y^ 1 i N iiii mm m m THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES cX2-^. MEMOIR MRS. SARAH L. HUNTINGTON SMITH, LATE OF THE AMERICAN MISSION IN SYRIA. BY EDWARD W. HOOKER, D. D. THIRD EDITION. 150 NASSAU STREET, NEW-YORK. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, By T. R. MARVIN, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Right of publishing transferred to the American Tract Society. PREFACE IN preparing a new edition of the following Memoir, the compiler has availed himself of the suggestions of reviewers and readers, for its improvement in some points. It being his plan to devote the first five chapters to the delineation of Mrs. Smith's character, in some of its prominent and most interesting features, rather than to give a history, in the order of time ; dates of years were omitted, in those chapters, to avoid giving perplexity to the reader. In the narrative of her missionary life, which commenced with her engage- ment in the Mohegan enterprise, the order of time is observed, and dates are given in full. In relation to the ancestry of Mrs. Smith, all the information is given in the present edition, which is well authenticated. Her supposed descent from the venerable John Robinson, of Leyden, is not ascertained with certainty. It has been traced no farther back than to William Robinson, who was in Dorchester, near Boston, in 1641, and whose relation to the ven- erable Puritan is still matter of tradition. Some additions have been made from the correspon- dence of Mrs. Smith ; partly from letters not received till after the publication of the first edition. A few passages have been added from the original history of 3074838 4 PREFACE. her disastrous voyage to Smyrna ; and from the notes of her last days, by her husband. To make room for these, it has been necessary to omit some valuable passages of the first edition. From the materials in hand, a volume much larger could have been prepared, with much less labor of selection ; and it has been the wish of many friends that more might be pub- lished. The compiler has, however, preferred to limit the Memoir to a duodecimo of four hundred pages, that it might contain only the choicest of the materials ; and that its price might be such as to admit of its more extensive and useful circulation. With the present edition is given a new engraved likeness, from the original portrait in the possession of her father. The work is commended to the God of Missions, whom the subject of it so fervently loved and served ; with the prayer that it may long be instrumental in advancing the spirit of piety and of Christian benevo- lence, and in promoting the kingdom of Christ Jesus on the earth. BKNNINGTON, VT., August, 1840. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Parentage and ancestry Development of youthful character Religious impressions Efforts in Sabbath school, and views respecting want of piety in teachers Her conversion, 9 CHAPTER II. Norwich Female friends, and efforts for their spiritual good Illustra- tions of her character and intercourse as a sister Efforts for the spiritual good of her brothers Death of her youngest brother, 22 CHAPTER III. Religious experience Views of Christian duty and habits of life Senti- ments on miscellaneous subjects, 56 CHAPTER IV. Journeys Decease of friends Sympathy with mourners, 78 CHAPTER V. Interest in revivals of religion In benevolent operations In the conver- sion of distant relatives and acquaintances, 93 CHAPTER VI. Commencement and progress of her interest in missions Efforts among the Mohegan Indians Letter to the secretary of war, 106 CHAPTER VII. Correspondence with her father and friends respecting the foreign mission seivice Engagement to Mr. Smith Marriage Embarkation, .... 127 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. Voyage to Malta Ship's company, and efforts for their good Alexan- dria Arrival at Beyroot, 153 CHAPTER IX. Entrance on missionary labors Interest in the establishment of a school Habits and manners of the inhabitants Experience on missionary ground Monthly Concert Studies Illustrations of Scripture, .... 180 CHAPTER X. Dhamdoon Mountaineers Death of Mrs. Thomson Visit of the United States' ship Delaware at Beyroot Journey to Suimeen and Baalbek, 195 CHAPTER XI. Scenery Sabbath evening English service Troubles of Mohamme- dans Death of Dr. Dodge Appeal to American Christians On physical culture Intercourse with English friends Letter to Mrs. Dodge On preparation for the missionary work Female prayer meeting Native habits of fasting Thoughts on American character Arab visits Letter to Mrs. Wisner on the death of her husband Letter to Mrs. Hallock, 217 CHAPTER XII. Journey to Jerusalem Return to Beyroot, 237 CHAPTER XIII. Correspondence Health Trials Past views of Christians on the state of the world Letter to Miss Williams Responsibilities of American churches, 262 CHAPTER XIV. Summer residence at Aaleih Personal endeavors for the good of indi- viduals Druzes - Alarms among the natives Ibrahim Pasha Case of an English woman Sorrows of a Mohammedan wife Arrival of Miss Williams Views of missionary life Mr. Smith's labors Further hints on missionary qualifications Feelings respecting her parents, 271 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. Thoughts on the world as a portion Close occupation of time A Moslem wedding Views of her employment Of a heavenly inher- itance Interest in American friends Engagement in apian for reli- gious visits, 293 CHAPTER XVI. Letter to the members of the Young Ladies' Academy, Norwich Views of the effects of the mission Climate Importance of respectability of appearance in missionaries Good Friday Translation of an Arabic grammar Spring and its productions Impediments to missionary labors Religious conversation Health School Letter to Mrs. Temple, T03 CHAPTER XVII. Failure of Mrs. Smith's health Departure from Beyroot Shipwreck Arrival at Smyrna Continued decline of health Removal to Boojah Last days Death Funeral, 390 CHAPTER XVIII. Concluding Remarks, ..... . 360 MEMOIR. CHAPTER I PARENTAGE AND ANCESTRY DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTHFUL CHARACTER RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS EFFORTS IN SAB- BATH SCHOOL, AND VIEWS RESPECTING WANT OF PIETY IN TEACHERS HER CONVERSION. SARAH LANMAN HUNTINGTON was born in Norwich, Con- necticut, June 18, 1802. Her father was Jabez Hunting- ton, Esq. Her paternal grandfather was General Jedidiah Huntington, of New London ; favorably known as an officer in the American army in the war of the Revolution ; but better known, in later periods of his life, as devoted to works of pious benevolence, particularly as one of the early members of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. It was a source of satisfaction to the subject of this Memoir, particularly after her entrance upon missionary engagements, that an ancestor whom she so much loved and revered, was in his lifetime a member of that Board, in the service of which she was to go forth to the missionary work. Writing of him a few months before her decease, she remarked, " He was far before his age in his liberal views of benevolent efforts. I shall never forget the interest with which I stood by his monument, in New London, just before my departure from America. I felt that his spirit approved of the consecration I had made." Her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Faith Huntington, was daughter of the 9 1* 10 MEMOIR OF Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, who was governor of the Slate of Connecticut in the time of the American Revolution ; a sister of the second governor of the same name, and also of Colonel John Trumbull, the eminent American painter. She was a woman of serious and devout piety. Her maternal grandfather was Peter Lanman, Esq., of Norwich, a man of religious character; among whose an- cestors, in the county of Plymouth, Massachusetts, were several individuals of eminent j>iety. Her maternal grand- mother, the late Mrs. Sarah Lanman, whose name she bore, was a woman of strong mind and ardent piety ; and proba- bly accomplished much for the formation of the character of this grand-daughter. Excellence of character is not secured by " birth or blood." It is yet due to the subject of this Memoir to say, that, through both the Trumbulls and the Lanmans, she was of true Puritan stock. Among her maternal ancestors was the Rev. Joseph Coit, of Plainfield, Conn., who used, with much simplicity, to pray that his descendants " mignt be the children of God as long as the grass should grow and the brooks run." Among her ancient relatives in the same connection, was a devout maiden aunt ; of whom General Thomas, when leaving his family, on military duty, in the time of the French war in Canada, remarked, that he " would willingly give Miss Lanman her board for her prayers." The Rev. Joshua Huntington, of the Old South Church, Boston, was a half-brother of her father. While residing in Boston, in attendance upon school, she felt the benefit of his influence, and that of his wife, Mrs. Susan Huntington whose biography is before the Christian world extensively. Her mother was a woman of decided Christian character. She died at the age of thirty-six, when Sarah was only seven. She is remembered to have conse- crated this daughter to God, with peculiar confidence of her acceptance in that solemn act. It is the object of this chapter to give a brief sketch of Miss Huntington's early years, including the period at MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. H which her conversion to God took place ; and to show what were some of the early developments of her character, in those traits in which she subsequently shone so brightly. Not that the natural elements of human character are of themselves the foundation of Christian usefulness ; but that these are to be valued when sanctified by grace, consecrated to God, and diligently employed for the divine service and glory, and for the good of a lost world. Being of a delicate constitution when a child, there was some difficulty in training and governing her. A fond nurse, sometimes by injudicious kindness, did much to counteract the corrections of her parents. Under these in- fluences, a character was formed of a nervous and some- what peculiar temperament; affectionate and sensible to favors, fearful of pain and suffering ; yet venturesome to an extreme, and decided and tenacious in opinions. These traits gave occasion to friends to say, that she promised to make either a very good or a very bad person. They were rendered especially prominent by a protracted sickness when she was about six years old, which confined her to a cot, by the fireside; and also by the death of her mother, which event deprived her of the benefit of maternal influ- ence for a time. Her quick sensibilities were at this age often tortured by the extreme severity of a school-mistress, under whose instruction she was placed. So deep was the impression made by the harshness and frequent punishments of this teacher, that when, in riper years, she visited her on her death-bed, in the alms-house, she actually found herself shrinking before one of those expressions of countenance at which she had so often trembled in her childish days at school. A playful allusion to this teacher is found in one of her letters to a brother in the latter years of her life ; in which she speaks of " what our quondam school-ma'am used to say, and which required the utmost stretch of infant faith to credit 'If I did not love you, I should not whip you.' " She was the subject of very early strugglings of a sinful heart against the claims of the law of God. Once, when she 12 MEMOIR OF was placed in an apartment alone, as a punishment for improper conduct, and told that God was displeased with her, in an ebullition of excited feeling, as she afterwards confessed, she stamped with her foot upon the floor, and exclaimed, "I hate God." Afterwards, when under con- viction of her sins, immediately previous to her conversion, she feared that this outbreaking of her natural heart could not be forgiven. But with these things in childhood, showing that she was a subject of that native depravity in which all the human race are " guilty before God," she exhibited, as she was advancing in the years of youth, many of the virtues which are useful and lovely ; and probably went as far in those excellences of natural character on which many endeavor to build their hope of salvation, as almost any unconverted persons do ; carrying with her, however, the clear and often disturbing conviction, that the best virtues which she practised were not holiness, nor any evidence of fitness for heaven. She was exceedingly attached to her friends. Her father was almost her idol. The affection for her mother, who was so early removed by death, she transferred, with exem- plary tenderness, to her step-mother ; and it is believed the instances are rare in which the parties are uniformly happier in each other, in that relation, than were Mrs. Huntington and this daughter. Her warmth and tenderness of affection as a sister were also peculiar and exemplary. Her child- hood and youth were marked with great delicacy of mind and manners ; diligence, promptitude, and efficiency in her undertakings ; love of system and fondness for study, im- provement, and the acquirement of useful knowledge, joined with a great desire to answer the wishes and expectations of her friends. Dutifulness and respect for her parents and grandparents; reverence for her superiors generally; readi- ness to receive advice or admonition ; a just appreciation of the good influence of others, and a spirit of cautiousness respecting whatever might be injurious to her own charac- ter, were also prominent traits in her habits. Disinter- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 13 estedness and self-denial for the benefit of others were conspicuous. Long before she became a subject of divine grace, she took an interest in various objects of benevolence, particularly Sabbath schools; and exhibited that spirit of enterprise, patience, and perseverance, in aiding the efforts of others, which constituted so prominent an excellence in her character in the later years of her life. Self-govern- ment ; economy in the use of her time and pocket money ; tastefulness in dress, without extravagance ; and a careful and conscientious consideration of her father's resources, also were observable in her early habits. These traits are not mentioned because they are not found in many other young persons, but because they appeared in her in an uncommon degree. Although she -entered with zest into the amusements of her young friends, yet she preferred those relaxations of the mind which were rational, intellectual, and useful. While in Boston at school, she writes to her mother, " I have not yet been to the theatre ; but Mrs. wishes me to go once ; and she says she shall take me very soon ; but I should not care if I did not go at all." She afterwards went once, and wrote to her friends that she had no desire to go again. In another letter she says, "Miss called to see me, and invited me there on Thursday to a social cotillion party; but I declined, and told her I should prefer visiting them some afternoon when they expected no company. Their party probably turned out quite a ball." Such a preference of an unpretending and quiet visit, instead of the gayety and amusements of a fashionable and splendid party, and this in a young miss of sixteen, not pious, and therefore liable to yield to such a temptation, indicated a soundness of judgment, and good sense, not often surpassed at such an age. She had a cast of mind, though not gay and frivolous, yet capable of that playfulness, which under proper regulation is very pleasant in the intercourse of near friends. Her early letters, when at school particularly, were enlivened 14 MEMOIR OF with some flashes of wit. But she seems to have been aware that wit is rather a dangerous talent, and to have repressed, rather than cultivated it, as she grew up to womanhood. This trait in her mind occasionally disclosed itself, in subsequent life; yet the instance is not recollected by the writer, in which she indulged in the play of wit at the expense of the feelings of others. She used it, when at all, to enliven the intercourse of friendship, not to sport with the feelings, or interrupt the happiness of those around her. She was most assiduously and conscientiously attentive to the proprieties of her sex, and of social life; and it is believed that few young ladies pass through the period of youth, having said or done fewer careless or indiscreet things. t In these and other traits of character disclosed in her early years, there was much to make her lovely in the different relations of life, and to give promise of usefulness, ability to exert influence, to command respect, and even to shine in any circle of society. With all, however, which made her to be esteemed and respected by her friends and acquaintances, she was con- scious that she had not the religion of Christ dwelling in her heart. Her early letters contain passages showing that she was sometimes thoughtful of God, and of the interests of her own soul, and of eternity. Expressions of just and sound speculative views of divine truth, and of the nature of religion, often appeared in her letters to her friends. But they were accompanied with expressions of her sense of unfitness to speak or write on such subjects ; of her consciousness that as yet she had " no hope," and was " without God in the world." She did not believe that in social virtues or intellectual endowments there was any thing on which she could rest for acceptance with God and hope of heaven. She had many pious friends, and doubtless was the subject of their solicitude and earnest prayers, that one having such traits MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 15 of character might not fail of the salvation of the gospel. But, much as she loved them, and earnestly as they desired to welcome her to the enjoyment of the Christian hope, she seems never to have attempted to persuade herself, or to have allowed others to persuade her, that she was a Christian. And facts, indicating the natural aversion of the heart to religious things, justify the remark, that long did she shine in the virtues of social and domestic life, and exhibit uncommonly fine traits of character, before she learned to bow, as a sinner, at " the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." No specially serious impressions were made upon her mind until she was twelve years old. At the Thanksgiving of that year, her parents went to New London to visit her grandfather ; and left her to entertain a party of her young friends. One of them it being the evening of the usual weekly prayer-meeting left the company when the hour of the meeting arrived, in order to attend it. After she was gone, it was remarked, " Maria is serious ; " at which Sarah exclaimed, " Well ! no one will say of me that / am serious." She even had such a dislike to that meeting, as a stated exercise, that she once secreted herself, to avoid attending it with her parents. But in the spring succeeding the time above mentioned, a beloved female friend now, we trust, a saint in heaven, and to whom, more than to any one else, she attributed the permanency of her religious impressions, and her ultimate conversion, being with her one evening, as the full moon was rising, their attention was attracted towards it. They conversed upon its beauty, and upon its being the work of God ; and as they indulged in youthful sentimentalism, her heart was softened. Her friend, perceiving it, seized the favorable moment, which she had probably been seeking, and invited her to attend the conference meeting. To this she consented, with the utmost willingness. Her pastor, the Rev. Alfred Mitchell, held stated re- ligious meetings, at this time, for the benefit of the young. 16 MEMOIR OF These she attended, with varying effect; sometimes con- siderably interested, and sometimes not at all. But though the instructions given were excellent, her feelings were not brought to a crisis. Among her associates was the pious friend before mentioned, (who left the Thanksgiving party for the prayer-meeting,) -and whose society she closely culti- vated. With her, at this time, she was led to carry on a frequent correspondence on religious subjects. But neither did this lead to a decisive result. In her fourteenth year, a number of young ladies, under the direction of a member of the church, commenced a Sabbath school. In this she took a class. She gave much attention to it, and her mind was deeply interested. And though neither she nor any of the original teachers were pious, she was in after life much gratified by a call from a young female, who informed her, that, while in her class at that time, she received, from what she said, impressions that were the means of her conversion. In this same Sabbath school she had a class, when called to leave her native country for the missionary service. Here it may be proper to advert to her sentiments and feelings relative to her peculiar position, as a teacher in a Sabbath school, without personal religion. It appears that, at a particular time, after the enlargement of the school, and when reflecting with much solicitude on this subject, she offered to her associates in the work her resignation of her place as a teacher. This drew from one of them a tender and earnest expostulation with her, in a note, from which the following extract is made: " You gave early and freely your talents to the cause of the Redeemer, externally ; wherefore should the heart be withheld ? He who claims it is ' altogether lovely.' If, instead of retiring from the little circle whose exertions have been combined in his cause, you should, this after- noon, in the sanctuary, where such offerings are accepted, freely yield and sweetly consecrate your all to his service, the moment will be reviewed with grateful delight, through MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 17 the ages of futurity. O come, dear Sarah, and decide; ' come with us, to our Immanuel, and he will do us good.' Even this afternoon, let the report be circulated in heaven, that another is escaped from the snare of the fowler ; is add- ed to the trophies of the cross ; become assimilated in spirit to their happier community, and prepared to do much good here, and to receive its bright rewards hereafter." To this appeal she replied, in a note which seems to have been first penciled upon the blank pages of her friend's paper, and of which all that can be deciphered is -the following : " Accept, my dear Miss M c Curdy, my sincere gratitude for your kind advice. And oh! that I could tell you I had followed it. But no ; another Sabbath is closing, which is another witness of the goodness of God, to my own condemnation. But with regard to my remaining longer a teacher in the Sabbath school let me assure you my determination respecting it, which I communicated to you this morning, is not a hasty one. I have long felt very un- suitable for this office, and have reflected much. Do not think I leave it because the task has become unpleasant to me, far from it. But I consider it of the utmost importance, that where religious instruction is given, it should be given by those who have experienced religion in their own hearts ; who have been sanctified by divine grace ; and who, feeling the true value of their own souls, can pray and labor earnestly for the salvation of others. " I think the school would be more prosperous and more respectable, if all the teachers were professors of religion. If I leave it, one, and I doubt not the only Achan, will be removed. If it should please God ever to renew my heart, I may be more fit to be intrusted with the care of little immortals. But, till then, do not urge my continuance, any longer, a curse to this noble and heavenly institution." These notes being without date, the time of the occur- rence to which they relate is uncertain. It is believed, however, to have been when several persons of her own age 18 MEMOIR OF were in a state of deep anxiety on the subject of religion. The general state of the church, at the time, being one of declension, the solicitude of these inquirers did not result in a saving change. It was at the age -of fifteen that she went to a boarding- school in Boston, where she remained a year. Here she had no deeply serious impressions; and sometimes felt even a reluctance to visit at her uncle Huntington's, (where she spent her Sabbaths, and with whose family she attended church at the Old South,) because she was liable to hear more religious conversation than was agreeable. She was much absorbed in her studies, with some degree of ambi- tion ; and for success in them she used to pray. After returning to her father's house, her life was a worldly one, spent much in company. At the age of eighteen, in July, a young relative, an intimate friend of her sister, sickened and died. Sarah was at that time on a visit abroad ; and her sister, in a letter, informing her of the event, addressed a few words to her conscience. Though very few, they were " as a nail fastened in a sure place." On returning, after a few days, she found that this death had made much impression among the young. Meetings were held, to pray that it might be sanctified to them. These she attended ; but found great occasion for complaint against herself, that she had so little sensibility, though she doubtless had much. The following note to the Christian friend who addressed to her the one already quoted, seems to have been written about this time : " In what words shall I express to you, my dear Miss M c Curdy, my sincere thanks for the affectionate and ex- cellent advice which you have given me? And be assured I receive it with pleasure, as coming from one whom I consider as belonging to the fold of the dear Redeemer. And can I hesitate to place confidence in the friend I so highly esteem? Oh! could your kind prayers and wishes MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 19 be answered, I might hope to join with you, and the dear saints who have gone before you, in those blessed mansions, singing praises to redeeming love. How delightful and en- viable is tne character you at first described ! but how awful, and I fear too applicable to me, is the latter ! Ah ! I must have resolved in my own strength ; for why should I, at this time, be in this stupid state, if I had rested upon the Saviour 1 The idea at times rises in my mind, that it is wrong for me to attempt to pray ; that it is mockery to pray without the Spirit ; for surely my prayers would be answered if I prayed aright. But what would be my feelings to abandon this duty! Oh! I never can! 'Perhaps he will admit my plea, Perhaps will hear my prayer ; But if I perish I will pray, And perish only there." And now, what shall I say? Of what avail is the detail of unrepented sins? I can only tell you that I am still ' in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.' O, my dear friend, may I indulge the hope that I shall have an interest in your prayers? Do pray that I may see my situation in its true light, and that I may be enabled to clasp my Saviour in the arms of a strong and lively faith, relying upon him alone for salvation. " It is needless to request of you to keep this answer an entire secret. Perhaps you know from experience how dis- agreeable it is to have such things in any measure public. Be assured, my much respected friend, that you have not in the least degree offended me. Nothing could have given me more pleasure than the testimony I have received of your friendship and good wishes ; and I doubt not but each of the teachers has the same feelings which I have. Re- questing you to tell me of my faults, without any hesitation, I subscribe myself your truly affectionate but unworthy friend." 20 MEMOIR OF Special meetings were at this time held by her pastor ; but she did not attend them, lest, by declaring herself an inqui- rer, she should raise the expectations of her friends only to disappoint them, as she had done in her former seriousness. The safety and propriety of this decision admits of question ; although it was natural for an unconverted person to make such a one. In returning one evening, however, from a prayer-meeting, an intimate friend took occasion to speak to her, plainly, of her spiritual state. She then wept, and opened the feelings of her heart. This was on Tuesday evening. Wednesday passed without any thing special, except that, at a sewing-circle, she chose the more serious part of the company; and, entering into conversation re- specting submission to God, she advanced the sentiment that if the sinner could be made to understand how to submit, he would do it. The next morning, she awoke with a deep impression that it would be her last day of grace; that God would cut her off or harden her heart, or in some way put an end to her probation. In the evening, she attended the regular Thursday conference, and, before leaving home, knelt down and earnestly prayed that it might be the evening of her submission to the Saviour. It was so. Before the meet- ing closed, while the assembly was at prayer, she gave up her heart to God. She did it in the full exercise of her understanding, and felt then, and afterwards, that it was peculiarly a rational act. This was on the 10th of August, 1820. Much joy followed, and the night was spent with her sister, in wakefulness, conversing upon the wonderful grace of God. But in the morning she arose under a cloud. Her sister took her to her pastor ; but she found no relief. On reaching home, she retired by herself; and then had such views of her heart as she never had before. She felt that she was a sinner against God, and loved to sin, and she abhorred herself for it. It was an hour of intense convic- tion of her sinfulness. Overwhelmed with it, she went again to her Saviour, and then found permanent relief. MKS. SARAH L. SMITH. 21 Writing to an intimate friend, soon after this, and giving some account of the work of divine grace which had been experienced in Norwich, she says, " And can you believe, my dear Mary, that God, in his infinite mercy, has been pleased to snatch me as a brand from the burning, and that I am to join this precious company of converts, and before him, angels, and men, covenant to be his forever ? It was on Thursday evening that I hope! was enabled to cast my load of sin a heavy load at the feet of Jesus, and submit to his sceptre. Oh ! it was a glorious liberty I experienced ; and I could only say. ' Adore, and praise, and wonder ! ' : ' CHAPTER II. NORWICH FEMALE FRIENDS, AND EFFORTS FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GOOD ILLUSTRATIONS OF HER CHARACTER AND INTERCOURSE AS A SISTER EFFORTS FOR THE SPIRITUAL GOOD OF HER BROTHERS DEATH OF HER YOUNGEST BROTHER. IN reading the biography of an eminent and useful Chris- tian, we naturally wish to know something of the place of his birth and residence; the circle of society in which he moved; the kind of influences under which his character was formed; and the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best. A beautiful flower may grow in a wilderness, or on some fertile spot in a desert. But we look in the garden most advantageously situated, and where is employed an assiduous and judicious cultivation, for the flower which shall be most rich and beautiful. With the name of Norwich pleasant associations have perhaps be- come formed in the minds of some American Christians, as the birthplace of Harriet Winslow ; and it may not lose any thing now, by the fact that there also the subject of this Memoir was born, educated, and fitted for high service for Christ and a seat in heaven. Norwich, the early home of Miss Huntington, is one of the most pleasant towns in New England. It embraces much wild and beautiful scenery, of both land and water ; always strikes pleasantly the eye of the traveller; and has been a place of some resort by strangers of taste and intelligence. There are not many valleys in New England sweeter than that at the head of the Thames; nor which 83 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 23 would be more reluctantly left by a resident having a soul to love scenes rendered pleasant by creative power and mercy. And a missionary, forsaking it for the uncertainties of a foreign residence, gives one evidence of willingness to forsake all things for Christ. Of the society of Norwich it is some commendation to say, that a lady of Miss Huntington's intelligence and cultivation of mind and manners, loved it, and spent her years happily in its circles, and contributed to render it desirable. She spent her time principally at home; although the number of her friends abroad, their attachment to her, their estimate of her society, and their desire for it, made her visits to be often solicited. At Hartford, New Haven, New York, and at other places, the residences of her relatives, she was sure of a hearty and happy reception ; oftener than she felt that, as a daughter, she could be absent from her father's house. The delight with which she returned from visiting some of her choicest friends, she testifies in the following extract: " Through the blessings of a kind Providence, my dear sister, I am at last seated in my beloved HOME, with every thing to call forth the gratitude of my heart towards that Being who delighteth in mercy. Whether it be that my own happy feelings have radiated every object, or that a peculiar brightness does really encircle them, I know not ; but certain it is, that I never returned home under pleas- anter surrounding circumstances." Amidst the society of friends whom she visited, Miss Huntington was unwilling merely to enjoy herself; but seems to have been solicitous lest her time should pass without benefit to those around her. She thus writes to one of her friends while in New York: "I fear my winter has not been very profitably spent ; and have just been saying the same to aunt Faith, and telling her that I do not think I have done any thing for the benefit or happiness of any one." Far otherwise, however, was the sentiment of her 24 MEMOIR OF friends. Her jealousy of herself, doubtless, operated to secure a good measure of fidelity in endeavors to be useful. The friendship of young ladies for each other is inter- esting arid lovely, especially when it is sanctified and strengthened by religious principle. The delicacy and fervency which mark such attachments, and the intercourse growing out of them ; the mutual confidence ; the sympathy in each other's joys and sorrows; the liveliness with which they enter into each other's prospects in life ; and, if Chris- tians, the refining of these feelings which arises from their hearts being fixed upon the same Saviour, from their rejoi- cing in the same hope, and anticipating the same bliss, holiness, and glory in heaven ; such friendships, in this cold world, aid our conceptions respecting the love, and harmony, and purity which pervade the society of heaven. True, these same lovely female associates live in a world of sin ; and they partake in the sinfulness of human character while without religion, and of the imperfections of other Christians after conversion. But such friendships rebuke the things unamiable, unrefined, and selfish, which so often introduce alloy into the happiness of society, depress the standard of Christian feeling, and perplex the path of many towards heaven. One of Miss Huntington's earliest friendships, of this class, was with a cousin, near her own age, several years since deceased, to whom she owed much for her endeavors to promote her spiritual good. No letters have been pre- served which throw light upon this intimacy. She prepared, for the gratification of the relatives of this friend, a memoir of her life, not designed for publication, but exhibiting favorably both the character of the deceased, and her own ability as a writer of a memoir. During one of her visits in New York, soon after her religious change, Miss Huntington was much in the society of one for whom she formed a strong attachment, and who seems to have entered into her views on the great interests MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 25 of eternity and the soul. A few extracts from her letters to this female friend will show how she loved her, and followed her in her thoughts and with her prayers, when distance separated them. Here, also, it should be remarked, " they were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in death they were not [long] divided." "NEW YORK, APRIL 11. " You can hardly imagine, my dear Mary, the disappoint- ment I experienced, when I returned on Monday morning, to find you had left us. It was so unexpected to me, that for a few moments I could not reconcile myself to it. It was my wish, before we parted, to have united once more at the throne of grace. The thought often rushes upon my mind, that we shall never meet again on this side eternity ; that we shall never kneel again together before the mercy- seat of our heavenly Father. But I will not indulge the thought : we may see each other here ; but, if not here, I humbly hope we shall behold each other face to face, in a better, happier world, and unite in celebrating the praises of that Being who watched over us while together, and blessed us while separated." At a subsequent date, she thus writes to this friend : " You express the hope that I find much enjoyment in the path of holiness; but oh ! my dear Mary, I have more cause for lamentation than yourself. I have found, since my re- turn, that my heart has wandered from God ; that I have grown cold in his service, and provoked him to hide his face from me. May we not attribute our coldness to our six months' residence in that busy city? I found such a life greatly prejudicial to my growth in grace; and sometimes, when dwelling upon my own backslidings, I regret that 1 ever left home. But it was for the best, and perhaps was to show me that I have no strength in myself." Writing to this friend some time after, from the house of Smith 2 26 MEMOIR OF the relative in New York, where they had visited, she says, "I can hardly realize that nearly two years have elapsed since you were seated with me on this very spot, where we have enjoyed many hours of social converse. While I am writing to you, a feeling of melancholy passes over me; and yet, I ask myself, Why is it? My dear friend is at home, surrounded by friends, and as happy, for aught that I know, as this world can make her ; and I have ten thousand bless- ings to call forth my gratitude. But thus it is ; the recol- lection of past interesting scenes always excites in me a degree of sadness. I have taken much pleasure in visiting those places which were interesting to us when yon were here; especially Wall Street Church, and our favorite re- sort, the Session Room." To another of her friends, who had removed to a dis- tance of several hundred miles, she thus writes : "I thank you for the hasty note which I received before you left, and affectionately reciprocate every kind expression. I followed you in imagination to the close of your journey, and thought of you on the first Sabbath. I reflected with seriousness, that one more scene of this changing world had closed. How rapidly events follow each other ! Surely, I never realized so forcibly as now, that I am living for eternity. And is it so, my beloved Sarah, that the days of our youthful friendship are gone, never to be recalled 1 We will not think of the past, but look forward to brighter scenes above. ' All are friends in heaven ; all Faithful friends ; and many friendships, In the days of time begun, Are lasting there and growing still." " Miss Huntington's fidelity in seeking the conversion of her friends to God, is illustrated in the following passages from letters to young ladies of her circle of relations and friends. Writing, soon after her own change of religious MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 27 feelings, she says, " My thoughts very soon recurred to my dear Mary ; and I imagined her in the midst of the same privileges and blessings. I had heard that there was a work of grace in Ithaca, and could not but hope that my friend had been made a subject. Is this the case? Have you ' tasted and seen that the Lord is gracious ' 1 Have you found the world vanity, and religion a reality? I cannot bear to think, for a moment, that you have let so precious a season pass unimproved. But perhaps it is not over. Possibly the Spirit is still with you ; and oh, if it be ! and if it be not, let me entreat you to seek a share in the blessing. I fondly imagined that the same Spirit, at the same time, was sent to us both, and that we should be prepared to spend eternity together. How did it increase the bitterness of my soul, that I did not begin earlier to glorify my God ! The past years of my life appear to me all lost lost forever! Believe me, dear friend, we do not begin to live until we live for God. Oh ! how irrational is man ! how deserving the most severe punishment ! Can we sufficiently admire the astonishing mercy of Him who bears so long with us? Surely he is 'the God of pa- tience ! ' " She seemed anxious lest she herself had hindered the conversion of this young frientl, by want of Christian fidel- ity, and to have sought, by a frank acknowledgment of negligence in one particular duty, to take up the stumbling- block out of her way. " How has my conscience reproved me for neglecting to speak to you of the love of this Saviour, when we were together ' I have had bitter reflections that so much of my time was spent in trifling conversation, when I knew not but our next meeting would be before the throne of judgment. I have endeavored to seek the pardon of my God for these sins; and now do I ask, sincerely, your for- giveness, for sins committed against your soul. It was an erroneous idea of friendship which kept me silent upon such an important subject : and it should humble me in the dust." 28 MEMOIR Oi' Writing to another friend, she says, " I was much disappointed at the contents of your letter. My dear Su- sannah, how can you withhold your heart from the blessed Saviour? Is there nothing lovely in his character? You love excellence in your fellow-creatures: Jesus is the fountain of all excellence. In him is all you can desire. Why, then, withstand his kind calls and entreaties? I am at a loss what to say to you. You know all. Your under- standing is convinced of your duty. How can you be so ungrateful as to live at enmity with God ? Oh ! that single name, GOD, expresses every thing. I do think it is sweet to me. Consider, my dear friend, * with whom you have to do ; ' that you are trifling with the ' High and Lofty One who inhabiteth eternity ! ' You cannot always do this. Now he sits on a throne of mercy, and kindly calls upon you, like a tender father, to be reconciled to him. Erelong you will behold him on a throne of judgment. You will then see the justice of Jehovah in casting you off forever. Excuse my freedom ; but these are solemn truths, and must one day be realized. Will no arguments move you? Oh! I can only commend you to the sovereign grace of Almighty God." A heart so affectionate towards those beyond the circle of her father's family, it might be expected, would have most ardent and tender attachments to those more nearly related. Miss Huntington had an only sister, to whom, after her mar- riage and removal to a distant part of the State, she thus writes "When I think of the painful separation 1 am called to endure, the idea that you are happy lessens the evil. But, my dear sister, you can hardly imagine what the state of my feelings has been since you left us. I felt for a little while as if I could not live; the loneliness of my situ- ation pressed upon me with all its force. Every apartment reechoed the painful tale that you were gone; and this feeling came home to my heart with a heavy load, respecting our past enjoyments together 'they were, but they will be no more ! ' Words would fail me to express all the bitter feel- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 29 ings of my heart. But I endeavored to drown them in care, and to lessen them in the faithful discharge of duty. I have in a great measure succeeded, and have learnt to look upon the whole with brighter and calmer feelings. It is my wish to supply your place, so far as I am able , but I have not the power to fill it." " Oh that I had more of the presence of the Spirit of God, and I should be less cast down with temporal trials. When we surround the family altar on Sabbath mornings, 1 delight to unite in the petitions of our dear father for you; and could you witness the affection and fervor with which he commends you, and the spiritual interests of your flock, to our heavenly Father, it would gladden your hearts. You are not forgotten at other seasons ; but then, particularly, we feel as if communion were sweet." But there was another relation in which her affections were developed in a manner and degree not surpassed in any of the intimacies or relationships already described. Miss Huntington had three brothers, whom she loved with most exemplary tenderness, and in whose temporal, but especially spiritual good, she felt an habitual and intense in- terest. How they would prosper in the things of this life, but, much more, how they should live here so as to glorify God, and arrive at heaven, were subjects on which she frequently disclosed her anxiety to them and to her Chris- tian relatives. It may serve to illustrate her Christian character, and to quicken others in the duties of the same relation, to present a few extracts relating to this point. Truly, there is no relation, in which a young lady can be contemplated, more interesting than that of an affectionate, judicious, solicitous, and prayerful sister. Of her eldest brother, she thus writes: "I feel de- pressed this morning, not particularly about myself, but about our dear Jedidiah. I long to have him interested in the covenant of grace. Do let us be more earnest than ever for this blessing ; and let us pray that our faith may 30 MEMOIR OF not fail." At another time, she says, "I wrote to him on new year's day, upon the subject of religion. He re- ceived it kindly, but made no reply." The following are extracts from the letter mentioned : " I cannot refrain, my beloved brother, on this interesting anniversary, from expressing, by letter, my deep anxiety for your salvation. The subject has ever lain near my heart; but of late I have felt unusually solicitous that you should improve the present season of comparative leisure and quiet, in securing your eternal happiness ; fearing that your ' ac- /cepted time' will pass away, and your eternity prove a miserable one. I hope, dear brother, that this effort will not displease you. If I were sure that it would, still, my feelings and my duty would urge me to the step. For we shall meet on that last great day, when I must bear the scrutiny of my Judge in regard to my own efforts for the salvation of those who are dear to me. And could you realize, as I now do, the transitory nature of all sublunary things, and the weighty interests which hang upon our fleet- ing moments, were I in a state of impenitence towards God, your love for me would dictate some exertion for my poor soul. But I will make no further apology. I doubt not that you will accept this expression of my affection with the same feelings with which it is offered." After expressing her confidence that he had no disbelief in the doctrines of the Bible, and yet her fear that he was quieting himself in the notion of a blameless inability to do his duty, and warning him against that delusion, she writes "It is useless and sinful to spend our time in speculations upon 'man's free agency and God's sove- reignty.' Our duty as sinners is very plain, so that none need err respecting it. We are responsible to God, and must be righteously condemned if we refuse to obey the plain injunction, 'Give me thine heart.' Oh! how un- grateful to postpone this duty even if we intend to do it until the last hour, when we can please ourselves no MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 31 longer ! Would that my every breath, from early infancy, had been consecrated to my highest, dearest Friend, to whom I owe every thing, and can pay nothing. "The past has been, with me, a happy year; for I have set more lightly by the world, and I have with unusual tranquillity rested upon God. I can testify that the ways of Wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. Often, when you have returned from your daily toils, weary and depressed, I have longed to have them sweetened by the comforts of religion. You have found that earthly pursuits do leave an aching void ; but religious hopes fill the whole spirit. " I have prayed for you every day, since I first knew the way to the throne of grace. Precious privilege ! it is yet mine, and I will use it still more faithfully. Yes, dear brother, your own apartment shall witness a fervent prayer for you each day, while health continues. And will you not pray for yourself, and give yourself to God 1 Our years are flying, and we shall soon be beyond the grave. I make this appeal to you with the judgment seat in view. 1 already see you and myself standing there together ; our dear parents too, and each member of our family; our duties to each other set before us, and their performance or neglect placed to our account. Shall we be deterred from duty by an earthly frown 1 My God ! I fear thee more than an assembled world of reproaching fellow-mortals. Let me have but thine approbation, and I care for little else. " Dear, affectionate brother, good night. Do not throw this aside as unworthy of your attention. Though worth- less in itself, it speaks of that eternity to which you are hastening. Let the subject interest you; and be assured that the heart which dictates it loves you. YOUR SISTER." Her two brothers younger than herself, and over whose childhood and youth she watched with much anxiety, are more frequently mentioned in her letters to her Christian 32 MEMOIR OF friends ; and her correspondence with them after they left the family home, shows the heart of a Christian sister. Writing of them, she says, "I hope you and your husband will pray for our dear brothers at home, who are just at the age to be influenced by evil companions. I am often made very anxious lest they should become indifferent to moral restraint. I often weep in secret for them, and sometimes think I suffer a mother's anxiety, in degree, if not in kind. This is one of my trials, and one which you, dear sister, did not experience. I strive not to be unduly anxious, but I do earnestly desire their conversion. Peter seems to be ambitious to make the best use of his advan- tages, and I hope his collegiate course will be honorable ; but the temptations in Yale are great. Yet we must leave all with God, being ' careful for nothing.' Oh for such a spirit ! When I think of the revival here, five years since, I wonder that I did not wrestle more earnestly with God for the extension of his grace. But the season is past ; I will not say never to return, for I trust it will." Miss Huntington's second brother, after having assisted his father in business till the age of twenty-one, removed to New York. Her letters give evidence of the new and increased interest with which she followed him into the scenes of mercantile life in the city; and with what assiduity she sought to influence him to habits of life, honorable, safe, and promotive of his own happiness ; but especially to lead him to the thoughts and duties becoming one having higher than temporal interests to secure. The following seems to have been written not long after his leaving the paternal roof : " I need not tell you, my beloved brother, that your affectionate letter was truly gratifying to your sister. I thank you for it, and for the freedom with which you expressed the feelings of your heart. My own is ever open to receive all your joys and sorrows ; and could I alleviate the latter, I should greatly rejoice. I can easily sympathize MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 33 with you in those moments of retirement, when the excite- ment of a busy day has passed away. The imagination, always liveliest at evening, wings its flight, and bears away too frequently the more sober judgment. Often, when I have been fatigued, a cloud has seemed to envelop every object ; and through the gloomy vista of future years, not a ray of light was discernible. But I have been enabled to gain the ascendency over such feelings, and to exercise a more cheerful dependence upon Him who feeds the ravens, and to whom all things are subservient. You were always active, my dear brother, but you have never before experienced the unceasing crowd of business; you are separated from all your dear ones, and surrounded by Strangers; besides which, your mind is naturally inclined a little to romantic sentiment; and the leisure which you have had for reading and reflection, has carried you rather above the common level. From these causes, I can easily appreciate all the feelings which you manifest. These in- tellectual features, my dear Edward, while they show them- selves in the midst of the routine of sober duty, render a character more interesting; but if permitted to assume the control, and to lead one from rational and necessary employments to a romantic and visionary course, they de- stroy all harmony of character, and generally bring their subject to unlooked-for misfortunes. As Divine Providence has furnished your present situation, is it not best to make a wise use of it ? I think of you a great deal ; and were it not that I am borne along rapidly by a multiplicity of cares, my tender solicitude for you, and the recollection of past enjoyments, would induce a morbid sensibility. Youi letters always excite me so much as to make me ' play the infant.' And though, apparently, I have no ability to assist you, I am permitted every day to have audience with the 'King of kings,' in your behalf; this privilege no earthly arm can take from me ; and though shorn of every temporal blessing, this will remain with me to the end of life." 2* 34 MEMOIR OF All her solicitude respecting this beloved brother, how- ever, for " the life that now is," was immeasurably surpassed by that which she felt respecting his interests for eternity. The following, written some time afterward, on learning that his mind was exercised on religious subjects, shows the intenseness of her solicitude respecting him "TUESDAY EVE. " My dear Edward : My expectation was wrought up to a great height this morning, previous to the arrival of your letter ; and when I read it, my heart seemed as if it would burst. This was but for a few moments, however, when 1 was enabled to cast you upon an all-sufficient Saviour, and there leave you. I can do nothing else, nor any of your Christian friends. I think your situation extremely critical ; for should the Holy Spirit depart, you would be surprised to find how indifferent you would become, and how this miserable world would once more assume its reign over you. The Spirit has been striving with you. Read John xvi. 7, 8, 9. I felt nothing but the hardness of my heart and unbelief; and it was this hard, unbelieving heart that I carried to Jesus. He came to ' the sick,' and not to ' the whole.' I would recommend to you, my dear brother, to say nothing more to any one upon the subject of your feelings, but go to God, who alone can help you; and read nothing but the Bible. Mr. Temple, who addressed us this P. M., says, ' the Spirit maybe talked away.' It does relieve us to converse; yet we should seek no relief in this case but at the cross. You are still in ' slippery places.' Haste away, my brother ; oh haste ! You gain nothing while you delay ; you lose ground. Do not prescribe any par- ticular course to God, or expect any precise method. Scarcely two cases agree precisely. Go in earnest prayer to God ; ' look on him whom you have pierced, and mourn ; ' and when we next hear, tell us that you will join our happy company." MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 36 In another letter, soon after, she says, "1 do not know, my dear brother, that I can say any thing to you that you do not already know ; but I fear that you are not fully aware that the fault is wholly your own, if you are yet unreconciled to God. He created you for his service, and, from the first dawn of moral intelligence, has demanded your every affection and your constant obedience. Every day and hour he has been waiting for your heart; and think you that he is now unwilling that you should turn from your revolt and obey his will ? The controversy is just this and it is the same which overthrew the happiness of the first apostate, and which, in its very nature, makes every being miserable God chooses to reign in your heart, and your rebellious will says, ' No, I cannot give up the dominion.' It is this which is the source and the end of all sin the creature at variance with his Creator ; the sinner having an offered redemption, yet trampling upon the atoning blood of the Son of God ! Awful apostasy ! more aggravated than that of Adam ; he accepted the pro- pitiation offered. Only be willing to submit your will to God, in Christ, and the work is done. The way is very narrow ; therefore all self-dependence must be cast away, and you must receive the kingdom of heaven ' as a little child.' The deepest convictions will make you no better ; not one step is taken while the will is unsubdued. You say that you shall not return to the world. It matters little in regard to the final event, what idol you have besides God, so long as you do not love him supremely, and do every thing from this principle of love. The purest morality helps you none. My dear brother, be not an alien from God, an ' alien from your mother's children.' Sarah is well and lovely. Your letters cast a shade over her counte- Tiance, while they tell of continued resistance to the offered mercy of her glorious Redeemer." Miss Huntington had the sweet satisfaction, at length, of seeing this brother rejoicing in the Christian hope, and 3tt MEMOIR OF uniting with the church of Christ. She thus writes to him in relation to his making a profession of religion: " You need not be told, my dear Edward, how much I have thought of you, particularly in relation to the solemn act of public consecration to God. May you be a ' living epistle ' of Christ, ' known and read of all men.' " The youngest brother of Miss Huntington seems to have been the subject of her most intense and protracted interest. Not that she loved him more than the others, for there does not appear to have been any thing of favoritism in her mind. But, it being the design of her father to educate him for one of the learned professions, and his early indications of talent giving hope of his future usefulness, her affection for him, and her feelings as a Christian, led her ardently to desire that he might "preach the unsearchable riches of Christ." With what earnestness she prayed, and endeavored to engage others to pray, for his conversion ; with what so- licitude she sought to win him to Christ, and to aid him in his Christian course ; with what kindness she watched over him in long and distressing sickness, and in the hour of death, will appear in the following passages from her correspondence : " 1 am glad to hear that you have some regulations established for the improvement of your time ; but their importance and efficacy will only be manifested by the faithful practice of them. The talents which a kind God has given you will be worse than lost, if you permit them to run wild. They will require your steady and faith- ful improvement. Our dear father regards your future character and reputation with peculiar interest. As his prospects for the possession of wealth are so much darkened, I hope that in his children he will find constant enjoyment. But this must depend upon our individual exertion. " To tell you, my beloved Peter, how much I feel ill regard to your own reputation, and the honor of your friends, and, most of all, the character which you are MRS. SARAH L. SMITH- 37 forming for eternity, would be impossible. Suffice it to say, a large portion of ray heart is occupied by you and your future prospects." The kind regard with which she watched him in his college relations and pursuits, is indicated in the extract subjoined : "I should like very well to know what impres- sion my brother is making upon the Faculty of Yale. He does not require any repetition of our wishes respecting him." The following letter, accompanying one received from him, was written on hearing of a revival in Yale College, and of his awakening to religious inquiry ; and indicates that his spiritual condition was the absorbing subject of her thoughts. "These few lines, my dear sister, we received from Peter yesterday ; and I cannot omit sending them to you, that you may be quickened in prayer for him. It is now a day of salvation with him; and oh! shall we be cold and unfaithful? I knew there was a revival in college, and have prayed earnestly that P. might share in it ; but when this letter came, my feelings and desires were almost too intense for utterance. He speaks the language of an awakened sinner. The complaint of such a one is usually of hardness of heart. " I feel that I am unworthy of such a favor as the conver- sion of a brother ; but God can glorify himself; and I hope it is my most earnest desire that his name might be glorified. I have devoted this day to humiliation and prayer. My faith is weak very weak. I never felt my own impotence more than at present. I know that, in this revival, some will be taken, and others left ; and it may suit the purposes of Jehovah to leave our dear brother. His ways are not our ways, and I desire to be submissive ; but we are justified in seeking his grace for our friends." 88 MEMOIR OF To him she also writes, as follows: "To give you any adequate idea of the sensations produced by your letter, my dear brother, is impossible. Indeed, you will never realize them unless you are brought to experience 'fear and trembling,' with earnest desires for a near relative, to whom ' the day of salvation ' has arrived, and which, if mis- improved, will add to his condemnation. " I hardly dare write, lest I should weaken any impres- sion which the Spirit may have produced in your mind. What shall I say to you? 'Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him.' Wait not, my dear brother, for deeper convictions ; your heart can be softened only at the foot of the cross. An impenitent sin- ner is a hardened sinner ; and true penitence carries the soul immediately to Jesus, where pardoning love is secured. There will the 'exceeding sinfulness of sin' be discovered, and there may you mourn and hate it. Believe me, dear Peter, there is no salvation in convictions. You say thai you are determined to find an interest in the Saviour. Go . to him, then, immediately. Submit your hardened and rebellious heart to his disposal and government. There is peace no where else ; there is safety in no other resort. Repent and believe now, and the work is done. " I waited for such a sense of my sins as should make me a worthy object of God's mercy ; but I waited in vain. On one evening I was brought to feel that tears and distress could not avail, and that my duty was to ' believe.' I cast myself on the compassion of the Saviour, as a poor, blind, hardened, helpless wretch; and that moment found joy and peace in believing. " I tremble while I think that some will be taken, and others left. Your room-mate is taken-; be not you left. I rejoice that you have pious friends around you. But friends can do nothing for you. The cause is between God and your own soul. We have prayed for you, especially since we heard of the revival in college. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 39 " Dear brother, should this season pass away, and leave you unconverted, I should almost despair. You would be less susceptible of future impressions, and your hard heart would be harder still." He became hopefully a subject of divine grace; and during his next visit at home, in college vacation, Miss Huntington writes to her sister respecting him "It is with unusual joy and gratitude that I would inform you, that Peter gives evidence of a change of heart. I cannot say but that I still rejoice with trembling, and cease not to pray for him ; but I never witnessed so striking a change in any individual ; and it is noticed by all. If he remain steadfast, I have no doubt he will be a minister of the gospel. Pray that he may not be deceived, or grow careless in the ways of the Lord." Miss Huntington, thus enjoying the satisfaction of hope for this brother, devoted herself with all the assiduity of a Christian sister, to the promotion of his growth in grace. "I hope you have had a pleasant Sabbath, and found nearness of access to the throne of grace. My beloved brother, as you value your best interests, do not permit the arch enemy to prevail, in regard to your closet duties. He aims first at these, for he well knows that here declension always commences. Do you ever omit your regular meals? or if you do, does not lassitude ensue ? How much more do our souls require the spiritual food derived from that source to which prayer gives us access! I can scarcely express the solicitude I feel for you in this respect. ' Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees.' " Oh ! keep fast hold of the sceptre, and you will assuredly thrive. Faithfulness here cannot be followed by unfaith- fulness in other duties, for God will bestow the assistance 40 MEMOIR OF which we implore. Immediately after making a profession of religion, I left home for New York, and had a week's passage. During this time, my private duties were much interrupted, and I felt the effect of it upon my spiritual state, until about one year since. In this last year, the dealings of Providence have, I humbly hope, restored my soul. Had I not joined the church when I did, I fear the duty would have been neglected, perhaps for life. The privileges of a visible standing in the church, impose obli- gations which do not operate so powerfully out of it. Our father mentioned his conversation with you respecting your making a profession. If a certainty of your having passed from death unto life could be granted, I should wish you not to hesitate a moment ; but as a trial of your faith is necessary, perhaps it is well to defer it for a season. Love to Christ and your own soul, demands a vigorous and watchful devotion to his service until the duty be made plain. It is always easy to depart from God, but more especially so when no open profession has been made: therefore, in postponing this act for a little while, do not permit sloth or presumption to destroy and darken your evidences. You will excuse me, dear brother, for offering such advice in your present circumstances. It is dictated by love; and perhaps the experience of seven years may enable me to give you a few hints, which you will receive in kindness." She renews her advice on the subject of secret prayer in the following extract : " Do not allow yourself to be hurried when you go to converse with God ; feel that time thus spent is the most profitable portion of each day ; and be as constant in the evening, before nature is exhausted^ as you are in the morning. First try ' to find Christ there.' and then let all your petitions be the simple expression of your wants, and not the repetition of familiar phrases. Expect the assistance of the Spirit, arid wait, as it were, for his inditings. I have found much profit from this MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 41 course, and from the reflection that as ' my times are in God's hands/ if I am faithful to this duty, he will prosper my other labors. " Do not, I entreat you, take for your standard any Christian that ever lived; but go to the pure oracles of truth for guidance. Ask yourself continually, ' How would my divine Master conduct under these circumstances ? ' ' Respecting some seasons of prayer, with this brother, while he was at home in vacation, she thus writes: " You cannot, more than myself, desire to be again engaged in my chamber as formerly. Those were to me delightful moments, and, I may truly say, furnished me more heartfelt enjoyment than I ever before experienced. I told mamma, at the close of your first day's visit at home, that it had been the happiest day of my life. Oh ! if we are both God's children, we may anticipate an eternity of happiness similar to that ; though far more pure, and transcending our highest conceptions. Let us be faithful. There is no true elevation of character without the control of Christian principle. To live a holy life is never easy, or, I should say, is never attainable by the indolent; though some cir- cumstances are more favorable than others. College life must be a tempting one ; but it may prove as the refiner's fire and fuller's soap, through the grace of Him who giveth us ' strength equal to our day,' when we seek it. " My dear brother, what is the present bent of your spirit- ual mind ? If your closet be a pleasant resort, I need not inquire further, for it is the avenue to Christian faithfulness and joy. If we are fellow-travellers on the road to heaven, it is important that we ..should occasionally exchange a word of recognition and inquiry." Miss Huntington delighted to cherish hope, on the basis of good evidence, for those who indulged hope for them- selves. And yet her solicitude that they should have the hone which "maketh not ashamed," kept her awake to 42 MEMOIR OF whatever were their dangers of self-deception and of ruin. And when she feared, or "stood in doubt" of her dearest friends, as to their spiritual condition, she was most tenderly and solemnly faithful in her endeavors to lead them to self-examination and careful testing of their evidences. The following, with some other extracts, illustrates these remarks ; "WEDNESDAY MORNING. " Dearest Brother . Your last letters led us to fear that your religious hopes have become darkened. * * * * * I will write freely, for I am your sister in the flesh, and we are members of the same body. You will receive what I say in tenderness, I am confident. Oh ! you can form no adequate conception of the agonized feelings into which I was thrown last evening, on your account. The view which I had of the holiness of God's character, of the evil of sin, and the obligations which we are under to serve our Creator, even were reward and punishment out of the question ; the possibility that your heart was still alienated from him, and the dishonor which such a fact would cast upon religion; and my own insubmissiveness under it ; all conspired to render me, for an hour, the most wretched being imaginable. My anguish of body and mind was unequalled by any thing I ever before endured. " I do not believe that you have yielded to the grosser temptations to which you have been exposed ; but I fear that the commendations which have been bestowed upon you, have become a snare, imperceptibly leading you to be too much engrossed by worldly pursuits ; curtailing your seasons of retirement, and producing self-exaltation and desire of human praise, which are incompatible with the meekness of the gospel. Alas ! what is the applauding breath of mortals, that we should sacrifice for it our eternal concerns ! Satan is a subtle foe ; for by leading to the abuse of lawful pur- suits, his artful policy most frequently insnares our mind. He well knows, by his own history, and the snares which he MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 43 has so successfully laid for others, that the native haughti- ness of our hearts is the principle by which he can most effectually drag us down to his own inevitable doom. You are now at the most critical point of your life. This fallen and murderous foe stands on one side, striving to delude you by the false glare of worldly honor and popularity ; cherish- ing the pride of your heart, and striving to make you in all respects like himself, that you may be the companion of his misery. On the other hand stands the gracious Saviour, who has paid the price of your redemption from the galling chains of sin and Satan ; presenting to you the simplicity of his gospel, which can purify the affections, elevate the soul, give true dignity to the understanding, make the subjects of it ' kings and priests' before the throne of God, where the happy intelligences become more and more like Him who is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, purity, and felicity. ' Choose you this day whom ye will serve,' there is no neutral spot ; it must be God or Mammon. And what have you professed solemnly before many witnesses? What lan- guage is conveyed to you through the symbols of your Sa- viour's love? What would be the effects of your apostasy? " Beloved brother, what more shall I say ? Perhaps you will be surprised at the strain of my remarks ; but be not offended. I have written very plainly, yet with feelings of tenderness which I cannot express. I beg you to write me immediately. I shall wait anxiously for a reply. Write ingenuously. I believe that you love me ; and I love you too much for my own comfort. The last was, with me, a happy year; a year of spiritual gladness. My hopes respect^ ing you, contributed not a little to my joy. This year opens upon me with less tranquillity; perhaps I am to be made acquainted with my own heart. If so, it will be a profitable period. The arrows of the Almighty are dipped in love, and they will make my heavenly rest more sweet. ' The will of the Lord be done.' " Letters subsequent to these indicate relief to the anxious 44 MEMOIR OF feelings of Miss Huntington. Through divine goodness, and in answer to prayer, she was permitted to rejoice in seeing his soul restored, and found much comfort and satisfaction in him ; and more especially in anticipating his entrance on the work of the gospel ministry. i "MONDAY EVE. "Your good letter, my beloved brother, afforded me heartfelt pleasure. The expression, ' I have, with the as- sistance of God, determined to devote myself to the Gospel Ministry,' preceded as it was by earnest desires after holi- ness, was indeed like music to my soul. You have been borne upon my feeble prayers, with more energy and con- stancy, than any other dear ones, from the peculiar temp- tations of your constitution and circumstances. Since I began to pray for you, it has been my earnest petition that you might be an ambassador for Christ; until you requested that I would not ask any thing definitely for you. The last time, however, that I approached the throne of grace, previ ous to the arrival of your letter, I did once more, in submis- sion, supplicate that you might preach the gospel. Dear brother, it is a ' good work ; ' and for a young man, in these days, the best and most important. May God abundantly prepare you to become ' a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.' " Miss Huntington's correspondence with this brother was rich in various counsels, adapted to his case, like those from which we have already quoted. Among the subjects were the following : Engagement in Sabbath school instruction, as a means of usefulness to others and to himself The dangers of entrance into the circles of the gay and thought- jess Religious reading The importance of decision of Christian character The habit of lively faith in Christ as promoting growth in grace Activity and efficiency in the service of Christ Commitment of his way to God in faith Prayer for unconverted relatives Christian in- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 46 fluence upon others Spiritual trials, as leading to self-ac- quaintance and reliance on the Saviour. For the purpose of obtaining the means to prosecute his professional studies, and also for the benefit to be derived to his own character, he went to Natchez, Mississippi, to engage in the labors of a private tutor in a family. The interest with which Miss Huntington followed him to that part of the country, appears in the next extracts from her correspondence. " I had two or three seasons of weeping after the arrival of your letter to Edward, for which I blamed myself. Yet no one but an all-seeing God can know how, for a year or two past, your interests have been interwoven with the fibres of my heart. I do not think that our own dear mother, whose death was your life, could feel more deeply for you than I do. But I will leave this strain, and en- deavor to anticipate the time, when, if we are both faithful, no sorrow will mingle itself with our joy, and no anxiety disturb the calmness and fervor of our love. " I enjoy the hour appropriated to our concert on Sat- urday evening, exceedingly ; more so, I think, than any other. " I am far from undervaluing literary attainments, yet fully believe that a high standard of holy living is the most eminent means of usefulness. God thus vindicates the wisdom which cometh from above. How little we think of those years which were passed in acknowledged aliena- tion of heart from our Maker!" " Every cloudless evening in which I am called out, my eye turns towards the ' North Star.' It was a sweet reflec- tion to me, that you took the pains to look for it while you were penning your letter. Often notice it, my beloved brother, and whenever you do, send a petition to the throne of the Eternal, for our mutual steadfastness in the path of wisdom ; and I will do the same. Were I to sit down, with 46 MEMOIR OF no occupation, I should dwell with you in imagination too intensely ; and it is doubtless best that constant employ- ment should interfere with the reveries of a naturally roving mind." " CHRISTMAS EVENING. " I delight to dwell upon the thought that you and I, dear brother, may take sweet counsel together in a heaven of purity and Jove. Washed and sanctified, perhaps we may be united in performing embassies of love for our adorable Redeemer." " What a privilege is prayer ! I would not be deprived of it for worlds ; and how could I ever esteem it lightly, or use it unfaithfully ! Within a few days, more particularly, 1 have taken great delight in conversing with God, and re- alizing his constant presence. The world seems nothing worth, except as a field of service and sacrifice for Him. Oh ! my brother, let us be faithful during our little span. It is but a short period that we shall have for labor. Will you not resolve with me to be wholly for Christ? I feel willing to give you up to the good of the people where you are, if it be consistent with the purposes of God. You will require the qualifications of a Missionary to labor there, and if you possess any of the spirit, do encourage it. It is greatly wanting. Fields are white to the harvest, but where are the reapers ? I trust we shall see you, and hear you preach, yet ; and I pray that you may win many souls to the truth, and gain for yourself a glorious crown. " It is delightful to think of the Millennium ; but still more of Heaven, where hearts and voices will praise Him in sweet harmony. Then, my brother, we will join our voices in melodious strains, and bless our Redeemer, not only for what we have ourselves received, but for what he hath done for those we love, in bringing them all into his blessed family." "We have sympathized tenderly in your trials, and of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 47 late I have been scarcely able to speak of you without tears. The dreary visions of a cold grave in Mississippi have haunted my mind. Would that the next letter we receive might contain the cheering intelligence that you are just embarking for the North. Why should you linger ! Your health and the urgency of your friends here, furnish a sufficient reason to your employers there. When I think of the spiritual benefit resulting from your trials, I rejoice in them." The hopes of Miss Huntington that she might see this brother a minister of the gospel, in the design of Providence were not to be answered. In consequence, remotely, of an injury which he received previous to his departure for Mis- sissippi, his health failed, so that he was compelled to relin- quish his professional studies. His disease assumed such a character as to shut him up at home his father's house where his sister devoted herself exclusively to the care of him, for his few remaining days. Death at length finished the disappointment of her expectations of his entrance on the ministry of the gospel on earth ; while she and her friends rejoiced in the hope that he was only transferred to higher and holier services " in the presence of God." The follow- ing extracts from a letter to her sister show the family as they were watching around his dying bed, and entering upon the days of mourning ; and the affectionate Christian sister watching the last moments of the brother whose preparation for heaven she had so long and so anxiously aided. " My dear Sister: I have been intending to make some record of our dear brother's illness and death, which should be more particular than any thing which you have received. As I was with him almost constantly from the time we visited you, until he left us for a mansion in his heavenly Father's house, it will afford me melancholy satisfaction to 48 MEMOIR OF retrace those days of solicitude, now, as we hope, so joyfully terminated to the released spirit. " The week before Thanksgiving he suffered much from the cutting of a tooth ; and all the pain which had been in his back seemed concentrated in his face. For several days he could not open his mouth sufficiently to receive his ac- customed food. The return of brother Edward and his wife he enjoyed; and shared with us in the usual pleasures of the festive board. For several succeeding days he fur- nished no small portion of our mutual domestic joys. He soon, however, began to complain of intense pain in his forehead. He once remarked to brother Edward that he felt almost discouraged that he grew weaker and weaker. To save us anxiety, he seldom spoke of his sufferings. One day he said to rne, 'I believe I shall not tell mother any more of my bad feelings ; it seems to trouble her so much.' " He said to me one night, as he retired to bed, ' I shall be deranged, if this headache continues much longer;' and the next morning he said that ' all night every thing seemed to him to be French.' He had been reading Scott's Life of Napoleon. During that week, his nights were wretched. We slept with the doors of our apartments open, and I could hear him sigh upon his bed. One morning at two o'clock, he called to me and said he had not slept any. I arose and gave him some oil of valerian, and some water directly from the well ; and he became composed. '* Company and noise at length became so oppressive to him, that on Friday morning I prepared my own room for his reception ; and about eleven o'clock invited him into it. As he entered it, and went directly to bed, he said very sweetly, ' It looks pleasant here.' During the first day, he said to me, ' Sister, you need not give up your bed at night; I can sleep in my own room.' I told him that I loved to have him there ; and that I should stay with him most of the time. He replied, ' I wish you would ; I love to have you stay with me better than any one else.' From that time every word spoken seemed burdensome to him, and he would turn his MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 49 head from the speaker. From his first retiring to my room, he was averse to taking any food. I said to him, one morn- ing, in a playful manner, * You must eat something, brother ; and I am going to make you mind, to-day, or else I shall whip you.' He replied, in the same humor, ' If you will not whip me very hard, I'll take that.' " Tuesday morning, the truth gradually forced itself upon me that he had not entire control of his mind. Feeling as if my heart would burst, about the middle of the forenoon, I came down stairs, and told S. and M. that I believed Peter would never recover. They thought his aberration of reason might arise from the opiate he had taken. But, alas! the hand of death was upon him. That night, after two o'clock, papa watched with him. He called me before six in the morning, saying that Peter was much distressed ; and he wanted my company. Peter had been for some hours crying, ' Oh ! papa ! Oh ! father ! ' until our dear parent could endure it no longer. During that day, he lifted his head from his pillow every other minute, and would look upon us with the most piteous expression. Edward returned that morning, but dear Peter had no look of recognition for him. " On Thursday, he was quiet and cheerful ; and as I sat by him, I felt that even if he must die, eventually, I should rejoice to have him remain with us many weeks as he then was ; it was such a pleasure to administer to him. It was indeed a pleasant sick-room ; and our physicians, Drs. Hooker and Eaton, were so united and confiding, bound together as they were by Christian ties, that it was a pleas- ure to have them with us. That morning, when Dr. Hooker had been attending upon him, he appeared so rational, that the doctor proposed to me to go and speak to him on the subject of death. I did so, asking him several questions, which he answered in the affirmative. To one ' Do you love the Saviour ? ' he answered, very emphatically, ' Yes.' At eight o'clock that evening, he said to Edward, with a tone of voice and collectedness of mind Smith. 3 60 MEMOIR OF which I shall not soon forget, 'How soon shall I die!' Edward said to him, ' Do you wish to die ? ' After a mo- ment's pause, he replied, with his characteristic caution, ' I do not know what it is to die.' He then turned to brother Jedidiah, and said, ' I wish you would pray with me ; ' and drew his head forward to the end of the pillow to listen. It was to me a most melting scene the heads of those three precious brothers together, in united supplication for one whose spirit was so soon to be in the presence of its Maker. I cannot express to you, my sister, the emotions of that hour. Our parents were not there, and there was no one but me to drink in the full tenderness of the scene, with all its affect- ing associations. Often since have I dwelt upon it, in silence; and its remembrance even eternity cannot erase from my heart ! " Thursday night he had his senses ; answered Mr. Coit's questions with clearness and satisfaction, and appeared in a happy frame. Friday he was much the same. For the first time, the physicians gave us some little encouragement that he might recover. I was slow in admitting any hope to my breast : when it did find place there, its ejection only opened the wound again, to bleed with all its freshness. This was the case on Saturday morning, when our dear brother seemed quite comfortable. I felt encouraged ; although the thought occurred to me, that it might be only a revival which was the precursor of death. We discovered that his breathing was faint, his pulse weak, and his flesh cold. There was a visible alteration in him from that time, though we did not entirely give him up. He was still patient and lovely as ever. " I did not mention, that on Thursday or Friday morning, as I was sitting alone with him, I took up his Bible, to read, hoping he would notice it. He significantly looked at me ; then at the Bible, and nodded his head, as much as to say that he understood my intention. Once, too, when I had been washing his hands and face, I smiled upon him affec- tionately, while a faint smile played on his pallid features, in MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 51 return. He almost invariably returned my kisses, as he had been used to do in health. Sabbath morning he was more feeble. His eyes rolled in their sockets ; and he seemed unconscious of surrounding objects; though he answered mamma's questions intelligibly. One of them was, ' Do you feel that your soul is washed in the atoning blood of Jesus ? ' to which he replied in the affirmative. I told him it was Sabbath ; that papa had been to church, and put up a note for him, and that Mr. Dickinson had prayed very affection- ately for him. He replied that he knew it was Sabbath ; and to the communication respecting the note/ answered, with a grateful tone of voice, ' Did he? ' But in a moment his mind wandered. In the afternoon, it became necessary to give him powerful medicine ; and I trembled for the result, knowing that some change must ensue. We all felt that the night would be a critical one, as his pulse was increased to a hundred and twenty-eight. Between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, his clothes and bed were changed ; and although he endeavored to help himself, nature was almost exhausted, and her work nearly done. A little before midnight, I visited his silent couch ; and there he lay upon his unruffled pillow, bearing the impress of the king of terrors, whose victory was not yet accomplished. What a moment was that to my afflicted soul ! By the use of wine and other means, he was aroused from that lethargic state; and when I saw him again, about two o'clock, his eyes were open and full of expression ; his arms thrown out of the bed ; and his attitude that of independence ; while reason was dethroned, and all his remarks incoherent. He appeared exceedingly interesting. When we were convinced that he would continue till morning, we all lay down, except papa, who sat up the remainder of the night, with Dr. Hooker. It was then that he repeated the Lord's prayer so impressively, even to the 'Amen.' The excite- ment I have mentioned had given place to a more composed frame. "At about six o'clock, I took my seat again by his side, 52 MEMOIR OF and occasionally administered a little broth. He could say nothing intelligibly ; but the whisperings of his lips were incessant, which had not been the case before. I could distinguish only the words ' may I,' and ' Amen,' indicating that he was in prayer. Marianne and I staid with him during family prayer, when he received a spoonful of broth, from his own silver cup, which he used in childhood; but he could not swallow it. We troubled him no more with earthly aliment. The soul was fast preparing to leave its tabernacle below, to dwell where the Lamb himself should feed him- After prayers, all assembled in the chamber ; breakfast was forgotten ; and the morning was spent in witnessing the ravages of death upon that loved form ; until a quarter before eleven, when the spirit was released. His struggles were severe, though the physicians thought he was insen- sible to pain. At one time, his whole frame quivered, every fibre being affected in a way that I never beheld before. The room was filled with sympathizing relatives and friends, our dear minister, and the two physicians. Mamma ex- pressed a wish that some of the promises of the gospel might be repeated ; and her request was kindly regarded by Mr. Dickinson, who also prayed. After which papa made a most affecting prayer, alluding to the circumstances of his birth, and commending his dying child to God, and giving up all his children once more to Him. He then made another prayer for you, especially. It was an impressive scene to all present, and very touching. For a few moments after 'that languishing head was at rest,' I felt somewhat like David, who .arose and washed himself, and his countenance was no more sad. I rejoiced for him. The physicians, with our kind neighbor, Mr. Ripley, performed the last sad offices to the precious one; after which his lifeless form was very dear to us, until it was consigned to its narrow house. Our Jirst mournful pleasure in the morning, and the last at night, was to visit the lovely remains, which now seemed almost like an angel's dwelling. Our hearts were knit together by uncommon ties. We MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 53 had no cares or preparation to distract our minds ; and during the whole of that week, we could sit down together and talk of the sainted spirit who had gone to mingle its celestial sympathies with its angel mother and its blessed Saviour." Writing in another letter to her sister, of the conflict through which she passed, on the night previous to her brother's death, and of the happy feelings which followed, she says " As midnight advanced, the certainty of the event grew more inevitable, and my anguish seemed to keep pace with the approaching crisis. Mamma, and Sarah, and Ma- rianne had lain down, brothers were in the room with the doctors, while father and I were alone in the parlor. I leaned upon his shoulder, and gave vent to sorrows which were unfelt before, and poignant in the extreme. It seemed as if my heart would dissolve, while unutterable thoughts pressed home upon my soul. The conflict was severe ; and though I acknowledged God's perfect right to inflict such evils, I could not bring myself to meet them. Death, with all its terrific accompaniments, seemed then, in reality, to be ' the wages of sin.' My own sins were not, at that time, particularly oppressive ; but sin in general, I felt, at that hour, to be the fruitful source of DEATH ; and that it was the severest penalty, of a limited nature, which an infinitely wise and just Being could inflict. I thought that in the course of my life I had experienced a little of almost every variety of evil, or at least that I knew something of its nature ; but this night I found an evil pressing upon my inmost soul, altogether different from any thing I had ever known before. Of course I needed new support. My cherished brother was dying in my apartment, and I could do nothing to help him. The sovereignty of Jehovah, whose hand none could stay, and whose purposes none had a right to question, arose before me with a maiestv npver before 54 MEMOIR OF perceived. Father prevailed upon me to lie down upon the sofa, while he also took a little rest. Early in the morning ' while it was yet dark,' I took my accustomed seat, for the last time, to administer to him who was on the confines of eternity. * * * After having been that night, as if at the foot of that mount which none might touch ; when the struggle was over, and the sweet remains were arrayed for the tomb, gentler accents spoke to my heart; and I felt that I had come ' to Mount Zion,' ' to an innumerable company of angels, to the spirits of just men made perfect,' and es- pecially ' to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.' ' I am the resurrection and the life,' were words which now were clothed in a more glorious meaning. " I do earnestly desire, my dear sister, to make this event profitable ; and hope I can already say, ' It is good for me that I have been afflicted.' It appears a more solemn thing to live, and a more solemn thing to die. The domestic rela- tion has assumed a new sacredness in my view, as bearing the impress of Heaven's own beautiful plan ; and I pray that I may henceforth give it a prominent place in my system of duties. It is a symbol of the union of the upper world. I shall never again say it is selfish to desire the temporal and eternal happiness of those whom we love, or to mourn their loss. It is the great Parent of the Universe who has thus bound us in circles of friendship. And perhaps one of his designs in so doing is, that when these are broken, our wounded souls may know the preciousness of those consolations which are furnished for the afflicted." Said the Chaldean king, of One whom he saw walking in the midst of the furnace with the three faithful men, " and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God ! " Truly, it is worth while to pass through such scenes, and to bear such chastening of " the Almighty ; " if, amidst all, the chastened one can feel that God is there ; good, even to look upon the "clouds and darkness" which are "round MRS SARAH L. SMITH. 55 about Him," if the soul can rest so sweetly in that which is also written, "justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne." It was indeed a mysterious providence which disappointed the hope of seeing that brother, so beloved and cherished, a minister of Christ. But here was one of the instrumen- talities by which her Lord was preparing her for the mis- sionary service. And good as it would have been for the brother to preach " the unsearchable riches of Christ," in his native land ; better even than this, was it, that by his death the heavenly spirited sister should have her preparation completed to make known the dying love of Christ to the benighted daughters of Arabia, CHAPTER III. RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE VIEWS OF CHRISTIAN DUTY AND HABITS OF LIFE SENTIMENTS ON MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS. THE loss of the private journals of the subject of this Memoir at the time of her shipwreck, on her passage from Beyroot to Smyrna, has probably deprived us of much which would be interesting, as recording her Christian experience. Her correspondence, however, previous to the time of her decision upon going on a mission to Syria, contains many passages the free disclosures of her heart to some of her friends in which, ijiay be seen the depth and strength of her feelings as an experimental Christian, and the prep- aration she was making for future usefulness. A few selections of this character will constitute the present chapter, together with some of her thoughts on miscel- laneous subjects. Trust in God. "Every future day of my life I desire to leave cheerfully in the hands of God, and to be entirely resigned, should he see fit to frustrate all my expectations. I feel peculiarly, this evening, the precariousness of all things earthly, and the danger of placing too much depend- ence upon them. But I do not think that we are forbidden to indulge pleasant hopes of the future." "Do not be impatient and distrustful respecting the future. God will provide. Sometimes I resolve only to ask for wisdom to-day, and leave the morrow entirely. If I live to see another day, and in the possession of ray 66 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 57 faculties, I will again present myself as a suppliant. God is not a hard master." Anxiety for the future. "We are restless beings, ever reaching forward ; and if we have any steps to take, cannot but feel solicitude respecting them. Yet the Christian has a delightful resort in every emergency, and no good thing which God has promised, shall fail those who 'walk up- rightly.' There is the point. Promises are conditional ; and if we fulfil our part, they will never fail." Religious enjoyment. "You inquire, my dear sister, respecting my religious feelings. I have had considerable enjoyment arising from the reflection, that I have entered the service of the best of beings, and that I shall be permitted to glorify Him. Life has appeared to me short, uncertain, and insignificant; and heaven worth any sacrifice." "I expected to be very unhappy after you left, and I never restrained my feelings so much, under any circum- stances. But all the remainder of that week, I enjoyed my religious exercises beyond any thing I have experienced before, since my first joys. Prayer and the word of God were my delight ; and I rejoiced to consider myself as engaged in the service of God. I still feel very differently from what I have done for some time past; though the peace of mind to which absence from company and the quiet of my own room have contributed, has been, in some degree, interrupted by the distractions of the world and its cares." Satisfaction in employment. "I am happy and cheerful in the attempted discharge of duty ; and have no time to cultivate morbid sensibility. And at night, when I lay my weary head upon the pillow of repose, my rest is rendered doubly sweet by a busy day." Retirement. "I anticipate much pleasure from a visit to 3* 58 MEMOIR OF you next winter. I am sick of dissipation, tired of idle words. 'When shall I fly away and be at rest?' " Being of God. "I was this morning contemplating the BEING OF GOD. For a moment I felt bewildered with the incomprehensibility of the subject, and all finite things appeared unworthy of a thought. But I soon felt that these were more suited to the strength of our minds than the secret things which belong to God only ; and I felt that 1 ought to be grateful to Him, that my attention was divided between things real and spiritual ; or rather things earthly and heavenly. We could not bear an uninterrupted med- itation on these great subjects ; we should soon be in '& case. Our minds are prone to speculate, and sometimes unprofitably." Contentment. "I have thought, to-day, of the text, ' Godliness with contentment is great gain.' It does not say riches, or honor, or pleasure with contentment, but 'godliness.' Let us live for God's glory, rise above trifles as far as possible, (and all things merely worldly are trifles,) and exercise strong faith. ' Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous ; and again I say, Rejoice.' " Habits of thought respecting Christ. "I am sensible that I do not regard Christ as much as I ought ; and I wish you would pray for me, that he may be more clearly revealed to my soul." Conjlict. "I go on as usual, struggling against sin and perplexities, endeavoring to fix my thoughts, as Moses did, * upon the recompense of the reward ; ' reward ' of grace, not of debt.' " Spiritual darkness. To her sister, following a visit, she writes " Added to the grief of our separation, I experi- enced the continuance of the hiding of my Saviour's counte- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 59 nance. At the close of your visit, and for a few days after, I could not get near to God in prayer. Sins of childhood and youth rose like mountains before me. I feel brighter now." Consciousness of rectitude. In reference to a subject of some perplexity, she thus writes : "I have proceeded, if I know my own heart, in the fear of God, with constant prayer, in reference to every step. Acquitted by God and my own conscience, it is useless for me to be disturbed by the opinions of others. Suffice it to say, I am now happier than I had been for many months previous. My friends seern very dear, God very merciful, and heaven delight- fully pure and happy. My mind is unclouded with distrust or discontent. I feel that the trials I have suffered were disciplinary, and I hope salutary ; that the command to * seek first the kingdom of God,' with the annexed promise, comprises all our duty, and all our pleasure." Means of happiness. " All our years would be happier, if we could make the service of God continually our su- preme delight, our meat and our drink. Trials we must have, for our Master had them." Self-indulgence. " At our preparatory lecture, last even- ing, I was much struck with the 27th hymn ' Cold mountains and the midnight air Witnessed the fervor of thy prayer; The desert thy temptation knew, Thy conflict and thy victory too.' " Shame upon the Christian who would prefer his own ease to the honor and service of his Saviour. And yet this is too much the case with us all. My earnest petition is, ' Deliver me from self' " Depression of spirits. "I hope you will be cheerful. 60 MEMOIR OF What does depression effect ? Nothing but sorrow ; it cannot alter our condition. Every situation has its trials. Do not think too much about the past. I cannot bear it. I am obliged to forget the past in present occupation. If our anxiety remedied any thing, it would be wise to indulge it ; but as it operates contrariwise, it seems the part of good sense and Christian fortitude to rise above it. I -know it is easy to comment upon this subject, but I do it for my own benefit partly, and hope to practise accordingly." " Last night I awoke, and lay thinking upon the dark side of every thing; but this morning I feel better. It is sinful to indulge in such feelings. I think we ought to pray for a cheerful spirit. Confinement and solitude are extremely injurious to mind and body. Activity and social enjoyment are imperative duties. It is necessary also, ' to go out of our- selves ; ' for me it is absolutely so. I hope you will try not to think too much. Keep your mind cheerful. Look upon your mercies. It is God's will that you should do so. He will provide for the future." " Your letter gave me both pleasure and pain. I beg you will not, as Mr. Cecil says, ' permit your feelings to take away half of your life.' I know that I am not the person to recommend fortitude, and the usual prosing in regard to its exercise I would avoid. But we know that anxiety does not lessen the evil of any thing. When I live near to God, it seems like being in a father's house and under his con- stant care and provision, and there I feel no anxiety. I am not called to take thought for food and raiment; my Father knoweth that I have need of all these things." " If I had not been in an unusually happy frame when your last came, I should have been .much depressed by your allusion to the dark side of the picture, in regard to our country, as it often fills me with apprehension. Since then, I have had some desponding hours, which I was ex- pecting would follow my season of enjoyment. But I am beginning to revive again. I suppose that it is wisely permitted that some should fix their eyes upon the diffi- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 61 culties to be overcome, in making ' the paths straight,' and others be cheered with the bright scenes .which will event- ually be realized ; or rather that we should, individually, participate in Z ion's hopes and fears, pursuing our pilgrim path in alternate ' strength and weakness, joy and wo.' " Influence of thankfulness and cheerfulness. "When is your Thanksgiving? Do you recollect that our ancestors, after appointing a number of Fasts, in the midst of their perplexities, resolved that they would appoint a day of Thanksgiving, to acknowledge their mercies, as well as deplore their misfortunes, and it seemed to be accepted? Do, my dear sister, strive to keep from despondency, and enjoy, with your husband and children, the domestic bless- ings which surround you. It may prove a permanent injury to your children, if the sunshine of \ mother's face, which often furnishes such delightful associations, is clouded by depressed feelings. Once, since my return home, when an unconscious shade passed over my face, Elizabeth came to me and scrutinized my countenance with much intense- ness. I was led to feel that children notice the expression very readily ; their own is moulded by that of others with whom they associate constantly." Spirit of adoption. "I have thought much, within a few days, of the relation which exists between God, as a Father, and his children. While we live near him, we dwell in our Father's house; are nourished and supplied by a tender Parent, whose hand we can view in all our concerns. This is a delightful part of my experience, to feel that I am acting for God, and that he is employing and supplying me, privileges purchased by a Saviour's blood, and manifested by the Holy Ghost." " When I look upon God as a tender Father, I can cheer- fully trust all to him, without one anxious doubt. Time seems short, and of no moment, comparatively ; and I know 62 MEMOIR OF that God loves me and mine better than I do, and will better dispose of our concerns." Growth in grace. "I think one preventive to our growth in grace, arises from our esteeming it a burden to take up the cross of Christ. But it is a privilege that he permits us to approach him in any way. What greater obligations can be imposed on us to insure our faithfulness, than to have been created and redeemed by the Being who claims our service ! Oh ! let us pray for a subdued heart." Frame of mind in prayer. "I was gratified, this morn- ing, to find my heart and my supplications first drawn forth towards the kingdom of God, while personal interests seemed secondary in my view. To God's grace be all the glory." Benefits of spiritual trials. "Any event which draws the children of God to himself, is auspicious. Afflictions should not be termed mysterious. As sinners, we should expect them, and regard them as the principal means which God uses to discipline the soul and make it meet for heaven. We cannot make progress without them. They are an evi- dence that mercy hovers over us." Review of Christian acquaintanceship. To an esteemed Christian friend, she writes "I can assure you I often retrace the scenes of our past intercourse, which, from their transient nature, seem almost like a dream of the morning. But I trust their record is on high, and that their moral in- fluence was for our benefit. While participating in your prayers and in your conversation, I felt the strong tie of Christian sympathy ; and our intercourse having been exclu- sively of a spiritual nature, the seal of Heaven seems to have impressed it; testifying that it is destined to a more delight- ful renewal in the courts above. Blessed thought ! " MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 63 Deceitfulness of the heart. " You speak of the deceit- fulness of the heart. I think much of it, and am constantly afraid that I should not endure the test. But our strength must always be in Christ. The more we exalt him, the more vigorous will be our Christian course." Communion with God. " The communion of saints is precious. But how much more so, communion with God ! Here we are assured, that, whenever our thoughts dwell upon him, his own are fixed on us. His perfections ever afford a subject of unmingled pleasure, for our contempla- tion. I hope that you have had much of his presence the last year ; for then I may know that happiness has been your portion. I have of late enjoyed much of the presence of God, and find my sweetest satisfaction in communion with him. There is on earth nothing that appears attractive. It is not a melancholy sensation, for I can see God in all things, however minute; and they seem tending to his glory. I do not think that any event, however limited its influence may appear, fails to accomplish some purpose for the glory of God. In reading the Bible, we see that the most casual circumstances were thus overruled. Could we preserve a constant and vivid sense of this truth, we should realize the solemnity of our situation. Our worldly-mindedness would be checked, and we should be less anxious for the future." Permanence of things spiritual and heavenly. " What changes are wrought in the views, feelings, and sometimes in the character, by the lapse of years i Were my hopes cen- tred here, methinks I should be the victim of melancholy retrospections. But thanks to my Almighty Friend, I have entered a path, the footsteps of which become more sure, and the prospects more animating, every hour I live. Yes, that faith which grasps immortality, is continually becoming a more absorbing reality; and earth, with its trifling toys and airy bubbles, seems scarce worth a thought. Oh ! the power of that grace which can transform our earth-born, de- 64 MEMOIR OF graded, worthless nature, for the participation of the pleas- ures which flow at 'God's right hand.' It is the knowledge of a crucified Saviour, conveyed to the benighted and dis- eased soul by the Holy Spirit, which enkindles that flame of happiness, destined to interminable and augmenting bright- ness. It has no origin in fallen man, but comes directly from the Source of all." Anxiety respecting public interests. "Do you not tremble for our country ? My heart sickens with appre- hension. A crisis seems to be approaching ; and statesmen as well as Christians seem to fear. The whole earth seems to ' reel to and fro like a drunken man.' Personal interests seem to dwindle to insignificance in the contrast. I never perused newspapers with such eagerness as I do now ; and I find matter enough for prayer; and oh! for a wrestling spirit ! " Heaven. "I am trying to learn that earthly hopes and dependences have no permanence; and whenever I part with Christian friends, I console myself with the anticipation of time and opportunity in heaven." " I am overwhelmed with cares and burdens, because 1 am pleased to undertake considerable. But the burdens and cares of this life will make heaven sweet. There, dear sister, we shall unite, without separation. Let us live for this end, and be happy." " I do love to think of heaven. I seem to feel a spirit within me that says, there is unmingled happiness in store for the immortal mind. Oh ! how soon, if faithful, shall we find ourselves upon those happy shores, disembodied, disenthralled, and holding converse with Christ, with angels, with our departed ones ! " Fleeting nature of earthly things. " While I write, the balmy air breathes upon me through the window which overlooks the garden, and B. is mowing the grass in the MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 65 adjoining lane. ' In the morning it flourisheth and groweth up, in the evening it is cut down and withereth.' How true of life ! Events long anticipated follow in quick suc- cession, and in the retrospect appear so trifling, as to excite our astonishment that we regarded them as so important. Some one has said that the reason of our disappointment in future worldly good, is, that our hearts are greater than the world, and cannot be filled with it; but that God is greater than our hearts, and has prepared joys, which, as they are incomprehensible, will never disappoint. I only wish that thoughts of rest in heaven might so affect me as to lead me to overlook all earthly trial and suffering." A thought in Broadway. " New York seems pleasant to me, and quite like home. In Broadway it seems as if people were hurrying to eternity, as fast as possible. Each one seems intent upon something, nobody can tell what, as though it were the last day of existence. And I hurry on, in the same apparently selfish manner." Occupation. "I was delighted to hear of your Sabbath evening efforts. Life seems worth just nothing, without some such occupation. What once appeared to me the acme of felicity, in anticipation, seems now like straws, scarce worth a thought." Effect of a revival. "A revival is a discriminating season. It shows who are for the Lord. It has been a profitable season to me ; I hope a re-conversion. Never did sin appear so heinous, and Christ so essential and precious. Yet, although sins, general and particular, have humbled me to the dust, I go not mourning I have a complete Saviour, and I can lift up my head with joy." Holiness in the church. "I am every day more im- pressed with the conviction that holiness in the church will do more for its prosperity than any thing else. We 66 MEMOIR OF look around and expect to see converts multiplied; but our own hearts must first be purified and our deportment rectified." Faith. " Let us cultivate faith ; it is the grace which the present state of the church requires. Have you seen some remarks of Dr. Griffin upon ' the prayer of faith ' ? the substance of which is this that believing prayer rests upon the general readiness of God to answer ; while that presumptive expectation of particular blessings, is nothing but hope resting upon the prayer of faith which we suppose ourselves to have offered. The first confides in the word of God, the last in our own efforts. I was pleased with them." Love. " Religion shines purer and brighter in the exercise of love, than in highly wrought experiences." A critical case. " You would think from 's conversation that she is a lively Christian. There is no point of religious experience or interest upon which she is not eloquent. And yet she loves the world dearly." Expenditures of Christian benevolence. "I am more than ever confirmed in my opinion that the amount which Christians bestow in charity should not be prescribed. Dr. Alexander, in his missionary sermon, says, ' Let every one follow the promptings of his own benevolent feelings, and " as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver." The temple of God was reared of old by free-will offerings, and the spiritual temple must now rise in the same way. They will be blessed indeed, to whom shall be granted such love to Christ and such benevo- lence to men that they will cheerfully offer, not merely a part, but the whole of what they possess, for the furtherance of the Redeemer's kingdom.' Doubtless many disapproved of the poor widow's bestowing her whole living, and we MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 67 know that Mary's costly sacrifice elicited blame. Surely, unless a new spirit pervade the church, benevolent opera- tions must cease, for many of them are greatly involved." Selfishness. "It is useful to go abroad occasionally; but if we fix our thoughts, habitually, upon the interests of Christ's kingdom, which are occupying the heavenly world, we cannot be ' selfish ; ' and for myself, I do not wish to be in any place where these are not the predom- inant subjects. Did you ever notice particularly, that in the Lord's prayer, the petitions relative to his kingdom are placed before our own individual wants 1 Would it not be profitable to follow this arrangement in our closet duties, and thus in our prayers ' seek first the kingdom of God ' 1 and possibly it might have an effect to weaken our attachment to the things of the world, and to our private interests." Denial of self. "It is a mistaken idea that self-denial for Christ can be practised without inconvenience, and without a consciousness, in the very act, that self-love is mortified. Yet I believe the difficulties of self-denial are more in anticipation, than in reality ; or rather that they are diminished, as we advance in the path ; like the staff which was presented to the 'pilgrim Good Intent,' when ascending the hill, the thorns of which, as soon as he had courage to grasp it, crushed beneath his hand. When once the Christian will permit the honor of God and the salvation of souls to take that place in his heart which his own interests have occupied, he will not be obliged to ask the question so frequently, ' How much shall I do for thee, my Saviour ? ' You will think this a favorite subject with me ; and I acknowledge it is, because the money now ' so necessarily ' employed for temporal good, is wanted to furnish the bread of life and robes of righteousness to immortal souls." 68 MEMOIR OF Simplicity and plainness. "It appears tome that now is the most favorable time for the church to fix the principle of simplicity and plainness, because the prevailing fashion in dress and furniture rather favors it. Our most genteel ladies now dress as the Methodists have been wont to do ; and I cannot but observe that God's children can now do for the fashion, what they could not be prevailed upon formerly to do for Christ. In throwing off the trammels of Satan, we must not wait till the whole church will consent to join us ; nor even until we can be perfectly consistent. In our most solemn moments, when eternal things seem most real, we must decide the question of duty, and then make a gradual, but sure inroad upon the dominion of pride. If Christians would deliberately weigh the motives which bind them to the imperfect standard of past years, they would find them to have no basis in the primitive Church of our Saviour. And although I would not encourage violent measures ; yet, if we are upon the confines of a new era, when moral and intellectual influence is to supersede that which is sensual, great and striking changes will be witnessed." Doubts. "I cannot say that, for several years, I have had any serious religious doubts, because my mind has been almost continually fixed upon the prosperity of Christ's kingdom. Still I am distrustful of my heart, and I might be placed in circumstances which would call forth unex- pected evidences of an unsanctified nature." Dress. "I do not approve of prescribing retrench- ments. It must be a free-will offering. The Tract on Dress was written by Mrs. , of New York, an ec- centric woman. There is danger of an envious temper mingling with other feelings. My own views have been drawn from a source which leads me to hope they are the fruit of the Spirit. It is a sense of eternal realities which has stamped vanity and vexation upon all these trifles ; and MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 69 upon them seems written in letters of blood, ' The price of souls.' " Troubles. "I have been thinking that every body has something to give trouble, either great or small some source of anxiety so that we may as well be satisfied, and reflect, ' if it were not this, it would be something else.' We are apt, too, to imagine that our evil is the most peculiar and trying. Now, it seems to me that no one has exactly the kind of solicitude which I feel for the poor Mohegans ; because, if present efforts fail, they will not be there, to experience benefit from any future ones. Yet many would doubtless exclaim, ' Dear me ! if I had nothing more than poor Indians to trouble me, I should be happy.' I know that if they did not weigh upon my mind as they do, I should be heart-sick about . I be- lieve Miss Hannah More or Mrs. Sherwood says, we have only to choose between evils, in this life. Trouble we must have, but we may sometimes take our choice of it." Dangers of the church. "I have lately thought much of the present dangers of the church. The accession of numbers is calculated to induce security ; and its activity, pride. Unless the standard of self-denial be raised, those who flock into it, from the ranks of the wealthy and the young, will cause the separating wall to be demolished. Let the days of Constantine be remembered. This is the first experiment which the church, as a body, ever made for the conversion of the world ; and it would not be strange if self-exaltation should make it necessary to purify and humble her through the fire. I only mention these reflections as occasion for prayer, not of discouragement. I wish that some minister would preach upon the present dangers of the church. Daniel, 4th chapter, 28 37 verses, would be a good text." Ministerial deportment. "A minister, if he preserves 70 MEMOIR OF his dignity, can hardly be too accessible. Sympathetic benevolence is the very essence of piety, and is all-power- ful in its influence. Who can withstand mercy and gen- tleness 1 " Writings of Jane Taylor. "I agree fully with Mrs. C. in regard to Jane Taylor's writings. She is so natural and simple. Have you seen ' Display,' a tale by her, which is truly experimental ? She does not give, like Mrs. Sher- wood, such importance to personal beauty, in her heroines. All Mrs. Sherwood's are conspicuous for that, while Miss Taylor attaches but little importance to it, and seldom gives a novelist's description of beauty. As young people attach so much value to it, to the neglect of other graces, I have admired the manner in which Miss Taylor treats the subject. Still I am a great admirer of Mrs. Sherwood." Quiet usefulness. "A well-regulated mind will never form plans which require the agitation of hurry in their execution. I am anxious to fill up life with usefulness, that God may be honored, and my fellow-creatures not be the worse for my existence; and by curtailing my own wants, in the pursuancg of a systematic plan, I try to avoid that bustling course which is so uncomfortable to surround- ing persons, and distracting to one's self. I know of no better preparation for life or for death. From the midst of usefulness, I wish to be called to the reward which is * of grace, not of debt.' " Spiritual trial. "When certain cords of my wayward heart are touched, I cannot easily check their vibrations; and no one is aware how much I have suffered from their continuance, in many a secret hour. But it was all right, my dear sister, that I should suffer \i lien you left. I knew that my heart had wandered fro,n the Creator to the creature, and I might have expec'ed that my punishment would be found in the very instrument in which I rested." MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 71 (jfossip. "Our winter has passed iu an even tenor, with but few family incidents to relate. I have lately increased my aversion to what may be called epistolary gossip ; for there are those residing here, who transport the most trivial circumstances, which are reechoed from distant places to ourselves. But I know that you have no relish for such entertainments." Sideboard ornaments. "I have taken pains to adorn the sideboard with flowers ornaments which the God of nature has provided to our hands, without expense or anxiety. I believe you will not think me visionary when J say that, in the Millennium, his works will be admired more than those- of art nor call it very improperly odd, if I try to turn our thoughts from the last, to the contempla- tion of his glorious works." Expensive churches. "I have been for some time decidedly of the opinion, that while Christ's last command remains unfulfilled, splendid churches are not an acceptable offering to him. The temple of Solomon has probably been a criterion, while it seems to have been forgotten that its magnificence was typical." Activity in duty as an antidote to affliction. "I very much fear, my dear , that you are exhausting the energies of your immortal soul in the retrospection of past sorrows and enjoyments. You will forgive my plain- ness, but I cannot forbear urging you to change the current of your thoughts, and seek, from the exercise of disinterested benevolence, that enjoyment which has been denied from other sources. I believe that I can in no way evince the sincerity of my affection so strongly, as by striving to with- draw you from the contemplation of the past, and to lead you to .resolve upon the cheerful, persevering, and soul- exalting service of Him, who has a perfect right to dispose 72 MEMOIR OF of all your concerns. Do not tempt him to take from you still other, and, it may be, dearer blessings than you have already forfeited. Our lot is not cast beneath the enervating influence of Italian skies, or the luxurious gales of Eastern climes ; but we are freeborn American women ; formed for higher pursuits and nobler purposes for the exercise of mental energy, vigor in action, and elevation of soul. Far be it from me to despise or lightly speak of the gentle graces and yielding affections of our sex ; but I do feel that no woman in this favored land need pine arid die for want of objects to interest and absorb the faculties of her soul. The precepts of our holy religion, drawn out in the daily practice of life, can make a heaven below; and how numerous are the streams of mercy, which we can augment, if we but throw our whole hearts into the service of Him, whose love surpasses all that earth has to bestow ! It is ungrateful, it is unsafe, to brood over the sorrows and disappointments of life, clinging to broken reeds and broken cisterns while the mind is left to lose its vigor, and be- come unfit for the plain, important, and every day duties of life. Think, , how brief is our temporal existence, and how short the season of service and of trial, to be rewarded by an eternity of perfect bliss ! Is our Saviour a hard Master, when he assures us that the greater our afflic- tions here, if sanctified, the more intense will be our joy hereafter ? Oh ! look into the Bible, and become imbued with its spirit, and you will be ashamed of the selfishness which concentrates your affections upon any thing merely earthly. Do not be displeased, my dear friend ; it is because I love you love your soul as an imperishable existence, destined to a far more exalted sphere than this niche of time, that I write thus plainly." Writing for the public. "In regard to writing for the public, I feel indisposed to it at present. I have come to the conclusion, that the world is so full of writers, my pen MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 73 is not needed. Perhaps my field is to labor and pray with my ' hands under ray wings.' Ezekiel i. 6." * Influence of commerce on morals. " The remarks which I made to you respecting commerce, I would not make to every one ; for I consider it very important that Christians should not expose themselves to the imputation of an un- sound judgment, from those who have no reflection; yet my opinion, however erroneous, still favors my own argu- ment. Uncle Trumbull, who dined with us on Saturday, says that the Parisian trade is a curse to our country, converting the costume of our ladies into the attire of profligates. He spoke very respectfully of Mr. , but said that he was doing injury by his business. This is the opinion of a man of the world, and evidently given without acrimony." Excitement. " The old-fashioned quietude of domestic life, in this region at least, seems much interrupted by the bustle and excitement of the present day. Do you not think that it is injurious to the character to live upon excitement? I think, if I had any superintendence of girls, I should strive to have it avoided in their education. It produces an artificial stimulus, which, sooner or later, must end in reaction, leaving the character tame and spirit- less. Fixed principles of action, having their foundation in truth, will animate the soul sufficiently, and give perma- nent cheerfulness, instead of being lost by effervescence. Excitement, however, is the order of the day, and I do not consider myself free from its injurious influence." Affectionate manners in ministers. *' How much min- isters and religious teachers gain by a tender style ! I * Notwithstanding this modest conclusion, Miss Huntington wrote a considerable number of interesting and valuable pieces, for the col- tunne of different religious journals. Fmith. 74 MEMOIR OF hope, dear brother, you will never withhold the pungent doctrines of the gospel ; but I do hope you will cultivate that affectionate solemnity which accomplishes much more than harshness. A minister preaches by his looks, his attitudes, and his tones, out of the pulpit and in it, as well as by what he says. Oh ! I do long to see love the promi- nent, all-pervading characteristic of every Christian." Obligations of the children of God. " There is no stopping-place for the churches; and we should rejoice in this. How indolent we are, how ungrateful, that we are not willing to serve our Master during a short life, when we hope to enjoy him forever ! I was thinking, this morning, that I have commenced an eternal existence, to be consum- mated in heaven, and that every moment of life has an influence upon that existence beyond the vail. Oh for a constant sense of duty and obligation. These fluctuating natures bring us into bondage." Pure and undefiled religion. "I have recently thought much of the words 'Pure and undefiled religion, before God and the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' In the more public, benevolent labors, there is room for much that may mar the purity of religion ; and though we should give all our goods to feed those who are temporally and spiritually destitute, it would not satisfy our Maker, or our own consciences, in that ' honest hour,' except the humble and gentle virtues predominate. In looking back upon my own life, and observing, also, the minuter shades of character in others, who have much zeal, I see a great deal which cannot be called ' pure and unde- filed ; ' which is not charity in its legitimate sense. I know there are many who err in withholding themselves from active effort ; and I would not for worlds throw an obstacle in their way, to keep them back from duty. But I think those who are constitutionally, and from principle too, inclined to go MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 75 forward in public acts, should be careful to maintain a close walk with God, since nothing can be a substitute for this. ' These things we should do, and not leave the other un- done.' These thoughts have dwelt upon my mind with so much force, in reference to myself particularly, that I was constrained to inscribe them here, although you may per- haps say, they are not very new. They are old, indeed, as the word of God." Family self-complacency. "If the numerous ' Hunting- tons ' are useful in their generation, it is of little conse- quence whether they are conspicuous. The applause of the world is but a breath, and valueless on many accounts. In the first place, the standard is very imperfect; adulation, also, is often insincere, and our vanity attaches even more to what is said than was meant." Delight in the scenes of spring. "You doubtless par- take with us in the peculiar beauties of nature at this season. Every tree, capable of blossoming, is robed in luxuriant dress, and bespeaks the boundless benevolence of our God. What heart can fail to respond to the voice of nature 1 " Christian disinterestedness, contrasted with the spirit of the world. "I find that my wants are few, and the world appears very trifling. ' A hoarding spirit ' you cannot detest, my dear brother, more than myself; and I have reason to believe, that it is the farthest possible from my nature. I am naturally profuse, and I never coveted wealth. But I find that I can do for Christ, and for our dear father, what no other motives could induce. When I think of my perishing fellow-men and that is almost every mo- ment I consider no sacrifice too great to save them. I feel willing ' to be sacrificed to the world, and to have the world sacrificed to me.' To ' think of things lovely, honest, (or beautiful,) and of good report,' is perfectly consistent with entire simplicity of character and habits. If we take 76 MEMOIR OF the whole of our Saviour's doctrine, we shall find that much greater separation from the world, and distinctness of prac- tice, are requisite in his disciples. The shades of difference between them and the world are too faint, too blended, to hasten the millennial day. Against our trifling gratifica- tions, and multiplied personal wants, pride, vanity, and love of things temporal, we must throw into the scale the ever- lasting destiny of numerous immortal souls ; and if we can contemplate the balance unmoved, we have strong reason to doubt the reality of our love to God." On the day of annual fast and prayer for colleges. (February, 1832.*) " I have been meditating on the prob- able aspect which the several colleges of our country pre- sent, this evening. I have imagined myself passing from room to room among the hundreds who are congregated within their walls, or listening to the secret breathings of some fervent spirit for his unregenerate room-mate. I have imagined, too, that these pious intercessors, feeling them- selves sustained by the united efforts of individuals and churches, throughout the land, redouble their earnest entrea- ties, and in the exercise of invigorated faith, already behold the fulfilment of their wishes. Yet my imagination stops not here. In some of these institutions, I see a few, who but yes- terday, perhaps, were reckless of the future, now exhibiting an uneasiness which they can scarcely define, yet indicating that the Spirit of God, this day invoked, has touched their hearts. I have indulged the thought, too, that possibly there will be, upon an average, one conversion at least, to every individual who has cheerfully and conscientiously devoted this day to its appropriate duties. Precious reward ! *' In addition to the prominent subjects of prayer the immediate descent of the Holy Spirit three important con- siderations have dwelt upon my mind, as affording ground * An extract from an article which Miss H. wrote for the ' Religious Messenger.' MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 77 for humiliation and fasting. The first of these is, the neglect of the Bible as a Class book, in the majority of our colleges. The second, is the misimprovement of those superior advan- tages by many who enjoy them, while others are panting to possess them; and the third, the diversity of theological opinions which divide and weaken the strength of the true Israel of God. * * * Above all, let us not forget to im- plore the teaching and peaceful influences of the Spirit, to enable those who control these institutions to see eye to eye, in reference to the truth which is communicated through the volume of inspiration. There certainly must be one simple meaning conveyed by unerring Wisdom in his revelation to fallen man. That meaning he will disclose, if it be sought with an upright mind. In consequence of such diversity of sentiment, infidelity finds a ready apology in the minds of unregenerate youth, forgetting, as they do, that to his own master, every intelligent being must stand or fall. Christian brethren and sisters ! with the close of this day, our respon- sibilities towards the objects of our devotion do not terminate, but are greatly heightened. Let us receive a fresh impulse from the return of this anniversary, and, at least one day in each week, carry to our closets the varied and extensive wants of our literary institutions." CHAPTER IV. JOURNEYS DECEASE OF FRIENDS SYMPATHY WITH MOURNERS. Miss HUNTINGTON'S journeys were confined principally to such as were necessary in visiting her relatives and acquaint- ance ; were therefore generally short, and furnished few in- cidents which would be of special interest in a memoir. A few will be noticed in the present chapter, as showing how she was accustomed to mingle in general society. Some- thing is also to be learned of the taste and mental habits, by observing how an individual appears abroad, and in inter- course with intelligent and respectable strangers. And of the strength of religious character, there is probably no surer evidence than this, that it " cannot be hid," even amidst the comoanies and throngs into which the Christian is thrown, while travelling. The following are brief passages relative to a journey into Massachusetts, in which she visited Andover, at one of those anniversary seasons, when so many distinguished Christians are customarily assembled. In the course of this journey, also, she visited Boston, and the house where she spent some of her " school-girl days." " We passed Stafford Springs, and stopped a moment at the boarding-house. My thoughts flew back to the time when my beloved mother, with fond solicitude, carried me to those waters. I was but three years old at the last visit; and I sorrowed to think how much of that pride of heart still remained with me, which, at that tender age, subjected me to the appellation of ' Madame Buonaparte,' from a lady whom I saw there." 78 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 79 " ANDOVZR. " The moon is shedding her mild and peaceful beams upon me as I write. How delightfully Andover Hill appears at this moment ! I imagine you and your sweet babes, calmly reposing upon your pillows. May guardian angels attend you, for ' so he giveth his beloved sleep.' Good night, dear sister. When the toils and solicitudes of life are over, may we be prepared to meet in those ' sweet fields beyond the swelling flood,' which ' stand dressed in living green.' " " The events of Anniversary week were too interesting to affect me indifferently; and the intervals of ease with which I was favored, enabled me to appreciate the oppor- tunities afforded me for an acquaintance with many persons of whom I have often heard." "NORWICH, Nov. 7. " My visit in Boston forcibly impressed me with the mutability of earthly things, what changes nine years have produced ! The voice of strangers resounded in the apartments once occupied by those whom we loved and honored. I said, ' Where are they 1 ' and Echo answered, Where are they 1 ' The laughing and joyous school-mate had become the woman and the mother. Time is a faithful laborer, and a monitor to the most thoughtless. To the Christian, however, its flight is cheering. ' 'Twill waft us sooner o'er This life's tempestuous sea.' "I was absent six weeks, and met a most hearty wel- come. Father is unwilling to spare me for any thing but to go and see you. My late visit furnishes me matter for much pleasant and solid reflection. I rejoice that I was permitted to make it. Have you seen an account of Dr. Payson's last moments, with the letter which he wrote to his sister? Oh! that his death may be sanctified to the 80 MEMOIR OF church. His ' last end ' might be that of every Christian, if preceded by such a life. My thoughts never dwelt so much upon any similar event. The church is one ; may her strength and beauty be enhanced, rather than diminished, by this pruning of her branches." A sketch of a journey which she took with her second brother into Maine, and thence to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is given in the subjoined letter. "NORWICH, JULY 26. " My dear Sister : After we had given you the last look of affectionate adieu, and turned from your peaceful dwell- ing, my heart and eyes overflowed with tender emotions, and for some minutes we pursued our way in silence. I told Edward I could not talk immediately, and whenever my imagination pictured the little group at Wiscasset, I felt a weight at my heart. We reached Brunswick just before one, and proceeded to President Allen's. We dined, visited the colleges, took tea, and left at seven, with a very pleasant impression of Brunswick. We reached Portland about eleven, passed a comfortable night, and found ourselves in the stage at five the next morning, with a party from Boston. We became exceedingly attached to them; they were our companions eight days. Having occupied the stage-coaches almost exclusively for so long a time ascended Mounts Washington and Holyoke together and formed a majority at the social board three times a day for more than a week our intercourse bore the character of endeared friendship, and we could not intrench ourselves in indifference. I cannot but indulge the belief that our journey is to result in the salvation of some soul. " I early discovered to them my own religious views, and had free conversations with some of the company. "The first night after leaving Portland was spent at Conway. The next day our ride was one of intense in- terest. I rode upon the outside of the stage-coach, which MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 81 is much practised by ladies on that magnificent route. For a long time before we reached them, the mountains of New Hampshire appeared in the blue distance, to our admiring gaze ; but when we were actually among them, it was truly a scene of peculiar interest. The drivers, who are familiar with every object, instead of hurrying us along, gave us every opportunity to view the scenery; and we rode or walked, just as it suited us. At the Willey House we all left the coach, and examined the melancholy spot, rendered desolate by the direct agency of Heaven. The affecting events connected with it were deeply impressed upon my imagination, by viewing the interior of the desolated man- sion, and the course of the destructive avalanches, which swept a family into eternity. Again, we walked through the celebrated Notch. " The scenery of the White Hills, my dear sister, sur- passes description : to be realized, it must be seen. You may try to imagine the effect produced by wending one's way around lofty ridges, which appear impassable before you reach them, until you find yourself within an amphi- theatre of mountains, more bold and towering than any you ever saw. " But few ladies have ever reached the summit of the highest land in North America, east of the Rocky Moun- tains. Yet, as I remarked to one of the gentlemen, I had not resolved to attempt it from ambitious motives. I wished to see the wonderful works of God, and I should undertake it, looking to Him for support and protection. The top of the mountain is nine and a half miles from Crawford's, five of which are accomplished by riding, and the 1 remainder on foot. We set out, half of the party in a wagon, and the other on horses. I was the only female equestrian. When we dismounted, we were each furnished with a long palmer-staff; and with our two guides, father and son, making twelve in all, we commenced our ascent in ' o * Indian file, presenting a scene for an artist's pencil. But oh, the toilsomeness of the ascent ! I thought I had exerted 4* 82 MEMOIR OF myself before ; but every former effort dwindled to a point, in comparison. We crossed the Amonoosuck seven times, which rises from the Lake of the Clouds, high upon the range, and empties into the Connecticut. The Saco rises within a few yards of the same, and empties into the Atlantic. This we crossed twenty times, before reaching the mountains. Our guide frequently regaled us with water fresh from the fountain ; and after reaching a recess in the rocks, called 'the kitchen,! we took our lunch. The wind began to blow violently, and a portion of our party concluded to remain behind, with one of the guides. I exchanged my hat for a calash, with one of the ladies, and proceeded. Our path now lay over shelving, pre- cipitous, and broken rocks, which appeared to form an almost perpendicular ascent, and the summit seemed to fly from our approach. At length we completed the arduous attempt, and we found ourselves surrounded by 'a sea of mountains,' an illimitable extent of undulating surface, with no definiteness of prospect, but mountain- billows of mountains. I could have staid there many days ; but there is no shelter ; the wind blew violently, and the clouds soon threatened to envelop us. I remained but five minutes, while others, who reached the summit sooner, were there fifteen. The grandeur of the view surpasses description. I had not time to collect my thoughts, but I felt like a pygmy. We returned to Crawford's in just twelve hours from our departure ; more than eleven of which were spent in climbing. Before we left Crawford's, his two little girls repeated to me a hymn, which I had given them to learn. We dined the next day at Haverhill, and spent the Sabbath at Hanover. President Allen had furnished us with letters of introduction, of which we made no use until after Sabbath, when we called at Dr. Muzzy's. 1 had anticipated an unpleasant Sabbath; but from some cause, every one in the house seemed to be under restraint. There was no loud talking or jesting. Edward and I de- termined to set an example, and spent most of the time in MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 83 our rooms. We went to meeting all day, and so did each of the party. We had received an addition to our number of a wealthy Episcopal family from New York, who were polite, serious, affable people, and with our Unitarian friends, heard two sermons from Mr. Page, on the day of grace being past ; and on the sovereignty of God ; bona fide Calvinism. " Dr. M. called in the morning, and we took a hasty view of the colleges. My associations with the Mohegans rendered it doubly interesting. With old Dr. Wheelock, and Earl Dartmouth, whose portraits adorn the walls, I felt a strong sympathy, because they loved the Indians. " Monday noon found us at Brattleborough ; and Tuesday noon, at Northampton ; and the afternoon, on the summit of Mt. Holyoke. Here, after a trifling effort, we spent an hour or two most delightfully ; and the view, oh ! it is exquisite ; more beautiful than Mt. Washington. In a clear atmosphere, thirty steeples may be counted. I can describe it in no way so forcibly, as by a family of villages, with the beautiful Connecticut sweeping gracefully among them. I do not believe the whole earth presents a lovelier scene. ****** " The hour of parting came. All our life and buoyancy were fled. We had been silent for nearly an hour. Our Boston party were to leave for home at 2 o'clock the next morning. My heart was full, and I was obliged to retire, and give vent to my feelings. I awoke when they left, and heard the last rumbling of the carriage wheels as they died upon my ear. We should probably meet no more until the last great day ! This intercourse of entire strangers for eight successive days, had not been in vain ! It was a link in the chain of events, that eternity would disclose in its relations. ****** ' Northampton is a delightful spot. Amherst and Hadley we could only see at a distance. The New York party 84 MEMOIR OF accompanied us to Springfield, where we visited the Ar- mory, on Wednesday afternoon." The following letter to one of the ladies of the party in the excursion to the White Mountains, gives her account of the conclusion of the journey ; and exhibits the strength and liveliness of Miss Huntington's interest, as a Christian, in the spiritual welfare of her travelling acquaintances. It also shows how entirely practicable it is, to unite the utmost fidelity in presenting religious truth and duty, with the most perfect delicacy and propriety. "NORWICH, SEPT. 7. "My dear Mrs. A.: You will perhaps be surprised to receive a letter from me, as I made no promise to that ef- fect when we parted ; but I am very desirous to hear from you, and begin to fear I shall not have this pleasure, unless I bring you in debt. After my return home, I accidentally heard of you at Saratoga, by some Norwich friends who were there, but did not see you. From this circumstance, I have been led to fear that your son was more unwell, making it necessary for you to set out immediately upon another journey. Will you not permit me to hear from you very soon, with particulars of your recent tour, of your son's health, and of all which you think I should be gratified to know. By a letter from Mr. W. to brother, written the day after his arrival in Boston, we were in- formed of your progress after our separation at Northamp- ton. I awoke at 2 o'clock, and heard the familiar sounds which accompany the departure of passengers ; and waa just forming the resolution that I would rise, wrap myself in a cloak, and seat myself at our parlor window, that, unobserved, I might witness your exit ; when I heard the rumbling of the carriage, as it moved from the door. The darkness and solitude of night did not diminish the des- olate feeling which stole over me, as the last sounds of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 85 the stage-coach died upon my ear, and I thought we should never all meet on earth. The next morning all things looked cheerless and forsaken, and we were not sorry to hear the signal for our own departure, which took place at 10 o'clock. " We reached Springfield at noon, where, to our regret, we learned that no stage left for Norwich until Friday. We visited the Armory that afternoon, and the next morn- inor took an extra for ' Home, sweet Home ' to me the O * dearest spot on earth ! My father's house possesses a charm with which my imagination could never invest any other place. You may easily believe we found a most cordial welcome ; particularly from my mother, of whose loss of sight you heard me speak. After we became settled in the quiet of home-born pleasures, and I began to reflect seriously upon the events of our mountain excursion, I felt assured that an overruling Providence had exerted some special agency in them. It could not be a mere accident, that we were drawn together for so many days, once entire strangers, but now endeared friends. For myself, possessed of naturally strong affections, I may say that I shall ever retain a lively recollection of those interesting scenes ; and that among the friends of my fleeting years, those of White Mountain memory will hold an important place. Eternity will develop all the features of that interesting jour- ney, and their influence upon the future destiny of each. " I am aware, my dear madam, that our views upon an important subject are dissimilar ; and perhaps you will deem it strange that I touch upon it; yet I cannot hesitate, for my principles and feelings always impel me to remind my friends those whom I especially love that we are fel- low-travellers to a region of more intense interest than any earthly spot can boast. How often, during our rides, did I cherish the ardent wish, that we might all be prepared to meet, where separation is unknown ! And excuse me if I add, that the prayer has unceasingly risen, that the same Almighty Saviour, upon whom all my hopes rest, may he 86 MEMOIR OF the chosen portion of each of my companions. If it is idola- try * to exalt to the throne of my heart this great ' High Priest of my profession,' yet I fear not to appear with these prin- ciples before the tribunal of Jehovah. Since God has ap- parently owned the efforts of that portion of professing Christians who maintain these views, is it not safe, my dear friend, to make it a subject of earnest prayer, that, if the natural character be so utterly destitute of merit as to require a divine expiation for sin, we may be enabled fully to believe in so essential a truth ? This religion is one eminently calculated, in its very nature, to produce a peace of mind wholly independent of earthly joys. Yea, it be- comes more vigorous, as sublunary pleasures disappoint, and lose their influence. When the idols of this world are snatched from our hearts, they become more purified for the residence of Immanuel, through the 'Comforter' which he promised at his ascension. " I will not apologize, my dear madam, for this intro- duction of a subject which holds the first place in my thoughts ; for the recollection of your amiable deportment forbids me to cherish the apprehension,-, that you will be displeased. " One word I must indulge myself in adding, to my young friend B. a hope that he will join that immense company of youthful soldiers, who are now enlisting under the banner of the Great Captain. In casting my eye over a Boston paper, I noticed his name among the recipients of prizes at the High School, which, but for our journey together, would have been overlooked or unheeded. " And now I must say adieu ! with the request that I may soon hear from you a favor to which I think I may lay claim. Your excellent husband I shall always remember ; to whom, with your son, present my kind regards ; also to * ' If by some it be accounted idolatry,' is the meaning of Miss Huntington, doubtless. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 87 any of our friends whom you may see. Accept the as- surance of the respect and love of yours, &,c." The decease of one of the party, nearly at the date of the preceding letter, is thus noticed, in writing to her sister : " NORWICH, SEPT. 19. "Mr. 'P., one of our associates at Mt. Washington, cf whom I wrote, is no more ! He died with fever a week or two since. I cannot realize it. He was only twenty-four years of age; and his wife twenty-two. I had just written to them on the subject of religion, which letter did not reach them till after his death. The prominent idea upon which I insisted was the shortness of time ! " In a letter written at one point of another journey, ap- pears her love for beautiful and sublime scenery. " BEHNINGTON, VT., OCT. 22. " 1 have enjoyed my visit very much. The mountain breezes are very salubrious. The beauty of the scenery exceeds any thing of the kind which I ever saw. The autumn tints of the foliage are much richer and more variegated than with us; and as the lofty mountains are covered to the summit, they present the appearance of im- mense flower gardens ; rendered more striking by dark spots of evergreen alternately presenting themselves. One of the highest of these mountains, called Mount Anthony, rises not far from Mr. H.'s residence, containing a marble quarry, and a cave of some celebrity, the interior of which I should visit at a more favorable season. We have thought a great deal of C., our old domestic, who was taken prisoner here, in the revolutionary war. He was among the party of Hessians who were bought by the British for ' six pound ten.' We have seen and handled Col. Baum's sword, which was taken from his wounded person at ' the battle of Ben- nington,' and of which C. had so much to relate." 88 MEMOIR OF Of an excursion to New York she thus writes : "MARCH 21. " Notwithstanding a strong head-wind, there was scarce any sickness on board the boat. I spent most of the day on deck, inhaling the free sea-breeze. Our passengers were agreeable. Among them was Mrs. , mourning for the loss of the infant whose birth was so splendidly commemorated. She is a pretty woman, simple in her manners ; but, alas ! that relief from sorrow should be sought in the perusal of a novel ! As we sat around the stove at midnight, in the ladies' cabin, I had a favorable opportunity to say a few words in behalf of the rationality of true religion ; and especially of its support in trial." In connection with the foregoing extract, as indicating her views of the true sources of consolation in affliction, and her habits of thought respecting the bereavements of Providence; it may be proper to add a few extracts from Miss Huntington's letters on the death of friends. On hearing, during her absence from home, of the death of that most intimate of her friends, whom, as has been already remarked, she regarded as having been the instru- ment of her conversion, she thus writes : "By letters from home last evening, my dear cousin, the intelligence of your recent affliction reached me. I am left alone to-day, and my thoughts refuse every subject of contemplation, but what relates to my dear Eliza and her lovely infant. To relieve my feelings, I have taken my pen ; and I presume no apology is necessary for this expression of my sympathy for you. I imagine you sitting lonely and disconsolate, no less grieved, than if the dear child had been your own. How your heart must bleed ! I could weep with you. While your thoughts are fixed on earth, all things present must appear dark and cheerless. But if you raise the eye of faith to a purer scene, how lovely is the prospect ! Behold the angelic mother, striking anew her harp of praise, while she hails MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 89 her sweet offspring ' born again above.' Their melodious voices unite in the song of redeeming love. " If we contrast the heavenly state of these dear departed ones with their earthly career, even had they been spared for the highest temporal happiness, we must rejoice in their release*. The mother, contending with the depravity of her own heart, would often have mourned over the alienation of her child from God ; and like others, struggling with sin and disappointment, would have found life at best but a weary pilgrimage. The dear infant, too, must have followed the same beaten path, and discovered that all is vanity. True, we should be cheered by their existence; our path might be brightened by their presence ; but 'tis only selfish- ness that would have retained them here, or would recall them now. Whenever I think of Eliza with natural feelings only, I experience deep regret that God has taken her ; but I strive to check such thoughts, and to rejoice for her. " I think of you, and pray for you, and I hope that you find in your trial a peaceful resting-place in God. It is in affliction that the Christian may most glorify his Saviour before the world. Perhaps at this time you may be the means of impressing upon some individual the importance and reality of true faith. " I could easily fill my paper, but your Bible will furnish you more profitable reading. To that and the riches of God's grace I commend you." Of another, who, not many months before her decease, had entered upon the Christian life, she writes "I heard from Chester respecting Fayette's death. I rejoice to hear of her peaceful exit, and delight to anticipate a meeting in heaven. I have desired so much to become a disembodied spirit, and my thoughts have dwelt so much upon the invisi- ble world, of late, that I cannot but rejoice for those who forsake their clay. But now I wish to live for the sake of others." 90 MEMOIR OF Shortly after the decease of her grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Lanman, she thus writes : " Grandmamma's sickness and death made demands upon my time, which were cheerfully met, as I esteem it an honor to have contributed any por- tion of labor to the comfort and memory of one so highly honored of God. It was a privilege to be with her the last day of her life, and to behold her peaceful exit. She used often in health to express much solicitude respecting the externals of her death ; and in this respect, as well as in more important things, God was very gracious. She died while lying in a natural posture upon her side, and closed her own eyes ; softly breathing her last, like an infant. Her remains, too, were lovely ; and the sweet smile upon her features seemed an earnest of her angelic rest in heaven. She was a shining light. May we be enabled to honor her memory by a regard to those principles which were the ornament of her life." The subjoined extracts relate to the decease and charac- ter of the Rev. Alfred Mitchell, her much esteemed pastor : " Your friend and brother, and our beloved minister, has gone to the world of spirits, to join the Master whom he has served so faithfully. While I write it, I can hardly believe what my pen records. And yet it is really so. About 5 P. M., yesterday, the conflict ceased ; and I trust he has found a joyful welcome in the regions of blessedness. " I have felt very tenderly at the departure of my spiritual father. I have grown up under his ministry, and have often fed upon the truth which he has delivered. I shall rejoice to meet him in heaven. My last interview with him was very endearing and gratifying." She partook deeply in the sensation felt throughout the churches of New England, at the death of the Rev. Mr. Cornelius. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 9J " NORWICH, FEB. 14. " Before this arrives, you will probably hear of the sudden death of our dear Mr. Cornelius ; an event which occasions us many tender recollections casts a shade over many pleasant associations and more than all, makes a wide breach in the church of Christ. Dear Mrs. Cornelius, how does she support it ! ' One there is, above all others, Well deserves the name of Friend,' and he can, and will, I trust, sustain her. 'Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein is he to be accounted of? ' It is sweet to realize, that God is an infi- nitely wise and benevolent Sovereign; and although he gives no account of his designs to us, faith assures us of the perfection of his government. Why do we ever dis- trust that love which has clothed divinity in humanity, and furnished us a perpetual High Priest in heaven ? There stands our Representative, the Surety for our everlasting welfare ; and as long as He there remains, we know, for a certainty, that all things will work together for good, to his adopted ones." She subsequently visited Mrs. Cornelius in New York, and thus describes her feelings : " My visit was one of tender interest, and it has left a pensive impression upon my mind. There is something sublime and heavenly in the sorrow of an enlightened but chastened Christian. In con- versing with such a one you seem to have stepped out of the usual ferment of human scenes, to hold communion with elevated and invisible realities." " As we passed through the hall to the street door, I said, ' Your house is a pleasant one.' She replied, 'It is a sacred spot to me. Here I have witnessed precious scenes, my husband ripened fast for heaven during the few months we were here together.' I went to see her three times. She told me much that was interesting of her dear husband, and 92 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. permitted me to peruse some letters respecting him from Boston and Hartford. I went around the house with her, and saw his study, desk, books, &c., just as he left them. It was like communing with the invisible world." In a note to a mother, recently deprived of a beloved child by death, she thus writes : " NEW YORK, APRIL 18. " Dear Mrs. Williams : Since hearing of the deep affliction with which you have been visited, my sympathy has been frequently excited towards you, and I feel con- strained to express the same with my pen. I know, from sad, yet sweet experience, that it is some alleviation of our grief to find that our sorrows are shared by others, although the only true and permanent consolation can be derived from Christ Jesus. I trust we both can testify how precious his friendship is at such an hour of anguish. Never, till the departure of my dear brother, did I know how to feel for the afflicted. Now I can enter into the sanctuary of their grief, and my heart seems to vibrate in unison with every chord of theirs. I know that the tie which binds a mother to her child is peculiar, and can be realized only by those who sustain this relation; yet the kind of maternal watchfulness which I had been called to exercise towards that brother, greatly increased the strength of my regard, and added to the poignancy of my sorrow." Thus did Miss Huntington improve the departures of those whom she knew or loved, for the quickening of her own spirit, and in sending forward her thoughts, aided her own preparation to enter upon the scenes of eternity. CHAPTER V. INTEREST IN REVIVALS OP RELIGION IN BENEVOLENT OPERATIONS IN THE CONVERSION OF DISTANT RELA- TIVES AND ACQUAINTANCES. Miss HUNTINGTON, after her conversion, was solicitous for the prosperity of religion in her native place, and with the enlargement of heart which marks the devoted Christian, she rejoiced in revivals of religion wherever they occurred. Her anxiety respecting its prosperity in Norwich was frequent, when there was not a revival in actual progress. When such seasons did occur, they were to her times of intense interest of lively anxiety but also of solemn and elevated joy. To her sister, who visited Norwich after an extraordinary descent of the Holy Spirit, she said, " How trifling these ornamented parlors and drawing-rooms have appeared to me of late ! " It should not be represented that after Miss Huntington's entrance upon a religious life, she was entirely free from the temptations of the world. In com- mon with others she experienced seasons of declension. But she felt, in an uncommon degree, the effect of the extra- ordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit enjoyed by the church in 1S31 ; and ever after that period she seemed to have received a new and powerful impulse in the divine life. She prayed much for the blessings of the Spirit on those around her ; encouraged others to do the same ; watched for answers to prayer, and for the first evidences of divine influence on the hearts of Christians and the unconverted ; interested herself in the cases of the thoughtless and care- less, as well as of awakened and converted persons; and entered into the " joy of the angels of God in heaven, over 93 94 MEMOIR OF one sinner that repenteth," with a liveliness of gratitude rarely surpassed. Her letters to her friends abounded in details of the interesting scenes and events passing ; and indicated that she was a rich sharer in the spiritual benefit of such seasons. The same devoted piety which inclined her to pray for the influences of the Holy Spirit in revivals of religion, also led her to take a steady and fervent interest in the advancement of the kingdom of Christ every where. The seasons of concert in prayer among Christians, for mis- sions, Sabbath schools, revivals in colleges, and other spe- cific objects, on which in late years Christians have been " agreed together," always received her careful observance. In promoting all the great systems of Christian benevolence in operation for spreading the gospel in our dark and ruined world, she bore an active, and often a leading part with her Christian friends. No one entered with more liveliness into the spirit of the anniversaries of the various benevolent associations, or felt higher satisfaction at the evidences of their increasing prosperity. She also engaged with others in efforts for the spiritual good of places in the region of Norwich, destitute of religious privileges, and was active among her Christian associates in raising the means for furnishing the destitute. She was for some time engaged with several of her friends in a " Charity Warehouse," where were sold various articles, and to which she devoted some of the products of her skill in painting and drawing. The profits of this were devoted to some of the benevolent objects of the day. Respecting this enterprise, she had afterwards, however, some scruples. She said to a friend that she had given up the Warehouse, in which were sold sweetmeats, &c., for she could not consistently teach her Sabbath scholars self-denial, while she was instrumental in furnishing temptations to self-indulgence. She also was concerned, with ladies of the church to which she belonged, in fitting up a " Missionary Room," where they used to meet for prayer and labors of benevolence. There was a MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 95 ceaseless, untiring spirit of love to souls and to the kingdom of her Lord and Redeemer, in her heart, united with ingenuity in devising, and enterprise in executing benevo- lent plans, which seemed to bear her onward from day to day and from year to year; making efforts herself, and endeavoring to enlist the hearts and the hands of her friends around her. Her spirit is well illustrated in the following sentences in one of her letters: "What a blessed work, to be the messenger of glad tidings to a guilty world ! I have more than once, of late, wished myself a young minister. The triumphs of divine grace, and the presages of millennial glory, sometimes induce such overpowering im- pulses in my soul, that I want to burst the confines of my sex, and go forth a public ambassador for Christ. To check such feelings, which should not be deliberately indulged, requires an effort." She deeply felt whatever embarrassed, or was liable to bring into reproach the efforts of Christian benevolence, as her remarks on an agent indicate : " Mr. C. pleased us, but he was injudicious, Monday evening, in pronouncing a wo upon those whose motives in giving were not purely Chris- tian. Mr. G. had just spoken in favor of the object ; and as usual with him, acknowledged his deficiency, in one particular ; and though Mr. C. meant well, his denunciation was ill-timed and prejudicial to his object. If I had time and room, I would explain more fully. ' Be ye wise as ser- pents, and harmless as doves.' I have thought much, of late, upon the importance of the exhibition of tenderness and affection, by Christians and ministers. If we can draw the hearts of people towards us, we increase our influence. ' God is love.' Severity and harshness are carnal weapons. A recollection of our own native obstinacy and rebellion, is calculated to make us merciful to others." Miss Huntington entered with much spirit into the con- dition and necessities of the Greeks, as appears from the 96 MEMOIR OF following account of efforts in Norwich on their behalf: " Should my letter be, in any respect, a la Grec, you must not be surprised ; for ' know you hereby,' that for the past week, rny fingers have been almost constantly employed in the service of Peloponnesian damsels. The new Masonic Hall has presented a scene upon which you would have liked to take a peep, and would probably have done so, had you been here. One hundred and fifty females were collected on one day, and groups of various numbers and appearance have presented themselves there on other days. The work is now nearly completed, and a generous donation will be made from Norwich." The sentiments of the following paragraph, in relation to charity funds, will probably be appreciated as just : " Do you not think that it is more consistent with the spirit of the gospel to trust, from year to year, in Him who has all in his hands 1 Is it not conforming to worldly princi- ples, to accumulate large funds? I do not assert, but only propose a query. When we speak to people respecting the embarrassments of the society, they reply, ' Why do they not use the money which they have? And when that is gone, we will furnish more.' And these are not opposers, but hearty friends. There is no doubt that a spirit of benevo- lence will increase; and as Christians become more separate from the world, every succeeding year will furnish sufficient for its exigences." One great object in the arrangement of her expenditures seemed to be to appropriate the greatest amount of her income to the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. She was frugal and simple in her apparel, with an eye to greater ability to give liberally, and was generous in her donations. The little income which she received from a small legacy, was, at times, if not invariably, devoted to religious chari- ties ; and some silver plate, which came to her from the estate of her grandfather Huntington, was devoted to such MRS. SARAH L,. SMITH. 97 objects. In these and other ways, was nurtured that strength of moral feeling and self-government, which en- abled her to forsake many of the dearest earthly objects, that she might carry the knowledge of her Saviour to the degraded daughters of Syria. One of her plans to obtain means for doing good, appears in the following extract from a letter to her sister : "I intend, when you are located again, to seek some opening, where, if I do not go to the West, I may obtain a smajl school, and give every dollar to the cause of benevolence. I must, do something. Mary brought ' a costly offering' to the Saviour's feet, in token of her gratitude. I long to show my love and gratitude ; and I see not how I can be exempted from labor, with health, youthful vigor, and freedom from domestic ties. Pray for me, that God will open a door of usefulness. We are trying to excite to some systematic effort, for our destitute regions." The subjoined statement is derived from the superin- tendent of the Sabbath school connected with the First Congregational church in Norwich. " Miss Huntington was always a teacher in the school, when in town, (except about eight months,) till she engaged in the Mohegan enterprise. Then her absence was felt and lamented by all ; her advice and efficiency were of such essential service to the school. Having accomplished her object at Mohegan, in providing the Indians with a teacher for both the Sabbath and the week, she came the next Lord's day into the Sabbath school again, and expressed a willingness to take a class, if there were one for her. She had been in the room but a few minutes, when the superintendent received a note signed by five young ladies, expressing a wish to join the school, if they could have a teacher. He considered the occurrence providential, and proposed to her to take them as her class. She shrunk from it, at first, through a feeling of incompetency ; but Smith. 5 98 MEMOIR OF the next day accepted the proposal. The class soon in- creased to a dozen. Not one of them, at the beginning, was a professor of religion. She met them every Wednes- day for personal conversation and prayer. All were at length, one after another, converted, except one. To this one, on the eve of her marriage, she testified her affection in a parting note." "SiBBATH EVE, MARCH 11. " I was not aware, my dear Sarah, until to-day, that the important event you are anticipating was so near at hand. I must now, I suppose, relinquish the enjoyment of your presence and aid, in my pleasant class of Bible learners. I resign you to other duties, cares, and pleasures. I cannot, however, do this without tender emotions. Your deport- ment has been such as to win my regard, while I have been deeply solicitous for your immortal welfare. " For your friend I have a high respect ; and I anticipate for you mutual and substantial happiness so far as human means can operate. " And is it so that our intercourse has thus ceased for- ever? It has not been accidental; you, I believe, were a principal agent in the formation of the class. Its interests are linked with eternity. Our ranks are at length broken, and other changes will probably follow. Life, with all that belongs to it, will soon be gone. Dear Sarah, do not any longer remain upon neutral ground ; the Saviour is worthy of all your heart, and heaven worth the greatest sacrifice you can make. " Accept the warm expression of my love and best wishes for you and yours. Our class meet at Mrs. Chester's next Sabbath evening, at my request. Should you be able to attend, it would afford pleasure to all, and give particular satisfaction to your true friend." A letter to one who had been a scholar in her Sabbath school class, residing in another State, shows the interest MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 99 she felt in all who had been under her instruction : " We miss you exceedingly in our little group, as each of the dear girls will testify. I love you all ; and I am unable to ex- press how ardently I desire to see you, without a single exception, safe within the enclosure of ' the Good Shep- herd ' ! Not the form of one ever glides before me, nor her image enters my mind, without strong solicitude that God would sanctify you in early life for his service, and that you may be the happy instruments of hastening the millennial day. That you, my dear Mary, have been 'sealed to the day of redemption,' gives abundant joy to my heart ; and my only wish for you now is, that you may not be satisfied with low attainments of Christian character; that you take no earthly being for a standard, but that Jesus Christ may be your pattern in all things. What a precious visit was yours in Norwich! Surely, your parents have rejoiced that they consented to your stay. My respects await them. Every unpleasant feeling, but that of grief at your departure, seemed banished from my mind when you left; at the reflection that you were going to a home, where every thing would favor your spiritual improvement not only within, but without the paternal home. Much devotedness will be expected from you under such circumstances." The superintendent also states that the mind of Miss Hunt- ington was ever studious and inventive on the subject of plans for the improvement of their system of instruction. This was the fact to such an extent, that when suggestions on the subject appeared in the Sabbath School Journal, he found them almost uniformly anticipated by some which she had made, and on which they had already acted. The superintendent, on one occasion, received a letter, in the hand-writing of Miss Huntington, though without any signature ; and which so obviously bears the impress of her mind and heart, and so well illustrates the character of the devoted and solicitous teacher, that it will be here inserted. 100 MEMOIR OF " Will you, my dear sir, esteem it becoming in a teacher of your Sabbath school to express a few reflections which 1 trust the Spirit of God has suggested ? (for I do assure you, Bir, I have had deep searchings of heart relative to our school, since the trying event of last Sabbath.) The mis- conduct of our scholars, upon that occasion, led to these reflections ; and you will perhaps be surprised when I tell you, that during the exercises at the Falls, my own feelings were principally of a painful nature. My heart ached, while I looked around upon our school, and considered that among the numbers, who for nearly ten years, winter and summer, had been the subjects of our instruction, I could not recollect a solitary instance of conversion. I know that several upon their death-beds have given some faint evidence to their friends that they had profited by their privileges. And I recollect also, with pleasure, that one adult hopefully became a subject of grace, through our instrumentality. But my own memory furnishes no instance of a child belonging to our school who has brought forth the fruits of the Spirit by a holy conversation. On the contrary, some, who, from age and other circumstances, have passed away from under our instruction, have openly disgraced themselves and us, by vicious courses ; and others, who have been brought to the verge of the grave by vio- lent sickness, have manifested no anxiety on account of sin, but resumed their usual places in the school as in- different as ever. My dear sir, what is the difficulty 1 Is there not a serious defect somewhere ? These are ques- tions which I have put to myself since last Sabbath ; and permit me to tell you how I have answered them. " In the first place, the want of discipline is a prevailing and deadly evil among us. In the third number, vol. 2d, of the Sunday School Magazine, a teacher, after delineating the different traits of character which his class exhibit, arid mentioning their characteristic thoughtlessness as children, remarks 'But how cheering! No sooner does the bell ring for attention, the teacher look or speak, or the super- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 101 intendent appear, than all in a moment is silence and order. Those little whims, those evil desires, which just before had occupied them, are fled, and they are quickly supplanted by a few words of salutary and timely advice. Thus by a hap- py arrangement of every thing connected with the govern- ment and utility of the school, each pupil is trained in the ways of heavenly wisdom, " whose paths are pleasantness and peace." ' That such a description cannot apply to us, the experience and observation of every teacher will tes- tify. I have been extremely mortified by the repeated re- mark among our friends and supporters, ' Your school is very disorderly.' " Another fault is a want of seriousness on our part. Our deportment does not partake sufficiently of the sa- credness of holy time, and the solemnity of our duties. If scholars witness any distraction, or listlessness, or lightness in the manners of their teachers, they catch the infection and practise it doubly themselves. " Another evil, which t beg leave to mention, is a defect in our mode of instruction. McDowell's Questions, so generally used among us, every teacher must have found, give the learner but a very superficial acquaintance with the word of God. They are confined to the historical parts of the Bible ; and even among these, some of the most interesting and instructive portions are passed over; and from Job to Malachi the whole is omitted, excepting Daniel and Jonah. " There is great reason to fear that we are deficient in prayer and faith, and in a serious and thorough preparation of heart and mind, for the weekly duties of our responsible station. If these be wanting, every other exertion must inevitably fail. " May I propose, sir, in view of all these considerations, a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, to be privately observed by the teachers! This is what we have never done ; but what might be done with propriety ; and I think is even demanded by the unfruitfulness of this garden of the Lord. 102 MEMOIR OF " Will you permit me, sir, to suggest several improvements, which I think would greatly advance the interests of our school ? In the first place, let us be much more attentive to the outward government of our respective classes, and the school generally. Let us convince our pupils that as ' order is Heaven's first law,' so also is it ours, and must be regarded. Let us also be more exclusively devoted to them, and by an increase of seriousness, show them that we are acting for eternity. "I would propose, also, that we abolish those long lessons of question and answer ; the recital of which occupies so much time, as almost to preclude practical instruction. Let each of us furnish ourselves (from the Bible) with a system of doctrines and duties, simplified or enlarged ac- cording to the capacities of our scholars ; and give to each scholar, who is able to do it, one subject every week to examine and prove by Scripture, requiring him to commit the proofs to memory, and recite them to us; while we in the mean time study the subject ourselves, with prayer and faith, and be prepared to explain and enforce them. Those who are too young to examine for themselves may have the proofs pointed out to them ; which they can learn as well as the others, and be instructed in them by us. We have many fine minds and ready scholars under our care, who should be taught to think and examine for themselves. Every Sabbath scholar should be well acquainted with the leading doctrines and all the precepts of the gospel. This course of instruction, I believe, will effect it, with God's blessing, and by his grace may be the means of turning them from sin unto holiness. We must not palliate the faults of our scholars too much, on the ground of the general thoughtlessness of early youth, and our own mis- conduct at their age. We did not possess the advantages of Sabbath school instruction, and we have a right to ex- pect that Sabbath scholars will be better than any others, better than even ourselves ; as the husbandman looks for a richer crop, from the soil which he has most highly cultivated- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 103 And in this age, when so much is doing for the moral im- provement of our race, we should expect to see depravity less predominant, among those who have been planted in the house of God, and are nurtured by his fostering hand. " I would willingly hope that the evils I deplore are con- fined to myself and my own class, humbling as the fact would be to me. But I have witnessed the same in other classes ; and the school at large is suffering for want of more vig- orous measures. " As a fellow-laborer in this school, I have thus far ven- tured to express my sentiments. I trust they will not be considered the effect of arrogance ; for I apply them all doubly to myself; feeling that I am the most unworthy and unfaithful of our number. Our work is great, and our ac- count will be solemn. May we prove ourselves faithful stew- ards, and partakers of the heavenly inheritance. " N. B. Since writing the above, I have thought of the Assembly's Catechism, as a system of instruction prepared to our hand; of which we may give one question each week to our scholars, for examination. In conversing with them upon it, we may be able to elucidate it occasionally by stories, or facts, which have come to our knowledge, after the plan of the 'Sherwood Stories,' which the teachers have probably seen." Miss Huntington felt a lively interest in the conversion of her relatives and acquaintances. This was manifested in various ways ; especially by making them the subject of her prayers, and endeavoring to enlist her Christian friends in the same object; proposing to them the consecration of stated seasons for this purpose. Scattered through her let- ters are found various passages which show her conscious- ness of the necessity of prayer, and the solicitude with which she watched for encouragements to the duty. A few ex- tracts, from among many, illustrate these remarks. " Mary and I have set apart four o'clock every afternoon to pray for 104 MEMOIR OF uncle B. We want to get courage to mention it to aunt Faith, that she may observe the same season." Writing to one of a very dear family, she says, " I do not know that a single day has passed, since my return, that I have not commended each one of you to God." She writes to an aunt "I was much rejoiced to hear of the happy change in your son. We have great en- couragement for prayer ; and spiritual blessings are the best which can be bestowed. Sister and myself have for several years remembered the descendants of our honored grand- father Huntington, in concert, on Tuesday evenings; and it is peculiarly pleasant to us to be encouraged in the duty, by instances of conversion in any branch of the family. It is a privilege to be permitted to present the various cases of each family before the mercy seat. Would it be agreeable to you, my dear aunt, to join the concert ; and to mention it to aunt Richards, when you see her, and to your son ? In grandmamma Lanrnan's family we have a similar concert on Thursdays. It is indeed a day of blessings to the church, and if ' sinners cannot now sin at so cheap a rate as formerly,' surely professing Christians have much greater responsibilities. Let us bless God that they are waking from their slumbers, and ere long the church will ' put on her beautiful garments.' " Respecting the children of her uncle, the Rev. Joshua Huntington, she thus writes: " Mr. Wisner sent for Sarah, that during Joshua's vacation the children might be together again ; and we were desirous to have her go. Oh ! that the Spirit which is hovering over several of the churches in Boston, might meet them upon that spot where we trust the prayer of faith was offered for them." "I am glad you pray for J., and M., and G. Since the revival commenced, I have witnessed answers to prayers of- fered years since. Can it be that we shall all meet, a family in heaven 1 " "Will you pray for uncle T. on Tuesday evenings? MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. ]05 Have we not encouragement in our concert ? Nine grand- children, and a daughter with her husband, of our honored grandfather, have become pious, within the last year ! A. and H. R. join the church about this time. Cousin M. and J. leave next week, the latter I believe thinks much of serious things; and brother J. requested me to pray particu- larly for the former, as he thought her impressed on Thurs- day evening by a sermon of Dr. Payson, from the text, 'To-day, if ye will hear his voice,' &c. I think a great deal of your children, and intended to have asked Mr. H. if they manifest any susceptibility on religious subjects. I want to hear them sing ' Hosanna,' in infancy." " I should have mentioned in my last, that uncle Thomas's oldest daughter is a subject of the revival in Brooklyn all grandpapa's female descendants of any matu- rity of age are now pious." 5* CHAPTER VI. COMMENCEMENT AND PROGRESS OF HER INTEREST IN MISSIONS EFFORTS AMONG THE MOHEGAN INDIANS LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR. THE object of the present chapter is to give some extracts from the correspondence of Miss Huntington, which show the commencement and progress of missionary tendencies in her mind. To go back and see her first thoughts on the missionary service ; and to follow her through successive years, to the time when divine Providence opened the door for her entrance upon it, indicates how great a change may take place on the subject, even in the mind of a Christian. Writing to her sister, January 21, 1823, she says, "Mr. Maxwell took some pains to convince me that I ought to be a missionary ; but I told him I never had thought that my calling." The subject, in the course of this year, was before the mind of a much esteemed cousin, and some interchange of views was passing among the relatives of the circle. She writes, September 10 "Grandmamma Lanman says she thinks that cousin Mary might be as useful at home, as on missionary ground ; and mamma does not appear pleased with her plan. I asked grandmamma why it should not be con- sistent for our friends to make sacrifices for the church, as well as for others." October 3, 1824. "Mr. Gridley, an agent of the American Board, preached here last Sabbath, and is to re- turn in the course of a week or two, to establish associations among us. He intends to go to Palestine, and I think him well adapted to the situation. How missions increase in MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 107 importance ! It seems to me that all classes and ages should be excited to some effort for them. Children might do much by devoting an hour or two in a week to employments for their aid. I intend that Sarah Ann shall learn to do some- thing in reference to the great object." August 29, 1826. "I have thought much, recently, upon the subject of missions. I never felt it a duty to go myself to the heathen. But I do feel that I ought to make every exertion with my hands (my all) in their behalf. How much we might do by devoting an hour every day to some employment for them ! " " We have not money, but we have time and strength, the talents which God has seen fit to bestow upon us, and for which we must account. The cry is, * More funds, and more shall be accomplished.' I hope God will enable me to fulfil the resolutions which I have recently made, respecting these duties. I shall be no less guilty than the possessor of thousands of gold and silver. It requires a stronger effort for the covetous man to bestow his wealth, than for the naturally active to put forth his strength and redeem his time." Febrwary 28, 1827. "I have become a subscriber to the Missionary Herald, the last two numbers of which are very interesting. Do you not think the missionary cause is constantly gaining ground ? What a privilege to be engaged in it ! " August 27, 1827. "At a recent Bible class, Mr. Mitchell remarked upon the costly sacrifice which Mary offered to our Saviour, in gratitude for the restoration of her brother Lazarus, as an example to those whom God has blessed in the conversion of their friends. It went to my heart. I am deficient in gratitude and devotedness." This followed the conversion of one of her younger brothers. September 8, 1828. "I read, some time since, with much feeling, ' Missionary Paper, No. 9,'* and have re- * Published by the A. B. C. F. M. title, "Something has been done during the last forty years," a trat of thrilling interest. 108 MEMOIR OF perused it of late. I also read extracts from it at OUT Missionary Association. Have you seen the tract entitled ' True Believer Bountiful ' 1 It is a sermon by Mr. Clark, one or two sections of which are introduced into the Missionary Paper, No. 9. I think the plan proposed in the Missionary Herald, which I have just received, is the best which has appeared, for the arrangement of annual meetings and collections." November 1, P. M. "I have put on my hat and habit to attend the Monthly Concert, but the rain makes me doubtful about my duty. If three or four only could meet, it would be pleasant to add even a little, to the cloud of incense which is rising every hour of the twenty-four. Evening. I have returned from the Ladies' Meeting, where nine assembled ; and I hope we were not wholly destitute of the, spirit of the occasion. In the ' Recorder ' a series of pieces is published adapted to the monthly concert. The last, entitled ' The Alternative,' is calculated to arouse a new set of feelings, in regard to the duty of Christians." December 15, 1829, after being permitted to see the conversion of her second brother, she says, " I feel now as if I should rejoice to be a missionary to the heathen. We owe a thank-offering. Our dear father has appeared very happy in looking upon us all." January 15, 1830. "I regret to hear what you say of a deficiency of missionaries. I have thought, lately, that if individuals from what are called ' the first families,' of both sexes, were to consecrate themselves to the work, it would give a new impulse to the cause. Suppose, for in- stance, a young lady or gentleman, from the midst of our pleasant circle, in Norwich, should go to the heathen : would not our monthly concerts have a deeper interest? If one who meets with us at the missionary room were to be transplanted to labor among pagan females, would not our hearts be inflamed with new zeal and self-denial ? Could not every place furnish and support one missionary ? Oh ! the hundreds that are sinking into misery while 1 MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 109 write. Are we not in danger of fixing our eyes upon the future prospects of the church, rather than upon the souls who are perishing every passing hour 1 It appears to me there is no time to be lost in consulting with pride, under the specious names of ' respectability, and suitable conform- ity.' It is with the present generation of heathen, our brothers and sistere and neighbors, whose cries ring iu our ears, that we have to do. And certainly in regard to our own country, there is not a moment to spare, if ' pre- vention is better than cure.' Let the world, who certainly are the majority, spend their energies in holding up a little longer, the inventions which must one day be overthrown ; but let not Christians sell the souls of their fellow-men at so cheap a rate. Sacrifices must be sacrifices ; they require a struggle with selfishness, of course. We must expect to feel them, and suffer for them. Have you not seen persons profess to keep a Fast, and because they felt hungry, go and eat something? Christians must learn to attach a new meaning to such passages as these : ' My kingdom is not of this world.' ' Be not conformed to this world.' ' A pecu- liar people, zealous of good works.' " At a time when she spent her Sabbaths in teaching a Sabbath school among the Mohegan Indians, to which she walked six miles, she writes, September 11, 1831, "Jt is astonishing what an effect is produced upon my interest in society here, by an absence from our church every Sab- bath. I scarcely know who are in town, or how the con- gregation look. Yet it is a self-denial which ought to be practised for the good of others. The missionaries give up every thing. I should like to go to the Washington Islands, mentioned by Mr. Stewart, where no Christian has been. But my path seems plainly marked out; and I wish, dear brother, you would pray that I may have grace to sub- ordinate every duty to those filial ones which are now so important." In October of this year, (1831,) it appears her mind had made such progress on the subject of missions, that 110 MEMOIR OF she came to the conclusion expressed in the following ex- tract : " Our annual meeting of the Foreign Missionary Society was very interesting. I then made the resolution, that whenever my dear parents want me no longer, if unfettered as I am now, I shall devote myself personally to a mission among the heathen. So you may consider me henceforth a missionary in heart; and when circum- stances favor, must be ready to resign me, unless God should put insurmountable obstacles in my way." But it was not in reading missionary intelligence and reflection upon it, only, that Miss Huntington was cher- ishing the spirit of missions. As early as the year 1827, she had become interested in the condition and necessities of a remnant of the Mohegan Indians, living six miles from Norwich. In 1830, we find her concerned in the circula- tion of a subscription to build a church for them ; and with a circle of Christian females, among whom she met for prayer each week, making the case of the Western tribes, threatened with dispersion, a subject of special prayer. In the summer of 1830, writing to one of her friends, she says, " Will you pray for a Sabbath school in Mohegan, of .which Miss Breed and myself have the sole care, and to which we devote our Sabbaths?" In September following, it appears from a letter to the same friend, that she was earnestly desirous to have a place of worship, and a preacher, provided for them ; and asking prayers for the success of the object, she says, " It is a great weight upon my mind, and I never sympathized so feelingly with the missionaries abroad, as now." Under date of October 25, 1830, she addressed a letter to Jeremiah Evarts, Esq., Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, giving a brief review of the condition of the remnant of this tribe of Indians. She thus concludes her appeal in their behalf: MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. JU " After such protracted neglect of their best interests, the Indians seem surprised at a renewal of effort, on the part of the whites ; and can hardly believe that it is not dictated by some selfish principle, or destined soon to evaporate. They will speak, however, of the ' good meet- ings ' and ' beautiful singing ' which they had among them many years ago. " Our Sabbath school is held in a house occupied by the relatives of Rev. Samson Occum. His sister, Lucy Tantiquigeon, died last winter at the age of ninety-eight. Her children, grand-children, great-grand-children, and great-great-grand-children now dwell there, in one habita- tion. Her memory is precious to her descendants ; and her children, two of them at least, give evidence of piety. The Lord will bless these Indians, I fully believe, if suitable measures are taken by the agents of his will. Much inter- esting matter might be collected respecting the tribe. The history of Mr. Occum is identified with that of Dartmouth College, and some of his manuscripts are still accessible. " If consistent with your engagements, respected sir, may I hope soon to hear from you 1 If your communica- tion should be in the form of counsel, it would gratify me much, as I presume you are no stranger to that intense interest in an object, which occupies one's waking and sleeping hours. I am the more solicitous respecting this, because I feel that now is the critical time for action ; as the present efforts are laboriously sustained, in especial reference to more efficient ones. If these fail, and the existing interest subside, I fear the set time to favor this interesting people will have passed away, and their blood forever rest in our skirts. " We shall wait, sir, until the receipt of your letter, before making any systematic arrangement to obtain funds for the support of a missionary ; assuring you, however, that not an iota of the burden of that shall rest upon your Society. " I might have mentioned, in speaking of Mr. Occum, 112 MEMOIR OF that a volume of hymns, composed by him, is extant in some part of New England, as well as a few sermons and also his picture, taken in England ; where he preached before the king. " In regard to the Society of which you are the organ, permit me to say, sir, that it possesses a charm in my own estimation, altogether paramount to every other institution; and I can, therefore, with the utmost sincerity, present to you my earnest wishes for its success, and the assurance of my labors and prayers to the extent of my ability." November 2. "You inquire respecting my plans for Mohegan. Miss Raymond of Montville and I have engaged to keep a weekly school for the Indian children, this winter, taking weeks alternately. We meet there, on horseback, to-day, to reconnoitre the ground ; and expect to commence on Monday after Thanksgiving. I have written to Mr. Evarts on the condition of the Indians, and our plans ; and we hope that like those in the State of New York, they will be taken under the patronage of the American Board, if the funds are furnished by Connecticut. You know all the Indians are regarded by that body as a foreign nation. The corner stone of the church is to be laid soon. I feel my interest for them increase every hour." Nov. 3. " My tour among the Indians, yesterday, was interesting. It was necessary to take a guide; and you would have been quite amused at the picture which 1 pre- sented a little Indian girl behind me upon the horse, and half a dozen other children following on foot, talking as fast as their tongues would go. I was perfectly delighted with my situation, which was as romantic as real life can be, to say nothing of my reflections. The Indians have a fine spot of 2,700 acres ; and if suitably trained, might become a respectable, happy community. May the Holy Spirit bless them, as he has done the degraded Sandwich Islanders ! " In her letters to her Christian friends, she often requested MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 113 a special employment of their prayers for the success of the enterprise. The progress of her own endeavors, and those of her associate, in this labor of love, will be learned from an extract of a letter of December 4, 1830, written at Mohegan, to her former teacher and friend, Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, as follows: " You will perhaps be surprised, that as a Sab- bath school teacher only, my letter is dated from this spot. I must therefore inform you that Mohegan is to be my home, every alternate week, through the winter. I had expected to spend the whole of the season here, and made arrangements to that effect ; but the increased weakness of my mother's eyes, rendered it inconsistent for me to do it, without subjecting myself to the reproof contained in Mat- thew xv. 5, 6. My present assistant in the Sabbath school is a lady of Montville, whose residence is five miles from this. We have established a weekly school, the labors of which we mutually share. To-day completes the first week's effort, with sixteen scholars, and four or five more are ex- pected. We occupy a pleasant room at Fort Hill farm, upon the southern declivity of the eminence chosen for the church. I should like exceedingly to have a visit from you, my dear madam, this moment, at my solitary but not gloomy fireside. It is because I am confident that you take a heartfelt interest in this remnant of Indians, that I write thus freely. " The inquiry has been made of me ' Do they seem grateful for these attentions?' My answer is this j 'We are but discharging, in some inadequate measure, our debt of gratitude to them ; the obligation is on our part.' So oppressed have I recently been, with my own criminal neglect of them, that I can feel no self-complacency in my feeble efforts. " The strong natural propensity of the Indians to the use of ardent spirit, is the most discouraging circumstance respecting them yet, many of those who are addicted to it, can and do abstain ; and at this day, a ray of hope beams 114 MEMOIR OF through the cloud. Inebriates are not now esteemed hope- less. I have had free conversations with a few on the subject, who seem, for the time being, disposed to reform. As far as I can judge, they possess acute minds. May I hope for your constant prayers, especially in reference to this vice, and for the descent of the Holy Spirit ? " Assigning to one of her brothers a reason for her engage- ment in this difficult and self-denying work, she remarks " One especial inducement to my plan arises from my sense of God's mercy to my brothers. I have virtually promised a thank-offering, and ' I am straitened ' till I find some way of presenting it. When seeking your conversion, I resolved that if God heard me and renewed the hearts of my brothers, I would devote myself wholly to him. When others have almost reproved me for self-denial, I have longed to tell them the secret impulse. But my own heart has accused me of broken vows, while others have said I was ' going too far.' Each Christian knows what passes between his soul and God, with which ' the stranger intermeddleth not.' " The details of her labors, and method of spending her time, may be gathered from a letter, commenced Dec. 12, and journalized under several subsequent dates. " Seated in my little missionary apartment, which serves for parlor, bed-room, kitchen, school-room, and chapel, I have composed myself to the sweet employment of answer- ing your good and long letter. I have a school of eighteen or twenty, including four adults; one man, two married women, and a ' squassise.'* They come at half past nine, and stay until four, having half an hour's intermission , and we carry on arithmetic, millinery, tailoring, &c., besides the ordinary avocations of a school. All these, with the gov- ernment of untutored, untamed beings, nearly exhaust my powers, during the day ; and at evening I have work to fit, and ' my profession' to study. But I am quite satisfied. I * Unmarried Indian female. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 115 came here for their benefit, and not to please myself. Our Sabbath school is nearly twice as large, embracing whites, and is kept up four hours of the Sabbath, besides an inter- mission. I leave home Sunday morning, and return the next Sunday evening, and Miss Raymond does the same, so we are both here on the Sabbath. From my windows I see New London Point, and Groton Monument. My circum- stances and duties are altogether new, and I sometimes think myself in a dream. Will you pray for God's Spirit to visit our school and this vicinity 1 " I should like to ask Mr. if the Saviour had any regard to his ' station,' when he left his throne for a dwelling among our wretched race? Our rank is that of Christians, if we would follow him. The more I contem- plate his character, the more I am confirmed in my views on the subject of self-denial. If a soul outweighs in value the whole world, are the petty distinctions of life, which are fostered by the same spirit that produced the rebellion in heaven, to be put in competition with it? All that eleva- tion of character which is the result of Christian principles operating upon the mind and heart, ought to be cultivated in honor of Him, who is the source of all excellence. Every other preeminence over our fellow-beings, my prin- ciples, to say nothing of my practice, condemn. " Ten o'clock approaches, which is my hour for retiring. (I rise at five.) The 'school ma'am' begins to be weary. Once more, good night. I hope ' Orion's bands,' and ' the sweet influences of Pleiades,' are as bright and beautiful at Wiscasset, as they are this evening m Mohegan." 17th. " I have just now returned from a visit to see a sick child and a dying man. The latter is a victim of intemperance. As he lay upon his bed, pale and emaciated, I felt a strong conviction that the Indians are really Israel- ites ; so strikingly did the entire character of his face re- semble that of the Jews, and especially the lineaments of our Saviour, as exhibited by painters who have probably followed the national cast of countenance. I do not say 116 MEMOIR OF much of my belief; but often when I am giving instruction to the children from God's word, the unbidden thought rushes upon me with force, that their progenitors were his peculiar people. Three of my scholars returned with me, voluntarily, as it was dusk two boys and a girl ages seven, eight, and nine. The new moon and stars were just appearing, and our conversation was interesting and ele- vated. The Indians have acute minds. Moral and in- tellectual culture is all they want." That Miss Huntington was endearing herself to those whose good she was seeking, in her missionary residence, besides the Indians, appears from the following extract : " TUESDAY EVENING. " Dear Mother : On my arrival here, I found all my ex- pectations realized. Mr. and Mrs. Dolbeare were impatient- ly waiting for me, and a happier couple, or happier counte- nances, I never beheld. The former had selected a hymn to show me, as expressive of his feelings it is the 373d of the Village Hymns, which Sarah will read to you. I found also several pious females and young converts from Montville, with Miss Raymond, and we held a little prayer-meeting in our room. The meetings in the evening and on Sabbath were very solemn. My duties here are delightful; and I should love to spend my life in seeking after those who ' are lost.' " "MoHEGAN, JAN. 20, 1831. " I thank you, dear sister, for your timely caution respect- ing pride. I said to a friend, the other day, that God takes care of that. If he calls his children to any service for him, he knows how to keep them low. I have had many trials in this undertaking. Not in my humble accommodations these are nothing, they are voluntary but in the indiffer- ence, coldness, and unkind remarks of some Christian friends. I have had much to rftnind me of the Saviour's MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 117 declaration respecting ' a prophet in his own country.' By some I have been sustained and encouraged, and have had the happiness to see others endeavoring to make amends for their past unfriendliness to the effort. But my constant occupation and fatigue, (the labor, which was to have been divided, devolving upon me,) and consciousness of great in- ability, have left me little time to indulge in self-complacency and should I even be called to more self-denying service, if I am a real child of God, I cannot but think I should have the evidence which St. Paul enjoyed of his renewed nature, a forgetfulness of past attainments, and a pressing towards future ones. You know we- are all baptized into one Spirit. There is one thing, however, which occasionally gives me some uneasiness the fear that were I compelled to pursue a course, which I could voluntarily adopt, my deceit- ful heart would rebel 'God knoweth ! ' I trust my health will not suffer materially ; though every energy, physical and mental, is requisite. When the weather permits, I walk, morning and evening, and I sit very little in school. " I detected my own heart, a few evenings since, rather unexpectedly. I had had some religious conversation with nearly every member of this family but the married daughter, who is about your age. I knew she respected the subject, but I rather shrunk from a personal application of it to her. She came into my room to spend an hour in the evening; and though the opportunity was favorable, I thought if I only performed my duty before the winter closed, it would be sufficient But just before she was leaving, I made a direct appeal to her own case, and found her very tender she wept much, and seemed disposed to prolong the conversa- tion, and remarked that she had often wondered that Chris- tians were so backward in their duty. The next morning she appeared solemn, and still more so since. In reflecting upon the subject, I saw my inconsistency. I did not con- sider that delay, on my part, would endanger her soul, but I was only devising a course to satisfy my own conscience. Is not this the reason why religious conversation is often use- 118 MEMOIR OF less, because it is introduced in a languid manner, merely as a duty 1 " Not satisfied with laboring for the present supply of the spiritual wants of the Mohegans, Miss Huntington con- ceived the plan of seeking aid from the Legislature of Connecticut, and also from the Government of the United States. A petition to the former was drawn by her, and with accompanying signatures, was presented at the session in May, 1831. The object of the petition was to obtain the aid of the State, both to give them Christian instruction and a school. The application failed, however. In prosecution of the object on which her heart was so earnestly set, she addressed a letter to the Hon. Lewis Cass, then Secretary of War, to which department of the general government belongs the superintendence of Indian affairs. "NORWICH, DEC. 8, 1831. "Honored Sir: A short time previous to the change in the department which you have the honor to occupy, a letter was addressed to the Secretary of War, by Joseph Williams, Esq., president of a benevolent association, in behalf of the Mohegan Indians residing in this vicinity. A second communication was forwarded during the vacan- cy in that department, to neither of which has any reply been made. It now becomes my duty, and pleasure, hon- ored sir, to present a new appeal to one, who, I am confi- dent, will attach no impropriety to the liberty which I take. I am the more encouraged in the pursuance of my deter- mination, from the fact, that my own sex are sometimes successful in the cause of humanity, while others are ' turned empty away.' Should the inquiry arise, upon what ground I assume this prerogative, I would answer, that I prefer no claim, but a friendship for the Indians,- a friendship created and deepened by an intercourse with the remnant of Mohegans, during every pleasant Sabbath, for the last year and a half, and In the gratuitous labor of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 119 a week day school through one season. It gives me pleas- ure to recollect, while thus trespassing upon one in your public station, my former familiarity with your name as asso- ciated with my cousin, Mr. Lanman, of Michigan, and that my honored cousin, Mr. Huntington, will do me the favor to become the bearer of this. To him I would refer you for auy inquiries which you may please to make. " It is possible, sir, that you may have perused the com- munications sent by Mr. Williams, yet it will be proper for me to mention a few facts respecting the Mohegan tribe. There are more than one hundred of them re- maining ; a third of whom are children. Some scattering families are to return to the reservation in the spring, which you probably know lies near the river Thames-, between Norwich and New London. In past years this remnant of a once powerful and invariably peaceful race has been grossly neglected, and of course they became much degraded. The benevolent of this vicinity have now built for them a small chapel, which will accommodate the white population also, with whom they are mixed, and for the last year have supported the gospel and a school among them. Sufficient encouragement has attended this experi- ment to induce farther effort, and in consequence of this we are constrained to solicit aid from the fund appro- priated to the moral and intellectual improvement of the Indians. " Should the influence which is now exerted over them result in the increase of their numbers, and the policy of our government require that they, with other remnants, should remove beyond the Mississippi, their improvement would present no obstacle to this, nor would they be more unfit for a removal. You may perhaps think me visionary in my expectations respecting so feeble a people ; but some of the families are large and increasing, and it is the usual effect of moral elevation to make ' a little one become a thousand.' You will perceive, honored sir, that I do not indulge the thought of your being of the number, who wish J20 MEMOIR OF to see the aborigines of our country become extinct, through neglect. Far be sucli a wish from a noble breast! " Among the children of the Mohegans, there are many whose intelligent minds and susceptible hearts give promise of future improvement, as a reward of effort in their behalf; while a diminution of intemperance, and the progress of moral reformation among some of the adults, render our hopes more cheering. May we not hope, sir, that in the midst of numerous official and important duties, you will yet regard this call of benevolence, and permit these poor Mo- hegans to share in the benefits of that fund, over which you have the control ? I will guaranty a faithful and con- scientious appropriation of whatever your wisdom shall dictate, as proper for us to receive. " Although this appeal is presented by a feeble hand, yet it is one to whom has been assigned the principal duties of this nature, in reference to those for whom it is made. If fny labors should prove in any measure successful, it will Hot be the first time that the weakest instrument has been chosen for the accomplishment of important purposes. " Presuming, honored sir, that you will ask no apology for this intrusion upon your time and attention, I would beg the favor of an early reply to my communication; as some immediate arrangements are depending upon its suc- cess; and subscribe myself, " With sincere respect, " Your obedient servant, " SARAH L. HUNTINGTON. " Hon. LKWIS CASS, " Secretary of War, Washington." She also addressed a letter to her kinsman, Hon. Jabea W. Huntington, then a representative in Congress, from Connecticut, requesting such aid as it might be in his power to afford. The result of this effort was successful, in ob- taining an appropriation of five hundred dollars towards erecting buildings, and four hundred dollars for the support MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 121 of a teacher. The first sum was employed in building a house for the teacher, and the latter has been annually received and appropriated for his support. The church was built wholly with funds obtained in Norwich, through the exertions of Miss Huntington and her first coadjutor in this enterprise. Not alone for this little remnant of a single Indian tribe, did Miss H. cherish a benevolent interest, but also for other tribes, especially those which were liable to suffer injustice at the hands of our country, as the following sentiments attest, addressed to one who had been a missionary to one of the Southwestern tribes: "I have thought much of the Choctaws, just setting out upon their march. May the God of Israel go with them ! I now go and return to Mohegan on foot, upon the Sabbath ; and in my fatigue, try to think of the great privations of other missionaries, and of our imprisoned brethren.* I do believe that an almighty power will arise for this peculiar people, and confound their enemies. If it should be found that the aborigines of this country are the lost tribes of Israel, how appropriate the predictions respecting them, particularly Ezekiel, 37th chap- ter, and Amos, 9th ! " The following letter, addressed to Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, furnishes the continuance of the history of Miss Hunting- ton's efforts on behalf of the Indians, and her farther views respecting^ them : " NORWICH, APRIL 4, 1831. " Dear Madam : In consequence of various and pressing duties, arising from my desultory and changing life the past winter, I have permitted your kind and soothing letter to re- main long unanswered not because I did not prize it highly and receive it gratefully. It was truly a cordial to my feelings, and I thank you sincerely for it and the little books. The one by Mr. Gallaudet is already in the hands * Rev. Mr. Worcester and his associate, then in the Georgia peni- tentiary. 6 122 MEMOIR OF of an adult learner, who knew not that there was a Saviour, until I had the privilege of telling it to her ; and who has for some time practised at least a temporary reformation, and manifested considerable tenderness of conscience. I have indeed found no deficiency of intellect among the Indian children, and among those adults only who have been debased by circumstances. My week-day duties at Mohegan have ceased ; but my Sabbaths are spent with them, and will be so through the summer. The Sabbath school increases in numbers and interest, and we are so happy as to obtain three pious teachers upon the ground, which with two others and a superintendent, from Norwich, will give it some importance. One of the Mohegan teach- ers is a lovely girl, of recent spiritual birth, belonging to a family of ten children, from whom we at first experienced opposition, ridicule, and actual persecution now five of them are attached to the school. In the family at Fort Hill, where we resided, three conversions have occurred. At that place, regular religious services are sustained, Sab- bath afternoons and Wednesday evenings. There is an increasing attention to the means of grace in the neighbor- hood, among whites and Indians, and tokens of mercy here and there among the former ; while a powerful revival has existed in those parts of Montville which have been longer cultivated. The meeting-house is to be raised this week, and the week-day school resumed by a hired teacher, next week. " These circumstances bring me to that part of your letter in which you make a proposition. I would not venture to dissent entirely from your maturer judgment; still I have been led to think, that as the number of the Mohegans is so small, and their property sufficient to support them virtuously, and especially as the means of grace and advan- tages of education are to be furnished them by the benevo- lence of others, it is desirable that they should be kept together, and become an object for permanent efforts to ameliorate their condition, upon their own territory. I feel likewise some repugnance to their being servants to those MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 123 who have treated them so cruelly. I fully concur with you in the opinion that they require motives to perse- verance in goodness. Of this I have had abundant testi- mony in my intercourse with them ; it has led me to make continued exertion for their benefit, and this fact is urging their friends here to the determination, that a missionary must speedily be obtained to occupy the house. "You will perceive that, whether intentionally or not, I have deferred a reply to your letter until I could answer your kind question, ' What can I do to serve you ? ' The meeting-house will probably be dedicated in the course of a few weeks ; and if your ready pen will furnish us a hymn for the occasion, it will be truly gratifying. " When we first became acquainted with our interesting charge, they could not raise a note in singing ; now, no book is so attractive to them as a hymn book ; they readily catch the air of a tune. We have formed also a temperance society. In our peregrinations upon Mohegan ground, we found a very defaced picture of Mr. Occum, in clerical robes, taken while he was in England. I brought it home and placed it in the care of Col. John Trumbull, who has ob- tained from Miss Murray, a benevolent lady in New York, two hundred and fifty lithographic prints of the same, which are to be sold for the benefit of the tribe. It is necessarily a rough sketch, from so imperfect a copy, but is neverthe- less of some value to the virtuoso and the philanthropist. I am waiting for an opportunity to send one as a present to yourself, and one to Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, also a little package for sale in Hartford, if you will take the trouble of them. The subscription to the church is not quite com- pleted, and considerable remains to be done in regard to a missionary and school. It is hoped our legislature will aid. " I trust we have your constant prayers, for without the blessing of God our efforts are fruitless. " At our anticipated Sabbath school celebration, next week, we expect to have the procession augmented by our Mohegan branch. 124 MEMOIR OF " My parents and friends kindly reciprocate your affec- tionate remembrance. The chain of affection to which you allude, resembles almost all others of an earthly nature. They are most conspicuous for their broken links; but there is consolation in the thought, that every link which is of real value, will be reunited in a holier sphere, forming one long, bright, immortal chain, binding us to the throne of the Eternal. This reflection cheers me, as I become daily more impressed with the inconstancy of sublunary joys." To the friend who had been her first coadjutor in this enterprise, Mrs. President Allen, but who was providentially removed to a distant part of the country, she writes "NORWICH, ADO. 13, 1831. " I must tell you what abundant cause we have for grat- itude in reference to our mission, (I must still include you.") It is just one year since we commenced our labors, in that kitchen, under embarrassments which your memory will readily recall. Now, they have a chapel, a stated ministry, and the means for its support ! One hundred dollars have been appropriated by the Domestic Missionary Society towards aiding them ; which, with other contributions, en- able us to answer the very moderate demands of Mr. W., who, with his wife, is highly calculated to be useful there. " Now, my dear friend, why should we not come before God with confidence, and implore that gift, which, of all others, he is most pleased to bestow ? the Holy Spirit ; without which every other blessing will become a curse. It is especially needed in this case, for the unfriendly whites are continually exciting the Indians to suspicion instil- ling into their minds the idea that our efforts are only a speculation, and that all the expense is derived from their own pittance. On my return, I found that these surmises had gained influence, and diminished the congregation ; but appearances are more favorable now. For so limited a field, it is an extremely difficult one to occupy. Untiring MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 125 labors, I have no doubt, will, eventually, be crowned with success. Surely we have reason to take courage from what God has already done for them. Do pray much for the Holy Spirit." Miss Huntington, with the countenance of several of her Christian friends among whom was the lady addressed in the last letter had also a plan for the benefit of a remnant of the Pequod tribe of Indians. From the extracts which follow, it appears that she had the satisfaction of seeing an advance of the importance of the Mohegan enterprise in the minds of others. " Your interesting communication was particularly acceptable, and I thank you for commencing the correspondence. In the little interview which we enjoyed, I felt a peculiar sympathy with you, which has been heightened by bearing you upon my heart, as I have since done, before God. You cannot tell how much satisfaction it gives me to reflect, that in that spot, where once I could scarcely rind one who would feel with me for the poor Indians, there are now those who love to devise plans for the benefit of that once degraded com- munity. Your plan I highly approve, and shall rejoice to aid in its accomplishment ; and I think it will be well to have it put in operation without any delay. " I have just been perusing, in my closet, the 6th chapter of Galatians, to the 9th verse of which I would refer you and all who labor at Mohegan. Should your plan succeed, I will try to visit you some day when you are assembled. In accomplishing objects of this kind, I have usually found them to succeed better if I undertake them with an expecta- tion of success in my own mind, and an apparent courage in the view of others. Earnestness and confidence go a great way in gaining the cooperation of friends ; and when exer- cised in dependence upon God, and gentleness towards our fellow-beings, is perfectly right. Excuse my liberty in giving advice. I know you were sincere in asking it, and 1 should do wrong in withholding it. I beg your earnest \ 126 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. prayers that we may be directed in selecting a child from the Pequods. He will be an interesting object to us, as we hope the Lord will convert and sanctify him as a chosen vessel. Let us pray that we may be so evidently guided in our choice, that the Spirit may whisper to us, ' Arise and anoint him, for this is he.' And like David, who was taken from the sheep-cote, may he prove a blessing to his nation." It is proper here to remark that Miss Huntington's interest in this object knew no decrease, in the midst of her foreign missionary labors. Writing from Syria, to her first associate in labors among the Mohegans, she says "Miss Williams and I often talk of Mohegan; and we have received many interesting letters from Mr. Gleason. I shall not forget the scenes in old Lucy's kitchen, and beneath the hay-stack, in which you and I mingled. I trust we shall talk of them in heaven." It may gratify the reader to know the present state of this little mission. The following extract of a letter re- cently received from Rev. Anson Gleason, the pastor and teacher stationed at Mohegan, answers inquiry on this point. After giving an account of the organization of the church, he observes " Since then, from time to time, others have been hopefully converted and united to our little fold ; till upwards of forty have been enrolled thirteen of whom are natives, three males and ten females. One native female has been excommunicated ; two have departed this life in peace ; two white sisters have also died. * * * Our members generally are spiritual and active, both natives and whites, and live in much harmony and good feeling. Thus, dear brother, you see that the precious seed your sister sowed in tears, here on this hard soil, has come up and yielded a glorious harvest. The little school she left is very prosperous. There are now twenty native children who attend school, and are making good progress in useful studies. One little Indian girl is making rapid progress in the Latin Reader." CHAPTER VII. CORRESPONDENCE WITH HER FATHER AND FRIENDS RE- SPECTING THE FOREIGN MISSION SERVICE ENGAGEMENT TO MR. SMITH MARRIAGE EMBARKATION. THE time had now arrived, in which Miss Huntinglon was to have the gratification of her long-cherished wishes to serve her divine Lord, and promote the salvation of a dying world, by engaging in the foreign mission service. It appeared the design of Providence, that through the Rev. ELI SMITH, of the American Mission at Beyroot, Syria, should be brought before her mind the subject of entering upon that good work, as the wife of a missionary. As it is instructive and interesting to see the movements of the mind and heart of a Christian like Miss Huntington, in contemplating such an important step, extracts will be given from her correspondence with her father and other friends on the subject. "MARCH, 1833. " My honored and beloved Father : I have taken my pen to address you on a subject which could not at present be discussed, in personal conversation, either by you or me, with sufficient composure. It is one so momentous in its nature, that I almost tremble while I write ; and I would most tenderly and respectfully request you to suspend your judgment, and strive to control the strong affections of your heart, until you have deliberately and prayerfully considered the whole matter. " You know, my dear father, that I have long regarded the missionary cause with deep interest ; but how deep, is? 128 MEMOIR OF no being but the God of missions, has known. My sin- cerity is now put to the test; and the question is to be decided, whether I will forsake home and country, to dwell as a laborer in that land which was the ' cradle of Christianity ' is contiguous to the scene of our Saviour's sufferings and where he promised peculiar blessings upon those who should be made partakers of the same. I have not now to decide upon the single question, Am I willing to become a Missionary ? That has been long settled in my own mind. But it involves another Will I go in the way which Providence now seems to point out ? This last de- pends upon the course which my feelings shall take towards the individual who has presented the inquiry, in case your approbation be obtained. "I could cover many pages in recording the circum- stances which have contributed to inspire me with what I hope is a missionary spirit ; but can only glance at the most prominent, to convince you, that at the age of thirty, and after twelve years' training in the school of Christ, my resolution is not hastily formed. " From the first year of my Christian life, I began to feel the importance of sacrifices, to promote the cause of missions, on the part of those who remain at home. Supposing myself unqualified, by education and habits, for active service abroad, the continually deepening views which I received were confined to labors at home; until the time that Rev. Mr. Temple addressed our auxiliary, more than three years since ; when they assumed a definite form. Never shall I forget the impression made upon me by his appeals ! I seemed pressed down with such a weight of obligation, and sense of past delinquency, that I almost wished the dust might cover me, and oblivion throw its veil over my unpardonable indifference. It was an epoch in my Christian course. I consecrated myself anew to my Saviour's cause, and I hope was accepted in so doing. " It was not long after this that the Valley of the Mis- sissippi became an object of interest; and to this field, 1 MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 129 devoted myself in heart, by regulating my expenses and habits, iu view of a residence there for two years as a teacher. These arrangements were providentially diverted from their original design, and were brought into requisi- tion at Mohegan, where were reflected in miniature, some of the lights and shades of more extended missionary operations. " But there is still another period to which I look back with feelings of intense and sacred interest. The desires which I had cherished were like a smothered flame in my breast, which every missionary meeting, and every monthly concert, seemed to rekindle and cause to rise higher and higher. Often have I returned from the concert of prayer completely exhausted with the exercises of my soul, and burning with desire, to lay myself upon the altar of sacri- fice, as the only assurance that I was doing all which I could do, for that cause which brought the Saviour from his throne. The period to which I refer was the last mis- sionary meeting but one, which was held at Dr. Strong's church ; when with perfect calmness I made, and after reaching home, recorded, a solemn resolution, to this effect; that whenever my parents could spare me, if 1 were as much at liberty as then, I would devote myself to the work of a foreign missionary, and hold myself ready to go forth in such capacity as Providence should point out. From that time, until recently, I have felt almost assured that I should find my grave in a distant land During my illness last summer, my hopes received a check ; and fearing that my constitution was injured, I almost relinquished the expectations which I had indulged. I was cast into the valley of humiliation, too, where I felt that God regarded me as he did his servant David, when he accepted the desire which prompted him to build a temple to his honor ; but chose another thus to perpetuate his glory. The sudden death of my brother had a tendency to deepen my humility if, through grace, I may give it that appellation and this winter I have had such exercises 6* 130 MEMOIR OF as I never knew before. I have sought to concentrate my feelings and desires within the narrow but not unimportant circle of home engagements. " In retracing my past views, which led me to ask for an assimilation of soul with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, I feared that the incense had been touched with unhallowed fire. I determined to devote myself exclusively to the performance of filial and other relative duties, and ' in honor to prefer ' all others to myself; and this I wished to do, without arrogating to myself any merit, as though it were a condescension. I have felt myself under a cloud, but I have not lost my anchor ; and my whole spirit was more like that of a little child, than any thing which I had before experienced. I was willing to relinquish the cher- ished object of my heart, the missionary cause, and to be and to do, whatever God required, small as it might appear. " In this attitude the important question now in agitation found me better prepared I think, to decide judiciously, than in those days of greater excitement to which I have alluded. Now a field seems opened before me, more de- sirable than any other upon a foreign soil, with a fellow- laborer whose previous knowledge of the station, and other qualifications, give him a high rank in this department. But I dare not, and shall not indulge my prepossessions in his favor, except I have not merely your consent, but your cheerful approval. This has already been bestowed by my dear mother, and other near friends, without any solicitation on my part. " And now, my dear father, to you, who are the earthly idol of my heart, is submitted the sole responsibility of de- ciding this interesting question, interwoven with the concerns of eternity. Were I invited to unite my destiny with a mer- chant, whose business called us to the shores of the Medi- terranean, I think you would not hesitate to resign me, and would feel that you and my mother would be kindly provided with every attention. Will not He, who has required, as a test of discipleship, that all should be willing to forsake MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 131 father, and mother, and children for him, be true to his own promise? Although it has been my delight to contribute to your and mamma's happiness, (and I had anticipated with great satisfaction, the privilege of smoothing your declining paths,) yet in the ordinary course of nature, a few years, at best, would terminate these duties. If I leave you for a home in a foreign clime, I know that I shall suffer, intensely and perhaps often, with an aching heart and yearnings of the tenderest affection towards you. Yet I feel impelled to ven- ture upon these and other trials, if I may go with your bless- ing. I want, my dear father, that you should enjoy the sat- isfaction of giving me up, as it were, voluntarily, to this work, in the spirit with which you renewed the dedication of all your children to God, in that hour when the soul of one was hovering near the gate of heaven. I have thought constantly of that act, within a few days, and said to myself, ' Will my dear father stand the test which was involved in that committal 1 ' Will it not afford you consolation, though it be associated with sorrow, to reflect that you have one child safely lodged in the tabernacle on high, and another in the outer court of that tabernacle which missionary ground seems to resemble 1 I shall wait your answer with intense interest. Should you surrender me to the Saviour, and to that work which I covet, I should like to add a few lines to this, and forward it to New York and Vermont. " May that blessing which maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow thereto, be yours, kindest and best of parents! If I leave you, the blessing will be yours in a double sense; if I stay, I may not be able to shield you from the stings of sorrow, should God see fit to send them." " My dear Brothers and* Sisters : Our beloved father, with his accustomed tenderness and prudence, has taken the foregoing letter into serious and deliberate consideration; and he requests that each one of his children will first give an individual and unbiased opinion, before the result of his own decision is known. As I cannot enjoy the privilege of 132 MEMOIR OF personal intercourse with you, at present. I must add some- thing which you will wish to know respecting this case. " In the first place, I must speak of the friend who has presented this subject to us. It is the Rev. Eli Smith, who has been a missionary in western Asia for six or seven years ; and since his return, last year, has published the travels of Mr. Dwight and himself in Armenia. " In addition to what I have said to our dear father, I will mention other reasons, which lead me to the conclusion, that this matter bears the impress of the finger of God. In re- tracing my life from childhood to the present time, I see much which appears like a measure of training for this pur- pose, so far as human influences operate , although the work appears so solemn and important, that it seems to me httle short of entire holiness is sufficient for it ; and that God's abounding grace can alone suffice. You know I have always cultivated a spirit of enterprise, which mamma's in- fluence has tended to increase ; and her disregard of those trifling things which many women esteem so highly, has insensibly led me to value the stronger points of character more. That I have been preserved from forming any con- nections involving me in the ordinary circumstances of life, and that these have appeared to me so insipid or perhaps I had better say unsatisfying does not seem to me an accident merely. " In years that are past, when tny dear brothers were strangers to God, and I used to agonize before Him in their behalf, I pledged myself, in case of their conversion, to bring * an offering very costly ' and lay it at my Saviour's feet, as an expression of my gratitude; and^often, since my prayers were heard, have I inquired of myself, ' Where is it? ' That touching scene in the dying chamber of our dear Peter, when those three brothers' heads were together bent before their God, seems now like a token, from heaven itself, to remind me of my promise. " These thoughts, and many others which I cannot now relate, might seem like the stirrings of an ardent tempera- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 133 ment, wrought up to a state of enthusiasm by some sudden event, were it not that they have been dwelt upon, and re- corded too, before this time, for my own private benefit. ' In going to a foreign land, I should not be neglecting benevolent labors at home; for these are now reduced to so much system, that each one knows his place, and there are many idle hands which could well be spared or act as sub- stitutes. I have been hedged up of late, and my circle of duties continually narrowing, until my field is circumscribed by the walls of my father's house. And even here my labors are more limited and less important than might be supposed. The social character of our inhabitants, with our numerous circle of relatives, very happily tends to occupy a large proportion of our dear mother's sympathies and to obviate her privations. Their kind attentions are so generously bestowed, that days have sometimes passed, in which I have not had five minutes' conversation with her ; and she has noticed, as well as I, how almost invariably I have been in- terrupted, whenever I have taken a book to read aloud. That my presence contributes greatly to the happiness of my dear parents, their affection, which becomes every day more endearing and precious, will not allow me to deny ; and yet I d6 feel, that should they ' not grudgingly or of necessity,' but with cheerfulness, surrender me to Christ, he will make all grace ' to abound ' towards them ; and that they will never for a moment regret the sacrifice. I can see also a way in which every attention will be fur- nished them. " Do not think that I have not seriously contemplated the darker shades in the picture of a missionary life ; though I acknowledge that the train of my thoughts is more in ac- cordance with the following sentiments, contained in an address by Mr. Smith on the trials of the missionary, (and who could enter upon the work without such preposses- sions?) than with the forbidding features. He says, 'Your satisfaction will be unalloyed and ennobling, in feeling that you have thrown yourself into a position perfectly congruous 1 34 MEMOIR OF to all your true relations to time and eternity ; by selecting an employment that sinks to their deserved rank of trifles, the affairs of the body and of time, by neglecting them ; and exalts to their proper magnitude, the affairs of the soul and of eternity, by looking to them for its objects and its pleas- ures.' Yet I do not forget, that the life of a missionary is usually short; and that even before T reach the field of labor, I may find a watery grave. Should I arrive there, my pre- vailing impression is, that I shall live but a few years, and that those few may accomplish but little for the benefit of those immediately around me. But if only a ' cup-bearer ' to him who seeks my aid, by helping him to work success- fully, I shall not go in vain. And if our church, in sur- rendering for the first time one of her children to this blessed cause; and our Sabbath school, and particularly my circle of friends, should feel themselves more identified with the cause of missions, by my means, the sacrifice would be worth making. The more I have to give up, the more valuable will be the offering which I am permitted to make. " Hitherto I have looked at the work with an ardent desire to be permitted the privilege of engaging in it ; now, while it seems as desirable as ever, the leadings of Providence and the coincidences which accompany the present event, lead me to feel that God not only permits, but is calling me to leave all and follow him. And when I wonder at his condescension in choosing so feeble an agent, whose insignificance and depravity deserved nothing but his contempt and wrath, I am consoled with the as- surance, that if in Christ Jesus I am worthy to inherit a crown of immortal glory ; through the same infinite love, I may be permitted to sympathize in his labors and his suf- ferings here. " May God graciously lift upon us all the favor of his countenance, and be a light to our feet at this critical period ! " On receiving replies to the foregoing, she again writes MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 135 "MARCH 14, 1833. "My ever dear Father: After having perused the letter of my brothers and sisters, before God, and having implored the aid of the Spirit in the guidance of my pen, I have seated myself to ask for your decision in this case, in which my feelings are now more tenderly and deeply in- terested, than when I addressed you nearly a fortnight since. You will readily perceive, from the perusal of the communication just received, that one object which oar friends had in view, was to present the other side of the subject in such a light, as to bring my sincerity to the test, and to check all dangerous enthusiasm. For this I thank them. " After assuring you, my dear father, that no change whatever is produced in my mind by the letter, I will pro- ceed to review its contents from the beginning, for your satisfaction, theirs, and my own. * * * * * * " And now, my dear father, I ^have nothing to add to the inducements which I have already laid before you. Since the commencement of this important subject, I have indulged no impatience nor distrust. My feelings towards yourself and towards my heavenly Parent, have been in- creasingly consoling to me, as furnishing testimony that my hopes in his grace are not fallacious. In quietness and in confidence is my strength, ' and my foot standeth in an even place.' The prospect of heaven seems bright and cheering, and I feel that we shall all soon sit there together. Then, and not till then, will you and my other dear friends appreciate fully all the motives and the prov- idences which seem to my mind to be urging me into the path, which possesses so many attractions in my eyes; ' The path in which the Saviour trod, The path to glory and to God.' '" Miss Huntington had the satisfaction, soon after writing the foregoing letter, of receiving the consent of her father 136 MEMOIR OF to the proposals which had been under consideration. She then, with great earnestness, began her preparations to go forth to that work upon which her mind and heart had been so long and intently fixed. In pursuance of this object she visited her relatives in New York and Philadel- phia. A few extracts from her letters written at this time, will show her frame of mind and the state of her heart, in anticipation of what was before her. "NEW YORK, MARCH 28, 1833. " My beloved Parents: From brother Edward you have heard of my safe arrival here. Our passage was unusually calm and pleasant. Our cabin, through the night, was as quiet as a private apartment at home. The voice of our pilot broke upon the stillness of the night, and my thoughts immediately traced an analogy between him and our blessed Saviour, who, in his untiring love and watchfulness, ' never slumbereth nor sleepeth.' I thought I could add another stanza to that most beautiful hymn of Watts, commencing thus : ' Join all the glorious names, Of wisdom, love, and power, That ever mortals knew, That angels ever bore, All are too mean to speak his worth, Too mean to set my Saviour forth.' " I am going to see uncle Trumbull, to consult with him about taking some lessons in perspective, according to Mr. Smith's suggestion. I think of you, my dear parents, only as happy in the presence of Him, ' whose loving kindness is better than life.' That you will continue to enjoy his smiles, and that these will make your last days your best days, is the prayer and expectation of your grateful child." "NEW YORK, APRIL 1, 1833. " I thank you, my dear brother, for your affectionate note. I have thought much of late upon the privilege en- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 137 joyed by those who are the offspring of the righteous. Dr. Griffin once remarked, in a sermon, that in this country, there is many an unbroken chain of pious ancestry, reach- ing from its first settlement down to the present time. May we not find our own family forming one of the links, which will extend into the eternal world? How high then are our obligations ! " " PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 11, 1833. " My dear Parents : From this city of brotherly love, I feel disposed to address you, although my letter may not be completed until after my return to New York. I left the latter place on Tuesday morning at half past six. I took cousin Sarah by surprise ; though a cordial welcome from her and her kind husband was bestowed upon me. His country seat is a charming one, atfd were the weather a little warmer I should put my slight knowledge of per- spective to the trial. Vessels of all sizes are to be seen every hour, passing up and down the Schuylkill, which forms the western boundary of the estate. The brilliancy of the verdure of the surrounding fields and graceful slopes, surpasses any thing which I have ever seen. Having spent the last fortnight amid the brick walls and dust of New York, the opening of spring seems like a sudden transition ; for the apricot trees are here in full blossom. The air is bland, and the songsters of the grove seem more melodious than usual. " I have made a short but satisfactory visit to West's painting of ' Christ healing the Sick ; ' and gazed with intense interest and sympathy, upon the bronze statue of William Penn, whose left hand holds the treaty which he made with the Indians, and which makes his memory so precious to me. We spent a half hour among the exotics of a distinguished florist, where I saw the most brilliant display of hyacinths that I ever met, of every shade and exceedingly double. The gardener loaded us with them. I only regret that I cannot convey them to Norwich, that 138 MEMOIR OF their fragrance might greet the senses of my dear mother, as they do mine at this moment. I would not have failed of making this visit, and shall remember it with especial pleasure, when far away." " NEW YORK, APRIL 16, 1833. " I left Philadelphia on Saturday. I formed an ac- quaintance with an interesting Quakeress, on board the boat, who appeared like a pious lady. When I parted with her, I took her hand and remarked, that I hoped we should meet in a better world. She replied with character- istic composure and simplicity, but with bewitching gentle- ness, ' I hope so : I am pleased with thy countenance.' It was my first acquaintance with one of this sect, and I think it will give me satisfaction, when I have passed the ' river of death,' to recollect that with Christian af- fection I have shaken hands with a 'Friend.' " Last Sabbath was the communion in the Bowery church, where, side by side with dear Edward, we commemorated the love of that Saviour to whose work we are conse- crated. I rejoice, dear father, that you have his presence. He will not leave you comfortless, but will come unto you, more graciously than ever. I 'trust I shall be with you on Saturday. Notwithstanding my enjoyment here, and else- where, I shall rejoice more than all, to be once more with you, in my quiet home. My love awaits each one of you." "NORWICH, APRIL 23, 1833. " Your gratifying letter, my dear sister, reached me in New York and was peculiarly acceptable. I thank you for resigning me so cheerfully. Our dear father is in just that state of mind, respecting my departure, which I wished and expected him to acquire. In his letters to me while I was absent, he expressed unusual confidence in God, and enjoyment of his presence ; and the day of my return, which was Saturday last, he very frankly acknowledged, in my presence, that his feelings had been wrong, but were now wholly changed. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 139 " It is of the first importance that we all preserve a quiet spirit. I have been so unusually composed, since this event, that I dread more than any thing, a ruffled, excited state of feeling. " I had a pleasant visit in New York and Philadelphia ; though rejoiced to return, where I can walk more by faith, which it is very difficult to do in a tumultuous city. I hope we shall all be enabled to preserve our spirituality of mind ; which is practicable, if we keep other things in their sub- ordinate place. If any may take advantage of the precept, ' Take no thought for the morrow,' we may do so, who are in the ranks of our Saviour, avowedly, and, I hope, sincerely. ' For your Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things,' is a precious promise." " MAY. " What a lovely spring this is ! All nature seems joyous, animate and inanimate. This little plain looks like a para- dise, and I sometimes sing, with pleasure, rather than pain, Eve's lamentation, ' Must I leave thee, Paradise ! Thus leave thee, native soil, These happy walks and shades ? ' Yes, with joy I leave thee, that souls, whose value out- weighs a world's delights, may become heirs of the ' sweet fields beyond the swelling flood.' It is a little after sunrise now, and I have had a precious season in my closet, where my mind seemed to expand with the truth of God. How soon we shall know him in eternity ! Let us quicken our- selves in the race set before us." The powerful competition, which the missionary cause held in Miss Huntington's affections, with her home and all its pleasant circumstances, may be learned from two or three sentences in one of her letters, written a few months before she left her country. "To make and receive visits, ex- change friendly salutations, attend to one's wardrobe, cuj- 140 MEMOIR OF tivate a garden, read good and entertaining books, and even attend religious meetings for one's own enjoyment; all this does not satisfy me. I want to be where every arrangement will have unreserved and constant reference to eternity. On missionary ground I expect to find new and unlooked for trials and hinderances ; still it is my choice to be there. And so far from looking upon it as a difficult task to sacrifice my home and country, I feel as if I should ' flee as a bird to her mountain.' " To those who knew the pleasant local circumstances of Miss Huntington's residence ; the circle of society in which she moved ; the high place she had in the respect, confi- dence and affection of her numerous acquaintances; the interest with which they gathered around her, and bestowed their testimonials of regard, as the time approached when they were to " see her face no more," to those who knew these things, her willingness to leave all, is explained only by the fact, that she so loved her God and Saviour, and desired his glory in the publication of his gospel to the ends of the earth, that she " accounted not her life dear unto herself." "NORWICH, JUKE 21, 1833. " I am grateful to my dear friends for their kind interest, and their solicitude for my future happiness. But they must all be cautious, and I too, of dwelling much upon those features in the case which are calculated to encourage too much sensibility. You recollect the reply of our Saviour to Peter, when he said, ' Be it far from thee, Lord.' The work before us, is, as Mr. Smith expresses it, one of inconceivable magnitude ; and whatever has a tendency to weaken courage, must be regarded as our Saviour did the rebuke of his warm-hearted disciple, as a temptation to be resisted. How precious is the thought that he who said, ' Lo, I am with you alway,' was a human, as well as a divine Being! " I think, dear sister, that some of the views which are entertained respecting missionary relinquishments and pri- vations are a little imaginary. If we attempt to sum up the MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 141 amount of real happiness enjoyed by those who remain at home, including all the anxieties and perplexities attendant upon almost every hour, what will be the result? Cast in the balance against those of the missionary, which are of a different nature perhaps, are we sure that the latter would preponderate ? It is the testimony of all missionaries I have noticed, that their trials are not of the kind, which fill the anticipations of their friends. I am unwilling that my friends should cultivate in themselves, or in me, the feeling that I am too valuable for the sacrifice. " Your prayers I prize. I ask their continuance, that my work may assume such an appearance in my eyes, as to outweigh every minor consideration, and that the great realities of eternity may fill all our souls." "NORWICH, JULY 5, 1833. " As soon as you had left the door yesterday, dear brother and sister, I retired to your vacant room, and there my heart seemed strengthened with the same hope which I felt would strengthen me in death. I felt that it was enduring as eternity. Glorious hope ! what can a feeble human being do without it? Eternal things never seemed so real to me as they now do. Our circumstances as a family, for many years, have been of a teaching nature ; and we should be dull indeed, had we learnt nothing. Although we have had trials, they are such as we would hardly exchange for those of most others ; and our blessings certainly we would not relinquish for those which are only temporal. Let us be grateful and cheerful, and, as a wise man of Persia said, speak of our trials with a smile.' " When you pray for me, ask that I may have more and more love for souls and for the honor of God. This is the only feeling which can sustain a missionary ; and bear away the spirit from selfishness." " JULY 8, 1833. " Mr. Dickinson preached yesterday morning from the words, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth;' 142 MEMOIR OF and in the afternoon from Malachi iii. 8. I have seldom had much enjoyment at the communion table, because I have usually been too exclusive and personal in my desires, looking for some especial token of the Saviour's \ovefor me. I trust that yesterday I was enabled to throw off those shackles ; and that hereafter, as then, it will be a season in which I shall feel my obligations to a dying world, and make some new surrender to my Master. I felt yesterday that the church is in no immediate danger of apathy from having nothing to do. It will require a great effort for her to ' arise arid shake herself from the dust,' and ' put on her beautiful garments/ and be ' comely as Jerusalem.' A few have already commenced the reformation, and ministers must lead the van ; and all of us who feel interested must work hard, and pray much, and prepare to encounter ob- stacles. But let us go forward ; for the Lord is on our side. ' Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.' " Soon after her marriage, which took place on the 21st of July, Mrs. Smith with her husband left Norwich to make several final visits to relatives and friends; of which the fol- lowing extracts furnish a brief account. " BENNIMITON, VT., AUG. 10, 1833. " My dear Parents : I am very happy to be able to address you once more from this spot. Our visit at North- ford was exceedingly pleasant and satisfactory, and the time passed almost unconsciously. I was gratified to see so many of Mr. Smith's numerous relatives, which, with -my own, would make a congregation of no inconsiderable size ; and with thanksgiving I may add, their united prayers would form a cloud of incense not to be found in every circle of similar number. May I not be unmindful of the privilege of having so many praying friends ! On the Sabbath my husband preached a farewell discourse, and took leave of many of his friends. I could not refrain from mingling my tears with theirs upon the interesting occasion. Mou- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 143 V day morning we bade a final adieu, the sorrows of which were somewhat alleviated by the possibility _of meeting again, belbre our embarkation. It threw around our aged parents a dignity which angels might admire, to see them thus relinquish the object of their fond regard, to the cause which angels love, and angels serve. May the richest blessings of God's grace rest upon them, and upon you, ray dear parents, who make the same cheerful surrender. " Here we expect to remain until Wednesday next. You will naturally imagine that dear Peter has been brought to mind, and that many tender associations are connected with him. There stands the rocking-chair which he occu- pied, and when I lie down upon the bed, I can almost imagine that I hear his steps in the adjoining chamber. But while that precious form moulders in the grave, the released spirit is in far higher and holier society above, from whence I would not recall him, if I could. c There entertain him, all ye saints above, In solemn troops and sweet societies That sing, and singing in your glory move, And wipe the tears forever from his eyes. ' " After having visited her only sister, for the last time, and bade her " farewell," on her return home she wrote as follows : " NORWICH, AUG. 20, 1833. " My very dear Sister : Were not the prayers of our kind husbands answered, in reference to our parting? During family devotions, I felt as if I should dissolve in tears, and yet we separated with calmness. I long to know how you felt after we left. Many times during the day I closed my eyes, and said to myself, ' Can it be that I shall behold those loved faces no more, until we meet in eternity ? ' While I write, the thought makes my heart sink, but I must not indulge it. 'Away, it is done, I will breathe not a sigh, But a amJle shall spring up o'er the tear that would rise.' 144 MEMOIR OF "The recollection of our visit to you is delightful. Indeed, the whole journey furnished as much unalloyed pleasure as earth often bestows. Our ride to Pittsfield was pleasant, where we arrived some time before dark. The next morning we set out early, and called first in Canaan, at the house of Deacon Whiting, the father of one of the mis- sionaries at Beyroot, where we had a precious visit, and met together at the throne of grace. On Friday we went to Northampton. Next morning Mr. Todd accompanied us to the grave of Brainerd. At 10 o'clock we left for Hartford, which we reached between eight and nine in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth were expecting us, and received us very cordially. Our visit to them was as delightful as the most solicitous kindness could make it. Mr. Smith preached in each of the churches his farewell. When we left the next morning, Mr. put into my hands a check upon the Merchants' Bank of New York, for $100, charging me to use it for our own comfort. He requested us to let them know when we were to sail, saying, ' Though we are old folks, perhaps we shall have the courage to be with you ; ' and when he bade us adieu, he was so overcome, that he had to go into the dining-room and recover himself, before he could wait upon us to the stage-coach. Such kindness we shall not soon forget; and will you pray that those feelings of personal interest may be transferred to the cause to which we are devoted? We return from our journey, laden with the rich experience of God's goodness. Our friends in Nor- wich are very kind and attentive." On the morning of the 29th of August, 1833, came that hour which, more than all, may be expected to try the soul of a missionary ; especially a daughter of such tender and strong affections the hour of bidding farewell to her father and her mother. The following letter, written the next day, best describes her feelings on that occasion. It is delightful still to see, how " the love of Christ constraineth " the de- voted missionary, and with what sacred steadfastness it en- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 145 ables him to move on in the path of duty, even though it be in a sundering of the tenderest ties known on this side of heaven. In such an hour, how impressively is illustrated that promise of the Lord Jesus, " My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness " ! " PROVIDENCE, AUG. 30, 1833. " My dear Father : Yesterday was to me a most painful season. For the first time in my life, I strove to drive your image from my thoughts ; for so long as it was present there, in the last attitude in which I beheld you, waving your adieu, my tears flowed irresistibly. Yet I would not return to you. It is a good icork which I have undertaken, and I feel happy in the thought that you would not recall me from it. Still nothing but the hopes of the gospel sustain me. Earth cannot furnish a motive sufficiently powerful to justify such a sacrifice. Yesterday these hopes were less operative but this morning, I seem to feel an answer to the prayers which, as I hope, are offered for me; and probably my reno- vated strength of body, invigorates my mind. Tell all our dear friends to pray for our spiritual advancement, more than for any thing else. We have now begun our work, and need your prayers. The effects of these we shall feel con- tinually ; and our friends can in no way render us so happy, as in the kind office of suppliants at the mercy seat." To her brother, who was a resident at her father's house, and from whom she had parted forever, in this life, she wrote as follows : "BOSTON, AUG. 31. " My dear Brother : After leaving you all on Thursday, I felt for a little while as if you were dead ; but since writing to you so freely, I have entirely lost this sad im- pression, and I can now, with some slight exceptions, think of you with my usual cheerfulness. In consequence of the delay of sailing, we do not feel hurried, and I doubt Smith. *f H6 MEMOIR OF not all things will be kindly ordered, as they have been thus far. I have learned from past experience, that when I place my own concerns secondary to higher duties, God prospers them ; but as sure as I give them the Jirst place, they perplex me. This explains the sentiment inculcated by our Saviour, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added.' "Sabbath evening. I attended the Old South this morning, where Dr Skinner is supplying the pulpit for a few weeks. It was the communion season, and my thoughts were peculiarly interesting. When there fifteen years ago, I was not a guest at the Lord's table, but an alien from him." " SEPTEMBER 4. " Although exceedingly anxious, my beloved father, to hear from home, I dreaded the effect of your letters upon my feelings ; and when I read yours, with Faith's, and especially Edward's, I realized all I had anticipated, and more, of an overflowing of natural affection. Had not my husband been present, I should have given unrestrained indulgence to my sensibilities, and perhaps made myself sick. But 1 trust both my Saviour, and my husband, are willing that I should love such dear ones as I have left behind, and weep at the remembrance of them. Oh ! how gracious was our Redeemer, in assuming the nature of man ! It is a comfort to me to think that his soul, more perfect in refined and tender emotions than any earthly being, was susceptible of acute suffering. Yet his principles never swerved ; and so long as feeling is not indulged to the prejudice of duty, it is not indulged to a sinful excess. God forbid that I a woman should ever become a stoic ! Let no one ask or expect it of a missionary, as an essential qualification. God often calls to his work those who possess the warmest affections, that his grace may be more triumphant ; and brother Hooker says, that ' those who love Christ best, love also their friends most.' I do not intend, in my letters, to throw a gloss over any thing ; but shall tell you of all that MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 147 occurs ; so that you may rely upon my integrity and can- dor, and not imagine that I am suffering what I wish to conceal. And yet I do not mean to complain." The letters of Mrs. Smith which were written from this time to that of her embarkation, exhibit evidence of the intensity of her attachment to her friends and her country; and that her trials were severe, in parting with them for life. But they likewise show the source from whence she derived her comfort and strength ; the predominance of her love to Christ and the work to which she had conse- crated herself; and that she advanced, with firm step, in the path which she had entered. From these letters, the limits of the present chapter will admit the insertion of only the following passages : " I hope, my dear cousin, that you do not forget to pray for me, as you would for yourself under similar circum- stances. I need much more grace than I possess. Pray that I may be a good wife, an efficient associate, a kind friend that I may have bodily vigor, mental capacity for acquainting myself with the languages of the country to which I am going and above all, a warm heart and an overcoming faith. " In leaving forevet this favored land, with home and affectionate friends, my mind involuntarily forms an esti- mate of its real value, similar, I think, to the views which I shall have upon a dying bed. The result of my reflec- tions is this. Every thing really valuable here, rises in my estimation ; while a multitude of things deemed quite es- sential, sink to insignificance. O that Christians so richly blessed would consent to throw off the shackles of the worldling, and give all their energy to the salvation of their fellow-beings ! The time must come when this will be the case. God forbid that his judgments should be necessary to accomplish it." 148 MEMOIR OF " BOSTON, SEPT. 14, 1833. " My thoughts have dwelt too much, dear brother and sister, upon those whom I have left. The separation from home and beloved ones, was far more trying than I antici- pated. I wept nearly all the first day, at the remembrance of that little group which surrounded the stage-coach, upon whom I had looked for the last time. The image of our dear father, waving his final adieu, rose continually before me, and my heart was dissolved in tenderness. To part with him was more painful than to separate from all my other friends. But I need not describe to you my emotions ; you know them all, dear sister. " My faith, I trust, is not weakened. Yet I pity a mis- sionary who loves not his work, or whose dependence is any where but in God. Nothing but reliance upon Christ, and the courage derived in answer to prayer, can furnish any adequate support. Pray for us, dear friends, continually; thus it is in your power to make us happy. I seem to realize in my own soul, that my friends are . remembering me. In the family of Mr. Hubbard, we have been welcome and happy. I had not much opportunity to converse with the dear friends at Andover, as it was the Sabbath. Through the papers, you will hear of the meeting in the evening. We were urged to stay to the anniversary ; but we rather dreaded fatigue and excitement. I felt a great deal at part- ing with our friends there; they were associated with so many tender recollections. But I suppressed my emotions till my head seemed bound with cords, and my heart felt as if it would burst. We had a little season of social prayer on Monday morning. We still expect to sail on Wednesday, Occasionally my heart sinks, at the thought of taking a last look at the shores of my native land, and I know not how I shall sustain it. My only hope is in God. Do not fear that the attentions which I receive elate or injure me. If ever I felt myself ' less than the least of all,' it is now. Dear brother and sister, thanks for all your kindness. To you, Mary, Faith, Elizabeth, and Cornelius, I must now say, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 149 farewell. My heart and my prayers are with you. I love you too well for my comfort. I can sympathize with Mar- tyn more than I expected. But if God gives me work to do for him, I shall be happy. Let all missionaries count the cost. I rejoice in the little preparation which I have had for the mission. Once more, farewell ! I go cheerfully. God bless you ! " Her farewell letter to her father follows. "BosTow, SEPT. 17, 1833. " And now, my dear father, I take my pen for the last time, and address myself to you. Nature struggles hard, and I stop to wipe the tears which gather fast, and intercept the traces of my pen. But I must not indulge myself in saying what is in my heart. God only knows those deep, deep fountains of feeling which he has created there. Your letters, and brother's, have been all received, and were more valuable than gold. They will often be read on our voyage. * * * * I have urged Dr. and Mrs. Wisner to go and see you. The former, particularly, has strong hold of my heart; I hope you will become acquainted with him. ****** " And now, must I say adieu ? ' Friends, connections, happy country, Can I can I say farewell ? ' " Dear father and mother, sisters and brothers, I forsake you for Christ. You all love Him ; and your claim to me you joyfully relinquish. To him I commend you ; at his feet I leave you, and there, this morning, have I cast myself with this plea, ' Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.' As such I hope to be borne through the labors and trials of life, and to the gate of heaven. There we meet to part no more. Till then Farewell." 150 MEMOIR OF "SATURDAY, 1 O'CLOCK, P. M. " My dear Mother : We are now just upon the wing, and expect to sail this afternoon. Mr. Perkins has been brought from Andover, and though unable to sit up all the time, the physician thinks he can go on board the ship with perfect safety. We esteem it a remarkable inter- position of Providence, that we should have been detained on Wednesday. For in addition to the mutual enjoyment of each other's society, it is thought important that Mr. P. should be with Mr. Smith, to gain information of the country to which he is going. I hope you will unite your grateful acknowledgments with ours, to the gracious Disposer of all things. Mr. Smith has just come in, and says they are all ready, and we go at half past three, 'if the Lord will.' He sends a great deal of love to you all. Cousin Sarah will fill this sheet after we are gone. In parting from these kind friends, we feel as if we were going from home. The Lord bless and reward them a hundred fold ! " Dearest mother, this is one of my last acts, writing to you. May God be with you and my beloved father, brother, and all. I am well to-day, and go with cheerfulness. Our long detention makes us anxious to be gone. Another fare- well from your most affectionate daughter, SARAH." In accordance with the intimation in the extract just quoted, the following account of the embarkation was com- municated to Mrs. Huntington : " SATURDAY, 5 O'CLOCK, P. M. " I have just returned, dear cousin, from the vessel in which your daughter sailed ; and I thought it would be gratifying to you, to know how she appeared at the last. We went on board a few minutes before four o'clock. At four, religious exercises were commenced by singing the 533d hymn of Church Psalmody, ' Roll on, thou mighty MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 151 ocean ; 5 the tune, ' Missionary Hymn.' Dr. Jenks then made an appropriate prayer ; not only for the missionaries, but their near friends. We then sang the Doxology in long metre; after which, friends were requested to go on shore. At half past four, the vessel left the wharf; while those on shore sang, ' From Greenland's icy mountains.' Through- out the whole, cousin Sarah was perfectly calm and com- posed. A stranger would have supposed she was leaving home only for a short time. When I took leave of her, she sent a message to Mrs. Hubbard, and appeared perfectly calm. She remarked to Mr. Hubbard that she had been wonderfully supported through the day, Mr. Smith seemed quite overcome at parting with friends." Mr. and Mrs. Smith embarked, at Boston, for Malta, on the 21st of September, 1833, in the brig George, Captain Hallet. By the pilot boat, on its return, Mrs. Smith ad- dressed a note to the family with whom her time had been spent in Boston, from which we extract the following : " BRIG GEORGE, 5 O'CLOCK. w Dear Friends : The pilot has just informed us that he returns in an hour, and will take letters for us. I can only say, we are all well and happy ; and very busy, as we are just ' going to house-keeping.' I have been duly appointed scribe pro tern., not because I am more talented than my companions, but more idle just now ; though I mean to be very industrious, and every thing else that is good. " I stood upon deck till I saw the waving of the last hand- kerchief, and Mr. Eckard's white hat, as he stood alone upon the shrouds. You, dear Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard, I looked upon with a daughter's heart ; you seemed to be representa- tives of my parents. Thanks for every expression of love from the members of your family. " From first stepping on board, my heart has been stayed up with the Scripture which I repeated this morning 'For 152 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 1 am persuaded, that neither death, nor life ; nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers; nor things present, nor things to come; nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' * * * God's kingdom seems more glorious than any thing else; thanks to his grace. * * * Adieu, dear, dear friends. My heart feels what I cannot express." CHAPTER VIII. VOYAGE TO MALTA SHIP'S COMPANY AND EFFORTS FOB THEIR GOOD ALEXANDRIA ARRIVAL AT BE YROOT. THE company of missionaries to which Mrs. Smith was attached, landed at Malta on the 14th of November, after a prosperous voyage of fifty-four days. Mr. and Mrs. Smith sailed shortly for Alexandria, where they arrived on the 25th of December. From thence, on the loth of January, they embarked for Beyroot, their destined station, which they reached on the 28th. Mrs. Smith kept a journal during these voyages, in which are recorded many interesting incidents. The scenes of the mighty ocean, sometimes peaceful and beautiful, and sometimes .stormy and terrible, were new to her. She saw every thing with the eye of taste, and of one who adored and delighted to acknowledge God in all the works of his hands, and to praise him for his power, wisdom, and goodness. As it is the object of the remainder of this volume to delineate the character of Mrs. Smith as a missionary, rather than to give a history of her travels selections with reference to this, will be given, from her journals and letters to her friends. ATLANTIC OCEAS, lat. 39 y, Ion. 41 26', ) OCTOBER 4, 1833. 5 " My beloved Father : I little thought that we should be in the middle of the ocean before I should have courage to take my pen. But up to this very day, if I had kept a journal, I could have recorded nothing but sick, sick, sick. Oh, this sea-sickness ! what language can I use to describe 153 7 154 MEMOIR OF it ! For the present I will dismiss it, and tell of my agreea- ble surprise on opening my writing-desk this afternoon, for the first time for incidents are rare upon this wide waste of waters. I had forgotten the items which were deposited in my desk, and the first object which met my eye was the profile of my dear father, and on searching I found that of my own mother, and then those which are so striking of Edward and Peter. My eye must have kindled with affection, for my heart glowed with pleasure, and it was unmingled, cheerful pleasure. I found, also, several very nice pens, all prepared by Edward for writing ; and my husband having filled my inkstand, I herewith com- mence that correspondence, which is to be our only solace in our separation. "October 5. While in Boston, I had a great deal of despondency of mind and physical depression ; but after so many detentions, was anxious to sail. And when the day actually arrived/ 1 summoned all the courage of which I was capable, aided, I fully believe, by the grace of God. The 8th of' Romans furnished me the spiritual strength which I needed, and I strove to turn away my thoughts from every personal consideration, and occupy them with God's glorious plans. "As I was taking dinner to-day, a sweet little land bird, which had been hovering around the deck, perched in the window. Its size was that of a robin, its plumage black and white. But it had not the calm and buoyant look of the sweet songsters among my native hills. It seemed wearied and ruffled, like some solitary wanderer. It was five hundred miles from its home, the Western Islands. "October 14. I have been reading again this morning your letters received in Boston, and over them shed many tears of fond affection and gratitude. Your image is continually with me, and every night my imagination visits you. For two Sabbaths we have been able to have religious exercises on deck, at four o'clock, P. M., and it is truly affecting to see these immortals, listening to that word which will either be MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 155 the savor of life or of death ; and which, if disregarded, will justify God in their condemnation before the universe. It is a sublime and overwhelming thought, that whether suc- cessful or not in their labors, Christians are thus honoring the Divine Being in his dispensations of grace. " We number fifteen souls on board this ship ; two only of whom, beside the captain, mates, and ourselves, are Ameri- cans ; which renders it an unpromising field of labor. "October 15. We have made the Western or Azore Islands, which were associated, not only with the geography of my early days, but with the feeble prayers of later years. As a portion of the Islands of the Western hemisphere, it has been my pleasure to remember them once a week in my closet at home, hundreds of miles distant from them. And here they lie stretched before me, inhabited only by ignorant and superstitious Portuguese, to whom you may suppose 1 now feel not wholly indifferent. " On the 26th, we first beheld, to our great joy, the African coast; and on that day we passed through the Straits of Gibraltar. You can hardly imagine the nature of our feelings, when we found ourselves safely across the stormy Atlantic, and within the shores of the Mediter- ranean. " The navigation of the Mediterranean possesses one advantage over the ocean ; its surface soon regains smooth- ness after being disturbed ; though, like the Atlantic, ' the waves thereof mount up to heaven, and go down again to the depths, putting us at our wits' end.' How exact the descrip- tion in the 107th Psalm, of a life at sea, none but the experienced therein can imagine. I have read it over and over with admiration, since we embarked. " I enjoyed much in the face of nature after we passed the Straits ; and if my imagination does not deceive me, these Mediterranean skies have beauties peculiar to them- selves. I will endeavor to give you some faint description of a sunrise scene which I beheld while standing alone upon the bow of the ship, as she plunged through the foaming 156 MEMOIR OF waves. A few dense but ragged clouds stretched along the eastern horizon, but not so closely as to obscure that first silver tinge of the water, only beheld in a sunrise at sea, and which suddenly strikes the eye, let it be watching ever so intently for the first beam of the glorious orb. As it rose on that morning, it presented the appearance of blocks of effulgent gold, varying their outline each moment, till at length one half of it appeared as if resting upon a pedestal, beside which lay a fragment of its glory in the form of a perfect square. The whole hemisphere seemed as it were to smile as its monarch ascended ; and as I cast my eye towards the west, floating clouds of the most delicate vermilion hue, contrasted beautifully with the brilliant azure of the sky. I turned first one way and then another, and knew not where to fix my admiring gaze. Add to this an horizon of sixty miles in extent, within which our ship was a lonely traveller, upon a waste of waters, and you may form some little conception of my feelings, as I involuntarily and audibly exclaimed, ' These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty Father .' " November 12, 8 o'clock, A. M. In quarantine. A new morning dawns upon me, and has afforded a beautiful sunrise. My imagination enters your bed-room, my dear parents, where the old clock, whose pendulum is not yet ' discontented,' will soon strike one, two, three. Perhaps, in your dreams, you are receiving a visit from your absent daughter ; if so, I hope it is of a cheering nature, as the reality would justify. For I do not feel myself to be very distant from you not as much as I feared. ' We change our sky but not our minds.' I seem to have anticipated losing my identity, after reaching these foreign shores ; but it is not so, and I hope you think of me as you think of your children in Bennington and New York. My husband and myself took our usual walk on deck just as the sun was rising. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 157 " The moral influence which, as missionaries, we have exerted over those with whom we have sailed, I know will have a prominent place in your minds ; and I wish we could inform you that God has given them all to our prayers and labors. But this we cannot say, even of one. And yet we hope that we have done a little good, which the last day may disclose. Had we been more faithful, we might perhaps have accomplished more. " Our captain came from Provincetown, on Cape Cod, which ' grows ' (as the Southerners say) little except sailors and fishermen, children, and fish. He is not yet twenty-six years of age, is about the size of brother E., and his pleasant expression and agreeable manners have often reminded me of him. He has been invariably kind and considerate towards us; and we entertain a sincere regard for him. The indiscretions of some religionists have prejudiced him against the truth ; and when we first came on board he declared himself an infidel. In view of the circumstances which had effected his belief, we thought best to act cautiously, and without neglecting favorable op- portunities for conversation on religious topics, we have sought to have our conduct such that we might be ' living epistles, known and read ' continually. We have lent him our books, which he has read with pleasure ; particularly Tyerman and Bennett's Voyages. We think there has been a gradual softening of his prejudices, an almost entire re- linquishment of profane language, and that his mind is in some degree prepared for the operations of the Holy Spirit. I have had one long and interesting conversation with him ; and we intend to unite in presenting him with a handsome reference Bible. " The mate, a little man about twenty-three years of age, has been a source of anxiety and trial to us, for his open disregard of all serious things, and his unceasing profane- ness. We have no complaint to make of his deportment towards us as individuals. But the name of our blessed God and Saviour we have been compelled to hear used with 158 MEMOIR OF the greatest irreverence. Last week we concluded that it was best to show our disapprobation by avoiding all notice of him. The gentlemen had previously expostulated with him. He appears to have noticed our reserve, and sought to win our regard by offering fruit, dtc. For several days we have scarce heard a profane expression from him. " The second mate is near the same age with the chief mate ; an obliging, amusing fellow, whose songs and im- promptus, as he takes the lead of the men in their labors, greatly inspirit them in their chorus of ' ho cheerily.' I knew not, before, the importance of music among sailors, to enliven and beguile them, as they pull the ropes. Thus the efforts which are exhausting their energies, and bringing on premature old age, are, at times, mere pastime with them. This mate has aided us in our singing upon the Sabbath, and, but for the influence of the first mate, I think would yield to the truth. Since the first two Sabbaths, each one has been calm ; and our religious exercises on deck, at 4 o'clock, have been uninterrupted ; except the last, when a sud- den squall prevented Mr. Perkins from completing his ad- dress. The sailors have been attentive and respectful." " You must not think, from what I wrote in the intervals of sickness, that I have suffered unusual hardships. Far from it. Our accommodations have been unusually good. Our cabin and berths are more airy and commodious than missionaries generally find. We have been abundantly supplied with various and wholesome articles of food, and good water. The captain has freely offered us a share of all his delicacies, and we have endeavored to reciprocate his attentions. To the sailors we have once a week sent a basket of gingerbread and apples, sometimes accompanied with a tract for each. This is virtually, though not profess- edly, a temperance ship. We have not seen a drop of spirit on board. A little brandy has twice been used for medicine. " The Sabbath is a day which sailors claim for themselves; which, T suppose, is employed as in this ship usually for MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 159 washing, sewfng, &c. This fact should have an influence upon the prayers of Christians. " I would that every missionary could know, before leaving his native land, that the despondency produced by sea-sick- ness is but as a momentary dream. I felt, at one time, that I would hardly cross the ocean again, even to revisit my beloved home. Yet its effects are so soon forgotten, that even now I am not greatly dreading our next voyage. " November 15. We have been this afternoon to take leave of our friends of the Brig George, which was an event of deep interest to us. All on board exhibited feel- ings of kind regard. It is a little singular that an American crew, with its officers, amounting to eleven souls only, should speak seven languages ; viz. the Finnish, Danish, Swedish, German, French, Italian, and English. We found all these persons destitute of the word of God, except one of the Danes ; who had a German Testament. We leave them provided with Bibles, each one in his own tongue, except the Finlander, who, happily, can read a little English. I think we cannot for a moment doubt, that at least one of the Bibles will save one soul ; and one soul outweighs a world. The copy which is presented to the captain is a large octavo, with references, from the British and Foreign Bible Society ; a very handsome book. We each inscribed our names in it ; and it was accompanied with a note from Mr. Smith's pen, expressive of our gratitude for his kind attentions, and our wish that we might have a happy meet- ing in a better world. With them all I had a few serious words, particularly with the first mate, on the subject of profaneness. He received my reproof kindly, and acknowl- edged that his conscience also frequently reproved him. My own feelings quite overcame me, while bidding adieu to those immortal beings, with whom, for eight weeks, we had associated ; and to the flag of our happy, happy land. It will be long ere we sail under her banner again ! And alas ! long ere we see again a land so blessed. " Oh ! how it makes the Christian's heart ache to behold 160 MEMOIR OF these poor Maltese. In Malta and Gozo, there are 123,000 inhabitants, most of them poor, ignorant, degraded beings, such as you never beheld. Some of the most miserable of our Indians will give you an idea of them, if you except drunkenness ; which is, however, gaining upon them here. Add to this an incessant jargon, which, with their ' cries,' resembles more the inarticulate sounds of brutes than of human beings. But it is more especially affecting to know, that they are subject to the dominion of a tyrannical priest- hood, who may be found at every corner. Yesterday, while I was out, a procession was just entering St. Paul's church, on their return from the administration of the Viaticum to the dying, when numbers, old and young, through the streets dropped upon their knees. Like Jeremiah I can say, ' Oh that my head were waters ! ' " Mr. Temple says he shall leave Malta, and the house in which he has lived ten years, endeared to him also as the scene of afflictions, with almost as much tender feeling as in forsaking his country. The house is a large, airy building, containing a chapel which serves also as a dining-room, and the printing establishment. It is all of stone, within and without, excepting the doors and window shutters. We have for our use three small contiguous rooms, where are our baskets, trunks, &.c. Upon these we turn a great iron key, every time we leave our apartments. As I pass to and from them, over these stone steps and floors, with a rusty key in my hand, and ascend by a private stairway to the terraced roof, in the gray of the morning, I sometimes imagine myself the secluded inmate of some ruined castle ; more especially when, from the promenade, I overlook these ancient towers and battlements, founded in the chivalrous days of the knights of old. " But you will be more desirous to hear of your daughter's health, than of the romance of her associations. I am happy to say, that I am much better than I have been for months before. The air and food of these regions seem favorable to me thus far." MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 161 " MALTA, Nov. 17. " Dear Mrs. Trumbull : It would have given me great pleasure to have seen you and Mr. Trumbull before our de- parture. Yet such demands had already been made upon my tenderest sensibilities, that I almost dreaded, at the last, a repetition of parting scenes ; and congratulated mysell that my dearest friends were none of them present when we em- barked. I am now quite relieved from those painful emotions ; having left them, with my sea-sickness, in the stormy Atlantic. My present composed and cheerful feel- ings seem to compare with the easy motion of a vessel before the wind, upon a smooth sea. I regard myself and my be- loved friends as only in God's world, and composing one family ; and all we have to do, is to serve him faithfully as affectionate children ; and soon we shall be in our Father's house on high. " My whole heart thanks you and other kind friends, for the praying circle which you formed. Be pleased to tell them so from me, with my warmest Christian love. Pray that we may be like our divine Master. In approaching the harbor of VaJetta, we sailed along the northern side of the island, directly by ' St. Paul's bay,' ' the place where two seas met.' The Saturday evening that we lay in quaran- tine, in selecting a portion of Scripture for investigation, ac- cording to our usual practice, we chose the 27th of Acts ; and when we came to the 26th verse, (' Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island,') all involuntarily paused. As Mr. Smith has remarked, the Bible possesses more interest in these regions, and a livelier meaning." "MALTA, NOT. 18. " My dear Brother and Sister : I think I never prized your love and your prayers as I now do, though I have ceased to indulge those painful emotions which followed our separation. I am happy and well as I ever have been, and perhaps more so. The novelty of every thing which I behold in this ancient spot, interests me exceedingly; at the J62 MEMOIR OF same time my heart bleeds for its desolations. The Church Missionary, London, and Wesley an Societies, all have their missionaries here, yet no access is obtained to the natives, if we except one school under the care of the Methodists. There are many hundreds of priests and monks, who are always to be seen moving through the streets, their counte- nances bearing none of the marks of pure, domestic joy. They appear even more dissatisfied than ever, as their in- fluence is diminishing. It is to be hoped that another gener- ation will be permitted to think for themselves, unshackled by Romanism." " MALTA, Nov. 19. "My dear Brother: I thought and spoke of you many times while at sea, with tender commiseration, of the hard- ships you must have endured in voyages which you took. I made one descent into the forecastle, and was quite willing to emerge from it. Yet when I saw the sailors sur- rounding their beef and bread upon the deck, I thought them happy. The despotic authority exercised at sea is often alluded to with disapprobation ; but I am inclined to think that in the present state of mankind it is necessary. So much is at stake, that prompt obedience is all important, and can only be secured by a severe penalty. A sleepy watch or an unfaithful helmsman might cause the destruc- tion of all on board. I always regard the man at the helm with feelings amounting to sublimity. His fixed, silent at- tention, with his eye now upon the compass, and now raised towards the swelling canvass, reminds me of Him whose un- erring wisdom and faithfulness are guiding through her orbit, the planet on which we rest. " Yesterday we received a call from Mr. and Mrs. Brownell, missionaries of the Wesleyan Society, who superintend a school of Maltese boys and girls. A few of the natives have begged for Testaments. They are an interesting people. They resemble our Indians ; and the children in the streets, who are numerous indeed, re- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 163 mind me of my little flock at Mohegan, and call forth my sympathy, from association. Some of the most respectable youths of both sexes, are quite graceful and attractive. The females have a peculiarly becoming dress, the most conspicuous of which is a black silk mantle, thrown over the head and reaching half^ way down the person. The streets are filled with vagrants, and you cannot knock at a door, without being assailed by some one asking your charity for himself or for the souls in purgatory ; or go into a shop, without having one or more at your elbow, ask- ing to be employed in carrying home whatever you may buy. It is painful to the feelings to appear so regardless of them as is absolutely necessary. The city is so com- pact, being only a mile in length, you would soon be rec- ognized and very likely be followed by a mob whenever you appeared, if you should allow your sympathies to be called forth by their entreaties. Yesterday I passed along the principal market place, through which I could scarcely make my way ; all were crying at once their several com- modities, and filling the street completely. The tongue of the Maltese is his weapon, both offensive and defensive, ac- companied by various gesticulations. He seldom resorts to blows. The manners of the people are civil even to servility." "November 25. Yesterday morning, (Sabbath,) about ten o'clock, two detachments of soldiers passed the house, accompanied by bands of music, returning from the Chapel service which is by a chaplain who preaches five sermons every Lord's day, to the several regiments of the garrison. The melody of the performance, which would have been fine on any other day, was almost destroyed by association. Had the seed of the gospel been dispensed in its simpli- city, the birds of the air must have devoured it. " This morning we rose between 4 and 5, and attended Mass in the church of St. Dominic, who was the author of the Inquisition. I had witnessed the same in our own 164 MEMOIR OF country ; but there I regarded it as only an error that was in an incipient state. Here this absurd religion, with few exceptions, is the religion of all; and as I entered the dimly-lighted spot, and remained there nearly an hour, a succession of varied feelings pervaded my rnind. The first, was' a rush of excited sensibility, causing my eyes to overflow ; the next, of indignation towards the priests at the several altars, whose mummeries were purchased with the money of people kneeling promiscuously upon the cold stone floor, with nothing to support their persons, and who were chanting their prayers in the Latin tongue. Directly behind us, one old man was repeating his paters and aves with the Rosary. But the last and strongest feeling which I had, was that of compassion ; and as I passed a row of kneeling women, wrapped in their black mantles, I could hardly refrain from stretching forth my hands to them, as I mentally exclaimed, ' Precious sisters ! let me lead you to my Saviour, who is all sufficient, not only to save but to purify.' But alas ! it is not for me to break their chains. Yet I can and did once, if no more, plead earnestly to God for them. How did my whole soul most gratefully rejoice before the mercy seat, that I had from infancy been taught to know the one Mediator ! Dear friends ! this subject has not been too highly colored in the representa- tions of those who have returned to tell our happy country- men the sad tale of abominations in Satan's own seat. The eyes affect the heart, and no descriptions can make you feel as you would do, were you to be in the midst of them. God forbid that dear America should become a victim too ! Could her favored children realize how small a portion of the work of evangelizing the nations has been done, and that the great adversary is still the god of this world, they would indulge in no feelings of self-complacency, or of mutual congratulation at the ' great things' now in progress. There is encouragement enough to animate them in going forward, but it must be in ' the patience of hope.' MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 165 "December 7. About 4 o'clock this afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Temple, Mr. and Mrs. Hallock, and Bishop Carabet, with their families, bade a final adieu to Malta. It has been a day of bustle and of interest. Just before they left, I stepped in to bid Mrs. Carabet and the family good bye. The bishop was in the cellar, arranging something, and I went down to see him. I said to him, ' God bless you ; may we meet in heaven.' He lifted up his hands and eyes, and said, 'Jesus Christ!' He can speak but a few words of English, and this expression was very precious. After this, they came over to Mr. T.'s, and we knelt together in our apartment, while Mr. Smith made a parting prayer. Then all left for the ship, but myself. I locked the doors, and remained alone in that large and desolate house until my husband came back. I was never happier ; yet I thought of you all, as my footsteps reverberated among those lonely walls, 4,000 miles from my home. The door was surrounded with beggars, who were rapping incessantly ; but I heeded them not." "MALTA, Nov. 29. " 1 often think, my dear cousin, how your heart would be affected by what I see and hear in this dark but inter- esting portion of the world. Could we hold spiritual in- tercourse, how would I each day convey to your quiet chamber some affecting tale from this land of death, which would give energy to the prayers which you delight to offer before the mercy seat ! You can form no adequate conception ojf the difference which exists between our own country and this. The natural dissimilarity is as great as possible ; but the moral still more so. When Mr. Temple landed upon the shores of America, four years ago, he thought he had reached the land of integrity and upright- ness. " Dec. 2. Mr. Temple says he retains more vivid and delightful impressions of his visit to Norwich, than of any MEMOIR OF place in America. I have not failed to inform him how much influence he had in making me a missionary; and have thought it quite singular that I should, in the outset of my missionary life, be thrown so directly and intimately into the bosom of his family, and should find my husband regarded so much like a brother by them. How little did I foresee this, when borne down by the truths of Mr. Temple's appeals, four years ago ! How affecting it is to trace the leadings of Providence ! " A few days since, I visited the House of Refuge. It is a flourishing institution, embracing 250 girls, all of whom looked cheerful and well, as they were industriously em- ployed in every variety of work. I was delighted with every thing I saw, till I entered the chapel, where I unex- pectedly beheld at one end, pictures, crucifixes, confes- sionals, and all the apparatus of Romanism. My heart sickened at the sight ; for if this error retain its influence over men, eternity, with its dread realities, must dissipate all that is fair and beautiful on earth. It is not uncharitable to assert, that the religion of these countries is bad. It is most justly described in the 5th verse of the 17th chapter of Revelation. Those few expressive words portray the whole system. The benevolence of the gospel which mourns over the woes of a deluded people, leads us to anticipate the fulfilment of the denunciation contained in the 10th verse of the next chapter 'Alas! alas! that great city Babylon, that mighty city ! for in one hour is thy judgment come.' The preparatory steps, however, will be long and tedious. The work which missions have to ac- complish in these countries, is far more formidable than among pagans ; therefore the church at home must not be disappointed if but little success attends our labors for a long time. Yet let her keep hold of the unfailing assurance alluded to above ' in one hour is thy judgment come.' "December 4. One of the most interesting places which I have visited in Malta, is the palace of the Gov- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. JU7 ernor. After viewing the tapestry room, the hangings of which are exquisitely wrought, we entered the armory, the walls of which are covered with the rusty armor of the ancient Knights, who formerly inhabited the island suits of which were brought from Rhodes. Some stand erect, at various distances from each other, through the centre of the apartment. It required no wayward imagination, amid such a scene, to carry one back to the days of the crusades, and to converse with the dead of past ages, who seemed as it were to surround us. As I looked upon those semblances of human beings, the questions arose involun- tarily in my mind ' What were the thoughts which found a receptacle in the head that was pressed by that helmet? ' ' What were the feelings that fluttered in the heart which beat beneath that breastplate ? ' ' Where is the immortal spirit of him whose weapon fell powerless against that im- penetrable shield 1 ' Religion and martial glory were the exciting causes of their prowess. All this has passed away as a dream of the morning; and somewhere in the invisible world, the beings who animated these panoplies are now in existence. My heart said, ' Where ? ' and the walls seemed to echo, ' Where ? ' Their religion is a sad inheritance to these islanders ; their military genius has given them renown in the fortification of this isolated rock ; but, forbidden by the rules of their order the pure delights of domestic joy, no posterity exists to speak with filial admiration of their ancient glory. Inanimate bulwarks and mute images of stone, are all thft remain of the far-famed ' Knights of Malta ! ' Alas ! though Satan may bestow upon his subjects ' the kingdoms of this world and all the glory of them/ it 13 but a poor reward. " Dec. 8, Sabbath. Pray for us, my dear parents, that our obedience and love may flow together in honor of Him who has called us to a service for which we feel inadequate. We desire to be more holy and devoted to our great work. We are entirely happy in our calling, and would not ex- change it for any other. We ask for nothing but hearts 168 MEMOIR OF warm with that benevolence which sustained our blessed Master in these regions, where ' He labored, and languished, and bled.' "May God bless you, this night, my honored parents. It is 9 o'clock here, and I leave you for my bed. You are probably now listening to an afternoon discourse; though perhaps the snow and cold keep dear mother at home. " Dec. 10th. Mr. Schlienz, who superintends a mission press here, has been showing us some first lessons in draw- ing ; and Mr. Smith has just remarked, that I had better inform my friends at home, that a knowledge of this art is an important qualification for a missionary. To this I may add, that missionaries coming to the Mediterranean, need not lay aside any personal accomplishments or graces with the expectation of their being useless here. It is far other- wise. Externals have an important place in the regard of the inhabitants of these countries, and hospitality and politeness are very essential. The sincerity of plain American manners, falls far short of the suavity demanded by the habits of the East. I feel quite deficient in Malta ; and in Turkey I must multiply my salams still more." "ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 26. " My dear Parents : Having reached the territory of Mohammed Ali, I seat myself to give you a recital of our adventures since I closed my journal at Malta. After the first twenty-four hours, every vestige of sea-sickness left me, and returned not again during the passage, though we were exposed to incessant tossing. The fatigue and anxiety of our embarkation, together with a cold, threw my husband into a fever. I then became nurse in my turn. Our ser- vant Ahmed proved an invaluable auxiliary to us. Without him we should have suffered for necessary attentions. He was devoted to our interests, and fought his way, with determined perseverance and dignity, through all the abuse which the Maltese ever bestow upon a Mohammedan. He MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 169 is a tall, erect Arab, with eyes deeply set, which shoot forth the most penetrating glances in a direct line. He wears the loose Turkish trousers ; and a red cap, surmounted with a long, rich, blue silk tassel, in fashion like one upon the head of a figure in my picture of Anthony and Cleo- patra, which now, as formerly, is the Egyptian official cap. A sliding door in our state-room, which opened upon the ' companion-way,' sufficiently to admit air, and sometimes our food, obliged us to see and hear almost every thing which took place between the servants and the steward. We were often not a little amused with what transpired behind the scenes. We furnished Ahmed with a towel, upon which to wipe our utensils; while the others, relying upon the accommodations of a Maltese vessel, were put to such extremities, as to use our servant's shawl and stockings * o for a like purpose. This superior appendage of a brown towel, made him quite an object of envy, and they tried to beg it from him. " I studied a little Arabic and Italian, and read aloud almost every day, though sometimes the foot of a person on deck, or a rope, resting upon our sky-light, would cause me to stop in the middle of a sentence, and wait patiently for the return of the light. A fine wind bore us rapidly forward, and in six days we saw the coast of Egypt. It was towards evening that land was discovered, and as the harbor of Alexandria, in consequence of shoals of rocks, is difficult to navigate, the captain beat off to sea that night, with the prospect of a safe entrance in the morning, while we were all animated with the same expectation. But sad to relate, we had gone beyond our destined haven, and had now a head wind to carry us thither. This was Thursday, and for the six following days, we did nothing but get a sight of land towards evening, just in time to beat off again at night ! We felt ourselves to be in a trying situation. And it seemed as if ' patience would have her perfect work.' In consequence of the situation of our berth, whenever they tacked ship, we were obliged to change the position of pur Smith. o 170 MEMOIR OF heads from one end to the other, and the last night we did this five times. We summoned all our resolution, however, and I believe were not left to murmur against Providence, as we felt assured that our times were in the hand of our heavenly Father, who had thus far fulfilled all our desires. Yet we thought it proper to have an especial season of prayer for deliverance from our present perplexities, as we knew that our only hope was in God. A storm might over- take us, or our food might fail, and the captain was ignorant, timid, and unprincipled. It was on the 24th, the day previous to our release, that we called mightily upon God, for his gracious interposition. " On Christinas morning, the air was serene and mild, the bright rays of a genial sun illumined the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and after a pleasant sail of a few hours, the outlines of the coast again met our eye ; while the shipping of the port, and ' Pompey's pillar' rising directly above, terminated the long disquietude of ' hope deferred.' At one o'clock we cast anchor in the harbor of Alexandria ; and in an hour or two after, I stood upon the shore of this ancient land, where Moses dwelt for many years, and where the infant Saviour found a tem- porary abode. "Dec. 27. You are not aware how constantly I bear you in mind, wherever I am, and whatever I behold, as my ' Winged thoughts that flit to you, A thousand in an hour,' will testify. Particularly when I find any thing that is grati- fying to a virtuoso, does dear mother's antiquarian and classical spirit hover around me ; and I cannot help wish- ing that she was with me, or at least that I could sit down with her in the evening, and recount to her listen- ing ear my adventures. " This day, Friday, is the Sabbath of the Mohammedan. Under our sleeping apartment, is a bazar of the Bedaween Arabs. This morning at day-break, just as the cry of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 171 the Muezzins was heard from the minarets of the several mosques, calling the devotees of the Prophet to the wor- ship of Allah which is repeated five times each day the voice of one near us met our ears ; which continued for nearly an hour, and probably proceeded from a Beda- wy. While I pitied the poor deluded votary, I felt reproved by his self-denying fervor. I remarked to Mr. Smith, that when we look at the triumphs of this false religion, we cannot fail of being forcibly impressed with the influence which only one individual may acquire over his fellow- beings. Had the missionary but half the zeal for God, which Mohammed exhibited for himself, with the aid of the Holy Spirit what might he not accomplish? "We went to the spot where Parsons was buried, .over which a marble slab, with an inscription, had been placed by our missionaries, when Mr. Smith was here seven years ago. No vestige remains of it, however. They conducted us to an enclosure, with the pretence of showing us his tomb ; but it was not there. The Superior, who had been in the convent four years, could tell us nothing of it ; and we were obliged to leave, with the melancholy impression that his remains had met the fate of many others, whose bodies were left to repose among them. It seems that until lately the Protestants in Alexandria have had no place of burial, and the monks have found it for their interest to disinter the dead, and after throwing the relics aside into a charnel-house, dispose of the same spot to new purchasers. How different the treatment which Abra- ham received from the children of Heth ! "Dec. 30. Alas! my spirit sighs for the quiet of a Christian Sabbath. Pray for us, that in the midst of such unfavorable circumstances, we may not ourselves lose the impression of its sanctity. This is not an idle fear, when we reflect upon the moral as well as natural pliability of the constitution of man. I love to think of your privileges and enjoyments, on these holy days; and I pray that you may improve them as you would do, could you behold mine. 172 ". MEMOIR OF " What a blessing, my dear parents, is the throne of grace to us, in our separation ! Sometimes I realize it more than at others. This morning I felt as if distance were annihilated; and in commending you to God for the day, when it should dawn upon you, six hours and a half after, I almost imagined myself among you. I have great reason to be grateful that I am so well and cheerful in this remote land. Although you are ever in my thoughts, I have none of those painful longings which depress the spirits. I enjoy every thing, food, air, exercise, sleep, reading, writing, &/c. "Evening. Mr. Smith and I took a walk at sunset, the air being mild, and the clouds brilliant. The foliage of the distant grove of palm trees gave surpassing beauty to the scene. Unlike other trees, when viewed from a dis- tance, their outline is distinct but graceful. Pompey's pillar, in its simple beauty, rose behind these elegant clusters. We stood upon a slight elevation, just as the sun dipped his last lines below the horizon ; when a dis- charge of small guns, from the fleet in the harbor, was heard, followed by the evening tattoo. Immediately we perceived the flags of the minarets hoisted, and from a small door on the south side towards Mecca, which opens into a gallery near the top, appeared the criers, whose voices we distinctly heard, as they resounded through the soft air of an Egyptian evening. The whole scene was impressive, yet affecting ; while the contrast which was presented by the works of creation, and the moral darkness around us, brought forcibly to our minds those lines of Heber ' Though every prospect pleases, And only man is vile.' 'Tf V . v. . . ' ^ "As we stood gazing upon the objects before us, we spoke of you, and thought you would like to know where we were closing this eventful year. We talked of its inter- esting features, alluding to the fact that one year ago toe had never met. MRS. SARAH L,. SMITH. 173 " Jan. 1, 1834. In the afternoon we went to the Greek convent. Mr. Bird had requested that some inquiries should be made there, preparatory to the erection of a slab to the memory of Parsons, whose remains and monument, I have told you, had been removed. A part of us remained in the garden, while Mr. Gliddon and Mr. Smith, with a Greek merchant for a dragoman, (interpreter,) had an interview with the Superior; who says he must apply to the Patriarch at Cairo, before any thing can be done. Should his ashes remain undiscovered by man, angels will watch over them ; and with sublimer feelings, we may apply to him the lines, originally descriptive of an event widely different in its character, ' We carved not a line, we raised not a stone, But we left him alone in his glory.' " Our visit to Alexandria has been one of much interest and pleasure. The weather has been favorable; the streets, which are usually muddy at this season, have been dry, and we have found kind and attentive friends. I felt at home immediately, at Mr. Gliddon's. When describing the char- acteristics of these countries, I have thought, my dear parents, that you might suppose I was drawing a dark picture ; too dark, perhaps. My husband says, that to avoid such an impression being made by his sermons in America, he modified some of his details in preparing them for the press. But having returned to these scenes of wretchedness, he thinks he ought to have placed them in a stronger light. What else but evil can be told of the undisputed dominions of the enemy of God ? How forcible is the language of that declaration of Scripture, in its appli- cation to this people * They are al gone out of the way ; there is none that doeth good no, NOT ONE.' " We have made some efforts in the cause of temperance, by conversation and the distribution of publications among the English. May its influence be more widely felt in our mother country, and her dependencies. Will you pray for 174 MEMOIK OF such a result, as her sons and daughters are scattered over the whole world 1 Although we have found many very kind friends in these countries, but three only have been Ameri- cans ; Mr. and Mrs. Temple, and Mr. Hallock. My regard for England has increased by my intercourse with her children. Though many of their habits and feelings are different from ours, yet, when cast together among a people of strange language, there are feelings of sympathy existing between us, showing that we have had one origin. "Jan. 5. This morning Mr. Smith preached in the English chapel to a congregation not exceeding fifteen. Upon returning to our lodgings, we read together a delight- ful sermon of Dr. Chalmers, and sung a hymn. In the afternoon we studied together the 2d chapter of Isaiah. Before dark we stepped into Mr. Gliddon's, agreeably to their request, for devotional exercises ; and after a cup of tea, we had prayer and singing, accompanied by a familiar exposition of the 4th chapter of Acts, by Mr. Smith. Pre- vious to this, I gave Mrs. G. and her daughter some account of the revival of religion in Norwich, four or five years since. Scenes like that are entirely unknown to most English people. To-morrow evening, we go there again to hold the monthly concert, which has never been estab- lished in Alexandria. " I have been reading, in the Missionary Herald for September, an article entitled ' Reforms effected by the Pasha of Egypt,' which gives quite too flattering an exhi- bition of his character and plans. His own aggrandizement, and not the welfare of his subjects, is the pivot upon which all his efforts turn. I have not heard a word in his favor since I came into Egypt. It is true he exercises a more liberal policy in reference to other nations, than is usual among Moslems ; but he contrives to make all his plans so subordinate to his personal ambition, that no real benefit accrues to his people. He is not a rigid Mohammedan, though far removed from the religion of the Bible. That wise Ruler of mankind, who has all events under his control, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 175 may, and doubtless will, bring light out of darkness, even here ; but ' his path is in the deep waters/ and his counsels are as yet hidden from our view. When next you kneel at the family altar, dear father, will you pray for Egypt? " How precious is the word of God to us in this moral desert, on these Mediterranean shores! It is like the stream which followed the Israelites in their wanderings through the wilderness. With you, it spreads abroad, as a wide ocean, bearing all upon its bosom. May the abun- dant supply with which you are favored, have no effect to lessen its value in your eyes, or lead you to be unmindful of those who are thirsting for its refreshment. At this hour, which is half past nine with us, thousands of my countrymen are enjoying the privileges of the sanctuary. Would that I possessed the assurance that not a heart forgets the perishing millions in the Eastern world, whose Sabbaths are any thing but scenes of peace and joy. You, and the dear church of which I am still a member, are without doubt soon to surround the sacramental board. I can bring vividly before my imagination the appearance of that precious flock, among whom I have so often sat, and where now, ' had I the wings of a dove,' I would soon be found. Yet I would surely fly back again, to bear to this land of famine some of the crumbs which fall from your table. " How necessary is it that missionaries should each day ask for the benevolence of Christ Jesus, when they are so exposed to encounter objects which excite their disgust! To this end I ask your prayers." " ALEXANDRIA, JAN. 4, 1834. " Dear Brother and Sister : Since our affecting farewell interview on board the brig George, you have scarcely been from my mind a single day ; and I have taken great satisfac- tion in commending you and your children, and the inter- esting flock in your house, to our covenant God. The 176' MEMOIR OF paternal regard which you have cherished for my husband, from his early youth, gives you a twofold claim to my affection and gratitude, to say nothing of that sympathy towards me, which has excited in my own breast the con- fidence of a sister toward you. Wherever you reside, I trust God is your tabernacle ; and that light arid peace are in all your paths. Your children will not be permitted to forget us, while they are tenderly remembered by their uncle and aunt, far away beyond the wide ocean. " ' Egyptian darkness,' not. natural, but spiritual, broods over this land; and we are ready to exclaim, ' How long, O Lord, how long?' Nothing but hard, self-denying labor, on the part of evangelized nations, will overthrow the kingdom of Satan as it now exists in the world. Feeble prayers, and trifling efforts, will do nothing effectual. The struggle will be long and arduous; and who among our favored countrymen stand ready to encounter it, both at home and at the" out-posts, and to die in the warfare ; leav- ing others, who may come after them, to enjoy the triumphs of victory? Such as are ready to work for God as they work for themselves, and such only, are worthy to enter the lists. " Our classical associations have been gratified by our visit to this land, once the seat of science and art; the relics of whose grandeur tell us what it has been. As we expect to live under the same government, it has been well for us to visit the dominions of the Pasha." To a young lady of the family of the Consul at Alexan- dria, in which Mr. and Mrs. Smith had been kindly enter-- tained, during their visit to that city, she addressed a part- ing note. "ALEXANDRIA, JAN. 10, 1834. "Dear Miss Gliddon': In requesting your acceptance of a small copy of the New Testament, as a little memento of my regard, permit me to express my gratitude for your MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 177 kind attentions, and my interest for your future happiness, not only here, but in a world far more worthy of your regard. " It would have given me pleasure to have learned from yourself, whether the high destiny of an immortal being is the supreme object of your pursuit, had circum- stances favored, so confidential an interview. With the impression, however, that notwithstanding a uniform re- spect for sacred things which you ever discover, you have not fully formed the decision so essential to your safety and happiness, will you allow me, at parting, to leave with you a word of affectionate advice ? " Having just passed through those years of interest and temptation upon which you have more recently entered, I can readily appreciate the views which at such a period animate the breast, and will venture to inform you of that which my own experience has taught me. It is the alluring appearance of worldly enjoyment that withdraws the heart from its Maker; and let me assure you, my dear friend, that it is not worth our efforts. I have tried its value, and can testify that it can never fill an immortal mind, or satisfy an ardent soul. I knew nothing of happiness until I found it in a unison of my own with the Eternal Mind ; and this was the result of a free, unreserved, and rational surrender of my whole heart to that Saviour whose atonement claimed my earliest love and most untiring service. "To this gracious Master, dear Miss Gliddon, permit me to direct your eye, and to urge you, without any longer delay, to devote ' the dew of your youth.' Let the surren- der be immediate and complete, though it may require an effort. A ' pearl ' so valuable as that which Jehovah offers, is not unworthy the energies of our entire being, and nothing but an earnest effort will secure it. Wait for nothing more on the part of God ; he waits for you. The present is a golden period. " I pray that you may give, not the mere siftings of life to Him who deserves more than you can bestow, but, with 8* 178 MEMOIR OF generous purpose, devote the best of all you possess to a service which death cannot interrupt. " With the highest sense of obligation for the attentions bestowed by your family, I remain very sincerely yours." "BEYROOT, FEB. 5. "Dear Mrs. Temple : It gives me the highest pleasure to be permitted the privilege of addressing you from this spot, so full of interest, after our wanderings over the great and wide sea. From Mr. Smith's letter to your excellent husband, you learned respecting our safe arrival at Alexan- dria; and that, after making the coast of Egypt in seven days, we were, through the negligence and ignorance of our captain, beating about upon the sea seven days more, before the land-marks of our desired haven were sufficiently denned to attract him thither ! The time which we spent in Alex- andria, furnished us leisure for writing, and for satisfactory intercourse with the kind family of our Consul. Our hearts melted in view of the miserable condition of the oppressed subjects of Mohammed Ali, among whom some faithful missionaries, besides those already employed there, ought to be located. " On the 15th of January we sailed for Beyroot, in an Aus- trian trabacolo. On the 20th we planted our feet upon these sacred shores, and soon forgot all the troubles of the way, which had mingled with the mercies of eighteen weeks the interval that had elapsed since we left our native land." To one of the family at Alexandria, where they had been entertained, she gives a short account of their voyage. " Our accommodations on board the Pomo, so far as space and neatness were concerned, quite exceeded those of the Grande Bretagne. Our renowned captain was very obliging and sober, until we came within sight of Cyprus, when he availed himself of a storm to put into port; and there he kept us six days. He spent the time on shore, himself, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 179 wholly given up to his cups, which explained, to our satis- faction, the strong attachment to the shore, for which he is so remarkable. Day after day, as we remained shut up in that little tossing trabacolo, he deluded us with the promise of returning and putting out to sea ; but the jolly-boat con- tinued to appear without him ; till it seemed as if ' patience ' would ' have her perfect work ' with us. On one day only we went on shore, to get a little exercise by walking through the muddy streets of Larnica. " The morning of the second Monday after leaving you, was bright and beautiful ; and while yet seventy miles from Syria, the outline of Mount Lebanon was perceptible, even before the far famed Venus-isle had faded from our sight. As we approached our destined shore, the glory of Lebanon, in all its magnificence, and the beauty of this interesting city, more than compensated for all our perplexities." CHAPTER IX. ENTRANCE ON MISSIONARY LABORS INTEREST IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL HABITS AND MANNERS OF THE INHABITANTS EXPERIENCE ON MISSIONARY GROUND MONTHLY CONCERT STUDIES ILLUSTRA- TIONS OF SCRIPTURE. WE now find Mrs. Smith in her appointed field of mis- sionary service, and entering, with all her heart, into the interesting scenes and circumstances of that land which she had so much desired to see. As she has been, so she will continue to be found the best historian of her own course of life and labors. In this capacity she will appear, com- mencing with the first letter to her parents, after arriving at her station. " BIYROOT, FEB. 5, 1834. "After so long a time, my dear parents, I am permitted to address you from this interesting land, around which, I doubt not, your thoughts have already hovered, while you have imagined it to be the dwelling-place of your children. On the 28th of January, a day of uncommon beauty, we approached our destined home. I can hardly convey to you the feelings which pervaded my breast, as I looked upon it. The bird's-eye view of Beyroot, at the foot of that far famed Lebanon, which is truly a ' goodly moun- tain,' riveted every affection of my heart, while its beauties commanded my attention. Mr. Smith had left undescribed its natural features, leaving me to form my own impressions; and he remarked that even to himself it appeared more lovely than he before imagined. 190 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 181 " It occupies the northern side of a cape, called the ' Cape .of Beyroot.' The city itself, which is enclosed by a wall, is small, and not particularly attractive or repulsive ; but the environs, where the missionary house stands, and which occupies an extent of country several times larger than the city, present an enchanting prospect, even at this season of the year. The ground rises gently towards the south, and is covered with an uninterrupted succession of gardens, separated by hedge-rows of the cactus, or prickly pear, and filled with mulberry trees, trained to a low growth. These are now stripped of their verdure ; but the sycamore, the kharoob, and here and there a palm and cypress, diver- sify the landscape, while innumerable almond trees, in full blossom, enliven the scene, and place its beauties beyond description. The houses, which are of a bright yellow, tinged with brown, and unique in their appearance, are scattered at equal distances over the gardens ; and are per- haps as contiguous to each other as yours and Mr. C.'s. Some of the terraces of the houses are surmounted with low pointed columns, designed for the frame-work of an .awning ; which give them a picturesque aspect, when viewed at a distance. Mount Lebanon, in all its grandeur, stretches from north to south ; while the snowy ridges of its lofty eminences, and the numerous villages which occupy its declivities, give additional interest to the ever-varying appearance of its scenery. Among these villages, the one in which Asaad Shidiak lived and suffered, is distinctly perceptible from the neighboring terrace of an Armenian friend, Yacob Aga. It seems as if my eye would never tire in admiring the scene which is spread out before me. I can truly say, that Beyroot pleases me more than any spot which I ever saw, my own dear native town not excepted. ' There are no vicissitudes for the eternal beauties of nature,' said Madame de Genlis, when she revisited Ver- sailles, after those revolutions which had overthrown palaces, marble columns, and statues of bronze. So have I often thought, since I came into Syria, which still retains those 182 MEMOIR OF characteristics of ' the promised land,' that rendered it so attractive to the Israelites. " We were most cordially welcomed by our friends, who seem quite happy and devoted to their work. This brings me to the moral aspect of the mission, which, though mentioned last, is not, I trust, last in my heart. I think I may say it is encouraging, much more so than either of us expected. We feel that a wide door of usefulness is open- ing before us, which will demand all our energies, and even more. " The Arabs are extremely free and social in their habits. The trials of missionaries here, and perhaps in most Eastern countries, are of a different character from those which are imagined by friends at home. They are not so much per- sonal privations as moral perplexities, arising from the ignorance and deceit of a population destitute of that civil and religious freedom, furnished only by the diffusion of God's word. If our operations assume a more decided cast, we know not but we shall yet have the ' persecutions ' which are promised among the blessings of ' a hundred fold/ to those who forsake home and country for Christ. If, as his servants, we should be thus identified with our Lord, may we have grace to endure this fellowship with his sufferings. " The language of the country furnishes the most for- midable difficulty to surmount. Mr. Smith says that Mr. Bird has become so familiar with it as to have as great a choice of expressions as in speaking our own language. He reads the Scriptures once a week to a congregation of beg- gars, in his yard, after which he distributes bread to them. When I saw him in the midst of about sixty, the morning after our arrival, my thoughts immediately reverted to the Saviour's ministrations. You can hardly imagine, though you have often been informed of it, with what increased interest the Scriptures may be perused in this country, where they were written. I seem, in consequence of the unchanged habits of these people, to enter directly in-to the MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 183 circumstances which are described in holy writ. The best hours of every morning I devote to the Arabic, and the first hours of every evening to Italian. I have already, through necessity, attempted to stammer in both of these ; and in the French likewise, with Mrs. Chasseaud, the wife of our Consul. " I continue to be happy in my new situation, and most cheerfully adopt this country as my own, and hope to make my grave here. My dear husband, for the first day or two, was surrounded with old friends among the natives, who welcomed his return with great joy. He feels as if he had returned home. " February 6. It is a most lovely morning, and we are all occupied in preparing letters for America. My window looks directly upon Lebanon ; and the summit of Jebel Sunneen, its loftiest peak, 10,000 feet in height, is covered with a brilliant mantle of snow. Would that you could share with me the glorious prospect. But though we may not mingle the expressions of our admiration here, ' there is a land of pure delight,' where erelong we hope to be reunited. Objects and interests more bright and conducive to our happiness, will there unite our tastes and feelings, and we will therefore think most of our heavenly home. " April 2. On the 27th of March I had the privilege and enjoyment of receiving letters from my beloved country, among which were Nos. 1 and 2 from ray dear father. These last, like diamonds among jewels, were selected and read first. I will not attempt to inform you how much I enjoyed in the reception of these tokens of affection, or how grateful I felt to my kind friends from whom they came. That page, my dear mother, from yourself, was not the least valued, I assure you. It was so characteristic, it brought you directly before me, and I had a more vivid impression of your affection than I have before had since we parted. I have thought of you a great deal, perhaps more than you have imagined. 184 MEMOIR OF " Not only the important moral and political features of this Eastern country are associated with the expansiveness of your mind, but every landscape and every flower bring you to remembrance. Especially when studying the Arabic, your fondness for etymology is continually before me ; and I think how much pleasure you would derive from a language, every word of which can be traced to its root. You have my constant prayers, and those of my husband, and I doubt not that we and our work have yours. I rejoice in your comfortable health, and in the kindness of your friends, and in all your family blessings. I am still with you in my dreams, and some of them are quite irrele- vant to the calling of a missionary. " I thank dear father for his precious letters, and am most happy to hear that his health improves, and that he enjoys the light of God's countenance. In this I am not disap- pointed. In His house he will find that which is ' better than sons and daughters. 3 Please to give my love to the kind friends who meet with you for prayer, and tell them that I thank them most warmly for their remembrance of me. If there be a class of persons on earth who need the prayers of all, it is that of missionaries. When hearing Mr. Smith's farewell sermon, I thought that I felt the force of his arguments, but now I know them to be true. Pray most of all that we may abound in love towards those who are around us. They are ignorant, deceitful, ungrateful, and unwholesome ; and unless the Holy Spirit constantly excites us to the exercise of the most disinterested benevo- lence, we are in danger of despising them, and of exulting in our own superiority. Familiarity with their wretched- ness, also has a tendency to diminish that warmth of sympathy with which we have been accustomed to regard those who are destitute of the gospel. I often think, when I am surrounded by these degraded women, ' Here are the very persons over whom my heart so yearned, when I was far away in my native land.' MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 185 " As I was walking, before breakfast, upon the terrace of Mr. Bird's house, I saw a group of females who had just returned from worshipping amid 1 the pomp that charms the eye, And rites adorned with gold.' There is almost a moral certainty that after these, my sisters, have stepped beyond the boundaries of time, not a ray of comfort will ever beam upon them, through the endless duration of their existence. So overwhelming was the impression of that moment, that I felt I could not live long, should it continue. My husband joined me in my walk just then, and we talked over these affecting truths; and felt, as I hope we shall continue to do, that our very existence should be identified with them. But to feel and to act in view of these solemn truths, requires even greater efforts here than with you. 1 used to think that by a sort of magical influence, the heart would be kept right on missionary ground; but I find it requires all my diligence. " The most cheering intelligence which my letters con- tained, was the account of revivals in Andover and Ben- nington, and some indefinite allusion to the prospect of the same in Connecticut. I am more than ever convinced, that upon America depends, at present, through God, the prosperity of missions. Since coming to the Mediterranean, Mr. Smith and myself have been led to think, that an en- listment for life, as a general thing, is essential to the permanence of this great enterprise. If I anticipated returning in seven years, I should be thinking more about that event, I fear, than I ought. Now I try to realize that this is my horn* for life; that here are all my interests. I do not wish to feel that I am a foreigner, but a denizen ; and I hope to live, if it please God, to a good old age among this people. " Evening. I have a favorite walk near this, on the sand which is washed upon the coast. Beyroot, you know, 186 MEMOIR OF is a cape, and of course much exposed to the wind from the sea ; and I sometimes fear that as the sand from the ocean gains gradually upon the gardens, it will eventually make them a desert. You may imagine that this would not furnish a very pleasant promenade ; but it is so solid as to bear me upon its surface at this season of the year. It is diversified also with a variety of flowers and sweet scented herbs. I found to-day some most brilliant red flowers, in form like a double tulip, and about half as large; together with yellow and purple lupines. They are now in a tumbler beside me. I wandered quite down to the sea-side, perhaps a mile from the house, where I found natural caverns and artificial excavations ; while the surf rose probably thirty feet in the air. " Although this land has greatly degenerated since the days of that king who was a man after God's own heart ; yet in some fine mornings, when all nature has seemed to be smiling beneath the genial influence of this Eastern sky, I could more than ever before unite with him in exclaim- ing, ' Praise ye the Lord from the heavens ; praise him in the heights ; mountains and all hills ; fruitful trees and all cedars ; beasts and all cattle ; creeping things and flying fowl.' " Our school continues to prosper, and I love the children exceedingly. Do pray that God will bless this incipient step to enlighten the females of this country. You cannot conceive of their deplorable ignorance. I feel it more and more every day. Their energies are expended in ' outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and gold and pearls and costly array ; ' literally so. I close with one request, that you will pray for a revival of religion in Beyroot. It is now the centre of operations, and if the wide field around us is to be cultivated, this spot must send forth the laborers." Mrs. Smith was desirous of enlisting the interest and efforts of some one of her female friends in America, in MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 187 the instruction of native children at Beyroot. She had found a kindred spirit before leaving this country, in one who succeeded her in labors for the benefit of the Mohe- gans. To this friend she addressed a letter, a few months after her arrival at Beyroot, proposing that she should come and join her in this enterprise ; and presenting an earnest yet affectionate argument for her engagement in the mis- sionary service. Mrs. Smith had the satisfaction, a few months before her final departure from Beyroot, of welcoming her friend, as an associate in the delightful employment of teaching a school of Arabian girls. Of the habits and manners of the native inhabitants of Beyroot, Mrs. Smith was observant, as one who was ac- customed to study the condition of society ; and amidst deep spiritual darkness, to note whatever was in the least degree pleasant or favorable. " The inhabitants are exceedingly social in their habits, and courteous in their manners ; they seldom fail to greet you in the street and elsewhere, with a smile and a com- pliment. They have a great taste for flowers, which are abundant. I am seldom without a nosegay, which has been presented by a friend, scholar, or servant ; composed of carnations, geraniums, roses, &c. The manners of all are unusually graceful, and you will perhaps be surprised when I say, that in consequence of their regard to etiquette, this spot is quite a school of politeness." In a letter to her sister, devoted to various topics, not belonging in her journal, some passages occur which will be in place at this stage of her history. " You will wish to know in regard to my spirits. 1 am happy to say they have been very good ; and with the exception of one deplorably sea-sick day upon the At- lantic, I have experienced none of those heart-rending 188 MEMOIR OF feelings respecting what I had left, which I expected, With the exception of that time, I have never for a mo- ment wished myself in my native land. ' Pleased 1 leave thee ; Native land, farewell, farewell.' " In regard to external appearance, I pay much the same attention to it as at home, both during the week and on the Sabbath. In Beyroot we have some English society, and the etiquette of life must necessarily be preserved. Indeed, those questions which I supposed would be forever put to rest when I became a missionary, are even more essential than ever; and temptations to pride and aris- N -tocracy are increased. What degree of conformity to style, and how much time may be conscientiously devoted to household cares, on the part of missionaries, are ques- tions that require to be prayerfully considered by us ; also how far we may indulge ourselves in the comforts and accommodations of life; for many are within our reach. " The distinction between masters and servants here, resembles that which exists in all old countries, more than it does in America. The latter acknowledge the name, and readily take the place, of menials; though a kind of courtesy, even towards them, is demanded by the genius of the people ; and if encouraged, they are very free in. conversation. Their number can be multiplied with comparatively trifling expense, and as much cleansing of house and clothes obtained as is wished ; but all this must be superintended, and much precious time consumed there- by ; so that I have determined to keep as small an establish- ment as possible. " My trials here are not such as I anticipated, or probably such as you imagined. I will endeavor to give you some idea of their nature, though you cannot perhaps fully appre- ciate them without experience ; at least some of them. In the first place, there is a taking to pieces, if I may so speak, of all former habits and associations, and modes of action MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 189 and the constructing of new, which shall be adapted to the circumstances of a people totally diverse from those with whom we have been educated. This demolition and re- construction, gives one an opportunity to study his own character and attainments, and to know, in some measure, how much more he has been indebted to factitious circum- stances than he had imagined ; and it is not a little calcu- lated to produce humility and self-distrust. " The difficulties and embarrassments of a new language, are by no means small. The mortification of not under- standing, and of not being understood and appreciated in conversation, is a new trial ; and after the desultory habits attendant upon a departure from one's country and voyages by sea, it requires severe discipline to bring the mind to study and close application. This unavoidable irregularity operates unfavorably upon the spiritual feelings; interrupts communion with the soul and with its Author; and renders it necessary to ' keep the heart will all diligence.' " There is nothing here to keep alive the religious sensi- bilities in the way of excitement ; but every surrounding circumstance has an opposite tendency. Particularly diffi- cult is it for one who knows not the language, to preserve a devoted zeal, as there are no opportunities for putting it forth in action ; and while he daily sees multitudes who are perishing, he is in danger of heeding it not, because he has no power to help them. Moreover, the people are so social and free, that unless a check is given them, every moment of valuable time would be sacrificed. And this cannot be done without appearing, not only to them, but to one's self, deficient in that benevolence which swelled the breast in our native land, and drew our feet hither. " As a circle of missionaries, we are harmonious and happy ; but to preserve this, it is necessary to be watchful and courteous; and not make prominent one's own con- cerns. Here too is nothing to excite, because there is a sameness in all our circumstances; and perhaps it is more difficult to exert an influence in a small circle, where all axe 190 MEMOIR OF ministers and ministers' wives. Mr. Smith says, that har- mony has always characterized this mission ; and I pray that it always may. " Another thing which I might have mentioned in con- nection with our benevolent feelings, or rather the inter- ruption of them ; if the people were cleanly in their habits, it would be more pleasant to have them about our persons. I often think of the Saviour, surrounded as he was by a multitude of the lower classes and you know his disciples sometimes objected to this. Mr. Bird says, ' No doubt they were just such dirty beings as we see all the time.' In character and in taste, the females are like children ; would that I could say, in comparative innocence also. " I have suffered some alternations of feeling in my re- ligious hopes since I left America ; which I believe is not unusual with missionaries, before they have acquired the language of the people to whom they go. I can enter feel- ingly into St. Paul's opinion of himself, thus expressed, though I have scarcely any of his zeal, ' I am not meet to be called an apostle.' So sacred appears my calling, that I feel wholly unfit to sustain it ; and I have not those clear views of the Saviour's love that I wish. Perhaps when I am able to speak of him to others, a livelier flame will be kin- dled in my own breast. Pray much for me, dear sister." A deep sense of personal responsibility is exhibited in the following extract : " This is the day of the Monthly Concert, and according to the custom of this mission, a Fast also with us. It was a solemn season. Dr. Dodge remarked, that in addition to the guilt of the church as a body, for which we should humble ourselves before God, our individual guilt called for the deepest abasement. ' If,' said he, ' we had been faithful servants of Christ from early childhood, how many souls we might have aided in introducing into the kingdom of heaven. We had each of us been more or less associated MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 191 with schools, academies, and colleges ; and how many of our companions were now living in rebellion against their Maker, or had already commenced their long lamentation of wo, in the world of darkness, that might have been saved through our efforts.' It was an overwhelming consideration to us all ; and each heart feelingly, and with tears, responded to the suggestion, that personal guilt, in reference to the souls of men, rendered fasting an appropriate accompani- ment to the duties of this interesting day. Since the meet- ing closed, in the solitude of retirement, I have wept bitterly at the remembrance of my own sins ; and in the light of the truth which emanates from the pages of inspiration, my heart seems now to be harder than the nether millstone. Oh ! how we shall view this subject in eternity, when worldly snares and associations cease their blinding in- fluence ! " Some parts of your letter affected me powerfully. The scenes to which you allude of 1829 when so many of the descendants of our venerated grand-parent were found sit- ting at the fountain of salvation, from which he derived all his support are indelibly imprinted upon my memory ; but I knew not, until your letter informed me, that I was in any measure instrumental in leading you to the foot of the cross. Let all the glory be ascribed to Him who there bled for you. I beg you will not regard me, as missionaries are often regarded, too holy to need your prayers. Believe me, dear Hannah, I never required them so much, and never, never felt my own deficiencies as I now do ; and were it not for the feeble hold which my soul takes on a Saviour's mercy, I should sink down into despair and wo- Forget not this, at least on Tuesday evenings." " BEYROOT, MAT 20. " Our warm weather has commenced earlier than usual here, and we have now your July heat. I bear it very well as yet. The abundant and brilliant foliage of this spot is a constant source of admiration to me. The lilac tree, or 192 MEMOIR OF pride of India, is now in blossom, also the pomegranate. The latter mamma once had, but it was little more than a shrub. Here they are of the size of peach trees, and their bright scarlet blossoms form a beautiful contrast with the rich green of the leaves. The kharoob tree and luxuriant grape vines, besides many other verdant productions, add beauty to the scene. The cactus is now in blossom, its flower a bright yellow. This latter lines every path, form- ing an arch- and a pleasant shade, under which I pass every afternoon, as my donkey bears me to school. "May 21. It is ten months to-day, since my marriage; and the period has flown by with incredible swiftness. We commemorate the event, on every returning month, by a concert of prayer with Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, (who were mar- ried on the same day, and were our fellow-passengers across the Atlantic,) in behalf of the officers and crew of the brig George. " May 22. If you wish to know with what we are most occupied, it is Arabic. If you ask, ' What beside?' like the Indian in another case, I can say, A little more Arabic ; and ' What else ? ' A little more Arabic. With Mrs. Bird's chil- dren, it is like their mother tongue; particularly with the youngest, who is about five years of age. She speaks it more readily than the English. " May 28. While it requires but a short time to enable one to transact ordinary business in this language, it is long before such a knowledge can be obtained as to make re- ligious conversation intelligible and profitable. For this 1 am exceedingly anxious, as I long to use my feeble talents in urging sinners to flee to the ark of safety ; and I wish you would make it your constant prayer, that I may live to accomplish something in this way. In prayers that are offered for missionaries, I think the obstacles arising from the confusion of tongues, have been overlooked. " This is the birth day of the king of England, and the flag of avery Consul is waving in the breeze ; among which the stars and stripes of our own happy country appear con- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 193 spicuous, and upon which I love to look. Every Sabbath they are to be seen likewise. " June 11. Mr. Smith and I have just taken a walk ' by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water,' where we found a group of ' damsels,' doubtless exhibiting the same appearance as those who performed the same offices thousands of years ago. We stopped and conversed with them a little, and they offered us drink from the ' pitcher,' or jar. I have seen in Syria some very beautiful women, whose noble features and richness of complexion have led me to imagine how Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel looked. I have often, in my letters, alluded to the satisfaction which the Scriptures afford me ' in the unchangeable East,' as this country has been proverbially styled. Imagine with what peculiar feel- ings you would peruse them, if such localities as the banks of the Shetucket, the Falls, the Pine-tree, were mentioned, as the scenes of events which they described ; or if the habits of the people, which are familiar to you, illustrated their truths. I was reading, a few mornings since, with exquisite satisfaction, the excursion of Abraham's servant to obtain a wife for Isaac. The well, the damsels, the jewels, the camels, the provender, the act of Rebecca in vailing herself; all have a reality, and I can think just how they appeared. "June 20. From the public prints and other sources, you will doubtless hear of the present disturbances in Syria, and I fear you will suffer anxiety respecting us ; but let not your hearts fail. ' As the mountains are round aboyt Jeru- salem, so the Lord is round about his people.' Moreover, Beyroot is a more quiet place than others in the country; and even should the commotions reach us, we are favorably situated for securing a refuge either in Mount Lebanon, or on the sea. "June 30. I feel somewhat thoughtful, this afternoon, in consequence of having heard of the ready consent of the friends of a little girl, that I should take her, as I proposed, Smith 9 194 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. and educate her. I am anxious to do it, and yet ray experi- ence and observation in reference to such a course, and my knowledge of the sinful heart of a child, lead me to think I am undertaking a great thing. I feel, too, that my ex- ample and my instruction will control her eternal destiny. May I have your unceasing prayers, that I may possess wisdom and patience, gentleness and decision, and never take a wrong step in reference to her." CHAPTER X. BHAMDOON MOUNTAINEERS DEATH OF MRS. THOMSON VISIT OF THE UNITED STATES* SHIP DELAWARE AT BEYROOT JOURNEY TO SUNNEEN AND BAALBEK. THE intenseness of the heat during the summer, at Bey- root, renders it expedient for foreigners to remove for a few weeks to the country among the mountains. Mr. and Mrs. Smith took up their residence, in the month of August, at Bhamdoon. She carried her love to Christ and to precious souls into the scenes of her temporary residence, and also in her journeys ; and devoted her thoughts and efforts to the great objects for which she had " left all." " Mount Lebanon, July 15. The warm weather had become so enervating in Beyroot, that Mr. S. and myself concluded to remove immediately to the mountains, where on Friday last we literally pitched our tent; and in this patriarchal dwelling I am now writing. " This unusual heat is passing away, and the air is as elastic as that of the White Mountains, and the water as bright and refreshing. Indeed we are nearly as high as Mount Washington, and the sea is spread out before us to an immense extent ; the sun sets in the water beyond the island of Cyprus, the outline of which we see, though it is more than a hundred miles distant " What an analogy exists between the moral and natural features of an unevangelized nation ! As we passed over Mount Lebanon, I told my husband that it required strong faith to believe that it would ever become a fruitful field. " July 16. We have taken some pleasant walks and 185 196 MEMOIR OF rides around these mountains. There are but few shade trees in this village, but the grape vine is abundantly culti- vated. It runs on the ground, upon the declivities of the mountains, and is now loaded with fruit, half grown, while ' watchmen ' are to be seen, scattered singly over the vineyards, to prevent depredations. All the varieties of high mountain scenery are found here; irregular and bold summits, deep ravines, &c. The horizon, which the sea bounds, is so extensive, that the sun appears to set high up in the sky, and the sea and sky are almost blended. In the morning the clouds are to be seen resting upon it,, like a mantle of snow, far below us, presenting a most singular appearance. Our tent occupies the site of an old threshing-floor, and around it are several others, where men are now at work. " July 17. I have just been interrupted by a visit from a woman and her little boy, and presented with some raisins. In return I offered them food also. She is poor, and asked me to visit her ; on my promising to do so, she kissed my hand. After I thought she had been here long enough, I told her that I wanted to write, and bade her ' go in peace,' which she did very cheerfully. I had asked her a few questions of a religious nature; but it is of little use for me, at present, to attempt any serious conversation, as I can go no farther than to inquire if they love God and Jesus Christ, and if they think about them, to all which they answer most confidently in the affirmative. I long to talk more with them on these great truths, but many months must first elapse. Pray for me, my beloved parents, that when I have the ability, I may also have the heart, to do this people good. I sometimes fear that I shall find my heart treacherous, for now I am able to pray for them, and this duty I do not perform as faithfully as the case demands. " Jerusalem, that still devoted city, we hear is almost in ruins. How striking is the providence of God towards these countries, once the cradle of Christianity, and towards his peculiar people, to whom belonged the adoption, and the covenant, and the promises, and the glory ! An im- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 197 mense debt of sin seems still resting upon them, and they are receiving ' double ' vengeance. Alas, the poor Jews ! In the late tumult, Mrs. Thomson says, they have suffered peculiarly. " August 5. Since our visit to these Druzes, Mr. Smith has had several applications for the Scriptures. These * mountain tops ' will yet ' Shout to each other, And distant mountains catch the flying joy.' " This imagery of Cowper, with that of Jeremiah xxxi. 6, where ' the watchmen of Mount Ephraim ' are mentioned, was strikingly illustrated this morning, as I was taking an early ramble among the peaks of Lebanon. The vintage being near, the watchers are stationed upon the summits to guard the. vines, which are growing luxuriantly in every direction. Upon a distant eminence I beheld the solitary figure of a man, whose voice met my ear ; while from another summit I heard a cry, but saw no form. When they see any person trespassing upon another's vineyard, they shout in this manner." After having given in herjournal some description of the Druzes, residing around Bhamdoon. she writes "August 6. The longer I remain at Bhamdoon, the more I feel interested in the mountaineers. Could faithful, consistent missionaries occupy these villages of the moun-^ tains, I doubt not that the united efforts of their preaching and example would be followed with a rich blessing, even in the overthrow of false religion and the introduction of the true." Mrs. Smith entered with deep feelings into the reverses of the missions at Jerusalem. Among them was the death of Mrs. Thomson ; of whose excellence of character she thus speaks : 198 MEMOIR OF "August 11. Mrs. Thomson was a dear and valuable woman to us all, and we feel that our mission has indeed sustained a loss. She possessed a cultivated mind, a warm heart, and an animated manner. Her sensibilities were perhaps too lively for this climate; since nothing is more injurious here than excitement of feeling. Our departed friend won the affection of all. Our servant remarked, when he heard of her death, ' There is no one like her in Beyroot.' The propriety and fervor of her devotional exer- cises added greatly to the interest of our female meetings ; and she was ever animated in devising means of usefulness, and in sharing the labors of the mission as far as her precarious health would permit. Her heart, as well as that of her husband, was much set upon the Jerusalem branch of our mission ; and as she had from her own funds furnished a liberal supply of books and school apparatus, she had formed strong expectations of doing good there in her favorite occupation. You will learn from other sources the trials which Mr. Thomson has experienced in his separation from his family, during the commotions in Judea and Jerusalem. God seems to be having a contro- versy with that spot, and calling us to look and consider, and admire his justice. Some might say that our dear sister had sacrificed her life for nought; but I trust that from her heavenly abode she looks down, with lively satisfac- tion, upon the last two years of her life on earth, in which her own preparation for eternal happiness has been more effectually advanced than it could have been in any other circumstances ; and she regrets not that he.r mortal part rests on Mount Zion. I consider the discipline of char- acter to which a missionary is subjected in the trial of a final separation from his country, and in the subsequent events, as worth all the sacrifice which it involves; even though death be the immediate consequence, and not one dark mind enlightened through his influence. How little Mr. Thomson anticipated such a termination of his plans 1 Concerning the welfare of the Holy City, we cannot but MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 199 exclaim once more, ' How long, O Lord, how long ? ' I know not but the answer will be found, in the spirit of it, in the llth and 12th of the sixth of Isaiah. At least it appears to me, that God is calling his people to look intently, and notice his reasons for thus avenging the iniquity of that chosen land. " August 15. Evening. Since family prayers, at which a number were present, Mr. Smith was saying, that he wished some one more worthy and capable than himself were among the people, to dispense the bread of life to them, for he felt that the field was whitening. I re- minded him of Moses and of Paul, who felt, almost to dis- couragement, their own weakness. He is preparing his journal, which he kept during our visit in Egypt, and his journey in the Hauran, to send to the Missionary Rooms, and he requires undisturbed leisure for this. " Sabbath, August 16. A few days since, I called upon a very pretty woman who lives in a part of this house, and has been to prayers several times. Among other things she asked me ' why in prayer we leaned forward and closed our eyes.' This must have impressed her strongly ; as I recollected that she had before asked me the same ques- tion, when she called upon me, and which, from my imper- fect knowledge of the language, I did not then understand. I replied, that it was to enable us to withdraw our thoughts from surrounding objects, and think of the great Being to whom we were speaking, and that this was our custom even in our closet duties. She seemed to approve of the practice and the motive. Her little girl, named Saadeh, comes here every day to be instructed. I told her the story of the creation and the fall, and a day or two after requested her to repeat it to me, which she did with great readiness and propriety ; in better Arabic, of course, than mine. Mr. Smith has now an audience of half-a-dozen before the door, and one of them is reading the Scriptures aloud. It is a great favor that so many of the men and boys can read. " Alas, our poor sisters ! the curse rests emphatically 200 MEMOIR OF upon them. Among the Druze princesses, some, perhaps the majority, furnish an exception, and can read. Their sect is favorable to learning. Not so with the Maronites. I have one scholar from these last ; but when I have asked the others who have been here if they wished to read, they have replied most absolutely in the negative ; saying that it was for boys, and not for them. I have heard several women acknowledge that they knew no more than the donkeys." On the occasion of some new arrangements in the Jer^sa- lem mission, Mrs. Smith thus expresses herself: "These constant changes, connected as they are with the eternal welfare of souls and the honor of the Saviour's name, make me feel solemn. I look around upon my brethren and sisters, and my husband, and including myself, think we shall soon, yes, sooner than the same number in our own land, be in eternity; our work closed, our destiny sealed. Oh, that we may prove faithful to our short trust ! " August 23. Yesterday I inquired of one of my scholars respecting the absence of two others, who are Maronites. She said their priest had told them it was ' haram,' or pro- hibited, for them to come, and had sent them a paper which informed them that he should not allow them to come to the church if they came here. I little imagined an ecclesi- astical dignitary woul'9 interfere with my half-dozen scholars. I regret it, because the two little girls were uncommonly bright and affectionate. One of them I discovered walking upon a neighboring terrace to-day ; and we exchanged salu- tations, by the usual mode of placing the hand upon the breast, while she looked wishfully towards me. Oh, what an account must they have to render, who thus take away the key of knowledge from those of whom they profess to be the spiritual guides ! You can imagine the difference there is between the feelings of the Maronites and Greeks toward us, when I tell you that the Greek priest sends his own daugh- ter, a pretty, rosy-cheeked girl, to be taught by me. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 201 " August 27. A few days since, during my school hours, a woman called with an infant. I prepared some milk and water for the latter. It did not drink much of it, and after they were gone, I offered the remainder of it to a child five or six years of age, who stood by. She declined it ; and my scholars told me it was 'haram.' 'What,' said I, does such a little girl fast from milk?' * Yes,' said they; * all of us.' I looked upon the youthful group with mingled feelings of amazement and pity, not unattended with admi- ration at their early self-denial and steadfastness. Surely, thought I, Satan has forestalled all that is valuable in human character, even in babes and sucklings ; but a wiser and more benevolent Being will yet perfect his praise by them." In the course of this month, Beyroot was visited by the United States' ship Delaware, Commodore Patterson. It was the first visit of an American ship-of-war to the coast of Syria, and was an interesting event to the inhabitants, and peculiarly to the American missionaries. Mrs. Smith entered into the spirit of the event and its attendant circum- stances, with all the interest of an American and an ardent lover of her country ; but still more as a Christian. " August 29. The flag of our country is just hoisted, indicating that the ship is near ; and my husband is pre- paring to join Mr. Chasseaud in his consular visit to her commander. This is an interesting day to me, for it ia the anniversary of my last departure from the paternal roof. Oh, what a day that was! May I never behold such another ! Its anguish was second only to that which rent my heart when the cold hand of death seized our dear Peter. But let me speak of the goodness of God to me since the supports of his grace, and my present cheerfulness and comfort. I was reading in course, this morning, the 34th of Exodus, and was deeply affected with the 6th and 7th verses. I wish you would look at them, and I think you will say with me, that God has ever proclaimed himself to 9 202 MEMOIR OF us ' the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth.' I cannot express my gratitude for the satisfaction which you have felt in giving me up ; and for the health and spiritual blessings you have received since my departure. "August 30. I have just risen, my dear parents, from the perusal of a package of letters from home, and have no words to express to you all which I have felt while passing rapidly over the contents of each. My emotions were various, producing alternate tears and smiles. To hear of your temporal prosperity was a source of high satisfac- tion ; but to hear of such a shower of spiritual blessings excited in my breast may I venture to say? joy such as angels feel when similar intelligence reaches their heavenly abode. But I have only glanced at your letters, because I am in momentary expectation of a visit from the Com- modore of the Delaware and his family ; by the return of whose ship to Mahon, where a frigate direct for America awaits her arrival, I am to forward this package. When I peruse them at my leisure, I shall live over again all those scenes so kindly and minutely detailed. " September 2. It is a great pleasure to me, my dear father, to know that my portrait affords you so much comfort. My object in sitting for it is obtained ; that room has, I trust, been a Bethel to me. I loved it more than any place, for it has been the scene of much indi- vidual and social communion with God. Adieu, beloved parents. My heart clings to you with the tenderest affec- tion ; which I believe heaven will purify and perfect." Commodore Patterson and a portion of his family and suite visited Damascus. On the Sabbath after their re- turn, religious services were held on board his ship. " September 10. On Sabbath morning we went on board the Delaware, at 10 o'clock, where Mr. Smith preached from the words, ' Strive to enter in at the strait gate.' MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 203 It was a most interesting and attentive audience. The numerous crew, standing, formed two compact bodies each side of the speaker. Their clean and simple uniform, of white shirts and pantaloons, blue collars and cuffs, and a black handkerchief tied around the neck, and their fair complexions, contrasted strongly with the tawny skin and fantastic dress of those whom for a year we have been accustomed principally to see. Their instrumental and vocal music, in tones familiar to our ears, was not a little refreshing. The Arabs crowded on board, and I suppose that in and around were more than a thousand souls. I was much pleased with the sobriety and attention of a row of boys, who stood in front of the older sailors. They are a kind of apprentices on board, and the most of them from the House of Refuge in New York. At present they have little to do except to attend school. Although my husband is no singer, I saw his lips moving with those of the choir, for he could not resist it. The appearance of the ship upon this coast is a happy occurrence. The natives have expressed great admiration of her, and con- sequently respect for her nation. The Commodore and his family and suite have left a pleasant impression upon all our hearts. He says that he came to Beyroot for our sakes. Commodore Patterson is a plain, unceremonious, agreeable American ; Mrs. Patterson the same ; and the daughters are intelligent, affable, and polished.* I love the manners of my countrywomen. The ladies of no land that I have seen compare with them in that delicacy of feeling and refinement which are the ornament of a female. May they never be disposed to cast it from them. Mrs. P. sent me a few pounds of nice black tea, and a keg of crackers, before her departure. Their visit at Jerusalem seems to have been the means of saving the life of Mr. Nicolayson, whom they found sinking under a fever. * For an interesting history of one of these young ladies, who has since deceased, see Tract, No. 386, Amer. Tr. Soc. Series. 204 MEMOIR OF Through the advice of the surgeon of the ship, he was raised from the borders of the grave, and by a singular providence, Dr. Dodge met the surgeon in the road as the former was proceeding with Mr. Thomson to Jeru- salem, and obtained from him a knowledge of Mr. N.'s case, and the manner in which he had treated it, so that he was enabled to go forward and aid in his convalescence. " In Beyroot, one night I was awake during the sound of the midnight izan, (the cry of the muezzin in the mosque, calling the followers of Mohammed to prayer.) It was a long, monotonous, and dolorous shout ; and in the half-un- consciousness of broken slumbers, I did not recognize what it was; but it so went to my heart, that if it had not ceased, I should have burst into tears. Then there is the dull and dissonant vibration of the kettle drum, upon their festas, which sometimes does not intermit its grating sounds for successive days and nights. You know not, my dear parents, how you would feel were you in the midst of a population where every sound that fell upon your ear, and every sight that met your eye, reminded you of Satan's despotic sway. When in my native land, the curling smoke, as it rose from the habitations at early morn, and the twinkling light which illuminated them at eve, excited pleas- ing associations; but here, alas! it is not so. I cannot look upon the habitations around me, and think, ' that rising column of yonder abode is an emblem of peace and of prayer from a family altar ; or that glimmering taper at- tracts towards it a chaste circle of happy faces, enjoying the rational pleasures of social life.' When I think of your spiritual blessings, which seem to be multiplying upon you, I feel that I am emphatically in a ' dry and thirsty land, where there is no water.' It is this that forms the greatest trial and danger of missionaries, that they dwell where Satan's seat is. " Monday morning, while the sky was richly studded with stars, we rose to prepare for our return to the mountains. I love to gaze upon the spangled heavens,. for it transports MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 205 me directly to the dear home of my youth ; and the sweet influences of Pleiades and the bands of Orion are the same as when I looked upon them from my own quiet chamber. This morning, Jupiter, before he melted away into the light of heaven, rested like a brilliant gem upon the forehead of Taurus, furnishing a beautiful appendage to the latter, as he reclined in dignity upon his ethereal couch. Who can contemplate the starry firmament without some elevation of his moral feelings towards their glorious Author, or without spending one thought upon his own immortal destiny ? " Bhamdoon, Sept. 25. Having recently returned from a journey of nine days to the top of Sunneen and the ruins of Baalbeck, I think you may be interested in an imperfect description, which is all that I can give, of the works of the great Creator, and his creature man. On Monday the loth inst. we left Bhamdoon for the highest peak of Leb- anon. It was a delightful day, and we were all in fine spirits. Many villages of the mountains met our eyes, the names of which we learned from our muleteers. Mr. Bird often stopped to take observations, as he is preparing maps of the country. We met a company of Gypsies, who sur- rounded my donkey to examine me, and who looked pre- cisely like our Indians. We passed also on that morning the ruins of a town upon one of the heights over which we rode. Our first resting-place about mid-day was at a village called Korneil, where we dismounted and walked some distance into a valley to see a coal mine, which was discov- ered some years ago ; and where fifty or sixty Arabs, under the superintendence of two Englishmen, are employed by the Pasha. The vein is about three feet in thickness. Il is yet a matter of doubt whether it will repay the labor of working it, though the engineer- seemed sanguine. Surely Englishmen are to be found every where. I little expected to find any in this obscure part of our journey. We ought to pray in reference to this very fact, for God can overrule it for good. I cannot tell you how pleasant, yet how 206 MEMOIR OF etrange, are the sounds of my native tongue in this for- eign land. " This was the birth day of our dear Peter ; and I called to remembrance his appearance when I first beheld him a helpless infant. I could remember, too, the manner of our dear mother, her pale looks and gentle tones as she smiled at my greetings of him. It is one of the few scenes in which she appeared, that. is indelibly imprinted upon my memory. " Our ride on the 16th was diversified with grand and beautiful scenery ; frequently carrying us upon the borders of lofty eminences, overlooking deep valleys, in the bottom of which were scattered the long black tents of the Bedaween. About noon we reached a spot upon Sunneen, less than an hour from its highest peak, where we rested, while Mr. Bird went forward to see if it were practicable to attempt an excursion to 'the summit with our animals. After our tents were erected, Mr. B. and my husband proposed ascending the mountain, while I remained in the tent, and read the Missionary Herald. Just after sundown I stepped out of my tent, and going a few paces towards the west, upon the brink of a deep valley, one of the most sublime views met my eyes that I ever saw. A rich bed of superb white clouds, rolling together, and curl- ing their tops in the air, in the most fantastic forms, filled the valley, occasionally breaking from each other sufficiently to discover to me the grandeur of the depth below. Beyond them stretched the glorious sea, its outline nearly obscured by the blending of its waters with the brilliant tints of the western sky. As I stood alone, gazing upon this almost unearthly scene, the distant voices of the mountaineers, pursuing their occupations upon the declivities below, came up through this magnificent array of mountain drapery, and produced a most singular effect upon my senses. I almost imagined myself to be the inhabitant of another sphere, stooping down to discover the pursuits of an inferior world, whose occupants little imagined what glories were above MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 207 them. But a brisk evening air hurried me back to my patriarchal habitation, and I was soon joined by my friends, who had enjoyed the same prospect from the top of Mount Lebanon. After prayers in Arabic, with the servants and muleteers, we separated each to his ' rural couch,' design- ing to set out upon our upward course an hour before light on the ensuing morning. " On the 17th we rose at half past three, and rode about half an hour up the mountain, when the path required me to join Mr. Smith and Mr. Bird on foot. After much fatigue, which reminded me of my Mount Washington excursion, we reached what we supposed to be the highest peak, at day break, where, seating ourselves beneath the shelter of a rock, we breakfasted, that we might be in read- iness to behold the glories of the rising sun. We soon dis- covered, however, that there was still a higher summit, which would intercept the eastern horizon ; and after watching the full rnoon till she sank in the waters which bounded our western prospect, we sat out for the other peak. As usual among mountains, the distance deceived us, and what appeared but a few steps occupied so much time that Mr. B. arrived only in time to see the sun start suddenly from his hiding-place behind Anti Lebanon. Mr. S. might have accomplished the same, but that he travelled slower on my account. Although I was deprived of this splendid sight, many interesting objects beside, sufficiently repaid me for my fatigue. On the west was the illimitable sea, with ranges of mountains varying in form and height. On the east, the nearest object was the beautiful valley of the Bukaa, separating Lebanon and Anti Lebanon, and prob- ably forty miles in extent. Its perfectly level and diversi- fied surface, with the Leontes winding through it, reminded me forcibly of the valley of the Connecticut, as it appears from Mount Holyoke. I think it must have been once the bed of a lake, from its peculiar appearance and its fertility, which is like that of the rich alluvial soil of the Connecticut. Its northern extremity is bounded by 208 MEMOIR OF the territory of Hamath. The noble range of Anti Leb- anon was spread out before us in its whole extent, em- bracing Mount Hermon, called by the natives 'Gebel Sheikh,' (old mountain.) It is higher than Sunneen, and one little spot of snow glistened in the sun-beams near the top of its majestic front, as we beheld it on this cloudless morning. I am sure if king David had been with us, he would have tuned his harp to the praise of its Author, whose wonderful works he so loved to sing. The 'little hills' below sat in such distinct outline upon the level valley, as to seem almost as if they might ' skip like lambs.' The Hauran, the region which Mr. Smith and Dr. Dodge vis- ited last spring, was visible; but what interested me most, was a faint view of the mountains of Galilee, in the blue distance. I leaned upon a rock and gazed with silent but deep emotion upon the land which my Saviour had trod ; and my heart uttered the prayer, that the spirit which ani- mated his breast, when he there dwelt in his humanity, might henceforth continually possess mine. " This day, on which I attained the highest summit of Mt. Lebanon, was dear father's birth day, and recollections of him mingled themselves with the important events which gave interest to the period. At 2 o'clock, P. M., our tents were taken down, and we commenced our descent towards the valley of the Bukaa, and rested for the night at Ain Hazeer. The view of Anti Lebanon was most glorious, from our encampment, and I pitied those who could dwell there unmindful of its Maker. One lone woman from a neighboring khan came to see me, wearing a charm upon her neck, which was as usual a picture of the Virgin. I tried to say something to impress her with serious things. " 18th. As the sun is very powerful in the Bukaa, we rose before 3 o'clock for our ride. Our donkeys seemed delighted with the level path before them, which was un- broken by a single irregularity. I enjoyed it beyond any thing I ever experienced of the kind before. We formed a large, and what you would call in America, a grotesque MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 209 group. We met many genuine Bedaween on foot and upon donkeys and mules, with their long blankets trailing upon the ground, adding to the unique appearance of their dark visages, and streaming locks, which were almost blended with the gray of the morning. Although I am daily be- coming familiar with the strange scenes of this country, yet some of them to this hour impress me with such ro- mantic sensations as I have formerly experienced when reading works of fiction. This was one ; but many of the associations were of a sacred character. The two noble ranges of Lebanon and Anti Lebanon bounded our pros- pect on either side, as we took an oblique course across the valley. The sun came forth from behind Anti Lebanon as a ' bridegroom cometh forth from his chamber.' Not long after his beams warmed the earth, we stopped near a stream of water and breakfasted, upon the green sward. As we pursued our journey, we met immense flocks of sheep, goats, and herds of cattle, and saw the black tents of the Bedaween to whom they belonged , who, though they differ in character and wealth from Abraham, probably exhibit his mode of life, after he went out from his kindred. With my American habits, I should surely say, were I obliged to resort to their habitations, ' Wo is me that I dwell in the tents of Kedar.' Says the spouse in Solomon's Song, ' I am black like the tents of Kedar.' But the most precious passage of Scripture, which these illustrations brought to our minds, was the promise concerning the two eldest sons of Ishmael, the progenitors of these Mohamme- dans, found in Isaiah Ix. 7. ' All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee ; they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.' "At ]2 o'clock we reached the celebrated ruins of Baal- bek or Heliopolis, the irregular outline of which had been for several hours in sight. As we were much fatigued and exhausted with the rays of a tropical sun, we did not now stop to admire what we intended to examine at our leisure. 210 MEMOIR OF We hastened beyond the walls of the city, to find an en- campment, the location of which was of more consequence, because it was Friday noon, and we were to remain there until Monday. " Baalbek is abundantly supplied with streams of water, which nourish the greatest profusion of trees and shrubs; particularly the noble walnut, the fruit of which is like the large English walnut. At the ruins of an elegant fountain, which supplies one of these courses, we unloaded our ani- mals, hoping to be in quiet possession of the spot, after a few hours ; although numbers of men and boys were enjoy- ing the delicious shade, upon the brilliant carpet of nature. Several Mohammedans, in direct violation of our Saviour's precepts, were publicly engaged in their devotions. I walked by them to discover more minutely their peculiari- ties, and the nearer I approached the more earnest they became. I cannot give you a very correct idea of it. They were upon their knees, and sometimes held their heads erect, and with closed eyes muttered their orisons; then - bent forward and touched their foreheads to the ground. It was all deeply affecting, and perfectly absurd. Finding that the Sabbath was to be ' a feast to the Virgin,' and of course that this spot would be the scene of the sports of her votaries, it became necessary to seek for another retirement. After bathing 1 our faces in the limpid stream which flowed near us, and gathering raspberries from its banks, we dined upon the green grass, and the gentlemen separated, each to seek for another encampment. Before night we were quietly seated in our tents, beneath the rich shade of those very walnut-trees which my husband had visited in his journey to the Hauran. Saturday morning, early, we pro- ceeded to the ruins, and devoted the forenoon to their examination. And here I am tempted to lay aside my pen, since no description of mine can give you any adequate conception of those relics of past ages, whose foundations are supposed to have been in existence in the days of Solomon. As I gazed upon that part of the immense pile. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 211 I fully believed the supposition, and those old, defaced, but yet undilapidated stones, gave me much more satisfaction than all the Grecian taste and Roman and Saracenic magnifi- cence, which form so much of the interest and variety of its superstructure. Whoever selected the location for this eplendid building, discovered true taste, as it stands at the foot of Anti Lebanon, overlooking a rich tract of level land, beautifully diversified with foliage and streams of water. You may give full scope to all the romance and poetry of your imagination, and picture to yourself fluted columns, cornices, entablatures, tritons, sea gods, fishes, beasts, and birds, in alto and bass relief, some in a state of preservation, and others defaced by the hand of time and the curiosity of travellers; with fragments of exquisite elegance scattered all around, debased by the ' treading of cattle,' who actually find pasture within the walls of this magnificent temple. The pile consists of four divisions, severally called by trav- ellers a palace, a portico, and two temples ; the smallest of the latter being the ' temple of the sun.' The palace is 410 feet in length, and 383 in breadth, supported by arched pas- sages, dark and dreary. The larger temple is 309 feet in length and 202 in breadth. The smaller one Mr. Smith did not measure. In one part of the building is a perfect tower of Saracenic origin, entirely unique in its architectural character. The most imposing object is the remains of a colonnade which once surrounded the larger temple. Six Corinthian pillars, the top of whose capitals is 130 feet from the ground, now existing in a state of entire preserva- tion, made a powerful impression on my feelings. They fully answered all my ideas of ruined elegance. They seemed as it were to be invested with life ; so touchingly, so instructively did they speak of the unknown past, of which neither history nor tradition unfolds the tale. My eye lin- gered upon them to the last, untired and unsatisfied ; till they faded from my view. In the afternoon we made the circuit of the city, and visited a quarry, from whence much of the stone of which the building is composed was probably 212 MEMOIR OF taken. One entire stone, 60 feet long, 17 wide, and 13 thick, still attached to the quarry, hewn, in solitary grandeur seemed to speak volumes respecting the unfinished labors of finite man. Baalbek is completely dilapidated. It is oc- cupied by a few Moslems and Christians, whose small habi- tations are constructed of the relics. There is, beside, a mosque patched up with marble slabs ; and a beautiful little marble temple, of Corinthian architecture, which has been used by the Greek church for a place of worship. Thus Satan in various ways has kept possession of the spot ; though the idols of the temple have been cast down. Still those familiar lines of Watts were continually in my mind while there ' Those ruins shall be built again, And all that dust shall rise," under another and more permanent dominion. " But I am protracting my journal of this tour to an im- moderate length ; and must hasten to an end, or I shall never reach one. The next day, the Sabbath, we passed in our tents ; having social worship in English, and reading, and conversation with the natives who came to gratify their curiosity by the sight of living wonders of the present age. A Moslem begged a Testament, which my husband gave to him, the first which he ever gave to a follower of the false prophet. With strange inconsistency a Catholic Christian endeavored to dissuade him from reading it ! Do you wonder that the devotees of Mohammed have hitherto con- tinued and multiplied, with such an influence around them ? Pray for the extension of that pure light, beneath which their delusion shall wither and perish. " On the 22d we rose immediately after midnight, to pursue our journey homewards. Nothing particularly inter- esting occurred, except that I witnessed the cultivation of cotton in the Bukaa, by females. The next day we reached Bhamdoon, having spent eight days, and taken twenty-five meals in our tents, and without having entered a single MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 213 habitation, beside, during our whole journey. With invig- orated health and grateful hearts we were happy to find ourselves at home again, in our rural mountain dwelling." In her distant field of labor, Mrs. Smith received, with lively satisfaction, intelligence of the prosperity of religion among the Mohegan Indians. Writing to the missionary among them, she says " I was as much astonished as were the apostles often in the weakness of their faith, to hear of the revival in Mohegan. When shall we learn that our God is ' faithful to his promises and faithful to his Son ' ? Remember me with Christian affec- tion to the dear converts, and to all the children of the school. May your cords still be lengthened. Pray do not take any thing for granted respecting my probable knowledge of affairs in your little parish, for my friends all say, ' You will learn from Mr. Gleason about Mohegan.' And now I will answer some of your questions. First, in respect to faith, hope, and charity, my experience of them is the same in kind, though I fear not in degree, as your own. I have been so whirled about for the last year, that I sometimes hardly know what my own feelings are. Of this, however, I am confident, that we and other missionaries have not been brought here for nothing ; and although we may see scarcely a ray of light beaming upon the long night of darkness that has obscured this spiritual firmament, others will. Nothing is lost in God's moral kingdom, though it may sometimes appear so; of course he is using us in some way. In one very im- portant respect you have the advantage of us in your labors. You can speak the language of the people whom you desire to benefit. To acquire this is my leading object at present. What a long and tedious process it is for the world to get back to its rightful Lord ! How much angels must have to cause wonder and admiration, while they are employed in helping it forward ! They must often stop to love and wor- ship a Being so holy, benevolent, and wise as their great 214 MEMOIR OF Leader. It will not be long, dear brother, before you and I shall know more respecting this matter than we now do. " In the village upon the mountains, where we are spending the hot season, we have much to interest our feelings. The Christians of the Greek church, who are the majority of the population, are really friendly towards us, and we could not help loving them, even if we had not a spark of the Saviour's kindness in our breasts. They are industrious, cheerful, and independent, and I often think what a happy community they would form, with a religion stripped of useless ceremonies a religion of the heart rather than of the fingers; for one of the most dis- tinguishing marks of their sect is their manner of making the sign of the cross. Could the females of Syria be edu- cated and regenerated, the whole face of the country would change ; even, as I said to an Arab a few days since, to the appearance of the houses and the roads. One of our little girls, whom I taught before going to the mountains, came to see me a day or two since, and talked incessantly about her love for the school, and the errors of the people here, saying that they ' cared not for Jesus Christ, but only for the Virgin Mary.' I have not said a word about ' old Lucy.' Peace to her memory ! she has at length reached ' home,' I trust. I read her obituary in the paper." " September 28. You kindly inquire, my dear madam, whether I find the promise verified, ' Lo, I am with you alway.' Perhaps I cannot better answer the question than by telling you the reflections which I had this evening. Just before sun-down, my husband stepped out to attend prayers at the Greek church ; and as I closed the door for the purpose of securing a season for devotion during his absence, and turned back upon the solitude of our single apartment, my heart was filled with praise to God for all his gracious dealings with me during the past year. Expecting in a few days to leave Bhamdoon, I was led to adore the kind hand, that, in addition to all my other mercies, had MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 215 furnished me so pleasant and comfortable a home in this obscure mountain village ; where I have renewed my strength, and now have vigorous health to reengage in rny labors at Bey root. "Monday, October 8. This day, the season of the monthly concert, has for some time been appropriated to fasting and prayer at this station. While taking an early walk this morning, I met two girls with baskets of grapes upon their shoulders, who, as usual, invited me to partake of their contents. I declined, pleading as an excuse, that it was a fast with me, and they urged me no farther. It is not here as in America, where such an apology might be made the subject of ridicule among the unregenerate. On the contrary, the more peculiar are our habits and numerous our ceremonies, the more respect and influence we may acquire ; for to be without religion is considered a great disgrace. Many regard us as irreligious, because we are so simple in our forms of worship and have so few appendages; and are often surprised when we tell them how many churches and priests exist in our native land. A servant woman of Mrs. Whiting, who has now lived long enough with her to love her and appreciate her principles, about a year and a half since remarked to some of the Arabs, that the people with whom she lived, did ' not lie, nor steal, nor quarrel, nor do any such things; but, poor creatures,' said she, ' they have no religion.' In contrasting the spiritual blessings of my country with the more than useless ceremonies of this, I often think of these lines of the inimitable Watts * Let strangers walk around The city where we dwell,' &c. " In some important respects, the morals of this people are better than those of our own land. But the great destroyer need not be strenuous on the point here, for he has the entire mass of the inhabitants sufficiently enchained by a corrupt religion for all his purposes ; and he reserves 216 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. other temptations for those regions where he can employ them, to blind the eyes of men against the clear light of truth. In this our mountain residence, my husband has had more than usual opportunity to give religious instruc- tion by means of conversation, distribution of the Scriptures, and evening prayers in Arabic, in our room. More or less of the villagers are always present upon the latter occasion. We feel assured that these ' mountain tops will yet shout to each other,' though we may not live to catch ' the flying joy ' on earth. " I have rejoiced, dear Mrs. Farrar, in all the spiritual blessings of your own family, and in those of the church at large. In thinking of that garden of the Lord where my friends dwell, I sometimes compare our situation with that of our first parents who were driven out of paradise to till the earth, which they found covered with thorns and briers. Indeed, I think that had Isaiah seen, in vision, our happy land, with all her faults ; contrasting it with this, as it is now, and probably was then, he would still have indulged in all the strains of prophetic rapture, which characterize his writings. I must now, through necessity, though unwillingly, leave you. A sheet of paper never seemed so insufficient for my purposes, as sine* I came to this country. A single one will not contain half I wish to communicate to those I love ; and yet I think it will contain as much as I ought to trouble them with." CHAPTER XI. SCENERY SABBATH EVENING ENGLISH SERVICE TROU- BLES OF MOHAMMEDANS DEATH OF DR. DODGE APPEAL TD AMERICAN CHRISTIANS ON PHYSICAL CULTURE INTERCOURSE WITH ENGLISH FRIENDS LETTER TO MRS. DODGE ON PREPARATION FOR THE MISSIONARY WORK FEMALE PRAYER MEETING NATIVE HABITS OF FASTING THOUGHTS ON AMERICAN CHARACTER ARAB VISITS LETTER TO MRS. WISNER ON THE DEATH OF HER HUS- BAND LETTER TO MRS. HALLOCK. HAVING returned from her summer residence in the mountains, and become again settled at Beyroot, Mrs. Smith resumed her journal addressed to her parents, as follows : " BEYROOT, OCT. 19, 1834. "My ever dear Parents: I wish you could sit down with me in my pleasant room, this evening, where I have composed myself for a little epistolary converse with you. The full moon, rising in the east, is shining in its splendor over the lofty peak of Lebanon, while the waters of the Mediterranean, which wash its base, are sparkling in her beams, and on the north its dark waves are bounded only by the sky. The street in which we live is directly upon the shore ; a high castle, surmounted with a single turret, stands upon a rock, a few rods from the land ; the hum of human voices has ceased, and the silence of night is broken only by the roar of the surf, as the sea dashes upon the shore. Three times have I risen from my seat to view and admire in solitude this charming scene We are JQ 9U 218 MEMOIR OF partially settled in our new abode, but I hope we shall not indulge the thought that this is our rest. If we do, God will break up the delusion. " This is the evening of the Sabbath, and it will be more appropriate to recall the events of the day. Mr. Thompson preached at our Consul's, a most excellent ser- mon. My soul was refreshed, particularly in the singing, and I thought of the bliss of heaven. The Sabbath, my dear father, is the day in which I am in the habit of making you especially the subject of my petitions ; and often my heart is much drawn out in supplicating spiritual blessings for you, and I feel assured that such blessings will make you completely happy here and hereafter. Thus, through the merits of my Saviour, though far removed from you, I may be the means of making an impression upon your present and eternal happiness. "October 22. Yesterday I went up to Mr. Bird's to consult about the plan of a school-house, now commenced for females. I can hardly believe that such a project is actually in progress, and I hail it as the dawn of a happy change in Syria. Two hundred dollars have been sub- scribed by friends in this vicinity, and I told Mr. B., that if necessary, I thought he might expend fifty more upon the building, as our Sabbath school in Norwich had pledged one hundred a year for female education in Syria. I cannot tell you how much satisfaction I take in appropriating my little effects to missionary purposes ; as I used at home often to wish that ' Holiness to the Lord' might be inscribed on rny little possessions. "October 27. This morning the English service was held in the room now called our chapel, at our Consul's, and it promises to be a pleasant resort. I felt more as I used to feel in America, than since I bade farewell to those ' Sacred scenes of peace and pleasure, Holy days and Sabbath bell.' Mrs. Chasseaud is much engaged in fitting it up, arranging MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 219 with her own hands the covering of the desk, in which she exhibits the tact of her countrywomen. I cannot but think that these feeble beginnings for this land are like the little stone that was cut out of the mountain. "October 29. Yesterday I again commenced the fe- male school with four scholars, which were increased to ten to-day, and the number will probably continue to aug- ment as before, from week to week. As I walked home about sunset this evening, I thought, 'Can it be that I am really a school-mistress, and the only one in all Syria?' and I tripped along with a quick step amid Egyptians, Turks and Arabs, Moslems and Jews, to my pleasant and quiet home, where I always find a number of kind friends to bid me welcome. Dear Mrs. Abbott said to me, as I seated myself with her upon the side of her bed, before I took off my hat, ' You don't know what a privilege, what a comfort it is to me to have you here.' My hours are now so systematically and fully appropriated that I can only steal short intervals for writing. , "November 9. The number of English merchants is increasing here, and for the last (week our minds have been much exercised respecting them ; especially the im- portance of their being regular attendants upon our morn- ing service. If a foundation is now to be laid for a future community of English and Americans, as we cannot doubt, we are anxious that it should be a good one. If it be only fashionable for all who come to attend chapel, it will be a great point gained; for there will be souls which may be the subjects of the operations of the Spirit. " Dear parents, I love you, and think of you constantly, yet am busy and happy. I sometimes indulge the thought that God has sent me to the females of Syria to the little girls (of whom I have a favorite school) for their good. They are the burden of my prayer ; let them be of yours. "Jan. 5, 1835. On Friday I distributed rewards to twenty-three little girls belonging to my school, which, as 220 MEMOIR OF they are all poor, consisted of clothing. The value of the presents was graduated by the number of tickets which each scholar could produce. My husband prayed and talked with them. It was a new scene for Syria. Our Sabbath school also increases. Eighteen were present last Sab- bath, and walked two and two from Tannoos' house to the Arabic service. I am in constant expectation of an ' excommunication ' upon my pupils, from the ecclesiastical authorities." Of Mrs. Smith's labors, at this time, the Rev. Mr. Thomson wrote, January llth "Mrs. Smith's female school prospers wonderfully, but it is the altar of her own health ; and I fear that in the flame that goeth up toward heaven from off that altar, she will soon ascend, as did Manoah's angel.* May the Lord prolong her valuable life. We can hardly spare her ; she is our only hope for a female school in Beyroot at present." "January 28. It is a year to-day since our arrival at Bey- root a year of mercies only. How grateful and obedient ought we to be! I wish you would pray, my dear parents, that I may not be so dull a scholar as I feel myself to be, under all the kind discipline of a heavenly Master. When I reflect upon the multifarious lessons, which in the course of nearly thirty years I have been called to learn, I am ashamed and confounded at my ignorance my slow advance in moral improvement. Every day that I live 1 find less occasion for self-complacency. Little do those who are basking in the rays of a meridian sun, like that under which I lived in Norwich, and passing buoyantly along with the stream, know how it would ' try their souls,' and try their characters, and their Christian hopes, to be transported to a dark, cold land, like this, where they would be obliged to struggle against the current. Yes, it is to me a solemn thought, that many, apparently hopeful fol- lowers of Christ, in America, would not sustain the change : Judges xiii. 19, 20, 21. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 221 for with all my self-love, I often fear that I shall be found wanting at the last. Could I convey to the minds of my friends the views which I have on this point, I should re- joice. In a few words 1 would say, ' Examine yourselves, 1 and discover, if possible, how much of your love, zeal, and activity, is the genuine fruit of the Spirit, and how much is the result of factitious circumstances. " Last Saturday was a day of much interest and excite- ment to us, leading us to feel the force of the assurance, that ' as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about his people,' when they are planted amid an irregular, despotic, and dangerous government. We are here not only defended, but the defenders of the le- gitimate subjects of Mohammedan rule against their own rulers. An order was issued for the impressment of sol- diers for the Pasha, which does not extend to the nominal Christians, but only to the Moslems. In consequence of which, the houses of the English and Americans were nearly filled with refugees. Seven men slept in our court on Saturday night. Many Christians were also seized, but subsequently released, after satisfactory evidence that they were not Moslems. "February 12. Once more God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has entered our little band, in the removal of one of our number ; by which our hearts are not only wound- ed, but our hopes of Jerusalem again blasted. Our be- loved brother Dodge, who, from the time that I knew him, has ever seemed to me ripening for heaven, has at length reached that ' home for weary souls.' Sad to us, but not to him, is this event. The following lines, sung at brother Peter's funeral, and at our family devotions this morning, express my present feelings : ' There faith lifts up the tearless eye, The heart with anguish riven ; It views the tempest passing by, Sees evening shadows quickly fly, And all serene in heaven.' 222 MEMOIR OF Yes ; ' all serene in heaven.' He is there, I doubt not ; though we cannot see why he should be snatched away, after having spent two years of toil and perplexity in pre- paring for service in this dark land, with the language just beginning to be at his command ; yet he knows and ap- preciates the whole. When I was an inmate of his family, I found that he uniformly rose very early; and from his increasing spiritual views and tender sensibilities, it was evident that he held much communion with God. His case confirms me in the long-cherished belief, that secret prayer is the key to holy living and a happy death. " We shall probably now make other arrangements ; and the question will arise, ' Shall Jerusalem be abandoned ? ' Death has interrupted every previous attempt, and to send missionaries thither seems but sending them to their graves! We all feel that God has selected from our number, at this time, the very one who was best prepared for His presence ; of course the one qualified to live and do good. This makes us mourn, arid every day we realize our loss more. " And now what can I say ; what can the missionaries of Syria say; what can any of the laborers who are scat- tered over this desolate world say, to the mass of Christians crowded together in America, to induce them to feel and to act only for dying multitudes ? They do feel, and they do act, comparatively ; but, my dear parents, it is the eyes that affect the heart ; and if we would believe fully, that a guilty world is under the wrath of God, we must go to those portions of the earth where Satan still reigns tri- umphant. I was deeply affected with the fact that the Washington Islands were abandoned as a missionary station, because of their scattered population. Under existing cir- cumstances probably this was necessary ; but ought cir- cumstances to exist in a church so large, so blessed, so competent as that of America, as unavoidably to doom to eternal destruction a thousand souls in one place, five hundred or even one hundred in another, to say nothing of the millions? I think of those groups in the Pacific; of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 223 the Azores, of which we had a faint glimpse when cross- ing the Atlantic; of other inhabitants of mountains and valleys, upon which our eyes rested. I look abroad upon the countries around this sea, teeming with immortal souls, whose wasted existence will soon be swallowed up in the svorld of wo ; and then my eye turns to our own land, and I see the crowded conference-room, the Sabbath school, the ' great congregation,' not denying but enjoying them- selves, in the spacious churches where the truth is continually dropping its sacred dew. I see the shelves and tables loaded with publications too numerous to be read, the social board covered with dainties. I think of the hours that are spent in cooking, in visits, in regulating the fold or fashion of an article of dress or furniture not by the devotees of folly, but by blood-bought disciples of Christ and I think of the wasted years of my own probationary existence; and in view of all this, my heart sinks within me, and I can only exclaim, in behalf of myself and others, ' Guilty, guilty ! ' While you have more than enough of all that makes life dear and immortality to appear precious, here there exists native barrenness. " Excepting the three or four native converts, we know not one pious religious teacher, one judicious parent, one family circle regulated by the love of God, one tradesman influenced by the fear of God no, not even one! Let me advise any, the humblest, the most uninfluential, whose heart may be touched with such facts, leading him to ex- claim, ' What can /do? ' to begin with some little thing, be it ever so small, by which he may save, if not many, a few moments of precious time, which he may devote to the pur- pose of thinking and praying over this great matter. And if he be faithful in a little, he may have authority over much. The Holy Spirit will communicate new views, new energies, and a spark may kindle a great fire. " I write to Mrs. Ripley by this opportunity, and perhaps also to sister Faith. I wish I had strength to do more ; but my school and my studies draw upon my energies continu- 224 MEMOIR OF ally, as well as occupy the best hours of every day. When I get an assistant from among the hundreds of well-qualified females in America, I will give more time to my correspond- ents there, God willing. " We had five young men at our Bible class last evening, English and Scotch. It is a little remarkable that these foreign adventurers should all of them have been, as it ap- pears, religiously educated. They are also more than usually intelligent. We cannot but bope that God is laying a foundation here on which to build his kingdom in future generations." -" BEYKOOT, FEBRUARY 12. " My dear Sister : This is Thursday, the day on which 1 bring you and your daughters in especial remembrance before God ; on Wednesday, I remember your dear husband and little Cornelius ; and often in connection with them the precious friends at Andover. " You speak of the importance and duty of physical culture. It is a subject upon which I reflected much in America, and have done so still more in this country. I think the individual who should devote his whole attention to it, for the benefit of missionaries, would be a blessing to the universe. " Many precautions are essential in this climate, beside those which relate to diet. Exposure to cold and dampness, and fatigue, must be avoided. Unbraced by the cold win- ters to which we have been accustomed, our northern con- stitutions are particularly susceptible to debility ; and if we lose our vigor of body, we cannot do with our ' might ' what our hands find to do; for we have no might. "February 28. I believe that I feel on Saturdays much like all ' school ma'am's,' a sort of freedom from care and a desire for relaxation; yet I am certainly happier, surrounded by my twenty little Arab girls, than any where else ; though I have a pleasant home and a most beloved husband. " Our intercourse with our English friends becomes every MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 225 week more pleasant and mutually confidential. It seems like an answer to prayer. We do not feel like relinquishing the Jerusalem mission, but would rather ' draw arguments from discouragements,' and ' take the kingdom of heaven by vio- lence ' for that city. One fact is encouraging, that no death has occurred in consequence of the climate, for it is superioi to that of Beyroot. Their winters are cold and invigorating " You inquire if missionaries are not in danger of losing their regard for the sanctity of the Sabbath. They are so, and on this account we feel it to be important that we keep the day with uncommon strictness ; as the habit is calculated to make a deep impression upon the natives, so unlike their own. We get no dinner, though our servant is consequently idle all the morning, while we are at English service. With my husband and myself every moment is filled up as in America, the native Sabbath school being exclusively under our direction." The letter from which the following extracts are taken, was addressed to Mrs. Dodge, on the death of her husband : " Need I spend a moment, my dear sister, to convince you that in your sorrows, I am afflicted, and that I have wept again and again over the memory of your and my beloved friend, and at the thought of your desolated heart? Though many tears had flowed, as one circumstance after another confirmed the sad story of your loss ; yet when I came to that part of your recital which alluded to the inter- ment on Mount Zion, and pictured to myself the unconscious curiosity depicted upon the familiar features of your bright little Mary, in the last mournful scene, it seemed as if my heart would burst. Sweet child ! God will surely be her Father. I esteemed and admired your excellent husband, His mind possessed certain delicate shades which were truly attractive; not to mention his strong and increasing sensi- bility to those spiritual things which he knows and loves now with unclouded perceptions and emotions in that blessed home on high. My husband and I reflect with great 10* 226 MEMOIR OF satisfaction upon our intercourse with him; we saw the growing spirituality of his feelings, and very often said to each other, that we had forebodings of his early removal. We saw, too, that his piety was the result of cherished com- munion with his God, and shall we not make him here our exemplar ? His short visit at Beyroot was a cordial to our tiearts." The following letter to a young Christian relative, whom Mrs. Smith hoped to welcome to a participation in her labors, is inserted for the sake of the suggestions it contains on preparation for the missionary work. "BEYROOT, MARCH 2. " Since you and I, my dear Mary, hope to be united in labors, at some future day, for the benefit of this people, it seems desirable that we should keep up a correspondence, which you have so pleasantly commenced by your sweet let- ter. I cannot tell you how much I was gratified, more than by any which I have received; and I am constantly thinking of your promise to come and aid me, if the Lord will. ' This prospect, though distant a few years, gives a spring to my feelings whenever I dwell upon it ; and furnishes one of the strongest inducements to me to seek the preservation of my health, that I may live to aid you by my experience, and comfort you with my affection, when you forsake father and mother for Christ. I look upon this consecration of your- self to him as perfectly rational and consistent; and I hope that in laying out your energies to prepare for the station, you will feel that you are doing nothing more than is your duty to do. This will keep you from spiritual exaltation above those who are living for a less noble purpose; by leading you to think of the high standard which God has given us, rather than of the deficiencies of others. If he blesses you in this undertaking, what sublimity will be at- tached to all your thoughts and pursuits ! Methinks angels will be your joyful companions and advisers, delegated by MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 227 your blessed Master. Perhaps too he will condescend to employ me in furnishing you with a few hints that may be profitable to you. In one letter, however, I will not at- tempt to say all that is in ray mind; but take up one or two subjects only. " I need not dwell long, at present, upon the highest qualification requisite for a missionary, though I should lo\e to occupy many pages with it. You will readily believe that no common degree of love to God and love to man, will suffice for a foundation, in forming yourself to become one. I will only remark, that this must be acquired by daily and prolonged communion with God. You must not only take a few minutes, at regular seasons, for prayer; but you must secure some of your most valuable hours; and so occupy yourself in them as to get near to God ; and so as to bring eternal things near to you, that you may throw your entire self into the work which engages his infinite mind ; and that every thing beside may dwindle to a point. Although I am very far from setting myself as a standard on the con- trary, am continually lamenting my deficiencies yet I can say, that if I have any heart for my work, I look back upon the hours of retirement and devotion which, before I knew my destination, were spent in my own chamber, in my father's house, and when the beautiful stars of the morning were my only light as the means of obtaining this heart. I have also found great profit from whole days of private fasting and prayer. You will derive particular benefit from such seasons, having a known and definite object in view. If you pursue an undeviating course of secret devotion, with- out neglecting your active duties, your soul will gradually rise to higher and still higher perceptions of truth and per- sonal obligation ; and when you reach the land of darkness, where, within the loyal dominions of ' the prince of the power of the air,' even the regenerate have greater struggles with their depraved natures; past joys and motives will come back upon your soul to refresh and strengthen you; and 228 MEMOIR OF like David, you will remember God from the land of Jordan and of the Hermonites, and from the hill Mizar.' " Presuming that all your pursuits and studies will have a decided and acknowledged reference to the missionary work, during the years preparatory to your departure for Syria; I would mention that a knowledge of languages, and a facility in acquiring them, are the first requisites for your undertaking. I do not wish to discourage you by too formidable a list of necessary acquirements ; but Mr. Smith and I both think that you should be able to speak the Italian readily, to read the French, and to be sufficiently familiar with Latin to use the Arabic and Latin diction- ary the only one which we have; and if you can obtain from your father a little knowledge of the idiom of the Hebrew, it will aid you greatly in that of the Arabic, which it strongly resembles. With a knowledge of Italian, you can enjoy unembarrassed intercourse with most foreigners in the Mediterranean ; and at brother Edward's, in New York, you can get a native teacher. It is an easy, sweet language. The French is so similar, you will -not find it difficult ; and if you take the Latin first, you will find the transition to both the others natural. The Hebrew is of less consequence than the other three, and may be omitted. To use De Sacy's grammar, you will need an acquaintance with the French. It is seldom that an individual obtains a perfect knowledge of several different languages, yet I think the study of one foreign tongue, gives a taste and facility for others ; and for a missionary, even a smattering in lan- guages is better than nothing. As for the Arabic, you need have nothing to do with it until you mingle with the Arabs ; though possibly I may send you a book, that you may gratify your curiosity by looking at the characters." " BEYROOT, MARCH 17. " My dear Mother : I have two reasons for addressing myself to you especially, aside from my usual journal ; first MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. <&9 to gratify you, and secondly that I may bring you in debt to me to the amount of a whole sheet of paper, filled by your own dictation. Although you are mentioned in every letter from home, and I love to hear that you are well and happy, and that you love, and weep, and pray for me, still I have an earnest desire to recognize upon paper the features of your own mind ; that mind with which I have had so much converse and sympathy. It is a very pleasant circumstance to me, that notwithstanding I am so busily occupied with cares and interests around me, I am often with you in my dreams, and many times dear grandmother and brother Peter are mingling with us. Shall we not all be associates in heaven? " We often think and talk of your Friday meeting, which is on purpose for us; and I believe your prayers have been, and will be yet more abundantly answered. On Saturday we commenced a native female prayer meeting, only one of whose attendants, (Mrs. W.,) gives satisfactory evidence of a renewed nature ; yet we look for fruit here- after. If those females in America, who decline leading the devotions of a social circle, feel any thing of the reluc- tance which I felt in attempting to pray in the native tongue, I pity more than I blame them ; yet if they would cast themselves upon God, as I was enabled to do, I doubt not that similar strength would be imparted. My first effort of the kind, in this difficult language, was with my little girl, and I pursue it regularly. Twice I have performed the duty in the school, and Mrs. W. and I stop a few minutes once a week, to make the school and her irreli- gious friends the subjects of prayer. If I were not writing to you, dear mother, I should not mention these particu- lars ; but I know you will tenderly sympathize with me in an occurrence of this nature. Probably this is the fiist female prayer meeting ever held in the Arabic language. Will you not make it, at yours on Friday, an especial sub- ject of prayer ? Pray that our stammering tongues may be more and more unloosed. 230 MEMOIR OF " I wish, dear mother, you could visit my school, and possess the gift of tongues. I would not withdraw your interest from other objects, but I do wish you to pray a great deal for these little girls. I sometimes feel that God has sent me here to make an impression upon the female character in Syria; yet I may be cut off speedily, and my work cease. God forbid ! Rather let me be like Swartz and Morrison, who have been permitted with bodily eyes to behold the fruits of their labors. " I think the habits of fasting among this people would strike you singularly. They are very troublesome, to say the least, in a family. Yet I am not solicitous about over- throwing a superstition so comparatively innocent as this, before the heart is convinced of the truth ; for I am of the opinion that it often induces a recklessness of moral obli- gation, unfavorable to purity. It is like having the soul * swept and garnished ' for fouler spirits to be entertained therein. When I took my little girl, she was fasting from meat, butter, milk, and all animal substances, for forty days previous to Christmas. Now, she and our Maltese are keeping fifty days Lent before Easter taking no food until after twelve o'clock, and then nothing of an animal nature. Saturdays and Sundays the little girl, who is a Greek, may eat in the morning ; and the servant boy, who is a Catholic, Sundays only. This practice leads the people to think very much about food, making them particular and difficult; for after such long fasts, they loathe simple food, and are often dissatisfied with what is given them. With my washer- woman I have had frequent trouble. They are always, too, wishing a change of food. The people fish all night upon the sea, for ' bloodless fish,' as they are called, and often the reflection of the torches, attached to their boats, dances around the walls of our bed-room until morning dawns. It reminds me of the probable mode in which the disciples of our Saviour gained their subsistence. ' They toiled all night,' but not under such a guide as these people, who are thus duped to believe that this is religion, and will carry MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 231 them to heaven. Alas ! alas ! Blessed Lord, may thy kingdom come speedily ! " "Unmoor, MARCH 19. " We feel anxious respecting our country, lest she be left to misrule and destruction. May God save her, for his own glory. In some respects my feelings and opinions have been changed since I left America. Looking at our national character at the distance of 5,000 miles, and mingling with foreigners, I feel myself forming a more impartial estimate than when I was borne along amid the excitement and self- complacency, to which my countrymen are certainly ex- posed. While I see much to admire and love, I also see faults that I wish might be corrected. That humorous poetical effusion of Halleck, describing the Connecticut character, is not inapplicable to the nation at large: ' They have a natural talent for foreseeing And knowing all things.' *** ' Would shake hands with a king upon his throne, And think it kindness to his majesty.' " Now you must not think that I am becoming a traitor to my own dear native land. It is rny love, for it that makes rne jealous of her reputation ; thrown as I am into circum- stances in which her merits are discussed, and where her peculiarities are exposed by the various specimens of Ameri- can character that find their way to these shores. I have before remarked that I think our countrymen much better qualified for missionary labor and self-denial than the English, and I still think so; yet if we could prune away some of our excrescences, raid at the same time retain that energy in action which characterizes us, we should hold a still higher place in ' the scale of being,' than we now do. " I never felt the importance of family order, and a due subordination of children and servants, as since I have resided here ; and have been led to fear that the M'ant of 232 MEMOIR OF this in America, more than any thing else, threatens to interfere with the permanence of our free institutions. Surely God never designed that the beautiful and orderly arrangement of his providence, which has divided mankind into families, should be interrupted. During the past winter, an American gentleman and his son have spent considerable time at Beyroot, after travelling in the Holy Land, and making some examinations for the purpose of disproving the Mosaic history. They are from the south- western States, and one of our English friends remarked, that his own curiosity had been gratified at length by a specimen of some of our ' back-woodsmen.' His criti- cisms were not unkind at all towards our country ; but he remarked, incidentally, that there was a singular familiarity existing between this father and son ; the latter contradict- ing his father continually, and treating him with no respect whatever. " It is interesting to me to study the character of the English ; that race from which we sprang, and to whom we ought to feel strongly attached. Between them and ourselves there are shades of difference ; some to our advan- tage, and some to our disadvantage. The manners of all those whom I have seen are in most respects as refined as those of the best classes in America. The above-mentioned countrymen of ours remarked to their English acquaintances at Beyroot, that at the South they did not feel much sympathy with New England residents; for they were too English in their character. The father said he did not visit with those of his mother country, whom he met in foreign lands, because he was ridiculed for eating with his knife, instead of his fork ! " May 18. Yesterday, at the Sabbath school, Mr. Smith asked one of the little girls, ' who was the progenitor of the Jews?' and she replied, 'Satan.' By general consent, among the old and young, this afflicted race seem to be condemned to ignominy here, and irretrievable destruc- tion hereafter. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 233 " June 2. A few days since, one of my little Moslem scholars, whose father was once an extensive merchant here, came and invited me to make a call upon her mother. I took Raheel, and accompanied her to their house, which is in our neighborhood. I found it a charming spot, and very neatly kept. An aged relative sat near the door of the receiving-room, assorting and placing in a pile, some grape leaves, which are much used in this country in cooking rice. They mince fresh meat with the rice, and roll it up in the leaves and boil it. It is a nice dish. But the reason of my alluding to this, was to say that the woman was blind, and all her movements reminded me so forcibly of my dear mother, that I watched her with painful satisfaction. " It is quite a formidable circumstance to receive and make Arab visits, so much ceremony is requisite. I gener- ally feel less at my ease in exchanging civilities with the natives, than I did in any circumstances in which I was placed in America. Sherbet and coffee must be furnished, and the whole attention given to them while they remain. Hospitality is regarded here as a religious act, I think, and reputation is greatly prized. They are less sincere, how- ever, than those whom they consider cold in their manner of treating strangers. There is no regularity or system in the arrangement of their time; of course, our New England habits are often encroached upon. Sometimes, when I am occupying an early hour in the few domestic cares in which I allow myself, and when half-a-dozen Arab females parade into the room, I am obliged to summon all my benevolence and recollection, to enable me to perform the rites of hos- pitality with cheerfulness. ' For this cause was I sent,' are words which frequently come into my mind of late, when thus interrupted. I cannot yet converse as freely as I wish on any subject, especially that of religion. This too must De introduced with great judgment and caution ; so that I must at present content myself with accomplishing but little more than exciting confidence and regard by an amiable Christian deportment, which is not unimportant in preparing 234 MEMOIR OF the way for future efforts. I often think how dear mother, if she were here and knew the Arabic, would interest thia people. " And is Dr. Wisner no longer upon the earth I Surely there is a world, and work too, for the precious spirits who are so frequently snatched from our sphere. I cannot be sufficiently thankful that my own dear family circle remains unbroken. I never receive a parcel from America, without lifting up my heart to God that I may be prepared for what- ever intelligence it may contain." " BEYROOT, JULY 2. " My dear Mrs. Wisner : When it has been in my heart to address a letter to you, which has often been the case since my removal to Syria, I little imagined that I was deferring it for an occasion like the present ; and that when I took my pen to assure you of my love, I should be called to express also my sympathy in the sorest bereavement you could experience. Dear friend, you are not the only mourner in this afflictive event. We, who knew your hus- band, loved him and weep for him. Who could know and not love him? He won my heart the first time I enjoyed your kind hospitality in Boston. That charming simplicity and warmth of heart which he possessed, was very attrac- tive, and he seemed so like a father and a brother to our little missionary circle when we were departing from America, that my attachment was greatly strengthened. May I never again be called to endure the agony and con- flict of feeling which I experienced at the close of the evening service in Park Street church, when this dear friend came to the pew where I sat, and gave me his parting blessing. His own soul seemed full of deep sympathy ; his words were few, and I could not speak. But for the supporting grace of God, my natural feelings would have wholly subdued me. " Your excellent husband, for his kindness to our de- parted relatives and to their orphan children, seemed to be MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 235 identified with us ; and as I said farewell to him, those chords of feeling were touched which vibrated so painfully when I left my father's house. I have loved to think of him in this far distant land; and I have remembered, and repeated to my missionary associates very often, a remark which he made to us at our little meeting at Dr. Anderson's 'That we should especially aim at the possession of a cheerful re- liance upon the atonement of Christ.' This, he said, would support us in our work more than any thing else ! " When we heard of the sudden departure of Dr. Wisner, I remarked to Mr. Smith, that it must be that God has a place for those who become lost to us in this world, where their services are immediately employed for his glory. Or perhaps he sees that the sanctifying influence of their re- moval will promote his kingdom more than their lives on earth. All felt that this good and gifted man was eminently qualified for his station. " It is my opinion that nothing is lost to the church by such an event, any more than was the case among the Israelites, when Elijah was taken up to heaven. Yet we mourn, and not without reason, when beloved objects are snatched from our bosoms. Dear friend, how your heart has bled ! If I felt anguish such as no former event ever brought to my soul, when a precious brother was removed by a lingering illness, what must you have suffered by the sudden rending of that tie which now I know to be stronger than any other ! But God has supported you, I am confident. He will support you to the end. You could never claim so many direct promises as in your present circumstances. If ' thy Maker is thine husband,' what have you to fear ? Soon we shall meet, I trust, where sorrow and sin will never draw another sigh from our breasts. Please to accept, with my own, the affectionate sympathy of my husband." The feelings of Mrs. Smith as a mourner with one of the families of the mission at Smyrna, afflicted in the removal of a child, were tenderly expressed in the following extract : 236 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. " Deal* Mrs. Hallock : You were very kind to give us so minute an account of the sickness of your little daughter. It was exceedingly touching, particularly as it carne from a mother's pen ; and I think you have great consolation in the remembrance of her sweet deportment, and tender religious sensibilities. You may truly say of your precious one, ' She died to sin, she died to care, But for a moment felt the rod ; Then, springing on the viewless air, Spread her light wings and soared to God. * This the blest theme that cheers my voice, The grave is not my darling's prison ; The stone that covered half my joys Is rolled away, and she is risen.' I know much of the sorrows which death brings into an affectionate family circle, having, the year that I left my father's house, consigned to the tomb a beloved brother, who v/as preparing for the ministry. Such events break up and call forth those deep fountains of feeling in the human breast, the existence of which is scarcely realized by the unafflicted. 1 asked my dear father, who had .before lost a lovely boy of two years, which trial was the greatest, that of parting with the infant, or the son of maturer years. Oh ! the last,' said he, ' for the love which I bore the child, has gained twofold strength for the man.' Such doubtless would have been your experience. " Do you not often think of the dear circle at Malta, and the poor, ignorant beings that fill those streets? I doubt not your prayers mingle with ours for the long deferred blessing. Oh ! when shall we see the kingdom of Satan, around this sea, tottering to its foundation? May we all be faithful to our trust, and God will hasten it in his time." CHAPTER XII. JOURNEr TO JERUSALEM RETURN TO BEYROOT. IN prosecuting the objects of the mission, Mr. Smith was called to visit Jerusalem. Mrs. Smith accompanied her husband. She prepared an account of their journey to and from Jerusalem ; and separate from this, a sketch of the scenes she witnessed in that interesting city. The latter never reached this country. Its loss occasions a chasm in the present chapter, much to be regretted ; especially as it was considered by her husband the most interesting of all her journals ; and there is but a single letter to supply its place. To such readers of this volume as may be already ac- quainted, through other channels, with scenes and places described in this chapter, it is believed there will be com- pensation in the characteristic descriptions she gives, and in the accompanying manifestations of her peculiar feelings as a Christian, visiting the scenes of a country of such sacred and surpassing interest. " BITROOT, MAT 14, 1835. " My dear Brother and Sister : On the 1st day of April, at 2 o'clock, P. M., I turned my face to go up to Jerusalem. You will not doubt that I indulged some peculiar feelings as I went toward the Holy Land ; such as no former journey ever induced. I could hardly believe it a reality, though a sacred cheerfulness stole over me. When I was a little girl, I used to think of Jerusalem with great interest ; and after I had a new heart, though not the heart of a missionary, I thought that I could brave every imaginable evil for such a field of labor. Now, I was actually realizing the dreams of 837 238 MEMOIR OF earlier days; and though the romance of childhood had passed away, my heart beat in unison with the occasion. 1 only wanted some of my beloved ones in America to enjoy it with me. " The style of travelling in this country, together with the narrowness of the roads, which seldom allows two to ride abreast, interferes with social intercourse ; and conversation cannot be supported without considerable effort. We talked some, however, and thought more. " Our tents were pitched at hight on the shore of the Mediterranean ; and while the gentlemen were employed in their erection, I walked down to the water, ' to meditate at eventide.' ' That classical sea,' whose waters were then clear as crystal, cast its waves upon the smooth sands with calm dignity ; while I gathered the pretty shells which they lodged at my feet. Not a sound was heard, save the mur- muring of the sea, in this solitary place; and as I looked over the wide, watery waste, my heart could not but soar to Him who sitteth alone upon the throne of the universe, and quietly respond to the voice of the peaceful waves. We partook of our evening meal with cheerfulness, and after uniting in prayer, retired to our couch. We had reason to regret our choice of a location ; for the rain and the wind beat upon our habitation, and the pins which held* it being driven into loose sand, it fell in the middle of the night. My husband was up nearly all night fastening down its sides, and securing me and our articles from injury. When morning dawned, however, no harm had befallen our persons or property. Under the shadow of the Almighty we were se- cure from the terror by night. At half past 8, we left Khan Khuldeh, rode upon the shore of the Mediterranean, and reached Sidon in seven hours. It is surrounded by beautiful and well-watered gardens ; and as we rode out to our encampment beyond the city about sundown, the bril- liant verdure of the plain, bounded by low and luxuriant hills, transferred us in in*agination to our dear New Eng- land. The next morning at sunrise we set out for Tyre. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 239 " Whenever I saw our tent fall to the ground, my thoughts naturally reverted to the taking down of the tabernacle of the body at last. While waiting, I often had time to read portions of Scripture appropriate to the localities we visited ; to take notes also, and to converse with the women and children who came to ask charity and to gather up any thing which might be left. We travelled on this day along ' the coast of Tyre and Sidon,' from whence many came forth to witness and to be benefited by the miracles of our Saviour. W T e p-assed near the site of Sarepta. The scenery was exquisitely beautiful on the left; the country rising gradually into hills of moderate height, whose declivities, even to their summit, were covered with grain, and inter- spersed with olive trees. These latter, in the distance, strikingly resemble the apple trees of America, and we felt almost as if we were travelling there. " After a ride of seven hours we found ourselves in Tyre, once ' the crowning city,' now most emphatically the abode of indigence. We went directly to the house of our con- sular agent, a respectable native, of the Greek Catholic church, who treated us very hospitably. It was Friday evening, and we staid in Tyre until Monday. " Of the luxury of retirement, the inhabitants of these countries know nothing, and no provision is made for it in the construction of their houses. One large room is furnished with cushions on each side, with a recess, before which a curtain is drawn, containing the mattresses and coverings of their beds, which are drawn forth at night and spread over the room for sleeping. While arrangements for the night were going forward, I sat quietly by with my pencil, taking notes of the occurrences of the day. One of the ladies took a bit of a wax taper in her hand, and dropping upon her knees by my side, kindly held the light as long as I wished to write ; interrupting me occasionally with ques- tions about the object of this, that, and the other articles of dress, &c., which I readily answered. As I sat thus oc- cupied, and thus attended, I thought, ' Can it be that this is 240 MEMOIR OF the ancient Tyre ? and am I actually here? ' I made some inquiries respecting the present condition of the place, of this kind yet simple-minded woman. Said I, ' Have you gardens, &c., here ? ' ' No,' said she, ' there is nothing here but poor people, and nothing to look at but the sea;' and this remark was accompanied by that very significant ges- ture of the Arabs, by which they express utter destitution. It is by putting the thumb and forefinger together, and snapping the end of the upper teeth with the nail of the thumb, bringing it suddenly from the mouth. This female little imagined how strikingly she was testifying to the truth of prophecy respecting that ' merchant of many isles.' " In the evening of Saturday, we were informed very po- litely, that the next day a family feast would occur to the honor of their patron saint. We therefore removed all our articles into the room which the gentlemen occupied, that we might enjoy a more quiet Sabbath, and give them an opportunity to receive their visitors without reserve. Mr. Smith mingled a little with them, while several companies of ladies came into the room where I sat, to see and be seen. I was as kind and sociable as I was able to be, en- deavoring to throw in, with my stammering tongue, a few profitable remarks. One woman remained and listened with apparent interest while I spoke of the downfall of Tyre, as affording us a lesson to avoid pride, which God eo much abhors. Towards evening they all went to the church to prayers, and we accompanied them. I was of course separated from my husband, and went to the women's apartment, which was situated like the gallery porch of our place of worship at Norwich, from whence, through lattice work, we looked down upon the mummery below. The female whom I mentioned as holding a light for me to write, on the evening of our arrival, exerted herself so much to furnish me a seat, of which the place was destitute, as to cause the perspiration to stand in drops upon her face. She first brought a little block, half a foot square, and then one somewhat larger. By such kind acts she greatly won upon MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 241 my affections, though at first I thought her rather forbidding. The women were not so much engaged in their devotions as to prevent idle conversation and silly questions respecting my dress. One of them asked me why I did not make the sign of the cross. I simply replied that it was not my cus- tom, and I did not know how. ' Poor heathen ! ' perhaps she thought. As we descended into the court below, the women, of which there were, to say the least, a hundred, arranged themselves in order to see the stranger. I was introduced to the wife of the English Consul, who urged me to go home with her. I declined her invitation upon the ground that I was not accustomed to use the Sabbath for visiting ; enlarging a little upon my principles. Those nearest me soon began to repeat my words to the others ; and it is not improbable that they reached the ear of every individual. But alas ! the deeply-rooted ignorance and prejudices of this people are not to be undermined by casual intercourse and slight efforts. They asked me if the service were not excellent. I told them, ' if offered with the heart, it was ; but if otherwise, it was worth nothing in the sight of God.' They little imagined what an exertion I had been making to restrain the emotions which the sight of it had occa- sioned. "Monday morning, at 6, we pursued our journey, after gratefully acknowledging the kindness which we had re- ceived. Our course was over the mountains of Galilee, and through that portion of the promised land which fell to the tribe of Asher. The scenery was rich and attractive ; but the land thinly inhabited, owing to an oppressive gov- ernment and a false religion. At this time, as well as during the most of our journey, I could not but think what a noble country this would be under the cultivation of freehold proprietors. In this ride of nine hours, I counted thirty varieties of wild flowers, many of which I recognized as choice exotics in our American gardens. It seems as if nothing could spring up here without producing a blossom. An aqueduct, twelve miles long, supported by a succession Smith. ] J 242 MEMOIR OF of fine arches, was on our route, and a very elegant country- seat of the Pasha arrested our attention, possessing all the features of an Oriental establishment. Man-y pilgrims of both sexes were on their way to the Holy City, one of whom attached himself to our company for several days. As he was walking by the side of my donkey, palmer-like, with staff in hand, I entered into conversation with him ; and learning that he came from the mountains near Hadet, the residence of Asaad Shidiak, I ventured to inquire what he thought of him ; whether he were not a good man, &.c. Drawing still nearer to my side, and casting a sidelong glance towards my husband, as though he did not wish to be overheard, he replied in a low and hurried tone, ' He may have been a good man, but I do not like his religion.' I must acknowledge that I was somewhat pleased with the frankness of this answer of the Maronite pilgrim. " The next morning we rode through Acre, the Accho of the Old Testament, and the Ptolemais of the New. This fortified city appears well in the distance, though not mag- nificent. It is compactly built, and a spot which has been much contested by the various rulers of this land. The Pasha keeps men constantly employed in repairing the dep- redations of the late war. We saw many poor old men in companies, carrying little barrows of earth, and chained like so many criminals. A large steam frigate lay in the harbor. " Our road beyond stretched around the head of the beautiful bay of Acre. Upon its shores was once caught a certain kind of fish, which is said to have produced the celebrated purple Tyrian dye. We forded the Kishon at its mouth, and breakfasted among the bulrushes upon its banks. A short ride then brought us to Haifa, a village opposite Acre, which furnishes a safer haven to winter in, and is much used for this purpose. Thence we pursued our course to the summit of Mount Carmel. From this spot the view of the plain of Acre was magnificent and beautiful. It is about 1,500 feet above the sea; yet we found fossil MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 243 shells there. The monastery is a large and commodious building, not yet finished, but workmen were employed upon it. It is occupied by seven monks, from Malta, Italy, and Austria, and is altogether too fine a spot for them ; though they have a range of apartments for the accommo dation of travellers, where Mr. Whiting and Dr. Dodge took lodgings, on their way to Jerusalem, with their fam- ilies. I fixed upon it for a theological seminary, to be es- tablished there some years hence ! but I did not tell the monks this. They treated us with coffee, and were very kind. After commencing our descent on the other side, we read aloud the history of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, whose contest occurred here ; and tried to imagine ourselves in the place of the good prophet, when, after seven times stretching his vision over the sea, which was spread out before us, his servant returned with the cheering intelli- gence, ' Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand.' We now descended into the vale of Sharon, and at 5 o'clock pitched our tents among its beauteous flowers ; and as we plucked its rose, we thought of Him who said, ' I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley.' " At 6, the next morning, we went on our way, and riding upon the sea-shore, our path was completely covered with shells. We breakfasted among the ruins of Cesarea, where not a solitary being now dwells. Here Peter first preached to the Gentiles, after his most interesting introduc- tion to Cornelius, whose residence it was, as well as of Philip the Evangelist. Here Paul made his noble defence before King Agrippa. Herod lavished his treasures upon it, and made it the most flourishing city of Syria. Now, it is all overgrown with grass and thorns. Under a ruined arch, we sat and he awoke so calm, and answered so sweetly and gently, that I could not help loving and pitying her the more. " Deferring an examination of Jericho for the present, we set forth at 4, A. M., for the Dead Sea. Our first object 11* 260 MEMOIR OF was the Jordan. We breakfasted upon its banks, after a ride of two hours. It was indeed a sacred spot to us. This was the river whose retreating waves left a path for the ark of the Lord to pass safely forward, borne by his anointed priests ; and here was the water which bathed the person of the sinless Antitype ; when among Pharisees and Sadducees he presented himself before the Baptist, ' to .fulfil all right- eousness.' The mountains of Moab, barren in the extreme, lay before us; and behind us appeared the Mount of Temp- tation, where it is said our Saviour encountered the devil during his fast of forty days. Our ride to the Dead Sea was a peculiar one. All which I had imagined of the sterility of the region, was fully realized. It is indeed a perpetual and striking memento of the wrath of God against sin. The region presents an undulating surface of nearly uniform elevation, composed of a dingy, white soil ; hard, yet cracked and broken, like earth which is discharging its frost, while saline matter seems to have been deposited in spots over the whole surface. In returning, we passed along a range of low hills and valleys, where our guide found it difficult to lead the way. No trees, shrubs, or stones, diversified the scene, for some distance before we reached the desolate shore of the sea. There, nothing that has life is seen, though the general appearance of the lake itself did not at that time differ from other similar bodies of water. It was clear and sparkling. Our first act was to taste it. And it was truly a nauseous draught ! It combined every imagina- ble unpleasant flavor bitter, salt, and acrid. Of the specific gravity of the water, you have perhaps heard. We found it not exaggerated, as it bore up a large horse with Dr. W. upon his back. You will not understand that they were upon the surface of the water, but that they could not sink. The poor animal knew not what to make of his strange situation. " Jericho is scarcely worthy the name of a village, even. The houses are mostly huts, composed of mud, branches of trees, &c., open on one side, and inhabited apparently by MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 251 nomads. Two men guided us to a fountain near by, doubt- less the one which Elisha healed by casting salt therein, so that the land should no more be barren. It would seem as if the reality of the miracle was verified, even at the present day ; for I never witnessed such luxuriance in any spot. Every shrub was larger, higher, richer, of its kind, and though it was the 23d of April, they had reaped and gathered their barley harvest. I was quite delighted, and though I had been upon my donkey nearly twelve hours, and had not eaten since breakfast, my spirits were as buoyant as in the morning. At evening prayers, Mr. Smith read to the mu- leteers and servants the story of Lot. We rode to Jerusalem next day in seven hours." The letter to which reference has been made in the com- mencement of this chapter, was addressed to Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, from which is extracted the following : " JERUSALEM, APRIL 21. " A few days since, my dear madam, while wandering over some of the sacred places of this interesting city, we came to the fountain which furnishes the ' Pool of Siloam.' 1 said to my husband, ' I will write to our friend, Mrs. Sigourney, before I leave Jerusalem,' and he plucked a tiny flower from that memorable spot, that I might enclose it to you. As we ascended from the Pool itself, which stands in the ' king's garden,' after bathing our hands and tasting its soft and limpid water, I thought how your poetic pen would gain additional inspiration from such a spot, and I almost wished that you were with us. In that garden Solomon built a house for Pharaoh's daughter, and its location and verdure, even now, indicate its former beauty and adapted- ness. Yet nought remains of the splendor of the days of Solomon and of Herod the Great. The glory is departed. " This being the verdant season, it is the most favorable period for visiting Jerusalem. Zion and Olivet, the Vale of Cedron and the Garden of Gethsemane, appear green 252 MEMOIR OF and beautiful, under the brilliant rays of the same glorious sun which once illumined them ; the birds, too, sing sweetly as ever, and ' while marble columns and palaoes have crumbled into dust, the simple flower of the field grows and multiplies forever.' You can readily believe, that while we derive no satisfaction from visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, within whose glittering walls priestly policy and ingenuity have concentrated all the scenes of Calvary, we still enjoy much from those natural features of Jerusalem which can easily be identified. They are peculiarly striking. " I am not surprised at the tenacity with which the Jews attach themselves to their former capital ; or that in their ignorance of the spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom, they should still cherish expectations of future glory to their nation. The great adversary of God and man has brought them, as well as the various sects who occupy this country, to the same level of deep degradation and subservience to his rule. If you wish to know what mankind have lost in breaking away from their allegiance to the rightful Governor of the universe, come hither ; and if you would then wish to realize what Christ has done for their recovery, go back to America. The most trifling comforts which you have been accustomed to regard as accidental, will then appear to have been purchased by his love, as they really were. Personal cleanliness, the orderly arrangement of a house, to say nothing of matters of greater refinement and taste, would strike you as features of the kingdom of purity and love, in distinction from the kingdom of confusion and darkness which exists here. But I need not dwell on this subject for your information ; neither upon the interesting localities of this vicinity, as the recitals of those who have preceded me have doubtless made you familiar with them. " Since arriving in Jerusalem we have made two excur- sions, each occupying about three days. The first was to Bethlehem and Hebron ; the second to the Jordan and Dead Sea. Those very mountains and valleys reechoed the MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 253 sweet sounds of David's harp, when he wandered over them with his father's sheep; and there he doubtless composed many of his choicest psalms of praise to the Author of so much beautiful scenery. ' In the same country,' too, did angelic voices sing higher praise to Him who also sent ' peace on earth and good will to men.' We visited, it is true, the subterranean apartments of a convent, where are shown the stable and the manger in which the infant Jesus was laid ; but I would recommend to the Christian who wishes to enjoy and profit by a short tarry in this region, not to waste his time and energies in resorting to the places which are marked out by monkish tradition. The incredu- lity and disgust thus excited, tend rather to exhaust the mind, and to interfere with those simple and agreeable feelings which would naturally arise in the breast ; if not to take the place of them altogether." The letter of Mrs. Smith to her brother is here resumed, giving an account of her journey on her return from Jerusalem. " Our first day's ride from Jerusalem, of seven hours, possessed nothing peculiarly interesting ; we encamped, as usual, near a fountain of water, not far from a village. Rose at half past 5 the next morning, and passed a large company of persons, handcuffed, and guarded by the Pasha's soldiers; they had just been seized for his army. I should think there were forty in all, from mere boys to old men ; and a few wives and mothers followed in the rear, who said to our muleteers, (who were Christians,) * You are blessed! ' Only Mohammedans are seized. Chris- tians are not allowed to possess arms, and are regarded somewhat in the light of slaves, paying taxes only; and vet they go forth free and fearless, while the genuine sub- jects of Moslem power shrink away from observation. To- morrow we might have fifty servants at our door, if we would give them American protection. 254 MEMOIR OF " Early in the afternoon we reached Sychar, now called Nabloos. We rode perhaps half an hour through the beautiful valley which separates the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, before we reached the city. These are noble heights, and so contiguous, that the blessing and the curse could have been heard by the tribes who were encamped in the plain below. Mount Gerizim is the most fertile; and stretches along on the south, on the declivity of which lies the picturesque town of Sychar. ' Beer Yakob,' or Jacob's Well, is at the opening of the valley, some distance from the city. Nabloos, as it is now called, is a large and very flourishing place, embosomed in luxuriant gardens, and wa- tered by fine streams. It has been said to contain 10,000 inhabitants, mostly Mohammedans. We visited the Samar- itans, and their synagogue. This ancient and curious race, of Cuthean descent, are now about one hundred in number. They are wealthy and independent, but their manners are gross and their physiognomy uninteresting. We first visited the family of the priest; and after some hesitation, I, though a woman, was permitted to accompany them to the synagogue, the door of which was locked within, while in our stockings we walked about upon the dusty mats which covered the small apartment. They showed us the Pentateuch in their native tongue, 3,400 years old, as they pretend ; and the only part of the Scrip- tures which they regard as inspired. They openly declared to us that the prophets were all liars ; and in answer to my question, whether at this time there existed a friendship between them and the Jews, they replied very contemptu- ously in the negative. They are in expectation of the com- ing of the Messiah, who is to be a mere man, and to make Sychar the metropolis of his kingdom. As we left the synagogue, the priest anticipated Mr. Smith's intentions, by soliciting a present, and then complained of its being too little ! In this city, Israel separated from Judah, and chose Rehoboam for their king. It is a place of much interest. " May 2. We rose at 4. and after a ride of two or MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 255 three hours, reached Samaria, the capital city of the revolted tribes. It is situated upon a mountain, and surrounded by mountains. Before breakfasting, we ascended with much fatigue from the valley below, to examine a ruined church, and a row of isolated columns ; the last of which are probably the remnants of the grandeur of Herod the Great, who held his court in this city, when the fascinating Salome, and her malicious mother, accomplished the death of that holy man, John Baptist. The remains of the cathedral, now a mosque, commemorate the supposed place where he was beheaded ; into the vault of which we descended. In addition to other numerous mementoes of the wrath of God against sin, with which this land abounds, those ruined columns, standing amid trees and grass, and associated with the events which the old church brings to mind, furnish a striking lesson. Elijah and Elisha here wept and prayed. After leaving Samaria, the aspect of the country was uncommonly beautiful and varied. It was the inheritance of Joseph ; and brought forcibly to our minds the blessing of the fond father in his last hours, when, as his sons were gathered around him, he dilated so feelingly upon the trials and temporal rewards of him who was separated from his brethren * Even by the God of thy father who shall help thee, and by the Almighty who shall bless thee with bless- ings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under,' &c. " The women of Palestine often attracted our attention, by the various modes in which they carried their burdens, and the alacrity with which they moved under the weight of them. This day we observed a novel sight of this de- scription a woman tripping along with a good sized cradle upon her head, in which reposed a sleeping infant. " At 5 o'clock, Saturday, P. M., we reached Jeneen, a small village on the south side of the plain of Jezreel, or vale of Esdraelon, as it is sometimes called. Here we spent a quiet Sabbath, without the village. No one intruded upon our retirement. The door of our tent opened toward 256 MEMOIR OF the magnificent plain which stretches down to the bay of Acre. Mount Carmel lay in the blue distance. The next morning we commenced our ride over this beautiful vale, where flowers in rich profusion were scattered in our path, and three elegant gazelles were bounding amid the rich and waving grain. We arrived at Nazareth about noon. Its size and ap- pearance disappointed us, but my feelings on entering it were more pleasing than at any previous place. I looked around upon the general features of the surrounding country, and thought how familiar all had been to the Saviour's eye, from childhood to maturity. When his body was wearied with the labors attendant upon his employment as a me- chanic, and his pure and elevated mind was panting for more congenial intercourse than would be found in the haunts of men ; how often, doubtless, did he become re- freshed by wandering over those hills, and conversing with his Father and our Father ! We held the Monthly Concert in our tent, and it was a very agreeable one, as you may suppose. Although the church of the Annunciation was near our encampment, I did not visit it, for I was better satisfied with gazing at the unaltered objects of nature. Though not particularly striking, they furnished more prof- itable associations than the glittering interior of a church. " At 6 the next day we left Nazareth, and took our morn- ing meal at Cana. Of course we thought and talked of the wedding which once took place there. My present knowl- edge of the practices of this country, in regard to such feasts, enabled me better to understand and appreciate the circum- stances attending the miracle there wrought. The enter- tainment at a marriage usually continues for several days, and the quantity which will be required to furnish all the guests, cannot be ascertained at the commencement. These humble relatives of our Saviour probably had greater de- mands made upon their hospitality than they could meet ; and when new guests continued to present themselves, he condescended to supply their wants. I have no idea that MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 257 he employed his miraculous power to encourage excess, neither does the Scripture narrative imply this. His object was to enable his family friends to pass cheerfully aud re- spectably through an entertainment, which the ordinance of marriage justified them in making. How lovely and en- tirely free from moroseness does his character appear ! "At 1, P. M., we reached Tiberias, having had, at inter- vals, as we passed over the mountains, several glances of the mild and lovely lake, upon whose bosom not an object presented itself. The little walled town of Tiberias, upon its western edge, looked like the little toy cities which chil- dren make of blocks of wood. Its form is quadrangular. It is the only inhabited spot of any consequence upon the shore of Gennesareth ; and but one solitary tree met our eye without the walls. Beneath the shade of this we were glad to shelter ourselves from the burning rays of a meridian sun, until our tents were thrown up. We then went out to the hot baths, which the Pasha has fitted up for his soldiers. These are a mile south of Tiberias. One very large tank receives the water from a spout which proceeds from a lion's mouth. The waters are considered highly medicinal by the natives. The next morning we rose very early, before the mild beams of the morning star had melted away into the light of heaven; the peaceful waters of the lake reflected its gentle rays, and seemed like a precious remem- brance of Him, who not only sailed, but walked upon its bosom. Here, too, he invested his disciples with power to become fishers of men. The snowy ridges of Mount Hermon formed part of the scenery in the background, and presently the lord of. day rose from behind the mountain range, and we entered the walls, equipped for our day's journey. A hasty ride through its streets was sufficient for our purpose, for not half the enclosure is occupied. " This was the sixth of May, and we were now going towards Safed. We saw it before us during the whole day, its situation being uncommonly elevated. At 1, P. M., we reached the city. Safed is one of the four sacred cities of 258 MEMOIR OF the Jews, and many of these reside here now. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron, are the three others. We went into the Jewish quarter, as my husband had some books for one of their physicians, from Mr. N. While he was making his call, I remained near the door, outside, and very soon I was surrounded by scores of Jewish women and girls, and a few men. A part of them had recently arrived from Poland, and could only speak the German language. Some of the little girls, having lived in Safed several years, could speak Arabic ; which enabled me to hold conversation with them. One in particular acted as my dragoman, interpreting my Arabic to her countrywomen, in German. The most of them were knitting stockings in European style, which made me feel quite at home. I took off my gloves, and standing among a crowd in the street, knit a little upon the work of half-a-dozen different ones, which gratified them highly. I was much struck with the soft and intelligent expression of their hazel eyes, which were common to the whole group, both male and female. Their complexion is European ; and contrasted with the Eastern women, they are fair and attractive. " We accomplished a fatiguing ascent to a towering cas- tle, from whence we had a most extensive and magnificent prospect. Hermon, Tabor, the mountains of Gilead, and the Sea of Tiberias, form a prominent part of the beautiful scenery. The Jews come here in great numbers, to wait for the Messiah, and to keep a celebrated feast, at which the greatest indecencies and irregularities are practised. The feast is solemnized in a neighboring village in honor of a celebrated Rabbi, who wrote a cabalistic book, which they hold in higher veneration than the Bible. Jews from all parts of the world resort thither, bringing with them the most expensive garments, embroidered with gold and silver, which they dip in oil, and having suspended them upon a pole, set fire to them; they then lie intoxicated three or four days. At the feast of Purim, too, which commemorates the deliverance of their nation, through the agency of Esther MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 259 the queen, they oblige themselves to become so intoxicated as not to be able to distinguish between the phrases ' blessed be Mordecai, and cursed be Haman.' Oh ! who can doubt the existence of one great enemy of God, who is ingenious in devising wickedness, beyond the capacities of mere man? "At 6 the next morning, we left Safed, and pitched our tents that afternoon near the waters of Merom, where there was no village. Nearly opposite to this spot, at the foot of Mount Hermon, we saw very indistinctly the ruins of a castle, which was near the Cesarea Philippi of the Scrip- tures, now called Banias. Dan is near the same spot, so that although we had not travelled from Dan to Beersheba, we had come nearly from Beersheba to Dan. We were near the source of the Jordan, which rises in Mount Her- mon. Here, at the waters of Merom, Joshua gained a great victory over the idolatrous nations of Canaan, though they came up against them ' as the sand upon the sea-shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.' " On the next day, between 1 and 2, we stopped near Merj Ayoon, or meadow of fountains, so called from the number of fountains in the neighborhood. At this village nearly the whole population sallied forth to look at us, and pleaded for our civility upon the ground that they were ' all Christians,' which they reiterated again and again. Hitherto in our journey the inhabitants had been reserved, and the women -apparently without much curiosity. But as we approached Mount Lebanon the scene was completely changed, so that we were like a caravan of wild beasts, to the villagers. Mr. Smith talked very plainly with the priests. " The next day we rose early, and after a ride over moun- tains and valleys, we descended into a deep, narrow glen, through which runs the Leontes, whose source is in the Bukaa, and divides Lebanon from Anti Lebanon. Crossing it by a bridge, we breakfasted upon its opposite bank. From the steep precipices which overhung our path, sprung forth the passion-flower and the most luxuriant dragon's-mouth. 2(50 MEMOIR OF I think the latter must be particularly indigenous to such spots, as from the wall of the court of Mr. Whiting's house in Jerusalem an elegant white one grows in the same man- ner. It takes a graceful turn from the wall, and shoots up erect, apparently requiring no support. " You have doubtless noticed that our route home was not like the one which we pursued in going to Jerusalem. We went by the sea-shore, and returned over rugged moun- tain paths. We spent our Sabbath in a spot which I shall not soon forget. It was a large village, high in the moun- tains, called Jezeen, its inhabitants nearly all of them Christians. The place of our encampment was romantic and delightful in the extreme. Noble walnut trees, copious streams, magnificent precipices, all conspired to make the spot uncommonly attractive. But I was obliged to be shut up in my tent nearly all the time. During the sacred day appropriated to rest, the noise and confusion was like that of an annual parade upon 'the great plain' in Norwich. For myself I had severe struggles of feeling; I wanted to pity these people, and do them good, but I was made so un- comfortable by their intrusions, that my sensibilities revolted from coming in contact with such a multitude. In an hour of social service which we secured to ourselves, I was com- forted by the hymns sung, and a sermon of the late Mr. Jenkins of Portland ; and the cloud which was thrown over my mind vanished. Mr. Smith had a favorable opportu- nity to sow some seed of ' the word ' there, I trust. We rose at 2 the next morning, and left the village before the in- habitants had risen. We passed the former residence of a wealthy prince, who, being regarded as rebellious by the Emeer, was deposed, his palace demolished, and his head cut off. The grounds were extensive and fertile, and the ruined palace large. At 1, P. M., we arrived at Der el-Komr, (Convent of the Moon,) a large village near the residence of the Emeer Besheer, the Prince of Mount Leba- non professedly a Mohammedan, but really a Christian, according as the term is used here. His buildings and those MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 261 of his son are handsome, situated upon the summit of high terraced hills. " We encamped beyond the town, on an elevated spot, where perfect stillness reigned, and not an individual in- truded upon us. After our noisy Sabbath at Jezeen, this seemed like a calm after a storm. We now began to feel that we were getting home, for it was our last night on the road. We had the afternoon before us ; and I began to col- lect my thoughts, and make some new resolutions for the future, as we were anticipating a change of residence and a new family circle. We retired to rest early, and rose at midnight to complete our journey. The ride by moonlight, among the wild and rugged scenery through which we passed, was very interesting. Much of the way was so steep and stony, that the old muleteer of whom I have spoken, was obliged to lead my donkey till we came to a new road made by the Emeer, consisting of broad steps, winding over the mountains. We breakfasted near a khan, and dined in Bey- root, at the table of our kind friend, Mrs. Abbot, the 12th of May. We did exercise some gratitude to our kind Preserver, I trust ; for he had covered us with ' his wings,' and no harm had come nigh us by day or by night." CHAPTER XIII. CORRESPONDENCE HEALTH TRIALS PAST VIEWS OP CHRISTIANS ON THE STATE OP THE WORLD LETTER TO MISS WILLIAMS RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN CHURCHES. IT is doubtless proper that missionaries should be contem- plated, not only in their labors, cares, and trials, but also in their social character and enjoyments; and in those pleasant local circumstances in which Divine Providence places them, conducive to their comfort and happiness. If there be any Christian in the wide world, to whom a pleasant res- idence, and the enjoyments of social life, and of a cultivated taste and intellect, are desirable and reasonable, it is the missionary. And the Christian at home, of generous sen- timents, will rejoice to know that the " laborer" whom his contributions are sustaining in a foreign land, finds some of the same temporal blessings which are bestowed upon himself; and will never take it up as a reproach against him, that he finds enjoyment in his field of service. Mrs. Smith carried into her missionary life and labors, all her taste, mental cultivation, and social habits ; and appeared in Syria much as when in America, amidst the pleasant cir- cumstances of home and her father's house. And one im- portant object of this Memoir will be answered, if it shall serve to convince any who need the conviction that it is possible for a serious, devoted, and useful missionary to be as happy as any other Christian. These remarks are made with reference to some portions of the present chapter ; and also to passages which have appeared, or will appear, in others. 263 MEMOIR OF MRS SMITH. 263 " BETROOT, JULT 3, 1835. '' My ever-beloved Parents : You mention the manner in which the contents of my letters are made known to my friends. It is certainly a very good one, if they do not contain much which would be esteemed trifling, ex- cept to the beloved family circle. Since I left America, 1 have never allowed myself to be flattered with the thought that others would have access to them. I have written as freely and simply as if I had been making a visit in Lebanon or New London, and I must continue to do the same. Long may the period be deferred, when any thing like restraint shall characterize our correspondence, or any diminution occur of that confiding "affection which has been the earthly charm of my existence. " How good God has been all my life, in giving me so many to love me and to be loved by me ! To this I attribute the want of jealousy in my disposition, and indeed I some- times fear that I appropriate to myself more affection than is my portion ; certainly more than I deserve. I am reading your little book in course ; that is, taking up the portions of Scripture in order, on the Sabbath, as you read and heard them. Perhaps we may talk of them in our Father's house above. " July 16. Although thus late in the season, through the goodness of God my health continues perfect ; and I am able to keep school every day, notwithstanding I am in a southern clime. I often think of the precious promises con- tained in the 121st Psalm, especially these words, ' The Lord is thy keeper ; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth, and even forever more.' " My school interests me more and more every day, and 1 do not love to think of suspending it even for a few weeks, during the hot season. Day before yesterday, a wealthy 264 MEMOIR OF Jewish lady came with her two daughters to the school, and begged me to take the youngest as a scholar. The elder sister remained also; her age I cannot tell, but she is a dis- creet, intelligent girl, ' in her teens.' Yesterday morning they came again, and the mother asked me to teach her eldest daughter Italian, and ornamental needlework. I re- plied that my cares in the school were at present as much as my strength would allow; that my husband was every day urging me to suspend the school for a season, but if ad- ditional laborers arrived from my country, as I expected, we would extend our operations. She answered politely ; and furthermore, requested that I would allow her little girl to go home before the religious exercises of the school, as ' their prayers were of a different kind.' I expressed no surprise or displeasure at this, but courteously assured her that it would be as she had desired. She then gave me her salams, and with her other daughter went towards the door, where they stopped and conversed several minutes. They then re- turned to me, and the Jewess said her elder daughter would like to learn Arabic, and to be taught and controlled like the other scholars; to which I consented, and they left me. Before prayers, I gave them liberty to go home. To-day they came, and behaved, as before, sweetly. I told them, when we were about to close the school, that they might leave. The larger one did not seem inclined to go, and said to her sister, ' Will you go or stay ? ' The latter, from childish feelings rather than religious prejudices, probably, preferred to go, and they left. I think I shall take great pleasure in instructing them, for my Saviour's sake. But how was I struck with the fact that Moslems, Catholics, and Greeks, could remain where He is acknowledged ; while that nation, whom with fraternal feelings He denominated ' his own,' despise and reject him, and cannot endure the place where he is worshipped ! " Sabbath, July 19. At our Sabbath school to-day, were twenty-eight scholars twenty-one girls and seven boys. I began, some weeks since, to read and explain to my class the MRS. SARAH L. SM1TPI. 265 histories of the Old Testament, from the creation. To-day, the lesson was the arrival of Jacob in Haran. The children seem delighted to find such ' sweet stories,' as they call them, in the Bible, and I think it incites them still more in learn- ing to read. The few who can now read a little, commit to memory portions of John's Gospel, from one or two verses to forty and more. Your Sabbath school will excuse me if I make a comparison, on this ground, in favor of our little school in Beyroot. In committing to memory, these evince more perseverance and more exactness, than those of the same age whom I had the pleasure to instruct in America. " July 31. To-day I closed my school for the month of August, by the distribution of rewards to thirty little girls. The American and English Consuls, and a few Arab friends, were present, and expressed much pleasure at the sight of so many young natives in their clean dress. The invitations to friends were unpremeditated, and no exhibition of work was made; a few of the more advanced scholars read a little in the New Testament. " If it were right and practicable to obtain any temporal blessing by a wish, I would utter one on this anniversary of our wedding-day, which would bring you quickly here, my dear parents, in spite of age, infirmities, and the broad Atlantic. How we should enjoy a visit from you in this our pleasant house, where, in our affections and our comforts, we would make you forget, for a little while, that you were on missionary ground ! Our house, which we have taken for ten years, is large, airy, and commodious; in which, though it is midsummer and a southern climate, we enjoy health and are able to pursue all our occupations. We have a fine breeze from the sea nearly all the time; and at night we sleep as quietly and soundly as two little hearty children, who are without responsibility and care. Yet we have much of both these. In addition to the superintendence of the press, my husband preaches every Sabbath in Arabic, and more than every other Sabbath in English, besides attend- ing the native Sabbath school. I attend constantly the fe- 12 266 MEMOIR OF male school from 8 to 11, A. M. Yesterday 1 had twenty- eight girls. " You would perhaps like some description of our resi- dence. It belongs to one of the wealthiest and most re- spectable families in Beyroot ; is situated in the midst of gardens of mulberry trees, retired from the road, yet very accessible. It is built of stone, with a flat roof; and beside the rooms of the press, has upon the lower floor, a kitchen, store-room, lumber-room, servants' room, and bath ; all of which surround a large covered court, opening upon a pretty little flower garden, between which and the court is an awn- ing of grape vines, whose luxuriant fruit is beginning to en- rich our social board. Upon the second story, which we occupy, are a large dining-room, a bed-room, study, room for Raheel, my little girl, and two rooms beside are now being built. These occupy the sides of a beautiful open court, where we can sit and gaze upon the illimitable sea which stretches out before us; and every evening we may see the sun sink behind its peaceful waters. The morning and evening skies here are brilliant beyond description. When ' bright aurora streaks the eastern sky,' before the sun shows his head above Mount Lebanon, we rise from our un- disturbed slumbers, and after a season of retirement, Mr. Smith works in the garden an hour, which greatly promotes his health and cheerfulness ; and when he comes up at 7 o'clock to prayers, he seldom fails to bring me a rose, jes- samine, or carnation pink, to add to the choice bouquet upon my work-table. The flower garden contains orange, lemon, and pomegranate trees in full bearing; and behind the house is a garden somewhat larger, containing apple, peach, plum, apricot, and mulberry trees. !< My letter, some might say, is not a very missionary one, but you can read the intelligence of our operations in the Missionary Herald, while in that you learn nothing about our house, family arrangements, &c., and these are what friends wish to know. In reading my description of our situation, you must remember that this is the dry season of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 267 the year, and that next winter, when the porous walls admit the rain and damp, we shall perhaps sometimes think of your superior comforts. In taking this house, we had in view accommodating the press, as well as promoting our own health ; and we often speak of the overruling Providence which has furnished us with so pleasant a spot. Last year, you recollect, we lived in one room at the mountains, where we were favored with nightly visits from jackals." On the eighth of August, Mrs. Smith was gratified with intelligence of the arrival at Smyrna of the friend she had invited to come and assist in the school. She thus writes to her : " My beloved Sister : It is but a very few weeks since 1 learned the result of my appeal to the Secretaries at the Rooms, and to yourself; though I confidently expected a favorable result, I cannot tell why. I can scarcely realize that you are already among us, as it were, and I long to welcome you to my heart, my home, and my labors. My own health is perfectly good at present ; thanks to a kind Preserver. On Saturday I closed my school for the month of August, in obedience to my husband. It was increasing every day in numbers, and I would gladly have continued it; but the course, doubtless, was a prudent one. Last Sabbath we had at our Sabbath school, forty-six scholars, a fourth of whom were Moslems. Could you come with the gift of tongues, how much we would do ! As it is, you can aid me very much; for I felt, the last few days of my school, that one head and a pair of hands were hardly sufficient for forty untutored Arabs. " I suppose you know that you are coming among an ex- ceedingly social people. At all hours we are subject to visits, from persons of every rank and age. The Syrians often remind me of Solomon's remark, that ' the talk of the lips tendeth to penury.' But we have reason to love them, and do love them; and I think our influence among them ia MEMOIR OF increasing. They think much of hospitality and courtesy, and, were it not that they attribute some of our deficiencies to ignorance of their language, our New England sincerity would appear like bluntness. " My husband and I have unitedly and individually re- membered you at the throne of grace. In this I have taken great pleasure. Having so recently passed through similar scenes, I felt that I knew just what you wanted during the past few months ; whether you were preparing to leave our country, or were already upon the restless ocean. On the Sabbath, especially, have my sympathies and prayers carried me to the very threshold of your heart. Dear friend, for the present, adieu. God grant us a happy meeting, erelong." "August 12. There has been a seizure of Christian youth to-day, for the manufactories at Acre ; and great alarm has pervaded the city. We were told this morning that thirty refugees were in and around our house. When such events occur, as has been the case frequently of late, mothers and sisters come to us to beg protection for sons and brothers. I thought much to-day of our happy land, where every one can sit unmolested ' under his own vine and fig tree.' I believe I have told you that our trials here are mostly of a moral nature, because there is little integrity either in servants, employers, or children ; whether they be native or foreign. In consequence of this, I sometimes feel, ' Oh that I could fly away and be at rest ! ' But I have long been accustomed to a degree of watchfulness over the morals of those around me. in consequence of the solicitude which I used to feel for the younger branches of our own family in America. " That which adds greatly to the trial of coming in con- tact with deceit and unfaithfulness here is, that falsehood and a smooth tongue are constantly employed to cover every act of deception. ' Ma fe ne ikzub, abadan' (it is not in me ever to utter a falsehood,) is in every mouth, of both old and young ; if you utter a suspicion or reproof, their loquacity MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 269 will far outrun you, in the utterance of moral sentiments respecting the guilt and shame of dishonesty. Oh ! hasten in the multiplying of laborers for this dark land ; and let none imagine that they are doing more than they ought, or that they are even especially self-denying and meritorious, if they give their sons or their daughters, their brothers or their sisters, for the purpose of scattering the dense clouds of the moral atmosphere. I do not know what led my thoughts into this train ; but for several days I have been thinking, that, when Faith, for instance, was a young girl, and balls and cotillion parties, and such irrational amuse- ments, occupied nearly all the time ; when many parents were gratified with having their children admired for per- sonal beauty and accomplishments, not a ray of spiritual light had then penetrated the darkness of this Mediterranean country. Every soul was enveloped therein, and not a solitary Christian raised a finger to help them. Perhaps a conversation which I held with our beloved Christian brother Tannoos, led me to these reflections. He is nearly forty years of age, and was giving me some account of his reli- gious experience. He alluded to a friend of his childhood and youth, yet a Papist, with whom he used to have much in- tercourse ; and my imagination carried me vividly back to those days, when these two boys, hand in hand, rambled upon Mount Lebanon ; and I thought, if Christians had only then commenced the performance of duty which for ages had been neglected, a generation of enlightened, educated, and perhaps pious people, would now be on the stage to bless our eyes, and to aid us in our toils. Oh ! let us leave this legacy to those who are to succeed us. " August 24. In riding to-day, I went towards a quarry, where as a fountain was near by, and it was ' the time that women go out to draw water ' a company of young girls, bearing jars upon their shoulders, were standing upon the brow of a deep excavation, and talking of the dead. I stopped and made inquiries of them, and they told me that this morning a man was at work below, when the earth from 270 MEMOIR OF above came suddenly upon him, and he died, and they buried him immediately. I was a stranger to them all, and was in haste ; yet I could not forbear saying to them, ' Hear me a little this is a lesson to us we may be near our own death, and let us be prepared.' They answered, as usual, very piously, but doubtless without the slightest feeling. Oh, what a mournful thing is death, in this dark land ! and yet it apparently excites no solemnity. "August 25. On Saturday evening our market man came to me, for the purpose of my reckoning with him, as I do every day. I had repeatedly informed him that I did not like to occupy myself in this way on Saturday evening. 1 took occasion to mention the habit in which I had been ed- ucated, which was somewhat customary in our country, of suspending work on this evening. But said he, ' Signora, your countrymen work on board ship on the Sabbath : for I saw them on board the man-of-war, sewing and doing all manner of work.' I then told him that Christians in name, and Christians in heart, with us, were widely different ; but I answered him with a sigh, for I thought 'Oh! what a blessing our country would be to the world, were all her sons consistent and uniform in their adherence to the com- mands of God ! ' " Mr. Coster has finished the drawing of our house, which is entirely satisfactory. I enclose an outline of the building, which I copied for the purpose of giving you a description of its internal localities. And now, my dear father, I am not going to give you the sketch outright, that is, without an equivalent. What do you think is my price? It is your miniature, which I ask in return. You will not refuse me? Mr. C. will not allow us to pay him any thing for his trouble. He is to commence to-morrow a sketch of Beyroot and its environs of which he has promised us a copy." " BEYROOT, AUGUST 20. "My dear Miss Williams: I think of you everyday, and pray for you that you may have patience, wisdom, and MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 271 preparation for your work. The best preparation will be, a heart warmly attached to the Saviour, with a determination to lose yourself in his service and glory. Have you not thought that missionaries are in danger of placing too high a value upon the sacrifice which they make, in consequence of the sympathy, and perhaps I may say, pity, with which they are regarded by those whom they leave behind ? I long to see the churches at home feel that they are only dis- charging an obligation to the Redeemer, when they send their best, their fairest, their most beloved to distant re- gions to declare his name. Would that the offering which my friends have made were ' without blemish and without spot.' " I can hardly imagine just how you have been employed in Smyrna, though I doubt not usefully. The time will not be lost to you, as you will have acquired some degree of familiarity with Eastern manners and customs; and learning, as you will, by the sight of the eyes, the great work to be done in transforming this land from the government of Satan to that of Christ, it will perhaps add steadiness and energy to your faith. While you will doubtless exclaim mentally, ' Who is sufficient for these things 1 ' you will rely more implicitly upon the arm of Omnipotence. Permit me to suggest a thought. Perhaps those who have been for two or three, or more years on missionary ground, from their contest with a foreign language, and the paralyzing of active efforts, in which they were absorbed at home, are in danger of suffering too great a reaction in their own feelings, and consequently of modifying those of new comers. Now, 1 would recommend that every missionary, fresh from that garden of the Lord in which we were planted, should exer- cise a degree of independent Christian feeling when he is transferred to a foreign soil ; or rather that he should take no standard beside the word of God. There the balance is rightly preserved, and is applicable to every possible situation and circumstance. It is to do what we can with our might, and rest the consequences upon an almighty Agent. That 272 MEMOIR OF He is at work, and will one day renovate the whole face of this land, I have no more doubt, than that the voice of the natural heavens will continue to be heard wherever there is ' speech or language,' and that their line will continue to go forth throughout the earth. *' I have been so impatient to conquer the Arabic, that I have but just commenced the Italian. I was induced to take up the latter during my present vacation, from the fact that a young Jewess, who has recently entered the school, wishes to acquire it. "Since writing the above, we learn that the vessel for Smyrna will be detained here for a few days. Missionaries must not allow their hearts to be made sick by hope deferred , so I will fain make the best of our protracted separation. In God's own good time he will bring us together. We have made ' a little chamber upon the wall,' and shall set for you there ' a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick,' that when you come to us you may ' turn in thither.' 2 Kings iv. 10." "August 21. I cannot tell you how much like a par- adise America appears, as I view it from this land of dark- ness. And yet it seems to me as if its blessed inhabitants were dreaming, as it were, over a lost and guilty world. I know there are many who pray, and labor, and give, for its renovation ; but are there many whose sole object it is to live especially and steadily for this end? I ask to be informed whether any great changes have taken place in two years, since I bade a last farewell to the shores of my native land. The subject magnifies in my estimation every day, and I see not that any parent can consistently set before his child any object of pursuit but the diffusion of Christianity. The fact that God continues to bless the delinquent, and even to over- rule their delinquencies for the accomplishment of his pur- poses, is no evidence that they are pleasing to him. I have often seen great good grow out of my faults and sins, which apparently might not have occurred but for them ; yet con- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 273 science reproached me, and God's law condemned me. So the churches of America, and the large, refined, and de- lightful social circles which there exist, may be watered, blessed, and made happy; there may be prayer, praise, the sweet communion of saints, and the endearing enjoyments of domestic bliss; and yet God, who sees all the darkness of other lands, may be offended with his people ministering angels may wonder at their selfishness ; the eternal happiness of myriads may be sacrificed ; and a less brilliant crown be worn by themselves in heaven." " August 31. Do you not often feel oppressed, my dear Mrs. Temple, with the thought of what a dark and sinful land this is? After a precious Sabbath has passed, in which I have beheld its abuse and profanation, my heart sickens as I begin the labors of Monday morning. How slow is the progress of light! How many will have their eternal doom fixed, before these countries are evangelized ! And, then, how weak our faith, how cold our love, how lukewarm our zeal ! Sometimes I think it must be a new race of mission- aries who will have the honor of seeing great things here such as can look away more entirely from things temporal, like the worthies of old. Let us pray much for each other." 12* CHAPTER XIV. SUMMER RESIDENCE AT AALEIH PERSONAL ENDEAVORS FOR THE GOOD OF INDIVIDUALS DRUZES ALARMS AMONG THE NATIVES IBRAHIM PASHA CASE OF AN ENGLISH WOMAN SORROWS OF A MOHAMMEDAN WIFE ARRIVAL OF MISS WILLIAMS VIEWS OF MISSIONARY LIFE MR. SMITH'S LABORS FURTHER HINTS ON MISSIONARY QUALI- FICATIONS FEELINGS RESPECTING HER PARENTS. MRS. SMITH spent three or four weeks of the warm season of 1835 with her husband at Aaleih, one of the villages on Mount Lebanon. Here she devoted herself, with increased diligence, to personal efforts for the spiritual benefit of those among whom she resided ; especially the Druzes. There was obviously a steady increase of her love for the missionary work; and she delighted to devise and execute plans by which its great objects might be promoted. " AALEIH, SEPT. 8. " Our fast and concert, yesterday, were solemn and profit- able. In view of the absence of God's Spirit for several years, in which no conversions have taken place among us, we were led to examine into the obstacles which have been in the way, both in our own hearts, and lives, and in our mode of operation ; and we desired to renew the dedication of our- selves to our work, and to seek with more earnestness that wisdom which cometh from above. I resolved this morning, that during our stay in this village, I would endeavor to rouse the conscience of at least one individual, every day. Consequently, after breakfast, I walked down a long, steep, 974 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 275 and stony path, into the ' Christian quarter ' of the village, to make one or two calls." Mrs. Smith availed herself of several opportunities for free conversation with females on the subject of religion, with whom she met in this excursion. On the supply of the spiritual wants of the people, she remarks " Could a missionary take up his permanent abode in any one of the villages of Mount Lebanon, and live and labor as he ought, I am confident that in a few years he would reap an abundant harvest. Oh, when will the churches be so liberal as to give a spiritual shepherd, to collect flocks now scattered upon the mountains ? " September 10. Yesterday Mr. Smith was absent nearly all day upon a little missionary tour ; and this morning he left me again, expecting to be absent two or three days. It is a self-denying duty, but it is duty ; and if a dozen men could come from our country with the gift of tongues, they could step directly into a field ' white unto the harvest.' After dinner I went into the Christian quarter to make some calls. As I was entering it, a family invited me in, pretending that they were Christians, when, as I afterwards learnt, they were Druzes. However, I had a plain, serious conversation with them. This evening I invited to prayers the woman in whose house we are, and her children. They are Druzes, but the most simple, inoffensive, diminutive little family you ever met. " September 14. Mr. S. returned on Saturday, at noon, after a fatiguing ride. He found some favorable opportuni- ties for religious conversation ; but he says that he thinks Satan employs filth and vermin to deter missionaries from seeking intercourse with his subjects. Missionaries who are stationary can enjoy cleanliness and comforts in their own habitations, however humble they may be ; but those who itinerate, ' without purse or scrip,' depending upon the ac- commodations which the country affords, have actual experi- 276 MEMOIR OF ence of the self-denial which our Saviour and his followers exercised. I can readily imagine what groups surrounded the benevolent Saviour in his wanderings; whom his disciples sometimes wished to drive from his presence, but never with his consent. "September 17. This evening six Druzes were present at family prayers, one of them a woman whom I have had repeated opportunities to address on the subject of religion. 1 believe that she is solicitous respecting her eternal welfare. My dear parents, you cannot imagine what a spring it would give to our feelings, should only one Druze become a true convert to the Lord Jesus Christ. Think of it when you pray for us, and remember distinctly this ignorant, benighted, and perhaps idolatrous sect. "September 18. This morning I walked out before breakfast, and directed my steps towards the Christian quar- ter, for the purpose of conversing with some of the females. I first entered a Druze graveyard. A woman was upon a mulberry tree gathering leaves. Advancing towards her, I inquired respecting the dead who reposed near by. She asked me why I was walking alone. I told her that I loved to walk at an early hour, before my mind became occupied with care, and meditate upon God and his works. I sought to draw her mind towards eternal things, particularly appeal- ing to her maternal feelings, and the duties which that relation involved. She was a Druze, and talked most fluently and piously ; perhaps a thought may have been lodged in her breast that she cannot thrust from her. Two reflections are suggested to my mind this evening: one is, that perhaps there is a providence in my rreeting with a Druze so frequently, when I am seeking a nominal Chris- tian ; the other, that pious language being so universal in this country, we must trust more to the influence of our ex- ample than our words, upon those around us. " Mr. and Mrs. Pease went to Korneil this morning, where is a coal mine, and where the wife of the head laborer, an English woman, is in the last stages of the consumption, but MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 277 manifests no solicitude respecting her future state. We have had an especial female prayer-meeting for her, as she is without hope, going into eternity. " September 20. Mr. Smith has preached again this evening, and I think more were present than on the former occasion. The subject of the discourse was regeneration. The audience were quiet and attentive to this new and im- portant exhibition of truth. Since the brethren have no church here to strengthen them by their prayers, let your fervent supplications call down what we most need the in- fluences of the Holy Spirit. After meeting, I had a few words of conversation with Mrs. Dodge's servant, an old woman who has lived much with her. She told me that she felt as if her heart was changed, and I cannot but hope it may be so. " Since returning to our room, I have read a chapter in Martha,' to Mr. Smith the one containing a description of natural scenery, in which she became much absorbed on a certain evening ; and as the writer sat beside her, watching the emotions of her soul depicted in her countenance, she turned to him and exclaimed, ' Brother ! ' That one word awakened in my breast such powerful and tender associa- tions as to choke my utterance, and I was obliged to stop, and wipe the falling tears before I could proceed. I had so much enjoyment with my own dear brothers, and received from them so much affection and kindness, that my recol- lections of the fraternal relation are exceedingly touching and unalloyed. " September 21. It is two years to-day since we sailed from America. In prayer, my husband returned thanks for all our mercies, and especially that God had permitted us to enter upon a work that we love a work that we prize above all others. My heart responded to the sentiment fully. May we see many such anniversaries together ; and be permitted to offer the same thanksgiving. " Will you pray that we may have wisdom to guide our affairs with discretion ? Our establishment is 278 MEMOIR OF must have persons to serve us ; but we would not forget, in our intercourse with them, that they are among those whose eternal interest we came to seek." " Beyroot, September 27. We reached our homes in safety, about mid-day, on Wednesday. " This morning, after our few Sabbath-day cares were disposed of, I went down to the kitchen on an errand , as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I beheld on each side a row of Moslems, fourteen in all, seated in perfect silence, who had fled hither for refuge ; a report being in circulation that orders had again come for the seizure of soldiers. I uttered, in Arabic, an exclamation of surprise ; when they all smiled upon me, and gave me their salams. The fear proved to be groundless, as the Pasha had only ordered the soldiers already enlisted to depart suddenly, without knap- sacks, to a place on the borders of the Bukaa, where Ibrahim Pasha is at present. " As we went to chapel, we met a company of women, who were crying and shrieking at .the departure of husbands, sons, and brothers. Cowper says, ' My ear is pained, My soul is sick, with every day's report Of wrong and outrage with which earth is filled.' But alas ! how would his tender soul have shuddered at the sight of this! With more pathos, if possible, would he have exclaimed, ' Oh, for a lodge in some vast wilderness ! ' "September 29. Yesterday I commenced my school again, with twenty scholars; which for the first day was a good number. Mrs. Whiting has ten little Moslem girls in Jerusalem, and the promise of more. "October 5. Monthly Concert and Fast. Yesterday being our communion season, I was explaining to my little Druze girl the nature and object of the ordinance which MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 279 she was about to witness for the first time ; of which a Druze child is perhaps as ignorant as a heathen. Indeed the Druzes are supposed to be idolaters themselves; though perhaps few, except the initiated, know the fact, or actually worship images. I did not expect, in the first attempt, to give her very clear ideas respecting the mystery of the atonement ; but I repeated to her the words of our Saviour to his disciples, when he instituted the sacrament ; and as I employed the first person, her feelings became consider- ably interested, and with the utmost simplicity she exclaimed, ' Selamatik,' that is, ' Peace to you,' which is a universal compliment among the Arabs, if one is complaining of ill health or sorrow in his own person. I mention this to show you that we have to teach the very first principles, and to feed ' with milk, and not with meat.' Blessed be God, it is his office ' To pour fresh life in every part, And new create the whole.' "October 21. We have dismissed our Maltese servant. He was in many respects useful, but he had begun to feel above his place; and being disposed to go with Mr. and Mrs. Bird, we cheerfully dismissed him. When about to leave us, I told him that I had one thing only to say to him ; I wished to inform him why I had not placed more con- fidence in him that from the first I had discovered that he had no regard for truth. He wept, and begged me to enter into particulars ; but I declined. As he turned to go down the stairs, his usual erect form and firm step gave place to the cringing movement of the Maltese of the island, the first beings whom I saw on missionary ground. The recollection of the feelings which overcame me when I first beheld his pitiable and contemptible countrymen, rushed upon me, and I was obliged to struggle with my emotions. " About a fortnight since there was great fear among the mountaineers, and one family begged us to take their most valuable articles home for safe keeping. The woman took 280 MEMOIR OF off the gold from her head, and made a bundle of her best clothes; they also tied up a few articles of plate, and the man came with us and left them in our house. He pro- fessed to be a Protestant, though he gave no evidence of piety. Such circumstances show the confidence which is reposed in us. " I mentioned the refugee Druzes. Our house is sur- rounded by the habitations of this sect. A few mornings since, we saw stretched upon the sands near us a murdered man ; but no one could give any account of this deed of darkness, except that on the previous evening he was at a dram shop, in a state of intoxication. In consequence of this, several of the neighboring Druzes were seized and imprisoned, which caused others to flee to our house. Our room at evening prayers has been filled for several nights. One morning I had nine attendants, who sheltered themselves under the wing of me and my little donkey, on my way to school. " October 24. For several days Ibrahim Pasha has been a near neighbor of ours, having come to Beyroot for a season, and taken up his residence at the house of a rich Moslem. Mr. Smith called upon him with our Consul. He says that he is a large, jolly, laughing, cunning man, with a very penetrating eye. He was principally occupied at the time in watching the movements of his courtiers, who were playing chess. " October 29. I mentioned in my journal from Aaleih that the wife of an Englishman who works in the coal mines at Korneil was going to the grave, with a rapid consump- tion. A week or two since she was brought to the city. On Sunday, after service, I called to see her. Learning from her that she did not expect to recover, I asked how she felt in view of exchanging worlds. ' Happy,' said she, ' perfectly happy.' ' May I inquire,' said I, ' what is the ground of your happiness?' 'I have always obeyed my Saviour's laws ; have been very attentive to the religious duties of the family, and of my church. I have never done MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 281 harm to any one.' At this reply my heart shuddered. I said to myself, ' Poor woman, though born in a land of light, your hope of heaven is not better than that of the deluded natives of this dark land.' I thought how innumerable are the ways which Satan has devised to keep mankind from resting on the only true foundation. I almost burst into tears. I felt that I must be faithful, for her time was short. I remarked that ' I was religiously educated too, but there came a time when I realized that something was necessary which I had not experienced, and so it was with Paul. 5 I then preached to her Jesus Christ and his atonement, and begged her to review the subject with great seriousness, in consideration of the solemn event immediately before her. Yesterday, while in school, Dr. Whitely came and begged me to go and see her again ; said that her end was rapidly approaching ; that she had related to him my conversation with her, telling him that it affected her deeply ; and he thought she expressed sentiments more evangelical. At mid-day, therefore, when my school closed, I went to her. She was much changed, and could scarcely articulate in- telligibly, yet was in perfect possession of her faculties. She told me that my remarks on Sunday gave her a great shock, and she now felt that her reliance was wholly on Jesus Christ, and disclaimed ail personal merit. She felt no wish to recover, but was perfectly happy in the prospect of rest and holiness with her Saviour. God only knows her real state. Her case is left in the usual uncertainty of death-bed experiences. "Sabbath Evening, November 1. To-day we have had our second storm, the first having occurred about ten days since. Both were violent and accompanied with thunder and lightning. My nerves are becoming accustomed to the tremendous peals and vivid flashes of a Mediterranean thun- der-storm. It is sublime, and at first terrifying, to watch the lightning's play over the deep blue sea ; and during the livelong night listen to the thunder's roar as it reverberates through the range of Mount Lebanon. 282 MEMOIR OF " On Sabbath, dear father, I think of you more than usual. How are your Sabbaths 1 Precious as ever, 1 trust ; and fitting you for one long, glorious Sabbath, which 1 believe we shall spend together. I remember that when I lived under your smiles, you appeared to enjoy these days of rest exceedingly. I find it quite another thing to be the mistress of a family, from what it was to be a daughter in a father's house. The former station involves a thousand cares, of which in the other I had no knowledge. And in this land too, which furnishes no external aid, but on the contrary every thing to impede the progress of moral in- fluence, the spirits sometimes sink beneath the weight of responsibility. However, I love to think that the Saviour pleased not himself, even on the Sabbath : so should I re- joice to give the whole seven days to him and to my fellow- beings. "November 4. This evening Mr. Smith has com- menced a weekly religious meeting, expressly for the Druzes, at which a number were present. I beg your prayers, especially in reference to it; for I believe that God has some chosen ones among this hitherto unprom- ising class. " This morning, very early, a little Mohammedan woman came, and bringing me a nosegay, sat beside me a moment, with more than usual dejection in her countenance ; then suddenly rising and kissing my hand, she said, sorrowfully, with her face half veiled, ' Can you give me any medicine for my eye 1 ' Supposing her to be afflicted with the ophthal- mia, the universal disease of the natives, I said, ' Does your eye pain you ? ' ' No,' said she, ' but for several years something has been growing upon it, and for one year I have not been able to see with that eye ; ' and she added, ' Ahmed (that is, her husband) says, if I cannot see, he shall send me away from him.' Poor woman ! my heart ached for her, and I promised to consult Dr. Whitely in reference to her case. Such is the kindly nature of the religion of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 283 Mohammed ! How effectually it tends to overthrow the plan of Jehovah's government ! " November 9. A company of Druzes were at prayers, as usual, to-night. Poor beings ! I really think that this portion of them, who are called ' Skitt,' and are scarcely acknowledged by their own sect, are more ignorant and im- penetrable than the veriest heathen. '' I have had a pleasant and prosperous day in my duties. It being the first of my keeping school since the new ar- rangement of our meals, I had no occasion to hurry in the morning to have marketing done ; and to give directions for dinner, and to hasten from school to see that it was properly prepared. " November 19. Mr. Smith has gone down to the Laz- aretto to bring Miss Williams to our house I am alone and waiting to receive her. 1 have solemn and deep feel- ings at the thought of her coming, and my heart goes forth towards her as to a sister. Will you pray that we may prove messengers of mercy to our degraded sisters here? "November 27. One week yesterday I had the pleasure of welcoming to my Syrian home the dear sister for whom I wrote, not without trembling, a year ago last May. She is well, cheerful, and quite happy in the little apartment appropriated to her. I almost envy her the quietness and freedom from care which she enjoys ; and am reminded of those days when I could shut myself for hours together in my room in Norwich, and the family and the world go on just as well without me. Now, I never think of locking my door except before light in the morning and again in the evening. I rise early, and thus have an opportunity to re- flect that I am hastening to eternity, and that my own soul must be fitted for it. But the remainder of the time it is all business, and absorbing, distracting care. I need not inform you how happy and grateful I am for the safe arrival of Miss Williams. Many thanks to my dear friends for their affectionate remembrance of me, and for the tokens of love received. But of the flowers, and the sweet poetry 284 MEMOIR OF accompanying them, what shall I say ? A flood of tears was the reception given to them, and told me how my heart yet clings to ' The sweet remembrances of former years.' , * * * * * ' To that loved scene, where peaceful years In calm retirement flew ; Where deep afflictions, trials, cares, Came but as angels, unawares.' " November 28. Saturday. To-day is the season when I especially remember you, my dear Sarah, at the throne of grace : and my prayer is, that you may be an eminently holy and devoted Christian, and amid all the attractions of your favored lot, may rise superior to earthly good and common attainments ; and in the circle in which you move, bear others onward and upward by your own elevated example. That sweet little Peter, how tender are my feelings towards him ! You say he uses ' some foreign language.' Perhaps it is Arabic ; if so, he will be qualified to come to Syria ! Some one has informed me, or I have dreamed it, that you have a little daughter. Give her a sweet kiss from me, and teach her to love an unknown aunt. Miss Williams who has now for a week cheered our dwelling was much gratified by her visit to you. She says that Edward's fraternal attentions reminded her of her own dear brother, who is next in age to herself. We can talk together with much sympathy of the tenderness of a brother's love. Say to aunt Faith, that I love and sym- pathize with and pray for her and hers. I often try to supplicate the grace of God in behalf of Jedediah and Joshua. Oh! it is a great thing to be really a child of God to have these depraved hearts changed; and I cannot but fear that many of the dear youth in America, were they removed from the influences and restraints that surround them, would be surprised to find how readily they would fall back to the world. I feel much on this subject MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 285 since I have become expatriated, as it were. The conflicts and perplexities which a missionary experiences, are cal- culated to try his soul and show him of what spirit he is. I thought that I was farther advanced in sanctification than I have found myself to be ; and the effort necessary to main- tain a warfare against sin is increased fourfold. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Ewen ; * and will brother present her with five dollars from me, and charge the same to my ac- count ? ' Thine own and thy father's friend, forsake riot.' " " BEYROOT, Nov. 30. " My very dear Brother and Sister : I know of none, except the members of my own family, who have a higher claim upon my affections and my time, than yourselves; and none that I remember with more unfeigned satisfaction. I love to think of you both, as the ever-watchful and paternal friends of my dear husband. I love to bring to mind the pleasant yet sorrowful hours which I passed under your roof; and to think of your dear children. Two years have doubtless made changes in the youthful trio ; and they have changed us, at least me. My home, my interests, my as- sociations, my language, have all become foreign ; and my lot (unless some great political convulsion takes place) is fixed, until I exchange my earthly abode for that beyond the grave. In looking back upon these two annual revolutions, I have much for which to be grateful, and great occasion for humiliation. While every important want has been sup- plied, and innumerable comforts and refinements added, which I never anticipated as a missionary ; I have scarcely passed one quiet American day since I parted from you. From the hour that I lost sight of my native shore, I have been fully aware that I had thrown myself into the wide and wicked world, and forever deprived myself of the moral repose and security which my once favored home had fur- nished. But I have never for a moment regretted the step * An aged woman who was her nurse in childhood. 286 MEMOIR OF which I took. ' There remaineth a rest,' which, if permit- ted to partake of it, I shall enjoy more highly, for the labors and disquietudes, and the new and deeper views of spiritual truths which this expatriation has occasioned. I suppose you often desire to know what we are doing, and how we are living ; and what are our daily hopes and fears in regard to the one great object which has torn us from you. Your dear brother has his hands and heart full. The preparation of books for the press is an arduous and responsible task ; beside which, the entire Arabic preaching, the Sabbath school, and the English service every alternate Sabbath, rest upon him. Foreign and native visitors occupy many of his hours ; and he has just been telling me, that this day, now closed, has been completely broken by miscellaneous occupations, the consequence of repeated interruptions. He has, however, a most delightful study, in the most airy and conspicuous part of the house, looking forth upon the waters of the azure sea, and the verdure of the variegated landscape which intervenes. " December 5. Having risen, as usual, some time before dawn, I stepped out towards the front of the court, to glance at the prospect before me. The distant sea, forming a semi- circle around me, and sending to my ears its unbroken roar, powerfully associated my thoughts with the murmur of your falls, to which we so often listened in my dear native place. The snowy peak of Lebanon, rising magnificently in the east, was rendered more conspicuous by the rays of the full moon, descending to the horizon in the opposite west, while her beams, reflected by the sea beneath, gave a strong outline to the objects upon the intermediate shore, especially to two or three points which rose gracefully above. Two finely-formed clouds and the brilliant stars, completed the Boft and charming scene. I thought of that other world, unmarred by sin, where the Author of so much beauty has prepared inconceivable glories for his redeemed people; and my soul bounded at the thought. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 237 " December 8. The return of our Monthly Concert and Fast is a precious day to us. I wonder that it never occurred to me while in America, that Christians might defer their special domestic labors on that day, and thus have time and strength, for themselves and their families, to attend the prayer-meetings. I now make this arrangement in my own family ; and, at 3, P. M., we all go to the mission house for prayer ; we take no food until evening. Mr. Smith and I secure as much of the day as possible for private devotion ; and always have a season of prayer together, in addition to our daily habit at other times." In connection with some remarks on the duty of consult- ing for the spiritual good of hired persons, employed by pro- fessors of religion, she remarks " How many of this class will be seen at the day of judgment, whose powers of body and of mind will have been worn out, and their souls ruined in serving their superiors ! " "December 14. On Saturday, our native female prayer- meeting consisted of twenty, besides two children ; fourteen were Arabs more than were ever present before. We met in the girls' school-room, where we intend in future to assemble. We sung part of a psalm, as we have begun to teach music in our school. We find the children quite as capable of forming musical sounds as those in our own country; but, alas ! we have no hymns or psalms adapted to their capacities. The Arabic cannot be simplified like the English, without doing violence to Arab taste ; at least, such is the opinion now. What changes may be wrought in the language we cannot tell. Of this obstacle in the instruction O 3 of the young here, you have not perhaps thought. Ameri- can youth have extraordinary privileges. It is a painful thought to us, that children's literature, if I may so term it, is incompatible with the genius of this language; of course, infant school lessons must be bereft of many of their attrac- tions. Mr. Smith and Mr. Whiting have each superintended 238 MEMOIR OF a translation of the first, part of the ' Child's Book on the Soul ; ' the use of which must prove its adaptedness to Arab children. The result of this experiment has justified the expectation. "December 24. In dating a note to Mrs. Dodge, in- viting her to meet our other friends here on Christmas day, I am reminded that this is the anniversary of our dear Peter's death. Dear brother ! I weep to think of thee, as the sweet little child whom I led to school ; as the buoyant boy, the college youth, and the gentle and dignified man. In the new heavens and the new earth, I trust we shall unite our hearts and our hands, in the service and in the presence of our di- vine Redeemer." In a letter written by Mrs. Smith in the course of this month, she adds a few suggestions to those previously ad- dressed to her young relative,* on qualifications for the missionary service: " In a former communication, I men- tioned some qualifications which would be requisite, should you come to Syria. I believe I did not add to these the im- portance of cultivating polished manners. In many respects, all the foreigners whom we find in these countries, exhibit the good breeding which is to be found in the best circlqp in America ; and so far from becoming rusticated by a resi- dence in Eastern cities, our countrymen usually improve much in external deportment. Perhaps it might be thought an unnecessary suggestion; but the plain, independent man- ners of some of our good republican citizens, would be offen- sive to foreign taste ; and were it not for the extraordinary talent of assimilation which Americans possess, they would err oftener than they now do. " I think that the infant school system is admirably adapt- ed to the uninformed and undisciplined habits of this coun- try, and I hope you will familiarize yourself with it, to a great extent. See page 226. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 289 " My remarks on the subject of languages, in my former letter, I hope will not be overlooked. If there were no other argument in their favor, the fact that a person who has studied one foreign language, more readily acquires another, is a sufficient inducement to an intended missionary, to make this branch of study prominent. It should stand first of all. Our countrywomen have hitherto done but very little towards removing the curse of Babel. This has arisen from their comparatively isolated situation. In these contiguous countries, the knowledge of several tongues is considered indispensable. I hope it will yet be esteemed so in America; not as an accomplishment, but for the sake of usefulness." Speaking of her own spiritual state at this time, she thus writes : " My feelings and religious exercises in this country, are wholly free from excitement very different from what they were in America. I cannot account for it, since rny views of truth are greatly enlarged and strength- ened, and my confidence in our blessed gospel daily increas- ing. Sin also appears much more heinous in my eyes, and my own character far more despicable. I clasp the Bible to my heart with affection and admiration, and love to read its sacred pages. Prayer, too, I prize and enjoy ; but for want of that excitement of which I have spoken, it often seems to me destitute of fervor. The Saviour's offices and mediation are magnified in my estimation ; and yet I do not enjoy that sensible communion with him, which I have before experi- enced. I sometimes think that the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in this wicked land ; but, ' like a peaceful dove, Flies from the realms of noise and strife.' " "January 3, 1836. This is the first Sabbath evening of the year ; and permit me, my dear parents, brothers, and sisters, to wish you a happy new year. I was going to say, that could I control your every hour, not a sorrow, however small, should disturb your serenity, but each minute should Smith. 1 ;j 290 MEMOIR OF bear upon its wings peace and pleasure to your bosoms. But our heavenly Friend loves you more ardently, more wisely than I do ; and he is the chosen friend of you all yes, all ! To him I commit your destiny, and pray that in his favor you may have life and joy, whatever else may be bestowed or denied. " I often think, my dear parents, that not many years are before you, and I shudder at the thought that I may live to hear that you are no longer inhabitants of earth, and ask myself what will be my feelings then. I still think of you and pray for you as alive and happy. x ' Yet prostrate at the mercy seat, Oft shall my lips your names repeat, Cherished with filial love.' " "Monday, January 4. We love to think that this day will be regarded by many as a Fast for the conversion of the world, and that prayer will ascend for us. Oh that the church would indeed earnestly wrestle for souls. " My own sins rise in awful magnitude before me, to-day, and I feel wholly unfit to hold the sacred station of a mis- sionary. You know not, my dear parents, what unlooked- for conflicts and obstacles you would find, were you trans- ported to this region of darkness this empire of Satan. Pray for me incessantly and fervently, for foes without and foes within obstruct my path to heaven, and I sometimes fear that I have never even entered it. "January 13. My beloved Father : Your long, good letter of July 27 to August 31, inclusive, came to hand a few days since, and refreshed my spirit. Oh ! my dear parent, my heart clings to you closer than ever. The longer we are separated, the more tenderly I think of you, and the more warmly I anticipate our meeting above. Your letter, however, together with what we heard from Smyrna, made me sorrowful, and I tremble for our country every hour, Should her sun set in darkness, sad would be the tale. Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon ; MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 291 lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.' It seems to me as if a bril- liant star, the centre of attraction to a thousand other orbs, were about to be blotted from the moral firmament. That which pains me most, and most excites my apprehensions, is the fact that Christians are becoming worldly and con- tentious. Had you informed me that all the elements of wickedness were in commotion, but that the followers of Christ were humble, prayerful, self-denying, and devoted, I should fear nothing. But now I tremble ' for the ark of God ; ' and I feel that I must make mention of my country in every approach to the mercy seat. We have been ' proud boasters,' regarding ourselves as the favorites of Heaven. Oh that his Spirit might speedily go forth among his pro- fessed friends, exciting them to repentance and prayer, that his wrath may be turned away ! " I rejoice much that dear mother is well and happy, and confiding in God. She does not know the inexpressible tenderness I feel for her. I am often obliged to put her image away from my mind, and to cease talking about her, lest I dissolve in tears. When we meet in heaven, we shall both be young, and perfect in body and spirit ; and then will be revived that sweet communion which we so enjoyed on earth. "January 30. You express some solicitude, my dear father, respecting my health. It is certainly important, in this climate, and under our circumstances, to avoid ex- citement. I do not think that I am in danger from this source at present ; as I am almost uniformly calm and quiet, and, unlike my former temperament, am comparatively un- susceptible of strong excitement. I have seen and heard so many strange things since I came from my native land, that I am accustomed to them, and not much affected by them. " When I rise at 4, as this morning, I think of you as just retiring to rest. Perhaps the bell in Norwich was ring- ing for 9 o'clock, as I rose from my bed. I should love to 292 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMTIH. hear it again ! In heaven I trust we shall together listen to sweeter sounds. " When I have reached, on Saturday, the close of the native female prayer-meeting, I feel as if I must ' take a long breath ; ' for my duties are arduous." After mentioning the domestic labors she assigns to this day, she proceeds to speak of her religious occupations. " For the prayer-meeting I have also to make preparation, in reading, first by myself, and then either with Mr. Smith or a teacher, a portion of Scripture, and collecting my thoughts to lead devotions in a foreign tongue ; of the difficulties of which you can form no conception. The responsibility of this meeting falls prin- cipally upon me." CHAPTER XV. THOUGHTS ON THE WORLD AS A PORTION CLOSE OCCUPA- TION OF TIME A MOSLEM WEDDING VIEWS OF HER EMPLOYMENT OF A HEAVENLY INHERITANCE INTER- EST IN AMERICAN FRIENDS ENGAGEMENT IN A PLAN FOR RELIGIOUS VISITS. As Mrs. Smith advanced in her labors, she evidently be- came increasingly interested in them. And there was an apparent growth in the fervor of her spiritual affections. These remarks will be found illustrated in the extracts which compose the present and succeeding chapter. " BZYROOT, JAH. 4, 1836. " My dear Mrs. Tod : This is a changing, wearisome state ; and the great cause of sorrow is, that we are ever aiming to find rest and enjoyment, which the Scriptures assure us are not the portion of God's people on earth. The rest ' remains ; ' and like repose to the weary, it will be more precious from the conflicts and perplexities of this life. Oh ! how unenviable is the lot of those who choose their happiness here ! I often think of the experience of a pious grandmother, which, at the age of eighty, she related to me with much animation. After her marriage, she became the subject of religious anxiety, which blunted the edge of every worldly enjoyment. Her husband was fond of seeing her handsomely dressed, and imported from England an eleganl cloak, and hat to correspond, which was a most becoming winter suit. When she first looked at the articles, she said to herself, ' Such things of the world shall not be my por- tion ; J will not have them for ray portion ; i will have a 293 294 MEMOIR OF better one.' She never wore the articles together, lest they should excite the envy and jealousy of her contemporaries , and she soon found that portion which she has left as an inheritance to her children, and children's children, to the latest generation. For even now, we feel that we receive answers to her prayers. I rejoice that your little daughter has a praying mother. It is the richest inheritance which she could possess." " BEYROOT, JAN. 20. " My ever dear Friend : Although you have many cares in America, yet perhaps there is not such sacredness at- tached to every half hour, as here. When you think of writing a letter, you have not, like me, to inquire whether you are not encroaching upon some duty more important and pressing. Often should I delight to sit down and pour forth the warm affections of my heart to dear absent ones in my native land ; but an Arabic or an Italian lesson, a native visitor, or some household arrangement to enable me to leave my family for three or four hours each day, in school, calls me away. I wish also to help my husband, as his duties are still more urgent. I have just completed the writing of seventeen sheets for him. There are twelve persons daily employed under our roof, as translators, printers, servants, whose eyes are turned towards my husband and myself for superintendence. " I am much gratified to hear that you are endeavoring to benefit the poor Pequod Indians. I thought you would not leave them to perish before your eyes. May God own you and your dear husband herein ; and may you be richly blest and prospered in the effort. It is only by faith that we can labor for those who have long dwelt in ignorance and in- sensibility, whether in America or in Syria. " I wish that you could have been with us on Monday evening, when, for the first time, we attended a Moslem wedding. It is said there were a thousand persons in the procession. It was just at dark when we arrived at the house of the bridegroom ; who, under the escort of an immense MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 295 number of torches and wax candles, was at that moment leaving the door of his dwelling, to go to another house and receive his visitors. According to Mohammedan etiquette, the gentlemen who were with us proceeded to the latter place, while Miss Williams and I entered the former, to mingle in the bridal group of females. As we entered an open court, in the centre of which grew an orange tree, we were met by some women in attendance, who, taking our calashes and cloaks, tied them up in Miss W.'s white merino shawl, and disposed of them in a Safe, if not clean place. 'They inquired if we would take off our shoes also; but this we declined, saying, that as it was not our custom, we should expose our health. We then approached the up- per end of the court, where, in a semicircle, sat more than a dozen women in state, completely borne down with ' gold and pearls and costly array.' Our appearance presented a strong contrast to theirs ; for however deficient we may have been in ' the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,' in out- ward appearance we were arrayed as women ' professing godliness.' The female who occupied the central seat, beside a profusion of other ornaments, had upon her head two tassels of glass fibres, such as I have occasionally seen among curiosities in America, standing erect, and giving her a wild, Oriental appearance, quite imposing; while her features were commanding and beautiful. She had the dark, full eye of an Eastern beauty, with all her characteristic hauteur, not deigning to speak to us. Before her were several immense wax tapers, taller than our heads, and sup- ported by women of a lower rank, who sat upon the floor. A crowd of females were before her; some sitting, others standing, and all chattering like so many magpies, only a great deal louder, ' and suiting the action to the word ; ' for gestures, as well as words, are the language of this people. One of the women who sat upon the floor, had an exhaust- less store of nuts, raisins, &c., which she dealt out by hand- fuls to the guests. In a short time, a relative of the family, through whose influence we were invited to the wedding, 296 MEMOIR OF urged her way through the crowd, and taking a seat beside us, conversed with us politely for a few moments, and treated us with sherbet and coffee. " Presently one or two of the ' singing women ' began their bridal song ; a shrill, monotonous cry, between a shriek- ing and singing, and which to me seems like the appropriate accompaniment of an event, which introduces the daughters of Eve to a new scene of trials, closely connected with eternity. They were notes which went to my heart ; pro- ducing melancholy rather than joyful associations. We were apprized that the bride was approaching, having just arrived at the house of the groom, from that of her father, where, from an early hour, she had been passing through various ceremonies, with which I am not acquainted. She came attended by women with torches, and ascended to a retired room above. " After the lapse of half an hour, perhaps, it was said, ' Behold, the bridegroom cometh ; ' when all the group has- tened to throw on their vails, while the bride, accompanied by her maidens, with their torches, descended to meet the bridegroom. We witnessed the meeting of the bridal pair, which took place near the orange tree in the open court. She was supported by her attendants ; being incapacitated for guiding herself, as her eyes were closed, and her hands were held up before her, as in the attitude of supplication. When she met her intended husband, her vail, which was a piece of scarlet gauze embroidered with gold, was raised, and he gave her one look, and retired again to his guests. Her attendants then led her towards us, while we advanced and gave her the usual salutation, ' Mabarakeh ya aroos,' (May you be blest, O bride!) She was then conducted into an adjoining room, and seated upon cushions, while a friend made a place for us directly before her, giving us a fine opportunity to observe her whole appearance. " I cannot give you any just idea of her dress or attitude, except that she looked more like a pagan priestess than any other imaginable being. Her garments were of rich bro- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 297 cade, and her ornaments beyond description or enumera- tion. Her face was painted first with rouge, and then fantastically ornamented 1/nth patches of gold leaf, while her trimmed eyebrows and eyelashes were touched with black paint ; and curved lines of the same were drawn from her ear on each cheek toward the centre of her face. Her hands and feet were also stained in small dark checks. " But the most extraordinary thing of all was, that cus- toin required her to sit motionless, with closed eyes, and entirely speechless ; and this martyrdom, which commenced the morning of this day, was to be maintained until the next morning. Poor creature ! she looked as if she were in the extreme of misery. Here, again, nuts were distributed, in the same style as before, among the company. " The friend who had furnished us a seat before the bride, conducted us to the bridal chamber. It was a small room, containing on each side three rows of shelves, on which were spread out plates, cups, household utensils, etc., the father's gift to his daughter ; also all her dresses were sus- pended beneath them, and the bridal couch was furnished with silk embroidered appendages. We then descended to another apartment, in a distinct portion of the building ; and seating ourselves informally upon cushions, with the wife of the Governor of Beyroot on one side and the bride- groom's mother upon the other, a small, low table was placed before us, and a large waiter filled with sweetmeats pre- sented for our refreshment, followed by coffee. I was not a little touched with the fact, that the mother of the bride- groom, yet a young woman, was totally blind ; and though the bustle of the scene prevented my making known to her the sympathy and tender associations which she excited in my mind, I expressed it silently, by passing into her hand the varieties of the entertainment, before partaking of them myself, and giving her a kiss and a blessing as we parted. " The ceremony of the marriage union, according to usage, took place by proxy, at the house of the judge of the city, several days previous ! But this is not all ; the par- 13* 298 MEMOIR OF ties, after their espousal or engagement, which often occurs a year or more previous to marriage, do not see each other ! Thus you perceive that love, confidence, and sympathy, must be created after the knot is tied ; for before, the parents are the principal actors in the scene. " After the above-mentioned repast, we left the company. The scene which I had witnessed forcibly reminded me of the last drama of this world ; and I admired the wisdom which employed an illustration not only calculated to make a deep impression upon the present occasion, but by the frequent occurrence of such scenes, continually calling to mind, in this portion of the world, the force of our Lord's instructions and warnings." To one of her early friends, for whose spiritual benefit she had watched and prayed, she thus writes : " BEYROOT, JAN. 28. " My dear Mary : In the act of dating my letter, I am reminded that it is two years to-day since I landed on the shores of Syria. It would interest me much to know where you are ; what you are doing ; how you feel ; whether your days pass quietly and peacefully, beneath the smiles of your reconciled Friend ; or whether new sorrows have been added to those which are past, weaning you still more from earth, and purifying you for the state of rest which remains. And your mother, how and where is she? and R. and S., and your brothers, and aunts? It is sometimes a painful thought to me, that there are many whom I knew and loved in the land of my birth, respecting whom I shall never hear another word, even if I should survive them, until I see their deaths in the public prints. " You would naturally inquire, whether your once ' fas- tidious' friend Sarah is happy in the marriage relation. I would answer, that, through the kindness of Providence, I am entirely so. I feel that God has been very good to me in this respect. We have a pleasant residence, from whence n.; MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 299 I often look forth upon the illimitable sea, towards the going down of the sun ; and think, but with no regret, of the friends whom I have left beyond. It is a good work to which we have devoted our lives, and its importance magnifies in our estimation every day ; and we would not exchange it for the most eligible station which our country could furnish us. I know not how I should endure a North American winter now. In the spring and autumn, the weather is perfect, and often exhilarating in its genial influence. Not unfre- quently the nightingale greets us with her inimitable song, at mid-day. " Our greatest trials arise from the absence of God's Holy Spirit. Would he visit our hearts and those of our neigh- bors and friends, we should rejoice. Without this our planting and watering will be in vain. Pray for us ! Bey- root is continually increasing in importance. We have by no means gone out of the world, though we have come to the eastern extreme of the Mediterranean. We think that American trade will yet be established here." " BEYROOT, FEB. 4. " I have indulged many pleasing anticipations of wel- coming you in Syria, my dear brother, and do not yet re- linquish them. Still, there is a better country and a better house above ; and purer love and higher joy than all which earth can give. I never shall forget the feelings which I had the day you left Norwich for New York, after the death of our dear Peter, and a short time before I became acquainted with Mr. Smith. You were packing up those articles of family plate which father gave you. I said to myself, ' My treasure is in heaven ; ' and I have frequently looked back upon the feeling, as an evidence of my regeneration. I speak not this boastingly, but with tender and grateful recollections. Much as I love you, I have scarcely indulged a moment's uneasiness respecting you, though I am desirous of knowing particulars in regard to your commercial interests. " Dear friends, write to me often, very often. I have 300 MEMOIR OF reason to be grateful for a comfortable degree of bodily vigor and mental composure. The weather is now becoming de- lightful. The mildness of spring is returning, ' the time of the singing of birds has come,' and my own physical powers seem to sympathize with nature around me. I am trying to get away from a legal state of mind, which drains the soul of all comfort. I have indulged it too much. Pray for me, that I may rest joyfully in Christ. May you, dear brother and sister, do the same." " BEYROOT, FEB. 11. " It is an indisputable fact, my dear cousin, that my in- terest in my friends has not diminished an iota since I left my native land. I wish to know every thing about them as much as ever. They too, doubtless, would like to look in upon me, and see how I am situated. Here I have the ad- vantage, for I can form some idea of almost any possible circumstances in America ; but you must picture to your- selves strange and unknown scenes, and after all, perhaps, be forced to exclaim, 'Well, I can't tell how cousin Sarah lives, or how her house looks, or any thing about her.' " The following extract from the same letter with the above, describes the indisposition in which commenced Mrs. Smith's final decline of health the first step of her descent to the grave : " I should prepare a longer and more particular letter for you, my dear cousin, were it not that I am suffering from a severe cold upon my lungs, in consequence of sitting within the cold, damp walls of our school-house. Our exposures of this kind, in the xvinter, are very great. I have had an incessant and somewhat painful cough for some days, but I think it is now breaking up. This urges me to make some early provision against a similar attack next winter, if I should live." " February 16. We have recently entered into an agreement to visit certain families and individuals once a MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 301 month, something in the way that the Tract distributers in America do, for the purpose of personal religious conversa- tion ; and then to hold a meeting to report to each other our success. We have made a selection for ourselves, from among our friends and neighbors. Much wisdom and gracs will be required to pursue our plan. It will not be like vis- iting the same number of persons in America. In the first place, we cannot talk to them in English ; and in the next, we must be very cautious of exciting their apprehensions and prejudices, thus defeating our object." " BEYROOT, FEB. 25. " Mr. Nicolayson will inform you respecting our new plan of effort, and we beg that you will constantly remember it in your prayers. My field is the mothers of our female scholars, and I have already commenced calling upon them. My intention is to visit the whole, and become acquainted with them ; and then select as many individuals from among them as I can be faithful to, and such as present the most encouragement to effort. This thought, my dear sister, has been upon my mind much of late that, as it is so difficult to make truth intelligible to the minds of this people in the first endeavor, and as they are so unaccustomed to fix their attention on any subject of serious reflection, it would be better to bestow our energies upon a limited number, for whose benefit we can repeat our efforts, giving ' line upon line, and precept upon precept,' rather than to scatter our influence over a wider field. This is particularly applicable to the women of this country. Perhaps one visit and one conversation may make an impression ; another may affect them slightly, but if not followed by a third, may be as the morning dew; while twelve visits in a year may do some- thing for them. Perhaps it will be a long time before we shall see any fruit. Indeed, those who enter into our labors may gather it in our stead ; yet I am anxious that we should persevere until we die, though no apparent effect may be produced. You well know, from experience, how much 302 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. missionaries need a degree of healthful excitement in their labors. As all our time and all our plans have one ob- ject, we engage in Christ's service as a matter of course. But if we can make especial efforts for the immediate con- version of one, two, or more souls, we shall always have something to enliven us. " I am deeply interested in the perusal of Mrs. Winslow's life. It brings my native place, familiar scenes and friends so vividly before me ; and her trials in breaking away from the endearing ties of home and country were so similar to my own ; that my sensibilities are too strongly excited by the book. On Saturday night I was quite exhausted by the powerful, yet almost unconscious hold which it took of my feelings." 1 CHAPTER XVI. LETTER TO THE MEMBERS OF THE YOUNG LADIES' ACADEMY, NORWICH VIEWS OP THE EFFECTS OF THE MISSION CLIMATE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTABILITY OF APPEAR- ANCE IN MISSIONARIES GOOD FRIDAY TRANSLATION OF AN ARABIC GRAMMAR SPRING AND ITS PRODUCTIONS IMPEDIMENTS TO MISSIONARY LABORS RELIGIOUS CONVERSATION HEALTH SCHOOL LETTER TO MRS. TEMPLE. FOR some time before leaving this country, Mrs. Smith had taken a deep interest in the Female Academy in Nor- wich ; and with a young lady, one of the teachers, was ac- customed to meet and pray for the influences of the Holy Spirit upon that institution. In some of her letters to her Christian friends she asked their prayers for it. She ad- dressed a letter to its members, dated February 26, 1836, which will be read with interest, as the affectionate and earnest counsels of a devoted missionary to some of the daughters of her native land. "TO THE PUPILS OF THE FEMALE ACADEMY IN NORWICH. " My dear young friends : With much pleasure, though not without diffidence, I attempt to comply with a request of your respected teachers, that I would address you on the great subject of missions. Could I enjoy the pleasure of a personal interview, I might communicate much that would be interesting; and could adapt myself to your individual views and feelings much better than I can at the distance of 5,000 miles, a stranger probably to nearly all of you. My 303 304 MEMOIR OF heart is full on this topic, and I could cover many sheets in discussing it ; but perhaps it would be more tedious for you to read than for me to write. I must therefore compress my communication into as small a compass as possible, and give only outlines, for yourselves or your teachers to fill up. " Allow me first to indulge my imagination a little, and picture to myself the appearance of your Academy when you are assembled for your daily exercises; that I may draw a contrast between you and your youthful contemporaries in this and other unenlightened lands. I see you not only comfortably, but nea-tly dressed, and your persons indicating that suitable attention was paid to them before leaving home. You are abundantly supplied by your parents, or other kind friends, with books, paper, and every thing necessary for pur- suing your studies with success. When your teacher com- mences the morning devotions of the school, the instructions of God's word are familiar to every ear, and intelligible to the youngest pupil ; and prayer is regarded at least as a solemn exercise, demanding outward respect. Then observe the beautiful arrangement of your little company. Each one knows her place and duties. Kindness, gentleness, and re- spect, I trust, characterize your deportment towards your teachers and companions ; and intellectual cultivation, as well as amiable feeling, beam in every countenance. Each day advances you in some useful attainment, which enlarges your capacities, and helps to prepare you for future happi- ness and usefulness. When you return to your homes, you are greeted by kind friends, who encourage you in all your efforts to improve, and who have no higher ambition than to see you increasing in knowledge of every kind. The family circle is a scene of quiet, cheerful enjoyment, and kind affection ; while the wider circle of social intercourse adds grace and polish to every attainment. I could thus indulge my imagination to an almost indefinite extent, and dwell upon your exalted privileges of a religious nature; but I hasten to present the contrast, which is not before my imagination only, but before my eyes. I will say nothing MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 305 of larger sections of the globe, but will confine myself to Syria, because I am here, and can speak from personal ob- servation of what exists. " My dear friends, will you send your thoughts to this, which is not a heathen, but an unevangelized country. I will not invite you to look at our little female school of twenty or thirty, because these form but a drop among the thousands and thousands of youth throughout Syria ; al- though I might draw a contrast even from this, not a little in your favor. But we will speak of the young Syrian females at large, moving in one unbroken line to the land of darkness and sorrow. Among them you will find many a fine form and beautiful face ; but alas ! the perfect work- manship of their Creator is rendered tame and insipid, for want of that mental and moral culture, which gives a peculiar charm to the human countenance. It is impossible for me to bring the females of this country before you in so vivid a manner, that you can form a correct idea of them but select from among your acquaintances a young lady who is excessively weak, vain, and trifling ; who has no relish for any intellectual or moral improvement ; whose conversa- tion is altogether confined to dress, parties, balls, admiration, marriage ; whose temper and faults have never been cor- rected by her parents, but who is following, unchecked, all the propensities of a fallen, corrupt nature. Perhaps you will not be able to find any such, though I have occasionally met with them in America. If you succeed, however, in bringing a person of this character to your mind, then place the thousands of girls, and the women too, of this land, once the land of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, in her class. " These weak-minded Syrian females are not attentive to personal cleanliness ; neither have they a neat and tasteful style of dress. Their apparel is precisely such as the Apostle recommended that Christian females should avoid ; while the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is thrown wholly out of the account. They have no books, and no means of 306 MEMOIR OF moral or intellectual improvement. It is considered a dis- grace for a female to know how to read and write, and a serious obstacle to her marriage, which is the principal object of the parent's heart. This abhorrence of learning in females, exists most strongly in the higher classes. Nearly every pupil in our school is very indigent. Of God's word they know and understand nothing, for a girl is taken to church perhaps but once a year, where nothing is seen among the women but talking and trifling ; of course, she attaches no solemnity to the worship of God. No sweet domestic circle of father, brother, mother, and sister, all capable of promoting mutual cheerfulness and improvement, greets her in her own house. I do not mean to imply, that there exists no family affection among them, for this tie is often very strong; but it has no foundation in respect, and is not employed to promote elevation of character. The men sit and smoke their pipes in one apartment, while in another the women cluster upon the floor, and with loud and vocif- erous voices gossip with their neighbors. The very lan- guage of the females is of a lower order than that of the men ; which renders it almost impossible for them to com- prehend spiritual and abstract subjects, when first presented to their minds. I know not how often, when I have at- tempted to converse with them, they have acknowledged that they did not understand me, or have interrupted me by alluding to some mode or article of dress, or something quite as foolish. " Thus you see, my young friends, how unhappy is the condition of the females of Syria, and how many laborers are wanted to cultivate this wide field. I have not told you a tenth part of the calamities of their condition ; how their fathers and brothers are oppressed by this unjust and des- potic government; how they have learned to tremble at the falling of a leaf, and many other things which you may know from different sources. " If I knew the precise state of feeling which exists in your Academy, in reference to preparing yourselves for use- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 307 fulness, either in your own country, or in some foreign land, I should know better what appeals to make to you, and what counsel to bestow. I will imagine that there are two classes among you ; those who have seriously resolved to devote their days to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind and those who have no fixed intentions of this kind, but are on the whole indifferent to the subject. To this last class permit me to say a few words. Can you, young friends, be satisfied to devote your time and energies to personal grati- fication ; and leave so many interesting females to spend an eternity in unavailing regrets in the world of wo? Remem- ber that they are your contemporaries, and that you and they will stand side by side on the great day of final account. What overwhelming emotions will pervade your breasts, when you see them sink down to the pit of destruction ! You will remember that on earth you knew this would be their des- tiny, yet preferred your own gratification for a few useless years and sacrificed the eternal happiness of these your sisters upon the altar of a weak and guilty self-love. Then you will have more than your own souls to account for. The young females of Syria, of India, of every inhabited portion of the globe, who are upon the stage of life with you, will rise up, either to call you blessed, or to enhance your con- demnation. " But I turn from this painful theme to address those of your number whose minds are already in some measure fixed on this important subject, and who love to think that they may one day be permitted to enter the sphere of missionary labor, either at home or abroad. To you, my dear sisters, I would say, Avoid all romantic notions in reference to this subject, and all undue excitement. The real difficulties and labors of the undertaking will chase away all romance ; and it is better not to set out with it. Excitement is too much the element of our beloved country; but it will go only a little way in the arduous work of moral reformation ; and it is not a principle which is sufficient to overthrow the deep- laid foundations of Satan's kingdom. Strength of character, 308 -MEMOIR OF discipline of mind, steadiness of faith, patience, persever- ance, and self-denial, are the requisite qualifications. 1 need not remind you that ardent piety lies at the foundation of the whole. This you must cultivate upon the altar of de- votion in your closets. Commune with God there, respect- ing your feelings and purposes, more than any where else. He will feed and cause them to grow and expand ; and in due time will furnish you with a sphere in which to exercise them. You need not wait to get upon missionary ground, before becoming an accepted missionary with God. Ere I left my father's house, I was convinced of the truth, and am now confirmed in it, that within the walls of her own dwell- ing, a young lady may cultivate and exhibit all the qualifica- tions of a devoted missionary. As a daughter, sister, friend, she may be so faithful, humble, obliging, and self-denying, and may acquire such self-control, that even should she die before entering upon a wider sphere, she would merit the commendation, ' She hath done what she could.' Therefore be not impatient and uneasy, while you are providentially detained, amid every-day duties, within a narrow circle; but 'whatever your hand findeth to do there, do it,' at the same time cherishing the determination to assume greater respon- sibilities, and more self-denial, whenever God shall give the opportunity. " Next to piety, the most important qualification for active usefulness, is habitual self-control. ' He that ruleth his own spirit, is greater than he that taketh a city.' Perhaps you are exposed to some trials of temper now ; but on mission- ary ground they will be increased a hundred fold, where every thing is crooked and wrong ; where ignorance, stupid- ity, insolence, and deceit, provoke the corresponding emo- tions of pride, impatience, contempt, imperiousness, and dislike. " Avoid all habits of particularity and daintiness, which will prevent your assimilating readily to new and unlooked- for circumstances in which you may be placed, prove a source of uneasiness to yourselves, and interfere with your MRS SARAH L. SMITH. 309 usefulness to others. Learn the happy, yet difficult art of forgetting yourselves, in all unimportant things. Much general knowledge and discipline of mind are essential in preparing you to do good to your fellow-beings; but if you choose a foreign station, the first mental qualification neces- sary, is a taste for acquiring languages, and the knowledge of several. This accomplishment, and valuable qualification, has been too much overlooked by young ladies in America, and I hope to hear of a change in this respect. The great- est obstacle and most painful discouragement on missionary ground, arises from the want of language by which to ex- press the common sympathies of our nature, and to impart in- struction in a thousand nameless ways, aside from formal exhortation and preaching." Mrs. Smith here gives advice on the study of languages, similar to that contained in the letter inserted page 226; and which needs not be repeated. " 1 could say much more respecting the cultivation of your minds and hearts, and the formation of your characters for future usefulness, but your teachers are best able to do this. Suffice it to say, all your time and talents must be de- voted to the undertaking. And. how much more ennobling are employments and motives like these, than the trifling occupations which pleasure and fashion demand, or even the comparatively innocent concerns which relate to one's per- son and comforts. Indeed, if your minds are fixed upon the one great object of existence, you will have little relish for meaner pursuits. God is furnishing American females their high privileges, with the intention of calling them forth into the wide fields of ignorance and error, which the world ex- hibits. I look over my country, and think of the hundreds and thousands of young ladies, intelligent, amiable, and capable, who are assembled in schools and academies there; and then turn my eye to Jerusalem, Hebron, Nazareth, Sychar, Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, Yafa, &,c., and to the 310 MEMOIR OF numerous villages of Mount Lebanon, and think, Why the inequality of condition and privileges? Why can there not be stationed at every one of those morally desolate places, at least one missionary family, and one single female as a teacher ? Does not Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd, require it of his youthful friends in America ; that from love to him, gratitude for their own distinguished mercies, compassion for perishing souls, and the expectations of perfect rest and happiness in heaven, they should spread themselves over the wide world, and feed the sheep and the lambs scattered with- out a shepherd upon the mountains ? Yes ! he requires it, and angels will yet behold it ; but shall we not see it in our day? " You, rny dear young friends, who belong to the Nor- wich Female Academy, are a prominent portion of those who are called upon to answer this question." "February 29. My dear Brother: A steam packet arrived last evening from England, via Malta and Alex- andria; from the last port only forty-eight hours. It is the first of a line which is to visit Beyroot once a month. We begin to feel a great deal nearer to you than formerly. From French papers we have learned particulars of the dreadful fire in your city. We took a map of the city, and tried to discover if you were probably a sufferer, but we could not fix the location with sufficient accuracy to deter- mine. I long to hear all about you." "March 8. We have now for our guest Mr. Eliot, a clergyman of the Established Church of England, on his way to Jerusalem, and in feeble health. He says that re- ligion in England is advancing extensively. My affection for our mother country has increased since coming into in- tercourse with her sons and daughters in this Eastern world. '.' This has been our Fast and Concert. I have been as quiet as possible, having last night taken medicine for an uncomfortable cough. Nothing has moved or troubled me MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 31] this livelong day. I have enjoyed a season of especial prayer with Mr. Smith, and another with Miss Williams, according to our custom, besides the public service. "March 17. On Monday we were cheered and ex- cited by the arrival of Mr. Hebard, bringing your kind de- spatches. How shall I sufficiently thank you all for these, and for your abounding love; or my heavenly Friend for all his kindness to you, my beloved ones? I have received twenty-eight sheets. " You wish, dear father, to hear about my health. It has been excellent since my return from Jerusalem. In conse- quence of exposure within the damp walls of our new school- house, I have had a severe cold and cough, which continue. I was confined only a day or two, and have not been inter- rupted in my usual avocations. You know my lungs are not my weak part. If I eat a very little, of almost any kind of food, I am perfectly well and happy, if I at the same time avoid too much exertion. " In answer to your inquiries respecting the success of our labors, I would say, that with our press, schools, preach- ing, conversation, and other social intercourse, in which we are busy from morning till night, we feel that a broad foun- dation is being laid, upon which, at some future day, God knows when, a glorious superstructure will be raised. It is true we cannot tell you of conversions, or of any imme- diate and striking success ; and this pains us. But progress is making, and we look for fruit, even in our own day. Send us as many more as you can to help us. The field ra wide. There need be no idlers here. While you supply us from time to time, let your faith be firm and constant, rely- ing on the promises of Jehovah ; and be but little affected by the sounds of ' Lo here, and lo there.' It is a long and trying work that the church has undertaken, and many will fall in the contest ; but the victory will be won at last. " I am pained to hear of sister's ill health. Knowing, as she does, her peculiar danger, she ought to be particularly 312 MEMOIR OF careful to avoid excitement. The church is not resting upon her ; God can do without her, even. My missionary life, thus far, has been beneficially affected by my last year's experience in America, when sister thought I was on the ground of 'little faith.' I used to think myself of con- siderable consequence in the service of Christ ; but during that year, I felt my own insignificance unusually ; and here, on missionary ground, with closed lips, I have been obliged to feel this more than ever. And if the discipline had not commenced before I came here, I might have sunk down into a state of morbid sensibility, from which I could not have risen. " I love this climate exceedingly. I told the new mis- sionaries in quarantine yesterday, that I could not present them with a better wish, than that they might be as happy in Syria as I had been. By the way, Lamartine's work is too much that of a French poet, to be relied upon for accuracy. If the Maronites are to revive the true religion here, their hatred and opposition are part of the machinery with which God designs to bring about his purposes." March 21. After mentioning some articles of dress to be procured for her in America, she says " You have doubtless perceived from my letters, that we have not come out of the world by coming to Beyroot, but that we require as much as ever to be respectably dressed. In our chapel we are seldom without the presence of English travellers, and not unfrequently there are with us English noblemen. For two reasons, at least, .1 think our little company should appear respectable first, for the honor of the missionary cause ; and secondly, for our national dignity. For these reasons, I think that America should send forth her best to foreign lands. I never was so conscious of our national peculiarities as now, and cannot help being made a little nervous, occasionally, by certain Americanisms. Now you must not laugh at me, and say, *O! sister is fastidious. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 313 Were our countrymen to spend a few years abroad, they would not, so much as now, be inclined to say, ' We are the people, and wisdom will die with us.' " " April 1. This is Good Friday, and we had a morning service in English. It was affecting, as we passed through the city, to see nearly all the flags half-mast high, and our own among the rest. The reflection was sublime and al- most overwhelming 'It is to commemorate the death of the Son of God.' " I have commenced to-day translating a grammar in Arabic manuscript into English, for my own benefit, and for that of others, if I succeed. I become every day more interested in this delightful language ; and could spend my whole time with it agreeably. " My mind is much upon a female boarding-school ; and if I can get the promise of ten girls, we shall, God willing, remove the press from our house, and commence one in the fall. " April 20. Sabbath. Yesterday we held a meeting to consult upon the best method of promoting a revival of re- ligion in our own hearts, and among those around ; and to-day we have had the communion ; anticipating the regu- lar season a week, for the purpose of having brother and sister Whiting with us. Their visit has proved one of great importance, as some subjects of deep interest came before the brethren. " April 26. Our family now consists of thirteen ; and as the gentlemen kindly invited us to be present at their meet- ings for business, where, as silent spectators, our minds become informed on many important subjects connected with the interests of our mission, I have put aside many other duties for this privilege; and have frequently seated myself with them at eight o'clock in the morning. We protract the vacation of our school until the termination of Mr. and Mrs. W.'s visit. " April 28. I have just been down into our little garden, Smith 1 4 314 MEMOIR OF Unfortunately the sparrows love its products as well as our- selves, and I fear they will share too largely with us for our benefit." "I was affected, my dear cousin Sarah, to notice the death of your excellent father. How many souls he will meet in heaven, carried there through his instrumentality ! And your uncle R., too, has gone thither. Thus that gen- eration are falling, ' like leaves ia wintry weather.' I shrink from the anticipation of other breaches in that same circle, which, if I live, will still more tenderly affect me. The Lord grant that they may be long deferred. " We think that we can see some progress in knowledge of the truth, and have no doubt that we are carrying forward a system of means, which God will eventually bless, in the joyful establishment of his kingdom here. But it is a land of apostates from the true faith, and as such peculiarly cursed. Christians at home, as well as missionaries abroad, must possess patience and perseverance in this work of converting the world. They must go straight forward, con- fiding more in the promises of Jehovah, than in what they see and hear. They must be willing to work, faithfully, and let others reap the fruits. I hope to live here to be very old ; if so, I think that in thirty, or forty, or fifty years, I may be- hold some important changes for the better. I do not wish to plead for the exercise of too much indulgence towards myself and my fellow-laborers in the missionary service, but I think too much is expected from our individual influence. Suppose that the inhabitants of Norwich, for example, were all Mohammedans and Papists, and other corrupt Christian sects ; with how much courage would you and your husband establish yourselves among them, to do them good, especial- ly if printing the books, keeping the schools, preaching, and sundry other important duties, devolved wholly upon your- selves ? Yet the proportion of laborers in the missionary field is by no means equal to one family in 7 or 8,000. You see how much we need your sympathies and your prayers." MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 315 Mrs. Smith describes an interview which she had with a mother for the purpose of religious conversation. After speaking of the other females of the family, she remarks " I was left alone with the mother, the thing which I desired. I turned to her, and began to tell her how much I felt for her soul ; and that I wished to talk with her of it ; that if we met before the judgment-seat, we should think it very strange that we had not in this world conversed upon some- thing else than clothes, food, our neighbors, &c. I said, 'You have a wicked heart, like myself;' and to convince her of the necessity of a change of heart, I related my own experience. She listened with attention and tears. I said to her, ' These truths which I tell you are not my words, but they are the Saviour's, found in his gospel, and I know them to be true, because I have read them there. If you could read, you would find the Scriptures full of truths of which you now know nothing.' Thus I went on for some time ; and after putting into her hands a piece of cloth to make her infant a dress, which she had sought of me some days before, I went up to look at her silk-worms. There, in my presence, she repeated to the other women all which I had said to her, with one variation. " This visit was one of a series, connected with a system of visiting which our mission circle have recently estab- lished. My sphere is an interesting one, promising pleasure and usefulness. But, alas ! I cannot, as in America, go from house to house alone. Many of them are within the city walls, and thither I must go upon my donkey, attended by a man servant, and can make not more than one, or at most two calls in one excursion. There is no dropping in unobserved here, as with you. Our presence attracts all the neighborhood, and I have often had quite a congrega- tion, when I went to see one only." " BEYROOT, MAT 1. " I am much impressed this evening, my dear parents, with the goodness of God, in permitting me to close and 316 MEMOIR OF forward to you one communication after another, and to commence new ones. By a vessel which sailed yesterday, I sent a journal of three sheets; together with letters to different individuals, aside from our family. Perhaps you sometimes imagine that I am so occupied, and so distant, that I am becoming weaned from my beloved home and friends. Far from it. On the contrary, the cord which binds me to you becomes stronger every day, and I love to have you say that you talk about us continually. In answer to your kind inquiries, dear father, in my last letter I men- tioned my health more particularly. Perhaps it will be well for me oftener to allude to this in my journals, that I may keep you advised of any alterations that may occur. For a few days past, the heavy cold which I have had during the winter, seemed to return again in some measure. This morning I did not attend the English service, but kept my bed chiefly ; reserving my strength for the Sabbath school, whither I went and remained to the Arabic preaching. This evening I am much better. " On Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting and Mr. Lanneau, left us for Jerusalem ; and on Saturday, Mr. Smith, Miss Williams, Mr. Hebard, our two little girls, Antonio a young' translator, and myself, took a ride up the mountains, to a Maronite convent. On our way, about two hours from Bey- root, we stopped at Mansooreeyeh and looked into the house in which Mr. Smith, with Tannoos and his wife, spent a winter, and where Mr. Smith laid the foundation of his knowledge of Arabic. It was the winter after my visit to Andover. I little imagined then, that my future husband was dwelling in an Arab hut on Mount Lebanon. I had some peculiar feelings in looking at it. It is a small, one-story stone building, in the form of a parallelogram, containing two rooms and a stable. It is now deserted, and we were obliged to remove the rubbish, that we might look in upon its mud- dy floors and rough walls. I sat down upon the terraced roof, and opened Pollok's " Course of Time," upon these lines, which I thought a singular coincidence : MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 317 *The man of science to the shade retired, And laid his head upon his hand, in mood Of awful thoughtfulness ; and dived, and dived Again deeper and deeper still.' " Many of us have envied my husband the results of that diving among Arabic roots, with a teacher who then had DO knowledge of the grammar of the language. It was of incal- culable benefit to him, shut out as he also was from all use of the English language, and compelled to employ the Arabic. " To-day we commenced another term of our school, with twenty-six scholars. I am always most happy when I am thus occupied in teaching. Two native princesses from the mountains called this morning and occupied the time appro- priated to my Arabic and Italian lessons. They were digni- fied and rational, and visited and examined the press. They inquired respecting the comparative attractions of this coun- try and our own. I then simply stated to them the principal and vital difference which exists, that the females in Amer- ica have similar advantages with the other sex, and that not the rich and great only, but, by the liberality of these, the poor, may enjoy equal advantages for mental improvement. I love to inform the nobility here of this fact, as they are taught to read themselves, but pay no regard to the educa- tion of their inferiors. " Oh ! the time will come when knowledge shall be in- creased here, but ' how long, O Lord, thou knowest.' The wife of a persecuted Druze is very anxious to learn to read, and she comes to our house every day, when the school closes, to get instruction from Raheel. To-day the latter was visiting her parents, and Keffa, the daughter of the woman, gave her a lesson. It was affecting to see a little girl, six years of age, standing by her mother's knee in the office of a teacher. This female (the mother) we all love, her manners are so gentle, and her disposition so unobtru- sive. The whole family are under our influence, and I beg that you will make them especial subjects of prayer." 318 MEMOIR OF " BEYROOT, MAT 6. "Dear Mrs. Temple: I think that missionaries must unavoidably become very much matter-of-fact persons, and almost wholly absorbed in the daily round of care and labor, with little opportunity to choose their occupations. One duty after another forces itself in rapid succession upon our attention ; and we are obliged to conclude at length, like good Dr. Payson, ' the person who wants me, is the one I want.' If no other good results from this course of impera- tive duty, it has a tendency to interrupt self-complacency, since we are never as fond of being driven, as of walking at our leisure. But our Divine Master pleased not himself; and as we have voluntarily engaged in his service, we must stand by our post, and shrink from nothing. I rejoice that you have so promising a field of usefulness. It must make you quite happy. Our Beyroot school is an interesting one, increasingly so, though not large. When we shall have three or four female schools to superintend I know not. We feel the want of books exceedingly. The little girl whom I took more than a year since, and who advances steadily in intelligence and knowledge, has no book but the Bible to read not one. I translate to her ' Mary Lothrop,' and the ' Child's Book on the Soul ; ' but giving oral instruc- tion is a slow process. I give lessons in geography and on the globe to our scholars; but how much they must neces- sarily forget, for want of committing it to memory, from books in their hands ! Never did I realize so fully the exalted privileges of our American youth! Then again, should our press get into successful operation, I despair of doing any thing in the way of infant schools, because the Arabic language cannot be simplified, at least under existing prejudices. If every hymn and little story must be dressed up in the august habiliments of the Koran, what child of three and six years old will be wiser and better for them? How complete is the dominion of the great Adversary over this people ! All the links in the chain must be separated, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 319 one by one. And what a long, I had almost said, tedious process ! But I forget that to each one will be assigned a few only of these links. We are doing a little, perhaps, in this work ; if faithful, we shall rest in heaven, and others will come and take our places and our work." The following passage was written by Mrs. Smith upon the blank leaves of a pocket Testament, given her before she left this country, and which she returned to the donor a few months previous to her death. It is without a date ; but was probably written subsequent to the failure of her health, and under premonitions that she was approaching the close of life. " When you presented me with this precious little book, my dear brother, you probably did not expect to see it again. It has been my companion in all my wanderings since I left my native land. And now I return it to you, for the single reason, that it has made a visit to the Garden of Geth- semane. In that spot I seated myself, and in solitude pe- rused Matthew xxvi. 36 56, with peculiar feelings ; and then I plucked the sprig which you will find herein. Take this little Testament to your communion table, and urge upon your church, once more, the parting command of their Buffering Saviour. SAHAH L. SMITH." CHAPTER XVII. FAILURE OF MRS. SMITH'S HEALTH DEPARTURE FROM BEY- ROOT SHIPWRECK ARRIVAL AT SMYRNA CONTINUED DECLINE OF HEALTH REMOVAL TO BOOJAH LAST DAYS DEATH FUNERAL. IN consequence of the failure of the health of Mrs. Smith, her physician advised a voyage to Smyrna. For this purpose, and also for other reasons which will appear, she left Beyroot with her husband on the llth of June. The history of this voyage will be given from her own journal, and that of Mr. Smith. " SMYRNA, JULY 28, 1836. "My dear Parents: A few days before the close of our disastrous voyage from Beyroot to Smyrna, of which Mr. Smith gave you a brief account soon after our arrival here, and while I was lying exhausted upon the deck of our vessel, my thoughts suddenly reverted to an object in your drawing-room, which had not before crossed my mind since I left the home of my childhood. It was the picture of the shipwrecked mariner, that filled my imagination, as he stood friendless and desolate before the door of a solitary cottage, pointing to the distant sea as the scene of his sufferings, at the same time soliciting the compassion of its benevolent inmates. I well remember, that in my youthful days, when I stood beside our visitors who were admiring the beauty of the execution, I almost invariably inquired, ' Do you notice the tear upon the sailor boy's cheek?' I little imagined then, that the picture would ever be associated with any events in my own history. Now, however, I think that my 330 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 321 dear father will look at it with new and tender interest ; and that my dear mother, with no less feeling, will recall it to her mind. But I hope it will be with more of gratitude than sorrow, that their shipwrecked daughter lives to relate her own history. I will not, however, dwell on this subject at present, but return to Beyroot, that I may inform you of the process by which my health became so suddenly changed. " In the fall, soon after the rains commenced, the terrace of our newly-made female school-house was broken up, and its walls and floor soaked : and I there caught a severe cold, which produced a tight and violent cough. I was confined to the house but a few days, however ; and though my cough continued through the whole winter, yet, presuming on the strength of my lungs, I felt no anxiety, and took no precau- tionary measures; continuing all my labors as usual. As the spring advanced, I began to expectorate somewhat copi- ously ; my strength became suddenly exhausted, and my pulse rose to 110 per minute. Mr. Smith called in Dr. Whitely, who examined my lungs with the stethescope, and pronounced them diseased ; though in what way, and to what extent, he did not positively determine. He urged the necessity of immediately relinquishing all my employments, and giving myself up wholly to rest and relaxation. I complied with his advice, and found myself benefited. " As the state of the press rendered it desirable for Mr. Smith to visit Smyrna, and as it was thought a voyage would be of more service to me than any thing else, and would take me away from all my cares and responsibilities; with aching hearts we commenced our preparations for a de- parture. The plague, in the mean time, had broken out in Beyroot, and suspended our missionary labors; and our friends had all gone to the mountains, except Miss Williams, whom the exhaustion of the season required to follow them immediately. The intensity of my feelings was enhanced by the possibility that the wants of the press would require us to extend our voyage to America. This also made it necessary that we should put our furniture in a state to be 14* 322 MEMOIR OF left one or two years, and likewise to pack up many more clothes and articles of convenience than we otherwise should have done. " An early opportunity offered for Smyrna, and the day was fixed for our sailing. The afternoon of our embarka- tion, which was Friday the 10th of June, a few of our native friends and neighbors, together with our servants, assembled to bid us adieu. Mr. Smith made a short ad- dress, and offered prayer in Arabic. It was a scene of sorrow and desolation, such as I cannot describe. As you are not familiar with the scenes presented in time of plague, where families and individuals put themselves in quarantine, you can form little idea of the solemnity which was thus added to our parting interview. Our poor Druze neighbors, carefully avoiding contact with every object and with our- selves, walked one by one into our vacated parlor, and took the seats that were appointed for them. Every heart seemed ready to burst with grief, and we all wept together. An- tonio, our young translator and teacher, a most interesting youth, seemed inconsolable. He seized our hands and gave himself up to the violence of grief. "I had set my heart much upon taking Raheel with me. Parents, however, in Syria, have an especial aversion to part- ing with their children for foreign countries. One of my last acts, therefore, was to make a formal committal of her into the hands of my kind friend, Miss Williams. I had become so strongly attached to the little girl, and felt myself so much rewarded for all my efforts with her, that the cir- cumstances of this separation were perhaps more trying than any associated with our departure. " After so many months of pleasant intercourse and labor with my dear friend, Miss Williams, you need not be told of our mutual sorrow at parting.* Having wept and prayed together for the last time, I left her room, expecting to re- * Miss Williams was afterwards married to the Rev. Mr. Hebaud, End died at Beyroot on the 8th of February, 1840. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 323 turn and bid her a final adieu. But this my feelings would not allow. I descended the stairs to depart, supposing the last farewell was taken. I found, standing by my little don- key, our Mohammedan servant, who had often accompanied me in my rides ; and who, the moment he saw me, began to weep aloud, and express the deepest grief at our departure. This completely overcame me ; so that on mounting my donkey to ride to the shore, I was so much exhausted as scarcely to be able to support myself. " On reaching the place of embarkation, we sat down upon the solitary shore, with the friends who accompanied us, to await the arrival of the boat to convey us to the ves- sel. After considerable detention, the captain approached us, and informed us that two English travellers had just arrived ; and for their accommodation he wished to detain his vessel until the afternoon of the following day. For this purpose, he must send on shore sixteen poor Jews, who had taken passage, and, moreover, been waiting seven days for us. The captain left it with us, whether to go on board that afternoon, or to wait on shore until the morrow. But as it was Friday evening, and if we returned to our house, our friends could not go to the mountains until Monday, and more than all, as we dreaded another parting scene, we went on board with our Druze servant. After tossing in the harbor for twenty-four hours, our fellow-passengers joined us, and we set sail. The travellers were, the Rev. Mr. Wynne, a clergyman of the Established Church of England, and Mr. Stobart, an evangelical member of the same church. " On the 15th of June, five days after we left Beyroot, we were sailing on the north side of the island of Cyprus, with a strong head wind. My feelings had become much de- pressed as I lay in my berth that afternoon, having been deprived so long of my usual religious privileges ; and my husband came, and conversed and prayed with me. About nine o'clock, we retired to rest. Before closing his eyes, Mr. Smith had some unusual exercises of mind ; being led to question himself with more than customary earnestness as MEMOIR OF to his being prepared for a watery grave, if such should be our lot that night ; and finding more than ordinary satisfac- tion in the reply his feelings suggested. About half an hour after lying down, we were suddenly awaked by a crash, which we perceived was occasioned by the vessel's striking upon a reef. Mr. Smith started from his bed and went upon deck without speaking. I was soon upon my feet, but re- mained below alone, and began to pray for our lives, and the lives of all on board. " In the mean time, crash after crash succeeded the first, some of them exceedingly terrific, threatening the entire and speedy destruction of the. vessel. But amid the confusion on deck, I remained calmly upon my seat, with my little basket containing my combs and brushes in one hand, and a bag enclosing a few loose articles in the other. From the first moment of danger, my mind reverted to the long boat, and some desolate shore; while hope predominated that we should escape with our lives. Presently Mr. Smith appeared at the cabin door, and called me above. The tossing of the broken vessel upon the rocks interfered with the lowering of the boat, while a wave broke over the deck just as I reached it. I spoke not a word ; but as I turned towards the place where they were lowering the boat, sup- ported by my anxious husband, the mild rays of the evening star caught my eye, as it was just about to descend below the horizon; and it seemed like the star of hope. " I found myself the first in the boat, I know not how, and Mr. Smith followed. Our simple-hearted Druze servant was soon by our side ; and I was much affected by the smile of relief and satisfaction which played upon his countenance, as he exclaimed, ' My master ! My mistress ! ' One after another of the passengers and sailors threw themselves into the boat, to the number of fourteen. One of them, a poor, dissipated, and sick young Englishman, whose presence on board had been a great annoyance, as he was dragged into the boat, first fell into the sea, and afterwards across my feet, and for some minutes lay upon them, pressing them into the MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 325 water in the bottom of the boat. But every feeling of re- pugnance towards him had vanished ; and when I learned that all were safe in the boat, my heart glowed with gratitude to God, and unmingled kindness towards all my associates in affliction ; and I opened my lips for the first time to express it to my dear husband. Then it was that we saw the kind providence of God in preventing the embarkation of the sixteen Jews ; for had they been on board, certainly many lives must have been lost, as our boat was barely sufficient to contain the present ship's company. The sailors plied their oars, and we turned our backs upon the wreck, left our property to its fate, and committed ourselves to the boister- ous waves. " As none of us knew how far we were from shore, we feared we might be tossed in our little boat the whole of the night ; even if we were preserved from the violence of the waves. Our inefficient captain had no control over his crew, and all were giving directions at once. At length Mr. Smith raised his voice, and commanded attention ; saying that our danger was greater now than when on board the wreck, unless order was preserved ; he directed them to the north star for their guidance, and soon we found our- selves near a low beach, upon which the waves were dashing furiously. But for his influence, we should have been land- ed immediately in the midst of the surf; and thoroughly wet, if not drowned. He, however, persuaded them to continue along the shore, in search of some quiet indentation ; and the wind having died away, we at length discovered a spot where there appeared to be no surf. Here, an hour after leaving the wreck, we landed safely. The passengers were all left on shore, while the crew, excepting the cook, re- turned to the ship, with the hope of securing a part of the property. " I said to the English youth before mentioned, ' My young friend, were you ever so near eternity before? ' He replied, % No.' I inquired, ' Did you feel prepared to enter eternity so suddenly ? ' He replied again in the negative. ' Then,' said 326 MEMOIR OF I, ' you know not what a Christian's hope is worth, at such an hour ; and I entreat you to give the remainder of your days to preparation for death.' I had not strength to say more; neither could I perceive that my words made any very deep impression. " In the mean time, a place was prepared for me. A few sticks, which had been washed upon the beach, were set up by our servant, and a wet sailor's jacket thrown over them, to defend me from the wind. Beneath me were spread upon the damp sand, the bag which I had brought, a black shawl that was in it, and our servant's jacket; all of them wet. Upon these I lay, with my cloak around me, and perhaps you will be surprised when I say, slept also. The gentlemen walked backwards and forwards near me ; and no other ob- ject was seen, except the poor, disabled cook, whose fingers had been sadly bruised, and nearly dissevered, at the time of the wreck, and who had thrown himself upon the sand at a distance from us. " About midnight the boat returned, filled with what had been taken from the wreck. This was soon deposited upon the shore ; and in the darkness of the night, each one began to search for his own property, while I lay quietly waiting for the result. It was found that each sailor had secured his own chest ; they had brought also the portmanteaus of our companions, and a bag of hard bread. For ourselves, they had brought Mr. Smith's travelling bag, which contained his old cloak, double-gown, boots and shoes; a little trunk of shaving apparatus, containing also his purse, which in the confusion of the wreck he had transferred to it from a large chest; and our two mattresses. The mattresses were of no use that night, they were so thoroughly soaked. Of our eight chests, two writing-desks, and our provisions, they brought nothing. " As soon as the boat was unloaded, they returned to the wreck, and we still had strong hopes of recovering the re- mainder of our goods. But about daybreak they returned, bringing nothing, and informing us that the vessel had dis- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 327 appeared beneath the waves. As the boat neared the shore, I had lifted up my heart to God, that he would prepare me for whatever was the result. When it was made known, 1 had not a word to say. I felt then, and I still feel, that it was a sacred deposit which God had made in the bottom of the ocean. Nor have I had a heart to wish the recall of a single article that was lost. And I hope that you will all cherish the same feelings with myself, as I believe my dear hus- band does. " You may perhaps like to be informed of the nature and extent of our losses. We had with us a number of very val- uable books and manuscripts ; not many of general literature, but mostly connected with our Arabic studies, and the his- tory and condition of Syria, which Mr. Smith had procured at considerable expense and effort. Our writing-desks, also, which were lost, contained journals of Mr. Smith's travels in Syria and the Holy Land ; three volumes of private journals of my own ; unfinished letters, and letters received from friends ; all Mr. Smith's sermons, and a small sum of money ; our medicine chest, silver articles, and my watch." Here Mrs. Smith states further particulars ; from which it appears that her own and her husband's wardrobes, with the exception of a very few articles, which they were wearing in short, that nearly all their effects brought from Beyroot were lost. She continues " I could not but recognize the hand of God very re- markably, in my feeble state, in preserving to us our mat- tresses. Had it not been for them, I think that I could not have survived the voyage. It is true I was sometimes obliged to resort to Jacob's pillow, and had nothing but a cloak to cover me; as our bedding had gone to the bottom. With the exception of the captain, the loss of every indi- vidual except ourselves, was comparatively trifling; and yet all of them, during the remainder of the voyage, were 328 MEMOIR OF obliged to find their resting-place either upon the hard earth or the hoards of a ship. " Our party had much conversation during the night re- specting the manner in which we should relieve ourselves from our present embarrassments. We knew not where we were, except that we were beneath the mountains of Cara- mania, in Asia Minor. If the sun should rise upon us in our unsheltered situation, we should be scorched by its burning rays. I was too feeble to walk fifteen minutes, had we known what direction to take. Our only food was a bag of sailors' bread; not like the bread of American sailors, but unpalatable and unwholesome ; yet we were all glad to make our breakfast of it. But God, who is ever rich in mercy, interposed wonderfully in our behalf. The dawn of day discovered to us, at a short distance from the shore, a small native craft, becalmed. You may imagine what were our sensations, especially as the approaching day showed us still more distinctly, the hopeless natuye of our situation. We were on a sandy beach,* extending eight or ten miles into the sea, so low as to be entirely overflowed, when the water is raised by storms ; and without a single tree, or any thing else upon it, to afford us shelter from the heat. In our boat, which had but just returned from the last visit to the wreck, we immediately sent to ask succor from the vessel we had discovered. Soon we saw it ap- proaching us. It proved to be a lumber boat from Dami- etta, in Egypt, with a captain and crew of Egyptian Arabs. We all immediately went on board, and the captain, whose appearance was any thing but that of a courtier, passed me a few little fish, fried in oil; which I ate with avidity; though in my diseased state, I perhaps could scarcely have eaten more unsuitable food. " By noon the captain cast anchor in a deserted harbor, called Selefkeh, under pretence of watering ; and there re- mained, during that and the following day; though none * Called Lisan el Kahbch. MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 329 but putrid water could be obtained, and we had contracted with him, at a large price, to take us to an inhabited place, not very distant, on the coast. On our way we had found our jolly-boat ; into which, at the time of the wreck, our D'ruze, supposing we were to leave in it, had thrown his own bundle of clothes, a copper wash-basin, and my foot- stool. On shore we wandered about in the hot sun, to find a place of shelter; which we at length obtained under a large kharoob tree, where a strong wind closed our pores, and made us any thing but comfortable. There we cooked a dinner of rice and oil, which we had bought of the captain ; and passed that day. At night we returned to the vessel. It had no cabin, nor awning, nor shelter of any kind. Mr. Smith placed one mattress upon the lumber, for me to lie upon, and the other to shelter me from the wind. I dressed myself in my hood and vail, and he lay beside me upon the timbers. " The next morning, finding that the captain was still trifling with us, we went on shore again. " We became at length somewhat hungry, and solicited of the captain some rice, and a vessel to cook it in. But as he was making all this delay for the purpose of obtaining a higher price for our passage, which we declined paying, he refused to furnish us ; and we knew not but we should be literally left to starve. Just then, however, some of the sailors of our old crew, who had been out in their boat, re- turned and informed us that two or three other vessels were lying in a harbor two or three hours distant, from which we could probably obtain provisions. This softened our Egyptian captain immediately, since he found we were not so entirely in his power as he had imagined. Ann fearing he might lose the opportunity of taking us, he hastened to provide us with what we had requested. We, however, had lost all confidence in him ; indeed we feared to be any longer in his power ; for his dark visage indicated a capa- bility for almost any deed of darkness. As Mr. Smith was the only one of the passengers who could communicate 330 MEMOIR OF with the captains of the vessels which had been discovered, in their native tongues, it was proposed that he should visit them, to obtain relief. He left a little before sundown, com- mitting me to the kind care of our good friend Mr. Stobart. " Soon after his departure, we removed, for the night, from our tree to the shore. Here Mr. Stobart made my bed under the lee of a pile of timber. Our servant built a large fire to keep away wild beasts and musquetoes; with which also he cooked us a supper of eggs, in the sailors' copper wash-basin, the only vessel we had now at our com- mand. The eggs had been bought that afternoon, by the sailors in their visit to the vessels. I leaned against the pile of timber, and ate one with my fingers, using some dirty salt, which had been pounded with a stone for our use. Then, almost smothering myself with my cloak, hood, and vail, I laid myself upon my couch. The mild beams of the stars, and placid surface of the water, composed me to sleep ; though I was not without considerable anxiety for the fate of my husband, upon those unknown, barbarous shores. About half past ten, however, the sound of oars broke in upon the stillness of the scene ; and ere I was aware of it, he stepped upon the shore, and my heart bounded with gratitude. " He had become satisfied that an arrangement could be made with some one of the vessels, far better than to depend upon the Egyptian ; though, owing to the absence of one of the captains, no contract had been made ; and they were all Arab lumber vessels, which would evidently make the most of our distressed situation. Our sailors attached themselves to us, and immediately removed their baggage from the Egyptian boat to the shore. The captain, as soon as he had been paid for what he had furnished us, weighed anchor, and left the harbor. We were a little surprised at his haste, until our own captain informed us that he had left his com- pass on board ; which was probably a sufficient reason for his sudden departure. Mr. Smith, at a late hour, lay down supperless by rny side, while the others arranged themselves MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 331 at various distances around us, the sailors with the arms by their side which they had saved from the wreck. These, however, we needed not, for He who ' never slumbereth uor eleepeth ' watched over our little company ; and under his protection we enjoyed a few hours of undisturbed and re- freshing rest, giving us strength for the unknown scenes of another day. " On awaking in the morning, we found our situation sufficiently desolate. Not only our harbor, but the whole coast, was without inhabitants, and villages were to be found only at the distance of several miles in the interior. Our first movement was to despatch the captain of the Staflfetta Prusiana, the vessel we had lost, to make a contract with one of those which lay at a distance from us. We then made preparations for our breakfast, which consisted of boiled rice, cooked in our wash-basin. I partook of it with the company ; using, for a spoon, a piece of brown earthen ware, which my husband had picked up upon the shore. "The gentlemen went in search of a resting-place for the day, and soon returned, saying that they had found a habitation, to which they invited me. It was a ruined stone building, which appeared to have been used for a stable, by the nomadic Turkmans, during the winter. We had the floor, which was earth, swept and covered with fresh branches. My bed was spread in the most comfortable part ; and as I entered, I can assure you it seemed ' as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.' This was my birth-day ; and although in every respect the most sorrowful of any that I had passed, perhaps none ever found me with so many causes for gratitude. " Could I have had the society of our Christian com- panions only, in this spot, I should have been compara- tively happy. But God saw fit to try me in a variety of ways. That poor dissipated youth, whom I have mentioned, shared with us in all our arrangements. And thus, as he lay upon his bed of leaves in the same apartment, I was compelled to listen to his incoherent, wild, and sometimes 332 MEMOIR OF wicked conversation, during two long days. He would re- peat the same story many times; and though he was not destitute of intelligence or taste, yet vice had ruined him mentally, morally, and physically. I soon discovered that direct religious conversation rather irritated than benefited him, and attempted to pursue another course for his good. During the absence of the gentlemen, I endeavored to soothe and encourage him. I talked to him of his mother and sisters, and recommended to him, for the recovery of his health, to give up his wanderings, and return to them. I know not that any thing was gained by this, except that it secured to myself, invariably, respectful treatment. " A few hours after we were located in our new accommo- dations, my comforts were a little increased, by the kindness of one of the sailors. He brought me a few lumps of sugar from his chest, which Mr. Smith, after scraping it with his knife, carefully wrapped in a paper for my particular use. A small white bowl, also, he brought me, which, with a wooden spoon, made by my husband, rendered me quite in- dependent. He furnished us likewise with a small spirit lamp, containing one or two tin cups. And as Mr. Stobart had saved from the wreck a small caddy of tea, we were able to refresh ourselves with a cup of tea, using the yolk of an egg for milk ; while mine was rendered still more palatable by the sugar. At dusk our captain returned, and reported that no one of the three vessels he had visited would carry us to Rhodes for one hundred dollars; and this being the limit of what we had authorized him to offer, he had con- cluded no bargain. " Our habitation we did not find as comfortable at night as during the day, for the musquetoes poured in upon us, so that we were obliged to build a fire to smoke them out. Once in the night I awoke, suffering from the heat almost as much as if I were in an oven; and found not only a smoke, Lut a large flame blazing up in the corner of the room. The poor sick youth, having a turn of ague, had thrown on the fire a large pine timber, while we were all asleep, and laid MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 333 himself down near it, as a substitute for a bed and bedding, of which he had none since our shipwreck. We had it im- mediately extinguished, or we should all have been suf- focated. " The next morning, the Sabbath dawned upon us in this desolate spot; and found us, in our distressed circumstances, little able to spend its sacred hours without interruption. We composed our minds for religious exercises. Gathering together a few stones for a pulpit, we spread over them my black shawl ; and the Rev. Mr. Wynne read the liturgy of the Church of England, and preached a written discourse. It was to me ' a feast of fat things.' The prayers, the appro- priate selections from Scripture, the confessions of sin, all seemed suited to my case. Never did I so realize the beauty of that formulary, and its value under such circumstances. And those walls never resounded such language before. Our sick friend lay stupid and indifferent during the religious services ; but afterwards rose and opened his trunks for the first time since the wreck, and spent an hour or two in dry- ing his pictures and books. Alas ! he little imagined that it was his last Sabbath on earth. " In the course of the day, as Mr. Smith was walking out- side of the building, an old woman and a little boy, with a donkey, passed by, the first inhabitants of the country we had seen. She informed him that they were from an en- campment of Turkmans, about an hour distant in the moun- tains that rose up behind us. This incident, instead of comforting us with the idea of the vicinity of human beings, alarmed us somewhat for our safety ; as these Turkmans are known to have a propensity for robbing, and our defenceless situation would now become known to them. On the ap- proach of night, we accordingly requested the sailors to bring their arms and lodge in our apartment. But as some of them had become intoxicated by their visit to the vessels, we were more annoyed by their noise, than defended by their arms. In the mean time the captain, who had gone to seek a passage for us in one of the Turkish vessels, returned, 334 MEMOIR OF having concluded a bargain with one of the captains to take us as far as Castello Rosso. " The next morning we prepared ourselves for an early departure. As I passed out from our humble roof, my feel- ings were of a mingled nature. I had realized this morn- ing, more fully than before, that disease had taken hold of my constitution, and that probably my days were numbered. With our mattresses, and a large umbrella saved from the wreck, which Mr. Smith purchased of the captain, I was made very comfortable in the boat; and after rowing an hour or two, we reached the vessel. I was placed on board, while the rest of the company, with our goods, including even my little basket of combs, were carried to the shore to be examined by a custom-house officer, who had come from his village, three hours distant, professedly to aid us in our departure, but really to extort from us money. "I wrapped myself in my cloak, and sat down upon the deck. There being no one on board but a small cabin-boy, I begged of him a little bread and some water, which a hun- gry cat came to share with me. After an hour the party returned from the shore, having been obliged to give up their bargain with the owner of the ship I was in, and con- clude one with another. I had accordingly to make the painful effort of ascending another near by. Our new ship was now on her first voyage ; and of course was cleaner than most native craft; and more free from vermin, except that we were annoyed, day and night, by fleas. Mr. Smith and I had the cabin (which was low and small, and without berths) entirely to ourselves, except that the cabin-boy often came in for stores. Cooking utensils could not be bought, and our vessel furnished only one copper kettle, one small frying-pan, one copper plate, two wooden bowls, and some eight or ten wooden spoons : these were to be used by the whole ship's company, now consisting of twenty-two souls. " The day was spent in negotiations with the custom- house officer, and the aga of a distant village, who refused to give our ship her papers, (she being under the national MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 335 flag,) until they had made every effort to extort from us an exorbitant present; and had actually secured five dollars, to which they had no right. By sunset we were ready to sail ; but the wind then would not permit. And it was not until the approach of day, the following morning, the 21st of June, the sixth day after our wreck, that our anchor was raised and we put to sea. For me to remain in our confined cabin during the day was impossible. My mattress was spread upon the deck; and there I lay regularly, from morning to night, often throwing myself upon it completely exhausted, after being almost dragged upon deck. A piece of sail was thrown over me for an awning, so torn as scarcely to defend me from the burning rays of the sun : and the air I breathed was often filled with the smoke of the cooking apparatus; which for some of our large company was always in opera- tion. My situation at night was no better. My mattress was thrown upon the cabin-floor, where, having nothing against which to brace myself during the tossings of the ship, whose motion was very great, she being light in ballast, and we at the stern, the effort to keep in one position was exceedingly wearisome." Mr. Smith, continuing the account of their voyage, ob- serves " The wind was high, and being contrary to the current, raised a cross and troublesome sea. The vessel was terribly tossed ; and being very slightly put together, threat- ened to founder at almost every plunge. Mrs. Smith, besides rolling to and fro, for want of something to support her against the motion, was writhing under violent sea-sickness; which, instead of allaying, served only to increase her cough. She had some fears that she should not survive the night, and for a time I did not myself know what would be the end of her sufferings. " All this time the floor and partition of our cabin were so slight, that every noise reached us from the hold, where lay the sick young Englishman she has already mentioned. He was crying loudly, a good part of the night, I supposed from fright ; while those about him were endeavoring to 336 MEMOIR OF comfort him. Had I known what was really his case, and could have left Mrs. Smith, I should have gone to his assist- ance; for he had no one about him but ignorant Greek sailors. What was my surprise, on being told, in the morn- ing, that he was dead ! Mrs. Smith had anticipated this, having distinguished, among his incoherent cries in the night, calls upon the Saviour for mercy ; and conceived a presentiment of the result. Such a death in the midst of us, shocked the most unfeeling heart; and I found even our ignorant, thoughtless sailors prepared to respond to exhorta- tions to prepare for eternity. The body being wrapped in a sail, the burial service of the Church of England was read over it, by the Rev. Mr. Wynne, and it was plunged into its watery grave." From the history of the remainder of their voyage to Rhodes, given by Mr. Smith, we forbear to make further extracts. Their nights were mostly spent at anchor ; their days in working their way as the winds favored. They suffered considerably from the difficulty of obtaining sup- plies of food, at the places along the coast. At Castello Rosso they took passage in a Greek vessel, in which they made much more rapid progress, and found in their captain a kind old man ; but were exceedingly discommoded by the uncleanliness of their accommodations. This was to such an extent the case, that Mrs. Smith could not spend a mo- ment in the cabin ; and therefore, with her husband, passed the night upon deck, although the air was cold. Mr. Smith remarks, " As I lay down by her side, in that exposed situa- tion, my anxious heart anticipated, as a certainty, all which has actually happened. And I even now think the mourn- ful result of her disease was at least hastened by the ex- posure of that and the following night." Arrived at Rhodes, we resume Mr. Smith's journal. " Going on shore, I found a room in the suburb where the Consuls reside, and succeeded in removing Mrs. Smith tliither. The walk, however, from the boat to the house, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 337 cost her all the strength she had remaining. Our accommo- dations we considered comfortable, though our room was but small, and we had to sleep upon a table. " It soon appeared that my dear wife's symptoms had all become more threatening. Before leaving Beyroot, so con- fident was she in the native strength of her lungs, that she could not persuade herself there was much cause for alarm. Her first very serious conviction of danger, as she has men- tioned, was at our deserted harbor. Here she became still more alarmed, and much dispirited. Her pulse, which had diminished, the first days of our voyage, was now much increased in quickness ; a distressing headache troubled her without intermission ; she complained much of a stop- page and pain in her ear; and other symptoms of a fresh cold were apparent. The affection in her ear, now felt for the first time, never left her ; and was often afterwards her most troublesome complaint. "The three or four days of our delay at Rhodes we im- proved to fit out ourselves more folly for the remainder of our voyage. " No better vessel offered here than the one which had brought us from Castello Rosso, and we engaged her to take us on to Smyrna, our English friends still in company. By going on board and seeing the cabin thoroughly washed, from top to bottom, and having a board knocked off to admit more air, I obtained her consent to go into it. She was too weak to walk to the shore, and I procured a chair fastened between two poles, and borne by two men, to carry her thither; taking her through the city, that she might have the satisfaction of seeing a place so famous in history, and now the cleanest city in Turkey. She reached the vessel somewhat refreshed by her ride, and we sailed again about noon, the 2d of July. " It is needless that I should detail all the particulars of the remainder of our voyage. An almost constant head wind, often violent, made it long; and to my beloved wife it was indescribably tedious and wearisome. In fact her Smith. 1 5 338 MEMOIR OF recollections, not only of this part, but of the whole voyage from Beyroot, were afterwards so unpleasant, I might say revolting, that she took pains to exclude it from her mind. And it was only by making it a point of duty, that she could bring herself to dictate her journal. She saw not one mo- ment of comfort, or of rest. Her nights were disturbed by coughing, often attended with distress and vomiting, partly the effect of disease, and partly of sea-sickness, from which she was never entirely free. Her days were spent on deck, where I had a mattress spread for her under an awning ; for she could sit up but little. Here I was most of the time by her side ; her cough, however, would allow her to converse but little, and the motion of the vessel so affected her head, that she could not bear much reading. Indeed what should I read to her ? The sea had swallowed up all our books, even to our Bibles and psalm books. Happily Mr. Stobart had saved his prayer book, and from that I used daily to read to her a short portion of Scripture, always precious, and especially so now that we had so little of it. He had also a volume of short sermons by Mr. Jay, and with one of these we would refresh ourselves, when she was able to bear it." The following remarks of Mr. Smith in another con- nection will apply to her case during most of the voyage. " With every alleviation, you cannot well conceive how trying was her state. To do so, you must have been with her, having your heart borne down by anxiety, and laboring day and night, in our pinching circumstances, to relieve her sufferings. Or, rather, you must have taken her place, and actually suffered the languor of disease, and the weariness of perpetual motion, and the coarseness of our crowded company, and the filth every where apparent. Her long voyage of nearly thirty days after the shipwreck, deprived of suitable conveniences, was far more injurious to her than that event itself. I look back with wonder that she could endure it. And yet her patience and fortitude held out to the last; and feeble as she was, she contrived various ways to contribute to the comfort of others. Our English friends MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 339 evidently felt that her society contributed much to relieve the tediousness of the voyage. Her chief complaint was for want of opportunity for devotional exercises and the cultiva- tion of religious feelings ; which she ever found a desid- eratum at sea. . " We reached Smyrna on the 13th of July, thirty-three days after our embarkation at Beyroot, and twenty-eight from the time of our shipwreck ; and we could then look back upon the evils of our tedious voyage as past ! " Would that it had pleased God to pronounce our other evils past also. Hitherto we had not known what portion of Mrs. Smith's complaints to attribute to disease, and what to the effect of the fatigue, exposure, and privations of such a voyage. It was natural for us to hope that when delivered from these unhappy circumstances, placed in the midst of friends, and surrounded by comforts, she would again revive. We had both of us by this time lost the expectation of her entire recovery ; but were neither of us wholly without the hope of her so recruiting, as yet to continue her voyage home. "The day of our arrival, hope prevailed in her mind, at- tended, no doubt, with considerable excitement at seeing her friends. But the next morning, on rising to dress herself, she found that she was weaker than at sea. In fact she could not accomplish it, and was obliged to return to her bed. It was a sad hour. She at once feared that she should never be any better, and was overcome by the thought. A physi- cian was called in, the best the place afforded, and such a regimen pursued as her case seemed to demand. A few days made quite a visible improvement in her nervous sys- tem ; but not a single important alleviation could be dis- covered in one of her pulmonary complaints. This was her state when I wrote to you my second letter. It was a sorrowful day. Most of it was spent by both of us in tears. Her love to you surpassed the love of a daughter. She almost adored you. It had been a favorite wish that she might live long enough to save you the pain of hearing of her death. 340 MEMOIR OF Now she feared your heart would break at the information she felt obliged to convey to you ; and it seemed as if her own would burst with the feelings it occasioned. But when once the letter was written and sent, she appeared to feel that the struggle was over. I believe she from that day gave you up ; and I account for the fact that she afterwards spake of you less frequently than before, by supposing that she feared to trust her feelings, lest they should bring upon her again the same struggle. -~- But you know her heart too well to need that I should interpret it. It will gratify dear mother to know, that she afterwards told me she continued to dream of her ; always, as she had invariably done, imagining her in the full enjoyment of her sight, and in perfect health. " Her feelings, when she came now to look at her course as inevitably tending downward to the grave, were far from being such as she wished. The same trait of character, that made the thought of leaving you so painful, made also the anticipation of being taken from her other numerous friends, a source of the most sorrowful feelings. You know how ardent, and how many were the friendships she cher- ished. When she came to think of their all being rent asunder, she said, much as had been the pleasure she had derived from them, it were almost better to have no friends. But having given you up, the severest pang was over, and as she drew near eternity, other feelings threw a shade over these. She did not love the world in a bad sense ; and yet it was evident that death was to a degree taking her un- awares ; and was occasioning her a most trying disappoint- ment. How long and how ardent had been her attachment to the cause of missions ! And how unremittingly had she labored to qualify herself for the work ! And now, just as she had mastered the language, had her plans of operation marked out and successfully commenced, saw herself per- manently settled in a commodious residence, had obtained a valuable female friend to share in her labors, and was fondly expecting another in a beloved relative, to be called away at such a time, she had not expected, and many tears did MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 341 she shed at giving up such bright anticipations and favorite plans, the subjects of so many prayers. No one, perhaps, ever enjoyed more the buoyancy of health than she. And now, when she found the symptoms of disease fastening them- selves upon every part of her system, the thought that she was never more to have one healthful feeling, would some- times give her a pang of sorrow, and cause bitter tears to flow. Such thoughts, however, were soon dismissed, and apparently never more indulged. In health she enjoyed more beautiful and delightful thoughts of heaven, than almost any person I have known. But in doing so, she had looked, not through, but over the grave, and the natural fear of death, which, as well as the dread of all bodily suffering, seems to have been in her unusually strong, was not over- come. When, therefore, she came to look at the dying pangs as near, her nature shrunk from the view with un- definable horror. It was the last of her painful feelings that was subdued, and I have no doubt it shed a deeper gloom over all the others, if it did not occasion some of them. " These were a few of the sorrowful sensations that crowded into her mind in these days of darkness. But I have not yet mentioned the worst, the most deeply seated of them. She that had been so bright an example of the in- fluence of ardent piety ; had enjoyed so many blessed seasons of communion with God, and been the means of giving to so many others the hope of heaven, was now left in spiritual darkness, almost ready to say that she was with- out faith and without hope. Day after day she prayed and longed for her Saviour's presence, but groped for him as in the night, and could not find him. She opened her heart to Mr. Temple and to myself, and we both endeavored by con- versation and prayer to comfort her, and lead her to Him whom she sought; but for a long time without success. How these clouds at length gradually passed away, the sequel will show. " Although she had given up the hope of arresting her disease, she still hoped, and so did we all, that she might yet 342 MEMOIR OF rally sufficiently to live several months, and perhaps through the winter. But in Smyrna, though in the kindest of families, her situation was very unfavorable for this. The house was a good deal frequented, and consequently not quiet ; the streets were noisy, especially from carpenters and masons erecting a house near at hand ; the air was confined and warm ; and myriads of musquetoes annoyed her at night, or obliged her to breathe air confined by a net. "At this time Mr. and Mrs. -Adger removed to the coun- try, and very kindly invited us to take lodgings with them at Boojah. Accordingly on the 7th of August, I removed Mrs. Smith hither. A sedan chair was the only carriage to be had, and in that she arrived with comparatively little fatigue. This village is in a lovely, retired situation, about four or five miles from Smyrna. It is a favorite summer re- Bort for the English families of the city. " Here Mrs. Smith's spirits, which had already begun to recruit, were very much improved. From this time she was generally cheerful. And so much did she feel herself revived, that her hopes of gaining yet a little strength before she should be called away, were a good deal encouraged. She could bear some reading, uniformly read daily a portion of Scripture herself, at times enjoyed more connected thought in prayer, dictated occasionally a page or two of her journal, and once wrote with her own hand a few letters and notes. She amused herself occasionally, also, in sewing ; making with her own hand several little mementos for friends. But yet it was often evident that these labors were the result of efforts which it required all the resolution of her energetic mind to make. " At the time of our wreck, when I reminded her that her private journals were lost, she said she was glad of it, and her countenance indicated strongly the sincerity of her dec- laration. For she said she had feared use might be made of them which she did not wish. Upon reflecting, however, afterwards, that she had never allowed me to read them, she expressed some regret that they were gone. She would MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 343 have liked particularly to recover two parts; that which re- lated to her conversion and her records of the Mohegan mission. Of the latter she remarked, that no complete ac- count was to be found, and many interesting passages must be lost. " Her conversion, I induced her, on Sabbath afternoon, the 28th of August, briefly to relate. In a few days I com- mitted it to writing and submitted it for her correction. She smiled as she read over parts of it, saying, ' If any of my friends should see this, they would be amused that I knew myself so well.' * " On the 23th of August, being the Sabbath, and during the subsequent week, we had much conversation respecting the ground of her hope. She had not yet that full assur- ance of faith which she wished. She was not favored with the sensible presence of her Saviour that she desired. Her difficulty seemed to lie in the want of some specific feeling of acceptance, which at such a time she had hoped would be given her ; and which would have been to her a source of joy such as she needed to cheer her while going down into the dark valley. I suggested to her that she was probably expecting too much, and was therefore dissatisfied with what she had, though God saw it to be enough for her. I asked if she did not love the Saviour, if his cause was not dear to her, and if she could think of separation from him without the greatest horror. On examination, all the specific evidences of a gracious state appeared perfectly clear in her feelings ; and in her speculative views not a single difficulty troubled her. And yet, in drawing the conclusion of her being ac- cepted, the actual consciousness of her acceptance was de- fective. That she had had it in former years, she was satis- fied ; but it was a question of anxious interest, how far she might look to past experience for comfort. She remarked an apparent inconsistency in religious instructions on this point. In addressing men, she said, preachers were very apt to warn * This has been embodied in chapter first. 344 MEMOIR OF them against trusting to past experience ; but in speaking of departed Christians, they would invariably exhibit their life as an evidence of their piety. As to looking back upon her past feelings or conduct, for the purpose of building up a righteousness of her own, nothing could be farther from her thoughts, or more revolting to her feelings. But that she might refer to both, regarding them as so many instances of the grace of God to her ; not as what she had done, but as what Christ had done in her, and thus seek to find assur- ance of her gracious state, I endeavored fully to convince her. I suggested to her that to neglect all these past tokens of her acceptance, would be an act of ingratitude to God. " Another question she proposed at this season with some anxiety. She inquired how far she ought to call up the specific sins of her life in order to mourn over and repent of them. She had already done so to some extent. She had been back to her youth and childhood, and called up many sins, which had caused her heart to ache with grief and pen- itence. I dissuaded her from pursuing far such an attempt to recall particular transgressions, as calculated at the pres- ent time unnecessarily to distress her. God would be better pleased, I assured her, with her passing them over as for- given and blotted out, through his abounding mercy. She would not err by contenting herself with a more general re- pentance of her past life, feeling that it had been all imper- fection and sin, and abhorring herself on account of it; which, with a great deal of earnestness, she assured me, she most heartily did. " You will perceive, my dear parents, how honestly your beloved daughter dealt with herself as her last hour ap- proached; how she examined the foundation of her hopes at every point, even until they trembled as if it were about to give way beneath them. That you may see how they finally settled down more firmly upon the Rock of Ages, I give you a journal, in which I began at this time, without her knowl- edge, to record the daily progress of her feelings and of her disease, for your special comfort and my own." MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 346 "Sept. 4. Sabbath. On returning from morning ser- vice, I found Mrs. Smith in a happies state of mind than usual, indicating that she was enjoying a Sabbath day's blessing. She told me that God had favored her with a season of more than common connectedness and satisfaction in prayer. Calling for Pilgrim's Progress, she began to read the description of Christian's passage over the river of death ; but soon stopped. After dinner, at her request, I commenced reading to her the remainder of the account ; but had hardly advanced a page, before she desired me to desist, saying that she could not bear it. Subsequently, she spoke with much emphasis of its being a great excellence in the Bible, that it contained so little that was exciting. She said it was chiefly plain instruction, intelligible to the simplest minds, and not too exciting for the weakest nerves. She felt that it was better adapted to her, in her present state, than any other book ; and she intended to confine her reading chiefly to it. " She requested me, at evening prayers, to express her thanks to God, that he had in some measure removed the clouds that had been resting upon her mind. She had prayed that morning, that the day might not pass without her receiving some token of divine favor. The attempt to read Pilgrim's Progress had been the occasion of her receiving it. It had convinced her, that had God given her those spiritual joys she had been desiring, with her excitable tem- perament and present weak frame, they would have at once overcome and sunk her into the grave. God knew better than she how her constitution needed to be dealt with ; and she was now prepared to be contented with such a degree of light as he saw fit to give her. " Sept. 6. I inquired respecting the state of her mind. She replied, that she could best express it by saying that she felt submissive. She was certainly resigned to God's own pleasure respecting her. On the whole, her choice was to die. Yet her hope was hardly founded on any thing she now felt, but on the evidence she could gather from her past life and experience, and on the mercy of God. If any one thought this 15* 346 MEMOIR OF a wrong foundation, or that she was deceived she wished to be informed. All expectation of living, she assured me, she had entirely given up. She indulged not the most distant hope of it. And when she saw and recollected how much imperfection existed in the best, here, she felt that it would be a relief to get to heaven. " Sept. 7. On awakening at an early hour in the morn- ing, she said, ' How delightful it will be to reach heaven, where there will be none of these pains, and wearinesses, and imperfections ! ' " She spent the strength she had during the day in arran- ging her worldly matters, writing out directions to be at- tended to after her death, which she sealed and carefully deposited in her portfolio. The whole was done with per- fect composure, though with manifest intensity of feeling; and when it was finished, she evidently felt relieved by the consideration that she had closed up her concerns with the world. The scene was too much for me. Struggling to master her own feelings, she said, 'My dear husband, you would not call me back to the world?' I told her that I had sometimes felt as if I could not let her go. She replied, ' All my other friends 1 have given up ; but with you I feel that the struggle is not yet past.' " Sept. 9. At an early hour, she said to me, ' What long lines of ancestors have I to meet in heaven ! ' I remind- ed her, that in health she had been unusually fond of antici- pating meeting and recognizing her friends in heaven, and asked whether such continued to be her anticipations. She replied that they did ; that a large share of the pleasure she hoped for in heaven she expected from this source. It seemed to her absurd to imagine, that friends would not recognize and be interested in each other there. " Sept. 10. On opening the Bible to read to her in the morning, I selected a chapter in Isaiah. She stopped me, and requested to hear something from the Gospels. She pre- ferred them, she said, because they contained the words of our Saviour. And if she was going to be with him, she MRS. SARAH L. "SMITH. 347 thought to prepare herself t>y thus becoming more acquainted with him, and having her heart more drawn towards him. Besides, his words were all simple, and it did not fatigue her weakened mind and body to understand them. " Sept. 13. Mr. Moulton, a pious American friend, upon whom a consumption had recently fastened, being in the house, she expressed a desire to see him alone. Her object was to tell him what was thought of his case ; and to en- deavor, by suitable suggestions, to prepare his mind for the event apprehended. It gratified her to find him, to some extent, m a prepared state of mind. He afterwards re- marked, that she was the only person who had told him of his danger. " Mrs. Brewer also called, and Mrs. Smith conversed con- siderably with her on spirituality in prayer, and the means and necessity of the cultivation, by missionaries, of a greater degree of holiness. " Sept. 14. Her physician, who had been absent a week or two, called in the evening. In giving his prescriptions, he expressed the hope that she would every day find herself getting better. In this he conformed to the universal prac- tice in this part of the world, of endeavoring to conceal from the sick their danger; and in fact, in all his intercourse with her, he seemed incapable of bringing himself to act upon any other principle. Most persons here would be shocked at the idea of telling the sick there was no hope of their living, though they might be going very fast downward to the grave. Even the English of this village seem to en- tertain fully these ideas ; and the fact that Mrs. Smith was aware of her danger, and anticipated so calmly the. result, not merely interested, but surprised them; so that a deep and happy impression was produced thereby. On this oc- casion Mrs. Smith showed herself shocked at the kindly meant attempt of her physician at deception ; and told him distinctly, that she had no hope nor wish to live. "Sept. 17. Symptoms came- on in the morning, indi- cating that the sands of life were fast running out With 348 MEMO1K OF anxiety she asked whether I thought God would give her patience to the end ; and expressed a desire to know whether she had hitherto been otherwise than patient. ' At the be- ginning,' said she, as I commended her patience, ' I had many more rebellious feelings than any one knew ; but latterly they have all passed away.' " In the early part of the night, sleep being driven from me by anxiety, in consequence of her low state, I arose, and read, with great comfort, the history of our Saviour's death. On going to her, I reminded her how different was his situa- tion, with no one to stand by him, or to speak a kind word and deprived of his Father's smiles from hers, with some kind friend to watch over her constantly, and attend to all her wants. She said that my suggestions comforted her; but remarked, that her mind was weak, as she ought to have anticipated that it would become, with the advance of her disease. Though her mind was weak, it had nothing of the weakness of childhood or of idiocy. Her judgment remained unimpaired ; and her opinions, with the exception of two or three short periods of partial delirium, I continued to value, to the last, as when she was in health. Its weak- ness consisted in an inability to think much, or connectedly. " In the midst of her uneasiness to-night, she expressed the greatest satisfaction with every thing that was done for her. ' Every pillow,' said she, as I composed her after coughing, ' is placed right, every inch of it.' This disposition to be contented with the attentions that were paid her, and the services she received, was prominent from the first. It was a pleasure, every day, to wait upon her, she was always so satisfied and thankful r or every thing. " About midnight she revived, and seemed more than usually disposed to converse; she had received, and read, in the course of the day, several letters from home, and had derived great pleasure from their contents. Now, in ref- erence to some observations in one of her sister Faith's, she said it ought to be considered, that she wrote her journals that were sent home, for the eyes of many friends. Her pri- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. vate journal was a more proper place for records of her states of minrl and private experience. This would account for some apparent want of spirituality. " In reference to her present feelings, she expressed a wish to dwell, more than she had done, upon heaven ; but complained that her diseased body drew most of her thoughts to itself, and thus her conversation was more than she de- sired about her pains, her food, her position, and the like. Of one thing she was certain; she hated Satan and his king- dom. That she loved the kingdom of Christ she was not so certain; and was at times troubled lest it should be for God's glory to make her an example of his vengeance. Yet in Satan she had no complacency, and it had been her great object to aid in destroying his kingdom. She felt, too, that she cast herself upon the Lord Jesus Christ for help, for ' what else, 1 said she, with emphasis, ' can I do? ' But she had only her former usual feelings. I suggested to her, as I had done before, that, probably, here was her mistake ; she had expected, at such a time, something new and extra- ordinary ; whereas, God saw fit to require that she should be satisfied with the ordinary experience of his grace. She replied, that she knew she had been unreasonable. "Sept. 18. Sabbath. The latter part of the night, the beginning of which is described above, I lay down, at her request, to sleep near her. She awoke me, at seven o'clock, with a kiss, having made a great effort to lean forward for that purpose, and said, with a sweet smile which I shall never forget, and with all the animation her emaciated fea- tures could express, ' My dear, I want to ask a great favor of you that you will take your breakfast with me this morn- ing. I will drink a cup of tea with you, and we will eat a meal together once more.' " The day was passed very comfortably, and she was much disposed to converse. The death she was brought to, she said, was just such a one as had often filled her imagination, Time was given her to put her worldly matters in order, and to give her friends previous information, that they might not 850 MEMOIR OF be shocked by its suddenness. The remark being made, that if she had remained in the United States, she would perhaps now have been well, instead of dying with consump- tion; she replied that she should not wish it. She would rather be lying here on her death-bed, on missionary ground, than to be in health at home. " Sept. 19. A distressing cough disturbed her slumber, and exhausted her strength, during the whole of the last night ; and she awoke this morning oppressed with stupor and extreme languor. " She had had a desire to write, or at least to dictate, a letter to her sister Faith, and had designed doing it to-day ; but finding herself very low, she only gave me a message for her, to be communicated in a letter from myself. In the afternoon, she was so feeble that we did not know but she would immediately expire. But after a while, reviving a little, she said to me, in a whisper, that there were one or two things she had been intending to charge me with, re- specting her last hours. One was, that she wished to have a plenty of air admitted to the room. Another referred to the custom, sometimes practised by friends, of crowding around the bed and repeating texts of Scripture, and verses of hymns. She thought it must distract the departing spirit; and wished for nothing of the kind, but for order and still- ness. She desired her soul, at that solemn moment, ' to be left alone with God.' " Sept. 21. I read to her the 5th chapter of 2d Corinthians. She listened with great attention, and seemed much inter- ested, but said nothing. Not long after, however, she in- formed me that it had comforted her more than she could express. It had removed all the remaining clouds from her mind. She wanted no more. She was going to be with her Saviour, arifl that was enough for her. Repeatedly during the day, she alluded to these thoughts ; and in the evening, Mr. Temple coming in, she repeated the same remark to him. ' No visions of angels,' said she, ' are given me, and no excessive joy, but a settled quietness of mind. I believe MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 351 all that is written in the word of God ; and upon the strength of this faith I am going into eternity.' This steady calmness of faith, especially in a person of her naturally ardent tem- perament, I considered a much more satisfactory state of mind, and more surely indicative of maturity for heaven, than a high excitement of feeling would have been. " Sept. 22. In the afternoon, she said to me with much earnestness, ' When you write to my friends after all is over, one thing I wish you would make prominent. It is, that I feel satisfied with the course I have taken, and that all has been ordered by God.' [Meaning in her becoming a mis- sionary.] ' I have no disposition to boast of my labors ; but I feel that I have not left my friends and my country in vain. I never have regretted having done so, nor do I now. This is my dying testimony.' " In the evening I received the Missionary Herald, con- taining a portrait of Dr. Wisner. Thinking to surprise, and at the same time to gratify her, I took it, with a candle, and putting my hand over the name at the bottom, showed it to her. Though she had for two or three days required assist- ance to rise or turn herself, the moment her eyes, just then opened from sleep, caught it, she sprang forward, seized and kissed it, exclaiming, ' Dear man ! I shall soon be with him. He was the last person with whom I shook hands.' Said she, her voice faltering, ' You ought not to have shown it to me to-night. It is too much for me.' She had before men- tioned it as a pleasing reflection, in her sickness, that she should soon be permitted to associate with Cornelius, Wis- ner, and their predecessors. " On another day she said, ' What a wonderful passage is that, " We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." It has been in my mind all the morning.' " Sept. 23. She was quiet the last night, blit appeared more than ever exhausted this morning. Reviving towards noon, she expressed a wish to see Dr. Wisner's portrait again. It produced the same delighted expression of counte- nance. She said, ' I cannot tell you how it affected me last 352 MEMOIR OF evening. You know how much I loved him. Next to my parents, I have thought of no one more. I seemed, some- how, to be expecting to see him. Repeatedly, during the night, his image recurred to my mind, and it was as if I had seen an angel. I thought perhaps God had sent him to be nigh me, and comfort me ; and I imagined he might be the first to greet me in the world of spirits. I do not doubt that God ordered the circumstance to comfort me.' " Sept. 24. I found her this morning weak, and waiting continually for her summons. She requested me, most earnestly and solemnly, to pray that the Saviour would give her his presence. Not long after, having revived again, she said, ' I have come to a conclusion which satisfies me. It is, that when the Saviour calls, he will come.' Subsequently, as she was expressing a wish to have his presence in the dark valley, she checked herself, saying, ' But I have not entered it yet ; when I do, I shall find him.' " In the afternoon, she inquired if a shroud had been made for her, and being told that one was prepared, she soon said, ' I have now done with earth.' Not long after, she said, ' How strong is that expression of our Saviour, " I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where 1 am, there ye may be also." ' I then read to her John xiv. 16; xvii. 24; 2 Cor. v. 110, and Rom. viii. 33, 34, with such remarks as I thought would assist her medi- tations. " Seeing me conversing with a friend who was going to town, she asked me if I did not find that conversation upon other topics distracted my thoughts. I told her that I had been inquiring where the English here buried their dead ; and had found that it was in the city. There her remains would probably lie, not far from the ashes of Polycarp, and other sainteM members of that ancient apocalyptic church. She only replied, ' All, sinners saved by grace.' " In the evening her fever came on with unusual violence, producing great excitement. All the energies of her mind seemed to be braced up to meet the king of terrors ; not that MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 358 she feared the consequences of death, but her natural dread of the mortal struggle was not yet gone. And there was, at times, a sublimity in her aspect, her manner, and her lan- guage, as she seemed to be gathering up her fortitude for the last great contest. " After a while, I observed her apparently absorbed, for some time, in private prayer. She then called me to her, and said, ' My dear, I fear I have been putting you in the place of God, and placing too much dependence upon you. It has occurred to me, that he will not show himself until I look to him alone. I have always intended, at the last, to have a season of giving you up. Now I have done it ; and I feel as though God had accepted me, and would bless me. I still love you, however ; you will not misunderstand me on that point.' She said to me, the next day, that she had been happier since she resigned me. "Sept. 25. Sabbath. She said to me, 'This is the precious Sabbath.' ' Yes,' said I, ' I was going to remind you of it.' ' Oh,' she replied, ' I have been thinking of it all night.' After a while she added, ' This is a desirable day in which to die.' And again, ' How should I be disappoint- ed not to be called away to-day ! ' " She sent her love to her missionary friends in Smyrna, Cyprus, and Syria. Then turning to me, she said, ' Tell my friends, I would not for all the world lay my remains any where but here, on missionary ground.' After a good many remarks, showing the brightness of her views of spiritual things, some of which could be but indistinctly heard, she exclaimed, ' What a goodly company of ancestors shall I meet there ! Yes, and the holy angels, and the Son of God ! Oh, the Almighty God ! You know nothing of his glorious majesty. I cannot express it ; but I wanted to speak of it, that you may think that yourselves are nothing. I have thought too much of myself. In this sickness I have thought it too important that my ease and wants should be consulted. We all think that we are of more importance than we are. Beware of pride.' Her mind seemed now, and at times 354 MEMOIR OF subsequently, to be burdened with presentiments of inex- pressible grandeur, in anticipation of being ushered into the immediate presence of God. Hitherto, she had seen only 'through a glass darkly;' now she was every moment ex- pecting the vail to be withdrawn, which would leave her * face to face ' before Him who dwelleth in light unapproach- able, and at whose majesty the highest angels tremble, and vail their faces. " We sung that beautiful hymn of Doddridge on the eter- nal Sabbath, commencing, ' Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love.' " To my surprise, her voice, which she had so long been unable to use for singing, was occasionally heard mingling with ours. Her face beamed with a smile of ecstasy ; and so intense was the feeling expressed in her whole aspect, that we stopped after the first verse, lest she should even ex- pire while drinking the cup of joy we had presented to her. But she said to us, 'Go on;' arid, though all were bathed in tears, and hardly able to articulate, we proceeded. I was sitting with her hand in mine. While singing the second verse, she pressed it, and turned to me at the same time such a heavenly smile as stopped my utterance. Before we reached the end, she raised both her hands above her head, and gave vent to her feelings in tears of pleasure, and almost in shouting. After prayer, she said, ' I have had a little glimpse of what I am going to see. It was but a glimpse, and perhaps it was imagination. But it seemed a glorious sight. Tell Mr. Sarkis, (an Armenian present, who, she knew, had read Pilgrim's Progress with particular inter- est,) I have had a slight view of something like what befell Christian after he had crossed the river of death.' During this deeply affecting scene, there were standing by, besides ourselves, three Greeks, an Arab, an Armenian, and a part of the time a Persian, while tears flowed freely from almost every eye. " Some time afterwards, as she was imagining she should MRS. SARAH L SMITH. 355 die about the going down of the sun, I told her it was Mr. Temple's opinion, formed from the observation of many cases, that she would not die before she had lost her phys- ical dread of death. Christ had taken away the sting of death, and he generally gave the world opportunity to ob- serve it in the dying experience of his followers. She re- plied, ' That feeling has entirely gone. I have no more fear.' In fact, after the religious exercises above men- tioned, she seemed to be in even an exhilarated state of mind. As I was giving her some food or medicine, she said to me, smiling, ' I have been pleasing myself by think- ing how I am going to drop all these things, the tapioca, and the arrow-root, and the bread-tea, and this clothing. I am going to leave them all to you, and I shall be clear of them.' Afterward she said, ' I have been imagining how smiling all the faces in heaven will look, if they are like 's on the day of her conversion. You do not know x how I shall smile upon you, when you come there.' Again she said, ' I have had some most sublime conceptions to-day, of what I shall see when I enter the world of spirits.' " Sept. 26. Early in the morning she seemed much re- vived. Her fever had subsided; and though weak, she was quiet, and disposed to sleep. A sweet expression of pleasure was on her face the whole day, and she often smiled so cheerfully as to make us all happy. It was re- ligious joy that cheered her. She said to me early in the day, ' Perfect happiness, what an idea ! The perfection of bliss! It is worth waiting a day or two for.' And again, * I thought a little while ago, that I was ushered into the presence of Almighty God, and saw the all-seeing eye!' But there was none of the excitement of yesterday. She even had a more than natural, I may say, heavenly calm- ness. She proposed uniting with us in the holy commun- ion, which she had thought herself unable to bear before; saying, she thought she should enjoy it, seeing that our Saviour had said, ' Do this in remembrance of me.' Ac- cordingly, at four o'clock in the afternoon, we celebrated 356 MEMOIR OF that solemn ordinance in her room. Mr. Temple officiated, with great solemnity and appropriateness of remarks. Hers were almost the only dry eyes in the room ; not from want of enjoyment, for a heavenly expression of countenance showed what she afterwards said that she enjoyed it highly. But it appeared, rather, that her nature had, since yesterday, undergone a change, and received already some of the peace and calmness of the glorified state. " Sept. 27. She said to me, ' I have been thinking all night, that there is nothing at all melancholy in the death of a Christian, either to himself or to others. I feel very happy in the prospect of death.' " Sept. 28. She requested me to pray that if God had any thing more for her to do, for which he was thus keep- ing her here, he would lead her to do it ; and this she again asked me to petition for, when I prayed with her at the close of the day. " Sept. 29. The latter part of the night she began to be nervous, as on Saturday night and Sabbath, except that she was weaker. Yet her patience held out ; only she once ex- claimed in the morning, ' O Lord, how long ! ' " Sept. 30. It was about half past four when I entered the room. Her hand had a death-like coldness as I took it, and I perceived that her hour was come. After being raised as at other times, without expectorating, she also perceived the same ; and, falling back gently upon her pillow, said in a faltering whisper, ' Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' " The family soon assembled, including the servants, and our Armenian friend, already mentioned. It would have been a gratifying circumstance, had her last hours been passed in the midst of the nation to whose spiritual good she had devoted her life. As it was, our own ever- faithful and kind-hearted servant was the only Arab that witnessed her dying scene. He took his position by the side of her bed, and there stood until the last ; showing, by uninterrupted tears and suppressed sobbing, how thoroughly MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 357 she had won his attachment. The rest of the company stoo'd or sat at a little distance, while I sat by her side with her hand in mine. As soon as all were assembled, I asked her if Mr. Adger should pray. With indistinctness she re- plied, ' Yes.' It was the last word she spoke. Convulsions had begun before he commenced, but she was quiet in a good degree while he prayed. We then remained silently watching her ; feeling that we had nothing more to do, but to pray in our hearts for her speedy relief from suffering. " Involuntary groans were occasionally uttered in her convulsions. These, as we were listening to them with painful sympathy, once, to our surprise, melted away into musical notes ; and for a moment our ears were charmed with the full, clear tones of the sweetest melody. No words were articulated, and she was evidently unconscious of every thing about her. It seemed as if her soul was already join- ing in the songs of heaven, while it was yet so connected with the body as to command its unconscious sympathy. Not long after, she again opened her eyes in a state of con- sciousness. A smile of perfect happiness lighted up her emaciated features. She looked deliberately around upon different objects in the room, and then fixed upon me a look of the tenderest affection. Bending over her, I touched her lips with mine, and she returned my token of love, [t was her farewell. Her frequent prayers that the Saviour would meet her in the dark valley, have already been men- tioned. By her smile, she undoubtedly intended to assure us, that she had found him. Words she could not utter to express what she felt. Life continued to struggle with its last enemy, until twenty minutes before eight o'clock ; when her affectionate heart gradually ceased to beat, and her soul took its final departure to be forever with the Lord." " Mr. Adger went early to town, to inform our friends of the sorrowful event, and to make arrangements for the fu- neral. The American Consul, on receiving the intelligence, 358 MEMOIR OF raised his flag at half-mast; and all the American vessels in the harbor, eight or ten in number, did the same. After Mr. A.'s return, a place for her burial was selected by us, and the funeral appointed for ten o'clock to-morrow. "Oct. 1. The English of this village had appeared, from the first of our coming here, to feel much sympathy for Mrs. Smith. This was exhibited to-day in the numbers that were present at the funeral. Besides most of the American Missionaries from town, quite a congregation of residents assembled at Mr. Adger's. Mr. Temple addressed them in a most appropriate and impressive manner, and prayed. Out of respect for her, all the ladies present broke over the immemorial custom at Smyrna of not attending funerals, and joined the procession to the grave. There, at my request, the solemn funeral service of the Church of England was read by the Rev. Mr. Lewis, varied only by singing the following beautiful and appropriate hymn : ' Unvail thy bosom, faithful tomb ; Take this new treasure to thy trust, And give these sacred relics room To slumber in the silent dust. ' Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear Invade thy bounds no mortal woes Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, While angels watch the soft repose. ' So Jesus slept God's dying Son Passed through the grave, and blest the bed. Rest here, blest saint, till from his throne The morning break, and pierce the shade. 1 Break from his throne, illustrious morn ! Attend, O earth ! his sovereign word ; Restore thy trust a glorious form Shall then arise to meet the Lord.' " MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 359 The length of Mrs. Smith's missionary labors was Less than two years and four months. Her age, at the time of her death, was thirty-four years. The village where she is interred is beautifully retired, and the spot a quiet one in which to rest, until the archangel's trumpet shall break the slumbers of the grave. A white marble slab covers her remains, on which is the following inscription : THE MONUMENT OF SARAH LAN MAN SMITH, WIFE OF THE REV. ELI SMITH, WHO WAS BORN IN NORWICH, CON., U. S. A., JUNE 18, 1802. TO BENEVOLENT EFFORTS FOR THE YOUTH AND THE IGNORANT OF HER NATIVE CITY ; FOR THE NEGLECTED REMNANT OP ITS ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS; AND FOR THE BENIGHTED FEMALES OF STRIA ; SHE DEVOTED ALL HER ARDENT, EXPANSIVE, AND UNTIRING ENERGIES, AS A SERVANT OF CHRIST, UNTIL, SINKING UNDER MISSIONARY LABORS AT BEYROOT, SHE WAS BROUGHT HITHER, AND DIED IN TRIUMPHANT FAITH, SEPTEMBER 30, 1836, AGED 34. CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUDING REMARKS. THE closing chapter of this volume, from the pen of the Rev. Mr. Smith, is devoted to general remarks upon some traits of the missionary character and habits of the subject of this Memoir. Mrs. Smith entered upon her work with a high sense of its importance and responsibilities. Love to her Saviour, a lively faith in eternal things, and consequently a high esti- mate of the value of the soul, were her inducements to un- dertake it. These emotions were the mainspring of her un- tiring diligence in her work; and sometimes operated so powerfully upon her mind, as, of themselves, almost to over- come her delicate frame. Entering thus upon her sphere of labor, she devoted her- self to missionary work as her leading business. Every thing was made secondary, and as far as possible, auxiliary to it. This principle pervaded and regulated all her do- mestic arrangements. To be a mere housekeeper and mis- tress of a missionary's family, and thus to spend her time in ordinary domestic occupations, she felt would be degrading to her calling. Her table she always furnished abundantly for those who composed her family. Suitable and becoming apparel she ever provided for herself and others. And no house need be kept in better order, or in more perfect neat- ness than hers. It was a model for imitation. But she was ever devising ways in which these objects might be accom- plished with the least expense of her time. This she ef- fected by observing system, and doing as much as possible 360 MEMOIR OF MRS. SMITH. 361 by the hands of others. In her house, it may be said with truth, there was a place for every thing and every thing was kept in its place; there was a time for every thing, and every thing was done in its time. Articles for the table which required her time, and were not necessary to health, were dispensed with, and their place supplied by such as her domestics could prepare ; though, owing to their ignorance, these were necessarily of the very plainest kind. Time was too precious for her to spend it in labors, the object of which was merely to gratify the appetite. In her estimation, the matter of food was a thing of minor importance, and she liked to have it occupy as little time and as little prom- inence as possible, in her domestic arrangements. For this object the regular meals of her family were reduced to two breakfast, at seven in the morning, and dinner, at five in the evening. Thus the whole day was left unbroken for labor, and much time was saved. This subject deserved mention, both to show how she found time to accomplish what she did, and because mis- sionary ladies so frequently complain, that domestic occu- pations interfere with, and to a great extent hinder, the be- nevolent labors they would be glad to accomplish. Some have been almost ready to lay it down as a principle, that the wives of missionaries must expect to do little, if any thing, more than take care of their own families. The adoption of such an expectation by ladies entering upon the missionary life, Mrs. Smith exceedingly deprecated. Her own labors were a practical demonstration, that a much higher standard of usefulness is within reach. It should be remarked, however, that her industry was of no ordinary kind. It can be said of her, with hardly any qualification, that during her missionary life, she never lost an hour. Her daily labors were begun early. It always seemed to give her great pleasure to throw off sleep, and rise from her bed. The last winter she arose regularly at half past four. The duties of the closet demanded her first attention, and in these she usually spent an hour, or an hour Smith. Jg 362 MEMOIR OF and a half. It was this that made her love early rising. She found great relish in communion with God, when alone with him in the stillness of morning, before any one was moving in the house. Her devotions performed, she began the labors of the day. In these her energy was great. Noth- ing was shrunk from which ought to be done; and what was begun, was never left unfinished. Her despatch was extraor- dinary. One could hardly tell when she accomplished all that she did. Whilst another would be talking, and think- ing of labor to be done, she would have it finished. The labors she carried forward were many. She had no children of her own, and was consequently relieved from many domestic duties, which would otherwise have occupied much of her time, and diminished her labors as a missionary. Yet her family was not small. It consisted the last winter, most of the time, of four friends connected with the mission, two boarding scholars, and three servants; making, with herself and her husband, eleven individuals, without reckoning occa- sional guests. These were all to be cared for, and still she spent three hours daily, for five days each week, in teaching school. She carried forward a system of visiting among the native females, for religious purposes. Every other day she studied and recited a lesson in a large native Arabic grammar, and on the alternate days translated a portion of a smaller one into English. She took lessons daily in Italian, and translated the weekly Sunday school lessons from the Union Questions into Arabic. She regularly attended a weekly conference meeting, and two female prayer meetings ; and kept up an extensive correspondence. Some arrivals would bring fifteen or twenty letters to be answered. And in addition to all, numerous native visitors made large en- croachments upon her time. Her perseverance in what she considered duty, was invin- cible. She was not glad of an excuse for neglecting it, with apparent consistency. Were it the duty of the hour to at- tend a meeting, all arrangements were made to give place to it ; and she was rarely absent from her post. In her school, MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 363 whatever were her domestic labors, whatever company de- manded her attentions it might almost be said, whatever was her health she was punctual at the hour. She might have suspended the school every ecclesiastical festival ; the customs of the country favored it ; the contrary was in fact almost regarded as heretical ; and had she served as a hireling, she would have done it. But she saw that such fre- quent interruptions injured the school ; and with the excep- tion of a few great festivals, when the scholars would not come, it was always open. She could never persuade herself to allow plans of per- sonal gratification and relaxation to interfere with her labors. She made several excursions, of deep interest to her culti- vated mind and rich imagination ; one of which led her to the very summit of Lebanon, and the ruins of Baalbek, and another to Jerusalem through the length and breadth of Pal- estine ; but none of these were made at the sacrifice of this principle. Much as she desired to visit the Holy City, such a gratification was no argument to her, nor would she allow herself to listen to the persuasions of her friends, so long as her school would be stopped thereby. She had been in fee- ble health during the winter, and the journey promised to recruit her ; but she could not make a doubtful experiment for her health, at the expense of interrupting her school. At length a beloved Christian sister, not then connected with the mission, but now a valued member of it, came for- ward and offered to take her place, so that none of her im- portant labors would be suspended. Then she saw her way clear, and set her face toward Jerusalem with a cheerful heart. Though so closely bound to her duties, she did not go to them as a slave. Her affections were the strong power within, that accelerated her movements. She succeeded remarkably in interesting her feelings in whatever duty required her to undertake. She did it with her whole heart. Her labor was her delight ; and she never was happier than when she was the most busy. This was exhibited in her 364 MEMOIR OF cheerful, animated countenance during the day, and the sat- isfaction she manifested often in finding she had no more strength remaining, when the hour arrived for her to seek restoration of it in sleep. These general observations upon Mrs. Smith's views and character, have been deemed important, as introductory to a more detailed view of her labors. On entering her station, she devoted herself exclusively to the natives. She might have found much to do for the ben- efit of the European population of Beyroot. Among the English and Americans alone, there were children enough to form a school ; whose parents were grieved to see them growing up without proper instruction, and were anxious to have them taught by some missionary friend. Surprise, indeed, was sometimes expressed, that she neglected them to devote her time to the Arabs. She did not, however, neglect them. She felt and prayed for them, and for all the inhabitants of Beyroot, and did what she could inci- dentally for their good. But it was to the natives she had devoted herself. To them she felt herself a debtor, and she would allow no other engagements to interfere with their claims, and divert her energies from them. Such views rendered a knowledge of the Arabic language necessary. Nor would a mere passing acquaintance with it suffice ; such as is picked up by most Franks in the coun- try, enabling her to express herself intelligibly on ordina- ry topics. Her object required that she should be able to converse freely and acceptably on religious subjects, and to lead in prayer, to the edification of natives. To thia end a thorough acquaintance with the principles of the lan- guage, and a ready command of an extensive vocabulary of words, were necessary. Such a knowledge of that most difficult language, she deliberately set herself to acquire, and unremittingly and successfully did she pursue her aim. The alphabet she learned while on her voyage from Malta to Alexandria ; but before reaching Beyroot, she had acquired no appreciable knowledge of the language. With- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 365 in four months after, she began the study of a native gram- mar entirely in Arabic ; though for about half of that time she had had no instruction, except for an hour or two a day from a common Arab who knew nothing of grammar; and during nearly the whole of it was engaged in school every other week. In less than nine months, she was ready to commence praying in Arabic, with a little girl whom she then took into her family to educate. And in eleven months she conducted the devotional exercises at the commence- ment of the native female prayer meeting. Her prayers, at these times and subsequently, were always extemporary. The grammar above mentioned, she read through, sur- mounting its numerous difficulties ; and the last winter of her life, she commenced translating another for the benefit of the sisters who might tread after her the bewildering and thorny mazes of the Arabic language. The many new and guttural sounds of the language, became familiar and nat- ural to her organs of utterance. She could converse ac- ceptably, and with readiness, upon most topics; and some time before leaving her station, ^he could fairly master dif- ficulties which many a foreigner never surmounts; and was prepared to use this indispensable instrument efficiently, in the great work of imparting a knowledge of salvation to the perishing females of Syria. Yet it was not because she had any peculiar taste for the study of language, that she was so successful. There was not, to the last, perhaps, one of her labors in which she en- gaged with less relish for it, in itself. She had also many obstacles to contend with. Her school from the first took up much of her time, and consumed the best part of her strength. Her family, likewise, became large, and her inter- ruptions were exceedingly numerous. She could never get a teacher, who knew any thing of grammar, except her hus- band ; and little of his time was at her command. Per- plexed and baffled by the difficulties of Arabic, she would often weep, and almost in despair say, that she could never learn it. Had she been willing to listen to an excuse for 366 MEMOIR OF remaining ignorant of it, or for learning it slowly, she had enough at hand that were weighty. But she never har- bored a thought of living in the missionary field, without a thorough knowledge of the language of the people she wished to save. Principle urged her on. The study of Arabic was her duty. As such, it was one of the things never to be omitted ; and very rarely did she pass a day without getting a lesson. Mrs. Smith's missionary labors literally began at home, The efforts she made for the spiritual good of her own household, were not the least important of her benevolent exertions ; and they formed an integral part of her general plans of usefulness. She began her missionary life with two settled principles in regard to servants, viz : that they should be natives, and that she would have as few as possible. The first she deemed important, in order that whatever was attempted for their benefit, might form a component part of our system of missionary efforts for the natives generally ; that whatever success resulted from the attempt, might be set down entire to the amount of good actually effected in behalf of the na- tion ; and that whoever was thus benefited, might, through the numerous channels of family connections and friendships immediately around him, be in circumstances to propagate and multiply the effects to an indefinite extent. The second principle she was partial to, as a matter of economy, which she ever studied most conscientiously ; because it accorded with that simplicity of life which it is so desirable mission- aries should maintain, while they have many temptations to swerve from it. These two principles somewhat interfered with each other in practice. With a foreigner, a Maltese who accompanied her and Mr. Smith from Alexandria, and whom faithfulness induced them to keep for a number of months, she was able fully to practise upon the second ; for he was generally their only domestic. Upon dismissing him, the first prin- ciple was brought into practice. But of the natives, it was MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 367 found necessary to have two in the place of one Maltese. They were taken fresh from the mountains, that they might be free from evil habits often contracted in Frank families, and that she might have the training of them herself. An emancipated Abyssinian girl likewise, of Mohammedan pa- rentage, had previously been offered to her, and appearing to be fond of religious instruction, she was continued in the family chiefly as a charity. When Mr. and Mrs. Smith left Beyroot, the girl was put into a pious native family, and her board paid until the last day of December, when she died, after a lingering illness. Religious conversation, prayer, and the mere name of Jesus, continued to give her pleasure, and soothe her in her sufferings, until the last; and the latest expressed wish of her heart was, that she might die and go to her departed mistress. Perhaps at the day of judgment, this poor, ignorant Moslem slave may appear clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, as one of the many jewels in the crown of rejoicing of that kind friend who so faithfully instructed and prayed for her. Over these domestics she watched as one that must give an account. Oriental customs, in the seclusion they pre- scribe to the female sex, put a guard upon morals ; which, though artificial, is of great practical effect in the absence of enlightened conscience ; and it too often happens, that in Frank families, serious evils spring up among native servants from the simple neglect of these salutary precautions, which are called into existence by the wants of society. Mrs. Smith, possessing an acute sense of propriety, and a quick apprehension of danger that kept her always on the alert ; and governed by a tender conscience that rendered it impossible for her to be at ease when any one for whom she was responsible was exposed to temptation ; soon discovered this principle, and determined to apply it in the government of her domestics. The precaution was first taken, at the expense of considerable trouble, to procure a man servant who was brother to her maid ; and then entrance to the apart- ments where the latter worked, was prohibited to other 368 MEMOIR OF men. Instead of encouraging her women to go unvailed in the streets, as many a Frank would have done, she procured them vails, which she directed them to wear. This course she had the satisfaction of seeing not only attended by the results she wished, but also acquiring for her house that confidence of the natives which is withheld from many Frank families. Another important feature in her domestic management, tending to the good of those in her employ, was a constant care to keep them always provided with some species of labor. As she was never idle herself, she would allow none in her service to be unoccupied. She deemed the loss of their time, a sin for which she was accountable ; she knew that to keep them busy, was the most effectual way to keep them from sin ; and she felt that to give them habits of in- dustry, was performing for them a most important act of benevolence. She regarded it as much her duty, and made it as regular a part of her business, to see that they were provided with work as with food. That they should be trained to such habits of industry, was almost a miracle among Arab women. Yet in reality hardly an hour ever came, in which they did not find something already laid out for them to do. It is proper to mention this feature in her treatment of domestics, not only because it is so often neg- lected, to the great injury of servants and the impeding of the usefulness of employers, but because it shows how well proportioned and mature was her missionary character; in that, while attending to more important public labors, she suffered none of those less noticeable, yet essential duties to be overlooked. It was also with her a fundamental principle, that her ser- vants should learn to read. This she thought a matter of great consequence, in a country where hardly any of the fe- males have this knowledge. She would have turned away any who were unwilling to be taught; for she could not bear to have one in her service merely to supply her tem- poral wants, while no permanent good was received in re- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 369 turn. Her women were at first taught their letters at home. Afterwards she so arranged her household affairs, as to al- low them to attend school alternately each a half of the day. The man servant also every day attended one of the mis- sionary schools for two or three hours. So that all the do- mestics of the family, were actually regular attendants at school. The experiment pleased her exceedingly. It con- tributed much to her happiness. The furnishing of her table with more nicely dressed articles of food, that would occupy the time thus spent by her servants, was not an object to be allowed, as an impediment to such an arrange- ment. She took pleasure in diminishing the amount of her house-work, that it might be accomplished. So pleased with it was she, as to be satisfied that it would be justifiable, where servants' wages are no more than hers received, to increase their number, in order that they might be thus in- structed. Mrs. Smith never interfered with the attendance of her servants to the rites of their own religion. Their fasts they were allowed freely to keep ; and their church they attended on Sundays and festivals. But the religious rules of the family they were required also to regard. From profane- ness, and from Sabbath-breaking by work, or by visiting or receiving visits, they were strictly prohibited. And they were expected to worship God daily with the family. One who declined this would not have been employed ; upon the principle that those ought to be selected for servants, who were most likely to receive religious benefit. For their sake, family prayers in the evening were always offered in Arabic; an early hour being selected, that they might be more wakeful. On the Sabbath also, the servants had many privileges. In the morning, during the last winter, a native brother came, and exhorted and prayed with them in the house ; enough of the neighbors being present to form a small con- gregation. In the afternoon, they always attended the Sab- bath school and Arabic service; and in the evening at 16* 370 MEMOIR OF family prayers, they were examined upon the sermon they had heard. But these public privileges Mrs. Smith did not regard as excusing her from more private duties to her female servants. Besides hearing them read, she always found time, notwithstanding her exhausting duties on the Sabbath, to spend a season with them in private. At this hour, two or three Druze women were often present. She read, conversed, and prayed with them. Variety was given to the exercise, by reading some interesting religious nar- rative; though for the want of books of this nature in Arabic, she was obliged to translate them orally into that language as she read along. In this way, she read through the Memoir of Mary Lothrop, during the last winter, much to their gratification. So persevering was she in this, as in every duty, that she was found engaged in it, the last Sab- bath she was at Beyroot, though so feeble as to be lying on her bed. It is believed that she had also stated times for praying with each one by herself. It will not be wondered at, that servants \yho had such a mistress, were so reluctant to part with her, and so over- come with grief, as they all were at her departure ; nor that her poor colored girl, in view of death, fondly cherished the desire of being again allowed to be with her, as a bright, cheerful ray from the dark prospect before her. Such were some of Mrs. Smith's domestic missionary labors. And those missionary sisters, who, by domestic cares or other causes, are prevented from engaging in the more public duties that demanded her principal energies, may be encouraged by seeing how much may be done of a missionary nature, even within their limited circle. They can give to a missionary's family a missionary shape and character. They can surround him with a missionary atmos- phere, which every one must breathe who comes within it. They can save many souls by their own instructions, with- out going beyond the bounds of their families. Very soon after her arrival at Beyroot, Mrs. Smith had a fixed desire to take a little Arab girl to be brought up in her MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 371 family. It originated from a variety of motives. The warm affections of her heart sought the constant presence of some such object of attachment. The little girl's soul she hoped to save ; and she desired also to train her up to be a helper in the great work of enlightening and saving others. It gratified her feelings of benevolence to bring home to the scene of her domestic labors, a subject upon which to exer- cise them ; that they might know no cessation ; for thereby, in her most domestic occupations, she was enabled to feel that she was still doing good to one of the natives, to whom she wished every hour of her life to be devoted. She hoped also, by thus creating continual occasion for the use of the Arabic language, to be able to learn it sooner. She at length selected from her school one of the most promising scholars, about eight years of age, and with the consent of her parents, adopted her. In Mrs. Smith's care, attentions, and gradually in her affections also, she took almost the rank of a daughter. But it was settled as a fundamental principle in her education, from the first, not to Europeanize her, and thereby unfit her to live contentedly and usefully among her countrymen, where she was to have her abode. She was therefore always dressed in the native costume, and took a rank in the family midway between a daughter and a servant. In addition to needle-work, she was taught to assist in most kinds of domestic labor ; and so thoroughly was she initiated into habits of industry, as never to sit down with nothing to do. Yet with the servants she was never allowed to associate. Mrs. Smith's hope of special benefit to the child from resi- ding in her family, was based very much upon the princi- ple of segregation ; and she had the opinion firmly fixed, that unless every avenue by which contamination might be contracted were strictly guarded, all her labor would prob- ably be lost. She was watched, therefore, with a care that parental anxiety rarely gives rise to ; and had no access to the kitchen, except on an errand for a moment; nor was she ever left alone in the house, with the servants ; and though 372 MEMOIR OF permitted to visit her parents regularly, she was allowed to spend the night at home but once a year. In religion, her family was of the Greek church ; and in regard to ceremo- nial observances, Mrs. Smith allowed her to be governed very much by the wishes of her friends. The fasts she was allowed to observe, so far as they strenuously insisted ; yet not without being fully taught their futility in themselves to- ward aiding at all in the great matter of her soul's salvation, nor without her parents being warned of the false ideas of religion they were likely to give her. In remonstrating with the little girl's mother on this subject, she is known to have most affectionately pressed upon her the extreme ab- surdity and sin of attaching such importance to fasts and fes- tivals, while Sabbath-breaking, lying, and profaneness were indulged with an undisturbed conscience ; and to have sol- emnly warned her of the great danger she was in, of ruining her daughter's soul forever, by leading her into paths de- viating from the strait and narrow way of salvation. Mrs. Smith's object in taking her, at the outset, was re- ligious ; and this object she ever kept uppermost in training her. It has been already mentioned that she knelt with her in prayer, the day of her entering the family, though Mrs. Smith had then been less than nine months studying her language. This practice was continued every day she was with her, and doubtless while it impressed the child, and called down the blessing of God upon both, it gave Mrs. Smith the ability she had to commence so early praying in her school, and in the female prayer meeting. Mrs. Smith's instruction of the little girl was daily and constant. In addition to the privileges she enjoyed in com- mon with the servants, which have been mentioned, her habit was to hear her read a portion of Scripture while dressing in the morning, thus accomplishing an object ever dear to her the saving of time. She then questioned her upon what she had read, gave her other instruction, and led her to the throne of grace. Thus her pupil not only became an intelligent reader, but acquired a knowledge of the prinei- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 373 pies of religion, which would be considered good in an American child of her age. It was a pleasure to question her upon the Scripture read at family prayers, and upon the sermon she heard on Sunday ; her answers were so appro- priate. Her conscience becoming thus enlightened, she was sometimes much impressed by the truth. In a word, the expectations Mrs. Smith had formed in taking her were fully answered ; and she was often heard to say, that she had every day been amply repaid for the pains bestowed upon her. It will not be wondered at, that her affections became entwined very closely around so prom- ising a pupil, and that the attachment assumed much of the character of parental kindness. Mrs. Smith's sharpest trial, perhaps, at her departure from Beyroot, arose from leaving her behind : and in her last days she made arrangements which she hoped would secure to her a small legacy. The sum she desired has since been appropriated for that pur- pose, and it is hoped will serve as an inducement for the little girl to remain in some of the missionary families, until the seed sown with so many prayers, shall spring up and bear fruit The female school at Beyroot was commenced by Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Dodge, in 1833. A few girls were previously found in some of the public schools supported by the mission. But these ladies wished to bring them more directly under missionary influence, and to confer upon them the benefit of a system of instruction adapted to fe- males. A commencement was accordingly made, by giv- ing lessons to such little girls as could be irregularly as- sembled for an hour or two a day at the mission-house; such an informal beginning being not only all that the ladies had time to attempt, but being also considered desirable as less likely to excite jealousy and opposition. For the pro- ject was entered upon with much trembling and apprehen- sion. Not merely indifference to female education had to be encountered, but strong prejudice against it, existing in the public raiiid from time immemorial. The Oriental prejudice 374 MEMOIR OF against innovations from any quarter, and especially from foreigners, threatened resistance. The seclusion of females within their own immediate circle of relationship, originally Oriental, but strengthened by Mohammedan influence, stood in the way. And, more than all, religious jealousy, look- ing upon the missionaries as dangerous heretics, and their influence as contamination, seemed to give unequivocal warning, that the attempt might be fruitless. The older missionaries, who could weigh the full force of all these obstacles, having felt them through so many years of op- position to many of their labors, were less sanguine of suc- cess, than the brethren and sisters who had newly arrived. But they were not aware of the hold they had gained upon the public confidence. The event proved, in this as in many other missionary attempts, that strong faith is a better principle to act upon in the propagation of the gospel, than cautious calculation. Even down to the present time, it is not known that a word of opposition has been uttered against the school, which was thus commenced. In this initiatory state Mrs. Smith found the school, on her arrival at Beyroot in January of 1834. Some six or eight girls assembled in the afternoon in Mrs. Thomson's room at the mission-house, and were taught sewing and the alpha- bet. One was far enough advanced to aid in teaching ; and knowing something of English, could act as interpreter. The widow of Gregory Wortabet also occasionally assisted. Mrs. Smith commenced her labors in the sewing department the second week after her arrival, and soon Mrs. Wortabet was engaged as a permanent helper. Mrs. Thomson re- moving to Jerusalem in the spring, the school devolved upon Mrs. Dodge and Mrs. Smith ; who took alternate weeks in teaching it, until it was discontinued in June on account of the heat. In the fall, Mrs. Dodge also removed to Jerusa- lem, and then it was left wholly upon Mrs. Smith's hands. Thus it continued for more than a year. Soon after reach- ing Beyroot, Mrs. Smith saw that a promising field was open for female usefulness, and after much prayerful con- MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 375 sideration, she determined to invite a female friend, Miss Rebecca W. Williams, to come from America, and help her. Miss W. immediately complied with the invitation ; and with the resolution of deep Christian devotedness, left her friends and country, by the earliest opportunity, on this er- rand of benevolence. The measure proved a happy one, and both ladies saw constantly increasing reason to rejoice that it had been taken. Miss W. went into the school immediately on her arrival. But Mrs. Smith, preferring that the school, rather than herself, should be benefited thereby, determined that it should be open twice as many hours as before, and continued to give to it nearly as much time as she had done. The difficulty of appropriating to the school a room in the mission-house, caused it to suffer many inconveniences at the outset. A benevolent daughter of the American Consul at Alexandria, Mrs. Tod, then a resident at Beyroot, observing this, and desiring to contribute something toward the salvation of the Syrian women, opened a subscription for a school-house. Two hundred dollars were subscribed in Syria, at Alexandria, and Bagdad, for this purpose, and promptly paid. This sum enabled the mission to erect a substantial stone building, on the premises belonging to the Board ; which in the spring of 1835, was ready to be occu- pied, and furnished excellent accommodations for the school. Mrs. Smith had very little acquaintance with school teach- ing at home; none, in fact, except what she had acquired in Sabbath schools and in her charitable labors among the Mo- hegans. Nor had she a taste for it. She often humorously expressed to her husband her surprise at finding herself so thoroughly a school-mistress. It was because Providence directed her to this, as the way for her to do good, and be- cause she saw that otherwise it would not be done, that she engaged in it. Yet she did not enter upon it reluctantly, nor continue it as a task. In this, as in almost every case, what was her duty became her pleasure. Her heart entered fully into it. This was seen in the uneasiness it gave her 376 MEMOIR OF to lose a day from school, and the great reluctance with which she closed it for a vacation. It has been mentioned that the first summer it was closed in June, on account of the heat. But then she had no sooner retired to the moun- tains, for a cooler climate, than she gathered a few little girls around her there, whom she taught regularly every day. The second summer she would not consent to close her school until August ; and then she wrote to a friend that she " did it in the spirit of obedience to her husband." She was strict in the preservation of order in every move- ment of the school. Another would perhaps have thought that such untutored Arab girls must needs be indulged, or they would conceive a disgust for the place of instruction, and come no more. But she settled it as a principle, that order was essential to the well-being of a school, and was moreover one of the things, and that not the least, which the children needed to be taught. It was surprising to see how soon they learned to understand and regard it. This doubtless made them love school the. better. A more or- derly collection of cheerful faces, is not often to be found in a school-house in a Christian land. The chief means employed for the preservation of order, was a black-board, for debt and credit marks ; and this was generally sufficient to secure the most perfect subordination. The employment of rewards was not adopted without due deliberation. Her opinion was, that among children so ignorant and untutored, and so unaccustomed to the restraints of a school ; who came with so little relish for study, and whose parents were so ignorant of the value of education ; it was necessary at the outset thus to address a principle, whose control they would all feel, and access to which was direct and easy. She never saw reason to change this opinion ; and the re- wards were so managed, that she could say upon her death- bed, that she could recollect no instance in which, to her knowledge, envy had been caused among the scholars by means of them. The rewards were regulated by the num- ber of credit marks, and were distributed two or three times MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 377 a year, consisting chiefly of plain articles of dress. At these times, she had begun to have an examination. The last she held in company with Miss Williams, but a short time before she was obliged to leave. The mothers of the children, and some other female friends, were present. The scholars, together, amounted to upwards of forty ; the room was well filled, presenting a scene that would have de- lighted the heart of many a friend of missions. Classes were examined in reading, spelling, geography, first lessons in arithmetic, Scripture questions, the English language, and sacred music ; and the whole was closed by a brief address from Mrs. Dodge. The mothers then came forward, of their own accord, and in a gratifying manner expressed their thanks to the ladies for what they had done for their daughters. Had M*s. Smith been unable to connect her labors in this school directly with the great work of saving souls, she would have felt little interest in it. To this object she was wholly devoted. Any employment directly bearing upon it had a charm for her. Every thing aside from it, or from religion in some of its relations, was insipid. Only a few weeks after she began to take her turn in the school, and during the absence of her husband in the Hauran, she took a step which had an important bearing upon its religious character. Her desire to have God formally acknowledged in it, induced her to request Mr. Bird to come in and close it with prayer. The first time he did so, the children, as they knelt down, were so amused at the novelty of the position, that all were overcome with laughter, which was continued through the exercise. So much did the thought grieve her, that they were so brutishly ignorant as to be thus affected by this solemn exercise, that her feelings rose beyond her con- trol, and she wept. They had even then begun to be much attached to her ; and perceiving, when they arose, how their conduct had affected her, they all of them, of their own ac- cord, came forward and expressed their sorrow for what they had done. From this time, prayer was Tarely, if ever, 378 MEMOIR OF omitted for a single day. Mrs. Wortabet soon began to lead in the exercise, accompanying it with the reading of the Scriptures, and remarks. One of the missionary gentlemen, however, often conducted the closing exercises of the week, until Mrs. Smith was able herself to perform devotional duties in Arabic. After that, she alternated with her as- sistant ; and once a week it was their habit to stop after school, and unite in prayer for the blessing of God upon their labors. The religious instructions she gave, in general addresses to all and in private conversation with individual scholars, were varied and constant. Hardly a school in America, probably, has more religious instruction given in it, and that in a more direct form, than was received by this. And who were these children that listened to it ? Most of them were Arabs of the Greek church; two were Jewesses, some were Druzes; and at times there were eight or ten Moslems. All loved her with a sincere attachment ; for such labors of love could not but win their hearts. On the return of her husband to Beyroot, after her decease, his mere presence in the school drew tears from many eyes, by the recollections it occasioned. May God yet cause the seed thus sown to take root and bear fruit ; that she may ere long welcome some of these dear children, the objects of so much effort, of so many warm affections, and of so many prayers, to join her in the labors and enjoyments that occupy her in heaven. The native Sabbath school at Beyroot originated with Mrs. Smith. In this department of instruction, her first public effort of benevolence was made in the land of her birth ; and in it she was still engaged, when called to adopt Syria for her field of labor. It might be expected that her interest in Sabbath schools would not be diminished, by this removal to a land where she must constantly see increased need for them. A Sabbath school for the English and American chil- dren at Beyroot, was in existence before her arrival. To this, after the return of her husband from the Hauran, in MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 379 the spring after their arrival, she proposed that a native class should be added. He had little faith in the suc- cess of the project, but urged by her entreaties, consented to attempt it. At first, two or three boys only came and recited to him. Soon a class was brought in from the fe- male school, then taught by Mrs. Dodge and herself. The succeeding winter, the Arab scholars, at her suggestion, again were separated from the others, and assembled at the house of a native brother. There were sometimes enough to give him and Mrs. Wortabet also a class. In the spring, the female school-house being finished, the school was re- moved thither ; and from that time, there continued to be regularly from twenty to thirty scholars, with usually five teachers. These teachers met every Friday evening, around her table, to study the lessons for the following Sabbath, and for prayer. Three of the teachers being natives, this meeting was not less important for the profit they derived from it, than from that which accrued to the scholars. In the instructions given, the Union Questions of the American Sunday School Union, were used as a guide ; and for this purpose the lesson of each Sabbath was translated during the week into Arabic. This labor, as has been already mentioned, Mrs. Smith began, the last winter, to take upon herself. Most of the scholars were females, and these chiefly from the school. The servants of the mission families, and some adult inquirers, used also to attend. Some strong induce- ment must have operated to bring children together for this object on the Sabbath. At home they were never told that it was their duty to attend ; but on the contrary, it was nat- ural for their parents to regard it with coldness or suspicion. They had been accustomed to be permitted, on the Sabbath, to engage as fully as they desired in their recreations. This was an abridgment of their liberty, by confinement to studies for which they had naturally no relish, and for which they were likely to be ridiculed by their companions. The chief influence which led them to assemble under such cir- 380 MEMOIR OF cumstances, it would be wrong not to ascribe to the blessing of God in answer to prayer. But, doubtless, affection for their teachers had influence with some of these scholars, and attachment to the school was not wanting as a motive. Rewards also were given, according to the number of marks each one received; for the same reasons that justified their introduction into the day school. But here they always consisted of religious books. In this school the fullest evangelical instruction was given, and in the plainest manner, both catechetically arid by direct address. Thus to keep such a number of young persons, for an hour or two on the Sabbath, from merely the various ways of profaning holy time, in which they would otherwise have been engaged, was an object of no small importance. How much more important was the object actually accom- plished, might have been estimated by one who should have gone into the school, and witnessed the nature of the in- struction given, and the eager attention with which it was received. He would have found Mrs. Smith seated on a low stool, with six or eight bright little girls half surround- ing her, and in their eagerness to catch her instructions bending forward till their heads often formed a semicircle very near her own; while their lively faces, and animated inquiries, showed the interest excited by the words that fell from her lips. The scene was edifying to those who con- stantly witnessed it ; and she was often heard to affirm, that she never had a more interesting and improving class at home, than this which she here trained up of untutored Arab girls. The hour was always too short for what she had to say ; and the superintendent generally had to interrupt her, when the time came to close the school with his customary address. When the exercises were finished, each class followed its teacher to the Arabic preaching, at the mission-house. Here she sat with the female scholars, to mark their behavior; and on Monday morning, at the opening of the school, they were questioned by her upon the sermon delivered. Some MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 381 learned to give a very good abstract of what the preacher had said ; and under such training, they became his most attentive and interesting hearers. The native female prayer meeting, at its commencement, was an untried experiment even at Beyroot, the oldest of American missions in the Mediterranean. Up to about this time, there had been little opportunity to establish one. Only one missionary lady on the ground was capable of conducting the exercise ; and there was but one native sis- ter to attend and aid. Serious obstacles stand in the way of such a meeting on missionary ground. The hinderances missionary ladies often meet with, in learning the language, are apt to delay for some time their acquiring a sufficient acquaintance with it for such purposes ; though they may in a short time know enough for common use. And then the strangeness of such a meeting among the natives, makes it appear to female diffidence a formidable undertaking. Yet these hinderances exist perhaps more in imagination than in reality ; and at the most, need have weight only at the com- mencement of a mission. For it is practice that so soon gives command of a new language for ordinary purposes ; and practice will as surely give command of it for the con- duct of religious exercises. And after such exercises have been once commenced at any mission, the strangeness of the thing passes away ; while the new sisters are both encour- aged by the example of those they find on the ground, and are helped soon to unite with them, by what they learn of the language from habitually hearing others use it in devo- tion. Much, very much, depends upon the sisters, as well as upon the brethren, at the outset of a mission. For if they take a high stand in such positively missionary labors, an elevated standard is permanently set up for those who come after, which they will naturally imitate; while if little is attempted, it is only now and then one of more than ordinary character, who, on entering the field subsequently, will ven- ture to go farther than her elders ; and thus years may see very little done in the female department. The native sis- 382 MEMOIR OF -, v ters are not to be taken into account in this matter, for they will generally go no faster than they are led ; and unless a missionary lady shows them the way, and goes before them herself, they will hardly ever take a single step. The desirableness of such a meeting as the one in ques- tion, was first suggested to Mrs. Smith by one of her dearest friends, who has already been mentioned as having taken the female school during her visit to Jerusalem. The modesty of this sister, equalled only by her benevolence, would allow her to give no encouragement of taking a part in it herself. But the proposal received the cordial appro- bation of the only missionary lady besides Mrs. Smith then on the ground ; and it was found that at least half a dozen Arab women would probably attend, at the beginning. To show Mrs. Smith that any labor connected with the Redeem- er's kingdom, within her sphere, was desirable and practi- cable, never failed to enlist her energies in its immediate execution. This plan presented especial claims, arising from the peculiar circumstances of those for whose benefit it was to be attempted. The Oriental seclusion of females renders them difficult of access to the ordinary means of grace used by a mission- ary gentleman; their assembling even for religious purposes in the same apartment with the other sex being condemned by custom. They are also a neglected class, even among the native Christians, as regards the religious means enjoyed by their own countrymen; being crowded into a distinct part in their churches, where an intelligent hearing of the services is rendered difficult, both by their distance, and by the confusion often prevailing among themselves. At Beyroot, so far is their gallery from the altar, in the Greek church, that it is never expected they will understand any thing; and so great is the confusion they sometimes create, that at the last Easter, they were actually prohibited coming to some of the more important services, in order that the church might be quiet; while, by established custom, it is hardly allowable for a female ever to attend church more MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 383 than two or three times a year, until she is married. Being thus difficult of access to the influence of the missionary gentlemen, and neglected by their own countrymen, they present special claims, and constitute a field peculiarly open to the efforts of missionary ladies. Finding herself in such a field, Mrs. Smith needed no urging, to enter heartily into every practicable measure for its cultivation. The first meeting was appointed at the house of a native friend, and it devolved upon Mrs. Smith to conduct its opening exercises. From that time, it was con- tinued regularly ; at first once a fortnight, but afterwards every week. All the missionary ladies who were in the field when it was commenced, including those who were then at Jerusalem, had an opportunity, in turn, to assist in the con- duct of it ; as well as two native sisters, one of whom aided from the beginning. Including some of the older scholars of the school, as many as twenty were at times present, though the number was often less. The experiment, though commenced with much trembling, was fully successful ; and were those who attended, to give an account of its exercises, they would doubtless speak of many affecting appeals to the conscience and the heart to which they there listened; and of many precious seasons of sweet communion with God which it afforded. May this, which was probably the first female prayer meeting held in Syria in modern times, be the forerunner of many more; until all the daughters of that ancient land shall learn to worship God in spirit and in truth ; as their ancestors were once taught by the blessed Redeemer in person. Early in the spring, before Mrs. Smith was removed from her labors, the little company of missionaries at Beyroot was awaked to inquire, with more than usual earnestness, why it was, that while the means of grace were so constantly used, so few conversions occurred. Some thought a succes- sion of special religious meetings would be attended with a blessing. Of these, a few were held among the missionaries themselves, with manifest benefit. And out of them grew a 384 . MEMOIR OF weekly evening conference in Arabic, held in rotation at the houses of native friends, which was soon attended by forty or fifty. Others still thought more needed to be done in the way of personal religious conversation with individuals, in order that the truth might thus be brought into direct con- tact with each one's own conscience ; and the proposition was either made or warmly seconded by Mrs. Smith, that some- thing of this kind should be attempted systematically. Ac- cordingly the circle of native acquaintances, who could be properly visited for such an object, was surveyed, and a certain number assigned to each brother and sister. A meeting was also appointed on the last Monday in "every month, for each to report what he had done, and for prayer in behalf of the effort. Mrs. Smith, as has already appeared in a former chapter, chose for her parish the mothers of her scholars. She im- mediately commenced the labor ; and though already de- bilitated by the first stages of the disease that terminated her life, she was able to state at the first monthly meeting, that they had all been visited. From some she made an inter- esting report ; her conversations, so new and so impressive, having evidently affected them ; and her visits manifestly tended to win the attachment of all. This was ever the ten- dency of her conversations of this nature; for her affection- ate heart qualified her naturally for such a work, and long practice in faithful admonition, had given her unusual facility for doing it with propriety and without offence. She deeply felt the duty of thus personally calling the attention of her acquaintances to their eternal interests; and it is be- lieved few have been with her any length of time, without hearing something from her of this nature ; while still fewer can be found who have not been rather won than offended by her conversation. To one thoughtless Syrian female, she took occasion once, in such a conversation, to give an account of her own con- version. An impression was made by it, which, from that time, changed her whole deportment ; and the grace of God MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 385 ere long brought out in her character many pleasing evi- dences of piety. This new sister Mrs. Smith had the satisfac- tion of finding ready to lead the devotions of others, at the last native female prayer meeting she was permitted to attend. And this, among many other things, gave her reason to feel, in leaving the country, that she had not dwelt there in vain. The preceding effort, had Mrs. Smith's life been spared, would probably have led her to another somewhat different. The poor around her presented a most interesting field for labor. Many of them in Syria are real objects of charity. And while a little contribution goes a great way towards supplying their wants, if given in a proper manner, it will win for the donor their attachment, and also the applause of the community. Nothing there insures so high a character for religion as charity ; and yet the poor are sadly neglected, and religious visiting of them is almost, if not entirely, un- known ; so that a pious individual, entering the cellars and hovels of the needy, with a little charity in his hand, would find, while he afforded relief to their bodily necessities, that he had won a way for the provisions of the gospel to their hearts ; at the same time, that instead of exciting jealousies, he had gained the good opinion and confidence of others. What a beautiful example of Christian benevolence would be exhibited by a missionary lady, who should thus devote herself to scattering temporal and spiritual consolations among the abodes of poverty and disease ! Could there be a more literal imitation of our blessed Saviour's example? It is a field entirely open for cultivation ; and would probably remain open, though all others should be shut. Such an effort of religious charity was often presented to Mrs. Smith's mind ; but her school had prevented her en- gaging in it systematically. It was her intention, however, to give up the school more entirely to Miss Williams, as the latter grew familiar with the language ; and to devote herself very much to labors of this nature. For such a work, she was strongly inclined. She had a taste for it. She loved the poor, and at any time took more satisfaction Smith. 17 386 MEMOIR OF in visiting their hovels, than the mansions of the rich. It accorded with her ideas of a missionary's duty, to pay spe- cial attention to them. She experienced great delight from an incident of this kind, one of the first mornings after her arrival at Beyroot. As her husband entered her room, she said to him, with an animated expression of countenance, " I have been for half an hour enjoying one of the most gratifying scenes I have yet witnessed upon missionary ground. That," said she, looking out of the window by which she was sitting, " that is missionary work" It was Mr. Bird sitting under a fig tree, in the yard of the mission- house, reading the gospel to some beggars to whom he had been distributing bread. She was habitually charitable to the poor who solicited her bounty, though she had not yet found time to search many of them out in their own dwellings. After moving to the house in the gardens in which she resided during the last year, it was some time before any beggars applied for char- ity. When they began to come, she expressed her pleasure that they had found their way ; and it is believed no one was ever, to her knowledge, turned away without some article of food, unless evidently not an object of charity. Nor was her generosity merely of an indiscriminate nature. She studied to accomplish other objects, besides supplying the wants of the persons aided. In several instances, poor children were clothed, that they might be able to attend school. And in other cases, some article of dress was given to poor persons, as an indirect way of securing their attendance upon the means of grace, by putting them under obligations to the missionaries. But it was the ignorance and moral degradation of the poor, which chiefly excited her compassion ; and she began, in connection with the system of religious visits, to take some steps, which, as already intimated, would doubtless have led her in time to systematic efforts for their spiritual benefit. In addition to the mothers of her scholars, she put upon her list of persons to be visited, a number of her poor MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 387 Druze neighbors. Many of these, besides being needy, were also in the extreme of ignorance, having really no re- ligion of any kind, and living almost like the beasts that perish. Despised by Christians and Moslems, and disowned even by the Druzes, they are regarded as the offscouring of society ; and, as if in order that no sect might be disgraced by having its name applied to them, an epithet has been in- vented specially for them, and they are called Skitt. But the very fact of their being disowned by others, makes them accessible to the missionaries ; and her heart became strong- ly set upon carrying the light of the gospel into their dark abodes, and darker minds. Even when informed by her physician, only a few days before she left, of the danger she was in, and that she must suspend all labor and excitement, and even keep as much as possible in a reclining posture; she earnestly begged the privilege of occasionally going with her Bible to the houses of these poor people, and instructing them in the salvation of the gospel. The physician, seeing the strength of her feelings, and fearing that to put too much restraint upon them would be worse than to allow of some bodily fatigue, yielded to her entreaties, and consented to her seeking, in this way, an outlet for the irrepressible emo- tions of benevolence that swelled her heart. It was this disposition, that finally, more than any thing else, decided the expediency of a voyage, which should at once remove her from the objects of her benevolent labors the presence of which was like fuel to the flame, and threatened too soon to consume her delicate frame. How delightful to reflect that now her benevolence needs no such checks, and meets with none ! All its clogs have been dropped in the grave. In their stead, it has received angels' wings, themselves a flame of fire ; and the warmest aspirations of her heart meet with the perfect ability to accomplish their dearest, highest objects. Much more might be said of Mrs. Smith's missionary la- bors. But it is time to close this sketch, by one or two in- quiries to which it naturally leads. It was remarked in the 388 MEMOIR OF beginning, that she gave herself up exclusively to mission- ary work, and that her industry in it was uncommon. These remarks have been borne out by the brief account that haa been given of her labors. But from what did such devoted- ness and such industry spring 1 Their seat was in her heart. They were planted there both by grace and by nature. Grace nourished in her heart a piety whose prominent features were essentially missionary. Her devotions, upon which it lived, were of a nature that brought eternity, with all the immortal interests of the soul, unusually nigh ; and constantly presented a great variety of objects to be em- balmed in her most devout affections. Prayer was emphat- ically her vital breath. It was the life of her soul. Her customary meals she diminished in number, and often omitted, but prayer never. When travelling, and when at home, it was equally indispensable. Often, when so situated that retirement could not well be obtained otherwise, did she rise while it was yet dark, and all others were asleep, that she might go alone to God. But this she did, not merely in such circumstances. She loved to do it. It wag this feature in her devotions, that helped her to bring eter- nal things nigh to her. She removed as far from the world as she could, and in doing so she got very nigh to eternity. Upon her Sabbaths and her hours of prayer the world had no permission to intrude. The benevolent labors that occupied a part of each Lord's day, have already been mentioned. Having given so much of it to others, she felt that the remainder sacredly be- longed to her own soul ; and she would allow neither family cares nor visitors by any means to steal it from her. Mar- keting was always done, water brought, and food prepared, on the preceding day; so that her servants were never seen abroad on business upon the Sabbath, nor were they any more unnecessarily employed at home. A dinner they were never called upon to cook. Equally thorough was she in excluding company. Had she not been, visitors would have MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 339 crowded upon her from morning to night, for among the na- tives it is the principal visiting day. She might have rea- soned, that to admit them would give her opportunities for doing good. But such opportunities, she had abundantly during the week. For every day, business crowded upon her, and her house was frequented by visitors at all hours. Having settled the principle, that her Sabbaths should not be interrupted, it became a rule that knew no exceptions ; and whoever called, high or low, was refused admittance, ex- cept the two or three Druze women, who came for instruc- tion with the servants. And how precious were such Sab- baths ! So complete an arrest of the bustle and duties of the week, in the quiet retirement of her residence, made these like a sweet foretaste of the calmness and rest of heaven. And such they were to her. She looked forward to them with delight; every moment of them was sweet and precious as they passed ; and they left her animated with new zeal and diligence for the benevolent labors of the week en- suing. They were like so many successive implses, urging her on in her Christian race. And she might be observed commencing her duties on Monday, generally with increased animation ; as if impelled by some new motive, and often with some new plan of usefulness. Her seasons of devotion were as sacred from all intrusion as her Sabbaths. She made it an essential item in the ar- ranging of her house, to appropriate one room for an oratory. When this was secured, she richly enjoyed her hours of re- tirement. Her regularity in them, and her partiality to the quietness of the early morning, while the world was yet asleep, have been already mentioned. In her prayers she was explicit and particular even in little things. For she felt that He who cares for sparrows, directs and takes an interest in the least matters, and that nothing is too small to be referred to him. She put Him in the relation of a fa- miliar though exalted friend ; and her devotions were a rev- erential cultivation of intimacy with him. And in thus 17* 390 MEMOIR OF drawing nigh to God, in the recesses of such retirement, she found heaven drawing nigh to her. It was in that field her rich imagination delighted to roam. Nothing gratified her so much, as to gather from Scripture some new or striking thought about that blessed world. And in no conversation was she so animated, as in such as had this for its subject. So great was her heavenly-mindedness, that the favorite sub- ject of her waking thoughts often occupied her also in sleep. Heavenly scenes were objects about which she frequently dreamed. With the spirituality of mind she thus cultivated, no bodi- ly indulgence was allowed to interfere. She delighted to " keep her body under, and to bring it into subjection." It was with her a principle to contract no habit of any kind, in regard to food, so strong that it could not with perfect ease be dispensed with ; for she would by no means consent to be, in any sense, a slave to bodily appetite. This it gave her pleasure to sacrifice to the interests of her mind. Food was to her a most insipid topic of conversation, which she avoided with care, even at table ; and to blunt her mind by indulgence in it, was what she was almost ignorant of by experience ; while those who did it, lost thereby much of her esteem. Her diet was almost wholly of vegetable food, and of that she ate but little; for the reason that her thoughts were thus left more free, and her affections more lively. With those who esteemed fasting an inconvenience, or unprofitable, she felt no sympathy. She usually fasted the first Monday of every month, in connection with the monthly concert ; when she ate nothing until the day was closed. And at no time did she have more elasticity and cheerfulness of spirits, or enjoy herself more than on these occasions. Thus she lived above the world. And is it wonderful, that with a mind so pure and spiritual, and a heart so fixed on heaven she should not hesitate, when her summons came, to leave the body and go to be forever with the Lord 1 It is MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 391 believed she prayed for recovery but once during the whole of her sickness. She was induced to do it then, by reading the 33d chapter of Job. But such habits of spirituality and heavenly-mindedness did not merely prepare her own soul for heaven. They gave her an overwhelming sense of the guilt and danger of those who, devoting themselves altogether to the world, lose all sight of eternity. When she found herself surrounded by an entire community wholly of this character, her emotions became sometimes almost too strong for her constitution to sustain. Occasionally, when walking upon a terrace which overlooked the city of Beyroot, and reflecting that the thousands upon whose dwellings she gazed, would almost inevitably soon de- scend into a miserable eternity, did she express such exercises of soul, as could be experienced only by one to whose faith eternity was unvailed with the clearness of unclouded vision. It was a heart swelling with benevolence of such an or- igin, that impelled Mrs. Smith in her course of untiring labors. Yet she re.sted not satisfied with the interest in the eternal welfare of others, to which spirituality of so heavenly a cast naturally gives rise. She cultivated it by long and persevering practice. Her devotions were as little selfish as her life. Others had a large share in them. Her manner of observing the monthly concert of prayer for missions, has been already alluded to. She had also many private concerts of prayer with friends, for particular objects and particular persons, which her heart would by no means allow her to neglect. For a large circle of friends, she prayed individually ; re- membering some in rotation, and others at stated times. Were the list of individuals to be summed up who thus found a place weekly in her prayers, it would surprise many a cold-hearted Christian, who knows little of her attachment to the closet. Yet, instead of feeling it a burden, she always loved to increase the number. Thus she suffered those deep, heartfelt emotions, which the soul only knows when it 392 MEMOIR OF is alone with God, to go away from herself; and benevo- lence found its way, and imparted its coloring to the very innermost sources of feeling in her heart. These emotions, too, thus sent abroad, entwined themselves around the ob- jects she prayed for, and drew them into a close and sacred union with herself. It was like a generalizing of her being, and to feel for others became so much a part of her nature, as largely to share the throne in her heart, with the love of self naturally predominant there. The analysis of Mrs. Smith's character for benevolence, would be imperfect, without adding, that what grace thus cherished in her, was engrafted upon a stock unusually con- genial by nature to its growth. Her distinguishing char- acteristic, naturally, was warm and generous affection. She delighted to love ; and her love was expansive. It sought to embrace a wide circle, and was ever seeking for new objects to rest upon. She would often discover something to interest her, in a character where others could discover nothing. And she would still feel and hope for a friend, and be devising ways to do him good, when all others had given him up. It might almost be said, that nature did for her, what grace fails to do for some. While yet in an uncon- verted state, and quite a girl, she took a leading part in the establishment of one of the earliest Sabbath schools in New England ; and in after life she was once greeted as a Chris- tian sister, by one who traced her conversion to instructions received from her at that time, as a member of her class. The generosity of her affections was such, that she de- lighted to forget herself, in giving pleasure to others ; noth- ing was too good for her friends. The best and most grati- fying use she knew how to make of any thing she valued, was to give it away ; and this she was very sure soon to find some occasion to do. It was her way of laying it up. She enjoyed it more in the hands of her friends than in her own ; and she secured, besides, a place in their recollections. She was carefully and systematically economical in whatever she used in her family and in her labors. She was avaricious of MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. 393 only one thing the affections of her friends. They were a treasure she loved to secure and increase. The strength of her emotions was often the occasion of wonder and admiration to her friends. They were a great deep in her breast Yet so thoroughly were they under her control, as to form no disproportioned excrescence or de- formity in her character. And as she felt strongly herself, she liked this trait in others. An intellectual character, even of the highest order, she could look upon with compar- ative indifference. But let her catch indications of strong affections, and her interest was secured. She seemed to feel a sympathy of soul with such a person. From such generous and strong emotions, directed and so highly cultivated by divine grace, did Mrs. Smith's devoted- ness and industry in the cause of benevolence spring. They were the irresistible, untiring, moving power, that urged her on in her labors of love. And oh ! what a soul of ardent, benevolent feeling swelled her breast ! Her dearest friend, near as he was to her, never felt that he fully comprehended it. Its depths he could not fathom, and it was to him a constant object of admiration. Had her frame been as strong as her soul was great and ardent, she might have been still going on in her course. But her bodily strength was literally consumed by the flame which burned within her. Now, however, she is tied to no such clog, to hinder her in her heavenly course. For surely such a character was not brought to so high a degree of excellence, to be at once and forever extinguished by death. Can we doubt that she is transferred to scenes where her noble heart finds scope for its most expanded emotions ? And much as limited views, and personal attachment, may tempt her friends to feel that she was taken from earth too soon, her character almost authorizes us to say, that earth had her labors long after she was ripe for heaven. MONODY MRS. SARAH L. SMITH. So, Asia hath thy dust, them, who wert born Amid my own wild hillocks, where the voice Of falling waters, and of gentle gales, Mingle their music. How thy soft, dark eye, Thy graceful form, thy soul-illumined smile, Gleam out upon me, as I muse at eve 'Mid the bright imagery of earliest years ! Hear I the murmured echo of thy name, From yon, poor forest-race ? 'Tis meet for them To hoard thy memory, as a blessed star, For thou didst seek their lowly homes, and tell Their sad-browed children of a Saviour's love, And of that clime where no oppressor comes. Cold Winter found thee there, and Summer's heat, With zeal unblenching. Though, perchance, the sneer Might curl some worldling's lip, 'twas not for thee To note its language, or to scorn the soul Of the neglected Indian, or to tread Upon the ashes of his buried kings, As on a loathsome weed. Thine own fair halls Lured thee in vain, until the hallowed church Reared its light dome among them, and the voice Of a devoted shepherd, day by day, MONODY TO MRS. SMITH. 395 Called back these wanderers to the sheltering fold Of a Redeemer's righteousness. And then, Thy path was on the waters, and thy hand Close clasped in his, who bore so fearless forth The glorious Gospel to those ancient climes Which, in the darkness and the shade of death, Benighted dwell. Strong ties detained thee here Home, father, sightless mother, sister dear, Brothers, and tender friends, a full array Of hope and bliss. Yet what were these to thee, Who on God's altar laid the thought of self ? What were such joys to thee, if duty bade Their crucifixion ? Oh, Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! Methinks I see thee there, Pondering the flinty path thy Saviour trod, And fervent kneeling where his prayer arose, All night on Olivet ; or with meek hand Plucking from pure Siloam's marge a flower, Whose tender leaflets drink as fresh a dew As when unhumbled Judah wore the crown Of queenly beauty ; or with earnest eye Exploring where the shepherd-minstrel kept His father's sheep, before the cares that lodge Within the thorn- wreathed circlet of a king Had turned his temples gray ; or with sweet smile Reposing wearied in thy simple tent, By turbid Jordan, and the bitter wave Of the Asphaltites. Back to thy place, Amid the Syrian vales, to thy loved toils For the forsaken Druzes, and the throng Of heathen babes, who on thine accents hang, 896 MONODY TO MRS. SMITH. As on a mother's. Lo ! the time is short. Perils upon the waters wait for thee ; And then another Jordan, from whose flood Is no return. But thou, with lip so pale, Didst take the song of triumph, and go down Alone, and fearless, through its depths profound. Snatches of heavenly harpings made thee glad, Even to thy latest gasp. Therefore, the grief Born at thy grave, is not like other grief. Tears mix with joy. We praise our God for theo. L. H. S. from which it was borrowed. 3 115800927 7400 A 000 994 355 6 k