from, "Lovest thou me ?" The sittings of the District commenced next morning, and were continued by adjournment during the rest of the week, from six in the morning, to nine or ten at night. On Sunday, November 7th, he preached a Missionary sermon at Launceston, -the last sermon he ever preached,from Isaiah lv. 8-13: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,' &c. The congregation was large and deeply attentive, and the word was with power. On Monday he attended the sittings of the District all day; and at night gave a most animated speech of two hours' length, full of his characteristic humour, and in one of his happiest moods, with amazing effect. The next day, Tuesday, the 9th, after attending to District business till one o'clock, he set out for Longford, leaving the brethren to conclude the District-Meeting. We rode through torrents of rain, and, greatly fatigued, reached the chapel just in time for the Missionary Meeting there; when, full of Missionary zeal, he spoke for about an hour, and then sat down in a state of great exhaustion. After the Meeting we had to walk nearly two miles, through pouring rain, and long, wet grass, to the residence of G. P. Ball, Esq., where we were to lodge. I ren dered him every assistance in my power; and, supported by my arm, he arrived at the house of our hospitable friend, but not till he had two or three times expressed his fears that he should not be able to reach the place. The follow. ing morning he was very unwell, but determined, if possible, to proceed homewards, saying he was persuaded he had taken cold, and was about to have a serious affliction; and that he was anxious to get to Hobart-Town, to arrange for the immediate sailing of the "Triton," and, if practicable, proceed with her to New-Zealand. In much pain, and with great difficulty, he reached home in four days, so weak and ill as to be scarcely able to walk or stand by himself. I may add, that, during the eighteen days that I was with Mr. Waterhouse on this excursion, the prosperity of the Missions was evidently the subject which lay nearest his heart. From morning till night, whether on the road, or in the society of friends, his theme was the same, the state and prospects of your Missions in these seas. The services which he held in every place were always commenced with singing and prayer; after which Mr. Waterhouse generally read a portion of Scripture, and spoke for about two hours. In every instance his statements were listened to with intense interest, and produced effects such as I never before witnessed; and in most instances the practical responses were gratifying. The Committee received the following letter from Miss Waterhouse, dated January 14th, 1842 THE last time I addressed you as my father's amanuensis, I gave an account of his illness, and the circumstances which superinduced it. We had hoped that, long ere this, his health would have been re-instated; but in this we have been painfully disappointed. Some weeks ago, he was able to ride out for the benefit of the air; but a sudden change of weather, a month since, produced a serious relapse, and he has been again confined to his bed. The best medical advice was procured. Dr. Officer deemed it needful and satisfactory to call in a Physician, and the most prompt measures were resorted to. I am happy and thankful to state, that, within the last few days, his medical attendants report a marked and very favourable change; but he is not yet even allowed to sit up, being in a state of extreme debility, demanding entire rest and quietness. We are given to understand, that he will necessarily be some time in regaining his strength, which has been so completely prostrated; and that such incessant toil, fatigue, and excitement, as he has endured the past two years, cannot but have impaired his constitution. His great anxiety and intense interest about "the infant churches" under his care, have greatly retarded his progress; but we trust there will be no further check to his recovery, and that for many years he may be enabled successfully to prosecute his beloved, though arduous and hazardous, undertaking. It is my father's intention to write to you at length, when his strength will permit him. He desires me to convey our kindest remembrances to you all, and to our friends generally, who, we trust, continue to pray for us. Our excellent friends, Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, have taken their passage by the "Tasmania," and expect to sail for England next month. Nearly a month afterwards Mr. Waterhouse wrote the following letter, the receipt of which strengthened the painful apprehensions which the Committee had begun to entertain : My daughter wrote a few lines, (Jan. 14th, 1842,) giving an account of my continued illness. Since then, I have been slowly improving, and can walk from one room to another; so that in the day I occupy the sofa, which affords relief; but I must recline. Committing my cause into the hands of Him who does all things well, I remain Your afflicted servant, JOHN WATERHOUSE. N. B. Dr. Officer has paid me unremitting and paternal attention; and when he thought me able to sit up a little, he wished me to ride out in an easy carriage, for which purpose he first sent his own to try if I could bear it. I have, therefore, under his direction, borrowed a phaeton, as the Doctors say riding out, in a very easy vehicle, is absolutely necessary to my recovery; and that, with every advantage, it will be a work of time. J. TUCKER, for J. WATERHOUSE. These apprehensions were realized by the very afflictive intelligence which we have now to communicate. This we shall give in the more brief letter of Mr. Simpson, dated Hobart-Town, March 31st, 1842, reserving the very interesting and more minute account by Mr. Butters for any memoir which it may be thought right to prepare for general publication. I SIT down to address you under feelings of a most painful character, an event having taken place which has thrown a gloom over our society here, and which will be severely felt through. out your important Missions in this part of the world. I refer to the lamented death of our beloved General Superintendent, who exchanged mortality for life last evening, about a quarter before nine o'clock. He had been labouring for some time under a complication of disorders, superinduced by excessive fatigue during his last visit to the islands, and by undue exposure to severe weather after his return to this colony. During a great part of his protracted illness, he suffered so much from nervous debility, that his medical attendant absolutely prohibited his being seen by any person except the members of his own family; in consequence of which, I had not those frequent opportunities of conversing with him on spiritual subjects, which I could have desired. But whilst thus secluded from the visits of his friends, and reduced to a distressing degree of weakness, his heart was still in his Master's work, and he employed himself in dictating to his daughter, letters of advice and instruction to the Missionaries on the different stations; and manifested an anxiety about the prosperity of the cause of Christ in the South Seas, which nothing could exceed. Occasionally I have been permitted to see him; and at these times, he seemed to dwell with peculiar pleasure upon the interests of the church of Christ; and when tidings have reached him of the removal of any of the pillars of that cause, (as, for instance, the late Messrs. Anderson and Lessey, who were his former friends,) his mind has been affected almost beyond measure. Towards the close of his affliction my visits were more frequent; and though the power of speech was very much impaired, yet he gave me distinctly to understand that his mind was peacefully stayed upon the merits of his crucified but exalted Lord; and when I prayed with him, he would unite with very great fervour in the petitions offered, especially those in behalf of his family, or of the cause of God. For his family he felt a most affectionate solicitude, and seemed to lose sight of himself altogether if their interest was concerned. As a proof and illustration of this, I would just mention, that a union had been projected between Mr. Butters and Miss Waterhouse, and the day for celebrating their nuptials was fixed; but, in consequence of his illness, they thought it might be well to postpone it. He, however, gave them to understand, that he should be much grieved if they allowed his affliction to interfere with their arrangements, and wished them to proceed in the matter according to their original purpose, and did not seem satisfied until assured that they would do so. Hence, for some days before his death, he was deprived of the tender and affectionate attention of his much-beloved daughter. About two hours before his departure I joined his family by his bed-side, and they informed him that I was there, when he immediately called out, "Pray, pray." I at once knelt down, and felt considerable liberty in praying that he might be supported in his passage through the dark valley of the shadow of death, and referred particularly to the preciousness of Christ to the soul of the dying believer. When we arose from our knees, he cried out in broken accents, "He is precious! he is precious! he is precious!" Shortly after this he wished to be raised up in bed, and while his sons were supporting him, he appeared as though recognising somebody about his bed, and then exclaimed, "Wesley! Wesley! Wesley! Smith! Smith! Clarke !" just as though he were addressing the parties whose names he mentioned. I simply relate the fact as it occurred; but may we not suppose that, as he drew near to the invisible state, and heaven opened on his eyes, he might catch a view of those blessed spirits, and accost them by name as his future associates? After being laid down again in bed, he seemed to muse for some time; and I suppose the Missions under his care had engaged his final thoughts, and that he felt the need of a greater number of labourers in the field; for he raised himself in bed without help, and cried out, "Missionaries! Missionaries! Missionaries!" and then sank back, and never spoke afterwards. Thus ended the eminently useful career of this devoted servant of the Redeemer. I need scarcely say, how much we feel our loss; a loss which, when we think upon the wisdom with which he counselled, and the affection with which he encouraged us in our work, appears to be irreparable. May the mantle of our departed Elijah fall on those who are left behind! Thus did this eminent Missionary, with his latest breath, appear to make an appeal to God and to his church, that more labourers may be sent into those fields which he had beheld as "already white unto the harvest!" We cannot believe that the appeal will be made in vain. DEATH OF THE REV. JOSEPH ORTON AT SEA, AND OF MR. WYATT AT CAPE-COAST. WE deeply regret to have to announce the death of these valued Missionaries. Mr. Orton, in 1828, suffered imprisonment in Jamaica, in company with the Rev. Isaac Whitehouse, at a time when the local authorities had determined, that it was a crime to preach the Gospel to the Negroes. His confinement in the common jail of St. Ann's— at that time a most unwholesome prison-was very injurious to his constitution, and rendered a change of climate necessary. In 1831 he received an appointment to Australasia, where, for several years, he rendered very faithful and acceptable service to the Society. Before his embarkation for his return home from Melbourne, his health had considerably failed: the weather which was encountered off Cape-Horn was more than his enfeebled frame could bear, and he sank under his sufferings on the 30th of April. His end was calm and peaceful, and his remains were committed to the deep in full and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal life. His sorrowing widow and seven children have arrived in this country. Mr. Wyatt proceeded to Cape Coast as a probationer in December last; and his zeal and devotedness encouraged the hope that he would prove very useful to the Africans, in whose welfare he was deeply interested. Ilis career was suddenly cut short. He had safely passed through the seasoning fever, and was supposed to be fast recovering; when he was seized with epilepsy, and died, after a very short illness, on the 7th of April last. RETURN OF THE REV. MESSRS. DOVE AND BADGER FROM SIERRA-LEONE, WESTERN AFRICA. THE following letter, received from these excellent Missionaries, who are returning to this country, temporarily, to recruit their health, forms an affecting and additional appeal to the friends of the Society in behalf of much-injured Africa. If the Missionaries, who risk their health, and devote their lives to this service, are not doing more for the spread of the Gospel than reason and Christianity require, let their sacrifices and labours be emulated by the liberality and diligence of the friends of the Society at home. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Messrs. Dove and Badger, dated English Channel off Falmouth, August 18th, 1842. DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN, By the tender mercy and care of our heavenly Father, we are brought within sight of our native land, and hope to be in London in a few days. We left Sierra-Leone on the 27th of May, and have had a long and tedious passage, owing to the calms and contrary winds. We are very sorry for this, as we should have esteemed it a great privilege to be present at the Conference, and to have contributed a few curiosities which we have with us, to the Bazaar. We left the brethren, Messrs. Raston and Annear, in good health; but, as you well know, in the midst of much labour and care. We would, therefore, most strongly urge the necessity of Missionaries being sent to their assistance immediately. If the number could be increased to six, it would be cause of great joy, and would but barely meet the wants of the case. We are thankful for the success with which the great Head of the church has blessed us, and for the present stability of the work of God in Sierra-Leone: also that we still have the affections of our dear people there, and their kind wishes that, by the good providence of God, we may return to them again; which we shall be glad to do (for they are in our hearts to die and to live with them) after a year's residence in England. We humbly request, (if not too late,) that you will have us appointed for Circuits in England for the ensuing year. The Lord's name be praised, that our health is good, and we feel as strong to labour as ever. We feel that we cannot be too thankful for his tender care of us while we have been in the land of sickness and death, and for present manifestations of his favour and goodness. We are, therefore, constrained to consecrate ourselves afresh to him, and to the service of his church. Several Africans are with us, some of whom are members of our society: they are come on business, and for education, &c. Mr. Joseph Wright is amongst them. We thought that, by a visit to England, he might serve our cause, and be prepared for greater usefulness in the work of God. Praying that the Lord may choose our future place, and appoint our work, we subscribe ourselves Your humble and obedient THOMAS DOVE, HENRY BADGER, Wesleyan Missionaries. THE Friend at East-Lothian, a member of the established Church of Scotland, whose Donation of One Hundred Pounds stands on our list of Acknowledgments this month, has the best thanks of the Committee. The attention of our readers is directed to the note at the foot of the list. Contributions to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, received by the General Treasurers, since our last announcement, up to the 18th of August, 1842. Moneys received at the Mission-House. A Nottingham Tee-totaller.. V.; by the Rev. P. C. Turner; for the Outfit and Passage of £. s. d. 100 0 0 80 0 0 A Friend to Christian Missions, to the heathen world, in Charles Hooper, Esq., Eastington-house, near Stroud S. H.; by the Rev. Dr. Alder A Friend, Knaresborough; by the Rev. J. Mitchell Legacy of the late Mr. E. Tomlinson, Tockwith, £40; less duty Donation on Annuity Mr. Atkinson, Hull, A Thank-offering Legacy of the late Miss Harvey, £24; less Income-Tax Mrs. Bostock, Stoke-upon-Trent A Friend, in Wiltshire A Thank-offering, by Thomas Farmer, Esq., Batcombe; for the Feejees Legacy of the late Mr. Cockshott, Addingham A Friend; by the Rev. John Newton Legacy of the late John Graham (a recaptured Negro) for pro- Michael Prendergast, Esq.; for the preparation of native Teachers A. G., a Thank-offering for mercies received; by the Rev. 10 0 0 A. P.; by the Rev. John Beecham Mrs. Scott, Pensford, for Bibles and Testaments for the A Friend A Lover of Wesleyan Missions; by the Rev. J. Womersley... A Thank-offering to the Almighty, for being restored to health A Friend, Chesterfield; by the Rev. E. Hoole 10 O 0 10 0 0 0 N. B. The Amount and Details of recent Remittances from District Auxiliary Societies will be found on the Cover of the Missionary Notices. *The above sum is given by a respectable and pious member of the established Church of Scotland, for the special purpose of enabling the Committee to supply the vacancies in the West Indian Missions, occasioned by the death of those who, he believes, have fallen a sacrifice, more directly to excessive labour, than to the influence of the climate; and in hope that a hundred more, at least, will come forward in a similar manner, to enable the Wesleyan Missionary Committee to meet the imperative demands of that interesting portion of the foreign field of holy toil. J. W. LONDON-PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SQUARE. |