OF THE REV. JOHN SCUDDER, M.D., THIRTY-SIX YEARS MISSIONARY IN INDIA. BY REV. J. B. WATERBURY, D.D. NEW YORK: HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1870. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by HARPER & BROTHERS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. PREFACE. WHEN Dr. Scudder rested from his labors, there was a wish expressed, on the part of those who knew him and appreciated his high qualities as a Christian missionary, that a memoir should be given to the public. After years of delay-owing to providential circumstances— the attempt has been made, with what success the reader will of course decide for himself. The materials for such a work were abundant; but they were scattered here and there, and some parts of his private journal were entirely lost. It has been the compiler's object to select from a very large correspondence and a somewhat extended diary only those facts which would reveal most forcibly the character of the man, and act with salutary effect on the heart of the reader. One advantage which this Memoir has over other biographies of missionaries consists in the fact that Dr. Scudder's labors were spread over an immense territory. Like the Apostle Paul, he was ever in motion-a great missionary evangelist-penetrating the interior of heathendom, and preaching the Gospel to princes and to the people. His skill as a surgeon, too, was the key, in many instances, to his success as a preacher. A man who could open the eyes of the blind inspired a reverence far greater than one who appeared simply as a Christian teacher. His twofold profession gave him great power. It is hoped that this small tribute to his memory-imperfect in many respects as it must be-will serve to keep alive the remembrance of one whose self-denial and self-consecration in the holiest of causes have never in modern times been exceeded, and but seldom equaled. An example like this can not fail to act favorably on the Christian Church, in keeping alive what missionary spirit now exists, and in deepening the sense of obligation to obey our Lord's last command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." J. B. WATERBURY. CONTENTS. Birth and Childhood.-Ancestry.-Revolutionary Anecdote.-Dedicated in Infancy.—Mother's Testimony.-A Christian from his Birth.-Char- acteristic Trait. -"Devil John."-Keeping Lent.-Deep sense of De- pravity.-In College. His Influence as a Student.-Testimony of N. Patterson.-Studies Medicine.-His Companions.-Enthusiasm in his Profession.-Beginning of his domestic Life.-Deep religious Interest for others.-Conversion of several Members of the Family.-Devotional Habits.-Twofold Profession.-A fearful death-bed Scene.-Church Relations. Rev. Christian Bork.--Dr. S. becomes Co-laborer.-A great Revival, and large Accession to the Church.-His life-long Attachment Great Success in his Profession.-Conjugal Help.-New Phase of Life.— Call to preach Christ to the Heathen.-How it came to pass.-Looks to God for Guidance.-Terrible Struggle as to the Path of Duty.-De- cides the Question on his Knees.-Breaks the Subject to his Wife.— Her Acquiescence.-His great Joy.-Opinions of the World.-Concur- rence of Providential Events.-Letter to the Board of Missions.-Prepa- rations for the Departure.—The faithful Servant Amy.-The Farewell. --Dr. S. jubilant in view of his Work.-The Embarkation.-James Brainerd Taylor, seeing it, decides for the Ministry........... Embarkation from Boston.-Companions in the Mission Work.-Brig |