Our Savior does not leave us to grope our way into heaven alone

“ ‘ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also.’ Our Saviour does not leave us to grope our way into heaven alone. He comes himself to receive those who trust in Him.”

This thought entered the soul of the dying man. He started from his pillow, and, with a countenance irradiated with joy, exclaimed, “ How beautiful! How beautiful! ” Jesus was revealed to him as the “ rod out of the stem of Jesse,” to comfort him in the valley of the shadow of death.

Blessings on the memory of the missionary’s father! Truly his effectual fervent prayers have availed much. What numbers will have reason to bless God for the labors of his eminent son!

Yours very sincerely.

In November, 1863, our national Thanksgiving was cele-brated in Constantinople, according to recent custom. The occasion was always one of great interest, the families of the mission, and the Americans who might happen to be in Con-stantinople, uniting most heartily in its observance, and usually having some social exercises after those of a more strictly religious character. At this time the day was observed in true American style and spirit.

The Army and Navy

Among the sentiments offered was one deriving its significance from the civil war that was then going on at home: “ The Union as it was intended to be, and as it shall be,” which was responded to by Mr. Goddard, American consul. “ The Army and Navy ” called up the Rev. Mr. Pettibone. The Rev. Dr. Hamlin proposed, “ Our missionary boys and the Federal army,” and called upon Rev. Dr. Schauffler, who had a son in the army; and he responded in an eloquent and patriotic address. On the reading of the toast, “ The Constantinople Colony,” Dr. Goodell was called on, and gave the following historical reminiscences: —

“My family removed to this place in June, 1831. We had then three children, and we constituted the whole American colony of Constantinople. In a few weeks our number was increased by the arrival of Constantine A Washington, whose baggage and the most of whose outfit were, a few days before, consumed in that dreadful conflagration which reduced all Pera to ashes. A\re received him as best we could, and he lived with us nine years.