"on these low grounds;" but, like the manna, is provided fresh for you every day-by One who is leading you, thus mysteriously, I would say, to pass through this wilderness.-He has not failed to support you by water, and by "bread" that the world knows not of. I was going to say, something about your mission; but I forbear, as it would be gratuitous-and as I feel persuaded, that the full, the free surrender. you have made of. yourself, has been done in sincerity. May your fidelity, ever ensure to you, the care of the Lord God of Israel,-and your feet, ever be planted upon the Rock of Ages. How firm a foundation! — How rich the provision, for all the "faithful,”---based upon the Word, the immutable Word of Truth! You, my Friend, seem to have abandoned the prospect of rest, in this world; and are seeking, through privation, to be made completely ready to enter into that "rest which remains for the people of God." And if, (to adopt the language of a distinguished one of our sex,) you shall be made "perfect" by all this self-denial and suffering; an heir of God, and joint heir with Jesus Christ, and ultimately brought to the heavenly Jerusalem, how endless, how glorious, will be your enjoyment!

***** My own state of health is rather feeble at this time; though the present season is more congenial to me, than any other. I have been so long, and so often afflicted, that I never dare to reckon on one day. All I desire is, to submit myself to the will of my Heavenly Father; satisfied, that what He does, will be best for

me, if thus exercised. I think I can say now, that "it is good for me to have been afflicted."By the loss of health,---worldly things have been embittered: the pride of my heart, and the excessive vivacity of my natural disposition, has been much subdued. By the loss of friends, I have been taught to seek more earnestly for that grace which alone "is sufficient:"-to look away from the things which are seen, and to set my affections upon things far beyond the vicissitudes of this troubled state. Notwithstanding, when I see the pre-eminent piety of many of my sex, I am ashamed to see how little I have done. blush, for my backwardness,-my unprofitableness!

I

This long epistle must give place to other engagements. I had no idea of writing half as much. To be remembered in your prayers is the Your friend,

desire of

MARIA W. DAVIS.

LETTER VI.

Lyons, N. Y., Feb. 7th, 1832.

My very dear Sister,

I received your favour of the 20th of January, with much satisfaction;---and gratitude to God, for His preserving mercy towards you. I feel thankful that you are so strengthened to labour; and that God owns, and blesses your labours. And that you, being "strong," are favored with persecution;---so that the curse may not rest on you, be

cause "all men speak well of you." But I am exceedingly sorry, that it should come from professed Methodists; for I think they could not be possessors, in a very high degree. May the Lord correct, in mercy, the errors of my brethren! I am glad that you have been favoured with an interview, with your old friends Mr. & Mrs. O. B., and family: and found a companion to fill Elizabeth's place. I hope that you will be protected and guided by Providence; and obediently follow, in all things, His directions.

I have thought much of my wandering sisterand the results in their various bearings. I have viewed a Whitfield, and a Wesley, in their labours; and the results thereof, with much interest, as far as I have been able to discern: and have drawn the following conclusion. Whitefield, broke up the ground, and sowed the hopeful seed, and left it to all the beasts of the forest.-And where is the increase! A Wesley, ploughed and sowed, and planted a hedge about it; and by a wisely directed plan, watered the same; and it portends a plentiful harvest,-if some, does bring forth wild grapes. I know, my Sister, your case is a different, and a singular one-and if you should think best to travel extensively, and labour, and should see fruit; I hope you may see best to advise, that converts should unite with those Christian societies, as may be most conducive of their spiritual interest; which, I think to be, in general, the E. P. Methodists. I write to you, as my sister, or daughter, with the same confidence; and I hope you will ever look upon me, as a near kinsman to

you: and will not wonder that I take such an interest in your prosperity, and in the cause of religion. I hope that you will recollect, God does not require the destruction of life for sacrifice!Don't destroy your usefulness by overmuch labor; and thus break down your constitution, and so shorten your days. The prudent woman, as well as "the prudent man, foreseeth the evil, and hideth herself." Yours, is the first case in the female character, to whom I have ever given such cautions; but positively to the reverse. I have no doubt, my Sister, but that God has called you to minister, in word and doctrine:-though, whether precisely in the same manner of wandering, I know not. We should be glad to have you again among us; and I hope you will see it your duty to make us a visit soon. Our Alloway brethren would bid you welcome. They are growing in general. There has been at Seneca Falls a meeting for nearly two weeks; and I know not that it is broken up yet. I learned that 150 mourners at a time were to be prayed for; and many converted. I am too much immersed in the world and business, though God blesses me. I confess my neglect in writing; I pray your forgiveness. I hope you will not neglect me, neither in writing or praying for us. I desire you may not give place to a thought of accepting the invitation to go to England. America is a large and uncultivated field, and a plenty of work. Sow and water amongst us. I don't know but that I shall pray some against you, when I request, that you may be temperate in all things; and let your moderation S*

be known unto all men. Your Elizabeth, and G—a friends, were well, a few days since. My family, all desire to be remembered, in love to you; and would be heartily Glad to see you. I shall look for a letter soon,-after your receiving this.

Farewell,

OBITUARY.

L-E K-Y.*

DIED, in the city of C―, of a consumption, Dr. PHILIP TOWLE. He was born in the town of Hampton, N. H. September, 1797,-where he also resided until the last twelve years, that finished his mortal career. At an early period, (associated with a brother-in-law,) he commenced with deep interest, the study of medicine;-and was graduated, in due time, in the city of Boston. He entered into practice, for a space, in the town of Exeter; but soon after, removed to AMSBURY, in the state of Massachusetts-where he spent, the last nine years of his earthly existence. Subsequent to which period, he attached himself to the Brotherhood of Free Masons: also, entered a conjugal statewherein, he was blessed with "one son."

The native mildness. of his disposition, the affability of his manners, and the correctness of his deportment,-won for him the affection, and the regard, of many:-and particularly, his dexterity in instrumental music, drew around him many admirers. In his skill, likewise, as a physician, he had the good fortune to excel:---which,-connected

*E. P. Methodist preacher.