forming a London City Mission. In the prospect of forming it his difficulties were great and numerous. He spent six weeks in waiting upon various clergymen and ministers, and during this time had interviews with men of various ranks, from the Bishop of London to the humblest Christian labourer he met. At length, on the 16th of May, 1835, in Mr. Dear's house, No. 89, Bishopsgate-street Within, the London City Mission was formed; the only persons present being Mr. David Nasmith, Mr. Richard Edward Dear, and Mr. William Bullock. Its success and operations from May to Dec. 1835, were very limited, but from the time the Hon. and Rev. B. Noel presided over its first Meeting, it became known to the religious world, and was warmly supported. During the twenty-one months Mr. Nasmith was the Honorary Secretary of the Mission, he projected and formed several other Societies, among them were the Philanthropic Institution House; the Metropolitan Tract Society; the British and Foreign Young Men's Society; the Metropolitan Statistical Society; the London Female Mission, and some others. From circumstances in the management of the Mission, and in the formation of new societies, to which it is unnecessary to allude in detail, Mr. Nasmith resigned the office of Honorary Secretary to the London City Mission, the Managers bearing the most honourable testimony to his zeal, devotedness, and piety, and grateful for all the services he had rendered to the Institution. Being now at liberty, Mr. Nasmith formed the British and Foreign Mission, an Institution embracing City and Town Missions-Maternal Societies -Young Men's Societies-Female Missions-Servants' HomesProvidence Homes-Library Societies-Tract Societies, &c. &c. &c. While Mr. Nasmith in the constitution of the British and Foreign Mission adhered to the principles of not knowing whether the Members of the Committee were Churchmen or Dissenters, and of the Subscribers having no voice or power in the management of the Institution, he allowed an alteration in the matter of paying those who conducted the affairs of the Mission. The following is the clause in the constitution authorizing such payment:-"Those members who devote their time in whole or in part to the work of the Mission, shall receive such remuneration as the other members may think suitable." "While acting as Honorary Secretary to this Institution, he was instrumental in forming the following Societies: CITY AND TOWN MISSIONS.-Cambridge, Birmingham, WestBromwich, Manchester, Ipswich, Oxford, Leeds, Halifax, Bath, Derby, Market-Harboro', Northampton, Kidderminster, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Wrexham, Maidstone. MATERNAL SOCIETIES.-West-Bromwich, Ovenden, Halifax, Huddersfield, Shrewsbury, Market-Harboro', Northampton, Wellington, Mold, Dolgelly, Bangor, Derby. YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETIES.-West-Bromwich, Leeds, Ovenden, Wakefield, York, Bath, Bristol, Shrewsbury, Chester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Derby, Market-Harboro', Northampton, Kidderminster, Cheltenhem, Gloucester, Maidstone, Sheerness, Wellington, Wrexham. FEMALE MISSIONS.-London, Nottingham, Oxford, Gloucester, Sheerness, Ruthin, Irish. SERVANTS' HOMES.-Dublin, Chester. ENGLISH MONTHLY TRACT SOCIETY. In the prosecution of his labours, in connexion with this Society, in the formation of a Mission at Guildford, he was taken suddenly ill, and in twenty-four hours entered into that rest which remaineth to the people of God. His last hours were characteristic of his life-marked by strong faith, deep humility, and earnest longings for the salvation of souls. His is the gain,-the loss is to his widow and five fatherless children-to his friends-to the Church -and to the world at large. We are rejoiced to find that steps are being taken to raise a fund for his destitute family; and we doubt not that all who love the well-being of their fellow-men will cheerfully and liberally respond on behalf of the bereaved ones of him, who, like his Divine Master, ' went about doing good.'' HIS LAST MOMENTS. ' Guildford, Nov. 19th, 1839. My dear Sir, I hasten to give you, as expeditiously as I can, a brief account of the last moments of our valued and departed friend, Mr. Nasmith. It was about half-past four o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, the 16th instant, when the dear servant of God called at my house. He was accompanied by Mr. Parsons, a student from Hackney Academy, whom he had accidentally met with in coming from the Railway Station at Woking to this town. He briefly stated the object of his visit the formation of a Town Mission here-to my father and myself, with a good deal of energy and spirit, and apparently in the enjoyment of good health. After conversing with him for eight or ten minutes only, being at that time very much engaged in business, he left us to call on the Rev. Stephen Percy, purposing to call on us a second time that evening, and proposing also to hold a public Meeting on the following Monday evening. He had nearly reached Mr. Percy's house, when he complained to Mr. Parsons of feeling considerable pain at his chest. The pain continued there for a minute or two and then removed to his bowels, where it raged with most excruciating agony. So excessive was the pain (to use a common expression) that he literally bent double, and was unable to move from the spot where he stood until assisted by Mr. Parsons, and a medical gentleman who happened to be passing that way on horseback. With his assistance he was removed into Mr. Percy's house. The paroxysms of pain were now most distressing and acute, and in vain did he try to find relief in whatever posture he was able to place himself. In the intense agony of his pain he rolled for some time on the floor of the parlour, and after being placed in a chair with his legs reclining on another, a little warm brandy-and-water was administered to him at the direction of the medical gentleman, which appeared to give a temporary relief to his sufferings; and he was then able to mention to Mr. Percy in short and detached sentences what was the purport of his visit to Guildford. The little that he was able to say, from the acuteness of the pain, induced him to put into Mr. Percy's hand a paper explanatory of his object and design; and it was from this, more than from what he said, that Mr. Percy became acquainted with his design. A carriage having been obtained, Mr. Nasmith was conveyed to an inn, where medical advice was immediately procured. After he had been removed to the inn, Mr. Percy called and told me of the illness under which Mr. Nasmith was suffering; and on going to him I found he was at that moment using a hip-bath, under the superintendence of one of the surgeons of this town. As soon as he was removed from the bath into his bed, I went to him; he exclaimed, "Ah! dear Sir, you did not expect to see me here when we parted, but so it is; the Lord's will be done." I then spoke to him of the difference in the afflictions of the righteous and the wicked; and he said, "I know it is all in love. I am in my Father's hands. He will not give me one stroke more than is necessary -no, not one. This is a light affliction; how much more has my Saviour borne for me!"-continuing a little after-" It is all necessary. He is a God too wise to too good to be unkind." err, During all this time he was suffering most intense and excruciating pain. He raised himself up in the bed as well as he could; he stretched himself; he rolled from one side to the other, but in the midst of all his sufferings (and his exclamations were very loud) he never uttered a single murmur, or a repining word. Mr. Percy then said, "It is hard amidst such troubles as this, to say, the Lord's will be done;" but he replied with much energy, "Not at all." Mr. Percy and Mr. Parsons soon after left him for the night, Mr. Percy commending him to God in prayer. Before Mr. Percy commenced, Mr. Nasmith said, "I have only one request-that God would make me eminently holy and humble." I continued with him till near ten o'clock, when I left his room, firmly believing that in the morning I should witness a considerable change for the better. I saw him on Sunday morning before breakfast. It was almost needless to ask him how he was, his looks betokened a restless night, and an increase of disease in his frame. However, in reply to my inquiry, he said, "Very bad." Neither the medicine or the bath had afforded the slightest relief. He now felt pain all over him, and his strength was almost prostrated. I again urged him (for I had endeavoured on the previous night, (but without success) to allow me to write to Mrs. Nasmith. He still considered it unnecessary; but after further entreaties, and proposing to write to Mr. Lewis, who I did not doubt would communicate with Mrs. Nasmith, he acceded to my request. I spoke to him of the inscrutability of God's ways in bringing him from amongst a circle of dear friends, and laying him on a bed of sickness, amongst strangers, in a strange place. He replied, "What we know not now we shall know hereafter; and with what delight shall we look back on the way by which the Lord has led us! how many trials and difficulties his love has enabled us to overcome! There is nothing but the love of Christ can work in us effectually;" -and then continuing-" If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." Shortly after he said, "There is nothing but the simple truth that will be of any avail to us in extremity. I am a sinner; Christ is my Saviour. I can let all else go; the finished work of Christ is all my hope.' This last sentiment he alluded to afterwards, when Mr. Percy called to see him the second time. To the servant who inquired in the morning how he felt, and expressed her hope that he would soon be better, he said, "To depart and be with Christ will be far better." 39 After I had made some remarks on the 65th verse of the 119th Psalm,"Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, according to thy word," he said, "It is all well, and I could not wish it to be otherwise than it is. It is all done in infinite wisdom and love." At intervals he said,--(I do not recollect the exact order or time,)" There is a necessity for this affliction. I have been extensively useful, but I have not given to him all the glory.-When my work is done I shall go-if it is done now, I shall go-if it is not done, I shall be raised up to go on with it. These light afflictions these LIGHT afflictions only for a moment, and then the eternal glory. This was needful, for I have been a great sinner-a great sinner in heart in heartin heart. He has done all things well, I am quite satisfied of that- "In time and in eternity, 'Tis with the righteous well." He has made use of me, great use of me in his service, but he worked in me to will and to do of his good pleasure." On hearing the church bells he said, "Do the tribes of the Lord go up to-day? Oh! this is sent to humble me and to prove me. Oh! the rapture of that time, when I shall cast my blood-bought crown at my Redeemer's feet." Disease had now made very rapid and extensive progress, and a very great change for the worse was quite apparent. He was beginning to feel cold at the extremities, and his breathing was considerably interrupted-the excruciating agony which he had suffered, had now subsided into a dull, heavy pain throughout the body. Twenty-four leeches were applied to his stomach with hot poultices applied afterwards to the same part, and hot water to his feet. But relief was far away, and he was conscious that his left hand was getting colder and colder, and that warmth could not be got into it. Another medical friend now arrived. After being with him a short time, he informed me that all hope must be relinquished, that disease had proceeded so far as to render it almost certain that a few hours would terminate his agony and his trouble. Soon after this I mentioned to him as tenderly as I could what the result of his illness would most probably be. He said, "It is all well!" A pause ensued, and I proposed to engage in prayer with him, and whilst praying for support for him whilst passing through the dark valley-for comfort in his mind, and for delightful anticipations of the heavenly glory, during his few remaining hours, I distinctly heard him say, Amen!" to the petitions as I uttered them. When I rose from my knees, he said, "I am ready to go whenever my Master may call me hence. He has been a good Master, there's nothing like being employed in his service-never mind the trials, we shall find success and encouragement where we expected disappointment." I then repeated to him "If on my face for thy dear name, and with great emphasis and much expression in his face he continued, "All hail reproach, and welcome shame, If thou remember me!' This is all I want-that will support He then lay very quietly for some time, and looking at me as I sat by his side, he said, "I want you to have a Town Mission here." He inquired of me who were likely to assist in carrying out the undertaking, and assured me of the con viction of his mind, that a blessing must and would follow the endeavour. He also inquired if there were any Young Men's Societies. He then closed his eyes as if disposed to dose a little, but soon rousing up in more pain, I said to him, "I am distressed to see you in so much pain, without a face near you that would cheer and animate you.' In reply, he said, "I know that there are many thinking about me, and many that pray for me; and when his dear family were named to him, and the sorrow that they would feel at his illness, he said, "They must not look to man but to their Maker." Shortly after this he became much worse, and life seemed fast ebbing away; sight, hearing, and consciousness seemed to be fast receding; his breathing was very short and hurried, partaking very much of the character of a short uninterrupted hiccup, and I was exceedingly apprehensive that a few moments more would terminate his useful and devoted life. It pleased God, however, in about fifteen minutes to render his breathing a little more easy, and a short respite seemed to be mercifully given. He then opened his eyes and looked at me, and I said to him, "My dear Sir, you have commenced your Sabbath on earth, but you will finish it in heaven; you are going to Jesus to be with him happy and blessed for ever." He closed his eyes and seemed sinking back again, but after a short pause he opened them again, and said, "Do you think so?" I answered, "Yes, I do." He again closed his eyes, and consciousness seemed again to be very slight. Waiting a few minutes, I said to him, "My dear Sir, do tell me if you are happy now? if you have not power to speak, raise your hand." He lay for near a minute perfectly quiet, and then, with as much energy as he was capable of summoning up, he said, "Quite." He then relapsed again.. I then sent for my father to come and attend him, and I would endeavour by every means, to bring his dear wife, if possible, to take one parting glance of him, ere life had fled, and prepare her mind for the inevitable result of the attack. The doctor had expressed a hope, as his breathing was now more regular, that he might continue a few hours longer. I accordingly set off for London, but during my absence he only spoke twice. To the medical attendant, who was moistening his lips with a little brandy-and-water, he said, turning himself round and raising himself up in the bed, with considerable strength of voice, "Will you meet me in heaven? I wish all medical men to look to the Saviour." He then sank back again on the pillow, and my father continuing the subject, said, "There is no other name, &c. &c." He answered, "No." The nurse, some time afterwards, put a spoonful of brandy-and-water into his mouth, and when about to repeat it, he said, "No more!" and these were the last words that ever fell from his dear and honoured lips. He laid with much composure without appearing to be in pain; the mortal was about to put on immortality, the man of God was about to enter on the purchased possession in the realms of bliss, and at twenty minutes to five o'clock, without a struggle or a groan, his happy ransomed spirit winged its joyful way to enter the rest that remains for the people of God. "I heard a voice say, write-Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours and their works do follow them." P.S. With respect to the post-mortem examination: Mr. Sells, the surgeon, said that on opening the body he found a great quantity of fluid and gas distending the abdomen. The intestines were extensively ulcerated: ulcers in every stage, from their commencement to their maturity, being visible in many places on the intestines, several spots being nearly through; others less so, and two large ulcers forming on the large intestine. At the commencement of the intestinal canal, one ulcer, about the size of a horse-bean, had perforated all the coats, and made a distinct opening through which the fluid had escaped. The intestines were empty of fluid and filled with gas, the fluid having escaped. The general structure of the stomach exhibited signs of its having suffered chronic inflammation. The immediate cause of death was the ulceration of the bowels, and the escape of the fluids. I am, my dear Sir, yours very faithfully, CHARLES FOSTER.' To E. T. Carver, Esq. The following letter has been received by the Rev. J. Garwood from the Rev. Mr. Percy, of Guildford :— Guildford, December 19, 1839. My dear Nephew,-I would very gladly furnish you with any materials for the obituary of that excellent and devoted man, Mr. Nasmith, but I have scarcely anything to relate which has not appeared in the published account-the particulars which I forwarded to Mr. C. Foster being incorporated in that statement. Mr. N. was at my house thirty or forty minutes before I saw him, being from home at the time. As his paroxysms of suffering would allow him, he told your aunt his object, and inquired if there were a " Maternal Society" at Guildford, and appeared anxious to see me, frequently asking if I were come home. Very soon after I saw him he inquired, "What inn I would recommend him to go to?" I deliberated a few seconds, revolving where he would be most quiet and nearest to medical aid, as well as to some Christian friend, who might often see him, my residence being halfa-mile distant. I then told him where he had better go, and the carriage being at the door, Mr. Parsons-the Hackney student, whose letter is published in the "City Mission Letter," No. 12-and myself assisted him to it and accompanied him to the inn. I directed the landlord to send to the medical establishment opposite for immediate assistance. Mr. N. reclined on a sofa for a short time, when we helped him up stairs to a warm bed. Shortly after the surgeon arrived, |