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40 Snapshots from the North Paccfe.

I had duly prepared, I asked how many present wished to
communicate with the dying chief. In answer, ten knelt
at once on the floor. The dear old wife sat still where she
was, beside the sick man on the bed. She is a woman of
strong mind, but withal most tender and affectionate. My
voice, I am sure, betrayed my own emotion, though I strove
to check it. I knew how worthy the old chief was. His
life has been unblemished from the time I learnt to honour
him ten years ago. True and steadfast in the faith, wise
in his household, and a peacemaker in the settlement of
unavoidable disputes, it was to be expected that his death-
bed would be attended by many. Hence the house-door
had to be locked before I began the service, to prevent
crowding. I do not know a people who honour the Lord’s
Table more consistently: than these. The Spirit of the
Lord was with us as we broke the bread. There meekly
kneeled the faithful, by whom the Body and Blood of Christ
were verily and indeed taken. I am not a stranger here,
nor a novice. After a ministry in many lands for a quarter
of a century, I count it a high privilege to minister to such
a company of disciples as knelt around me last night. Moses’
old widow came in just as we were assembling in the chapel
for Morning Prayers, and joined us. Then she came with me
into my study. She seemed so composed, that I thought

the sick one had rallied. Her opening words fixed that

idea. Thus she spoke, very calmly, ‘Chief, you saw Moses
last night, and how he rested free from pain and full of
heart peace. As this morning dawned, that best half of
my flesh slept soundly.’ I thought she meant natural sleep,
and said in reply, ‘ Wonderful! ’

““T had not watched the clock, because I loved to look
on his smile.’

“It dawned on me that he was dead.

““T said to our sons and daughters and their children, I
said it slowly, “ Make no weeping; is he not now peacefully
going away with Jesus—with Jesus!” By this time I was
sure the old man was dead. “Do you not see the shadow