“Cawnpore, Aug. 17. 1810.

“I have made three attempts at a report respecting our brother’s health. On the 15th. he was very lively, and then talked of not going even on the river. Yesterday he was weaker, and last night had a violent attack of sickness, which has not entirely left him yet, and has brought him to a lamentable state of weakness. What to do I don’t know. I have urged his leaving his studies and trying change of air, in every possible way. To-day, indeed, he talks again of going on the river, and I hope to keep him in this mind. Your applications for Arabic have set him to work anew with an ardour that nothing but death can repress. From seven in the morning till near or after six in the evening (save a little interval at mid-day,) he is at work with Sabat, and Mirza Fitrut. In vain I warn him of the consequences. Never was any one so inattentive to health, or so unskilful in sickness. I was up with him much of the former part of last night: and without somebody he would be worse from his unskilful applications. He is indeed most tractable as to meats and drinks, but there my authority over him ends. He will have told you of the delay occasioned by want of an Arabic scribe. I don’t know how many copies, but Sabat says ten, have been attempted of the beginning of Matthew for you, and have failed. I wrote to Major Wilford lately, to ask him if he would read and give his opinion of the Sanscrit Gospels. I have received his answer this morning. He says, ‘I rejoice to hear of the progress that is making in the attempt to diffuse the knowledge of the word of God among the Gentiles, but I lament that hardly anything has hitherto been done worth notice, to diffuse it among the Hindoos. Every thing seems calculated for the Mussulmans.... The Sanscrit translation of the gospels is useless, for the proud and stubborn Brahmin will never read it. We want a good translation in Hindee, pure Hindee.... Where the Missionaries at Serampore have learned the Hindee, I am at a loss to divine. I hope their assistants do not understand a word of Persian. With regard to the Sanscrit translation, I am very unwilling to have anything to do either directly or indirectly with the Serampore school; but in the sincerity of my heart I wish them success. It was my intention to have leisurely erased all the Persian words out of my friend’s’ (Hunter’s translation, a copy of which I gave Major W.) ‘version; for I am not in the least afraid to revise his or any other version, even publicly. It has not been in my power hitherto (from ill health), and God alone knows when I shall be able to resume my studies con amore et spirito.’—Thus far Major Wilford.”

“Cawnpore, Sept. 4, 1810.

“Our brother it seems, has told you, he is so well, all further reports respecting his health are needless. I would, however, prove how ready I am to comply with your wishes, though, I hope too, all anxiety respecting Martyn’s recovery is at an end. It seems he requires only rest. It is to be hoped, his constitution is not unsound, but has been greatly tried by his continual exertions. During the last fortnight the change for the better in him has been very evident, but on Sunday evening, the pain in his breast returned, sufficiently to shew him, he must not fancy himself what he once was. He began to ask, why he should go to Calcutta?—being so much better; but this feeling of his former complaint, has, I hope, put all doubts on the subject to flight. Indeed I have made his leaving the station a condition of my remaining. The General has consented to my being put in orders to remain here, till Martyn’s return, and to give Martyn an unlimited leave of absence. So now, on the 1st of Nov. he purposes leaving this for Calcutta, and is meditating schemes of usefulness on his way down, and among the native, Armenian, and Arabian christians in Calcutta. It will be of much importance that you should see him, and talk with him face to face, about the translations, &c. Sabat, I told you, is much more on his guard and more respectful towards Martyn, but causes him great uneasiness, by the slow progress he makes in his work. It is indeed very trying to our brother, as, without some change, the translations will hardly ever be brought to an end. It is needless for me to say anything about the subscriptions, &c. as Martyn writes to you so fully on those subjects. For my own part, I am anxious, that some translation should be got ready for circulation in India; there is yet, none that seems suited to the population we are among; and my views are chiefly confined to these people; among these I shall probably live and die, but no extensive good can flow from the labours of any, till the Scriptures are ready to be delivered to them. I am therefore more delighted with your intention of publishing the Hindoostanee gospels, than the Arabic, whilst I pray you God’s speed with both. About one fifteenth of the population of this country is Mahomedan, and of that fifteenth part, not one in five hundred knows Arabic; but many of them are acquainted with and admire the Persian, and all of them understand the Moors, as it is called. Many too of the Hindoos understand it, and a skilful reader could easily make it understood by all.

“Sep. 12. Thus far I had written as above, but your frequent letters from and to Martyn, made me think it unnecessary to send this. In consequence of your last, Martyn intends leaving this, as soon as boats can be procured for himself and Sabat, but it is uncertain when that may be, as boats are in great request for the General and his suite. Martyn had frequently expressed to me his opinion respecting the incorrectness of Sabat’s Arabic, as well as complained of his slow progress. It is likely, however, that his work will be found better than your last would suggest: so few are qualified to criticise Arabic, that probably many of the objections raised, will be found groundless. I think, however, dearest Sir, to give the light of life to the population of India is no small honour put upon your Committee, and I hope you will put the Hindoostanee translation, Martyn is bringing down, to the press straightway. We have, during last week, been often on the river in a borrowed pinnace, and the effect has been good to us all. Our dear brother continues to mend, but the length of his life will depend much on his desisting, or not, from public duties. He would soon be laid up again, were he to begin to preach. He would, at all events, take half of the duty last Sunday, but beside not being heard by half the Regiment, he was obliged to shorten the service, and with the Faqueers in the evening, brought on the old pain in his breast. The same employments as before occupy me, so I have nothing new to write to you. Our society of soldiers increases, and we are inexpressibly happy together. Mrs. S. has been unwell, but is recovering, and indeed we have mercies multiplied upon us without number. May we have grace to be more thankful.”

“Sept. 20th. This day has completed my fourth year in India. My intention of remaining in India continues the same, and of seeking the furtherance of the gospel among the heathen. These Christian children engross much of my time; but not so much prayer as they ought. I would purpose to pray more for them. Oh! may I have grace to be devoted to the ministry! I do determine to be so, the Lord being my helper: my determined choice is the doctrine of Christ and him crucified. O may my affections be more taken up with God! A variety of circumstances have of late made me feel that the best of creatures are subject to vanity. I would complain of none, for the most vain are far preferable to me; but, O may my soul be more taken up with God! Draw me, O Lord the Spirit, and I will run after Thee! Martyn is now going to Calcutta and to sea; and I remain here for a time. I feel my bodily health far from strong.”

“These uncertainties make us more and more to feel that this is not our rest. I do rejoice in the blessed hope of a rest remaining for the people of God.

“One of the godly soldiers departed this life last night. His end was peaceful and blessed. His last words to me, yesterday morning, were, ‘I desire to depart and to be with Christ as soon as possible.’ A day or two before, on my asking him how he was, he said, ‘Waiting to be made free from corruption and fit for God.’ And at the same visit he said, ‘Blessed Saviour! He has done great things for my soul.’ His life, for some time past, had been suitable to the gospel. This is the third who has been taken from the little flock since we came here. Blessed be God, who raises up one and another to supply their places.

“One of the officers has joined himself to our meetings for worship, &c. and is a hopeful and pleasing young man, and a great encouragement to the poor soldiers, who for a time were much discouraged by their superiors.

“We have had several instances of very awful awakenings of conscience in the prospect of death. One person, a week or two since, could not contain his feelings in the midst of the many sick around him, in the hospital, but openly accused himself, and loudly called for mercy. However, the generality, alas! are careless, notwithstanding these and other solemn warnings. A gay, smart young Captain, a short time since was seized with a fit in a large company, at dinner, and died during the night. A great crowd attended his funeral, and all the solemnity and pomp of military parade attended, but alas! the impression passed away.... There are indeed a few (and the number is increasing) of godly people, scattered up and down, who are each a light in his place.”

“Cawnpore, Oct. 4, 1810.

“Our brother Martyn left this on the 1st for Calcutta, in better health than for some time, so that, but for the Arabic translation, he would perhaps not have been persuaded to leave this at present. Since I wrote to you, I have had a specimen of the violence of Sabat, and the inexpressible trouble Martyn must have had with him. It began before the last letter of yours came, about boat-hire. He began by writing that Martyn ought to pay for his boat. On this Martyn referred him to you, but he evidently wished not to speak to you on the subject. Soon after this, your last arrived, and Martyn did not tell him the whole of its contents; at first only said, you were more than ever urgent for their going down speedily. As the time drew near, he one day came in, and after much cross-purposes, demanded to see the order for his going down, or he would not stir; intimating that Martyn had some sinister motive and interested purpose in taking him down with him. It is impossible to convey to you an idea of the aggravating manner and expressions he used. I lost patience, and told him plainly, how unchristian his conduct was, and how little like the gentility he pretended to. Martyn then read him your letter, which filled him with rage against the Calcutta moonshees, &c., and he determined to set off instantly, and put them all to flight before Martyn could arrive. This manner lasted two or three days, when an invitation he had asked for, came from Baillie,[67] and away he went to Lucknow, purposing to return the third day. Instead of returning, he sent a note to say, he would stay twenty days, or a month, and would translate and Baillie would inspect; and so he would come down to Calcutta armed for the contest with the objectors there. Martyn was hurt at this, and wrote a statement of the circumstances to Baillie; telling Sabat also, he should set off as he intended, should go to sea, and that the disputed translation would remain in suspense; and of course, as he could not go on with the work, it was likely his salary would be stopped; adding also, that his family would be obliged to remove into another bungalow, as my sister would come here. On this, Sabat wrote in the most earnest manner, for Martyn not to go without him; at the same time saying, he should stay four or five days longer. To this Martyn paid no attention, but set off, and yesterday Sabat returned, full of rage against him, and purposing to set off to-morrow or next day to overtake him if possible, and at all events to procure from you full redress of his many wrongs. There is little hope that any person but Martyn, supposing them capable and willing to superintend Sabat’s translations, could bear with him; and indeed when the work would be finished by him, it is difficult to say. His unsteady and haughty temper is likely to prevent his ever doing extensive good, not to say, that the love of money has too evident hold of him. He has procured boats. He is now full of expressions of concern about his wife, who is within a month of having a child: and indeed his concern is proper enough, but had he set off as was first agreed, he might have been now in Calcutta. For my part, I feel quite alone and a stranger in the midst of this large society. Parson, you may have heard, is wishing to come here under the idea, as he says, that I was going away, to leave Martyn sinking under the duty. I had not thought of so doing; but heartily glad shall I be to give place to him, as my own strength is not likely to hold out long under the constant duties of this station. The folly and dissipation of the higher sort, cast me greatly down. How to deal with them, I know not. The church was opened last Sunday, which may give me more opportunities with them, than I should otherwise have had. A few of the poor receive the word gladly, and they are our joy and crown. Your opinion of the Native boys, has caused me great disquietude. I was convinced of danger as to their turning out well, but hoped not quite so much as you describe. It has made me more watchful over them: but I shall make a fair experiment with them. I trust all your family are enjoying good health, and as much comfort as this world of sin and sorrow will admit of.”

“Cawnpore, Oct. 8, 1810.

“Yours of the 3rd. from Allahabad, came only yesterday. We were thankful to hear you had got so far in safety. I received the enclosed also yesterday, and sent one or two of less consequence for you to Calcutta. We had a very large congregation yesterday, beside the morning service with the 53rd. I have escaped with a severe head-ache this morning; I trust to be quite well to-morrow. I called at R——‘s, G——‘s, E——‘s, and B——‘s this morning, so am making great progress in my work, I hope; though this of calling is a very insignificant part of it. I have, since you left, seen in the life of President Edwards, that he thought ministers should consider their talent for conversation, and, if they cannot improve conversation &c., should stay at home. If I had the least pretension to his usefulness in the closet, I should be inclined to dwell there. The gateway to the church shall be put up as you wish; at present we are busy making Sabat’s house sweet. I have got the christian children close by the book-room, and hope to have a watchful and effectual eye over them now.

“I wrote to Mr. Brown on Thursday, and gave him a particular account of my opinion of Sabat. I told him, what, I fancy, I did not tell you in the former cover enclosing Mr. Brown’s, that on Sabat’s return from Lucknow, he expressed great warmth about your going without him, and the subject of your letter to Baillie. It seems he was sorely hurt at your writing to Baillie on the subject; Baillie had shewed him the letter, &c. He wished me to side with him in thinking you had treated him as a Hindoo, &c. After many words, I told him, that no other person I knew, would have borne with him as you have done; and that all the christians in Europe would think so, if the circumstances were known. This stopped his violence; and during the few remaining days he shewed great humiliation, and at parting seemed much cast down. I hear he had been beating the dandees,[68] and they all ran away at Georgemow, but as I have heard no more, suppose he got off somehow. The Mirror is come this week as usual; when you arrive, be so good as to order it to come in my name, as I wish to continue it. There have been enquiries respecting you, from everybody I have seen, and as many kind wishes for your speedy return in health.”

“Cawnpore, Oct. 10, 1810.

“I sent off yesterday by banghee, a correct copy of the Hindoostanee New Testament, for Martyn at your house; he has one copy with him beside. I heard from him from Allahabad on the 3rd., he was going on his way prosperously. I have sent some letters that came here for him, to meet him at Patna. Shepherd will be here in a few days. He was to leave Meerut on the 1st. I have then the whole range of the Doab.[69] Our new church was opened, as I told you, by Martyn, and we had a larger attendance on Sunday last. The natives are greatly pleased with the bell; they argue for the antiquity and holiness of their own use of bells in their temples, from the English also using them. The Sherwoods are living next door, and have made a gate into our garden. The continual calls of duty of one kind or other, leave me very little time with them. I have got the christian children within call of my window, and entirely separated from the other parts of the premises. Mary talks of beginning a school for native christian girls. She can read the Persian character pretty readily, and we have a promising half-caste boy, who will be her schoolmaster. We are progressing, I think, both among the Europeans, and in our little establishment for the natives; yet, I know not why, my mind is almost always cast down and without hope. The select meeting of the poor soldiers is a source of much, and almost the only refreshment to me. I would desire greatly to begin a meeting with the 8th Light Dragoons, where many of the men are hopeful, but I fear my bodily strength would sink under it, for as it is, I cannot keep quite rid of a cough and other symptoms of weak lungs. I know, however, that my Redeemer liveth,—let me quietly leave all with him, and he will bring it to pass! When will the chaplains Dr. B. mentioned, arrive? Simeon says, he can get no chaplains to come out; even worldly men dread our climate so much, they will not encounter it.”

[54] Owen, Hist. of the Bible Society, Vol. 2. pp. 1-32.

[55] Alluding probably to the successes of Napoleon in Germany, which terminated in the treaty of Schönbrun.

[56] Carrier.

[57] A kind of Police officer.

[58] Son of the late Rev. T. Robinson, of Leicester.

[59] Pearson’s Memoirs of Dr. Buchanan, vol. 2. p. 211.

[60] Named Jounarain Ghoshaul, a resident in Benares.

[61] Bill of Exchange.

[62] Mr. Corrie laid the first stone of this Church, on the morning of Tuesday, April 29, 1810.

[63] A full account of this religious tumult is given in Bishop Heber’s Journal.

[64] Hooker, “A remedy against Sorrow and Fear.”

[65] Owen’s History of the Bible Society, vol. ii. pp. 14, 15.

[66] See Martyn’s Letter to Mr. Brown, dated Sept. 10, 1810.

[67] The English resident at Lucknow.

[68] Native boatmen.

[69] The whole country lying between the rivers Ganges and Tumna.