I prepared to give to friends of this region, the parting hand. I looked for no more, than to go as I came, with Heaven's Guardian Angel, only, as a "companion" and "a shield:" but it pleased the LORD again, to exceed all my expectations; and to grant me the favor, I had for many years requested, viz: "of my own sex," a fellow-helper in the truth, and in the Vineyard of the Gospel. وو A young woman, by the name of Elizabethi Venner, had been impressed to accompany me abroad, for the space of some weeks; and when she saw, at length, that I would go; she was constrained in the language of "one of old" to say, "Whither thou goest I will go; and whither thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people, shall be my people, and thy God my GOD." She was neither of my own "country, or of my "nation;" but was a native of the town of Devonport, in Old England: and with her parents, had emigrated to America, in the days of her childhood. Soon after her arrival to America, she embraced religion; and attached herself to the Methodist Society, in the city of New-York: and now, at the early age of nineteen, she is ready to renounce kindred and friends; be mortified to every carnal enjoyment; and devote herself, without reserve, to the service of her Master. Being convinced, of the uprightness of her intention; and of her ardent zeal, for the good of souls; I could, therefore, rejoice at the sacrifice she was about to make; although in consequence, I realized, a double charge devolving upon myself; and that I had need, more especially, to live in the constant exercise, of a lively faith in God, lest together, we might be betrayed into some snare; "or the condemnation of the devil." Sept. 14. We accordingly, embarked for Eastport: at which place in 24 hours, we were safely landed I held some meetings in a Roman Catholic chapel; and went to Lubec. I held two meetings with them at L. and on leaving them, I was "honored," a second time, by a "salute of fire arms," &c., which I accounted, my "greatest joy." On my return,to these parts, I had entertained an idea, that duty would call me homeward; but being held within doors,a number of days, by illness, I was led more strictly to enquire for "the good and the right way." Previous to this, it had often been suggested to my mind, that I should "one day," see the Eastern World. I now cast a glance that way; "the power of the Highest," seemed at once, to "overshadow" me; and the "Star of Bethlehem," which first arose in the East, still to be shining, with glorious splendor, there! I turned mine eyes again, and cast a look behind: the silken "cords of love" drew me on; 'faith' surmounted every obstacle: and replied, "LORD, I'll go, and brave the dangers of the mighty deep!" On acquainting sister Elizabeth with this my view of things, she was perfectly satisfied, to bear me company to her native land, in case the LORD should clear our path before. We accordingly thought good, to go to Nova-Scotia, and there await farther, the openings of Providence. being obliged to wait for conveyance, we visited the surrounding isles; and lastly, to kind friends and brethren, I thought it mine to say, "I knew But that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Oct. 17th. We found a vessel bound for Grand Passage Isle5 miles across the Bay of Fundy; on board of which we were favored with lodgings "for a night," and gained the destined port. The people we here met were Baptists, of "the straitest sect." With them, we made a stay of two days, held four meetings, at their house of worship, and upon the third day, at the rising of the sun, we were under sail, for Argyle of Nova Scotia. Before the close of the day, we came 60 miles to Argyle; and were very cordially received, of a people, attached to the community (in the United States) called "Christians." At their preaching house, we enjoyed some favored seasons; left many youth, of tender minds, with deep regret; and reached a village, called Tusket. I spoke once at a Baptist M. house, and the day following came to Yarmouth. The town of Yarmouth, had been richly watered with "the dew of Heaven." Of a population consisting of 7000, one seventh part, (i. e. 1000,) had professed couverting grace. The principal, of that number, were in sentiment, (what we call,) Arminian Baptists: among whom were many, I rejoice to say, both male and female, who were bold advocates of the truth. To the preaching houses belonging to different communities, I had access; and enjoyed, in each of them, much of the Divine presence. Nov. 18. From Yarmouth, we came under sail again, 50 miles to Barrington. In this place, were likewise many belonging to the sect aforementioned, called "Christians," and who were truly devoted to the cause of the blessed Redeemer. I spoke in the M. Houses of Presbyterians, Christians, &c., and among the people here, with those also of Yarmouth, glided some of my most joyful hours. But a parting was ueedful, as I considered it duty to be in Halifax before winter; therefore we bade kind friends again farewell, and embarked upon the wide occan, with the voyage before us of 120 miles. We had not been long out,before we had rough winds and seas to encounter, for some days; and we, at length, were driven in at Granbzo harbor; 15 miles from Halifax. I attended one meeting there, and the day following, we completed our voyage. Dec. 1st. We entered Halifax with no small degree of joy: although I quickly saw an enemy, more dangerous far to encounter, than that we had just escaped, a "raging sea;" "but thanks be to God who giveth us the victory," we had soon the pleasure also of seeing, both sons and daughters, come from afar, and hail the followers of the Lamb! Yea, the "British soldier" in.uniform array, and the "Prussian sailor" with tarpauling jacket, we saw together, surrender to CHRIST. After a stay of six weeks in the place, we chanced to have an invitation to Europe, (gratis) of the master of a fine ship, that was a native of Scotland. He being a man of piety; the mate likewise of the same ship; we hence, were induced to think, that the hand of Providence was in the event; and dared not, but consent to go: although, at that inclement season of the year, I had little expected to engage in such an undertaking. The necessary preparations, however, being made; and the ship about ready for sail: when, the question was agitated with the owner, "Whether so much religious exercise, as there might be on board, would not occasion a neglect of the duty of the ship.' He finally decided, "that to debar us from the privilege of a place among them, and have every man to his work, would be the safest way. How very limited are the views, of unregenerate men!!! Consequently, having met with this small disappointment; we continued our labors still, in Halifax and Dartmouth, for a number of months; but with the idea, notwithstanding, that by some means or other, we soon should cross the Atlantic. Considerable persecution arose at this time, and occasioned my sending to Portsmouth, for a "Note of commendation". Which Note,being seasonably afforded, read as here follows: "This may certify to all whom it may concern, that Nancy Towle, the bearer of this, is a person sustaining a good, reputable,moral character, and is highly esteemed of a numerous acquaintance, as a friend and a Christian. The subscriber, from a long acquaintance with her, being a witness of her labors of love," for the good of souls, and her exertions in the Vineyard of our common Lord, in this, as well as other places; would recommend her, to all the faithful in CHRIST JESUS, as a useful member of the church of CHRIST, and a labor |