OF FELIX NEFF, PROTESTANT MISSIONARY IN SWITZERLAND, THE DEPARTMENT OF ISERE, AND THE HIGH ALPS, TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF M. BOST; BY MARGARET ANNE WYATT, AUTHOR OF A TRANSLATION FROM THE GERMAN OF A MEMOIR "In journeyings often in weariness and painfulness in watchings PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY AND W. BURNSIDE: AND SOLD BY L. AND G. SEELEY, FLEET STREET, LONDON. MDCCCXLIII. PREFACE. THE following Memoir of the departed Neff is the fifth that has appeared before the public. Of these Memoirs, one only is a translation; the rest having been published in different languages, and entirely unconnected with each other: one in French, two in English, and one in German. What an unusual degree of respect is here shown, for the memory of a man, comparatively but little known during his life time; for the noble and energetic character of Neff was so free from ambition, that with a brilliancy of talent which would have done honour to a higher station, he was content to pass his days among obscure shepherds. It might almost be said, that he died before even those who knew and loved him best, had time to discover and appreciate his character to its full extent: But when such men are removed from the earth, their full value is felt; their departure causes a gloomy void, and sombre silence, which weighs upon the spirits. The post of active devotedness has but few candidates; many will speak of it with honour and admiration; but few are either able or willing to fill it with effect; but if self-renouncing devotedness is uncommon, it is always admired; and such memoirs as the following, are well adapted to kindle in some minds, a similar flame. It would not be difficult to explain, why a fifth Memoir of Neff should be laid before the public, when four have already been published. The French work is much too short, and the others, though extending more into detail, are yet not sufficiently explicit. I have therefore endeavoured to procure from the best authority, all possible information respecting him, especially his letters, in order to furnish what may be called, a complete memoir of this distinguished man. In the introduction to my "Visite dans les Hautes Alpes," I have already given the reasons which induced some of Neff's friends to place the execution of the work in my hands. I shall now therefore, proceed without further preamble, and in the following order. I shall first give some details I received from the mother of Neff, relative to his childhood; his |