th of June, 
 
MR. COLMAxSr's LAST SICKNESS. 107 
 
 he was attacked with an intermittent fever. He 
 took such medicines as are commonly used in 
 such cases. They produced a good effect, and 
 such were the favorable symptoms of his disease, 
 and so slight were his sufferings during the first 
 five days, that neither of us apprehended the least 
 danger. 
 
 On the sixth day, however, (July 6th,) he sud- 
 denly grew worse, and early in the evening the 
 fever came on in a more alarming manner tha.n it 
 had done at any preceding time. I gave him 
 some medicine which considerably abated its vio- 
 lence. He became quite composed, and after 
 speaking a few words to me, fell into a gentle 
 sleep. I remained by him in a state of great 
 anxiety, but still thought there was every appear- 
 ance of his having a comfortable night, and I de- 
 termined, as I saw his disorder increasing so fast, 
 that should we both be spared till the next day, 
 I would remove with him to Chittagong, hoping 
 that a change of air might be beneficial. But, 
 alas ! he was not permitted to see the light of an- 
 other sun. After remaining composed for a short 
 time, I had the disappointment to perceive that 
 he grew extremely restless. I awoke him, and 
 O ! what agony of mind I felt, when I found that 
 delirium had made its approach ! It was then 
 about eleven o'clock. After this, the fever in- 
 
COLMAN AND TVHEELOCK. 108 
 
 creased in a rapid and violent manner, and made 
 ineffectual every effort which I made to save a 
 life 50 dear to me. His sufferings were very ex- 
 treme towards the close, when it pleased God to 
 lessen their severity. Although unable to speak, 
 yet he seemed entirely delivered from pain, and 
 breathed his last without a groan or a struggle." 
 Thus early closed (July 6, 1822,) the life and 
 labors of the first American missionary to the 
 Arracanese. How apt, in this connection, seem 
 the words of one,* afterwards herself, for many 
 years, a beloved and honored missionary : 
 
 *• Mourn, daughters of Arracan, mourn ! 
 
 The raj's of that star, clear and bright, 
 Which so lately on Chittagong shone. 
 
 Are shrouded in black clouds of night, 
 For Celman is gone !" 
 
 ♦ Mrs. Sarah B. Judson. 
 
CHAPTER YII. 
 
 The two survivors — Mrs. Colman — Mrs. Wheeloek — Arri- 
 val at Calcutta — Letters home — Native schools of India- 
 Marriage of Mrs. W. — Residence in the east — Interest in 
 Missions — Death of JVIr. Jones — Pteturn voyage — Death — 
 Conclusion. 
 
 Here we might bring this brief nan-ative to a 
 close. We are, however, sure that our readers 
 will inquire concerning the future fate of the two, 
 now early widowed, who shared with Colman and 
 Wheeloek in their heart dedication to the work, 
 and followed them in their wanderings. Every 
 vicissitude, by land and sea, had been shared by 
 the companions of the missionaries till the hour 
 of death — the one finding his grave in " the deep, 
 deep sea," the other amid the green hills of Chit- 
 tagong. 
 
 With the history of Colman and Wheeloek, that 
 of their devoted companions has been necessarily 
 blended. Of one of these survivors we in this 
 chapter endeavor briefly to trace the course fill 
 the hour of her death. The other still lives. 
 10 (109) 
 
110 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Mrs. Colman, after her husband's death, re- 
 turned to Calcutta. She was subsequently mar- 
 ried to Rev. Amos Sutton, and became an ho- 
 nored and useful laborer in the Orissa Mission. 
 
 Mrs. Sutton has twice revisited her native 
 country, having sailed the last time for India as 
 lately as 1850. So long a life, so faithfully spent 
 in the service of missions, is rare. Many who 
 started in the race since Mrs. S., have lain down, 
 even in their armor, and died. She continues still 
 to labor in the service of Christ, and that too, in 
 a most interesting field, though not the one of 
 her first selection. We but express the feeling 
 of many hearts in saying, may it be yet many 
 years before these labors shall cease, and her 
 name also, " a gathered flower," be enshrined on 
 some page with those who have gone before. 
 
 Mrs. Wheelock, soon after the death of her 
 husband, in 1819, arrived in Calcutta. She was 
 received with much love by the missionaries of 
 that place, who were solicitous, by every means 
 in their power, to befriend and console. At the 
 dwelling of Messrs. Lawson and Pearce she 
 found a home. With mournful pleasure she re- 
 cords the Christian kindness, the fraternal and 
 ,sisterly affection, that made her once more a 
 member of a mission family. 
 
 Letters written at this period are before us. 
 
LETTER OF MRS. WHEELOCK. Ill 
 
 One of the earliest of these is addressed to Rev. 
 Dr. Staughton of Philadelphia, the Secretary of 
 the Missionary Board, requesting the decision of 
 that body with regard to her future course. The 
 residence of an unmarried female missionary 
 among the Burmese would at that time have 
 been unprecedented, and Mrs. Wheelock awaited 
 the decision of the Board. 
 
 From a letter, bearing date, Calcutta, March 
 *rth, 1820, we make some extracts. It is addressed 
 to the mother of Mr. Wheelock. After acknow- 
 ledging the receipt of several letters addressed to 
 the deceased, she proceeds : 
 
 Letter of Mrs. Wheelock. 
 
 " Like my other letters these have opened, and 
 caused to bleed with fresh anguish, the wound 
 which has been rent in my heart. I dread to 
 read letters directed to my dear Edward ; they 
 awaken all the tenderness I possess, and lead me 
 with a melancholy dejection to dwell upon the 
 past ; yet I could not but receive these letters. 
 They are kind tokens of remembrance from his 
 and my friends, for which I trust I am very 
 thankful. 
 
 Mr. Ropes called here to-day to inform us that 
 his vessel will leave Calcutta for Boston in a few 
 weeks. By this opportunity I want to send you 
 
112 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 a long letter, and I wish I had any thing of a 
 pleasing nature to communicate, that would in- 
 terest my much-loved mother's heart. I have 
 nothing at present particularly interesting to 
 communicate, except, indeed, that I think the 
 goodness of God in restoring to me, in a great 
 measure, the flow of spirits I formerly enjoyed is 
 cause for great thankfulness, and should be men- 
 tioned by me with humble gratitude and praise. 
 
 My various trials have, I trust, had a sanctified 
 effect ; and, my dear mother, I can now say, I 
 believe that God has led me in a right path. I 
 have to regret that I have so long suffered my 
 spirits to be depressed, and my heart to despond. 
 I believe that I should never have been so ex- 
 ceedingly depressed and borne down as I have 
 been, had I but cast my burden more on God. 
 He is ever ready to hear the cries and complaints 
 of his children, and to impart to them all needful 
 strength. Every disappointment and trial, every 
 bereavement, and affliction, that they are exer- 
 cised with, is from his covenant love, and is 
 planned and arranged by his infinite wisdom for 
 their good. 
 
 These truths often rest upon my mind, but 
 they do not always produce the happy effects 
 that they ought. It is only when they are ap- 
 plied with divine energy, that I enjoy a calm and 
 
RESIGNATION AND JOY. 113 
 
 composed frame. And I how precious those 
 moments are, when heavenly resignation takes 
 possession of the heart ! 
 
 Of late, one passage of scripture has been al- 
 most constantly in my mind. It is this : * Hal- 
 lelujah ! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.' 
 I have experienced more delight and satisfaction, 
 have derived more comfort, and more lasting be- 
 nefit in meditating upon it, than I can possibly 
 express. I can indeed rejoice that the reins of 
 government are with God alone. I have been so 
 filled with a consciousness of his sovereignty, 
 his wisdom, and his love and goodness to me, 
 that I cannot repine at any of his dealings with 
 me. His own great and Holy name will be glo- 
 rified by them, perhaps in a way that I least ex- 
 pect. ! then, I would resign myself and my 
 all into his hands, and await the fulfillment of his 
 will. Yes ! and I will praise the Lord for the 
 bestowment of resignation to his will, which I 
 have frequently enjoyed, and which I now enjoy. 
 I will praise him for that grace, which has en- 
 abled me to bear up under trials, and for that 
 faith, which directs my view to a peaceful home 
 beyond the grave. 
 
 In heaven, my dear mother, we shall never 
 murmur that we were exercised with too many 
 trials while inhabitants of this vale of tears. — 
 10* 
 
114 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 * happy day that brings the pilgrim home !' I 
 could wish the days of separation shortened that 
 I might be with our heavenly Father ; and meet 
 in that blessed world, where pleasures never die, 
 his dear saints, and my own dear bosom friend, 
 who has left me in this dark maze of sin to 
 mourn his loss, and to pursue my course upward 
 without his kind aid. Lamented saint I I did 
 not sufficiently appreciate thy worth, and thy 
 benignant smiles while I enjoyed thy endearing 
 company. ! could I once more embrace thee ! 
 But no. The example of patience and resigna- 
 tion which thou hast left, the remembrance of 
 that grace, which supported thee through the 
 languishing hours of sickness, the undissembled 
 piety, and unshaken faith in God which thou didst 
 possess, and which shone * like a halo around thy 
 brow,' thy last sufferings and agonies, when de- 
 prived of the greatest faculty with which man is 
 endowed, will forever remain impressed in inde- 
 lible characters upon my heart. But I can re- 
 joice that thou hast now passed Jordan's cold 
 waves, that thou art seated near our blessed Sa- 
 viour's side, never again to be exercised with 
 external or internal trials, nor to pillow again thy 
 head upon the thorny bed of disease. 
 
 Forgive me, dear mother, this digression. 
 When I began this letter I did not intend to men- 
 
NEED OF MORE MISSIONARIES. 115 
 
 tion our dear Edward's name, nor to write any 
 sentence that would again present the much- 
 loved object to your recollection. There is a 
 melancholy pleasure, known only to a widowed 
 heart, in calling to remembrance the virtues, the 
 piety, the Christian graces, which departed friends 
 possessed ; but I hope that I have not wounded 
 you by giving vent to my feelings. 
 
 March 24. — A few days since we had the plea- 
 sure of welcoming to these heathen shores two 
 Independent English Missionaries, who are to 
 join others already here, in their labors of love for 
 the spiritual welfare of the nations. They indeed 
 seem to come to us in the fullness of the blessing 
 of the gospel of Christ. Long may their lives 
 be spared to occupy spheres of usefulness, and to 
 enlighten the benighted minds of the degraded 
 and superstitious idolators of this country. Their 
 labors are much needed here, and we rejoice that 
 they have come. We could welcome to this 
 single spot (Calcutta) a hundred more." 
 
 The next letter is addressed by Mrs. Wheelock 
 to her sister. This endeared relative was even 
 as herself, a mourner. ^N'ewly wedded, she had 
 been called to lay her husband suddenly in the 
 tomb, exchanging her bridal adorniugs for a 
 widow's weeds. 
 
116 colman and wheelock. 
 
 Letter of Mrs. Wheelock to her Sister. 
 
 Calcutta, Sept. 14th, 1820. 
 
 *' My very dear Sister, 
 
 When I first took up my pen on the 6th 
 instant to answer your very kind and affectionate 
 letter, want of time did not allow me to write you 
 half that I wished to communicate. I can hardly 
 realize your situation, though I know that you 
 are indeed a widow ; that your fond hopes of 
 happiness and enjoyment with your dearest friend 
 are cut off. But how sudden I His sun set ere 
 it reached its meridian. What shall I say that 
 will have a tendency to comfort your mind under 
 this bereavement I I know that a heart thus 
 wounded, must be indulged in the luxury of 
 grief; hut He who wounds can heal. I know, 
 my dear sister, that you can derive consolation 
 only from God. Go then to him, and cast your 
 sorrows at his feet. You are allowed to grieve, 
 though not to murmur before him ; and if God 
 is indeed your God, you will feel more than ever 
 to cleave to Him. 
 
 If, my dear sister, your affliction have the 
 happy effect of enlivening your faith, fixing your 
 hope, purifying your affections, and rendering 
 your desires more holy and heavenly, you will 
 have cause to number it among your choicest 
 
MR. WHEELOCK TO HER SISTER. 117 
 
 blessings. 0, let us not repine at our afflictions I 
 They are measured to us by Infinite Love, and we 
 have no more given us than is necessary to wean 
 us from this sinful, dying world, and fit us for 
 Heaven. It was right that our dearest friends 
 should be removed from us. God undoubtedly saw 
 that they sometimes held too large a place in our 
 hearts, and that in possession of them and their 
 smiles, we were too often contented without His 
 life-giving presence and the light of His recon- 
 ciled countenance. 
 
 I recollect a few months before Mr. Wheelock's 
 death, when my mind was beclouded, I said to 
 him, ' ! that I had an assurance in my own 
 soul, that I love my Redeemer as surely as that I 
 love you, I should then never be unhappy, and 
 Heaven and all its bliss would be mine forever !' 
 He tenderly reproved me, prayed with me, and 
 expressed his fears that we should be separated 
 if we gave more of our affections to each other 
 than to God. I can never forget this. 
 
 The removal of our friends shows us where to 
 look for permanent happiness, and teaches us the 
 importance of being in readiness for the hour of 
 our own dissolution. Happy indeed should we 
 be, if, with an old saint, who was deeply afflicted, 
 we could say, ' whatever I possessed I enjoyed 
 
118 COLMAN AXD WHEFLOCK. 
 
 God in it all, and now that all I had is removed, 
 I enjoy all in God!'" 
 
 The next is extracted from a letter to the 
 mother of Mr. Wheelock. As will be perceived, 
 it has reference to the sailors, whose conversion 
 on the outward voyage has been already related. 
 
 Mrs. Wheelock to her Mother-in-Law. 
 
 *' Sister E 's letter to her late dear brother, 
 
 Dr. Baldwin's, and the letters from the sailors 
 belonging to the Independence, were almost too 
 much for me. My spirit nearly fainted under a 
 deep sense of the Divine goodness. Has God 
 indeed conducted them to the bosom of our much- 
 loved friends to relate his dealings with them, his 
 grace manifested to their souls ? Are any of 
 them the epistles of our deceased Edward? 
 Epistles not written with ink and paper, but by 
 the Spirit of the living God ? yes I To Him, 
 whose salvation has been extended to them be 
 all the praise. Was your heart affected, my dear 
 mother, at seeing these pious sailors, and hearing 
 them converse ? Did tears of joy flow down 
 your cheeks when you received our first commu- 
 nications ? Imagination has often brought you 
 near, and I have rejoiced and wept with you. 
 
 Ah ! how will the pious mother's heart be 
 wrung with anguish when she receives the long 
 
TO HER MOTHER-IN-LAW. 119 
 
 account of her Edward's sufferings and melan- 
 choly death. But I know that God is able to 
 support you under this bereavement, as he has 
 me. To Him I often commit you. He has an 
 undisputed right to dispose of all his creatures 
 as he pleases. I bow in submission to his right- 
 eous will. I feel my affections loosed from earth, 
 and more intently fixed on divine things than 
 they ever were before. 
 
 I hope that all my dear Edward's friends will 
 write to me as often as if he was still living. I 
 sometimes fear that they will not. But no I For 
 his dear sake they will not forget me, though 
 unworthy of their kind regards and attentions. 
 I shall ever esteem a correspondence with any of 
 them a great privilege." 
 
 During the sojourn of Mrs. Wheelock with the 
 missionaries in Calcutta, she became deeply in- 
 terested in the native schools. Words occa- 
 sionally fall from her pen, expressive of her desire 
 to spend her days in laboring in this sphere. The 
 difficulties in the way of her residence in Kan- 
 goon did not exist here. 
 
 Her heart was often deeply touched at behold- 
 ing the absurdities and superstitions of the Hin- 
 doos. Of all religions that have place in human 
 regard, theirs may be emphatically called the 
 most cruel. Humanity feels itself outraged at 
 
1(20 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 the indifference so long manifested by Europeans 
 in India on this subject.* A single extract from 
 the correspondence of Mrs. Wheelock reveals 
 her employments and views. It is taken from a 
 letter addressed to her sister, dated July 5th, 
 1820. 
 
 To HER Sister. 
 
 " I am still with these excellent friends, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lawson, and Mr. and Mrs. Pearce. My 
 time has been much occupied in school. The 
 employment is pleasant and profitable to me. It 
 leaves me no time to brood over my trials. But 
 I cease not to remember the chastenings of my 
 heavenly Father ; my soul is humbled within me 
 when I think that my sins have provoked him to 
 anger ; and that they are the procuring cause of 
 all the trials of life. I can say it is good for me 
 to be afflicted. 
 
 I have been much interested of late in what is 
 doing for the education of Bengalee female chil- 
 dren. A society, called the ' Female Juvenile 
 Society, for the establishment and support of 
 Bengalee Female Schools,' has been formed." 
 
 Subsequent events concurred to fix the resi- 
 dence of Mrs. Wheelock in India. 
 
 * A better state of feeling is now in progress, and the go- 
 vernment is now active in suppressing the evils in question. 
 
MARRIAGE TO MR. JONES. 12l 
 
 Her return to Calcutta under circumstances so 
 affecting could not but enlist in her behalf the 
 sympathies of others as well as the members of 
 the mission family. Young, lovely, a stranger, 
 and in deep, heart-breaking sorrow, she could 
 not fail to find that many were interested in her 
 welfare. Among these was one, an English resi- 
 dent in the service of the East India Company, 
 whose interest in her fate was more than the dic- 
 tate of friendship. But the offer of his hand was 
 declined. The widowed heart turned in grief 
 from another love. 
 
 Some time after this, Mrs. W. learned that, if 
 it was her -wish to return to her native land, an 
 individual stood ready to meet the expenses of 
 her voyage. This was found to be the same per- 
 son who had sought her hand. Permission to aid 
 her return home, provided such was her desire, 
 was asked with that delicacy which seemed rather 
 to crave a privilege than to confer a favor. 
 
 A regard so singularly disinterested could not 
 but touch the heart of a stranger. That this act 
 was but the index to a noble and excellent cha- 
 racter, she became after some time fully aware. 
 
 In December, 1820, she was married to Mr. 
 David Jones. By this event the color of her 
 life was changed. Seldom, in the annals of mis- 
 sionary life do we find the Christian laborer trans- 
 11 
 
122 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 fenced from its heart-wearing toils, amid the de- 
 gradations of idolators, to a home of wealth and 
 elegance and the amenities of polished life. Yet 
 so, in the present instance, it was. 
 
 In the subsequent history of Mrs. Jones, we 
 find a pleasing instance of one retaining, under 
 these changed aspects of life, the same warmth 
 and ardor of Christian zeal that distinguished her 
 earlier days. Letters from Calcutta at various 
 periods, sufficiently evince this. In the native 
 schools of India, employment and benevolent in- 
 terest for these poor children, had the effect to 
 calm the fever of the soul in its first great grief. 
 In these schools, while she lived, she never lost 
 her interest. In the " Society for the establish- 
 ment and support of Bengalee Female Schools," 
 she held an office until her death. In every eff'ort 
 for the good of the Hindoos, she delighted to co- 
 operate. To strengthen the weak faith of the 
 native convert, and lead the new-born soul to 
 green pastures and still waters, was a privilege 
 she always loved. 
 
 A brief record of her labors which lies before 
 us, says : — 
 
 " In the church to which she belonged, she 
 held a useful station. She was one of the two 
 appointed to converse with the native female con- 
 verts, to hear their experiences, to assist at their 
 
MARRIAGE TO MR. JOXES. 123 
 
 baptisms, to inquire into their circumstances, to 
 give them counsel and instruction, and to visit 
 and pray with them in affliction. These duties 
 she faithfully performed." 
 
 The Missionary character hitherto publicly borne 
 by the subject of this sketch, has induced us to 
 follow the traces of her continued devotion to the 
 cause which she had formerly espoused. Her 
 feelings towards it were modified only by circum- 
 stances and duties. Pleasant and refreshing is 
 this view of her character, and beautifully and 
 completely harmonious. Her early and overflow- 
 ing Missionary zeal is thus fully proved, by the 
 severest of all tests, to have been no transient im- 
 pulse, no evanescent flame. We seek her now, 
 however, in her allotted sphere of usefulness, her 
 own East Indian home. 
 
 Mr. Jones had been previously married, and 
 there remained of this first union, three children. 
 These orphaned ones Mrs. J. took straight to her 
 heart. 
 
 In 1822 she writes : — 
 
 " I have a precious gift and a lovely charge in 
 Mr. Jones' little girl, about five years old. She 
 has been with her aunt for two years ; but now I 
 have her at home, and can call her my own sweet 
 child. She is a very affectionate little creature. 
 I cannot tell you how much I love her. Sure, I 
 
124 COLMAN AXD WHEELOCK. 
 
 tbtink while my life is spared, slie will never know 
 the want of her own loved mother." 
 
 In a mixed state of society like that of India 
 under the English dominion, where the houses of 
 wealthy residents are necessarily filled with native 
 servants, the utmost watchfulness is necessary 
 over children whose parents have any foresight 
 with regard to their future. In a constant giving 
 of herself to this work, Mrs. Jones found ample 
 employment for the energies of her active mind 
 and finely tuned affections. To preserve these 
 precious little ones from the contaminations with 
 which they were surrounded, and to form their 
 minds to virtue and piety, was a work in which 
 she took heartfelt pleasure. A solace and a rich 
 reward she found in the filial affection which was 
 awarded her. One still lives, in that far off In- 
 dian clime, having returned to the land of his 
 early childhood, whose heart, we are sure, will re- 
 spond to the sentiments recorded upon this page. 
 
 The circumstances of life in which Mrs. Jones 
 was placed gave her much to enjoy. That she 
 felt and realized this, is evident from expressions 
 in her letters. " I hope," she says, " that I shall 
 be watchful over my own heart, and rightly ap- 
 preciate my blessings." At another time, she 
 says, " I have all I would or can reasonably wish 
 for in this world. 0, for a thankful heart and 
 
CHEERFUL DEVOTEDNESS. 125 
 
 a disposition to improve them all. I hope I know, 
 indeed, I am sure I know, what it is at times to 
 enjoy God in all my mercies — but my forgetful 
 heart — how apt, alas I is it to rove." 
 
 We are often told of the enervating effects of a 
 tropical clime upon natives of colder countries. 
 The apathy into which many, particularly females, 
 sink after a residence of years beneath a hot sun 
 upon a humid soil, finds a singular contrast in a 
 sentence taken from a letter written in 1826, more 
 than seven years after her first arrival in India. 
 It breathes a strong and healthy spirit of cheer- 
 fulness. 
 
 '' Myself and dear family are now pretty well. 
 Mr. Jones' health is quite established again, and 
 for the present, he has given up the thoughts of 
 going to England. My family cares are very 
 numerous, having at home four of Mr. Jones' 
 brother's children, which makes ours a large 
 family. But, while I can retain health, I much 
 prefer having a great deal to do, rather than have 
 nothing to employ my time." In the present 
 case, however, she pleasantly intimates that it is 
 possible to have ^^ more than enough to do." 
 Notwithstanding the pressure of domestic duty, 
 she will, ''by no means, allow an opportunity to 
 send to Boston to slip, without writing at least a 
 few lines." 
 
 11* 
 
126 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 Nor ought we to omit to record the hospitality 
 that marked this household. The Christian and 
 the Missionary found there always a welcome and 
 sympathy. 
 
 In 1824, Mrs. Jones writes to Eev. Dr. Bald- 
 win, a letter of affectionate regrets that she was 
 deprived of the privilege of entertaining Mr. and 
 Mrs. Wade, on their arrival at Calcutta on their 
 way to Burmah, to commence their Missionary 
 life. A part of this letter we extract. 
 
 Letter to Rev. Dr. Baldwin. 
 
 " Dear and much respected Pastor, 
 
 I had not the gratification and pleasure of 
 seeing Mr. and Mrs. Wade while they were in 
 Calcutta. On account of my own health and that 
 of our little Emily, I was induced to accompany 
 Mr. Jones on a visit to the Sand Heads for three 
 months, and it was at this time of absence from 
 home, that they arrived in India. I should have 
 been delighted to have had them for guests, had 
 I been at home. Mrs. Wade must, I think, be a 
 lovely woman, or persons would not have been so 
 generally pleased with her. I trust they will 
 both live to be useful to the benighted Bur- 
 mans." 
 
 Since we have begun to pen these pages, recol- 
 lections come to us from an East India Captain, 
 
FRIENDLY SYMPATHY. 127 
 
 who, after so long a time, at the mention of the 
 names of these beloved friends, recalls their kind- 
 ness, and the liome feeling with which, when in 
 that foreign clime, he was wont to repair to the 
 residence of Mr. Jones. Again and again, were 
 these welcome gnests made, on their return to the 
 United States, the bearers of mementoes of love 
 to friends in Boston. And now an epistle is in 
 our hands intended for no eye save her's to whom 
 it is addressed. A sacred relic it is, and reflecting 
 new and gentle tints of beauty upon the charac- 
 ter we would fain portray. 
 
 It had come to the knowledge of Mrs. Jones, 
 that an endeared friend of early youth, had, in 
 the vicissitudes of a changing life, fallen into 
 poverty, made more bitter by other and grievous 
 afflictions. She addresses to this child of sorrow 
 a letter breathing the kindest sympathy. At its 
 close, she says : — 
 
 '' Tell me what I can do for your comfort. 
 What shall I, what can I do ? My heart and hands 
 are ready to assist you as far as means are good. 
 What sum of money, remitted to you, will render 
 your situation comfortable ? It is in my power, and 
 my dear Mr. Jones is quite willing that I should 
 do something in this way, for you. When Mr. 
 
 . leaves this place for Boston, I hope to put 
 
 a small sum in his hands for you. I hope you 
 
128 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 will keep nothing, as it regards your situation, 
 from me." 
 
 This was written in 1825, and subsequently we 
 find traces of repeated and generous remittances 
 to the same afflicted friend. Hallowed deposits 
 of love are these letters ; but more of their con- 
 tents we cannot unveil. 
 
 Wherever a light shines beauteously on earth, 
 is not its shadow near ? However subject to re- 
 verse are all earthly allotments, are they not 
 doubly so to the exiles of Indian climes ? Upon 
 the life of Mrs. Jones a change and a shadow fell. 
 Her noble-hearted husband was summoned away. 
 His life and death gave evidence of preparation 
 for such a change. After enumerating, when 
 about to depart, the instances of the goodness of 
 God through the scenes of an eventful life, par- 
 ticularizing some remarkable events in which it 
 had been manifested, he adds, " God is supremely 
 good in death.'''' 
 
 Her feelings in view of this second bereavement 
 she thus expresses. 
 
 ** Sept. 1830 — I have recently been called to 
 mourn the loss of my dear husband. Many have 
 been the strokes of my Heavenly Father's hand. 
 But doubtless they were all needful. He gave, 
 and he has taken away, and blessed be his name. 
 Though nature feels her loss, and mourus over the 
 
FAILURE OF HEALTH. 129 
 
 severed ties, I cannot repine at the Divine deal- 
 ings — cannot think it nnjust or unkind in God to 
 remove mj dearest earthly friend, a little before 
 myself, to enjoy his smiles, and the society of holy, 
 happy spirits." 
 
 The health of Mrs. Jones had become much 
 impaired. She had been visited repeatedly with 
 severe sickness, and had long since given up the 
 hope of any more enjoying entire health. After 
 the death of her husband, she purposed an imme- 
 diate voyage, with the children, to the United 
 States. After mentioning her intention of re- 
 turning to her native land for her health, she ob- 
 serves, "I sometimes fear such happiness will 
 not be mine to enjoy, on account of my long and 
 troublesome cough. If it be my Heavenly 
 Father's will that I go home, I can rejoice in it ; 
 if it be his will for me to remain and die here ; I 
 can say, ' It is well ;' ' thy will be done.' " 
 
 Again, a few days previous to her embarka- 
 tion, she writes : 
 
 " I know in whom I have believed, in whom I 
 do believe, and can, and do, cheerfully and joy- 
 fully commit the keeping of my soul, for time and 
 for eternity, into his gracious hand. I am safe 
 and happy in his love — a love which mortals can 
 never fathom, and which renders me happy be- 
 yond description. 0, if it were not for the con- 
 solations of the Gospel, I should sink. This 
 
130 COLMAN AND WHEELOCK. 
 
 supports me. I have known something of its 
 value for many years, but never so much as in 
 seasons of disappointments, bereavements and 
 bodily sufferings. It now supports me in view 
 of death, the king of terrors. 
 
 'Jesus, thy blood and righteousness 
 My beauty are, my glorious dress.' 
 
 Yes, to be owned and accepted by the Judge I 
 In view of entering soon upon eternal blessedness, 
 I confess it sometimes seems as if I could stay 
 here no longer. A barren wilderness the world 
 appears. I wonder how it is that I have loved 
 life so well and so long." 
 
 As will have been seen,- by the extracts, her 
 health on leaving India was very low. She was in 
 fact suffering under a seated pulmonary com- 
 plaint. She embarked for America on board the 
 ship Corvo, Feb. ITth, 1831. 
 
 The last words which she penned were found, 
 after death, under her pillow. They are addressed 
 to her sister, and the letter begun was never 
 finished. 
 
 ^' April 22, 1831.— I feel like what I believe I 
 am, a dying creature in dying circumstances. If 
 
 S has received my last letter, he is prepared 
 
 to hear the worst, or rather, I should say the 
 best, for to die is gain, great gain; yes, glorious 
 gain. I can look upon death without fear — as a 
 
READINESS FOR DEATH. 131 
 
 friend, not as an enemy. To die is not ceasing 
 to be ; it is a change in our being, which intro- 
 duces us into our future state." 
 
 "May 12th. — Since writing the above, I have 
 been much worse, but I feel resigned to the will 
 of my Heavenly Father. He knows what is best 
 for me." 
 
 She died at sea in lat. three degrees south, and 
 long, twenty-nine west, aged 33 years. 
 
 How indefinite the index that points us to the 
 place of her end I Yet does it not suggest the 
 thought that, far away on the tossing billows, that 
 make " old ocean's grey and melancholy waste," 
 there is a spot made sacred as the place of her 
 death and burial. There orphaned wanderers 
 wept, and sailor hearts softened at their childish 
 grief. And there was One present, who knoweth 
 his own, in whatever spot of earth or sea they 
 may be hidden, and who will at last gather them 
 all to himself on the morning of the resurrec- 
 tion. 
 
 Once more, and we have done. At the time 
 of Mrs. Jones' death, an association of Christian 
 ladies sustained in Boston a ministry to the poor. 
 This circle comprehended many who were to her 
 friends of youth, beloved ones, whose sympathy 
 had fanned the first enkindling of her missionary 
 zeal. In that solemn hour that witnessed the 
 rending of cherished hopes, telh'ng the '' home- 
 
132 COLMAN AND TVHEELOCK. 
 
 ward bound" that she must die on the ocean, 
 what throngs of tender remembrances rushed upon 
 her soul. Must she forego the thought of seeing 
 once more her brothers, her sister, her Christian 
 friends, her native land ? How vividly now came 
 back the thoughts of her early days, her Christian 
 vows, and among these sacred recollections, that 
 associated circle of friends. Their sweet commu- 
 nion in social prayer, their hymns of joyful praise, 
 mingled softly with her dreams ; broken melodies 
 of old, blending themselves with the creaking of 
 cordage and the rushing of the midnight surge. 
 Yes, she remembered these. True to the in- 
 stincts of the Christian life, she remembered also 
 the destitute. The jewels which were hers in 
 India, the lavish gifts of her English husband, 
 perchance her bridal ones, she bequeathed to this 
 very association, " to be sold for their full value." 
 As the City Missionary went from house to house 
 among the poor and miserable of a crowded city, 
 the Pariahs of the Christian world, the demands 
 of this ministry were met, during a portion of the 
 year 1831, by the avails of the bequest of Mrs. 
 Jones. Two years after the same association 
 acknowledged from her executors in Calcutta a 
 handsome legacy — the will which she left in India 
 
 «4r- M. . . -. THE END. 
 
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