NOVEMBER, 1830. Biography. CONVERSION AND DEATH OF CAROLUS, AN AGED MAHOMEDAN AT CAPE TOWN. THE following Narrative was communicated by the Rev. William Elliott, Missionary at Cape Town from the London Missionary Society, under date of the 2d of October. Our Readers will have been prepared, by the notices, at p. 446 of our last Number, of the State of the Mahomedans at Cape Town, to enter more feelingly into the subject of this Narrative. The power of the Gospel of Christ, in subduing the most inveterate prejudice and imparting the most substantial consolation, has been signally illustrated in the conversion and happy death of an aged Mahomedan in Cape Town. Carolus, a native of Madagascar, when about fifteen years of age, was torn from the land of his fathers, to be sold as a Slave at the Cape of Good Hope. Till about the year 1800, he does not appear to have adopted any form of religious faith, or to have associated with any religious persons as such; but, about this time, it was suggested to him by some of his Mahomedan acquaintances, that it was his duty, as a rational and responsible being, to adopt some religious creed, and attach himself to some body of worshippers: at the same time, the excellency of the Mahomedan Religion, and the advantages connected with the profession of it, were exhibited to him in such an inviting form, that he was soon prevailed on to submit to the initiatory rite of circumcision, and to assume the Handkerchief and Toodong.* It is truly painful to witness the triumphs of Mahomedan Delusion in this professedly Christian Colony. While the Missionaries of the Gospel of Christ, labouring intensely and unremittingly in the promulgation of the Truth, are but occasionally cheered with a proof that their labours are not in vain in the Lord, the Mahomedan Priests-all of whom are extremely illiterate, and many of them men of the most abandoned characters have no difficulty whatever in making daily accessions to the number of their devoted followers. However distressing The Mahomedans of the Cape are distinguished by wearing a Handkerchief instead of a turban; and the Toodong, or umbrella hat, of the Malays. Nov. 1830. this may be to the Christian, it can ex- in a state of Heathenism is almost an 3 P cepting when he is within the walls of the Church, he is scarcely more a member of Society than when he was an untaught Heathen there is a wide difference, in colonial estimation, between a Christian SLAVE and a Christian MAN: the Slave may be a member of a Church, but the Man only is recognised as a member of society. The case is widely different with a Slave who becomes a convert to Mahomedanism: he immediately becomes a REAL, not nominal, member of an extensive society, every member of which recognises his claims to a full and ungrudging share of all the privileges and charities of Brotherhood: it is not in the Mosque alone that he feels himself a social being in every house inhabited by a Mussulman he finds a home and a brother; and in every assembly, whether convened for purposes of religion or festivity, he takes his place with confidence among free men, and in the general flow of kindly feeling almost forgets his bonds. These considerations, doubtless, had their weight with our worthy Carolus, in inducing him to join the Followers of the Crescent; and, from that time, till the early part of the present year, he shewed himself to be a firm and consistent adherent to that, which he conscientiously believed to be the only true faith. In 1814, he became the property of Mr. M., a most devoted and spiritually-minded Christian; who has for some years been a member of the Independent Church at Cape Town, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Phillip. Mr. M. was too conscientious a master to be indifferent to the spiritual interests of his domestics he endeavoured to convince the deluded Carolus of the fallacy of that religion to which he was so firmly attached, and affectionately urged him to the reception of the truth as it is in Jesus. Carolus always listened with respectful attention to his Master, for whom he entertained a high esteem and affection; but he remained immoveably attached to the faith which he had at first adopted, and declared his intention of dying as he had lived-a Mussulman. But God had thoughts of peace and designs of grace concerning him, with which he was yet to be made acquainted. On the 19th of March last, he had an attack of apoplexy: but, by the blessing of God, on prompt and skilful medical treatment, he was considerably released, though not so far as to be able to leave his bed. Retired from his ordinary occupations, he had now abundant leisure seriously to reflect on what he had heard from his excellent Master, and from other pious friends; and, being aware of the probable termination of his disease, he now found the necessity of that support and consolation which nothing but the hope of a blessed immortality can afford in the near prospect of dissolution. The salutary workings of his mind at this eventful period were greatly promoted by the judicious conversation of his Master and other pious friends: they endeavoured to detach him from a ruinous dependence on the principles of Islamism, by assuring him that the claims of Mahomed to the character of a prophet were altogether fallacious; and that there was nothing in the scheme of Islamism suited to meet the case of a man as a depraved, sinful, condemned creature in the sight of God: they pointed out to him the allsufficient atonement made by the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross, as the exclusive medium through which God could pardon a sinner, and receive him into His mercy; and they urged upon him the necessity of repentance of sin, and faith in the precious blood of Christ. Nor was the appeal in vain: the accepted time was come the day of salvation dawned on the dark mind of this aged Mussulman -the dying Carolus acknowledged the power of the Truth, and received with humble gratitude the consolations of the ever-blessed Gospel of Peace. On the 13th of May, to the inexpressible delight of his affectionate Master, he formally and fully renounced the profession of Islamism, and declared his entire belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of sinners. The day following, he intimated a wish once more to see the Mahomedan Priest, whose ministrations he had attended; and his desire was immediately gratified: seeing his former spiritual guide standing by the bed-side, he addressed him, in the presence of several friends, to the following effect:-"I thank you for all your past favours, but I do not wish to see you again in your official capacity: I now believe in Jesus Christ, as my only Saviour." To this noble confession, the Priest, with evident displeasure, replied: 'You must know best what you are doing; but, if that be your feeling, I have nothing more to say to you:" then turning to some of the bystanders, he continued, "We believe that Jesus Christ was a prophet, but not so great a prophet as 1830.] CONVERSION AND DEATH OF CAROLUS, A MAHOMEDAN. Mahomed, from whom we have received the Word, the Korân." Having said this he retired, under a manifest feeling of annoyance, at the change which had taken place in one of his most devoted and conscientious followers. From this time, Carolus was enabled to exercise strong and uninterrupted faith in the atonement and righteousness of the Son of God. He east himself, unhesitatingly, on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus; and experienced all that fulness of consolation, which arises from an unreserved surrender of body, soul, and spirit into the hands of a Faithful Creator. The Word of God was now become precious to him: he listened to it with the most profound attention and reverence; and delighted especially in those parts of Sacred Scripture which related more directly to the Person and Offices of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Way of Salvation through faith in His blood. He became instant in prayer: on one occasion he was overheard addressing himself with great earnestness to that Redeemer in whom all his hopes were fixed-" Lord Jesus! Thou hast been crucified! Thou hast shed thy most precious blood for poor sinners! Have mercy upon me, and pardon my sins!" He no longer refused, as formerly, to unite with the family in domestic worship; but considered it a privilege, to be within hearing of the supplications and thanksgivings which were daily offered 475 up to the Throne of Grace, by the Master of the Family; and requested not to be forgotten in the prayers of a devotional assembly which met weekly at the house of Mr. M. He often regretted the obstinacy with which he had refused to listen to instruction; and deeply lamented his infatuated attachment to a religion which was incapable of affording him support in trouble, or consolation in affliction : But Christ," said he, "came to save persons who have been living in the ways of error, like me; and now, He is my only hope and refuge." On the 8th of June, the time of his departure seemed to be at hand. Though extremely feeble, he conversed with friends at intervals, during the day, till near seven o'clock in the evening; when he complained of feeling much worse, and requested that prayer might be offered up on his behalf. His request was instantly complied with; and the last sentence of the prayer was scarcely finished, when he gently fell asleep without a struggle or a groan, to awake in those regions of felicity where there shall be no more death. The following day, his remains were interred in the burying-ground belonging to the South-African Missionary Society -a place appropriated to the interment of Christian Slaves; and where a goodly number of such as have died in the faith of Christ lie free among the dead, waiting for the resurrection of the just. Proceedings and Entelligence. United Kingdom. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE Committee have been induced, by the present state of the Society, to submit to its Friends and Supporters the following Appeal for enlarged Support. On reviewing the History of the Society, it will be seen, that, under the Divine Blessing, its pecuniary resources have, for a series of years, progressively increased; and that it has been enabled, from the year 1804 to 1822 (inclusive), to undertake Nine Missions in various parts of the Heathen World. For some years, the Income of the Society was adequate to its Expenses; but, recently, the Expenditure connected with the Missions has exceeded the Income; and the small reserve possessed by the Society, and which heretofore enabled it to meet the contingencies to which it is continually liable, is now nearly absorbed. It should also be observed, that this dis proportion between the Income and Expenditure has not arisen from the establishment of any New Mission-none having been undertaken since 1822but from the tendency to enlargement which is inherent in Missionary Operations. These circumstances render it necessary for the Committee to take some effectual step toward relieving the Society from its present embarrassing situation; either by raising a sufficient income to meet the increasing expenditure, or by reducing the expenditure within such limits as will obviate a recur rence of the present difficulty. In reference to a Reduction in the Expenditure, it should be clearly understood by the Members of the Society, that the Committee specially appointed last year to investigate the whole of that expenditure, at home and abroad, found it impracticable to recommend any material diminution of expense at home. If, therefore, the Committee should be compelled to a reduction of expenditure, the only mode of effecting it would be by the contraction or abandonment of some of the Foreign Operations. Unwilling to relinquish any of those undertakings, which, in a greater or less degree, have been marked by the Divine Blessing, the Committee have felt it their duty to bring the subject before the Members of the Society at large, and appeal to them for a decision as to the course which is to be pursued. The present misery of the Heathen, the fearful danger of their immortal souls, the dishonour done to God by their idolatries and superstitions, the glory of Christ in saving them from the ruin in which they are involved, must have been among the motives which prompted the Disciples of Jesus to engage in this work. Are these motives less constraining than they once were? Are they less binding on the heart and conscience, than when they first led us to make an effort for the benefit of the perishing Heathens? Or rather, now that the Lord is gone out before us, opening doors of utterance among the Heathen and blessing our labours, ought they not to be felt with double energy? Let each Christian consider the question as personally addressed to himself: let him survey, in its awful reality, the pitiable state of the Heathen: let him feel, in its blessed fulness, the love of the Saviour who has redeemed him to God by His blood: and means will not then be wanting, under the Divine Blessing, for the continuance, if not the extension, of those labours in which the Society is engaged. In connection with the Operations of the Society, the Committee regard it as an imperative duty, to make some provision for Disabled Missionaries, and for Missionaries' Widows and Children. The whole time of persons engaged in Missionary Work, in connection with the Society, being dedicated to the prosecution of its objects, with a salary only sufficient for their necessary expenses, they obviously do not possess the means enjoyed by men in other situations of life, of providing for a season of sickness, for their Widows in case of death, or for the education of their Children. That those, who, by the appointment of Divine Pro vidence, are dependent on them for education and support cannot be neglected without the violation of a moral obligation, is evident; and if their whole time be devoted to the Society's objects, on a salary not more than sufficient to meet their necessary expenses, the Society seems bound to provide for the fulfilment of that obligation, which, from the very nature of his compact with the Society, the Missionary is incapacitated from personally fulfilling. In the early proceedings of Missionary Societies, when the number of their Agents in Foreign Lands is comparatively small, and claims for the support of their Widows and Children rarely occur, little difficulty was experienced in providing for each particular case, as it arose; but, as Missionary Labourers multiply, the difficulty of meeting these claims has been found continually to increase: and when a Society, as in our own case, has more than Eighty European Missionaries and Catechists, besides their Wives and Children, connected with it, and has, on an average of the five last years, annually added Nine Persons to the number previously sent out, the probable extent of the demands which may be made on the Society's funds from this quarter becomes a subject of no inconsiderable solicitude; and calls for the adoption of some measure, which may avert the evil already experienced by another Society in the absorption of the whole of its direct Contributions in liquidating these demands, and may enable the Church Missionary Society, so far as adequate funds are concerned, to continue its present labours with vigour and efficiency. The Committee, therefore, confidently hope, that individuals, whose circumstances enable them, will contribute toward the Fund which has been formed for this specific purpose. They feel it their duty to add, that the present disproportion between the Society's Income and Expenditure renders it quite impracticable to provide for these claims, without proportionably restricting the Society's Foreign Operations. How depressing this would be to the spirits of those who are spending their strength among the Heathen, is fully shewn in the Address of the Missionaries in Tinnevelly, which was printed in the April Number of the Record, pp. 87, 88.* The Committee would further remind those, who See pp. 193, 194 of our present Volume. -Editors. 1880.] UNITED KINGDOM. have already shewn their love to Christ Missionary anxious in a tenfold degree. friends of the Society. Friends will not only remove the necessity £. s. d. 522 6 0 274 6 0 1327 10 4 802 9 8 1449 2 0 Total....4375 14 0 Payments of the Year: and Schoolmasters. Bishop of Barbadoes, for Ditto, Home Salaries, &c...... 180 0 0 228 13 11 Total....4137 10 3 Details of proceedings in the various Parishes of the two Dioceses are given; but no succinct view of the state and progress of the work at large, other than will be found in the following General Notices. The Governors regret to state, that they have not received that support from the friends and advocates of West-India Improvement, which they had been led to expect, in consequence of the appeal made to them in the last Report; while the vast disproportion between the income and demands upon the Society is daily upon the increase. The assistance which has been rendered to the Bishops has, through the Divine Blessing, been as productive as the hopes of any one who is acquainted with the nature of the work and the difficulties attending it could reasonably expect, and its practical effects are shewing themselves in both Dioceses. The Governors feel themselves autho rised in declaring it to be their opinion, founded upon the information which they have before them, that a desire for religious improvement is on the increase among the Slave Population; who moreover have, in some of the most populous districts in the West Indies, shewn a decided preference to the Ministers of the Established Church. The cause, however, suffers from the want of a sufficient number of Clergy and other Instructors. After giving the details to which we have before alluded, the Governors close with remarking From the foregoing statements it must be inferred, that while the fields in which the Society's labours are appointed are white to harvest, the Labourers in them are but few. The multitudes in our West-India Colonies who appear religiously disposed are entitled to our compassion; and both our prayers and alms must ascend to the Lord of the Harvest, |