Norwich bulletin., 1909-03-05
Miss Larned's Missionary Papers
 


 have loved the Ashford association, and next to the church in West Wood stock. felt it to be my home. But can we ever forget our meetings while al home in IS4S and 1849? Can we forget the effort for Franks chapel?
 It IS four years today since the re- mains of my dear companion were lalo in the silent grave. I have just been with the school children to visit the quiet spot. What shall l say of those four years? Shall complain of loneli- ness, or hard work, of unceasfng care and toll? No. I have not been alone. "Lo I am with yous,' has been verified more than in any former period. God has been with me--ilis arm hasS sup ported me. He has given me much work to do and enabled me to do IL. Glory to his name. As to cares and trials-they have driven me to the throne of grace and see and feel they have worked for my good. They have driven me from all trust in human aid, and caused me to look alone to God for help. And now He has permitted me to live to see my son return-to see him and his wife enter upon their mis- sionary labors-to see the Karens gathering around them asking advice and counsel as they did 28 years ago of Mir. Vinton and me. Should l not be thankful? MayI not look up and say, Now lettest thy servant depart?" AL though worn out and tired in the work, I am far from being tired of-& never enjoyed school teaching better than now. And my travels in the jungle for the past three months have done me good in soul and body. It does me good to get out among the people to visit the churches and endeavor to point sinners to the Lamb of God. have never complained of missionary work. only wonder why God ever permitted me to enjoy such a privilege. You speak of my burdens, sacrifices and personal inconveniences. I know nothing of them compared to the lux ury of doing good. And that luxury does not consist alone in pointing sim ners to the Lamb of God. True that Is the greatest. But to give dose of medicine, to nurse the sick, to relieve the distressed. speak kindly to the af- fiicted, instruct the ignorant, imparts as much comfort to tie agent as to the object. If not, where is the truth of the words of our Saviour, Tt is more blessed to give than to receiver
 I do not ask your sympathy. l ask your cooperation. Not that I am ex- pecting long to occupy this field. No, feel that my work is almost done. Twenty y-eight years of hard labor and toll in this facilitating climate has told
 
 that I have held out so long. But may not ask you to be co-workers with my son and wife? Will you not con- tinuesto do for them what you have just done for me? I trust they will be hard working, faithful missionaries and as such worthy of your confidence. BRainard preached his first sermon in Franks chapel i1 Karen last Sabbath. He had preached in Karen several times in the jungle He Is still travel ing, though the weather is getting very hot He regrets exceedingly that he cannot visit all the churches this year. But it is our motto to do all we can, and leave the rest with God.
 And now, in conclusion, allow me, through you. as the organ of the asso- citation, to thank them for what tney have done. and ask that they may send me yearly such a letter as I have just now received. Yours, in Christian bonds,
 CALSTA H. vINToN.
 Tn hope of regaining health. Mrs. Vinton made a parting visit to friends in England and America and was en- abled to make many addresses, not only to- her friends in New England but in some of the western states and Canada. The presence and words of this white haired woman after so many years of earnest labor made deep impression upon all who heard her, relSindling interest in some whose hearts had failed them. Returning to her adopted home in i863 she hoped to resume her work, but strength fail- ed her and she died at Rangoon in December, 1S63-Ieaving a record sur passed by few women missionaries. Her work among her much loveG Karens was carried on by her daugh- ter, Calista, Mrs. Luther, and the son mentioned in her letter.
 Rev. J. Brainard Vinton was born in Burmah, educated mostly in th1s country. While pursuing his studies he united with the West woodstock Baptist church, so loved by his mother and retained his membership many years. He was graduated from Ham ilton Theological institute. married the daughter of another veteran mission ary, Dr. J. M. Harwell. He with his wife and sister continued the work among the Karens until compelled by i'll health to return to this country.
 Rev. L. R. Vinton, son Of Rev. J. Brainard and - Harwell Vlnton, was ordained in the First Baptist church, Charlestown, Mass, June, 1900. with special reference to engaging in missionary work in Burnah. Eleven missionaries have gone forth from the families of his connection. A sister of Dr. Justus H. Vinton, Mrs. Miranda Vinton Harris, aided him in his labors 1S41-1S54. Descendants of these pio- neers are carrying on mission work in various fields.
 ELLEN D. HARMED.