The meeting of an assembly of Covenanters to hear the preaching of the word of God is thus beautifully described by the Scottish poet, Grahame. "But years more gloomy followed; and no more Of night, save when the wintry storm raved fierce, 78. MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES. THE Moravians, or United Brethren, are a sect generally said to have arisen under count Zinzendorf, a German nobleman of the last century, who, when some of their brethren were driven by persecution from Bohemia, afforded them an asylum on his estates, built them a village called Hernnhut, or Watch-hill, and united himself with them. According to the society's own account, however, they derive their origin from the Greek church in the ninth century. The United Brethren are much distinguished for their missionary zeal; and it is said that there is no sect of Christians who have done so much, according to their number and means, for the cause of missions, as have the Moravians. "Their missionaries," as one observes," are all volunteers; for it is an inviolable maxim with them to persuade no man to engage in missions. They are all of one mind as to the doctrines they teach, and seldom make an attempt where there are not half a dozen of them in the mission. Their zeal is calm, steady, and persevering. They would reform the world, but are careful how they quarrel with it. They carry their point by address, and the insinuations of modesty and mildness, which commend them to all men, and give offence to none. Habits of silence, quietness, and decent reserve mark their character. If any of their missionaries are carried off by sickness, or casualty, men of the same stamp are ready to supply their place." The following is from a respectable clergyman of their denomination ;:-" When brethren or sisters find themselves disposed to serve God among the heathen, they communicate their views and wishes to the committee appointed by the synods of the brethren to superintend the missions, in a confidential letter. If on particular inquiry into their circumstances and connexions, no objection is found, they are considered as candidates. As to mental qualifications, much erudition is not required by the brethren. To be well versed in the sacred Scriptures, and to have an experimental knowledge of the truths they contain, is judged indispensably necessary. And it has been found by experience, that a good understanding joined to a friendly disposition, and, above all, a heart filled with the love of God, are the best and the only essential qualifications of a missionary. Nor are the habits of a student in general so well calculated to form his body for a laborious life as those of a mechanic. Yet men of learning are not excluded, and their gifts have been made useful in various ways. When vacancies occur, or new missions are to be begun, the list of candidates is examined; and those who appear suitable are called upon, and accept or decline the call as they find themselves disposed.' The most flourishing missions of the brethren at present are those in Greenland, Antigua, St. Kitts, the Danish West India islands, the cape of Good Hope, and among the Esquimaux on the Labrador coast. When we consider the hardships, the sufferings, and privations which a missionary must necessarily under go while among the degraded Hottentots, amid the deserts of South Africa, the mountains of ice and snow in Greenland, or the barren coasts of Labrador, we must allow that the Moravian missionaries possess a large share of that zeal which distinguished the first apostles of Christianity. At the close of the year 1827, the Moravians had thirty-eight missionary stations, and one hundred and eighty-seven missionaries, including females. The number of their converts in heathen countries, and remote settlements, far exceeds the number of the brethren in their home settlements. 79. ZEIGENBALG AND SWARTZ, THE DANISH MIS SIONARIES. THE first protestant mission in India was founded by Bartholomew Zeigenbalg, at Tranquebar, on the Coromandel coast, about the year 1707. Zeigenbalg was ordained by the bishop of Zealand, in the twenty-third year of his age, and sailed for India in 1705. In the second year of his ministry he founded a Christian church among the Hindoos, which has been extending its limits to the present time. He went on this mission under the direction of Frederic IV., king of Denmark; he was also patronized in Great Britain by "the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge." Principally through his great labours, a grammar and dictionary were formed, and the Bible was translated into the Tamul tongue, after his having devoted fourteen years to the work. Zeigenbalg died at the early age of thirtysix years. Perceiving that his last hour was at hand, he called his Hindoo congregation, and partook of the holy communion, "amidst ardent prayers and tears ;" and afterwards, addressing them in a solemn manner, took an affectionate leave of them. Being reminded by them of the faith of the apostle of the Gentiles, at the prospect of death, who "desired to be with Christ, as far better," he said, "That is also my desire. Wash ed from my sins in his blood, and clothed with his righteousness, I shall enter into his heavenly kingdom. I pray that the things which I have spoken may be fruitful. Throughout this whole warfare I have entirely endured by Christ; and now I can say through him, 'I have fought the good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness;' " which words having spoken, he desired that the Hindoo children about his bed, and that the multitude about the house, might sing the hymn beginning "Jesus, my Saviour Lord." When finished, he yielded up his spirit, amidst the rejoicings and lamentations of a great multitude; some rejoicing at his triumphant death and early entrance into glory, and others lamenting the early loss of their faithful apostle, who had first brought the light of the gospel to their dark region from the western world. The Rev. Christian F. Swartz undertook a mission to India, under the government of Denmark, in 1750, and after labouring many years at Tranquebar, and in the neighbouring country, he finally removed to Tanjore, where he continued till his death, in 1798. His unblameable conduct, and devotedness to the cause of his master, gave him a surprising influence over all classes, and secured the confidence of the bigoted Hindoo. Such was the respect that the Hindoos had for Mr. Swartz, that he could go through the country unarmed and unhurt in time of war, when parties of armed men and robbers infested the country. On seeing him they would say, "Let him alone, he is a man of God." He twice saved the fort of Tanjore, when the credit of the English was lost, and the credit of the rajah also. On the view of an approaching enemy the people of the country refused to supply the fort with provisions; and the streets were covered with the dead. But upon the bare word of Mr. Swartz that they should be paid, they brought in a plentiful supply. He was appointed guardian to the family of the deceased king of Tanjore, and employ ed repeatedly as a mediator between the English government and the country powers. The last twenty years of his life were spent in the education and religious instruction of children, particularly those of poor parents, whom he maintained and instructed gratuitously, and at his death willed his property to the mission at Tanjore. His success was uncommon. It is said he reckoned two thousand persons savingly converted by his means. After this apostolical and venerable man had laboured fifty years in evangelizing the Hindoos, so sensible were they of the blessing, that his death was considered as a public calamity. An innumerable multitude attended the funeral. The Hindoo rajah “shed a flood of tears over the body, and covered it with a gold cloth." His memory is still blessed among the people.* The following beautiful anecdote is related by bishop Middleton, of this exemplary soldier of the cross. "When lying apparently lifeless, Gericke, a worthy fellow labourer in the service of the same society, who imagined the immortal spirit had actually taken its flight, began to chant over his remains a stanza of the favourite hymn which used to soothe and elevate him in his lifetime. The verses were finished without a sign of recognition or sympathy from the still form before him; but when the last clause was over, the voice which was supposed to be hushed in death took up the second stanza of the same hymn, completed it with distinct and articulate utterance, and then was heard no more !" 80. DAVID Brainerd. THIS pious and devoted missionary was born in Haddam, Connecticut, April 20th, 1718. From his earliest youth he was remarkably serious and thoughtful. “His natural constitution was tinctured with melancholy, * Dr. Buchanan. |