He saw
to some extent the fruits of his toil; and on his abundant labors Heaven
placed the broad seal of divine approbation. One after another yielded to
the force of truth and bowed in homage to the cross of Christ. He did not
die, like Coleman and Wheelock, ere he had seen the heathen eye overflow
with tears, the heathen heart burst with rapture into life, and the heathen
knees bowing, not before Gaudama, but before Jehovah.
During the year 1830 it became evident to all that Mr. Boardman must die.
The disease contracted in consequence of sleeping on the cold ground and
being exposed to the damp fogs of night came on slowly but surely, and
all hope of recovery took its flight. Feeling himself that he should soon
depart, he called the converts around him and instructed them in the way of
life. Others who had not been baptized he prepared for the ordinance.
Three days were devoted to the examination, and eighteen were accepted as
candidates for the holy service. The missionary was unable to rise from his
bed; and many of the questions which he desired to put to these persons
were first given to his wife, who, sitting on the bed beside him, put her
ear to his lips and caught the sound as it struggled for utterance.
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