A month after dispatching this letter he was taken ill with hoarseness and a sudden cold, and his old friend, Dr. Kennedy, hastened to his side and gave him all the relief possible. But his sickness was very distressing, and he had to endure much pain. It was a comfort to him that his colleague, Mr. Kohlhoff, was present during this indisposition, and on the 4th November, 1797, he was further cheered by the unexpected arrival of the Rev. J. D. Jaenické, his beloved helper. Although greatly weakened and sometimes suffering so much that he cried once: “If it be the will of the Lord to take me to Himself, His will be done. May His name be praised!” He never showed any impatience, and his mind was at peace. He was able to sit up still, and asked that the Sunday School children should gather in his parlour and sing their hymns to him, and then he gave them a little talk on some Bible subject, and commended their young hearts and lives to God in a touching prayer. This was the usual practice every evening, and when the native children had gone home he called the English boys and girls to come near to him to read their chapter, and then join in singing their favourite Watts’ hymns. One of which he was very fond, and called his beloved hymn, began with the words: Far from my thoughts, vain world, begone, Let my religious hours alone, Fain would mine eyes my Saviour see, I wait a visit, Lord, from Thee. At other times the natives came in to see their friend, and with much earnestness and love he begged of them to forsake all their heathen gods and wickedness, and turn to God, Who alone could give them peace. They listened deeply affected, and sometimes they tried to cheer and interest him by speaking of the latest news in the town and the wonderful things which were happening. But the old man said, “The most wonderful thing is that after hearing so often the doctrines of Christianity and being convinced of the truth of it, you are notwithstanding backward to embrace and obey it.”