it best, in the meantime, to remove from our old
dwelling, which had long been condemned as unhealthy, to another
mission-house, fortunately empty. This change was at first attended with
the most beneficial results, and our hopes revived so much, that we
looked forward to the approaching rainy season for entire restoration.
But it lasted only a little while, and then both of us became convinced,
that though a voyage at sea involved much that was exceedingly painful,
it yet presented the only prospect of recovery, and could not,
therefore, without a breach of duty, be neglected.

"Oh, if it were only the will of God to take me now--to let me die
here!" he repeated over and over again, in a tone of anguish, while we
where considering the subject. "I cannot, cannot go!--this is almost
more than I can bear! was there ever suffering like our suffering!" and
the like broken expressions, were continually falling from his lips.
But he soon gathered more strength of purpose; and after the decision
was fairly made, he never hesitated for a moment, rather regarding the
prospect with pleasure. I think the struggle which this resolution cost,
injured him very materially; though probably it had no share in bringing
about the final result. God, who saw the end from the beginning had
counted out his days, and they were hastening to a close. Until this
time he had been able to stand, and to walk slowly from room to room;
but as he one evening attempted to rise from his chair, he was suddenly
deprived of his small remnant of muscular strength, and would have
fallen to the floor, but for timely support.

From that moment his decline was rapid. As he lay helplessly upon his
couch, and watched the swelling of his feet, and other alarming
symptoms, he became very anxious to commence his voyage, and I felt
equally anxious to have his wishes gratified. I still hoped he might
recover--the doctor said the chances of life and death were in his
opinion equally balanced--and then he always loved the sea so dearly!
There was something exhilarating to him in the motion of a vessel, and
he spoke with animation of getting free from the almost suffocating
atmosphere incident to the hot season, and drinking in the fresh sea
breezes He talked but little more, however, than was necessary to
indicate his wants, his bodily sufferings being too great to allow of
conversation; but several times he looked up to me with a bright smile,
and exclaimed as heretofo