But Mary was willing to be "a fool for Christ's sake." Not being able to satisfy herself that her suitor was himself a partaker of saving grace, or had more than an outward respect for godliness, she betook herself more earnestly to the Throne of Grace, and there sought help to act aright; though by so doing she might have much to suffer mentally, and something of worldly interest to lose. Her own words shall speak for her ::

"I was greatly distressed about it. asked counsel of my heavenly Father. The words I received were, the salvation of God.'

'Stand still and see

All for a short time but He heard my

seemed dark to me; prayer, and in about two months I was placed in a family who truly feared God and (I) could say, 'For Thou, O God, hast heard my vows; Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name.'"

This was her last change of situation.

The Hearer of prayer, in another way, had now found her a home for life. Thus on the 19th of March, 1839, when she had just completed her twenty-ninth year, she became an inmate of a family in which the longer she was known, the more truly she was valued; and in which the more complete knowledge of her high moral worth and conscientious services, is followed by a deeper sense of the loss which they sustain by her sudden removal from among them.

Further extracts from her memoranda will illustrate how she maintained a Christian course from year to year.

"November 24th, 1839.- Heard Mr. M'Owan from Saul's conversion. The power of God was present. In the evening. heard Mr. Dixon from Psalm xxxvii. 35, 36. O, what a solemn season! Lord, make me the better for it.

"December 1st.-Heard Mr. M'Lean at Ancoats Chapel: text, 'For when I am

weak, then am I strong.' 'Twas enough to raise the weakest saint.

"December 8th. Heard Mr. (Rev.) Joseph Taylor, from the Parable of the Sower. There was a portion for each of the four characters described in the text.

"13th, Friday night. Attended the prayer-meeting. Mr. Taylor, that man of prayer, conducted it, and God gave the spirit of supplication.

"January, 1840.-Brought to His house again to covenant with Him. Lord, help me to praise Thee; although it (the year) began with much trial and strong temptations; for God, in His wise providence, removed me from Mr. and Mrs. M—'s, who had been like parents (to me), and with whom I spent eleven years of my life. "October 9th. -It was twelve months yesterday, since the Lord, in an especial manner, applied to my mind the 26th verse of the xxxvi. chapter of Ezekiel, with several others. I believe it was in answer to prayer. I had been professing to seek

for a clean heart for years, and, I believe, more than once God bestowed the blessing. But I was afraid to tell what God had done for me. I had been earnestly seeking this time about a fortnight, stirred up by hearing a friend say she had received the blessing.

"November 5th.-Met in class with that blessed man of God, Mr. Major, (who was) apparently as well as usual. The next day, he died. Lord, teach me how to live.

"November 8th.-Heard Mr. Dixon preach from Hebrews ii. 17. Blessed be God, I received new strength. O how my soul was comforted! He said that it was not only for the creation of a sympathetic capacity, that He (Christ) took upon Him our nature; but that He might redeem us, die for us; for without shedding of blood there is no remission' of sins. He said, too, that if there was one place on earth where Christ was more eminently present than another, it was the bed of a dying saint. How cheering the thought.

"December 13th, Sunday. - Heard Mr. Dixon preach a sermon on The Duty and Privilege of Church-Membership, from the second chapter of Acts, the last four verses. I thank God that I have lived to hear it. In the afternoon, attended G. S--'s class it was a good time, and I felt great liberty in prayer.

:

"20th, Sunday. - Heard Mr. Waddy (Rev. B. B.) from the 25th verse of the vii. chapter of Hebrews. Lord, make me a witness that Thy blood cleanses from all sin.

"Christmas-day.-Attended chapel. Mr.. Taylor read prayers, and baptized an adult. Mr. Dixon preached from Galatians iv. 4-7. The Sacrament was then administered. Mr. M'Owan prayed. Felt much of the evil of my heart during the sermon.

"27th, Sunday.-Found it good at the love-feast. In the evening heard Mr. Dixon from, 'Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.' O, what a solemn awe rested upon my spirit;