Reminiscences of Western Travels 西海紀遊草 (Xi hai ji you cao): An Early Chinese Traveler to America & Relevant American Press Reports, 1847-1850

Seamen's Chaplain for China

Sailed, on the 4th inst. in the bark Candace, Captain Gardner, the Rev. Geo. Loomis, commissioned by the American Seamen's Friend Society to preach the gospel to seamen in the port of Canton. Being " ready to depart on the morrow," a public meeting was held on the previous evening in the Allen street Methodist Episcopal church in this city. It was a meeting of uncommon interest. The Rev. Dr. Peck preached from Matt. 9: 36, 37, 38. General theme--the compassion of Christ; the objects which excited it, and its practical exercise. In conclusion, he called attention to the multitudes employed on the sea, wandering, scattered and shepherdless; and forcibly urged the duty enjoined in the text.

The Instructions of the Board were given by Mr. Spaulding, one of the Secretaries of the Society, to which the chaplain made an impressive response. He had left the home and the friends of his youth, to minister in the port of Canton to the destitute sailors scattered like sheep. He had entered upon this work impressed with its importance, not only to the seamen themselves, but to the millions of China.

Additional interest was imparted to the occasion by the presence of twenty-six Chinese sailors. They had been brought to these shores contrary to their expectations and wishes, having shipped on board the "Junk" for Java, but were landed in New-­York. For the last month they have been inmates, and under the Christian influence of the Sailor's Home. About to depart on the morrow in the same vessel with the chaplain, there was an appropriate­ness in their public recognition, and their being commended to God in prayer. Lin King Chew, a converted Chinaman, who remains in this country, gave them a parting address, in which, as he has since explained, he exhorted them to be good, and told them about Jesus and heaven.

On Monday, the day being delightful, they were accompanied on board the Candace, and as far out as Sandy Hook, by the officers of the American Seamen's Friend Society, and other friends. Some of the owners of the bark, who have generously given the chaplain his passage, were also on board.

Before parting, the captain, officers and crew, with the brother beloved who has gone as a chaplain to that distant port, were commended to the care of Him who controls the winds and the waves.

When last seen, with all sails set, they were bounding over the waves towards China.

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