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OBITUARY.

SOME account of the last sickness and death of Mrs. Susan Poor, who died at Tillipally May 7th, 1821. Communicated by the husband of the deceased.

[Continued from p. 96. )

On being raised up in bed to take some refreshing drink; "My Master," said she, "in his last extremity, had gall and vinegar to drink; he was forsaken by his friends, and even by his heavenly Father; but I have every comfort, um surrounded by beloved brethren and sisters," (Here she embraced them,] “and have the light of God's countenance. Óh, he gracionsly smooths the way through the dark|| valley."

She was more free from pain during the night, and had more quiet steep than she had enjoyed for four days previously. Whenever she awoke from a short season of repose, she spoke as one very near the heavenly state. She often repeated some parts of "The dying Christian." Once on waking she whispered with much emphasis, "Lend, lend your wings."

At midnight we thought her departing, and called the brethren and sisters to witness the solemn scene. Her pulse nearly ceased to beat. She however revived, and appeared to have a little more strength.

Her mind appeared to fasten upon the last word, which she protracted a little in singing, and then exclaimed. "O to grace how great á debtor,”—do sing." But here she sunk down, being quite exhausted. We, who commenced the singing, were so deeply affected by the scene before us, that several times no voice of the company was heard but that of Mrs. Poor.

The circumstance of our singing, induced the natives to crowd into the house, and about the windows. They also were deeply affected, and it was a season of weeping to all present. We, who knew her case, wept for joy; others, many of them no doubt. by the power of sympathy, and in consequence of the strangeness of the scene. As we were about to kneel down by her bed side, Mr. Chater observed, "Let us not pray but praise." He then gave most hearty thanks to God, for the special manifestations of his grace to his dying child, in which she evidently joined with great delight. When he gave thanks to God for giving her the victory, she interrupted him, saying, I bave much for which to praise him, but the victory is not yet complete. I am still on the enemy's ground, and we must watch unto prayer.” Afterward, when he gave thanks that Christ appeared to be present to take his handmaid home, she, with much feeling and many tears said, "But I can't see him; is he here? Why then do I not see him?" Several times afterward she observed, "I can't see him," mean

Daring the night she had an unusual degreeing that she could not see Christ with her of tenderness and sweetness of spirit. She continually expressed a lively sense of gratitude towards every one who rendered her the least assistance, and toward God for providing for her such friends. She was also tenderly alive to the danger of sinning. When she suddenly moved herself in bed, or declined any thing that was offered her, she would often say, "I hope this is not sin; tell me when I am in danger of doing wrong; help me to keep from sinning."

On Saturday morning about 10 o'clock, Mr. Chater, Baptist missionary from Columbo, who has kindly favored us with a visit of several weeks at our stations,-came to Tilli pally. Immediately on his arrival, she requested, as was her practice when Christian friends came, to unite with him in prayer and thanksgiving. As Mr. Chater was about to lead in prayer, she requested us to sing the hymn,

"Jesus with all thy saints above, &c." in the tune of Arlington. At this time many of the natives, having heard of her dangerous iliness, had assembled around the house. Af ter we had sung a part of the first verse, Mrs. P., to the astonishment of all, joined with much elevation of spirit in singing. Though her voice was tremulous and weak, it was as loud as usual, and to our ears much more metodious It appeared that every strain must be the last effort she could possibly make. She, however, continued through the hymn, and sung the last verse with more aniwation than the preceding. The last line of the hymu is,

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Or saints to feel his grace." VOL. XVIII.

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bodily eyes. On being told, that she could not expect to have such a view of him. She quickly replied, "But do you not believe that our dear brother Warren saw Christ, when he said," "O thou kind angel, conduct me, conduct me." “We cannot say, said brother Richards, "that he saw any thing with his mortal eyes." "O yes," said she, "he did, I fully believe it." After a little re flection, she seemed to doubt the propriety of expecting any thing like a vision. Though she seemed to triumph in hope, she several times complained that the tempter was present, and that he suggested evil thoughts to her mind, against which she frequently called upon the brethren to pray.

Previously to Mr. Chater's arrival, (as [ should have before mentioned,) Mr. Winslow came. When Mrs. Poor requested him to pray, she said, she had petitions for him to offer on her account; one of which was, that she might have an easy departure; the other that God would leave a blessing behind her. She afterwards requested him to find and read to her the psalm, which contains the words. "Yet in the midst of grief and death." [See Psalm 103, L. M. first part.]

About eleven o'clock, Mr. Meigs, and Mr. Knight, Church Missionary from Nellore, came to see us. After leading in prayer, at her request, we sung the hymn,

"And let this feeble body fail,
"And let it faint and die," &c.

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her strength would not permit. At twelve o'clock we thought her departing; but she again revived, and at four o'clock P. M. her symptoms,in a most important respect,became more favorable. We had a gleam of hope that she would be spared to us. When she understood that this was her case, she expressed by her countenance much disappointment, and regret; but soon observed, that she had given herself to the Lord, and would endeavor to be resigned to his will. She did not, however, herself believe, that she should be brought back again to the world.

In the evening our kind friend, Mr. Mooyart, came, to whom she made several remarks expressive of the joyful state of her mind, in prospect of a speedy departure.

In order to prevent repetition, and to give some just idea of Mrs. Poor's case, it may be observed that, during almost the whole season of her illness, her bodily sufferings were great. It rarely happens that a sick person requires so great and constant attention as she required. Four watchers, besides native attend. ants, were requisite every night. Two were needed at a time, but could not, without much inconvenience to themselves, sit more than five or six hours at once. It also rarely happens, that it is practicable for a sick person to be so constantly attended by so many beloved brethren and sisters, as were with her on this occasion. The means of contributing to her comfort were in proportion to her wants. Two skilful physicians belonging to our own mission were almost constantly with her; and many articles of bedding and clothing, which were greatly needed, were furnished from our several stations. Nor were her spiritual necessities less numerous, or less abundantly supplied. She needed to be fed almost constantly with the milk of the Word,-with the bread and water of life. She very frequently spoke to herself, to those around her, and to God, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and requested those present to read to her select portions of the word of God, to which she directed. Her mind never appeared to be more active and energetic. She spoke freely on a great variety of subjects, and her remarks, though often in a whisper, were emphatic and impressive.

On Sabbath morn she observed, "This is a delightful day. I think I shall go to day, and that my everlasting Sabbath will begin." After lying some time in a low and sinking state, she exclaimed, with much expression of feeling, "Now I see my Jesus." Do you see him, said I? "O yes,-all bright and glorious;" and then repeated, "all bright and glorious." She then covered her eyes and said, "O keep me from beholding these earthly things. wish to see only spiritual objects." After a little repose, "Perfect love," said she "casteth out fear. I have not perfect love, and yet fear is almost, and sometimes quite cast out."

In the course of the forenoon, she spoke Tamul with the native female servants around her, and said, "I am now going, I am very happy, I am going to be with Jesus. You also must prepare to die. If you would die happy, you must receive Jesus." Other remarks she made of a similar nature.

Shortly after this, on hearing a clap of thunder, she observed, "sweet sound." Soon after, being a little agitated in mind, “O, that day;"-then appeared to be in pain to express something, but said, faintly "can't think,can't take in the idea." But immediately exclaimed, "Glory, glory, I see him; his chariot wheels, how bright they are." She was quiet a few minutes, and then repeated several times, with a low tone of voice, but with much emphasis, "How bright and glorious." A few hours after, having watched for a favorable opportunity, I asked what she saw, when she uttered the expressions which I have here noticed. She replied, that she had a distinct view of a part of the train of the Son of God, coming in the clouds of heaven to judge the world, agreeably to the description of that event in the word of God.

After being a little refreshed by taking some wine, she repeated, or rather adopted as her own, most of the Apostle's prayer in Ephesians iii, 16. &c. Strengthen me with might, by thy Spirit, &c. &c. then forcibly added, "Strengthen me, O Lord, by thy word, -thine own precious word,-that blessed word, which this people despise, but in which thou hast caused thy servant to hope." On her waking from sleep, I asked her, whether she still kept her hold on Jesus? "O yes," said she, "I have a sweet frame. I think it will be continued to the end. It appears but a very little way across the river." In the afternoon she expressed some fears, lest the servants, and the people around her, would not distinguish between her cries occasioned by bodily distress, and her singing, which was expressive of the joys of her mind. She requested me to call them and explain the subject, and to give them a word of exhortation, such as the occasion suggested. Soon after, eight or ten women, with whom she had been much acquainted, came to see her. She often expressed the gratification she felt on being able to converse with the natives who visited her, in their own language. They expressed much surprise, that we were so quiet and cheerful. It is their practice on such occasions, to roll, beat themselves, and scream aloud. The reasons of our being peaceful and quiet in such trials were fully explained by Mr. Chater, who preached in the church from 1 Thess. iv, 13. But I would not have you to be ignorant, &c.

As we hourly expected the coming of the Lord to take his handmaid home, we had special prayer several times in the day, that while present, on such an occasion, he would scatter some spiritual blessings around, and thus leave abiding evidence, that he had been in a special manner with us. In the evening, Mr. Mooyart came into the room, and asked her if she still trusted in Christ. "I am resting," said she, "in his arms.-Some sinful thoughts;-much bodily distress." Several times, in the course of the day and evening, she observed faintly, "Why this linger. ing-why this lingering,-hush-patience, patience."

Her corporal sufferings greatly increased. She seemed, however, to have remarkably clear and lively views of divine truth. About 12 o'clock at night, while lying in a state of

extreme suffering, almost insensible to every thing around her, she broke out with a loud voice in a long prayer. She began by praying that the Lord would show her wherefore he contended with her. "Has not Jesus suffered enough? Why then should I thus suffer? O Lord, look down upon thy languishing, dying child. But if it be necessary for me to be conformed to my suffering Savior, O Lord, grant me patience to endure it. I fly to thee, O my beloved. Other refuge have 1 none.' I seek no other. I have sought no other. Thou art my beloved. O take me from this suffering state. Receive me to those mansions of peace, and joy, where the Father dwelleth; where the Son dwelleth; where the Holy Ghost dwelleth; where the four and twenty elders dwell; where with united heart and voice they sing, "Unto him that loved us, and washed us in his own blood, &c." These were but a part of her expressions.

As this prayer, which was heard in every apartment of the house, was evidently occasioned by great bodily distress, and was the language of an overcoming faith and triumphant hope, it produced impressions upon our minds unusually solemn,that God was present, both to afflict and to console. Soon after, she was almost entirely relieved from her distress, and slept quietly till morning.

Monday. She lay in a weak and languishing state, having a desire to depart. It appeared from her occasional remarks, and quotations from Scripture, that her thoughts were directed with interest to divine subjects, particularly to the doctrine of the resurrection. Several times, during her sickness, she repeated the verse,

"Corruption, earth, and worms
Shall but refine this flesh,
Till my triumphant spirit comes
To put it on afresh."

About one o'clock P. M. she roused from a slumbering state, and appeared to have an unusual degree of vigor, both of body and mind. She requested me to read to her from the Word of God. I told her, she doubtless recollected the rich provision for passing Jordan, which Mrs. Graham made, and that I would read those extracts from Scripture, which are contained in her life. She was pleased with the proposal; and as I read and paused at short intervals, she made many short but striking comments upon the passages read. Her remarks at this time, were indicative of a mind exquisitely alive to perceive the moral beauty, and to feel the supreme importance, of divine truth. Those passages which most clearly brought to view the atoning sacrifice for sin, by the blood of Christ, attracted her attention with the deepest interest. She regarded them as the foundation stones of that building, in which she had taken refuge, and in which she could quietly rest, even in view of the great day of the wrath of the Lamb.

In the course of this reading and conversation, which continued some hours, "We all are, I think," said she,"deficient in our thanksgiving to God, in not particularly remembering those exhibitions of his character, which

were made in his devising and commencing the wonderful plan of redemption. We appear to regard it as a thing of course; and to have our thoughts occupied mainly with the consequences of the plan." From her remarks on this subject, it would seem, that in her reflections she carried her mind back to that awfully interesting period, when God displayed his justice in the everlasting destruction of the fallen angels, and then started the question, What shall be done to the rebellious race of man? The proceedings of Jehovah at that time ought to be particularly remembered, she thought, in our seasons of praise and thanksgiving. She repeatedly requested us to sing.

After I had read nearly all the extracts from Scripture, which Mrs. Graham made, Mrs. Poor observed, "Brethren, do again examine me. For is it not possible that I may be under a mistake? I wish you to repeat what you consider real evidences of grace, or proper qualifications for heaven." As she and I had recently read Dr. Dwight's Sermons on the evidences of regeneration, I fol. lowed nearly his order, in bringing to her view the evidences she wished to hear stated. As they were proposed to her one by one, she with great discrimination, as in the light of eternity, and tremblingly alive to the danger of being deceived, applied them to herself, and drew the conclusion, often with confidence, in her own favor. The following is a specimen of the manner, in which she treated this subject:

'Love to the brethren,' said I, is another evidence much insisted on by the inspired writers.". "Here" said she, "I must think.— I cannot say, that I have loved all who are in reality the disciples of Christ, I can conceive that the image of Christ may often be obscur. ed in a real Christian; or owing, it may be, to some fault in us, perhaps for the want of proper knowledge or intercourse, we may not clearly see the image which really exists. But examining myself on this point, I can with confidence say, that I have considered the saints to be the excellent of the earth; and that in them has been all my delight; and that those in whom I have seen the brightest evidences of piety, have been the friends dearest to my heart.".

I then asked her, whether she could adopt the language of the Psalmist, Whom have I in heaven but thee, &c. "Here," said she, "I cannot doubt." She then repeated those words in the form of an address, or rather as an appeal to God. It may be considered some proof of her sincerity to observe, that several times during her sickness, when perfectly quiet, both in body and mind, she observed, "Much as I have loved, and do still love my dear husband and children, I wish to remain with them no longer." As 1 was moving her from one bed to another, she gave me a kiss, and observed with an affectionate but solemn tone of voice, "I wish to be in your arms no more, but to rest in the arms of my Savior.' Her mind often turned with much interest to the subject of our being reunited in the worship and service of God above.

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After remaining quiet for a short time, she said, "I have a great degree of calmness and

peace of mind, but no ecstacies. Did he promise to give ecstacies in this hour? 1 feel that I am near beaven." She many times observed, with expressions of gratitude, that God had abundantly answered the many prayers which had been offered on her acCount; that he had relieved her from her bodily distress; and had given her joy and peace in believing.

In the evening, George Kock, a young man from Jaffna, who had formerly resided in the family for some years, came to see Mrs. Poor. She gave him her hand, and expressed some pleasure on seeing him. He said, that he wished to improve the opportunity of expressing his obligations to her, for all she did for him while residing in the family; and said that he now indulged the hope, that he knew something of the preciousness of that Savior whom she so often and earnestly urged him to seek. She then exhorted him to beware of self-deception,-to be watchful, humble, and persevering. When he expressed his many obligations to her, she replied, "If you think you owe me any thing, pay it to the heathen;" and then said, with more emphasis, "If any think they owe me any thing, let them pay it to the heathen."

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a short pause, she said. "May the Lord give
you the spirit of Caleb and Joshua.-It is
your business to search out the goodly land,
to bring back the clusters, to hold them up
to the view of the people, and allure them
forward to Canaan." And so give them a
taste for the fruit?" "That you can't do,” said
she, "that is God's work."

This question concerning the grapes, was
asked in reference to the habit of mind,
which in a remarkable manner attended her
during her sickness, of making use of the ob
jeers around her to bring to remembrance
divine truths. The following are specimens

of this:

On being raised up in the night to take medicine in front of a window which was open, “Surely,” said she, with much solemni ty, "there is outer darkness, but I think I shall not dwell there." On seeing the dry leaves fall from a tree near the house, "That tree, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, shall never wither." She was great. ly delighted with the frequent small showers of rain that fell, as she felt confident that the Lord, ere long would come in like manner, by his Spirit, On hearing a dog howl in the night, as she lay apparently asleep, "Without," said she, "are dogs, and sorcerers," &c. On bathing her feet in water, "Soon I shall bathe in the pure fountain." On drinking water, "Shortly, I shall not need this,there will be in me a well of water springing up into everlasting life." At another time, "He giveth the water of life." Many times, on receiving wine, or other drink, "These are not the cordials that I shall soon bave." "He will give me more refreshing cordials," &c. Allusions of this nature were numerous.

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Between nine and ten o'clock, both Mrs. P. and all present, thought she was about to depart. Her whole deportment was that of a person held between this and the heavenly state. "Last Sabbath," she observed, (meaning the Sabbath preceding the last, when the first fruits from the heathen in this place were received into the church,) "With desire I desired to eat the passover once more, and God permitted me to do it. I thought it would be the last time. I wish now to have a glass of wine with you, and to take my leave I had no desire for sleep, but sat with her of you all." As she repeatedly made this re during the night. She slept at short interquest, we improved the first favorable oppor- vals. Her mind, when she was awake, was tunity. The brethren and sisters present, very active, both on temporal and spiritual being seven in number, besides myself, stood subjects. She conversed with great particu around her bed, and brother Richards invok-larity respecting persons and things, and gave ed a blessing. Being then raised up, by several persons, she took the glass, and said, "This wine, emblematical of that blood which was shed for the remission of sins, even my sins, I now share with you for the last time, till we meet in our Father's kingdom." After her,each of the brethren and sisters drank, and exchanged with her the parting kiss. As she embraced us, she invoked a blessing upon each, or made some pertinent remark by way of exhortation. Perceiving that she was failing, we were obliged to hasten. Her last words at this time, and which we thought would be the last she would utter, were "thanks for all,thanks for all." She then lay for some time unable to speak. Soon after she revived a little, and it being between twelve and one o'clock, most of the company retired to rest. Mrs. Poor became more wakeful, and was much inclined to converse. Her conversa. tion and whole deportment were unusually interesting. On seeing some one eating grapes, she asked, whether she might be permitted to taste one. A cluster was then brought, from which she took some. you know," we inquired, "of what you should be reminded by these clusters?" "O yes," she replied, nodding her head and smiling. "Well of what?" said Mr. Richards. After"

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many directions on various subjects.
think," said she, "I ought to do every thing
I possibly can do, that may, in any way, tend
to promote friendship-the welfare of the
mission, or the future comfort of my dear
husband." She whispered several things to
me relative to the state of my affairs, after
her departure. Several times during the
night, after settling some small matters, she
composed herself to rest, saying, "That is all.
I have now done with this world; I have done
with it." "I have nothing more to say."
But after laying a few moments, "I have one
other thought. I have one or two things
more which I must mention, then I have
done." Thus she continued speaking on a
variety of subjects, during the greater part of
the night. Once, on waking, she repeated
the verse,

"This life's a dream, an empty show," &c.

and then added, "I am now dreaming, but
soon I shall see realities."

About four o'clock, (Tuesday,) her pulse
nearly ceased to beat, and we were again
alarmed. A few hours after, being a little
revived, she expressed some surprise on find-
ing herself here on earth, with a prospect of

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continuing even another day. She referred to the parting embrace she gave us the preceding evening, and observed, "I thought life would go out, before I could take leave of all."

At morning prayers, we sung the hymn founded on the words of Simeon, Now lettest thon thy servant depart, &c. She joined in singing a part of several verses. As I sat by her bed side, and was not careful to suppress the rising tear, she gave me a look of surprise, and said, "ut will you faint now? Having witnessed how bountifully the Lord has dealt with me, and having yourself experienced such a special support!" She then observed to brother Richards, that as I had had no sleep during the night, my nerves were weak, and that I needed some refreshment, which she requested me to take. She appeared so deeply to feel that her services were no longer necessary, either for the station or for her family, and she had such confidence that God would supply every deficiency, that she thought the occasion called only for thanksgiving and praise. She continued better through the day, and we began to indulge hopes of her recovery. I think she observed to me, "The Lord continues my life a little, that I may arrange some affairs which will contribute to your comfort." At another time, referring to the same subject. "Hezekiah had fifteen years added to his life, that he might settle the affairs of his kingdom. haps fifteen days will be added to my life, that I may settle my small affairs." She continued quiet through the night, and the physicians were active in the use of means, with increasing hopes of her restoration.

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On Wednesday morning she requested us to read the exvith Psalm, as being expressive of her feelings in view of God's dealings with her. "I can say," said she, "that in reference to my sufferings on Sabbath eve, and at some other seasons, the pains of hell gat hold up on me; but the Lord was very gracious to my soul." As she appeared to be better, most of the brethren and sisters left us. At one o'clock, it being our stated season for prayer, she requested us to read some of the predictions relative to the rising glory of the church; saying, that her thoughts had been much turned to that subject. We read the 60th chapter of Isaiah, in which she appeared to be deeply interested.

In the afternoon, she was very weak,-her mind a little disturbed. Some indications of delirium excited our fears. She, however, had a quiet night, and was in a happy state of mind, though she said but little.

On Thursday morning, her mind was again turned, with deep interest, to the promises relative to the church. We read, at her request, the 52nd chapter of Isaiah, and sung the 23d Psalmo, L. M. But little alteration appeared in her case during the day. At night she was very restless, and most of the time exercised with acute pain.

Friday morning I was waked from sleep by her singing. Perceiving something peculiar in her voice and manner, I rose up hastily,and was deeply affected on learning that her singing was the affect of delirium. About nine o'clock she was relieved from her distress,

God, my Redeemer lives, &c.
Father, I long, I faint to see, &c.
He lives, the great Redeemer lives, &c.
My God, my life, my love, &c.
My God, my portion, and my all, &c.

Afterward she fell into a drowsy state, and thus continued, through the day.

On Saturday morning she had some alarm. ing symptoms. But as she was free from pain, and had a little strength, she set about settling some small affairs, agreeably to the directions she gave when she thought herself departing. During her sickness, a silver urn, designed for a sacramental vessel, was brought home in an unfinished state. She called for that, and gave particular directions how she would have it finished. She then told what had induced her to set apart money to purchase such an article. "I have often thought," said she, "that if we could furnish our own tables as we do, it is wrong that the table of the Lord should appear so mean. I wished to have it furnished in a manner suitable for the King. I hope he will not despise my offering." The price of the urn will be about $25. She expressed a wish to attend to several other matters, particularly to explain some things relative to the accounts of the family and station, that her books might appear fair and intelligible; but her want of strength would not permit her to do more till Monday.

P. M. "To morrow," said she, "will be the Sabbath; you must now leave me, and prepare to meet the people. See that you provide for them things new and old." During the night she was in some respects more unwell. Toward morning she bad some peculiarly elevated views of divine things. It was a source of uneasiness to her, that she could not keep herself fully awake, to enjoy these heavenly views, which, without any effort on her part, appeared to break in upon her soul. She spoke with much animation of its being a joyful Sabbath,-that it very aptly represented that everlasting Sabbath of rest, which she expected to enjoy in the New Jerusalem. Her mind was much directed to the state of the mission, and to the peculiar duties of the brethren and sisters as missionaries. "Though I feel myself," said she, "to be a weak woman, I have strong desires to speak freely with the brethren on the importance of diligence and fidelity in the service of Christ among the heathen. I can now lay aside every feeling of restraint, and say all that is in my heart."

She spoke freely with those who were present, and expressed a wish to see others who were absent. The substance of her conversation was to point out in what manner she thought the different talents of individuals might be improved to the best advantage in the mission,-and in what respect she thought

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