tion, within which, a 'green curtain, reaching from the ceiling to the floor, was closely drawn. By the pulpit a side-door was opened, and three priests entered, with white One flowing robes thrown over their other black dresses. of them was the Father Confessor of the Convent. Simultaneously with their entrance, the curtains were drawn back, and behind the grated partition were seen sixty-four nuns who had taken the black veil, dressed in the costume of their order; having black robes with surplice sleeves, which they made useful by putting their handkerchiefs into them. They had each, a rosary, and a cross of silver, a book in one hand, and lighted taper in the other. A veil of black bombazet, put over the head and hanging down like a mantle on either side, was fastened firmly to a close cap, fillet, or something of the kind, so as to keep its place in their frequent bowings, kneelings, &c. Near a little opening in the grates, appeared one in a veil of white; her face was handsome, though pensive and pale as marble. She seemed about seventeen years of age; was graceful in her movements, which were made without once lifting her eyes from the ground. Her general posture was kneeling, though she many times prostrated herself during the address or sermon, in token of deep humility of spirit. The Lady Abbess was at her side. After the entrance of the priests, a profound silence ensued for twenty or thirty minutes. Then one of them ascended the pulpit and delivered a very fascinating discourse, in a very impressive manner. It seemed to be principally addressed to the young noviciate. The theme was her renunciation of the world and all its vanities. He said she had made a sac‚rifice of all—her earthly affections were given up. She had renounced her earthly father, in her devotion to God. She was approaching the book of life, to inscribe her name indelibly on its pages. No anxious care of a worldly nature was again to enter her heart. No thought for the

morrow to be indulged. Her hands were to be employed in acts of piety, and labors for the poor. The prayer of the" Ave Maria," and the voluntary, yet severe, penance, were to be her silent and solitary companions. None beyond the walls of the convent could be a witness to her virtues, or become interested in her fate. She was to "live for God alone," till she should die calmly in the faith she had professed, when she would receive a crown, adorned with imperishable gems, from the hand of her Creator in the world to come.

When this priest had ended, he retired from view. The Father Confessor then approached the front of the grate to receive her vows. He warned her to consider well ere she made them. Her face was very pale, and her whole ap. pearance sadly interesting. A black páll, like the covering of a coffin, had from the first been thrown over her, to show that she was dead to the world. She uttered the . vows in so low a tone, that those who were only a few feet from her, and leaning against the grates at the time, could perceive nothing but the motion of her lips. Not the-least sound could be heard. As she closed, a basket was brought forward, containing a black veil, an unlighted candle, a rosary, a cross, and a book. The Lady Abbess, assisted by a nun, removed the white veil; (her hair had been shorn some months before,) and the Father Confessor, through the opening in the grates, placed the black veil on her head, and the beads on her neck; while the nuns bound a chaplet of white roses on her brow. The cross they placed at her side, the book in one hand, the lighted candle in the other, and hailed her as the "BRIDE OF GOD!" She then joined in the chanting, which she had not done before, though the Nuns had filled up the intervals with sweet music. The ceremony lasted four hours, from seven to eleven o'clock.

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APPENDIX.

SECTION .I.

Constitution and By-Laws of the Society of Inquiry respecting Missions in the Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass.

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I-OBJECT OF THE SOCIETY.

The object of the Society is, to devise and prosecute measures for the extension of Christianity; and, in subserviency to this, to acquire and disseminate a knowledge of the literature, morals, and religion of different countries, and of the causes that operate on the moral improvement of mankind..

ARTICLE II-MEMBERS.

The Society shall elect its members, active and honorary.

ARTICLE III.-OFFICERS.

1. The Society shall annually elect by ballot a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Auditor, Committee of Correspondence, and Committee on the Library.

2. The President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian shall constitute a Board of Managers.

3. The President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary shall hold the same offices in the Board of Managers, as in the Society.

ARTICLE IV.—PROPERTY.

1. The property of the Society shall consist of a Library and Cabinet; and a Fund which may accrue to the Society from production, bequest, legacy, donation, or grant.

2. All donations to the several 'Standing Committees shall be considered the property of the Society.

3. No article shall be removed from the Cabinet except by a vote of the Society.

4. Every member shall pay to the Society annually, the sum of fifty cents, and such other taxes as may be imposed by vote of the Society.

5. In case of the extinction of the Society, the Library shall be incorporated with the Library of the Institution; excepting the books purchased with money received from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, which shall become the property of that Board,

ARTICLE V.-MEETINGS..

1. The Society shall meet annually, on the third Wednesday in August, for the election of Officers, and the transaction of other necessary business.

2. One third of the active members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VI-BY-LAWS.

By-Laws, not inconsistent with this Constitution, shall