all probability they would never come home again. The two young brides had no il- lusions about their futures. They had settled that long before standing with their bridegrooms to take their wed- ding vows. In a letter to Ann's father, Adoniram had written, “I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world.” 1 Standing on the deck of the ship, Ann said, “Goodbye parents, goodbye Bradford, goodbye home of my child- hood. I shall never forget you.” Harriet had written in her dairy in 1811, “Willingly would I sacrifice the dearest earthly friend to engage in this blessed service....Providence now gives me an opportunity to go myself to the heathen. Shall I refuse the of- fer? Shall I love the glittering toys of this dying world so well that I cannot 1 2 relinquish them for God? Forbid it heaven! Yes, I will go.” 2 Harriett and Ann were close friends. They had both gone to Brad- ford Academy and were students of Abraham Burham who had a great burden for his students and encour- aged them to accept Christ and to serve Him in their daily lives. Ann was converted when she was sixteen and Harriett when she was thirteen. The two young women became dedicated servants of the Lord. Their writings show a depth of consecration that few Christians ever seem to reach. lthough they lived so long ago, I am beginning to feel as though I know Harriet and Ann. I had been to Haverhill where Harriett grew up and to Bradford where Ann had lived. I had stood at the mantle where Ann and Adoniram were married. I had been to Bradford Academy where A the two young women had attended school. I had seen Andover Seminary where Adoniram and Samuel had trained to be ministers. I had stood at the monument in the woods behind the seminary that marks the spot where Samuel, Adoniram, Samuel Nott, Gordon Hall and Luther Rice had prayed for the world and where they had committed their lives to taking the Gospel to those in other lands who did not know Christ, but Salem Harbor seems to be the most sacred spot of all. It is here that their dedication, surren- der, commitment and sacrifice became a visible expression for all to see. As the ship slowly glided through the icy waters of Salem Harbor, the tears froze on the cheeks of the two beautiful young brides as they lifted their hands for a last farewell to those on the pier. Their future was sealed. There was no turning back. Courtey Anderson, To the Golden Shore, (Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1956), 83. Jennifer Adams, Delighting in Her Heavenly Bridegroom, (Lexington, KY: Corner Pillar Press, 2011), 135.BIMI WORLD, 1980-181. NATIONS • 11