effect on her mind. In performing the duties of a Manager, the sight of other's sorrows caused her in some degree to forget her own. She felt a new and powerful sympathy for the class of objects which that society seeks to relieve. Hence her advice, the labour of her own hands, and her personal attentions in the chamber of sickness and poverty, were cordially and frequently bestowed. In addition to what the Society allowed her to expend, her means of charity were increased by one generous individual, who permitted her to draw on him weekly, for a sum, which, were we permitted to mention, would be highly honourable to his name. In looking back on this period of her life, all who knew how much she was devoted to the cause of piety and benevolence, have involuntarily exclaimed, she was fast ripening for heaven!

It is truly gratifying to learn, after the decease of Christians, that religion had taken deeper root and had brought forth more fruit, than even their most intimate friends had imagined. There are so many temptations at the present day to give publicity not only to all we do, but to all we purpose, that it is perhaps more common to make great professions of concern for the cause of Christ and do nothing, than it is to do much and say little.

is so worthy of imitation, that we think we should do injustice to her memory, and deprive our readers both of profit and pleasure, were we to withhold from them the following communications.

The first was written when she' gave up the cares of house-keeping, at which time her young friend was removed to another family. The affectionate cautions, the maxims of wisdom, and the sound arguments in favour of religion which it contains, render it worthy of being attentively perused.

My dear Nephew,

THE time has arrived (by the dispensation of a wise and holy Providence) when I must relinquish all responsibility respecting your welfare. But I cannot suf fer this important change to take place feelings on the subject. without expressing, in some measure, my

You will probably believe me when I inform you, that my greatest source of regret in giving up house-keeping, has been on your account. I am sensible, my dear child, that you are old enough to judge for yourself in most cases; but the deep solicitude which your dear uncle manifested for your spiritual and temporal concerns has rendered your situation doubly interesting to me. Your future prospects depend, by the blessing of God, entirely on yourself. A knowledge of this will have a tendency to make you ever watchful. If you continue to conduct yourself with integrity and prudence, you will ensure the confidence and affection of Mr. C—, and if his life is spared, you need not be over anxious for the future; but always remember, as he cannot possess for you the peculiar feelMrs. Freeman belonged to this ings of relationship, that your welfare delatter class of Christians. In the pends more exclusively on your good conbestowment of alms, she scarely al- duct, than if your beloved uncle had been spared to you. I mention this, not to dislowed her left hand to know what courage you, by no means: in Mr. C--; her right hand performed; and she you have a firm, affectionate friend. laboured privately, but not on that only wish to impress deeply on your account with less diligence or fidel- mind the importance of circumspection. ity, to promote the salvation of oth-You may find pretended friends, who

ers.

The concern which she man

may endeavour to entice you to places which you are satisfied Mr. C. would dis approve, under the pretext, that, as you do not board with us, it will never be

ifested for a young relative, who had resided in the family,is so much known. Believe them not. Turn a deaf in accordance with her serious and ear to them. What you do in secret, will habitual conviction of the truth and be known openly, if you ever descend to excellence of Christianity, and the such misconduct. I say descend, for I time and circumstances under feel a sweet confidence that you never have strayed from the path of rectitude. which she gave him the most pru-Be careful how you make confidants of dent advice, and solemn warnings, your young acquaintances. Many allure

You will perceive that I do not expect an answer to this letter; but whenever you feel an inclination, write to me as to a parent that sincerely loves you. May we all meet around the throne of God, and join in thanksgiving and praise for redeeming love. This is my comfort in my affliction; and that ere long you may draw consolation from the same source, is the ardent prayer of

Your affectionate Aunt,

MARY FREEMAN.

bat to betray. They represent the path can say it will not be abused. I am stili of sin as strewed with roses, when, alas! young enough to recollect the feelings of the thorns of anguish would be all that youth, and to sympathize in their weakwould ever be realized by you. Perhaps nesses. Recollect, I do not demand this you will think these observations needless, || confidence; I only proffer my friendship but a word in season, how good it is! act your own pleasure. But I shall alAfter these few remarks on worldly ways feel the greatest solicitude. If you wisdom, suffer me to point you to the se- swerve from your duty, I shall probably cret spring from which your good actions be one of the first to hear of it, and me must all be derived. The fear of the it will distress most keenly. Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In keeping his commandments there is great reward. Seek direction from on high, and your steps will be directed in a plain path. We are all sinners by nature; and every day adds to the black catalogue of our offences against infinite goodness. Had not Jesus Christ come into the world and suffered for our transgressions, we must all have been eternally miserable; and even now, Jesus Christ himself says, "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." Where he is, we never can come, without repentance. We must realize our lost condition, and feel that The commencement of a year, all our actions are sinful in his sight, be- brings with it many affecting assofore we shall apply to God through Christ ciations. It reminds us of the for mercy. But when we do come with the spirit of the publican who smote upon shortness of time; of the death of behis breast, crying "God be merciful to loved friends, and of our own nearer me a sinner," we shall receive the par- approach to the eternal world. And don of our sins, and be happy here, and although custom has made it a seain the world to come, receive everlasting life. son of congratulation and festivSuch, my dear P-, must be your feel-ity, yet he must be uncommonly ings. You must feel the importance of thoughtless, whose joy is not chasan interest in Christ. You wish, perhaps, tened by many sober reflections. to possess religion, but you must be determined to seek it. You may think religion It may reasonably be supposed, will deprive you of pleasure; but no that at the close of the old and the "her ways are ways of pleasantness, and opening of a new year, the ear will all her paths are peace." God is well be attentive to the advice of wispleased with the early dedication of ourselves to his service. "I love them that dom. Mrs. Freeman availed herself of this circumstance, hoping that it would give weight to her admonitions. How well she was employed on the morning of last new year's day, will appear from a letter bearing that date, in which we have the overflowings of a pious heart for the salvation of a fellow creature.

love me, and they that seek me early shall find me, is the language of the Bible. O that you may be enabled to say from the heart, "As for me, I will serve the Lord." 66 My Father, thou shalt be the guide of my youth." You have no time to waste. You know not how soon you may be deprived of health, as some of your young friends have been. Perhaps your disease will not allow you time for reflection; and then where will your soul find a place? I say not this to alarm you unnecessarily. You know it all, you hear it every Sabbath; but while engaged in writing to you, I could not forbear mentioning a subject which exceeds all others in importance.

And now, my beloved nephew, I will relieve your patience. You have been attentive to me as an own son. May God reward you. My feeble advice, if needed, you may always command. You may have advisers, who, though kind friends, may yet be unqualified to judge for you. Allow me your confidence, I

parted to me such delightful anticipations || his worldly associates, and to seek an inrespecting the heavenly world, as forbids terest in Christ in earnest. Perhaps he one murmuring sigh to escape my aching intends to resist every temptation to evil, bosom. I look forward to the time when and to live a holy life. Is it so, ******? we shall meet in glory, and join in adoring the Saviour, who has washed us in his own precious blood. While I possess such feelings, I am satisfied that nothing short of religion could possibly reconcile me to my present bereavement.

or am I writing to one who considers this subject irksome, and my anxiety only as the chimera of a weak imagination; who, though he does not despise the writer, despises the subject, and is an enemy to religion? No, this cannot be. I know You will not be surprised, that I should it is not so; I feel a sweet confidence ardently desire the salvation of those who that you respect religion. If you have are dear to me. The idea that those with felt a disposition to attend to religion; if whom I have associated in this world, you ever feel that you are a ruined sin will in another be forever separated from ner, and that it is time to seek the Lord God and holy beings, is too painful for stifle not your convictions. Do not try to me to reflect upon. But it is no more divert your mind from this subject. Depainful than true, that unless we become pend upon it, that Satan will try to perreconciled to God, we can never be with suade you to do this. He trembles when Christ to behold his glory. We are all he sees a sinner pleading for mercy. He by nature, lost sinners. Christ would knows that none ever sought the Lord in never have left the glory which he had vain. If you give way to his temptations, before the world was created, and hum- the Lord may in justice give you up to bled himself to die the ignominious death hardness of heart. "My Spirit shall not of the cross, if any thing short of an infi- always strive with man," saith the scripnite sacrifice would have saved us from ture and again, "Because I have called eternal destruction. But our sins were and ye have refused, therefore, I will against an infinite God, and every day || laugh at your calamity, and mock when that we live unreconciled to him, we are your fear cometh." These are plain truths heaping to ourselves wrath against the which none can gainsay. I hope you will great day of wrath, when none will be not be offended with my plainness. able to stand, but those who have come to Christ, pleading his promises of pardon to all who forsake the ways of sin, and who lay hold on eternal life. The poet sweetly describes the way of salvation. "He makes no hard condition, 'tis only look and live." This is a true statement of the case. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." If we turn from the ways of sin, and determine in the strength of the Lord never to give up seeking religion, Jesus will be gracious to us. We cannot begin too soon. Our happiness depends upon an acquaintance with our own hearts, and a sense of pardoned sins. We enjoy even the comforts of this life far better, when we view all our blessings as coming from || our heavenly Father. And when disappointment or sickness overtake us, we can feel a sweet confidence that it is all right.

"We cannot turn ourselves," perhaps some may say; that is very true, but we can pray to God to turn us, and it is our duty to do so. "Seek and ye shall find," was the language of our Saviour, who was truth itself. But a common excuse is, that another time will answer just as well; when it is expressly said, that "today is the accepted time." We have no promise of pardon to-morrow, or of living till to-morrow."

This is new year's day, and I felt my heart burdened almost to sadness, at the idea, that perhaps another new year (if your life is spared) might find you an enemy to God, and consequently much farther from happiness; for every year strengthens our habits, whatever they may be. I do not mean to insinuate that your outward conduct is reprehensible. You know I do not. In your case, it is the heart not being right in the sight of God, that I most dread. I feel a tender concern in whatever relates to your welfare. I have now finished all that I have to say at this time. No one is acquainted with my writing this to you. When I express my feelings to you on religion, it is in confidence, and to discharge my duty. God grant that it may be received in the same spirit with which it is written. I probably may never write again. I do not wish to trouble you with a subject which is not agreeable to your feelings. Therefore, unless you request it, I shall be silent in future. Rest assured, however, that not a day passes, that does not witness to the fervour of my desires for your salvation, and I may add, for your happiness at all times, although your salvation includes every good.

Your sincerely affectionate Aunt, MARY FREEMAN. Only eight days before she died, this subject will be well received by my being called to watch with one of

I have written thus far, supposing that

dear

young friend. Perhaps he has some

times thought religion of importance, and the family that was sick, while all determined to disregard the opinions of were asleep around her, she wrote MAY, 1826.

19

this last and most kind and faithful letter. It may justly be considered as her dying testimony in favour of the gospel of Christ; although at the time, death did not seem to be near. Hoping that her admonitions from the neighbourhood of the tomb, will be received with seriousness by more than the individual for whom they were at first intended, we shall here publish them.

you

that without an Almighty Saviour, they must perish forever. And although, peralike, still there are only shades of differhaps, no two persons ever felt precisely ence; the same general feeling pervades the whole of Christ's family on earth. My greatest fear for you, my dear child, tions of conscience, seeing many around is, that will strive to stifle the convicyou engaged in the trifling amusements of a vain, dying, transitory world. You will endeavour to put off this subject to a "more convenient season." I beseech you to remember that it is one of the strongest artifices made use of by the adversary of souls, to persuade the young that there is time enough yet. Believe My dear P. him not. Pray to God for Christ's sake to WHILE watching my dear sister's sick deliver your soul from his temptations, and bed, I feel disposed to write a few lines to impress you deeply with the importance to you. When I wrote last, I resolved of religion. How delightful to see a young not to trouble you again till my knowl-person, leaving the ranks of the enemy of edge of your feelings was sufficient to en- all righteousness, whose wages are death, able me to decide in what manner to ad- and enlisting under the banner of the dress you. This knowledge, you are Prince of Peace, whose " yoke is easy, and his burden light," and his reward " crown of righteousness, which fadeth not away.'

Wednesday morning, 2 o'clock,
January 18, 1826.

aware, I do not possess, but the assurance from you that my solicitude in your behalf is well received, induces me again to address you and may that God whom I desire to love and obey, bless these feeble endeavours for your good.

From some cause or another, you have appeared different of late as it respects religion. Perhaps I am mistaken, and only perceive in my own imagination, what I so ardently desire. I have requested you to give me some information on this subject. You have, indeed, no opportunity to comply with my request; and I do not know that you have a disposition. I shall never urge you to make this disclosure against your will. Our own thoughts and feelings are sacred to ourselves and our God. I am very much opposed to any person's making a display of any impressions of a serious nature, which they may be favoured with. But some are prone to the other extreme, and by conversing with no one respecting their feelings, grope along in darkness and distress for years, and finally perhaps conclude (from ignorance) that none ever felt like themselves, and give up all thoughts of religion, and sin against God with a high hand.

a

Choose now whom you will serve, while the evil days come not on, nor the years (of old age) draw nigh, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them. Search the Scriptures daily and prayerfully. If you have no heart to pray; no words to make use of; go just as you are, plead for a spirit of prayer, for a contrite heart. One of old said, "A broken heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." You have no merits of your own. Your best actions are too likely to be from pride and self love. Go, then, and plead what Christ has done for poor sinners, and you will not apply in vain. If my conjectures are correct, and you feel impressed with the importance of religious subjects, it would be gratifying to me to have some knowledge of the means, which, by the mercy of God, has led you to such reflections. Your situation, is a constant source of anxiety to me at the present time; and I do not hesitate to declare that the salvation of your soul is the burden of my desires. I do not say this to induce you to practise hypocrisy. God forbid, that I should be the means of your deceiving yourself or others. I have only written this to show you the importance in which I view this solemn subject.

Your affectionate Aunt,
MARY FREEMAN.

I have never doubted, when reflecting on my own experience, that I should much sooner have enjoyed the comforts of the gospel, if I had conversed more freely. By disclosing our feelings to a friend in whose affection and prudence we can confide, we often find that they But in the midst of life we are have similar exercises with our own. Those who are sincere disciples of Jesus in death. The loveliest of human Christ, have been first convinced by the frames is only like the flower of the Spirit of God, of their lost condition by field that falleth away. Mrs. Freenature, of their many and aggravated transgressions against a holy and just man was only just rising from the God. And they have also been taught, shock occasioned by the death of

her beloved husband, and setting|| general character of Mrs. Freeman. herself with cheerfulness and activ- But it seems to us unnecessary. ity to the duties of Christian char- The great objects we have had in ity, when, to the surprise and grief view will be attained, should daughof those who knew her, she was sud- ters, incited by her amiable examdenly removed to a better world. ple, be obedient to their parents in She herself had probably no idea of all things; should mothers be more the fatal nature of her disease, un- impressed with the duty of reading til within two hours of her death; the Bible with their children, and and during the greater part of this praying and conversing with them. time she was unable to speak, and alone; should females. to whom are perhaps, unconscious of what was entrusted the care of families, empassing around her. When it was brace opportunities of speaking a intimated by her afflicted father word in season to those who dwell that she was dying, with a sweet with them; and by their uniform smile she said, "I shall be better || piety, charity and prudence, leave off." After this, she rapidly be- an impression on the minds of those came weaker, until about 10 o'clock around them favourable to the inin the evening of the 26th of Janu- terests of Christianity. ary, she fell asleep in Jesus.

Her feelings in relation to her decease, were well known to her confidential friends. She looked forward to it as a kind release from sin and sorrow, and as opening the way for a re-union with the glorified spirit of her once dearest earthly friend. She had indeed one strong tie in her children. She remarked on the day before her dissolution, that she could commit even them to the care of God, and to one, who she knew, while he lived, would always be a father to them."

In bringing this Memoir to a close, we might expatiate on the

Should these effects be produced, we shall have secured the noblest end of biography,-an imitation of what is excellent in human charac, ter. It has not been our aim to increase the admirers of the deceased; this would profit nothing. But we have performed our duty in the anticipation, that the light and power of her example will animate Christians, and especially Christian women, "to shew the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end; and that they will not be slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

HISTORICAL COMMUNICATION.

REMARKS ON THE MANNERS AND CHAR

ACTER OF THE BURMESE.
(Continued from page 114.)

or the palms of the hands. They are evidently unacquainted with the nature of tones and harmony, all their airs being wild, irregular, In the music of the Burmese and discordant. Their stringed there is far more noise than har instruments may be called the guimony. They make use of wind tar and harp. They are struck and stringed instruments, brass with the finger, and are usually acplates of different tones, and drums companied by the voice. This of various sizes. For the sake of species of music is private or donoise they will accompany the in-mestic; the former, brass plates, strumental music by striking to- and wind instruments, are used on gether two pieces of split bamboo, public occasions, as when religious