OF 
 
 HARRIET WARE, 
 
 FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHILDREN'S HOME, IN 
 THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE. 
 
 " She hath been a succourer of many." 
 
 Romans, xvi. 2. 
 
 PROVIDENCE: 
 
 GEORGE H.WHITNEY, 
 1850.
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, by 
 
 GEORGE H. WHITNEY, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of 
 Rhode Island. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 THUHSTOX, TORIir t COMPANY, PRINTERS, 
 
 31 Devonshire Struct.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 WHEN it was first proposed to prepare for the press 
 a Memoir of Harriet Ware, it was believed that a large 
 number of her letters could be collected, from which 
 a suitable volume might be compiled. This expecta- 
 tion, however, proved to be unfounded. A few years 
 before her death, she had destroyed all her manuscripts, 
 and among them, probably, a personal account of her 
 labors in connection with the Children's Friend Society. 
 There remained, therefore, no record of her life, except 
 that which could be gleaned from letters written in 
 haste, frequently at long intervals, and without the 
 most distant expectation that they would meet the eye 
 of any other person than the friend to whom they 
 were addressed. Of such materials the present 
 volume is composed. Imperfect as the record may 
 appear, it will not, perhaps, be wholly devoid of
 
 IV PREFACE. 
 
 interest, as it contains all that remains of the writings 
 of one, who, by elevated Christian character, and 
 most disinterested benevolence, had greatly endeared 
 herself to a large number of the citizens of Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 The publication of the work has been for several 
 months delayed, at first from the hope that a larger 
 amount of materials might be collected ; and afterwards, 
 in consequence of engagements which could not be 
 laid aside. This delay has not, however, been without 
 its advantages, as two of the most valuable communi- 
 cations which the volume contains, were received only 
 a few weeks since. * 
 
 The compiler has divided the work into three 
 chapters, each of which comprises the letters written 
 by Miss Ware during a distinct period of her life. 
 The first contains letters written previous to her resi- 
 dence at India Point ; the second, those written during 
 her residence there ; and the third, those written from 
 the commencement of her connection with the Chil- 
 dren's Friend Society to the close of her life. To 
 each of these chapters, a few explanatory remarks are 
 
 * Since the sheets have passed out of the editor's hands, some 
 additional communications have been received, which it has not 
 been in his power to read. 
 
 f
 
 PREFACE. V 
 
 prefixed, principally with the design of giving conti- 
 nuity to the narrative. 
 
 It is, I presume, superfluous to add, that if any 
 profits should accrue from the sale of this little volume, 
 they will be the property of the Children's Friend 
 Society, the exclusive owners of the copyright. 
 
 BHOWN UNIVERSITY, MARCH 21, 1849.
 
 MEMOIR OF HARRIET WARE.
 
 MEMOIE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HARRIET WARE was born in Paxton, Massa- 
 chusetts, on the 12th of July, 1799. 
 
 , Her father was a respectable, intelligent, and 
 amiable man, of high moral principle and great 
 personal worth, but not a professor of religion. 
 Her mother was a devout and active Christian, 
 remarkable for the same independence and 
 decision of character that distinguished her 
 daughter. 
 
 In early life Miss Ware was gay and thought- 
 less, and wholly devoted to the search after 
 pleasure. Throughout her life, whatever she 
 pursued she pursued with her whole heart. 
 Yet even then the irrepressible kindness of 
 her nature was frequently exhibited in acts of 
 self-denying and almost romantic benevolence, 
 1
 
 6 MEMOIR OF 
 
 which left a deep impression on the memory of 
 her early associates. Being the eldest daughter, 
 she occupied a prominent place in the family, 
 and gave early indications of that decision and 
 energy which she so fully exhibited in subse- 
 quent life. Her character was strongly marked 
 and eminently natural. Religion purified, enno- 
 bled, and harmonized its elements ; but, from 
 the structure of her mind, an observer would 
 easily perceive that no change of circumstances 
 or condition could have made her any thing 
 else than a strong-minded, original, benevolent, 
 and sagacious woman. 
 
 About the year 1819, Miss Ware became 
 personally interested in the subject of religion ; 
 and in September of that year, having removed 
 to Franklin, Mass., she made a public profession 
 of her faith, and united herself with the church 
 in that town, under the pastoral charge of the 
 late Dr. Emmons. The whole force of her 
 character was now turned in a new direction. 
 Her renunciation of the world was sincere and 
 universal, and most earnestly did she labor to 
 follow in the footsteps of Him " who went 
 about doing good." With the hope of extend- 
 ing the sphere of her usefulness, she attended a 
 private school for some time, and then com-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 6 
 
 menced her labors as a teacher. She first 
 taught a school in Union, Me., but soon re- 
 moved to the southern part of Rhode Island, 
 where she was employed as a teacher until her 
 removal to Providence. 
 
 During the period of her residence in Rhode 
 Island, a perceptible change seems to have 
 taken place in her religious character. Her 
 views of the great doctrines of religion seem 
 to have become more definite and impressive, 
 and her inmost spirit was brought into more 
 immediate subjection to the teachings of the 
 Word of God. Hence, also, her faith became, 
 in an unusual degree, simple, confiding, and 
 absolute. There was something in her trust in 
 God, under all circumstances, during her subse- 
 quent life, which reminded one of the faith of 
 martyrs and primitive Christians. She received 
 the precepts of the Gospel as the commands of 
 a parent addressed to a beloved child. The 
 promises of God were to her no vague generali- 
 ties, but positive assurances, on which she relied 
 with earnest, humble, and whole-hearted confi- 
 dence. It is natural to believe that this deep 
 religious trust, uniting itself with natural firm- 
 ness of character, would prepare her, in an 
 unusual degree, for works of independent and
 
 4 MEMOIR OF 
 
 original usefulness. Her native resolution be- 
 came calmer, but more firm and unwavering ; 
 for it derived its energy from intimate com- 
 munion with God. Her decisions were not the 
 mere impulses of an indomitable spirit, but the 
 purposes of a soul assured that it was fulfilling 
 the commands of its Father who is in heaven. 
 
 Hence it was that Miss Ware was led to 
 undertake labors, from which others of her sex 
 would commonly have shrunk, and to devise 
 ways of usefulness which others have never 
 attempted. For the same reason she seemed to 
 rely on herself, and to follow the suggestions of 
 her own mind, with a confidence which, to 
 those who did not understand her principles, 
 sometimes seemed obstinacy. She had early 
 learned to rely so exclusively on God, and to be 
 guided so entirely by her own convictions of 
 duty, and the path in which she was to walk 
 had been so often pointed out to her, that she 
 seemed not to feel, as much as most persons, 
 the need of human aid. God had so often 
 appeared for her when other helpers failed, that 
 she had learned habitually to expect his inter- 
 ference in her behalf. With such views, it is 
 not surprising that she removed to Rhode Island 
 in order to commence a school, in what she then
 
 HARRIET WARE. 5 
 
 supposed to be one of the most destitute regions 
 of New England. It was for the same reason 
 that she was directed to India Point, the most 
 neglected spot in Providence. Her motive for 
 going there was to do good to those whom all 
 other persons believed to be irreclaimable, and 
 her purpose was rendered immovable by the 
 attempts of her friends to dissuade her from the 
 enterprise. 
 
 The reader would however greatly err, if he 
 supposed Miss Ware to be, in any respect, ab- 
 stracted, gloomy, or fanatical. Her nature was 
 remarkably genial, and her sympathy for all the 
 forms of suffering, intense. Her love of chil- 
 dren amounted to a passion. She seemed " to 
 rejoice as in hid treasure," whenever she had 
 added to the number of her charge a forsaken 
 and friendless orphan ; and the more destitute 
 the child appeared, the feebler and the more 
 helpless, the better did she love it, and delight 
 to watch over it with more than maternal soli- 
 citude. And if any of the children that she 
 was thus attempting to rescue from destruction 
 turned out badly, it was surprising to observe 
 the variety of expedients which she employed 
 to incline them to virtue. If a boy or girl was 
 presented to the care of the society, of a singu-
 
 G 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 larly bad reputation, she was peculiarly anxious 
 to receive it, with the evident feeling that, to 
 reclaim such an one, was a special triumph of 
 benevolence. In this kind of labor she was 
 eminently successful, and her experiences re- 
 called to mind the saying of the missionary 
 Eliot, when he had translated the Bible into 
 one of the languages of the aborigines, " Pray- 
 ers and pains, with the blessing of God, can 
 accomplish any thing." 
 
 Nor was this earnest and expansive benevo- 
 lence, in the case of Miss Ware, at all allied to 
 that indiscriminate kindness which is easily 
 rendered the dupe of every artful impostor. On 
 the contrary, she was remarkable for search- 
 ing shrewdness of observation, and instinctive 
 knowledge of character. No one more readily 
 discriminated between acting arid seeming to 
 act, between sentimental talk and earnest pur- 
 pose, or more correctly measured the amount 
 and quality of the capacity of those with whom 
 she was called .to act. By a single epithet, 
 casually and probably inadvertently thrown in, 
 it would be evident that scarcely a social or 
 intellectual bias, in those with whom she was 
 conversant, escaped her. In common with most 
 persons of original thought, she had a strong
 
 HARRIET WARE. / 
 
 bias to humor, and even to drollery. This gave, 
 at times, great point and interest to her conver- 
 sation, and not unfrequently, even when suffer- 
 ing under distressing pain, extracted a smile 
 from those who were all but weeping around 
 her. These slight intimations of her character 
 seemed requisite, in order to enable the reader 
 to sympathize in the sentiments which breathe 
 through the following letters. They present at 
 best but a most imperfect representation of the 
 mind and heart of their author. They are 
 merely extracts of such of her letters as could be 
 collected, but they will not, I trust, be wholly 
 without interest ; since they contain all the 
 written memorials that remain of a remarkable 
 and most benevolent woman. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS 
 
 Written by Miss Ware, from the time of her profession of religion 
 to her removal to Providence, 1319 1830. 
 
 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. 
 
 Miss WARE united with the Congregational 
 Church in Franklin, Mass., September 26, 1819.
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The following is the relation of her religious 
 experience, transcribed from the original copy. 
 
 FRANKLIN, SEPT. 23, 1847. 
 
 I HAVE great reason to rejoice that I was 
 born of parents, by whom I was early devoted 
 to God in baptism, and in a land of Gospel 
 light, where I have enjoyed means sufficient, 
 not only to become acquainted with the char- 
 acter of God, but with my duty towards Him ; 
 but ought to be deeply humbled that I have 
 lived the greatest part of my life in an entire 
 forgetfulness of the obligations I was under to 
 love and serve Him. Since the year 1816, my 
 peace has been frequently disturbed by fearful 
 apprehensions of punishment, but am not con- 
 scious of ever realizing sin in itself as an infinite 
 evil, until the last year, in the course of which, 
 God was pleased to set home divine truth upon 
 my conscience. I then saw that I was without 
 God in the world. Religion appeared the one 
 thing needful. I thought I was willing to sacri- 
 fice every other enjoyment for an interest in 
 Christ. But this was very far from relieving 
 my mind. On hearing a sermon preached from 
 John i. 29, " Behold the Lamb of God which 
 taketh away the sins of the world," I plainly
 
 HARRIET WARE. 
 
 / 
 
 saw that Christ had offered himself a sacrifice 
 for sin, and that He was then inviting all to 
 come to Him that they might have life. I sen- 
 sibly felt that my sins had separated me from 
 God, and that it was entirely out of my power 
 to do any thing to recommend myself to His 
 favor. In this hopeless situation I humbly trust 
 I was enabled, through divine grace, to commit 
 myself unreservedly into the hands of God. I 
 thought I felt satisfaction in being a creature in 
 the hands of a holy God. Soon after, I found 
 myself involved in darkness, and was left to 
 believe that I was a stranger to saving faith in 
 Christ. But I have since cherished the hope 
 that my trust and confidence was in God. 
 Christians now appear amiable ; the Sabbath, 
 which was once long and tiresome, now ap- 
 pears like a day of sacred rest ; the Bible, 
 which once appeared like a sealed book, is now 
 a source of pleasant and profitable instruction. 
 
 I think I have now a desire to be on the 
 Lord's side, and feel it a duty to unite with 
 His people in this place. I do therefore offer 
 myself to this Church, soliciting your accept- 
 ance of me, and prayers for me and watchful- 
 ness over me, that I may live agreeable to the 
 profession I now make. 
 
 HARRIET WARE.
 
 10 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The remaining letters are inserted in the 
 order in which they were written, and do not, 
 that I am aware, need any explanation. 
 
 FRANKLIN, JAN. 2, 1825. 
 
 To MRS. C. M. My dear C. I have before 
 related to you something of the interesting 
 season I have passed at Salem, and have now 
 hinted at the general state of feeling in this our 
 beloved Franklin. Do you not ask how your 
 friend H. stands affected with all this ? Could 
 I enjoy that free and familiar conversation 
 which I have thought so great a privilege in 
 former days, I think I could speak freely on the 
 subject. I scarcely dare to write, lest I should 
 give you reason to think that I have felt more 
 than I really have. When I first left Franklin 
 it was peculiarly trying, as you may well sup- 
 pose, to be entirely separated from every friend 
 in whom I could discover the least similarity of 
 sentiment or feeling. I viewed it as a severe 
 correction, but was very far from exercising any 
 thing like corresponding affections towards Him 
 from whom it was sent. I really felt that I was 
 the Achan to be removed, before God could 
 pour out His Spirit upon this church, and on 
 that ground thought I felt a kind of hypocritical
 
 HARRIET WARE. 11 
 
 submission ; but, my dear friend, I have since 
 thought that I enjoyed some evidence that God 
 was dealing with me in covenant love and 
 faithfulness. If I am not deceived, I have 
 been enabled to say, with a degree of sincerity, 
 " Whom have I in heaven but Thee ? and there 
 is none on earth that I desire besides Thee." It 
 truly appears like infinite condescension in the 
 High and Holy One, thus to deal with the 
 vilest of all, who are permitted to hope in His 
 mercy. I left Franklin with deep regret, feared 
 the consequence, though I had promised never 
 again to distrust a wise Providence. And now, 
 my dear C., though I have reason to be aston- 
 ished at my criminal coldness, neglect of duty, 
 and unconcern for the salvation of precious and 
 immortal souls, for whom Christ suffered and 
 died ; yet, at times, since my return, I think I 
 have enjoyed a nearness of access to the throne 
 of divine grace that is to rne almost new. I 
 have peculiar trials, but think I can sincerely 
 rejoice in committing all that life holds dear 
 into the hands of Him, who suffereth not a 
 sparrow to fall to the ground without Him, and 
 who will certainly be glorified in all the works 
 of His hands. I have already said too much of 
 self; you know I always do. Will you pray
 
 12 MEMOIR OF 
 
 for me and for this people, that God would take 
 from us whatever is offensive, prepare to receive 
 a blessing, and in His time pour it out ? 
 
 HOPKINTON, AUGUST 19, 1828. 
 To Miss M. But O my heart, what iniquity 
 reigns there ! I find it a cage of every unclean 
 bird ; but how little do I know of the depths 
 of its iniquity. I am continually crying out, 
 guilty, guilty, as did Judas ; but greatly fear 
 that I have never known any thing of the peni- 
 tence of Peter. I know indeed something about 
 the Spirit, but if I have been born of the Spirit, 
 where are the fruits of righteousness ? I cannot 
 find them in my life. I know not of a single 
 soul who would have been led, from my exam- 
 ple, to glorify their Father in heaven. I have 
 long been a companion of the wise, and still 
 hold the lamp in my hand ; but, my friend, I 
 fear I have not a drop of that kind of oil which 
 will continue to burn when the midnight cry 
 shall be made. I have just religion enough, 
 and hardly that, to strip the world of every 
 charm, but not enough to raise my heart in 
 humble gratitude and adoration to the great 
 Source of all happiness. Will you not fervently
 
 HARRIET WARE. 13 
 
 pray for me, that, if I have built upon the sand, 
 my hopes may be swept away, before it is for- 
 ever too late ; and if upon the rock Christ Jesus, 
 that I may possess and manifest more the spirit 
 of my Divine Master ? 
 
 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 HOPKINTON, SEPT. 7, 1828. 
 
 IN view of the wretched state of a vast num- 
 ber of the human family who are ignorant of 
 the only name given under heaven, whereby 
 men can be saved, and of the astonishing mercy 
 of God towards so vile a worm, that he not only 
 has caused the glorious light of the Gospel to 
 shine upon me, and permitted me to indulge 
 a trembling hope of pardon and acceptance 
 through the merits of a once crucified Re- 
 deemer, but in various ways has so signally 
 distinguished me in his providential dealings ; 
 I feel it a sacred duty and privilege to inquire 
 what I shall render unto the Lord for all His 
 benefits. In humble dependence on God for 
 His gracious assistance, 
 
 Resolved, that the ensuing year shall be more 
 exclusively devoted to the cause of Christ in 
 the world than any preceding.
 
 14 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Resolved, that both by my influence, and by 
 contributing of my substance, I will try to pro- 
 mote the benevolent objects presented before 
 the Christian public. 
 
 Resolved, that if God should preserve my 
 health, and so far prosper me that it can be 
 consistent, I will devote at least $ exclu- 
 sively to such benevolent objects as God in His 
 providence shall point out, praying for His di- 
 rection and blessing. 
 
 Resolved, that I will spend no more time in 
 sleep than I think my health requires ; that I 
 will try, as far as possible, to improve all my 
 time, so dividing it between labor, study, devo- 
 tion, and rest, as is best calculated to promote 
 the specified object ; and to this end, I will 
 strive to maintain a realizing conviction that 
 the eye of God is upon me, and that I am con- 
 stantly and entirely dependent upon Him, and 
 in this dependence may I find both strength and 
 safety. 
 
 Resolved, that every day shall begin (if not 
 prevented by positive reason) with reading the 
 Bible in a devout manner, and humble prayer to 
 God for the influences of His Spirit, not only 
 to enable me to walk as becometh a professed 
 follower of Christ, but that they may descend
 
 HARRIET WARE. 15 
 
 on the world of mankind in general, and His 
 own dear children in particular. And may the 
 Lord, for the sake of Jesus, enable me to fulfil 
 these solemn vows ; and all the glory shall be 
 given to His great and holy name, Father, Son, 
 and Spirit. 
 
 CRANSTON, JUNE, 1830. 
 
 DEAR Miss G. I am much obliged to you 
 for sending me your book, tracts, &c. by the 
 stage. I returned the book immediately, be- 
 cause I had obtained it for myself. 
 
 In consequence of the rain this morning, I 
 have had no Sabbath school to-day ; therefore 
 have had time to read the tracts with some 
 attention. You ask my opinion ; I suppose 
 from the well known fact, that I am always 
 ready to give it. This is no argument in favor 
 of its correctness ; yet, as far as I have formed 
 an opinion, I have no objection to your know- 
 ing what it is. With the name of the society 
 by which they are published, I am pleased. 
 You well know that though I do use tracts and 
 books which I think do not contain any thing 
 positively bad, yet you as well know I think 
 most of the popular books and publications of 
 the present day radically defective. The best of
 
 16 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the books to which I refer, say nothing that is 
 bad, but leave out what is essentially good, 
 under the pretext that this and that (though 
 primary articles in the preaching and writings 
 of the inspired apostles, and indeed I may say 
 of the Bible throughout), are nothing but doc- 
 trines, are not acceptable, are not essential, and 
 therefore ought to be omitted. Thus a kind of 
 affection, or good-will for religion, is inspired in 
 hearts that would burn with indignation if the 
 character and government of God should be 
 exhibited as it is revealed in the Bible. We 
 know that it is only for an impenitent sinner to 
 feel that he is in the hands of a holy Sovereign, 
 and he is the subject of the keenest sufferings ; 
 therefore it is judged prudent to conceal the 
 disagreeable truth. But my dear Miss G., these 
 things ought not so to be. I do not see what 
 can screen this gross deceit from the angry rod 
 of the God of truth. If there are men of sound 
 discretion, talents, and piety, whose eyes are 
 open to the evils which must result from such a 
 course of deception, I should rejoice exceedingly 
 to have them take the lead of some society, 
 whose object should be to disseminate truth, 
 stript of that mantle of darkness in which it has 
 taken so much time and labor and study to 
 enshroud it.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 17 
 
 But, say you, this is not to the point. " Are 
 these tracts of the character you like ? " I 
 answer, the first and third numbers I like well. 
 When I see you I will say a little about one 
 clause in the first number, " That no one has 
 any more true religion, than he has doctrinal 
 knowledge" Of number four, perhaps I ought 
 to say nothing, only that .the subject demands 
 something unexceptionably good. I should like 
 just to ask, what the author means by inserting 
 the prayer of David in the connection in which it 
 stands. Does he mean to insinuate that it was 
 the aspiration of an impenitent heart ? or did he 
 mean that it should be understood according to 
 the taste of the reader? Again, I do firmly 
 believe that any truth of the Bible can be 
 clearly exhibited, in all its connections and bear- 
 ings, much better without than with the help of 
 the terms Calvinist, Hopkinsian, Arminian, &c. 
 I do believe that those who adhere closely to 
 the direction in their preaching, or writing, " to 
 know nothing but Christ and him crucified," in 
 all its parts, will clearly exhibit the whole system 
 of truth, (I do not mean in one tract or sermon,) 
 and never find occasion to use these or similar 
 terms. I have written only a few of my 
 thoughts. Perhaps these had better been kept 
 
 2
 
 18 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to myself; perhaps better not have been in- 
 dulged even there. Jf I am harboring within 
 my bosom a cavilling spirit, may I be convinced 
 of my wickedness and find forgiveness. If any 
 thing of the love of truth be there, may it be 
 diffused, until professed Christians shall make 
 as great exertions to have the truth understood, 
 as is now made to make it seem like something 
 else. 
 
 CRANSTON, AUGUST 5, 1830. 
 
 MY DEAR FRIEND ELIZABETH It is Sabbath 
 afternoon. Probably you are this moment list- 
 teriing with pleasing interest to hear a good 
 gospel sermon. If so, do not forget that you 
 are one of the comparatively few thus favored ; 
 one of the favored few who can unite with kin- 
 dred spirits in the solemn service of worshipping 
 the great God. My dear friend, we are both 
 involved in the awful responsibility of having 
 been exalted to the very heavens in point of 
 privileges. But what am I writing ! I meant 
 to say, that I have recently been asking myself, 
 what I have ever been constrained by the love 
 of Christ to do for His cause in the world ? I 
 do believe that the love of Christ is the mighty
 
 HARRIET WARE. 19 
 
 engine by which the church is to be impelled 
 in all her forward marches ; yet I must ac- 
 knowledge that I find in my heart altars erected 
 on which sacrifice is daily offered to other 
 deities. So true is this, that the natural infer- 
 ence seems to be that, to say the least, it is 
 extremely doubtful whether supreme love to 
 Christ ever reigned there. * * * * 
 
 * * Possibly I might not have made 
 this confession, but that you might more deeply 
 feel that the strength of the church can in no 
 wise be estimated by its numbers ; and that 
 the few, who are the disciples of Christ indeed, 
 have a mighty work to do. I well know that 
 the church is only sure of final victory, because 
 an Almighty Sovereign is her King j yet He 
 does condescend to accept the services of His 
 children. I seem to see more and more clearly, 
 (though I feel nothing,) that the spirit of Christ, 
 the spirit of prayer, in a word, the only spirit 
 that can ever breathe in heaven, is a spirit of 
 holy action, of holy enterprise. As clearly, too, 
 can I see that, of all the honors and privileges 
 which were ever conferred -on guilty man, that 
 of being a servant of Christ, a co-worker with 
 Him in building up and extending His king- 
 dom, is infinitely the most desirable. I can see,
 
 20 MEMOIR OF 
 
 too, how powerful is the motive for vigorous 
 exertion to all who will take hold of the pro- 
 mises, "that God worketh in you,"&c. Though 
 / see what I cannot feel, I do ardently desire 
 every one, in whose bosom ever glowed the 
 flame of divine love, to feel and act for Christ ; 
 ever remembering that the joy that was set 
 before Christ, and for which He endured so 
 much, was that He might " purify unto himself 
 a people who should be zealous of good works." 
 Though I may never be allowed to unite in the 
 song of the redeemed, may you who are Chris- 
 tians indeed, be permitted to raise higher your 
 notes of praise, by knowing that you have been 
 instrumental in pointing many souls to the 
 Saviour of the world. I hardly dare to read 
 what I have written ; I know it will not sound 
 just as I meant to have it. But I have a strong 
 conviction on my mind that the most humble 
 and active .Christians will wonder when they 
 arrive in heaven, that they have actually done 
 so little for Him, who has given His dear Son 
 for them ; for Him who has laid down His life 
 for them. Was it possible for a happy spirit to 
 feel a sensation of regret, would they not feel 
 it in view of this subject ?
 
 HARRIET WARE. 21 
 
 CRANSTON, SEPT. 11, 1830. 
 
 To Miss M. DANIELS. What do you hear 
 or know that indicates that Christians are be- 
 coming more awake tb the solemn responsibility 
 that rests upon them ? It is an affecting truth 
 that the world lieth in wickedness, and that it 
 is to be brought to the knowledge of the truth 
 as it is in Jesus, by a little company of his 
 friends ; that is, that they are to be employed 
 as instruments in the glorious enterprise. Do 
 you think that Christians generally are aware of 
 the field that is opened before them, when they 
 are commanded really to act for Christ ? Is it 
 sufficiently considered that the spirit of prayer 
 is the very spirit of holy action 1 The history 
 of Christ and the apostles surely presents not 
 merely feelings, but a continued scene of un- 
 paralleled exertions and self-denial. And how 
 many facilities have Christians now for extend- 
 ing the kingdom of the Redeemer that the 
 apostles had not. There are things in connec- 
 tion with this subject that have rested with 
 fearful interest upon the mind of your friend H. 
 of late. I can sometimes seem to realize that 
 not being actively engaged for Christ is about 
 the same thing as taking sides with the great 
 enemy.
 
 22 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CRANSTON, SEPT. 26, 1830. 
 
 To Miss M. W. I have thought more than 
 usual of late, that, if the standard of personal 
 piety could be raised, it would do more to 
 extend the interests of Zion than a hundred 
 new societies and agents that make a great 
 show in the world. I know there must be 
 societies and agents, and wish there were many 
 more than there are ; but, if the love of Christ 
 would move every wheel in the vast machinery 
 of Christian enterprise, the nations of the earth 
 could soon become the kingdom of Christ. 
 Oh, how many spirits, in opposition to this only 
 one on which God can look with approbation, 
 have gone abroad, wearing the garb of Christian 
 benevolence. 
 
 But,' sister Mary, if I have cause for humble 
 gratitude, you have cause to rejoice exceedingly. 
 If you are in the midst of a revival of religion, 
 you do see the glory of God passing before you, 
 in the salvation of souls, more precious than a 
 million of globes of gold. But while you re- 
 joice, as you certainly must if you have one 
 particle of love to the Saviour, can you realize 
 the awful responsibility that rests upon every 
 individual who is allowed to witness such a 
 scene? If pure and undefiled religion is re-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 23 
 
 vived, the Spirit is poured out, and can you 
 suppose it will be withdrawn, until grieved 
 away by the sins of Christians? I verily be- 
 lieve this sentiment. I know God is a Sove- 
 reign, but He always adapts the means to the 
 end. The very place where you stand is holy 
 ground, and may grace be given you so to walk, 
 that when the great day shall disclose the 
 secrets of all hearts, it may not be found that 
 the Divine Spirit has been provoked to with- 
 draw His heavenly influences by any of your 
 sins. I often think of you, and if you will 
 allow me, will say, that, from the nature of 
 your employment, and some circumstances con- 
 nected with your situation, I fear lest you be 
 tempted to substitute Christian converse and 
 general good feeling, for deep humility, watch- 
 fulness and communion with God. This you 
 will receive as a friendly caution, not as a 
 charge. 
 
 THE following extract from one of Miss 
 Ware's scholars, bears testimony to her fidelity 
 as a teacher and her great success in imparting 
 religious instruction to her pupils.
 
 24 MEMOIR OF 
 
 HOPKINTON, SEPT. 7, 1849. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Miss Ware came here in August, 1827, to 
 teach school. I remember perfectly well the 
 first morning, when, with several other children, 
 I called at my uncle's, where Miss W. was 
 boarding, and she was introduced to us as our 
 teacher. What was our surprise when some 
 were welcomed by a shake of the hand, others 
 by a pat on the head, and the smaller ones with 
 a kiss on the cheek ; this, with her smiles and 
 gentle kindness, soon won our affections and 
 espect, and made a deep and lasting impression 
 on the mind, which time will never efface. 
 We went in company with her to school, where 
 we met the other children, and they too were 
 received in the same kind and friendly manner. 
 She commenced the school with prayer, gave 
 such instruction as she thought proper, and 
 arranged the classes. Each scholar was directed 
 what to do, and how to do it. She was always 
 ready and willing to explain the "whys and 
 wherefores," as she called them ; therefore we 
 had no trouble, and were happy. All this was 
 so unlike what we had been accustomed to from 
 former teachers, that we all felt we had secured 
 a friend as well as teacher. Thus pleasantly 
 and happily passed the few short weeks of the
 
 HARRIET WARE. 25 
 
 summer's school. She also possessed a very 
 peculiar and interesting way of explaining all 
 that was difficult and perplexing to the children ; 
 she would never yield the point until all was 
 fully understood. I recollect one instance in 
 particular. A little girl was very much troubled 
 about understanding her grammar ; she had 
 studied it a long time, learned almost every part 
 of it, could repeat it correctly when asked, and 
 yet was entirely ignorant of its principles. 
 Miss W. soon discovered her embarrassment, 
 and tried to explain the difficulties, but found it 
 too much of a task to accomplish during school 
 hours ; she kindly said, I have not time to 
 attend to it now as I wish, but think I can 
 make you love grammar yet. Just take your 
 book in your hand, and we will walk home 
 together ; and I think by the time we separate 
 you will think grammar a pretty study. The 
 task was accomplished, and ever after it was 
 among her pleasant lessons. All the duties of 
 the school were conducted in the same perse- 
 vering, gentle manner. Her employers soon 
 became as much attached to her as her pupils 
 were, and they were anxious she should take 
 the winter school. She reluctantly accepted. 
 Her fear of incompetency was such, that she
 
 40 MEMOIR OF 
 
 went to Providence, to prepare herself for the 
 term. She then returned, and resumed her 
 labors under very favorable circumstances. She 
 was perfectly qualified for every department, 
 and gave general satisfaction. It was the most 
 interesting school I ever attended. It was large ; 
 the house small and crowded, yet the most per- 
 fect order and system prevailed. Her time and 
 talents were devoted to the scholars ; she studied 
 constantly the best method of teaching them 
 how to spend their time profitably and plea- 
 santly, and succeeded. Her religious influence 
 and example produced a beneficial and lasting 
 effect. Her daily life and conversation proved 
 that she had been with Jesus. Many of those 
 who attended her school received their first 
 religious impressions from her, and almost all 
 of them have become worthy members of the 
 church of Christ.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 27 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 RESIDENCE AT INDIA POINT. 
 
 IN the spring of 1832, Miss Ware commenced 
 her labors at India Point. A lady who had 
 become acquainted with her energy of charac- 
 ter, her success as a teacher, and her single- 
 hearted devotedness as a Christian, suggested to 
 her this locality as a field of labor for which 
 she seemed peculiarly adapted. The reasons 
 which led her to adopt this suggestion, and 
 become a missionary in this destitute neighbor- 
 hood, are sufficiently made known in the course 
 of the following correspondence. Her success 
 was such as to lead her to another undertaking, 
 in which she also became eminently useful. A 
 few preliminary remarks may perhaps enable 
 the reader the better to comprehend the nature 
 of her situation. 
 
 What is termed India Point is a small suburb 
 of Providence, at a considerable distance from
 
 28 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the centre of the city, on the bank of the 
 Seekonk or Pawtucket River, at the spot where 
 a bridge connects the State of Rhode Island 
 with the State of Massachusetts. It consists of 
 a cluster of small houses, inhabited principally 
 by oystermen and fishermen, presenting nothing 
 in its general appearance that would distinguish 
 it from similar situations which may be found 
 in the vicinity of most large towns. The occu- 
 pation of the inhabitants had brought them but 
 little into contact with the rest of the commu- 
 nity. They enjoyed the same opportunities for 
 intellectual and moral cultivation as their fellow- 
 citizens, and it was, I presume, taken for granted 
 that they improved them in a similar manner. 
 No one was led in this direction by the calls of 
 business, and no one had taken the pains to 
 inquire whether the people of this little hamlet 
 were either better or worse than their neighbors. 
 In this manner they had been sadly overlooked 
 by the benevolent, and had formed a community 
 in some respects clannish, and were to a con- 
 siderable degree separated from the rest of the 
 population. For myself, I must confess, that, 
 until I heard of Miss Ware's labors, I do not 
 think that I had ever heard of the existence of 
 such a neighborhood as India Point, and, of
 
 HARRIET WARE. 29 
 
 course, I knew nothing of the destitution of its 
 inhabitants. Its moral condition was, I believe, 
 first made known by some zealous and self- 
 denying tract distributors, or by the pious 
 teacher of a common school in its vicinity. In 
 this manner its wants were revealed to the 
 religious public, and the feeling thus awakened 
 led to the introduction of Miss Ware to this 
 city. 
 
 If I do not err, Miss Ware was invited to 
 commence her labors at India Point by a society 
 of benevolent ladies, who had, for many years, 
 been actively engaged in providing pious school 
 teachers for the most destitute regions of Rhode 
 Island. At this time, there was no provision 
 by the State for general education, and the need 
 of such private effort for the instruction of the 
 young was sufficiently apparent. It was through 
 the labors of this society that the wants of the 
 State were more fully made known to the pub- 
 lic ; and thus the present advanced position of 
 this State, in the means for universal education, 
 may date its origin from the unostentatious 
 labors of a few pious females. It was, I believe, 
 their practice to pay the teacher a part of her 
 support, leaving her to obtain the remainder 
 from the parents of her pupils. This rule
 
 30 MEMOIR OF 
 
 though doubtless the best that could have been 
 adopted, in the present case, subjected Miss 
 Ware to inconveniences, of which her friends at 
 the time were not aware. 
 
 The situation at India Point was, in a re- 
 markable degree, adapted to call out the native 
 energies of Miss Ware's character. She could 
 labor here alone, without the danger of being 
 annoyed by interference from any quarter what- 
 ever. She was in the midst of a neighborhood 
 which seemed to have been given up as hope- 
 less. This awakened all her enterprise. She 
 was told that the attempt which she was about 
 to make was absurd ; and the " ruling elders," 
 to use her own expression, in a most paternal 
 way, told her " she must not think of it." This 
 at once nerved her to the final resolution to 
 accomplish the work, or perish. But, above all, 
 she felt as a practical truth, that she was a 
 redeemed sinner, constrained by the love of 
 Christ not to live for herself, but for Him who 
 had died for her and risen again. This senti- 
 ment of gratitude absorbed and transcended 
 every other. To be conscious that she was in 
 a common and formal manner giving up herself 
 to God, could by no means satisfy her ardent 
 desires. She desired such a form of labor as
 
 HARRIET WARE. 31 
 
 would have nothing but the love of Christ and 
 the souls of men to recommend it ; so that, 
 delivered from the temptations of ease, and the 
 love of human applause, and almost bereft of 
 human sympathy, she might possess the daily 
 consciousness that she was obeying nothing but 
 the will of God, and laying up nothing but a 
 treasure in heaven. Such a situation she found 
 at India Point, and the peace of God, which 
 passeth all understanding, made it a Bethel to 
 her soul. 
 
 In many other minor respects she was in a 
 special manner fitted for this task. Her health 
 was good, and her capacity of enduring fatigue 
 remarkable. Her personal courage was such as 
 is rarely surpassed. Her good humor was un- 
 failing, and her native love of the ludicrous 
 extracted matter for mirth, from occurrences, 
 which, to less elastic spirits, would have proved 
 purely annoying. 
 
 It was at this period of her life that my own 
 acquaintance with Miss Ware commenced. Af- 
 ter she had been for a few months engaged in 
 her labors, I heard that a young woman of sin- 
 gularly self-denying energy, was devoting herself 
 to the welfare of this suburb of the city. In 
 company with a friend, I called upon her, and
 
 32 MEMOIR OF 
 
 invited her to visit me at her leisure, and inform 
 me, if I could, in any manner, aid her. She 
 soon afterwards accepted my invitation, and 
 from that time, until her death, I was in the 
 habit of seeing her frequently. 
 
 I no sooner became acquainted with her than 
 I formed the opinion of her character, which her 
 whole subsequent history justified. There was 
 in her conversation a tone of originality that 
 indicated a mind master of its own resources, 
 and accustomed to use them on any emergency. 
 You saw at once that she was capable of look- 
 ing at things in their true light, unembarrassed 
 by the glare of conventional associations. Her 
 benevolence seemed self-sacrificing to the ut- 
 most limit of endurance, and yet it was emi- 
 nently sagacious and practical. She never 
 spoke of her labors or of herself, unless the 
 object in which she was engaged rendered it 
 necessary, and even then with manifest reluc- 
 tance. She never made any demands upon the 
 sympathy of her friends, but seemed to prefer to 
 bear her own burden so long as it was possible, 
 how heavy soever it might be. To put herself 
 entirely out of the question, and think only of 
 the cause in which she was engaged, did not 
 seem to require an effort ; it had become the
 
 HARRIET WARE. 33 
 
 habitual condition of her mind. In a word, she 
 was one of those rare persons to whom you feel 
 willing to commit any benevolent enterprise 
 which she might originate, in the full confi- 
 dence that she would conduct it with untiring 
 energy, perfect disinterestedness, and cautious, 
 yet courageous wisdom. 
 
 During her residence at India Point, Miss 
 Ware was in the habit of frequently visiting at 
 my house, and asking my advice and assistance 
 whenever she thought that any benefit could 
 be derived from them. Most of the incidents 
 which transpired at this period, have, however, 
 faded from my recollection, and those which 
 she has recorded in her letters, I had forgotten 
 until I was reminded of them by reading her 
 correspondence. I can, at this distance of time, 
 recall but little of her residence there, except 
 the remembrance of her toils, her self-denials, 
 and her success. 
 
 After the first impression of her labors, when 
 the families around her had passed away, she 
 frequently stated to me the embarrassments with 
 which she was contending. Notwithstanding 
 the number of conversions that had occurred, 
 the neighborhood was still vicious. Many of 
 her most promising pupils were the children of 
 3
 
 34 MEMOIR OF 
 
 intemperate and profane parents. The lessons 
 of the school-room, both on the Sabbath and the 
 week day, were rendered ineffectual by the 
 language and manners of the fireside and the 
 play-ground. She thus became convinced that, 
 in a multitude of instances, she was laboring 
 with no permanent result. Evil sprung up and 
 bore fruit faster than she could eradicate it. 
 The children, for whose welfare she had labored 
 and prayed most earnestly, and with the bright- 
 est prospect of success, were led astray by the 
 force of incessant bad example ; and thus all her 
 hopes were over and over again blasted. 
 
 But Miss Ware was not a person to despair 
 even in circumstances like these. One form of 
 effort had failed. This, however, was not to 
 her an indication that her undertaking must be 
 relinquished, but only that she must endeavor 
 to accomplish it in some other manner. It 
 occurred to her that if these children could be 
 removed from their present neighborhood, and 
 placed in comfortable situations in the country, 
 where they might form different associations, 
 and be educated under Christian influences, 
 many of them might be saved. To this work 
 she at once addressed herself. The confidence 
 reposed in her by the parents of her pupils was
 
 HARRIET WARE. 35 
 
 so great, that they were in many cases willing 
 to allow her to take the charge of their children 
 on these terms. By inquiry among her friends, 
 in different places, she found situations for them 
 as she was able ; and thus she placed many of 
 them in happy Christian homes. 
 
 In the management of this part of her labors, 
 she was remarkably careful and deliberate. She 
 would place a child in no family, unless she was 
 previously convinced that it would be properly 
 educated and prepared for usefulness, and at the 
 same time treated with judicious kindness. In 
 a large number of instances she found persons 
 who, having been deprived of their children by 
 death, or never having been blessed with off- 
 spring, were willing to adopt her proteges as 
 their own. In most cases no one knew of 
 her arrangements, besides the parties immedi- 
 ately interested. Hence the children grew up 
 widely separated from each other, and in many 
 cases forgetful of their origin, and almost forget- 
 ful of every other family except that into which 
 they have been adopted. Many of them have 
 already married, and are occupying respectable 
 positions in society, in various parts of New 
 England. 
 
 Such was the nature of Miss Ware's labors at
 
 36 MEMOIR OF 
 
 India Point. Her school was becoming gradu- 
 ally a house of reformation for juvenile de- 
 linquents, arid a refuge for the orphan and 
 friendless in that part of the city. In what 
 manner it expanded into the Children's Friend 
 Society, will be seen in the subsequent chap- 
 ter. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, JUNE 15, 1832. 
 
 THE same eve that I arrived here, I called 
 on Miss S., to see what had been done in rela- 
 tion to the India Point School. I soon ascer- 
 tained that all had been done that could be 
 without my own personal effort ; and that was 
 just nothing, except that influential individuals 
 were in favor of the object. Accordingly, Miss 
 S. and myself spent the day at the Point in 
 making inquiries. All seemed disposed to speak 
 in favor of the school ; but most thought their 
 neighbors so bad, that they feared nothing could 
 be done. I was entirely faithless myself, until 
 I mentioned the subject to some whose influence 
 and assistance were indispensably necessary, and 
 was told by such, that the object must be aban- 
 doned, that the people were completely savage ; 
 that it was an improper place for a female ; and
 
 HARRIET WARE. 37 
 
 that a child, eight years old, would turn me out 
 of school. I felt, as you will naturally infer, 
 you know me so well, greatly encouraged, and 
 was determined, at all events, to persevere. 
 After a thousand little perplexities, some of 
 which it would be quite amusing to relate if I 
 had time, I succeeded in entering my school 
 with seventeen scholars ; about as many as I 
 expected could be obtained. The first week I 
 was obliged to board two miles and a half from 
 my school, not being able to obtain board in the 
 vicinity of it. I soon, however, found a board- 
 ing place nearer to it. My school was composed 
 of a strange compound. Some had been to 
 school, some had not ; some could read, some 
 could not ; some seemed disposed to treat me 
 civilly, some swore they would knock my brains 
 out, and such like things. But, to do justice to 
 them, every parent, as far as I have learned, was 
 willing that their children should be governed. 
 My school has gradually increased in number 
 and interest, and I have now fifty scholars. It 
 is considered a very encouraging circumstance, 
 that the children continue to be pleased with 
 the school, as most of them had been under 
 no kind of restriction or discipline whatever. 
 Though there seems almost every thing to dis-
 
 38 MEMOIR OF 
 
 courage, yet there are some things to encourage 
 persevering effort. The parents, though seem- 
 ingly ignorant and forgetful of God, appear to 
 regard the school as an interposition of Provi- 
 dence in behalf of their children. The children, 
 in some instances, are kept from Sabbath school 
 and meeting to work, and are allowed to play ; 
 but, in most cases, they can be collected to- 
 gether, by going to every house after them to 
 lead them to Sabbath school, and they gene- 
 rally attend meeting and appear pleased. Not 
 a single scholar in my school had ever been put 
 to study, but I find them capable of improve- 
 ment. 
 
 Instead of an oath at the end of every sen- 
 tence, the children seem now rather to exult 
 that they do not swear or quarrel. Many other 
 things rejoice my whole soul ; but as I cannot 
 make you understand how much they are in- 
 debted to influence from abroad, I cannot tell 
 you more ; for it now looks like a kind of an 
 exhibition of /, whereas I have done nothing, 
 and less than that. But I can assure you there 
 is much for somebody to do. Not a few married 
 people have I found, who cannot read, and do 
 not even know their letters. A few such have 
 been induced to come to my school-room, be-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 39 
 
 tween schools, and have learned to read the 
 Bible. More, I hope, will be persuaded to do 
 the same. The most destructive foe is intem- 
 perance. I think the Point might be a good 
 place for a Temperance Society, for most surely 
 the children and wives, who do not get drunk, 
 have seen and suffered enough to make them 
 willing to promote the virtue of temperance. 
 You will not despise me, I hope, if I just say 
 that, in view of all I have seen here, I could not 
 feel willing to die, without knowing that my 
 worthless name was somewhere to be found on 
 a Temperance pledge. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, AUGUST 3, 1832. 
 MY DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER It is so 
 long since I have written to you, that I have 
 quite forgotten when it was, and where it was. 
 For some months past, my cares have rendered 
 it impossible for me to write to any of my 
 friends. But suppose I give you a little ac- 
 count of myself. During the last winter, I 
 received a letter from a friend in this place, 
 stating the degraded state of a set of human 
 beings at India Point, in this city, with a wish
 
 40 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that I would come and establish a school among 
 them. Many things conspired together to make 
 me wish to come. It looked to me like a field 
 for usefulness. I left Hopkinton again for 
 Massachusetts, designing to call here and see 
 what had been done about the school. I found 
 that nothing could be done without my own 
 immediate effort, and almost every thing seemed 
 to me to forbid that effort being made. I called 
 on individuals whose influence and assistance 
 must be obtained, if the school should be 
 established. Scarcely one was in favor of it ; 
 all admitted it was needed, but said it could not 
 be effected; and that a school would not be 
 sustained a fortnight. I know not how to 
 account for it, except from the principle of 
 obstinacy; but I was by this greatly encour- 
 aged to make the effort, and finally succeeded 
 in establishing a school last April. With hum- 
 ble gratitude, I wish to say, that those who had 
 most tried to discourage the attempt, were 
 ready to co-operate. The object has finally se- 
 cured the approbation of all the good in the 
 community, and I ought to say the patronage ; 
 for various societies and individuals have said 
 to me, If you need assistance, call upon us, and 
 we will aid you. The school and neighbor-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 41 
 
 hood were better than I expected, but queer 
 enough, I assure you. My number of scholars 
 has increased to as great a number as I can pos- 
 sibly take care of. Most of them have im- 
 proved rapidly in their learning, but much more 
 in their habits. What, in a special manner, 
 demands my gratitude, is that the Lord, who is 
 of great mercy, has appeared in the midst of us 
 by His Spirit. Some of my scholars, for some 
 weeks past, have appeared deeply serious, as 
 well as some of their parents. Two are now 
 indulging hope of pardon, through the atoning 
 blood of a Saviour. Some of the parents like- 
 wise indulge a hope. Much more I could say 
 to interest you about them, but I fear you will 
 think / am doing great things. But, my dear 
 friends, this is not true. Surely there is no 
 God like our God, wonderful in counsel and in 
 working. It is my humble privilege, but one 
 for which I wish forever to adore his infinite 
 condescension, to stand a spectator and behold 
 his glory with admiring gratitude. Much Chris- 
 tian effort has been made in behalf of this place ; 
 it is the efforts of other servants which the Lord 
 has particularly blessed. I rejoice that he sends 
 by whom he will send, if not by me. He 
 knows the pride of my heart, and how readily
 
 4/6 MEMOIR OP 
 
 I should exalt myself, if I could feel that I am 
 doing something. 
 
 You, probably, may know something of the 
 agitation that has prevailed here in relation to 
 the cholera. We are expecting it every hour, 
 and have been so for weeks or months. The 
 second Instant, four in one house, it is feared, 
 died of that disease. I have had thoughts of sus- 
 pending my school, but I have submitted to the 
 advice of those who are best acquainted with 
 the circumstances, and all agree that it is im- 
 portant to continue the school until it may be 
 broken up by the pestilence. I have never 
 thought of fleeing to save my life, for no angel 
 has been commissioned to inform me to what 
 mountain I might fly and be secure. I have 
 thought it might be desirable to die with my 
 friends, but I am not anxious, and desire you 
 may not be on my account. I believe I am in 
 the way of duty, and do not know that I want 
 any other security than firm confidence in God. 
 Perhaps I have mistaken the dictates of my 
 judgment for the feelings of my heart ; but, if 
 I am not deceived, my heart feels cheerful in 
 the assurance that every circumstance of my 
 death will be ordered by my heavenly Father. 
 The Lord has been very merciful to me, though
 
 HARRIET WARE. 43 
 
 I have been very rebellious and unfaithful. I 
 see, more and more, that there is but one object 
 worthy the entire attention of intelligent beings, 
 and that is the promotion of the cause of Christ 
 in the world. For this, and this alone, I pray 
 that I may live, and I have but this one petition 
 for you. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, AUGUST 20, 1832. 
 I HAVE found myself almost as completely 
 buried at India Point, as if there were no where 
 else, nor any body else in the world. I shall 
 never attempt to describe to you, or any one 
 else, scenes that have passed since I have been 
 here, but will say, generally, that to me many 
 things have appeared interesting. The children 
 attend meeting and Sabbath school regularly, 
 and behave with much propriety. Four fami- 
 lies hired pews in the church last week. One, 
 who hired a pew, had never been within the 
 doors till the Sabbath before last. I will just 
 say one thing in relation to myself, since I have 
 been here. There have been circumstances 
 which have led many to say, " Why, how 
 much good she has done them ; " and even 
 good people have returned thanks to the Lord,
 
 44 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that he had made me instrumental of so much 
 good to this people ; and, what is worse, all this 
 in my hearing. Now, my dear M., I never 
 believed a moment, that the Lord was pleased 
 with such offerings ; and I firmly believe he 
 will manifest his entire disapprobation of every 
 such thought and expression. Indeed, I think 
 he has begun to manifest it. Last week, from 
 beginning to end, the voice of his Providence 
 seemed to be, " I will humble every thing that 
 exalteth itself; I will bring down every high 
 look ; " and, my dear M., if my heart does not 
 deceive me, I pray that he Avould do it. I have 
 mentioned this, in part, for your profit. Do not 
 suffer any one in your presence to say flattering 
 things of the good you are doing ; and, if they 
 offer such in sacrifice to the Lord, reprove them. 
 If I have any one petition to offer in your 
 behalf, it is that you may be kept humble, and 
 this petition I desire you will offer for me. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, AUGUST 24, 1832. 
 I WILL just mention, generally, that the indica- 
 tions of Providence are still in favor of a school 
 here. The Lord is certainly very gracious to
 
 HARRIET WARE. 45 
 
 me, for he does allow me to occupy a place 
 where I can open my eyes, and see what He is 
 doing for the glory of his great name. Unwor- 
 thy as I am, it has been my privilege to attend 
 some of my dear children to the inquiry meet- 
 ing, and to hear them express their hope of 
 being pardoned sinners. You know how very 
 different it is to indulge a hope, from really 
 bringing forth the fruits of holiness in the life. 
 Nothing yet appears to forbid the belief that 
 they are what they think themselves to be. 
 My dear H., do you see with what a pressure 
 of circumstances I am surrounded? The pe- 
 culiarly interesting state of the school and 
 neighborhood, for which I have become so 
 deeply interested, added to the circumstance of 
 living in the daily expectation of pestilence, 
 which, with but an hour's warning, might for- 
 ever separate me from those, whose history for 
 the judgment is going on under my instructions 
 and daily influence. I can only say, O Lord, 
 what am I that thou shouldst take me into 
 thine account ? In view of all that I have ex- 
 perienced of the great goodness of God, I have 
 felt an unusual desire to consecrate myself to 
 the service of Christ.
 
 4b MEMOIR OP 
 
 PROVIDENCE, SEPT. 16, 1832. 
 
 MY DEAR FATHER As Rev. Mr. H. of this 
 city, is to pass your house to-morrow in the 
 stage, it occurs to me that it may be a trifling 
 gratification to you to hear from your long 
 absent daughter. * * * It seems but a 
 little while since all your children eat at the 
 same table ; but, my dear father, you will not 
 probably ever again be thus surrounded by your 
 family, on earth. But, if all are the true friends 
 and followers of the Saviour, we might hope to 
 meet in a father's house, to go no more out. 
 This seems the errand for which we were sent 
 into the world ; to lay up a little treasure in 
 heaven ; for our treasure on earth will soon be 
 out of use with us. Our coin will not pass in 
 the country to which we are rapidly hastening. 
 
 I cannot tell you much of myself, except 
 that I am in health in the very midst of disease 
 and death. I pursue my accustomed employ- 
 ment, in the very spot where I wish to be em- 
 ployed, and with as much success as I have any 
 right to expect will ever attend my exertions. 
 I have a flourishing school, of about forty 
 scholars, at India Point, on Seekonk River. It 
 is a spot that has long been abandoned, over- 
 looked and forgotten. Whole families reside in
 
 HARRIET WARE. 47 
 
 this little neighborhood, within the sound of the 
 church bells of this city, who seldom, if ever, 
 saw the inside of a church ; within the sound 
 of the school bells, where they might go and 
 be taught free of expense, they are unable to 
 read. Even mothers are here, who knew not 
 the alphabet ; the children dirty and ragged, 
 roving the streets, and taught nothing but to 
 profane the name of the Being who made them. 
 But it seems the Lord had designs of mercy 
 towards them, for he has put it into the hearts 
 of many of his children to pray and labor for 
 them, and he has blessed effort in their behalf 
 beyond what we dared to hope. A most strik- 
 ing change is manifest in the general appear- 
 ance of the place.' The children, with very 
 few exceptions, are dressed in clean clothes on 
 the Sabbath morn, regularly attend Sabbath 
 school and meeting, and behave with as much 
 propriety as I have been accustomed to see chil- 
 dren. Some heads of families, who never saw 
 the inside of a church till this season, have 
 hired seats, and attend meeting regularly ; oth- 
 ers, who are unwilling to have it known that 
 they go to meeting, will contrive to go in the 
 evening, and place themselves where they can 
 hear, and not be seen; others appear to have
 
 48 . MEMOIR OF 
 
 been redeemed from the bondage of sin, and 
 adopted into the family of Christ ; while some 
 seem to have been given up to their own de- 
 ceivings, and are apparently angry that the Lord 
 is coming too near them. Among many other 
 things which appear to have been owned of 
 God, is the influence of my school. I mention 
 this, my dear father, with humble gratitude, and 
 wish you to be grateful too. It seems truly 
 wonderful to me, that one so unworthy should 
 be allowed the privilege of occupying a place 
 that is of any importance to my fellow-beings. 
 I do not now, nor do I ever wish to feel that I 
 am doing much, but at least I am a happy spec- 
 tator of what the Lord is doing for the honor of 
 His own dear name. I have said, I am happy, 
 and so I am, when I remember God will be 
 glorified in all the works of His hands ; but 
 when I remember, too, how many years I lived 
 in entire disregard of the laws and authority of 
 Him that made me ; turning a deaf ear to the 
 melting invitations of a bleeding Saviour ; sport- 
 ing with his dying agony, and trampling his 
 blood under my feet ; grieving the Holy Spirit, 
 by which I was sometimes admonished of death, 
 judgment, and eternity ; and, to crown all, how 
 very little I have exemplified the excellency of
 
 HARRIET WARE. 49 
 
 religion by a holy life and well ordered conver- 
 sation, since I professed to love the Saviour, and 
 covenanted to give him my entire services ; and 
 how much there is still, in my heart and life, 
 that is not in conformity to the spirit of the 
 Gospel ; I am constrained to exclaim, mentally, 
 Wo is me ! wretch, indeed ! who shall deliver 
 me from this body of death ! But, vile as I am, 
 if my heart does not deceive me, I think I find 
 increasing evidence of possessing some union of 
 heart to Christ. I think I do find increasing 
 pleasure in being permitted to perform the most 
 humble service for him. I sometimes think I 
 see that superlative excellence in his character, 
 that, if my soul were worth ten thousand times 
 as much as it is, I could most cheerfully give it 
 to him, and rejoice that to Him, with the Fa- 
 ther, belongeth dominion and power, forever. 
 Moreover, I do hope I have a little of that peace 
 which is promised to those whose minds are 
 stayed on God. 
 
 I did not think of writing all that I have 
 when I commenced, but I have long felt a de- 
 sire to leave a little testimony with you of my 
 views and feelings, thinking that possibly, ah ! 
 more than probably, if you should live a few 
 months, that all you would ever know of me, 
 4
 
 50 MEMOIR OF 
 
 might be that the clods of India Point covered 
 my worthless clay. Such has been, and still is, 
 the state of things, that I realize, in some mea- 
 sure, that I am living by the hour. I have not 
 unfrequently left my school-room, under the 
 impression that, perhaps, before another rising 
 sun, a grave might be opened to receive me ; 
 and, when I have entered my room in the 
 morning, that, perhaps, I had met my smiling 
 children for the last time. The dire judgment 
 which has swept sixty millions of human beings 
 from the Eastern continent, and seems destined 
 to track the whole earth, has not prevailed ex- 
 tensively here, but cases of cholera are occur- 
 ring almost every day. 
 
 I would gladly say much about many other 
 things, and speak particularly of every member 
 of the family, but my sheet is full ere I was 
 aware of it. One word I would say to every 
 one of them who has not a well grounded hope 
 of eternal life, and that is there is but one 
 Saviour ; whoever rejects him, there remaineth 
 for him no more sacrifice for sin ; there is but 
 one Holy Spirit ; if that is rejected until it de- 
 part, the soul can never be born again.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 51 
 
 PROVIDENCE, OCT. 11, 1832. 
 
 I SINCERELY hope that you are where you 
 are happy, and not entirely useless. Our object 
 should be, not so much to live where roses spring 
 up under our feet at every step, and thornless 
 roses, too, as to be where Providence intends 
 we should be, and try to be useful there. I do 
 not occupy a very elevated stand, and know 
 not that any one who is proud would covet my 
 employment. But I hope I shall be thankful 
 if my pride does not destroy me, and actually 
 stand in the way of any good which might 
 otherwise come through me to my fellow-beings. 
 
 In the first place, I have the honor to teach 
 school, for a class of people whom no other 
 person ever had the honor of teaching much, 
 except how to catch oysters and a few such 
 things. But, before they can be taught, they 
 must be collected, some from off the wharves, 
 some out of sand banks, some out of the oyster 
 shells ; not that I mean, however, that my chil- 
 dren are oysters. This is not done once merely, 
 but more or less every week. Sabbath morn- 
 ings, if I can get upon the ground before my 
 children are all gone a fishing, I can collect quite 
 a number into the Sabbath school, by going 
 to something like a dozen houses and a few
 
 5x5 MEMOIR OP 
 
 wharves. This was more emphatically true the 
 first part of the season than now, for I assure 
 you there are some now who would not be 
 hired to stay at home if their parents would 
 allow them, and some of the parents would not 
 allow them to be absent. Recently, I have 
 taken a fancy to visit the grog-shops on Sunday 
 mornings. You must not laugh at, or be angry 
 with me, for by so doing the inmates go to 
 meeting. Just now, I am making arrangements 
 for an evening school, and to board myself, for 
 the sake of saving expense, so as to be able to 
 sustain my school through the winter. 
 
 I have written thus to amuse you, but I will say, 
 seriously, that I am in an interesting spot. The 
 way was evidently prepared for an influence to 
 be exerted here through the medium of a school. 
 It has been my humble privilege to have charge 
 of this school, and the Lord has greatly blessed 
 every effort that has been made for their benefit. 
 I do sincerely hope that some have been sav- 
 ingly benefited. Some of the parents and chil- 
 dren have indulged the hope that their sins are 
 pardoned, and others are deeply serious. 
 
 I have, during the past summer, realized that 
 what I did here must be done quickly. Al- 
 though I have no assurance of hope, I find it a
 
 HARRIET WARE. 53 
 
 blessed thing to live in view of death. It has 
 been peculiarly sweet to think that whatever 
 may become of me at last, I may, if I choose, 
 live for Christ while I live upon the earth ; and, 
 though I have great occasion to be humbled in 
 the dust that my heart is so often found wan- 
 dering from God, yet I desire no other Master 
 than Christ. I wish for no higher place than 
 to sit at his feet. The words of John, when he 
 said, " the latchet of whose shoes I am not wor- 
 thy to unloose," have appeared unusually inter- 
 esting to me. If my deceitful heart does not 
 entirely deceive me, I do feel it a privilege, of 
 which I am infinitely unworthy, to perform the 
 least service for Him. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, DEC. 26, 1832. 
 
 MY DEAR M. * * * I hardly know 
 whether to sum up the whole of myself and 
 India Point, and just say we are one family, or 
 to give you a little description of my residence, 
 manner of life and the like. I suppose you 
 have so long despaired of seeing me a house- 
 keeper, that you will be quite astonished at the 
 fact, that it is even so. Yes, my dear M., I 
 am a housekeeper, with almost forty children.
 
 54 MEMOIR Of 
 
 during the day, and twenty, yes, nearly thirty, 
 every evening, except Saturday and Sunday 
 evenings. I shall not inform you of my style 
 of living ; you must come and see it. I have 
 food that is good, and enough of it. I have no 
 time to cook, but I have never been destitute of 
 little rarities ready cooked. Necessity has driven 
 me to this. I found it would be utterly impos- 
 sible to keep school, days and evenings too, and 
 go the distance I must to find board. My even- 
 ing school is composed principally of adults, some 
 of whom want nothing but an opportunity to be 
 valuable people ; others are just what they are. 
 At the time when I was upon the point of 
 giving up my Sabbath school, for want of assist- 
 ance, a stranger came in one Sabbath morn- 
 ing, and seeing the state of things, was moved 
 with compassion, and offered to do every thing 
 in his power to assist. He has not only been 
 punctual and efficient himself, but has obtained 
 a sufficient number of excellent teachers from 
 the college, and the school has taken a new 
 character. In addition to that, as the cold 
 season was approaching, every thing indicated 
 that the school must be broken up for want of 
 support. But, just at the turning point, and 
 without solicitation, said one, Don't you wish
 
 HARRIET WARE. 55 
 
 for a good stove ? I have one, and you shall 
 be welcome to use it, as long as you have need 
 of it. About the same time, another said he 
 would be responsible for as much fuel as I 
 wanted. Thus, the Unseen Hand has been 
 stretched out for tfye support of this school, and 
 it is now as flourishing as at any former period. 
 Our meetings have taken a new character. In- 
 stead of brethren meetings, we have the very 
 best of sermons, and instead of three or four 
 men and women, enough to half fill the room. 
 I have obtained several long seats, and my room 
 is filled so full there is no place for another, and 
 the kitchen is also almost as full. There is not 
 so much deep seriousness as there was last sum- 
 mer, but far more general attention. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, DEC. 1, 1832. 
 
 IN consequence of a very severe snow storm, 
 which confines me to the house, and company 
 being out of my room, I have a few moments 
 which are nearer at my disposal than any I can 
 recollect for months. Of course, my thoughts 
 naturally fix upon my dear A., her husband and 
 children. I can already think of a thousand 
 things I should love to know respecting them.
 
 00 MEMOIR OF 
 
 But no one is near to answer my questions. 
 Imagination pictures as much cheerfulness at 
 your fireside as is profitable for you. And, let 
 me add, that your friend Harriet's situation, 
 probably, is as unlike yours as can be conceived, 
 yet, perhaps, not in all respects, for she, too, is as 
 cheerful as the birds of spring ; I mean generally. 
 I hardly know with what to fill up this ; 
 but, if you will endure it patiently, perhaps 
 
 1 will give you a little history of your friend /, 
 since leaving Hopkinton the last of March. 
 
 I then came to this place by the request of 
 my friend Esther, for . the purpose of trying to 
 establish a school at India Point. After I came, 
 I named the object to several individuals on 
 whose influence it seemed to depend. All, with 
 one or two exceptions, said No. Said Mr. W., 
 " Go back where you came from, and never 
 name it again." Said another, " Do not think 
 of it ; they are complete savages. A child of 
 eight years of age would turn you out of the 
 house." Said another, who seemed to be a 
 ruling Elder, "My dear, you must not attempt 
 it. We cannot encourage or support you ; we 
 do not think it respectable for any female 
 to go there." But, after all, the school was 
 established the last week in April, and my
 
 HARRIET WARE. 
 
 57 
 
 school was soon filled with scholars. It was no 
 small curiosity to see the variety. Some had 
 been to school, and some had not. Some could 
 read, and some could not. Some appeared 
 pleased, and disposed to treat me civilly ; some 
 declared they would knock my brains out ; but 
 they have never done it. On the whole, it 
 seemed a spot in the moral world, on which no 
 dew, or rain, or life-giving rays, had ever fallen. 
 But it seemed there was a soil, and the Lord 
 had prepared it to receive seed. In the estab- 
 lishment of the school, the interpositions of 
 Providence seemed peculiarly striking, and al- 
 most every step of its progress has been marked 
 by a certain something which seems to be 
 understood by all, even the wicked and profane, 
 to mean the Lord hath done this. From the 
 commencement of this school to the present 
 time, I believe India Point has had a place in 
 many hearts who love to pray. True, there 
 have been times when it seemed that all was 
 fast sinking ; yet many tongues and hearts and 
 hands have moved in its behalf; and moved, 
 too, at just such times and under such circum- 
 stances, as distinctly said, the Lord moved them. 
 I must mention some particulars, as speci- 
 mens of very many others. In the first place,
 
 58 MEMOIR OF 
 
 it was proposed to have a Sabbath school in con- 
 nection with the day school. The gentleman 
 who assisted in organizing the school happen- 
 ed to be, of all other men, the most suitable 
 for the work. He could excite a deep inter- 
 est when most other men might have as well 
 been asleep. Another thing ; when the chol- 
 era was expected daily, all said it would come 
 to India Point first, because it was thought 
 that the wickedness and filth here was enough 
 to engender it, if it had never before been in 
 the world. But not so. When the whole city 
 was in commotion, the inhabitants flying like 
 leaves in a whirlwind, many day schools dis- 
 missed or deserted, Sabbath schools distracted, 
 teachers and children having fled before the 
 destroying angel, India Point was so poor it 
 could not move. Neither did I receive any 
 direct commission to flee to the mountains. Of 
 course, my school moved on without interrup- 
 tion. No cholera came near it ; but the Spirit 
 of the living God came very near, and, I would 
 humbly hope, some brands were plucked from 
 the burning. Perhaps I will tell you more of 
 this before I get through. I must mention one 
 circumstance more. As the cold season was 
 approaching, every thing indicated that I must
 
 HARRIET WARE. 59 
 
 close my school. I had received but a bare 
 support ; I could make no greater personal sacri- 
 fice than I had made, and there seemed no 
 where to look for resources sufficient to sustain 
 it, with the additional expense of fuel and stove. 
 Besides, I found it impossible to obtain assist- 
 ance in the Sabbath school ; those who had 
 been willing to assist had become weary. 
 Sometimes, after spending most of the Saturday 
 in trying to obtain help, I would go on Sabbath 
 morning, as has been my practice, to every 
 house and wharf on the Point, to collect my 
 children into school, and then find myself the 
 only teacher, with perhaps forty scholars, divided 
 into six or seven classes. Just at this crisis, I 
 went into my school-room one morning, and 
 found two gentlemen who were entire strangers 
 to me. They knew as little of me, as I of 
 them. They appeared to know nothing of the 
 school, only that it was at India Point. No one 
 had invited them to call. They, however, 
 assisted me, and the next day one called again. 
 After inquiring into some circumstances in con- 
 nection with the school, he asked if I was 
 willing to stay through the winter ; being an- 
 swered in the affirmative, he said, " Then give 
 yourself no uneasiness about the support of the
 
 60 MEMOIR OF 
 
 school ; I will be responsible for it." Thus far, 
 he has proved that he meant what he said. 
 
 And now, do not laugh. Your friend H. is 
 keeping house, teaching day school as usual, 
 and an evening school four evenings in a week. 
 My evening school is made up of the last mate- 
 rials that are necessary to finish the creation. 
 Some sailors and their wives, some young men 
 who cannot, or rather could not, read even the 
 alphabet, others who cannot write, and some who 
 are studying arithmetic. Most of them work in 
 the ship-yard, or catch oysters. The number 
 of scholars is eighteen. My room is perfumed 
 with a compound of oyster mud, coal and tar, 
 (which forms the crust of their faces, hands and 
 clothes,) rosin, tobacco and gin. But so it is. 
 They are willing to be taught, and I am willing 
 they should be. I am neither afraid or ashamed 
 to teach them. I do not know that any thing 
 good will result from it. But be it so. I have 
 the satisfaction of knowing that four evenings 
 in a week, from six to eight o'clock, they are 
 neither quarrelling, gambling, blaspheming the 
 name of the Being who made them, nor drinking ; 
 and this is reward and encouragement enough. 
 
 By this time you need something to make 
 you smile. Well, here it is, a description of
 
 \ 
 
 HARRIET WARE. 61 
 
 Harriet with her house-keeping apparatus. My 
 school-room is a lower room on the street, 
 conveniently fitted for school, seats, writing- 
 desks, &c.. stove to warm the room, a closet for 
 books, and wood, &c. My household furniture 
 consists of an old pine table, one leaf of which 
 I can spread, the other is lame ; a water pail, 
 tin cup, a furnace, and tin lamp with the japan 
 off, two tea-cups and saucers : one tea-cup I use 
 for sugar, and one saucer I use for butter plate ; 
 two knives and one fork, one tea-spoon, one 
 table ditto. I cannot finish this inventory ; it 
 would be tedious ; you can guess at the rest. 
 I have one very small room beside my school- 
 room, which contains my clothes, bed, band- 
 boxes, and a few movable writing benches, with 
 a small closet which holds all my stores. Just 
 let me say here, that my food is good, and I 
 mean it shall be, for my fatigue would soon 
 wear me out, if it was not. There are three 
 families in the house, beside myself and the 
 forty children, in the day time. Two of these 
 families contain two distinct families each, 
 which would make five families beside my 
 own. In the room adjoining mine, there is 
 almost a constant stream of profanity and fault- 
 finding, that is, except when they are in the
 
 62 MEMOIR OF 
 
 evening school. I have often left the house at 
 night, because I was afraid murder would be 
 committed before morning. But that family 
 has moved. Say you, Why do you live so? 
 Come and see me, and I will tell you. Say 
 you, Why do you call a school together in such 
 a bedlam ? I answer, It is the best, indeed the 
 only place, where a school can be called to- 
 gether at all. But, say you, No good can come 
 under such circumstances. I tell you, good has 
 come. A whole neighborhood of children, who, 
 eight months' since, could not read, and seemed 
 to know only how to profane God's name and 
 quarrel, strolling the streets on the Sabbath, 
 looking more like swine than children, have 
 learned to read their Bibles, are more still and 
 civil than the generality of children in the city. 
 They do not now use profane language, but are 
 dressed cleanly, and attend Sabbath school and 
 meeting. In some instances, intemperate parents, 
 who knew no peace, no order, no Sabbath, have 
 become temperate, industrious, orderly, peacea- 
 ble, and, I humbly hope, pious. 
 
 But, say you, Has your wonderful school done 
 all this ? I answer, No, none of it compara- 
 tively. It has been just this, and no more. It 
 has found favor in the eyes of the people ; of
 
 HARRIET WARE. 63 
 
 course their children have been drawn into it, 
 and learned to read ; and, I do not say it has 
 had no influence upon the morals of the chil- 
 dren, for it has. It has opened a room, where 
 Christians can come together and pray and hold 
 religious meetings ; and by going to the people 
 and persuading them, they have frequently been 
 induced to come in and hear, if for no other 
 reason than to get rid of whoever went after 
 them. If you had been a mouse in some of the 
 India Point gin-shops, on Sabbath mornings, 
 you might have received a call from one of 
 Dr. Emmons's people (trained to his nice habits 
 of thinking, that females must regard propriety,) 
 insisting on the inmates going to meeting. 
 And still more would you be astonished to 
 know that any success had attended such man- 
 agement as this. But, strange as it may seem, 
 it is true. In my opinion, this is the very place 
 where such effort is the only thing that can 
 reach them. But how one of Dr. E.'s people 
 ever came to be sent to such a place no body 
 can tell, unless it was to make her willing to 
 bend a little. We have preaching here once a 
 week. I will only add, that good influences, 
 from various sources, are now exerted in this 
 neighborhood, and they are felt. I believe the
 
 64 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Spirit of God has been here ; and the result of 
 it is, the woman with whom I lodge has in- 
 dulged a hope, and last month united with the 
 church. Three more (one a member of my 
 school) are candidates for admission to the 
 church. Others give evidence of piety. Some 
 others are anxious. My dear friend, it has not 
 very unfrequently, during the past summer, been 
 my privilege to attend my own dear children to 
 the inquiry meetings. I should love to tell you 
 a great deal of the deeply interesting state of 
 things which is existing here, but I have taken 
 all my paper, and filled it with what I am afraid 
 will make you despise me. Do forgive me for 
 writing and sending such a worthless thing as 
 this. Do write, not because this deserves an 
 answer, but because I wish to hear from you. 
 Yours most affectionately, 
 
 HARRIET WARE. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, JAN. 17, 1833. 
 
 * * * * I do my own work, and have 
 a day and evening school. One evening in the 
 week there is preaching in my room. On 
 Saturdays, I generally make calls on the fami- 
 lies in the place, besides other calls of business ;
 
 HARRIET WARE. 65 
 
 and, on Saturday evenings, my room is the 
 resort of all the boys who are disposed to come. 
 Some come to prepare Sabbath school lessons, 
 others to be amused in any way I can think of. 
 This being their leisure evening, they would 
 otherwise be particularly exposed to temptation. 
 Sunday mornings, I rise very early, and, with all 
 my diligence, cannot more than have myself and 
 my room prepared by nine o'clock, when teach- 
 ers and children assemble for Sabbath school. 
 I attend church twice, and sometimes go in the 
 evening, but should never go in the evening 
 except for the sake of others. One hour of the 
 intermission on Sunday noons, is spent in read- 
 ing to those who wish to hear. Now, can you 
 tell me where my leisure time is ? 
 
 Do not think, dear friends, that I am driven 
 to this sad dilemma against my will. It is my 
 choice, and the pleasure of my life so to live. Sin- 
 cerely do I hope that I shall never be much more 
 at leisure. I should really enjoy telling you how 
 signal have been the interpositions of Provi- 
 dence in behalf of this school. I will only say 
 that my school is daily increasing in interest j 
 and the causes which lead to this result are 
 such as can be ascribed to no human wisdom 
 or forethought. Every thing is now in train 
 
 5
 
 bO MEMOIR OF 
 
 for a good school-house, and some other things 
 are in progress which it seems may facilitate 
 effort. But, after all, I am by no means anxious 
 for those appearances of permanency, which 
 might lead one almost to trust in them. Hith- 
 erto, dependence, entire dependence and exertion, 
 has marked the way. 
 
 I must not forget to say, that four from this 
 little spot have recently made a profession, and 
 others indulge a hope ; and, for months, there 
 has not been a time when some were not inquir- 
 ing on the subject of religion. This is the Lord's 
 doing, and is truly marvellous in the eyes of all 
 who have known any thing of this place. 
 
 JULY 22, 1835. 
 
 Never did the privilege of providing homes 
 for little wretched children appear so valuable, as 
 since I thought it was a fixed case, that I could 
 not get away from here. I have often thought 
 that, with or without a support, I will never 
 again complain of fatigue or perplexity, as long 
 as one neglected child remains in these streets 
 that I can benefit by removing.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 67 
 
 PROVIDENCE, Nov. 19, 1833. 
 
 Mr DEAR FRIENDS I would have you make 
 much of a little from your old friend Harriet, 
 even if that little should happen to be good for 
 nothing ; for you must know it is no common 
 occurrence for me to write to a friend. I love 
 them, when I can get time to think of them, as 
 well as ever ; but I have scarcely written a let- 
 ter since I wrote to you last year, except when 
 positive necessity has compelled me. I know 
 I have all the time there is, but it does not seem 
 half enough for all I have to do. I often think 
 I should love to have you come and see just 
 how I live, and how others live around me ; not 
 that I think it would be very flattering to my 
 vanity, but I used to think you good for counsel. 
 
 As you do not often hear from me, I be- 
 lieve I shall begin just where I closed my last 
 letter. I was then keeping house for the sake 
 of sustaining a day and evening school. I con- 
 tinued these during the winter, with no other 
 interruption than an occasional drunken revel, 
 which would break up the school. Three or 
 four times, in one week, my scholars were dis- 
 persed by the cry of murder in the house. And 
 once, in the dead of night, your friend Harriet, 
 with all her courage, escaped from her bed with
 
 68 MEMOIR OF 
 
 her teeth chattering in her head with fear, and 
 ran after the watch in her night clothes. But 
 nobody was killed ; and after going away a few 
 days, until my nerves were quieted a little, I 
 went back to school. The last of May I broke 
 up house-keeping, and commenced boarding in 
 one of the families on the Point, consisting only 
 of a man and his wife. In just one week after 
 I commenced boarding with them, the man died 
 of delirium tremens. Never can I forget the 
 horrors of that scene. I will not attempt a de- 
 scription, and may you never witness any thing 
 similar to it. I will just say, that I never came 
 as near imagining what is meant by the threat- 
 enings denounced in the Bible against the 
 wicked. I have since continued with his 
 widow. She is still, neat, and remarkably kind 
 and clever. She is one who did not know her 
 letters when I came here. She is very little 
 company for me, and there is no other family 
 in the house. This is as I wish to have it. I 
 have no time to enjoy society, and I wish for 
 no temptations of the kind. Was I placed in a 
 family, where I valued the society at all, it would 
 be like placing a hungry person in sight of food 
 which he might not taste. During last winter, 
 there was just enough of excitement to keep me
 
 HARRIET WARE. 69 
 
 from knowing that I was ever fatigued. But 
 when spring came, I found that every part of 
 my system, physical and mental, was completely 
 worn out. Bat my opportunity for rest was 
 nothing better than the care of between seventy 
 and eighty of the most ungovernable spirits that 
 ever were. My little India Pointers I thought 
 rather curious at first, but they could not hold 
 a comparison to those who came in from off the 
 Point. I suppose I became somewhat popular 
 for managing unruly boys ; of course, if there 
 was one that nobody else would have in school, 
 he was sure to be picked up and sent to me. 
 Boys of this stamp, being sent in one after ano- 
 ther, keep things in motion. I sometimes think 
 of applying to the city authority for a tax to be 
 paid to the school, for it is certainly convenient 
 to have a depot for every vile thing that can be 
 picked up in the south part of the city. What 
 should you think of such a plan ? 
 
 But, to return to myself, and say some pleasant 
 things. A vacation of three weeks in September, 
 has quite restored my health and spirits ; so that 
 I have engaged to commence a colored evening 
 school next week, half a mile from my day 
 school. When I wrote you last year, I was 
 keeping school in a private house j since that,
 
 70 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Mr. Nicholas Brown has given a large school- 
 house, and Mr. Thayer has moved it upon the 
 Point. The Sabbath school is well sustained by 
 teachers of the first order from college. And 
 many other pleasant things I could mention. 
 But, after all, either from unbelief or the sober 
 dictates of my own judgment, I have some 
 misgivings. Every thing that was novel in the 
 beginning has passed away. The workers of 
 iniquity have become familiar with my presence. 
 They are a people of no fixed principle, and the 
 whole weight of influence that can be exerted, 
 must be brought to bear upon feeling. Go and 
 say the most solemn things to them, and many 
 of them will feel every word, and while that 
 feeling lasts they will act. Those too, who, 
 we really hope, have passed from death unto 
 life, seem destitute of decided principle. While 
 they " walk in the Spirit, they bring forth the 
 fruits of the Spirit," but the moment good feel- 
 ing declines, they have nothing to keep up the 
 deception a moment. They will act directly in 
 the face of the plainest commands of the Bible, 
 and enjoy religion too. The children, while in 
 school, seem to understand something about 
 moral restraints ; but the moment they are out 
 of school, they are under the improper influence
 
 HARRIET WARE. 71 
 
 of vicious parents, or idlers in the streets, who, 
 in many instances, stand watching for them the 
 moment they leave the house. I sometimes 
 feel almost discouraged, yet I believe it wrong 
 to indulge one feeling of the kind, farther than 
 this. I may not, after all, act on the best plan 
 for accomplishing good. I have not half as 
 good an opinion of myself or my own judgment 
 as I had one year ago. And then, again, I have 
 found by experience, that I am just that human 
 being that cannot bear much success. I know, 
 in some instances, I have felt proud of? the fine 
 things that / have accomplished. But some- 
 thing must be done to save these dear children. 
 But I must not close without saying that I 
 enjoy many privileges, good preaching, and 
 attend two Bible classes.
 
 72 MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 IT was stated, at the commencement of the 
 last chapter, that Miss Ware, during the latter 
 part of her residence at India Point, had been 
 quite successful in finding places in the country 
 for the children under her care. This, in the 
 end, became the most important part of her 
 undertaking. The obstacles, however, which 
 impeded her progress, in this form of benevo- 
 lence, were many and serious. Her plans were 
 frequently thwarted by the parents themselves, 
 who sometimes recalled their children from the 
 most desirable situations. Besides, she felt it 
 important, in order .to procure for her pupils a 
 home in religious families, that they should 
 have some better preparatory training than could 
 be acquired in their present circumstances. 
 Added to this was the fact, that India Point had 
 been selected as the terminus of the Boston and
 
 HARRIET WARE. 73 
 
 Providence railroad ; and this would, from ne- 
 cessity, change the whole character of the neigh- 
 borhood, and oblige her to remove her school to 
 some other locality. 
 
 These facts seemed to indicate to Miss Ware 
 the necessity of an entire change of her arrange- 
 ments. She must soon leave India Point. 
 Should she leave the city, or commence the 
 same labor again in some other of its suburbs 1 
 Should she determine upon the latter course, 
 she would be beset by the same obstacles, and 
 find her most promising plans defeated by the 
 perversity of parents. What she longed and 
 prayed for was, some home where she could 
 gather the children around her, separate them 
 from corrupt associates, train them for useful- 
 ness, cultivate their moral nature, and then 
 place them in situations where they might grow 
 up in habits of usefulness. 
 
 On this subject, she, at sundry times, con- 
 versed with me. I could not but become deeply 
 interested in her views. Here was a woman 
 admirably qualified for the task, whose most 
 earnest desire it was to devote her life to the 
 work of rescuing orphan children, and children 
 frequently more unfortunate than orphans, from 
 almost certain destruction, and transforming
 
 74 MEMOIR OF 
 
 them into valuable members of society. She 
 would have scorned a remuneration had it been 
 offered her. All she wanted was, to do the 
 good at any personal sacrifice. The mere 
 opportunity of thus being useful to these friend- 
 less little ones, was, I truly believe, vastly more 
 attractive to her than the most brilliant situation 
 of which the mind can conceive. 
 
 It seemed to me that Divine Providence must 
 smile on efforts dictated by a spirit so eminently 
 Christian and self-sacrificing ; and that, at any 
 rate, the design was not to be abandoned with- 
 out an effort. It happened that I was at that 
 time engaged in the instruction of a Bible class 
 of ladies, of various denominations of Christians, 
 in Providence. I requested Miss Ware to attend 
 the next meeting ; and, at the close of the exer- 
 cises, I stated the facts, and requested her to 
 add such explanations as she saw fit. The per- 
 sons present entered warmly into the plan, and 
 with a cheerfulness of benevolence characteristic 
 of the ladies of Providence, several of them at 
 once volunteered to solicit subscriptions in behalf 
 of the object. In a few days, between five and 
 six hundred dollars were collected. This was 
 abundantly sufficient for the present purpose, 
 which was only to give the experiment a fair
 
 HARRIET WARE. 75 
 
 trial. A small house was rented, and furnished 
 in the cheapest manner, and the effort was thus 
 commenced. A society was formed, and ladies 
 of the most suitable character, from various 
 denominations, were willing to superintend the 
 management of the institution. Thus com- 
 menced the " Providence Children's Friend So- 
 ciety." 
 
 The house was soon filled to overflowing. 
 Another, and more commodious house, was soon 
 rented. The institution became known through- 
 out the city, and its merits were duly appre- 
 ciated. It was seen that Miss Ware possessed 
 a remarkable talent for conducting such an 
 establishment. To her rare capacity for in- 
 structing the young and of improving their 
 moral nature, she added a skill in practical 
 economy, by which every dollar was made to 
 do all the good that a dollar could do. It was 
 scarcely possible to conceive how so large a 
 family could be supported at so small an ex- 
 pense. Yet, there was in this economy nothing 
 approaching to penuriousness. She was one of 
 the most generous persons I have ever known. 
 Her children were all well fed and clothed ; 
 they were in high health, happy and joyous. 
 The secret was, that she allowed nothing to be
 
 76 
 
 MEMOIR OF' 
 
 wasted. Nothing was ever thrown away, while 
 it could be put to any use, and she was pe- 
 culiarly ingenious in finding a use for every 
 thing. The children all loved her as a mother, 
 and she felt for them more than a common 
 parental affection. 
 
 When the second house was found inadequate 
 to the purposes of the establishment, it was 
 determined by some benevolent laSies and gen- 
 tlemen to purchase a site where it could be per- 
 manently accommodated. A convenient house, 
 with ample grounds, in a very pleasant part 
 of the city, was bought by subscription, and 
 presented to the society. Thither Miss Ware 
 removed in the year 1836, and there she con- 
 tinued until her death. 
 
 Though the number of the children under 
 her care was increased, and the means at her 
 disposal enlarged, yet there was no change 
 whatever in her management of the institution. 
 She was able to receive now about fifty, and 
 the liberality of the citizens of Providence 
 always supplied her with whatever she needed 
 for their support. Still, however, the same rig- 
 orous economy was observed, and the same self- 
 denial put in practice ; the same vigilant care 
 watched over every friendless child, whether in
 
 HARRIET WARE. 77 
 
 health or sickness ; and if there happened to be 
 one peculiarly destitute and feeble, requiring her 
 attention by day and by night, that one was 
 sure to be especially beloved. The idea of 
 labor, or fatigue, or discomfort, never seemed to 
 enter her thoughts, if she was only relieving 
 distress, or ministering to the welfare of these 
 little orphans. In almost every one, she could 
 discover some traits of peculiar interest, and if, 
 perchance, any one of them seemed more than 
 commonly perverse, the conviction, that if she 
 gave him up he must go to inevitable destruc- 
 tion, led her to cling to him with a pertinacity 
 that seemed to her friends almost inexplicable. 
 The fact was, she had so often succeeded in 
 reclaiming children of the most unpromising 
 character, that she seemed to believe nothing 
 was impossible, if the motives of the Gospel 
 were kindly and perseveringly addressed to the 
 conscience. Her success in such cases fre- 
 quently astonished her friends, and testified 
 that, even in such cases, she commonly judged 
 wisely. The result has been, that by her ex- 
 ertions an institution for orphan children has 
 been established in this city, of a most interest- 
 ing character ; that it has ever held a high place 
 in the esteem of our citizens, and promises long
 
 78 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to disseminate the richest blessings among the 
 orphan childre*n of our community. 
 
 If it be asked, What was the secret of this 
 success ? how was it, that a young woman, 
 almost wholly unknown, and wholly destitute 
 of means, should have been enabled to accom- 
 plish so great an amount of good ? I think the 
 answer is obvious. She acted on principles 
 peculiar to the Gospel of Christ. She was, in 
 the first place, sincerely and earnestly desirous 
 to do good ; and, to accomplish this purpose, 
 was willing to make any personal sacrifice. In 
 the next place, she put this desire into practice, 
 by engaging in the first benevolent labor that 
 was placed before her. She did not wait until 
 something precisely in harmony with her intel- 
 lectual tastes or social affections should present 
 itself, but undertook the first work that her Mas- 
 ter placed before her. Nay, she herself, rather 
 chose the humblest and most self-denying la- 
 bor, as that which would best promote her 
 "spiritual interests, and bear to her own bosom 
 the most abiding conviction that she was labor- 
 ing for God. In the next place, she commenced 
 the labor herself, and was the pioneer of the 
 whole undertaking. Instead of going about 
 to secure aid and encouragement before she
 
 HARRIET WARE. 79 
 
 began, she began first, and trusted that aid and 
 support would come as they were needed. As 
 soon as she commenced upon these principles, 
 the providence of God sent her assistants in 
 abundance. Every one saw that she was wil- 
 ling to labor herself, and do every thing in her 
 power before she called for aid, and that the 
 aid required was not for her, but for the cause. 
 Every one was thus pleased with the opportu- 
 nity of being associated with her. We all love 
 to cooperate with an honest and earnest laborer, 
 who is able to go alone ; while we all draw 
 back from associating with a doer of good, 
 who, full of good intentions, and desirous of 
 leading in a worthy enterprise, must always be 
 fed by other men's hands, and be carried on 
 other men's shoulders. Miss Ware was emi- 
 nently a self-relying woman. She would have 
 scorned to impose upon another one half of the 
 labor or responsibility which she imposed upon 
 herself. When a sacrifice was to be made, she 
 instinctively and quietly made it herself. Her 
 example was contagious. The same spirit was 
 communicated to those associated with her ; 
 and thus, all making sacrifices for the cause, the 
 cause of necessity prospered, and, in the end, 
 she prospered with it.
 
 80 MEMOIR or 
 
 In the next place, she was emphatically a 
 woman of faith. By this I do not of course 
 mean merely a believer in Christ, but some- 
 thing more. She received, as I have before 
 remarked, the promises of the Gospel as the 
 assurances of a kind and ever watchful Parent, 
 on which she might rely in every time of need. 
 She obeyed literally the command, "Be ye care- 
 ful for nothing, but, in every thing, by prayer 
 and supplication, make your wants known unto 
 God." Conscious that she was doing not her 
 own work, but the work of God, that her mo- 
 tive was not to please herself, but to please 
 Him, she felt that she might rely with confi- 
 dence upon Him under every circumstance into 
 which the path of duty might conduct her. 
 Hence she commenced and prosecuted, and ter- 
 minated her designs in prayer. From God she 
 sought counsel in deciding what she should 
 undertake, how she should undertake and pros- 
 ecute it, and to Him alone she ascribed all the 
 praise of its success. When she needed aid, 
 she applied to God before she applied to man, 
 and very frequently she found that the former 
 application rendered the latter, unnecessary ; for, 
 either while she was yet speaking the answer 
 was received, or else, the hearts of her friends
 
 HARRIET WARE. 81 
 
 were so directed, that she had only to mention 
 the subject, and the needful aid was afforded. 
 She did not often mention such things, lest she 
 should seem to boast of her piety, which she 
 above all things abhorred ; yet, it was evident 
 from the whole tenor of her conversation, that 
 her memory was filled with them. Many of 
 these instances she had I believe recorded, as 
 an encouragement to others, when, from the 
 fear that it might be otherwise interpreted, she 
 committed the manuscript to the flames. 
 
 In the year 1845, or perhaps the year pre- 
 ceding, the first symptoms appeared of that 
 malady which at last proved fatal. Her mother 
 had died of cancer, and she seems to have in- 
 herited a tendency to the same disorder. In 
 the hope of arresting its progress, and thus ena- 
 bling herself to devote a little more of life to 
 her orphans, she submitted to two surgical ope- 
 rations, but without ultimate success. It was 
 while absent from home for medical treatment, 
 that several of the letters in the present chapter 
 were written. They exhibit in a clear light 
 the strongly marked elements of her character, 
 and show, that, under all circumstances, the 
 Lord was her support and her salvation. 
 
 The disease at last became seated in the 
 6
 
 O/5 MEMOIR OF 
 
 internal viscera, where it was beyond the reach 
 of human aid. She at first dreaded the intense 
 pain to which patients in this complaint are fre- 
 quently subjected. In this respect, however, 
 her prayer was heard, and her suffering was far 
 less than she had feared. She had but little 
 pain, strictly so called, but a sort of indescri- 
 bable nervous restlessness, that was at times 
 almost intolerable. The pain she considered to 
 be controlled by homoeopathic remedies ; while 
 the restlessness was greatly relieved by the use 
 of cold water. " When I find this restlessness 
 coming on," said she, "I dip a sheet in cold 
 water, wrap myself in it, and lie down and 
 sleep like an infant. I always keep a bowl of 
 water at my bedside for this purpose." 
 
 It was during this gradual decline of her 
 strength, that most of the following letters 
 were written. She was enabled to take short 
 excursions during the summer, and also inquire 
 by letter concerning the welfare of her orphans. 
 But, as her strength failed, she confined her 
 efforts to the house, assisting in every labor to 
 which her physical power was competent. It 
 was a sore trial to her to feel that she could do 
 nothing more, but this trial was not imposed 
 upon her until a few days before her death. I
 
 HARRIET WARE. 
 
 have, however, prolonged this introductory 
 notice of a chapter far beyond my intention, 
 and it is time to bring it to a close. 
 
 WELLS, AUGUST 26, 1845. 
 
 I KNOW not whether you have kept any track 
 of your old friend, but I shall venture to conclude 
 you have not, and give you a brief history of my- 
 self for the last fifteen or sixteen years, when, as 
 near as I can remember, I wrote you from Hop- 
 kinton, where I was then teaching school. 
 
 In the spring of 1832, I received a letter 
 from a friend in Providence, describing the sit- 
 uation of a destitute and degraded neighbor- 
 hood in the south part of the city, where the 
 parents, grandparents and children, with but 
 few exceptions, could not read, and had never 
 received religious instruction. She thought 
 that if a school could be established there, good 
 might be done, and had no doubt but the 
 " School and Tract Society " would render 
 needed assistance. It struck me at once as 
 being the place for me, as I had always wished 
 that I was fit to be, if nothing more, " a drawer 
 of water" among the heathen; but ever felt
 
 84 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that I was neither worth sending nor going by 
 myself. Accordingly, about the middle of 
 April, I left Hopkinton and went to Providence. 
 But when I came to consult those whose appro- 
 bation I thought necessary, I found the object 
 was too unpopular to meet with an encouraging 
 word, except from one Christian woman. Of 
 course I must go to work on my own responsi- 
 bility, or not at all. I succeeded in obtaining a 
 room in a house occupied by three miserable 
 drunken families, the only one I could find, and 
 the first week in May commenced my school. 
 Mr. Phillips, the Baptist minister, nearest to the 
 school, and the Sabbath School agent, treated 
 me with kindness and attention. Most others re- 
 garded me as little less degraded than the neigh- 
 borhood where I had chosen to fix ,my habita- 
 tion. My school prospered, a Sabbath school 
 was organized the first Sabbath, but nobody 
 would assist in teaching, till after two months 
 had passed away, the wife of the president, and 
 of one of the professors in college, called on me. 
 Mrs. W., when she left, put some money into 
 my hands, saying her husband wished to see 
 me for something in particular, and wished I 
 would call ; I did so soon after, and was received 
 with the greatest kindness, and an offer of
 
 HARRIET WARE. 5 
 
 assistance in any way I might require. From 
 that time I was liberally supplied with teachers 
 from the college ; of course the current was turn- 
 ed, and popularity was the enemy to be feared. 
 God, however, in great mercy, poured out His 
 spirit, and some, I have still great reason to 
 hope, were adopted into the family of Christ. 
 
 The next winter, I had an evening school, 
 attended by men and women, some of whom 
 were more than fifty years of age, who learn- 
 ed to read and write. It has interested me 
 exceedingly to learn, that three years ago in a 
 revival, many heads of families, who learned 
 the alphabet at that school, were converted, and 
 now read the Bible in their families. There 
 was much that was interesting, during the 
 three years I remained there, which I now 
 record in memory, as belonging to the most 
 eventful period of my life. I very soon became 
 convinced that where children were exposed 
 to the very worst influence from vile and 
 drunken parents at home, but little could be 
 done in school to train them to become good 
 and industrious citizens ; and succeeded in per- 
 suading most of the parents to let their children 
 go to good places in the country. But, as the 
 parents retained a legal right to recall their
 
 OO MEMOIR OF 
 
 children, they would often do it. Other efforts 
 made in various ways and by various societies, 
 for the benefit of the children of the poor and 
 vile, were found to fail of securing fixed habits 
 of industry, and an influence favorable to their 
 present and future good. While at India Point, 
 for there was the eventful spot, I often found my- 
 self rearing my Babylon of straw, which would 
 always be in the form of a great house, where I 
 was living with poor children, entirely indepen- 
 dent of their vile parents. Little did I then think, 
 when roused from my reveries, what God in his 
 wise and merciful Providence was preparing. 
 
 Some time in the summer of 1835, I ven- 
 tured to talk with Dr. W. about the obstacles 
 in the way of accomplishing much towards 
 making good citizens of the class of children 
 for whom so much had been done. It seemed 
 that his own mind had been dwelling on the 
 same subject, and at once the plan was projected 
 of something like an asylum for unprotected 
 children. It was soon named to a few others, 
 and when presented to the public, it seemed 
 that the public mind was prepared to hail it. 
 Dr. W. named it to a Bible class of ladies, under 
 his care, and they volunteered to make collec- 
 tions sufficient to warrant a beginning by way
 
 HARRIET WARE. 87 
 
 of experiment. Between five and six hundred 
 dollars were raised, and the first Tuesday in 
 October, several ladies met together, formed a 
 society, and adopted a constitution previously 
 drawn up, by the name of the Providence 
 Children's Friend's Society. The first day of 
 November I commenced house-keeping, with 
 one little boy, in a small tenement for which 
 we paid but fifty dollars rent. This was com- 
 menced simply as an experiment ; and, notwith- 
 standing my sanguine temperament, I rather 
 expected it would fail than succeed. I will 
 not enter into detail, but suffice it to say, we 
 were able to add to our tenement in the spring, 
 so that we paid eighty dollars ; yet before the 
 close of the year, our family increased so, that 
 we were obliged to spread six beds on the floor 
 at night, for want of room to set up bedsteads. 
 The next November we moved into a larger 
 house with thirty-four children. Towards the 
 close of that year, a large, convenient house, 
 with gardens and sufficient play-ground, was 
 purchased in the west part of the city. The 
 location is elevated and healthy, and the pros- 
 pect of almost the whole city delightful. 
 
 Our tenth year is almost completed, and as we 
 look back upon all the way which our God has
 
 88 MEMOIR OF 
 
 led us, we can but exclaim with joy and grati- 
 tude, surely goodness and mercy have followed 
 us every step of the way. You will not infer 
 that we have had no trials, that no clouds have 
 gathered over us, thick and dark, threatening 
 to destroy us. Oh, no ! God has been too 
 merciful to allow us to be ruined with pros- 
 perity. But I believe He has given us as much 
 success as we could possibly bear. Our bread 
 and our water has not failed, and never for a 
 moment have I believed that He who feeds the 
 ravens, has ever sent us a child to be starved. 
 We have never known the want of kind and 
 efficient friends, whose sympathy and counsel 
 has been exceedingly valuable. For three years 
 previous to this, our family of children has 
 averaged forty-seven. About ninety who have 
 been legally adopted into the family, are now 
 provided with good homes, and are learning to 
 earn their living, or rather are earning it. About 
 half that number have also been thus provided 
 for, who were never adopted into the family. 
 The present prospects of these children are 
 generally as good as those of the children of 
 our most respectable citizens. 
 
 One more circumstance that has contributed 
 much to my essential happiness, is, that a friend
 
 HARRIET WARE. 89 
 
 that I loved very much, and who had contri- 
 buted much to my help and comfort at India 
 Point, called on me the first day I commenced 
 house-keeping, without intending to remain, 
 but has never yet left me. She has proved an 
 invaluable assistant to me ; I think I love her 
 more than I ever loved any other being of earth. 
 Thus you see God has richly provided employ- 
 ment, comfortable support, and probably more 
 enjoyment than I could have had in almost any 
 other situation. 
 
 You recollect, my dear C., something of my 
 uniform good health. Up to the present time I 
 have enjoyed an usual share of that blessing. 
 The first five years in our family, I was obliged 
 to keep myself so constantly fatigued for the 
 want of suitable help, that I suffered much for 
 the time being ; but when I was not obliged to 
 labor so hard, found my constitution unimpaired. 
 My general health is now good, but for three 
 years past I have suffered from a local disease, 
 similar to my mother's, and am now under a 
 course of treatment for it. * * * * 
 
 I will close this long letter with acknowledg- 
 ing the great goodness of my God and Saviour 
 towards me as a sinner I hope a renewed 
 sinner. You know I have long professed to
 
 yU , MEMOIR OF 
 
 be a disciple of Christ. I can now look back 
 over the twenty-four years since I united with 
 the church, and see many green spots, where I 
 have been brought to feel that I knew some- 
 thing of the import of perfect peace, but have 
 generally felt that my religion was rather spe- 
 culative and intellectual, than spiritual. I have 
 always loved the doctrine of a universal and 
 particular Providence ; and in a multitude of 
 dark and trying circumstances incident to my 
 peculiar situation, I have rejoiced that I could 
 stand upon the immovable rock, and say, 
 " Thou, O God, doest it, therefore I should be 
 dumb, and open not my mouth." Yet much 
 of the time, I have been worldly in my affec- 
 tions. The fact is, I have not had enough of 
 Christ in my religion, to keep it warm and 
 active. But let me say to the praise of free, 
 rich, sovereign grace, that the blessed Saviour 
 has, for a few years past, been gradually leading 
 me to a better acquaintance with himself. I 
 think I am not deceived in believing that I 
 know something of his precious love. I would 
 love to tell you that I have found sustaining 
 efficacy, in view of suffering and death, in the 
 precious name of Christ my Saviour. Yes, 
 precious name, God, Man, Mediator, but I can- 
 not write more now.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 91 
 
 PROVIDENCE, AUGUST 26, 1842. 
 I WANT to tell you, but I cannot, how infi- 
 nitely good God has been to me. I should 
 love to tell you how exceedingly precious Christ 
 has appeared to me. I have always believed in 
 Him as having died for sin eighteen hundred 
 years ago, and gone away into heaven ; and 
 sometimes have rejoiced in him as an Interces- 
 sor at the right hand of the Father. But this 
 is not the blessedness of knowing him as a 
 present Saviour. I dare not say much, but if 
 I am not deceived, I have been enabled to pray 
 that you and myself, with all the redeemed, may 
 have the daily experience of the fifteenth chapter 
 of John. You will smile, I suppose, if I quote 
 
 from Mr. , but he one day said to me that 
 
 there were three baptisms ; first, being baptized 
 unto Moses in the cloud ; next, John's baptism 
 unto repentance ; and lastly, there was such a 
 thing as being baptized unto Christ. I have 
 certainly had the first, I believe the second, and 
 I do now desire, at least, to be baptized into the 
 fullness of Christ. Dear M., take hold of the 
 strength of the omnipotent Saviour. Rejoice 
 exceedingly, that you may consecrate your 
 entire being to Him who died for us, that from 
 henceforth we should not live unto ourselves.
 
 92 MEMOIR OF 
 
 SALEM, APRIL 4, 1845. 
 
 I THINK I love to feel that all is perfectly 
 understood by Him, who sees the end from 
 the beginning. I know most assuredly, and if 
 I am not deceived, I rejoice in the assurance, 
 that the holy, wise and good purposes of God 
 correspond in perfect exactness with his provi- 
 dential dealings with me. The hair and the 
 sparrow in my affairs will not be regarded with 
 indifference by my Father God. O ! the con- 
 descension of our heavenly Father. Let those 
 who will, sweep the purposes of God and his 
 universal providence from, from what ? 
 from their creeds and their hearts ; for from 
 the immutable, unerring Word, they cannot. It 
 there stands out in bold relief, a link in the 
 golden chain, a precious link, which, if re- 
 moved, would leave us but a broken fragment. 
 Dear Miss G., I have had leisure to think, and I 
 love to think of that beautiful, perfect system 
 of truth and doctrine revealed in the Bible, all 
 profitable for our instruction in righteousness. 
 I think that system is comprised in our articles 
 of faith. A beautiful and perfect whole, who 
 shall dare to lay his hand upon it, to mutilate 
 or deform it ? A brother called on me, just 
 before I left, and asked "If I dared to stand
 
 HARRIET WARE. 93 
 
 alone against so many, in whose wisdom and 
 piety I had so much confidence ? " Yes, unhes- 
 itatingly, yes! I would stand alone against 
 ten thousand better than myself, and in that 
 thing I would be stronger than the whole of 
 them. 
 
 SALEM, APRIL 30, 1845. 
 
 YOUR welcome, doubly welcome letter was 
 received yesterday, while at brother E.'s. I 
 would have answered it the same hour if I 
 could. I did not think you would write till 
 John was away, and I hardly wished you to, 
 for I could feel no interest in any thing else, 
 neither could I feel any interest in writing even 
 to you, for I could think best in connection 
 with him. O, I feel so happy, that I cannot 
 keep from howling, as you say, for gratitude. 
 How delightful to think, that that same Being, 
 who has from time to time melted his obduracy 
 and warmed his heart with tender and generous 
 affections, and especially who so signally mani- 
 fested his goodness in every circumstance con- 
 nected with his leaving us, has his heart in his 
 hand, and can, and I believe will, bring him to
 
 94 MEMOIR OP 
 
 himself. We shall, of course, have very many 
 anxious hours about him, but we will not forget 
 who holds the winds in his fist, and says to the 
 stormy billows, peace, be still. My dear E., 
 you will, won't you, speak a word for the good- 
 ness of God in view of his kind providence ? 
 
 Could the whole concern be put into my 
 hands or yours, I think I would not be willing. 
 I do feel I am in the best of hands. The doc- 
 trine of a universal Providence was never more 
 precious to me than now. I only want to be 
 more humble, more penitent, more broken- 
 hearted, that I may more and more see the 
 transcendent excellence, beauty and glory of 
 Christ, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
 sins of the world. I hope I have some present 
 evidence of loving him as God, man, mediator, 
 as prophet, priest and king ; but know and feel 
 that my spiritual vision is greatly blinded by 
 reason of sin. It is matter of almost constant 
 wonder, that the patience of infinite forbearance 
 itself has not become exhausted. Surely the 
 mercy of God in Christ is infinite infinite 
 love, love that loved us while enemies. I know 
 our time for writing, or talking, or making our 
 own calling and election sure, will soon be over. 
 Let us improve the present.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 95 
 
 MAY . You will probably receive this 
 
 on board-meeting day. Remember me very 
 affectionately to every member present. Tell 
 them I appreciate all their kindness, and love 
 to feel that they will have patience with my 
 long absence. I feel that I am away from 
 home, but my thoughts of home, and those 
 who, for so many years, have done so much to 
 render it a. pleasant home, are among my sweet- 
 est thoughts of earth. 
 
 MAY 30. I can never think of staying away 
 from home so long ; the thought of it will keep 
 me homesick all the time. I don't know what 
 to do. I am afraid if I should decide upon 
 such a long campaign, that I should be out of 
 patience myself, and think, after all, I had been 
 foolish ; and then what should I do, if the 
 board should get out of patience ? I can't expect 
 them to wait forever; and certainly I should 
 much rather my life should be shortened than 
 protracted, if I am not to think of that dear 
 spot, with all its loved associations as home. I 
 know I am just now very much under the 
 impulse of feeling, and it rather seems to me I 
 don't feel quite right. I have thought I was 
 following the leadings of Providence, and was
 
 96 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in the way of my duty, and that I was willing, 
 and should love to put a blank into the hand of 
 my Father in heaven, for him to fill, just as his 
 own wisdom (not mine) and goodness should 
 direct. But really this does not look much like 
 it. I know if I commit my way to the Lord, 
 my goings will be established. I know that, by 
 creation and preservation, I belong to God as 
 his rightful property, and if he has made me his 
 by regeneration and adoption, why should I set 
 up for myself? The Lord humble and forgive 
 me for my distrust, impatience, and above all, 
 ingratitude. If the Lord hath further need of 
 me, with you, my dearest E., in that long loved 
 and cherished home, in the midst of those I 
 love, yes, I can truly say, the objects of my 
 warmest affections, he will certainly return me 
 to the spot, at the very moment I am needed ; 
 and if he gives me the signal, very gladly will I 
 make haste. 
 
 JUNE 7. Now about my coming home. It 
 seems to me that I was nearer right in my cal- 
 culations than the doctor, for I think I can see 
 an improvement since I came from Boston last 
 week ; but I guess the secret, after all, is to be 
 willing, I mean more than just willing, that
 
 HARRIET WARE. 97 
 
 God should make his own appointments, instead 
 of our making them for him. Let us rather 
 pray, that God would not withdraw his hand 
 until this dispensation of providence has had 
 the effect which it ought, and will have, if 
 rightly improved, upon both of us. The Lord 
 preserve me from ever thinking again (as I 
 have often been tempted to do) that he hath use 
 of me. If a desire to be useful has any thing 
 to do with my strong desire to be at home, 
 let it satisfy me that God chooses I should 
 do my duty in the place and circumstances 
 in which he sees best to keep me, and I am 
 satisfied this ought to be very much with my 
 own heart. The prayer of David, I believe, 
 ought to be mine. " Search me and know my 
 heart ; " that is, cause me to know it. "Cleanse 
 thou me from secret faults." God has some- 
 times given me great freedom in praying for 
 you and our loved ones at home ; especially our 
 older children, and the girls in particular. If I 
 might constantly feel to plead with God in 
 prayer and faith, I should think it well worth 
 while to be kept tied up for some time longer. 
 
 JUNE 14. Certainly we have continued proof 
 of the kind interposition of Providence in be- 
 7
 
 98 MEMOIR OF 
 
 half of our family, as well as ourselves. God 
 does watch over us for good, and we should be 
 most ungrateful not to acknowledge it, not in 
 in words only, but in heart and life. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. I can hardly refrain from 
 adding a few lines to this sheet this evening. 
 Heard Mr. Worcester preach this morning from 
 the text, " Every heart knoweth its own bitter- 
 ness," &c. ; a sermon probably occasioned by 
 the death of a young lady in his parish. I 
 have seldom realized as vividly the sundering 
 of the dearest and sweetest ties of earth ; and 
 the thought, that so many that I love with the 
 warmest affection, are giving no evidence of a 
 preparation for heaven, seems completely over- 
 whelming. 
 
 Dearest E., do not your thoughts dwell with 
 delightful interest upon the surpassing tender- 
 ness of a Saviour's love ? Think of the height 
 and depth, and length and breadth, of the love 
 of Christ ! O no, we cannot begin to think ; 
 but, dear E., we can see, that if our sins were 
 a thousand to one, and our hearts a thousand 
 times more hard and proud and obstinate than 
 they are, it would not, all combined, form the 
 fraction of an obstacle in the way of going with
 
 HARRIET WARE. 99 
 
 all to Christ, to be humbled, subdued, melted 
 and made white, fitted for the exalted service 
 of God and the Lamb. 
 
 I suppose about this time our dear children 
 are singing their evening hymn. I would give 
 more to hear them sing their hymns that they 
 usually sing on Sabbath eve, than all the music 
 I have ever heard or ever shall in S. I have 
 thought, in connection with their singing and 
 other things, of dear little Margaret. Have the 
 children sung her hymn to-day 1 I seem to 
 know she sings it now, " in sweeter notes than 
 angels use." If you are not here next Sabbath, 
 let me feel that at half past six o'clock, P. M. 
 our children will sing Margaret's hymn. 
 
 SALEM, JULY 28. 
 
 I HOPE you have not been anxious about me 
 on account of a little delay. I know you are 
 too anxious, and wish you would try to remem- 
 ber that you and I, with all we most dearly 
 love, are just as much the objects of the kind 
 care of our Heavenly Father, as if he had none 
 but us to care for.
 
 100 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 SALEM, MAY 5, 1845. 
 
 AND now let me say a word, which I wish 
 may become one pleasant subject of our daily 
 thoughts, and that it may have its proper influ- 
 ence over the remnant of our lives. It is that 
 we both familiarize ourselves with the subject 
 of death. Not of death in general, but of our 
 individual separation from this world, and en- 
 trance into another. We both well know this 
 subject can be cheerful, only as we look at it 
 in connection with Christ, God, Man, Mediator. 
 
 I am a miracle of wonder to myself. I won- 
 der how I can see all this, (as I seem to see it, 
 through a glass, very darkly indeed,) and riot 
 feel my whole soul on fire. Yet this is so far 
 from being the case, that I fear exceedingly lest 
 I should become as worldly as ever. I need an 
 overcoming, abiding faith in Christ, and with- 
 out it I know I can do nothing. I think my 
 hold on life is greatly loosened, if not broken. 
 
 I desire that we both may be very thankful 
 for these gentle, yet emphatic warnings, of what 
 at farthest cannot be far from me. Surely I can- 
 not be taken by surprise, without criminal for- 
 getfulness on my own part. Dearest, shall we 
 not learn to contemplate death as our friend and 
 restorer, and not as an enemy to be feared ?
 
 HARRIET WARE. 101 
 
 SALEM, AUGUST 3, 1845. 
 
 IT will be board-meeting Tuesday. Give my 
 best love to the ladies of the board ; I shall 
 think of them at that hour, and if they have a 
 petition to offer for me, be it that I may be more 
 like Christ. It has been among my sweetest 
 thoughts, that my God and Saviour was truly 
 man. That he, not only as God, knew our 
 frailty and infirmities, but, as man, has known 
 them by experience. There is sustaining effi- 
 cacy in full belief that the Saviour sympathizes 
 with us in our deepest sufferings j that he is 
 touched with the feelings of our infirmities, as 
 nothing short of infinite tenderness and love, 
 united with experience, could do. Infinite in- 
 deed is that love, that would stoop from the 
 highest throne in heaven, and, for the sake of 
 vile creatures like us, take upon himself a body 
 like ours, and after enduring every variety of 
 suffering, offer it, once for all, a sacrifice for our 
 sins, that God might be just, and the justifier 
 of him that believeth in Jesus. 
 
 WELLS, SEPT. 1, 1845. 
 
 THINK of the amazing sacrifice of leaving 
 his throne, being born of a woman, in a man-
 
 102 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ger, a human body, and rational soul, heir to 
 every variety of physical and mental suffer- 
 ing, in his whole life fulfilling the perfect law of 
 love to God and man, ever doing good to the 
 souls and bodies of men, sympathizing with the 
 afflicted, so gentle and kind that even little 
 children were not afraid to approach him. O, 
 what infinite condescension! He knew our 
 ignorance, weakness, and blindness, and how 
 difficult it is, in our fallen state, to form right 
 conceptions of the great God ; and therefore, in 
 our own form and nature, he manifested the per- 
 fect mind and spirit of Him, who says He is 
 Love. And all this was but a prelude to his 
 dying agony, and dying prayer. And then 
 think of both the promise and fulfilment of the 
 spirit, to all who would ask for its influences. 
 This kind and gentle spirit does take the things 
 of Christ, and show them to all who will see 
 Jesus. And now the merciful assurance, that 
 he not only lives a merciful High Priest, to 
 sympathize with the afflicted, support the weak 
 and trembling, and succor the tempted, but is an 
 all-prevalent Intercessor for all who will comiuit 
 their cause to him.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 103 
 
 WELLS, SEPT. 5, 1845. 
 
 MY DEAR FRIEND How much I love you, 
 and thank you too, for your generosity and 
 kindness, bestowed upon a poor, worthless, in- 
 efficient friend, sinful, liable to change, and who 
 at best, may and will drop out of your sight at 
 any moment when this same God and Saviour, 
 whom you neglect, shall speak the word. The 
 same kind of affection and confidence you be- 
 stow upon one so unworthy, just transfer to 
 Him, and all will be well. You will not love 
 me the less, nor I you. What you say of his 
 being beyond the utmost stretch of your dark 
 
 vision, is all right. But, dear , you must 
 
 neither be afraid to sit humbly at his feet, or 
 lie quietly in his arms. If you can't see, he 
 can, and that is enough. Just trust yourself 
 to him, and you have nothing to fear. I have 
 just read a beautiful sentiment in Phillips's 
 "Love of the Spirit," viz. "That the spirit 
 does not testify of itself, nor of you, but of 
 Christ." 
 
 Your kind advice for me to remain, might 
 tempt me, but I want to be at home too much 
 to be tempted even by that. And then I do not 
 need farther quiet to restore health, for I think 
 it is restored ; not but what I think I have
 
 104 MEMOIR OF 
 
 been deceived about my strength, and I now 
 think Monday would have been a little too 
 soon ; but next Monday will be exactly right. 
 And then, again, what do you think the Lord 
 has been so signally gracious to me, both physi- 
 cally, socially, and spiritually, for ? Is it to be 
 set up for all my friends to pay tribute to, that 
 I may enjoy myself; or to come, or rather go to 
 my long loved and cherished home, to live with 
 you and the dear children whom I love as my 
 own life ? 
 
 And now, a word for dear little M. I am 
 afraid, if it is not all over with her now, it will 
 be before I get home. Do you tell her any thing 
 about the Saviour, and how she must give her- 
 self to him, and how he will love to receive 
 and bless her, and make her happy if she will ? 
 
 Dear little R , I love her for the associa- 
 tions ; but how thankful should we be that 
 she is removed beyond the reach of the chilling 
 blasts of this cold world, or any of the debasing 
 influences of earth. 
 
 I am more and more satisfied, I am certain, 
 that there is a meaning in the promises of God, 
 and Christ, in the assurances of his love and 
 faithfulness, that we shall find has indeed been 
 but poorly expressed, even in the language of
 
 HARRIET WARE. 105 
 
 the Bible, and more poorly understood, and yet 
 more poorly believed and trusted. It is not 
 so strange, that we should be tempted to doubt 
 whether we can be loved by a Being of infinite 
 purity ; and it would seem that to meet those 
 reasonable doubts, he has not only multiplied 
 assurances to an almost infinite extent, but has 
 given pledges and earnests, as though he would 
 not require credit to be given to simple testi- 
 mony of truth itself. Strange that He should 
 love us, but infinitely stranger that we do not 
 love Him, though our own souls should sink to 
 ruin as we deserve. Truly it is said, God is love. 
 O, I seem to know, I am not mistaken in this, 
 that " while we were yet sinners, Christ died 
 for us." 
 
 "Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree." 
 
 PROVIDENCE, FEB. 7, 1846. 
 
 IT is my candid opinion that I am henceforth 
 to regard myself as a minute man, liable to be 
 called for at a very short notice. Dear M., I 
 cannot write as would be natural to a loved one, 
 without being much overcome, my nerves are 
 so weak. But we will be thankful that I can
 
 106 MEMOIR OF 
 
 think, and talk and write with calmness and 
 pleasure, of a beautiful city but just before 
 us, " that hath foundations, whose builder and 
 maker is God," our God, in whom we confi- 
 dently trust. I have never felt as much elated 
 as some of whom I have read and heard, but 
 thanks, everlasting thanks, to free, rich, sove- 
 reign grace, that I have enjoyed a calm, steady 
 peace, an unshaken confidence in the perfec- 
 tions of God. I have been able to contemplate 
 with delightful interest, that system of old- 
 fashioned doctrines, to which we used to listen 
 in our younger years, and they seem to flow as 
 naturally from the perfections of God, as water 
 from a spring. 
 
 On this point, let me ever be understood as 
 placing Christ where divine sovereignty used 
 to be placed in our early instructions. I love to 
 look back upon this pleasant world, with which 
 I thought I had done. At no hour of my life 
 did I ever more fully believe than now, that 
 " the whole earth is full of thy glory." I love 
 my long-loved friend, in short, I love to live ; 
 and if one's sympathies and interests are with 
 Christ, I know not why an angel might not 
 covet the facilities that are every where pre- 
 sented for doing good.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 107 
 
 WESTERLY, Nov. 26, 1846. 
 
 ON this thanksgiving morning, I hardly know 
 how to enjoy being separated from my own 
 dear home. So wonderful has been the good- 
 ness of God towards us as a family, and towards 
 me in particular, the past year, that in the midst 
 of our family group, I would most love to 
 acknowledge our obligation of gratitude, and 
 devotion of heart and life to the God that made 
 us and the Saviour that redeemed us. Three 
 that we loved, and who shared in this last 
 annual festival with us, are now entered upon 
 their unchanging state, and with the dear babe 
 we so tenderly loved, are very distinctly in my 
 mind and heart. I cannot save myself the 
 query, Who will be among the missing at our 
 next thanksgiving ? How very desirable that 
 we should all feel the importance of being in 
 preparation ourselves, and doing all we can, 
 that others should be prepared to join in the 
 unceasing song of praise to the Lamb that was 
 slain, that we might live. I wonder not half as 
 much at the stupidity of all the world beside, as 
 at my own wordly spirit. When shall I learn 
 to " overcome the world ? " 
 
 I find my old friends a little scattered, and 
 am certainly humbled at the deep feeling they
 
 108 MEMOIR OF 
 
 manifest. They say they never expected to see 
 me again, and seem to feel that all who were 
 ever my friends or pupils, will feel grieved and 
 wounded, if I do not, at least, give them the 
 opportunity to come where I may be found. 
 Nobody seems to expect that I shall take much 
 trouble to go anywhere, but they will go any- 
 where to see me. I, of course, feel that this 
 is my last visit, and if I leave Hopkinton next 
 week, I shall do well. 
 
 THE first of the following notices of Miss 
 Ware's last illness, has been furnished by a lady 
 who had been for many years her constant asso- 
 ciate and intimate friend ; and the second by 
 Amos C. Barstow, Esq., who saw her frequently 
 during her illness : 
 
 The dangerous illness with which Miss Ware 
 was afflicted, two years previous to her decease, 
 had impressed her with the abiding conviction, 
 that death could not be far from her. She was, 
 from that period, constantly preparing for a sum- 
 mons to that world in which she had laid up 
 such rich treasures. She considered the pro- 
 longing of her life, after that critical period, as
 
 HARRIET WARE. 109 
 
 an answer to prayer. She had, at that time, an 
 anxious desire to live to see the accomplishment 
 of a cherished plan in regard to the institution, 
 in whose interests her whole heart had entered. 
 The building was too contracted and inconve- 
 nient, for the well-being of the large family it 
 was required to contain. To have it enlarged, 
 with ample accommodations for bathing, and a 
 convenient school-room, was her earnest desire. 
 A generous public readily acceded to it, and it 
 had scarcely been completed, ere its noble- 
 minded projector was again confined to her 
 own apartment, which she never left, till she 
 was removed from it to the repose of the grave. 
 The last time she met with the family, was 
 on a Sabbath afternoon, seven weeks previous 
 to her decease. It was her custom, at that time, 
 to give the children instruction on religious sub- 
 jects. They had been studying the Assembly's 
 Catechism, and the topic of consideration that 
 day was the doctrine of election, one peculiarly 
 precious to her. She gave a simple explanation 
 of it to the little group, and then, with great 
 tenderness and earnestness, addressed the older 
 ones, urging them now to make their " calling 
 and election sure." It was a most solemn and 
 precious season, although we did not anticipate
 
 110 MEMOIR OF 
 
 it would be the last time we thus should meet. 
 She did not suffer much pain until the last days 
 of her life. Her mind was clear and active till 
 the close. She requested to have her grave 
 clothes purchased, and sent for a person to come 
 and sit in her room while they were made. 
 Every arrangement for the interests of the 
 family, that it was in her power to make, was 
 calmly and intelligently imparted to the ladies 
 of the board who saw her. She had so per- 
 fectly prepared for her anticipated decease, that 
 she seemed in these last weeks of her life to 
 have but little to do, but patiently await the 
 event. When asked if she had no counsels to 
 give to the older members of the family, she 
 replied, " I believe I have said all that I could 
 to them." 
 
 She had but one anxiety to disturb her perfect 
 peace of mind, and that was, the provision of a 
 home for the little girl she had adopted, and 
 when a letter arrived from a beloved friend, 
 assenting to her request to receive her into her 
 family, she seemed to feel that every wish was 
 gratified. Her constant theme was the good- 
 ness of God ; God had been so good to her in 
 permitting her to see all her plans completed, 
 was the constantly recurring thought.
 
 HAKRIET WARE. Ill 
 
 She had suffered much anxiety in relation to 
 the form her disease might assume, lest she 
 should become repulsive to her friends ; and on 
 finding that^ it was to be wholly of an internal 
 character, such was the relief to her mind, that 
 her gratitude for the kindness of her Heavenly 
 Father, in thus dissipating her fears, seemed 
 unbounded. It was manifested in every word, 
 in every look. It did indeed seem as if her 
 every prayer was answered. The 14th, 15th, 
 and 16th chapters of John, were the favorite 
 portions of Scripture which she often wished to 
 hear when she was too feeble to peruse them 
 herself. 
 
 The last day was one of much suffering ; she 
 frequently wished to be moved, but forbore 
 manifesting the desire, for fear of injuring her 
 friends by receiving their aid in lifting her. 
 Her thoughts were, as ever, of others more than 
 of herself. 
 
 I cannot venture, however, to give any farther 
 account of the last hours of my friend, although 
 every moment of them is indelibly engraved on 
 my memory. Tfiere are others, who I doubt 
 not will give a faithful record of them. My 
 last interview with Miss Ware was but a few 
 days before her death, I found her in a state
 
 112 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of great bodily weakness. She was sitting in 
 an arm-chair, in a reclining posture, which was 
 about the only one which the nature of her 
 maladies would allow her to take. 
 
 All who ever made her acquaintance, were 
 doubtless more or less impressed with the 
 thought, that she was a remarkable woman ; 
 but here, peculiarly, in this " chamber where 
 she met her fate," all who were admitted were 
 deeply impressed with the fact, that she was a 
 remarkable Christian. Her intimate friends did 
 not need the testimony of that strong and abid- 
 ing faith in God, which was drawn from her 
 closing hours. She had borne this testimony 
 amid life's busiest scenes, and in its most active 
 duties. But if the evidence before seemed full 
 and satisfactory, now, to me, it seemed complete, 
 overwhelming. She was about to enter the 
 " dark valley." The grave stood open before 
 her, and the vesture, in which she was to enter 
 it, was all prepared. 
 
 She spoke to me " of the decease which she 
 should accomplish," with the greatest compo- 
 sure and resignation. " I feel," said she, " that 
 my work on earth is done. I have been brought 
 very low under the power of disease before this, 
 but never before could I feel that my hour had
 
 HARRIET WARE. 113 
 
 come. There was always some object to be 
 accomplished, which lay near my heart, and 
 seemed to demand my efforts. But now I feel 
 that all my work is done. God has been very 
 kind, to spare me until every earthly wish and 
 desire is satisfied. This house was formerly 
 too strait for us, and I longed for just such an 
 enlargement as has recently been made. Now, 
 it is just as I would have it, commodious, com- 
 fortable, convenient. Then again, I am at 
 home, surrounded by the dear objects of my 
 affection, and enabled to give them my parting 
 counsels, and blessing." 
 
 Here she enlarged upon several matters per- 
 taining to the family, with much satisfaction. 
 She spoke, also, of the Zion of God on earth, 
 and her relations thereto ; naming several mat- 
 ters, in reference to which she had felt a strong 
 concern, which now seemed settled just as she 
 could desire. In fact there was no earthly 
 thing, on which she had of late set her heart, 
 but what God had allowed her to live to 
 see accomplished. She knew not why it was. 
 She was an unprofitable servant, and deserved 
 not the least favor, and yet her cup of blessing 
 was filled to the brim. Then turning her eyes, 
 now glistening with deep emotion, toward 
 8
 
 114 MEMOIR OF 
 
 heaven, she blessed the worthy name of Jesus, 
 for whose sake, and through whose blood, she 
 had become a partaker of these blessings. 
 
 Never did I see her so calm and serene, never 
 so heavenly and sublime. Under similar cir- 
 cumstances, with most Christians, it might have 
 been my duty to soothe, cheer, strengthen or 
 comfort the soul in this hour of trial. But with 
 her nothing like this was needed. I seemed as 
 in some heavenly presence, and could only sit 
 and listen to the low and gentle, yet distinct 
 breathings of a soul already pinioned for the 
 skies. Her mind was remarkably clear, and the 
 facility with which she turned from one subject 
 to another, until she had finished all that she 
 had to say to me, (and it seemed as much as her 
 exhausted nature would allow,) was wonderful. 
 Her friendly counsels to myself in regard to 
 personal piety, enforced by her own reflections 
 upon her own past life, while now in full view 
 of death, I trust will never be forgotten. I 
 listened, wondered and admired. Truly "the 
 chamber where the good man meets his fate, is 
 privileged above the common walks of virtuous 
 life, near to the gates of heaven." I prayed 
 with her, and rising to depart, took her emaci- 
 ated hand in mine. As I gazed for the last time
 
 HARRIET WARE. 115 
 
 on that strikingly intelligent and benevolent 
 countenance, now irradiated with beams from a 
 better world, my emotions choked the utterance 
 of a last farewell, and I turned away, desiring 
 that my last end might be like hers. 
 
 I AM happy at the close of this brief memoir, 
 to introduce the following letter from Amos 
 Perry, Esq., the highly esteemed principal of 
 one of the grammar schools of this city. Mr. 
 Perry residing in the vicinity of the house of 
 the Children's Friend Society, and being deeply 
 interested in the welfare of the institution, was 
 often able, by his counsel and influence, to ren- 
 der important aid to Miss Ware and her asso- 
 ciates. During the latter part of her life, 
 especially, he saw her very frequently, and, at 
 the request of some of the members of the 
 board, has kindly consented to furnish the 
 following interesting communication. 
 
 PROVIDENCE, FEB. 28, 1849. 
 
 DEAR SIR I take pleasure in giving you 
 my view of Miss Ware's character, and in 
 stating such anecdotes and incidents within my 
 knowledge, as may serve to illustrate it.
 
 116 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I received from Miss Ware, in familiar con- 
 versation, at different times, detached accounts 
 of her early days. They are instructive, as in- 
 dicating the way in which her character was 
 formed. Her parents were Puritanic in their 
 habits, and modes of thought and action. They 
 exercised a strict and watchful discipline over 
 their children. Luxury and effeminacy met 
 with poor encouragement within their door. 
 Industry, economy, sobriety and order, were 
 fostered with religious care. Their children 
 had the benefit of the district school as it then 
 was, taught three months in the summer by 
 a female, and three in the winter by a male 
 teacher. 
 
 The germs of the future Harriet Ware were 
 at an early day visible. The girl showed the 
 woman she aspired to be. She entered with a 
 generous enthusiasm into whatever engaged her 
 attention, whether study, work or play. Her 
 character was of natural growth. Her devel- 
 opments were regular and progressive. She 
 formed habits, and adopted principles, whose 
 influence and power were more fully exhibited 
 in her later years. She taxed her ingenuity, 
 and, by the exercise of patience and persever- 
 ance, prepared herself to overcome obstacles
 
 HARRIET WARE. 117 
 
 and rise above discouragements. The great 
 secret of her success in life, if secret it may be 
 called, was her reserved energy. She aimed to 
 put herself in readiness to meet any emergency. 
 Instead of slumbering till the bridegroom came, 
 she laid in store her oil, and could not be taken 
 by surprise. Endowed with solid, rather than 
 brilliant powers, she could not make satisfactory 
 improvement, while attending school, without 
 continued and earnest effort. This effort she 
 put forth at the regular hours of study, and 
 when all nature was hushed in repose. At 
 twelve and one o'clock at night, Harriet might 
 frequently be seen stealthily poring over her 
 lessons by the dim light of a pine bough or 
 of birch bark, which she had laid aside for this 
 purpose. 
 
 I have heard her repeatedly express her grati- 
 tude for the restraints and wholesome influences 
 of the home and the school. For these insti- 
 tutions she ever cherished the most sacred 
 regard. In them she learned those lessons of 
 submission and quiet duty, which made her 
 submission to God and divine truth the more 
 easy and natural. Her various home and school 
 studies and exercises, helped to prepare her for 
 the sublimer studies and exercises of the spiritual
 
 118 MEMOIR OF 
 
 kingdom. Looking upon the divine works, ena- 
 bled her to look with the more interest and 
 pleasure upon the divine hand and character. 
 God was revealed to her awe-struck soul in all 
 his majesty, power, and goodness. She who 
 had before viewed herself chiefly in her rela- 
 tions to her parents, teachers, and friends, saw 
 herself related to a higher Parent, a higher 
 Teacher, and a higher Friend. She bowed in 
 submission, and sought instruction at the heav- 
 enly throne. Like Mary of old, she sat at the 
 feet of Jesus, and learned of him. Prayer was 
 the attitude of her soul, and Christ was her 
 song. Though not called, like Samuel, to a 
 peculiar, ceremonial service, she received at 
 one period of her life (I believe at this), an 
 indefinite, indescribable impression that she had 
 a peculiar mission to perform. She understood 
 not what this mission was. It might be to carry 
 the Gospel to heathen lands. She cherished 
 this feeling as a premonition of her destiny, and 
 it was not without influence on her life. She 
 had, however, a definite aim, which was to be 
 useful. When her way was plain, she earnestly 
 pressed forward in it, and when it was dark, 
 she still moved on, trusting to the leadings of 
 God's providence.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 119 
 
 An anecdote will here serve to illustrate the 
 practical character and tact which she early ex- 
 hibited, and for which she was in later times 
 distinguished. The human hand then per- 
 formed much labor which is now committed to 
 the machine. Harriet threw the shuttle, and 
 wove as expeditiously as the most skilful, while 
 her sisters, for whose habits of industry she felt 
 the utmost solicitude, rolled the bobbins. While 
 engaged in this employment, she would often 
 perform an extraordinary amount of labor to 
 bring out the desired effort on their part. 
 
 Some years passed by, and Harriet, at an 
 early age, became the teacher of a district 
 school. Here her varied powers found ample 
 room for exercise. She strove to improve alike 
 herself and her pupils. She entered upon her 
 duties with the same genial, resolute spirit, 
 which characterized all her undertakings. Find- 
 ing in her school a number of large boys, 
 whose attainments in arithmetic were quite 
 equal to her own, she applied herself with 
 great assiduity and perseverance to study. She 
 sought not only to solve every problem in ad- 
 vance of her pupils, but to understand and be 
 able to explain the way in which she arrived 
 at her results, and the reason for each succes-
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sive step in her process. Her success in teach- 
 ing arithmetic was signal ; and in all her duties 
 as teacher, she earned and acquired a reputation 
 which is oftener desired than deserved. She 
 cultivated the intellects of her pupils, without 
 neglecting their moral characters. She in- 
 structed them in the rudiments of learning, 
 and at the same time brought to bear on their 
 hearts and lives all the elevating influences at 
 her command. She breathed into them a spirit 
 and energy, and conferred upon them benefits, 
 which they are not backward now in acknow- 
 ledging. 
 
 Being a dutiful child, Miss Ware regarded 
 as intimately connected with being a dutiful 
 scholar ; and being a good scholar, as a step 
 towards becoming a good teacher ; and being a 
 good teacher, as an important preparation for 
 the other duties and responsibilities of life. 
 This is a condensed view of Miss Ware's life. 
 She made the discharge of each duty a prepa- 
 ration for another. This was a fixed plan of 
 life with her. This was her idea of Christian 
 philosophy. She attributed all her success, 
 such as it was, to the power of the principles 
 and truths which she embraced and maintained, 
 and which, in their turn, embraced and sus-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 121 
 
 tained her. Thus, in an important light, she 
 considered herself an instrument in God's hands, 
 which, she allowed, had wrought some good. 
 " But to God belongs the praise ; for he has 
 given me my life, and been my sun and shield. 
 I have but walked by His strength, in the path 
 which He has pointed out. The Lord reigns. 
 Blessed be the name of the Lord." Such was 
 her prevailing spirit and tone of feeling. She 
 dwelt with peculiar pleasure and with rapturous 
 delight on the sovereignty of God. The words 
 of the Psalmist often served her as a medium of 
 expression. 
 
 Love of truth was, I think, a prominent trait 
 in her character. She sought the truth and la- 
 bored for its promotion, because she loved it, 
 and had faith in its power and efficacy. Truth 
 was in her mind not only the antithesis of error, 
 but the cure and preventive of evil. It was 
 God's instrument, by which to effect good. 
 Without it, man is in worse than midnight dark- 
 ness. With it, heaven and earth are radiant 
 with beauty and loveliness. He who has truth 
 will exhibit its power in his life. It will root 
 out evil affections, and destroy the strong-holds 
 of Satan. It will bring back peace and good 
 will among men. It will make man at one with
 
 122 
 
 MEMOIR OP 
 
 . 
 
 himself. This was her view of God's inspired, 
 all-inspiring truth, and where she saw not these 
 results, she did not believe that the truth 
 existed, or she believed that it was held in 
 unrighteousness. She looked for branches on 
 the sound and vigorous trunk, and for fruit on 
 the thrifty branches. 
 
 Lying, was her detestation. A thief she 
 could pity or despise ; but a liar was almost 
 beneath her contempt. Numerous were her 
 ways of playing off her troublesome humor and 
 pleasantry on those people, who, by dint of 
 lying and equivocation, overreached her in 
 trade. They must be called into her house the 
 next time they came along, and be seated where 
 sb.e could give them special attention. And 
 there she kept them, (though they were always 
 in a hurry,) and hectored them, and goaded 
 them with her keen satire, provoking irony, and 
 touching appeals to their honor and conscience, 
 until they were moved by despair, shame, or 
 some higher impulse, to acknowledge their fal- 
 sity, and promise amendment in their conduct. 
 They usually earned all the advantage they 
 gained over her by unfair dealing. They had 
 to endure the humiliation and mortification of 
 seeing their own little and belittling spirit and
 
 HARRIET WARE. 123 
 
 action brought into striking contrast with her 
 elevated sentiment and dignified bearing. 
 
 Her manner of deliberating and of arriving at 
 definite decisions, on important questions, may 
 serve as an index to her character. She was 
 in the habit of proposing such questions as 
 these, " Is it true ? Is it right ? Is it duty ? " 
 She conversed freely with those around her, 
 who might throw light on her mind, and then 
 she reserved her final decision for a season of 
 prayer and communion with God. After this, 
 all was over. Nothing could move her purpose. 
 Her simple reply to all objections offered, and 
 obstacles pointed out, was, " The Lord has de- 
 cided, and He is wiser than man. This thing 
 can be done, and it shall" When she spoke 
 thus, her friends learned to forbear alike per- 
 suasion or entreaty. This habit of looking up 
 for light and truth through her higher senti- 
 ments, rather than down through the mists and 
 shades of earth, became a settled habit and 
 principle of her life. She was in this way ena- 
 bled to correct some errors of judgment which 
 are apt to arise from a partial or unfair view of 
 things. Her atmosphere was purer, and her 
 mental vision altogether strengthened. 
 
 Her candor was in keeping with her love of
 
 124 MEMOIR OF 
 
 truth. " Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom 
 is no guile," may seem strong language to apply 
 to her, but the truth will bear it. If she thought 
 that no good thing could come out of Nazareth, 
 she would not hesitate to say it ; and, when 
 convinced to the contrary, she would with the 
 same frankness acknowledge her mistake. 
 
 Her charity towards those who differed from 
 her in opinion, increased in a striking manner 
 with her years. I have conversed with her 
 many times on this subject, and am satisfied 
 that she gave diligence to possess herself of that 
 virtue, which is the crown of Christian virtues, 
 and without which, all other attainments are 
 nothing worth. She rose far above the spirit 
 of bigotry and intolerance, and stood on a high 
 point of observation. Her view of religious 
 truth was greatly enlarged. She saw clear 
 above and beyond the partition walls of party 
 or sect, and made the adoption of no peculiarity 
 in her creed or mode of thought, a final test of 
 any man's Christianity. She hailed light even 
 from dark Nazareth, and honored goodness even 
 in a despised Samaritan ; arid she gave the 
 stamp of her disapprobation against vileness and 
 dishonesty alike in Jew or Gentile. While she 
 held to the last her own peculiar views, distinct
 
 HARRIET WARE. 125 
 
 and fixed, she expressed herself as decidedly 
 benefitted by intercourse with people of differ- 
 ent views and opinions, who manifested the 
 spirit and power of Christ. She freely accorded 
 to others the same privileges which she claimed 
 for herself, and received light with the same 
 eagerness with which she imparted it. Her 
 spirit was liberal and ennobling, and had much 
 to do with the success of her measures in estab- 
 lishing the " Children's Friend Society," and 
 with the confidence which she enjoyed in our 
 community. May her mantle of charity rest 
 largely on her successors and their associates in 
 philanthropic effort. 
 
 Miss Ware possessed a large amount of good 
 common sense, and loved the true and useful 
 more than the showy and ornamental. All 
 extravagance in language, dress or expense, was 
 displeasing to her, though she was painfully 
 conscious of her own tendency to commit im- 
 proprieties in the first of these ways. Her 
 strong emotions tended to call up corresponding 
 expressions ; and the effort she put forth to 
 correct this, often made her expression appear 
 somewhat stiff and measured. She heartily 
 disliked all cant and frothy speech in the pulpit 
 or out of it ; at conference meetings or in private
 
 126 MEMOIR OP 
 
 conversation. She detected at a glance the 
 ridiculous aspect of things, and generously 
 apologized for weakness that could not be 
 helped. People who betrayed their shallow- 
 ness by sounding their own trumpet, did not 
 always escape her sarcasm and irony. She 
 had no fancy for a religion or philanthropy, 
 whose only manifestation was in words. She 
 looked for the kingdom of God not in words 
 merely, but in power. She had no taste for 
 mere sentimental talk, and could not be caught 
 by wordy display. She prized words only as 
 they were related to things and actions. The 
 following language may seem to indicate an 
 extreme tendency, but the symmetry of her 
 character was not marred." " Would you think, 
 said she once humorously to a friend, " that I 
 ever enjoyed Hervey's Meditations? I did read 
 in it once with enthusiastic interest, but I soon 
 laid it aside, and could never read in it again, 
 and I have taken many such short turns in my 
 life." 
 
 Miss Ware's taste and disposition, strongly 
 inclined her to the walks and enjoyments of 
 private life. She acted in a public capacity 
 only from a sense of duty. Wordly honor and 
 renown had few attractions for her. One inci-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 127 
 
 dent may, in some degree, illustrate this remark. 
 Some year or two before her death, a gentleman, 
 who had been confidentially made acquainted 
 with the main circumstances and incidents in 
 her life, took them, and, with various colorings 
 and fillings in, wove a tale for general reading 
 among children. This was published by the 
 American Sunday School Union, and sold by 
 their various agencies throughout the country. 
 So that, to use Miss Ware's own phrase, she 
 became, without her own consent or knowledge, 
 a kind of common stock for the country, with- 
 out even a share in her own copyright. Her 
 first intimation of the fact was in a letter from 
 a friend, rallying her on her good fortune in 
 being able to read her own life. She sought 
 the book and found it, even as described. The 
 names introduced into the tale were somewhat 
 changed or abridged. The characters and inci- 
 dents were substantially correct, but they were 
 just enough colored and dressed over to spoil 
 their truthfulness. Miss Ware's mortification 
 was extreme. She felt that this treatment was 
 cruel. She could better endure, she said, to 
 be mobbed, than be thus unceremoniously 
 dragged before the public and converted into 
 property. She could wipe off stains which
 
 128 MEMOIR OF 
 
 might come from the former, but could not 
 reach those which came from the latter. She 
 knew not how to efface the impression that 
 she had been concerned in the publication of 
 her own life. She forthwith sought out the 
 man who had thus abused her confidence, and 
 expressed her mind to him in no unequivocal 
 terms. The letter which she addressed to 
 him, was replete with withering sarcasm and 
 irony. She gave him, she said, another chapter 
 in her character, that he might insert it at his 
 discretion in some forthcoming volume. 
 
 All her ideas of happiness centred in the 
 quiet, religious home, where the heart expands 
 with kindness, and the sentiments find free 
 expression. It was here, too, in the home, 
 where her virtues and graces shone with pecu- 
 liar lustre. He, who did not know her here, 
 did not know her worthily. She possessed a 
 fund of practical wisdom of incalculable value. 
 She joined example and precept hand in hand 
 in her every-day instruction and duty. She 
 understood how to reach distant and important 
 results with comparative ease. All the hands 
 in the family must be employed. " One might 
 as well be dead," she was wont to say, " as be 
 idle." Every thing was planned with reference
 
 HARRIET WARE. 129 
 
 to a proposed end. Each member in the family 
 must understand his duty, and perform it at the 
 proper time. Her discipline was thorough and 
 effective, and her system and method embraced 
 the minutest particulars. The smallest fragment 
 of time must be saved. Each one must be 
 employed in knitting when relieved from other 
 more pressing duties. The utmost economy 
 and neatness must be observed. Every thread 
 and scrap of cloth must be picked up and care- 
 fully laid aside. Just before her death, in a 
 drowsy mood, she said to her nearest associate 
 in labor, " Be careful to make the ends of your 
 cloth meet, and use it all with economy." On 
 being told that she was dreaming, " Yes," says 
 she, "but it is all the same now that I am 
 awake." 
 
 She seldom allowed herself to sit many 
 minutes without work of some kind in her 
 hands. While entertaining callers and friends, 
 knitting was her most common employment, 
 and, even while intensely interested in conver- 
 sation, her needles would be flying, as if im- 
 pelled by some unseen power. Knitting work 
 came at length to be called her "coat of arms ;" 
 and in the daguerreotype portrait, a copy of 
 which was taken only at the urgent request of 
 9
 
 130 MEMOIR OF 
 
 her friends, which is I believe to accompany 
 the memoir of her, her knitting work has its 
 appropriate place, and may serve as a fit emblem 
 of the homely virtues which she honored and 
 practised. 
 
 Miss Ware's crowning virtue, and noblest 
 trait of character, was her disinterested, Chris- 
 tian benevolence. On this point, her whole 
 life speaks. Doing good was her business, her 
 life. Her sympathies were very uniformly in 
 the right direction. She felt for the depressed 
 and down-troddden, alike in North or South, in 
 Christian or in heathen lands. The sick and 
 the afflicted escaped not her kind regards. Her 
 heart was alive and prompt to heed all the calls 
 of humanity. Her head, too, was akin to her 
 heart. Both of these members faithfully filled 
 their responsible offices. The one prompted, 
 and the other planned. The one throbbed with 
 kind emotions, the other suggested expedients. 
 And here, it may be observed that her clear, 
 penetrating eye was of incalculable service to 
 her. It often saved her from the tricks of wily 
 impostors. She could see through thick cover- 
 ings, and tell pretty nearly what was within. 
 One of her scrutinizing looks would very gen- 
 erally distinguish the real from the feigned, and
 
 HARRIET WARE. 131 
 
 the genuine from the spurious. Her judgment 
 and discretion were to be relied upon, and her 
 invention and contrivance were equal to any 
 exigency. 
 
 She had, too, not only a heart to feel, and a 
 head to contrive, but a hand to execute. She 
 was in these respects well balanced. She moved 
 mountains in her life, as if they had been mole- 
 hills. She felt the desire to do, she knew where 
 to put the lever, what force to apply, and where 
 to apply the force. She was possessed of an 
 iron will, neither brittle nor pliant. Encoun- 
 ter it you might, but bend or break it by force, 
 you could not. She would die first. And this 
 was one of her mottoes, "Conquer or die." 
 She did both, and the last was her greatest 
 victory. 
 
 As a reformer, she was radical, thorough and 
 efficient. Heart, head and hands came freely 
 to her service. She would aim first to preserve 
 and promote by direct efforts all of good that 
 is about us. She would do this through the 
 conservative, Christian institutions of the day. 
 The home, the school, the church, and various 
 charitable institutions, she regarded as indispen- 
 sable. But she did not stop here. Satan must 
 not remain unencountered. He must be at-
 
 132 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tacked in his camp, and all good people should 
 prepare for the onset. That which is evil must 
 be displaced by that which is good. Vice must 
 be rooted out in order that virtue may flourish. 
 With her spirit and energy prevailing in our 
 midst, a greater labor would be performed, than 
 the " cleansing of Augean stables." The houses 
 of corruption and drunkenness, which now in- 
 fect our moral atmosphere, would be purified. 
 Their inmates would either flee the city, unable 
 to breathe our air, or they would be effectually 
 reformed. 
 
 As a friend, she was generous, confiding, and 
 to be confided in, and numerous are her surviv- 
 ors, who will bless her memory till their latest 
 day. And her deeds of kindness to the sick, 
 the needy and the wretched, can be known only 
 at the final judgment. 
 
 Life was in her eyes intensely interesting. 
 The future and the eternal seemed concentrated 
 in the present. The following verses from 
 Longfellow's "Psalm of Life," express her pre- 
 vailing feeling : 
 
 " Life is real ! Life is earnest ! 
 
 And the grave is not its goal ; 
 ' Dust thou art, to dust returnest,' 
 
 Was not spoken of the soul.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 133 
 
 " Not enjoyment and not sorrow, 
 Is our destined end or way ; 
 But to act, that each to-morrow 
 Finds us farther than to-day. 
 
 " Trust no future, howe'er pleasant! 
 Let the dead past bury its dead ! 
 Act, act in the living present ! 
 Heart within and God o'erhead ! " 
 
 It was my privilege to witness the closing 
 scene of Miss Ware's life. There was nothing 
 ecstatic in her manner, but a calm, heavenly 
 spirit seemed to pervade the place. " Friends, 
 do retire, and take rest; you need it," was 
 her language to some of her household, in the 
 midst of her dying pains. " Tell them I am 
 strong in death." With these words the spirit 
 left the body, and the soul returned to God, 
 who gave it. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 AMOS PERRY. 
 
 To Rev. Dr. WAYLAND. 
 
 Miss Ware expired June 26th, 1847, in the 
 48th year of her age. 
 
 The following communication, addressed to 
 the friend associated with Miss Ware in the care
 
 134 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of the " Children's Home," was received after 
 Dr. Wayland had resigned the manuscript to 
 the committee appointed to attend to its publi- 
 cation. 
 
 ESTEEMED FRIEND. I will give you briefly 
 as I well can, my leading impressions of Miss 
 Ware. I think I cannot be mistaken in them, 
 for she was singularly above disguise ; and be- 
 ing, as I was, for the last seven years of her 
 life, almost her very next door neighbor, I had, 
 both in her periods of health and of sickness, 
 most free and frequent conversations with her, 
 as leisure offered and occasion suggested, upon 
 a wide variety of those interests of religion and 
 philanthropy, in which her heart so much led 
 its daily life. And thus I am sure I cannot be 
 deceived in regard to those essentials of her 
 character of which I shall now speak. 
 
 How clearly her active energy was one of 
 them, the dullest who knew her, and will think 
 of her a moment, will readily affirm. For it 
 marked every hour of her life ; not only when 
 health, or endurable disease, permitted the cease- 
 less labor of both body and mind ; but when 
 also the mind alone could labor on, as it did to 
 the last, amidst the disorder of the prostrate 
 body. Who ever saw her idle or leisurely em-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 135 
 
 ployed? All her nature was alive with the 
 spirit of busy energy. Without it, or with less 
 of it, she could not have been all she was, nor 
 could have done all she did. And that she 
 might be and do all she was and did, He who 
 formed her being, laid through all its powers 
 the basis of a rare, ever impulsive energy. And 
 its action was all efficiency, as the action of true 
 power always is. Others might bustle, impos- 
 ingly, she was efficient without ado. This one 
 rare basis gift from the Author of her being, 
 guided by others he superadded, filled her life, 
 closing at its mid-day, with results as rare as 
 itself. 
 
 And He who gave her, through every power, 
 this ever impulsive life, placed it, in the very 
 make of her nature, under the control of two 
 higher, most happy elements of character, a 
 tender, faithful sympathy, and a quick, exact 
 conscience. For when was she ever unmoved 
 at the thought of evil borne, or of a defect in 
 good enjoyed by a fellow-creature, and being 
 moved at the thought of either, when was she 
 ever unscrupulous of the means of relief at- 
 tempted ? Sympathy and conscience furnished 
 a most auspicious lead for her rare efficiency. 
 They guided -it towards results as good as they 
 might be uncommon.
 
 136 MEMOIR or 
 
 But another guiding influence was added, 
 which was still more powerful, and more nearly 
 infallible. It was the religion of Christ, made 
 vital in the heart by regeneration, which con- 
 stitutes immeasurably the highest excellence 
 known in human character, since sin first sup- 
 planted holiness from within the nature of man. 
 Being early in life brought under the influence 
 of this principle, it became thenceforward the 
 ruling spirit of her character. Its great power 
 over her, may, in part, be seen in her estimate 
 of the Scriptures. In other books, so far as they 
 were unindebted to the Bible, she saw at best 
 only the low wisdom of sinful men. In the 
 Bible, she heard only the voice of God. On 
 other books she could sit in judgment ; with a 
 spirit, how free, and modestly absolute ! Before 
 the Bible, she sat, only to be judged ; how un- 
 questioning ! and that whether its clear, divine 
 voice approved, or condemned, the affections of 
 her heart, the views of her understanding, the 
 purposes of her will, or the doings of her life. 
 For she was not one of those who preposter- 
 ously think it to be less the prerogative of a 
 book truly divine, to dictate views to the under- 
 standing, than purposes to the will, or actions 
 to the life. Nor did her reason ever pine for a
 
 HARRIET WARE. 137 
 
 liberty and range wider than that of all truth 
 divine. Its most unsearchable teachings were 
 to her as absolute verities, as its simplest. 
 
 As an example, through all my numerous and 
 most free conversations with her, I do not re- 
 member the slightest suspicion ever to have 
 passed upon my feelings, that her mind ever 
 knew one momentary doubt in reference to the 
 fundamental doctrines of the evangelical faith 
 to which she adhered. My conceptions of her 
 in this respect is nothing short of this, that her 
 faith,' nurtured in the Spirit and Word of God, 
 so distinctly and positively recognised those 
 great truths that she knew not even the temp- 
 tation to doubt. For as the Lord Jesus said to 
 his disciples, "He, the Holy Spirit, shall 
 take of the things that are mine and shall show 
 them unto you ; " I most readily conceive of 
 the Omnipresent Spirit as so taking of the 
 things of Christ's uncreated glory, and showing 
 them to her, in her devout meditations, as to 
 render them an intuitive and immovable cer- 
 tainty to her mind. And as Jesus said also to 
 his followers, respecting the Divine Spirit, 
 " The world seeth him not, neither knoweth 
 him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth with 
 you, and shall be in you ; " therefore most nat-
 
 138 
 
 urally do I conceive of the condescending Spirit 
 as so dwelling with our lowly minded friend, 
 as so being in her soul in his illumining and 
 purifying work, that she could as soon question 
 the power of Deity actuating nature without, 
 as the power of absolute Deity actuating her 
 soul within to truth and holiness. She stands, 
 to my view, not only in these, but also in all 
 the strong points of her religious faith, a marked 
 exemplification of these most suggestive words 
 of Christ and of his prophets, concerning his 
 true disciples, " They shall be all taught of 
 God" She was, I must think, eminently 
 " taught of God," according to the uncommon 
 measure of her devout lowliness before Him, 
 and of her simple-hearted, absolute faith in 
 Him, and in his word. 
 
 Chide not, I beg you, the extent of this at- 
 tempted insight into the inmost interior of her 
 spiritual life ; for there, in these inmost ele- 
 ments, was the vital centre and sum of its 
 singular strength. If I may not speak fully of 
 these, I must be silent. Set me not to appre- 
 ciate a strpng mechanism, yet at the same time 
 forbid me insight into the inmost seat of its 
 moving power. Analysis is knowledge ; inti- 
 mate analysis is thorough knowledge. The
 
 HARRIET WARE. 139 
 
 thorough religious life I would now at least 
 faintly sketch, had its central seat of a thorough 
 religious power. It was our friend's devout 
 sense of the being and glories of the living 
 God. And this, I am sure, it is no adulation to 
 say, raised her piety to that highest grade which 
 it attains, godliness ; the nearest approximation 
 made on earth to the eternal form of the spirit- 
 ual life in heaven. So far was her faith from 
 being a mere cold, fruitless, theological dogma ; 
 it was, instead, the inmost vitality of the most 
 heavenly love and joys, her soul reached here 
 below. 
 
 And her religious love and joys could not 
 have attained the degree they did, without her 
 strong estimate of sin. Its strength, as she 
 continually uttered and acted it, you have often 
 impressively felt. Does it not sometimes still 
 return, through memory, upon you, like a kind 
 of second conscience, coming as a supernatural 
 visitant from a sainted dweller in the world of 
 spirits ; and for the time, waking all your soul, 
 as if to the very estimate of sin, which fills all 
 minds in that world of the immortal and the 
 glorious ? How seldom have we met with one 
 whose whole spirit was fraught with so keen, 
 so thoroughly conscientious and scriptural a
 
 140 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sense of the essential evil of all sin. It stood 
 to her view, as involving intrinsic evil, without 
 limit ; therefore demerit, without limit, arid 
 therefore if unrepented and unforgiven, drawing 
 on an award of woe, without limit, in the only 
 direction in which it can he, that of duration. 
 To suppose all earnest emotions of a renewed 
 heart, and all vivid conceptions of a spiritually 
 enlightened mind, gathered into one most in- 
 tense sentiment of reprobation, and feeling of 
 vehement repugnance, would not exceed my 
 conception of her disposition towards sin ; es- 
 pecially as she saw it in her own fallen nature. 
 And she saw sin in so strong a light, because 
 she saw and felt it to be utter wrong, done to 
 more than one or two immediate divine mani- 
 festations of infinite goodness and grace. To 
 say the least, she saw it to be utmost wrong, 
 not less to atoning, interceding mercy, and to 
 renovating grace, than to providential goodness. 
 In this light, it was spiritual evil redoubled and 
 redoubled upon itself. 
 
 But a paradox though it be, this very sense 
 of God, and of sin, made pardon a good, truly 
 immeasurable, as is the evil of sin forgiven ; 
 and a good immediately divine also, since it is 
 the purchase of a Divine Atonement. The
 
 HARRIET WARE. 141 
 
 same high faith made the renovation of the soul 
 from indwelling siii to indwelling holiness, a 
 joy measureless also, and as truly, immediately 
 divine. This also opened upon her a view of 
 all providential dispensations, as guided by a 
 hand divine, subserving so great a redemption, 
 and yielding therefore a joy divine and fathom- 
 less. In this her divine faith, the great elements 
 of her spiritual life were thus joy redoubled and 
 redoubled upon joy ; which eternity shall cease- 
 lessly deepen and heighten, and ceaselessly 
 attest to be all divine. Here, in these grand 
 essentials of her religious character, is found 
 the spirit of her ardent attachment to the whole 
 evangelical church, and the spirit also of her 
 most careful fidelity in the church, in which she 
 was a member in covenant ; for the care of its 
 prosperity was upon her daily. 
 
 This strong view of her interior religious life, 
 illustrates most clearly, the ready ardor, with 
 which she greeted the first dawn of a revival of 
 religion, and labored unsparingly through all its 
 periods, to win souls to an experimental religion, 
 so full of power and blessedness to her own 
 soul, and illustrates her intense emotions, when 
 any in the " Children's Home " seemed won to 
 religion, experimental like her own. From her
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 strong spirituality flowed also her warm relig- 
 ious compassion towards all mankind ; the bond 
 and the free, heathen and Christian, Jew and 
 Gentile ; towards the vile outcast Magdalen and 
 the children of the vicious, in their revolting 
 degradation. Like Christ, she would relieve 
 the body from temporal evil, that by the attrac- 
 tive kindness she might win the soul from 
 eternal evil. 
 
 It was this strong form of Christianity in her 
 . inmost soul, which made her every-day conver- 
 sation so characteristically, so beautifully relig- 
 ious. She could indulge in wit and pleasantry ; 
 she often did. But they were chastened by a 
 religious spirit. It never forsook her. Most 
 unaffectedly did it flow in her words, out of the 
 abundance of the heart. How many times, yes, 
 times without number, have I felt the charm of 
 that smile of artless, quiet, almost heavenly 
 pleasure, which so much, ever and anon, irradi- 
 ated her conversation. It beamed the more, as 
 sickness bore her towards heaven. I think I 
 have never seen the human will so swallowed 
 up blissfully in the Divine, as it was in her, as 
 she saw her course on earth approaching its 
 close. Said she to me, most impressively, as 
 she laid upon her sick bed, " I could not lift my 
 finger, to alter any thing God does."
 
 HARRIET WARE. 143 
 
 Such a character, from its nature, could but 
 conciliate the favor and cooperation of the de- 
 voutly good. But, what is far more, when God 
 had formed such a character, he would honor it 
 by his own powerful, providential cooperation. 
 Having wrought mightily in her, he wrought 
 most signally with her, and by her. Having 
 made her desires greatly, purely, sacredly, be- 
 nevolent, he made her work on earth greatly 
 beneficent. Having made her soul, in an un- 
 common degree, a monument of his efficacious 
 grace, he guided and blessed her hand, to de- 
 sign, and execute, and leave behind, an uncom- 
 mon monument of the power of a Christian 
 female for distinguished usefulness. Her invis- 
 ible life of holiness, and her visible life of use- 
 fulness were but counterparts of the complete 
 whole of her history ; all wrought of God, to 
 his own praise. 
 
 You will not say I attribute perfection to our 
 friend. She had her imperfections. But what 
 were they to her virtues ? Like the shadows 
 of thinly scattered clouds upon a scenery of 
 broad, deep, pure light. Such was her charac- 
 ter, to us mortals, who, unlike the Omniscient, 
 look at the outward appearance ; and the 
 shadows grew less and less, until, did not all
 
 144 MEMOIR OF 
 
 seem like holy light, as mortal eyes surrendered 
 up the object of their gaze to those of the an- 
 gelic convoy ? 
 
 I shall never forget the sweet evening hour, 
 that completed her history here below ; for 
 her chamber looked full upon our own, but just 
 across the way ; and we but too well knew that 
 the moment, by others deprecated, and to her 
 most welcome, had arrived. The evening scene 
 befitted her transition from an earthly to a 
 heavenly abode. The air was all hushed to 
 listening stillness. From a cloudless sky, the 
 moon, midway its ascent in the east, poured its 
 full, soft radiance on all around. The azure 
 above and verdure below, waited motionless, 
 decked in serene, solemn beauty. She, our 
 dying friend, asked to look out once more on 
 nature ; for she loved God in his works, while 
 she adored Him unutterably in his word of 
 grace and salvation. And then she left us all, 
 whom she loved, and who loved her, that mes- 
 sage, far as I know, so entirely unique in the 
 annals of Christian obituary, yet so expressive 
 of the very spirit of her nature, of her inmost 
 religious life, and of her history, " Tell them all 
 I am strong in death." 
 
 In sacred sympathy, your friend, 
 
 JONATHAN LEAVITT.
 
 HARRIET WARE. 145 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 I HAVE but little to add to the foregoing de- 
 lineations of the character of Miss Ware. A 
 few suggestions, however, have occurred to me 
 as worthy of notice, in order to render the con- 
 ception of her manner of life more distinct and 
 individual. 
 
 In religious belief, Miss Ware was an Ortho- 
 dox Congregationalist, adhering, with her char- 
 acteristic firmness, to the sentiments of the 
 eminent divines of that denomination. It is 
 my impression, that her views coincided with 
 those of Jonathan Edwards more nearly than 
 with those of any other uninspired teacher. 
 She had, it is true, been a disciple of Dr. Em- 
 mons, whom she loved and revered with almost 
 a filial affection ; but the structure of her mind, 
 and the circumstances in which she was placed, 
 led her, as I apprehend, to less abstract views of 
 truth than those adopted by that distinguished 
 theologian. The doctrines ever present to her 
 thoughts were those of the entire alienation of 
 the human heart from God, the utter impossi- 
 bility of justification by the works of the law, 
 the divinity of Christ, the free offer of eternal 
 10
 
 146 MEMOIR OF 
 
 life through his merits and intercession; the 
 necessity of the agency of the Spirit to the 
 conversion of sinners and the sanctification of 
 believers ; the simple veracity of all the prom- 
 ises of God, and the necessity of self-denying 
 good works as an evidence of piety. In earlier 
 life, she dwelt much on the sovereignty of God, 
 but, in later years, as she has remarked, the 
 doctrine of " Christ crucified " had more entirely 
 occupied her attention. What, however, was 
 particularly remarkable in her character, was 
 not the belief of these doctrines, but the manner 
 in which she believed them. Every one of 
 them was not merely an article of belief, but 
 the reason for a particular line of conduct. 
 Hence they became the mould in which her 
 character was cast ; the principles which deter- 
 mined her action in the ordinary as well as the 
 extraordinary circumstances of life. The su- 
 perintending providence of God was to her a 
 ground for unfailing trust. The goodness of 
 God was a perpetual incitement to gratitude ; 
 the holiness of God repelled her from sin ; the 
 love of Christ constrained her ; and thus, she 
 rapidly grew to the stature of consistent and 
 well developed Christianity. 
 
 While, however, her attainments in the Chris-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 147 
 
 tian life were thus uncommon, it is scarcely 
 possible to conceive of a person penetrated with 
 more sincere humility. She evidently loathed 
 to hear herself spoken of with any particular 
 commendation. Her views of the Christian 
 character were so elevated, and her conceptions 
 of the holiness of God so intense, that, compar- 
 ing herself by these standards, she habitually 
 adopted the language of the publican, " God be 
 merciful to me a sinner." The idea that she 
 could by any good work bring God under any 
 obligation, or do any thing that could be of the 
 nature of a justification, was specially odious to 
 her. She knew that if she had done all, she 
 would be but an unprofitable servant ; and 
 knowing that all her services were imperfect 
 and mingled with sin, she sought for justifica- 
 tion wholly through the merits of Christ, and 
 from him alone looked for righteousness, sanc- 
 tification and redemption. 
 
 While, however, she held her own belief 
 with rare firmness and distinctness, she was in 
 a remarkable degree free from censoriousness. 
 That perfect freedom which she claimed for 
 herself, she was prompt to concede to others. 
 Uniting with all who were willing to unite with 
 her in any good work, when there was no sur-
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 render of principle, she forbore to judge those 
 who differed from her. Knowing that to his 
 own master every one of us standeth or falleth, 
 she was not prone to prejudge the decision of 
 Omniscience ; and while she held that every por- 
 tion of revealed truth was of inestimable im- 
 portance, she pretended riot to determine, in any 
 particular case, how great a degree of error is 
 of necessity exclusive of the hope of salvation. 
 In order to the more perfect appreciation of 
 the character of Miss Ware, it may not be inap- 
 propriate to refer to the defects to which she 
 was naturally liable. These seemed to me, not 
 to belong to her principles of action, but rather 
 to the practical results to which she was led. 
 Like many persons of strong original views, she 
 was perhaps not sufficiently aware of the limits 
 within which general principles must frequently 
 be restricted. Thus, her desire to befriend 
 orphans, was, I think, liable to lead her into a 
 course by which vicious parents might be re- 
 lieved of their natural responsibility. Her desire 
 to rescue from destruction every child that was 
 brought to her, would sometimes induce her to 
 receive into the family those whom other per- 
 sons would have preferred to send to the alms- 
 house, from a fear of the moral contamination
 
 HARRIET WARE. 149 
 
 which they might communicate to others. Her 
 benevolence led her rather to look at the indi- 
 vidual good that might be accomplished, than 
 at the general principles by which all good 
 effort is to be regulated. 
 
 Whatever were the errors, however, to which 
 she might be liable, the practical injury was less 
 under her supervision than under that of any 
 person whom I remember to have known. She 
 was so eminently self-sacrificing, and so sleep- 
 lessly vigilant, that her practice corrected in a 
 remarkable degree the evils of her theory ; and 
 hence, the success of her efforts was such as 
 has rarely in any similar case been realized. If, 
 in this manner, she erred in judgment, her errors 
 were those of an unusually independent, self- 
 sacrificing and earnest benevolence. The pro- 
 portion of persons of this character is, unfortu- 
 nately, too small to render their errors of great 
 practical evil to the cause of Christian charity. 
 
 The personal appearance of Miss Ware was, 
 in no respect, remarkable. Her features were 
 plain, and except her eye, which was intense 
 and intelligent, she would not have been distin- 
 guished from any woman in the ordinary walks 
 of life. Her dress was not only simple but 
 cheap. She had far too high a conception of
 
 150 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the value of money, to spend it upon any thing 
 merely ornamental. She needed all, she could 
 command in order to gratify her impassioned 
 benevolence, and hence she restricted her ex- 
 penses within the narrowest possible limit, that 
 she might reserve the more to bestow upon the 
 needy. Her manners were natural and un- 
 affected. As she never appeared any where 
 without a definite reason, the object so totally 
 occupied her mind that she never thought of 
 herself, and her strong sense at once pointed out 
 the position which good breeding would require 
 her to assume. Always self-possessed, always 
 frank and fearless, she spoke on all occasions 
 the language of simple verity ; but she never 
 spoke with acrimony, and never violated the 
 usages which protect from invasion the minor 
 rights of our fellow-men. 
 
 The lesson which may be learned from this 
 brief narrative, is, I think, easily learned ; I 
 wish that I could add, it is easily put in prac- 
 tice. I think it teaches, that a great power for 
 good is placed in the hands of all of us, if we 
 had but the energy and self-sacrifice to use it. 
 Here was a young woman of ordinary New 
 England education, endowed with no power of 
 fascination, destitute of friends, and almost un-
 
 HARRIET WARE. 151 
 
 known in this city, who visited it on an errand 
 of mercy. She entered at once upon the most 
 self-denying undertaking within her knowledge. 
 She thought of nothing but her object ; and 
 God, who knew her heart, furnished her with 
 aid as she needed it. As obstacles presented 
 themselves, she surmounted them ; and when 
 her plans, in the course of divine Providence, 
 seemed all to be frustrated, it turned out, in the 
 end, that disappointment was nothing but the 
 means of leading her to the very field of useful- 
 ness which, above all others, she had specially 
 longed for. As means were needed, they were 
 from time to time supplied ; and she was not 
 removed by death until her most cherished 
 wishes were gratified, and an institution was 
 permanently founded for the benefit of those 
 orphans to whom she had consecrated her life. 
 Did Christian men and women adopt and act 
 upon her principles, how soon would vice and 
 misery be banished from the earth. Such, it 
 seems to me, is the lesson to be learned from 
 her life ; and every page of her brief history is 
 written over and over with the command, " Go 
 thou and do likewise."
 
 BR 
 
 1725 
 
 W33 
 
 W3 
 
 1850 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 Santa Barbara 
 
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 STAMPED BELOW.