Page:Memoirs of Mrs. Harriet Newell.pdf/6

 lead me to the fountain of consolation. But God, who is rich in mercy, did not leave me here. He had prepared my heart to receive this grace and be glorified the riches of his mercy, by carrying on the work. I was invited to visit a friend in Newburyport. The evening previous to my return home, I heard the Rev. Mr F. How did the truths which he delivered sink deep into my inmost soul! My past transgressions rose like great mountains before me. The most poignant anguish seized my mind; my carnal security fled; and I felt myself a guilty transgressor, naked before a holy God. Never, no never, while memory retains her seat in my breast, shall I forget the affectionate manner in which he addressed me. His conversation had the desired effect.

I then made the solemn resolution, as I trust, in the strength of Jesus, that I would make a sincere dedication of my all to my Creator, both for time and eternity. This resolution produced a calm serenity and composure, to which I had long been a stranger. How lovely the way of salvation then appeared!- On, how lovely was the character of the Saviour! The duty of professing publicly on which side I was, now was impressed on my mind. I came forward, and offered myself to the church; was accepted: received into communion; and commemorated, for the first time, the dying love of the blessed Jesus, August 6, 1809. This was a precious season, long to be, remembered. —Oh, the depths of sovereign grace! Eternity will be too short to celebrate the perfections of God.

1806. Sept. 1.— A large number of my companions, of both sexes, with whom I have associated this summer, are in deep distress for their immortal souls. Many, who were formerly gay and thoughtless, are now in tears, anxiously inquiring