the commencement of the year 1832. In Madras his engagements were chiefly restricted to that populous town and neighbourhood; and the change to a less extensive field of operation might have proved favourable to his health, had not his disease been already too deeply seated. He had also the advantage of kind colleagues in the Rev. Messrs. Carver and Cryer, who were ready to relieve him, when necessary, from his ordinary duties. He received, also, valuable advice relating to his health from some of the most skilful medical men in the Presidency. But he persisted in attention to his work as a Missionary, rarely allowing himself any relaxation from his toil, unless imposed by imperious necessity.

Missionaries residing in Madras have ordinarily many important engagements in addition to the work of their station. Mr. Bourne took his share of that extra labour, in connexion with the Bible and Tract Societies, and other associations, which are formed for the promotion of the spiritual and temporal interests of the vast and mingled population of the Presidency. Early in the year 1833 his business and responsibilities were increased by Mr. Carver's departure for Europe. The financial affairs of the District then devolved on him; and at the ensuing Annual District-Meeting of the Missionaries, held in January, 1834, he was called to the honour and the duties of the Chairmanship of the Madras District. In this, as in every office he sustained, he uniformly commanded the respect and affection of his brethren, and gave practical evidence that he was ready to every good work." Mr. Carver's return to Madras before the end of the year, happily relieved him of many of his more onerous responsibilities. But the relief came too late to afford any hope that his constitution would recover its vigour in a tropical climate; and he was urged by his medical friends and brother Missionaries to hasten his departure to his native country, as the only probable means of restoration.

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There are few circumstances connected with Missionary enterprise more afflictive than the early and unseasonable removal from the scene of action of Missionaries who, by their varied qualifications and endowments, are peculiarly suited to their important work. This remark applies most forcibly in those cases in which difficult languages have been attained by great expenditure of time and strength, and where the character of the people and country cannot be known but by an experience of many years. Mr. Bourne was second to none of his brethren in successful pursuit of the knowledge and acquirements peculiarly adapted to aid and extend his usefulness as a Missionary to the Hindoos; and although he ever valued himself at the lowest estimate, he was not ignorant that the Mission must feel his departure as a great loss. He was also anxious, if it were the will of God, that he might, for many years, make full proof of his ministry among the Heathen, in the employment of that ability in the native language which he had acquired with so much arduous study. It was to him a

painful reflection that he should have to follow the brethren Squance and Mowat, and others, who had been obliged to quit the field, when their services were most efficient, and their help most required.

After much serious consideration and earnest prayer for divine guidance, he came to the resolution of yielding to the obvious and increasing necessity of change of climate. For some time previous, he had received the permission of the Missionary Committee for his return, granted by them in consequence of the reports which had reached them of the failure of his health. Accordingly he took his passage by the Mary Ann, merchant ship, commanded by Captain Hornblow; and after a most affectionate parting with his congregations, and numerous friends, both English and native, he embarked on the 18th of February, 1835, having resided on the continent of India. eight years and nine months.

He consoled himself under the painful trial of separation from the work which he loved more dearly than health or life itself, by the hope of once more returning to it. He carried with him a valuable and well-selected library of Tamul books; he laid down for himself plans of study with the view of future and enlarged usefulness in India; and, as his complaint permitted, both on his voyage and after his return, he carried his plans into execution, some of the results of which will probably be of permanent benefit to our Tamul Missions. Almost to the last he retained his desire to return to India, and resume his labours there; and his arrangements were made so entirely under the influence of this desire, that, had it pleased God to grant him restored health, a few days would, at any time, have sufficed to prepare him for embarkation.

The voyage home occupied little more than four months. The weather, on the whole, was favourable; and the Captain and many of his fellow-passengers were very kind and attentive. He seized every opportunity of usefulness, preaching whenever the weather and his health permitted. Touching at the Cape of Good Hope, he passed some days ashore, and was greatly refreshed by the society and attentions of the Missionaries stationed there. He touched also at St. Helena, where it appeared to him that a Mission might be formed with an encouraging prospect of success. Indeed an offer was made to him, by one who valued his character and ministry, of a free passage to the island, and a donation of one hundred pounds towards the commencement of a Mission, with the promise of considerable stated help towards its maintenance, if he would undertake its establishment. But it was his fixed purpose, should he again be permitted to enter the Mission field, to return to that part of it in which he had already been engaged. It is unnecessary in this place to detail the occurrences usually incident to so long a voyage. He reached its termination in safety, and landed at Lymington on the 21st of June, 1835, having experienced no perceptible improvement in his health.

From Mr. Bourne's valuable and interesting journal relating to his voyage home, we give a few extracts, which will afford an illustration of his persevering diligence even under painful and weakening indisposition, and of the evangelical and useful character of his ministry.

"Madras, February 18th, 1835.-This is the last morning on shore. About nine o'clock the native Christians assembled for prayer. Several hymns were sung, and several prayers offered at the throne of grace. I gave an exhortation to the people, and prayed with them. This was a truly interesting and affecting service. I was rejoiced to see the poor natives so much concerned for my welfare. I cannot tell how many were convened together, but I think not fewer than one hundred grown people and children. The forenoon was occupied in business,-all bustle and confusion. At four o'clock, P. M., Mr. and Mrs. Carver, Mr. and Mrs. Harley, and myself left Royapettah; and I embarked about five o'clock, in the midst of many friends, both natives and East Indians, some of whom accompanied me to the ship. This was to me an affecting season. We arrived at the ship about half past five o'clock. My cabin all in confusion; my cough very bad, and but little prospect of a comfortable night's rest. I parted with my friends, felt thankful for their kindness, and committed myself into the hands of God.

"19th.-I rose early this morning, having slept but little. I only took off part of my clothes, and threw myself on the couch for the night; but the rolling of the ship, the novelty of my situation, and the violence of my cough prevented me from taking any substantial rest. About six, A. M., the Captain came on board; at eight we got under weigh, and before breakfast stood out for sea. Soon after eleven we lost sight of Madras, and before one, of the highest hills; so that once more in a few hours I found myself surrounded by the mighty ocean. During the day I made several attempts to put my cabin in order, but in vain. My cough was very annoying, and my stomach was much disordered by the motion of the vessel. I found the Captain particularly obliging, and felt thankful that my lot is cast in the ship Mary Ann.

"20th.-I am still unwell. I have had a dreadful night of coughing. What the sea air may do for me, I cannot say; but at present my sufferings are as great as they were on shore. About eleven we saw a country brig, which had lost its course. They inquired of us the way to Madras, and manifested no small degree of joy when they obtained the information they required. Colonel and Mrs. sail with us: I have long known them, and entertain the highest opinion of them. The Captain has shown me the greatest attention. I received a polite note from him requesting to see me in his cabin. I was surprised to find him in tears, and not a little gratified to learn that the cause of his distress was a serious concern for his salvation. I conversed with him for some time, and rejoiced in the hope that the voyage which had

commenced so favourably would afford me many opportunities of usefulness.

"22d. This is the Sabbath of the Lord. O blessed day! May I spend it in a manner becoming its dignity. At eleven o'clock the bell solemnly tolled for divine worship, and a goodly company assembled. The passengers and the ladies, who had scarcely ventured out before, were present. The sailors were clean and well-behaved, and the officers of the ship were arranged according to their respective stations. All was order, and the scene told well on my best feelings. Thus we assembled to worship the God of heaven. The wind was strong, and a heavy sea was running, which prevented some who sat to windward from hearing very distinctly. But all present expressed themselves gratified with the service. In the afternoon, the Captain, at the request of some of the passengers, asked to have a service in the cuddy in the evening, to which I cheerfully consented; but it turned out a very squally, wet night, in consequence of which we were obliged to give up our intention.

"March 1st.-Again returns the sacred Sabbath; and this has been one of the happiest days of my life. At eleven the bell tolled for divine worship, and all assembled on deck,-a delightful sight,-to offer prayer and praise to the Most High! The Lord was in the midst of us. The sailors and all the passengers heard with great attention. After dinner I went among the sailors, and distributed some tracts, which they gladly received. I then went to the Captain's cabin, and found him in tears. He said he was much affected by the prayer I had offered up for him, and the ship's crew, during the morning service. This was an affecting, and, I trust, a profitable interview. I directed him to Jesus the Lamb of God. I was requested in the evening to have service between decks; and this was one of the most profitable seasons I ever experienced on board. The Captain and about fifty others of the passengers and crew were present, and all were devotional in their appearance. As for myself, I was much blessed, and could not refrain from tears of joy when I returned to my cabin.

"2d.-I felt not well this morning: my chest is very painful, occasioned, perhaps, by the exertions of yesterday. In the evening I had a delightful conversation with several of the passengers on deck, and was glad to find a spirit of seriousness and a high regard for religion pervade the whole.

"8th. This has been a profitable Sabbath. I read prayers, and preached twice. The Captain opened his mind to me more fully, and said, 'I have made up my mind to serve God the remainder of my days with an undivided heart. I hope nothing will induce me to look back. He spoke much of his past life, and severely reproached himself for his negligence. He wept much, and was deeply humbled. Among other things, he said, 'I thank God with all my heart that you

are in this ship. The Lord has sent you to assist me.' He reads incessantly, and spends much time in his cabin. "9th.—The carpenter of the ship, I have long noticed as a very serious man; and to-day he told me that he was brought up among the Methodists, and has been accustomed to attend our ministry from his youth. His father is a Local Preacher at Scarborough, but is now very far advanced in years. I was much gratified with his conversation. "15th.-A most delightful Sabbath. I was blessed in a most extraordinary manner while preaching to the passengers and crew. One thing was particularly gratifying, the serious conversation among the passengers becoming the sacredness of the day; and in the evening every one retired to his own cabin in a very few minutes after the service had concluded. This is new, and exceedingly gratifying.

"27th.-I perceive, from a conversation with the Captain and the passengers, that the Lord has given me the hearts of those with whom I sail. May it turn to the spiritual advantage of all!

"April 5th. We have had a dreadfully cold night. This morning we found ourselves at Green-Point, Cape of Good Hope. At eleven o'clock I went on shore with Captain Hornblow, and found the Mission-house. Mr. Barnabas Shaw was from home, but Mrs. Shaw received me kindly; and Mr. Cameron prevailed on me to preach for him in the evening. We had a delightful congregation; and I was glad to see the Captain and several of the passengers present. The Lord's supper was administered after the service, and I enjoyed a refreshing season.

"13th. I re-embarked about twelve o'clock. This appeared to me like going home again, although I have enjoyed many comforts with my friends, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw. The wind is directly against us.

"18th.-Among the passengers who embarked with us at the Cape, is Captain E, who has lately been employed by Government to explore some parts of the interior of Africa. He relates several pleasing facts connected with our South African Missions, having visited most of the stations; and speaks in the highest terms of all our Missionaries, as men devoted to their work, and eminently successful in all their undertakings. This testimony, from a disinterested traveller, is exceedingly gratifying. After dinner I had a visit from Captain Hornblow, which is not uncommon when he is disengaged. In the course of conversation, he said, 'I shall in future consider myself as one of your people. When I reach London I intend to inform the Secretaries that I shall be happy to give a free passage to a Missionary every time I sail to or from India.' I heard this declaration with surprise and gratitude; and have reason to think that the Lord is working a saving change in the Captain's heart: may it be perfected!

"27th. I landed at St. Helena, and remained a few days.

May 14th. Since I saw St. Helena I have frequently thought