X m m mm m LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Shelf. _.* UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. |h| R5S O^S^ra 7Bn B^f*J^: m r^*\ * 4 ... ~2tf''v**i A CENTURY OF Baptist Foreign Missions. AN OUTLINE SKETCH. BY SOPHIE BRONSON TITTERINGTON. NOV 12 1o9] PHILADELPHIA : AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 1420 Chestnut Street. X ^^V\\ V The Library ot Congress WASHINGTON Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1891, by the AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE I. The Dawn in England, 7 II. Beginnings in America, 13 BUBMAN MISSIONS. III. A New Gold Mine, 20 IV. Early Lights and Shadows— Martyr Suf- ferings, 26 V. Bewards and Kesults, 32 VI. Varied Experiences— Enlargement, ... 40 VII. Helping Hands, 48 VIII. Sorrow and Joy, 55 IX. Later Years, 62 KABEN MISSION. X. A Eire Kindled, 67 XL Jungle Victories, 74 XII. Success in Adversity, 82 XIII. Sunshine and Shadow, 89 XIV. Looking Beyond, 95 XV. Trial and Victory 103 MISSIONS IN ASSAM. XVI. Lengthening Cords, 110 XVII. Progress in Assam, 116 XVIII. The Kohls, Nagas, and Garos, 122 SHAN MISSION. XIX. Mountain Heathen, ....,..,.. 129 XX. Sowing and Beaping, 135 3 CONTENTS. MISSIONS IN CHINA. CHAPTER PAGE XXI. The Chinese Mission at Bangkok, . . 142 XXII. From Macao to Swatow, ...... 148 XXIII. Results, 156 XXIY. The Canton Mission, 163 XXY. Quiet Growth in China, ...... 171 XX VI. Central China Mission, . , . . . . 180 XXVII. Northern China or Shantung Mission, 186 XXVIII. Western China Station, 190 TELITGU MISSION. XXIX. The Seed Planted, 194 XXX. Early Sheaves, 202 XXXI. Later Harvests, 209 MISSIONS IN JAPAN. XXXII. Open Doors in Japan, 217 XXXIII. Promise and Perplexity, 224 XXXIV. The Crisis in Japan, 230 MISSIONS IN AFRICA. XXXV. The Old and the New, ....... 237 XXXVI. Light in Darkness, 242 XXXVII. Missions of the Southern Board, . . 246 MISSIONS IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE. XXXVIII. Mission in Brazil, , . . 252 XXXIX. Mission in Cuba, 256 XL. Missions in Mexico, 258 MISSIONS IN EUROPE. XLI. The Mission in France, . ' 263 XLII. The Mission in Germany, 268 XLIII. The Mission in Sweden, 276 XLIV. The Mission in Italy, 281 XLV. Missions in Denmark, Greece, Spain, . 286 XL VI. The Publication Society's Work in Turkey, 292 XLVII. Our Century, , ... 295 INTRODUCTION. This book is, of necessity, only an outline of the work of the century in Baptist Foreign Missions, To those using it as a text book, a few suggestions may be helpful. An attempt has been made to supply in some degree, by the Questions and Supplementary Readings, the una- voidable omissions in the text. Many of the questions call for outside study, and the needed information may be found, in most cases, in the Supplementary Readings. The latter are given in variety, as some may be available when others are not. The more thoroughly the course of study indicated is followed, the greater will be the interest, and the more satisfactory the results. All history is in some sense a compilation. The writer wishes to express deep gratitude to all who have aided in furnishing the material for this work. It would be im- possible to mention them all. The " Missionary Maga- zine " has been the fountain head from which all have drawn. The letters of our missionaries have helped to 5 6 INTRODUCTION. clothe the dry bones of statistics with life and breath. Dr. Tupper's two royal octavo volumes have been indis- pensable in the history of the Southern work. Gammers " History of Baptist Missions," Dr. Smith's " Missionary Sketches/' "Our Gold Mine," and many, many other helps, have contributed to the results embodied in this volume. With a prayer that the book may have its mission among our dear young people, now organizing for efficient service for God in the world, in broadening their sympa- thies, extending and clarifying their vision, and making them more intelligent workers, the writer closes her task. S. B. T. A CENTURY OF BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. CHAPTER I. THE DAWN IN ENGLAND. rilHE darkest hour is just before the dawn. In Eng- -*- land, the period of Baptist history immediately preceding the earliest beginning of missionary interest was one of deep gloom. Many things conspired to produce this result. The Baptists were, in a measure, paralyzed by the frown of the Established Church ; false doctrines had weakened their spiritual power, and the great body of their mem- bership were poor and humble people. With the excep- tion of Andrew Fuller, John Kyland, Jr., and some of the London pastors, the ministry were mostly unedu- cated, and unable to cope with the problems of the time. Through what small instrumentalities does God work out his blessed results! The condition of the Baptist cause seemed desperate, but Faith suggested a remedy, and this remedy proved the seed-germ of modern mis- 8 BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. sions. The ministers of the Northamptonshire Associa- tion drew up a resolution, beseeching all Baptist churches in England to spend one stated hour a month in earnest, united prayer for the promotion of pure and undefiled religion. Surely they were inspired to add the exhorta- tion, "Let the spread of the gospel to the most distant parts of the habitable globe be the object of your most fervent requests" Thus, in August, 1774, was instituted the monthly concert of prayer, the origin of all subsequent missionary concerts, and the starting point of our glorious mission- ary achievements. " It was a spark dropped from heaven, and it has set the world in a blaze." Of all missionary centennials, this comes truly the first ; as the Jerusalem prayer meeting preceded Pentecost, and Pentecost the missions of the early church. These good men did not dream of the significance of their action. When the churches began to pray for con- quests in heathen lands, God was ready for fulfillment. Even before they asked, he had called William Carey from the humblest walks of life, and was fitting him to be a chosen vessel to begin the work in heathen lands. All through the years, events had been ripening, and in the fullness of time this glorious enterprise sprang into being. William Carey was born at Paulerspury, near North- ampton, England, August 17, 1761. His earliest child- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 9 hood was marked by an intense thirst for knowledge. One special trait of his character was the resolve always to finish what he had once begun, no matter what difficulties were in the way. This was highly important to him in later life. He was a close observer, and this proved helpful to the future missionary. At fourteen, he was bound out to a shoemaker. After this, he led a wild and wayward life ; but was converted and baptized October 5, 1783. Immediately he began preaching in a humble way, cobbling shoes to eke out his scanty support. On the walls of his shop hung a map of the world, which he had drawn upon sheets of paper pasted together, and on which he had entered all the information he could gather regarding the condition, population, and religion of every country on the globe. Upon the cobbler's bench beside him was always a book ; sometimes in a language he was learning, or a book of travels. He allowed no time to run to waste. As he studied, the needs of a perishing world wrung his heart. Within nine years from his baptism, he was the motive power in the organization of the first missionary society. Carey did not study and pray in vain. He rapidly rose from his humble station to a position of eminence and power. His linguistic talent had already shown itself in the remarkable facility with which he acquired a new language. It is altogether probable, that he might have become one of the foremost men in England. But 10 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. the call from the perishing millions was like fire in his bones. His zeal and fervor were contagious, and resulted in the establishment at Kettering, October 2, 1792, of " The Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel Among the Heathen." The subscriptions at the time of its organization amounted to £13 2s 6d. A small deposit in the Bank of Faith, but how royal have been the returns ! The new undertaking was begun in fear and trembling. God forced his people onward ; they dared not go back, and how could they go forward ? Such an enterprise demanded large outlay. The London ministers turned a cold shoulder, for they had little faith in a movement beginning among country pastors. But they were soon drawn into the work by the irresistible enthusiasm the scheme inspired ; and after trials and troubles innum- erable, Carey was ready to set sail for his work. A companion had been found in Dr. Thomas, formerly a surgeon in Bengal. He was Carey's opposite in many respects, and perhaps this was well in the outset of the undertaking. But Carey's piety and perseverance proved the best qualities in the long run. The East India Company was a trading organization which ruled India. It was unfavorable to missionary labor, lest it might interfere with its money-making schemes. It refused to carry the missionaries upon its ships, and, at last, passage was secured upon a Danish BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 11 East Indiaman, and the party sailed from Dover, June 13, 1793. The voyage was a long, weary one of five months. Carey spent the time in studying Bengali with Dr. Thomas, and beginning a translation of the Bible into that language. The story of Carey's success in later years is that of triumph over stupendous difficulties. The lack of funds caused Carey and Thomas to don the white jackets of indigo planters, thus also giving an excuse for their stay in the country to the jealous East India Company. We may be sure Carey was faithful in this temporal matter ; but every moment not claimed by business was spent in study of the various languages, or in direct missionary labor. These five years were God's training school for the future work. Then the owners of the factories failed, and the East India Company, which had tolerated them as indigo merchants, was ready to persecute them as missionaries. A refuge was offered at Serampore, a small tract, twenty acres in extent, fifteen miles from Calcutta, held by Denmark as a trading station. With the beginning of 1800, this became the headquarters of the English Baptist Mission, with printing press, and a reinforcement of missionaries from England. It was soon a centre of gospel light, whose beams penetrated far into the interior. Dr. Carey's " gift of tongues " enabled 12 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. him to send out portions of the Scriptures in many lan- guages. His translations are, even now, his most endur- ing monument. British authorities had denied to Carey a landing- place on his arrival in India ; but when he died, the Government dropped all its flags to half-mast in honor of a man who had done more for India than all her generals. QUESTIONS. 1. What was the religious state of England preceding the dawn of foreign mission work? 2. When, where, and how did the monthly Concert of Prayer for Missions originate ? 3. To what has it been likened ? 4. How was God preparing to answer these prayers ? 5. Tell the story of William Carey's childhood and youth. 6. How was he influential in the formation of the first English Baptist Missionary Society? 7. With what amount of capital did it begin ? 8. What difficulties beset this first missionary work ? 9. Who went with Carey ? What trials did they meet before sailing ? 10. How did they improve the time of their voyage ? 11. Give account of their first years in India. 12. When and where were they permanently located? 13. What was the final tribute of respect paid to Carey by the British Government? SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. BOOKS. Lite of William Carey : American Baptist Publication Society. Our Gold Mine, pages 41-51. GammePs History of American Baptist Missions. Kindling the Light. (Sketch of Carey, Marsh- man, and Ward.) CHAPTER II. BEGINNINGS IN AMERICA. "TT7HILE Carey was concentrating all eyes upon Ser- ' ' ampore, the New World was being made ready for its missionary crisis. The Revolutionary War was ended, the Declaration of Independence sustained at the point of the sword. The white wings of peace hovered ever the infant nation, and the great principles of fra- ternity and equality were receiving their triumphal test. Carey's work enkindled enthusiasm, and missionary societies sprang up all through New England for its aid. Thus far, Christians of all denominations united in the support of the Baptist mission at Serampore. Dr. Carey gratefully acknowledged the receipt of six thousand dol- lars from American churches in the years 1806 and 1807. This is notable as the first money raised in America for foreign mission work. These funds were largely sent from Presbyterian and Congregational churches. The same spirit ani- mated the Baptists, but their numbers and means were small. The Baptist Missionary Society of Massachu- setts was formed before 1803, but it did not look for 13 14 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. heathen outside of America. This year, Dr. Baldwin began the publication of " The Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine." Its pages were made thrillingly attractive by letters from Carey, Marsh man, and Ward, of Serampore. This fanned the spark, of foreign mission interest, until it became a steady flame, and prepared the churches for the greater things in store. It bore fruit in 1812, in the formation of the Salem Translation and Foreign Society, to aid the English mis- sion already existing at Serampore. All organizations at this time were local. It was not as easy to form gen- eral organizations then as now. It was not yet the day of steam and electricity, linking the earth into one grand whole. The missionary sentiment needed some crisis to force it into action. As we must go to the cobbler's shop in Hackleton for the beginning of English Baptist missions, so we are taken to a haystack for the initial point of American foreign missions. Three earnest Christian young men, students at Williams College, were fired with the same zeal that had inspired Carey; and in a retired spot, beside a sheltering haystack, they communed, and prayed, and planned. A little later, an ardent youth, with intellectual power that promised a brilliant career, was reading in his room at Andover Theological Seminary, Buchanan's " Star in the East." Adoniram Judson's consecration to God was BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 15 in its earliest glow ; and now he consecrated himself also to the work of foreign missions. These four Congregational young men soon made known their life purpose; and from the thrill of this impulse sprang the u American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions," — the noble mother of all American foreign missionary societies. She accepted the service offered, but distrusting the ability of the churches to sup- port a mission alone, sent Judson to confer with the London Missionary Society in reference to a co-operative relation. Judson's trip to England was fraught with strange adventures. His vessel was captured by a French priva- teer, and he had an unpleasant taste of French prison life. But God brought him safely out of all his distresses, and he was at last enabled to lay his message before the London Congregational Board. The English brethren were willing to accept Judson and his associates as their own missionaries, but wisely concluded that, with the Atlantic rolling between, it was better that the two soci- eties should act independently. They advised the Ameri- can churches to establish a mission of their own. Upon Judson's return, he found that this view of the subject prevailed ; and accordingly Messrs. Judson, Newell, Nott, and Mills, were appointed. Luther Eice was soon added, on condition that he raise the money for his own outfit and passage, which he did in six days. 16 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. On the 5th of February, 1812, Judson was married to Ann Hasseltine, of Bradford, Mass., a young lady of rare qualifications, in every way worthy to lead the long list of missionary heroines and martyrs. In these early days of missions, it was thought foolhardy for a woman to risk life in pagan India. It was much farther off than now, and the wildest ideas prevailed. One of Mrs. Jud- son's earliest trials was the general disapproval of her prospective work. On the 19th of February, the Judsons, with Mr. Newell and wife, sailed from Boston in the ship Caravan. The Harmony, with the other missionaries, sailed the 24th ; and in August they met once more, in Calcutta. But during the voyage, strange things had happened. Mr. Judson took up the study of Scriptural teachings regarding baptism, in order that he might be able to meet the arguments of the Baptist brethren in Seram- pore, and also to justify himself in sprinkling the infants of the future converts. To his surprise, his investiga- tions were far from comforting. Against his will he became convinced that the Baptist position was right ; that believers were the only proper subjects, and immer- sion the divinely commanded act of baptism. With Mr. Judson, conviction produced action, and in com- pany with Mrs. Judson, who reluctantly reached the same conclusion, he requested baptism at the hands of the Serampore missionaries. The ordinance was admin- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 17 istered by Mr. Ward, September 6, 1812. Luther Rice, on the Harmony, had followed the same line of study, and upon his arrival, Mr. Judson had the joy of finding him a fellow Baptist. It is well to stop a moment, and consider what these missionaries had done. Strangers in a strange land, they had, by their own act, severed the relation between them- selves and the American Board. Would American Baptists take them up? Upon the answer depended their daily bread. In the true spirit of Christian brotherhood, they were bidden to draw funds from Ser- ampore, until they could hear from Baptists at home. A collection was also taken up among the friends of mis- sions in Calcutta. But this supply could not always last. Was it not a sublime faith that could thus launch out on the promises of God, and do the duty made plain, without heeding the consequences ? Trials and perplexities multiplied. The East India Company, nearing the end of its despotic power, was just at this time particularly incensed against missionaries. Such a party arriving in India, roused their hostility into energetic action. Judson and Newell were ordered back to America, but obtained permission to go instead to the Isle of France. A ship was about to sail, but as she could take only two passengers, the Newells embarked, leaving the Judsons to follow in the next vessel. At last, as they were compelled to leave at all hazards, B 18 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. a ship came in, bound for the Isle of France. At first, a pass was refused, but after annoyances and troubles innumerable, the Judsons and Mr. Rice secured the desired permission. January 11, 1813, they reached the Isle of France, only to find that Mrs. Newell had been buried some weeks before. The terrible shock of this unexpected bereavement nearly prostrated Mrs. Judson. To add to their distress, the island offered no adequate opening for mission work. Mr. Kice, impaired in health, sailed for America to arouse the Baptist denomination to their great oppor- tunity. Mr. Newell went to Ceylon, and the Judsons, left alone, saw no alternative but to leave also. What wonder that Mrs. Judson wrote in her diary, "It seems as if there was no resting place for me on earth " ! Where could they go ? Must they again enter the lion's jaws ? There seemed to be no other way, and on May 7 they embarked for Madras, trusting to the guiding finger of Providence. Reaching Madras, they looked about for a vessel sailing for some port outside the jurisdiction of the East India Company. They had no time to lose ; they must be away before the lion's jaws could close upon them. The only ship was a miserable, unseaworthy hulk, bound for Rangoon, in Burma. This seemed but a little better. Even then, there were mutterings of war be- tween England and Burma, and it was not to be ex- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 19 pected that the Burmans would make nice distinctions between English and Americans. But they were shut up to this single point. June 22, they embarked on the crazy old Georgianna. Under the circumstances, the voyage could not be a pleasant one. Mrs. Judson was taken alarmingly ill, and the rough weather almost precluded the hope of her recovery. But they were driven into a dangerous strait, with black rocks on the one hand, and a shore infested with cannibals on the other. Here God kept them, as in the hollow of his hand. The perfect stillness saved Mrs. Judson 's life, and soon, with favoring breezes, they entered the harbor of Rangoon. QUESTIONS. 1. What was the condition of the New World? 2. What enkindled the earliest missionary enthusiasm ? 3. What was the first foreign missionary contribution raised in America ? 4. Give account of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Mag- azine. 5. What is the initial point of American foreign missions ? 6. Describe Judson's call to foreign mission work. 7. What great Society resulted from the consecration of these three young men ? 8. Give causes, experiences, and results of Judson's visit to England. 9. Give the names of the four young men appointed. 10 Describe Judson's marriage, and accompanying trials. 11. Give a sketch of Ann Hasseltine. 12. Describe the sailing of this first band of American mission- aries. 13. What occurred during the voyage ? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. BOOKS. Life of Dr. Judson. Missionary Memorials. Life of Ann H. Judson. CHAPTER III. A NEW GOLD MINE. A NDREW FULLERS famous saying, "There is a -*--*- gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the centre of the earth " ; and Carey's reply, " I will go down, but, remember, you must hold the ropes," found its counterpart in Burma with Judscn, its heroic explorer. Our last chapter left them at the portals of Rangoon. Burma was not altogether virgin missionary soil. Felix Carey had been there five years. He had learned something of the lantrua^e, had translated the first six chapters of Matthew, and had begun the preparation of a Burman grammar and dictionary. But he had made little impression on the people. Indeed, it had not oc- curred to them that he was anything more than a civil ambassador. When the Judsons' arrived, he was in Ava, called thither by the king on secular business. The English Mission house was a dreary place outside the city walls, exposed to wild beasts, and near the place of public execution. Still it afforded a refuge. Mrs. Judson. was so feeble that she was carried on shore by four natives. Being the first white woman ever seen in 20 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 21 Rangoon, she was a great curiosity. Receiving a wel- come, they established themselves in the mission house, and began work in good earnest upon the language. Leaving our missionaries hard at work over the Bur- man tongue, let us see what effect the strange tidings of their change of views had upon American Baptists. The first news was brought by the ship Tartar, Janu- ary, 1813, which bore letters from Mr. Judson to the American Board, and also to prominent Baptist ministers, announcing his altered convictions. The news flew swiftly over the land, and roused the Baptists as with the sound of a trumpet. The glad surprise touched a nerve of exquisite feeling which vibrated from Maine to the sunny South. God had placed at the disposal of the Baptist denomination three fully equipped mission- aries. As they had cut themselves off from the Board which sent them out, action must be prompt and decisive. Societies sprang up for the promotion of Baptist foreign missions, the most prominent of which was the one formed in Boston. This society at once assumed the support of the Judsons, but believing that they would receive comfort and direction by association with the Serampore missionaries, proposed to the English Society that Baptists in England and America should co-operate in the work of foreign missions. This did not seem best to the English brethren, and they declined the propo- sition. Tiie result proved the wisdom of their decision. 22 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. The condition of the Baptist denomination at this time was a peculiar one. There was not yet a consciousness of power. They were a scattered and feebJe folk, with little denominational spirit. The call from the foreign field came like an electric shock. It consolidated the Baptist forces and sent new life tingling through the veins of the denomination. Mr. Judson had written the significant words, " Should there be formed a Baptist society for the support of a mission in these parts, I should be ready to consider myself their missionary." These words summoned the Baptist hosts to the conflict. The ship that bore the first cordial words of accept- ance to Mr. Judson passed Mr. Rice in mid-ocean, as he was hastening back to arouse the churches at home. This was the crisis in Baptist history. It marked the beginning of that wonderful growth that has astonished the world. In attempting great things for God, they awoke to a consciousness of their own power. When Mr. Rice arrived, he found the country pre- pared to respond to his appeal. New societies were formed in the Middle and Southern States, and it seemed best to devise some means to secure concert of action. Accordingly, May 18, 1814, delegates from Baptist churches and missionary societies throughout the land convened at the First Baptist Church in Philadel- phia. This was the first general meeting of the denomi- nation in America, and great was the enthusiasm aroused. BAPTIST FOKEIGX MISSIONS. 23 At this meeting was organized "The General Missionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination of the United States of America for Foreign Missions." The local societies contributed four thousand dollars to its treasury, and it was thought an annual amount of over five thou- sand might be secured from the churches. It was the day of small things. At this first meeting of the " Triennial Convention/' as it was more briefly called, Mr. Judson was formally appointed its missionary to Burma, and Luther Rice employed to labor in the United States to arouse a more general interest in missions. Perhaps no truer estimate of the man and his work can be given than an extract from the inscription upon his monument, erected by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. " If the Burmans have cause for gratitude toward Judson for a faithful version of God's word, so they will, through generations to come, arise and call Rice blessed, for it was his eloquent appeals for the heathen which raised our Baptist churches to adopt the Burman Mis- sion, and sustain Judson in his arduous toils." It was not until September 7, 1815, that Judson learned of the organization of the Triennial Convention, and his appointment as its missionary. More than two years had passed since his arrival in Burma, and when the glad news came, Mrs. Judson was absent at Madras, for medical treatment. 24 BAPTIST FOKEIGX MISSIONS. The exploration of the Burman gold mine was no easy task. The language was exceedingly difficult, and he had not even an interpreter. Fundamentally differing from any other tongue with which he was familiar, he had no helpful points of analogy. , In later years he be- came the wonder and delight of the Burmans for the ease and fluency with which he expressed himself. The severe application of these first years nearly unfitted him for further work ; and he was on the point of sailing for Bengal for rest and medical advice, when the joyful news came that Mr. and Mrs. Hough, appointed by the Board, had reached Calcutta. This proved such a tonic that the proposed trip was not taken. Previous to this they had left the English mission house, and were living within the city walls. October 15, 181 6, the Houghs reached Rangoon, also a printing press and a font of Burman type, the gift of the Serampore missionaries. It may be imagined with what joy the Judsons welcomed these friends, having lived in their self-imposed exile for nearly three years. Mr. Hough could print while studying the language, so he became immediately useful. A tract, a Burmese grammar, and the first chapters of Matthew were soon ready for the press. The proclamation of the gospel now began in earnest. In March came the first inquirer, whose mind had been awakened bv reading the tract and catechism. His BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 25 great desire was " for more of that writing/' Mr. Jud- son gave him the first five chapters of Matthew, and he went away. From time to time they heard of his con- stant reading of the sacred books ; but he never became an avowed Christian. Doubtless the fear of persecution deterred him. But it was a comforting proof that the Burman heart was not impenetrable; and it was a prophecy of a coming harvest. QUESTIONS. 1. In what sense was Burma a gold mine ? 2. Give a description of Burma. 3. What is the religion ? 4. Where is Kangoon ? 5. What effect did Judson's change of views have upon Ameri- can Baptists? 6. What offer was made to the English Baptist Society, and with what result? 7. What was the condition of the Baptist denomination ? 8. What significant words had Mr. Judson written? What was their effect ? 9. When and where was the first meeting of the denomination ? 10. What society was organized, and what was its first work ? 11. What was Luther Bice's mission ? 12. What difficulties did Judson meet in the outset of his work? 13. When did the Houghs reach Kangoon, and what did they take with them ? 14. What was the first printed matter in Burman ? 15. Tell the story of the first inquirer. SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. BOOKS. Our Gold Mine, pages 66-77. Life of Adoniram Judson, by Dr. Edward Judson. Missionary Memorials ; Mrs. Ann H. Judson. LEAFLETS. The Burman Mission. The Races of Burma. Women in Burma. CHAPTER IV. EARLY LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. MARTYR SUFFERINGS. TN 1817, Mr. Judson undertook a voyage to Arakan, J- in the hope of obtaining a native assistant. By a series of most disastrous circumstances, his expected absence of a few weeks was prolonged to six months, and he was given up for lost. Rangoon becoming unsafe because of the impending war, the Houghs prepared to leave for Bengal, taking the printing press with them, but Mrs. Judson refused to go. Very soon she had the joy of welcoming back Mr. Judson, as one from the dead, and in spite of danger, the mission was continued. September 19, 1818, Messrs. Colman and Wheelock joined the mission at Rangoon. They were literally on fire with missionary zeal, too intense for their frail bodies. In less than a year Wheelock slept beneath the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Who shall say the sacri- fice was in vain ? Column's career was also brief. Public Christian worship was first held in Rangoon April 4, 1819. It was observed in a zayat, erected for the purpose, the first house dedicated to the Lord in Burma. It was a humble, unpretending building, in striking contrast with the heathen temples on every hand. 26 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 27 June 27, 1819, was a glorious day. Mr. Judson had then the joy of baptizing the first convert, after six years of weary seed-sowing in the sterile soil of Burman hearts. On the first of May, Moung Nau had appeared as an in- quirer. Many cases had seemed hopeful, only to turn back ; but Moung Nau soon gave good evidence of con- version. To the reapers this first blade of grain was the prophecy of countless others. Inquirers increased, and slowly the little church grew. But it could not be concealed from the jealous eyes of the Government at Ava that some of its subjects were embracing a foreign faith. A statute of the realm for- bade a Burman to change his religion on pain of death. Inquirers feared to come. In December, 1819, Judson and Colman, taking their lives in their hands, ascended the Irrawaddy in a native boat to Ava, to lay their cause before the king of Burma himself, and, if possible, secure toleration for the infant church in Rangoon. Five hundred weary miles they made their way against the current, through scenery wonderfully beautiful, but everywhere desecrated by idol temples. As they approached Ava, difficulties multiplied. By sending a gift ahead to each petty official, they at last entered the golden palace, and obtained audience with royalty. As a present, they had brought the king a beautifully gilded copy of the Bible. It was hard to suffer utter defeat. The king repulsed 28 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. them ; would not even look at their gift, and they went away sad and heavy-hearted. But God was carrying out his own purposes. He did not mean that " his infant cause in Burma should be rocked by royal fingers." Sorrowfully they returned to P-angoon, and found to their joy the converts firm and undismayed at the pros- pect of persecution. The Judsons resolved to stay with the brave band a little longer. Colman was sent to Chittagong, in British India, to establish an asylum to which they might flee, if need be. But death ended his work in 1822. In 1821, Mrs. Judson was compelled by failing health to go to America. But Mr. Judson was not left alone. Dr. and Mrs. Price had joined the mission, while the Houghs had returned, bringing back the printing press. Dr. Price began the practice of medicine, and the fame of liis skill having reached the " golden ears " in Ava, he was summoned thither by the king. Mr. Judson accompanied him to begin a mission, if the opening should prove to be a real one. The church in Rangoon now numbered eighteen members, who were left in charge of Mr. Hough, while native boats a second time bore Christ's messengers up the Irrawaddy, this time at Government expense. In January, 1823, Mr. Judson returned to Rangoon, to await Mrs. Judson's arrival, having secured the loan of ground upon which to build a mission house in Ava. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 29 Her visit to America had inspired fresh enthusiasm for the work in Burma. With her came Rev. Jonathan Wade and wife. Leaving them with the Houghs to carry on the Rangoon mission, the Judsons, with their worldly belongings, hastened to Ava. But they found the royal city all astir with the prospect of war with England, Dr. Price no longer in favor, and Americans and English alike under the shadow of suspicion. Soon came the war in deadly earnest. The mission- aries exchanged activities for martyr sufferings. The Wades and Houghs in Rangoon were in terrible danger, as the English fleet attacked the city. Only the speedy victory saved them, and soon they escaped to Calcutta, where they remained until after the war. It took two weeks for the news of the English victory to reach the capital. Mr. and Mrs. Judson had placed themselves where there was no escape. Mr. Judson and Mr. Price were arrested under suspicion of being Eng- lish spies, and thrust into prison. Mrs. Price had merci- fully been removed from the evil to come, and Mrs. Jud- son was called upon to pass through experiences worse than death. Words fail to describe the terrible sufferings of the next year and a half, first at Ava, then at Amarapura, culminating in the horrors of the death prison at Oung- pen-la. Nine months they lay chained in nine, and three months in five pairs of fetters. The devilish 30 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. cruelty of their jailers, disease, and lack of food, soon wasted them to skeletons. Picture the situation of Mrs. Judson, solitary among enemies. Her heroism alone enabled the prisoners to survive the dreadful sufferings and privations of their long imprisonment. To and fro she passed, bearing tiiem food or clothing, and by brib- ing the prison officials, sometimes obtaining slight miti- gation of their torture; wearing the Burman dress to appease the natives, and to escape annoyance. No avenue toward royal clemency was left untried. Vol- umes could be written without telling the story of this terrible time. Tw T enty-one months one long continued agony! For a time during this period, her husband missed her daily visits, and when he crawled forth, a chained captive, to meet her once more, he welcomed also a puny, wailing babe, born to an inheritance of suffering. The most precious treasure they possessed was the manuscript translation of the Burman New Testament. Mrs. Judson sewed this up in a pillow, too hard to excite the cupidity of even a Burman, and gave it into Mr. Judson's keeping. When the prisoners were removed to Oung-pen-la, whither Mrs. Judson followed them, it was picked up by one of the Burman Christians, and carried to his home as a precious relic of his dear teach- ers, with no knowledge of what it contained. In it, months afterward, was found the priceless manuscript unharmed. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 31 After sufferings beyond description, the English vic- tories rendered Mr. Judson's services as ambassador from the Bur man Government invaluable. It was like escape from hell, when the Judsons with their infant daughter found themselves sailing down the Irrawaddy to the British camp. Here they were received with every possible attention and kindness. The scenes of the past months seemed like a terrible dream, save that their physical consequences remained a sad reality. QUESTIONS. I. Give an account of Mr. Judson's attempted voyage to Ara- kan. 2. Who were Colman and Wheelock ? 3. When was public Christian worship first held in Kangoon ? 4. Give the history of the first convert, and the date of baptism. 5. Describe the beginnings of persecution. 6. Why did Judson and Colman go to Ava, and what was the result? 7. What were the events of 1821 ? 8. Who carried on the Rangoon mission, upon the removal of the Judsons to Ava ? 9. What was their situation in the royal city? 10. For what did the missionaries exchange active work? II. What was the situation in Rangoon? 12. Tell the story of the twenty-one months imprisonment. 13. How was the manuscript New Testament preserved? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. BOOKS. Our Gold Mine, pages 78-119. Life of Adoniram Judson. Mis- sionary Memorials. Life of Ann H. Judson. LEAFLETS. The Barman Mission. A golden sheaf from Judson's work at Ava. Wayside Preaching. Sketch of the life of Dr. Judson. CHAPTER V. REWARDS AND RESULTS. ONE result of the war was a broad slice of Burman territory on the coast, ceded to England. The Rangoon church was scattered, and it was decided to remove the mission to some new location under the pro- tection of the British flag. Amherst was chosen as being the prospective capital of British Burma, and thither Mr. Judson removed his family. But the long strain had been too much for Mrs. Judson, and she died in Amherst, October 24, 1826, during Mr. Judson's absence at Ava with the British embassy. When he returned, he found only her grave under the hopia tree. This was the culmination of all the sorrows and distresses of this period of his history. Surely hers was the martyr crown. Her life of thirty- seven years had been a long one in its measure of en- deavor and heroic endurance. Soon the little Maria slept beside her mother. It was the climax of sorrow. The Wades joined Mr. Judson in Amherst, but the British headquarters having been moved to Moulmein, most of its population flocked thither. Early in 1827, Rev. George Dana Boardman opened a mission in 32 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 33 Moulmein, land for its use having been offered by Sir Archibald Campbell. Times had changed, and now the English power in India was the warmest friend of missionaries. The following year the Boardmans went to Tavoy and began the Karen mission, while Mr. Judson and the Wades removed to Moulmein, leaving Amherst lonely and deserted. But it will ever be a sacred spot to American Christians as the last resting place of Ann Hasseltine Judson. The Moulmein mission prospered greatly. No fear of persecution hindered. A school was soon established, public worship begun, and zayats erected at various points for personal contact with the people. Inquirers multiplied, and between January and September, 1828, twenty-one were baptized. About this time, Mr. Judson gave to the Board in Boston his entire property of six thousand dollars, in a note signed simply, "A Mission- ary." His services to both the English and Burman Governments had been acknowledged by generous gifts, and this, with his other possessions, he now laid on the altar of missions. In 1826, the headquarters of the Board were changed from Philadelphia to Boston. During the two years of the war, no tidings had come from the missionaries in Burma, and intense anxiety prevailed. When the news of their marvelous deliverance came, a thrill of grateful joy pervaded the denomination. The story of their ter- 34 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. rible sufferings was on every tongue. Missionary zeal was intensified, new candidates oflered themselves, and plans for immediate reinforcement and enlargement were laid. All this time, Mr. Judson was, busy at work which no other man could do : preaching, writing — especially translating. In 1829, came Mr. Cephas Bennett, a printer, to Moulmein, bringing a press, which was greatly needed. In 1830, the Wades ventured back to Eangoon, followed by Mr. Judson, who always best loved the scene of his earliest labors. The printed gospel was eagerly received by the people, and the little church was gathered once more. Mr. Judson spent three and a half months in Prome, sowing good seed, although he was not allowed to stay to reap the harvest. Returning to Rangoon, he devoted himself to the great work of his life : the translation of the entire Scriptures into Burman. Constantly interrupted, he toiled in the early morning hours, and until mid- night. In March, 1831, at a great Buddhist festival, which drew people from the remotest parts of the empire, was seen wonderful evidence of widespread interest in the new religion, and of the powerful influence exerted by the printed gospel. The cry was for books. " Give us writings ! " " Pray, give us the writing that tells there is an eternal hell, and but one way to escape from it ! " BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 35 Others would come asking, "Are you Jesus Christ's man? Give us a writing that tells about Jesus Christ ! " From the most distant points would come this pleading, and the applicants for books and tracts at the mission house were numbered by the thousands. Eighteen years had now passed since the arrival of the Judsons in Burma. Then the outlook was dark and dis- couraging; now there were four well-manned stations. The printing press had sent out millions of gospel laden pages, which had been scattered as on the wings of the wind. A mighty victory seemed at hand, and the sound of it thrilled the Baptists at home. Contributions had quadrupled, and at the close of 1831, nineteen new mis- sionaries had volunteered to join the ranks in Burma. The next year is remarkable as the one in which the first single woman was appointed a foreign missionary. Sarah Cummings landed in Burma, January, 1833. She has left behind a brief but wonderful record of heroic endeavor. A station had been planted in the wilderness at Chummerah. Before she had time to acquire the lan- guage, she voluntarily took her Burman teacher and went alone to this solitary outpost, sixty miles inland. In all that distance there was not a soul that could speak English. The loneliness and danger of her position were little less than frightful at that early day. Her home was a cottage of leaves ; her surroundings altogether pagan, save for the few converts. A church was organ- 36 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. ized and cared for by native assistants under her direc- tion. Imagine her busy life : studying the language, super- intending the school, ministering to the sick, meeting inquirers, — all in a climate so deadly that the mission- aries besought her to leave. But believing that God had chosen her post of duty, she stayed by it until smitten by jungle fever. She took boat to Moulmein, but died in August, 1834. January 31, 1834, is a date memorable to all eternity. Upon that day, Mr. Judson finished the translation of the Bible into the Burman tongue. Seven years were spent in revising it, and it now stands the most perfect work of its kind, and seems destined to be the standard Scripture for Burma. In April of the same year, Mr. Judson married Mrs. Sarah Boardman. She was a worthy successor to Ann H. Judson. Her intellect was of a high order, and she was a true poet, as well as an earnest missionary. The succeeding years were marked by steady growth. The Burmans were slow to accept the gospel ; but once convinced, they became steadfast converts. As soon as the revision of the Burman Bible was completed, Dr. Judson began the preparation of a Burman dictionary. His health had given way. His lungs were diseased, causing loss of voice, so that preaching was impossible. Therefore, he turned to literary labor as another branch of his beloved work. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 37 Mrs. Judson's health was also gradually failing. Sick- ness attacked the children, and it became imperative to go to America. In April, 1845, eleven years after their marriage, they embarked for London. At the Isle of France, Mrs. Judson seemed better, and it was decided that Mr. Judson should return to Burma, leaving her to go on alone. But a severe relapse forbade this, and they took a ship bound directly for the United States. In sight of St. Helena she died, and was buried on its rocky shores. Lonely and desolate, Dr. Judson proceeded on his way, and in October arrived in Boston with his motherless children. He had been away thirty-three years. Everything was changed. The nation had leaped from childhood to maturity. After his long residence in the conservative East, what wonder that he was bewildered? In his humility, he did not dream of the honors he had won ; and the ovations, everywhere offered, astonished and troubled him. The people were ready to do him rever- ence. But his heart was in Burma, and in a year he was ready to sail once more, having married Miss Emily Chubbuck, of Hamilton, New York, known to the liter- ary world as Fannie Forrester. They sailed in 1846. But his life-work was nearly ended. For four years he worked on the Burman dic- tionary, besides having general oversight of the mission. Too feeble to preach, he was yet a tower of strength. 38 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. He fought death for months, that he might complete his last great work. He was permitted to finish the English Burman portion, published in January, 1850. This done, he sank rapidly. Sea air failed to revive him. On the 12th of April, thq heart that had loved, suffered, and bled for Burma, stopped beating, and the remains of Adoniram Judson were committed to the Indian Ocean. But, although he sleeps under no hopia tree, and no marble memorial marks his grave, his monument is in the hearts of converted Burmans. QUESTIONS. 1 . What important result of the Burman war ? 2. Where was the mission removed, and why ? 3. Give circumstances of Mrs. Judson's death. 4. What second bereavement followed ? 5. What second removal became necessary ? 6. W T ho established the mission in Moulmein ? 7. What other missionaries had come ? 8. What new station was opened in 1828, and by whom ? 9. Give facts regarding Moulmein mission. 10. What generous gift to the Board from Dr. Judson ? 11. What changes in the headquarters of the Board in 1826 ? 12. Describe the suspense in America during the Burman War, and its results. 13. What printer began his half-century's work in Burma, and when? 14. What year was the Rangoon mission re-opened, and by whom? 15. Where did Dr. Judson labor for several months ? 16. What was the great work of his life? 17. Describe the Buddhist festival at Rangoon. 18. Give summary of eighteen years' work. 19. Tell the story of the first single lady missionary. 20. What memorable date in 1834, and why ? 21. What was the date of Mr. Judson's second marriage? 22. Describe Sarah B. Judson. 23. W T hat characteristic is shown by the Burmans ? 24. What was Dr. Judson's second great work ? BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 39 25. Describe loss of health of Dr. and Mrs. Judson. 26. Give circumstances of Mrs. Judson's death and burial. 27. Describe Dr. Judson's arrival and experiences in America. 28. What was the date of his third marriage ? 29. Describe Emily C. Judson. 30. When and where did Dr. Judson die ? SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. BOOKS. Life of Dr. Judson. Our Gold Mine, pages 119-121. Mission- ary Memorials. Lives of Sarah B. and Emily C. Judson. Mission- ary Sketches, by Dr. S, F. Smith. CHAPTER VI. VARIED EXPERIENCES. ENLARGEMENT. A T Dr. Judson's request, the completion of the -*--*- dictionary was given into the hands of Rev. E. A. Stevens. The Burman English portion was published in 1852 ; the entire work furnishing a most important aid for future missionaries. A number of years before this, a Burman theological school had been started in Moulmein by Mr. Stevens. This had been suspended from 1841 to 1844, during which time was begun the publication of the ' ; Religious Herald," a monthly paper for the Burmans, which is still continued at Rangoon. The theological school was afterward revived, and was a great blessing in training native preachers. In 1846, there were eight students. Moulmein was the centre of the Burman missions. Mr. Haswell also labored for the Taligns, who were numerous about the city. In 1845, a combination of circumstances in America led the Southern brethren to withdraw, and organize the Southern Baptist Convention. This made necessary the re-organization of the Northern forces, which resulted in the formation of the American Baptist Missionary 40 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 41 Union. It went into operation under its new charter in May, 1846. All the missionaries, save one, remained under the direction of the Missionary Union. One very happy event connected with this change was the wiping out of the troublesome debt, which had hampered all missionary operations for some years. Many feared disastrous results from this division of forces, but the result has shown a larger measure of work accomplished. In 1851, began the second Burman war with England. This brought the province of Pegu under British control. Rangoon is its chief seaport, which, together with a great extent of surrounding country, was now thrown open to the gospel. This made enlargement of the work impera- tive, and the Board appropriated fifteen thousand dollars additional the first year. A Deputation was also sent out in 1852, one of whom was Solomon Peck, d. d., Secretary of the Board. It was to look over the field, and after conference with the missionaries decide certain vexed questions, and ascertain what onward movements were practicable. The Rangoon mission, after a lapse of sixteen years, was re-opened by Messrs. Kincaid and Dawson, the latter a physician, fitting up a hospital. A little later came Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls. Fifteen members were found, with which to re-organize the Rangoon church. All the Burman missionaries were called to Moulmein 42 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. in April, 1853, to meet the Deputation. The six weeks' conference covered every point relating to missionary labor. Notwithstanding some inevitable differences of opinion, there is no doubt that the cause was helped forward many years. New fields were selected as the basis of future opera- tions, and the charge of the printing press was given into the hands of a publication committee Permanent Bur- man stations were planted at Eangoon, Bassein, Henzada, Prome, Toungoo, and Shwegyen. The boundary line of Burman dominion was north of Prome. Messrs. Kincaid and Simons began work in this city in 1854. One month after the first service three converts were baptized. The seed sown by Dr. Judson, during his brief sojourn in Prome, twenty-two years before, was found to have taken root. In 1857, an entire Baptist village was discovered, that had become Christian as a result of tracts and Scriptures scattered by his hand. The work in Prome early became strong and successful. In July, 1856, one hundred Burmans had been baptized. In 1858, a. gifted young priest had renounced the yellow robe of his order, and was baptized on confession of his simple faith in Christ. The mission had times of trial. Twice was the zayat burned, and also in 1861 a beautiful teak chapel, used only five months. In 1858, the Chins came into notice, and converts were won from among them. The year the BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 43 chapel was burned a Shan and many Burmans were converted. At Rangoon there was an immediate harvest upon re- opening the station. Since the time that Judson's feet first trod its streets, too much seed had been sown, watered with bitter tears, to make any other result pos- sible. The fear of persecution being removed, the word of the Lord had free course. A fine brick chapel, cost- ing fifteen thousand dollars, was dedicated in 1859. Bassein was chiefly a Karen field. Rev. Mr. Douglass was sent to the Burmans in 1854. He labored faithfully with but a single furlough until 1869. In 1859, a Bur- man church of nine members was organized, and soon after others at outstations in the district. Until 1858, Shwegyen was wholly a Karen station. At that time Rev. G. P. "Watrous began a Bur man depart- ment, but changes and loss of workers forced its abandon- ment for many years. Rev. A. R. R. Crawley founded the Burman mission in Henzada in 1853. A native preacher from Prome was his assistant for a time. Two of the first converts were sent from house to house, giving tracts, and telling their glad, new story. In ten years seventy-five Bur- mans had been baptized. A Burman mission was begun at Toungoo, under charge of a native preacher, but no American missionary came to this department for many years. 44 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. The work was also making progress at Moulmein. Rev. J. R. Haswell, whose long terra of faithful service began in 1840, was senior missionary. In 1868, he was stricken with palsy, from overwork, and with his wife sailed for America. Burma mourned his absence, but his burning words of appeal to American Christians kindled missionary enthusiasm. Eloquently did his poor, palsied arm tell of crushing burdens bravely borne, even at the cost of physical wreck. Not content to rest, he returned in 1869. Seven years more were given him for Burma, and then he went home, September 13, 1876. His grave, like all missionary graves, tells daily of love faithful unto death. Mr. Ingalls' work was fruitful, but brief. After his beautiful home-going, Mrs. Ingalls devoted herself ar- dently to the labors his hands had dropped. The fol- lowing vivid glimpse is taken from " Our Gold Mine " : " All through the years that followed, we find her, now visiting districts where no white woman had ever been seen, and talking to groups that gathered round her so closely that she could scarcely breathe, then sitting in the zayat of a Burman priest, to encourage her assistants who discussed and silenced him, visiting feeble churches, directing inquirers, rejoicing in conversions, or mourning over apostates ; then for a while making her home alone with the natives in one of those out-stations, and a few years later, when the church had grown to forty-five BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 45 members, locating herself in a little shanty, a nest of scorpions, and many smaller creatures, superintending the building of a mission chapel." Here and there she gathered a sheaf from Judson's work in Ava. One old lady who ministered to Mrs. Judson while her husband was in the death prison, and heard from her lips the gospel story, came in later years to be taught further by Mrs. Ingalls, and joyfully pro- fessed the faith taught by the " beautiful white teach- eress " at Ava. In 1859, Rev. J. R. Haswell, Jr, with his wife, sailed for Burma, to be associated with his father. In 1860, the first Barman Association was held in Thongze. In 1862, the printing presses were removed from Moulmein to Rangoon, accompanied by Cephas Bennett, for more than half a century its efficient superintendent. In October, 1865, was organized the Burman Baptist Missionary Convention, composed of Baptists of all nationalities. Its object was the evangelization of the numerous races of Burma. At its second anniversaiy, in 1867, ninety- one members were present, and $496.25 was reported as collected and expended for native evangelizing agencies. Miss Susie Haswell was this year appointed to take charge of a girl's school in Moulmein, established by her father. This was an anticipation of similar work done by the woman's societies a little later. 46 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Rev. E. O. Stevens was sent to Prome in 1866. The year before Dr. Kincaid had returned with his family to the United States, bidding Burma a last farewell, after thirty-five years of missionary life. His daring, adven- turous spirit had found full scope in wide and aggressive missionary explorations. In 1867, we find the first tabulated statistics of the Burman missions, illustrating the growth from Judson's beginning. From the seven stations of Rangoon, Moul- mein, Bassein, Henzada, Prome, Tavoy, and Thongze, were reported twenty-four members, nine ordained preachers, fifteen churches, seven hundred and eighty members, six hundred and fifty pupils in mission schools, and a contribution of one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four rupees. (A rupee is about thirty-five cents.) In 1869, fifty years from the baptism of the first Burman convert, the number of members in Burman Baptist churches was nine hundred and eighty-five. Mr. Doug- lass died in Bassein, in March, 1869, greatly lamented. Rev. M. Jameson and wife arrived the next year. A wonderful movement became manifest among the Bur- mans at Bassein. This same year, the Henzada work took on new inter- est. Mr. and Mrs. George arrived, and Miss Adams removed from Thongze. The school work grew rapidly on her hands. An impression seemed to have been made on the stonv soil of Burman hearts. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 47 QUESTIONS. 1. Who completed the Burman Dictionary ? Date of publi- cation ? 2. Give facts regarding Bnrman Theological Seminary. .3. What was the centre of Baptist missions ? 4. For what people did Mr. Haswell labor ? 5. What division of forces took place in America in 1842 ? 6. What names did the two organizations assume? 7. What favorable conditions resulted ? 8. What were the results of the second Burman War? 9. What was the office of the Deputation ? 10. What changes resulted in Burma ? 11. Where was the new boundary line of Burman dominion? 12. Describe early work in Prome. 13. What tribe came first into notice in 1858? 14. W T hat followed the re-opening of the mission at Rangoon ? 15. Give account of early Burman work in Bassein. 16. When was Burman work begun in Shwegyeu ? 17. Who founded the Henzada Mission, and in what year ? De- scribe the work. 18. Sketch Dr. Haswell's labor. 19. Tell the story of Mrs. Ingall's heroic work. 20. Give principal events from 1859 to 1865, 21. When was the Burman Baptist Convention organized, of whom was it composed, and what was its object ? 22. What was accomplished through its work in two years ? 23. To what work was Miss Susie Haswell appointed ? 24. What is said of Dr. Kincaid, and who took his place at Prome ? 25. Give statistics, illustrating growth of the Burman mission. 26. Relate occurrences at Bassein. 27. What encouragement at Henzada ? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. BOOKS. Our Gold Mine, pages 230-240. Missionary Sketches. CHAPTER VII. HELPING HAN±>S. EAVING Burma, we turn to America, to note a -*-* most significant movement — Baptist women, East and West, organized to aid in the work for women in heathen lands. The causes that led to this action had been operating for many years. Woman's societies had already been formed in three denominations, and, the Woman's Union Missionary Society had done a great and blessed work. There were obvious reasons why Baptist women should labor along denominational lines, and in connection with the Missionary Union. Baptist fields needed the help that such an organization could give. Land, houses, school buildings, chapels, were available, and printing presses ready to aid in this special work. The name of the Missionary Union would be a tower of strength to this new organization. The first open discussion of the matter was in 1870. A year later, the officers of the Missionary Union signi- fied their hearty approval. The Society of the East, with headquarters at Boston, was formed April 3, 1871. Its first President was Mrs. Gardiner Colby ; Secretary, Mrs. M. H. Bixby. The Society of the West, with head- 48 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 49 quarters at Chicago, was organized the following May. President, Mrs. Robert Harris ; Secretary, Mrs. C. F. Tolman. Both were organized upon the same plan, strictly auxiliary to the Missionary Union, with the east- ern boundary of Ohio as their dividing line. At the National Anniversaries in Chicago, May, 1871, the two societies were formally presented to the Mission- ary Union as helpers in its great work, and accepted by that body. A broad field of labor lay before the two societies. It would be interesting to trace their work, step by step, from small beginnings to the grand results of the present time. Two cents a week from every Baptist woman is the end in view. But the record of the Woman's Boards is so interwoven with that of the Missionary Union, that it cannot be separated. Like a thread of gold, it runs through all. Most of the medical work, the teachers for mission schools, many of the schools themselves, may be understood as contributed by these helpers. Their workers are sent out as missionaries of the Union, their support being furnished by the woman's societies. They have also been an educational power at home, through their publications, their local organizations, their inspiring quarterly and annual convocations. Their influence is like leaven, working in the hearts of the people around their hearthstones. The result in general foreign missionary interest is incalculable. The D 50 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. first missionary sent out by the Eastern Board was Miss Kate Evans, associated with Mrs. Ingalls, at Thongze. The Western Society sent Miss A. L. Stevens to Bassein, as their first representative, and adopted Miss Marie Bronson at Nowgong, and Mrs. Scott, at Gauhati. The Eastern Board also assumed the support of Miss Susie Haswell, at Moulmein ; Miss Adams, at Henzada ; and Miss Gage, at Kangoon. All subsequent work will be reported in connection with the current history of the various missions. Dr. Stevens, at Rangoon, still con- tinued his class of Burman theological students. This was the great work of his life. In 1872, Mr. Crawley, and Miss Adams, of Henzada, were compelled to recruit in America. In December of this year, Mrs. Ingalls and Miss Evans visited Mandalay, the royal city. They early sought an interview with the first queen, that Mrs. Ingalls might present her with an autograph Bible, sent by her hand from Queen Victoria. Having obtained audience, Mrs. Ingalls carried the English Bible, in its beautiful white satin case, while Miss Evans bore Jud- son's Burman Bible. The queen graciously accepted the books, and the fact that the white teachers had been admitted to the " golden face/' gave them opportunity to sow much precious seed in Mandalay. In 1873, the Moulmein mission was reinforced by the arrival of Mrs. Douglass and Mrs. Longley. Miss Helen Watson was sent to Henzada, and Rev. F. H. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 51 Eveleth to Toungoo. Dr. Haswell, at Moulmein, too feeble for general mission work, prepared tracts in the Talign. His first missionary labors were among this people, and besides his wife, he was the only missionary that understood their language. The Henzada Chris- tians were rejoiced to welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Crawley. When the railroad enters a country, its sleep of ages is broken. The Rangoon and Prome Railroad was begun in 1874, thereby opening up the Irrawaddy valley, and preparing the way, not only for Western progress, but also for the gospel of Christ. Rev. H. W. Hale and wife reached Shwegyen the same year, the first mission- ary to the Burmans at this station. Miss Myra Stetson came to Moulmein, to assist Miss Haswell in her large and flourishing girls' school. Owing to nearly total deafness, the younger Mr. Haswell, in Moulmein, devoted himself almost entirely to transla- tion and public addresses. A new mission station was opened at Kemmendine, a suburb of Rangoon, in 1874. Mr. Rose was actively at work in Rangoon and the sur- rounding country. His specialty seemed to be mission- ary tours. In February of this year, all the mission buildings at Sonnway, a station in Mrs. Ingalls' Thongze field, — chapel, dwelling house, parsonage, and zayat, — were burned. One of these buildings was restored, only to be 52 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. burned down again within a year. Despite these clouds, there was the sunshine of spiritual prosperity. Dr. Stevens, of .Rangoon, worn and weary, returned to America. In 1875, the joyful news of revival came from Moul- mein. The interest soon spread to Henzada, where a wonderful work of grace rejoiced the hearts of Mr. George and Mr. Crawley. In June, the commodious building for the girls' school at Kemmendine, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cephas Bennett, was formally opened. This same year, Mr. Rose made a trip to Mandalay and Bhamo, in Upper Burma, with two missionaries of the China Inland Mis- sion. He was well received by the king, and was greatly impressed with the advantageous situation of Bhamo for a mission station. The w r ork at Henzada resulted in the opening of a new station at Zigon, in the heart of the " revival district," situated on the railroad, forty miles from Thongze. Mrs. Jameson died at Bassein, July 10, 1875, after a missionary life of five years. A third time, in 1876, did the fire scourge pass over Mrs. Ingalls in her new location, taking everything but the chapel. Personal belongings, letters, accounts, and two valuable manuscript translations were lost. But her brave heart, though sorrowful, was not daunted, and with her usual energy she set about repairing her losses. A BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 53 month later, she had sent out some of her pupils as teachers, crowded the others into every available accom- modation, divided the chapel by mat partitions into quarters for herself, Miss Evans, and the boarding-school girls, put one hundred dollars and the work of the teach- ers and preachers on a new schoolhouse, re-opened the school and the weekday religious meetings. By another month the hasty arrangement proved unhealthful. The schoolhouse, when built, was far too small. Enlarged, it was still too small. Some pupils must be dismissed. The situation might well discourage the bravest heart. No house, no dormitories, no books, no school furniture or apparatus, nothing but naked and empty hands to begin the work anew. Two months, and it was time for home relief to come. But it was strangely delayed, and the suspense and per- plexity almost crushed Mrs. Ingalls. But at last the new buildings went up and comparative comfort returned. During this time of fiery trial fourteen were baptized. It was a year of troubles and a year of blessings. QUESTIONS. 1. What significant movement began in 1871 ? 2. Describe organization of the Woman's Society of the East. 3. Society of the West. 4. What is their relation to the Missionary Union ? 5. What is their special work abroad? 6. What mission do they fulfill at home ? 7. Who were the first missionaries of the Eastern Board ? 8. Who the first of the Western Board? 9. What was the great work of Dr. Stevens' life ? 54 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 10. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' visit to Mandalay. 11. State special events in 1873. 12. When was the first railroad opened in Burma? 13. To what field were the Hales assigned? 14. What was the work of the younger Mr. Haswell ? 15. What was Mr. Rose's missionary specialty? 16. Give account of the Thongze fire. 17. What joyful news in 1875? 18. What beautiful gift did the girls' school at Kemmendine receive ? 19. Describe Mr. Rose's tour to Upper Burma. 20. What new station was opened on the old Henzada field ? 21. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' third fire. SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. Missionary Sketches. LEAFLETS. Twenty Years' Gleaning; or, History of Society of the East. Twenty Years' History of Society of the West. CHAPTER VIII. SORROW AND JOY. rTIHE year 1876 brought changes to Moulmein. Miss -■- Stetson's work was closed almost as soon as it was begun.. A cold, contracted on the way to Burma, laid the foundation of fatal disease. She went home to die in November, just two years after her appointment by the Woman's Board. Her brief stay was a blessing and a benediction to all who were associated with her. For a number of years, Rev. J. R. Haswell edited the " Burman Messenger," and did valuable work in trans- lation. Mr. W. H. S. Hascall came from Rangoon to itinerate, and do special evangelizing labor. Miss Has- well's school received high commendation from the English Chief Commissioner. Miss Sheldon came as her associate in 1877. The revival spirit was present in Rangoon. The report from Henzada district was a most joyful one. Notwithstanding the ill health of the missionaries, a wonderful harvest was gathered. Eighty-six were baptized during the year. Mr. and Mrs. George, and Miss Watson removed to Zigon to care for the white harvest of souls. 55 56 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Rev. Thomas Simons, the veteran at Prome, died in February, 1876. He spent forty-five years in Burma, with but a single furlough. Thus ended another conse- crated life. Dr. Harwell's last seven years of service closed September 13. Taligns and Burmans bless his memory. Another name was on the death roll of the Burman mission this same year. Mr. Crawley died in October on his way home. Reaching Burma in 1854, he founded the Henzada station, where they were gathering rich harvests at the time of his death. He gave his life for Burma, and departed in the prime of a noble man- hood. The little Burman church in Tavoy had been without a missionary for many years. This year, Mr. Hascall spent much time in the district, and found the band of eight members steadfast. A Burman Christian woman left money to build a chapel costing a thousand dollars ; a notable thing in this land of despised womanhood. The Rangoon church rejoiced over the return of Dr. and Mrs. Stevens. Mrs. Bailey, formerly Miss Adams, returned this year to her beloved Henzada pupils. Mr. George wrote from the " revival district " : " My great trouble is to provide pastoral care. Of those who go astray, most go for want of some one to guide them. What am I to do ? I go from village to village all I can, but a visit of a few days is of little importance in most BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 57 cases. I am afraid to baptize converts, and afraid to re- fuse. Oh, that God would send me true pastors, called by himself, to feed these newborn babes with the sincere milk of the word ! " Another railroad opened near Thongze gave Mrs. Ingalls opportunity for a new work : the distributing of tracts and books at the station and in the cars. With the co-operation of the officials, she soon had a railway library and reading room, which was a means of good to the employees. Henzada was left without a missionary in 1877, and continued so for many years. Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Stevens returned to Prome, accompanied by Miss Brom- ley. Mrs. and Miss Haswell returned to America, leav- ing Miss Sheldon in charge of the girls' school. A little later she was joined by Miss Payne. Miss Watson became Mrs. Hancock, continuing, however, her relations with the Woman's Board. This year, the Hancocks were the only missionaries in Zigon, the Georges being absent on furlough. Watching the course of events in Burma from year to year, it is evident the Burman churches were growing — assuming a larger share of expense and responsibility regarding their own religious and educational institu- tions. The Burman Baptist Convention held annual meetings, reporting such systematic and efficient work as would do credit to a body of American Christians. 58 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. The Hascalls sickened and left Moulmein in April, 1880. The work was temporarily assumed by Mr. and Mrs. Hale, of Shwegyen. A hospital was opened in the city by Dr. Ellen Mitchell and Miss A. M. Barkey. At Rangoon, Dr. Stevens had two theological classes in 1879. A Burman Concordance was published, and the '•'Burman Messenger" continued. Mr. and Mrs. Manley arrived in November. Mr. Rose spent several months in Mandalay, where much was accomplished, in spite of political troubles. In 1880, Mr. Manley became pastor of the English church. The Telugu and Tamil work was very promis- ing, and "he began the study of Telugu. The next year a church was organized, and a pastor ordained, whom they supported, although poor. The Kemmendine Girls' School was grandly success- ful, and the teachers, Misses Rathbun and Buel, showed great courage in maintaining their position. Imagine them in charge of a school of a hundred girls, in combustible buildings, cholera and smallpox prevalent, snakes and mad dogs " almost chronic," and no mission- ary or white man within a mile, and the nearest doctor five miles away ! This year, Mr. Eveleth was transferred to Toungoo, and the Shan and Burman church divided. Miss Upham was put in charge of the Burman school. Mr. Jameson married Miss Walling, and in 1881 went to BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 59 America for needed change, leaving Bassein without a Bur man missionary. After over fifty years service as superintendent of the mission press, Kev. Cephas Bennett retired in 1881. He did mission work as truly as those engaged in direct evangelizing labor. The year 1881 was also a notable one, in that the old trade route between Burma and China was re-opened, and that, by means of a station planted by the China Inland Mission at Tali, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, China, the chain of mission stations from India across the Chinese empire to the Pacific Ocean was completed : the dream of missionaries since missions began. Miss Susie Haswell, with her mother, returned this year to Moulmein. Mrs. Hasw T ell, as the only missionary understanding the Talign language, could do an import- ant work. Miss Evans being absent in America, Miss Elwin became Mrs. Ingalls' assistant in Thongze. Rev. E. W. Kelly and wife were sent to Moulmein in 1882. Miss Haswell superintended general evangelizing work. A Telugu church of twenty members was formed, the outgrowth of special work by Dr. Mitchell. Mr. George returned to Zigon this year. He writes : " Henzada is in great peril. A few years more of neglect, and Crawley's life-work will be, to a great extent, lost." This great need was met a little later by Mr. Has call, 60 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. on his return to Burma in 1883. Dr. Jameson also returned to Bassein, after several years absence. For some time the Burman mission at Tavoy was under the charge of a native preacher, who did faithful work and saved the little church from extinction. Mrs. Haswell died early in the next year, thus sever- ing the last link between the days of Judson and the present time. Mrs. Kelly died July 20, the youngest member of the mission following the oldest to the silent land. Still ]ater, the aged Burman pastor, Ko Shway A, ordained by Dr. Judson, and for thirty years shepherd of the Moulmein church, was called home. It was the death year in Moulmein annals. After her mother's de- parture, Miss Haswell removed to Amherst, the place of sacred memories. The medical work was proving a great help to the other departments. Dr. Stevens' theological class was both a satisfaction and a care. The work was exacting, but imperative in view of the dependence of Burma upon native evangelists and preachers. He also accomplished much valuable liter- ary labor and translation ; and although in the evening of life, was able to endure more labor than many a younger man. QUESTIONS. 1. Sketch Miss Stetson's brief work. 2. What was the Burman religious paper, and by whom edited? 3. What glad report from Henzada ? 4. What two veterans died in 1876 ? Tell particulars of their lives and work. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 61 5. Give facts regarding Mr. Crawley's life and death. 6. What notable event in Tavoy ? 7. Quote Mr. George's appeal. 8. Describe Mrs. Ingalls' railroad work. 9. What events in 1877 ? 10. What progress evident from year to year? 11. Where was the first medical work of the Woman's Board begun, and by whom ? 12. What special events are noted at Kangoon ? 13. What is said of the Telugu and Tamil work ? 14. What of the Kemmendine Girls' School ? 15. What of the length and efficiency of Cephas Bennett's super- intendency of the mission press ? 16. What very significant event in 1881 ? 17. What special work could Mrs. Haswell do ? 18. W T hat events in Moulmein in 1882? 19. What peril threatened Henzada, and how averted ? 20. Who saved the Burman mission at Tavoy from extinction? 21. What deaths at Moulmein in 1884? 22. To what city did Miss Haswell transfer her work ? 23. What is said of Dr. Stevens? SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. Missionary Sketches. Ocean Sketches, by Mrs. Ingalls. CHAPTEE IX. LATER YEARS. THE year 1886 was a significant one in Burman his- tory. The king was dethroned after a brief strug- gle, and all Burma came under English rule. This opened the entire country to the gospel. But the ex- cited state of public feeling made it a barren year for missionary effort. The great political changes engrossed the minds of the people, and they paid small attention to Christ's messengers. A vast field was opened to Ameri- can Baptists. Upper Burma, with its outlying tribes, almost untouched by the gospel, contained millions of souls perishing in heathen darkness. The emergency of the crisis appealed loudly to God's people. As soon as it was possible, Mr. Rose established a station in Man dalay. His heart had long been yearning over Upper Burma. Thither Mr. Kelly was transferred, a little later, having married Mary Van Meter, M. d. The mission- aries found numberless hindrances, and many encourage- ments. Mr. George died in Calcutta, August, 1886. His death was unexpected, and a great blow to the mission. Dr. E. A. Stevens was called higher in June, after a mission- 62 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 63 ary life extending over half a century. His work of training native preachers will leave a lasting impression in Burma. No less than nine different books bear his name as translator or author, beside Scripture revision, and much other literary work. His was a busy and useful life. Early in 1887, we find Eev. J. E. Cochrane at Moul- mein. Mr. Kelly, at Mandalay, was pushing the work energetically. A medical department was in charge of Mrs. Kelly. Mrs. Hancock located in the north part of the city, Miss Rathbun in the central, and the Kellys in the southern. A church was organized May 4. Many of the missionaries were in great danger from dacoits, but a loving Providence preserved them. Rev. F. P. Sutherland was sent to the vacant post in Zigon. In 1889, new names appear on the missionary roll. Rev. E. Tribolet and wife were sent to Tavoy, so long without a resident Burman missionary. There were many changes in Moulmein also. Rev. B. F. Turner, Rev. L. Q. Peabody and wife, Miss Agnes Whitehead, were laboring for the Burmans. Miss Ranney came to be with her grandmother, Mrs. Cephas Bennett, and to aid in missionary work. Mrs. Ingalls, so long at Thongze, took a greatly needed furlough, after twenty-two years continuous service. Miss Payne had entire charge of mission work in the ancient city of Pegu. Rev. J. E. Cummings and wife were stationed at Henzada, and Rev. 64 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. H. H. Tilbe and wife at Pro me. Looking northward, a new station was formed at Myingyan by Rev. J. E. Case and wife, and a church organized October 20. Another new point was Sagaing, on the Irrawaddy river, opposite Ava. The Hascalls and Miss Phinney were placed in charge. Sickness compelled the Hascalls to leave, and Miss Phinney was appointed to other work. The Suther- lands were called from Zigon, in 1890, for this important field. A little later, and Mandalay mourned the death of Miss Rathbun. Mrs. Hancock's house, with all its con- tents, was burned, greatly hampering her work. In 1889, another station was opened at Meiktila, be- tween Toungoo and Mandalay, by Dr. and Mrs. Packer. It is a healthful and attractive location. Mr. Stevens returned to Burma in September, locating at Moul- niein. One event worthy of notice is the building of the Jud- son Memorial chapel at Mandalay. August 9, 1888, was the hundreth anniversary of the birth of Adoniram Jud- son. In commemoration of this event it was proposed to build a church near the site of his imprisonment, now included in the city of Mandalay, and two miles from Oung-pen-la. An appeal was made for ten thousand dollars for this purpose. The first twelve hundred dol- lars were contributed by an aged Burman woman, bap- tized by Dr. Judson. It was finished and dedicated BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 65 November 2, 1890, Rev. E. O. Stevens preaching the sermon. The total cost was about eleven thousand dollars, of which four thousand dollars were raised in Burma. The Burman Baptist Missionary Convention was the first body to hold a session within its walls. Miss Edmunds took Miss Rathbun's work in Mandalay in 1890. We find a theological class for Bur mans and Ciiins at Prome. Mrs. Tribolet died in Tavoy, after a service of less than a year. A new edition of the Bur- man Bible was printed, using a smaller character, making the book a royal octavo in a single volume, rather than in four, as in the old edition. The translation is Dr. Judson's, this edition having corrections noted by Judson himself, inserted in the text by the careful hand of Dr. Stevens. Mr. Eveleth returned to Burma in December, assigned to Sandoway, the Sanitarium of the old Arakan province, and hitherto without a Burman missionary. The force at Mandalay was increased in the latter part of 1890 by Rev. L. H. Mosier. The visit of Dr. Mabie, in 1891, was a source of com- fort and inspiration. He visited some associations, and as many stations as his limited time would permit. The summary of the work in 1891 gives the membership in Burman churches as two thousand one hundred and four. There are fifty missionaries, engaged in actual labor E 66 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. on the field, sixty native preachers, fourteen of whom are ordained. The work among the Burmans and Chins in Arakan is developing rapidly. A harvest of souls is gratefully reported, one hundred and eleven having been baptized. In Mandalay a new and comfortable house has been erected for Mrs. Hancock and her associate, Miss Ulery. A hospital for Mrs. Kelly's medical work has been provided by the Society of the East. Bhamo, valuable as a strategic point, is at last well manned. The needs are great, and the fields are white to harvest. QUESTIONS. 1. What significant event in Burma in 1886 ? 2. Why was it a barren year for missionary effort? 3. W T hat responsibility was thrown upon American Baptists? 4. What station did Mr. Eose establish ? 5. Sketch Mr. George's life and death. 6. Give outline of Dr. Stevens' work, and date of death. 7. Describe the work in Mandalay. 8. To what danger were the missionaries exposed ? 9. W T ho took up the work at Zigon ? 10. What new names appear on the missionary roll in 1889 ? 11. Give bird's-eye view of matters on the field. 12. What sorrow and loss came to Mandalay ? 13. Give account of new station in Upper Burma. 14. Tell the storv of the Judson memorial in Mandalay. 15. Who followed Miss Bathbun? 16. Describe the new edition of the Burman Bible. 17. Who assumed Burman mission work in Sandoway? 18. What representative of the Missionary Union visited the field in 1891? 19. Give summary of the work for 1890. SUPPLEMENTAKY BEADING. Baptist Missionary magazines for current years. (This maga- zine is the authority and fountain of all missionary information.) CHAPTER X. A FIRE KINDLED. FIFTEEN years after Adoniram Judson landed in Burma, the Karens came under the observation of the missionaries. George Dana Boardman established the Tavoy mission in 1828. A servant in his family was converted. An almost ungovernable temper delayed his baptism for a year, but giving ample proof of genuine conversion, Ko-thah-byu was baptized. Afterward, by remarkable missionary labors, he won the title of " Apostle to the Karens." This race to which he belonged was quite distinct from the Burmans. A despised mountain people, they were small in stature, more peaceable in disposition. Only Christianity can make the haughty Burman and simple Karen brothers. Ko-thah-byu went everywhere, proclaiming Christ's salvation to his people. They received the gospel with such gladness that Mr. Boardman made them the objects of his labor. Without religion, save demon worship, they were more easily reached than Buddha's followers. An ancient tradition taught that their sacred books, long lost, would be brought from the west by white men. In the coming of the missionary, they read the fulfillment. 67 68 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Two years was Mr. Boardman permitted to labor among the Karens, then the Master called him home. Rev. Francis Mason came in 1831, and the last effort of Mr. Boardman's life was to be carried two days journey to witness the baptism of thirty-four Karens, February 9, 1831, by Mr. Mason. He died on the return to Tavoy. Mrs. Boardman remained three years to carry on his work, taking charge while the Masons learned the language. The Karens are subdivided into the Sgau, Pwo, Paku, Bghais, Red Karens, and other tribes, with different dialects and varying customs. The work began among the Sgaus. When Mr. Boardman died, seventy Karens had re- ceived baptism. The gospel quickly spread through the Tenasserim provinces, through the efforts of Ko-thah-byu and the missionaries. But heathen associations hindered the converts. Naturally a wandering race, advantage was taken of this to group them in Christian villages, which idea has since prevailed. In 1832, Rev. Jonathan Wade reduced the Sgau Karen language to written form, and books were prepared. Converts multiplied rapidly. From the first, they gave evidence of a missionary spirit, each one striving to spread the glad news among his countrymen. Ko-thah-byu was a born missionary. He pushed out over the mountains, and through the jungles, even into BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 69 distant provinces. The Lord was with him, and converts came in almost daily, requesting baptism from far-off villages, the fruit of his labors. He was not remarkable for intellectual endowment, but was instrumental in bringing thousands to the knowledge of the true God. In 1834, the Tavoy church formed a missionary so- ciety, resolving to support two native preachers, doubling the effort the next year. Mr. Wade and family located in Tavoy in 1835. Mrs. Boardman had gone away as the wife of Dr. Judson. The next year Rev. and Mrs. Vinton came to Rangoon to labor among the Karens in the Pegu district. Ko-thah-byu had preceded them, and on the first visit of the missionaries, one hundred and seventy were baptized. A wonderful work followed among the Karens of the Pegu and Rangoon provinces. At first the Vintons traveled together, but the calls from distant villages were so pressing that they separated, and for twenty- four years worked in different directions. Jungle travel was far more arduous and dangerous than now, and Mrs. Vinton had many narrow escapes. Mr. Vinton was a man of strong faith and remarkable power in prayer. Before going to Burma, his record was notable in revival work. His earnestness and zeal bore fruit among the Karens. Mr. Kincaid, another ardent missionary, was sent to the Burmans, but as 70 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. opportunity offered, he preached to the Karens also. Perhaps no man in Burma was more beloved. A large village of Christian Karens was formed in the Tavoy province. Its site was beautiful, and its name was Matah, or City of Love. It flourished greatly, and with its three hundred Christians, its homes, and its schools, it stood in the jungle as an object lesson of the uplifting power of the gospel. In 1836, a seminary was established at Tavoy, under charge of Mr. Wade, for training both Karen and Bur- man preachers. Of the first eighteen pupils, twelve were Karens. For a time the Karen books were all in manu- script, but in 1837 fonts of type were prepared and books printed. Missionary societies were formed at different points, which gathered funds for printing and other evangelical work. The Tavoy Society, in 1839, supported thirteen native preachers and several Karen schools. The Burmans bitterly persecuted the Christian Karens. In 1835, the hostility took active form in Kangoon. Fines, imprisonment, torture, death itself, were meted out to the helpless flock. The persecution scattered the disciples, and they fled into distant provinces, preaching as they went. The operations of the missionaries at Rangoon were suspended, although they remained at their post. But in the jungles and mountain recesses the gospel was winning its glorious way, and hundreds were turning to the true God. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 71 Civil war added its horrors in 1837, but it could not stop God's work among the Karens. Rev. E. L. Abbott traveled through the districts of Maubee and Pantenau to Bassein. His journey was like a triumphal march. One of the converts was a promising young chief. The political troubles forced the missionaries to leave Burman dominions, and they went to Arakan for the protection of the British flag. News came in 1839 that this man was preaching continually, and that one thousand persons were waiting to be baptized. The Yoma Mountains separate this province from Burma. Messrs. Kincaid and Abbott sought to keep a watch over their distant flocks from behind the mount- ains. Mr. Abbott at Sandoway sent word to his Karens that their teacher was in Arakan. The Burmans jeal- ously watched the mountain passes, but despite their vigilance, large companies flocked across the hills for baptism and instruction. So many of the four thousand Karens in Burma fled to Arakan that the Burman gov- ernor, fearing their emigration in a body, issued a decree of religious liberty, which, however, was not to be trusted. The exiles in Arakan found freedom to worship God, but the deadly climate decimated their ranks. Cholera raged and claimed many victims. No pen can picture what these persecuted Karens suffered for conscience' sake. Mr. Abbott, alone and unaided, was crushed with the burden of caring for this devoted people from behind 72 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. the hills of Arakan. It was a task for ten men. In a single year he buried his wife and two children. The climate was fever breeding, and in 1845 he was obliged to seek rest in America. The Karen work in Moulmein and Tavoy prospered. In 1840, we find the Vintons at Moulmein. The seven out-stations were entirely Karen. Mergui had become an important station, with six churches. The " Morning Star," a Karen paper, was begun in Tavoy in 1843, and continues until this day. It was afterward removed to Moulmein with the mission press, and has been a means of untold good. QUESTIONS. 1. When, where, and by whom was the Karen Mission estab- lished? 2. Tell the story of Ko-thah-byn. 3. Who took the work from Boardman's dying hands? 4. Describe Boardman's last journey into the wilderness. 5. How many years did Mrs. Boardman remain in Tavoy to carry on his work ? 6. Name the Karen subdivisions. 7. Among which tribe did the work begin ? 8. Why were the converts grouped in Christian villages? 9. How did the Tavoy church show its missionary spirit ? 10. What year did the Vintons begin their wonderful work ? 11. How many were baptized on their first tour ? 12. Did they journev in company ? 13. What is said of Mr. Vinton ? 14. What was Mr. Kincaid's relation to the Karens ? 15. Give an account of Mata church. 16. What seminary was established in 1836, and who was its founder ? 17. W T hen was the earliest printing in Karen? 18. What record of the Tavoy Missionary Society in 1839? 19. Tell the story of persecution. 20. In what year was the civil war ? BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 73 21. Sketch the tour of Rev. E. L. Abbott. In what district? 22. What is told of a young chief? 23. Where did the political troubles drive the missionaries? 24. What mountains separate Arakan from Burma? 25. Describe the work of Messrs. Kincaid and Abbott. 26. What pestilence raged among the Karen refugees ? 27. Give an account of Mr. Abbott's sorrrowful experiences. 28. Give events in 1840. 29. Give an account of the Karen religious paper. SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. Missionary Sketches. Life of Ko-thah-byu. Missionary Me- morials. (Mrs. Sarah B. Judson.) Our Gold Mine, pages 122-132. LEAFLETS. Early Mission Work among the Karens. The Karen Mission. CHAPTER XL JUNGLE VICTORIES. rTIHE rapid multiplication of Karen churches, and the -■- consequent need of native assistants, created an imperative call for a trained native ministry. Messrs. Abbott, Vinton, Wade, and Mason had done much in private classes. But it was not possible to do the needed work in this way. Dr. J. G. Binney was designated to establish and direct a Karen Theological Seminary. Mr. Abbott's eloquent appeals in America, and his ac- counts of the glorious work in Arakan, aided in bringing about this action. In 1846, the Seminary, under Dr. Binney, was opened at Moulmein, and a preparatory school at Tavoy, by Rev. E. B. Cross. At the end of the first year, thirty-six students were enrolled at Moulmein. Mr. Abbott returned to Burma in 1847. The work had been faithfully prosecuted by the native preachers left in charge. The two ordained ministers had baptized eleven hundred and fifty, while thirty-six native assist- ants reported twelve hundred awaiting baptism. In 1848, Messrs. Van Meter, Moore, and Benjamin were designated to the Karens at Moulmein, Sandoway, 74 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 75 and Tavoy. Previously, Mr. and Mrs. Harris had come to Moulrnein, Mr. and Mrs. Beecher to Arakan. Mrs. Binney had also established a Karen Normal Girls' School in Moulrnein. As the years passed, the Karen Theological Seminary gave evidence of thorough and valuable work. Theo- logical training classes, preparatory to the higher in- struction, were maintained at Tavoy and Sandoway. The disparity of results among Burmans and Karens was very striking. While much more of labor and money had been expended on Burmans, there were, at the close of 1847, six thousand and ninety-three Karen church members, to two hundred Burmans. Dr. Francis Mason writes : " I presume I have preached the gospel to more Burmans than Karens, and I have baptized about one Burman to fifty Karens. The reason of the great difference is the difference in the preparation of these two nations for the gospel. The Burmans are our Pharisees and Sadducees — the Karens our publicans and sinners." The " grace of giving " was from the first exemplified among the Karens. It was estimated that the Karen Christians of Tavoy were giving twice as much in pro- portion to their ability as American Baptists. Not only were chapels built, and native pastors supported, but ag- gressive foreign mission work carried on. In the Bassein district, since 1848, the Karen pastors have received their entire support from the churches. In 1850, a 76 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Karen Home Mission Society was formed, entirely under Karen direction, and the determination expressed, to send out missionaries, till "every Karen family shall have seen the light of God." The Sgau Karens had the entire Scriptures in 1853, and the Pwo Karens the New Testament, besides much other literature. Never was the Bible more treasured than by this people. The second Burman War, in 1852, brought renewed suffering to the Karens. The Burmans suspected them of sympathy with the English, and perpetrated horrible cruelties. The English, after the conquest of Pegu, rec- ognized the valuable aid the Karens had given, and ac- corded them full protection. The centre of the Karen mission was removed from Sandoway to Bassein, by Messrs. Abbott and Van Meter. Here the Pwo Karens could be reached as well as the Sgaus, and they received the gospel readily. At the solemn six, weeks' deliberation of the mission- aries in Burma with the Deputation from America, in 1853, the Karen interests occupied much of the time. Some decisions were made, which time has modified ; and a few of the missionaries refused to accept the rulings of the Deputation. This caused much conflict for many years, but time has healed all the differences. It cannot be denied that the general interests of the work were greatly advanced. It was decided that Rangoon, Bas- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 77 sein, Henzada, and Shwegyen were to be permanent Karen stations. Mergui was abandoned, becoming part of the Tavoy field. The Karen press was removed from Tavoy to Moulmein, which was henceforth to be the centre of publication for all Burma. Native agencies were encouraged ; normal and primary schools were to be, as far as possible, self-supporting. Boarding schools, and the teaching of English in mission schools, were not approved. The Seminary at Moulmein was to constitute a general Karen Theological School for all Burma. In consequence of the action of the Deputation, Messrs. Vinton and Harris, Miss Miranda Vinton, and a few others, withdrew from the service of the Missionary Union, although continuing in noble and effective service on the field. In 1854, the Theological Seminary, for a while suspended, was re-opened under charge of Dr. Wade. Kemmendine, a suburb of Rangoon, was made the headquarters of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Mission. The funds raised for the support of the Vintons, at this point and of other seceding missionaries, were transmitted through the Free Mission Society, as were those for Messrs Harris and Beecher, a little later. Mr. Hams, in Shwegyen, was afflicted by the death of his wife. He committed his motherless children to the care of Miss Miranda Vinton, just leaving for America. On her return, she became the wife of Mr. Harris. Dr. Mason, appointed to Toungoo, was only able to 78 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. organize the station when he was compelled to go home, leaving the mission in charge of Sau Quala, an eminent Karen preacher. In two years, more than two thousand had been baptized. At every one of the five stations there was a blessed work. In the Kangoon district, twenty churches were formed^ and more than a thousand baptized the first year. Mr. Brayton, designated to the Pwo Karens of this district, settled at Donabew, as a point from which they were easily accessible. Little mission work had been done among this tribe. At Henzada, Mr. Thomas found willing listeners among a large Karen population, and signs of harvest appeared. In Moulmein, Dr. "Wade continued in charge of the Karen Theological Seminary until the return of Dr. Binney in I860. This institution had grown in value and importance with the rapid growth of the Karen missions. At Bassein, six hundred and forty-four baptisms were reported and self-support agreed upon. In their own words: "For preachers, pastors, and ordained ministers, we shall expend no more of the money of our American brethren." This principle of self-help prevailed at Tavoy, Toungoo, Shwegyen, and Henzada. The Moulmein Ka- rens are reaching this point more slowly. Sau Quala worked with marvelous results in Toungoo. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 79 Pressing calls came from every quarter, and he plead with pathetic earnestness for a missionary. Mr. Whitaker went to take general charge of the field, while a graduate of the Theological Seminary was sent to assist Sau Quala. The number baptized under his incessant labors was nearly fifteen hundred. The Karens in certain provinces were deaf to the gospel. Such a region was that south of Tavoy. Wherever the Karens have received Buddhism, they reject Christianity. This hinders the work among many of the Pwos, and especially among the Burmans. August 15, 1857, Mr. Whitaker gave up his life for Toungoo. Fever, contracted in mountain tours, brought his useful career to a sudden close. Mr. Vinton died in 1858. A man of intense earnest- ness, positive convictions, and fiery zeal, he was wholly consecrated to his work. Idolized by the Karens, his harvest of souls was great. In 1860, the Theological Seminary was removed to Rangoon, Dr. Binney again at its head. Dr. Wade took up the work of preparing commentaries and other books needed by the theological students. In 1862, the mission press was also removed to Rangoon, the most accessible point in Burma, In 1860, ten hundred and ninety-six were baptized in the Toungoo district, and the work extended far into the interior. The Red Karens claimed attention. The first 80 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Red Karen tract was printed this year. A view of the Toungoo field revealed fifteen different Karen tribes asking for the gospel. Two hundred and sixty thousand Karens were accessible to the missionary! This year Mr. Cross removed to Toungoo. In his early missionary life Dr. Wade reduced the Karen language to written forms. In 1860, he prepared a Karen grammar, a great achievement, and invaluable in school work. The Van Meters returned to Bassein, to work specially for the Pwo Karens. The " Morning Star," their own paper, was prized by the people. Dr. Wade was for many years the editor. QUESTIONS. 1. Why was a trained Karen native ministry greatly needed ? 2. What missionary had given training in private classes ? 3. By whom, when, and where was the Karen Theological Seminary opened? 4. Give account of the preparatory school. 5. What results did Mr. Abbott find on his return from America ? 6. Give the roll of new missionaries. 7. What was the character of work in the Theological Semi- nary ? 8. What caused the disparity of results among the Burmans and Karens? Give Dr. Mason's opinion. 9. Note some of the beginnings of self-support among the Karens. 10. Relate the beginnings of foreign mission work. 11. W T hat year was the entire Bible given to the Sgau Karens? 12. What portion was about the same time given the Pwos? 13. What renewed sufferings did the war in 1852 bring the Karens, and what recognition by Government ? 14. When and by whom was the removal of the Karen mission from Sandoway to Bassein? 15. Give results of the visit of the Deputation. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 81 16. What Society transmitted funds for the support of the seceding missionaries ? 17. What eminent Karen preacher labored in Toungoo ? What were the results? 18. What record the first year of the re-opening of the Eangoon district ? 19. What was the location of the Rangoon Pwo Karen work? Who were in charge? 20. Who was the Henzada Karen missionary? 21. W T hat is said of the Karen Theological Seminary? 22. Give the decision of the Bassein Karens regarding self- support. 23. In what other place did this principle prevail ? 24. Give account of Sau Quala and the Toungoo field. 25. Tell the story of Mr. Vinton's life and death. 26. In what year was the Theological Seminary removed? where, and under whose charge? 27. What work did Dr. Wade assume ? ' 28. What was the record of 1860 in the Toungoo district? 29. What later work did Dr. W r ade accomplish ? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. Missionary Sketches. The Vintons and the Karens. The Story of the Karen Mission in Bassein. F CHAPTER XII. SUCCESS IN ADVERSITY. TOURING the years of the civil war in America, the -*-^ straitened treasury of the Missionary Union greatly hampered mission operations. Retrenchment was im- perative to a degree that was nearly fatal to certain departments. Many schools were closed, less printing done, fewer native agencies employed. Much sickness left the stations of Tavoy and Shwegven for several years without a resident missionary. This state of affairs ren- dered imperative the better support of the Karen Theo- logical Seminary, since the Karen tribes, if evangelized at all, must be reached by their own countrymen. Yet the financial stringency compelled almost fatal retrenchment, even here. In fact, during these years of bloodshed and civil strife at home, the missionary field presented a panorama of languishing interests, and almost fatal im- poverishment. In 1861, Rev. J. B. Vinton came to Rangoon to carry on the work of his lamented father, associated with his mother, and Mr. and Mrs. Luther. This was a mission, as we have seen, supported by independent funds, and was remarkably successful. A normal school for Karen 82 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 83 lads was established at Moulinein. The churches sup- ported a Young Men's Normal School at Toungoo. One month after Mr. Carpenter reached Rangoon, he gives this pen-picture : " I wish you could see Dr. Binney's sixty-two bare- footed, bare-legged students of theology. They are all crowded into a one-story building. They probably do not taste of meat once a week. Their food consists mainly of paddy (unhulled rice), which they pound out for themselves. They submit to all this cheerfully, and dig like good fellows for the sake of knowledge, and the ability to read understandingly, and expound to their countrymen the Karen Bible/' Meanwhile, the work was making progress among the Pwos. In 1863, the Pwo churches in the Bassein dis- trict formed a separate Association. Trouble was at hand in Toungoo. Mrs. Mason, so long a faithful and earnest Christian teacher, laboring under mental derangement, taught strange and fatal delusions to her trusting Karens. This resulted in an almost general defection of the churches under the care of the Masons. Dr. Mason did not seem to realize the danger of her course, and it became a painful necessity to withdraw the patronage of the Union. In later years he saw his error, and sought to undo it as far as possible. He died in the service of the Missionary Union. In 1866, Mr. Harris was re-appointed a missionary of 84 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. the Union, and returned to Shwegyen. The devoted Karens remembered his former faithful labor among them, and, in 1865, entreated his return, contributing one hundred dollars toward his passage. Their letter touchingly closes thus : " Dear brethren and sisters, in every place, great and small, male and female, have pity upon us, pray for us, and assist us in getting back our teachers." In 1865, Mr. Bunker was sent to the Red Karens, with headquarters at Toungoo. His musical training, teaching them to sing part-music, was most attractive to the music-loving Karens. Dr. Binney retired from the theological seminary this same year, on account of Mrs. Binney's health. Rev. C. H. Carpenter and Rev. D. A. W. Smith, who had been associated with him for three years, assumed the charge. A few months later Dr. Binney returned to Burma, and Mr. Smith removed to Henzada to take the work of Mr. Thomas, who had been transferred to Bassein. For thirteen years the Bassein Sgau Karen Mission had been separated from the Missionary Union. It will be remembered that Rev. Elisha L. Abbott was the founder of the mission, a true spiritual father. He spared not himself, but labored on until body and spirit alike failed. Listen to his parting words to his beloved Karens : " The kingdom of Christ is here in Bassein. You BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 85 must care for it, and labor for it faithfully. If his kiugdoni prospers, it will prosper through your efforts. If it is destroyed, it will be at your hands." Mr. Abbott died in America in 1854. Rev. J. S. Beecher, associated with Mr. Abbott in the hearts of the Karens, hastened at their call. But events caused him to enter the service of the American Baptist Free Mission Society. This change of relation, so fraught with pain at the time, was the Providence that threw the Karen churches upon themselves, and developed their splendid system of self-support. Mr. Beecher continued the work along Mr. Abbott's successful line. He estab- lished the Sgau Karen Normal and Industrial Institute, so flourishing in these later days. The Karens paid for the school buildings. In recognition of Karen loyalty and service during the war. Government granted them a beautiful site often acres, free from taxes as long as used for missionary purposes. Mr. Beecher's health failed in 1866, and he left Burma, never to return. Two marble tablets, side by side, on the west wall of the fine memorial hall in Bassein, commemorate in loving words these two heroes who gave their lives to the Bassein Karens. Lapse of time had softened differences, and there is reason to believe, if Mr. Beecher had lived, he would have returned under the Missionary Union. The Bassein churches wrote an appeal to the executive committee, 86 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. asking that Mr. Thomas, of Henzada, be sent them. It was the Lord reinstating the Missionary Union in its old field. When the appeal came, Mr. Thomas, with broken health, was about leaving for America. It seemed like the voice of Providence, and hoping that strength would come from change of location, he removed, as has been seen, to Bassein. But the delay cost his life the next year. Who should succeed him ? This was the subject of anxious debate at the meeting of the Burman Baptist Convention, held at Bassein, November, 1868. Then it was that the ocean cable did its first missionary work. The executive committee in Boston gave answer to the problem in the dispatch, "Carpenter transferred to Bassein, Smith to Rangoon." The Bassein Karens were joyful, the Henzada Karens cast down at losing the teacher they had learned to love. They wished to raise immediately the money to cable back a protest, but wiser counsel prevailed, and they communicated by letter. In 1869, Mr. Norris removed from Moulmein to take charge of the work in Tavoy. Rev. S. B. Rand was this year established at Moulmein. In 1870, the sad Hen- zada Karens were rejoiced by Mr. Smith's return, another cablegram saying, "Go." As a new departure, they were made the almoners of their own contributions. The result was most gratifying, as a step toward independent action. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 87 Self-support in the Bassein Mission continued its won- derful development. In 1868, the Missionary Union purchased the property held by the Free Mission Society, and assumed full control. The independence of the churches in providing largely for their own religious needs is remarkable in a poor people, as heavily taxed as any people in the world. Their chapels, long built by themselves, are better than their own dwellings. They are more anxious for education than in any other province. Schools they will have, with the best teachers to be secured. When Mr. Carpenter reached Bassein, in 1868, he found the school buildings nearly in ruins. He proposed a plan whereby in ten years commodious buildings could be secured without expending a dollar of American money. At first they were appalled by the magnitude of the undertaking, but the result was so overwhelming, that they willingly assumed the endowment of the school. Not only did they contribute to these home interests, but they also sent missionaries into the regions beyond. Shwegyen was not far behind. Pastors and churches, out of deep poverty, raised about three thousand rupees, and appointed a committe from among themselves to distribute this fund, relieving the Missionary Union of any appropriation, either for schools or native preachers. 88 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. QUESTIONS. 1. What was the effect of the straitened missionary treasury ? 2. What special events in 1861 ? 3. Give Mr. Carpenter's pen-picture of Karen theological students. 4. What progress among the Pwos ? 5. Describe the defection in Toungoo. 6. State facts regarding Mr. Harris' return. 7. What is said of the Toungoo Red Karens and their mis- sionary ? 8. What changes in the Karen Theological Seminary ? 9. Tell the story of the Bassein Sgau Karen Mission, and the grand results accomplished. 10. What was the first missionary message of the ocean cable ? 11. What changes at Moulmein and Tavoy ? 12. What is said of the Henzada Karens? 13. What further facts regarding self-support in the Bassein Sgau Karen Mission? 14. Give outline of Mr. Carpenter's plans, and their results. 15. What is said of Shwegyen ? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. Missionary Sketches. Self-support in Bassein. The Vintons and the Karens. The Story of the Karen Mission in Bassein. CHAPTER XIII. SUNSHINE AND SHADOW. TN 1870, a memorial was addressed to the Missionary •*- Union, by the missionaries, regarding the imperative need of higher education among the Karens. The Roman Catholics offered this advantage, and in self- defense the Baptists must give their converts equal op- portunities. As a result, the Rangoon Baptist College was formally opened May 28, 1872, under charge of Dr. Binney and Rev. John Packer. The year 1871 was a notable year in Karen annals. The Rangoon Sgau Karen work was re-united with the Missionary Union, after a separation of seventeen years, and Mr. Vinton appointed its missionary. The churches in Toungoo, led away by Mrs. Mason, nearly all came back to their old faith, and Dr. Mason was re-appointed. It was also the year of the organization of the Women's Societies, whose work has been most extended among the Karens. Mr. Cross revised the New Testament, making a reference edition. Mrs. Van Meter, laboring alone for the Bassein Pwo Karens, while her husband sought health in America, received the crushing news of his death. Instead of 89 90 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. going home, she begged for an associate for the field she loved better than life. In a little over a year, she fol- lowed her husband, the last survivor of the three mis- sionary couples associated in Sandoway in early days. Mr. Norris left Tavoy with broken health in 1871. The Carpenters went home on furlough the next year. Mr. Hopkinson arrived in Bassein just after their depart- ure. Miss A. L. Stevens was the first gift of the Woman's Board to the Bassein Karens. Dr. Wade died in 1872, having been a missionary for over fifty years. The Karens have reason to bless his memory as the man who reduced both the Sgau and Pwo Karen dialects to written form, and prepared a Karen grammar. The Karen Thesaurus, a work in five vol- umes, is of incalculable value. His labors, both literary and evangelical, are beyond enumeration. A bird's-eye view in 1873 shows interesting advance. The lady teachers at nearly every station are representa- tives of the Women's Boards. At Moulmein, we find the Sgau Karen department in charge of Rev. S. B. Rand and his sister, Miss C. H. Rand. We see Tavoy sitting in loneliness. The eyes of the Karens are turned long- ingly toward America for a teacher. Its twenty-three churches need more shepherding than the twenty-one native preachers can give. The Bassein Sgau Karen work we find in charge of Mr. Hopkinson, and the Pwo Karen under care of Rev. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 91 Sabin T. Goodell. The wise plans of Mr. Carpenter are being carried on successfully. Rev. D. A. W. Smith, still at Henzada, is aided in school work by Miss De Wolfe. The work is also steadily advancing at Shwegyen. Mr. Harris, the veteran, labors on, laying broad and deep foundations for the future independence of the churches. Rev. B. P. Cross is designated to Shwegyen. We close this view of the work in 1873 with a glance at Toungoo. It has had a checkered history since its founding in 1853. We find Dr. Cross in charge of the Sgaus, aided by Miss Shaw. Dr. Mason, in declining health, is preparing a Karen concordance. Those drawn away in the great apostasy led by Mrs. Mason are fast returning. Rev. Alonzo Bunker, aided by Misses East- man and Butler, is in charge of the Red Karen work. For years a great desire had been felt to reach the Karens in Siam. When the Carpenters left Burma in 1872, they went by way of this country, that they might visit the Karens beyond the border. Their trip from Moulmein to Bangkok covered six hundred and twenty miles. On their way they scattered precious seed, trust- ing God for the harvest. Two months were thus spent for the Siamese Karens. This same year, the plan of weekly " pice " offerings (a pice is a fraction of a cent) was tested in Henzada. This was given in addition to the regular tithe offerings. In one year, this fund amounted to the sum of five hun- 92 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. dred rupees. It was applied toward the erection of school buildings. Miss Stevens, a worker of rare ability, was compelled to leave Bassein, utterly prostrated. Denied the privi- lege of working abroad, she is doing good service in the home department. Mr, and Mrs. Carpenter returned to Burma in 1874, accompanied by Miss Helen Watson, for Henzada. Mr. Carpenter was president of Rangoon Baptist College until 1875. The question of removing the college to Bassein having been decided adversely, he resigned and returned to Bassein. In 1874, Dr. Mason died at Rangoon. When he first reached Burma, in 1830, he took the Karen work from the dying hand of Mr. Boardman. He planted the Toungoo mission in 1853. His last work was to remove to Upper Burma, in the hope of planting a station among the wild Ka Khyens. Before he could accom- plish this, however, the Master called him home. A severe famine in the Toungoo district brought dis- tress and danger. Great fatality among the Christian Karens was only averted by the concerted action of all the Baptist churches in Burma in sending relief. In 1875, the gifts of the Bassein Karens averaged four rupees per member, given out of deep poverty. Dr. Binney returned to America in 1874, and Mr. Smith was called from Henzada to become president of BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 93 the theological seminary. Dr. Binney had been for thirty years connected with this special work, of such vital importance to the evangelizing of the Karens. Mr. Rand, of Moulmein, after an unavailing struggle with disease, was driven home in 1876, leaving Mr. Col- burn and Miss Rand in charge of the work. Mrs. Cross having been removed by death, Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Cross were transferred from Shwegyen to Toungoo, to be associ- ated with Dr. Cross in his loneliness. Relieved of tour- ing work, the father devoted himself to Scripture revision. Mrs. Thomas, returning in 1874, had charge of the Henzada Karen Mission. She inaugurated a plan to have the native pastors give a part of each year to evangelizing labors, accompanied by one or more helpers. More than four thousand rupees were brought in 1876 for religious purposes. At the Bassein Association, in 1875, the Sgau Karens resolved to raise a special building fund of twenty thousand rupees in three years, for the Bassein Normal and Industrial School. About twelve thousand rupees had previously been raised for permanent school build- ings, making a total of about thirty-two thousand rupees for education. The Bassein Pwo Karens were endeav- oring to raise seven thousand rupees within three years. A grand offering is thus shown from the Lord's poor. This same year, Mrs. Thomas made an interesting tour among the mountain Karens in her district. Here the 94 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. nation was found in its ancient condition, untouched by the uplifting power of the gospel. A religion of super- stition kept them in bondage to fear. Such a trip would have been a serious undertaking for a strong man. After many years of desolation, Tavoy rejoiced in 1876 over Mr. and Mrs. Morrow. It was no slight task to gather up the dropped threads; but it was evident that the Lord had his own, even in Tavoy. Early in 1877, the Crumbs joined the Red Karen Mission in Toungoo. QUESTIONS. 1. What led to the founding of Rangoon Baptist College? 2. Where was its formal opening? Who were in charge? 3. Why was 1871 a notable year? 4. What is said of Mrs. Van Meter ? 5. What changes in Bassein ? 6. Give sketch of Dr. Wade's life, and date of death. 7. What of Moulmein in 1873? 8. What of Bassein, Henzada, and Shwegyen ? 9. What of Toungoo? 10. Describe the Carpenters' tour in Siam. 11. What new plan of finance in Henzada, and what results? 12. What is said of Miss Stevens ? 13. What was Mr. Carpenter's temporary work, and why did he resign it? 14. Give sketch of Dr. Francis Mason's life and death. 15. How did brotherly love save life in Toungoo ? 16. What were the average gifts of Bassein Sgau Karens in 1875? 17. What is said of Dr. Binney ? 18. Who became President of Karen Theological Seminary ? 19. What changes at Moulmein and Toungoo? 20. What is said of Mrs. Thomas and the Henzada mission? 21. What new undertaking of Bassein Karens in 1875 ? 22. Describe Mrs. Thomas' remarkable tour. 23. What is said of Tavoy and Toungoo ? SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. Missionary Sketches. Self-support in Bassein. Life of a Work- ing man, by Dr. Francis Mason. CHAPTER XIV. LOOKING BEYOND. rTlHE opening of the Ka Khyen field seemed to the -■- Karens the call to mission work. They assumed it with great enthusiasm, although bearing weighty finan- cial burdens of their own. Men volunteered to go among this stranger people, and the churches promised to sustain them. Speh was the first Karen missionary to go into the hills. The Ka Khyens received him cor- dially, and promised to feed him. Dr. Binney, aged and feeble, sailed again for Burma, in 1877, hoping for a lease of life to finish certain Karen text books. But it was not to be. He died on ship- board, eight days before the steamer reached Rangoon. His work in training Karen preachers has left its lasting impress upon Burma. Mrs. Binney remained to finish, as far as possible, his work. November 16, Mr. Goodell died at Rangoon, whither he had gone for medical aid. The Bassein Pwo Karens were in mourning for their beloved teacher, whose five years service had ended with his life. Mr. Bunker was obliged to leave Toungoo, in 1858. He writes : " It is many times harder to leave my work 95 96 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. here to go home, than it was to leave home in the begin- ning. I would not do it if I was not compelled." In January, 1878, three Karen men were needed immediately for Upper Burma. To this simple, home- loving people, the going into the Ka Khyen hills meant exile quite as truly as the outgoing of an American mis- sionary to Burma. After much prayer and solemn appeal, two young men from the seminary were sent. Others held themselves in readiness to go when needed. The year 1878 was the jubilee of the Karen mission. Fifty years before, May 16, 1828, Ko-thah-byu, the first convert, was baptized by Mr. Boardman, and afterward, by his zeal and missionary spirit, won the name of the "Karen Apostle." This jubilee year found the number of Karen Christians to be over twenty thousand. The fine commodious building erected by the Karens for the Bassein Normal and Industrial Institute was dedicated on this anniversary day, free of debt, and called the Ko-thah-byu Memorial Hall. It will accommodate three hundred boarding pupils. During this jubilee vear, the Bassein Karens contributed fiftv thousand rupees for religious and educational purposes. Later, came the E. L. Abbott Endowment Fund, which in 1884 amounted to thirteen thousand six hundred and ninety- nine dollars and fifty cents. The Toungoo Karens also sent two of their number into Karenee as missionaries. Others made preaching tours among the villages. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 97 Auother native preacher labored among the Padoungs. A month of field work by Mr. Smith, and the two upper classes from the seminary in a needy part of the Henzada field, resulted in much good. Mr. Freiday writes in 1878: "Thank God, Brother Carpenter's Bassein Karens have adopted the Ka Khyens as their mission field, for this secures the Ka Khyen mission prayers, men, and money in an unusual degree ; as the Bassein Christians are not accustomed to look back when once they put their hand to the plow." Another signal event in 1878 was the completion of the Bible in Pwo Karen by Mr. Brayton. The undertaking had covered thirty years of assiduous work, carried on in connection with the varied duties of a general missionary. In 1879, Eangoon Baptist College possessed a new and commodious building. A mysterious disease called beri-beri caused great mor- tality and suffering among the students of the theological seminary. For years, varying plans were tried for its removal, but in vain, and the final result was the pur- chase, in 1890, of a new location at Insein, nine miles from Rangoon, on the Prome Railroad, and the gradual removal of the school from the infected buildings. In 1879, Rev. J. T. Elwell and wife took Mr. Goodell's Pwo Karen work in Bassein. A new station, Maubin, was opened among this tribe, by Rev. W. Bushnell and wife. G 98 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. At Toungoo, the Red Karen work was successfully carried on by Misses Eastman and Ambrose. Mr. Bunker returned in 1880. In April, 1880, the Carpenters made a long desired trip into the Ka Khyen country, to look after the Karen foreign mission work in the hills. Most gratifying suc- cess was apparent. A little later, broken health drove them to America. Rev. W. I. Price, of the Telugu mis- sion, was transferred to Shwegyen. Dr. Vinton was most indefatigible in jungle work. Malarious regions did not turn him back ; the sure pros- pect of jungle fever did not keep him from those he sought. He writes in 1881 : " If you do not hear from me, take it for granted that Vinton is in the jungle, with headquarters on his elephant's head, and you will not be far wrong." Rev. W. F. Thomas and wife came to Henzada in 1880, to the great joy of his mother, heroically working alone. Immediately they set out for the jungle in company. One marked feature of the Karen churches was the careful examination of candidates for baptism. This resulted in a strong and spiritual membership, with little need for discipline. In 1881, at the request of the Burma Baptist Conven- tion, Messrs. Bushell and Webster made a tour among the Karens of Northern Siam. Thev found large com- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 99 munities accessible to the gospel. They baptized seventy, and organized three churches. An attempt to prosecute the work by purely native agencies having failed, the Websters removed three years later to Chiengmai. Dr. Vinton, in 1882, expressed great joy over the bap- tism of some pupils from the Sgau Karen school in Kem- mendine. He says : " I dearly enjoy the privilege of baptizing any true convert ; but a new thrill of pleasure comes when I feel that I am putting ' sanctified brains ' under the water." This year Mr. Frank Phinney was appointed to the superintendency of the mission press in Rangoon, ren- dered vacant by the retirement of Mr. Bennett. The press of the Missionary Union is the only one in the world printing in the Karen and Shan language. Three of the students in the Theological Seminary this year were Karens from far-distant Siam, sent by their Chiengmai brethren for two years' study. Rev. B. P. Cross and wife were transferred to Rangoon College. In 1883, there was great advance among the Pwo Karens in Bassein. They organized a missionary society. Circles were formed among the women, and bands among the children. The Pwo Karen Bible, translated and revised by Mr. Brayton, assisted by his daughter, Mrs. Rose, was published. Mrs. Binney died May 18, 1884, in Rangoon. After the death of her husband she devoted herself to com- 100 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. pleting his literary undertakings. Her life was blessed in labors and results, and her memory is precious in Burma. Mr. Webster gives the story in brief of the mission in Northern Siam : "An almost wholly native agency, operating at twenty- five days distance from headquarters, three years time ; result, one hundred and sixty church members, two churches, two schools, and several men who show excep- tional gifts as evangelists. This work is supported by Burman churches, in connection with the Karens." We have already noted the Bassein Karen foreign mission among the Ka Khyens. A third field was occu- pied by the Henzada Karens, the work having been originated by Mrs. Thomas, and lies among the Chins in the western valley of the Irrawaddy, extending into Arakan. In 1884, were reported four Chin churches, largely the result of native effort. This interest among the Chins of Arakan led to the re-establishment of the old Sandoway mission, the healthiest spot in the province, which in earlier days proved such a graveyard of mis- sionaries. Mr. Crumb, missionary to the Red Karens in Toun- goo, reported his native preachers doing mission w T ork in Karenee. Seven men were laboring in different direc- tions, and doing much good. In 1886, Upper Burma was annexed by the English, throwing a vast region open to the gospel. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 101 A movement was made the same year to throw the support of the Theological Seminary upon the Karens. The Bassein Sgaus pledged about one thousand rupees, and the other districts were asked to apportion the amount needed among their membership. The gratify- ing response showed that systematic and persistent effort on the part of the pastors would bring in funds sufficient to make the seminary a mighty power. Diplomas were given the graduates this year for the first time. The graduating exercises would not have done discredit to an American seminary. Its standing was rising to the level of schools in the home-land. QUESTIONS. 1. Describe the opening of the Ka Khyen field by the Bassein Sgau Karens. 2. Give the circumstances of Dr. Binney's death. 3. What is said of Mrs. Binney ? 4. What bereavement befell the Bassein Pwo Karens in 1877 ? 5. Give Mr. Bunker's parting words. 6. Teli the story of the consecration of Karen foreign mission- aries for work in Upper Burma. 7. Describe the grand results of the jubilee year of Karen foreign mission work. 8. What does Mr. Freiday say in regard to the Karen Ka Khyen Mission? 9. What signal event in 1878? 10. What is said of beri-beri, and what removal did it make necessary ? 11. What of Pwo Karen work in 1879? 12. What of Red Karen work in Toungoo? 13. W T hat trip by the Carpenters in 1880? 14. What marked feature among Karen churches? 15. What is said of the work among the Karens of Siam ? 16. What joyful experience did Dr. Vinton relate ? 17. Give facts regarding change of superintendency of Baptist mission press in Rangoon. 102 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 18. What three foreign students in Karen Theological Seminary in 1882 ? Who sent them ? 19. What advance is noted among Bassein Pwo Karens in 1883? 20. When did Mrs. Binney die, and what had she accomplished? 21. Give the story of Northern Siam Mission. 22. Note the new foreign mission fields undertaken by Karens. 23. What important political event in 1886 ? 24. What is said of the Karen Theological Seminary ? SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. The Vintons and Karens. Self-support in Bassein. History of Bassein Karens. Twenty-six years in Burma, by Mrs. Binney. LEAFLETS. Mrs. J. P. Binney. Christianity and Karen women. CHAPTER XV. TRIAL AND VICTORY. rPHE annexation of Upper Burma was followed by a -*- period of great excitement and peril. Bands of dacoits wreaked vengeance on the Christian Karens, es- pecially in Shwegyen and Toungoo districts. But the Karens, directed by their missionaries, rose to the occa- sion, and by brave defense, and equally brave aggression, aided Government in restoring order to the land. A missionary writes : " It is a fact that the Karens, without exception, muster on the English side, and all through these mountains, have done what the English soldiers have failed to do : they have put down the dacoits. So the Karen hills are becoming, by virtue of the Karen Christians, a vast for- tification to the British Government ; but which, if held by the Burmans, would become a vast, impenetrable den of thieves. " More than once, the missionaries were compelled to take up arms, and aid the Karens, in self-defense. From being an oppressed, obscure people, the events of the war have pushed them into noble prominence." A sad loss was sustained in the death of Dr. Vinton at 103 104 BAPTIST FOEEIGX MISSIONS. Rangoon, in 1887. The dacoit perils taxed the mission- aries to the utmost. Dr. Vinton held a position of pecu- liar responsibility, both to the Karens and to Govern- ment. His influence over his people was absolute. He spoke the language like a native, and wrote many beau- tiful hymns. His large plans for ' future work were cut short by his sudden death ; and all Karen land was in mourning. The first scholarships in the Karen Theological Semi- nary were given by two natives ; one a Christian deacon, who gave one hundred and fifty dollars, wishing the avails given to some needy student from the Moulmein district. The other was a like amount from a heathen, for the same purpose. The year 1887 was one of progress. New stations were opened, and the great opportunities were like a bugle call to the Christians of Ameriea, summoning them in the name of their God to set up their banners. After eight years' faithful labor in Moulmein, Dr. Mitchell was compelled to leave her work in Burma for a time. It had long been self-supporting, paying her salary and that of her assistant, Dr. Shaw Loo. She was the second of a line of medical missionaries, sent by the women's societies, and this experiment had proved a triumphant success. More than one thousand patients had been treated at the dispensary in 1887, Mrs. Vinton, who so nobly carried on her husband's BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 105 work after his death, returned to America. From the beginning of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Mission, it had been in charge of but two persons — Justus H. Vinton, and Justus B. Vinton, father and son. Their monu- ment is in the devoted Karens, who, though stricken, rallied to make good their loss by greater effort. At Christmas, 1887, the Bassein Karens observed their Jubilee. The gospel was first preached within the boundaries of the Bassein district, Christmas Eve, 1837, by Rev. E, L. Abbott. Christmas Eve, 1887, watch meet- ings were held in many places, attended by thousands. Special thanksgiving services were held on Christmas Day, and the anniversary was both joyful and profitable. A new station was opened for the Chins, at Thayetmyo, in Upper Burma. This people inhabit the western Yoma mountains, between Burma and Arakan. The mission- aries in charge are Rev. A. E. Carson and wife. In April, 1888, the beautiful Pwo Karen chapel in Bassein was dedicated, free of debt. The sermon was preached by the venerable Brayton, who had come to the Pwo work fifty years before. The chapel cost five thousand dollars, one-third contributed by the Karens. The upper story is the chapel, with beautiful schoolrooms below. At a meeting of the Rangoon Sgau Karen Association, it was enthusiastically decided to erect a "Vinton Memo- rial " on the missionary compound. This was to take the 106 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. form of a large school building, in memory of the three Vintons — father, mother, and son. At this meeting, fifteen hundred dollars was pledged as an earnest of the larger amounts to follow. Mr. Thomas returned from a brief furlough in 1888, and located in Sandoway, laboring for the Chins and Arakanese. In 1889, came an appeal for five hundred dollars to build a Baptist chapel in Hammerfest, Norway, near the Arctic Circle. The various Sunday-schools in Rangoon, Karen, Burrnan, and English, responded with sixty-six dollars and thirty-eight cents as their contribution, the tropics aiding the polar regions. This same year was organized the Arakan Baptist Association, with ten churches. The foreign mission spirit had here also an early development. A movement was inaugurated in the Tavoy district of the greatest value to the Karens. Government granted Mr. Morrow two thousand acres of land, on which to locate certain of the Karen Christians, teaching them improved agricultural methods. As the Karens are the farmers of Burma, much is expected. The Henzada Karens erected a beautiful chapel school- house as a " Thomas Memorial." This Associational dis- trict was divided, the other half being the Tharrawaddy district, with headquarters at Zigon, under charge of Rev.W. C. Calder. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 107 The Sandoway mission embraced six distinct nation- alities — Chins, Arakanese, Burmese, Karens, English, and Telugus. The Ka Khyens had as missionaries in Bhamo, Eev. W. H. Roberts and wife, besides two lady teachers. In 1889, the Bassein Karens completed a large and beautiful hospital as the " Carpenter Memorial/' besides bearing much expense in other directions. In 1888, Mr. Denchfield was put in charge of the Rangoon Sgau Karen work. In 1890, Mrs. Vinton re- turned. Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave were also designated to this mission. The family relation to the work continued, Mrs. Seagrave being a daughter of Mrs. Vinton. At the Fourth Annual Conference of Baptist Mission- aries in Burma, a scheme of uniform Bible study for all the mission schools was adopted. Henceforth, Burman, Karen, Shan, Ka Khyen, Telugu, and English scholars will all study the same daily Bible lesson. Mrs. Brayton died at Rangoon in 1890, after forty- eight years active service in Burma among the Pwo Karens. Thus was another link broken with the pioneer days, Mrs. Brayton having gone to Burma when Dr. Judson and Sarah B. Judson were in the full tide of their usefulness. The statistics of the Karen mission for 1891 show thirty-six missionaries actually on the field, one hundred and twenty-two ordained and three hundred and twenty- 108 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. two unordained native preachers, four hundred and ninety-six churches, and twenty-seven thousand and forty members. The Theological Seminary appeals for a fitting build- ing for its beautiful site at Insein. Prof. E. B. Roach is president of Eangocn Baptist College. Prof. D. C. Gil- more and wife have been added to the faculty. New tribes of Karens are being reached. The Kachin work, carried on as a foreign mission by the Bassein Karens, has now an association of its own. A constantly increasing demand for higher education is a prophecy of future power and efficiency for the Karen nation. QUESTIONS. 1. What followed the annexation of Upper Burma ? 2. What is said of Karen aid given the Government against the dacoits ? 3. Give a sketch of Dr. Vinton's work, and date of death. 4. Tell the story of the two first scholarships in Karen Theo- logical Seminary. 5. What is said of Dr. Ellen E. Mitchell? 6. What relation had the Vintons borne to the Sgau Karen mission ? 7. Describe the Christmas jubilee of the Bassein Sgau Karen in 1887. _ 8. Give facts regarding new stations for the Chins in Upper Burma. 9. Describe the dedication of Pwo Karen chapel in Bassein, with date. 10. What was the Vinton memorial ? 11. How did the tropics aid the polar regions? 12. What event in Arakan in 1889? 13. Describe plan for agricultural instruction in Henzada. 14. What and where was the Thomas Memorial ? 15. How and when was the Henzada district divided ? 16. What nationalities in the Sandoway mission ? BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 109 17. What American missionary to the Ka Khyens, and where located ? 18. Where and what was the Carpenter Memorial ? 19. What is said of Rangoon Sgau Karen work ? 20. Give plan of daily uniform Bible study for all the mission schools. 21. What is said of Mrs. Bray ton? 22. Give statistics for 1890. 23. What changes in the faculty of Rangoon Baptist College ? 24. Give latest facts in Karen work. SUPPLEMENTARY READING. Self-support in Bassein. The Story of the Karen Mission in Bassein. CHAPTER XVI. LENGTHENING CORDS. niHE Assam mission was established in 1836. The ■*- eyes of the Christian world were fixed longingly on China, fast barred against outward influences. The Siam mission was begun as an outpost of China, and it was believed that an entrance to this kingdom might be gained along the paths of inland trade. By planting a series of posts along the Chinese frontier, beginning with Siam, extending northward into Assam, some influences must penetrate the barrier. Also, under the protection of the East India Company, it was thought that mission- aries might travel with the caravans that passed yearly into China, and while the mandarians were jealously watching their ports, Christianity might be planted in the heart of the Empire. Another consideration favored Assam. A chain of mountain ranges extends between Assam and Burma. The hill tribes especially were thought to be nearly allied to the Shans, whose language so closely resembles the Burman that missionaries from Burma could learn it readily. The East India Company had become friendly to mis- sionaries. It was at the urgent appeal of its officers in 110 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Ill Assam, that Messrs. Brown and Cutter went from Burma to Sadiya, in 1836. Captain Jenkins offered five hun- dred dollars to the mission on the arrival of the first missionary, and a like amount when the printing press was an established fact. Sadiya is far up the province, on the Brahmaputra, the mighty river whose valley forms the plain of Assam. The missionaries had a long weary journey of four months, toiling against the current in a native boat. In October, 1836, Rev. Jacob Thomas and Rev. Miles Bronson, with their wives, were sent to this new mission. On the journey up the Brahmaputra, Mr. Bronson was taken ill with fever. In a small boat, w 7 ith a native boatman, Mr. Thomas hastened on to obtain medicine and help. When within sight of Sadiya, a tree fell across the boat, crushing it, and drowning Mr. Thomas It was a sad blow to the mission, and to the wife and friends left behind. The name of Jacob Thomas leads the death roll of the Assam mission. The Board instructed the missionaries always to keep in view the possible connection with Burma and China. Mr. Kincaid's trip northward from Ava in 1837 was an attempt to reach Assam. The failure of this attempt had not dispelled the idea. An insurrection in Sadiya, in 1839, drove out the mis- sionaries, and dispersed the people. The mission was removed to Jaipur, three days journey southward. Here 112 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Mr. Bronson found himself near the Singphos, the tribe to which he had been designated. It was also near the Nagas, a fierce, warlike people, among whom he estab- lished a mission in 1840. Soon he moved his family to Namsang, a station in the Naga hills. In May, his sister, Miss Rhoda Bronson, one of the first single lady missionaries, with Mr. and Mrs. Barker, came to Assam. Miss Bronson joined her brother in the hills, but con- tinued fever drove them back to Jaipur, where she died at the end of the year. It soon became evident that more efficient work could be done in the densely populated plains of Central and Lower Assam, than among the scattered tribes about Jaipur. Mr. Barker settled at Sibsagor, and thither Mr. Brown followed in 1841, Mr. Cutter remaining with the press at Jaipur. Mr. Bronson removed to Nowgong, where were representatives of many tribes, besides the Assamese. Mrs. Bronson opened a large mission school, which educated many of the future native teachers and preachers of Assam. Mr. Brown's especial work was translating; Mr. Cutter's, printing. Portions of the Scripture and schoolbooks were soon in the hands of the people. In 1845, the press was moved to Sibsagor, Mr. Barker locating at Gauhati, the most important town in Central Assam. At each of the stations, a little church was soon organized. The religion of Assam is Brahman- ism, with its iron bars of caste. The sowing time was BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 113 long ; the harvest, like that among the Burroans, slow in ripening. The first convert in Assam, Nidhiram, was baptized by Mr. Bronson, at Jaipur, in 1841. He took the Christian name of Nidhi Levi Farwell. Batiram, the second, was baptized in Sibsagor, in 1846. Soon he and Nidhi Levi were helping Mr. Bronson in preparing an Assamese hymn book. Nidhi proved a good hymn writer, and rendered invaluable help in translating Scripture. God spared him to Assam until 1873, when this poet, translator, and preacher, went home. The school in Assam soon grew into the orphan institu- tion, an important factor in the work. The pupils could be kept under the entire control of the missionaries. This meant much, when home influences were altogether de- grading. For ten years this school flourished, and from among its pupils were largely the accessions to the church. In 1848, Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard were appointed in charge, while the Bronsons, with broken health, sought rest in America. In 1850, Mr. Daiible joined the mission from the German Lutheran Church, and in 1851, the Bronsons returned, bringing with them Miss Shaw, as teacher in the school. She afterward married Mr. Daiible. In 1854, the Deputation sent to visit the Asiatic missions came to Assam, and a General Convention was held in Nowgong. To the sorrow of the missionaries, the Orphan H 114 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Institution was practically disbanded, and although the action was meant for the best, the Assam mission has ever since been crippled. From the orphans trained in the school came the native Christian helpers, and when that generation passed, none were ready to take their places. Within three years, by deaths, exclusions, and removals, the Nowgong church was reduced to five mem- bers, one less than its original number. The " Orunodoi," an Assamese religious paper, was first published in 1840. In 1853, Mr. Cutter's connection with the mission closed, and Mr. Brown added printing to the translation and preaching. In 1855, he went to America, after twenty years continuous service. His labors had truly been abundant. He had translated and three times revised the Assamese New Testament, besides portions of the Old. The catechism and part of Genesis he had translated into Shan, besides printing and editing the " Orunodoi." In 1851, Mr. Whiting came to Sibsa- gor, and labored faithfully for ten years. In 1861, he was relieved by Mr. and Mrs. Ward, from Gauhati, who had entire charge for the next seven years. Assam is a great tea garden. The immense tea plan- tations bring multitudes of heathen laborers, but they also bring the vices of unchristian Englishmen. Some dissolute tea planters take delight in undoing the work of the missionaries as far as possible ; and as all white men stand as representatives of Christianity in the East, BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 115 the result is deplorable. Especially in those early days of mission work was the hindrance a serious one. But God overrules even such stumbling-blocks, and multi- tudes of Assamese have been rescued from heathenism by the faithful labor of our missionaries. QUESTIONS. 1. Give map-lesson on Assam. 2. Give facts regarding establishment of Assam mission. 3. What relation did the East India Company bear to the new enterprise ? 4. Who were the first missionaries? 5. Locate Sadiya. What is said of the journey from Calcutta? 6. Tell the story of Jacob Thomas' death. 7. Why and where was the mission removed in 1839? 8. What effort did Mr. Bronson make for the Nagas ? Who were this people? 9. Who joined him, and what cause drove the family to the plains ? 10. Give reasons for removal to various parts of Central Assam? 11. Name the localities where missions were established, and the missionaries in charge. 12. What important school was opened at Nowgong, and by whom? 13. What was Mr. Brown's especial work? 14. What is the religion of Assam ? 15. Describe Brahmanism. 16. What is caste ? 17. Tell the story of the first Assamese convert. 18. What is said of the Orphan Institution at Nowgong? 19. Who assumed charge in 1848? 20. What fate befell the Orphan Institution ? What was the result in after years ? 21. What is said of Mr. Brown's work in Assam ? When did it close ? 22. What is the effect of tea planting upon Assam ? SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. Assam Jubilee Volume. The Whole World Kin; or, Life of Nathan Brown. Missionary Sketches. Our Gold Mine, pages 296-336. LEAFLET. Notes on Assam. M 1 CHAPTER XVII. PROGRESS IN ASSAM. " R. BARKER settled in Gauhati in 1843, and, re- maining less than six years, died on his return voyage to America. A marble tablet to his memory may be seen in the brick mission chapel erected by European residents. Mr. Danforth arrived in 1848, and labored in this station for the most of the ten years of his stay in India. The story of Kandura is one of the many thrilling incidents in missionary annals. Soon after locating in Nowgong, while the Orphan Institution was in its infancy, Mr. Bronson noticed among his hearers a blind beggar, of noble appearance, led by a bright boy. The lad was so prepossessing that Mr. Bronson longed to train him for Christ. But every effort to secure the boy failed. To every appeal the father would say, " He is my eyes. How can I give up my eyes ? " But later, as he was about to be thrown into prison for debt, he came to the missionary, and agreed to give up the boy, if the debt could be paid. This was gladly done, and Kandura became a member of the school. He was baptized in 1849, was educated entirely in the Orphan Institution, 116 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 117 and proved so capable that a lucrative situation was offered him under Government. He accepted this for awhile. But he was not satisfied. He had a call to very different work, and finally, resign- ing his Government position at twenty dollars a month, — large pay for a native, — became pastor of the Gauhati church, at a monthly salary not much exceeding seven dollars. No missionary was at the station. " Can you hold on till some one arrives?" asked Mr. Bronson. " My wish is to hold on till death," was his reply. God gave him his wish, and he was in active service until almost his last breath. The dreadful years of the mutiny came in 1857 and 1858. The Assam missionaries who remained in the province escaped injury, but were in deadly peril, and had little opportunity to prosecute their work. One after another left the field, until, for nearly a year, Mr. Whiting was the only missionary in Assam. In 1859, Rev. C. F. Tolman came to Assam. His wife was the daughter of Mr. Bronson. They were appointed to the Mikirs, but the treacherous fever, lying in wait for foreigners, made him its victim on his second tour, and drove him from the hills in two years. He held on until the return of Mr. Bronson and Mr. Ward, leaving the first Assamese and Mikir catechism in press and the manuscript of a vocabulary, then, more dead than alive, sailed for America. He has been denied the privilege 118 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. of work abroad, but has done valiant service at home, The year 1863 witnessed the baptism of the first Garo, and the first Mikir converts. In 1864, Kev. E. P. Scott and wife were sent to the Mikirs, but the fever made him its victim in less than two years. The work among the Hill tribes was gaining in promi- nence yearly. These tribes did not worship idols, were free from caste, but sacrificed to demons, to appease their wrath and avert calamity. A kind and benevolent Deity did not need worship, according to their idea. Mission work was prosecuted at this time among the Mikirs, the Nagas, and the Garos, at the three central stations, and by tours in the Hills. No station was opened among them until a later date. Mr. Bronson baptized the first representatives from a number of Hill tribes during his long term of missionary service. In 1863. Mr. Stoddard re- moved to Goalpara, a river station near the Garo country. In 1869, there were forty Garo Christians, five churches, and ten native preachers. Schools flourished greatly. In 1866, the Assamese-English Dictionary, the fruit of many years' toil by Mr. Bronson, was published. It was a laborious undertaking. He also prepared books in Singpho, Naga, Khamti, and Assamese, and trans- lated many hymns. The finger of progress touched the sleepy Assam valley, and we find about this time the telegraph joining Gau- hati with Boston, while a railroad from Calcutta to the BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 119 borders of Assam shortened the distance wonderfully. A railroad route had already been surveyed through the valley. Never again could the situation be so depressing. With Western influences came Western vice as well ; but the Western gospel was stronger than all. In 1869, Dr. Bronson, having buried the devoted wife of his youth, returned to Assam with his daughter Maria. She took up the Nowgong school work with ardor and success. In the same year, Mr. Scott, who had returned a twelve-month before, died of cholera in Nowgong. Mrs. Scott nobly strove to carry on his work, removing to Gauhati, until the needs of her little children com- pelled her to return home. Rev. E. W. Clark joined the mission in 1868. From the first, he was strongly drawn toward the Nagas. He located at Sibsagor, taking Mr. Ward's work. But his heart was in the Hills ; and in 1876 he established him- self at Molung, among the people of his choice. In 1871, Rev. R. E. Neighbor and wife were sent to Nowgong, as Mr. Scott's successor in the Mikir work. In 1872, Dr. Bronson married Mrs. Danforth, widow of a former missionary at Gauhati. She died in 1874, in Burma, while in quest of health. Maria Bronson had accompanied her ; and on the way home, sailing up the great river, she was seized with cholera, and died in a few hours. She was buried at Goalpara, with six wild Hill- men as bearers, and only her stricken father to utter a 120 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. word of prayer over her grave. After this double be- reavement, Dr. Bronson removed to Gauhati, leaving Mr. Neighbor alone at Nowgong. Later, he married Miss Mary Rankin, a missionary of the Society of the West and gave Assam a few more years of labor. He died in America, November 10, 1883. ' In his last days, his weakened mind was in dear old Assam. He imagined himself as talking with the native Christians, and arrang- ing for a jungle tour. This delusion mercifully lasted till his soul passed into the clear light beyond. In 1875, Miss Anna Sweet came to Nowgong, to take up zenana and school work, while Miss Orrell Keeler labored for two years at Gauhati, and then joined Miss Sweet at Nowgongc The year 1877 was notable for the first ordi- nation of Assamese preachers. A council of missionaries and churches met at Gauhati, and ordained Kandura, of whom we have heard before, and Charles Sonaram. Charles became pastor of the Nowgong Church, and continued in the office until his death, in 1881. Rev. M. B. Comfort and wife joined the mission in 1867, and gave seven years of service. Mr. and Mrs. Neighbor were forced to leave in 1878, leaving Miss Keeler aloue until the arrival of Rev. P. H. Moore and wife in 1880. Mr. Gurney finished the translation of the Bible into Assamese, June 21, 1888, having carried it on as best he could, with other overwhelming burdens thrown upon him, since 1874. The New Testament had been trans- BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 121 lated and revised by Dr. Nathan Brown years before ; and several books of the Old Testament had also been translated. Mr. Guruey's portion was twenty-nine and a half books. Still further revision was necessary, before it could be put to press. QUESTIONS. 1. What is said of Mr. Barker? 2. When, and how long did Mr. Danforth labor? 3. Give the story of Kandura. 4. What was the effect of the mutiny ? 5. Sketch Mr. Tolman's work. Who were the Mikirs ? 6. What is said of the hill tribes ? 7. Who baptized the first representatives from many hill tribes? 8. When, and by whom, and for whom, was Goalpara opened? 9. What is said of Mr. Bronson's work ? 10. W^hat W r estern elements of progress touched the Assam valley ? 11. What is said of Maria Bronson ? 12. What is said of Mrs. Scott ? 13. To what people was Mr. Clark inclined ? 14. When and w T here did he locate among them? 15. Who succeeded Mr. Scott in the Mikir w T ork ? 16. What was the story of Maria Bronson's death and burial ? 17. Tell of the closing years of Dr. Bronson's life. 18. In what year were Miss Orrell Keeler and Miss Anna Sweet sent to Assam? 19. What is zenana work as done by our missionaries? 20. For what was 1879 notable ? 21. When was the translation of the Assamese Bible completed, and by whom were its parts done ? SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. Missionary Sketches. Assam Missions, Jubilee Volume. Our Gold Mine, pages 296-336. Korno-siga, the Mountain Chief, by Mrs. Scott. LEAFLETS. Maria Bronson. The Hill Tribes of Assam. Aitie's Story. Humeetra's Own Story. CHAPTER XVIII. THE KOHLS, NAGAS, AND GAROS. IN 1876, a tribe about Sibsagor began to attract much attention. This people were the Kohls, natives of Central India, imported by thousands to work in the tea gardens. Baptisms among them became frequent, and it was evident that a rich harvest might be gathered. They are a race without caste. Mr. Gurney gave them as much attention as he could, with translation and the Assamese work. The Kohl interest at Sibsagor con- trasted strongly with the stony apathy of the Assamese. In 1884, Rev. W. E. Witter and Rev. S. W. Rivenburg, with their wives, came to Sibsagor just as Mr. Gurney was leaving for America. The Rivenburgs were desig- nated to Molung, in the Naga Hills. Mr. Witter, new to the field and to the language, was greatly troubled by the lack of native preachers. The Kohl work was inspiring, white to harvest. In 1885> Mr. Gurney returned, and ill health drove the Witters to the Hills. Some of these Christian Kohls have become permanent settlers in Assam. Their labor contracts having expired, they purchased land and formed communities of their 122 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 123 own. The largest of these, fifty miles from Sibsagor, has built a neat bamboo chapel, and their influence for good is gratifying. In 1889, God sent a missionary for the Kohls, Rev. E. Petrick, who had labored among this tribe in Chota Nagpur. He was led to dissolve his connection with the German mission, and entered the service of the Mission- ary Union for Kohl work about Sibsagor. Here was an experienced missionary, versed in the Kohl and Hindi languages, ready for immediate service. A conference of Assam missionaries, at Gauhati, joyfully ordained Mr. Petrick, welcoming him as a choice laborer for one of Assam's destitute fields. His work is already rich in results. The Nagas, among whom Mr. Clark felt called to labor, are divided into many tribes. Mission work has been prosecuted among three of them. Mr. Clark's large parish is among Ao Nagas. A Christian village — Molang — is the central station. In 1885, he was joined by the Rivenburgs, and the first fruits of the coming harvest were gathered, In 1887, they were transferred to another station, and in 1890, Rev. F. W. Kline and wife were sent to Molung. In 1889, the church member- ship among the Ao Nagas was sixty souls. In 1888, the English flag floated over all Naga land, and the Hills were at last open to the gospel. Rev. C. D. King: came to Assam in 1878, married Miss 124 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Anna Sweet, of Nowgong, and made several unsuccessful attempts to locate among the Angami Nagas. This tribe is the fiercest of all. In 1879, following close in the wake of British troops, they established themselves for a while at Samaguting, but in a few months were driven to the plains by a Naga uprising. 1 An English expedi- tion punished the refractory Nagas most thoroughly, and early in 1881 he received permission to go to Kohima. This station is five thousand feet above the sea, beautiful for situation, with a delightful climate. Bravely adapt- ing himself to circumstances, he began the study of Angami. What a work confronted him ! The lan- guage, once acquired, must be reduced to writing ; schools organized, and school books made; teachers trained, preachers raised up from future converts; hymns and hymn books prepared, beside tracts and Scripture trans- lation. The first baptisms were in 1884. Mrs. King joined him after a long absence in America. The best site in the station was secured for mission buildings, and the work was well under way when, in 1886, they were com- pelled to bid a sorrowful farewell to their beloved Nagas, and seek for health in the home land. The next year the Rivenburgs went from Molung to Kohima. Alone on the mountain peak, they are still laboring, sowing seed in Angami hearts, and trusting God for the future harvest. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 125 The story of the Lhota Naga mission, at Wokha, is a brief one. Rev. W. E. Witter and wife located here in 1886. A good beginning was made, and hopeful indica- tions were multiplying, when loss of health made it im- perative for them to return to America. The work among the Garos extends back to 1863. Previous to this, the English Government had estab- lished some schools among them, and to this agency we are indebted for the earliest native helpers. Omed and Eamkhe were baptized by Dr. Bronson in 1863, and from the labors of these men a large number of conver- sions resulted. Goalpara became a Garo station in 1867, under the care of the Stoddards. The Garo Hills were still hostile country, and this was the nearest Government station. The first year closed with a church of forty members, with a native pastor. In 1872, Rev, T. J. Keith and wife were sent to Goalpara, remaining for only a brief term of service. In 1874, Rev. M. C. Mason and Rev. E. G. Phillips, with their wives, came to take up the work that Mr. Stoddard's broken health compelled him to leave. The next year the Garo churches were organ- ized into an Association. The churches also pledged themselves to support an evangelist in the Hills. A good beginning had been made in Garo literature. In 1877, Tura, a station in the Garo Hills, was occu- pied by Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. From this central loca- 126 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. tion all parts of the Garo Hills were accessible. In 1878, the Goalpara station was abandoned, Mr. Mason remov- ing to Tura. Miss Miriam Russell was welcomed at Tura in 1889. A destructive fire swept away Mr. Mason's bungalow, just finished, the school buildings, and nearly all the Garo books. Mrs. Mason died in America, in 1882. The next year Rev. C. E. Burdette reached Tura, only to be left alone by the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips for America. In 1884, Mr. Mason returned with his second wife, formerly Mrs. Arthur, of Japan. But upon the very threshold of her work, God called her to himself. At Christmastide, 1884, Miss Russell became Mrs. Burdette, and they labored on in the lonely mountain station. Later, they were transferred to Gauhati. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips returned to Tura in 1885, bring- ing with them Miss Ella Bond and Miss Stella Mason. In 1890, Rev. W. Dring and wife were sent to Tura. The Garo churches are learning the lesson of self- support. Great prosperity is evident in church and school work. Scriptures are in process of translation, text books are in preparation, and a Garo magazine has been published for several years. Aside from the Hill tribes, there is little to report from Assam in these later days. In 1887, Miss C. E. Purssell went to Nowgong to take up the school work. Miss Orrell Keeler, who had for thirteen years noblv BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 127 carried the burden, was married to Mr. Mason, of Tura, and died eleven days after her marriage. In 1889, Mr. Moore returned to his work in Nowgong after a brief absence, and shortly after, Mr. Mason married Miss Nettie Purssell, for some time on the field. In 1890, Miss Laura A. Amy was sent to aid Miss Purssell in the school work, and Mr. Penn Moore was associated with his brother at Nowgong. The thought that originated the Assam mission was that an entrance might be gained into China. Burma lies just beyond the Hills, and our pioneer missionaries long cherished the hope of shaking bands with brethren on the Burman frontier. Now, in these later days, the way is opening. In 1886, a British force marching from Kohima made its way over the Hills into Upper Burma. A recent plan proposes to reach the seaboard from Upper Burma via Assam, by a line of railway across the Hills, to form junction with another line through the Assam valley to the sea. Thus is the way of the Lord prepared. The statistics for 1891 show a stirring among this con- servative people. The Assamese have nine missionaries actively at work, eight native preachers, and four hun- dred and sixty-seven members. The Garos have eight missionaries, twelve native preachers, and twelve hundred and seventy-six members. The Nagas have six mission- aries on the field, one unordained native preacher, and seventy-five members. The Kohls, under care of Mr. 128 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Petrick and wife, have four churches, with seventy-five members and sixty-four baptized, in 1890. The Assamese have almost unbounded possibilities before them. Patient labor, done in the name of the Master, will bring rich reward. QUESTIONS. 1. What is said of the Kohls? 2. What new workers in 1884? 3. What is said of Mr. Witter? 4. What Christian settlements were made in Assam ? 5. What missionary was appointed to the Kohl work? State providential leading. 6. What is said of the Nagas ? 7. Describe Mr. Clark's parish, and the station of Moiling. 8. What changes occurred? 9. Results in 1889. 10. What did the English flag proclaim in 1888? 11. What is said of the Angami Nagas? 12. Give Mr. King's experience among them. 13. Describe Kohima in 1881. 14. Sketch the work before Mr. King, his first baptisms, and the close of his work. 15. What missionaries are now at Molung? 16. Give the story of the Lhota Naga Mission. 17. Give the early history of the Garo work. 18. Who were the first Garos baptized, and by whom? 19. What is said of Goalpara ? 20. What new workers came in 1874? 21. What important events the next year? 22. Where is Tura, and when opened? 23. What subsequent events at Tura? 24. What is said of self-support among the Garos ? 25. What is said of later work on the plains? 26. Give the story of Mrs. Orrell K. Mason's life and death. 27. What is the present state of the work in Nowgong? 28. Describe the opening way to the Burman frontier. 29. Give statistics for 1891. SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. Leaflet, Mrs. Orrell Keeler Mason. CHAPTER XIX. BEGINNINGS IN SIAM. BURMA is the home of many races. The broad belt of mountains that extend southeast from the Hima- layas to the Gulf of Siam, having Burma on the west, with China, Annam, and Siam on the east, is the home of the kindred tribe called Tai, or Shan. Siam is the only valley country inhabited by this people. The divisions of the Shan family are numerous. Siam is now the only independent Tai State, the Siamese living in the south, and the Laos in the northern half. The Burmese Shans live on the Burman side of the mount- ains, while the Chinese Shans belong across the border. The languages and traditions of the Tai races show a Chinese origin. The religion is Buddhism, mingled with demon worship. The Baptists established the first mission among the Shan races. In 1833, Rev. John Taylor Jones went from Burma to Bangkok, Siam. The Burman mission was an inspiring fact, and there was a call to enlarge the field. It was also hoped that from Siam, so close to the Chinese border, an entrance might be gained into the Celestial Empire. I 129 130 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Bangkok, the royal city, contained greater numbers of Chinese and Burmans than of the native population. Mr. Jones was kindly received, and the Government offered no opposition. The Siamese language was easy of acquisition, and in a year he issued a tract. In 1834, he began the translation of the Old Testament. The New Testament was completed in 1843. Thus far, the printing was done at Singapore. In 1839, Mr. Davenport was associated with Mr. Jones, and gave nine years of faithful service. Mr. Slafter came the same year, but died in 1841. Mrs. Jones' death, in 1838, was a sad loss. Other laborers were sent at varying intervals, but notwithstanding the faithful work of the missionaries, scarcely a convert was gained from among the Siamese. A deadly indifference para- lyzed all efforts in their behalf. In consequence of this fruitlessness, the mission to the Siamese was suspended in 1869. Bangkok had proved a good point for labor among the Chinese, and the story of the Chinese mission begins in this Siamese capital. For nearly twenty years the interest in the Shans slumbered. In 1860, Rev. Dr. Bixby and wife were designated to the Burman Shans. It was not possible to enter Shanland on account of Burman control and Buddhist opposition. Just at the time the Bixbys ar- rived, ten thousand Shans, driven out by Burmese extor- BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 131 tion, settled ten miles from Toungoo, under British pro- tection. Guided by such providential indications, the missionaries made their headquarters at Toungoo, where a wide and effectual field was opened among the exiled Shans. Fever showed the place to be unhealthy, and the Brit- ish Commissioner removed them, forming several settle- ments close by Toungoo. At the end of a year, Dr. Bixby writes ; " We could seem to see God's hand leading the wan- dering Shans to our very door, and to hear his voice saying, ' Take these rude children, and train them for me, and I will give thee thy wages/ " The next year, a chapel, costing one thousand dollars, was built with funds raised in Burma and India. A bell was sent from America. The work grew apace. Dr. Bixby writes, in 1862 : " If I could divide myself into one hundred parts, every part would, without delay, find a place to work in a ripe harvest field." The year 1863 witnessed the beginning of the harvest. Dr. Bixby 's heart was eager to penetrate Shanland, but the way was still hedged. The people were sent to him in great numbers. Six young men were under instruc- tion, preparing to preach. The studies in this theological seminary were conducted on the field. Each Scripture lesson, as fast as learned, 132 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. was given to the waiting people. The work was blessed of God. Baptisms were frequent. Constant emigration from Shanland widened the field daily. Dr. Bixby was constrained to send thrilling appeals for men and money to care for this whitening harvest. • At last, in December, 1863, Dr. and Mrs. Bixby, with native helpers, started on a mountain tour. As there was still war in the Shan States, the attempt was a per- ilous one. Mrs. Bixby's journal abounds in thrilling adventure. They penetrated beyond British boundaries, through wonderful scenery, up and down the steep mountain paths, when treachery in their camp compelled them " to return. Later events opened an easier route, and tours in Shanland became a regular part of the season's work. Jungle schools, under native teachers, were put into operation. In 1866, a font of Shan type was made and sent to Rangoon, the gift of an American friend. In 1867, the arrival of Eev. J. N. and Mrs. Cushing, and Miss Gage, rejoiced the heart of the lonely laborers. The Cushings at once began the study of Shan, a difficult task without grammar or dictionary. Miss Gage studied Burman, the language used in the schools. In December, Mr. Cushing and Mr. Rose, of the Bur- man mission, went to Mandalay. A royal order enabled them to make an extended tour in Central Shanland, west of the Salwen. The royal pass was written on a BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 133 narrow strip of palm leaf, four feet long, carried in a bamboo covered with a red cloth. The sight of it se- cured the respect of the people Without it, the tour could not have been made. Tracts and portions of Script- ure were scattered all through these remote provinces, seed whose harvest will appear in eternity. In a tour taken with the Bixbys, Miss Gage speaks of reaching a point literally above the clouds. Such is mountain travel. In 1869, impaired health drove Dr. Bixby to the United States, leaving Mrs. Bixby in charge of the Shan work in Toungoo. Mr. Cushing removed to Rangoon, to superintend Shan printing. He also found many Shans in the Rangoon province. A church and school were soon tangible results of his work. In 1870, Mrs. Bixby joined her husband in America, and Miss Gage went to the help of Mr. and Mrs. Doug- lass at Bassein. Matters looked dark for the Shan work at Toungoo. In November, 1869, the Cushings made a live months tour in Shanland, penetrating almost to the boundary of China. A spirit of inquiry awoke, but the Burman commander of the district suppressed all indi- cations of interest in the Christian religion with an iron hand. Thus, in weariness, peril, and hardship, was the truth proclaimed in the mountain homes of the Shan and other tribes. More might have been done in a time of peace. 134 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. But the seed was sown in God's name, and it could not fall to the ground void. QUESTIONS. 1. Where is the home of the Shan tribes? 2. Give the subdivisions and location of the Shan tribes. 3. What origin is evident? 4. What is their religion ? 5. Where is Bangkok? 6. Give date and history of the establishment of the Bangkok mission. 7. Give account of Mr. Jones' work. 8. What helpers came in 1839 ? 9. When was the mission suspended, and for what cause ? 10. Among what people was work continued in Bangkok? 11. When did interest in the Shans revive? 12. What providence decided the Bixbys' location? 13. What was Dr. Bixby's report at the end of the first year? 14. How was the chapel built? 15. Quote Dr. Bixby in 1862. 16. What is said of the year 1863? 17. How was theological study conducted, and what was the result ? 18. Give account of first tour in Shanland? 19. What valuable gift in 1866 ? 20. What new arrivals in 1867 ? 21. Why was the mastery of the Shan language difficult ? 22. Describe tour of Messrs. Gushing and Rose. 23. What experience -of mountain travel is given by Miss Gage? 24. What changes in 1869 and 70? 25. What tour did the Cushings make in 1869 ? SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS. Missionarv Sketches. Child-life in Burma. Our Gold Mine, pages 273-292. LEAFLETS. The Shan Mission. Zania, the Heathen Mother. CHAPTER XX. SOWING AND REAPING. TN 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Gushing returned to Toungoo. -*- They found a desolate station, the church scattered, and only a faithful few remaining. Matters soon im- proved, and past labors bore their fruit. In November, 1871, the Gospel of Matthew and a Shan grammar were published. Mr. Cushing had also a Shan dictionary in hand. Although in feeble health, he accomplished marvels, holding services for the Burmans as well as the Shans. Rev. E. D. Kelley and wife came in 1872. He was a born missionary. In nine months he was able to preach in Shan, and high hopes were entertained of his future usefulness. But his career was suddenly ended. Going with Mr. Cushing into Shanland, he was drowned Janu- ary 1, 1873. Far from the home station, and the wife that loved him, his stricken companions buried him on the shore of a mountain lake, where his lonely grave still tells of a love that came to save. The next year, the Cushings, utterly broken down, returned to America, and for years, adversity seemed the portion of the Shan mission. In 1879, Mr. and Mrs. 135 136 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. B. J. Mix came to Toungoo, but he fell in a few months, a victim of consumption. Miss Rockwood came in 1880, only to die in one short year. The Cushings returned to Burma in 1876. They had permission to settle at Bhamo, Upper Burma, if practi- cable, expecting a missionary in the fall for the Shan mission at Toungoo. In this they were disappinted. The needs of Toungoo were imperative. Bhamo must be held, or lost forever to American Baptists. So, in heroic self-sacrifice, husband and wife separated ; he re- maining to hold the fort at Bhamo, while she hastened to Toungoo to read proof for the printing of the gospels, to oversee the native workers and the schools, and to gather, as far as possible, the harvest white for the sickle. What wonder that Mr. Cashing sent burning words back to America, words of appeal that seemed written with his heart's blood ! The Ka Khyens had also a share in his anxieties. The relative position of the two tribes in Upper Burma was such that a mission to the Shans, in the highest degree successful, would be dependent on a mission to the Ka Khyens, as the latter tribe lived between Bhamo and the Shan region beyond. Such a mission would keep open the routes to the Shan provinces. Already was this new people asking for the gospel. In December, 1877, the reinforcements came; Rev. J. A. and Mrs. Freidav for the Shans, Mr. and Mrs. Lvon BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 137 for the Ka Khyens. But in a few short weeks, in sight of the mountains where his work lay, Mr. Lyon died. The vacancy thus made was filled, early in 1879, by the arrival of Rev. W. H. Roberts and wife. The un- settled state of the country made mission work perilous. In the face of anticipated trouble, the missionaries held their post, even when warned that they remained in Bhamo at the peril of their lives. Mrs. Roberts died at Rangoon, in 1880, rejoicing that she had been permitted to come to Burma, even for two brief years. Later, Mr. Roberts married Miss Alice Buel, of the Kemmendine school. The first Ka Khyen baptism occurred March 19, 1882. Mrs. Cushing remained at Toungoo until the close of 1879. In January, the reunited husband and wife went to Rangoon to oversee the printing of Shan religious literature. Dr. Cushing wished to give his time largely to translation. Mrs. Cushing was compelled to return home the next July. Mrs. Kelley returned to Burma the same year, locating in the Moulin ein-Thatone dis- trict, where she gathered converts into a church, and labored successfully until God called her unto himself. In 1881, a significant event occurred. The old trade route between China and Burma, long closed, was re- opened, and caravans entered Bhamo from China. Thus was Christ's way being prepared. In 1882, a first edition 138 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. of the Shan New Testament was printed, with the expec- tation of future revision. Mr. Freiday was encouraged in his work in Bhamo. He secured a Karen preacher and his wife to make their headquarters in a Chinese Shan village. In September, 1882, Kev. J. E. Case came to the long- waiting station of Toungoo. Dr. Cushing, weary and worn, was abundant in labors, especially in translations. In 1884, the harvest began among the Shans at Bhamo. Perilous times were at hand. Some wild Ka Khyens, rebelling against Burman rule, attacked Bhamo, and for a time all were in great danger. This time success was on the side of the Burmans, and soon all was quiet again. Suddenly, on the 8th of December, Bhamo was seized by a party of Chinese for revenge. The city was soon in their hands. They made an effort to protect the mission- aries and their property, but they could not control the plundering mob. With great difficulty all the mission- aries escaped to an English steamer, with the few trifles they could carry. Being unable to retake Bhamo, the Burmans bought it back, and then completed the destruc- tion of the mission building, save Mr. Freiday's new house. This was badly damaged. Everything of value was stolen or destroyed. The next year, while matters were yet in an unsettled and dangerous condition, Mr. Roberts bravely went back to Bhamo to succor the Karen preachers left on the Ka BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 139 Khyen hills. But soon the final issue between the Eng- lish and Burmans compelled him to leave until after Upper Burma had been ceded to the English. Immedi- ately after the annexation, Messrs. Freiday and Eoberts were at the front as Shan and Ka Khyen interpreters to the British army. In a few months Mr. Freiday re- turned to America. Mr. Eoberts labored on at Bhamo for six years, when he was compelled to recruit at home. The first five months of 1884 were spent by Dr. Crush- ing with the Colquhoun Exploring Expedition. The route was from Moulmein in British Burma to a point on the Cambodia river in Siam. Much valuable knowl- edge regarding the different tribes was obtained, and his strength largely restored. On his return he completed the translation of the Old Testament, and his strength again failing, he visited the United States for a brief change, taking the manuscript with him for revision. We find him again in Burma in 1887. One result of the war was the unsettled relation of the Shan provinces to the English Government. This pre- vented mission tours in most parts of Shanland. Toun- eoo had two lady teachers, Mrs. Mix and Miss Wilson. Dr. Gushing paid monthly visits to administer the ordi- nances. Miss Wilson soon left with broken health to locate in the cooler climate of Japan. Rev. M. B. Kirkpatrick, M. D., and wife, were sent to the Shans at Toungoo in 1889. In November, Dr. Cush- 140 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. ing gratefully records the completion of the revision of the Old Testament. In February, 1890, Dr. Cushing and Dr. Kirkpatrick selected the site for a station in the interior. Thibaw is one hundred and forty miles north- east of Mandalay, in the heart of the Shan country. This is the first station in Shanland itself. In 1890, W. C. Griggs, M. D., and wife, were sent to Bhamo, reinforcements for the Shan mission. Other races are found in Shanland. A great victory awaits God's hosts when they arise in their strength to take possession of the mountains. Five missionaries are at present on the field, two of them at Bhamo. Dr. Kirkpatrick and wife had estab- lished themselves at Thibaw in 1891. As the country is now safe for foreigners, other stations will be opened as rapidly as possible. Great and blessed results are expected from the Shan mission in the immediate future. QUESTIONS. 1. What is said of Toungoo in 1870? 2. What Shan literature was published in 1871 ? 3. What is said of Mr. Cushing? 4. Tell the story of Mr. Kelley's brief service, and the circum- stances of his death. 5. What changes and losses in Toungoo ? 6. Give reasons for the heroic separation of Mr. and Mrs. Cushing. 7. Why was a mission to the Ka Khyens at Bhamo imperative ? 8. Name reinforcements in 1877. 9. Whose work was soon ended ? 10. What is said of the Cushings ? 11. Where did Mrs. Kelley locate, and what were the results of her work ? BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 141 12. What significant event in 1881 ? 13. When was the first edition of the Shan New Testament printed ? 14. What is said of the work at Bhamo? 15. What changes followed at Toungoo ? .16. Describe first attack on Bhamo. 17. Relate the story of the second attack, and its results. 18. What great political change in 1886? 19. With what expedition did Mr. Cashing make a tour, and in what year ? Give the facts. 20. W T hat great work did he push forward on his return? 21. Events on Mrs. Kelley's field. 22. Give one result of the war, and its relation to mission work. 23. Work and workers in Toungoo ? 24. What event in November, 1889 ? 25. What is said of the establishment of Thibaw ? Why is it notable ? 26. Give present condition of Shan mission work. CHAPTER XXI. THE CHINESE MISSION AT BANGKOK. THE first Baptist missionary endeavor for the Chinese was the translation of the Bible, by Dr. Marsh- man, of Serampore. He began the work in 1806, revised and published it in 1822. The story of American Baptist Chinese missions, begins in Bangkok, Siam. As China was not yet open to the gospel, a field was sought among the large Chinese population of that city. Rev. William Dean and wife sailed in 1834 to this work. Mrs. Dean died in Singa- pore, on her way thither. In June, Mr. Dean began his work, and in Decembei*, three Chinese were baptized, and added to the four already baptized by Mr. Jones, missionary to the Siamese. In 1836, Messrs. Reed and Shuck, with their wives, were designated to the Chinese mission. Mr. Reed became associated with Mr. Dean at Bangkok, while Mr. Shuck sought an opening at Macao, a Chinese port under Portuguese jurisdiction. The new missionaries had brought a printing press to Bangkok, and it was a great aid to both departments of the mission. Mr. Dean had a floating house on the river, and was indefatigable in his efforts for the Chinese. 142 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 143 For a time all seemed prosperous. Mr. Eeed died in 1837, when just fitted for active work. This was a great blow. Mr. Dean took a sea voyage for his health, and returned in May, 1837. Mr. Goddard and wife came in 1840, having studied the language a year in Singapore. A second printing press was brought in 1839, by Mr. Slafter, who was designated to the Siamese department. He lived only eight months. Later, Mrs. Slafter married Mr. Dean, and was an efficient helper in his work for many years. A theological class was formed in 1841 by Mr. Dean. In this the first Chinese preachers were trained. In 1842, impaired health made a change of climate necessary, and the Deans joined the Hong Kong mission, where Mrs. Dean died. Not until 1864, was he again located at Bangkok. Mr. Goddard labored alone until the coming of Mr. Chandler, in 1843. Although a lay worker, he did much to advance Christ's cause, not only by direct evangelical work, but by his mechanical genius, which made him useful and influential at court. In 1848, the Goddards removed to Ningpo, China, and established a mission. Three years later, Rev. William Ashmore and wife were sent to the languishing station at Bangkok, and labored there seven years. We shall hear of them later at Swatow. The grace of giving began to show itself. The Chi- nese converts supported a native assistant, and aided in school work. 144 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. A fire in 1851 caused almost the total destruction of mission property. This was, indeed, a heavy loss. In 1854, Kev. Kobert Telford and wife were sent to Bang- kok. Ten years of faithful service, and then Mrs. Tel- ford's health made return to America imperative. Missionary records are full of romance and heroism. In August, 1864, a young man, Kev. Cyrus Chilcott, came with high and holy purpose to Bangkok. Ardent and gifted, great hopes were centered in his future. But a mysterious Providence ordained for him a brief career. In one year and five days from his coming, he was buried in the little mission cemetery at Bangkok. Eleven days before his death, his promised wife, Miss Adele M. Fielde, sailed to join him. No wire of com- munication could touch her in mid-ocean, and the crushing news met her as she landed on stranger shores. But she was of heroic stuff, as her later life has abund- antly shown. Burying her sorrow and heartbreak, she labored many years for the Chinese in Bangkok. Dr. Dean returned, and the two were associated in work. The years following were of mingled hope and dis- couragement. Dr. Dean never faltered in his conviction of the vital importance of the mission at Bangkok. In 1869, Rev. S. B. Partridge and wife came as helpers. A glad harvest was reaped, and two churches organized at out-stations. This same year the Siamese department of the mission BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 145 was suspended. In 1871, Miss Fielde was transferred to Swatow, the scene of her future service. The question of the continuation of the Chinese mis- sion at Bangkok was raised. The promising openings in the empire itself seemed the places to put men and means. Dr. Dean uttered an emphatic protest, giving such good reasons that he gained the day. Mr. Partridge was transferred a little later to Swatow, whither Mr. Ashmore had preceded him, and Dr. Dean was left to labor alone. His faith was justified in 1874. A great awakening was apparent. The baptisms in two years rolled up a total of three hundred and seventeen, a marvelous record in this slow moving land. Then came the time of reaction. Dr. Dean left for a brief change. He had rounded out forty years' service, having organized six Chinese churches, built four chapels, and baptized three hundred and thirty-nine Chinese dis- ciples. Subsequent years of lonely labor in Bangkok, uncheered by an associate missionary, bear record of heroic patience and steadfast endeavor. Dr. Dean had the confidence of the Siamese kings, and received many expressions of regard from the royal palace. In 1882, Mrs. Dean's health, which had long been feeble, failed utterly, and she sailed for America. Dr. Dean, vener- able and weary with continuous service, remained to shepherd the little flock in Siam. June 21, 1882, he 146 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday. At an age when most men retire from active labor, he was engaged in preaching, teaching, and translating. He was antici- pating Mrs. Dean's return, when the news of her death, in January, 1883, came with crushing weight. The king of Siam sent him an autograph letter of condolence. Rev. L. A. Eaton, the long expected associate, arrived December 15, 1882. In two years, Dr. Dean returned home, after a half century of missionary service. It is interesting to note his review of his life. He says: " My life has not been one of self-denial or sorrow, but of high privilege and personal enjoyment. In some of my darkest days, my friends have said in sympathy that I was a subject of congratulation rather than condolence; and in view of the whole experience of the past, I may indorse the sentiment of another, who said, 'Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the un- searchable riches of Christ.' " After Dr. Dean's departure, the Eatons were alone on the field. In 1891, Mrs. Eaton died, and Mr. Eaton, sorely bereaved, returned to America to bring his motherless children. After placing them with friends, he hopes to resume his labors at Bangkok. QUESTIONS. 1. What was the first Baptist effort for the Chinese ? 2. Describe the opening of Chinese mission work in Bangkok. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 147 3. Who was the first missionary, and what early results from his work ? 4. Give further particulars of the mission. 5. When was theological instruction begun ? 6. When, where, and why did the Deans remove ? • 7. What is said of Mr. Chandler ? 8. In what year did the Goddards remove, and where ? 9. When did the Ashmores reach Bangkok ? 10. In what way was the grace of giving evident? 11. Give later events. 12. Tell the story of Mr. Chilcott and Miss Fielde. 13. In what year did Dr. Dean return to Bangkok ? 14. What new helpers and glad results in 18b9 ? 15. What field was the scene of Miss Fielde's most successful service, and when did she enter it ? 16. Whose plea saved the Chinese mission at Bangkok? 17. What changes followed ? 18. Which were harvest years? Give results. 19. Sketch Dr. Dean's forty years of service. 20. What were his relations to the Siamese kings? 21. What is said of his later years ? 22. What associate w r as sent, and when ? 23. Give Dr. Dean's own review of his life. 24. Give later events. SUPPLEMENTAKY HEADINGS. Missionary Sketches. Eambles in Mission Fields. CHAPTER XXII. FROM MACAO TO SWATOW. rfIHE first Baptist mission in China was established at -*- Macao in 1836, where Rev. J. L. Shuck remained three years. In 1841, he was associated with Rev. I. J. Roberts. A handful of sheaves was gathered. War between England and China interrupted mission work, but proved the lever which opened China to the world. The island of Hong Kong was ceded to England, and five ports opened for foreign residence and commerce. In 1842, the missionaries went to Hong Kong, and thither Mr. Dean followed, seeking health by change of location. Government gave ample grounds for the mis- sion, and two chapels were built by foreign residents. Soon there was a church of nine members. In 1843 Mrs. Dean died. She was a woman of dis- tinguished usefulness. Mr. Dean's special work was among the people speaking the Tie Chiu dialect, and this year he formed them into a Tie Chiu church at Hong Kong. Another event of the year was a treaty between the United States and China, which secured to Americans all advantages possessed by England, and gave our missions a recognized footing in the empire. 148 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 149 Mr. Roberts soon removed to Canton. Mr. Shuck, with Dr. Devan, followed after the death of his wife in 1844, organized a church, and sailed for the United States in 1845, to solicit funds for a chapel. He was transferred to the service of the Southern Baptist Con- vention soon after its formation, and Mr. Roberts a little later. The Missionary Union gave over its mission in Canton to the Southern Baptist Board, the latter pur- chasing the mission property. In 1867, there was a church of sixteen members at Hong Kong. Two Chinese women were baptized, the first in the history of American Baptist missions in China. The next year Rev. J. W. Johnson and wife were sent out, and the work made encouraging progress. Tracts and portions of Scripture were scattered broadcast. No presses are used in China, as printing is done more cheaply by natives on wooden blocks. There are many hindrances to mission work. Opium eating is one of the worst, destroying body, soul, and mind. Buddhism makes a desperate fight against Chris- tianity, for it knows that its days are numbered. The condition of woman in China is not one of abso- lute degradation, but it is pitifully below that in a Chris- tian country. It is the mothers who perpetuate idolatry. When they know a Saviour's love, China will be won for Christ. In this light, the first school for girls, established in 150 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 1852 by the wife of a native preacher, was a significant event. The training of converted Chinese women for evangelical work, has developed a mighty force in the empire. Persecution appeared. The converts suffered for the faith, and became more intense in their devotion. Threat- ened hostilities between England and China confined the work for a time to the island of Hong Kong. After the settlement of difficulties, a wider field opened. Swatow, on the mainland, offered grand opportunities for work among Tie Chiu population. Mr. Ashmore, re- moving from Bangkok in 1858, assumed charge of this new station. Swatow became an open port in 1861, and on account of its superior advantages for reaching the people, it was made the headquarters of the Southern China mission, and Hong Kong reduced to an out station. As foreigners could not yet live in the city, the mission- ary residences were on Double Island, five minutes' sail from Swatow. In three years the English and American offices were removed to the mainland, and it was necessary for the mission to follow, for the sake of protection. It was also nearer the people. In spite of opposition, there was steady advance into the interior. The first Chinese preachers were ordained in 1867, and stationed as pas- tors over native churches. Liberal giving was a grati- fying indication of Christian grace. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 151 Iii 1867, the Johnsons left Swatow in broken health. A special training class for preachers was begun, and bore fruit in the increased efficiency of the native helpers. Growth in grace was evident among the Chinese Chris- tians. In 1870, they assumed the support of two of their number, selecting the station, hiring the house, and meet- ing nearly the entire expense. In 1871, the Johnsons were welcomed back to Swatow, and Miss Fielde transferred from Bangkok. A little later, Mr. and Mrs. Partridge also came from Bangkok. In 1872, Mr. Johnson died, after completing twenty-five years faithful service. His wife remained to carry on her successful work among Chinese girls, six out of fifteen being baptized this year. Bible women begin to appear in the records. One missionary writes : " The difficulty of training Chinese women for evan- gelists among their own sex is very great, because of their social disability, and the fact that scarcely any of them know how to read well. But if China is to be saved, this work must be done, for only women can freely teach women here, and as in happier countries, woman is the power behind the throne." Miss Fielde found her special work in training these Bible women, and sending them out into the neighboring villages. In 1873, she built cottages in different towns to accommodate her Bible women while at their work, 152 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. and affording a home for herself when on her tours of superintendence. A building for the theological class was erected in Swatow this year, Mr. Ashmore and Mr. Partridge dividing the instruction. Miss Fielde prepared an outline of the gospel story in simple language for her Bible women to scatter among the villages. At Mrs. Johnson's departure, the girls' school fell into the hands of Mrs. Partridge. The Chinese Christians themselves organized a school in Swatow for their chil- dren, employing a Christian teacher. Mr. and Mrs. McKibben joined the mission in 1875. Persecution tested the strength of the converts, and a spirit of inquiry was abroad. In 1876, Miss Sophia A. Norwood and Mary E. Thompson were added to the mission. Twenty Bible women were at work this year, and fourteen native preachers. The year 1876 was one of great spiritual blessing. One hundred and sixty-nine were baptized, and the churches grew in grace and strength. Miss Fielde writes : " For five years God has answered my prayers directly and exactly in every item of work I have laid before him." A boys' school at Swatow was also under the care of this busy woman. Dr. Caroline H. Daniels was a glad Christmas gift to the mission, in December, 1878, the first medical lady missionary at Swatow. This year, a new requirement came into force in the girls' school, now in charge of BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 153 Miss Norwood. Parents were required to give a bond that their daughters' feet should not be bound, and that they should not be betrothed to heathen. This was a great step in advance. In 1879, there were in the Southern China mission, with headquarters at Swatow, twenty-six out stations. Fourteen native helpers were constantly employed in cariag for these scattered flocks, and in evangelizing work. There were also volunteer helpers, who supported themselves. Miss Fielde gives many vivid word-pictures of her Bible women. Varying ages are represented, from the young women, to those who can only plod through their lesson by the aid of the strongest spectacles. The diver- sity of character and gifts is often amusing. Miss Thompson spent much time touring with her Bible women in the outlying districts. Miss Norwood was partially engaged in teaching, but found time for occasional tours. Mr. Ashmore, assisted by Miss Fielde, was making a colloquial translation of the Scriptures, in addition to theological instruction, country tours, and the care of the Swatow Sunday services. QUESTIONS. 1. Where and what is Macao ? 2. Who was the first Baptist missionary in China? 3. Who the later associate ? 4. What was the result of war between England and China ? 5. Which were the first five open ports? 154 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 6. Which of these became the location of the mission, and in what year ? 7. What missionaries were at Hong Kong, and what were the early results? 8. What is said of Mrs. Dean ? 9. What was Mr. Dean's special work ? 10. What political event in 1843, and its relation to the work ? 11. What later changes ? 12. What Society took the work at Cantpn? 13. When were the first Chinese women baptized ? 14. What new helpers the next year ? 15. Why are not printing presses used in China ? 16. What is said of opium eating ? 17. What of Buddhism ? 18. What is the condition of women in China ? 19. Why was the first girls' school significant? When and by whom established ? 20. What was the result of persecution ? 21. Where is Hong Kong ? 22. What new station, and where situated ? 23. Who was missionary in charge ? 24. What is said of Swatow ? 25. Where were the missionary residences for a time ? 26. When were they removed to the mainland ? 27. When was the first ordination of Chinese preachers? 28. What attempt at theological instruction ? 29. What evidences of growth in 1870 ? 30. Give increase of mission force in 1871. 31. What is said of Mr. Johnson ? 32. What was Mrs. Johnson's special work ? 33. What is said of the difficulty and necessity of having trained native Christian women as helpers ? 34. Describe Miss Fielde's special work among Bible women. 35. Who assumed charge of theological instruction in 1873 ? 36. What of the girls' schools ? 37. What new helpers in 1875 ? 38. How many Bible women and native preachers ? 39. What glad results in 1876 ? 40. Give Miss Fielde's testimony. 41. What Christmas gift in 1878? 42. State new requirements in girls' school. 43. Describe foot binding. 44. Give betrothal customs. 45. Summary of work in 1879. 46. What is said of Bible women ? 47. What was Mr. Ashmore's work ? BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 155 SUPPLEMENTAEY HEADINGS. Missionary Sketches. In the Far East, by Miss Geraldine Guinness. Pagoda Shadows, by Miss Fielde. LEAFLETS. AVomen in China. Silver Flower. Infanticide in China. Out of the Depths. Sister Yong's Family. In Boats, Carts, Homes, and Hearts in China. Glimpses into Chinese Homes. CHAPTER XXIII. RESULTS. TN May, 1880, Miss Fielde gives this glimpse of her ■*- work : " All the Bible women came in, April 1st, for a months course of study. Two women are assisting in teaching, eighteen are studying Genesis, and thirteen are learning to read. I teach them for two and a half hours each morning. Miss Norwood hears the beginners, and Dr. Ashmore gives them all a half-hour's exposition of doc- trine daily." Miss Norwood adds this personal description : "A strange-looking assembly they surely are. The most of them are browned and sun-burned, nearly all are wrinkled, more from hardship than old age ; but all have that in their faces that makes them different from any similar company of heathen women ; a something that is peculiar to the faces of those whose names are written in the Book of Life." This same year the Partridges returned to Swatow, after a brief furlough. Be v. William Ashmore, Jr., and wife joined the mission. He soon relieved Miss Fielde of the care of the boys' school. Dr. Ashmore was griev- 156 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 157 ously afflicted by disease of the eyes, laying him aside from active service for more than three years. Yet, even in his semi-blindness, he continued to do much val- uable work. The colloquial versions were a great aid in imparting Scripture knowledge. The book language of China is understood only by scholars. The fixed sounds of the Chinese tongue, translated into the language of common speech, were used, so that a precise meaning was secured for every sentence in Scripture in a form understood by all. Such a version also secures us a form of written Chi- nese, which almost every one, old or young, can be taught to read. The Tie Chiu population, the object of the Swatow mission, occupies the plains near the sea coast. In the hill country, back from the sea, are the Highlanders of China, the Hak-ka people, with a different dialect. Gos- pel work was begun among them by a Hak-ka convert. In May, 1881, Mr. McKibben made a tour in this region. He found a beautiful, fertile country, with striking scenery. The people were more cleanly and thrifty than in the lowlands. The Hak-ka women seemed like a dif- ferent race. Foot binding was unknown, and they were bright, strong faced, and intelligent Near the borders the people were asking for the gospel. The result of this tour was that the McKibbens and Miss Thompson, having learned the Hak-ka language, removed in 1882 to Mun 158 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Keu Liang, to take up regular work among the Hak-kas. Here they remained the greater part of the year, return- ing to Swatow during the unhealthful months. Miss C. H. Daniels, M. D., had passed through a se- vere experience in becoming acclimated. While learning the language, she did not seek general medical work. When she was ready for it, she found her hands more than full with the physical needs surrounding her. In giving bodily aid, many opportunities occurred for soul aid as well. Mrs. Partridge died January 31, 1882. Hardly a year had passed since she returned to her work in China. It was a sudden and severe blow to the mission. Dr. Daniels opened her hospital, and cared for over one thousand patients during the year. Miss Fielde was compelled to take a vacation, after years of continuous service. After superintending the printing of her Swatow Dictionary at Shanghai, she sailed for the United States. In 1884, Dr. Ashmore's recovered eyesight, after a trip to the cooler climate of Japan, is gratefully noted. Dr. Daniels' hospital work was remarkably successful. One Bible woman gave her entire time to work among the patients. Many of the books of the New Testament were now in colloquial form, and thus accessible to the common people. The Bible women use no other in their work. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 159 Mr. Partridge, after a brief absence, returned with a wife. They were accompanied by Miss Minnie Buzzell, Oregon's gift to China. * Stormy times were at hand. War between France and China intensified the hatred against all foreigners, and stirred up the disturbing element among the people. Mobs do not make . nice distinctions, and while the osten- sible intention was to drive out the Eoman Catholics with their French priests, all the missionaries and con- verts were in danger. There was a strong desire to sweep all foreigners from the Empire. British gunboats reminded the magistrates of treaty obligations, and be- yond the destruction of a few chapels, no great hurt was permitted. After the excitement had died away, in 1885, Miss Thompson went once more to Mun Keu Liang, among her beloved Hak-kas. The McKibbens had gone to America, so she was alone ; but not alone, for God was with her. The Swatow missionaries were very busy. A typhoon had wrecked all the missionary boats, and new ones must be built. New chapels must take the place of those destroyed. All this, in addition to the labors pressing hard on every hand. Miss Norwood, so faithful and successful, married Dr. Lyle, of the Presbyterian Hospital. Mrs. Ashmore's failing health compelled their return to America this same year. She died in September. Dr. 160 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Daniels' strength also failed under her heavy burdens, and she too left for home. In 1886, Miss Thompson sorrowfully bade farewell to China, leaving the Hak-ka work without a missionary. In October, Miss Fielde returned, after three and a half year's absence. Christmas Day, Miss Clara M. Hess reached Swatow, joyfully wel- comed by Miss Buzzell. But their anticipations of work together were blasted by Miss BuzzelPs sudden illness, and her enforced return. The next year, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ashmore, Jr., came home. The missionaries for the Hak-kas, Rev. George Camp- bell and wife, arrived late in 1887, also Rev. J. M. Fos- ter, designated to Swatow. He married Miss Hess in 1889. Dr. Ashmore returned to Swatow to attend to some necessary matters, prior to assuming his work as Home Secretary of the Missionary Union. Early in 1889, Rev. J. S. Norvell and wife were sent to the Hak-kas. The medical work so efficiently begun by Miss Daniels, M. D., was taken up this year by Dr. A. K. Scott, formerly, ,with her lamented husband, located in Assam. No longer needed by her children, she devoted herself anew to missionary work, leaving a lucrative practice in Cleve- land, Ohio, to care for bodies and souls in China. Dr. Ashmore did a grand but brief work in America. His heart was in China, and soon we find him back on the field, with the added responsibility of looking after BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 161 missionary interests in Japan, in behalf of the Executive Committee. He reached Swatow in time to bid farewell to the Partridges and to Miss Fielde. He writes: "Miss Fielde is packed, and all ready to depart. She came out to the mission field about twenty-three years ago, to join a devoted young man to whom she had been engaged, but on her arrival found herself plunged in a tremendous grief. She decided to remain and take up work as best she could, but Siam is not a good place for work among Chinese women. When she came to Swatow, she found a vast and open field in which she could reach the women of China. She began to organize that splendid addition to the main work, known as Bible- woman's work. She picked out and trained a company of them, and directed them with marvelous grip. But now she has to go. She can no longer live in a hot climate. Indeed, for the past two years she has not been able to encounter the hardship of country work that once only put an edge on her splendid powers of endurance. Eare qualities of body, mind, and heart have been laid by her, with unselfish devotion, on the altar of service for the women of China. To-morrow, Miss Fielde will take her leave forever of these granite hills, these clinging Bible women, and these churchless multitudes." On September 4, 1890, Dr. Ashmore married Mrs. L. A. Brown, of Japan, widow of Dr. Nathan Brown, of blessed memory. Dr. Scott welcomed her daughter, Miss 162 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Mary K. Scott, also Miss Dunwiddie, to the work in Swatow. The reinforcements were larger than in any previous year. Mrs. Scott's medical work, in the report for 1891, shows most gratifying results. A new station was opened at Kayin, in the Hak-ka country, under charge of Kev. George Campbell and wife and Miss Ella Campbell. The signs of the times are significant in China. Slow and conservative, she will yet be the power that shall influence Asia for Christ. QUESTIONS. 1. Give Miss Fielde's glimpse of her work. 2. Miss Norwood's personal description ? 3. What addition to the mission force in 1880? 4. How was Dr. Ashmore afflicted ? 5. What is said of the colloquial version ? 6. Where is the Tie Chiu population found ? 7. What is said of the Hak-kas ? 8. Describe Dr. McKibben's tour in 1881. 9. What was its result? 10. Give facts regarding Dr. Daniels and the medical work. 11. What great loss did the mission sustain in 1882 ? 12. What encouragements in 1884? 13. Who was Oregon's gift to China ? 14. What hindrances arose from the war between France and China? 15. What special labor resulted for the missionaries ? 1 6. What loss of workers ? 17. What reinforcements in 1887 ? 18. What work in America awaited Dr. Ashmore ? 19. Bv whom and when was the medical work re-opened ? 20. What is said of Dr. Scott ? 21. What drove Dr. Ashmore back to China? What added responsibility had been given him ? 22. Give his review of Miss Fielde's work. 23. Describe later events. 24. What new Hak-ka station was opened, and by whom ? CHAPTER XXIV. THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSION IN CANTON. TN 1845, Messrs. J. L. Shuck and T. T. Devan removed -■- to Canton, and organized the First Baptist Church. In 1846, Mr. Shuck visited the United States, accom- panied by Yong, a Chinese preacher, with whom he canvassed the South for funds to build a chapel at Canton. No religion is respected by the Chinese that is not represented by a public building. His addresses, and those of Yong, aroused great enthusiasm. The Southern Baptist Convention had been organized in 1845, and Messrs. Shuck and Eoberts became its missionaries. In June, 1846, Messrs. Clopton and Pearcy, with their wives, were designated to Canton, the first appointed missionaries of the Southern Board. Messrs. Tobey and Yates were set apart to open a mission at Shanghai, and Mr. Shuck was transferred thither to aid in establishing the new station. The chapel fund of five thousand dollars, which he had collected, was trans- ferred with him to Shanghai. In 1847, Mr. Clopton died, and Mrs. Clopton and child returned to America. A chapel was erected at Canton with funds contributed by foreign residents. Dr. 163 164 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Devan retired from Canton, and the Missionary Union surrendered the field to the Southern Board, the latter society purchasing the mission property. The mutterings of war between England and China had sadly interrupted the work, but peace was restored the year of Mr. Clopton's death. Mr. Pearey's health failed rapidly, and in 1848 he was transferred to the higher latitude of Shanghai. He retired from the mission in 1855. Rev. Francis Johnson was appointed in 1846, as " Theological Tutor and Missionary " to China. He was distinguished for linguistic ability. Failing health compelled him to return in 1849. Miss Harriet Baker reached Canton in 1850, the first single lady missionary appointed by the board. Her especial work was the care of a girls' school. Her appointment was considered a doubtful experiment. Unfortunate events connected with the mission, and Miss Baker's early failure of health, causing her to return in 1854, did not bring this new policy into favor. Later years have proved the inestimable value of woman's work abroad, accomplishing what man alone could never do. Rev. "W. B. Whilden and wife were designated to Canton in 1848. It was the prayers of his wife that led him to be a missionary. This devoted woman went to her heavenly rest in 1850. Mr. Whilden took his BAPTIST FOKEIGN MISSIONS. 165 motherless children to America, and Mr. Roberts being also absent, Mrs. Roberts and Miss Baker were for a time in sole charge, aided by native assistants. . Mr. Roberts, although zealous, was not a prudent mis- sionary. His connection with the Board ceased in 1851. He continued, however, an independent work. There were now two chapels in Canton. Mr. Whilden returned in 1853, with a second wife, and labored faith- fully and successfully until 1855, when his wife's partial blindness caused a reluctant farewell to China. In 1854, Rev. C. W. Gaillard and wife came to the almost deserted field. Yong was of untold value as their assistant. Reinforcements were pleaded for, again and again, and in 1856, Rev. R. H. Graves, M. D., and wife, were sent to his aid. War again interrupted mis- sionary effort, and Canton was abandoned for a time. Work was resumed in 1858. In 1860, signs of pros- perity appeared, and a harvest began, there being bap- tisms nearly every month in the year. The war at home also compelled retrenchment, and Mr. Gaillard writes : " If necessity compels you to call home any of the mis- sionaries, I beg that I may be the last. I have no desire and no idea of ever seeing America ; and when I go to heaven, I want a whole army of these people to go with me." He never saw America again. In July, 1862, he was killed in a terrible typhoon, under the falling timbers of 166 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. his house. In 1863, Mrs. Gaillard married Dr. Graves, but in another short year her earthly work was ended. Rev. John Griffith Schilling and wife labored in Canton from 1860 to 1864. The civil war in America compelling severe retrenchment, the missionaries reduced their salaries one-fifth, while the pay of the native helpers was reduced one-tenth. After Mr. Schilling's departure, Dr. Graves was the only American missionary, assisted by Yong, and Wong Mui, the "Luther of the Chinese Christians." In 1866, Dr. Graves had eight assistants, by whose aid the gospel was carried far into the interior. In a single year, this indefatigable missionary traveled sixteen hundred miles on Chinese boats, and distributed nine thousand six hundred and fifty-eight tracts. His literary labors were also abundant, and the calls upon his medical skill continual. In 1868, the Board urged him to return to Maryland, and recruit his failing health. But he would not then leave his beloved work, with a chapel just begun. Two years later, after thirteen years of exhaustive and contin- uous toil, he sailed for home, occupying the most of his vacation with labor for the Chinese in California. Rev. E. Z. Simmons and wife began work in Canton in 1871. There were now four churches in the city and vicinity, and one hundred and thirty-five church mem- bers. In 1874, Mrs. Simmons' illness drove them from BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 167 China. Full of missionary zeal, they labored in San Francisco for the Chinese until 1880, when they returned to Canton, accompanied by Miss Sallie Stein. •In 1872, Dr. Simmons returned to China with a large missionary party, among whom were the two daughters of the sainted Mrs. Whilden, whose dying prayer had been that her children might " spend and be spent for the heathen." One was married, and went out with her husband, Kev. N. B. Williams ; the other, Miss Lulu Whilden, also consecrated her young life to her mother's work. Mrs. Williams' health compelled the return of herself and husband in 1876. Dr. Graves, again blessed with a devoted wife, resumed work with his old energy, training native preachers, per- forming literary labor, meeting the heavy demands of medical work, besides general superintendence of the mission. In 1880, there was, for the first time, a mission house in Canton. Dr. Graves reported seventy-nine baptisms, and in 1881 there was a church membership of three hundred and fifty-seven. In 1884, Rev. F. C. Hickson and wife, and Miss Emma Young were added to the missionary force. The next year, the French-Chinese war caused great distress and hindrance. Some chapels and schoolhouses were de- stroyed. In 1886, fearful floods devastated the country ; but in sorrow and loss the work prospered. The native 168 BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. Christians gave nobly to rebuild their ruined chapels Four hundred dollars being also sent by Canton Chris- tians to America. Yong, connected with the mission since 1845, and sup- ported by the Ladies' Missionary Society of the First Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, fell asleep in Jesus in 1882. He had done a noble work among his countrymen. In 1885, a Baptist Association was organized in Can- ton, composed of representatives from six bodies. The next year, Dr. Graves expressed gratitude that the work of "preaching," "self-help/' "Bible classes," "schools," " woman's work," " tract and Scripture distribution," and "medical dispensation," were going on so favorably. Mrs. Graves died in San Francisco, on her way home, in in April, 1888. A Chinese convert said of her : "Jesus Christ lived on earth a long time ago, and now he is far off in heaven ; but when I see how Mrs. Graves lives and loves, I can understand what Jesus was like." This same year, the Canton mission was reinforced by Mrs. Sanford, Miss H. F. North, a self-supporting mission- ary, and Miss Nellie Hartwell. These had been engaged in the Canton Chinese work on the Pacific Coast, and were " valuable additions." Dr. Graves returned to Canton in 1889. Still later, Miss Mollie McMinn was added to the working force. The next year, Dr. Graves and Mrs. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS. 169 Sanford were married. The mission rejoiced greatly in welcoming back Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, and Miss Lulu Whilden, as "laborers so devoted." Dr. Graves reports as follows for the year 1890-91 : 6z^wS0&& Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Sept,. 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111 mmm M