preparation for our arduous undertaking. But instead of a few weeks or months, I feel that I need years to prepare for the great work before me."

The communication, which follows, was addressed to the children of the Sabbath school in Savannah, through the superintendant, Mr. L. Mason, and furnishes an illustration of his interest in the religious instruction of children, and his facility in adapting remarks to their capacities. It is dated October 15,

1819.

"Dear youth and children.-Last year I had opportunity to speak to you once or twice about the great things of religion; and it gave me much pleasure to see you so attentive to what I said. Since that time I have often thought of you, hoping that you are all diligent in pursuing your studies; and that you make such improvement as pleases your teachers, and gives them reason to expect you will be wise and good. It would indeed be a melancholy thing, if any of you, after having received so much good instruction, should forget it, and join with the wicked in their sinful ways. It would be a most sad thing, if any one of you should ever be profane, or intemperate, or contentious, or disrespectful to your parents and teachers, or playful on the Sabbath. But how happy will it be, if every one of you should learn well, conduct well, exhibit a sweet temper, keep the Sabbath, and avoid the ways of the wicked. Especially how happy would it be, if you should become truly religious. For you must remember, dear children, that you are sinners, that all your hearts by nature are very wicked, that it is necessary for you to have new hearts, that is, to repent of sin, to be sorry that you have sinned, to pray to Christ, that he would forgive you, and make you good.

There is a young lad, who belonged to the Sabbath school in who became pious a short time since, and now some good people are assisting him

to get an education that he may be a preacher of the Gospel. I hope, my dear little friends, that you will become Christians. All holy children love to pray, to read the Bible, to learn good things; they love to think about God, and about Christ who died for them. If this should be the case with you, then you need not be afraid to die; for to die would only be to go where God is; to dwell with him in heaven, and with all good people forever and ever. You must all die.-Perhaps some among you have died, since I saw you last year: if not you will all, one after another die; your bodies will turn to dust, and your souls will be in heaven, or hell. When I think of this, I feel concerned for you, and earnestly pray for you, that the Saviour, who once took little children in his arms, and blessed them, may bless you, and turn all your hearts from sin, and prepare you for heaven. Dear children, farewell."

Sometime previously to the last mentioned date, Mr. Parsons had joined Mr. Fisk, and they now held themselves in readiness to depart on a short notice; though they then did not expect to sail so soon as they finally did. About this time it was ascertained, that an opportunity to sail to Smyrna was in prospect, and they were notified to be ready soon to embark.

Mr. Fisk, went immediately to Shelburne to make a final visit to his aged father and other friends. His time was short, but profitably spent, while at home. He wished to meet, once more, his acquaintance, and former companions in his native place, and a meeting was accordingly appointed on the last Tuesday of October. He delivered an affectionate and solemn farewell address, and took leave of the people, expecting to see their faces no more. The scene was one of overwhelming interest, and will long be remembered by those present. The following morning he left the paternal roof, the scenes of his youthful days, and a venerable widowed

father, bending under the infirmities of years, and, being accompanied by his brother, he proceeded to Boston.

Sabbath evening, October 31, he preached to a numerous and deeply interested congregation in the Old South Church, from Acts xx, 22. "And now, behold, I go up bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal me there." In concluding this sermon, Mr. Fisk observes; "Whether we shall be buried in a watery tomb; whether disease shall bring us to an early grave; whether the suspicion of government or the bigotry of false religion, shall shut the door against us; or whether a great and effectual door shall be opened before us, and the word of the Lord have free course and be glorified, as it is with you; whether we shall spend a long life in labors, and die having only sown the seed from which others may reap the harvest, or whether we shall see the truths prevail and die surrounded by converts from error, who may soothe the bed of death and weep over our tomb; these are points to be decided not by human sagacity, but by Him, whose Providence calls us, whom we would cheerfully obey, and in whom we would trust the future. The time has arrived, when we are called by the Providence of God, if its language is not altogether misunderstood, to leave the scenes of our childhood, and the country that is blessed, beyond any other country under heaven, with civil and religious privileges; not to find other privileges and friends like them in another land; but to meet the uncertainties and difficulties, attendant on a Christian mission among Turks and Jews. If any circumstances can affect the mind in health, as it is affected by a near prospect of death, it is perhaps thus affected with the prospect of leaving for life all who have ever been known, and all that has ever been seen. This prospect brings eternity near. It excites solicitude respecting that meeting, which

shall be an eternal meeting, or a prelude to eternal separation."

At this meeting the instructions of the Prudential Committee, prepared by the lamented Dr. Worcester, were delivered to him and Mr. Parsons. These instructions were drawn up with reference to the peculiar nature of the mission to be undertaken, and may be considered as a splendid, and masterly effort of the human mind, beaming with eloquence, and breathing the spirit of enlightened, apostolic piety. A passage or two, to which Mr. Fisk had constant reference in forming his plans, and directing his labors, it may not be unsuitable here to introduce.

"From the heights of the Holy Land,-from Calvary, from Olivet, and from Zion,-you will take an extended view of the wide spread desolations, and variegated scenes, presenting themselves on every side to Christian sensibility; and will survey with earnest attention the various tribes and classes of fellow beings, who dwell in that land, and in the surrounding countries. The two grand inquiries ever present to your minds will be, WHAT GOOD CAN BE DONE? and BY WHAT MEANS? What can be done for Jews? What for the Pagans? What for the Mahommedans? What for the Christians? What for the people in Palestine? What for those in Egypt,—in Syria,-in Persia,-in Armenia,-in other countries to which your inquiries may be extended?"

On the Monday following, Mr. Fisk expected to sail, but for some reason the vessel was detained a day or two, and he was favored with the precious privilege of meeting with a large assembly of Christian friends once more, and for the last time, at the Monthly concert. And as the collections, taken at this meeting for the preceding year, had been appropriated expressly for the Palestine mission, it was highly gratifying to the friends of Zion to unite with

the first missionaries in prayer and exhortation, just before their departure.

On Wednesday morning, November 3, 1819, Mr. Fisk and his colleague embarked on board the ship Sally Ann, Capt. Edes, and bade their last adieu to the shores, the scenes, and the privileges of their native country. During a number of weeks he suffered much from sea sickness; of course little was attempted by way of study. As soon as his health was restored, he resumed his studies which he industriously prosecuted on the voyage. According to the arrangement of Captain Edes, and at his request, religious services were attended regularly on board. Particular attention was devoted to the spiritual welfare of the seaman belonging to the vessel, and, as was hoped, not without good effect.

Some of the correspondence of Mr. Fisk, while on his passage, will show the general state of his mind at this time. As each letter was written under different dates, the extracts will be arranged in the order of time.

TO MISS M. D. B. OF W.

"Ship, Sally Ann, Dec. 1, 1819. "Providence ordered things favorably. We were indeed called to sail a little sooner than we wished; but it was well. It would have given us a melancholy pleasure to have seen a few of our friends again, but no doubt, it was best we should be deprived of this pleasure. The suddenness of our departure made it seem almost like a dream.

But

it is reality. The long expected moment is passed. The object of so many hopes, and fears, and prayers, is accomplished. America, and American friends, farewell. The most precious blessings descend richly upon you."

TO MISS M. A. OF A.

“Dec. 2. You are happy to-day, with parents and sisters, enjoying the bounties of Providence,