waiting, as it were, for the Lord to have pity on me, only desiring to be called hence; the Comforter the while cheering me with visions of eternal blessedness, with a sweet anticipation of future blessings."

But it must not be imagined that she spent all her time in solitary contemplation, or in cherishing a morbid grief. No, she sought out objects of pity amongst the poor; she wandered into the streets and alleys of the town, administering to others that consolation which she had herself received from God.

And even during the heat of a summer sun she continued her labours unremittingly, visiting the close, ill-ventilated abodes of the most destitute, and returning home worn and exhausted.

At length her health began to suffer from these exertions, and having received an invitation to visit some friends who lived in the country, she accepted it, hoping to recruit her strength by change of air.

Chapter Seventh.

"Lo, He beckons from on high!
Fearless to His presence fly;
Thine the merits of His blood;
Thine the righteousness of God!
Angels, joyful to attend,

Hovering round thy pillow, bend,
Wait to catch the signal given,

And escort thee quick to Heaven.”

TOPLADY.

It was four months after the death of her sister that Bessie came to visit the parents of the writer; it was then that their acquaintance commenced. Circumstances threw them peculiarly in each other's society-soon their hearts became knit together, and a warm and firm friendship was the result.

Never shall I forget the impression made upon me by my first interview with her. Lovely in person she truly was; but it was not so much the loveliness

of symmetry and outward beauty that attracted, as the beaming in her countenance of a mind filled with sweetness, gentleness, and intelligence. There was a peculiar sadness and solemnity in the expression of her soft dark eye that was really imposing. But that which was most remarkable was her deep spirituality; and may it not have been the reflection of His image, which dwelt within her, that shed this heavenly, unearthly expression upon her countenance? A friend observed to the writer, “I never met a young person who appeared to dwell in such constant communion with God,-in whose whole deportment there was such a savour of holiness." And could it be wondered at, when her spirit had been so exercised and "tried like gold seven times" in the fire of affliction. She realized the Lord peculiarly as a Friend, to whom she referred the most minute circumstances. At all times of the day she used to retire to her room alone, to pour out her soul in

prayer.

To finite judgments it seems incomprehensible, her being so soon taken from earth; she who was so calculated to be a blessing to all who crossed her path; whose whole life appeared to be a training to service for God's glory.

From her mother's singular method of education she derived that moral strength of character, and self

control, which were so conspicuous; from acquaintance with Dr. Doyle, her intellectual powers were fully developed, and her mind became richly stored with knowledge. From the many various scenes into which she was thrown by circumstances, she had opportunities of studying human nature under different aspects; and all the sorrows she passed through softened her character, and gave her those deep sympathies in others' woe, which made her a comforter to many who were themselves in affliction. The agony of mind she endured at the age of seventeen, and the clear view she had afterwards of the work of Christ, enabled her to raise the hopes of those who despaired of salvation, and to point them to Him. who came to save sinners, telling them how she had been bound with chains of darkness, and by what means the Lord had broken those chains, and brought her into the peace and liberty of the Gospel. But we cannot penetrate God's ways, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?" It is one of those dealings of Providence of which we can only say,

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"God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform."

He who "doeth all things well" must have had a wise purpose, in this dispensation towards His child, that we shall know hereafter. He may take

away His servants in the midst of their work, to show that He can do without them; or to shelter them from the evil to come; or because they are ripe for Heaven; or it may have been, in the instance before us, because, from the natural loveliness of her character, He saw that some would be tempted to make an idol of her; and God will have no rival in our hearts-He must reign supremely there.

It was shortly after her arrival at P that she was engaged to be married to Mr. A. WAs a few particulars of the spirit and views with which she contemplated this new course of life may be interesting to the reader, they will be here given.

Before she left Ireland she became acquainted with Mr. A. W, and, according to her usual custom, she spoke to him of the things of God. There was an earnestness, a solemnity, in her manner, when she spoke on religious subjects, which immediately arrested the attention of those whom she addressed, for it showed that her words proceeded from the inmost depth of her heart. Her remarks made a deep impression on him; they were accompanied with the power of the Spirit, and he viewed her as an angel sent to bless him, and to point out the heavenward path. Circumstances separated them