LIBEARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Theological Seminary, 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 Snelf, I05~X$^ 
 
 Hook, ^_ # 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 

MEMOIR 
 
 OP 
 
 OR, 
 
 CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY, AND TRIUMPH 
 IN SUFFERING. 
 
 BY REV. ROBERT G. ARMSTRONG, A. M. 
 
 PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN FISHKILL, N. Y. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE 
 
 AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, 
 150 NASSAU-STREET, NEW-YORK. 
 
 D. Fanahtw, Printer. 
 
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1837, by 
 Robert G. Armstrong, in the Clerk's Office of the District 
 Court of the Southern District of New-York. 
 
 Right of publishing transferred to American Tract Society. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Memoirs of the pious dead should be regarded as 
 intimately associated, in theirobject and tendency, with 
 the instructive biographies of the sacred Scriptures ; 
 and as carrying out the original designs of the Spirit 
 of Inspiration in the abounding narrative of the Bible. 
 
 This method of communicating instruction is admi- 
 rably adapted to secure, in reference to such beings as 
 we are, the most important ends. 
 
 We are taught, alike in Scripture biography and in 
 the lives of departed saints, the practical effects oj 
 divine truth upon the heart and conscience. We see 
 the influence upon those of like passions with us, of 
 principles purifying and controlling ; at war with every 
 sinful inclination, and successfully struggling with 
 every unruly passion ; and are thus effectually taught 
 what we, by grace, may be. 
 
 The recorded dealings of God's providence with his 
 people are also an instructive commentary by which 
 the import of his promises is clearly and impressive- 
 ly illustrated. Here we see how much he does for 
 them ; how freely he forgives their sins ; how faithfully 
 he keeps his word, and how he watches over them 
 with a warm, a lasting, and a sleepless friendship. 
 
 Besides, the history of each individual who has 
 finished the christian course in triumph, adds another 
 to the "great cloud of witnesses" by which we are 
 
 H. H. 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 11 surrounded" who testify to the faithfulness of God, 
 and the reality, power, and excellency of religion. 
 
 If the humble, retiring individual, whose narrative 
 is here given, "being dead," shall " speak" with pow- 
 er to any — if this little volume shall pay a visit ot 
 mercy to the sufferer — if it shall ever be found the 
 companion of a sleepless pillow, guiding the inquiring 
 soul to Christ, or kindling the graces of any of his 
 people, or lighting up a smile in the hour of death, 
 its errand of love will not be in vain. 
 
 It is proper to state that the selections from what 
 she had written are frequently abridged, condensed 
 and simplified ; but the original sentiment is in all 
 cases carefully retained. 
 
 H. H. * 
 
« <s> av a sr 3? 8 • 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early life of Hannah Hobbie— pious education— con- 
 viction of sin — sickness — mistakes — sufferings — 
 dream — false refuges forsaken — conversion — joy 
 — view of her afflictions — illustrations of Divine 
 truth. [October 13, 1806, to 1825.] 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Power of religion in sickness — afflictions blest—in- 
 terview — letters to aunts and a cousin. [1825 to 
 April, 1827.] 22 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Commences her Journal — how written— devotes her 
 self to God — resignation — views of the Sabbath — 
 thinks her life short — revival of religion — anxiety 
 for her father — renews her covenant — letter to an 
 aunt — her father's conversion — she unites with the 
 church — beautiful scenery — reflections— self-dedi- 
 cation. [August to November, 1827.] 31 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Views of duty— desire for God's presence — letter 
 to a cousin — wishes to die — submissive — letter to 
 1* 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 her cousin J. H: H.— delightful exercises— inter- 
 view — reflections — desires to be useful and holy — 
 Lord's supper — carried into the garden — an era in 
 her christian life. [December 1827 to May, 1828.] 53 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Death of Miss L. — reflections — letter to her cousin 
 Frances M. — no fear of death— delight in God's 
 word — prayers answered— renews her covenant 
 with God every Sabbath — letter to a cousin re- 
 cently married — to an aunt— great sufferings — 
 given over by her physicians. [May to Sept. 1828.] 73 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Joy and triumph in God — death solemn — certain — 
 welcome to her — letter to an afflicted friend — visit 
 of a minister — high enjoyment — prayer of faith — 
 answered — exalted themes — heavenly state of 
 mind— the Bible her chief study — the Psalms — de- 
 lightful interview — watchfulness— redemption — 
 joy in God. [September to November, 1828.] 94 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Her modesty — Female Benevolent Society — revi- 
 val—secret of her eminence — marriage of her 
 sister — reflections — New- Year— visit — grave-yard 
 — animal creation — interview— letter to a fellow- 
 sufferer — resolves to overcome hindrances to duty 
 —speaking for God. [Dec. 1828 to March, 1829.] 114 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Renewed attack of her disease— God purifies by af- 
 fliction — clear views of sin — sister removes — re- 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Pagt. 
 
 newed efforts to do good — letter to four female 
 cousins — female prayer-meeting — letters — her cup 
 of blessing overflows— prayers and meditations- 
 rides out. [March to August, 1829.] 138 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Blessing of relief from pain — death of J G , 
 
 a female friend — visit to her residence — reflections 
 on the death of H.— birth-day— letter to her cou- 
 sins — Lord's supper at Capt. C's — severe conflict — 
 erects her Ebenezer — Lord's supper — letter to 
 Frances M.— rides to Capt. C's. [August 1829 to 
 February, 1830.] 159 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Christian progress — she prays much— salvation 
 of relatives — views of a profession of religion — 
 reflections after seven years' sickness — letter to an 
 uncle — meeting — her sister's conversion — her Sab- 
 bath-school formed. [February to June, 1830.] 178 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Ride to Mr. Hobbie's — the house — beauty and subli- 
 mity of the landscape — letters to J. H. H. — Mrs. 
 G's death— letter to J. H. H — to Miss E. B.— meet- 
 ing at Capt. C's— her birth-day— resolutions. [June 
 to October, 1830.] 192 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Rapid decline— death seems near— prepares — influ- 
 ence of habits of life on piety— clear hope— let- 
 
8 CONTENTS. 
 
 Pago 
 ters — care of her heart — rejoices in view of death 
 —her quiet spirit. [Oct. 1830 to Feb. 1831.] 211 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Prominent traits of her christian character — her stand- 
 ard of piety high— deep sense of sin — evil of her 
 heart — repentance— love to Christ— love of the 
 truth— of the Sabbath — of prayer — of christians — 
 anxiety for sinners — for success of the cause of 
 Christ— joy in doing good — fellowship — how to 
 prepare for death. 226 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Delightful interview — her heavenly spirit — visit to 
 her death-bed — affecting incident — disposes of her 
 Journal — directions respecting her funeral — fare- 
 well reflections — her death — conclusion. [Feb. to 
 March 21, 1831.] 343 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 HANNAH HOBBIE 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Hannah Hobbte was the daughter of Caleb K. 
 and Clarina Hobbie, of the town of Northeast, 
 Dutchess county, New-York. She was born Octo- 
 ber 13, 1806. 
 
 Her family were of that respectable and substan- 
 tial class which stands at an equal remove from 
 the rich and the poor. Possessing what Agur so 
 wisely desired, neither poverty nor riches, they 
 were happy in comparative exemption from the 
 temptations which are incident to both. 
 
 From this class of society I believe God has ever 
 taken the greatest proportion, and, if I mistake not, 
 the most efficient of his people ; and the members 
 of this family have been consecrated by the Spirit, 
 one after another, to his service, as fast as they have 
 grown up to maturity. At the time at which this 
 narrative commences, none of the family but Mrs. 
 Hobbie belonged to the church of Christ. I have 
 had the happiness since of receiving, at different 
 
10 MEMOIR OF 
 
 times, her husband and three of her children, as 
 members of the church to which I then ministered. 
 Others have joined themselves to the people of 
 God in a distant part of the state. 
 
 Hannah was the second daughter. She was re- 
 markable from childhood for a solidity of mind and 
 sobriety of deportment not frequently found in 
 the buoyant season of youth ; was dutiful to her 
 parents, and affectionate and even-tempered to- 
 wards her brothers and sisters and companions. 
 
 The religious instruction which she received 
 from her mother, and which, doubtless, greatly con- 
 tributed to establish the equanimity of temper and 
 sobriety of behavior which so strongly character- 
 ized her early years, seems to have made an abid- 
 ing, though not an awakening impression upon her 
 mind. From a sketch she left of her sufferings and 
 exercises, I find that though at an early age she 
 seems to have been sensible of the importance of 
 religion, and to have had many serious impressions, 
 none of them were lasting. Her first decided con- 
 victions of sin were during a revival of religion in 
 the neighborhood in which she lived, when she was 
 about fifteen years of age. At that time her atten- 
 tion became fixed upon her eternal welfare in a 
 manner which, to her, was new, and she saw that 
 to that period she had lived (under all her advan- 
 tages) in strange ignorance of herself, of sin, and 
 of God. She was deeply sensible that, under the 
 
HANNAH HOISBIE. 11 
 
 holy administration of God's government, gracious 
 and merciful as it is, there is no peace to the wicked; 
 and felt that, as she had been a great transgressor, 
 there was none for her. 
 
 In the paper which I have mentioned, and which 
 begins with that appropriate expression of the 
 Psalmist, M Come, all ye that fear God, and I will 
 tell you what he hath done for my soul, ,, having 
 alluded to the visit of a pious missionary, who had 
 called upon the family and conversed with her, 
 she says : 
 
 " Eeing deeply impressed with a sense of my 
 lost and perishing condition, soon after he left us 
 I retired by myself to pray ; and solemnly resolved, 
 that, let what would be the consequence, I would 
 endeavor to seek that religion which I considered 
 of the utmost importance, and without which I was 
 sensible I never should know true happiness. My 
 health was pretty good ; but I knew enough of the 
 influence of disease to convince me that repent- 
 ance should not be put off till a time of sickness, or 
 the hour of death. I therefore prayed that I might 
 not delay the important work." 
 
 This was six months subsequent to her being 
 awakened ; and after the expiration of another half 
 year, she says of herself: 
 
 11 I continued to seek for peace and pardon ; but 
 
12 MEMOIR OF 
 
 depending too much on my own strength, instead 
 of submitting entirely to God, I was, in a measure, 
 left to myself, and in the course of the following 
 winter grew somewhat careless, sometimes neg- 
 lecting the duty of prayer. My health, for some 
 time, appeared to be declining; but I was not 
 aware of the danger which threatened me, and 
 made very little complaint. Knowing that the Lord 
 did it, I opened not my mouth.'* 
 
 Her state, a half year still later, is thus de- 
 scribed : 
 
 " On the 26th of April, 1823, I was laid upon a 
 bed of sickness, and commenced a course of medi- 
 cine. My physician, after making two or three 
 visits, intimated that such was the nature of my 
 complaint, it would probably be permanent. A con- 
 sulting physician was called, and coincided with 
 this opinion. This excited neither fear nor alarm ; 
 I thought it was intended for my good, and that it 
 was all for the best. I was brought, apparently, near 
 the grave. For several weeks after this I was al- 
 most insensible of spiritual things.' ' 
 
 She speaks of her physician very kindly and 
 thankfully; and having been relieved, in some mea- 
 sure, from her pains two or three months after this, 
 she ascribes it (under God) to his " kind and unre- 
 mitting attention." 
 
HANNAH HOBE1E. 13 
 
 Who does not sec that in her distress she fled 
 to every refuge but the right one ] She prayed to 
 he made happy, but she found no relief; she wept 
 at the misery of her condition, and in view of coming 
 wrath, but her guilt still lay heavy upon her, and 
 her conscience troubled her with ceaseless upbraid- 
 in £s. The congregation to which she belonged was 
 then without a pastor ; and like many others in her 
 situation, she concealed the state of her mind, and 
 became at length almost as careless as before. 
 
 It was at this critical period of her spiritual con- 
 dition that I was called to that field of labor, and 
 became acquainted with the state of her mind, 
 which she has herself briefly described : 
 
 " I was almost insensible of my sin and danger ; 
 but after one or two visits from our friend and pas- 
 tor, who urged upon me the necessity of being pre- 
 pared for death, I was led to reflect on the past 
 exercises of my mind, and to renew the practice of 
 that duty which I had so much neglected. I suf- 
 fered much ; but thought it a punishment for my 
 sins which I justly deserved, and seldom felt the 
 least disposition to complain, or to think my lot 
 hard. When I considered how much less my suf- 
 ferings were than they might be, and how much 
 less than I really deserved, I found I had more 
 reason to be thankful than to complain. 
 
 H. Hobble. 2 
 
14 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " About this time I was greatly alarmed by a 
 dream. I had been more unwell for a week, which 
 probably was the occasion of it. In my dream, my 
 physician came to see me, and on his first entering 
 the room there seemed an unusual solemnity on 
 his countenance. He examined my symptoms, said 
 but little, and did nothing for me. He seemed to 
 hesitate about leaving me. I could not imagine the 
 cause of his solemnity. He at length departed ; but 
 soon returned, and with the same solemnity, and 
 apparently with great reluctance, told me that I 
 was not as well ; that I should not live longer than 
 till the next week ; that by that time I should be 
 so poor that my bones would pierce through my 
 skin. I knew that I was not prepared for the im- 
 portant event. «I supposed my time short, and, in 
 dreadful agony, wrung my hands and cried aloud 
 for mercy ; urging the doctor not to leave me. He 
 promised to come the next day, and departed. I 
 awoke in a profuse perspiration, and in great agi- 
 tation on account of my dream. Though only a 
 dream, it made a strong impression on my mind. I 
 told it to no one. 
 
 " My sufferings greatly increased, and I was in 
 great distress of body as well as mind. The next 
 Sabbath was, I think, the most trying day I had 
 ever experienced. In my distress 1 cried unto the 
 Lord : I said within myself, surely the hand of the 
 Lord is upon me. My dream was continually before 
 
HAWAII HOBBIE. 15 
 
 me ; nor did I soon forget it. I thought it was to 
 show me that my time was short, and to awaken 
 me to immediate preparation for death." 
 
 Her own remarks respecting this dream show 
 that she attached to it no undue importance, but 
 improved it wisely. The reader will perceive, that 
 though her life was continued many years, the suf- 
 fering and emaciation of which she now dreamed, 
 became at last a matter of history. 
 
 Some time after this she thus writes : 
 
 <c It seemed as if I had endured enough to wean 
 me from the world ; but I still felt that my attach- 
 ment to it was strong. My sufferings, however, 
 tended somewhat to draw off my affections from 
 terrestrial enjoyments, and to engage me more 
 earnestly in pursuit of those which are incorrupti- 
 ble and fade not away. 
 
 <( In the following summer I had some degree of 
 hope, but I soon found that I had still a heart of 
 unbelief, and again almost despaired of mercy." 
 
 During the latter part of the period embraced in 
 these extracts, I had visited her, and felt anxious 
 to learn the real state of her mind. Although she 
 seemed at first reluctant to rive me a faithful ac- 
 
 o 
 
 count of her former and present feelings, I at 
 length, by patient assiduity, succeeded in obtain- 
 ing the knowledge which I so much desired. 
 
16 MEMOIR OF 
 
 During these interviews I found her more and 
 more impressed with a sense of sin ; and discover- 
 ed also that she was fast treading again her former 
 mistaken course of selfish desire for mercy, merely 
 that she might he happy ; seeking only deliverance 
 from her sorrows, and praying, under the impres- 
 sion that, for so doing, she ought to be regarded of 
 God. I endeavored to show her that there was 
 but one way in which she could become a child of 
 God ; that a mere desire of happiness for herself, 
 and laying claim to the favor of God because of her 
 frequent prayers, was not what he required : but 
 that she must come in all her guilt, and wretched- 
 ness, and ruin, looking to the blood and spirit of 
 Christ for cleansing and for life ; and at the foot of 
 the cross make a full and cheerful surrender of her 
 heart and all she had to the Savior, to be his — con- 
 secrated to his service and glory for ever. * 
 
 Her religious exercises soon assumed a new 
 character. She saw that all was wrong within. 
 Sin appeared to her exceeding sinful. She abased 
 herself before God, and cried with the Psalmist, 
 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and reneiv a right 
 spirit within me. Then her prayer was heard, and 
 graciously answered. By degrees light came, and 
 peace and joy in believing. 
 
 She now knew what it was to believe in Christ, 
 to rest upon his covenant promises. Now she saw 
 and acknowledged that God was right in refusing 
 
iiawaii iionniE. 17 
 
 to liear her prayers, because she regarded not his 
 glory. She saw that she had been unwilling to 
 give up all for Christ ; that she had possessed a 
 proud and rebellious spirit, having no fellowship 
 with a plan of salvation which plucked away every 
 merit from herself, and bound all the laurels fresh 
 and flourishing upon the Redeemer's brow. Now 
 she rejoiced in God her Savior, and fully and freely 
 ascribed to him all the glory of her deliverance. 
 Her own account of this great change is deeply 
 interesting. 
 
 " When about to sink in despair, the Lord in 
 infinite mercy heard my cry, and brought relief. 
 Then I could truly say, c I love the Lord, because 
 he hath heard my voice and my supplications* Be- 
 cause he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore 
 will I call upon him as long as I live. The sor- 
 rows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell 
 gat hold upon me : I found trouble and sorrow. 
 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, 
 I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the 
 Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The 
 Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low 
 and he helped me.' 
 
 " At times before, I entertained flattering hopes 
 that I had passed from death unto life, but not till 
 then, was I willing to give up all for Christ, and ac- 
 cept of salvation on the terms of the Gospel. 
 
18 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " How much did I now mourn the loss of sanc- 
 tuary privileges, and the privilege of reading. I 
 considered them the greatest I could enjoy ; but the 
 Lord was my effectual Teacher. 
 
 " After I had experienced this happy change, 
 which filled me with that peace which c passeth all 
 understanding/ I was led to wonder — to love and 
 praise the Lord for his goodness in my happy de- 
 liverance. I beheld and admired the perfections 
 of God in every thing around me ; in the works ot 
 creation and the ways of providence. O the won- 
 ders of redeeming love ! How astonishing t Sin- 
 ners may be reconciled to God, and, through a 
 Savior's merits, have hope in his mercy ! 
 
 " I now look upon my many afflictions as among 
 the means appointed by infinite wisdom and good- 
 ness to bring me into possession of that ' exceeding 
 weight of glory' which the Lord has prepared for 
 his people ; and though I have hitherto been pre- 
 vented, through fear and shame, from making 
 known the wonderful goodness of God to me, I 
 now bless the Lord who hath opened my mouth to 
 show forth his praise." 
 
 This peace of mind was, at intervals, interrupted 
 a little, for some time afterwards, by fears and 
 doubts, arising from the very thing which gave 
 others the strongest confidence in her piety — a very 
 tender conscience — a quick and delicate susceptibili- 
 
IIANNAH HOBBIE. 19 
 
 ty, respecting even the appearance of evil. This 
 sometimes presented her own heart to her view in 
 such a light as threw a shade for a moment over the 
 usual brightness of her hope ; but, under all this, it 
 was manifest to others that she was rapidly grow- 
 ing: in crace. 
 
 From this time (nearly four years from the first 
 appearance of her decided convictions of sin) a 
 new era in her life commenced. She saw that it 
 was her mistaken views of the divine plan of show- 
 ing mercy to sinners which had caused her feet to 
 stumble, and kept her so long in darkness. Now 
 she was afraid of being left to her own understand- 
 ing in any thing. She dared not trust her deceitful 
 heart any more, for it had too often betrayed her 
 already. With entire distrust of her own compe- 
 tency to direct her way, she felt that in all things 
 she needed the guidance of that u wisdom which 
 cometh from above. ,, From the wilderness in which 
 she had wandered so long, and where she had 
 found the way so dreary, she "came up leaning 
 upon her beloved. ,, She earnestly desired to be 
 taught wholly — in every thing — of God; and he 
 fulfilled to her the promise, M They that wait upon 
 the Lord shall renew their strength : they shall 
 mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, 
 and not be weary ; and they shall walk, and not 
 faint." Though her outward man was perishing 
 her inward man was renewed day by day. 
 
20 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I cannot pass on without looking back from this 
 point, to gather up two or three striking illustra- 
 tions of divine truth, afforded by the history of 
 Hannah's conversion. 
 
 In external strictness of moral deportment there is 
 nothing in the view of the true penitent which can 
 palliate or excuse opposition of heart to the truth. 
 How then can it be otherwise than lightly esteem- 
 ed of God % This amiable female, though faithful 
 in the discharge of the social and relative duties of 
 life, found that one thing was lacking. She saw that 
 she had ?iever loved God — that her heart was enmity 
 against him — and she loathed and abhorred herself 
 in dust and ashes, as altogether vile. 
 
 We see that a humble, broken heart — a heart re- 
 ally distressed because of the evil of sin, of its odi- 
 ous character, as opposed to God's holy, and just, 
 and good law, God will never despise ; while such 
 as have no desire to be holy, to be pure as God is 
 pure, he will not regard. We see this weeping 
 sufferer at times in deep distress of soul for four 
 years before she came to the Savior in all her sins 
 for healing and salvation. She found no rest, be- 
 cause she saw not the dreadful character of sin, 
 and consequently was not driven wholly to Christ, 
 renouncing sin and herself, and giving all to his 
 service and glory. But when she saw that sin was 
 Tier crime ; that she stood in open and desperate re- 
 bellion against God, so great, so excellent, so mer- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 21 
 
 ciful, that he ought to be loved, and obeyed, and 
 chosen above all ; then, filled with grief and self- 
 abasement, she came and cast herself, weeping over 
 past transgressions, at the Savior's feet, like the 
 woman which was a sinner, and teas forgiven. 
 
 Watchmen of Israel, let us heed the admoni- 
 tion to be faithful to the souls committed to our care. 
 For a long season Hannah was in darkness, because 
 she had none to teach her what she must do to be 
 saved. We may find, if we search our congrega- 
 tions with diligent attention, many who conceal 
 their feelings. When the real state of her mind 
 was elicited, and the way of salvation pointed out 
 clearly in simplicity, then she saw her duty — and 
 took up her cross and followed Jesus. We must 
 at the fire-side, as well as in the public assembly, 
 preach, as did the Apostles, the Gospel of the king- 
 dom ; and endeavor to ascertain from themselves 
 individually, who among our people accept of the 
 terms of salvation — who among them are resisting 
 the Holy Ghost. Thus shall we find those, who, 
 but for this paternal solicitude, might succeed in 
 quenching the Spirit. How many has God saved 
 through such fidelity as this ! Let us lk watch for 
 souls as they that must give account.''' 
 
MEMOIR OF 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 I love to sit down by the bed-side of a dying be- 
 liever, when the process of removal from the world 
 is slow, and the approaches of death gradual, but 
 steady. I love to watch the developements of 
 christian character — the manner in which God il- 
 lustrates the import of his covenant engagements, 
 and mark the excellency of religion. There, more 
 than under any other circumstances, have I seen it 
 displayed in all its purity of principle, its eleva- 
 tion of purpose, its loveliness of character, its 
 brightness of hope, and its strength of consolation. 
 There the mind has time and opportunity to think, 
 and to search out the foundations of its confidence. 
 
 I retrace with fond remembrance, and often with 
 deep emotion, the scenes which I witnessed during 
 the painful and protracted sickness of this beloved* 
 but now departed friend ; the clear and edifying 
 light in which truth has often been presented to my 
 mind, by the impressive simplicity with which she 
 would tell of the dealings of God with her soul, 
 and recount her views, and trials, and comforts ; 
 and above all, I love to look back upon the humble, 
 and patient, and child-like spirit with which, dur- 
 ing years of bodily suffering, often intensely severe, 
 she kissed the rod, and rejoiced in him who, she was 
 
HANNAH UMBBIE. 23 
 
 enabled to see, had wisely and kindly appointed it. 
 
 In my frequent visits to her at this period, I 
 found her bodily sufferings, in general, great ; but 
 her mind, for the most part, sweetly and firmly 
 stayed on Christ. It was manifest throughout, that 
 the promise which secures good to them that trust in 
 God, as the result of all the allotments of his pro- 
 vidence, was, in her case, remarkably fulfilled. 
 Under all her severe pains, in her greatest debili- 
 ty (which at this time was excessive) she was al- 
 ways patient, always resigned to her Master's will, 
 always trusting every thing to his hand. She firm- 
 ly believed all the trials she endured to be, in her 
 ca.se, necessary ; that they were all intended for her 
 good ; and her uniform choice was, that God should 
 dispose of her as seemed best in his sight. 
 
 For two years she had not been able to sit up, 
 at any one time, more than ten or fifteen minutes. 
 Repeated attacks of severe pain had so racked her 
 constitution, that, through weakness of her ner- 
 vous system, at times she could scarcely bear the 
 softest voice in her room. I have passed to her sick 
 chamber through doors with every latch muffled, 
 and, with all this precaution, lifted in the most gen- 
 tle manner ; while the family would steal away 
 from place to place, in their household occupa- 
 tions, with a step as noiseless as the falling of a 
 leaf; and yet I have found her happy in her Savior's 
 love. When these seasons of extreme prostration 
 
24 MEMOIR OF 
 
 passed away, it seemed as if she could not be suf- 
 ficiently thankful. 
 
 As I was one day sitting at her bed-side, when 
 she enjoyed rather more than her usual strength, 
 and seemed anxious to improve the opportunity of 
 christian intercourse, I felt desirous to ascertain her 
 views of God's dealings with her more fully than 
 I had ever before done. 
 
 " Hannah," said I, " you have been long and 
 greatly afflicted. You have been shut out from the 
 world in the bloom of life, deprived of its enjoy- 
 ments, and for years visited with severe suffering : 
 is it all right V 
 
 She replied, in a voice so feeble, and tremulous, 
 and sweet, that its very tones seemed to plead for 
 sympathy with her sorrows, " Yes ; it is all right. 
 The Lord has done it ; why should I complain ? 
 My sufferings have been great ; but Jesus suffered 
 more for me. My lot is not hard ; I deserve it all, 
 I have often wondered at the Lord's goodness in 
 preserving me from death, while unprepared to 
 meet it. These afflictions do me good ; and are c not 
 worthy to be compared with the glory f that I trust 
 will follow. I am in the Lord's hands, and I feel 
 entirely submissive." 
 
 "When I asked her what her greatest desire with 
 respect to her sufferings had been, she said, 
 
 11 It has been my prayer from the first, continu- 
 ally, that it might not be in vain that I was afflicted ; 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 25 
 
 that God would sanctify his dealings with me to 
 ray soul, and cause them to bring me to himself." 
 
 " Well," said I, " what do you think is the result]" 
 
 M I can sincerely say, that ■ it is good for me that I 
 have bee?i afflicted ;' in this I cannot be mistaken : 
 I do humbly trust that God has glorified himself 
 in causing my afflictions to work for my eternal 
 good. It is a great privilege to say so ; but I think 
 I can truly say it." 
 
 Anxious to know her whole heart in this matter, 
 I said, " But when you see so many brought 
 from darkness to light in firm health and with few- 
 er sorrows, do you not sometimes feel as if God 
 had been needlessly severe ?" 
 
 <c O sir," said she, while feeling about her pillow 
 for her handkerchief to wipe away a tear that start- 
 ed from her eye and lay upon her cheek, M you 
 know not my heart. God is clear in all. I was 
 very obstinate ; I wanted every thing my own way. 
 God could not move ?ne, as others have been moved, 
 by kindness. His mercies I slighted, his entrea- 
 ties I disregarded, and his threatening^ did not af- 
 feet me. It appears clear to me now, that he had 
 no other way to bring me to himself but to do just 
 as he has done; and I bless him now, and hope to 
 praise him forever for it." 
 
 I looked at her while uttering this language of 
 meek submission ; and a heavenly smile was mel- 
 lowing and softening the usually sweet expression 
 
 H. Hobbie. 3 
 
26 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of her countenance. She turned her eye full upon 
 me, beaming with the calm assurance of hope, and 
 said, " My dear Pastor, I am a favored being /" 
 When the starting tear had been wiped away, and 
 the melting scene had gone by, I prayed with her, 
 and departed. " I came here," said I, as I left the 
 door of the dwelling, " to impart instruction and 
 comfort a mourner, but I feel it a privilege to sit at 
 her feet and learn." 
 
 In a letter to her aunt at Bedford, dated April 
 14, 1827, she says : 
 
 ,c I still languish on my sick bed; but it is all 
 right ; I ' own the sentence just.' My deprivations 
 are many ; but my mercies are many more. I can- 
 not go to the house of God, but I thank him that I 
 can hear the preached Gospel at home. Last Sab- 
 bath I enjoyed this privilege. Like water to the 
 thirsty, or meat to him that is hungry, so was the 
 word of life to me. The text was in the 117th 
 Psalm, * O praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise 
 him all ye people ; for his merciful kindness is 
 great towards us, and the truth of the Lord endur- 
 eth for ever/ Surely his merciful kindness is great 
 towards . me ; and because his truth endureth for 
 ever, therefore I will put my trust in him and not 
 be afraid. 
 
 rt How astonishing it is that many hear from the 
 lips of the faithful preacher their awful condition 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 21 
 
 while unreconciled to God, apparently with no con- 
 cern. Though the Savior died to redeem them 
 from eternal death, they regard it not. What a 
 manifestation of the awful hardness of the human 
 heart is this ! Can any thing but mighty grace sub- 
 due it ? Indifference to religion prevails in this 
 place, and I sometimes fear lest heavy and de- 
 served judgments may come upon us ; but the Lord 
 is infinite in goodness and plenteous in mercy; 
 I sometimes therefore hope that, as he is reviving 
 his work in other places, we too may behold his 
 glory in the salvation of sinners. 
 
 " Spring has again returned with all its loveli- 
 ness. How great and glorious is that God, at whose 
 word the seasons perform their successive rounds ! 
 his glory shines in the firmament, and his good- 
 ness fills the earth : the hills and the valleys rejoice 
 and sing — the fields and forests praise him. 
 
 1 All nature seems at once combined 
 1 In songs of wonder, love and praise.' 
 
 But in the plan of salvation God's glory shines 
 brighter still ; here he demands our highest praise. 
 There is nothing in creation for which God has 
 done so much as for man. As we are the peculiar 
 objects of his favor, let it be our delight to serve 
 him while we remain sojourners here, that we may 
 reign with him in heaven.' ' 
 
28 MEMOIR OP 
 
 In a letter to another aunt, four days later, she 
 says : 
 
 " It is now about four years that I have been 
 deprived of the blessing of health : I have passed 
 through many trying scenes, I have had cause to 
 weep, and I have had cause to rejoice and be glad. 
 Had any one told me that I should thus have 
 suffered, I should probably have sunk under the 
 thought ; or, on the other hand, had I been told of 
 the benefit I should derive from my afflictions, and 
 of the happiness which I now possess, I should have 
 been ready to exclaim, impossible ! But the Lord 
 himself has done it ; his righteous arm inflicted the 
 stroke, and in mercy and compassion he has made 
 it a blessing to my soul. Yes, my dear aunt, if I 
 am not greatly deceived, I have reason to believe 
 my present sufferings will be my eternal gain. As 
 adversity has been your lot, I have sympathized 
 with you. 
 
 " How different the lots assigned to man ! While 
 some have every enjoyment of life, others suffer 
 greatly, as we do. But if we have an interest in 
 Christ ; if it be our greatest delight to do the will 
 of our heavenly Father, as I hope and trust it is, 
 I sometimes think it is a matter of little consequence 
 in what condition of life we are placed. Health is 
 indeed most desirable, and the things of this life are 
 a blessing ; but Agur saw that fullness in these things 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 20 
 
 was unfriendly to a spirit of entire dependence on 
 God ; and, lest he should deny him, he prayed that 
 he might not have riches. For my part, whatever 
 of this world's good I enjoy, I would receive as a 
 blessing and not as a portion ; and because all be- 
 neath the sun is fading and transitory, I look for- 
 ward with joy to an inheritance which is incorrup- 
 tible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. 
 
 *' It is painful to me to be separated from those 
 friends whom I hold dear; but the joyful period will 
 soon arrive when the friends of Christ will meet at 
 the right hand of God, where pains and parting will 
 be no more. There I hope to meet my dear aunt, 
 never more to endure the trial of a separation." 
 
 Another letter, written about the same time, was 
 addressed to a cousin, who was still a thoughtless 
 girl, though admonished by disease to prepare for 
 a dying hour. 
 
 " Northeast, April 20, 1827. 
 " Dear Cousin, — I should not be excusable were 
 I to neglect this favorable opportunity of writing to 
 you. But O that I could address you as one that 
 felt the importance of that religion which enables 
 me, and all who feel its renovating and sustaining 
 power, to be happy, and contented, even in sick- 
 ness. I have not heard from you in a long time, but 
 from the knowledge I have of your complaint, I sup- 
 pose that you are still suffering. Have you felt the 
 3* 
 
SO MEMOIR OF 
 
 need of that solace which arises only from a sense 
 of the love and favor of God ] If not, I sincerely 
 pity you. Yes ; I have, by painful experience, learnt 
 to pity all those who are living without God and 
 without hope in the world. I know not what could 
 please me more than to hear that my dear Eliza- 
 beth had renounced the world and all its vanities, 
 and made choice of that good part which can never 
 be taken away. Should I attempt to tell you the 
 happiness of a soul that loves God, I could not do 
 it. I well remember, when I was yet a stranger to 
 God, and was often entreated by Christian friends 
 to forsake the ways of sin, they told me of the folly 
 and danger of my course, and of the delights of the 
 ways of wisdom. I can now say that the half of 
 either was not told me. I never knew what true 
 happiness was till I found it in religion. 
 
 " Separated as we now ara, I often ask myself, 
 shall we be separated beyond the grave % Were I 
 assured that we should meet in heaven, I should 
 feel much more reconciled to see you no more be- 
 low, as I probably never shall. Good and evil are 
 set before you ; O that you would choose, and be a 
 follower of that which is good ! 
 
 "I should be highly gratified to "have you write ; 
 for to receive letters from my distant friends is next 
 to the pleasure of seeing them. 
 
 " Your affectionate cousin, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 31 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Miss Hobbie was a plain unlettered female, 
 trained to habits of industry in a farmer's family, 
 and enjoying limited privileges for the improve- 
 ment of her mind. In this respect she was most 
 emphatically self-made : she was fond of reading, 
 and embraced every opportunity at her command 
 to gain instruction. 
 
 Her journal was commenced on the 24th of Au- 
 gust, 1S27, and exhibits the exercises of her mind 
 until within about seven weeks of her death, a pe- 
 riod of nearly three and a half years. Here the 
 true christian appears portrayed in a most amiable 
 and edifying light. O that all who read it may im- 
 bibe its spirit. 
 
 It was written, and also her letters, as she re- 
 clined on her bed, too weak to sit by a table, hav- 
 ing a book before her for a writing-desk, and her 
 ink standing at her bedside. Under such circum- 
 stances few would have felt themselves able to 
 write at all ; few, very few would have persevered 
 as she did. The trembling and faint characters in 
 which many parts of this journal are delineated, in- 
 dicate the pain and weakness under which it was 
 frequently continued. She felt the object to be 
 great — her own advancement in the divine life; and 
 
32 MEMOIR OP 
 
 faithfully pursued the plan of recording her exer- 
 cises as the best method of ascertaining her spiri- 
 tual as well as mental improvement. To a mind 
 disciplined, like hers, to self-examination, it ap- 
 peared the most eligible method of furthering her 
 great object, that of being holy. In order to know 
 her progress in the christian life, she felt that some 
 permanency must be given to her passing impres- 
 sions. From several records it would appear that 
 she was in the habit of frequently reviewing her 
 journal, for the purpose of ascertaining her growth 
 in grace ; and her manner and design in giving it 
 into my hands, just before her death, which will be 
 hereafter noticed, make it evident that she had not 
 the most distant idea of its being published. 
 
 This journal, which appears to me so like a rich 
 vein of gold throughout that I scarcely know what 
 to omit, commences as follows : . 
 
 w August 24, 1827. In taking a review of the 
 last eighteen months of my life, which I have en- 
 deavored to devote to the service of God, I find 
 much cause to mourn my misimprovement of time, 
 and to regret that I have made so little progress in 
 the divine life. Having been much impressed of 
 late with a sense of the importance of so improv- 
 ing the short season allotted me on earth, that I may 
 render a good account at last, I am induced to 
 adopt this measure for the improvement of my 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 33 
 
 mind and for my growth in grace, believing it to be 
 a very effectual method for keeping alive a flame 
 of heavenly devotion in my heart, and increasing 
 love to God, as the great source of christian ex- 
 cellence. 
 
 M And now, O Lord, I would make an entire sur- 
 render of myself to thee ; and, through the merits 
 of Lhy dear Son, hope to find acceptance with thee. 
 May thy Spirit guide me into all necessary truth ; 
 save me from all error ; influence me to receive 
 the truth in the love of it ; and transform me more 
 and more into a likeness to thyself. ,, 
 
 " August 25. Reason and revelation both teach 
 me that I have an immortal soul, which, after leav- 
 ing this present abode of flesh, must enter a state 
 of inexpressible happiness in heaven, or sink into 
 the depths of endless wo : and as the present is 
 the only time for securing the favor of God and an 
 inheritance in heaven, it becomes me to examine 
 myself, and know whether I have been actually 
 born again ; whether a right spirit is renewed with- 
 in me. Have I so repented of sin, that my heart is 
 really set against it ] Does the love of God appear 
 to me to be the first, greatest, and best of all ob- 
 jects ? O Lord, thou knowest that my greatest de- 
 sire is to know and do thy will ; wilt thou show me, 
 if I am indeed thine ] Manifest thyself unto me, as 
 thou dost not unto the world, and make me such as 
 thou wilt delight to own and bless/ ' 
 
34 MEMOIR OP 
 
 M August 26. The returning Sabbath reminds 
 me of the privilege I once enjoyed of going to the 
 house of God and hearing the Gospel's joyful sound. 
 But alas ! I have long been deprived of the inesti- 
 mable blessing. I nevertheless rejoice that God, 
 whose presence makes glad the hearts of his chil- 
 dren worshiping in the sanctuary, likewise conde- 
 scends to visit the humble and contrite while lan- 
 guishing on a bed of sickness at home. Be pleased, 
 Heavenly Father, to favor me with thy gracious 
 presence, and make this day a blessing to my soul. 
 My Sabbaths on earth will soon end ; then may I 
 be prepared to enter upon that Sabbath of rest 
 which ends — never. There I may worship Thee, 
 without the weaknesses and infirmities of flesh to 
 interpose. ,, 
 
 " Aug. 28. As the heavens are high above the 
 earth, so great is thy goodness unto me, O Lord, from 
 day to day. But alas ! how ungrateful ! What poor 
 returns do I make for the mercies innumerable that 
 I enjoy ! How often am I contented with the form 
 of godliness, without feeling its enlivening and in- 
 vigorating power ! With what indifference do I 
 read the word of God ! O Lord, awaken me from 
 carelessness, stupidity, and unbelief. Thou know- 
 est my wants and barrenness ; how feeble my gra- 
 ces, how cold my love, how weak my faith, how 
 lukewarm my zeal, how negligent my fear, and 
 how imperfect all. O strengthen me with might 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 35 
 
 in the inner man ; fashion my soul after thine own 
 blessed image ; and daily, out of thy fullness, give 
 me to partake of the abundance of grace : give me 
 clearer views of the riches of grace, that my unbe- 
 lief may be confounded, and deeper discoveries of 
 my own wretchedness produced. Let my pride be 
 abased ; and O, may I thankfully embrace thy free 
 salvation, and be content to be saved, from first to 
 last, as a sinner." 
 
 See how soon this prayer was answered. The 
 next day she thus expresses herself : 
 
 " Aug. 29. To-day I feel religion to be indeed 
 the one thing needful ; and I bless the Lord for the 
 hope that I have a share in that good part which 
 shall not be taken away. Glorious hope ! With 
 this assurance I am contented and happy under the 
 deprivation of health, one of the greatest blessings 
 of life. With this assurance I am encouraged to 
 f fight the good fight of faith/ and to ' run with pa- 
 tience the race that is set before me.' " 
 
 " Aug. 31. Yesterday I felt sorely afflicted in 
 body, and somewhat depressed in mind, so that the 
 day passed away not comfortably. But towards 
 evening the Lord was pleased to grant me near- 
 ness to the throne of grace. I was enabled to re- 
 turn him my unfeigned thanks for his multiplied 
 mercies ; to ask for the pardon of sin ; and, through 
 
36 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the Savior's merits, to hope for salvation and eter- 
 nal life. I think I can truly say that I found joy 
 and peace in believing. The comforts of the Lord 
 delighted my soul, and I was enabled to commend 
 myself to the care and protection of the great 
 Guardian of my sleeping hours, and close my eyes, 
 unsolicitous whether I should awake in time or 
 eternity. This morning I awoke, and found my 
 thoughts still with God ; aspiring after more grace 
 and greater holiness ; anxiously desiring to become 
 more and more conformed to the blessed image of 
 my Savior. O Lord, wilt thou show me the way of 
 life ] * In thy presence is fullness of joy, and at 
 thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.' 
 
 1 God is my portion and my joy, 
 
 ' His counsels are my light ; 
 1 He gives me sweet advice by day, 
 
 ' And gentle hints by night. 5 " 
 
 " September 1. I have to record the abundant 
 goodness of God to me during the past week. 
 Richly favored with the gifts of Providence, and, I 
 trust, with the better blessings of grace, I have 
 been called upon, by love and gratitude, to devote 
 myself wholly to the service of God. I think I 
 have found that true happiness consists not in the 
 enjoyment of health or the good things of this life. 
 I thank thee, O Lord, that thou hast taught my 
 thoughts and affections to ascend, and fix upon 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE, 37 
 
 those joys that never die. Thou art the fountain of 
 life ; the only source of true happiness : unto thee 
 would I look for all that I need." 
 
 y< September 2. I hail the return of another Sab- 
 bath ; but, sensible of my own utter insufficiency, 
 would look to God for a fresh supply of grace^ 
 through which alone I can rightly improve it. O 
 Lord, may thy blessing make this day more profit- 
 able to me than any one I have spent before. I 
 deplore my imperfections ; may my afflictions be 
 the means of removing them; and as the Captain 
 of salvation was made perfect through sufferings, 
 so. may I be fitted by them for thy blessed will. He 
 was without sin ; I have many sins to be forgiven 
 and to be forsaken. " 
 
 u September 4. Through the mercy and goodness 
 of the Lord to me the past night, I have been blest 
 with refreshing sleep, and brought to behold the 
 light of another morning. For two days I have 
 had humbling views of myself as a sinner. In re- 
 flecting on the past, 1 have much cause for humili- 
 ation, because of the spirit of pride and selfishness 
 which has hitherto been so prevalent within me. O 
 when shall I be willing to render unto God all his 
 due ! He alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and 
 glory. O when shall I be willing to live only to 
 the honor and glory of that Savior who has called 
 me from darkness to light ! O that I might possess 
 the Savior's meek and lowly spirit ! O Lord, 
 
 H. Hobbio, 4 
 
28 Memoir op 
 
 poor and needy I would come, and through thy 
 strength resolve to devote the remainder of my life 
 to thee. Of myself I can do nothing. O for grace 
 to help me in this time of need. I would present 
 my soul and body a living sacrifice, holy and accept- 
 able to thee, which is my reasonable sei'vicc. Ac- 
 cept thou the offering, and make my heart thy con- 
 stant abode. Make me willing to sit humbly at the 
 feet of Jesus, and submit myself altogether, impli- 
 citly to his teaching.' ' 
 
 " September 5. Like a stranger and pilgrirn 
 below, I wander in search of purer and more sub- 
 stantial joys than this world ean give, I look for a 
 city which hath foundations, whose Builder and 
 Maker is God. I feel and am assured that my 
 days on earth are few : I am, therefore, more re- 
 conciled to the trials of life, and I count all these 
 sufferings but light, when compared with the glory 
 that shall be revealed in me hereafter.' ' 
 
 " September 9. Another week is added to my 
 mortal existence, which brings me nearer to eter- 
 nity. I would ask myself whether I am nearer to 
 God and heaven. I think I can say that I do more 
 ardently hunger and thirst after righteousness ; and 
 . feeling the inadequacy of earthly good to satisfy 
 my soul, without the continual enjoyment of the 
 love and presence of God, I desire to live near 
 to him, and to- be more conformed to his* blesseJ 
 innate." 
 
UANNA1I H015UIE. ~9 
 
 She then mentions the calls of many of her 
 friends who were not pious; regrets that their at- 
 tention could not be drawn to the subjects which 
 interested her more deeply than their worldly con- 
 versation, and complains of the interruption, as de- 
 priving her of the profit of recording her exercises 
 of mind, and interfering materially with the privi- 
 leges of meditation and prayer, as she was reduced 
 at this time to a state of great bodily weakness- 
 But having been favored in the meantime with a 
 few opportunities of intercourse with the children 
 of God, she proceeds to show the difference, in her 
 view, between them. 
 
 u I find much pleasure in the society of christian 
 friends, particularly those whose conversation shows 
 most of a spiritual mind. Indeed, I feel a pecu- 
 liar attachment to the friends of Christ. But on 
 the contrary, I seldom find satisfaction in the visits 
 of those whose conversation is about the things of 
 this world. O how do I pity those who know not 
 God, nor consider the worth of their souls. I do sin- 
 cerely pity them ; and my constant prayer to God 
 is, that they may repent before it be for ever too 
 late. O that all my friends were tne friends of God !" 
 
 She closes the entry in her journal this day by 
 a renewed dedication of herself to God, which was 
 not only her frequent, but her tccekly practice. 
 
40 MEMOIR OF 
 
 In reference to a revival of religion with which 
 we were at this time favored, and which exerted its 
 blessed influence among the different denomina- 
 tions in the vicinity, she thus expresses herself: 
 
 11 September 21. How does it rejoice my heart 
 to hear of the conversion of sinners ! The glad 
 news that God has commenced a glorious work 
 here, has filled me with ecstacies of joy, awakened 
 my drowsy powers, and made me more earnest at 
 the throne of grace in behalf of sinners. I rejoice 
 in the hope that the Lord will bless us abundantly 
 with the refreshing showers of his grace. I have 
 long mourned for the desolations of Zion, and la- 
 mented the carelessness and stupidity which have 
 so long prevailed. O Lord, wilt thou arise and 
 have mercy upon Zion, and visit us greatly with 
 thy salvation.' ' 
 
 In this work of divine grace, (though at this 
 time she was very feeble,) Hannah took hold ot 
 God's covenant as with the grasp of death, and con- 
 tinued to plead for sinners,' especially for her father 
 and family, with a faith which could not be denied. 
 As often as I visited her during its progress, she 
 seemed to forget herself in the deep interest she 
 felt for others. She would inquire very anxiously 
 after the subjects of the work, and rejoice greatly, 
 as one after another gave evidence of having re 
 
HANNAH H0EBIE. 4i 
 
 I 
 
 ceived Christ. The world offered her its promises in 
 vain ; nothing could draw her away from heavenly 
 things and the progress of Christ's kingdom. She 
 felt the wickedness of her own heart so sensibly, 
 and so dreaded its palsying influence, that she was 
 constrained most diligently to watch and pray 
 against it. This is no anomaly : a discovery of the 
 sin and deceitfulness of the heart, in connection 
 with unshaken trust in God, is one of the best 
 evidences of growth in grace. It was so with her ; 
 for when she complained to me the most of this, 
 she still said, " In the smiles of God my happiness 
 is complete ; his froicn alone is darkness. God is 
 my defence against every foe, whom shall I fear ! 
 He is my hope and my salvation.' ' 
 
 She again said, M At times I have great freedom 
 and delight in prayer and devotion. I have felt 
 pity for the miserable state of sinners around me, 
 and have entreated the Lord to draw near unto us ; 
 especially that a parent, who is yet at a distance 
 from God, and brothers, and sisters, and neighbors, 
 may partake of the blessing of his salvation. The 
 Lord is rich in mercy ; O that I could live more 
 upon him by faith, and derive more of my happi- 
 ness from things above, and less from things below !" 
 
 Under date of October 10, she thus writes s 
 
 M What shall I render unto the Lord for all lib 
 4* 
 
42 MEMOIR OF 
 
 benefits to me 1 What am I, that God, whom the 
 heaven of heavens cannot contain, should conde- 
 scend to dwell in my heart ? I have enjoyed much 
 of his presence for three days past. His presence 
 is life, light, joy, and peace. 
 
 "A meeting was appointed here yesterday, in the 
 enjoyment of which I anticipated much happiness. 
 It being very stormy, no one came except our pas- 
 tor and a christian friend. I was somewhat disap- 
 pointed; but the afternoon passed away very plea- 
 santly. The revival was the principal subject of 
 conversation. The work is progressing. My prayer 
 to God is, that it may go on without interruption, 
 till all shall be brought to the knowledge of the 
 truth as it is in Jesus. Our friends closed their visit 
 with us by prayer. I was most affectionately re- 
 membered. I desire to be thankful for the many 
 tokens of affection and regard which I receive from 
 my christian friends. The visit was profitable to 
 me ; and I am this day encouraged to persevere in 
 the ways of the Lord. May I so run that I may 
 obtain.'* 
 
 " Oct. 13. This day I am twenty-one years old. 
 This calls for self-examination. In taking a review 
 of the past year, how great the catalogue of mer- 
 cies ! The Lord has seen fit to continue my bodily 
 afflictions ; I have mourned the loss of many valu- 
 able privileges ; but my comforts have been neither 
 few nor small. Through the summer my unfaith- 
 
HANNAH UOBBIE. 43 
 
 fulness to God and neglect of duty often caused 
 darkness of mind. I was often constrained to say 
 within myself, 
 
 1 Why is my heart so far from thee, 
 4 My God, my chief delight V 
 
 But I hope I do record it with humble gratitude, 
 that for two months past my affections have been 
 more given to God and religion. Prayer, which 
 was formerly a task, has become a privilege in 
 which I delight. I have felt more freedom in sriv- 
 ing myself to God, and have had increased desires 
 after holiness. Yes, I long to be holy, as I long to 
 be happy. 
 
 M I would this day solemnly renew my covenant 
 with God, and through the strength of Jesus resolve, 
 henceforth, to be more diligent in duty — more in- 
 stant in prayer. Sensible I am that my chief hap- 
 piness depends upon this, for prayer is the chris- 
 tian's breath. When prayer is omitted, farewell 
 enjoyment I I would commit myself, my health, and 
 the disposal of all that pertains to me in future, into 
 the hands of God — to his unerring wisdom. Do 
 thou, O Lord, perfect that which concerneth me. 
 I sometimes think, were it not for the possibility of 
 becoming useful to my fellow-creatures, I should 
 have no desire to live. But I would calmly wait 
 my Father's will. Thy will, O Lord, be done. I 
 can say this now — O that I may be able to say it to 
 
44 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the last ! — Heavenly Father, whether it be thy will 
 to restore me to health, or that I should still linger 
 upon my bed, may I henceforward be more meek 
 in my disposition ; more amiable in my temper ; 
 more devout in the frame of my mind ; more spiri- 
 tual in my conversation ; more zealous for thy 
 glory ; more conformed to the image of my Lord 
 and Master ; and the life which I live in the flesh, 
 may I live by the faith of thy dear Son, who loved 
 me, and gave himself for me." 
 
 " October 28. 
 
 * Another six days' work is done; 
 c Another Sabbath is begun;' 
 
 and I feel myself under renewed obligation to the 
 Father of mercies for his increase of favor to me. 
 With very little interruption I have enjoyed the 
 light of God's countenance and a sense of his favor 
 the past week ; and this morning I find myself hap- 
 py in the possession of that peace which passeth 
 understanding. Others are permitted to-day to wor- 
 ship and pay their vows in the sanctuary ; I am 
 compelled to spend my Sabbath in the retirement 
 of home ; but I would not repine ; gratitude be- 
 comes me more than complaint. 
 
 " The Lord has indeed visited us with his salva- 
 tion ; the Spirit of the Lord is still working in the 
 hearts of this people, and reconciling sinners to 
 himself. I trust a parent, who has long lived with- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. ,45 
 
 out God and without hope in the world, has been 
 led to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and has 
 resolved to come out from the world and join him- 
 self to the people of God. A goodly number pre- 
 sented themselves yesterday and applied for ad- 
 mission into the church, and among them were my 
 dear father and my eldest sister. Under a sense of 
 duty I have also presented my request. I have fled 
 to Christ, and humbly hope my name has long 
 since been recorded in the book of life ; but I de- 
 sire now to unite myself to the visible church of 
 God, that I may do all my Master's will, and enjoy 
 the benefit of his precious ordinances. I long for 
 the privilege of joining his people in the Lord's 
 supper, believing it will be blest to my spiritual 
 nourishment and growth in grace.' ' 
 
 On the 29th she wrote to an aunt in Bedford ; 
 speaks of the privilege of writing as the sweetest 
 solace to separated friends ; mentions that her phy- 
 sician proposed trying a new remedy; and then 
 adds : 
 
 " I feel it to be my duty to use means for my 
 bodily health ; but the great blessing is to enjoy 
 health of soul. I can indeed say, that I never en- 
 joyed so much peace and tranquillity of mind as for 
 two months past. With little interruption, 1 have 
 enjoyed a sweet sense of God's presence and favor, 
 
46 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I think you will rejoice to hear that the Lord is 
 visiting us with his salvation. Twenty have already 
 joined the church over the mountain, and twenty 
 or more expect to unite with our church next 
 Lord's day. My father, my sister Elizabeth, and 
 myself, are among the number who have applied 
 for admission. As soon as convenient, after the com- 
 munion is administered at the house of God, I ex- 
 pect the members of the church to meet here for 
 the same purpose ; and I wish my dear aunt could 
 be with us, to commemorate a Savior's dying love. 
 I hope to be strengthened with spiritual life, and 
 to receive much benefit from this ordinance. 
 
 " Four weeks ago last evening my father attend- 
 ed a meeting at Captain C 's. Mrs. C-< was 
 
 very much distressed, and wept and cried aloud 
 for mercy. My father saw, and, for the first time, 
 felt, that he too was a sinner. His convictions were 
 deep and pungent. On his way home, a distance of 
 nearly a mile, he was several times on his knees in 
 the woods, begging for mercy. When, late at night, 
 he reached home, he had found comfort. And now, 
 my dear aunt, can you not rejoice with me in the 
 conversion of a parent, brought from darkness to 
 light — from the service of sin and Satan, to the ser- 
 vice of God his Redeemer ? I have often felt thank- 
 ful for a pious mother ; and now I trust I have a 
 praying father. On this pleasing topic I could long 
 dwell, but I must close. Tell our pious friends to 
 
HANNAH HOBSfE. 47 
 
 rejoice with us, that salvation has come to this place, 
 and I trust to this house. Adieu. 
 
 M I am your affectionate niece, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 In her journal, November 15, she thus speaks 
 of the anticipated meeting of the church at her fa- 
 ther's house : 
 
 " A special meeting is appointed here next 
 Lord's day, when I expect to confess Christ before 
 the world, and enter into covenant with God and 
 his dear people. I think I feed daily, by faith, on 
 the living bread; and when partaking of the me- 
 morials of the Savior's death, I hope to be enabled 
 to exercise a stronger faith over those simple but 
 expressive emblems. O that my heart may be drawn 
 forth in love and devotion to him who gave him- 
 self on the cross for me. May I be enabled to view 
 Christ in his humiliation and exaltation ; view him 
 suffering, bleeding, groaning, dying y view him ris- 
 ing, ascending, and reismins: \ and at God's ri^ht 
 hand living to make intercession for his people- 
 Though I have many times before endeavored to 
 give myself to God, may I then be enabled to give 
 myself more unreservedly to him, taking the Lord 
 as my Redeemer and all ; and may he be my Friend 
 and my portion for ever." 
 
 So clear was Hannah's view of her duty, and *J 
 
48 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ardently did she desire to do all her Savior*s will, 
 that we unanimously and joyfully consented to 
 meet at her father's house, that she might have the 
 opportunity to obey an affecting, a dying command 
 of Christ. This meeting was appointed for the 
 1 8th of November ; and after the public worship 
 of the sanctuary, I set out with my companion for 
 the place of her abode, distant about five miles. 
 
 I had often passed over the same ground before, 
 but the present occasion called up associations new 
 and interesting. I was going to carry the children's 
 bread to one not able to receive it in the house of 
 God ; a worn and weary pilgrim ; fainting, even in 
 the morning of life, under the trials of the joui ney> 
 and lons;inor for the hour when she should finish her 
 course, and get safely home, to rest eternally in 
 heaven. 
 
 For the first mile the road led through a narrow 
 Valley. On the right were high hills, divided to 
 their summits into separate enclosures, stretching 
 away far to the south, all brown with the effects of 
 autumnal frosts. On the left was a range of lofty 
 cliffs, covered with oak and chesnut wherever a 
 tree could strike its roots, now pressing hard upon 
 the road-side, and now receding a little distance. 
 At the southern extremity of this narrow pass, on 
 a slight elevation, the church where we had just 
 been worshiping the God of our fathers lifted its 
 white spire. The road here wound around the ter* 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 49 
 
 Blitiation of this range of cliffs towards the north- 
 east, leaving on the right an extensive tract of 
 meadows level as the surface of a lake, and then 
 led onward through another valley, till, by easy ac- 
 clivities, we ascended the amphitheatre of hills which 
 curved beautifully around on either hand and be- 
 fore us. They reminded me of that covenant which 
 stands more firm than the everlasting hills ; and I 
 felt that all was safe that my beloved friend had 
 committed to her Heavenly Father's keeping. The 
 giant oaks that stood there, stripped of their foliage, 
 stretched their arms on high, as if exulting in the 
 better preparation of their nakedness to brave un- 
 harmed the wintry storm and bid defiance to the 
 fury of the tempest. They seemed an emblem of 
 the christian — established on the Rock of Ages — 
 stripped ofself— looking up with confidence for grace 
 to sustain the storms of life, and saying, None of 
 these things move me," A few scattered leaves, 
 tinged by the frost with varied hues, but still cling- 
 ing to their branches, hung out their signals of de- 
 cay around us ; and I said, as I thought of the sick . 
 bed to which we were hastening, <c \V T e all do fade 
 as a leaf." The sun was now and then obscured 
 by passing clouds, and the chill winds of autumn 
 were sweeping by us in short and fitful gusts. So 
 varied, so changing, so uncertain are all earthly 
 hopes ; so unstable the foundations of earthly joy. 
 From such surrounding objects, and with such 
 
 H. Hubble. 5 
 
50 MEMOIR OF 
 
 reflections, I reached the place of our destination* 
 and before me lay in all its loveliness the fading 
 flower, about to be cut down in the very spring-time 
 of life. She gave me a smile of welcome as I took 
 her hand : there was*a calm serenity upon her counte- 
 nance ; the light of hope and the firm resolve of faith 
 were mingled sweetly in her eye ; while every fea- 
 ture spoke of solemn joy, and told of peace within. 
 
 I stood near her bed-side ; the bread and wine 
 were placed on a table before me. After a short 
 discourse, I proposed to her the questions usual on 
 such occasions, and to all she gave her free and full 
 assent. The people of God were seated around me, 
 and I broke the bread for her and for them ; we 
 took the cup of salvation, and called upon the name 
 of the Lord. It was to me, and I believe to others, 
 a very precious season. It was as if the times of 
 primitive simplicity had returned, when the apos- 
 tles, and those whom they had begotten through the 
 Gospel, assembled to commemorate the Savior's 
 dying love. 
 
 In her journal, under date of Nov. 19, she thus 
 expresses herself in reference to this affecting oc- 
 casion : 
 
 M I very much enjoyed the services of yesterday. 
 The exercises were solemn, interesting, and delight- 
 ful to me. Our pastor's text was Deut. 32 : 9-12. 
 God's jjortion is his people. Though all by right is 
 
HANNAH HOBBIB. 51 
 
 his, yet how much is taken from him, and claimed 
 by other masters, and given to other uses. His 
 people only are strictly and peculiary his portion 
 and his care. He finds them in "a waste, howling 
 wilderness, ,, and leads them, as a shepherd leads 
 his lost sheep, to the fold. He keeps them "as the 
 apple of his eye. ,, As the "eagle stirreth up hur 
 nest" when she thinks it time for her young to 
 leave it, so the Lord breaks up the places of 
 worldly rest, where his people sometimes slumber 
 wickedly, to show them that they must not fix their 
 affections here. As the eagle "fluttereth over her 
 \oung," to teach them the use of their wings; and 
 "bears them on her wings" on high, and then lets 
 them fall suddenly, to show them the necessity of 
 effort; but shoots down under them, if she sees they 
 are yet too weak to fly, and takes them upon her 
 own wings again ; so the Lord tries the strength of 
 his people's faith, but will not let them fall utterly. 
 When they first engage in his service, they are more 
 led by love than faith. The Lord leaves them often 
 to try them, and to increase their faith; but is sure 
 to help them in due season. This was the train of 
 thought. How sweet and refreshing ! 
 
 " It was a precious privilege to commune with 
 the people of God at his table. O may I have grace 
 to fulfill the solemn vows which are upon me to be 
 wholly his, and to walk worthy of my profession. I 
 did find the refreshing effects of this spiritual pro- 
 
52 MEMOIR OF 
 
 vision, though not so much at the time as since. 
 I have felt his banner over me to be love. I hope 
 it is the beginning of better days. I thirik I never 
 before felt such freedom in giving myself to God. 
 I sincerely desire to devote myself wholly to his 
 service; to glorify him in my soul and body, which 
 are his. 
 
 "A short time since, as I was reading and medi- 
 tating on the Lord's supper, I was suddenly con- 
 victed of my sin in so long neglecting the Savior's 
 dying command, and making no public profession of 
 my choice of God's service ; but after a season cf 
 grief and sorrow I found forgiveness. I have nov 
 most willingly and cheerfully obeyed; and will not 
 he, who received gifts for men, send some perfct 
 good upon his willing servant] I pray that I may 
 honor the cause which I profess to love. May I 
 never bring shame or reproach upon it. 
 
 " SELF-DEDICATION. 
 " I here, O God, by a free and deliberate act, 
 devote myself to thy service, and entirely submit to 
 thy requirements. I renounce the glories and vani- 
 ties of the world, and choose thee as my supreme 
 felicity, and my everlasting portion. This is my 
 sincere determination; a determination which, by 
 thy grace, I never will retract. O Thou, by 
 whose power alone I shall be able to stand, put 
 thy fear in my heart, that I may never depart from 
 
HANNAH H0BBIE. 53 
 
 thee. Let not the world, with all its flatteries; 
 •death and hell, with all their terrors, entice or in- 
 fluence me to violate this sacred vow. O let me 
 never live to abandon thee, nor draw the impious 
 breath that would deny thee ! And now let surround- 
 ing angels witness for me, that I solemnly devote 
 all the powers and faculties of my soul and this poor 
 body to thy service ; and when I presumptuously 
 employ any of the advantages thou hast given me 
 to thy dishonor, let them testify against me, and 
 let my own words condemn me. 
 
 "Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 We are now to view this humble, but distin- 
 guished disciple, as sustaining new and solemn re- 
 lations to God her Savior, to the church, and to the 
 world. She had voluntarily given herself to God, 
 and, bought with such a "price" as the precious 
 blood of Christ, she knew and felt that she was 
 not her own. She was sensible that she was con- 
 tinued in the world for some wise purpose, and 
 evidently that she might be useful to others. In 
 the revival at that time Hannah was an efficient 
 5* 
 
54 MEMOIR OP 
 
 helper, notwithstanding she was extremely feeble, 
 and confined to her chamber, and, for the most part,* 
 entirely to her bed. If a christian brother or sis- 
 ter visited her, she would urge them to their duty 
 by every motive which she could command. If a 
 careless sinner was there, an earnest and affection- 
 ate entreaty to flee from the wrath to come was al- 
 most always a part of the interview. Many a letter 
 did she write to those to whom she could have no 
 personal access, especially the absent female com- 
 panions of her youth. The things that she did, her 
 work of faith and labor of love, will be found in- 
 terwoven with her whole history. 
 
 In her journal, December 10, she thus mourns 
 and prays : 
 
 " Once more I have to seek after an absent God* 
 
 ' ?Tis just, I own, if thou depart 
 
 1 From so insensible a heart ; 
 
 c Nor would I shun the sad decree, 
 
 * To spend my days in grief for thee. 
 
 1 'Tis not the painful I deplore, 
 
 i But sin's benumbing, pois'nous power. 
 
 ' Illusive charms impede my way, 
 
 1 And tempt my faithless heart astray.' 
 
 v< 1 acknowledge my unfaithfulness to God. With- 
 out the Spirit of God I find myself altogether faith- 
 less to my solemn engagements. My strength is in 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 55 
 
 (he Lord, and from him cometh all my help. If I 
 trust my own heart, it is treacherous — deceitful 
 above all things, and desperately wicked. The 
 world has often disappointed my most confident 
 expectations ; but thou, O God, hast never deceived 
 me. Thou art faithful and true. Thy word is es- 
 tablished, and abideth for ever. Suffer me, who am 
 but dust, to plead with thee. Show me the light of 
 thy countenance ; for without thee I cannot live ; 
 my spirit dies within me. Bless me with the assu- 
 rance that thou art mine, and let me once more 
 taste the comforts of thy presence. Renew the 
 expressions of thy goodness to a poor, ungrate- 
 ful sinner. Deal not with me in severity, for 
 shouldst thou mark iniquity, I could not stand be- 
 fore thee. ,, 
 
 Miss Hobbie had entered into covenant with 
 God, sensible that he demanded her efforts to build 
 up his kingdom ; that, in the infinitely wise econo- 
 my which he had organized to accomplish his de- 
 signs of mercy, and spread the influence of truth 
 through the world, he could not dispense with the 
 instrumentality of his people. However little her 
 influence appeared to herself, she considered it due 
 to God's cause; and, little as her strength was, it 
 was wholly'his. In order to do her duty as a sol- 
 dier of the cross, she felt that she needed the joy of 
 God's salvation in her soul, to animate her, inspire 
 
56 MEMOIR OF 
 
 her with courage, and fire her with zeal. I never 
 found her in spiritual darkness but I found her a 
 sincere and bitter mourner. The feelings express- 
 ed in the preceding extract are those which seem 
 ever to have existed when God's face did not shins 
 upon her. Her first business then, was to "seek 
 after an absent God ;" nor did she fail to find him. 
 Hear what she says five days after this : 
 
 i 
 " December 15. Why should I leave the foun- 
 tain of living waters, for broken cisterns which can 
 hold no water. The Lord has rebuked my folly, 
 and put a new song of praise into my mouth. 
 r Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget riot all his 
 benefits ; who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who 
 healeth all thy diseases ; who redeemeth thy life 
 from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving- 
 kindness and tender mercies, so that thy youth is 
 renewed like the eagle's/ Surely I choose not to 
 forsake thee now. All my happiness centres in 
 thee ; I have no hope but in thee, and no substan- 
 tial joy but what flows from thee. My greatest fear' 
 is that of losing thee, and my greatest care that of 
 securing thy favor. 
 
 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it ; 
 
 1 Prone to leave the God I love ; 
 
 1 Here's my heart, O take and seal it, 
 
 1 Seal it from thy courts above/ n 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 57 
 
 To a cousin, Frances M , who had recently 
 
 been awakened to a sense of her guilt and danger 
 as a sinner, she thus wrote on the ISth of this 
 month : 
 
 " The deep interest I feel in the welfare of your 
 soul is my best apology for writing. Since I heard 
 of your anxiety I have been very desirous to see 
 you. 1 have not ceased to pray for you, that the 
 Lord would carry on and perfect the work which, 
 I hope, is begun in your heart. My prayer to God 
 is, that you may have no rest until you find it on 
 the Rock of Ages. 
 
 11 If you have been led to see yourself a sinner, 
 and now stand condemned by the* law, oppressed 
 with a sense of guilt, let me direct you to Jesus 
 Christ, the only Mediator between God and man — 
 the ' Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the 
 world/ My dear Frances, are you willing to hum- 
 ble yourself at the foot of the cross, and accept of 
 pardon and salvation from the Savior who calls you 
 to come to him, and stands with open arms to re- 
 ceive you ? He is willing, and he is able. You 
 will need the comforts of religion in health and in 
 sickness ; and did you know the happiness of a 
 soul at peace with God, you would not rest until 
 your eternal interest is secure. I would here tell 
 you of the joys which 'flow from the love of God, 
 
58 MEMOIR OF 
 
 but have not room, and must close, with my best 
 wishes for your present and eternal welfare. 
 M Very affectionately yours, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 In a note, she sends her love to her cousins 
 
 C and E , and is very pressing upon the 
 
 individual to whom she was writing, to urge them 
 to be in earnest about their souls' salvation. There 
 are also annexed, with a pencil, those beautiful 
 words : " Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy 
 house — the place where thine honor dwelleth. ,, 
 
 Her journal continues : 
 
 " December .24. How much reason I have to 
 thank God for restoring to me the privilege of read- 
 ing. I have just been reading, with great delight* 
 the memoirs of a pious female, who died at the age 
 of sixteen. Though young, she was the subject of 
 renewing grace, which enabled her to endure, with- 
 out a murmur or complaint, a painful and trying 
 sickness of three weeks,, which terminated her life. 
 During her illness, her great anxiety seemed to be 
 for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 She was enabled to smile upon death. O may my 
 last end be like hers ! 
 
 ,? Ever since I have arrived to years of under- 
 standing, I have found great delight in reading the 
 memoirs of departed saints ; and have desired o 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 59 
 
 imitate their bright example. I feel now that God's 
 grace alone can enable me to do it. That the Lord 
 has renewed my hard heart I cannot doubt, after 
 the evidences I have received of his covenant fa- 
 vor. Q that he would loose my tongue and enlarge 
 my heart to praise him for what he has done for 
 my soul ; then would I shout the praises of my Re- 
 deemer while I can speak. But now, how slow are 
 my returns of praise ! How backward to acknow- 
 ledge his goodness ! If I cannot speak the praises 
 of my Redeemer on the earth, how can I hope to 
 join the happy choir above, in singing praises to 
 God and the Lamb for ever and ever 1" 
 
 " January 1, 182S. Another year is gone, and 
 I still linger and wander, a stranger and a pilgrim 
 here, far from my native home. 
 
 4 Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time, 
 
 1 And bring the welcome day, 
 ' When I shall reach that peaceful clime : 
 
 1 Must I yet longer slay f 
 
 M I am tired of these vanities, and the world 
 grows more and more insipid and uninteresting. It 
 has lost its power to charm me. With cold indif- 
 ference I view these transitory glories, inspired 
 with nobler prospects and vaster expectations ! By 
 faith, I see the promised land ; and every day brings 
 me nearer to the possession of my heavenly inhe 
 ritance. There shall I see my God, not through a 
 
60 memoir op 
 
 glass darkly, but face to face. Then shall I be * s&* 
 tisfied, when I awake with thy likeness/ I look for- 
 ward with joy to that happy period when my earth* 
 ly pilgrimage will end ; when ' this corruptible shall 
 put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on 
 immortality :' when this trying warfare shall be 
 finished, and when the last conflict with my spiritual 
 enemies shall be over. Then shall I cry, through 
 my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Victory, Vic- 
 tory !" 
 
 <c January 6. I have for some time desired to 
 experience some change : that the Lord would 
 either restore me to health, to activity and useful* 
 ness in life, or that he would prepare me for him* 
 self, and take me to a better world ; for. what am 
 I, in my present condition, but a poor worthless 
 creature % But I would, gracious Father, that thou 
 shouldst glorify thyself in me. Should it be thy 
 will that I should still linger upon this bed for 
 weeks, months, or years, may I say at all times, and 
 under all circumstances, Thy will, O Lord, be dont i 
 and not mine. Comfort .me by thy word and pro- 
 mises, and support me by thy grace, in this season 
 of languor and trial. May thy grace be sufficient 
 for me, and thy strength be made perfect in my 
 weakness. Though weak in body, make me strong 
 in the Lord and in the power of his might. Should 
 this sickness prove my last, O that my reason may 
 be continued, that I may be enabled to glorify God 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 61 
 
 in my dying moments. ' When my flesh and my 
 heart fail, be thou the strength of my heart, and my 
 portion for ever.' " 
 
 " February 3. Shall I cease to record the good- 
 ness of Divine Providence to me, the least and most 
 unworthy of all the servants of my Lord. His good- 
 ness pursues me with unwearied course. Every 
 day's experience brings me some new evidence of 
 his faithfulness. As the week begins so it ends, 
 with a series of mercies. And what shall I render 
 for all these unmerited favors ] How prone is my 
 ungrateful heart to forget his benefits, or make mi- 
 serable returns ! Blessed Lord, again do I dedicate 
 myself to thee. Though the world entice me, yet 
 In thy strength, in the power of thy might, I icill 
 7iot consent. Though it offer the choicest Gfifts, I will 
 hold on my way. Nothing henceforward do I desire 
 to know but Jesus Christ, and him crucified/' 
 
 ,f February 11. Still under chastisement; but in 
 every pain I desire to recognize the hand of my 
 heavenly Father. This renders the affliction light. 
 I find the grace of God sufficient for me. The Lord 
 Jehovah is my strength and my song ; he also shall 
 become my salvation. 
 
 u Yesterday was to me a most delightful day. I 
 was enabled to read the word of God with unusual 
 pleasure. I found much comfort in prayer, and 
 could say with the Psalmist, ' In the multitude of 
 
 H. Hubbic. $ 
 
63 Memoir o# 
 
 my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my 
 soul/ 
 
 * How sweet, a Sabbath thus to spend, 
 1 In hope of one that ne'er shall end.' " 
 
 On the 25th of February she wrote to a cousin 
 whom she had not seen since she was a child, but 
 of whose conversion she had just heard : 
 
 " My dear Cousin,— As I am denied the pleasure 
 of a personal interview with you, I must have re- 
 course to a letter. It is so long since I saw you, 
 that I can form, probably* no correct idea of your 
 personal appearance ; but since the glad news of 
 your hopeful conversion, I have felt how near we 
 now are to each other, 
 
 M I heard of the death of your little brother, and 
 sympathized with you in the bereavement. When 
 I last saw him, it appeared to me that he would 
 not stay long here. He is gone ! And now, my 
 dear friend, let the number of his days teach us 
 that life is short, awaken us to diligence, and ani* 
 mate us in the performance of every duty ; know- 
 ing that we must soon give up an account of the 
 deeds done in the body, and reap our reward. 
 
 " The revival of religion has not yet ceased with 
 
 ' us. It is now nearly six months since it com* 
 
 menced. Twenty-two have been added to our 
 
 church* and next Sabbath a number more will 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 63 
 
 join. Additions have also been made to other 
 churches. Meetings among us are still frequent 
 and interesting. My father appears to be very ac- 
 tive and zealous in the cause, and spends much 
 time in attending meetings and visiting the anx- 
 ious and inquiring. 
 
 " Your affectionate cousin, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 The following thoughts from her journal are 
 beautiful and impressive : 
 
 V March 5. I have now been without medical 
 assistance more than a year. My physicians find 
 that the natural powers of my constitution cannot 
 of themselves effect any improvement of my health, 
 and think it advisable to enter upon a new course 
 of treatment, in which they feel some confidence. 
 Should I be restored to such a degree of health as 
 would enable me to associate with society, I feel 
 as if, by the strength of grace, I should exert myself 
 to the extent of my ability in the cause of my ever- 
 blessed Redeemer ; for his love* and mercy to- 
 wards me demand my icholc service and my highest 
 praise. 
 
 M My physicians give me flattering hopes of being 
 raised from my sick bed ; but I dare not anticipate 
 much from such a hope, lest I should be disappoint- 
 ed. O that the Lord would keep me from all vain 
 
64 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and unprofitable desires after earthly joys, and 
 suffer not a diminution of my love to him, who is 
 the centre of all my happiness. While I submit to 
 the direction of an earthly physician, I would com- 
 mend myself to the care of the great Physician of 
 soul and body; for'hemaketh sore and bindeth 
 up : he woundeth, and his hands make whole.' 
 He will be with me in six troubles, and in seven 
 he will not forsake me." 
 
 In the same delightful strain of heavenly-mind- 
 edness and close discrimination as to the genuine- 
 ness of her exercises, she continues her record : 
 
 " March 14. How cheering are the frames of 
 soul which are given me ! I have often inquired, 
 why is it thus with me ? I can only ascribe it to 
 the goodness of God. I know it to be great folly 
 to build on a frame of soul, and that the noblest 
 attainment is to go icholly out of myself and rest 
 only on Christ. If I do otherwise, I provoke him 
 to depart from me, because I place the effect of his 
 presence in the room of himself. These glorious 
 manifestations I ought not to rest upon, but seek 
 them only for refreshment. I often feel satisfied 
 in the gift, when I should^ honor him that bestoweth 
 it; then he withdraws his visits, and refuses to 
 come again till I confess my folly. Hence it is that 
 I feel so many changes ; sometimes on Mount 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 65 
 
 Pisgah, then groping in the valley of Achor; 
 sometimes walking in the light, then without the 
 sun ; sometimes permitted to come to his throne 
 of grace with boldness, where he fills my mouth 
 with arguments then kept back by a cloud around 
 it, that my prayer cannot pass through, and that I 
 cannot order my speech by reason of darkness ; 
 and all this to chasten me for my folly, and make 
 me adore his sovereignty. When he is absent, de- 
 spair comes ; when present, spiritual pride is apt 
 to spring up ; but while he in wisdom goes and 
 co?nes, it keeps my soul in exercise ; it prevents me 
 from sitting down in sinful security or delusion — it 
 keeps every grace more active. His coming keeps 
 me from despair, and his absence from spiritual 
 pride. Yet, Lord, I do plead that thy presence 
 may cheer me while traveling through this dark 
 wilderness ; for if thy presence go not up with me, 
 I shall faint by the way. O may thy Spirit dwell 
 with me, and seal me for salvation !" 
 
 In reviewing the journal from which these ex- 
 tracts are taken, I have been forcibly reminded of 
 conversations with her which had passed entirely 
 from my memory. I often find in it traces of these 
 interviews. This accounts for that which once I 
 was surprised at beyond measure, viz. that she 
 preserved the most clear and distinct recollection 
 of what I had said, though months had passed 
 6* 
 
66 MEMOIR OF 
 
 away. I find she carefully noted it down at the 
 time in her journal ; and as she was in the habit of 
 looking over that very frequently, to compare her 
 feelings and exercises, and ascertain her progress 
 in the divine life, the subjects of conversation at 
 these interviews came frequently before her mind; 
 and her constant habit of gaining instruction from 
 every thing which could possibly give it, led her to 
 treasure up, with peculiar care, all that she heard 
 in reference to the concerns of her soul, and the 
 dealings of God with her. 
 
 I have often been deeply affected with the eager- 
 ness with which she sought light on subjects which 
 were not very clear to her mind ; and have as often 
 been delighted to see the independence which cha- 
 racterized her reception of the truth. She would ask 
 questions, and state difficulties, if she really thought 
 they existed, until every doubt and perplexity was 
 removed, and her view of the matter was clear and 
 satisfactory. Sometimes, when the subject of in- 
 quiry respected the dealing of God with her own 
 soul, and she was at a loss to account for the course 
 which he was taking with her, I have seen her lie, 
 with her full blue eye fixed upon me with an earn- 
 estness which I cannot describe, while I was sug- 
 gesting what might be the designs of infinite wis- 
 dom in the matter ; and if I succeeded in clearing 
 away the cloud, she would gently close her eyes 
 (evidently in prayer) for a little season, and then 
 
IIANNAH HOBBiE. 67 
 
 with a smile of satisfaction would say, " It must 
 be so." 
 
 One day I learned from her mother, before en- 
 tering her chamber, that she suffered much in body, 
 and that her mind was also in darkness ; she feared 
 that God was angry with her. When I entered the 
 room, and she gave me her hand as usual, it was 
 with a sad countenance ; she looked at me with 
 such a pleading earnestness, that I was greatly 
 moved. For a moment I was at a loss what to say, 
 for I saw that she was miserable. Those beautiful 
 lines of Cowper soon came to my mind, 
 
 " Behind a frowning providence, 
 " He hides a smiling face." 
 
 It was all 1 said. She fixed her full gaze upon mo 
 for a minute ; then gently turned away her head 
 and covered her eyes with her hand. I stood by her 
 for a minute longer ; the tears were slowly steal- 
 ing between her white fingers ; I knew she would 
 be in prayer for a season, and softly retired into 
 the room with the family. The door being open, I 
 could see, from where I sat, the bed on which she 
 lay. For some time she remained still in the same 
 position; and when she moved, it was to wine off 
 the tears, now almost dried, from her cheek, and 
 look up to tell me that all was right. I went to her, 
 and heard her acknowledge this, with full confi- 
 dence in the promises — though yet, she said, it was 
 
68 MEMOIR or 
 
 trusting God in darkness. Yet she believed that God 
 was merciful in laying upon her all these burdens, 
 and that they would work together for her good. 
 
 11 Perhaps," said I, " you have been rejoicing, 
 not in God, but only in the comforts which he gives 
 you : if you do this, he will surely teach you that he 
 will not give his glory to any ; and when any thing 
 stands between you and him, it must, by some pro- 
 cess, he removed." 
 
 She saw the difficulty before I left her, and in 
 prayer I commended her to our common Father's 
 keeping. It was evidently in reference to this oc- 
 casion that the foregoing extract was penned ; for 
 a flood of light soon after burst upon her soul, and 
 she rejoiced in God her Savior. 
 
 Four days after this she recorded some views of 
 her afflictions, which should not be omitted. 
 
 M March IS. I have now been confined almost 
 five years. It is a long time. But in this providence 
 I behold the wisdom, power, and goodness of God. 
 I know, I feel that it is good for me that I have 
 been afflicted. How little did I know of God, of 
 religion, of myself, before I was brought to this 
 state of trial ! What mercy and grace have been 
 displayed in my case ! I consider not that pain and 
 sickness come by chance, but by the will of God. 
 When disease came upon me, then I saw that I was 
 poor, and wretched, and helpless, — then I saw the 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 69 
 
 vanity of all earthly things — that Christ alone could 
 help me — that religion was the one thing needful , 
 and that all else is dross, in comparison with the 
 excellency of the knowledge of Jesus. I believe 
 that this affliction was sent upon me at first to cor- 
 net evil, and is now continued to prevent it. It 
 shows me my sin, and I am humbled under it. 
 What an evil and bitter thing must sin be, when it 
 brings, even in this life, so many pains and such 
 deep distress. O Lord, I would humble myself un- 
 der thy chastising hand ; and when I feci this ta- 
 bernacle shaken, as I daily do, may I remember 
 that it must soon fall." 
 
 M April 4. O the importance of making a wise 
 improvement of time ! I confidently believe that 
 the whole number of my days will be few ; and 
 this consideration leads me repeatedly and earnest- 
 ly to inquire, How ean I spend my time, strength, 
 end ability in the way that will be most subservient 
 to the glory of my Heavenly Father, and for the 
 good of my own soul ? I have been able for some 
 time to read at least a chapter in the Old Testa- 
 ment and one in the New every day, and a little in 
 other religious books. This course I intend to 
 pursue while I have strength ; but I often regret 
 that I read to so little advantage. What ean be the 
 cause ? I attribute it to my too ofteu endeavoring 
 to understand the Scriptures without divine assist- 
 ance. I regret that I make so little proficiency in 
 
70 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 grace and knowledge. In future, I would look to 
 God for his blessing and guidance in all my re- 
 searches after divine instruction. 
 
 " In my exercises of devotion, how the weakness 
 of flesh hinders ! how it disturbs my peace ! O 
 when shall I be released from this prison, that I 
 may serve God without infirmity and without sin I 
 How short is life ! How precious are souls ! How 
 awful is eternity ! I feel for the souls of others. I 
 feel the obligations I am under to the God of my 
 salvation. How much has he done for me ! Now, 
 what shall I do for him ] O how shall I set forth 
 his glory, and speak of his goodness towards the 
 children of men ? 
 
 " Father of spirits ! thou from whom all light, 
 life, and strength proceed ! may I be an active in- 
 strument in the promotion of thy glory. O that my 
 temper and conduct may exert a holy influence, 
 and be the means of doing good, that in my present 
 feeble state I may not be altogether useless." 
 
 " April 6. The welcome day has again returned, 
 the day which to me is a day of joy, of instruction, 
 and of praise. While many profane it, I desire to 
 spend it in the service of my Lord and Master. 
 How many pleasing reflections occur to my mind ! 
 This day commemorates the triumphant resurrec- 
 tion of my blessed Savior. It calls me to hold com- 
 munion with my Lord, and to devote myself with 
 renewed zeal to his service ; to anticipate an eter- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 71 
 
 tial Sabbath of rest, where I hope to enjoy the di- 
 vine presence, and be employed in celebrating 
 divine praises for ever." 
 
 On the 13th we met again at Mr. Hobbie's, to 
 give Hannah an opportunity of joining with us in 
 the Lord's supper. I preached on that occasion on 
 the subject of the Christian pilgrimage; showed 
 how the path lay through a waste, barren wilder- 
 ness ; that the Lord had not only provided a glori- 
 ous land of rest for his people, but, in this journey, 
 had provided many places of refreshment by the 
 way ; such as the Sabbath, the word, the sanctuary, 
 the mercy-seat, his table, &c. This is all minutely 
 referred to in her journal for the day, which closes 
 thus : 
 
 " I thank God that I have again been favored 
 with an opportunity of waiting upon him in the or- 
 dinance of the Lord's supper. It was a pleasant, 
 and, I think, a profitable season to me. O that my 
 seasons of communion here below may prepare me 
 for an eternal communion. with God in heaven !" 
 
 " April 1G. Have had great discoveries of the 
 depravity of my heart this day ; and, under a sense 
 of it, am constrained to cry, ' God, be merciful to 
 me a sinner V If I am not guilty of those sins 
 which appear great in the sight of men, yet I be- 
 V-ail those of which none on earth can accuse me. 
 
rd MEMOIR OP 
 
 I am often led to cry to God in the language of 
 David, ' Cleanse thou me from secret faults/ O 
 for grace and strength to crucify sin ! O that I 
 might walk in all the statutes and ordinances of the 
 Lord blameless.'' 
 
 " May 9. This day have been utrried into the 
 garden. It is now eight months and eighteen days 
 since I was out of the door. How delightful the 
 return of spring ! Should my strength permit, I 
 will go out for the purpose of seeing more of the 
 Creator's power and wisdom. Should it be so, the 
 Lord grant that it may lead me to a more delight* 
 ful contemplation of his wonderful works." 
 
 " May IS. In taking a review of the last three 
 months, I find I have made very little progress in 
 grace or knowledge. Although I have, at times r 
 been favored with sensible exercises of grace and 
 elevated joys, I have experienced interposing sea* 
 sons of darkness, one of which lasted nearly three 
 weeks. Great weakness of body seemed an excuse' 
 for being less watchfuL My medicine, also, tended' 
 to stupify me. I soon found myself at a laments* 
 ble distance'fiom the Lord of life. I was convinc- 
 ed of my folly, and felt reproved for having almost 
 willingly departed from God. I had brought my- 
 self into a dreadful state of darkness ; the Lord had 
 departed ; and O, the anguish of my soul ! I could 
 compare it to nothing but the pains of those who 
 are shut out from the presence of the Lord. tc> 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 73 
 
 dwell in the blackness of darkness for ever. But 
 though perplexed, I was not in despair. The lan- 
 guage of my heart was, * Turn me again, Lord 
 God of hosts ; cause thy face to shine, and I shall 
 be saved.' I have gradually been brought again to 
 the enjoyment of light and comfort. I feel greatly 
 humbled for my awful backslidings, and feel more 
 my dependance on God. The hiding of God's face 
 is indeed a sore chastisement ; but it teaches me to 
 trust him in the dark — to live by faith. 
 
 " I resolve to make this an era in my life. I 
 have this morning called to mind my former vows 
 and promises, and have been enabled to look to God 
 by faith, for grace to influence me to the continual 
 performance of them." 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The concluding paragraph of the last chapter 
 represented this devoted disciple as calling to re- 
 membrance her vows and pledges to the Lord her 
 Redeemer, and as making this an important era in 
 her short but remarkable life. Such it really was. 
 To those who saw her, she appeared from about 
 this time to be preparing daily for a purer and 
 
 H. Hobble* 7 
 
74 MEMOIR OF 
 
 happier community than earth affords — to be ri- 
 pening for heaven. The attentive reader will dis- 
 cover this in her journal and letters. 
 
 About this time a sister in the church, long and 
 deservedly beloved and respected, became, by some 
 iuscrutable providence, subject to seasons of me- 
 lancholy, which terminated in mental derange- 
 ment. She was long afflicted in this distressing 
 manner, and enlisted universal sympathy, for she 
 was universally esteemed. With respect to this 
 dark dispensation, Hannah thus writes : 
 
 " Thus God deals with her. Why is it that she, 
 who for years has given evidence of possessing the 
 love and favor of God, is thus dealt with ] All that 
 I can say is, that I doubt not it is for some wise and 
 good purpose. We are short-sighted, and therefore 
 should be humble and submissive. The ways of 
 Providence are often, to us, dark and mysterious, 
 Yesterday was the Sabbath ; and, by the request of 
 her friends, the church met, at the intermission of 
 worship, to pray for her. O that she may yet be 
 blest with the exercise of her reason ; that her deai 
 friends may have the consolation of seeing her in 
 her right mind; and, when called to leave the 
 world, may she depart in peace and triumph. ,, 
 
 " May 23, 1828. Have just received a visit from 
 a female friend, one of the companions of my child • 
 hood. I have not seen her before in a long time , 
 
HANNAH H0BB1E. 75 
 
 When at the age of eleven or twelve, she appeared 
 to be penitent ; but, I think, has given no decided 
 evidence. While here, I conversed with her upon 
 the important subject of her soul. She admitted 
 that she knew nothing of the comforts of religion, 
 but seemed to realize its necessity, and the vanity 
 of all earthly enjoyments. I endeavored to show 
 her the importance of seeking the Lord while he 
 may be found. She was much affected. I told her 
 if it was her desire to give herself to the Lord, I 
 would gladly pray for her. She said it was. O that 
 she may be born of God. I rejoiced in this opportu- 
 nity of conversing with her; I trust it will do good. 
 M How many opportunities of usefulness have I 
 lost heretofore ! I might have been the means, per- 
 haps, of a blessing to many souls. I often feel con- 
 demned for my silence ; but, such is my natural 
 timidity, as well as bodily infirmity, that I am often 
 deficient in duty. Surprising as it is, I often feel a 
 sinful reserve when conversing upon the all-impor- 
 tant subject of religion ; w T hen, at the same time, I 
 can speak freely upon other subjects. O that my 
 mind were more impressed with divine things ; 
 that I might be better prepared to set forth the 
 glory of God, and speak to all of his goodness. 
 When I consider how little I have done for God, 
 for the honor of Christ, and the good of others, I 
 am constrained to cry, O Lord, renew my strength, 
 increase my faith, and love, and zeal." 
 
76 MEMOIR OF 
 
 M May 26. Yesterday was the funeral of Miss 
 O L , (referred to in a preceding para- 
 graph.) Our dear sister was indeed afflicted with 
 great and sore troubles towards the close of her 
 life, not having been favored with the exercise of 
 her reason, except at very short intervals. I cannot 
 but trust that she has made a happy exchange. 
 While the Lord is preparing and receiving one and 
 another into a blessed communion with himself in 
 his church below, he is making others ready for, 
 and callinsr them to a more glorious communion 
 with himself, with saints and angels, in the church 
 triumphant above. This is the second member of 
 our church that has been called away since I be- 
 came connected with it ; and perhaps the next 
 coming of our Lord will be for me. This provi- 
 dence shall help me to be in readiness. I think I 
 would fain leave all that I hold near and dear on 
 earth, to go and possess an everlasting inheritance 
 in heaven. Nothing is here to detain me — nothing 
 that can win my affections from God. While I con- 
 tinue here, I shall probably be subject to tempta- 
 tions and sin ; but O may I never be left to discou- 
 rage myself in unbelief, as did my sister L . 
 
 God forbid that I should ever be so ungrateful as 
 to doubt my interest in the great atonement, after 
 having been blest with so much light and evidence, 
 and such a long continued assurance of his love and 
 favor. I often feel reproved for this sin of unbelie£ 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 77 
 
 I know I have an evil heart of unbelief, in depart- 
 ing from the object I love. The Lord pardon me ; 
 and when the evening of life sets in, may I enjoy 
 the light of thy countenance. As my outward man 
 perishes day by day, may my inward man be day 
 by day renewed ; and O, may I retain the free use 
 of all my mental faculties, in their undiminished 
 energy, in my last moments, arid bear an honorable 
 testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, when on the 
 eve of departing to receive the crown of righteous- 
 ness, which the conquerors shall wear." 
 
 (To her cousin Frances M .) 
 
 11 Northeast, Jane 10, 1828. , 
 
 M My dear Cousin , As you sent your love 
 
 to me in your letter to sister Elizabeth, I assure 
 you I received it with much pleasure. I do indeed 
 thank you for your kind remembrance, and, agree- 
 ably to your request, 1 now engage in the delight- 
 ful employment of writing to you. I hope you en- 
 joy a comfortable assurance of the love of God, and 
 daily make proficiency in grace and knowledge. 
 By your letter, I am made acquainted with the feel- 
 ings of your heart, and am pleased to find them so 
 much in conformity with the religion of Jesus 
 Christ. From the views which you have of your 
 own heart, I conclude you have indeed been blest 
 with the influences of the Spirit of God. If you in- 
 7* 
 
78 MEMOIR OF 
 
 deed know the Lord, you surely must feel your ob- 
 ligations to acknowledge him before the world, and 
 publicly devote yourself, with a pure heart and a 
 willing mind, to his service ; for, be assured, my 
 dear friend, by so doing you will find liberty, joy, 
 and abundance of peace to your soul. I know not 
 but you have made a public profession of your at- 
 tachment to Christ before this j but if you have not, 
 I hope you will soon be constrained, by the love 
 you bear to the Savior, to take up your cross and 
 follow him, regardless of what the world may say of 
 you ; unreservedly give yourself to God in an ever- 
 lasting covenant ; and, trusting in him, perform your 
 vows. Seek to know the Lord's will, and ask of him 
 grace to do it. 
 
 11 O how can we duly estimate the unspeakable 
 love of God manifested in our redemption ! How 
 great the price that ransomed us ! It calls upon me 
 to surrender my all to him, as I have many times, 
 in the strength of the Lord, endeavored to do — to 
 be his willing and obedient servant. As often as I 
 feel myself constrained to dedicate myself anew to 
 him, I never fail of receiving so often the blessing 
 of peace and comfort to my soul. When I consider 
 the abundant goodness of God to me, the least and 
 most unworthy of all his servants, I am lost in won- 
 der, love, and praise. It is by the grace of God 
 alone that I am made to differ. 
 
 M Some who, perhaps, know but little of the life 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 79 
 
 and power of religion, have concluded that I must 
 be miserable, because deprived of health, and made 
 to suffer so much and so long. But ah ! how mis- 
 taken ! I know, by experience, that to be deprived 
 of the light of God's countenance alone can make 
 me truly miserable. 
 
 11 Since the first of March, we have tried new 
 medicines, but without effect. I never expect to 
 enjoy health again ; but think I shall go gradually 
 down to the grave. I am confident I fail. In gene- 
 ral, I sit up about an hour in the day. I know not 
 that I have any choice whether to live or die. I 
 feel myself an unprofitable servant. But if I choose 
 to live, it is that I may do something for the glory 
 of God, the honor of Christ, and the good of others- 
 
 ,{ This mortal frame of mine has more and more 
 the appearance of death. Indeed, I have something 
 like the image of death continually before me, 
 which reminds me of its near approach, and which 
 makes me feel the importance of being continually 
 prepared to meet it. If I know my own heart, I 
 have no fear of death, and often think I could wel- 
 come it, as the sweet messenger of peace. 
 
 1 Our life, how short ! a groan — a sigh ; 
 'We live— and then begin to die :— 
 4 But O how great a mercy this, 
 4 That death's the portal into bliss !' 
 
 " And now, my dear Frances, Jet us put on the 
 
80 MEMOIR OF 
 
 whole armor of God. That grace which will en- 
 able us to stand against the foes which daily assail 
 us, will also bring us off conquerors over death. 
 
 " I have not room to say much with respect to the 
 state of religion amongst us now ; but we trust the 
 Spirit of the Lord has not departed. Some are yet 
 inquiring the way to Zion. 
 
 u I am your affectionate cousin, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 Her journal thus proceeds : 
 
 " June 26. When I look abroad from my win- 
 dow, from the place of my long confinement, and 
 behold the face of the earth revisited with the 
 beauties of summer, I think, O that I could now 
 and then retreat into some solitary shade, far 
 from the noise and bustle of the busy scenes of life. 
 Often would I betake myself to such a spot, conse- 
 crated to meditation and devotion. 
 
 " How delightful to trace my Maker's hand in his 
 works ! O Lord, thou art near in every thing around 
 me ; but nearer in thy Son. In the heavens I see 
 thy wisdom and power; but in thine Anointed I 
 see thy grace and share thy love. Thou art near 
 in the works of thy hands, to convince Atheists ; 
 but nearer in thy word of grace, to convert sinners 
 and comfort saints; therefore in my confinement 
 I will think upon thy word, peruse the divine 
 pages, and dwell upon the plan of redeeming Jove, 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 81 
 
 where all the attributes and perfections of God 
 beam forth with a radiance and beauty that cannot 
 pass through the grosser creation ; too bright for 
 the eye of seraphim to fix upon. Here then will 
 I study and learn for eternity !" 
 
 On the 7th of July, having heard from a minis- 
 ter, providentially in the place, a sermon from Gal. 
 5 : 22, 23, on the fruits of the Spirit, she thus ex- 
 presses herself: 
 
 M I have endeavored to examine myself by this, 
 and some other texts, to know whether I am indeed 
 a child of God ; whether I have the Spirit of Christ. 
 If I have not, I am none of his. But herein I may 
 know, if I possess the fruits of the Spirit mention- 
 ed in this text, which alone constitute the christian 
 character. Happy the soul which is endowed with 
 ' love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good- 
 ness, faith, meekness, temperance ! against such 
 there is no law.' I do think the attainment of 
 these divine qualifications so essential to my present 
 and future happiness, that, were I intentionally de- 
 ficient in the least of them, I should consider that 
 I had no right to expect an inheritance among the 
 sanctified. I feel my weakness and imperfections ; 
 but am confident of this one thing, that he that hath 
 begun a good work in me will perform it until the 
 day of Jesus Christ. The hope of a blessed inv 
 
82 MEMOIR OF 
 
 mortality is predominant in my breast ; and I feel 
 happy in the conclusion, that in some measure I 
 possess the Spirit, and bear its fruits ; and I hope, 
 through grace, to go on from one degree of strength 
 unto another, till I arrive at a perfect state of holi- 
 ness, through Christ, my Lord, in heaven." 
 
 We pass on to July 31, when she seems to have 
 had a very oppressive sense of her insensibility and 
 ingratitude, and of the depravity of her heart. I 
 never knew a person who appeared to see more of 
 their own vileness than she did ; and seldom have 
 I found one so pained in heart on account of it. 
 She says, 
 
 V I have been favored with an unusual degree of 
 comfort and strength of body for a little time past ; 
 and how reasonable that all the powers of my soal 
 should be engaged in the delightful service of my 
 Divine Master ! But to these mercies I have been 
 almost insensible. Surely it is of the mercy of God 
 that I am not consumed. I am surrounded with 
 mercies, yet feel myself a vile and ungrateful 
 wretch. The more I receive, the more insensible I 
 seem. Alas ! what has been my life, but a life of 
 rebellion against God, and ingratitude to him. Such 
 is the depravity of my heart, that, at times, it ap- 
 pears almost swallowed up in the pollutions of 
 the world. Behold, I ain vile ! O Lord, let not 
 
HANNAH HOBBLE. S3 
 
 iniquity prevail against a careless and a sinful crea- 
 ture ! Save, or I perish. I beseech thee, purify my 
 sin-defiled soul. I have no righteousness of my 
 own ; I come pleading for mercy alone through 
 the merits of Christ ; I would lie low in the dust, 
 and confess my sins, and acknowledge my unwor- 
 thiness. Send thy reviving grace, I pray thee, and 
 strengthen my soul. That which I know not, teach 
 thou me. If I have done iniquity, O for grace that 
 I may do so no more ! Suffer me not, O Lord, to 
 live in. a state of carelessness and indifference. Let 
 this renewed experience of my weakness and 
 wretchedness influence me to seek more earnestly 
 that grace by which alone I can be kept from 
 falling into the greatest sins here, and into the 
 depths of misery hereafter." 
 
 It is worthy of observation, and yet no more than 
 might be expected, that there is no instance, as I 
 believe, in all her christian life, when she poured 
 out her soul in such deep repentance and self- 
 abasement for her sins, and in such fervent desires 
 for new life and quickening grace, in which she 
 was disappointed of a speedy answer to her prayer. 
 She felt that it was a matter of the utmost moment 
 to be assured that her heart was right with God, 
 and that God was her Friend and her portion. She 
 could not be satisfied without the joy of God's sal- 
 vation and the upholding of his free Spirit. On 
 
84 memoir or 
 
 the 5th of August we see this clearly exhibited, 
 
 te I earnestly besought the Lord that he would 
 make me more sensible of his goodness ; dis- 
 cover to me the evil of my heart, and show me 
 wherein I do wickedly, that I might repent and 
 reform ; and now I praise his name that he has 
 graciously condescended to hear my prayer, and in 
 a measure to grant it. I acknowledge his faith- 
 fulness, and would here record his goodness to his 
 poor, ungrateful servant. I thank thee, O Lord, 
 that thou hast appeared for my help. 
 
 • I hate the sins that made thee mourn, 
 * And drove thee from my breast/ 
 
 H I look upon him whom I have pierced, and 
 mourn. Lord, bless me with a broken heart, and 
 lead me weeping and mourning for my sins, all the 
 way to Canaan, if need he. O for wisdom to direct 
 my unwary feet ! Lord, I would learn at the feet of 
 Jesus alone — learn thy will — learn to do it, and 
 learn to bear it. ' Make me to walk in the way of 
 thy commandments, for therein do I delight/ " 
 
 M Aug. 10. How shall I recount the many bless* 
 ings I have enjoyed of late. The Lord has, in wis- 
 dom, taken from me some outward mercies, yet, I 
 trust, with the blessed design of showing me great- 
 er. I have suffered, at times, an increase of bodily 
 pain, and find my strength more impaired ; but O 
 how great the mercy that enables me, in the bit- 
 
RAXNAH H0BBIE, 80 
 
 terness of pain, to be peaceful, happy, resigned, 
 and even cheerful. Nothing intrudes so much 
 upon the calmness of my mind as a sense of my 
 own vileness and unprofitableness. The words of 
 an eminently pious lady, who often tasted the cup 
 of affliction, frequently occur to me, and I feel a 
 pleasure in adopting them as my own : * Let me 
 never complain of the burden of suffering, while I 
 remember my manifold transgressions ; but rather 
 wonder at the Lord's gracious long-suffering, and 
 admire his goodness, who is, with the chastisement 
 of his love, driving me to heaven, when he might, 
 by the strokes of his wrath, have long since driven 
 me to hell.' 
 
 11 This is the Lord's day : I am debarred the 
 privileges of the sanctuary. ' How amiable are 
 thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! my soul long- 
 eth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the 
 Lord ; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the 
 living God !' O when shall I appear before thee ! 
 They are called blessed who dwell in thy house. 
 1 They go from strength to strength/ Though de- 
 prived of the blessing of God's house, yet I rejoice* 
 The Savior has said, ( Blessed are they that mourn, 
 for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that 
 hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall 
 be filled.' Surely in the word of the Lord is abun- 
 dant consolation; therefore I will delight myself 
 in it ; and in his law my meditation shall be sweet, 
 H.Hobbi* 8 
 
66 MEMOIR OF 
 
 H At the beginning of another week, and on this 
 holy Sabbath, (as I have long been wont to do,) I 
 desire to reneio my covenant to be the Lord's ; and 
 may the blessing of the Lord be upon me through 
 the week. ,, 
 
 The blessing of the Lord was upon her ; and she 
 delighted to do good as God gave her opportunity. 
 The same week, besides many other things which 
 she did, to show her love for God and evince her 
 strong desire for the good of her friends, she wrote 
 to a cousin, recently married, the following letter : 
 
 " Northeast, August 15, 1828. 
 M My dear Cousin, — As we are now separated 
 far from each other, and deprived of the happiness 
 of personal intercourse, I avail myself of an oppor- 
 tunity of addressing you by letter. The scenes of 
 our childhood often occur to my mind, and the 
 time has been when I took pleasure in thinking 
 upon them ; but now I look back with shame and 
 regret, that the time we spent in those amusements 
 (however innocent they then appeared) had not 
 been occupied in preparing for future usefulness in 
 this life, and for a never-ending eternity. But as it 
 is of no use to dwell upon our past errors, except to 
 repent and reform, let our time past suffice to have 
 done wickedly, and may we, in time to come, do 
 only that which is good. 
 
IIANNAH JIOBBIE. 87 
 
 H We were led by the hand of Providence in 
 the earlier stage of life apparently alike, in the 
 same smooth and even course ; but how vastly dif- 
 ferent have been the dealings of God with us since ! 
 While you, to human appearance, have been led 
 quietly along, blessed with uninterrupted health, 
 enjoying the pleasures of youthful folly, and the 
 comforts of this world ; I have been led through a 
 wilderness of sorrows ; afflicted and rendered inca- 
 pable of joining my gay companions in the follies 
 and amusements of life. I have now no relish for 
 them. But here let us learn wisdom ; for the hand 
 of an all-wise Providence hath done it all. Sinful 
 and foolish, we naturally prefer the poor and short- 
 lived pleasures of this world to the happiness 
 which religion offers us ; but happy is it that some 
 are not left to their own choice, which would lead 
 them on to irrecoverable ruin. My dear friend, I 
 can most truly say, that it is all in love that I have 
 been chastised. By this I have been led to see the 
 error of my ways ; to embrace the Savior in such 
 great love provided, and walk in the way which 
 leads to happiness and heaven. 
 
 M O how happy should I be, were I assured that 
 you too had been convinced of the evil of sin, and 
 that you forsake and abhor it as rebellion against 
 the God of heaven. It is a pernicious cup; drink 
 it, and it brings eternal death. We have seen but 
 a few years of human life, yet I doubt not, as 
 
88 MEMOIR OF 
 
 you look back, even now, you can say with me, 
 • childhood and youth are vanity.' 
 
 " As you are now settled in life, you probably 
 expect to live long in the enjoyment of domestic 
 happiness ; but be entreated, my dear cousin, not 
 to permit the concerns of this life to engross your 
 time and your affections. O consider that you are 
 mortal — that all beneath the sun is fading and 
 transitory ; and let this excite in you an immediate 
 concern for the welfare of your never-dying soul. 
 I pray you, delay not the important work of re- 
 pentance; but * remember now your Creator in 
 the days of your youth/ before the evil days come, 
 when you will say, ' I have no pleasure in them.' 
 
 " My health, upon the whole, is no better than 
 when you last saw me. You recollect my promise, 
 that if I ever found strength enough I would visit 
 
 you at S ; but as I did not anticipate much 
 
 the pleasure of doing so, I am not at all disappoint- 
 ed. I fancy I see you, many times, seated in your 
 new habitation, alone and pensive, your mind fixed 
 upon your native place, and perhaps sighing for 
 the company of those to whom you have so long 
 been attached. But I hope you have found in 
 
 S a society kind and obliging, which will 
 
 in a measure make up the loss you have sustained 
 by a removal. 
 
 " I should be highly gratified to receive a few 
 lines from you, and to know how you have en- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 89 
 
 joyed yourself since you left your father's house. 
 Sister E. sends love. 
 
 M Perhaps my letter is of too serious a charac- 
 ter to meet your approbation ; but I think the 
 importance of the subject a sufficient apology for 
 even more than I have said. I consider it most 
 worthy of my own time and attention, and surely 
 there is none upon which I so much delight to 
 dwell, either in my meditations or my interviews 
 with others. My sincere desire is, that you may 
 profit by it also. 
 
 "Your most affectionate friend and cousin, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 There is in this letter an admirable simplicity, 
 an honest fidelity and frankness, mingled with an 
 easy and touching allusion to former scenes and 
 friendships, which are well adapted to the great 
 object she had in view, in respect to an individual 
 not only careless of her soul's concerns, but averse 
 to the whole subject. 
 
 (To an aunt in New- York.) 
 
 " Northeast, August 23, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Aunt, — I acknowledge the receipt 
 
 of the recent tokens of your affection, and return 
 
 you my sincere thanks. It would be rude in me 
 
 QOt to express my gratification on hearing that you 
 
 3* 
 
90 MEMOIR OF 
 
 have also named your little daughter Hannah Hob* 
 bi&, I was surprised that such a mark of affection 
 should be conferred upon the most unworthy of all 
 your friends and connections. Be assured, that 
 while I retain the use of my faculties, it will be my 
 happiness to commend her in my prayers to the 
 special care of a merciful Providence. O that she 
 may be a child of grace — an everlasting monument 
 of divine love and mercy ! 
 
 tc We are very much pleased with our young 
 cousins. I am happy to discover in them, at so 
 early an age, such an inclination to obtain useful 
 instruction. I learn that they are favored with the 
 privilege of attending Sabbath-school when at 
 home, and I trust the instruction they there receive 
 will be a lasting benefit to their souls. I rejoice to 
 hear of the flourishing state of the churches in 
 New- York; that though iniquity abounds, grace 
 does much more abound. I rejoice to hear, also, of 
 the prosperity of Zion in other places. I learn that 
 
 the Lord is reviving his work in G . O that it 
 
 may extend to the dear society of our friends in 
 B . The revival which has existed in our so- 
 ciety for a few months, has, in a measure, subsided ; 
 but the pious among us are still awake to duty 
 more than before. A Sunday-school has been com- 
 menced this summer at the church, and has, we 
 think, increased our congregation not a little. The 
 fcchool wears a pleasing aspect at present ; and I 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 91 
 
 think, if continued, it will greatly alter the charac- 
 ter of the place, and be an inestimable blessing to 
 us. I esteem this the best plan ever adopted for 
 instilling into the minds of children and youth the 
 all-important things of religion. How necessary to 
 have good teachers ! Such as have the love of God 
 in their own hearts are demanded, and ought to be 
 obtained. How favored are we in this enlightened 
 and peaceful land ! We may truly sing of mercy 
 as well as of judgment. O that we may ever see and 
 acknowledge the hand of God in this, and in every 
 affair of life, and learn to adore him in all his deal- 
 ings with us, whether in prosperity or adversity ! 
 
 " I sympathise with you in your afflictions, and 
 pray that the best of heaven's blessings may rest 
 upon my dear uncle and aunt and their family, es- 
 pecially upon my little namesake. 
 
 " Please to give my love to uncle and aunt C. 
 and tell them I know not how to be sufficiently 
 thankful for the Tracts they were so kind as to 
 send me. Your affectionate niece, 
 
 M Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 I now come back to her journal with delight ; 
 indeed, when I designed to make selections for the 
 public eye, and took it up for that purpose alone, 
 I have often been insensibly betrayed into a con- 
 tinued and absorbing perusal of it for many pages ; 
 while my heart has become affected, and my sensi- 
 
92 MEMOIR OF 
 
 bilities strongly awakened. It has thus often en- 
 gaged my attention, and drawn forth the tear, when 
 I only sat down to select for others. Under date 
 of August 29, she thus writes : 
 
 "O for language to extol the religion of Jesus ! 
 O for an angel's tongue to proclaim the wonders of 
 his grace ; to sing the praises of him who has given 
 me to share in the comforts of his pardoning love! 
 Surely, never did my heart possess more sincere 
 love to God ; never did I more ardently desire the 
 promotion of his glory and the enlargement of his 
 kingdom than of late. By the love of God I have 
 been constrained to exercise faith in the promises 
 of his word, and have been led to discern so clearly 
 the hand of God in answer to prayer, that I think I 
 may never again distrust him. The mercies of a 
 kind Providence are, to me, a sufficient incentive 
 to more diligence in duty, more activity in his ser- 
 vice. Though languishing on a bed of sickness, I 
 am surrounded by kind and affectionate friends, 
 ready to administer outward comfort, and, many 
 of them, inward consolations. Some, more dis- 
 tantly related to me, have of late evinced their at- 
 tachment and sympathy in a peculiar manner. 
 
 " While this is so, and those who are bound to 
 me by the ties of nature are ever desirous of per- 
 forming kind offices for my temporal good, can it be 
 justly said that I am a child of adversity ] In the 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. V6 
 
 midst of bodily suffering the Lord is pleased to lift 
 upon me the light of his countenance, which puts 
 into my soul the most sublime joy and gladness. I 
 have trusted in his mercy, and I am enabled to re- 
 joice in his salvation from day to day." 
 
 Soon after this date her physicians despaired en- 
 tirely of her recovery. The ravages of a relent- 
 less disease, working its issue with a process so 
 painful and distressing that probably few have ever 
 been placed under circumstances equally trying, 
 were now developing themselves with more dis- 
 tinctness and inveteracy. None can judge of her 
 sufferings from her journal or letters. We, who 
 saw her, could form a better opinion ; but as 
 she seldom complained, even when her counte- 
 nance strongly indicated the raging of the terrible 
 commotion which frequently racked her frame with 
 agony, even her most intimate companions and at- 
 tendants, I am certain, knew little of what she 
 really suffered. To this interesting point her his- 
 tory is now brought ; but as that occurrence stands 
 intimately connected with a subsequent season of 
 uncommon brightness in her christian life, I reserve 
 it for the succeeding chapter, which will embrace 
 a season of about three months, wonderfully mark- 
 ed with the light of her Heavenly Father's coun- 
 tenance. 
 
04 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 JOY AND TRIUMPH IN GOD. 
 
 It is a solemn thing to think of dying ; to bring 
 the awful reality home to ourselves, and fix the eye 
 steadily upon it. Visions of death, dim and distant, 
 have often flitted before those whose eyes may fall 
 upon these pages ; but did they ever come very 
 near, and clothe themselves in something like the 
 distinctness of reality ] To feel the fangs of a fatal 
 disease, fastened with a firm and relentless hold 
 upon our vitals ; to contemplate the grave as our 
 speedy abode, and lie upon its verge, without hope 
 of rescue from its dark and dreary dominion ; to say 
 to corruption, thou art my father ; and to the worm, 
 thou art my mother and my sister ; these will try 
 the heart as it never has been tried before. It is a 
 trying thing to leave all below, and that for ever; 
 to part with the kindred who have grown up by 
 our side ; who have met with us at the same table, 
 and warmed at the same fire ; who have endeared 
 themselves to our hearts by a thousand proofs of 
 true and tried affection. 
 
 My dear reader, did you ever think of dying? 
 Remember that death will come upon you and upon 
 me. Not all the fortifications that we can throw 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 95 
 
 around the citadel of life will arrest the entrance of 
 the destroyer for a moment. 
 
 The cold hand that has stopped the vital current so 
 often, and peopled the grave with so many genera- 
 tions, will one day be found thrusting in its icy fin- 
 gers upon the fountains of life within our bosoms, 
 and feeling after our heart-strings. Perhaps you 
 think that will be an hour of consternation and dis- 
 may. But grace, almighty grace, what can it not 
 accomplish 1 It can smooth the rough pathway of 
 life, and has done it for many a mourner. It can 
 make the soul calm, and even joyful, in the imme- 
 diate prospect of death. Such grace was given to 
 Hannah Hobbie. 
 
 The following passage in her journal will show 
 her feelings when the physicians in attendance an- 
 nounced to her that they had no hope of her re- 
 covery : 
 
 " September 12. A long and faithful applica- 
 tion of the means prescribed for the restoration of 
 my health has proved ineffectual. It appears to be 
 the Lord's will that I should labor under a compli- 
 cation of disorders, which will inevitably bring me 
 down to the grave. There the wicked cease from 
 troubling, and there the weary are at rest. Notwith- 
 standing all this, I have reason to adopt David's 
 language, and say, * How many are thy thoughts 
 of mercy towards me ; how great is the sum of them. 
 
96 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Thou hast made me glad, according to the days 
 wherein thou hast afflicted me ;' and, praised be thy 
 name, that, though abandoned by earthly physi- 
 cians, I yet may have recourse to the great Physi- 
 cian of souls, who is ' God over all, blessed for ever- 
 more/ Unto him I apply ; to his will I most cheer- 
 fully submit ; and in it I freely and fully acquiesce* 
 11 To thee, O Lord, I consecrate my all. In thy 
 service I desire to spend all the remnant of my 
 time upon earth. I beg that thou wouldst instruct 
 and influence me so, that, whether my abode here 
 be longer or shorter, every day and hour may be 
 used in such a manner as shall most effectually pro- 
 mote thine honor, and subserve thy wise and gra- 
 cious schemes of providence. Use me, O Lord, I 
 beseech thee, as an instrument for thy glory, and 
 let me, either by doing or suffering what thou shalt 
 appoint, bring some revenue of praise to thee, 
 and of benefit to the world in which I dwell*" 
 
 The following was written on the 26th of Sep- 
 tember, to an aunt, also a child of affliction : 
 
 M It appears to be the Lord's will that we should 
 yet continue in the school of affliction, and I hope 
 we are both making proficiency daily in the Wise 
 and important lessons which it so effectually 
 teaches. I consider it the best of all schools, be* 
 cause the Teacher is heavenly and divine. 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE, 97 
 
 M I think I can say, with humble gratitude, that 
 my spiritual joy and strength, for a short time past, 
 have surpassed any thing which I ever before expe- 
 rienced. that I may not forfeit the continuance 
 of the Lord's mercies, by forgetting this season of 
 his loving-kindness. 'Tis true, I have been occasion- 
 ally disturbed by temptations, but in the strength 
 of grace I have been enabled to resist ; and my faith, 
 hope, and joy have been, for the most part, abiding. 
 
 M I desire to bear testimony to the truths and 
 comforts of religion, that others may be encouraged 
 to ' fight the good fight of faith/ trusting in the 
 Lord, who alone is our righteousness and strength. 
 I hope my dear aunt enjoys much of heavenly com- 
 fort while passing through this world of trouble. 
 Let this, especially, afford abundant consolation, that 
 the hour of release will shortly come. Let the con- 
 sideration of the shortness of life contribute to re- 
 concile us to its trials. 
 
 ' When a few more years are wasted, 
 
 ' When a few more months are o'er, 
 
 * When a few more griefs we've tasted, 
 
 We shall rest on Canaan's shore.' 
 
 M O how precious to the believer are the pro- 
 mises of the Gospel ! how sweet the consolation 
 the book of God affords ! may it be our guide until 
 death ! Farewell. 
 
 11 Hannah Hobbie " 
 
 H. Hobbie 9 
 
98 MEMOIR OF 
 
 •* October 3. I here record as among the mul- 
 titude of the Lord's tender mercies to me, an un- 
 worthy worm of the dust, that last evening a minis- 
 ter, almost a stranger in the place, was providen- 
 tially led to our house, by missing his way. O the 
 happiness I enjoyed in joining with him in conver- 
 sation and prayer. In conversing upon heavenly 
 and divine things, especially about the dealings of 
 God with myself, I felt a freedom which I seldom 
 have felt before. Truly, it was a delightful season 
 to me ; one which, I trust, will long be remembered. 
 How sweet the society of the friends of the blessed 
 Jesus ! O how do I love them that bear my Savior's 
 image, especially the ministers of the Gospel." 
 
 I had at this period frequent interviews with this 
 beloved child of God, and found that, though her 
 " outward man" was perishing day by day, there was 
 the most gratifying evidence that she was growing 
 eminently holy. All that she said evinced the en- 
 ergy of her spiritual life — the daily renewal of the 
 inner man, and displayed the power of divine grace 
 ripening her spirit for heaven, while the flesh and 
 the heart were failing under the pains which she 
 suffered. At intervals, however, God kindly gave 
 her a partial relief from excessive distress of body, 
 and such seasons were always precious, because 
 they afforded opportunities to be more useful to 
 others, and to enjoy the society of her christian 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 99 
 
 friends. She was always calm at this season, under 
 the full and delightful impression that her interests, 
 for time and eternity, were in the wisest keeping. 
 During the period on which we have now entered, 
 I never heard her mourn over any thing respecting 
 ner outward condition but this, that she was kept 
 away from the house of God ; and she bowed al- 
 ways to this deprivation with a sweet and quiet 
 spirit, because it was her heavenly Father's will. 
 
 The attentive reader has discovered, doubtless, 
 that God was gradually manifesting himself to this 
 waiting disciple more and more, and apparently 
 preparing her for some precious tokens of his lov- 
 ing-kindness. These expectations were evidently 
 excited in herself, and, step by step, she was brought 
 nearer and nearer to God, until a full and refresh- 
 ing blaze of light burst upon her in unclouded glo- 
 ry ; and for a considerable time not a single doubt 
 obscured her spiritual vision. But I hasten to 
 adopt her own language, in giving a view of God's 
 dealings with her at this interesting period of her 
 history. 
 
 u October 6. Shall I cease to speak of the di- 
 vine favor % Shall this long season, in which I have 
 enjoyed peculiar benefits, be forgotten ? O Lord 
 forbid it ! While I have strength to use my pen I 
 will record thy goodness ; and when I am no longer 
 able to do this, I will think with delight upon all 
 
100 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that I now enjoy, and turn back to these records of 
 thy doings with me, that I may praise thee for the 
 past, and be encouraged to trust thee for the future. 
 
 ce It is one of the Lord's mercies, that my body, 
 so feeble, is supported under the elevated comforts 
 and ecstacies of joy which I, at times, experience 
 in meditating upon the glorious attributes of God. 
 It is now some time since darkness or doubt has 
 disturbed my peace ; and I find my 'joys almost 
 daily increasing. O for a heart and tongue to mag- 
 nify the Lord, who is manifesting the riches of his 
 grace to such a poor, worthless sinner as I am ! 
 What unmerited mercy ! Yet these blessings are 
 offered in the Gospel, to all such as seek diligently 
 for them. Shall I then be satisfied with a crumb, 
 when I may be filled with the bread of life? How 
 can I be content to dwell here, when there are so 
 many mansions on high, where is happiness un- 
 mingled for evermore !" 
 
 " October 10. Mr. H , the minister who 
 
 missed his way and came here last week, attended 
 a meeting with us last evening, and preached from 
 1 John, 3:1;' Behold what manner of love the 
 Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be 
 called the sons of God.' Application and address 
 by my dear pastor. Through the blessing of God, 
 1 was enabled to hear the word, I think, with faith 
 and profit. 
 
 " I am still enjoying sensible communion with 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 101 
 
 him whom my 60ul loveth, and abundantly filled 
 with heavenly consolations. Yet I have a thorn in 
 the flesh ; something to keep me from being lifted 
 up with these large measures of comfort. I feel my 
 own helplessness. O Lord, be thou my help, and 
 let me not forget that my safety is in thee. May I 
 not grieve thy Spirit, nor fall into folly that shall 
 provoke thee to depart." 
 
 M October 12. My mind has become almost 
 wholly absorbed in the contemplation of heavenly 
 and divine things. The time has been recently, that 
 it was with difficulty I could disengage my thoughts 
 from these things to obtain sleep for my feeble body. 
 Last night was almost a sleepless one ; and to-day, 
 though 1 feel weak in body, yet thanks be to God, 
 who strengthened me with might, by his Spirit, in 
 the inward man. All these blessings I believe to 
 be obtained by the prayer of faith ; and I am con- 
 fident that the Lord is about answering prayer for 
 me, in many things which of late I have so much 
 desired, in a most wonderful manner. I have found 
 these words true in my own experience, ' They 
 that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; 
 they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they 
 shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk 
 and not faint.' " 
 
 " October 13. Last night I enjoyed refreshing 
 rest ; and as I am permitted to see the return of 
 this, my natal day t in such comfortable circum- 
 0* 
 
102 MEMOIR OF 
 
 stances, I resolve to devote the strength of it, in a 
 great measure, to God, in thanksgiving and prayer. 
 This last year of my life has been the happiest, and 
 I think the best. Although I have come far short 
 of doing my duty to God, yet I trust I have been 
 graciously accepted of him. One evidence of this 
 is, the great blessings he is now conferring upon 
 me, in answer to long-continued and earnest prayer 
 that he would renew my spiritual strength, increase 
 my faith and love, and give me more zeal in his ser- 
 vice, and for his glory. 
 
 " When I look upon the many blessings herein 
 recorded during the year, I am filled with wonder 
 and praise. I must si?ig of mercy as tvell as of judg- 
 ment. And now, O Lord, on this day I give myself 
 entirely to thee, to do with me as seemeth good in 
 thy* sight ; only enable me to say at all times, and 
 under all circumstances, Thy will he done. O that 
 Christ Jesus may be manifested in me, whether it 
 be by life or death; and let me have this evidence 
 that my path is that of the just, that it * shineth 
 brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.' " 
 
 " October 15. This day I have not such elevated 
 comforts as I enjoyed three days since ; for then, 
 in consideration of what the Lord was doing for 
 me, I could only wonder and adore. But thanks be 
 to God that I still joy in the Lord, my trust and 
 my salvation. I know that it is only by humbly 
 waiting upon thee that I shall obtain blessings; 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 103 
 
 therefore my waiting eyes are unto thee ; for giv- 
 ing doth not impoverish, withholding doth not en- 
 rich thee, and thou art ever ready to communicate 
 unto such as are of a broken heart and a contrite 
 spirit. My heart aspires after more holiness, greater 
 conformity to thine image. If I am indeed a branch 
 of the true vine, wilt thou purge my heart, that 1 
 may f bring forth more fruit;' and ' as the branch 
 cannot bring forth fruit of itself, except it abide in 
 the vine,' O that I may abide in thee, and thou in 
 me, that I may ' bring forth much fruit.' O that I 
 may keep thy commandments and abide in thy love, 
 that my joy may be full." 
 
 " October 18. God and his salvation have be- 
 come a theme of the most delightful contemplation. 
 The hope that I have been washed in the blood of 
 atonement — that my feet have been plucked from 
 ' the horrible pit and the miry clay,' and set upon 
 the Rock Christ Jesus, against which the gates of 
 hell shall never prevail ; and the fact that I am now 
 permitted to drink so freely of the cup of salvation, 
 are causes of perpetual joy and thanksgiving. 
 
 1 Perpetual blessings from above, 
 1 Demand perpetual songs of praise.' 
 
 " For ever blessed be thy name, O most gracious 
 God, that thy Spirit has excited in my heart such 
 fervor of love to thee ; for surely, if ever I knew 
 what hunger is, I do hunger after righteousness — af- 
 
104 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ter greater conformity to thy blessed will. If ever 
 I knew what it is to thirsty I do thirst for God, for 
 the living God, and pant for the more abundant 
 communications of his favor; if J ever desired rest 
 and refreshment for this body, my soul, with sweet 
 acquiescence in thy will, rests, dear Savior, upon 
 thy bosom, and returns to its repose in the em- 
 braces of God, who hath dealt so bountifully with 
 me." 
 
 " Oct. 19. — In contrasting my present happiness 
 with all that the world ever offered, I cannot find 
 words to express how poor, and mean, and despi- 
 cable all earthly gratifications appear to me, when 
 compared with this joy and peace which now fill 
 my soul. 
 
 'God is my all-sufficient good, 
 
 * My portion, and my choice ; 
 1 In him my vast desires are fill'd, 
 
 1 And all my powers rejoice. 
 
 1 In vain the world accosts mine ear, 
 
 1 And tempts my heart anew ; 
 ' I cannot buy your bliss so dear, 
 
 c Nor part with heaven for you.' 
 
 " When I look back upon all the way in which 
 the Lord has led me, it is with gratitude that I ac- 
 knowledge the blessing of this long bodily affliction, 
 as the means he has appointed to bring me to a 
 knowledge of himself. Although the way has been 
 peculiarly trying to my sinful nature, yet the more 
 
HANNAH HODBIE. 105 
 
 I reflect upon it, the more I adore him who has 
 done it. 
 
 " I consider it a special mercy, that external ob- 
 jects are in a great measure shut out from me, so 
 that I may enjoy more entirely spiritual things. 
 How different my situation from that of those who 
 have not God for their Friend ! O how do I pity 
 those who have no comfort but such as this world 
 affords ! How should I love God for giving me 
 grace to cheer and support me under his chasten- 
 ing hand ! Surely nothing but the grace of God 
 could enable me to endure so long without com- 
 plaint. For several months I have not felt the 
 smallest disposition to complain — the least rising 
 of any thing like impatience. * Bless the Lord, 
 O my soul, and let all that is within me bless his 
 holy name.'" 
 
 M Oct. 20. Feeling myself inclined this day to 
 wander from the object of my love — from the 
 source of my inexpressible joy, I have found occa- 
 sion to be more earnest in prayer, and frequent- 
 ly raise my heart to God for the continuance of his 
 favor. O that I may continue to delight myself in 
 the Lord, then will he give me the desires of my 
 heart. M«^ I commit my way more entirely to him, 
 and trust also in him, that he may bring to pas9 
 what I pant after; that he may ' bring forth my 
 righteousness as the light, and my judgment as the 
 noon-day/ 
 
106 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " Lord, thou hast said that thou wilt ' withhold no 
 good from him that walketh uprightly/ O ' put away 
 iniquity far from me/ that thou mayest continue 
 thy loving-kindness towards me ; and glorify thy- 
 self in me yet more abundantly, through the riches 
 of thy grace." 
 
 " Oct. 22. I still enjoy the light of God's coun- 
 tenance and the consolations of his Spirit, which 
 are neither few nor small. Unto thy name, O Lord, 
 be all the glory, for thou art my strength and song, 
 and thou art become my salvation. Unveil, I be- 
 seech thee, the beauties of thy character to me yet 
 more and more, that I may see thy glory as it is 
 manifested in thy works of creation, of providence, 
 and redemption.' } 
 
 " Oct. 29. — The Bible has become my chief study . 
 It is a delightful employment. I read it with in- 
 creased interest. The more I read it, the more I 
 love it. Alas! how little knowledge I obtained of 
 the Scriptures before I sought the illumination of 
 the Holy Spirit in reading them ! I am persuaded, 
 that, as the Scriptures were inspired at first by the 
 Spirit, they owe all their influence and effect to the 
 Spirit's co-operation. Not long since I was made 
 particularly sensible of my ignorance of the Scrip* 
 tures, and felt reproved for my formerinattention 
 to them. I therefore besought the Lord more ear- 
 nestly to instruct me and enlighten my dark mind, de- 
 siring him to teach me by his Spirit, in all things, the 
 
HANNAH HOBBIH. 107 
 
 meaning of his word, that I might grow in know- 
 ledge and grace together more and more ; and 
 surely I have not looked in vain for the blessing. 
 I have had such experience of the truth of God's 
 word, that I can fully adopt the language of David, 
 1 I will praise thee with my whole heart ; I will 
 praise thee for thy loving-kindness and thy truth, 
 for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy 
 name.' 
 
 ,f The Psalms of David I find peculiarly adapted 
 to the devotional frame of my mind. Bless the 
 Lord, O my soul, who has given me to delight in 
 his holy word! * The law of the Lord is perfect, 
 converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord 
 is sure, making wise the simple ; the statutes of the 
 Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.' 
 
 " O Lord, give me faith in thy word ; what I 
 know not teach thou me. I will hide thy word in 
 my heart, that I may not sin against thee. O let 
 thy word be ' a light unto my feet, and a lamp un- 
 to my path/ according to thy gracious promises, 
 which in Jesus Christ are • yea and amen.' " 
 
 M Oct. 31. I have to sing this day of a great de- 
 liverance which the Lord, in his goodness, has 
 wrought for me. The passing scenes around me 
 had, in a great measure, diverted my mind from 
 spiritual and divine things. A circumstance (al- 
 luding to the contemplated marriage of a sister) 
 which is seldom attended with much seriousness, is 
 
108 MEMOIR OF 
 
 about to take place in the family. It absorbed my 
 thoughts too much, notwithstanding my constant 
 endeavors to prevent it. Satan laid a snare for my 
 soul, but the Lord * upheld me by the right hand of 
 his righteousness,' and has restored to me the joy 
 of his salvation. O thou all-sufficient Friend, unto 
 thee do I look for grace to help me in this time of 
 need ! Give me the shield of faith, by which I shall 
 be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ; 
 and the whole armor of God, that I may be able 
 to stand in the evil day." 
 
 n Nov. 7. Yesterday I in some measure forgot 
 my Almighty Helper, and satan sought to take ad- 
 vantage of my soul, through the weakness of my 
 body ; but at evening I received strength to call 
 upon God, and t'hereby obtained grace as my day 
 demanded it, 
 
 " This afternoon I expect a visit from my dear 
 pastor ; and in the evening, the Lord willing, I shall 
 again hear the sweet sound of the Gospel from his 
 lips. The Lord seal instruction to my heart, and bless 
 the means of grace which I enjoy, to my soul. Let 
 me not be a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word*. 
 O Lord, make thy word effectual this night to the 
 conversion of souls," 
 
 I visited her that day, as she expected. She wel- 
 comed me with unusual joy, but she was evidently 
 in more than ordinary pain. There was a mingling 
 
HANNAH HOEBIE. 103 
 
 of serenity and agitation in every feature of he* 
 countenance, which denoted the struggle within, 
 and proclaimed the present crazy tabernacle to be 
 unsuitable for the permanent abode of a spirit as- 
 piring after eternal life and peace. Her cheek was 
 flushed, and her eye, occasionally, was restless; but 
 peace was reigning triumphantly, notwithstanding 
 the fruitless efforts of an already defeated enemy. 
 Her state of mind was heavenly, and pain of body 
 could not permanently disturb it. 
 
 Having ascertained this, I felt anxious, as far as 
 her strength would allow, to know whether she 
 could look upon the evidences of her hope stead- 
 fastly, and derive satisfaction from inspecting its 
 foundations. She had enjoyed a long season of 
 spiritual prosperity ; her sky was all cloudless and 
 serene, while a fair and steady breeze was wafting 
 her towards the haven of rest. I feared that she 
 had been looking aloft so long, and contemplating 
 with such absorbing delight the swelling canvass 
 under which she was pressing onward, that she had 
 almost forgotten the dangers that lay in her course, 
 and remembered not that she was yet upon a treach- 
 erous and stormy ocean. I seated myself at her bed- 
 side, and spent a short time in testing her heart by 
 the touchstone of eternal truth. The interview of 
 that day comes up, even now, before me with the 
 freshness of the scenes of yesterday. She stood the 
 trial well. 
 
 II.Hvbbie. 10 
 
110 MEMOIR OP 
 
 The character and law of God, his government, 
 his will, his salvation, his Sabbath and ordinances she 
 loved; Jesus Christ was precious to her soul ; the 
 Word of God was her delight, and her guide in all 
 things ; the people of God her dearly beloved and 
 chosen companions, and sin the object of her un- 
 mingled hatred. She relished the truth, and rejoic- 
 ed that God's precious promises secured its future 
 and universal triumph, while she pitied with her 
 whole heart the miserable and perishing condition 
 of a benighted world. Without prayer she could 
 not live ; and, weak and languid as she was, she 
 was devising (as will presently be seen) plans to 
 render herself more extensively useful while she 
 remained in the field of labor. 
 
 I felt as if a word of caution was nevertheless 
 called for, and this settled the subject for the even- 
 ing's discourse. Of this she speaks largely : the 
 following are extracts : 
 
 " Nov. 8. The text last evening was Mark, 13 : 
 21, What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch, 
 I fear I have been too unmindful of this duty ; the 
 Lord grant that I may henceforth be more diligent 
 in this respect ; and may the solemn admonitions, 
 the all-important lessons I received, make an abiding 
 impression on my mind : may I lay up the word in 
 my heart, and practice it in my life. The Lord 
 bless him who watches here for souls, and make 
 
HANNAH HOEBIE. Ill 
 
 him faithful over his charge ; O strengthen his 
 lianas and encourage his heart, and return into his 
 own bosom sevenfold his labors of love amon^ us." 
 "Nov. 10. I cannot easily, nor would I, forget 
 the solemn impressions I received from our pastor 
 the other evening, while in his sermon he exhorted 
 christians to awake to their duty, and try to do 
 good to sinners around them, and proposed to our 
 serious consideration the inquiries which may be 
 made of us, in respect to the discharge of this duty, 
 in the day. of judgment. I have since resolved, in 
 the strength of the Lord, to make it a part of my 
 great business so to discharge' my duty to my neigh- 
 bors, whose souls I ought to love as my own, that 
 at the last great day of trial, when I shall be judged 
 according to my works, the blood of souls will not 
 be required at my hand. Shall I, who have named 
 the name of Christ, and upon whom rest the most 
 solemn vows, shall I slumber while the broad road 
 that leads to death is so crowded % x Deliver my 
 soul from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my 
 salvation/ " 
 
 Nov. 16. The work of redemption is a great 
 mystery. The angels desire to look into it ; and it 
 is often to me a subject of delightful contemplation. 
 But who can comprehend the breadth, and length, 
 and depth, and height, or know the love of God ? 
 Praised be the Lord's name, that he has established 
 bis covenant of grace with men, and that thousands 
 
112 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in every age have rejoiced in its inestimable bless- 
 ings. To him be glory for ever, for the happy as- 
 surance that he has made with me c an everlasting 
 covenant, ordered in all things and sure ;' for this is 
 all my salvation, and all my desire.' ' 
 
 ft Nov. 25. Notwithstanding my forgetfulness 
 of God, my ingratitude and remissness in duty, 
 his loving-kindness is still manifested towards me. 
 He is merciful to my unrighteousness, and I would 
 acknowledge his goodness with humble gratitude. 
 When my foolish heart has felt disposed to leave 
 him and fix on inferior objects, he has proved to 
 me his unwillingness to forsake me. For several 
 days I have maintained almost a continual warfare 
 with my soul's enemies ; earth has sometimes gain- 
 ed a share of my affections, when at other times it 
 has had no power to charm me. How, O my soul, 
 canst thou be delighted with these transitory glo- 
 ries when in pursuit of nobler objects, since God 
 is the object of thy supreme love, and all thy desires 
 centre in him 1 
 
 1 What sinners value I resign ; 
 
 * Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine.* 
 
 "O Heavenly Father, forbid that I should leave 
 thee, for thou art the fountain of life whence flow 
 streams of inexpressible delight. Let not the 
 passing scenes around me divert my mind from 
 spiritual things ; let nothing impede, but every 
 
HANNAH HOBBIB. 113 
 
 thing further my progress heaven-ward ; that I may 
 grow in grace until I am perfect in glory." 
 
 You have seen, christian reader, the love of God 
 as it was manifested to this humble but distinguish- 
 ed individual : now pause and inquire, Do I walk 
 in the light of God's countenance day by day % Do 
 I enjoy these sweet, and animating, and refreshing 
 views of his love ] Does the Savior manifest him- 
 self to me as he doth not unto the world % You will 
 perhaps say, she was highly favored ; all may not 
 look for such seasons of unmingled comfort and 
 assurance. But why was the loving-kindness of 
 God thus manifested to her? We know he is sove- 
 reign in bestowing his mercy ; but she sought it 
 earnestly by faith. She found from the Bible that 
 God did hold such sweet communion with his chil- 
 dren ; and she took hold of his covenant with a 
 firm grasp — with a heart panting after God — and 
 with the words of the patriarch upon her lips, I 
 will not let thee go, except thou bless me. She wrest- 
 led with God, and prevailed. All that she enjoyed is 
 set before you. All these tokens of the Divine favor, 
 these antepasts of heaven, it is, in the strength of 
 divine grace, the privilege of every christian to 
 possess. By faith and prayer you too, as she did, 
 may walk in the light greatly comforted. " Light 
 is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the up- 
 right in heart. " As you travel onward to heaven, 
 10* 
 
114 MEMOIR or 
 
 you too may look for and haste unto the coming of 
 the Son of man. You may drink deeply at the same 
 fountain of life ; you may rejoice in the same salva- 
 tion ; you may live under the same sunny skies, and 
 breathe the same refreshing and delightful atmos- 
 phere of love. O that we may be followers of 
 those who, through faith and patience, have become 
 inheritors of the promises ! 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 As the design of Miss Hobbie in keeping a jour- 
 nal was chiefly to preserve the passing exercises of 
 her mind, that she might avail herself of the bene- 
 fit of frequently reviewing them, she was not in 
 the habit of recording much of what she did in the 
 service of God. There was in her a modesty and 
 diffidence in reference to this point, exceedingly deli- 
 cate, and perhaps too sensitive. I discovered this 
 early, and found it a uniform trait of her character ; 
 not knowing then that she kept a journal at all. 
 By her silence in respect to her efforts to be useful, 
 I am thrown almost entirely upon my own recol- 
 lection, to gather up the fragments of her active 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 115 
 
 exertions in her Master's cause ; and probably but 
 a small part of her endeavors for the good of others 
 ever came to my knowledge. But I have treasured 
 up enough to shame us all, who have more strength 
 to labor, and better opportunities of extensive use- 
 fulness by mingling with society, from which she 
 was in a great measure excluded. For the greater 
 part of her time she was confined closely to her 
 sick bed, weak, emaciated, and often agonizing 
 under severe pain. But feeble as she was, she did 
 much for her Master's glory ; her faith was exem- 
 plified by her works. If the clusters of fruit can 
 speak for her, she was a true branch of the living 
 vine ; for they were rich, and they were many. In 
 a condition where few would have thought of doing 
 any thing — where the distressing anguish that wore 
 away her strength would have been deemed a jus- 
 tifiable exemption from active exertion in the 
 Lord's vineyard, her burning zeal would not allow 
 her to be idle ; she studied how she could still be 
 useful to the world while she remained in it. 
 
 She exerted her influence with many, both chris- 
 tians and others, in personal conversation, as they 
 visited her chamber, with reference to their souls' 
 salvation ; and some, I trust, will meet her at the 
 judgment, who will be as jewels in her crown of 
 everlasting glory and rejoicing. More than fifty let- 
 ters were written from her sick bed to different in 
 dividuals, all of them breathing the same refresh- 
 
116 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ing spirit of evangelical piety and 'deep concern for 
 souls. 
 
 As has been seen, she pitied the perishing world, 
 and felt called upon to do what she could for its 
 rescue from the dominion of sin and the prison- 
 house of eternal despair. She exerted herself suc- 
 cessfully with her female christian friends, to form a 
 benevolent society for the purpose of assisting mis- 
 sions ; a society which, as her records show, con- 
 sisted of eighty members, and with a little assist- 
 ance from the congregation, soon made their pastor 
 a life-director of the Missionary Society by the pay- 
 ment of one hundred dollars. That precious band 
 of sisters, as I have learned, are yet steadfastly pur- 
 suing their object and abounding in labors of love. 
 
 There is now lying before me an address, written 
 by her, which was read at their first meeting, and 
 heard* with delight and profit. One thought she ex- 
 presses should speak to all who profess attach- 
 ment to the ordinances of God's house : " We en- 
 joy the light of God's word, and most of us the con- 
 stant preaching of the Gospel. We have, richly, all 
 the means of grace necessary for our salvation and 
 the present comfort of our souls ; and may not our 
 estimate of them be measured by the pains we take, 
 and the sacrifices we make to communicate them to 
 others ?" The same spirit of active benevolence 
 will appear, from time to time, in all her remain- 
 ing history. 
 
HANNAH HOBBIB. 117 
 
 It will also be seen, that the Lord, in infinite 
 wisdom, saw fit now to withdraw, in some measure, 
 the rich consolation which for a long time she had 
 almost uninterruptedly enjoyed. She was not yet 
 to be taken from the world, and under this disci- 
 pline gained a knowledge of her own heart and of 
 duty, which perhaps she would not have obtained 
 had the light of God's countenance still been lifted 
 upon her in such unclouded splendor. 
 
 Under date of December 2d, she thus complains 
 of her insensibility : 
 
 " I dare not say that the God of mercies has, in 
 a great degree, withholden his blessing, but rather 
 acknowledge my dreadful insensibility, at which I 
 have often been deeply astonished. O when shall I 
 awake from this death-like stupidity V 9 
 
 " December 6. O to know my own heart! O 
 that I were more sensible of my exceeding depra- 
 vity ! O the pride of my heart ! Put away, Lord, I 
 beseech thee, the pride of my heart; that thou 
 mayest receive all the glory for the great things 
 which thou hast done for me. Take off from me 
 the filthy rags of my own righteousness, that, being 
 entirely naked, I may be clothed with the righteous- 
 ness of Christ. May I walk softly in the valley of 
 humility all the days of my life. O for more fervent 
 love to God, deep humility, and strong faith." 
 
 At this time the Lord in mercy granted a gentle 
 
118 MEMOIR OP 
 
 season of refreshing from his presence to a single 
 and distant section of the congregation; and it 
 greatly rejoiced her heart. From the commence- 
 ment of our meetings in that neighborhood she had 
 been unusually anxious that God should grant his 
 blessing, as it was a place of peculiar desolation ; 
 and I always attributed much of the success which 
 attended our efforts to the fact, that she and others 
 were helping together in their prayers for us. She 
 thus speaks of it : 
 
 " December 7. Joyful news ! The Lord is pour- 
 ing out his Spirit and reviving his work in a part 
 of our society. Some are already rejoicing in hope, 
 while others are crying for mercy. 
 
 tl When I think of my former danger, how can I 
 slumber while thousands are yet exposed as I was ? 
 The Lord has heard my humble prayer for myself, 
 and, glory be to his name, I have seen, I think, in 
 some measure, my desires upon others. O for the 
 fulfillment of them yet more and more ! O that the 
 Lord would revive his work in the hearts of his 
 children, especially those of this church, and pour 
 out upon us a spirit of prayer for the conversion of 
 sinners and the enlargement of Zion ! O Lord., 
 visit us again with thy Spirit ; have mercy on pre- 
 cious souls ; carry on thy good work of grace in the 
 neighborhood where thou hast begun it ; and may 
 that place, which has long been a seat of the most 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 119 
 
 profane wiokedness, soon become a habitation of 
 holiness, and a dwelling for our God." 
 
 Such was the character of her letters, that the 
 pastors of the churches to which her friends be- 
 longed, in some instances solicited a copy for pub- 
 \ication. Several letters thus found their way into 
 the religious periodicals of the day, which greatly 
 surprised and affected her. Of this she thus speaks : 
 
 M December 12. I have been informed that some 
 of my late letters to my friends have been published. 
 Can it be that there is any thing in them that is 
 worthy of public notice ? It may be ; for as the dia- 
 mond, though unpolished, possesses intrinsic worth, 
 so the truths of the Gospel, ever excellent, will be 
 relished by true christians, even from the pen of 
 the most unlettered individual. Blessed be the 
 Lord who has made me to know and understand 
 that he is God, and besides him there is no Savior ; 
 and has influenced me to declare his mercy, good- 
 ness, and truth. Shouldst thou, O Lord, make me, 
 in anywise, serviceable to others, unto thy name be 
 all the glory. Blessed be thy glorious name for 
 ever and ever, that thou hast manifested the riches 
 of thy grace to such a poor, unworthy sinner ! O 
 what distinguished mercy !" 
 
 M December 14. Have just been reading of an 
 eminent christian, though he was a plain uneduca- 
 
120 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ted man, and moved in the humble walks of life* 
 Most works of a biographical character place before 
 us the lives of persons eminent for their station and 
 talents, as well as piety ; which is calculated to pro- 
 duce an impression upon many minds, that such 
 excellence is not to be aimed at, except by those 
 who, in the providence of God, possess similar ad* 
 vantages. But if we do not aim high, we cannot 
 reach spiritual eminence. God requires perfection, 
 nor can he, consistently, require less. So then I 
 will aim to be perfect, as my Father in heaven is 
 perfect. I will r press forward toward the mark for 
 the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' ' 
 
 Here is the secret of her distinguished piety. 
 She fixed for herself a high standard, and steadily 
 pursued the great object at which she aimed. She 
 was weak and languid in body — the reader per- 
 haps enjoys health and vigor. Use them then for 
 God ; employ them steadfastly for the same ends ; 
 and through divine grace you will be successful. 
 
 n December 19. Time flies swiftly, and the 
 question arises in my mind, What am I doing for 
 God? My guilty conscience is forced to make the 
 painful reply, Nothing / For several days I have 
 been sorely grieved with a view of the sins of 
 others, besides being greatly burdened with a sense 
 of my own. I am astonished at the iniquity that 
 
HAfcN'AIt BOfifite. 121 
 
 abounds. Alas ! my wicked heart also, what a foun- 
 tain of corruption ! A retrospect of the past fills me 
 with surprise and grief. I have to mourn over a 
 carnal mind, a rebellious will, and an unprofitable 
 life. O that the Lord would giant me true re- 
 pentance ! O that a sense of the exceeding sinful- 
 ness of sin might lead me to forsake it ! O that I 
 could abhor it ; and that myself and others might 
 repent of provoking sins, and walk humbly before 
 God all the days of our lives/ ' 
 
 te December 20. O that I were more sensible of 
 the purity of the divine law and the preciousness 
 of Christ ; that I could feel more sensibly the in* 
 sufficiency of my own righteousness, and humbly 
 and implicitly rely on the merits of Christ for jus- 
 tification before God !" 
 
 M December 24. Last evening my sister T » 
 
 was united in marriage to Mr. E W — «*-i. Let 
 
 their union be long and happy. O that both may 
 embrace thankfully the great salvation ; remember 
 their Creator in the days of their youth ; and be 
 instrumental of building up the kingdom of Christ 
 greatly ! May they assist each other in preparing 
 for glory, and at last be received into heaven, 
 where they ' neither marry nor are given in mar- 
 riage.' M 
 
 M December 25* This is said to be the day on 
 which the glad tidings were brought by the angel 
 of the Lord to a perishing world, eighteen hundred 
 
 II- liobbie. . 11 
 
122 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and twenty-eight years ago: 'Behold, I bring you 
 glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all peo- 
 ple ; for to you is born, this day, in the city of Da- 
 vid, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' Well 
 might the angels sing, • Glory to God in the high- 
 est, and on earth peace, good will toward men/ 
 Well may the church break out into loud songs of 
 praise. O what stupendous love ! O that this ex- 
 hibition of love might warm my cold and languid 
 affections !" 
 
 " December 27. Saturday evening. 
 
 { Safely through another week 
 c God has brought me on my way; 
 
 'May I now a blessing seek 
 
 1 On th' approaching Sabbath day ; 
 
 1 Day of all the week the best, 
 
 c Emblem of eternal rest.' " 
 
 " December 28. Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
 through whose goodness thou art permitted to be- 
 hold the return of another Sabbath, under circum- 
 stances of so much mercy. I feel myself under 
 unspeakable obligation to devote myself, my all, 
 my life to his service ; but I feel myself an unpro- 
 fitable servant ; I fear I am a cumberer of the 
 ground. O for the quickening influences of the 
 Holy Spirit to put new life into every duty ; and 
 more especially at this time, when I am sensible of 
 so much coldness and formality. To-day my father 
 is to be set apart as an officer in the church. The 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 123 
 
 Lord grant that he may be duly qualified, and ful- 
 fill the duties of his station in the fear of God. O 
 that the Lord would be pleased to bless this church, 
 and enlarge the borders of Zion ! O that he would 
 lengthen her cords, and strengthen her stakes. 
 Bless, O Lord, all thy churches ; ' let thy kingdom 
 come, and thy will be done on earth as it is in 
 heaven/ I long to have the millennial glory come, 
 when all the earth shall be filled with thy praise I" 
 
 M January 1, 1S29. Another year of my life's 
 short pilgrimage is gone. What vast numbers du- 
 ring the year have closed their mortal existence, 
 and gone to try the realities of eternity, while I 
 am spared to see the beginning of another year. 
 For what do I live ? a poor, vile, unprofitable crea- 
 ture ! I am sick of sin ; I am tired of this lassi- 
 tude ! 
 
 " Deeply impressed with a sense of my innumer- 
 able sins, my utter nothingness and unworthiness, 
 I am constrained to make renewed application to 
 the blood of Christ which ' cleanseth from all sin,' 
 that I may be prepared to stand before the throne 
 of God. I would let the time past suffice for sin- 
 ning; I would now resolve, in the Lord's strength, 
 to break off sin by righteousness. O that I may no 
 longer be engrossed with my little self, but seek 
 alone my Master's glory 1 may I live for God, and 
 act for eternity. 
 
 M I desire to live as ' a stranger and a pilgrim* 
 
124 MEMOIR OP 
 
 below, that ' when my earthly house of this taber- 
 nacle shall be dissolved, I may have a building of 
 God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the 
 heavens.' " 
 
 " January 4. Sabbath. O that I could go up to 
 the house of God with the multitude who keep holy 
 day ! O that I could meet with them to-day around 
 the table of the Lord, to commemorate a Savior's 
 dying love ! but a good and gracious God has de- 
 termined it otherwise with me, and it is well. I 
 rejoice that the Lord is making accessions from 
 time to time to his people here. O may those who 
 this day in his courts, before God and men, enter 
 into a solemn covenant to consecrate their lives to 
 his service, consider what the solemn vow binds 
 them to do, and keep that vow for ever ! O may 
 they never bring reproach upon the religion of the 
 cross, but manifest its power before all, and be 
 blessings to the church and to the world !" 
 
 I soon again visited her. It was near the close 
 of the day, in the dead of winter. All around me 
 as I passed along, was locked in his cold embrace. 
 As I emerged from the narrow defile where the 
 church stood, and turned to the eastward between 
 it and the grave-yard, the latter attracted my atten- 
 tion, and spoke to my heart. All within its enclo- 
 sure looked more cold and desolate than ever. 
 There stood the monuments of the departed, some 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 125 
 
 of them weather-beaten by the storms of many 
 years, while others, more recently erected, contrast- 
 ed feebly with the snow, almost as white and pure 
 as itself. 
 
 I had stood by many of those graves and seen 
 them closed over the blasted hopes of the mourner. 
 There I had seen the tears of affectionate sisters 
 falling fast and freely upon a brother's coffin. 
 
 There I had witnessed the sisrhs of those who were 
 
 o 
 
 left childless, and the agony which wrung their 
 bosoms as they thought of the desolation that would 
 meet them in the home of their former joys, when 
 they should return to see the little empty chair, 
 and sit down to weep together in their loneliness, 
 and there I had sympathized with the bitter sor- 
 rows of widowhood and orphanage. All was still 
 in this empire of corruption. The silence of the 
 death-sleep was there. Plans, and purposes, and 
 toils, and cares, all were ended ; and those whose 
 flesh rested in hope of a blessed resurrection, were 
 waiting the summons of the last trumpet, to call 
 them, in a glorified body, to their home in heaven. 
 Thoughts of eternal scenes occupied my mind 
 as I proceeded ; the subduing admonitory influence 
 of death and the judgment was upon me, and for 
 a moment the veil seemed lifted, that I might look 
 in upon another world, and call up before me the 
 solemn realities which will one day displace the 
 expectations of deluded man. 
 11* 
 
126 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The noisy crows were hurrying to and fro, clam- 
 orous for their evening repast, before retiring to 
 their nightly resting-place. The full clear whistle 
 of the quail was heard from the neighboring stack 
 yard. The little snow-birds, braving the storms of 
 winter without anxiety or distrust, were picking up 
 their scanty pittance from the pathway before me. 
 The patient sheep, closely huddled into a living 
 mass, were quietly waiting in the fold their expect- 
 ed supplies, and the ox was lowing for his fodder. 
 By all I was instructed. I was reminded of the 
 restlessness of man in pursuit of the things that 
 perish ! of the care of God for the sparrow, much 
 more for the children of his love — of the spirit of 
 the little flock to whom the kingdom is promised, 
 and to whom it will be given, though they may wait 
 long, and lift the eye of faith in meek submission, 
 under severe and trying seasons of denial. " The 
 ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's 
 crib." O that Israel would know ! O that men 
 would consider ! Why should we give Jehovah oc- 
 casion to testify against us, and to call upon the 
 heavens and the earth to witness, with horrible as- 
 tonishment, " I have nourished and brought up chil- 
 dren, but they have rebelled against me !" 
 
 Indulging such reflections, I found myself at 
 length at the residence of this meek sufferer. She 
 was unusually tried with the deceitfulness of her 
 heart. Sin was dreadful in her view ; and she fear- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 127 
 
 ed, notwithstanding her hope continued as an an- 
 chor to the soul, that this terrible enemy might yet 
 ruin her. She was greatly agitated in the conflict 
 which she was vigorously maintaining. It seemed 
 to me, as I listened to her bitter complaints of her- 
 self, and her ascriptions of righteousness to God, 
 that her anchor was indeed cast within the veil, but 
 the billows of a furious tempest threatened to over- 
 whelm her : I was anxious to see the storm abate, 
 and suggested many sources of comfort ; but all 
 seemed unavailing. Presently I said to her, 
 
 " Do you remember that Jesus Christ is a Medi- 
 ator between God and you?" 
 
 " Yes, sir," said she, M and his name is precious." 
 
 M Do you know," said I, u what offices he sustains 
 as a Mediator V* 
 
 M He is a Prophet, a Priest, and a King," said she, 
 looking at me, apparently in wonder at the question. 
 
 H Well, let us look at him a little as a Priest. 
 
 This office consists of two parts, his sacrifice and 
 
 intercession. The sacrifice has been finished once 
 
 for all ; but he has not yet finished his intercession, 
 
 has he?" 
 
 " No, sir." 
 
 " Do you know that ' if any man sin, we have an 
 Advocate with the Father, who ever liveth to make 
 intercession for us V " 
 
 M That is true ; the Bible says so ;" (after a short 
 pause,) " I know it is so." 
 
128 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "You know that you cannot plead your own 
 cause with God ; but here is an Advocate whom the 
 Father alioays hears ; and when Jesus pleads with 
 his Father for you, he will he heard; remember, too, 
 that as an Intercessor, Jesus sympathizes with his 
 people under their trials ; for ' we have not a high 
 priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of 
 our infirmities, but was, in all points, tempted like 
 as we are, yet without sin. It behoved him to be 
 made like unto his brethren ' in all things, that he 
 might c know how to succor them that are tempt- 
 ed/ Do you remember the dreadful trials through 
 which the Savior passed V 9 
 
 "I do," said she, and her voice faltered. 
 
 " He remembers them too," said I, M and will he 
 not feel for a poor suffering sinner, struggling in 
 the deep waters which overwhelmed his own soul?" 
 
 Her eye kindled as I was speaking ; a rich vein 
 of consolation was struck, and I doubted not the 
 waters would flow freely. Before I left her she 
 seemed more calm, though there still remained an 
 abiding dread of sin. The next passage in her 
 diary is as follows : 
 
 "Jan. 22. Jesus, how precious thy name! Heavy- 
 laden with sin and burdened with guilt, I find relief 
 in the thought that there is c an Advocate with the 
 Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous, who ever 
 liveth to make intercession for us, and is able to savo 
 
HANNAH HOBBI& 129 
 
 unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him.' 
 To me belongeth shame and confusion of face, be- 
 cause of all my sins and follies ; but how consoling 
 the thought, that there is a High Priest who is 
 'touched with the feelings of our infirmities/ Je- 
 ms pleads for us poor sinners, and by his merits 
 renders us acceptable. I love him ; I accuse my- 
 self ; I hate this carnal mind. In view of my sins, 
 I abhor myself, and repent as in dust and ashes. O 
 that I could put this worthless world behind me, and 
 live as becometh an heir of immortality !" 
 
 M Jan. 29. A remark in the Rev. Legh Rich- 
 mond's diary respecting himself, I would at pre- 
 sent adopt as appropriate to my own experience. 
 1 Much ado about nothing ; and little done about 
 the one thing needful.' Every day brings me near- 
 er to eternity, and I want to feel — sensibly feel — that 
 I am advancing towards the kingdom of heaven. I 
 long to be more spiritual — more heavenly-minded 
 — less conformed to the world, and more trans- 
 formed by the renewing of my mind, that I may 
 prove what is that acceptable, that good, that per- 
 fect will of God." 
 
 To Miss L H , a neighbor, a member 
 
 of the same church, and also a very intimate friend 
 and fellow-sufferer, she wrote the following letter: 
 
 11 February 6, 1829. 
 "My dear Friend, — Affliction is a mark by 
 
130 MEMOIR OF 
 
 which a gracious God oftentimes distinguishes his 
 beloved disciples. I feel it to be a blessed truth, 
 that the Lord chasteneth those whom he loveth. I 
 am aware that where grace is, trials will not be 
 wanting. I delight to trace the doings of divine 
 mercy, and as I find them in no case more con- 
 spicuous than in my own, I gladly tell you what 
 God has done for me since I last wrote you. I de- 
 sire to do it with no other motive than to extol his 
 abundant grace, and magnify his great and holy 
 name." 
 
 Having spoken minutely of the state of her 
 health, she proceeds : 
 
 " Thus you see I still linger under a protracted 
 illness, but when I compare my pains with my mer- 
 cies, they are but as a drop to the waters of the 
 ocean. The precious promises of the Gospel and 
 the smiles of my heavenly Father abundantly 
 sweeten the bitter cup.. 
 
 " The spring was to me rather a dark and gloomy 
 season, but it was succeeded by a gradual increase 
 of light, which poured in, ray after ray, upon my 
 dark and benighted mind, and kept continually in- 
 creasing, till about the beginning of October, when 
 all darkness was dispelled, and for two or three 
 weeks especially, my beloved friend, it is beyond 
 the power of words to describe the happiness and 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 131 
 
 bless uigs I enjoyed. So transporting were the ex- 
 ercises of my mind, that at times sleep departed 
 from my eyes. The glorious perfections of God, 
 the infinite loveliness of the Savior, the great plan 
 of salvation, were the delightful and absorbing 
 themes which occupied my mind. The thought 
 that the God of heaven should condescend to visit 
 in such a glorious manner a vile and worthless 
 worm like me, filled me with wonder and admira- 
 tion, and occasioned continual joy and thanksgiv^ 
 ing for many days. Like Peter on the mount of 
 transfiguration, I fain would have tarried ; but infi- 
 nite wisdom and goodness taught me that I must 
 come down and wander again in this wilderness, 
 and ' dwell in the tents- of Kedar.' 
 
 " I have since had sore conflicts with many foes, 
 and have been conversant with grief, painful anx- 
 iety, and fearful despondency, concerning myself 
 and others. But the more I reflect upon the way 
 in which the Lord is leading me, the more cause I 
 find to love and adore him. Often I think of these 
 beautiful lines, and exultingly acknowledge his 
 sovereignty over me : 
 
 c Good is the way by which my steps he leads ; 
 1 Sweet is the pasture where my spirit feeds ; 
 1 Bright are my prospects in the world to come, 
 ' And a few steps will bear me safely home.' 
 
 H Perhaps what I have said of the joy and peace 
 
132 MEMom or 
 
 I have found in believing, may tend to dishearten 
 you, if you have not felt the same ; but let me tell 
 you, my dear friend, growth in grace is not to be 
 measured by joys or raptures. These are the com*- 
 forts of a christian faith and hope, but humility and 
 love are the substantial graces. It is, nevertheless, 
 desirable to rise above all earthly gratifications, 
 all transitory glories, and from Pisgah's summit 
 view with an eye of faith, though afar off, the pro* 
 mised land-^transcendently glorious— -abounding 
 with satisfying riches, large as our desires, and 
 lasting as our souls. 
 
 11 But such a state does not long suit an earthly 
 inhabitant. Pride, that dreadful pride> would soon 
 ruin us in so high a place ; we should lose sight of 
 our helplessness, and forget our dependance on 
 God. May we ever live in obedience to the com* 
 mands of God, make his law our delight, and strive 
 to be wholly conformed to his will ; may we ever 
 have a deep sense of our vileness and un worthiness, 
 while we exalt Christ our Savior and our all. 
 
 " How necessary to know our own hearts ! I think 
 my dear friend is by no means a stranger to hers, 4 
 I very much regret that I am so little acquainted 
 with mine ; but the little knowledge I have of it, 
 convinces me that it is deceitful above all things a#d 
 desperately icicked. So deceitful, that it is folly in 
 Ihe extreme to trust it, and so wicked, that sin 
 stains most deeply the purest actions of my life. But 
 
HANNAH HOBBie. 133 
 
 of what avail is a knowledge of our hearts, unless 
 we apply to the great Physician of souls, who only 
 can cure the disease of sin, and wash us from all its 
 pollutions ] I think I do feel the need of a conti- 
 nual application to him for the blood of sprinkling. 
 What abundant consolation do these words afford, 
 The blood of Jesus Christ clcanseth from all sin. He 
 is exalted to give repentance to Israel, and remission 
 of sins. 
 
 M How much do christians lose from an undue 
 attachment to the world. I know it is alluring, and 
 Satan is busy baiting us with it, to draw us away 
 from the one thing needful. But are there not still 
 greater attractions in the cross of Christ] Over all 
 the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the 
 pride of life — over every enemy, the Captain of our 
 salvation, if we follow him, will cause us to triumph, 
 Even Satan shall be bruised beneath our feet short- 
 ly. Let his people follow him, and lean on him, and 
 they will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the 
 work of the Lord. 
 
 M O how should a sense of the shortness of time, 
 the unutterable worth of the soul, and the solemni- 
 ty of eternity awaken us, and make us not only 
 anxious for the salvation of our own souls, but also 
 for the souls of the precious ones around us. Alas ! 
 how many are going on heedless to the eternal 
 world, without an interest in the Savior; and shall 
 we not lift the warning voice, and above all, plead 
 H.Hobbio. 12 * 
 
134 MEMOIR OP 
 
 with our great Advocate in their behalf, that he may 
 be glorified in their salvation ? 
 
 " Standing as I do upon the borders of the eter- 
 nal world, I wonder, I am greatly astonished, that 
 I am not more affected with eternal realities. With 
 a heart glowing with supreme love to God and com* 
 passion for souls, I should not fail to recommend 
 the religion of Jesus to those around me— that bless- 
 ed religion which has been my consolation and sup- 
 port through years of tribulation, and which even 
 now enables me to bid defiance to all the powers of 
 earth and hell, and look down into the grave with 
 triumph. I am too remiss in duty, and vainly en- 
 deavor often to justify my negligence by many a 
 sinful plea. Will not my dear friend, when at the 
 throne of grace pleading for poor sinners, some- 
 times remember her unworthy Hannah, and pray 
 that she may awake, as one alive from the dead— 
 that her remaining days may be filled up with use- 
 fulness ; and may the best of heaven's blessings rest 
 upon my dear Lucretia. 
 
 " Farewell. 
 
 11 Hannah Hobbie*" 
 
 11 February 1L Have just been favored with a 
 
 visit from uncle and aunt C , of Bedford, and 
 
 two dear cousins. How dear to me are those kin- 
 dred friends who are also the friends of Christ. O 
 that all my friends may possess that good part. My 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 135 
 
 dear aunt expressed a wish that I might be able to 
 visit Bedford. I immediately replied, that I did not 
 know as I desired it. I thought I had rather depart 
 and be with Christ, which is far better. Still, if I 
 could be of any use to my friends or the world, I 
 should desire to be restored to health. But I am 
 so neglectful of duty now, that if I should be re- 
 stored I should probably prove unfaithful. O when 
 shall I be enabled to shake off this spiritual sloth ] 
 When shall I do my duty V 
 
 " February 23. I hope God has pardoned my 
 sins, and given me peace — his own peace. He gives 
 me talents and time, and now he is giving me un- 
 usual relief from pain. Under all these, is not the 
 command addressed to me, Occupy till I come ? If 
 I have but one tatent, and neglect to improve it, 
 shall I not incur guilt and the just reprehension of 
 my God and Judge ] O Lord, thou knowest how 
 painful to me is the idea of lying here useless ; let 
 thy Spirit arouse me to duty, wake up my drowsy 
 powers, and enlarge my heart greatly in the know- 
 ledge of thy will, and with a desire to do it ; then 
 shall I run with joy in the way of thy command- 
 ments. If I can do nothing to promote thy glory 
 and advance thy kingdom here, then prepare me 
 for thyself, and take me hence, that I may not be a 
 reproach among thy people. ,, 
 
 M February 24. The sound of death is again in 
 my ears. Mr. S W is no more. He has 
 
136 MEMOIR OF 
 
 left family and friend, and gone to the eternal 
 world. Death is a faithful monitor. He has taken 
 one in the meridian of life, and surely we who yet 
 live, are admonished to be ready, for in such an 
 hour as we think not, the Son of man cometh. O 
 that all might be excited to work while the day 
 lasts. Be thou the God of the widow, O Lord, and 
 the Father of the fatherless." 
 
 " March 4. There is one talent entrusted to 
 christians, which is so badly employed, or rather so 
 seldom employed at all, that it ought to be a se- 
 rious question with many, how they can escape the 
 doom of the unfaithful servant who went and bu- 
 ried his talent in the earth. It is the talent of speak- 
 ing for God. How many in this respect prove mi- 
 serable stewards, myself among. the number. How 
 seldom do I speak to professing christians of the 
 state of religion in their own hearts — of the Savior's 
 love — of their duty to sinners. And how little do I 
 speak to sinners ! "Why is it so with me ] I account 
 for it in this way : 
 
 " 1. I do not feel sufficient concern for souls. 
 
 "2. I fear man. 
 
 "3. I fear I shall do them no good. 
 
 u Did my Savior weep over sinners — did he feel 
 so much concern for them as to leave the realms of 
 bliss and come down to die for their salvation, and 
 shall I feel no concern for them 1 
 
 V Do I fear man ? I will remember what God 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 137 
 
 says : e Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be 
 ye afraid of their reviling*. Who art thou, that thou 
 shouldst be afraid of man that shall die V God for- 
 bid thai I should be taken in this snare ! 
 
 M Will it be of no avail to warn the wicked ! 
 How shall I dare indulge such a thought ? God 
 says, A word fitly spoken, hoio good is it. The word 
 of God, even by my mouth, may be as afire and a 
 hammer to break in pieces the flinty heart. Shall I 
 shut my eyes against all experience and observa- 
 tion 1 How often has a word, spoken in season, been 
 blest to the conversion of a soul ] Can I then look 
 upon the sinner as condemned, and know that par- 
 don is offered to him through Christ Jesus, and not 
 urge him to accept it ] 
 
 " Much have I suffered from the lashes of con- 
 science because I have neglected this duty; and 
 yet how afraid to begin to perform it. I have long 
 endeavored to surmount these difficulties that ap- 
 pear to lie in the way of faithfulness to sinners ; and 
 
 THROUGH DIVINE GRACE I AM RESOLVED TO FIGHT 
 
 until I overcome. O may the Lord grant me that 
 perfect love which caste th out fear !" 
 
 What a noble resolution ! what a holy purpose ! 
 Here is a poor, sick, suffering female, struggling so 
 manfully against hindrances to this important duty 
 vijhile many in health, and with every advantage 
 and opportunity, are regardless of their obligation 
 L2» 
 
135 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to be faithful to sinners. It must not be inferred 
 from this record that she had heretofore done no- 
 thing in this part of her work, for she had done 
 much ; but she had not done enough to satisfy her 
 conscience ; she felt that she had not done all her 
 duty. Brother, sister in Christ, read over again this 
 last record from her pen, and go and do likewise. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 About the beginning of March, 1829, Miss Hob- 
 bie was visited with a more severe attack, which 
 brought her, in the course of two or three weeks, 
 very low. It seemed to me for some time that she 
 could hardly survive it. But the Lord designed 
 by this visitation to prepare her for doing his will a 
 little longer, and still more faithfully upon the earth, 
 before he should call her away from it for ever. He 
 does not grieve willingly- the children of men ; he af- 
 flicts his people to purify their souls and fit them 
 better for his service on earth, and for the eternal 
 enjoyments of the better world on high. 
 
 There is something very touching and beautiful 
 in the illustration given by the prophet Malachi (3 : 
 3,) of the process by which Jehovah purines his 
 people. And he ' shall sit as a refiner and purifier 
 
HANNAH HOBDIE. 139 
 
 of silver.' The Lord, when there is need of it, puts 
 bis people into the furnace of affliction, and kindles 
 around them, as the refiner of silver around his im- 
 pure metal, an intense heat. As the refiner keeps 
 up the fire until the dross is consumed and the metal 
 becomes pure, so does God with respect to his 
 people. The refiner sits, looking intently into the 
 glowing furnace and watching the contents of his 
 crucible, until he sees in the molten silver the 
 reflection of his own face, and by this, he knows it 
 to be pure ; so, when the Lord afflicts his children, 
 he sits intently and anxiously watching them ; and 
 as soon as he sees his own image in them, the end 
 is secured, and he puts out the fires lest they should 
 utterly consume them. 
 
 When God sends afflictions upon his people to 
 purify their hearts, and bring them to seek their 
 portion in him, and do more faithfully his will, he 
 may have also other things in view. We cannot 
 fathom the depths of God's providence, or explain 
 its mysteries while we * see through a glass darkly.' 
 We cannot perhaps fully understand why he often 
 afflicts his beloved people, precious to him as the 
 apple of his eye, while he allows the man who has 
 lifted the standard of revolt and proclaims war 
 with his Maker, to live in health, possessing every 
 earthly blessing, and perhaps to go down to the 
 grave with no bands in his death. But, we are 
 taught in his word something in relation to thb 
 
140 MEMOIR OP 
 
 deeply interesting matter. We are told (whatever 
 else God, in infinite wisdom, may think proper to 
 conceal from us) that chastening comes with adop- 
 tion into his family ; • whom the Lord loveth he 
 chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he re- 
 ceiveth.' 
 
 There are benefits flowing from this heavenly dis- 
 cipline which are obvious ; we can sec, we can feel, 
 we can appreciate them. They vindicate the ways 
 of God with his people. Many a child of the king- 
 dom has found affliction good ; and has sent up from 
 a warmer and holier heart the song of thanksgiv- 
 ing and praise for the visitations of the rod. It was 
 so with Hannah Hobbie. Listen to her own 
 account. 
 
 M April 4, 1829. Being relieved m a great mea- 
 sure from a state of unusual suffering, I take my 
 pen from my drawer for the purpose of adding to 
 the records of divine mercy and favor. The Lord 
 has manifested his love to me in the hours of deep 
 distress, when this poor tabernacle was shaken as 
 with a mighty wind. When my spirits were low 
 and weak the Lord graciously vouchsafed to me 
 spiritual strength, and laid underneath me his ever- 
 lasting arms. I have been brought through suffer- 
 ing, and revived ; and O that I could say, purified 
 and refined entirely from sin and pollution. I thank 
 thee^O Heavenly Father, that thou dost enable me 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 141 
 
 to acquiesce in thy will, when indeed it is painful 
 to me. Thou knowest the discipline I need ; thou 
 seest the * folly bound up in the heart' of thy poor 
 froward child ; and thou knowest what strokes of 
 the rod are necessary to drive it out. Knowing 
 that thou dost not chastise me but for my profit, 
 may I ever be ' in subjection to the Father of spirits 
 and live.' 
 
 "I praise thy name, O Lord, that thou wilt have 
 so much regard for me as to apply such remedies 
 as these to my spiritual diseases. Thou art kindly 
 careful to train me up for glory. I beseech thee, 
 O Lord, sanctify all my afflictions so that they may 
 promote my communion with God, and my ripe- 
 ness and meetness for heaven. " 
 
 " April 11. Earthly good is inadequate to fill 
 my soul ; but in the enjoyment of my God I am 
 happy. The allurements of the world do not en- 
 snare the soul which, with intense interest, pants 
 after God. With longing desires my soul thirsts 
 after God and heaven. f As the heart panteth after 
 the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O 
 God/ O give me to drink of living waters; feed 
 me with the bread of heaven, and clothe me with 
 the righteousness of thy dear Son." 
 
 " April 17. * Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing :' 
 continual sorrow because of the exceeding depra- 
 vity of my heart, its native aversion to God, and 
 inclination to do evil ; but well mavest thou ie- 
 
142 MEMOIR OP 
 
 joice, O my soul, for God hath laid help upon one 
 who is mighty to save. * I thank God, through Je- 
 sus Christ, my Lord/ I have been made free from 
 the law of sin, and shall be made free from the 
 body of this death." 
 
 " April 19. Long time I have vainly imagined 
 that I should one day, even in this world, see my- 
 self less sinful ; but alas ! the more I become ac- 
 quainted with my heart, the more fully I am 
 convinced of its dreadful sinfulness. / am a sinner ! 
 great is the number and magnitude of my sins. 
 But I will comfort myself with the blessed assu- 
 rance that though I am a great sinner, I have a 
 gi-eat Savior." 
 
 Let us look back now upon the last three para- 
 graphs in her journal, and see how deep were the 
 discoveries of truth which God gave her. In the 
 first, she loathes the tasteless morsel which earth of- 
 fers, and longs to be fed with the bread of heaven ; 
 in the second, she sorrows over her deep depravi- 
 ty, but rejoices in the mighty deliverance ; in the 
 third, she weeps to think that her heart is in itself 
 no better, but clings with all her might to the pre- 
 cious cross of Christ. She thus proceeds : 
 
 <e May 7. This morning my sister, recently mar- 
 ried, set out with her husband for the place of their 
 abode at the west, nearly three hundred miles dis- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 143 
 
 tant. The Lord go with them, tarry with them 
 where they tarry, and be their joy and comfort 
 throughout the days of their pilgrimage. 
 
 " Little did I know before what it was to part 
 with a beloved sister. I took my leave of her, or 
 rather, gave the parting hand, for I was for the mo- 
 ment speechless. O may the Lord sanctify this 
 trial to us all. May we learn to prize the blessings 
 of kindred and friendship, and strive to do each 
 other all the good we can, while we may ; and when 
 called to leave this world of sin and sorrow, may 
 we meet where all tears will be wiped away from 
 our eyes; where adieus and farewells are not 
 known." 
 
 After her last severe attack, it was, more than 
 ever, her practice to embrace every opportunity to 
 do good, for she saw that the day in which she 
 could do good below was drawing to a close. Having 
 heard that four of her female cousins, residing at 
 North-Castle, had recently made a public profes- 
 sion of religion, she thus wrote to them on the 18th 
 of May : 
 
 " I have for a long time desired to speak to you 
 upon the subject of religion, which, I trust, is deep- 
 ly interesting to you all ; but through the spring 1 
 have been most of the time unable to write. I am 
 at present more comfortable, and therefoie I would 
 
Hi MEMOIR OF 
 
 inquire, my dear fellow travelers to eternity, hew 
 do you find your way through this troublesome 
 world ] how stand your hearts affected with eter- 
 nal things ] If your hearts are indeed changed 
 through grace, you of course find almost every 
 thing here unfriendly to the pursuit of heavenly 
 things. Satan, the world with its thousand allure- 
 ments, your own evil hearts of unbelief, all oppose 
 your progress. To fight against all these, even 
 through grace, requires the exertion of every facul- 
 ty — all your resolution. But through grace, when 
 the soul is intensely set upon serving God, you can 
 do it all. Happy they, who are enabled with steady 
 resolution, to maintain the conflict; the victory will 
 be theirs. Here you are in an enemy's land, but 
 the Lord, your help, can carry you safely through. 
 
 " My dear friends, are you rejoicing in the hope 
 of a blessed immortality ] Is that hope founded on 
 the rock Christ Jesus ] Can you look upon death 
 with composure, and contemplate the glorious- 
 change which it brings with joy ] Is your con- 
 science void of offence % Are you prepared to 
 stand before the Judge of all 1 O let us examine 
 ourselves, and see that we stand complete in the 
 Savior's righteousness, which shall protect us in 
 that day from the storms that will fall upon the 
 wicked. 
 
 " Have we, my friends, seen the evil of our hearts 1 
 Have we felt the plague of our hearts I Have we* 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 145 
 
 in view of this, cast ourselves wholly upon Christ % 
 Is Christ precious to our souls ] Do we count all 
 things but loss, in comparison to the excellency of 
 the knowledge of him ] If this be so, we may in- 
 deed rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of our 
 salvation." 
 
 The practical character of her piety will be seen 
 in the following selection from her journal : 
 
 " May 28. I view this to be a critical time with 
 me as it regards duty. It has occurred to my mind 
 that I have hitherto, perhaps, made my bodily 
 weakness, as well as mental deficiencies, too much 
 an excuse for inaction in the service of God. I am 
 so far convinced of the truth of this as to be deter- 
 mined, in the Lord's strength, to use my utmost en- 
 deavors to form a female concert for prayer in thi3 
 part of our society, and if the Lord permit, to 
 assist in the duties of the meeting. Yes, in the 
 strength of the Lord, I will join my dear sisters in 
 Christ in imploring the blessing of heaven upon 
 our guilty world ; and surely according to our si?i- 
 ccrity and faith the Lord will hear our prayers and 
 answer us in peace. The Lord give me wisdom 
 and grace to help in this time of need !" 
 
 Pious females, blest with health and favored 
 Xvith the privilege of mingling with society, look at 
 
 H.Hobbie. |3 
 
146 MEMOIR OF 
 
 this, and ask yourselves whether you are doing all 
 that you can to call down the blessing of God upon 
 a dying world. 
 
 (To an Aunt in B .) 
 
 "Northeast, May 29, 1829. 
 
 u My dear Aunt, — You will not probably be 
 surprised when I tell you that I still remain a pri- 
 soner. I say prisoner ; for I consider myself such ; 
 I am confined to this narrow house, when my soul 
 would fain burst its bars, and soar away to the 
 bright world of liberty and peace. I am still chain- 
 ed in this earthly tabernacle ; but the building has 
 become so shattered by disease, that I am compell- 
 ed to abide in one corner of it, so that I cannot do 
 the things that I would. 
 
 " I have sometimes thought it was a great mer- 
 cy, as in my own case, to be shut out from the 
 world, and not exposed to its many snares and 
 temptations ; but again I have been at a loss to de- 
 termine which was the greatest hindrance in the 
 divine life, an exposure to worldly temptations, or 
 severe bodily pain and infirmity. I perceive that 
 this state of seclusion from the world has its advan- 
 tages and its disadvantages. There is much time 
 for the study of one's heart, and for the contem 
 plation of an unseen world; while at the same 
 time I am often inclined to make my bodily weak- 
 
HANNAH HOEBIE. 147 
 
 ness an excuse for slothfulness and inactivity in the 
 service of God. 
 
 n Most deeply do I lament the little improve- 
 ment I make of my mercies of chastisement. In- 
 deed, much of my time passes away under exquisite 
 pain, and in a state of apathy or great mental de- 
 pression ; and I ascribe it to the mercy and good- 
 ness of my heavenly Father that my pains have 
 been less for two weeks past than before for some 
 time, and I have enjoyed more of the sweets of 
 meditation ; but, my dear Aunt, I would not have 
 you infer from this that I think the hours in which 
 I enjoy most case are the best of my life. The 
 grace of God has taught me to esteem my greatest 
 sufferings my choicest blessings ; they wean my 
 heart from earthly things, and give a keener relish 
 for things heavenly and divine. I feel it to be a 
 source of comfort, as well as a cause of gratitude, 
 that I can already look with a degree of indiffer- 
 ence upon earthly enjoyments ; I can sacrifice them 
 without a murmur for the sake of enjoyments which 
 are heavenly. A pious writer says, ' It is a sore trial 
 to the soul to be deprived of all earthly comforts, 
 and reduced to the necessity of living upon God/ 
 But since to live upon God is to partake of a luxu- 
 ry of more than mortal excellence, I would never 
 be guilty of such folly as to choose a meaner repast. 
 " Your very affectionate niece, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
148 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Under date of May 31, she thus expresses her- 
 self in her journal : 
 
 lf Although I am ungrateful to God continually, 
 yet he is very merciful to me. The Lord hears the cry 
 of the righteous, I know, but he is merciful to my 
 unrighteousness ! He has passed by my sins and in- 
 clined his ear many a time to my broken requests. 
 I am now so favored that I read considerably. I am 
 inclined to think the rule I have adopted of reading 
 a chapter in the Bible at once is not as good as 
 to read, in my weak state especially, a smaller por- 
 tion. Rules may be useful in binding such as have 
 no relish for the Bible, but I desire to read it for 
 instruction and profit ; I delight in it. In reading 
 a whole chapter I find myself often fatigued, and 
 of course less profited. Besides, my treacherous 
 heart retains so little of what I read, that I purpose 
 now to read such a portion as I can retain, and 
 strive to dwell upon it till it has done its office. 
 
 M What abundant reason have I to be thankful, 
 that in my confinement I may still have recourse 
 to the word of God ; and also what reason to be 
 thankful, that though I may not go up with the 
 worshiping assembly to his house, the Lord will 
 condescend to make here a sanctuary for me." 
 
 In a letter to an aunt, dated June 1, 1829, she 
 says : 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 149 
 
 M Acquiescence in the will of God makes us hap- 
 py at any time and under any circumstances. It 
 is in kindness that God afflicts me, and in kindness 
 too, that he gives a season of respite. We are apt 
 to be agitated with distress, and then it is not so easy 
 to feel that God afflicts us because he loves us ; but 
 when severer suffering is removed, then a holy 
 calm fills the soul; and the pains that remain, in- 
 stead of ruffling, soothe us, and melt us into sub- 
 mission to the Divine will. The benefit of my af- 
 fliction is most felt in the seasons of respite which 
 are given me. I have felt a sweet and sacred sub- 
 mission and repose, which are a rich compensation 
 for all that I have suffered. How delightful the 
 thought, that such seasons are only the earnests of 
 that rest which we shall enjoy in heaven ! It is acqui- 
 escence in the Divine will which causes ' this holy 
 calm within the breast.' When we shall* be made 
 perfect in heaven, there will be perfect acquies- 
 cence in all the Lord's doings and will : This must 
 be perfect peace. I would welcome, then, all that 
 bows my will, and tends to reconcile me more to 
 the sovereign and excellent government of God." 
 
 To an aunt in New- York, already referred to, 
 she writes on the Sth of this month — 
 
 " How is my little namesake 1 Is she well ? I 
 heard that she could articulate some words very dis- 
 13* 
 
150 MEMOIR OP 
 
 tinctly at twelve months old. O that the Lord, who 
 ordains strength out of the mouth of babes and 
 sucklings, would grant that she may, from a child, 
 speak the praises of her Redeemer ! You have 
 been called to yield up another of your offspring 
 into the hands of him who gave it; not, indeed, with- 
 out a mothers yearnings. But it is a comfortable 
 reflection, that the little sufferer has gained at 
 length a happy release. As the Lord does not take 
 from his people outward mercies but to give a richer 
 portion, I hope my dear aunt has received double 
 at the hand of the Lord for all her sorrows ; that 
 her seeming loss has been made up by abundant 
 communications of grace ; and that the Lord will 
 be to her a portion better than sons and daughters. 
 
 M The loving-kindness of our God is never more 
 conspicuous than when he chastises us : still it is a 
 mark of hfe displeasure, and shows his hatred of 
 sin. If left to our own courses, we should certain- 
 ly find iniquity to be our ruin. What an unspeak- 
 able mercy is it, then, to be corrected by a Father, 
 who intends it all for our good. It is well that our 
 trangressions are visited * with the rod and our ini- 
 quities with stripes.' ' May the God of all grace, 
 who hath called us unto eternal life by Jesus Christy 
 after that we have suffered awhile, make us per- 
 fect; stablish, strengthen, settle us/ And to him be 
 all the glory for ever." 
 
 " June 19. My present cup is full, and runs 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 151 
 
 over with every good. I enjoy almost all the rich 
 means of grace except public ordinances, and an un- 
 usual degree of relief from pain ; but how little is 
 my heart affected ; how difficult to give thanks al- 
 ways/or all things through Jesus Christ. Indeed I 
 can seldom feel that I do actually enjoy so much 
 from God. Was there ever a wretch guilty of 
 such base ingratitude to my kind Benefactor % 
 Thousands of mercies I have been blest with, and 
 tens of thousands, all marked by my ingratitude. 
 But this is not my greatest sin ; for often when the 
 blessed rod, (which brings me to God and keeps me 
 near him,) has been partially removed, my heart 
 has qrown careless and rav love has waxed cold. 
 Creatures have become idols, and my affections have 
 fastened to the world. But he who loves me far bet- 
 ter than I love myself, never forsakes me altogether. 
 I hear continually, either the voice of the rod, or the 
 sweet calls of mercy, instructing me to repent, and 
 bidding me return ; and I come back with lamen- 
 tation and grief, with shame and confusion of face: 
 then I receive pardon, always through Jesus, the 
 precious Savior. Thus I go on through life, sin- 
 ning and repenting — sinning and repenting. It is 
 my way to destroy myself; but thine, O Lord, to 
 redeem and save ; and God is ever known to me as 
 * merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abun- 
 dant in goodness/ O turn away mine eyes from 
 beholding vanity ; lead me to Christ ; and let his 
 
152 MEMOIR OP 
 
 * blood, through the eternal Spirit, purge my con- 
 science from dead works, to serve thee, the living 
 and true God ! 
 
 " This heart has been bought with the blood of 
 Jesus ; it ought to be his. O Lord, fix it upon him 
 for ever, for thou knowest it is my desire to give it." 
 
 " June 2S. I have very much enjoyed the so- 
 ciety of my friends the week past ; but, (probably 
 lest I should forget that his friendship is still bet- 
 ter,) the Lord has increased the burden of suffer- 
 ing. Several have called to see me ; and I bless thy 
 name, O Lord, that thou hast enlarged my heart 
 and opened my mouth to speak to them of the things 
 of thy kingdom. I thank thee that so many of my 
 friends are thy friends. Wilt thou not pour out thy 
 Spirit upon thy children, that it may be our happy 
 portion to enjoy the blessing of those who fear the 
 Lord, and ' speak often one to another? and think 
 upon his name. * And they shall be mine, saith the 
 Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my 
 jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spareth his 
 own son that serveth him.'" 
 
 C( July 3. How many are my foes in this state 
 of probation !' many and strong are those against 
 whom I have to fight ! but ' the Lord is on my side; 
 whom shall I fear ] I have not carnal weapons, but 
 those which are mighty to the pulling down of 
 strong holds ;' and I thank God that he has taught 
 me to use them. By this I know, O Lord, that thou 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 153 
 
 favorest me, because mine enemies triumph not 
 over me. The Lord in infinite mercy save me both 
 from corruption within and temptations without. 
 
 " I am blest with strength to use my needle a 
 little ; and is it so, that I cannot even look upon the 
 things of this world, or touch them, but my foolish 
 heart seems to cling to them 1 I know that all these 
 things are vanity. O that I might be entirely weaned 
 from these vain things, and be made to relish, and 
 be familiar with, the things that lie beyond the 
 grave !" 
 
 " July 5. Sin, like a mighty deluge, sweeps 
 over the earth, and death rejoices in his prey. How 
 many are daily swallowed up, thou, O God, only 
 knowest ; but I am kindly spared. Thou hast pre- 
 pared an ark for the saving of thy people ; and I, 
 through rich grace, may dare to hope that I shall 
 make one of that happy number. The Lord has 
 kindly taken me into the ark of safety. If I some- 
 times leave it, I find, like the dove, no rest for the 
 sole of my foot until I return. Here, then, in this 
 place of refuge, will I abide, saved from the floods 
 of wrath, and sheltered from the storm, until these 
 troubled billows upon which I am now tossed shall 
 be assuaged, and then shall I rest, not upon a 
 mountain of the earth, but upon the holy hill op 
 
 ZlON." 
 
 Her journal contains several instances of prayer 
 
154 MEMOIR OP 
 
 for rulers and ministers of the Gospel. They are 
 all rich in pious feeling and pertinent thought ; and 
 they usually have a very close connection with, and 
 concentration in, the glory of the latter day. For 
 this she earnestly and often prayed ; and she seem- 
 ed deeply sensible that much depended upon the 
 rulers of the earth and the heralds of the cross in 
 reference to its speedy coming. The following is 
 an example : 
 
 u O most merciful Father, wilt thou bless the ru- 
 lers of our land. May they be renewed by grace, 
 that they may rule in the fear of the Lord and be a 
 terror to evil doers ; let peace be multiplied through- 
 out the earth ; may thy word have free course and 
 be glorified. 
 
 " Bless thy ministering servants — all who truly 
 love thy work ; O give them success ; give testimo- 
 ny to the word of thy grace wherever it is pro- 
 claimed; let not thy servants labor in vain, nor 
 spend their strength for nought. Send forth more 
 laborers into the harvest. The land mourneth, the 
 people perish. I beseech thee, O Lord, give them 
 pastors after thine own heart ; faithful men, who 
 shall exalt and glory in the cross of the Redeemer 
 and gather many souls to Christ. 
 
 "' Bless all the means that are used for the build- 
 ing up of the' kingdom of Christ throughout the 
 world in lands of darkness and superstition. O may 
 
HANNAH H0BBIE. 155 
 
 ' the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his 
 wings;' let the whole earth be filled with the glo- 
 rious light of salvation, and resound with thy praise. 
 The Lord hasten it. Amen." 
 
 The following are her meditations on another 
 Lord's day : 
 
 M July 9. l This is the day the Lord hath made; 
 I will be glad and rejoice in it.' O thou who gavest 
 commandment concerning it, saying, ' Remember 
 the Sabbath day to keep it holy/ I thank thee for 
 setting apart one day in seven for a day oiholy rest, 
 God has connected a blessing with the observance 
 of his day. It is a matter of great thankfulness with 
 me, that my heart has long been inclined to regard 
 this day unto the Lord. Truly the remembrance of 
 it is sweet. To give this day wholly to God's ser- 
 vice is my greatest delight. I cannot say with others, 
 let us go unto the house of God ; but ' Thus saith 
 the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, 
 whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy 
 place, with him also that is of a contrite and hum- 
 ble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to 
 revive the heart of the contrite ones !' Blessed 
 Jesus, my desire is unto thee, that thou wouldst 
 revive my heart this day, and henceforth. O that I 
 may be humble ! O for a heart of devotion, prayer, 
 and praise ! 
 
 M I have made this a day of particular confession, 
 
156 MEMOIR OP 
 
 and renewed my covenant with God, taking a new 
 and firmer hold on Christ, in whom I enjoy, and 
 hope to enjoy, all things. I desire at this time, in 
 the deepest humility, to confess my sins before God, 
 entreating him to teach me, and show me that which 
 I know not, that if I have done iniquity I may do it 
 no more. I thank thee, O God, that I have been 
 brought into the embrace of the everlasting cove- 
 nant, where alone are found safety, joy, and peace ; 
 that Christ is become the Lord, my righteousness ; 
 and that I feel so often thy Spirit witnessing with 
 mine that I am a child of God, Surely I can say, My 
 Beloved is mine, and I am his. Although I sin 
 against God, and thus mar my comfort, (and pro- 
 bably shall continue to do so until delivered from 
 this world of corruption and the body of this death,) 
 yet Christ has become ' the end of the law for 
 righteousness ;' by him I am delivered from its 
 dreadful curse, and in him am I an heir of salvation. 
 I have no hope in myself, I receive no good from 
 God of any kind, but through the one Mediator 
 Jesus Christ. I have seen that in him all wisdom is 
 found; that in him alone is acceptance with God ; 
 that fro?n his Spirit comes obedience ; that in him 
 I find all my real happiness. If I know my own 
 heart he is all in all to me. O that I may ever feel 
 so, and go on trusting and rejoicing in, and resting 
 upon the Lord, my righteousness and strength. O 
 may thy power subdue the corruptions of my heart ! 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 157 
 
 defend me from foes within, and foes without ; and 
 when called to fight, wilt thou, O God, my King 
 and Captain, arm me for the conflict, and lead me 
 on to victory/' 
 
 tc July 14. Wonder, O my soul, and be aston- 
 ished at the long-suffering and forbearance of thy 
 God ! I tread his mercies under foot ; I break my 
 vows ; I perform not my engagements. O that a 
 sense of God's goodness might lead me to repent- 
 ance unfeigned ! I solemnly dedicated all the pow- 
 ers and faculties of soul and body to my God ; but 
 the advantages given me I have often employed to 
 my disadvantage and to his dishonor. O this treach- 
 erous heart ! how often, through its deceitfulness, 
 am I turned aside ! May the Lord fix it on my 
 heart, that in him only have I wisdom and strength, 
 that it is not in him that walketh to direct his steps j 
 then shall I learn to trust in him for all things ! 
 
 " O Lord, my desire is unto thee, and from thee 
 is all my fruit. May I enjoy thy bounty with thank- 
 fulness — occupy my talents in thy service — devote 
 my time to usefulness and communion with God, 
 and find my steps directed of thee. Hold up my 
 goings, and help me to find out my easily besetting 
 sin, that I may set a mark upon it, and a double 
 watch ; and, * laying aside every weight, and the 
 sin that doth so easily beset me,' may I f run with 
 patience the race that is set before me/ and at last 
 obtain the prize." 
 
 ILHobbic 14 
 
158 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Having recovered from a fearful disease which 
 brought me to the very verge of the grave, in re- 
 ference to which I find ardent prayers inserted in 
 the journal of our young friend ; and being permit- 
 ted to resume the labors of the pulpit, amid the 
 congratulations of an affectionate people, she thus 
 notices the loving-kindness of him who bringeth 
 down to the grave and raiseth up, according to his 
 sovereign pleasure ; 
 
 " July 27. The Lord hath dealt graciously with 
 his servant. Although sorely chastened for a sea- 
 son, he was not given over unto death. The Lord 
 hath brought him back from the grave, and restored 
 again to us our pastor, our friend, our spiritual 
 teacher; blessed be the name of the Lord, who 
 alone doeth wonders in Israel ! O Lord, thou hast 
 spared thy servant, and he lives to declare the 
 works of the Lord. Yea more, thou hast with 
 thine own right hand opened to him the gate of the 
 Lord into which the righteous enter, and brought 
 him there to pay his vows unto the Lord in the 
 presence of his people — in the courts of the Lord's 
 house — in the midst of Jerusalem. Save now, I 
 beseech thee, O Lord, save by the word of truth 
 which thy servant speaketh." 
 
 The present was a marked period in her sick- 
 ness, as she was able for a few days to sit up con- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE 159 
 
 siderably, and once rode out to the distance of 
 nearly a mile ; but it was only a short season of 
 respite. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 It is a great blessing to be raised up, even par- 
 tially, from a sickness which has preyed upon us 
 for years, though we may know that it yet has a 
 firm hold upon the springs of life. The relief it 
 gives to the weary spirit is unspeakable. None 
 but those who have experienced it can tell what it 
 is to lean upon the arm of friendship, and totter out 
 from the prison where we have been held in close 
 and long-continued confinement ; to leave behind 
 us the walls of a sick-chamber, however comforta- 
 ble they may have been made by the assiduities of 
 friends, the kindness of sisters, and the affection 
 that dwells only in a mother's bosom ; to leave the 
 pillow that has witnessed so many of our tears, and 
 afforded its companionship through many a weary 
 season ; to go out and look upon the face of nature, 
 and breathe the fresh air, pure as heaven gives it. 
 
 Hannah was permitted for a?ice, after long and 
 painful imprisonment, to look out upon the green 
 
160 MEMOIR OF 
 
 fields and trees, arrayed in all the freshness of their 
 summer beauties ; to hear the song of the birds, 
 and see them in the ecstacy of their delight, as they 
 sent up their notes of praise to him who careth 
 even for the sparrow ; to gaze upon the fleecy 
 clouds as they hung out to the view in surpassing 
 loveliness in the soft stillness of a summer's morn- 
 ing. Such scenes make usually a strong impres- 
 sion upon the mind of one who is always looking 
 out for God ; and Hannah never failed to see him 
 in them. 
 
 One night just before she died, she said to a lady 
 who was sitting by her, that she had been reading 
 of Orion, and wished to know if it was visible, that 
 she might see it. It was hanging out its splendors 
 directly in front of the window, but before her 
 friend could speak to her, a violent paroxysm of 
 pain, which continued for some time, rendered her 
 incapable of looking at it. Is she not now behold- 
 ing brighter glories 1 
 
 She had been intimate with a young female in 
 the neighborhood, who, after several years of great 
 suffering, had departed in the hope of a blessed 
 immortality. At such times, when we feel a little 
 returning strength, we love to look upon dear 
 friends, especially if they have been afflicted like 
 ourselves ; or if they have been removed by death, 
 we take a melancholy pleasure in looking in upon 
 the fire-side which they have forsaken for ever, and 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 161 
 
 upon the chamber where they suffered. It is not 
 strange, then, that Hannah embraced the earliest 
 opportunity to visit the dwelling where the com- 
 panion of her childhood died. Her journal particu- 
 larly notices this visit. 
 
 M August 7. I have just returned from neighbor 
 Gilbert's. I have been permitted to visit the place 
 formerly occupied by my dear afflicted Julia. Long 
 did she wait for her change ; but I trust her blessed 
 spirit is now at rest in the Savior's bosom. The 
 number of my years of confinement is now almost 
 equal to that of hers ; and I still remain a prisoner, 
 waiting for the accomplishment of my Heavenly 
 Father's purposes concerning me. That I may not 
 live in vain, may I learn to put all my trust in Christ ; 
 and O may the rich means of grace I now enjoy be 
 blest to my improvement in the knowledge of G od ; 
 to my growth in grace ; to my usefulness in life, 
 and preparation in the end, for the enjoyment of 
 God for ever ! " 
 
 <f August 15. Have been favored for several 
 days with a visit from a beloved aunt from New- 
 York. Her daughter named after me is with her ; 
 a promising child. She acquired the faculty of 
 speech very young. O may she early learn to know 
 the Lord ; and may her tongue be soon employed 
 in speaking the Redeemer's praise. As we are 
 united by the ties of kindred, so may we be united 
 14* 
 
162 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in the bonds of the everlasting covenant to Christ ; 
 and as we are one by name, so may we be one in 
 Him. May the blessing of the Hope of Israel be 
 hers, and may she far excel in all that is good, her 
 whose name she bears.' ' 
 
 " September 7. * O Israel, thou hast destroyed 
 thyself, but in me is thine help.' Oftentimes do my 
 iniquities prevail against me, yet as often does the 
 Lord deliver me. Blessed be the Lord, that sin 
 has not dominion over me ; and blessed be his Holy 
 name that I am not under the law, but under grace. 
 The Lord has discovered to me my most easily be- 
 setting sin and humbled my proud heart. Thanks 
 be unto God that he has brought me to sit again at 
 the foot of the cross. Teach me, O Lord, thy way, 
 that I may know thee, and henceforth keep mine 
 eyes directly upon thee, for thou art my light, my 
 guide, my salvation, my all" 
 
 " September 16. The Lord is cutting down one 
 and another on the right hand and on the left. As 
 for me, I am not only a subject of his preserving 
 mercy, but of his redeeming grace. What shall I 
 render unto the Lord for all his benefits ] It is my 
 misery that I do so little to promote his glory ; that 
 I manifest so little concern for the souls of my fel- 
 low-sinners. Quicken me, O Lord, to duty, and 
 inspire my heart with new life for Christ's sake. ,, 
 
 " September 23. The remains of our friend 
 H . one of the officers of our church, are this 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 163 
 
 day consigned to the grave, the house appointed 
 for all living. The church, in this death, sustains 
 a loss which God alone can make up. The Lord 
 appoint a successor who shall faithfully perform 
 the duties from which he has been called away, that 
 the church may still prosper ! May her graces be 
 more and more exhibited in her onward march ! 
 Another of our number is gone ; may we who re- 
 main, try ourselves, and closely examine our hopes 
 for eternity. O may all our lamps be kept trimmed 
 and burning ! 
 
 "Let this be a day of thy power in the family of 
 thy departed servant, among those of them who 
 are yet without God. Turn them from darkness 
 to light, and from sin unto thee, the living and true 
 God. In their affliction may they seek thee early, 
 and wilt thou be the widow's God, and the stay of 
 the orphan." 
 
 " October 13. Have this day entered my twenty- 
 third year. I do humbly trust I have made some 
 advancement towards my desired haven. I mourn 
 and lament my unfruitfulness, but I bless God that 
 I have been taught more of the depravity of my 
 heart. In proportion to the knowledge I have 
 gained of my own emptiness, has the preciousness 
 of the Savior, and the excellency of his character, 
 and the beauty of holiness increased. I thank thee, 
 O Lord, for the present hope of glory in my soul. 
 O grant, that as death approaches, my prospects may 
 
164 MEMOIR OF 
 
 grow brighter and my faith stronger ; and may 1 
 maintain a firm and unshaken confidence in thy 
 mercy and thy covenant faithfulness to the last." 
 
 " October 20. Mournful catastrophe ! A child 
 of one of our neighbors fell yesterday from a loaded 
 cart ; the wheel turned upon his neck and killed 
 him in an instant. "What a sudden transition from 
 this world to eternity ! In the midst of life we are 
 in death. Comfort thine handmaid, the mother, 
 for I trust she is thine. Let the father be brought 
 by this distressing providence, to fly to Christ for 
 refuge ; and let such as are supposing death to be 
 distant be admonished that judgment and eternity 
 may be very near !" 
 
 " October 22. ' Lo, this have I found, that God 
 made man upright, but he hath sought out many 
 inventions. , O my God, save me from an ensnaring 
 world, and save me from myself! I am trying to 
 have my heart fixed, trusting in God; that I may 
 remain steadfast amid the changing circumstances 
 of life for it is too easily affected with outward 
 things. Although the Lord has been gracious to 
 me in showing me the pride of my heart, and, of 
 late, has strengthened me against it, yet I know 
 that I am still too easily elated with praise, and my 
 heart wants more humbling in spiritual joy and 
 prosperity. When God requires me to wait a little 
 longer upon him for needed grace than I hoped, I 
 grow impatient; I am too easily provoked when 
 
HANNAH H0BBIE. 165 
 
 offended, either from without or from within. The 
 latent evils of my heart, O how many ! Searcher 
 of hearts, thou knowest my sins and follies ; par- 
 don them, I pray thee, even all my past offences, 
 and give me strength that I may walk humbly with 
 God all the days of my life. ,> 
 
 She received in this month a letter from a cousin 
 residing in New- York, giving her an account of his 
 hopeful conversion, of his employment as teacher 
 in a Sabbath-school, and suggesting the idea of de- 
 voting himself to the ministry. In answer to this 
 she writes the following letter : 
 
 " Northeast, Oct. 26, 1829. 
 " My dear Cousin, — I have received your inte- 
 resting letter, and hasten to congratulate you on 
 your new course of life, and your present employ- 
 ment, which you say you have found pleasant, and 
 which, I venture to affirm, will be found so by all 
 who choose the service of God. To such the whole 
 way is pleasant ; it 
 
 -Is peace, 
 
 1 And leads to peace, and joys no more alloyed.' 
 
 " Who can calculate the worth of a pious educa- 
 tion ? We, my young friend, have been peculiarly 
 favored in this respect, and how should our hearts 
 be enlarged with gratitude to God, that the bless- 
 
16G MEMOIR OF 
 
 ing has not been in vain. Though we have cause 
 to regret our long delay to serve him, and our so 
 long persisting in a course of sin and folly, yet let 
 us bless God that we have not been left to remain 
 in forge tfulness of him, and in the way to eternal 
 death. I feel that my early advantages were great, 
 but have not yours been still greater, as from your 
 infancy you have been trained up in those schools 
 which have become such nurseries of piety 1 How 
 many this day can bless God for the benefit of Sab- 
 bath-school instruction ! Eternity alone can disclose 
 the full amount of good which this benevolent en- 
 terprize has already accomplished under the divine 
 blessing. What numbers have thereby been res- 
 cued from eternal misery ! In the last great day 
 it will be said, when God writeth up the people, 
 this and that child was born there. 
 
 " I rejoice to hear that the Holy Spirit has re- 
 cently visited the school to which you belong, and 
 that several have been hopefully converted to God. 
 This season, I trust, you will long remember ; for 
 I am happy to find that you have already tuned 
 your harp to the song of praise for what you have 
 experienced within the sacred confines of a Sab- 
 bath-school. Words cannot express the joy I felt 
 on first hearing this glad news. I think I felt 
 somewhat as angels do when they rejoice ovei 
 * one sinner that repenteth.' You say that when 
 your anxiety commenced, it was because you saw 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 167 
 
 yourself to be in the road to eternal perdition. The 
 sinner must see the danger he is in before he will 
 be induced to flee to Christ for safety. I was re- 
 joiced at these words in your letter, which, though 
 included in a parenthesis, did not escape me, viz. 
 1 Praise, everlasting praise, be to Almighty God for 
 that agonizing moment!' That agony which we 
 feel at such a time for sin is a bitter cup ; but 
 when peace succeeds, we begin a new song of 
 praise to our Deliverer, which, though feebly sung 
 on earth, is raised to louder strains upon the shores 
 of immortality ! 
 
 " But, my dear cousin, although your friends re- 
 joice over you now, let me assure you it is with 
 fear and trembling. O let me exhort you to dig 
 deep, and see that you lay the foundation of your 
 hope securely upon the Rock of Ages. There is 
 folly and danger in building on any thing else. But 
 O to escape the sins and follies of youth ! O to 
 escape the jaws of the devouring adversary ! O to 
 be saved from an ensnaring world, and even from 
 yourself! Study much your own heart; watch 
 and pray; make the Lord your strength always, 
 and seek to be filled with the fullness of God. 
 
 u I understand that you purpose, before long, to 
 unite yourself to the church of God. Do this in the 
 strength of the Lord, and prize its ordinances, and 
 you will see the good of his chosen, and glory in 
 his inheritance. Remember to pray for that dear 
 
168 MEMOIR OF 
 
 brother of yours, and those dear sisters ; that they 
 too may be brought to the fold and fitted for God's 
 service. 
 
 " I feel that the present is an important crisis 
 with you ; and, aware that your future usefulness 
 chiefly depends on the present decision, I am in- 
 clined earnestly to pray, as you request me to do, 
 that your decision may be the result of wisdom 
 communicated from on high, and that it may be for 
 the glory of God and the good of his kingdom. 
 
 11 Devote some of your leisure moments to writ- 
 ing me, and you will gratify your affectionate cou- 
 sin. Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 "November 8. Sabbath evening. The Lord's 
 supper is to be administered this evening at Captain 
 
 C — *s, for the accommodation of his aged mother, 
 
 who has been blind for several months. Methinks 
 it will be a precious season to the disciples who 
 may be permitted to meet on the occasion ; and I 
 had almost said, why am I not favored with a seat 
 among them % But why should I reply against the 
 wise and gracious dispensations of Providence ] It 
 is indeed" painful to be deprived of the privilege of 
 meeting with my christian friends, not only in the 
 house of God, but at other times and places ; espe- 
 cially do I mourn the loss of this evening's privi- 
 lege with them. Shall I no more enjoy the sweets 
 ©f an ordinance designed to show what the Son of 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 169 
 
 God has done to save such sinners as I am 1 O may 
 the Lord give me perfect resignation to his will in 
 all things ; may I wait patiently for the time when 
 he shall be pleased to grant me admittance into his 
 courts above, to join with saints and angels in that 
 delightful worship which will be continued for 
 ever." 
 
 She was soon severely affected by a cold, or by 
 one of the many unaccountable changes which oc- 
 cur in such complicated cases of decline, and passed 
 through a season of unusual distress of body with 
 her accustomed patience and fortitude. The record 
 which follows, is the expression of her heart in re- 
 viewing this season of trial : 
 
 " November 28. My disordered body has for 
 several days been greatly agitated ; and as there 
 exists an intimate connection between the body 
 and the mind," I am induced to believe my mind has 
 participated in the general derangement of the sys- 
 tem. I have not been able to discern spiritual things 
 so clearly as at other times ; but, thanks be to God, 
 I am enabled, for the most part, to preserve clear 
 evidence of -his love. I thank God for a Savior 
 whose kindness and care never fail ; and whom I 
 may trust when subject to changes of every kind, 
 especially such as my bodily weakness often sub* 
 H.Hobbi* 15 
 
170 MEMOIR OF 
 
 jects me to. Committing myself to his care, I re- 
 joice in the assurance of ever remaining safe. 
 
 <{ A season now and then occurs when a sort of 
 apathy pervades both mind and body ; but I feel 
 myself under peculiar obligations to God for his 
 dealing so kindly with me ; for, though such a sea- 
 son is a hindrance, and occasions peculiar distress, 
 I am enabled, nevertheless, to turn my eyes to my 
 Great Deliverer, who early removes my burden, 
 and enables me lightly and joyfully to advance, as 
 I humbly trust, in the way everlasting." 
 
 " December 6. ' Out of the depths have I cried 
 unto thee, O Lord, and thou hast heard and been 
 attentive to the voice of my supplications. In my 
 distress I cried unto the Lord, and he hath delivered 
 me from all my fears V After a sore conflict, fight- 
 ing with many foes, and wrestling with God, I am 
 constrained to erect here my Ebenezer, and say, 
 f Hitherto hath the Lord helped me.' " 
 
 M December 7. How great is the blessing of a 
 sound constitution ! A change is sometimes produc- 
 ed in my feelings which, -with all my resolution, I am 
 unable to resist ; my apprehensions are awakened ; 
 but I have learned not to ascribe every animal va- 
 riation to the agency of Satan. External things 
 affect the body, and through it the .mind ; hence, 
 may I learn to distinguish between the influences 
 which are purely bodily, and the state, disposition, 
 and principles of the heart." 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 171 
 
 The return of a communion season was to her a 
 matter of very deep interest. She considered such 
 seasons as having the tendency, more than all her 
 privileges besides, to humble her own heart in view 
 of what Christ had suffered, and to present him 
 before her as the object of her supreme love. She 
 hesitated about asking the favor often, lest a fre- 
 quent compliance with her wishes should be a bur- 
 den to others ; and when I proposed it, as I some- 
 times did, discovering the delicate sensibility which 
 prevented her requesting what I knew she would 
 consider a great favor, she would manifest the most 
 lively gratitude, and embrace the proffered privilege 
 with a heart deeply affected. All who were intimate 
 with her saw that on these occasions she was great- 
 ly benefitted ; the fires of her devotion were kindled 
 afresh, and the glow of her love was more fervent 
 and intense. She was in the habit of preparing 
 for such seasons, and also of improving them with 
 great diligence. Self-examination and prayer were 
 the employments of days both before and after the 
 delightful occasion. The following passages exhi- 
 bit the state of her mind. 
 
 M December 12. To-morrow evening, if the Lord 
 will, I shall again have access to the ordinance cf 
 the Lord's supper. It becomes me to examine my 
 title to the bread of the kingdom. I would recall 
 my obligations to God, and acknowledge his signal 
 
172 MEMOIR OP 
 
 benefits from an early period of my life. I was by 
 nature a child of wrath, even as others ; but God 
 has cared for me even from my infant hours ; and 
 I stand a monument of his sparing goodness as 
 well as mercy among his visible people. He 
 makes me, through Jesus Christ, a tender of all 
 saving blessings, and has, in all things, certified his 
 readiness to become my God. It was of the Lord's 
 goodness that I was early made sensible of my ob- 
 ligation ; and I bless him for the rich grace that 
 brought me to dedicate myself to a covenant God, 
 by coming out from the world, and obeying the 
 command to confess Christ before men. I have 
 taken again and again the symbols of a Savior's 
 broken body and shed blood ; and thus, by an ap- 
 pointed seal, ratified my covenant with the most 
 High. Amazing condescension of the King of 
 Glory to a worm of the dust ! Wonderful grace of 
 a holy and just God to an unworthy, ungrateful 
 rebel ! What fervent love, what lively gratitude to 
 him, should reign in my heart ! O, what shall I ren- 
 der to my God for his marvellous kindness ! Will 
 he deign to accept the poor defective returns of 
 love and obedience, which, by his grace, I may be 
 enabled to make ] He will. Then let me renounce 
 every false way, and endeavor to walk in all his 
 commandments and ordinances blameless.' ' 
 
 December 14. Among the multitude of my mer. 
 cies, I recognize the special favor I enjoyed last 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 173 
 
 evening of joining with my christian friends in the 
 worship of Jehovah, and while reclining on my bed, 
 (as always before) being permitted to enjoy that 
 ordinance which is so eminently calculated to dis- 
 play the infinite love of God to fallen man. Most 
 deeply did I participate in the comforts and bless- 
 ings which the Great Head of the church is pleased 
 to communicate to all those who receive him, and 
 rest upon him by faith and humble reliance for the 
 fulfillment of his many and precious promises. 
 Our pastor addressed us from Luke, 24 : 26. * Ought 
 not Christ to have suffered these things, and to en- 
 ter into his glory V 
 
 " Once more I have publicly evinced my attach- 
 ment to Christ and my union to his church. O 
 that I may walk more worthy of God ; more like 
 a true disciple ! 
 
 " How should the gracious manifestations which 
 I receive from God through these blessed means of 
 grace, inspire my heart with warm devotion and 
 love to him, and excite me to increased zeal for his 
 glory ! I have again renewed the dedication of my- 
 self to God. May I ever feel that I am not my own, 
 but that I am bought with a price, even with the 
 precious blood of the Son of God. O that I may 
 ever live under the impression that whatever I do, 
 should be done with a single eye to the glory of 
 God ! O Lord, lead me in the way of truth, and 
 quicken me to holiness, for thy great name's sake." 
 15* . 
 
174 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " December 20. Whence arises this confusion 
 in my mind 1 Can aught but sin produce disorder 
 or distraction in the soul which has once found a 
 refuge and rest in the embraces of God, reconciled 
 in Jesus Christ ] With grief I have discovered of 
 late the workings of pride, self-love, and self-will in 
 my heart ; and I confess it with shame and remorse. 
 Surely I cannot look upon myself 'with complacen- 
 cy and satisfaction, when I remember how much 
 yet remains unsanctified within me ! 
 
 "Could I but see more of the exceeding sinful- 
 ness of sin, and how much I have of it yet — could 
 I see my extreme unworthiness of the Divine favor, 
 I should only wonder and adore, when I think of 
 the mercy which is shown to such a vile and guilty 
 one as I am. 
 
 " Show me, O Lord, the error of my ways, and 
 ' cleanse thou me from secret faults/ May my soul 
 be made pure by ' the washing of regeneration 
 and the renewing of the Holy Ghost/ and be fash- 
 ioned after the image of God. Remove pride, self- 
 love, and self-will, O Lord, and let me possess hu- 
 mility unfeigned, the love of Christ supreme, and a 
 sweet and child-like subjection to the will of God." 
 
 To her cousin, Frances M , in Bedford, she 
 
 wrote on the 20th of January a long and interest- 
 ing letter, in which she thus speaks of the gradual 
 approach of death : 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 175 
 
 " Though nothing in my state of health at pre- 
 sent indicates speedy dissolution, yet I am daily 
 reminded by my languor of the end of all flesh, and 
 the way, also, in which it comes. It is however 
 with me a matter of little concern whether my re- 
 maining days he few or many; my greatest anxiety 
 is to live, while I live, to the glory of God." 
 
 After speaking of her conflicts with sin, and her 
 state of seclusion from the world as in some re- 
 spects profitable, she says : 
 
 " But a state of seclusion from the world does 
 not place us beyond the reach of Satan's wiles nor 
 the evils of our own hearts. In whatever condition 
 we may be placed, we find ourselves surrounded 
 by enemies, and must not be a moment off our 
 guard. O what a happy period will that be, when 
 Satan's kingdom shall be destroyed, and universal 
 peace reign, and the will of the Lord be done, and 
 none be found to hurt or destroy ! The appointed 
 time draws near. The blessed Lord, with a strong 
 arm, able to do all his will, reigns on earth as well 
 as in heaven. The children of Zion may lift up 
 their heads, for the day of their redemption draw- 
 eth nigh. Earth and hell may oppose, but this re- 
 demption will come, for the Lord shall send the 
 rod of his strength out of Zion, and rule in the 
 midst of his enemies. The language of God to the 
 
176 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 church is, Awake, awake to duty ! Is my dear 
 friend engaged in acts of christian benevolence 1 
 How do your Bible, Tract, and Missionary Socie- 
 ties prosper f* 
 
 Again she says of the communion season she had 
 just enjoyed : 
 
 " On the evening of the second Sabbath of last 
 month our pastor preached here, and administered 
 the Lord's supper, for my accommodation. I as 
 sure you it was a precious and delightful season to 
 me ; I had long thought I should not ask such a 
 favor again ; and the reflection that this was the 
 la3t season of communion in the church below that 
 I should ever enjoy, increased my desire for that 
 communion with the saints above, which is with- 
 out interruption and without end." 
 
 Almost immediately after she became able to 
 ride out in August, and was permitted to visit the 
 residence of her beloved and departed friend and 
 fellow-sufferer, Julia Gilbert, she was again laid 
 upon her bed, with a renewed attack of unwonted 
 violence. All that we have presented from her pen 
 since* that time, was written in a state of severe 
 suffering. God in great mercy, about the first of 
 February, so far gave her ■ relief once more from 
 her pains and debility, that with great care she wa3 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 177 
 
 taken to a near and highly esteemed neighbor's 
 once ; and if I mistake not, it was the last time she 
 left her dwelling till she died, though she lived a 
 year longer. Of this occurrence she speaks as 
 follows : 
 
 " February 8. Last Wednesday I rode to Capt, 
 
 C 's; met with a cordial reception, and was 
 
 treated with the greatest kindness. May the Lord 
 reward them. May those dear friends receive for 
 their kindness to one so unworthy the fulfillment 
 of the promise, x Inasmuch as ye have done it unto 
 the least of these, ye have done it unto me.' 
 
 M I feel myself under peculiar obligations to my 
 Heavenly Father for having permitted me to leave 
 my place of confinement again, although it was not 
 without increased suffering, occasioned by fatigue. 
 Thanks be to God, I have again returned to my 
 home in safety and peace. I feel that my obliga- 
 tions increase with my strength. O what shall I 
 render to the Lord for all his benefits to me 1 I 
 will pay the sacrifice of thanksgiving. ' Teach me 
 to do thy will, O Lord, for thou art my God ; thy 
 Spirit is good ; lead me into the land of upright- 
 ness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake, 
 for I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I 
 may declare all thy works !' " 
 
178 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 A young Painter in the city of New- York, of 
 fine talents, said to me, not long since, M Sir, I 
 must stand at the head of my profession — I am de- 
 termined to excel — I am aiming high." I saw that 
 his purpose was fixed, for his eye kindled as he 
 said it. And surely, as eternal realities outweigh 
 the things of time, the christian should seek them 
 with more unwearied diligence, and unshaken pur- 
 pose. It is an attribute of true piety never to rest 
 satisfied with present attainments or exertions. None 
 who " follow on to know the Lord" suppose they 
 " have already attained ; but this one thing they 
 do, forgetting those things which are behind, and 
 reaching forth unto those things which are before, 
 they press toward the mark, for the prize of the 
 high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Such is the 
 nature of the soul, as immortal, that it will always 
 press forward in pursuit of its supreme object, what- 
 ever that may be. Even in a state of alienation 
 from God, while striving to satisfy the soul from 
 this world's fountains, how often have we been 
 wearied with its ceaseless importunity for more 
 substantial food. And under the influence of holy 
 principles, the fountains of our spiritual supply 
 satisfy us, only because they are exhaustless ; for 
 
HANNAH HOBDIE. 179 
 
 every time we taste them, we find our appetite 
 keener and our relish greater. The soul is called 
 out in the exercise of its noblest powers, and led 
 onward, and onward, continually crying, " Then 
 shall I he satisfied, when I awake ivith thy likeness /" 
 When the desire of the soul is fixed on God, it can 
 never rest satisfied so long as there is any thing to 
 learn of his perfections, or any thing undone that 
 will promote his glory. 
 
 In reviewing the history of this devoted female, 
 the reader may have often exclaimed, O that I 
 could feel as she did, and reach her attainments ! 
 But he will find her still pressing forward. She de- 
 sired to look deeper into f the mystery of godli- 
 ness ;' to drink deeper of its spirit, and to claim a 
 closer fellowship with all holy beings in doingvgood. 
 Her journal thus continues : 
 
 ,( Lord's day, February 14. Awake, O my soul ; 
 lift up thyself in thankfulness to God that he hath 
 given thee another golden season : stir thyself up 
 to improve it ; consider it may be thy last I May the 
 Spirit of the Lord, who hath sanctified this day, 
 sanctify it to my benefit, and make it a blessing to 
 my soul, that I may be furthered on my heavenly 
 way." 
 
 " March 6. A little improvement in my health 
 calls expressly for more diligence in the service of 
 cny blessed Master — for increasing exertion to pro- 
 
180 MEMOIR of 
 
 mote the best good of my own soul and the BOttfa 
 of others. I do indeed bless God for the measure 
 of an awakening spirit which he has recently given 
 me ; but I am still amazingly indolent, and some- 
 times fear that I shall incur the doom of the unpro- 
 fitable servant. I desire to grow in grace and in 
 the knowledge of the truth ; and to this end I give 
 myself unto prayer, not only three but Jour and 
 Jive times in a day. I love by prayer and thanks- 
 giving to make known my requests unto God. I 
 read and meditate upon his holy word ; and am led 
 to inquire in what way my devotion may be ren- 
 dered more fervent, more permanent, and conse- 
 quently more profitable. O that the Lord would 
 incline me to the practice of that holy diligence 
 which the interests of eternity demand. I feel the 
 power of indwelling sin ; the Lord grant that as sin 
 has abounded, grace may much more abound ; and 
 henceforth reign in my heart through righteousness, 
 unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. May 
 the Lord assist me in the proper government of my 
 thoughts ; may the Holy Spirit direct me and reign 
 in my inmost spirit, 
 
 " At present my anxieties relate to the salvation 
 of my near relations. I K long after them in the 
 bowels of Jesus Christ.' I long for the conversion 
 of those of them that are yet enemies of God ; and 
 pray for the sanctification of such as profess to love 
 Mbw O most gracious God, if I am to be instru- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 181 
 
 mental in their salvation otherwise than by ray 
 prayers, I entreat of thee, for thy name's sake, de- 
 lay not to give me strength, and influence my heart 
 to do what is necessary for the blessed work. O 
 may my parents consider their awful responsibility, 
 and bring up all their children in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord ; teach them the fear of 
 the Lord, set before them a holy example, watch 
 over them, pray for them, and give themselves no 
 rest, until Christ be formed in them, the hope of 
 glory. Will the Lord be with my dear brothers and 
 sisters, dispose their young minds to receive the 
 truth, and by an early conversion may they be 
 saved from youthful follies, and all sin, and be made 
 pillars in the temple of our God, and in covenant 
 love become the sons and daughters of the Lord 
 Almighty/ y 
 
 Christian reader, mark what she says upon the 
 subject of a profession of religion : 
 
 M March 29. When we separate ourselves from 
 the world, and declare ourselves to be on the Lord's 
 side, the woild expects to see us distinguished by 
 our good woiks. But alas ! how often is it justly 
 said of those professing godliness, \ What do ye 
 more than others V Shall I be reckoned among 
 them ? God forbid. I will even dare to be singu- 
 lar, that I may thus glorify my heavenly Father. 
 
 H.Hobbie. 16 
 
182 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Through grace I will rise above the world, and ex- 
 ercise myself, and employ my strength and talents 
 in seeking the salvation of sinners. O may I rise in 
 "holy emulation, and labor to glorify the name, and 
 magnify the grace, of my adorable Savior, and 
 show myself eminent for love and good works !" 
 
 f< April 5. My heart rejoices in the Lord. Be- 
 cause I have put my trust in the Lord, therefore he 
 is to me a faithful Friend and a compassionate Re- 
 deemer. In sickness and distress the Lord is my 
 strength, and my joy and consolation, from day to 
 day, are equal to my tribulation. Surely the eye of 
 the Lord is upon them that fear him — upon them 
 that hope in his mercy, to deliver their soul from 
 death. The Lord redeemeth the souls of his ser- 
 vants, and none that trust in him shall be desolate. 
 
 " The tender mercies of God have been over me 
 in another season of severe suffering. Though great- 
 ly debilitated, I still retain the privilege of reading 
 . a little daily, and, thanks be to G-od, I still enjoy 
 communion with the Father, Son, and Spirit. In the 
 multitude of my thoughts within me, the comforts 
 of God delight my soul." 
 
 " April 16. I am exceeding weak ; therefore I 
 resolve to wait upon the Lord, that my strength 
 may be renewed." 
 
 " April 26. Seven years this day since the Lord 
 laid me upon a bed of sickness. But as a father 
 chasteneth his son so has a merciful and gracious 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 183 
 
 God chastised me. I remember all the way in 
 which he has led me these seven years, to humble 
 me, and prove me, and show what was in my heart. 
 And O how great is the good which he has done 
 unto me in my latter days ! The Lord redeemeth 
 my life from destruction ; he crowneth me with 
 loving-kindness and tender mercy, and satisfieth 
 me with good things, so that my youth is renewed 
 like the eagle's. 
 
 " Insensible as I am, I wonder and am amazed 
 at the goodness and mercy of God, which follow 
 me day by day. I am most ungrateful. For several 
 weeks I have been quite subject to coldness of 
 heart. Perhaps weakness of body may in some 
 measure occasion it. I thank God that such sea- 
 sons are short ; yet this has, of late, produced fear- 
 ful apprehensions lest I shall not enjoy the free 
 exercise of my mental faculties through the future 
 season of decaying nature, especially in my last 
 moments. I wish to live a holy and godly life, and 
 to glorify God in a triumphant death. Shall I never 
 more enjoy the comforts and privileges of a healthy 
 constitution ] Such a consumption is trying to my 
 sinful nature ; but through grace it is rendered to- 
 lerable, and even desirable, if the consumption de- 
 creed do but overflow with righteousness. Deliver 
 me, O Lord, at last, lest the enemy say, the Lord 
 was not able to bring her to the promised land. O 
 leave me not in the midst of this wilderness to pe- 
 
184 MEMOIR OF 
 
 rish ! O let the light of thy countenance be ever 
 upon me ! A dead, cold heart is my burden. Then 
 let me ever be enabled to look up to Christ, my 
 High Priest, who is merciful to bear with my in- 
 firmities, and who is mighty to help them. ,, 
 
 The following letter to an uncle in the city of 
 New- York exhibits the deep movings of her soul for 
 the salvation of her kindred : 
 
 " Northeast, June 13, 1830. 
 
 " Much respected Sir, — Whatever duty I owe 
 to my distant friends, my only resource is that of 
 writing ; I can discharge my obligations in no other 
 way. Yet in this way I feel that I can but imper- 
 fectly perform my duty to my uncle. I never can 
 remunerate him for his great kindness to me. The 
 Lord will surely give, (though I cannot,) a recom- 
 pense of reward to such as show kindness to the 
 least of his servants. I desire to look to Him, who, 
 in infinite compassion, bears with the infirmities of 
 his people, that at this time he would be pleased to 
 bear with mine, and help them, so that I may speak 
 acceptably and effectually to my respected uncle 
 and friend. 
 
 " Having of late become deeply interested espe- 
 cially for the eternal welfare of my dear relatives, 
 I have regretted that I could no oftener hear from 
 them. I have especially desired to hear whether 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 185 
 
 my more than daily prayers have been answered in 
 the conversion of my uncle. Were I to be assured 
 that he was yet a stranger to God, how would it 
 grieve my heart ! how would it quicken my desire 
 that the Lord would bring him nigh by the blood 
 of Christ. He is advancing in life ; his days and 
 years, which will return to him no more, are swift- 
 ly passing away ; and is my dear uncle yet in a state 
 of carnal security ] Is there not cause for increas- 
 ing alarm % Does he apprehend no danger ] Does 
 he not know that G-od has called aloud upon him 
 often, both by mercies and judgments ; by his pro- 
 vidence and grace ; and is yet calling ] Does he not 
 hear daily reiterated the sweet invitation of mercy, 
 enforced by the strivings of the Spirit, Come to 
 Christ I Come to Christ ? There is no other re- 
 fuge ; and thanks be to God, thou needest no other, 
 to shelter thee from the storm that is coming:, or to 
 hide thee from the vengeance of the judgment . 
 Soon the great day of God's wrath will come, and 
 who shall be able to stand ] O to flee the wrath to 
 come ! To come ! How will the sinner, after suf- 
 fering thousands and millions of years, cry out, O 
 to be delivered from the wrath that is yet to come ! 
 M Painful indeed is the sinner's prospect ; and 
 how can I endure the thought that one of my kin- 
 dred should perish ! O that they may all be renew- 
 ed by grace, glorify God on earth, be faithful unto 
 death, and at last be received up to glory ! 
 16* 
 
186 MEMOIR OF 
 
 M Give my love to aunt H , and tell her I wish 
 
 to thank her for all she has don^e for me. 
 " With much esteem I subscribe myself, 
 " Your dutiful niece, 
 
 e Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 The next day she entered in her journal the fol- 
 lowing record : 
 
 " June 14. Yesterday my heart was again cheer- 
 with the preached Gospel. I feel reproved for my 
 former unbelief. I had ceased to believe that the 
 Gospel preached in this place would have any 
 saving effect ; but at this time the Lord was pleased 
 to pour out a spirit of prayer and supplication 
 upon his children, at least some of them ; and a 
 spirit of utterance was given to our dear minister, 
 who opened his mouth boldly, making known unto 
 us the mysteries of the Gospel. It was an enliv- 
 ening and animating discourse from Eph. 5 : 4. 
 1 Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the 
 dead ; and Christ shall- give thee light.' He de- 
 scribed first, the state of the wicked ; then spoke 
 of the propriety of the call ; and lastly, adverted to 
 the promise, O how was the professed christian 
 who dared to slumber over eternal things urged to 
 awake, and arise and shake himself from the dust, 
 and not put his light under a bushel, but do good in 
 the world I Nor less urgent was the call to those 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 187 
 
 f dead in trespasses and sins/ The word was ren- 
 dered powerful, and we have reason to believe 
 reached the hearts of many. Especially did the 
 Spirit carry it home to the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 P . O may the word prove a savor of life 
 
 unto life, and not of death unto death. Sister J , 
 
 also, again appears much impressed with a sense of 
 guilt. God forbid that she should resist the striv- 
 ings of the Spirit ! May she now give her youthful 
 heart to God ! O may she now accept of mercy r 
 lest it should be for ever too late ! O let the harp 
 of God's children be taken down from the willows, 
 and tuned to the praise of Him who hath remem- 
 bered us in our low estate ! and O that what our 
 eyes have seen, and our hearts felt, of the love and 
 power of God since yesterday's meeting, may be 
 but as a few drops before a plenteous shower upon 
 this parched land. O that from henceforth righ- 
 teousness may run down our streets like a river, 
 and sinners be seen flocking to Jesus as a cloud ! 
 Remember. O Lord, Jacob thy redeemed, and Israel 
 thy chosen, and bring thy people from the east, and 
 gather them from the west : Say unto the north, 
 give up, and to the south, keep not back ; bring 
 thy sons from far, and thy daughters from the ends 
 of the earth. May all be made one in Christ, and 
 in him be blessed for ever ! Amen." 
 
 M June 23. Truly thy mercy is upon us, O Lord, 
 according as we trust in thee. Alas ! what am I, 
 
188 MEMOIR OF 
 
 or what is my father's house, that we should thus be 
 visited. Rejoice, O my soul, and be glad in the 
 Lord ! I will call upon my soul, and all that is with- 
 in me, to bless God for his goodness, in calling 
 another beloved sister from darkness to light, and 
 from the power of Satan to God. Most gracious 
 God, wilt thou continue to bless us as a family, and 
 satisfy us all early with thy mercy, that we may be 
 glad and rejoice in Thee all our days on earth, and 
 then go to praise Thee and the Lamb in a world of 
 blessedness for ever'?" 
 
 We come now to the formation of her Sabbath 
 school. The neighborhood where her father resid- 
 ed was some miles distant from the centre of either 
 of the surrounding congregations, and many of 
 the children were not connected with any Sabbath 
 school. A view of this destitution deeply affected 
 her heart, and long and faithfully did she strive to 
 incite others to undertake the enterprise, but in 
 vain. Believing it to be a duty for some one, and 
 finding others faithless respecting its success, she 
 cast herself, in her weakness and feebleness, upon 
 God, and put her own hand to the work. Hear 
 her own language : 
 
 " June 24. A serious consideration of the poor 
 and perishing condition of most of the children in 
 this neighborhood has led me to say much by way 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 1S9 
 
 of argument and persuasion to induce some of my 
 christian friends to establish a Sabbath school for 
 their moral and religious improvement ; but no one 
 seems to feel the necessity of such a measure 
 enough to submit to the self-denial requisite for the 
 undertaking. Therefore, receiving encouragement 
 from God, and being continually strengthened in 
 my design, I have concluded, with my sister's as- 
 sistance, to invite the children into my room, where 
 I may myself communicate that knowledge and in- 
 struction which alone can make them good and 
 useful members of society, and prepare them for a 
 better world above. 
 
 M O that I might enter upon the work with a 
 heart warm with the vitality of godliness ! May 
 the Spirit of all grace fill my mind with heavenly 
 wisdom, and inspire my heart with love, zeal, con- 
 fidence, and hope ! O Thou who art my continual 
 strength and my gracious Redeemer, I give my- 
 self to thee in the work ! If thou art pleased to 
 make me instrumental in delivering the soul of my 
 neighbor's child from a state of darkness, igno- 
 rance, and misery, unto thy name be all the glory. 
 And from this time, whenever thou dost call me to 
 duty, I beseech thee to give me a willing mind, and 
 supply me with every thing necessary to promote 
 thy glory." 
 
 Here we see a humble female, worn down by 
 
190 MEMOIR OF 
 
 3 
 
 disease and suffering, girding herself to a work 
 which those who were in health had not courage to 
 undertake, gathering up the miserable remnants of 
 her shattered constitution, that they might all be 
 concentrated in one more effort to do good before 
 she should be taken from the field of labor, throw- 
 ing her whole soul into her Masters service, and 
 rejoicing that she was still permitted to be in some 
 degree useful. 
 
 This school was superintended by herself, (except 
 when her health entirely prevented,) every Sabbath 
 in her chamber. She would call up the children one 
 after another to her bed-side, and give them, in the 
 most earnest and feeling manner, instruction in the 
 things of Christ ; and her labors, it is believed, 
 were not in vain. 
 
 How deeply interesting ! how affecting to see 
 her thus forgetting herself and her sorrows in the 
 delightful employment of instructing these young 
 and tender minds into the truth, and making efforts 
 to win their souls to Christ ! She would pray with 
 them after these instructions, before dismissing 
 them, while the hectic flush was glowing upon her 
 cheek, and throwing out its rosy bloom to tell us 
 of an early grave. That "plague-spot !" — I have 
 seen it too often, and in too many interesting cases, 
 soon to forget the feelings it always gives me. 
 
 This labor was to her no burden ; her heart was 
 in it ; she loved her work, and delighted to give to 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 191 
 
 it her remaining strength. She continued as long 
 as she was able this labor of love as well as others, 
 and gave them up, one after another, with the 
 greatest reluctance, when she could do no more. 
 
 I was greatly affected one day, not long before 
 she died, to hear her request to her sister, — M Eliza, 
 will you be kind enough to collect all my Sabbath- 
 school books together, and put them in my little 
 trunk ; I may possibly need them yet." She never 
 needed them again. 
 
 I love Sabbath-school i, and I bless God that I live 
 in their day. They work their healing influences 
 into the very germ ex human misery, and correct 
 at the fountain head the bitter streams of evil 
 which have overran the world. They pluck away 
 the incubus from the bosom of society ; and send 
 continually their tribute of sanctified recruits, in the 
 very morning of life, to swell the armies of the 
 Lord. On these accounts I love Sabbath schools ; 
 but none with which I have ever been acquainted 
 has, under all circumstances, interested me as much 
 as Hannah Hobbie's : it exhibited so much of the 
 power of christian principle ; and exemplified so 
 happily, in all its native loveliness, the spirit of ac- 
 tive and diffusive benevolence, which is the chris- 
 tian^ brightest ornament. 
 
 Such instances of consecration to the Master's 
 work, and unreserved devotion to his service, will 
 condemn many a professed disciple at the Judg- 
 
192 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ment, who, in the possession of health, excuse 
 themselves from effort by the plea that they can do 
 nothing. Let them try. as she did. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Having made an appointment to preach at the 
 house of Mr. Hobbie, I went to fulfil it. It was near 
 the close of June, and the day was unusually plea- 
 sant, even for that delightful season of the year. 
 Every thing around me, as I rode along, indicated 
 the smiles of a beneficent Providence. 
 
 It is cheering to look out upon the landscape at 
 any season ; God speaks to us through his works. 
 But at this time the call to remember him was more 
 distinct and forcible. He was scattering abroad his 
 bountiful supplies for man and beast, and spread- 
 ing over all the richest beauties. 
 
 It was near mid-day when, after having passed 
 the church, I entered the valley of which I have 
 before spoken. A little brook, issuing from the hills 
 before me, gently rippled by, winding its way 
 through a narrow grove of great beauty, which 
 overhung, for a short distance, the right side of the 
 road. Into this shady and cool seclusion the little 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 193 
 
 birds, after their morning songs of praise, had re- 
 tired to escape the heat of the summer sun ; and 
 sat, lazily drooping their wings, upon the lower 
 branches of the trees, and upon the willows and 
 hazels which tufted the banks of the stream. All 
 was solitude and silence, save the whispers of the 
 breeze and the hammering of the wood-pecker, as 
 he clung to the side of the decaying limb, and 
 pierced it for his prey, and now and then the short, 
 clear note of the red-bird, as he sat calling to his 
 fellow. 
 
 The varying prospect, as I rode onward, awaken- 
 ed grateful emotions to the great Giver of all our 
 mercies. The meadow-grounds, on every hand, 
 were buried deep beneath their luxuriant burdens ; 
 some of them gaily tinted with the rich red of the 
 clover-blossom. The young corn, recently cleared 
 from intruding weeds, drew out its long and ver- 
 dant lines of beauty and promise, to cheer the heart 
 of the husbandman and tell him of the coming plen- 
 ty. Large patches of wheat, not yet whitened for the 
 reaper's sickle, stretched across the valley and up 
 the hill-sides, over which the mimic waves, in rapid 
 and restless pursuit, were chasing each other from 
 the field, like successive generations. 
 
 I wondered how any could gather up this rich 
 profusion of bounties, and forget, and sin against 
 the Being who was bestowing them ; especially as 
 he was mingling so much beauty with the portion ; 
 
 H. Hobble. 17 
 
194 MEMOIR OF 
 
 throwing in the rose, and the lilly, and the violet, 
 with the countless flowers of the field, and the song 
 of the bird, to sweeten for man the cup of life — to 
 relieve the monotony of his toil, and cheer him in 
 the hours of his weariness. 
 
 After winding my way up the range of hills to 
 the right, I left the highway which led around the 
 northern extremity of the highest point of eleva- 
 tion, and took, as I often did when on horseback, a 
 by-path, which passed directly over the summit. 
 Many acres of the shrub-oak, scarcely rising to the 
 stirrup, surmounted the height, interlacing their 
 branches so closely as to form an impenetrable bar- 
 rier on either hand, — the habitation of the sparrow, 
 and the burrow of the rabbit. 
 
 From the eastern side of the hill a most magni- 
 ficent view presented itself. None possessing a taste 
 for the beauties or grandeur of natural scenery ever 
 visit that spot and come away unrequited. The 
 vast landscape was clothed in the richness of its 
 summer luxuriance. A long line of rolling surface 
 extended to the north, bounded at the distance of 
 thirty miles by the towering hills of Massachusetts. 
 In the northeast, a branch of the Taghkannuc moun- 
 tains threw up its bold and majestic outline upon 
 the clear blue sky. It seemed, as I gazed upon it, as 
 if the foot of man had never climbed its rocky ram- 
 parts, nor ventured upon the wildness of its soli- 
 tudes to wake the sleeping echo in its forests, or 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 195 
 
 disturb the sullen serpent and call forth the warn- 
 ing of his rattle. 
 
 Beneath me, on a gentle swell of land which 
 broke the regular declivity of the hill, a little to the 
 left, at the distance of half a mile, lay the dwelling 
 of Hannah. It was one of those antique structures 
 reared by another generation, who considered du- 
 rability the principal excellence of architecture, and 
 taste as having little connection with substantial 
 comfort. The long, low front, looking towards the 
 south, presented a door in the centre, with two win- 
 dows on the right and one on the left. In the western 
 end were two windows below and two smaller ones 
 in the attic ; the northern slope of the roof some- 
 what the longest, while the heavy square chimney 
 crowded up through the centre, a sufficient protec- 
 tion to the frame-work against any wind that might 
 blow. The room in the southwest corner was ap- 
 propriated to the sick inmate ; the window on the 
 south close by the head of her bed, and that on the 
 west at its foot. Here she communed with God — 
 here she wrote her journal and letters — here she 
 taught her Sabbath-school — here for years she suf- 
 fered, and here at last she died. 
 
 A little to the south of the house, and beyond the 
 sloping lawn in front of it, two woody eminences 
 arose gracefully from the valley on either hand. 
 The opening between them presented an extensive 
 view of a richly cultivated country to the eastward, 
 
196 MEMOIR OF 
 
 scooped out for a great distance between the beau 
 tiful hills of Sharon and Salisbury. Over this pleas- 
 ing expanse the eye wandered, till, through a wide 
 gap in the intervening mountains, it rested upon a 
 far distant range in the interior of Connecticut. 
 
 Southeast lay the Sharon mountain, checkered 
 with fences to its very summit, sweeping around to 
 the right in a long and curving line of beauty and 
 richness, seldom equalled in any landscape, until it 
 lost itself, nearly twenty miles to the southward, 
 behind the range upon which I was standing. Mid- 
 way up its side, as if slumbering upon its lap, lay 
 the village of Sharon, at the distance of six miles, 
 canopied by the soft cloud of smoke sent up from 
 its hundred chimnies ; while the tall spire that rose 
 in the midst of its clustering group of dwellings, 
 seemed to offer the protection of heaven to all, and 
 to promise the throng that gathered under it skow- 
 ers of blessings upon them, and upon their children 
 after them. Over this wide field of richness and 
 beauty, in every direction, flocks of sheep and herds 
 of cattle were feeding in the green pastures or re- 
 clining in the shade, till they became mere specks 
 in the distance. Trees of every form and size, sin- 
 gly and in clumps, and sometimes in small tracts of 
 woodland, gave variety and grace to the scene 
 throughout its whole extent. 
 
 As my eye passed with delight from one part to 
 another of these works of God, and rested at length 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 197 
 
 upon the dwelling of the suffering but rejoicing 
 subject of divine grace I was about to visit, it re- 
 quired but little effort of the imagination to realize 
 the bold and striking imagery of Isaiah, and antici- 
 pate the blessedness of that day, when M the moun- 
 tains and the hills shall break forth" before the be- 
 liever " into singing, and all the trees of the field 
 shall clap their hands.' ' 
 
 I had that day the opportunity of much conver- 
 sation with Hannah. I found that she was aiming 
 more obviously than ever at active employment in 
 the Lord's work. She felt that her time was short, 
 and was in haste to occupy the talent entrusted to 
 her. She seemed unusually anxious to get near to 
 God ; but I found that it was for the purpose of in- 
 quiring at his feet what more she could do to serve 
 him, and asking strength to perform it. Especially 
 was she anxious for the salvation of her kindred, 
 and greatly rejoiced in the recent conversion of her 
 sister Jane. Weak as she was, I discovered that she 
 was making her life a busy one. Of our meeting 
 this evening she thus speaks : 
 
 " June 26. Again has the Gospel been pro- 
 claimed in this house. Once more have the people 
 of this neighborhood been exhorted to awake from 
 their slumber in sin, and give themselves no rest 
 until they have found a dwelling in their hearts for 
 the Spirit of God. But alas ! the Lord was not with 
 17* 
 
198 MEMOIR OF 
 
 us in power as he was at the last meeting. Will he 
 indeed withhold his saving mercy from us ] Will 
 he not continue his divine work still, and add yet 
 more to the recent trophies of his grace % Out of 
 many, shall we see no more turning to God ] Poor 
 deluded mortals, will ye not take warning and 
 live ! The Lord pity and save I" 
 
 During the present season she wrote an unusual 
 number of letters to her friends. Indeed, all that 
 she had it in her heart to do was now pursued with 
 vigor and perseverance. Her efforts for the salva- 
 tion of souls, for the promotion of the benevolent 
 associations with which she was connected, and es- 
 pecially to prepare herself to superintend well her 
 Sabbath school, and to give the children suitable 
 instruction, were greatly increased. 
 
 To her cousin, J H H , in New- 
 York, who had recently determined to enter upon 
 a course of study with a view to the Gospel minis- 
 try, she writes, July 6, 1830 : 
 
 tr May the Lord in his good pleasure favor your 
 design, and make you the honored instrument of 
 bringing thousands, who might otherwise perish, to 
 know the Lord. Your late visit to us will long be 
 remembered with pleasure ; but you must have 
 been pained to see how cold were this people. 
 Happily you found better things when you return- 
 
HANMH HOBBIE. 199 
 
 ed to your Sabbath-school in New-York, for I learn 
 that the Lord of glory had just begun to pour out 
 his Spirit upon it to convert young sinners. I can 
 now tell you that even here, also, the Lord's ear is 
 not heavy, neither is his arm shortened. His salva- 
 tion has come nigh unto us, even us, also. Yes, my 
 dear cousin, sister Jane and others have been hope- 
 fully converted to God. I have heard, also, of two or 
 three conversions in another part of our Society. 
 The church seems awaking. We humbly trust our 
 sky, so long dark, will ere long become brighter. 
 
 that the day may speedily break upon us ! O my 
 friend, will you not pray God to bless this part of 
 his Zion, heal the backslidings of his people, pass 
 by our iniquities, and enlarge our borders ] 
 
 M At present my health is not as good as when 
 you left us. I have, however, after encountering 
 many difficulties, commenced a Sabbath-school, 
 which, with the aid of my sisters J and M 
 
 1 hope to continue. I thank God, at least, for 
 giving me feelings of compassion towards the chil- 
 dren around me, most of whom, I have reason to 
 believe, have little religious knowledge, and for 
 enabling me to use my endeavors to rescue them 
 from their present ignorance and sin, and conse- 
 quent misery. I am grieved to find christians so 
 indifferent on this subject. O that the Lord would 
 arise and plead his own cause in behalf of these 
 perishing children ! 
 
SOO MEMOIR OF 
 
 M I have been informed that another Sunday- 
 school is to be organized next Sabbath in the 
 school district west of us ; then we shall number 
 three schools in our society, besides that at the 
 church. I wish you to procure me some Sunday 
 school books, such as you think we need." 
 
 (To the same.) 
 
 " Northeast, August 10, 1830. 
 
 " My dear Cousin, — I delight to hear of the 
 advancement of Christ's kingdom in any place; 
 but when friends and kindred whom I so much 
 love are the subjects of grace, it awakens emotions 
 of livelier joy. What gratitude and praise should 
 fill our hearts and swell our songs, that God, the 
 Almighty Savior, has graciously manifested him- 
 self to you and me, and to so many of ours! Why 
 is it that we are so eminently distinguished ? Is it 
 because we are so happily numbered among the 
 generations of those to whom, and to whose seed, 
 the Lord has showed mercy, because they have 
 loved him and kept his commandments ? 
 
 M Pride often takes possession of the heart and 
 keeps us for a season in a state of starvation, even 
 when we know that the blessing of the Lord mak- 
 cth rich, because we are unwilling to be beggars 
 for spiritual food. May the Lord make us humble, 
 and give us more and more of the spirit of meek- 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 201 
 
 ness, because he has said he will beautify the meek 
 with salvation, and give to the poor in spirit the 
 kingdom of heaven. O may we live as daily pen- 
 sioners on his bounty, and put our trust under the 
 shadow of his wings, that we may be sheltered 
 from the storms of life — dwell securely in his pre- 
 sence — be abundantly satisfied with the provisions 
 of his house below, and finally drink of the rivers 
 of pleasure that flow from his throne above ! 
 V Your affectionate cousin, 
 
 ft Hannah Hobbie." 
 " P. S. In our Sabbath-school we have twenty- 
 three scholars, and are in expectation of more. 
 About seventeen usually attend at once. This num- 
 ber may seem small to you. Will you take the trou- 
 ble to procure me some more books for my school ? 
 The Lord alone can sufficiently reward you for 
 your kindness." 
 
 In her journal she thus notices the death of a 
 female member of the church : 
 
 " August 11. In the providence of God another 
 instance of mortality reminds me of my own latter 
 
 end. Our dear Mrs. G is no longer a resident 
 
 among us. We trust her ransomed spirit, which 
 this morning was released from its tenement of 
 clay, has been graciously and gloriously transmit- 
 ted from this wearisome world, where all is com- 
 
202 MEMOIR OF 
 
 motion and distress, to heaven, the peaceful abode 
 of everlasting bliss ! May all of us who survive 
 possess the peace which she so evidently possessed 
 through a long season of distress, and meet her 
 and all the ransomed of the Lord in the regions of 
 immortal glory and light ! 
 
 M Since I still remain in this state of trial, while 
 others, one after another, are called away, how 
 reasonable, how highly important, that I inquire 
 whether ' I am prepared to meet my God !' How 
 am I affected with regard to this and another 
 world ] I am practically convinced that all earthly 
 pleasures are vain, and if I look after things seen 
 and temporal, they only vex and harass my feeble 
 soul. O when will that happy period arrive, when 
 my expectations from them, and my attachments 
 to them, shall be taken wholly away ! O for that 
 faith which overcometh the world !" 
 
 The following letter shows her usual mode of 
 acknowledging a favor. It was written to her 
 cousin J H H , on receiving a dona- 
 tion of books for her Sabbath-school : 
 
 " Northeast, August 16, 1830. 
 
 " Dear Cousin, — I hasten to inform you that on 
 
 Thursday morning I received, with the utmost 
 
 pleasure, the Tracts, Books, Magazines, &c. &c. 
 
 which you were so kind as to send me for oar 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 203 
 
 Sabbath-school. For this act of Christian benevo- 
 lence in yourself and others, whose desire it is to 
 do good to the rising generation, I most sincerely 
 thank you, and pray that He whose rights you are 
 endeavoring to maintain, and whose cause you are 
 laboring to promote, may greatly comfort your 
 hearts with the peace of the Gospel, and establish 
 you in every good word and work. 
 
 M Affectionately yours, 
 
 M Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 Under date of August 20th her journal contains 
 the following : 
 
 M * I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,' says 
 the Almighty to his chosen people ; and, blessed be 
 his name ! this word is a tried word. Although Sa- 
 tan has desired to have me, and the world and my 
 treacherous heart have unitedly engaged to pro- 
 cure my downfall, yet the Lord is a Friend to me 
 * that sticketh closer than a brother.' " 
 
 On the 24th of August she wrote to her friend, 
 
 J H H again to purchase more books 
 
 for her Sabbath-school, and states that the school 
 was nourishing, and that it demanded her " con- 
 tinued and unwearied attention." 
 
204 MEMOIR OF 
 
 (To her Cousin, Miss E B , of Bedford.) 
 
 " Northeast, August 28, 1830. 
 
 " Dear Cousin, — When I look at the date of 
 your last, and remember your request, I conclude 
 you have by this time almost pronounced me an 
 unfaithful friend. Indeed, I know that I should have 
 acknowledged before your kind favor, but I hope 
 you will pardon my seeming neglect, as I have not 
 willingly deferred it. I heard some time since that 
 your health was more impaired ; if so, and you are 
 still suffering under the chastisements of the Al- 
 mighty, I do hope and pray that while you are in 
 the furnace the fiery trial may be to the purifying 
 of your soul, consuming the dross and separating 
 it all from the gold. 
 
 <c I still languish upon my bed, and feel that my 
 outward man is perishing ; and were it not for my 
 pride, and sloth fulness, and faithlessness, I could say 
 that my inward man is renewed, even day by day. 
 I find myself surrounded by innumerable foes ; and 
 although my Lord has promised that as my day is 
 so shall my strength be, yet I too often forget to 
 hide his word in my heart, that I may not sin 
 against him ; and presuming that I can, some of 
 the time at least, direct my own steps, I am justly 
 left to fall into temptation and sin. Thus my pro- 
 gress in the divine life is often retarded by my own 
 inconsistency, and my advancement towards heaven 
 
HANNAH HOEBIE. 205 
 
 is slow and difficult — so at least it appears to me. 
 Through the deceitfulness of sin I become blind to 
 my real condition, and even lost to a true sense of 
 what I am doing. The Lord forbid that I should 
 be so un Grateful for the srrace given me as to reck- 
 on myself yet a slave to sin ! The Lord forbid that 
 I should lightly esteem the glorious liberty of the 
 Gospel, by not rejoicing in it as one that has been 
 graciously delivered from the bondage of corrup- 
 tion ! But my depraved nature is not yet wholly 
 sanctified. The workings of sin within me tend to 
 mar my dearest enjoyments. I think I can truly 
 say that I f delight in the law of the Lord after the 
 inward man ;' but while there is f another law in 
 my members, warring against the law of my mind 
 and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin,' 
 my cry will ever be, c O wretched being that I am V 
 Yet, when I say, ' who shall deliver me from the 
 body of this death V the answer is always ready ; 
 ' I thank God, through Jesus Christ my Lord,' it 
 can be done. Yes, still my heart shall bless, my 
 tongue shall utter thanks to God, ' through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord.' 
 
 1 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds 
 
 ' In a believer's ear, 
 1 It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds, 
 
 ' And drives away his fear.' 
 
 " To live in hope of all the blessings which Je- 
 
 H.Hobbie. 1Q 
 
206 MEMOIR OP 
 
 8us died to procure for sinners is joy unspeakable. 
 What then must be the happiness of those who are 
 admitted to their Ml fruition ! O, my dear friend, 
 let us leave those things which are behind, and 
 reach forth to that which is before ! O let us 
 
 1 Run up with joy the shining way 
 1 T' embrace our dearest Lord,' 
 
 that we may meet him in the full assurance of his 
 favor, as our God, and in his presence abide for 
 ever more ! 
 
 " I am your affectionate cousin, 
 
 '* Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 Her journal notices the rich autumnal supplies 
 in the following manner : 
 
 " September 8. The harvest is past ; another 
 summer has yielded a rich supply for the wants of 
 man ; but alas ! it is to be feared that these earthly 
 provisions of the Lord's bounty have been poured 
 out upon an ungrateful people. But how much 
 more distressing the thought, that so many despise 
 even the gift of eternal life, so freely offered unto 
 all ; and refuse to acknowledge God as the giver 
 of every good and perfect gift. O that the Lord 
 would prepare our hearts to receive with thankful- 
 ness the bounties of his providence, and grant a 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 207 
 
 rich supply of spiritual blessings; for all around ap- 
 pears barren and unfruitful !" 
 
 On the last day of September, 1830, a meeting 
 
 was attended at Capt. C 's, in Mr. Hobbie's 
 
 neighborhood, as an anniversary of the solemn 
 meeting noticed under the same date in 1827. 
 This meeting, I trust, was also blessed to many ; 
 to some in the refreshings of the Divine presence, 
 and to others, in showing them their sins and lead- 
 ing them to the Savior. Of this meeting Hannah 
 thus speaks : 
 
 M October 2. Evening before last a meeting was 
 held at Capt. C 's in remembrance of the inte- 
 resting one held on the same evening three years 
 
 ago. Mr. A preached on the occasion ; and 
 
 addresses were made by others, some of which, I 
 
 am told, were very reviving. Capt. C 's two 
 
 sisters, with their husbands, Mr. B , of P , 
 
 and Mr. T , of W , were there. Their 
 
 hearts all appeared to be animated by the love of 
 God, and their souls fired with heavenly zeal. A 
 happy impression was made on the minds of both 
 Christians and sinners. Many felt it good to be 
 there. O may the impression be lasting ! 
 
 M The visiters from P — •— and W were de- 
 tained yesterday by the hopeful conversion of one 
 of the household of Capt. C . Thanks be to 
 
208 MEMOIR OF 
 
 God for the happy intelligence that another is born 
 again ! O that the Lord would continue to pour 
 out his Spirit here, and glorify himself more abun- 
 dantly by bringing sinners to repentance !" 
 
 The return <p£ Miss Hobbie's birth-day was al- 
 ways to herself a season of deep interest. The so- 
 lemn and affecting reflections which such a period 
 is so well calculated to produce, were usually on 
 such occasions brought before her mind in a very 
 forcible manner. But the return of the 13th of 
 October, 1830, was to her peculiarly solemn. She 
 was sensible that it must be, in all probability, her 
 last birth-day. It was therefore improved as such, 
 and the thoughts it awakened made a deep and 
 lasting impression. She contemplated the grave, 
 however, with composure, and looked in upon the 
 vast and awful eternity which lies beyond with a 
 firm and steady gaze. 
 
 tc The return of the 13th of October assures me 
 that another year is gone — gone for ever ! The 
 swift passing time, my wasting flesh, and my pow- 
 ers of body, all gradually decaying, convince me 
 that my stay on earth will be short ; that I must 
 soon pass the Jordan of death, and enter the eter- 
 nal world. Yes, indeed, death, judgment, and 
 eternity are just before me ! Do I live under the 
 impression of this solemn fact] Alas ! I still have 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 209 
 
 cause to mourn over a carnal mind ; I am grieved 
 at so much conformity to the world ; I too often 
 find in myself a disposition to be angry and fretful, 
 which I think exceedingly deplorable ; and I must 
 add to the catalogue of my sins many short-comings 
 in duty to God, to my neighbor, and to myself. O 
 how does it become me, in view of all these my 
 iniquities, to humble myself under a sense of sin 
 and guilt ! And since these are but a small part of 
 my transgressions, I humbly beseech thee, O God, 
 to teach me that which I see not, that in all things 
 wherein I have hitherto offended I may offend no 
 more ! let me be holy as thou art holy ! 
 
 I Save, save me from temptation, 
 
 ' Thou in whom my soul doth trust ; 
 
 I I have long'd for thy salvation, 
 ' Yet am cleaving to the dust. 
 
 ' Oft returning and repenting, 
 
 * I have sought thee as before ; 
 1 And, to all thy law consenting, 
 
 c Thought the contest almost o'er. 
 
 4 But this treach'rous heart deceive* me ; 
 
 * Who its desperate depths can trace ? 
 1 Unless sovereign power relieves me, 
 
 1 Mine's indeed a hopeless case ! 
 
 • Be thy precepts deep engraven, 
 
 ' As with diamond, on my breast, 
 1 'Till I reach the peaceful haven, 
 
 1 Where my soul from sin may resU 4 
 18* 
 
210 MEMOIR OF 
 
 u On entering another year of my life, though 
 I suffer much from bodily indisposition, I desire to 
 make some new endeavors after holiness ; for my 
 soul is pained to think of my barrenness and dead- 
 ness — that I live so little to the glory of God. 
 
 M "Will the God of all grace help me to form a 
 few resolutions ! I would now record them for my 
 frequent perusal, that I may thereby be assisted to 
 live more righteously, be more holy, and be kept 
 continually in the fear of God." 
 
 RESOLUTIONS. 
 
 " 1. I resolve to be more earnest in prayer to 
 God for faith, which works by love, and purifies the 
 heart, and overcomes the world. 
 
 M 2. I resolve to guard against a petulant, hasty dis- 
 position, and the sudden rising of passion on small 
 occurrences ; and will endeavor to gain possession 
 of a meek, gentle, and quiet spirit ; and fail not to 
 manifest it before all, but in a special manner be- 
 fore my little brothers and sisters, whom I am en- 
 deavoring to teach by precept, that they may be 
 won also by my example. 
 
 M 3. I will see that the care of my body does 
 not exceed that of my soul. 
 
 "4. I resolve to pay particular attention to my 
 diet, and endeavor to suppress the cravings of a false 
 appetite, which oftentimes induces me to take more 
 food than nature requires, that I may not be ren 
 dered thereby unfit for duty. 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 211 
 
 M 5. I am resolved to be more diligent in ob- 
 serving the providences of God towards me, and 
 treasuring up the instances of his goodness, and 
 the different exercises of my mind. 
 
 "6. In humble consideration of my dependent 
 condition, I will strive to cultivate grateful and 
 generous feelings both towards my Heavenly Fa- 
 ther and my earthly friends. 
 
 " O God, thou seest what I have here written ! 
 May I ever, under a sense of my own weakness, 
 look to thee for grace to keep these resolutions ; 
 that as often as I read them I may do it with joy, 
 my conscience bearing witness that I am not un- 
 faithful in respect to them !" 
 
 The 4th resolution is probably entitled to more 
 consideration than will in general be given it. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Miss Hobbie's health began now more manifestly 
 to exhibit the symptoms of rapid and permanent 
 decline. It seemed as if the disease was exhibit- 
 ing the collected results of its former powerful, 
 but insidious and hidden workings. She had long 
 been sensible that death, sooner or later, must be 
 
212 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the inevitable issue ; but now that expected issue 
 seemed to be near, and she contemplated her com- 
 ing change with perfect composure. Her greatest 
 anxiety was to be ready for the summons ; and this 
 led her to an inquiry into the real state of her heart, 
 which was characterized by the severest scrutiny. 
 If we notice attentively her language at this pe- 
 riod, we shall observe how much the pollution of 
 her heart affected her. Her habits of self-exami- 
 nation were such, that no day passed without dili- 
 gent attention to the state of her heart ; and this 
 review was systematic and thorough. 
 
 I have often remarked that habits of life in other 
 things generally mark very strongly the character 
 of a person's piety. If he has been careless and 
 slothful in regard to his ordinary concerns, and has 
 grown up under the influence of such habits, his 
 religion not unfrequently partakes more or less of 
 his characteristic negligence ; while the person who 
 has been trained to habits of neatness, and industry, 
 and carefulness in other matters, will usually ex- 
 hibit more of system and beauty in the christian 
 life. Miss Hobbie's religion partook largely of the 
 benefits of such early habits. Neatness, order, and 
 enterprise reigned in the family abode. Her 
 father's farm was always well tilled, and his cattle 
 well fed, and himself doing something to good pur- 
 pose, while his wife, the faithful companion of his 
 pilgrimage through many a toilsome year, ' looked 
 
HANNAH ROBBIE. 213 
 
 well to the ways of her household ;' and none there 
 might be permitted to eat the bread of idleness. 
 
 This exerted a happy influence on the religion 
 of the family. Their system and enterprise were 
 carried into it. The evening lectures and the 
 prayer-meetings were seldom forsaken by them ; 
 and on very stormy Sabbath mornings, it was a fre- 
 quent remark, fC There will be meeting to-day, for 
 the Hobbies will be there.' : 
 
 Hannah did all that she was called to do with 
 diligence and system. In her self-examination it is 
 evident that all the exercises of her mind were dis- 
 tinctly arranged, that they might be the more close- 
 ly reviewed. She kept her heart with diligence, 
 knowing that out of it were the issues of life. 
 
 It was this that now caused her so many sorrows. 
 She was dying inch by inch, yet she never remit- 
 ted this duty. The great discoveries she obtained 
 of the depths of iniquity within her filled her heart 
 with grief; but her hope, as will be seen, continued 
 strong and clear. 
 
 An affecting sketch of the exercises of her mind 
 will be found in the following letter to her friend 
 and cousin, J H H . 
 
 11 Northeast, Oct. 14, 1830. 
 M My dear Cousin, — As I have been spared to 
 enter upon another year of my poor unprofitable 
 life, I would begin it by devoting a few of my pre* 
 
214 MEMOIR OF 
 
 cious moments to my beloved Hervey. I trust I do 
 feel, in some measure, the value of time, and there- 
 fore am anxious, with earliest desi? e, in time to come, 
 to make a wise improvement of it. The Lord grant 
 me grace to do so ! 
 
 •' In taking a review of my past life, especially 
 the past year, I am utterly confounded and covered 
 with shame to find how little of my time has been 
 devoted, according to my many vows, to the ser- 
 vice of God, when my motives and obligations have 
 been greatly increased. What abundant reason have 
 I for thankfulness, that through so long a season of 
 sickness I have been favored with so much comfort 
 of body, so much strength, and the greater bless- 
 ing of the free exercise of my mental faculties ! 
 what cause for gratitude, that I still possess so many 
 privileges ! I. bless the Lord that he ever has shown 
 me the truth of his tcord in my past experience ; for 
 when I have committed my way unto him, he has 
 given me the desire of my heart. 
 
 " It was not long since that a sense of my vile- 
 ness and unprofitableness lay as an indescribable 
 burden on my mind. The Lord at that time lis- 
 tened to my cries and groans. I wished either to be 
 absent from the body or made useful in it ; and ra- 
 ther than take me to himself, he was graciously 
 pleased to open to me, and lead me into, a field of 
 active duty ; and though poor and weak have been 
 my services in it, I humbly trust that they have not 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 215 
 
 been altogether in vain. I have often felt that the 
 Holy Spirit has been my helper in this work of 
 love ; and thanks be to God, my bodily strength 
 has not failed in any one instance since I com- 
 menced my Sabbath-school. The Sabbath-school 
 cause i3 continually increasing in my estimation. 
 The more I reflect upon the subject the greater 
 does the importance appear of leading the mind 
 early in the way of wisdom. Surely there is interest 
 enough in this mighty work to engage the attention 
 of every friend of Jesus and every lover of man- 
 kind. O may the time soon arrive when the young 
 and rising generation shall universally come under 
 the blessed influence of Sabbath-school instruction, 
 and be brought thereby to a saving knowledge of 
 tne truth ! 
 
 " All that you have sent for the use of the Sab- 
 bath-school has been received with much pleasure. 
 The scholars have been apparently much interested 
 with the books, &c. 
 
 <c I remain, as ever, 
 
 " Your affectionate cousin, 
 
 " Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 We return to her journal : 
 
 M October 22. How shall I account for the cold- 
 ness which pervades my soul this day 1 O thou, 
 who art the life and health of my soul, wilt thou 
 
216 MEMOIR OF 
 
 apply the balm of Gilead, that I may be healed 
 from the dreadful malady of sin, and, for thy name's 
 sake, quicken me with thy grace !" 
 
 " Saturday, Oct. 23. I would remember how in 
 mercy and goodness I have been led through the 
 past week. I have been more comfortable in body, 
 and accordingly have been better able to attend to 
 the concerns of my soul. But I fear I make too 
 little advancement in holiness. O may a sense of 
 duty and obligation excite me to constant faith- 
 fulness and a warmer zeal in the cause of my 
 adorable Savior!" 
 
 " Oct. 24. Lord's day. Welcome, O my soul, 
 the return of this blessed day, which brings to 
 mind so many sweet reflections concerning God, 
 and his love to sinful man ; and thrice welcome the 
 day when I meet the Sabbath-school children under 
 my care ! Though feeble are my endeavors, yet 
 blessed be God for having put it in my power to 
 do something towards bringing them to the know- 
 ledge of the truth ! The Lord grant that they may 
 become wise unto salvation ! Gracious Redeemer 
 let me not be disappointed in the hope of seeing 
 some of them, at least, convinced of sin, feeling 
 their need of a Savior, and fleeing to the refuge 
 of thy cross ! O that they may forsake the sins and 
 follies of youth, and give up their hearts to the 
 service of God their Savior ! O may thy grace be 
 magnified, and thy name glorified, in their eaily 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 217 
 
 conversion unto thee ! Wilt thou make one in the 
 midst of those who assemble this day, and let it be 
 profitable unto all ? Most merciful God, wilt thou 
 show us some token for good, that our unbelief 
 may be confounded, and that the tongue of reproach 
 may be put to silence before thee ]" 
 
 M Oct. 25. Have a good degree of bodily com- 
 fort, and my mind is also less subject to distracting 
 thoughts than it has of late often been. I thank 
 God, that whenever my heart has been inclined to 
 wander from him and go out after vanity, it fills me 
 with great misery to find it so. I seek after unre- 
 served resignation, O Lord, to thy wise and holy 
 will, and after greater love to my fellow-men. O 
 that I may grow in patience and fortitude of soul ; 
 in humility, and zeal, and spirituality, and a heaven- 
 ly disposition ; and be mainly concerned, that, 
 whether I live or die, God may be glorified in me !" 
 
 (To her aunt H , New- York City.) 
 
 " Northeast, Oct 26, 1830. 
 " My dear Aunt, — My friends inform me that you 
 are still under affliction in your own sickness and 
 that of some of the family. Do you feel like ac- 
 knowledging the wisdom and goodness of God in 
 all this ] It is better, surely, l to suffer affliction 
 with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures 
 of sin for a season/ and since our stubbornness and 
 
 H.HobWe. 2.9 
 
218 MEMOIR OP 
 
 self-will must be brought into subjection to the will 
 of" God ; since all our sinful lusts and passions must 
 be mortified and subdued ; in fine, since oui whole 
 hearts must undergo a complete renovation, we 
 need not think it strange that our Heavenly Fa- 
 ther employs such thorough mearis to accomplish 
 this work in the hearts of those whom he loves. 
 Let us count ourselves happy when we are chasten- 
 ed by him, for we are far more blest than the wicked, 
 in all their prosperity. 
 
 M When I survey the dealings of an all-wise and 
 gracious Providence towards my beloved aunt and 
 her family, it is with mingled emotions of sympathy 
 and admiration. Fond nature sympathizes with 
 your sufferings, while adoring praise and love re- 
 cognize in a covenant-keeping Father's chastenings, 
 at least some evidences of your adoption into his 
 family, through the mercy that abounds in Jesus 
 Christ. God will find means to purify his people. 
 You ought to rejoice. 
 
 M You, my dear aunt, have been the joyful moth- 
 er of two who are now, as we humbly trust, glori- 
 fied spirits in heaven. The hopeful state of those 
 whom you are now endeavoring to train up for 
 God is, I am sure, sufficient to give comfort in 
 your darkest moments. Your anxiety for those 
 around you, together with your own infirmities, 
 may threaten to overwhelm you, but you will be 
 supported* Happy, indeed, must be the reflection, 
 
HANNAH H0BBIE. 219 
 
 tbat you have been made the honored instrument 
 of bringing a son, at so early a period of life, to a 
 saving knowledge of the truth ; who now, showing 
 himself grateful unto all, but especially to God, for 
 the blessings conferred upon him, designs to give 
 himself to the service of God, in the Gospel of his 
 Son, seeking the salvation of all to whom he may 
 be sent in his Master's name and strength. 
 
 " May God prepare you for all that he intends 
 to do respecting you, whether mercy or affliction 
 be given you, and enable you to profit by either 
 that he may please to send ! May he be a God to 
 you, and all yours, for ever ! 
 
 M Your affectionate niece, 
 
 M Hannah Hobbie." 
 
 Her journal continues : 
 
 M Oct. 27. On making inquiry this day concern- 
 ing the health of my soul, 1 find the malady of sin 
 still rages within. However, I only have to look to 
 Christ ; He is my great Physician : he can make 
 me whole ; blessed be his name !" 
 
 M Oct. 30. I would make mention of the gracious 
 privilege afforded me last evening of again hearing 
 the Gospel preached by my dear pastor. He spoke 
 from these words, ' Wherefore he is able also to 
 save them to the uttermost that come unto God by 
 him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for 
 
220 MEMOIR OF 
 
 them/ Heb. 7 : 25. Truly, the word was to me as 
 meat is to him that is hungry. It proved refreshing, 
 consoling, and encouraging in my needy condition, 
 distressed and disheartened as I was. O why is 
 my faith so weak ! I do humbly thank God that 
 since I first believed I have not been left (notwith- 
 standing the enormity of my sins) to doubt, but 
 have had continual hope in his mercy ; but since 
 Jesus is able to save to the uttermost, and is offering 
 rich mercy to all that will accept of it, I long for a 
 stronger faith to lay hold on the promises for my- 
 self, and for my dearest friends and relatives who 
 are out of Christ. O precious Savior, able to save 
 me and others, hear my prayer for myself and my 
 friends ! As thou knowest my desires, teach me to ask 
 aright, that I may receive, and thyself be glorified !" 
 
 " Oct. 31. Blessed Sabbath day ! how it helps 
 us on toward heaven !" 
 
 e< Nov. -2. O why live at a distance from God, 
 when I may be brought and kept nigh by the blood 
 and Spirit of Christ % Why love my Savior so lit- 
 tle, when his love to me is so great 1 Why is my 
 faith so weak, when the promises are so many, and 
 great, and precious? Why such leanness, when 
 there is all the fatness of his house to feast upon ] 
 Why mourn my sin and pollution, when all can be 
 covered with the Savior's righteousness and for- 
 given by his grace ? * The Lord will withhold no 
 good thing from them that walk uprightly.' " 
 
HANNAH HOBBIK. 221 
 
 M November S. In the providence of God I have 
 been highly favored for several days. I am often 
 greatly distressed in body, yet being blest with a 
 considerable respite, I do, I trust with gratitude 
 as well as joy, take for a few minutes my needle, and 
 besides other things, have helped to enlarge the 
 funds of our Benevolent Society. ^ 
 
 M When enoaored in the concerns of this world, 
 how difficult to keep my mind unspotted from it. 
 I have continually to be on my guard lest the 
 blessing which I have more especially been favor- 
 ed with of late should prove a snare to my soul. 
 Will the Lord save me from temptation and sin, 
 and give me grace now and glory hereafter !" 
 
 " November 14. From some cause, and I fear 
 by some acts of rebellion, my mind has been for a 
 little time past almost continually harassed and 
 perplexed, so that I could not plainly discover the 
 hand of God in my way. But I thank him that I 
 can this day see his love and goodness in giving 
 me greater discoveries of the wickedness of my 
 heart, of the emptiness of the world, and of the 
 great power of sin and Satan to deceive." 
 
 " November 15. I see still to-day how poor 
 and vain a thing the world is. It brings sorrow, 
 and proves its vanity to all, even its votaries. Its 
 allurements only rob us of better things, and leave 
 us bitterness and sorrow. The Lord save me from 
 all its snares !" 
 
 19* 
 
222 MEMOIR OF 
 
 *■ November 18. The degree of comfort and 
 strength I but lately enjoyed I have in a great 
 measure lost. I fear I have indulged a spirit ap- 
 proaching to worldly ambition, and that this is, 
 partly at least, the reason why I have forfeited the 
 continuance of my mercies by my own folly. If 
 so, I acknowledge the goodness, justice, and mer- 
 cy of God in taking from me this, or any other 
 earthly good, he in divine wisdom sees would 
 prove detrimental to my soul's best interests. 
 Blessed be God for his kind providence over such 
 an ungrateful and inconsistent creature as I am!" 
 
 From this date there was no intermission even 
 for a short space, to her sufferings, but one contin- 
 ued period of extreme distress of body, till nature 
 wore away under it, and the hour of her dissolu- 
 tion came. Ten days subsequent to this she says : 
 
 M November 2S. Disorder raging, infirmities in- 
 creasing, and distresses multiplying, evince that the 
 solemn hour of my dissolution draws near Yes ; 
 death with his fatal dart stands over me, and soon 
 will strike the blow which is to hurry me away 
 from all that I have held dear on earth. In view 
 of the solemn scene before me, I would say to my 
 soul, be thou in readiness ; — watch, lest the Son 
 of Man come in an hour when thou thinkest not. 
 O my blessed Savior, may I ever abide in thee ; 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 223 
 
 that when thou shalt appear, I may have confi- 
 dence, and not be ashamed before thee at thy 
 coming !" 
 
 " December 2. In the world have I tribulation 
 and distress ; but why should I despond ] The 
 great Captain of salvation, who has gone before to 
 prepare a place of rest for his faithful people, has 
 overcome the world — has gotten for me the victory ; 
 and if I trust in him, obeying all his commands, I 
 may conquer every enemy. O may the blessed 
 Comforter which is promised to them that suffer 
 tribulation, be given to me in this time of need, 
 and afford me abundant consolation and support ! I 
 would trust in the Lord, and take courage from the 
 words of eternal truth. When I am tried, may I 
 receive a crown of life, which the Lord has pro- 
 mised to them that love him !" 
 
 " December 9. This day is set apart by the 
 Chief Magistrate of this State as a day of thanks- 
 giving and prayer to Almighty God for his multi- 
 plied bounties to us ; and feeling that no one has 
 more cause than myself to be grateful, I will call 
 upon my soul and all that is within me to bless 
 and praise the Lord for the gifts of his providence 
 and the richer blessings of his grace. Although a 
 constant sufferer, pining away under the power of 
 a relentless disease, I am surrounded with the pro- 
 visions of God's earthly bounty, and have abundant 
 cause for thankfulness for the spiritual mercies 
 
224 MEMOIR OP 
 
 which I enjoy. Let my heart, then, in time to* 
 come, abound with gratitude and praise. 
 
 " The Lord spare our guilty nation, and visit us 
 in mercy ! How long shall Satan hold this people 
 in bondage % Bless every effort to send the Gospel 
 throughout all the earth, and bring sinners every 
 where to Christ ! 
 
 " O thou Hope of Israel, and the Savior thereof, 
 wilt thou not appear for the help of Zion in this 
 place ? Thy people have perverted their way, and 
 . seem to have in a measure forgotten God. O, most 
 merciful God, for thy name's sake give us repent- 
 ance, and turn away thine anger from us ; cause 
 thy face to shine, and make Zion here a name and 
 a praise /" 
 
 " January 6, 1S31. Free grace! Free grace! 
 grace abounding to the cliief of sinners ! powerfully 
 sustaining my feeble soul in this season of tribula- 
 tion and distress ; affording abundant consolation, 
 and the hope of a glorious rest beyond this vale of 
 tears ! O what shall I render unto the Lord for 
 the hope of a blessed immortality beyond the 
 grave ! I will ascribe glory to him, for he is the 
 author and finisher of my salvation I" 
 
 This seems somewhat like the shout of victory; 
 but her warfare was not yet entirely over, her race 
 was not yet fully finished. On the 12th she thus 
 writes : 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 225 
 
 " O for more grace ! O for a fresh supply to de- 
 liver me from the deadly influence of sin ! I find 
 myself, partly through the weakness and infirmity 
 of the flesh, but mostly through the wickedness 
 that is in me, disposed to sin against my Lord in 
 thought, word, and deed. Those sins which are to 
 me the greatest source of grief, are an ungoverned 
 passion, an unruly tongue, and a dead faith. O that 
 I might ever be kept in the fear of God, then 
 should I not sin against him !" 
 
 It is truly affecting to hear such an one as Han- 
 nah Hobbie complain of such sins as are here men- 
 tioned. Even the peevishness generally attendant 
 on the last stages of the consumption was scarcely 
 seen to manifest itself, so closely did she watch her 
 heart, and so fervently did she pray against it. I 
 never saw a person more like what I suppose the 
 inhabitants of heaven are, in her whole spirit and 
 conduct. 
 
 M January 21. c J will never leave thee nor for- 
 sake thee' How consoling the words of eternal 
 truth !" 
 
 This is the close of her interesting journal, with 
 the exception of a single record, which falls more 
 naturally within the concluding chapter. 
 
226 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Prominent Traits of her Christian Character. 
 
 Having chosen the service of God, as her duty 
 and delight, Miss Hobbie was in the habit of re- 
 minding herself frequently of her vows, and renew- 
 ing her covenant with God, that she might keep 
 more distinctly in view her great object, and pur- 
 sue it with renewed and unshaken fidelity. Her 
 standard of christian character was high ; — above 
 the usual aim of those who profess to consecrate 
 themselves to God. We have heard her say, 
 lf God cannot require less than perfect holiness ; I 
 will therefore aim to be perfect, as my Father in 
 heaven is perfect." Supreme love to God was the 
 controling principle of her life. 
 
 Her distinctive traits of character were strongly 
 marked. A few of them claim attention as the 
 prominent points of her testimony to the reality, im- 
 portance, and efficacy of the religion of Jesus Christ. 
 
 She had a very deep sense of sin, and of the evil 
 of her own heart. 
 
 Sin appeared to her exceeding sinful. It was, in 
 her view, nothing short of enmity to God ; nothing 
 less than a chosen and determined rebellion against 
 his holy and righteous government. It was throw- 
 ing into the ranks that opposed God all the influ* 
 
HANNAH HODBIE. 227 
 
 ence she possessed, to pull down the glorious and 
 beautiful fabric which he was erecting, and pre- 
 vent the acclamations of joy and praise, as the top- 
 stone should be brought forth with shouting, 
 " Grace, grace unto it!" It was opposition to de- 
 signs of infinite love and mercy, which, carried 
 out, would banish from the world confusion, and 
 malice, and wo ; would bind together in the fra- 
 ternity of a blessed fellowship, all the children 
 of men, and fill this earth with the peace and 
 joy of heaven. She saw that sin not only aimed 
 at the subversion of all this wise and benevolent 
 scheme, but rejected and despised the means by 
 which it was to be accomplished ; that it was trans- 
 gression of a law M holy, and just, and good ;" that it 
 trampled under foot the Son of God, and counted 
 <f the blood of the covenant an unholy thing;" 
 spurned the offer of mercy, and disdained the sub- 
 mission which would secure the unspeakable bene- 
 fits of the great salvation ; it resisted the Holy Ghost, 
 and quenched the kind influences by which the work 
 of sanctification was to be perfected in the heart. 
 
 Such was her view of sin ; and the more she 
 looked at her own sin the greater did its enormity 
 appear, and the more did she reproach herself for 
 it. The more thoroughly she searched the hidden 
 chambers within, the more sin did she discover. 
 There she found the dreadful pride over which she 
 so often and so bitterly mourned. She saw so much 
 
228 MEMOIR OP 
 
 of the treachery and deceitfulness of her heart, that 
 she dared not trust it in any thing. She found it 
 pleading ever for forbidden indulgence and de- 
 structive pleasures ; averse to the holy self-denial to 
 which, as a servant of God, she was called, and 
 whispering * peace when there was no peace/ Her 
 impressions of its wickedness were lively and 
 abiding. It was her daily aim to search her heart 
 and carefully analyze its workings. She watched 
 it with ceaseless jealousy, and kept it with untiring 
 diligence. The effect of all, was to drive her near- 
 er to the Savior, and to seat her beneath the cross. 
 In connection with this was sincere repentance and 
 deep humility. She understood not those nice meta- 
 physical distinctions which sometimes render ob- 
 tuse the quick and delicate susceptibilities of an 
 awakened conscience, and blunt the keenness of 
 self-reproach. Sin to her was sin ; M exceeding sin- 
 ful ;" and in the childlike simplicity of her heart, she 
 mourned over it with a godly sorrotv. To find all 
 this in herself — to feel that she was justly chargea- 
 ble with such wickedness — with strengthening the 
 ranks of revolt from God, and swelling the current 
 of disloyalty to the King of kings — to think that 
 she had contributed to defeat the blessed purposes 
 of Divine love and mercy, grieved her deeply ; her 
 heart was pained ; it was broken. She was melted 
 into deep and permanent contrition ; she loathed 
 herself as altogether vile. 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 229 
 
 How often have I listened to her bitter lamenta- 
 tions over her former forgetfulness of God, and re- 
 jection of his mercy ; and over her evil heart, which 
 continually inclined to the same course of iniquity ! 
 She has often expressed her wonder that the righ- 
 teous vengeance of God could slumber as it did. 
 Under such views of herself she was usually much 
 affected. She was indeed a mourner; but she 
 humbled and abased herself, and repented before 
 God ; and in all her vileness and helplessness fled, 
 with fervent cries, to the Savior for cleansing, and 
 for grace to guard her against the enemy of her 
 soul and strengthen her in the hour of temptation. 
 
 This, then, is her testimony against sin ; against 
 the selfish, wicked purposes and dangerous pride 
 of the heart ; against the dark and hopeless enter- 
 prise of erecting the standard of rebellion against 
 God. This is her testimony, jointly with all the 
 M cloud of tvitnesses" that a sense of sin, and deep 
 repentance on account of it, can alone show us our 
 need of the Savior, discover to us how helpless we 
 are, and teach us that the strength of Christ alone, 
 is made perfect in our weakness. 
 
 Another prominent feature of her piety was her 
 love to the Savior. 
 
 Christ was very precious to her soul. She had so 
 
 clear a sense of her wretchedness, and odiousness, 
 
 and ruin as a sinner, that she knew none else could 
 
 help her. She saw in him an all-sufficient deliverer, 
 
 H. Hobbie. 20 
 
230 MEMOIR OP 
 
 and fled to him broken-hearted and perishing. He 
 washed away her sins with his own blood, con- 
 troled and kept in check, by his Spirit, her way- 
 wardness and corruption, and spake words of sweet 
 comfort in her ear. No other being in the universe 
 could have done it. She had suffered so long un- 
 der a sense of sin, and the wickedness of her heart 
 would start up so often in terrifying aspects before 
 her, that she was taught day by day how much she 
 needed his help. He had magnified and made 
 honorable the broken law of God — he had pardon- 
 ed her many offences — he had borne with her in- 
 firmities — he had sustained her in many a severe 
 conflict — he had heard her prayers — he had pro- 
 mised her a crown of victory — he had supported 
 her through many a long and trying season of un- 
 utterable suffering ; and he was precious, very pre- 
 cious to her soul — he was her all. When he with- 
 drew the tokens of his favor, she could not rest. 
 She always sought quickly an " absent God." In 
 all his offices as Mediator, Jesus was precious. 
 Prophet, Priest and King, all were necessary, and 
 her own un worthiness only enhanced the value of 
 his redemption. 
 
 Another feature of her piety was love of the truth. 
 
 She loved it for its own sake, and hesitated not to 
 bow to its decisions, however much it cost her. 
 Whatever the word of God said was her law. In- 
 struction she took fast hold of as her life, and the 
 
HANNAH HOBDIE. 231 
 
 channels through which it was communicated were 
 precious to her. She delighted in the works of 
 creation, because they told her much respecting 
 God, and set before her the evidences of his power, 
 and skill, and goodness. His providence was a pre- 
 cious book, because it taught her so many lessons 
 of heavenly wisdom, and purified her heart by the 
 afflictions which it laid upon her and the mercies 
 which it bestowed. 
 
 " Each opening leaf, and every stroke, 
 " Fulfili'd some deep design." 
 
 But in her view, God had magnified his word 
 above all his name. When she had strength to 
 read, searching the Scriptures was her delightful 
 employment. The Bible was her constant com- 
 panion through all her sickness — under all her sor- 
 rows. I never recollect visiting her when the 
 same Bible did not lie on her pillow or on the small 
 table at her bed side. She was also in the daily 
 habit of reading a small portion of Scott's Com- 
 mentary. She did not read the Bible as a task, — 
 because conscience would upbraid her if she did 
 not, — but because she loved it, and desired to hide 
 the truth in her heart. 
 
 She loved the law of God because it was holy — 
 its claims right — its requirements* reasonable — its 
 principles pure — promoting the good of all who 
 obey it. But she knew that salvation could not 
 
232 MEMOIR OF 
 
 come by the law ; and the Gospel, which revealed 
 Jesus Christ, as " the end of the law for righteous- 
 ness to every one that believeth/' was precious, be- 
 cause it showered its rich and heavenly blessings 
 upon the returning prodigal, while all the perfec- 
 tions of God remained untarnished, and all the prin- 
 ciples of his government undisturbed. 
 
 She loved the influence of truth upon her own 
 heart; it purified, it elevated her purposes, and al- 
 lied her, in character and effort, to God himself, to 
 Christ, to angels, and all holy beings in the uni- 
 verse. 
 
 The 'preaching of the Gospel was always esteem- 
 ed by her a great privilege. In listening to it, she 
 would recline upon her bed as quietly as her pains 
 would allow, and sometimes seem entirely to forget 
 them, fixing her eye upon the speaker, with its sub- 
 dued and meek, but earnest expression, evidently 
 drinking in every word. Sometimes I have observed 
 her, after such close and absorbing attention, closing 
 her eyes, and though not a muscle of her face mov- 
 ed, the tear would steal down her cheek and tell 
 what truth was doing within. 
 
 If at any time her heart, in its iniquity, was trou- 
 blesome, she would go to the Bible to learn how to 
 keep it. If her faith was weak and wavering, the 
 Bible was her instructor how to secure its increase. 
 If she felt in darkness she went to it to find a pro- 
 mise to rest upon, or some principle of the divine 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 233 
 
 government disclosed, upon which she could stay 
 herself in safety, and wait for the morning. When 
 she thought of sin and hell, she would find what 
 Christ had done to destroy the works of the devil; 
 and when the terrors of the grave, the judgment, 
 and eternity threatened, she would look for the as- 
 surance of a glorious resurrection and an unfading 
 inheritance in heaven. 
 
 Another striking trait of her christian character 
 was her love and regard for the Sabbath. 
 
 How often have we read in the preceding pages 
 expressions like this : " Blessed Sabbath, day of 
 rest /" How often have we seen the overflowings 
 of her grateful heart for such a precious institution. 
 She was M in the Spirit, " usually " on the Lord's 
 day." She hailed it as often as it returned as a wel- 
 come, joyful season of peculiar devotion and com- 
 munion with God. She obeyed the command to 
 keep the Sabbath holy, with delight; and found, in 
 this duty, usually high enjoyment. She was in the 
 habit of renewedly dedicating herself to God every 
 Lord's day ; and this weekly consecration of herself 
 made the Sabbath a peculiar delight. It is one of 
 the sweetest feelings attendant on religion to givo 
 all to the Lord — to surrender ourselves and all that 
 is near and dear to us into the Savior's hands. 
 
 " Sweet in the confidence of faith, 
 " To trust his firm decrees j 
 20* 
 
234 MEMOIR OF 
 
 11 Sweet to lie passive in his hands, 
 " And know no will but his." 
 
 And no season is more congenial to such a heaven- 
 ly state of feeling than the Sabbath. This was fre- 
 quently Hannah's Sabbath blessing. 
 
 It is comforting to find in these days of general 
 disregard of the Lord's day, any that highly value 
 it. It was to her an excellent means of maintaining 
 a habit of devotion. She found it salutary, even 
 shut out as she was from the busy scenes of life ; as 
 it broke in, at frequent and stated intervals, upon 
 the cares and anxieties of the world, and kept the 
 heart free from the fetters which otherwise would 
 have been bound around it. It was to her a delight- 
 ful employment, in the calmness of the Sabbath 
 morning, to call off the mind from every other ob- 
 ject, and let the whole soul hold intercourse with 
 heaven. It made her familiar with the holy em- 
 ployments and animating scenes of the eternal Sab- 
 bath on high. She could not, indeed, go up to the 
 house of God with the multitude of his people to 
 keep holy day, but still the delight of her soul in 
 the Sabbath was great. Her testimony in respect 
 to the Sabbath, throughout her whole course is, 
 keep it holy. If you wish the strong exercise of 
 faith, the power of godliness to reign within you, 
 the smiles of your heavenly Father, and rapid 
 growth in grace, remember the Sabbath day to keep 
 it holy ; value it as one of your greatest blessings. 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 235 
 
 Another feature of her piety was her love of 
 prayer. 
 
 It was the channel of communication between 
 God and her soul. It was the key which unlocked 
 the treasuries where every good and every perfect 
 gift is stored. If she needed grace, she went to 
 her Heavenly Father, and asked and obtained it 
 through Jesus Christ. If she needed forgiveness, 
 she sought it in prayer, and found it. If pain and 
 distress came upon her, she prayed that the afflic- 
 tion might be removed, or if that were not best, 
 that it might be good for her, and that she might 
 submit with patient resignation. In trials sharp and 
 fiery, she plead that God would help her, and that 
 right early, and make all work together for her 
 good. 
 
 She found the influence of prayer upon her own 
 soul to be sweet and tranquilizing. God was the 
 source of her spiritual as well as her natural life, 
 and she went to him for every supply. Every 
 event — all things — were under his control, and she 
 knew that through prayer alone the whole could 
 further her eternal good. 
 
 Besides, she had been renewed in the spirit of 
 her mind, and therefore delighted in communion 
 with God. A partaker of the divine nature, she 
 loved every thing that tended to produce conformi- 
 ty to the Divine image. Prayer, while it reminded 
 her of her poverty and wretchedness, and broke 
 
236 MEMOIR OF 
 
 down the pride of her heart, brought her nigh unto 
 God, through Jesus the Savior — the great Advo- 
 cate ; and she felt a pure delight in the privilege 
 of coming even to his seat. It soothed her troubled 
 spirit to come near to the throne of grace, and our 
 her supplications into an ear that never was heavy, 
 and lean upon an all-sufficient Friend, who felt so 
 tenderly for all his people. 
 
 We find her praying as often as four or five 
 times a day statedly ; besides the many short but 
 precious interviews with the Savior, which she en- 
 joyed as occasion called her to his feet for help. 
 She loved to pray, for she was well assured that 
 God had often heard her, and sent in answer to 
 prayer the richest blessings both upon herself and 
 others. She felt in this employment like one who 
 enjoys frequent interviews with a kind and faithful 
 parent; secure of sympathy, and esteeming the 
 near relationship as priceless, because that parent 
 is able to do all that could be desired, and has never 
 denied one reasonable request. She believed that 
 the promises of God were- all meant to express fully 
 and clearly what they do express; and trusting 
 God according to his own words, she came near, 
 and with the simplicity of a child, spread out her 
 desires before him. 
 
 Another trait in her christian character was her 
 love for the people of God. 
 
 They were her chosen, her dearly-loved com- 
 
HANNAH IIORRIE. 237 
 
 panions. She took great delight in christian socie- 
 ty, and always appeared to be unfeignedly thankful 
 when she received a truly christian visit from a de- 
 voted and heavenly-minded follower of Christ. 
 Such visits were seasons of sweet refreshing, and 
 she always imparted double for all that she receiv- 
 ed. I ever felt that my visits were the greater 
 blessing to myself. It seemed, as I bent over her 
 to catch the feeble tones of her voice, like holding 
 communion with one who had outstripped me in 
 the race, and obtained clearer views of the promised 
 land, because she stood nearer its borders and had 
 gained the summit which overlooked it. Some- 
 times I could hardly divest myself of the impres- 
 sion that I was listening, breathless, to catch the 
 distant sound of her voice calling me, from the 
 more elevated position which she occupied, to 
 come up and contemplate with her the glories 
 which lay beyond. 
 
 She took little interest in any conversation relat- 
 ing merely to the things of this world. Her soul 
 seemed to be absorbed in the great things of God's 
 grace and kingdom ; she loved them all ; and when 
 others loved them too, there was between them a 
 flowing together of souls. The Savior's image, en- 
 etamped upon any, of any denomination, was al- 
 ways current with her, for she delighted in the 
 kindred spirit, wherever it was found. 
 , Another trait of her christian character was 
 
238 MEMOIR OF 
 
 anxiety for the salvation of sinners, and the progress 
 of the Redeemer's cause. 
 
 Her's was not that selfish feeling of satisfaction 
 with the mere evidences of personal safety which 
 I am afraid prevails to an alarming extent, while 
 the good, especially the eternal salvation of others, 
 is almost wholly disregarded. Her heart was not 
 only opened to receive the truth, but, under its ef- 
 fects, it was enlarged with ardent desires for the 
 salvation of men. She knew the dreadful bondage 
 of sin from painful experience, and, to use one of 
 her own expressions, "pitied" greatly pitied those 
 who were still its slaves. She knew their blindness 
 of mind and their hardness of heart — that they laved 
 to have it so, and that distressed her the more. She 
 knew they stood upon slippery places, that their 
 feet would soon slide, and that tremendous ruin 
 awaited them. Besides, she considered sinners 
 as the enemies of God, whom she loved. They 
 were trying to ruin his cause ; uniting their influ- 
 ence against the Savior, whose honor to her was so 
 dear. They were tramplmg the beloved of her soul 
 under foot, despising the calls of his mercy, and 
 making light of the agonies of his crucifixion. All 
 this grieved her deeply. She wished them to be 
 saved from everlasting death ; and greatly desired 
 to see them gathering with Christ, and not scatter- 
 ing abroad. She rejoiced, therefore, with great 
 joy when any turned to the Lord ; for so far the 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 239 
 
 ranks of hell were weakened, and those of her Mas- 
 ter strengthened. 
 
 She longed for the day to come when all should 
 be of one heart and one mind, and live in love, and 
 give their strength, purified and sanctified, to the 
 service of her Lord and Master. She wanted all 
 to possess an eternal inheritance, and wear an un- 
 fading crown. It is not strange, then, that in those 
 revivals of religion which existed around her be- 
 fore she died she took so deep an interest. It 
 seemed to put new life into her own heart when 
 sinners turned to the Lord, for they were gained 
 over to the side which she loved, and on which she 
 had taken a stand so decided. As long as she lived 
 she felt it a privilege to do what she could for the 
 salvation of sinners. 
 
 Another striking feature of her piety was her 
 efforts to do good. 
 
 It is painful to witness the apathy of multitudes 
 who profess to be the followers of Christ, and their 
 habitual neglect of effort to save sinners — to see them 
 idle in the Lord's vineyard, even in the possession 
 of firm health, and apparently contented, while 
 hardly evincing a desire to spend and be spent in 
 the Lord's service. The aged can look back with- 
 out alarm upon a long series of years in which 
 they have made few if any efforts for the salvation 
 of a single soul. The young, in all the vigor of 
 youthful enterprise, are laying plans to consume 
 
240 MEMOIR OF 
 
 their years and spend their strength in the pursuit 
 of worldly interests, and not in labors and sacrifices 
 for the salvation of men. Such was not the piety 
 of Hannah Hobbie. 
 
 She was anxious to do something for the salva- 
 tion of souls — to spend what little strength she had 
 in doing good and glorifying God. Few would 
 have done any thing situated as she was ; — nothing 
 would have been attempted. Sickness is often 
 considered a plea for giving up every thing like ac- 
 tive effort ; but her views of obligation were such 
 that she could not rest while any strength and op- 
 portunity remained to promote the Savior's cause. 
 Her obedience to his commands was cheerful ', and 
 therefore universal and persevering ; as she loved 
 God's work, she panted continually after more ex- 
 tensive usefulness. Having done what she had 
 purposed, she devised other plans of doing good, 
 that she might still pursue her Master's work. 
 
 Think of her practice of conversing with the im- 
 pe?rite?it friends who visited her on the subject of 
 their salvation — of the letters written from her sick 
 bed, all breathing an ardent desire to be useful, and 
 some of them expressly designed as a personal ef- 
 fort for the salvation of a soul. Think of a suffer- 
 ing and feeble young female exerting successfully 
 her influence to form those of her own sex around 
 her into a society fcrr assisting the Missionary and 
 the Tract came; endeavoring also to assemble 
 
HANNAH J10HB1E. 241 
 
 around her sick bed her sisters in Christ, in a stated 
 concert of prayer, and resolving to take part in the 
 necessary exercises of the meeting ; and then think 
 of such an one, almost wasted away by years of 
 excrutiating pain, using her influence with her 
 friends to collect the wandering children of her 
 destitute neighborhood into a Sabbath school ; and 
 when she found those efforts fruitless, girding up 
 her own loins to the work, and gathering them every 
 Sabbath into her sick chamber, that she might her- 
 self instruct them in eternal things. Think of all 
 this, ye that are blest with health, and opportunity, 
 and means to do good, and yet neglecting them ; 
 and is there no reason to fear that she will in judg- 
 ment rise up and condemn you ] 
 
 Such activity is the result of real love to God. 
 The fellowship of christians with one another, and 
 with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, em- 
 braces fellowship of effort. God is love, and love 
 is ever an attribute of godliness, and an active and 
 efficient principle. God so loved the world that 
 he gave his Son to die for it ; Jesus so loved the 
 world, that he gave for it his life ; the Holy Ghost 
 so loves the world, that he strives with men and sanc- 
 tifies the heart ; angels so love the world, that they 
 delight to minister to the heirs of salvation; and 
 christians so love the world, that they are willing to 
 spend and be spent in self-denying labors for the 
 salvation of men. All who are really Christ's are 
 
 H.Hobbie. 21 
 
242 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to rejoice together in the successful issue of the 
 great enterprise ; and unless, from the same com- 
 mon principle of love, pursuing a course of active 
 exertion, none can claim affinity with the blessed 
 confederacy, or share in the glories of their future 
 triumph. 
 
 In this trait of her christian character she testi- 
 fies to the practical nature of true godliness ; that 
 faith without works is dead ; and calls out from the 
 cloud of spectators by which we are surrounded, 
 " Go on ; run with patience the race set before you, 
 looking unto Jesus ; and then come and wear the 
 crown of victory he has graciously prepared.' ' 
 
 Some think that to prepare for death it is neces- 
 sary for the christian to relax exertion and fall back 
 from the noise and bustle of active warfare. But 
 Hannah Hobbie felt that she must press foncard, 
 endure hardness as a good soldier, and continue, 
 even to the end y to fight the good fight ; that she 
 must toil on, bearing the burden and heat of the 
 day, and never give over till she lifted her dying 
 eye at once to heaven and to the banner that float- 
 ed over her, and laid her bones upon the field of 
 battle. 
 
 She has trodden the path before us, and shown, 
 in her self-denying and persevering adherence to 
 the cause of Christ what, by Divine aid, may he do?ie, 
 and what tve ought to do. She calls upon us to fol- 
 low the Savior, and do all that we can for his glory 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 243 
 
 on earth, that we may reign with him as kings and 
 priests unto God for ever and ever. That we may 
 be qualified to serve God faithfully, and cheerfully 
 devote all to him. She calls upon us to live near to 
 him; to pray without ceasing ; to keep hold, by faith, 
 of his covenant, and draw upon his fulness daily, 
 that we may receive grace for grace; that we may 
 endure as seeing him who is invisible ; and in the 
 strength, and through the grace that is in Christ 
 Jesus, be brought off at last conquerors and more 
 than conquerors. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Having seen in the traits of Miss Hobbie's chris- 
 tian character her testimony for the truth, as one of 
 the " great cloud of witnesses " we come back to 
 the narrative, to mark a little further how God, in 
 his providential dealings with her, illustrated the 
 import of his M exceeding great and precious pro- 
 mises" to his ])eople. 
 
 I visited her near the last of February, and found 
 her very weak and in great pain. She welcomed 
 me with a smile, and pressed my hand with more 
 than usual fervor. I knew her time must be very 
 short, for I had seen the frail tabernacle giving 
 way under the pressure of the violent and long-con- 
 
244 MEMOIR OP 
 
 tinued storms which had beaten upon it. The re- 
 sult of this interview was what might have been 
 expected. It appeared more clear than ever that 
 her spirit was about to mingle with purer society, 
 and go to the participation of higher enjoyments 
 and brighter scenes. She could say little ; but every 
 desire seemed fixed above, and she panted for the 
 hour when all her sufferings should cease, and she 
 be admitted to the delightful companionship of the 
 holy and the happy in a brighter world. 
 
 " Hannah," said I, tc is God a present help in 
 this time of need V 9 
 
 In her faint and mellow voice, frequently inter- 
 rupted by pauses to catch breath, she said, " He 
 is — he always has been — since I first trusted him — 
 and I am sure he will never leave me nor for- 
 sake me." 
 
 " Do you have any distressing anxiety on that 
 subject of late V 
 
 " None at all, sir. — God has kindly, for a long 
 time — enabled me to trust him, — and I cannot fear 
 while I have such a Friend — as Jesus. I am per- 
 suaded — that he is able to keep all that I have com? 
 mitted to him ; — and I have had so many — proofs of 
 his willingness — to do every thing for me — that I 
 need, — that I should be most ungrateful — to dis- 
 trust him now — I have perfect peace." 
 
 u Do you feel any impatience under tne Lord's 
 dealings now V 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 245 
 
 M I sometimes think, — as I can do no more good 
 in the world, — I had rather be taken — to rest ; but 
 if I can yet glorify God — by suffering longer — I 
 ought not to murmur. All is right — as it is ; — but 
 I feel a desire to depart, though — I sometimes feel 
 it to be wrong." 
 
 V Hannah," said I, M what do you now think of 
 all your past sufferings and trials ; do you still feel 
 as if God was right in laying them upon you." 
 
 Ki I see that more clearly — every day; and I praise 
 him — more and more for them. They are all right, — 
 just as they should be, — all necessary — none of 
 them — could have been spared." 
 
 Said I, " You have been a very great sufferer." 
 
 "All has been well done," said she; "none of 
 them could have been spared" 
 
 Her sufferings had been very severe for years ; 
 but all teas well done. At this time she had become 
 so emaciated — her flesh had so wasted away, that 
 her bones had worn through her skin, and she 
 could not be moved, even in her bed, without great 
 pain. 
 
 Who will say that God did not gloriously illus- 
 trate the fullness of his promises in her history ? He 
 did, indeed, dry up some streams of earthly comfort, 
 but opened upon her the livers of never-failing de- 
 light which issue from his throne. He was her ever- 
 present, her never-failing helper. He had sup- 
 21* 
 
246 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ported her in all her trials — had taken a gracious 
 care of her — had fulfilled to her every promise 
 which secures good to his chosen, and had never 
 forsaken her. All this had been done through years 
 of sharp suffering and conflict. Thus far he had 
 been her God. 
 
 I was intimately acquainted with her feelings 
 throughout her sickness, and never saw more strik- 
 ing evidence that the riches of grace were magni- 
 fied, than in her case. " Grace did much for Han- 
 nah Hobbie," has been, since her death, a common 
 remark. She cast all her care upon the Savior, and 
 it was evident throughout that he cared for her. 
 
 Her spirit was always tranquil. She knew that 
 all she suffered was sent in covenant love ; and it 
 was her great object to study the design of God in 
 all her afflictions. How often have we seen her ex- 
 pressions of praise and thanksgiving for her many 
 chastisements ! 
 
 Her spirit was always heavenly, and at times her 
 enjoyment in God was very great. What but the 
 fulness of divine promises fulfilled could have given 
 her such a likeness to God, and such unspeakable 
 joy and peace in believing 1 Let the infidel talk of 
 the supports of philosophy, — we will unite with 
 Hannah in singing of the covenant faiihfidness of 
 God, and rejoicing in the fullness of his redemp- 
 tion and the stability of his promises. 
 
 Hannah's christian life, which had been of a 
 
HANNAH HOBCIE. 247 
 
 character so highly spiritual, shone brighter and 
 brighter ; and the perfect day was, in her own opi- 
 nion, as well as in that of others, fast hastening, 
 when she should see as she was seen, and know as 
 she was known. To the last she continued to pos- 
 sess the same sweet spirit of acquiescence in the 
 will of God ; ever praising him that she was thus 
 supported, that she had so many mercies, and that 
 her sufferings were so much lighter than her sins. 
 As she drew near the close of life, she saw still 
 more clearly the evil of her own heart ; but it kept 
 her nearer the cross, and called forth more full and 
 frequent expressions of thanksgiving and praise 
 that all was graciously forgiven. She was ripening 
 fast for immortality, and waiting for her deliver- 
 ance. 
 
 On a Lord's day I received, before I left the 
 church, a request from Hannah to see her, if pos- 
 sible, that day ; accompanied by an intimation from 
 her father, who brought it, that it would probably 
 be our last interview on earth. I hastened to her, 
 and found her sinking rapidly. She was fully aware 
 that her end was approaching. Her conversation 
 evinced a spirit of deep self-abasement, but her 
 heart was full of light and joy, as she indulged the 
 humble but assured expectation of soon resting 
 from all her trials upon her Savior's bosom. She 
 stood upon the summit of Pisgah, and was taking 
 a calm survey of the billows of Jordan as they lay 
 
248 MEMOIR OP 
 
 rolling between her and the land of rest which 
 spread out its glories beyond. She was collected, 
 and firm, and happy, in view of her expected 
 change. She had long been waiting for it, and by 
 grace was prepared for its coming. 
 
 Not long before this Mrs. A spent a night 
 
 wkh her. When her bed had been prepared, and 
 she had been laid upon it for the night, after a 
 season evidently spent in silent prayer she sung to 
 a plaintive tune, in her sweet, and feeble voice, 
 still sweeter because almost spent, 
 
 " Our life, how short I a groan, a sigh ; 
 " We live — and then begin to die j 
 "But Oh ! how great a mercy this, 
 11 That death's the portal into bliss ! 
 
 " My soul ! death swallows up thy fears ; 
 " My grave-clothes wipe away all tears ; 
 " Why should we fear this parting pain, 
 " Who die that we may live again 1" 
 
 and then composing herself, was soon asleep. Such 
 was her heavenly and tranquil spirit in view of the 
 solemn change before her: 
 
 During the afternoon she called me to her bed- 
 side, and took from the drawer of her table, and 
 put into my hands, the journal from which such re- 
 freshing selections have been made, with some 
 other papers ; requesting that I would after her de- 
 parture read them, as comforting remembrancers 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 249 
 
 that I had been useful to her, and then return them 
 to her friends. None of the family knew until that 
 moment that such a journal had been kept. They 
 had often seen her writing ; but knowing that she 
 wrote many letters, they supposed that she was 
 employed in that way. I went to the window to 
 compose my feelings, for they were deeply moved. 
 While standing there I observed that a soft thin 
 haze was spreading itself over the setting sun ; the 
 sparkle and the glare were gone, so that I could 
 look upon it ; and as it disappeared in its mellow 
 beauty, it seemed an emblem of the immortal spi- 
 rit before me, about to fade away as gently, and 
 pass from our sight in the same mild loveliness. 
 
 She had already given, in perfect composure, to 
 the family such directions respecting her funeral 
 as she thought important, and they all savored of 
 her wonted humility and indifference to the world. 
 
 She now gave me the text for her funeral ser- 
 mon. It was Rev. 14 : 13. " And I heard a voice 
 from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are 
 the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; 
 yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
 labors, and their works do follow them. ,, In the 
 selection of this text there was no ostentation ; it 
 was the simple confidence of a child feeling assu- 
 rance from a Father^ pledges, and reposing upon 
 a covenant which secured the sure mercies of Da- 
 vid to every penitent believer. 
 
250 MEMOIR OF 
 
 In the morning we all assembled in the chamber 
 of the dying saint. We bowed before the throne 
 of grace, and committed her with full hearts and a 
 faltering tongue to a covenant-keeping God ; pray- 
 ing for a gentle release and a triumphant depart- 
 ure. It was a melting season ; we were filled with 
 an awful but soothing sense of the presence of 
 God ; and eternity appeared very near to us all. 
 She wept not. Over her pale and sunken features 
 was spread the strong expression of exultation and 
 triumph ; and when I went to take my leave of 
 her, she pressed my hand tenderly, and smiled : 
 
 "We part for a little season," said she, "my 
 dear pastor, but we shall meet again. I thank you 
 for all your kindness to me ; I shall need it no 
 more." 
 
 There was a pause. 1 turned slowly away, 
 
 and saw her no more in the flesh : but " we shall 
 
 MEET AGAIN." 
 
 My mind was full of the scenes through which I 
 had just passed, and before proceeding far I reined 
 up my horse and looked back upon the house in 
 which lay the dying believer, with feelings of un- 
 utterable interest. I doubted not that the angels 
 of God, who are " sent forth to minister to them 
 that shall be heirs of salvation," were there on their 
 last errands of love to Hannah. A light snow had 
 fallen during the night, and a bright sun was now 
 pouring its beams upon it. It seemed to my busy 
 
HANNAH HOBBIE. 251 
 
 imagination a pure and expressive emblem of the 
 robes of white in which the departing spirit of my 
 beloved friend would so soon be arrayed in her 
 Master's presence. 
 
 In the midst of reflections so sweet and affect- 
 ing I gained the western summit of the hill, where 
 a prospect of surpassing grandeur at once opened on 
 my vision. Among the finely molded hills that 
 lay extended to the northward, arose the solitary 
 spire of Montross. To the northwest, apparently 
 at my feet, but scarcely arresting attention amid 
 the splendors of the scene, lay the Stissin Moun- 
 tain. The undulating foreground of the landscape 
 beneath me was beautifully wrought up with fields, 
 and farm-houses, and remnants of ancient forests. 
 Farther on, a vast expanse of country, possessing 
 the same general features, lay spread out before 
 me for scores of miles. Across the middle of thi3 
 field of view could be distinctly traced from north 
 to south, as far as the eye could reach, the broad 
 valley of the Hudson. In the distant background, 
 piled up almost above the pathway of the storm, 
 the lofty and imposing Catskills, in the wild sub- 
 i limity of their winter scenery, pushed down from 
 the north their huge masses upon the western bor- 
 der of this valley, as if to dispute the passage of 
 the river, and then by a bold sweep receded to 
 the southwest. The dark brown of their crowning 
 oaks contrasted strongly with the dazzling white- 
 
252 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ness of the snow which covered them, and deep* 
 ened into heavier lines of shading, as intervening 
 elevations, in endless succession, lapped upon other 
 continuations of the far-extended range, till they 
 melted away in the distance, and were lost in the 
 line of soft blue haze which skirted the western 
 horizon. 
 
 Never did I seem so surrounded with God. 
 These works of his hands were full of beauty and 
 grandeur; but an object of far deeper interest was 
 the immortal spirit about to leave these scenes, and 
 rise to a brighter world and a better inheritance. 
 As a vesture shall all these be folded up — the ele- 
 ments shall melt with fervent heat ; but not a jot 
 nor tittle of the word of promise upon which the 
 believer rests for an eternal kingdom, and an un- 
 fading crown, shall ever fail. 
 
 Two days after this I received intelligence that 
 Hannah had gone to her rest, and a request to at- 
 tend her funeral. She departed on the 21st of 
 March, 1831. I went at the time appointed. There 
 was no unusual commotion in the family when 
 Hannah died. All felt that death was her gain. Her 
 sufferings had been extreme and protracted ; and, 
 amid her anxious desires to depart and to be with 
 Christ, which was "far better," she fell asleep in 
 Jesus, as softly and as sweetly as an infant sinks to 
 repose upon its mother's bosom. The presence of 
 God forsook her not ; her Savior was with her to 
 the last. 
 
HANNAH H0BBI1. 253 
 
 In the days of her former vanity, while pursuing 
 her voyage, she had often cast her anchor upon 
 the treacherous sands, over which she was buffet- 
 ing the billows and trying to ride out the storm ; 
 but it would not keep its hold. Wearied with the 
 fruitless efforts, and almost overwhelmed in the 
 deep waters, she raised her loud cry for help to him 
 who alone can give it. That signal of distress was 
 heard above the roaring of the tempest ; she threw 
 herself upon the Savior's omnipotence — cast her 
 anchor M within the vail," and never swung from 
 her moorings more. 
 
 It was her request that her surviving friends 
 should wear no weeds of mourning on account of 
 her death ; and the white bonnets of her sisters, and 
 the plain and usual apparel of the family at her fu- 
 neral, appeared to me more suitable and touching — 
 more in keeping with their impressions of her bet- 
 ter condition above, than studied mourning-suits 
 would have been. 
 
 Agreeably to her request, I 6poke from the text 
 which she had given me ; and endeavored to show 
 wha it was to die in the Lord, and to point out the 
 blessings of rest and recompense, which, through 
 grace, the believer who has gone to a better world, 
 receives from henceforth. I called upon all present 
 to seek those blessings, and be followers of her 
 who through faith and patience had become an in- 
 heritor of the promises. It was a time of many 
 
 H. Hobbie. 22 
 
254 ' MEMOIR OF 
 
 tears ; and when I read the closing record of her 
 diary, (which follows,) the sobs, which for some time 
 had been with difficulty suppressed, burst forth 
 from many of the assembly. 
 
 " February 1. The Great Disposer of events, in 
 the wise dispensations of his will towards me, has 
 recently taken from me almost entirely the use of 
 my limbs. Twelve days since I have walked a step 
 without assistance ; and, alas ! I see no prospect of 
 regaining the loss. I have however abundant cause 
 to bless God for the degree of resignation with 
 which he is enabling me to meet these trials, which 
 of myself I could- not endure. I bless him, also, that 
 it is a source of consolation to me to know that the 
 cords of nature are breaking, one after another, and 
 loosing me from earth. Although the process should 
 cost me many a sigh, and groan, and tear, the cords 
 of nature which bind me to earth must be sepa- 
 rated; nature must be dissolved before my soul 
 can leave these mortal shores to enjoy the more 
 salubrious and delightful atmosphere of Heaven." 
 
 Here I delight to close her history. The last 
 word she ever wrote was Heaven; the place, I 
 doubt not, of her eternal rest. 
 
 At the close of the services I went to the coffin 
 to take a last look at her remains. Her features 
 were but little changed ; and over them was still 
 
HANNAH IIOBBIE. 255 
 
 spread, fixed and abiding in death, something like 
 the expression of exultation and triumph which 
 they wore when I last saw her. Again I was re- 
 minded, by the white folds of the death-robe, of 
 the bright garments in which she was now clothed 
 in "Heaven" 
 
 We carried her to the house appointed for all the 
 living, and placed her in the grave. Soothing and 
 pleasant associations hang around the christian's 
 burial. — Jesus had lain in the tomb and broken its 
 bars. The dark chamber looked like a lovely and 
 a hallowed spot ; and I said within myself, as we 
 turned away in silence from the place, This mor- 
 tal shall put on immortality ; and this corruptible 
 shall put on incorruption : " We shall meet again." 
 Though her body is moldering beneath the green 
 sod that covers it, the dwelling of her spirit is 
 " Heaven ;" and I am sure if she is looking down 
 from her high and bright abode upon things below, 
 and should see a single soul, by means of this little 
 book, turning to the Lord, she would mingle her 
 rejoicings with those of angels over that repenting 
 sinner, and strike upon her golden harp a higher 
 note of praise to him who had washed from sin 
 with his own blood, and purified by his own spirit, 
 another of the ruined and the perishing. 
 
 THE END. 
 

 
 
DATE DUE 
 
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 GAYLORD 
 
 
 
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