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 pro,tracted, 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 There I adicus and farewells are unknown. hope to meet you with all the ransomed of Israel, and never more experience a painful sep aration. "The thoughts of such amazing bliss, To Miss F. W. of Beverly. H.A.?? But 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. 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 separate 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 humbie anticipation of future blessedness, you engage in the delightful service of your covenant Redeemer? When your spirit sinks within you, and all terrestrial objects lose their My journey here Though it be darksome, joyless and forlorn, Is yet but short, and soon my weary feet, Shall greet the peaceful inn of lasting rest; The toils of this short life will soon be over. 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 propagating the religion of the cross among the wretched heathen, when presented with a favorable opportunity? However great the discouragements attending a missionary life, yet Jesus has promised 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 saivation? When will the millennial 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 our Christian country in one general song of praise to God! Though darkness and error now prevail, faith looks over these mountains, and beholds with transport the dawning of the sun of righteousness, the reign of peace and love. The clock strikes twelve. Pray often for me. Write me immediately upon receiving this hasty letter. Affectionately yours, HARRIET." 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 commencment 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 sine cerely 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 Sabbath of the tomb is past," our united souls may be safely anchored in the fair haven of eternal security, where friendship will be perfected. I have thought much of you since the reception of your kind letter. I hope that divine grace has dissipated your doubts, and that you are now enjoying all holy consolation. May you be made eminently holy and useful, live near to God, and be favored with those rich communications of his love, which he often bestows upon his children. I have been reading this afternoon, some acCount of the superstitions of the wretched inhabitants of Asia. How void of compassion must be that heart which feels not for the woes of its fellow mortais. When, my friend, will the day dawn and the day star arise in those lands where the prince of darkness has so long dwelt? The hour is hastening when I must bid an eternal farewell to all that is dear in the land of my nativity, cross the boisterous ocean, ang |