Daughters of the Cross: or Woman's MissionEddy, Daniel C. (Daniel Clarke)
History
Daughters of the Cross: or Woman's Mission
Eddy, Daniel C. (Daniel Clarke)
Women -- Biography; Women missionaries
In January, 1837, Mr. Shuck baptized the first man who had been converted
through his agency. His name was Ah Loo. [+] For about a year previous
[Footnote +: The baptism of Ah Loo is thus described by Mr. Shuck: "At
seven o'clock this evening we repaired to the water; and although the
natural sun was not permitted to attest this first baptismal scene in
China, yet the effulgence of the Sun of Righteousness shone upon us; and if
ever we felt his genial rays, it was then. Contrary to our expectations, we
did not go half so far as we anticipated, but stopped upon the beach at a
suitable place, within a few rods-of a large Portuguese fort with mounted
ramparts. Here, in broken sentences, we united our hearts in prayer to God
that he would forgive--our weakness and many imperfections, and grant us
his smile and heavenly grace now and during our whole lives. Then handing
my cap and cane to Mrs. Shuck, who stood on the bank, the only earthly
witness of the joyful event, I had the privilege of burying with Christ in
baptism this willing convert from heathenism, being the first Chinese that
was ever baptized within the confines of this vast and idolatrous empire."]
to his baptism he lived as cook in the mission family. During the year
he became greatly attached to those whom he served, and would let no
opportunity pass without showing his gratitude. They, of course, instructed
him in the principles of the Christian religion. He was a willing learner,
and soon gave evidence of being a changed, regenerated man. Yet the
missionary was cautious, and for a long time held back his disciple; but at
length, convinced of the genuineness of his conversion, led him down into
the flowing tide and baptized him. This event was an occasion of great joy
to our sister, who, with her husband, had done so much to enlighten the
poor idolatrous Chinaman. Ah Loo maintained a constant walk for a long
time; but at length, temptation proving too powerful for him, he was
overcome, and sinned against God. This fall was full of sorrow to the
missionaries, as his conversion had been full of joy and hope; and when the
news came that he had disgraced his high profession and wronged his blessed
Savior, they bowed their hearts in sadness, and prayed to Heaven that the
wanderer might yet be restored and the straying child brought back to the
Father's arms.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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