vi. whose histories have been selected by infinite wisdom as vehicles of instruction to all generations; thus clothing the abstractions of religion in the realities of life, and insinuating its lessons in a manner at once the most pleasing, natural, and profound. Such is the design of the following pagesnamely, to do good; and conscious of the integrity of his motives, the Editor commends them to the blessing of God, and trusts his labor will not be in vain in the Lord. September, 1831, Preface CONTENTS. PAGE Her early history-Respect for parental authority- Death of her father-Influence of this event-Her love of retirement-Removal to Melton-Conversion The Christian Ministry-Character of Miss Spreckley as a hearer-Extracts from her Diary-Migration of Birds-Benevolence of God-Friendship with Christ Her sister seriously impressed-We are not always in a right frame for hearing-Unity amongst Christians SECTION IV. PAGE Her piety-Her thoughts on the doctrine of Christian Perfection-Her concern for backsliders-Her choice of companions-Many desired an interest in her prayers-A remarkable answer to prayer-She was much given to prayer-Her reverence for the Bible. 71 Visiting the sick, poor, &c.-Her views relative to and exertions in behalf of Missions-Her growth in grace. SECTION VII. 114 The conversion and death of her sister-Death of an intimate friend-Resignation and death of Dr. Ford -Death of her class-leader. 139 MEMOIRS. SECTION I. Her early history-Respect for parental authority— Death of her father-Influence of this event-Her love of retirement-Removal to Melton-Conversion -Ministry of Rev. Dr. Ford-Extract from her Diary -Reflections. MISS ELIZABETH SPRECKLEY, the subject of the following Memoir, was born at Knipton, a small village on the north-east of Leicestershire, April 27, 1792. Her parents, though moving in a humble sphere of life, were distinguished for uniform probity and rectitude of character. For a time they appear to have been unexperienced in the power of godliness, but were by no means destitute of its form; for of the externals of religion, they were singularly observant, and endeavoured to bring up their children in the B fear of God. Early were they taught to bow their knees unto their Father who is in heaven, and to rehearse the articles of the christian faith. To this were added, frequent and familiar conversations with them upon religious subjects, in which, constant appeals were made to the Holy Scriptures, as to the only divinely-authorized source of saving knowledge; and, in order, to inspire if possible, their infant minds with a still higher veneration for the sacred volume, they were accustomed on sabbath-days and other convenient seasons, to read certain portions of it in their family, with becoming seriousness and docility of spirit. An admirable expedient this, both for confirming parental authority, and for promoting the best interests of children. How much good may we not expect to result from its general adoption! Baxter thought, that if family discipline were properly discharged, the preaching of the gospel would no longer remain the general instrument of conversion; certainly the ministry would become more efficient, and piety more prevalent in the world. Families would become what they ought to be, the nurseries of the church, "instead of the fathers would come up the children; a sced to serve him and to be |