The family of Professor Petavel has sustained a great loss in the death of his eldest son, accompanied, by circumstances peculiarly striking.  This young man was about nineteen years of age.  He had been very serious for some time before his illness, and wished much to be employed as a missionary.  Early instructed by his mother in the importance of seeking divine influence, his mind was prepared to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit; and he had a deep conflict to pass through, which he confided to his mother, and which he seemed to think was the presage to suffering.  In performing some gymnastic exercises he received a fall on the head, which after some time was followed by a paralytic affection of the whole body, so that he became entirely helpless, and his speech was taken away.  It was only his tender mother who could ascertain his wants and administer to them, which she did with unceasing assiduity.  After about six months his speech was almost miraculously restored, and he used it in praising the Lord for the remarkable support and consolation of his Spirit.  He said he had been sensible of all that had passed, and that he had been abundantly confirmed in the belief that true religion consists in hearing the voice of our blessed Redeemer, and seeking to do his will.  After some time the capability of speaking much again forsook him; yet he lingered some months longer, and when M.Y. beheld him soon after our arrival, he appeared like a precious lamb purified, and waiting to be gathered to the everlasting fold.  The resignation of his parents was truly edifying:  they proposed that we should both come the next day, and sit quietly beside him for a while.  This proved a deeply impressive time; the presence of the Great Shepherd was evidently with us, and called forth thanksgiving for the mercies received and the deliverance anticipated.  While listening to a few words addressed to him at parting, he fixed his dying eyes upon us with an expression not to be forgotten, and before midnight the precious spirit was received into the arms of its Saviour.  As we left for Locle early in the morning, we did not hear of this until our return the day following.

Their visit to their favorite orphan-institution was, as ever, very interesting.  They thus describe the state in which they found it:—­

Our dear German friend M. Zimmerlin, the associate of dear M. A. Calame, still lives:  she received us with overflowing affection.  After tea, which we took there, she hastened to show us the improvements in the premises, which, she said, our kind friends in England had contributed to procure by their donations through us.  The institution appears to be now in excellent order.  In the evening, the children, 138 in number, were collected with the mistresses and family, and we had a very satisfactory opportunity with them.  The same precious influence seems to prevail which we have noticed heretofore.

They returned to Neufchatel the next evening, where they heard that the remains of Paul Petavel were to be interred the next day.