NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. MEMOIR of the Rev. SAMUEL DYER, Six- | he offered himself, he removed to Gos teen years Missionary to the Chinese. By EVAN DAVIES, Author of China and her Spiritual Claims. London: John Snow. 1846. 66 port, where he studied two years under Dr Bogue. The death of this venerated servant of God taking place at this time, he afterwards pursued his studies, for two years longer, under Dr J. Pye Smith of Homerton, and Dr Henderson, who then had charge of the missionary students at Hoxton; after which, his ordination took place in Paddington Chapel as a missionary to China. island, where a station had been established by Dr Milne in 1816, it was found necessary, for the interests of the mission, that he should take up his residence in that place. Here he laboured for upwards of eight years, directing his attention to the acquisition of the language, to the establishment of schools, and to the varied plans which were needful to be followed out, in seeking to extend the knowledge of the truths of the gospel. His first impressions of the place, and of his work as a missionary, are thus described by him some time after his arrival. WE have read this memoir with much interest. It contains the records of a life devoted to the noblest of all causes, and which was cut short at a time when it was beginning to give promise of the most extended usefulness, thus fur- Mr Dyer sailed from England, with nishing another illustration of the truth, Mrs Dyer, in March 1827. His original "that God's ways are not as our ways, destination was Malacca, where it was nor his thoughts as our thoughts." Mr expected that he would occupy an ap-. Dyer was, for sixteen years, a mis-pointment in the Anglo-Chinese College sionary to the Chinese," in the service of founded by Dr Morrison. On reaching the London Missionary Society. His Penang, however, or the Prince of Wales' labours, during this period, were most important and valuable; and yet though prematurely terminated, will, we have no doubt, hereafter cause his name to be associated with those of Morrison and Milne, and other distinguished men, who have lived and died in China, seeking to carry out the purpose, which they fondly cherished, of conveying the gospel to the inhabitants of that benighted empire. Few men ever entered the missionary field better qualified for the work in which they were to engage, than the subject of this memoir. To a mind richly gifted and highly disciplined, he united an ardent piety, an unquenchable "You will be surprised," says he, "to find zeal, an indomitable perseverance, and my letter dated at this place (Penang), and withal, a remarkable humility, which, bability, we shall remain here. much more so, when I tell you that, in all pro* Penang while it threw around his character a is a very pretty place; woody in the extreme, peculiar charm, led to a constant de- as are all the neighbouring islands. There are pendence, on his part, on the fountain of several lofty hills, to which Europeans resort for the benefit of their health. From the foot all grace, for all the supplies which he of the hills to the sea is a gradual descent, so needed of spiritual strength, to enable that good water, the source of which is a waterhim to bear up under all the disappoint- fall, from one of the hills, is conveyed in an ments he encountered, and the arduous aqueduct of clay to the English town, and it goes through our grounds. We reside within labours he was called to pursue. Hav- two hundred yards of the sea. I suppose this ing in early life made choice of the bar as season (September) to be the least pleasant of the profession which he intended to follow, and yet it is far from being disagreeable. We any throughout the year. It is the rainy season, he entered himself as a student at the have rain every day, but then it is in heavy Inner Temple, and afterwards attended showers, which are followed by sunshine. for some years at the University of Cam-During this season, it is pleasantly cool in the daytime; the nights are always cool. bridge. There honours and distinctions however, obliged to be exceedingly careful of opened up before him; but having be- getting wet, as it is generally attended with uncome impressed with the conviction, pleasant consequences. Most Europeans have while attending the University, that it article of a missionary's furniture, as he is conveyances, and, indeed, this is a necessary was his duty to devote himself to the obliged to go out at all times of the day, and I believe Penang service of God among the heathen, he sometimes long distances. was enabled "to count all things but loss equally healthy with Singapore; but the most healthy place in India requires that we should for Christ." His services having been be very careful of exposure." readily accepted by the society to whom In a communication of later date, he says: 3 E NO. XI. VOL. III. We are, "I send you, shall I call it, the pledge of the Redeemer's triumphs in China. In one of my journeys, I met with a Chinaman, who willingly gave me the inclosed idol. The same day, another man gave me a larger one; but if I send it, it must be by another opportunity. The Chinese universally worship idols. You cannot go into a Chinese house, except the owner be a Roman Catholic, but it has an idol, an altar, and incense. If a man have no idol, other Chinamen will say he is a bad man; so all, with scarcely one exception, have them. The field of labour is extensive in Penang. There are several thousands of Chinese, and also people of twenty or thirty other countries; but the main population is made up of Chinese and Malays. George Town, near which we live, is crowded with inhabitants. The Chinese are a very affable people; and in every respect, it is pleasant to have to do with them. They have not once disputed my representations. They will assent to all I say about Jesus Christ, without arguing against, or believing what is said. Yesterday I went to a distance from home, as far as my horse could go, to visit some Chinese, and distribute books, and returned in the evening. The reception I met with was very gratifying. Having distributed my books, I dined with a Chinese. Five of us sat down to table,―our host, my teacher, two others, and myself. The entertainment was very good in their way. I was quite welcome, and asked to come again, and remain all night.”—P. 65. In another communication addressed to Dr Morison on this subject, he states : A "Never did I write with greater pleasure to you than I do now; as I am literally constrained to sing, Blessed are my eyes for what they see.' I am delighted to inform you that we are cutting steel punches for Chinese metal types, at Penang, under my own eye. specimen I send per Captain Gotlieb, by which you may judge of the rest. I trust the Lord not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.' will give prosperity. Not unto us, O Lord, am not aware of any impediment to this good work, but want of funds; my own will be soon exhausted, and I know not where to look for funds but to the deeply interested friends of China. Do send me funds. Ask every body you know to help." In a letter to the society, he writes:"The directors are aware, that for many years I have been employed in making Chinese types, and, through the divine blessing, the work has been accomplished, and God has prospered it beyond my most sanguine expectations. * # I have no hesitation in stating my most decided opinion, that it is desirable to proceed with the smaller type, for we can now bring four types into a space a little larger than that required for one of the larger types. Here, perhaps, I should notice the The workParisian type, by M. Panthier. manship of these appears to be exquisite, considered as an effort of an European artist; but the character is such, in respect of its form, as ing books intended for the Chinese. It is into render it very inexpedient to use it for printelegant, and the parts are very much out of their proper proportions; and out of about 300 that I have seen, not ten could be selected as equal to what would be cut by a Chinese artist; to which may be added, that the system of dividing the character into parts, like the French types, ensures an improper form in more than one-half of the characters of the language. On this subject, I am fully prepared to give any requisite information."—Pp. 95, 102. Mr Dyer found the Malay language very easy of acquisition, and the Chinese, as was to be expected, proportionally difficult. Those dialects, however, of this language, which were spoken in Penang, and the surrounding countries, were readily acquired, so that active operations were soon commenced, both in preaching, as well as in the work of translation, and also in the establish ment of male and female schools. But It was in this way that Mr Dyer was that branch of labour which Mr Dyer led to employ his energies in providing most successfully prosecuted while at this the means of carrying on those larger station, and which rendered his services operations, in regard to China, which of such importance to the mission, was were so soon to be undertaken, in the the skilful series of improvements which providence of God, by those who suche introduced in regard to Chinese type-ceeded him. "The more praise is due cutting and type-founding, by which all to him," writes his biographer, "because, the operations connected with printing although he had seen the process of typewere greatly facilitated, and an incon- founding before he left England, yet to ceivable expense, otherwise unavoidable, mechanical or manual operations, he saved. was a stranger: nevertheless, he acquir"Friends in China, 'writes he, in a commu-ed, in a short time, the utmost dexterity nication to the Directors,' have greatly en- in finishing off the punches, so far as to couraged me to continue my efforts for procuring Chinese types; and I have in hand two give them that form that would lead a plans, both of which, through the divine bless- Chinaman to pronounce them beautiful. ing, have been attended with considerable suc- * cess. One is for a temporary fount, while a permanent fount is preparing against the time when the other will be worn out. The other plan is the permanent fount, which can scarcely come much into use, unless we enlarge our operations, in less than seven years, and at most only partially. The temporary fount is preparing through the medium of wooden blocks, just now packed for England; the permanent fount, through the medium of steel punches, will be cut, and type cast in India. The calculations are very tedious, but, I am happy to say, far advanced." * In the midst of this incessant toil and application, did Mr Dyer spend eight years of his missionary life at Penang. By the most rigid economy and arrangement of time, he found leisure for every thing that was missionary in its character. He took his full share of English duties; he taught bible classes; he held religious services with the European military in the settlement; he took an active part in the establishment and convince them of the folly of idolatry, and the light has been reflected into many minds, to benevolence of the gospel; and we have never ceased to proclaim from house to house,- This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save the chief of sinners.' The present state of affairs with China opens the question,- What do the directors wish us to do?' I acknowbelieve no one expected such news from China ledge myself forestalled a whole year, and I in twelve months to come. Well, now China is open to the efforts of the church; what are we to do?" advocacy of the Penang temperance so- | with the truth. We are certain that sufficient ciety. Family and social duties were not only not omitted, but received devoted and punctilious attention." In September 1835, Mr Dyer was removed to Malacca, the place to which he was originally destined, from a conviction of the importance of his services, in what, at this time, was the principal station of the society belonging to the Chinese mission. Here, for the period of four years, the same course of arduous labours was pursued. Schools were established; the printing-press was in full operation; and his type-founding proceeded to his entire satisfaction. While thus actively engaged, he was obliged to undertake a voyage to Europe for the benefit of Mrs Dyer's health. After spending some time in England, where he had many opportunities of pleading the cause of China, he returned to Singapore, in March 1842. From this place he thus writes: * "Singapore, August 1842.-To-morrow it will be one year since we embarked for India. It has been a year of mercies! The Lord hath 'set my feet in a large room.' It has come to pass that, at even-tide it is light.' This has been one of the happiest years of my life. And I wonder and am amazed at that infinite wisdom that has led me by a right way.' * * We have full liberty to teach from house to house, and we proclaim the Lord Jesus all through the town, which is one of considerable size. But the people are utterly given to idolatry, and its insignia meet the eye in every house we enter. Still we have a most attentive hearing; sometimes the people are inquisitive, but rarely rude and repulsive. # My hands are full. Translations, preparation of books, preaching, type-casting, and printing, engage my attention from day to day. God prospers us in these various items of labour; but we long, pray, and intensely desire, to see the heathen destroy their idols, and seek the way to Zion. * Of books previously in store, we have distributed 2511, partly in our annual visit to the Chinese junks, about a 100 in number, and partly in our evening visits from house to house. Our plan is, to go regularly through the bazaars, until we have made the entire circuit of the town, visiting three or four families each evening, and engaging them in conversation on the subject of religion. These visits afford us constant opportunities of preaching the word from house to house. On Friday we have a more orderly service, in a room in the midst of the bazaar. This service is in Hok-Keen; and Mr Stromach and I take it alternately. The congregations are very fair; and, at the close of the service, we dispense ointments to the afflicted members of the congregation, the Chinese poor being greatly troubled with ulcers. In these ways, we are sure that much knowledge of Christianity is spread abroad among the people. The precious seed is extensively sown, and most intensely do we long for the quickening influences of the blessed Spirit to quicken it into life. "With respect to the actual progress of the truth," again writes he, "we see nothing at present very cheering, yet we are certain that the minds of multitudes are brought into contact "The resolution of the directors, removing me to Singapore, leads me to suppose that we are now to advance and we deem it our duty to hold ourselves in readiness to do so. The papers will inform you that five ports, on the coast of China, are open to missionaries, viz. Canton, Amoy, Fuh-chew, Shang-hae, and Ning-po. With us Canton is quite out of the question, on account of the dialect. At Amoy, already settled. Of the remaining three places, Sang-hae is the place which would suit us best, as it respects the dialect there spoken; nor of Hok-keen, yet there we should have to acshould we object to Fuh-chew, in the province the missionaries of three American boards have quire another, though a kindred dialect. Of In the interesting circumstances here referred to, it was deemed advisable that there should be a conference of all the missionaries belonging to the society connected with the Chinese mission, to decide as to what measures, in this crisis of their affairs, ought to be adopted. This conference was held at Hong Kong. Mr Dyer left Singapore, along with his colleague, Mr Stromach, for this place, on the 18th of July 1843, which he and hearers of his deceased friend; but no apology was needed for embalming the memory of the just. reached on the 7th of the following month. After the proceedings of the conference had terminated, in which he took an active share, having been chosen An account of the singular circumrecording secretary by his brethren, he stances attending the melancholy event repaired to Canton the following month. of Mr Dobbie's death appeared in the Here he was seized with fever, the July number of this Magazine. In an same in its type, it is believed, with that appendix to the sermon it is stated, that, which was raging in Hong Kong during "soon after the funeral, the presbytery the period the conference held its meet--to whom Mr Dobbie had long officiings in that place. He so far recovered, ated as clerk-met, and was constituted that it was thought he might, though by the Rev. John Black, moderator. still weak, avail himself of the oppor- Before proceeding to make arrange tunity of a vessel then sailing from ments for the supply of the vacant conCanton, to return to his family. On gregation, the presbytery appointed the reaching Macao, however, it was found Rev. George Clark to act as interim clerk, that he had experienced a relapse, in place of Mr Dobbie; and agreed to and that it was necessary he should be insert the following just tribute to the conveyed on shore. Here, after linger- memory of the latter in their minutes :ing for a few days, on the 24th of Octo-This presbytery, in recording the death ber, did this devoted servant of God, in the prime of life, and with all the prospects of usefulness, which he so eagerly desired, opening up before him, breathe his spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father. We have only to say, in conclusion, that the memoir is ably written throughout, and does great credit both to the head and heart of Mr Davies, himself a fellow-labourer, with his lamented friend, in the same missionary field. It deserves a place in every christian family, and in every missionary library. The opinions advanced as to the necessity of a revision of the Chinese scriptures, and the means by which this may be accomplished, are worthy of attention. Altogether, we have no hesitation in saying, that since the perusal of the admirable memoir of Henry Martin, there is no volume, of this description, which it has fallen to us to notice, that has afforded us more unmingled satisfaction, than this memorial of the life and labours of Samuel Dyer. GOD'S WAYS VINDICATED in the REMOVAL of HIS SERVANTS. A Sermon preached at Annan on the Sabbath after the Funeral of the Rev. JAMES DOBBIE, A.M., by the Rev. RICHARD HUNTER, Carlisle. Annan: William Cuthbertson. THIS sermon is a beautiful and affectionate tribute to the memory of a beloved brother, by one of his co-presbyters, nearly of the same standing with himself, and who had been associated with him in endearing intercourse during the whole period of his ministry at Annan. The author modestly apologizes for the publication of the sermon, as drawn from him by the solicitations of the relatives of their much esteemed brother, the Rev. James Dobbie, cannot refrain from expressing their deep sense of the loss which not only his widow and family, and congregation, but this court-with which he had been connected for nearly twenty-six years-have sustained. For the last fifteen years, during which he discharged the important duties of clerk to this presbytery, his official services were invaluable. The conscientiousness with which he attended almost every meeting held for the despatch of business was most exemplary. His intimate knowledge of ecclesiastical forms was often felt to be of great use in guiding his brethren to judicious decisions on the several matters which were successively brought under their review; and he was always among the foremost in furthering, in every practicable way, the best interests of that portion of the church over which the spiritual superintendence of this presbytery extends.' "The presbytery having appointed the funeral sermon to be preached on the forenoon of Sabbath, the 31st May, the discourse here given to the public was delivered in the presence of a congrega tion probably amounting to fifteen hundred people. To quote the language of the Dumfries Courier of the following day,The audience was one of the largest that ever filled a church in Annandale. All, as may be supposed, hung on the preacher's words with sorrowful interest, mingled with emotions which sprung from the heart, and hallowed by the ennobling associations by which the gospel links time with eternity."" Mr Hunter chose, as the ground of his address to the numerous assembly, the plain but affecting words of the tion on his text is, that all believers, whatever may be the time of their continuance on earth, are the subjects of God's gracious providence, in whose hand their lives are, and who orders all the circumstances of their lot. And his third and last observation is, that God's dispensations to his people are all susceptible of a satisfactory solution. Under this head he states and illustrates the following considerations :-That the sufferings by which their "strength is weakened in the way" are meant to contribute to their spiritual improvement; that if God's servants have ful psalmist Ps. cii. 23, 'He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days' -a text very appropriate to the occasion. After having stated the circumstances to which the psalm is supposed primarily to refer, and the benefit that may be derived from its application to the christian church in seasons of trouble, he proposes to point out instructions furnished by accommodating the words to cases of individual believers. The text reminds them that they are weak in themselves; that their strength is liable to be diminished by the many maladies to which flesh is heir; and that their days, few in their utmost extent, are filled the designs of providence by doing often materially reduced in number. As a. specimen of Mr Hunter's style, we shall transcribe a short paragraph from his illustration of the last of these particulars. · their appointed work, their removal, however much their days have been shortened, may not be viewed as too soon; that if their souls be meet for heaven, they are at death transferred to a scene where their noblest aspirations shall be gratified; and that although their bodies are consigned in the meanwhile to the grave, death shall not always have dominion over them. "Even the most exemplary and pious ministers have no security that their days may not be shortened.' The pulpits of those who have been most successful in bringing souls to Christ, and in dispensing to others those religious consolations which are the best prepara- It is not our purpose to examine Mr tives for death, have not escaped the Hunter's views of the time and circumvisitations of the enemy of man's hope, stances in which the 102d psalm was more than the pews which were wont to written, or to criticise minutely the arbe occupied by the most beloved of their rangement and expression of his discharge. Our fathers, where are they? course. As a whole, it leaves a most the prophets, do they live for ever?' favourable impression upon the mind; From generation to generation, the mi- and we think that no man can rise from nisters of the gospel, like the priests of an attentive perusal of it without being the Old Testament economy, have not persuaded that the very respectable author been suffered to continue by reason of is a man of God, well instructed in the death.' In some instances, they have things of the kingdom of heaven; of come to the grave in a full age, like as right and deep-toned feeling, and of sina shock of corn cometh in in its season.' cere and ardent piety. Some parts of But these have formed the exceptions-the sermon remind us of the sweet lannot the rule. In cases not a few, the guage of Flavel:-"O friends! how strongest constitutions have sunk under many graves have you and I seen opened the accumulated weight of mental soli- for our dear relations! How oft hath citude and laborious professional exer- death come up into your windows, and tion; and if the lives of other faithful summoned the delight of your eyes! ministers have not been directly short- It is but a little while, and we shall go tened' by either of these causes to which to them: we and they are distinguished I have adverted, 'their strength has been but by short intervals. weakened in the midst of their days' by maladies or incidents not less destructive. Alas! we have been recently reminded, by an event more fitted to bring home conviction to our hearts than a thousand other kinds of illustration, that ministers at best are earthen vessels;' that they are as susceptible of injury as the clay-constructed fabrics to which they are compared ; that their durability is just as precarious; and that, like them, they may be shattered to pieces in a moment, by some sudden and inevitable stroke." 6 Mr Hunter's second general observa "Our dear parents are gone; our lovely and desirable children are gone,⚫ our bosom relations, who are as Our own souls, are gone. And do not all these warning knocks at our doors acquaint us, that we must prepare to follow shortly after them ?" NELSON'S BRITISH LIBRARY. Vols. 1, 2. THis is a series of narrative pieces on subjects both well chosen and well told. It promises fair for extensive popularity, and deserves it as much as any similar work we know. |