my dear children lie heavily on my heart: but through mercy, I find myself more than ever resigned to the will of God; and I desire to leave all to him, and live only to his glory." In this case, however, as in many others, the faith and patience of these pious parents were to be tried by not witnessing the speedy conversion of those children, for whose spiritual life, they had indeed "travailed in birth until Christ should be formed in them." The bread cast upon the waters was, nevertheless, found after many days. Not only the subject of this memoir, but several of the other children of these pious parents lived to become ornaments to society, and died in the faith of the Gospel. It may seem surprising that, with so many religious advantages, the younger days of MISS SARAH EDEN, afterwards MRS. HAWKES, should have been marked by the love of gaiety and amusement. But it must ever be remembered, that true piety is not hereditary. How good soever the seed may be which has been sown, and how diligently soever it may have been watered, God alone can "give the increase." The same work of regenerating grace which was needful for the conversion of the parent, is equally indispensable for the conversion of the child. This truth needs, perhaps, to be more deeply considered by Christian parents. An entire reliance on the work of Divine grace, without any abatement of those efforts which are the absolute duty of parents, might cause the blessing to descend more speedily. Still, it must be acknowledged, that grace is sovereign; and this respects both the time and manner of conversion. The subject of this memoir was left for a season to seek satisfaction where it could never be found. To gratify her strong intellect by reading, though disregarding a wise selection of books; to indulge her passionate fondness for music; and to give herself to the society of those equally gay young friends, who, captivated by her peculiar sweetness of disposition, were ever ready to seek her acquaintance;-occupied those early years of health and vigour, which she, afterwards, justly lamented, as having been lost in vanity and folly. In looking back upon them, she was ready to exclaim with the Poet, "Oh! the dark days of vanity! while here How tasteless! and how terrible when gone!"* But Divine mercy had designed that her own ways should correct her. While intent on choosing the world for her portion, and listening only to the Siren voice of earthly allurements,-she formed a connexion in marriage entirely in conformity with such views. The prospect was flattering as it regarded worldly advantages; and, for a short season, opportunities were thus afforded her for drinking more deeply of the perishable pleasures of this world; of which, however, it may be said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again." John iv. 13. In the midst of her career of worldly prosperity, the day of trouble was fast approaching; and but for that special mercy which designed to "bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her, † and give her vineyards from thence," Hos. ii. 14, 15, she would indeed have been made," like the heath in the desert, and would have inhabited the parched places in the wilderness." Jer. xvii. 6. * Young's Night Thoughts. CHAPTER II. FROM HER MARRIAGE TO HER SETTLEMENT AT HOLLOWAY. FROM A.D. 1785, TO 1790. Her trials-Her conduct under them-Taken by her sister to hear the Rev. Rich. Cecil-Receives deep religious impressions-Becomes a constant attendant at St. John's Chapel-First interview between Mr. Cecil and MRS. HAWKES-Begins to keep a Diary-Her entire change of character-Cautioned by Mrs. Jones against going to the Theatre-Her value of ordinances-Letter to Mrs. Jones-Visit to Broad Marston, her native place-To Dudley-Correspondence between MRS. HAWKES and Mrs. Jones-MRS. HAWKES goes to BirminghamSermon of the Rev. C. Simeon's at St. Mary's-She visits Honeybourne and other places, and returns to London-Mr. Cecil's visit-His remarks-His illness. THE Connexion which MRS. HAWKES had formed was of a nature very unlikely to promote her happiness. The union had not been preceded by that serious consideration with regard to suitableness in feelings and principles, so strongly recommended in our wise and holy Liturgy. It cannot therefore be thought surprising that her chief trials should arise from this quarter. During this dispensation, two features of her character were particularly manifested, namely, a capacity for patient endurance of evils which she could not remedy; and a delicacy of feeling which made her bear silently that sorrow which was ever springing up afresh from deep and hidden recesses: she could not so forget the relation in which she stood, as to discuss with her fellow creatures the peculiarities of her case. But when more than human sympathy became needful, she was to receive the instructive consolation, "My grace is sufficient for thee." In her case was to be exhibited that grand prerogative of the Gospel, in making "all things work together for good" to those who receive it. She was taught to "cast her burden on the Lord," and was enabled to understand, in some measure, the design of present trials, as effecting a medicinal process, in order to bring about the gracious results proposed in that Scripture," Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Isa. xlviii. 10. While MRS. HAWKES's mind was in this state, a circumstance took place, which though seemingly of small importance, proved, by its results, to have been overruled by that Divine Providence which ever guides and directs human events. MRS. HAWKES had a pious sister, who, with her excellent husband, Mr. Jones, belonged to the congregation of St. Mary's Church, Birmingham: attending the ministry of the Rev. Edward Burn. Mrs. Jones having mentioned to Mr. Burn her intention of visiting her sister in London, Mr. Burn particularly recommended her going to hear the Rev. Richard Cecil, while she was in town. In compliance with this recommendation, Mrs. Jones went to St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, accompanied by MRS. HAWkes. This occurred in the spring of the year 1787. The impression made upon MRS. HAWKES's mind, on this occasion, was deep and abiding. She entered into the sanctuary "a woman grieved in spirit:" Isa. liv. 6. She returned thence no longer sorrowful, but with new and powerful impressions of the efficacy of Scripture consolations; and with earnest desires to become a partaker of spiritual blessings. From this period MRS. HAWKES Constantly attended St. John's chapel. Mrs. Jones, delighted to discover the deeply serious state of her sister's mind, and truly anxious to promote her spiritual interests, was induced to write to Mr. Cecil, after an interval of two years, and to request he would call upon MRS. HAWKES. Mr. Cecil's answer will be found included in the following letter, sent by Mrs. Jones to her sister, in the month of February, 1789, wherein she writes: "I have been considering that if 'to obtain a friend is worth all hazards we can run,' I surely ought to venture something towards procuring for you, if possible, the advice and counsel of Mr. Cecil. I have therefore written to beg the favour of him to call upon you; for I think that the state of your mind particularly requires it. I did this with much fear: which I find by his kind answer, there was no need for. I will transcribe a part of his letter for your encouragement. I most heartily join in rejoicing on the happy occasion of your letter; and the angels, we are certainly informed, join us both. It has been matter of much grief to me, during nearly nine years constant labour among the people of St. John's, to observe how few, comparatively speaking, believe the Gospel report to any saving purpose. Some indeed, I have observed awaking as from a dream, and setting out in good earnest towards the kingdom. Others seem roused a little, but soon fall down again in faster slumber than before; and some seemed determined to |