find this reflection a sweet solace in the hour of darkness, that no event, however small, can take place without the permission and direction of the great Jehovah.

April 7. This is a day on which God usually manifests the glories of his character to his dear children. How exactly calculated are all the means and ordinances of the gospel, for the comfort and improvement of the saints. What an act of love

and wisdom was it in God, to select one day from the week, to be appropriated to his worship. Were it not for this glorious day, I should be in danger of losing all sense of eternal things.

April 9. What shall a stupid Christian do? Stupid Chrtstian, did I say! Can a Christian ever feel stupid? It is an inconsistent title. But notwithstanding all my death-like stupidity, I cannot renounce the hope of being a child of the Most High. What shall I do, a dependent, guilty creature, to gain access to the mercy-seat, and derive a supply of grace from the fountain of life? Draw me, thou Saviour of sinners, and I will run after thee. O lead me beside the still-waters, and refresh my soul wiih heavenly food.

April 17. How shall I record the events of this day! How can I tranquillize my disturbed mind enough to engage in the once delightful employment of writing? Returned from Boston in the evening, after spending three days very agreeably with friends C. and N. -M. handed me a letter with an appearance which indicated that something unusual was contained it. I broke the seal, and what were my emotions when I read the name of

my

This was not a long wished-for letter: no; it was a long dreaded one, which I was conscious would involve me in doubt, anxiety, and distress. Nor were the contents such as I might answer at a distant period; they required an immediate answer. And now what shall I say? How shall I decide this important, this interesting question? Shall I consent to leave for ever the Parent of my youth, the friends of my life, the dear scenes of my childhood, and my native country, and go to a land of strangers, "not knowing the things which shall befal me there?" O for direction from Heaven! O for "that wisdom which is profitable to direct !" I will go to God, and with an unprejudiced mind seek his guidance. I will cast this heavy burden on him, humbly trusting that he will sustain me, and direct me in the path of duty.

April 19. The important decision is not yet made. I am still wavering. I long to see and converse with my dear mother. So delicate is my situation, that I dare not unbosom my heart to a single person. What shall I do? Could tears direct me in the path of duty, surely I should be directed.-My heart aches.-I know not what to do!" Guide me, O thou great Jehovah!"

April 21. Have now retired to my chamber, once more to vent in silence, my unavailing sighs, and with an almost bursting heart, implore divine relief and direction.

I shall go home on Tuesday.-Never did I so greatly long to visit the dear native dwelling.

April 22. Perhaps my dear mother will immediately say, Harriet shall never go. Well, if this

F

should be the case, my duty would be plain. cannot act contrary to the advice and express command of a pious mother.

The fact was, that her mother made no objection to her accepting the offer of Mr. Newell, but cheerfully left her to act according to her conviction of duty.

To Miss F. W. of Beverly.

I

Haverhill, April 29, 1811. Ir has not been for want of inclination, or from forgetfulness, that I have thus long neglected writing to my dear friend Miss W.; but every day has brought with it various and new occupations; and though my friends have not been forgotten, yet I confess I have not been so punctual as I ought. I need not assure you, that your letter produced many pleasing sensations. I hope this will find you enjoying the presence of our covenant Saviour, and engaged in the promotion of his glorious cause. Christians are greatly criminal for not living in the constant enjoyment of God. He is ever ready and willing to manifest the glories of his character to their souls; and nothing but their native opposition to holiness, and their love of evil, ever prevents. Are not believers inconsistent creatures? They can speak of a Saviour's love-the happiness resulting from an acquaintance with God, and point out the road to impenitent sinners, which alone will lead to substantial bliss; and yet often wander in forbidden paths, lose all relish for spiritual enjoyments, and rest contented with the low pleasures of sense.

Íf I am a child

often been mine.

of Jesus, this inconsistency has

And yet I long for a greater

sense of my dependence, and more entire conformity to Him who died for me. If any thing here deserves the name of happiness, it does not spring of earth. No; it is of heavenly birth, and comes from the regions of purity. The vast and boundless desires implanted in the human heart, cannot be satisfied with any thing short of God. Nothing in heaven or earth is capable of affording real bliss without him.

I have spent three months this last winter with my sister at C. My religious privileges have been ' more extensive than usual. I have been favoured with frequent opportunities of hearing Dr. G. preach, and have likewise attended many serious meetings. But I still wanted a heart to improve under the cultivation of Jehovah's hand. Neither afflictions nor enjoyments will do us good, unless sanctified by divine grace.

Since my return to H. I have sometimes enjoyed much consolation in committing myself and all my concerns into the hands of God. Some circumstances, which at some future time I may commucate to you, I hope will have a tendency to wean me from this world, and fasten my heart to heaven. I do, my dear friend, find this a "desert world, replete with sin and sorrow." I often long to leave it, and find a sweet release from every woe.

I visited Miss F. at Boston often. H. returned from H. about three weeks since; she observed, she intended writing to your sister N.

I have not read the book mentioned in your last,

but confide in your judgment; think it must be entertaining.

I hope to have the pleasure of a visit from you. this summer; I wish much to see you and your sister; hope you are both enjoying the light of the Sun of righteousness. Persevere, my friend, in the, Christian life, and pray for your friend Harriet.Our pilgrimage will shortly be ended, and all the: trials of life will be over. Oh may we meet in heaven; and join with the angelic host around the throne, in adoring the matchless perfections of Immanuel, through the ages of eternity! I am, my dear Miss W. affectionately your's. HARRIET

To Miss M. S. of Boston.

Haverhill, Sabbath eve, May 1811

WHILE agitated with doubts and conflicts, with the gay world in opposition, it has afforded me much consolation to think I have a friend in M., who can feel my sorrows, and sympathize with me in grief. I have passed through many interesting and solemn scenes since I last saw you. Returning to Haverhill, I found my dear mamma calm and composed. So completely was she filled with a sense of the shortness of time, the uncertainty of life, and the duty of giving up our dearest comforts to the Lord, that she never raised one objection, but wished me to act according as my conscience directed. I felt an unspeakable consolation in committing the disposal of this event to God. thought I could willingly renounce my own opinion,

I.