by sea-sickness, scarce able from my hard pillow, to raise my head: (in one, or more instance, unable to take, even to a drop of water, for relief, within the space of twenty-eight hours;) and my companion likewise, in a situation, simular to myself. But after all this, we sustained no injury: and I could therefore, say with the Psalmist, "Though I pass through the dark valley, of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for even there, also, thy rod, and thy staff,-they, shall comfort me."

I continued, still in a feeble state of health; and (even as in Boston) it was a matter of doubt with me, how it would terminate. I felt however, resigned to go; and the "songs of victory" already enkindling on my tongue. Many times, in my life, I had come near to Heaven's door, as I thought, and could even cast a rapturous glance within; and participate the joys of the ransomed, Glorified Host;--but now, I felt nearer to God, and my eternal state, than ever I had felt before. Yea, I verily thought, that if I were now certain my end was come; I should quick begin, the sweetest song, that ever fired my tongue;-of Hallelujahs to the Lord: that should increase to "immortal anthems," which could never, never, cease!

Before leaving Boston, I could see my way to my father's; and I believed I should reach that place; but I could see nothing beyond it. All, there, looked like a dreary-desert; and it appeared, that somewhat special would befall me there; but what, I was not able to determine. Also,

from a dream I had, at that time, I believed great afflictions awaited me. In which dream, I saw myself upon a rock, a few yards square, surrounded of the ocean: excepting a narrow foot-path, that led to the main-land,There, the billows were breaking very violently over my head, and threatening to destroy me; on which account, I thought I removed to an opposite corner of the rock; where, behold was a hollow, that was black and dismal as the grave. There, I found the waves dashing, still heavier against me, and burying me in the depth beneath: insomuch that I began to cry, Now, I shall be swallowed up, and there is no escaping it! I however found the way off; and I did not understand how. I saw myself, by a very sudden transition, upon a widely extended plain; where, was the most delightful prospect, as far as the eye could reach; and there, the birds of the air filled the Heavens with their melody. On being awaked I considered seriously this matter; and questioned, "Whether those gloomy-shades, were not my own burying-place; and the vast, delightful fields, the "immortal plains, of glory," that I soon should rauge. And whether, the sweet songs, that so delighted mine ear, were not the seraph's elevated strain, far above all Heavens.' But I could never make it appear fully, like my

*I do not think it proper, at all times, to pay regard to dreams. But I am certain, that God has not unfrequently spoken to me, in dreams, and in visions of the night:-(according to what is written, Job, &c. &c.) and that, the reality, I shall one day prove,—whether I hear, or whether I forbear.

own burying-place; nor was I able at that time, particularly to comprehend it.

I had valuable writings by me, which I had believed, I should publish to the world: (for the benefit of many-when I might be sleeping in the dust,) and as none other, than myself, was capable of doing this; I hence, could never understand it, consistent with Jehovah, to take me away in the integrity of my heart; ere that work had been completed. Those writings, I had commenced; and continued for a succession of years, by faith in God; and they had been, as a sort of life-buoy, to me; both upon the land, and on the sea. In case, any danger threatened, my mind was always quick transmitted to them; and, said I, "Is there unrighteousness with God?" Will He

enjoin it to me, to spend a great portion of my. time, and labour on earth in this work; and then, without any special provocation, cut me off in the completion of it:-so that my efforts, and highest expectations, with it all, at last, be buried in the dust? No; God forbid, that I should ever distrust, "His goodness, or His power!" Mean ungrateful thoughts, begone! Faith is my shield, And, when my voice, is lost in death; may my Jabours still exist; (even for the encouragement of multitudes, that come after me, to "love and fear" the Lord) till time shall be no more!

I had felt for some months, a remarkable hurrying with my affairs; as though every thing, must be done as it were, in a day. Something great appeared at hand. And that there was no time, to slumber; but that, all should be awake, and at their posts! I found all, about home,

however, very low in religion. I attended a number of their meetings; and as my strength admitted, I gave some exhortation: And I was glad to find, of the young beginners that I left, the greater part, (though low,) still desirous to see the end of the christian journey.

After one week, I visited Exeter; and in much weakness, I spoke twice, at the Christian M. house. There, I was glad to find a new society raised up during my absence, that loved, and served God. I spent two days, and attended to the publication of a book,* presented me in Ireland; (that I thought it daty, to get reprinted in America:) and then, I returned to my father's.

I soon after, visited New-Castle; and spent some agreeable hours with my dear friends of that place. The greater part, (of the large number,) I had seen, in former years brought home to God, stood firm, as on the rock of ages; but some had fallen asleep. I attempted to preach to them, twice; and it was a melting, solemn time. The Lord was there reviving His work, under the instrumentality of Elder Peavy. My strength was still on the decline; and I was able to converse but little. Some of my kind mothers there, desired my stay, that they might aid towards the recovery of my health. I thanked them for their tender care; but as I wished to see friends, of other places, before I made a stop: it was only a word—and a look-and then I was gone!

At Portsmouth, I was happy in spending a short time with my dear friends, B. C. and wife

*The life and Ministry of Ann Freeman.

I had ever proved them, kind and faithful; and ready at all times to minister to my aid, in sickness, and in health. The God of all consolation, make them "as a tree planted by rivers of water"-and whatever they undertake, to prosper in their hands.

Other dear friends of Portsmouth, I rejoiced much to meet; particularly the widow ******* whose roof I had left,-to embark for the first time, upon the wide Atlantic. On coming again to the place, and finding her husband, no more: it brought fresh to my memory, the singular sensations, with which I left the dwelling,* more than three years before.

*It happened, that a night or two prior to sailing on my long voyage; being in bed, at a late hour of the night, "a death-like shadow of a human being," or the form of a man (as it seemed) stood erect before me. My blood chilled, as I gazed for a moment,-then turning my head, as it were, to recover my breath, behold it was gone! Not knowing how to account for such an appearance; and believing it to. be no personal visitor, (which I was never accustomed to receiving at such an hour:) I concluded hence to give no alarm; but try to compose myself till morning. Consequently, 1 early related to the family,what I had witnessed; and remarked to them, that "I had no idea, of its being any personal appearance:" but, as it seemed, "was ominous of a visitation by death, to some member of the house." The shock it gave me-as if it were something-great and awful-that was to follow-I was not rid of, for many days ensuing! And I said to them, farthermore, that in case any such thing subsequently occurred, I should be able to comprehend it: but if not, it would remain wrapped in mystery, till the Great Day, that should unfold, all secret things.The man of the house, was disposed to make light of it, as a chimera, or a fancy. But admitting it to be, merely imag