look, every man for gain, from his own quarter!” At the Methodist chapel an appointment was made for me, from the press; and Mr. F. (their preacher) received me, in a manner, worthy of his character, as "a faithful servant of Jesus Christ." I spent two weeks, with great delight in the place; and saw much of the glory of God. To the people of Salem, I owe much gratitude; for the many favours, they were pleased, on me to bestow!

On reaching Salem, I felt powerfully drawn to write to my father; and could not rest: although I had learned nothing of him, from the time of my leaving home. I accordingly wrote, "That, I viewed death coming, post-haste upon him! And that I did not feel, altogether satisfied, with his present attainments; but besought him, to set his house in order, for he would die, and not live!"

I came from Salem to Boston; where, after transacting some of my book-concerns, I began to look about me to find, if I was ready to proceed on, to the south: but there seemed to be somewhat still, holding me--all was not quite ready. While I was thus, in preparation to go; a letter was handed me, (by the driver of the stage,) direct from my sister Mary: containing the painful intelligence, "that our dear father, was failing very fast; and they were very fearful, that they soon should be obliged to part with him."

Notwithstanding my presentiments of his approaching dissolution; I had hoped to the contrary; even that I might be mistaken likewise in his case. But now I buried him, as it were, at once: and gave vent to my bitter grief, by weep

ing aloud, for some time. Not being able to reach home that day; I gave myself to earnest prayer, in his behalf: even that his evidence for Heaven, might be brightened; and with the setting-sun of mortal life; that the "sun of righte ousness, might illuminate his soul; until mortality, at length, should be swallowed up of "everlasting life." While thus, engaged in fervent prayer for him; my sighings, all, were turned, to songs of praise. And I felt that, my father's house, was not a house of mourning, and desolation; but that, the "Lord was there" and the voice of praise, and thanksgiving, resounded in his dwelling.

Aug. 29th. I sat out again for home: and while on my way, I felt confident that I should find our dear father, happy in God. That, I thank the Lord, I did, in a good degree! As I entered the room: his looks expressed, the strong emotions of his heart, on seeing me return. I told him, that I was just setting off--to see him as it appeared on earth, no more: but the Lord, had twice frustrated my designs; and now I saw the reason, why. He replied, "The Lord has been very good to me. Yes, added I, "The evidence I had gained: and could rejoice, that God was now your Friend: and that He would prove to the end, ‘a very present helper,' in this time of weed!

He appeared very low; but was able to converse considerably. The family I found in great affliction; but much relieved, from the humble resignation our father had manifested, to kind Heaven's disposal. Upon enquiry, I learned of

him; that the same day, the letter reached me in Boston; the clouds, in a great measure, disappeared from his mind; and the day following, the words were applied, with great comfort, to his heart, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'

He said to me, moreover, "After I had given it up, that I should never be raised again from a sick-bed; I strove, for some days, to hold on, by my own good works: and to plead their merits, for acceptance with God. But I was made to see. at last, that all my own righteousness was as filthy rags; and that I was a poor, lost and helpless sinner; having nothing to commend me, to the favour of the Lord; and without His pardoning love and grace, my end must be--that I perish forever. It was then, though the chief of sinners, He seemed to smile on me; and own me, as His child! I now feel resigned, said he, either to die, or to live; as it pleaseth God, to deal with me. Should I be raised up, it might be, that I should forsake God; and become worldly-minded again: therefore, it may be, that I am as well prepared to go now, as I ever shall be;--so I can say, "The will of the Lord be done."

In the course of a day or two, I took the liberty to ask him, (as I thought it might be a comfort to me to know, at some future period,) "What would be his choice, concerning me:-whether, that I should settle in life, as his other children, had done: or that I should continue, as I had begun, in ranging broad-creation." He replied, "I have no choice about that. I don't know, but

that I am as willing, you shall live as yoí do, as in any other way. I never doubted but that it was your duty, so to do: and it is evident, the Lord has been with you; or you never would have prospered--as it is plain, that you have done." This, was much, for an indulgent parent, to say! And I believe that few exist; who have love enough to God, and the souls of men; to give up a child,-(of the same description, of myself) to such a scene of conflicts--as he, was well aware, that I had endured. Yea, this to me, was what spoke volumes!

He had wound up his business; and seemed to be done with earthly concerns. He desired of his children, that they would all try to be more faithful to God, than himself had been:--and "Meet him in Glory:" saying "Some one of you will quickly follow me, beyond the grave. I asked him, one day, if he had never thought it his duty, to pray in his family- -as that, he never had been in a habit of doing. He replied, No! "I have ever thought it my duty to pray in secret : and that He, who seeth in secret was able,to reward me openly."

To

Some one of the family asked him, "Whether, death had any terror to him." To which, he replied, "I cannot say, it has no terror." "But death does not appear, as it used to do." wards, the many neighbors and friends, that called upon him; he manifested much tenderness and readiness to converse; but to them, of his own attainments, he always spoke with reserve. He was afraid of professing, too great things, (as he expressed:) and he would therefore, reply, "I

hope, the Lord is with me.

But I find little sa

tisfaction in looking back:- --we are however, to forget the things that are behind, and press on to those which are before." I indeed listened with surprise, to the conversation of my father; considering the vast change that had taken place in him, from the time I had last left home, to the present period. His apprehension, was now unusually quick; his memory strong; and all the powers of his mind elevated, above what I had ever witnessed before. From God proceeds, not the "spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!"

On the 7th of September, I arose in the morning uncommonly strong in God. Indeed, I had enjoyed some of the most Heavenly seasons of my life, by my father's sick-bed. But more especially, as the morning of the seventh, commenced,--such a melodious voice, followed me, as I never before had heard. Soon after reading the 136th Psalm, and praying together, I began to pay attention to the sound. It appeared to increase, (even till noon-tide,) and now, to be ringing all around me. I cast mine eye, over the earth, and said, "Where have I ever heard such melody as this? In any revival, where the Lord, has poured out of His spirit, and caused His people, to sing for joy; have I ever heard any thing like, this?" "No!"--I stopped again; musing, whether I did actually hear, any external voice; (i. e. with the natural ear;) or whether it was a mental sound, alone. I decided the latter; although it seemed as audible, as any voice, that penetrated the natural organ. I turn