d if God will accept our son, we make the surrender with
cheerfulness_.[6]

In reading this account, do we not feel emotions of moral sublimity in
contemplating these tender and aged parents, who, "moved with love for a
benevolent God, and for their fellow-creatures, surrender their son
bright with talents and virtues, rich in learning and in the respect of
all who knew him, but feeble and sickly in body, to the missionary
labor--whose certain and speedy end is death?"[7]

Mrs. Boardman with her husband took her final leave of her beloved
native land on the 16th of July, 1825. To her sister, when two weeks out
at sea, she writes: "We think we never enjoyed better health. That
beneficent Parent, who is ever doing us good, has bestowed upon us, in
the officers of the ship, obliging and affectionate friends....
Everything regarding our table, is convenient and agreeable as we could
enjoy on shore. Our family consists of the captain, two mates, two
supercargoes, a physician, Mrs. Fowler, and ourselves. Mr. Blaikie, the
chief supercargo, is not only a gentleman, but is decidedly pious, and
strictly evangelical in his sentiments.... It is a great comfort to each
of us to find one who is ever ready to converse upon those subjects
which relate to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. It is most
grateful to my own feelings, but I am even more rejoiced for the sake of
Mr. B. Religious society has ever been to him a source of much real
gratification. You know very well the love he has ever manifested for
social intercourse. When in America amidst our beloved friends, as I
have seen him enter with all his heart into conversation--have seen joy
beam from his eyes when engaged in this delightful employment--I would
sigh, and say to myself, dear Mr. B. how sad you will be when far
removed from those whose words now so often cheer your heart. What will
you do when this favorite rill of pleasure ceases to flow? But God is
infinitely good, he is far better to us than our fears. He bestows upon
us every blessing essential to our happiness and usefulness. It is not
the _want_ of privileges that I need lament, but the _misimprovement_ of
them."

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, an