I
reverence all religions as necessary to the happiness of man,
I am yet ignorant of the religion of Revelation. Tangible
promises! well defined hopes! are things of which I do not
_now_ feel the need. At present, my soul is intent on this
life, and I think of religion as its rule; and, in my opinion,
this is the natural and proper course from youth to age. What
I have written is not hastily concocted, it has a meaning. I
have given you, in this little space, the substance of many
thoughts, the clues to many cherished opinions. 'Tis a subject
on which I rarely speak. I never said so much but once before.
I have here given you all I know, or think, on the most
important of subjects--could you but read understandingly!'

* * * * *

I find, in her journals for 1833, the following passages, expressing
the religious purity of her aspirations at that time:--

'Blessed Father, nip every foolish wish in blossom. Lead me
_any way_ to truth and goodness; but if it might be, I would
not pass from idol to idol. Let no mean sculpture deform
a mind disorderly, perhaps ill-furnished, but spacious and
life-warm. Remember thy child, such as thou madest her, and
let her understand her little troubles, when possible, oh,
beautiful Deity!'

* * * * *

'_Sunday morning_.--Mr.--preached on the nature of our duties,
social and personal. The sweet dew of truth penetrated
my heart like balm. He pointed out the various means of
improvement, whereby the humblest of us may be beneficent
at last. How just, how nobly true,--how modestly, yet firmly
uttered,--his opinions of man,--of time,--of God!

'My heart swelled with prayer. I began to feel hope that time
and toil might strengthen me to despise the "vulgar parts
of felicity," and live as becomes an immortal creature. I am
sure, quite sure, that I am getting into the right road. Oh,
lead me, my Father! root out false pride and selfishness from
my heart; inspire me with virtuous energy, and enable me
to improve every talent for the eternal good of myself and
others.'

A friend of Margaret, some years older than herself, gives me the
following narrative:--

"I was," says she, in substance, "suffering keenly from a severe
trial, and had secluded myself from all my friends, when Margaret, a
girl o