Milne, William (1785-1822). Pioneer LMS missionary to Malaya,

Born in Kennethmont, Scotland, in April 1785; Milne died in Melaka, 2 June 1822.

After study at Marischal College Aberdeen (1806-1807) and at Gosport as an LMS candidate, in 1812, he was ordained, married Rachel Cowie, and left to join Robert Morrison in Canton. He and his family moved to Melaka in May 1815. He was the first principal of the Anglo-Chinese College (1818). Others joined the mission, and their material published in English, Chinese, and Malay is part of the early history of printing in the region. Milne edited the Indo-Chinese Gleaner (1817-1822) and a monthly magazine in Chinese. His tract Two Friends, was widely used and he collaborated with Morrison translating the Chinese Old Testament. In 1820 Glasgow University awarded him an honorary D.D.

DAC

Milne's "Queries to be proposed by a Missionary to Himself when writing Missionary Letters"

1st. Do I keep fully within actual facts? - or strong probabilities?

2nd. Do I so write, as will be apt to the lead the public to expect more than can be realised?

3rd. Do I write, in regard to style, terms and address, becoming my age, talents and period of service?

4th. Do I write anything which if made public would casue future self-reproach; or become an obstacle to me among the people among whom I labour?

5th. Do I attribute too much to myself?

6th. Do I give cause of offence to my brethren - by round about insinuations ... by intentional neglect ... or by positive accusations?

Quoted by Robert Morrison, Memoirs of the Rev William Milne, DD, late missionary to China and principal of the Anglo-Chinese College, Malacca, Mission Press, 1824. p.160.

Check Google Books for pdf files of early books by and about Milne.