was fast approaching, and said to him, ’My dear, I have one request to make; it is, that you would pray much for George, during your few remaining days.  I shall soon be left alone, almost the only one on earth to pray for him, and I have great confidence in your dying prayers.’  He looked earnestly at the little boy, and said, ’I will try to pray for him; but I trust very many prayers will ascend for the dear child from our friends at home, who will be induced to supplicate the more earnestly for him, when they hear that he is left fatherless in a heathen land.’

“On Wednesday, while looking in the glass, he seemed at once to see symptoms of his approaching dissolution, and said, without emotion, ’I have altered greatly—­I am sinking into the grave very fast—­just on the verge.’  Mr. Mason said to him, ’Is there nothing we can do for you?  Had we not better call the physician?  Or shall we try to remove you into town immediately?’ After a few moments’ deliberation, it was concluded to defer the baptism of the male applicants, and set out for home early the next morning.  Nearly all the female candidates had been examined, and as it is difficult for them to come to town, it was thought best that Mr. Mason should baptize them in the evening.  We knelt, and Mr. Mason having prayed for a blessing on the decision, we sat down to breakfast with sorrowful hearts.

“While we were at the table, my beloved husband said, ’I shall soon be thrown away for this world; but I hope the Lord Jesus will take me up.  That merciful Being, who is represented as passing by, and having compassion on the poor cast-out infant, will not suffer me to perish.  O, I have no hope but in the wonderful, condescending, infinite mercy of God, through his dear Son.  I cast my poor perishing soul, loaded with sin, as it is, upon his compassionate arms, assured that all will he forever safe.’  On seeing my tears, he said, ‘Are you not reconciled to the will of God, my love?’ When I told him I hoped I did not feel unreconciled, he continued, ’I have long ago, and many times, committed you and our little one into the hands of our covenant God.  He is the husband of the widow and the father of the fatherless. Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me, saith the Lord.  He will be your stay and support, when I am gone.  The separation will be but short.  O, how happy I shall be to welcome you to heaven.’  He then addressed Mr. Mason, as follows:—­’Brother, I am heartily rejoiced, and bless God that you have arrived, and especially am I gratified, that you are so much interested for the poor Karens.  You will, I am assured, watch over them, and take care of them; and if some of them turn back, you will still care for them.  As to my dear wife and child, I know you will do all in your power to make them comfortable.  Mrs. B. will probably spend the ensuing rains in Tavoy.  She will be happy with you and Mrs. Mason; that