In another letter, she expresses her mature conviction that the missionary life if entered upon with right feelings may be more favorable than any other to the promotion of spiritual growth.  And certain it is, that trials, and even persecution often develop the power of Christian principle, and the strength of religious faith; while ease and outward prosperity seem to lull the souls of believers into an unworthy sloth and a sinful conformity with the world around them.  The soldier of Christ must maintain a warfare; and when will he be more likely to be constantly awake to his duty, than when surrounded by the open and avowed enemies of his Master?

From Chitpore four miles above Calcutta, Mr. Boardman writes:  “It gives me much pleasure to write you from the shores of India.  Through the goodness of God we arrived at Sand-Heads on the 23d ult., after a voyage of 127 days.  We were slow in our passage up the Hoogly, and did not arrive in Calcutta until the 2d inst.  We had a very agreeable voyage,—­religious service at meals, evening prayers in the cabin, and when the weather allowed, public worship in the steerage on Lord’s day morning ... allow me to add that we entertain a hope that one of the sailors was converted on the passage.

“The report of our being at Sand-Heads reached Calcutta several days before we did, and our friends had made kind preparations to receive us.  Soon after coming in sight of the city, we had the pleasure of welcoming on board the Asia, the Rev. Mr. Hough.  He informed us, that the Burmese war was renewed after an armistice of several weeks, and that no well-authenticated accounts had been received from our dear friends Judson and Price at Ava.  It is generally supposed that they are imprisoned with other foreigners, and have not the means of sending round to Bengal.

“At noon, Dec. 2d, we came on shore, ... and were received very kindly by the English Missionaries.  We found Mrs. Colman waiting with a carriage to bring us out to this place.  The cottage we occupy was formerly the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Carey.  Mr. and Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Colman, Mrs. Boardman and myself, compose a very happy American family....  But we long to be laboring in Burmah.  We are not yet discouraged by the dark cloud that hangs over our prospects there.  We still hope and trust, we firmly believe, that eventually this war will tend to advance the cause of Christ in Burmah.  We hope our friends at home will not be discouraged, but will continue to pray for us.”

In another letter he says, “And now, my dear parents, I wish you could make a visit at Chitpore.  You would find your two fond children sitting together very happily, and engaged in writing letters to their beloved American friends.  Our mansion, to be sure, is but a bamboo cottage, with a thatched roof, but is a palace compared with most of the native huts around us.  But you know a large house is by no means essential to happiness.  Food and clothing