moments? What account canst thou give of thy stewardship? Alas! my flesh almost trembles at these solemn inquiries. I am alarmed when I remember that twenty-three years of my short life are gone. And how are they lost, lost never to be recalled! What has been done for God? Oh, that I could weep tears of unmingled sorrow when I answer, Nothing. in awful judgment before Him who is the Judge of all, and should I hear the heart-rending doom of the unprofitable servant pronounced upon me, could I say any thing in self-justification? God knows I could not. Must I not, may I not say to the blessed Jesus,

Where can I fly but to thy breast;

For I have sought no other home,
For I have known no other rest?

Were I now

24. The situation in which I am placed is very trying and difficult. I am emphatically like a city set on a hill. I am required to exhibit the fruits of a fullgrown tree, when I am but a feeble plant in the garden of the Lord. Impotence itself is not more helpless than I am. But I trust I am one of those little ones whom my Redeemer carries in his arms, and cherishes in his bosom. Blessed be his name, I have hitherto found him a strong tower. I have confided in him, and he has helped me. Yes, many a time have I had reason to set up, like Jacob, a memorial of deliverance in the hour of extremity. And, though in view of the multiform duties of life, I exclaim, How am I sufficient for these things? yet I must hope that I shall be enabled to do all things through Christ strengthening me. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Y

26. No one can know the trials of the ministry, except those who undertake the arduous employment, or those who reside in their families. When we consider how much clergymen's time is occupied by unavoidable company at home, how many special meetings, if they are faithful to their Master, they must attend, what a

it not excellent? How much of Christian knowledge and Christian feeling she manifests! The essay styled "Thy will be done," ought to be engraven on every professor's heart. What a mercy is it that our linger ing steps, our misjudging apprehensions, have so many excellent helps! But the best guide of all is the Bible. How can we estimate the mercy of having such a guidė always at hand!

Do you see the Christian Observer? There has been in some of the last numbers, a sketch of a most interesting debate in the British Parliament respecting the propagation of Christianity in India. The missionary cause appears to be rapidly advancing; the angel, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, seems to have commenced his flight. How reviving to know that this cause, of all causes the best, is flourishing, especially in that part of the world which has hitherto been envelop. ed in the thick darkness of ignorance and sin. Yes, Jesus shall reign over all. May the blessed day be hastened!

23. I wish to record the mercies of the past week, as having been singularly great, and affording abundant encouragement for the future. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I was much distressed, struggling with a spirit of murmuring and rebellion against the divine will respecting me. But on Friday morning I was enabled, in some good degree, to lay by my own desires, and say, Not as I will, but as thou wilt. The prospect of death, should God call me to that trial, was sweetened; and I was filled with a peace which the world knows not of. I cannot but think I hall glorify my Saviour if called to pass through the ace; for it does seem as if he is pledged to perfect trength in my weakness, and display his all-suffiy in sustaining and carrying me through every

lict.

February 12. Oh my soul! how pass thy fleeting

moments?

ardship?

What account canst thou give of thy stew
Alas! my flesh almost trembles at these

solemn inquiries. I am alarmed when I remember that twenty-three years of my short life are gone.

tears of un

Were I now

And how are they lost, lost never to be recalled! What has been done for God? Oh, that I could weep mingled sorrow when I answer, Nothing in awful judgment before Him who is the Judge of all, and should I hear the heart-rending dorm of the unpro ftable servant protestood upon me, and I my any thing in sefjuly! Od kww I cut wa. Most I not, myy I not my to the news lova,

large portion of their time is occupied with visiting the sick, how much in necessary preparations for the pulpit, and then, in addition to all this, what numbers of parochial visits they are required to make, and censured if they do not; it must appear obvious that their task is arduous, their trials peculiarly great. It is a great trial to be obliged to attempt study, when the mind is distracted with the burden of a whole society. It is a trial to be, as it were, compelled to spend that time in visiting, which ought to be devoted to writing and meditation; and then to be censured for negligent and illdigested sermons; or, if time and pains are taken to write good sermons, to be complained of for visiting so little. Surely if societies and churches knew the trials of their ministers, in addition to those personal troubles which are common to all, they would be more tender of them, more fervent in prayer for them. I do not wonder that so many of the labourers in the Lord's vineyard faint before mid-day. They ought in every way to be strengthened, and comforted, and encouraged, by their people.

March 5. I think I can say from experience that it is good to draw near to God. But language can no more convey, to one who has no knowledge of it from experience, an idea of the blessedness of communion with the Father of our spirits, than it can of the nature of the light of the sun, to one who was born blind. It is indeed ineffable; in comparison with it, every earthly joy dwindles into insignificance, and becomes light as a puff of empty air. If I, who have so little faith can say so, what must the eminent Christian feel? What must the spirits of the just made perfect feel?

I have had much solicitude for my children this evening. At one time, such a sense of the everlasting consequences of the trust committed to me, in reference to their immortal souls, rushed upon me, as literally made me shudder. I wonder I do not realize this more habitually. Oh that God would make me faithful, and crown my efforts with his blessing!

TO A FRIEND IN BOSTON.

Bridgewater, March 8, 1814.

You ask my advice about the correction of children. I feel that I am not at all qualified to direct in a thing of so much importance. I will however remark, that I do not like the punishment of whipping, unless when the child exhibits strong passion, or great obstinacy. It ought to be the last resort. Neither do I like those punishments which are chiefly directed to the selfish principles of our nature, as depriving a child of cake, sweetmeats, &c. I should rather aim to cherish feelings of conscious rectitude, and the pleasure of being beloved. I would have a child consider his parent's declaration that he is not good, his worst punishment. For instance, if your little boy has done very wrong, I would tell him he must not stay with mamma, or must not take a walk, or see the company, or that he must eat his dinner alone; and all, because he is not good enough to be indulged these usual privileges. But there are some cases in which the use of the rod is indispensable.

I am writing in the midst of the noise of tongues, and can only add that I think very well of Locke's System of Education, generally; also of Miss Hamilton's, and Dr. Witherspoon's. But after all, education is only ans instrument, and the little ones must be borne, in the arms of faith, to that compassionate Redeemer, who has: given parents such abundant encouragement to trust in him; committing them always into his hands, believing that, if they do so, he will direct their steps.

TO A SISTER-IN-LAW AT N. L.

Boston, March 22, 1814.

HAVE you seen the Memoirs of Mrs. Harriet Newell? It is a very interesting book. Such unreserved