earth, but perhaps more
power of gratefully enjoying its blessings is wanted, and may be in store
for me before I leave it; some minds seem deeply anchored in the truth,
meekly and patiently bearing the trials of the day, with firmer faith and
greater purity, but each heart alone knows its own bitterness, and I
believe there is never much attainment without much suffering;--a
chastened habit of thought, how desirable to be the habit of early life!
riches and indulgences how inimical to it!"

4th Month, 1825. "My mind enjoyed a liberty, and something of the light
of the glorious gospel, a state which I often pant after, and am so
generally a stranger to; in each day a religious engagement seemed
peculiarly blessed to myself. A sense of being liked and loved, is
gratifying; at the same time I acknowledge, it has its dangers; it is,
however, a stimulus to do good and to communicate."

4th Month, 25th. "A poor body, and a weak restless mind! How the sword
does wear the scabbard! but this world is not to be our paradise; perhaps
I lose some little strength in striving to make it so. Oh! my God, have
pity upon me; thou alone canst know how much I suffer;--if my children
ail anything, what it costs me."

In 1826, she visited the families of Friends in Darlington Monthly
Meeting, in company with Isaac Stephenson; and in allusion to this
engagement, she writes: "Entered last week on a visit, with I.
Stephenson, to the families of this Monthly Meeting. Ministry is surely
a gift! may the vessel be purified by using it in faith."

3rd Month, 1826. "After many cogitations and some provings of faith, I
went with Isaac Stephenson to Manchester, Lancaster, and Leeds: I felt it
like leaving all to follow what I believed to be my divine Guide; it cost
me some heart-sinkings and tears, but my mind was sweetly preserved in
peace and confidence; and, though I had times of depression and fear to
pass through, I have been thankful that I made the sacrifice. It has
endeared me to many individuals; and at times, in the undoubted belief
that it was a divine requiring, it has strengthened my faith, and excited
some degree of thankfulness for being so employed."

4th Month, 16th. "A sweet day of rest and peace, such as I do not
remember to have known for years."

4th Month, 18th. "Monthly Meeting one of perplexity and fear, Oh! for
dwelling deep and lying low! and waiting in quietness for the 'little
cloud!' but it seems as if my