tively uninteresting, if not unintelligible. It was therefore resolved to prefix to the manuscripts some general account of the author, as

God, to enable even her most intimate friends to see her character displayed in its brightest and most amiable beauties, in her deep and unaffected humility, in her undissembled and uncommon sense of sinfulness and unworthiness, in her remarkable self-denial in respect to worldly interests and enjoyments, in her strong and steadfast faith, trust, and hope, and quiet, sweet resignation under the most painful disappointments, afflictions, and trials, in the fervour of her devotions, in the closet as well as in the family, and the sanctuary, and at the table of the Lord, in the overflowings of her benevolence, and charity toward all around her, according to their respective circumstances, and in the ardor of her affections, especially to her own family and peculiar friends, expressed in her many prayers for them, and her often renewed solemn resolutions to do every thing within her power, by a conscientious, faithful, cheerful performance of every personal, relative, and religious duty for promoting their temporal, spiritual, and eternal interests and ́happiness.

Truly "her walk was close with God," and "her light shone brightly before men.”

The impression made on my mind by the perusal of these Memoirs of Mrs. Ramsay, and Extracts from her Diary, &c. have irresistibly led me to wish and earnestly to desire that they may be permitted to appear in print. To withhold such papers from the public, would be to deprive many, very many, into whose hands they might come, of a most pleasing entertainment, and a rich benefit. To her family and friends, in whose hearts she still lives, the volume would be a most welcome and precious memorial of what she was in herself, and of what she was to them. While to an extensive circle of readers, fond of

far as was necessary, to throw light on their contents. The publication of these private papers was the original design, the publication of the life of their author only secondary and incidental, as an introduction to the effusions of her

books of this description, it would afford the desirable means of becoming acquainted with the excellent and amiable character, With the eminent christian virtues and attainments, of one who adorned every relation which she sustained, and filled with dignity and usefulness, every sphere of life in which she moved.

Thus, "she being dead, would continue to speak" forcibly and persuasively, it is hoped, to the children of the world, in favour of the divine and blessed Saviour, to whom she lived and died; and more especially to the disciples and friends of this Saviour, she would speak with the best effect in the way of instruction, encouragement, and consolation, relative to the various scenes of duty and trial, in which they may be called to be followers of her, and of all like her," who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Under the influence of these, and similar reasons, you will, I trust, yield to the call of duty, and consider yourself as rendering an important service to the public, and a due tribute of praise to the God of all grace by consenting to publish these valuable papers as soon as may be practicable.

In all christian regards, including a tender sympathy toward yourself and your dear children, under every trial, and espe cially under this peculiarly heavy affliction, Mrs. K. cordially Joins with,

Dear, Sir,

Your sincere and affectionate friend,

ISAAC S. KEITH.

heart, which had been put on paper solely for her own private use. God grant that their publication may be the means of exciting in others, and especially the connexions and friends of their author, the same lively sentiments of fervent rational piety with which she was animated.

Charleston, S. C. July 15, 1811.

DAVID RAMSAY.

1

PREFACE.

SECOND EDITION.

THE Editor of the present Edition of these Memoirs, had the honour and happiness of a long acquaintance with the subject of them, and cheerfully gives his testimony, with that of others, to the eminent worth of her character, and to the faithfulness of her biographer. The religion of Mrs. Ramsay was the warm, vital, active, unaffected religion of the Bible. Happy would be the effect, if at this period of languor, when the standard of religious exercises and experience is so low, these Memoirs should contribute, by the blessing of God, in any measure to raise it.

The Editor subjoins the testimony of Rev. Benjamin Palmer, of Beaufort, S. C. con