Sketches from Formosa.

340
SKETCHES FROM FORMOSA
In 1646, Mr. Bavius still abode in the village of Soulang,
having also under his direction the work in the villages
of Mattau, Dorco, Tilosen, and Tevorang Mr. van Breen
;
was labouring in Favorlang and the neighbouring villages ;
Mr. Happartius (of whom no further mention is made)
being stationed at Castle Zeelandia, where he conducted
the Dutch services, and attended to the interests of the
congregations at Sakam, Tavocan, and Bakloan. Mean-
while, Mr. Olef remained among the Southern villages ;
but, as this large parish extended from Favorlang to
Pangsoia, the assistance of a colleague was earnestly
petitioned for, and bitter complaints were made concerning
the laziness of the teachers there.
During 1647, Mr. Bavius succumbed to serious illness,
and Mr. van Breen received permission to return to the
Fatherland. It was also about this time that the
Rev. Daniel Gravius expressed his desire to serve the
Church of Christ among the newly-converted heathen
of Formosa. He was established as a minister at Batavia,
a man of great talents, and much beloved both by the
Government officials and his congregation. With many
tried hard in name of
arguments and inducements, they
the Council and Kirk-session to dissuade him from his
purpose ; but he remained steadfast in this that, if
they would release him from his official work in Batavia,
he would at once proceed to Formosa. After many
more fruitless attempts to alter his intention, he was at
last set free, His Excellency the Governor-general com-
manding (however much he desired to keep him) that
his praiseworthy and pious determination should no
longer be hindered, but rather assisted in every way
possible ;
so that, having made a few needful preparations,
Mr. Gravius said farewell to the Kirk-session of Batavia,
leaving for Formosa on May 6th, amid the tears of his
very sorrowing and attached congregation. He remained