The fuller reports we have received this week of the
death of Commodore Goodenough, who died on August 20, in consequence of the wound received from the treachery of the natives of the Santa Cruz Islands, are of the highest interest, as showing the simple trust and faith, and curious tenderness for his officers and men in which this good naval officer died. "On Thursday after- noon," says the narrative received, "thinking that the end was near, he had all the officers summoned to his bedside, when in loving words he spoke of the infinite goodness of God, and his perfect willingness to go." He dwelt much on the words in which God is described as one "in whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," and spoke of them as a window which God had opened to him in heaven. Like a very different man, and for a very different motive, he "regretted that he was so long in dying, as it gave such trouble to those attending him," There is unfortunately something unique about such a death as this. The modern layman is too shy for unreserve even at the very moment of death, and however noble, is apt to die with stoical composure. Many more deaths like Commodore Good- enough's would make life itself in England a much more religious affair.
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