As an instance of her conscientiousness we mention a circumstance which took place somewhere about this time.  A farmer, who owed my father a considerable sum of money, had been repeatedly importuned for payment, but without effect; and it was at length given up, as a bad debt.  One Sabbath morning, while she was sitting alone, he unexpectedly called to settle his account.  She said, “We have nothing to do with receiving money on a Sunday; it is the Lord’s day, and we do not think it right.”  “Well,” replied the man, holding the money in his hand, “you might as well take it while you have the chance of it.”  But neither argument, nor expostulation, could induce her to touch the forbidden notes.  The man therefore pocketed the money, and went away; but not without an admonition on keeping holy the Sabbath day.  No one eventually loses anything by the maintenance of principle, and the debt was honestly discharged the following week.

The solitary record of the year 1810, is contained in the following lines, which may be regarded as expressive of her own feelings.

  Jesus, Thy glorious name shall still
    My musing thought and tongue employ;
  Whose presence doth creation fill. 
    Be Thou my portion and my joy.

  Jesus! blest source of all my hope,
    In whom my spirit finds its rest;
  Whose precious blood, inspiring thought! 
    Hath purchased heaven to make me blest.

  Where can a mortal language find,
    To tell such love when angels fail? 
  “God did so love the world,” and died,
    That love by justice might prevail.

  Drawn by this love, a witness I,
    That God to all the Saviour gave;
  Who willing are, may testify,
    He can unto the utmost save.

“1811.—­I thank God for the blessed privilege of hearing the ministers of righteousness, but lament their word makes so little impression upon my heart.  I seem a forgetful hearer, or as one that hears the word with joy, but little fruit appears to perfection.  Yesterday, irritated by some frivolous cause, I was thrown off my guard, and grieved the spirit of God.  This occasioned a sense of condemnation, and though now the Lord blesses me, I cannot forgive myself.  O that I again enjoyed the sanctifying influences of His Holy Spirit!  Until this is the case, I shall be whirled about by my enemies within.  Lord make me more in earnest, that I may never rest till again the sweet power of sovereign love has possession of my heart.—­I rose early to attend the prayer-meeting, and receiving grace from Him whose birth we commemorated, I fancied my hill stood strong; and that I should be able to rise above everything I might have to try me:  but alas!  I again proved my own weakness.  My little charge were some of them sick, others cross, all wanted me; so that all my graces were put to the test.  O that I had more patience, that I might sit ’calm on tumult’s wheel.’  Lord, Thou knowest me altogether, I would not be a hypocrite, neither wound Thy cause by impatience; Thou hast promised strength for the day, and I am determined to cast my whole soul on Thee;—­to have Thee for my Saviour.  At the lovefeast much was said respecting family prayer.  I bless God.  This duty is my delight.”