n unite cordially with anyone, man, woman or child,
who really _prays_. A very illiterate person could win my heart if I
knew he truly loved the Lord Jesus, no matter how clumsily he expressed
that love; and his prayers would edify me. Perhaps you can not look at
this matter exactly as I do. I know I _suffered_ for years, whenever I
prayed with others, old or young; but I persevered in what I believed to
be a duty, until, not so very long ago, the duty became a pleasure, all
fear of man being taken away. I never think anything about what sort of
a prayer I make; in fact _I_ make no prayer; we have to speak as the
Spirit gives us utterance.

_To Mrs. Condict, Kauinfels,_ [11] _Aug. 16, 1874._

Yesterday Miss H. came down and asked me if I would start a
Bible-reading at her house. I told her I would with pleasure. This
morning I decided to open with the Sermon on the Mount, and have been
studying the first promise. Do take your Bible and study that verse by
reading the references. I am _delighted_ that our dear Lord has at last
pointed out my mission to this village. I have long prayed that He would
open a way of access to hearts here. Pray next Wednesday afternoon that
I may be a witness for Him. There are a number of families boarding in
town, who will join the reading. Miss H. wanted to give notice from the
pulpit, but I could not consent to that.... You say your mother asks
about my book. It is a queer one, and I am not satisfied with it; but my
husband is, and thinks it will do good. God grant it may. I entitle it
Paths of Peace; or, Christian Friends in Council. [12] After the most
earnest prayer for light, I can not preach sinless perfection. I think
God has provided a way to perfection, and that that is, "looking unto
Jesus." If the "higher life" means utter sinlessness then I shall have
to own that I have never had any experience of it. Mr. P. has given me
a world of anxiety. He will go round everywhere, even on jolting
straw-rides; his wound is nearly healed, however. He is _looking_ the
picture of health, but feels uncomfortable and sleeps restlessly. I went
up to the tavern lately as a great piece of self-denial to call on a
lady boarding there, and found I had thus stumbled on to fine gold; the
gold you and I love. She is the wife of the Rev. Mr. R., of Flushing.

Soon after returning to town she began to take lessons in oil painting.
Her teacher was Mrs. Julia H. Beers--now Mrs. Kempson--a lady gifted
with