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"Oh my dear sister, it is vastly important that we fill our stations with usefulness. How heart-rending will be the reflection in the dying hour, and in eternity, that we have buried our talent in the earth. The precious now that flies is the time to prevent this unhappy issue of things. Let us think of the inexpressible music of that plaudit from our Judge, 'Well done,' &c. The period is not distant, when we shall hear this, or its awful counterpart, Depart ye cursed.' May we profit by the instructions of to-day, and ever exhibit in our conduct the temper of Jesus. My heart yearns over past coldness and present indifference. What shall be done? Will my friend pray for Myra? Let us mutually wrestle at the throne of mercy for a spirit of prayer to pervade our own hearts, and those of every member of this church. O for that benevolence which has been represented as so necessary to christian experience; that tenderness of compassion for sinners, which shall lead us to weep in secret places for them with anguish of spirit. Then shall we be prepared to speak to them on the subject of their salvation.

Your affectionate M."

CHAPTER V.

Mr. Allen's ordination.-Her marriage and interesting manner of taking leave of the children and youth in her father's neighborhood.

LESS than two months were allowed for completing the preparations for the contemplated voyage. In this, we might suppose that all would be hurry and perturbationthat the mind, distracted with a multiplicity of cares, would be incapable of fixing deliberately on any subject. But it was not so with our lamented friend. She was never more calm and collected. With a serenity and cheerfulness, bespeaking a firmness of purpose, and trust in God, truly surprising to all her friends, she went forward with the necessary preparations. Her faith received a new impulse, and gathered fresh vigor in proportion to her exigencies.

Towards the last of May, 1827, the ordination of Mr. Allen took place in WestminMr. Stone and wife, destined to the same mission, were present. A numerous audience listened, with breathless silence, to these parting solemnities. Every thing

earthly seemed to fade and be forgotten, in view of the concerns of eternity. The worth of undying souls, the millions perishing for lack of vision, the self-devotion of these servants of the Most High, who were offering themselves living sacrifices to the Redeemer, the moral dignity and grandeur of the missionary enterprize, the separation of endeared friends, to meet again at the judgment seat of Christ, were considerations which gave a thrilling interest to the occasion. Almost the whole of the vast assembly was melted into tears, so deeply interesting and affecting was the scene. Few felt the excitement more than the choir of singers, among whom the subject of these memoirs had long been a valued and leading member. She now occupied a conspicuous place among them for the last time. Her sweet voice, and meek and dignified deportment, diffused an inexpressible charm over the performances, as though an angel had come down to aid in them with more than mortal strains. While the services were closing with the following ode, composed for the occasion, the effect appeared overwhelming :—

:

"Hark! 'tis Zion's King commanding;
Sons of men, attend and hear :-
Go, ye heralds, preach my gospel;
Teach all nations far and near;

Offer pardon, offer pardon;

Bid the world my name to fear. "Go to earth's remotest region,

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Teach the gentiles how to pray;
Spread your banners; rally round them;
Lo, I'm with you night and day.
Let not danger, let not pleasures,
Let not seas obstruct your way.'

Lord, behold, among thy heralds,
One in heavenly armor shine-
One that's heard thy sacred mandate,
And obeys thy voice divine-
Who stands ready, humbly waiting,
T'execute thy great design.

"Go, dear brother, brave the ocean;
Plant the cross on India's shore.
May the God of consolation

Guide your feet forevermore.
Take our blessing, take our blessing,
Till we meet to part no more.

"Yet there's one- -(O spare that anguish!)
Better, far, a mute farewell.
Must thou go?-Yes, Jesus calls thee;
Zion's daughter, then, farewell!
Go to India.-Angels, guard her!
Land her safe on Canaan's hill."

The solemn impressions of many were too vivid to be ever effaced from their memories. They will retain them, with increasing freshness and gratitude, to the day of their death; for they were impressions which conspired in rousing them from spiritual slumber, and bringing them to a cheerful submission to Christ.

On the 28th of May, her marriage with Mr. Allen was consummated at her father's house, amidst a numerous circle of friends and relatives.

About this time, Mrs. A., intent on seizing and improving every opportunity of benefiting her friends and acquaintance, assembled the children and youth in her father's neighborhood, to give them her parting counsels, and take her final leave. With the little group gathered around her, and a heart overflowing with benevolent desires for their salvation, she invited them to Jesus. She drew a contrast between their condition and that of the degraded heathen, and besought them to seek shelter for their souls beneath the cross of Christ. By the dying, melting love of the Redeemer, by their obligations to their Maker, by their regard for their present and future welfare, and their esteem for their departing friend, she urged them to defer a preparation to meet their God no longer.

Have you ever witnessed the intense earnestness of the dying Christian, pleading with endeared friends to secure, immediately, their immortal interests? Have you ever listened to one who felt that the present was the last opportunity—who realized, too, that eternal consequences were pending,

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