THE dealings of God with his people are sometimes very mysterious. Few of them are more inscrutable than when he removes his servants from their scenes of labour in the very midst of their usefulness, and at a period when, to our imperfect judgments, they can least be spared. In the decease of the subject of the following memoir, we have to mourn the loss of one whose soundness of mind, solid experience, and matured Christian graces, rendered his services peculiarly valuable. These are some of those dispensations which emphatically say, "Be still, and know that

I am God;" and which call for the exercise of faith in Him who is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for

ever.

The Rev. G. M. Valentine was the second son of the late Rev. John Valentine, incumbent of Tintinhull, near Ilchester, who was for upwards of half a century, a faithful minister of the everlasting Gospel, and who died in peace only three days after his son; both having preached on the preceding Lord's Day-the one in England, and the other in India.

Mr. George M. Valentine distinguished himself at the university of Cambridge. He was admitted a OCTOBER-1847.

member of Trinity College, where, in due time, he obtained a scholarship. He graduated in 1829, and his name appears among the Senior Optimes of his year, and in the first class of the Classical Tripos. It may be mentioned, as an additional indication of his ability and diligence, that he attained this creditable position without the aid of a private tutor.

His mind had for many years been drawn to the benighted state of the heathen, and to the backwardness of Christians to carry to them the blessed light of the Gospel. Before leaving the university, he consulted the late Rev. C. Simeon on the subject, and purposed beginning his ministry as a missionary; but in deference to the wishes and feelings of near relatives, he relinquished this intention, and directed his thoughts to the work of a parochial clergyman at home.

He was ordained in 1829, by the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells, to the curacy of Portishead, near Bristol, where he continued upwards of eight years. During this period he gave himself wholly to his pastoral labours: he was very seldom seen out of his parish. The most favourable testimony is borne, by many of his clerical brethren in the neighbourhood of

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Portishead, to the Christian simplicity, devotedness, and self-denial evinced in his habits. The Rev. J. Hensman, of Clifton, speaking of him at this time, says―

"He was indeed a man of God, with uncommon modesty, humility, and singleness of purpose. I think I have never met with a man who appeared more to SEEK, or more to FIND, his happiness in the quiet work of a village pastor."

In the year 1837, however, his conviction of the duty of going forth to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to the heathen gained strength. He felt that the Saviour's last command was still in force, and would continue to be so while any part of the world remained unblessed with

Gospel light. He saw that many of Christ's true disciples were in various ways disqualified from obeying the command; and he feared that too many, who had the proper qualifications, were sinfully backward and remiss, in seeking thus to advance the Redeemer's kingdom, while numbers were continually going out to advance their own worldly interests. Under the influence of these views, he offered his services to the Church Missionary Society. He had fully counted the cost, and maturely weighed the various objections that might be urged in opposition to the step which he had taken. In answer to some of these-viz., the painfulness of separation from his friends, his call to the work, his health, and the necessities of the Church at home -he made the following observations, in a letter, dated August 9, 1837

"The painfulness of separation from my friends has, for many years, been the chief hindrance to my carrying into effect my original purpose; but I am inclined to think that this is much greater in the prospect than in the reality; and I am sure that we are not exhibiting the same spirit as the primitive believers, if we suffer our own private feelings to impede our exertions for God's glory and the enlargement of his kingdom. Death will certainly separate us at no very distant period; and when we join the departed righteous we shall feel that it was of little consequence, so far as

our earthly comforts were concerned, whether the parting took place a few years sooner or later. Indeed, if we meet in that blessed company, it will be a ground for mutual congratulation that our temporary separation was not forced upon us, but was voluntarily chosen, out of love for the Redeemer's name. As to my call to this work, I have no doubt that you would pronounce me to be labouring under strong delusion, if I appealed to any preternatural manifestations in proof of it. I had nothing of the kind to appeal, to when I ventured, at my ordination, to say that I trusted I was moved by the Holy Ghost to enter the sacred profession. I may mention the drawing of my mind to this department of the ministry for the space of ten years; long experience of a solitary and self-denying life rendering me comparatively indifferent to those comforts and indulgences which, by many, are considered almost indispensable-a taste for philological studies and investigations, so that the acquiring of a foreign language would be as agreeable an occupation as could well be provided for me-freedom from embarrassing entanglements, in which I cannot but recognise the hand of Providence restraining me from following my own wishes and inclinations. I may mention, also, the disturbance of my bodily health, which arose more from ignorance and bad management than from a feeble constitution, and which was never sufficient to suspend my ministrations for a single Sunday, nor to confine me to my bed for a single day. It was, however, of great service to me, as I can plainly show. It was a great advantage that I was led thus to study my constitution, and discover what was necessary to keep me healthy, before I entered on the scene of missionary enterprise. It was a great advantage that I was thus led to form habits of temperance and abstemiousness, which I conceive would be very much in my favour in a warm cli

mate.

It was also a great advantage that I was thus constrained to become more active, and to use more physical exercise. By the Divine blessing on these united means, I have gradually

become healthier and stronger than I probably ever was at any former period of my life. Indeed I believe, judging from my acquaintances, that few clergymen enjoy so good health as I do, and have so little room to complain. With reference to the necessities of the Church at home, I think that she will be a gainer, rather than a loser, by parting with some of her sons to fight the battles of the Lord in a foreign land. Suppose that the Church of England was distinguished from other religious denominations, as the only Christian community which did nothing for the conversion and salvation of the heathen; suppose that she alone had no missionary societies no agents in distant regions to assail the kingdom of darkness-no contributors at home to send forth the Bread of Life to perishing millions abroad; what an argument would this be of our inferiority to our more active and zealous Christian brethren without the pale of the Establishment! what a handle would it afford to those who wish to represent our clergy as a selfish set of men, regardless of the Saviour's honour, and caring only for the loaves and fishes! And yet it appears to me, that what you say about all our faithful ministers remaining at home tends to produce this very undesirable state of things. It would leave us without missionary societies; for where would be their use, if none would give up their native country, and go forth? and the consequence would most probably be, that our Establishment would meet its deserved doom in speedy annihilation. Nothing but the exhibition of energy and zeal in every department of Christian benevolence and charity can save the national Church from falling before her adversaries; and we should rejoice that it is so. It is a mercy that our safety is made to consist in faithfully following Christ, and in labouring, to the utmost of our power, to promote His glory in the world."

The offer of Mr. Valentine's services was gladly accepted by the committee; and as their attention was at that time beginning to be very strongly drawn to the necessity of providing a superior education, on

Christian principles, for Hindoo youths, and especially to the importance of training up hopeful Christian natives to become teachers of their countrymen, Mr. Valentine's services were appropriated to this department in Bombay-a sphere of usefulness for which he was peculiarly qualified by his education and attainments.

He sailed for Bombay on the 7th of March, 1838; and the following verses, written by him a few weeks before his departure, will show his feelings of compassion for the heathen, and the delightful spirit in which he devoted himself to the missionary work.

Dark is the captive's prison cell,

And sad his plaintive accents sound; But not less dark or sad the spell

By which a captive world is bound.

The Prince of Darkness holds his sway O'er hapless millions of our race: The sun that lights them on their way Is not the Sun of Righteousness.

Earth's fairest regions prostrate lie

Beneath the fell usurper's hand : O'er fertile plains and mountains high The nations bow to his command.

Where are the servants of our God,

Whose bosoms glow with holy flame? Where is their zeal to spread abroad The knowledge of Immanuel's name?

Where are the soldiers of the Cross,

Sworn to be faithful to their Lord? Why do they not count all things loss

Go boldly forth, and preach His word?

Lord, shalt thou call for help in vain ?

Who will go for me?" dost thou cry? O let me hear thy voice again :

Tell me, my Saviour, is it I?

Must I arise, must I gird on

The missionary sword and shield?
Must I, the frail and fearful one,
Go forth to such a battle-field?

Yes, I must sacrifice repose;

'Tis His command who reigns above; And labour for the souls of those Who have not known His dying love. My friends and home I leave behind, And nature's dearest ties are riv'n: I hope a better home to find,

And friends to meet again in heav'n. Only thy Spirit, Lord, impart,

And let thy presence with me go; Then confidence shall fill my heart, And banish fear of all below.

Mr. Valentine reached India on the 13th of June, 1838, and after a short sojourn at Bombay, proceeded to Nassuck, partly to see the manners and customs of the natives, where they were but little affected by intercourse with Europeans, but chiefly to lay the foundation of a knowledge of the Mahratta language. He left Nassuck in October, and returned to Bombay, where he was diligently occupied in studying Mahratta, and in instructing Hindoo youths who knew something of the English language. Referring to his engagements at this time, he thus writes, in a letter to his brother, dated December 31

"I used to think that I had abundant employment to occupy me at Portishead; but I now find that there I had a life of leisure, compared with what I must expect in a large city like Bombay. I do not, however, regret the change; for I have long been convinced that those who have the largest share of occupation have also the largest share of happiness and enjoyment, and are most free from that mental depression and disquietude which are the usual consequences of an inactive life. The chief danger arising from a multitude of employments consists in the temptation to neglect devotional exercises on the plea of want of time; and if these are neglected, it is impossible that the soul can be in a thriving state."

An abiding conviction of this truth, and a constant endeavour to live close to God, was doubtless the secret spring of the eminent holiness to which he attained, as well as of the sweet savour which pervaded his missionary labours.

On the 12th of September, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Stather, who was a valuable helpmeet for him, and, as far as her domestic duties admitted, took an active share in the education of native females.

Mr. Valentine's duties consisted in superintending the Money School, instituted for the purpose of imparting to the natives a sound education on Christian principles. Several promising well-taught Hindoo and other youths were in the habit of at

tending him at his own house, to receive instruction in the Holy Scriptures. He also frequently visited the Church Missionary Mahratta Schools throughout the Island of Bombay, and particularly one established among the Beni Israel, in which, under the superintendence of Mr. Sargon, a convert from Judaism, the children of the Black Jews residing in Bombay are taught to read the Old Testament in the Hebrew as well as in the Mahratta, which is their vernacular tongue. He regularly held a Mahratta service on Lord's Day afternoons; and at different times throughout the week was engaged in preaching the Gospel to the natives. For this purpose he frequently selected the place where their funerals were performed, as an appropriate spot for endeavouring to lead them to the Saviour, who alone can deliver them from “the bitter pains of eternal death." He had thus an opportunity of addressing to them, with tenderness, the most solemn truths at the most solemn season. He occasionally quitted Bombay on missionary tours to distant parts of the Presidency, in order more widely to diffuse the knowledge of salvation among the heathen. As a member of the local sub-committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, he brought his extensive Scriptural knowledge and classical attainments to the service of his Master, in aiding the revision of the Mahratta translation of the Scriptures. Though he justly considered the perishing heathen around him to be those to whom he was sent, yet he was ready, in cases of emergency, to take a part in the Lord's Day ministrations in English churches. He accordingly occasionally assisted his friend, the Rev. W. K. Fletcher, at Christ Church, Byculla, and more frequently the Rev. G. Candy, Missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, at Trinity Chapel, the congregation being partly formed of Indo-Britons and Asiatic Christians.

In the indefatigable but quiet and unobtrusive discharge of these varied duties, he continued until July last, when he was suddenly attacked with

that fearful disease, which, in a few hours, terminated his life.

In the week before he died, he had been most assiduous in attending the sick-bed of his brother missionary, the Rev. H. Mellon, and the dyingbed of Mrs. Mellon; to both of whom his tender sympathy and faithful ministration of Scripture consolation were exceeding refreshing. On the preceding Saturday, also, one of his native servants died of cholera; and as the poor man had given evidence of a serious concern for his soul, Mr. Valentine was much with him, pointing out to him the only but all-sufficient ground of a dying sinner's hope.

The next day, having undertaken Mr. Candy's duty, who was absent from Bombay on account of ill-health, he preached twice, with deep solemnity and remarkable earnestness and fervour.

On Monday, he had an early breakfast at the house of a friend, and, when there, showed no symptoms of indisposition; but soon after his return home he was attacked with the disease.

The following brief notice of his last hours is given by his friend, Mr. Fletcher, who immediately on hearing of his illness, hastened to his bedside, and did not leave him until his death.

"He was first taken ill between eleven and twelve o'clock on Monday the 22nd of July, with symptoms of cholera. At three o'clock, two medical officers were at his bedside; at six, P.M. I was there; at ten he became speechless and insensible; and at a quarter past five in the morning of the 23rd instant, he gently breathed his last. His bodily sufferings were very great-indeed I never witnessed more acute suffering from this disease; but his faith was stedfast, his hope lively, and his resignation most edifying. On my first seeing him, he grasped my hand, and said, "Death is a strong enemy, stronger than I expected." On which I replied, "True; but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" He immediately replied, "HE giveth us the victory!He giveth us the victory!" and then exclaimed, "O grave, where is thy

victory? O death, where is thy sting ?" He subsequently expressed thankfulness that he was spared all mental suffering. Indeed, from him the sting of death was removed. The last enemy was unable to disturb his faith or peace of mind, although he fearfully tortured the body.”

Some additional particulars respecting his last hours, together with an account of the impression produced in Bombay by his sudden death, are contained in the following extracts from a letter written by Major Jacob, a valued member of the Bombay Corresponding Committee, to a friend in England. It is dated July 31,

1844

"Our dear and honoured friend, Mr. Valentine, of the Church Mission, has entered into his rest. He drank tea with us only a few days before his death, in perfect health, and spoke of himself as being better and stronger than he ever remembered to have been. His two last sermons at Trinity Chapel were from the texts-All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field,' &c.; and 'Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.' He was unusually solemn and affecting-deeply in earnest; and it was remarked by several, that he seemed to be more heavenly, and less an inhabitant of this lower world, than ever. His sweet and heavenly expression, as the hymn before the sermon was sung-There is a land of pure delight'-and the value of that man of God, seemed to many to indicate that he would not be kept much longer from his blessed Master's presence. We really feared, yet without other grounds for it then, that he was meetening apace, and preparing for his flight to his heavenly inheritance. And thus it proved.

"Poor Mrs. Valentine and their two little ones were at Poonah. His sufferings were extreme; but all was peace within. 'I desire to be with Christ,' was his expression just before his mental consciousness failed him. 'Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;' was another. He had, it seems, like Archbishop Leighton, a strong desire