spirit blend;' then I know you could remove these difficulties; or if I could enjoy an hour's conversation with you, how delightful it would be!" Between the writing of these last-named letters, Mary penned an interesting note to her papa. You are aware that I some time since expressed a wish to become a member of the visible church of Christ. I have hitherto been prevented from speaking to you on a subject which has so much engaged my thoughts, from the disinclination I have always felt to engage in religious conversation; but this diffidence must be overcome, and I can no longer refrain from telling you, that it is my earnest desire to come forward, and humbly devote myself to the service of God. This feeling was excited in me many months since, and timidity alone kept me from communicating it to any one; but the more I reflect, the more I see the importance of coming early to Christ; and, consequently, am the more desirous of openly surrendering myself to him without delay.—I have written these few words merely to relieve my mind of a burden that has for some time oppressed it, and leaving it to your consideration, I remain, dear papa, Your affectionate Daughter, After this, accompanied by her sister F, she paid a visit to the metropolis, and still continued to feel deeply on the above-named subject. Amid the gay and bustling scenes of the crowded city, her heart was often far away; and to one who saw her there, she confessed that she was suffering from a painful struggle within. On her return home, Mary undertook the tuition of the younger branches of the family; an office, into the responsibility of which she fully entered. She writes, "Jan. 26th, 1835. To-day I enter on an employment which I have long anticipated. I become the instructress of three beloved little sisters, and a dear little brother. 6 Delightful task! to rear the tender thought!' and not a less important one. I shrink from the responsibility attached to such a situation, and feel a little apprehension lest I should not discharge its duties with fidelity and alacrity; but I know that I must not confide in my own strength; I must look upward for Divine guidance and assistance, and feel assured that I shall find them there. Let me secure the affections of my young pupils, and the infusion of knowledge into their infant minds will be rendered comparatively easy." As a teacher, her exertions for the improvement of her juvenile charge were indefatigable. Distrusting her own judgment, she was always anxious to be advised on the best means of imparting instruction; and, possessed of a peculiar facility in this respect, it may well be imagined that she made study a delight. The time was now approaching when she was happily enabled to devote herself publicly to the Lord, by obeying his dying command. After much prayer and self-examination, she determined to hesitate no longer. Mr. Lincolne writes in a paragraph added to her note to him already quoted: "July 5th, 1835. This day we had the happiness of uniting with our dear Mary and Fanny in commemorating the Saviour's dying love. May we be spared to see all our dear children led to unite themselves with the people of God. Oh the delight of seeing so large a family 'one in Christ Jesus!' it indeed be. Amen and Amen." So may Surely, if there can be an additional tint of loveliness thrown over the prospect of a large and united family, it is the warm colouring flung by the hand of faith, contemplating the period when that shall be "a whole family in heaven;" and if on earth there can be a fit emblem of the ever-blessed assembly, who encircle the throne of their Father beyond the skies, it is such a family knit together in the bonds of Jesus' love. Oh that in the present instance that prospect may be brightly realized! The state of Mary's mind at this period, may be gathered from a letter addressed to her brother. "I thank you, my dear W―, for your kind congratulations on the step which through grace I have been enabled to take, and I hope I have not done so without a deep sense of the important position I have now to maintain. When I reflect on my past experience, I cannot sufficiently adore the loving-kindness of God, who has at last permitted me to enjoy a privilege of which I have so long and earnestly desired to partake; but have been too much deterred by the dread I felt of making a public avowal of my principles. This criminal timidity has at last, after severe conflict, been overcome; and I have dedicated myself in a solemn covenant to Him to whose service I trust I am willing sincerely and entirely to devote myself. I cannot describe to you the feelings with which I sat down last Sunday for the first time, to commemorate the love of the dying Jesus, but I think the prevailing feature of my mind was gratitude; gratitude that I, who had so long remained without, wavering between God and the world, should at length be allowed to approach the sacred table, and become a guest at so holy a banquet. Had I known the full extent of the enjoyment from which I debarred myself, while in a state of indecision, I think I could not so I can long have hesitated. O my dear W tell you from happy experience, that this ordinance is eminently calculated to excite in us holy affections, to inflame our love, and animate our zeal; and I would entreat you to try its efficacy, by participating yourself in its privileges. You know not what delights you are foregoing. O do not any longer linger. I know there is a struggle in your mind; quickly decide, and decide for God. It is a step which you will never regret having taken; one that will produce peace and joy in your own bosom, and may I not add, joy also in heaven. Besides, it would so sweetly cement our affections, it would draw still more closely the cord of love which is already entwined around our hearts, and would render the tender relationship that exists between us of brother and sister, a yet more endearing one. But I may use your own words, and say, that nobler motives than these should influence you.' Why should we live in the neglect of a duty that is so expressly enjoined, Do this in remembrance of me?' And to whom are these words addressed, but to the disciples Are you not then anxious to become his you are. of Christ? disciple? I am sure that Do not fear then to enlist yourself under his banner: proclaim yourself a champion of his holy cause, and be not ashamed to 'profess a good profession,' though before many witnesses. But while the affection I cherish for you as a brother induces me to be thus urgent, I must not forget the deference due to you as an elder brother, and will not therefore press the point further. If I have exercised greater freedom than becomes me as a junior, I can offer this alone as an apology, that LOVE has prompted all I have said." * * * From this time, the state of dear Mary's mind was peaceful and happy. The internal conflict which had so long distressed her ceased; she felt that her soul was in the hands of her Redeemer, and she rejoiced in his love. There is a pleasure in the path of obedience, and a |