APPENDIX.
ABDOOL MESSEEH.
The following interesting history of this convert is given in a Report of the Church Missionary Society:
“He was born at Delhi. His original name was Shekh Salih. His father is considered a learned man, and gains a livelihood by teaching children. Shekh Salih was instructed by his father, and made considerable proficiency both in the Persian and Arabic languages.
“When he was about twenty-one years of age, he came with his father to Lukhnow, in quest of employment; and after some time, became moonshee, first to an English merchant, and then to an officer in the East India Company’s service. At this time Abdool was so zealous a Mussulman, that he induced a Hindoo servant of the above officer to become a Mohammedan. The master finding some fault with him for his officiousness, he was so offended as to leave his employ, and return to Lukhnow, with a determination of having no more communication withthe British. After this he engaged in a variety of pursuits, and visited different parts of the country, being always very attentive, and endeavouring to render others so, to the Mohammedan observances.
“At length, after having been about a year in some situation under the Nabob of Lukhnow, he went into the Mahratta country, and engaged as a trooper in the service of Ibrahim Ali Khan, one of the chieftains of the Javudpore Rajah. While under the command of this chief, Meer Khan, another chieftain, at that time in the service of the same Rajah, was sent to murder Rao Scivac Sing, the rival of the Javudpore Rajah. This transaction is well known in India. Meer Khan swore on the Koran, that he came to mediate a peace between his employer and the Rao, whom he no sooner decoyed into his tent, than, having gone out on some pretence, he caused the cords of it to be cut, and ordered his attendants to stab the visiters involved in its folds. The ill-fated Rao cut his way through the folds of the tent with a dagger, and bravely defended himself until overpowered by numbers; his head was severed from his body, and after being carried about in triumph, was sent to the Rajah. This Scivac Sing, Abdool relates, was a young man of very interesting appearance; and pity for his untimely death, with the horror excited by thesight of his head, exposed as a spectacle, raised a feeling of disgust at the perfidy of mankind. Abdool had hitherto been a stranger to such treachery; and considering, as he says, that he himself was liable to be made the executioner of equally inhuman measures, he resolved on quitting the army, and earning his bread in some peaceful way, by any labour, however degrading. This determination he put in practice; and returning to Lukhnow, supported himself by preparing green paint.
“At the end of about a year, Abdool went to Cawnpore to visit his father, at that time engaged as private tutor in the house of a rich native, who lived in the premises next to those of the Rev. Henry Martyn. He here heard of Mr. Martyn’s preaching to the poor natives, who assembled on the lawn before his house on Sundays. He determined to go, as he expressed it, to see the sport. Mr. Martyn was explaining the commandments to the people, when Abdool went to hear; and he was struck with the observations that were made, and considered them as both reasonable and excellent. He had previously been perplexed about the contradictions maintained by the different Mohammedan sects, and this Christian instruction appeared to him better than any he had as yet received. He told his father what opinion he had formed, and begged him to get him some employment at Cawnpore,where he might hear of more of these things. His father was acquainted with a friend of Sabat, who was then living with Mr. Martyn; and through this friend, Abdool was engaged, in May 1810, to copy Persian writings for Sabat. He obtained a lodging on the premises, without making known his wishes. Here he had many opportunities of obtaining the information which he desired, particularly by inquiring of the native Christian children the subjects of the lessons which they had learned in school: and by this mode, he was enabled to gain some insight into Divine Truth.
“When Mr. Martyn had finished his translation of the New Testament into Hindoostanee, the book was given Abdool to bind. This he considered as a fine opportunity; nor did he let it slip. On reading the word of God, he discovered his state, and perceived therein a true description of his own heart. He soon decided in favour of the Christian religion; but still concealed what was passing within him, till Mr. Martyn being about to leave Cawnpore on account of his health, Abdool could no longer refrain from asking his advice with respect to his future conduct; earnestly desiring at the same time, to be baptized. It was agreed that he should go down to Calcutta with Sabat and Mr. Martyn, from whom he received a solemn warning of the danger of a false profession. During theshort period of Mr. Martyn’s stay at Calcutta, he was not entirely convinced of this man’s real change of heart: recommending him, therefore, to the notice of the late Rev. David Brown, he departed without gratifying Abdool’s wish for baptism. After five month’s further delay, Mr. Brown, having observed his conduct, and being satisfied with it, baptized him in the old church, on Whit-Sunday, 1811.
“On this occasion, Mr. Brown wrote to a friend: ‘On Sunday last, I publicly baptized Shekh Salih. It was a most solemn and heart-affecting occasion. Private notice was given, that it would be in the afternoon. Good people of all ranks attended, and in the evening, I preached on the subject. This has made a very serious impression at Calcutta. I have had great satisfaction in the event. The circumstances of his case were remarkable. May we every Whit-Sunday witness similar wonders of grace! I made full investigation, and was thoroughly satisfied with the Shekh’s account of his conversion. His Christian name is Abdool Messeeh,—‘Servant of Christ;’ a particular circumstance leading to the selection of that name.’
“From this period, he was noticed by some among Mr. Brown’s congregation, and gained from their instruction a growing acquaintance with hisown fallen state, and the remedy provided for it through the Saviour.
“From Whit-Sunday 1811, till last July, Abdool continued to reside in Calcutta. Much opposition he met with from the Mohammedans, who made him many offers of money, &c., if he would renounce Christianity, or leave the place. Twice, on frivolous pretences, he was summoned before the British magistrate, and discharged with costs. Under these circumstances, his temper has appeared to great advantage, and invariably, such as one should have wished. To put an end to these vexations, he was advised to remove to Chinsurah in July; where his conversation and example produced a good effect on many, especially on a Roman Catholic Portuguese, and the son of an Armenian priest, who have both expressed an intention of following him up the country, that they may enjoy his company, and partake of his labours.”
The Rev. Mr. Corrie accompanied Abdool on a missionary tour in India; and from the journal which he kept, the following extracts are made. Whilst this narrative gives evidence of the zeal and piety of the individual, and thus exemplifies the power of religion, it is interesting as a specimen of the method which missionaries have to pursue in Pagan countries, and as proof of the great importance of having native converts employed in this work.
“1812, Nov. 20th.—We left the neighbourhood of Calcutta, having two friends in company. There was a large party of boatmen and servants.”
“Nov. 29th.—We rested in a lonely place. In the afternoon, Abdool collected the boatmen and others on the bank, to the number of about forty, and preached to them. He began and ended with a hymn, after the manner of the Asiatic religious, in which he was joined by the Christian children and servants. His discourse was from the latter end of the first chapter of St. Matthew. He spoke of our sinful state by nature, adducing many proofs observable in their own life and conversation, which render a Saviour necessary; enlarged on the birth of Christ without sin, that he might be a suitable surety for sinners; the meaning of his name Jesus, Immanuel; bringing forward proofs of his divine power, and pointing out the salvation which he bestows. The latter part was very satisfactory indeed, as an evidence of his acquaintance with the change which passes in the Christian’s mind. His discourse was intermixed with exhortations to embrace the religion of the only Saviour. Some, it seems, set light by what they heard: others approved, and said his book contained more weighty truths than their Shasters.”
“Dec. 5th.—Saturday. We arrived in the neighbourhood of a Christian friend, and our party wentfrom the boats to pass the Sunday at his house and found, literally, in the wilderness God present in our little assembly.
“Abdool could not get the boatmen to attend him; and therefore, taking the Christian children with him, he went to a village at a little distance, and began to sing his hymn. The whole village, men, women, and children, soon gathered round him; he explained to them the ten commandments, and enforced their obligation. They heard with much attention.”
“Dec. 29th.—At Dinapore we were gratified with the sight of a large school of native children, kept by the Baptist missionaries. They have another school in a neighbouring village. One of the missionaries told me, that Mr. Martyn’s name is held in great esteem by the natives here; and that the schools which he had instituted when here, had rendered the way easier; for the people now send their children to school without scruple. I remember it was not so when Mr. Martyn began his schools.”
“1813, Jan. 3.—Sunday. Our boat staid at Ribbon Gunge. In the afternoon, Abdool went into the bazar, and preached. At first, the people showed no attention; but gradually, one and another stood, till a crowd collected, and more attention seemed excited than at any place before. Afterhe had finished his discourse, the people gathered round him, and asked many questions about the names which he had mentioned. Three came down to his boat with him, and passed a good deal of the evening in conversation; writing down from his lips what he told them in brief of Christian truth.”
“Jan. 7th.—At Baxar. Early in the morning walked with Abdool toward the European barracks. On drawing near, some of the native wives of the soldiers recognized me, and several came out and expressed their gladness to see me, and said they should be happy to have public worship. These had been of my congregation at Chunar. Abdool expressed great satisfaction, and observed that this was the first time he had seen native Christians desire divine service. About ten, we had public worship with the Europeans, the commanding officer attending. About twenty native Christians, mostly women, assembled in another place, with Abdool; after reading prayers, he was led to discourse long on subjects which occurred at the time, and says he never felt his heart so drawn out during any exercise as here. Several, also, of the congregation were affected, even to tears.”
“Jan. 10th.—Sunday. Rested at Ghazeepore. In the afternoon, Abdool walked into the native town. Met with the chief land-owner in the placeand neighbourhood; a man of wealth and of great good nature, and much esteemed among his own people, as a holy man. After some conversation, he invited Abdool to his house, where about a hundred people were assembled, before whom much discussion took place about religion. The above person showed more disposition to attend than any of them; and begged to have two copies of St. Matthew, and two of Persian, and that all the translations should be sent him from time to time.”
“Jan. 14th.—We reached Benares. On Friday, Abdool went up to Secrole, to visit a native doctor there, of Portuguese origin. They had much conversation together, with which the above person expressed himself greatly delighted. He thankfully accepted a copy of the morning prayer and litany, promising to begin worship in his family. Abdool visited other native Christians there, with less satisfaction. In returning to his boat, he had a long discussion with a crowd of Mussulmans.
“On Saturday, Abdool went to Chunar; and on Sunday forenoon, held public worship there. On that, but few attended; but those were greatly affected; many of them even to loud sobbing and tears. They earnestly requested that he would preach again the next day, which he did to a large assembly; and on Tuesday also. They heard withgreat attention, and detained him long afterwards with inquiries on the subject on which he had addressed them. A party came down to his boat, begging he would read the scriptures to them; and adding, ‘Alas! when master was here,’ (meaning Mr. Corrie, who had been chaplain at Chunar,) ‘we paid too little attention to his labours. Would you were to remain among us!’”
“Jan. 22.—At Mirzapore, a young man came on board, who said he had followed from Chunar, on purpose to hear more from Abdool, and to beg a copy of the translation. He is the son of a Zemindar, and appears serious, and full of inquiries. He said he knew, that in the latter days, all shall become of one religion; and he supposed the time to be at hand.”
“Jan. 23.—In the morning we arrived at Allahabad.
“The concourse of people assembled to celebrate the annual bathing season, was unusually great. Every one that bathes at the junction of the Ganges and Jumma, pays to government a rupee; and from a calculation made two days before the close of the festival, it was expected that 250,000 rupees would be collected. Those who drown themselves pay an additional sum to government. One poor wretch had drowned himself, with the usual ceremonies, before our arrival. Several morehad signified their intention of doing so, at the eclipse of the sun, on February 1; and many, it was expected, as is annually the case, would, from the pressure of the crowd, be thrust beyond their depth, and perish in the waters. The sight of such a multitude, collected on so deplorable an occasion, could not but affect a feeling mind. And is not the error of Balaam chargeable on those, who, possessing the vision of the Almighty, love and receive the wages of such superstitious iniquity?”
“In going to the house of a merchant, Abdool passed by a mosque, where they were beginning prayers. He went to the door, but did not go in, lest they should raise a complaint against him for defiling their place. The reader began: ‘O God, enlighten our hearts with the light of faith!’ Abdool said aloud, ‘Amen!’ The reader looked round with astonishment; and after observing, began again the same sentence; to which Abdool again repeated aloud, ‘Amen!’ The reader proceeded, and Abdool was silent the rest of the service. When it was ended, some of them came round him, and inquired, ‘You said Amen to the first sentence, but to no other; why was this?’
“Abd.‘Because the first sentence was right, and was the prayer of holy men of old; but the latter part is an invention of late date.’
“Query.—‘How do you make that appear?’
“Abd.—‘You add the name of Aububeckar to that of Mohammed so that, by your own confession, that is added since Mohammed’s time.’
“Some of them now suspected, and inquired if he were not such an one. This led to an understanding, and a long dispute, in which he explained to them many of our customs in worship, and made appeals to their conscience. One asked, if he were not affected by the contempt of his former friends, and wondered he could be so hardened as thus openly to contend for Christianity.
“Abd.—‘I am, indeed, affected; and my heart by no means approves of your opposition; and you know, that at Lukhnow, had such things been said to me, how I should have resisted; but now I am withheld. I am no longer in my own keeping, but in the power of another.’
“These asked who that might be. He answered, ‘I am restrained, and enabled to bear your reproach, by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ They were silent.
“He went last to the old merchant, who has a house at Delhi, where he formerly resided, and with some of whose children Abdool was educated. He treated Abdool with more affection than any of the others: and was much moved by his exhortations to seek salvation from Christ, at the eleventh hour. He, and two others of the whole crowd assembled,took a copy of St. Matthew’s Gospel. Many might have been given away; but where no disposition appeared to read them, it was thought best not to give them.
“In one company, Abdool had occasion to mention his having been baptized by Mr. Brown. Some one inquired, ‘Where is Mr. Brown now?’
“Abd.—‘He is where he has long intended to go. He is no longer in this world.’ They said, ‘That is very well! May you soon go after him, and no longer make this ado about your religion!’
“Abd.—‘I do, indeed, desire to be where Mr. Brown is, and care not how soon I may be taken: but think not this religion depends on Mr. Brown, or on me: for if I were taken away, God can raise up one from among your own selves, to supply my place.’”
“Feb. 5th.—An event occurred to-day, which Abdool related with great pleasure. At Monickpore resides an aged man, of venerable appearance, with a flowing white beard, who is considered a holy man. He is the proprietor of several villages, and is a man of more than ordinary good nature. He has many servants, and many disciples, and keeps open house for travellers. On these accounts he is much venerated by his neighbours. His place of worship is held very sacred, and many go thither as on a kind of pilgrimage. On Abdoollooking in at the outer gate of the premises, one who was going in said, ‘Come in, and pay your devotions.’
“Abd.—‘What place is this?’
“‘It is a holy place; come in.’
“Abd.—‘What advantage will arise from my going in?’
“Stranger.—‘Why, every body goes.’
“Abd.—‘Though every body should act senselessly, why should I?’
“On this the old man came out, and asked Abdool who he was?
“Abd.—‘I am one of mankind, a servant of God.’
“The master of the house pressed him to go in; and ordered food to be brought for him, and for a Christian lad who was with him. On the food being brought, he himself set it before them, and begged them to eat.
“Abd.—‘Excuse me; I may not eat of your dishes: not that I have any objection to eat with you, or with any one: but I am a Christian; and should I eat with you, your disciples would say you had lost caste.’
“‘You are, at all events, a good man, for thus explaining to me, and I am happy to see you. Pray, have the English any books beside histories and books of amusement?’
“Abd.—‘Yes, surely; they have the books of Moses, of the Prophets, and the Gospel. All the ancient books are in their possession.’
“‘Yes! the law, the psalms, the gospel, and the koran. I know there are four divine books.’
“Abd.—‘Well! all these are in the hands of the English; though of these there are many books which you include under the name of the law;’ mentioning Isaiah and Daniel, and saying that David was the author of the Psalms.
“‘Well,’ said the old man, ‘I never knew that before; and have the English any kind of worship among them?’
“Abd.—‘Certainly they have: but they are taught to shut their door, and to pray to their Father who seeth in secret. They place no dependence on outward observances for salvation. Why, if you are to be judged according to your opinions, by your works, you must be condemned. You are required to have on clean clothes when you worship; and that is easily obeyed: but then you are also to exclude the world from your mind, and to worship with the heart intensely fixed on God, (repeating a verse of the koran in proof.) Now, do you thus fulfil the precept?’
“The old man said, ‘Oh no!’
“Abd.—‘Then are you not an offender?’
“‘Alas! yes.’
“Abd.—‘Now the Christians are taught to believe in Jesus, as enduring the shame and pain of death, on the cross, which they deserve; and that, through faith in his sufferings, they shall be saved. They do indeed obey God; yet not of themselves, but by his grace: and their obedience attends their salvation, though not as the price of it.’
“The old man expressed great thankfulness; said he had never heard such things before; told his disciples these were true words, and begged a copy of the Gospel: for which, as Abdool had not taken one with him, he walked down, attended by his retinue. On parting, he begged Abdool would give him a sentence to remember. This is a custom between spiritual guides, when they part after a visit; and the most absurd expressions are common among them on these occasions. Abdool said, ‘There is no such custom among Christians; but I can tell you one sentence, which, if you remember and believe, may be of service to you; and that is, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cleanseth from all sin!’ He requested Abdool would write to him, from time to time, on such subjects.
“Feb. 13th.—Saturday, arrived at Cawnpore. On Sunday, Abdool’s brother, and his nephew, came from Lukhnow to meet him. They received him with great affection, and wished to eat withhim, and to be one with him in all things. Abdool wisely would not suffer them, until they should understand the grounds of his conversion, when they might choose. They brought word that a great stir had been made in Lukhnow, on the report of his baptism reaching that place. One night a crowd collected at his father’s house, and demanded that he should openly renounce his apostate son, or they should suspect him also of becoming a Christian. He and the brothers declared they would not renounce Abdool, who always behaved kindly, and now wrote to them with great affection. A tumult ensued, which required the interference of the cutwal, or mayor; and the report was carried to the Nabob’s sons, if not to the Nabob himself. The great men took the part of Abdool’s family, and threatened the other party. These circumstances were partly known; and it had been determined as most advisable for Abdool, not to go to Lukhnow for the present; but on being told of his family’s continued good will and favourable disposition to the gospel, as also that his father, mother, brothers, and sisters, with their children, had determined on coming to see him, if he would not go over—the sisters also resolving to risk the displeasure of their husbands rather than not see him—Abdool thought he ought to go; and we, commending him to the Lord, sent him, with hisbrother and nephew, with one servant to bring us word of his welfare.
“Abdool is well known here, and his return has excited much talk about religion. It would occupy too much time to record every part of the conversation which he held the first day he went to the Bazar. It would explain exactly what is recorded of St. Paul’s disputing daily in the market. Acts xvii. 17.
“One circumstance seems worthy to be remembered, as it shows that the natives are well aware that Christianity requires diligence in business. A Faqueer by trade, on seeing Abdool, cried out, ‘Ho! you seller of (your) faith, will you give me any thing?’
“Abd.—‘If you desire to purchase spiritual blessings, I may, perhaps, be able to supply you; but, as to worldly things, I have little to give. What I have, I labour for, and you are able to work for your provision, as well as I.’
“The Faqueer replied, ‘So I expected; now you are become English, you would be for setting me to work.—I know their way is, work for your bread! work for your bread!’
“On the evening of Sunday the 21st, we were agreeably surprised by the return of Abdool from Lukhnow. He found the ill-will of his former friends so much excited, that he did not leave hisfather’s house, during the day he staid there. In the evening he went to a friend’s house, and had much discussion on the subject of religion. He gave ten copies of St. Matthew to different persons who desired them, and prudently withdrew privately; and praised God, he says, when he set foot on British territory.
“Two days after his return, his father, two brothers, and two nephews, came over. Their prejudices appear removed. They joined in prayer, both in private and in church, and declared their intention of embracing Christianity. Most of their inquiries were on the subject of our Lord’s divinity, of which, after having seen the evidences from the Old and New Testaments, they seemed convinced. Their parting with Abdool was very affecting. The old man threw his arms round his son’s neck, and wept plentifully. Abdool was much moved, and said, ‘I pray, sir, forbear your tears. My Lord hath said, He that loveth brother, or sister, or father, or mother, more than me, is not worthy of me.’
“‘Well, well,’ said the old man; ‘but I am returning to calamity; I know many will try to trouble me; but I will give up these,’ turning to his two grand-children, ‘to be educated in Christianity; I commit them to Jesus Christ! God grant that that country (Lukhnow) may soon come intothe possession of the British! Then we might live in peace.’ Abdool reminded him, that God would deliver him, and that His peace is alone worth caring for. ‘True,’ said the younger brother, ‘and these lads we commit to Christ! During the rains I also will come and stay some months with you.’”
“March 18th, 1813.—Arrived at Agra. Abdool had come on some days before, and related several conversations with persons on the way, about religion. Many copies of St. Matthew given away.
“Sunday, March 21.—About three P.M. six native Christians, beside the children, &c. attended Hindoostanee worship in the fort, with whom Abdool read prayers, and expounded Luke v., it being the chapter in order of reading. In the evening many hundreds of the poor assembled near the fort, to whom Abdool read and explained briefly the ten commandments. Many cried out, ‘These are true words; and the curse of God will be upon us if we obey them not!’
“March 22.—Set our native school in order, by appointing six of the head boys to learn English on the new British plan, that some or all of them might, through the divine blessing, become translators. They all continue to learn the catechism in the mornings, with Persian during the day; and attend morning and evening worship, in which Abdoolofficiates, by reading a chapter, and making remarks upon it, using some prayers from the liturgy afterward.
“Sunday, March 28th.—At three o’clock, the native congregation of Christians consisted of about forty persons. Abdool explained the Gospel of St. Luke in order, and read and commented on the fourteenth chapter. Some of the people staid to inquire who he was, and said they felt their hearts much affected whilst he was addressing them. In the evening he went into the town. A great crowd collected to receive charity. Before he distributed it, he explained the original state and the fall of man. Many sat quietly; evidently more taken up with the discourse, than with their own necessities. Daily some of the Mohammedans come to converse with Abdool.
“April 3.—This evening he went to visit a very old man, accounted by the Mohammedans a holy man, and resorted to by many of them. He had been a scholar of Abdool’s grandfather, and had repeatedly expressed a desire to see Abdool. Many were collected at the old man’s house. Some asked, who Abdool was. The old man told them, mentioning many circumstances respecting the respectability of his family: among others, that Abdool’s mother’s brother, is president of the Royal Mohammedan College at Delhi. They then asked Adboolwhence he now came; and on being told that he was a certain Englishman’s disciple, they inquired what he had learnt. He replied, he had gained some valuable information in religion. One of them said, ‘What connexion has religion with the English? Their native country is a small island, where they can know nothing; and in this country, what benefit in religion can you reap from them?’ Abdool told him, that he spoke thus, for want of information. The old man made a sign for Abdool to desist. Abdool said, ‘If you are afraid I should be disgraced before this company, pray understand that I go into the Bazar to speak on these subjects, and am not ashamed of Christianity, that I should flatter, or deal in ambiguous language.’
“‘Well,’ said the old man, ‘but now leave off, and come among us from time to time; we shall be happy to see you.’
“The discussion was thus interrupted, and nothing satisfactory could afterward be introduced; so Abdool rose to go. They again invited him to frequent their society; he replied, he had not time to spare for mere visiting; but if they would allow him to read a chapter in the gospel every time he came, he would wait on them as often as they pleased. They expressed a wish that this might be the case. Time will prove their sincerity.”
“Sunday, April 4th.—In the afternoon, at three,fewer native Christians attended Hindoostanee worship; but a great many servants of the gentlemen who live in the fort, came to hear, behaved very orderly, and heard with much attention the explanation of the parable of the prodigal son. In the evening Abdool explained the Apostle’s creed, to multitudes of natives, collected outside the fort, who all behaved respectfully to him.
“April 5th.—After morning worship Abdool took the children, and went into the fort, to be ready for the afternoon. When all the children were collected, he read to them the story of ‘Henry and his Bearer.’ They all expressed great delight. When he had finished, the eldest of his nephews said, ‘Now I must of necessity be baptized.’
“Sunday, April 11th.—About nine o’clock, while the native Christian children and servants were at worship, a venerable old man, who says he is ninety years of age, came from the Tage to Abdool’s. The tears began to roll down his cheeks, as they proceeded in the service: toward the end, he repeated ‘Amen’ heartily, after each petition. When prayers were ended, he went up to Abdool, and embraced him; who said, ‘Do you know that I am a Christian?’ He answered, ‘Yes: I heard so yesterday. I have often seen the English at worship, but never understood their language; butyour prayers are most excellent, and my soul has been greatly refreshed by them.’
“May 5th.—To-day a Mohammedan physician sent to request that Abdool would visit him in the evening. He accordingly went, and found him as an attendant on the Royal Family at Jondpore. He has leave to visit Agra, owing to sickness in his family, which required change of air. He had heard of Abdool’s conversion yesterday, and could not believe he was the person he pretended to be. He offered to bet 2000 rupees, that a person of the family described, could not change his religion. He moreover said, if he were such a one, he must know him, for they were at school together; and he would send for this person, (viz. Abdool Messeeh,) and prove him to be an impostor. On Abdool’s going to his house, nothing could exceed the physician’s astonishment, to find him the very person described, and his own school-fellow. They had a long and friendly conversation about their former intercourse, and read several chapters in St. Matthew, and other parts of the New Testament. On Abdool’s answering his objections, he said, ‘This is the way I understand you did yesterday, silencing every body by reference to their own customs: and so I perceive Islam will not stand.’ He took a copy of St. Matthew, and desired to have the whole New Testament.
“Sunday, May, 9th.—In the evening, out of the fort, a greater number than ever was collected, with evident desire to hear the Word. They checked one another, in order to preserve silence. One, impatient at the noise around him, cried aloud, ‘Keep silence, ye accursed, and let us hear the Word! Ye have six days in the week, have ye not, to babble and talk?’ The subject was, ‘This is a faithful saying.’ Several were in tears. One man came forward, and declared he would be a Christian. He was sick, had long been ill, did not expect to live long, and these words comforted him. He had never before heard such comfortable words.
“One evening, during the preceding week, Abdool went into the city. A number of people collected round him, and entered into conversation; at length, they begged that he would sit down, and read them a chapter. He did so, and read the eleventh of John. One of them told him, ‘if you would have us become Christians, you must come among us, and teach us the gospel. Come and live among us, and we will attend you daily.’
“Sunday, June 6th.—The attendance in the fort was as usual; and in the evening, without the fort, the crowd was beyond all former example. Even the tops of some of the houses, were covered with Mohammedans; but those of the crowd whocould not hear, by their pressing and eagerness to get forward, prevented much of what Abdool said from being heard.
“June 7th.—The whole day was passed by Abdool in the city; and his house was like an exchange, from morning till night. More copies of the scriptures were sought for; and one moonshee began to read St. Matthew with Abdool. Three children were brought to school, and the people speak with much admiration of the establishment of a free school.
“June 9th.—Numbers of people visited Abdool again to-day, and many interesting conversations took place. An old Mohammedan, uncle to one of the principal men in the city, was asked, on going away, what he thought of Abdool. He answered, ‘What can I say? He says nothing amiss; and nothing can be objected to the Gospel; what can I say?’
“June 10th.—To-day the doctrine of Christ witnessed a triumph. For three weeks past, a faqueer, of the Jogi tribe, has come frequently to our morning worship, in the school. On Tuesday the chapter to be read in order was John xvii. The subject of it, and our Lord’s manner toward his disciples, arrested the attention of the Jogi, and the tears flowed plentifully down his cheeks. To-day he brought his wife and child; said he was a convertto Jesus, without reserve; and began of himself to take off his Faqueer’s dress. He first took the beads from off his neck; then broke the string to which the charm given him by his gooroo was suspended; then broke off an iron ring worn round his waist, and to which an iron rod, about two feet long, was attached. He then put on some old clothes, which we had by us, and said, now he wished to be instructed in the Gospel, and to get employment. A rupee was given to procure food for the family, with which the wife went and bought a spinning wheel, saying, she would spin and earn their livelihood. These are wonders in the history of a Hindoo. The whole family afterward ate their dinner with Abdool, of their own accord.
“To-day, also, an old woman who has constantly heard Abdool on Sundays, brought her little all from the house of a Mohammedan, where she had long lived, and took up her abode among the Christians, expressing a heart-affecting sense of her value for the Gospel of Christ.
“A leper too, who has spent years in religious observances, without finding rest to his mind, and who has been some time in constant attendance on the means of grace, took up his abode with us, saying, Jesus would cure the inward leprosy of his soul.
“The old soldier also, and his wife and son, have cast in their lot with us.
“The school to-day increased to ten, expressly under the idea that it is a Christian institution.
“June 12th.—The whole city seems moved with this new thing which is come unto them; but not a tongue stirs in opposition. As a proof of this, the Mooftee of the court, whose father is Khazee ol Kazat, or Native Chief Justice of the Company’s head court in Calcutta, sent to beg that Abdool would forget the attempt that had been made by his relatives in Calcutta, to procure his imprisonment, and would visit him, (the Mooftee,) and be friends with him.
“It would be no easy task to record all the interesting discussions which have taken place, during these two days, between Abdool and the principal Mohammedans in the city. One of them observed, that Abdool was so provided with armour, that none of their weapons (arguments) could reach him.
“June 18th.—To-day, Abdool was informed, that the kazee (judge) is taking pains to prevent the children from coming to school, and the people from visiting him. Some of the children said to him, on his forbidding them to go to school to Abdool, ‘Will you then instruct us gratis, as he does?’
“June 25th.—Yesterday, as Abdool was reading and explaining Acts iv. at his house in the city, an extraordinary instance of Divine power attending the Word, appeared. A youth about fifteen, a Brahmin of the Gour caste, had come, among others, to see and hear this new thing. Abdool observed him very attentive; and as he proceeded, and was explaining verse 12, ‘Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name given among men, whereby we can be saved,’ the lad seemed greatly agitated, and breaking off his Brahmin’s cord, threw it away. All who were present observed what he did, but no notice was then taken. After the congregation went away, the lad remained; said he would embrace the Christian religion, and, in short, of his own accord ate with Abdool, and came home with him in the evening.”
“July 6th.—To-day the Rajah Ram Narian passed most of the day here. He is son of the brother of the well known Cheyt Sing, Rajah of Benares, who was finally set aside from the rajahship by the Honourable Company, on the murder of Mr. Cherry, and the present family placed on the musnud, who are of the female line. On June 9th, this Rajah Ram Narian called upon me, (Rev. Mr. Corrie.) He had passed the greatest part of a day at Cawnpore, with the late Mr. Martyn, with whom I was then an inmate. Since then, hehas been visiting about among the Mahratta princes and on arriving here, and hearing of my being here he came to call upon me. After some time, he entered into a detail of the misfortunes of his family. I heard him out, and then endeavoured to show him, that all worldly expectations were thus deluding; and that, though we should gain our end in the world, we must leave it, and go to give account to God: whilst those, who know and love the true God, have a never-failing portion. Abdool, who was present, took up the subject. The young man was roused to attention, came to see us day after day, and expressed very freely in public his approbation of the Gospel, becoming daily more serious and earnest in his religious inquiries. At length, he became suspected of an inclination to Christianity. Crowds, both of Hindoos and Mussulmans, visited him daily, to dissuade him from associating with Abdool. On the 2d inst., he took up his abode with Abdool, in the city; and now, the whole city seemed moved. Day and night, he was beset by people, many of whom had never seen him, or heard of him until now; and the agitation of mind occasioned thereby, made him quite unwell. To-day he is much indisposed, yet came out to see me. After some previous conversation, I said to him, ‘If your intention of embracing Christianity be sincere, I do most heartily inviteyou to occupy these rooms,’ in which we were sitting, ‘and in all respects, to consider me as a brother: only I am anxious that no worldly motive should enter into your resolutions, and that no one should be able to say, you were influenced by temporal considerations.’ He answered, very distinctly and deliberately, ‘Sir, in respect of name, what can I propose to myself by the change? My family is the chief among the Hindoos, being Brahmins, and lords of the holy city. In respect to provision, you know how I have lived, and could still live:’—he told me before, that he could collect 400 rupees a month, and subsistence for three or four hundred followers among the Mahratta princes:—‘What earthly end can I have in view? But, among the Hindoos or Mohammedans, I never heard of any whose birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, can be compared with Jesus. I perceive he is the only Saviour, and I see I may obtain remission of sins through him.’
“July 8th.—In consequence of the above visit, the friends and adherents of the Rajah became quite violent with him, and threatened, by some means or other, to put an end to his life. They threatened Abdool also, who quietly, but resolutely answered, ‘If you should accomplish my death, it would be a cause of joy to me, as bringing me at once to Him whose I am; but, be assured, yourlives would be forfeited to the law, and at the throne of God, you would find Raim,[17]or any other you depend upon, quite unable to save you from the guilt of murder.’ They were dismayed at his resolution, and have kept aloof from him since; but have persuaded the Rajah to make a journey to Gualier, where another widow of Cheyt Sing’s is, and of a brother of his own. He says he will come back alone shortly; appears in deep distress; and said to-day, ‘I go with them because I fear they will otherwise murder me; but I know, if I do not become a Christian, I shall go to hell with my eyes open. My faith is in Jesus Christ alone, and beside him there is no Saviour.’ A Mohammedan in the service of the Rajah has been the chief opposer, and has tried to get others to say that Abdool wished to compel people to become Christians. A Molwee, who lives near, and to whom he first addressed himself, told him at once he lied, and was an infidel for opposing an idolater who wished to believe in revelation, though not in Mohammed. The Hindoos to whom he applied, said he was mad; that they saw and heard all that passed in Abdool’s house, and saw no violence offered to any one. One Hindoo said, ‘I hear him forbid people to kill, or to commit adultery, or to steal, or to tell lies; if this be Christianity, it is a good religion; thereare no such good words even in the Sanscrit books.’
“July 11th.—A man from a neighbouring village was present to-day, who has been a constant attendant for some time. He was asked why he had expressed a wish to become a Christian? He answered, ‘For the sake of salvation.’ What had he heard, that should induce him to hope for salvation in Christianity? He said, ‘He had never heard of any whose birth corresponded with that of Christ; that to raise the dead, and himself to rise from the dead, proved him to be the Son of God, and able to give remission of sins. He to-day took his meal with the Christians, by which his caste is gone.
“July 24th.—To-day a Mohammedan from Berthpore came, who is physician to the Rajah’s family. He had long ago perused the Pentateuch in Arabic, lent him by a Roman Catholic priest, who lived with General Duboin. About two years ago, it came into his mind to search for truth. The irreconcilable contradictions among the different Mohammedan sects, struck him powerfully, and convinced him that truth was not with them. He read in the Koran, that Christ is the Spirit of God. This gave him a high idea of our Saviour. He took an opportunity of coming to Agra soon after that time, when he visited Mr. C. the Baptist missionary,who urged him to an immediate profession of Christianity. This he was not prepared for, but took a copy of St. Matthew and St. Mark, in Persian, translated by Sabat, and went back to Berthpore. There he has been until the present time, fully persuaded of the truth of Christianity, and the divinity of Christ, from the perusal of the above translation, but desirous of meeting with some of his own countrymen, who could inform him further; he at length heard of Abdool, and of the kindness and inoffensiveness of his manners. ‘This,’ said he, ‘is the way of that religion.’ And on Monday, he came over on purpose to meet with Abdool. He was led to the house of a Molwee, who teaches our Christian boys Arabic, and who is very favourable to the truth; so that his introduction to Abdool was thus made easy. He now wishes to be baptized; seems less than any native whom I have seen, to consult with flesh and blood; said he desired only to be great in the sight of God, and, if it were his will, to be among the first fruits of Hindoostan; for he is sure that all the land will become Christian, and he desires to give himself to labour to spread the Gospel. He has a son eighteen years old, whom he has made acquainted with the change passing in his mind; and who, he says, is, equally with himself, disposed to embrace the Gospel. He has gone back to bring this son,and what property he has, that he may give himself wholly to the work of the Lord.
“July 18th.—This afternoon the above person made his appearance, with his son, at worship in the city. He had thought, he said, of sending his son first: but afterward reflected, ‘This is not a work to be delayed, or trifled with.’ He publicly professed, before all the people assembled, that he was come expressly to receive baptism. He laid aside his turban, and knelt down to prayer with the Christian part of the assembly.
“July 23.—To-day, Abdool’s eldest nephew, after many solicitations, was examined for baptism. So long since as the beginning of May, he had been observed diligent in secret duties; and the questions which he asked, discovered an awakened conscience. On Monday last, he began to read the Scriptures, and pray with the Catechumens. This was after repeated requests to be allowed to do so, and diligent application to private reading of the Scriptures. To-day he was asked, ‘Why do you wish to be baptized?’ He said, ‘Because I am conscious of many and great sins, and I wish to enter on the way of forgiveness.’
“Ques.—‘But perhaps the English government may not always remain in this land; and you know, in that case, the Hindoos and Mohammedans would persecute you: what would you do?’
“Ans.—‘Certainly, since they despised, and persecuted, and ill-treated the Saviour, I can expect no other; but, through his help, I would remain firm.’
“July 24th.—During the whole of this week, the Hugeem from Berthpore has attended daily with his son. The Epistle to the Hebrews was appointed to be read, to show him the connexion between the Old and New Testaments. As we went on, his attention was evidently attracted by the peculiar truths of the Gospel—the divinity of Christ—his suitableness, as God, to be a Saviour—the sufficiency of his sacrifice, and the extent of it, as reaching to sins under the former dispensation also. The passages connected with these subjects, drew from him many expressions indicative of a truly enlightened mind. He has been daily also inquiring about baptism; and as the subject has been on his mind above two years, and he is now evidently decided in his choice, it was agreed to baptize him to-morrow. After talking of his family, I asked if he was aware of any thing in his own history for which God might be justly displeased with him. He answered, ‘What have I done, that deserves the name of virtue, all my days? If I have done any thing good at all, it is this acceptance of the truth.’”
Bishop Heber makes mention of Messeeh, inhis Journal, near Agra, January 12th, 1825, as follows:—
“Abdool Messeeh breakfasted this morning at Mr. Irving’s; he is a very fine old man, with a magnificent grey beard, and much more gentlemanly manners, than any Christian native whom I have seen. His rank, indeed, previous to his conversion, was rather elevated, since he was master of the jewels to the court of Oude, an appointment of higher estimation in eastern palaces, than in those of Europe, and the holder of which has always a high salary. Abdool Messeeh’s present appointments, as Christian missionary, are sixty rupees a month,[18]and of this, he gives away at least half. Who can dare to say, that this man has changed his faith from any interested motives? He is a very good Hindoostanee, Persian, and Arabic scholar, but knows no English. There is a small congregation of native Christians, converted under Mr. Corrie, when he was chaplain at Agra, and now kept together by Abdool Messeeh. The earnest desire of this good man is, to be ordained a clergyman of the church of England; and if God spares his life and mine, I hope, during the next autumn, to confer orders on him. He is every way fit for them, and is a most sincere Christian, quite free, so far as I could observe, from all conceit or enthusiasm.His long eastern dress, his long grey beard, and his calm, resigned countenance, give him already almost the air of an apostle.”
In that year he was much afflicted by losing the use of his limbs by the palsy; ‘but,’ said he, ‘I can move about in a carriage, and God grants me the faculty of speech. Through his blessing, I trust I shall be permitted, until death, to declare the truths of the gospel. When, at length, this sinful body of mine is dead, and shall have put on immortality, may I be found among the least of the blessed!’
Thus he maintained a consistent Christian life, and his closing hours were brightened with Christian hope.
“He became ill; and Dr. Luxmore, finding him in a dying condition, from mortification, had him conveyed to his own house, where he was supplied with suitable medicine, nourishment, and attendance, to the last. He expressed his deep gratitude for this change of residence; for he said, that had he died at home among his own relations, they perhaps would have interred his remains according to the ceremonies of their own erroneous faith: ‘But now,’ said he, ‘Christian brethren will bury me.’ He expressed himself as perfectly resigned; and said that death had no terrors for him, for that his Saviour had deprived it of its sting. He expressedto a friend who attended on him, his gratitude for the kind attention of Mr. Ricketts, the Resident, saying, ‘See the fruits of Christian love!’ The day before his death, he requested his friend to write his will. A house which the Resident had enabled him to purchase, he left to his mother; his books to the Bible Society, and his clothes to a nephew. After concluding these formalities, he said, ‘Thanks be to God, I have done with this world! and with regard to my mother,’ putting his hands in a supplicating posture, ‘I commend her to God:’ then, laying his hand upon his nephew, he said to his friend, ‘Speak to the Resident, that no one be allowed to injure him:’ then desiring his friend to come near him, and putting his hands in an attitude of prayer, he said, ‘O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be gracious to——’
“On one occasion he inquired after a man who had been with him for some time for religious instruction; and being told he was at hand, desired he might be called. On his approach, he questioned him on some points of religion, and explained to him the Lord’s Prayer throughout: he spoke of his intention to baptize him, should he recover; and desired, that, in the event of his death, a clerical friend might be requested to do so. Shortly before he expired, being told that the New Testament was at hand, at his desire, the fourth chapterof St. John was read to him; at the conclusion of which, he said, ‘Thanks be to God!’ A hymn, which he had composed a short time before, was then sung, and of which the following is a paraphrase:—