TOMLIN, Jacob.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Missionary Journals and Letters, Written During Eleven Years' Residence and Travels among the Chinese, Siamese, Javanese, Khassias, and Other Eastern Nations. First edition, arguing that the main benefit of British military expansion in Asia lay in the new opportunities for religious conversion rather than increased freedom of trade. A member of the London Missionary Society, Tomlin (1793-1880) accompanied the German Karl Gützlaff during most of his pioneering journey through Thailand in 1828 - the first visit to the country by Protestant missionaries.In Thailand, Tomlin "distributed religious tracts and preached, but was unable to build a church... In a period of religious freedom, the novelty of his teachings apparently attracted considerable interest. After visiting Bali he returned to Bangkok, although as little more than a visitor. By 1833 Tomlin was principal at the Anglo-Chinese College in Malacca, when he abolished the stipend the mission paid to students. His relationship with the London Missionary Society came to an end in 1834, after which he ran his own school in Malacca" (Howgego).Tomlin's prefatory remarks appeal for greater missionary work in China following the First Opium War. "That vast empire, which has been closed against us and the pure Gospel, for many ages, is at last thrown open" (p. xiv). The subscriber's list at the rear lists only 177 copies, distribution focused on the Liverpool area.

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