per as errors.

stance, that, with the exception of Rasmus Jörgensen,* pardon was granted to us for the past, provided we would engage for the future, to live each one for himself, and not again assemble for mutual edification, or administer the sacrament of the Lord's supper. We replied, by referring to the declaratiion we had made on a former occasion, when urged to give up our convictions respecting baptism and the Lord's supThat declaration was, that we dared not and could not make such a concession, unless those who preferred charges against us could prove from the word of God, as contained in the bible, that we are in an error. The judge here observed, that no punishment would be inflicted upon us, on account of our faith or our opinion, but as violators of the law. To Rasmus Jorgensen the choice was given, either to leave Denmark within four weeks, or to be immediately brought to trial and condemned. On his choosing the latter, the judge urged him to leave the country willingly, otherwise his present worldly comfort must be exchanged for poverty, and a prison become his dwelling. He exhorted him to relinquish his charge, that the church might be dissolved. J. replied that he could not and dared not do so, it being his wish to live in every particular according to the dictates of the word of God, and consequently with reference to the church also. The judge-"In that case you must make up your mind to what I have told you will follow." J.-"Yes, I will rather occupy a prison with a good conscience, than a palace without it." The judge now gave both verbal and written instructions to the parish bailiff who was in attendance, to break up our meeting if we again assembled, and if we did not separate quietly, to employ force; and in case we attempted to administer the Lord's supper, to confiscate the altar, as be called it. By the grace of God, we have preserved our integrity, and confiding in Him, we venture to await what he has appointed to befall us.

From P. Mönster to his brother A. Mönster. We have indeed reason to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord. Our cause, in my opinion, stands well. Write to our christian brother, who is in jeopardy in Langeland, that he need be in no fear of a prison; for the

Superintendent of the church. This name written by mistake in the last no. Forgensen.

|

angels of the Lord, sent forth to minister to those who are heirs of salvation, have no more agreeable mission to this world, than comforting, strengthening, and encouraging the children of God, while suffering imprisonment for the good confession they have witnessed. Let him remember Daniel in the lion's den; the angel of the Lord was with him, and preserved him, because he would serve no other but the true God. But this was not all; the angel was likewise with king Darius,and strengthened him, so that he overcame his mighty men, and had them cast into the den, from which Daniel had been released. And the angels interfere on our behalf with the great of this world. I can with truth declare, that since I first became a believer, the greatest spiritual blessing I have experienced has been during my imprisonment; for since I have been here, I have had time to learn to know myself. I have discovered, that while in the enjoyment of liberty, it is possible to be a slave, and in a prison, to be free. Under such circumstances, the Lord manifests his love towards us in a most wonderful manner. The jailor keeps the world, and the angel-band keeps satan at a distance from us; so that our only conflict is with flesh and blood, which, in truth, is sometimes hard enough; but if we call upon the Lord in our distress, he comes to our relief, and we praise him afresh for every new victory he enables us to achieve.

From Rasmus Jörgensen, superintendent of the church in Langeland, to Mr. Köbner, dated April 20, 1841.

The magistrates appear disposed to adopt severe measures; they seek to break up the church, and threaten banishment, and other cruel punishments. The second process against me is still depending, but judgment will soon be given in the lower court. I hope the magistrates may soon be brought to see, that "it is hard to kick against the pricks," and that it is not us, but Christ, the opposition is so great, there are, whom they are persecuting. Although nevertheless, seven or eight persons here, perhaps more, anxiously waiting to be baptized. It appears, indeed, at present it would be a dangerous undertaking for any one to venture here to perform the ordinance. Let us, however, hope that the Lord himself will prepare the way. There is indeed no room to doubt, with the facts

Public sentiment-Many persons waiting for baptism.

before us, which we have already ex-|ceive the blessing from his gracious perienced, that all is in the hand of hand! our God. We have seen one Lot after another coming out of Sodom; and that the people, who would assail the house, could neither find the doors nor seize the men who came to us to fulfil the commands of their Lord.

I have lately received a letter from Jutland, (Aalburg). The church there" has not yet met with any farther interruption. Some days ago I heard also from Copenhagen. They now hold their meetings there in different houses about the city, and A. Mönster writes that the Lord has granted a rich increase, as the fruit of their labors. The decision of the court on the case of P. Mönster, will now soon be given, and we shall then see how much power the Father has granted them over us; without His permission, they cannot hurt a hair of our heads.

From a letter of N. O. Föttved, superintendent of the church in Aalburg, to the same, dated April 23d, 1841.

From the schoolmaster, Rasmus Sörensen, of Venstöw.

The Copenhagen Post (a political newspaper) contains an article headed Anabaptists," in which the following mention is made of the book I have lately published, (on the constitution of the true church). The writer, an impartial unbeliever, after contrasting the religious liberty enjoyed by the baptists in Würtemburg, and by the old Lutherans in West Prussia, with the persecution of the baptists in Denmark, and expressing himself with great freedom on the edict issued by the Department of State, commanding the prosecution of Rasmus Jörgensen of Langeland, proceeds nearly as fol lows: "Both the Fatherland (another paper) and the Copenhagen Post, advocate religious liberty for the Re-baptizers, or Baptists, whichever they may I have hitherto delayed writing, in prefer to be called, and the Fatherland the hope of being able to communicate remarks, ‘Are their doctrines erronethe result of our two examinations; ous, let the clergy and schoolmasters but we still remain without molesta- prove them to be so to the people. tion or disturbance. We are reviled The schoolmaster, Rasmus Sörensen and ridiculed it is true, but that, by the of Venstöw, however, a man whose love grace of God, we can bear patiently of truth, and unaffected christian faith, from the unbelieving world around is questioned by no one, has just pubus; for of believers we perceive none lished a book, entitled What is the either here in the town, or in the neigh- Holy Universal Church? &c., in which borhood-and unhappily it is they in he shows that infant baptism is neither particular, who carry on the war against evangelical nor apostolic. If it is not us. Why a process has not been in- possible to refute him, and to render stituted against me, as well as against the errors of baptists innoxious by the brethren in Copenhagen and in counter arguments and proofs, but if, Langeland, I know not,-possibly my on the contrary, it must be admitted being a soldier may have had some in- that their doctrines are confirmed by fluence, but I am entirely uninformed the word of God and the history of the upon the subject. Thus much I know, christian church, then, in spite of imthat God granting me grace, I ought prisonments, condemnations, banishto await the result with patience and ments, &c., there will soon be in Dencomposure, which I trust I do, and mark as many baptists as there are every member of our little communi- now Lutherans. Therefore we now ty. We stay ourselves on the precious call upon all the zealous disputants promises with which we became ac- amongst the clergy, by argument and quainted, when God became our in- proofs, to refute the statements put structer. Our meetings are still fre-forth in Rasmus Sörensen's book."'" quented by some few strangers, and In this neighborhood, the number of there are three or four persons who those who have determined to join the ardently long to be united with the baptists, is continually on the increase. church of Christ by baptisin. How It is the same on Langeland, and I have this is to be accomplished, our dear heard that some in Fünen have formed brother Monster being still in prison, the same determination. As soon as we must leave to our Father in heaven, sentence is pronounced on Mönster, it who knows all things, and who will is my intention to write immediately arrange all things for us in the best to the king, and to remonstrate with way. May we only be prepared to re-him on this subject.

By our latest accounts, the state of things | old man who primarily came to Dr. in Denmark remained much the same as is here Tracy for medicine for his eyes, being represented. The severe measures of perse- nearly blind. He soon became so far cution were in no degree relaxed, though the restored that he came into our employ, cause of truth and of religious freedom seemed and during his residence with us, has to be gaining a stronger hold upon the minds of manifested a decided change of charsome, especially among the men of standing acter, though we regarded him from and influence both in the government and in sothe beginning as strictly honest and ciety. The spirit of inquiry was gradually exfaithful to the interests of his employtending, and many persons were awaiting a ers. He first, after learning something of the character of God, began to pray suitable opportunity for being baptized and to him to heal his eyes, and as he daily uniting with the afflicted and suffering churches. prayed for this, he soon became conThe latest intelligence from the mission will vinced of the blindness of his mind, be found in the letter of Mr. Oncken, published and prayed to have the eyes of his unat page 266 of our last number. derstanding opened.

Siam.

JOURNAL OF MR. DEAN, AT BANGKOK.

11. Sabbath. The two Chinese alluded to last Sabbath, have to-day been baptized. We were accompanied to the water by some of the brethren of the Presbyterian and American Board, (Continued from page 254.) and a few Siamese and Chinese, besides the members of the school and Baptism of two Chinese converts. the church. At the close of the serviOct. 4, 1840. In addition to the usuces at the water, br. Davenport made al exercises of the Sabbath, we have some remarks to the Siamese who to-day examined and approved two Chinese, as candidates for baptism. the house, and extended the hand of were present. We then returned to One is the Chinese teacher in Mrs. fellowship to the persons just baptized, Dean's school, and the other, a man and gathered around the table of the who has been in our employ as cooly Lord, to think of his love, his sufferduring the last two years. The exam-ings, and his triumph. It has been a ination occupied two hours, in which day of interest and we hope of profit brethren Peet and Buell took a part to us all. with us, and all present expressed their fellowship for the candidates as Christians. The baptism of these converts is postponed till next Sabbath, when we expect to observe the ordinance of the Lord's supper.

Production of ardent spirits-Liberality of a convert-State of society.

15. Having to-day, occasion to intercede with the man who stands at the head of the spirit farm for BangThese persons have been noticed at kok, in behalf of a poor Chinaman who a former date, as requesting baptisin.* had been falsely imprisoned on the The school teacher is a young man of charge of having made ardent spirits promise, and though he came from Chi- without a license, I learned that this ofna last year and has been with us only ficer pays into the king's treasury, anfour months, before which time he had nually, one hundred and forty-four thou heard nothing of christianity, he now sand ticals* for his license, or the privpossesses considerable knowledge of ilege of making ardent spirits in Bangthe scriptures, and so far as we can kok alone; and when we reflect that judge, affords satisfactory evidence of there is a distinct license for each of a renewed heart. The question arose the other places of importance in the in our minds whether, in view of the country, and that the expense of mateshort period since he became acquaint-rials and making is added to the above ed with the subject of christianity, it sum, we may form some idea of the would not be prudent to dissuade him state of intemperance in the country. from making a profession of his faith Nov. 1. We have to-day enjoyed at present, but with the example of the presence of br. Goddard at our the Apostles and primitive saints be- Sabbath services, and hope soon to fore us, and the evidence afforded have his assistance in conducting relius of his real piety, we felt unprepared gious worship with this people. Such to assume the responsibility of a post-aid in our work is none the less accepponement. The other person is an

See page 253, last number.

VOL. XXI.

36

*The tical is about sixty cents, consequently the sum is over eighty thousand dollars.

table because we have so long waited and prayed for it.

the subject. He has to-day proposed some inquiries which show that he has searched the scriptures with a desire to obey their injunctions. There are one or two others who may be properly termed inquirers.

The school has recently suffered a temporary reduction in consequence of ill health and other causes connected with the families to which they be

3. Chek Yet, one of the members of the church here, and a poor man, who gains his support by washing clothes, presented us two ticals as a contribution to aid the mission cause. The known character of the man and the attending circumstances, leave us no room to doubt the sincerity and purity of his motives in this act of self-long. One boy who came to us one denial and christian benevolence. It was the more pleasing to us as it was an entirely voluntary act of a young convert, who, a few months ago, knew nothing of that doctrine which teaches that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

year ago, has gone home for the first time to visit his friends, who live at a distance of sixty or seventy miles. Another has gone home to attend the ceremony of cutting the top-knot from his brother's head, an occasion which here calls together all the members of the 5. We have to-day had application family, as imperiously as does thanksfrom a poor Chinaman for assistance, giving in New England. Two others who says that in default of a contract are absent from ill health. But while for a few ticals, his wife and child have there is some reduction of numbers, been seized and sold into slavery, and there have been introduced some chanhaving heard that we were accustomed ges in the regulations and instruction to deeds of benevolence, he came to of the school, which it is hoped will us with the assurance that we would result in good. The present arrangehelp him. This is neither the first nor ments are, that Mrs. Dean, in addition an unusual occurrence of the kind, and to taking charge of the three girls now it is by no means an easy matter to in the school, examine the boys daily dispossess their minds of the impres- in their Chinese lessons, including nasion that, because we gratuitously give tive books and the scriptures, and teach away books, we must be wealthy and them arithmetic by means of their own may give away money and other things. language, while Mrs. Goddard is to This is one among the many reasons give them lessons in geography in Engfor living in an humble style as it re-lish, and Mr. Goddard gives them a spects our houses, furniture, &c. Still lesson in English in the evening. health and usefulness forbid our adopting the style of worldly men as our standard, as well in this country as in our own; for while in the latter, men go to excess in the indulgence of pride and the love of fashion and vain show, men in this country, of equal wealth and from no better motives, will live in a bamboo shed and in a manner more like brutes than human beings, thinking thereby to avoid government taxation, and be allowed to hoard up their wealth under the garb of poverty.

Applicant for baptism-Inquirers-State of the church.

Nov. 6. Chek Rung, a man of some learning and of respectable behavior, has been for some weeks under examination with a view of joining the church. Having more than a year ago become somewhat acquainted with the doctrines of christianity by means of tracts, he came to us on his return from Chantibun and wished for further instruction. Since that time he has given himself chiefly to an examination of

Interesting meetings-Political state of the country.

8. Sabbath. We have to-day enjoyed the pleasure of seeing all the members of the church present at worship, except the one who has gone to China, and the brethren at the prayer meeting appeared highly to enjoy the privilege of meeting together again in peace and health, to mingle their supplications and thanksgivings at the mercy-seat. All felt that it was good to be here. At the service in the chapel, some remarks were made from the last verses of 2d Tim. 3d chap., with a design of encouraging a greater reverence for and a more diligent study of the scriptures. There are some reasons why the disciples of Christ here are disposed to esteem the word of God more lightly than Christians do in our own country.

The exercises in the bazaar to-day have been conducted by Keok-cheng, whose labors as an assistant are becoming daily more valuable. We have reason to hope that some good will re

I have been able to conduct the exercises in the chapel to-day and Keokcheng attended the meeting in the bazaar. One Chinese was present in the morning from Batavia, who said he was acquainted with Mr. Medhurst. He also showed a familiarity with the sentiments of the Catholics, who have made some unsuccessful efforts to secure his faith to their creed. He offered me the loan of some of their books, which I gladly accepted, since it is extremely difficult to obtain their religious books.

sult from the exertions of this day, however imperfect they may have been. 15. Religious worship was conducted in the bazaar this afternoon by the school teacher, who succeeded very well considering it was the first time in so public a manner. More hearers were accommodated by placing the speaker at the door, while a part of the assembly were seated within the house and a part without. The latter were also within an enclosure in the shade of the building so as to be comfortably accommodated. I have been unable to take any active part in the exercises of the day in consequence of a cold and sore throat. Br. Goddard made some remarks to the brethren at the prayer meeting this morning, and Keok-cheng conducted the service in the chapel. During worship this afternoon, two drunken Siamese, professing to be We have occasion to think that the policemen, seized a Chinese in front of exercises of this day have been renderthe chapel, on pretence that he had ed more interesting and profitable in not paid his tax. Things of this kind consequence of a mission prayer meetare now of daily occurrence. Not only ing which has been instituted with redo the government officers extort mo- ference to the duties of the Sabbath. ney from the poor Chinese on the plea The first meeting was held last evenof collecting their tax, but others feigning, and is to be continued weekly. themselves police officers, and pass undetected among the multitudes who bear that title, by which means they all, whether authorized or unauthorized, gain their support.

16. We have just heard that the Cochin-Chinese, on the Cambojan coast, are carrying on their warfare, and slaying, without distinction, men women and children. Some predict that the wars without and around, and the increasing dissipation crime and oppression, within both city and country, will terminate in a revolution of the kingdom. We look with deep interest upon this moral chaos, while we reflect that it contains materials for that spiritual kingdom which shall eventually subdue all the kingdoms of the earth.

School exercises-Visit from prince Chow
Fah-A Siamese convert.

22. Sabbath. I was present to-day at the exercise with the Chinese boys, who learn a verse of scripture in their native language on each day of the week, and recite the whole on the Sabbath to Mrs. Dean. They also repeat the Ten Commandments and answer questions on the portions of scripture recited, and have an opportunity to propose questions and engage in familiar conversation on any subject connected with their lesson.

While going to the bazaar for worship, we met several companies of drunken and riotous men, which reminded us of the demand for our tract on intemperance which was yesterday struck off in proof, and will soon be ready for distribution.

This is not to preclude the meeting we enjoy on Wednesday and Sabbath afternoons, with the christian friends of the other Boards. The English service on the Sabbath is attended by all the missionaries, so far as religious worship in the native languages will allow.

25. Last evening we met the missionary friends at the house of PrahNa-Wai, the son of the Prah-klang; and this evening we received a visit from prince Chow Fah, attended by some of his ladies. This intercourse with the nobles may perhaps give us some additional influence among the common people, but we fear that they themselves derive but little religious influence from us. They manifest a disposition to copy our customs, excepting our religion.

29. At the close of the Chinese prayer meeting this morning, br. Davenport came in with a Siamese who has requested baptism, and as some of the Chinese brethren speak Siamese, they proposed to him several questions, to all of which he replied in a very satisfactory manner. He expressed a fraternal affection for them, and they engaged to pray for him. We expect the question relative to his baptism will be settled next Sabbath.

*See Mr. D.'s letter on the next page.