Transcriber's note:
Due to the number of tables, this file reads better in a monospaced
font.
THE
BAPTIST MAGAZINE.
MAY, 1835.
MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. R. MORRISON, D.D., &c.
_Missionary to the Chinese Empire._
BY AN INTIMATE FRIEND OF THE DECEASED.[A]
[Footnote A: A Sermon has just been published, entitled, "A Voice from
China; a Discourse, delivered at New Windsor Chapel, Salford, on Sunday,
February 11, 1835, to improve the lamented death of the Rev. Robert
Morrison, D.D., F.R.S., &c., &c.; with a Sketch of his Character and
Labours, principally compiled from his own correspondence. By John
Clunie, LL.D." Of this discourse we are happy to avail ourselves, for
the purpose of presenting our readers with a brief memorial of this
distinguished servant of Christ; still referring them to the Sermon
itself for some interesting extracts, and appropriate reflections, which
we are unable to transfer to our pages.--ED.]
The Rev. Dr. Morrison was born at Morpeth, Jan. 5, 1782, but was
early removed to Newcastle-upon-tyne. His parents, though in humble
circumstances, were industrious and pious members of the Scottish
church; and they educated their family in the fear of the Lord. When a
boy, he was, with other young persons of the congregation, frequently
catechised by the Minister; and this has inadvertently led to an
erroneous report, that he was originally a Sunday School scholar. He
was afterwards taught a mechanical trade, which he diligently followed
till he left home. I believe he "feared the Lord from his youth;" and
that the pious instructions of his father's house, and the faithful
ministrations of his pastor, were so blessed to him, that at the age of
sixteen he solemnly devoted himself to God. When engaged in his secular
calling, his mind, thirsting for knowledge, sought its own improvement,
first by general reading, and, after a few years, by diligently
acquiring the rudiments of Latin. He used to steal hours from rest, and
often to work with his book raised before him, so that his eye could
cast a rapid glance on its pages, while his hands were actively employed
at his daily labour. Thus he at once prepared his lesson for the
Minister who kindly instructed him, and discovered the first indications
of that diligence and talent for the acquisition of a foreign language,
which laid the basis of his future fame.
At this time, in consequence of his manifest love of study, and his
ardent desire for usefulness, his mother entertained many fears, that
she should soon be deprived of the object of her affections, by his
removal from her: but her fears, so far as she herself was concerned,
were groundless; for she was called to her rest, the year before he left
home for the Academy. Thus she neither felt the pain of his anticipated
absence, nor rejoiced in the participation of his subsequent honours.
On entering Hoxton Academy, January, 1803, I found that Mr. Morrison had
arrived a few days before me; and as we both regularly attended, with
our friends, the ministry of that eminent servant of God, the Rev. A.
(afterwards Dr.) Waugh, we were very soon intimately acquainted with
each other: the result was an indissoluble friendship of nearly
thirty-two years, during the whole of which period, we frequently
interchanged our joys and our sorrows, and reciprocated our
congratulations and our sympathies; while fidelity and affection
mutually tendered, when necessary, admonition and reproof. His character
was even then distinguished by those qualities which subsequently
rendered him so illustrious--the most ardent piety, indefatigable
diligence, and devoted zeal. His natural disposition was grave and
thoughtful; so that, as his mind was often the subject of anxious and
desponding views, especially of _himself and his attainments_, he
probably occasionally appeared to some as gloomy and melancholy. But
those who knew him best were fully convinced, that most of his anxieties
arose from his deep sense of the importance of the work for which he was
preparing, of his own utter incompetency for its faithful discharge, and
of the consequent obligation under which he was laid, to exert himself
to the utmost, to secure the _full benefit_ of every advantage placed
within his reach. Hence he was a most exemplary student, and always
aimed at distinction, even in some branches of study for which he
appeared very little adapted. But his chief reliance to secure success,
was not on any effort of his _own_, however diligently and constantly
exerted--but on the divine blessing. Hence few ever entered more fully
into the great Luther's favourite axiom, _to pray well is to study
well_; for of him it may be very justly said, that prayer was the
element in which his soul delighted to breathe.
His mind had long mourned over the deplorable state of the heathen
world, to which he wished to publish "the unsearchable riches of
Christ;" though he then knew not _how_ it could possibly be
accomplished. But after having attended two Missionary Anniversaries in
London, he saw the door effectually opened before him, and instantly
resolved to enter on the arduous task. The appeals of Thorpe, Bennet,
Dickson, and Scott, the commentator, at the last of these anniversaries,
were to him irresistible; and he "immediately conferred not with flesh
and blood," but consecrated himself to the work of the Lord among the
heathen, saying, _Here am I, send me_. No sooner, however, had he
signified his intention, than every objection was made, and every
difficulty thrown in his way; and when these failed, he was tempted by
favour and honour, to remain at home; but all proved equally in vain.
This opposition doubtless arose from a mistaken estimate of the superior
claims of home; as it was manifested by some of the "excellent of the
earth," who afterwards most cordially rejoiced in his success abroad.
Thus, while faithfully following his own convictions of duty, he not
only exhibited that decision of character which he ever displayed, but
eventually found the truth of that sacred declaration, "Them that
honour me I will honour; and they that despise me shall be lightly
esteemed."
After the usual examination, he was most cheerfully accepted by the
Missionary Society; and, having been affectionately commended to the
special grace of God, by his fellow-students, he left the Academy at
Hoxton for that at Gosport, to enjoy the missionary training of the
venerable Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Bogue. Few students ever left the house
more irreproachable in their conduct, or more generally respected, by
all, for their real worth, and unfeigned piety; or more beloved by those
who enjoyed the felicity of their faithful friendship. Though it was
little apprehended that he would so soon be called to fill one of the
most arduous and important spheres which could be conceived; or, that he
would ultimately rise to such an eminence in it, as to command the
admiration of all classes of the christian church, and of the community
in general; yet, it is impossible to reflect on his diligent and devoted
course at Hoxton, without clearly recognizing the _incipient elements_
of all his future success. Others, indeed, possessed more brilliant
talents,--a richer imagination, a more attractive delivery, or more
graceful manners,--but, I trust I may be permitted to say, that there
was _no one_ who more happily concentrated in himself the three elements
of moral greatness already enumerated--the most ardent piety,
indefatigable diligence, and devoted zeal in the best of all causes.
Thus devoted to the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen, he
reached Gosport. To show his feelings and sentiments at that important
crisis, I shall quote his own words, from the first letter I ever
received from him, dated Gosport, June 9, 1804:
"Dear ----, I expect that my brother would inform you of my safe
arrival at Gosport, on the evening of the day I left you. Through
the good hand of God upon me, in answer to the prayers of my
relatives and Christian friends, I am yet in comfortable
circumstances, and enjoy something of the presence of God, and of
the hope of glory."
"My dear brother, I hope the conversation we had when we travelled
together to Leatherhead, will not soon be forgotten by you or me.
Let the sentiment dwell upon our hearts, that it is the great
business of our lives, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Whether or not you and I have the happiness to labour together, as
it respects place, we shall, I trust, have the happiness of
pursuing the same end, seeking to promote the glory of God, the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the salvation of men. O that this
may be in truth our constant pursuit; so shall we have the
happiness of God's approbation through life--at the hour of
death--in the day of judgment--and be perfectly happy in his
immediate presence through eternity."
And again, July 31st, he thus writes:
"My situation at Gosport is agreeable, and the persons with whom I
am connected are kind to me. The Lord, who gives me favour in their
eyes, continues me in health. My mind is comfortable, and resigned
to the Lord's pleasure concerning me. I, as formerly, have to
'fight with sins, and doubts, and fears.' Such, I expect, will be
my experience while I continue in this world."
"My future destination is altogether unknown to me. It is in
agitation to send a Mission to China. Mr. Bogue seems quite fond of
it. I have had some thoughts about going into the interior of
Africa, to Tombuctoo. I give up my concerns to the Lord. I hope he
will open a door of useful missionary labour, in some part of the
world, and give me souls for my hire."
With such feelings, he said "he would have gone to _any_ quarter of the
globe, where the people were as yet without a Divine Revelation." But
China, most happily, was the sphere allotted to him by the Directors of
the Missionary Society. To that immense empire their attention had been
directed by their first devoted Treasurer, Mr. Hardcastle, who judged it
highly important to attempt the acquisition of its difficult language,
and the translation of the Scriptures by some competent Missionary.
This, be it remarked, was at a time when it was quite uncertain, whether
any Briton would be allowed to go thither from England, or permitted to
reside even on the borders of China, if he should be able to reach its
shores. So strong then were the prejudices, in certain quarters, against
attempting to evangelize the East, that the Directors for a time avoided
the use of the term _Chinese Mission_; and actually were obliged to send
Dr. Morrison and others round by way of America. For this station,
China, he was eminently adapted: as it was well remarked by the lamented
Dr. Milne, that "talents rather of the _solid_ than the _showy_ kind,
rather I adapted to accomplish important objects by a course of
persevering labour, than to astonish by any sudden burst of genius, were
the most proper for the first Missionary to China: and such exactly were
the talents which the Giver of every good and perfect gift had conferred
on him." But it was thought highly desirable that he should have a
fellow-labourer, though subsequent events proved that this would _then_
have been quite impracticable in China. But every effort was made,
especially by himself, to prevail on some kindred soul to accompany him.
And here I must be excused slightly touching on one who was more than
half-disposed to respond to the call; but who was ultimately prevented,
by what appeared to him _imperative duty at home_. But he trusts his
heart was ever with him: and whatever sympathy and encouragement might
be, at any time, in his power to command, were most cheerfully rendered,
and the act considered as his highest honour.
What views Dr. M. entertained both of the missionary and ministerial
character, will best appear from what he desired for himself and his
friend. In a letter dated March 24, 1805, he thus writes:--
"I pray God that he may pour into my soul, in rich abundance, the
daily washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit, my brother, are radical
qualifications in a minister, and in a missionary. Oh that you and
I may be blessed with large measures of them! Let us keep in sight,
my brother, our obligations to God our Saviour, who has redeemed us
from the lowest hell; the short term of service; and the ineffably
glorious reward of grace, in the kingdom of heaven; and, animated
by the prospect, let us 'spend and be spent' for the sake of our
Lord Jesus. Beloved, I wish that thou mayest prosper and be in
health, even as thy soul prospereth. Pray God to make me a good man
and a good missionary."
And again, May 30:--
"Attend, my dear brother, very particularly, to the state of your
own soul. Instead of saying, _pray much_, as I was just about to
say, be very careful that your prayers be spiritual--from the
heart: live by faith on Jesus Christ. I would add, I mean examine
yourself much on this point; for there is much danger of our--those
of us whose concern it is constantly to attend to religious
matters--I say there is much danger of our doing things, praying,
and exhorting, and reading, &c., as matters of course, without
entering into them spiritually and seriously. Allow me to say--not
because I am your master, but because I love you--study gravity,
humility, and benevolence of deportment. Consider we profess to be
the messengers of Jesus Christ to the children of God, and to
sinful, guilty man: let us always be grave and serious. You and I
are young, and know but little; let us be humble, considering
others better than ourselves. We are the followers of Christ, and
therefore should wish well to all, ever pleasing them for their
good to edification."
After spending about fifteen months at Gosport, he came to London,
to obtain some knowledge of medicine, and to study the elements of
astronomy at the Observatory, Greenwich; from a misapprehension that
these, especially the last, would be essential to his success in China.
But however much they tended to expand his own mind, they were
subsequently found almost superfluous in practice: nevertheless, another
object was obtained by his residence for nearly eighteen months in the
metropolis. An amiable Chinese was found willing to reside with him, to
assist him a little in the acquisition of the language, and in
transcribing a Chinese Harmony of the Gospels in the British Museum, and
a Latino-Chinese Dictionary, borrowed from the Royal Society, both
composed by some unknown Roman Catholic missionaries. It was with
reference to him, while employed on the former, that an eminent
individual afterwards remarked, that he then little thought, as he
passed through the Museum, that _that_ stripling sitting at the table
transcribing an unknown tongue, would one day translate the Scriptures
into Chinese! Well may we exclaim, "Who hath despised the day of small
things?"--"Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh
on the heart."
When the time of his departure from his native shores drew nigh, as I
was then at the University of Glasgow, he thus took his affectionate
leave of me by letter, January, 1807--
"The period, my dear brother, has new arrived when I must bid an
affectionate, and perhaps a last farewell. On Thursday evening I
was solemnly ordained to the ministry of the gospel of the Lord
Jesus Christ among the heathen. The service was at Swallow Street.
Rev. John Townsend opened by prayer and reading the Scriptures.
Rev. G. Burder asked the questions. Mr. Waugh offered up the
ordination prayer. Mr. Nicol gave a charge, and Mr. Buck closed the
service by prayer. It was a very solemn and impressive opportunity.
Messrs. Gordon and Lee were ordained with me. We proceed on the
24th inst. in the Remittance, Captain Law, to New York; from thence
they take a ship to India, in all probability to Madras; whilst I
alone, in another vessel, sail for Canton. If permitted, I intend
to reside there; if not, I shall probably return to Malacca. Such,
at present, my dear ----, are my external circumstances and
prospects. With regard to success, I am not sanguine, nor am I
depressed. I hope--_I believe_ I may safely take the comfort of our
Lord's words, 'Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
world;' and, with this persuasion, what have I to fear? If Christ
be with me, who can be against me? Let me, my brother, have
occasionally an interest in your fervent prayers. Pray that I may
not think it hard, if I fare as well as my Master! Farewell, my
dear young brother; the God of peace be with you! My love to my
dear brother Hooper."
Thus inspired, he departed for China, _instructed_ by the Directors to
learn its difficult language, and, if possible, compose a dictionary of
it, and, above all, to translate the Scriptures into a language
understood by a third part of the human race; and _counselled_ by a
beautiful letter, officially signed, but evidently composed by my
venerable father, Dr. Waugh. At New York he was very kindly received,
and obtained a letter of introduction from Mr. Maddison, then secretary
of state, to the American consul at Canton, which proved highly
beneficial to him there.
He reached China, Sept. 4, 1807, after a speedy but rough passage and,
being a perfect stranger, he landed at Macao, with the mate of the
ship, who left him next day. He was soon known to be a missionary, and
became the object of suspicion to the Roman Catholic clergy there.
During that season at Canton, he lived in a cellar, in the most retired
manner, and laboured incessantly at the language, with very little
success, compared with what his subsequent efforts attained; for he then
had only an _ignoramus_ for his tutor. But hear himself from Canton,
Sept. 14th, addressed to my own beloved mother:--
"I daily converse with Chinese, but dare not so much as hint that
I desire to stay here, or what my intention for coming is. Little
merchants and tradesmen daily come to me, to know what I have got
to sell, or what I wish to buy. I come to vend the pearl of great
value, yet without asking money or price; but dare not tell my
errand. I know that you will descend to the grave, praying for the
success of your son in the faith of Jesus."
He subsequently resided in the factory of some American agents at
Canton, who showed him great kindness, and promoted his views to the
utmost of their ability. At first he conformed to the Chinese manners,
both as to eating and dress, from an erroneous idea that this would
recommend him to their kind notice; but when he discovered his error,
he resumed the manners of a European. But so anxious was he to learn
Chinese, that he prayed even in secret in it, when he was but very
imperfectly acquainted with its idioms. He quite secluded himself from
society for months, till his health began to suffer; and the first time
he ventured out into the fields was in a moonlight night, under the
escort of two Chinese.
In the beginning of 1809, he married Miss Morton, the eldest daughter of
a medical gentleman there; and, accepted an appointment in the Company's
factory, as Chinese translator, which unquestionably facilitated his
perfect acquisition of the language, and added much to his domestic
comfort. Such diligence and perseverance could not fail of success. From
Macao, December 28, 1810, he thus writes:--
"I believe I was in Canton when I last wrote to you, via., the
beginning of this year. I continued there till March, carrying on a
discussion with the Chinese government respecting the alleged
murder of a Chinaman. I obtained great eclât, by the public
examination of witnesses. Every body was astonished, that in two
years I should be able to write the language, and converse in the
Mandarin and vulgar dialects. In consequence of that, three of the
Company's servants determined to begin the study of Chinese; and I
have during the summer been a regular Chinese tutor. I pray that
the Lord may soon grant to me some from among the heathen, who will
faithfully join in the promulgation of divine truth. I wish you had
come with me to China: I want some humble, persevering
fellow-labourer."
He regularly spent six months alternately at Macao and Canton, in
compliance with the requisition of the Chinese policy, whose jealousy
permits few foreigners to reside in the "celestial empire," as they
proudly denominate it; but which, in consideration of an annual revenue,
tolerates the Portuguese settlement on the insignificant island of
Macao.