Seamen's Chaplain for China
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.