XV. 1786. CHAP, well wisher to the community; and as an encouragement to so laudable an undertaking, I have the pleasure to mention, from the personal knowledge of Mrs. 's family, that Mr. Swartz, the missionary at Trichinopoly, has been the happy instrument, under God, of making many, both of the military and of the natives, converts to true Christianity, not merely as an established mode of worship, but in the genuine spirit of the gospel of Christ; not only to bear the sign of the cross in baptism, but really to take it up, and become true followers of their crucified Lord."1 In his annual letter to the Society, dated from Trichinopoly, January 16, 1786, Swartz gratefully acknowledges the perfect health which he and his fellow-labourers had enjoyed during the preceding year, and the uninterrupted performance of their important duties. He had come to Trichinopoly for the purpose of consulting with his friend and brother, Mr. Pohlé, upon points relating to the mission, and of visiting the congregations and schools. At this time, he informs the Society, that besides his young friend Mr. Kohlhoff, who was his willing assistant, and whom he intimated his wish of seeing established as his colleague, he maintained three catechists and one 1 Abstract of Report, p. 248. XV. 1786. schoolmaster at Tanjore, one catechist at Tripa- CHAP. tore, and three at Palamcotta. The Tamul school at Tanjore then consisted of twenty-two children, who were daily instructed in Christian principles, in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and some of them, at their own request, in the English language. Of the English school, Mr. Kohlhoff and his brother, and a young native, had the care. In this there were generally about forty boys and girls. Besides learning the English, they were exercised also in the Persian and Tamul languages. Most of these children being the offspring of soldiers, being poor, were educated gratis. “In some of my last letters," he observes, "I have mentioned that an English school was established in Ramanadapuram, and that another has been proposed at Shevagenga. We even entertained lively hopes of seeing more of these schools in other places. But when the country was restored to the nabob, these pleasing expectations nearly vanished. The old system, of oppression, was resumed, and the country princes began to tremble. It does not belong to me," he modestly adds, "to write of politics; neither would I have mentioned the subject, had it not been so closely connected with the schools." The congregation at Palamcotta had increased; and Swartz had lately sent there his catechist, XV. 1786. CHAP. Sattianaden, who had for many years sustained the character of a sincere Christian and an able teacher. The congregation was visited every year by one of the country priests from Tranquebar for the administration of the sacraments. While thankfully acknowledging the past kindness of the Society, he is urgent, both in this and. a subsequent letter, for a fresh supply of books, not only for the native congregations and schools, but also for the soldiers in the garrison, many of whom were anxious for instruction; a request with which the Society, knowing how judiciously they would be distributed, cheerfully complied. While thus adverting to the various charitable labours of this excellent man, it may not be irrelevant to observe, that for a considerable space of time, during the late war, he forebore, on account of the public distress, to draw the pay which was due to him as chaplain to the garrison. Mr. Hudleston, in communicating this circumstance to the government, observes, "Mr. Swartz makes no other use of money than to appropriate it to the purposes of charity and benevolence." During his short stay at Trichinopoly, he wrote the following letter to Mrs. Duffin; the principal topic of which proves how well he could avail himself of incidental circumstances to illustrate and enforce religious truth. "Trichinopoly, January 19, 1786. "DEAR MADAM, "A few days ago I came hither to visit my friend Mr. Pohlé. One afternoon I went with him to Warriore, to see your house and garden, where we have spent many a Saturday in a very agreeable manner. Coming near your house, Mr. Pohlé put me in mind of my shameful neglect. "You have not," said he, "written a line to Mr. and Mrs. Duffin for above a year." Hearing the number of months, for he counted them, I was truly struck with confusion. Though I have but few hours to spare, still I might have written some few lines. Well, pardon this neglect kindly. I have not written, but I have remembered you very often, wishing to spend some hours with you. I was very glad when your schoolmaster informed me, that Mr. Gerické had paid you a visit, for he is a sincere Christian, whom I have always much esteemed. "When I came here, I thought to rejoice with Mr. Pohlé; but we soon experienced grief instead of joy. A battalion mutinied; went upon the rock, and threatened destruction, if they should not get their pay. These poor people had received none since August; consequently five months' pay was due to them, besides former arrears. It is truly melancholy to observe that nothing but fear will incline us to do justice to VOL. II. H CHAP. XV. 1786. XV. 1786. CHAP. them. By these means all discipline is relaxed, the officers lose that respect which is due to their rank and station, and the sepoys become insolent. This has been the case, not only in war, but now in the time of peace. May God help us to consider the things which belong to our peace in all respects! "In the world we have tribulation. This has been from the time mankind fell into sin, and will be so, till we enter into the peaceful mansions of the saints and angels in eternity. Having, then, little or no peace in the world, let us take care to have, maintain, and enjoy peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. "What an immense blessing is it to have peace with God! When we reflect on our miserable hearts, so prone to sin and iniquity, we might think that it was altogether impossible to possess that inestimable treasure. And no doubt, if it depended on our perfect obedience, we could not entertain a thought of enjoying it. But blessed be God, our peace and happiness stand on a better basis than that of our own merit. "It is Jesus, the blessed Redeemer, who has made an atonement, a perfect atonement for our sins, and thereby laid the foundation for a complete reconciliation between us and God. Without this divine atonement we could not expect pardon and peace. God would not be to us a God of |