’I don’t know that the actual time for my being consecrated, if I live, is nearer by reason of this letter:  I think it most probable that it may take place when the General Synod meets, and, consequently, five bishops will be present, in 1862, at Nelson.  But I suppose it is more fixed than it has been hitherto, and if the Bishop writes to you, as he may do, even more plainly than he speaks to me, you will know what especially to ask for me from God, and all you dear ones will recollect daily how I do inwardly tremble at the thoughts of what is to come.  Do you remember how strangely I was upset before leaving home for my ordination as a deacon; and now it is coming to this—­a church to be planted, organised, edified among the wild heathen inhabitants of Melanesia; and what hope can there be for me if there is to be no growth of a fervent, thankful, humble spirit of prayer and love and adoration?  Not that, as I feel to my great comfort, God’s work is dependent upon the individual growth in grace even of those who are entrusted with any given work; but it is in some way connected with it.

’And yet, the upshot of it all is that I shall do (D.V.) what the Bishop tells me is right.  I hope he won’t press on the matter, but I am content now to leave it with him, knowing what you have said, and being so thankful to leave it with you and him.’

There is a letter to his sister Fanny of the same date, beginning merrily about the family expostulation on receiving a box of reports where curiosities had been expected:—­

’Fancy not thinking your worthy brother’s important publications the most satisfactory treasures that any box could contain!  The author’s feelings are seriously injured!  What are Melanesian shells to Melanesian statistics, and Lifu spears to a dissertation on the treatment of Lifu diseases?  Great is the ingratitude of the houses of Feniton and Dawlish!

’Well, it must have been rather a “sell,” as at Eton it is called, to have seen the long-desired and highly-paid-for box disgorge nought but Melanesian reports! all thanks to Mrs. Martin, who packed it after I was off to the Islands.

’I cannot send you anything yet, but I will bear in mind the fact that reports by themselves are not considered satisfactory.  Does anybody read them, after all? for they really cost me some days’ trouble, which I can’t find time for again.  This year’s report (for I suppose there must be one) is not begun, and I don’t know what to put in it.  I have but little news beyond what I have written once for all to Father.

’The decisive letter from the Bishop of New Zealand to the Duke of Newcastle is in the Governor’s hands, and all discussion of the question is at an end.  May God bring out of it all that may conduce to His glory; but how I dread what is to come, you, who remember my leaving home first for my deacon’s ordination, can well imagine.