MISSIONARY ANNALS. (A SERIES. )

A STORY OF ONE SHORT LIFE, 1783 to 1818. 

BYELISABETH G. STRYKER. 

CHICAGO:WOMAN'S PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE NORTHWEST, Room 48, McCormick Block. 

COPYRIGHT, 1888, BY WOMAN'S PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF MISSIONS OF THE NORTHWEST. 

CONTENTS. 

 PAGE I. ANCESTRY--BIRTH--BOYHOOD--CONVERSION . . . . . . . . . . 7

 II. COLLEGE--THE HAYSTACK--EFFORTS TO SPREAD THE INTEREST IN FOREIGN MISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 III. OBOOKIAH IN HAWAII--IN AMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

 IV. THE SANDWICH ISLANDS WITH AND WITHOUT THE GOSPEL . . . . 20

 V. MILLS AT ANDOVER--THE AMERICAN BOARD . . . . . . . . . . 22

 VI. AN APOSTOLIC JOURNEY IN THE UNITED STATES . . . . . . . 25

 VII. MILLS' SECOND TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

VIII. THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY--THE UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

 IX. THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY--MILLS, AS ITS AGENT, VISITS AFRICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 X. THE LAST JOURNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

As I write, I have in my mind a row of intelligent boyish faces. Manly souls look through bright eyes. My heart responds to the beatsof affection beneath jacket and cut-away. 

I see also a row of girlish faces, in which Christian and womanlygraces are dawning. I feel the warmth of pure young hearts beginningto swell with generous desires. 

These are my real friends. Beyond them I see rows and rows of boysand girls whose sympathies and interest I would gladly claim. 

PREFACE. 

Those among us interested in the young people, the boys and girls ofour Churches, somewhat realize the lack of material wherewith tostimulate and nourish these young workers. The apiarist studies thenature of the insect which must yield him its sweets, and discoversthat "the nature of the cell and the food affects the difference" inthe bees. We have long watched our boys and girls, and either we donot care what they yield, or we are dull not to notice that whatsurrounds them and enters into their minds, is surely deciding theirnatures. White clover honey can only be made from white cloverblossoms. What they read and what they may be induced to readconcerns us as mission workers. Individual tastes make many by-pathsin the field of literature, but the girls all enjoy the windings ofromance, and the boys delight in the highway of adventure. "But, "they say or think, "Missions, their history and progress are sostupid, they have no decent heroes and heroines. We like RobinsonCrusoe, and Little Women, and the Arabian Nights!" But do we not knowthat the stories of the lives of some of our missionaries, well told, may stand side by side, upon the book-shelves and in the hearts ofour young people, with the pages of De Foe and Louise Alcott? Many aboy and girl, charmed by the life and fortune of some unreal, andoftentimes unworthy, hero, has attempted to make copy in his or herown life. Missionary lives are not lacking in the spirit, adventureand romance which are so fascinating. With these ideals in theirminds, may we not expect followers of the Judsons, the Moffats, theFiskes and the Rankins?

The writer, who has humbly undertaken to re-tell an old tale, isneither a De Foe nor an Alcott. She finds she can borrow neither oftheir pens. Her own, conscious of its inexperience, finds its onlyrelief in the fact that the story is its own strength. 

SAMUEL J. MILLS. 

CHAPTER I. 

ANCESTRY--BIRTH--BOYHOOD--CONVERSION. 

Our country is quietly enjoying the benefits of a great activity. Foreign Missions are still feeling a noble impulse, and the origin ofthis force was, under God, in the heart and brain of Samuel J. Mills. 

It is a name known to us, but a history almost forgotten. Only uponthe shelves of some antiquarian, or in the undisturbed library ofsome old homestead can a volume be found bearing the title "Mills'Memoirs. " Take it down, blow the dust from the leaves yellow withsixty-seven years, and you will find the narrative related in thestately, old-time style, and somewhat laudatory and expansive. 

He had no son, as Adoniram Judson had, gladly to record the detailsof his busy life. The writer was Dr. Gardiner Spring, who lamentshaving failed in the attempt to obtain what appeared to him to beimportant information. We are thankful to him for gathering eventhese rare fragments. 

From a sketch of Salmon Giddings, the Damon Memorial, a letter from arelative of Mills, and the life of Henry Obookiah have come a fewincidents and facts, but mainly in the record of Dr. Spring have wefound our Story of One Short Life. Such hid treasure should find thelight, even though quarried by unskillful hands. 

Biographies are apt to seem discouraging, in the beginning; theattention being riveted upon the supposed hero, meets with a shock infinding it has been following the history of his great-grandfather. The scattered energies are then directed upon the grandfather, onlyto meet with a second delay. Again recovering, and following thefather's fortunes, the son, the subject of the work, is at lastintroduced. 

The great-grandfather of our hero must be brought in just long enoughto answer one question. He was once asked, "How did you educate foursons at Yale College, and give each a profession?" His reply was, "Almighty God did it, with the help of my wife. " The grandfather (ofour hero) was drowned while some of his children were still young. His widow, committing their babes to the God of the fatherless, especially offered for His service, a son named Samuel John. Hebecame a minister, and for many years was settled in Torringford, Connecticut. He was eminent for his ability and character. Mrs. Stowesaid of him--"He was one ingrain New Englander. Of all the marvelsthat astonished my childhood, there is none I remember to this daywith so much interest as Father Mills. " This was the name by which hewas extensively known. His wife was a woman exemplary and devout. 

Being assured that the three preceding generations werecommandment-keeping, we shall see how the Lord showed mercy unto thefourth. Almighty God and a true mother secure for many a man's sons, not only education, but large efficiency and honor. 

The seventh child, born April 21st, 1783, in this Torringford home, was a son, named after his father, Samuel John. The child grew to bea mighty instrument in God's hand, which He in His wisdom selected, knowing the fineness of the material with which he dealt. That we toomay know something of the tempering of the steel, we are permitted areverent glance into that pious mother's bosom. Before the birthdaycame she continually dedicated the little life beneath her heart tothe God who is pleased to accept such gifts. During all his childhoodhe received the most careful Christian training. Nourished in such ahome-garden, and shined on by such mother-light, we cannot wonderthat the child grew toward the Sun, and that the roots of religiouscharacter struck deep and spread wide. 

When but a little child he showed an unusual concern of conscience. At fifteen the town in which he lived was greatly aroused andrevived. His friends and acquaintances received the blessing, and hewas deeply interested, but the revival passed, leaving him with abitter, rebellious feeling in his heart. 

About this time, one fine cold winter morning, a merry sleigh loaddrove from his father's house. He, with his brothers, sisters andcousins, about eighteen in all, went to spend a few days with hisuncle in West Hartford. Samuel had recently come into the possessionof a fine farm. He was gay and ambitious. His companions fearing hisgood fortune might make him feel a "little too high minded, " soughtto tease him. The evening before their return, after eating nuts andapples, they agreed to have a little singing. They struck up "Hark, from the Tombs a Doleful Sound, " to the tune, Bangor. They sang itslowly and solemnly, now and then casting at him glances from theirmischievous eyes. He sat a silent listener, while their song, sung infun, made an earnest impression of which he could not rid himself. 

Soon after his farm was sold, and at eighteen he determined to go toLitchfield and study in the Academy. As he was leaving home, hismother's anxious heart could not let him go without enquiring for hissoul's health. Other mothers know the pain she suffered, when he toldher "for two years I have been sorry God ever made me. " She repliedto him as her wise heart prompted her, and sent him on his way. Shewent where all mothers of boys must so often go, to her knees, alonewith God. 

He had not gone far on his journey when he met a Friend. It was theGood Shepherd, whom that mother's urgent prayer had sent searchingfor the wanderer. It was as if he had met Christ in his path. Helooked up at the great trees and down at the blossoms, and ineverything saw God. He became so impressed with the perfections ofthe Holy One he had so long resisted, that he lost sight of himself. He sat down in the woods to wonder and to pray. It was not until sometime after that he realized any change in himself, and not until hereturned from Litchfield did his father perceive it. His conversionwas thorough. Not only was he turned about, --his face God-wardinstead of self-ward, --but he was impelled toward "those sitting indarkness. " In his childhood, from his mother's lips, he often heardstories from the lives of Brainerd, Eliot, and other missionaries. Heheard her prayers for them and their great undertakings. Once heheard her say, "I have consecrated this child to the service of Godas a missionary. " Now it was his joy to follow those noble examples, and to fulfill his part in the plans of God and his mother for him. His parents approved of his determination, though the thought ofseparation tore their hearts. His mother said to him, "I cannot bearto part from you, my son. " When he reminded her of her vow, she burstinto tears, and never after made complaint. To his father he saidthat he could "not conceive of any course of life in which to passthe rest of his days, that would prove so pleasant, as to go andcommunicate the gospel of salvation to the poor heathen. "

This desire to spread the Gospel grew to be a sublime purpose, andfrom it he never wavered. He set about his plannings, with thissupreme end in view. Thanking God for his own salvation, he laid hislife in God's hand, imploring Him to use it for those who had as yetno knowledge of that mercy. The Lord took him from the plough, as hedid Elisha. He left the field for the college. 

CHAPTER II. 

COLLEGE--THE HAYSTACK--EFFORTS TO SPREAD THE INTEREST IN FOREIGNMISSIONS. 

He entered Williams College in the spring of 1806. During his firstvisit home in June, he connected himself with his father's church. Acollege course means to some young men four years of frolic, orworse. To others it is an opportunity to cram knowledge, that shallby-and-by astound the round world and they that dwell therein. Toone, at least, it was the time for choosing "smooth stones" for hiscombat with the giant adversary, whom he was brave enough to meetalone, if need be, "in the name of the Lord of Hosts. "

As a scholar he was not brilliant, but as a Christian he was "abright and shining light. " To serve God was the highest aim of hislife. First of all, he served Him upon his knees. He used to prayoften and earnestly, alone and with others. He pursued his studiesfor the after use he might make of them, not for his ownaccomplishment. As he visited his friends in their rooms, and walkedwith them through the groves, the subject dearest to his heart wasoftenest the theme of his conversation. To one friend he said:"Though you and I are very little beings, we must not rest satisfiedtill we have made our influence extend to the remotest corner of thisruined world. "

His life was so consistent, his disposition so sweet, his manners sowinning that every one was his friend. Those who had been unfaithfulto their vows were reproved, and those opposed to religion wereinduced to follow his example. During his first year there was arevival, which seemed to come in answer to his earnest prayers. Manyof his comrades became Christians, and so earnestly that they laidaside or sanctified their old ambitions, and prepared to spreadthrough the earth the fire kindled by this devoted youth. 

A mission band of boys were examined as to their knowledge of SamuelMills. "Where was he born?" asked the leader. "Under a haystack!"replied a small boy. Had the question been, Where was the AmericanBoard of Foreign Missions born? the answer would not have been so farfrom the way. Its baptismal naming came some years later, but under astack of hay in a meadow, near Williams College, it was born, nursedand prayed over. 

About fourteen years earlier foreign missionary organization hadbegun across the Atlantic. On this side, the attention of Christianshad been occupied with their new homes and the needs of the destitutenear at hand. There were societies of domestic missions; but noscheme to touch hands God-blessed with hands idol-cursed, had everbeen devised before the Lord of both put it into the heart of Mills. "God called him out of the midst of the bush. " The bush was thishaystack, but the place became "holy ground. " The Lord said: "I havesurely seen the affliction of my people, and have heard their cry. ""Come now, therefore, and I will send thee. "

This commission filled his soul. He gathered a few of his friends ina grove, to tell them his convictions and his hopes. What was hissurprise and joy to find that the "Angel of the Lord" had appeared tothem also. A sudden thunder storm came upon them here, but hisretreat, his place of safety, was near by. He led them under thehaystack, and there they talked together, and with God. And therethey continued to meet through two seasons, and finally formedthemselves into the first Foreign Missionary Society of thiscontinent. Its object was "to effect in the persons of its members amission to the heathen. "

From the spot where the haystack once stood, now rises a marbleshaft, bearing aloft a globe, underneath which is inscribed:

 "THE FIELD IS THE WORLD. "

 "The Birthplace of American Foreign Missions, 1806. "

 SAMUEL J. MILLS, JAMES RICHARDS, FRANCIS L. ROBBINS, HARVEY LOOMIS, BYRAM GREEN. 

At every commencement, the college president leads to this monument aprocession of alumni, students, and guests. Prayer is offered thatthe spirit of missions may still prevail at Williams, and that thetraditions of the past may be maintained. 

In these years public opinion was decidedly opposed to the enterpriseof these young men. Even good men thought their zeal extravagant andexpected it soon to subside. In order to arouse sympathy and a rightsentiment, they devised various means. They discussed their projectswith Christian people. They distributed missionary sermons. A listwas made of the names of distinguished ministers, to whom these youngmen made frequent visits, urging their suit. Among them, the first totake fire, was Dr. Worcester. With one of them, Dr. Griffin, Millsasked to be permitted to study theology. Said the Doctor: "I hadalways refused such applications, but from the love I bore to him, Iagreed to criticise one sermon a week. After that exercise he wouldcommonly sit and draw letters very moderately and cautiously from hispocket, reading passages to me on some benevolent project. At lengthI perceived that _studying divinity_ with me had been quite asecondary object, that his chief object was to get me engaged toexecute his plans. As soon as I discovered that, I told him to bringout his letters and all his plans, without reserve. "

Mills became convinced that they could not expect help from theChurches unless the number was increased of young men ready to devotetheir lives to this cause. He and his friends then separated for thepurpose of establishing societies in other colleges. Mills went toYale, hoping there to find kindred spirits. This was not the case, but God had sent him for another purpose, and that to know Obookiah, a heathen boy from the Sandwich Islands. This acquaintance greatlyincreased his zeal. 

Sometimes a little seed, wafted by the wind, is borne far from itsmother plant to take root in a foreign soil: but its fruit may bereturned whence it came. This little lonely heathen child, blown byseemingly cruel and adverse winds, was tossed upon our Christianshores by the good hand of God. The ship which brought him touchedother and idolatrous lands, but he was not to put his feet down tillthey could be planted in the right place. 

That his life touched Mills' life, both being quickened, is perhapsreason enough for giving here a portion of Obookiah's history andthat of his native land, if there were not another reason, and thatthe opportunity, here afforded, of following a stream of influence toits sea. 

CHAPTER III. 

OBOOKIAH IN HAWAII--IN AMERICA. 

Henry Obookiah was born in Hawaii, about the year 1792. When abouttwelve years old, two parties contending for dominion, disturbed thepeace of the island. He alone survived the persecution of his family. He was captured and carried home by the man who killed his parents, but finally made his way to an uncle. Though he was well treated, hesuffered from loneliness. He said of himself, "When I was at playwith other children, after we had made an end of playing, they returnto their parents: but I was returned into tears, for I have no home, neither father nor mother. Poor boy am I. "

He determined to go to some other country, and forget his sorrow. Thecaptain of an American vessel showed him kindness, and consented totake him on board. He brought him to America, and took him to his ownhome in New Haven. Henry was a clumsy, stupid-looking boy at thistime, his appearance not revealing the undeveloped depths of hisnature. He made the acquaintance of some of the students at YaleCollege, and of the Rev. E. W. Dwight. These friends becominginterested in his welfare, offered to teach him. He accepted theiraid with avidity, and made wonderful progress, at the same timebecoming more and more lovable and attractive. 

A fun-loving disposition soon showed itself. He had great difficultyin pronouncing the letter _r_, giving it the sound of _l_. Every dayhis teacher tried to help him, saying, "try, Obookiah, it is _veryeasy_. " This seemed to amuse the boy greatly, though as yet he couldnot express himself in English. Some time after, when he could speakmore readily, he was describing to his teacher some of the customs ofhis native land. Clasping his hands together, and adjusting histhumbs, he formed a cup which he raised to his lips to show how hiscountrymen drank from a spring. His instructor tried to do the same, but before he could reach his mouth with his hands the cup would beinverted so that the contents, had there been any, would have beenspilled. Obookiah laughed heartily and said, "_try_, Mr. Dwight, it is _very easy_!"

One day he mimicked the gait of some of his friends so cleverly, thatthere was no mistaking whom he intended to personate. His teacherthen mocked his own awkward style, when he exclaimed several times:"me walk so?" Being assured that it was true, he rolled upon thefloor until his mirth exhausted his strength. 

After being instructed about the true God, idol worship seemed to himridiculous. He said, "Hawaii gods! They _wood_, --_burn_. Me go home, put 'em in a fire, burn 'em up. They no _see_, no _hear_, _no_anything. " Then added, "We make _them_. Our God, " looking up, "Hemake us. "

After Mr. Mills arrived in New Haven he became a friend of Mr. Dwight's, and being often in his room, occasionally heard this boyrecite. He became greatly attached to him, and began to cherish aplan for his future. He wanted to see Obookiah a Christian, educated, and then a missionary to his native land. 

One evening Mr. Mills had not been long in Mr. Dwight's room, whenObookiah came in with a very gloomy face. He said he had no place tolive; Mr. ---- didn't want him any more, and Miss ---- had threatenedto take away his new clothes. Mr. Mills told him he would take him tohis own home, and that he had clothes enough for both. This cheeredthe poor, disconsolate fellow, who soon went with Mr. Mills toTorringford, and was placed under the "care of those whosebenevolence was without a bond or check, or a limit to confine it. "Here he spent a part of the year 1810, and was treated wisely andaffectionately. Mrs. Mills taught him the Catechism, and her sonJeremiah assisted him in his studies. At different times, andfrequently, their house was his home. 

He became gentle and refined in his manner, a Bible-loving, earnest, prayerful Christian. His friends who had been so careful in thetraining of his mind and heart, had not neglected his hands. He wastaught much that was useful and practical, particularly in farming. He surprised all by the quickness and eagerness with which helearned. He was both inquisitive and acquisitive to a remarkabledegree. He persisted in knowing and getting, that he might impartwhat he had gained to his own countrymen. To return to them for theirenlightenment, was his consuming desire. 

He visited many families, and many of the churches of New England, always creating a deep interest in his mission. Many people who hadaffirmed that the heathen could never be reclaimed from their lowestate, were forced to change their opinions after seeing and knowingObookiah, and were inspired to pray and give for his and otherunevangelized races. 

The presence of Obookiah in this country, as well as of other heathenyouth, together with the desire to educate some of our own Indians, led to the formation of the Foreign Mission School, at Cornwall, Mass. This school was under the care of the American Board ten years. Its pupils were from many different nations. In 1826 it wasdiscontinued, for by this time the missions were able to educate theyoung at their several stations. 

Obookiah was pursuing his studies here, when, in the beginning of theyear 1818, he was stricken with typhus fever, and suffered severalweeks. On the 17th of February, 1818, he shook hands with all hiscompanions present, and with perfect composure addressed to them theparting salutation of his native language, "Alloah ò e"--"my love bewith you. "

Mrs. Stone, in whose house he died, and who cared for him withChristian kindness during his sickness, said, "This had been one ofthe happiest and most profitable periods of her life; that she hadbeen more than rewarded for her cares and watchings by day and night, in being permitted to witness his excellent example, and to hear hisgodly conversation. "

Almost immediately after his death, missionaries, inspired by hislife, hastened to accomplish his cherished purpose, the establishmentof a mission in the Sandwich Islands. Mills was far from home, butreturning at the time, not knowing Obookiah had died, he said to afriend, "If it please God that I may arrive safely, I think that Ishall take Obookiah and go to the Sandwich Islands and there I willend my life. "

From that day to this, missionaries and missions, schools, churchesand Christians have multiplied, till all those islands name the nameof Christ. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE SANDWICH ISLES WITH AND WITHOUT THE GOSPEL. 

 "Surely the isles shall wait for me. "

The missionaries found upon these islands naked savages, withoutbooks, education, or courts of justice. The people were slaves, governed arbitrarily by chiefs. It was a nation of debauchees, thieves and drunkards. There were no marriage laws. Two-thirds of thechildren born were destroyed. If an infant was ailing or troublesome, the mother scooped a hole in the ground, covered the child with earthand trampled out its life. The aged and infirm were taken to the browof a precipice and pushed over. The sick were removed to such adistance that their groans could not annoy, and left to die. Theinsane were stoned to death. 

God opened the way for the missionaries by a revolution which didaway with idolatry, but did nothing for the uplifting of society. Some of the noblest specimens of our American manhood have devotedtheir lives to these desolate, far-away creatures. The mention of onewill suffice as a sample of the salt that purified those bitter andfilthy waters. 

When he stepped on shore at Hilo, in 1832, it was to stay till hiswork was finished--and he lived beyond the three score and ten. Sucha life is a rebuke to the restlessness of many modern workers. Forforty-two years he labored patiently in pressing himself and what heknew upon Hawaiian youth--nearly a thousand in all--many of whom arenow pastors, leading lawyers, men of affairs, missionaries toMicronesia, and the men who stand for righteousness in the nativechurches. Great events and advances in science were exciting hisnative land, but he worked on, struggling for things unseen andeternal. Amid uninspiring surroundings, and performing many menialduties, he led a high spiritual and intellectual life, not seekinghonor, but service--thereby gaining honor, and the "rest thatremaineth. "

As for the results of such consecration, wisdom and work, the factsare a marvel in history. Any prophecy in regard to them would havebeen thought a wild dream. These islanders have taken their placeamong the Christian nations. Marriage is considered honorable, thefamily established, as well as schools, churches and a government, whose constitution ordains that "no law shall be enacted at variancewith the word of the Lord Jehovah, or with the general spirit of Hisword. "

In proportion to the population, there are more readers than inBoston. The proportion of true Christians is as great as anywhere inChristendom. They are decently clad, their homes are comfortable, even sometimes going so far as to possess a melodeon and asewing-machine! They have progressed in agriculture, commerce, theindustries, literature and the arts. It is a regenerated nation. 

The American Board has erased this mission from its list andtransferred all responsibility to the Hawaiian EvangelicalAssociation. 

CHAPTER V. 

MILLS AT ANDOVER--THE AMERICAN BOARD. 

From Yale College, Mills went to Andover to study theology. Soonafter entering, his dear mother died. His grief was passionate. Hemourned for the loss of her face, her voice, her prayers, but not asone "without hope. "

At Andover he met some of his former friends, and found new oneswhose hearts the Lord had stirred--Newell, Judson, Nott, Hall, Mills!Names to shout at the sleeping saints of this our day! Lives touphold to the view of our self-pleasing generation! These menorganized a second missionary society, similar to the one atWilliams. They met to pray and plan. Their prayers were answered andtheir plans resulted in the formation of the American Board ofCommissioners for Foreign Missions. 

If the objections made to their plans were here rehearsed, thearguments would sound very familiar; they are the same, in spite oftheir repeated death-blows, that array themselves against the plan ofmissions to-day. The assailants of this cause are not students ofhistory. There is no such thing as opposition, or even indifference, to Christian missions, unless there is ignorance behind it. 

These young men succeeded in gaining the sympathy and alliance ofsome of the prominent pastors, and the professors in the seminary. Tothe annual meeting of the General Association of Massachusetts, atBradford, June 27, 1810, they presented the following paper:

 The undersigned, members of the Divinity College, respectfully request the attention of their Reverend Fathers, convened in the General Association at Bradford, to the following statement and inquiries:

 They beg leave to state, that their minds have been long impressed with the duty and importance of personally attempting a mission to the heathen; that the impressions on their minds have induced a serious, and they trust a prayerful, consideration of the subject in its various attitudes, particularly in relation to the probable success and the difficulties attending such an attempt; and that after examining all the information which they can obtain, they consider themselves as devoted to this work for life, whenever God in his providence shall open the way. 

 They now offer the following inquiries, on which they solicit the opinion and advice of the association. Whether, with their present views and feelings, they ought to renounce the object of missions, as visionary and impracticable; if not, whether they ought to direct their attention to the Eastern or Western world? Whether they may expect patronage and support from a missionary society in this country, or must commit themselves to the direction of a European society; and what preparatory measures they ought to take previous to actual engagement?

 The undersigned, feeling their youth and inexperience, look up to their fathers in the church and respectfully solicit their advice, direction and prayers. 

 ADONIRAM JUDSON JR. SAMUEL NOTT JR. SAMUEL J. MILLS. SAMUEL NEWELL. 

The names of Rice and Richards were struck off "for fear of alarmingthe Association with too large a number. "

This paper was referred to a special committee, who indorsed thesentiment and submitted a plan to the association, which was carriedinto effect by the appointment of a Board of Commissioners forForeign Missions. 

After much exertion and inquiry at home, Judson was sent to Englandto learn if help could be expected from the London MissionarySociety. He found that society willing to take the young men underits care and support, but not ready to assist the new Board. 

The American society soon received aid within its own boundaries, which was a far better beginning than to be dependent upon outsideresources. Mrs. Mary Norris, the wife of one of the founders ofAndover Seminary, bequeathed thirty thousand dollars to the Board. God's Spirit generally revived the churches, opening the eyes andhearts of His people, their purses as well, though not many of thelatter were well filled in those days. 

God only has a full record of the anxious courage and faith which wasexercised by the supporters, managers, and appointees of the Boardduring those first struggling years. Under the care of this boardMills and his friends placed themselves, and by it most of them weresent out in the year 1812. 

CHAPTER VI. 

AN APOSTOLIC JOURNEY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

From the first throb of his Christian life, the heart of Mills beatlike a soldier's. He called out the recruits, captained the forces, and died in service--a hero! In his student days he had a compellinginfluence upon his classmates, and even then showed signs ofgeneralship in his faculty of organizing. The establishment of theForeign Mission School was largely consequent upon his suggestions;in the formation of the American Board he was one of the foremostpersonal instruments. 

Studies finished, his heart firm in his lofty purpose, highbornschemes began their struggling claim for his attention. The worldwith all its lands stretching their help-beckoning fingers, waspersuading him. Over the home land, his and ours, he turned hispenetrating glance. He saw occasion for vast concern, and here washis first response. To go first, opening the way for others throughthe tangled wilderness, was his design, his master-plot. That "divineferment" at Williams College worked the good of home, as well as offoreign, missions. 

Having chosen a companion-spy, the Rev. John Schermerhorn, soon afterhis graduation in 1812, he went to view a goodly land, which hedesired to have the people of God go up and possess. This tour wasundertaken under the patronage of the Connecticut and MassachusettsHome Missionary Societies. Heretofore these societies had prayed andwept over young missionaries sent to the uncivilized wilds of WesternNew York! The plan of Mills and Schermerhorn was to travel throughthe wide territory lying between the great lakes and the Gulf ofMexico, to learn the moral condition of the inhabitants, and scatterwhat good they might. 

The map of this region, as published in Morse's school atlas of 1823, is curiously different from the maps of the present day. The stateand territorial lines have been altered, those green, pink, andyellow blanks have become densely freckled and wrinkled, by the dotsof cities and towns, and by the complicated tracery of railroads. 

These travelers did not telegraph their intended arrival, nor sleepand dine their way to their journey's end, on the "Flyer, " and thenrest in some palatial hotel at last. Each mounted his horse, takingwith them by way of baggage all that was necessary for thetrip, --tent, provisions, clothing and Bibles. They plodded throughmiry swamps, they climbed up and down almost perpendicular ledges, and cut their way through canebrakes with a hatchet. When they hadcreeks to cross they swam their horses. At night they camped, oftenin the rain and sometimes without food. More than once they wereserenaded by Indian war-whoops and the howling wolves. Stopping attown or settlement they were made cordially at home in hut and cabin. In some places they perceived bright prospects, the germs of futurecities, and were often urgently besought to stay and preach thegospel permanently. 

They found everywhere the Sabbath profaned, only a few good people inany one place, and Bibles rare possessions. In some places the peoplewere longing for the Gospel. In all the leading towns they formedBible societies, and everywhere preached and distributed Bibles, which were gladly received. 

From Nashville they went down the Cumberland and Mississippi withGeneral Jackson and fifteen hundred volunteers. In New Orleans theygained the consent of Bishop DeBury to distribute the Scriptures inFrench to the French Romanists, who made up three-fourths of thepopulation of the state. They found no Protestant church in the city. They here organized a Bible society, and remained several weeks topreach and to hold prayer-meetings. 

CHAPTER VII. 

MILLS' SECOND TOUR. 

In the year 1814 Mr. Mills having obtained the assistance of some ofthe eastern Bible societies, and having chosen as companion the Rev. Daniel Smith, started on another tour through the South and West. They went laden with Bibles and the prayers of Christian friends. They went through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. In all these states they found the people "exceedingly destitute ofreligious privileges, " and a "lamentable want of Bibles andmissionaries. " They found "American families who never saw a Bible, or heard of Jesus Christ. " There was only one minister to tenthousand people if equally placed; but there were districtscontaining from twenty to fifty thousand "without a preacher. " Thesemen were light-bringers to this "valley of the shadow of death, " asMills called it. They found English soldiers, French Romanists, colored slaves, our own dear countrymen, greedy for the bread oflife. 

They traveled more than six thousand miles; they passed through avariety of climates; they endured "perils in the city, perils of thewilderness, perils on the rivers and on the sea, " that they mightcast that bread upon the waters which you and I are finding aftermany days. 

Mills arrived for the second time in New Orleans, soon after thecelebrated battle of January 8, 1815, and cheered many hearts by hiscoming. He visited the soldiers in prison, the sick and wounded inthe hospitals; kneeling on the bare floor where they lay, he prayedand talked with them, sang for them, and gave them Bibles; hepreached in camp. The Philadelphia society had given him a quantityof French Bibles. The people were clamorous for them. They throngedthe distributor's door, and remained even after the notice had beengiven that no more could be had until the following day. They camesometimes from great distances. In one week a thousand copies weregiven away. In one instance a Romish priest assisted in this work. The bishop acknowledged the deplorable state of the people, andpreferred their having the Protestant version to none at all. 

When these adventurers in Christ's kingdom visited St. Louis, theyfound it a place of two thousand inhabitants, --"a tumble-down Frenchvillage, --built mainly of wooden slabs and poles set vertically, andwell daubed with mortar mixed with straw, though there were many loghouses. " In a school-room they delivered the first Presbyterian orCongregational sermons ever preached on the west side of theMississippi. They were gratefully received, and had crowdedaudiences. The people would gladly have supported either one could hehave stayed. 

But the immediate duty of these explorers for souls was to return tothe churches which had sent them out, to report what they haddiscovered, and to beg that men be sent to these waste places whichwere waiting to be made to blossom. All New England was roused toeffort by their appeal, and the next year ten or twelve men respondedto the summons. 

In 1848 the word "gold" was whispered in California and heard allover the world. The gold-hunters pressed forward from every corner ofthe earth. It was not thought a hard thing to turn one's back onhome, friends and country, for the sake of gold, though thatglittering promise was, to most of those who searched, like the bagat the end of the rainbow, and all the riches of this world "makethemselves wings. " "The promises of God are sure, " and the richeswhich He bestows are everlasting; and yet to the call, gold andglory, young men answer by the thousand, while to the cry, Christ anda crown, they respond by the dozen! "Choose ye this day whom ye willserve. "

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY--THE UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

During these two missionary journeys the heart of our apostle wasswelling with the woes of the sin-bound, and his brain contriving fortheir release. Upon his return he settled in New York state, andspent two busy years in working out his purposes. While waiting fortheir maturity he was most of the time in the large cities, particularly New York. Here he spent what might have been leisure, invisiting the poor in the neglected districts. He also wrote manyletters; and in the churches, and everywhere, and upon everybody, urged attention to the world's great needs, and their great duties. As the result of this planning, waiting and working, he was permittedto see formed the American Bible Society, and the United ForeignMissionary Society. On the subject of city evangelization, headvanced ideas which we at this striving time might well study. 

The entire destitution of religious privileges which Mills hadwitnessed in the West and South, and the great desire of the peoplefor the word of God, with their inability to supply themselves, madehim eager for the formation of a National Bible Society, which shouldbe large enough and strong enough to supply such great want. He hadsome hope of having the matter brought out at the general assembly ofthe Presbyterian church; but it was thought best to have it comeabout through the existing Bible societies, rather than have it bearthe features of any denomination. 

The matter was kept constantly before influential people by thisindefatigable man, and at last on the 8th of May, 1816, delegatesfrom the different Bible societies of the United States convened inNew York city, and resolved unanimously "to establish, without delay, a General Bible Institution, for the circulation of the HolyScriptures, without note or comment. " Before closing their sessions aconstitution was adopted, managers elected, and an address issued tothe people of the United States, informing them of the project, andinviting their sympathy and coöperation in this benevolent scheme. 

This was a great day to Mills, and those who saw him, sitting apart, watching with intense eagerness the deliberations of the convention, long remembered his delighted face. But how must the resources andusefulness of this society have exceeded even his fond hopes!

As its first depository, it shared the office room of its agent. Fromtime to time it was forced to move to larger quarters, until the year1853, when it located permanently, in its well-known building, TheBible House, on Astor Place, New York city. This edifice is of brick, six stories high, and occupies a solid block. In its first year, thesociety received $37, 779, and issued 6, 410 volumes; in its seventiethyear (1886) its receipts were $523, 910, and it issued 1, 437, 440volumes. In the Bible House, the working force--manufacturing andexecutive--numbers about 250. The auxiliaries which directly andindirectly center in this society, number about 7, 000. 

From this great tree and its many branches, the leaves have been sentfor the healing of nations. There are now but few countries wherethere are any impediments to the free circulation of the Scriptures. In our own land the society has afforded relief to its feebleauxiliaries, has supplied destitute Sabbath-schools, has endeavoredto place the Bible in the common schools, to distribute it amongsoldiers and seamen, to furnish hotels, steamboats, railroads, andhumane and criminal institutions. By it, the Bible has beencirculated among immigrants, the destitute poor, the freedmen, theChinese, and (in the Douay version) among Romanists. At fourdifferent periods the society has made exploration among the statesand territories, to search and supply the destitute. Proportionatelythe number of families without the word of God is much smaller nowthan when the society was organized, notwithstanding the enormousgrowths in population. 

The society has attempted to send the Bible to all the inhabitants ofthe earth, accessible to its agents. It has established depots inalmost every place where the American churches have missions. Itcirculates the Scriptures in more than eighty different languages anddialects. In 1856, in compliance with a special request, and by meansof a special gift, the Society's Imperial Quarto English Bible, boundwith extraordinary care, enclosed in a rosewood case, and accompaniedby a courteous letter, was sent to each of the reigning monarchs andother chief magistrates of the world. 

Before the art of printing, the Bible was the most expensive book inthe world. So late as the American Revolution, in its cheapestedition a volume could not be purchased for less than two dollars. This society now furnishes a copy of the entire book for twenty-fivecents. It has made the Bible the cheapest book in the world. 

Mills, anxious to see every wheel set in motion for the advancementof Christ's kingdom, was restless because of the inaction of thePresbyterian church in the cause of Foreign Missions; again by hispersonal influence upon prominent men, another plan was matured. Acommittee was appointed by the General Assembly to confer withcommittees from the Dutch and Scotch churches, and a new society wasformed, called the United Foreign Missionary Society. After a fewyears of efficient service this society was merged with the AmericanBoard, yielding to it its name and affairs. 

While so busy with these schemes just referred to, Mr. Mills wascollecting all possible information in regard to South America. Hedesired to have the way opened for a mission in that country, and waswilling to go himself to make the needed investigations. But it wasseven years later when the American Board sent the first men to thatfield. 

In spite of these great enterprises, which must have been soabsorbing of time and energy, this busy man found opportunity andstrength to search out the squalid back streets of New York, and togo from house to house of its wretched inhabitants, giving sympathy, speaking words of Christian love and instruction, and where theywould receive them leaving the word of God and good books. 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY--MILLS, AS ITS AGENT, VISITSAFRICA. 

Abraham Lincoln, when a young man, made a journey into the South. Ofall the impressions which those new scenes made upon him, the onedeepest and strongest was that of slavery. It filled him withloathing, but kindled a zeal which never slumbered, until it cost hispriceless life. 

It was such a spark which became a fire in the breast of Mills. Whathe saw and what he heard, during those southern tours, made him awilling martyr for the sake of Africa's sons and daughters. Theirdegradation made him ready to endure all things if only he couldpierce the black cloud overshading them. His first effort resulted ina school, called the African School, for training young colored mento teach and preach to their own race. He then lent essential aid inthe formation of the American Colonization Society. 

This society was composed of noble-minded men whose pitying attentionwas fastened upon the bondage, afflictions and heathenism of theirblack brothers, in this so called free land. 

Their aim was to furnish a refuge, in their own country, for thosewho were emancipated here, and it was their hope that such a schemewould do much toward the abolition of slavery. 

Their first effort was the collection of information: first, inregard to the condition of the slave here, that they might enlistgeneral sympathy in their work. In a letter written by Mr. Millsabout this matter, he said: "State facts. Facts will always producean effect, at least on pious minds. You can easily possess yourselfof facts, the bare recital of which will make the heart bleed. " Fromthe extensive observations he had made in the South, and by havingthe subject so long in his mind, he was very ready to "state facts, "and did so in every time and place. The information needed, in thesecond place, by the society was in regard to a suitable location forthe colony, and the methods which would be required to obtain it. Mr. Mills was made their agent. 

He chose as a colleague, to share his responsibility, the Rev. Mr. Burgess. After some months of preparation they left America, planningto visit England first for information and assistance and thenAfrica, for the accomplishment of their errand. 

His father says of the "good-bye" which he bade him, at the time, that "he enjoyed peculiar peace of mind, committing himself entirelyto the guidance and protection of the Almighty. " He, who had enduredso many hardships for Christ's sake, knew in whom he trusted. 

After about two weeks' sailing, they encountered a fearful storm andhad need of all their faith. The wind blew furiously for thirty-sixhours. The captain ordered the masts cut away and the decks cleared. He remained on deck, calmly giving orders, until they were drivenalmost upon a ledge of rocks. Despairing of any safety in the ship, he abandoned her, taking his children with him in a small boat. Someof those left on board the ship, in their agony of peril, were in thecabin, beseeching the mercy of Him who rules the violent sea. Otherswere on deck, where Mr. Burgess, praying aloud, commended their soulsto God. 

All unexpectedly, a counter current bore them into deeper water, pastthe rocks. All exclaimed, "It is the work of God!" A gloomy nightthey spent tossing on the sea, but in the morning quiet came. Themate assumed control, and by using what crippled forces they couldcommand, they found their way to a harbor of France. 

From there they proceeded to London. They were cordially received bya number of distinguished men and officials. Among them Mr. Wilberforce and Mr. Zachary Macauly, the former governor of SierraLeone, who introduced them to the Duke of Gloucester. They meteverywhere with Christian sympathy, and the kindest offers ofservice. Having obtained letters to the governors of colonies inAfrica, they left England for the west coast, February 3, 1818. 

This voyage was a pleasant one, and brought them in about thirty daysto the mouth of the Gambia. They anchored near the village of St. Mary's, and went to inspect this and other settlements. They made theacquaintance of the governors and the Europeans, everywhere gatheringuseful and pertinent facts. 

They proceeded south, visiting towns and villages, and calling uponthe kings and head men. On these occasions they were received in the"palaver house, " by the chiefs arranged in true African style, regardless of taste. One was described as wearing "a silver-lacedcoat, a superb three-cornered hat, blue-bafta trousers, considerablythe worse for wear, and no stockings or shoes. " The insignia ofroyalty were a silver-headed cane in one hand, a horse-tail in theother. Before the palaver could go on, the hosts must receivepresents, and as their guests had oftenest been slave traders, rumand tobacco had become essentials. 

By means of interpreters they made known their friendly feelings, andthat they had come from America. "That wise and good men had agreedto help the black people who wished to come to this country; that thedesign was a good one, and would promote the best interests of theblack people both in America and Africa; that if they would sell orgive tracts of their unimproved lands, the people who came wouldintroduce more knowledge of the arts and agriculture, would buy suchthings as they had to sell, and would sell to them such things asthey wanted;" that the children were to be educated; that they hadcome as messengers of peace and good tidings, bringing no weapons intheir hands--that they did not desire war. 

They found that African kings knew the art of being slothful inbusiness. They seemed to have no idea of dispatch, but would talk forhours without coming to the point. In general their reception wascordial, and, in some instances, more than that. Land was offeredthem in five different places. Their greatest obstacle was theunsavory reputation of the white men who had preceded them, --theslave-traders and merchants, --men who had been gross, violent andrapacious. One of the natives who saw Mr. Mills and Mr. Burgess inprayer, said he "never knew before that white men prayed!"

They found that the natives would not be unwilling to give up theirsuperstitions, and were gratified at the prospect of education fortheir children; that they would be glad to have God's word, and thepure religion it teaches. One old man with white hair and beard, wished for this good time to come at once; he wanted to know moreabout God's book before he died. 

The observations and inquiries which had been so conscientiously madeby the agents, enabled them to report to their society that theproject was both practicable and expedient. After due considerationof the instructions and recommendations of experienced foreigners, and the details of exploration, which this report furnished them, thesociety thought it most wise to proceed with the undertaking. 

After seeking needed individual and governmental aid, and perfectingso far as possible the organization, the first colony was sent toAfrica in 1820. They endured the discouraging vicissitudes which aregenerally incident to new settlements, and in a few years successseemed certain. 

In 1847 LIBERIA became an established free republic. The constitutionis modeled upon our own. 

CHAPTER X. 

THE LAST JOURNEY--BRIG "SUCCESS, " FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1818. 

"We have taken an affectionate leave of the clergymen, the civilofficers, and the colonists of Sierra Leone. We are embarked for theUnited States, by way of England; and the continent of Africa recedesfrom our view. "

This is the last entry in Mills' journal. Three months had been spentin Africa; months of unsparing toil, under a scorching sun, amiddepressing pagan scenes. But the undertaking had been reasonablysuccessful, and tired bodies had been upheld by grateful hearts. 

On shipboard once more, with faces turned homeward, opportunity camefor fatigue to assert itself. The strength of Mills, never great atthe best, began to fail. A deep spirituality, which had possessed himthrough all the journey, grew stronger and stronger. And as they werewafted, day by day, nearer home, it became evident that his spirit, too, was nearing its desired haven. Fever burned his body; but atlast eternal health claimed his soul. Under a glowing sunset, he wasburied, to wait until the sea surrenders its dead. 

The one great desire of his life, "to sit in some quiet corner andteach the perishing, " was unfulfilled; but God through him had sent, and yet sends, many teachers to many far corners. 

Thirty-five years, only, of mortal life was allotted him in which toaccomplish so much; yet it was time enough, --not because of hisuncommon gifts, but because he knew the secret of well doing. He didnot attempt to be the origin--the source, but gloried in being thechannel through which God poured His great thoughts. No time was lostby obstructions; the dredge that kept the channel free wasprayer--private, social, public, constant prayer, not for himself, but for God's glory. 

THE END.