CHAPTER VII

Summary

My brother remained in England about six months, and embarked in the steamer “Ripon,” on his return to India in October. During his residence in England, his time was principally taken up by attending missionary meetings in various parts of the country; and in the month of May he was present at the anniversary meeting of the Church Missionary Society in London, where he seconded a resolution, “ in a speech,” to use the words of Mr. Venn, “which is remembered by many who heard it, as singularly effective in the simplicity and ability with which he described his missionary labours.”

The step which he had now to take was one of the most painful in his life. The loss of his wife called for submission—that trial was passive, it was suffering the will of God; but he had now to encounter a trial which called for action, the tearing himself away from his dear children, and going out once more to his work—not, as before, with a companion to cheer him on his way, and to share his joys and sorrows, but alone—leaving behind all he held dear on earth, and returning to scenes that would remind him at every turn of his former ties and his present desolation.