a sermon in Latin, and to read it before the body. Such was the impression which he had already made upon all, in favour of his classical attainments, and what might have been deemed conceit and pedantry in others, was regarded as perfectly natural and becoming in him the most censorious rejoiced in it as the production of a highly gifted mind, and as the promise of future eminence in language and in literature; and while all agreed to render it the highest praise, Dr. Bogue, than whom no man was better qualified to judge of its merits, confirmed the opinion of the seminary, and gave it the most unqualified approbation.

Mr.

"In his disposition, Mr. Kidd was lively, generous, humble, (loathing time-serving,) kind, and ready to do any one a service, modest, retiring. Indeed, such was the Christian temper and spirit which he cultivated, that the most humble among his brethren could always feel at home with him, and neither pride nor superciliousness was grafted upon his attainments. Kidd very soon manifested a metaphysical turn of mind, and a great predilection for such studies; and when it came to his turn to leave Gosport, in 1824, and embark for the field of labour, his talents and acquirements pointed him out as well qualified to join the Chinese mission, and to occupy, at Malacca, that station which he afterwards filled with so much honour to himself and to the college.

66

As we embarked in the Clyde for India, Mr. Kidd accompanied us to the ship, and was amongst the last to bid us farewell; and after labouring for so many years in distant fields, and passing through so many trials in our respective spheres, no one were we more glad to see and to welcome in London than our old friend. Disease and a tropical climate had made heavy encroachments upon his constitution; but China and the Chinese were still uppermost in his thoughts. To the bosom of my own family, and to our friends who favoured us with their society, Professor Kidd was always a most welcome associate. Nothing pleased him better than an argument; and when heated a little in debate, his clear, logical, and superior mind shone forth most brilliantly, and poured its tide of light and reason upon the subject under discussion: and while his modesty and his retiring deportment threw a charm over his powers to those who knew him, these, and the disease under which he laboured, prevented him, no doubt, from taking that station to which his learning and his attainments so well entitled him.

"It is not for me to speak of his acquirements as a Chinese scholar; but it is right that every friend of his should bear, under such circumstances, his testimony to the loss which China and which the Chinese mission have sustained in his removal. It is well known that he was a great admirer of Dr. Morrison's translation of the Scriptures, and of the principles on which that work is conducted-principles which, in my opinion, will stand the test of time, and will triumph when all others will

sink in oblivion. At the time when these principles and this work were assailed, and when the Bible Society left the discussion of the question to Chinese scholars, Mr. Kidd wrote his able defence of that translation; and well do I remember how cogently and how triumphantly he refuted every objection, and showed that the paraphrastical system was not to be endured. In the discussion of the question at the missionary board, Dr. Halley, then of Highbury College, expressed, in most decided terms, his approbation of the defence. I wish,' said he, 'most heartily, that Mr. Kidd was at Malacca; I wish he was there to revise the translation, and on the principles which he has avowed in his defence, to give to that great work the corrections which we are willing to allow it may require.' Scarcely one there, in a full house, but cordially responded to these sentiments, and Mr. Kidd's defence of that translation preserved it from threatened neglect and condemnation. The revision of this work was an object upon which his heart was much set, and which, had his health and life been preserved, would, I doubt not, have received his best attention, his labours, and his prayers. But he has entered into rest. China, and all the measures which would promote her spiritual welfare, have lost a friend.

"Praying, my dear Mrs. Kidd, that the Lord would pour into your widowed heart the rich consolations of his grace, and provide for you and your beloved children, by his kind and gracious providence,

"I am your affectionate and sympathizing
friend,
W. CAMPBELL."

In the early part of April, 1824, Mr. Kidd left Gosport and went to Hull, to pay his last visit to his beloved relatives, before he embarked for Malacca, to which station he had been appointed by the directors. On Thursday, the 22nd of that month, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Irving, the second daughter of Mr. William Irving, of Hull. She was

honoured to be his faithful companion and friend for upwards of nineteen years, and now survives to mourn the removal of her dearest earthly friend.

On Wednesday evening, April 28th, 1824, Mr. Kidd was publicly set apart in Fish-street chapel, Hull, as a missionary to the Chinese. The Rev. E. Parsons, of Leeds, addressed the missionary, and the Rev. W. Eccles the congregation. The service was deeply interesting to a numerous audience.

On Friday, April 30th, Mr. and Mrs. Kidd, followed by the prayers of a nu

merous circle of endeared friends, went to London, where they were favoured with the counsel and friendship of Dr. Morrison, who had just arrived from China. From him Mr. Kidd received his first lesson in the Chinese language. By this man of God he was cheered in the prospect of spending his future life for the benefit of the Chinese.

On the 22nd of May, in company with their dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds, appointed to Calcutta, Mr. and Mrs. Kidd embarked on board the Pyramus, Captain Brodie, and, after a remarkably pleasant voyage, reached Madras in safety, on the 22nd of September. They went on board another vessel for Malacca, which they reached, through the good providence of God, in safety, November 22nd.

On this sphere of labour, for which Mr. Kidd was remarkably fitted, he entered with great ardour. He formed a friendship with that excellent missionary, the Rev. D. Collie, with whom it was his privilege to be associated, until death suddenly removed Mr. Collie, in 1828. This afflictive event occurred when Mr. Kidd was suffering from severe illness, and at a when they were both forming plans for usefulness among the Chinese.

season

On the 26th of November, just four days after landing, he says, 66 I commenced the study of the Fokeen, under a native teacher of that dialect, but not without intending to derive daily assistance from my respected brother and senior in the work, the Rev. David Collie. Of course I cannot yet speak as to any proficiency I may have made in the language. I can only say, I desire to go forward, but very much regret my want of resolution to apply, more closely and more vigorously, to my studies. O for an abundant supply of the Spirit's influences, that I may have both gifts and graces for my work ! I long to be amongst the people, speaking to them of the salvation which is in Christ Jesus."

Again, he writes, “My sabbath days, since I came to Malacca, have been very gloomy. The abstract nature of

my daily studies has a sad tendency to deprive me of that religious fervour and that unconquerable zeal I thought I once possessed. But is there not a solace for the weary in the bosom of Jesus? Is not his blood efficacious to cleanse me from all sin? Surely he will redeem my life from destruction, and crown me with loving kindness and tender mercies. Do I not believe? Oh yes, my heart replies-Lord, help mine unbelief."

Though he laboured hard in acquiring the language, and succeeded beyond his expectation, and was instant in season and out of season in attempts to do good amongst the Chinese, yet he deeply lamented his unprofitableness; for he was called to toil, like his predecessors, without seeing much fruit. They laboured, and other men enter into their labours; so that at the last "they who sow and they who reap shall rejoice together." Throughout his journal, he breathes out his prayer to God for greater usefulness in his work, and his widow says, "I never saw him so cheerful as when he was devising plans whereby the glory of his divine Master should be promoted."

In 1825 he says "I am very anxious about my attainments in Chinese. I cannot think of mediocrity in such a pursuit; nothing will satisfy my mind but the very first excellence, whilst I am conscious of my inferiority, and of the improbability that I shall arrive at any eminence. O for a spirit of diligence."

He

In 1826, Mr. Kidd commenced writing in Chinese, and published several sheet tracts for circulation. also translated a larger tract, "On the end of time," which he carried through the press. Still he appears to have laboured under much depression of mind, and writes, "O that God would appear in behalf of his people, and make their prayers and their labours for the conversion of the heathen in this part of the world more eminently successful. I feel that I am in danger of losing all my zeal for the glory of

God, and the salvation of souls. My soul is exceedingly discouraged; but my trust is in God, and my hope in his mercy."

In 1827, Mr. Kidd was appointed Professor of Chinese in the AngloChinese College, Malacca, and during the following sixteen months, he was happy in having health and increasing ability to carry on his missionary work.

In the spring of 1828, Mr. Collie being called to his rest, Mr. Kidd was left to labour alone. About this time, he published a tract on the original state of man. After this, he writes, "I have preached, or rather talked, in two dialects, the Mandareen and Fokeen, generally four or five times a week, to small congregations, besides having gone to converse with the people occasionally, and to distribute tracts. A Chinese newspaper has been lately commenced here, which is edited by myself." It may be well to remark that this paper was designed to impart to the Chinese useful knowledge of a scientific and historical kind. "I have written a tract," he says, "On the fallen state of man;' I am preparing one On regeneration,' and also a translation of the 'Watchmaker of Geneva.'"

On the Lord's-day, April 5th, he had the pleasure to baptize publicly in the Mission Chapel, Taze Hea, a Chinese native of Malacca, 21 years of age, who has continued to witness a good confession.

He was soon called to suffer a very severe trial, in the illness of Mrs. Kidd, whose health had suffered so much from the climate, that medical men prescribed an immediate removal to England. Mr. Kidd accompanied her and three children as far as Singapore, December, 1829, when they embarked for England, and he returned alone to Malacca.

Ever happy in the bosom of his family, to whom he was most tender and devoted, this trial he felt most acutely, and his excessive labours, without another missionary brother to console him, soon affected his health.

"I could not," he writes, "possibly have gone with them, consistently with my duty to the cause which I have espoused, and which I ever desire to consider of paramount importance. I commit my cause, O Lord, into thy hands. Thou art worthy of my unlimited confidence." In this season of separation, reviewing his past life, Mr. Kidd says, in 1830; "Deeply do I deplore the many sins which I committed in my course of preparatory study; yet not any outward or gross sins; but such as arose from levity of disposition, want of due reverence for Divine things, and a distrust of the wisdom and faithfulness of Divine Providence, the remembrance of which fills me with poignant regret at this day. Could I gain the attention of those who are now looking forward to the work of the ministry amongst the heathen, I would earnestly exhort them to attend seriously to the state of their hearts, and be diligent in their studies. Spiritual opportunities in England are invaluable, and should be carefully improved for the comfort of future years in heathen lands, where they may not be obtained. Next to these blessings are health of body, and vigour of mind. Could I now realize that intellectual energy which I once possessed, how precious should I esteem the treasure! But premature old age has seized me, although I know not of any peculiar disease. The climate exerts its deadening influence over the human frame so insidiously, as to be unperceived, except by comparison of what the individual once was. The moral and spiritual perceptions alike become blunted, by long familiarity with heathenish practices in professed Christians, and the practices of the heathen in the observance of their superstitious rites. Still it is the duty of the faithful missionary to guard against the entrance of evil from without, and to resist temptation of every kind from within. O thou almighty and compassionate Saviour, be merciful to my infirmities, by suffering no temptation to befall me,

but such as is common to man, and opening a way of escape from such as are my unavoidable lot; and be graci ously pleased to forgive my many-many sins. Make my work easy and delightful to me, and oh, if it please thee, make me useful. I commend my beloved wife and children unto thy care, protect them whilst on the sea, and grant my dear companion renewed health and vigour, that she may speedily return to me.

"For my beloved children I pray that thou wouldst raise up friends who shall carefully instruct them in the knowledge of thy holy will, and in such branches of human learning as may, in thy wisdom, be deemed sufficient. I pray thee, merciful Saviour, to regard in love their precious souls, and early seal them as thine own. Of whatever earthly good thou art pleased to deny them, all will be well, shouldst thou be mercifully pleased to turn their hearts to thyself, which I earnestly beseech thee to do. Most gracious and everlasting Jehovah, Holy Father, Son, and Spirit, into thy hands I commit my soul and body, the souls and bodies of my dear wife and children, and of all my beloved relatives and Christian friends. Do with us all as seemeth thee good, both for time and eternity; make us useful here, and happy for ever." His mourning widow observes, "I might, in this way, go through his private journal,—every part of it breathes the same spirit of earnest zeal for the glory of God, and a distrust of himself."

During the absence of his beloved family he laboured more incessantly, in order that he might not suffer his mind to be too much occupied about them. At this time, in addition to his various duties in Chinese, he chiefly superintended, and corrected for the press, The Notitia Linguæ Sinicæ,” a very able work, on which, he observes, "that it should occupy a place in the library of every Chinese scholar."

At length, as might have been expected, his health failed, and he became, in 1831, subject to those attacks

of epilepsy, from which he suffered throughout his future life.

In 1832 it was deemed necessary, on account of his health, for him to return to England, and it pleased God to permit him to rejoin his dear family, in June of that year, with the full intention of returning to the scene of his former labours, should health and strength be restored. Though he never sufficiently rallied, yet, to the latest season of his life, he laboured to be of service to China and the Chinese.

From 1833 he was, for three years, pastor of a church at Manningtree, in Essex, and, in 1837, he was appointed Professor of Chinese in University College, London.

He published, in 1841, a work on China, of which the Eclectic Reviewer says, "It is divided into seven sec tions. The first has delighted us, by unfolding the mystery, or philosophy of the language. The second is historical, in the best sense, giving us a bird's-eye view of the stream of time, as it has flowed down the celestial empire. The three sects which have divided the people are made known to us in the third section, of which the fourth is an appendix, that unfolds their moral philosophy, if we may be forgiven that term. The fifth section should be studied by statesmen, for it gives the best account of the political state of the Chinese. The next exhibits what may be called the superstition of the people, which is wrought into their very constitution. The volume closes with their education, literature, medicine, botany, and natural history. Some very appropriate reflections on the whole are just what we might expect from a missionary who has been prevented, by ill health, from pursuing the grand object of evangelizing the country, for which he acquired their most difficult tongue."

At the request of those who were most deeply interested in the translation of the Scriptures into the language of a third of the human race, Mr. Kidd wrote, in 1836, "Remarks on a New

Version of the Sacred Scriptures in Chinese." Mr. Campbell's letter has expressed the opinion of the most competent judges on this judicious work, as a memorial of the sound discretion of our departed friend.

Two years after, he enriched the Memoir of the late Dr. Morrison with a critical notice of his works, at the request of the widowed biographer. To the philological reader, and the Christian interested in missions to China, this comprehensive and instructive sketch is a gem of the highest worth. He published also an inaugural lecture delivered at University College, and a Catalogue of the Chinese Library of the Royal Asiatic Society.

In October, 1842, he had been five years Professor of the Chinese Language and Literature in University College. To that body Dr. Morrison's valuable and unique Chinese Library had been entrusted, on condition of their endowing a Professorship to make the books available for public use. The salary, nominal rather than real, for it was only 601. per annum, was limited to five years, to avoid the appearance of dictating to successors in office : but Lord Brougham had given assurance that it was intended to be perpetual. When, however, the term had elapsed, no disposition was manifested to renew the engagement, and death intervened before the question could be finally determined.

In our money-loving country, few availed themselves of the opportunity of acquiring a language which conferred neither emolument nor fame, which might lead to wealth; and our late friend received little more than the small salary. When, therefore, even this failed, a friend urged Professor Kidd to consent to an attempt for the formation of a society to promote the knowledge of Chinese, that his valuable acquirements and Dr. Morrison's library might not be thrown away at a time when Providence had opened the door of usefulness to the most important empire on the globe. A circular letter was drawn up, and applications were

made, with encouraging hopes of success, and Sir G. T. Staunton, the most distinguished Chinese scholar in this country, and a liberal contributor to the Malacca College, had consented to become the treasurer. But, when the friend who had embarked in the undertaking was expecting to see the Professor, a note was received, to say that Mrs. Kidd was that morning left a widow, and her seven children were fatherless.

The deceased, who had risen in his usual health, appears to have been seized with one of his epileptic fits, and was found dead, in the forty-third year of his age.

Thus has the great Arbiter of life and death shown his independence of all creatures, by forming, through many years' discipline, a polished shaft for his quiver, and then laying it aside from all further use here, to employ it in services and worlds to us unknown.

That he was not without presentiments of such an event, we might gather from his soothing the partner of his days with the assurance that the Lord would provide for her and the children, and also from the following sentences, which he wrote to his friend, Mr. John Gibson, of Hull, September,

1842.

me.

"When I think that somewhere about a quarter of a century has elapsed since you and I first became acquainted, I wonder how so much time that has fled into eternity has been improved by Still it is gone, and no efforts will recall it, while other years are preparing with equal rapidity to follow those which have gone before. It is an infinite mercy that we can look to the rock that is higher than ourselves, and that, in all our afflictions, the Saviour is afflicted, while the angel of his presence saves us. Such is the composition of my system, both mental and bodily, that if it were not for the promise of future glory, I think I should be utterly unable to maintain the composure and cheerfulness commonly characteristic of human nature.

"But, my dear friend, we must fulfil,