proving them by her constant course of piety. 'O, dear, sweet, and desirable child, how shall I part with all this goodness and virtue, without the bitterness of sorrow and reluctancy of a tender parent? Thy affection, duty, and love to me was that of a friend as well as child. Nor less dear to thy mother, whose example and tender care of thee was unparalleled-nor was thy return to her less conspicuous. O, how she mourns thy loss! How desolate hast thou left us! To the grave shall we both carry thy memory. God alone (in whose bosom thou art at rest and happy!) give us to resign thee and all our contentments (for thou indeed wert all in this world) to his blessed pleasure! Let him be glorified by our submission, and give us grace to bless him for the graces he implanted in thee, thy virtuous life, pious and holy death, which is indeed the only comfort of our souls, hastening through the infinite love and mercy of the Lord Jesus to be shortly with thee, dear child, and with thee and those blessed saints like thee, glorify the Redeemer of the world to all eternity. Amen!'

It was in the nineteenth year of her age that this sickness happened to her. An accident contributed to this disease. She had an apprehension of it in particular, and which struck her but two days before she came home, by an im

prudent gentlewoman whom she went with Lady Falkland to visit, who, after they had been a good while in the house, told them she had a servant sick of the small-pox-who indeed died the next day. This, my poor child acknowledged, made an impression on her spirits.

"There were four gentlemen of quality offering to treat with me about marriage, and I freely gave her her own choice, knowing her discretion. She showed great indifference to marrying at all-for truly,' says she to her mother the other day, were I assured of your life and my dear father's, never would I part from you. I love you and this home, where we serve God, above all things, nor ever shall I be so happy. I know and consider the vicissitudes of the world— I have some experience of its vanities; and but for decency more than inclination, and that you judge it expedient for me, I would not change my condition, but rather add the fortune you design me to my sisters, and keep up the reputation of our family.' This was so discreetly and sincerely uttered, that it could not but proceed from an extraordinary child, and one who loved her parents beyond example.

"On looking into her closet, it is incredible what a number of collections she had made from historians, poets, travellers, &c., but above all,

devotions, contemplations, and resolutions on these contemplations, found under her hand in a book most methodically disposed ;-prayers, meditations, and devotions on particular occasions, with many pretty letters to her confidantsone to a divine, (not named,) to whom she writes that he would be her ghostly father, and would not despise her for her many errors and the imperfections of her youth, but beg of God to give her courage to acquaint him with all her faults, imploring his assistance and spiritual directions. I well remember she had often desired me to recommend her to such a person, but I did not think fit to do it as yet, seeing her apt to be scrupulous, and knowing the great integrity of her life.

"It is astonishing how one who had acquired such substantial and practical knowledge in other ornamental parts of education, especially music, both vocal and instrumental, in paying and receiving visits, and necessary conversation, could accomplish half of what she has left; but, as she never affected play or cards, which consume a world of precious time, so she was in continual exercise, which yet abated nothing of her most agreeable conversation. But she was a little miracle while she lived, and so she died!

"Thus lived, died, and was buried the joy of

my life, and ornament of her sex and of my poor family! God Almighty of his infinite mercy, grant me the grace thankfully to resign myself and all I have, or had, to his Divine pleasure; and, in his good time restoring health and comfort to my family, 'teach me so to number my days, that I may apply my heart to wisdom,' be prepared for my dissolution; and that into the hands of my blessed Saviour I may recommend my spirit. Amen."

Mrs. Margaret Magdalen Althans.

and a

I was born 23d of July, 1752. I can remember to have had, from early infancy, serious impressions. The awful thoughts of heaven, hell, death, and eternity, engrossed much of my attention. And I have often prayed, under the most alarming sensations, for mercy. My father died when I was two years half old. My mother being a German I was educated in that language, as well as in my native tongue, and in the fifteenth year of my age I was confirmed, in the German chapel, by the Rev. Dr. Wachsell. I must with gratitude acknowledge that he spared no pains to instruct me in the great principles of religion. But the endeavour of man cannot reach the heart, unless influenced by the Spirit and power of God. Though I was confirmed and admitted a member of the congregation, I knew no more what a change of heart meant, or an experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ, than one who had never heard of him.

After an illness, from which the Lord was pleased to raise me up, I went into the country to my dear aunt's, for the benefit of the air.