ning for heaven. It
seemed to burn with a deep and unextinguishable love for the conversion
of all the islanders among whom he had so long laboured--not those of
his own group only, but for the inhabitants of all the isles of the
Pacific, "ay," he would finish, as if there had been a shortcoming of
his love for the souls of his fellow-men, "of the whole heathen world.
May they all come to know Thee, O Lord, and accept Thy great salvation."
Still his more constant prayers were for his own people. Gradually he
sunk--evidently entering into the rest prepared for those who love
Christ--his joy increased, his end was peace. Thus has many a
missionary died, and who would not change all the world can give to be
assured of such a death. Mary felt her father's death severely, but yet
as one who mourned with assured hope of a joyous resurrection.

My brother had earnestly petitioned to have another missionary or a
native teacher of superior attainments sent him, and while I was
debating what course to pursue, I received directions to carry the
teacher Vihala and his wife to him, and to visit many other stations on
my way. Vihala and Alea were delighted to see us again, but when they
heard of Mr Bent's death they shed tears of unfeigned sorrow at the
thought that they should see his face no more. They both had advanced
greatly in Christian knowledge, and Vihala appeared to me equal to the
taking entire charge of a station, however large. He was delighted to
hear that he was to join my brother, and made all his preparations with
alacrity.

As I was preparing to sail, a ship hove in sight. She was from England
direct, and brought letters for me and John.

I opened mine with trembling hands. All were well at home; but they
contained news and of importance too. A distant relative had died and
left a considerable fortune to my father's second son, but in the case
of his death it was to belong to the next, and so on. It could only
descend to the children of the brother who had possessed it for five
years. Thus John was to be the first possessor. It at once occurred to
me, would it prove a snare to him? Would it induce him to abandon his
high and holy calling? Would the man of property be unwilling to remain
the humble missionary? Still I thought I knew what John would do. I
felt that I was wronging him by having any doubts on the subject.

The delay was providential, for a gale sprung up as we were weighing
anchor,