Indian tribes, that he felt inclined to carry to them the message of salvation.  But his venerable father, whom he consulted as to his duty, advised him “to wait on God, and He would conduct him in the right way.”  After some time, his choice was decided in favor of the Burman mission by such indications, that he considered his call to this service distinctly and plainly marked.  He adverted in a very tender manner to some peculiar indications of Providence, especially to the manner in which his parents received the knowledge of his determination.  Their remark was, It has long been our desire to do something for the mission; and 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.”