EIGHTH EDITION. THE following Memoirs of Mrs NEWELL are drawn almost entirely from her own writings. Nothing has been added, but what seemed necessary, to give the reader a general view of her character, and to explain some particular occurrences in which she was concerned. These memoirs contain only a part of her letters and journal. The whole would have made a large volume. The labor of the compiler has been to select, and occasionally, especially in her earlier writings, to abridge. The letters and journal of this modest, unambitious female would have been confined to the circle of her particular friends, had not the closing scenes of her life, and the missionary zeal, which has recently been kindled in this country, excited in the public mind a lively interest in her character, and give the christian community a kind of property in the productions of her pen. It was obviously most proper to arrange her writings according to the order of time; so that, in a connected series of letters, and extracts from her diary, the reader might be under advantages to observe the progress of her mind, developement of her moral worth, and some of the most important events of her life. This edition has received various corrections, suggested chiefly by Mr. NEWELL, and the ad dition of a very interesting paper taken from the Missionary Register. MEMOIRS OF MRS. HARRIET NEWELL. THE subject of these memoirs was a daughter of Mr. MOSES ATWOOD, a merchant of HAVERHILL, Mass. and was born Oct. 10, 1793. Her childhood was marked with cheerfulness, sensibility, and a taste for reading. She manifested no peculiar and lasting seriousness before the year 1806. In the summer of that year, while at the Academy in Bradford, a place highly favored of the Lord, she first became the subject of those deep religious impressions, which laid the foundation of her christian life. With several of her companions in study, she was roused to attend to the one thing needful. They turned off their eyes from beholding vanity, and employed their leisure in searching the Scriptures, and listening to the instructions of those who taught them the way of life. A few extracts from her letters and diary will in some measure show the state of her mind at that time. 1806. "Dear L. I NEED your kind instructions now as much as ever. I should be willing to leave every thing for God; willing to be called by any name which tongue can utter, and to undergo any sufferings, if it would but make me humble, and be for his glory. Do advise me what I shall do for his glory. I care not for myself. Though he lay ever so much upon me, I would be content. Oh, could I but recal this summer!-But it is past, never to return. I have one constant companion, the BIBLE, from which I derive the greatest comfort. This, I intend for the future shall guide me. Did you ever read Doddridge's Sermons to Young People? They are very beautiful sermons. It appears strange to me why I am not more interested in the cause of Christ, when he has done so much for us! But I will form a resolution that I will give myself up entirely to him Pray for me, that my heart may be changed. I long for the happy hour, when we shall be free from all sin, and enjoy God in heaven. But if it would be for his glory, I should be willing to live my threescore years and ten. My heart bleeds for our companions who are on the brink of destruction. In what manner shall I speak to them? But perhaps I am in the same way." In another letter to the same friend she says: 'what did Paul and Silas say to the jailor? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Let us do the same. Let us improve the accepted time, and make our peace with God. This day, my L. I have formed a resolution that I will devote the remainder of my life entirely to the service of my God. Write to me." Tell me my numerous outward faults; though you know not the faults of my heart, yet tell me all you know, that I may improve. I shall receive it as a token of love." 'Sept. 1, 1806. A large number of my com panions of both sexes, with whom I have associated this summer, are in deep distress for their immortal souls. Many who were formerly gay and thoughtless are now in tears, anxiously inquiring what they shall do to be saved. Oh how rich is the mercy of Jesus! He dispenses his favors to whom he pleases without regard to age or sex. Surely it is a wonderful display of the sovereignty of God to make me a subject of his kingdom, while many of my companions, far more amiable than I am, are left to grovel in the dust, or to mourn their wretched condition without one gleam of hope. Sept. 4. I have just parted with my companions, with whom I have spent three months at the Academy. I have felt a strong attachment to many of them, particularly to those who have been hopefully renewed the summer past. But the idea of meeting them in heaven, never more to bid them farewell, has silenced every painful thought. Sept. 10. Been indulged with the privilege of visiting a Christian friend this afternoon. Sweet indeed to my heart is the society of the friends of Immanuel. I never knew true joy until I found it in the exercise of religion. Sept. 18. How great are the changes which take place in my mind in the course of one short day! I have felt deeply distressed for the depravity of my heart, and have been ready to despair of the mercy of God. But the light of divine truth has this evening irradiated my soul, and I have enjoyed such composure as I never knew before. Sept. 20. This has been a nappy day to me. When conversing with a Christian friend upon the love of Jesus, I was lost in raptures. My soul rejoiced in the Lord, and joyed in the God of my salvation. A sermon preached by Mr. M. this evening has increased my happiness. This is too much for me, a sinful worm of the dust deserving only eternal punishment. Lord it is enough. Oct. 6. The day on which Christ arose from the dead has again returned. How shall I spend it? Oh how the recollection of mispent sabbaths, embitters every present enjoyment. With pain do I remember the holy hours which were formerly sinned away. Frequently did I repair to novels to shorten the irksome hours as they passed. Why was I not cut off in the midst of this my wickedness ? Oct. 10. Oh how much have I enjoyed of God this day! Such views of his holy character, sich a desire to glorify his holy name, I never before experienced. Oh that this frame might continue through life. "My willing soul would stay This is my birth day. Thirteen years of my short life have gone forever. Oct. 25. Permitted by my heavenly father, once more to hear the Gospel's joyful sound. I have enjoyed greater happiness than tongue can describe. I have indeed been joyful in the house of prayer. Lord let me dwell in thy presence forever. Nov. 2. How wonderful is the superabounding grace of God! Called at an early age to re |