CHAPTER XII.
Last Illness and Death.
IT is evident that Risiart Ddu was very popular among his fellow countrymen in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They were anxious to hear him preach, but the state of his health allowed not any exertion in public speaking, consequently he preached only a few times. Once he delivered an English sermon. He was introduced as a young preacher who had newly arrived from Wales; at the close of the service some Americans said, " We are surprised that he is just arrived from Wales, for we could understand every word he said." Several of the best Welsh people of Minnesota were exceedingly kind to him, and none more so than Mrs. Bowen of Butterunt Valley.
After returning home in the first part of November 1869, he still persisted in taking little exercise and doing some literary work; but he was gradually growing weaker, until the end came in about four months.
His last illness is described in pathetic words by a member of the family:—" Risiart Ddu always took a manly view of his illness, holding himself in readiness to either live or die as his Heavenly Father might will. Being young he would have chosen to enter the pastorate and serve his Savior for a while here on earth; but he never murmured—was willing to depart.
For the first part of the last night of his earthly pilgrimage a brother and sister were placed in charge
