Transcriber's note: Due to the number of tables, this file reads better in a monospaced font. THE BAPTIST MAGAZINE. MAY, 1835. MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. R. MORRISON, D.D., &c. _Missionary to the Chinese Empire._ BY AN INTIMATE FRIEND OF THE DECEASED.[A] [Footnote A: A Sermon has just been published, entitled, "A Voice from China; a Discourse, delivered at New Windsor Chapel, Salford, on Sunday, February 11, 1835, to improve the lamented death of the Rev. Robert Morrison, D.D., F.R.S., &c., &c.; with a Sketch of his Character and Labours, principally compiled from his own correspondence. By John Clunie, LL.D." Of this discourse we are happy to avail ourselves, for the purpose of presenting our readers with a brief memorial of this distinguished servant of Christ; still referring them to the Sermon itself for some interesting extracts, and appropriate reflections, which we are unable to transfer to our pages.--ED.] The Rev. Dr. Morrison was born at Morpeth, Jan. 5, 1782, but was early removed to Newcastle-upon-tyne. His parents, though in humble circumstances, were industrious and pious members of the Scottish church; and they educated their family in the fear of the Lord. When a boy, he was, with other young persons of the congregation, frequently catechised by the Minister; and this has inadvertently led to an erroneous report, that he was originally a Sunday School scholar. He was afterwards taught a mechanical trade, which he diligently followed till he left home. I believe he "feared the Lord from his youth;" and that the pious instructions of his father's house, and the faithful ministrations of his pastor, were so blessed to him, that at the age of sixteen he solemnly devoted himself to God. When engaged in his secular calling, his mind, thirsting for knowledge, sought its own improvement, first by general reading, and, after a few years, by diligently acquiring the rudiments of Latin. He used to steal hours from rest, and often to work with his book raised before him, so that his eye could cast a rapid glance on its pages, while his hands were actively employed at his daily labour. Thus he at once prepared his lesson for the Minister who kindly instructed him, and discovered the first indications of that diligence and talent for the acquisition of a foreign language, which laid the basis of his future fame.