142 
THOMAS J. COMBER. 
evening before the embarkation. Numerous friends 
were on the quay to bid the missionaries an enthusi- 
astic ‘God-speed.’ 
“ Oh, many a ship, on Mersey’s tide, 
Sailed forth that August day, 
With richly-laden merchandise 
For regions far away ; 
But none did bear so rich a freight, 
Methinks the angels say, 
As that which bore our noble band 
To Congo’s ‘shining way.’ 
“ And as our fond ‘ Good-byes ’ were merged 
In that soul-stirring hymn, 
‘ Stand up for Jesus,’ which we sang, 
Though eyes were growing dim, 
Methought that angels might have wished 
To come 'within our view. 
And leave their golden harps to sing 
‘ Stand up for Jesus,’ too ! 
“ And how we cheered ! with heart and voice 
We made the welkin ring ! 
Well might we cheer those brave young hearts, 
Leal servants of our King ! 
We trust our song and cheer that day, 
Like seed on wings of air. 
Will reach the wastes of Congo Land, 
And grow and blossom there.” 
The band of new missionaries, much to Mr. 
Comber’s great and thankful joy, included his brother 
Percy. The other four being Messrs. Biggs, Davies, 
Maynard, and Richards. How sorely these reinforce- 
ments were needed may be gathered from the fact 
that of the three brethren who a few months before 
had preceded them, two, Messrs. Cowe and Cotting- 
ham, had succumbed to fever, Mr. Charters alone 
remaining. The intelligence had also arrived of the 
decease of Mr. Cruickshank. 
In his hurry, Mr. Comber had forgotten before 
leaving to thank his old pastor and friend, Dr. Stan- 
ford, for two books he had sent him, and so, on the 
