present situation, since that is the will of God. How long these
thoughts may continue, I cannot say. At times of indolence, or
distress, or prevalent corruption, the former wishes, I suppose,
will occur and renew my pain: but pray, my dear sister, that the
Lord may keep in the imaginations of the thoughts of my heart
all that may be for the glory of His great name. The only
objection which presented itself to my advisers to marriage was
the difficulty of finding a proper person to be the wife of a
missionary. I told them that perhaps I should not have occasion
to search a long time for one. Simeon knows all about Lydia. I
think it very likely that he will endeavour to see her when she
comes to town next winter.
(_Addendum at the commencement, before the Address._)
I never returned my acknowledgment for the little hymn book,
which is a memento of both. It is just the sort of thing.
Instead of sending the books I intended, I shall inclose in the
tea-caddy a little _Pilgrim's Progress_ for you, and another for
Lydia.
July 2 was spent with Corrie in prayer, and converse 'about the great
work among the heathen.' Martyn gave a final sitting for his miniature
for his sister, to 'the painter lady, who still repeated her infidel
cavils; having nothing more to say in the way of argument, I thought
it right to declare the threatenings of God to those who reject the
Gospel.' On the 8th he sat for his picture, for his friend Bates, to
Russel. After his farewell to Sargent, and riding back,
Though I was in good health a moment before, yet as I was
undressing I fainted and fell into a convulsive fit; I lost my
senses for some time, and on recovering a little found myself
in intense pain. Death appeared near at hand, and seemed
somewhat different and more terrible than I could have conceived
before, not in its conclusion, but in itself. I felt assured of
my safety in Christ. Slept very little that night, from extreme
debility. Tenth, I went to Portsmouth, where we arrived to
breakfast, and find friends from Cambridge. Went with my things
on board the Union at the Motherbank. Mr. Simeon read and prayed
in the afternoon, thinking I was to go on board for the last
time. Mr. Simeon first prayed, and then myself. On our way to
the ship we sung hymns. The time was exceedingly solemn, and our
hearts seemed filled with solemn joy.
As tidings from Lord Nelson were waited for, the fleet--consisting of
fifteen sail under convoy of the Belliqueuse, Captain Byng--went no
farther than Plymouth, and then anchored off Falmouth.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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