p. 508 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 32. (6/19/1893)

A VISIT TO SERAMPORE AND ITS GRAVES.

By Rev. August Kullman

BY REV. AUGUST KULLMAN.

ON the right bank of the river Hoogly, fourteen miles above Calcutta, is the little town of Serampore, where William Carey, the first Englishman who became a missionary to the heathen, found protection under the Danish flag when prohibited from preaching the gospel within the territory of the East India Company. Here Carey and his colleagues, Marshman and Ward, labored, and here, too, they lie buried.

Last March, in company with Dr. Ridgaway, of Garrett Biblical Institute, I visited Serampore.

The educational and evangelistic work begun by the great founder of modern missions is still carried on by the Baptist Society.

The college building, a two-story structure of magnificent proportions, shows signs of decay, as if in sympathy with the general dilapidated condition of the town.

The college was built to accommodate five hundred students, but at present only a hundred are enrolled, the smallness in attendance being due to the present policy of admitting Christian students only.

Located on the riverside, the college building affords a fine view up and down the broad Hoogly.

The library is well stocked with books, and, from appearance, more for use than for show. Several oil paintings adorn the walls, among which were those of the king and queen of Denmark, whose protection Carey enjoyed, Joshua Marshman, and some others whose names we have forgotten; “what does it matter,” though, “when one pushes his little bark out upon the boundless sea of eternity, how long he is kept in sight by the watchers on the shore?”

The chairs of Carey, Marshman, and Ward are carefully preserved in the library, also Carey's pulpit. The house occupied by the three is still standing. Some distance down the river stands the ruined Hindu temple, called Martyn's Pagoda, after saintly Henry Martyn, who was accustomed to withdraw himself to this place and pour out his soul to God for India. I ventured beneath the tottering walls of this ancient heathen shrine, that I might stand on the spot hallowed by his feet who, far from Serampore and India, rests in a Persian grave.

The ancient car of Jaganath is still preserved here. Fifteen feet square and perhaps twenty-five feet high, it is fantastically carved and painted with representations of Hindu gods and goddesses. Yearly, thousands still gather to draw the idol car, though happily the time is past when Christians were sometimes forced to help drag the car, and human beings were crushed beneath its wheels.

A short distance from the East India railway station is the cemetery, in which Carey, Marshman, and Ward lie buried. A pillar ten feet high marks the resting place of the great missionary Carey, his two wives, for he was twice married, and his eldest son with his wife.

The following simple inscription is on the stone:—

WILLIAM CAREY, D.D., Born 17 August, 1761. Died, 9 June 1834. “A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, On Thy kind arms I fall.”

On the other side of the gate is a grave, and on the stone above it are the words, “Joshua Marshman, the last of the Serampore missionaries, by whom Christian truth and general knowledge were first introduced into these provinces. He was born in Westbury, Wilts, England, April 20, 1768, and died at Serampore, December 5, 1837, and here lies buried at the foot of this stone and in the same cemetery with his beloved colleagues, Carey and Ward.”

“They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.”

Back in the cemetery opposite the gate is the tomb of William Ward.

These devoted servants of God, “being dead, yet speaketh,” call upon the young men of to-day to follow them, even as they followed Christ.—Gospel in All Lands.

ENDINGS OF SOME FAMOUS MEN OF THE WORLD.

King David died of old age.

Louis XVI. died on the scaffold.

Richard III. was killed in battle.

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

James A. Garfield was assassinated.

Charles I. of England was beheaded.

Louis V. was poisoned by his queen.

Mustapha II. was strangled in prison.

Darius Codomanus was killed in battle.

Atilla the Hun died in a drunken spree.

Millard Fillmore died of paralysis at seventy-four.

Andrew Johnson died of paralysis at sixty-seven.

Achmet III. was strangled by his guards.

Chester A. Arthur died of apoplexy at fifty-six.

Louis I. died of fever during a campaign.

James II. died in exile of gluttonous habits.

Nerva is supposed to have been poisoned.

General Grant died of cancer of the throat at sixty-three.

Emperor William of Germany died of old age.

Tiberius was smothered by one of his favorites.

Solyman was dethroned and murdered in prison.

Henry VI. of England was murdered in prison.

Mustapha I. was deposed and strangled in prison.

Charles III. Le Fou was deposed and died in prison.

George IV. died from a complication of disorders.

Feodor II. of Russia was assassinated in church.

John Adams passed away at ninety-one from senile debility.

Queen Anne died of dropsy, brought on by brandy.

Gregor V. was driven from Rome and died in exile.

Louis Napoleon died in exile at Chislehurst, England.

Adolphus of Germany fell at the battle of Gelheim.

John Tyler died at seventy-two from a mysterious disorder.

Richard II. is supposed to have been starved to death.

Jehoahaz, king of Judah, died in captivity in Egypt.

Lothaire of France was poisoned by female relatives.

George I. died from apoplexy, induced by drinking.

Pope Lando is supposed to have been poisoned.

Feodor I. of Russia was deposed and died in prison.

Gustavus Adolphus was killed in the battle of Lutzen.

Sultan Musa-Chelebi was deposed and strangled.

Pope Donus II. died suddenly, presumably by poison.

Pope John X. died in prison, it is believed by poison.

Josiah, king of Judah, was killed in battle at Mejiddo by an arrow.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat.

Artesian wells were known at Thebes as long ago as the time of Timerion, 2,000 years before the beginning of the Christian era.—Selected.

"SEEK to gain and keep one another's confidence by upright, honest dealings and open-heartedness."

THE YEARS.

By Frances Ridley Havergal

Are you rich in the years of bright gold Yet untold? Do they leisurely go, Like a dream that is fair, Or a prayer? Oh be wise; use them well! You shall know How the years, growing shorter, with good can increase, And a life at the end be transfigured with peace.

Does the thought that so few years remain Give you pain? Oh be glad that your quest Brings you into the light From the night, And the worker at last has his rest! In the home land above are no sorrows, no fears, And the life they live there is not measured by years.

—Frances Ridley Havergal.

TRIP TO THE NORTHWEST.

By George C. Tenney

WE had the satisfaction of being on the grounds of the memorable camp meeting lately held in Oakland before the meeting began and remaining till after the last benediction was pronounced. The meeting was in this respect, as well as others, quite remarkable, both people and laborers being in full attendance gave to the occasion its full measure of interest and importance—a very fortunate feature of any meeting.

Elder Olsen, accompanied by Elder J. H. Morrison, Brother A. R. Henry and wife, Brother Peter Wessels, wife and sister, and others who were leaving the grounds, left Oakland for Portland, on the evening of May 22. The journey by rail occupied two nights and one day. The first night was occupied in traversing the Sacramento Valley. Looking out and ahead to the northeast at early dawn the snowy pyramid of Mount Shasta looms grandly and beautifully from a setting of verdant hills that intervene. The mountain does not appear to be far away, but at noon we have not reached it, and until the day is nearly gone the train struggles with grades and curves, tempts the precipices and trestles within easy sight of this grand monarch of the mountains. The ascent of the upper portion of the Sacramento Valley is exceedingly beautiful and romantic.

It is rarely that a more entrancing scene is met than that at the celebrated Shasta Springs, where there is a large fountain of natural soda water. All around the soda springs the pure snow water comes dashing down the mountain side. By the use of pipes fountains are created which throw the water to great heights, whence it descends in clouds of spray. The train halts for passengers to test the soda fountain, and it is amusing to witness the disappointment of some who have obtained their ideas of soda water from the confectioners, and who fill their mouths with this free beverage, expecting to find it sweetened and flavored to taste, but suddenly experience the gentle biting of the carbonic acid gas, and a spasmodic disgust because the sirup is left out, which causes them to expel the water with even greater vehemence than that with which it was received.

It is so with many of earth's experiences; they are not what they seem nor what we anticipate they will be, and the pleasure of anticipation gives place to the discomfiture of experience.

Toward night the Siskiyou Range is crossed by some surprising feats of engineering, involving loops, tunnels, and switch tracks. The difficulties presented by these mountain passes long obstructed the ambition of railway builders, but now the "Shasta Route" adds another monument to skill and energy.

The most of the second night was spent in passing down the Willamette Valley, and in the morning we were greeted by Elder Graham and others, and conducted to the camp ground, located in the eastern borders of the city of Portland.

This was the early part of the workers' meeting and the camp was in process of preparation for the regular meeting, which was to open the following week. There were, however, a goodly number of people on the ground, and services were being held four times a day. Elder Olsen spoke twice to the workers, setting before them as fully as time would permit the expansion of the work and its increasing demands for consecration, and the necessity of thorough preparation in all branches of Christian work. It was considered something of a hardship by those assembled that they could not longer enjoy the benefits of Brother Olsen's labors, but other duties were pressing, and the party proceeded that evening up the banks of the Columbia River to Milton, Oregon, where the Upper Columbia Conference were convened in the annual camp meeting and conference.

This meeting was held in a cottonwood grove on the banks of the Walla Walla River, in the border of Milton, and about eight miles distant from the school lately established near Walla Walla. The situation was pleasant, though the inclosure was rather small and crowded. The attendance was larger than was expected and taxed the resources of the committee considerably. All the tents available were procured but were hardly sufficient for the demand. It was said there were one hundred and forty on the grounds.

As the meetings were in progress when we arrived and in progress when we departed, it will have to be left with others to give complete reports of the occasion, but there is no doubt it will prove to be the most successful ever held. As in other places, the people seemed very desirous to obtain the blessing of God. The services on the Sabbath were impressive, and we trust accomplished much good. Many sought and found the Saviour for the first time, while others who had lost their hold on God sought and found him anew. Sunday evening Brother Olsen and Brother Henry and wife started East, Brother Wessels and family left the next morning for the East by another route, and Elder Morrison remained to the close of the meeting.

The school at Walla Walla closed its first year's work very successfully just before the camp meeting began. The attendance through the year has been one hundred and sixty, and there is a prospect of a material increase the coming year. Many of the students were at the camp meeting and shared in the blessings. G. C. TENNEY.

MINISTERING.

WHAT though your feet are often weary, On ceaseless errands sent, And tired shoulders ache, and ache so sorely, 'Neath heavy burdens bent?

Be patient, lest the souls whom you are serving Be soon beyond your care, Lest little wayward feet that you are guiding Slip past you unaware.

Ah, then no joy would seem so dear and blessed As spending months and years In ceaseless service for the vanished darlings, So vainly mourned with tears!

But while you have your dear ones still around you, Do not regret your care; Far easier aching feet and arms and shoulders Than aching hearts to bear.

And still beyond your household duties reaching, Stretch forth a helping hand; So many stand in need of loving comfort All over this wide land. —Congregational Magazine.

Religion and Anger

"THERE is something wrong with the man who gets mad while trying to persuade other people to be religious."

God’s Workers Paid in Advance

"The man who works for God always gets his pay in advance."

SEASONABLE OPERATIONS.

IN operations of many sorts, success depends largely upon doing the right thing at the right time. Seasonableness is a factor which enters into all the other conditions and assumes a commanding place. When metals are being refined, it is all important to bring them to just a certain degree of heat, and to cease the application of this heat exactly at the proper time. In farming, the extent and quality of the crop will be found to depend not only on the soil and the seed, but also on the doing of certain things just when they ought to be done—plowing, harrowing, cultivating, cutting and shocking, and so forth—immediately when the opportunity is at hand. So too in religious work. Laborers for the Master must watch the signs of the seasons, and sow with all energy or seek to reap with all energy, according as the times indicate. In their hands is good seed, but to harvest the largest results, they must ever take advantage of the flood tide of opportunity. There is a time for the culture of the Christian life, but there are also times when persuasions to begin the Christian life must take the precedence.—The Moravian.

Benevolence and the Columbian Exposition

By Missionary Herald

It has been intimated that it is possible that many persons who are planning to visit the Columbian Exposition at Chicago during the present season may be withholding their benevolent gifts to some degree in order to enable them to use the funds thus withheld to meet the necessary expenses of this visit. This will be a sad fact, if it be true, and will largely discount the value of such an excursion. The way to prevent it is to sit down quickly and send to the treasury of the board a sum certainly not less than the amount which will be spent for the excursion. The better way would be to double this amount, since this method will more than double the value of the visit. If the alternative is the omission of the benevolent offering or the omission of the Exposition, be sure that it is not the former omission which is chosen. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," and it is quite possible that among the "all things" which will "be added unto you" may be included a sight of the great Exposition. The experiment is worth trying.

—Missionary Herald.

A New Missionary Steamer

The London Missionary Society, in view of the expansion of its work in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, has at length decided to build a steamer to take the place of the John Williams. The new mission in New Guinea promises, it is said, to be more extensive and important than all the other South Sea missions combined. It extends over 1,000 miles of coast, with seventy native evangelists from the different groups. Navigation in this region is difficult, and a vessel with full steam power is deemed essential. It is proposed to build a vessel which will cost about $80,000.—Missionary Herald.

The Bible in the Gilbert Language

Rev. Hiram Bingham has reduced the Gilbert islanders' language to writing, translated the entire Bible into the language, supervised its printing, and made it ready for distribution among that people. He has had the labors of a faithful wife to assist him. April 11 the revision of the last verse was finished.

Japanese Converts’ Mission Contributions

The wages of a Japanese are rarely more than sixpence a day, but last year the converts gave £5,400 for mission purposes.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

THE second year of the Australasian Bible School at Melbourne began on the 6th inst.

COPIES of the SIGNS sent to Elder F. Smoot, 180 St. Thomas Street, New Orleans, La., postpaid, will be used in missionary work.

AN Arkansas canvasser reports a Baptist minister and his wife and two other persons keeping the Sabbath as a result of reading "Bible Readings."

As a result of meetings recently held in Knoxville, Iowa, twenty-two members were added to the church. The meetings were conducted by Elder M. Larson and Brother G. F. Watson.

AT Millington, Maryland, May 27 and 28, six persons were baptized, and others were expected to follow soon. At Ford's Store seven were recently received into church fellowship by baptism. At both of these places there is bitter opposition to the truth.

TWO CANVASSERS in Helena, Arkansas, and vicinity report orders for 1,041 copies of "Bible Readings." These are already bearing fruit, and three families are reported to be keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, two being the families of colored Baptist ministers.

IN a former issue we made the mistake of stating that Elder Wm. Covert had returned from Vermont to his old field of labor in Indiana. The mistake occurred through a misunderstanding of directions for sending the SIGNS to his family. He is still laboring in Vermont.

THE elder of the church at Millington, Maryland, has been arrested for Sunday labor. A Methodist neighbor called upon him and found him laying a floor in his barn. On invitation the neighbor took supper with him, and the next day made a complaint against him. The complainant stated that his church had urged him to make the complaint. The trial has been postponed until the October term of court.

THE Christian Statesman commends the energy of Seventh-day Adventists in circulating their literature, "but not their habit of concealing the sectarian character and purpose of what they sell and give away, their 'Bible Readings for the Home Circle,' etc." As there is nothing concealed in the Bible or in authentic history, there is certainly nothing concealed in "Bible Readings," for it is simply a convenient topical reproduction of the Bible and corroborative history. If it is a sectarian book, then the Bible is a sectarian book. If the teaching of doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists is a sectarian work, then the Bible is a sectarian book, for the said doctrines are all in the Bible. And this fact is fully demonstrated by "Bible Readings for the Home Circle." The commendation of Adventist energy in circulating their literature and the charge of their trying to conceal its purpose do not harmonize very well. But inconsistency is always a companion of misrepresentation.

THUS it is that one of our students at Ann Arbor, Mich., writes in a recent Review:—

"The Lord has most signally blessed those of us who are studying in the University of Michigan, now the largest university in America. A brief description of our missionary work will do more than anything else to show you that the time of preparation is not 'years thrown away,' but that the universities open before us the grandest field for work for Christ. For two years the Sentinel has been placed in the hands of hundreds of students, many of whom have been led from error to become the strongest advocates of religious liberty, by a perusal of its pages. In debates, thoughts and expressions taken directly from the Sentinel are used by the leading men and women of the university, to expose and crush bigotry and intolerance.

"Day after day, opportunities are given us to help those about us in religious things. Some of our students spend all the time that they can spare in giving Bible readings. One of these classes is attended by twelve ladies, many of whom are becoming deeply interested in their souls' salvation. An interest is awakening throughout the city, so that entire strangers send to us, requesting permission to attend these readings. Others of our students spend much time in helping the sick and afflicted. I cannot hope to describe to you the good that has been accomplished in this way, nor the blessings which have come to the doers. But this much I do say, if I had a thousand lives, they would all be consecrated to medical missionary work."

BATTLE CREEK SANITARIUM HEALTH FOODS.

THE unequaled health foods manufactured by the Sanitarium Health Food Company are neither made nor sold by others than their authorized agents. The Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, Cal., is authorized to manufacture our granola and most of our other health foods for the Pacific Coast. The Union College is authorized to manufacture granola in Lincoln, Nebraska, and to supply members of the Seventh-day Adventist Conference living in that State. Our granola and other special health foods are not manufactured by any other parties.

SANITARIUM HEALTH FOOD CO., BATTLE CREEK, MICH.

READ THIS!

THE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR EXCURSION

To the World's Fair

Will leave on Tuesday, June 20, under the supervision and personal management of the "Committee of 95" of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, via the "Scenic Line of the World," through Salt Lake City, Glenwood Springs, Manitou (Pike's Peak), and Denver. Both Palace and Tourist sleeping cars through to Chicago without change. Secure an itinerary of the trip and you will find that it is just the excursion you want. Special features as to stop-overs and accommodations en route. Attractions that have never before been offered. The party will be select, and it will in every way be a most enjoyable journey. Secure your sleeping car berths early. Low rates of fare. J. J. Warner, agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal., or W. A. Bissell, G. P. A., 650 Market St., Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal.

THE

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MISSIONS

A Thesaurus of Facts, Historical, Statistical, and Geographical, Ethnological and Biographical, With Maps, Bibliography and Statistical Tables.

EDITED BY

REV. EDWIN MUNSELL BLISS

Late Asst. Agent American Bible Society for the Levant.

Complete in Two Volumes, size 8¼ x 10¼, over 1,300 pages, Elaborate Maps, Etc. Price, Cloth, $12.

This great work is the first attempt to give, in exhaustive array, all the facts of importance concerning the missions of all denominations and countries, their difficulties, their results, the character of the races among whom the work is prosecuted, and the social and political conditions surrounding them.

Its contributors and assistants have included a large number of specialists from every quarter of the globe, whose special knowledge and information enabled them to contribute articles of great value and of the highest authority.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MISSIONS

Includes Among its Prominent Features

The General History and Development of the Missionary Societies of the World.

An account, to date, of over 2,500 Mission Stations of the World.

The History, Ethnology, Geography, Political Conditions, etc., as specially relating to Mission Work of the Different Countries where Mission Work is carried on.

Valuable information concerning the Mental and Moral Characteristics, as well as the Social Environments, Religious Tendencies, etc., of Each Race reached by Missionary Enterprise.

Particulars regarding Home Missions, City Missions, Sunday-school Work, Young Men's Christian Associations, etc., etc.

An account of over 300 Versions of the Bible, with Specimen Verses.

Bibliographical Sketches of prominent Missionaries. This feature is of great value, showing as they do the experiences, characters and methods of the most successful workers.

Elaborate Maps especially prepared for the work, and which cover all the mission fields of the world, showing Location of all the Stations.

Special Articles, such as Historical Geography of Missions, Music and Missions, Methods and Organization of Missionary Work.

A Bibliography which embraces all books of reference in Missionary Work, and covering every department of Missionary Research. An indispensable feature to all who have occasion to speak or write on any phase of Christian Missions.

Valuable Appendices which form an Encyclopedia alone, even though separate and apart from the main work.

A General Index of the entire work, a most valuable ready reference to the mass of intelligence contained in the volumes.

Address, # PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.

International S. S. Lessons.

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." —Neh. 8:8

LESSON I.—SUNDAY, JULY 2, 1893.

PAUL CALLED TO EUROPE.

[Note.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Acts 16:6-15.

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Ghost to speak the word in Asia;
And when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.
And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
And when he had seen the vision, straightway we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;
And from thence to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the first of the district, a Roman colony; and we were in this city tarrying certain days.
And on the Sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which were come together;
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened, to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Golden Text.—"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Matt. 28:19.

Introductory Note.—Six months ago we left our lessons on Acts, at the council of Jerusalem, chap. 15:31. Paul, with Barnabas, had just set out with the instructions of the council, which were received with joy by the new converts. Paul begins his second journey with Silas (Acts 15:36-40); starting from Antioch, he went through Syria and Cilicia (verse 41); thence over the mountains to Derbe and Lystra, where Timotheus, whom Paul chose as a helper, was circumcised (Acts 16:1-5). The churches were by his visits established. Here our present lesson begins, about A.D. 50.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

Where did Paul go from Derbe and Lystra? Verse 6.
Why did he not labor in Asia? Note 2.
When reaching Mysia, where did they think of going? Verse 7.
Why did they not go?
Where did they go? Verse 8.
What vision appeared to Paul in the night? Verse 9.
What plea was made in the vision?
How did this vision affect Paul? and why? Verse 10. Note 3.
What were the two first places he stopped at? Verse 11.
What was the first city of Macedonia reached? and what was the character of that city? Verse 12.
How long did Paul and his companions remain?
What did they do on the Sabbath day? Note 4.
What notable woman heard them? Verse 14.
Why did she give heed to these things?
What followed her faith? Verse 15, first clause.
What hospitality did she show toward the apostles? Verse 15.

NOTES.

For the location of the cities and provinces mentioned in this lesson see any good map of Paul's travels, such as is found in nearly all teachers' Bibles. For a description of these places, see any Bible dictionary.
Spirit suffered them not.—This was not simply an impression, it was so distinct an intimation of the will of God that Paul had no doubt. And so in verse 7. God promised his Spirit to guide and lead; he is the same God to-day; his Spirit is the same. Oh, for more of the same faith and consecration!
Straightway we sought to go forth.—That is the way to obey God. David said he "delayed not." Paul was God's; he recognized the fact; he went without question or delay when God called.

"Oh, be swift my soul to answer Him; be diligent my feet; Our God is marching on." It is never safe to refuse God's call. 4. Sabbath day.—The seventh-day Sabbath, the day which the Jews kept. See Acts 15:21. Paul seeks a place of prayer and worship. He observes the day. He never intimates that he regarded another day. God calls us to his truth to-day; he calls us to carry that same truth to others. Will we obey both calls "straightway"?

Continue reading: LESSON I.—SABBATH, JULY 1, 1893