eternal. This work alone would have satisfied many, and would have been too laborious for most; but it was only part of her exertions for the benefit of others. Her method of communicating instruction was so happy, that she was requested by several of the ladies conducting schools in Calcutta, to devote some time each week to impart religious knowledge to their pupils, and this she most readily did. For the same purpose she visited the Orphan School at Allipore. She established a Bible Class, consisting of about thirty young females, who regularly assembled every Monday evening. She afforded her most cordial assistance in forming the Sunday School assembled at the Free-School Church. She also once a week instructed a class of native boys, under the care of the Christian Mouluvee, in geography. During this time her labours in English and Hindoostanee composition did not cease. Besides her commentary on the book of Genesis, well calculated for the improvement of families and schools, she published, both in English and Hindoostanee composition, England delineated,' and fitted several valuable school-books for more general use in India. She completed the Outline of Ancient History, and translated the whole of it into Hindoostanee. She finished a tract on the Ten Commandments, which had been commenced at Goruckpore; besides several smaller tracts. She translated a small work on Geography, of her own composition; Brewster's valuable treatise on Astronomy, with Maps; and was engaged on a History of England, which she brought down to the reign of William the Second, when she died. The above is a very imperfect sketch of what she did; and few can describe how she did it, or delineate all the excellencies of her character. Her mental powers were very uncommon; she was ready at acquiring, and retaining, and applying knowledge. In translating the work on Astronomy she encountered many mathematical difficulties which were new to her, but till she fully understood them, she did not give up the study, or attempt to continue the translation. As a remarkable instance of this we may mention, that, having to explain the computation of the distance of the earth from the sun, she was not satisfied till she had made herself mistress of the mathematical demonstration of the mode of doing so by the transit of Venus, for the purpose of inserting it in her translation. She was perfectly conversant with the best English and French authors, and possessed a fine taste, But all these literary qualifications, which would be worthy of remark in others, were totally lost sight of in the superior excellencies of her character as a Christian. Jane Taylor remarks, 'What an honour, to have been noted by St. Paul as one of the excellent and worthy women of his day!' Amongst such, how pre-eminent would the deceased have been! Devoted in more than a common degree, to her parents and family; dwelling with enthusiastic delight on their pleasures, and sympathizing with their pains; she could still give up all for Christ. She could relinquish the comforts and elegancies of home, and devote her time, her means, and her talents, to the poor and neglected of the land, and to imparting a knowledge of salvation to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Her affections were as warm, her spirits as joyous, her heart as guileless, as though she had never known the cares and sorrows of this world. Wherever she went she was a bond of union and love; incapable of giving, she was equally slow at taking offence, and would not believe that any one would willingly distress her. Though delicately formed, and exceedingly lame in consequence of an accident which occurred many years ago, her enthusiasm enabled her to endure such fatigue as many robust men would have shrunk from. The evening before her death she passed at the Kidderpore Orphan School, apparently in perfect health, or, at least, as well as any one could be during the extreme heat of the weather. On retiring at night she felt indisposed, but delayed disturbing any one,

or sending for medical aid, till near morning, when the fatal disease was confirmed. Whatever remains that we would have said, has been so beautifully expressed in the last Report of the Free School, that we cannot do better than conclude in it swords: The governors cannot close this Report without adverting to the irreparable loss which the Free School has sustained by the sudden and unexpected death of Miss Bird, one of their Lady Visitors. To her unwearied diligence, active piety, and cheerful disposition, no commendation of theirs can do justice. Regardless of bodily weakness, and a climate quite enough to excuse inactivity, she went about doing good to those whom few care to think after. From house to house she carried consolation; teaching the young and aged of her own sex where, without fear of disappointment, they might find rest for their souls. The unsearchable riches of Christ; the faithful saying, that 'Jesus came into the world to save sinners,' was her delightful theme. On this she loved to dwell, with that happy cheerfulness of heart which imparted a peculiar charm to her character, and won the affection of all who listened to her discourse. On the Free School she conferred benefits which will be remembered with lasting gratitude by many, long after their connection with the institution has ceased. A week never passed in which she was not twice or thrice found seated among the children, patiently conveying instruction, as though she had been a hired servant rather than a gratuitous friend. One so disinterested, so zealous, so indefatigable, so desirous of doing good, is seldom found. Her memory will be dear to a multitude of sorrowing friends, by whom she will be honoured, as one of those excellent women who have patiently laboured in the Gospel, and 'whose names are written in the book of life."

Some apology may be deemed necessary for the warmth of these extracts, and perhaps it may be thought that they assume too much of the tone of panegyric: nor would they be inserted were it not cordially believed that their basis is strict truth. We desire not to hold her up to admiration, but Him whose image she bore, and by whose grace she was what she was. We, however, bring them forward, because they shew, much more forcibly than we could pourtray, the character of her whose loss we so deeply lament, and the unwearied nature of her exertions in His service whom her soul loved. The shortness of her illness, and the entire prostration of her strength from the very beginning of the attack, prevented her from expressing her feelings in the prospect of death, but the following passage, from a letter written sixteen months before, will shew what was the habitual state of her mind. After giving an account of a fall from her horse, when she was taken up in a state of insensibility, she proceeds: "People say, what an escape I have had! but I cannot help thinking how pleasant it had been to have joined the general assembly of the church of the first-born, and to have done for ever with the perplexities and temptations of this evil world, However, as it has pleased God to preserve my life, I know I ought to be thankful, and to receive it anew as His gift, to be used in His service; and I hope I do feel something of what I owe to the love of Him who redeemed me by His cross from the fear of death." Her friends have abundant reason to bless God that no dying testimony was needful for their comfort, and a short sentence from the last letter received by them, dated only ten days before her removal, has been a great comfort to them; her mind appearing to have been mercifully prepared either for life or death. Speaking of one of whom she had just taken leave, on his departure for England, she remarks: "He asked me when I should furlough. I cannot think of it, and would not wish it, as long as I have such health, and such a field of labour, and sometimes, undeserving as I am, refreshings from on high, and ardent longings to be His (Christ's), and (to live) for Him only." Enough, however, passed during the last few hours of her

earthly pilgrimage to shew that her mind was kept in perfect peace. Before the arrival of the medical gentlemen, who were summoned upon the first alarm being given of her illness, and when no idea was entertained of the nature of her disorder, she called to her bed-side the friend with whom she resided, and gave her directions respecting her papers, should her sickness terminate in death. This was the only sentence respecting worldly things which she uttered. Á friend writes: " The first intimation I had of her illness, was received by me about half past six in the morning, in a note from Dr. J., her medical attendant, who begged me to lose no time in coming to her, as there was every prospect of fatal termination. Taking with me the Archdeacon (Mr. Corrie, I went, and found her with Mrs. M. by her side, free from pain, and with a most peaceful smile upon her countenance. She told me she felt better, and thought she should soon recover; and, like Moses, she wished to remain, for the sake of the people. She soon after said it was her birth-day; upon which Mr. C. said, perhaps it may be your everlasting birth-day,. She was not able to speak, except in a whisper; and to the observations made by Mr. C. with reference to her state-such as, 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; He doeth all things well; His time is best; His way is best; His will is best'-she could only smile assent."

About this time she called her female friend to her ; and asked if the doctors had any hope of her; and upon the reply being given "Very little," she made no remark, nor was the slightest agitation apparent She seemed inclined to sleep, and, perfect quiet being enjoined, her friends left her. Immediately after their departure life began to ebb, and before they could obey the summons to return, her happy spirit had left the body, and was present with her Lord. The estimation in which her character and her labours were held in Calcutta was evinced in a most affecting manner at her funeral. Short as was the notice for it was thought necessary to commit her remains to the earth within eight hours of her death-the number of persons of all ranks and classes, that assembled spontaneously, shewed their deep feeling of the loss they had sustained. The friend already alluded to writes :-"I returned to Mr. M.'s, to assist in the performance of the most melancholy duties. I found the house crowded with persons, to whom she had been of service in one way or other, anxious to pay their last tribute of respect, and surrounding the table on whith the coffin was placed. The scene was quite overwhelming. Presently came most of the clergy and her female friends. The chapters were then read, and a most impressive prayer was offered up by Mr. D., which would have melted the hardest heart. We then proceeded to the burial ground, the Archdeacon and myself occupying the first mourning-coach. On our arrival we witnessed a scene such as I never saw at any funeral before, and shall probably never have occasion to see again. Crowds of young women were at the gate, all dressed in white, with black bands, collected on the impulse of the moment from the different schools which she was in the habit of frequenting; and no sooner was the coffin taken from the hearse than they surrounded it, many deep, and escorted it to the grave, leaving Mr. C. and myself at the head of the procession, to follow as we might. Mr. F. performed the service, interrupted occasionally by the expressions of feeling which it was impossible to restrain, and which testified too truly the deep sense which all entertained of the calamity which had befallen them. The bishop from the pulpit of the cathedral, adverted to it in the most touching manner; and at the Hindoostanee Service Mr. C. was so overpowered by the feelings evinced on the part of the congregation, on commencing to advert to the circumstance, that he was unable to proceed. In short there is but one feeling on the subject, among high or low, and this is evinced in every possible way. In the native papers her loss is lamented as a public calamity."

The length of this article would render it improper to add many observations to the preceding pages, and it is quite unnecessary. The character of our dear friend speaks for itself. We see one contented-nay, even choosing-to give up all for Christ; we see her laying out herself, her talents, her time, in his service; and while so engaged suddenly called to enter into the joy of her Lord. And does she now regret the choice she made? Surely, could she now speak to us, she would exhort us to follow her as she followed Christ: she would tell us of the blessedness, of the honour, of being made the means of bringing even one soul to know Him; and would entreat us to remember, "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Cor. vi. 19, 20.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRAYERS,
For every Sunday during a Month.
PRAYER 2.

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, we kneel down before thee, beseeching thee to give us hearts to pray. We know, O Lord, that without thee we can do nothing, but we know, also, that thou hast graciously promised to give thy Holy Spirit to those who sincerely ask for it. Lord,. we humbly and earnestly beseech thee to bestow upon each of us the blessed gift. Teach us by thine own Holy Spirit what to think, what to say, and what to do. Make the hours which we pass together in this place profitable both to those who teach, and those who learn. Almighty God, give unto thy servants (thine hand-maidens) the spirit of knowledge and understanding :-an aptness to teach,—a skilfulness to bring up as far as in them lies, these lambs of thy flock in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Possess the minds of thy servants, O Lord, with a tender regard for every one of them. Enable them to act towards the children of this school with meekness, gentleness, and firmness under the help and guidance of that divine Teacher whose method is patience, forbearance, tenderness and love. And, O Lord, we would present in prayer before thee each one of these thy youthful servants. Make them praying children. Convince them that thou, the great and mighty God, art willing to hear the prayers even of the youngest amongst them. Put into their hearts. all good dispositions. Make them meek and lowly, gentle and submissive, just and true: teach them by thy spirit to hate sin, and cause them to seek thee now in the days of their youth. O Thou, to whom the weak are as dear as the strong, embrace these children with the arms of thy mercy. Bless the efforts of thy servants to train them in thy fear and love. Let every instruction they shall here receive be watered with the dew of thy blessing. O! let us feel within our hearts that whosoever may plant, or water, it is thou alone canst give the increase. Almighty God, forgive us all our sins for the sake of Jesus Christ, who is the only Saviour of guilty creatures, and who ever liveth in heaven to make intercession for them. Bless all our dear friends and relations. Bless our Queen, and our country. Dless our minister, and let the good seed of the word which he preaches take deep root, and bring forth much fruit. O Lord, bless all mankind, and send to all nations that gospel which thou hast graciously sent to us. Hear us, O Lord, in heaven thy dwellingplace, for the sake of Him in whom thou art always well pleased, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate.-Amen.

It deserves to be mentioned. as a proof how entirely she devoted herself to the heathen, that in her Will she left her clothes to the poor, and her books to any college or charitable foundation connected with the Established Church, to which an experienced friend, whom she named, might think they would be the most useful.

Mr. Editor,-So far as it goes, I question not the truth or force of the sentiment-" that Examples have a peculiar power above naked precept, to dispose us to the practice of holiness: because, they most clearly express to us the - nature of our duties in their subjects and sensible effects. General precepts form abstract ideas of virtue, but in examples virtues are made visible in all their circumstances. Precepts instruct us what things are our duty, but Examples assure us that they are possible." And yet, I doubt the soundness of this doctrine-the wisdom and safety of propagating it-without qualification or caveat, at least, to this extent-that neither precept nor example will produce the happy influence and result contemplated, without the gracious unction of that Spirit who "giveth us life, and breath, and all things." I think it hazardous to express so important an idea loosely; to leave it capable of the construction, that a precept emanating even from the bosom of Jehovah must necessarily secure obedience, because it is His word; or that example will operate as a charm to virtue, when it is seen in the life or on the death-bed of one of the Lord's saints-yea, in the perfect pattern of all excellence and innocence, the son of God himself! If it were so, the Church of Christ had been immaculate, for she has enjoyed this twofold privilege from her infancy; yet see, and hear her confess, how defiled and helpless! Besides, such a doctrine would be the very hotbed and nursery of a proud free will and self dependence! It would seduce man into a perilous forgetfulness, that the whole stream, beginning, middle, and end of piety, owes its very existence and perpetuity to the Fountain Head! Ever, therefore, let us remember, that commands and examples are but the planting and watering; and that God giveth the increase. Lights of the world, and cities set on an hill which cannot be hid, are just what the Lord made them; and every holy monument of his mercy, looking to the rock whence he was hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence he was digged, confesses 66 By the grace of God I am what I am."

But, more than enough of scaffolding for the very small edifice I am about to rear: in other words, too long a preface already for the subject that is to follow. I have thought it desirable, however, to introduce it thus-not, I trust you will believe, for the purpose of underrating the preciousness and importance of divine precepts and patterns of the beauty of holiness, but only, to guard against the prevalent and dangerous notion, that, in themselves, they possess and communicate to the morally dead, vitality, and energy, and will; whereas, they are only directions and copies for imitation and obedience by those to whom gracious dispositions and strength are given to imitate and obey.

This being my impression, one inference is plain, viz: that I indulge no vain hope of benefit from the ensuing sketch of a happy death-bed scene, beyond what a prayer-bearing God of mercy may crown and honour it with, (if at all,) to those who shall bestow upon it a serious perusal. And now to the short history of a Pilgrim of the Cross, whose conquest over sin and the grave has been "early won."

Elizabeth Creighton, born on the 3rd of October, 1823, was one of a numerous and happy Christian family, with whom it has been my privilege to be intimately acquainted since that time or somewhat longer. And I mention this, not only because I am glad of an opportunity to record my grateful sense of that pleasure, but in order to trace out to my readers, in that circumstance, the means by which I became possessed of ample materials for this short memoir. Not that I ever noticed anything peculiarly characteristic in the now blessed subject of it during her infancy or early childhood, beyond that sweet passiveness

and meekness of disposition which is so very endearing, and to which our Lord awards the beatitude of an earthly inheritance-the most peaceful enjoyment of this lower world-"the land;" meaning, perhaps, Canaan, the type of heaven! Hence, therefore, and as your space for correspondents and my time for writing are alike limited, and suggest that I should confine myself to the melancholy scene after long illness and her dissolution, rather than comment upon a life, not eventful of course, but one of uniform affection to Parents and all around her, I pass on, at once, to her sixteenth and last year on this side the grave. Just before she entered upon it, she was precisely of the age, and had made a serions preparafor ratifying and confirming the solemn promise and vow of baptism, in her own person, in the holy rite of confirmation. But, alas! a sad crisis in her pilgrimage was approaching. About this time a small blood vessel in the throat or chest was ruptured, and a cough with other symptoms of the complaint which terminated fatally, accompanied or followed this, and she was obliged to forego the privilege and comfort of the religious ceremony alluded to, and which her heart bad anticipated with grave but happy delight. It was well, however, that it "was in her heart;" and she, of course, suffered no diminution of blessing from not partaking in a rite which it was physically impossible for her to attend. Soon after this it was proposed by her Medical Attendants, that she should be conveyed by easy stages into Devonshire, for the purpose of trying the effect of change and a milder atmosphere. The experiment seemed to be advantageous for a time, and she returned apparently recruited, though not to an extent which promised any permanent benefit. Hence, towards midsummer or July of the present year, as it was but too evident that the seeds of mortality were maturing with fearful rapidity, as her Pastor, I paid her more frequent visits, and watched the sad progress of disease, and a growing "meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light," with sorrow indeed, and yet with joyfrom the conviction, that she was destined soon to be "with Christ, where he is, to behold his glory!"

Here, therefore, commences, what I may term, the last stage of her short journey to the Jordan which she has just passed, in the most helpless weakness of body; but in spirit "strong in the Lord and in the power of his might," "fearing no evil; for He was with her; his rod and staff they comforted her." I shall not multiply proofs of this, nor insist long on the grounds of my confidence ; circumstances scarcely admit of it, nor does the subject require it. One lovely day in the early part of September I visited her, and I believe it was a day much to be remembered by us both. She happened to be alone at the moment of my arrival; and (as if by mutual understanding and inclination,) we entered at once and without preface upon the subject of religion, Bible reading and exposition, which was very evidently the element of her earthly happiness. Our portion of Scripture was the 103 Psalm; and having read and commented upon it at length, I made some general remarks upon it's beauty and suitableness to our purpose; when she said, with uncommon earnestness and delight-"Oh yes, I got that Psalm off:" Her whole weak frame too seemed to be invigorated, and her pale countenance brightened up, as if I had touched the musical chord especially sweet to her soul! Of this however, I was totally unconscious, till I found (as will be seen hereafter,) that I had providentially turned to one of her favourite "Songs of Zion." She had turned down, and set a special mark upon the 103 Psalm, in her own Bible. I mention this circumstance, not as in itself extraordinary, but because, connected with the fact of her frequently, on other occasions, mentally, and with her lips, accompanying and preceding me as I read other passages, I felt assured that she was thoroughly

acquainted with the BOOK "GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD!" Though very young, she was yet a BIBLE CHRISTIAN;-unbiased by mere systems, and a stranger to "questions and strifes about words," she had her religious knowledge and comforts pure from the fountain head. This view of divine things through the cloudless medium of Revelation was, I believe, one main secret of her remarkable tranquility and happiness in life and death. For, (as one observed, who was most dear to her upon earth,) the blessed promise was strikingly realized to this child "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." And reader! whosoever thou art, 1 have already said a word to thee upon the importance and influence of EXAMPLE, when armed and prospered by the Spirit of God; look therefore especially at this trait in the character of our departed sister in Christ. I depreciate not the advantage or the pleasures of worldly wisdom, science or even "philosophy falsely so called "-let them have their subordinate place in the pursuits of time or be the handmaids to religion; but to be "wise unto salvation," we must sit with this young disciple at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him, to be calm and fearless before "the last enemy," like her." Take the sword of the spririt, which is the word of God." For, to adopt Cranmer's idea, "As thieves be loth to assault a house, where they know to be good armoury and artillery; so, wheresoever these holy books be occupied, there neither Satan nor his angels dare come. Let there be a "Searching of the Scriptures daily;" a simple and abiding belief in the promises of salvation, through faith in the Lamb slain; "delight in the law of God after the inward man, carried out and exemplified in the life. These are ample grounds for a 66 good hope through grace," that we have an interest in the "Covenant ordered in all things, and sure."

Her share, however, in subjects of conversation, during this and other interviews with my dear young friend was, rather in the nature of gentle assent to my observations, than voluntary confession of her own views, belief, hope, and experience. And although this excited no surprise in my own mind or the minds of others, as she was naturally of a retiring and silent disposition-contemplative rather than communicative, loving even to be much alone, though not alone, for God was with her. And not on this account, therefore, nor because it was possible to doubt the safety and final happiness of one so evidently destined and ripening for glory; but because such a testimony would be precious to survivors, I had full permission to draw forth from her a confession of faith, a description of her feelings and prospects, given in her own terms. A few weeks subsequent to the visit and period just mentioned, I embraced an opportunity for effecting this purpose; not abruptly, but by degrees, and to the following effect:After the usual salutations upon approaching a sick bed, I said to her, "My dear, of course, "All things are possible with God, and if it were his purpose and pleasure, he could even yet raise you up, bless you with health, and prolong your life: but, supposing you were very near the grave, and about to leave us in this world of sorrowwhat, in a few words, would you say to us is the ground of your trust for pardon and salvation?-your support and consolation?" I saw her labouring to answer, and a tear starting from her eye; I saw, far more than I heard expressed; for all she uttered amounted only to this, "I believe in Christ for all I want and hope for." And I then turned the same subject off in another direction, by reading and expounding John iii. 14. 17. Having touched upon the three cardinal points of our religion, the sinners natural depravity, guilt and lost condition; the finished and free redemption of the cross of Christ, ("the Son of Man lifted up,") and the moral influence and happiness produced by experimental acquaintance with all this, she said

emphatically, "That is just my view, my feeling." After a word of prayer, I departed quite well satisfied. But more satisfaction and pleasure were in store for me than this; for a day or two afterwards, I was greeted with intelligence of her extraordinarily happy frame of mind; I received the following letter from her own hand, inclosed in one from her father. He says, "After you left her on Friday, she expressed her regret at not having been able to communicate her feelings to you. She then said, "I will give Mr.- — an answer in writing. The following morning she requested to be left alone, and to be furnished with paper and a pencil. The inclosed is the result, and afford us, as you may easily believe, the most heartfelt satisfaction," &c. This is her letter:

"Dear Sir,-When you called last evening, you wished me to give you an example, in my own words, of my faith, hope, and prospects, if it should please God to remove me from this world. I think very often of them, yet I could not express myself in words to you; but I thought that it would satisfy you as well in writing. I cannot tell for a certainty, whether I shall recover or not; but whichever way God pleases to act towards me-I know He chasteneth those whom He loveth; and he does so to bring me nearer to Him, and I desire and pray for grace to enable me to say, in truth, "Thy will be done ;" and to submit more patiently. Jesus Christ died to save such sinners as I am, and saith, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." I therefore flee to him as my only and sure refuge. He rose from the dead to assure us that we should also rise again after death-those who believe in Him, to everlasting joy and glory. Having this hope, I can look towards death; and if it should please my Father who is in heaven to take me, I could say, "Lord, I am ready, come quickly, Lord Jesus, and take me to the place thou hast prepared for me." Such was the record which I received from that dear child's death-bed; and beneath were noted down the following passages of Scripture, which she had marked in her own Bible, as especially sweet and blessed to her. Psa. 103. John vi. 54-59. and 67-70. John x. 10-15. xii. 44-47. xvi. 1-7. xvii. 1, 2. xvi. 33. xx. 28, 29.

I should but "darken counsel by words without knowledge," if I were to comment upon this. It embraces all the essentials of a sound faith and saving religion, in pointing to the sinner's refuge for time and eternity. And when I add the very material fact, that it was the pure emanation of her own mind, taught only of God, a stranger to the mere book-phraseology and common place terms of what is called "The religious world;" and that it was repeated (in all its original simplicity,) as her creed and hope, ou the borders of the grave, it is, indeed, amply sufficient to "afford heartfelt satisfaction" to a parent, and even to ministers of Christ "watching for souls as they that must give account."

But-passing by other interesting moments and circumstances I feel that I ought not to trespass on your time and pages longer than just by noticing the closing scene of this dear Pilgrim's sojourn upou earth.--Early in the morning of the happy day on which she died, the 5th, of Nov. it was very apparent that her earthly house and tabernacle were dissolving and soon to be put off. A faithful servant of the family for many years, being near her bedside, she beckoned her to approach; and then, as if unable to speak out, and unwilling to betray the keenness of her affection by tears, she took her by the hand and pressed it close between her own, as if in the act of paying the last tribute of gratitude to one who had been very attentive and dear to her. Shortly after this, she was asked by another individual--watching over her in the tenderest concern for her comfort, whether she might wet her lips (pale and almost lifeless,) with a little wine and water? Having assented to this, and when the kind office was performed, she said---more dis