against me and I believe I may call this my sister: for I think it is in the scriptures, that strangers shall be our sisters, and I feel united to her." Much more was said by this man and woman, which proved our gathering together was of the Lord, and we at last parted as children of one Heavenly Father, who made us to love one another. 25th 8th mo. 1805, Albany.]

Yesterday I had a long tiresome ride, which wearied me exceedingly, and caused my spirits to feel great depression, so that I knew not how to endure under the pressure of mortality, having felt great darkness covered the minds of the people, as I passed along the road, from village to village, in the stage!

As I had but three shillings left, I thought I would go and ask J. Taylor to give me lodgings: and he calmly replied, "I feel free, tell your wants to my wife and daughters: for it is my desire they should be kind to you." I thought this a particular mark of the Love of God to me, whom I have unbounded favours from. I suppose if my money had not been spent, it would have been my inclination to abide at an Inn.

When I sat down, two letters were given me from my precious friend Abigail Eames, in New York, wherein was testified great love and sympathy to a little one, and a fresh supply of money from her and JE,.who had sent me a letter from N. Y. requesting me to call upon an acquaintance of his in Albany for the sum of six dollars, fearing my necessity would be great among the Natives; but I could not feel free to take it of another in his name, lest a bad use should be made of it: so he gave it to a dear friend here, to hand me on my return, which I am unfeignedly thankful for, unto my God, He being the moving cause of this benevolence, and all other mercies that I am blessed with.

I could not sleep last night, for the Love of God to me in those fresh instances of His care, in continuing me the favour of my old friends, whom I esteem far above rubies or fine gold. Abigail Eames is entitled to a daugh

ter's affection from me, because in sickness she forsook me not: but performed a mother's part to me, a stranger in a strange land, when many passed by, and noticed not the sorrows that came on me, to qualify me to seek the salvation of mankind in general.

Albany, New York State, 26th 8th mo. 1805.

MY ENDEARED FRIEND A. E.,

LAST evening I returned from my visit to the Indians of Oneida, South Settlement, Stockbridge, and Brothertown, and I was presented with two letters from thee, whom I am united to by the strongest ties of Christian friendship, that will no doubt end in the full felicity of our spirits, when they enter into the City of our God. Here our joys are mixed with pain; our love with anxious desire, that causes bitterness of spirit, through a separation: but in Heaven, one Object will attract our notice, even the Spiritual Bridegroom, who is now the Head of the Invisible Church, as well as the Visible One, which we are members of. Since we were parted, many have been the baptisms my soul hath endured for the children of men, while I have travelled five hundred miles, and have had above thirty appointments, which were held in the Court-house, Steeple-houses, School-rooms, Barns, Fields, or Woods; yet there has been sufficient time for me to think of my precious A. E. although I assure thee, I watch with a godly jealousy over my natural affections, lest I give to thee, or any other sincere acquaintance, more than is due to mutable creatures. Thou must acknowledge God, the Father of us each, is entitled to our ardency of soul, and continual thoughts; and I believe, as we are more weaned from terrestrial objects (in whom we should place no confidence) we shall have our minds subjected, and lay passively in His Hand, doing His Will, and suffering patiently for His sake, while employing the whole of our time, which I imagine thou dost call " One business." If I were to indulge myself in expression at this time, I should use strong tender words to thee; but I

must forbear, or else the past uneasiness will return, which Grace has conquered by her attractive charms, when solitary saying, I hope my precious friend hath not forgot me.

When I came hither, a little money was acceptable from such who were disposed to watch my necessity, so far distant as New York. Please to present my love and thanks to J. E. for his care in supplying my present necessity; tell him I had not quite an half dollar, and I hope this will be returned when he is on an errand of love for my Master Jesus. I have been much tried with J. T. this evening. He told me scornfully, I might do to instruct the Indians, or Blacks; but said, "As for white people, they have good preachers, and enough of preaching from them." My answer was, I had rather teach the Indians and Africans, than white people: for their souls were more precious to me, having suffered much for them. He then told me thus, "You are on the Pinnacle, and as for your talents they are very small, though you think much of yourself." Why he spoke after this manner was, because I faithfully let him know, he was but half a Christian, although he had been a Methodist almost twenty years. I made him no further answer, but went to my trunk, and prepared for leaving them to-morrow, while he continued talking all the time, which I suppose was to provoke me; and then he finished the day, with family prayer. I thought his place was, to lay his hand on his mouth, not daring to utter words before God, whom I am certain will repove him for this conduct; but I pray the Long suffering Father, not to lay this sin to his charge, for the sake of Him, who became a Sin Offering in our stead, that the folly of man might be passed over. I am bound under new obligations to the Lord, to serve Him with my remaining strength, while a probationer in time: for His Delivering Goodness, and Mercy, that is magnified in my preservation thus far: knowing that by my own ability, it was not possible to pass through such complicated exercises as have fallen to my lot, during this year, which

the annals of Eternity will shew forth, when my day's work is finished to the Glory of King Jesus, my Everlasting Spouse, whom I adore in the temple of my soul. I would rehearse to thee, many of the blessings of my life, since our separation; but hope thou wilt be spared, to read the dealings of my God in my journal; which I have recorded to honour Him forever: as, He by His Spirit directed thereunto, when on the brink of the grave, raised up for the Special Purpose of shewing forth His Love, Mercy, Power, and Goodness, to the children of men.

With much affection I conclude, and remain thy sincere sister in the Lord Jesus Christ.

DOROTHY RIPLEY. 29th 8th mo. 1805, on board of Sloop William, to New York.

I have been two nights in this sloop, which Captain L. Hackstaff commands. We have three passengers besides myself, and one is a complete Deist. Openly he said, "I have been a Methodist, Presbyterian, Universalist, and now am a Deist." I told him I believed he would make another change before he died yet: "What is that?" he cried, "A Christian," my answer was; for I had felt uncommonly distressed about him, before he so daringly said he was thus changeable; and I have a hope that satan will be disappointed of this bold servant of his, whom he employs to lay waste the Religion of the Redeemer of the World. I shall say right, if add, I never saw one so profane before, yet have faith in Jesus Christ to believe for him, knowing all things are possible to him that believeth; and it may be, that the Lord will deliver his soul out of the gin, which he blindly has been insnared with; being in gross darkness, and under the power of temptation. It is probable that we shall get into New York in a few hours, and then his language will not cause my soul to be exceeding sorrowful! no; I shall be with some of the righteous, where we shall recount the Lord's tender Mercies since our separation. How dismal is my situation, when I am but one day with the ungodly!

What then would Eternity be, if it were to spend with them? O for a pure spirit! that I may behold my God forever! O for an holy soul and body! that I may adore Him, who by His Wisdom, strengthened me, to "Choose the good, and refuse the evil." This is a beautiful river we are going down: but my heart is in Heaven, and all earthly things are too mean to divert me (this moment) from my inheritance, which fadeth not away. My rest draws near, and sorrow will soon take its flight, and joys rapay the tedious days I mourn for sinners.

In all my ways, I long to speak good of the Name of my God, who leads me by His Spirit, and protects me from the rage of the dragon, who insults me often by his agents, when I am obliged to reprove them for sin, and exhort them to repentance, and believe on the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." I am under a necessity of paying my vow unto the Lord; of rendering Him my grateful thanks for the preservation of my life; and although my stock of raiment is reduced much, by contributing to the wants of my Indian sisters; yet I am blessed with this consideration, that my heart was open to relieve them with such as the Lord made me a steward over: therefore, I may expect the "True Riches of His Kingdom" in return, as no one hitherto hath been kind enough to give me the least piece of raiment, in travelling six hundred and sixty miles. Array me with the royal vestment of innocence, that I may worship with the angels, Thee, whom my soul loveth intensely; so that at Thy request, I can follow Thee every where, strengthened by Thee, to complete that which Thou dost design me to do, for Thy poor dying mortals like myself, who live, to ripen for Eternity; or, as fewel, will be cast into the fiery furnace, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth.

In seven weeks, I have finished this arduous journey, setting off alone, in the Name of Abraham's God, who took care of him, when he went forth at the Voice of His Command, to view the land, which afterwards he gave him,