FROM MEMOIRS OF INCREASE WOODWARD, 1742-1822.

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Dear William, - Is there not a cloud of witnesses to convince man of the immutability of the over-ruling, all-creating and all-sustaining power of that Almighty Being who ought to be adored, sought unto and acknowledged by us in word and deed, and with all our heart, and whom to know is life eternal? And in order that we may know him in ourselves, he has placed a spark of his divinity, his own essence there. It is light, - it is a gift, given to poor, fallen, earthly man. It is as a lamp in the dark, clearly discovering to us every thought, word, and work, which moves and passes from within us. It is a secret monitor, - the voice of wisdom, - Christ in us. But we too often turn a deaf ear, and will not hear the call of this son of God, that we may live; - live righteously and acceptably, according to the pure law written in the heart. The gracious Father designs that we should be happy; but we will not accept an eternal happiness in the way which his grace points out to us in order to attain it. No: we will rather enjoy this life with its transitory gratifications and delights. But if thou choose these fleeting amusements, how long canst thou hold them? The flying moments that we have already numbered are gone from us forever, and we cannot command to-morrow. We are poor dependant beings whose breath is not our own, whose time is but lent. Should we not therefore devote every faculty we possess to the service of that Almighty Being who holds us and all immensity is his absolute power? And shall we, finite, perishable mortal, be ungrateful receivers of his abundant favours which are so bountifully dispensed, both around and within us; all as means to incite us to love and reverence him the gracious Creator, Preserver and Rewarder.

Alas! for our inattention and ingratitude. But what can be said or done to induce man to do as he ought, and thereby answer the design for which he was created! I may say, as did the holy man of old: "Oh! that we were wise, that we understood this, that we would consider our latter end." It is for want of solid consideration that we mistake, and err from the right path of acceptance. We are not willing to settle into the child's teachable state; and while we are wise in our own estimation, refusing to be taught, we shall always be empty and void of the true, essentials knowledge which makes wise unto salvation.

I was left motherless in my childhood; - but the universal Parent was merciful to an orphan, and often spoke by the voice of gentle persuasion. He illuminated my mind, and led me to seek and to fear him who is the Almighty Judge of the quick and the dead. He taught me what was right and what was wrong; he graciously attended me in my movements, and sometimes filled me with a dread of his majesty and power. sometimes he gave me to taste and to feel of the sweet effusions of his love which the blessed enjoy in heaven, as a means to draw me into obedience to his holy laws and commandments, which were clearly made known by the word of Truth in myself. I found by communing in my own heart, and being still, that the inward ear of the soul could attend to its dictates there manifested; and rewarded with the certain evidences of God's approbations. - Being faithful in the little light received, in that light I saw more light; and by it I was taught to trust in God in all my ways, and to consult him to direct my paths. It was in and by the principle of Truth that I was convinced, and enabled to own and embrace the profession thereof, and to enlist myself as a soldier under the banner of Christ, whose commands and injunctions are love and good-will to all men.

Now, is it not reasonable, my son, that I should desire my dear children to seek after and find what I have sought and found; - even the right way to heaven, by living in obedience to the Lord. For it is a truth, that unless we lose our life in the things of this world for Christ's sake, we shall not receive the life which is eternal. But this is a mystery to those who barter away their true happiness for shadows, and by their own unwise choice sell their birthright for mere temporary gratifications. And let us bear in mind, that if we run for a prize, it will not do to begin the race and then stop, for if we do so, we cannot gain the reward; there must be a holding out to the end in faithfulness to what is required, or we shall lose all at last.

These are weighty matter to me, whatever they may be to my children. Thou art young and choosing thine own way. I am old and have chosen the way of Truth. I have tried and proved it, and wish thou may "prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." In the freedom of love to my dear child, I have put on paper some of my advice and feelings in order to relive a loaded heart; sometimes almost overwhelmed with anxious cares and fears on account of thy safety in every way; for thou art near and dear to thy mother, not a day passes, but thou art had in remembrance, and much do I desire that thou was settled or fixed in a situation more secure from dangers inward and outward; though dangers are in all our paths through life. If I could think thou sufficiently endeavoured to live, so as to be prepared to die, it would be a solace in my heart-felt concern for thee; for I know that he who created the earth and the sea, rules over all. Trust in God, therefore, in all thy ways, and he will direct thy paths. Thus prays thy affectionate mother,

Increase Woodward.