religion, he made no profession until three years prior to his decease; at which time he was aroused to view, "eternal things impending." And being with regard to his religious sentiments, a Free-will Baptists, he then professed "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," by cheerfully submitting to the ordinance of baptism,--sat his household affairs in order, alleging, "That he should soon be summoned, to weigh anchor, and unknown worlds explore!" His evidence of acceptance with God, whereas was obscure, till within eleven days of his departure, when he expressed, a perfect reconciliation to the will of the Most High, come life, or come death. Afterwards, calm and peaceful,--while rapidly gliding down the stream of life; his prospects of future glory, continued to brighten: and at length, the last solemn day had ushered in upon him! To his children, all, he gave the solemn charge, That they should meet him in glory; and added, "I am now ready to go." “I desire on earth, time no longer." Shortly after, without a struggle or a groan, his happy spirit quit her tenement of clay--and as we trust, under a glorious convoy, quickly joined her kindred spirits in the skies. It is now said of him, "He is dead." He died, surrounded by his weeping family; whom he lived to see, in a very signal manner blest. Of the number aforenamed, twelve, had with himself, become the hopeful subjects of converting grace. Happy a parent's privilege at the last,-that while two of his sons (as able physicians) ministered to his temporal aid; others, he could hear with joyful expectation say, "My honored Father, Fare you well!"-"But a little while, and we all or Canaan's-plain, will surely meet with you!" A FRIEND. My dear brother Philip, I still had much in mind. I felt very deeply intérested for him: Although I was not able to give any particular reason why, more than in former years. One week, -subsequent to the death of our father, I saw him there. It was the last time! As he left, I shall never forget my sensations. Mine eye, as well as my whole heart, followed him to the road: —and I ran towards him again, to renew my charge to him. But he mounted his carriage; and not being able to manage his beast:-he also gazed wishfully after me,--and passed on. When to me it appeared-all was over!-all was done! And so it happened. I shall therefore, see his face on earth--no more forever!! He seemed very solemnly impressed at that time;--although he forced a smile. I remember, in one instance respecting a worldly concern, he gave me some gentle reproof, saying, "That only betrays your vanity; and what does it all amount to?" He appeared to realize, (as I then noticed with pleasure,) the uncertain, and the unsatisfying nature, of all terrestrial things. Seeing the family tolerably composed, after the decease of our father; and feeling my mind still drawn towards the South:-I consequently, gained the consent of my mother, and the rest; to resign me once more, to the snares and frowns of an ungodly world. I held one meeting at the preaching-house near my father's; and one in the east part of the town; of deep interest to myself, especially; not knowing the things that might befal me or what vast change, any of us might undergo,-"ere we all should meet again." JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH.. Sept. 18, 1831.--I started for Buffalo, in the State of New York. I left my friends and home, with such emotions of sympathy, as I never had done before. But the prospect appeared truly glorious abroad; and though still, very feeble in body, I believed that God would go with me; and my strength, (in a two-fold sense,) He would graciously renew. In New England, I viewed my work done, at least for a space:- and there I could not stay. The short remaining period of my life, I desired to spend to the best advantage: and if any about home, had heard my counse}, (or seen my example,) that had not regarded it, I could not stay for them. Souls were equally as precious abroad; and to be in the work of the Lord was my element: -which I believed I should see, prevailing over the world. Should it please God to prolong my life, I wished to survey, even the Four Quarters of the globe:-and to hear "all the dark corners of creation," resound His highest praise!! As I was about leaving my mother's house, a certain preacher present, observed, "I know not how you can submit, to such an undertaking. If the Lord had called me to go, I believe I should refuse." To him I could reply,-"I now truly go with as much cheerfulness, and as little dread, as I could walk the short distance to the meetinghouse with you." "Well, I confess," added he, "The Lord can make hard things easy." Το another preacher, the preceding day, I had proposed the question,-"Will you consent, that one of your daughters shall bear me company abroad, for the good of souls?" "Oh," returned he, “I don't know how I could! If she must go, I should wish to go myself, to take the charge of her." But it was the parting with those at home, I usually felt, and especially at this time. The Apostle once could bear a stoning, or a beating, with joyfulness; "but," said he to friends with whom he must part, "What mean ye to weep, and to break mine heart?" I could not say, "Farewell." It was more than I could bear! neither could I give the parting hand. But with a smile I said, 'Good-bye, to all!' My mother, however, followed me to the door,-took my hand and said, Farewell! May God go with you:-I may never see you more!' 'O yes,' said I, let us never borrow trouble; in a little while, I shall be here again.' My dear sister Lydia, brought me on my way to Newburyport-where, Oh, the sad thought of leaving her behind! But I took the mail-stage, and could only cast a look after her, and soon was out of sight. I reached Salem, and spent the night at J. Needham's: when the words revolved much in mind, "Every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn." I enquired for the words, and found that the preceding sentence read, "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper," &c. I remarked to my friends," The words were spoken to the House of Israel; and I feel, especially, that I can claim them as my own." From that time forward, in that peculiar promise of the Lord, I could place, unshaken confidence. "They that trust in the Lord, shall never be confounded!" From Salem, I came to Boston; and was obliged to wait one day, for the stage. In two days I was at Albany: from thence, in four days, by the canal, I was at Buffalo:-six hundred miles from home. I was invited to preach on board of the canal-boat, by the way; which I tried once to do; (besides praying once a day, with as many as chose to hear.) At Buffalo, I was very cordially received by the Methodist preacher, from whom I received the following note:— "Miss Nancy Towle, on her arrival, in Buffalo, N. Y. was made known to me by sundry respectable vouchers, as a worthy woman, and useful labourer in the Lord's Vineyard: on which she was very cordially invited to occupy our chapel whenever she pleased. Which she also did, speaking to crowded assemblies,--both on Sabbath, and other evenings: in all, five or six times-much to our edification and comfort. Should Divine Providence open the way for subsequent visits from her, they would be received with great satisfaction, by not a few in this place." Buffalo, N. Y. ? WILBER HOAG, Minister of the |