would grant C. peace and happiness, and a sure pledge of joys to come. Where my future lot may be cast, time only can determine. If I can but maintain a firm and unshaken confidence in God, a humble reliance on his blessed promises, I shall be safe, though temporal comforts languish and die. I am now calculating upon a life of trials and hardships; but the grace of Jesus is sufficient for me. The Friend of sinners is able and willing to support me amid scenes of danger and distress. When I bade you a parting adieu, my mind was in a state of agitation which I can never express. Dejected and weary, I arrived at the dear mansion where I have spent so many pleasant bours. My dear mamma met me at the door, with a countenance that bespoke the tranquillity of her mind. The storm of opposition, as she observed, had blown over, and she was brought to say from the heart, "thy will be done." Yes, C. she had committed her child to God's parental care; and though her affection was not lessened, yet, with tears in her eyes, she said, "If a conviction of duty and love to the souls of the perishing heathen lead you to India, as much as I love you, Harriet, I can only say, Go." Here I was left to decide the all-important question. Many were the conflicts within my breast. But at length, from a firm persuasion of duty, and a willingness to comply, after much examination and prayer, I answered in the affirmative. I wish to tell you all the motives that have actuated me to come to this determination; likewise, how all the difficultles, which applied to me particularly, have been removed. But this I cannot do until I see you. Why cannot you make it convenient to spend three or four weeks with me this summer? To assure you that it would afford me happiness, would be but what you already know. Write to me, C. next week, if possible. Let me know when I may expect you, and I will be at home. Perhaps we may go and spend a day or two with our friends in N. I am very lonely. N. H. has been visiting at S. ever since I returned from C. Mr. Newell has gone to Philadelphia, where he expects to continue until a short time before he quits his native country. He is engaged in the study of physic, together with M Hall. How has your mind been exercised of late? Are you living in the enjoyment of religion C. we must live nearer to God: we must be more engaged in his cause. We are under the most solemn obligations to be active in the Redeemer's service. Let us not calculate upon a life of idleness and ease; this is not the portion of the followers of the Lamb. They must expect tribulations and crosses in their way to the kingdom of heaven. But let us ever remember, that if we are the believing children of God, a rest awaits us in heaven, which will doubly compensate us for all the troubles of this life. When interceding at the mercy-seat, Oh forget not, C. to pray for the salvation of the benighted heathen, whose souls are as precious as our own. With them, remember your friend HARRIET. 1811. June 30. Mr. D. preached from this text," And as he drew nigh to the city, he wept over it, saying," &c. My whole soul was melted into compassion for impenitent sinners. Can I ever again feel regardless and unconcerned for their immortal souls? "Did Christ for sinners weep? And shall our cheeks be dry! Burst forth from every eye." Did Jesus say to sinners, "Oh that thou hadst known in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace," &c. and shall I smile upon them, while in the road to ruin? July 14. The long expected letter has at length arrived. How can I wish for a friend, more worthy of my love, more deserving of my heart? But my heart is already his. A friend! how rich the treasure! If an earthly friend is thus dear to my heart, how strong should be my attachment to a holy God, whose friendship to his children is lasting as eternity! How can I love him sufficiently? How can I take too much delight in honouring him before the world, and in promoting his cause? July 23. I have just read a little passage in Thomson's Seasons, which I thought I could adopt as my own language; "Should fate command me to the farthest verge In the void waste, as in the city full; And where he vital breathes, there must be joy." Extracts from a Letter to her Sister M. at Charles town. August 1, 1811. "SHOULD I tell you there is a prospect of my spending the remaining part of this short life in a land of strangers; should I tell you I do seriously think of leaving my native dwelling, my friends and companions, for ever; would you upbraid me? Could you attribute it to want of attachment to the friends of my youth, or to entire ignorance of this great undertaking? You would not, you could not, did you know the conflict which almost rends my heart. Never before did my dear mamma, brothers, and sisters, appear so dear to me. But God commands me! In his holy providence he now offers me an opportunity of visiting the heathen. While many of my female friends, who are far more adequate to the important employment, are permitted to enjoy the society of their earthly relatives through life, I am called to quit the scenes of my childhood, and go to a far distant country. How can I ever pray for the promotion of the gospel among the heathen, if I am unwilling to offer my little aid when such an opportunity is given? I know what to expect from a gay and thoughtless world. But I have this consolation, that ridicule cannot injure my soul. In the eternal world, how trifling will it appear! That some professing Christians oppose it, ill cause me many unhappy feelings. But I must think that were they to view the subject impartially, divesting themselves of the love of worldly ease, they would favour it. With my present feelings, I would not oppose it for all this earth can afford; lest I should be found fighting against God, discouraging missions, and preventing the gospel's being spread among the heathen. "I have this consolation, if the motives by which I am actuated are sincere and good, God will accept the inclination to glorify him, even though I should not be made useful. But my dear sister, this is a trying season! It is from God alone that I derive the least sensible comfort. This world has lost its power to charm, and all its applause is a trifle, light as air. My companions are perhaps accusing me of superstition, and the love of novelty. But God alone knows the motives by which I am actuated, and he alone will be my final judge. Let me but form such a decision as he will approve, and I ask no more. Willingly will I let go my eager grasp of the things of time and sense, and flee to Jesus. Oh that he would prepare me for the future events of life, and glorify himself in the disposal of my concerns. 1811. Aug. 7. I have just laid down Horne on Missions. How did his pious heart glow with benevolence to his fellow-creature! How ardently did he wish for the promulgation of the gospel among the benighted heathen! I think, for a moment, I partake of his ardour, and long to hear that the standard of the cross is set up in the distant nations of the earth. "Yes, Christian heroes! go-proclaim Salvation through Immanuel's name; |