66

by every proper means. I was much affected by "the solemnity of the occasion, and by the energy "and feeling with which the address was deli"vered: and the subject of the charge itself made "a great impression on my mind, particularly "when meditating on it afterwards, during my voyage."

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Soon after the appointment of Mr. Buchanan to India, he received priest's orders from the Bishop of London; and in the month of May went down to Scotland, in order at once to revisit his family, and again take leave of them previously to his approaching voyage to India.

The feelings of both parties upon this meeting were, it may readily be imagined, of a mixed but very interesting nature. Nearly nine years had elapsed since Mr. Buchanan, partly impelled by disappointed affection, and partly by the flattering visions of a youthful imagination, had left his native country, and sojourned in a strange land. During that long interval many remarkable events had occurred. One of his earthly parents was no more; but he had, like the prodigal, returned to his heavenly Father, and by him he had been distinguished by peculiar marks of kindness and favour. After having suffered many external hardships and much inward distress, he had been relieved in no ordinary manner from both, by the providence and grace of God. Opportunities had been afforded him, which he had diligently im

proved, of acquiring the treasures of human science and learning; and with a mind thus richly stored, and a heart deeply impressed with the inestimable value of the Gospel, he had been called to the work of the ministry, and had now the prospect of being permitted to preach among the Gentiles the un"searchable riches of Christ." The emotions of Mr. Buchanan during his journey to Scotland, under these remarkable circumstances, must have been peculiarly affecting. While "a new song of joy and thanksgiving had been put into his lips, it would be somewhat damped by the recollection of past sorrows, the pain of his approaching departure from his kindred and country, and the anticipation of future labours and trials. The feelings of his widowed mother and surviving family would be scarcely less chequered by joy and sorrow. Delighted as they must have been by the return of their beloved relative, enriched with divine and human knowledge, and honoured by an appointment which more than realized their highest wishes and expectations, the pleasure of their intercourse with him would be not a little clouded by the thought of its transient nature, and the prospect of a long, perhaps, as to this world, a final separation in a far distant land. Such, we may justly suppose, were the mutual feelings and reflections of Mr. Buchanan and his family during his short abode with them at this interesting period. He appears to have remained in Scotland till the first

136

MEMOIRS OF DR. BUCHANAN.

week in June, when he returned to London, to complete the preparations for his voyage. On the 3d of July, he preached for Mr. Newton at St. Mary Woolnoth; and terminated by a pious and affectionate farewell his short connection with the congregation of his dear and venerable friend.

MEMOIRS

OF THE

REV. DR. BUCHANAN.

PART II.

CHAP. I.

AMONG the various recommendations and introductions from his more immediate patrons and friends, by which Mr. Buchanan was accompanied to India, one occurs, from so respectable a quarter, and of so appropriate a nature, that it may be proper to insert it. This is a letter from the Rev. Dr. Gaskin, Secretary to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, to the Rev. David Brown, then one of the East India Company's chaplains resident in Calcutta. That part of his letter which relates to the subject of these memoirs is as follows.

"Rev. and dear Sir,

"London, July 3, 1796.

"It is with particular pleasure that I introduce

to you the name of the Rev. Claudius Buchanan, who is appointed to be chaplain to the Hon. Company, and in whom I am persuaded you will find a most valuable colleague; as I have every reason to believe, from the intercourse I have had with him, and from the testimony chiefly of my Lord Bishop of London, that he is a man of sound learning, serious piety, and great steadiness. I was myself present, and assisted at his admission to priest's orders. The pleasure I have in communicating this information is increased considerably, from the full expectation I entertain, that he will cheerfully, and to the utmost of his power, assist you at the mission church."

This was, however, by no means the only introduction which Mr. Buchanan carried with him to the pious and excellent person to whom the foregoing letter was addressed; who afterwards proved one of his most valued and intimate friends, and with whom he was long associated in the various labours which devolved upon him in India.

Thus recommended and accredited, Mr. Buchanan left London for Portsmouth on Saturday the 30th of July, and on the 11th of August following he embarked on board the Busbridge East Indiaman, commanded by Captain Dobree, and sailed for Bengal. During the course of his extensive voyage, Mr. Buchanan was diligently employed in acquiring useful knowledge, and in en