giving out the hymn, a slip of paper was handed up to me. It contained few words, but they were of awful import. "I fear you have delayed too long in coming up to see dear Mr. Thompson. He is dead. Do come up to-night, if possible." Under all circumstances this was impracticable, and would have been imprudent. Mrs. Kerr so ill, the cholera raging all around us, the horse out at pasture a distance of four miles; and, besides, four miles at the beginning of the journey are over a road in the centre of a morass, the effluvia and damps from which, after night-fall, are very injurious in any case, much more so to a person heated and drenched as I was after the Sabbath evening service. By three o'clock on Monday morning, and after a sleepless night, I was astir, and hastened with all speed to console, as much as possible, our dear afflicted sister, and to make arrangements for the funeral. I found Mrs. Thompson bearing her severe affliction with Christian fortitude and resignation, very graciously supported. Nature felt, but grace triumphed. All that remained of our dear brother, was lying on the bed, in a neat, clean under-dress, awaiting the shroud, which was being prepared by a few weeping female friends in the hall. This is one of the many Missionaries' shrouds that have been bedewed with the tears of their affectionate people in foreign lands,-far from kindred, friends, and home. What a precious tribute of affection, " than cloth of gold more precious far!" The Circuit-Steward had given direction for the coffin, and the grave was also being prepared; it appearing necessary that the interment should take place as early as possible, the countenance having already given indication of speedy decay. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis arrived just as about to move the body; and as the grave was within sight of the windows, and the chapel at some distance beyond, we reversed the order of the service; and, having committed all that was mortal of our dear brother to its restingplace, “not to awake, or be raised out of its sleep, till the heavens be no more," the sorrowing company retired to the chapel, where Mr. Curtis delivered an appropriate address. By this arrange ment we spared the feelings of the afflicted widow the pain of a second exhibition of the coffin, and secured an earlier interment. Owing to the domestic affliction already referred to, I was obliged to leave immediately after the funeral. This I could do with less

we were

anxiety, as Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were to remain with Mrs. Thompson. But the scene in the chapel, as I passed, baffles all description. The people had behaved with great decorum in repressing their feelings hitherto, in obedience to a request of mine, on Mrs. Thompson's account. But now, and while they were singing, the difficulty was, to determine which was the loudest, the voice of weeping, or the voice of devotion.

As I had not the privilege of being present with Mr. Thompson, I transcribe the notes of our excellent CircuitSteward, who was by him until he reached the brink of the river. They show the happy state of his mind in connexion with life's closing scenes. Mr. Thompson had very naturally felt anxious about his dear afflicted wife, and their two infant children; and, having expressed his anxiety on the subject, he feelingly said, "Jesus, wilt Thou not hear prayer on my behalt? I should like to live; but, if it be Thy will, take me." After a pause, he said, "Jesus, my Saviour, I cry to Thee with all my heart! Thou, who hast delivered me in a thousand instances, wilt not now leave

me.

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,
And looks to that alone;

Laughs at impossibilities,

And cries, It shall be done.""

Embracing Mrs. Thompson, who was by the bed-side, he said, "All His ways are judgment and truth, to such as keep His commandments. He knoweth the way that I take; and when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." With great depth of feeling, at intervals, he would exclaim, "Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!" On one occasion, as if in conflict with the enemy of his soul, he said, with great earnestness, "Jesus, blessed Jesus, thou knowest that I have been converted to thee from fifteen years of age. I have loved thee, I have served thee; but I might have served thee better. I would pray, like Hezekiah, that I might live to be more useful. Lord Jesus, hear me, hear me; Lord Jesus, hear me." He then distinctly and heartily repeated those precious lines, the first four of the 346th hymn :

"For ever here my rest shall be,
Close to Thy bleeding side;
This all my hope and all my plea,
For me the Saviour died."

And again: "But He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may

ERE this reaches you, you will have received from other sources the painful intelligence that we have been at length visited in this island by that fearful and mysterious scourge of our race-malignant Asiatic cholera. It is now about two months since the disease first made its appearance amongst us, and during that time its ravages have been truly fearful. In the town of Port-Royal onethird of the population has been swept away; in Kingston it has carried off between four and five thousand, out of a population of forty thousand; and in this place, containing seven thousand souls, it has cut off about twelve hundred. In the country parishes, in many of which it is still raging, the mortality has been equally great; and it is to be feared that, ere it finishes its sad and distressing work, immense numbers of our prædial and labouring population will fall victims to its malignity. I believe that in no part of the world where this fearful malady has appeared, not excepting even India itself, the fountainhead of the disease, has it taken off such large numbers, in proportion to the extent of the population, as in this illfated island. Here, too, it has not confined its attacks to the hovels of the poor, and expended its strength chiefly upon the sickly, the infirm, or the intemperate; but it has entered the dwellings of many of the most wealthy and respectable members of the community, and found its victims in every rank and condition in life. In Spanish-Town, as you may judge from the foregoing statement, it has reaped a plentiful harvest, and produced a vast amount of destitution and sorrow. I feel myself incapable of conveying to you an adequate idea of our deplorable situation during the prevalence of the epidemic. You may imagine how severe must have been the pressure of the calamity, when, in a small town containing only seven thousand inhabitants, the number of deaths,

for weeks together, averaged between forty and fifty daily. Every man felt that he was in the midst of danger the most imminent. Death stared us in the face at almost every turn. The ordinary avocations of life were either forgotten or neglected. There was an almost entire suspension of all business and labour, and every countenance bore the traces of intense anxiety, apprehension, and woe. To add to our misfortunes and misery, the utmost difficulty was experienced in getting graves and pits prepared in sufficient time for the interment of the dead; and the consequence was, that at the several public burial-places, there was, for some days, a frightful accumulation of unburied corpses, which, putrefying beneath the fervent rays of a tropical sun, impregnated and poisoned the atmosphere with the most noisome exhalations. Upon the medical men, and Clergymen, and Ministers of all denominations, a large amount of labour devolved in ministering to the bodily and spiritual necessities of the sick and dying. "From morn till noon,-from noon till dewy eve," the calls were incessant; and even at midnight I was more than once summoned from my bed to hasten to the couch of the dying, and soothe, by the consolations of religion, the last moments of the departing soul. For the first three weeks of the visitation, my health was remarkably good, and I got through my multiplied labours without any inconvenience; but then some slight premonitory symptoms of cholera made their appearance, and I was obliged to resort to medical advice. The symptoms soon yielded to medicine; but after some days they began to manifest themselves again, and, although they were kept in check, I suffered from them, more or less, for nearly three weeks. I am happy to say, that I am now convalescent, and hope to be soon quite well and strong again.

As soon as possible after the pestilence

had broken out, a day for humiliation and prayer was appointed by His Excellency the Governor for the whole island. The weather, however, proved very unfavourable in this and two or three of the adjoining parishes. The churches and chapels were opened, but incessant and heavy rain prevented the attendance of the people upon the services of the sanctuary. A request was therefore made to the Governor to sanction the appointment of another day for these parishes. He most readily complied; and at a conference of Ministers of various denominations, held in Kingston, another season was set apart for the aforesaid purposes. The second day was most devoutly observed in this part of the island. Spanish-Town wore the still and solemn air of a Sabbath-day. The places of worship were all well attended, although not crowded, as at the time there was almost in every house one or more sick, dying, or dead, and many were consequently detained at home. I preached on the occasion, and the hearts of all present seemed thoroughly melted. Towards the conclusion of my discourse, the people were sobbing and weeping in every part of the chapel; and my own soul was so deeply moved, that for some time tears completely choked my utterance. It was a season not to be forgotten; and I trust that the gracious impressions then made upon so many hearts, will result in extensive and lasting good. I am sorry to inform you, that our Society here has, in common with other churches, suffered a heavy numerical loss from this visitation. Six of our Leaders have been cut off; among them Mr. W. Paul, who was for more than forty years a steady and consistent member of our Society, and for the greater part of that time an acceptable Local Preacher, and very useful ClassLeader. I cannot yet give you an accurate statement of the number of members we have lost; but, judging from returns I have already received from several of the Leaders, it will not fall far short of, if it be at all below, one hundred for the Spanish-Town Society alone,-a loss which gives an average of one in six. Our finances, too, are suffering severely from this calamity. Up to the period of the visitation they were in an improving condition; but the poverty and distress that now prevail on every hand, are telling fearfully upon our usual receipts, and I am afraid that our accounts for the year will present a serious deficiency.

I am happy to say that a great many respectable gentlemen in this town, as

well as in Kingston, and other places, have exerted themselves most nobly in the cause of suffering humanity,—some of them with a disinterestedness and zeal that could not anywhere be surpassed. Money has been liberally contributed, and time and strength cheerfully devoted to the claims of benevolence and mercy, and every attention paid to the condition and wants of the indigent sick and dying. The conduct of the medical gentlemen in the several places in which cholera has appeared, has been beyond all praise; but it is with deep regret I inform you, that it has already laid seven of their number low in death.

You will naturally desire to learn what effects of a spiritual kind this heavy judgment has had upon the minds of the people. For other places I cannot speak with confidence; but I can safely say, that in Spanish-Town the rod has not been laid upon us in vain. Many careless souls have been awakened to a sense of their sin and danger, and have begun to seek the Lord. There has been of late a marked and most cheering improvement in the number of our congregations, and the word preached is listened to with an increasingly profound and solemn attention. Within the last five or six weeks I have married several persons who were living in a state of concubinage, and a goodly number are applying to be received on trial for church-membership. Indeed, there seems to be good ground for hoping that the calamity which has overtaken us, will be the means of arousing the careless ones amongst our people to diligence in the Christian life, of inducing those who have long been halting between two opinions to decide for Christ, and of promoting generally a revival of the work of God.

I am happy to inform you that the cholera has entirely left Spanish-Town. It began to decrease about two weeks ago; but for several days past there has not been a single case in the town, and everything is assuming once more a cheerful aspect. From the country parts of the island, however, we continue to receive the most distressing accounts. In many districts it is making dreadful havoc amongst the peasantry; and, if it continue to spread and work as fatally as it has hitherto done, I am afraid that it will decimate the population ere it leaves our shores.

Amidst all our trials and sorrows, it cheers our hearts to remember, that in yourselves, and in all the members of our churches in England who love the Mission cause, we have sympathising and steadfast friends; and it gladdens

our souls to know, as we do, that we have an interest in your prayers. Let me request that you will call upon our brethren and beloved people at home, in their petitions at the throne of grace, to

DEATH OF THE REV. EDWARD

8. THOMPSON.

It is my painful duty to inform you, that death has again invaded our ranks. About half-past six o'clock on Sunday, the 1st inst., the Rev. Edward S. Thompson, Superintendent of the Duncan's Circuit, was summoned to his endless reward. For a considerable period he had been in a delicate state of health, arising, I believe, from anxiety about his wife and children, and over-exertion in attending to them, in addition to his Circuit duties. I saw him on the 29th and 30th of November, on my way home from Black-River, Montego-Bay, Falmouth, &c.; and conversed with his medical attendant on the evening of the first of those days. From the statements of the Doctor, and his freedom from fever during the night, I was led to hope that he was in a fair way of recovery; but I suppose the fever returned after my departure, or he sank from exhaustion. Throughout his short afflic tion, he evinced a strong desire to recover, and live; nor can this be a matter of surprise, as he had two small children and an afflicted wife sojourning in a strange country, with whom he indulged the expectation of returning, as soon as the seasons would permit, to the land of his fathers, in the hope that native air would prove restorative of Mrs. Thompson's health. But his soul was happy, and his prospects clear. The raging of the cholera in distant towns had led him, while in health, to an unusual attention to his state; and he died in the triumph of faith. His character is well described by the "Falmouth Post," and I copy the following extract:" Mr. Thompson was a young man of great promise. possessed sound, evangelical piety, exercised a proper discretion in the performance of his pastoral duties, and was generally esteemed by the flock placed under his care. He was an earnest, industrious, and devoted Missionary."

RAVAGES OF THE CHOLERA.

He

The cholera is producing dreadful effects in this island. It broke out at

Port-Royal on the 7th of October; and in twenty-four days the deaths there amounted to one hundred and ninetyeight. From many of the parishes the reports are very imperfect; but some idea may be formed of its ravages from the following, which have recently been published as deaths; namely, Kingston, 3,184; Spanish-Town, about 1,800; St. Thomas-in-the-East, 851; and the Lowlands of St. Ann's, 718. Kingston, Spanish-Town, and Port. Royal, are now nearly free from it; but it is spreading over almost every part of the country, and producing great consternation. Where it is severe, business of every kind is suspended; those that can, flee to distant places, where they hope it will not follow; and "marks of anxiety, apprehension, and grief," are seen in almost every countenance. Even the means of grace have in some cases been necessarily interrupted; many of the schools have been shut up by authority: and a severe loss is likely to be sustained in our finances. Happily, none of the Preachers have fallen victims to it yet; but one of our best Teachers, several Leaders, and a considerable number of the members, have been removed by it to their final rewards.

But the visitation is not, I hope, entirely lost upon the inhabitants. An awful state of carelessness had crept over vast multitudes; vice, in various forms, had gained the ascendancy; true religion was scarcely cared for by the mass of the population; and ministerial warnings seemed to be of little use. In some places, such as Kingston and SpanishTown, the inhabitants have scarcely recovered from the alarm and dread which the fearful visitation produced: but where it has not been so severe, and the tidings from other places have been considered, there has been an increase in the congregations; a submission to the terms on which admission into our Society became possible; and we hope a general rousing of the people to serious consideration and pursuit of salvation. The Lord grant that the issue may be a revival of His work throughout the District!

PIETERMAURITZBERG, NATAL. For some weeks past our native Societies have been greatly quickened. More recently several have found peace with God, and very many are earnestly seek ing the same blessing. We have lately had a cheering increase to the classes for the coloured and native Societies. Those who are penitently seeking the Lord go out beyond the town at night, and plead with God for a present salvation. Several this week have done so, remaining out all night; and, ere the morning of natural day had dawned, the Sun of righteousness was shining in mercy upon their happy spirits. Two evenings since, a Kaffir found peace with God in this way at midnight, and returned to awake up some of our zealous friends, that they might hear what great things God had done for him. "O Jesus, ride on, till all are subdued!" Our English members are encouraged to look for the "times of refreshing." Some of them, despite of all their trials, are living near to God, and are very solicitous to be useful. Much watchful and earnest piety is needed when Christian people emigrate to a foreign land. Our hearts have bled For many who once ran well, but who, during the voyage, grew weary and faint in their minds. Entering as they all do on new and untried scenes, they need

especial grace, and should confess before all men their attachment to Christ and His church. Our new native chapel is progressing, and the roof will be completed in about three weeks hence. If you could send us articles of clothing for the natives, you would greatly assist us. We want them for our schools.-Rev. Horatio Pearse, Pietermauritzberg, October 4th, 1850.

FRANCE. I have good news from the South. There has been a little revival among the children in the Normal School for female Teachers under Mr. De Jersey's direction at Nismes, and another in a Sunday-school in the Drôme. The brethren in general appear to be encouraged, and there seems to be good reason to hope, as one of them tells me, in a letter I have received this morning, that the next year will be one of the best we have had. O that God would "make us glad according to the days wherein He has afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil!" 0, "let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children! And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it!" Rev. Dr. Cook, Paris, January 4th, 1851.