the worst, and that He has sworn eternal enmity to sin.  Then, if He loves me, a sinner, He must be willing and able to save me; and Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man, that He may be the perfect divider between the sinner and his sin.  Oh, what a work is this—­which none but Omnipotent grace can do!  Oh, be it done for me.

  11th Mo. 20th.  Letter to M.B. [Alluding to
  her prospect of marriage.]

* * * How does such an occasion teach one the weakness of human nature, and our utter dependence on our heavenly Father’s preserving care, who “knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust.”  And if we can in truth say, “If Thy presence go not with me, carry me not up hence,” and endeavor to decide in His fear.  I hope we may trust, that if it be not of Him, something will be provided for our rescue, and that if it be, He will remember His ancient promise, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”

1st Mo. 4th, 1851.  So very much has happened since I made my record here, that I scarcely know where to begin.  Never did a year end thus with me.  I had almost called it the most important of my life; and certainly it is so as regards time, and also a very important one as regards eternity.  Now I find my hopes, my interests, my anticipations, my every feeling and affection, have a strong reference to another than myself—­one whom I believe the Providence of a merciful, heavenly Father has led me to regard with esteem and love, as a sharer in the future portion of the path, of life.

Surely it has been a serious thing, much as I have fallen short in the duties of my present favored and sheltered lot, to consent to undertake responsibilities so weighty and untried; and yet I have cause to hope in the mercy of Him who has helped me hitherto, whose covenant is an everlasting covenant, even a covenant of peace, that shall never be removed by any earthly change.  Oh that it may never be forsaken by me!  Oh that every breach may be forgiven me!  Oh that the wisdom that is from above may be my safeguard and director!  How has it comforted me, in thinking of leaving such dearly-loved ones behind, to feel that one Friend above all others, whose love has been the most precious joy of my life, will go with me, and be with me forever, and, I trust, bind in that bond of heavenly love, even more and more closely, the spirits He, I trust, has brought together, and make us one another’s joy in Him!

Now that we are at home in the quiet round of duties and employments which have filled so many (outwardly at least) peaceful years, and that perhaps my continuance among them reckons but by months, oh for a truly obedient, affectionate, filial spirit, both to my heavenly Father and the precious guardians of my childhood!  I have strongly felt that my highest duty towards him with whom my future lot may be linked, as well as my own highest interest, is to live in the love and fear of God.  Many deficiencies I shall doubtless be conscious of! but if I may live, and we may be united in the love and fear of God, all, all will be well.  Oh, then, to be watchful and prayerful!

  1st Mo. 25th.  Letter to M.B.