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MEMOIR OF THE REV. JAMES RICHARDS, AMERICAN MISSIONARY IN CEYLON, WHO DIED AUGUST 3, 1822.

We mentioned the decease of Mr. Richards, at p. 96 of our number for March. Since that time, we have received, from the brethren at Ceylon, a Memoir, from which, as it is longer than we can consistently insert, we shall compile such notices, as will tend to illustrate the character of that devoted missionary.

MR. RICHARDS was born in Abington, Mass., February 23, 1784. He was the second son of James Richards, Esq. While quite young, his parents removed to Plain. field, in the same state. His early education was strictly religious; and during a season of special seriousness, under the ministry of the Rev. Moses Hallock, the pastor of that church, he became a hopeful subject of divine grace. He was then about thirteen years of age: but he did not unite himself with the visible church until six years after this time. The following paragraphs are extracted from the memoir.

"Being a young man of respectable talents and ardent piety, he was early desirous of obtaining a liberal education, that he might be prepared to preach the Gospel of reconciliation. But his father, having a family of seven children, did not feel himself able to dispense with the services of James, who was then his eldest son, (an elder brother having died in infancy,) and to give him a public education. In these circumstances, bis desires to devote his time to the studies preparatory to a collegiate education, could not be gratified, till he was nearly twenty years of age. At the age of twenty-two, he became a member of Williams College. During the whole course of his education, such were his pecuniary circumstances, that he was under the necessity of submitting to many privations. These reflect honor upon his Christian character, as he submitted to them, from a strong desire to promote the best interests of his fellow

men.

VOL. XIX.

"While a member of college, his clas sical acquirements were respectable, and, in the mathematics, he excelled. But it is less on account of his attainments in literary and scientific knowledge, that he is deserving of esteem, than for his love of order, his correct deportment, and the bright example, which he set before his fellow students. During his residence in college, a revival of religion took place. He labored among the students, with diligence, prudence and zeal, and became the instrument of good to many of them. It was in college, that he became acquainted with the beloved and lamented Samuel J.

Mills, who was his classmate. A very intimate and endeared friendship was early formed between these kindred spirits; a friendship, which continued through life, and which, it is believed, has been resumed, and is to be perpetuated, in heaven.

"It is already known to many, that Mr. Richards was among the first in his native land, who sacredly devoted themselves to the cause of missions among the heathen. This he did at a time when the subject of foreign missions had excited little attention in America; and before any, except that little band of brethren, (of whom he was one,) mentioned in the life of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, had thought of making it a personal concern. It was here, that they examined the subject together. It was here that they so often retired from the sight of the world to some consecrated spot for fasting and prayer, that they might seek divine direction, and find a door of entrance among the heathen. From that time, he steadily

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pursued his object, amidst many delays || the glory of God and the salvation of men and discouragements, which would have diverted any less devoted mind from its object.

"In 1809, he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and the same year became a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Here he labored with diligence and success in concert with Mills, and several others of his brethren, in promoting a spirit of missions among the students in the Seminary; and, also, in the Christian public, by the distribution of many books and pamphlets on the subject of missions.

require it.' Again: 'I hope to use my feeble efforts in disseminating the word of eternal life in the benighted regions of the east.

But I feel a deep conviction of my own weakness and dependence on God, and the importance of being qualified for this great work. May the Lord give me strength and grace! I feel as though I should be greatly disappointed, if I should not be permitted to preach Christ to the poor pagans.' At another time he writes; "There is some prospect, that peace may soon be restored to our country, and I hope ere long to join my missionary brethren in the east. My heart leaps with joy at the thought. I long to preach Christ to the heathen. But the burden of my prayer of late has been, that I may be prepared to act the part assigned me.""

In September 1812, Mr. Richards finished his theological studies at Andover, and became a preacher of the Gospel. In November following, under the direction of the American Board of Missions, he entered the Medical School at Philadelphia, where, for nearly two years, he prosecuted his studies with commendable diligence and good success. While in that city, he had many opportunities of preaching to destitute congregations, and in parts of the city where the stated means of grace were not enjoyed; and, in conjunction with the lamented Warren, was afterwards employed, for a considerable time, as a missionary in the suburbs of the city. He took the degree of Master of Arts, in 1814; and spenta considerable part of the next year in preaching to a people, who, previously to his going among them, had been much divided; but, in consequence of the blessing of God on his labors, were united again, and enjoyed a pleasing revival of religion. They then urged him to remain and become their pastor; but his previous engagements rendered it improper, in his view, to comply with their request.

"In June 1810, Mr. Richards was one of that little company, five in number, who presented to the General Association of ministers in Massachusetts, the Memorial on the subject of missions, that led to the formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. As Mr. Richards's name, however, does not appear in the Minutes of the General Association, it may be proper to state the reason of its omission. The subject of foreign missions being comparatively new, at that time, in America, it was thought by the members of the Association, that four was a sufficient number to be presented, in the first instance, before the Christian public, as devoted to that cause. Mr. Richards's name was, therefore, erased, because the others, with the exception of Mills, were his seniors in the Theological Seminary, and would be sooner prepared to leave their country on a foreign mission. But although their junior in his collegiate standing, he was second only to Mills in having solemnly devoted himself to this great and glorious object. His heart was much set upon it. As a proof of this, it may be proper to mention, that, for several years after he had formed the resolution of becoming a missionary to the heathen, he had no other prospect of accomplishing his object, than that of working his passage to some part of the gentile world, and of casting his lot among the heathen. This he fully intended to do, in case there was no other mode of accomplishing his object. "As an evidence of his strong attach-ing, was ordained at Newburyport, in comment to this cause, the following brief extracts are selected from his journals.-'I feel that 1 owe ten thousand talents, and have nothing to pay. The heathen have souls as precious as my own. If Jesus was willing to leave the bosom of his Father, and expose himself to such suffering here below, for the sake of them and me, with what cheerfulness should I quit the pleas-work, on which my heart has been so long

ures of refined society, and forsake father and mother, brothers and sisters, to carry the news of his love to far distant lands; let me never consider any thing too great to suffer, or any thing too dear to part with, when

"In May, 1815," says his biographer, "he was married to Miss Sarah Bardwell, of Goshen, Ms. and on the 21st of June follow

pany with Messrs. Mills, Warren, Meigs, Poor and Bardwell, and expected soon to sail for Ceylon. About this time, he made the following entry in his journal, expressive of his attachment to the missionary work. What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies; especially for affording me a near prospect of commencing the

and so constantly set! For more than seven years, I have had one uniform desire of spending my life among the heathen. If I know my own heart, I do wish to spend and be spent in preaching the glorious Gos

pel of Christ. Though he expected to sail in a few weeks after his ordination, several circumstances occurred to prevent the sailing of the vessel until the 23d of October. At that time, in company with eight missionary brethren and sisters, he embarked in the Dryad for Ceylon. When asked, afterwards, how he could refrain from weeping at the time of leaving his native country, and all that was dear to him there; replied, 'Why should I have wept? I had been waiting with anxiety almost eight years for an opportunity to go and preach Christ among the heathen. I had often wept at the long delay. But the day on which I bade farewell to my native land was the happiest day of my life.'

"The Dryad had a favorable_voyage of five months to Colombo, Mr. R. a short time after his arrival, was attacked with an inflammation of the eyes. Not being sufficiently aware of the debilitating influence of a tropical climate, he, in order to remove the inflammation, probably reduced his system too low. This, in connexion with much fatigue, in removing from Colombo to Jaffna, doubtless laid the foundation of those pulmonary complaints, which finally terminated in death. He arrived in Jaffnapatam about one year after leaving America, and in a few months removed to Batticotta, where he was associated with Mr. Meigs. Here, although his health was feeble, he labored with diligence in superintending the repairs of the buildings at that station, and in preaching to the natives through an interpreter. But in September 1817, he was obliged to desist from preaching and from study, in consequence of a cough and weakness of the lungs. A visit to Colombo, having been obviously very beneficial to his health, it was thought expedient for him to repeat the visit, and eventually to accompany Mr. Warren, then at Colombo, to the Cape of Good Hope. In April 1818, the two brethren set sail from Colombo, and in July, they arrived at Capetown. There the beloved Warren took his departure for a better world, and left his friend and brother to pursue his earthly pilgrimage alone. They had, for a long time, been united in the closest bonds of Christian friendship. From the state of Mr. Richards's health at this time, it was thought that the period of their separation could not be long. He remained at the Cape about four months. During the first three months of this period, his health and strength were much improved, and he entertained raised expectations of final recovery. But during the last month, his symptoms took an unfavorable turn. He raised considerable blood from his lungs. His cough, also, became much worse; his strength failed very fast, and he entirely lost his voice. During the greatest

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part of these four months, he lived in the family of John Melville, Esq. the kind friend of missionaries, and of all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, where he was pleasantly situated, and received every attention, which it was in the power of the family to bestow."

In the latter part of November, he embarked, in company with the Rev. Mr. Traveller and his lady, for Madras, where he arrived about the middle of January. The kind attentions of his fellow passengers contributed to his comfort and health; and in Madras he found many friends. He next proceeded to Colombo; and from thence he went by water to Jaffnapatam. Though the distance from this place to Batticotta is but seven miles, yet, as he was obliged to travel it by land, he performed the journey with difficulty. For a season, he considered himself, and was considered by his brethren, as near death. But in August 1819, his symptoms were more favorable, and not long after, he recovered a considerable degree of health and strength. He then commenced visiting the native free-schools connected with the station; and was able, by means of an interpreter, to inspect the studies of the boys, and to communicate to them religious instruction.

"Early in April 1820," says the memoir, "he began to recover his voice, so as to be able to speak loud for the first time (except for a few days on his voyage from the Cape to Madras,) for more than seventeen months. During that month, he was able to take considerable exercise on horseback, as well as to use more stimulating food and drink. By these means, his health and strength were visibly improved. From this time until May 1821, there was but little alteration in the state of his health. During that year, he did much for the benefit of the mission, not only by his counsels and prayers, but by active labor as a physician, both to the souls and bodies of this people. He was remarkable for his diligence in business, as well as fervency in spirit, laboring sometimes beyond his strength."

After the death of Mrs. Poor, he became considerably more unwell, partly in consequence of fatigue during her sickness; and he never again rose to that degree of vigor, which he had enjoyed for the year previous. But we must hasten to the closing scene, as described in the memoir.

"On the evening of the 29th of June 1822, he was attacked with severe pain in his right side, which continued several hours. From this time, the commencement of his last illness may be dated. The pain in his side returned, on the three following days, and on Monday the 1st of July, it was excessively severe, and con

tinued nearly six hours. It was to be hoped, that, in view of his protracted illness, he would be permitted quietly to descend to the grave. But, the 'Lord seeth not as man seeth:' and, in this case, his brethren had a pleasing illustration of the truth 'that the Lord doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.' The necessity and utility of the severe sufferings, to which he was subjected, were in a good degree apparent even to us. They were evidently the means of relieving him from that state of mental imbecility, of which he had much complained, and of rousing to rigorous exertion all the powers and faculties of his soul. While thus awakened by this powerful stimulus, the Lord was pleased to manifest himself unto him in a special manner, as the God of all consolation, as an infinitely glorious Being, and the object of supreme desire. He was favored, at that time, with unusually elevated conceptions of the character of God, and with correspondent affections of heart. He afterwards repeatedly remarked, in reference to these seasons of suffering, that such were his views of the divine character, and so desirable did it appear to him, that God should be glorified by all his creatures, that he felt willing that his sufferings should be continued, and even increased, if it were necessary to promote any glorious designs of his heavenly Father; and that his sufferings were so evidently the means of rousing his mind to thosę sublime and heavenly contemplations, that he was in a degree reconciled to them, and disposed to regard them as a proper occasion of thanksgiving, It is evident, that these seasons of severe pain gave a character to the whole remaining course of his sickness; and that they were the means of increasing his happiness and his usefulness, during the last weeks of his life.

"On the 19th of July, his symptoms became more alarming, and his distress from nervous irritation and difficulty of breathing, became very great; so that it was necessary for several persons to be constantly employed in brushing and fanning him. He begged us to pray, that he might have more patience, but observed, 'It is good to suffer. It gives me some faint idea of what my Savior bore for me. Thanks, eternal thanks to that Grace, which snatched me from the jaws of the devourer! When I get home, how will I sing the praises of Him, who will have washed away all my sins! Crown him, yes, I'll crown him 'Lord of all.' That hymn, which begins, All hail the power of Jesus' name,' was ever a favorite one, and he often requested his brethren and sisters to sing it to him.

"On the morning of August 2d, Mrs. Richards rose early to relieve the brother,

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who had watched with him, and found him very quiet and comfortable, having rested better than usual. He spoke much of the goodness of God to him, and expressed a hope, that he should not repine when called to suffering. A season of severe coughing, soon came on, which affected him very much. Soon after this, he lost his appetite, and his cough rendered him unable to take stimulants, so his strength failed fast. The fainting, and the distress for breath, accompanied with great nervous irritation, seemed too much for his feeble body to sustain, and he cried out, "O Lord deliver. O Lord Jesus come quickly. If this be dying, I must say, the pains, the groans, the dying strife. Lord, is it not enough?' In the evening of the same day, when Mrs. Richards went to take leave of him, she asked, as was her custom, whether she could do any thing more for his comfort before she retired. 'Yes,' he answered, 'commend me to God and to the word of His grace, who is able to keep me from falling, and to present me faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. This was said with a trembling voice, and with many pauses. A little before 11 o'clock, she returned to him, and he asked why she came so soon? She told him, that she found it difficult to sleep while he was so distressed, He replied, 'I am more quiet and do not need you now; yet I feel great pain in my breast, I have a new feeling there.' She told him, she thought his symptoms indicated a speedy termination of his sufferings; and perhaps that was the last night. 'Well, my dear,' said he, 'you will unite with me in thanking God for so pleasant a prospect, Retire to rest and gain strength for the trial.' About three o'clock on the morning of the 3rd, he sent for his wife, and when she came, she found him in great bodily distress. Soon after this, in a season of faint, ing, he said, 'Now I shall go.' At half past four o'clock, Dr. Scudder was sent

for.

About five, he was again in great distress, when it was thought he was dying. Reviving a little, he said, 'This is hard work. Immediately after this, his teeth began to chatter, his pulse became indistinct, and his breathing very irregular. A little before seven, Dr. Scudder arrived, and approaching his bed, said, "Well, brother Richards, it is almost over.' Joy beamed in his countenance as he looked up and said, 'Yes, brother. Scudder, I think so-I hope so. O Lord Jesus, come quickly!' After drowsing a few moments, he took an affectionate leave of his afflicted wife, and observed, 'I have long been giving you my dying counsel and advice, and have now only to say farewell! The Lord bless you. Shortly after, Dr. Scud,

der observed that he might possibly continue a day or two longer. Mr. Richards, with a look of disappointment, replied, 'No, brother Scudder, no; I am just going.' Soon after, 'I have now clearer views of the Savior than before. O, He is precious.' About half past ten o'clock, he revived a little, and was able to speak more distinctly. On being asked, what were his views of divine things, he replied: 'Not so clear; I still feel that I see through a glass darkly. But soon, yes, very soon, face to face. He then inquired for James, his only child, who was standing at the head of his bed. Taking him by the hand, he said, 'My son, your papa is dying. He will very soon be dead. Thou, my son, remember three things. Be a good boy; obey your mama; and love Jesus Christ. Now remember these, my son.' He, also, gave him a small pocket Testament, and told him to read it much and obey it. His whole appearance was such as to denote, that his last moments had arrived. Dr. Scudder had, for a few moments, left the room. Looking round upon those present, he said, 'Tell brother Scudder, going,' and spoke no more. He continued to breathe, for a few minutes, and then quietly fell asleep. His brethren and sisters present united in singing a hymn, and in offering up a prayer to God, expressive of the mingled emotions of joy and grief excited by the occasion.

"On the following day, which was the Sabbath, the members of the mission assembled at Tillipally, and after attending to some appropriate religious exercises, committed the remains of their departed brother to the grave, in assured hope of a glorious resurrection, when this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality."

The Piety of Mr. Richards.

"Having been called into the kingdom of grace in early life," says his biographer, "his piety was of many years' growth. But its depth and maturity were marked no less by the diligence, with which he had cultivated it, than by the number of years he had maintained a pious character. The reality and strength of his piety, as will appear from the facts already stated, were put to a severe test through almost the whole period of his missionary course. His trials were many, and in some respects peculiar. But the manner in which he bore them, in the various situations, in which he was placed, evinced, that being tried he was not found wanting; but was enabled to give an illustration of the truth, that 'tribulation worketh patience, and paEtience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed,' He was

very particular in the observance of stated secret prayer. For many years before his death, it was his constaut habit to attend to this duty morning, noon, and night; and, for several months before his death, he added another season immediately after coming in from his evening ride. He said, that as he could not perform much active labor in the mission, he felt it his duty to be much in prayer for its prosperity. In addition to these stated seasons of secret prayer, he united in family prayer morning and evening; in the season of prayer at one o'clock in the afternoon, which is observed by all the missionaries in the district; and, also, with his wife, after they had retired in the evening; making in all eight seasons of prayer every day. When he had been prevented, one morning, by company, from attending to his secret devotions; he wrote in his journal as follows: 'I felt a great uneasiness on this account, all the morning; and when I retired at noon, I felt as though I had been absent for a long time from an important place.' At another time, he thus expresses his feelings in the performance of this duty;—'I find it my delight, from day to day, to pour out my heart in prayer.

O let me

live in the remotest corner of the earth, and enjoy the sweets of communion with God, rather than in a palace, and remain a stranger to this happiness.' And again: "This morning I have been favored with near access to the throne of grace. O how delightful!

My willing soul would stay In such a frame as this.

What a great blessing to be allowed to spread all my wants before the living God; and to do this in the name of the Lord Jesus!' The following extract is expressive. of his confidence in God. 'I have had no great joys, or extraordinary views, of late; but I feel such a confidence in God, as I would not part with for all the riches of the world. The Lord is faithful in fulfilling all his promises, and the language of my heart is,. I will trust in him all the days of my life.' Those who knew him most intimately, can testify, that his life was in accordance with the extracts, that have been made from his writings; and that they were not mere words without meaning, but the real sentiments and feelings of his heart. It is not intended by this, however, that he was perfect, that he was destitute of those faults and infirmities, that are incident to the best of men in this state of trial. was fully aware of his easily besetting sins, and maintained a constant and vigorous warfare against them. It was his daily grief, that he was not more.holy, and his constant endeavor to become perfectly conformed to his divine Lord and Master.

He

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