It is an interesting fact in her history, that from early childhood she manifested the deepest interest in the cause of Christian missions. All information in relation to their state and progress she sought with eagerness; her heart was especially drawn out in prayer to God for the conversion of the heathen world. At her own instance she adopted a system of self-denial in relation to certain articles with which she had been indulged, asking the privilege of appropriating to that cause the avails thus saved. And, though well-informed in relation to the privations and hardships of the missionary life, she fondly cherished the hope of herself going as a missionary to the heathen.

In her last illness and death, though her bodily sufferings were intense, her patience in enduring them was signally exemplary, and her submission to the divine will entire. On one occasion, lying apparently in meditation, she, with strong energy of expression and manner, said, "I do submit-I have wholly submitted in this sickness to the will of God." On another occasion she said to one of her physicians, "Doctor, I want you to tell me exactly

what you think of my case: I am willing; I am ready to die at any moment."

On the physician replying that there was no probability of her recovery, that he did not expect it, a smile of unmingled satisfaction played over her features. At another time, in reply to an inquiry on the subject, she said,

"Sweet to lie passive in his hands,
And know no will but his."

And at another; "I am willing to live, and I am willing to die; and I am willing to suffer pain, or any thing that will be for the glory of God." At another time she spontaneously said to her mother; "I should be disappointed if I should not die. But I would have no will of my own. I would have it ordered for the glory of God;" and with an emphasis and energy of manner which marked all that she said on these subjects, she added, "If I live, may I live to his glory; and if I die, may I die to his glory."

She had a very strong "desire to depart and to be with Christ." The only thing which gave her any wish to live, was concern for the bereavement of her mother. Filial affection was one of the most strongly marked traits of

66

her character in life. On returning from the interment of her lamented father, she, then a child of only six years old, repaired to the room of her bereaved mother, and as she entered, fixing her eyes steadily on her, approached her, and with an unfaltering voice, and a dignity of manner almost inconceivable in a child so young, while her own eyes were filled with tears said, Mother, do not weep, I will be a comfort to you." And well did she redeem the pledge thus nobly given. This beautiful and lovely feature of character, under the improving power of sanctifying grace, gained strength in death. At one time being asked by a friend who watched by her bedside, if she was resigned to her sickness, she said: "If I knew I were to die this night I could not shed one tear. Were I to cast a look behind, it would be for my mother." At another time she said to her mother, "How sweethow delightful would it be, if we could go to heaven together. But mother, we must wait God's time. His time is the best. We shall soon meet again;" and asked, "Mother do you feel willing to give me up?" On her mother's replying in the affirmative, she with transport said: "O, I am so happy, for I am so anxious to go to

heaven." Her mother withdrawing from the room in tears, a sudden change passed over her before joyful and heavenly countenance, indicating the deepest distress, and even anguish of soul. A friend observed; “Anna, something seems to oppress your mind; be frank and say what it is." She replied with a deep sigh, "If any thing distresses me," with emphasis repeating, "if any thing distresses me, it is for my mother. I said a moment since that I wished to die: but I would live for my mother." At another time she remarked to her uncle, that during the first week of her illness she had felt great anxiety for her mother. On his replying, "if God sees fit to remove you, he will take care of your mother;" she said with great earnestness: "O, uncle, please tell dearest mother that," repeating, "tell her that."

The day but one before her death, the family were assembled in her room to witness her dissolution, which was then supposed to be near. While suffering intense pain of body, and unable to converse, her countenance assumed a most heavenly expression. She continued to smile unceasingly, for an hour and a half, on her mother, her little brother, and occasionally on other friends, who

surrounded her bed. During this time, one remark only she uttered: "I am happy; just as happy as 1 can be.”

Her dissolution was eminently peaceful and joyous. This appearing at hand, her mother said, "I commit you into the hands of Jesus." She embraced her mother in her arms, and would have so died, but for the interposition of friends, to allow the inspiration of air. In a moment she was at rest. She was nearly twelve years old.

Such were some of the last hours of this child of God. The words so indicated, were her own. But it need hardly be added, that words cannot convey any adequate representation of her voice, manner, and expression of her countenance.