for which she manifested much
gratitude.

It was always pleasant to call upon "Widow Cahoon," and hear her talk
about herself and her previous charge. She told us about his parents
and grandparents. His father's father was a Methodist clergyman, and
his grandmother, Smith, was a most devout woman. She loved to talk of
their excellencies of character, and the good they had accomplished. I
never heard her without being reminded of God's faithfulness in
showing mercy unto thousands of them that love him and keep his
commandments.

One day, when I was at Mrs. B----'s, "Widow Cahoon" was ushered into
her private room--a back parlour on the second story. She was much out
of breath, and it required some time for her to recover herself
sufficiently to talk. At length she spoke of her children, some of
whom she hoped were living. Two sons and a daughter had come to
America long before she did, and had gone to Pennsylvania. She had not
heard from them for twelve years. She had often prayed that she might
see them before she died, and she hoped still that she should. She had
been the mother of eleven children, and here she was entirely
alone,--no relative near her to care for her in her age and
helplessness. She was very desirous Mrs. B---- should write to
Pennsylvania to make inquiries about her children. It seemed almost a
hopeless effort, but, to gratify her, Mrs. B---- wrote to the
postmaster of the town where her sons were last heard from. In about a
week an answer came from the postmaster saying that he was well
acquainted with James, and had seen him a short time previously. He
spoke highly of him, as an industrious and respectable man, and one
who would be happy to provide for his mother. In regard to her other
son, he said he did not know him personally. His reputation was good,
and his circumstances were such that he could assist in the care of
his mother. From James the "Widow Cahoon" afterwards learned that her
daughter had married and moved farther west, but she had not been
heard from for ten years. When Mrs. B---- read the letter to her, she
was much overcome, and the tears chased each other down her furrowed
cheeks. "Glory be to God!" she exclaimed. "He has lifted a load off my
heart. I shall see my sons before I die. Bless the Lord that I ever
saw the like of you! I have been trying seven years to get that letter
written!"

I had the pleasure of carrying to her a letter from James, and reading
it to her myse