Sabat, in his imperfect English *, he never changed, he never changed. And when he bowed his head to receive the blow of death, all Bochara seemed to say, "What new thing is this?" Sabat had indulged the hope that Abdallah would have recanted when he was offered his life; but when he saw that his friend was dead, he resigned himself to grief and remorse. He travelled from place to place, seeking rest and finding none. At last he thought that he would visit India. He, accordingly, came to Madras about five years ago. Soon after his arrival, he was appointed by the English Government a Mufti, or expounder of Mahometan law; his great learning, and respectable station in his ewn country, rendered him eminently qualified for that office; - and now the period of his own conversion drew near. While ne was at Vizigapatam †, in the northern Circars, exercising his professional duties, Providence brought in his way a New Testament in Arabic. He read it with deep thought, the Koran lying before him. He compared them together; and, at length, the truth of the word of God fell on his mind, as he expressed it, like a flood of light. Soon afterwards, he proceeded to Madras, a jouxley of 300 miles, to seek Christian baptism; and having made a public confession of his faith, he was baptized by the Rev. Dr. Kerr, in the English church in that place, by the name of Nathapiel, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. Sabat now found by experience the truth of that declaration, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution,' and (as it often happens in such cases) a man's focs shall be they of his own household;" for when his family in Arabia had heard that he had followed the example of Abdallah, and become a Christian, they dispatched his brother to India (a voyage of two months) to assassinate him. While Sabat was sitting in his house, at Vizigapatam, his brother presented himself in the disguise of a faqueer, or beggar, having a dagger concealed under his mantle. He rushed on Sabat, and wounded him; but Sabat seized his arm, and his servants came to his assistance. He then recognized his brother. The assassin would have become the victim of public justice; but Sabat interceded for his brother, and sent him home in peace, with letters and presents to his mother's house in Arabia. Being desirous to devote his future life to the glory of God, he resigned his secular employ, and came, by invitation, to Bengal, where he is now engaged in translating the Scriptures into the Persian language. This work has not hitherto been executed, for want of a translator of sufficient ability. The Persian is an important language in the East, being the general language of Western Asia, particularly among the higher classes, and is under, stood from Calcutta to Damascus. But the great work which occupies the attention of this noble Arabian, is the promulgation of the gospel among his own countrymen; and from the present fluctuations of religious opinion in Arabia, he is sanguine in his hopes of success. His first work is entitled Neama Besharatin l Arabi,' Happy News for Arabia;' written in the Nabultee, or common dialect of the country. It contains an eloquent and argumentative elucidation of the truth of the gospel, with copious authorities admitted by the Mahometans themselves, and particularly by the Wahabians. Prefixed to it is an account of the conversion of the author, and an appeal to the members of his well-known family in Arabia, for the truth of the facts, * Sabat resided for some time in the house of Dr. Buchanan, to whom he related the chief part of the account here given. + Messrs. Cran and Desgranges, Missionaries at Vizigapatam, have frequently mentioned Mr. Sabat. He often visited them; and, we have reason to believe, derived much advantage from their conversation. He was mentioned in this Magazine in January, 1807; and more than once in the Missionary Transactions. One of those copies sent from England by the Society for promoting Chris tian Knowledge.' 1 JUVENILE DEPARTMENT. Expressions of an Indian Girl, Seven Years old*. I HAVE Sometimes heard of Christ, and now I have experienced him to be just such a Saviour as I wanted! I have often heard people undertake to tell of the excellency that was in Christ; but their tongues are too short to express half the beauty and love that is contained in that lovely Jesus! I can't tell my poor relations how lovely Christ is! I wonder my poor play-mates will choose that dreadful place which is called Hell, when here stands that beautiful person Jesus, calling upon sinners, saying, Come away, sinners, to Heaven! Come, do come, to my Saviour! Shut him out no longer, for there is room enough in Heaven for all of you to be happy for evermore! It causes much joy at times, that I delight to serve him! By the help of God, I mean to hold out to the end of my days!' 6 Related by Mr. Jacob Fowler, Teacher in America. An Account of Miss Ann Kerr. THIS young lady was the eldest daughter of Lord Charles Kerr. She was seized by a fever, which issued in death, after ten days illness. Being asked how her thoughts were occupied, she answered, Often on eternity? Being asked what were her thoughts of eternity, - she said, with tears, O! what if she, a poor sinful thing, were cut short in her vigour and youth, what would become of her? For a considerable time, she was overheard weeping and very serious, though all along she endeavoured to conceal it. She desired that we might pray with her; and, O!' said she, be more anxious for mercy to my soul than for my re covery!' Being asked what her heart was most set upen, · she answered, 'The favour of God.' "What if this sickness shall end in death?" In that case I hope to find mercy with God.' Upon what are your hopes built?' Only upon the merits of Jesus Christ." 66 - On one occasion, she was overheard praying very fervently, in these words: Thou hast allowed little children to come unto thee, and hast said, Of such is the kingdom of Heaven. I come unto thee, O take me into thine arms, and bless me! for thou hast said it! thou hast said it! and this is all my encouragement! These last words she repeated frequently. Being asked whether she wished to live or die, she answered, As to that, I desire to have no wish. I desire to be entirely at the Lord's disposal.' On the day of her death, she said, 'I am admiring the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, that he should have died for poor wretches, plunged in sin and misery.' Does the death of the Lord then unsting yours? are you afraid to look death in the face ?" I am not at all afraid; for he that died is risen again.' The 23d psalm was sung at her earnest desire; and, although the symptoms of death were upon her, she joined in singing the whole of it, raising her voice at these lines: Yea, tho' I walk through death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill.' Turning herself to me, she said, O, mother! do not mourn for me, for you know children are but a loan.' A little before her death, she cried, I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!' Such was the happy death of this amiable young lady, aged 11. MARY ANN RAYSON. Obituary. MARY ANN RAYSON, of Wakefield, in Yorkshire, died, February 10th, 1808, aged 32. It was her privilege to receive a religious education. During her childhood, she paid great attention to the historical parts of Scripture; and to Dr. Watts's Hymns. Under the ministry of Mr. Brewer, then at Sheffield, divine things frequently made a deep impression upon her mind. The sense she had of religious duties, and especially of family prayer, may be discovered by the following cirCumstance: - A friend invited her, when about 9 years old, to spend a few days at his house in the country; but on the second day of her visit, she was determined to return home: no persuasion could prevail upon her to stay:- her only reason, as it afterwards appeared, was that she durst not continue another night in a house where there was no fa. mily prayer.' So important did this duty appear to her, that, when she became the head of a family, she performed it herself, when her husband was from home. The evil nature of sin rendered her, at seasons, exceedingly miserable. A ser mon when she was about 14, from Eccl. xi. 8. distressed her for several weeks. The death of a younger sister, was another means of awakening her attention to eternal things. This solemn warning induced her to engage, more frequently, in reading the Scriptures, and praying with greater fervor. When she was about twenty, it pleased the Lord to give her more clear and cncouraging views of his mercy in the Saviour. She had often heard the most animating discourses from Mr. B. on the atonement and grace of Jesus; but now she discovered the glory of these diving truths; and felt their power. Her consolations, however, were neither sudden nor rapturous. From the gradual manner in which the love of Christ was manifested to her, she was often tempted to dispute the reality of her religion. A daily sense of her imperfections rendered her very dif fident, nor would she at any time speak in stronger terms than I hope I am not deceived! Some time elapsed, before she had sufficient confidence to join in church fellowship! but her fears were overcome at last, by an impressive sense of duty; and about the age of 22, she embraced the privilege of sitting down at the Lord's table. Mrs. R. was visited with several severe afflictions, which were seasons of great spiritual profit. She was very submissive and patient. The prayers of her Christian friends she esteemed as one of her greatest mercies, and frequently said, · 0 what a mercy it is to have praying parents, a praying husband, — and - praying church, all pleading my cause with the Lord!' She had long been in bondage, through fear of death, yet, in her last sickness, the power of religion was eminently manifested. About six weeks before her death, she was delivered from imminent danger. Upon reviving a little, she said, Let us bless the Lord for another instance of his sparing goodness. This is the last trial I shall ever have of this kind. I expected to have been now in eternity. I am a miracle of mercy! I have enjoyed the most delightful sense of Heaven. At the moment when I thought myself just expiring, I had such confidence of my interest in Jesus, that, for some minutes, my joy entirely overcame all sensibility of pain.' The prospect of her recovery was very Battering; but her mind was deeply impressed, with the apprehension of a speedy change. She was not mistaken. A paralytic stroke, by which she lost the use of her right side, was the monitor of dissolution; and in the short period of a week, she was numbered with the dead. The use of her reason and speech, which had been suspended, were mercifully restored. Finding herself herself very ་ weak, and observing the grief of her attendants, she asked if some particular change had taken place. She was answered in the affirmative. She then desired to know the particulars; which she heard with great composure, Now,' she said, my time is come! The Lord will not forsake me. All I desire is to know a crucified Saviour. O, may I glorify God in this trying season!' The following Sabbath was a season of much joy. O what a Lord's Day I shall have,' said she, 'when I drink the new wine in the king dom of Heaven! Pray that I may glorify the Lord in suffering and death. I still enjoy confidence in Jesus. I know in whom I have believed.' His honour is engaged to save the meanest, yes, the very meanest of his sheep.' From the Sabbath evening, until Monday afternoon, she was very severely afflicted; but not one murmuring word escaped her lips. Pray for me,' she often said, that my faith may not fail. On Tuesday night she had all the symptoms of dissolution; and so difficult was her breathing, that she desired we would immediately pray with her. 'Ask of the Lord,' she said, 'to give me, either a little respite, or more strength. But his will be done.' In a short time, she was more easy. O! may I have but patience,' she said; dying is hard work. You see me on the brink of eternity but I am happy. Christ is all in all.' After pausing some time, she continued, What are my sufferings compared with glory! I would cheerfully endure ten times more, rather than part with my confidence. Christ and his cross is still my theme.' After reposing some time, she was asked if her consolations were still continued: She replied, More, and more, and more! O that I had strength to tell of the Lord's goodness to my soul !' About two o'clock on Wednesday morning, she desired to be raised up; but, so far had death prevailed, that the paralised side was nearly cold; and it was difficult to accomplish her wish. She said Death is heavy !' and added, with a cheerful smile, : ⚫ Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are.' Her speech now failed; and her de parture was expected every mo ment. After some time, she again opened her languid eyes; and, fixing them on her husband, as if desirous to speak, he asked her if the Lord were still with her in the valley: she immediately replied, A mortal paleness on my cheek, She was again raised up, and appeared to be much revived. With a feeble voice, she said, You thought I was dying; but I may yet see to-morrow. The Lord's time will be the best. I have lost all my pain. I feel nothing of my afflic tion.' Being told that this was the effect of death, she exclaimed, The will of the Lord be done!" These were her last words. She then laid down, with great com. posure, and a little after six in the morning she calmly entered into rest. Mr. Boden, of Sheffield,, preached from John xiv. 2, 3, to a numerous and attentivè congregation. MRS. DAVEY, OF TRURO, B. R. Had the happiness of being called, in early life, to the knowledge of herself as a sinner, and of Jesus the only Saviour. It appears that her convictions originated in the habitual reading of the Scriptnres, to gether with Dr. Watts's Hymns for Children, and the Assembly's Cate chism. Her holy life proved her conversion to be genuine. While her knowledge of evangelical truth was remarhably clear, her spi rituality and heavenly mindedness were no less evident, in the world, the church, and the family. As she constantly set before her dear children a holy example, so she bes stowed on them the most affectionate advice and admonitions. Such was ber anxious concern for their eternal welfare, that she would frequently take them aside, read the Scriptures to them, and pray with them, with many tears. Indeed, her solicituda for their best interest was so great, that it took place of every other consideration, and was remarkably felt in that state of bodily weakness which gradually came on, and which terminated her existence on carth. Her last illness, which was very severe, she bore with Christian resignation to the divine will. The hope of Heaven which she cherished, was founded alone on Christ, the rock of ages. She Ved her com fort from the love of a triune God; from the stability of the covenant of grace; and the efficacy of the righteousness and death of Jesus: the sanctifying effects of which truths, through the gracious opera. tions of God the Spirit, she richly experienced in life and death.About three days before she died, on her being led to the window, and seeing the fields at a distance which looked green, she, with a smile on her countenance, said, * Swect fields beyond the swelling flood, Stand dress'd in living green.' Reduced now to very great weakness, her confidence in Christ remained unshaken. A minister asking her respecting the state of her mind, she answered, - The work of Jesus is a finished work, and well for me that it is; or I should be undone for ever; but here I rést.' At another time, she said, with sweet composure of soul, Jesus I love thy charming name; 'Tis music to my ear;' and then, turning to her husband, Ah! how little do I love Jesus, I don't love him enough! To which he replied, My dear, the Lord Jesus graciously accepts the desire of his people to love him more.' Her illaess, which continued twelve weeks, reduced her so very low, that nature seemed incapable any longer to sustain the load; and she was unable fully to express her delightful feelings; but her holy ejaculations were numerous and fervent; and just before she expired, she was enabled to utler these sweet words: How can I sink with such a prop She fell asleep in Jesus, Oct. 26th, 1808, in the 47th year of ber age. Before the funeral, the body was taken to Ebenezer Chapel, when the Rev. Mr. Paddon delivered a dis. course suited to the occasion, from John xiv. 19. On the Lord's Day evening following, the Rev. Mr. Taylor preached her funeral sermon from Psalm xxxvii. 39. MISS ELIZ. REEVE, Was brought up under the sound of the gospel, but was first led to serious prayer by that common observation, "A prayerless soul is a Christless soul." She then became diligent in closet religion, and in reading the Scriptures. Her constitution was but delicate; and at length she fell into a consumption. For a time, she felt unwilling to leave the world; but it pleased God so to visit her soul with his light and love, that she exulted in her adoreable Redeemer, saying, My Jesus is all my desire: I long to be with him, that I may see him face to face without a vail. I am fixed on the rock, and am going to glory!" More happy, but not more secure, The glorified sits in Heaven.' She took much pleasure in speaking to a young friend who visited her, on the great importance ef seeking the Lord in the time of health, say, ing, O what should I do now, I had to seek for a Saviour!'. if A few days before her departure she presented a Bible to her sister, saying, My dear Mary, I give you my Bible: it is the greatest gift I can give you; it is the greatest gift that God ever gave to the world next to Jesus Christ; for it is that which testifies of him. Read it much with prayer, as I have done, and the Lord will bless it to you, as he has done to me.' Some of her last expressions were, I embrace Jesus in my arms. He is the autidote to death!' What wait I for? I wait for the coming of my Lord to take me to himself. He will soon come!'- 'Glory, glory, glory be to Jesus. He is the glory of the whole world! She departed this life, March 22, 1808, aged 22 years. |