MAY, 1828. Biography. OBITUARY AND CHARACTER OF THE REV. SAMUEL TRAWIN, (ONE OF THE MISSIONARIES OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY,) WHO DIED AT BERHAMPORE, IN BENGAL, AUG. 3, 1827. THE following particulars are extracted from a communication to the Directors by the Rev. Micaiah Hill, one of the Society's Missionaries at Berhampore; and from a Funeral Sermon, preached in Union Chapel, Calcutta, by the Rev. James Hill, on occasion of Mr. Trawin's death. His death was briefly noticed at p. 82, and details promised of the zealous labours in which he had been engaged at and near Kidderpore, in the vicinity of Calcutta: these details will be found in a subsequent part of the present Number. Of Mr. Trawin's death, Mr. Micaiah Hill thus speaks Our dear Brother has felt his constitution giving way for the last two years; but he could not think of returning to England, even for a season, till we had more assistance. Mrs. Trawin's health also required a change of climate: to try if a change of air would prolong her life for another year's service, he accompanied her to our station; but told me, on his arrival, that the Lord had graciously disappointed his fears, as he did not expect that she would live to reach Berhampore. Alas! he himself was nearer than she to the eternal world. He arrived here on the 19th of July; preached for me, in English, on the Sabbath following; and returned to Fendall Baugh (the residence of David Dale, Esq., the friend of Missions), seven miles from Berhampore, whither Mrs. Trawin had been invited, on account of the salubrity of the place. On Monday, symptoms of a severe cold were exchanged for those of a Bengal fever; which gradually increased until Friday Morning, the 3d of August, when he rested from his labours. On the 22d of July, his eldest child was seized with the yellow fever, and languished till the 10th of August, when she joined her Father in glory. Her last (audible) words were, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Our dear Sister, Mrs. Trawin, from these afflictive bereavements, and other causes, became so weak as not to be able to walk May, 1828. across the room without assistance: her infant felt the effects of the mother's grief, and we became anxious lest the mother and her infant should be soon interred in the same grave which had so lately received the remains of the father and eldest daughter. It has, however, pleased the Lord to spare them both: the child has recovered, and Mrs. Trawin is partially restored. .. From Mr. Hill's account of the progress of the disease and the state of Mr. Trawin's mind, we extract what follows: Sunday: July 22, 1827—Our departed friend preached his last sermon in public, at Berhampore, from Eph. iv. 30. Before the Service, he complained of a cold and pains in his joints, and his voice was weaker than usual. He returned that evening to Fendall Baugh, and Monday-A friend went over, found him unwell: he was advised to have recourse to medicine. Feverish symptoms soon appeared, both in himself and his eldest daughter. Tuesday-A note from Mrs. Trawin informed us that he was rather worse. Wednesday- Intelligence being received of his having become worse, we lost no time in visiting him; and found him, on our arrival, in a high state of fever, and labouring under much depression of spirit. On being questioned, by one present, whether he was happy in mind, he replied, "No: dark and gloomy." During the night he was exceedingly restless : 2 F frequently he requested Mrs. Trawin to go and pray for him. 66 Thursday-His depression of mind continued, and he inquired of Mrs. Trawin if she had any doubt respecting his state. She replied, "No: not the shadow of one." That," said he, with emphasis, "is comfort: I trust I am safe;" and remarked concerning the danger of deceiving our own souls. Throughout the next day he was much in prayer. In the night, the fever and restlessness increased, and his disorder began to assume an alarming appearance. Friday-He still complained of darkness and fears, and betrayed some anxiety for the issue of his sickness. He was, however, much comforted on hearing several passages of Scripture repeated, with some verses from a favourite Hymn. He repeated these passages with much delight; and for a time seemed engaged in fervent prayer, and then fell asleep. His daughter's disease had also now become alarming, and required the constant attendance of Mrs. Trawin. Our dear Brother felt much for his beloved partner in this season of distress; and, on being assured by her that she was even better than she had been for some time, he was affected almost to tears, and fervently gave thanks to God for this proof of His love. Saturday-He was this morning very ill. A friend inquired of him what were his prospects for eternity, should his Divine Master call him home. He said, with earnestness, "Oh! if He will not cast me off for ever!" He was answered, "Did you ever know Him to cast off any that fled to Him for refuge?" When, after a few minutes pause, he said, "Oh! my dear Brother, what a comfortable word is that! how much good it has done me! Did you ever know?-NO, NEVER! -Then I will die trusting in Him: it has been very dark for some days past, but now my fears are all removed." He meditated some time on the glorious fact, which had been so blessed to his soul, when he endeavoured to testify his gratitude in every way for what he considered such kindness. From this time till the moment in which his happy spirit left its tenement of clay, not a doubt was suffered to perplex his mind, nor a fear to disturb his peace. When Mrs. Trawin entered the room, he exclaimed, "Oh! my Love! the cloud is removed! I have had such a delightful view of my interest in Christ, and such a meditation on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that the joy and glory appear almost too much for my frail body;" and several times he repeated the words," EVERLASTING LOVE!" Sunday: July 29-Mrs. Hill said to him, "My dear Mr. Trawin, do you still feel happy?" He replied, "Oh! yes; Christ is precious-He is altogether lovely. My dear wife!-my dear children!" "The Lord," she remarked, "will take care of them: He has promised, and He will perform." He rejoined, “Yes, I think He will: they are included in the covenant;" and then added, “I am very ill." He was answered, "Yes; but an hour in heaven will amply compensate for a life of pain." With emotion he said, "Yes! and then joined in repeating those beautiful lines "Hark, those bursts of acclamation! Hark, those loud triumphant chords! Toward the morning, his pain seemed to increase, and he said, "Oh! this perishing body! it is so weak: I am a poor creature!" It was remarked, “Yes, poor, but making many rich." He replied, "What a delightful thought! Yes, perhaps God has made me the instrument of making some few rich in faith." Monday-Great debility and symptoms of delirium prevented him from conversing much to-day : he, however, occasionally repeated various texts of Scripture, which were mentioned by those in attendance on him at one time, though unable to speak much, he expressed great pleasure on hearing some observations relative to the sovereignty of God, that nothing could occur without His permission, and that all circumstances, whether pleasing or distressing to us, would tend to the advancement of God's glory. Tuesday and Wednesday-He was frequently in prayer; but his voice was so weak, that only a few expressions could be distinguished. Thursday: Aug. 3—About half-past four o'clock this morning, the intensity of the fever caused him to exclaim, that he felt flames within him, and he knew that they were the flames of death: he desired that Mrs. Trawin might be called, who, having watched all night by the side of her afflicted daughter, had just retired to rest: when she entered the 1828.] OBITUARY AND CHARACTER OF REV. S. TRAWIN. room strong delirium had seized him, from which he did not recover til halfpast six. About two in the afternoon, he opened his eyes, when Mrs. Hill asked him if he knew her: he replied, "Not know you! -yes, my dear Mrs. Hill, you have been very kind to me the Lord will reward you and tell my dear brother Hill how I love him-he has been with me all my sickness he has given me comfort when distressed in mind: I am now going to heaven, and will welcome him there, and will pray for you all for my dear Mary, and for." Here his voice failed. : The cause of the Mission lay near his heart: he frequently mentioned the different stations with peculiar feelings of gratitude and joy. A few hours before his death, he mistook an attendant for a Gentleman who has ever been a friend to the Mission Cause, and said to him," Will you, my Dear Friend, be the Father of the Mission Family? The Missionaries have much to contend with in their work. The people are ignorant, and have no desire to be instructed; but they must be taught. You, I hope, will not forsake the cause." Here his feelings overcame him. : About half-past eight in the evening, he imagined himself in the midst of a large audience of Europeans, and began to address them from-Ye must be born again. He continued speaking more than ten minutes: he pointed out the nature and necessity of regeneration; directed them to Christ, as the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and concluded by an affectionate appeal to the hearts of those whom he thought he was address. ing he then proposed kneeling down and uniting in prayer; but, overcome with the exertion of speaking, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. He spoke no more; but continued breathing regularly until twelve o'clock, when respiration became more rapid and his bosom heaved with difficulty. In this season of affliction, we assembled round the bed of the dying saint, and poured out our souls before God. Soon after we had risen from our knees, without a struggle or a groan, his spirit was ushered into the presence of its God. Mr.Hill thus closes his narrativeThroughout the whole of his illness, the graces of the Spirit shone conspicu ously in his deportment. Acquiescence 219 in the will of God was observable in From the Funeral Sermon by Mr. James Hill, we collect the following view of the Character of the deceased Missionary, and the circumstances under which that Character unfolded itself. Mr. Hill has here drawn a picture of the trials of Missionaries in India, which ought to awaken sympathy and to quicken prayer in their behalf. Our departed friend was not a man of splendid talents, nor of extensive attainments: to these he made no pretensions. While, however, not one of this order, he was a striking and instructive example of a man, who, by undivided attention and singleness of aim, threw out to its utmost extent every faculty which he possessed. He always acted like a man who felt that he had one thing to do, namely, to make full proof of his ministry. With the view which he took of the nature and responsibility of his calling, he had neither time nor talents to expend in pursuits, which, for a Missionary, might be of a dubious character as to utility, and, at most, but secondary in importance. Having acquired the vernacular tongue of the country, and seeing himself surrounded by myriads of immortal beings who were all perishing for lack of that knowledge which he had to impart, he wanted no second object of pursuit. Directing sinners to the Lamb of God—this object filled all his soul! As a Preacher of the Gospel, many present can testify how uniformly he aimed at the conversion of his hearers; warning them and entreating them with tears. But whatever he was as an English Preacher, this, as it formed no part of his leading object, was his lowest attainment: it is in the character of a Missionary to the Heathen, that his worth is to be estimated; or rather, in which he appears INESTIMABLE. His knowledge of the language of the country, which was rather popular and useful than critical and profound, (another illustration of his oneness of aim,) qualified him to address the Natives with the greatest precision and effect; while his deportment toward them was so easy, and yet so respectful, so affectionate, and yet by no means vulgarly familiar, that it, at once, commanded their reverence and invited their confidence: they loved him as their brother, and esteemed him as their spiritual guide. Familiarly acquainted and constantly in contact with the obscenity of Idol Worship and the debased morals of Heathens, his mind never lost its sensibility: it was a stream which preserved its sweetness amidst the bitterness of the ocean. Of this trait in his character, few can fully appreciate the value, who have not been placed in similar circumstances: the prevalence of vice begets familiarity, and familiarity grows into indifference: all the feelings of the heart are benumbed into torpor or hardened into contempt. But, with him, sin never lost its turpitude by being common; nor did vice ap. pear less odious and loathsome, because it everywhere presented itself to his view. With the increase of his knowledge of the character and condition of Heathens, kept pace his sympathy and deep concern for their eternal welfare. How ardently did he long, how fervently did he pray, how diligently and indefatigably did he labour, for their salvation! Nor will those, who knew him, soon forget the constant serenity, the holy cheerfulness, which rested on his countenance. Wisdom's ways were to him ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. His heart seemed never so full of joy as when his whole time was occupied in the service of his Divine Lord, Many lovely features in his character, as a private Christian, as a husband and a father, might, would the decorum of a Public Service admit, be brought for ward greatly to the honour of his memory. The Rev. Mr. Townley, than: whom none knew him better or esteemed and loved him more, said to a Missionary about to embark for this country-" And. there you will meet with BrotherTrawin; a man made up of humility, faith, and prayer." Perhaps there are not, in the English Language, three words which would more accurately delineate his pri vate character as a Christian. A man he was of a meek and quiet spirit, humble in mind, simple and unostentatious in manners, shrinking from rather than courting observation, and esteeming others better than himself. Deeply conscious of his own imperfections and his utter sinfulness in the sight of God, he fixed his hopes of salvation on the foundation which God has laid in the mediation of His Son. Here, as on a rock, he had placed his hope, which brightened as the darkness of death and the shadows of the grave set in around him. We might here mention, were it not that there appears to be something indecorous in exposing to public view that part of the history of a good man which was never intended to be known-his habits of secret prayer and his private walk with God. It is enough to say, that he was a man of prayer: this was the element in which he LIVED, and MOVED, and BREATHEd. There are sufferings connected with the duties of Missionaries in India, which, lighting immediately on the spirit, inflict a wound which will not heal. The climate, by destoying their health, and undermining their constitution, deprives them of their energy; and men, who engaged in the work full of vigour and full of hope, often feel their arm unstrung by the spirit of despondency. The smallness of their number, contrasted with the mightiness of their task, is another source of suffering: it may be supposed that it would have an opposite effect, and would rouse to greater efforts, and stimulate to more noble endeavours; but such suppositions are not supported by facts, unless where the means bear a much greater proportion to the end to be accomplished than they do in India: it operates here like a ponderous weight, which a man feels himself utterly inadequate to lift, and therefore either relinquishes the attempt or applies to it but half his energies. They ought, it will be said, to maintain their hold of the promises of the Holy Spirit, by which they would enlist Omnipotence on their side of this they are conscious; but the mind, though firmly persuaded of the truth of a sentiment, is not always in such possession or has not always such hold of it, as to hang upon it, and raise itself up by it from a state of dejection and almost despair: in minds of the most lively faith, there are dark and cloudy days: long-experienced unsuccessfulness makes them despond; and they go to their work as persons who scarcely hope to prevail: the promises seem to have withdrawn their brightness: their sun is confounded, and their moon ashamed: they prophesy in sackcloth, and hope almost against hope. How often, moreover, do they see their fairest prospects blighted, and their brightest hopes vanish like a dream! where they expected fruit, they gather tares: even when converts are made, who can describe the solicitude and anxiety which they occasion to the faithful Missionary! After his converts have advanced, as he supposes, far in the graces of the Spirit, how much he is pained to discover the remains of vices, which he can scarcely reconcile with the existence of the very elements of Christianity! Conceive a Missionary, not only from day to day, but from year to year, pro secuting his labours under trials like these: yet such were some of the trials under which our lamented friend prosecuted his, without abating his ardour or remitting his diligence. In the morning he sowed his seed, and in the evening withheld not his hand; and more than six years elapsed of unwearied toil, before he saw a single instance of conver. sion by his exertions. At the close of that period, it pleased God to bless his labours among the Heathen; from which time the scene has been growing progressively more interesting around him: converts have been made in several villages-a Church of Native Christia; has been organized-and a general concern on the subject of Salvation excited, which continued up to the moment of his death-a mystery in Providence which we cannot unravel, but to which we would humbly and submissively bow. Proceedings and Entelligence. United Kingdom. ANNIVERSARIES. AN improvement in conducting the Annual Meetings of the various Societies is in progress. Such as are held in Places of Worship have been usually opened with PRAYER: some few, perhaps, find a difficulty, from the diversity of sentiment in their members, in adopting this sacred practice: others have been prevented by the seeming incongruity of acts of religious worship with places usually occupied for very different purposes, and have waited till the very desirable object be obtained of a Building appropriated to Meetings of this nature. This design is likely to be accomplished at no great distance of time; but several Societies have, on the present occasion, anticipated that period, and have begun publicly to invoke the blessing of God on their deliberations. We cannot but rejoice in this for every returning year strengthens the conviction that we are fallen on times of imminent danger, when the Great Enemy is seeking, under his most subtle guise of an Angel of Light, to hinder the Work of God. It is become, therefore, a most urgent duty, to offer prayer, both in public and in private, in behalf of all who incur the great responsibility of attempting, in these days of susceptibility and excitement, to guide the opinions and feelings of these large and mixed assemblies, that they may not fall into the snare of serving their own will while they persuade themselves that they are serving the will of God. |