| 96 We can not express in words the solemn sadness which pervades our thoughts, while writing of the departure of this excellent laborer. We have no fitting tribute in readiness to offer to his memory. We can only for a moment fold our hands, close our eyes, and in silence reflect upon the glory of life, the incomprehensibility of death, and the grandeur of a life-work well finished, the fitness of the death of a colaborer while in actual labor for the Master of life.
We offer our condolence to the Saints at Sydney and at Waratah; and express a hope that the life of Bro. Wandell may have been a sanctifying influence to their establishment in the peace of the kingdom of our God and his Christ.-The Saint's Herald, vol. 22, p. 336.
The last entry in Elder Wandell's private journal was under date of March 2, 1875, and was as follows:
The swelling of my limbs, caused by heart-disease, has developed a dangerous sore in my left leg. The point is to keep this sore from mortifying and killing me at once. Know all men that I want all of my bound books and other church books to be the property of the Australian Mission of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I want my clothes, all of them, to be given to the elder whom the church may send out to take my place. The trunk goes with the clothes. I here (March 2) feel it my duty to state that I believe Young Joseph Smith to be the true leader and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as against the claims of Brigham Young to that office; and to be the legal prophet, seer, and revelator thereof. He must increase, but Brigham shall decrease. After my decease I wish the church to assemble in a conference capacity, make action with reference to me that may be just and proper. I feel more than ever convinced that a splendid work will yet be done here. Also I here record my unlimited faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ as the world's Savior. It is in view of the completeness of that atonement that I am enabled to think so calmly about it. God and Christ are true, and so is a universal Providence.
After the conference meeting spoken of shall have been holden, I want this diary to be carefully and properly prepared for the post-office, and sent direct to Plano, to Bro. Joseph, to be preserved in the archives of the church.
To any of my personal friends in America who would ask after certain inner emotions, etc., I will say that all is calm and serene. The eternal future is bright, and one night last week the angels sang a beautiful song. The adversary has not showed himself in any distinctive form, and I am truly and greatly blessed.
CHARLES WESLEY WANDELL.
Elder Glaud Rodger was directed to take charge of the mission until further arrangements were made.
Elder Wandell states that he was employed at one time in the Historian's office at Nauvoo. In commenting on the
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