Watchman Of The South

For the Watchman of the South.
MR. GUTZLAFF'S TRACT OPERATIONS AT MACAO AND VICINITY.

Macao, January 22, 1839.

To the Secretary of the American Tract Society,

We have been permitted, under the gracious auspices of our Saviour, to carry on our operations as heretofore, our Japanese being always the foremost in every enterprise for disseminating the word of God.

Request for supplies of Tracts

Repeated instances having, however, occurred, that I could not obtain the books at the time when most wanted from your stores at Macao, I should consider it the highest favor if you would kindly, in your future appropriations, give me a definite allowance; or if this might not suit your views, a carte blanche upon Singapore and Macao, wherein you kindly request your missionaries to give the quantity demanded on application, might be as well.

Whatever number of books you may place at my disposal shall be conscientiously circulated in China Proper.

Fifty villages and cities visited

In the course of the year we have been permitted to visit more than fifty villages and cities, and to form two connections with places in the interior. Our brother Chang returned a month ago from his excursion to his native place near the frontiers of Keang se, where he has distributed Tracts which were gladly received; and also prevailed upon a teacher of his acquaintance to introduce them in his school. Several individuals promised to abandon the service of all idols. If it pleases the Saviour, he will shortly again perform a tour.

A youth who was sent hither purposely to be fully instructed in the doctrines of the gospel, that he might by degrees act as a teacher, is now under my care.

I can bear the most ample testimony to the joyful manner in which our books have been received. Confident that the seed thus scattered will bear fruit for eternity, I am still more anxious to see the work carried on upon a larger scale.

A fearless Tract missionary wanted.

If you have a young man who takes delight in spreading the glad tidings of salvation, and has proved himself a zealous distributer of Tracts, possessing courage enough not to be frightened by edicts and opposition, do not fail to send him hither. Canton with its myriads know nothing about the Gospel, and they ought not to be left to grope, year after year, in darkness, because there was once a persecution.

There are islands close to Macao with a teeming population which, to my shame be it recorded, have never yet been visited. The mission has existed for thirty years, and the very outskirts of Canton and Macao have not yet engaged our operations. Such a state of things ought not to be suffered, and men must be sent here who will, at every risk, promulgate the gospel, and only such, and no others. Is China to be saved, it will be by humble and persevering efforts to communicate the word of God orally as well as printed, and in no other way; and missionary efforts ought to be confined to these grand objects.

Mr Roberts and myself will humbly pursue the course pointed out to us by our adorable Redeemer. and trust his grace for the most glorious results, whilst waiting upon him in prayer and supplications.

Several thousand volumes have since I wrote last been put into circulation at places where never a book had found its way. May the Almighty bless these trifling efforts. Remember us in your supplications at the throne of grace, and believe me, dear sir, yours truly,

CHARLES GUTZLAFF