PREFACE. T the time of Miss Shepherd's death I was spoken to about the propriety of some account of her life being drawn up and published. Many believed that a life so valuable, so rich in Christian excellences, so eminently practical and useful, ought not to be allowed to pass away unnoticed and unimproved, but that it deserved some permanent record. Such a record would not only do good in setting forth the beauties of a Christian character, but also in stimulating others to lives of diligence and activity in the cause of God. I felt the force of such remarks, and was fully convinced that a worthy account of her life would be of great service; but I also felt the great difficulty of the task, and the responsibility of the undertaking. Every encouragement and assistance were promised if the work were undertaken. I pondered the subject over, and collected all the facts and information that I could from different sources; and from such materials as I could command I have arranged and completed the following Memoir. Miss Shepherd died on Monday morning, the |