Diary of a Prairie Missionary       Part 2

July 3^rd.    At the hour appointed we proceeded to the place of worship, where I met not a few Rachaels, who refused to be comforted, and who appeared, tho’ in resignation, to say, "the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me". Profuse as were their tears, and bitter as were the lamentations, of those who had lost a parent, a husband, a daughter or a sister (for each of these ties were severed) my feelings were most completely overcome when I discovered our remaining Elder Elect (W. Jamieson, Esq) lamenting the wife of his youth. I had parted with her on the 16th of June in perfect health, and among the many who had anticipated our Communion Season with delight, (with perhaps the exception of Mr. Jno. Richie our other late Elder Elect) none, so far as I could discover, could more safely adopt the language of the Pslamist, as expressive of the exercises of their soul, than she, when he says, "My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; when shall I come, and appear before God?"

This was literally realized (I have no doubt) in her happy experience on the 30th of June.  On the Saturday previous that mysterious disease the cholera attacked her. On Monday she had so far recovered as to be considered out of danger.  Beside giving directions to those who conducted her household matters, to make all preparation so that they could leave home on thursday to enjoy our approaching solemnity, she on that day read five chapters of the Bible, repeated many of the questions of (that companion of those that fear God,) the shorter catechism and (with a thankful heart) spoke to those around her of the lovingkindness of the Lord in thus causing the wilderness to rejoice by the dispensation of Gospel ordinances. She opened her mouth wide, and the Lord filled it abundantly, not through the channel of ordinances, but from the pure fountain of life, the River which proceedeth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Towards evening she relapsed and disease was permitted to mingle herbody with the clods of the valley, and to return her spirit to God who gave it, on the morning of Tuesday. "Many die as sudden, few as safe". As the streams were then swollen and some of them had become a little dangerous, her husband when I left the settlement an the 16th of June accompanied me 20 miles, swam his own horse and mine through one of the streams and permitted me to carry my saddlebags over dry on a log, and again exchanged with me as he knew his could swim over with me in safety. On our journey he disclosed to me much of his distrust of himself in undertaking the office of a Ruling Elder and its solemn responsibilities. He was then in prosperity, beloved by his acquaintances, and enjoying the society of virtuous woman, who was truly a crown to her husband, but today he wears the habiliment of mourning, for God has taken away the “desire o his eyes with a stroke". I found him sitting beside the place of worship evidently experiencing, that the "heart knoweth its own bitterness", and I thought I could realize much of the exercise and feelings Of Job’s companions, when “they sat down upon the ground with him seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him; for they saw that his grief was very great". I could merely grasp his hand, for our tongues were sealed in silence. We literally began, upon this solemn occasion, to "sow In tears", yet it was (I hope) to us a profitable day. After two services we dismissed the assembly, appointing a meeting of session at ten A.M. tomorrow, and intimating the ordination of the remaining Elder Elect according to previous appointment if no objections be offered.