CHAPTER IV.

Letters, &c. written in America.

THE deep interest which the subject of this Memoir took in the spiritual interests of her acquaintance may be learned by the following extracts from her letters. She appeared intent on doing good to every one over whom she could exert any influence, and cheerfully seized every opportunity presented for this purpose. The correspondence with Miss G. commenced before that lady was a hopeful subject of grace. She subsequently experienced religion, and now occupies an interesting station in the church.

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Sept. 27th. 1823.

Respected and beloved Friend.-The last social interview I enjoyed with you at H. excited in my mind a desire that our acquaintance which, though short, to me has been pleasant, might be continued; and a belief that a cultivation of it by written correspondence, would be not only pleasant, but improving.

"I cannot for a moment doubt the sincerity of your expressions, uttered appa

rently in the frankness and simplicity of truth, informing me that religion appeared to you to be that all-important subject, demanding our earliest attention and most diligent search. With pleasure then I will fix on this which, among various others presenting themselves for our consideration, is of paramount interest on account of its own intrinsic value, and of the awful and sublime realities it presents to view.

"Oh how lost to the most serene joys and delightful anticipations, are those who treat this subject with neglect. And how grateful ought we to be, if divine grace has inclined us to attend to it now in the days of our youth. This alone can make us to differ; for the natural bias of our inclinations is to "evil only and that continually." Yes, it is through riches of sovereign grace, that any ever have, or ever will enter the New Jerusalem; for all by nature choose the broad road of sin and death. Scripture plainly declares this truth, and surely it is abundantly confirmed by the experience of all who are enlightened by the Spirit of God.

"That friendship which is founded on the basis of christian affection is of all others the most pure, exalted, and endearing. May I not hope, that this divine principle

shall cement our hearts in its bonds, that it shall flourish in this unfriendly clime, nourished under the effulgent beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and finally be perfected in the regions of consummate bliss ;

"Where Jesus sheds the mildest beams

Of his o'erflowing grace."

"In the first place, let us be sure that we enter by the "door" into the fold of the good Shepherd. Christ informs us of some who climb up some other way, whom he calls "thieves and robbers." Have we then experienced that change of heart without which his gospel declares, none shall enter the kingdom of heaven? Have we that godly sorrow for sin that worketh repentance unto salvation? Do we hate sin because it is offensive to a just and holy God? Are we willing to renounce it, deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow Christ? Do we love the character of the Saviour, and do we cheerfully and heartily submit ourselves to his disposal, trusting in his atoning sacrifice and perfect righteousness as our only hope of pardon and salvation. I long to hear, my friend, that you are rejoicing in hope. You appeared, when I conversed with you, to have a just view of the evil nature of sin, and of the

necessity of a thorough renovation of heart. Perhaps, ere this, you have satisfactory evidence of an interest in that precious Saviour who shed his own blood for the redemption of the guilty, to whom mercy on no other terms could be granted. He is now exalted to give redemption and remission of sins, and none, however vile, who come to him, shall be cast out. He invites, yea, commands us to come to him, and dreadfully aggravated must be our doom if we refuse. On the other hand, blessings unnumbered, 'unspeakable, divine,' await us if we obey.

"I have been informed of your return to H. for the purpose of pursuing your favorite employment. May you have the satisfaction of seeing your pupils delight in the paths of literature, and may the instructions you are enabled to give them, guide their tender minds to virtue and religion. I have often reflected on the situation of instructors of children and youth as involving peculiar responsibility. Immortal souls are committed to their care, and characters are to be formed by them for eternity. To God they are amenable for their manner of instructing both by precept and example. Blessed indeed will they be, who shall receive the plaudit, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

"Sabbath Morning.-With pleasure may we hail the return of this sacred, delightful Sabbath, and though distant from each other, may our devotions and praises arise in unison with all the saints, as incense before the throne, acceptable through the mediation of our great High Priest and Intercessor. How unspeakable the condescension which permits worms of the dust to hold communion with the great Supreme, the everlasting God! But shortly these services must be exchanged for the songs of the redeemed, or the wailings of eternal despair. How important that we live in constant readiness for death. What do we lose, if we come short of Heaven! What shall it profit, should we gain the whole world, and lose our own souls! What satisfaction can a recollection of the honors and pleasures of the world afford in the dreary mansions of woe? Oh! they would but augment the gnawings of the worm that never dies.' But how joyful in the regions of bliss must be the recollection of opportunities for usefulness faithfully improved. Let such considerations animate us to diligence in securing our own salvation, and in striving to promote the spiritual interests of those around us.

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Yours in the bonds of affection.
M. W."

Miss G.