The last day of the year found him "rejoicing at the lapse of time, but sorrowing at his unprofitableness." "So closes," he remarks, "the easy part of my life; encircled by every earthly comfort, and caressed by friends, I may scarcely be said to have experienced trouble; but now farewell ease, if I might presume to conjecture. 0 Lord, into thy hands I commit my spirit! Thou hast redeemed me, thou God of truth: may I be saved by thy grace, and be sanctified to do thy will, now, and to all eternity, through Jesus Christ." His reflections on the following day, the first of that year which was his last in England, carry with them a peculiar interest, as well from their intrinsic excellence, as from the circumstances under which they were indited.—Jan, 1, 1805.— "Hitherto hath the Lord helped me. It is now about five years since God stopped me in the career of worldliness, and turned me from the paths of sin: three years and a half since I turned to the Lord with all my heart: and a little more than two years since he enabled me to devote myself to his service as a Missionary. My progress of late has become slower than it had been; yet I can truly say, that in the course of this time, every successive year, every successive week, has been happier than the former. From many dangerous snares hath the Lord preserved me: in spite of all my inward rebellion, he hath carried on his work in my heart; and in spite of all my unbelieving fears, he hath given me a hope

full of immortality-'he hath set my foot on a rock, and established my goings, and hath put a new song into my mouth, even praises to my God.' It is the beginning of a critical year to me; yet I feel little apprehension. The same grace and long suffering, the same wisdom and power, that have brought mé so far, will bring me on, though it be through fire and water to a goodly heritage. I see no business before me in life but the work of Christ, neither do I desire any employment to all eternity but his sérvice. I am a sinner saved by grace. Every day's experience convinces me of this truth. My daily sins, and constant corruption, leave me no hope but that which is founded on God's mercy in Christ. His Spirit, I trust, is imparted, and is renewing my nature-as I desire much, though I have attained but little. Now to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, would I solemnly renew my selfdedication to be his servant forever."

Towards the end of January, a sudden summons to leave England in ten days caused some perturbation in Mr. Martyn's spirits. Short, however, as the notice was, he would instantly have complied with it had he been in Priest's orders, which legally he could not be till the 18th February, when he completed his twenty-fourth year.

That solemn and most impressive rite of admis sion to the function and privileges of a Presbyter of the Church of England, was administered to him, who had well "performed the office of a Deacon," at

St. James's Chapel, London, in the month of March: after which, he received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, conferred upon him by mandate from the University, when nothing remained to detain him any longer at Cambridge.

At the thoughts of his departure, he confesses that the flesh betrayed its weakness, but he did not regret having resigned the world; life he knew was but a short journey-a little day, and then, if faithful unto death, his gracious reward would begin. Happily for him, such was the divine goodness and mercy, he was, at this moment, more than ever persuaded of his being truly called of God to preach the Gospel to the Heathen. "I rejoice to say, (he wrote to his youngest sister) that I never had so clear a conviction of my call as at presentas far as respects the inward impression. Never did I see so much the exceeding excellency and glory and sweetness of the work, nor had so much the favorable testimony of my own conscience, nor perceived so plainly the smile of God. I am constrained to say what am I, or what is my father's house, that I should be made willing-what am I that I should be so happy, so honored?" In his Journal likewise, he expresses himself to the same effect: "I felt more persuaded of my call than ever; there was scarcely the shadow of a doubt left'rejoice, O my soul'-thou shalt be the servant of God in this life, and in the next for all the boundless ages of eternity."

A remarkable spirit of supplication likewise was in this hour of need poured out upon him, and the sure word of prophecy predicting the glory of the latter times, was as the dawning of the day and the rising of the day-star in his heart. "I could not," he remarks, "help reflecting on the almost supernatural fervor and deep devotion which came upon me, whilst I declared I had rightfully no other business each day but to do God's work as a servant, constantly regarding his pleasure." "My thoughts were full of what God would do for his own glory, in the conversion of multitudes to himself in the latter day. I did not wish to think about myself in any respect, but found it a precious privilege to stand by a silent admirer of God's doings."

To be removed for ever from many dear friends, and from a congregation who "esteemed him very highly in love for his work's sake," would have greatly afflicted one of far less affection than that which animated the breast of Mr. Martyn. As for him, his sufferings on this occasion were most severe. Those of his flock likewise were no less so: they could willingly have renewed the touching scene once beheld at Miletus, "sorrowing as they did for the words that he spake, that they should see his face no more." One old man, to adduce no other instance of their undissembled regard and poignant regret, could not refrain from coming to him, that he might commend him soleinnly to God in prayer: and when he delivered

his farewell discourse in Trinity Church, on these words, (2 Sam. vii, 27-29,) “For thou, O Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house; therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. And now, O Lord God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue forever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever;" the whole assembly was dissolved in grief— thus testifying by their tears, that their attachment to him was equalled only by their admiration of his character.

On the 3rd of April, the day after he had preached his valedictory sermon, Mr. Martyn quitted for ever the place which had been "the dear abode of his youth"-in which he had obtained no moderate portion of honor and reputation-and in which, had he deemed it right to remain, he might have acquired that ample share of emolument, which talents such as his never fail to secure. At such a moment he would have been glad to have been left to uninterrupted meditation; but many young students happened to accompany him on his journey, and he thought it his duty to enter into religious conversation with them for their benefit."At intervals however," said he, "I meditated and