24 
SAD MOMENTS. 
loth, — a very sultry day, — after having been ex- 
posed for some time in the sun. At first strong 
excitement was present, speedily followed by de- 
pression of spirits. On the 19th, he sent for the 
chaplains of the ‘ Wilberforce’ and ‘ Albert,’ to 
whom he stated his anticipations that his earthly 
career was soon to close; every endeavour to raise 
his drooping spirits was in vain. After his decease 
some rough copies of verses, &c., were discovered, 
strongly illustrative of the interest he took in the 
cause of heathen Africa. His remains were unavoid- 
ably consigned to the deep on the following morning, 
Lieutenant Fishbourne reading the funeral service. 
At all times, this ritual at sea is full of deep 
interest, but now that the excitement consequent on 
the many duties had passed off, leaving Lieutenant 
Fishbourne and his companion tired and nervous, 
solemn and sad thoughts succeeded which the occasion 
improved. Such are indeed, the seasons favourable to 
a train of calm and searching reflection; when we 
find our fond imaginings to be but vanity, and our 
brightest visions as illusory as the passing cloud. 
How gladly do we then turn to embrace the cheering 
promise, that there remains a rest to those who seek 
it ! but, alas ! too often only to forget it at some future 
time, and to trust once more to the anticipated suc- 
cesses of our own creative fancy. 
On the 23rd, Christopher Bigley, stoker, whose 
