"He is now gone-gone never to see his friends again in this world :

"I have felt, since this morning, as though I would be willing to forsake my ever-dear father and mother, brothers and sisters, and country, for my Savior's sake and the Gospel's. I have also thought, perhaps my present business is not to be my future employ. Yes, the Lord may have in reserve for me, unworthy as I am, a situation far different from my present one. May I ever be led in the path of duty, this has been my prayer this day and I have, more than at any former time, felt the importance of crying, 'Lord, make me to know my duty, and give me a heart to perform it.' Yes, my Lord does know all my desires, and hears all my sighs."

Again he writes:

"On seeing Dr. Scudder take his last leave of his friends, and of the people on shore, with a true missionary spirit, I felt a tenderness towards the poor heathen, to whom he was going, which caused my eyes to overflow. I thought that I would be willing to change my situation for his. On returning home, I felt that I could not attend to business. My desire was to spend that day with the Lord. I retired for player, and found the exercise sweet. My mind was impressed with the necessity for more ministers of the Gospel; and many reasons presented them

selves, why I should devote my life to the good of my fellow-men in that situation."

The desire, which was thus awakened, grew in strength. But no hasty resolution was taken. He consulted with those in whose judgment he confided; and with that warm filial affection and reverence which characterized him, asked counsel of his parents:

"New-York, May, 1819.

"Will it not give you pleasure to hear of my desiring to enter on a course of study for the ministry of reconciliation? Yes, my dear father, I have been led, within the course of a few weeks past, to think seriously on this subject. When I turn my eyes to the extensive fields which are presented to my view, they seem to be 'white unto the harvest.' The language of Scripture is surely applicable to the present time,-' The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.' The calls of Providence are loud to young men to devote themselves to the ministry. And to whom can the Church look but to her sons for this service? The population of this country is growing very rapidly, and the proportion of its increase is much beyond that of the faithful ministers of the Gospel. The call of destitute churches in different parts of our country is, 'Come over and help us.' The voice of the Indians on our borders is, 'Come and make known to us the Savior, that we perish not.' The superstition and idolatry of the heathen, beyond the seas, urge us to go and preach the Gospel, and proclaim to them the glad tidings of salvation. When we think of the Hindoos, who offer their own children in sacrifice to appease their offended gods: whose worship is a worse than

useless superstition; who, on going down to the grave, have no Savior on whom to repose, and no hope of awaking to a happier life to come,-how can we help feeling for them! Surely every benevolent heart longs for their salvation. The heathen are promised to Christ for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. To whom can they look but to us who are Christians? And does not God require us to be co-workers with him in the execution of his grand designs? Means always have been, and probably always will be used by the Lord, for evangelizing the nations. There is a want of faithful ministers throughout the world.

"Now, when I reflect on the goodness and mercy of the Lord towards our family, in bringing the children, as they grow up, to be acquainted with his ways, and to become his professed followers, it seems to me as though some of the number were called to devote themselves to him in the work of the ministry. We have been brought to profess his name at an early age. May God make known to us the path of duty, and give us a heart to walk therein.

"He who enters on this great work ought to weigh the matter well, knowing that many go without being called. In leaving my present business to engage in the ministry, I do not expect more ease or worldly comfort. Far from it! The life of a minister, who is faithful to his Master, to himself, and to those around him, is not only laborious, but full of trials. Yet, doing good to the souls of men, and glorifying God, is more than double compensation for all the hardships and crosses which the devoted servant of Christ is subjected to. Very erroneous views are entertained

by many respecting the life of a minister. It has been supposed that it is easy. But the most arduous labors of a clergymau are not visible to the world. They are performed in his study. Let people follow him to that place, and see him praying, reading, examining, composing-they will then have very different thoughts. But only they who have entered on this course know all the bitter and the sweet connected with it. The responsibility which presses on the mind of a truly conscientious minister is probably more trying than any other species of care and anxiety. Self-denial is also necessary in a minister, as indeed it is in all Christians. It is the very foundation of all active religion. Without it nothing can be done to purpose in the great work of reforming the world-this world that lieth in sin.

"Do you ask me whether I am willing to leave my present business? It would indeed be a cross to leave Mr. H——, for he is one of the best of men. Some may think, if they do not say, that I am a fool for wishing to give up my present employment, which bids fair to make me rich, and which is far more honorable in the sight of the world. To this I can reply, and I do think from the heart, that I am willing to give up my present situation, with all its prospects, for one in which I think that I can be more useful. As for the riches of this world, I do not expect to find happiness in them; and the more I think on the condition of the 'christian poor, who do not want,' the more I am convinced that they enjoy higher happiness than those who share largely in the good things of the present life. The cottages of humble Christians are more honorable than the palaces of the rich, where there is no fear nor love of

God

The language of my heart is, Lord, whatever may be denied to me-health, friends, and comforts of this life-let me never be denied the light of thy countenance, and thy loving kindness.

"The number of ministers necessary adequately to supply the United States, is estimated at more than 11,000. There is thought to be at present less than one-fourth of that number. What is wanting to encourage one to engage in this all-interesting service? Why should not the call for more laborers be heard by me? Surely, if I have been called from 'darkness to light,' it should be my chief aim and desire to point out the way of salvation to others.

"But sometimes my heart shrinks when I think of entering on this service. I have so much to go through before I can appear in the pulpit; and then to come before the world—I am terrified by the anticipation.

"I have now stated my feelings, and submit the same for your consideration. I hope that they may meet your views, and receive your approbation. I doubt not that they will. My desire is to leave all, and become an ambassador for Christ. Of the difficulties in my way, the most prominent at present is the want of funds. I wish you to inform me whether you feel able and willing to support me through my course of study.

"Should I enter on the work of the ministry, there are these promises to comfort and sustain me. Luke, 12:42, 'Who is that faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their meat in due season?' Ver. 43, 'Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing.' Matt. 28: 20, 'Teaching them to ob