THOMAS J. COMBER. 
1 54 
‘‘feel it impossible to over-estimate the loss the Congo 
Mission has sustained by the death of their dear 
brother, Mr. Comber. Associated with the Congo 
enterprise from its very commencement, all through 
its course he has been one of its most beloved and 
trusted leaders. His brave yet gentle spirit drew 
towards him the affection and confidence of all with 
whom he was brought into contact, while his calm, 
resourceful nature made him ever wise, courageous, 
and hopeful in seasons of special danger and 
difficulty.” 
To his numerous friends of Camden Road Chapel a 
memorial sermon, marked by beautiful appreciation of 
his worth, and full of comforting and inspiring senti- 
ments, was preached by the pastor, the Rev. George 
Hawker. The preacher selected for his text the words 
of Paul : “ But none of these things move me, neither 
count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish 
my course with joy, and the ministry I have received 
of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace 
of God.” In the course of his sermon he observed : 
“ God’s hand was on Thomas Comber, a man 
conscious of a mission in the nineteenth century, 
whom I dare to associate this evening, in . reverent 
thought, with his great prototype. Those who knew 
Mr. Comber, and followed his career, cannot fail to 
have recognised his many Pauline characteristics, and 
the apostolic elevation of life to which he attained. 
They will be interested to recall that conspicuous 
among the books that influenced him as a . boy, 
colouring his dreams, and filling his mind with ardent 
veneration, was one entitled, ‘ The Footsteps of St. 
Paul.’ ” Space will not permit more than one further 
quotation. Referring to Mr. Comber’s leadership in the 
Mission, Mr. Hawker justly observes : — “ His experi- 
ence, his administrative ability, his practical wisdom, 
his unmeasured kindness,made him indispensable upon 
all occasions of difficulty or trouble ; and though he 
assumed no official superiority, and made little of his 
