voyage from England, than she laid out plans for the best improvement of her time. She paid strict attention to reading the Word of God, and prayer. I have often been awaked by her fervent prayers in the night, when there was no noise to disturb her devotions. Besides our regular family devotions, she would always have nearly an hour in the middle of the day for secret prayer; which, considering all the inconveniences attending a sea life, is not to be always enjoyed without watchfulness and self-denial. While on the voyage, she was ever ready to turn the conversation upon the great work to which she had devoted herself; and often expressed a fear that she was unfit for duties so sacred and important as those which naturally devolved upon the wife of a Missionary. Sometimes, when talking together of the work of the Lord in heathen lands, she would rejoice, and praise God for giving her a prospect of being permitted to do something for her Redeemer. She would say, "If I be instrumental in saving one soul, it is worth all my labour and toilyet," she would add, "why do I thus speak?-perhaps I may not live long. It is much impressed on my mind, that I shall soon leave you to labour alone in India. It is not for me, I think, to be so highly honoured ; but I hope my Saviour will be glorified, either by my life or death. But if I am soon to be called away, death will not surprise me: I am not afraid to think on the solemn change: it is my privilege to feel, that to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The Lord's Day was closely observed by her. She frequently spent the whole of it in reading and prayer. Her soul seemed to cry out for the House of the Lord; and she longed to see the day when she should again worship with God's people, in whom she took delight. When thinking of the privileges which our friends in England enjoyed, she would watch the hours, and calculate the time when many of her father's household were bowing before the Throne of Grace; and would rejoice if any part of the Divine Service was, at the same time, performed in our cabin. On the first Sunday in the month, we had the Lord's Supper. This she enjoyed very highly: it was a season when she more particularly spoke of the interest that she felt in the work of her Redeemer; for as one who spiritually ate the bread which came down from heaven, she made it manifest that her soul was nourishing up to eternal life. But she was not willing to possess these blessings alone; and, for this end, gave herself, on these occasions, to earnest prayer, that those whom we had left behind to enjoy the Sabbath and Sacraments, as well as those among whom we were going, might rejoice in that same Divine Lord, before whom we all must soon appear. When the sea was very high, and the wind vehement, we were occasionally deprived of light in our cabin. At such seasons, she used to employ herself in reading by a lamp, and singing hymns; and would compare our dark situation to that of the Christian Pilgrim on earth, who walks in light or darkness as it pleases his Heavenly Father, expecting that his days of gloom will soon end, and the shadows of the night be turned into eternal day. Her Journal, on these occasions, breathes a blessed spirit of resignation to the Divine will; and shows how near she was living to God, in holy aspirations and a devout mind. Her Diary closes on the 28th of July, with the passage of Scripture which she chose for her funeral text: Genesis, xlix. 18, I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord! When we arrived at Madras, her mind was deeply affected with the state of the Heathen. For a few of the first nights, she was much disturbed by the drums and other instruments which they use in their superstition and feasts: this led her to fervent prayer, that the day might come soon, when they would remember themselves and turn unto the Lord. The degraded state of the females and children was a grief no less heavy on her mind; and excited in her strong desires to know the language, that she might at least have a little School about her. During our passage to Tranquebar, it was pleasing to witness the state of her mind: We had no sooner arrived here, than she began to plan her time for devotional exercises, and the study of the language. It is usual to take exercise in India ear ly in the morning, and it is of the greatest importance to do so; but, when I had risen for this purpose, never could I prevail upon her to go out, though she rose at the same hour. I generally left her engaged in devotion, and as often found her when I returned wrestling with God in prayer. When at breakfast, she generally had some religious book with her; and, if she could get but a few minutes, they were usually employed in reading it. At noon she retired for reading the Scriptures (with Scott's Notes) and prayers: these occasions I shall ever remember-how much of God and heaven appeared in her approaches to the throne of grace. Thus had she been long preparing for heaven, and was like a shock of corn fully ripe; but the time was now come, when her knees could no longer bend in prayer, nor her eyes trace the sacred page. When her illness had commenced, she soon began to set her soul in order for the solemn approach of Death. Her mind was thoughtful, but calm and cheerful in the prospect of eternity: she said to me, "I think, my dear husband, we must now soon part. I shall shortly leave you alone, in your Blessed Master's work: the Lord is now calling me home." Her mind was much affected that our union should be so soon dissolved on earth: "Oh,” said she, "if I could but take you with me to heaven, then I should be happy ;" but added, "though I love you very much, I love my Saviour Jesus far better-we are only to be separated for a short time, and then our union will be consummated in glory." Her advice to me on this occasion, relative to domestic concerns, and the great work in which I am engaged, deserves a place in my memory; and will ever prove, I hope, a stimulus to my activity, and an encouragement to my soul. "Oh remember," said she, "what a serious charge you have undertaken-mind that you be faithful-preach Jesus, and Him crucifiedtell poor Heathens of His love: but I need not advise you-I know you will, by the help of God." The manner in which she spoke these few sentences, made an impression on my mind which I had never before felt: every look sent them home to the heart; and the consideration that such was the advice of one so near eternity, gave her admonitions irresistible force. She inquired, very particularly and frequently, what I thought of her statewhether it was one in which she might safely venture through the dark valley. When I told her, that I could conclude her case to be one peculiarly blessed, and a state in which I myself should wish to die, she proceeded, "Oh yes! I am not deceiving myself, I hope. I have often examined myself by the standard of God's Word; and have besought the Lord to correct every false way that He saw in me, and to lead me into all truth. I hope that I can say the promises are mine; and I believe that all needful grace will be given me in this last great conflict through which I am to pass. Satan tries to per suade me that God will cast me off at the last; but I know that he is a conquered enemy." When I reminded her of the malice which the great Adversary bears to the children of God, and spoke of the limited power which was granted to him, and then directed her to the love and care of our Blessed Redeemer over all His people, she immediately answered, as one triumphing over all the powers of hell," Oh yes! I shall soon be out of the reach of temptations, and with my Saviour! I do not fear death-it is rather my wish to be gone, that I may be free from sin. I cannot see the convoy of Angels, that waits to take me away; but I know they are there. Oh," she added, "how much more do I know now, than ever I did before: it is, indeed, a solemn thing to die." For several hours we were expecting her to breathe her last. On one occasion, when her pains were most torturing, and without any mitigation, in this agony she lay, exercising the greatest patience, and commending herself to God, saying, "There is not one pain too many! What is all this, compared with what my Saviour suffered? Oh, pray that I may not repine at my Heavenly Father's will. These will soon be over." She seemed to allay her pain, by calling-" Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! Heaven! Heaven! blessed rest!-Jesus is now precious, precious to me!" When she was requested to keep herself easy, she replied, "Oh, no! let me speak of my Saviour while I I shall soon be in eternity!" can. A few hours before her death, she complained of being very weak, and that her sight began to fail; yet she retained her recollection perfectly, and knew the voices of each of her friends. I asked her what was the state of her mind: she replied, "Quite happy!" I inquired if she was thinking of any thing particularly— her eyes being fixed as if in deep thought: she said that she could only then think upon heaven. I endeavoured to pour into her mind the gracious promises of God's Word, and to assure her of a speedy participation in the glories of heaven, which she had so long sought: "Yes," she said, "I shall shortly be with Jesus!" I asked her if she could die, believing that all the promises respecting the Heathen World would receive their accomplishment: she replied, "Oh yes! I firmly believe that they will all be fulfilled, and I die in that blessed hope." I inquired whether she repented that she had come out to India: she answered, with peculiar emphasisRepented of my choice! No, no! I have never once repented! Tell all my dear friends that I die quite happy, all has been ordered for me in much mercy and love." I asked whether she had any thing to say to us who stood by: she said, with much earnestness and affection, “Make yourself a friend of Jesus." I inquired what she would say to her dear friends in England: she said "Give my love to them, and tell them to think of eternity!" This was the last sentence which she spoke: shortly after she went to her eternal rest. Thus ended the life of one dear saint, whose conduct has been as exemplary as her death was blessed! Short, indeed, has been her race. Scarcely had we looked upon our work, before one was called home, and the other left to bear the burden of the day in solitude and a Heathen land. Yet I am not alone: the Lord is my comfort. Oh, that like Enoch, I may walk with God, until I have accomplished my work in this land of darkness and sin! To this impressive Narrative, we subjoin some Extracts from the Journal of John Devasagayam, the Native Superintendent of the Church Missionary Society's Schools at and near Tranquebar. These Extracts bear an affecting testimony to the spirit and character of Mrs. Wilson, and to the hold which she had gained in a short time on the affections of the people. Oct. 25, 1821.-Waited on Mrs. Wilson, who was very ill this day. She was very happy in the Lord, and enjoyed much of the presence of Jesus: she repeated an excellent Hymn, and appeared cheerful and happy in resigning herself entirely to the will of our good Lord. We are also made very happy by her spiritu al conversation. She told us that she had wished, for seven years, to come to India; if it was the will of the Lord now to take her away, she will, however, rejoice that He had at least fulfilled her long desire. She longed to serve the Lord in the midst of our Scholars and Native Women of this place, if he would spare her life. Oct. 26.-Mrs. Wilson was worse today, and passed the night in great misery. We spent the evening at School, in praying to the Lord for the recovery of this our Spiritual Mother. I afterwards went to inquire of her health: when, hearing that I stood outside, she desired that I might be told of her great weakness: and that, notwithstanding, she wished the Children to come the next even ing for prayer, as had been done on the preceding Saturday; and gave us the Hymn, "Come let us join our cheerful songs," in order that the Children might copy it, and be prepared to sing; we felt greatly the maternal solicitude of Mrs. Wilson for our children's welfare. Oct. 27.-Praised be the Lord, Mrs. Wilson had a little rest in the night, and the fever is greatly abated. Daniel (Moonshee) and I were permitted to see her: she received us with great kindness; and appeared, notwithstanding all her afflictions, happy and cheerful in the Lord. She said, "John, yesterday I did not think to see you again on earth; but the Lord has been gracious to me; however, I desire to be resigned to His will. Come with your children in the evening for prayer; for though I shall not be able to be present with you down stairs, I shall enjoy it here." She would have spoken more, of the gracious presence of the Lord which she now enjoys, and of the prospect of heaven; but observing her weakness, we withdrew. In the evening she was very ill, and the fever had increased. Inquiring if we were come, she sent us word, that, though Mr. Wilson was prevented from coming, we should keep the prayer hour; which we did-David (Catechist) and I praying, and reading for our improvement the eleventh chapter of St. John. Oct. 28, 1821, Sunday.-Although the night was very miserable, Mrs. Wilson was a little better this morning: but vio lent fever coming on in the afternoon, she again became worse; so that we despaired of her life, and prayed to the Lord for the display of his mercy. Oct. 30.-Mrs. Wilson was a little better yesterday and to-day: however she was exceedingly weak. We had the happiness to see her in the evening, when she opened her eyes, and stretched out her hands to us, saying, "Blessed affliction!" afterward, pointing to heaven, she said to me, "There I shall see you." Isaiah, xxx. 20. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a cor ner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. This was some comfort to me in the morning. Oct. 31.-Mrs. Wilson spent the night in great misery. We were much alarmed to find that her disease had assumed a very unfavourable aspect. Many were the prayers offered up for her recovery. May the Lord, in His infinite mercy, condescend to spare her life some time longer for our benefit! Nov. 1.-Mrs. Wilson passed another uneasy night. Having expressed a wish to see me, when introduced to her she opened her eyes, and stretched out her hand, with an appearance of taking leave; and I could hear no other word than "happy!" Truly she is exceedingly happy to be separated, and be with Christ. Alas! we lament only our loss; while we praise the Lord for the comfort and joy which he gives to this blessed soul. I was happy to observe that she was resigned to the will of God. Nov. 4. Sunday.-Mrs. Wilson was very ill, and her death expected shortly. Mr. Wilson told me that she desired that her remains might be buried near the School. We felt the great kindness of this mother to our children; and I requested Mr. Wilson to inform her how thankful we were for the same, and to be informed what she wished to have placed on her monument for our instruction and remembrance; which she mentioned. By this, and the little conversation which we had afterward, in which she desired that the children should learn the thirty-fourth Psalm, Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord-my mind decame very much comforted, and resigned to the will of God. At eight o'clock in the evening, she became so weak that we expected every moment her last breath; but the Lord, whose way is in the sea, and whose path is in the great waters, changed our despairing expectation into a favourable one, Mrs. Wilson recovering a little. Nov. 5.-In the morning prayer with the children, the twentieth chapter of the second book of Kings fell to our portion: the mercy which Hezekiah obtained by an addition of fifteen years to his life, we thought was also shown to our mother. Mrs. Wilson was a great deal better, which rejoices many Europeans and natives. A poor christian, one evening after prayer, whom I had observed to be indifferent when the word of God was spoken to him, asked me how "mistress" was— meaning Mrs. Wilson: I answered him, that, thank God, she was a great deal better. He then said, "We were much praying for this mercy." After the same manner several good people spoke, although they have not yet seen Mrs. Wilson. Nov. 24. We were much concerned to find that Mrs. Wilson became weaker of heaven, as I have never had before. A mansion is prepared for me! Oh, what a support I now find in Jesus!" I said to her, "You will very soon see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the saints, and those friends whom you lost in England." She smiled sweetly, and said, "I know you, John." Finding her weak frame could not support more speaking, I ceased, and retired from the room; praising the Lord for the support, comfort, and prospect of heaven, which He gives to his children upon earth. The Ayah (native female servant) who was present, appeared quite surprised that Mrs. Wilson should speak to me with such a joy and power of spirit. In the evening, at about half-past seven, her happy spirit took its flight to the mansions above, and the pains were terminated which her mortal body suffered in this vale of tears. Dec. 12.—In the evening at five o'clock, her remains were consigned to the grave, in the church-yard where rest the venerable Ziegenbalg and his successors, with their families. A number of the principal ladies and gentlemen accompanied the fu daily. Unless the Lord will appear again, out of infinite mercy to us, with His miraculous power, we must lose this dear mother. A few days ago, when I visited her, she told me what a support she finds in Jesus; and desired me to tell the children to seek Jesus, who is our support in every affliction. The first words which Mrs. Wilson spoke to them, when they visited her on her arrival from Madras, were, "Children, do you know Jesus ?neral to the church, where Dr. Caemmerer do you love Jesus ?" They frequently remembered these words when Mrs. Wilson was ill; and I hope many of them will not forget them as long as they live. read the burial service. The children sung, with the organ, three verses of an English burial hymn. A great number of Christians and heathens, with our school children, were mournful spectators; and many of them have spoken of the devoted piety and happy preparation of Mrs. Wilson for eternity. Our heathen schoolmasters and the elder youths of our English schools bore ample testimony to this truth. This has induced many sincerely to regret our loss. Dec. 18.-Mr. Wilson gave to me, according to Mrs. Wilson's request, the two volumes of Bowdler's Life and Writings : -to David, (Catechist,) Addison's Evidences-and to Daniel (Moonshee) Scott's "Force of Truth," and Ward's "Epitome of Scripture History." May the blessing for which our dear mother prayed, accompany these valuable presents; that we may die as she died, and meet her in heaven to thank her! |