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 A 
 
 MEMOIR 
 
 or 
 
 MRS. HENRIETTA SHUCK, 
 
 f 
 
 FIRST AMERICAN- FEMALE MISSIONARY 
 
 TO 
 
 CHINA, 
 
 BY J. B. JETER, 
 
 FAJTOB or THB FIMT BArriir CHUECH, RICHMOND, TA. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 GOULD, KENDALL, &. LINCOLN. 
 
 59 Washington Street. 
 
 1849.
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, 
 
 BY GOULD, KENDALL, & LINCOLN, 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetu.
 
 STACK 
 
 ANNEX 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 THE compiler deems it proper to state briefly the 
 motives which induced him to prepare the following 
 Memoir. Shortly after the death of the late lamented 
 Mrs. Shuck, the members of the China mission held a 
 meeting, and, with other resolutions suitable to the oc- 
 casion, unanimously adopted the following: 
 
 " Resolved That the character and the circum- 
 stances attending the life of our departed sister are in- 
 teresting and instructive, not only to us, but, if made 
 public, are calculated to aid the cause of missions gener- 
 ally, and especially that in which she labored and died, 
 and, therefore, that the Board be requested to appoint 
 her former Pastor, the Rev. J. B. Jeter, or some other 
 competent person, to prepare a Memoir of her life. 
 
 J. LEWIS SHUCK, Sec." 
 
 In due time, the compiler received a letter from the 
 Corresponding Secretary of the Board, in Boston, in- 
 forming him that they heartily concurred in the resolu- 
 tion, and desiring him to " prepare a suitable memorial 
 of MM. Shuck's worth and works." The appointment 
 accorded with the views and wishes of her family and 
 friends. The compiler felt himself solemnly called, in 
 1*
 
 6 PREFACE. 
 
 the providence of God, to decide whether he would 
 undertake the task assigned him. After serious delib- 
 eration, and, as he trusts, earnest prayer for divine 
 guidance, he resolved to engage in the preparation of 
 the Memoir. Various considerations conducted him to 
 this decision. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck was the first female Amencan missiona- 
 ry who went to China. She was a lady of good mind, 
 pleasant manners, and most fervent piety, and self- 
 sacrificing devotion to the cause of missions. Her cor- 
 respondence, on examination, was found to be copious 
 and intrinsically excellent If the compiler has not 
 been deceived by his associations with the esteemed 
 subject of the Memoir, many of her letters, and much 
 of her journals, are distinguished by a beautiful sim- 
 plicity and a most touching pathos, and all of them by 
 a kind, generous, and pious spirit Her life, though 
 it did not abound in striking incidents and brilliant 
 achievements, was filled up with diligent, self-denying, 
 and earnest efforts for the salvation of the heathen. 
 
 China is a singular, and, to the enlightened Chris- 
 tian, who prays and labors for the salvation of the 
 world, a most interesting country. The recent opening 
 of its most important ports, by solemn treaty, to Chris- 
 tian missionaries, and the unexpected toleration of 
 Christianity in the empire, have turned all Christian 
 eyes and hearts towards it It is the largest and most 
 important mission field on the globe. Much informa- 
 tion concerning China, its history, government, lan- 
 guage, religions, the manners, customs, and moral 
 condition of the people, &c., will be found incorpo- 
 rated in the Memoir. To those who have not access to
 
 PREFACE. 7, 
 
 other sources of knowledge, it will convey much in- 
 formation concerning the "Celestial Empire," and 
 that, too, not always in dry detail, but frequently in 
 pleasing narrative. 
 
 Of the execution of the work the author need say 
 nothing ; of that the public will judge, and neither ex- 
 planation nor apology can modify the decision. He 
 may, however, be permitted to say, that his only re- 
 ward for the labor of preparing the Memoir is the hope 
 that it may promote the interests of true religion and 
 the cause of missions. The profits accruing from the 
 sale of the copy-right will be appropriated, one half to 
 the education of Mrs. Shuck's children, and the other 
 half to the cause of Foreign Missions, to be divided 
 equally between the Northern and Southern Baptist 
 Boards. To the compiler, this seemed the fairest dis- 
 tribution of the profits. To the private correspondence 
 of Mrs. Shuck, cheerfully placed by the family in the 
 hands of the writer, without the slightest expectation 
 of pecuniary advantage to her children, the work will 
 be mainly indebted for its interest. Nothing could be 
 more suitable than that the children should reap the 
 profits of their dear mother's intellectual efforts. But 
 Mrs. Shuck was a missionary as well as a mother. 
 While living, her anxieties, prayers, and labors, were 
 divided between her loved offspring and the perishing 
 heathen. Let the pecuniary profits of her Memoir be, 
 in like manner, divided. As Mrs. Shuck labored under 
 the patronage of the Boston Board, and as the Memo/r 
 has been compiled at their request, they have a fair 
 claim to a portion of its profits ; and as Mrs. Shuck 
 was a southern lady, and her husband has connected
 
 8 PREFACE. 
 
 himself with this Board, it seems proper that they also 
 should participate in the benefit The compiler is aware 
 that this explanation is not due to the public ; that he 
 has a perfect right to do what he will with his own ; 
 but, to prevent misconception, he has judged it better to 
 make it, and hopes he shall be pardoned for giving the 
 subject a prominence to which its importance does not 
 entitle it. 
 
 He now commits the work to the consideration of the 
 public, and to the blessing of God. Should it be tne 
 means of quickening the piety and increasing the lib- 
 erality of Christians, and awakening a deeper, and 
 stronger, and more effective interest in the cause of 
 Foreign Missions, and especially for the evangelization 
 of China, he will be richly compensated. 
 
 J. B. JETER. 
 Richmond, Sept., 1846.
 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Henrietta Hall's Birthplace Parentage Religious Training Ed- 
 ucation Mrs. Little's Letter Her Religious Awakening The 
 Lancaster Camp-meeting Henrietta's Conversion Baptism 
 Her Mother's Death Her Father's Removal to Richmond She 
 was placed in Mrs. Reeling's Seminary Her first Missionary Im- 
 prensioM Her Engagement to Mr. Shuck Vindication of Chris- 
 tian Missions, and her Motives Her Letter to Sunday School 
 Scholars Her Marriage Missionaries set apart Mrs. Shuck's 
 Trip to Boston Her farewell Letter to her Father Mr. Hall's 
 Letter and parting Advice to his Daughter. ...PACK 13 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Embarkation Parting Scene described by Dr. Malcom Ex- 
 tracts from Mr*. Shuck's Journal and Letters during her Voyage 
 Ship touches at Kedgeree at Amherst Visit to Maulmain 
 Interview with the Missionaries Ship touches at Penang 
 Beautiful Scenery Voyage to Singapore Fear of Pirates Con- 
 version of Bailors 40 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Singapore The Arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Shuck at this Place Ex- 
 tracts from Mrs. Shuck's Correspondence and Journal during her 
 Residence there 83 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 China Origin of the Name Its History The Provinces of China 
 It* Language Its Religion Confucianism Budhism Ta- 
 ouism Their Incfficacy 73
 
 10 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Description of it Extract! from Mrs. Shuck's Letter*, in 
 Chronological Order Difficulty of her Landing Mr. Shuck's 
 Visit to Canton Chinese Burial Orphan Boy School Hopes 
 of Ah Loo's Conversion Letters from America Letter from Mrs. 
 Shuck to Susan Affectionate Exhortation Chinese New Year 
 
 Baptism of Ah Loo Lord's Supper Chinese Girt, Jane Maria 
 
 Mrs. ShucK studying; Chinese with Mr. Roberts Translation 
 of Baptism Visit to a Heathen Temple Sickness Birth of a 
 second Child Friends in Macao. 93 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 to Remarks Correspondence of Mrs. Shuck continued Blind 
 Girl Filial Devotion of Mrs. 8. Ah Loo's Visit to his Friends 
 Goes tii Bnnkok with Mr. Dean Death of Lucius Consola- 
 tory Letter to Mrs. Hall Death of Mrs. Jones Revivals in Ameri- 
 ca Susan's Conversion Mrs. Shuck's Advice to her Fall of 
 Ah Loo Exhortation to Isabella Climate of Macao Severe 
 Illness of Mrs. Shuck Hi-r Feelings Thoughts of sending her 
 Children Home Robbers cause the Death of a Chinaman Rich 
 Orphan Class under Instruction Remarks by the Compiler on 
 the Education of the Children of Missionaries. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1839 Erroneous Views of Missionary Life corrected Mrs. Shuck's 
 Correspondence continued Incident in the Life of her oldest 
 Child A Caution for him Mrs. Shuck's School Cost of sup- 
 porting it Reference to the Death of Lucius Openings for Use- 
 fuliietw in Macao Visiting a Village Mr. Shurk commences 
 preaching in Chinese Visit of Mr. S. and Family to Hong Kong 
 Probability of Mr. Shuck's Return to America Anticipations 
 since realized Her Illness Death of a Young l.nily converted 
 through her Instrumentality 135 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1840 Mrs. Shuck's Health bad Her Correspondence continued- 
 Dr. Diver's Letter concerning her Sickness War anticipated
 
 CONTENTS. 11 
 
 Letter from Mrs. 8. to her Sister Pti r\n Resignation Dr. Divert 
 croud Letter Mrs. Shuck's Improving Health HIT Piety 
 Cost of Living She loves the Concert of Prayer for Missions 
 Letter to Isah. lla Fervent Exhortation Resolutions Arrival 
 of the British Fleet Isabella's Conversion Susan's Marriage 
 Her Grandpapa's Death Good Advice to Isabella Pleasing 
 Anticipation*. 148 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1841 Remarks on Mrs. Shuck's Sickness and Recovery Her School 
 
 War between England and China Prospect of preaching the 
 Gospel without Molestation Chinese Teacher a ho|wful Inquir- 
 er Letter to Robert, simple and affectionate Mrs. Sinn It's So- 
 licitude nnd Efforts for the Salvation of her Sistrrs and Brothers 
 Remarks en the Marriage of her Sisters A Box of Presents 
 Birth of her Daughter, Henrietta Layton Reasons for the Name 
 
 Friends in Macao Contrast between China and Lancaster. 166 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1842-3 Removal to Hong Kong Reasons for removing Mr. 8. 
 raises Money in erect Chapels Becomes assistant Editor of a 
 Paper Prospects of Usefulness Mr. Dean's Arrival Mr*. Shuck 
 pleased in Hong Kong China opening for the Gospel Heat of 
 the Climate Letter to Isabella Various Reflections Letter 
 from Dr. Diver to Mr. Hall Baptisms Brightening Proxpecta 
 Increase of MM. Shuck's domestic Cares Denth of Mrs. Dean 
 Labors of Ihe Missionaries Mrs. S.'s Health poor Proof of het 
 Devotion to Mission! Affectionate Disposition Sickness of 
 Netty Mr. Shuck's Postscript Destitution of the English Sol- 
 dier*' Wivea. 178 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 1844 Clonintr Year of Mr*. Shuck's Life Her Correspondence rnn- 
 tinued Manner of spending her Time Progress in the Chines* 
 Language Her Youthful Appearance The Frigate Brnndy wine 
 Mr. W. ill hall's Illness Beautiful Extract Temptations of 
 Missionaries Allusion to Mr*. Dean's Death Solemn Anticipa- 
 tions Remarks concerning Ihem Contributions to Mr*, ^huck'i 
 School Increase of it Obstacles to Female Education Indis- 
 position to Writing Opening School room Lout Letter to her
 
 12 CONTENTS. 
 
 Father Arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Derail Her Father's Picture 
 Last Letter to her Family Religious Enjoyment Note to Mr*. 
 Keeling Her last Letter Remarks. 200 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Brief Sketch of the Rise, Progress, and Condition of the Chinese 
 Baptist Mission Baptisms Encouraging Prospects Mrs. 
 Shuck's Presentiment of her Death Her Preparation for it 
 Mr. Shuck's Letter announcing her Death Extracu from Obit- 
 uary Notices Dr. Devan's Letter to Mr. Hall Mr. Walthall's 
 Letter Conclusion of her Funeral Sermon in Richmond 
 Mr. Heeling's Tribute to Mrs. Shuck's Character Poetry writ- 
 ten on seeing Mr. Shuck's Sons in New York 221 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck's Personal Appearance Her Natural Disposition 
 Her Mental Qualities Quickness of Perception Notes of a 
 Sermon Literary Attainments Her Religious Character, 
 symmetrical. 947
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Henrietta Hall's Birthplace Parentage Religious Training Ed- 
 ucation Mrs. Little's Letter Her Religious Awakening The 
 Lancaster Camp-meeting Henrietta's Conversion Baptism 
 Her Mother's Death Her Father's Removal to Richmond She 
 was placed in Mr. Reeling's Seminary Her first Missionary Im- 
 pressions Her Engagement to Mr. Shuck Vindication of Chris- 
 tian Missions, and her Motives Her Letter to Sunday School 
 Scholars Her Marriage Missionaries set apart Mrs. Shuck's 
 Trip to Boston Her farewell Letter to her Father Mr. Hall's 
 Letter and parting Advice to bis Daughter. 
 
 THE peninsula, lying between the Rappahan- 
 nock and Potomac Rivers, in the north eastern 
 part of the state of Virginia, is generally known 
 as the " Northern Neck." It is distinguished as 
 the birthplace of three Presidents of the United 
 States Washington, Madison, and Monroe. In 
 the eastern extremity of the " Neck," in the 
 county of Lancaster, within a few miles of the 
 Chesapeake Bay, is situated the little village of 
 Kilmarnock. Here was born, Oct. the 28th, 
 1817, Henrietta Hall, (afterwards Mrs. Shuck.) 
 Her parentage on both sides was highly respec- 
 table. Her father, the Rev. Addison Hall, was, in 
 his early years, a successful lawyer. For several 
 sessions he represented his county in the state 
 legislature to the entire satisfaction of his con- 
 stituents. Mr. Hall's mother was a lady of de- 
 cided genius. She wrote two poems of no small 
 2
 
 14 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 merit ; one on the death of the Rev. Lewis Luns- 
 ford, and the other on that of her brother-in-l;i\r, 
 the Rev. Samuel L. Straughin, both eminent 
 Baptist ministers, her endeared pastors, who were 
 called to their reward in the maturity of their 
 years, and in the zenith of their usefulness. 
 With early culture, and favorable circumstances, 
 she would have been a brilliant ornament of her 
 sex. The maiden name of Henrietta's mother 
 was Susan Edmonds. She was a daughter of 
 Col. Elias Edmonds of Lancaster county a gen- 
 tleman held in deserved estimation by his fellow- 
 citizens. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hall were both baptized, while 
 young, by the Rev. S. L. Straughan, and admit- 
 ted into the fellowship of the Morattico B-iptist 
 church. They, like Zacharias and Elizabeth, 
 " were both righteous before God, walking in all 
 the commandments and ordinances of the Lord 
 blameless." Henrietta was nurtured in the lap 
 of piety. Her parents were deeply impressed 
 with the importance of training up their children 
 for usefulness and for heaven. Her mind and 
 heart were cultivated with tender solicitude and 
 untiring assiduity. To her infant ears the voice 
 of prayer and praise was familiar. She grew 
 up with the deep and abiding impressions which 
 the family altar, and the family Bible, and sanc- 
 tuary observances were adapted to make on her 
 sensitive mind. 
 
 Our acquaintance with Henrietta Hall com- 
 menced in the close of the year 1825. She was 
 then a little more than eight years old ; and a 
 bright and lovely child she was. The interview 
 Beems to have made a durable impression on her
 
 MRS. LITTLE'S LETTER. 15 
 
 memory. In her last letter to us the last which 
 she wrote she referred to it with a vivid recollec- 
 tion and a lively interest. 
 
 Fortunately for Henrietta, her devoted father 
 entertained enlarged and liberal views on the sub- 
 ject of female instruction. He was desirous to 
 give his daughters a solid and useful education. 
 In her fourteenth year, Henrietta was sent to 
 Fredericksburg, and placed in the school of Mrs. 
 Little, a lady of high reputation as a teacher. 
 How well she deserved this reputation the fol- 
 lowing letter, addressed by her to the Rev. A. 
 Hall, since the death of his daughter, clearly in- 
 dicates. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 I am truly happy to hear that a memoir of 
 your lamented daughter is in a state of prepara- 
 tion. Her active virtues, and devoted missionary 
 labors, will render such a memoir a valuable gift 
 to the public, as well as a cherished memorial to 
 her friends. 
 
 Most gladly would I furnish any documents 
 in my power, which might aid in preparing the 
 biography of one whose memory is so dear to 
 me. I wish I could recall more vividly the cir- 
 cumstances to which you refer, which occurred 
 while your daughter was a member of my school 
 and family. 
 
 As a pupil she was very diligent in her studies, 
 and blameless in her course of conduct. Her 
 mind was sprightly, and her disposition ardent, 
 enthusiastic, and sincere. She possessed strong 
 social affections, and was universally beloved by 
 her classmates. Although she had not then
 
 16 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 ' chosen the good part,' she was not unmindful 
 of the necessity of so doing, and it occurred to 
 me that the best opportunity of directing her 
 serious attention to matters of so great moment 
 would be by close personal conversation, on the 
 subject of her highest interests. 
 
 With a view to her benefit, as well as that of 
 other of my pupils, I had been accustomed daily 
 to write something new and striking on the black- 
 board, generally a text of Scripture, in the form 
 of a question. On one occasion the question 
 was, " Where shall I be a hundred years hence? " 
 The pupils were requested to give an answer to 
 me privately, after due consideration and solemn 
 reflection. 
 
 The effect produced on the mind of Henrietta 
 was deep and pungent her words I cannot at 
 this distant period recall, but the intensity of her 
 emotion convinced me that the Lord himself had 
 directed the arrow to its mark. She seemed 
 never afterwards to forget that she was a proba- 
 tioner for an endless state of existence beyond 
 the grave, though she did not then have clear and 
 just ideas of the depravity of her own heart ; 
 there was, therefore, no change in her outward 
 character or conduct. 
 
 Literary pursuits chiefly occupied her time. 
 She was ambitious to excel in all her studies 
 from her regard for you, whom as a father she 
 highly honored. She seemed determined to exert 
 herself to deserve your approbation and affection. 
 
 During her vacation, as you know, she was 
 made a partaker of the heavenly gift, and it was 
 gratifying to me to learn that her first serious 
 impressions were received in my school. I never
 
 CAMP-MEETING. 17 
 
 before so deeply felt the importance of combining 
 religious with literary instructions, and doing all 
 to the glory of God. 
 
 Your daughter has now completed her pilgrim- 
 age, and gone to her long home. But she still 
 lives in the hearts of surviving friends, who can 
 rejoicingly follow her with the eye of faith, and 
 behold her walking with God, ' high in salvation 
 and the climes of bliss.' 
 
 To you, my dear sir, what an honor, what a 
 consolation, to have had a child so spiritually 
 engaged, so useful, and now so highly exalted! 
 
 Permit me to mingle my sympathies with yours, 
 and subscribe myself 
 
 Very truly your friend, 
 
 A. J. LITTLE." 
 
 The summer of 1831 is memorable for the reli- 
 gious revivals which prevailed among the churches, 
 of all evangelical Christian denominations, in 
 Virginia. Wherever the gospel was faithfully 
 preached, a blessing descended from Heaven. 
 Thousands, of all classes of society, were joyfully 
 converted to Christ, and added to the churches. 
 The Baptists of the Northern Neck resolved, after 
 prayer and consultation, to hold a camp-meeting 
 in the month of August, in Lancaster county. 
 This was the first meeting of the kind ever held 
 by the churches of the Baptist denomination in 
 this part of the state. Many, especially among 
 the older brethren, doubted the expediency of ap- 
 pointing such a meeting; they yielded, however, 
 to the wish of the majority. The meeting was 
 attended by the Rev. John Kerr, who has since 
 closed his useful labors, the Rev. J. B. Taylor, 
 2*
 
 18 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ' iBr **' 
 
 the Rev. E. Ball, and other acceptable and effi- 
 cient preachers of the word. We went to the 
 encampment intensely anxious as to the results of 
 the meeting. During the first afternoon of the 
 service, our doubts were succeeded by confidence, 
 and our solicitude by joy. It was apparent that 
 God was with us. The compiler has enjoyed 
 the privilege of attending many religious meet- 
 ings where the divine blessing has been richly 
 bestowed ; but he doubts whether he has ever 
 seen one the results of which have been so inter- 
 esting, so important, so glorious, as of this. A 
 large proportion of the converts were heads of 
 families men of intelligence, respectability, and 
 influence, who have been an honor to their pro- 
 fession, and pillars in the house of God. An im- 
 pulse was then given to the cause of Christ in 
 the Northern Neck which is felt to the present 
 day, and which, we trust, may be felt, with in- 
 creasing power, to the end of time. 
 
 Henrietta Hall, having returned from Frede- 
 ricksburg to pass the vacation at home, was among 
 the first converts at the meeting. Her convictions 
 of sin were pungent, her feelings deep, and her 
 deliverance joyful. O, it was a season of over- 
 whelming interest and gratitude, when so many 
 pious parents were permitted to embrace their 
 children in the bright anticipation of meeting 
 them before the throne of God, to part no more 
 forever ! 
 
 On the 2d of Sept., 1831, this young convert, 
 not quite fourteen years old, was baptized by the 
 compiler of this Memoir, then the pastor of the 
 Morattico Baptist church. Her experience was 
 clear, scriptural, and satisfactory. I well remem-
 
 HER MOTHER'S DEATH. 19 
 
 her that she ascribed her first permanent religious 
 impressions to the solemn question propounded 
 to her by her pious teacher, Mrs. Little, " Where 
 will you be a hundred years hence?" It awak- 
 ened in her bosom serious meditation, a sense of 
 accountability to God, and a conviction of guilt 
 and danger, which, by the divine blessing, led her 
 to repentance, and prepared her for a happy re- 
 ception of the gospel. In obeying the Saviour's 
 positive ordinance of baptism, she obtained, what 
 all who properly obey it will find, " the answer 
 of a good conscience toward God." In her last 
 letter, written but a few hours before her depart- 
 ure from earth, she refers with manifest delight 
 to the event. " 'Twas you, my dear brother 
 Jeter, who led me into the liquid grave. O ! 
 how well do I remember that day, that precious 
 day, and the dear friends, (some, yea, many of 
 them now departed,) who accompanied me to the 
 water's edge." 
 
 This had been to Henrietta a bright and joyful 
 year, but it was to close in gloom. Her fond and 
 pious mother, after a brief and violent illness, 
 departed this life on the 26th of Dec., 1831, at 
 " Waverly," the family residence in Lancaster. 
 The loss of a mother, at all times one of the 
 severest bereavements which can befall a child, 
 was to Henrietta, just then arrived at the period 
 of life at which maternal counsel and supervision 
 are most needed, peculiarly afflictive. Being the 
 oldest of the children, on her devolved the duty 
 of taking ;i maternal oversight of her little broth- 
 ers and sisters. How faithfully she discharged 
 this duty will appear in the sequel. This unex- 
 pected bereavement made an ineffaceable impres-
 
 20 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 sion on Henrietta's heart. From this time the 
 world seemed to have but little power to charm 
 her ; and the hope of meeting her dear mother 
 in heaven, which grew into a bright and joyous 
 anticipation, was never long absent from her 
 mind. The following extract from her Journal, 
 penned during her long voyage to the East, may 
 be appropriately introduced here in illustration of 
 this remark. 
 
 " Dec. 26, (1835.) This day brings with it the 
 recollection of one painful event. On this day 
 four years ago I experienced the loss of one of 
 the kindest and most affectionate of mothers. 
 This indeed caused me to shed tears of sorrow. 
 I was at once totally deprived of her kind atten- 
 tion, which had been bestowed on me from my 
 childhood. Life no longer appeared joyous, but 
 was clothed in gloom and melancholy. 1 looked 
 around for comfort, but, alas ! none was to be 
 found. Five helpless children, a bereaved hus- 
 band, and weeping servants, were all that met 
 my eye. Her vacant chair reminded me of the 
 many delightful seasons I had enjoyed in sitting 
 by her side, and listening to her motherly advice. 
 But now these moments had fled forever her 
 voice was still in death and she, no doubt, had 
 already clasped to her fond bosom her dear little 
 babes, who had gone before her to the abodes of 
 the blest. But why should I indulge these pain- 
 ful thoughts? It was, I am now certain, all for 
 the best. How infinitely happier is she tlnn 
 earth could make her! She is done with dull 
 mortality, and having met her Saviour, is now 
 feasting on his smiles. Nor would I call her
 
 HER MOTHER'S DEATH. 21 
 
 back to this vain world were it in my power. 
 Ah! no; rest on, sweet mother; I shall only be 
 denied thy endearing society a few more fleeting 
 years then shall I meet with thee, and dear little 
 brothers, in the mansions of glory, to sing the 
 song of the redeemed then shall I be freed from 
 earth with all its dull concerns. 
 
 And, dearest father, let us follow the footsteps 
 of your beloved consort, and my devoted mother. 
 We know how she lived we know how she died. 
 Her path was one that shone more and more 
 brightly. Though I was not by her (she was at 
 school) to see her bid adieu to scenes below, yet 
 she did not forget her absent Henrietta. You, no 
 doubt, remember her last message to me ' Prove 
 faithful to your Creator, and meet me in heaven.' 
 How important every word ! how tender and 
 affectionate ! Do, dear pa., pray that I may in- 
 deed ' prove faithful ' that I may, as she did, 
 adorn the profession which I have made. You 
 cannot, my parent, imagine my feelings when I 
 think of our next meeting. O ! that we, with 
 all the dear children, may meet my mother in the 
 realms of unfading bliss. It seems that I cannot 
 wait for death it appears too long to be away 
 from heaven. I feel ready to exclaim, ' O, for 
 some dove's extended wings ! ' But this cannot 
 be I must remain below a little longer I must 
 be active a little while in my blessed Saviour's 
 cause I must endeavor to tell the dying heathen 
 the story of Jesus, that they too may know how 
 to praise, and how to serve him. Yes, let me 
 live as long as God shall see fit, and let me be 
 eminently useful while I live." 
 
 About this period, (1832,) Col. Hall (he held
 
 
 22 MEMOIR OF MRS. iHUCK. 
 
 this rank in the militia) determined to abandon 
 the lucrative profession of law, and devote him- 
 self to the work of the Christian ministry. In 
 the beginning of 1835, having received the ap- 
 pointment of general agent of the American Colo- 
 nization Society, for the state of Virginia, he 
 removed with his family to the city of Richmond. 
 Here Miss H ill, with her fuher and step-mother, 
 became members of the First Baptist Church, 
 then under the pastoral charge of the Rev. J. T. 
 Hinton. She entered the female seminary taught 
 by the Rev. H. Keeling and his 1 idy ; and ap- 
 plied herself assiduously to her studies. On 
 leaving the institution, she received, unsolicited, 
 testimonials of the most satisfactory character. 
 Between her and her pious teachers a friendship 
 was fanned which flourished, as the reader will 
 find in the progress of this work, till the close of 
 her valuable life. 
 
 Miss Hall, from the commencement of her reli- 
 gious life, seems to have cherished the mission- 
 ary spirit. This spirit she wis likely to imbibe. 
 Her disposition, ardent, bordering on the romantic 
 her reading her associations the frequent 
 conversations on Christian missions in her father's 
 family and, above all, her fervent piety, would 
 have led an intelligent observer to expect, that 
 she would have a desire to emulate the example 
 of the devoted and excellent women, whose labors 
 and sufferings, in the missionary enterprise, have 
 awakened, throughout the Christian world, so 
 lively an interest, and so deep a sympathy. 
 
 The Rev. J. Lewis Shuck, a student of the 
 Virginia Baptist Seminary, now Richmond Col- 
 lege, having been accepted, by the Board of the
 
 LETTER TO MRS. KEELING. 23 
 
 Baptist Triennial Convention, as a missionary to 
 China, invited Miss Hall to accompany him, as 
 the companion of his toils and the sharer of his 
 joys and sorrows. To this proposal, after anxious 
 deliberation, consultation with her friends, and 
 earnest prayer for divine guidance, she assented. 
 In anticipation of her union with Mr. Shuck, the 
 following letter the earliest of her letters which 
 have come into our hands was written to her 
 friend, Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 ' RICHMOND, JUNE 2~>, 1835. 
 
 If I mistake not, my beloved teacher promised 
 to write me a long letter ; but th it wished-for 
 favor has not yet arrived. I hope, however, it is 
 not far distant. I do, indeed, need instruction, 
 and I wish to receive it from you, because I am 
 well convinced it would be altogether correct. 
 
 You said, yesterday, you were afraid I did not 
 love you because you spoke so freely to me. 
 Quite the contrary I love you but the more. 
 And when you or Mr. Keeling discover any thing 
 improper in my deportment, whether in or out of 
 school, do not, for a moment, hesitate to tell me 
 of it, so that I may guard against the same 
 another time. Rely on it, I will take it kindly. 
 ' Those indeed, are our friends who tell us of 
 our fiults.' 
 
 You seem to think hardly of me for not talking 
 to you on some certain subjects. No doubt, you 
 know whence proceeds my backwardness. 
 
 The cause of missions, dearest teacher, lies 
 near my heart. I feel greatly for the poor, dying 
 heathen. The sincere prayer of my heart is, 
 O that I were qualified to become a missionary
 
 24 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 of the cross ! How gladly would I enter the field 
 of labor, although it would cause torrents of 
 tears to roll down my cheeks. Many a pang of 
 sorrow would my bosom feel to part with a be- 
 loved father, kind mother, dear sisters and 
 brothers, who are dearer to me than all the world 
 beside. Yet, if by parting with all that's dear 
 by the ties of nature, I could promote the cause 
 of Christ in heathen lands, I would, leaving them 
 in the hands of an allwise Protector, take the 
 parting hand, and amongst the benighted heathen 
 would I labor until death. And if, at last, I 
 should be the means of rescuing one heathen 
 from eternal woe, I should be amply compensated 
 for all the difficulties and trials which I might 
 have to undergo. I am well convinced, dearest 
 teacher, that the life of a missionary is by no 
 means an easy one ; to the comfort and ease of 
 this world she is a stranger ; but she enjoys, 
 what, in my estimation, is far better, the presence 
 of the Most High. 
 
 When you write, tell me what books you think 
 it would be advisable for me to read. I am very 
 fond of reading, and will take care to peruse with 
 great attention all you mention. With whom do 
 you think I should chiefly associate ? I ask these 
 questions because I know you to be a woman of 
 judgment, and I can, with perfect safety, do any 
 thing you or Mr. K. bid me. 
 
 I must request you and Mr. K. to remember 
 me at a throne of grace. Do, my teachers, pray 
 that I may be useful in the work of the Lord. 
 
 I am yours forever, dear teacher, in the strong- 
 est ties of affection. 
 
 HENRIETTA."
 
 DUTY TO THE HEATHEH. 25 
 
 We are aware that to many persons, and some of 
 these professors of a spiritual Christianity, the 
 feelings and sentiments displayed in the above 
 letter will appear enthusiastic and visionary. 
 The heathen, in their judgment, are in a state of 
 safe and happy ignorance ; and those who would 
 disturb their repose, by proclaiming in their ears 
 the divine denunciations against sin, are pestilent 
 intruders. With such persons let us reason a 
 moment. If the Bible is a revelation from God, 
 it is supremely important that a knowledge of it 
 should be spread among all nations. On this 
 principle Christ and his apostles acted. The 
 last solemn command of the risen Saviour to his 
 chosen disciples was, to proclaim the gospel 
 among all nations, and to every creature. The 
 rich legacy which he bequeathed to his favorites, 
 was the privilege of filling the world with the 
 light of salvation. And faithfully did they obey 
 the command, and well did they appreciate the 
 privilege. They set themselves, in good earnest, 
 to preach the gospel to every creature under 
 heaven. And so deeply were they impressed 
 with the magnitude and importance of their mis- 
 sion, that they cheerfully performed the most 
 arduous toils, and endured the most cruel perse- 
 cutions, in its performance. 
 
 It would betray an ignorance of human nature 
 to suppose that in one so young, and of tempera- 
 ment so ardent, as Miss Hall, romantic feelings 
 did not, in some degree, mingle with high and 
 holy motives. Bat that, in the main, her views 
 were enlightened, her principles sound, and hei 
 affections pure and spiritual, her subsequent zeal 
 sacrifices, and labors in the Redeemer's cause 
 3
 
 * 
 26 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 continued without abatement to the very close of 
 .life, her amiable and consistent deportment, and 
 .her joyous anticipation of heaven, when brought 
 by disease to the verge of the grave, furnish most 
 decisive proofs. 
 
 Miss Hall was married to the Rev. J. Lewis 
 .Shuck, Sept 8th, 1835, by the Rev. H. Keeling, 
 preparatory to their immediate departure for the 
 .East. At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Shuck 
 was not quite eighteen years old. If it should 
 be thought that she was too young and inexpe- 
 rienced to enter on the responsible duties of a 
 missionary's wife, let it be considered that this 
 objection, whatever might have been its weight, 
 was every day diminishing until it entirely dis- 
 appeared. The sainted Mrs. Newell, whose 
 career was so brief and so brilliant, was only 
 nineteen years old when she died in the Isle of 
 France. 
 
 Frorn the time of her removal to the city of 
 Richmond, Miss Hall had been a diligent teacher 
 in the Sunday School connected with the First 
 Baptist Church. A few days before her depart- 
 ure to the East, she addressed the following very 
 affectionate letter to her pupils. 
 
 "Very Dear Children, 
 
 Although my time is extremely limited, I 
 cannot think of parting with you without address- 
 ing you a few farewell lines. The manner in 
 which you have received my feeble instruction, 
 and the whole of your deportment, have pleased 
 me inexpressibly. This pleasure I shall no more 
 enjoy on earth. I must soon bid you a final 
 adieu. The regard I feel for you all prompts
 
 SET APART AS A MISSIONARY. 27 
 
 me to seize the present opportunity, to exhort 
 you to flee from the wrath to come. ' Seek ye 
 the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon 
 him while he is near.' Youth is the most suita- 
 ble time to serve the Lord; then let me exhort 
 you to give your hearts to the Redeemer. Many 
 precious promises are made to the young. I 
 shall in a short time be traversing the pathless 
 ocean, encompassed by dangers, far from the 
 paternal roof, and the much loved scenes of my 
 childhood, and -far from you, my dear scholars; 
 but I shall not cease to think of you, yes, I shall 
 often try to make intercession for you at the 
 mercy seat. Although in the course of a few 
 months oceans will roll between us, sometimes 
 think of your youthful teacher, and remember 
 how ardently she longs for your salvation. 
 
 Love to the souls of the poor perishing heathen 
 constrains me to forsake the innumerable enjoy- 
 ments of my own dear, lovely country, and take 
 up my abode in a land of moral darkness. I go 
 cheerfully, yes, I long to be pointing the wretched 
 idolaters to the Lamb of God, which alone can 
 take away sin. And now I must bid you an 
 affectionate farewell. Our next meeting will be 
 in the presence of the great Judge of heaven 
 and earth. Farewell, my dear girls, farewell, on 
 earth to meet no morel 
 
 O, may we meet in heaven above, 
 Where all U joy, and peace, and lore. 
 
 Your affectionate friend, 
 
 HENRIETTA." 
 
 On the 10th of September, 1835, the Rev. J. 
 Lewis Shuck, and the Rev. Robert D. Davenport,
 
 28 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 with their companions, were solemnly set apart 
 in the First Baptist Church, Richmond, to the 
 work of missions in the East. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Shuck were destined for China, and Mr. and 
 Mrs. Davenport for Siam. The religious ser- 
 vices on the occasion are represented as having 
 been peculiarly interesting and affecting. The 
 ministers present were brethren Ball, Hume, 
 Hatchett, Nelson, Taylor, and Keeling. At the 
 close of the public exercises, the pastors, members 
 of the churches, and most of the large and deeply- 
 impressed congregation, gave to the beloved mis- 
 sionaries the parting hand to Mrs. Shuck it was 
 the final adieu. 
 
 The following day the missionaries embarked 
 for Boston. They were followed by the warm 
 affection, tender sympathies, and earnest prayers 
 of many Christian hearts. The following letter 
 gives an account of the journey to Boston, and 
 the arrangements for the Eastern voyage. 
 
 "BOSTON, SEPT. 18, 1835. 
 Very Dear Sister Keeling, 
 
 According to promise I have seated myself 
 for the purpose of writing you a short letter ; and 
 
 1 dare say it will be gratifying to all our dear 
 friends in Richmond to hear from us. We had 
 a pleasant trip down the James River, on board 
 the steamer Patrick Henry, the day we left Rich- 
 mond. Peculiar emotions thrilled our bosoms as 
 the ' hills, and dales,' and fields, of our native 
 state, faded in the distance. Still we were cheer- 
 ful and happy, and rejoiced together. About 
 
 2 o'clock we arrived in Hampton Roads, and 
 removed ourselves and our baggage on board the
 
 LETTER TO HER FATHER. 29 
 
 steamer Pocahontas. We travelled all night, 
 and the bay (Chesapeake) being very rough, we 
 were nearly all seasick. I never was sicker in 
 my life. We arrived in Baltimore the next day 
 by 8 o'clock. We spent Saturday and Sunday 
 there. Mr. S. preached in the Calvert St. 
 Church in the morning, and in the Sharp St. 
 Church in the afternoon. At night we heard a 
 sermon from the Rev. Mr. R., a Presbyterian 
 missionary, just returned from Bombay. 
 
 Having been kindly entertained in B., by brother 
 C. and his family, we left at 6 o'clock on Monday 
 morning for Philadelphia; at which place we 
 arrived at 3 o'clock P. M., and were hospitably 
 received by brother K. and his wife. We left P. 
 Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock, and arrived in 
 New York, by steamboat and railroad, at 2 
 o'clock the same day. After viewing the city a 
 short time, we went on board the steamer Provi- 
 dence. Dr. Going, and brother J. L. Dagg, 
 heard that we were there, and came on board to 
 see us. Their Christian company we enjoyed 
 only a few moments, as we left the city at 5 
 o'clock. We arrived next day at Providence at 
 10, and here at 12 o'clock. 
 
 We have been kindly received, and hospitably 
 entertained in Boston. The name of the vessel 
 in which we are to go is the ' Louvre.' From 
 what we can learn we shall be better accommo- 
 dated, as to vessel and company, than any mis- 
 sionaries who have left the United States. There 
 are twenty-two of us in company nine married 
 couples, and four single persons. We expect to 
 sail next Monday morning. I feel contented and 
 happy . happy because 1 expect erelong, should 
 3*
 
 30 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 my life be spared, to be surrounded by heathen 
 children, and, O! what a delightful task to teach 
 them, and point them to the Lamb of God ! Mr. 
 Sutton (a missionary from the East on a visit to 
 this country) has with him a little Hindoo girl. 
 She is very interesting. Sister S. is an amiable 
 woman. 1 have seen all the females who will 
 accompany us. Frances (Mrs. Davenport) and 
 myself are the youngest of them. There is one 
 twenty years of age ; the others are much older. 
 I am very much hurried, so you must excuse all 
 errors. * * * * Arid now, dear sister, farewell. 
 Pray for us often you know we are young, and 
 need your prayers and advice. Write to us also. 
 I am yours forever in the bonds of love. 
 
 H. S." 
 
 Mrs. Shuck was accompanied to Boston by 
 her devoted father and step-mother. She had 
 taken a final leave of her brothers and sisters. 
 It was a painful separation, but the most trying 
 conflict was yet to come. To give the parting 
 hand, and parting kiss, to a fond and venerated 
 father, without the prospect of meeting him again 
 on earth, was, to one whose affection was so fer- 
 vent as was hers, almost too much for ' flesh 
 and blood' to bear. The following letter, enclos- 
 ing a lock of her hair, displays the strength of 
 her affections and the tempest of her emotions. 
 
 BOSTON, SKPT. 18, 1835. 
 
 I have parted with dear little brothers I have 
 taken the last look at my dear sisters I have bid 
 a final adieu to the place of my nativity ; but, 
 O ! the trying hour has not yet arrived. One
 
 PARTING LETTER. 31 
 
 more day, and I shall have to extend the ' part- 
 ing hand ' to him who, with a tender parent's 
 eye, has watched over rae from my infancy. 
 ' Trying period," I may call it. Ah ! soul-thrill- 
 ing word, I must pronounce thee Farewell! 
 I have to say farewell to those I fondly love. 
 
 O my father, it is hard 'tis trying to thy 
 daughter's heart to bid thee a final farewell. My 
 feelings at this moment are very different from 
 any I have ever (before) experienced. Often 
 have I parted with you I have been separated 
 from you for some months (at a time) but now I 
 bid you adieu no more to see you no more to 
 have your kind attention no more to bend the 
 knee with you around the family altar. But, 
 dear fathor, when I say ' no more ' to meet, I 
 speak of this world. Yes, we shall meet again 
 in a world of glory. We shall not be separated 
 long ; the longest life is at "best but short. I would 
 not be deprived of the hope of meeting you again 
 for the weilth of Peru ; no, millions of worlds 
 could not bribe me to give up the glorious hope. 
 It will continue both sure and steadfast to the 
 end, and though the deep may roll between us, 
 and we may be separated by thousands of miles, 
 we shall soon be called to take up our abode in 
 the paradise above, ' where adieus and farewells 
 are sounds unknown.' 'Tis there, dearest father, 
 we shall meet to part no more. Let us remem- 
 ber, dear p irent, for whom we make this sacrifice 
 who bids thy daughter go and I am certain 
 we cannot murmur ; we can but part joyfully. 
 Yes, 'tis my Saviour I am obeying. 
 
 O ! do not for a moment think that I do not 
 possess ardent love for you. Ah ! no, you can
 
 32 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 not think so. I love you as dearly as a daughter 
 can love a father. I love all my dear friends, 
 but I love my Saviour better. I hope, my dear- 
 est parent, you will pray often for your fond child, 
 who is about to say to you, ' Adieu.' Recollect 
 what a responsible work she has engaged in, and 
 you know it requires ardent piety. Pray that I 
 may possess more real, heart- felt religion. 
 
 Dear father, I am united to one who, I believe, 
 will do all in his power to render me happy. 
 He loves the Lord, and I love him more for that. 
 
 And now, dear parent, as I am very much 
 hurried, I must draw to a close, 'although I assure 
 you it is with reluctance that I do so. I could 
 write all day to you, and not be tired, but the 
 shortness of the time bids me stop. 
 
 Remember me to all the dear Christian friends 
 of Lancaster. Dear native spot, it never before 
 seemed so sweet. Ask my friends to remember 
 me at the ' mercy seat.' 
 
 And now, dear father, mother, sisters, brothers, 
 happy country, all adieu. 'Tis in obedience to 
 the command of my dying, but now risen Jesus, 
 that I now leave you. Farewell ! Farewell ! ! 
 
 I am now, and forever shall be, dear father, 
 your most affectionate and devoted daughter, 
 
 HENRIETTA." 
 
 At the moment that Mrs. Shuck handed the 
 above letter, with a handsome New Testament, 
 to her father, on board the Louvre, he, without 
 any concert, presented her with a beautiful Bi- 
 ble, and put into her hands the following parting 
 letter, with a ' few private thoughts ' annexed. 
 We have several reasons for publishing this docu-
 
 LETTER FROM HER FATHER. 33 
 
 ment entire. It is intrinsically excellent it fur- 
 nishes the reader a specimen of the methods by 
 which Mr. Hall aimed to train his daughter for 
 usefulness and it exerted, as we learn from an 
 unquestionable source, a most potent and happy 
 influence in moulding her character. She fre- 
 quently alluded to it in a manner that indicated 
 that the advice, in itself so judicious, given by 
 one so venerated, and under circumstances so 
 fitted to impress the heart, was not lost. 
 
 " BOSTOW, SEPT. 20, 1835. 
 
 My Dear Henrietta, 
 
 The time is at hand when you are to bid adieu 
 to the land of your birth, to enter upon a mission 
 of mercy to a distant and heathenish portion of 
 our nice. If commissioned upon this embassage 
 of peace and salvation to perishing sinners by 
 the King of kings, I doubt not he will furnish 
 you with such instructions, and afford you such 
 encouragement and support, as will enable you 
 to accomplish the object of your mission. 
 
 God will not, however, speak audibly in your 
 ears, and you will have to receive his communi- 
 cations through the medium of his word, his ser- 
 vants, and by his Spirit operating upon your heart, 
 and moving you in the path of duty. 
 
 Placed in the endearing relation to you of a 
 father, it imy not be contrary to the will of our 
 heavenly Father, that I should assume the duty 
 of imparting some instruction to you, touching 
 the important business upon which you are about 
 to enter. 
 
 I have no reason to doubt the correctness of 
 the motives which influence you ; the sacrifice of
 
 34 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 all further personal intercourse on earth with so 
 many dear friends, to encounter the dangers of 
 the ocean, and to live and die amongst unculti- 
 vated heathen, would seem to be proof enough 
 of disinterestedness, did we not know the pride 
 and deceitfulness of the human heart. The 
 desire of distinction, love of novelty, &-c., are such 
 insidious motives that sometimes they assume the 
 name of philanthropy, and it requires great cau- 
 tion and much self-examination to detect them. 
 
 On this point I need not enlarge. You know 
 that for more than twelve months you have had 
 my thoughts upon it. You have, as I trust, 
 prayerfully and deliberately considered the sub- 
 ject, in all its bearings, and you have decided to 
 go. In making this decision you have subjected 
 yourself to many unkind remarks from the illibe- 
 ral, the ignorant, and the wicked, some of which 
 may have reached your ears, but by far the 
 greater part have been uttered out of your hearing. 
 
 To say that / have no fears whatever for you, 
 would be untrue. 'Tis what, I presume, you 
 would not venture to say for yourself. We should 
 distrust, and jealously watch every motive which 
 has so much to do with self. While I would not 
 myself, nor would I have you, indulge a confi- 
 dent boasting in regard to this matter, at the same 
 time, I am free to express the opinion, that so 
 far as we can judge, it is the will of God that 
 you should take this step. If we be mistaken, I 
 trust that he will pardon our blindness, and over- 
 rule all for good. 
 
 You have, my dear child, taken upon you the 
 name and office of a missionary a name and 
 office which a Judson, and Newell, and Morrison,
 
 LETTER FROM HER FATHER. 35 
 
 and Gut/luff, and others, have caused to be asso- 
 ciated with honor ; but you must remember that 
 they are not necessarily thus associated. The 
 reputation which those missionaries who have 
 preceded you have attained cannot be transferred 
 to you. By patient, continued and faithful labor 
 in the cause of Christ, must you win and share 
 the honors of a missionary life. Whilst the 
 result of your toils, in this cause may confer some 
 degree of honor upon yourself, let it not be for- 
 gotten that this is the least consideration which 
 should animate you. The glory of God, and the 
 good of souls, should move you to the same 
 exertions, were you confident that in this world 
 your motives would be impugned, and your name 
 brought into disrepute. For the sake of the 
 cause, however, in which you are engaged, it 
 should be your care to gain a standing with the 
 world (at least the Christian world) for a high 
 degree of moral and religious worth. 
 
 Aim at high attainments in personal piety 
 not such as will cause you to feel like the Phari- 
 see, when he said, ' God, I thank thee,' &c. ; but 
 rather such as will humble you, and bring you to 
 the foot of the cross, and cause you to adopt the 
 prayer of the publican, ' God, be merciful to me 
 a sinner ! ' 
 
 MONDAY, SEPT. 21, 1835. 
 
 Since writing the above, we have attended the 
 meeting for the public designation of your coin- 
 puny as missionaries, and we have heard the 
 official instructions of the Board. Those instruc- 
 tions are the result of age and experience, and 
 contain all, perhaps, that is necessary for your 
 guidance ; and I shall, without repeating such
 
 36 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 thoughts as are there suggested, only insist with 
 PARENTAL EARNESTNESS that you pay strict regard 
 to them. 
 
 There is one thought that I would here impress 
 deeply upon your mind, and that is, that you 
 have enlisted for life; and that unless extraor- 
 dinary occurrences of Providence shall otherwise 
 indicate, you are NEVER TO RETURN TO AMERICA 
 NEVER, unless the Board here shall advise and 
 require it. 
 
 I part with you with all the feelings of nature, 
 and shall, when let down to the feeling point, 
 (for I am now above it,) weep on account of our 
 separation ; but I assure you that I do not regret 
 that you are going. Assure me that all is right 
 in motive with us all, and that God requires it, 
 and I rejoice in the prospect of your living and 
 dying on heathen ground. I should look upon 
 it as a lasting stigma were you to become tired of 
 your vocation, and quit the service in which you 
 have engaged. 
 
 Although you have reflected on many trials 
 and difficulties that may attend you, after all, 
 you perhaps have not thought of half that you 
 will experience. Prepare your mind for the 
 worst. You should not, however, doubt the faith- 
 fulness of God, that he will be with you always. 
 
 In your intercourse with your co-laborers in 
 the same service, I hope you will find much pleas- 
 ure. Catch all their virtues, and avoid all their 
 foibles, (if they have any.) You will have much 
 time during the voyage and afterwards, it is proba- 
 ble, for devotion, reading and reflection. Endeavor 
 to improve it. Lay in a good stock of useful 
 knowledge, and do not consider your education
 
 LETTER FROM HER FATHER. 37 
 
 as yet complete. Take care of minutes, and have 
 system in all your affairs. 
 
 Remember those you leave behind ; your 
 brothers, sisters, friends. Pray for them, and 
 write to them. I find I have not opportunity to 
 write more. We part in a short time, to meet 
 no more on earth! But we shall meet again 
 SHORTLY in HEAVEN ! 
 
 Till then, FAREWELL! 
 
 Your Father, 
 
 ADDISON HALL." 
 
 wj few Private Thoughts for Henrietta. 
 
 You will find, in many books, rules, and good 
 rules, for the government of your conduct in 
 respect to your husband ; but you may not meet 
 with them, or if you do you may not subscribe 
 to them so entirely as to practise them. You 
 will find the sum and substance of your duty in 
 this respect in a volume which you will always, 
 I trust, have near you the Bible. If you observe 
 strictly the directions therein contained, you will 
 find your account in it. Your happiness and 
 usefulness, depend on it, is intimately connected 
 with the manner in which you observe these rules. 
 One principle must, of necessity, be acted on, 
 and that is, that you must yield to the will of your 
 husband, whenever the point is made ; this must 
 be the case, or he must submit to you. I do not 
 mean that it is necessary to yield a forced obedi- 
 ence, but a willing one. God has constituted 
 the man, as the stronger in mind and body, to 
 have the government ; and in proportion as you 
 may be disposed to usurp the authority which 
 belongs to him, you destroy the order of Provi- 
 4
 
 58 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK 
 
 dence, and the harmony of the connubial state. 
 Never oppose, therefore, the will of your husband. 
 You may reason with and persuade him, but do 
 not attempt to dictate to him. ' I WILL,' and ' I 
 WON'T,' are words which should not be found 
 in a wife's vocabulary. Never use them to your 
 husband, or you may force him to adopt such as 
 he may lawfully do, but such as he should never 
 have occasion for ' YOU SHALL,' and ' YOU SHALL 
 NOT.' 
 
 Don't fret at or quarrel with your husband on 
 any occasion. He is fallible, and may some- 
 times err, and may speak unadvisedly ; but on 
 euch occasions be silent and affectionate, and you 
 will reform him. 
 
 Be always neat and cleanly in your person 
 and dress, and you will increase his love and 
 respect for you. A sluttish appearance in a wife 
 distresses, and may even disgust, a husband. 
 
 Little differences may, and sometimes will, 
 occur between a man and his wife. Should you 
 find this your case, take the earliest opportunity 
 of making the first overture of reconciliation. 
 You will thereby heal the wound, and increase 
 the love of your husband. 
 
 When you reach your place of destination, 
 and your husband is necessarily compelled to be 
 often absent from you, do not take it as evidence 
 of his want of affection. If he stay beyond the 
 time expected, meet him on his return with 
 smiles and caresses; and, depend on it, he will 
 be thereby induced to hasten home when other- 
 wise he might not. Make HOME the quietest 
 and happiest place, and he will love it. 
 
 Your husband may die before you. In that
 
 LETTER FROM HER FATHER. 39 
 
 event, remember, that if I am living, you should 
 take no important step without my advice, how- 
 ever distant, if it can be avoided. If it be im- 
 possible to get that advice, go to the pious and 
 experienced with whom you may be associated. 
 
 Improve your handwriting it needs it 
 
 Do not be impatient when you are sick you 
 are rather predisposed that way. 
 
 Take great care of your health : avoid the sun 
 when it is hot, and the dews, and ail improper 
 food, and don't take medicine too freely, and 
 without great caution. 
 
 Avoid careless habits in every respect. 'A 
 place for every thing, and every thing in its 
 place.' 
 
 A. HALL. 
 
 BOSTON, SXPT. 21, 1835."
 
 (40) 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Embarkation Parting Scene described by Dr. Malcom Ex- 
 tracts from Mrs. Shuck'* Journal and Letters during tier Voyage 
 Ship touches tit Kedgeree at Amherst Visit to Maulmain 
 Interview with the Missionaries Ship touches at Penang 
 Beautiful Scenery Voyage to Singapore Fear of Pirates Con- 
 version of Sailors. 
 
 THE morning of the 22d of Sept. has come 
 has passed the parting hand has been pressed, 
 and the parting tear shed the Louvre, freighted 
 with the treasures of salvation for the perishing 
 heathen, is careering over the billows of the vast 
 Atlantic and the passengers have seen, receding 
 and vanishing in the distance, the shores of their 
 favored and fondly-remembered country. The 
 parting scene is thus described by Dr. Malcom, 
 who went out in the Louvre as an agent of the 
 Board of the Baptist Triennial Convention to 
 visit their mission stations in the East. 
 
 " How cordial and comprehensive are the sym- 
 pathies of true religion ! Who that saw the Lou- 
 vre, with her eleven ordained ministers, about to 
 spread her canvass, could fail to contrast the 
 scene with ordinary shipping operations ! Over 
 all the wharf is one dense mass of grave and 
 silent spectators, while the decks and rigging of 
 the adjacent ships are filled with younger, but 
 not less intent observers. No sound interrupts
 
 PASTING SCENE. 41 
 
 the ascending prayer. The full harmony of a 
 thousand voices wafts to Heaven the touching 
 hymn. Countless hands, thrust toward the narrow 
 passway, seek the last token of recognition. Even 
 the aged, unaccustomed to tears, weep, not in bit- 
 terness, but in exuberance of love. 
 
 But here are none of the customary induce- 
 ments to convene a crowd. A ship sailing with 
 passengers is no novelty. One of the number 
 was, indeed, the pastor of a large and most affec- 
 tionate congregation ; but with the others, in gen- 
 eral, the multitude had no acquaintance. Personal 
 attachments, therefore, had not assembled the 
 people. There was, in fact, nothing in the scene 
 which could call forth a general interest, but its 
 religious character. The regular packet, crowded 
 with passengers, leaves our shores, while only 
 here and there a group of personal friends look 
 on with interest. The merchantman unfurls his 
 sails, but his destination and objects are not 
 regarded. But the missionary ! he awakens the 
 sympathy of every believer. Stranger though he 
 may be, all press to grasp his hand ; and, when 
 gone, all intercede for him with God. Even de- 
 nominational prejudices are forgotten, and every 
 sect mingles in the throng, exulting in a common 
 
 joy- 
 Never did a ship leave Boston harbor more 
 nobly. A fine wind, and favoring tide, bore us so 
 rapidly as scarcely to leave us time to gaze one 
 lingering farewell to the faint outlines of the great 
 and beautiful city. In two hours the pilot left us, 
 bearing brief notes of affectionate remembrance 
 to friends behind." 
 
 The voyage, so auspiciously commenced, proves 
 4*
 
 42 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 to be long and tedious. Mrs. Shuck kept a jour- 
 nal during the voyage for the special perusal of 
 her father, and wrote several letters to her rela- 
 tives and friends. Some extracts from these, in 
 chronological order, will furnish the reader, not 
 only a sufficient account of the voyage, but a just 
 idea of the writer's spirit. 
 
 Journal. " Sept. 30. Owing to constant sea- 
 sickness, I have been entirely unable to write any 
 since I left the shores of my own loved, native 
 land ; however, I feel much better to-day. This 
 is the regular afternoon for the female missionary 
 prayer meeting in Richmond. I hope those dear 
 young friends will be more frequent, fervent, and 
 persevering, in their petitions to their heavenly 
 Father, now, since two of their number have left 
 them for a heathen land. It is truly comforting 
 to me to know, that so many of my dear Christian 
 friends have promised to remember me at a mercy 
 seat ; and when I shall be tempted on all sides, 
 and be in the midst of a people who know not 
 the Lord Jesus, then it will be truly sweet to think 
 that I am borne upon the wings of faith before 
 Jehovah's throne, by many, many in America ! 
 
 Oct. 1. Truly the Lord has favored us. 
 We have been sailing but ten days, and are now 
 1500 miles from Boston. This is the first time 
 I have been able to attend family worship since 
 sailing. I felt truly happy to bow the knee once 
 again with others. 
 
 3. My thoughts to-day, dear pa', have been 
 much with you all. I feel an increasing concern 
 for the welfare of my dear sisters and brothers. 
 May they all, as soon as they arrive at the age of
 
 LETTER TO HEE FATHER. 43 
 
 maturity, give their hearts to the Saviour ! I can- 
 not bear to think of parting with them in another 
 world. But especially have I thought of sister 
 Susan she is now old enough to know something 
 of that religion which the Bible teaches. If she 
 were called to exchange worlds, I fear she would 
 be eternally lost. The earliest impressions are by 
 far the most lasting. Do, dearest father, endeavor 
 to impress on the tender minds of the children 
 the solemn truth, that unless they repent they 
 must be forever lost. What you teach them 
 now will have great bearing on them throughout 
 their lives. That we may, after lives filled up 
 with usefulness, meet in the regions of perfect 
 love and happiness, is now, and shall always be, 
 my constant prayer." 
 
 A Letter. 
 
 "Ocr. 6, LAT. 34, Lou. 40, W. 
 
 My much-loved Father, 
 
 No doubt you are already anxious to 
 hear from your dear absent child, although it has 
 been so short a time since we enjoyed each other's 
 company. 
 
 Your very kind and affectionate letters were 
 read by me with no ordinary feelings. If ever I 
 felt disposed to hearken to advice, it was whilst 
 reading the last lines I received from you ; and if 
 ever advice appeared to be of the right kind, it 
 was contained in your three letters. O that the 
 Lord may assist me in endeavoring to profit by it ! 
 
 Dear father, I experience now the reality of 
 eome of those feelings which have for some time 
 burned within my bosom. Yes, I have parted
 
 44 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 with friends; I have left the shores of my own 
 dear native land ; I am now travelling the mighty 
 deep, and soon J hope to enter a field of labor 
 amongst the perishing heathen. I have taken on 
 me the responsible name of a missionary a 
 name too honorable for me to bear, an unworthy 
 worm of the dust. I have, indeed, often wished 
 that I might be useful in the cause of my 
 heavenly Master, in some humble way. 
 
 We, poor ignorant beings, cannot divest our- 
 selves of human nature. We are apt to be self- 
 ish ; are liable to fall into errors ; are, by far, too 
 apt to mistake our own feelings as the impulses 
 of duty. Our hearts are deceitful above all things 
 and desperately wicked especially mine is ; yet, 
 vile and polluted as I am, I think I have endeav- 
 ored to examine well into my motives, and have 
 come to this conclusion, that nothing, save the 
 glory of God and the good of souls, could have 
 prompted me to take the step which I have taken. 
 
 You seem to wish the idea, ' that I have en- 
 listed for life,' deeply impressed on my mind. 
 The thought that I am to get tired of my duty, 
 and forsake a field of usefulness, is one on which 
 I delight not to dwell ; although, when my eyes 
 glanced over the words of your letter, ' You are 
 never to return to America,' my feelings seemed 
 to be entirely new. Yet, if I know my own de- 
 praved heart, I feel willing, yea, anxious, if it be 
 the will of Heaven, to live and die without ever 
 again beholding the land of my nativity and the 
 friends of my childhood. It is sufficient to know 
 that I do it for Christ. To him can I go in every 
 time of trouble, and from him do I expect to 
 receive every good and perfect gift."
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER. 45 
 
 Letter to Aer Sister Susan. 
 
 "ATLANTIC, OCT. 24. 
 
 Very dear Sister, 
 
 I cannot refuse myself the gratification 
 of writing to you this afternoon, although I feel 
 very dull about the head. I have been thinking 
 a great deal of your dear, never-dying soul lately. 
 You cannot imagine the horror which fills my 
 mind as I meditate on the solemn truth that you 
 are unprepared for death. Dear sister, it is time 
 for you to awake. Eternity is at hand ; the day 
 of your death is approaching, and still you seem 
 to take but little thought of your precious soul. 
 I have parted from you, never expecting to see 
 you again on this side eternity. I feel no sorrow 
 at having done so. I am willing to see you no 
 more in the flesh. But, O my sister, the 
 thought that we may be separated in another 
 world is too painful to dwell on ; and yet it must 
 be so, unless you resign your heart into the hands 
 of an all-wise Protector. Put this not off, I 
 beseech you, dear sister, for some future day. 
 The day you appoint may never come. I was 
 reading a narrative, the other day, which I will 
 here insert for your perusal. Do not read it with 
 a careless eye, you may be reading a case simi- 
 lar to your own. 
 
 ' Shortly after my settlement in the ministry,' 
 says Mr. Abbot, ' I observed in the congregation 
 a young lady, whose blooming countenance and 
 cheerful air showed perfect health and high 
 elation of spirits. Her appearance at once sat- 
 isfied me that she was amiable, but thoughtless. 
 There was no one of my charge whose prospects 
 for long life were more promising than hers, and,
 
 46 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 perhaps, no one who looked to the future with 
 more pleasing hopes of enjoyment. To her the 
 world seemed bright. She often said she wished 
 to enjoy more of it before she became a Christian. 
 Louisa (for by that name I shall call her) mani- 
 fested no particular hostility to religion, but wish- 
 ed to live a gay and merry life, till just before her 
 death, and then to become pious and happy. She 
 was constant in her attendance at church, and 
 while others seemed moved by the exhibitions of 
 a Saviour's love, she seemed entirely unaffected. 
 Upon whatever subject I preached, her counte- 
 nance retained the same marks of indifference 
 and unconcern. The same easy smile played 
 upon her features whether sin or death, heaven or 
 hell, was the theme of discourse. One evening, 
 I invited a few of the ladies of my society to 
 meet at my house. She came with her compan- 
 ions. I had sought the interview with them, that 
 I might more directly urge upon them the impor- 
 tance of religion. All in the room were affected, 
 and she, though evidently moved, endeavored to 
 conceal her feelings. The interest in this great 
 subject manifested by those present was such, 
 that I informed them that I would meet, in a week 
 from that time, any who wished for personal con- 
 versation. The appointed evening arrived, and I 
 was pleased to see, with two or three others, 
 Louisa enter my house. I conversed with each 
 one individually. They generally, with much 
 frankness, expressed their state of feeling. Most 
 of them expressed much solicitude respecting 
 their eternal interests. Louisa appeared different 
 from the rest. She was anxious, and unable to 
 conceal her anxiety, and yet ashamed to have it
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER. 47 
 
 known she had come to converse with me on the 
 subject of religion, and yet was making an 
 evident effort to appear indifferent. I had long 
 felt interested in Louisa, and was glad of this 
 opportunity to converse with her. " Louisa," said 
 I, " I am happy to see you here this evening, and 
 particularly so as you have come interested in the 
 subject of religion." She made no reply. "Have 
 you been long thinking about this subject, Louisa?" 
 " I always thought the subject important, sir, but 
 have not attended to it as I suppose I ought." I 
 conversed longer with her, but she continued to 
 think she did (not) feel sufficiently her need of a 
 Saviour. After addressing a few general remarks 
 to my young friends, we kneeled in prayer, and 
 the interview closed. Another meeting was ap- 
 pointed. Louisa again made her appearance with 
 the same young ladies, and a few others. She 
 appeared much more deeply impressed. I com- 
 menced a conversation with her first. She, in 
 reply to a question of mine, said, " I think, sir, it 
 is time for me to attend to my immortal soul. I 
 have neglected it too long." She seemed to be a 
 true penitent, but knew not how to get rid of sin. 
 After conversing with the others, our meeting 
 closed, and a similar appointment was made for 
 the next week. Some young ladies appeared, 
 but Louisa was absent a slight cold detained her. 
 The next week, however, Louisa was present, 
 but seemed more careless than before. This, 
 however, was the last time she met with us ; but, 
 alas ! I was soon called to see her under circum- 
 stances different from what had been anticipated 
 Months passed, and not seeing L. at our meet- 
 ings, (which continued until many became con
 
 48 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 verted,) I almost forgot her, when one day, as I 
 was riding out, I was informed that she was ill, 
 and wished to see me. I was soon in her sick 
 chamber. She had taken a violent cold, and it 
 had settled into a fever. She was lying in her 
 bed, her cheek glowing with a feverish hue, and 
 her lips parched with thirst. She seemed agi- 
 tated when I entered the room, and the moment I 
 stood by her bed-side, and inquired how she did, 
 she covered her face with her hands, and burst 
 into a flood of tears. Her sister, who was by her 
 side, turned to me, and said, " Sir, she is in great 
 distress of mind : mental agony has kept her 
 awake nearly all night. She has wished often to 
 see you, that she might converse with you on the 
 subject of religion." I was fearful the agitation 
 she manifested might seriously injure her health, 
 and did all I could consistently to soothe her. 
 " But, sir," said Louisa, " I am sick, and may die ; 
 I know that I am not a Christian, and O ! if I 
 die in this state of mind, what will become of 
 me? what will become of me?" and again burst 
 into tears. What could I say ? Every word she 
 uttered was true. Her eyes were opened to her 
 danger. There was indeed cause for alarm. 
 Sickness was upon her. Delirium might soon 
 ensue ; death might be very neai ; and her soul 
 was unprepared to appear before God. She saw 
 it all ; she felt it all. Fever was burning in her 
 veins, but she forgot hor pains in view of ap- 
 proaching judgment. I told her that the Lord 
 was good, and that he was ready to hear her 
 prayer. " But, sir," said she, " I have known my 
 duty too long, and have neglected it. I have 
 been ashamed of Christ, and have grieved away
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER. 49 
 
 the Spirit ; and now I am likely to die, and am 
 unprepared. O! if I were a Christian, I would 
 be willing to die." I told her of a Saviour's love, 
 and endeavored to induce her to resign herself 
 calmly into his hands ; but all proved unavailing. 
 I called again the next day to see her. She still 
 was greatly distressed : no comfort could she 
 find. Tossed from side to side by fever, on a 
 sick bed, she lay almost ready to sink into the 
 grave. 
 
 I left her almost ready to go deranged, but was 
 greatly in hopes of hearing, when I called again, 
 that she was better ; but, alas ! how disappointed 
 I was, when I again went to see her ! " How is 
 Louisa, this morning ? " was my first inquiry. 
 " She is dead, sir," was the reply. " At what 
 time did she die?" " About midnight." 
 
 Thus, dear sister, died a young, lovely female, 
 without hope in God. You see what procrastina- 
 tion brought her to. O ! will you not take heed, 
 and ' seek the Lord while he may be found ' ? 
 My dear sister, did you know what joys flow 
 from religion, I am sure you would no longer 
 serve Satan, but you would serve God. Will 
 you not, after reading the incident I have related, 
 be wise, defer it no longer, but determine to come 
 out from the world, and declare yourself to be 
 on the Lord's side? How many young girls, 
 younger than yourself, have openly professed to 
 be the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus ! 
 Take poor little M., for example. See how amia- 
 ble she was, and how suddenly she was called to 
 pass from time to eternity. Suppose she had de- 
 layed seeking the Lord, what a sad condition 
 would hers have been ! But, ah ! no, she 
 5
 
 50 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 sought him and he was found by her, and now 
 she is rejoicing, with holy angels, clothed in a 
 robe made white in the blood of Jesus. She has 
 bid adieu to all the cares and sorrows of this 
 ' vain, delusive world.' Dear sister, ask yourself 
 this question ' If I were dead, could the same 
 things be said of me?' I am certain your answer 
 would be, ' No! ' Well, this is a solemn thought. 
 You know not but that you may be taken away 
 in the morning of life, just as dear little M. was. 
 
 I have addressed this to you, as you are the 
 older, but I mean it for Isabella too. I hope both 
 of you will read it think of Louisa, and flee to 
 the arms of a crucified Saviour, that your condi- 
 tion may not be similar to hers. 
 
 I cannot bear the thought, dear children, of 
 never meeting you in this world, nor in the world 
 to come. I often retire from the view of all, 
 where no eye can see, and no ear can hear, but 
 God's, and pray that you may soon feel the par- 
 doning love of the Saviour. I have prayed more 
 fervently for this since I left you, than ever I did 
 before. 
 
 Kiss dear Addison, William, Robert, and 
 Lucius dear, dear children, I can scarcely think 
 of them but I weep. Tell them why I have left 
 them : tell them to be good children, and meet me 
 in heaven. And now, my dear sister, I must 
 draw to a close. O that we may all meet in 
 heaven, where we shall part no more sin no 
 more suffer no more. 
 
 Journal "Oct. 28. This is my birthday. 
 Eighteen years of my life have passed forever. 
 I am truly grieved to know that so little of my
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 51 
 
 time has been devoted to my heavenly Father. 
 He has been heaping on me innumerable mer- 
 cies from the dawn of my existence to the present 
 moment ; and, O ! what base ingratitude I have 
 returned him ! But thanks be to God, he is not like 
 unto man. He is kind and forgiving, and I will, 
 for the future, endeavor to devote myself more 
 unreservedly to his blessed cause. But, alas ! 
 how often do I make such resolutions ! and as fre- 
 quently too do I break them. The spirit is will- 
 ing, but the flesh is truly weak. Aid, O Lord ! 
 thy servant to do as thou wouldst have her. 
 
 Nov. 9. For the last seven days I have been 
 laid low on a bed of severe sickness ; but now I 
 am better, and I thank the Lord for it. 
 
 9 o'clock, at night. The last hour has been 
 one of peculiar enjoyment to me. Whilst alone, 
 meditating on the goodness of God, especially to 
 me, my soul seemed to long for the period to ar- 
 rive when this mortal shall put on immortality, 
 and, being washed in the blood of Jesus, I shall 
 live with and praise him throughout eternity. I 
 also enjoyed secret prayer. I felt an assurance, 
 in praying for my loved, unconverted friends, that 
 my feeble petitions would be heard and answered. 
 I long for the name of Jesus to be adored by 
 every tongue and people. 
 
 ' From sea to sea, from shore to shore, 
 
 May Jesus be adored, 
 And earth, with all her millions, shout 
 Hosannas to the Lord ! ' 
 
 We are now not more than 100 miles from 
 Pernambuco, on the South American coast ; and 
 are sailing at the rate of seven miles an hour, 
 being now about 6000 miles on our way."
 
 52 MEMOIE OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 Jl Letter to the Compiler. 
 
 " Nor. 13. 
 
 Perhaps it might interest you to hear how 
 our time is spent on board ship, and I will give 
 you a brief history of the manner in which it has 
 been thus far employed. You are aware that 
 brethren Malcom and Sutton are with us, which 
 of course renders our voyage much more agree- 
 able. As yet we have been able to hnve family 
 worship only at night. At 10 o'clock the bell 
 rings for worship on Lord's day. With regard 
 to preaching, the brethren take it in alphabetical 
 order. Imagine to yourself how delightful it 
 must be to hear the sound of the church-going 
 bell in the wide Atlantic. It fills one with pleas- 
 ing emotions, I assure you. The first Monday in 
 each month we occupy an hour in offering up our 
 petitions, with those of many others, for the uni- 
 versal spread of the gospel. Wednesday night 
 we have prayer meeting again, and Thursday 
 night we have, either from brother Sutton or 
 brother Malcom, a lecture. Brother S. lectures 
 on heathen mythology, and brother M. on missions 
 generally. Sabbath night we have prayer meet- 
 ing also. Thus, dear brother, you see, we are 
 not void of religious enjoyment. Though in a 
 bark built by the feeble hands of man, tossed 
 about by every breeze, on this vast ocean, still do 
 we enjoy the light of God's countenance." 
 
 A Letter to her Father. 
 
 " NOT. 14. 
 
 I have been thinking a great deal lately about 
 thai sweet camp-ground, on which so many of 
 my happy days have been enjoyed. 'Twas there
 
 LETTER TO HER FATHER. 53 
 
 I publicly professed to be one, whose desire it 
 was to follow the meek and lowly Jesus, through 
 evil as well as good report. On that ground have 
 I listened with delight to the voices of a K.., a J., 
 and a B., whose names shall always be deeply 
 engraved on the pages of my heart. But I have 
 taken my last look at that sweet spot. I shall no 
 more hear those dear brethren preach. I well re- 
 member what my feelings were the morning of 
 the last day I ever spent there ; and when my 
 dear brother K. bade me good-by, I am certain 
 his thoughts were similar to mine ; for as soon 
 as he took my hand in his, he burst into a 
 flood of tears, though neither of us knew, at that 
 time, that I should bid you all farewell so soon. 
 I delight to think of those by-gone days, not be- 
 cause I regret that I have left you all, but because 
 I think that I, as well as my friends, enjoyed the 
 presence of my Saviour." 
 
 Journal. "Nov. 17. I have this day medi- 
 tated much on the vanity of all earthly things. 
 What is there below heaven worth living for, but 
 to serve the Lord ? Then why is it that I serve 
 him with so little fervor? At how great a dis- 
 tance do I live from him ! How cold and lifeless 
 are my affections ! Indeed, I sometimes doubt 
 whether I am truly a Christian. ' Do I love the 
 Lord ?' is with me often an anxious inquiry. 
 
 ' Te that love the Lord indeed, 
 Tell me, is it thus with you ? ' 
 
 18. We are now sailing at the rate of seven 
 miles an hour, and if we go on thus, we hope to 
 reach the Cape in fifteen or twenty days. We 
 5*
 
 
 54 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 have had quite a pleasant little meeting tonight. 
 Two of our number were absent on account of 
 sickness. My health is a little improved. ' Sea- 
 sickness ' seems to have bid me a final adieu : I 
 think its visit was unusually long, and I am not 
 anxious to welcome its return. 
 
 Dec. 2. Yesterday spoke an English ship, and 
 all the females, with the exception of one, visited 
 her. It was something unusual to be visiting in 
 the Atlantic Ocean, so near the Cape of Good 
 Hope an occurrence which to our knowledge 
 never before took place. We returned delighted 
 with our trip. The captain was very polite, 
 treated us to many little niceties, and, when we 
 were about to leave, gave us two bottles of milk 
 and a loaf of bread. 
 
 15. In looking over my journal, I perceive that 
 I have written none since the 3d. During this 
 time, I have been so sick that I have been unable 
 to walk, stand, or sit. We have had very rough 
 weather for the last week. I really thought, at 
 some times, that our ship would upset, and turn 
 us out into the sea." 
 
 A Letter. 
 
 "ATLANTIC OCEAW, DEC. 25 
 Very dear and beloved Father, 
 
 Emotions of gratitude swell my bosom as I 
 find myself again able to address a letter to you. 
 For the last seventeen days, I have been entirely 
 unfit for employment of any kind ; but the Lord 
 has in mercy raised me from a bed of sickness, 
 and I behold another Christmas day. I have 
 been this morning contrasting my situation with
 
 LETTER TO HER FATHER 55 
 
 what it was this day twelve months ; and a vast 
 change I find. Then I was in my grandfather's 
 house, attending to poor little sick Bell ; and 
 although I was then separated from you and the 
 rest of the family, yet I could often hear from 
 you. But now many thousands of miles lie 
 between us ; nor can I see, nor hear from, those 
 whom I most ardently love. I shall soon, if noth- 
 ing happens to prevent, reach Asia a stranger 
 in a strange land, surrounded by poor idolatrous 
 beings.- Meditating on these subjects, I was led 
 to ask myself, Where shall I be pext Christmas 
 day? Ah! this question must remain unan- 
 swered. Perhaps I shall have bid a long adieu 
 to earth and all earthly concerns, and be feasting 
 on the smiles of my Saviour. It seems, if I 
 knew this would be my happy condition, I should 
 at this moment cry aloud with joy. 
 
 Jan. 14, 1836. We are now within two weeks' 
 sail of Calcutta. I assure you I feel rejoiced to think 
 we are so near land. The ocean, de;ir pa', has 
 no charms for me. A sea voyage is clothed in 
 terror to me. I remember, when you were talking 
 to me about becoming a missionary, you remind- 
 ed me of rainy difficulties which I should meet, 
 one of which was ' seasickness.' I supposed it 
 must be a disagreeable complaint, but, I assure 
 you, I knew not how dreadfully dreadful it is. 
 Still, if I were now in America, and knew just 
 the same I do, I should venture to cross the ocean, 
 if there could be no other way of getting to 
 Asia." 
 
 Journal. " Feb. 4. After having sailed about 
 17,800 miles, we to-day anchored at Kedgeree,'
 
 56 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 (a small village at the mouth of the Hoogly Rive.i, 
 ninety miles below Calcutta.) " Mr. Shuck went 
 ashore very soon, and was much pleased with all 
 he saw. I shall go this evening, as the sun is 
 now very hot, and I recollect my father cautioned 
 me against exposing myself to the sun. The na- 
 tives have brought us a great quantity of fruit to 
 sell us; also, eggs, fowls, milk, and vegetables. 
 We bought some of their fruit, and I like all 
 kinds very much. 
 
 At night. We all went ashore this evening. 
 I felt truly pleased to be again on land. The 
 native huts remind me of our haystacks. We. 
 visited the only white family in the place. They 
 were very polite and kind to us. The climate 
 here is very delightful. It is cooler than it has 
 ever been known to be at least, for 50 or GO 
 years. The Americans have several times ship- 
 ped ice to this country, and the natives say, that 
 is the cause of its being so cool. Poor ignorant 
 creatures ! Their dress consists of a small piece 
 of cloth wrapped around their loins. You can- 
 not, my dear pa', tell how I feel, when I see that 
 I am surrounded by a people who know nothing 
 of Jesus. I bless the Lord that I am here. I 
 feel more anxious than ever to labor for the desti- 
 tute heathen. Yes, in a heathen land let me live, 
 and let me die. 
 
 Feb. 5. Again visited land. Saw some beau- 
 tiful trees and flowers. The cocoa-nut tree pre- 
 sents a lovely view. It is tall and slender, differ- 
 ent from the pine-apple, which is a mere stump. 
 As soon as we landed this morning, the poor 
 degraded females flocked around us to beg for 
 money. When they found we could not give
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 57 
 
 them any thing, they would hold up to us their 
 children, hoping thereby to excite us to bestow 
 our charity on them. It is perfectly useless to 
 give these poor women any thing, for the more 
 you give, the more you may. Nothing seems to 
 satisfy them. I saw some beautiful little native 
 children, and I offered to buy one, merely to see 
 what the mother would say. But she imme- 
 diately drew the babe to her, and said, in Eng- 
 lish, as well as she could, ' O ! no, me can't sell 
 child.' They are all very fond of their children. 
 
 Mr. S. has bought me a goat and a little kid. 
 We go out night and morning to milk her. 
 Goats' milk is much richer than cows' ; but they 
 give only a little. I am now in very good health 
 have not been ' seasick ' for some time. 
 
 Feb. 6. Left Kedgeree, and are now proceed- 
 ing on our way to Amherst. The distance from 
 K. to A. is about 1200 miles. We hope to get 
 there in ten or twelve days. 
 
 19. We are now in sight of Burmah's dark, 
 benighted land. We can see distinctly from the 
 ship the tall pagodas which are worshipped by the 
 poor heathen. What happy feelings fill my mind 
 at this time ! I am now in sight of that land 
 where I have so often desired to be. 
 
 20. Went ashore at Arnherst. Saw the grave 
 of the devoted Mrs. Judson. By her side, in the 
 same bamboo enclosure, lies her little Maria. 
 
 ' They slevp in JCSUB, and arc blest ; 
 Uow iwcet their slumbers are !' 
 
 I shall send you a small branch of the famed 
 ' hopia-tree.' One of the missionaries from 
 Maulmain, (Mr. Osgood,) who came out last year, 
 in the Cashmere, with brother and sister Wade,
 
 58 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 hearing of our arrival, has come down to conduct 
 us up to his house." 
 
 , FEB. 26, 1836. 
 
 Very dearest Father, 
 
 In the providence of my heavenly Father I 
 am again permitted to write you, and I rejoice to 
 inform you that my health is, at this time, per- 
 fectly good. Mr. S. and I have enjoyed the com- 
 pany of the missionaries here very much. We 
 stay with sister Hancock, whose husband is now 
 gone to distribute tracts. She is a sweet woman, 
 and reminds me much of my own dear mother. 
 Brother Judson lives next door. I am also 
 charmed with him and his wife. She is a noble- 
 looking woman, and appears very young. All 
 the missionaries here have treated us with the 
 greatest kindness. 
 
 I was very much surprised to see that the mis- 
 sionaries live in so much comfort. Their houses 
 are very nice, cool, and large, made of bamboo ; 
 and as to living, I would as lief be here as in 
 America. The fruits are truly delicious. I have 
 never eaten better watermelons than are here; 
 and we can obtain vegetables of all kinds. All 
 we now need is the grace of God to sanctify and 
 comfort our hearts. 
 
 I have seen many of the dear Christian natives. 
 They seem delighted to have us come. An old 
 lady told one of the sisters to ask me if I left any 
 friends to come here. I replied, I left six brothers 
 and sisters; and a father and step-mother. She 
 looked at me very sorrowfully, and said, ' Poor 
 creature ! It is a great proof of her love to us.' 
 
 This morning Mr. Shuck and I walked to a
 
 EXTRACTS FROM. HER JOURNAL. 59 
 
 Bazar which the natives have here, and I bought 
 me a nice shawl, and some other little things. 
 They have almost every thing which you can call 
 for. I have seen their pagodas and their gods 
 gods which I hope will erelong be worshipped by 
 them no longer. 
 
 I must bid you again adieu. Kiss my- beloved 
 little brothers and sisters for me. Dear children ! 
 I hope the Lord may adopt them all as his own. 
 Adieu, father, mother, sisters, brothers, all fare- 
 well. 
 
 Your dear absent daughter, 
 
 HENRIETTA SHUCK." 
 
 Journal. " Feb. 28. After spending a week 
 with our dear friends at Maulmain we bade them 
 farewell, and took up our abode, in the old Louvre. 
 There are but two passengers besides Mr. S. and 
 myself, and brother Reed and his wife. We are 
 now on our way to Penang. It is likely we shall 
 remain there about a week. 
 
 Mar. 8. We are now within two hundred and 
 seventy miles of Penang. Weather very good. 
 Last Sabbath brother Reed preached in the fore- 
 noon, and Mr. Shuck at night. Monday, being 
 the first in the month, we had a prayer meeting. 
 There were only four persons present, but we en- 
 joyed ourselves, remembering the promise of the 
 Lord to the few who meet in his name. 
 
 We are very much encouraged respecting the 
 sailors. Five of them have professed an interest 
 in the Redeemer. Three have applied for bap- 
 tism. It has been some time since they enter- 
 tained a hope ; but I did not like to say much 
 about it, for I was fearful it might be a mere pro-
 
 60 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 fession. We all feel satisfied now, as far as we 
 can judge, that they have, indeed, passed from 
 death unto life. 
 
 Mar. 21. As circumstances have prevented 
 me from keeping a journal, for the last several 
 days, I will now mention all that has come un- 
 der rny observation, during this time, worth re- 
 lating. 
 
 We arrived at Penang, on Wed. the 15th, and 
 there remained until the 20th inst., at which time 
 we set sail for Singapore. During my stay in 
 Penang, I saw much to interest and please the 
 mind of an American. It is, I think, without ex- 
 ception, the loveliest spot I have ever beheld 
 Truly, 
 
 < Every prospect pleases, 
 And only man is vile ' 
 
 I suppose there are about fifteen European fam- 
 ilies who reside there among them are two mis- 
 sionaries with their wives, Messrs. Beighton and 
 Davis. The former is in the Malay department, 
 the latter in the Chinese. Mr. B. has been labor- 
 ing in Penang seventeen years, and has no satis- 
 factory evidence that one single soul has been 
 brought to the knowledge of the true God. Why 
 is it that their labors have not been blessed ? Mr. 
 D. has but recently come to this place ; conse- 
 quently, he knows but little of the language. He 
 seems to think it almost impossible for one to ac- 
 quire the Chinese language; but I do not feel at 
 all discouraged, for I know if the Lord has any 
 thing for me to do, he will give strength to per- 
 form it. 
 
 The climate of Penang is truly delightful. 
 Mr. Shuck and I took some very pleasant rides
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 61 
 
 in the palanquins. These are drawn by horses, 
 and are built like our carryalls. The streets are 
 very neat and regular. We saw a great many 
 nutmeg-trees and pine-apples grow wild. I felt 
 desirous that my dear little brothers and sis- 
 ters should have some, as they are so very abun- 
 dant here. There is a great quantity of fruits 
 here. I am fond of nearly all kinds; but Amer- 
 icans generally dislike the fruits of Asia, on first 
 coming here. 
 
 We are now on our way to Singapore, and I 
 know not but that our ship will be attacked by 
 pirates. . They are great in number, and will sel- 
 dom permit a vessel to pass without endeavoring 
 to take it. Our men have to-day been getting 
 their guns and swords in order (for defence) 
 should they interfere with us. We know not 
 what is before us ; but we recollect that ' they 
 who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion.' 
 An English bark, called the Bright Planet, is in 
 company with us, on her way to Singapore. 
 The two vessels, being so close together, may 
 have some effect in keeping the pirates off. 
 
 22. Through the kindness of our heavenly 
 Father, we have been protected through the past 
 night from all robbers, and are spared to behold 
 the beauties of another day. We see the pirati- 
 cal vessels at a distance ; we think they take our 
 ship to be a man of war, and therefore are afraid 
 to venture near us. 
 
 28. We are now within twenty-five miles of 
 Singapore, and thus far we have met with noth- 
 ing to mar our peace. Surely, the Lord is good. 
 As we have but little wind, we do not expect to 
 get into port before to-morrow afternoon. Is it 
 6
 
 t>2 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 possible I am now so near my place of destina- 
 tion ? Yesterday, no doubt, was the last Sabbath 
 that I shall ever spend on board the Louvre. 
 Mr. Shuck preached, perhaps, his last sermon to 
 the sailors. There are but three of them who 
 give satisfactory evidence of being truly pious; 
 and only two wish to be baptized. The other 
 seems to think that sprinkling will do as well as 
 baptism. O that the Lord may be with them 
 on their way back to America, and keep them 
 from the contaminations of their wicked com- 
 panions ! "
 
 (63 ) 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Singapore The Arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Shuck at this Place Ei- 
 tracU from Mrs. Shuck's Correspondence and Journal during her 
 Residence there. 
 
 THE town of Singapore is on a small island of 
 the same name, lying at the southern extremity 
 of the Malay peninsula, about two degrees north 
 of the equator. It was founded by the British, in 
 1819, and soon became a place of great commercial 
 importance. It is under the government of the 
 East India Company. It is a beautiful place, and 
 has a delightful climate. Here Mr. and Mrs. 
 Shuck landed on the 31st of March, 1836, and 
 found a temporary home. A few extracts from 
 Mrs. Shuck's letters and journal, written during 
 her residence here, will furnish some interesting 
 information, and exhibit the state of her feelings 
 on witnessing the degrading influence of idolatry. 
 
 A Letter to her Father. 
 
 " APRIL 21. 
 
 It is more than probable that Singapore will 
 be our home for the next two or three years, or at 
 least until (should the blessed Lord open a way) 
 we can enter China. Of this, however, I cannot 
 speak with certainty, as we are not our own, but 
 the Lord's, and must hold ourselves in readiness
 
 64 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 to go where and when he shall direct. It is said 
 by the missionaries here, that Malacca, Penang, 
 Singapore, or Batavia, are all better places to 
 study the Chinese language than Bankok. Mr. 
 S. has written to Dr. Bolles to inform him of this 
 and other things, and until we hear from him 
 we shall remain here. 
 
 I had indulged the hope that when I arrived 
 here, I should find letters from my dear friends ; 
 but I was disappointed. We have been here three 
 weeks, and day after day passes on, but no letters 
 come. Seven long, long months to-morrow, since 
 I heard from my dear pa 1 ! Surely, surely, I am 
 anxious to have some tidings of you. However, 
 I will not complain, but content myself with the 
 pleasing hope that I shall erelong receive a large 
 number of letters from my dear, dearest relatives, 
 now so many thousands of miles from me. 
 
 I will just here repeat that I am wonderfully 
 pleased with our cook. His name is Ah Loo. 
 He can do any thing, and every thing, I believe. 
 He will frequently cook some little nice thing for 
 a dessert, without our telling him. To-day, for 
 dinner, he gave us a very delicious pine-apple pie. 
 I call him a cook, because cooking is his chief 
 business ; but he by no means confines himself to 
 that occupation. In the morning he comes in and 
 sweeps all the rooms, and verandah, or porch, sets 
 the table, brings in meals, and we shall need no 
 other servant. I prefer keeping my chamber in 
 order myself; but if Ah Loo sees me sweeping, 
 he comes deliberately, and takes the broom out 
 of my hand, and does it himself. The Chinese 
 servants very soon become attached to those whom 
 they serve, and are unwilling to leave them. We
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTERS. 65 
 
 hope this may be the case with our man, for if 
 he continues to please us we shall be very unwill- 
 ing to give him up. We are truly attached to 
 him, and wish him to live with us on earth and 
 in heaven. 
 
 A Letter to her Sisters. 
 
 "MAT 13. 
 
 As I believe it will always gladden your 
 hearts to hear from your dear absent sister, I 
 have this evening put down my work and books, 
 for the purpose of writing a few hasty lines to 
 you. You are, dear children, though separated 
 by thousands of miles, still dear to me, and not 
 unfrequently does my mind turn back to many 
 joyful hours we have spent together under our 
 dear father's roof. And have these happy hours 
 passed to return no more ? Yes, dearest sisters, 
 it is even so. And I am here led to ask, Are you 
 anxious to meet me in a better world 1 If so, 
 why not endeavor to serve the same Being that 1 
 profess to serve ? 'Tis not enough that we attend 
 the Sabbath School listen to the preached gos- 
 pel read our Bibles and say our prayers. 
 Though these things are done by all true disci- 
 ples of the blessed Saviour, (as they have oppor- 
 tunity,) yet something else must be attended to. 
 We must confess our sins, and forsake them. 
 Have you, dearest children, repented of your sins? 
 If not, I assure you it is time so to do. You 
 may think that you are too young ; but recollect 
 that death snatches away the young as well as the 
 old. Put not off, then, I beseech you, the time of 
 making your peace with God. I wrote a long 
 letter to you on board ship, on the subject of re- 
 6*
 
 66 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ligion. Perhaps you have received it, and have 
 already renounced your evil ways, and are now 
 walking in the path which the children of God 
 should tread. Happy, happy should I be to hear 
 this of you. The Lord grant it. 
 
 I have obtained a Malay teacher, and shall 
 study two hours every day until I acquire that 
 language, which, being so simple, can soon be 
 learned. I should at once commence Chinese, 
 but the facilities for learning it are very few, and 
 my dear husband thinks it better for me to post- 
 pone it a few months. I do not intend by any 
 means to give it up entirely, although it is gen- 
 erally thought that the Chinese is too difficult for 
 the weak mind of a female. There is a lady 
 now in Singapore, who speaks Chinese very 
 fluently ; so I suppose, ' What woman has done, 
 woman can do.' " 
 
 Letter to Mrs. J. C. K. and Miss V. R. 
 
 " MAT. 
 Beloved Sisters, 
 
 In accordance with a promise given you a 
 short time before I bade a last adieu to the shores 
 of my much-loved native land, I now sit down 
 to write you a hasty line or two. I would write 
 separate letters were it convenient just now, but 
 the Louvre will leave here in a few days. The 
 shortness of time, therefore, and numerous engage- 
 ments, compel me now to present you a joint let- 
 ter. Had I even enjoyed a tolerable degree of 
 health, I should feel myself inexcusable for not 
 having written to you both during the voyage ; 
 but I feel assured that you will pardon this neglect
 
 LETTER TO MRS. J. C. K. AND MISS V. R. 67 
 
 when I inform you that I was ' seasick ' nearly 
 every day whilst I remained on board ship. 
 However, it was the blessed Lord who afflicted 
 me, and I will not murmur. Though I was, 
 dear sisters, so incessantly sick, and sometimes 
 thought that I should find a watery grave, yet 
 my heavenly Father has seen fit to restore me to 
 perfect health, and has permitted me to travel all 
 the way from loved America to this place, where 
 I am surrounded by millions of perishing souls. 
 Do I not bless God that I have been thus highly 
 favored? Yes, it is a privilege which I have 
 long desired ; and, now that I am here, I need 
 much of the spirit of my adorable Master, who, 
 whilst he was on earth, went about doing good. 
 I need much to qualify me for the glorious work 
 in which I hope to be engaged until the glimmer- 
 ing taper of life shall cease to burn. And may 
 I not, dearest sisters, request your prayers for 
 myself, and beloved companion, who has already 
 enjoyed himself much in talking to the heathen, 
 and giving them books ? 
 
 When we arrived at this place, we expected to 
 proceed immediately to Bankok ; but now we 
 cannot say where we are to live, as it is thought 
 by the missionaries in Burmah, and in this place, 
 that we should have many more facilities for 
 acquiring the Chinese language in Singapore 
 than elsewhere. Mr. Reed and Mr. Shuck have 
 no connection with the Siam mission, which I 
 suppose you know. 
 
 Singapore is said to be the healthiest situation 
 in all Eastern Asia. There are, I suppose, about 
 one hundred Europeans here, and I am grieved 
 to say, that they are, according to the privileges
 
 68 MEMOIB OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 they have enjoyed, worse than the heathen by 
 whom they are surrounded. I long to be in some 
 spot in the midst of thousands of heathen, and 
 have' no European within hundreds of miles of 
 me, for certainly the conduct of most of them 
 retards the progress of the blessed gospel. There 
 are three male missionaries here belonging to the 
 American Board of Foreign Missions. Two of 
 them are single one is studying the Chinese 
 language, and expects to enter China Proper, and 
 the other is paying attention to Malay, with the 
 intention of laboring in Borneo. There is one 
 printer here from the same Board ; also, a young 
 man of the London Missionary Society studying 
 Chinese, who hopes to labor in China. 
 
 Singapore is under the English government, 
 and, with Penang and Malacca, forms one presi- 
 dency. There are in the city of Singapore be- 
 tween fifteen and twenty thousand Chinese, from 
 four to six thousand Malays, and two or three 
 thousand of other nations. Delicious fruits of 
 various kinds grow here. The best pine-apples 
 and oranges can be obtained here for two ceuts 
 apiece." 
 
 Journal, " May 17. To-day the ship which bore 
 me far away from home and friends, left this port. 
 Feelings of a very peculiar kind filled my bosom 
 as I gazed at her when she spread her sail, know- 
 ing that she will in a few months, if the provi- 
 dence of God favor, reach America, the home of 
 my father, and the land of my early days. But 
 I felt no desire to return with her. No ! though 
 nearly every tie which binds me to earth is in the 
 land whither she goes, still I prefer remaining
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 69 
 
 oehind. And why ? That I may benefit the 
 souls of the degraded heathen in whose midst I 
 now am. My friends, I confess, are truly dear 
 to me, but I trust I can say, ' The cause of Christ 
 is much dearer.' It would mightily enhance my 
 earthly happiness to live where they live, and die 
 where they die ; but if my heavenly Father may 
 be better glorified by my bidding them adieu, and 
 taking up my abode in a land of strangers, of 
 idolatry and moral death, surely I prefer it. 
 
 25. Mr. S. takes a walk every afternoon for 
 the purpose of distributing tracts. This evening 
 I accompanied him. It was truly a pleasure to 
 me to hear him converse with the poor perishing 
 natives in their own tongue. He speaks the 
 Malay language very well. It is, I suppose, the 
 most simple of all languages. 
 
 27. To-day, while walking again with my 
 dearest companion, I met with several Chinese 
 women. This is the first time I have ever seen 
 one. We conversed with them some time in 
 Malay; and parted with the promise that they 
 would call on me. It is positively forbidden by 
 the government of China for their males and 
 females, and particularly the latter, to leave that 
 country ; but such is the absorbing desire of the 
 Chinese for money, that they often do leave their 
 country, and hundreds and thousands may now 
 be found scattered in various parts of the Eastern 
 world, working hard, both by day and night, that 
 they may gain riches. And are there not many 
 in America, the happy land of Bibles, who, in 
 this respect, are similar to the Chinese ? I could 
 name some who seem to think more of gaining 
 wealth than of saving their own souls. Alas!
 
 70 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 how little do they contemplate the striking senti- 
 ment of the Redeemer, expressed in the following 
 words, ' What shall it profit a man if he gain 
 the whole world, and lose his own soul? ' And, 
 again, ' How hardly shall a rich man enter into 
 the kingdom of heaven ! ' 
 
 28. Commenced studying the Chinese lan- 
 guage. I feel happy to think I have at last made 
 a beginning, and I sincerely hope to go on with it 
 until I shall be able to communicate the truths 
 of the gospel to the multitude who speak it. 
 
 June 1. There being at this time five female 
 missionaries in Singapore, we deemed it expedient 
 to hold a female missionary prayer meeting, 
 hoping thereby to benefit our own souls, and 
 those of all who may wish to attend. This was 
 the regular afternoon for it. There was no one 
 present, however, save sister Reed and myself; 
 the others being detained, no doubt, on some 
 account which could not be avoided. Though 
 we were few in number, we felt that our wants 
 were many, and had a delightful little meeting. 
 The promise of our blessed Lord to two or three 
 who meet in his name, was indeed verified. 
 
 We are very highly blessed in regard to re- 
 ligious meetings, considering we are in a land 
 where there are very few who love to worship 
 the true God. On Sabbath morning, we have 
 the privilege of assembling in the English chapel, 
 where we hear a sermon from the Rev. Mr. W. 
 D. or T. 
 
 22. Since I last wrote, I have been confined to 
 a bed of sickness and suffering ; but my heavenly 
 Parent has in a measure restored me. I am still, 
 however, unable to go out. During my illness,
 
 LETTER TO MKS. KEELING. 71 
 
 I met with many kind and attentive friends. 
 The physician was remarkably kind, and regular 
 in his attendance, and my dear husband staid 
 by my bed continually, and would never leave 
 me except when compelled." 
 
 A Letter to Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 JULT 27 
 
 Many mercies have attended us since we parted 
 from you ; and now, the Lord be praised, we are 
 enjoying good health, and are, we trust, in some 
 degree blessed with the smiles of our adorable 
 Redeemer. No doubt, were we to meet, face to 
 face, your first inquiry would be, ' How do you 
 like the important work in which you have 
 engaged ? ' I have as yet, dear sister, done very 
 little for the perishing heathen ; but the prospect 
 of being erelong able to communicate to them, 
 in their own tongue, the unsearchable riches of 
 Christ, imparts to me a happiness to which I have 
 heretofore been a stranger ; nor would I exchange 
 my situation for any other on earth. Yes, dearest 
 sister, the most ardent desire of my heart is now, 
 in a measure, accomplished. I have witnessed 
 the wretchedness of heathenism, and enough, too, 
 to call forth every exertion on my part to snatch 
 them from the pit to which the wheels of time 
 are rapidly bearing them. 
 
 We hope to leave this place in a few months 
 for China, but we do not know where will be our 
 particular location. I have commenced studying 
 Chinese, and have made a little progress. My 
 dearest husband is so desirous of being acquainted 
 with this language, that he studies with the teacher
 
 72 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 five hours in the day without intermission, during 
 which time, the room echoes with the lovely 
 sounds ' Kong,' meaning to speak, ' cheek,' to 
 read, ' sumamee,' what? ' Chillee,' this, ' Tallo,' 
 where ? and their kindred beauties. Mr. S. has 
 made encouraging progress. He looks forward, 
 with no little pleasure, to the period when he 
 shall be able to preach, in Chinese, the gospel of 
 Christ."
 
 (73) 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 China Origin of the Name It* History The Province* of China 
 It* Language Its Religion Confucianism Budhism Ta- 
 oiiism Their Inefficacy. 
 
 MRS. SHUCK'S next letter is dated at Macao, in 
 China. As China was the scene of her subsequent 
 labors and sufferings, and her burial-place, as 
 the opening of her five free ports for foreign 
 missionaries, and the toleration of Christianity in 
 the empire, have drawn the lively attention of the 
 Christian world towards it, and as it has been 
 selected by the Foreign Mission Board of the 
 Southern Baptist Convention as the principal field 
 of their missionary operations, it is proper at this 
 point to furnish some account of it. The follow- 
 ing information is derived from a manuscript vol- 
 ume, entitled " Brief Sketches of some of the 
 Scenes and Characteristics of China, by Mrs. 
 Henrietta Shuck, 1841." In the preface she says, 
 ' Particular care has been taken to have the 
 dates, statements, and every thing correct. The 
 works consulted, and of which considerable use 
 has been made, are the ' Chinese Repository,' 
 Mr. Davis's recent work on ' The Chinese,' ' The 
 Indo-Chinese Gleaner,' and several minor publi- 
 cations." The work is full of instruction and in- 
 terest, and at some future day it may be given to 
 7
 
 74 MEMOIR OF MES. SHT7CK. 
 
 the public. We have selected, from fifty-three 
 articles, as most suitable to the design of the 
 present volume, those on China The Provinces 
 The Language and The Religions. 
 
 China. 
 
 '" The Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, Roman, 
 and Chinese empires were all contemporaneous ; 
 and, while the former only exist upon the page of 
 history, CHINA still lives in vigor, and was never 
 at any former period so extensive in point of ter- 
 ritory as during the present dynasty. The imme- 
 diate causes of her perpetuity have been differ- 
 ently stated by different individuals, but the 
 prescribed limits of the present work will admit 
 of no investigation with regard to the merits or 
 demerits of these, as well as many other opinions 
 respecting this country. There is little doubt 
 but that there is no nation now living on the face 
 of the earth which has claims to an antiquity so 
 high. By some the Chinese have been supposed 
 to have been a colony from Egypt, and from that 
 class of persons, under the jurisdiction of Ptole- 
 my, called Sinae. In all Latin writings by the 
 Romish missionaries and others, the country is 
 denominated Sina, and the people Sinae. The 
 name ' China ' is foreign to the Chinese them- 
 selves, and the origin of the term is not altogether 
 clear. The Arabians, who were probably the 
 first foreigners who traded to any extent with this 
 empire, called it Tsinin, or Tsin, which was the 
 name of an ancient and celebrated state in the 
 south of China, near the present province of 
 Fuhkien. The Portuguese, who were the first 
 
 .It-
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 75 
 
 Europeans that doubled the Cape of Good Hope, 
 and also the first from Europe that traded with 
 China, coming in contact with the Arabians, 
 changed the Ts into C/t, and thus called the 
 country Chinian, and the people Chinians. 
 
 From Chinian probably came the English 
 word China, which at present is so extensively 
 used. China, in her early history, was divided 
 into a number of states, independent, to a con- 
 siderable degree, of each other. The princes of 
 these separate divisions soon commenced hostile 
 contentions with one another, each one striving 
 for the absolute sway of the whole land. The 
 despot who succeeded in subjugating, at a cruel 
 expense of human life, the dominions of his fel- 
 low-princes of the same race, ordered, in the exer- 
 cise of his absolute and assumed control, three 
 hundred thousand workmen to erect the far-famed 
 great wall, with the design of keeping off the 
 hordes of Tartars, who had already begun to 
 make inroads upon the northern frontier. Soon, 
 however, this dynasty was subverted, and another 
 race of despots was seated on the throne. These 
 soon gave place to others still more powerful, 
 until more than twenty successive changes had 
 taken place, when the whole empire was taken 
 from the Chinese by the Manchow Tartars in 
 1643. The first emperor of the Tartar dynasty 
 was Sun-che, who compelled all the Chinese 
 either to have their heads shaved, after the fashion 
 of the Tartars, or to have them taken off. Many 
 chose the latter. The Chinese, previous to this, 
 wore their hair in a bunch on the top of the 
 head ; but at present they glory in the custom of 
 shaving the head, and in wearing the long cue,
 
 76 MEMO!* OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 which was forced upon them by their Tartar mas- 
 ters. Sun-che reigned eighteen years ; and Kang- 
 he, the second emperor of the present dynasty, 
 ascended the throne in 1661, and reigned 61 
 years. Kang-he was a monarch of some genius 
 and forethought. He encouraged literature, to 
 some extent, throughout the empire, and has 
 been much praised by the Jesuit missionaries, to 
 whom, it is said, he showed special favors. In 
 1722, Yung-Ching took the helm of affairs, and 
 reigned thirteen years; after which, in 1735, the 
 fourth emperor, Keen-Lung, commenced his 
 reign, which continued 60 years. The Chinese 
 empire was never so large as during the reign 
 of Keen-Lung. To this emperor was the un- 
 successful embassy of Lord M'Cartney. Keen- 
 Lung was succeeded by Kea-king in 1795, who 
 filled the throne 25 years. Another unsuccessful 
 embassy from England under Lord Amherst was 
 to this emperor. Taou-Kwang, the sixth, and 
 present emperor of the Tartar dynasty, ascended 
 the throne on the 24th of September, 1820, and 
 is now about 45 years old. The term Taou- 
 Kwang, which means the glory of reason, is not 
 the emperor's real name, but a title which he as- 
 sumed when he succeeded to the monarchy. 
 The real names of the emperors of China are 
 said to be so very sacred, that it is considered 
 profanity for the people to express them, and 
 therefore they always assume other titles, when 
 they commence their reign, and by which they 
 are ever afterwards known. China, from remote 
 antiquity to the present time, has groaned under 
 an absolute despotism."
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 77 
 
 Provinces. 
 
 " The vast extent of territory comprised in the 
 Chinese empire is estimated at three millions 
 one hundred thousand and four hundred square 
 miles, with a population of three hundred and 
 sixty millions. Vast and extensive, however, as 
 this single empire is, it has but little intercourse 
 with the other nations of the earth. This great 
 area is divided into eighteen distinct provinces. 
 On the north are Chille, Shang-tung, Shan-se, and 
 Honarn ; on the east, Keang-soo, Gan-hwuy, Che- 
 keang, and Kuh-kien ; the central provinces are 
 Hoo-pih, Hoo-nam, and Keang-se ; Shen-se, Kan- 
 suh, and Sze-chuen are on the west; and the 
 southern provinces Kwang-tung, Kwang-se, Yun- 
 nan, and Kwei-chow. All the provinces are 
 divided into Foos, Choos, Tings, and Keens, 
 which are possibly somewhat similar, in certain 
 respects, to our counties, districts, and townships. 
 At the head of each of these divisions there is a 
 special and responsible officer. The whole popu- 
 lation, throughout the land, is partitioned off into 
 divisions of one hundred families, and these are 
 again divided into classes of ten families, over 
 each of which division is also placed a responsi- 
 ble officer. As Kwang-tung, or Canton, is better 
 known to Americans and Europeans, than any of 
 the rest, it merits the first notice. This province, 
 being exceedingly rich and fertile, produces nu- 
 merous articles of export. Its inhabitants number 
 about nineteen millions one hundred and seventy- 
 four thousand. The provincial city, Canton, the 
 only place at present, (1841,) within the confinea 
 of this great land, where foreigners are permitted 
 
 7 "
 
 78 MEMOIR OF MES. SHUCK. 
 
 to reside, is said to be one of the greatest empo- 
 riums in all Asia. Its population is exceedingly 
 numerous, many thousands of whom live on the 
 water in small boats, which are their only habita- 
 tions. The people of Canton greatly excel their 
 countrymen in imitating articles of foreign man- 
 ufacture, owing to the intercourse which for 
 so many years they have had with foreigners. 
 Kwang-se produces great quantities of grain. 
 The mountains are rich in ore, and sometimes 
 gold mines may be found. The government, 
 however, has forbidden these mines to be exten- 
 sively worked, for fear the cultivation of the soil 
 will be neglected ; husbandry being considered 
 by the Chinese the most honorable employment 
 of man. So thought William Penn. Unlawful 
 ravages are frequently committed by the barba- 
 rian inhabitants of the adjacent country. Kwang- 
 tung and Kwang-se are under a single governor. 
 Kwielin-foo is the capital of Kwang-se. The 
 province of Kansuh has been considerably en- 
 larged by the addition of the Soungarian dis- 
 tricts of Barkoul and Oroumtsi. Its mixed in- 
 habitants amount to upwards of fifteen millions. 
 Kwei-chow is a mountainous province, and pro- 
 duces only rice in small quantities. It is less 
 populous than many of the other provinces. 
 Keang-nan, the wealthiest of all the provinces, is 
 remarkable for its splendid silks and japanned 
 goods. Nanking, the former capital of the em- 
 pire, has been abandoned for Peking. This was 
 caused by Yung-lo about the fifteenth century. 
 As it adds to the interest of the present dynasty, 
 they retain Peking as their capital, it being near 
 their native country, Mougden. Nanking, however,
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 79 
 
 is more central, and possesses a climate far superior 
 to that of Peking. Many years ago, Marco Polo 
 beautifully described a little island situated in 
 this province, and by the name of the ' Golden 
 Isle." This is situated in the Yang-sze-keang 
 River, not far from its mouth. It is inhabited by 
 the votaries of Budha, and abounds in temples 
 dedicated to their idol gods. Keang-nan is now 
 divided into the subordinate provinces of Gan- 
 hwuy and Keang-soo. Shen-se province has 
 Segan-foo for its capital, and produces sufficient 
 food to meet the wants of its inhabitants, who 
 number, ten millions two hundred and seven thou- 
 sand two hundred and fifty. This province in- 
 cludes nearly one hundred and sixty-seven thou- 
 sand seven hundred square miles. Sze-chuen 
 has the most extensive territory of all the prov- 
 inces, comprising one hundred and seventy-five 
 thousand six hundred square miles, with twenty 
 millions four hundred and fifty-five thousand 
 and six hundred inhabitants. Ching-too-foo is its 
 capital. Much of the soil is rendered altogether 
 unfit for cultivation by sand flats and mountainous 
 ridges. Those parts, however, which admit of 
 cultivation, are found to be rich and productive. 
 Of Yun-nan and Shan-se provinces we can say 
 but little, except that they are thinly inhabited, 
 and the soil barren. The former is very moun- 
 tainous, and is inhabited by many barbarians ; but 
 it produces opium, and also silver and other 
 metals. Kuh-keen province comprises fifty-seven 
 thousand one hundred and fifty square miles, 
 with a population amounting to fourteen millions 
 seven hundred and seventy thousand and four 
 hundred. One part of this province, reaching
 
 SO MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 towards the south, is exceedingly barren and fruit- 
 less, not producing a sufficient quantity of the 
 necessaries of life to supply the natives. How- 
 ever, it has under its jurisdiction Formosa, called 
 by the Chinese ' Tei-wan,' the most fertile island 
 in the world, and from thence it is supplied with 
 great quantities of grain. Formosa is denomi- 
 nated the granary of Fuh-ke'en. The north- 
 ern portions are not so barren, and they produce 
 good teas in abundance. It abounds in excellent 
 harbors, and carries on a brisk trade. Its inhab- 
 itants are an enterprising, as well as a commercial 
 people, and more natives emigrate from this prov- 
 ince to the southern parts of Asia, than from any 
 other part of the empire. Hoo-pih and Hoo-nan 
 now cover the area which was formerly known 
 as the province of Hoo-kwang. .The chief cities 
 are Woo-chang-foo and Chang-sha-foo. These 
 two provinces produce nothing for exportation, 
 though the Chinese highly extol their fertility in 
 their writings. Hoo-nan province is regarded as 
 being the first place inhabited by Chinese. Here 
 it is said Fuh-he (an emperor of the mythologi- 
 cal period) held his court. Its population num- 
 bers twenty-three millions thirty-seven thousand 
 one hundred and seventy-eight, who are remarka- 
 ble for their industry and skill, and also for their 
 learning and talents. Kae-fung-foo is the capital. 
 The most remarkable incident connected with 
 this province is, that it is the birthplace of the 
 founder of the Ming dynasty. He was once a slave, 
 but, joining a body of insurgents against the Mongol 
 dynasty, soon became the chief of the army, and, 
 proving successful in quelling the Tartars in all 
 their battles, he finally drove them from the land,
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 81 
 
 which has caused him to receive the name of 
 Hoong-woo the ' Great Warrior.' Keang-se has 
 an immense population, amounting to thirty mil- 
 lions four hundred and twenty-six thousand six 
 hundred and ninety, dwelling upon seventy-two 
 thousand one hundred and seventy-six square 
 miles of land. Its soil is fertile, but the popu- 
 lation being so very great, they have but little 
 grain to export. The mountains abound with a 
 variety of metal mines. The principal cities are 
 Nan-chang-foo and Paou-choo-foo. The Poy- 
 ang lake is in this province. From Keang-se to 
 Kwang-tung, the adjoining province, a passage 
 has been effected through a ridge of mountains ; 
 consequently there is constant intercourse between 
 the two provinces. Che-keang has a dense popu- 
 lation of twenty-six millions two hundred and 
 fifty-six thousand seven hundred and eighty, and 
 contains fifty-seven thousand two hundred square 
 miles. It is remarkable for its fine cities. Hang- 
 choo-foo, the capital, is celebrated, throughout the 
 empire, for the beautiful and romantic scenery 
 which surrounds it. Che-keang is noted for its 
 rich emporiums, splendid silks, and green teas. 
 Its chief seaports are Wan-choo, Chapo, and 
 Ningpo. Shang-tung cannot boast of so much 
 wealth as Che-keang, since many of its inhab- 
 itants are forced, through poverty, to forsake their 
 native country, and seek a subsistence elsewhere. 
 This may, however, not proceed altogether from 
 the barrenness of the soil. It has a numerous 
 population, amounting to twenty-eight millions 
 nine hundred and fifty-eight thousand seven hun- 
 dred and sixty, with only fifty-six thousand eight 
 hundred square miles. Through this province runs
 
 82 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 the grand canal. Its chief seaports are Ting-choo- 
 fbo and Kaou-choo-foo. In this province is the 
 birthplace of the celebrated Confucius. Chih-le, 
 or Pih-chih-le, the province in which the imperial 
 court is held, is sterile, and very flat and sandy. 
 Peking, the residence of the emperor, is the capi- 
 tal of the province, and the metropolis of the whole 
 empire, and is, unquestionably, the largest city 
 on the Asiatic continent. The province contains 
 fifty-nine thousand seven hundred square miles, 
 with twenty-seven millions nine hundred thou- 
 sand inhabitants. The whole coast is bordered 
 with dangerous shoals, which greatly obstruct the 
 navigation." 
 
 The Language. 
 
 " The written language of China is alike in- 
 telligible to the inhabitants of Japan, Cochin Chi- 
 na, Loo-choo, and Corea, with those of this em- 
 pire itself. In various parts of all these countries, 
 however, the pronunciation of the characters 
 widely differs, although their meaning is always 
 the same. The written characters are inter- 
 changeably understood by these different nations 
 in the same manner that the Arabic numbers 
 are also comprehended in America and through- 
 out all Europe. Thus, as Mr. Davis observes, 
 taking the number 22, a Frenchman calls it 
 venght deux, and an Italiau, nnti due. These 
 different spoken pronunciations would be unin- 
 telligible to a speaker of the English language, 
 but would be immediately comprehended were the 
 figures 22 written down. The Chinese numerals 
 expressive of the same amount are read by the 
 inhabitants of Peking, urh-shih-urh, and by the
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 83 
 
 natives of Canton, ee-shap-ee, although both par- 
 ties write them precisely alike. This advantage, 
 which is characteristic of our numerals only, be- 
 longs to the whole language, not only of China 
 Proper, but of all those other nations who use the 
 same characters, and affix to them peculiar local 
 pronunciations. The universality of the Chi- 
 nese language, therefore, only pertains to the 
 written character, and the natives who live in dif- 
 ferent regions, and read the same books, and per- 
 fectly understand each other on paper, are, in 
 speech, almost mutually unintelligible. The whole 
 number of the Chinese characters amount to 
 eighty thousand ; but a thorough knowledge of 
 three or four thousand is sufficient for all practi- 
 cal purposes. There are two hundred and four- 
 teen characters which are denominated radicals, 
 and one or more of these enter into the compo- 
 sition of every character in the language. In the 
 native dictionaries all the characters are arranged 
 under their appropriate radicals, which facilitates 
 the finding of them, and very frequently gives an 
 insight to the meaning of the character sought 
 for. Exclusive of the variations formed by the 
 modulations of tones and aspirates, there are in 
 the language but about four hundred and twelve 
 significant sounds. There being, therefore, so 
 many words, between whose sounds there is but 
 the minutest difference, the natives, in order to be 
 understood by each other, have recourse to the 
 use of two words meaning the same thing. Thus 
 yung signifies everlasting, and yuen, never-ending 
 very remote ; but when they wish to convey the 
 idea of eternal, or eternity, they say yung yuen. 
 There being no inflection whatever in the Ian-
 
 84 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 guage, a great many particles are employed as 
 indispensable, and the peculiar positions of words 
 in a sentence, is the only means of distinguishing 
 their relations to each other. Hence it becomes 
 as necessary to study the proper collocation of 
 words, as to become familiar with their common 
 significations. Verbs must always follow their 
 agents, and precede their objects. Time, also, 
 must come first, as ming teen lae, to-morrow 
 come ; kin teen ken, to-day go. The pronouns 
 are varied by different affixes, as gno, I ; gno teih, 
 mine ; gno mun, we ; ne, you ; ne teih, yours ; 
 in- mun, ye; ta, he; ta teih, his; ta mun, they. 
 There are many words (or characters) used in 
 writing the language, which they do not employ 
 in speaking it, and vice versa. The Chinese have 
 six different forms in writing the characters of 
 their language. But two of them, however, are 
 in most general use, namely, the form employed 
 in printing books, which lays more claim to accu- 
 .acy and perspicuity than freeness and elegance. 
 The second is the most studied and useful form 
 of the Chinese characters, combining elegance 
 with correctness, and is employed, throughout the 
 country, in writing all papers of consequence. A 
 Chinese who cannot write in this style, with neat- 
 ness and accuracy, has no valid claim to literary 
 merit among his countrymen. 
 
 The third form is the king shoo, or running 
 hand; but it does not admit of entire freedom. 
 The pencil is carried from stroke to stroke, with- 
 out being taken up from the paper ; but no abbre- 
 viations whatever, unless authorized by the popu- 
 lar native dictionaries, can be indulged in. This 
 form is very frequently employed in prefaces of
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 85 
 
 books, and it is the general handwriting of all 
 neat scribes. The fourth is an abbreviation of 
 the running hand. It is sometimes used in keep- 
 ing ordinary accounts ; but to understand it fully 
 requires a special study, and not unfrequently 
 well-educated natives fail to comprehend it. 
 
 The fifth is the shoo, or official style, and was 
 introduced about the commencement of the Chris- 
 tian era. It was originally intended for govern- 
 ment writers, but is chiefly used for inscriptions 
 and prefaces. The sixth form is what is called 
 by foreigners " the seal character," being now 
 principally used for seals. It is the most ancient 
 style of Chinese writing, and is the first offspring 
 of the hieroglyphics of antiquity. 
 
 Many and not unfrequent erroneous observa- 
 tions have been made with regard to the difficul- 
 ties attending the acquisition of the Chinese lan- 
 guage. The following remarks of the late Dr. 
 Morrison are probably the most correct that have 
 yet been penned on the subject. 
 
 ' The acquisition of the Chinese language has 
 often been represented as almost impracticable ; 
 and sometimes, on the other hand, it has been 
 said to be very easy. It is of importance that 
 the student should take the middle path, where 
 indeed the truth lies. To know something of the 
 Chinese language is a very easy thing; to know 
 as much of it as will answer many useful and im- 
 portant purposes is not extremely difficult ; but to 
 be master of the Chinese language, the writer 
 considers extremely difficult. However, the dif- 
 ficulty is not insuperable. It is a difficulty, which, 
 (in the words of Sir William Jones, when speak- 
 ing of the Persian language,) like all others in 
 8
 
 86 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 the world, will be insensibly surmounted by the 
 habit of industry and perseverance, without which 
 no great design was ever accomplished. The 
 student, therefore, should not undertake Chinese 
 under the idea that it is a very easy thing to ac- 
 quire ; nor should he be discouraged under an 
 impression that the difficulty of acquiring it is 
 next to insurmountable.'" 
 
 Chinese Religions. 
 
 " In China there are three distinct and prevail- 
 ing systems of religion, or philosophy, namely, 
 that of CONFUCIUS, of FUH, or BUDHA, and of 
 TAOU. These, however, do not hold equal rank 
 in the nation, Confucianism being pretty generally 
 held by the higher classes, and to a considerable 
 extent might be regarded as the state religion of 
 China. Kung-footze, or Confucius, as the name 
 has been Latinized by the Roman Catholic mis- 
 sionaries, flourished about 580 years before Christ, 
 and was therefore contemporary with the celebrat- 
 ed Pythagoras. He was born in the ancient and 
 independent state of Loo, which is now compre- 
 hended in the province of Shang-tung. He was 
 the son of an eminent statesman, and chief minis- 
 ter of his native country, and, being averse to the 
 ordinary amusements of youth, he early and 
 assiduously devoted himself to moral and political 
 science, without turning aside to investigate or 
 meddle with natural knowledge, or the prevailing 
 superstitions of his countrymen. He taught much 
 that was proper to be observed, wielded a power- 
 ful influence, and soon had a train of several 
 thousand followers, many of whom gave them-
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 87 
 
 selves up entirely to the practice of their master's 
 precepts. He is styled ' the most holy teacher 
 of ancient times,' and the books he wrote and 
 compiled have been handed down through succes- 
 sive generations, and they at present constitute 
 the Holy Scriptures of the Chinese empire. 
 The sage on one occasion remarked, that there 
 were three things to beware of through life : 
 ' When a man is young, let him beware of his 
 appetites ; when middle-aged, of his passions ; 
 and when old, of covetousness especially.' Confu- 
 cius was probably more political in his teachings 
 than religious. However fine may be many of 
 his sentiments, he makes no acknowledgments of 
 an ever'-blessed and Almighty God ; and although, 
 for more than two thousand years, he has been 
 venerated and worshipped throughout the empire, 
 at numberless shrines and temples, dedicated ex- 
 pressly to his memory, his doctrines, unaided by 
 divine revelation, have not been effectual in caus- 
 ing his followers to live lives of even common 
 morality. Pride, self-righteousness, blind incon- 
 sistency, shameful dissoluteness, lurking atheism, 
 and a hungering and thirsting after unrighteous 
 gain, are the prominent characteristics of the 
 present followers of the great Confucius. He 
 taught that a man should not live under the same 
 sun with the murderer of his father, which doc- 
 trine itself would lead to murder. He died in 
 his seventy-third year, and only a few days be- 
 fore his death, he restlessly moved about, leaning 
 upon his staff, and with unhappy sighs 'exclaimed, 
 
 ' The mountain is crumbling, 
 The strong beam is yielding, 
 The sage is withering like a plant '
 
 88 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 It is said in a native publication, that, besides 
 private shrines, there are in China more than 
 one thousand five hundred temples dedicated to 
 Confucius alone. In the same work, it is estimat- 
 ed that at the regular spring and autumnal sac- 
 rifices, offered to the manes of this departed mor- 
 tal, there are immolated annually upwards of 
 62,000 victims, besides the offering of 27,000 
 pieces of beautiful silk, of various colors. The 
 different victims sacrificed are enumerated as 
 follows : 
 
 Oxen, 6 
 
 Pigs, 27,000 
 
 Deer, 2,800 
 
 Sheep, 5,800 
 
 Rabbits, 27,000 
 
 Total, 62,606 
 
 In addition to the above, there are national sac- 
 rifices and offerings on the eighth month of every 
 year, and Confucius comes in for no inconsiderable 
 share. The sacrificial festivals are celebrated 
 in the same month throughout the empire,, and 
 altogether at the national expense, in temples 
 dedicated to their respective deities. They are 
 as follows : On the 
 
 4th of the month, sacrifices and offerings are 
 
 presented to Confucius. 
 5th, to the god of the winds, or JEolus. 
 6th, to the god of letters, or the Chinese Mi- 
 nerva. 
 
 12th, to the god of war, or Mars. 
 13th, to the god of fire. 
 
 14th, to the spirits of illustrious and faithful 
 ministers.
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 89 
 
 15th, to the god of the Southern Ocean, or 
 Neptune, who tranquillizes the sea. 
 
 16th, to the queen of heaven, and king of 
 Dragons. 
 
 28th, to the deified sages. 
 
 The religion of Fo, Fun, or BUDI.A, was intro- 
 duced into China from Hindostan, about the year 
 65 of the Christian era. It was spread through 
 the empire by means of books and tracts, which 
 were zealously distributed by its deluded vota- 
 ries. It is said that the emperor Ming-te, of the 
 Han dynasty, supposing a certain saying of Con- 
 fucius to be prophetic of the discovery of some 
 saint iir the west, despatched several messen- 
 gers to seek him out. They proceeded to India, 
 and discovering the sect of the Budhists, pre- 
 vailed on some of them to accompany them back 
 to China, with a supply of their books and idols. 
 The disciples of Fo in China say that he is one 
 person, but that he has three forms, and these 
 three forms are separately represented by three 
 distinct gilded images, which they call ' the 
 three precious or pure Budhas.' The great ven- 
 eration for elephants, throughout Pegu and Siam, 
 is said to have been originated by the circum- 
 stance of the mother of the god Budha having 
 dreamed that she swallowed an elephant. The 
 five following are the principal points of the doc- 
 trine of Budhism, and are addressed to the priests. 
 1. Do not kill any living creature. 2. Do not 
 steal. 3. Do not marry. 4. Speak not falsely. 
 5. Drink no wine. Budhist priests shave the 
 whole head, live in monasteries, and constitute a 
 society of craving mendicants, who live upon the 
 8*
 
 90 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 liberality of the idolatrous populace; and the fata, 
 superstition to which they are devoted, has as- 
 sumed the same shape in China, as in Burmah, 
 Siam, Thibet, Cochin-China, Tartary, and J:.pan. 
 Budhism, at present, is far from beinn; flourishing 
 in the Celestial Empire. The Roman Catholic 
 missionaries to China have been repeatedly puz- 
 zled at the striking similarity of the ceremonies 
 of Budhism to those of their own system. The 
 Budhist priests practise celibacy, observe fastings 
 and prayers for the dead, have holy water, and 
 rosaries of beads, which, like the Catholics, they 
 count with prayers. They also worship relics, 
 and lead a monastic life, similar to that of the 
 Franciscans. 
 
 The third religious sect in China is that of 
 TAOU, so called from its founder, who came into 
 notice almost simultaneously with Confucius. 
 Taou is the Chinese Epicurus, and inculcated a 
 contempt for all riches, and honors, and worldly 
 emoluments. He also taught that every passion 
 which would in the least interfere with personal 
 tranquillity and self-enjoyment should be strictly 
 subdued. The priests of Taou style themselves 
 ' Doctors of Reason,' and also ' Celestial Teach- 
 ers.' They are also great pretenders of magic 
 4 <(P and alchemy, and endeavor hard to discover the 
 elixir of long life, or immortality. Confucianism 
 has no priest, except the emperor, but the priests 
 of Budha and Taou are abundant. From the 
 above systems of religion is excluded the glorious 
 Deity as an object of worship, and they never al- 
 lude to the mighty Ruler of all, but in the ob- 
 scurest and most unsatisfactory manner. Those 
 who have long studied the subject, say, that
 
 SKETCHES OF CHINA. 91 
 
 ' China is plunged by the religion of the philoso- 
 phers into pantheism, or hidden atheism. We 
 have endeavored to find God, the eternal Jehovah, 
 the Almighty, the blessed and self-existing God, 
 the Creator of the universe, but in vain have we 
 sought among all the philosophy and religion 
 which we have met with in China.' Were the 
 brightest doctrines of the three religions combined, 
 they never would prepare their followers for the 
 service of their Maker on earth, or his presence 
 in the mansions of bliss. The present condition 
 of the three hundred and sixty millions of China, 
 in a religious point of view, is gloomy and repul- 
 sive, and sufficient to awaken the liveliest sympa- 
 thies of every bosom that cherishes a Christian's 
 hope. The absurdities of the Chinese religion- 
 ists, and the moral condition of China, at the 
 present time, have been strikingly and correctly 
 portrayed in a recent publication by Mr. Constant, 
 of France. The religion of Confucianists ' sup- 
 poses the existence of one only substance, without 
 attributes, without qualities, without will, without 
 intelligence.' The religion of the Taouists 
 ' knows of no motive but blind fatalism, and no 
 perfection but a blind apathy, without virtue and 
 without vice ; without pain and without pleasure ; 
 without hope and without fear ; without desire and 
 without dislike ; and finally without immortality.' 
 Voltaire, among other encomiums equally gratui- 
 tous, has declared that ' the constitution of China 
 /.- //// best in the world,' and yet in this same 
 China we find religion reduced to frivolous and 
 fastidious ceremonies, which only recall despised 
 and forgotten opinions, etiquette in the place of 
 feeling, a lifeless form for a belief, signs without
 
 92 MEMOIR OF MUS. SHUCK. 
 
 signification, a practice without a theory, irreli- 
 gious abstractions for the high, and stupid super- 
 stitions for the people; the worship of spirits, 
 and the most positive and gross materialism; for 
 the rest the most grinding oppressions, the in<t 
 absolute power, barbarous punishments, corruption 
 without limits, craft in the service of fear, a com- 
 plete absence of all generous sentiments, and an 
 apathy which yields only to the love of gain, and 
 a frightful fixedness, even over the traits of the 
 melancholy and degraded human form. This is 
 what we see in China." 
 

 
 (93) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Macao Description of it Extract* from Mrs. Shuck's Letters, in 
 Chronological Order Difficulty of her Landing Mr. Shuck's 
 Visit to Canton Chinese Burial Orphan Boy School Hopea 
 of Ah Loo's Conversion Letter* from America Letter from Mrs. 
 Shuck to Susan Affectionate Exhortation Chinese New Year 
 
 Baptism of Ah Loo Lord's Supper Chinese Girl, Jane Maria 
 
 Mrs. Shuck studying Chinese with Mr. Roberts Translation 
 of Baptism Visit to a Heathen Temple Sickness Birth of a 
 second Child Friends in Macao. 
 
 WE have already stated that Mrs. Shuck 
 landed at Macao, in China. It is thus described 
 by her shortly after her arrival there : " Macao 
 is not an island, as is generally thought, but a 
 peninsula, connected with the large island Heang 
 Shan. It is between three and four miles long, 
 , and about one mile and a half wide. Macao 
 belongs to the Chinese, but the Portuguese are 
 permitted to have an anomalous government over 
 their own countrymen. There are now settled 
 here about 35,000 pagan Chinese, and between 
 3 and 10,000 Portuguese. It has truly a delight- 
 ful climate : and it is romantically situated, ninety 
 miles south of the mighty city Canton, with 
 which it has daily communication, as well as 
 frequent intercourse with many other parts of 
 this vast empire. We are now feasting ourselves 
 on the pleasant winter season. And I assure 
 you," (she was addressing her father,) " we pos-
 
 94 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 V 
 
 sess great enjoyment, and much social happiness 
 around our blazing fires of English coal, arid 
 almost imagine ourselves in America. There is 
 a great contrast between the climates of Macao 
 and Singapore. There is scarcely ever uuy 
 change in the weather in Singapore. Here we 
 sometimes have about two or three weeks of 
 intensely cold weather, and then a few days will 
 intervene of delightfully warm and pleasant 
 weather ; and these variations continue through- 
 out the winter season, which lasts about four 
 months." 
 
 We shall proceed with the extracts from Mrs. 
 Shuck's letters in chronological order. 
 
 'MACAO, Nor. 24, 1836. 
 My own dearest Father, 
 
 Without ever having heard a word from you 
 since the 22d of Sept. 1835, I again attempt to 
 relate for your perusal the events which have 
 occurred with us within the last two or three 
 months. I expect some time before you receive 
 this, you will have read with delight a letter from 
 my dearest husband, informing you of the birth 
 of our lovely son. I think he also mentioned his 
 intention of leaving Singapore for this place, as 
 soon as circumstances would permit. About 
 three weeks after my confinement, we embarked 
 on boird the Layton, Capt. W., and, after a pas- 
 sage of nineteen days, came in sight of Macao. 
 Mr. S. landed as soon as practicable, and became 
 acquainted wfth the few missionaries now stationed 
 here, amongst whom is the Rev. Mr: G. He 
 strongly insisted on conducting us to his house. 
 Mr. S. was detained on shore all night on account
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 95 
 
 of the boisterous weather. In the morning, how- 
 ever, he arrived in a boat belonging to a China- 
 man, for the purpose of taking us ashore as quick- 
 ly as possible. We hurried ourselves, and, after 
 getting all things ready for leaving, the China- 
 man, seeing me and the baby's nurse, said, ' O, 
 me no can't take them two womens ashore. The 
 mandarines (Chinese magistrates) make me pay 
 great deal money.' The magistrates will not 
 allow the Chinamen to land females, but they do 
 not prohibit them from landing in the ship's boat ; 
 which I should have done, but unfortunately it 
 had gone ashore the previous night, and could not 
 return by reason of the high wind. The China- 
 man at last agreed to take me to another ship, 
 which was close to the water's edge, and the 
 captain kindly sent me ashore in his own boat. 
 
 We accepted Mr. G.'s kind and polite invita- 
 tion. After remaining at his house for several 
 days, Mr. S. became exceedingly anxious to visit 
 the mighty city, Canton. Mr. and Mrs. G. in- 
 sisted that we should not remove to our own 
 house until his return. Mr. S. was much pleased 
 with Canton. He returned in about ten days. 
 We very soon became again quietly situated at 
 home." 
 
 To Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 " Nov. 29, 1836. 
 
 You will, no doubt, dear sister, wish to know 
 how I am now employing my time. I hope I am 
 endeavoring to make myself useful. Soon after 
 our arrival here, we took into our family a little 
 Chinese boy, whom we feed and clothe. I imme- 
 diately commenced teaching him the English
 
 96 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 alphabet, and was both surprised and delighted to 
 find him uncommonly apt. He very soon became 
 perfectly acquainted with his letters, and he is 
 now spelling, and can write very well. That a 
 child can write well before he can read, to you 
 may appear odd, but it is often the case that 
 Chinese children can write very beautifully, when 
 it is almost impossible to teach them to read. 
 
 A few days ago, as my dearest husband and 
 myself were taking our usual walk in the even- 
 ing, we met with a funeral procession. We found 
 from inquiry that the Chinaman they were about 
 to inter was very poor, having no relatives near 
 him, with the exception of a dear little son, who 
 was at that time seated near the dead body, weep- 
 ing most piteously. I could not refrain from 
 shedding tears myself, when I saw this poor little 
 boy, though indeed a heathen, was possessed of 
 natural affection. He seemed as if his heart 
 would break when the body of his father was 
 laid in the cold and silent grave. I felt as if I 
 would be willing to take him to my own home, 
 and share with him my last mouthful. I a>kr<l 
 Mr. S. to see if the men who were with him 
 would give him to us, little thinking they would, 
 indeed, consent. Bat they very willingly parted 
 with the child, and we brought him home with 
 us. He is now, I hope, ours. I feel the greatest 
 affection for these my little pupils. They are 
 both studying the English language with me, 
 and their own with a Chinese teacher. I hope, 
 and humbly pray, that as they grow in years, 
 they may also grow in the knowledge of that 
 adorable Saviour, who died to redeem them. 
 Will you not, my dear Mrs. K., when remember-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 97 
 
 ing, in your private devotions, those intrusted to 
 your care and instruction, also think of my poor 
 little heathen boys ? " 
 
 The Chinese bury their dead with many super- 
 stitious ceremonies. In allusion, probably, to the 
 scene described above, Mrs. Shuck, in her " SCENES 
 i\ CHINA," says, " I witnessed, not long since, the 
 burial of a Chinaman. The coffin was entirely 
 different from any I had ever before seen. It 
 seemed nothing more than a huge log of wood. 
 It is made by splitting two logs of wood in halves, 
 hollowing out each portion, and nailing the four 
 pieces together, leaving the round sides out. 
 The form of their tombs is precisely similar to 
 that of the Greek letter Omega, si, which cir- 
 cumstance, considering that the grave is the end 
 of man's earthly career, and that the Greeks 
 used that letter to signify termination, might be 
 regarded as a striking coincidence. After inter- 
 ring the man, the Chinese who attended the 
 burial, commenced beating loudly their gongs, 
 and making quite an unpleasant noise. They 
 did not forget to supply the deceased with provis- 
 ions of various kinds. His son, walking around, 
 threw into his grave a few cash and some rice. 
 After bowing down, and striking their heads 
 against the ground, burning gilt paper, and pla- 
 cing colored strips of the same material at both 
 ends of the grave, to propitiate the attendant 
 spirits, they all departed." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 "jAic. 17,1837. 
 
 Doubtless you will be much gratified to hear 
 that my li'tle school is increasing. I am greatly 
 9
 
 98 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHTJCK. 
 
 encouraged in regard to the little boys. They 
 seem anxious to learn to read the English lan- 
 guage, and make good progress. I open my 
 school about 10 o'clock in the morning, and close 
 at 12. The children are then sent to a Chinese 
 school, in which they remain about the same 
 length of time. 
 
 I am pleased to say that my dear husband and 
 I are going on encouragingly with the language. 
 He goes ahead rapidly, while I creep slowly on 
 behind. It is certainly a difficult language to 
 learn. But, in the strength of the Lord, we both 
 hope to overcome the difficulty. Indeed, I think 
 Mr. Shuck will very soon be able to speak and 
 read it like a Chinaman. 
 
 I am delighted to tell you that Ah Loo, (the 
 man mentioned in my first letter from Singapore,) 
 who is still with us, gives us great reason to 
 believe him to be a converted man. Ever since 
 he came into our employ, which is now about ten 
 months, he has conducted himself in a most 
 Christian-like manner. He would never purchase 
 any thing on the Sabbath, which is always the 
 custom of the heathen. A few nights ago, Mr. 
 S. was speaking to him on the subject of religion, 
 and he openly confessed that he loved the Sa- 
 viour, and prayed to him. He said that it had 
 been two years since he worshipped idols, and 
 that he had been reading Christian books three 
 or four years. I humbly hope he may not be 
 deceived. May the work of grace already begun 
 in his heart be continued ! "
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 99 
 
 To Mrs. Hall. 
 
 "JAW. 23, 1837. 
 
 With the greatest pleasure imaginable do I 
 seat myself for the purpose of replying to your 
 affectionate letter, now before me, bearing date 
 Feb. 1836. This is the first letter I have received 
 from you since I left the shores of my native 
 land. On the evening of the 21st, as my dearest 
 companion had just left me to take his accus- 
 tomed walk, I was all alone, sitting at the fire- 
 side, when I heard a rap at the door. One of 
 my little Chinese boys, hearing the knock, ran to 
 open the door. A Chinaman entered, having in 
 his hands a large bundle, which he laid on the 
 table, ' saying, ' This is for Mr. Shuck.' My 
 curiosity was not enough excited at first to see 
 what the bundle contained, and it lay for some 
 time just where the man left it. However, as 
 Mr. S. was absent rather longer than usual, I 
 concluded I would open it. And what was my 
 joy and surprisje when I found it was a package 
 of letters and Heralds for us, from our dear dis- 
 tant friends ! I assure you, my dear mother, that 
 I was completely overpowered with joy. Your 
 letter was the first opened, and whilst reading it, 
 such was my heart-felt joy, that I could not refrain 
 from shedding tears. The dear little Chinese 
 children, seeing me weep, thought of course that 
 the letter I was perusing contained something 
 unpleasant, which made them sad. They would 
 not leave my side, and appeared ever) moment 
 as if they would burst into tears. I was too 
 much overcome to explain to them the cause of 
 my weeping. The old woman too, who nurses 
 my dear little Lewis Hall, was affected to tears,
 
 100 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 and brought the child to me, saying, ' Kiss mamma ! 
 Poor mamma ! ' Our man, to whom we are strong- 
 ly attached, also came to know the cause of my 
 apparent distress, and, seeing me standing, brought 
 a chair for me to sit in. Though he said not a 
 word, I could plainly perceive that he, with all 
 the rest, sincerely sympathized with me. I men- 
 tion these circumstances that you may see that 
 affection dwells in the hearts of blinded heathen 
 as well as in those of others. I feel doubly 
 attached to each one of our little group. My 
 dear husband soon came in, and explained to 
 them all they wished to hear." 
 
 To account for the intensity of Mrs. Shuck's 
 emotions, it should be known, as indeed it has 
 been already intimated, that she had been long 
 and anxiously expecting letters from her friends 
 in America. Vessel after vessel had arrived, 
 bringing letters to the other missionaries, but 
 none to her or her husband. ' Hope deferred ' 
 had made her heart sick. At length, nearly a 
 year from the time they were dated, the letters 
 came suddenly to hand the first she had received 
 from home. No wonder that her feelings were 
 overpowering, and sought vent in tears. 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 "jAir. 23, 1836. 
 
 Your truly kind and affectionate letter calls 
 for an answer from your fond sister Henrietta. 
 I had long been anxiously wishing for the time 
 to arrive, when I should be permitted to read an 
 epistle written by the hand of her, to whom I am 
 united by the strong and endearing ties of sis- 
 terly love. At last the long-desired and greatly-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 101 
 
 wished-for letter has come to hand, and with 
 much heart-felt satisfaction have I perused it. 
 Your image, my dear Susan, is often before my 
 mind's eye. Never do I allow a single day to 
 glide away without thinking much of that loved 
 circle, of which I once formed a part. And fre- 
 quently too do I absent myself from the presence 
 of all but the ever-searching eye of God, and 
 withdrawing my mind from all sublunary con- 
 cerns, do I pour forth my supplications on behalf 
 of that little group, to which I hope again to be 
 united in realms of never-ending happiness. 
 
 You say in your letter you were greatly dis- 
 tressed at the time of our final separation on 
 earth, although you did not appear to be so. I 
 know full well, my affectionate Susan, what your 
 feelings were, for I have experienced the same. 
 You go on to say, ' I cannot believe we are sep- 
 arated forever.' Nor can I. Did I think that 
 the many, and, I trust, earnest petitions, which 
 have been offered up by your brother and myself 
 even since we last saw you, that you might be 
 truly converted, were to be lost, I should think 
 that praying is almost in vain. But, dearest 
 Susan, on the contrary, I do cherish the soul- 
 cheering expectation that we shall spend together 
 a happy eternity. You have been long thinking 
 on the subject of religion, sufficiently long to 
 have come to some decided point. I hope that 
 the next communication from you will contain 
 the pleasing intelligence that you have come out 
 from the world, and publicly declared yourself to 
 be on the Lord's side. Since I parted from you, 
 I have written many letters, both to you and my 
 dear little Isabella, on the subject of religion.
 
 
 * 
 
 102 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 t~ "^ 
 
 But I will here ask if she does not feel a desire 
 to obtain an interest in the blood of the Saviour. 
 Does she not feel herself to be a great sinner in 
 the sight of a holy and just Being 1 And will 
 she not flee to the outstretched arms of Him who 
 hath said, ' Suffer little children to come unto 
 me ' ? Isabella has been more than once on the 
 point of dying. Just about this time, two years 
 ago, she was so severely burned that many 
 believed her to be very near the grave. But the 
 Lord, in his wisdom and loving-kindness, saw fit 
 to spare her. Will she not now be entreated by 
 one, who, though far distant, still loves her, and 
 feels an anxious solicitude for her future welfare, 
 to devote her days to the service of the King of 
 kings ? I shall continue to bring your cases 
 before Him who has said, ' Ask, and ye shall 
 receive.' " 
 
 To her Fatter. 
 
 JAN. 27, 1837. 
 
 In a few days from this time the Chinese 
 new year will commence. Precisely at the 
 beginning of the New Year's Day, they bathe 
 their bodies in perfumed water, dress in their 
 nicest clothes, and, remaining at home, worship 
 their household gods, and fire off crackers. 
 After they have concluded family worship, they 
 go to worship the gods at the temples. All mer- 
 cantile business is stopped for eight or ten days, 
 during which time visits of rejoicing are made to 
 their friends and relations, that are all returned ; 
 and they invite each other to indulge in the joy 
 of the Chuntseu ' the wine of spring.' From 
 the ' Yuetan,' or New Year's Day, to the fifteenth
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 103 
 
 of the month, they choose lucky days to suspend 
 flower lanterns on the houses and temples. 
 Those days are lucky, they consider, when the 
 wind blows from the north, west, east-north, or 
 north-east. I expect the place will be quite in 
 an uproar, and we shall have nothing but noise 
 and bustle for a number of days." 
 
 To Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 " FEB. 2, 1837. 
 
 I rejoice greatly, my dear Mrs. Keeling, to 
 inform you that only a few nights since, my hus- 
 band had the unspeakable privilege of burying 
 with Christ in baptism a willing convert from 
 idolatry. He is a Chinaman, and is named Ah 
 Loo. He has been living in our family for the 
 space of eleven months, during which time he 
 has conducted himself in a most Christian-like 
 manner. I assure you that our joy at this delight- 
 ful event cannot be described. We feel that this 
 of itself is worth all the toils, pains, and sacri- 
 fices we have borne." 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 " MARCH 22, 1837. 
 
 I have no fears that pa' will neglect the edu- 
 cation of his girls, for I know well his views on 
 that subject. I am sure he will put you in some 
 good school as soon as he can. Only let rne say 
 to you, my dear sisters, do your part be studious 
 let every passing moment find you acquiring 
 something useful and important. Do, not as I 
 have done, but as I now tell you. Much of my 
 precious time has been thrown away. I sincerely 
 repent, and feel ashamed of myself, when I
 
 104 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 remember how much money my dearest father 
 spent on my education ; and where is the knowl- 
 edge which I should have gained ? Susan and 
 Isabella, follow not the example I have set you. 
 It was a bad one. 
 
 You say in your letter, ' Dear sister, I am 
 afraid that climate will not agree with your 
 health ; but if it does not, I hope you will return 
 with your husband to America.' Really, when I 
 read this sentence I could but srnile. The cli- 
 mate, it is true, is not so salubrious as the one to 
 which in former years I was accustomed ; but my 
 health does not seem quite so important to me as 
 it does to you. True enough, without health I 
 shall be of little use to the Chinese ; but, I trust 
 in the Lord, it will never be so bad as to compel 
 me to forsake them entirely. As yet I have been 
 as well as when in America. I have not had 
 bilious fevers, croups, headaches, dtc., since I left 
 you all. And, so far as I can judge, from present 
 circumstances, I shall never ' return to America.' 
 It is not my wish, dearest Susan. The souls of 
 the heathen are dear to my heart, and for their 
 salvation I am willing to relinquish the comforts 
 of my dear home, the privileges I once enjoyed, 
 and health too, if it is the Lord's will. I think, if 
 you will reverse your wish that I should return, 
 and think of giving yourself to the heathen, after 
 having first given your heart to the Saviour, it 
 would be much better for all parties." 
 
 To Mrs. K. and Mrs. S. 
 
 " MAT 7, 1837. 
 
 On last Lord's day Mr. Shuck administered 
 the Lord's supper. It was a delightful time
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 105 
 
 Frequently have I partook of these emblems of 
 the broken body and shed blood of our adored 
 Redeemer, but never before under such circum- 
 stances. Far away in a heathen land, where all 
 around is wrapped in profound gloominess, and 
 with a converged Chinese. This was a privilege 
 a privileged which many are destitute. May 
 we improve the numerous blessings we enjoy, and 
 finally, with all our dear Christian friends, meet 
 above to praise forever our blest Redeemer. 
 
 My dear friends, I have now something to com- 
 municate, in which, I trust, you will be greatly in- 
 terested. I have recently met with a poor little 
 Chinese girl, about six years old, whom we have 
 adopted as our own child. Her case is peculiarly 
 interesting. Her mother, imitating the example of 
 other heathen mothers, sold her to a Chinaman, 
 who kept her only a few months, and sold her 
 again to another Chinaman and his wife, whose 
 hearts, if they were in possession of such a thing, 
 would not allow them to bestow on her a single 
 act of kindness. They used her cruelly, and 
 made her perform such labor as could be expected 
 only from older and stronger persons. And it 
 seems that these cruel people, not satisfied with 
 this, even denied her necessary food. By chance 
 an American, on the eve of leaving this place for 
 his native land, saw her, and feeling anxious to 
 rescue the dear child from death, for she was 
 indeed on the shore of another world, offered to 
 buy her. Fortunately the Chinaman consented, 
 and received for her the sum often dollars. The 
 gentleman did not wish to take the child home, 
 and hearing that I was anxious for a little Chi- 
 nese girl, presented her to me. She is now liv-
 
 106 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ing in our family, and is standing by my side at 
 this very moment. Her name is Jaue Maria, 
 after yourselves. Mrs. Wade in her letters re- 
 marks that ' the naming of a heathen child is 
 merely nominal, as we never call them by their 
 English names, nor do they even know that they 
 have received such names.' Whatever may be the 
 difficulties which present themselves to the nam- 
 ing of children in Burmah, I have found nothing 
 more easy in China. This little girl knows her- 
 self by no other name than the one we have given 
 her, and no one else does. She always answers 
 when I call for Jane Maria, and I am certain she 
 will never have any other name. I most affec- 
 tionately commend her to your patronage." 
 
 To Mn. Hdl. 
 
 JUKE 13, 1837. 
 
 Brother Roberts is living with us. He is 
 an active and godly Christian. We study Chi- 
 nese together. We are reading a native Chinese 
 book, called, by them, San-tsze king, meaning 
 Three character classic. We study about four 
 hours each day. 1 feel greatly encouraged in re- 
 gard to my progress in the language. Mr. S., 
 like the hare, runs on a great way before me. He 
 studies very intensely, and is exceedingly anxious 
 to translate the Scriptures into Chinese. In the 
 Bible, and other books translated into Chinese by 
 the Pedobaptist missionaries, baptism is repre- 
 sented as meaning any thing else but the total 
 immersion of a believer in the name of the Lord 
 Jesus. In the latest edition of the Chinese New 
 Testament, for baptism is put Se le, meaning 
 ' the washing ceremony.' I would not have you
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 107 
 
 think that I, or any of the rest of us, say that the 
 Pedobaptists have not done their duty, as to giv- 
 ing many other parts of the word of God correct- 
 ly to the heathen. It is only on one point bap- 
 tism that they fail. This you will, doubtless, 
 agree with me should be represented as some- 
 thing more than a ' washing ceremony.' " 
 
 To her Father and his Family. 
 
 " JULY 1, 1837. 
 
 Very frequently Mr. Shuck and I take a walk 
 to the neighboring villages, where we see tem- 
 ples of the heathen, dedicated to their idols. 
 The last time we were at one of these temples, 
 we saw a young lad worshipping. I went up to 
 him, and listened to what he was saying, but 
 could only hear distinctly a few words. He was 
 standing at a table before a large image, having 
 in his hands a stick, with which he continued, for 
 some time, striking on two round pieces of wood, 
 that were lying on the table, chanting all the 
 while. I took from my bag a Christian book in 
 Chinese, and offered it to him. He, however, only 
 glanced at me, and went on with his idolatry. 
 I soon left him, and went with Mr. S. into some 
 other parts of the temple. After a short time, the 
 lad came where I was, and said, ' You offered 
 me a book just now. I will take it now, if you 
 will give it to me.' I gladly gave him the book, 
 humbly hoping that some good might result from 
 his perusing it. In return for what I had given 
 him, he said he wished to give me something, and 
 asked me if I could read Chinese. I told him I 
 could, a little. He immediately ran off, and soon 
 came back with a book, and desired me to accept
 
 108 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 it I read one page to him ; as it was the book 
 that I was then studying, I read it pretty correctly, 
 which quite pleased the boy." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 "DEC. 16,1837. 
 
 Your affectionate letter of June 27 reached 
 us about five weeks ago. It was, as indeed are 
 all your letters, read with feelings of peculiar in- 
 terest and delight. How does it gladden my 
 heart to hear from my endeared pa', to read letters 
 written by his own dear hand, and to perceive by 
 them that he is laboring for the Lord, and de- 
 lights to labor ! I should long ere this have an- 
 swered yours, and other communications received 
 at the same time, but for sickness in our family. 
 My beloved husband has been very sick, with a 
 dangerous disease, (dysentery,) for about nine 
 weeks. My sweet little Lewis had something of 
 the same, though in a much milder form. And 
 in the midst of all, my confinement took place. 
 But the Lord was good. In a few days after- 
 wards I was well, and able to attend on my affec- 
 tionate husband, which I esteemed a privilege as 
 well as a duty. During Mr. S.'s sickness we re- 
 ceived letters from brother Davenport, informing 
 us that our dear brother Reed was no more, and 
 that his mortal disease was dysentery. Imagine 
 my feelings, dearest pa', when I beheld my own 
 Lewis looking so pale and ghastly, and fearing 
 that I too, as is poor sister Reed, might soon be 
 left a widow, in a strange land. I could scarcely 
 believe that he would ever recover, for when once 
 in this climate the dysentery attacks, it is seldom 
 cured. However, my prayers were heard : the
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 109 
 
 Lord in mercy restored my beloved companion ; 
 and, I trust, we shall yet see many happy days 
 together, laboring in the Lord's vineyard. 
 
 Be assured that we are all happy in our work, 
 and do not regret having, in all probability, left 
 forever, in this world, our dearest friends. We 
 often think of your dear family, and we could not 
 forget, even were we to try, the precious days we 
 have spent together. 
 
 ' How can we e'er forget those hours 
 
 Of social bliss and joy ? 
 No apace can their remembrance hush, 
 Nor time their sweets destroy.' " 
 
 To her Step-Mother. 
 
 DEC. 28, 1837. 
 
 You will doubtless rejoice with me, dear 
 ma', at the birth of my lovely and second son, 
 named Ryland Keeling. His birth took place on 
 the 29th of Oct. The day previous was my birth- 
 day. I was just twenty years of age. The Lord 
 has indeed been merciful to me. My dear 
 mother, if any one on earth should devote herself 
 entirely to the service of the Lord, it is myself, 
 for I have received many, very many mercies 
 from his hands. May I never forget whence these 
 blessings come, and ever possess a growing inter- 
 est in the work of ray heavenly Father ! 
 
 Sometimes, when contemplating past scenes, 
 enjoyed with dear friends in old Virginia, and 
 knowing that they are to return no more, the tear 
 starts, and my heart seems too full to refrain from 
 weeping. I would not have you think, however, 
 that I ever feel unhappy, or that I have one wish 
 to return to them. No, fir from it. In some 
 10
 
 110 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHOCK. 
 
 part of this heathen land, let me live, let me 
 labor, and, in the midst of the heathen, may I, 
 if consistent with the will of Heaven, breathe my 
 Jatest breath. 
 
 Though very far distant from my native land, 
 and loved connections, I have here found friends 
 who are as kind as those I left behind. I am sure 
 it will give joy to my dear father, mother, brothers, 
 and sisters, when I tell them of the repeated acts 
 of kindness that I have met with from certain in- 
 dividuals in this place." Here Mrs. S. records 
 her grateful acknowledgments of the kind and 
 faithful attentions of Dr. C. and his amiable lady, 
 and the generous beneficence of Mr. and Mrs. K. 
 and of Mrs. E. How cheering and refreshing 
 are these instances of kindness from strangers in 
 a strange land ! They are lovely and profitable 
 exhibitions of human character, worthy of an en- 
 during memorial. " Whosoever shall give to 
 drink unto one of these little ones," said incarnate 
 Goodness, " a cup of cold water only in the name 
 of a disciple, verily, I say unto you, he shall in 
 no wise lose his reward "
 
 (Ill) 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1838 Remarks Correspondence of Mrs. Shuck continued Blmd 
 Girl Filial Devotion of Mrs. a Ah Loo's Visit to his Friend* 
 Goes to Bankok with Mr. Dean Death of Lucius Consola- 
 tory Letter to Mrs. Hall Death of Mrs. Jones Revivals in Ameri- 
 ca Susan's Conversion Mrs. Shuck's Advice to her Fall of 
 Ah Loo Exhortation to Isabella Climate of Macao Severe 
 Illness of Mrs. Shuck II r Feelings Thoughts of sending her 
 Children Home Robbers cause the Death of a Chinaman Ricb 
 Orphan Class under Instruction Remarks by the Compiler on 
 the Education of the Children of Missionaries. 
 
 ANOTHER year (1838) has commenced. Mrs. 
 Shuck is still at Macao, and still endeavoring to 
 perform, with fidelity and diligence, the duties of 
 her humble, but not unimportant station. From 
 the ample materials furnished by her correspond- 
 ence, let us pursue the narrative of her trials, 
 anxieties, and vicissitudes, and record her obser- 
 vations on the scenes and events which she wit- 
 nessed. 
 
 " January 10. Hearing a loud talking beneath 
 the window to-day, I went to ascertain who were 
 talking. Several Chinese females, and an old 
 man, with a poor little blind girl, were standing 
 outside. As soon as they saw me, they all cried 
 out, with one accord, to know if I would not like 
 to purchase the little girl whom they had brought. 
 They seemed exceedingly anxious to get rid of 
 the child, and continued calling to me ' She is
 
 112 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 blind,' they said, ' and only six years of age. Do 
 you not wish to buy her ? ' The price they had 
 set upon this poor little object of pity was ten dol- 
 lars. I spoke but little on the subject told them 
 I did not design purchasing their child ; and 
 walked away with some such reflections as these : 
 What a vast and deeply affecting contrast between 
 the children of Chinese parents, and those whose 
 privilege it is to dwell in lands where Christianity 
 triumphs! In the one, we see them tenderly 
 nurtured in the lap of maternal love. When 
 disease seizes them, how intense the solicitude 
 of the mother ! She watches by their bed-side 
 without one wish to leave ; but if compelled, for 
 a moment, to do so, how eager is she to return ! 
 But, on the other hand, how differently are the 
 children* of the Chinese mother reared ! The 
 disease and misery to which they are born are 
 indescribable. When ill, they have no endearing 
 mother, whose delight it is to attend to their wants. 
 They become ill, they suffer, they die, uncared 
 for and unthought of. If they should happen to 
 be blind or lame, or disabled from work, how joy- 
 fully will those, whose duty it is to befriend and 
 support them, part from them forever, for the sake 
 of gaining a. few dollars! With what pity should 
 the happy citizens of America look upon the un- 
 taught millions of China! How frequently and 
 fervently should they pray that the Chinese may 
 be guided by that light which will lead the hus- 
 band to gaze on his wife as indeed a companion 
 of his bosom, and not a slave, and the mother to 
 look on her sons and daughters as blessings from 
 on high, and so to train them as to lit them for 
 the skies ! "
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 113 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 MARCH 22, 1838. 
 
 What can afford me greater satisfaction than 
 to write to my beloved and distant father t 
 Him, who watched so parent-like and tenderly 
 over me during my years of childhood, who de- 
 lighted to see me delighted and contented, and 
 who would, at all times, take pleasure in confer- 
 ring on me such' favors as might amuse me in 
 my ' childish glee.' Dearest pa', the tears steal 
 rapidly down my cheeks, nor will I check them. 
 It affords me a pleasure to think of those happy 
 days, and weep. But still there are other days 
 and other years equally dear. Yes, when my 
 childish hours had passed, and I had arrived at an 
 age when I most needed a father, a friend, a coun- 
 sellor, protector, it was then I felt your worth ; 
 and I well knew of whom to seek advice, and on 
 whose advice and guidance I might well depend. I 
 considered you next to my heavenly Parent. Was 
 I not right for so doing ? Who on earth took such 
 intense interest in all my concerns as my father? 
 What, I again ask, can afford me more pleasure, 
 now that I can no longer hold converse with you 
 orally, than to do so in the present form? The 
 Lord, in his infinite wisdom, has seen it right to 
 separate me from that father, that tender father, 
 whom I love to remember, but he has not left me 
 without a friend. He has blessed me with a de- 
 voted companion ; one, too, who well supplies the 
 place of my dear pa'. He is happy if he sees 
 me happy, and troubled if he sees me troubled. 
 How truly kind has my heavenly Father been to 
 me ! May I ever serve him with a devoted spirit, 
 and never may I forget for a moment the hand 
 10*
 
 114 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 that supplies me with the blessings and comforts 
 of life. 
 
 I dare say you will be pleased to hear that the 
 devoted Ah Loo has returned. We delivered 
 your message to him, and he threw down his 
 head, as if to hide the tear which glistened in his 
 eye, indicating that he felt humbled that Chris- 
 tians in America should feel interested in him. 
 He says, during the time he has been in his own 
 country, and amongst his own friends, that he 
 has spent much time in talking to the people 
 about Jesus, the Jesus whom he loves and serves ; 
 also that there are fifteen or twenty persons who 
 seemed greatly interested in his recitals, so much 
 so that they said, if they had only money enough 
 to pay their passage to Macao, they would come 
 to see Mr. Shuck, and hear more about this Jesus. 
 Were it practicable, both Mr. S. and myself would 
 at once take up our journey, and visit these peo- 
 ple ; but in the present state of things it would 
 not be at all advisable." 
 
 Rev. Mr. Deane, of Bankok, having visited Ma- 
 cao for his health, and spent some time in the 
 family of Mr. Shuck, was about to return to his 
 field of labor. This statement will explain the 
 ensuing extract. 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 "APRIL 4, 1838. 
 
 Brother Deane has been studying the Tea 
 Chew dialect, which is Ah Loo's native tongue. 
 There is a great number of Tea Chew people in 
 Bankok, and brother Deane proposed to us to let 
 Ah Loo go with him, as he felt quite sure that he 
 could be more useful there than in Macao. You
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 115 
 
 will be surprised, I dare say, to hear that both. 
 Mr. S. and myself gave our consent. Nothing 
 could have induced us to do so, but the hope of 
 his benefiting the Chinese in Bankok. He is 
 gone on an errand of mercy. May the best of 
 Heaven's blessings attend him ! It is likely he 
 will join us again at some future day ; but we do 
 not wish ever again to employ him as a servant. 
 We wish him to be the servant of Christ, and to 
 see him go from place to place, publishing to the 
 dying Chinese the gospel of peace. 
 
 Would that I could now tell you, my dear pa', 
 of some others who are treading in the footsteps 
 of Ah ,Loo ; but, alas ! alas ! the Chinese seem 
 mad in their idolatry. What a mighty work lies 
 before us ! How much to do ! How few to do 
 it ! Were we to depend (merely) on our efforts, 
 how surely should we fail ! But, no, blessed be 
 the Lord, we have a high, holy, and eternal God, 
 to whom we may look. On his promises, gra- 
 cious as they are, we depend. We can be strong, 
 if he strengthens us. Then we will, and we do, 
 hope for better things ; though, at present, gloom 
 hangs over all the prospects of China's speedy 
 redemption." 
 
 To Mrs. Hall, her Step-Mother. 
 
 "JcjiE 4, 1838. 
 
 And now, my dear, deeply afflicted ma', I 
 must, before I proceed any farther with my letter, 
 recur to the painful subject alluded to in your 
 letter, the death of my sweet, interesting little 
 brother, and your darling son. And is it true? 
 Is my precious little Lucius no more ? Am I to 
 behold his face no more on earth ? I assure you,
 
 116 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 my dear ma', I feel, and deeply feel too, though I 
 had not seen him for years, and hardly expected 
 ever to behold him in this world again. I rejoice, 
 however, that he is taken from this poor un- 
 friendly world, ere he had received any injury 
 from living in it. He can never sin now. No, 
 sainted little one, sleep in Jesus, till the morning 
 of the resurrection ; then your dear mother, now 
 in tears, and your poor unworthy ' sis. Net.,' will 
 shake hands with you in heaven. Happy, happy 
 meeting ! No death can enter that blessed abode, 
 and tear from our fond embraces some object of 
 love. Do not grieve, dear ma'. Think of the 
 perfect, unfading happiness of your loved Lucius. 
 Our heavenly Father has done it all for the best. 
 I know it must have been hard, very hard, to part 
 with him. His conversations to you, of which 
 you inform me, are truly interesting. Young as 
 he was, when last I saw him, he was an uncom- 
 monly interesting child, and I felt, as Susan says 
 in her letter, ' He was to us a season given.' I 
 did not think he would live many years. But 
 let us think how much more lovely he is note 
 than when on earth clothed in robes of spotless 
 white, and singing in rapturous strains the praises 
 of that blessed Jesus, of whom he used to talk 
 with you. Yes, his little hand has already seized 
 the palm of victory; and none of us have ever 
 beheld him so beautiful, so perfect, as when we 
 shall see him another time. But I will leave this 
 painful, afflicting theme, for I fear I shall only 
 open afresh the bleeding wounds of your heart. 
 Suffice it to say, that both Mr. S. and myself 
 most deeply sympathize with you, and devoutly 
 pray that these afflictions, ordered by our kind and
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 117 
 
 tender Parent, may work out for you, and for all 
 the friends, the weeping friends of precious Lu- 
 cius, a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
 of glory. 
 
 Your darling Carey Judson is still left. Train 
 him, dear ma', for heaven. Look not upon him 
 as your own do not place too much affection 
 on him. This is what we are too liable to do ; 
 and our Saviour will not permit us to love any 
 object above himself. My love for my dear hus- 
 band and children is, I fear, sometimes too ar- 
 dent ; and all I can do is to bow to my Father in 
 secret, and beg him to keep my affections at the 
 right mark." 
 
 To Mrs. Davenport, Bankok, Siam. 
 
 "JUNE, 1838. 
 My dear Frances, 
 
 I have just heard that the vessel by which 
 we hastily prepared some letters for Bankok, has 
 not yet left, and I have a few moments in which 
 to pen you a line or two. I wrote a long letter to 
 sister Jones yesterday, and in two hours after- 
 wards received a letter from brother Deane, con- 
 taining the truly melancholy intelligence that she 
 is no more. Sincerely do I sympathize with her 
 bereaved husband, her dear little helpless babes, 
 and the missionary circle. Truly, you have all 
 met with a loss, and a great one too. She was, 
 doubtless, highly qualified for the sphere of use- 
 fulness in which she was placed. From what I 
 saw of her, she seemed a noble example for all 
 missionaries ; and I became very much attached 
 to her. The Lord, however, has, in his infinite 
 wisdom, seen fit to deprive the devoted husband
 
 118 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 of a ' help meet,' the little babes of an affec- 
 tionate mother, the missionary band of a dear 
 friend, and the heathen world of an efficient la- 
 borer ; and since he has done it, it behoves us 
 to submit without a murmur. May we, who are 
 left, learn a lesson from this afflicting event ; and 
 be careful to have our lamps trimmed and burn- 
 ing, so that when the bridegroom comes he may 
 not find us unprepared. 
 
 Brother Deane wrote in great haste, and con- 
 sequently did not give us the particulars of her 
 death. I wish you would write, and tell me all 
 about her. What she said, how she felt, and any 
 thing connected with her death, will be thankfully 
 received. 
 
 I write in great haste, and consequently cannot 
 say much. I will mention two circumstances. 
 In recent letters from America I learn the pleas- 
 ing intelligence, that my dear sister Susan has 
 professed religion, and that pa' has baptized 
 her. I know you will rejoice with me. Surely 
 there is cause for rejoicing. Susan writes me a 
 beautiful letter, telling me all her feelings. The 
 next circumstance that I will not pass over, is the 
 death of darling Lucius. Ma' is greatly dis- 
 tressed, but I do not grieve. No, he is safely 
 housed from every storm the tender plant can- 
 not now be withered. 
 
 Revivals of religion abound. My father has 
 led down into the liquid grave about five hundred 
 willing converts to the religion of Jesus. 
 
 Love to your dear husband. We are all well, 
 but Mr. Shuck his health is precarious. 
 
 Adieu, adieu, dear Frances 
 
 Most affectionately yours, 
 
 H. S."
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 119 
 
 "" ^ /* 
 
 To her Sister Swan. 
 
 JUNE 5, 1838. 
 
 My very dear Sister, 
 
 Your long, interesting, and affectionate let- 
 ter, containing the pleasing, long-wished-for and 
 prayedfor intelligence of your conversion, reach- 
 ed us about a week ago, and without any imme- 
 diate opportunity for sending letters to America, 
 I joyfully seat myself for the purpose of replying 
 to it a privilege not a little esteemed by your 
 dear sister. Rest assured, beloved Susan, that 
 the contents of your letter imparted a joy not 
 easily described, both to your brother and myself. 
 
 I had be^un to be quite impatient to hear from 
 you all.' Mr. S.'s health not being very good, he 
 took a trip to Hong Kong, not far from Macao, 
 hoping to be benefited by it. During his absence 
 I felt very lonely, and often wished for letters 
 from h: >ine. After remaining one week, Mr. S. 
 returned. The first words almost that he said 
 were, ' I have received letters from home.' As 
 they were in his trunk, which had not yet come, 
 I asked, 'What is the news?' In answer to 
 which question, he said, ' There are great revi- 
 vals all over Virginia. Your pa' has baptized a 
 great many, and among them Susan. Imagine 
 my delight. / cannot describe it. I flew into 
 his arms, and wept wept for joy. That night I 
 awoke about twelve o'clock, and could not sleep. 
 I was thinking about you. I could, indeed, with 
 the Psalmist, say, ' Bless the Lord, O my soul!' 
 
 And now, my dear sister, since you have taken 
 the name of a Christian, will you not permit one 
 who loves you with affection of the deepest kind, 
 and who humbly trusts that she too knows, by
 
 120 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 happy experience, what it is to have the love of 
 God shed abroad in her heart, to give you a word 
 of caution ? Remember, dearest Susan, the name 
 of a Christian, of itself, will not take us to heav- 
 en. By living holy lives, and by constant and 
 fervent prayer, must we ' enter in at the strait 
 gate.' Seek daily supplies of grace from the 
 pure and living fountain. Be cautious in your 
 remarks, and your conduct, at all times, especial- 
 ly when in company with unconverted persons. 
 Read, and not only read, but study the word of 
 God. Let the Bible be your constant companion, 
 never suffering one day to pass without perusing 
 a portion of it. Remember that, as yet, you are 
 but a babe in Christ. You have much to learn. 
 Endeavor, as you increase in years, to increase 
 also in wisdom and grace. Prepare yourself for 
 temptations, for, be assured, you will have them. 
 Satan, with all the deceit imaginable, will clothe 
 himself in lovely garments, in order to decoy you 
 from the path of truth and righteousness ; but be 
 firm, be unmovable, and at all times ready to 
 say, ' Get thee behind me, Satan.' In the Bible 
 you will find for your comfort many delightful 
 promises. One I will name, which, in this land 
 of darkness, I find precious. ' As thy days, so 
 shall thy strength be.' Charming words ! Christ 
 will enable you to overcome every temptation, 
 if you will throw yourself helpless at his feet, 
 and seek help alone from him. One thing, es- 
 pecially, let me remind you of the case of the 
 heathen. You must endeavor to cast in your 
 mite towards the evangelization of the world. 
 I do not write to you, in this manner, dear sis- 
 ter, because I am perfect in these things. Ah,
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 121 
 
 no ; I feel my weakness ; but it is because I love 
 you, and feel it to be my duty to remind you of 
 them. 
 
 Remember me to all the dear children. Kiss 
 them for me. Tell them to take warning from 
 the death of darling Lucius, and be good children, 
 as he was, and then they may hope to be reunit- 
 ed with him again. May the Lord in mercy 
 keep and bless you, my sister, and when time 
 with us shall end, may we all meet in heaven to 
 rejoice together, is the constant and sincere prayer 
 of your dear sister. H. S." 
 
 To Mrs. Davenport, Bankok. 
 
 " JUNE 30, 1838. 
 
 I deeply lament the intelligence from broth- 
 er Deane, that Ah Loo has fallen. No death of 
 which I have heard has made me grieve like it. 
 What could have led him to do so vile an act, I 
 cannot conceive. While he was with us, his 
 character was lovely, and he proved himself an 
 exemplary Christian. But if those in America, 
 after professing to be converted, and, for years, 
 preaching the gospel to others, fall, may we not 
 expect to find such cases among the heathen! I 
 suppose you have long ago heard of the wicked 
 conduct of Mr. * * * *. He, who once appeared 
 an amiable, lovely, and devoted Christian, has 
 turned suddenly about, and has engaged in all 
 manner of wickedness. He has been dismissed 
 from the church and the ministry. In view of 
 these things, may we not indeed say, ' Lord, have 
 mercy upon us'? May he keep us from bringing 
 a reproach on the cause which we have espoused." 
 11
 
 122 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 To Her Sister Isabella. 
 
 " OCT. 9, 1838. 
 
 Your brief, but exceedingly interesting epistle 
 of April 1 reached me a few days ago, and I 
 take the earliest opportunity to reply to it. My 
 time is almost wholly taken up with my domes- 
 tic concerns, studying Chinese, and doing- all 
 that I can, at present, towards teaching the igno- 
 rant but interesting people in whose midst I 
 dwell. I very much fear, therefore, that I have 
 rather slackened in my correspondence with my 
 friends ; but I beg they will all excuse me. I 
 will write as frequently as my time will possibly ad- 
 mit. It will be needless for me here, my dear Bell, 
 to repeat the assurance, which I have expressed in 
 all my former letters, that to hear from my dear 
 distant friends, especially my father's family, is a 
 delightful privilege. Suffice it to say, that the 
 affection which I cherish for you all, ' grows with 
 my growth and strengthens with my strength.' 
 Distance and time only serve to make me love 
 you more. We shall, in all probability, no more 
 see each other in the flesh ; but let us leap over 
 time, and look beyond this vale of tears, where, if 
 we are the children of God, we shall meet meet 
 to part no more. What matters it, then, that we 
 are now separated ? Let us endeavor while we 
 live to glorify God, and render ourselves useful 
 to our fellow-beings, and our reward will be 
 great. 
 
 You do not once allude to the subject of reli- 
 gion in your letter. In one of my dear sister 
 Susan's recent letters, she caused me to hope 
 that you too felt that you were a sinner, and 
 desired to participate in the Christian's joys and
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 123 
 
 privileges ; but from your silence I fear those 
 desires have, in a measure, died away. O my 
 sister, what can / say to you ? Knowing, as I do, 
 that you are in a land of Bibles, and that, from 
 time to time, you are permitted to listen to the 
 blessed gospel, preached by men of piety and 
 talents, and that even in your own family there 
 are some whose delight it would be to impart to 
 you such instructions as would lead you in the 
 path of peace and safety I say, knowing these 
 things, I can hardly hope, far away as I am, that 
 what I say may be of any avail. Nevertheless, 
 I cannot, I must not remain silent. I feel that 
 when I_ lived with you, I did not, as often as I 
 should have done, speak with you on the subject 
 of your soul's salvation. I fear that my exam- 
 ple, too, was often pernicious in the extreme 
 that, though I professed to be a child of light, I 
 walked in darkness. But, my sister, for the 
 past I grieve ; yes, deeply repent that such was 
 the case. However, forgetting the things that 
 are behind, let me press onward, with renewed 
 energy, to the mark for the prize of the high 
 calling of God, which is in Christ Jesus. And 
 now I ask, do you not feel anxious to follow the 
 example of dear Susan ? Do you not see that 
 she is happier now than in former times? And 
 have you no desire to participate with her in the 
 joys which religion yields ? If so, delay no 
 longer. The all-devastating hand of time is 
 fast hastening us to the tomb ; and, O ! what 
 an awful thought, that should my precious Isabella 
 be taken away in her sins, I meet her no more 
 forever ; and more than all, she will not only be 
 separated from her dear friends, but will be denied
 
 124 MEMOIR OP MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 the presence of Jesus. Be persuaded to give up 
 the pleasure of this world for nobler and more 
 lasting joys beyond the skies. 
 
 ' Beware of pleasure's siren song ; 
 Mas '. it cannot soothe you long ; 
 It cannot quiet Jordan's wave, 
 Nor cbeer the dork and silent grave.' 
 
 A thousand things press on my mind, which I 
 would fain give expression to, if time and paper 
 permitted ; but I must conclude. Thank Heaven, 
 we are all well. I enjoy better health than 
 almost any one in Macao. What a blessing ! 
 The boys are hearty, and, as the cold winter 
 approaches, their little cheeks begin to grow rosy. 
 Lewis is nearly as large as Robert was when 
 I left. He, as well as Ryland, is a sweet boy 
 Love to all to every one. 
 
 Yours, most devotedly." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " Nov. 16, 1838. 
 
 I have just heard that the American vessel 
 Albion will leave this place in a day or two for 
 New York. I hasten, therefore, to pen you a 
 few lines, to inform you of our continued health 
 and happiness in this remote corner of the earth. 
 I am now alone, with my dear, dear little chil- 
 dren, their fond papa being in Canton. He 
 thought a little relaxation from study would 
 benefit his health ; and consequently took leave 
 of us two weeks ago. I suppose he will be ab- 
 sent one month from the time he left. I had a 
 letter from him this morning. He is very well, 
 and has seen much of the country round about 
 Canton.
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 125 
 
 We now enjoy the cool winter air. This is 
 the commencement of our winter season. We 
 expect to have it very cold, as the summer has 
 been exceedingly sultry and oppressive. I really 
 do not think, were I to search the world over, I 
 could find a climate better suited to my constitu- 
 tion than that of this dear little spot. My health 
 is very good never was better. " May I feel 
 thankful to the Giver of this great blessing. I 
 shall feel rather loath to leave Macao ; but still, 
 if it is the wish of the Board and the will of 
 Heaven, I would most joyfully go without one 
 murmur. 
 
 I feel happy to inform you, my dear pa', that 
 I progress in the language of these vast multi- 
 tudes, and sincerely desire to do something for 
 their eternal welfare. I hope you daily remem- 
 ber us, and our work, at a ' mercy seat.' We do 
 not tire, and O that we never may ! 
 
 We received from brother Ryland, the other 
 day, by the ship ' Omega,' a box containing many 
 useful articles. How very kind he is to us! This 
 is the second box sent by him. The contents 
 were valued at thirty-seven dollars. Since he has 
 been so truly kind, I am glad that we have called 
 our youngest son after him." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " DEC. 30, 1838. 
 
 On this afternoon of the last holy Sabbath in 
 the present year, I desire to spend an hour or 
 so in writing to you ; for it seems a long time 
 since I last wrote. I am entirely alone, my dear 
 husband having gone over the water to distribute 
 to these idolatrous people the word of God. The 
 11*
 
 126 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 children have also gone out for a walk in the fresh 
 air, as they are accustomed to do. Many, many 
 items crowd upon my mind, which I wish to 
 inform you of; but, in the first place, I must tell 
 you how ill, dangerously ill, I have been within 
 the past month. I think I wrote, to you by the 
 ' Albion,' which left in October. I then men- 
 tioned that Mr. Shuck was gone to Canton. My 
 health was very good. However, in a week from 
 that period, I began to lose my appetite, which I 
 thought nothing of, though I also suffered very 
 much with daily headaches. Very suddenly, 
 one evening about 9 o'clock, I was seized with 
 violent pains in my chest. Several persons hap- 
 pened to be present, as it was a meeting evening. 
 As soon as the service ended, I went to my room, 
 and called Mrs. Squire, one of the missionaries, 
 to come to me. Fortunately she knew what to 
 do for me. She ordered bottles of hot water to 
 be placed wherever I felt any pain, and after 
 sending for the Dr., rubbed me herself, and con- 
 tinued applying the hot water, till at last, after an 
 hour or two of severe pain, I found some relief. Dr. 
 Anderson could not be found for a long time, and 
 had I been alone, I hardly think I could have 
 survived. About 12 o'clock at night, the Dr. 
 made his appearance, gave me medicine, di- 
 rected me to keep something warm to my chest, 
 and then bade me good night, saying, * If you 
 feel the slightest return of pain, immediately in- 
 form me.' I slept quietly the remainder of the 
 night, and, though exceedingly weak in the morn- 
 ing, I felt myself very much better. As soon as 
 it was light, Dr. A. was by my bedside, and from 
 the first moment he saw me he seemed alarmed.
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 127 
 
 I did not feel ill, and wondered why he should 
 look so. In the course of the day, Mrs. King, a 
 dear friend, came to see me, and I saw something 
 strange in her looks, also. She afterwards said, 
 she expected to see me dead in another hour. 
 Dr. A. was very kind, and truly attentive to me. 
 His visits were as frequent as four times in the 
 day. About 9 o'clock the following night, I again 
 became worse and worse, till I was quite like a 
 mad person. Dr. A. said I was perfectly deliri- 
 ous. He wrote up to my dear absent husband, 
 and requested him to come home, who lost no 
 time in doing so. He knew nothing of my ill- 
 ness, as only the day before I wrote a long letter 
 to him." For many days, I was too ill to see any 
 one but those who attended to me. Indeed, the 
 Dr. would not even permit them to speak to me, 
 so great was my fever. In mercy, however, the 
 Lord saw it well to spare me, and, after a fort- 
 night, I was again able to leave my bed. 
 
 Dearest pa', I am sure you will feel anxious to 
 know how I felt in view of entering on the un- 
 tried realities of eternity. To tell the truth, I did 
 not think I was going to die, after the first night; 
 then I supposed I had the cholera, and felt that I 
 must soon bid a final adieu to earth, and I am 
 happy to say that death appeared as a dear friend, 
 come to release me from pain, and guide me to 
 my heavenly home. I cannot say that I forgot 
 my devoted Lewis, and darling babes. Ah, no ! 
 I felt, indeed, that they were ties tightly binding 
 me to this lower world ; but I was resigned to go. 
 I felt that my Saviour would protect my dear 
 children, and comfort my affectionate husband. 
 I prayed, however, to live long enough to behold
 
 II 
 
 128 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 once more the face of my absent companion. 
 How good and how gracious has the Lord been 
 to your dear, distant Henrietta! Though, in his 
 infinite wisdom, he saw fit to afflict my body with 
 suffering for a season, yet, in his loving kindness, 
 he again restored me. Bless the Lord, O my 
 soul ! for he hath not dealt with me after my sins, 
 nor rewarded me according to my transgressions. 
 May the life which he has lengthened be devoted 
 to his service. 
 
 Don't be uneasy, dear pa', about me now, for I 
 am very well. I soon regained my strength, and 
 I am even better than before my sickness. 
 
 I am beginning to think seriously about send- 
 ing Master Lewis home to some good friend to 
 take care of him, that he may receive a first rate 
 education, and return to aid us in our work. Of 
 course, I do not mean to do so for some years to 
 come. He is now two years and a half old, arid 
 if he lives to be ten, I think we shall despatch 
 him for some seminary in the United States. 
 When you write, please give me your opinion 
 relative to it. There are no advantages here for 
 receiving instruction, but, on the contrary, every 
 possible disadvantage. It would be very painful 
 to give him up, and I would not do it, did I not 
 know that it is for his own good. Both Mr. S. 
 and myself feel anxious to hear your opinion, as, 
 it would assist us greatly in deciding the case. I 
 beg you will express yourself freely. Do you think 
 he had better remain with his parents in a heathen 
 land, and receive such an education as they can 
 give, or be sent from them, to be reared by others? 
 
 I have also a Chinese youth, of very respect- 
 able parents, who, I expect, will come to me in a
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 129 
 
 few days. He is an orphan, and is heir to about 
 $75,000, in money and property, and seems a 
 promising lad. We wish to send him to be edu- 
 cated in America, trusting in the Lord that he 
 may, by Him, be made wise unto salvation, and 
 return to preach the gospel of Christ to his de- 
 luded fellow-men. The father of this youth 
 lived in Singapore at the time we were there. 
 He placed his money in the hands of some gen- 
 tlemen residing there, and embarked with his 
 little son for China. We soon found out that he 
 was in Macao, and he very often visited us, made 
 us presents, and brought his boy to see us. He 
 spoke English very well. Here he rented a 
 house, and was making money, not content with 
 what he already possessed. A few days ago, a 
 band of robbers, knowing him to be in possession 
 of money, broke into his house at night, and so 
 alarmed the poor man, that he leaped from the 
 window into the street, which wounded him so 
 severely as to cause his death in eight or ten 
 days. The body still remains in the house, and 
 I went with Mr. S., the other day, to see his son, 
 and were told by the man's friends, that they 
 were hunting a lucky spot in which to place the 
 body. As soon as the funeral ceremonies are 
 over, the little boy is to come to me. ' I am fear- 
 ful something may prevent it, which would much 
 disappoint me. I took a great fancy to the dear 
 little fellow, when I first saw him in Singapore. 
 He is the handsomest Chinese child I know. 
 His complexion is fair, his eyes bright black, and 
 very expressive. I hope he may come to me, and 
 I shall do my best for him. Of course he will 
 be supported by his father's agents in Singapore.
 
 130 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 We have now in our family one little Uoy, ten 
 years old, supported by Bro. Hume, (of Ports- 
 mouth, Va.,) who is to stay with us till he is 
 twenty-one years old. He improves fast. ' Jane 
 Maria,' of whom I have previously told you, 
 still goes on well. She reads and speaks English 
 and Chinese. She receives from Mrs. Keeling 
 five dollars, and from Mrs. Sinton five dollars, 
 annually, towards her support ; but I am sorry to 
 say it is not sufficient. I hope to come on by de- 
 grees, and, by and by, I shall have a large school. 
 I cannot better employ my time now than in 
 studying Chinese, and teaching these children. 
 Jane Maria A. Cue and Master Lewis Hall form 
 a class, and are daily taught by myself in Eng- 
 lish, and by a Chinese teacher. Lewis gets on 
 very well in English. He speaks Chinese per- 
 fectly, but does not like to read it. He knows 
 most of his letters, but, strange to me, though he 
 understands every word that is said to him in Eng- 
 lish, he will not speak a word in English, if he 
 can avoid it. Chinese really seems to be his 
 mother tongue." 
 
 The above letter touches on the sorest diffi- 
 culty of the missionary enterprise the proper 
 training and education of the children of mission- 
 aries. Can this be done in heathen countries? 
 Missionaries, so far as we are acquainted with 
 their views, concur in the opinion that it cannot 
 be. Be it remembered, too, that this opinion is 
 formed, not only with the amplest opportunities of 
 judging correctly, but in opposition to the dictates 
 of natural affection. The reasons for the opinion 
 are clear and convincing. The young must have
 
 REMARKS BY THE COMPILER. 
 
 1*1 
 
 associates. If intelligent, refined, and pious so- 
 ciety cannot be found, they will inevitably, and, 
 from the depravity of their hearts, most readily, 
 mingle with the ignorant, vicious, and degraded. 
 Association produces assimilation. Unable to el- 
 evate the heathen, they will sink to the leVel of 
 heathenism. Nor is the difficulty diminished in 
 those places where Europeans and Americans in 
 considerable numbers are settled. These foreign- 
 ers are generally mere adventurers, unprincipled, 
 vicious, eager in the pursuit of money, and un- 
 scrupulous as to the means of acquiring it. They 
 are a reproach to the Christian name, raise a 
 strong barrier to the progress of the gospel, and 
 prove a curse to the heathen among whom they 
 dwell. They not only send their own children 
 to be educated, but design, when they shall have 
 accumulated a sufficient amount of treasure, to 
 return themselves to their native lands. It is 
 clear that such a population cannot improve the 
 prospect of the moral and religious cultivation of 
 youth. 
 
 There is another serious objection to the rear- 
 ing of children in the East. The climate is 
 enervating. The descendants of Europeans or 
 Americans brought up in the country have nei- 
 ther physical nor mental energy. An intelligent 
 gentleman, who spent many years in Hindostan, 
 informed us that he never knew a man of Euro- 
 pean descent, reared in the country, (and there 
 were many such there,) of any worth. The de- 
 bilitating influence of the climate is, doubtless, 
 greater in Hindostan, Burmah, and Siam, than in 
 China; but even in China, particularly that part 
 of it which lies south of Canton, the evil is very 
 serious.
 
 * 
 
 132 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 We have glanced at one side of this subject : 
 let us now examine the other. Parents are di- 
 vinely constituted the instructors and guardians 
 of their children. The business of training thenf 
 properly is exceedingly arduous and trying. To 
 secure its faithful performance, the beneficent Au- 
 thor of our being has implanted in the parental 
 bosom an affection which no toil can weary, no 
 difficulties discourage, and no waywardness ex- 
 tinguish. The parent may, indeed, sometimes 
 find an adequate substitute for training his child. 
 A child of sprightly intellect and amiable dispo- 
 sition may gain the warm affection of his adopted 
 parent ; but if he be dull, and sullen, and way- 
 ward, if the rod of correction must be employed, 
 and long-continued watchfulness, and authority, 
 and effort, be necessary to subdue his perverse tem- 
 per, who, beside the parent, is sufficient for the 
 task ? God says to Christian fathers, " Bring up 
 your children in the nurture and admonition of 
 the Lord." Can this most important obligation 
 be properly, without positive necessity, transferred 
 to others ? 
 
 There is another view of this matter which de- 
 mands our serious consideration. To part with 
 children at the tender and interesting age at 
 which it is proper to send them home to be educa- 
 ted, is a most painful and heart-crushing sacrifice. 
 We have heard much, and much that is visionary, 
 at least, exaggerated, of the privations and suffer- 
 ings of missionary life. They are just such sac- 
 rifices as the men of the world are constantly 
 making, without a murmur, in pursuit of wealth 
 or honor. To what country has not Commerce 
 extended her search for traffic in advance of mis-
 
 REMARKS BY THE COMPILER. 133 
 
 sions ? If the missionary leaves his home, his 
 friends, and the enjoyments of refined society, 
 and traverses oceans, so does the adventurer in 
 quest of money, or trade. And where there is 
 one missionary longing to impart to the perishing 
 heathen the treasures of salvation, there are scores, 
 or hundreds, who are equally eager to amass 
 among the heathen the treasures of this world. 
 In one aspect only does the sacrifice of the Chris- 
 tian missionary appear more painful than that of 
 the worldly adventurer the one expects, when he 
 shall have amassed a certain amount of wealth, to 
 return to his native land, and close his life in ease 
 and splendor ; the other designs to labor on amid 
 the gloom and abominations of heathenism to the 
 close of life. In point of fact, however, many of 
 the worshippers of Mammon become satisfied in 
 the dark lands of their adoption, and are willingly 
 buried in a heathen soil. 
 
 But to send child after child, at the interesting 
 age of ten years, to a distant Christian land to 
 be educated, among strangers, with very little 
 prospect that they will ever return to cheer the 
 hearts of their fond parents, in the dark land of 
 their adoption and labors, is, indeed, a sacrifice 
 which no words can fully express, and no heart, 
 which has not made it, can adequately conceive. 
 It is a sacrifice, which, if it can be evaded, should 
 never be offered. It may well be questioned 
 whether God demands it of his servants. 
 
 But how is the difficulty to be obviated? Some 
 have proposed that missionaries shall be appointed 
 for a limited term. By this arrangement they 
 would be withdrawn from their fields of labor 
 when best qualified for usefulness, and would 
 12
 
 134 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 return home unfitted for effective service. Others 
 have thought that missionaries should enter on 
 fields of service without wives. We confess we 
 incline to this opinion. Unmarried missionaries 
 would be less encumbered, and more easily sup- 
 ported. In carrying this plan into execution, there 
 would, I apprehend, be one insuperable obstacle. 
 Missionaries are not likely to concur in the opin- 
 ion. The plan has been suggested of establish- 
 ing a seminary of learning in some portion of the 
 mission field for the instruction of the children of 
 missionaries. To say nothing of the cost of such 
 an arrangement, which does not perhaps deserve 
 serious consideration, it leaves the pupils subject, 
 in a great degree, to the contaminating influence 
 of heathenism, and, in tropical regions, to the de- 
 bilitating influence of the climate. But if they 
 must be returned to the land of their parents, (and 
 this seems likely, for a season, to be the adopted 
 course,) and provision should not be made for their 
 maintenance and education by relatives, or pious 
 and beneficent individuals, it should be done by 
 missionary boards. Justice, gratitude, and sound 
 policy, imperatively demand that this burden should 
 be promptly, generously, and cheerfully sustained 
 by the churches. If missionaries faithfully devote 
 their lives and powers to the promotion of a com- 
 mon cause, and part with their children to pre- 
 serve them from the contaminations of heathen- 
 ism, can we expect to please God, or secure his 
 blessing, if these children, so impressively com- 
 mitted to our charge, are not duly cared for and 
 instructed ?
 
 ( 135 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1839 Erroneous Views of Missionary Life corrected Mrs. Shuck 'a 
 Correspondence continued Incident in the Life of her Oldest 
 Child A Caution for him Mrs. Shuck's School Cost of sup 
 porting it Reference to the Death of Lucius Openings fur Use- 
 fulness in Macao Visiting a Village Mr. Shuck commence* 
 preaching in Chinese Visit of Mr. S. and Family to Hone Kong 
 Probability of Mr. Shuck's Return to America Anticipations 
 since realized Her I linos Death of a Young Lady converted 
 through her Instrumentality. 
 
 THE missionary life has been too frequently in- 
 vested with the drapery of romance. To many it 
 has appeared as a succession of adventures, ex- 
 ploits, and wonders. This is a gross mistake. It 
 is conceded, that a voyage to a distant land, and 
 a residence among a people of strange speech 
 and strange manners, furnish many scenes to in- 
 terest the mind and gratify the taste ; and that the 
 missionary may be called to pass through appall- 
 ing dangers, and events of thrilling importance. 
 But the missionary life is, in general, one of un- 
 ostentatious toil, and of unending anxiety. The 
 ignorant must be instructed with unwearied 
 assiduity; ami sin, in a thousand forms, must 
 be incessantly reproved and resisted, almost with- 
 out the prospect of suppressing it. The qualities 
 most needed in this service are, not those which 
 constitute the Christian hero, but the Christian
 
 136 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 laborer. In the mission field all the visions of 
 romance vanish before the sober realities of com- 
 mon every-day efforts, and difficulties, and hopes. 
 Let us now enter with Mrs. Shuck on another 
 year of her exemplary and devoted pilgrimage. 
 She still writes from Macao. 
 
 To Mrs. Keding. 
 
 'JAW. 9, 1839. 
 
 Your long, and to us very deeply interest- 
 ing epistle, bearing date Oct. 28, 1837, the very 
 day I was twenty years old, and the day before 
 the birth of our sweet little Ryland Keeling, 
 reached me safely some time ago; but I have 
 postponed replying to it till now, as I had just 
 sent you a double letter, and knew of no oppor- 
 tunity of sending to America at the time of its 
 reception. Even now I am not aware of the de- 
 parture of any ship for the United States, but the 
 pleasure of writing to you is too great to be de- 
 nied any longer. Every line in your letters, and 
 also in those of dear brother K., is perused with 
 peculiar delight, by my dear Lewis and myself. 
 Therefore, dear friends, do gratify us as frequent- 
 ly as your time will permit. The affectionate 
 and motherly manner in which you speak of our 
 dear boy, endears you still more to my heart. 
 Lewis Hall is very interesting, and is an uncom- 
 monly intelligent child. It is not the blinded 
 love of mother which prompts me to say so, but 
 every one who sees him expresses a similar opin- 
 ion. He was two years old on the third of last 
 August, and strange it seems, that on the morning 
 of his birthday, he came running into the room 
 where we were about to read for family worship,
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 137 
 
 and said in Chinese, ' Mamma, I wish to worship 
 Jesus this morning.' It quite astonished me, for 
 previous to this, I had once or twice attempted to 
 have him remain with us at prayer, but he ap- 
 peared restless and uneasy, and I thought it was 
 better to wait till he was of an age to understand 
 why I wished him to attend worship. On his 
 birthday, however, he quietly seated himself, 
 and behaved very well till worship was over, and 
 then, rising from his knees, he said in Chinese, 
 as usual, ' Now Lewis has worshipped Jesus.' 
 From that morning he has continued to do it of 
 his own accord, except on two or three mornings, 
 when he did not seem very well. This circum- 
 stance Appears very singular, and delights me 
 much. Many other such interesting little inci- 
 dents we have observed in him. He is very kind- 
 hearted ; generally takes his meals with us, and 
 if I give him any thing a little nice, like fruit or 
 cakes, he immediately asks for some for Jane also. 
 The other day, his dear papa gave him a custard 
 apple, a fruit of which he is very fond, and he 
 broke it into three parts, and said, ' One piece is 
 for Jane, one for little brother, and one for Lewis.' 
 I like to encourage this principle in him. I would 
 go on and name many similar items, but 1 am his 
 mother, and I forbear. I have already, perhaps, 
 said too much." 
 
 Mrs. Shuck was a most fond and devoted 
 mother. And what mother is not? The above 
 letter, written to an intimate and endeared friend, 
 who could fully sympathize in her maternal emo- 
 tions, exhibits the intense interest and delight 
 with which she contemplated in her cherished 
 12*
 
 138 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 offspring the opening buds of promise. She 
 writes with a mother's hand, and a mother's 
 heart. Should the eye of Lewis fall, as probably 
 it will, on these effusions of a mother's fondness, 
 let him consider that many a fair bud has been 
 blighted many a lovely and hopeful child has 
 become " the heaviness of his mother." Should 
 he remember the excellent lessons which his dear 
 mother gave him, and diligently follow her excel- 
 lent example, he will realize the bright anticipa- 
 tions which she fondly cherished on his behalf. 
 A diligent application to study, a faithful per- 
 formance of duty, and the grace of God, Tj;hich 
 his pious mother so fervently sought on his be- 
 half, will make him wise, good, and useful a 
 worthy son of his now sainted parent. 
 
 To her Step-Mother. 
 
 " FEB. 28, 1839. 
 
 When I last wrote you, I had only two little 
 Chinese children under my care ; now I have nine 
 boys and girls in the house, and expect six more 
 to come this afternoon. These children require 
 to be looked after very closely. I should much 
 prefer taking girls exclusively ; but so great is 
 the opposition of Chinese parents to have their 
 female children educated, that I find I must take 
 boys in order to get girls. When I first men- 
 tioned to the Chinese here that I intended to open 
 a school, they brought boys in numbers to me, but 
 not one girl. At last, I refused to take any more, 
 unless for every boy they would bring a girl. So 
 that now, in order to have attention bestowed on 
 their sons, they permit the poor neglected daugh- 
 ters to accompany them. I expect three girls,
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 139 
 
 and the same number of boys, in an hour or two, 
 and I shall then have five girls all together. I had 
 a girl of eleven years given to me the other day 
 She is interesting, and appears as happy as possi- 
 ble. I feel greatly encouraged to proceed in my 
 feeble efforts to educate these poor, degraded 
 youths, as, in looking over the Heralds, I perceive 
 that the dear friends in America are contributing 
 to my school. May the great Master reward 
 them, and may they never forget the wants of 
 these perishing idolaters. 
 
 I sometimes feel sad, when I have to write 
 home and beg for money, fearing that some may 
 think we do not appropriate it to a good cause. 
 But let "me here remark, that without money we 
 can do nothing for the heathen. For instance, if 
 we teach school, every child received must be fed 
 and clothed by us, or he will not come to us. 
 Each one of my girls and boys costs me, for food 
 alone, one dollar per month. Their clothing (will 
 cost per annum) I think about two dollars more, 
 (for each pupil.) So, for twenty children, one 
 year, we should require two hundred and eighty 
 dollars. I think my brethren and sisters in Lan- 
 caster might support ten children, at least. I re- 
 ceived, the other day, from a merchant, who has 
 been residing in Canton, fifty dollars for my 
 school. He went home very wealthy indeed. If 
 a man, in whose heart there exists no love to the 
 Saviour, can be so liberal, should not the disciples 
 of Jesus also open their hearts, and give to the 
 needy ? 
 
 You speak feelingly of your dear departed Lu- 
 cius. I sincerely sympathize with you in this 
 sad bereavement. But, dear ma', do not grieve
 
 140 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 too deeply. God was kind, undoubtedly, in taking 
 him away, and we must not murmur nor repine. 
 
 'Good when he gives, supremely good; 
 
 Nor less when he denies ; 
 E'en crosses, from Jiis sovereign band*, 
 Are blessing* in disguise.' 
 
 I have often read and admired these lovelj 
 lines. May we ever appreciate the sentiment 
 therein contained. I wish to feel towards my 
 fond ones that they are only lent blessings, and 
 that God has a right to take them from me at any 
 moment. Should he see fit to prolong their lives, 
 I trust, and daily pray, that they may be orna- 
 ments in the cause of Christ." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 "MARCH 12, 1839 
 
 I have not written to you all so frequently . 
 of late, as perhaps I should have done ; but I 
 know you will look over my seeming remissness, 
 when I assure you that I have so many responsi- 
 ble duties devolving on me, that I have very little 
 time to devote to letter-writing. Engaged, as I 
 now am, in the tuition of heathen children, I more 
 than ever feel the need of the prayers of my dear, 
 dear Christian friends in Virginia. I know I am 
 not forgotten by my fond pa' in his secret and 
 earnest intercessions at a ' throne of grace.' I 
 cannot do any thing without help from on high, 
 and I beg you to implore it on my behalf. I feel 
 that I am now more particularly engaged in direct 
 missionary work than I have been at any for- 
 mer time, and I daily see my impotency. The 
 little boys and girls, now under my care, are all
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HE3. LETTERS. 141 
 
 the children of poor people, with one exception, 
 and are bound to me until they shall be twenty- 
 one years of age. Should the providence of 
 God, however, lead us from this to another field, 
 the parents will not allow us to take them away ; 
 but I am to place them under the care of some 
 one in Macao, which I could easily do, as there 
 are other schools here. The Rev. Mr. Brown 
 and wife (Presbyterians) have lately arrived here 
 from America. They are to be supported by the 
 ' Morrison Education Society,' and will soon 
 commence a school. I like them, so far, very 
 much : they seem to be good, warm-hearted 
 Christians. At present, they reside with Mr. 
 Williams, (also a Presbyterian,) where they will 
 remain for some two or three months, until they 
 get a little insight into the language, and then 
 they design taking a house, and commencing a 
 school. 
 
 O that there were many more devoted people 
 of God in this land of idolatry and death, to 
 teach the Chinese the way to happiness and 
 heaven ! How delighted should I be to welcome 
 to the mission field some of our dear brethren and 
 sisters of Lancaster ! And are there none willing 
 to come ? none who feel it their duty, and their 
 high privilege, to forsake the land of their nativity, 
 that they may carry to the perishing Chinese the 
 bread of life? Do they feel willing to come, and 
 believe that there are difficulties in the way? If 
 so, let them look at the matter in the light of 
 eternity, and having the fear of the Lord before 
 their eyes. Let them carry the subject to Jeho- 
 vah, and where no eye but his can see, and no 
 ear but his hear, ask if, indeed, these difficulties
 
 142 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHOCK. 
 
 are insuperable. Do they feel themselves un- 
 qualified for so great, so important an under- 
 taking T So, I presume, every one who engages 
 in the work feels; and this is just the feeling 
 we should possess. Unqualified, indeed, we are; 
 but to whom shall we go for a better preparation, 
 but to our blessed Master above, who willingly 
 imparts instruction instruction, too, of the right 
 kind to all who ask of him ? The work and re- 
 sponsibilities of a missionary are truly great, but 
 have we not a great God to depend upon 1 Lean- 
 ing on our own understandings, we most assuredly 
 must fail. 
 
 Much can be done in Macao. Parents will 
 now willingly send their sons, and sometimes 
 their daughters, to be instructed. Gentlemen can 
 at any time visit the Chinese in their own little 
 filthy huts, and commend to them the gospel of 
 Christ. Female missionaries are always wel- 
 comed, with much politeness, to the rooms of the 
 neglected and degraded women of China. We 
 can distribute books, and talk to the people about 
 religion, whenever we wish ; and what more need 
 we now desire than men and women, whose 
 hearts are glowing with love to the Saviour, and 
 to the souls of their fellow-men, to assist us in 
 this glorious, this delightful work? 
 
 There is a village near to us, which contains 
 about ten houses, and about sixty souls. I visit 
 it, regularly, two or three times a week. Mrs. 
 King accompanies me. She speaks Chinese 
 tolerably, and we generally talk to the females 
 about their children, and ask them all man- 
 ner of questions about their domestic concerns, 
 &c., hoping that, by and by, we shall gain their
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 143 
 
 confidence and affection, and then be able to call 
 their attention to better things. It has been only 
 a short time since we adopted this plan ; as yet, we 
 have not spoken to them on the subject of religion. 
 Should we visit a family for the first time, and 
 immediately commence speaking to them on the 
 subject of religion, and tell them that it is very 
 sinful to worship idols, we should meet with a 
 cold reception ; but by visiting them a few times, 
 making their children a present occasionally, and 
 conversing with them in a friendly manner, we 
 may gain their esteem, and they will believe what 
 we say to them of the true God more readily than 
 they would have done at first. I was much de- 
 lighted at our last evening's visit. The women 
 were truly polite and kind to us, asked us a great 
 many questions, gave us tea to drink, and cigars 
 to smoke, (as is their custom,) and when we were 
 about to leave, one woman said, as it was nearly 
 dark, she would walk home with us, and did so. 
 I think it likely I shall be able to induce some of 
 them to let their daughters come to my school. 
 There are many good things to be gained by thus 
 visiting these poor females. We see them at 
 home, and can penetrate more "deeply into their 
 characters. We also learn to speak their lan- 
 guage as they do. 
 
 Mr. Shuck preaches in Chinese every -Sabbath. 
 At present his congregation is very small, consist- 
 ing of not more than fifteen persons ; but doubt- 
 less it will enlarge after a while. His text last 
 Sunday was John xiv. 6. He feels greatly en- 
 couraged in his efforts to make known to this 
 idolatrous race the blessed truths of the gospel. 
 Remember us, ray dear pa', whenever you pray
 
 144 MEMOIH OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 remember, too, the perishing Chinese. I hope 
 you continue to hold the monthly concert at Kil- 
 marnock. Is it well attended? Do the friends 
 in Lancaster manifest much interest in the cause 
 of missions ? " 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 " ACCOST 4, 1839. 
 
 I wrote a hasty letter to my dear pa' a few 
 weeks ago, in which I said something about our 
 anticipated trip to Hong Kong. We all (your 
 dear brother, Lewis, Ryland, and myself) em- 
 barked on board the Scaleby Castle, a ship of 
 fourteen hundred tons, and had a most delightful 
 passage up. We remained at Hong Kong about 
 one week, were greatly benefited by a change of 
 air, and returned to our happy home and pleasant 
 labors. Hong Kong is, indeed, a most romantic 
 spot, and said to be the finest harbor in the world. 
 There were forty-five square-rigged vessels an- 
 chored in different directions, during the time we 
 were there, which presented a lovely aspect. The 
 lofty and green covered hills surrounded us on 
 all sides. I could willingly have remained a 
 month, but duties, too important to be neglected, 
 called us home." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " AUGUST 20, 1839. 
 
 My dear pa', you allude to our ' parting scene' 
 in your letter. O! how frequently do I medi- 
 tate on that day, that hour, that last hour, which 
 I spent with you, my fond father ! Time serves 
 only to increase my love to my friends. I love 
 you all better, if possible, than when I enjoyed
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 145 
 
 your society. What would I not give just to be 
 in your midst for one hour, to see those faces, 
 and hear those voices, which are still dear to me ! 
 You say, if it were right, you should ' rejoice to 
 hear that we were on our way back ; but it is 
 not right.' No, my dear pa', we have willingly 
 given up the pleasure of our home and kindred, 
 that we may add our mite towards ihe evangeli- 
 zation of China ; then let us not faint or tire. 
 It is not impossible, indeed I sometimes think it 
 quite probable, that we shall once more meet even 
 in this world. Should our lives be spared, and 
 those of our children, we may send or take them 
 to America in 1844 ; but what, and how many 
 changes'will have taken place in the mean time ! 
 You may be no more, or / may lie in my peace- 
 ful grave. I rejoice to commit my all to the care 
 of my Saviour. He will direct our path, if we 
 commit our ways to him. But perhaps you would 
 better say nothing of this matter out of our fami- 
 ly. We should not do it without the consent of 
 the Board. 
 
 At this time there are great difficulties with 
 the English residents here, in consequence of the 
 murder of a Chinese at Hong Kong. The com- 
 missioner, Lin, has deprived them of their ser- 
 vants, and has forbid any Chinese to sell provis- 
 ions, or any thing else, to the English. The 
 Americans, and other foreigners, are not to be 
 molested. However, our servants are all alarmed ; 
 and if they leave us, I shall not be disappointed. 
 I think by dividing we can perform our domestic 
 labors for a little while. How these difficulties 
 do rejoice my heart ! because I think the English 
 government may be enraged, and God, in his 
 13
 
 146 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 power, may break down the barriers which pro- 
 vent the gospel of Christ from entering China." 
 
 The above letter seems to be almost prophetic 
 Stating the changes which might prevent her 
 visit to America in the year 1844, she says, " I 
 may lie in my peaceful grave." The word "/" 
 was underscored by her own hand. In that year, 
 as the sequel will show, to her joy and the grief 
 of her friends, she found a home in her " peace- 
 ful grave." The difficulties between the English 
 and Chinese, which had then begun to show 
 themselves, resulted, by the power and blessing of 
 the God of missions, according to her joyful an- 
 ticipation, in breaking " down the barriers which 
 prevented the gospel of Christ from entering 
 China." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " Nov. 3, 1839. 
 
 The Talbot is hourly expected to depart for the 
 United States, and I cannot bear to have her go 
 without taking a line from me to you. When I 
 first heard that she would sail in a few weeks, I 
 resolved to write a great many letters ; but we 
 plan, and God thwarts. For some days I have 
 been too much indisposed to write, or to do any 
 thing but loll listlessly about. Even now I am 
 quite ill. My physician pronounces my case to 
 be liver complaint, which, you know, is a distress- 
 ing and even dangerous disease ; but this morn- 
 ing, as he (Dr. Anderson) left me, he said, ' You 
 look a little better, and I shall, I trust, be able to 
 restore you.' My diet is to consist of nothing 
 but toast and tea, and a little fowl broth, for a
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 147 
 
 long time to come. Dear father, don't be dis- 
 tressed. I am in good earthly hands, and above 
 all, I am in my heavenly Father's care. It may 
 be his design to give me some suffering, and then 
 take me home. If so, I am willing to go. I am 
 happy in the thought of being with Christ. Pray 
 that I may have strength from on high to support 
 me in every scene through which I am to pass. 
 Death has been very familiar to me la'tely. Miss 
 Orton, a young lady who came to reside with me 
 some time ago, has just departed this life. She 
 was, I trust, through my instrumentality, con- 
 verted on her dying bed. Glory to God, that I 
 have, as I trust, done some good ! The praise be 
 entirely "to Him. I will write soon again, and 
 tell you how I get on. Perhaps I may have to 
 go to sea. If so, we shall go to Singapore or 
 Manilla, just for a change of air. I beg you will 
 not give yourself any uneasiness for me. You 
 know the liver disease can be cured, if God 
 designs it. Mr. S. and the boys are quite well. 
 The winter is now at hand, and we shall all 
 doubtless improve by it. My best love to ma', 
 and the girls and boys. I would write more, but 
 in justice to myself, my family, and the heathen, 
 I conclude. Writing only aggravates the disease. 
 Excuse all mistakes, 
 
 And believe me ever your devoted daughter, 
 HENRIETTA H. SHUCK."
 
 ( 148 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1840 Mrs. Shuck's Health bad Her Correspondence continued 
 Dr. Diver's Letter concerning her Sickness War anticipated 
 Letter from Mrs. S. to her Sister Susan Resignation Dr. Diver** 
 second Letter Mrs. .Slmok's improving Health Her Piety 
 Cost of Living She loves the Concert of Prayer for Missions 
 Letter to Isabella Fervent Exhortation Resolutions Arrival 
 of the British Fleet Isabella's Con version Susan's Marriage 
 Her Grandpapa's Death Good Advice to Isabella Pleasing 
 Anticipations. 
 
 THE beginning of the year 1840 found Mrs. 
 Shuck in very delicate health. Her life had been 
 almost despaired of; but the great Physician, in 
 kindness to the mission and the heathen, had re- 
 buked the violence of her disease. Her health 
 was gradually improving. The affliction seems to 
 have been, in a remarkable degree, sanctified to 
 her spiritual prosperity. Her letters of this period 
 breathe a spirit of confidence in God, resignation 
 to his will, and devotion to the work of missions. 
 Far from her native land, and the fond friends of 
 her youth, in a country of heathenism, among 
 comparative strangers, in poor health, with the 
 prospect of early separation from her devoted hus- 
 band and dear children, she is cairn, cheerful, full 
 of hope, waiting, without alarm, the issue of her 
 disease. It is an instructive example. How 
 keenly, and yet how pathetically, does it reprove 
 the discontent and murmuring of those who are
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 149 
 
 encompassed by kindred and friends, and all the 
 privileges of a Christian country ! But we may 
 best learn the state of Mrs. Shuck's mind from 
 her epistolary correspondence. 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 FKB. 8, 1840. 
 
 My very dear Father, 
 
 At the same time this reaches you, you will 
 most likely receive a communication from our 
 young friend, Dr. Diver, respecting the state of 
 my health, and the probability that we shall be 
 compelled to visit our native land. While it 
 would delight me to see once more my father and 
 friends, yet it is a source of great grief, both to 
 my dear husband and myself, that we may possi- 
 bly be obliged to quit our field of labor, even for 
 two years. The thought is any thing but pleas- 
 ant. Since I wrote last to the family, I have had 
 another attack, which, however, was less serious 
 than the former ones, and I trust, as I am again 
 convalescent, that by extreme caution on my part, 
 I may drag on till 1844. It is our intention, the 
 Lord willing, if I get worse as summer approaches, 
 to take a trip to sea for a week or fortnight. 
 Manilla is only a few days' sail from this, and the 
 voyage might be of great benefit to me. The 
 letter written by Dr. Diver is strictly true. He 
 takes a great interest in all that concerns us. 
 Since he has been in Macao, he has attended me 
 professionally, and I can truly say that for kind- 
 ness and tenderness at a sick bed I have never 
 seen one that surpassed him. To the skill of a 
 physician he unites the affection of a brother. 
 
 Dr. A., who still visits roe is as kind as ever. 
 13*
 
 160 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 He is suffering with the liver complaint; is very 
 feeble, and, I fear, cannot long endure this cli- 
 mate. The other day, when he called, I said to 
 him, ' You are looking ill, Dr. A. I think you will 
 have to go home.' When he immediately said, 
 ' Ah, Mrs. Shuck, I cannot go home : I have not 
 made money enough yet; I shall stay and die 
 here.' The thought then struck me Here is a 
 man with the same disease that I am afflicted 
 with, begging me to go home, and telling me I 
 cannot live here; and yet he can stay. His ob- 
 ject is to make money, and mine, I trust, to win 
 souls to Christ. Whose stay, then, is most impor- 
 tant? I have fully determined, dearest father, to 
 remain in China as long as I possibly can. If I 
 do visit the United States, it shall be my last re- 
 sort. Meanwhile I hope to hear from you and 
 the Board on the subject, and if you both advise 
 a visit home, then I shall feel more happy in tak- 
 ing it. 
 
 Things in China are wearing the same aspect 
 as when we last wrote. I think it is altogether 
 reasonable to expect war. 
 
 My dear pa', I would not have you entertain 
 any hope of ever seeing me again. I feel that I 
 may be called away at any hour ; and, I trust, I 
 am willing to go. My ties here are great ; but, 
 blessed be God, I can leave all to Him. He will 
 never leave nor forsake me." 
 
 The following extract is from the letter of Dr. 
 Diver to Rev. A. Hall, referred to in Mrs. Shuck's 
 letter. The Dr. was an American missionary in 
 Macao, under the patronage of the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
 
 DR. DIVER'S LETTER. 151 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Dr. Diver to Rev. A. Hall. 
 
 "FEBRUARY, 1840. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 As we are brethren in the Lord Jesus, inter- 
 ested in the advancement and glory of the same 
 kingdom, allow me, though a stranger, to address 
 you from these distant shores. After a passage 
 of 140 days from New York, during which I ex- 
 perienced the bountiful goodness of God, I arrived 
 at Macao on the 27th of September last; and 
 soon had the pleasure of being acquainted with 
 your son and daughter, missionaries under the 
 patronage of the Baptist Board, assiduously en- 
 gaged in the study of the Chinese language, and 
 in doing good, as their hands found it to do. 
 Before I could well survey my new quarters, I 
 began to experience from Mr. and Mrs. Shuck 
 evidences of their Christian regard and affection. 
 But soon I was called upon to make a return in a 
 manner which I could by no means prefer. I 
 was called to see Mrs. Shuck, whom I found in a 
 state of delirium, occasioned by an excessive flow 
 of blood to the brain, which, I afterwards learned, 
 was brought on by too great exertion during the 
 heat of the day." 
 
 The Dr. gives a minute description of her 
 symptoms, the various remedies employed for her 
 relief, the progress of the disease, and the alterna- 
 tions of hope and fear, which we need not record. 
 He then proceeds : 
 
 " I have thus given you, dear sir, a full, and, I 
 trust, a faithful account of Mrs. Shuck'* illness, 
 which I think I am bound to do. This is not the 
 first attack; she has had several of a like dan- 
 gerous character since she came to the East. I
 
 152 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 cannot but think that another such attack would 
 in all probability, terminate her earthly existence ; 
 her constitution, naturally weak, is being broken 
 and undermined by their frequency and severity, 
 which, humanly speaking, cannot be averted here. 
 I am strongly inclined to believe that nothing but 
 a visit to the United States will invigorate Hen- 
 rietta's constitution, or restore her to a compara- 
 tive state of health. This conviction has arisen 
 from a careful study of the predisposing and ex- 
 citing causes, and I assure you, dear sir, the 
 expression of it to you, and to the Baptist Board, 
 is elicited by a deep and sincere wish for the wel- 
 fare of your affectionate daughter. 
 
 Allow me here to say, that in Mrs. Shuck the 
 Baptist Board of Missions have a devoted mis- 
 sionary, and the gospel of Jesus Christ an ardent 
 and faithful advocate among the Chinese. In 
 conclusion, I would express my decided convic- 
 tion that hostilities between China and Britain 
 are inevitable, and cannot be far in the future. 
 
 I am most truly yours in gospel bonds, 
 
 WM. B. DIVER," 
 
 To her Sister Susan, 
 
 "APRIL 26, 1840. 
 
 Dear Susan, I trust that my life has been pro- 
 longed that I may devote it the more unreserv- 
 edly to the cause of Christ. I have been on the 
 borders of the grave ; but, blessed be the Lord, I 
 have ever felt a peace of mind which indeed 
 passed all understanding. The thought of leav- 
 ing my beloved Lewis without a wife, and my 
 darling children without a mother, in this un- 
 friendly world, was, indeed, painful; but, on
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 153 
 
 the other hand, the thought of being with my 
 Saviour, where I should be perfectly freed from 
 sin, outweighed every wish to remain longer in 
 this tenement of clay. One evening, I remember 
 well, I was quite free fronrpain, but so exhausted 
 that it was difficult for me to speak. My fond 
 husband, who, when I am ill, is ever near me, and 
 dear, kind Dr. Diver, were standing beside me, 
 as I thought, expecting to see me soon depart. 
 Their countenances seemed to say, ' Farewell.' 
 I felt that I was almost gone. Yes, it appeared 
 that my spirit was about entering the paradise of 
 God ; when suddenly I revived, my strength 
 increased, and, O, how disappointed I was to 
 return ag'ain to this sinful state ! But knowing 
 that I ought not to indulge such feelings, I en- 
 deavored to check them. It is a privilege to lie 
 on a oed of pain, to enjoy such rapture; and 
 
 ' If Mich the sweetness of the streams, 
 What will the fountain be?' 
 
 I believe that the feeling of perfect submission to 
 the will of our heavenly Father is the most 
 becoming that the human heart can indulge. I 
 desire, therefore, to have my will and inclinations 
 perfectly swallowed up in his. 'Tis sweet to 
 know that all he does is best for our own good, 
 and for his glory. I think I can bless the Lord 
 more for the affliction of body, which, in his 
 infinite wisdom, he has been pleased to send upon 
 me, than for any thing else that I have received 
 at his hand. It has been blessed to my eternal 
 good ; it has led me to lean on him, not on my- 
 self; it has caused me to repose in him. as a ten- 
 der Father, who afflicts not willingly "
 
 154 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 The subjoined letter from Dr. Diver to Rev. A. 
 Hall, communicated the pleasing intelligence of 
 his daughter's improved health and increasing 
 piety. We give the letter entire. 
 
 " MACAO, APRIL 28, 1840. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Again I take the liberty of addressing you. 
 Were it not for the belief that the subject lies 
 near your heart, I would withhold my pen ; but 
 convinced that the tidings of your daughter's 
 health and welfare must, at all times, be most wel- 
 come to you, I am encouraged to pen these lines. 
 
 When the letter was written you, which is now, 
 perhaps, on its way to America, we were suffer- 
 ing under the most fearful forebodings of Mrs. 
 Shuck's future health, and I little expected %p be 
 able to say what I now write you. It may in 
 truth be said, now, 
 
 ' God moves in a mysterious way, 
 His wonders to perform.' 
 
 Henrietta appears now to enjoy better health than 
 she has at any previous time since her arrival in 
 the East. Though she has been subjected, within 
 a month or six weeks past, to occasional attacks 
 of illness, they have not been of the serious 
 description which excited in our breasts those 
 fearful apprehensions, and that painful solicitude, 
 which were once awakened. Yes, my dear sir, 
 I am happy to inform you, that your daughter 
 appears wholly free from organic disease, and 
 complains of nothing. The hope has sometimes 
 been kindled in my breast, that she would, at some 
 far distant period, when restored, in the providence
 
 DR. DIVER'S SECOND LETTER. 155 
 
 of God, to her home, be partially relieved of the 
 complaint which was wasting her vital energies; 
 but my highest anticipations have been more than 
 realized. By the blessing of God upon the 
 means employed, the power of her disease has 
 been subdued. The use of mercury twice to 
 slight salivation, the introduction of a seton in 
 the side, and constant, untiring attention to every 
 symptom, have been effectual in bringing about 
 this salutary change. The organ chiefly affected 
 the liver is now, I believe, wholly free from 
 inflammation, or derangement of any kind, func- 
 tional or organic ; and the absence of headache, 
 derangement of the stomach and bowels, coldness 
 of the hands and feet, fever and thirst, encourage 
 us to believe that her constitution will be strength- 
 ened, and the powers of her system invigorated. 
 We are led to hope that our dear sister will live 
 to be useful among the dying heathen ; that she 
 will yet spend many years in the cause to which 
 she has most unreservedly devoted her ' soul, her 
 life, her all.' 
 
 I know it would afford the heart of an affec- 
 tionate father sincere pleasure to hear of his 
 daughter's perfect restoration to health ; but such 
 a hope I would not encourage you to entertain. 
 Let us, however, rejoice before the Lord most 
 merciful, and give thanks, that in answer to hum- 
 ble, fervent, believing prayer, such a measure of 
 health and strength has been restored to the 
 afflicted one, as enables her to perform, with pleas- 
 ure to herself and those around her, the various 
 duties, social and domestic, which devolve upon 
 her. 
 
 Above all things, it affords me inexpressible
 
 156 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 joy to be able to say that the afflictive dispensa- 
 tions of God's hand have been abundantly blessed 
 and sanctified to her soul. Oft, when sitting by 
 her bedside, have I listened with pleasure to the 
 expressions of trust and confidence in her Re- 
 deemer, which fell from her lips; or, when the 
 last ray of hope for this life was almost extin- 
 guished, witnessed in her eye the rapturous 
 anticipation of a glorious immortality. When 
 bending over her emaciated form, I caught the 
 faint whisper 'Jesus, precious Saviour, when 
 shall I be with thee!' O! I have felt as if 
 heaven itself was open ; a solemn awe has filled 
 my soul ; and I thought it a privilege to be there ; 
 it seemed like hallowed ground. 
 
 The most prominent grace manifested in Hen- 
 rietta's late illness was patience. When the body 
 was racked with long-continued, agonizing pains, 
 apparently baffling our efforts to procure relief, 
 we have rejoiced and been encouraged by hear- 
 ing her say, at intervals, 
 
 ' Sweet to lie passive in lii arms, 
 And know no will bat his.' 
 
 O, what a school of moral instruction is the 
 sick-chamber ! There ! there ! may be seen an 
 exemplification of the power of religion. There, 
 where the disciple of Jesus languishes, may the 
 inquirer find a solution to his doubts, and see a 
 fulfilment of the promises ' My grace is sufficient 
 for thee,' and ' As thy day is, so shall thy 
 strength be.' ' Thanks be to God, who giveth us 
 the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' "
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 157 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " APRIL, 1840. 
 
 As to political affairs in China, they are 
 about as when we last wrote. We are in daily 
 expectation of the arrival of the fleet, and we 
 trust that a better state of things will soon exist 
 here. War will, in my opinion, certainly ensue; 
 but we know that God can overrule all things for 
 his glory, and cause even the wrath of man to 
 praise him. I fear there will be much suffering 
 felt among the poorer classes of Chinese. We 
 anticipate an enormous price on provisions, and 
 we may in consequence have to leave for Manilla, 
 or some adjacent spot, for a time, as our salary is 
 scarcely 'sufficient to support us now. Indeed, it 
 would not be sufficient, but I have two or three 
 spare rooms, and accommodate a friend, now and 
 then, who pays for his room and food. Mr. 
 Roberts lives with us, and as we mess together, 
 we get on more cheaply. I am quite a good 
 economist." 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 " MAY 4, 1840. 
 
 Have just returned from the monthly con- 
 cert held at Mr. Brown's. If I enjoy any meet- 
 ings more than others, they are the monthly con- 
 certs. Then we meet particularly to pour out 
 our petitions in behalf of the object to which our 
 lives are dedicated ; and we know that all over 
 the world, where a band of Christ's disciples can 
 meet, they are found assembled within the same 
 twenty-four hours, for the purpose of seeking the 
 same blessing. Prayer then, like a volume of 
 holy incense, arises to Jehovah's throne. I do so 
 14
 
 158 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHOCK. 
 
 love to feel that others are praying for me ; my 
 father, mother, sister, all my Christian friends. 
 It is indeed a privilege to be thus remembered by 
 pious hearts." 
 
 To her Sister babella. 
 
 " APRIL 28, 1840. 
 
 Dearest Bell, as long as you continue away 
 from the fold of Christ, I shall feel like writ- 
 ing nothing to you but urgent requests to 
 seek refuge in that fold. It is my chief distress 
 to know that you are not at peace with God. I 
 pray for you every day : often the list wakeful 
 breath at night is wafted in prayer for my dear 
 Isabella; and the first thought in the morning is 
 still concerning the interests of her never-dying 
 spirit. Midnight and midday, yea, all hours wit- 
 ness rny tender and anxious solicitude for you. 
 Why is it, my Isabella, that you still refuse to 
 yield the affections of your heart, Hnd the service 
 of your life, to the Redeemer of mankind? In- 
 deed, it seems to me that I h:ive in former letters 
 said all that I could to induce you to seek the 
 Saviour. Religion has attractions, dear sister, 
 though it may not appear to you to have. It will 
 afford you more solid peice of mind than you 
 can now conceive. Those gay amusements 
 which so delight you now, can only continue a 
 short time longer yes, they must pass aw;iy with 
 this fleeting world; but the religion of Jesus will 
 ever cause the heart to expand with holy delight. 
 Though overwhelmed with the ills of e:irth, it 
 can imp.irt a peace of mind, a joy, which noth- 
 ing else can afford ; and the soul, tired of all be- 
 low, finds, infinite happiness in contemplating the
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 159 
 
 period when it shall awake in the image of Je- 
 sus, and bask in his smiles. Dearest Bell, be 
 persuaded to listen, at once now, to the calls of 
 God's providence to you. which have been many. 
 Dear little Lucius was taken from the embraces 
 of devoted parents, and from the affection of en- 
 deared sisters and brothers for wise purposes. His 
 death, we trust, has been sanctified to our dear 
 Susan ; and will you, can you, my sister, let it 
 pass by without drawing your heart to the Sa- 
 viour, with whom his precious spirit now dwells? 
 You are surrounded by pious friends, who feel 
 much for your salvation let their example in- 
 fluence you let their tears, their warnings, be 
 no longer disregarded. Loved Isabella, the tears 
 start in my eyes, and almost blind me, so full is 
 my heart. Listen to the voice of your dear dis- 
 tant sister, who loves you too fondly; listen to 
 your own conscience ; listen to the exhortations of 
 God's devoted servants ; and be entreated to seek 
 the forgiveness of your sins. Delay Vs dangerous. 
 How anxious was our tender mother's heart for 
 the eternal welfare of her dear children ! How 
 frequent and earnest were her prayers ! She is 
 
 S>ne ! Her prayers are no longer offered for us. 
 er sainted spirit is with its loved Redeemer. 
 What are your feelings when you think of an 
 eternal separation from that devoted mother, from 
 her who now occupies her place, from our be- 
 loved father, from your sister Susan, who is now 
 the companion of your joys and sorrows, from your 
 unworthy, hut anxious sister Henrietta, and her 
 husband, from all your pious friends, and especial- 
 ly from the blessed Saviour himself? O Isabel- 
 la, if these things do not move you, what can ? 1
 
 160 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 cannot give you up ; I cannot bear the thought of 
 a disunion from you in eternity. No, to part 
 here is painful ; but can it be compared to a sepa- 
 ration in a world which has no end ? I think 
 you will shed some tears over this sheet ; but do 
 not let it soon be laid by and forgotten. Will 
 you write me a long letter in return, and tell me 
 all your feelings on the subject ? I know exactly 
 what you will say after perusing this : ' O ! sis- 
 ter Henrietta always writes me such mournful 
 letters ! ' They are not mournful, but on the most 
 pleasant of subjects; and I must continue them 
 till I hear better things of you. I know your 
 cheerful disposition loathes the idea of being seri- 
 ous and gloomy ; but believe me, there is nothing 
 in religion to make us unhappy. 
 
 '() ! why should the heart of a Christian be sad, 
 Or his eye ever dim with a tear,' 
 
 except on account of his sins ? But my sheet 
 bids me stop.- How many sheets would I fill, if 
 it would be of any avail ! I leave the subject 
 with you. My feeble prayers shall continue to 
 be wafted on high for you. 
 
 Love to all, and from all. With every kind 
 wish that prompts the heart of a dear sister, 
 
 Believe me yours, in much solicitude, 
 
 HENRIETTA." 
 
 The following resolutions, with the remarks 
 subjoined, were found among Mrs. Shuck's pa- 
 pers after her decease. They are entitled to a 
 place in this Memoir. 
 
 "MAT, 1840. 
 
 1st. I will endeavor always to observe strictly 
 the golden rule, ' To "do unto others as I would 
 have them do to me.'
 
 HER RESOLUTIONS. 161 
 
 2d. I will speak no ill of any one. If I can 
 say no good concerning persons, I will remain 
 silent. 
 
 3d. I will mind my own business, and not 
 interfere with the concerns of others. 
 
 4th. I will pay particular attention to the rules 
 laid down by my medical adviser, with regard to 
 diet and exercise. 
 
 5th. My children are given me to train for 
 heaven. They shall have my vigilant attention. 
 
 6th. The duty of a wife is to love and obey. 
 My husband shall find me ever endeavoring to 
 practise these duties, and shall receive from me at 
 all times a hearty acquiescence in his wishes. 
 
 7th. My duty to the heathen around me, and 
 especially to the girls under my care, shall be 
 strictly observed. 
 
 8th. I will try to exercise patience and self- 
 denial. 
 
 9th. I will watch over my temper, and endeavor 
 to be amiable. 
 
 10th. I will love my missionary friends, and be 
 merciful and kind to all, especially to the sick 
 and distressed. 
 
 llth. I will cherish a forgiving spirit, and will 
 return good for evil. 
 
 12th. I will ever bear in mind that I am too 
 much inclined to be merry ; and I will try to abide 
 by the advice of my sainted mother, ' Be cheerful 
 and not frivolous, and serious without being sad.' 
 
 These rules I will pray over twice, at least, 
 every day. I look to the Lord to strengthen me in 
 keeping them. Whenever I find I have deviated 
 from any one of them, I will note it down, and there- 
 by acquire the habit of marking my own faults" 
 14*
 
 162 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHtfCK. 
 
 On the same sheet is written, at a later period, 
 of which there is no date, the ensuing confessions. 
 
 "How repeatedly do I find myself deviating 
 from the above rules, and especially the 12th ! 
 How weak is human nature ! How impossible 
 to pursue the right path depending on our own 
 strength ! How very often do my sinful inclina- 
 tions lead me away from the path of perfect recti- 
 tude ! How lamentably far from God do I walk ! 
 
 for more holiness, for more faith, for more of 
 the spirit of Christ ! I do most sincerely desire 
 to be a holy, active Christian, but, alas ! I find 
 that I am far from being such a one." 
 
 To her Sister Isabella. 
 
 "MxvS, 1840. 
 
 I wish now to urge on you the importance of 
 cultivating your intellect. I do hope that you 
 will pay strict attention to your education, and 
 not consider it completed when you quit school. 
 
 1 have learned more the past two years than I 
 ever did at any school. I make it a rule to read 
 every good book that comes in my way. I am 
 reading one called ' Hints on Education, 1 and I 
 meet with many valuable thoughts on the educa- 
 tion of my dear children. Mr. Morrison has also 
 kindly lent me ' The Principles of Physiology 
 applied to the Preservation of Health, and the Im- 
 provement of Physical and Mental Education, 
 by Andrew Combe,' which I intend to peruse, or 
 rather study, (for such books should be studied,) 
 so soon as I get through the former. It is exceed- 
 ingly improving to the young mind to read much, 
 and digest well. You will never regret having
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 163 
 
 done so, when you come out into society, particu- 
 larly if you should be a missionary's wife. Then, 
 while unencumbered with the cares of life, lay 
 up a good stock of useful knowledge. Let every 
 passing hour find you ' gathering honey from 
 every flower.' Write, and write, and re-write, 
 till you RIGHT your ideas." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 "JULY 10, 1840. 
 
 The English fleet arrived a fortnight ago, and 
 proceeded to Chusan for the purpose, it is sup- 
 posed, of taking the island. We hope these war- 
 like times will all be overruled by the great Dis- 
 poser of events, and that a firmer footing will be 
 gained in the 'Celestial' land by the heralds of 
 the cross. Every thing remains quiet in Macao, 
 and we do not fear it will be otherwise, as the 
 English government does not seem disposed to 
 have any thing to do with Macao. It is our inten- 
 tion to go directly to the first place taken by the 
 English, (the Lord willing,) and there to teach 
 the Chinese, and, as we trust, unmolestedly." 
 
 To her Sister Isabella. 
 
 "DEC. 3, 1840. 
 
 Your last kind letter, my dear sister, found 
 me in rather a weak state, and the contents of it, 
 together with those of others, almost overcame 
 me. The joy of your conversion, the surprise 
 of Susan's unexpected marriage, the death of my 
 dear grandpa', all together awakened feelings 
 new and peculiar. How did my heart rejoice to 
 know that you, for whom I have long prayed, 
 were at last a disciple of our blessed Saviour ;
 
 164 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 that you had seen the folly of sin, resolved to 
 forsake its paths, and tread, by the help of God, 
 holier and happier ways! Dear Bell, I do rejoice. 
 The greatest wish 1 had is now granted rne. A 
 great burden has been rolled away from my mind, 
 and I do, indeed, call upon my soul, and all with- 
 in me, to bless the Lord for his loving kindness ! 
 I recollect an expression of our sainted mother, 
 when I embraced religion, and was speaking to 
 her of my feelings. ' O my child,' said she, 
 ' I can never more doubt the goodness of God, 
 but can trust him forever, and with faith look for- 
 ward to the period when all our family shall 
 dwell in heaven.' I adopt it as my own, and for 
 my dear little brothers I cherish strong hope. 
 The Lord will, I believe, incline their hearts, as 
 he has inclined ours, to love him, and we ' shall 
 all meet in heaven.' This is a wicked world. 
 The temptations to which you will be exposed 
 are numerous. Be fervent in prayer, constantly 
 looking to your Saviour for help and direction. 
 You are young. In youth, then, serve the Lord 
 with sincerity. Give to him your best days. 
 Aim at an elevated standard of piety. Keep 
 your heart right before Jehovah ; and then your 
 conduct will accord with it. I will continue to 
 pray for you, that you may grow in grace. You 
 are as yet a babe. May you ever, in all your 
 ways, acknowledge Christ, and be assured by him 
 your paths shall be -directed. I know you will 
 endeavor to walk before your brothers as one 
 professing godliness. Let them see for them- 
 selves a change in you. All you can say to 
 them will effect no good, if they do not perceive 
 that you feel and act the Christian."
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 165 
 
 The following anticipation, so soon realized, is 
 worthy to be noted. It is from a letter addressed 
 by Mrs. Shuck to her sister Susan, (Mrs. Critten- 
 den,) under date of December 4, 1840. 
 
 " Yes, dear Susan, here we are apart here we 
 live divided by stormy seas ; but by and by we 
 shall re-unite in heaven, together to sing the 
 praises of Him, whom on earth we would serve 
 and honor "
 
 ( 166 ) 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1841 Remarks on Mrs. Shuck's Sickness and Recovery Her School 
 
 War between England and China Prospect of preaching the 
 Gospel without Molestation Chinese Teacher a huprt'iil Inquir- 
 er Let'.-r to Robert, simple and affectionate Mr*. Shuck's So- 
 licitude and Efforts for the Salvation of her .SI.-UT- and lirothem 
 Remarks on the Marriage of her Sisters A Box of Presents 
 Birth df her Daughter, Henrietta Layton Reasons for the Name 
 
 Friends in Macao Contrast between China and Lancaster. 
 
 IN the commencement of the year 1840, Mrs. 
 Shuck was apprehensive that she would soon be 
 compelled to leave China, and, perhaps, return to 
 America, to restore her feeble and declining 
 health. She contemplated a visit to her native 
 land though, in many respects, it would have 
 been exceedingly pleasant with painful emo- 
 tions. The truth is, her heart was set wholly on the 
 cause of missions. For this she lived, and toiled, 
 and prayed, and cheerfully suffered. To be di- 
 verted from her appropriate work, even to visit 
 the father whom she so deeply venerated, and the 
 sisters and brothers whom she so devotedly loved, 
 was by her felt to be an affliction. It was only 
 as the "last resort" that she could consent to re- 
 turn to the United States. From the pain of 
 quitting her field of labor God mercifully spared 
 her. Contrary to the expectations of her friends 
 and physicians, her disease yielded to the reme-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 167 
 
 dies employed ; and she gradually and slowly, by 
 the observance of a strict regimen, regained a 
 cornfortible measure of health. With fresh ardor 
 and augmented faith, she devoted herself to the 
 duties of her station. In the discharge of these 
 duties, she was found in the beginning of the 
 year 1841. Let us prepare to follow her through 
 another brief year of her life, now rapidly drawing 
 to its close. 
 
 To Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 JAN. 9, 1841. 
 
 My general health is much better than it was 
 when I last wrote. I have had scarcely any 
 symptom's of liver disease for the last six months; 
 and I have every encouragement to hope that the 
 means which have been used to repel that disease 
 have been blessed ; and truly do I desire to as- 
 cribe to my kind Protector all the praise. This 
 time last winter, the doctors were urging me to 
 try a change of climate, and I had well nigh con- 
 cluded that I must die, or leave Macao for a sea- 
 son. However, God, in his kindness, has restored 
 me : and, I trust, yet to spend many happy years 
 of toil in this land of darkness. 
 
 My little school prospers. The girls improve 
 much, both mentally and morally ; and I have 
 great encouragement to persevere in teaching. 
 Jane Maria reads very well, and improves aston- 
 ishingly in writing. I hope she will soon be able 
 to write you a letter. Akae is still with me, and 
 proves a valuable assistant in teaching the younger 
 children. At family prayers we read each two 
 verses, and they (Akae and Jane) join with us, 
 and, I am sure, read as well as most children
 
 168 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 of their ages in America. I think much good 
 may be accomplished by schools, and my desire 
 is, to spend the remainder of my days in guiding 
 the youthful step, and enlightening the ignorant 
 mind of our sex, in this great land of paganism. 
 So little has heretofore been done for the females, 
 that I feel myself bound to exert my little influ- 
 ence wholly on them. I do not wish to take into 
 my school any boys. Mr. S. would like, if he 
 could have a support guarantied to them, to take 
 four boys under his special instruction. He will 
 not attempt any thing like a large school, as his 
 object is to preach constantly to the people ; and 
 should there be a door opened into the empire, he 
 hopes to enter at once, and to give all his time to 
 this delightful employment. 
 
 There is every probability that some part of 
 China will be thrown open, as a few days ago a 
 rupture took place between the English and Chi- 
 nese, and the former took possession of the Bogue 
 Forts. The English lost but one man, and twenty 
 wounded in the engagement. We have not heard 
 the loss of the Chinese, but it was considerable. 
 The fighting had not ceased when we last had 
 accounts ; and God only knows when and where 
 these warlike operations will end. O, may they 
 be overruled for his glory, and for the speedy 
 entrance of his servants into the country. Chu- 
 san is still held by the English, and should it 
 be the only spot open, we expect to remove there 
 in the course of a few months. It is thought 
 by some that Canton will yet come under Eng- 
 lish authority ; and should that be the case, we 
 hope to remove there. We rejoice to commit 
 our ways entirely to Jehovah. He will direct our
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 169 
 
 paths, and we feel no anxiety as to our future 
 course. All we long for is to be placed at some 
 spot, where, unmolestedly, we can teach His name 
 to the Chinese, and point them to Him as their 
 only Saviour. 
 
 At present, we feel that we are doing little 
 more than preparing to be useful. We study the 
 language daily, and Mr. Shuck preaches every 
 Sabbath to a few who assemble at our house, and 
 he has a service every Friday night with the ser- 
 vants, who live in our family. He also goes fre- 
 quently into the villages and shops, and com- 
 mends the Saviour to those who as yet care 
 nought for him. 
 
 Our teacher is a fine, gentlemanly young man, 
 and gives us reason to believe that he is inquiring 
 after truth. He evidently feels that the worship 
 of idols is vain, and he desires to become fully 
 acquainted with the doctrine of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Mr. Shuck feels encouraged in regard to 
 him, and thinks that he is seriously impressed. 
 He would be an ornament to the church were he 
 really a lover of the Saviour. I have never any 
 where seen a more polite, decent, and gentlemanly 
 person than he is, in every respect. Ma.y God 
 turn his heart from every false doctrine, and 
 incline him to serve him, and truly and fully to 
 understand that there is no other name given 
 among men, by which they can attain to eternal 
 life, but that of Jesus." 
 
 To her youngest Brother. 
 
 "APRIL, 1841. 
 
 My dear Bob. This address seems so sweet 
 and natural, that I must still adopt it, though 
 15
 
 170 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 perhaps you may feel that note you deserve a 
 more manly one. I often think of you, my own, 
 sweet little brother, and as I have written to all 
 the older members of the family, I cannot slight 
 you, and, therefore, I hastily pen you this scroll, 
 to go early to-morrow morning. And what shall I 
 say to you ? I almost weep, dear boy, yea, I do, 
 while I write, and think of that darling white- 
 headed innocent one, whom, a few years ago, 
 it was my privilege to take special care of. You 
 always seemed dearer to me than the rest, (though 
 all were dear,) I suppose, because our sainted 
 mother died while you were a mere babe, and I 
 had you left so helpless on my hands ; and I must 
 add too, that you were a good boy I sincerely 
 hope the same may be said of you now. I hear 
 from pa' that you are at Waverley, going to Miss 
 Ann Gaskins's school. Let me knoxv how you 
 like to study, and whether you improve, and what 
 you are learning. I trust you are very polite and 
 respectful to your teacher, and attend to all she 
 says. You must give my love to her, and say it 
 would gratify me much to receive a letter from 
 her. Give my love also to all the family at Indian 
 Creek, old and young, black and white, and 
 especially 1o Henrietta Maria, and 'Pug.' 
 
 Your little nephews, Lewis and Ryland, fre- 
 quently ask me about you, and they call you 
 ' Uncle Robert.' They teel very anxious to see 
 you all, and say they would like to go to America, 
 ' if mainm-i and papa will go too:' nothing, how- 
 ever, could induce them to go without us. They 
 are often amused, and listen with delight, when I 
 tell them about the fine fruits, and candies, and 
 good things in America, which they have not in
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 171 
 
 China. The strawberries especially attracted 
 their remarks. Lewis said, 'O, if they grow, on 
 the ground, we could get them ourselves plenty 
 of them, too.' The fruits we have here, are, in my 
 opinion, not to be compared to those with you; 
 but I suppose you would think it a great treat to 
 have oranges so plentiful as we have. They are 
 just going out of season, and are selling at very 
 high prices; the best being nearly one rait. 
 
 Lewis and Ryland have three or four goats, 
 all given them but one, which we bought. They 
 have called one ' Bell,' one ' Sue,' and one 
 ' Nanny.' Bell is a most spiteful, greedy thing, 
 and quarrels and fights with the others, and tries 
 always fo keep them from eating, and to secure 
 all the food to herself. I trust the dear one after 
 whom she is named possesses none of these quali- 
 ties. I know she must have changed very much 
 since I knew her, if she does. Every morning, 
 the boys go with papa down into the garden, and 
 feed them, and afterwards they are milked. They 
 have also two turkeys. I think I told you all how 
 expensive turkeys are in Macao. They sell 
 sometimes for eighteen dollars apiece. Of course 
 we don't buy. Fowls or chickens are cheap. 
 
 Well, now, my sweet, darling little Bob, I must 
 ask you, if you ever think about becoming a 
 Christian. You used to say you would be a 
 ' Baptist preacher,' and go to Burmah. Do you 
 feel that you desire to give your heart to the 
 Saviour? You are young; but remember that the 
 young as well as the old must die. Dear Lucius 
 died much younger than you are ; but I hope and 
 believe he now lives with that Saviour of whom 
 he used to talk so maturely. Think, too, of the
 
 172 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 many texts in the Bible addressed to the young 
 ' Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
 youth.' ' Those that seek me early shall find 
 me.' I trust you will seek Christ early ; and 
 that ' Sis. Net.' will, though separated here in 
 this vale of tears, meet her fond brother in realms 
 of bliss above. Write to me soon. Your brother 
 Lewis says, ' You must be a very good boy, and 
 learn your books well.' Adieu ! Your devoted 
 sister." 
 
 In nothing was the piety of Mrs. Shuck more 
 strikingly exhibited than in her intense anxiety 
 and faithful efforts for the salvation of her sisters 
 and brothers. Residing in a distant and strange 
 land, she might easily have filled her letters to 
 them with incidents and descriptions of natural 
 scenery, and the various products of Eastern art, 
 far more interesting to them than pungent appeals 
 on the subject of religion. She was under a 
 strong temptation to do so. She was naturally 
 cheerful, and had an eye to behold, a taste to ad- 
 mire, and a fancy to paint, whatever was beautiful 
 and grand in nature or in art. But she readily 
 sacrificed the pleasing for the useful. She was 
 accustomed to view every subject, and every 
 interest, in the light of eternity. The letters to 
 her brothers and sisters, inserted in the Memoir, 
 are but fair specimens of her numerous communi- 
 cations to them. They are all directed to the 
 same object to persuade them to be pious and 
 useful. Her first solicitude was for the conver- 
 sion of Susan, who had been the endeared com- 
 panion of her childhood. This was the object 
 of her most fervent desire and most importunate
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 173 
 
 intercessions. The conversion of Susan trans- 
 ferred her solicitude, if possible, with augmented 
 tenderness, to her youngest sister, Isabella. Her 
 joy at the conversion of Susan was soon absorbed 
 in anxiety for that of Isabella. When she heard 
 of Isabella's baptism, her joy seemed to be full. 
 Her brothers, who were young when she left 
 America, began now to attract her pious solicitude. 
 The above letter is a sample of the simple and 
 skilful method by which she sought to allure her 
 little brothers to the service of Christ. The 
 compiler has rarely seen any thing of the kind so 
 artless, so affectionate, and so admirably adapted 
 to interest, win, and impress the tender heart of 
 a child. ' If her brothers should be heedless of the 
 kind, gentle, pious, I may say heavenly entreaties 
 and admonitions of their fond, departed sister, 
 they will incur no common guilt. We trust the 
 strong confidence which she cherished in the sal- 
 vation of all her endeared family will receive an 
 early and joyful confirmation. 
 
 We will proceed with Mrs. Shuck's corre- 
 spondence. 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 " APRIL, 1841. 
 
 Ere this reaches you, you will, perhaps, no 
 longer bear the name of Miss Susan Hall; 
 but it will have been converted into the more so- 
 ber appellation of Mrs. Susan Critti:nd<:n. I say 
 ' perhaps,' because so many disappointments of 
 that kind do happen. I therefore know not how 
 to write. If you are married, I pray the Lord to 
 bestow on you and yours every needful blessing, 
 both temporal and spiritual ; if still single, may 
 15*
 
 174 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 that same kind Father guide and direct you in 
 the path of duty. I will just say, that I am sat- 
 isfied with your choice. 'Tis true, I did hope 
 some missionary would 'pick you up;' but, as 
 you say that you committed it to God, and prayed 
 over jt, I will, of course, feel that He has directed 
 your path. 
 
 I suppose Lady Bell will be looking out, too, for 
 a new name, by and by. You must be watchful 
 over her, and give her all the good advice you 
 can on this, as well as other matters. May you 
 both, my dear girls, ever keep in view, amidst all 
 your varied scenes, the great and truly important 
 change which awaits us all. Let us be ever on 
 the look-out for that messenger which shall sum- 
 mon us to another and unchanging state of exist- 
 ence, and so live, from day to day, as to go in 
 peace and joy." 
 
 The following letter to Mrs. Hall is given as a 
 specimen of the easy, unpretending style of her 
 most familiar and unreserved correspondence. 
 
 "MACAO, APRIL 19, 1841. 
 My dear Ma', 
 
 Yesterday our hearts were gladdened by the 
 arrival of letters and boxes from home. The box 
 from you and the family contained many pretty 
 and useful articles, and gave us renewed evidence 
 that we still live in your memories, and share in 
 your love. The dear boys stood by, and were 
 enraptured whilst we opened, and took from the 
 box its contents. The purses, and marbles, &,c., 
 greatly charmed them. Every thing American 
 is of great consequence with them. I took the
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 175 
 
 pretty mugs, and was about placing them away, 
 when they loudly called out, ' O mamma, they are 
 mine ! ' I then said, ' Yes, dear, but you must 
 take care of these beautiful mugs, and use them 
 only when you are sick.' Ryland immediately 
 replied, ' Yes! yes! and I am sick now, mamma,' 
 which was quite out of the way, as he never was 
 in finer health. However, I gratified them, and 
 allowed them that night to drink their tea out of 
 them. Doubtless they never before sipped such 
 delicious tea. Akae and Jane are equally pleased 
 with their books ; and Lewis and Henrietta no 
 less gratified with their various and suitable pres- 
 ents. We are now preparing some presents for 
 you, which we hope to send very soon. 
 
 But now to your affectionate and kind letter. 
 It was dated June 15, 1840. Since then, dear 
 ma', how many changes have taken place, both in 
 your family and mine ! To me your present 
 circumstances are unknown, and you are equally 
 ignorant as to mine. How delightful to know 
 that there is One to whom they are known ; and 
 that One rules, and overrules, all for the good of 
 those who put their trust in him ! One of the 
 changes I will now advert to is, the birth of my 
 darling little daughter, ' Henrietta Layton,' who 
 is not yet three weeks old, but looks more like a 
 babe of three months. She thrives, and is a 
 lovely child. May she, with her brothers, be' 
 trained in the way they should go.' Of course 
 we feel additional responsibilities devolving on 
 us. Pray for us, dear ma', that we may be en- 
 abled to discharge our varied duties aright. 
 
 I will just, by the way, here tell you why we 
 have called her ' Layton.' Mr. and Mrs. L.
 
 176 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 lived in China some years, and were truly onr 
 friends. Many evidences did they give us of 
 this fact. They have since removed, and are now 
 living in or near Bristol, (Eng.,) and their kind- 
 ness to us continues to be manifested in sending 
 us letters and presents. In Isabella's box, you 
 will find some bits of muslin, like dresses which 
 I lately received from Mrs. L., together with a 
 variety of other very necessary articles. Indeed, 
 I now write on a most beautiful portable desk, 
 neatly fitted up with pens, knives, wax, &-c., 
 which Mr. L. sent to Mr. S. The kindness of 
 these friends, and the hope of benefiting them in 
 a religious way, have caused us to name our love 
 after them. You would love these friends if you 
 knew them, and I am sure you do already for 
 our sakes. Mrs. L. came to see me one cold 
 winter day, and found me trembling with cold, as 
 the floor of our room admitted the wind through 
 the cracks. She went home, and actually took 
 a carpet from her own room and sent it to me, 
 which carpet now covers my bed-room. Was 
 not this kind ? A thousand other evidences of 
 her affection could I mention did time permit. 
 Dear ma', we have very many friends in Macao. 
 Scarcely a week passes that we do not receive 
 some useful present. Ship biscuit and wafer 
 crackers we have in abundance all given to us. 
 We trust our hearts are filled with gratitude to 
 God, for putting it into the hearts of these dear 
 friends to bestow on us so many favors. But 
 really I must close. Baby begs for her ' tiffin,' or 
 snack, by piteous cries so I must say adieu."
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 177 
 
 To Mrs. Hall, her Step-Mother. 
 
 "JUNE 1, 1841. 
 
 How vast the contrast between your situation 
 and mine ! Around me all is drear and dark. 
 Sin, idolatry, and death, abound here. The peo- 
 ple with whom /dwell, unlike to your associates, 
 care nought for the Sabbath, nor for Him who 
 hath hallowed it. They toil on, regardless of 
 eternity, and careful about those minor things 
 only, which concern this world. They are told 
 of heaven and of happiness are instructed in 
 those truths, so dear to us, which the word of 
 God contains ; but, alas ! the soil of their hearts 
 is barren, -and the seed sown will not even take 
 root. Dear ma', think of these perishing crea- 
 tures, the workmanship of God's hand, and 
 plead constantly and fervently for them."
 
 ( 178 ) 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1842-3 Removal to Hong Kong Reasons for removing Mr. 8. 
 raises Money to erect Chapels Becomes assistant Editor of a 
 Paper Prospects of Usefulness Mr. I).-;in 's Arrival Mrs. Shuck 
 please. 1 in Hong Kong China opening for the Gospel Heat of 
 the Climate Letter to Isabella Various Reflections Letter 
 from Dr. Diver to Mr. Hall itaptlaim Rriplitening Pnwpects 
 Increase of Mrs. Shuck's domestic Cares Death of Mrs. Dean 
 I .-itmrs of the Missionaries Mrs. S.'s Health |>oor Proof of her 
 Devotion to Missions Affectionate Disposition Sickness of 
 Netty Mr. Shuck's Postscript Destitution of tbe Kngtish Sol- 
 diers' Wives. 
 
 MRS. SHUCK'S next letter was from the Island 
 of Hong Kong, 40 miles east of Macao, at which 
 place she passed the remainder of her life. The 
 causes of her removal are sufficiently explained 
 in the following letter to her father : 
 
 " MAT 2, 1842. 
 
 I have just finished a long letter to Mrs. K., 
 and am almost too much fatigued to commence 
 one to you, yet I feel upbraided for having so 
 long neglected to write to you. The fact is, that 
 you are so particular about writing, and your 
 letters are penned with so much accuracy, th;it I 
 never like to write to you unless every thing is 
 exactly as I wish, pens, paper t ink, time, place, <$*c., 
 and it seldom so happens that I am thus suited to 
 my liking. Now, if I can overcome this feeling, 
 I shall be sure to let you have my scrolls oftener 
 than hitherto. I now seat myself with all these 
 things against me with only a tolerable pen,
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 179 
 
 thin paper, tired out, baby crying, Lewis and Ry- 
 land running here, there, and every where, and 
 altogether out of sorts, still I will force myself to 
 begin. When once begun, I shall go on more 
 easily, and you, if you please, while perusing 
 these lines, will kindly bear in mind all my in- 
 conveniences, and pardon what you see amiss. 
 Well, to begin you will, doubtless, wish to know 
 what we are doing at Hong Kong. This place, 
 which, you will recollect, was taken by the 
 English two years ago, is fast rising to a city, af- 
 fords facilities for missionary labor, and, withal, 
 is considered a healthy spot. My health required 
 a change ; we thought of America ; a free passage 
 was offered us via England, and we had almost 
 decided to embrace the offer. We earnestly 
 sought guidance from Him, who ever directs the 
 paths of those who commit their ways to him ; 
 and, in his providence, we were led to think of 
 going to Hong Kong, instead of America. But 
 what were we to do when we went there ? We 
 had no money with which to purchase land and 
 build houses. Again, we went to the never-fail- 
 ing Source. The thought struck Mr. Shuck, 
 that, as he was extensively acquainted in Macao 
 and Canton, he would apply to his acquaintances, 
 who had ever proved themselves willing to assist 
 him, in promoting the interests of missions. The 
 God of missions blessed the effort, and in a few 
 days he collected about fifteen hundred dollars 
 went over to Hong Kong to see about obtaining 
 ground for building a chapel wrote a polite let- 
 ter to the plenipotentiary, (Sir Henry Pottinger,) 
 and obtained a free grant of a lovely spot. God 
 had most sigually blessed him, and now it was his
 
 180 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 duty to persevere in the work to which he had 
 put his hand. We determined immediately to 
 move over ; when, lo ! to our sorrow, a sad blow 
 was given. We received authentic accounts of 
 the entire failure of Boyd &/ Co., agents of our 
 Board, from whom we, and the other missionaries 
 in the East, under the patronage of that Board, 
 obtained our funds. We were without money 
 were threatened with want could not get money 
 without borrowing this we did not wish to do, 
 for we knew not how much the society had lost 
 by this failure, and we might not have it in our 
 power to repay what we borrowed. Perplexed 
 and grieved, we could do nothing but commit our 
 way to God, knowing assuredly that all things 
 shall work together for good to them that love 
 him. In the midst of all, a bright spot breaks 
 through the dark cloud. A well-educated gentle- 
 man, hearing of Mr. Shuck's situation, offers to 
 pay his expenses over to Hong Kong, give a com- 
 fortable house to live in, and fifty dollars monthly, 
 if he would take the joint editorship, and super- 
 intend the printing of a paper, which he wished 
 to publish. The way is plain it is never dishon- 
 orable to work ; so (though, under other circum- 
 stances, as our chief object is to labor for the con- 
 version of the heathen, he would have rejected 
 the offer) he accepts the proposition, and engaged 
 himself for one year. 'Friend of China' is the 
 name of the paper, a copy of which shall be 
 regularly sent to you. We came over, and set- 
 tled ourselves comfortably. Now, though Mr. S. 
 is connected with this paper, his missionary work 
 is not suspended. He has engaged builders, who 
 are now erecting a splendid chapel on the lot
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 181 
 
 previously mentioned, to be called ' Queen's-Road 
 Baptist Chapel ; ' is putting up another building 
 in the Bazaar, in the midst of the Chinese dwell- 
 ings, to be called the 'Bazaar Baptist Chapel;' 
 has formed a school consisting of twelve boys, 
 which he superintends ; is erecting a private resi- 
 dence for ourselves, near to the first-named chapel ; 
 preaches three times on the Sabbath, twice to 
 Chinese and once to English soldiers; and, I trust, 
 is moving in a sphere of greater usefulness than 
 he has been since our arrival on heathen territory. 
 But again, for I must spin my yarn still longer, 
 two weeks after Mr. S. thus connected himself 
 with the paper, he received a letter, in which it is 
 stated most satisfactorily that he is at liberty, 
 with all the other missionaries, to draw on Alex- 
 ander, Esq., for three fourths of our salary. So 
 much the better, for now (we could not do it 
 before) we commence building a mission-house, 
 spending on it all the money we can save through 
 the strictest economy ; and it will be given to the 
 Society, notwithstanding it is built in part of our 
 private funds. We do not wish for property. 
 No, we feel that He who feeds the ravens and 
 clothes the grass of the fields, will provide for 
 our fond offspring. I will not cherish one feeling 
 otherwise. To the service of our heavenly Fa- 
 ther we devoted ourselves, our all, and I feel strong 
 faith in his precious promises. He will be with 
 us to the end of our pilgrimage, and when we 
 slumber in the tomb, the same kind care will, I 
 believe, be extended to the dear objects of our 
 love. It would be base in us now, after so many 
 proofs of his faithfulness, not to trust to him for 
 the future. 
 
 16
 
 182 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 Since commencing this letter, I have heard of 
 .the arrival of Rev. Mr. Dean and wife, with two 
 native Christians, one to assist Mr. Shuck in 
 making known to his deluded countrymen the 
 gospel of peace. Mr. Dean's health h'ld quite 
 tailed in Bankok, and as he derived such essen- 
 tial beuefit from his previous visit to Macao, he 
 has come again ; I am happy to say, however, 
 not on a visit, but with the intention of settling 
 in China. It is not, just at present, expedient for 
 him to move his wife over here, but, as soon as 
 circumstances will permit, they will come over, 
 and be connected with us in the mission. They 
 may hereafter go northward, as it remains to be 
 seen whether there is a sufficient number of 
 Chinese in this place, speaking the dialect which 
 he understands, to justify his locating here. We 
 should much like to have him and his wife 
 associated with us. May God direct ! There is 
 abundant work here, on the Island of Hong Kong, 
 for several missionaries. 
 
 But I have not yet told you whether I like 
 living here. I trust, my first inquiry on going 
 to any place will ever be, Can I be useful here ? 
 If not, I could not be happy. So far, I see many 
 ways in which I can be more useful here than in 
 Macao: the change has decidedly improved my 
 health , and the place is under the English gov- 
 ernment, and a protection is afforded to its inhab- 
 itants, not enjoyed in Macao. On the whole, I 
 much prefer my present residence to Macao ; 
 though, being a new settlement, we are deprived 
 of many comforts, and of society. I w? a the 
 jirst female who came to reside here. One other, 
 a Mrs. Ramsay, has come since. I feel the want
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 183 
 
 of the delightful society of the missionaries with 
 whom I associated at Macao ; but soon they 
 will, many of them, come over. Mr. Brown, Dr. 
 Hobson, Mr. Bridgmaii, D. D., are preparing to 
 build here. The merchants are building largely, 
 and in a few months, most likely, there will be 
 many families living here. Mr. Boone, Mr. Mac- 
 bryde, and others, studying the Fokeen dialect, 
 will go to Amoy. Mr. Abeel has already gone 
 there. China, dear pa', is no longer what it was. 
 Doors are flying open, and missionaries, carrying 
 with them the bread of life, are entering. The 
 war, though it has been the means of much 
 devastation and many deaths, has also been the 
 means ef opening the eyes of these blind and 
 ignorant people. I sincerely pray that a peaceful 
 settlement may soon take place between the two 
 contending nations, and the millions who survive 
 the war may yet bless God for the affliction sent 
 on them, inasmuch as it has been the means of 
 opening the closed doors to the heralds of the 
 cross." 
 
 To Mrs. Hall. 
 
 "JoiiB 13, 1842. 
 
 Dear ma', you have no conception of the 
 heat of this and other Eastern climates. We 
 feel incapable often to walk, stand, or eat ; indeed, 
 the most difficult task I have to do, sometimes, 
 is to eat my breakfast, so languid do I feel. It is 
 not so with me just now, as my appetite is very 
 good. The most comfortable place in h; t ueuther 
 is the bathing-room, in which I keep severul tubs, 
 of different sizes, full of water. My dear boys 
 go in, and swim about, (as they call it,) several
 
 184 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 times during the day. They enjoy most excel- 
 lent health, and, I trust, their precious little sister 
 will, after her teeth are done troubling her. She 
 has been healthy from her birth, till within the 
 last several months she has seemed exceedingly 
 delicate. I had to take her to Macao, a few 
 weeks ago, for the change, and also to seek medi- 
 cal advice, as there was no physician here at the 
 time. The change proved beneficial to her. How 
 much care and anxiety do these little dears cost 
 their mothers ! I often think how much children 
 owe their parents, and how base it is in them 
 when they are ungrateful to them. 
 
 I feel very thankful to you for your kind letter 
 of Nov. 23, 1841, which came to hand a few days 
 ago. It had been a long time since I received a 
 letter from you, and I was anxiously expecting 
 one. Your account of the tour you made with 
 pa' was particularly interesting, and to hear of 
 so many joining the church of God really afforded 
 me heartfelt joy. I rejoiced to hear that two, 
 for whom I tried to pray, had embraced religion, 
 viz. S. L. S. and S. D. Give my love to them, 
 and may they prove faithful to their Creator, and 
 finally receive a crown of life." 
 
 To her Sister Isabella. 
 
 "JUNE 14,1842. 
 
 And now, dear Bell, let me thank you most 
 heartily for your long, kind letter of Nov. 10, 
 1841, which I received a day or two ago, with 
 others from the family, and also a goodly number 
 of religious papers. Your improvement in writ- 
 ing is very great, and delights me much. If you 
 persevere, you will soon be able to write with ease
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 185 
 
 and elegance, and you must bear in mind that 
 ' practice makes perfect,' and write a great many 
 letters to me, and your dear brother, who, I assure 
 you, loves you devotedly, as also all the family. 
 
 You mention the death of J. H., whom 1 recol- 
 lect, and cousin E.'s eldest child. I sincerely 
 sympathize with the parents of both, and while 
 I believe that those of the former will have grace 
 given them to bear with Christian submission the 
 will of God, I trust those of the latter may be 
 brought to a sense of their own state, and seek 
 to follow their darling daughter to the mansions 
 of the blest. It is to me, my dear sister, a mat- 
 ter of thankfulness, while I hear of one and 
 another falling into the grave, that my sisters and 
 brothers are still permitted to live. But I desire 
 to have my mind prepared for any thing that may 
 come. I cannot expect, in this world of change 
 and sorrow, to pass through the journey of life 
 without feeling some of the pangs which others 
 have experienced. I may yet follow to their last 
 resting-place one or more of my sweet offspring. 
 I may live to hear of the death of my fond father, 
 my sisters, or my brothers ; or, what is worse 
 than all, I may be bereft of the devoted compan- 
 ion of my youth, and left a widow in a foreign 
 land. I know not which of these evils may 
 befill me, or whether I may not fall a victim to 
 disease, and leave my husband and my children 
 alone in this unfriendly world. But one thing I 
 feel assured of, which often affords me comfort, 
 that my times are in the hands of God, and that all 
 things shall work together for good to them that 
 love an'd serve him. Why should I trouble my- 
 gelf, then, as to the future? No, let me rejoice 
 16*
 
 186 MEMOIR OF MES. SHUCK. 
 
 always, even in affliction. What would this 
 world be without an interest in Christ ? What 
 but religion can bear us up under the trials of 
 life ? What else can cause us to trend, with joy- 
 ful steps, the sometimes dark and unknown paths 
 of life ? Let us, then, ever rely on Christ, re- 
 solving, that, let others do as they may, as for us, 
 we will love and serve' the Lord. 
 
 I had a long conversation, yesterday afternoon, 
 with an English gentleman, who is intelligent in 
 the things of this world, but manifests a woful 
 ignorance of the plan of redemption. He told 
 me he believed that there is a God, a heaven, but 
 no hell; and that all was 'fudge' concerning 
 the punishment . of the wicked hereafter. He 
 made many such harsh and wild remarks. I told 
 him plainly what I knew, and what I thought he 
 might expect, except he should repent of his sins, 
 and seek pardon from a merciful but just God. 
 He thought me a fanatic, and I thought him what 
 is worse. He rose to leave, after some time, and 
 said, ' Well, Mrs. Shuck, I'll leave your delusion 
 'tis all a dream.' Said I, 'Happy for you 
 were it so ; ' and we parted, when I most devoutly 
 prayed to God to cause him to see himself a vile 
 sinner." 
 
 Dr. Diver, having left the East on account of 
 his health, settled in Athens, Ohio. Under date 
 of Oct. 1842, he addressed the following letter to 
 Rev. Mr. Hall: 
 
 " I received to-day, from the hands of a gentle- 
 man from Philadelphia, a large parcel of letters 
 from China, among which was one from you, in
 
 DR. DIVER'S LETTER TO MR. HALL. 187 
 
 answer to my letters having special reference to 
 the health of your daughter, Mrs. Shuck. And 
 although two years have elapsed since this letter 
 was written, I feel called upon to think you for 
 the kind wishes expressed; and though fur re- 
 moved from the interesting family at Macao," 
 (now in Hong Kong,) " who still hive my warm 
 affection. I often wish I could get intelligence 
 from them. The interesting SCCIIPS I witnessed 
 among them often rise vividly before my mind, 
 and I fancy I see the bright-black-eyed Lewis, or 
 the laughing, romping little Ryland, running to 
 meet me, as I enter their father's hospitable dwell- 
 ing ; or hastening to shut the door, as I rise to go, 
 lest my "visit be too short. Sometimes, I think 1 
 hear them calling me to stop, and wait to take 
 them down to ' Sha-lan-tsai.' O ! how my heart 
 throbs with love to that dear family ! my affec- 
 tion for them while I was in China was sincere 
 and ardent, and now, while separated, it appears 
 to strengthen." 
 
 To her Father. 
 
 " SEPT. 3, 1842. 
 
 Mr. Shuck has his hands full, and most 
 excellent attendance on his preaching, both in 
 Chinese and English. He has buptized several 
 persons lately, and there seems to be a gleam of 
 hope that God will pour out his spirit on the in- 
 habitants of this place." 
 
 To Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 "ApniL 23, 1843. 
 
 I am reminded of the great length of time 
 which has passed since I wrote to you, by looking
 
 188 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 over the Religious Herald, which has lately 
 reached us, and in which I see some extracts 
 from my last communication to you. I know you 
 will excuse me, for though I plead guilty, yet I 
 may somewhat lessen that guilt by giving you an 
 account of the extraordinary circumstances of my 
 family. For some months my own health was 
 very, very precarious, and my little Henrietta was 
 at the same time in exceedingly delicate health, 
 and being without a nurse for her, I was much 
 occupied in taking care of her. For the sake of 
 change, I took her to Macao, leaving the boys 
 with their papa. In the mean time, Mr. Dean 
 and his family removed over to Hong Kong, and 
 took up their residence in our family, which, of 
 course, greatly augmented my domestic duties. 
 About four months ago, a young Chinese lad, who 
 had embraced religion, and been baptized in 
 Baltimore, arrived here, and having no means of 
 support, we took him in to share with us our pit- 
 tance. Two months after, Dr. MacGovvan arrived, 
 and he finds with us also a home. He found us 
 all in reasonable health. My little Jane was then 
 recovering from the chicken-pox. Soon after, 
 another little girl, Mecha, was taken down with 
 high fever. We all hoped it was only chicken- 
 pox ; but in a few days the doctors affirmed it to 
 be varioloid. She was ill for two weeks, and re- 
 quired constant attention and care on my part. 
 As she became better, Mrs. Dean was one day 
 suddenly taken ill. Her fever raged beyond the 
 power of medical skill, for some three or four 
 days, when an eruption followed, which was pro- 
 nounced to be confluent kmall-pox. In eight days 
 from the time she became ill, she fell asleep in
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER BETTERS. 189 
 
 Jesus. As to the state of .her mind, we can say 
 nothing. We think, from the expression of her 
 countenance, she was sensible to the last; but for 
 four days previous to her death, the power of 
 speech had failed ; all she could say was, ' No,' 
 indistinctly. You can easily enter into my feel- 
 ings, with so many children exposed to this 
 dreadful disease. Mrs. Dean had been vaccinat- 
 ed, and I feared that, as in her case vaccination 
 proved to be no security against the small-pox, it 
 might not in ours. I could only look to the 
 never-failing Source of comfort, feeling assured, 
 that as my day, so should my strength be. 
 Thanks to a kind Providence, no other case of 
 the disease has occurred in the family. 
 
 We all feel the loss we have sustained in the 
 death of our dear sister, and warned to put our 
 houses in order. She was in perfect health, and 
 most likely to live of any in the house. The 
 morning previous to her attack, she took a walk 
 of several miles before sun-up, and while sitting 
 at breakfast, I observed how well she appeared, 
 and how rosy were her cheeks. She remarked 
 that she felt great concern for my health, and 
 begged me to walk early in the mornings. Alas ! 
 how little did she, or any of us, think that in 
 eight days more her rosy cheeks would be pale, 
 and her active limbs stiff in death ! I feel that 
 the mission have sustained a great loss. She was 
 eminently prepared for usefulness, having ac- 
 quired such a knowledge of the Chinese language 
 as to enable her to read it, and compose in it, with 
 facility. I feel her loss, for she was kind enough 
 to take the charge of my children and pupils 
 two hours every day, and give them instruction.
 
 190 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 They were making astonishing progress, and the 
 arrangement greatly relieved me. I deeply sym- 
 pathize with our dear brother D., who is again 
 left with an infant daughter. His two little girls, 
 Matilda and Fanny, are each representatives of a 
 departed mother. God truly moves in a mysteri- 
 ous way; his thoughts are not as our thoughts. 
 We, poor, short-sighted mortals, cannot now see 
 why (he wife and mother has been taken away ; 
 but, by and by, we shall know, and rejoice that 
 thus it was. Bro. D. bears his loss with astonish- 
 ing fortitude and Christian manliness. May we 
 all, by this Providence, remember th'it we, too, 
 are mortal, and may we be roused to diligence in 
 our Master's cause, knowing, assuredly, that the 
 night cometh in which no man can work. Pray 
 for me, my dear sister. / may be the next victim 
 of the destroyer. I feel, as Mrs. Newell said, 
 ' this mud-wall cottage shake.' O that I may 
 be ready for its fall ! 
 
 I have some two or three items more to com- 
 municate, which I am assured will interest you 
 and brother K. Relative to our labors here at 
 present, I am encouraged to say, that we believe 
 the pleasure of the Lord to be prospering in our 
 hands. The church, which numbered five mem- 
 bers at its constitution, has now lucre. ised four- 
 fold. Two clripels are completed, and large 
 congregations of both Chinese and English as- 
 semble to hear the preached gospel. Mr. Shuck 
 is assisted by brother Dean, and the brethren 
 of other denominations, in English services, 
 which are held at the Queen' s-Road-C ha pel three 
 times a week. He preaches in this clvipel every 
 Sabbath, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and every Friday
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HE* LETTERS. 191 
 
 night, and three times a week he holds sen ice in 
 the Bazaar Chapel, in Chinese, besides having 
 family worship at night in Chinese, and in the 
 morning in English, at our own house. Messrs. 
 Roberts and Dean have their services also at the 
 Bazaar Chapel. Mr. Dean holds family prayers 
 with his domestics, and others, in his own study 
 every morning. Truth seems to be taking hold 
 on the minds of the people. A few Sabbaths ago, 
 Mr. Shuck had the privilege of baptizing a mer- 
 chant and his wife ; and this morning we again 
 visited the baptismal waters, and saw him lead 
 into the liquid grave a young English soldier, 
 who gives pleasing evidence of being born again. 
 Bro. De;wi followed, leading two others, who, but 
 a few months ago, bowed their knees to gods of 
 wood and stone. Yes, my dear friend, our 
 hearts are encouraged, indeed, to see two Chinese 
 thus put on Christ before the world. O ! may 
 they walk in newness of life. We expect more 
 will soon apply for baptism. I feel encouraged, 
 also, concerning my dear little Jane Maria. I 
 believe God is at work with her. O ! if she 
 should be saved, it will be worth all my toil and 
 all my sacrifices. The joy will far outweigh all 
 the sorrow it cost me to bid adieu to the land of 
 my nativity, my father's house, the circle of 
 brothers, sisters, and Christian friends, and I shall 
 feel that to have been the humble instrument in 
 snatching this tender lamb from the lion's den, 
 will cause me more happiness than to have gained 
 the wealth of worlds. Shall I, O! shall /, un- 
 worthy as I am, reach heaven, and there meet 
 any one of this people, who, but for me, would 
 have sunk to woe ? The thought is too much for 
 me ; I cannot dwell on it."
 
 192 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 During most of the year 1843, Mrs. Shuck's 
 health was extremely feeble. At the birth of her 
 fourth child, Oscar Devan, she was on the very 
 verge of the grave. Her physician, at one time, 
 almost despaired of her recovery. God, however, 
 again raised her up, so lhat she was able to attend 
 to her domestic duties. It was evident that her 
 constitution was gradually failing under the ener- 
 vating influence of the climate and repeated 
 attacks of disease. In the month of July, through 
 the advice of her doctor, she visited Macao, 
 leaving her husband and two older children, and 
 taking with her little Netty, in very poor health, and 
 her youngest child, an infant. At this time, her 
 weight was only eighty-five pounds, though when 
 she left America it was more than one hundred. 
 Her letters, at this period, bear obvious marks of 
 her feebleness and lassitude. They are not com- 
 posed with so much vivacity, nor penned with so 
 much care and accuracy, as those of former years. 
 In one respect, however, it is pleasing to observe, 
 they suffer no diminution. They exhibit the 
 same strong confidence in God, and breathe the 
 same fervent spirit of piety, and devotion to the 
 work of missions, which characterized her for- 
 mer correspondence. She gave, at this time, an 
 affecting proof of her entire consecration to the 
 missionary work. She was most ardently at- 
 tached to her father, and her relatives generally. 
 She would have enjoyed greatly a visit to the 
 United States. In a letter to her sister Susan, 
 written at this period, she says, " My feeling," 
 with respect to visiting America, " is, the will of 
 God be done. If he wills it, most gladly would 
 we turn our faces homeward ; if not, most joy-
 
 REMARKS BY THE COMPILER. 193 
 
 fully will we live and die in China. At present, 
 we see not the least prospect that we shall ever 
 visit America. God, by his providences, seems 
 to be stationing us more permanently at Hong 
 Kong. Still we know not what is in the womb 
 of futurity. A short time and all our plans may 
 be thwarted : we may be on our journey to old 
 Virginia, or we may be safely landed in our last 
 resting-place. God Almighty direct. Leave us 
 not to ourselves" Shortly after this, some of 
 the members of the mission proposed that Mrs. 
 Shuck should visit America ; but she promptly 
 declined doing so. A visit to Macao might re- 
 store her health ; at any rate, she hoped to be 
 able, by care, to endure the heat of summer, and 
 that the bracing weather of winter would restore 
 her usual health. " May the Lord," said she, 
 " ever direct us aright. I have always felt it a 
 most delightful privilege to commit my way to 
 him." 
 
 For nothing was Mrs. Shuck more remarkable 
 than for the affectionateness of her disposition. 
 She loved every one with whom she became ac- 
 quainted, and was quite sure to secure a recipro- 
 cation of this feeling. Her generous heart knew 
 no distinction between the high and the low. 
 She ever exhibited a sincere attachment to her 
 father's servants, and a fervent solicitude for their 
 spiritual welfare. In her letters to her family, 
 she often speaks of them in the kindest terms. 
 Take the following extract as a specimen : " Much 
 love to all the servants. Tell them that I love 
 them still. How are my poor old Chaina, Violet, 
 Levin*, Solomon, and the others? Is Solomon 
 not a Christian yet? Tell him ' Miss Henrietta' 
 17
 
 194 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 remembers and prays for him, and wishes to 
 meet him in heaven. I trust that Chaina, Violet, 
 and Lcvina are not growing tired, but pressing 
 on to Canaan. Ask them to pray for me, arid for 
 the poor heathen, whose minds are very dark 
 who worship wood and stone." 
 
 To Mrs. Keeling. 
 
 " SEPT. 27, 1843. 
 
 Your letter is full of good news. To hear 
 of so many joining the ranks of the Lord is in- 
 deed glorious tidings. O, may they all prove 
 faithful, and finally receive a crown of glory ! 
 Are you not encouraged to find such a large num- 
 ber amongst them, who were once your pupils? 
 Is it not reasonable to suppose that your instruc- 
 tions were the means of leading them, or some of 
 them at least, to think of their eternal destiny? 
 Be encouraged then, my dear, affectionate friend, 
 and go on sowing the seed, and you will most 
 assuredly reap, if you faint not. The precious 
 instructions, on many points, which I received 
 from you and your dear husband, are still fresh in 
 my memory : and, though while young I thought 
 not so much of them, yet now, in maturer years, 
 they are treasures, yea, seed, which, sown in the 
 morning, are now springing up. I can never for- 
 get your kindness to me and my sweet sisters. 
 Your reward awaits you in a better world. I 
 often think of the kind, the tender way in which 
 you spoke to me : if you had to correct, it was 
 done with so much love that it won upon me, and 
 increased rather than diminished my affection for 
 you ; and while almost every one with whom I 
 met endeavored to pour cold water on the little
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 195 
 
 flame of missionary spirit which I cherished, you 
 and your companion fanned and enlivened it by 
 your kind and judicious suggestions. Had the 
 providence of God not placed me under your in- 
 structions, I sometimes think the unkind remarks 
 which were made concerning my going as a mis- 
 sionary might have wounded my spirit, so as to 
 cause me to decide that I was not called of God 
 to this work. But at your school I was taught to 
 feel more and more for the perishing heathen, and 
 not till I had been with you some time did 1 decide 
 logo. 
 
 You speak of desiring to see me again in 
 America. If it be the will of God, I feel that it 
 would afford me great happiness to visit that 
 land, to meet once more, face to face, my kindred 
 and friends, but not unless it be his will. The 
 future is to me unknown, but I feel the greatest 
 joy in committing my way to God. He will di- 
 rect, I know he will. 
 
 Little Henrietta is still a delicate plant, and I 
 sometimes fear that this uncongenial clime will 
 prove fatal to her. For the last eight months she 
 has had a constant diarrhoea, which has baffled the 
 skill of the best physicians, and the greatest care 
 on my part as to her diet. It still hangs on her, 
 and I know not what to do. A trip to Macao had 
 no good effect. She is cheerful, sleeps well, has 
 an excellent appetite, and to appearance is well ; 
 but I fear the complaint, having now assumed a 
 chronic form, will Hie very hard to cure. Still I 
 will hope for the best, and trust the cold weather 
 will prove beneficial to her, as well as to her 
 mother, who is almost always suffering in the 
 same way. Mr. Shuck's health is remarkable.
 
 196 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 He is as strong, I think, as when he was in 
 America, and is busy from early morn till late at 
 night." 
 
 Appended to this letter there is a postscript 
 from Mr. Shuck. It is as follows : 
 
 " Mrs. Shuck's head will not allow her to fin- 
 ish this sheet, and therefore she turns over this 
 side to me. I had determined to write you, and 
 your dear husband, a long letter, and I h;ive not 
 yet abandoned the determination to do so, ere- 
 long. Henrietta has given you all the family 
 news. As to my labors, I may remark that they 
 are encouraging, amidst a vast deal of discourage- 
 ment. The church under my care a few months 
 ago numbered twenty-six members ; but death has 
 taken away three in the triumphs of faith, and 
 we have been compelled to exclude two native 
 members, who were baptized by Mr. Roberts. 
 Still my congregations are large and very inter- 
 esting, and I have seven or eight inquirers, who 
 afford me much hope. Three of these are highly 
 literary men in their own country, u fourth is a 
 Chinese physician, and fifth is a priest of the 
 Budha sect three are applicants for baptism. 
 My health never was better, and I am allowed 
 the great privilege of holding eleven Chinese 
 services weekly. The Chinese congregations on 
 Lord's days at public preaching are large and 
 attentive. Pray for us we most of all need the 
 descent of the Holy Spirit. I sometimes think 
 that the hearts of the Chinese are farther from 
 God than those of any other people. I suffer fo- 
 want of a colleague. Mr. Dean's church wor-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 197 
 
 ship in the Bazaar Chapel, where he also has 
 large and interesting congregations. Mr. D. and 
 I, you know, speak entirely clifferents dialects he 
 the Tea Chew, and I the Canton. He Jives in 
 our faatily, and is a most worthy brother. Our 
 mission has been greatly strengthened by the 
 arrival of Dr. MacGowan, a pious and intelligent 
 young gentleman, of the right missionary stamp. 
 lie left us a day or two ago to establish a new 
 station at Ningpo. 
 
 I am truly pleased with the ' Va. Baptist 
 Preacher,' and shall always be glad to receive it. 
 Good Brother K \ laud has been sending me copies 
 of it. It is judiciously edited, because the right 
 man hasliold of it. Sincerely do I hope that our 
 appeal to the Richmond churches (to send out 
 and support a missionary) will meet with suc- 
 cess, and we shall be permitted to welcome a 
 missionary family from Va. How easily could 
 both missionary and money be provided, were the 
 disciples willing. It is most distressing to think 
 how little moral power the vast accessions to the 
 Baptist churches bring to them. This circum- 
 stance prevents me from reading the accounts of 
 revivals with that interest I used to do. I sus- 
 pect the piety of inactive Christian professors. 
 ' By their fruits ye shall know them.' " 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 "DEC. 19, 1843. 
 
 On this, the anniversary of your birthday, 
 allow me, my dear sister, to express many wishes 
 for your happiness, and that of your beloved 
 George and darling child. May you yet live to 
 see many, many years, and as you grow older,
 
 198 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHTTCK. 
 
 become riper and riper for that heavenly state, 
 unmeasured by time. How rapidly are we borne 
 on by the wings of time ! I can scarcely believe 
 that you are twenty-two, and I twenty-six years 
 old. A little while ago we were children togeth- 
 er, enjoying the society of each other, and that 
 of our dear parents, brothers, and sister. Years 
 have glided oh, and the present one finds us mar- 
 ried, and bearing the responsible, but delightful 
 relation of mother. Time, however, with all its 
 withering changes, has not diminished the sis- 
 terly affection existing between us. No, dear 
 sister, though so far, far away from you, and so 
 many years have passed since I looked upon 
 your face, I still love you, still remember you. 
 It affords me happiness, too, to be assured that 
 the feelings I have for you are reciprocated. In 
 reviewing our past lives, do we not see the 
 abounding love of our heavenly Father towards 
 us? How gently, if at all, has his afflictive hand 
 been laid upon us ! Others around us have sick- 
 ened and died, while we remain as monuments of 
 his mercy O ! may we not prove ungrateful 
 monuments; but the time past of our lives suf- 
 ficing us to have wrought the will of the flesh, may 
 we now renew our strength, and, with determined 
 zeal, endeavor to glorify God. 
 
 I have a large and interesting field of labor 
 before me amongst the soldiers' wives and chil- 
 dren. I visit them frequently, give them books, 
 and pray with the sick among them. They are 
 the most destitute set of human beings I ever saw. 
 Many of them have not a second dress, or gar- 
 ment of any kind. I find use for all my old 
 clothes, and I have begged the other ladies for
 
 EXTRACTS FKOM HER LETTERS. 199 
 
 theirs. Money was given me to expend for 
 them, and I purchased a piece of coarse, but 
 good, warm cloth, and gave it to the little boys 
 for j-ickets and trousers ; and their little counte- 
 nances told me, that when they bowed, and said; 
 ' Thank you, ma'am/ they felt it. The great 
 cause of their distress has been a fire, which 
 broke out and consumed, not only their houses, 
 (which were made of matting,) but every thing 
 they possessed. They fortunately escaped them- 
 selves with little harm to their bodies. Sickness 
 has disabled others of them, who were not burnt 
 out, from working ; so that altogether they are in 
 a most suffering condition in this cold weather 
 far worse than that of the slaves in Virginin, not- 
 withstanding the English speak so harshly of 
 American slavery. I wish they would cast the 
 beam out of their own eye. The allowance by 
 government for these poor creatures is very small 
 indeed."
 
 ( 200 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 1844 Closing Year of MM. Shuck's Life Her C< rresnondence con- 
 tinued Manner of spending her Time Progress in the Chinese 
 Language Her Youthful Appearance The Frigate Brandy wine 
 Mr. Walthall's Illness Beautiful Extract Ti-mutntions of 
 Missionaries Allusion to Mrs. Dean's Death Solemn Anticipa- 
 tions Remarks concerning them Contributions to Mrs. Shuck's 
 School Increase of it Obstacles to Female Education Indis- 
 position to Writing Opening School-room Last Letter to her 
 Father Arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Devan Her Father's Picture 
 Last Letter to her Family Religious Enjoyment Note to Mr*. 
 Keeling Her last Letter Remarks. 
 
 WE have now reached the last year in the life 
 of Mrs. Shuck. She is still young, riot having 
 attained to the maturity of her mental powers. 
 She has acquired such a knowledge of the Chinese 
 language as enables her to converse in it with 
 facility and propriety. Having by long-continued 
 intercourse become acquainted with the manners 
 and customs of the natives, she is well qualified 
 to conciliate, interest, and instruct them. She is 
 placed in a sphere of great and increasing useful- 
 ness, as the mother of an interesting family, the 
 companion of an active and successful missionary, 
 and the teacher of a large and promising native 
 school. She has begun to reap the fruit of her 
 anxious toil. Through long and dark years she 
 has been praying and waiting for China to be 
 opened for the reception of the gospel, and pre-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 201 
 
 paring herself, by incessant study, to teach the 
 idolatrous Chinese the way of life. The clouds 
 are now dispersing. The heathen are now be- 
 ginning to " turn from dumb idols to serve the 
 living and true God." The consummation so 
 long and so devoutly wished, seems to be at hand. 
 But God's ways are not as our ways. 
 
 To her Sister Susan. 
 
 " MARCH 16, 1844. 
 
 I will now tell you exactly how my hours 
 are spent. In the first place, I must with shame 
 say that I do not rise early. Indeed I sleep so 
 late in the morning, now-a-days, that I can ac- 
 complish" but very little before breakfast. I did, 
 a liWle while ago, take a long ride in my sedan 
 chair before sunrise, but I can't do it in the win- 
 ter time. Well, by ten o'clock my duties of a 
 private and domestic nature are all attended to, 
 and then I have ten Chinese lads, and my own 
 two boys, my two girls, and three European 
 children, soldiers' daughters, whom I teach till 
 twelve o'clock. Then, as you may suppose, I 
 feel tired, and I get something to eat, say a cup 
 of tea, and a waffle, and rest for half an hour. 
 Then I sing, and rock my Netty (for she is still 
 the pet) to sleep. I go around, and see that 
 every thing is neat and tidy, after which I either 
 read, write, mend or make clothes, and attend to 
 the instruction of the, girls in needle-work, &c. 
 At four, we dine. After dinner I generally go out 
 to see some of my missionary friends, and spend 
 an hour. I often take my children with me, un- 
 less their papa is at home, as I do not like to 
 leave them to the care of the native servants. I
 
 202 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 come home, we take tea, and chat till 8 o'clock, 
 when I hear the children read the Bible, and have 
 prayer with them. Mr. Shuck is eng iged at the 
 same time, in another room, with the Chinese 
 servants, and any others who miy desire to attend 
 his meeting. The children are generally in bed 
 by half-past eight, and then I hive a little while 
 to myself. I sometimes visit the soldiers' wives, 
 pray with the sick amongst them, and distribute 
 Bibles and tracts. I have now pretty much given 
 you a detailed account of my daily occupations. 
 Of course there are interruptions sometimes, but 
 not often. It does not seem much, and yet I have 
 no time to idle. I forgot to tell you tint one Fri- 
 day in every month we have a maternal meeting : 
 I take with me all my children but baby." 
 
 To her Sister Isabella. 
 
 'MARCH, 1844. 
 
 You ask, if I have much time to study the 
 language ; I answer, that I am so situated as to 
 be compelled to speak Chinese constantly. All 
 our servants are Chinese, and we h ;ve a school 
 of twenty boys, who speak no English, so that I 
 study it in this way, which is perhaps the best. 
 I fl ttter myself that I speak this 1 .nguage quite 
 well; at least, I have no difficulty in understand- 
 ing and being understood. I cannot say I have as 
 yet ceased my English education. I feel that I must 
 exert myself to acquire information, on account 
 of my boys, who are fist growing up, and must 
 nece.sarily receive much of their education from 
 me. I ana reading Rollin's Ancient History. 
 O, I sorrow over the precious hours I threw 
 away iu my girlish folly ! Now I see the need
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS. 203 
 
 of study. I feel thankful to my dear pa' for his 
 endeavors to give ne a good education. Ah! he 
 was a good f ither to me in every respect. I feel 
 his loss, though I will not say loss, he is still my 
 father, and his letters now afford me comfort, 
 and his judicious and affectionate hints are not 
 lost upon me, far away as I am from him. 
 
 I was truly rejoiced to hear of the conversion 
 of Solomon (one of her father's servants.) 
 Remember me to him, and tell him I have 
 prayed for him, arid shall continue to do so. May 
 he ever adorn his profession by an upright walk 
 and godly conversation. How do Levina and 
 Chaina get on ? I should so like to see them ! 
 Perhaps I 'nriy, some of these days. I am sure 
 they would like to see old Henrietta now, with 
 her three fine sons, and sweet little girl ; and I 
 do not feel old with all these marks of old age 
 around me. A short time ago, I breakfasted 
 with one of my missionary friends, who began to 
 joke me about my number of children. One of 
 the ladies present said, ' When I first came to 
 China, and saw you, I thought what a silly man 
 Mr. Shuck was to select so young a woman to 
 tnke care of those boys,' little thinking that I was 
 their own mother. I often joke my husbaml about 
 this he really looks old, but I am, to all ap- 
 pearance, as young as ever. 
 
 The Brandy wine arrived here the other day, 
 and 1 went on board, and found a great many 
 Virginians. One yrving man, Mr. Walthall, now 
 very ill, i> living with us, who is acquainted with 
 cousin Richard Gl tsscock. It was a great pleas- 
 ure to see a person who knew one of my rel- 
 atives."
 
 204 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 During a part of this year, Mrs. Shuck kept a 
 journal, for her sister Susan. On the inner side 
 of the cover she penned the following beautiful 
 extract, which she had clipped from a newspaper. 
 
 " I AM. Who ever conceived a more beautiful 
 illustration of this sublime text than the follow- 
 ing by Bishop Beveridge ? 
 
 / am. 'He doth not say, I am their light, 
 their guide, their strength, or tower, but only " I 
 AM." lie sets as it were his hand to a blank, that 
 his people may write under it what they please 
 that is good for them. As if he should say, are 
 they weak ? / am strength. Are they poor ? / 
 am all riches. Are they in trouble ? 1 am com- 
 fort. Are they sick? / am health. Are they 
 dying ? / am life. Have they nothing ? / am 
 all things. / am wisdom and power. / am jus- 
 tice and mercy. I am grace and goodness. / am 
 glory, beauty, holiness, eminency, super-eminency, 
 perfection, all-sufficiency, eternity ! Jebovah, / 
 am. Whatever is amiable in itself, or desirable 
 unto them, that / am. Whatsoever is pure and 
 holy ; whatsoever is great or pleasant ; whatso- 
 ever is good or needful to make men happy, that 
 lam.'" 
 
 From her journal we shall present a few ex- 
 tracts : 
 
 March 28. " Here, as well as in America, 
 the devil dwells, and often assaults us. Yes, 
 we have our temptations and our cares ; and no 
 matter wnere we go, though it may be to the end 
 of the earth, we carry with us a heart deceitful 
 above all things, and desperately wicked. I long 
 to be more conformed to Christ ; but. alas ! even
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 205 
 
 my desires are wicked. At a prayer meeting 'a 
 few nights ago, one of the missionaries who have 
 lately come out, remarked, that when he left 
 America he thought he had given up the world, 
 but he found he had not. He had his temptations 
 here also. His sinful heart still led him astray. 
 It is very true missionaries are but men and 
 women, and no better than other Christians. 
 Here we are surrounded by fashionable society. 
 We have invitations to balls and to parties, which 
 of course we do not accept. Indeed, I think we 
 have more to call our attention to worldly things 
 than we had at home. / know I have. We cer- 
 tainly have more trials our servants lie, cheat, 
 and steal, and try us in a thousand ways. Our 
 children are exposed, in some measure, to their 
 influence, and we must constantly keep them with 
 us, or know that they are learning something sin- 
 ful from the servants. 
 
 March 29. Twelve months ago this day, our 
 house was visited by that messenger, which will 
 assuredly visit every one living being, and which 
 during the past year has frequently carried away 
 its victims from this city. It was a solemn time 
 a husband was deprived of the society of a 
 dear wife, and an infant daughter of a fond 
 mother. Why was / spared ? I feel humbled in 
 view of the mercy of my heavenly Father. My 
 dear Lewis might have been bereaved of his com- 
 panion, and my beloved children motherless. O 
 for a more holy life, a more devoted spirit, a closer 
 walk with God ! I know not what is in the future 
 a year more, and the hand that holds this pen may 
 be pnlsied by death ; the soul that loves to hold 
 converse with earthly friends may be reunited with 
 18
 
 206 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 the loved ones gone before. Yes, my sister, you 
 and / may have met in holier regions above. We 
 know not the changes which may come over us 
 during this year. The thought of what may be 
 makes me sad. But why should it make me 
 sad? God cannot err, or be unkind. Then let 
 us cheer up, Susan, though our fondest hopes of 
 meeting again in the flesh be blasted. All will 
 be well, whether we live or die. My dear sister, 
 nine or ten years ago, I looked upon the grave 
 with pleasure. I almost longed to die, for then I 
 felt that I should be at rest, and know no sorrow : 
 but I feel differently now the cause is obvious. 
 A wife and a mother ! How strongly do these 
 relations bind us to earth.! I feel that my heart 
 clings too fondly to my children and my husband; 
 but love them as I may, I must give them up ; I 
 must close their eyes in death, or they mine. 
 
 'Come, my fond, fluttering heart, 
 
 Come, struggle to be free ; 
 Tin. ii and the world must part, 
 
 However hard it be ; 
 My trembling spirit owns it just, 
 But cleaves more closely to the dust.' 
 
 I would not have you think my hcpes are not 
 strong in Christ. I do feel, that unworthy as I 
 am, I shall, through the merits of my Saviour, find 
 acceptance. Yes, I love to throw myself on him. 
 But I do not feel willing to die ; I desire for many 
 reasons to live. I desire to be a comfort to him 
 who shares my best affections, to train up the lit- 
 tle ones that God has given us for heaven, and to 
 be the means of bringing into the fold of Christ 
 many poor, deluded heathen. I wish to see you
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 207 
 
 again. O! how soon may all my wishes be 
 blasted ! How vain to wish ! How much better 
 to have no will of our own ! 
 
 'The Christian should not have his lot 
 
 Be other than it is ; 
 For while his Father rules the world, 
 He knows that world is his. 
 
 He knows that he who pave the best, 
 
 Will give him all beside; 
 Assured each seeming good be asks, 
 
 Is evil, if denied. 
 
 When clouds of sorrow gather round, 
 
 His bosom owns no frnr ; 
 He knows, whate'er Ins portion be, 
 ' His God will still be there. 
 
 He knows it is a father's will, 
 
 And therefore it is good ; 
 Nor should he venture by a wish 
 
 To change it, if he could.' 
 
 The sentiments contained in the above lines 
 are most beautiful. I admire, and long to make 
 them my own." 
 
 We may well linger a few moments on the 
 above pathetic extract. Mrs. Shuck seems to 
 have a mournful presentiment of her own death, 
 and that of her sister Susan. " Yes, my sister, 
 you and I may have met, before the clcse of the 
 year, ' in holier climes above.' " The words 
 "you and /" were underscored by her own hand. 
 These sisters, the eldest children in the family, 
 grew up with the most tender and endearing 
 attachment to each other. Providence early 
 separated them ; but their hearts were indivisible.
 
 208 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 Every letter from one to the other breathed senti- 
 ments of sisterly and Christian affection affection 
 which neither distance nor time could extinguish 
 or weaken. The anticipation of Mrs. S. was 
 soon to be realized. She departed before the end 
 of the year, and quickly enjoyed the happiness 
 of meeting her beloved sister " in holier climes 
 above." We are reminded of the pathetic words 
 of Israel's royal bard, They "were lovely and 
 pleasant in their lives, and in their death they 
 were not" long " divided." 
 
 Journal. " March 31. I feel excessively tired, 
 having been from 10 o'clock till this hour, (1 
 o'clock,) engaged in teaching; but I must add a 
 line or so now, as I have a leisure moment 
 before me. I went to chapel last night, and 
 heard Dr. Bridgman on ' Total Abstinence.' I 
 agreed with him in all that he said, though I am 
 obliged, from debility of constitution, occasionally 
 to take beer or wine." 
 
 I forgot to mention that, on Friday or Saturday, 
 a young gentleman, Lieut, in the army, called to 
 see the school, expressed himself as much grati- 
 fied, and, after he left, sent $15 for its benefit. 
 The friends in China are very charitable, and 
 always give liberally to worthy objects. The 
 father of this young man, Major-General D'Agui- 
 lar, had before sent us $29, without any solicita- 
 tion on our part, which he begged Mr. S. to use 
 according to his own wishes, for the good of the 
 cause. We have handed the money over to our 
 treasurer, Mr. Dean, for the school. 
 
 April 4. Three days ago, a very gratifying 
 incident occurred. Two Chinese gentlemen
 
 EXTRACTS FROM HER JOURNAL. 209 
 
 brought their daughters to me, and one of them a 
 niece, also, and placed them under my care ; and 
 yesterday, another came ; so that I have now six 
 girls, making, all together, including my own, 
 thirty-two children. Only think of it, Sue, so 
 many mouths to feed ; and do you imagine I have 
 time to be idle? I need not s;iy thit I feel my 
 duties and responsibilities to be great, but, I trust, 
 a great God will assist me in meeting them faith- 
 fully. These girls came poorly clad, and I have 
 already laid out ten dollars for them, and have 
 persons at work to get them decent for the coming 
 Sabbath, when I shall take them with me to 
 the chapel. Mrs. Devan, of New York, is very 
 kind, and has sent me ninety dollars for my 
 female school, fifty of which I have received, and 
 the remaining forty are on the way. I shall 
 obtain as many as twenty girls, as I think I can 
 take care of that number. I have written for a 
 young lady in England to join me, and if she 
 should come out, I shall have great assistance 
 from her. She is a Baptist, and I am well ac- 
 quainted with her sister, now in China, and con- 
 nected with the London Missionary Society." 
 
 From an article furnished by Mrs. Shuck, for 
 the Mother's Journal, about this time, we select 
 the following extract, to show the obstacles to the 
 instruction of Chinese girls. 
 
 " You are, perhaps, aware that ever since our 
 arrival on these shores, we have been making 
 exertions in behalf of female instruction. We 
 have, at different times, succeeded in obtaining as 
 many as five or six interesting girls ; but after they 
 18*
 
 210 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHTTCK. 
 
 have been neatly clothed, and are just beginning 
 to improve, their parents have secretly stolen 
 them away, and many we have never seen since. 
 We succeeded in keeping one girl three years, by 
 paying her mother, who was very poor, two dol- 
 lars per month, and finding the girl in her clothes 
 and food. She was a quick girl, and had learned 
 to read, write, and compose in English very 
 well. She was familiar, also, with simple geog- 
 raphy and history. She possessed a great 
 amount of religious knowledge, though her heart 
 was too hard to bend to its holy influence. She 
 was, however, taken from me by her mother, more 
 than a year ago, and is to be married soon to a 
 wicked, illiterate youth, who, I am told, is already 
 a desperate opium-smoker. I have received seve- 
 ral letters from her. In one, she says, ' I cannot 
 now run and hop, as I used to do, for my mother 
 has bound up my feet.' I believe it is not usual 
 to bind the feet at suph an advanced age, but the 
 father of the lad whom she is to marry wished it, 
 and the poor girl was compelled to yield to the 
 torture. She is now fourteen years old. When 
 I last visited Macao, I went to see her. She 
 looked pale and sickly, and said she was in great 
 pain with her feet. Her mother and friends 
 upbraided me for having taught her that it was 
 wrong to worship idols, for, said they, ' We can- 
 not make her bow to our gods ; ' ' neither will 
 she work on the Sabbath,' they continued. I felt 
 encouraged to hope that the seed sown might 
 spring up to the glory and honor of God. It is 
 by faith we are commanded to walk, not by 
 sight."
 
 LAST LETTER TO HER StSTER SUSAN. 211 
 
 To her Sister Susan the last Letter to her. 
 
 "SEPT. 15, 1844. 
 
 My dear Sister I cannot find amongst my 
 unanswered letters one from you, and yet it strikes 
 me, there is one, somewhere, to which I have not 
 yet replied ; at any rate, I suppose you will not 
 object to a line or two from me, though I may 
 not be in your debt. I must, before I proceed, 
 apologize for writing so seldom. Somehow, for 
 the last eight months, I have felt a dislike for 
 writing, and do not even write a note if I can get 
 my business accomplished without it. The rea- 
 son of this aversion I know not. I am perfectly 
 well, and go through a vast amount of labor and 
 fatigue e^ery day. I feel inclined to perform any 
 kind of work, but writing. Now I do not wish 
 you to take this feeling as an apology exactly, 
 for I know I am to blame for indulging it. I love 
 to think of you all, and often do I wish to talk 
 with you, but I do not derive as much satisfaction 
 from writing to you as I could wish. One thing 
 I will mention as somewhat of an excuse. The 
 climate this summer has been most withering in 
 its influence, and perhaps has withered my ener- 
 gies : they may revive again as the cold weather 
 comes. But, my dear sister, don't for one mo- 
 ment think that my affection has become cold : I 
 love you as much as ever, yea, more than ever, and 
 the hours devoted by others to sleep, I often spend 
 in thinking of you, and my other dear relatives 
 far away. 
 
 We feel greatly encouraged by the number 
 around us who seem to be truly inquiring the 
 way to heaven ; and it affords us happiness not 
 easily described, that we are able to point them t >
 
 212 MEMOIR OP MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 the bleeding Lamb of God. We are now realiz- 
 ing some of those anticipations which thrilled our 
 bosoms, as we saw sweet and endeared America, 
 with all its interesting scenes, fade from our view. 
 Pray for us, dear Susan ; we more than ever 
 need your prayers. I hope you will excuse me 
 for saying that your dear brother is more devoted 
 than ever to his labors. Indeed, I feel great 
 anxiety for him ; he does not look well, and has 
 enough labor for four men to do. 
 
 We are daily expecting Dr. and Mrs. Devan, 
 (missionaries sent out by the Board,) who, I doubt 
 not, will prove valuable helpers in our department. 
 Our new school-house is just completed, and is 
 on our premises, quite convenient to us. When 
 it is opened I will write some of you an account 
 of the services. We intend inviting Mr. Brown's 
 boys, Dr. Legge's, and Mr. Ball's, and I shall, 
 after the dedication, give them a dinner. My 
 girl's school prospers. The girls are daily im- 
 proving in their studies, and in habits of neat- 
 ness and industry, in which they were sadly de- 
 ficient when they first came. When the Devans 
 come, I hope the Dr. will mostly undertake the 
 instruction of the boys, and let Mrs. D. and my- 
 self teach the girls. If so, I shall take more girls: 
 at present I cannot; my strength is inadequate." 
 
 The Mission School-House at Hong Kong, as 
 we learn from a letter of Mr. Shuck's, published 
 in the Bap. Miss. Magazine, was set apart by 
 appropriate religious services on Monday the 2!Jd 
 of Sept. The scholars from other missionary 
 schools were present on the occasion. Mr. Shuck 
 commenced the exercises with a few explanatory
 
 LAST LETTER TO HER FATHEB. 213 
 
 observations, and then offered prayer ; when Luk- 
 seen-sang, one of the native preachers, made an 
 address on the importance of diligent study. Dr. 
 MacGowan then delivered an address on the 
 duty of Chinese boys loving their country, the 
 world, and their God. Luk-seen-sang then prayed, 
 and, after singing the doxology, Rev. Mr. Ball 
 pronounced the benediction. The tables were 
 then covered with various kinds of fruits, and a 
 blessing asked by Chin-Seen, a native preacher 
 of the London Missionary Society; when all par- 
 took of the viands, and the assembly dispersed, 
 apparently much gratified. 
 
 - The last Letter to her Father. 
 
 " OCT. 28, 1844. 
 
 My dearest Father, Your kind and welcome 
 letters, together with many valuable presents, 
 reached us safely on the 22d inst., by the hand 
 of our dear brother and sister Devan. Accept 
 our best thanks, my dear pa', for your kindness. 
 The articles sent were just what we needed, and 
 had I been by your side when you procured them, 
 I could not have better pleased myself. I had 
 been so much excited by the arrival of our good 
 friends, that I determined to put by your letters, 
 and the trunk, till next day ; but as my nerves 
 calmed a little, I thought I might venture to read 
 one of twenty letters which we received. So I 
 retired to my room, and opened one, which 
 chanced to be from dear ma', in which she said, 
 ' One article in the box will, I presume, please 
 you more than any thing he could have sent' 
 I said to my husband, who was standing by, ' O, 
 it must be his portrait ! let me open the trunk.'
 
 214 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ' No ! no ! ' said he, ' wait till to-night, when all 
 is quiet.' 'But I must, I must,' (not I will, mind 
 you.) ' Brother Devan has the key,' he contin- 
 ued. Off I went, and soon prevailed on brother 
 Devan to give me the key, and the trunk was 
 opened. First one parcel, then another, was un- 
 wrapped, till at last I found the portrait. And 
 now you will wish to know what I think of it. 
 My first remarks were, ' 'Tis not pa', no, 'tis not. 
 Where is the expression of his countenance? 
 Why, it is some old man.' Mr. Shuck then 
 took it, and exclaimed, ' Why, it is pa' precisely.' 
 So you see we don't always agree. However, 
 bro. Devan placed it so as to let the light fall in a 
 certain way on it, and I saw a resemblance of my 
 father's face, though time indeed has been at 
 work on you, and has increased mightily the care- 
 worn look. Dr. Devan thinks it a good likeness, 
 and I love to look at it. Yes, I love to gaze on 
 the representation of that dear face, which I shall 
 never again, possibly, behold in the flesh. I prize 
 it highly, and consider it as a precious gift. O, 
 if it could speak, how much would I say to it ! 
 
 I need not say how much we are pleased at 
 having Dr. Devan and his wife as associates in 
 our labors. They are dear friends, and we are 
 comfortably situated for the present in the same 
 house. That which will be occupied by them is 
 not yet ready for them. 
 
 You will perceive by the date of this, that it is 
 the anniversary of an event which caused your 
 breast to swell with new and peculiar feelings. 
 Yes, my dear pa', I am to-day twenty-seven years 
 old, fist, fast growing old. You would see great 
 changes in me now. I feel quite old, with so
 
 LAST LETTER TO HER 1 AMILY. 216 
 
 many olive plants around me, I assure you. O 
 that I grew better as I grow older ! 
 
 And now, my beloved pa', farewell ! May you 
 long, long be spared to your family, and to the 
 cause of God ! Do what you can for China. 
 As ever, I remain your devoted 
 
 HENRIETTA." 
 
 Mrs. Shuck's last letter to her family was dated 
 October 30, 1844, and directed to her step-mother, 
 Mrs. Hall. 
 
 " My dearest Ma' I felt grieved at myself, 
 on reading your letter to me, at my remnsness in 
 writing to you. You mention that my last was 
 dated July, 1843. I will not attempt to extenuate 
 my guilt. I confess my negligence, and beg for 
 pardon. I have not, however, forgotten you. 
 No! your image is bright in my memory, though 
 I fear you do not look so young as you did. You 
 mention many deaths in the neighborhood : how 
 truly good has God been to our dear families! 
 
 that we might be humbled in view of his mer- 
 cies, and be led to give ourselves entirely to 
 his service! But, alas! how much are we en- 
 grossed with the cares and concerns of this world ! 
 
 1 rejoice to be able to say, that recently, more 
 than ever, have I enjoyed the smiles of the 
 Saviour, I have felt so much happiness, so much 
 joy, in committing, all my cares into the hands of 
 Him, who, 1 know, cares for me. How delightful 
 to know that God is our Friend, and that all things 
 shall work together for our good ! I have not 
 been free from care and trouble, for with so large 
 a family as mine, there must necessarily be great
 
 216 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 anxiety ; but, I trust, I have been able, by the 
 special aid of Heaven, to bear up under all. At 
 one time, I had two families (missionaries) living 
 with us, and thirty children ; besides, 1 had to in- 
 struct the children, and superintend all ; and I 
 often felt sad and pressed down with care. Now 
 we have no one living with us but our dear 
 brother and sister Devan. She is a sweet sister. 
 We seem to be agreed on all points, and I pray 
 and believe that we shall be assistants to each 
 other. 
 
 When I am laid by, which will be, I expect, 
 in a few days, she will be able to aid me very 
 much. We do indeed feel happy in having them 
 associated with us. 
 
 And now, dear ma', I must say, Farewell ! 
 Write oftener, and I will try to do so too in 
 future. If all be well, you shall hear from me 
 particularly in the course of two or three weeks 
 more. I hope to have good news for you. Pray 
 for us, dear ma'. I try to remember you ard 
 yours daily in nay unworthy prayers. 
 
 With love to all the family, and a special kiss 
 for my sweet little sister, (Mrs. Hall's youngest 
 child,) Yours ever, devotedly, 
 
 HENRIETTA." 
 
 About this time, Mrs. Shuck .sent a box of 
 presents to her friends in Virginia, to the care of 
 Mrs. Keeling. The sheet containing a descrip- 
 tion of these articles, and directions as to the dispo- 
 sition she would have made of them, was finished 
 with the ensuing quotation : 
 
 "And now, my dear, dear friends, good-by. 
 O. could I have one hour's social chat with
 
 HER LAST LETTER. 217 
 
 you ! How it would refresh my soul to tell you 
 of my joys and trials, and hear you relate yours 1 
 But the thought is too painful for me to dwell on. 
 I have parted from you, and in all probability I 
 shall see you no more till we meet around our 
 Father's throne above. There all tears shall be 
 wiped away, separations known no more, and the 
 song of ' Glory to God in the highest,' swell 
 every heart. Then let us take courage, and 
 press joyfully on. Soon, very soon, our race will 
 end, and the prize be gained. ' Be faithful to 
 your Creator,' was the message of my dying 
 mother to me. O, may I bear it in mind, and 
 finally meet her, and you, and rejoice with you in 
 heaven." 
 
 Mrs. Shuck's last letter was written to the 
 Compiler of this Memoir only a few hours before 
 her death. It was penned with great care and 
 neatness. We give it entire. 
 
 " VICTORIA, (Hono KONG,) Nov. 26, 1844. 
 My dear Bro. Jeter, 
 
 Your kind, affectionate, and truly welcome 
 letter, bearing date Dec. 7, 1843, (nearly twelve 
 months ago,) only reached me yesterday, and I 
 will lose no time in replying to it. For this kind 
 expression of interest in our welfare, accept, dear 
 brother, my grateful acknowledgment. I feel 
 relieved, greatly so, for I knew not what cause to 
 attribute your silence to. I feel happy now in 
 the belief that I live in the memory of one who 
 can never cease to live in mine. Forgive mo for 
 saying thru for yon I have ever felt a sincere and 
 affectionate regard. I well remember the first 
 time I saw you, and assisting my now sainted 
 19
 
 218 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 mother in preparing some wine whey for you, as 
 you were indisposed. You will, perhaps, have 
 forgotten it. The place, time, and circumstances 
 are bright hefore my mind's eye. You took me 
 on your knee, and asked me if I loved the Sa- 
 viour, and talked to me about his blessing little 
 children, and suffering them to come unto him. 
 Again, as I grew older, you reasoned with me, 
 and urged me, not only from the pulpit, but in 
 the private parlor at old Waverley, to repent ; and 
 'twas you, my dear brother Jeter, who led me 
 into the liquid grave. O, how well do I remem- 
 ber that day, that precious day, and the dear 
 friends (some, yea, many of them now departed) 
 who accompanied me to the water's edge ! Yes, 
 there are many pleasing associations in my life 
 connected with you. 
 
 You speak of the great changes I should 
 notice, were I to return to America. Yes, verily, 
 the young have become old, and the old have 
 passed iuto the tomb. Ten years glide quickly 
 away, but, as they glide, cause wonderful changes. 
 And so pass our lives : a few more years, and we 
 shall have done with time. O that we may work 
 while we can, and \vorkfaithfully ! You will re- 
 joice to hear that the work of the Lord is pros- 
 pering here. Some have thrown away their idols, 
 becoming convinced that they are false and use- 
 less, and have united themselves to the church. 
 Others are inquiring into this new doctrine of 
 which they hear; and we trust and believe that 
 the time to favor China is at hand. Can you not 
 exert yourself for her welfare? Are there not 
 some willing to come, and spend their lives in 
 teaching the Chinese the unsearchable riches of
 
 BEMARES BY THE COMPILER. 219 
 
 Christ? We arc very few in number, and very 
 weak, while the work before us is great and pow- 
 erful. I have under my care, living on our 
 premises, thirty children, and, until recently, have 
 had no one to assist me in teaching them, except 
 a Chinese teacher. Dr. Devan and his devoted 
 companion are indeed a great help to us. Mrs. 
 Devan teaches the school, while the Dr. dispenses 
 his medicines to the sick. He has gone with my 
 husband to one of the out-stations to-day. They 
 teach and heal, and, I trust, a blessing will follow 
 their efforts. We have never seen two Christiana 
 whom we could love and admire more. They 
 are already making great progress in the lan- 
 guage, and I do believe they will prove a blessing 
 to China. They are Christians of experimental 
 piety and wisdom, and were I to say all I think, 
 I, perhaps, might seem extravagant; so I forbear. 
 Finally, remember me to dear sister Jeter, and 
 thank her for her kind and acceptable present. 1 
 shall, if I live, write to her soon. I deeply sym- 
 pathize with her in her great loss. I know what 
 it is to lose a mother. And now I must close. 
 With affectionate regards to all my friends, 
 Believe me, dear brother, 
 
 As ever yours, in the Saviour, 
 
 HENRIETTA SHUCK." 
 
 Rest, dear hand ; thy work is mushed. Thon 
 hast often, at the bidding of a generous heart, and 
 under the guidance of an enlightened intellect, 
 wielded a pen to weariness, to interest and in- 
 struct the young, to convey to friends assurances 
 of affection and sympathy, to impart consolation 
 to the hearts of the afflicted, to plead the cause of
 
 220 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 China's benighted and perishing millions, and to 
 exhibit to sinners the beauty, mercy, ;md faithful- 
 ness of the ascended Saviour. But never more 
 shall thou grasp a pen. For years thou hast 
 been laboriously employed in clothing the naked, 
 feeding the hungry, and training the young minds 
 of China for usefulness and heaven. Now all 
 thy toils are ended. The hand that greeted, with 
 so much cordiality, the missionaries newly ar- 
 rived in a pagan land, the stranger from every 
 quarter of the globe, which Providence cast within 
 its reach, and the ignorant and degraded heathen, 
 will very soon, cold and pallid, repose in the 
 grave. Rest, then, dear hand ; thou hast finished 
 thy labors, and received an honorable discharge.
 
 (221 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 i. * 
 
 Brief Sketch of the Rise, Progress, and Condition of (he Chine* 
 BnplUt Mission Baptisms Encouraging Pro*|>er.U Mr* 
 Shuck's Prusrntimeiit of her Dentil Her Preparation fur it 
 Mr. Shuck'* Letter announcing her Dentil Extract-; from Obit- 
 uary Nutir.es lir. LV van's Letter to Mr. Hall Mr. Walthall'i 
 Letter Conclusion of her Funeral Sermon in Richmond 
 Mr. Keeling'8 Tribute to Mrs. Shuck's Character Poetry writ- 
 ten on teeing Mr. Shuck's Sons in New York. 
 
 BEFORE we proceed to detail the closing scenes 
 in the life of Mrs. Shuck, it may be proper for us 
 hastily to retrospect the rise and progress of the 
 Baptist mission in China, and briefly to contem- 
 plate its condition and prospects at this period, 
 (the autumn of 1844.) In September, 1336, Mr. 
 Shuck and his companion reached China. He 
 was under the necessity of landing his family in 
 the city of Macao by stealth.' Here he was care- 
 fully watched by the Mandarines on the one hand, 
 and the Portuguese officers on the other. Before 
 the work of missions could be commenced, a lan- 
 guage singuhr in its structure, and very difficult 
 of acquisition, must be mastered. This difficulty 
 in a good measure overcome, Mr. Shuck was 
 strictly prohibited by the civil authority from 
 making any public efforts for the diffusion of the 
 gospel. His labors were restricted to personal 
 conversation, and the instruction of such persons 
 as might visit his own house. The numerous 
 19*
 
 222 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 missions, and exhausted condition of the treasury, 
 of the Baptist General Convention, prevented the 
 Board from prosecuting the China mission with 
 vfgor. For several years, Mr. and Mrs. Shuck, 
 and Mr. Roberts, labored alone in this vast, but 
 strictly guarded and unpromising field. In 1837, 
 the first Chinaman, Ah Loo, was baptized, who, 
 becoming an apostate, gate great pain to the mis- 
 sionaries. Rev. Mr. Dean, and Doctors Mac- 
 Gowan and Devan, as we have seen, subsequently 
 reenforced the mission. The breaking out of the 
 war between Great Britain and China seriously 
 threatened, at one time, its annihilation. Whether 
 the mission could be maintained was long a doubt- 
 ful question, at home and in China. But the 
 devoted pioneers in the evangelization of China, 
 labored on, amid discouragements and difficulties 
 the most disheartening. God, at length, granted 
 his servants light. The war, in many aspects 
 disastrous and revolting, brought some portions 
 of China under British rule, and prepared the 
 way for the toleration of Christianity by the em- 
 peror, throughout the " Celestial Empire." 
 
 The following extracts from the letters of Mr. 
 Shuck, written about this period, and published 
 in the Baptist Missionary Magazine, will give 
 the reader some conception of the prosperous 
 condition of the mission. 
 
 Under date of May 14, 1844, Mr. Shuck wrote, 
 " God is manifestly blessing our labors. I trust 
 that Christianity has commenced her onward 
 march in this great land of heathenism. 
 
 I have previously mentioned to you the circum- 
 stances of the conversion of Luk-Seen Sang. 
 He is an active colporteur, and valuable assistant
 
 EXTRACTS FEOM MR. SHUCK'S LETTERS. 223 
 
 in the mission. His prayers show that his heart 
 is under the influence of the Spirit of God 
 Three weeks ago he went into the interior for 
 his family, taking a large quantity of books and 
 tracts with him ; all of which he put into circu- 
 lation ; and preached the gospel in regions where 
 it was before unknown. He has just returned, 
 bringing his wife and daughter, and an inquirer, 
 who is a literary man of no ordinary talents. 
 
 Last Lord's day, I had the happiness of baptiz- 
 ing Che-ho, who, when I first fell in with him, 
 had been a Budhist priest for nine years. He 
 has been thirteen months under close and daily 
 Christian instruction, and six months an applicant 
 for baptism. He gives encouraging evidence of 
 being a child of God. He, when very young, 
 lost his wife, and to find comfort, resorted to idols ; 
 but worshipping them gave him no comfort. On 
 a visit to Hong Kong, the name in Chinese, on 
 the Queen's-Road Chapel, caused him to enter : 
 he heard me preaching in Chinese ; and from 
 that hour he resolved to forsake Budha and wor- 
 ship the true God. He sent for a younger brother, 
 who has also repudiated idols. Now his father 
 and another friend have taken up their residence 
 at Hong Kong, and both declare their belief in 
 the doctrines of the true God, and have turned 
 their backs on idols. Che-ho is a man of excel- 
 lent sense, reads the New Testament, &c., and 
 conducts private correspondence with his friends ; 
 but is not a literary man by any means. He 
 studies every day with my teacher a short time. 
 He is a child of nature, of sincere and affection- 
 ate disposition, and very amiuble. 
 
 Chek-ko, the native printer, has decided to en-
 
 224 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ter the church, and he too has lately mentioned 
 two inquirers. He heard the gospel nine years 
 ago from Leang-Afa, and, for the last ten months, 
 has been in an interesting state of mind. Hong- 
 ko is now upon his final trial of two months be- 
 fore a committee of the church, and there is every 
 prospect of his being received in two weeks from 
 this date, as his trial will then be terminated. 
 Asei is also an applicant for baptism, and in some 
 
 respects an interesting one. J , one of Mrs. 
 
 Shuck's little Chinese girls, we reilly think is 
 converted. Yong-seen-sang and Hen-seen-sang 
 both profess to believe the gospel, but are timid 
 about being baptized. 
 
 I feel that a work has now been begun in China 
 which will go on, because it is the work of the 
 Lord. Vast multitudes have heard and remem- 
 ber the gospel, and the hearts of an honored few 
 are receiving it in faith and love. Mr. Dean has 
 a large and interesting congregation, and many 
 more Tiechui people are securing ground and 
 settling here. 
 
 Our present prospects are so encouraging that 
 we hope to have several more native pre ichers in 
 full employment before the year ends. Eight na- 
 tive preachers and their families could be sup- 
 ported for what one. foreign preacher cnn be, in- 
 cluding all expenses. What a difference ! and yet 
 native preachers cannot be left without the aid 
 and oversight of foreign preachers. 
 
 June 8. On last Lord's day I had the happi- 
 ness to baptize another Chinese convert of much 
 promise. (Hong-ko, mentioned above.) The 
 baptism took place on Lord's day morning at 7 
 o'clock, in presence of a large number of wit-
 
 EXTRACTS FROM ME. SHUCK'S LETTERS. 225 
 
 nesses. I have three more natives on their final 
 trial of two months, and six other applicants, 
 nine in all, under my immediate care. There is 
 evidently a work of God going on in my Chinese 
 congregation. 
 
 July 8. I can hardly realize the present posi- 
 tion of this mission. You full well know the 
 dark circumstances attending my first coming to 
 China, and my first few years of residence at 
 Macao. But what has God wrought? With 
 feelings which I cannot possibly express, I am 
 enabled to communicate to the Board that there is 
 a religious revival going on at this time in my 
 Chinese congregations ! There is no stir, bustle, 
 nor excitement; but the still movements of the 
 Spirit "of God are evidently upon the hearts of 
 between twenty and thirty different individuals. 
 Besides the three lovely converts whom I have 
 this year been permitted to baptize, I have nine 
 others registered for baptism, and all of them 
 have been for some time under instruction. Be- 
 sides these there are several applicants for bap- 
 tism, and some inquirers who are not considered 
 candidates or applicants. Among the candidates 
 and inquirers are six individuals of fine literary 
 attainments. The prospect now is, that I shall 
 soon be able to have four pious and active native 
 preachers in the field. You will rejoice to hear 
 that my teacher, so long a professor of Christian- 
 ity, has at last come out fully, and is now on his 
 final two months' trial, preparatory to baptism. 
 He is a man of superior intellect, education, and 
 intelligence. 
 
 Aug. 14. Sabbath before last I had the pleas- 
 ure of baptizing two more interesting native con-
 
 226 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 verts, who hid undergone long and careful 
 Christi M instruction and examination. One of 
 these converts had been a secretary in one of the 
 provincial government offices in Canton, is a well- 
 educated and intelligent man, in the prime of life, 
 apt to learn and apt to teach, speaks eloquently, 
 and is already nn active and valuable accession 
 to the church and the mission. His prayers are 
 so correct and deliberate, and evince such Chris- 
 tian humility, as to afford me great satisfaction 
 concerning him. His name is Kwok-he. He 
 heard the gospel the first time from Luk-seen- 
 sang, my valuable native preacher, while on a 
 visit to Canton. The other is named Sei-ko, a 
 herdsman, of humbler circumstances than Kwok- 
 he, but an interesting young man, who gives us 
 great encouragement by his hearty love and obe- 
 dience to the truth, and has been twenty months 
 under close Christian instruction. 
 
 Sept. 4. Nearly the whole of last week was 
 taken up in public and private examinations of 
 candidates for baptism. The cause of our Master 
 at Hong Kong really seems to be onw.ird. Al- 
 though adding to my trembling joys, I had the 
 high privilege, on Sunday last, of baptizing seven 
 more interesting converts. Five had been fol- 
 lowers of Confucius, and two had been Budhists. 
 All of th3m, except one, read and write their own 
 language ; four are men of high attainments in 
 the literature of their own country, and all have 
 long been under close Christian instruction, and 
 have passed through repeated and careful exam- 
 inations. I have now baptized twelve Chinese 
 convert-i during the past eight months of 1844 
 God grant thit there may be no Judas among
 
 EXTRACTS FROM MR. SHUCK'S LETTERS. 227 
 
 them ! My anxieties concerning them are con- 
 tinual and heavy ; yet, thanks to the grace of God, 
 all give sitisfaction thus far. Eight or ten others 
 afford hnpe and encouragement ; the congrega- 
 tions continue large and attentive; and the col- 
 porteurs are diligent, and are of great assistance 
 and usefulness. 
 
 You will rejoice with me that one of the above 
 seven w is my teacher, Yong-seen-sang, who for 
 nearly six years has proved himself to be an 
 able teacher and a worthy man. Although of 
 unexceptionable conduct, and of about universal 
 good report of those who are without, and withal 
 a man of prayer, yet I much doubt whether he 
 has been a truly converted man for more than six 
 or eight months. He has passed most satisfacto- 
 ry examinntions. Lei-seen-sang is also a learn- 
 ed man, like Yong-seen-sang, has a mind of a 
 superior order, and is a perfect gentleman in 
 manners, attire, and appearance. Woon-seen- 
 sang is nlso an agreeable man, eloquent, and well 
 educated. Chny-seen-sang, though somewhat less 
 learned than the above, is an interesting man, 
 and powerful in prayer. Ch:ikrko is a worthy 
 disciple, is a head printer and a paper merchant, 
 and owns a share in a large passage boat which 
 runs between this (Hong Kong) and Canton. 
 Pang-sam is an industrious tailor, a quiet and 
 amiable man, and a growing Christian. The 
 last of the seven is Lep-wa, f.ither of the Bud- 
 hist priest who was baptized, a simple-hearted 
 and sincere old man, a gardener, and owner of a 
 small prop?rty in his native village, one day's 
 sail in the interior from Hong Kong. He has 
 manifested tearful anxiety to understand the
 
 228 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 truth ; and we really believe he loves the Sa- 
 viour, although he does not read. 
 
 At the same time and place as above, Mr. 
 Dean baptized three Tie' Chiu' men." 
 
 We have detailed mainly the labors and suc- 
 cesses of Mr. Shuck ; but Mr. Roberts and Mr. 
 Dean were equally encouraged in their efforts. 
 Such was the condition of the China Baptist mis- 
 sion in the fall of 1844. God had exercised his 
 servants there with sore trials and discourage- 
 ments ; but they had patiently continued in watch- 
 fulness, prayer, and labors. They had sown in 
 tears, and now they were reaping in joy. A 
 glorious prospect was opening to the mission. 
 The field was now, in part, opened for their la- 
 bors the first fruits were a pledge of the in-com- 
 ing harvest the intelligence and respectability 
 of the converts inspired high hopes of their use- 
 fulness and the prevailing spirit of inquiry 
 among the Chinese was a clear indication that 
 they were likely to be brought under the influence 
 of the gospel. But God designed to subject the 
 faith and patience of his servants, especially of 
 Mr. Shuck, to a fresh and severe trial. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck was approaching the period of her 
 fifth confinement. Her health for several months 
 past had been unusually good, and her labors 
 more than commonly arduous. She was, occa- 
 sionally at least, impressed with an apprehension 
 that she should not survive her season of trial. 
 A day or two after her death, the following note 
 was found among her papers, hearing evidence 
 of having been written about two months previ- 
 ously. "I am so strongly impressed with the
 
 HER PRESENTIMENT OF DEATH. 229 
 
 idea that some great and calamitous event is 
 about to befall me, that I cannot but write it down. 
 What it is, God only knows. I feel a presenti- 
 ment that something is going to take place, some- 
 thing dreadful. O Lord, prepare me for all 
 thou art preparing for me ! Help me to take 
 every dispensation of thy providence as for my 
 good." Mrs. Shuck's extreme illness and peril 
 at the birth of her fourth child might very natu- 
 rally fill her with alarm as to the result of her 
 approaching confinement. But this dread, what- 
 ever might have been its source, appears not to 
 have been constant. In her last letter to her 
 mother, written only a few days before her death, 
 she said, as we have already seen, " If all be 
 well, you shall hear from me particularly in the 
 course of two or three weeks. I hope to have 
 good news for you." Her letter to the compiler, 
 the last which she penned, was evidently written 
 in a cheerful spirit. The presentiment of her 
 death, however, evidently made a strong impres- 
 sion on her mind. In obituary notices of her, 
 published in Hong Kong shortly after her death, it 
 is stated, that " in view of these premonitions, she 
 became more fervent in prayer, and more faithful 
 in her work, and for several months she mani- 
 fested a marked spirituality of mind, and a lovely 
 ripeness of piety. She made her arrangements 
 in view of what she believed would end her 
 pilgrimage on earth. She spoke of it to her hus- 
 band and to her friends, but never with gloomy 
 forebodings such was the activity of her Chris- 
 tian hopes. Even every drawer, and all her little 
 boxes, with their various articles, have since been 
 found arranged with singular neatness and order." 
 20
 
 230 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 The following letter, addressed by Mr. Shuck 
 to his father-in-law, conveyed to her afflicted 
 family and the sympathizing community the first 
 intelligence of Mrs. Shuck's unexpected death. 
 It can hardly fail to touch a sympathetic cord in 
 the bosoms of those who have experienced similar 
 afflictions. 
 
 "Houo KOHO, Nov. 2D, 1844. 
 
 Dear, dear Father, 
 
 I wrote you a hasty note two days ago, just 
 as the mail, via England, was closing, and nerved 
 my bleeding heart to announce to you the sudden 
 death of our thrice precious Henrietta, your first- 
 born daughter, the hallowed wife of my youth, 
 and the mother of my children. My full soul 
 writhes in agony, both night and day ; and 
 although I believe I am not left without the con- 
 solations of the gospel, yet my breast heaves 
 with the billows of sorrow, the floods of tears run 
 down my eyes, tears of burning anguish. Friends 
 sympathize and condole, the children are well 
 and singularly quiet, sister Devan overlooks 
 domestic affairs like an angel of light, brother 
 Devan proves a brother indeed, and God's prom- 
 ises are neither few nor misunderstood ; but after 
 all, I am really so overwhelmed that I fear my 
 overpowering grief is unreasonable. I feel like 
 some lonely forest pine, scathed and shattered by 
 the lightnings of heaven ; my heart seems swollen 
 to double its natural size, and I literally gasp for 
 breath. 
 
 I mentioned in my last note, that for six 
 months past, and up to within three hours of her 
 departure, our precious one enjoyed unusual
 
 INTELLIGENCE OF HER DEATH. 231 
 
 health. Her illness came on at 10 o'clock, on the 
 night of the 20th inst. Before calling the Dr., 
 she requested me to join with her in prayer ; and, 
 taking her hand in mine, I knelt by her couch, 
 and, at every sentence of my prayer, she gave my 
 hand a most affectionate pressure. The Dr. 
 came at 12 o'clock at night. At 2 o'clock, a 
 fearful and sudden prostration took place, and 
 every effort, and prayer, and remedy, proving un- 
 availing, at 3 o'clock her pure spirit winged it3 
 flight to the bosom of her God and Saviour, whom 
 she so ardently loved and laboriously served. 
 For months, she was in the habit of expressing 
 to us all, in a singular manner, her presentiments 
 that she would not survive the close of the pres- 
 ent year; but no gloomy doubts about her soul 
 were ever noticed. Her mind was engaged in 
 prayer to the last ; and, as there was scarcely a 
 pain or a struggle, but purely sinking and pros- 
 tration, she literally fell asleep in Jesus, yea, 
 was almost, like Enoch, translated for having 
 walked with God. He took her, in kindness, to 
 himself, without the usual suffering and distress 
 which attend the final pangs of expiring mortali- 
 ty. She seems to have passed away like a 
 glorious meteor, and her light still shineth. Her 
 countenance, in death, assumed a heavenly smile, 
 and her body was deposited in the tomb by the 
 side of her endeared friends, Mrs. Dean and Mrs. 
 Ball. It was, it is said, the largest funeral which 
 has ever taken place in this colony, so widely was 
 she loved and esteemed by all classes, high and 
 low, foreign and native. The European police 
 corps came and chimed the sad privilege of 
 being permitted themselves, about forty in num-
 
 232 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 ber, to bear her remains to the grave. She is 
 gone to the realms of light, taken away from the 
 toils, anxieties, and ills of life, with her Saviour 
 and her own fond mother. It is the Lord that 
 has done it. God, I know, has done it in kind- 
 ness to her and to us all, and for his own glory, 
 and yet the tremendous stroke almost slays me. 
 She was a most faithful, devoted, affectionate 
 wife and mother, a laborious missionary, and 
 warm-hearted friend of all. Her prayers and 
 anxious labors for her children and the heathen, 
 will not be in vain. I never knew one whose 
 faith was stronger. She was a believer in mi- 
 nute Providence, and her devotions were punctual, 
 and her confidence in God unwavering. O! 
 she was a being of love, and a lovely being. It 
 would be almost madness in me to attempt to offer 
 you and the family consolation, seeing that I my- 
 self am burdened and smitten to the dust. O 
 God, mysterious Jehovah, Jesus, Holy Ghost, 
 comfort us all. Amen and Amen ! 
 
 In haste, but deepest affliction, your stricken 
 son, J. LEWIS SHUCK. 
 
 P. S. I find myself continually trying to be- 
 lieve that she is really not gone, but, at every turn, 
 I am reminded, by some circumstance or article, 
 that I shall see her face no more in the flesh. 
 She was in the habit of using, as companion to 
 her Bible, for a long time, a copy of the Gems of 
 Sacred Poetry, which I had presented her. Since 
 her demise, I find in this little book whole poems, 
 verses, sentences, and words, pencil-marked, with 
 her own hand, touching death, heaven, &.C., &,c., 
 and some of them turn out to be in such direct
 
 NOTICES OF HER DEATH. 233 
 
 coincidence with the circumstances of her end as 
 to be really prophetic. I will send you details on 
 this subject. I will write you again, soon. I 
 have named her darling boy Henrie Fuller, the 
 first containing all the letters of his sainted 
 mother's name, but the last three." 
 
 From the Obituary Notices, referred to above, 
 we glean the following extracts : 
 
 " Religious services having been conducted at 
 the house, by the Rev. Dr. Devan, Mrs. Shuck's 
 remains were borne to their final resting-place. 
 The Rev. Mr. Brown made an appropriate address 
 at the grave, and offered prayer. All who knew 
 her, loved her. On the Sabbath following, at 11 
 A. M., the Rev. Mr. Gillespie of the Lon. Mis. 
 Soc. preached at Hong Kong with special refer- 
 ence to the event, from the text, ' Blessed are the 
 dead that die in the Lord,' &/c., &/c. ; the Rev. 
 Mr. Dean at night at the Queen's-Road Chapel, 
 from the promise, ' Lo. I am with you alway, 
 even unto the end;' and at Macao, the Rev. Mr. 
 Lowrie, of the American Pres. mission, from the 
 text, ' Ye shall know hereafter,' &.c. All the 
 Chinese services of the same Sabbath, in connec- 
 tion with the Baptist mission, were made to bear 
 directly on the subject, and the mysterious Jeho- 
 vah has already caused good spiritual results to 
 ensue." 
 
 From the " Gems of Poetry," alluded to in the 
 postscript of Mr. Shuck's letter, the ensuing beau- 
 tiful stanzas, pencil-marked by Mrs. Shuck's own 
 hand, and adopted as expressing her own senti- 
 ments and feelings, are furnished in the Notices. 
 20*
 
 234 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 In one place she appropriated the following Ian 
 guage as her own. 
 
 "Lord, It belongs not to my care, 
 
 Whether I die or livo ; 
 To love and serve thee is my core, 
 And this thy grace must give. 
 
 If life be Ian?, I will be glad, 
 
 That I may long obey ; 
 If life be skort, I arn not sod ; 
 
 I long to be away." 
 
 Again she says, 
 
 O, what is life .' 'Tis like a flower, 
 
 That blossoms nnd is gone ; 
 It flourishes its little hour, 
 
 With all its beauties on ; 
 Death comes, and like a wintry day, 
 It cuts the lovely flower away. 
 
 O! what is life? Tis like the bow, 
 
 That glistens in the sky ; 
 We love to see its colors glow ; 
 
 But while we look, they die; 
 Life fails <u soon ; to-day 'tis here, 
 To-morrow it may disappear. 
 
 Lord, what is life ? If spent with thee. 
 
 In humble praise and prayer, 
 How Ion? or short our life may be, 
 
 We feel no anxious care : 
 Though life depart, our joys shall last, 
 When life and all its toils are past." 
 
 Again, she adopted the following as her own. 
 
 " My times are in thy hands ; 
 
 My God, I tcuA them there ; 
 My life, my friends, my foul, I 
 Entirely to thy care
 
 NOTICES OF HER DEATH. 235 
 
 My times are in thy hand, 
 
 I always trust in thee, 
 And after death at thy right band 
 
 I shall forever be." 
 
 She realized the fulfilment of the promise, 
 *' Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." 
 In her childhood, in her youth, in \\erjourneyings, 
 in her labors, in all her life, and in her peaceful- 
 ly triumphant death, this promise was verified. 
 Those who witnessed the peculiar smile of joy 
 that rested on her sainted countenance, when the 
 pure spirit had been disimbodied, and life had 
 departed, will see a prophetic interest in the fol- 
 lowing verse, taken from one of the favorite 
 poems of her little book, 'every word of the fourth 
 line having been underscored by her own hand. 
 
 "O for that summit of my wish 
 
 Whilst here I draw my breath, 
 That promise of eternal life, 
 A gloru>*j tnule iit death ! " 
 
 Again she specially marked the following, as 
 if in prediction of what was soon in her own 
 case to be fulfilled. 
 
 f do remember, and will ne'er forget, 
 The dyinf eye ! That eye alone was bright, 
 And brighter grew, as nearer death approached.; 
 As I have seen the gentle little flower 
 Look fairest in the silver beam which fell 
 Reflected from the thunder-cluud that soon 
 Came down, and o'er the desert scattered far 
 And wide its loveliness. She made a sign 
 To bring her babe 'twas brought, and by her placed: 
 Bhe looked upon its face, that neither smiled 
 Nor wept, nor knew who gazed upon 't ; and laid 
 Her hand upon it* little breast, and sought 
 For it, with look that seemed to penetrate
 
 MEMOIR OF MBS. SHUCK. 
 
 The heavens, unutterable blessings, such 
 
 At God to dying part-nU only granted, 
 
 For infant* left behind them in the world. 
 
 ' God keep my child ! ' we heard her say, and hrard 
 
 No tnore. The angel of the covenant 
 
 Was come, and faithful to hi* promise stood 
 
 Prepared to walk with her through death's dark vale. 
 
 And now her eyes grew bright, and brighter still, 
 
 Too bright for oura to look upon, suffused 
 
 With many tears ; and closed without a cloud, 
 
 They set as *cu the morning star, which goes 
 
 Not down behind the darkened west, nor hides 
 
 Obscured among the tempests of the sky, 
 
 But melts away into the light of heaven." 
 
 The death of Mrs. Shuck awakened, both in 
 China and in this country, among her acquaint- 
 ances, a lively sympathy on behalf of her bereaved 
 and deeply-afflicted family. 
 
 At a meeting of the China mission, convened 
 for the special purpose, Dec. 4, 1844, the follow- 
 ing resolutions, proposed by the Rev. Mr. Dean, 
 and seconded by the Rev. Dr. Devan, passed 
 unanimously : 
 
 " Resolved 1. That the mysterious dispensa- 
 tion of divine Providence in the removal of our 
 beloved sister Shuck, is viewed by this mission 
 as a most afflictive event, inasmuch as it has 
 bereft her fond husband of an affectionate wife 
 and faithful helper, her five young children of a 
 devoted mother and spiritual guide, and the mis- 
 sion of one of its brightest ornaments, and most 
 valued members ; 
 
 2. That while we ascribe wisdom and good- 
 ness to the providence which we cannot compre- 
 hend, it is our privilege to weep with those who 
 weep, and that we do most sincerely sympathize 
 with our bereaved brother, and most tenderly feel 
 for his motherless children, while we pray that
 
 DR. DEVAN'S LETTER. 237 
 
 this sore chastisement may be sanctified to the 
 spiritual good of himself and family ; and that 
 the sudden removal of another member of this 
 mission is a solemn call upon those who remain 
 to be more humble-minded, more diligent in duty, 
 and more watchful in prayer, that we may be 
 also prepared for the coming of our Lord." 
 
 Dr. Devan, just one month after Mrs. Shuck's 
 departure, addressed to Rev. Mr. Hall the follow- 
 ing letter of affectionate condolence : 
 
 "VICTORIA, (HONG KONG,) DEC. 26, 1844. 
 My dear Bro. Hall, 
 
 It is with melancholy pleasure I recommence 
 a line to you. In accordance with my promise, I 
 had already completed a letter to you, which I 
 kept by my side, until after the confinement of 
 sister S. But the dreadful issue was such, that 
 would not justify sending you a scrawl in such a 
 playful style as that in which I wrote, I com- 
 mitted it to destruction, and here commence anoth- 
 er. We found sister S. and family on our arrival 
 quite well and happy, and they extended to us a 
 most hearty welcome, and we felt ourselves at 
 home. The gratification which the likeness of 
 yourself afforded sister S. was indeed great her 
 only longing in that respect was that she might have 
 the miniatures of the rest of the family. Her 
 happiness now, however, is far greater in con- 
 templating the lineaments of her own dear heav- 
 enly Father, and the general assembly of the first- 
 born, where separation is no more. O that we 
 also may reach that glorious home, and join in 
 the song of redeeming love ! There are many
 
 238 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 real evidences of a kind Providence attendant 
 upon her removal, two of which bear with me 
 while I mention. 
 
 1st. She was taken immediately from Christian 
 work to Christian joy. A short three hours were 
 all that elapsed between doing the work of the 
 Lord on earth, and reaping its reward in heaven. 
 
 2d. Of all the departures from life that I have 
 witnessed, my memory does not serve me with 
 one that was attended with less physical suffer- 
 ing. But, furthermore, her removal was exactly 
 the kind that the most perfect wisdom would have 
 devised in order that it might be attended with 
 the least interruption to the mission. Had she 
 been long sick, her affectionate husband would 
 have been incapacitated to discharge the numer- 
 ous and weighty responsibilities that rest upon 
 him, and the mission would have greatly suffered. 
 Whereas, in the evening of Friday, the work of 
 the mission was performed, and on the morning 
 of Wednesday, no interruption was perceived in 
 the movement of our operations, though in that 
 interval one of the most important instrumentali- 
 ties the Lord had taken to himself. The bleed- 
 ing hearts she has left the eye of Omniscience 
 only knows ; and yet, my brother, we sorrow not 
 as those who have no hope : it is her gain, and 
 she is happy ; and as for the cause, why should 
 we mourn over the loss that has experienced ? It 
 is the Lord's cause, and he has done the deed. 
 Does he not know what is best for his own cause T 
 Certainly. 
 
 I remain yours, very truly, 
 
 T. T. DEVAN."
 
 MR. WALTHALL'S LETTER. 239 
 
 Mr. Walthall, the young Virginian, belonging 
 to the frigate Brandywine, who was mentioned 
 in the preceding chapter as being sick in the 
 family of Mr. Shuck, on receiving the painful 
 intelligence of Mrs. Shuck's death, sent to her 
 father a most consolatory and gratifying letter, 
 which we take the liberty of inserting in this 
 Memoir. 
 
 " NORFOLK, ARPIL 5, 1845. 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 Although personally a stranger, I should do 
 great injustice to my own feelings, were I to 
 neglect writing to you under the affliction occa- 
 sioned by the death of tny dear friend, your 
 daughter, Mrs. Shuck. It is not, my dear sir, 
 as a mere matter of form, or courtesy, that I ad- 
 dress you, for I well know how unavailing the 
 language of such must be to one who has lost a 
 relation so near, so loved, and so worthy of love. 
 But it is a relief to my own feelings, and it is in 
 some measure complying with a request contained 
 in the last note which I ever received from her, 
 which I will give in her own words 'Should 
 you ever see any of my beloved relations, tell 
 them all you can of me and mine. Tell them 
 we are happy, very happy, though far from them ; 
 happy, because engaged, we believe, as God would 
 have us.' Twelve months ago, I was lying in 
 Mr. Shuck's house, in what appeared to be the 
 last and lowest stage of a long and lingering 
 disease prostrate and helpless, and almost mo- 
 tionless and speechless. Your loved and lamented 
 daughter was then my friend, companion, con-
 
 240 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 fidant, and nurse. Our conversation at those 
 times was chiefly on two subjects, which were to 
 us of mutual interest Virginia, the common 
 mother of both, the home with all the cherished 
 associations of the past, which lay behind us ; 
 and the still higher theme of that heavenly home 
 before us, where we humbly hoped to meet in 
 future. Vividly and distinctly as I can call her 
 to mind, on some occasions standing in tears by 
 what all then supposed to be my death-bed, it ia 
 difficult to realize the changes which in this brief 
 period have occurred to us both. A merciful 
 Providence has, contrary to all expectation and all 
 human probability, restored me to a home, and to 
 friends whom I had never thought to meet on 
 earth ; and who can say how much of this won- 
 derful and almost miraculous deliverance may be 
 ascribed to the prayers of her, for whom we have 
 every reason to believe he has wrought a change 
 that is far more happy and glorious ? 
 
 Pardon me, dear sir, for having spoken so much 
 of myself. My recollections of Mrs. Shuck are 
 so intimately interwoven with my own personal 
 experience, that it is almost impossible to sepa- 
 rate them. It is in vain to endeavor to express 
 our feelings by words on such an occasion, and 
 I cannot, therefore, better conclude than by giving 
 you an extract from another of her notes, which 
 now lies open before me, and which I have often 
 read of late. ' Farewell, farewell ; I trust, if I 
 see you no more in this world, that we shall meet 
 at the right hand of God, where there will be 
 no more sickness, no more sorrow, and parting 
 sounds be heard no more.' That such may be 
 the happy lot of her, of you, and of me, with all
 
 FUNERAL SERMON. 241 
 
 who love the Saviour in sincerity and truth, is 
 the prayer, dear sir, of 
 
 Yours, very respectfully and truly, 
 
 W. T. WALTIIALL." 
 
 Soon after the news of Mrs. Shuck's death 
 was received in this country, the event was im- 
 proved in a sermon delivered to a large congrega- 
 tion, on Lord's day afternoon, in the First Bap- 
 tist Church, Richmond, by the compiler of this 
 Memoir, from the text which the Rev. Mr. Gil- 
 lespie used on the same occasion in Hong Kong, 
 Rev. xiv. 13. "Blessed are the dead," &,c. The 
 writer hopes he will be excused for introducing 
 he closing paragraph of the sermon. 
 
 " In conclusion, dear brethren, let us seek to 
 derive personal profit from the death of our es- 
 teemed sister. She was a member of this church, 
 and never ceased to feel a lively interest in its 
 prosperity. In the Sunday School connected with 
 it, she was a teacher. To many of you she was 
 personally known, and to some most tenderly at- 
 tached. But her connections on earth are all 
 dissolved. Her* membership is transferred from 
 the militant; to the triumphant church. To the 
 sisters, especially the young, I trust her sacrifices, 
 and generous labors, and consistent piety, will af- 
 ford an instructive lesson. You may never be 
 called to be missionaries; but, living in a world 
 filled with sin and smitten with woe, you are sol- 
 emnly called to employ your powers in doing 
 good. Let the world be better and happier for 
 your example, your labors, and your prayers. 
 21
 
 242 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 If I address any of her Sunday School scholars 
 
 her schoolmates her companions her ac- 
 quaintances, or any other persons, who are not 
 ' in Christ Jesus,' not vitally united to him, I 
 implore you by the lovely example and fervent 
 prayers of our departed friend, and, higher still, 
 by the tears and blood of Christ, and by the rest 
 and reward of heaven, to begin, without delay, a 
 life of piety. Ah, could her seraphic spirit re- 
 turn, in what strains of surpassing fervor would 
 she urge you to ' seek first the kingdom of God 
 and his righteousness' ! I address you in her 
 behalf I beseech you, as you value your souls 
 
 as you would escape an eternity of helpless, 
 hopeless woe as you would rest from your labors 
 and receive a divine reward, to commit yourselves 
 to God, in well-doing, as unto the hands of a 
 faithful Creator. 
 
 God grant that unto us all may be ' ministered 
 an entrance abundantly into the everlasting 
 kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.' 
 Amen." 
 
 The following tribute to the worth of Mrs. 
 Shuck, from the pen of the Rev. H. Keeling, 
 first appeared in the Christian Index, Ga. It has 
 already been seen in this volume, that between the 
 departed missionary and Mr. and Mrs. Keeling 
 there sprang up the most cordial friendship, 
 which wis ripened by a frequent, free, and affec- 
 tionate correspondence, maintained between them 
 during the whole period of Mrs. Shuck's resi- 
 dence in the Eist. None, beyond the circle of 
 her near relatives, more keenly felt, and more
 
 TRIBUTE TO HER CHARACTER. 243 
 
 deeply deplored, her early death, than did her 
 well-tried friends, Mr. and Mrs. Keeling. Let 
 Mr. Keeling give utterance to the feelings of 
 their hearts on this sad occasion, and the estimate 
 which they formed of Mrs. Shuck's character and 
 worth. 
 
 " MRS. HENRIETTA H. SHUCK. Information in 
 letters from Rev. Jehu L. Shuck, our esteemed 
 missionary at Victoria, Hong Kong, China, reach- 
 ed our family a few days ago, in Richmond, Va., 
 that this much-loved, noble, useful lady had 
 closed her sufferings and labors en earth. It has 
 been years since the occurrence of any event so 
 painful to ourselves as this ; but it is combined 
 with pleasing recollections and anticipations. She 
 was a beloved pupil of ours until her marriage, 
 the ceremony of which it was our pleasure to 
 perform ; and our intimacy with her enables us 
 advisedly to say, she was one of those happy few 
 who seemingly would, if they were translated 
 thither with all their imperfections, scarcely inter- 
 rupt the harmony of heaven. Ten short years 
 have rolled away since herself, her devoted hus- 
 band, and brother and sister Davenport, gave the 
 parting hand to their parents, and to the weeping, 
 rejoicing churches in Richmond. 
 
 It would seem strange that just when we be- 
 come qualified to be eminently useful, it is then, 
 at that very time, that we are called away. Mrs. 
 Shuck could read, write, and speak the Chinese 
 language : her heart was deeply imbued with the 
 spirit of missions, the spirit of philanthropy, and 
 of the gospel ; and she was already wielding an
 
 244 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 almost incalculable influence. But she is called 
 away. Such events are common, not strange; a 
 plain intinrrition that this life is only preparatory, 
 and that God has services of a higher order for 
 his people above. 
 
 Afflicted husband, children, parents, pupils, 
 mission, church, friends all! Peace, be still! 
 It is the Lord ; let him do whatsoever seemeth 
 him good. Departed saint! thy little ones will 
 find a second mother in Mrs. Doctor Devan. 
 The work begun by thyself here will advance. 
 Thou hast given to the ball an impulse which 
 will never be counteracted, but constantly accele- 
 rated. And for ourselves, personally, one of our 
 greatest consolations is, that we hope soon to 
 enjoy thy society in brighter worlds, amid still 
 nobler services. Although not quite fifty winters 
 have bleached our locks, we seem to have lived a 
 hundred nnd fifty. We have still on earth as 
 many friends as most people, but a great majority 
 of them have gone to the skies. We hope soon 
 to rejoin them ; and we will teach our dear little 
 granddaughter, thy namesake, to follow thy bright 
 example, and come after us. 
 
 H. K." 
 
 Mr. Shuck was under the painful necessity of 
 sending his two oldest children to the U. States. 
 They left China early in the yeir 1845, and 
 about the beginning of summer landed at N. Y. 
 A sight of the motherless boys, far from their 
 father, cilled forth from some feeling heart the 
 subjoined beautiful and pathetic effusion, which 
 was first published in the Baptist Advocate, N. Y
 
 POETRY ON SEEING HER SONS. 245 
 
 New York, June 17, 1845. 
 
 " ' God blew the lads ! ' deprived of mother's cure, 
 A guard of love for which earth ne'er can find 
 A substitute-. No ! search the earth around, 
 From east to west, north ward or southward go, 
 Tin matchless! 
 
 Far o'er ocean's rolling wave, 
 In peace Aer body lies, and moulders bark 
 To mother Earth. Her spirit, near the throne, 
 A seraph ! Decked with robe of glorious white, 
 Rest*, ic>. from labor, and her works succeed. 
 Fond sympathy will weep, who checks the tear! 
 As on her loved, sweet boys we gaze, und think 
 Of her who's gone, still more of Aim, alone, 
 On heathen shore. Talk ye of sacrifice ! 
 Who, in your parlors, lolling, roll in wealth, 
 And give (I blush to say it, yet 'tis true) 
 One half of what ye might bestow, nor feel 
 The gift i A sacrifice ! acceptable ! 
 No ! 'Tis no offering ! but a pittance bare. 
 Would you a lesson learn of sacrifice? 
 Go, see, on yonder deck, the father weep ; 
 Deprived of her he loved more than himself. 
 What can be do with children in a land 
 Where every sin and crime stands out to view 
 To poison their young minds eternally ? 
 Ah ! they must part. Though like a sword which cute 
 His heartstrings, does he feel the blow. They must 
 The last farewell ! O, spare ! O, must it be .' 
 To part fur life ! From those who, since their birth. 
 Were dandled on bis knees, fondly caressed, 
 And nursed with tender care ? From his embrace 
 Must they be torn away ? Yes, yes ! farewell ! 
 ' For thee I make the sacrifice, my Lord.' 
 Thy will is mine, though flesh would call it hard. 
 Then, one more kiss ! Farewell ! Farewell ! " 
 
 A plain granite slab is preparing to mark the 
 spot where repose the remains of Mrs. Shuck. 
 This hallowed spot will be dear to future mis- 
 sionaries, and unborn generations of Christian 
 Chinese will turn to it with a grateful reinem- 
 21*
 
 246 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 brance of her labors and her character, to read 
 the following inscription : 
 
 HENRIETTA, 
 
 FIRST AMERICAN FEMALE MISSIONARY TO CHINA, 
 DAUGHTER OF 
 
 The Rev. Addison Hall, of Virginia, United States 
 
 CON8OET OP 
 THE REV. J. LEWIS SHUCK, MISSIONARY TO CHINA 
 
 ( K M 1IIK 
 
 American Baptist Board for Foreign Missions. 
 
 She was born October 28, 1817. 
 Married 8ih September, 1835. 
 
 Arrived in China September, 1838. 
 
 In the prime of life, in the midst of her labors, and in 
 
 the meridian of her usefulness, suddenly, 
 
 but peacefully, 
 
 SHE DIED AT HONG KONG, NOVEMBER 27, 1844, 
 
 AGED 27 YEARS. 
 Hallowed and blessed is the memory of the good.
 
 (247) 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Mr*. Shuck's Personal Appearance Her Natural Disposition 
 Her Mental Qualities Quickness of Perception Notes of a 
 Sermon Literary Attainments Her Religious Character, 
 symmetrical. 
 
 IN person, Mrs. Shuck was below the ordinary 
 stature, in the highest health weighing but little 
 more than one hundred pounds, and frequently 
 much Jess. Her frame was delicate, and her 
 constitution fragile. With dark complexion, 
 dark and piercing eyes, and symmetrical features, 
 she was somewhat handsome. Her temperament 
 was ardent, and her spirits naturally elastic, 
 cheerful, and gay. For nothing, perhaps, was 
 she so much distinguished as the affectionateness 
 of her disposition. She was a lady of large 
 heart. Never have we known a more devoted 
 daughter, a more faithful sister, or a more sympa- 
 thizing friend. She always won the hearts of 
 her associates. Her teachers, classmates, and 
 acquaintances all loved her. She cheerfully paid 
 the price of friendship ; gained friends by show- 
 ing herself friendly. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck possessed not a brilliant, but good 
 intellect. She was not endowed with genius, but 
 with a well-balartced mind. Among her mental 
 qualities, quickness of apprehension was the most
 
 248 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 remarkable. Her intellectual efforts seem never 
 to have cost her any labor. When her mind was 
 set in motion, her thoughts and words flowed 
 spontaneously, and as long as she had use for 
 them. Her letters were evidently penned with 
 rapidity, and without one moment's premeditation. 
 As illustrative of the quickness of her mental 
 operations, we may mention the following case : 
 On one occasion, her husband complained of 
 weariness, and an incapacity to prepare for a pul- 
 pit service which he was engaged to perform. 
 She playfully proposed to compose a sermon for 
 him. Without a minute's delay, she took a sheet 
 of paper and her pencil, and having selected for 
 the text these words, " / pray thee, have me ex- 
 cused," began the sermon as follows : " Numer- 
 ous as are the excuses which sinners make when 
 urged to embrace the gospel, they may all be 
 reduced to three. Thejirst is, that they have no 
 time to attend to religion ; the second is, that they 
 do not know how to become religious ; and the 
 third is, that they are not able to become so. 
 Want of time want of knowledge or want of 
 power is pleaded by all. Foreseeing that they would 
 make these excuses, God determined that they 
 should have no reason to make them. By giving 
 them the Sabbath, he has allowed them time for 
 religion by giving them his word, and messen- 
 gers to explain it, he has taken away their excuse 
 of ignorance and by offering them the assistance 
 of his Holy Spirit, he has deprived them of the 
 pretence of inability; and thus he has obviated 
 all their excuses, and at the last day every mouth 
 will be stopped, and the whole world stand guilty
 
 HER LITERARY ATTAINMENTS. 249 
 
 before God." The above is a literal extract from 
 Mrs. Shuck's notes in pencil mark. She con- 
 tinued her remarks through several pages, but in 
 such a style as to show clearly that she did not 
 excel in writing sermons. We know not how 
 much, or whether at all, she was aided by her 
 memory in preparing the v above synopsis of her 
 sermon ; but we are quite sure that we have heard 
 sermons from preachers of reputation, whose 
 notes could not lay so good a claim to originality, 
 simplicity, and adaptation to usefulness, as those 
 of Mrs. Shuck. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck's literary attainments were highly 
 respectable. It should be remembered that she 
 died at an age at which most writers do not begin 
 to distinguish themselves. In her letters pub- 
 lished in the Memoir, the compiler felt at liberty 
 to correct only such errors as were obviously the 
 result of haste or negligence. They are mostly 
 published just as they came from her swift-mov- 
 ing pen. 
 
 Mrs. Shuck was eminently a religious woman. 
 All her letters, her journals, and her most famMiar 
 and ordinary notes, breathe a pious spirit. Reli- 
 gion exerted a controlling influence over her life. 
 In all events, whether prosperous or adverse, she 
 saw and acknowledged the hand of Jehovah. 
 Whether she ate or drank, or whatsoever she did, 
 all was done for the glory of God. One who 
 had witnessed, in the beginning of her Christian 
 life, the fervency of her zeal, and the predom- 
 inance always accorded by her to religious duties 
 and interests, would have been ready, even in the 
 absence of censoriousness, to pronounce her en-
 
 250 MEMOIR OF MRS. SHUCK. 
 
 thusiastic, and to anticipate a great change in her 
 spirit and deportment after the effervescence of 
 youth, and the short-lived ardor of her novitiate, 
 had passed away. But he would have been ut- 
 terly mistaken. The flame of her zeal was fed 
 by oil which an invisible hand furnished. Let 
 the candid reader contemplate her through years 
 of exhausting and uncomplaining toil ; in suffer- 
 ings, various and acute, without murmuring or 
 despondency ; several times in the near prospect 
 of death, not only without terror, but buoyant 
 with hope, and full of joy ; always cheerful, de- 
 vout, and seeking to glorify God, and decide 
 whether her religion was not more than form and 
 ceremony, the romance of youth, and the impulse 
 of a transient excitement. Her religion was one 
 of principle. It subordinated all her powers, time, 
 and influence to the divine will and glory. 
 
 There was in the religious character of Mrs. 
 Shuck a striking and beautiful symmetry. In 
 her character there was a happy combination of 
 knowledge, feeling, and activity. Her knowledge 
 did not degenerate into fruitless speculation, her 
 feeling into wild enthusiasm, nor her activity into 
 misdirected adventures. She was zealous, but 
 her zeal was tempered with discretion ; she was 
 devout, but her devotion was the offspring of 
 knowledge; she was useful, but her usefulness 
 was coupled with humility. Whether we con- 
 template her as a lady, gracing the social circle 
 as a mother, sedulously training her children for 
 heaven as a Christian, meekly and faithfully 
 copying the bright example of her Saviour or as 
 a missionary, laboriously fulfilling the duties of
 
 HER RELIGIOUS CHARACTER. 2-">l 
 
 her important station, we cannot but approve and 
 admire her character. But her career was brief 
 and bright, her end peaceful, and her reward, we 
 doubt not, glorious. The Lord took her, before 
 the noontide of her influence and usefulness, and 
 we humbly submit. " Shall not the Judare of all 
 the earth do right?"
 
 
 CATALOGUE 
 
 
 OF VALUABLE WORKS PUBLISHED BT 
 
 GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN, 
 
 RO. 6, WASHINGTON STRUT. 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
 THE attention of the public 1 invited to an examination of the merits of the 
 works described In this Catalogue, embracing valuable contribution! to General 
 Literature. Science, and Theology. 
 
 IU-i'le their own publications, they hare a general assortment of book* h 
 the various departments of literature, and can supply every thing In their lino 
 of business on the lowest terms, wholesale and retail. 
 
 PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY; Touching the Structure, Devel- 
 opment, Distribution, and Natural Arrangement of the RACES 
 OF ANIMALS, living and extinct, with numerous illustration*. 
 For the use of Schools and Colleges. Part I., COMPARATIVE 
 PHYSIOLOGY. By Louis AGASSIZ and AUGUSTUS A. GOULD. 
 
 " The design of this work li to furnish an epitome of the leading principles 
 of the science of Zoology, as deduced from the present state of knowledge, so 
 illustrate,! as to be Intelligible to the beginning student. No similar treatise 
 now exists in this country, and indeed, some of the topics have not beeo 
 touched upon in the language, unless in a strictly technical form, and in 
 scattered articles." r . 
 
 " Being designed for American students, the Illustrations hare been drawn, 
 as far as possible, from American objects. * Popular names have been 
 employed as far as possible, and to the scientific names an English termination 
 has generally been given. The first part is devoted to Comparative Physiology, 
 as the basis of Classification ; the second, to Systematic Zoology, in which the 
 principles of Classification will be applied, and the principal groups of animals 
 briefly characterized." Extract! from the Preface. 
 
 MODERN FRENCH LITERATURE; By L. RAYMOND D 
 VERICOUR, formerly lecturer in the Royal Athenaeum of Paris, 
 member of the Institute of France, &c. American edition, 
 brought down to the present day, and revised with notes by 
 WILLIAM S. CHASE. With a fine portrait of LAMARTINE. 
 
 .This Treatise has received the highest praise as a compAensive and 
 thorough survey of the various departments of Modern French J.iterature.- 
 It contains biographical and critical notes of all the prominent names in Phi- 
 losophy. Criticism, History. Romance, Poetry, and the Dramas and presents a 
 fall and impartial consideration of the Political Tendencies of France, as they 
 may be traced in the writings of authors cqunlly conspicuous as Scholars and 
 as Statesmen. Mr. Chase, wlio has been the Parisian correspondent of seven* 
 lending periodicals of this country. Is well qualified, from a prolonged resi- 
 dence !n France, his familiarity with its Literature, and by a personal ac- 
 quaintance with many of these authors, to introduce the work of De Vericont 
 to the American public. 
 
 "This is the only complete treatise of trie kind on this subject, ei'h'r it 
 French or English, and has received the highest commendation. Mr. Chase is 
 well qualified to introduce the worV to th public. The book cannot fall to oc 
 both useful and popular." tteie York Evening Pott.
 
 VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. 
 
 KLEMENTS OF MORAL SCIENCE. By FHAXCIS WATLAHD. 
 D.D. President of Brown University, and Profess >r of Moral 
 Philosophy. Thirty-sixth Thousand. ISmo., cloth. Price 
 fl.25. 
 
 Prom Rrr. Wilbur fi.<t, PmMe*t of Ike Wrtlfym UmtmHy. 
 
 " I hae examined it ith great satisfaction and interest. The work was 
 f really needed, and ti well executed. Dr. Waylsnd deserves the grateful 
 acknowledgment* and liberal patronage of the public. I need eay nothing 
 furtlier to express my high estimate of the work, than that we shall immedi- 
 ately adopt it at a text-book In our university." 
 
 From lion. Jamet Kent, late Chmcrllor of A'ttp York. 
 
 The work ha* been read by me attentirely and thoroughly, and I think 
 ery highly of it. The author himself it one of the most estimable of men, 
 and I do not know of any ethioal treatite, in which onr duties to God and to 
 ear fellow-men ore laid down with more precision, simplicity, eteejaes*. 
 energy, and truth." 
 
 " The work of TIT. Wayland ha> arisen gradually from th* necessity of 
 eorrectinj: the false prinriplet and fallacloui reasonings of Paley. It it a 
 radical mistake, in Uie education of youth, to permit any book to to used 
 by student* a* a text-book, which contain* erroneous doctrines, especially 
 when these are fundamental, and tend to vitiate tlie * hole system of moral*. 
 We have been greatly pleated with the method which I*re*ideut Wat land ha* 
 adopted ; be goes back to the simplest and most fundamental principles ; and. 
 In the statement of his Tiews, he unites perspicuity with conciseness and 
 precision. In all the author's leading fundamental principle* we entirely 
 concur." Biblical Sepotitory. 
 
 MORAL SCIENCE ABRIDGED, by the Author, and adapted to 
 the use of Schools and Academies. Twenty-fifth Thousand. 
 18mo., half cloth. Trice 25 cents. 
 
 The more effectually la meet the desire expressed for a ftep edition, Ibe praent 
 edition u lamed at (be reduced prict of 'IS emu ptr copy, and it is hoped ihenbjr to 
 extend the benefit of moral inunction to all the youth of our land. Teachers aad all 
 ethers engaged in toe training of youth, ue inriied to examine thu work. 
 
 Dr. Wayland ha* published an abridgment of his work, for the use of 
 schools. Of this step we can hardly speak too highly. It is more than time 
 that the study of moral philosophy should be introduced into all onr Institu- 
 tions of education. We are happy to e the way so auspiciously opened for 
 nich an introduction. It has been not merely abridged, but alo rt-writtf*. 
 We cannot but regard the labor a* well bestowed." forth American Jterietc. 
 
 We speak that we do know, when we express onr high estimate of Dr. 
 WayUnd's ability in teaching Moral Philosophy, whether orally or by the 
 hook. Having listened to his instructions, in this interesting department, we 
 Can attest how lofty are the principle*, how exact and severe the argument*. 
 flon, how appropriate and strong the illustrations which characterize his 
 system and enforce it on the mind." Tht Christia* Witata, 
 
 " The work of which this rolnme If an abridgment, is well k-now u one of 
 ihe best and most complete works on Moral J'hiUwnphy extant The author 
 ie well known as one of the most profound scholars of the tgf. That the study 
 ef Moral Science, a science which teaches goo'lnett, should be a branch of 
 education, not only In our colleges, hut in our schools and academies, we 
 believe will not be denied. The abridgment of this work seems to u* admi- 
 tmbly calculated for the purpose, and we hope it will be extensively applied 
 10 the purposes for which It is Intended." - TVr Jfercoirifc Journal.
 
 VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. 
 
 THE ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL ECONOMY. By FRANCIS 
 WAYLA.ND, D.I)., Presidnt of Brown University. " Fifteenth 
 Thousand. 12mo., cloth. Price $1.25. 
 
 " !fi. object h.i< been to write a book, which any one who chooses may 
 nderstnml. He lias, thi-refore, labored to exprew the general principles in 
 the plainest manner possible, and to illustrate them by cues with which 
 every person is fnmiliar. It has been to the author a sourer of regret, that the 
 course of diMMiin in the following pages, has, unavoidably, Ted him over 
 pound which hu frequently been the arena of political controversy. In all 
 inch ease*, he hu endeavored to state what seemed to him to be truth, 
 without fe.ir, favor, or affection. He i consciou* to himself of no bias towards 
 any party whatever, and he thinks that he who will read the whole work, will 
 be convinced that he has been Influenced by none." Rxtract from Preface, 
 
 POLITICAL ECONOMY, ABRIDGED, by the Author, and 
 adapted to the use of Schools and Academies. Seventh 
 Thousand. ISrno., half morocco. Price 50 cents. 
 
 " The original work of the author, on Political Economy, has already been 
 noticed on our piigrs ; and the present abridgment stand* In no need of a 
 recommendation from us. We may be permit!.'.!, lu.wcvcr, to y, that both 
 the rising und risen generations are deeplv indebted to Dr. Wy Intnl. for the 
 skill and power he hu put forth tn bring a highly important subject distinctly 
 before them, within such narrow limits. It is to be hoped, this will form 
 a clus*-book, and be faithfully studied in our academies; and thnt it will 
 And it* wy into every family library. It Is fitted to enlarge the mind, 
 to purify tlie judgment, to correct erroneous popular impressions, and assist 
 erery man fu forming opinions of public measures, which will abide the test 
 of time and experience." Borto* Recorder. 
 
 " We rejoice to see inch treatises spreading among the people : and we urge, 
 all who would be intelligent freemen, to read them. Xeu> York Transcript. 
 
 " It is well adapted to high schools, and embraces the soundest system of 
 republican political economy of any treatise extant." Daily Advocate, 
 
 THOUGHTS on the present Colleginte System in the United 
 States. I'y KitAxns WAYL.AND, D.D. Price 50 cents. 
 
 "These Thoughts come from a source entitled to a very respectful atten- 
 tion i and the author goes over the whole ground of coUegiate education, criti- 
 cising freely all the arrangement* In every department and in all theii 
 bearings." 
 
 PALEY'S NATURAL THEOLOGY. Illustrated by forty plates 
 and Selections from the notes of Dr. Paxton, with additional 
 Notes, original and selected, for this edition ; with a vocabu- 
 lary of Scientific Terms. Edited by JOHN WARE, M.D. 12mo., 
 sheep. Price 31.25. 
 
 " The work before us is one which deserres rather to be studied than 
 merely read. Indeed, without diligent attention and study, neither the excel- 
 lences of it ean be fully discovered, nor Its advantages realized. It is, there- 
 fore, gratifying to find" it introduced, as a text-book, into the colleges and 
 literary Institutions of o-ir country. The edition before us Is superior to any 
 we hare seen, and. we believe, superior to any that has yet been published." 
 
 Spirit nfthr filgrina. 
 
 " Perhaps no one of our author's works gives greater satisfaction to all claawf 
 of IT. ; the ignorant and the enlightened. Indeed, 
 
 we ; thi arguiiieim Tor the existence and attributes 
 
 of the < MI-- me Being to be drawn from hu works, are exhibited in a manner 
 more attractive and inure convincing." C'Arurioa) ftrawuvr.
 
 VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. 
 
 BLARE'S ! >!v IN A8TRONONY. Deinipd for the 
 
 Use of I .ols. ByJ. L. HI.AKK, I). I). Illustrated 
 
 by Steel Plate Engravings. 8vo., cloth back. Price 60 cenU. 
 
 From E. UincHty, Prof, of MaOumatict in Maryland 1'nivertity. 
 
 " I mm much indebted to you for copy of the Fint Book in Astronomy. 
 It If a work of utility and merit, far superior to any other which I have wen. 
 The author has icler'tod hi topics with prcat judgment, arranged them in 
 admirable order, - exhibited them in a style and manner at once taiteful and 
 philosophical. Nothing seems wanting. nothing redundant It is truly a 
 Terr beautiful and attractive hok. rulrulatrd to afford both pleasure and 
 profit to all who may enjoy the advantage of penning it." 
 
 from B. Field, Principal of the Hancock School, Boiton. 
 
 "I know of no other work on Astronomy so well calculated to Intcret* 
 and Instruct young learner* in this sublime science." 
 
 From Isaac .Foster, hatructor of Youth, Portland. 
 
 "I hare examined Blake's First Book in Astronomy, and am mnch pleated 
 with It A very happy selection of tonics Is presented in a manner which 
 cannot fail to Interest the learner, while the auertions will assist him materi- 
 ally In fixing in the memory what ought to be retained. It leaves the moat 
 intricate parts of the subject for lhoe who are able to master them, and bring* 
 before the young pupil only what can be made intelligible and interesting 
 to him." 
 
 "We are free to say, that It Is, In our opinion, decidedly the best work 
 we have any knowledge of, on the sublime and interesting subject of Astron- 
 omy. The engravings are executed in a superior style, and the mechanical 
 appearance of the book is extremely prepossessing. Evening Gazette, Jtotton. 
 
 "We do not hesitate to recommend It to the notice of the superintending 
 committees, teachers, and pupils of our public schools. The definitions in tht 
 first part of the volume are given in brief and clear language, adapted to the 
 understanding of beginners." Slate HtroM, -V. II. 
 
 BLAKE'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Bein? Conversations on 
 Philosophy, with the addition of Explanatory N"te<, Questions 
 for Examination, and a Dictionary of Philosophical Terms. 
 With twenty-eight steel Engravings. By J. L. BLAKE, D.D. 
 12mo., sheep. Price 67 cents. 
 
 % Perhaps no work has contributed to much as this to excite a fbndnass) 
 for the study of Natural Philosophy in youthful minds. The familiar 
 comparisons, with which it abounds, awaken interest, and rivet the attention 
 of the pupil. 
 
 From Rn. J. Adam*, President of Charleston College, S. C. 
 
 "I have been highly gratified with the perntal of your edition of COB- 
 renations on Natural Philosophy. The Question*, Notes, and Explanarioni 
 of Terms, are valuable additions to the work, and make this edition superior ' 
 to any other with which I am acquainted. I shall recommend it wherever 
 I have an opportunity." 
 
 " We avail ourselves of the opportunity furnished u by the publication of 
 new edition of this deservedly popular work, to recommend it, not only to 
 those instructors who may not" already have adopted it, but alio generally to 
 all readers who are desirous of obtaining information on the subjects on which 
 it treats. By Questions arranged at the bottom of the page*. In which th 
 collateral facts are arranged, he directs the attention of the learner to the prin- 
 cipal topics. Mr. Blake ha* also added many Notes, which iiluntrate th 
 passages to which they are appended, and the Dictionary of Philosophical 
 Tenni is a useful addition." V. 3. Literan Ontrttr.
 
 VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. 
 
 YOUNG LADIES' CLASS BOOK. A Selection of Lessons for 
 Reading in Prose and Verse. By E. BAILEY. A.M., late 
 Principal of the Young Ladies' High School, Boston. Stereo- 
 typed Edition. 12mo., sheep. Price 83>i cents. 
 
 From the Principal* of the Public School* far Female*, Roitm, 
 
 GEXTI.EMEX: We have examined the Young Ladle*' Clan Book with 
 interett and pleasure ; with interest, became we have felt the want of a Read- 
 ing Book exprewly designed fur the use of female*; and with pleunre, be- 
 cause we hare found U well adapted to supply the deficiency. The high-toned 
 morality, the freedom from sectarianism, the ta*te, richness, and adaptation 
 of the selections, added to the neatness of it* external appearance, must com- 
 mend it to all ; while the practical teacher will not fail to observe that diversity 
 of style, together with thus* peculiar potato, the want of which, few, who have 
 not felt, know how to supply. 
 
 Itespectfully yours, BABKVM FIELD, ABRAHAM ANDREWS, 
 
 B. O. PAKKKB, CHARLES Fox." 
 
 From the Principal of the Mount Vernon School, Botton. 
 
 " I hare examined with much interest the Young Ladies' Class Book, by 
 Mr. Bailey, and have been very highly pleased with it* content*. It 1* my 
 intention to Introduce it into my own school ; a* I regard it a* not only remark- 
 ably well fitted to answer its particular object a* a book of exercises in the art 
 of elocution, but a* calculated to have an Influence upon the character and 
 conduct, which will be in every respect favorable." JACOB ABBOTT. 
 
 " We were never so (track with the importance of having reading books 
 for female schools, adapted particularly to that express purpose, as while 
 looking over the pages of this selection. The eminent success of the com- 
 piler in teaching this branch, to which we can personally bear testimony, i* 
 sufficient evidence of the character of the work." Annul* of Education. 
 
 ROMAN ANTIttUITIES AND ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY. By 
 C. K. DIU.AWAY, A.M., late Principal in the Boston Latin 
 School. With Engravings. Eighth Ed., unproved. 12nio., 
 Half mor. Price 67 cts. 
 
 Prom E. Bailey, Principal of the Young Ladief High School, Botton. 
 
 " Having ued Dillaway't Roman Antiquitiei and Ancient Mythology In 
 my school for several yean, I commend It to teacher* with great confidence, 
 u a valuable text-book on those interesting branches of education. 
 
 E. BAILET." 
 
 14 The want of a cheap volume, embracing a succinct account of ancient 
 enitoms, together with a view of classical mythology, ha* long been felt. 
 Mr. DilUway's book seem* to have been prepared with special reference to 
 the want* of those who are Just entering upon a classical career; and we 
 deem it bat a simple act of justice to say, that it (applies the want, which, 
 M we have before said, ha* long been felt A peculiar merit of this compila- 
 tion, and one which will gain it admission into our highly respectable female 
 eminariet. Is the total absence of all allusion, even the most remote, to the) 
 disgusting n'i'c-nitie* of ancient mythology ; while, at the same time, nothing 
 to omitted which a pure mind would feel interested to know. We recom- 
 mend the hook a* a valuable addition to the treatises in our schools and 
 academies." Education Reporter, Bottom. 
 
 " It wa* reserved for one of our Boston Instructor* to apply the condensing 
 apparatus to this ma*s of crudities, and so to modernize the antiirniiirt of the 
 old Romans, a* to make a befitting abridgment for schools of the first order. 
 Mr. Dillaway ha* presented such a compilation a* must be Interesting to lad*, 
 and become popular a* a text-book. Historical fact* are stated with great sim- 
 plicity and clearne** i the most important [joints are seized upon, while trifling 
 peculiarities are passed unnoticed. "An. Traveller.
 
 VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. 
 
 COMPARATIVE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. The Earth 
 
 and Man. Lecture < on Comparative Physical Geography, in 
 its relation to the History of Mankind. By Arnold Guyot. 
 Translated from the French by Prof. C. C. FELTOX. With 
 Illustrations. Second Thousand, 12mo. Price, Jl 2-5. 
 
 " Geography U here presented under a now rtml attractive phase. It 
 no longer a dry description of the feature! of the earth'* surface. 
 The influence of soil, scrm-ry, and climate upon diameter, litu not yet 
 received the consideration due to it from historians and philosopher!. In 
 the volume before in, tin- profound investigations of Iliiinboldt, Kilter, 
 anil other*, in Physical Geojraphy, are presented in a jn.pul.ir form, and 
 with the rlB-irnc8 unit vivacity u rhnrncl'-iiKtii: of French lreaiie* on 
 eicnce. Tho work should be introduced into our higher school*." 
 The luileptniitnt, JV. 7. 
 
 ' Thee lectures form one of the mo?t valuable contri'iutions to peo- 
 graphic il icicnce that hru> ever been published in tlii-" country. 'I'hey 
 invest the study of geography with an interest \\liich will, we doubt not, 
 surprise and delight m my. They will ojien an entire new woild to most 
 readers, and will lie found an invaluable uid to the teacher and student 
 of geography." Evening- Traveller. 
 
 THE CICERONIAN ; Or the Prussian Method of Teaching the 
 Latin Language. Adapted to the use of American Schools, by 
 B. SKAKS. 18mo., half mor. Price 50 cents. 
 
 From tJte Pro/tuort qf Harvard University. 
 
 We beg leave to observe, that we consider this book a very valuable addi- 
 tion to our stock of elementary works. Its (Treat merit Is, that It renders the 
 elementary instruction in LsMa less mechanical, by constantly calling the 
 reasoning power of the pupil into action, and gives, from the beginning, 
 deeper insight into the very nature, principles, and laws not only of the LsUin 
 language, but of language in general If the book required any other 
 recommendation beside* that of being the work of so thorough and experi- 
 enced a scholar as Dr. Sears, it would DC this, that the system illustrated in it 
 is not a mere theory, but has been practically tested by many able instructors 
 in Germany. We wish that the same trial may be made here- 
 
 Very respectfully yours, CHABI.KS BECK, 
 
 C. C. FLTO." 
 
 From S. H. Taylor, Principal of PhiJIipt' Academi, Andorer. 
 
 " I have examined, with much pleasure and profit, the ' Ciceronian,' pre- 
 pared by Dr. Sears. It is admirably adapted to make thorough teachers and 
 thorough pupils. It requires of the teacher a precise and intimate acquaint- 
 ance with the minutisj of Die Latin tongue, and necessarily induces in the 
 pil habits of close thought and nice discrimination. The plan of the work 
 
 " 
 
 excellent S. II. TAYLOK." 
 
 p 
 Is 
 
 MEMORIA TECHNICA ; Or, the Art of Abbreviating those 
 Studies which pive the greatest Labor to the Memory; Includ- 
 ing Numbers', Historical Dates, Geography, Astronomv, Grayi- 
 ties, &c. By L. D. JOHNSON. Third Edition, revised and 
 improved. Octavo, cloth back. Price 50 cents. 
 
 "ThU system of Mnemotechny, differing considerably from the one intrc- 
 daced by Prof. Uouraad. is designed to furnish all the rules for aiding th* 
 memory without lessening mental culture, which can be made available dar- 
 ing a connw of elementary study. The Illustrations mv be easily compre- 
 hended hy any person of ordinary mental rapacity i and the application of 
 the principles upon which the system is based, rnunt necessarily furnish an 
 agreeable and useful exercise to the mind." -Veic Tort Teachert' Advocate.
 
 PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOLOGY. 
 
 ANCIENT LITERATURE AND ART ; Or, Essays on Clas- 
 sical Studies, with the Biography and Correspondence of 
 Eminent Philologists. By BAUXAS SEARS, of Newton, 
 B. B. EDWARDS, of Andover; and C. C. FBLTON, of Cam- 
 bridge. 12mo. Cloth. Price, SI 25. 
 
 * The object of the accomplished gentlemen who have engaged in its prepa- 
 ration has been, to foster and extend among educated nun. in thin country, the 
 already growing interest In classical studies. The di-ipn is a noble and 
 veneroui one, and hai been executed with a taste and good tense that do honor 
 both to the writen and the publisher*. The book is one which deserves a place 
 In the library of every educated man. To thow now engaged in classical study 
 It cannot fall to be highly useful, while to the more advanced scholar, it will 
 open new sources of interest and delight In the un for gotten pursuit* of hi* 
 earlier days." Providence JcmrnaL 
 
 GESENirS'S HEBREW GRAMMAR. Translated from the 
 Eleventh German Edition. By T. J. CONANT, Prof, of He- 
 brew and of Biblical Criticism and Interpretation in the Tbeol. 
 Institution at Hamilton, X. V. With a Course of Exercises in 
 Hebrew Grammar, and a Hebrew Chrestomathy, prepared by 
 the Translator. 8vo. cloth. Price $2.00. 
 
 ** Special reference has been had In the arrangement, illustrations, the 
 addition of the Course of Exercises, the Chrestomathy, *c-, to adapt it to the 
 wants of those who ma/ wish to pursue the study of Hebrew without the kid 
 of a teacher. 
 
 LIFE OF GODFREY WILLIAM VON LIEBNITZ. On the 
 basis of the German Work of Dr. G. . Guhrauer. By JOHN 
 M. MACKIE. 16mo. cloth. Price 75 cents. 
 
 " The peculiar relation which IJebnitz sustained daring his life to Locke 
 and Newton may partly account for the fact that a biographyof this great 
 has been so long wanting in the English language. . . . we commend 
 book, not onlr to scholars and men of science, out to all onr readers who 
 to contemplate the life and labors of a great and good man. It merit 
 special notice of all who are interested in the business of eduratirjn, and 
 deserves place by the side of Brcwster's Life of Newton, in all the libraries' 
 of our schools, academies, and literary institutions." Christian \\'<itrhman. 
 
 " There is perhaps no case on record of a single man who has so gone the 
 rounds of human knowledge as did Liebnitz : he was not a recluse, like Kpi- 
 noza and Kant, but went from capital to capital, and associated with kings 
 and premiers. All branches of thought were interesting; to him, and he seems 
 in punning all to have bern actuated not by ambition, but by a incei 
 desire to promote the knowledge and welfare of mankind. 6'Aristton World. 
 
 LIFE OF ROGER WILLIAMS. The Founder of the State of 
 Rhode Island. By WM. GAMMELL, Prof, in Brown University. 
 With a Likeness. 12mo. cloth. Price 76 cents. 
 
 14 Mr. Oammelli fine belles-letters attainment! have enabled him to present 
 his distinguished subject in the most captivating light. So far as the work 
 touches controversies which reach and Influence the present times, it is ouf 
 privilege as well as duty tn read it as a private citizen, and not as a public jour- 
 nalist Its mechanical e'xeentinn Is In the usually neat style of the respectable 
 publishers." C'Arurton Alliance. 
 
 " This life has many virtues brevity, simplicity, fairness. Though written 
 by a Rhode Island man, and warm in its approval of Roger Williams, it is 
 Dot unjust to his Puritan opponents, but only draws such deductions as wets 
 unavoidable from the premises. It ii the lire of a poo./ man. and we read 
 with grateful complacency 'he lommodittiou uf kit excellences." 
 
 Vkrittia* World. 
 
 d this 
 
 ho love 
 
 t* the
 
 W. & R. CHAMBERS'S WORKS. 
 
 CHAMBER'S CYCLOP<EpIA OF ENGLISH LITERATURE ; 
 A selection of the choicest productions of English Authors, 
 from the earliest to the present time ; Connected by a Criti- 
 cal and Biographical History. Edited by ROBKKT CHAMBERS. 
 In two vols. octavo, with upwards of 800 elegant illustrations. 
 Price, in cloth, $5.00. 
 
 V The Publisher! of the AMERICAN Edition of thli valuable work desire 
 to state, that, besides the numerous pictorial illustrations In the English Edition, 
 thej have greatly enriched the work by the addition of fine iteel and mezzotint 
 engravings of the hcadi of Shakspeare, Addinon, Byron ; a full length portrait 
 of Dr. Johnton, and a beautiful scenic representation of Oliver Ooldimlth and 
 Dr. Johnton. These elegant addition! together with luperior paper and bind- 
 ing mutt give this a decided preference over all other editioni. 
 
 " We hail with peculiar pleasure the appearance of this work, and more pirxir- 
 Wly its republicarion in this country at a price which places It within the 
 reach of a great number of readen, and for which they can expect to be remu- 
 nerated only by a very extensive sale." 
 
 " The selections given by Mr. Chamber! from the works of the early English 
 writers are copious, and judiciously made. * * * * We shall conclude at -e 
 commenced, with expressing a hope that the publication which has called 
 forth our remarks will exert an influence in directing the attention of the 
 public to the literature of our forefather!." Worth America* Review. 
 
 CHAMBERS'S MISCELLANY of Useful and Entertaining 
 Knowledge, with elegant illustrative engravings. Edited by 
 WILLIAM CHAMBERS. Ten volumes, cloth. Price $W.W 
 
 , The design of the MISCELLAH T is to supply the increasing demand for 
 useful, Instructive, and entertaining reading, and to bring all the aids of litera- 
 ture to bear on the culth-ation of the feelingt and understanding of the people 
 to imprest correct views on important moral and tocial questions suppress 
 every species of strife and savagery cheer the lagging and desponding by the 
 relation of tales drawn from the imagination of popular writers rouse the 
 fancy by descriptions of interesting foreign icenet give a zest to every-dny 
 occupations by ballad and lyrical poetry in short, to furnish an nnobtruiie 
 friend and guide, a lively fireside companion, as far as that object can b* 
 attained through the instrumentality of books. 
 
 CHAMBERS'S LIBRARY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. A series of 
 small books, elegantly illuminated. Edited by WILLIAM 
 CHAMBERS. Each volume forms a complete work, embel- 
 lished with a fine steel engraving, and is sold separately. 
 18mo. Price 3TX cents. 
 
 ORLANDINO : A Story of Self-Denial. By MARIA EDGEWORTK. 
 
 THE LITTLE ROBINSON : And other Tales. 
 
 UNCLE SAM'S MONEY BOX. By Mrs. S. C. HALL, 
 
 JACOPO : Tales by Miss EDGEWORTH and others. 
 
 TRUTH AND TRUST. Jervis Ryland Victor and Lisette. 
 
 ALFRED IN INDIA. CLEVER BOYS. 
 
 MORAL COURAGE. TALES OF OLD ENGLAND. 
 
 [EP* Other volume* are in preparation.
 
 THE WORKS OF JOHN HARRIS, D D. 
 
 THE PRE-ADAMITE EARTH: Contributions to Theological 
 Science. 12mo. Price 85 cents. 
 
 " It b a book for thinking men." It opens row tnuni of thought to the 
 reader puts him in a new position to survey the wooden of Ood's works i 
 and compels Natural Science to Irear her decided testimony iu support of Divine 
 Truth." 1'liitaiielphia Ch. Observer. 
 
 MAN PRIMEVAL; Or, the Constitution and Primitive Condi- 
 tion of the Human Being. A Contribution to Theological Sci- 
 ence. Vflth a finely engraved portrait of the author ; 12ino. 
 cloth, price $1.25. 
 
 This is the second volume of a series of works on Theological Scienee. 
 The first was received with much favor the present Is a continuation of the 
 principles which were seen holding their way through the successive kingdom! 
 of primeval nature, and are here resumed and exhibited in their ueit higher 
 application to individual man. 
 
 " Ills copious and beautiful illustrations of the successive laws of the Divine 
 Manifestation, have yielded us inexpressible delight." Loud. Eclectic Jievieio, 
 
 THE GREAT COMMISSION; Or the Christian Church consti- 
 tuted and charged to convey the Gospel to the World. A Prize 
 Essay. With an Introductory Essay, by W. R. WILLIAMS, D.D. 
 Sixth thousand. 12mo. Price $1.'00. 
 
 " Of the several productions of Dr. Harris, all of them of great value, that 
 now before ns is destined, probably, to exert the most powerful influence in 
 forming the religious and missionary character of the coming generations. But 
 the vast fund of argument and instruction comprised in these pages will excite 
 the admiration and inspire tin- gratitude of thousands in our own land as well 
 as in Europe. Every clergyman and pious and reflecting layman ought to pos- 
 sess the volume, and make' it familiar by repeated perusal." Jliuttun Recorder. 
 
 THE GREAT TEACHER; Or, Characteristics of our Lord's 
 Ministry. With an Introductory Essay, by H. HUMPHKKY, D.D. 
 Tenth thousand. 12mo. Price 86 cents. 
 
 " The book itself must have cost much meditation, much communion on the 
 bosom of Jesus, and much prayer. Its style is, like the country which gave it 
 birth, beautiful, varied, finished, and everywhere delightful. But the style of 
 this work is iu smallest excellence. It will be read : it ought to be read. It will 
 Dnd Its way to many parlors, and add to the comforts of many a happy fireside. 
 The reader will rise from each chapter, not able, perhaps, to carry with him 
 many striking re-mark* or apparent paradoxes, but he will have a sweet im- 
 pression made upon his soul, like that which soft and touching music maket 
 when every thing about it is appropriate. The writer pours forth a clear and 
 beautiful light, like that of the evening lighthouse, when it sheds its rays upon 
 the sleeping waters, and cover- tin-in with a surface of gold. We can nave no 
 sympathy with a heart which yields Dot to impressions delicate and holy, 
 which the perusal of this work will naturally make." //onyuAtre Gazette. 
 
 MISCELLANIES ; Consisting principally of Sermons and Essays. 
 With an introductory Essay and notes, by J. BELCHER, D.D. 
 16mo. Price 76 cents. 
 
 " Some of these essay* ire among the flnent In the language ; and the warmth 
 and energy of religious feeling manifested, render them peculiarly the treason 
 of the closet and the Christian fireside." Rancor Gaiette. 
 
 MAMMON ; Or, Covetousness, the Sin of the Christian Church. 
 A Prize Essay. 18mo. Price 46 cents. Twentieth thousand. 
 
 ZEBULON; Or, the Moral Claims of Seamen stated and en- 
 forced. Ifc'mo. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE ACTIVE CHRISTIAN; Containing "The Witnessing 
 Church," etc. 32mo. Price 81 cent*.
 
 CHUBCH HISTORY. POLITY AND MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 THE APOSTOLICAL AND PRIMITIVE CHURCH ; Popular 
 in its government and simple in its worship. By LTMAM 
 COLK.MAN. With an introductory essay, by Dr. ArcoBTUB 
 NEANDKK, of Berlin. Second Kdit. 12m"o. cloth. Price $1.25. 
 
 From the Prmfutort in Andorer Theoloijical Seminary. 
 " The undersigned are pleased to hear that you are toon to publish a new 
 edition of the ' Primitive Church,' by I.YWAK COLEUAH. They regard thii 
 roluine the result of extcmive and original rc< nrch ; a* embodying Terr 
 important materials for reference, much sound thought . argu 
 
 ment In their estimation. It may both Interest and instruct the intelligent 
 layman, may be profitably used as a Text Book for Theological Student*, 
 nd should 'especially form a part of the libraries of clergy men. The intro- 
 duction, by NEANDIE, if of luclf sufficient to rcconnn.nl ll.e volume to 
 the literary public." L.EOXAKD WOODS, BELA II. EDWARDS, 
 
 RALPH EMEBSOH, EUWAKU A. PAKK. 
 
 THE CHURCH MEMBER'S HAND BOOK. A Guide to 
 the Doctrines and Practices of Baptist Churches. By Rev. 
 WILLIAM CROWKLL. 18mo. Cloth. Price 37^ cents. 
 
 " We hnrf nerer met with * book of this * that oonlained so full nnd complete a 
 yimpsM of the Doctrines and Practice of lite Baptist, or any other church, as this. Mr 
 Crow 11 is one of UK nbt-st writers in the denomin <ti..n. '<! if <!IT it 4 ulij-ct hi the 
 whole rann of Christianity which be is prr-emiti-nilt qulifte<l to thcii, ii is (lie out 
 bclorr m. "I be Hand Book ' is not an abridgment of the Church MemU-r ' Maa- 
 ual," by the same author, hut is written exprislj as brief, pbUn fuMe to jognj SBenv 
 ksn of the churci. It pp-*r to hate been prepared with much care ami lalor, and 
 Is Just such a book aa is oiede.l bv e*rr younjr chuich raetnbr-r ; w mipht ssMr add, 
 and br mott at the older merobrii in the il-noinm.lwn ; for then is a rt amount of 
 Mbnoatioa io k that will IK found of practical use to all. " Ckri t *a* Stcnttrf. 
 
 " It is eoncWe, clear, and camprehensire ; and, us an imposition of ecelsias'leal prks- 
 chilcs) >nd practise, Is worthy of currM studj of all Ihevonns; menM>n "(> church-s. 
 We hope k ma; be widely circulated, ml thut the yo.uhf.,1 iMxisaixls of our Israel 
 may brcome fxmilk>r with its pa; ." H alc/inun and Rtjttclor. 
 
 THE CHURCH IN EARNEST; By JOHJC ASGELL JAMKS. 
 
 18mo. cloth ; price 50 cents. 
 
 A Tery seasonable publication. The church universal needs a re-awakening 
 to Its high rotation, and this la a book to effect, so far as human intellect can, the 
 mneh desired resuscitation." .V. Y. Oom. A<ir. 
 
 " We are glad to see that this subject has angled the pen of Mr. James. We 
 welcome and commend it. I*t it be scattered like autumn leaves. We believe 
 its perusal will do much to Impress a conviction of the high mission of the Chris- 
 tian, and much to arouse the Christian to fulfil it." A. 1'. Krcorder. 
 
 " We rejoice that this work has been republished to this country, and we e*n- 
 nottoo jtrongly commend it to the serious perusal of the churches i 
 name." Chriitiim AUiance. 
 
 " Mr. James's writings all hare one object, to do execution. He writes under 
 the Impulse Do something, do it. He studies not to be a profound or lcan>d, 
 bat a practical writer. He aims to raise the standard of piety, holmes* in the 
 heart, and holiness of life. The influence which thU work will exert on tht 
 church must be highly salutary." Boston Kecorder. 
 
 TIIK CHVRCH MEMBER'S GUIDE. By Rev. J. A. JAMBS. 
 Ktlitcl bv Rev. J. 0. CHOULES. New Edition ; with an Intro- 
 ductory Essay, by Rev. H. WIMSLOW. Ibmo. cloth. Price 36 
 cents. 
 
 A pastor write* "I iineerely wish that erery professor of religion In tti 
 land may possesa this excellent manual. I am anxious that every member 
 of my chnn-h should possess it, aud shall be happy to promote its circulation 
 itill more extensively." 
 
 "The spontaneous effusion of our heart, on laying the book down, wa*,-- 
 may every church-member In onr land soon possess this book, and be blesse< 
 with all the happiness which conformity to Its evangelic sentiments and 
 dsMCtions is calculated to confer." - Vkrittia* Secrttan/.
 
 THE WORKS OF JENKYN CHURCH -KEMPIS. 
 
 THE EXTENT OF THE ATONEMENT, in its relation to God 
 and the Universe. By THOMAS W. JESK.YN, D.D. 12mo. 
 cloth. Price 85 cents. 
 
 "We have examined this work with profound Interest and become deeply 
 Impressed with its value. Its style is lucid, its analysis perfect, lu spirit and 
 tendencies eminently evangelical. We have nowhere else seen the atone- 
 ment su clearly denned, or vindicated on grounds so appreciable." 
 
 MM York Recorder. 
 
 "As a treatise on the grand relation of the Atonement, it is a book which 
 may be emphatically snid to conUin the seeds of things,' the elements of 
 mightier and nobler contributions of thought respecting the sacrifice of Christ, 
 than any modern production. It is characterized by highly original and 
 dens* trains of thought, which make the reader feel that he is holding com- 
 munion with a mind that can ' mingle with the universe..' We consider this 
 volume as setting the long and fiercely agitated question, as to the extent of 
 the Atonement, completely at rest. Posterity will thank the author till the 
 latest ages, for his illustrious arguments." Ann fort Kraaoelut. 
 
 THE UNION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CHURCH. 
 
 in the Conversion of the World. By THOMAS \V. JKNK.YS, 
 D.D. 12mo., cloth. Price 85 cents. 
 
 " The discussion Is eminently scriptural, placing its grand theme, the union 
 of the H.ily Spirit and the Church in the conversion of the world, in a verf 
 Clear and affecting light." Christian Watchman. 
 
 " A very excellent work upon a very Important subject The author seem? 
 to have stiiditd it in all its benrings, as presented to his contemplation in th* 
 acred volume." Lonilon Ei-a-vjelical Magazine. 
 
 " Fine talent, sound learning, and scriptural piety pervade every page. It is 
 Impossible that it can be read without producing great effects. Mr. Jenkyn 
 deserves the thanks of the whole body of Christians for a book which will 
 greatly benefit the world and the church." London Evaxijelitt. 
 
 ANTIOfH ; Or, Increase of Moral Power in the Church of 
 Christ. By Rev. P. CHURCH. With an Introductory Essay, 
 by BARON STOW, D.D. 18mo., cloth. Price 60 cents. 
 
 "ltd a book of close and consecutive thought, and treats of subjects which 
 re of the deepest Interest, at the present time, to the churches of this country. 
 The author is favorably known to the religious public, as an original thinker, 
 and forcible writer." Christian Reflector. 
 
 " By some this book will be condemned, by many It will be read with 
 pleasure, because it analyses and renders tangible, principles that have been 
 Tajrndy conceived in many minds, reluctantly promulgated, and hesitatingly 
 believed. We advise our brethren to read the book, and judge for them- 
 alvea." Kaplitt Record. 
 
 It Is the work of an original thinker, on a subject of great practical Interest 
 to the church. It is replete with suggestions, which, in our view, an emi- 
 nently worthy of consideration." Fhila. Chriitian Observer. 
 
 THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. By THOMAS A KEMPIS. 
 With an Introductory Essay, by T. CHALMEJIS, D.D. A new 
 and improved edition. Edited by H. MALCOM, D.D. 18mo., 
 cloth. Price 38 cents. 
 
 THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST. By ERNBST 
 SARTORIUS, D. D. Translated from the German, by ROT. 
 O. S. STEARNS, A. M. Cloth. 42 cents. 
 
 " A work of much Ability, anil presenting the argument in a ityle that 
 will be new to moat American readers, it will deservedly attract atten- 
 tion." A". Y. Otatrvar.
 
 MEMOIRS OF DISTINGUISHED MISSIONARIES. 
 
 MEMOIR OF ANN H. JUDSON. late Missionary to Burmah. 
 By Rev. JAMKS D. KXUWI.ES. With a likeness. 12mo., fin 
 Edition, price 86 cents. 18ino. Price 58 cents. 
 
 " We are particularly gratified to perceive a new edition of the Memoirs of 
 Mrs. Judson. She was an honor to our country one of the most noble- 
 spirited of her sex. It cannot, therefore, be surprising, that so many editions, 
 and so many thousand copies of her life and adventures have been sold. 
 The name the long career of suffering the self-sacrificing Bpirit of the 
 retired country-girl, have spread over the wlmle w..rld ; and the heroism of 
 her apostleship and almost martyrdom, stands out a living and heavenly 
 beaeon-flre. amid the dark midnight of ages, and human history and exploits. 
 She was the first woman who resolved to become a missionary to heathen 
 countries." American Traveller. 
 
 " This is one of the most Interesting pieces of female biography which ha* 
 ever come under our notice. No quotation, which our limits allow, would do 
 Justice to the facts, and we must, therefore, refer our readers to the volume 
 Itself. It ought to be immediately added to every family library." 
 
 London Mitcellant. 
 
 MEMOIR OF GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN, Late Missionary 
 to Burmah, containing much intelligence relative to the Bur- 
 man mission. By Rev. ALONZO KING. EmbellNhud with a 
 Likeness; a beautiful Vignette, representing the baptismal 
 scene just before his death ; and a drawing of his tomb. By 
 Rev. H. MALCOM, D.D. 12ino. Price 75 cents. 
 
 " One of the brightest luminaries of Burmah is extinguished dear brother 
 Boanlmun is gone to his eternal rest He fell gloriously at the head of his 
 troops in the arms of victory, thirty-eight wild Karens having been 
 brought into the camp of king Jesus since the beginning of the year, beside* 
 the thirty-two that were brought in during the two preceding years. Dis- 
 abled by wounds, he was obliged, through the whole of the la.it expedition, to 
 be earned on a litter ; but his presence was a host, and the Holy Spirit accom- 
 panied his dying whispers with almighty influence." Jtiv. JJr. Judtom. 
 
 MEMOIR OF MRS. HENRIETTA SHUCK, The first American 
 Female Missionary to China. By Rev. J. B. JETEK. With a 
 Likeness. Fourth thousand. 16mo. Price 50 cents. 
 
 "The style of the author Is sedate and perspicuous, such as we might 
 expect from his known piety and learning, his attachment to missions, and 
 the amiable lady hose memory he embalms. The book will be extensively 
 read and eminently useful, and thus the ends sought by the author will be 
 happily secured. We think we are not mistaken in this opinion. Those 
 who are interested in China, that large opening field for the glorious con- 
 quests of divine truth, will be interested In this Memoir. To the friends of 
 missions generally, the book is commended, u worthy of an attentive peru- 
 sal." The Fa mill/ Vuitor, Button. 
 
 MEMOIR OF REV. WILLIAM G. CROCKER, Lato Missionary 
 in West Africa, among the Rassas, Including a History of the 
 Mission. By R. B. MEDBEKY. With a likeness. 18mo. 
 Price 62M cents. 
 
 " Our acquaintance with the excellent brother, who Is the subject of this 
 Memoir, will be long and fondly cherished. This volume, prepared by a lady, 
 of true taste and talent, and of a kindred spirit, while it is but a just tribute 
 to his worth, will, we doubt not, furnish lessons of humble and practical piety, 
 and will give such facts relative to the mission to which he devoted his life, as 
 to render it worth/ a distinguished place among the religious and missionary 
 biography which has so much enriched the family of '
 
 WORKS ON MISSIONS. 
 
 THE MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE ; A Collection of Discourses 
 on Christian Missions, by American Authors. Edited by 
 BARON STOW, D.D. 12mo., cloth. Price 85 cents. I 
 
 " If we desired to put into the hand) of foreigner a fair exhibition of the 
 capacity and spirit of the American church, we would give him thl volume. 
 You have here thrown together a few discourses, preached from time to time, 
 by different individual*, of different denomination*, as circumstance! have 
 demanded them ; ti.d yon see the stature and feel the pulse of the American 
 Church in these discourses with a certainty not to be mistaken. 
 
 " You see the high talent of the American church. We venture the asser- 
 tion, that no nation In the world has such an amount of forceful, available 
 talent in Its pulpit. The energy, directness, scope, and intellectual spirit of 
 the American church if wonderful. In this book, the discourses Dy Dr. 
 Beechcr, 1'res. Wa viand, and the Rev. Dr. Stone of the Episcopal church, are 
 among the very highett exhibitions of logical correctness, and burning, popu- 
 lar fervor. This volume will have a wide circulation." The Jfew Enguauler. 
 
 " This work contains fifteen sermons on Missions, by Rev. Drs. Wayland, 
 Griffin, Andenon, Williams, Beecher, Miller, Fuller, Beman, Stone, Mason, 
 and by Kev. Messrs. Kirk, Stow, and Ide. It is a rich treasure, which ought 
 to be in the possession of every American Christian." Oarolina Kaptitt. 
 
 THE GREAT COMMISSION ; Or, the Christian Church consti- 
 tuted and charged to convey the Gospel to the world. A Prize 
 Essav. By John HARRIS, D.D. With an Introductory Essay, 
 by \V. R. WILLIAMS, D.D. Sixth thousand. 12mo., cloth. 
 Price $1.00. 
 
 " His plan Is original and comprehensive. In filling It np the author has 
 Interwoven facts with rich and glowing illustrations, and with trains of 
 thought that are sometimes almost resistless In their appeals to the conscience. 
 The work is not more distinguished for its arguments and its genius, than for 
 the spirit of deep and fervent piety that pervades it." The Dav>i<ring. 
 
 " Its style is remarkably chaste and elegant Its sentiments richly and (fer- 
 vently evangelical, its argumentation conclusive." Zion't Herald, liosum. 
 
 " To recommend this work to the friends of missions of all denominations 
 would be but faint praise ; the author deserves and will undoubtedly receive 
 the credit of having applied a new lever to that great moral machine which, 
 by the blessing of Cod, is destined to evangelize the world." 
 
 Christian Secretary, Hartford. 
 
 " We hope that the rolnrne will be attentively and prayerfully read by the 
 whole church, which arc clothed with the " Great Commission " to evangelize 
 the world, and that they will be moved to an Immediate discharge of Its high 
 and momentous obligations. -V. K. Puritan, Boston. 
 
 THE KAREN APOSTLE ; Or, Memoir of Ko THAH-BYD, the 
 first Karen convert with notices concerning his Nation. Bv the 
 Kev. FRANCIS MASON. Edited by Prof. H. J. BIFLEY. fifth 
 thousand. 16mo., cloth. Price 26 cents. 
 
 " This is a work of thrilling interest, containing the history of a remarkable 
 man, and giving, also, much information respecting the Karen Mission, here- 
 tofore unknown in this country. It gives an account, which must be attrac- 
 tive, from its novelty, of a people that have been but little known and visited 
 by missionaries, till within a few years. The baptism of Ko Thah-Byu, la 
 1M8. was the beginning of the mission, and at the end of these twelve yean, 
 twelve hundred and seventy Karens are officially reported as members of th 
 churches, in good standing. The mission has been carried on pre-eminently 
 by the Karens themselves, and there is no doubt, from much touching evi- 
 dence contained in this volume, that th*r are a people peculiarly susceptible 
 to religious impressions."
 
 HYMN BOOKS. 
 
 THE PSALMIST : A New Collection of Hymn, for the use 
 
 of the Rnp'ixt Churches. By KAIJON Sn>-,v ami S. !". SMITH. 
 
 i by U. C. \Viiii:,':n, Oeo. B. Me, 1!. \V. Uriswdd, 
 
 S. P. Hill, J.'B. Taylor, J. L. Dnee, W. T. Bruntly, K. B. C. 
 
 Howell, bainucl \V. l.yirl, :uul .luh;i M. l'ci-k. 
 
 Pnlpit (. li'i'ni, 12mo. sheep. 1'rice sl.'J.O. Pew edition. ISmo., 
 75 cents. Pocket edition, 32mo., OGU ft*. All tlie different 
 sizes supplied in extra styles of Liudiug at corresponding 
 prices. 
 
 *,* Thli work It mny be tiij, hu become THK BOOK of the Biptirt denomi- 
 nation, having been introduced extensively Into every State in the Uion, 
 and the British province*. A* a collection of hymns it stands unrivalled. 
 
 The united testimony of pastor* of the Baptist churches in Boston and 
 Tlclnlty, In New York, and in Philadelphia, of the most decided and flatter- 
 ing character, has been givru in favor of the book. Also, by the Profeasnn ! 
 Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, and the Newton Theological 
 Institution. The fame, also, has been done by a great nnmber of clergymen, 
 churches. Associations, and Conventions, in every State of the I'r.ion. 
 
 The following notice, from the Miami Association, of Ohio, is but a speci- 
 men of a host of others, received by the publisher* : 
 
 Your Committee recommend to the attention of the Churches, the new 
 work called The Psalmist,' as worthy of special patronage. 1. It ! exceed- 
 ingly desirable that our whole denomination should ue in the i>r..rc< of th 
 sanctuary the same psalm*, hymns, and spiritual songs. To secure uniformity, 
 we prefer ' The Psalmist,' because it is strictly, and from the foundation, 
 iVusgsna for the use of Baptist churches, is not surpassed by any Hymn 
 Book in the world. 2. It ha* been prepared with the greatest care. In no 
 instance ha* a Hymn Book gone through so thorough a revision. 3. It is a 
 book of very superior merit*. The Committee then-tore recommend to th 
 churches the adoption of this work a* well calculated to elevate the taste and 
 the devotion of the denomination." 
 
 THE PSALMIST, WITH A SUPPLEMENT, By RICHARD 
 FULLER, of Baltimore, and J. B. JETER, of Richmond. (Style 
 and prices s:\me as above.) 
 
 *,*This work contains nearly thirtrm htmrfrrd Aymn-, original and selected, 
 by 172 writers, besides pieces credited to fifty-five collections of hymns or other 
 work*, the authorship of which b unknown. Forty-five are anonymous, being 
 traced neither to authors nor collections. 
 
 TB SUPPLEMENT, occupying the place of the Chants, which in many 
 lections of the country are seldom used, was undertaken by Rev. MUSTS. 
 Fuller and .Icier, at the solicitation of friends at the South. 
 
 The Psalmist contains a copious supply of excellent hymns for th 
 pulpit We an acquainted with no collection of hymns combining. In an 
 equal degree, poetic merit, evangelical sentiment, ami a rii-h variety of sub- 
 jects, with a hnppy adaptation to pulpit rrviir. i >..! M.ng%, like old friends, 
 are more valuable than new ones. A nnmber of the hymn* hrst known, most 
 Talned, and most frequently snng in the South, are not fun ml in the Psalmist. 
 'Without them, no hymn book, whatever maybe its excellences, is likely to 
 become generally or permanently popular in that region." Prt/acc. 
 
 COMPANION FOR THE PSALMIST. Containing Original 
 Music. Arranged for Hymns in ' The I'^Umist,' of pecnliai 
 character and metre. By N. D. GOULD. Pric 12X cents. 
 
 WINCHELL'S WATTS. WATTS AND R1PPON.
 
 VALUABLE WORKS ON BAPTISM. 
 
 JEWETT ON BAPTISM. The Mode and Subject* of Baptism. 
 By Jhu> P. JEWKTT, A.M., lute 1'rotessor in Marietta College 
 and a Hut-used Minister of the Presbyterian Church. Tenth 
 thousand. Price 25 cents. 
 
 Rev. J. R. Graves, one of the editor* of the Tennessee Baptist, In a recent 
 number ul' hi paper, lays : " Who will write the history of one little Jftrrtt on 
 Hapti-m ' Hundreds in our land hare been converted to the truth by Derat- 
 ing that book. In the pait year, Remington, an able Methodist preacher, read 
 that work. It recalled in his cooveniou he wrote /.u' reasons,' ud thtj 
 eonverti-.l another preacher, and the pebble thus thrown by Bro Jewvtt in the 
 tea of mind, produced a ware which produced another, and thus In long tue- 
 eession they ill travel on, each producing iu successor until they break on 
 the ihora* of eternity. I the object nut a commendable one ? It is pouring 
 oil upon the unresting wave of religious mind, lashed by angry discussions. 
 Such I* .oka read in solitude with ouc'j Bible and his God, will huah the tarn- 
 pest of his own soul to rest." 
 
 JUDSON ON BAPTISM. A Discourse on Christian Baptism; 
 with many quotations from Pedobapist authors. To which are 
 added a letter to the church in Plymouth, Ms., and an address 
 on th mode of baptizing. By "ADOSIRAM .h DSON. Fifth 
 American edition, revised and enlarged by the Author. 18mo. 
 Price 2,j e 
 
 This work is now published In book form, and having been thoroughly 
 rerised and enlarged by its venerable author, while in this country. It will bsi 
 ought for and read with Interest by all. 
 
 "It is aclesr, calm, and convincing view of the futility of the distinguish- 
 ing points of 1'edobaptism, and a rational and scriptural defence of the 
 baptism of persons of suitable age aud qualifications, and in the manner 
 prescribed in the New Testament* Ckrirlian Review, Dec. 1847. 
 
 ESSAY ON CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. By Rev. BAPTIST 
 W. NOEL. " He that believeth and is baptized shall be 
 saved." 16mo. Cloth. Price 60 cents. 
 
 Sftiart /ram Prtfact. During mjr n.inia'ry in the estaMishment, an Indrfniie 
 
 feu ol U. eoociusiuo* t which I ru.gSt arrive, Iwl me to arokl the study of u> ques- 
 
 .'U*^cU tu exaniinr hooescjy each pusiagv of J>chpiure upon 
 
 v <hu* olHin.M cofivineril me thai 
 
 irr^ni '<- *nd faith AurM nreOHle bnpiisin. Aware |K>W nmny an dbpoaad lo 
 altflilMiia itf op*Mos> wsjisticoitirjulic'.s Uicir own, to such a pariioj, otie-suled inTeu- 
 ntion .-iii-lri, I litfrniinrd u> fuim my own joil^-mrnt rauVly 
 
 by uv <to ' al ihr DcrindiTV, and of such sultanas advooia uV bupimm of intanu. 
 To th.it .ti'nr.iiiuon I have adhcml ; mid noi having mid a single Baptist book or 
 inf work as an independent mllinonj to the exclusive right 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW. A Quarterly Publication. Edited 
 by .1. I>. KXOWI.KS. BARNAS SEARS, and S. F. SMITH. 
 
 A limited number of complete seta, from U36 to 1843 
 in. 4 the first Eight volumes, can be supplied at 
 
 $10.n" I..I.T v!, in neat Cloth backs. 
 
 A !' the work, from vol. 2 to vol. 8 inclusive, 
 
 will IK- supplied in boards, the seven volumes, for $5.00 per set. 
 :mes (except the/rsOi supplied in numbers, at 
 $1.00 per volume. 
 
 This work contains valuable contributions from all the lending men of th 
 Baptist denomination, and is an Important acquiition to anv library. Th 
 present opportunity to secure seta of the early volumes of tins work at tnui 
 craatlr mluced price, will, w an iure, be embraced by many who desire to 
 posaesi it, and may never again have so favorable an opportunity, as tM 
 Hock on hand is limited.
 
 RIPLEY'S NOTES. CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE. 
 
 THE FOUR GOSPELS, WITH NOTES. Chiefly Explanatory; 
 intended principally for Sabbath School Teachers and Bible 
 Classes, and as an aid to Family Instruction. I'v II. J. 
 RIPI.KY. With a Map of Palestine. Eighth thousand." 12mo., 
 half morocco. Price $1.25. 
 
 " The undersigned, having examined Professor Ripley's Notes on the (',"- 
 pelt, can recommend them with rontidence to all who need lUch helps in the 
 study of the tarred Scriptures. Those passages which all can understand arc 
 left without note or comment,' and the principal labor is devoted to the 
 explanation of such parts at need to be explained and rescued from the per- 
 versions of errorists, both the ignorant and the learned. The practical sug- 
 gestions at the close of each chapter, are not the least valuable portion of the 
 work. Most cordially, for the sate of truth and righteousness, do we wish for 
 ttieie Note* a wide circulation." 
 
 BAROV STOW, R. H. NEALK, R. TCRXBCLL, 
 
 DAMRI. SIIAKP, J. W. PAKKEE, N. COLTER, 
 WM. HAOI-E, R. W. CUSMMAX, J. W. Bos WORTH. 
 
 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. WITH NOTES. Chiefly 
 Explanatory. Designed for Teachers in Sabbath Schools and 
 Bible Classes, and as an Aid to Family Instruction. By Prof. 
 H. J. Ripley. With a Map of Paul's Travels. Third Thousand. 
 12ino., half morocco. Price 75 cents. 
 
 * On examining the contents, we are favorably Impressed, first, by the won- 
 derful perspicuity, simplicity, and comprehensiveness of the author's rtylc i 
 secondly, by the "completeness and systematic arrangement of the work, in all 
 Its ports ; thirdly, by the correct theology, solid inntruetion, and consistent 
 explanations of difficult passages. The work cannot fail to be received with 
 favor." t'krutian Reflector, Button. 
 
 CRUDEN'S CONDENSED CONCORDANCE. A Complete 
 Concordance to the Holy Scriptures ; by ALEXAXDKR CRD- 
 DEN, M.A. A New and Condensed Edition, with nn Introduc- 
 tion ; by Rev. DAVID KING, LL.D. Fifth Thousand. Price, 
 in Boards, $1.25 ; Sheep, $1.50. 
 
 ,* This edition is printed from English plates, and Is a full and fair copy 
 of all that is valuable in Cruden as a Concordance. The condensation of the 
 quotations of Scripture, arranged under their most obvious heads, while it 
 diminishes the bulk of the work, greatly facilitates the finding of any required 
 passage. 
 
 " Those who have been acquainted with the various works of thti kind 
 now In use, well know that Cruden's Concordance far excels all others. Yet 
 we have in this edition the best made better. That is, the present is better 
 adapted to the purpones of a Concordance, by the erasure of superfluous 
 reference^ the omission of unnecessary explanations. f\nd the contraction of 
 quotations. &c. ; It is better as a manua'l, and is better adapted by Its price to 
 the means of many who need and ought to possess such a work, than the 
 former larger and expensive edition." Bntirm Recorder. 
 
 " The new, condensed, and cheap work prepared from the voluminous and 
 costly one of Cruden. opportunely fills a chasm in our Biblicnl litcratum. 
 The work has been examined critically, and pronounced complete and accu- 
 rate." Baptist Record, Philadelphia. 
 
 " This is the very work of which we have long frit the need, and we an 
 touch pleased that its enterprising publishers can now furnish the student at 
 the Bible with a work which he so much needs at so cheap a rutc." 
 
 Atli-tnt Herald, Ration, 
 
 " We cannot ee but it Is. in all point*, as valuable a book of reference, for 
 Ontotcn and Bible students, as the larger edition.- - Ohrunan fajltrtor.
 
 FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS. 
 
 MALCOM'S BIBLE DICTIONARY. A Dictionary of the 
 most important Names, Objects, and Terms, found in the 
 Holy Scriptures; intended principally for Sunday School 
 Teachers and Bible Classes. By H. 'MALCOM, D.D. Illus- 
 trated by Engravings. 18mo. half morocco. One Hundreth 
 thousand. Price 60 cts. 
 
 " All who for a moment recur to the fact, that large folio* would not infll- 
 eiently elucidate the subjects which are brought to view in the Bible, will at 
 once fee the difficulty which the author must hare felt, In compressing all the 
 information which he has so judiciously condensed. If any should inquire. 
 Why hare we not more, the theinei being o numerom? let such an one look 
 gain, and, perhaps, in his surprise, he will exclaim. How is it, that, in a book 
 so completely portable, we hare so much? to have made a larger book, a* 
 could have been done with for less labor than this cost, might have placed it 
 beyond the reach of many, to whom it will now be useful. All who know the 
 allusions to ancient customs, and Jewish usages iu Eastern countries, with 
 which the Bible abounds, will discover something of the worth of this volume. 
 It is very neatly printed on handsome type and fine paper, and will, we 
 doubt nut, meet, as it deserves, a ready sale." Cfiriitian Watchman. 
 
 HAGUE'S GUIDE TO CONVERSATION on the New Testament 
 Designed for the Use of Bible Classes and Sabbath Schools. 
 Vol. I. Matthew, Vol. II. John. By Rev. WM. HAGUE. 
 Price 17 cents each. 
 
 SABBATH SCHOOL CLASS BOOK. Comprising copious 
 Exercises on the Sacred Scriptures. By E. LINCOLN. Revised 
 and improved by an eminent Clergyman, and a Superinten- 
 dent. Price 12> cents. 
 
 " Having examined your Sabbath School Class Book, it gives us pleasure to 
 express our satisfaction with its design and execution. The great benefit 
 which a good claw book accomplishes, consists in guiding the mind of the 
 scholar in the study of hi* lesson, and in suggesting topics of conversation to 
 the teacher. To this end we think your work is well adapted ; having avoided 
 In a great degree, the evils of extreme redundance or conciseness. 
 
 Wx. HAGUE, II. MALCOU, 
 
 E. THRESHKR, BAKU.V STOW. 
 
 LINCOLN'S SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS, With the answers 
 annexed, giving in the language of the Sacred Volume, interest- 
 ing portions of the History, and a concise view of the Doc- 
 trines and Duties exhibited' in the Bible. Price $1.00 per doz. 
 
 .* Where Bibles cannot be furnished to each scholar, the Scripture Ques- 
 tions may be used with convenience, a* the _rwers are printed. 
 
 THE SABBATH SCHOOL HARMONY; containing appropri- 
 ate Hymns and Music for Sabbath Schools, Juvenile Singing 
 Schools, and Family Devotion. By N. D. GOULD. Price 
 12X cents. 
 
 SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. Containing a Descriptive 
 Account of Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Insects, Reptiles, Ser- 
 pents, Plants, Trees, Minerals, Gems, and Precious Stones, 
 mentioned in the Bible. By WM. CARPENTER, London; with 
 improvement", by Rev. G. I). ABBOTT. Illustrated by numer 
 ous Engravings. 12mo. cloth, Price $1.00.
 
 REV. HARVEY NEWCOMB'S WORKS. 
 
 HOW TO BE A LADY; A Book for Girls, containing useful 
 hints on the formation of character. Fifth thousand. 18mo., 
 gilt cloth. Price 50 cents. 
 
 " Having daughter* of hii own, and hiring been many years employed in 
 writing fur the young, lie hopes to b* able to offer ome go. id advice. In an 
 entertaining way. for girl* or mirs. bvtwrrn the age* of eight and Hfieem. 
 Ili object is. to assist them in forminc their characters upon the b*t model t 
 that they may become well-bred, intelligent, refined, and good ; and then they 
 will hf real t'.ti.:<. in the highest sense."- Pntfaet. 
 
 "They are full of wholetoine ancl ju.licious counsels, which are wel*. fitted to 
 preserve the young from the nnmberle evil* to which they are exposed, and 
 to mould them to virtue and otefulnew. There if a directness and earneitneu 
 pervading the whole, which mutt secure for it a ready acceu to the youthful 
 mind and heart." Albany Argot. 
 
 HOW TO BE A MAN ; A Book for Bovs, containing useful 
 hints on the formation of character. Fifth thousand. 18mo., 
 gilt cloth. Price 50 cents. 
 
 "My design in writing has been to contribute something toward* forming 
 the character of those who are to be our future electors, legislator*, governor*, 
 judges, ministers, lawyer*, and physicians, after the best model. It is 
 intended fur boy* or, if you please, for j/oaitg gentlemen, in early youth, 
 from eight or ten to fifteen or sixteen years of age." I'ir/aee. 
 
 " They contain wi*e and important counsel* and cautions, adapted to the 
 young, and made entertaining by the interesting style and illustrations of th< 
 author. They are fine mirror*, in which are reflected the prominent Hnca- 
 mcnts of the Ukrintian young gtntlrmtu, </. The execution of 
 
 the works 1* of the first order, and the book* will nllorj elegant and mont prof- 
 itable present* for the young." American l'\Uj<it. 
 
 ANECDOTES FOR BOYS ; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narra- 
 tives, illustrative of principles and character. Icmo., gilt cloth. 
 Price 42 cents. 
 
 " Nothing ha* a greater interest for a yonthful mind than a well-told rtory, 
 mud no medium of conveying moral instructions so attractive or so successful. 
 The influence of all such stories is far more powerful when the child 1* awured 
 that they arc true. The book before us is conducted npon these idea*. It is 
 made up of a series of anecdotes, every one of which Inculcates some excel- 
 lent moral lesson. We cannot too highly approve of the book, or too strongly 
 recommend It to parent*." Wetter* Cbnfinen*, Baltimore. 
 
 ANECDOTES FOR GIRLS ; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narra- 
 tives, illustrative of principles and character. 18mo., gilt cloth. 
 Price 42 cents. 
 
 " There is a charm about these two beautiful volumes not tn be mistaken. 
 They are deeply interesting and instructive, without being fictitious. The 
 anecdote* are many, short, and spirited, with a mcral drawn from rich, somt- 
 what after the manner of T-_,, ; and no youth can read them without finding 
 omething therein adapted to every age, condition, and duty of life. We 
 commend it to families and schools." Albany Sjtfrtntur. 
 
 "He desire* to instruct rather than to dazzle ; to infuse correct principle* 
 into the minds and the heart of the young, than cater to a depraved appetite 
 for romantic excitement. We cordially commend these volume* to all 
 parent* and children." Chrirtian Alliance. 
 
 CHRISTIANITY DEMONSTRATED in four distinct nnd inde- 
 pendent series of proofs ; with an explanation of the Types and 
 Prophecies concerning the Messiah. 12mo. Price 75 cento. 
 
 The object of the writer ha* been to classify and condente the evidence, 
 that the whole force of each particular kind might be seen at one view. He 
 hai alto aimed to render the work practical, so a* to have it a book to be read 
 a* well a* studied. The Type* and Prophecies furnish an important specie* 
 jf evidence, and are rich in in*truction upon the way of Salvation.
 
 ELEGANT MINIATURE VOLUMES. 
 Gill Eiiget and beautifully Ornamented Covta. Prict Sl> ttntt tack. 
 
 DAILY MANNA for Christian Pilgrims. By ReT. B. STOW, D.D. 
 
 THE ATTRACTIONS OF HEAVEN. Edited by the ROT. 
 H. A. GRAVES. 
 
 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. An Aid to the Right Under 
 standing and Spiritual Improvement of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 THE ACTIVE CHRISTIAN. By JOHN HARRIS, D.D. 
 
 THE BIBLE AND THE CLOSET. Or, how we may read the 
 Scriptures with the most spiritual profit. And Secret Prayer 
 successfully managed. Edited by Rev. J. O. Choules. 
 
 THE MARRIAGE RING, or how to make Home Happy. From 
 the writings of J. A. JAMES. 
 
 LYRIC GEMS. A Collection of Original and Select Sacred 
 Poetry. Kdited by Kev. S. F. SMITH. 
 
 THE CASKET OF JEWELS, for Young Christians. By JAMES, 
 
 F.mvAKlm, and H.\Ki;lta. 
 
 THE CYPRESS WREATH. A Book of Consolation for those 
 who Mourn. Edited by Rev. R. W. GUISWOLD. 
 
 THE MOURNER'S CHAPLET. An Offering of Sympathy for 
 Bereaved Friends. Edited by JOHN KLESE. 
 
 THE FAMILY CIRCLE. Its Affections and Pleasures. Edited 
 by the Rev. H. A. GRAVES. 
 
 THE FAMILY ALTAR. Or the Duty, Benefits, and Mode of 
 conducting Family Worship. 
 
 Sett of the above, in veil boxes, and forming a beautiful " Minia- 
 ture Library" in 12 Vuls. Price $3.76. 
 
 THE SILENT COMFORTER. A Companion for the Sick Room. 
 By Mrs. LOUISA PAYSON HOPKINS. 
 
 GOLDEN GEMS; for the Christian. Selected from the writings 
 of Rev. JOHN F LAV EL, with a Memoir of the Author, by Kev. 
 JOSEPH RA.NVAUD. 
 
 DOUBLE MINIATURES. PRICB 60 Ccrrs EACH. 
 
 THE Wr.I>I)ING GIFT: Or, the Duties and Pleasures of Do- 
 mestic Life. 
 
 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S GUIDE to the Doctrine* and 
 Duties of a Religious Life. 
 
 Tin: MoriiNu: COMFOKTED. 
 
 1HK CHRISTIAN'S PRIVATE COMPANION. 
 
 CONSOLATION FOR THE AFFLICTED. 
 
 THE SILENT COMFORTER. DAILY DUTIES,
 
 WAYLAND'S UNIVERSITY SERMONS. 
 
 SERMONS DELIVERED IN BROWN UNIVERSITY. 
 BY FRANCIS WAYLAND, D. D. 
 
 Second Edition. 12mo. Price, $1 00. 
 
 " Pew sermon* contain 10 much care-fully arranged thought ni these by 
 Dr. Wa) land. The thorough logician in apparent throughout the volume, 
 and there it a cluuic purity in the diction unsurpassed l>y any writer, ana 
 equalled by very few." JVnc York Commercial .Advertiser. 
 
 " They are the careful production of a matured and powerful intellect, 
 and were addressed to a thinking and well-informed audience, and are 
 especially adapted for the educated and thoughtful man." Chr. Alliance. 
 
 "No thinking man can open to any portion of it without finding hit 
 attention strongly arrested, nnd feeling inclined to yield hi* assent to those 
 elf-evincing statement* which appear on every page. As a writer, Dr. 
 Waylaml is dintinjuishod by simplicity, strength, and comprehensiveness. 
 He addresses himself directly to the intellect more than to the imagination ; 
 to the conscience more than to the passions. Yet, through the intellect 
 and the conscience, he often renrhcs the depths of our emotive nature, and 
 rouses it by words of power. Wo commend those sermons to all student* 
 of moral and religious truth, to all lovers of sound thought conveyed in 
 elegant diction." Watchman If Reflector. 
 
 " The discourses are characterized by all thai richness of thought and 
 elegance of language for which their talented author is celebrated. The 
 whole volume is well worthy of the pen of the distinguished scholar and 
 divine from whom it emanates." Dr. Satrd's Christian Union. 
 
 SACRED RHETORIC: 
 
 Or Composition and Dilirery of Srrmons. 
 
 Br HEJIET J. RirLcr, Professor in Newton Theological Institution. 
 
 Including Ware's Hints on Extemporaneous Preaching. 
 
 I2au>. Price, To cent*. 
 
 " An admirably prepared work, clear and succinct in its positions and 
 recommendations, soundly based on good authority, and well supported hy 
 a variety of reading and illustrations. It is well adapted for a healthy dis- 
 cipline of the faculty, and there are few preachers who might not with 
 profit revise their practice by its pnges. It is worthy^ too, of being a com- 
 panion to Whale ly, in the general study of Rhetoric." A*. J'. Literary 
 World. 
 
 " Prof. Ripley posscues the highest qualifications for a work of this kind. 
 His position has given him great experience in the peculiar wanU of theo- 
 logical students." Providence Journal. 
 
 " This work belongs among the substantial) of our literature. It i* man- 
 ifestly the fruit of mature thought and large observation ; it is pervaded by 
 a manly tone, and abounds in judicious counsel* ; it is compactly written, 
 and admirably arranged, both for study and reference. It will become a 
 text-book for theological students ; it deserves to be read by nil minister* 
 who can avail themselves of it, and especially hy all young minister*." 
 ff. T. Record*.
 
 REPUBLICAN CHRISTIANITY: 
 
 OR TRUE LIBERTY; 
 
 j* exluttted in U L{/e, Precepts, and early Ducifles of At Great Redeemer 
 
 BY E. L. M A i; i) (i N . 
 
 l-Jmo. Pric, $1 25. 
 
 " It is adapted to the spirit of the times. It meets and answers the great 
 inquiry of the present day. It describes clearly the corruptions of past 
 times, the- imperfections of thn present, and the changes that must bo 
 effected in the forms and spirit of religion, and through religion, upun the 
 State, to secure to us better and brighter prospects for the future. The 
 author is not afraid to expose anil condemn tin- errors and corruptions, 
 either of the church or slate." CAristum Watchman. 
 
 " It is a very readable, and we think will prove a useful book. The ar- 
 gument is clear and well sustained, and the style bold and direct. The 
 tone and spirit of the entire work are that of an independent thinker, and 
 of a m;ni whose sympathies are with the many and not with the few, with 
 no privileged cluss, but with the human race. We commend this hook to 
 all lovers of true liberty and of a pure Christianity." Providence Journal. 
 
 " Mr. Maroon thinks boldly, and speaks frankly, and with a variety and 
 freshness of illustration that never fail to command attention." JVfta 
 York 7Vine. 
 
 " lie considers Christianity in all its parts as essentially republican. Ha 
 has maintained bis position with great tact. It is a clear, striking, attrac- 
 tive presentation of his views, and the reasons for them. It will excite 
 nttention, both from the subject itself, and from the manner in which it is 
 handled." Philadelphia Chronicle. 
 
 " This book is one which the masses will read with avidity, and iU pe- 
 rusal, we thiuk, will fire up the zeal of tome Christian scholars." Baptist 
 Memorial. 
 
 PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE: 
 
 Or, IUtLstrativ*j of practical fhdlincjf, drawn from the Book of rt'itdom. 
 
 BY E. L. MAGOON. 
 
 l-2mo. Prict, 90 cents. 
 
 " He is quaint, sententious. He bos indeed the three great qualities, 
 ' pith, point, -mid pathos ; ' and always enforces high aud noble sentiments." 
 -V(io York Recorder. 
 
 " It is a popular manual of great practical utility." Ch. Chronicle, Phtfa, 
 
 " The subjects are so selected as to embrace nearly all the practical 
 duties of lifr. The work, in consequence, of this peculiar character, will 
 be found extensively useful." Rochester Democrat. 
 
 " The work abounds with original and pithy matter, well adapted to en- 
 cage the attention and to reform the life. \Ve hope these discourses will 
 be extensively reiul." Morning Star, Dover. 
 
 " It is an excellent book for young people, anil especially for young men, 
 ajnidst the temptations of business and plcanurc." Albany Eiprttt.
 
 '.J HISTORY OF 
 
 AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONS, 
 
 IN ASIA, AFRICA, EUROPE, AND NORTH AMERICA, 
 Under the care of the American Baptist Missionary Union. 
 
 BY WILLIAM GA.MMELL, A. M. 
 
 JTitA teten Map*. 12mo. Price, S<ceiUj-j!re cent*. 
 
 " Wo welcome with unfeigned pleasure this new contribution to lh 
 literature of Christian Minion*. The author relates tbe history of the 
 everal missions in his own won)*, presenting a concise and luminuui nar- 
 rative of each. 'I'lm volume i* written in an easy and elegant style, and u 
 worthy of the high station and name of the author." Baptist Jlfagaiiiu. 
 
 " The need for such a work has long been felt. It is true that tbe matter 
 bare presented has been acceptable in other forms. But it needed to be 
 condensed, arranged, and presented to the reader in an attractive form. To 
 all who wish to comprehend the present position of our tuitions, by a 
 knowledge of their past history, it will be ai, invaluable aid. Indeed, a 
 copy should be in every family. Pastors and others who wish to urge for- 
 waid the home work of foreign missions, would do well to circulate it as 
 widely as possible in the churches." Phdadcijilua. Chronicle.. 
 
 " Prof. Gammcll is a writer of rare taste. The pieparation of such a 
 work could Dot have fallen into better hands. The reader is borne along 
 from chapter to chapter with a narrative which, while it fully satisfies his 
 desire to know, commend" itself as entirely truthful ami trustworthy. The 
 
 facts recorded arc as carefully stated as the style of the work is chastened 
 and pure. That it will greatly promote the missionary spirit, and nerve to 
 increase tbe missionary zeal of our churches, we hnve no question. In 
 
 reading wo have been struck with the difference between a knowledge of 
 our mission*, gathered from magazines and newspapers scattered through 
 successive yean, and that which is obtained from a compact and authori- 
 tative narrative, bringing the whole before the observer at a single view. 
 Let pastors, friends of missions, agents, and colporteurs, scatter it by thou- 
 sands. Like bread cast upon the waters, it will come back in prayers and 
 blessings. No Baptist family should be without it." .V. 1'. Recorder. 
 
 " This work is the result of great labor nml research, and preienU an 
 exceedingly satisfactory view of the missionary operations of the Baptists 
 in this country. It is well that it has fallen into the hands of a man whone 
 extensive knowledge and good judgment and candid Christian spirit qualify 
 him so eminently for such a service." Albany .trfus. 
 
 " Emanating from such a source, and under such auspices, the volume 
 before us is a valuable contribution to American literature, as well as to 
 the history of Christian missions. Prof. Gammcll has executed his task 
 with singular success. The style, always clear and correct, is, graceful and 
 flowing, and in many a passage, descriptive of the toils and adventures of 
 missionary life, is full of eloquence and beauty." Providence Journal. 
 
 " Prof. Gammell has exhibited evidence, in this volume, of deep research 
 and great fidelity. lie hns not merely furnished us with statistics, but has 
 thrown around his subject almost the attraction of romance. It will be 
 read with much interest, we think, by laymen, and will be especially useful 
 to clergymen as an authoritative reference book. We heartily commend 
 this volume to our readers." Baptist Memorial. 
 
 JET The work is printed in handsome style, and told at the rrry loa priet ef 
 75 cents per copy. Pastors, a?e*U, and others who may engage in its tire*- 
 lotion, will be supplied on very liberal Umu, ty tht do-.en vr hundred.
 
 THE EARTH AND MAN: 
 
 on Comparative Physical Geography, in iU Rtlatian to the History 
 
 of Mankind, 
 
 Br ARNOLD GCTOT, Prof. Phys. Geo. and Hist., Neuchatel. 
 
 Translated from the Frenck by Pior. C. C. FBLTOH. With. lUuttrttiona. 
 
 I2mo. Price, $1 25. 
 
 "The work is one of high merit, exhibiting a wide range of knowledge, 
 great research, and * philosophical spirit of investigation. Its perusal will 
 well repay the most leitrned in such subjects, and give new views to all of 
 man's relation to the globe he inhabits." SiUimtut's Journal. 
 
 ' To the reader we shall owe no apology, if we have said enough to 
 excite his curiosity, and to persuade him to look to the book itself for fur- 
 ther instruction." JVortA Jlmericm* Review, 
 
 " The grand idea of the work is happily expressed by the author, where 
 he calls it the geographical inarch of History. * * * The man of science 
 will hail it as a henutiful generalization from the facts of observation. The 
 Christian, who trusts in a merciful Providence, will draw courage from it, 
 and hope yet more earnestly for the redemption of the most degraded por- 
 tions of mankind. Faith, science, learning, poetry, taste, in a word, 
 genius, have liberally contributed to the production of the work under 
 review. Sometimes we feel as if we were studying a treatise on the exact 
 sciences ; at others, it strikes the ear like an epic poem. Now it reads like 
 history, and now it sound.' like prophecy. It will find readers in whatever 
 laiii-iirii'e it may lie published ; and in the elegant English dress which it 
 has received from the accomplished pen of the translator, it will not fail to 
 interest, instruct, and inspire." Christian Examiner. 
 
 " These lectures form one of the most valuable contributions to geogra- 
 phical science that has ever been published in thii country. They invest 
 the study of geography with an interest which will, we doubt not, surprise 
 and delight many. They will open an entire new world to most readers, 
 and will be found an invaluable aid to the teacher and student of geog- 
 raphy." Evening Traveller. 
 
 ' We venture to pronounce this one of the most interesting and instruc- 
 tive books which have come from the American press for many a month. 
 The science of which it treats, is comparatively of recent origin ; but it is of 
 great importance, not only on account of its connections with other branches 
 of knowledge, but for its bearing upon many of the interests of society. 
 It abound!) with the richest interest and instruction to every intelligent 
 reader, and is especially fitted to awaken enthusiasm and delight in all who 
 are devoted to the study, either of natural science or the history of man- 
 kind." Providence Journal. 
 
 " Geography U here presented under a new and attractive phase ; it is no 
 longer a dry desc-iption of the features of the earth's surface. The influ- 
 ence of soil, scenery, and climate upon character, has not yet received th 
 consideration due to it from historians and philosophers. In the volume 
 before us, the profound investigations of Humboldt, Ritter, and others, in 
 Physical Geography, are presented in a popular form, and with the clear- 
 ness and vivacity so characteristic of French treatises on science. The 
 work should be introduced into our higher school*." The Independent, 
 JW York. 
 
 " Geography is here made to assume a dignity not heretofore attached to 
 it. The knowledge communicated in these lectures if curious, unexpected, 
 absorbing." Christian Mirror, Portland. 

 
 PROGRESSIVE PENMANSHIP, 
 
 PLAIN AND ORNAMKNTAL, 
 
 FOB THE USE OF SCHOOLS ; 
 BY N. D. GOULD, 
 
 Author of ' Bfanties of Writing,' ' Writing Matter's Assistant.' 
 
 Messrs. GOULP, KENDALL & LINCOLN are happy to announce 
 the above work from a well-known penman, whose great experi- 
 ence in execution and instruction has so eminently qualified him 
 to devise a system of Penmanship adapted both to the want* of 
 Schools, and for the exercise of the experienced Penman. 
 
 The copies are arranged iu progressive series, and are likewise 
 so diversified by the introduction of variations in style, and 
 especially by the interspersiou of a great number of Capital let- 
 ters, as to command the constant attention and exercise the 
 ingenuity of the learner, thus removing some of the most serious 
 obstacles to the success of the teacher. They are divided into 
 five series, intended for the like number of books, and are so ar- 
 ranged that a copy always comes over the top of the page on 
 which it is to be written. 
 
 There are ninety-six copies, presenting, in the first place, a 
 regular inductive system of Penmanship for ordinary business 
 purposes, followed by examples of every variety of Ornamental 
 Writing. 
 
 The Copy Books are of two sizes, medium and letter sheet, 
 thus accommodating the wants of those who desire larger sized 
 books than are in general use. The letter sheet size is divided 
 into four consecutive books ; the smaller sizes into five. 
 
 The admirable and natural plan of the work, the beauty of its 
 execution, the superior quality of the paper, and its cheapntts, 
 must commend it to the favorable regard of every one. 
 
 TEACHERS, SCHOOL COMMITTEES, nnd others interested, are 
 invited to examine this series, which is confidently presented 
 as superior, in plan and execution, to any book of the kind 
 heretofore published.

 
 University of California 
 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 
 
 Return this material to the library 
 
 from which it was borrowed. 
 
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 JIM 1*
 
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