easure of comfort and peace that I
enjoy and giving me the desire to know and love Him more, I wonder
at my own coldness, at the frequency with which I forget Him. How
strong sin still is over me, how prone I am to wander away from
Christ and to forget His love, to allow sin to come between me and
Him, and yet He still follows me with His love, still He brings me
back to Him, the good Shepherd. Oh! if I could live nearer Christ,
if I could realize and rejoice in His love. Now when I think how
near I may be to the eternal world, that at any moment a severe
attack of pain may come on which will carry me off, it is good to
know that my Saviour will be with me; that He is mine and I am His.
It is not easy to look death calmly in the face and know that my
days are numbered, yet can I not participate in the promise that He
Himself will come and take me to be with Him where He is. I would
like to be allowed to live longer and be permitted to bring souls
to Christ, but I feel assured that He will do what is best, and
that He will not call me away as long as He has any work for me to
do here I have a feeling that this will be my last letter to you,
and I now take the opportunity of thanking you for all you have
done for me, for all the care you bestowed on me, the prayers you
have offered for me, and the kind thoughtfulness you still manifest
for my welfare. It would be a comfort to me if I could see and talk
with you once more, but I fear that will never be in this world,
but shall we not meet in our Saviour's presence, purified,
justified and sanctified through His blood? With truest love and
gratitude

I remain yours,

Saada.

CHAPTER VII.

DR. DE FOREST'S WORK IN BEIRUT.

In 1847, Dr. and Mrs. De Forest commenced their work of female
education, receiving two young women into their family. In 13 Mission
schools there were 163 girls and 462 boys. During the year 1847, six
schools were in operation in connection with the Beirut Station. One in
the Mesaitebe with 32 pupils, of whom 10 were girls. This school was
promising and 15 of the pupils could read in the Bible. Another was in
the Ashrafiyeh, with 50 pupils, of whom 12 were girls. Nineteen in this
school could read in the Bible. Another was on the Mission premises with