The hero missionary, or, A history of the labors of the Rev. Eugenio Kincaid

Front matter

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Preface

On the day that Mr. Kincaid last left America to return to Burmah, I ventured to request permission to acquaint myself with all the accessible facts of his public life, with the view of giving them to the world in the shape of a book. The application was unexpected, but after some hesitation, it was modestly waved by referring the proposal to the two " early and devoted friends " whose names adorn a previous page. Having received their kind approval of such an undertaking, I began at once the preparation of this volume.

As expressed in the title, it does not claim to be a life of Mr. Kincaid, but a history of his labors, and these I have endeavored to sketch in a style adapted to the popular mind, and calculated, it is confidently hoped, to awaken increasing interest in the great enterprise to which all his energies have been given.

The simple design of this work, then, is to furnish a Condensed, yet accurate view of the incidents and viii Preface.

scenes connected with those bold and persevering efforts which mark Mr. Kincaid as "The Hero Missionary/' and which have contributed to give him such eminence and honor among that noble band who have sought, or are now seeking, the evangelization of Burmah.

Carlyle, in his Life of Sterling, has said — "I have remarked that a true delineation of the smallest man and his scene of pilgrimage through life, is capable of interesting the greatest man ; that all men are to an unspeakable degree brothers, each man's life a strange emblem of every man's ; and that Human Portraits, faithfully drawn, are of all pictures the welcomest on human walls."

If this be true, then, surely the sketch of a man whose achievements in the highest sphere of human effort, have made him distinguished among his fellows, must be capable of awakening a still deeper interest, and a faithful portrait of such an one cannot fail to prove a most welcome addition to those already in the world's possession. But, beyond this, the hope is cherished that what is here recorded may serve to excite a deeper interest in the subject of Christian Missions, and thus contribute, in some humble measure, to advance a cause dear to all who possess the mind "which was also in Christ Jesus."

RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT, ------ 307

KINCAID-THE HERO MISSIONARY.

Chapter I

11 Before I formed thee I knew thee ; — and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." — Jer. i. 5.

" As the sun, Ere it is risen, sometimes paints its image In the atmosphere ; so often do the spirits of Great events stride on before the events, And in to-day already walks to-morrow."

The future of some men is clearly foreshadowed at life's beginning. Just as the naturalist in looking at the merest shoot discerns the pledge of a sturdy oak — so those who carefully observe the first developments of mind may foretell the probable future of the child. Alluding to the deep interest connected with such observations, Foster, in one of his Essays says — " While I anticipate the endless progress of life, and wonder through what unknown scenes it is to take its course, its past years lose that character of vanity which would seem to belong to a train of fleeting, perishing moments, and I see them assuming the dignity of a commencing eternity. In them I have begun to be that conscious existence which I am to be through endless duration ; and I cannot be content without an accurate sketch of the windings thus far of a stream which is to bear me on for ever." A feeling of curiosity similar to this prompts us to inquire respecting the early history of others ; and hence, when we hear of one who, in any of life's pursuits, has been successful in reaching a position of eminence and usefulness, we find ourselves almost instinctively asking for his antecedents.

Nor can we have failed to notice that, with few exceptions, whatever traits have been peculiar to one in the primary periods of his life, have contributed not a little to give shape and direction to his whole future existence.

But besides these mental and moral indexes, it is sometimes exceedingly interesting to notice the moulding influence of those outward circumstances which, though they may at the time appear trivial, nevertheless exert a power over an individual's inner history altogether disproportionate to their seeming importance.

A brief reference to a few such characteristics and circumstances connected with the youth and early manhood of Eugenio Kincaid will occupy the limits of the present chapter. He was born in the little Connecticut town of Wethersfield, but almost before the years of memory his parents removed to Canada, and finally settled in Pennsylvania.

His father, Noah Kincaid, is a respectable physician, and still lives to rejoice in his son's usefulness. The maiden name of his mother (some years since deceased) was Lydia Hough. Both parents were consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and highly esteemed in the circle in which Providence allotted them to move.

Eugenio was the oldest of eight children, and the pious instructions of his sainted mother — to whom he was peculiarly attached — are among his earliest and most cherished recollections. Almost from the day of his birth she seems to have had an impression that he would become more than an ordinary man, and, doubtless, the care and attention which this conviction prompted, had not a little to do in the development of his moral and mental powers, and consequently in giving direction to his whole future life.

His first years, though not marked by any striking display of genius, were yet distinguished by some intimations of peculiar talent ; and any thoughtful observer would have seen in him that which gave a sure pledge of future eminence. While very steady, and devoted to study, he was at the same time remarkably energetic — exhibiting all that intense earnestness in whatever he undertook, that has characterized him through life.

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At the age of sixteen, his mind became deeply exercised on the subject of religion. A meeting of days was at that time held by a traveling Baptist preacher, which he attended ; and, before its close, he was brought by divine grace to exercise deep repentance for sin, and to experience a thorough change of heart. His mind was at once exercised in reference to the ordinance of Christian baptism, and going to the preacher he asked him for a book which might give him some light on the subject. The preacher went immediately to his saddle-bags, and, taking out a small volume, handed it to him. Upon opening it, Mr. Kincaid found it to be a New Testament, and, thinking he had made a mistake, immediately returned it — when the preacher, looking very earnestly at him, said — " Young man, if you want any better guide than the Holy Ghost has given, don't come to me." The remark was never forgotten, and, after a careful investigation of the subject, as presented in the word of God, he felt that there was no room to doubt, and at once with a willing mind, submitted to the ordinance. He was not brought to this decision, however, without a painful struggle, and in carrying it out he was obliged to encounter no small amount of opposition. Only a short time previous to this he had commenced the study of the law under the direction of his former pastor ; but the day following his baptism he found that his books had been removed, and he was given to understand that he could no longer look to him for assistance.'

Thus all his plans for the future seemed to be at once frustrated. He was not long, however, in suspense ; for God, who called him out of darkness into his marvellous light, had marked out another path for him, and he was soon made to feel it a duty to pursue a course of study with reference to the work of the ministry. At first, many difficulties beset his way, but, mastering these, he at length found his way to the Literary and Theological Institution at Hamilton, where he was graduated in 1822.

From the very day of his conversion he had been thoroughly imbued with the spirit of missions, and, during his preparatory studies, so deep were his impressions of duty to the heathen, that he resolved to devote his life to labors for their salvation. Upon the completion of his course at the Institution, therefore, he offered himself to the Baptist Board of Missions, — asking an appointment to Burmah. From various causes, however, but principally, it is believed, through the conservative counsels of one who regarded him as wanting in prudence, his application was declined, and his cherished hope was thus, for a time, deferred. Under these circumstances he was induced to accept an invitation to the pastoral charge of the Baptist church at Galway, N. Y. Here, in the midst of an attached people, it was his privilege for about three years to labor and to witness signal and most cheering success in his ministry. " His preaching," says one of the venerable men connected with that church, " was much to our satisfaction — he was greatly beloved by all, and we thought him a very promising young man." But happy as were all the circumstances connected with this settlement, he did not feel contented to remain there — wishing to labor in a more destitute part of the vineyard. In the year 1826 he made a visit of exploration into the valley of the Susquehanna, and finding there a wide and inviting field, he determined at once to enter it.

At this time there were not more than two or three Baptists in all that region ; and when, calling at the house of one of these, he introduced himself as a Baptist minister, the old man was quite overcome, and without making any reply, in an audible voice thanked God for this long-desired blessing.

Mr. Kincaid commenced preaching statedly at Milton, Union Co., and in less than six months a little church was organized in that town, consisting of nine members. The occasion of their first baptism is still remembered by many of the inhabitants of that place as an occasion of peculiar interest. It took place immediately upon the close of a Lord's day morning service, and was witnessed by a very large concourse of people. Public notice having been give,n 4 ,hat the ordinance would be administered on that day, it brought together not only the greater part of the floating population of that town and surrounding country, but the dispersing congregations of the other churches ; and the river bank, thronged with this curious but attentive crowd, presented a scene at once impressive and beautiful. After baptizing two rejoicing converts, the pastor of the Presbyterian church, by request, closed the service with an appropriate and fervent prayer.

But, while making Milton his home, Mr. Kincaid embraced every opportunity of extending his labors into the surrounding towns and villages, and, among other localities, he was accustomed to preach occasionally at Warrior Run. His visits here had the effect of exciting an unusual interest, and a minister of another denomination, who regarded him in the light of an intruder, thought it important to warn his people against hearing " the young Baptist preacher," solemnly assuring them that "Baptist sentiments were the worst of all heresies ; for when once they entered a place, they could never be rooted out." In addition to his numerous preaching engagements, Mr. Kincaid edited for a time The Literary and Evangelical Register, a monthly magazine, printed at Milton, and designed to diffuse general scientific and religious knowledge. From a variety of causes, however, its publication, after the first year, was discontinue i.

Toward the close of 1828, the Board of the Baptist General Association of Pennsylvania, for Missionary Purposes* selected Mr. Kincaid to preach the gospel, and to travel as an exploring agent in several of the central counties of the State. This appointment he accepted, and the cheering success which almost immediately crowned his efforts, is embodied in the following extracts from a letter, written under date of June 16, 1829, to the Eev. Mr. Kennard—

" After receiving an appointment as missionary and agent, I commenced my labors the first week in March. "Without delay I traveled over the field in which I had labored for more than two years — the principal places are Milton, New Columbia, Sunbury, Shamokin, Washington, Jerseybower, Moreland, and Pennsborough. In most of these places, the prospect of good is encouraging ; assemblies generally large and attentive. The discriminating doctrines of our faith begin to claim attention — a spirit of inquiry is going forth, and so far the result has been cheering. For some months past, Shamokin has been sharing in the special influences of the Spirit. The youth have shared largely in this work of grace. The number of anxious, mourning souls is increasing ; and, what is worthy of remark, the largest number received their first conviction on baptismal occasions — some who

* An organization which, in 1838, was merged in'o the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention.

came out of curiosity, others to ridicule, and others to blaspheme, were pricked in the heart, and began to inquire, ' what shall we do ?' Some who were most violent opposers are now coming and offering themselves for baptism. The last two Sabbaths on which I baptised, seventeen were received into the church. On these occasions people flock together from all the surrounding country, and I have endeavored to explain faithfully the import of that commission which Christ gave to the Apostles.

Sunbury is an important place, and I think a church may be formed here soon — the Presbyterian meeting house is at our service when not in use.

Milton and the country around it is an interesting field of labor. I have been blessed in raising up a small church here, and several interesting young people have been added by baptism. This little church has commenced building a brick meeting house 34 by 40 — they intend finishing it this summer. One baptised here a few days since ; several inquiring souls.

I have visited settlements in this country where a sermon had never been preached. I have received letters from other neighborhoods, begging of me to come and preach to them. West of the Alleghany mountains is a vast tract of new country, stretching to the North and West, and settlements are forming in every direction. The inhabitants are generally intelligent and enterprising. I have seen, in this wilderness, females come ten and twelve miles on foot to hear one sermon. Many appear to be hungry for the bread of life. I have not traveled as yet any further than into Jefferson county — soon I intend to go over more ground. I feel anxious to know how much land we have to possess. Pioneers are needed to range through this new country and plant churches. The time has evidently come when the helping hand is to be put forth — every thing is encouraging ; it is a good cause, and the great Head of the church will prosper it. Difficulties there are, and opposition there will be ; but, who art thou, great mountain? before Zerobabel thou shalt become a plain. Soon the wilderness will bud and blossom like the rose. — Let the gospel of Christ go forth, and it will not return void."

Mr. Kincaid continued in this service for several years, and, upon closing his connection with the Association, the Board, in their Annual Report, bore the following testimony to their appreciation of his labors —

" In concluding our report/' says the secretary, " we wish to express our high sense of the valuable services rendered by our Brother Kincaid, in whose resignation, the Association sustains a great loss. He has been your agent from your first organization, and has been the chief instrument in originating nearly al 1 your auxiliary societies. As a pioneer, we know not his equal. It has been ascertained, that within the last four years, he has traveled more than 20,(\ miles, in exploring our State, and preaching in its most destitute and dreary regions, and in some instances, where the feet of him that bringeth good tidings had never before been seen. We rejoice that the Foreign Mission, in which wo feel a lively interest, has obtained a brother so laborious and self-denying."

The night before leaving Boston for India, Mr. Kincaid wrote the Board as follows : —

" The deep interest I have felt in the advancement of the cause in Pennsylvania, can never be erased from my mind ; my happiness has been identified with the prosperity of the Mission cause in that State, and though I may never visit it again, the recollections of past years, will ever be present with me. In mind, I shall often visit those mountains and valleys where I have so frequently preached the things concerning the kingdom of God."

" So ardently," it is added, " was he devoted to the cause of missions in this State, and so unquestionable an assurance has he left of the sincerity of that devotion, as naturally to elicit from us warm expressions of gratitude. Indeed, it is difficult to suppress the inquisitiveness we feel in calling to recollection so worthy a friend — so devoted a Christian. We would fain know where he resides ; the tenor of his life, and the success of his toils. Has he tired under his burden, and given up in despair ? Or, is he pressing forward to victory and death, with unabated ardor ?" After detaining the reader with a brief reference to the natural elements of the man, whose life was so auspiciously begun, a full and satisfactory answer to these questions will be found, it is believed, in the succeeding chapters of this work.

Chapter II. Elements Of Character

• Every work that he began ... he did it with all his heart and prospered."

2 Chron. xxxi. 21.

" He lives and breathes For noble purposes of mind ; and his heart Beats to heroic things of ancient days ; His eye distinguishes ; his soul creates."

Many men seem to have no individuality. Even though enjoying what is called a reputation, they are wholly wanting in what constitutes a distinctive character. Neither their mental nor their moral attributes are marked by any thing that can be regarded as permanent, and but for a certain " vain show" they would pass through life scarcely challenging recognition. There are others, however, endowed with such gifts that it matters not where they may be placed, their presence and influence are sure to be deeply and widely felt. Nor is it difficult to discern the qualities which generally give to individuals position and power. In all such cases it will be found that the constituent elements of the mind are such as to impart a decided character to all they say and do, and by the confidence with which they speak their sentiments, and the boldness with which they execute their plans, they speedily establish a title to preeminence even among illustrious associates.

These natural traits have been strikingly exhibited in the life and labors of Mr. Kincaid, and to theii possession must be traced one of the chief causes of his astonishing success.

To exhibit these traits is a difficult task, and one which I approach with great diffidence. In referring to a character so marked by Christian and manly virtue, however, nothing, of course, will be expected beyond a brief outline of the chief qualities for which he has become so widely distinguished.

The intellectual endowments of Mr. Kincaid, though not of the first or highest order, are unquestionably far above mediocrity, and the depth and breadth of their development, under the circumstances in which he has been placed, afford ample proof of their native scope and vigor. With a mind at once contemplative and discriminating, he exhibits also sleepless intellectual vivacity, and all his mental processes are conducted with the greatest possible rapidity. Hence it is that, notwithstanding the amount of time given to active labors, he has still been astonishingly successful in the acquisition of general intelligence.

Besides being an educated man, therefore, within his appropriate sphere, few, perhaps, are more familiar than he with the current history of the world, whether in the department of politics, science or religion. He possesses also remarkable resources in himself — in his good sense, his quick sagacity, his generous sensibilities, and his fertile imagination. Under no circumstances, perhaps, have these powers appeared to greater advantage than on the platform, when under the excitement induced by a crowded audience, he has been portraying the thrilling scenes connected with his labors in Burmah, or when, with strong argument and melting pathos, he has been heard pleading with the churches in behalf of the perishing heathen.

At such times, a whole assembly has been not only bathed in tears, but so thrilled by his graphic sketches, or so overwhelmed by his impetuous appeals, that the feelings of many have found utterance in involuntary, half-suppressed ejaculations.

The physical organization of Mr. Kincaid is scarcely less remarkable than his mental developments, and has doubtless contributed not a little to the making up of all the other elements of his manhood.

In person he is about the medium height, firmly, though not stoutly built — presenting a remarkable combination of nervous and muscular energy. As the natural result of such a formation, constituting the basis of an active temperament, he has, on all occasions, exhibited great powers of endurance, and evidently with a constitution less vigorous, he could never have survived the toils and privations through which he has been called to pass. The action of strong character, it has been said, demands something firm in its natural basis, just as massive engines require, for their weight and for their working, to be fixed on a solid foundation. The physical nature thus becomes an ally of the moral one, and with a hardness that never shrinks, sustains the energy that never remits.

This constitutional firmness may at least be regarded as an essental condition to physical courage. And among the many qualities requisite to the position of a Foreign Missionary, this certainly, is one of no little importance. In the prosecution of his work he is often thrown amid circumstances where timidity and irresolution would be ruin, and he needs, therefore, in an eminent degree, the power to provide against trying emergencies, and the bravery to ward off the most threatening danger.

The possession of this quality, giving to a man as it does, the full use of his faculties for the prudent and prompt adaptation of means to ends, is one of the rarest and most important of human endowments. Indeed, without a meas ire of this courage an individual can scarcely hope to succeed in any important undertaking, because, as Foster has said — " In almost all plans of great enterprise, a man must systematically dismiss, at the entrance, every wish to stipulate with his destiny for safety. He voluntarily treads within the precincts of danger ; and though it be possible he may escape, he ought to be prepared with the fortitude of a self-devoted victim. This is the inevitable condition on which heroes, travelers, or missionaries among savage nations, and reformers on a grand scale must commence their career."

But this dauntless spirit which is demanded in entering upon a great and hazardous enterprise is not less essential to its successful prosecution. And here we discover one of the strongest elements perhaps in Mr. Kincaid's character ; for while quick in his perceptions, and prompt and bold in forming his plans, he is at the same time persevering and confident in their execution. In his case we have a remarkable illustration of a strenuous will accompanying the conclusions of thought, and constantly inciting the utmost efforts to give them a practical result. And it matters not how formidable the difficulties, or how persistent the opposition which would defeat his plans, so inflexible is the temper of his mind, and so indomitable his courage, that such circumstances only increase the intensity of his soul, and with a feeling bordering on impunity, lie seems almost to make his way through impossibilities, and reaches, at last, the full execution of his purposes.

But closely allied with this trait of character is another, I allude to his independence. Let it cost what it may, he will be honest to the convictions of his own mind, and without stopping to consider what he might lose or what he might gain by any particular course of action, his single inquiry is, What is right ? And having satisfied his conscience on this point, without the slightest regard to man's frown or the hope of his favor, he will say and do whatever he conscientiously believes to be true and proper.

His rule has been to act, as far as possible, from convictions superior to his own passions ; and being governed by views of duty too deep and strong to yield to those influences which too often lead men to act in a way which their better judgments would forbid, his course, in some instances, may appear indiscreet — savoring, perchance, of harshness and arrogance.

Frankly independent in his opinions, however, and not without what would be called strong prejudices — no uncommon feature of powerful minds — Mr. Kincaid has not been the man to play the sycophant, nor, under any circumstances, to feign himself what he is not, and a more perfectly outspoken and transparent soul I have never known. In truth —

Tlie Hero Missionary. 29

"My love doth so approve hiin, That even his stubbornness, his checks, and frowns, Have grace and favor in them."

If anything has been needed to temper this independence and guard it against abuse, that element has existed in his remarkable self-devotement. His, in an eminent degree, has been the spirit of him who " pleased not himself," and who said — " My meat and my drink is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work." He has emphatically given himself to the work ; abjuring, from the very beginning, every thing that has not looked to its accomplishment.

Without repining, he has relinquished all else that was dear to him, and, in a spirit of true self-denial, has brought into captivity every passion of his soul to the obedience of Christ. And having made this full surrender of himself, he has been content to derive all his happiness in laboring with ceaseless toil for the glory of God and the salvation of men. His intention has been single, his way straightforward, and, keeping his end in view, he has pursued it without defection and without weariness. Hence, while his natural courage has supported him amid dangers, and while opposition and perils have not been able to disturb his self-reliance, this feeling of his soul, leading him to look to a higher object, has enabled him to say

SO Kincaid :

with the Apostle — "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." His life and spirit are fitly embodied in a noble strain of the poet, that reads as if it were written for him :

" I feel a secret impulse drive me on, And my soul springs impatient for the fight, 'Tis not the heated spirit and warm blood Of sanguine youth with which my bosom burns ; And though I thirst for glory, 'tis not, witness, Heaven; 'Tis not the sinful lust of fading fame, The perishable praise of mortal man ; His praise I covet whose applause is life."

But, after all, the source of his abundant labors as well as the secret of his great success, must be traced to his wonderful faith. Deeply convinced, as he is, of the verity of the Divine promises, and taking these as the basis of his efforts, he is actuated by no visionary conceits, but by that principle which has the marvelous power of making the future present ; the unseen visible ; and of investing its possessor with strength sufficient to overcome seeming impossibilities.

This is the gift of which the Apostle speaks in the eleventh of Hebrews, and through which holy men of olden time, subdued kingdoms, quenched the violence of fire, stopped the mouths of lions, and turned to flight the armies of the Aliens. " The man of faith,"

TJie Hero Missionary.

says a gifted writer, " is a decided character. The instinct of his reason is a strong will, from a strong motive. He answers the questions, What will you do ? what will you be ? and says, I will walk worthy of my vocation ; I will be a son of God. The Almighty allows and grants what such a mind wishes. A man without a determined final faith, an undoubting trust in the true God, is but as a dry leaf on the wings of the wind, carried about by impulses unresisted and unavoidable. As the leaf cannot take root, and it rests but to rot, so the faithless man has no living power in him to draw vigor and beauty from the elements. There is no settled hope without faith, and therefore, no going forth of the prophetic and realizing soul into the future eternal firmament of the heavens ; but fancy, instead, makes dreams of memory, and amuses or terrifies with phantoms uncertain as the dance of moonbeams on the sea. Such a mind has no supreme good, for the sake of which every other object is felt to be inferior and to be held in abeyance, to be enjoyed or endured, merely as it may serve as means to the attainment of the grand end— the unalienable possession of that good."*