Among the people were professed infidels. Others resembled self-righteous Pharisees. While the greater part were "working all iniquity with greediness." Many, however, were sufficiently conscious of good and evil, to express their approbation of earnest and faithful addresses from the pulpit. And when contributions to relieve any extraordinary expences were called for, they would keep back nothing that was needed. But their civility to me, and their generous habits, were far more conspicuous than their christian tempers.

Here I continued to labour from year to year, not without some earnest solicitude. The fallow ground was unbroken, and thorns and briars covered the face of it. As to myself, had I then been alive, only as now, in my regards to the interest of Christ and the good of precious souls, I could not have endured the sight. As it was, I saw with grief the triumph of iniquity. Grief provoked encreased exertion, and was aggravated by disappointment. Principles, implanted, I trust, by the grace of God in early youth, and fostered under the wing of parental care, though afterwards checked and injured by a chilling atmosphere, now began to revive and stir within me. How can I but adore the grace of my dear Redeemer! He saw "the things that remained were ready to die;" and, in great mercy, called back the expiring life.

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Had he determined in wrathful justice to quench the smoking flax, what else could I expect? but, in mercy to my soul, he raised it to a flame. This, my dear Sir, was grace indeed! My astonished mind, with mingled grief and gratitude, exclaims, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is "mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?" The God of Salvation prepared his way before him, by a very secret but commanding influence. His voice was heard while himself was not seen. He was girding his servant, while he scarce "knew "the Lord." It is delightful to trace the operations of his grace in the review. Often my mind anticipates the joy of a revisal, on the other side Jordan, when the rending of this vail of flesh, shall admit a renewed and immediate association with that dear celestial Spirit who, by the inspiration of the Almighty, was made, in this reference, to share my grief and anxiety.

A very few years have revolved, since a serious consideration of the state of things in our religious connection produced a painful concern. The impression was mutual. We both felt an earnest solicitude to see happier times. With this view we often consulted and prayed together. The issue was, the institution of a weekly prayer-meeting at our own house. We hoped to find the minds of many disposed to favor

such a measure.

However we could gather but a

very little flock, the company rarely exceeding twelve. Yet, "God, who heareth prayer,” did not "despise the day of small things." The spirit of grace and supplications was not withholden. In the review of those seasons, 66 my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in "God my Saviour." Saviour." They were "times of re"freshing from the presence of the Lord." "His

ways are all judgment." Full well he knew what a short ripening season remained to my dear, dear partner: and by how swift and sudden a flight she would be wafted beyond these mortal shores. On these occasions he was pleased to grant an abundant blessing. Her soul was "as a watered "garden."

And well he knew the burden of trouble, of conflict, and of service, which the feeblest and most unworthy of his servants would be called to sustain. My mind was alive on these occasions. I was abased, and yet encouraged-clothed with shame, yet enabled to plead, " my Father, thou "art the guide of my youth!" My prayer was for "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ"-for grace to be faithful-and the blessing of God on my poor feeble attempts of service.

God did not shut out my prayer, nor hide his mercy from me. He had "prepared my heart,

and he inclined his ear to hear." Now I was enabled to appear before my charge, with a more earnest desire than ever to be instrumental, in turning them from their evil ways, and leading them to Christ. My addresses were more faithful and importunate: and the happy effects soon became visible. God was pleased to give direction and energy to his own word. The hearts of some of the King's enemies were pierced deep.

Never shall I forget the glad surprise, the transport of joy and gratitude, I felt when two of them, in near relation one, and now my very dear friends, at a desired interview, expressed their earnest solicitude about salvation. This was music to my eager and sorrowful mind. It cherished my feeble hope. My dear companion shared this joy with me: and we sang the praises of God together. With gladness and rejoicing we saw the cloud dropping in a shower of blessings on one dwelling. Yet, we could not foresee that the gathering clouds would so extensively, and so quickly, cover the face of the heavens. Much less could we have a thought of that awful eclipse that would precede this copious grant of mercy. "Oh "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and

"of the power of God! how unsearchable are his

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judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

How shall I mention that night of horror which God was pleased to make the prelude of this won

derful manifestation of himself!--That whirlwind and earthquake and fire which introduced the small still voice of almighty grace! No wonder that the voice which rends the mountains should cause a feeble worm to tremble. I have no words to express the consternation, the amazement I felt, when from the thick darkness the thunder of that word pierced my soul-" Son of man, behold I "take away the desire of thine eyes with a "stroke!!"* My soul was in an agony. It was the tenderest part in which the messenger of God's holy will could be permitted to touch me. I thought I could bear any thing but that. I could rather die than sustain the rending of mine other self from me. So reasoned my froward, unbelieving heart.

Now the vision is passed by; and I review and adore. "I know, oh Lord, that thy judgments

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are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast "afflicted me!" Perhaps nothing but this would have duly solemnized my spirit-commanded and fixed mine attention-and united my heart to fear and serve the Lord. Nothing like this perhaps was calculated to rouse my slumbering charge, and incline their ear to the voice of reason, of conscience, and of God.

* In attempting to pass a brook on horse-back, Mrs. B. was carried down by a flood.