'Tis greatly wise, to talk with our past hours,

And ask them what report they've borne to heaven,

And how they might have borne more welcome news.'

Will the recollection of the moments that are now speeding their flight, afford satisfaction at the last? Oh, that we might improve our time and talents to the glory of God, that the review of them may be pleasing.

You ask me to write to you, and to write something that will awaken you from stupidity: I would, my dear C. but I am still in the same careless state.

My father still remains in a critical situation.-Permit me to request an interest in your prayers for him; but be assured, there is none they will be more serviceable to, than your dear friend,

to me.

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To Miss F. W. of Beverly,

HARRIET.

AFTER THE DEATH OF HER FATHER.

Haverhill, May 24, 1808.

In the late trying and afflictive scenes of God's providence, which I have been called to pass through, I have flattered myself, that the tenderest sympathy has been awakened in the heart of my beloved F. Oh my companion! this is a scene peculiarly trying How much do my circumstances require every divine consolation and direction, to make this death a salutary warning to me. The guardian of my tender years, he who, under God, has been made an instrument in giving me existence-my father, my nearest earthly friend, where is he? The cold clods of the valley cover him, and the worms

feed upon his cold and lifeless body. Can it be that I am left fatherless? Heart rending reflection! Oh my dear, dear Miss W. may you never be left to mourn the loss which I now experience! Oh, that your parents may be spared to you, and you ever honour them, and be a blessing to them, even in their declining years.

Glance a thought on nine fatherless children, and a widowed and afflicted mother. But if we are fatherless, O may we never be friendless! May He who has promised to be a father of the fatherless, and the widow's God, enable us to rely upon him, and receive grace to help in this time of need; and although the present affliction is not joyous, but grievous, O! that it may be instrumental in work. ing out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Do come and see me-I long once more to embrace my friend, and to tell her what I owe her for all her favours. Adieu, my beloved Miss W.; receive this as a token of renewed affection from your HARRIET. Respects to your parents, and love to sister N.

FROM Some passages in the foregoing papers, and also from what follows, it appears, that during the year 1808, she was in a state of religious declension and darkness. According to the statement of one who was competent to testify-'She appeared gradually to lose her fondness for retirement, and her delight in the scriptures, and associated more freely with her former gay companions. But nothing was

manifested, which afforded any just ground for suspecting her sincerity.' What views she entertained of that state of declension, and by what means she was recovered to duty and comfort, will appear from some of the following letters, and from her diary.

To Miss C. P. of Newburyport.

MY DEAR C.

Haverhill, Feb. 27, 1809.

WHAT have you been reading this winter? I presume you have had sufficient time to improve your mind in the study of history, &c. For my part, I know not what to say. A constant round of worldly engagements and occupations have, I fear, engrossed far too much of my time.

I have of late been quite interested in reading Miss Helen Maria Williams' Letters on the French Revolution, and am now reading Rollin's Ancient History. In the morning of life, when no perplexing cares interrupt or vex our minds, we should spend every moment of our time in improving our minds by reading, or attending to conversation that is beneficial. Our time is short! Perhaps we may be cut off in the morning of our days. Oh that we might improve each moment of our lives, And make each day a critic on the last.'

Adieu. I am, &c.

HARRIET.

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1309.

July 1. GOD has been pleased in his infinite mercy again to call up my attention to eternal realities. After spending more than a year in the

vanities of the world-thoughtless and unconcerned respecting my eternal welfare, he has, as I humbly trust, shewed me my awful backslidings from him, and my dependence upon his grace for every blessing.

I do now, in the strength of Jesus, resolve that I will no longer sacrifice my immortal soul for what I have hitherto deemed my temporal happiness. Oh, that I might be enabled to come out from the world, and to profess Christ as my Redeemer before multitudes. I now see that I have enjoyed no happiness in my pursuit of worldly pleasure. Not in the play-room, not in the vain and idle conversation of my companions, not in the bustle of crowded life, have I found happiness. This heaven-born guest is found only in the bosom of the child of Jesus. How awfully aggravated will be my condemnation, if I do not, after this second call, awaken all my drowsy faculties and become earnestly engaged for God.

July 10. How foolishly, how wickedly have I spent this day! What have I done for God? Nothing I fear. Oh how many misspent days shall I have to answer for, at the tribunal of a holy Judge! Then how does it become me to set a watch upon my behaviour, as one that must shortly give an account to God! Oh thou blessed Jesus! grant thy assistance, that I may live as I ought.

July 16, Sabbath morn. Solemnly impressed with a sense of my duty to God, I entered his holy courts this morning. What am I, that I should be blessed with the gospel's joyful sound, while so many are now perishing in heathen darkness for lack of the knowledge of Christ.

Sabbath eve. I have now offered myself to the church of God, and have been assisted by him. Perhaps they will not receive me; but, O God! wilt thou accept me through a Mediator?

I have now let ashamed of Jesus.

my companions see I am not Oh that I might not dishonour the cause I am about professing! In Christ alone will I put my trust, and rely entirely on his righteousness for the pardon of my aggravated transgressions.

July 17. Have spent the day at home. I think I have enjoyed something of God's presence. Felt a disposition frequently to call upon him by prayer and supplication.

July 18. At this late hour, when no one beholdeth me but God, how solemnly, how sincerely ought I to be engaged for him!

The family are retired to rest. The darkness and silence of the night, and the reflection, that the night of death will soon overtake me, conspire to solemnize my mind. What have I done this day for God? Have I lived as a stranger and pilgrim on the earth; as one that must soon leave this world, and 'go the way from whence no traveller returns?'

Oh that I were more engaged for God-more engaged to promote his cause, in the midst of a perverse generation!

July 20. This evening, I had a most solemn meeting with one of my dear and most intimate companions. I warned her in the most expressive language of my heart to repent. She appeared affected. I left her; and after returning home, I trust I was enabled to commend her to the God