which I have held nearly sixteen years.—­Six months since my husband entered into rest.  He is daily in my thoughts; but I see him not.  I do not wish him back again; a little time will bring me to him, and I shall be as learned as he.  Time hastens on!—­At ten o’clock Mr. C. changed worlds.  Solemn hour!  All the morning, I know not why, he was strongly impressed upon my mind.—­I am alone, all is still, my soul feels after God.  This day feed me with the riches of Thy grace, that I may abide in Thee, breathe Thy Spirit, live in Thy smile, and, like Apollos, be ’approved in Christ.’

“1854.—­I would here gratefully record the mercy of God to me.  I have been brought low—­very low, but the Lord helped me.  I felt no condemnation, yet but little sensible comfort.  Many promises were constantly passing through my mind.  Thus the Lord has been leading me by a path I had not known.—­I have not been to the Sanctuary yet, nor would I rest in the means; but I want a clearer manifestation.  I see the scriptures hold forth more than I possess; I want to be closer knit to Jesus, that I may bring forth fruit.  Have declined the presidency of the sewing meeting.”

[On this resignation a letter, numerously signed by the ladies composing the meeting, was sent to her, acknowledging her services, and regretting that increasing age and infirmities had rendered it necessary.  This document is not forthcoming, but the following is her own reply.]

“MY DEAR MRS. HOLGATE,—­I sit down to acknowledge with gratitude the kind note you presented me with, signed by so many kind friends, in acknowledgment of my poor services in a cause which lies near my heart.  Thankful I am, that from a small beginning in our parlour, about seventeen years ago, this effort for the glorious cause of missions has flourished to this day; and that now so many hearts and hands are engaged in its operations and success.  I still feel interested in its prosperity, and if I have one desire above the rest, it is that every one who assists in this good work may not only have her hands employed in it, but her heart enriched by the blessed gospel she wishes to send to heathen lands, and that every effort may have God’s approving smile.  I am, &c.”

“I think I never felt more free to leave the world than now; and yet quite willing to wait the Lord’s time, that I may be fully prepared.

“Acomb.  Mrs. R. took me to see some sick persons, also some wayside hearers; ‘but who is sufficient for these things?’ Speak Lord, and let them hear Thy voice!—­At the prayer-meeting after the service, a backslider was restored to the favour of God; I was knelt by her side, and a holy calm pervaded my heart, when suddenly my soul, as by an electric shock, was filled with confidence in the willingness and power of God to save.—­Went to see some of my absent members; and passing by Mrs. O.’s, whose husband died about a fortnight since, I called to inquire after her, and to my surprise