AMERICAN BOARD FOR DEATH OF REV. PLINY FISK. The following communication from Messrs. Bird and Goodell, the only American missionaries now in Syria, announcing the decease of their excellent fellow-labourer, the Rev. Pliny Fisk, will be read by many with weeping interest. It is addressed to the Corresponding Secretary. Dear Sir, Beyroot, (Syria,) Oct. 25, 1825. Never did we sit down to write you with such deep feeling, as at the present moment. Never have we had occasion to communicate events so materially affecting the interests of the mission. his studies as usual, and, in the afternoon, walked into the city, and made several calls. In the evening, after uniting, as usual, in reading the Scriptures in Arabic, he said he felt himself too ill to make any remarks, and requested Mr. Goodell (in whose family he was) to make a few. He, however, prayed in Arabic with his usual fervency, though not with his usual length. Having bathed his feet in water, he retired to rest, with the hope of per spiring freely, and of being better in the morning. His hopes were, however, disappointed. He passed a restless night, and, on Wednesday the 12th, had, to. wards noon, a fit of ague. A nausea at the stomach indicated, as we thought, the propriety of an emetic. It was ac On the 26th ult. the long expected and cordingly administered. It brought away unwelcome hour arrived for the depart-a profusion of bile, threw him into a free ure, to our native country, of our beloved || perspiration, and persuaded us all to exbrother and fellow-labourer, Mr. King. It was with a heavy heart, that we gave him the parting hand. We felt ourselves bereft of one of our firmest earthly supports. We commended our case to God, and prayed him to build us up, and not to pluck us down. We acknowledged our weak and dependent state, and begged that God would strengthen us by his grace, in proportion as he diminished our number. pect for him a comfortable night. But we were again disappointed. This night was more restless than the preceding. Wednesday morning, 19. He rose, as usual, and occupied the sofa in an easy reclining posture, and appeared to enjoy some quiet sleep, but we have since suspected, that what seemed to be sleep, was chiefly stupor. His countenance was, towards evening, perceptibly more sunk, and he manifestly began to think his recovery doubtful He said, with a desponding air, to one of us, who stood surveying him, "I don't know what you think of me."-Together with restlessness and head ache, his fever was accompanied, this evening, by an involuntary starting of the muscles. To ease his head, we applied, as we had done once before, a few leeches. He grew suddenly very wild, and increasingly restless. Happening to touch the leeches on his face, he exclaimed, "Oh, what is here!" When told, "O," said he, "I know not what I am, nor where I am." We hastened to remove him to his bed, but in taking off his gown, he fainted, and lay for some time as if dying. In removing him, and managing his bleeding, he repeatedly asked, what we were doing, and ay, the 11th inst. that who we were. We replied, "This is oke of being ill. He such a brother, and this is such an one." Tren cold, but pursued "Oh yes," said he, "the best friends But we did not then feel our dependence, as the providence of God has brought us to feel it since. Brother Fisk then remained to comfort and counsel us. We leaned upon him. We trusted in him as the chief agent, who was to effect the good we design to this people. Now, this second prop is removed. That dear brother, too, has taken leave of us for another country. Yes, dear Sir, the hand of God has touched us, and our tears cannot soon be dried away. You, too, will feel and weep, and so will thousands, who knew and loved him, with ten thousand others, who have never seen his face in the flesh. But God knoweth our he hath caused them; and nate bosom let us pour | 21 man, he left the place of his nativity with his family, to serve as an attendant of the army; and lived some time by washing the clothes of officers. He engaged himself with a gentleman at Soojapoor, who was very much pleased with the manner in which he discharged his duties. At this place, two of his children died, which so affected his wife with grief, that she followed them in a little time. Sukharee was in consequence much afflicted. His master observing his melancholy, and uneasiness of mind, sent him to Daudpoor with a letter to a person at that place, recommending him to his care and protection. During the time that Sukharee lived with him, he conducted himself much to his satisfaction: for which reason he took him with himself, when he left that place, and departed to Parbuttepoor, near Tumlook. About this time, through the injudicious persuasions of his master, Sukharee entered upon a profession of Christ, ignorant of his character, and feeling no need of him as a Saviour. Having unthinkingly, and from interested motives, taken up the profession, as might be expected, he was not solicitous of adorning it by a suitable deportment. And being even as the Gentiles which know not God, he walked according to the course of this world, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind. He took to drinking liquor, and eating intoxicating drugs, &. frequently quarrelling with his wife, abusing || every one, and carrying himself very disorderly. He was very much incensed against his master, for denying that he had promised to give him eight rupees per month, and proceeded to quarrel with him. Mr. was much displeased to see such behaviour, and expelled Sukharee and his wife, with another man, from the place. They went in consequence to Caleeghat, where they dwelt for some time, till Mr. called them back, and came to Howrah,bringing Sukharee along with him. He soon left that place also, and proceeded to Beerbhoom; but left Sukharee at Here he led a most beastly life, being constantly intoxicated, and lying insensible in the bazars or streets. Though the moral character of Sukkaree was not altered by his bearing the Christian name, yet it was no doubt designed by the wisdom of divine Providence to be one link in the chain of events which should be preparatory to his conversion and salvation. In June, 1823, Paunchoo went over to Sulkea to preach the gospel; and after having visited the Rev. Mr. Statham, was going to see a piece of ground belonging to him. While he was on the way, a person told him that a washerman lived near, who was a Christian, and shewed him the house at his request. The moment he entered the house, it began to rain. He availed himself of that circurastance to speak to him on religious subjects, and sing and pray. This displeased Sukharee exceedingly; and he reviled Christians very grossly. Against Paunchoo also he was very violent, accounting hlm an enemy for the unwelcome truths he told him, (Gal. iv. 16.) He found occasion, however, to alter his opinion afterwards, "when he came to himself," (Luke xv. 17.) verifying those declarations of scripture: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend;" and "He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue." (Prov. xxvii. 6; xxviii. 23.) In September, 1823, Howrah and other places were completely inundated; by which many lives were lost, and houses and property carried away by the water. Sukharee being therefore obliged to leave the place, came over to Paunchoo's house at Chitpoor, in company with his wife and Bongsee, a barber. He received them into his house very readily, on seeing their distressed and miserable situation, and assigned them a room for their residence. They represented to him, that they had been plunged into great distress, having no place to dwell in, and that all their property had been swept away by the flood; and that being without food and clothing, and indebted to many persons, they had come to him for protection. Paunchoo promised to afford them all the assistance his slender circumstances would allow, and gave them six rupees for their present occasions. In the evening he assembled them all together, and improved those which he took, being simples, as fruits and leaves, were of no effect. And when Paunchoo desired him to take some English medicines which he had with the afflictive dispensation by preaching to them from the history of Noah.---Mr. Pen- || ney becoming acquainted with these particulars, gave them six rupees more, on which they lived for some time. Sukha-him, he said, "I am not able, nor shall I ree worked with great diligence in his oc- be able; for I am obliged to be always cupation as a washerman, "studying to warm; I only desire you to call a native be quiet, and to do his own business, and doctor." A native surgeon was accordto work with his own hands, that he might ingly called, who performed an operation walk honestly toward them that are with- on the spleen, by perforating the diseased out, and that he might have lack of noth- part with a hot iron pin; which proved ing." (1 Thess. iv. 11, 12.) He was enits cure. His fever and bloody flux, howabled to discharge most of his debts by ever, increased; so much so, as to make his assiduity; following the apostolic exhim unable to work any longer. From hortation, "Owe no man any thing, but this time he derived his support from the to love one another." (Rom. xvii. 8.) The benefactions of benevolent individuals. whole day he was employed in his business and in the evenings and mornings came to worship at the houses of Paun- || choo, and the Rev. Eustace Carey. The former frequently entered into religious conversations with him, and endeavoured || to communicate to him the knowledge which is essentially requisite to our salvation. Before this, he knew not how to pray; but he learned now to pray unto Him who heareth the desire of the humble, and is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, (Ps. x. 17. xxiv. 18.) and to pour out his supplications before Him who looketh to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, (Ps. lxii. 8. Is. lxii. 2.) This evident change in the conduct of Sukharee was viewed with delight, in the hope, especially, that it was the effect of an inward operative principle. His spiritual improvement was not neglected. Paunchoo often conversed with him on religious subjects, apprized him of death and eternity, the miseries of unbelievers, and the happiness of those that die in the Lord, (Rev. xiv. 13.) and endeavoured to ascertain the state of his mind. He once asked him, from the words of our Lord, “O brother Sukharee, what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark viii. 36, 37.) Sukharee answered, "The world is nothing;—all things are fruitless it is all dark when the eyes are closed, and this world is an enemy's country, full of lying, deceit, &c. I do not wish to live here: I hope to go unto the Lord, and enjoy eternal felicity.” Paunchoo enquired, "Have you any merit or holiness by means of which you shall enjoy eternal happiness in the kingdom of the Lord?" Sukharee replied, "I am without merit or holiness, and worthy After many months had been thus spent, Sukharee was attacked by several diseases, in June, 1824, which daily increased in strength. At first he had a severe fever, next the spleen, and then the dysentery; || of the depest hell; but the Lord Jesus by these disorders he was much weaken- Christ is my Lord and friend, both here ed and reduced. He went, notwithstand- and hereater: he has borne the weight ing, to Mr. J.'s house in the Circular Road || of my sins and died for my sake: by beone day, to see Mr. Carey, who was him- || lieving in his death, I shall enjoy eternal self ill there. On his returning home, || felicity in his kingdom." Another day it Paunchoo asked him if he had not become worse, in consequence of having gone so far? He replied, "No, I have not become worse: Mr. Carey is a dear friend to me, and I have been to him, not knowing whether I should ever see his face again." His diseases were daily confirmed; yet he was not careful to take medicines; and was enquired, "Brother Sukharee, how will you coss the ocean of the world?" when he said, "I shall cross that ocean by making Christ's death a vessel for my transport." Such was his faith and confidence; and he discovered much spirituality in his prayers and confessions. Towards the latter part of his life, the for his decent burial. Prior to the corpse "He who yielded once his breath, Read 1 Cor. xv. mind of Sukharee was disordered for a short period, through the power of his disseases. He did not, however, continue long in this deplorable state of insanity; he recovered the exercise of his reason, as he approached to the close of his life. Like the setting sun, that emerges from the clouds which obscured his resplendence, and then displaying his glories for a moment, disappears beneath the horizon, so did Sukharee depart in triumph. On the night in which he died, (Sept. 25, 1824,) calling for Paun hoo, he told him that he desired to eat something; which being brought, he ate with great pleasure.mitted to the earth with singing and pray. Paunchoo then looked at him, and perceiving from the manner in which he spoke, and the cold, which had settled in his breast, that he would leave this world in a few minutes, asked Sukharee, "In what manner can your salvation be effected?" He replied, "Through the death of Christ." He asked him again: "Is Christ your Saviour?" Sukhare answered, "Yes," Paunchoo enquiret further: "Do you love Christ ?" "Whom shall I love," said Sukharee, “if I do not love Christ? Whom have I besides? and to whom else shall I go? He is my Lord and my God." Observing such pleasing testimonies of his faith, Pauneloo called together the brethren and sisters, and sung this hymn: “Salvation through the death of Christ." in peace. The next morning Mr. Penney went to Chitpore, and having heard the account of his dying moments, made arrangements er, there to lie till the dawning of the res urrection, when we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. DEATH OF REV. JOHN LAWSON. By the arrival of the Beverly from Calcutta, a letter was received in this city containing the melancholy intelligence that Mr. Lawson died of a disease of the liver, on the 22d of October last. He was a truly amiable and pious man. His sweetness of temper endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. In him were seen what is delightful to contemplate,-respectable talents associated with the most unaffected modesty. Mr. Lawson was detained in this country about two years when on his way to the scene of his future labours. He became very much attached to the Christian society he found here; and had not a sense of duty prevented, he would have been highly gratified even after he arrived in India, to have returned, and passed the remainder of his days in the United States. Having, however, put his hand to the plough, he did not dare to leave it for a more pleasant land, but continued labouring in an unhealthy climate, until his Saviour called him home. This brief notice, is from one who personally knew and loved him. We hope, hereafter, to be able to give a more extended and interesting account of this excellent Missionary. AMERICAN BOARD FOR DEATH OF REV. PLINY FISK. The following communication from Messrs. Bird and Goodell, the only American missionaries' now in Syria, announcing the decease of their excellent fellow-labourer, the Rev. Pliny Fisk, will be read by many with weeping interest. his studies as usual, and, in the afternoon, walked into the city, and made several calls. In the evening, after uniting, as usual, in reading the Scriptures in Arabic, he said he felt himself too ill to make any remarks, and requested Mr. Goodell (in whose family he was) to make a few. He, however, prayed in Arabic with his usual fervency, though not with his usual It is addressed to the Corresponding Sec-length. Having bathed his feet in water, retary. Dear Sir, Beyroot, (Syria,) Oct. 25, 1825. Never did we sit down to write you with such deep feeling, as at the present moment. Never have we had occasion to communicate events so materially affecting the interests of the mission. On the 26th ult. the long expected and || unwelcome hour arrived for the departure, to our native country, of our beloved brother and fellow-labourer, Mr. King. It was with a heavy heart, that we gave him the parting hand. We felt ourselves bereft of one of our firmest earthly supports. We commended our case to God, and prayed him to build us up, and not to pluck us down. We acknowledged our weak and dependent state, and begged that God would strengthen us by his grace, in proportion as he diminished our number. he retired to rest, with the hope of per spiring freely, and of being better in the morning. His hopes were, however, disappointed. He passed a restless night, and, on Wednesday the 12th, had, towards noon, a fit of ague. A nausea at the stomach indicated, as we thought, the propriety of an emetic. It was ac cordingly administered. It brought away a profusion of bile, threw him into a free perspiration, and persuaded us all to expect for him a comfortable night. But we were again disappointed. This night was more restless than the preceding. Wednesday morning, 19. He rose, as usual, and occupied the sofa in an easy reclining posture, and appeared to enjoy some quiet sleep, but we have since suspected, that what seemed to be sleep, was chiefly stupor. His countenance was, towards evening, perceptibly more sunk, and he manifestly began to think his recovery doubtful He said, with a desponding air, to one of us, who stood surveying him, "I don't know what you think of me."-Together with restlessness and head ache, his fever was accompanied, this evening, by an involuntary starting of the muscles. To ease his head, we applied, as we had done once before, a few leeches. He grew suddenly very wild, and increasingly restless. Happening to touch the leeches on his face, he exclaimed, "Oh, what is here!" When told, "O," said he, "I know not what I am, nor where I am." We hastened to remove him to his bed, but in taking off his gown, he fainted, and lay for some time as if dying. In removing him, and managing his bleeding, he repeatedly asked, what we were doing, and It was on Tuesday, the 11th inst. that who we were. We replied, "This is brother Fisk first spoke of being ill. He|| such a brother, and this is such an one." supposed he had taken cold, but pursued "Oh yes," said he, "the best friends MAY, 1826. But we did not then feel our dependence, as the providence of God has brought us to feel it since. Brother Fisk || then remained to comfort and counsel us. We leaned upon him. We trusted in him as the chief agent, who was to effect the good we design to this people. Now, this second prop is removed. That dear brother, too, has taken leave of us for another country. Yes, dear Sir, the hand of God has touched us, and our tears cannot soon be dried away. You, too, will feel and weep, and so will thousands, who knew and loved him, with ten thousand others, who have never seen his face in the flesh. But God knoweth our sorrows, for he hath caused them; and into his compassionate bosom let us pour them all. 21 |