become an exile in a foreign land. I must relinquish for ever the friends of my bosom, whose society has rendered pleasant the morning of life, and select for my companions the uncivilized heathen of Hindostan. I shall shortly enter upon a life of privations and hardships. All the sad variety of grief," will probably be mine to share, Perhaps no cordial sympathising friend will stand near my dying bed, to administer consolation to my departing spirit, to wipe the falling tear-the cold sweat away, to close my eyes, or to shed a tear upon my worthless ashes. But shall the contemplation of these adverse scenes, tempt me to leave the path selected by my Heavenly, Father? Oh no, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me." This consideration, exhilarates my sinking soul, and diffuses an ardor within, which I would not relinquish for all the splendors of this world. You, my dear Miss F. will not forget to intercede with Jesus, in my behalf. You will pray for the wretched heathen of India; this will lead your thoughts to those who have devoted their lives to the work of spreading the gospel among them. You will feel interested in their exertions; and as often as the sun rises in the east, you will invoke for them the blessing and protection of the universal Parent. When shall I be favored with another interview with you? Will you not visit me this winter? I, need not assure you that it would be a source of the highest gratification. Preparations for a long voyage, together with visiting friends, has prevented my answering your let ter before. Do write me again soon-recollect that I have a special claim on your indulgence, Affectionately yours, HARRIET." Extract of a Letter to her sister E. at Charlestown. My dear E. I HAVE lately been led to reflect on the prob. able scenes of my future life, with satisfaction. The idea, that God can make use of the weakest instruments to promote his glory, has afforded me much consolation. I know the foundation is sure, and the cause a blessed one. Be the difficulties ever so many, the undertaking ever so hazardous; yet if I should be made the humble instrument of turning one poor heathen from the worship of dumb idols, to the service of the living God, how glorious the reward! Who would not be willing to sacrifice those enjoyments, which a parent's house affords, leave forever their beloved country, and spend the remnant of their life in the delightful employment of teaching listening, attentive, benighted heathen, the way to Christ-the road to glory? Elizabeth, my heart exults at the thought. Yes, I will go; relying on all sufficient grace, to bear me conqueror through. The presence of Jehovah will make a mud wall cottage desirable; the love of Jesus and a desire for the salvation of the deluded inhabitants of the castern world, shall lead me to cut those tender ties, which so closely unite me to American shores, and say in the language of submission, "Here am I Lord, send me where thou wilt." When my mind is engaged in contemplating the object of this mission, all seeming difficulties often vanish; the view delights my heart, and it is with reluctance I dismiss the subject. A consciousness of my want of prop. er qualifications for this arduous undertaking, leads me to that fountain, where every want is abundantly supplied. HARRIET." Letter to Miss P. now Mrs. Nott. Haverhill, Jan. 11, 1812. "THE commencement of a correspondence with my dear Miss P- is attended with many pleasant sensations. When one whom I love, though an entire stranger, addresses me by the endearing appellation of "sister or friend," I lose every embarrassment, and feel the same perfect freedom as when conversing personally with those companions, with whom I have spent the playful hours of youth. Your affectionate letter met with a cordial reception. The perusal of it increased the wish which I have long indulged, of being favored with an interview with you. The anticipated separation from a beloved mother, affectionate brothers and sisters, and other valued friend's, strongly attaches my heart to those "dear sejected few" who will be my only associates,* through the little remnant of my life. When eagerly listening to the maternal advice of the best of parents, or when attending to the accents of love which flow from the lips of brothers and sisters dear, I often say to myself, will iny Father in heaven condescend to grant me friends similar to these, in my dear Miss P, and my ever dear N-?-Oh yes, my heart replies, they will instruct, advise, reprove, and love me too. When the accumulated difficulties of a missionary life depress my laboring bosom, they will direct my thoughts to that Savior, who has kindly engaged to be the friend of the friendless, the support of his believing children. Their prayers, their sympathy and love, will sweetly calm each rising fear, and tranquillize my distressed soul. Nothing but an ardent wish of more extensive usefulness, first led my thoughts to the heathen world. Favored by heaven with every temporal blessing heart could wish, a foreign country could have no charm for me. Although I frequently contemplate with pleasure a life so peculiarly devoted to the service of GOD; yet the consciousness of wanting many impor tant qualifications which I know I do not pos sess, often creates a depression of spirits, and a doubt with respect to duty. My youth, a slight education, so little vigor and strength of mind, so little picty, these are obstacles, great indeed. I think it does rejoice my heart that you my dear Miss P-— and N are so eminently qualified for the work of the mission. May you be made the favored instruments, of leading many wretched female Indians, to the Lamb of God, who bled on Calvary. On the "great day of dread decision," may the millions who have heard from your lips the way to heaven, rise up and call you blessed. The idea that an independent, sov ereign God, often uses the weakest instru ments to promote his glory, and carry on his plans, frequently affords me encouragement. If he has any work for me to do in heathen lands he will remove every obstacle, qualify me for the important undertaking, and support me under every trial. Sabbath eve.. I have this day been to the house consecrated to the worship of the Most High God. I have sat under the droppings of the sanctuary with great delight. The inviting sound of the glorious Gospel, which bringeth life and salvation, has conveyed to my inmost soul, a sublime ardor, and heart-felt satisfaction, almost unknown before. O, my sister, how valuable, how exceedingly precious, is the religion of Jesus? How uniike that of Mahomet, how different from any which the carnal heart can invent! How well is it adapted to secure the eternal interest and happiness of all created intelligences; "how just to God, how safe for man.' 99 While contemplating with rapture the superior excellency of the Chris. ian religion, does not your heart burn within you at the anticipated prospect of its universal promulgation throughout the world? The prese sent state of the Heathen is deplorable beyond description. No star in the cast directs them to the Babe of Bethlehem. No Sun of righteousness has arisen amongst them, to irradiate their benighted, dreary path. They spend their days in wretchedness, strangers to the consolations of the Gospel, without a friend |