Ault, William

Ault, William, an English Wesleyan missionary, was converted in early life, entered the ministry in 1808, and on Dec. 30, 1813, sailed as one of six missionaries who were to introduce Methodism into Ceylon. On the passage Ault's wife died, and her remains were committed to the deep. Mr. Ault was sent to Batticaloa, a small island on the east coast of Ceylon. His sufferings and privations on his passage thither severely shook his constitution. He labored, however, for eight months, when he sank under disease (April 1, 1815). Possessing rare qualifications for the work he had undertaken, his success in raising a respect for and an observance of at least the external form of religion was truly remarkable. By the establishment of eight schools for the education of Hindu children, and by his overcoming the prejudices of their parents so as to succeed in introducing the New Test. as the only schoolbook of the more advanced scholars, he has laid the foundation for the propagation of our faith" (Ceylon (Gov't Gazette).. See Harvey, Cyclop. of Missions, 1854, p. 234 sq.; Minutes of British Conference, 1816.