of access.  Keep me at Thy feet, O God, that I may rise in Thy likeness and in all things do Thy will.—­Mr. Moore remarked in his sermon, ‘Happy is the man of one book;’ my heart replied, So he is, for in all I read, I find no book so sweet as the Bible; yet there are some which are precious, and which I value as a treasure.—­Another distinguished mercy.  After another attack of cramp the Lord has been pleased to restore to me the use of my hands, which have been locked from three o’clock in the morning until evening.  May I never forget the Lord’s mercy towards me, but studiously labour to be found of Him in peace, that when the awful crisis arrives, I may be ready.”

“1819.  I am still in a weak state of body, unable to attend to my family.  O Lord, support my mind.  Feel resolved to cast my soul on Jesus; and although I have to struggle to retain my hold, will hang on the Crucified.”

This year was one of severe personal affliction, which continued for several months.  At one time little hope was entertained of her recovery, and none that she would ever again be restored to active life.  Medical aid seemed utterly unavailing; but the Lord had chosen her in the furnace of affliction, and by these means, inscrutable at the time, was refining and fitting her for remarkable usefulness.  At length when the process was complete, contrary to the predictions of physicians, and beyond the expectations of her friends, she was given back again to her family, and the church.  In reference to this affliction, she says, in a letter to one of her daughters:—­

“Your brother Samuel is put out to nurse; he is a delicate little boy.  I am at Mrs. F.’s out of Walmgate Bar, for the benefit of my health; if it please God to sanctify the means.  In some respects, I am better, but yet very feeble; however, I am in the Lord’s hands, and have been for a long time his prisoner.  I wish to keep my cause in his hand.  Poor Samuel!  I every day expect to hear, that he has escaped to glory.  My weakness reconciles me to his loss, for the righteous Judge of all the earth cannot but do right.  Dear Mary will discover from my writing, there is an alteration in me.  To tell you the truth, I can scarcely recollect how to spell; my memory is so much impaired by this affliction.  But thank God, I have the full use of my reason, and my soul longs to awake after the image of God.  Friends are very kind in visiting me which makes the days pass more pleasantly.  I ride out when the weather is fine, but am able to walk very little.”

On her recovery she writes:—­

“I would raise my song of gratitude to my God, who, I am confident has restored me in answer to prayer, though I am still very weak.  During my affliction my mind has been variously exercised; sometimes I could cast myself with all my concerns upon God; at other times was much depressed; once in the multitude of my thoughts within me, it was suggested, as if a voice spoke to me, ’What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’”