(seq. 59)

ligious assurance? How can I acquire that patience which
possessed her soul through every trying scene of a long and
distressing illness? How can I gain that sweet composure of
mind with which she bade adieu to the world and all she
held most dear? Often have I heard and discoursed of the
power of religion in sickness and ^at death Often have I been
with those who in near view of eternity have expressed rather
a willingness to die than any cheering inclouded hope of future
felicity But never did I hear or was I witness of an instance of
-- more perfect submission to the will of Providence than my
Abigail constantly manifested and at the same time of such
unshaken conviction of divine acceptance During her tedious
disorder she had 33 different watchers most of them heads
of families; and I have reason to hope that the impression
which her conversation and example made upin their
minds will prove of lasting benefit O! could my barren
preaching but second this effect I am persuaded it would
have the happiest tendency
But I feel almost disheartened when I reflect not only
on my own weakness and deficiencies; but on the common
obtacles which oppose and on the new obstacles which
threaten to oppost ministerial success We have daily
evidence that the principles of Jacobinism are gaining
strength in our land. Already do its friends realize with
melancholy grounds of assurance the completion of
their wishes. The Essex Junto [?] may heaven our coun-
try may never have more

ligious assurance? How can I acquire that patience which
possessed her soul through every trying scene of a long and
distressing illness? How can I gain that sweet composure of
mind with which she bade adieu to the world and all she
held most dear? Often have I heard and discoursed of the
power of religion in sickness and ^at death Often have I been
with those who in near view of eternity have expressed rather
a willingness to die than any cheering inclouded hope of future
felicity But never did I hear or was I witness of an instance of
-- more perfect submission to the will of Providence than my
Abigail constantly manifested and at the same time of such
unshaken conviction of divine acceptance During her tedious
disorder she had 33 different watchers most of them heads
of families; and I have reason to hope that the impression
which her conversation and example made upin their
minds will prove of lasting benefit O! could my barren
preaching but second this effect I am persuaded it would
have the happiest tendency
But I feel almost disheartened when I reflect not only
on my own weakness and deficiencies; but on the common
obtacles which oppose and on the new obstacles which
threaten to oppost ministerial success We have daily
evidence that the principles of Jacobinism are gaining
strength in our land Already do its friends realize with
melancholy grounds of assurance the completion of
their wishes The Essex Junto