%images;]> LCRBMRP-T1308Memoir of Thomas Hamitah Patoo, a native of the Marquesas Islands : who died June 19, 1823, while a member of the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, Connecticut.: a machine-readable transcription. Collection: African-American Pamphlets from the Daniel A. P. Murray Collection, 1820-1920; American Memory, Library of Congress. Selected and converted.American Memory, Library of Congress.

Washington, 1994.

Preceding element provides place and date of transcription only.

This transcription intended to be 99.95% accurate.

For more information about this text and this American Memory collection, refer to accompanying matter.

91-898190Daniel Murray Pamphlet Collection, 1860-1920, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress. Copyright status not determined.
0001

AMEMOIROFThomas Hamitah Patoo,A NATIVE OFTHE MARQUESAS ISLANDS;Who died June 19, 1823, while a member ofthe Foreign Mission School, in Cornwall,Connecticut.PUBLISHED BY THENEW YORKRELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY,And sold by Wilder & Campbell,No. 142 Broadway.D. Franshaw, Printer, No. 1 Murray-street.SERIES V. NO. VIII.

0002

MEMOIROFThomas Hamitah Patoo,A NATIVE OFTHE MARQUESAS ISLANDS,Who died June 19, 1823, while a member of the ForeignMission School in Cornwall, Connecticut.

PUBLISHED BY THENEW-YORK RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.D. Fanshaw, Printer.

0003
MEMOIR OF THOMAS HAMITAH PATOO.CHAPTER I.

The Marquesas Islands--Inhabitants--Missions at--Notice of his birth--His leaving his country--Residence at Owhyhee--Escape to China--Arrival in America.

The Marquesas, or as they are sometimes called, the Marquis of Mendoza's Islands, are a cluster of Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, five in number. They are named, St. Christina, Magdalena, Dominica, St. Pedro, and Hood, and extend from 138 ° 45' to 140 ° 30' W. Long, and from 80 ° 30' to 10 ° 30' S. Lat. lying nearly between the Sandwich and the Society Islands, about 2500 miles S. S. E. of the former, and perhaps 1000 N. E. of the latter.

In their present state, these Islands produce pork, fowls, plantains or bananas, yams, and some other roots; and like other tropical Isles, abound in the 00044bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, &c. Taken collectively, the inhabitants are said to be superior to all other people found in these seas; and that for beauty of shape, and regularity of features, they perhaps surpass all other nations. They are commonly tall, strong, and extremely active. Their gods are very numerous, and their religious ceremonies are similar to those formerly practised in Otaheite; and their language, no less than their religion, proves them to have once been of the same nation.

They are nominally governed by Chiefs; though these have but little power, as custom is generally followed instead of laws. Their population is estimated at about 50,000.

Though some attempts have been made to send the Gospel to these Islands, they still remain in all the guilt and darkness of heathenism. In the year 1796 the London Missionary Society instructed Capt. Wilson, who carried the Missionaries to the Society Islands, to establish a mission at the Marquesas, if he thought it "practicable and expedient." Accordingly he reserved two Missionaries, and in June, 1797, they arrived at St. Christina: but on their arrival, only one, Mr. Crook, was willing to stay. He continued there a year, and suffered considerably, often from hunger. At the end of the year, while on board of a ship which had touched at the Island, he was driven off by a fresh wind, and was unable to regain the the shore. He ultimately returned to England, and the Mission was abandoned.

In 1822 the same Society sent the Rev. Messrs. Tyreman and Bennett to visit and examine their Missionary stations at the Society Islands. These gentlemen, some months after their arrival, selected two 00055pious Taheitian Chiefs, with their wives, with a view of establishing a mission at the Marquesas, where they expected the vessel in which they sailed to stop, on her return from the Sandwich Islands, to which she was then bound. On visiting those Islands, however, and seeing the situation of the American mission there, they thought it expedient to have the natives whom they brought with them remain there, and thus relinquished the Mission at the Marquesas for the present.

Besides the subject of the following Memoir, two other natives of these Islands have been found in our country, and placed at the Mission School at Cornwall, but having feeble health on entering it, both soon died.

Thomas Hamitah Patoo was born about the year 1804. His father seems to have been the principal man of the Island on which he resided, as he had servants and property to a considerable amount. His mother died while he was young, leaving four children; Thomas, a younger brother, and two sisters.

As he grew up, he became acquainted with Americans, who occasionally called at the Island. By their conversations, he soon had a strong desire to visit America, and especially Boston. His father had now married a second wife. Thomas asked his permission to go to America, and on being refused, determined to run away. About the year 1818 an American ship lay off the shore ready to sail, and he now resolved to put his design into execution. He accordingly led his little brother down to the beach, under pretence of fishing. He next sends his little brother back, jumps into a boat with some companions, and paddles for the ship. Before they had reached her, he sees his father following in another boat to bring him back; but he 00066is soon on board--the ship spreads her sails--and Thomas sees his afflicted father at some distance, despairing of reaching the vessel, wave his handkerchief as a signal of farewell, and slowly turn towards the shore--never more to behold his son.

Thomas first landed at Owhyhee, where he was employed for several months as one of the king's guards. He was much doated on by Reho-reho, who gave him the name of "Tahhoonahnoo," as an honorary title. Being occasionally treated with severity and abuse by the king, in his fits of intoxication, he became dissatisfied, and asked permission to leave the service. This was refused, and good treatment and wages were promised in future. But a favourable opportunity soon offering, and having previously concerted measures with his companions, who had obtained leave to stand sentinels, under cover of night, he escaped to Oahu. Being pursued, he escaped in a ship bound to Canton, in China. Here he remained for some time, and then sailed for America, and arrived at Boston toward the close of the year 1819, being not far from fifteen years of age.

CHAPTER II.

Thomas found in Boston--put to a Sabbath School--Goes to sea--Narrowly escapes death--Sickness on his return--removes to Coventry, Connecticut--Object of Christian sympathy and exertions.

In May, 1820, as a Missionary in the employment of the "Boston Female Society for Missionary purposes" was passing through Hamilton street, he noticed 00077Thomas standing at the gate of the house at which he resided. He had stopped with a pail of water, having his attention arrested by boys play in the street. He was then boarding at the house of a friend of the Captain with whom he had arrived.

The Missionary obtained his consent to be introduced into a Sabbath School, and on the Sabbath following he was received as a pupil by one of the Directors. Here he manifested a strong disposition to learn, and a capacity; for although he did not know a letter at his entrance into the School, yet he was able, at the close of the first Sabbath, to repeat the entire alphabet. He had, however, previously fallen into the company of vicious boys, who had made him discontented with the place where he resided; and in a few weeks, he was engaged on board a ship bound on a Sealing voyage to the new South Shetland Islands. From that voyage he returned in the year 1821.

On the homeward passage of this voyage Thomas narrowly escaped death. While employed aloft, the shrouds gave way, and he was precipitated into the 00088water. Before it was discovered, and the ship could put about, he was left two miles behind. He had the presence of mind to take a knife from his pocket, cut open, and take off his boots, and throw off his coat, that he might the more easily keep himself above the water. He was taken on board as soon as possible, but was nearly exhausted.

Soon after his return he met his former Sabbath School Teacher with evident marks of joy, and promise soon to call on him. He was not to be found, however, until the close of the succeeding winter, when the same Instructer saw him, as he was going to his School on Sabbath. Thomas endeavoured, at first, to avoid his teacher, conscious that he had not kept his word. He had been sick for several months in the Marine Hospital, and now lived in the family of the gentleman in whose employment he had performed the late voyage.

This sickness prevented his returning to his native country, which he had intended to do immediately after his arrival, in a ship then ready to sail.

As it had become evident that nothing could conveniently be done for his instruction while he remained in Boston, in compliance with his own wishes, and with the approbation of the gentleman with whom he lived he was carried to Coventry, Connection and placed in the family of a valuable member of the church in the North Society. This was in May 1822. At the suggestion of his new friend, the Pastor and his church were requested to act as his supervisors. Thus he was left particular in the charge of one family, but was commended to the prayers and Christian kindness of the Pastor and the whole church.

00099

This heathen youth of eighteen, was now standing among them, and belonged to them. His manly form and open countenance-- the flush of health playing upon his dark, South-sea face--an amiable and peculiarly docile deportment--a tongue just beginning to articulate his scanty ideas--an understanding buried in the darkness of ignorance, and still clinging to the idolatry of his childhood--a being lost by nature--born among a people to whom no herald of mercy had proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus, as in other neighboring Islands--all these associations, together with a fresh remembrance of Oobookiah, united to interest the feelings of Christians in his behalf.

Thomas thus became the object of their special labors and prayers. He received daily instruction in the rudiments of learning, as well as on moral and religious subjects; and on the Sabbath attended the Sabbath School. He appeared to derived much satisfaction from his studies, and readily committed Hymns and passages of Scripture to memory, by hearing others repeat them. On his arrival at Coventry in the spring, he could searcely repeat his alphabet; but, by fall, he could read in the Testament He had also a great facility in learning to perform manual labour.

The family in which he resided, and other christian friends, made many exertions, during the summer, to explain to him the nature of sin; but all their efforts were unavailing. The moral darkness of his mind--his apparent want of conscience, and his partial acquaintance with our language, were obstacles seemingly insuperable. And many who were witnesses of these exertions, and who had before given the subject but a hasty glance, and had wondered why our Missionaries 001010are not sooner successful--no longer wondered that the effects of their labours among the heathen are not sooner visible.

But in the midst of all this darkness of mind, and even while Christian friends were concluding that Thomas must remain a heathen, unaffected by the Gospel, until his understanding was further enlightened, God, by his Spirit, taught him what man could not.

CHAPTER III.

Revival of religion commences--Thomas becomes anxious for his soul--Begins to pray--His conversion--His own account of it--John Paru.

In the autumn of 1882 a revival of religion commenced in Coventry. Some weeks after it began, at a social meeting for prayer in the morning, it was observed that Thomas was much affected, and wept bitterly. Christians, at that time, were deeply engaged in religion, and were unusually interested for Thomas; and he was made a subject of special prayer, as he had been frequently, at similar meetings. At the close of the meeting, in conversation with the pastor of the church, it appeared evident by his tears, and broken accents of alarm, that he felt some of the pains a convicted sinner.

But his mind was easily diverted from spiritual things. At the meetings of inquiry, as they were called, which he frequently attended--meetings in which those who were seriously inquiring, "what must I do to be saved?" (Acts xvi. 30.)met their pastor to receive religious instruction--when he came, he would 001111appear cheerful and happy; but before they closed, he would generally be seen downcast and dejected, and often weeping.

For nearly two months he continued in this fluctuating state of mind; though he added much to his scanty stock of knowledge on religious subjects during that period.

He was unusually affected with his condition as a sinner, at a meeting of Inquiry, on Saturday evening, Oct. 26. At this meeting, after the Pastor had made many searching and pungent remarks, such as that the conditions of salvation are immutably fixed, and that no man can hope to be growing better while he retains a rebellious heart, he conversed with each person present, in a low voice, and "besought" them to be "reconciled to God." The work of repentance, he told them, admits of no delay--God would accept no excuse for deferring it--every moment they put it off they were increasing in sin and danger--there was no way for them, and no hope, but in fleeing to the cross of Christ, and accepting of mercy as it is offered through him. Before the meeting was closed the Pastor found that a young man, who sat near Thomas, had evidently relinquished the grasp which his affections had held upon this world, and was enjoying the consolations of religion. Thomas was told that J.B. it was hope had given his heart to God, and asked with great urgency why he would not give up his heart also? Thomas felt that he was without excuse--he wept--and made no reply.

The Tuesday following, oppressed by a sense of his wretchedness, and ruined condition, as a sinner, he went to visit a friend, in hope of obtaining some relief.

001212

It was rainy and muddy, and he went with a trembling step, and a cheerless countenance. Finding his friend absent, he next resolved to visit his Pastor.

On his way, being unable to proceed by reason of his auxiety for his soul, he turned aside and under the covert of a rock, gave vent to his feelings in prayer. This rock was apparently separated from two others by some terrible convulsion of the earth, and in the fissure between them did this heathen plead for mercy before Christ his Redeemer.

From this place he proceeded to the house of his pastor; but before entering it he called at the barn, and again knelt before God in prayer. With some reluctance he entered the house, drenched by the rain, with tears falling from his face, which he vainly endeavoured to conceal. He was directed to the study; and of this interview his Pastor observes, "He was, indeed a picture of distress, and his presence was peculiarly calculated to excite compassion for heathen 001313youth. The Rev. Mr. P. was with me. Thomas, in his native simplicity, communicated to us a knowledge of his distress of soul. He was reminded of the hopeful conversion above alluded to, but this produced poignant grief, and called forth the opposition of his heart to the government of God. He could not endure the thought that others should be made the subjects of grace while he remained under the dominion of his sin. Never had so good an opportunity been offered for exhibiting before him the depravity of his heart, and his desert of hell. Truth appeared to have its desired effect. After being assured, in various ways, that mere unwillingness kept him from Christ, and that he ought to rejoice that J.B. had obtained a new heart, he returned home, after prayer had been offered on his behalf, with a spirit deeply wounded."

Through the ensuing night he was unable to obtain rest, and on the day following his anxiety continued unabated. He was employed with another boy on some light labour in a barn, but his distress was such that he could do but little.

The light of the Gospel, which had begun to shine into his benighted mind, was still dim; yet it was sufficient to exhibit the wickedness of his heart, and the requisitions of the law of God. In the course of the afternoon, having spent frequent seasons in prayer, his burdened conscience was relieved, and he found peace in believing. At once it became his delight to pray, and to think of Christ. He was now disposed to thank God for the conversion which had occasioned him so much pain, and to pray for the salvation of all men, particularly for his father and countrymen. Without communicating the change in his feelings to 001414the family where he resided, he early set out, the same evening, to attend a religious meeting in the neighbourhood. The intervaL of time was spent by him at a barn in prayer. During the meeting his bright eyes, his almost smiling countenance, and his fixed attention, indicated something unusual in Thomas`s feelings. "This man receiveth sinners" was the text; and in this character he was willing to come to Christ. At the close of the meeting he took his Pastor and the brethren by the hand, and by a cordial shake, expressed the joy and love which he felt, while committing his everlasting all into the hands of the "man Christ Jesus," who "receiveth sinners."

At a subsequent religious meeting, in a remote part of the parish, Thomas was permitted to speak a few words to the audience. They were very animating to Christians, and contained a powerful appeal to the hearts and consciences of sinners, and were the means of fixing impressions on the minds of some, which issued, as it is hoped, in true conversion to God. At the close of this meeting Thomas found there was a decided difference of feeling exercised towards him by Christians and impenitent sinners. The latter did not greet him with that cordiality, nor were they ready to take his hand with the affection of the former. Even his untutored mind noticed this difference, and ever afterwards he viewed this as a criterion by which to judge of moral character.

It may add to the interest in the above account of religious exercises, to give it in his own words. It was principally committed to writing at the time of his giving the relation, his own being generally preserved.

001515

Question. Thomas, what was the state of your mind after the commencement of the revival in Coventry?Answer. Christians talk to me great deal about my bad heart. Me think my heart good enough.Q. Did you then endeavour to pray?A. Mrs. T. teach me to say Lord's prayer. I think me got no mother, no father, no sister, no brother here,--and Mrs. T. good to me, I do as she tell me. then I kneel down before I go to bed, and say prayer.Q. Did you occasionally omit this duty?A. Sometimes. Then Deacon T. say you must say your prayers, Thomas, every night. Then me go pray mad. [i. e. angry, or cross.]Q. Had you any different feelings at the morning prayer meeting, at which you wept?A. Then me feel heavy--feel afraid to die--feel sorry for my sin. Me try to pray, "Our Father." Me go home, think what Minister say, then I pray. Next day forget it all--then feel light.Q. When you went to the inquiring meeting, how did you feel.A. I feel good some--then I feel heavy again. When minister say all about poor sinner--then I feel sorry.Q. What were your feelings at the meeting for inquiry on the Sabbath evening?A. Heart feel hard. Somebody tell me J. B. got a new heart. I feel angry.Q. How did you spend the Tuesday following?A. Me went to see Minister. I set out--go part way, feel so bad can go no further--then kneel down by a great rock and pray. Me say, O Lord, have mercy on poor Thomas, poor heathen--give him new 001616heart--take away his old heart--O give him new heart now. Then I go on. Go in Minister's barn--'fraid to go in house--then I pray again. Then look round and say, God make this hay--this grain--all these things-why can't God make me new heart. Me wipe tears off my cheeks, but they come again. Then go in house. Mrs. C. say, what the matter, Thomas, you hurt you? I so 'shamed, me say, O it rains out doors. Want to have her think it rain on my face.Q. What did you say to the Ministers in the study?A. Me say, got that bad heart yet.Q. Did you feel glad when told that J. B. had a new heart?A. No, sir, me feel bad--me feel very heavy--me want to come fast, before any body get in. When me go away, hope me come to be like J. B.Q. How did you feel that night and the day following?A. That night me feel heavy--heavy all over. Eyes all tears--could no sleep. Next day feel so all time. Afternoon go work in barn with W.--could no work. Feel me want to pray. Tell W. we kneel down. Then me say, O Lord have mercy on poor Thomas, poor W.--give us new hearts. Then me think about Jesus Christ, and about Christian folks. Me never feel so before. Heavy all gone. Then me love to pray, and say Our Father, and thank great God he give J. B. a new heart. Then me think me feel to love Christ--me want to shake hand with him--me go up hay mow to find him--pray to him. Then me think Christ every where. Then come down.Q. What were your feelings during the meeting in the evening001717A. Me want to shake hand with the Minister, then feel to love all Christians.Q. How do you think you know a Christian from an impenitent sinner when you meet them?A. Christian shake hand hard--his hand feel warm--the sinner no shake hand. He keep hand close to body.Q. What do you mean by a new heartA. A heart that feel to love good thought.Q. How do you know your heart to be soft nowA. Why, me no feel mad to any body; if man strike me, I no want to strike him back again.

After his conversion his advancement in divine knowledge was rapid. The Holy Spirit seemed to teach him to understand the truths of God, and as far as understood, they evidently produced the fruits of holiness. His religious feelings were continually becoming more solid and substantial, yet always of the most ardent kind. He learned to apply the simple doctrines of the Gospel in their proper place, both for his own good and that of others.

At the time that Thomas indulged a hope, John Paru, (now Samuel J. Mills,) a native of Oahu, one of the Sandwich Islands, was residing in the same town. With him his exertions were unremitted, that he, too, might become a disciple of Christ. They often conversed and prayed together, and both soon rejoiced in hope. His conversations with John, while under the strivings of the Spirit, were of the most persuasive and affectionate kind, and were probably the principal instruments of bringing him to the light and liberty of the Gospel.

He had a great desire to unite with the church in Coventry at the approaching communion in January, when several, who with him had often attended the meeting for inquiry, and the circle of prayer, were to make a profession of religion. After deliberation, it was thought proper that he should be propounded with others for admission into the church, though it was not fully determined to receive him at that time. Before the day arrived, at the suggestion of a friend and patron at a distance, in view of all circumstances, it was thought best that his admission be deferred for a time. Not that any doubted as to his piety, as far as the nature of the case would admit.

This delay seemed a severe trial to Thomas. Though willing to be under the direction of his patron, and Christian friends, yet it evidently cost him many struggles before he could bring his mind cordially to submit. When told by his Pastor that it was judged expedient for him to delay uniting with the church, till he had obtained more knowledge on the subject of religion, he replied with great feeling. "If, Sir, you think best, then me wait; but, may be, me die soon--then me never own Christ before men!"

CHAPTER IV.001819

His Christian character--Anxiety for the impenitent--Exertions in their behalf.

The Christian character of Thomas was highly exemplary. A few additional circumstances, illustrating different traits in his character, will here be introduced.

Once, on being asked how he conducted when he felt conscious of having done wrong, he replied, "I go kneel down before the great God, just as me would come to you, and ask him to have mercy on poor Thomas, poor heathen, and forgive him his sin." It was his delight to spell and study out the truths of the Bible. On opening it one day, he read, "O praise the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever:" then closing it, with a countenance full of expression he said, "O this--how good." Of those who were not christians, he would say--"what! have Bible so long, and no christians yet!"

He loved, as he expressed it, animate and inanimate objects, simply because God made them. Often has he been seen gazing at a stone, and saying, "this good, because God make it." While descending a steep hill once, his companion remarked, "this is a bad hill." Thomas replied, "why say bad hill? This no bad. God make this hill. All God make, good."

He was ever affected when thinking on the danger of the impenitent. One day, during the winter following his conversion, while at school, he was observed to be weeping. Being asked what was the matter, he 001920cast his eyes round the school, with tears still dropping from his face, and exclaimed, "O these poor children !" and he spake with a feeling that might reprove thousands who have always had the Gospel, and yet manifest a cold indifference to those who never heard of it. He would improve all proper occasions in endeavouring to persuade the impenitent to give Christ the affections of their hearts; and in many instances his simple and affectionate exhortations would find a way to the heart where the exertions of Ministers and private Christians had seemed to be in vain.

Thomas was frequent and importunate in prayer. Often, while he resided at Coventry, was he overheard praying in the most earnest manner for the heathen, and for sinners generally. He was sometimes asked to lead in the devotions of a family, which he did with great propriety. Here, too, his petitions were principally for the heathen, particularly for his own relatives and countrymen, and for the impenitent in Christian lands. He would often go aside with the lads of the neighbourhood, and, after an affectionate exhortation, would kneel with them before God, and supplicate mercy for their souls.

The following was communicated by a young lady, who, at the time alluded to, had long been under convictions for sin, and was then cherishing a rebellious heart. A younger sister had been, a short time previous, hopefully converted to Christ.

"After our friend Thomas was brought to indulge a hope in the renewing grace of God, I endeavoured to avoid him as much as possible, and it was not until after C. had expressed a hope, that Thomas addressed me on the concerns of my soul. After conversing with her, 002021and expressing much joy because' she got a new heart;' he turns to me and says, 'N--, why you no give up that bad heart--why you no come with C.and be a good Christian? Me want you be a Christian too.' In order to evade what he said, and prevent his saying more, I replied to him, 'Thomas, why did you never speak to me about these things before? Perhaps had you been as faithful in talking to me as you have been to C. I too should have had a new heart.' With the deepest sorrow depicted on his countenance, he replied, 'N--, me very sorry me no talk to you before. Me pray for you before, and now me talk to you.' After this Thomas embraced every opportunity of urging upon me immediate submission to Christ, and that too, in the most affectionate manner. Among the many interviews which I had with Thomas, I will mention one, the impression of which will continue so long as memory retains her powers. It was in the height of the revival, when a number of Christian friends were spending the day at our house, and others were calling. Feeling no disposition to mingle with them, I retired to another room, and there staid meditating on my helpless condition. It was not long before some one rapped at the door, and who was it but Thomas! He immediately began, in the most feeling manner, to entreat me to submit to Christ without delay. `Christ ready to receive you--all the good Christians want you to come--angel in heaven ready to rejoice over you--why you no come?' After conversing in this manner for some minutes, he was silent. At length, looking at me most expressively, he said, 'me sorry me no converse with you before. Me pray for you; me 002122want to pray with you.' We knelt, and Thomas poured forth the feelings of his pious soul in language like this: `O mercy, Father, have mercy on us sinners. Have mercy on this friend. Pray this friend may now give up that bad heart to Christ, and not go to hell,' &c. This was the burthen of his prayer, that I might then submit to Christ. I will have others to judge what were my feelings to have this heathen, who had but just learned there was a God, on his knees pleading for mercy on me, a stubborn sinner, hardened under the meridian light of the Gospel."

Thomas expressed great joy on being told, from time to time, of the conversion of particular individuals of his acquaintance. Among others he had become much interested in behalf of a young gentleman from a neighbouring town, who was engaged in teaching a school. Speaking of him, Thomas said, "That Schoolmaster feel very bad. Me talk with him yesterday. Me say, how you feel to-days, Sa? He say, I feel I am a great sinner. Thomas, will you pray for me?' I say, I will pray for you, Sa, but you must go to Jesus Christ, and give him your bad heart. Me did pray for him--me so sorry for him--he feel so heavy. Me think he will give up that bad heart pretty soon."

Being afterwards told, on the same day, that this individual was rejoicing in hope, he broke out in raptures of joy; "me so glad, me so glad, me thought he would come," and added to the expressiveness of his words by his looks and gestures.

CHAPTER V.002223

Thomas enters the School at Cornwall--His journey there--His letter--His Christian conduct before his sickness--His disposition--His sickness--His resignation--Anxiety for his countrymen--His death--Monument--Conclusion.

In March, 1823, after making good proficiency in a common school in Coventry, and giving increasing evidence of piety, Thomas, in company with John Paru, was removed to the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall. He parted with his friends with reluctance, and not without the warmest mutual expressions of Christian affection. But he now indulged the hope of being one day prepared to carry the Gospel to his heathen countrymen; and this consideration raised him above all the trials of separating from his dearest friends. On the journey he received many kind attentions from Christian friends, and one evening, at their request, addressed a respectable audience in a conference-room, with great propriety. As he passed near the residence of the Rev. S.J. Mills, of Torringford, he expressed a wish to see this father of Henry Oobookiah. The short interview was spent principally in listening with deep interest to the story which this aged father repeated of that lamented heathen convert.

Previously to his entering the village of Cornwall Thomas visited the grave of Oobookiah. The visit evidently produced solemn and affecting sensations on 002324his mind. While he stood with the most fixed silent attention, the inscription on the monument was read to him. He then pointed to its side, with apparently deep thought, and said--"May be I lie here too!"

When asked if he was willing to die and sleep with Oobookiah, he submitted all to the pleasure of God, though it seemed his ardent desire to tell his countrymen about the Saviour; still he wished to leave all in the hands of God, assured that he would certainly do right.

002425

CORNWALL SCHOOL HOUSE.

He entered the School at Cornwall on the 8th of March. On the 30th he directed his first and only letter to a friend in Coventry, of which the following is an extract. The persons who assisted Thomas in writing the letter is an Anglo-American, and a member of the F. M. School. He states that the ideas of the letter are entirely those of Thomas, as are also the words, as nearly as they could be expressed and make good sense.

"My dear Christian Friend,"I have received your very kind letter, and am now happy to answer it. I have employed one of my brothers here to write for me, because I can't write quite well enough yet. I tell him what to write, so the word be some like Thomas. I very glad the great God in heaven make the Coventry people pray for poor heathen where there is no Saviour. I think they pray for me too, that I be prepared to tell the heathen all 002526about the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. I rejoice a great deal to hear about sinner come to Christ, and get a new heart. I hope the good work continue always among you, so I rejoice always The folks here have no revival--no pray enough. I sorry; I hope me pray enough by--by. We have good many meetings, but no feel.

"I hope I go home by-by, and have sinner come to God in my country. Yes, my dear Mr.--,I go, if I live to be ready. We have some scholars no love the Saviour. I tell them they must be born again or go to hell. I talk to some sinner all about they no come to Christ. I tell them I come away from heathen land, and find a good Saviour, they been here so long, and no one come to Christ.

"You must pray a great deal for poor sinners in Cornwall School. May be we have a revival here, and when they come and learn to love God, they go to their friends, and tell how to be saved by the Lord Jesus Christ.

"I must close now. I think I pray every day for you and all my friends. O may God bless you and make you do much while you live, and when you and I die may we meet and shake hand in the heavens, and we stay always with our Saviour and all his good friends.

"I remain your true friend,"Thomas H. Patoo."

Thomas soon become much attached to the person who assisted him to write the above, and from him the following extract was received, dated October 10, 1823.

"Thomas came to this place, as you well know, 002627with his warmly engaged in the cause of Christ. I soon entered into a familiar acquaintance with him, which was cemented by the bond of Christian affection, mutually cherished while he was permitted to dwell among us. From a conviction that I would go to the Marquesas, he wished to be with me frequently, and finding it difficult to speak my name, he would substitute 'my Missionary.' I made several visits with him, that he might become acquainted with the people here. His conversation was always on the subject of religion, and his heart apparently set on doing good. He would talk with much feeling to any one who had no hope in Christ. He would relate to them the story of his salvation with Christian simplicity, and urge the willingness of Christ to save other sinners as a reason why sinners here should come to him. Whenever he saw any one, he had a desire to know whether that person loved God and trusted in Christ. He frequently spoke of the wretched condition of the heathen. He firmly believed that they would be lost for every without the Gospel of Christ. He wished to be prepared to teach his ignorant countrymen the way to heaven. Often have I heard him speak of the crooked course he had pursued to come to this Gospel land, and he would always subjoin, 'the Lord brought me over so many seas and mountains to find the Saviour.' He was a member of this School a little more than three months; was very attentive to his studies while in health, and made good progress for the short time he was permitted to enjoy the means of instruction.

"From personal and critical observation I can say that his walk, both in public and private, was worthy 002728of the Christian name. He had a high respect for the Sabbath, and would modestly reprove those who asked him question on worldly subjects, while he refused to answer them on that holy day.

His temper was amiable. Though at times he suffered some ill-treatment in consequence of being importunate in private exhortation, still he maintained Christian fortitude and dignity. Instead of its abating his zeal, it increased his anxiety for the salvation of souls.

But I hasten to mention the circumstances attending his last illness and death. He was first taken sick about two weeks previous to our annual exhibition in May last, but recover so that at that time he was thought to be gaining. But he was soon taken down again, and continued to decline fast. I attended him daily, from this time, until he died. His disease rendered his situation quite distressing. He was in constant pain, and a soreness in his throat was followed by a hoarseness which never left him. He was submissive under his trials, and ever ready to acknowledge the hand of God in them. I never witnessed a person so much composed and comforted in the hour of distress, from the consideration that the Lord reigneth. He had learned the cheering doctrine that God would be glorified let what would take place, sickness or health, life or death. He conversed freely with his friends who called to see him, and would often say, "God make sick, and he make well. He do right--he always do good.' At times he was rather inclined to look at the dark side of things. 'I want to live and go to Marquesas, and tell my poor father, and all my poor countrymen about Christ. They no hear 002829about good things. O what become of my poor countrymen when I die!' He soon, however, turned his thoughts on God, and said, 'God do right. We no understand all he do now, but we understand hereafter.' About two weeks before his death he was confined to his bed, and gave up all hope of living more than a few days. He frequently wished me and others to pray with him, and he prayed much himself. But his prayers were not generally for his own wants. In his anxiety for sinners, and especially for the heathen, he would seem to forget his own situation. His pain of body at times was extreme, and he would think himself near his end; yet he appeared prepared to meet his God. He felt such confidence in his Saviour that he was willing to launch into the eternal world, leaning on the bosom of this Almighty friend. He prayed almost every time I left him alone. At one time I overheard him praying partly in his own language and partly in English. He was interceding for his father and countrymen. He stopped two or three times, and exclaimed, 'who go teach my poor father when I die?--He no hear about Christ; what become of his poor soul? Who go teach my countrymen, who ignorant, and no hear about God and the Saviour?'

"These words sunk deep into my heart? Those solemn moments, and more solemn considerations, will never be forgotten. To hear a poor heathen pleading for the salvation of his pagan brethren, and, from the confines of the grave and the eternal world, to ask God who would go and carry to them the glad tidings of salvation, was truly affecting. Can the friends of Jesus hear the question and not answer? Will not their prayers ascend with those of Thomas 002930to the Father of mercies, and will not their exertions correspond with these prayers?

"As soon as prudent I entered the room. Thomas seized my hand, and said, 'what you do when I die? You go teach my countrymen about Christ?' I replied that I could not promise that I would go, but waved the subject by saying, some one will go. He quickly added, 'find my father, and tell him all about Christ. His name is Tyer, and he lives at a place called Hah-nah-tel-ah-pah.' He made the same request of Samuel J. Mills, and would not be satisfied until he had promised that, should God permit him to return, he would comply with his wishes. This was two days before his death. On the next morning he conversed with a friend respecting his situation. He said, 'my body very sick, in great distress; but my soul rejoice all the time, very happy.' Soon after, with a happy expression of countenance, be exclaimed, 'O I want to die, I want to go to Heaven!' He sat up on the side of his bed several times during the day, supporting himself with one arm around my neck. He spoke 003031frequently of his friends in Boston and Coventry, and wished me to write to them after his death, and remember him to all his friends, many of whom he mentioned by name. At evening his eyesight failed him, so that he could distinguish one person from another only by their voices, yet his reason appeared unimpaired. S.J. Mills came to the bed-side, to sympathize with him in his sufferings. Thomas remarked, 'hard to lie here so sick, but I die to-night or in the morning, then God make my bed in heaven.'

"About nine o'clock a young man came in to see him. On being told who had come, he shook hands and said, 'I hope we meet in heaven.' He continued to talk and pray at intervals until between one and two, and to breathe until five o'clock in the morning of June 9th, when he took his long farewell of these mortal shores, we trust to dwell with Jesus in glory. Thus lived and thus died our dear brother Thomas."

His funeral was attended on the succeeding day in the morning. Some remarks were made, accompanied with an address to the members of the school, from these words: "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice." It was said that notwithstanding the event which had called them together was dark and mysterious, still there was no less cause for every Christian to rejoice that the Lord reigns. "The Providence is mysterious, because this is the third Marquesian which has been removed from this school by death. Now none remain. Must we then conclude that God designs to leave all the the inhabitants of the Marquesas to perish without the Gospel! By no means. From the conversion and prayers of this youth, as well as from the promises of God, his people have every encouragement 003132to hope that there is still mercy in store for these benighted people. Let them awake to more vigorous exertions, and to more ardent and persevering prayer that God would influence and prepare others, and open to them a way of entrance, that the Gospel of Jesus may be proclaimed to the relatives of our departed friend, and to those 50,000 immortal beings who are now perishing in their sins. Then may we hope that there too, cruel superstitions will be abolished, idols destroyed, and a nation be born to God in a day."

The remains of Thomas were committed to the grave near those of his two countrymen and Oobookiah. Over them a plain monument is now erected, with this inscription:In MemoryOFTHOMAS HAMITAH PATOO,A NATIVE OFTHE MARQUESAS ISLANDS,AND A MEMBER OF THE FOREIGN MISSION SCHOOL;WHO DIED JUNE 19, 1823,Aged about 19 years."He was hopefully pious, and had a great desire to be qualified to become a Missionary to his ignorant countrymen. But he died in hope of a better country. This stone is erected by the liberality of his friends in N. Coventry, Conn. among whom he first found the Saviour of sinners."

003233

To his friends in Coventry the death of Thomas was a most trying dispensation. When the news was first communicated in a religious assembly, there was the solemn stillness of the grave. Scarcely an eye refused to bear witness, by tears, that Thomas was beloved. His friends loved him for his amiable deportment, and for his ardent attachment to the cause of Christ, and their expectations and hopes of his future usefulness among the heathen were justly very high. To have all these at once blasted, and their friend no more, produced a thrill of deep sorrow in every bosom. But they were led to reflect that it was the band of the same Almighty Being who has promised the Son "the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession," and that he would, in some way more for his own glory, communicate the news of a Saviour to the countrymen of their departed friend; and they could only say,"Heaven thought it best, and at thy feet,"Great God, in silence we submit."

Such was the life, and such the character of Thomas Hamitah Patoo; a pattern of Christian exertions in health, of calm resignation in sickness, and of triumph in death. Let the foregoing narrative encourage the benevolent to search out, and instruct in Christianity, such heathen natives as may be cast on our shores, that, by the blessing of God, they may be prepared to return to their countrymen, bearing the joyful tidings of salvation by Christ to those who are sitting in the region and shadow of death.

Let the 003334reader pause, and inquire if it be not a privilege to contribute of his substance to spread a religion that could thus make this poor heathen live and die so happy;--and especially let the reader inquire whether this blessed religion is his, and if he can look forward to the hour of death, with the hope of finding a death as peaceful and full of joy as that of THOMAS HAMITAH PATOO!

0034
HYMNS.

ANTIDOTE OF AGE AND DEATH.What is youth? a rosy childGaily tripping o'er this stage;Blithesome, unsuspecting, wild,Dancing into careful age.What is life?--a flowing stream,Hasting to its parent sea;Gliding (while we watch or dream)Into vast eternity.Morning but precedes the eve,Soon night's deeper shades descend;Yet no gloom shall make me grieve,Seeing Jesus is my friend.

003536

TIME.

Wave after wave, as rivers flow,And to the ocean run,So minutes after minutes go,and are for ever gone.Oh! who would then throw time away,And trifle to his cost?My hours, in idle childish play,Shall never more be lost.'Tis religion that can giveSweetest pleasures while we live;'Tis religion must supplySolid comfort when we die.After death its joys will beLasting as eternity;Be the living God my friend,Then my bliss shall never end.

ON THE DEATH OF A YOUTH.

Sweet is Aurora's dawn,When first she pours her gladsome ray;O'erspreads the dew-bespangled lawn,And ushers in the new-born day.But sweeter, fairer, lovelier farAppears the "human face divine," 003637When youth and health sit smiling there,And piety and virtue shine.But ah! how disappointment blastsThe joys that mortals vainly boast!The rose decays, the dawn's o'ercast,And youth's fair bloom in death is lost.

GRATITUDE FOR EARLY PIETY. Thou condescending, gracious Lord,Forever be thy name ador'd,That I was brought to hear thy voice,And timely make my happy choice.Why didst Thou call while dead in sin,Or why a work of grace begin?'Twas mercy all-unask'd and free:I sought not God, but He sought me! A monument of grace I am,Redeem'd from sin and endless shame;O may I all my future daysShow forth my great Redeemer's praise!To God the Father, God the Son,And God the Spirit, Three in One,Be ceaseless praise and glory giv'n,By all on earth and all in heav'n.

003738

1 Peter, i. 24.All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. How lovely doth you flower appear,As decked in nature's fairest bloom!Fond zephyrs NOW its spirit cheer,And fill its bosom with perfume.How gracefully it raises highIts comely head, and courts the sky!But ah! before the MORROW'S dawnShall usher in the wintry skies,Its beauty fades--its charms are gone--No more to captivate the eyes:Then on the ground it with'ring fallsA prey to ev'ry worm that crawls.Just so, the fairest human formThat NOW adorns Creation's field,To MORROW fades--and to the wormIs forc'd, a helpless prey, to yield:The flower fadeth as it blows,And beauty to corruption goes.Lord, fill my heart with heavenly fire,That all its flames may upwards soar,To woo his love, whom saints admire--A Flow'r whose beauties ne'er expire--Whose fragrance fills the heav'nly shore.Then will I sinless gaze, and him I'll love,Till death conduct me to his arms above.003839The Valley of the shadow of Death, illumined by the presence of Jesus. There is an awful, dreary valeWhich terminates life's barren heath;Where mighty foes the soul assail, Tis called the solemn vale of death!This steep descent, this vale unknown,Each child of Adam must descend;Must tread the slippery path alone;No human arm can then befriend.At the dread entrance of this shade,What gloomy fears distress the mind!Nature shrinks back appall'd, dismay'd,And fain would linger yet behind.But hark! methinks a voice I hear,"Say, fainting soul, why fears prevail?Dismiss each dark foreboding fear,For I've illum'd this dreary vale;'Twas here I vanquish'd death and hell,And as I pass'd to realms of day,Some sparkles of my glory fell,That Saints might track my shining way.This dreaded valley, which you fear,Leads to yon glorious world of lights;My presence shall conduct you there,My glory gild death's darkest night."Enough, dear Jesus, be my guide,I'll follow through the darkest shade;003940I'll fear no evil by thy side,But faith shall venture undismay'd.Thine arm shall stay my sinking soulWhen shades of darkness dim my sight;Upheld by thee, I'll reach the goal,Then rise to life, to heav'n to light.

CONVERTS FROM HEATHENISM.

True religion is the same in every land, and similar are is effects upon the heart and life. When enjoyed, "it dwells in black and white the same." Many pleasing illustrations of this truth are to be found in the histories of those who have been snatched from the darkness and debasement of heathen superstitions, and who have been translated into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son. They have endured the same conflicts, have manifested the same spirit, have trodden the same path, and enjoyed the same supports as those who, from infancy, had been favoured with the light of the Gospel of peace. The following brief narratives describe the views and comforts, in their dying hours, of a few of these happy converts.

GOKOOLGokool was a converted Hindoo, and a member of one of the Baptist Churches in India. For several weeks before his death he seemed to be drawing near his end: his mind was steadily fixed in the faith of 004041Christ. On October 7th he died. Some of the neighbours had been trying to persuade him to employ a native doctor; but as all their medicines were accompanied with heathen incantations, he refused them, saying he would have no physician but Jesus Christ. "How is it," said they, "that you, who have turned to Christ, should be thus afflicted?" "My affliction," replied he, "is on account of my sins: my Lord does all things well." His tranquil and happy end made a deep impression on our friends. They say one to another, "May my mind be as Gokool's was!"

LENTJE.Lentje was a Kaffra woman, a convert from among the uncivilized heathens of Southern Africa. She was remarkable for integrity of life, and no less so for as siduity and fervour in prayer. She was taken ill at a farm in the neighbourhood, and desired to see Dr. Vanderkemp, who fetched her home in a wagon, and took her into his house. Here, in her last illness, she spent almost night and day in prayer and communion with Christ. One morning she sent for Dr. Vanderkemp, requesting him to give her love to all the people of God; and desired to be placed in the open air. When he and his servant carried her out of doors, she said, "Now I will go to my God;" and while Dr. Vanderkemp, who expected that her disease would be very lingering, placed a mat about her, to shelter her from the rays of the sun, he observed that she turned herself on her side, and reclined her head on her arm, as if going 004142to sleep; but looking more attentively at her, was surprised to find that her last enemy was destroyed before any symptoms of conflict could perceived.

NEGRO SLAVE.The following account of the dying hours of another converted native of Africa, was given by a lady who witnessed her sufferings and comforts. This aged Christian was a Negro slave in Antigua.

"We often visited her; and always found her cheerful and happy, and her mouth filled with blessings. She enumerated, with all the exaggerations of gratitude, the advantages which she had derived from our coming; blessing and praising God incessantly for it, and invoking, in the most affecting manner, blessings on the very ship which had brought us out. She could not, she said, forget her God, for He did not forget her: she lay down upon that bed, and he came down to her; meaning by this to describe the spiritual communion which she enjoyed with her God and Saviour. She told us, if it was the will of 'Jesus Massa' to call her to-morrow, she should be satisfied to go: if it was his will to spare her some time longer, she should be satisfied to stay.

"We frequently called to see her, and always found her in the same strain of adoring gratitude and love.

"She often regretted her inability to come to prayers. Indeed, such was her desire to join us in worshipping God, that she once got her son to bring her on his back.

"When I asked her, on another occasion, how she did, she replied, she did not know; but He, who made the soul and body, knew, and the best time for calling 004243her away. She only hoped it would not be pitch darkness; but that there might be light; and that he would remember His promise to her. She thanked me when I offered her some medicine; said she would have any thing which we gave her, and that 'Jesus Massa Would Pay Us For All'."

"What," she asked on another visit, "can poor massa do more? what can poor missis do more? They cannot take away old age." She repeated, that she was waiting for her summons from above; said God spared her a little and she thanked him for it. By-and-by, when he saw his time, he would come, and then she would thank him for that.

She once appeared to have some doubts in mind; for, when she spoke of her approaching departure, she said she should be glad to go if she was to be happy; and if the way was not dark. On being asked if she did not love "Jesus Massa," she exclaimed, in great surprise at the question, "Ah! Ah!" and then told us how, years ago, she had been in the habit of visiting different plantations to hear the word of eternal life; and that when she came in, fatigued with labour in the field, she did not go to seek for food to nourish her body, but went in pursuit of that bread which endureth unto everlasting life. This evening she said, "Jesus Massa come closer and closer to me."

The next evening she appeared so faint and low as to be scarcely conscious of our coming in. After a while, however, she exerted herself to speak, and told us she was in pain from head to foot: nobody had beat her: nobody had whipped her: but "Jesus Massa" had sent the pain, and she thanked him for it. Some day, when he saw good, he would come and take it away.

004344

After lingering thus for some time, still in pain, but prayer and praise ever flowing from her lips, she drew near her end. When in her greatest extremities, she said her Saviour would give her ease when he saw fit; and if he did not give it her now, he would give it her yonder, pointing upwards.

Thus this aged Christian fell asleep in Jesus.

Her external condition was by no means enviable Little, however, as it presented to charm the eye of sense, a mind of spiritual discernment perceived, in her humble cottage, a Heavenly Guest, whose presence shed a divine splendour around, with which all the pomp of human greatness would vainly attempt to vie.

AGNES MORRISAnother narrative respecting a dying converted Negro woman, displays a faith so strong, a hope so full of immortality, as may lead the Christian reader to exclaim, Let my last hours be like those of this poor slave.

Agnes Morris, a poor Negro woman, sent a pressing request to Mrs. Thwaites, a lady resident in Antigua, to visit her. She was in the last stage of a dropsy. This poor creature ranked among the lowest class of slaves. Her all consisted of a little wattled hut, and a few clothes. Mrs. Thwaites finding her, at the commencement of her illness, in a very destitute condition, mentioned her case to a friend, who gave her a coat. When Mrs. Thwaites paid her last visit, on her entering the door, Agnes exclaimed, "Missis! you come! This tongue can't tell what Jesus do for me! Me call my Saviour, day and night; and he come." Laying her 004445hand on her breast--"he comfort me here." On Mrs. Thwaites's asking if she was sure of going to heaven when she died, she answered, "Yes, me sure. Me see de way clear and shine before me," looking and pointing upwards with a smiling face. "If da dis minute Jesus will take me home, me ready." Some hymns being sung, she was in a rapture of joy; and in reference to the words of one of them, exclaimed, "For me--for me--poor sinner!" lifting her swelled hands--"What a glory! what a glory!" Seeing her only daughter weeping, she said, "What you cry for? No cry--follow Jesus--He will take care of you:" and and, turning to Mrs. Thwaites, she said, "Missis, show um de pa;" meaning the path to heaven. Many other expressions fell from her, of a similar nature, to the astonishment of those who heard her. She continued, it was understood, praying and praising God, to her latest breath. This poor creature was destitute of all earthly comforts. Her bed was a board, with a few plantain-leaves over it. How many of these outcast will be translated from outward wretchedness to realms of glory.

PETUMBER.Petumber, a native of India, was the child of Idolaters, and was himself an Idolater. In advanced life he became acquainted with the Gospel. He embraced the truth, afterwards became a preacher of it, and died cheered by the hopes religion imparts.

In his last illness, when Mr. Ward was standing by his bed side, the good old man broke out in such moving 004546strains as the following:--" I do not attribute it to my own wisdom, or to my own goodness, that I became a Christian. It is all grace. It is all grace! I have tried all means for the restoration of my health. All are vain: God is my only hope. Life is good--death is good: but to be wholly emancipated is better."

His patience was great. He said once or twice, "I am never unhappy that it is so with me: my spirits are always good." He would say, with a moving and childlike simplicity, "He is my God and I am his child! He never leaves me! He is always present!" Alluding to the introduction to several of the epistles, Grace be to you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, he said several times, "peace, peace: I now find in my own heart that peace!"

He entreated his wife to make Christ her refuge, that they might meet again in heaven.

Within a few days of his decease he seemed to long, though without any signs of impatience, to depart; and spoke of his removal with as much composure as though 004647he was familiar with the place and company to which he was going.

On the morning of his death he called the brethren to come and sing. While they were singing a hymn, the chorus of which runs, "Eternal salvation through the death of Christ," the tears of joy ran down his dying cheeks; and at that blessed moment his soul departed, leaving a smile upon his countenance, which imparted to it so pleasant an aspect, that at first one or two of the missionaries doubted whether he was dead or not.

FERRAO.Ferrao was an East Indian Idolater, but becoming a convert to the Gospel, was baptized in 1811. After this he appeared a pious and conscientious Christian, and died happily, in September, 1813.

Not long before his departure he was visited by Mr. Leonard, who informed him that death was nearer than he supposed. "On hearing this," Mr. L. states, "he fixed his eyes upon me with a mixture of tranquillity and delight, and then closing them, continued in a state of meditation for some time; after which he said, 'the Lord is my portion; he now supports my feeble frame, whilst death is performing its office.' Of himself he said 'I am indeed the chief of sinners.' I then asked him how he enjoyed so much peace and tranquillity under such a weight of guilt, especially as he might now expect to appear before a sin-hating and a sin-punishing God, in a few short moments. He replied, 'Christ has removed the heavy load; he died that I might live; he 004748bore my sins in his own body upon the accursed tree; and I can now realize his presence in the sweet consolation I experience, and through a sense of his dying love, and his willingness and equal power to save a sinner, vile as I know myself to be.'

"I asked him, (as I was about to depart,) if he felt disturbed at the near approach of death: he looked at me with a smile, and said that death had lost its sting, that he could now meet him with joy. I then asked, what he wished I should pray for on his account; whether the Lord would continue him longer upon earth, or take him to himself? He replied, 'The latter. I have been too long from him: I can now see him as through a glass darkly, but I feel the strongest desire to see him face to face, to be like him, and to enjoy his presence for ever.'"

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!"