1 derived chiefly from Niecamp 1 and La Croze. To Mr. Grinfield's little volume I with pleasure refer the reader for a somewhat varied account of the early brethren of that mission. A few inaccuracies occur in it respecting Mr. Swartz; but in a more recent compilation, in addition to some erroneous statements, a sentimental and romantic air is attempted to be thrown around one, the very elements of whose character were truth and simplicity. While correcting the last sheets of this work another small volume has appeared, entitled, "Memoirs of the Rev. Joseph D. Joenicke, a fellow labourer of Schwartz at Tanjore, interspersed with many original letters and notices of Schwartz." In this publication also, such is the necessary consequence of protracted preparations, a few of my translations from the German correspondence are anticipated. To the merits of the devoted and indefatigable Janicke it will be seen that I have borne ample testimony, and cordially recommend to the perusal of those who love genuine 1747. Historia Missionis Evangelicæ in Indiâ Orientali. Halæ, 2 Histoire du Christianisme des Indes. and exalted piety, this fuller record of his labours, and of his Christian connexion with the admirable Swartz. 1 It only remains for me, in concluding these prefatory observations, to express the heartfelt delight, and, I trust, the edification, which I have derived from my long engagement in compiling the following Memoirs of him, of whom it may be justly said, as of a distinguished Roman of old, "Plurimæ consentiunt gentes, primarium fuisse virum""or in language more appropriate to his character, "whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches." I can truly add, with one of the editors of Archbishop Leighton's works, "that I have never spent an hour either in transcribing or correcting for the press the letters or journals of this wonderful man, for such I would deliberately call him, without feeling, amidst the interruption which such an employment would naturally occasion, some impressions which I could always wish to retain." May this record of the excellence of one who, to adopt the glowing expressions of a son of his most intimate friend, "gained the 2 1 The learned and pious Dr. Doddridge. 2 The late Sir C. H. Chambers. love and veneration of his heathen neighbours, and ensured the grateful admiration of the Christian world," be accompanied by that heavenly blessing, by which alone it can be rendered subservient to the great purpose for which he lived! May many go forth to preach the gospel to the heathen, animated by the same spirit, and be crowned with the same success! And may the sacred cause to which Swartz was so eminently and so consistently devoted, triumph over the ignorance, superstition, guilt, and misery, which oppress the fairest portions of the earth in which real Christianity is unknown, until that divine and saving truth universally prevail, not only in India, but throughout the world! Deanery, Salisbury, Dec. 2, 1833. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. Extensive Propagation of the Gospel during the first four cen- - Page 1 |