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"I do not wonder that you have been so deeply interested in the character of my beloved Lucie, nor that you feel so earnest a desire to imitate her example. I have many hallowed recollections of my departed one. She diligently improved the means of grace, and rejoiced in the hope of glory. Young, beautiful and admired as she was, conformity to the image of Jesus was the absorbing desire of her soul. Now 'every longing satisfied, with full salvation blest,' she dwells in the eternal presence of Him she loved.

"Let us also look unto Jesus, and He will enable us to endure the trials, and resist the temptations of our earthly pilgrimage, and then at His right hand grant us pleasures for ever more.

"The plan of salvation appears to me more and more simple, and I am very sure we are only truly happy when the eye of faith rests upon our all-sufficient Saviour. The Prophet tells us, 'He shall be called Counsellor.' Need we then fear to make known to Him all our perplexities, and to expect the guidance we require?

"In your situation, dear Miss W., I should think the realization of this truth would be peculiarly consoling. Oh that it may be your privilege to direct your pupil to this gracious Shepherd and Bishop of souls! Thus can you best discharge your responsibilities. In sitting together at the feet of Jesus, you will learn many sweet lessons of redeeming love and sanctifying grace. How my heart yearns over youthful beings touched for the first time with a sense of their spiritual necessities! Their position is indeed a critical one, and I have often watched them with intense anxiety. How prayerfully and diligently should we endeavor to convince them that they must not only desire to become religious, but accept unreservedly the offers of salvation; and when the soul has really fled to Christ, how important it is that an elevated standard of piety should be presented to the view!

"Did you ever read Dr. Bedell's 'Way-marks'? It has been useful to me, and I wish every one would read it; but it is better still to go to God's own Word for counsel. How often have I found my desires still better to love and to understand this Book, greatly increased when I have endeavored to make my own the petitions of the 119th Psalm.

"I think the secret of dear Lucie's growth in grace was the observance of stated seasons of prayer. But a little before she went to Heaven, she told her mother how much she had enjoyed the twilight hour. Several times a day it was her custom to retire for devotion,

and many a hallowed twilight hour have we enjoyed together. Shall I not ask that you and your young friend will remember me at this season, and I will implore the Father of mercies to bless you both?

"May we simply confide in His mercy, and may His commandment be written upon our hearts! This is the earnest desire of "S. A."

To J. H. S.

"GREENWOOD, Dec. 31, 1845.

'I was expecting another letter from you, dear Howard, for I knew you too well to suppose you could suspect me of forgetfulness. I had been wishing to write to you almost every day, for weeks past, but you know I cannot use the pen in the morning or evening, without great inconvenience; and I cannot refuse to see my friends who call, in the afternoon, with the understanding that this is my receiving time. And then, when I can secure leisure for my pen, an impulse of duty urges me to write to some one for whom I cannot otherwise make an effort.

"I have been praying for direction in reference to an undertaking I have sometimes almost purposed a little memoir of my departed one. I could not accomplish this without some different arrangement of time, and I do not feel justified in making such a demand on my physical strength, nor in incurring the risk of intruding upon devotional retirement, unless I can plainly discern that it is my duty to make this effort. Pray that I may be directed. I have been urged by some of my friends, and there are very few books written especially for young ladies. Do not suppose I imagine myself the possessor of much talent, but you know a very simple frame may be the accompaniment of a rich picture. Lucie's example may win many souls to Jesus.

"I have so much to say to you that I must write on just as though I were talking, and you will not wish to criticise. I must first say that I am sincerely gratified that you are so delightfully situated, and that you enjoy spiritual comfort. Oh! do cling closely to the Cross of Jesus, our blessed and only Hope. I wish, too, you would pray most earnestly and perseveringly for my growth in grace. I have few friends whom I expect to pray for me so much as you and Robert. I miss dear Lucie's sympathy, and the communion we enjoyed. My soul would yearn for it, were I not so glad that Heaven is her home, and so certain that I can always go to Jesus, my

best Friend. I am often impressed by the meaning of the injunction, 'Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.' If we have derived profit from any habit of watchfulness, any appointed season of devotion, it seems so important to adhere to it closely, and then to 'press toward the mark.'

"Oh, what a solemn season is this! If the omissions and commissions of the past year only were pressing upon us, and we could not cast the burden at the Saviour's feet, what should we do?

"I do agree with you in the opinion that it is dangerous to dwell too constantly upon past deficiencies. I think we ought to look first to the Cross, then upon ourselves, then to the Cross again,—and thus we shall learn to be grateful, penitent and trusting. I have more leisure for devotion than I enjoyed during the summer; and this is a rich blessing, though I do not improve it as I ought. I think, too, indeed, I know,—that I have more enjoyment in the works of nature. I sit in my rocking-chair, near the window, and enjoy a most delightful view of a portion of the western sky, and the dear little church. Even from my couch I can see the clouds, and I am more glad of this than I know how to tell you. Oh, Howard, I am the Lord's prisoner,' and His presence more than compensates for every privation. Yet I often grieve His Holy Spirit.

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"You ask about my health. Wonderfully improved. I am able to walk to the window, and the Doctor looks upon me with great complacency. This change, however, may not be permanent, nor have I any preference that it should. Lord, what Thou wilt, when Thou wilt, where Thou wilt!' It is not often that I scribble so long a letter. O that grace may be given you to act so that you may be able to say to others, Those things which ye have seen in me, do.' I do not doubt that you will be considered too strict even by some theological students, but to the law and to the testimony.' When we measure our conduct by the law of God, we do not congratulate ourselves upon works of supererogation. Pray that I may avoid all levity. I would rather that the joy of the Lord' should be 'my strength.' Is this a time for unsanctified mirth, or unprofitable pursuits, while the ways of Zion mourn, because so few come to her solemn feasts?' Ought we not to say to those who would persuade us to seck recreation which leads the mind from Heaven, 'Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?'

"And then, too, the more watchful and prayerful we are, the more truly cheerful we shall be. This I say, not as reproof, but as encouragement.

* * * "I had a sweet visit from Mr. Fowles, and was de lighted with him.

"Tell your Louisville friend that I do not forget his request, nor am I at any loss to imagine what blessings I should implore for him, because we are not personally acquainted. We, disciples of Jesus, know that

'Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares.'

"Write whenever you find leisure, for I am always glad to hear from you."

CHAPTER XVII.

1846.

New Year's Day- Dr. Judson's Visit-Letters to a Young Man - To a Mourner-Visit from Bishop Potter-Increased Debility - Close Confinement-Dependence on Spiritual Succor-Rejection of Stimulants Notes made in her Chamber- Peace in Christ-Letter of Persuasion.

"Jan. 1st, 1846.-I am very happy to-day. The promise I would dwell upon, and ask our Father to fulfil, is this sweet assurance: 'I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them.' Those promises which tell us that the Lord will cause, incline and 'work in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure,' I am glad when I read. The Lord preserveth His saints; they are preserved for ever.' I feel, and wish always to feel, that I have no power in myself to help myself. I like an expression I lately read, which speaks of the believer as regarding the Law as his arm, and the Gospel as his trust.' This day has been appointed for united prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit, and when we ask His influence we ask every thing. Oh, that Christians may obey the injunction, 'Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest, until he establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.'

"Feb. 14th.-I do love the aged servants of Christ. Old age is always interesting, and doubly attractive when enriched by Christian experience. Oh, how cheerless when the Sun of Righteousness does not shine upon it!

"I remember with peculiar delight, and with some profit,

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