another to the mercy and care of God. This afternoon the missionary Directors take farewell of us, and give us a parting address. May the blessing, my dear sister H., in Num. vi. 24, be yours. My love to nephew James and all the children."

The next day (January 26), he took leave of his beloved father in the letter which follows. It is given entire.

"London, January 26, 1807, Tuesday.

"MY DEAR AND AGED FATHER,

"I last evening took a solemn and an affecting leave of my brothers and sisters, Morrison and Scott. It was a trying scene. I pray that the religious exercise and the admonitions that were given, may be of real and lasting use to us all. My brother (I mention it

because I know that it is a matter which will tend to comfort you) seems somewhat softened and reconciled towards his family-and O that I could also say towards spiritual things!

you

"Your last letter, dear father, comforted me much. I hope that the Lord Christ will own me as his servant, and that you will have cause to rejoice in his work prospering in my hands. I am persuaded that will not cease to pray for me. Be comforted in the humble hope that I am serving Jesus, and never think it hard if I fare as he did. 'The disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant above his Lord. It is enough that they be as their Master.' I have much comfort in my brother James. He is not a man of words. He wrote a letter, and put it into my hands, in which he expressed the devout workings of his mind in my behalf, and his thankfulness that God had, in his providence, united us for so long a time. Allow me to state to you what my circumstances are in going out. I have letters of introduction to

a great many Christian friends in New York, who will endeavour to obtain for me a residence in the American factory at Canton. The society puts into my hand £150 in dollars, which I am to keep untouched till I arrive at China, as I have my passage paid. I have, moreover, £20 for current expenses. They give me likewise letters of credit to the amount of £200 on persons at Canton, Malacca, and Prince of Wales's Island. I am instructed to act very much as circumstances may arise, and to provide, either in whole or in part, for myself, if I possibly can. Thus you see that there is not any care wanting, but every precaution that can be is taken. I shall, if spared to arrive in America, be careful to write to you, and I hope that I shall often hear from home. My love to brother T. and sister A. If I can, I will write to him. Farewell, my dear father.

"I am your affectionate and dutiful Son,

"R. MORRISON."

On the 28th, Mr. M. proceeded to Gravesend, to wait the arrival of the ship in which he was about to sail, and in which he embarked on the 31st. His own journal will, however, best record the facts, while at the same time it discloses the sentiments and feelings with which he entered on his voyage:

"Gravesend, Wednesday, January 28, 1807.-This is the most important day of my life. I have this morning taken a most painful farewell of my dear friends, and am now waiting for the arrival of a vessel in which I am to sail to New York, and from thence to Canton. I am alone; to go alone;-O that I may not be alone; but that the good hand of my God may be upon me, and the angel of his presence go before me. What is my object in leaving friends and country?

My object was at first, and I trust still is, the glory of God in the salvation of poor sinners. O for faith in God. O for strong confidence in the great and precious promises. I commit to thee, O my God, my aged father, my brother, and my sisters. O be thou present with, bless, and keep them. Enable me to encou

rage myself in thee, my God.

"Thursday 29th, morning.-O that like 'Bezaleel (Exod. xxxi. 2, 3) I may be called to this work, and 'filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,' for this great work in which I have engaged. Four o'clock.-I have just read Mrs.'s letter, which was not to be opened till I was in the ship; but which request I did not comply with. It is very excellent-O God, my God, to thee I look. Deny me not thy presence, thy blessing. I trust that thou hast led me hitherto. Hear the prayers of my dear, dear friends on my behalf. O keep mine O keep mine eye single, to the great work which I have undertaken. Grant me an abundant measure of the spirit of Christ Jesus. O God, enable me to remember that I have a battle to fight; a race to run; a work to perform; and an account to give, after I have suffered to the hour of death.

"Friday 30.-I preached last evening at Mr. Kent's, from John xiv. 1-3,* to about 150 persons. O that these sayings may cheer my soul in the house of my pilgrimage.' I do not feel that joy and peace which I know are to be found in believing, or that hungering and thirsting after God. I will this day seek in the

*"Let not your hearts be troubled," &c. This was the subject of the last sermon Dr. M. composed before his entrance unto those mansions, the prospect of which often cheered him in the house of his pilgrmiage.

strength of my God.-The ship has not yet arrived, and the morning is very foggy.

"Saturday 31, twelve o'clock.-The ship has just arrived, and we are about to go on board. Mrs. S—— is present. O Lord, again do I pray, 'Go thou with us.' Four o'clock.-We have now got under way. Our friends have just left us. Now, Lord, send prosperity. This day is truly most important. I pray for the special assistance of God the Spirit. About eight o'clock, we anchored at the Nore."

END OF THE SECOND PERIOD.

PERIOD III.

FROM HIS EMBARKATION FOR CHINA, TO THE FOUNDATION OF THE ANGLO-CHINESE COLLEGE.

A. D. 1807-1819.

SECTION I.

The Voyage to China, by way of America.
From Jan. 31, 1807, to Sept. 8, 1807.

Leaves London for Gravesend.-Last Sermon.-Letter to his Brother-Embarkation and general outline of the Voyage to New York.-Extracts from Journals and Letters.-Storm in the Channel.-Last sight of England.— Tremendous gale in the Atlantic.-Rescue of the crew of the Merchant.Arrival at New York.-Journal of occurrences in America.-Acquaintance with Mrs. Graham.-Departure from New York.-Separation from his Missionary companions.—Reminiscences by Sigma.-Letter to his brother Thomas.-Voyage to Canton.-Chased by a French ship-of-war.-Crossing the Line.-Providential deliverance.-Arrival at Canton.-Letter to Joseph Hardcastle, Esq.-Ditto to Joseph Reyner, Esq.-Ditto to his Father. UNDER these circumstances, with such views of the magnitude of his undertaking, and with a simple and entire dependence on the providence and Spirit of God, the first Protestant Missionary to China departed to his work. Many prayers ascended to God on his behalf, the most sanguine of which were probably exceeded in the results of his labours; although it is possible that some persons seem disappointed as to the precise character of the service which God had assigned him.