Providence has determined we shall never meet again in this world, Oh, may we meet in our heavenly Father's kingdom, and never more endure a separation. In haste,

I am, &c. yours. HARRIET."

My dear

1809.

Dec. 1. This evening, a ball is appointed at -. will probably attend. I have resolved to devote some part of the evening in praying particularly for them. Oh, that God would stop them in the midst of their sinful career, and let them no longer spend their precious moments in following the pleasures of this vain world.

Dec. 31. I have now come to the close of another year. 'How various have been the scenes, which I have been called to pass through this year? But what have I done for God? what for the interest of religion? and what for my own soul? I have passed through one of the most solemn scenes of my life-I have taken the sacramental covenant upon me I have solemnly joined myself to the Church of the blessed Jesus.

Oh that I might now, as in the presence of the great Jehovah, and his holy angels, with penitential sorrow, confess my past ingratitude, and in humble reliance on the strength of Jesus, resolve, to devote the ensuing year, and the remaining part of my days to his service.

1810.

Feb. 10. What great reason, have I, for thankfulness to God, that I am still in the land

of the living, and have another opportunity of recording with my pen, his tender mercy and loving kindness? I have been, for almost five weeks, unable to write; and for a week confin ed to my bed. But JESUS has undertaken to be my Physician; he has graciously restored me to health; and when greatly distressed with pain, he has afforded me the sweet consolations of his Spirit, and brought me, willingly, to resign my soul into his arms, and wait the event of his Providence, whether life or death.

Oh that this sickness might be for my eternal good! may it be made the means of weaning me from all terrestrial enjoyments, and of fixing my hope and trust in the merits of Jesus. Then should I have cause to bless God, for his chastening rod, and through eternity, count all these afflictive dispensations, as great mercies.

Feb. 18. How easily can God disconcert the plans formed by short sighted mortals? I had fondly flattered myself, that before this, I should have met with the assembly of the saints, and have sitten under the droppings of the sanctuary; that I should have joined my Christian friends in their social conference, and heard the truths of the gospel explained by our dear pastor. But Jehovah determined otherwise. He has again laid his chastising rud upon me, by afflicting me with sickness and pain. But, "I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him." I have a renewed opportunity of examining my submission to God. And do now, as in his presence, renewedly resolve to devote myself,

a living sacrifice to him. I think I can say, that afflictions are good for me." In times of the greatest distress, I have been brought to cry within myself; "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth to him good." I think I am willing to bear whatever God sees fit to lay upon me. Let my dear heavenly Father inflict the keenest anguish, I will submit; for he is infinitely excellent and can do nothing wrong.

Feb. 25. With the light of this holy morning, I desire to offer to the kind Shepherd of Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps, a morning tribute of thanksgiving and praise. Oh that my whole soul might be drawn out in love to God; and may all my faculties unite with the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem, in praising the immortal King, for what he has done, and still is doing for rebellious man. But I fall infinitely short of the honor due to his glorious name When shall I arrive at the destined port of rest, and with the blood-washed millions praise the Lamb of God for redeeming love? Hasten, blessed Immanuel, that glorious period, when all thy exile children shall arrive at their eternal home. Oh for a tongue to sound aloud the honors of the dear Jesus.

March 2. Have, this afternoon, been solemnly admonished, by seeing the remains of Mr. E carried by the house. And can it be, that I who am now actively engaged in the affairs of this world, shall shortly be conveyed on a bier, to the cold grave? Yes, the righteous Judge has declared to the race of Adam; "dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Soon this sentence will be executed upon me. Prepare, Oh my soul, to meet thy God.

March 6. What unspeakable consolation does it afford the children of God, to reflect, that the great Jehovah is carrying on his work of grace; that earth and hell combined, cannot hinder, what he has designed to accomplish.

March 10. How awfully depraved is the natural heart! Every day I can see more and more of my own apostacy from God. Break, compassionate Immanuel, Oh, break this stony heart of mine, and compel me to live as an obedient child.

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March 13. How engaged am I in the con. cerns of this world! I cannot but ask myself the question, have I any reason to imagine, that I am interested in the covenant of life? If so, why am I thus? Why this awful distance from God? "Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

March 22. Have again been permitted to attend a religious conference. Mr. T. preached from these words; "Do thyself no harm." How astonishing, that I can be so negligent in duty, when there are so many immortal souls around me, that are doing themselves eternal harm! Why do I not feet their awful condition, and solemnly warn them, both by precept and example, "to flee from the wrath to come?",

To Miss F. W. of Beverly.

Haverhill, March 31, 1810.

"FAVORED by Divine Providence with an opportunity of expressing my gratitude to my beloved Miss W. for all the testimonies of friend

ship which she has shewn me, I cordially embrace it. Your last friendly letter was this day received. To assure you how much happiness your letters confer on me would be but what I have already told you. The one I received when on a bed of sickness was a real treasure. My feeble health alone prevented my answering it before. I have lately been led to dwell much on the Doctrine of the Divine Decrees. I should like to have your ideas on the subject. Although God is under no obligations to save one of the apostate race of Adam, and it would not derogate from his justice, were he to send all to eternal torments; yet to display the riches of his grace he determines to save a part. Why should we say, what doest thou? The children of God are, or ought to be, lights in the world. But I fear that I shall be a stumbling-block to others. I have often thought myself one of those, who are "tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine." When I hear arguments on one side I think I am convinced. When on the other I think the same. But I leave this subject for the present. Let me tell you that I fondly indulge the hope of seeing you before long. Mr. H. and myself have thought considerably of a ride to Beverly. Should not our wishes be frustrated, I shall probably see you in four or five weeks; if not, then I shall relinquish the idea, as I shall commence attending school in May. When I see you, I will relate to you my exer cises in my past illness.

Have we not abundant reason to rejoice in the government of God? He is carrying on his