thee.  If I know mine own heart, I desire not to be acquitted; if I have erred, or if this trial of my faith is needful for me by Him who knoweth with what food to feed His poor dependent ones, thou hast been with me in heights and in depths, in joy and in sorrow, therefore to thee I speak.  Thou knowest what I have passed through on the subject of slavery; thou knowest I am an exile from the home of my birth because of slavery—­therefore, to thee I speak.

“Previous to my writing that letter, I believe four weeks elapsed, during which time, though I passed through close and constant exercise, I did not read anything on the subject of abolition, except the pieces in the Friends’ paper and the Pennsylvanian relative to the insurrections and the bonfires in Charleston.  I was afraid to read.  After this, I perused the Appeal.  I confess I could not read it without tears, so much did its spirit harmonize with my own feelings.  This introduced my mind into deep sympathy with Wm. Lloyd Garrison.  I found in that piece the spirit of my Master; my heart was drawn out in prayer for him, and I felt as if I would like to write to him, but forebore until this day four weeks ago, when it seemed to me I must write to him.  I put it by and sat down to read, but I could not read.  I then thought that perhaps writing would relieve my own mind, without it being required of me to send what I wrote.  I wrote the letter and laid it aside, desiring to be preserved from sending it if it was wrong to do so.  On Second Day night, on my bended knees, I implored Divine direction, and next morning, after again praying over it, I felt easy to send it, and, after committing it to the office, felt anxiety removed, and as though I had nothing more to do with it.  Thou knowest what has followed.  I think on Fifth Day I was brought as low as I ever was.  After that my Heavenly Father was pleased in great mercy to open the windows of heaven, and pour out upon my grief-bound, sin-sick soul, the showers of His grace, and in prayer at the footstool of mercy I found that relief which human hearts denied me.  A little light seemed to arise.  I remembered how often, in deep and solemn prayer, I had told my Heavenly Father I was willing to suffer anything if I could only aid the great cause of emancipation, and the query arose whether this suffering was not the peculiar kind required of me.  Since then I have been permitted to enjoy a portion of that peace which human hands cannot rob me of, though great sadness covers my mind; for I feel as though my character had sustained a deep injury in the opinion of those I love and value most—­how justly, they will best know at a future day.  Silent submission is my portion, and in the everlasting strength of my Master, I humbly trust I shall be enabled to bear whatever is put upon me.

“I have now said all I have to say, and I leave this text with thee:  ‘Judge not by appearance, but judge righteous judgment;’ and again, ‘Judge nothing before the time.’  Farewell.  In the love of the blessed Gospel of God’s Son, I remain, thy afflicted sister.