To Miss R. F. of Andover. Haverhill, Nov. 10, 1811. "How shall I sufficiently thank my dear Miss F. for her affectionate communication received a short time since by Mr. J.? This was a favor which I had long wished for, but which I had ever considered an unmerited one. I have this day visited the sanctuary of the Most High. While listening to the joyful sound of the gospel, my thoughts were insensibly led to the forlorn and destitute state of the Heathen, who are unacquainted with Bibles, Churches and Sabbaths. I thought of the glorious privileges which the inhabitants of this my christian country enjoy; and the thought afforded indescribable pleasure. I reflected on the many millions of Asia and Africa, and the reflection was full of anguish and sympathy. O my friend, when will the day dawn, and the day-star arise in pagan lands, where Moloch reigns, "besmear'd with blood of human sacrifice, and parent's tears." Oh when will the religion of Jesus, which has irradiated our benighted souls, be promulgated throughout the world? When will Christians feel more concerned for the salvation of the Heathen; and when will the heralds of the gospel feel willing to sacrifice the soft delights and elegancies of life, and visit the far distant shores where heathen strangers dwell? O, when will those, who have an interest at the mercy seat, intercede for the wretched Heathen? But, my dear Miss F. though I sometimes feel deeply and tenderly interested for the Heathen, and even feel willing to contribute my little aid in the work of a mission, yet the trials of such a life often produce a melancholy dejection, which nothing but divine grace can remove. Often does my imagination paint in glowing colors, the last sad scene of my departure from the land of my nativity. A widowed mother's heart with anguish wrung, the tears of sorrow flowing from the eyes of brothers and sisters dear, while the last farewell is pronounced-this is a scene affecting indeed. But this is only the commencement of a life replete with trials. Should my life be protracted, my future residence will be far distant from my native country, in a land of strangers, who are unacquainted with the feelings of friendship and humanity. But I will no longer dwell on these sad subjects. I will look to God; from him is all my aid. He can support his children in the darkest hour, and cause their sinking hearts to rejoice. He has pledged his word, that his grace shall be sufficient for them, and that as their day is, so shall their strength be. How consoling the reflection, that we are in the hands of God? He can do nothing wrong with us: but if we are members of his family, all things will continually work for our good. Trials will wean us from this alluring world, and prepare us for that rest which is reserved for the righteous. And how sweet will that rest be, after a life of toil and suffering. O how does the anticipation of future bliss sweeten the bitter cup of life. My friend, there is a world, beyond these rolling spheres, where adieus and farewells are unknown. There I hope to meet you, with all the ransomed of Israel, and never more experience a painful separation. "The thoughts of such amazing bliss, H. A," To Miss F. W. of Beverly. Haverhill, Dec. 13, 1811. "I HAVE long been wishing for a favorable opportunity to return my thanks to my dear Miss W. for her affectionate letter received last June. A multiplicity of avocations which could not possibly be dispensed with, have deprived me of this pleasure till now. But though my friends have been neglected, they have not been forgotten. O no! dear to my heart are the friends of Immanuel; particularly those with whom I have walked to the house of God in company, and with whom I have taken sweet counsel about things which immediately concern Zion, the city of our God. These dear Christian friends will retain a lasting and affectionate remembrance in my heart, even though stormy oceans should scparate me from them. There is a world, my sister, beyond this mortal state, where souls, cemented in one common union, will dwell together, and never more be separated. Does not your heart burn within you, when in humble anticipation of future blessedness, you engage in the delightful service of your covenant Redeemer? When your spirit sinks within you, and all terestrial objects lose their power to please, can you not say, My journey here Though it be darksome, joyless and forlorn, Yes, my friend, we shall soon bid an eternal farewell to this passing world, and if interested in the covenant, we shall find the rest which remaineth for the people of God. I thank you sincerely for the affectionate interest you have taken in my future prospect in life. I feel encouraged to hope that not only your good wishes, but fervent prayers will attend my contemplated undertaking. I know that the earnest supplications of the faithful will avail with God: Plead then, my friend, with Jesus on my behalf. The path of duty is the only way to happiness. I love to tread the path, which my Father points out for me, though it is replete with privations and hardships. Who, my dear Miss W. that has felt the love of Jesus, the worth of souls, and the value of the gospel would refuse to lend their little aid in propaga ting the religion of the cross among the wretched heathen, when presented with a favorable op portunity? However great the discouragements attending a missionary life, yet Jesus has promis. ed to be with those who enter upon it with a right disposition, even to the end of the world. When will the day dawn, and the day-star arise in heathen lands? Oh when will the standard of the cross be erected, and all nations hear of the glad tidings of salvation? When will the millenial state commence, and the lands which have long lain in darkness, be irradiated by the calm sunshine of the gospel? When will the populous regions of Asia and Africa, unite with this ou Christian country in one general song of prais to God? Though darkness and error now prevail, faith looks over these mountains, and beholds with transport the dawning of the sun of righte ousness, the reign of peace and love. The clock strikes twelve. Pray often for me. Write me immediately upon receiving this hasty letter. Affectionately yours, H." Extracts of a letter to Mr. Newell. Haverhill, Nov. 21, 1811. "THE contemplated mission occupies my sleeping and my waking thoughts. O, who would not sacrifice all that is dear in life, to carry the glad tidings of salvation to heathen lands! When, O when, will the day dawn, and the day star arise on distant India! When will private Christians be more importunate in prayer, for the universal spread of the gospel. O when will the heralds of the gospel rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer for Jesus, and obey his last command, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." To Miss R. F. of Andover. Haverhill, Dec. 29, 1811. "An hour this sacred evening, the commencement of another Sabbath shall be cordially devoted to my dear Miss F. Alone and pensive, how can the moments glide more pleasantly away, than in writing to a friend, whose name excites many endearing sensations, and whom, from my first introduction to her, I have sincerely loved. Similarity of sentiment will produce an indissoluble union of hearts. How strong are the ties which unite the members of Christ's family? While dwelling in this the house of their pilgrimage, they are subject to the same trials and privations; and the same hope encourages them to look forward to the happy hour of their release, when their weary souls shall rest sweetly in the bosom of their God. Such, I would fondly hope, is the nature of that union which so strongly cements my heart to Miss F. Oh that when "the long |