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cided yet docile, the great ultimate end of all she said and did seemed to be the salvation of souls, the honour of Christ and glory of God. In the pursuit of these, she exhibited a propriety of deportment, a strength of intellect, and a maturity of character rarely belonging to a child of her age. From the commencement to the close of her short, but luminous career, she continued iu the exhibition of the christian character, to give satisfactory and increasing evidence of a real change of heart. Early in December shie was propounded for admission into the

Church. She was to have been received into the Church, on the first Sabbath in January, and had evidently set her heart very much upon it, as a most solemn and affecting season; but on account of the severity of the weather, on that day, it was judged best to defer the expected exercises. The admission of members and

the administration of the Lord's Supper, were postponed, the next Sabbath for the same reason. The first Sabbath of February was now fixed on, as the day for the performance of the services which she anticipated with so much interest. Monday evening of the week preceding, she attended a prayer meeting, and returned home very much animated. After this, she appeared indisposed; still, as late as Thursday or Friday, thought she should be able to attend public worship on the Sabbath. The next day she said nothing on the subject; and at 6 o'clock on Sabbath morning expired, not being supposed dangerously ill, more than ten minutes before her departure. "Papa, I can't see, I feel strangely," was all she said, and fell asleep. The day in reference to which, she had made many prayers and been twice disappointed, at length came-a day long to be remembered by her friends and the people of God. It came not, however, to witness her admission into the Church on earth, but to translate her immortal spirit from its tenement of clay into the kingdom of the redeemed in glory. On that day, one hundred, principally young persons, were admitted into the Church. But one dear lamb of the flock was absent. Was she disappointed? Glorious disappointment! inestimable gain thus to exchange communion with christians here below, for the society of saints and angels above.

The tidings of her death, excited unusual sympathy. An unprecedented number of the young especially, assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to her remains, and having followed as mourners in the funeral procession, amid a profusion of tears committed their departed friend to the grave; while a select company sung :

"Unveil thy bosom faithful tomb, Take this new treasure to thy trust, And give these sacred relics room

To seek a slumber in the dust.
So Jesus slept; God's dying son,
Pass'd thro' the grave and blest the bed;
Rest here blest saint, till from his throne
The morning break and pierce the shade.
Break from his throne, illustrious morn,
Attend O earth his sov'reign word,
Restore thy trust, a glorious form;
She must ascend to meet her Lord."

The journal which she kept during a few of the last months of her life, and which she never intended should be seen by any eye but her own, is the best exhibition that can be given of the state and exercises of her mind.

The day on which she suppposed ber heart was changed (and the evidence of which every subsequent day increased) she wrote the following, which begins her journal.

"Having employed the first thirteen years of my life in sin, folly, and vanity, I hope the remainder will be devoted to the service of my Lord and master. I once was ashamed of my Saviour.

Asham'd of Jesus that dear friend,

On whom our hopes of heaven depend?
No! when we blush, be this our shame,
That we no more revere his name.

I now hope that I have been brought from nature's darkness into marvellous light, at least I trust so ; but yet I have my my sins were so great that they could not doubts and fears. Last week I thought be forgiven; but yes, the worst of sins can be pardoned through Jesus Christ's blood alone. Now let me begin to consecrate my life to God. It seems as if I could love every body, especially christians. I am almost afraid that I am too happy."

joy is inexpressible; never have I expeThe next evening she records-" My rienced so happy a day since my exist

ence."

Her happy experience, like that of every ful over her own heart, more solicitous to true christian, only made her more watchascertain the real state of her soul. After quoting the following lines in contemplation of the Sabbath,

"There is a land of pleasure,
Where streams of joy forever roll;
'Tis there I have my treasure,
And there I hope to rest my soul."

She subjoins-" but should I be deceived! I pray thee O Lord to search my heart, and if I am deceived, acquaint me with the worst of my situation! If I am one of thy true followers, thou knowest it." And again, "I can't help having my doubts and fears. (But it is all for the best.)"

She seemed, with a true christian spirit, to be afraid of being lifted up, or of growing secure, in consequence of the enjoyment of the divine favour, and therefore

prayed "gracious God! wilt thou make me humble in spirit and holy in life, that I may be one of thy true followers." In another instance, having cited Luke 18, 13th she added. "O Lord my heavenly fa ther! I beseech thee that thou wilt make me more humble, and wilt thou make me feel that I am not worthy of a place at thy footstool. May I be as the poor publican."

Under the date of January 7th, the first Sabbath on which she expected to have been admitted into the church, she wrote, "it is so stormy that we are deprived of going to the house of public worship.Though we are deprived of making a profession, and sitting at the table of Christ to commemorate his death, may we, O our heavenly Father! be better prepared when we are called." Being disappointed in the same manner the next Sabbath, she cheerfully submitted, and resolved thus to improve the dispensation--" As we have been deprived two Sabbaths in succession of attending God's sanctuary, it being very stormy and blustering; yet may joice that I can praise God, and have sweet communion with him in my chamber when by myself."

re

The return of the Lord's day used to dilate her heart with joy.

"Sabbath, Aug. 27th.-I can now say with Mr. Newton and Mrs. Newell,

'Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.'"

"Sabbath, Sept. 10th.-I think I can say this morning that I feel a greater wish for the prosperity of Zion than ever; and May He, by whose kind care we meet, Send his good Spirit from above; Make our communications sweet, And cause our hearts to burn with love."

In her notice of times and seasons, she mentions the beginning of a month, and particularly the commencement of the new year. "This day a new month commences; I hope that it will be devoted to the service of my Lord."

"As this day is the first of the year, may I begin it well! O Lord, if thou art pleased to spare my life to the close of this year, may I not look back upon it with regret ; may it be spent in worshipping and adoring thy holy name; and may this glorious revival be greater than it ever has been! Wilt thou make thy professing people more active in this great work,-may the time soon come when Christ shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession."

What simplicity is there in the following observations, and how easily do they find their way to the heart.

"Took a walk up to the burying-ground: it ought to inspire solemn thought,-for we shall soon lie there; soon we shall die, and if we are good, we shall go im

mediately to heaven,-if not, to the place of everlasting torment."

"This week I have heard many times the bell [toll] for some youth,-and Oh! heavenly Father, wilt thou help me to realize the shortness of my time, so as to number my days, and apply my heart to wisdom."

"I cannot help saying, what a great deal I have to do, and how short my time is-it is but a vapour; but short as my life is, it may be devoted to the service of my God."

"While others are sick and dying on my right and left hand, I am spared-but for what? Am I of any service to my Lord and master? I have health and strength, but what service am I to my Lord? I can but answer, not any."

The interest she felt for the progress of the revival, may be learned from the following extract: "It is with inexpressible joy that I hear that this glorious work, which God has commenced, goes on with great rapidity. Sinners fly to Christ as clouds, and as the doves to their windows; also this evening (Thursday) I was informed that twenty precious souls (since Monday) had gone to Christ, and found ref uge."

She often expressed a strong desire, and offered up fervent prayers for the salvation of others of sinners in general, as well as of her particular acquaintance.

"What a desire I have that my classmates, would seek the Lord."

"O Lord! may thy word preached this day, be the means of convicting and converting many poor souls, who are far from thee, and wilt thou send an arrow of conviction into their hearts."

She formed a proper estimate of the value of the truth, while sensible of the necessity of divine influence to give it ef fect.

This day I commenced reading the ho ly bible.' (Her plan was to read three chapters every day, including five every Sabbath, and so go through the whole in the course of a year.) And, my heavenly Father, wilt thou be my guide, and explain it to me as I read, may I not let one verse pass by without being acquainted with it.'

Actuated by a holy principle, she aimed, on all occasions, to bridle her tongue, and watch over her thoughts.

"Wilt thou, O Lord, forgive all that we have said amiss this evening; may we for the future have our conversation more upor holy things.'

She felt a strong desire to do something for the instruction and salvation of the heathen. Reflecting on the time and money spent in the ball-room, and in parties, I cannot (she said,) help asking myself if I could not make better use of my money; and I can answer, yes! yes! the money that has been spent in such employments, how much better

would it have been to have sent it to the heathen, who know not God, and where $12 (annually) would educate a youth. May 1, O Lord, make better use of my time and talents, and may I be employed either in working or reading to gain useful instruction."

The subjoined resolutions show regular, systematic, and persevering efforts to advance in holiness, and be useful in the world.

This morning I arose full of new resolutions, viz.-1. To employ my time more for working for the poor and destitute. 2. To read God's holy word oftener than I have done. 3. To worship my Lord and Saviour oftener in my closet. 4. To reprove my former associates more than I have done. 5. In time of prayer to collect my wandering thoughts.'

She embraced every opportunity to converse with her acquaintance on the subject of religion; but not satisfied with this she wrote several letters to her youthful friends. The following, copied into her journal, is part of a letter which she wrote to two of them.

My friends, the Lord commands you to choose this day whom you will serve, God or Mammon. Choose which you will, life or death, they are set before you. Can you bear to see all your friends travelling on to Canaan's happy shore, and you left behind? O, lay your burden down at the feet of Christ; even now he stands with outstretched arms, waits for you to receive his kind invitations. The angel Gabriel waits to carry the blessed news.I must tell you, I have thought this long time, that you were going back into the world; but, my dear friends, if you are, what will be the consequences! Perhaps you are saying, we will wait a little longer, and we will grow better; but, dear friends, though I am not capable of giving instruction myself, [yet] as I hope I have been brought from nature's darkness, into marvellous light, I feel it my duty to write a short epistle, or converse with you on this important subject. O will you not come with us! The Lord does not say to-morrow; but he says now,' if ye will hear my voice, harden not your hearts.Do you think the Lord will be more ready to-morrow than to-day? No: my precious friends, perhaps you may grieve the boly Spirit, or perhaps your life will not be spared. Do go to Christ, and there prostrate yourself, saying, 'I can but perish if I go I am resolved to try,' &c.; but

no one was ever known to perish there yet. Where would you go, if you were to die this moment! Choose which you will have-life or death-they are set before you.'

In another letter, to two of her youthful companions, she says, among many other things: 'It is of great importance for you to make your peace with God, and delay no longer. There are a great many youths, younger than you are, in distress, crying, what shall I do to be saved? Will you answer me this question, have you ever attempted to covenant with God-to give yourself solemnly and irrevocably to him

hoping for acceptance through Christ alone-taking God in Christ as the covenant God, and satisfying portion of your souls? The Lord's Spirit has been striv ing with each of you for this long time. I am afraid you will grieve it away; if you do, what will be the consequence? God invites, commands, and intreats of you to repent. There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Say, cannot you love the Lord Jesus Christ, when he has done so much for us? God gave his only begotten son to die, that we, through him, might live. Will you not give yourselves away to the Saviour of sinners, and trust in him for salvation? Will you tell me what is the reason you will not repent, and be one of the followers of Christ? I pray and beseech you that you will give no slumber to your eye-lids, until each of you have found an interest in Christ. Would not your friends and relations rejoice very much to see you travelling on to Zion?Will you answer me this question; if you should lay your heads on your pillow this night to sleep, and awake no more, where would your souls be, and how would you appear at the day of judgment?'

Such was the dear child whose life was so interesting, and whose death so affect ing. Such were her exercises and views, after her heart was changed by grace Such were her reflections upon life, and prospects in view of eternity. Such, it is hoped, is now, and will be for ever her joy and rejoicing in heaven. O may there be many such children and youth! Her lovely face we shall see, her sweet voice we shall bear no more. Removed from all objects of earth, time and sense, she reposes in the bosom of the Saviour's love --but being dead, yet speaketh—still feels for the young-still beseeches them to be reconciled to God, and follow her, as she followed Christ. M.

Answers to Correspondents.

A. Z.; B.; and D. U. have been received

THE

CHRISTIAN SPECTATOR.

No. III.]

MARCH, 1821.

Keligious Communications.

For the Christian Spectator. Professor Everett's definition of a Christian.

A late Sermon by Professor Everett, of Harvard College, contains the following sketch of the christian character:-"Be upright and honourable, punctual and trusty in the affairs of life; let your word and your promise be sure and faithful; your intercourse kind, friendly and open; be not too forward, but always ready for every kind and charitable work; let your houses be the abode of decency and of order, of purity and of peace; enter with moderation into the cheerful and innocent pleasures of life, for which Heaven has given us the senses, the faculties and the tastes; build an altar of family worship in your dwellings; and be not superstitiously precise, but regular and punctual in your attendance on the public worship of this place, and you will not need to assert your claim to the name and character of christians."

In this full-length portrait of a Unitarian christian, what trace is there which we do not find in thousands, and tens of thousands around us, who are moral, charitable, warm-hearted, and punctual in the observance of religious institutions; and who yet are supremely devoted to the world, actuated solely by its principles, immersed in the pursuit of merely temporal good, and who are too honest to make the slightest pretensions to the character of those who "walk by faith and not by sight?" What is there that may not be found in the consistent Deist, who on his own principles, is bound to the exercise of

Vol 3.-No. III. 15

[VOL. III.

piety towards God, and of justice and benevolence to his fellow-men? What is there, except the external rites of worship, which was not actually found, in no ordinary degree, in the sceptic, Hume; and yet Mr. Everett goes on to assure his hearers who possess this character, "You will require no ingenious defence of your tenets; you will not need the aid of learning and of eloquence; you will not need to ask for respect and chariity; they will be more than paid, they will be given, they will be showered upon you."

Religious belief, then, constitutes, no part in the character of a Unitari an christian; for it is undeniable that a man may be all that is here described, while he rejects every doctrine of the scriptures, except the being of a God. Besides, all that is enjoined, reaches merely the external conduct. Not a word escapes the preacher as to the principles or motives which control the outward act: nothing which excludes the most abandoned hypocrite, who puts on the mask of virtue to accomplish his designs.But Mr. E. it may be said, undoubtedly meant to imply that a man should be sincere in the conduct specified. Be it so. May not a man, be sincerely "upright and honourable, punctual and trusty," from motives of selfishness, from a sense of shame, or the influence of early habits and associations? May he not be "kind, friendly, and charitable" from the force of those instincts and feelings, which are implanted at our birth, and which are sometimes stronger in the notoriously vicious,

than in the established christian?Would not a refined taste alone dictate that his house should be "the abode of decency and of order, of purity and of peace"? May not family and public worship be the cold tribute of the understanding, without one correspondent emotion of the heart? or the transient burst of sympathy, the enlivening glow of sublimity, or the offspring of a mistaken and selfish gratitude? Let all these qualities be united in their liveliest exercise, and most graceful proportions, and still without the controling influence of supreme love to God, they are pronounced by the apostle to be "as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." What shall we say of a christian, in a high-wrought sketch of whose character, no trace of repentance is found? no intimation of a daily conflict with indwelling sin? nothing of his reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength? of his being "crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him?What would the apostle Paul have said to a christian who rejects the atonement of the Redeemer; who is not "justified by his blood," or found "glorifying in nothing save the righteousness of Christ;" who pours forth no fervent thanksgiving "to Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood;" who makes no self-denying exertions to bear the glad tidings of eternal life to the heathen nations? What would the Saviour say to that christian, who lays claim to no higher qualifications than those of that amiable youth whom He rejected, when on earth, as destitute of holiness?

Mr. Everett has honestly disclosed the result of Unitarian principles. A system which tears the doctrine of Atonement from the christian dispensation, and makes nothing necessary to vindicate the character and uphold the government of God in the pardon of sinners, must of necessity reduce sin to a trivial evil. It changes the whole aspect of the scriptures as to the character and condition of fallen man. It takes away all ground of

reliance on the merits of Christ, and of gratitude to Him as the author of salvation. Repentance becomes less pungent, as the evil of sin is extenuated; the necessity of christian watchfulness is proportionally diminished; conformity to the world becomes less guilty and less dangerous; the line of separation between the christian and the sober moralist is obliterated, and that change of heart which produces the christian character, requires no influence of divine grace, but merely the gradual culture of our social feelings, and the subjection of the passions to the control of reason. It is not surprising, when we consider what human nature is, that this accommodating system is popular in many of our large towns. What can be more gratifying to a class of highspirited and worldly minded men, who are bent on obtaining the name and character of christians, but who are held back by the firmness of a faithful minister, who flashes their true character in their face, and from tenderness to their souls repels them from the circle of that covenant to which their hearts cannot subscribe— what can be more gratifying than that false and fatal liberality which breaks down the barriers between the church and the world; sets aside the merits of the Redeemer; disclaims the necessity of renewing grace; and reduces the standard of christian character to the principles and convenience of the natural man? Where such a system prevails, what motive has any man to be an infidel, when all that is humbling to the carnal mind, is obliterated from the scriptures? The fact so confidently urged by Dr. Ware, that the ranks of open Infidelity have been deserted since the prevalence of Unitarianism, is perfectly natural, and carries with it the condemnation of his cause.

That the spirit of Unitarianism is a compromise with the spirit of the world, must be evident to every one who has traced its progress in England or in this country. A remarkable fact in confirmation of this

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