and sitting at the feet of Jesus, be guided entirely by him. Mr. N. has visited us frequently. He wishes not to influence me; he would not if he could.

And now, my dear M. what will you say to me, when I tell you, that I do think, seriously think, of quitting my native land for ever, and of going to a far distant country, "not knowing the things which shall befal me there." Should I refuse to make this sacrifice, refuse to lend my little aid in the promulgation of the gospel among the heathen, how could I ever expect to enjoy the blessing of God, and peace of conscience, though surrounded with every temporal mercy? It would be pleasant to spend the remaining part of my life with my friends, and to have them surround my dying bed. But no! I must relinquish their society, and follow God to a land of strangers, where millions of my fellow sinners are perishing for lack of vision. I have professed, my friend, for these two years past, to derive comfort only from God. Here then is a consoling reflection; the ever blessed Jesus is able to support and comfort me, as well in the sultry climes of India, as in my dear native land. I trust that he will make his promise good, that as my day is, so shall my strength be. The wintry storms of life will be soon over, and if I have committed my immortal interest into the hands of God, I shall shortly find a sweet release from every woe. So visibly have I beheld the hand of Providence in removing some obstacles which I once thought almost insurmountable, that I dare not object. All my friends with whom I have conversed since my return to Haverhill, advise me to go. Some Christians who

were formerly opposed, after obtaining a more extensive kuowledge of the subject, think females would be useful. The people of this world probably view this subject as they do others. Those who have never felt the worth of their own souls, account it superstition and hypocritical zeal, for Christians to sacrifice their earthly pleasures, for the sake of telling the heathen world of a Saviour. But all the ridicule that the gay and thoughtless sinner can invent will not essentially injure me. If I am actuated by love to the Saviour and his cause, nothing in earth or hell can hurt me. 1 must ask your prayers for me. We have prayed together! Oh let us now, though separated in person, unite at the throne of grace. Perhaps my view of this subject may be altered; and God may yet prepare a way for me to continue in America. Oh that I might be submissive, and humbly wait on God! He can direct me at this eventful crisis, and glorify himself. Affectionately your's,.

HARRIET.

To Miss S. Hof Newbury.

Haverhill, June 12, 1811.

How shall I sufficiently thank my dear Miss H. for the kind token of affectionate remembrance, which she was kind enough to send me? Your letters really exhilirated my languid spirits. I had spent the evening in private conversation with our dear Mr. N. The usual subject of the contemplated mission was renewedly talked over, and consequently the dangers, the crosses, and the manifold

trials of such an important undertaking, were themes which engrossed our thoughts. Depressed with anxious apprehensions, and in doubt respecting duty, Mrs. G. handed me a letter; and the wellknown hand of the writer I soon recognized. The contents dispelled many a heart-rending sigh. This eve mamma received a letter from dear brother J.; I had previously written to him. Dear boy! he is much distressed for Harriet. He thinks she is doing wrong, and causing her friends needless anxiety. Would to Heaven I could prevent distress from ever entering the heart of a widowed beloved parent, and the dearest brothers and sisters! Oh, Miss H. could these dear friends but go with me to distant India -but alas! that is a fruitless wish; but were it possible that this could be the case, I think I could quit America without reluctance, and even rejoice to spend my life among the benighted heathen. Sometimes I can reflect on this subject with composure, and even long to be on missionary ground, where superstition and idolatry usurp the sway: think I can bid my dear friends a last farewell with calmness, and follow with delight the leadings of Providence. But at other times I fear this is not the situation God has designed for me; and if it is not, I can never lay claim to the promises of the gospel, or expect the support of an almighty arm, when dangers stand thick around me. My greatest fear is, that I shall lose all courage and perseverance should I set out to go, and not only be unhappy myself, but make those wretched who are with me. But are not these thoughts criminal when carried to excess! Ought I not to praise the Lord for what I

have received, and trust him for a supply of grace? ought I not to examine the subject prayerfully, and if on examination I am convinced that Jesus calls me to make these great sacrifices, ought I not to do it voluntarily, and leave the event with the Ruler of the universe ?

I find, my dear Miss H. that I am now in great danger of being actuated by a strong attachment. Oh could I but give the ever-blessed God the first. place in my affection, I should not be in danger of being misled by earthly objects. Often have I. adopted the words of the pious Mr. Newton

"The dearest idòl I have known,

Whate'er that idol be,

Help me to tear it from thy throne,

And worship only thee."

When shall we hope for a visit from you? Do write me often; your letters will always be acceptable. Although tired and fatigued with the employments of the day, I have improved this late hour in writing.

Do you not admire Mr. Hall? I heard him preach a preparatory sermon at Bradford last week; which was clear, distinguishing, and very excellent. He called here one morning, but I had gone to walk. Mr. Nott likewise called on us last week; we were in the meeting-house, and did not see him. Our friend N. is still in Salem; I long to see her.

Can I ask the favour of being remembered in your intercessions at the throne of grace? Oh that Christians would pray for me. Farewell, my dear Miss H. May the choicest blessings of Heaven be your's. I am affectionately your's. HARRIET

I had forgotten to tell you that our dear Mr. W. called here again, and I did not see him. Do you think I ever shall?

1811.

June 22. I have this day taken my leave of Mr. N. not expecting to see him again for nine months. I can hardly feel reconciled to his departure; but the will of the Lord be done. Taking every circumstance into consideration, I am fully persuaded it will be most for his interest to spend the summer and winter in Philadelphia. Why then should I object?

June 27. It is now almost five years since my mind became seriously impressed with eternal realities. What have I learnt in these five years of myself? and what of God? Weep, O my soul, for past transgression, and present unfruitfulness.

To Miss C. F. of Boston.

Haverhill, June 29, 1811.

I thank you, dear C. for your affectionate letter. My engagements have been such, that I could not conveniently answer it before; hope you will pardon the neglect. The kind interest you have of late taken in my happiness, has greatly endeared you to my heart. May you never want a friend to sympathize with you when "adverse fortune frowns," or to rejoice with you, when "life's vale is strew'd with flowerets fresh." If the remaining days of my short pilgrimage are to be spent in sorrow, O that Heaven