Sketches from Formosa.

WORK OF THE EARLY DUTCH MISSION 337
Robert Junius was appointed to assist him, and he also
began by working hard at the study
of the native col-
loquial and in the preparation of catechisms for religious
instruction ; some affirming that he even succeeded in
translating several portions
of God's Word into the
language of the aboriginal tribes.
In 1631, Mr. Candidius was called to Batavia, where he
remained for some time ; but, still remembering the
needy Church of Formosa, he returned to the scene of
his former labours about the middle of 1633, and took
up his abode with Mr. Junius in the village of Sakam,
which afterwards developed into the large
of Taiwan-fu.
Chinese city
Two years later, those earnest, like-minded fellow-
labourers were privileged to receive by baptism into the
Church of Christ no fewer than seven hundred adults ;
and on March nth, 1636, they were able to report to
Colonial headquarters at Batavia that, from observation
made on a journey through the Island with Governor
Putmans, at least fifteen additional ministers would be
required to take advantage of the opening which then
existed for the spread of the Gospel. Accordingly, on
April 23rd, the Rev. Ahasuerus Hoogestein received
appointment, and on July 26th the Kirk-session at
Batavia decided to reinstate in office the Rev. Joannes
Lindeborn and send him to this very inviting field of labour.
During 1637, Mr. Candidius returned to the Fatherland,
the Rev. Gerardus Leeuwius went out to act as chaplain
to the Dutch residents near Fort Zeelandia, and Mr. Junius
was once more left alone at Sakam ; Mr. Lindeborn
having been deposed from office on account of improper
conduct, and Mr. Hoogestein having died when about to
enter upon active service.
On July nth, 1638, the Rev. Joannes Schotanus was
rto
share the work with Mr. Junius, and reached his
32