RECALLING WILLIAM C. BURNS - Burns, William Chalmers
chapter 21
1875
The first evening or our arrival we had the pleasure of hearing rev. William c. Burns of the “English Presbyterian mission” conduct the union mission meeting. He wore the “full Chinese blue dress and tail, ” he was both a distinguished scholar and earnest missionary. Mr. Burns was born in Scotland april 1, 1815, arrived in china November, 1847, and left amoy for Peking 1863. He had many thrilling adventures to face during his inland itinerary life. On one occasion he proceeded westward beyond the range of his first labors, without any clear indication of the master’s will. At night he had lain long awaken in anxious and pensive questionings when he became suddenly aware of the presence of robbers in his chamber. With great presence of mind he sat up in bed as two of the muffled figures approached with stealthy step and blackened faces to his bed side and stood over him with naked swords held to his breast. do no violence, my friends, ” he said calmly, “and you shall have all my things. “his pleading for the bible of his mother was not in vain, but the thieves broke open his trunk, and in the presence helped themselves to books, clothes and money as they pleased. One fellow had his hone, and being puzzled to know its use, brought it to Mr. Burns to learn what it was fit for, and was patiently taught the mode of sharpening a razor or knife on it. When his landlord came in to condole with his guest on his loss, ‘poor fellows, ‘ said he, ‘let us pray for them, ‘ but he was obliged to remain patiently in bed, on the mainland opposite Hong Kong, until the return of a messenger he had dispatched to his friends in the English colony, supplied him with the necessary articles for appearing in the street in an appropriate garb. In august, 1856, he was seized by the imperialist and brought to canton over four hundred miles from near swatow in the capacity of a criminal; his situation was trying, but on his arrival at the provincial city he was speedily released from his truly unpleasant vile durance. Two Chinese christian colporteurs arrested at the time were subsequently liberated and returned to Hong kong. The pilgrim’s progress was translated into Chinese by Mr. Burns and printed on smooth yellow paper manufactured from rice straw. It is not printed with types, but each page is engraved on wooden blocks, which form a cheap and convenient stereotype. On account of the mass of population in china, the wages are extremely low, and this is evidenced by the price of the books, which costs about four pence per copy. It is embellished by a number of illustrations remarkable well executed. A young dutch gentlemen entered the sitting room of a friend in Hong kong and saw on in chinese garb, and really marveled what Chinese could be reading the london times. It turned out to be the missionary w. C. Burns. Soon after, he went to hear mr. B. Preach, and never could forget the expression he used in preaching, ‘my dear fellow sinners and it resulted in his conversion. Mr. Burns was one of the most remarkable missionaries of modern times, a man of truly apostolic spirit. He had a wonderful facility in acquiring languages and dialects, and he has sown seed probably in many districts through which he traveled, the springing up of which to life will be heard of in after days. [since my pleasant visit, Mr. Burns has passed away from his labors. He died at the port of nieu-chwang april 4, 1868, worn out by privation and persevering toil. “]
Catharina van rensselaer bonney
