One of the problems which often exercised the mind of Schwartz was how to find employment for his converts, a difficulty which is no stranger to the mission field to-day. In more senses than one the native Christian has to begin life all over again. In some cases he has made material sacrifices which he can never recover, but to all there is the right to live and the need for supplying its common necessaries. In his journal under date 1791 Schwartz makes a brief mention of the action taken in this respect:
“I sometimes employ poor widows in spinning. They bring the yarn to a Christian weaver, who makes good cloth for a trifling sum. Some widows bruise rice and sell it, others support themselves by selling fruit. When I visit these poor women on an afternoon I first catechise them and then get them to show me their work, as a proof of their industry. Labour is constantly necessary for them, not only as an occupation but to fix their minds on an object during their hours of solitude.
“The great wish of our heart is, that those who have been instructed in our religion may lead a life conformable to its holy precepts. Some indeed bring forth the fruits of faith, as for others we labour with patience, in hope of seeing them turn to the Lord.”
CHAPTER XII.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PATIENCE.
Age was creeping on apace and almost every letter written by Schwartz contains some reference to the filling up of years and the nearness of eternity. But he is happy enough in his work and in no haste to be gone. In saying good-bye to his friend, Mr. Huddleston, who was returning to England, broken in health, he gives him a little fatherly counsel, in a letter dated 7th February, 1792, begging him to practice patience and contentment and be quite restful in the will of God.
“This lesson,” says he, “we learn with difficulty; however, if we humble ourselves and believe as we ought, that God directs all to our advantage, we shall willingly, if not cheerfully, resign over our own will to His divine and perfect will. You take now your farewell and I do the same. Having lived nearly forty-two years in this climate, my strength decreaseth and I look for a blessed eternity.
“God has dealt kindly, very kindly, with me. He has led me as a father, forgiven me ten thousand talents which I owed Him, has given me a knowledge of His love and the love of my Redeemer, has made me, unworthy creature, an instrument of His grace to convey some knowledge of the Redeemer to others; so that I have a lively hope of finding some with whom I shall sing the praises due to the blessed Jesus for ever and ever.
“To complain I have no cause; except when I consider how often I have disobeyed Him. Then I have reason enough to complain of myself. But I know the exceedingly great mercy of my God, who is willing to cover my sins and to heal all my infirmities.
“You, my dear friend, are younger in years and may still live for some time. I entreat you to give your whole heart to Him, who can fill it with eternal joy. All worldly goods are deficient in that respect. They may please us but they cannot make us truly happy. Let us therefore take our refuge in Him who has loved us and given Himself for us. Live to His glory, and forget not that the true disciples of Jesus crucify the flesh and the lusts of it. Be guided by the blessed Spirit of God—trust not in your own strength—watch and pray and the God of peace be with you.