the Savior, and have learned more of his love from the bible, I have felt each time, if possible, more and more near and happy in him." What good do you think that baptism or the sacrament could do you without a heart to love the Savior? "None. There would be no joy to my soul in them."-Could you have this joy and peace of which have told you me, if you did not as far as you know strive to obey God in all things? "no; I could not. Though unable to do any thing with my hands to help the family and to labor for God, it is my sincere desire daily to have my heart much in prayer for them and for the salvation of their souls; and because God lets me live, I believe he wishes me to be devoted in spirit to this.-Do you think you love God and souls as much as you ought? "no: I try to love, but do not feel so much as I ought.-When do you expect to have perfect love to God and souls? at first she answered, "never;" thinking that I meant while in the body. Afterwards she said, "when I get to heaven.”

Respecting the foregoing narrative, Mr. Ferry, the missionary remarks,

I have written it as taken from the woman through an interpreter, and as having in part fallen under my own observation. I have scrupulously avoided any thing like a more favorable coloring than facts would justify. The statements have been read by those who have had most knowledge of the subject of them, and of her exercises, and they believe that the impression which will naturally be left on the mind of the reader will be less striking than the reality. In respect to uninterrupted peace and spirituality of mind, the case of this woman is unlike any other which I ever knew. Aware that some will at once set it down as untrue or a delusion, I have faithfully tried but in vain, to draw from her something which would warrant me in truth to cloud some part of her christian life with doubt, but you might as well attempt to make her disbelieve her existence, as to convince her that she has been left to go mourning the hidings of God's countenance from her soul. She is indeed a favored child, ripening fast for glory: sick or well, in pain or at ease, she always meets us with a placid, and most commonly with a smiling countenance. She is afflicted with consumptive complaints, and for many months has raised blood freely: we have expected that before this she would have been at rest.

She died at the mission station, Nov. 23, 1830. By the blessing of God on the religious instruction given her, she had been raised from uncommon debasement to a degree of Christian knowledge and piety, seldom attained by persons in her circumstances. At the time of her decease, "she exhibited," says Mr. Ferry, "the character of the believer triumphing in death. For many months she had been almost daily looking for her departure. Though suffering much in body, yet she was uniformly patient and happy. She repeatedly said on the day of her death, 'I think I shall go to day.' At night she

shook hands with some of the members of the mission family, and with a smile spoke of it as the last time. But a few minutes before her death, in allusion to David's words, she said she feared no evil. Surely no unbeliever, observing her course down the dark valley, could any longer doubt the reality of religion, or deny the importance of carrying the tidings of the gospel to the unlettered savage.'

From the Missionary Herald, Vol. 25-1829; and Vol. 27—1831.

MRS. MYRA W. ALLEN.

MRS. ALLEN was born in Westminster, Massachusetts, on the 7th of December, 1800; and was the youngest daughter of colonel Abel Wood. She enjoyed the unspeakable advantage of a religious education; and her parents had the satisfaction of seeing all their children, nine in number, members of that church with which they were walking in the fear of the Lord. She was also favored, both at home and in a neighboring town to which she was sent for the purpose at the age of about seventeen years, with facilities for cultivating her mind and storing it with useful knowledge. She obviously availed herself of these advantages with much diligence. The following paragraphs taken from a paper written by herself, give an account of the beginnings of spiritual life in her soul. The paper is without date, but must refer to the period between her eighteenth and twenty-second year.

"As long as I have any recollection, I have been the subject of serious religious impressions. I was early instructed in the truths of religion-the government of a holy, sovereign God, who had an infinite hatred of sin, requiring perfect obedience of his creatures, and punishing every transgression of his holy law with eternal death-the duty of repentance-the necessity of a change of heart, and the way of salvation through a crucified Redeemer. I was convinced of the truth and importance of these things, but they were wholly uncongenial with my carnal affections. I intended some time to attend to them, but could not think them calculated to afford happiness to the youthful mind. Thus I practically said 'Go thy way,' &c. In this manner I quieted my conscience, not, however, without being frequently roused by a solemn providence or a searching impressive sermon-sometimes to be almost persuaded to become a Christian. About the age of thirteen, I was much interested in reading the life of Mrs. Newell. I admired her amiable and engaging disposition, and was much affected with her early piety. This I was persuaded was the source of those lovely virtues which so highly adorned her character. I believed she was happy, and almost wished myself possessed of that which could render her so cheerful amidst so many trying scenes. But I could not endure the idea of renouncing my worldly pleasures and companions, and of bearing the reproach which I thought I should meet from the gay and thoughtless. I remained in a state similar to this till the 17th year of my age, when I think my attention was a little more excited.

"About this time a number of my companions became seriously impressed with a sense of their dangerous situation as sinners, and

began to inquire with solicitude, what they must do to be saved. I had often thought that if my young friends would seek religion, I would join in the pursuit. Now I had the trial of my sincerity. It occasioned at first some severe struggle in my mind to become willing to renounce the world and its vain pleasures, 'to meet the world's dread laugh' and endure the sneers of some whom I loved; but I soon resolved that notwithstanding all these, I would make religion my business, and that, through divine assistance, I would persevere in this resolution, though all my days should be spent in the search.

"I desire to bless the Lord that he did not suffer me to be again ensnared by the vanities of youth, and lured from the path I was resolved to tread. I was led to hope, that, though long left to wander in darkness, without any light, even darkness that might be felt,' there might still be mercy for me; but if I never obtain comfort, I choose to spend my life thus, rather than engage in worldly amusements and pleasures. Nearly four years passed without bringing me any lasting relief."

After spending a few months in a neighboring town where there was a revival of religion, she remarks

"Shortly after my return, however, I began to view things in a different light. I began to feel there might be hope, even for me. The promise, 'Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out,' I found included all; and the passage, 'He is faithful that promised,' &c. increased my confidence. I clearly saw that my heart was exceedingly polluted; but those scriptures, 'Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world,' and 'The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin,' appeared to meet my case, and they were to me sweetly refreshing. The character of the Savior appeared lovely, and no longer as 'a root out of a dry ground:' yet my apprehensions of divine things were quite obscure. I often thought of the blind man who, after once washing his eyes, could discern men as trees walking.' I remained thus, sometimes hoping, sometimes not daring to hope, through the winter."

She continued in this state of darkness and doubting during three or four months; but at length, having obtained clearer views of the great truths of the gospel, and acquiescing more fully in them, she was enabled to add

"A tranquil serenity now took possession of my breast, such as had long been a stranger there. The plan of salvation opened to my view in a lovely engaging light, and I felt that there was safety in committing myself wholly to sovereign mercy. If left to perish, no injustice would be done, yet I fully believed that none who did trust in the Savior unreservedly would be cast off.

"I had long regarded it as a privilege of which I was utterly unworthy, to be admitted to the Lord's table. I now saw, that unworthy as I was, it was a duty I ought not to neglect. After serious deliberation, therefore, I gave my name to be proposed to the church

for admission, and on the 8th December, 1822, entered into solemn covenant engagements to be the Lord's. It was a day of solemnity and joy to my soul, and one which I felt called for the most lively gratitude, not only for the mercy I experience myself, but that others received the same with me a dear brother and niece being received to church-fellowship at the same time. For a considerable time I was scarcely troubled with a serious doubt. I had no ecstasies of joy, but a peace and tranquillity such as I never before experienced."

In a journal which Mrs. Allen kept, and in which she made entries with more or less regularity, she records her feelings on the day when she offered herself a candidate for admission to the church, and on that when she first sat down at the table of Christ.

"Nov. 24, 1822.-After repeated self-examination and earnest supplication for the aid of the Holy Spirit to direct in the path of duty, I have at length come to a decision-and this day offered myself in a public manner for admission into the church. What lively gratitude ought I to exercise for the distinguishing goodness of God to so stubborn a rebel. To the praise of sovereign grace I would record it. I humbly hope and trust that I have tasted of the love of Christ, and, though long left to wander in darkness, that I have at length enjoyed the cheering beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and been led to consecrate myself to the service of my Creator. If, however, I am deceived-how dreadful? O Lord, discover to me my true state. Grant me the light of thy countenace, whatever else thou deniest, for Jesus' sake.

"Dec. 8.—The solemn scene is past. I have publicly avouched the Lord to be my God and portion-my teacher and sanctifiermy prophet, priest, and king; and am witness against myself that I have chosen the Lord to serve him.' Now, if I should go astray and wound this precious cause, I must be without excuse. O Lord, look graciously upon me, and grant that my resolutions of new obedience, made I trust in reliance on thy divine aid, may not prove transient as the morning dew; but may I have grace to be faithful. Suffer me not to break the solemn covenant engagements into which I have entered; but make me useful in the spiritual vineyard. Look in compassion on my dear companions. O revive thy work in this place; especially among the youth. The spiritual interest of a number lies near my heart in a special manner. And And may I never, by a careless walk or an unchristian temper, prove a stumbling block' to them; but may I recommend the religion of Jesus by exemplifying its pure, peaceable, humble, compassionate, self-denying spirit. I am weak in myself-may thy grace be made perfect in my weakness.

A few additional extracts will be taken from this journal, illustrative of some conspicuous traits in her character.