come death itself, that last great change-still consciousness will not be interrupted. That consciousness which identifies with the being that now thinks and feels, the being which years ago played in childish gambols, will bear onward a living remembrance of the past whilst it enters the scenes of eternity. What, then, is death? It has lost its sting. I feel no fear of it. I feel that nothing can hinder the enjoyment of existence,-the continuous consciousness and immortality of that within me,-the soul that has eternal life in Christ. How contented, therefore, am I with my state! and, by the grace of God, I trust to exult in tribulation, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. It was with a joyful sense of this truth, and in the perception of God's love in thus calling me to eternal life, that my soul became full of love to Jesus my Saviour. From the ground of my heart I praised him. Glory be to the Lamb of God for ever and ever! My soul rejoiced at the thought of an endless existence, because I could then everlastingly love my Saviour, and glorify God in him. Life everlasting was infinitely desirable and precious, for such a reason and upon such terms. O Lord Jesus! thou hast broken in upon my soul in the light of thy own revealing Spirit, shedding thy love abroad in my heart. My heart and soul cry out unto thee, and tell thee I love thee!".

From a letter written by Mr Williams to his friend Mr Jones, and dated November 5, 1850,

we give a few extracts.

It not only gives a résumé of the voyage thus far, but it introduces us to the companions of our missionary :

"Our voyage has hitherto been a very fair one: we have no rough weather. We were for a considerable length of time delayed by variable winds and calms as we approached the Line; but as far as weather is concerned, this has been our principal trouble. I felt the heat greatly. Our berths at night were more like ovens than anything else. We have had the fever prevailing greatly among us; three of our men-the boatmen-have had it, besides five or six others; and although I have had some ground for anxiety, yet, thank God, all have recovered remarkably. The Lord has been our keeper. He has stayed the pestilence. Unto him be the praise.

"We expect to make our destination in about three weeks. On getting there, our intention is, in the first place, by the help of the crew, to dig an entrenchment around the site of our future residence, and inside of this to raise up high walls all round. This on a small islet, just big enough for the purpose, situate betwixt Picton Island and Garden Island, close to them both. The vessel, which has been rather leaky, it is intended to overhaul when we get to Picton Island; and it is probable that she will therefore stay with us a week, if not longer. As soon as she leaves, it is our intention to start also on a cruise of discovery, going

for that purpose to the north-west, into Beagle Channel, and to the west of Navarin Island, and among other places to Woolya, the place where Jemmy Button, a Fuegian taken to England by Captain FitzRoy, was left on his return from England, after three years' absence. If we can make him out, doubtless it may prove very advantageous to us. At all events, we mean to purchase,* if we can, two lads about ten or twelve years of age, and take them back with us, and from them acquire the language. Our cruise may perhaps last two or three months. This, however, is uncertain. We are well provided with boats, having two very large ones with us, besides two gigs to attend on their seniors. We are well supplied with provisions.

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Captain Gardiner is much what I expected him to be. For indomitable perseverance he is unquestionably to be ranked among men of the. first class, and his life is that of an exact and strict disciplinarian. As a Christian, he is devout and unaffected, and most sincere. I am indeed far, far

short of him. I am more conscious of my defects since I have been able to compare myself with him. I see that I am a mere vacillator and weak believer, in contrast with his stability and strict in

* Of course Mr Williams only means that it was intended to borrow the children from their parents for a certain time, making the parents such a present as would secure their consent. A button was the consideration for which Jemmy's parents made him over to Captain FitzRoy.

Our

tegrity. I am greatly pleased with all my companions. Mr Maidment, my fellow-catechist, is an amiable, kind, and worthy man; and one becomes more attached to him, and respects him more, the more you know him. He is very sincere and humble, and I fully believe a child of God. three young men, having been much afflicted, have exhibited their different characters strikingly. Poor Bryan, who was worst, has shewn a very meek and patient disposition, full of resignation and a simple-hearted love to Christ. Badcock, who is the eldest and biggest of the three, is, I am persuaded, the subject of divine grace. He, too, is remarkably meek, but there is a somewhat timid or nervous cast of mind in him. John Pearce is a rough, just, honest, and upright man, but with a little touch of independence of spirit which, subdued by grace and properly directed, will rather prove an advantage. Erwin, our ship-carpenter, is the most dapper, sprightly, and excellent fellow I have met for a long time. He is a summary of good qualities, good sense, kind disposition, unassuming deportment, and useful for all purposes; just the man we want to help and comfort us in all exigencies. Every one of them has had to encounter great objections and many persuasions not to go on such an enterprise. But God provides all. He is with us. How delightful is his service! How do I rejoice that it is my calling to declare Christ, to publish such glad tidings to a poor abject race!

Rejoice with me, brother Jones, whilst in the words of Mary I would say, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.'"

Returning to the Journal, under "Thursday, November 28," we find the following entry :

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To-day, at about eight o'clock in the morning, we passed the Straits of Magellan; and, having had a splendid breeze all day, we are at this time -ten P. M.-considerably advanced toward the Strait of Le Maire, which we hope to pass through to-morrow. We are now happily bringing our voyage to a close. To-day the sun has shone very brilliantly, and this evening it has poured a brilliant flood of light around us. Its setting was as fine a scene as anything we have witnessed during our voyage, and has greatly cheered us, taking it as an earnest that we shall not be altogether wanting bright days and sunny visitations, and likewise deeming it in our fancies as a welcome paid us by Fuegia's luminary.

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Friday, November 29.-To-day at half-past one A.M. we first had a sight of the mountains of Tierra del Fuego. At that time I heard the chief mate awake the Captain, and inform him of the fact. I was singularly impressed with the idea that we were in danger. The thought crossed my mind several times, but without affecting me with any anxiety, but inducing me to call upon the Lord with reliance and trust upon him. I had no