and he shall receive, the "Well done," with which the Lord will welcome into his joy, those who acquit themselves properly in the duties enjoined upon them, and are found faithful in the improvement of the talents intrusted to them. Exertions in his service from principle, will prevent us from giving them an undue merit; we shall not rob him of the glory which is his due, because he condescends to accept our efforts, and, though infinitely short of perfection, yea attended with numerous instances of imperfection, honors them with his plaudit. By the grace and providence of God we are what we are; and his grace will keep us from being proud and vain while under the conduct of his Providence, we have opportunities afforded us to honor our religion, and to be an example to those around us."

He

It is to be remembered that whatever Mr. Winter inforced, he also exemplified. loved his wife even as himself. This affection was never interrupted by passion, or sullied by pettishness. Neither was it suffered to cool with years. It had no abatement under the infirmities and decay of its object. When he was at home, no proper attention was omitted: when abroad no engagement hindered the regularity of his correspondence.-Nor was he satisfied

but in proportion as he realised in his companion, an immortal too. All his intercourse was as religious as it was kind and tender. O! what opportunities have I had to perceive this in all his letters that have passed under my review. In this manner indeed the union commenced: and I cannot resist the inclination I feel to introduce a little of his correspondence with Mrs. Winter before marriage. It will be found very descriptive of the man; it may prove exemplary. Here follows his first address.

"MADAM,

"I HOPE this letter will neither give you surprise, nor disgust-I write it in the fear of God, with a single eye to his glory, from the necessity 1 am under to alter my condition, and the high esteem I have conceived for you. The lowliness of my circumstances, together with my want of a settled being, hitherto prevented my ever addressing any one; and I do not now wish to think of a young person conscious to myself that I am not equal to the duty required in the charge of a large family.-The present line the providence of God has cast me into, makes my circumstances equivalent to an annuity of about

£35 per annum, and as I do not want to live better than strictly decent, I flatter myself I shall do no injury to the substance of the person I desire to be united with.-If I might have the privilege to address you madam, I desire to do it on the most honorable terms-should I succeed, I have not the least doubt but I shall discover an affection worthy of the marriage state and engage your affection toward myself by a uniform temper and deportment. I have not the least objection to my character and conduct being scrutinized into, with the utmost care and diligence, and if you please, I will refer you to persons whose eminence will give weight to their testimony.-A line from you will be esteemed a favor, and if it brings the least hint answerable to my wishes, you may expect a visit from me very soon; on the other hand, if you see it right to put a negative upon my request, I shall endeavor to consider it in a proper light and be conscientiously careful nor to make any future interview with you, troublesome. You would have heard nothing from me upon this subject, if I did not believe you to be united to and a sincere follower of the dear Lord Jesus. It will be by a mere mistake if ever I take a person of a contrary disposition into my embraces, and the

more such a person differs in dress, in the choice of company and matter of conversation from the world, the better by far will she suit me. The brilliancy of heaven is truly admirable and therefore desirable; the ornament Peter recommends, may be worn without remorse of conscience, even when it is truly awake to know, and serious to examine. That you Madam may never put any thing on but what you can easily put off, and cheerfully exchange for a grave suit; that you may never unite with any but in an indissoluble band, is the sincere prayer of

the honor to receive, I promised, in case you did not comply with my request, not to make any future interview troublesome. I hope you will not deem a renewal of the request a breach of promise. I do intend with your permission, if an opportunity offers, on Thursday afternoon, to say something upon the subject; but I thought it necessary to give a previous hint of

X

4

1

my intention, least being unapprised of it, I might hurt your delicacy. All you have to say short of an absolute denial I shall be apt to raise my hopes upon. Your only objection hitherto I am inclined to think, is a fear, that by contracting an intimacy with me, you should make a fracture in the union of your family this I would willingly avoid. But is not their consent to be won? I conceive Mr. Bn is a man of understanding. Will you let me pay a compliment to his judgment, by asking his consent to address you? If so you shall be heartily welcome to inspect the letter. I shall never think of forming a union with any other woman while I have the hope of succeeding with you. Let me beg you to be tender to this declaration, and come to a determination as soon as you can. Should any thing in Providence occur to retard the accomplishment of my wishes, I will endeavor to reconcile myself to it, if I have but your promise. ➡Do make it matter of prayer, and the will of God will be made manifest. To-morrow morning at eight o'clock, I shall be upon my knees, to solicit (in a particular manner), the blessing of God upon my endeavors to gain you. What if at the same time you should withdraw from the family for a few moments to ask council of