The remembrance of the great love and tender care, of the Shepherd of Israel, who sleepeth not by day, nor slumbereth by night, over me, from my infant days to the present time, is cause of deep admiration, reverence, and abasement of soul.

When I was about six years of age, I had a narrow escape of being burned to death, by falling on the fire when no one else was in the room. My throat was so much. burned that the surgeon said, that if I had lain a little longer, the fire would have reached the wind-pipe. This preservation, as also another, by which my soul was signally rescued from the jaws of the devourer, in very early life, I attribute only to Him, who hath, in the course of my pilgrimage, succoured me in many deep and proving seasons; and hath borne up my heads above the mighty waters, even when the waves have risen so high as to appear likely to overwhelm me. O, my soul, mayest thou never be unmindful of the Lord's unutterable goodness; but walk hum

bly and reverently before him; who is abundant in mercy, and great loving kindness!

It may not be improper to mention, that my father carried on a very considerable business in the mercantile way, and had gained much property. This, and living in what is called a genteel stile, and being introduced into company of high rank when very young, so pleased my natural disposition, that I began to take steps in the paths of vanity. But, whilst I was thus pursuing with eagerness, what are called by some innocent diversions, the Good Shepherd, who seeketh after those that are gone astray, looked down upon me in love, and so enamoured my soul with his beauty, that I loved to be alone with him. O, how sweet was his presence! But this lasted not long; for the enemy painted the glory of this delusive world in such pleasing colours, that I too much forsook the Prince of Peace, and proceeded still a little farther in the paths of vanity.

My father, as I have mentioned, was trading largely; and he so extended his bu

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siness that he could not himself have the oversight of it. This was attended with losses, and many disappointments; and at length occasioned the separation of the family. My uncle, William Storrs, of Chesterfield, took me to Worcester, to my mother's sister Hannah, who was married to Samuel Corbyn of that place and there, being afresh favoured with a precious visitation, I was mercifully previled on to close in with it.

After I had been in that city a few months, those worthy servants of the Lord, Elizabeth Ashbridge and Sarah Worral,: from America, came to my uncle's house, and, I think, staid some days. During this time, one evening, Elizabeth, in a very weighty manner, addressed me in the language of unspeakable love: remarking also,

What a pity that child should have a rib'bon on her head.' Her words were piercing, and deeply affected my mind. I do not know that I closed my eyes to sleep that night; and in the morning, not daring to put on my ribbon, I came down without it. Yet I had many fears, expecting to be

censured by one of the family, as having left it off to get the favour of the friends and from this unjust ground, the enemy caused many seasons of sorrow. This was com ing a little to the gate of stripping, which work went gradually forward; but great were my trials, both from within and with out. Indeed my conflicts were so great, that I might say, "I ate my bread with “mourning, and mingled my drink with "tears"-but then, O, what precious meetings I had at times! my spirit was so broken, that I could scarcely contain myself. Here were also divers weighty valuable friends, whose near sympathy with me was great, and was a comfort to me. It likewise pleased divine wisdom, while I remained at Worcester, to permit me to be attacked with a slow fever, which reduced me to such a state of weakness, that it seemed not unlikely I might sink under it. But that did not prove to be the design of unerring wisdom; but rather to make it preparatory to fresh exercise, and trial of faith. In this time of great weakness and reduction of will, my

mind was sweetly supported, and, at seasons, favoured with the overshadowing of divine love under which my soul did humbly and thankfully rejoice.

When I was a little recovered from this illness, a trial of a close nature was my portion. I received a letter from my father, who, in a pressing manner, requested my going home to live with my dear parents, whom I had not seen for seven years. For in my absence, they had removed, together with my sister and my youngest brother, to Douglas, in the Isle of Man: at which place were no others of our society, and the inhabitants were much strangers to it. Great were the struggles and fears. that attended my poor mind, and prayer was begotten that, by obeying my natural. parent, I might not offend my heavenly Father, who had so richly visited my soul.. But the Lord was pleased so to open my way, that it appeared right to go; yet O, the fears that covered my mind, lest I should bring a reproach on the truth. My humble cries were put up unto him for preservation;