dead to sin? This world is a state of trials, a vale of tears; it is not our home. But an eternity of happiness or woe hangs on this inch of time. Soon will our state be unalterably fixed. Oh let this solemn consideration have its proper weight on our minds, and let us now be wise for eternity. How little are we engaged to promote the interest of religion. At this day, when the love of many waxeth cold and iniquity increaseth, how ought every faculty of our souls to be alive to God.

Do write often, and perhaps, the blessing of an all-wise God may attend your epistles. In your earnest supplications at the throne of Almighty grace, remember your affectionate, though unworthy friend

HARRIET

unfold to you the Do make it conve

P. S. I long to see you and inmost recesses of my heart. nient to visit H. this spring, and although it may be unpleasing to you to hear the wickedness of your friend Harriet's heart, yet perhaps you, my dear Miss W. can say something which will now make me resolve in earnest, that let others serve whom they will, I will serve the Lord."

To the same, dated H. April 20, 1808. "THIS morning, my beloved Miss W. your kind epistle was handed me, in which you express a wish that it might find me engaged in the cause of God. Oh that your wish could be gratified! But let me tell you, I am still the same careless, inattentive creature. What in this world

can we find capable of satisfying the desires of our immortal souls! Not one of the endowments, which are derived from any thing short of God, will avail us in the solemn and important hour of death. All the vanities, which the world terms accomplishments, will then appear of little value. Yes, my beloved companion, in that moment we shall find that nothing will suffice to hide the real nakedness of the natural mind, but the finished robe, in which the child of God shines with purest lustre, the Saviour's righteousness. Oh! that we might by the assistance of God, deck our souls in the all perfect robe. Our souls are of infinite importance, and an eternity of misery, "where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," awaits us if we do not attend to their concerns. I should be happy, my amiable friend, in visiting you this spring. But with reluctance I must decline your generous offer. A dear and beloved parent is in a declining state of health, and we fear if indulgent heaven do not interpose, and stop the course of his sickness, death will deprive us of his society, and the grave open to receive him. Oh! that his life may be spared, and his health once more established, to cheer his family and friends. But in all these afflictive dispensations of God's providence, may it ever be my prayer, "not my will, O Lord, but thine be done."

summer.

I do not expect to attend B. Academy this We shall have a school in H. which with my parents' consent, I expect to attend. Do visit me this spring, my dear Miss W. Your letters are always received with pleasure. My best wishes for your present and eternal happiness attend you. I am yours, &c. H."

To Miss C. P. of Newburyport.

"Dear C.

Haverhill, Feb. 16, 1808.

SINCE you left us, death has entered our family, and deprived us of an affectionate uncle. After lingering two days after you returned to your friends, he fell asleep, as we trust, in Jesus.

Oh, C. could you but have witnessed his dying struggles! Distress and anguish were his constant companions, till about ten minutes before his spirit winged its way to the eternal world; then he was deprived of speech, he look ed upon us, closed his eyes, and expired. He would often say, "Oh, how I long for the hap ру hour's approach, when I shall find a sweet release; but not my will, but thine, O God, be done."

When we stood weeping around his dying bed, he looked upon us, and said, mourn not for me my frends, but mourn for yourselves." Oh, my C. let us now be persuaded to lay hold on Jesus, as the only Saviour. If we trust in him for protection, he will preserve us in all the trying scenes of life, and, when the hour of dissolution shall come, we shall be enabled to give ourselves to him, and consign our bodies to the tomb with pleasure.

What a world is this! Full of anxiety and trouble' my dear father is very feeble; a bad cough attends him, which we fear will prove fatal. What a blessing, my friend, are parents! Let us attend to their instructions and reproofs while we possess them, and when death shall separate us, we may not have to regret that we were undutiful. While we do every thing we can to make them happy, let us remember that it is God alone can compensate them for their

labors of love.

Far distant be the hour when either of us shall be called to mourn the loss of our dear parents.

Do, my dear C. write to me; tell me if this world does not appear more and more trifling to you. May the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, be shed abroad in your heart. Oh, may happiness attend you in this vale of tears, and may you be conducted to the haven of eternal rest. Accept the wish of your affectionate

HARRIET."

To Miss C. P. of Newburyport.

Haverhill, April 24, 1808. "ACCEPT, my dear C. my kindest acknowledgments, for your last affectionate epistle, in the perusal of which, I had the most pleasing sensations. You observed, your contemplations had frequently dwelt on those hours, we spent in each other's society, while at Bradford Academy; & that you regretted the misinprovement of them, Alas! how many hours have we spent in trifling conversation, which will avail us nothing. Let our imaginations often wing their way back to those hours which can never be recalled.

"Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours,
"And ask them what report they've born 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 awakeu you from stupidity. I would my dear C. but I am in the same careless state.

My father still remains in a critical condition. 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 friend

HARRIET."

To Miss F. W. of Beverly.
[After the death of her father.]

Haverhill, May 24, 1808. "IN the late trying and afflictive scene 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 friend this is a scene peculiarly trying to me. 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 honor them, and be a blessing to them, even in their declining years.

Glance a thought on nine fatherless children,