ercises, and, by degrees, omitted entirely the duties of the closet. When I entered my thirteenth year, I was sent, by my parents, to the Academy at Bradford. A revival of religion commenced in the neighbourhood, which in a short time spread into the school. A large number of the young ladies were anxiously inquiring, what they should do to inherit eternal life. I began to inquire what these things meant. My attention was solemnly called to the concerns of my immortal soul; and I was a stranger to hope. I feared the ridicule of my gay companions, but, more than all, the displeasure of an angry judge. My heart was opposed to the character of God, and I felt that, if I continued an enemy to his government, I must eternally perish. My convictions of sin were not so pungent and distressing, as many have had; but they were of long continuance. God, in his providence, inclined the hearts of my parents to favour the work, and they treated me with the greatest kindness and attention. But it was more than three months before I was brought to cast my soul on the Saviour of sinners, and rely on him alone for salvation. The extasies, which many new-born souls possess, were not mine. But if I was not lost in rapture on reflecting upon what I had escaped, I was filled with a sweet peace, a heavenly calmness, which I never can describe. The honours, applauses, and

titles of this vain world appeared like trifles light as air. The character of Jesus appeared infinitely lovely, and I could say with the Psalmist, "whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth I desire besides thee!" The awful gulf which I had escaped, filled me with astonishment. My gay associates were renounced, and the friends of Jesus became my chosen friends. The destitute, broken state of the church at Haverhill prevented me from openly professing my faith in Jesus; but it was a privilege which I longed to enjoy.

But alas! these seasons so precious, did not long continue. Soon was I led to exclaim-O that I were as in months past! My zeal for the cause of religion almost insensibly abated; while this vain world engrossed my affections, which had been consecrated to my Redeemer. My Bible, once so lovely, was entirely neglected. Novels and romances engaged my thoughts, and hour after hour was foolishly, sinfully devoted to the perusal of them. The company of Christians became, by degrees, irksome and unpleasant. I sometimes endeavoured to shun them. The voice of conscience would frequently whisper, "all is not right." Many a sleepless night have I passed after a day of vanity and sin. But such conflicts did not bring me home to the fold, from which I, like a stray lamb, had wandered far away. A religion, which

was intimately connected with the amusements of the world, and the friendship of those who are at enmity with God, would have suited well my depraved heart. But my heart told me that the religion of the gospel was vastly different. It exalts the Creator, while it humbles the creature in the dust.

"Such was my awful situation! I lived only to wound the cause of my ever blessed Saviour. Weep, oh my soul! when contemplating and recording these sins of my youth. Be astonished at the long-suffering of Jehovah!-How great a God is our God!-The deaths of a beloved parent, and uncle, had but little effect on my hard heart. Though these afflictions moved my passions, they did not lead me to the fountain of consolation, which ever runneth free. But God, who is rich in mercy, did not leave me here! He had prepared my heart to receive his grace, and he glorified the riches of his mercy, by determining to carry on the work. I was providentially invited to visit a friend in Newburyport. I complied with the invitation. I heard the celebrated Dr. G. preach two sermons. They were evangelical, and calculated to promote genuine piety. His eloquence charmed me; but the gospel which he preached, was not received as glad tidings." The evening previous to my return home, I heard the Rev. Mr. Mac F. It was the 28th of June, 1809.

How did the truths which

he delivered sink deep into my inmost soul! My past trangressions rose like mountains before me. The most poignant anguish seized my mind; my carnal security fled; and I felt myself a guilty transgressor, naked before a holy God. Mr. Burnham returned with me the next day to Haverhill. Never, no, never, while memory retains her seat in my breast, shall I forget the affectionate manner in which he addressed me. His conversation had the desired effect. I then made the solemn resolution, as I trust, in the strength of Jesus, that I would make a sincere dedication of my all to my Creator, both for time and eternity. This resolution produced a calm serenity and composure, to which I had long been a stranger. How lovely the way of salvation then appeared! O how lovely was the character of the Saviour! The duty of professing publicly on which side I was, now impressed my mind. I came forward, and offered myself to the church; was accepted, and received into communion with him at his table, August 6, 1809. was a precious season, long to be remembered!-0 the depth of sovereign grace! Eternity will be too short to celebrate the perfections of God.

August 27, 1809.

This

HARRIET ATWOOD."

Aug. 28. I awoke last night, and spent a most delightful hour in contemplating divine truth. The

words of David flowed sweetly through my mind, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul." Most willingly would I resign all earthly pleasures-for one such hour in communion with my God.

Sept. 1. This evening our pastor, and some of the brethren of the church, met for the purpose of establishing conferences, and consulting on the best method of conducting them. They have concluded to meet every Thursday evening. O God! do thou meet with us, and in mercy hear the prayers of thy children, which continually ascend to thy throne, and send answers of peace and salvation. Is not the time, the set time to favour Zion come? Descend, thou great Immanuel, revive thy work in this place, and cause thy Zion here to rejoice, while seeing many thronging her solemn feasts.

Sept. 3. This day, unworthy and vile as I am, I have been permitted to commemorate the dying love of our once crucified, but now ascended Jesus. I think I have felt some love to God; I was enabled to gain near access to his mercy seat. in God, for I shall yet praise him!"

"Hope thou

Sept. 25. Mr. D. Addressed us from these words, "Be still, and know that I am God!" A sudden and remarkable death, occurring the last week, was the cause of his selecting this subject. Thus one is called after another, and I am spared! Why