These extracts bear, no doubt, the impress of childish thought; yet they indicate that she had already formed large views of the nature of inward religion.  In her estimation it was a blessed reality of which she might have a “clear evidence,” and which could only reach its perfection in the “likeness of God.”  Its principle was love, controlling the most secret motions of the heart, and regulating the minutest details of daily practice.  This religion she proposed to herself as the purpose of life.  For this she earnestly prayed, and to help her resolutions, she sought and cultivated the society of such as were excellent in the earth.  The select character of the associations she formed was, perhaps, one main cause which contributed to her after proficiency.  She once mentioned to the writer, as a matter of profound gratitude to God, that she had always mingled among religious people, and only remembered one week in her whole life which had been spent among persons not professing godliness.  She lived and breathed in the pure atmosphere of prayer and love, where the Holy Spirit loves to dwell, until she became one spirit with Him.

The chosen companions of her youth were such as already enjoyed, or like herself were seeking, the experience of divine truth.  Among other early acquaintance was Miss Nodes of Skelton Hall, afterwards the wife of the Rev. Dr. Newton.  This lady had recently become a Methodist, and burning with all the fervour of first love frequently came to Mr. Burdsall for counsel and encouragement:  Her first interview with Mr. Newton occurred at Mr. Burdsall’s house in the following manner.  During the sittings of the District-meeting, Mr. B. had invited the Revds.  Messrs. Needham and Newton, with some others, to dinner; and sent an invitation to Miss Nodes to come and join them:  to this Mrs. Nodes objected; but promised to call the next day and apologize.  She did so in company with her daughter, just as the party were about to kneel down to prayer, and they were consequently invited in.  After prayer a hymn was proposed, which was sung by Mr. Newton and Miss Burdsall, who had a clear and melodious voice of considerable compass.  Miss Nodes then remarked, that at Skelton they had to live by begging, as they only had preaching occasionally; and if one of them would go over and give them a sermon, it would be a great charity.  Mr. N. immediately promised to accompany Mr. Burdsall the following day; and from that time commenced an acquaintance which resulted in their union.

In many cases, and very commonly in the case of young persons, who have been religiously trained, the process by which the mind reaches the assurance of faith is very slow.  “The going forth” of the Spirit “is prepared as the morning.”  The first streaks of dawn bring a degree of comfort, for there is promise of day; but the clear and unclouded light of the Divine favour is yet distant.  The doubtful twilight, however, continues to expand and brighten, until at length the sun peeps above the distant hills, or bursts through the morning cloud, and all uncertainty is banished in a moment.  It was thus with Mary Burdsall.  Two years later we find her still seeking the indubitable witness of the Spirit.  The work of grace was slow and deep.  She writes:—­