Columbia (Bntottf ftp 
 
 iniijeCttptfJtogork 
 
 THE LIBRARIES 
 
 Bequest of 
 
 Frederic Bancroft 
 
 1860-1945 
 
Temple of Truth. 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE 
 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKOH 
 
MEMOIR, 
 DIARY, AND LETTERS, 
 
 OF 
 
 MISS HANNAH SYNG BUNTING, 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 25, 1832, 
 
 IN THE THIRTY-FIRST? YEAR OF HER AGE. 
 
 COMPILED BV REV. T. MERRITT. 
 
 IN VV.0 VOLUMES 
 VOL. J. 
 
 NEW-YORK, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY T. MASON AND G. LANE, 
 
 For the Sunday School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 at the Conference Office, 200 Mulberry-street. 
 
 1837. 
 
a 
 
 13 - 
 
 ■5 ■ : 
 

 DEDICATION. 
 
 To the Youth, — and especially to such as are 
 employed in the Sabbath Schools of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, — the following work is inscribed, 
 k\ the hope that so bright an example may both in- 
 struct and quicken them in the pursuit of holiness 
 and usefulness here, and glory and eternal life be- 
 yond the grave, by their humble servant, 
 
 The Compiler. 
 
 Neic - York, June 26, 1833. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Miss Bunting wrote not for the public eye, but 
 for her own improvement ; and hence she did not 
 always express her sentiments with that precision 
 she would have done, had she considered herself 
 writing for the edification of others. The compiler 
 has therefore taken the liberty to change some words, 
 and amend some phrases ; but never so as to give 
 a different sentiment from that of his author. Her 
 style in some places has been thought too poetic 
 for narrative ; and has, in some instances, created 
 a doubt whether the language was her own or bor- 
 rowed; and occasionally, where poetry has been 
 borrowed, the lines have been run along in the man- 
 ner of prose ; which, however, is no injury to the 
 sense ; and the arrangement of the lines may, in 
 many instances, be made by the compositor, and 
 would have been made by the compiler, had he trans- 
 cribed the Diary. Miss Bunting has also been less 
 exact in dating, especially in the latter part of the 
 Diary, than could have been wished : but the reader 
 will excuse this defect, as there is no remedy for it, 
 and as it does not in the least affect the veracity of 
 the narrative. 
 
 For himself, the compiler would say, that he has 
 been longer in preparing the work for the press than 
 he anticipated when he engaged in it. Though in 
 general fully employed in the regular duties of his 
 
8 PREFACE. 
 
 office, and such other labours as could not be dis- 
 pensed with or delayed, he reserved this for such occa- 
 sional moments of leisure as he might be able to find : 
 but these have been " few and far between." And 
 some months since, when the work was, in other 
 respects, ready for the press, he was disappointed of 
 that part of the memoir which relates to the first 
 seventeen years of her life, and which could only be 
 furnished by some person well acquainted with that 
 part of her history. This has been obtained within 
 the last week. 
 
 Beside the Diary, there is a considerable number 
 of letters written by Miss Bunting to her religious 
 correspondents, — too valuable to be lost, — which 
 will be given to the public in a separate volume. 
 
 Should the present work prove acceptable and 
 profitable to the youth of the Church, for whom it 
 is principally intended, the compiler will feel him- 
 self abundantly compensated for his labour in pre- 
 paring it for the press. And in this hope he 
 commends both the work and the reader to the God 
 of all consolation and grace. 
 
 New-York, Sept. 10, 1833. 
 
A BRIEF MEMOIR 
 
 MISS HANNAH SYNG BUNTING. 
 
 Hannah Syng Bunting, the daughter of 
 Charles and Ann Bunting, was born at Sharps- 
 burg, (Maryland,) July 5, 1801. 
 
 Her parents returned to Philadelphia, their 
 native city, while Hannah was an infant ; and 
 before she was old enough to know or value a 
 parent's care or fondness, she was deprived of 
 her mother by death. 
 
 Her parents were of the first respectability, 
 and were associated with the society of Friends. 
 
 Her grandmother, Mrs. Esther Rudolph, was 
 one of the first Methodists in the city of Phila- 
 delphia, and a member of the Union Academy 
 Church ; a lady of exalted character, a Chris- 
 tian of genuine stamp, and one who bore ample 
 testimony of the truth of revealed religion by 
 her holy walk and godly conversation, through 
 a long and useful life, and finally by a happy 
 and peaceful death. 
 
 Hannah received her early education in Phi- 
 ladelphia, while under her father's care. At 
 the age of twelve years she was placed at school 
 in Cross wicks, New- Jersey, and resided near 
 
10 ME3IOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 that village, in the family of her cousin. Hannah 
 Bunting. 
 
 In her earliest years she was distinguished for 
 a strict sense of propriety of conduct, and for 
 firmness and decision of character. She was 
 naturally reserved and diffident ; yet possessed 
 a heart of warm affection and keen sensibility. 
 She discovered a tender and sympathetic spirit, 
 not only toward her fellow creatures, but also 
 to every animal and insect that came under her 
 notice. Hence she has been known, in early 
 childhood, to spend hours in endeavouring to 
 relieve a wounded bird or a drooping chicken, 
 or in hiding a family of kittens from destruc- 
 tion ; and when she knew of their sufferings, 
 she would weep over them with unaffected 
 sorrow. 
 
 These things to many may appear trivial, 
 and unworthy of remark ; but they were cer- 
 tainly the dawning of that ardent desire to me- 
 liorate the condition of the suffering and desti- 
 tute, which shone so conspicuously through the 
 whole course of her subsequent life. 
 
 The fear of the Lord always rested upon her 
 mind ; and she was constant and conscientious 
 in the duty of prayer, as a circumstance which 
 occurred at this time will show. She was a 
 warm admirer of nature, even at this tender 
 age, fond of rambling in the woods, or by the 
 side of brooks and streams, and of climbing the 
 hills near her cousin's residence. One eve- 
 ning, after returning from a long walk, she dis- 
 covered that she had lost her necklace, which 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTIXG. 11 
 
 was valuable, particularly as it contained the 
 hair of her departed mother, and a little brother 
 and sister. She searched for it in vain, and 
 her only resource was in prayer to her heavenlv 
 Father, that it might be found, an-d restored to 
 her ; at the same time promising that if she 
 obtained it she would neither eat nor drink for 
 a day and night. 
 
 The lost treasure was found after some weeks 
 had passed, and she did not fail faithfully to per- 
 form her vow, but hiding from all the cause of 
 her abstaining until many years after, whgn she 
 had by experience proved the Lord always near 
 to hear and answer prayer. 
 
 Hannah's relatives, with whom she lived while 
 at sehool in Crosswicks, were members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Family devotion 
 was regularly performed by her cousin, and 
 Hannali has frequently been heard to say, that 
 her mind was first sensibly impressed with her 
 lost condition as a sinner, while bowed with her 
 friends around the family altar. 
 
 After remaining two years at school, she left 
 Crosswicks, (a place to which her mind ever 
 after turned with a warm interest, because her 
 recollections of it were hallowed by the scenes 
 and friends of her childhood,) and returned to 
 Philadelphia with a mind fully made up, if she 
 ever joined any religious society it should be 
 that of the Methodists. 
 
 Soon after this she went to visit her connec- 
 tions in Maryland. Here she was introduced 
 into gay and fashionable life, and was exposed 
 
12 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 to many temptations that she was a stranger to 
 before. Hannah had a heart formed for the 
 noblest and purest friendship ; and by the agree- 
 ableness of her person, her peculiar modesty 
 and simplicity of manners, was endeared to all 
 who became acquainted with her. While in the 
 family of her uncle and aunt Ellis, of Mary- 
 land, she had every facility for improving her 
 mind. She spent much of her time in read- 
 ing, and was particularly fond of works of fic- 
 tion ; and, in after life, she frequently remarked, 
 that she deserved all she suffered from a ro- 
 mantic turn of mind, for having indulged, in 
 early life, in reading so many works of imagina- 
 tion. 
 
 Her cousin, Daniel A. Ellis, late of Balti- 
 more, commenced his Christian course about 
 this time, and was in early life the .only Me- 
 thodist connection she had, except her cousins 
 in Crosswicks, Daniel was deeply interested 
 in Hannah's spiritual welfare. Their minds 
 appeared to be cast in the same mould, and 
 their piety, in subsequent years, was of the 
 same order, perfectly free from ostentation, 
 and manifested only by the humble and devout 
 feelings of the heart. Daniel, as the history 
 of Sabbath schools in Baltimore will show, fell 
 a martyr in their cause in the twenty-fifth year 
 of his age. 
 
 Notwithstanding Hannah was associated with 
 connections who loved her. and to whom she 
 was ever warmly attached, yet her mind was 
 restless and uneasy, and she felt an " aching 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 13 
 
 void within," which " the world can never till." 
 She again returned to Philadelphia, and soon 
 after wrote to one of her former associates at 
 school, that as short as the time was she had 
 lived in the world, she found there was no 
 real pleasure without the religion of Jesus ; and 
 that she was resolved to give up every idol, and 
 seek the Lord with all her heart. During her 
 absence from Philadelphia her sister Kitty had 
 become decidedly pious, and when she beheld 
 Hannah apparently taken up with the world 
 and its amusements, she neglected no opportu- 
 nity to warn her of her danger, and persuade 
 her to give her heart to God ; and her mind be- 
 came deeply exercised. 
 
 She again visited Crosswicks ; and while her 
 friends were conversing with her on the eve- 
 ning of her arrival, on the happiness her com- 
 pany afforded them, " O," said she, " do not 
 talk about that ; but tell me how I may obtain 
 religion, and be happy." 
 
 At another time, while walking through the 
 house, and observing some changes which had 
 been made in its apartments since she had been 
 absent, she remarked that there was nothing so 
 desirable to her as to find a room so retired, 
 that she might, in the hours of devotion, in the 
 agony of her soul cry aloud unto God, without 
 being heard by mortals ! 
 
 On the 5th of January, 1818, she joined the 
 Church, though she had not then received the 
 witness of her acceptance with God. She 
 notices this transaction in her diary in Ian- 
 
14 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 guage indicating a deep sense of her own 
 weakness, and of her obligation thencefor- 
 ward to live wholly to the glory of God. She 
 was not like many, who see the path in which 
 they should walk, but stumble at the very 
 threshold, on finding it too strait for their in- 
 clinations ; give place to lukewarmness, or 
 turn back to the ways of sin and death. Con- 
 vinced that her everlasting salvation depended 
 on a diligent use of all the means of grace, 
 and a faithful discharge of every duty, she 
 commenced, and so ran the race set before 
 her, that no doubt she has received the crown 
 of righteousness at the hand of the righteous 
 Judge. 
 
 A life of extraordinary piety has generally 
 been produced and sustained under the influ- 
 ence of extraordinary circumstances. This, 
 however, was not the fact in Miss Bunting's 
 case. There was nothing uncommon in the 
 circumstances of her life. She was indeed sub- 
 ject to much bodily weakness and pain, espe- 
 cially the latter years of her life ; and she saw 
 many valued friends and relatives removed by 
 death. But these things are so far from being 
 uncommon, that they are matters of daily oc- 
 currence and observation, and what all are called 
 more or less to experience. The circle in which 
 she moved was of the domestic character ; 
 and it was there that, by close attention to her 
 own heart, and a single eye to the glory of 
 God, her piety reached such a growth as few 
 have attained to. 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 15 
 
 We should not know where to look for one 
 who was more uniformly devoted, or who more 
 habitually referred every motive, action, and 
 event in her life to the will of God. Her eye 
 being single, and her perceptions of duty clear, 
 she was enabled to perform, and endure, as 
 "seeing Him who is invisible." I have never 
 known one of whom it might be said with more 
 truth, that " he saw all things in God, and God 
 in all things," than of Miss Bunting. On this 
 account the following Memoir will be read 
 with peculiar interest and profit by the truly 
 pious who tread the same circle, and are in 
 similar circumstances in the world. Such a 
 life may Ao more good, because it is adapted 
 to influence a greater number of persons than 
 that which is accompanied with the glare of 
 unusual circumstances and rare events. It will 
 readily be seen here, that there is nothing but 
 what all may aspire after, and attain to, un- 
 der ordinary circumstances, and with ordinary 
 means. 
 
 Miss Bunting's piety was ardent, but not 
 enthusiastic ; it was rational, not mystical. It 
 is hardly necessary to add, — it was Scriptural. 
 She could say that her "delight was in the law 
 of the Lord, and in his law did she meditate 
 day and night." She took the Scriptures for 
 the "man of her counsel." The word of God 
 was a " lamp to her feet, and a light to her 
 path." Its precepts were the rule of her con- 
 duct ; its promises were her support in every 
 time of trial ; and its doctrines were the rich 
 
16 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 soil in which her faith was rooted, and in which 
 it obtained so remarkable a growth. While 
 many in different parts of the country who pro- 
 fessed Christian perfection became " wise above 
 what is written," and turned aside after various 
 phantoms, she was satisfied with the wisdom of 
 God, displayed in the written word ; and, hold- 
 ing it fast, adorned the Gospel of God her Sa- 
 viour in all things. 
 
 A sure indication of departure from the right 
 way is generally first perceived in a self-impor- 
 tant, censorious spirit, and crying out against 
 the ministers of the Gospel as fallen, and unable 
 to teach the mysteries of the kingdom of God. 
 She saw and lamented this in some high pro- 
 fessors, but was never tinctured with it herself. 
 She kept the word of the Divine testimony, and 
 was herself kept pure in the time of temptation 
 and trial. 
 
 Miss Bunting was one of the few who truly 
 honour the Sabbath, and reverence the sanc- 
 tuary ; and therefore she was always " satisfied 
 with the fatness of God's house." The public 
 ordinances were the food of her soul. The 
 reader will have occasion frequently to remark, 
 in the course of the following diary, how eagerly 
 she sought the public means of grace, and how 
 great a blessing she considered them. In par- 
 ticular it may be seen that her soul was always 
 feasted when she sat under the preached word. 
 She honoured all the Lord's servants for their 
 works' sake ; and it made little difference to her 
 who was his mouth unto the people, so they 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 17 
 
 did but preach that " Gospel which is the power 
 of God unto full salvation to every one that be- 
 lieveth." The reason for this was, that she did 
 not set herself to hear as a critic or a judge, 
 but as a disciple of Him who still teacheth the 
 humble as never man taught. 
 
 Nor did she undervalue the prudential means 
 of grace which the Church holds, — the class 
 and band meetings, the love feast, &c. These 
 she enjoyed much, and found them excellent 
 means of edifying the Church, and her own soul, 
 in love. 
 
 She also delighted much in the duties of the 
 closet, without a tinct of the cloister, as her 
 diary will abundantly show. 
 
 Too many professors of religion lay an un- 
 due stress upon the frames and feelings of their 
 minds, and seem to think all would be well 
 with a luminous and joyous faith, if that were 
 possible, without good works. Not so with 
 our departed sister. Faith and works, which 
 God hath joined together, she did not put 
 asunder. She had just and enlightened views 
 of the nature and extent of relative duties. 
 She never thought she had done enough while 
 any thing remained to be done. Her health 
 and time, and whatever talents she possessed, 
 were employed for the benefit of her fellow 
 creatures. She was never happier than when 
 she had the opportunity and means of " minis, 
 tering to the necessities of saints." She in- 
 structed the ignorant, visited the sick, sympa- 
 thized with the afflicted, and in every possible 
 
18 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 way sought to do good to others, as well as to 
 enrich her own soul. In this respect she knew 
 no difference between the city and the country. 
 The village of Frankfort, of Jenkintown, and 
 several others, will long remember the name of 
 Hannah Syng Bunting, for her unwearied efforts 
 to introduce the ministers of the Gospel among 
 them, and for her agency in raising both churches 
 and Sabbath schools. She well knew that as 
 Jesus Christ went about doing good, she could 
 not be a disciple of his without treading in 
 his steps ; and by her works her faith was made 
 perfect. 
 
 It was said above that her devotions had no 
 tinct of the cloister. So far from this, that while 
 she held the sweetest and most transporting 
 communion with God in her closet, she de- 
 lighted in the society of her relations and reli- 
 gious friends, and was ever ready to take the 
 " walks of usefulness" among them. She was 
 by nature social ; and possessing a lively ima- 
 gination, a mind well cultivated, with an af- 
 fectionate heart, she was well prepared to enjoy 
 the most refined pleasures of society in every 
 virtuous circle. 
 
 There is one trait in the character of Miss 
 Bunting which deserves particular notice, — her 
 fondess for natural scenery. Her intellectual 
 taste and mental cultivation, assisted by that 
 elevated piety which ever delights in contem- 
 plating the perfections of the universal Archi- 
 tect in his works, prepared her for the highest 
 enjoyment in all the variety which the heavens 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 19 
 
 and the earth, day and night, present to the 
 eye. While the ignorant and the supersti- 
 tious pass hy all these things as unworthy of 
 their notice, or notice them only to find fault, 
 (as though admiration here were the same as 
 idolatry,) with her they were incentives to de- 
 votion, and sources of the purest enjoyment. 
 She truly "looked through nature up to nature's 
 God ;" saw him in all his works, and praised 
 him for all his hands had made. The broad 
 expanse of water, lighted up with the moon- 
 beams, — the precipice and the purling brook, — 
 the mountain and the plain, — the hill and the 
 valley, — the verdure of June and the faded leaf 
 of October, — the flower of May and the golden 
 fruit of autumn, all spoke to her of the skill and 
 bounty of our heavenly Father. When she 
 travelled, she conversed with God in his works, 
 and when at home she was in meditation and 
 prayers, in searching the Scriptures, and speak- 
 ing to herself and others in "psalms, and hymns, 
 and spiritual songs." All times and places af- 
 forded the means of raising her thoughts and 
 affections to heaven, and she was ever disposed 
 to profit by them. 
 
 When our sister commenced the Christian 
 course, and indeed ever afterward, she seemed 
 to have in view that direction of the apostle, — 
 " Therefore, leaving the first principles of the 
 doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection." 
 She viewed the commandment to be " exceed- 
 ing broad," but she viewed the promised grace 
 to be as broad, and that it was efficient to "put 
 
20 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 the Divine laws into her mind, and write them 
 in her heart ;" and the accomplishment of this 
 promise was the object of her highest aim and 
 desire. She was not enthusiastic and vision- 
 ary, looking for her object in lights and rap- 
 tures ; but she sought it assiduously in all that 
 relates to the heart and conscience. The 
 Divine purity was ever present to her under- 
 standing, and nothing was so desirable as a 
 thorough conformity to it. Moral holiness 
 appeared to her to possess intrinsic value, and 
 it is almost incredible with what intenseness 
 of desire she sought it at all times. Nor did 
 she seek it in vain. Whoever reads her diary 
 with a candid eye, will readily perceive that 
 the convictions of her own heart, as to the 
 extent of native depravity, were very clear and 
 distinct ; that her repentance was thorough ; 
 and that she made earnest application by faith 
 to the blood of atonement, as the only and 
 efficient means of taking away the defilement 
 and the power of sin. And hence she became 
 dead to the world, and the world to her. She 
 loved God with all her heart, and her devotion 
 became habitual and universal. She was often 
 brought into straits, and tried in the most ten- 
 der points ; but these only served to show that 
 she had no will of her own, no choice, but ac- 
 quiesced in the Divine will in all the appoint- 
 ments of her heavenly Father. All around wit- 
 nessed the happy change in the heavenly fruits 
 it produced. As she was cheerful and happy 
 herself, she endeavoured to make all around 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 21 
 
 her happy, by a conversation always with 
 grace, and suited to the circumstances of those 
 with whom she had any intercourse. Her whole 
 deportment was the most sincere, affectionate, 
 and winning, and excited the admiration of 
 those who were the most intimately acquainted 
 with her. 
 
 It must not be forgotten, that while Miss 
 Bunting enjoyed the fulness of the love of 
 God, and rejoiced in him daily as her all- 
 sufficient portion, she was always reaching 
 after higher degrees of holiness, and more sen- 
 sible communion with her God and Saviour. 
 And indeed so small did she consider her 
 attainments, in view of the immensity of the 
 grace and holiness of God, that her language, 
 on some occasions, borders upon that of posi- 
 tive want and self condemnation. She, there- 
 fore, with all the truly excellent of the earth, 
 saw room to grow in grace and in the know- 
 ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 And this will be the case, not only with the 
 greatest saints upon earth, but probably in 
 heaven also. For it is evident that the facul- 
 ties and capacities which are finite, being em- 
 ployed on objects which are infinite, may expe- 
 rience a " growing bliss," and that eternally. 
 This was the sentiment and language of our 
 departed sister. 
 
 Miss Bunting was by no means a stranger 
 to the pains and ills of human life. Besides 
 sharing with others in their afflictions, she was 
 called to endure great infirmity and pain of 
 
22 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING*. 
 
 body for years before she was wholly taken from 
 the active duties of life. But she endured all 
 with the submission and patience becoming her 
 profession. An impatient word was perhaps 
 never heard from her lips. She had so long 
 been accustomed to view the providence of God 
 in her sharpest afflictions, and had so long ex- 
 perienced the spiritual benefit resulting from 
 sanctified pains, that she seemed rather to enjoy 
 them, and to turn them into occasions of thanks- 
 giving and praise. 
 
 She seems, with most people, to have had a 
 natural dread of death ; and often in her diary 
 speaks of an assurance that a long life was not 
 appointed to her upon the earth ; but so com- 
 plete a victory had she obtained in this respect, 
 and that for some years before she died, that 
 death had completely lost its sting ; nay more, 
 she contemplated it not only with composure, 
 but with rapture. She frequently dealt with 
 herself in reference to that event. She thought 
 of the " struggles of death," of the " agonies 
 of dissolving nature ;" — of the " cold, lonesome 
 grave," and of " the worm that feedeth in 
 darkness." And this she did, not as the phi- 
 losopher, who familiarizes a painful subject to 
 his thoughts, that he may reconcile himself to 
 his fate ; but as the Christian, who is taught to 
 consider death as the passage from a state of 
 affliction to a state of rest, and, as a short sleep, 
 to be followed by a resurrection to a glorious 
 immortality. And for " these lively hopes" she 
 acknowledged herself indebted to Jesus Christ, 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 23 
 
 in whose resurrection she had a pledge and ear- 
 nest of her own. These were the views which 
 our deceased friend took of death ; views which 
 rilled her with transport in the contemplation 
 of it, and rendered her triumphant in her final 
 hour. 
 
 The writer of this brief Memoir has reserved 
 for this place a more particular account of the 
 interest Miss Bunting took in the Sunday 
 schools, and the remarkable success she met 
 with as a teacher in them. In her diary fre- 
 quent allusions are made to her Sunday class ; 
 but her extreme diffidence in herself, and in all 
 that she did, has prevented her going into this 
 subject as fully as we could have wished. And 
 this reservedness is the more to be regretted, 
 as the spirit, method, and success in this de- 
 partment of Christian labour, in one so emi- 
 nently gifted for the work, could not but be 
 efficient as an example to others, especially to 
 those who are piously devoted to the same 
 employment. This deficiency in the diary 
 can, however, in some measure be supplied 
 by those who were intimately acquainted with 
 her. 
 
 On this occasion the compiler acknowledges 
 his obligation to Mr. James B. Longacre, of 
 Philadelphia, for an account of Miss Hannah 
 S. Bunting, as a Sabbath school teacher ; and 
 also through him, to Miss S. Anne Barton, for 
 an invaluable communication on the same sub- 
 ject. Miss Barton was well prepared to de- 
 scribe and appreciate the labours of Miss Bun- 
 
24 MElffOIIS OF MISS BUJSTKs 7 G. 
 
 ting in the Sabbath school department, as she 
 had enjoyed the benefit of her instructions and 
 prayers. May all who read the following brief 
 accounts imbibe a portion of the spirit of her 
 who is the subject of them, and be prepared to 
 follow her as she followed Christ. 
 
 Mr. Longacre says, " It was in the year 
 1819 that the Sunday School Society of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Union Church in this city 
 was organized ; and by a record in my pos- 
 session I find that Hannah S. Bunting was one 
 of the first contributing members of that so- 
 ciety. Her labours as a teacher, must, I pre- 
 sume, have commenced about the same period. 
 The year following (1S20) I became connected 
 with one of the schools of that society as super- 
 intendent, and remained until June, 1823, 
 when the peculiar circumstances of the congre- 
 gation with which that school was connected, 
 caused it at length to be relinquished. Hannah 
 was one of the teachers in this school, and 
 continued to attend as such until within about 
 three months of the time when the school was 
 discontinued. I do not recollect any particu- 
 lar cause of her absence during the last three 
 months the school continued to exist ; but the 
 season was one of trial to the teachers. The 
 church to which the school was attached had 
 ceased to be their place of worship, (the house 
 having been sold,) and the school was continued 
 in the neighbourhood, by the perseverance and 
 energy of the teachers, for several months ; 
 when they were unexpectedly ejected from the 
 
M-EtfOlH OF MISS BUNTING. 25 
 
 building in which they had been accustomed to 
 meet. Several of the teachers, however, became 
 united in the still remaining school under the 
 care of the society, which was held in a build- 
 ing near the Academy church, in Fourth-street. 
 Hannah Bunting was among that number. In 
 this school [ was continued as the alternate 
 superintendent, and in the same charge I re- 
 main at this time. 
 
 " From the foregoing statement it may be 
 supposed that I could not have been a stranger 
 to the character and labours of our departed 
 sister as a Sunday school teacher ; nor was I : 
 and if called upon to point out a model for 
 Sunday school teachers, I should turn instinct- 
 ively to the place in our school room where 
 once sat, in converse with her privileged and 
 favoured class, Hannah Syng Bunting. But 
 to impress others with a conviction so familiar 
 to my own mind, would require a statement of 
 details now difficult to furnish, and powers of 
 description that I do not possess. Although a 
 superintendent may be fully aware of the difc 
 ference in character and efficiency of the teach- 
 ers under his direction, it does not become him 
 to show a partiality in the school, or to assign 
 a greater portion of his time and attention to 
 such teachers as merit, by their qualifications 
 and fidelity, the highest regard i and in fact 
 his attention is most imperiously required to 
 those who are most deficient in the correct dis- 
 charge of their duties, in order that the school 
 ' Ay not suffer from their negligence or inca- 
 
26 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 pacity. It follows, therefore, that the most 
 meritorious teachers are precisely those that 
 attract the smallest share of his observation in 
 the ordinary routine of their duties. 
 
 " I offer these remarks only to account, in 
 some measure, for the paucity of facts, or 
 striking incidents, which my own observation 
 enables me to supply, in reference to the Sun- 
 day school services of our sister. In addition 
 to this I would remark, that a distinguished 
 trait in her character was, its extreme remove, 
 its sensitiveness and shrinking from every thing 
 like ostentation in the work to which she had 
 been called, and for which she seemed so emi- 
 nently gifted. To every appearance of publi- 
 city the language of her deportment seemed to 
 say,— 
 
 ' Make me little and unknown, 
 Loved and prized by God alone !' 
 
 " But, great as was her native modesty, it 
 did not suffice to dim the evidence of her burn- 
 ing zeal for the Redeemer's cause, or to hide 
 from her coworkers her conscientious devo- 
 tion, and her cheering success, as a teacher of 
 the way of life to the youth whom God, in his 
 kind providence, had placed within the sphere 
 of her instructions. Although she did not 
 neglect the regular and appropriate lessons of 
 the school, she seemed constantly aware that a 
 higher destiny awaited the children of her 
 charge, than that which merely intellectual 
 culture could accomplish. She regarded them 
 
ME3I0IP OF MISS BUNTING. 27 
 
 as the heirs of eternal happiness or misery ; and 
 the sense of her own responsibility, as it re- 
 spected their spiritual welfare, was never appa- 
 rently absent from her mind. They were the 
 subjects of her incessant aspirations to the throne 
 of grace. At school or at home, she never for- 
 got them ; nor was her fervent affection for 
 them without its reward. I have been informed, 
 through one who had an opportunity of tracing 
 the subsequent history of her numerous class, 
 that all except two have become the happy 
 subjects of the soul-renewing influence of God's 
 Holy Spirit. 
 
 " One incident that fell under my own ob- 
 servation has left an indelible impression on 
 my mind of the peculiar character and effect 
 of her labours to which I have adverted. While 
 personally occupied on one occasion with the 
 customary supervision of the school, my atten- 
 tion was called by the directress then engaged 
 in the female department, by requesting me to 
 'look at Hannah's class.' On turning to the 
 quarter of the room it occupied, I perceived 
 that their books were all thrown by ; that they 
 were all in tears, some sobbing audibly, from 
 the effects of the earnest and affectionate ex- 
 hortations of their teacher, which had been 
 delivered in so quiet and subdued a tone, that 
 the exercises of the adjoining classes had suf- 
 fered no interruption. This circumstance was 
 so much in accordance with her general habits 
 as a teacher as to occasion no surprise among 
 her fellow labourers. 
 
2S MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 " One fact, in addition to what is stated above/ 
 should not be omitted. It was the constant 
 practice of Miss Bunting, while a teacher, to 
 meet her class privately on Saturday afternoon, 
 for the purpose of engaging with them in reli- 
 gious exercises ; at which times she read to them, 
 exhorted and questioned them, varying the es> 
 ercises by singing and prayer : seeking by these 
 means to prepare their minds for the duties of 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 " When her declining health prevented her 
 from any longer treading the path she so much 
 loved, (the path that led to the Sunday school,) 
 she still continued to meet her class at an ap- 
 pointed time in the house in which she resided, 
 to instruct, admonish, exhort, and pray with 
 them. 
 
 '• If there was any place at which, during 
 the period of health, she might be said to be 
 conspicuous, it was at the meeting for prayer 
 among the teachers. Here, in her anxiety for 
 the prosperity of the school, she seemed for a 
 moment to be released from the restraints of 
 her habitual diffidence and self-distrust ; and 
 her fervent supplications proved that worldly 
 fear had no place among the motives which led 
 her to court retirement in the discharge of her 
 duties. 
 
 " She had been a considerable time sepa- 
 rated from our school by the lingering illness 
 which terminated in her decease ; but still so 
 affectionately remembered, that the announce- 
 ment of her death fell upon her associates like 
 
MEMOIR OF MIS9 BUNTING. 29 
 
 the news of an irretrievable loss. It was on a 
 Sabbath afternoon that her funeral took place ; 
 and our school in a body, teachers and children, 
 followed her remains, with mournful affection, 
 to the house appointed for all living : the school 
 having been adjourned to gratify their unani- 
 mous wishes. 
 
 " In her private intercourse with the children 
 of her class there must have occurred many 
 incidents of an affecting nature ; but I have 
 had no opportunity of collecting them. I feel 
 but too conscious that it is in my power to 
 contribute very imperfectly to the construction 
 of a memoir that should, if possible, perpetuate 
 her usefulness. Her example is one that be- 
 longs pre-eminently to the Sunday school 
 cause, which it is calculated at once, if pro- 
 perly displayed, to benefit, to illustrate, and 
 adorn." 
 
 The following extract of a letter from Miss 
 Sydney Anne Barton, (communicated through 
 Mr. Longacre,) relates to the same subject as 
 the foregoing ; and will give some additional 
 particulars respecting Miss H. S. Bunting as 
 a Sunday school teacher. Miss Barton writes 
 as follows : — 
 
 . " In the year 1823 she (Miss Bunting) was 
 appointed teacher of the first female Scripture 
 class, of which I was then a member. Then 
 indeed did she manifest her concern for those 
 who were committed to her care, by endea- 
 vouring to impress upon our minds the import- 
 ance of that change of heart which was necessary 
 
30 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 for our happiness here and hereafter ; and 
 earnestly recommended to us to obtain, in the 
 days of our youth, that religion of which she 
 was so bright a pattern. Such was her anxiety 
 on our account, that she deemed that portion 
 of time usually passed in school too small for 
 the great work she had to do, and for the im- 
 mense interest we had to secure ; and there- 
 fore appointed a time for meeting us at her 
 own dwelling, where a better opportunity offered 
 for conversing with us more largely than the 
 school afforded. Then would her pious soul 
 give vent to its most ardent feelings on our ac- 
 count ; and often with streaming eyes would she 
 exhort us to beware of neglecting to partake 
 of those blessings which the Gospel so freely 
 offers to all, and which she assured us, from 
 her own experience, far surpassed all the joys 
 of earth. Thus, from week to week, were we 
 permitted to receive the instructions of our 
 teacher. 
 
 " But not till the year 1825 had she much 
 reason to hope that any happy result would 
 accrue to us from all her labour ; and not un- 
 til she declared that she was grieved in soul to 
 think that we, who were so highly privileged, 
 should remain so unconcerned ; that her ad- 
 monitions would rise in judgment against us ; 
 that she had at least cleared her own conscience ; 
 and that if we thought her too plain, she would 
 assure us it was our good she sought, and 
 through us she had hoped to witness a good 
 result of her labours before that time ; — it was 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 31 
 
 not till after this, I say, that she had much en- 
 couragement. The merciful God was not 
 unmindful of his promise, that those who ' sow 
 in tears shall reap in joy.' She had at length 
 the satisfaction of knowing that her labours had 
 not been altogether in vain in the Lord. A 
 general seriousness was manifested in her 
 scholars, which encouraged her to persevere in 
 urging us to cherish the slightest motions of the 
 Spirit, and to embrace every opportunity of 
 using the means of grace. She invited us to 
 accompany her to class, where Mr. White was 
 leader, whose Christian and fatherly instruc- 
 tions I can never forget. She also obtained 
 for us admission to the society of a few Chris- 
 tian friends, who met weekly for pious conver- 
 sation, from whom we met with much encou- 
 ragement to persevere till we should obtain an 
 interest in the blessings of the new and ever- 
 lasting covenant. At the same time, with what 
 anxiety did she watch the increasing concern 
 manifested by some of her class ; and how 
 earnestly did she encourage us to look for 
 pardon and peace through faith in the promises 
 of the Gospel, and to fiee to Christ as our only 
 refuge. 
 
 " She also appointed an hour for us to meet 
 in spirit at the throne of grace, though absent 
 from each other in body ; and I have reason to 
 believe that that hour was constantly remem- 
 bered by her, and by some of us, till the day of 
 her death. Between the commencement of the 
 year and September, 1825, she had the happi- 
 
32 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ness of witnessing the conversion of four of her 
 class ; and I was one of the number. We 
 united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and three of us were appointed teachers in the 
 Sunday school. 
 
 " In consequence of her ill health she re- 
 signed her place in the Bible class, and with 
 my assistance took charge of a junior one, un- 
 til her renewed health permitted her to resume 
 her former station. I reflect with pleasure on 
 those seasons we have spent together. Often 
 have we visited the parents of our scholars ; 
 -and wherever an opportunity offered, she al- 
 ways imparted religious instruction to both old 
 and young. Often have I accompanied her on 
 errands of mercy to the most abject subjects 
 of want, whom she not only temporarily relieved, 
 but whom she never left without imparting some 
 spiritual comfort. And I believe that not until 
 that great day when all secrets shall be re- 
 vealed, will the extent of her usefulness be 
 known. 
 
 " After changing my place from a scholar to 
 that of a teacher, I was not intimately acquainted 
 with those persons who came under her instruc- 
 tions. I am not able to say, therefore, how far 
 the good resulting extended ; but so far as I have 
 been able to ascertain, there are at present eight 
 of them members of different Methodist socie- 
 ties in this city, (Philadelphia,) some of whom 
 left the school without any apparent change for 
 the better, but date their present experience 
 and enjoyment from the impressions received 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS HUNTING. £3 
 
 from her faithful instructions. Ami I doubt 
 not there are many more of whom she will be 
 able to say, in that day, ' Here am I, Lord, 
 and the children thou hast given me.' She 
 often spoke of the hope she entertained of 
 meeting some of them in heaven. And now 
 that her work on earth is done, and she has 
 gone to rest for ever with her Lord, let all those 
 who cherish an affection for her memory, and 
 who have been benefited by her instructions^ 
 show their gratitude by so following her as she 
 followed Christ. 
 
 " S. Anne Barton." 
 
 This account must be closed by a brief ex- 
 tract of a letter to a friend, written by one who 
 knew the subject of this memoir well, having 
 had the benefit of her instructions as well in as 
 out of the Sabbath school, and whose sentiments 
 are in perfect unison with those above given. 
 She speaks of her teacher with all the affection 
 which a child could feel for a parent. Her words 
 are of the following import :— 
 
 " When I was first placed under the instruction 
 of Miss Bunting her health was quite poor ; yet 
 neither the rain nor the snow could prevent her 
 from coming to the Sabbath school. There I 
 was sure to find her waiting to receive me. And 
 when there, Sabbath after Sabbath, she would 
 point me to the Lamb of God, who taketh away 
 the sin of the world, and labour to impress my 
 mind that I was not my own, — that I was bought 
 with a price, even the precious blood of Christ* 
 3 
 
34 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 She would dwell upon the humiliation, suffer- 
 ings, death, resurrection, and intercession of 
 Christ ; assuring me with tears that these were 
 all on my account, and the blessings thus ob- 
 tained were all for me. And so truly had her 
 affectionate conduct toward me won my heart, 
 even before I obtained the great salvation, that 
 •when she was absent from the city I have often 
 wept in the school, and during service, because 
 I could not see her. But when I became united 
 to Christ by faith, she was endeared to me by 
 stronger ties, and I loved her, not only with a 
 natural affection, but as the instrument of my 
 conversion to God. 
 
 " Not only in the school did she labour for 
 my good, but often invited me to her home, 
 where she abounded in prayers and tears and 
 labours for my salvation. When my own health 
 failed, I was with her for days and weeks to- 
 gether ; and so tender was her heart, that often 
 at night, when she greatly needed rest herself, 
 she has risen two or three times to administer 
 something for the relief of my poor body, and 
 never failed to impart consolation to my soul 
 at the same time. She would remind me of 
 that world where the inhabitants ' shall no 
 more say they are sick ;' where ' there is no 
 more death, neither sorrow, nor pain ;' and 
 would exhort me to seek that ' holiness, without 
 which no man can see the Lord.' I loved her 
 much ; and I would gladly take a place at her 
 feet, that I might be near her, from an assurance 
 that she is very near our adorable Advocate " 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 35 
 
 It would be unnecessary to remark on the 
 foregoing communications. They are written 
 in plain and intelligible language, and describe 
 a character of no ordinary excellence, and yet 
 a character which all may sustain. 
 
 It is among the peculiar blessings of God to 
 our world at the present day, that many of our 
 youth are called to labour, in various ways, for 
 the promotion of the kingdom of Christ. All 
 that diversity of talent found among men may 
 here be employed with good effect. But there 
 is no talent of so much importance as that of 
 piety, — true, deep, ardent, scriptural piety ; — 
 or, in other words, the love of God and man 
 filling the heart. It was this intense affection 
 which secured to Miss Hannah S. Bunting the 
 pre-eminent rank and success she obtained as 
 a Sunday school teacher. Loving God su- 
 premely, she could not but feel her just respon- 
 sibility to him ; and loving her fellow creatures, 
 she could not but be zealously devoted to their 
 best interests. .And hence, having received 
 charge of a class of children and youth to train 
 in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and 
 to educate for heaven, she bore their names 
 and their wants- continually upon her heart. 
 She was never heard praying to be excused, or 
 offering the plea of false modesty and a cold 
 heart, that " she had not talents for the work." 
 She knew that the talents she had received, 
 whether great or small, must be employed in an 
 humble dependence on the grace of God. By 
 a discreet and burning zeal for their good, she 
 
36 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 soon received the confidence and affection of 
 her class, and thus laid a foundation for mutual 
 comfort and prosperity. The duties of the 
 school were not regarded either by herself or 
 by the class as a task ; and hence they had 
 efficient motives for punctuality in reference to 
 the hours of school : — especially in regard to 
 herself, no ordinary difficulty or objection could 
 keep her from the post of duty. Nor did she 
 think it enough to employ the hours by rule 
 appropriated to the business of the school, but 
 regularly every week called her children toge- 
 ther in her own dwelling, that she might have 
 more time and convenient opportunity to in- 
 struct them in the nature and duties of religion. 
 Here she employed every means in her power- 
 not only instruction and exhortation, but en- 
 treaty, admonition, and prayer ; giving " line 
 upon line, precept upon precept ; here a little, 
 and there a little." And this course she fol- 
 lowed as long as her health would permit. She 
 also followed the children to their dwellings, 
 and earnestly and affectionately sought the co- 
 operation of their parents in the great work of 
 training them up for heaven. 
 
 Thus did this pious female cast her bread 
 upon the waters, the fruit of which she began 
 to see while she remained in this militant state ; 
 and more shall she receive now that she has 
 gone to join the Church triumphant, where the 
 labour of love shall be abundantly and ever- 
 lastingly rewarded in the kingdom of God. 
 
 In conclusion we would say to the youthful 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 37 
 
 readers who are called to labour in the same 
 glorious cause, " Go ye, and do likewise." 
 You bear the name of Sunday school teach- 
 ers ; — be such in deed and in truth. Be 
 hearty and zealous in your work. You have 
 received a charge from God to educate chil- 
 dren for the kingdom of heaven. But you 
 cannot save either yourselves or them by a 
 cold and merely formal service. The greatest 
 and most noble qualification of a. Sunday school 
 teacher is love. Have you the love of God 
 shed abroad in your hearts 1 Do you love the 
 souls of your fellow creatures, especially the 
 children committed to your care, with pure 
 hearts fervently ? If you do, your duties will 
 be a delight ; if not, you may drag yourselves 
 through them, but your own souls will be dry, 
 your classes barren, and little or no fruit will 
 remain of all your toils. " Our mouth is open 
 unto you : our heart is enlarged." Will you go 
 into the vineyard of the Lord ? Will you assist 
 in spreading the knowledge of salvation to the 
 ends of the earth ? Will you help forward that 
 glorious reformation which is already begun 7 
 Then enter zealously into your Sunday school 
 labours ; and, till you can find a better, take 
 Hannah Syng Bunting for your model and for 
 your exemplar. 
 
 I cannot close this brief memoir without an 
 observation on the importance of revealed reli- 
 gion. Let this be embodied in the lives and 
 experiences of sincere Christians, and it is 
 infinitely amiable. The expansion it gives to 
 
38 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 the mind ; the elevation it gives to the thoughts, 
 desires, and affections ; and the direction it 
 efficiently gives to the actions of life, are pecu- 
 liarly and pre-eminently its own ; and from 
 these result usefulness and enjoyment in the 
 superlative* degree. But it is not only in the 
 labours and trials of life that the excellences 
 of the Christian religion are seen, but in death 
 also. Here its power to support and bless is 
 the most conspicuous and the most abundant. 
 These observations are all exemplified and illus- 
 trated in the life and death of Miss Bunting. We 
 have traced them in every part of her active life, 
 and are now to witness their truth in her last 
 moments. The following account of her death 
 was given by one who knew her well, and was 
 with her to the last, in a letter to a friend, dated 
 May 26, 1832, and published in the Christian 
 Advocate and Journal and Zion's Herald the 
 31st of August following : — 
 
 " Philadelphia, May 26, 1832. 
 "My Dear Sister, — I have no melan- 
 choly intelligence for you : weep not — but 
 raise .your heart to the God of all consolation, 
 and expect all the support you need,, while I 
 tell you that our dearly loved Hannah has gone 
 to join the redeemed ones around the throne. 
 Yes ! it is even so. She triumphed over her 
 last enemy on Friday, about five o'clock. The 
 summons came in an unlooked-for moment, 
 but she was fully prepared ; and no sooner 
 heard the welcome word, « Hither come up, thy 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. S9 
 
 work is done,' than she flew with joyful haste 
 to meet her adorable Lord. Her spirit with a 
 bound burst its encumbering clay ; it was but 
 a momentary pang. She had told me before 
 that she had never presumed to ask for any 
 intimation of the approach of death, and that 
 God had sufficient witnesses even if she should 
 die alone; — that she felt such a sinking into 
 the will of her heavenly Father, she could trust 
 herself in his hands, and felt no anxiety about 
 the termination of her sufferings, whether her 
 end should be peaceful or triumphant, if she 
 could only glorify God by showing forth a 
 meek and quiet spirit unto the end. She said 
 it had been her prayer with almost every breath 
 that patience might have its perfect work. She 
 wished me, to tell you not to grieve about her 
 sufferings, she. was so abundantly supported by 
 Divine grace ; — that the season she had often 
 looked forward to with dread, and the pangs 
 she had so frequently feared she would sink 
 under, appeared light, and the way brightened : 
 the nearer she approached the tomb, the more 
 cheerfully she could welcome every presage 
 of her dissolution. 
 
 " Her great debility prevented her speaking, 
 except in short sentences.; but they were full 
 of meaning. In view of her heavenly inherit- 
 ance she would exclaim, ' O 'tis a heaven worth 
 dying for!' I am sensible she was not con- 
 scious the desired haven was near : she ex- 
 pected to suffer much more ; and I was waiting 
 to treasure up her dying words ; but when the 
 
40 MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 mandate came she had not time to say farewell. 
 No ! she left us without one parting word ; 
 and when I attempt to describe the closing 
 scene, tears fall in floods from my eyes, and I 
 scarcely believe I must say, it is finished. 
 About four o'clock she was distressed with 
 coughing. A friend who had just called,, ob- 
 served she was sorry to see her suffering : she 
 replied, ' Do not grieve, but rather rejoice.' I 
 prepared some medicine for her cough, but she 
 was not able to take it. I stood waiting be- 
 side her, and saw her silently suffering, and 
 asked her if she began to feel discouraged 
 ' because of the way.' ' O no,' said she, ' but 
 you have great need of patience to bear with 
 me,' I replied, I had nothing to bear but the 
 pain of seeing her suffer without being able to 
 relieve her : she added, ' There is One above 
 that can relieve me.' She in a few moments 
 wished her position changed ; we smoothed her 
 pillows and she laid herself back against 
 them ; when she threw up her arms, and her 
 eyes became glazed, and the pallid hue of 
 death spread over her features. I could not 
 for a moment believe it was death. I called 
 on her name, but her tongue was silent, and in 
 a few moments she ceased to breathe ; and 
 with my own hand I closed her eyes for their 
 long slumber in the tomb. The funeral was a 
 solemn season. Hannah's final resting place 
 is near that of her dear sister's, in Christ's 
 churchyard. 'Tis a lovely spot. And though 
 the tolling bell and open grave proclaimed in 
 
MEMOIR OF MISS BUNTING. 41 
 
 mournful language that death was now the 
 victor; yet ihe cheering words, 'I am the 
 resurrection and the life,' &c, and « I know 
 that my Redeemer liveth,' enabled us to pierce 
 the veil of mortality, and to believe that because 
 Jesus lives she shall live also ; and that we 
 should behold her again in the morning of the 
 resurrection, clothed in shining garments near 
 her risen Lord." 
 
 THE END. 
 
EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY 
 
 OF 
 
 MISS HANNAH SYNG BUNTING. 
 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 5, 1818. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 What have I been doing ? Is my heart 
 sincere ? Almighty Jehovah ! thou knowest 
 the intentions of the children of men. If I am 
 under a delusion, speedily undeceive me. 
 
 I have this night openly professed to be on 
 the Lord's side. Angels and men have wit- 
 nessed my solemn vows. Much is now required 
 of me : numerous obstacles surround me. 
 
 " And can a feeble, helpless worm 
 Fulfil a task so hard ? 
 God's grace must all the work perform, 
 And give the free reward." 
 
 Alas ! as yet I knew not that my peace is 
 made with God. At seasons I am favoured 
 with tastes of a Saviour's love, which comfort 
 and encourage me to persevere in his ways. 
 Sixteen years I have stopped to quench my 
 thirst at the shallow streams of worldly plea- 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 43 
 
 sure ; but invariably rose up unsatisfied. My 
 eyes are now opened, and how contemptible 
 do my former pursuits after happiness appear ! 
 " Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss 
 for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
 Jesus, my Lord." 
 
 Jan. 30. — I ardently wish to redeem the 
 time, and give the residue of my days to God. 
 My youthful companions rest weightily on my 
 mind ; — would that I could persuade them to 
 go with me. The hearts of all men, O God, 
 are in thy hands, and thou canst turn them as 
 thou dost the rivers of water. Let converts be 
 multiplied as the drops of the morning. 
 
 March 1. — Have been sitting under the 
 droppings of the sanctuary, yet my heart is 
 cold and unbelieving. I know 
 
 " A word, a look, a touch from 'Thee, 
 Can turn my darkness into day." 
 
 March 8. — When shall I find Him of whom 
 Moses and the prophets wrote ? " O that I 
 knew where I might rind him 1 I would come 
 unto him, and order my cause before him, and 
 fill my mouth with arguments." I am in the 
 slippery paths of youth, without the instruction 
 of pious parents. Surely God is my Father 
 I throw myself on his mercy. 
 
 •March 10. — I fear lest .my convictions are 
 not sufficiently deep. O my God, probe to 
 the bottom of my heart. I would know the 
 worst of my condition, and discover as much 
 of my wretchedness as I can bear. Jesus 
 
44 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 take a poor fugitive into thy favour : shine 
 through the clouds of my unbelief, " fair as the 
 moon, and clear as the sun." 
 
 March 12. — My mind is much perplexed : 
 I am bruised and broken. Rest by day I 
 cannot, and at night I water my couch with 
 tears. u A wounded spirit who can bear?" 
 
 March 19. — Worldly comforts avail nothing. 
 I am pierced through with many sorrows : my 
 sins are ever before me. Help, Jesus, for 
 none else can release me. 
 
 March 22. — This day is kept in commemo- 
 ration of the glorious event when Christ Jesus 
 broke the bars of death, and rose triumphant 
 from the tomb. May my captive soul be libe- 
 rated from the iron bondage of sin. All my 
 abominations are set in array against me : I am 
 not only vile, but helpless. 
 
 April 12. — Attended public worship, and 
 heard an edifying discourse from Mr. Martin- 
 dale. He warned empty professors of their 
 critical situation. Am I such a character ? 
 
 " When I cast my eyes within, 
 
 O how dark, and vain, and wild I 
 
 Prone to unbelief and sin, 
 Can I deem myself a child ? 
 
 If I ne'er find the sacred road, 
 
 I'll perish crying out for God." 
 
 April 19. — I have been up to God's sanc- 
 tuary : — was present at the ordination of the 
 ciders. It was a solemn sight to see men de- 
 voting their lives to the Gospel ministry. May 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 45 
 
 those ambassadors of Christ do indeed the 
 work of evangelists. 
 
 May 3. — Witnessed the administration of 
 the Lord's Supper. O when will the happy 
 time come when I can with confidence approach 
 my Father's table 1 
 
 May 21. — Nothing but the application of a 
 Saviour's blood can ease my aching heart. 
 
 July 5. — Wishing to fulfil all righteousness, 
 I ventured to my Master's table. I felt a 
 trembling awe, knowing that some had eaten 
 and drunk unworthily. I think I am sincere 
 in my efforts to reform. Christ is my only 
 hope : I would take shelter under his wings 
 from the monster sin, which is ready to de- 
 vour me. 
 
 Crossivicks. Aug. 18, 1819. — Shame covers 
 me, for so often deviating from the path of 
 rectitude. Lord, break down my stubborn will, 
 and let me bear the image of my Divine 
 Master. I have had some precious views of 
 late, of the all-sufficiency of Christ to save. I 
 know he tasted death for every man. I am 
 led to hope that He, whom I have so loog 
 sought, will suddenly come into his temple. 
 
 Aug. 26. — I am convinced that earthly good 
 can never fill an immortal mind. My soul is 
 sick of sin ; — the cup of repentance is very 
 bitter. I ask power to drink it to the bottom. 
 as I know it is mixed by the hand of the most 
 skilful Physician. I have a portion of that spi- 
 rit which Jacob possessed when he said, ,; I will 
 not let thee go, unless thou bless me." 
 
46 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Aug. 30. — I still find trouble and heaviness ; 
 but in my distress I will cry unto God, who 
 can bring light out of darkness, ahd cause the 
 deepest sorrow to issue in the highest joy. 
 
 Sept. 2. — Satan is doing his utmost to de- 
 stroy me. I beseech thee, O Lord, to deliver 
 me. I am oppressed with an intolerable load 
 of guilt. Surely Jesus is my advocate above : 
 I will take courage, and look to him, that my 
 enemy may be conquered. 
 
 Sept. 13. — My conscience accuses me of 
 ingratitude to that Friend who, of all others, I 
 should love and adore. Hasten the time, O 
 my Lord, when I shall have Christ formed in 
 my heart the hope of eternal glory. Truly my 
 soul waiteth for this as the watchman for the 
 morning. I would even cultivate a deep sense 
 of my wants ; but despondency I wish to guard 
 against. Although I am a great sinner, Christ 
 is a great Saviour : I will venture on his mercy, 
 and expect him to pour down upon me such a 
 blessing as I need. 
 
 Sept. 25. — Two years I have gone with my 
 head bowed like a bulrush. I have sought for 
 rest in all the appointed means, but found not 
 such as my soul desired. . My mind has been 
 somewhat prejudiced against camp meetings ; 
 yet a kind Providence directed me to one held 
 near Pennington, New- Jersey. At a prayer 
 meeting on Sabbath evening, the 19th of 
 this month, the presence of the great Eternal 
 was very manifest ; — many cried aloud for 
 mercy ; others shouted the high praises of 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 47 
 
 God ; but I, being in heaviness, felt dissatisfied 
 with what I saw ; concluding in my own mind 
 that all was confusion and enthusiasm. My 
 stubborn heart scorned to think of kneeling 
 among those who were seeking the Lord, lest 
 I should be noticed ; yet upon reflecting that I 
 had openly professed to be on the Lord's side, 
 and my internal anguish being too great to 
 bear, I fell on my knees, not intending to dis. 
 cover my emotion ; but my. proud purposes 
 were soon defeated : a long-suffering Jesus 
 delivered me from the snare of Satan. Many 
 hours I continued in an agony never before ex- 
 perienced. He who "hears prayer" listened to 
 my mournful cry. At two o'clock in the morning 
 the Sun of righteousness arose with healing in 
 his wings. My dungeon shook, my chains fell 
 off, and I cried, " Glory to. God." I was filled 
 with unutterable joy. " !" said I, 
 " If all the world my Jesus knew, 
 All the' world would love him too." 
 I would not part with the assurance I now pos- 
 sess, that God is my reconciled Father, for 
 ten thousand worlds. 
 
 Sept. 13, 1820. — The candle of the Lord 
 shines bright on my path. I have again been 
 worshipping in the consecrated grove. How 
 pleasant to be a week free from the cares of 
 this busy world. To me it appears to resemble 
 that happy region, 
 
 " Where congregations ne'er break up, 
 And Sabbaths never end." 
 
 Last summer my cup was filled ; now I want 
 
48 DIAHY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 it well shaken together. What I have hitherto 
 experienced I am aware is but a drop from the 
 ocean of redeeming mercy. 
 
 Aug. 7, 1821. — Another six days' work is 
 accomplished. On the morrow, if spared to 
 see it, may I be in the spirit. Without his 
 sacred influence my devotions will be as a dry 
 leaf. I mourn that my mind is wavering, tossed 
 with every wind of doctrine. Jesus, " pity my 
 unsettled soul; make me steadfast in the 
 faith." Suffer not the powers of darkness to 
 triumph over me : leave me not to my own un- 
 derstanding ; but guide me in the way ever 
 lasting. 
 
 August 8, 
 
 " How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend, 
 In hope of one that ne'er shall end." 
 
 O the privilege of meeting the dear children 
 of God at our Father's table ! I do not go to 
 the sacrament to tell Christ how good I am, but 
 to think how good he is to receive and pardon 
 so great a rebel. 
 
 August 12. 
 
 " Lord, if so poor a worm as I 
 Can to thy great glory live," 
 
 make me the instrument of persuading some 
 of my youthful charge in the Sunday school to 
 turn from their evil ways and live. 
 
 Aug. 19. — What a feast to retire a few mo- 
 ments from the crowd, and hold communion 
 with the Most High. Soon will the dream of 
 life be ended. This makes me cry out, 
 
DIAEY OF MISS BUNTING. 49 
 
 " I cannot, I cannot forbear 
 
 Thoss passionate longings for home ; 
 O when shall my spirit be there, 
 O when will the messenger came .'" 
 
 Aug. 20. — My nature does not like fasting, 
 but my soul on those occasions banquets on the 
 love of God. In my life there is not that sta- 
 bility that is attainable. Now is the time for a 
 total separation from the world. Nature and 
 grace struggle in my breast. Get thyself the 
 victory, O my Lord. 
 
 " Strange flames far from my heart remove, 
 Let every thought, word, act, be love. ,s 
 
 Aug. 25. — What conflicts with self do I 
 daily endure ! 
 
 " No cross, no suffering I decline, 
 Only let all my heart be thine." 
 
 It requires no small degree of grace to be a 
 Christian throughout. 
 
 Aug. 28. — At prayer meeting this evening I 
 was much blessed, and could scarcely refrain 
 from crying out, " Glory to God in the high- 
 est." I truly experienced that I am his child. 
 
 Aug. 29. — A day of peace and comfort to 
 my soul. 
 
 Aug. 30. — I want that power of love to 
 God and man that will never fail. I cannot 
 bear the idea of going to heaven alone. I la- 
 ment the infatuation of my fellow creatures. 
 They are bartering their immortal souls for 
 bubbles light as air. 
 
 Sept. 3. — How the sight of my own deformity 
 4 
 
50 DIASY OF MISS ETJNTIXG. 
 
 makes me shudder. I shrink into nothing at 
 the appearance of my inward -corruptions. 
 
 Sept. 20. — God's judgments are unsearch- 
 able, and his ways past rinding out. I am led 
 to wonder and adore that train of providences 
 (though some have appeared dark) which has 
 brought sister K,, cousin H., and myself to 
 dwell under the -same roof. May these unex- 
 pected favours lead me to a closer walk with 
 Him who has provided them. Spread, O Lord, 
 thy banner of love over us, and shield from all 
 impending harm. Enable us and our house- 
 hold to give thee an unreserved service. 
 Though we are members of different denomi- 
 nations, may it be said, " See how these Chris- 
 tians Zot-e." 
 
 July 20, 1822. — Spent some time con- 
 versing with my dear devoted cousin, Daniel 
 Ellis, on the blessed subject of entire sanctifi- 
 cation ; which of all others most interests me. 
 It is his opinion, that if I read Mr. Fletcher's 
 address to imperfect believers with prayer and 
 faith, I shall obtain the desire of my heart. 
 
 July 29. — Being alone I spent the afternoon 
 in spreading my case before the Most High, 
 and finished reading the above-mentioned ad- 
 dress. My mind is much enlightened, and my 
 views of this state Clearer. I have long and 
 ardently sought, but not found. My prayer to 
 the great Author of this good and perfect gift 
 is, that he would cleanse me from all sin. 
 
 July 30. — I could scarcely sleep through 
 the night ? my soul so panted for the carnal 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 51 
 
 mind to be destroyed. In this frame I wen 
 to a sunrise meeting, where my desires for this 
 were increased. On my return I retired to 
 prostrate myself before God. Where shall my 
 wondering soul begin to praise the riches of his 
 grace 1 Glory for ever, — glory to the name 
 of Jesus; — he met me and gave me to feel 
 and know that I was " clean through the word 
 he had spoken." For some time I was lost to 
 earthly things, and sweetly filled with a sense 
 of the awful presence of Jehovah. 
 
 " Let me no more in deep complaint, 
 ! My leanness, O my leanness,' cry." 
 
 Aug. 6. — I asked one whom I judged to be 
 an experienced Christian, and in whom I placed 
 the utmost confidence, if she considered it ex- 
 pedient openly to profess the blessing of sanc- 
 tification. It was her opinion that it was safer 
 to remain silent, as numbers had through un- 
 faithfulness lost it, and thereby dishonoured the 
 cause. Alas ! by a false humility, and distrust 
 of the power of God, I have forfeited this 
 inestimable, gift. 
 
 Elkton, October. — My mind during this 
 trying journey has been in a good degree 
 stayed on God. My gratitude should know 
 no bounds, that I find my beloved father still 
 alive. Magnifv thy mercy toward him, O mv 
 Lord! 
 
 This morning under a trial I was strength- 
 ened by reading the sixth chapter of Daniel. 
 Who is a God like unto our God ? I have 
 
52 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 found his grace suited to every situation and 
 condition of my life. My dear parent has so 
 far recovered as to be able to return to Phila- 
 delphia, where, with my dear sister and myself, 
 he will be at home. 
 
 April 7, 1823. — Since I last wrote, my poor 
 father has been gradually sinking toward the 
 silent grave. Yesterday I was much alarmed 
 by seeing him attacked with violent spasms 
 and pain ; but his mental sufferings far sur- 
 passed those of his body. Mr. Burch and Mr. 
 Bateman visited him this afternoon, and were 
 affected by his fervent cries for mercy. They 
 left him bathed in tears of humble contrition. 
 The idea of his leaving the shores of time 
 without a fitness for his passage, is very pain- 
 ful ; yea, I fear more than I can bear. 
 
 April 29. — To-day my dear parent has tossed 
 to and fro on his pillow with internal anguish. 
 Fortunately Mr. Burch called, and conversed, 
 and prayed with him. After he was gone, my 
 father lay very composedly, and told me he 
 felt his mind comforted. Bless God for this 
 little ray of Divine light. 
 
 Sunday, 4. — Passed this day in deep anxiety. 
 My father cannot linger long on these mortal 
 shores. I have been often at the mercy seat. 
 Cousin Ashby Wiggins, who engaged in prayer 
 for him, appeared to get into the presence 
 chamber of the Deity. 
 
 Monday, 5. — My poor father says tha't mercy 
 is his only plea : he tells me he does not pass 
 an hour without prayer to God. Mr. Allen 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 53 
 
 and Mrs. Latimer were with him this morning. 
 May their conversation be sanctified for his 
 good. 
 
 Monday, 12. — I never knew so fully the 
 value of religion as ?iow. The scripture has 
 been verified to me of late, which teaches that 
 when afflictions abound, consolations do also 
 much more abound. True, the anguish of 
 paiting with an only parent, so dear to my 
 heart, was very keen, and such as no tongue 
 can tell, or imagination paint. Nature could 
 not have sustained the shock, but for the sup- 
 ports of grace, and a strong hope that the prayer 
 of faith had availed with God. Need I weep 
 that he has dropped a body of pain and suffer- 
 ing, and left a world of grief and sin, to be 
 welcomed by angelic beings into that happy 
 countiy, where the inhabitants shall not say, I 
 am sick. 
 
 Thursday, 15. — God alone shall fill the 
 aching void occasioned by my late painful 
 bereavement. Cheering reflection, — I have 
 one whom I can still call by the endeared 
 name of Father. Yes ! he will walk with 
 me in the dreadful hour of dissolution. Death 
 hath no power to sever me from him, but will 
 rather bring me to the complete enjoyment of 
 his immediate presence. 
 
 " O what a mighty change 
 
 Shall Jesus' followers know, 
 While o'er the happy plains they range, 
 Incapable of wo 1" 
 
54 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Saturday, 17. — I had for seven months the 
 mournful satisfaction of attending my father, 
 and performing the last sad offices of filial af- 
 fection. Grant, almighty God, that this severe 
 stroke, and every other wave of trouble, may 
 waft my little bark nearer the port of bliss, I 
 feel satisfied that the Lord is "watching over 
 me, and that he does not willingly afflict or 
 grieve his children. 
 
 September 14. — I have just returned from 
 Crosswicks camp meeting. My ceaseless cry 
 to God was, while there, that he would " pity 
 my unsettled soul." Alas! I too often suffer 
 the things of this world to have my first con- 
 cern. O ! my Lord, urge me to follow on, un- 
 til I " steadfastly believe," and am made " every 
 whit whole." 
 
 " For this I '11 strive, for this I '11 pray, 
 For this I '11 wrestle night and day." 
 
 Nov. 18. — For some weeks I have been de- 
 tained from the public* means of grace by indis- 
 position, caused by a tumour on my head. Dr, 
 Phisick thinks I must submit to an operation 
 before my health can be restored. My Lord, 
 if it is thy will I cheerfully acquiesce. I ask 
 neither ease nor pain, but thy grace, the few 
 days and nights I may yet remain a sufferer 
 in this world. The prospect I have of joining 
 the redeemed on high in one eternal song of 
 praise, cheers my darkest hours. 
 
 January 11, 1824. — "And now, my soul, 
 another year of thy short life is gone" with 
 
DIARY OF MISS BtJNTlXG; 55 
 
 those beyond the flood. Multiplied indeed are 
 my causes of praise, love, and devotedness of 
 heart to God. I am bound to thank him for a 
 restoration' to health* Six years I have been 
 preserved from wilful transgression ; while too 
 many, who bid much fairer to obtain the king- 
 dom, have made shipwreck of their faith. I am 
 much dissatisfied with my present attainments; 
 I should ere this have obtained perfect sound: 
 ness, and been found walking in the narrowest 
 path in the narrow ivay. I begin this year with 
 new resolutions. I have long set apart Friday 
 as a day of fasting and prayer. I intend to be 1 
 more diligent in the use of this, and every other 
 means, 
 
 '•' Until I gain perfection's height, 
 The depth of humble love." 
 
 February 1. Sabbath evening. — For months 
 I have prayed for a greater discovery of my in- 
 ward corruptions. God heard and granted me 
 such a sight of my natural depravity, as almost 
 drove me to despair. The load for some days 
 was intolerable : God only knew my inward 
 suffering. I groaned, being burdened. This 
 morning I queried in my mind whether it would 
 not be presumption in me to approach the table 
 of a holy God. While I hesitated, those words 
 were sweetly applied, '" Cast thy burden upon 
 ^;he Lord, and he will sustain thee :" since 
 which I have felt a peace unknown before. 
 
 Feb. 13. — I am ready to conclude, from my 
 present enjoyment, that I am no' longer under 
 
56 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 the dominion of inbred sin ; but I do not as 
 yet possess the direct and abiding witness, such 
 as removes all doubt and fear. Nothing less 
 than such an evidence can satisfy the immense 
 desire of my soul. O when shall I reach the 
 object of my wishes ! 
 
 Feb. 15. — Heard this evening of the death 
 of a dear Christian friend, who joined class 
 soon after I did, and with whom I took sweet 
 counsel, and walked to the house of God in 
 company. She had much more the appearance 
 of health and length of days than myself; yet 
 I am left. 
 
 " Not greatly to discern, not much to know, 
 Mankind were born to wonder and adore." 
 
 March 7. — Since my last date I have felt 
 my desires after purity of heart and entire holi- 
 ness of life much increased. My views of 
 sanctification are so high, that I seem scarcely 
 at the threshold. 
 
 March 25. — A memorable day. It only 
 seems necessary to ask and receive. The 
 comforts of the Holy Ghost are neither few nor 
 small ; but I am taught the necessity of con- 
 stant watchfulness. 
 
 March 28. — Another week nearer my eter- 
 nal, happy home. " Fly swiftly round, ye 
 wheels of time." I long to quit this vale of 
 tears, and join with the myriads above in a 
 song of praise that will never end. The ser- 
 mons I have heard of late fill me with grati- 
 tude ; yet I am astonished at myself and others, 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 57 
 
 that we are not more holy. All other objects 
 sink into nothing compared with this one. I 
 long to prove the utmost power of transforming 
 grace. 
 
 April 2. Friday evening. — My body has 
 suffered from weakness to-day, occasioned by 
 fasting ; but my soul is happy in God. Visit- 
 ing the sick with dear Mrs. Wilkinson, a mother 
 in Israel, proved a precious season. This even- 
 ing heard Mr. Lindsey, from " Verily, verily, I 
 say unto you, Ask what ye will in my name, 
 and it shall be given you." I felt much of the 
 Divine presence. Should the Lord say to me 
 this moment, " What is thy petition ?" I would 
 quickly answer, " Give me holiness." Yes, — 
 
 " I feel a pleasing smart, 
 The meltings of a broken heart." 
 
 April 3. — Every day unfolds new beauties 
 and a greater loveliness in the religion of a 
 compassionate Saviour. I feel it is not a " cun- 
 ningly devised fable." 
 
 April 4. Sunday morning. — On my knees, 
 great God, I covenant afresh to be thine, and 
 only thine. Go with me to thy table, and 
 cause thy dying love to melt and purify my 
 heart. Several of my Christian friends have 
 stepped into the " liberty of the sons of God." 
 O ! that I could record at the close of this day 
 that the bitter root of sin is wholly extracted. 
 The corruption of my nature causes me more 
 misery than any outward trial I ever expe- 
 
58 DIARY OF MISS BUSTING. 
 
 rienced.* Evening.— ^Heard Mr. Pease from) 
 " My presence shall go with thee^" Lord, be 
 thou my leader and friend in every step ot' my 
 way. through this hostile world. I cannot 
 testify that I have obtained the pearl I so much 
 long for; but at the pool I wait until the trou- 
 bling of the waters. My God only knows the 
 cause of my feelings. I am like Noah's dove 
 which could not find rest for the soleof her foot. 
 
 " Jesus, the hinderance show, 
 Which I have fear'd to see ;" 
 
 and if I am seeking by the works of the law, 
 undeceive me speedily. 
 
 * The reader will have occasion to notice in several 
 places in the following diary, as well as in this, that 
 Miss Banting speaks of the " corruption of her na- 
 ture" after professing sanctification. This is not ac- 
 cording to strict theological propriety. In some cases 
 she appears to use this strong expression, " Corrup- 
 tion of nature," or the like, for those infirmities which 
 will be found to consist with freedom from moral cor- 
 ruption. It is not certain, however, that she had at 
 this period obtained entire sanctification. That she had 
 had a view of the blessing as offered in the Gospel, 
 and some special' manifestations of the love of God, 
 while her soul was drawn out for it, is quite clear. 
 And it is quite -natural, and somewhat common for 
 those who are earnestly seeking full sanctification, to 
 take the suspension of the motions of inbred sin for 
 deliverance from it. This was probably her state at 
 this time. But in the progress of the work of grace, 
 she obtained the abiding witness of the Holy Spirit, 
 that the blood of Christ had cleansed her from all 
 moral pollution ; and, under this influence, all the 
 fruits of the Spirit were matured in her breast for a 
 considerable time before her death. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 59 
 
 April 25. -r-My continual cry is, 
 
 * Show me the way I have not known, — 
 The heaven of loving .thee ajone." 
 
 Surely God is the only object worthy of my ado- 
 ration ! Often I detect my wayward heart dwell- 
 ing on forbidden objects. Heavenly Power' 
 strike a death blow to all the vain imaginations 
 and evil tempers that lurk within, and let me 
 know thee in the complete destruction of all 
 my spiritual foes. This inconstant world never 
 possessed fewer charms. True, I have every 
 earthly comfort that I can ask ; but without a 
 sense of the presence of my Lord, I never know 
 a joyful hour. — Parted with my dear cousin 
 Lydia, which was keenly felt. I long for that 
 country, where parting with near and dear 
 friends is no more. 
 
 May 2. — Aid me, holy Father, in the im- 
 portant duty of self-examination. Upon a 
 review of this day, I perceive my negligence. 
 While hearing Mr. Summerfield preach from 
 " Pray for the peace of Jerusalem :— they shall 
 prosper that love thee;" I determined to be 
 more diligent and fervent in my approaches to 
 the mercy seat. Alas!. on my return I found 
 my kindling ardours die. How much is still 
 within me contrary to pure love ! O, my God, 
 I know not what to do, but my eye is fixed on 
 thee! 
 
 May 18. — The chief object I have in view 
 is, with Divine aid, to make religion the prin- 
 cipal business of my life. I am convinced 
 very little else is worth a serious thought. 
 
60 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Daily occurrences remind me of the uncer- 
 tainty of all that is earthly. My beloved friend 
 and counsellor, Theodosia Petherbridge, has 
 found the rest I still toil to find, and is landed 
 in the arms of that God she so faithfully served. 
 
 that I could follow her as she followed 
 Christ ! Why I live is a mystery ; so unfit to 
 act my part as a useful member in the Church. 
 If I cannot do good, my aim shall be to do no 
 harm. Should not the death of one and an- 
 other of my friends give fresh vigour to my 
 soul, make life less pleasant, and heaven more 
 desirable ! 
 
 June 18. — Upon the broad and immovable 
 Rock, Christ Jesus, I build all my hopes of 
 present and future happiness. 
 
 " How can I sink with such a prop, 
 
 Who bears the world and all things up ?" 
 
 June 20. — I possess a confidence that my 
 treasure is in heaven. When I bear the cross 
 of my Master, hard things become easy, and 
 rough places smooth. I had infinite sweetness 
 in communion with my Saviour ; — believe he 
 is preparing me to change worlds. May I be 
 found in a waiting posture, ready to clap my 
 glad wings and soar away. 
 
 June 25. — My grand adversary has been 
 doing his utmost to entangle my weak mind 
 with vain speculations. At such seasons I en- 
 deavour to cast my burden on the Lord : then 
 
 1 can rest satisfied, nay, pleased to wait, until 
 my faith shall be swallowed up in vision. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 61 
 
 June 27. — Prostrate, and with my mouth in 
 the dust, would I adore my Father and God, 
 for the love, joy, peace, and strength I now 
 possess in him. 
 
 July 11. — Still feel bound for the kingdom 
 of immortal blessedness, and enjoy an unusual 
 calm, notwithstanding the cares of life are 
 more numerous than usual ; — feel I need some- 
 thing more than this empty world can afford, to 
 raise me above the melancholy of my natural 
 disposition. Numerous indeed are my spi- 
 ritual enemies : let me speedily know thee, 
 Lord, in their entire destruction. The rod of 
 pain has been laid on me of late, but it has 
 proved as a spur to deeper engaged ness. 
 
 July 12. — Much benefited by the company 
 of dear Ann Truman, who has lately obtained 
 the witness of perfect love. I listened with 
 eagerness to her simple, but clear relation of 
 the way by which she was put into the pos- 
 session of this pearl. Every power of my soul 
 and body is on stretch for this greatest of all 
 gifts. 
 
 July 15. — How few holy tempers dwell in 
 my breast ! Were I clothed with the righteous- 
 ness of Christ, my prayers would avail much. 
 My lukewarmness and coldness often bar hea- 
 ven against me. O that I might from this 
 hour stir up the gift of God within me, and that 
 the evidence of my being wholly the Lord's may 
 grow brighter every day ; and may I stretch for- 
 ward, through sunshine and darkness, toward the 
 mark for the prize of entire devotedness to God. 
 
62 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 July 29. — I shall be much exposed this 
 afternoon. I tremble lest the fear of man 
 should bring a snare. Lord, all my help must 
 come from thee ; for " what can earth and 
 ashes do ?" Reading a sermon of Mr. Wesley's 
 from, " We know in part," silenced many of 
 Satan's subtle reasonings in my breast. My 
 Father, God, — 
 
 " Lift up thy countenance serene, 
 And let thy happy child 
 Behold, without a cloud between, 
 The Godhead reconciled." 
 
 I feel an unusual panting after the whole 
 image and full enjoyment of God. Nothing 
 can hinder this work while the arm of Jehovah 
 is on my side. I put myself under his almighty 
 protection, and ardently pray to be settled and 
 established in the faith. 
 
 Aug. 14. — My heart is quite melted with 
 the goodness of God. I rejoice that my eyes 
 were ever blessed with beholding such won- 
 derful displays of Divine power as were mani- 
 fested in the silent grove. Had I an angel's 
 tongue, I could not fully paint the amazing 
 works of the Almighty. I went to this meet- 
 ing with a thirst to know more of God, Satan 
 used his utmost skill to depress me. For some 
 daj r s he was too successful. So great was tlv.3 
 view I had of my polluted nature, that I almost 
 lost the clear evidence I before had of justifi- 
 cation. With a sad heart I took my seat in 
 the congregation to hear Jacob Moore preach. 
 Xlis text was Rom. viii, 16, « The Spirit itself 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 63 
 
 beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the 
 children of God," &c. I wept freely, and be- 
 fore he concluded his sermon I regained my 
 former peace. With this blessing in one hand, 
 I reached with the other for full redemption. 
 
 On Sunday afternoon Dr. Dunn spoke from 
 1 Thess. v, 23, " And the very God of peace 
 sanctify you wholly," &c. The benches being 
 wet, owing to a shower of rain, I was under the 
 necessity of remaining in the tent. I feared 
 that the passing and repassing of the people 
 would dissipate my mind ; but my whole soul 
 was absorbed in the subject, and it did not dis- 
 turb me. On Monday at eight o'clock, a love- 
 feast was held. Such testimonies I scarcely 
 ever heard. After sermon the sacrament was 
 administered. Solemnity sat on every coun- 
 tenance. In the afternoon Dr. Dunn addressed 
 us from John vii, 37, "In the last day, that 
 great day of the feast, Jesus stood, and cried, 
 saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto 
 me and drink." I panted as the hunted roe 
 for the cooling water brook. It appeared as 
 though my heart would break with desire. He 
 told us that faith was simply taking God at his 
 word, and directed us to lay hold on the pro- 
 mises, and draw from the well of salvation, en. 
 tire]y emptying ourselves of self-righteousness, 
 that we might be rilled with the Spirit, the 
 living water in the text. I followed him with 
 almost breathless expectation, sitting motion- 
 jess, and feeling an $' awe that dared not move." 
 Satan suggested many obstacles, such as, "I** 
 
64 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 you obtain the blessing of sanctification, you 
 will soon lose it, and thereby dishonour God ," 
 with many others, too numerous to mention. 
 But I was not to be defeated by his artful in- 
 sinuations. At this juncture these words were 
 forcibly applied, " Believe that you receive 
 them, and ye shall have them." 
 
 With a mighty effort of faith I resolved in 
 hope against hope, self-desperate, to believe, 
 and leave the event with God. Immediately 
 heaven. born peace and love took possession of 
 my breast, and with the poet I cried, — 
 
 " Exults my rising soul, 
 Disburden'd of her load, 
 And swells unutterably full 
 Of glory and of God."* 
 
 The testimony of the Holy Spirit was still 
 as the midnight hour, but clear as the noonday 
 sun. The First Epistle of John iii, 20-24, 
 was powerfully applied to my case. On my 
 way home the enemy again met me, and in- 
 jected a variety of painful temptations, such as, 
 " You are going back to an alluring world, and 
 must face various trials. You cannot stand 
 long : even professors of religion will watch 
 over you for evil," &c. This, with a deep 
 sense of my own insufficiency, caused me to 
 cry mightily to God, and my fears were calmed 
 by this passage : " Who is this that cometh up 
 from the wilderness, leaning upon her Be- 
 loved r 
 
 * It was at this time that Miss B. received the wit. 
 ness of perfect love. 
 
DIAKY OF MISS HUNTING. 65 
 
 Aug. 20. — I went to my class to thank God 
 for his unspeakable gift, and openly avow be- 
 fore my brethren what had been wrought for 
 me. The adversary suggested that I should be 
 at a loss, and unable to express myself. Thank 
 God I felt no lack. I find that speaking of his 
 goodness strengthens my faith. Some little 
 fruit concurs in confirming me that what I have 
 of late experienced is no delusion. I begin 
 now more fully to realize what a life of entire 
 dependence on the sinner's only Friend is. I 
 dare not take thought for the morrow : a 
 piercing sense of my wants causes me to cry 
 unceasingly for aid. I enjoy constant commu- 
 nion with the Father and with his Son, Jesus 
 Christ. Unbelief is taken out of my heart, 
 and my soul feeds on angels' food. 
 
 " Nature's last agony is o'er, 
 And cruel sin subsists no more." 
 
 Aug. 29. — I possess great calmness of mind 
 to-day. Although domestic matters are more 
 confused than usual, they do not disturb me. 
 
 Sept. 12. — I sensibly feel that my will and 
 affections are fixed on God ; — he has no com- 
 petitor in my bosom. May I fully answer the 
 end of my creation and redemption. I clearly 
 discern that of myself I am nothing : self 
 seems annihilated, — so true is it that grace 
 alone can humble the soul. 
 
 Sept. 30. — I have glorious discoveries of 
 the grand provision made in the new covenant 
 for the complete salvation of the soul. At 
 
 5 
 
60 DIA11Y' OF MISS RUSTING. 
 
 times I can scarcely discern between tempta- 
 tion and sin ; but by carrying my case imme- 
 diately before the Lord, by earnest, agonizing 
 prayer, light emanates from above, and makes 
 the path of duty plain. 
 
 Oct. 14. — My soul is rilled with such faith 
 as I never had before. I eat the bread of 
 heaven ; and when my inward foes rise up as 
 a host against me, I simply cast my iniquities 
 into the abyss of redeeming mercy, and pre- 
 serve an inviolable peace. 
 
 " O love Divine, how sweet thou art ! 
 How cheering is thy ray *" 
 
 Oct. 28. — How am I humbled by one very 
 dear, who will not receive my testimony ! 
 She insinuates that every transgression of the 
 Adamic law is sin ; supposing that Christian 
 perfection consists in freedom from ignorance, 
 mistakes, and various infirmities. I can ap- 
 peal to God, that I wish no one to think I am 
 free from sin. I am aware I neither love him 
 or my neighbour as J ought, or as I hope I 
 shall. All mankind could not persuade me 
 that the bitterness of the carnal mind is not 
 extirpated, or that sin, properly speaking, reigns 
 in my mortal body. 
 
 44 Jesus' blood has cleansed my ucunds : 
 O the wondrous story ! 
 I was lost, but now I 'm found, 
 Qi° r y» glory, glory." 
 
 Nov, 1Q,— Although I am convinced of my 
 own weakness, yet I feel no hesitancy in saying 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 67 
 
 the clamour of self is gone : my feet are on a 
 Rock that never can be shaken. The effica- 
 cious blood of the atonement has set me free 
 from the law of sin and death ! 
 
 Dec. 20. — None but God has known what 
 I for some time have had to pass through. In- 
 deed, my suffering of soul has been so great, 
 as nearly to unfit me for attention to my tem- 
 poral concerns. My complaint is an affection 
 of the nerves. Lowness of spirits, and at 
 times great depression, have called every grace 
 into action. I can with propriety say uncom- 
 mon heaviness has been my portion, owing to 
 numberless temptations ; yet through all I have 
 felt no condemnation ; my confidence in God 
 has been firm. I am deeply oppressed with a 
 fear that I am not approved in the sight of my 
 Divine Master, because I do not rejoice ever- 
 more : pray J do without ceasing. 
 
 Crosswicks, Dec. 28. — Hither the Lord hath 
 brought me by his supporting grace. I am 
 mercifully kept from sinking into discourage- 
 ment. Though weak in body, and still desti- 
 tute of joy, my soul has peace; and if compe- 
 tent to judge, I am more desirous to glorify 
 God, by living according to his will, than being 
 delivered from my trials. 
 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1825. — God was with 
 me on my going out and coming in. He is 
 much better to me than my foolish fears. My 
 journey has been a benefit to my health. I 
 would, if consistent, pray for my former health 
 and vigour ; but if it be more needful for me 
 
69 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 to linger out a life of pain, thy will, O God, be 
 done ! Five months past I have enjoyed a 
 glorious liberty through believing. God has 
 the sole possession of my willing heart. Many 
 nights I have been so filled with love, that 
 sleep has forsaken my eyes. What solid bliss, 
 to know God dwells in my heart, and feel he 
 ruleth my will, my affections, my tempers, and 
 desires. I thank him for preventing me by an 
 application of this passage : — " Touch not, 
 handle not," — from going with the multitude 
 to view the parade that escorted our respected 
 General Lafayette into the city. I grant that 
 he should live in the heart of every true Ame. 
 rican ; but I dislike so much show. 
 
 Mary Morris, who has long been a sufferer, 
 has fled to her eternal rest. I passed several 
 solemn, profitable nights, watching by her 
 dying pillow. Not a cloud obscured her sky. 
 Her last words to me were, " God bless you." 
 These amply repaid me for all my toil. 
 
 Feb. 10.— ^Visited one of my Sabbath scho- 
 lars who is sick, and felt liberty in reproving 
 hsr parents for selling on the Lord's day. Her 
 mother was affected to tears. I went from thence 
 to see M. P., a poor young creature who has 
 unhappily wandered from the path of virtue. I 
 believe her end is very near ; but the indiffer- 
 ence she manifests respecting her eternal inte- 
 rest is truly affecting. I attempted to pray 
 with her, but found no access. Lord, tear 
 away the veil from her eyes. 
 
 Feb. 18. — The desires of mv heart are en- 
 
DIARY OF MISS HUNTING. 69 
 
 larged to be filled with all the fruits of right- 
 eousness. At lovefeast this evening I was re- 
 freshed by hearing from Mr. Lybrand, that 
 from side to side of Lancaster circuit there is 
 a general inquiry among the people. Along 
 the banks of the rivers, on the mountains, and 
 in the valleys, the God of power is manifesting 
 himself in the conviction and conversion of 
 multitudes. May victory succeed victory, un- 
 til all nations shall speak one language, and 
 every heart become the abode of God. I feel 
 very importunate for my Sunday class. The 
 advanced age of several of the girls requires 
 their dismissal ; and must ?,, after all, see them 
 leave the school without a change of heart 1 
 Surely they will be overcome by the fascina- 
 tions of this showy, deceitful world. My soul 
 is in an agony for them. 
 
 Feb. 20. — This is the last week my dear 
 sister Kitty will call this house her home. O 
 that Heaven's richest blessings may attend the 
 contemplated union ! I believe it is directed 
 by God. It is no small trial to part with her. 
 She has ever acted a mother's part toward me. 
 The Lord has removed my father to another 
 world : now he calls for another sacrifice. As 
 my creature comforts fail, I will take Jesus as 
 my all-sufficient Friend. Let me lean on thy 
 breast, my beloved Lord, and keep me in thy 
 bosom. 
 
 Feb. 22. — Felt my mind drawn out in prayer 
 for one who is earnestly looking where she may 
 find her Lord. One of my Sabbath scholars 
 
70 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 also carrie on Thursday last to request the 
 privilege of attending class. Is not this omi- 
 nous of some good 1 
 
 Feb. 25.-^Last evening my dear sister Was 
 solemnly united with H. D. Haven, a young 
 man who fears and loves God. May their 
 union tend to a yet closer union with the great 
 Giver of all blessings. I must confess a more 
 private wedding would have been more conso- 
 nant with my views and feelings. For some 
 time I was unavoidably in a bustle ; but, thank 
 God, it has been an outward one : my heart 
 did not partake of it. 
 
 " Calm on tumult's wheel I sit, 
 'Midst busy multitudes, alone." 
 
 This evening I broke through all difficulties 
 to attend lovefeast at the academy. My body 
 being quite worn down with fatigue, I did not 
 calculate on enjoying it. Out of weakness 
 surely I was made strong ; — had such a mani- 
 festation of Divine love as almost overpowered 
 the faculties of nature ; — was enabled to bear 
 a public testimony of the goodness of my God. 
 I am now in possession of a long desired pri- 
 vilege, — a chamber to myself, in the silence of 
 which I can devote myself, with all my powers, 
 more exclusively to the Lord. 
 
 March 6. — Went out this afternoon with 
 the intention of visiting M. P. ; but, alas ! 
 she was no more ! I shall not say what I felt : 
 my painful feelings cannot be expressed. It 
 was an awful event. She has gone, for ever 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING « 7l 
 
 gone, into the world of spirits, to appear before 
 the all-knowing God. How very different 
 were my feelings afterward, when conversing 
 and praying, with two pious, though severely 
 afflicted widows : the contrast soothed my mind 
 into a pleasing calm. I long for a yet larger 
 measure of the mind of Christ. 
 
 March 7. — -Have just received the intelli- 
 gence of the death of Mrs. L. Wilkinson. Dear 
 saint ! she has gone to better company, who 
 wait for her above. The last words she ut- 
 tered were, " I have fought the good fight ; I 
 have finished my course ; I have kept the 
 faith ;" and I do know " there is laid up for me 
 a crown of glory, glory, glory!" Never did 
 the veil which hides the blessedness of eternity 
 from my view, seem so thin as at this moment. 
 No doubt sister Oliver's spirit, which landed 
 on the shores of Canaan a short time before, 
 hailed with joy her arrival. O when shall I 
 get within the enclosures of the New Jerusa- 
 lem, and for ever gaze on the perfections of 
 the Deity ! 
 
 March 10. — When I contemplate the power 
 and glory of the mighty Jehovah, I shrink back 
 into my own nothingness. He is the being 
 whose " centre is everywhere, and whose cir- 
 cumference nowhere." May I constantly 
 realize his awful presence, and walk as under 
 his all-seeing eye. 
 
 March 14. — I feel much shame before the 
 Lord for my sins of omission. Jesus is my 
 hiding place, and — 
 
72 DIAKY OF MISS 15UNTING, 
 
 " Fully absolved through him I am, 
 From guilt and fear, from sin and shame." 
 
 When lie is near, all things please and delight 
 me : but if he be absent, all becomes disgust- 
 ing. Communion with such a Friend is heaven 
 on earth. 
 
 " Naught but the fountain head above 
 Can satisfy my thirst of love." 
 
 March 20. — If acquainted with my own 
 heart, I am advancing in Divine knowledge, 
 and daily pursuing after greater degrees of ho- 
 liness. I can revert to the period when the 
 fear of death, Satan, the cross, &c, greatly dis- 
 tressed me. I have now a portion of love that 
 casts out slavish fear, and feel constantly happy 
 in the enjoyment of the Divine favour. 
 
 While God is my Friend, pain and affliction 
 will be pressed into my service. " Frost can 
 warm, or fire cool." I want a living principle 
 of love to actuate all my performances, that I 
 may not foolishly catch at the straws of my 
 own works, or lean on the broken reed of my 
 own righteousness. 
 
 March 25. — Heard Mr. White preach from, 
 " One thing have I desired of the Lord, that 
 will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house 
 of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold 
 the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his 
 holy temple." To which my soul replies, 
 Amen. 
 
 April 1. — Every day lays me under renewed 
 obligations to love and serve God. When I 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 73 
 
 consider my privileges, I am fearful my attain- 
 ments are not proportionate. I feel myself but 
 a dwarf in Christian experience. Our respected 
 father Wilmer, one of the first Methodists in 
 America, and upward of fifty years leader of a 
 class, of which my dear grandmother Rudolph 
 was a member, has gone to his long desired 
 home. During his painful illness he maintained 
 a solid peace; and in time of excruciating 
 suffering affirmed, with emphasis, " Religion is 
 true ; and if this be death, there is no pain in 
 dying." To the Rev. J. Easborn he said he 
 could " almost see the spires of the New Je- 
 rusalem." 
 
 April 3. — "Lord, thou preparest a table 
 before me in the presence of my enemies ; 
 thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup run- 
 neth over." — Partook of the emblems of dying 
 mercy ; — love unspeakable filled my soul. The 
 following words of Mr. Fletcher have been the 
 subject of my serious contemplation : — " Be- 
 hold the man" — <; Jesus rested his infant 
 head on hay, and his dying head on thorns : a 
 manger was his cradle, and a cross his death- 
 bed." Surely such amazing condescension 
 demands my heart, my life, my all. Grant, O 
 my Lord, that my soul may be as a " garden 
 enclosed to all but thee." 
 
 April 10. — This solemn passage has borne 
 with weight on my mind : " Let us therefore 
 fear, lest a promise being left us of entering 
 into his rest, any of you should seem to come 
 short of it." Heard of the unexpected death 
 
74 DIAKY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 of a relation, who was cut down in the bloom 
 of youth. My fears are awake, lest my natu- 
 ral timidity deterred me from visiting, and 
 faithfully warning her of her state. May this 
 be a lesson for me in future. My enemies 
 have stood in array against me. A sense of 
 my remissness fills me with shame : I would 
 rather die than offend my gracious God. 
 
 Encouraged this afternoon in meeting my 
 Sabbath scholars. Several of them appear 
 deeply impressed. 
 
 April 11. — I have felt much relief from the 
 information I have just received, that my dear 
 cousin, for whom I was so much distressed, 
 died in the Lord. 
 
 Crosswicks, April 31. — Aid, Holy Spirit, in 
 the important duty of self-examination. I have 
 been induced to quit my home, with the hope 
 of improving my health. Meeting dear friends 
 is highly gratifying; but I should not feel 
 justified in leaving my home merely for my 
 own pleasure. I desire to be more weaned 
 from persons, places, and things. I know that 
 my Beloved is mine, and that I am his. 
 
 *« O Jesus, nothing may I see ; 
 Nothing hear, feel, or think, but thee." 
 
 New- York, May 6. — Since I came to this 
 place God has been eminently near. The 
 name of Jesus sounds most delightfully in my 
 ear. I possess a heaven-born peace in my 
 soul, of which I would not be deprived for the 
 universe. Glory, glory to God in the highest. 
 
MARY OF MISS BUNTING. 75 
 
 May 9. — I have for some time been de- 
 prived of the means of grace. Went this 
 morning to the John-street church, hungry for 
 the word of life ; — was fed and strengthened 
 
 by hearing Mr. from Hebrews, " That 
 
 ye be not slothful, but followers of them who 
 through faith and patience inherit the pro- 
 mises." I felt hearty contrition for my cold- 
 ness, and promised in the strength of my 
 covenant-keeping God to use in future all the 
 circumspection and self-denial the Gospel 
 requires. 
 
 This evening had to appear rude rather than 
 spend the time in company. I had rather 
 appear singular than offend God by deviating 
 in a single point. 
 
 " O that my tender soul might fly 
 The first abhorr'd approach of ill." 
 
 May 11. — I met in spirit with my dear 
 bandmates, who assemble in Philadelphia at 
 this hour. How pleasant is Christian union ! 
 Just returned from Mr. Jewett's class ; — 
 felt much united with the dear people. An 
 overwhelming sense of the presence of God 
 was among us. I was pleased with Mr. 
 Jewett's manner : he reminded me of Mr. 
 Bramwell ; — short, but very comprehensive. 
 He spoke of a sister Banker, who had been a 
 member of society eleven years ; and though 
 her walk was very consistent, the enemy of 
 souls had so much the advantage of her, as to 
 prevent her from enjoying the direct witness 
 
76 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 of the Spirit ; but when she came to die, her 
 testimony was, that she " felt as pure as though 
 she had never sinned." 
 
 May 12. — Was at a private meeting held in 
 the house of Mrs. Dando, who has long been 
 a prisoner through bodily affliction. Mr. Jew- 
 ett related a dream which had afforded him 
 great comfort in a time of severe temptation. 
 He imagined he saw a tall tree with thick 
 foilage at the top, and a vine twining itself 
 around the body. " Now, my doubting sister," 
 said he, " though your faith be no thicker than 
 a thread, let it twine closely round Christ, and 
 you can have nothing to fear." The language 
 of my heart was, " Lord, give me faith, with 
 faith's increase." 
 
 May 13. — Had a clearer view of God's ful- 
 ness, and my own emptiness, at Mr. Paradise's 
 class this afternoon. 
 
 May 14. — At Mr. Waldo's meeting this 
 evening ; — not altogether pleased with him. 
 I fear a wrong spirit has crept in among some 
 of this people. They speak too lightly of the 
 ministry. Lord save them from delusion and 
 apostasy.* 
 
 May 15. Sabbath. — Rose this morning at 
 four o'clock, to attend a meeting held in the 
 
 * This is a very judicious remark of Miss Bunting, 
 and shows the soundness of her judgment, as well as 
 the depth of her piety. It is pride and delusion which 
 leads to contempt of the authorized ministers of 
 Christ ; and hero apostasy generally has its origin. 
 Tliis the history of the Church abundantly confirms. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 77 
 
 form of a lovefeast, at a class room in For. 
 syth-street. I never heard so many witnesses, 
 and such noble testimonies for perfect love. 
 I exult to find this doctrine so fully believed 
 by my brethren and sisters in New- York. 
 Cod grant a general inquiry may be made for 
 it throughout the world of professing Chris- 
 tians. I am cheered to find several of my 
 Presbyterian friends living in the enjoyment 
 of it. Sat with great delight to-day, and heard 
 Mr. Chase, Mr. Sandford, and Mr. Nichols 
 preach the word of life. I view before me an 
 ocean of love, which has neither bottom nor 
 shore. 
 
 Rahway, (N. J.,) May 19. — Came here 
 yesterday ; — spent most of this afternoon pro- 
 fitably conversing with my dear cousin D. on 
 the deep things of God. Had a pleasant time 
 in the evening at cousin Ashby's class, while 
 listening to the simple, though clear and feel, 
 ing details of the dear people. I feel that my 
 visit to New-York has not been altogether in 
 vain. I sec nothing so desirable as holiness. 
 I wish to be free from all else, that Christ may 
 be all in all. I would not be found a moment 
 from his side, as I am only safe while there. 
 To get ready to die is my chief concern. O 
 for a fitness, that when the summons is sent> I 
 may say with joy, " Lord, I come /" 
 
 Crosswicks, May 22. — Since I wrote last I 
 have met with a severe trial, and am still labour- 
 ing under it ; yet, with the psalmist, I can say, 
 ** Blessed be the Lord God, who daily crown. 
 
78 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 eth and loadeth me with benefits." My mind 
 is in a comfortable frame, and my prospects 
 of eternal happiness are brightening. The 
 country also looks charmingly since the re- 
 viving rain. Sweet are its smiles; and all 
 seems peace. I am waked every morning by 
 the warbling of the feathered songsters, who 
 
 " Praise their Maker all they can, 
 And shame the silent tongue of man." 
 
 I have enjoyed many solitary walks. Na- 
 ture never appeared half so lovely ! How I 
 enjoy this relaxation ! What a privilege to be 
 far away from the busy haunts of men, with 
 my mind calm, and free from the vexing cares 
 of a city life ! The stillness that surrounds 
 me soothes my mind into a pleasing melan- 
 choly. 
 
 " I feel not now my bosom bleed, 
 
 Nor yet. that some things o'er me press ; 
 For O, religion ! thou indeed 
 
 Art love, and peace, and happiness." 
 
 Philadelphia, May 29. — My heart is pene- 
 trated with the goodness and love of God in 
 bringing me in safety to my residence, Ho 
 has defeated my expectations with regard to 
 my health. I return much worse than I 
 went. For several days I have raised blood in 
 coughing. I trust in the God of my salvation, 
 " for unto him belong the issues from death." 
 Abundantly more do I enjoy the consolations 
 and sufficiency of grace when at home, than 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 79 
 
 when travelling, visiting, &c. I only live to 
 know my adored Father's will, and glorify him 
 by suffering as well as doing. I sometimes 
 wonder why I feel such an intense desire to be 
 employed, without either power of body or 
 mind, or any qualification for the great work. 
 
 June 12. — " A father of the fatherless is 
 God in his holy habitation." Yes, he is with 
 his orphan child, and enables her to bear pain 
 as she never did before, and cheers her weary 
 spirit with a lively hope of, ere long, being 
 released from the shackles of mortality, and 
 brought for ever to bask in the fruition of his 
 boundless and eternal love. 
 
 June 21. — I feel as a moth in the mighty 
 hand of Him who rideth upon the heavens. 
 He shows me my weakness, but leaves me not 
 to contend with my foes alone. May I lose 
 nothing in this furnace but the dross of nature. 
 I long to be more conformed to Christ, to be 
 enabled to follow the great Sufferer, and re- 
 joice to be counted worthy to suffer with him, 
 that finally I may, f* free from pain, his glory 
 sing." 
 
 June 30. — Earthly vanities are not only 
 tasteless but irksome. My infirm constitu- 
 tion admonishes me not to expect long life. 
 I would regard each day as a reprieve from 
 .death, and have my conversation and my heart 
 in heaven. I have but one object in view, 
 which is to honour God in my body and spirit, 
 which are his, and only his. My good actions, 
 if any I perform, are very imperfect ; but as 
 
80 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " mere indifference to good is evil," I would 
 have every power and faculty occupied in the 
 cause of my Divine Saviour. 
 
 July 1. — Disappointment and pain make up 
 the sum of my earthly portion ; " but my feet 
 stand in an even place." I trust in God. and 
 am helped. O for more simplicity, and to be 
 filled with love to the Most High ! I firmly 
 believe Jesus is preparing a mansion for me 
 in a land where I shall experience no change, 
 except from one dergee of glory into another. 
 When shall I be released from every infirmity, 
 that I may enjoy my God without interruption 
 in that region where tears shall be wiped from 
 off all faces 1 
 
 " O were I enter'd there, 
 
 To perfect heaven restored ; 
 
 O were I novj caught up to share 
 
 The triumph of my Lord !" 
 
 July 2. — Our dear Summerfield has at length 
 landed on the peaceful shores where the storms 
 of trouble never beat. Long and keenly did 
 he feel the chastening hand of the Almighty. 
 Yes, one of the most glorious lights God hath 
 bestowed upon his Church, is gone ! — cut 
 down in the flower of his age by the relentless 
 hand of death! I am led to adore this myste- 
 rious Providence, and must acknowledge, — 
 " Through clouds and darkness are round about 
 him, yet justice and truth are the habitation of 
 his throne." But who now shall strengthen 
 our hands in this wearv land of shadows ? But 
 
DIAUY 01 MISS BUNTIXG. 81 
 
 I am silenced by the voice of Him who says, 
 " Shall I not do what I will with my own ?" 
 Summer field did not sleep as do others. Di- 
 vine love and benevolence for his wretched 
 fellow creatures burned upon the altar of his 
 devout heart. I never knew one possessed of 
 equal qualifications to advance the cause of 
 God. He did honour to it by his abundant 
 labours. May his mantle fall on our young 
 Elishas ! 
 
 I would bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving to 
 God that I am still alive in a dying world. I 
 wish so to order my life, that I may say with 
 one, " I am ready to die, but willing to live." 
 Many, this excessively warm weather, have 
 had to obey a hasty call, A few doors from 
 our dwelling the summons was sent to a man 
 and his wife in one short week. 
 
 " O lime,— than gold more precious." 
 
 Hilton, July 5. — This day I have completed 
 my twenty-fourth year. I am led to wonder at 
 the mercies of God, which have followed me 
 from my cradle. I expect they will continue 
 with me to my tomb. 
 
 I realize that time with me is on the wing. 
 Lord, enable me duly to prize and weigh each 
 hour. I know " that life is long which answers 
 life's great end." 
 
 Philadelphia, July 10. — My heart is filled 
 
 with sorrow, hearing the mournful news of my 
 
 cousin Daniels severe illness. Lord, support 
 
 his dear sister on her hasty journey. Froia 
 
 6 
 
82 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 our early days Daniel and myself have been 
 much united. There is but a few weeks' dif- 
 ference in our ages. We commenced the 
 Christian course nearly together, and perfectly 
 coincided in sentiment. Yes, he was " lovely 
 in life," and I feel that if he is now to be torn 
 away, that in " death we shall not be divided." 
 Our friendship will only consummate in eter- 
 nity. 
 
 I spent last week profitably at Hilton : am 
 beter in body since my return. God's will is 
 blessed ; and whether it be for or against me, 
 I receive it all as from his hand. Owing to 
 the weakness of my body, I cannot use as 
 much self-denial as in time past. I pray that 
 I may be saved from inactivity and needless 
 self-indulgence. Lord, guide me, and let thy 
 glory be my constant aim. 
 
 Three girls of my Sunday school class have 
 been promoted as teachers. I have a godly 
 jealousy over them, and desire they should 
 feel their awful responsibility. I begin to hope 
 the labour of six years will not be altogether 
 in vain. 
 
 July 12. — I more fully realize that time is 
 receding, and eternity is heaving in view. My 
 beloved cousin, Daniel Ellis, on Sunday last, 
 (July 10,) at four o'clock, exchanged a state 
 of suffering for a peaceful immortality. His 
 dying moments were not those of ecstatic joy, 
 but calm and serene as summer evenings are. 
 Perhaps some, on viewing him cut down in the 
 bloom of youth and usefulness, and snatched 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 83 
 
 from the fond embrace of an amiable wife and 
 lovely babe, may be inclined to say, " How 
 sad !" But I adore the goodness of God in 
 calling him so early to his glory. Daniel 
 laboured faithfully for that which endureth unto 
 eternal life. God set him to work ; and shall 
 he not when he please call him away, and give 
 him his hire ? All his toils are now ended : 
 he has bid adieu to this passing world, and is 
 now enjoying the delights of heaven, seeing 
 things that have never entered into the heart 
 of man, and which in this life are impossible 
 to be conceived. My soul exults in the pros- 
 pect of soon joining him in the skies. I feel 
 as a stranger in a weary land, restless, and 
 sighing for a better inheritance. 
 
 July 21. — Notwithstanding my unworthi- 
 ness, God deigned to visit me in band to- 
 night. One of my dear sisters has been for 
 some weeks under a cloud. May it speedily 
 burst in blessings on her head. I long for 
 a life of entire devotion to God, and to be 
 constantly employed in his service. I dare 
 not stop to play with bubbles, while souls, 
 bought with the price of a Redeemer's blood, 
 are perishing. True, my sphere of usefulness 
 is very limited ; yet God will not despise the 
 clay of small things. If I cannot perform great 
 achievements, yet I may be found often in 
 secret places, wrestling for Zion's prosperity. 
 I would press through summer's heat and win- 
 ter's cold, knowing that when the world's short 
 week of toil is o'er, my reward will be glo- 
 
84 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 rious. When I contemplate the felicities of 
 heaven, I am ready to say, — 
 
 " When shall I sse my Father's face, 
 And in his bosom rest ?" 
 
 July 24. — I desire to be ever on the wing, 
 and watch, saying, " Here am I, Lord ; send 
 me where thou wilt." — Rode twenty miles to- 
 day, to Miss Pepper's Sabbath school. Verified 
 the truth of this promise, " They that water, 
 shall be watered." Rev. Joseph Pilmoor is 
 lodged in the garner above. His memory 
 failed on all points but the subject of religion. 
 This he was ever alive to. Nearly all the ve- 
 terans of Mr. Wesley's time have gone to meet 
 him, doubtless in the paradise of God. — This 
 evening every feeling, every pulse of my heart, 
 is peace. 
 
 July 31. — I am not left to guess at the evi- 
 dences of God's holy religion. The light of 
 the Spirit will be imparted, not only as it 
 respects justification, but sanctification. 
 
 Aug. 15. — Let me lose sight of self and 
 self-dependence, that Christ may be all in all. 
 Much devolves upon me. I have no strength 
 of my own. I lean upon Jesus, and am only 
 mighty in his might. 
 
 Martha Boyl, instead of being in excruciating 
 pain, is now enjoying the blissful realities of 
 heaven ! A short time before her dissolution 
 she started from a long silence, and said to her 
 '.weeping friends, " I have not- been with you. 
 A view of heaven and glory has been revealed ;" 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 85 
 
 and then ceased speaking for ever. In lovefeast 
 this evening it seemed as if her spirit was near. 
 
 Aug. 20. — Sweet communion my soul has 
 this hour enjoyed with the Father of spirits. 
 The calm of evening fits the mind for contem- 
 plation. How are the closing hours of each 
 day calculated to warn me of the approach of 
 the awful night of the grave ! Yet I look for- 
 ward with joy to the period when I shall quit 
 this state of trial, and lay this feeble body in 
 the narrow house of the dead, in the full and 
 certain hope of a joyful resurrection. O then, 
 thrice welcome the shadows of the evening, 
 and the darkness of the tomb, for they are but 
 the way to the realms of eternal glory. 
 
 Aug. 21. — How good is the Lord, after 
 such a distressing drought, to bless the earth 
 with nearly a week's rain. — I have been very 
 much secluded, and had but little society of 
 late ; but God is with me in all I do : no me- 
 lancholy void is left in rny days. " How oft 
 I look to the heavenly hills," where I expect 
 to meet with those I have loved and lost below. 
 This morning being inclement, I was at a loss 
 to know the path in which to walk : however, 
 I ventured to the sanctuary, and my hungry 
 soul was filled with good things. I believe 
 Mr. Pease is sent of God among us. His dis- 
 course was from Acts ix, 31. I am striving 
 to walk in the fear of the Lord. I possess 
 much comfort in the Holy Ghost : — had ac- 
 cess to the throne of grace, praying for the 
 conversion of sinners, 
 
86 
 
 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Aug. 30. — One year the Lord has had the 
 entire possession of my heart. I strive to live 
 each moment as seeing Him who is invisible. 
 Jesus gladdens me daily with his love. I am 
 relieved from all servile fear, and death is 
 robbed of its terrors. I can shake hands with 
 it as with my friend. I have just returned 
 from worshipping again in the pleasant woods 
 of Gloucester. It was as last year, and much 
 more abundant. Surely God was there. 
 
 Sept. 2. — I am induced to continue my jour- 
 nal with the hope of correcting my life. 
 
 There is an appearance of a revival of the 
 work of God in the Union charge. I never 
 witnessed such a feast of love in the dear 
 church to which I belong, as we were favoured 
 with this evening. I believe the people could 
 have spoken in quick succession the whole 
 night. I trust that those gracious drops are 
 the prelude of a glorious shower. 
 
 Sept. 10. — Since my return from the conse- 
 crated grove my spiritual appetite has had a 
 keener edge. Sister K. is ill with the inter- 
 mittent. While attending beside her pillow, 
 and variously occupied, my soul is ascending 
 heavenward in never ceasing prayer for the 
 spirit of sacrifice and entire dedication to the 
 exalted Sovereign of my heart. I desire that 
 God may guide my doubtful footsteps aright as 
 it respects changing my residence. 
 
 I woke this morning at break of day, with a 
 heart breathing after complete conformity to 
 the image of God. Went to sunrise meeting. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 87 
 
 Dr. 's subject was, God's command to 
 
 Abraham, " Walk before me, and be thou per- 
 fect." O for an abiding sense of the pre- 
 sence of the Almighty ! Then should I be 
 solemn as the grave, and serious as eternity. 
 I love, as Mrs. Dunn says, to "contemplate 
 the unabbreviated word, God !" What may I 
 not expect from an almighty Being, who is 
 ever gracious ] I will venture to pour out all 
 my wants before him, until I am lost in the 
 ocean of his love. Dr. Sargent gave a most 
 energetic sermon from, " Remember Lot's wife." 
 I know not why, but I could with difficulty ex- 
 press my feelings, to witness the apathy of 
 poor sinners. 
 
 Sept. 18.— There are still intimations of a 
 merciful visitation to this highly favoured city. 
 My heart is much elated by witnessing the 
 clear and happy conversion of S. Barton and 
 D. Welsh.* Despair and agony were depicted 
 in their countenances uncil the blessed Re- 
 deemer whispered, " Go in peace, and sin no 
 more." The fervour of their gratitude to God, 
 and the simplicity of their thanks for the feeble 
 instruction I had given them in school, filled 
 my soul with grateful praise. Several more of 
 my class of Sunday scholars are groaning un- 
 der the cruel bondage of sin. Lord, speedily 
 liberate them, and fully qualify them to fill the 
 place of teachers in the school when we who 
 are thus employed are laid in the dust. 
 
 Sept. 25. — Let me here record the kindness 
 * Two of her Sabbath school children. 
 
88 DIARY OF MJSS BUNTIXG. 
 
 of the God of love to another of the dear girls. 
 The balm of the Gospel, the cordial of Divine 
 grace, has cheered the heart of E. A. Taylor. 
 Her mother was a devoted class mate of mine. 
 How pleasing to see her precious child fill the 
 void (in the same class) which was made by 
 her death. Light from heaven is shining into 
 the minds of many who have long turned a deaf 
 ear to the calls of mercy. Last Tuesday eve- 
 ning fifty professed to be seeking a change of 
 heart. O Jesus, let thy dovelike Spirit con- 
 tinue to brood over us. In private I wrestled 
 in an agony for an entire death to self. The 
 language of my heart is, — 
 
 " Only God content to know 
 Ignorant of all below." 
 
 I feel -there is danger of yielding to discou- 
 ragement at the sight of my numberless foibles. 
 Christ is my fortress : in him would I take up 
 my abode for ever. 
 
 Oct. 8. — Here I would raise my ebcriezer, and 
 praise God for placing me so comfortably under 
 the same roof with my dear sister. Surely I 
 have heard the inward voice of the Holy Spirit 
 in this removal, saying, "This is the way ; walk 
 thou in it." After a day of excessive fatigue, I 
 went to Salem lovefeast. How unexpectedly 
 Jesus met me, and poured the consolating 
 streams of mercy into my drooping soul. 
 Scores of sinners at the altar. S. Norton pro- 
 fesses to have obtained the pardon of her trans- 
 gressions. Knowing her disposition, I am led 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 89 
 
 to pray that she may stand fast. Surely I 
 may ask in faith for the conversion of all my 
 class of girls. For some weeks have of neces- 
 sity been much occupied with temporal con- 
 cerns, but they have not moved me : rather they 
 have had a tendency to draw me more closely 
 to Jesus. 
 
 Sunday, Oct. 30. — Left my pillow ere the 
 day dawned, to engage, by the pensive light of 
 the moon, in holy contemplation. While I 
 gazed upon her mild face, and surveyed the 
 starry heavens, a pleasing calm filled my breast, 
 from an assurance that the great Author and 
 source of light, life, and happiness is my Fa- 
 ther and Friend. During the present month I 
 have seen the goings forth of his almighty 
 power. This part of his heritage is still wa- 
 tered with the dews of heaven. I am grieved 
 that many of our members manifest so little 
 interest in this important work. Lord, stir up 
 those who are at ease in Zion. Let the proud, 
 the vain, and gay have their pleasures r my 
 aspiring soul can never be satisfied with a su- 
 perficial knowledge of the depths of the God- 
 head. 
 
 Nov. 9. — A fever deprives me of class meet- 
 ing ; but Jesus kindly makes up every defi- 
 ciency. Last Sabbath four of my friends, whose 
 salvation I have wept and prayed for, united 
 themselves to the Church militant. May they 
 so run as to be found worthy to be transplanted 
 to the Church triumphant. 
 
 Nov. 20. — The bright beams of the Sun of 
 
90 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 righteousness continually illuminate my path. 
 I am wafted forward on the smooth waves of 
 peace. Mr. Pease has a meeting on Saturday 
 evening for the benefit of those under serious 
 impressions. Twenty inquiring souls present 
 this evening. What part can I act in a cause 
 so laudable ? My timidity would lead me to 
 hide in a corner ; but, as labourers are few, I 
 will do violence to my feelings, and consent to 
 expose my ignorance. " Between the mount 
 and multitude may my days be spent in doing 
 or receiving good ; rny nights in prayer and 
 praise." My emotions of joy are damped by 
 the irregular walk of too many professors. I 
 am fully of opinion that more is to be done by 
 example than by precept. Though my dear 
 cousin, D. Ellis, is numbered with the pale 
 nations under ground, his holy life has spoken 
 to the heart and conscience of his sister Eliza. 
 Reflection on his uniformity of character con- 
 strained her to make an open profession of her 
 attachment to the cross of Christ. May she 
 partake largely of his heavenly mindedness. 
 Lord grant that my walk may be such as will 
 have a salutary influence upon all whom I may 
 have intercourse with. I have frequent cause 
 of sorrow on account of my levity and want of 
 that charity which suffereih long, and is kind 
 I want to be saved from resting in externals, 
 or feeding on the stale manna of past experi 
 ence. 
 
 " Full of immortal hope, I urge the restless strife" 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 91 
 
 Nov. 2*7. — My friend, M. Wharton, this 
 morning, with four others, enlisted, I hope for 
 life, in the war for Jesus. Numbers are rang- 
 ing themselves under his blood-stained ban- 
 ners. God forbid any should prove to be dead 
 weights to the society they are uniting with. 
 I am "jealous for the Lord of hosts." My 
 soul sickens to witness his honour stained by 
 his professed friends. 
 
 Father Hitt is gone to Abraham's bosom ! 
 His death, as his life, was calm and peaceful. 
 
 Dec. 10. — Lord, I am not what I ought, 
 and desire to be ; — never fully answered thy 
 designs and purposes in my creation. Never, 
 no neve?', can I be satisfied until I awake in the 
 likeness of my lovely Saviour. — Spent the 
 morning with E. North in visiting the sick 
 and needy. Why have I health, home, and 
 friends ? It is no more than my reasonable 
 service to render my little all to the Giver of 
 these benefits. 
 
 Dec. 13. — Reading a letter from Mr. Fin- 
 ley addressed to our Female Missionary So- 
 ciety, inflamed my soul with new ardour. 
 Could I see a door of usefulness open in the 
 forest wilds, no tie should be so binding, or 
 sacrifice so dear, as to deter me from devoting 
 the short span of my existence in communi- 
 cating religious knowledge to the aborigines 
 of my country. 
 
 Dec. 25. Christmas evening. — Glory to God 
 in the highest, that ever Jesus was manifested 
 in the flesh to take away the sins of a guilty 
 
92 DIARY OF KISS BUNTING. 
 
 world ! I rejoice, above all,. that by an appli- 
 cation of bis most precious blood, the deep 
 struck stains of inward corruptions have been 
 cancelled and my poor heart washed from its 
 natural defilement. I have continually the 
 testimony of the Spirit that I never wilfully 
 offend God. To thy grace, O heavenly Fa- 
 ther, and to Jesus Christ, thy only Son, be all 
 the praise. 
 
 Meeting with R. Armstrong, who was with 
 my dear cousin, D. Ellis, during his last mo- 
 ments, caused my tears to flow afresh. While 
 I am imprisoned in a clay tenement, he is 
 chanting a hymn of praise and conquest in a 
 purer region. He has already obtained the 
 greatest of all blessings. My soul appeared 
 to follow him into the world of perfect bless- 
 edness. 
 
 " That makes our joys complete, 
 There wo our friends shall meet, — 
 
 Jesus is there." 
 
 Dec. 27. — Embraced an early opportunity 
 of retiring from company this evening. Infi- 
 nitely sweeter did I find my chamber, where I 
 could pour my sorrows into the ear of my 
 blessed Lord. What should I do in this world 
 without such a Friend? In his light I see 
 light. 
 
 " O lead ma through the various ways, 
 My doubtful foot are doom'd to tread ; 
 And spread thy shield's protecting blaze, 
 When dangers throng around my head," 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 93 
 
 Jan. 1, 1826. — I commence this year under 
 favourable circumstances ; — bodily health far 
 better than in time past : — permitted to unite 
 with the assembly of saints in spending the first 
 moments of the new year in solemn prayer. I 
 have fixed the " firm resolve," God being my 
 helper, to spend the little shred of time that may 
 yet be mine below, in struggling to sink into a 
 much deeper acquaintance with Jesus. Surely 
 he will pity my weakness, and be with me in 
 every emergency. His grace has prevented 
 me for eight years from an open or intentional 
 violation of his holy law : especially would I 
 offer praise for the perfect peace that passeth 
 human understanding, which for sixteen months 
 I have enjoyed. I often drink of the pure river 
 of life. Had I been more persevering, ere this 
 I might have obtained a fu'ler baptism of the 
 Spirit. Mr. Pease, selecting this appropriate 
 passage for consideration, " Watch ye, stand 
 fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong," 
 inspired me with fresh energy. Dr. Sargent 
 spoke from, " All the way the Lord hath led 
 me." The path in which I tread is bright- 
 ening. 
 
 " My spirit panting to be gone, 
 Can bid the tida of time roll on." 
 
 Jan. 4. — Much profited at Ebenezer love- 
 feast. Several fathers in Israel spoke delight- 
 fully. How encouraging to hear that Imma- 
 nuel had kept some fifty, others sixty years in 
 the way of uprightness, Passed an hour 
 
04 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 profitably conversing with my much devoted 
 cousin, H. Ellis, on inward holiness. 
 
 " Fain would I rise and sing 
 To my Redeemer too ; 
 Fain would my heart adore my King, 
 And give him honour due." 
 
 Jan. 6. — Spent part of this day in company 
 with H. Allibone. I believe we mutually reaped 
 much benefit while engaged for Him "who 
 went about doing good." Got a farther hold 
 on Jesus while praying with a young female 
 who is wasted to a skeleton with consumption. 
 Satan hath used his utmost to ruffle the tran- 
 quillity of my mind, by suggesting that my con- 
 fidence will fail in the struggles of death ; yet 
 why let the darkness of the narrow passage 
 which leads to eternal day intimidate my soul? 
 I am firmly persuaded that in the final moment 
 God will suffer no gloomy cloud to interpose 
 between me and the glorious object of my 
 faith. He who is the Divine Author, will un- 
 doubtedly become the complete Finisher of my 
 salvation. " My fears begone ; what can the 
 Rock of ages move ?" 
 
 Sunday, Jan. 8. — Did not rise in as spi- 
 ritual a frame as I wished : my mind is some- 
 what perplexed. Lord, undertake for me : 
 never let me work myself out of thy hands. 
 Through the week ignorantly led into large 
 companies. True, they were sanctioned by 
 the presence of the pious. These religious 
 parties have too much the semblance of the 
 world. I wish our preachers would set their 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 95 
 
 faces against them. I will use the little influence 
 I may have to prevent every thing of the kind, 
 and care not if* others do think me contracted 
 in my views, so that my conscience is pure. 
 O my God, when thus unavoidably exposed, 
 give me something profitable to say, or keep 
 me silent. 
 
 Jan. 15. — A day of refreshing from the pre- 
 sence of my Lord. Mr. Pease, from "The 
 effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance 
 for ever." How sweetly has my soul verified 
 the truth of this precious promise. Mr. Pit- 
 man this afternoon, from " Save now, I beseech 
 thee, O Lord : O Lord, I beseech thee send 
 now prosperity." Yea, my Father God, even 
 now send prosperity to my panting soul, and 
 let grace control all my affections, desires, 
 thoughts ; — prayer and praise be my constant 
 employ. 
 
 Feb. 5. — Truly it is a great thing to be a 
 genuine Christian. I sink in guiltless shame 
 before God from a sense of my remissness. 
 O for strength to shake off this earthliness of 
 mind, this sluggishness of soul! Blessed Je- 
 sus ! let suns and moons rise and set apace, 
 and bring a lonesome traveller onward to her 
 home. Let me at all times discern the path 
 thou wouldst have me go. 
 
 Feb. 13. 
 
 " Pardon'd for all that I have done, 
 My mouth as in the dust I hide." 
 
 My natural disposition is very irritable. O 
 
90 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 to be more guarded in my expressions, gentle 
 in my commands, alive to a sense of my own 
 failings, and more ready to bear with the de- 
 tects of those around me. I am often sorrow, 
 ful that the things which are seen should for 
 one moment divert my mind from " perfecting 
 holiness in the fear of God." 
 
 Feb. 27 — Thank God for the rest of the 
 Sabbath, for the rest of faith, and for a bright 
 prospect of eternal rest. My bodily infirmities 
 make me regard death as near. I fear it not. 
 Why should I dread the grave ? Jesus hath 
 tracked the way, and left a long perfume in 
 that bed. Called to see D. Welsh, who has 
 ruptured a blood vessel. Dear child, she has 
 the holy Comforter to sustain her in this hour 
 of trial. I was led to praise God that in health 
 she ensured peace with him through the Re- 
 deemer, and can now confidently rejoice in 
 hope of his glory. 
 
 March 4. — Dr. Sargent preached from, 
 " O that they had hearkened to my command, 
 ments, then had," &e. The latter part of his 
 subject was rendered a peculiar blessing to 
 me. What am I, Father of mercies, that my 
 peace should be as a calm-flowing river ! May 
 it deepen and widen, flow onward, and still on- 
 ward, until it shall be finally lost in the ocean 
 of eternal felicity ; and my happy spirit be en- 
 closed in the city of the living God, to go no 
 more out ! My soul was filled with heavenly 
 sweetness while I partook at the banquet of 
 dying love. G truly I prize the ordinances of 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING, 97 
 
 the Lord's house above my daily food. — Had 
 a pleasing liberty in instructing my Sunday 
 scholars. May all my powers be employed in 
 the service of my Master. 
 
 March 8. — Awoke this morning at break of 
 day : not well in body ; — was at a stand whe- 
 ther to rise and attend sunrise meeting ; — -did 
 venture, and was amply repaid. This means 
 of grace imparts an elevation of soul r which 
 continues throughout the day. 
 
 I realize death as approaching with rapid 
 strides. Soon will the weary wheels of life 
 stand still, and my spirit mingle with the inha- 
 bitants of another world. There I shall enjoy 
 pleasure without a mixture of pain, or any 
 alloy. 
 
 March 10. — I would acknowledge God in 
 all my ways, that he may direct my paths. 
 From my cradle to the present moment I can 
 trace his more than maternal care. I was 
 never blessed with the example cf pious pa- 
 rents : my mother was snatched from me in 
 infancy ; — no recollection of a mother's fond- 
 ness ; a stranger to her love. A tender father 
 in part has supplied this deficiency. Above 
 all, Jesus has taken me, a wild olive branch, 
 and grafted me into the good olive, from 
 whence I derive daily nutriment. 
 
 March 14. — I this day witnessed the dedi- 
 cation of my dear cousin, S. Physick, in the 
 solemn ordinance of baptism. 
 
 March 17. — "Thou shaft keep him in per- 
 fect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." I 
 7 
 
98 DIAKV 01 MISS BUNTING. 
 
 long for the complete fulfilment of this pro- 
 mise. Let every word I utter minister grace 
 to the hearers ; and may it be to thy glory I 
 have professed a good profession before many 
 witnesses. 
 
 March 20. — While preparing to attend a 
 lovefeast, an awful storm of thunder arose : 
 the rain came in torrents. I had the temerity 
 to venture. With much trembling bore a pub- 
 lie testimony for my Master. At the close of 
 the meeting experienced such a measure of 
 Divine glory as filled my soul with an ecstasy 
 of joy. Soon will the pinions of love bear me 
 to rest in the bosom of Jesus. While I con- 
 template the felicity of the happy dead, a 
 sombre hue is cast on all sublunary objects. 
 
 March 23. — For two weeks it lias rained 
 almost incessantly. Have heard many say, 
 " What gloomy weather." I cannot join in 
 the complaint. Sure I never passed so happy 
 a month ; — feel to adopt the language of one, 
 and say, Could every stone, timber, and nail in 
 my room speak, they would bear witness to 
 the many hours of sweet communion my soul 
 hath spent with God. I converse with him as 
 a man with a friend. 
 
 " Not life, nor all the toys of art, 
 Nor pleasure's flowery road, 
 Can to my soul such hliss impart 
 As fellowship with God." 
 
 March 25. — Learned from my physician that 
 in all probability health blooms no more for me. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 09 
 
 Affliction appears to be the portion allotted mo 
 through life. 
 
 " Thankful I take the cup 
 Prepared and mingled by thy skill." 
 
 Not ignorant that my frail nature is averse to 
 pain, and recoils at suffering : the burden of my 
 prayer is, for grace to endure hardness as a 
 good soldier. My wily foe takes advantage of 
 my bodily weakness. Awoke two nights past 
 in the utmost distress. The powers of dark- 
 ness raged : perplex they did, destroy they 
 could not. 
 
 March 20. — Easter Sunday. — Reading the 
 last chapter of St. Luke was blessed to me. 
 Come, my soul, adore the Scattercr of thy 
 fears ; thy rising God adore. Oft has my 
 heart burned while contemplating the sinner's 
 Friend in all his offices. 
 
 April 6. — The weather being remarkably 
 fine, I have walked out daily for the benefit of air 
 and exercise. Gladly would I remain within 
 doors, secluded from a gay noisy world. What 
 the Lord ordains is right. Going through a 
 course of mercury has for some time debilitated 
 my whole system. I am kept in peace by a 
 simple -adherence to the Divine will. Main- 
 tainingthis frame of mind I can walk securely, 
 though the billows of misfortune beat with im- 
 petuosity upon my fragile bark ; perhaps the 
 next wave may throw me into port. Glory 
 to God for the prospect of gaining an early 
 resting 'place. 
 
100 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " Strong death alone can heave the massy bar, 
 The gross impediment of clay remove, 
 And make us embryos of existence free." 
 
 April 10. — I thank thee, Father, Lord of 
 heaven and earth, for the mercy thou hast ma- 
 nifested toward my dear sister K. May her 
 precious babe become an ornament to society, 
 and the Church of the Most High. 
 
 April 16. — Bishop Soule preached this morn- 
 ing, from, " All the promises of God are yea, 
 and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by 
 us." This sermon will undoubtedly stand by 
 me through life. Mr. Alder, afternoon, from 
 Phil, iii, 20, 21 : " For our conversation is in 
 heaven," &c. My soul was lifted far above 
 time, while he discoursed from this cheering 
 passage. 
 
 " Absent, alas ! from God, 
 I in the body mourn ; 
 And pine to quit this mean abode, 
 And languish to return." 
 
 April 22. — The word of Divine truth, dis- 
 pensed by the ambassadors of Christ, during 
 the sitting of the conference, was much blessed 
 to me. Parting with my dear cousins, D. and 
 L., was keenly felt — expect to meet in the same 
 glory. Now I am more alone, employ myself 
 entirely in prayer to God, that my life may be- 
 come a constant progress toward heaven. 
 
 May 20. — I am still flogged with disease, 
 and find it difficult at all times to rise above 
 the pressure ; especially in secret does this 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 101 
 
 languor trouble me ; yet possess a pleasing 
 calm from a consciousness that I have no other 
 desire than to please my God : which Fenelon 
 says is a continual prayer. Again commenced 
 meeting my children of the Sabbath school on 
 Saturday afternoons — pleasing employ ! As- 
 tonishing that one so young as Eliza A. Taylor 
 should have such liberty in prayer. This is 
 more than I expected. How it animates me 
 to redouble my fidelity in this laudable cause. 
 
 May 29. — Struggling to live above the cares 
 and sorrows of this world ; not daring for one 
 moment to depend upon past or present feeling, 
 1 preserve a settled assurance by relying on 
 the word of God. Friends may change, but 
 Jehovah is immutable. Consoling reflection ! 
 I will hang all my cares on his almighty arm, 
 and "be careful for nothing." 
 
 June 12.— Left my pillow at four o'clock. 
 Dr. Dunn lectured this morning from, "Ye 
 are the salt of the earth." Were it not for 
 the prayers of the pious, Jehovah's fierce in- 
 dignation would be poured upon a sinful world. 
 Did professors live as they ought, what an 
 amazing work would be witnessed. Time was 
 when most of our members rested not until they 
 obtained the hope of their calling ; now too 
 many view holiness as a distant, twinkling star. 
 It is because the mercy of God endureth for 
 ever, that we are not consumed, 
 
 July 12. — Midnight,, At this silent hour I 
 would snatch a few moments for self-examina- 
 tion. Shall I never obtain deliverance from 
 
102 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 hurry of spirit ? testiness, and impatience under 
 contradiction my soul abhors ; yet how often 
 do I depart from my own principles. This day 
 I detected myself in giving a hasty answer. 
 Did anger ruffle me? — fear I have not escaped 
 altogether unhurt. I groan to avoid even the 
 appearance of evil. 
 
 July 18. — Lord Jesus, in this abstracted 
 hour, draw near, and free me from all that 
 might tend to shackle or unhinge my mind. 
 May I no longer suffer from the baneful influ- 
 ence of inbred sin. Why is it that so little 
 time is spent by me in preparing for eternitv [ 
 I most sincerely and devoutly ask for power to 
 improve that immense " revenue which every 
 moment pays." Though so many ways are 
 afforded me for improvement, I remain igno- 
 rant of many of those things that make for my 
 
 peace. 
 
 July 19.— This evening at the lovefeast I 
 sat deploring the backwardness of those who 
 should have stood forth as God's faithful wit- 
 nesses. I began to fear my burden was in a 
 measure caused by an unwillingness to bear my 
 own part of the cross — made an attempt to own 
 my royal Master, but, on sitting down, shame 
 burned upon my cheek that I had not done it 
 more worthy of him. I am often at a loss 
 whether I am to do, or not to do ; my suffering 
 of soul on this subject is only known to God, 
 Let my path be pointed out, and cost what it 
 may, I will endeavour to pursue it. 
 
 July 29. — A larger earnest of heaven was 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTlNO. 10S 
 
 given this morning at the five o'clock lecture. 
 Was pleased with the attendance and attention 
 of my scholars. Mr. Durbin painted the Sa- 
 viour's sufferings in the garden in a manner I 
 never heard before. Mysterious ! My heart 
 was overcharged with a deep sense of the con- 
 descension of the Lamb of God, in baring his 
 bosom to receive the stroke due to guilty man. 
 He felt the weight of the wrath of God ; and 
 "who knoweth the power of his wrath!" — 
 Bishop M'Kendree preached an appropriate dis- 
 course to our Sunday schools. 
 
 Hilton, July 24. — Accept, my God, a tribute 
 of praise for the gratification of meeting this 
 beloved family. Make our interview as iron 
 sharpening iron, that we each may apprehend 
 that for which we are apprehended by Christ 
 Jesus. While here enable me to show forth, 
 by every word and action, the fruit of holiness. 
 
 Crosswick's Camp Ground, July 30. — While 
 here assembled my expectations have been 
 fully realized ; the weather has been remark- 
 ably fine — my health far better than when 
 housed in the city. The word of life sounds 
 melodiously : sinners arc falling under the power 
 of the Highest. 
 
 July 31. — E. Ellis and C. Wright emerged 
 this day from the gloom of nature's night — 
 may they never abuse their Gospel liberty. 
 Mr. Stout preached from, " Ye have hewn out 
 broken cisterns," and Mr. Pitman exhorted. 
 Professors crowded into the altar. I was led 
 closelv to investigate my state. The review 
 
104 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 caused me to lick the dust. I wept and made 
 supplication before God. A peaceful answer 
 flowed from the Divine throne, and abundantly 
 strengthened and refreshed my spirit. 
 
 Trenton, August 0. — Came here to quar- 
 terly meeting — fear I rested too much on the 
 means ; — not enough engaged for myself — dul- 
 ness and wandering were my besetments. — 
 Lord, guard and cover my defenceless head 
 with the shadow of thy wing. 
 
 Hilton, Aug. 7. — This has been an hour of 
 peace and solemn nearness to my God : he has 
 raised my stupid soul in heavenly enjoyment. 
 The quiet which surrounds this spot is in unison 
 with the feelings of my mind. In the city, 
 cares, as Baxter remarks, affect my spirits, as 
 the scorching sun doth wither the most delicate 
 flowers : here I am exempt : but O, eternity 
 affords one a still more glorious prospect. 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 8. — My path is strewed 
 with many mercies ; not among the least I 
 esteem an opportunity of uniting with thousands 
 to worship the God of Israel. Solemn sight to 
 view the great congregation unitedly groaning 
 for a deepening of the work of grace ! it was 
 just such a work as my soul longed to behold. 
 Exposed to several heavy rains while in the 
 grove, but my life and health were precious in 
 the eye of Heaven. Had during this meeting 
 uncommon manifestations of the love of God 
 in Christ Jesus, and often my evidences of the 
 Divine favour much brightened. Such liberty 
 of soul I never before experienced. Have 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 105 
 
 daily discoveries of my own weakness, and find 
 no resources in myself. . Mercy, mercy is my 
 only plea. 
 
 Sept. 14. — Was present to witness the closing 
 scene of my dear uncle Philip Bunting's life. 
 Very few have been blessed with greater earthly 
 prosperity. He was strictly attentive to the 
 rules of the society of Friends, and a true be- 
 liever in the divinity of the Lord Jesus. His 
 enjoyments, I trust, were not bounded by this 
 narrow- spot of earth. 
 
 Sept. 15. — My soul was lifted above the 
 world this morning, while Dr. Dunn spoke 
 from, " Both to hope, and quietly wait for the 
 salvation of God." This afternoon hundreds 
 of children assembled at the academy to hear 
 Mr. Cookman, that able advocate of the Sab- 
 bath school cause. 
 
 Sept. 16. — What a heaven upon earth did I 
 this evening experience in E. Yard's class. 
 While he approached the mercy seat, it was 
 evident he realized God very near. Such ex- 
 pressions of reverential confidence far sur- 
 pass the common manner of prayer. Con- 
 sidering the various means I enjoy, I am 
 grieved at the slow progress I make in Chris- 
 tian attainments. 
 
 Sept. 17. — I do not serve God for naught : 
 he has not sent me a warfare on my own 
 charges ; yet out of Christ I am poor, beyond 
 expression poor. The hold 1 have upon life is 
 very feeble: O, to be ready for death. Through 
 grace, I fear not his cold embrace. Mr, 
 
106 DIARY OF HISS BUNTING. 
 
 Pease has again commenced a meeting on 
 Saturday evening, to converse with penitents. 
 Dear brother C. accompanied me this evening : 
 the concern I feel on his account is onlv known 
 to God. 
 
 Sept. 20. — O God, my Father, with thine 
 aid I resolve to embrace every cross ; teach me 
 what to do, or suffer to become more deeply 
 baptized into the spirit of Christ. I entirely 
 abandon myself to the Spirit's teaching. This 
 evening, with trembling, united myself with 
 Mrs. Dunn and others, in a social meeting in 
 the form of a band : may it result in the build- 
 ing up, and entire sanctification of many souls. 
 
 Sept. 29. — Mr. Cookman from, "Right- 
 eousness, temperance, and judgment," <Vc. 
 The last head was awfully solemn. 
 
 " He comes, he comes, the judge severe, 
 The seventh trumpet speaks him near." 
 
 Oct. 1. — Rose as the first beams of light 
 streaked the horizon. Dr. Dunn lectured from, 
 " Go, and sin no more." Ability to do this 
 is what I look and wait for. I know I live 
 measurably in the Spirit ; but O. to walk in the 
 full flow of Divine influence continually, under 
 the most discouraging circumstances, is what 
 I want. I dwell in a world liable to constant 
 revolutions ; yet, glory to God, I am journey- 
 ing to a land where the inhabitants experience 
 no change except it be from glory to glory. 
 
 Nov, 5. — Felt a gracious influence while 
 Dr. D. lectured from, " How is it ye do not 
 believe ?" To God be honour and glory ever- 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTIXO. 107 
 
 lasting for putting me in the way of s'un\)\efaitk. 
 Dr. D.'s meeting lias proved a blessed means 
 of assisting me to seek after the inestimable 
 pearl of perfect love. 
 
 Nov. 8. — Mr. Sheer discoursed from, "Fight 
 the good fight of faith." I feel roused to exert 
 all the feeble energies I possess in this glorious 
 warfare. The insidious tempter has thrusted 
 sorely at me when using the public means. Bat 
 when I meet with my naked heart in private, I 
 find nothing lost in the conflict but the dross. 
 Yes, " my foes must fly, while I can simply 
 raise the shield of faith, or wield the Spirit's 
 sword." I am much exposed ; turn where I 
 may, there is danger. I would be always on 
 the look out, and calmly wait for succour from 
 above. Lord, give me skill, courage, vigilance, 
 and humility in the contest, that I may put to 
 flight the armies of the aliens, and " laugh to 
 scorn their cruel power." 
 
 Nov. 9. — In class my heart melted as wax, 
 before the flame. The great Supreme was in 
 the midst of us. 
 
 Nov. 14. — My soul has had calm repose in 
 God this day in class. Every power of my 
 mind and body was sweetly tranquillized ; in the 
 eyening more abundantly watered while I lis. 
 tened to Mr. S., from, "Grow in grace." 
 
 Nov. 17.-— Mr. Pearce preached from, — 
 "We are pilgrims and strangers," &c. ; and in 
 the afternoon T. B. Sargent addressed our Sab. 
 bath school, One of our teachers was deeply 
 awakened, 
 
108 DIARY OF MISS HUNTING. 
 
 Saturday, Dec. 2. — While engaged in prayer 
 with my Sunday scholars, I was almost carried 
 out of myself, and the veil which hides the 
 glories of the invisible world appeared very 
 thin. 
 
 Dec. 3. — This day and week has been a sea- 
 son of deep abasement. How inexplicable are 
 my exercises ! Yesterday my soul was filled 
 with heavenly ardours ; this morning, even at 
 my Father's board, I was dull, and compara- 
 tively barren ; yet my heart stands fast, believ- 
 ing hi the Lord. 
 
 Dec. 10. — Mr. Pease preached with much 
 liberty from, " O Lord, revive thy work." I 
 was weighed down with a consciousness of my 
 own necessities and the dearth in the society. 
 Let not our enemies rejoice against us, O God. 
 Glory to God ! there are still many whose gar- 
 ments are not defiled, and whose knees do not 
 bow to Baal. 
 
 After a day of toil and trial, quickened anew 
 at lovefeast. Mrs. Harmstead told us she was 
 fifteen years drinking wormwood and gall ; all 
 within her revolted at shouting the high praise 
 of God ; but when the pardon of sin was sealed, 
 with a loud voice she glorified him. One 3 r ear 
 after, felt the impression of the Holy Spirit 
 cleansing her heart from sin. Twenty-three 
 years she was a witness of " perfect love," Be. 
 fore she received this blessing she was chained 
 down with the fear of man, I was so filled at 
 the close of the meeting, that I was insensible 
 to earth and its cares, 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 109 
 
 Dec. 17. — Mr. Lybrand preached this morn- 
 iiig from, " If we confess our sins, God is faith- 
 ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
 us from all unrighteousness." He dwelt 
 largely on evil speaking ; declared the perfect 
 love of God never could reside in a heart that 
 failed in this branch of Christian charity. O 
 the stupendous height of Christian perfection ! 
 I am at least struggling to scale the mount. 
 Great Father ! thou art acquainted with my 
 state, trials, and desires ; and my groanings 
 are not hid from thee. 
 
 Dec. 20. — Jesus, my Mediator, emptied him- 
 self for my sake, and has made me nearer akin 
 to him than angels are, and therefore more 
 like him. 
 
 "He calls a worm his friend ; 
 Ho calls himself my God." 
 
 Dec. 21. — In my closet felt of a truth that 
 God was eminently near. Such a ravishing 
 foretaste of the bliss of heaven was granted as 
 made me extremely loth to leave the hallowed 
 spot, and return to earth and its low concerns. 
 
 Dec. 24. — Conscience is more tender. In- 
 firmities, so called, which I once indulged in 
 without compunction, now appear hateful to 
 me. Lord Jesus, teach me the art of holy 
 living. 
 
 Dec. 25. Christmas Day. — Five o'clock 
 meeting was honoured by the presence of the 
 King of saints. One of our male teachers, who 
 has Io:ig been burdened with sin, found redemp- 
 
110 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 tion in the blood and merits of Jesus. I cele- 
 brate the advent of my Redeemer with a heart 
 filled with a joyful assurance that Christ is my 
 only portion, heaven my home, and the way of 
 God's commandments my chief delight. 
 
 Dec. 30. — Dr. Dunn, at six o'clock this morn- 
 ing from, "Be ye sober, for the end of all things 
 is at hand." How appropriate his allusions to 
 the dying year. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1827. — God is my record, and angels 
 my witnesses, that on the first hour of this year 
 I did sincerely, solemnly, and devoutly, in the 
 might of Him who keepeth Israel — with a glad 
 heart and free, surrender my freedom, friends, 
 health, and fame, with all my soul and body's 
 powers, and engage that the residue of my days 
 and hours shall be solely employed in the ser- 
 vice of Him whose fatherly care hath kept me 
 unhurt amid ten thousand snares and deaths. 
 While my mind was wown back on the clos- 
 ing year, I felt to say it had been the most 
 peaceful one of my life. 
 
 Jan. 16. — Much encouraged in meeting my 
 interesting scholars. Dear girls, their tears 
 and groans evinced what they felt. I trust the 
 moments I thus spend in reading, conversing, 
 and praying with them will not be altogether 
 in vain. 
 
 Jan. 17. — -I viewed with intense gratitude the 
 mercies with which I am surrounded while visit, 
 ing tlio.se who are pining on sick beds. 
 
 Jan. 20. — Obtained this evening what I have 
 long wrestled for, — an entire indifference to the 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. Ill 
 
 opinions of others. The praise or dispraise of 
 men is nothing to me, if God but approbate my 
 conduct. Upon inquiry into my heart, I know 
 I love obscurity and silence, and dread ap- 
 plause. 
 
 Jan. 21. — Went this afternoon, by urgent 
 request, to visit, as I had understood, a Mrs. 
 J., who was in poverty, and nigh unto death. 
 I found her indeed ill, and unprepared for eter- 
 nity ; but in affluent circumstances. Being a 
 stranger, I felt the awkwardness of my situation, 
 but dared not shrink from duty. I trust I was 
 enabled to deal faithfully with her ; the event 
 I leave with God. 
 
 Jan. 23. — Though much enervated by dis- 
 ease of body, I attended Dr. Dunn's lecture. 
 He spoke exactly to my case, from, " Put on 
 strength." My mind was led to contemplate 
 the power of the greatj AM ; which is as as- 
 tonishingly displayed iJrcreating and sustaining 
 the smallest animalcule, as in hanging this 
 vast globe upon nothing, and marshalling the 
 whole solar system. 
 
 Mr. Holdich preached this evening from, 
 " The Lord reigneth," &c. Man is apt to es- 
 timate events by reference to time ; God go- 
 verns all things by reference to eternity. 
 
 Feb. 1.—--S. Physick and myself were fa- 
 voured tu hear Mr. Cookman from, " Thou art 
 a teacher come from God." His sermon was 
 designed fur Sabbath school teachers. I esteem 
 it an honour to be found ntmrnSered among tho 
 instructors of young immortals. O how much 
 
112 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 is required to qualify me to fill this office ! 
 Let my soul cast itself on God, and adventure 
 there all its weights and cares. 
 
 Feb. 18. Saturday afternoon. — The room 
 filled with my little charge of girls ; serious, 
 and many much affected. I find an inadequacy 
 in language to express the feelings of my heart, 
 in having three of these dear children to assist 
 me in prayer for those who are younger than 
 themselves. 
 
 Feb. 19. — Went by the silver moonbeams to 
 Dr. Dunn's lecture. The manner in which he 
 explained these words, " Be it unto you accord- 
 ing to your faith," deserves the most serious 
 attention. Many persons, on finding in the 
 sacred volume how much importance is attached 
 to faith, expect it will require a long explanation. 
 Alas ! how many are led into mazes of diffi- 
 culty by mixing with faith, obedience, love, 
 meekness, &c, &c, which do not belong to its 
 nature, but are the fruits of faith, and its ne- 
 cessary consequences. This is to put the effect 
 in the place of the cause. 
 
 Susan Physick and myself passed the after- 
 noon in visiting the sick. O that this dear 
 girl may continue in this path, and throw her 
 influence, leisure, and wealth into the scale of 
 practical Christianity. 
 
 Feb. 22. — God revealed himself to me in an 
 unusual manner at Mrs. D.'s prayer meeting. 
 All present professed to be renewed in right- 
 eousness and true holiness. Dear E. Wat- 
 kinson appears to be ripening for glory. Her 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 113 
 
 manner in prayer is truly solemn. How blessed 
 is Christian communion ! With what holy 
 alacrity and fortitude does it inspire the soul, 
 while tossed on the billows of this tempestuous 
 life, to unite with those whose hopes, fears, and 
 joys are one, and are all aiming for the same 
 happy country ! 
 
 March 10. — Lovefeast at Nazareth. Met 
 by my God in a very gracious manner — made 
 known to him my exercises respecting leaving 
 home, and obtained an assurance that he would 
 be with me. 
 
 March 13. — Every barrier is now removed, 
 and I see no reason why I may not visit Balti- 
 more. I would, with the strictest scrutiny, in- 
 quire into the motives by which I am actuated ; 
 these are to visit the tomb of my dear and la- 
 mented cousin, D. Ellis, to show love and 
 respect for his lonely widow, who is in every 
 sense a true mourner ; having in the short space 
 of three years buried a beloved husband, mo- 
 ther, and an only sister. I expect also to be 
 edified by associating with the holy persons I 
 have so often heard are to be found among the 
 Methodists in this city. 
 
 Chesapeake Bay, March 16. — On board the 
 steamboat, and aground, three o'clock, A. M. 
 Sleep I cannot court : at the cabin window I 
 sit and gaze at the broad expanse of waters, 
 lighted up with the silver moonbeams. I exult 
 in the consciousness that He who holds the winds 
 in his fist is my Father, and is now watching 
 over me for good. O may I breathe no longer 
 8 
 
114 DIAKY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 than I breathe my soul in praise to Him who 
 thus deigns to protect a worm ot" earth. 
 
 Baltimore, March 18. — Met a kind reception 
 from my dear cousin Ann. I was much affected 
 by reading a sketch of Daniel E.'s life, in the 
 tenth report of the Sabbath school : so truly he 
 died a martyr to this cause. There is no doubt 
 but that he laid the foundation of his disease 
 by walking seven miles, and sometimes having 
 to ford a stream to superintend a Sunday 
 school at the foundry. My cousin had a heart 
 ready prepared for every good work : he was 
 humble, holy, and devout. 
 
 Sunday, March 20. — -A woke with these words 
 sounding in my ears, " My soul longeth, yea, 
 fainteth for the courts of the Lord's house." 
 At Eutaw church this morning, heard Mr. 
 Painter from, " If we say we have no sin, we 
 deceive ourselves," &c. I felt the overshadow, 
 ings of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Monday evening. — Select' prayer meeting at 
 Wesley chapel. Many mourners were crying 
 for mercy : prayer and the singing very ani- 
 mating. Lord revive,— 
 
 " O re vivo thy work in me, 
 All my help must come from thee." 
 
 Wednesday. — Attended Mr. Armstrong's 
 class — one of the best of leaders. I was built 
 up by the experience of the members. 
 
 Thursday. — Attended an interesting female 
 meeting. Miss Huet is the leader of the meet- 
 ing, which is composed of members of different 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 115 
 
 denominations. An Episcopalian lady spoke 
 with much feeling. This union to me was very 
 sweet : 
 
 " 'Twas the solemn feast of feeling, 
 'Tvvas the Sabbath of the soul." 
 
 Afternoon at Dr. Bond's class. I was cheered 
 by my Father's gracious presence. My dearest 
 wish is that he may abide for ever with me, 
 and keep me for ever near himself. 
 
 March 25. — At Eutaw heard Mr. Steel from, 
 " I and my house will serve the Lord." After- 
 noon visited a Sabbath school with Miss Sarah 
 M'Conner — much pleased with the ideas given 
 by the children on a text of Scripture. 
 
 Sunday. — Bishop Roberts preached from, 
 " My peace 1 leave with you," &c. My soul 
 was glad to realize that I had been made to 
 participate of a portion of the last legacy of my 
 dying Lord. I was favoured with believing 
 views of him at the sacrament. Afternoon at 
 the Sunday school. Fifty children were crying 
 for mercy, and one found peace. 
 
 Monday afternoon. — Was at Mr. Evans* 
 class, composed of those who walk the hum- 
 bier paths of life ; a soil I believe most conge- 
 nial with a growth in grace. Mrs. Kennedy 
 was a clear witness of the great salvation from 
 all indwelling sin. I felt a sweet union with 
 her. The time we were together some wept, 
 while others rejoiced ; my soul shared largely, 
 and was steadfastly fixed upon the Hope of 
 Israel. 
 
116 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Friday. — Attended Mr. Flint's class — much 
 pleased with one of his members, being the only 
 one of her family willing to bear the cross. She 
 regularly attended to family devotion : it re- 
 sulted in the conversion of four of the house- 
 hold. Nothing like being bold for Christ. 
 
 Wednesday. — Sister A. Guinn called, and 
 we visited two apparently on the verge of time. 
 Afternoon at Dr. Roberts' class. While I sat 
 musing, the mercies of my God so passed before 
 me, as caused grateful tears to flow down my 
 cheek. 
 
 Friday. — Appointed as a day of fasting, 
 which my health does not allow ; yet I can ab- 
 stain from pleasant food. It shall be a season 
 of devout mourning. I will humble and afflict 
 my soul before God for my sins, with all their 
 aggravations. Let me also bewail the incon- 
 sistencies of many professors of Christianity, 
 and cry aloud to God to build up Zion, and 
 cause his face to shine upon her desolations. 
 And when I think of the condition of a guilty, 
 sinking world, my soul is overwhelmed with 
 sorrow. O, my heavenly Father, at the be- 
 ginning of my supplications let the command- 
 ment go forth to save them. Every moment 
 of this blessed day my mind has been so shut 
 in with God as I had before scarce thought 
 attainable. 
 
 Wednesday. — At Mr. Alfred's class — truly 
 his were living members. A mother and her 
 two daughters professed to enjoy the witness 
 of sanctification. Her husband and sons are 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 117 
 
 equally devoted. Some call them " the holy 
 family ;" I think they may justly be termed a 
 happy one. The sister, in whose house this 
 class is held, accommodates four classes. 
 What an example to others ! I have always 
 thought it would be my chief delight to open 
 my house, if I possessed one, for the worship of 
 God. 
 
 Thursday. — I was at Mr. Brundage's class. 
 He can readily point out the path of holiness, 
 living as he does in the daily enjoyment of it 
 himself. The scenes of eternity were brought 
 very near this afternoon on visiting the sad, 
 solitary spot where the sacred relics of my 
 cousin, D. Ellis, lie. On coming to the grave- 
 yard we were at a loss how to enter ; the diffU 
 culty was, however, removed by the approach 
 of the porter, an old black man, whose head 
 was frosted by the snows of many winters. I 
 could scarce imagine a more lovely picture : the 
 sun just declining ; a river murmuring slowly 
 by the mansions of the silent dead ; the contrast 
 between the white marble and rich verdure 
 of the grass ; many of the little hillocks almost 
 covered with flowers and rose trees, no doubt 
 planted by some friendly hand, all combined, 
 made this to me an interesting view. My cousin 
 pointed out the three narrow houses where 
 nearly all dear to her was deposited. Various 
 emotions swelled my bosom. Dwelling on 
 Daniel's departure caused tears to flow, but they 
 were not unmingled with joy. No, he has taken 
 a noble flight, 
 
118 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Sunday.— Mr. Ryland preached from, " For 
 God commendeth his love," &c. My soul was 
 influenced with love to my Divine Mediator. 
 Conscious I do not meditate enough on the 
 great things he hath done for me, I will endea- 
 vour to dwell more on this blessed theme. It 
 shall- also be my aim when I sing to feel the 
 full import of the words. Mr. Ryland told us 
 that not long since he visited a sister suffering 
 with a cancer, who was dropping piecemeal 
 into the grave ; yet she was as happy as a 
 princess. On one occasion she expressed some 
 concern for her family. He remarked that the 
 "promise was to her and her children." She 
 was never heard to mention the subject again. 
 Just before she expired, on being asked for a 
 sign if she still saw her passport clear, she 
 raised both hands, and looking at her nails where 
 the blood had settled, she exclaimed, "Ah! 
 lovely appearance of death." O, my Father, 
 continue to befriend me while gliding down the 
 stream of time ; but be more eminently near 
 when the fires of life are about to be extin- 
 guished, and my feeble frame is called to endure 
 the awful shock of dying. 
 
 Monday. — The greater part of the time 1 
 have been here has been spent in the sanctuary. 
 Many days, in time of the conference, I scarcely 
 left the house, as the hours of intermission were 
 generally occupied in praying for mourners. 
 I am often ready to cry out, O that I could 
 dwell in the courts of the Lord's house for 
 
DIARY Or MISS BUMlNCJ. 119 
 
 ever. I see that an eternity of growing blis3 
 is just before me. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 1. — that I could suffi- 
 ciently praise God for the distinguished bless- 
 ings which have marked every step of my way 
 since I left home ; but more especially in re- 
 turning, starting as I did alone. The orphan's 
 God graciously raised up a kind protector. 
 This renewed instance of his watchful love, 
 greatly increases my confidence i*i his more 
 than paternal care. I here record that I feel 
 myself a deep, deep debtor to grace. 
 
 May 14. — Dr. Dunn lectured from Christ's 
 sermon on the mount, and remarked how dif- 
 ferent, how very different was the blessed 
 Saviour's mode of instruction from that of most 
 teachers of the present day ; who divide and 
 subdivide their subjects until the Gospel is bu- 
 ried up and lost in subtle metaphysics. I have 
 heard it remarked that ministers preach just as 
 much religion as they themselves possess. 
 How awful is the responsibility of a legate of 
 the skies ! Lord, give them much of the Spi- 
 rit's anointing, which can alone qualify them 
 for their holy calling. O God, stir Christians 
 up to agonize more fervently for those who are 
 entrusted with so high and glorious a commis- 
 sion. Alas 1 professors too often spend tho 
 moments that should be thus employed in cri- 
 ticising, and casting out ill-natured reflections 
 on the characters and inadvertencies of minis- 
 ters. 1 lay my hand upon my mouth, and, co- 
 vered with blushing, cry out that I am a person 
 
120 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 of such unclean lips ; yet, bless the Lord, I 
 am always checked by the Holy Ghost when 
 I thus dare to indulge. I despise this practice, 
 and hope to get above it. When this gale 
 had spent itself, fancied I should be freed from 
 Satan's wiles. A few days' experience has 
 convinced me of the fallacy of this hope : the 
 foul fiend is watching to overtake me with 
 worldly -mindedness. I have in a good degree 
 resisted the tempter. I know he will be forced 
 from the field if Jesus undertakes for me. 
 What profit can I gain by self-consuming care, 
 either in temporal or spiritual concerns I I 
 would this moment the veil of outward things 
 pass through. Heard Mr. Steward, a mis- 
 sionary from the Sandwich Islands. Never 
 so fully realized the degraded condition of 
 heathen nations. It appears that before the 
 Gospel had been sent among them they had 
 thrown away their idols. This passage of 
 Scripture was literally fulfilled, — " The isles 
 shall wait for his law." 
 
 May 25. — I was quite raised with the Scrip- 
 ture views of our .Lord Jesus Christ, who is 
 considered in relation to his people as their 
 foundation, root, food, raiment, bead, hope, re- 
 fuge, righteousness, light, life, peace, portion, 
 propitiation, freedom, fountain, wisdom, way, 
 ensign, example, door, dew, sun, shield, strength, 
 song, horn, honour, sanctification, supply, re- 
 surrection, redemption, lesson, ladder, truth, 
 treasure, temple, ark, all : — while I write, my 
 soul glows with- holy rapture from a persuasion 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 121 
 
 that he will, — that he does manifest himself in 
 all those characters to a worm like me 
 
 May 29. 
 
 " When evening spreads her solemn shades around me, 
 And the world grows dim upon my eyes, 
 And many stars o'er the vault of heaven, 
 Call on the spirit to retire awhile 
 From earth and its low vanities, 
 And seek the high and holy intercourse with God." 
 
 my soul obeys. The neglect or careless per- 
 formance of this duty is one of the chief causes 
 that bedwarfs my religion, and makes it low of 
 stature. I would, at this still hour, ask myself, 
 for what end was I made, and at what do I aim 1 
 Lord, I know nothing of my state if I do not 
 feel as — 
 
 " A pilgrim panting for the rest to come ; 
 An exile anxious for her native home." 
 
 Wretched indeed should I be if I had no para- 
 dise more durable than this poor world. Thank 
 God I have been enabled to choose the unruina- 
 ble world for my portion, — the heaven of hea- 
 vens, and the Lord of all for my inheritance. 
 
 June 4, 1827. — Although disease pervades 
 my feeble frame, Divine grace raises me above 
 the pressure, and God is enlarging my desires 
 to serve him fully. 
 
 Robert M'Nutt lies as a wreck upon the 
 shores of time, just ready to launch into the 
 world of spirits. I asked him if he felt that 
 beneath and around him were laid the ever- 
 lasting arms? His countenance brightened 
 
122 DIARY OF MISS BU NTIInCL. 
 
 while I spoke, and with emphasis he replied, "All 
 glory to God, / do." Spent an hour profitably 
 in conversing with dear E. Abbott, who for 
 three years has enjoyed the witness of sanctifi- 
 cation. Truly, my soul is knit to those who 
 possess this blessing. 
 
 June 6. — Life's last agony is o'er with poor 
 Robert. This morning at two o'clock he ex- 
 changed his little garret, where for six years 
 he has been a sufferer, for the bright abodes of 
 eternal day. The weight of anxiety which is 
 removed from my mind by this poor saint be- 
 ing housed above is only known to the Searcher 
 of hearts. 
 
 June 10. — Mr. Ly brand preached from *f If 
 I go not away the Comforter will not come." 
 In the evening he preached again, from " To 
 die is gain." Truly, I have this day " tasted 
 and handled the word of life." 
 
 June 12. — Concerned to know the propriety 
 of visiting New-York. My plans are laid be- 
 fore the Governor of all things. 
 
 *' Saviour, where'er thy will I see, 
 Dauntless, untired I'll follow thee." 
 
 New-York, June 13. — Rode twenty miles to- 
 day ; most of the road led through a solitary 
 part of the pines. The day was bright, and 
 the fresh beauties of spring surrounded me. 
 Could I but feel happy when I marked a Fa- 
 ther's hand in the rich livery of nature ! My 
 enjoyment too was heightened by the society 
 and converse of kindred spirits. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 123 
 
 June 17. — Awoke much refreshed by " balmy 
 steep." Went to Willett^street church. Mr. 
 Seney preached from " A conscience void of 
 offence." While he described the evidences 
 of a clean heart, with streaming eyes I rejoiced 
 in an assurance that that blessed portion was 
 mine, and that I had nearly all my days been 
 struggling for integrity of soul and sincerity of 
 heart. I surely feel that my record is on high, 
 and my witness in heaven. 
 
 June 19. — Left New-York in a pleasant con- 
 veyance for Belleville camp meeting. Never 
 witnessed so commanding a prospect as is pre- 
 sented to the eye on the Hudson river. Ships 
 and vessels of different sizes, added to the 
 Albany and other steamboats, formed a charm- 
 ing variety. We had a passage of twelve miles 
 over land ere we reached the encampment. 
 Part of our way lay through a beautiful coun- 
 try. The road on one side was skirted by rocks 
 and hills almost perpendicular, ornamented by 
 moss and wild flowers ; on our left were mea- 
 dows of such rich verdure as reminded me of 
 those " fields which stand dressed in living 
 green." In that blessed region is a cloudless 
 sky, a never setting 6un ; and by faith's far 
 reaching eye I almost saw the fount of life, and 
 heard the music of the blessed circling the throne 
 of the Eternal. 
 
 After crossing the Hackensack and Passaic, 
 wo reached Belleville, a neat village, the houses 
 white, and almost hid with shrubbery. Could 
 I gratify my natural desires, I should sigh for 
 
124 diary of Miss BU^fifto* 
 
 such a retreat, far away from the gaudy show, 
 and noise of a populous city. 
 
 Arrived at the camp ground : had the inde- 
 scribable pleasure of meeting my dear cousins 
 again. Mr. Rusling, this afternoon, spoke in 
 his usual practical manner, from St. John iii, 7. 
 In the evening Mr. Banghart preached. I have 
 never heard the sound of his voice since the 
 first camp meeting which I attended. God has 
 borne with me since that period, and sustained 
 my utter helplessness. 
 
 Tuesday. — Cousin Lydia rambled with me 
 some distance from the enclosure of the tents. 
 The warbling of the feathered tribe was quite 
 inspiring. The notes of the wood robin were 
 the finest I ever heard ; our walk was most in- 
 teresting. Sweet counsel blessed the hour, and 
 we returned with hearts glowing with love to 
 Jesus our king, and ardent desires to have the 
 work of grace deepened in our souls. In the 
 afternoon Mr. Nathan Bangs preached from 
 Heb. xx, 10. Dwelling on Christ's mental suffer- 
 ings, he said, "Some stoical persons could not 
 comprehend the Saviour's agony, which caused 
 the blood to gush from every pore ; while those 
 of more acute sensibilities might at least form 
 a faint idea of his internal anguish." Do I not, 
 at least in a degree, realize my Master's amaz- 
 ing wo 1 All my outward trials bear no pro- 
 portion to the inward conflicts with which I 
 am conversant. Can it be that he, who was 
 Lord and heir of all things, to shame my sins, 
 blushed in blood ? Had not the great Inter- 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 125 
 
 cessor stood in the gap to stay the stroke of 
 Divine justice, it had not heen with me as it 
 now is. 
 
 Thursday. — Heard Mr. Luckey, from Luke 
 xxiv, 45 : " Go, preach my Gospel to every 
 creature, beginning at Jerusalem." This dis- 
 course gave me a new view of the day of pen- 
 tecost. Jews were assembled at Jerusalem 
 from all parts of the country, and were present 
 when Peter stood forth, and the Holy Spirit 
 descended ; and the disciples were enabled to 
 address each stranger in his native tongue. 
 They then returned to their homes and told the 
 wonderful works of God, and thus prepared the 
 way for the apostles to declare the Gospel of 
 Christ. 
 
 Friday. — This evening the sky hath cleared, 
 the wind so cold and high it seems as though 
 the tents must fail ; and the ground damp ; yet 
 I could not resist the desire I felt to hear the 
 sound of salvation by Mr. A. At wood, from, 
 <J Joy in heaven over one sinner," &c. Mr. 
 Rusling exhorted, and related his experience. 
 Every word was powerful ; but the best wine 
 was reserved for me at the elose. The former 
 part of the meeting my enjoyment was marred 
 by the extravagance and want of solemnity in 
 the prayer meetings. 
 
 I passed the last night in tent No. 10. For 
 several hours I remained in a corner, and 
 poured out my tears and complaints before the 
 Lord. My evidence of perfect love was re- 
 newed, and mv mind relieved of the load that 
 
120 diary or miss nrXTixc;. 
 
 oppressed me for the Church and my friends. 
 I took a seat at the entrance of the tent. My 
 soul ran out in ardent desires for the salvation 
 of every soul for whom Jesus died. Many 
 stood gazing with apparent indifference. I 
 ventured to address a gay young lady. She 
 immediately cried aloud for mercy, and went 
 forward to be prayed for at the mourners' bench. 
 Another told me she was convinced, hut must 
 wait the Lord's time. O, this gulf of souls, 
 how many it has destroyed ! A poor coloured 
 woman stood weeping at the outside ; the way 
 being soon cleared, she knelt among the mourn- 
 rrs, and was directed to look to Him who can 
 make the Ethiop white. I felt much for two 
 female friends, whose hearts were broken, yet 
 refused to submit to the cross of kneeling 
 among the penitents. Cousin Ashby came at 
 two o'clock, and obtained their consent to be 
 saved on Gospel terms. He urged me to as- 
 sist in pointing trembling sinners to the Lamb 
 of God. I shrunk from the publicity of this 
 pxercise ; but as others excused themselves, I 
 did what I could. The severest cross was yet to 
 be lifted : I was soon required to raise my feeble 
 voice in prayer. The hundreds who surround, 
 ed me did not daunt me or prevent my trust in 
 God. While I endeavoured to apply the pro, 
 mises to a sincere female, who for two nitrhts 
 and days had been wrestling in an agony for 
 full redemption, the answer came. Her soul 
 was filled with pure seraphic joy. She rose on 
 her fefct, and, with feeling and clearness, de* 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUXTING. 127 
 
 clared what God had wrought. To my sur- 
 prise the day dawned. So sweetly had the 
 moments rolled, I had not even wished to close 
 my eyes in sleep. The loud blast of the trum- 
 pet summoned us to the last meeting. The 
 voice of the tempest was hushed — the horizon 
 was gilded by the rays of the rising sun. This 
 sight never fails to interest me ; but at this mo- 
 ment it appeared more than ever glorious. 
 Every leaf waved the praise of Jesus. How 
 enrapturing the thought that — 
 
 A day without night, I shall spend in his sight, 
 And eternity seem but a day." 
 
 After many interesting cases, our last public 
 means was a lovefeast. My attention was at- 
 tracted by the testimonies of two men ; one 
 was formerly an actor on the stage ; now it is 
 his aim to dedicate his powers to the service 
 of the Lord his God. The other had been a 
 notorious drunkard, and came the year before 
 to this grove with a bottle of liquor in his hat, 
 intending to disturb the meeting ; but the Holy 
 Spirit arrested him, he threw away his bottle, 
 forsook evil company and indolent habits, and 
 became a new man. Why should any one dis- 
 pute the utility of camp meetings ? 
 
 Saturday. — Returned by the way of Newark. 
 I am perfectly astonished that, though I have 
 been for several days more exposed than I ever 
 was in my life, I have not taken the least cold. 
 Surely the same all-powerful arm that defended 
 Daniel, has shielded me from harm. 
 
128 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Sunday. — Heard Mr. Seney at the Allen- 
 street church. Afternoon, attended preaching 
 at the House of Refuge, and was deeply affect- 
 ed to witness one hundred and thirty boys walk 
 in single file, with their arms behind them, into 
 the room appropriated for worship. 
 
 Friday. — Visited several public schools, and 
 one in particular, for coloured boys ; was much 
 pleased with their exhibition of talent. I be- 
 lieve their understandings are nearly, if not 
 quite equal to the whites. 
 
 Hilton, July 5. — Still I am an inhabitant of 
 this ever changing world. Twenty-six years I 
 have lived on the rich bounties of Heaven. I 
 would chide my cold heart for being so unmind- 
 ful of the blessings which have flowed continu- 
 ally from the Author and Fountain of my being ; 
 and, — 
 
 " Now, though flying o'er my head, 
 
 Are youth's departing years ; 
 And often though the path I tread 
 
 Is watered by my tears ; 
 Still hope, in many a gloomy hour, 
 
 Through many a weary mile, 
 Has cheer'd me with the magic power 
 
 Of her beguiling smile," 
 
 July 10. — Surely the Lord my keeper stood 
 omnipotently near while 1 was exposed to im- 
 minent danger. In coming down a steep hill, 
 the horse turned off the road into a deep gully ; 
 we all succeeded in escaping unhurt. I shall 
 dwell in safety if Jesus protects. It has been 
 said that " the children of God are immortal 
 until they have finished the work assigned 
 
DIARY OF MISS liU.MIXG. 1*>9 
 
 them." May this preservation serve me as an 
 impetus to run with alacrity all the length of 
 the way of inward and outward holiness. 
 
 Pennington Camp Ground, July 23. — In 
 coming here I have felt some hesitancy. For- 
 bid, O my God, that I should abuse this 
 means of grace. Here I can gaze on the spot 
 where the load of guilt was removed from my 
 oppressed bosom, and with an unwavering 
 tongue I have since been enabled to cry, 
 " Abba, Father ;" and he has kept my feet 
 from slipping at a season of my life when most 
 exposed to Satan's devices. I have had many 
 a solitary walk in this extensive wood, and 
 have loved to ascend yonder high mountain 
 which commands so extensive a view. Under 
 the thick foilage of these trees I feel the world 
 excluded, every passion hushed, and enjoy a 
 calm intercourse with Heaven. Surely safety 
 and tranquillity dwell remote from the multitude* 
 I have felt my soul much blessed in witnessing 
 the clear conversion of sinners here. My ex- 
 pectations and desires are centred in God, so 
 that I can say, — 
 
 " Nor earth, nor all its empty toys, 
 Can tempi my meanest love." 
 
 Jesus is the sole object of my admiration. 
 
 Philadelphia, Aug. 7, — Again find myself 
 pent up in this sickly town. The heat more 
 oppressive than I ever knew it. 
 
 Aug. 12. — Left the city to breathe again the 
 pure air. Spent but one day with Mrs. Buck- 
 man ere 1 was shocked with the tidings of my, 
 9 
 
130 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 dear sister K.'s rupturing a blood vessel. 1 
 was soon by her bedside. She has just writ- 
 ten (for she is not permitted to speak) " that 
 she is assured of this affliction being needful." 
 How comfortable to see her thus acquiesce. 
 
 Aug. 15. — A multitude of necessary employ- 
 ments do not separate me from my God. This 
 morning I snatched a few moments for hea- 
 venly converse — endeavoured to form some 
 idea of the extent of the Christian's privilege ; 
 I asked great things of God in prayer ; in con- 
 templation my mind stretched farther, and took 
 a higher flight than usual ; then darted itself, if 
 I may so speak, toward God in sighs, groans, 
 and thoughts, too big for expression. I felt 
 the force of these words, " God is able to do 
 far more abundantly than we can ask or think." 
 What may I not expect ? 
 
 Sept. 3. — With humiliation of soul for the 
 small improvement of past favours, I would 
 cheerfully submit to the privation of remaining 
 in the bustle of domestic duties while scores 
 of my dear Christian friends are worshipping in 
 the grove of Blackwood. Succeeded in re- 
 moving every obstacle that rose to prevent 
 Ellen from attending, thinking it may be blessed 
 to the conversion of her soul. 
 
 I cannot pen what I enjoyed last night. 
 Such a spirit of intercession I am seldom fa- 
 voured with. 
 
 At the Lord's Supper was so covered with 
 the atonement that my powers almost sunk under 
 the view. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 131 
 
 Sept. 8. — Class this afternoon was very pro- 
 fitable ; — cheered by the reflection that very 
 soon the storms of life will blow over and an 
 eternal calm ensue. 
 
 O Lord, engage my affections and desires 
 more earnestly in the pursuit of inward holi- 
 ness ; grant me a zeal tempered with prudence 
 as well as kindled by love ; disunite my heart 
 from every undue tie to the earth, and satisfy 
 my soul with thy favour. 
 
 Wednesday. — This morning spent profitably 
 in calling on several sick persons ; — had un- 
 usual liberty in prayer and conversation. Af- 
 ternoon — too much company. Holy Father, 
 when thus unavoidably exposed, enable me to 
 keep the door of my lips, and let the words I 
 utter have weight in them. I find it impossible 
 to enjoy communion with God without redeem- 
 ing time, and maintaining a watchful frame of 
 mind. 
 
 Thursday. — This morning I have been em- 
 ployed in visiting the sick, and in attending 
 class and prayer meeting. M. A. Williams, 
 M. Apple, M. Milligan, scholars of my class, 
 were on their knees some hours, crying for 
 mercy. Fully convince them, O my God, that 
 they are ruined for ever without the help of 
 Christ. 
 
 Sept. 17. — Mr. White preached from Rom. 
 xii, 1, " I beseech you, brethren, by the mer- 
 cies of God," &c. He set forth the Christian 
 duty enjoined in the text, and adduced the ar- 
 guments why we should perform it. An awful 
 
132 DIARY OF MISS BUSTING. 
 
 shock of power was felt by the assembly, and 
 the word was indeed delivered with holy unc- 
 tion. My heart flowed as melted wax, and I 
 lay as in the dust under a sense of having fallen 
 far short of my great duty and privilege. 
 
 Sept. 18. — Monday. I rose long before day, 
 and was actively employed until the shades 
 of evening, when I dropped every earthly con- 
 cern, and went to the lovefeast at St. George's. 
 A better one I have seldom known. Such in- 
 terviews with God and Christians smooth the 
 rugged path of life. 
 
 Thursday. — Class meeting much blessed to 
 me. I often tremble lest my attention should 
 be unnecessarily occupied with the things which 
 perish with the using : — have much to remind 
 me that here I have no continuing city. 
 
 Dec. 2. — Passed this afternoon in company 
 with Mary White, at the alms house ; and ex. 
 perienced, while conversing with the sick, a 
 great increase of love to God, and the souls 
 for whom the Son of God died. 
 
 Dec. 25. Christmas day. — This morning 
 was at five o'clock meeting ; — dull and lifeless 
 until the close, when I felt the soft touches of 
 the Spirit. Spent the afternoon in visitingthe 
 destitute sick ; — was much affected by reading 
 that he who was Lord of all things, stooped so 
 low as to die for man. I can attest that my 
 wishes, hopes, pleasures, love, — my thoughts 
 and noblest passions are above. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1829. — Time, with pinions swifter 
 than thr- wind, is passing and hurrying its w\U 
 
DIARY OP MISS BUNTING. 133 
 
 lions into eternity. I cannot recount the 
 blessings of my Lord the year past, for they 
 are numberless. When I survey the dark 
 scenes he has brought me through, in days 
 gone by, gratitude should be written in inde- 
 lible characters on rny heart. I can say with- 
 out dissimulation, that I am still bending my 
 course upward in the pathway of self-denial ; 
 but pained to view my innumerable short com- 
 ings. O that the remembrance of them might 
 reinforce and strengthen my resolutions, and 
 may I learn to resist the temptations by which 
 I have been formerly foiled ; and thus make 
 the deficiencies of one day marks to direct my 
 course on another. 
 
 Jan. 20. — Again blessed in hearing Dr. Dunn, 
 from " All things have become new." I do in- 
 deed realize a new creation within. My cove- 
 nant God has given me to feel the work of 
 grace deepened in my soul, by a luminous 
 testimony that no sin has dominion over me. 
 Satan would suggest that my highest attain- 
 ments are the effects of self-love, acting under 
 several guises ; but I see enough of my own 
 weakness and unworthiness to banish all self- 
 complacency. These views only serve to 
 drive me to seek fresh supplies from the " Lord 
 my righteousness." I know in whom I trust ; — 
 it is not on the arm of flesh I lean. He who hath 
 preserved me from the world's entanglements 
 for ten years is surely able, and will uphold 
 and protect me the few days that may yet be 
 allotted me below. 
 
134 DIARY OP MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Feb. 12. — My friend, Mary White, was seized 
 suddenly ill on Sabbath. I watched by her pil. 
 low the past night, Never witnessed such ex- 
 cruciating suffering ;— only rational at intervals, 
 I am of opinion she cannot survive many hours. 
 
 This evening, at our lovefeast, an awful 
 solemnity pervaded my mind, which had re- 
 ceived a tone from the scene I had been con- 
 versant with in my dying friend's chamber. 1 
 viewed all below as vanity, except the means 
 of securing a lot among the glorified. This 
 enabled me to speak for God without confer- 
 ring with quivering flesh. 
 
 Wednesday, 13. — This day has been marked 
 with several events. Visited some who are 
 without the comforts of this life, but rich in 
 faith, and heirs of a kingdom. My much loved 
 friend, M. White, was released at three o'clock 
 this afternoon to mingle with the pure spirits 
 before the throne of God. The nature of her 
 disease, an inflammation of the brain, was such 
 as prevented her leaving a triumphant testi- 
 mony. Few knew her better than myself. 
 She laid open her whole heart to me. I have 
 marked her Christian walk for five years, and 
 ever found her on the way. Truly, she walked 
 in the path of uprightness. Her journal gives 
 ample proof of the depth of her piety. For 
 some months past she has lived more secluded, 
 and has evidently been more devout. The 
 evening before her last illness she read the 
 parable of the ten virgins, and sung the first 
 and third verses of " The Lord my pasture 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 135 
 
 shall," &c, and was much affected. She then 
 spent some time in secret prayer, and afterward 
 remarked to a friend, that her " prayers had all 
 been turned to praise." This is now to be 
 her constant employ. " A perpetuity of bliss, 
 is bliss" indeed. 
 
 I have lost an invaluable friend ; one who 
 favoured me with counsel and reproof. There 
 are many who are ready to commend, but few 
 I find who are willing to point out my errors. 
 The price of such a friend is far above rubies. 
 
 Friday. — Committed the remains of M. 
 White to her original dust. I saw them cover 
 her with the " clods of the valley." I turned 
 away, and shuddered to reflect that the worms 
 would crowd into her silent abode. But why 
 indulge in sorrow and tears ? Let the body lie 
 in the earth ; it belongs there. The weary 
 soul has cast its tenement aside, and ascended 
 without it. Very soon I shall shed my last 
 tear, heave my last sigh, and go to join the 
 blood-besprinkled band on high. 
 
 Feb. 17. — Mr. Lybrand preached from 
 " The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of 
 Jacob is our refuge." 
 
 I know that the Lord hath given me in 
 charge to his angels ; they encamp about me 
 continually; — let thine own everlasting arms 
 environ me. 
 
 Philadelphia, Feb. 30. — I am called to 
 leave this city, endeared to me by so many 
 ties. My best affections linger round the 
 church and Sabbath school* A ten vears' at- 
 
13 J DIAHY OF MISS HUNTING . 
 
 tachment to those dear scholars is not easily 
 severed. 
 
 March 20. — 4i Truly God is good to Is- 
 rael," — even unto me. Came into the city to 
 attend meeting, and knew not that my spirit 
 was to be cheered by seeing my dear and only 
 brother admitted into the Church. Language 
 is too feeble to express the feelings of my 
 heart on this occasion. O that he may be as 
 
 " An iron pillar strong;, 
 And steadfast as a wall of brass !" 
 
 Frank ford, March 10.= — My heart is sore 
 within me while I behold the total indifference 
 manifested by most of the inhabitants of this vil- 
 lage, with regard to the salvation of their death- 
 less souls. Are not those who bear the name of 
 Christ too much at ease in Zion 1 Can we witness 
 with apathy sinners pressing their way in un- 
 broken ranks down to the fiery gulf of dark dam- 
 nation, and not put forth efforts to rescue them ? 
 
 I fear our coldness, softness, and worldly 
 mindedness, hinders the work of Cod from 
 moving forward. I am following my Master 
 with too lingering a step. May he free me 
 more effectually from the concerns of this 
 world. Nothing less than a daily growth in 
 personal holiness can satisfy my thirsty spirit. 
 Come, Lord, and strengthen my feeble soul : — 
 then I can boldy teach transgressors thy way, 
 and sinners even in this place shall be con- 
 verted unto thee. 
 
 In private 1 had an earnest of the joys of 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUXTIXG. ]37 
 
 heaven. were I possessed of the tongue of 
 a seraph, I could not tell the ecstasy I felt on 
 reflecting that even my trembling spirit shall, 
 if faithful a little longer, unite with the just 
 made perfect at the right hand of the Majesty 
 on high. 
 
 Sunday. — " To God eternal glory be," for 
 what he has effected by subduing my will, and 
 bringing my passions under control, and en- 
 abling me to rest this day at the sacrament on 
 the Crucified, fully believing that his merits 
 can meet my every want ; and that he has 
 made my soul a partaker of that grace which 
 will eventually ripen me for the kingdom of my 
 heavenly Father. This day my body and soul 
 seem to have been penetrated through with 
 rays from the glorious Source of light. 
 
 Monday, April 7. — Had an interview with 
 Mr. Case, John Sunday, and Peter Jacobs. 
 John was once very intemperate ; — learned the 
 alphabet in two hours, — to read in two weeks. 
 Mr. Case told us that the converted Indians 
 attend to family worship three times a day. 
 When the men are absent, the females attend 
 to that duty, and when they are away, the chil- 
 dren perform it with much solemnity. Surely 
 this ought to put us, Christians, to the blush. 
 There is a great anxiety among them to learn. 
 A little girl, not being able to procure knitting 
 needles, took an old tin pan, and formed the 
 wire into needles, and with them completed 
 two pair of stockings. Mr. Case exhibited a 
 number of pieces of workmanship, which dis* 
 
138 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 played great native genius. Several of the 
 women sent their ornaments to be exchanged 
 for implements of husbandry. 
 
 John Sunday spoke in his native tongue. 
 His gestures, expression of countenance, energy 
 of manner, and appeals to Heaven, all exhibited 
 the warmth of his heart and the reality of his 
 religion. What he said was interpreted, but it 
 must have lost much of its edge. Peter Jacobs 
 succeeded him in broken English ; — said that 
 " two years ago he was wild man in the woods ; 
 — parents and friends all dead ; — he was left 
 an orphan at four years of age, and often ready 
 to perish with hunger and cold. When the 
 missionary came, and wished him to live with 
 him, Peter asked, ' if he could catch one little 
 partridge, and tame him to run with his chick- 
 ens.' He was answered in the negative. 
 1 Then,' he replied, « you cannot civilize me ; 
 I am wild as a deer.' But when he came 
 to hear from the good book of Jesus, he tamed 
 mv heart : now me happy, verv happy every 
 day." 
 
 It being remarked that J. Sunday had not 
 understood what had been said, from his igno- 
 rance of our language, Mr. Merwin addressed 
 him through his brother interpreter, and in the 
 name of the congregation gave him the right 
 hand of fellowship. The flowing tears and 
 broken sobs of this poor son of the forest, added 
 to his loud exclamations of joy, rendered it one 
 of the most melting scenes I ever witnessed. 
 
 July 5.- — Twenty-seven years I have breathed 
 
I>!AR¥ OF MISS BUNTING. 139 
 
 the vita! air. The scenes of my youth are all 
 fading like night visions. 
 
 Blackwood, August. — I never commenced a 
 meeting so free from dissipation. All my soul 
 was recollected. I seem to have but one end 
 in view. The first few days my eyes have 
 been as a fountain of contrite tears. At prayer 
 meeting in Mr. Sterling's tent had a season of 
 great rejoicing with many. Samuel Thock- 
 morton fell under the power of God. I felt no 
 uncommon joy, but a solemn sense of the Divine 
 presence and an unusual power to plead with 
 God for a fulness of every grace of the Spirit. 
 
 At evening prayer meeting, four of my young 
 friends, teachers in our Sabbath schools, who 
 have often pained me by their indifference, 
 humbled themselves at Jesus' feet, and two of 
 them were brought to exult in the Saviour's 
 pardoning love. I had ravishing contempla- 
 tions on his character. O what an immensity of 
 love did I behold in him ! My every want shall 
 be supplied from his fulness, who filleth all. 
 
 Sabbath noon. — While Mr. Pitman exhorted 
 the careless throng who stood gazing around 
 the tent, I experienced a most intense concern 
 for their salvation ; and such a sense of the 
 severe purity of the Deity pervaded my sou]* 
 as absolutely astonished me. 
 
 Philadelphia. — -At prayer meeting this even, 
 ing> was astonished, after the loss of so much 
 rest, that my body and mind were so vigorous. 
 I sat under the shadow of my Kock, and felt 
 that he sustained me, 
 
140 1)1 AltY OF 3IISS BUNTING. 
 
 Frankford, Aug. 8. — At my home,— dear 
 home. — I have been favoured with hours of se- 
 clusion, and am glad to rind that I am invi- 
 gorated by the invaluable means I have recently 
 enjoyed. I have open intercourse with Hea- 
 ven ; — -great liberty in pleading the promises 
 for myself, friends, and the Church of Christ ; 
 especially for the prosperity of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom in this village. 
 
 Sunday, 11. — Rose ere yet the sun had 
 tipt the hills with his orient beams, and while 
 the family were locked in repose. When 1 
 poured out my complaints in prayer, Jesus 
 drew very near, and enabled me to ask for all 
 I wanted. Morning after morning returns with 
 all its sweet and peaceful loveliness, and in- 
 vites my spirit to commune with God. My 
 feelings are in unison with the glories of crea- 
 tion. 
 
 ' Lord, how secure ami blest are they 
 Who feel the joys of pardon'd sin." 
 
 What an inestimable blessing is a conscious- 
 ness that I am a child of God. I would not 
 exchange this for all the wisdom, honour, 
 riches in the world. It is better than life 
 itself. How much I prize our little class 
 meetings. Never were they more blessed to me. 
 Jesus can make every means please and profit. 
 
 ¥ I dwell for ever on his heart 
 For ever he on mine." 
 
 August. — Was directed, I trust by the Holy 
 One, this morning to apply (though a stranger) 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 141 
 
 to Mr. Rains, for a supply of preachers from 
 the local association, for Frankford. On stating 
 the case to Mr. R., he manifested a lively in- 
 terest for the few straggling sheep who would 
 claim his care, and exhorted me to be active ; 
 which greatly encouraged my fainting spirits. 
 
 Crosswicks, Sejrt. 4. — Our meeting in the 
 grove has been interrupted by three days inces- 
 sant rain ; yet God has been powerfully at 
 work in the souls of many. 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. — A sermon this morn- 
 ing by Mr. Scott, from " Blessed are the poor 
 in spirit," made me more than ever desire the 
 lovely grace of humility. Might I be permitted 
 to choose my own lot, I should think it much 
 more eligible to want spiritual comforts, than 
 to abound in them at the expense of humi- 
 lity. May I ever be so favoured of Heaven, 
 as never to forget that I am by nature the 
 chief of sinners. 
 
 November. — This evening in secret the Holy 
 Spirit rested on me so gloriously that my bo- 
 dily powers were prostrated. Motionless, and 
 almost breathless, I waited to know what God 
 the Lord woukl do with his poor creature. 
 Every affection of my soul was captivated with 
 discoveries of the excellencies and beauties of 
 the incarnate Jesus. Glory and honour to his 
 name for a present salvation from all sin. He 
 who dwelleth between the cherubim has shone 
 forth,, and given a worm a clearer demonstration 
 of his Divine favour- I would from this hour 
 give myw-tf solely to God, beseeching him to» 
 
142 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 do with me as will be most to his glory and my 
 eternal good. 
 
 Frankford. Sabbath. — Mr. Cline preached 
 with the demonstration of the Spirit ; — pre- 
 vailed on A. E. to remain in class : — the deep 
 of her heart is broken ; — the cries of a worm 
 have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, 
 — and I am to have a friend for a helper. I 
 had her with me from house to house, searching 
 children to form a Sabbath school. We invited 
 the parents to attend meeting, which has in- 
 creased the congregation. Lord, help me to 
 stand in my lot, and be faithful, and have my 
 face turned fully toward Zion. 
 
 Philadelphia, Dec. 25. — At five o'clock this 
 morning the Lord Jesus, as he has ever been, 
 was present to invigorate my helplessness. 
 The God-man appeared, — 
 
 " As when of old confessed," 
 The exalted Son of God. 
 May he " wrap me in his crimson vest, 
 And tell me all his name" 
 
 Jan. 1, 1829. — Old time in its rapid flight 
 has borne away another year. At watch-night, 
 while the fragment of but one minute of the 
 past year remained, fell on my knees, and in 
 silence adored my merciful God, who had 
 spared me to hail 1829. "With vows and 
 anthems new," surrendered myself to the 
 Lord and rejoiced in the glorious hope of 
 gaining that heavenly world, where 
 
 " Rolling years shall ceas-> to move." 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 143 
 
 I am incapable of recounting the favours of 
 the year gone by, — far the most interesting of 
 my life, though debarred of many of the public 
 means of grace. 
 
 " I have loved to steal away 
 From every cumbering care, 
 And spent the hours of setting day 
 In humble, grateful prayer." 
 
 Feb. — Quite unwell : while preparing to at- 
 tend the Sabbath school spit some blood, and 
 was obliged to keep quiet at home. Preach- 
 ing as usual in our parlour ; an overwhelming 
 influence pervaded the meeting : several were 
 awakened, with whom I ventured to converse. 
 Mr. Jones called on me to pray. It was sug- 
 gested to my mind that the exertion would be 
 more than my lungs could bear. I committed 
 my cause into the hands of Him who hath the 
 issues of life, — who was my strength in the 
 performance of duty. The cloud which had 
 obscured my faith, now " burst in blessings on 
 my head." 
 
 February 29. — The Lord owned the word 
 preached by Mr. Jones to-night : eight persons 
 came forward to be prayed for. After the 
 many discouragements I have waded through 
 in this place, the Searcher of hearts only knows 
 my joy at this intimation of his favour. 
 
 Fraiikford, March 21. — Have had many 
 evidences of the strength of prayer, and realize 
 more fully the extent of that promise, " All 
 things whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, 
 
144 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ye shall receive." Our Sabbath school pros- 
 pers beyond my most sanguine expectations ; 
 fifty scholars attend. Ann Walton, an orphan 
 of fifteen, on entering, could only spell in three 
 letters, but can now read in the New Testa- 
 ment : — has experienced a change of heart, 
 and joined the society. Not one of the female 
 teachers was pious at the commencement of 
 the school ; and I was ready to faint at the 
 idea of placing those to teach who had never 
 been enlightened themselves. But what hath 
 God wrought ! Six of the female teachers, and 
 two males, give evidence of a genuine conver- 
 sion, and have united in Church fellowship with 
 us. There are now upward of twenty-eight 
 persons in the class, and many more under 
 awakenings. 
 
 Philadelphia, March 29. — Continual expe- 
 rience of my own weakness makes me pitiful 
 to my wayward, erring, sinning fellow 1 crea- 
 tures. I 
 
 April 1. — How desirable has heaven ap- 
 peared to me to-day. Grant me courage, Lord, 
 to act aright, however appearances may b^flfo 
 my disadvantage. Thy favour is infinitely more 
 to me than the opinion of men, or even life 
 itself; yet I long and pray to appear in the 
 eyes of others without guile, that the Gospel be 
 not reproached. 
 
 April20. — Afternoon Mr. Cookman preached 
 on "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." 
 Yes, my Saviour, thou hast ever proved an inva- 
 riable friend to me. Thou hast been with jue 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 145 
 
 in thy ordinances, in the sanctuary, in secret 
 places, and in all my duties and trials ; and my 
 meditations of thee have been exceedingly sweet. 
 
 Evening. — Mr. Thompson from 1 John iii, 
 2 : " Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; 
 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be," 
 &c. The lustre of this world has been quite 
 eclipsed by the discoveries I have this day had 
 of eternal realities. My soul pants, and is 
 eager to be gone, that I may see my Father as 
 he is, and behold the glories which surround 
 his throne. 
 
 May 10. — Mr. Higgins preached from, 
 "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for 
 such things, be diligent, that ye may be found 
 of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." 
 Interested and profited. Lord, what manner 
 of person ought I to be, whose days are dwin- 
 dling to a span 1 Soon these teet will tread the 
 depths of Jordan, and my eyes be closed in 
 death. Jesus, lead on my steps in all the way 
 I have to go. 
 
 Evening. — Sorrow possessed my soul, that 
 I had not kept the righteous precepts more 
 faithfully. My life is marked with imperfec- 
 tions ; but they do not separate between God 
 and my soul ; for never will any works of 
 righteousness that I have done, or can do, 
 recommend me to his favour. I dwell in a 
 poor shattered house of clay, that presses down 
 the immortal part ; and if ever so blessed as to 
 gain that endless bliss, it will be grace that 
 brought me there. 
 
 10 
 
146 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " I languish and sigh to be there, 
 
 Where Jesus hath fix'd his abode." 
 
 Monday 11. — Worldly difficulties assailed 
 me to-day, but do not daunt me in the way to 
 the kingdom. Ill indeed would doubts and 
 anxiety become me. Qn reviewing the past I 
 am forced to say, " Thus far the Lord hath led 
 me ;" and looking forward, though rough and 
 uncertain my path may be, I would rely on my 
 bleeding, dying Surety, and lift a tranquil eye 
 to Him who sits on the throne of the heavens, 
 holding the reins of universal dominion, and 
 trust never to pervert his designs. Death ap- 
 pears desirable to me, as an entrance to a 
 place where the weary are at rest. 
 
 Friday, 22. — I have for some time past ob- 
 served this as a day of abstinence and humilia- 
 tion, while my soul, contemplative, rose, cheered 
 by refreshing views of eternity. 
 
 " Though in a foreign land, 
 I am not far from home ; 
 And nearer to my house aboye 
 I every moment come." 
 
 Sunday 24.— Indulged with a comfortable 
 opportunity for explaining the eleventh chapter 
 of John's Gospel to my scholars. The interest 
 I felt for their salvation was unusually weighty. 
 Ere I entered upon the duties of this day I sup- 
 plicated for the fulfilment of this promise, — 
 " That every thought shall be brought into cap- 
 tivity," &c. Not often have I had my mind 
 so stayed on God. 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 147 
 
 June. — How dull the day seems when spent 
 without having my usual opportunities for re- 
 tirement, and pouring out my prayer before the 
 sprinkled throne. This privation makes visit- 
 ing irksome. 
 
 Thursday. — Opened the sacred volume on 
 these precious words, " The Lord is a strong 
 hold in the day of trouble. He knoweth those 
 who trust in him." The impression they left 
 on my heart was very sweet. — Comfortable 
 assistance from God in secret devotion. — Pain 
 and disease are to me sure indications that 
 death is not distant. Baxter says, " When is 
 it more seasonable to walk to heaven than when 
 we know not on what corner of the earth to 
 live with comfort." At class my soul was fired 
 with fresh hopes of finally gaining my glorious 
 home. Lord, cover me with thy feathers from 
 the storm and from the shafts of the enemy. 
 
 July 5. — Twenty-eight years I have been suf- 
 fered to tabernacle among men, unworthy as I 
 am. I have finished reperusing Mr. Wesley's 
 account of Christian perfection, which often 
 brought me to my knees, and wet my face with 
 penitent tears. O when shall I bear more 
 deeply the impress of my Master's image 1 En- 
 tered the courts of the Lord's house this morn- 
 ing under a deep conviction that I was too cold 
 in my approaches to Him. Mr. Higgins could 
 not have selected a subject more in unison with 
 my feelings, — " Ask, and receive ; seek, and 
 find." I did ask, and was blessed with raptur- 
 ous contemplations of God. 
 
148 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 July 29. — The time spent at Blackwood 
 meeting was a season of holy mourning ; yet, 
 on some occasions my complaints were sweetly 
 lost in praise. Though a pilgrim in this world, 
 I can at times look into the promised land, — 
 
 "While faith, with her glass of softest light 
 Displays it to my wondering sight." 
 
 Felt a great solicitude for souls — much in- 
 terested to witness a pious mother rejoicing over 
 three daughters, who had been brought into the 
 liberty of the chi-ldren of God. Their father 
 was a holy man, and in the dying hour had 
 warned them to prepare to meet him above. 
 This is an instance of the seed springing up 
 after the hand that planted, and the eye that 
 watered it, are at rest in the grave. 
 
 Saturday, August 1. — Have full proof that 
 the seeds of death are thickly scattered within 
 my system. Have been asking for some days 
 for that faith which defies pain and death, and 
 is most vigorous when the body dies. In prayer 
 meeting this evening I was lifted far above my 
 infirmities, and enriched with the grace of the 
 Spirit* 
 
 " O God, of good the unfathom'd sea, 
 Who would not give his heart to thee ? 
 Who would not love thee with his might ?" &c. 
 
 Crosswicks, Sept. — The time I have spent in 
 this quiet retreat has been reviving to my spirit. 
 The world cannot ensnare me by any of its 
 grosser allurements; but the temptations it 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNtlNG. 149 
 
 holds out to me, under the form of pure, refined, 
 elevated enjoyment resulting from earthly con- 
 nections, is ensnaring. I will strive to feel that 
 the place which God assigns me is the best. 
 
 that in humility of mind I may ever prefer 
 that condition which leads to the most intimate 
 knowledge of myself, and the closest union 
 with my Lord and Saviour. 
 
 Sept. — How salutary has a discourse from 
 Mr. White proved, from " This one thing have 
 
 1 desired of the Lord, that I may dwell in the 
 house of the Lord for ever." How trying to 
 return to earth and its cares after possessing 
 high and holy intercourse with God. 
 
 Frankford. — Lovefeast to-day was more 
 blessed to me than any means of the kind I ever 
 enjoyed. Blessed be God, fifty persons are 
 united in Church fellowship here. M. A. E., 
 to my surprise, has become a Methodist. Her 
 conversion is a manifest answer to prayer. 
 The seed sown will yet I believe produce abun- 
 dant fruit. 
 
 Thursday. — Forced my way through a crowd 
 of hinderances, and got to the class soon after 
 it commenced. Blessed with an overpowering 
 sense of the Saviour's love. My constant de- 
 sign is with steadfast eye to mark every step 
 my Saviour took through life. 
 
 Sunday. — Mr. Higgins preached from — ■ 
 " What shall it profit a man to gain the whole 
 world 1" &c. Sinners were warned of their 
 danger in an unusually solemn manner ; and 
 shall any of them endure the gnawings of the 
 
150 DIARY OF MISS BUtfTlNG< 
 
 undying worm ? My soul shudders at the 
 thought. " What ! to be banished from thee, 
 Lord, and yet forbid to die !" The solicitude 
 I feel for consistency of life in professors, and 
 the conversion of souls, is paramount to every 
 other wish of my heart, and next to my own sal- 
 vation ; yet fear I indulge in an unnecessary 
 anxiety to be actively employed in the cause of 
 Christ, when he needs not my exertions. — 
 Charged by a minister with being " too serious." 
 The concern I feel for the unconverted, and 
 beholding Jesus so often wounded by his pro- 
 fessed friends, added to the secret contests with 
 my own bosom foes, affects my countenance, 
 my heart, and my eyes. O Father, thou art 
 leading me by a way I knew not ; possess me 
 of that sober, chastened, dependent frame of 
 mind which will prepare me for every event. 
 
 Friday — Was set apart by our beloved pas- 
 tor as a day of fasting and prayer for a revival 
 of vital godliness. While I besought the King 
 of heaven to guide my footsteps through the 
 mazes of this mortal life, this promise was so 
 forcibly presented that I laid hold of it as my 
 own, — " Behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto 
 you, and will make known my words unto you ;" 
 and while wrestling for a manifestation of Di- 
 vine grace in our Church, these words were 
 given me, — " Until the Spirit be poured from 
 on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field." 
 
 Sunday, Nov. — Mr. Durbin spoke from 
 "Godliness with contentment," &c, — much 
 profited. In the evening, Mr. Higgins, — 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 151 
 
 " They who sow in tears shall reap in joy.'* 
 He remarked, that the weeping Christian is the 
 happy one. This consoled me ; for it has been 
 suggested that my face is too often wet with 
 tears. 
 
 Dec. 25. — ^Left my pillow long before the 
 sun had reached the horizon with his cheering 
 rays. The meeting house resounded with grate- 
 ful praise to Him whose appearance on earth 
 was the theme of angelic anthems, and exulta- 
 tion of the heavenly hosts; The first three 
 prayers were peculiarly adapted to the occasion. 
 While I looked forward to another year my 
 soul was filled with solemn forebodings of the 
 changes that would probably occur in our 
 family, and a faintness seized me. I rose to 
 leave the house, but sunk senseless to the 
 ground near the door. When gasping for 
 breath, felt that it Would be gain to die ; but 
 ah ! my passport was not yet given ; I could 
 not yet go home. Though very feeble, I heard 
 Mr. Higgins at ten o'clock, from " Christ was 
 manifested in the flesh to take away sins." In 
 the afternoon, at the lovefeast, was encouraged 
 by hearing some clear witnesses of the great 
 salvation. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1830. — I greet the first moments of 
 the new year with feelings new. Can it be that 
 my thread of life is not yet snapped asunder ? 
 Alive by a miracle ! I calculated long since to 
 have rested with the dead, free from all my toils. 
 I stand and look with wonder on what God hath 
 wrought for me the last twelve months ; his 
 
152 DIARY OF MISS BLUNTING. 
 
 calls, helps, mercies, forbearances, deliverances, 
 rescues from evils, support under the fatigues 
 of moving twice ; evident answers to prayer. 
 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
 benefits ? 
 
 I am resolved to be more circumspect in all 
 I say and do, and hang from moment to mo- 
 ment on a crucified Saviour. Never will I 
 unloose my hold on his promises. I am per- 
 suaded that it is his will that even a worm so 
 weak as I am may live unspotted from the 
 world. 
 
 Jan. 23. — Rose at break of day desiring to 
 be employed for God. Flesh was ready to 
 shrink from fulfilling an engagement to walk 
 three miles to a mission school this severely 
 cold morning. Is there a lamb in all my Fa- 
 ther's flock my soul disdains to feed ? I re- 
 signed my own ease, and the enjoyment of pub- 
 lic worship, and am amply compensated by the 
 Divine presence. 
 
 Friday night. — Mr. Nicholson, from " Men 
 ought always to pray, and not to faint." My 
 petitions are too general. 1 will endeavour to 
 have stated periods to wrestle for special bless- 
 ings and particular persons. 
 
 Saturday. — Last night the Lord bid me, even 
 in sleep, go on, and made my very dreams de- 
 vout ; and while attending to secular concerns 
 to-day, my mind has been fully taken up with 
 futurity. 
 
 Friday. — Called on D. Welsh — found her 
 exceedingly debilitated from raising blood, I 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 1&3 
 
 remarked, that her weakness of course pre- 
 vented her from reading much ; her answer 
 was, that " she had been only able to read the 
 Gospel of St. Luke through during the day." 
 She then repeated nearly all the eleventh chap- 
 ter of Revelation, saying it afforded her great 
 consolation, and that an application of these 
 scriptures had " Satan's every dart repelled." 
 
 How important, thought I, are Sabbath 
 schools, where the mind is stored with Gospel 
 truth. O that God would enable me to place 
 it before the children in such an attracting light 
 as to induce them to fall in love with its Divine 
 precepts. 
 
 Feb. 20.— Mr. Higgins — "Search the Scrip- 
 tures." Nothing could be more appropriate to 
 my feelings than the subject chosen for dis- 
 cussion. Since my visit to D. Welsh, have 
 felt convinced of my deficiency in attending to 
 this important duty. I would have the sacred 
 pages written on my heart. 
 
 Feb. 28.— Attended the courts of Zion — 
 much profited from a discourse of Mr. Thatcher, 
 •' Be ye holy, for I am holy," &c. I long to 
 possess all the Divine fulness as far as is at- 
 tainable by man. I am perfectly astonished 
 that professors should raise so many objections 
 to the doctrine of perfect love ; yet why should 
 I wonder 1 The carnal mind in myself once 
 strongly opposed the simplicity and power of 
 faith. 
 
 March 13. — 111, and fatigued in body and 
 soul, exulting in Christ Jesus. I rest in his 
 
154 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 love, and all my powers are engaged to do his 
 will. 
 
 Thursday, March 16. — At class. Surely 
 my lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. 
 My settled and immovable purpose of soul is 
 to be more devoted, both day and night, to the 
 service of God. 
 
 Friday. — Always held sacred to the service 
 of God. Ere I left my pillow experienced an 
 unusual going out of soul after more of the life 
 of love. Before I left the room my soul was 
 filled with earnest agonizing prayer. When 
 my hands were occupied with domestic duties, 
 the goodness of the Lord so passed before 
 me that I was led to exclaim, " Surely I am 
 blessed with a goodly heritage." 
 
 Sunday, March 19. — While in the sanctuary, 
 the fixedness of thought I enjoyed convinced 
 me that I was under Divine influence. 
 
 April 5. — At the table of my Father the 
 bread of life was broken. Surely his grace is as 
 the dew of heaven to my thirsty soul. Christ 
 is a firm and sure resting place to me, while 
 tossed on the troubled sea of life. 
 
 April 25. — Bishop Hedding preached from, 
 u Except a corn of wheat die," &c. My heart 
 was enlarged, and faith strengthened by the 
 rational view he gave of the scheme of re- 
 demption, and the resurrection by Christ Jesus. 
 
 May 20. — I never had freer access to a 
 sprinkled throne than for some days past. 
 What admixed joy and fathomless delight to 
 walk in the sunshine of a Father's love from 
 
DIARY Of MISS BUNTING. 155 
 
 day to day, from month to month, and year to 
 
 year. 
 
 " Each following minute as it flies, 
 Increase thy praise, improve my joys." 
 
 May 23. — Mr. Patrick, a Presbyterian cler- 
 gyman, occupied our pulpit— ^pleased to see 
 him there, and profited by his sermon from, 
 "Come, for all things are now ready." 
 
 June 6. — Mr. Higgins, from, " These words 
 spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven," 
 &c. Attended the ordinance of the Supper. 
 While at the hallowed board, at every breath 1 
 cried, — 
 
 *' If the Son hath set me free, 
 Let me taste my liberty; — 
 Now thine inward witness bear, 
 More strong, more permanent, more clear." 
 
 Suffered much from pain in my side — death 
 never wore a more amiable aspect. Shall I 
 declare that I am weary of lingering here ? no ; 
 let me rather say with a child at a boarding 
 school, " I am willing to learn every lesson that 
 is needful, but long to be in my father's house." 
 June 20. — The past week has been as a 
 bright spot in my mortal career. Cousin L. 
 Bunting's society has proved a cordial to me 
 at this season of deep trial. 
 
 " Naught that is seen or heard is half so fair, 
 As face of faithful friend, 
 Fairest when seen in darkest day." 
 
 June 22. — The sympathies of my soul have 
 been wrought up to the highest pitch for , 
 
156 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 who will no doubt very soon tread death's si- 
 lent shore ; yet, alas ! quite unprepared for the 
 world to come. Affecting sight ! — young and 
 beautiful. Surely death loves a shining mark. 
 Closed this day reading Pollock's Course of 
 Time. What an astonishing mind for one so 
 young. How have his descriptions raised my 
 scanty perceptions ! 
 
 June 24. — Rode eight miles this morning 
 through the pines. 
 
 " Pleasant are many scenes, but most to me, 
 That solitude of vast extent, untouch'd 
 By hand of art, where nature sow'd herself, 
 And reap'd her crops ; whoso minstrels are the 
 
 brooks, 
 Whose lamps, the moon and stars." 
 
 A solemnity always steals over me on pass- 
 ing through the cedar swamp ; the lofty trees 
 extend a quarter of a mile, and nearly exclude 
 the light of heaven. We rested at Union 
 Hall, the resort of hundreds for dancing on the 
 green. With what different feelings should I 
 have viewed the scene, if this lovely spot was 
 rendered sacred, by happy multitudes coming 
 under these lofty boughs for prayer and praise 
 to the God of nature. Lord, I want to feel 
 nothing but thee, to see nothing but thee, to 
 think of nothing but thee ; whether in the temple 
 or the grove, whether in society or solitude. 
 
 June 26. — Walked to the village to attend 
 female prayer meeting. The setting sun's last 
 rays gilded the surrounding prospect, when S. 
 A. Budd and myself reached the spot where 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 157 
 
 dear E.'s cold remains have slept in solitude 
 three years. O'er her silent dust the storms 
 of life now beat, unfelt while I am wandering 
 up and down, conversant with temptation and 
 severe afflictions. 
 
 " My soul and body I can trust 
 With Him who numbers ev'ry dust." 
 
 How much ignorance of God, and neglect 
 of his precepts prevail in this neighbourhood. 
 I have dropped a tract at many of their doors. 
 Lord, bless these silent messengers. Relieved 
 
 my mind by speaking plainly to Mr. on 
 
 the importance of a change of heart. Board- 
 ing and travelling causes me to mix more with 
 the gay world than I wish. 
 
 Asbury, New- Jersey, July 3i. — The Lord 
 hath graciously upheld my dear sister K. thus 
 far in extreme weakness. He only knows what 
 I feel on her account ; nevertheless, holy Fa- 
 ther, not our will, but thine be done. May the 
 clouds which obscure her evidence be dispersed 
 " by thy all-piercing beam." Crossed a high 
 and steep mountain for the benefit of a mineral 
 spring ; the ride was not only interesting from 
 an extended prospect, but rendered profitable 
 by conversing on the momentous subjects of 
 death and judgment. My intercourse with the 
 holy God, in this dwelling since my arrival 
 hath been very sweet. The moon, with her 
 maiden face, and a host of glittering stars, look- 
 ed meekly forth this evening, lighting the lofty 
 mountain tops, which are visible from my 
 chamber window, and inspired my devotions. 
 
158 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Friday. — At the family altar the Lord gave 
 me my full soul's desire, and assured me that 
 he would be a refuge in the day of calamity ; 
 and though the earth be removed and the 
 mountains planted in the midst of the sea, yet 
 will he never forsake those who trust in him. 
 During the time spent here I have been filled 
 with pantings for more constant fervour toward 
 God. While mingling with my dear cousin D., 
 whose heart is cast in the same mould with my 
 own, I have experienced a flow of soul which 
 surpasses description ; but we had to endure 
 the pang of parting. Cousin A. saw us safe up 
 the rugged steep of the Muskenetong mount, 
 ain four miles. As we descended, the valley 
 lay in full view before us, the plantations ap. 
 peared like little garden spots, and the lofty 
 forest trees which grew in all their strength and 
 majesty far below us, looked from the height 
 like small bushes. While contemplating these 
 scenes my mind was led from " nature up to 
 nature's God." O, who, my wondering soul 
 asks, can, with the volume of nature open 
 before them, deny the being of a great First 
 Cause ? 
 
 " Thy parent hand, thy forming skill, 
 Firm fix'd this universal chain ; 
 Else empty bajren darkness still 
 Had held his unmolested reign." 
 
 Frankford, July .24. — Attended a prayer 
 meeting in a private house, which I entered 
 more than a year ago to solicit Sunday scholars. 
 It was the first in a row of humble cottages, 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 159 
 
 whose inhabitants were invited to attend our 
 meetings. Three out of eight have made a 
 profession of their faith in Christ. Two of the 
 men astonished me this evening by their free- 
 dom in prayer, who a short time since were in 
 the gloom of nature's night. 
 
 July 27. — One of the boarders said to me, 
 " It is folly to dress so odd." I would not ap- 
 pear singular for singularity's sake, as humility 
 and courtesy require me to conform to the 
 costumes of my country. I wish not, I dare 
 not follow fashion, or indulge in idle talk. 
 
 " Mild, sweet, serene, and tender be my mood ; 
 Not grave with sternness, nor with lightness free." 
 
 Jenkentown, July 21. — We are now board- 
 ing with a private family, situated more to my 
 mind ; yet, alas ! there is no place of worship 
 in the town. The irreverent manner the holy 
 Sabbath is kept by most of the inhabitants has 
 shocked, and filled me with keen anguish. O 
 Jesus, hasten thy kingdom ; come and put an 
 end to sin and misery. Though shut out from 
 the public means, and my acquaintance out of 
 reach, still I have found the Saviour near. 
 
 Friday, Aug. 19. — This day, as is my cus- 
 tom, has been more solemnly passed in devotion. 
 He who fills heaven and earth is witness to the 
 many hours of earnest wrestling I have passed 
 beneath this roof, for its inmates, and the inha- 
 bitants of this section of country. I believe 
 there is great efficacy in prayer. 
 
160 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " To tell our Jesus all our wants, 
 How pleasing is the task." 
 
 Aug, 20. — When riding this morning, I was 
 reminded of the state of the natural heart by- 
 seeing a garden filled with weeds. It led me 
 to ask what I should be were it not for trans- 
 forming grace. " This keeps me inly poor, 
 and O that grace may keep me evermore." 
 Lord, Jesus, make me after thine own heart. 
 I have been charmed with the scenery which 
 surrounds this village. From an eminence we 
 had a view of twenty miles' distance. I walked 
 half a mile to visit a young creature whom con- 
 sumption is carrying to her long home — had a 
 most interesting interview, and left the mother 
 and her three children in tears. God grant 
 that this youth, cut down in her loveliness, like 
 a morning flower, may bloom afresh in the gar- 
 den of paradise. 
 
 Aug. 22. — Several Sabbaths I have attended 
 Miss Pepper's school — took leave of my inte- 
 resting class of boys. I am led to hope, by 
 their solemnity and tenderness of heart, that 
 truth will fasten on their minds. I lament to 
 see many portions of my time spent to no pur- 
 pose. I am fully convinced that my constant 
 concern is to bring each day a revenue of 
 praise to God. As the branch derives nutri- 
 ment from the root, so does my dependent soul 
 from Christ. 
 
 Aug. 25. — I was aroused last night by 
 coughing, which was a sure prelude to me of 
 raising blood. I sat up for some time filled 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTIXG. 161 
 
 with awful reflections, and earnest pleadings 
 with God for a constant and habitual prepara- 
 tion for death and judgment. 
 
 1 have taken a ride to Germantown, though 
 an entire stranger, to request the circuit preach* 
 crs to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to 
 this dying people. For two weeks I have been 
 very unwell, and this morning so ill as scarce 
 to be able to sit in the carriage ; but such is the 
 anxiety I feel for Jenkentown, that I am will- 
 ing to forego any convenience, so that a faithful 
 ministry may be established there. I can see 
 a Father's hand in all my goings, and delight 
 to retrace the way he hath led me. 
 
 Philadelphia, Aug. 20. — Came in safety to 
 my long desired home yesterday ; yet I am 
 aware that change of situation will only be 
 change of trials ; and that happiness and con- 
 solation can only come from God* It hath 
 been said that he had one So?i without sin ; 
 none without affliction. Though I am called 
 to endure all the heart-breaking certainties of 
 actual affliction, and all the anticipations of 
 unknown difficulties yet to come ; — 
 " Still I will triumph in the Lord, — 
 The God of my salvation praise/' 
 
 I am unable in the language of mortals to 
 express what I have this day enjoyed. Went 
 to class, though scarce able to walk there ; 
 and was humbled under a continuation of the 
 undeserved mercies of my God. I have taken 
 Jesus for my chief good, and ask no better 
 portion. 
 
 11 
 
162 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 Sept. 4. — Taken the twenty -seventh of last 
 month to my bed with the intermittent fever. 
 My soul was watered during this attack with 
 the peace-giving influence of Divine grace ; 
 and was enabled to tell my sorrows in flowing 
 language to Jesus, my invariable Friend. He 
 screened my head in the day of battle, and de- 
 livered me from the powers of darkness. 
 
 Sept. 14. — I write by stealth, as my friends 
 have prohibited it, or even talking. — Was seized 
 on the fifth instant with raising blood, and have 
 had two attacks since, t was kept perfectly 
 calm under my most terrifying symptoms. It is 
 a solemn thing to look death steadily in the 
 face. Thank God, that when my bodily afflic- 
 tions have been raised to the greatest height, 
 the consolatioiis of grace have been much 
 more abundant. This sweet promise has been 
 a stay to my soul, — " As thy day is, so shall 
 thy strength be.'" 
 
 Sept. 25. — Had the privilege of spending a 
 week at Mr. Buckman's delightful retreat. 1 
 am much recruited through their kindness. 
 The beauties and stillness of this scene tended 
 to elevate my soul. Experienced many sweet 
 seasons of union with these dear friends, and 
 holy intercourse with the great I AM. 
 • Nov. 14. — Complicated and deep have been 
 the exercises of my mind since my last date ; 
 while I have with trembling struggled to per- 
 form the many duties incumbent on me. Jesus 
 has been by my side. As long as I am ca- 
 pable of thankfulness, I shall never be in want 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 163 
 
 of a cause, I will magnify the Most High for 
 the firm foundation which is built for my faith 
 in his excellent word. My soul was warmed 
 with heavenly rapture while meditating on the 
 unutterable glory spoken of by St. Paul. I am 
 seeking a complete fitness for an entrance into 
 this bright abode, and crying that God may not 
 only wash my feet, but my hands from every 
 action unworthy the dignity of a Christian ; my 
 head from vain imaginations ; my heart from 
 every undue attachment ; and let my life and 
 walk -be as a living epistle, seen and read of all 
 men. 
 
 [The following extract is inserted here for 
 its uncommon interest : — ] 
 
 My dear sister, Christiana Syng De Haven, 
 daughter of Charles and Ann Bunting, was 
 born at Octoraro, West Nottingham, (Mary- 
 land,) on Monday, March 28, 1796. At an 
 cerly period of her life her parents removed to 
 Philadelphia, where she received her educa- 
 tion. While she was a child she attended the 
 meetings of the society of Friends ; but as she 
 grew in years her mind was visited with deep 
 convictions. She felt the necessity of giving 
 her heart wholly to the Lord ; of coming out 
 from the world, and making a public profession 
 of religion. In the nineteenth year of her age, 
 under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Pilmoor, 
 she was brought to a saving acquaintance with 
 Jesus Christ, the friend of sinners, and united 
 herself to St. Paul's Church, of which Mr. 
 Pilmoor was rector. From the commence- 
 
164 DIARV OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ment of her Christian course she manifested a 
 zeal in the cause of God seldom witnessed. 
 She took a decided stand on the side of Chris- 
 tianity, and neither the vanities of the world, 
 nor the temptations of Satan, ever allured her 
 from the path of duty. 
 
 She assisted in establishing one of the first 
 Sabbath schools that was formed in Philadel- 
 phia, of which she was for more than ten years 
 a faithful teacher. It may indeed be said her 
 heart was in this good work : her fervent pray- 
 ers were heard in heaven for the children under 
 her care, and several of them were brought 
 from the darkness of nature to the glorious light 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 In the year 1825 she was married to Mr. 
 Hugh De Haven, who truly proved a helpmeet 
 to her in the way to the kingdom. After her 
 union with Mr. De Haven her sphere of use- 
 fulness was in a measure enlarged. Her heart 
 and house were open to receive the friends of 
 Jesus ; and though a member of the Episcopal 
 Church, her warm heart embraced Christians 
 of every name and sect. She has often been 
 heard to say, " I love the image of my Master 
 with equal affection wherever I behold it." 
 
 The poor and the destitute were ever taught to 
 look up to her as their friend, and never were 
 any known to ask her assistance in vain. With 
 a liberal hand she aided in sending the Gospel 
 to heathen lands. She was especially inte- 
 rested in the work of the Lord nmong the 
 natives of our forests, and rejoiced greatly in 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 165 
 
 the conquests of the Redeemer's cross amid 
 these long neglected people. In the spring of 
 1828 her husband removed to Frankford, 
 Pennsylvania, for the benefit of her health. 
 There being no Episcopal church in that vil- 
 lage, they opened their doors for Methodist 
 preaching, and they had the satisfaction to see 
 their house crowded with attentive hearers. 
 The blessing of the Lord attended the minis- 
 tration of the word ; and though ineffectual 
 efforts had been made for twenty years to raise 
 a society there, the preachers now succeeded 
 in forming a class. The work of God from 
 that small commencement, has continued to 
 prosper, and they have at this time a comfort- 
 able place of worship, a Sabbath school, and 
 more than sixty members in Church fellowship. 
 In the year 1829 her health became much im- 
 paired, and it was soon apparent that consump- 
 tion had marked her for its victim ; and although 
 no immediate danger was to be apprehended, 
 yet she was sensible that death had received 
 his commission to destroy. Being naturally 
 of a cheerful, engaging disposition, it kept her 
 long from sinking under the ravages of the dis. 
 ease, Through the whole of her affliction her 
 confidence in God, through the merits of Jesus, 
 remained unshaken. But her affections were 
 so strongly placed upon her husband and chil- 
 dren, that the idea of leaving her babes mother- 
 less cast a gloom over her mind as she 
 advanced toward the grave ; and though she 
 had ever been a uniform cross-bearing Chris. 
 
166 DIAIiY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 tian, she felt her nature to shrink when she 
 thought of dying. 
 
 In October, 1830, she was entirely confined 
 to her room, and it was plainly seen that death 
 was approaching fast. Her friends were con- 
 stantly engaged in prayer, that she might, with 
 holy resignation, give up all that were dear to 
 her into the hands of God, and that every cloud 
 which obscured her spiritual sky might be dis- 
 persed. 
 
 Friday, November 18. — Mr. De Haven ex- 
 pressed a wish to sit up with her ; on which 
 she observed that her death would be a great 
 relief to him. Mr. D. begged she would not 
 talk thus. " Why," she answered, " conversing 
 on my change will not hasten my departure, 
 and I think it profitable to become familiar 
 with my final foe." She then informed him 
 where she wished to be buried, and continued, 
 " My soul doth magnify the Lord ; for though 
 my brother C, sister H., and myself were left 
 very early in life almost without a Christian 
 friend, yet he has been our guard, and brought 
 vis all to a knowledge of himself. Then why 
 should I shrink from committing my sweet babes 
 into the hands of the same almighty Friend ? 
 My dear husband, let them be brought up in his 
 fear, and my last and dying request is, that 
 they may never be intrusted to the care of any 
 person destitute of vital godliness : and do be 
 very particular to dress them plain." 
 
 Saturday, 19. — She talked to me with the 
 utmost composure relative to her leaving us, 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 167 
 
 and told me how she wished her effects dis- 
 posed of among her friends, and declared if the 
 Lord should ever raise her again to health, 
 it was her design to unite herself to the Me- 
 thodist Church, as she found their ministry and 
 means better calculated to promote a growth 
 in grace than any she had known. For two 
 weeks she took no solid food. All that re- 
 freshed her "was rinsing her mouth with cold 
 water. After using some in this way, with 
 gratitude beaming in her eyes, she said, " This 
 is very reviving ; but bless the Lord for the 
 prospect of shortly drinking from the river of 
 life." 
 
 Wednesday. , 24. — " Dark post of observa- 
 tion." — I seem almost to taste the bitterness of 
 death with the clear sufferer. Her room is a 
 fallowed spot. It has been sanctified by the 
 prayers of the saints. This day she changed 
 for the worse. Having frequently asked me 
 the hour, I was desirous to know if it proceeded 
 from impatience, and asked her if she felt any 
 disposition to complain, or wish her sufferings 
 Hess. She quickly answered, " no !" and then, 
 with a look of surprise, added, Ci I never thought 
 of such a thing." 
 
 Friday, 26. — 1 felt it my duty to inform my 
 precious sister that Dr. Brinkle thought her 
 end was near, and that perhaps this day would 
 be her last She appeared to realize fully that 
 the time of her exit was at hand. She burst 
 into tears, and with much earnestness exclaimed, 
 "O ! Hannah, do you think it is all right with 
 
168 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 me now ?" I told her I had not the shadow of 
 a doubt that she was accepted with God. " But 
 ah !" she added, " I have grown too cold ; yet I 
 know that I have been sincere in my efforts to 
 glorify God : but what are works now ? I have 
 nothing to lean upon but the Saviour." Mr. 
 Higgins came, and again engaged in prayer 
 and praise. She then said she felt a firm trust 
 in Jesus, yet could not claim the promises as 
 she wished. He exhorted her to continue con- 
 fiding in God, and she would never be con- 
 founded. From this time she appeared more 
 fervent in spirit. 
 
 Saturday, 27. — Had a visit from the Rev. 
 T. Allen. After he had prayed she took but 
 little notice of what was passing until the dusk 
 of the evening, when she called me to her, and 
 wished to know if I was lifting up my heart in 
 her behalf. This had been her constant prac- 
 tice for some time, and continued so until the 
 last, whenever her medicine or drink was ad- 
 ministered. " Hannah," said she, " I have no 
 wish to be restored ;" and then, with clasped 
 hands and raised eyes, cried out, " O ! for one 
 bright view of heaven, one sweet smile from 
 Jesus ;" and frequently through the evening 
 repeated the same language. She passed a 
 tolerably comfortable night, and on Sunday fre- 
 quently asked Mr. De Haven to read short por- 
 tions of Scripture, she not being able to bear 
 much at a time. In the afternoon S. R. called, 
 for whose salvation my sister had felt long in- 
 terested ; and though exceedingly weak, she 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 169 
 
 faithfully warned her to give up the empty va- 
 nities of time, and prepare for the dying hour, 
 that they might meet in heaven. 
 
 At ten o'clock in the evening she thought she 
 was entering the dark valley, and called on 
 those around her to pray that she might have 
 a clearer witness. All present knelt in silent 
 agonizing prayer ; a peaceful answer was sent, 
 and she broke the silence with the voice of 
 praise and thanksgiving* She continued speak- 
 ing for two hours, with strength and tones alto- 
 gether supernatural. 
 
 The first words we caught were, " My Je- 
 sus, my Saviour, come, for all things are now 
 ready." After interceding in a particular man- 
 ner for all that were near and dear to her, she 
 thanked the Lord most fervently for providing 
 her so tender a companion, and one that feared 
 and served him. " Mr. De Haven," said she, 
 " none but God and my heart knows the warm 
 affection I have for you. Be faithful, and we 
 shall soon meet in. the skies." Then taking 
 her marriage ring from off her hand, put it on 
 his in the most impressive manner. I re- 
 marked, "You are now wholly wedded to 
 Christ ;" to which she assented. She con- 
 tinued to offer up her grateful acknowledgments 
 to the Father of spirits that her dear brother 
 Charles was on his way to heaven ; bade him 
 persevere with all diligence, until they should 
 unite on high in adoring the g'-eat Three One. 
 Turning to me, she said some tender things, 
 which much effected me, — urged me to live 
 
170 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 near the Lord, and requested me to take 
 charge of her darling children. " Hannah," 
 said she, " take my sweet babes ; hide them in 
 your bosom ; and O may they, and all of you, 
 be hid in Christ ! Watch with special care 
 over my little boy ; and as soon as his and 
 dear Susan's mind expand, strive to impress 
 their hearts with religious truth." While 
 giving me those charges her eyes were bent 
 upon me, as if they would have left one of their 
 bright unearthly rays as a seal to her death- 
 bed charge. 
 
 At her desire, the domestics were brought to 
 her side, that- she might give them her last ad- 
 monition and blessing. Ellen had been long 
 under her care in the Sabbath school, and is 
 now in a fair way to unite with her beloved 
 teacher in the mansions of eternal rest. Har- 
 riet she took very young, and fully discharged 
 her duty to this poor orphan, and has now with 
 her dying breath warned her to forsake the ways 
 of sin. She went on to say, "Tell all my 
 friends how cheerfully I am enabled to resign 
 my husband and children, and all that are near 
 to me, to the Lord." Then with feeling re- 
 peated, — 
 
 " There everlasting spring abides, 
 And never-withering flowers." 
 
 She seemed now to draw very near the gates of 
 death ; her voice was, at last, like music dying 
 on the ear. We thought her freed spirit had 
 winged its way to the paradise above ; but to 
 
DIARY 01' MISS HUNTING. 171 
 
 iT 
 
 our great surprise she again revived, to sun 
 more than language can describe. For a few- 
 hours she appeared to sleep sweetly ; on awak- 
 ing, with a tone of disappointment she remarked, 
 " I thought the last struggle was over, but I find 
 it is not." 
 
 Monday.— It was with the utmost difficulty 
 she could breathe or speak ; for some time 
 the doors and windows had been kept open to 
 admit the air ; now she could not bear the least 
 fire, though the weather was cold and wet. 
 We had a soothing visit this morning from Mr. 
 Higgins. It being said to her that " religion 
 was no cunningly devised fable," " No," was 
 her reply, " and the power, the power of it is 
 what I want now." Her soul was filled with 
 the love of God. She exclaimed, u O, precious 
 Jesus, what should I do now without such a 
 prop 1 My great High Priest above ! O that 
 I had strength to speak in honour of his name. 
 From Pisgah's top I view the promised land. 
 At seven o'clock this evening I retired to take 
 some rest, but found I could not lie. On 
 reaching the door of my sister's chamber, I 
 heard her say, " Where is Hannah ? I can do 
 no longer without her." I was in a moment 
 by her side, and found her almost exhausted. 
 She asked me with much earnestness, if I did 
 not think this struggle would be the last ?" 
 " Yes," I said, " the strife, I believe, will soon 
 cease." "O," she cried, "that the Lord might 
 come and release me, and all of you," (alluding 
 to our exposure to the damp cold wind,) 
 
172 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done. 
 Where am I now l On the stormy banks of 
 Jordan, just entering the cold stream ;" and 
 such it proved, for Satan was permitted to 
 assail her ; the powers of darkness seemed 
 combined to destroy her faith. During the 
 night watches she was exercised with expiring 
 suiferings too exquisite to be imagined ; but 
 through all no murmur escaped her lips ; the 
 disposition she manifested was, "Though He 
 slay me, yet will I trust in him." Through the 
 long night the house resounded with the voice 
 of prayer, and the power of God was displayed 
 in a manner that will never be forgotten. In the 
 morning her language was, " Blessed Saviour ! 
 bid me stretch out my weak, withered hand, 
 and lay hold on thee ; I have a faint view of 
 tiie New Jerusalem, and, severe as my anguish 
 is, I would not exchange situations with any of 
 you, my friends." The continual cry of her 
 soul now was, " Why are his chariot wheels 
 so long in coming ? The world is nothing to 
 me now." Her faith strengthened in the pros- 
 pect of a speedy release ; she testified to me, 
 that "Satan no longer held her in bondage 
 through fear of death." Her dying words were, 
 " Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly. Amen," 
 The expression of her countenance in the 
 last agony was more Divine than human ; 
 " her eyes grew bright, too bright for us to look 
 upon ;" and without a lingering groan she 
 more than conquered the king of terrors, and 
 entered the haven of everlasting repose at three 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 173 
 
 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, the 30ih of 
 November, 1830. 
 
 Wednesday. — I have just left the room 
 whence my dear sister so recently escaped to 
 the bosom of her Father. It seemed more to 
 me like the portals of heaven, than the gloomy 
 vestibule of the tomb ; yet how solemn to gaze 
 on the corpse when the spirit is fled. My 
 little Susan has been my companion, and is 
 much impressed with the scene. Lord Jesus, 
 endow her and little Charles with grace to tread 
 in the footsteps of their mother, who now sleeps 
 in Jesus and is blessed. And would I awake her 
 out of sleep, and call her spirit back to re- 
 animate that cold frame, to mingle again in the 
 toils of earth ? No. This is the triumph of 
 cur holy faith. The saddest, most dreary, and 
 most heart-rending moments of life are occa- 
 sions of the most Divine consolation and sup- 
 port. This has been amply verified in my case. 
 God gives a martyr's grace in a martyr's suf- 
 fering. He has given me extraordinary support 
 under extraordinary trials. I always did con- 
 template death with a degree of awe ; and how 
 tremendous was the shock my angelic sister 
 had to encounter ! Yet I will praise thee, O 
 Lord, for the victory, and that she had her 
 faculties and speech until within ten minutes 
 before nature entirely failed, and death closed 
 the scene. The dark sepulchre appears to me 
 a place of glory, and the burial of tho.se who 
 are dearest an occasion of exultation. We in- 
 tend to-morrow to lay up her dear remains, in 
 
174 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 comfortable hope of a glorious resurrection ; 
 and while her pure spirit is welcomed by the 
 songs of angels above, is it not right that our 
 voices below should join the consoling, the en- 
 rapturing strain ? Yes, dear companion in 
 affliction, go from a suffering Church beneath, 
 to a reigning Church on high. 
 
 Her end was psace, 
 
 Fitting her uniform piety serene ; 
 'Tvvas rather the deep, humble calm of faith, 
 Than her high triumph ; and resembled more 
 Th' unnoticed setting of a clear day's sun, 
 Thun his admired departure, in a blazo 
 Of glory, bursting from a clouded course." 
 
 Jan. 21, 1831. — What progress have I made 
 in piety the past year 1 how passed the fleeting 
 moments? It has been, I am confident,, my 
 settled and habitual purpose of soul, to be 
 wholly the Lord's. I have had many gracious 
 beasons of communion with my glorified Sa- 
 viour. " I will be glad and rejoice in thy 
 mercy ; for thou, O Lord.* hast considered my 
 soul in trouble : thou hast known my soul in 
 adversities." Though my path hath been rough 
 and thorny, still I can praise God for every 
 sorrow. 
 
 Thirty hours after my sister's spirit left the 
 clay, to human appearance, I was brought near 
 death from the rupturing of a blood vessel ; 
 — raised more than a pint of blood. I did, in- 
 deed teem to breathe the chilling airs of death. 
 Satan would fain have made me fear that the 
 pains of death would be so excruciating as to 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 175 
 
 destroy ray faith ; yet he found no place in my 
 heart. I felt an implicit trust in the veracity 
 of Jehovah. Peace, permanent peace was my 
 portion. O, the Divine sweetness I found in 
 having no will of my own ; my soul was incon- 
 ceivably happy, and heaven looked much 
 brighter to me than earth. 
 
 Jan. 23. — Mercie3 singularly great crowd 
 my clays. Especially let me record the com- 
 passion of the Lord in raising up so many kind 
 friends in this time of need. My dearest 
 Lydla tested her love by travelling one hundred 
 miles at this severely cold season, and has been 
 my comfort and solace during near two months 
 of languor and disease. This day the Lord 
 hath required the loan, and enabled me to re- 
 sign her with a cheerful heart, by filling my soul 
 with most sensible manifestations of his pre- 
 sence. All the day I have been basking in 
 the love of God in Christ. I seemed for two 
 nights past to have intercourse with the spirits 
 of the departed. This morning I awoke two 
 hours before day, and closed my eyes no more. 
 Ail within was attuned to praise from an 
 impression left by a dream, in which I ima- 
 gined having an interview with the Rev. J. 
 Wesley, and was greatly encouraged by his 
 words. 
 
 I rejoice to testify that my hope of final sal- 
 vation has acquired stability by my recent trials, 
 which amply compensates for the loss of my 
 dear sister, health, and the public means of 
 
176 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Feb. 12. — While the sun was darkened by 
 an eclipse, my mind was absorbed in a train 
 •of profitable reflections. This same luminary, 
 at the command of Jehovah, " stood still upon 
 Gibeon," till Israel were avenged of their ene- 
 mies. What a scene of confusion and distress 
 would ensue if our globe were deprived of the 
 sun's bright rays ! yet, that would be nothing 
 to the effect of the absence of the Sun of right- 
 eousness. How void of light and comfort 
 would my heart be without his cheering illu- 
 minations ! 
 
 Sunday, Feb. 13. — My flesh impedes the 
 impulses of my spirit to be found in the various 
 walks of usefulness. My affections linger 
 round the Sabbath school. It is a great privi- 
 lege to be permitted to do good. I should 
 think some months past were lost, did I not 
 hope that it has been a season for the exercise 
 of patience. This fainting, weakness, and pain, 
 are the cup my Father hath given me, and 
 shall I not drink it ? Through the communi- 
 cation of his Holy Spirit, I do enjoy an humble 
 and resigned frame of mind. Though shut out 
 from the assembly of the saints, I exult in the 
 thought that prayer and praise are offered up 
 in faith at the same hour, and to the same God, 
 by ten thousand voiees. My heavenly Father. 
 I believe, will be with me,— 
 
 " Till like buvnish'd gold f shine, 
 Meet, through consecrated pain, 
 To see thy face Divine." 
 
 Feb. 15.— I sec myself in great danger from 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING, 177 
 
 the spirit of ease and self-indulgence which the 
 slender state of my health appears to demand. 
 Lord, if I can do no good in the world, suffer 
 me not to live to do harm. 
 
 Feb. 18. — Time, with swift wing, is brushing 
 away all things that are not immortal. O, my 
 soul, — 
 
 " What though thy pleasure may depart, 
 And darksome days be given ; 
 And lonely though on earth thou art, 
 Yet bliss awaits the lowly heart, 
 When friends rejoin in heaven" 
 
 Not one trial could my heavenly Father in 
 faithfulness have spared me. He has kindly 
 broken up the enchantments of this world, at 
 which I might have sat and sipped, to my ever- 
 lasting destruction. God has entirely sundered 
 my heart from the hope of unalloyed felicity on 
 this side Jordan ; yet he has set a firm stepping 
 place for me upon the stormy surge. How 
 sweet to find myself sheltered in the cleft of 
 the rock, while the storm is raging around. 
 
 Feb. 28. — How has the lustre of the world 
 faded in my view, and its fascinations been 
 broken by bodily and mental anguish. It is all 
 of grace that I am what I am. Death is cer- 
 tain. On a worm none can safely lean. I am 
 convinced of this from my own feebleness, and 
 have ample proof of it by the removal of others 
 out of time. My dear cousin D. Wiggins is num- 
 bered with the pale nations under ground. 
 Her happy spirit has taken its flight to endless 
 glory. What a transition ! — an earthly de- 
 12 
 
178 DIAKY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 cayed tabernacle exchanged for " a building of 
 God, a house not made with hands, eternal in 
 the heavens ;" — a bed of suffering for a throne, 
 — weeping circles, for shining ranks of angels, 
 and all the multitude of glorified spirits. My 
 dear cousin's end was peaceful. She and my 
 beloved sister are landed safe where there will 
 be no more parting. 
 
 March 13. — My heart is drawn out in grate- 
 ful acknowledgments for an unexpected oppor- 
 tunity of hearing a discourse from Mr. Massy. 
 The psalm he read had been the subject of my 
 morning's meditations. How I then longed to 
 see the goings of my Lord in the sanctuary as 
 in time past. This afternoon the favour was 
 granted. The hymns were on the subject of 
 the Christian's warfare. The text too exactly 
 suited my frame^-Eph. vi, 10-13: "Finally, 
 brethren, be strong in the Lord," &e. I have 
 reaped benefit from affectionately endeavouring 
 to point out to several of my Christian friends 
 what I judged to be a hinderance to their 
 growth in grace. Since I am laid aside as a 
 broken vessel, I pray to be useful in promoting 
 personal holiness among those I am conversant 
 with. Above all I would watch, not only the 
 exterior, but also the interior movements of my 
 own soul. I long to obtain n maturity of every 
 grace. 
 
 March 29. — Striving to lessen the anguish 
 of others has mitigated my own. The Lord 
 lias made providences effectual instead of -or- 
 dinances. He upholds me with his own right 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 179 
 
 arm, and keeps me as the apple of his eye. I 
 have had some close trials of late, which con- 
 vince me that I must not suffer my affections 
 to settle on the empty shadows of this dying 
 world. Still blessed and comforted by visions of 
 the night. I am thankful for strength again to 
 pray vocally. 
 
 April 2. — Infinite wisdom still protracts my 
 stay on earth. The mercies of my life are too 
 diversified to enumerate ; and not among the 
 least I esteem the strength afforded me to at- 
 tend the courts of Zion, where Mr. Higgins 
 preached, what I suppose will be his last ser- 
 mon, from " Wherefore, comfort your hearts 
 with these words." How many thousand ills 
 is flesh heir to ! yet, blessed be God, I sorrow 
 not as one without hope. I have seen many 
 of my friends laid in the mansions of the dead 
 through Aveakness. but they shall be raised in 
 power. Here all comparison fails. O how 
 spiritless and paralytic are my present thoughts 
 of heaven ! I was covered with blushing while 
 bowed at the sacramental board, and my mind 
 intensely bent on seeking more of God. I 
 want every branch and degree of holiness. 
 
 April 3. 
 
 " Have I consider'd what it is to die ? 
 In native dust with kindred worms to lie ? 
 
 To sleep in cheerless, eold neglect, — to rot ; — 
 My body loath'd, my very name forgot?" 
 
 I fully feel that I shall take but a few 
 more turns in this world. Happy shall I be 
 if my day's work here -keeps pace with my 
 
180 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 fleeting moments. If any things earthly had 
 too much of my heart, it was my friends. The 
 dearest are removed out of time, so that I am 
 forced to raise my thoughts toward heaven 
 when I think of them. Thank God that chas- 
 tisements, though they be not joyous but 
 grievous, have in a great measure lost their 
 sting with me. The rod, as well as the staff, 
 comfort me. I am enabled to kiss the hand 
 that is smiting me, and derive enjoyment from 
 its severity. I am truly glad that I have kept 
 a journal ; I had otherwise forgotten much of 
 what I have done against God, and of what he 
 has done for me. 
 
 April 12.— Mr. Higgins met our class for 
 the last time. It was a season never to be 
 forgotten. I shall ofttimes revert to the ser- 
 mons I have heard, and classes I have en, 
 joyed, under dear Mr. Higgins. May the 
 Lord render unto him double for all his labours 
 of love. Since it is thy prerogative, holy 
 Father,— 
 
 " Every arm of fiosh to remove, 
 Stay, O stay me on thy only love,'' 1 
 
 April 17. — Though the morning was dark, 
 and lowering I ventured to enter the courts of 
 Zion, and was favoured to hear a most able 
 discourse from Mr. Wilbur Fisk. Text, 1 Tim. 
 iv, 10, " For therefore we both labour and suffer 
 reproach," &c. I enjoy a sermon which 
 breathes Divine influence, and directs me to 
 implore the aid of the Holy Ghost. Heard 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. i81 
 
 Mr. White, with his usual pathos, from " Be 
 ye reconciled to God." O could the influence 
 of the great world be thrown into the scale of 
 religion ! — but alas ! alas ! neither the terrors 
 of eternal darkness, nor the charms of eternal 
 light, appear to rouse poor sinners from their 
 awful lethargy. 
 
 May 1. — " With a glad heart and free," this 
 holy morning I repaired to the temple of the 
 Lord of hosts : felt the moment I entered that 
 the sacred Shechinah rested there. Mr. Holdich 
 opened his embassy among us by speaking 
 from these very appropriate words, — "We 
 preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the 
 Lord," &c. I never heard a Gospel minister 
 more fitly described. My ceaseless cry to 
 God is, that all these qualifications may be 
 fully concentrated in our pastor. The em- 
 blems of the Saviour's passion were adminis- 
 tered, and I was enabled to adore him for a 
 perpetuation of his favours, and felt that my 
 heart was fixed, trusting in the grace and love 
 which bought me. O that I may daily plunge 
 me in the fountain "filled with blood." My 
 soul was burdened on noticing among many 
 of our members so much copying after the 
 customs of the world. What egregious folly 
 to suffer such petty gewgaws to drive the life 
 of God out of their hearts. On surveying 
 myself and others, I am led to exclaim, O my 
 much injured Father, — Spirit of the living 
 God, purge Zion, and leave thyself a pure rem- 
 nant. 
 
182 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 May 8. — With unexpected pleasure heard 
 Mr. Taylor this evening from Isaiah, "The 
 abundance of the sea shall be converted unto 
 thee." My heart was enlarged to ask for the 
 conversion of all that go down to the sea in 
 ships. 
 
 May 10. — This afternoon the mournful gra- 
 tification was granted me of tracing my sad 
 footsteps for the first time to the lovely yard, 
 decked with all the bright verdure of spring, 
 where she whom I most loved now sleeps. 
 But the companion of my childhood, my sister, 
 did not greet me as formerly with her cheering 
 voice. Ah no ! her voice is hushed in death ; 
 but tears were denied me. 
 
 " Thou art gone ; the dread hour of our parting rs 
 past ; 
 Yet I felt while I mutely hung o'er thee, 
 Such a mantle of holiness around thee was cast, 
 I could not have dared to deplore thee." 
 
 May 14. — Heard a sermon from Haggai ii, 
 6-8. Had under this discourse clearer soul- 
 transforming conceptions of thy adorable per- 
 fections, O King of saints. Just and true art 
 thou in all thy ways. I find that in prayer I 
 make the nearest approaches to God, and lie 
 open to the influences of heaven. Then it is 
 that the Sun of righteousness doth visit me 
 with his directer rays, and imprinteth his image 
 on my soul. 
 
 May 17. — I was struck with this remark of 
 Mr. Wesley, " Do not speak of joys and com- 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUXTIXG* 183 
 
 forts only : this is well pleasing to flesh and 
 blood ; but speak also of sorrows, weaknesses, 
 and temptations : this is pleasing to God." 
 These ideas solaced me much ; for of late I 
 have been led to converse freely with a few 
 chosen friends on my particular difficulties. I 
 have trembled because of not possessing rap- 
 tures of joy to the extent I have in former days. 
 Still there is not the most distant desire har- 
 boured by me after any thing but " fellow- 
 ship with God." Indeed there never was a 
 period when I took less pleasure in the things 
 of time, or felt so completely dead to all below. 
 I am tempted ; but sin, though offered with a 
 gilded bait, can find no entrance. A mis- 
 take through ignorance, weak memory, hateful 
 injections from the enemy, dulness of spirit, 
 occasioned by the body, flutter of spirit, caused 
 by surprise, — none, or all these things put to- 
 gether, says a holy divine, is a sufficient reason 
 why I should cast away my confidence. No ; 
 for until my will gives way I have not sinned. 
 God, my keeper, smiles, and Satan's every dart 
 repels. 
 
 May 29. — At Jenkentown attended the 
 Sabbath school. A young gentleman and lady 
 have been awakened under our preachers. 
 The female has been prevented by her father 
 from attending our meetings. Opposition had 
 such an effect on her, that it drove her to de- 
 spair of the mercy of God, and caused her, in 
 a fit of delirium, to jump into a deep well, 
 from which she was taken up for dead. How- 
 
184 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ever, she has been revived, and I trust will be 
 kept by the mercy of God from another such 
 attempt. 
 
 How I long to see the upbuilding of Zion 
 here. 
 
 Haddonfield, N. J., June 4. — Spent four 
 days in this sweet village with my dear friend, 
 M. Walker. Have found it very profitable to 
 engage with her in Christian converse, and to 
 be excluded for a week from the charge of a 
 family. I have endeavoured to improve this 
 interval from care in investigating my present 
 state : obtained an assurance that I have no 
 other end, desire, or aim, than to be wholly 
 given up to God. Though I find it sometimes 
 a trial to be taken off from active service, and 
 laid aside as a foot out of joint ; still I am fully 
 satisfied that God should appoint to me a life 
 of weakness ; and I cannot feel a wish with 
 respect to the continuance of my life, should he 
 refer the matter to me. 
 
 " Pleasure, and wealth, and praise no more 
 Shall lead my captive soul astray ; 
 My fond pursuits I all give o'er, 
 
 Thee, only thee, resolved t' obey r ; 
 
 My own ib all things to resign, 
 And know no other will but thine. yy 
 
 Philadelphia, June 14. — I know full well that 
 length of days is not a gift for me. A severe 
 pain in my breast, violent cough, and raising 
 more blood, have called me to be decked for 
 the Bridegroom, and reasdy to be gone* 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 185 
 
 June 16. — Heard Mr. Parish, from Heb. x, 
 39, " But we are not of them who draw back 
 to perdition, but of them who believe to the 
 saving of the soul." As he proceeded I was 
 led to take a close and impartial survey of my 
 state and condition in a spiritual point of view. 
 Hallelujah to the Lamb ! While thus occupied, 
 my faith took a much firmer grasp on the pro- 
 mises ; had a luminous evidence of the power 
 of Jehovah to sanctify wholly ; experienced an 
 increase of this grace in my own soul, so that 
 I can find no words to express the half I feel. 
 Formerly my joys were tumultuous ; now they 
 are deep, and glide evenly on. " I will rejoice 
 in thy salvation, and in the name of my God 
 set up my banners." 
 
 Crosswicks, July 1. — How often in "child- 
 hood's happy hours" have I roved over the lovely 
 grounds of Hilton in the society of my dear 
 cousins, — 
 
 "When nature pleased, — for life itself was new, 
 And the heart promised what the fancy drew." 
 
 Where are those days ? Fled with the friends of 
 my youth for ever. The golden rays of a set- 
 ting sun have this evening flung a softening 
 radiance over the fair landscape. My prayer 
 is, that, like this bright orb, — 
 
 " At the end of my day 
 I may retire from the world in a beautiful blaze, 
 And enter my rest in a concert of praise, 
 And set in eternal repose." 
 
 New. York, July 8.— The Most High hath 
 kindly upheld my feeble frame during this 
 
1S6 PIAHY OF 3IISS BUNTING. 
 
 journey. The direct witness of the Spirit never 
 shone so clearly as it has this day. My soul 
 hath been carried away from all sublunary 
 things by the bright visions of immortality. 
 The renewal of the signature of love Divine 
 which I received on the 16th of June has con- 
 firmed me more steadfastly in the faith. 
 
 July 16. — Had another serious attack of 
 raising blood. The Lord had prepared me for 
 this stroke the day previous, — when I was struck 
 with this remark of Baxter : — " If you are 
 comforted now, you must not expect comfort 
 always ; for God sees you need hours of very 
 different exercises." It is a solace to me to 
 know that afflictions are God's arrows ; but 
 they are all pointed with love. I think I feel 
 weaned from all hope of pleasure God sees fit 
 to blight. 
 
 July 17. — My heart inexpressibly filled with 
 gratitude to Israel's God, to find myself seated 
 this morning in Allen-street church, where the 
 Lord hath of late liberated hundreds of captive 
 souls from the iron yoke of Satan. Prayer 
 meetings are held in this house from nine in 
 the morning until ten at night, with the excep- 
 tion of the hours for preaching. I was struck, 
 on entering this hallowed place, to find the altar 
 filled with penitents ; while Mr. Waugh en- 
 gaged in prayer before he commenced his ser- 
 mon, such heavenly influence descended that a 
 general burst of supplication was heard to ascend 
 from the overflowing congregation. Light 
 from eternity burst into the benighted souls of 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 197 
 
 the mourners. Mr. Waugh's text was, " He 
 remembered us in our low estate ; for his mercy 
 endureth for ever." The Sun of righteousness 
 shone on my soul with full-orbed splendour. 
 No doubts obscure the " sunshine of my mind." 
 Yes, I hope to gain that world which is con- 
 stantly receiving the wisest and best who have 
 lived in this. 
 
 Hilton, Aug. 3. — It is a trial to be deprived 
 of the power to sing, or to endure the fatigue of 
 prayer meeting ; but I feel the anchor of my 
 hope holding me firm, while the billows are toss- 
 ing me hither and thither, every moment threat- 
 ening me with shipwreck. 
 
 " Though waves and storms go o'er my head, — 
 Though strength and health and friends be gono 
 
 Though joys be vvitlier'd all, and dead, 
 Though every comfort be withdrawn : 
 
 On this my steadfast soul relies, 
 
 Father, thy mercy never dies." 
 
 Aug. 12. — Had many sweet visits from on 
 high of late. This morning, while I mused on 
 these words of the Psalmist, "Glorious things 
 are spoken of thee, O city of God," my soul was 
 filled with an indescribable joy. 
 
 Aug. 15. — Led to search my heart with im. 
 partiality, while Mr. Buckley discoursed from 
 these rousing words : " Nevertheless, I have 
 somewhat against thee," &c. God forbid that 
 I should ever sink into such a state as to be in- 
 sensible when he is irrieved. 
 
 For a week past I have had many pleasing 
 evidences of a union with Jesus. Joy and glad- 
 
188 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ness winged those favoured hours, and made 
 me feel that my home is on the other side of 
 Jordan. 
 
 Aug. 17. — I feel that the day is like a bird 
 in hand, struggling to be gone. How shall I 
 improve it for the glory of God ? I have found 
 it profitable since I came here to wander among 
 the beauties of nature, and mark the finger of 
 God in his various works ; but 1 pity the per- 
 son who can see more beauty in a daisy or tulip 
 than in the lovely character of Jesus Christ ; 
 who can hear more harmony in the melody of 
 the feathered tribe than in the glad tidings of 
 salvation. 
 
 Aug. 24. — Mr. Ford preached from Heb. iii, 
 1 : " Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the 
 heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High 
 Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." My 
 soul expanded with adoration while I endea- 
 voured to contemplate the inimitable perfec- 
 tions of the Deity : — 
 
 "What aro ten thousand worlds compared to thee? 
 Heaven's unnumbered host, 
 Though multiplied by myriads, and array'd 
 In all the glory of sublimcst thought, 
 Is but an atom in the balance weigh'd 
 Against thy greatness ; is a cipher brought 
 Against infinity. What am I then ? naught ! 
 Naught ! but the effluence of thy light Divine, 
 Pervading worlds, hath reached my bosom too ; 
 Yes ! in my spirit cloth thy Spirit shine, 
 As shines the sunbeam in a drop of dew." 
 
 Pemberton, Aug. 29. — Passed a week very 
 pleasantly with my friend S. A. Budd ; enjoyed 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 189 
 
 many hours of "hushed and holy thought" in 
 the chamber where my sainted friend Theo- 
 docia has often held converse with her God. 
 Many years have elapsed since she has been 
 singing among the angels. Methinks I hear 
 her spirit cry, "Frail child of earth ! tried, 
 tempted one ! shrink not, despond not ; strive 
 as I have striven in the stern conflict ; and yet 
 a little while, and thou shalt be as I am, — thou 
 shalt know i how far tlie recompense transcends 
 the toil. 9 " My soul hails with emotions of rap. 
 ture that long looked-for period when I shall be 
 released from this weakness, and be where I 
 can praise God continually without weariness. 
 It would be impossible for me to express what 
 what I feel in living on the fulness of Jesus. 
 I nothing have, I nothing am, — I live out of 
 myself, and rest under the covert of the Al- 
 mighty, and hide under the shadow of the Most 
 
 nigh: 
 
 " To feel thy power, to hear thy voice, 
 To taste thy love, be all my choice." 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 4. — I experienced a holy, 
 awful nearness to the Father of spirits ; yet 
 my heart checked me for not having been more 
 watchful. I discern the strength of grace which 
 hath been vouchsafed to me during three months 
 of severe bodily suffering and absence from 
 home ; and now that I am brought back again 
 with renewed vigour, and find my interesting 
 charge well, shall I not offer praise unto thee, 
 O Lord ? 
 
190 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 11 Weak is the effort of my heart, 
 And cold my warmest thought ; 
 But when I soe thee as thou art, 
 /'// praise thee as / ought." 
 
 Sept. 18. — At six o'clock this morning my 
 devout friends, H. Crispen and others, united 
 with me in a female prayer meeting, to plead 
 with God to be renewed in inward holiness, 
 which is the masterpiece of religion. At ten 
 o'clock heard Mr. Durbin preach from Col. i, 
 12, 13 : " Giving thanks unto the Father, who 
 hath made us meet to be partakers of the inhe- 
 ritance of the saints in light," ckc. What joy 
 in the Holy Ghost I experienced while he ex- 
 patiated on the consolations the child of God 
 possesses in this life, but more especially in the 
 world to come. Thank God, death and pain 
 gain no admittance into that bright region. 
 
 Frankford, Sept. 24. — Came here to attend 
 a three-day meeting ; rejoiced to find my dear 
 friend, M. E., still bending her course to the 
 skies. Met with a praying female band in the 
 house of Mrs. Hall, a holy woman, who, with 
 her two daughters,' is not ashamed of the cross 
 of Christ. 1 was thankful for a voice to unite 
 vocally with them. 
 
 JcnJccntmcn. Oct. 19. — As I rode to this place 
 the varied hues of autumn charmed me ; but the 
 undressing of nature always occasions a pensive 
 train of thought. O ye languishing fields, ye 
 sighing winds, and falling leaves, dying emblems 
 of the destiny of man ; ye remind me of that 
 eventful period which is so rapidly approaching, 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 191 
 
 when I too shall " fade as a leaf." I believe I 
 have had the direct beams of the eternal Sun of 
 righteousness to illumine my pathway in com- 
 ing to this village, A door of usefulness has 
 been opened to me here among my acquaintance. 
 I called on the young lady who, some time back, 
 jumped into the well, and her mind is in a most 
 interesting state. 
 
 Oct. 27. — Yesterday taken again with spit- 
 ting blood. The doctor ordered me cupped. 
 While enduring this severe operation, the Lord 
 threw the mantle of love around me, and my 
 mind was led to consider Him who meekly bared 
 his back to the smiters, and by whose stripes I 
 am healed from all my spiritual maladies. Wan 
 disease has marked me for its victim ; but I am 
 kept by the power of God from sorrow, fear, 
 and sin. 
 
 Nov. 1.— -The mercy of mv God is unparal- 
 leled :— 
 
 11 Nor is the least a cheerful heart, 
 That tastes his gifts with joy." 
 
 Last evening a class commenced meeting 
 under our roof — a privilege for which I have 
 long prayed. Mr. Owen is our lender. This 
 evening heavenly influence filled the room. 
 Every member rose, and spoke intelligihlv. 
 For two nights the Lord hath visited me most 
 graciously. When asleep, my soul was as the 
 chariots of Aminadab. 
 
 Nov. 13. — Mr. Hodgson preached from, " And 
 there was a murmuring among the people" <fec. 
 
192 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 He advanced many lucid proofs of the divinity 
 of my blessed Lord. I want words to express 
 half his goodness. I expect to be delivered 
 from every foe, however gigantic. Sudden 
 death would be to me instant glory. Have 
 sweet anticipations of full victory, and final 
 triumph over all my enemies. 
 
 Nov. 30. — This day the anniversary of the 
 death of my dearest sister calls for much serious- 
 ness and deep humiliation before the righteous 
 God who has smitten me. How impressive the 
 idea that I am never to have another interview 
 with her " till the heavens be no more." I am 
 on the threshold of the spiritual world, and it 
 becomes me to be constantly stretching the 
 pinions of my soul beyond this present life. 
 This evening I had a blessed earnest of that 
 better inheritance, — 
 
 "Whose bursting radiance shall discloso 
 
 So pure, so bright a ray, 
 That hope shall joyfully repose 
 
 Upon the breast of day, — 
 And faith shall cheerfully proclaim 
 
 Its exercise is o'er ; 
 Triumphant vision's strengthen'd fl imo 
 
 All mysteries shall explore." 
 
 Dec. 4. — D. Welsh has been with me some 
 time. Met in our female meeting. I rejoice 
 greatly to know that a few of the friends of my 
 heart are made clean through the word my 
 Saviour hath spoken. How profitable to be 
 able to commend each other to the Father of 
 spirits. Mr. S. preached from, " O Lord, I 
 beseech thee, show me thy glory." While I 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 193 
 
 partook of the sacred eucharist the goodness 
 of redeeming mercy so " passed before me," 
 that all within shouted the praise of Him who 
 bought me with his blood. 
 
 Sabbath, Dec. 11. — I would begin this day 
 with God. When in the sanctuary this morn- 
 ing the truths of Divine revelation distilled upon 
 my soul like the dew on Hermon. Mr. Cook- 
 man preached to the Sunday school children 
 from, " Feed my lambs." O how I longed to 
 be again in this delightful field ; but I am con- 
 soled to know, in my useless inactive state, that 
 " while life, or thought, or being last," I can 
 breathe out my soul in prayer for the advance- 
 ment of my great Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 4 With fraudless, even, humble mind, 
 Thy will in all things may I see- 
 In love be ev'ry wish resigned, 
 
 And hallow'd my whole heart to thee. 11 
 
 Dec. 25. — I am carried forward on the stream 
 of time, and am making rapid haste into eter- 
 nity — expected ere this to have realized a glo- 
 rious termination of all my sufferings in the 
 world of bliss. On taking a circumstantial 
 review of the past, I would recite the kind 
 dealings of a God of infinite compassion ; but 
 as I have no thought or feeling that glows, it 
 would be worse than useless to affect words that 
 burn. Awoke this morning at five o'clock, and 
 my mind was filled with solemn musings. I 
 was ready to wonder that the King of glory 
 should divest himself of heavenly radiance, 
 visit our wretched earth, and work out the 
 13 
 
194 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 expiation of sin for an ungrateful world. Mr. 
 Holdich preached from John i, 14 : " The 
 Word was made flesh." Previous to my en- 
 tering the Lord's courts I was contemplating 
 on the grandeur of his power, and the immen- 
 sity of his works ; and was doubting if a paltry 
 worm would elicit the notice of one so holy and 
 so high. While Mr. Holdich dwelt on the in- 
 carnation of my adorable Saviour, I was allured 
 by his attractive loveliness into the comfortable 
 persuasion that " he will not live in glory and 
 leave me behind." My heart leaps with joy 
 at the near approach of my emancipation from 
 clay. I have many relationships above ; feel 
 a peculiar, peaceful, melancholy satisfaction in 
 this consciousness daily ; it seems like a still 
 small voice from the world of spirits, admonish, 
 ing me to be girding myself for my journey, and 
 setting my face homeward. 
 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 1, 1832. — Is it possible 
 that another year has taken its everlasting 
 flight ? " Behold, Lord, thou hast made my 
 days as a handbreadth, and mine age is as no. 
 thing before thee." When I remember that it 
 is the beginning of another era in time, I feel 
 that it ought to be, in deed and in truth, alto- 
 gether new with me in energies, both of body 
 and mind. How singular the way in which 
 God hath led me ! how important the point at 
 which I now stand ! In my ideas of what may 
 be — of what would be my happiness — of what 
 may be his appointment ; I am confined to no 
 former range — I wish to be led along by his 
 
DIARY OF MISS BtJNTlfcG. 105 
 
 almighty hand. I view myself, as one observes, 
 " standing on the ridge which separates the two 
 worlds ; the future acts as a much stronger 
 magnet, and draws my heart away from this." 
 How wary then should be my footsteps. I still 
 possess a steadiness of determination, single- 
 ness of purpose, intenseness of desire, in the 
 pursuit of those Christian graces which alone 
 will prepare me for the skies. The Most High 
 has long had, and shall continue to have, the 
 sole possession of my poor heart. For six- 
 teen years I have endeavoured to give it to him ; 
 and should I withhold from him now the wreck 
 of my being, and grow slack with home in view 1 
 As thou hast seen fit to lengthen out my trials 
 here, O Lord, go with me through the unknown 
 conflicts of another year. Whether I shall live 
 to see its close is a great uncertainty. He 
 hath sundered many of the cords which bound 
 me to earth. The sun shines the same, nature 
 rejoices, and all the great machinery of universal 
 providence moves on without interruption ; but 
 no revolution of time can restore that which 
 hath been smitten by the touch of death. To 
 look back overwhelms me with recollections 
 too interesting to be resisted — too agonizing to 
 be endured ; but I am enabled to look forward 
 into the land of perfect blessedness, and do 
 firmly believe that divided friends shall there 
 meet to part no more. There is a solemn 
 foreboding of ills approaching me ; yet I am 
 resolved with cheerfulness to leave all events 
 to the wise disposal of my gracious God. 
 
196 DIARY 01' MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Jan. 22. — Mr. Hodgson preached from Rom. 
 viii, 2 : " For the law of the spirit of life in 
 Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law 
 of sin and death." " Unless thy law had been 
 my delight, I should have perished in my afflic- 
 tion ;" but through thy grace, thankful I take 
 the cup from thy hand, knowing it is prepared 
 and mingled by the most skilful physician. I 
 could not put forth a finger to direct God's 
 disposal of me ; and however dark and trying 
 my future condition may be, I feel it is enough 
 for me to know that Jehovah is my God. 
 
 " Master, I own thy lawful claim, 
 Thine, wholly thine, I long to be; 
 Thou seest, at last, I willing am, 
 
 Where'er thou goest to follow thee : 
 Myself in all things to deny, 
 Thine, wholly thine to live and' die." 
 
 Jan. 29. — For a week past have endured 
 great bodily pain, and am much weakened by 
 a blister. The continued fever raging in my 
 system is slowly burning up the springs of life. 
 Surely I stand in need of a God to help me. 
 
 God, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, 
 thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. 
 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou 
 shalt revive me, — thou art my shade. I have 
 quieted myself as a weaned child. 
 
 Feb. 11. — Before I rose this morning the 
 curtain of mortality seemed drawn aside, and 
 
 1 got a view of my glorious inheritance. How 
 joyfully could I have bid adieu to all below. 
 I had to come down again to earth, and pass a 
 
DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 197 
 
 day of severe suffering. Thank God the fa- 
 vour of Heaven continued on my spirit. For 
 some nights I have had sweet intercourse in 
 sleep with my departed sister. 
 
 Feb. 12. — I never before experienced such 
 a firm reliance on the Divine promises ; all of 
 which are yea and amen to the glory of God. 
 Yes, he hath pledged himself to defend me against 
 all the assaults of my enemies. What i3 im- 
 possible to me, is possible to him. I need much 
 grace to enable me at this time to beware of idle, 
 curious visiters. " In a multitude of words there 
 wanteth not sin." Keep thou, O Lord, the door 
 of my lips, and assist me to — 
 
 " Hang on thy arm alone, 
 
 With self-distrusting care ; 
 
 And deeply in the spirit groan 
 
 The never ceasing prayer." 
 
 This is the last entry I find in the diary of 
 Miss Bunting, and is dated Feb. 12, 1832. 
 From this time her health declined apace, and 
 a few days over three months brought the end 
 of her labours and sufferings on earth. The 
 pious reader has, no doubt, marked the pro- 
 gress, not. only of the disease which terminated 
 her earthly existence, but also that of the work 
 of Divine grace in her soul, as manifested in 
 her intercourse with those around her, and 
 
196 DIARY OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 more especially in her diary, where she re* 
 cords the state of her mind, the workings of 
 gracious affections, her temptations, conflicts, 
 and victories, with great faithfulness. And 
 the result of the whole is, that long before her 
 death she obtained the unspeakable blessing 
 of entire sanctification, and the maturity of 
 all the fruits of the Spirit. Her humility, pa- 
 tience, resignation, charity, and all the Chris- 
 tian graces and virtues seem to have been 
 perfected in her, in the Gospel sense of that 
 word, for several years before she left our 
 world. With St. Paul she could say, I have 
 fought a good fight ; I have finished my course ; 
 I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid 
 up for me a crown of righteousness, which the 
 Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at 
 that day : and not to me only, but to all them 
 also who love his appearing." The closing 
 scene with her is a full justification of what is 
 here said ; an account of which will be found 
 in the memoir. 
 
 It may be remarked here, also, that during 
 the years of Miss Bunting's Christian life, 
 much was thought by Christians in many places 
 of the work of entire sanctification ; and there 
 were many witnesses of it. The ministers of 
 the Gospel, it would seem from the foregoing 
 diary, were frequent and explicit in their dis- 
 courses on that subject. Let this subject be 
 clearly and scripturally enforced in all our 
 churches, and it will do more for the cause of 
 God than all the colleges in the land, however 
 
DIARY OP MISS BUNTING. 199 
 
 useful these may be. But let the influence of 
 these be united, and let all Christians go on to 
 perfection, and the glory of the Lord shall soon 
 cover the earth as the waters do the sea. — 
 Amen, and amen. 
 
 Editor. 
 
 end OP VOL. I. 
 
MEMOIR, 
 
 DIARY, AND LETTERS, 
 
 OF 
 
 MISS HANNAH SYNG BUNTING, 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 25, 1832, 
 
 IN THE THIRTY-FIRST YEAR OF HER AGE. 
 
 compileeT by rev. t. meRRitt. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES* 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 NEW- YORK : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY T. MASON AND G. LANE, 
 
 For the Sunday School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 at the Conference Office, 200 Mulberry-street. 
 
 J. Collord, Printer. 
 1837. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 MISS HANNAH SYNG BUNTING. 
 
 The Letters of Miss Bunting are too valua- 
 ble to be given to oblivion. They breathe the 
 same ardent spirit of piety which is apparent 
 in her Diary. In the hope that they will be ac- 
 ceptable and useful to the reader, and especially 
 to pious youth, they are sent into the world. 
 
 May the Giver of every good and perfect 
 gift accompany them with his blessing. 
 
 The Compiler. 
 
 Extracts of letters to Mrs. Rachel Blanding. 
 
 Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1824. 
 My Dear Cousin, — If it were practicable 
 for me to write whenever inclination would lead 
 me to do so, I presume you would have no rea- 
 son to complain of my remissness. I have very 
 frequently been with you in spirit, and feel truly 
 that neither time nor distance can in the least 
 lessen my affection for you. 
 
4 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Often do I revert with pleasure to the many 
 happy days that have gone by, which have been 
 spent in your society. Your unwavering friend- 
 ship has often cheered my drooping spirits. 
 How often have we " taken sweet counsel to- 
 gether, and walked to the house of God in com- 
 pany !" If it is consistent with the Divine will, I 
 hope soon again to enjoy this privilege. I know 
 not how or where to begin relating the goodness 
 of God to me since we parted. Language 
 would fail me in attempting to describe the 
 many happy seasons I have enjoyed both in 
 the public and private means of grace ; yet my 
 conscience too often upbraids me with the mis- 
 improvement of many precious hours. But I 
 know I desire nothing so earnestly as to be 
 wholly lost in God, to live so as to be able 
 to redeem every moment of my time, and fill 
 up all the void space in it with meditation and 
 prayer. Of late I have felt an intense desire 
 to experience an entire deliverance from the 
 dominion of sin. I want the constant witness 
 that all I do is right. Nothing but present 
 enjoyment shall satisfy my panting soul. For 
 many months my daily prayer was, that God 
 would give me as great a view of the depravity 
 of my heart as I could bear. Truly, he did 
 grant me my request ; but the sight had nearly 
 proved fatal to me. For several days I was in 
 great heaviness ; but on the first Sabbath of 
 this month, while commemorating the suffer- 
 ings of my dying Lord, I was enabled by faith 
 to roll all my burden upon my dear Redeemer ; 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 5 
 
 since which he has kindly sustained me. Per- 
 mit me here to cry out with the psalmist, — 
 " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all 
 his benefits." In a good degree I do enjoy 
 that perfect love that casts out fear. Time was 
 when I had a constant dread of death, which 
 greatly harassed and perplexed me. I now 
 feel confident that the same kind Providence 
 that hath guided and supported me through all 
 my past life, will continue with me even until 
 death. You will perhaps wish to know how 
 things are coming on in the city : 1 am glad I 
 have it in my power to tell you that there is a 
 good work begun in many hearts. Our Wed- 
 nesday afternoon prayer meeting, at the com- 
 mencement of the winter, was but poorly at- 
 tended. Sometimes there were not more than 
 four or five ; but on one of those occasions 
 Mrs. Buckman, while engaged in prayer, was 
 quite overpowered with the presence of God. 
 She was unable to return home until near night. 
 It was indeed a solemn season. Since that 
 time the meeting has been well attended. As 
 I know the intelligence will be pleasing, I must 
 tell you that I never refuse, when called upon, 
 to bear my part of the cross. Rebecca Ziglar, 
 Sarah Bell, Mary Lowber, and myself, with a 
 few others, have formed a meeting something 
 like a band, but we do not call it by that name. 
 We find it very profitable. 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
6 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, April 4, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, — I embrace this favour- 
 able conveyance to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your kind letter. I am sorry to hear you are 
 not well ; but hope it will not be any thing se- 
 rious. My health is something better, though 
 the pain in my side still continues. Kitty has 
 left us, and appears very happy in her new situa- 
 tion. I feel quite reconciled to the separation, 
 as I am perfectly blessed in the enjoyment of 
 my God. His love possessing, I am filled, secure 
 whatever change may come. Your friends here 
 are well, except cousin Elizabeth Bunting, who 
 still keeps her room. My prayer is, that her 
 afflictions may be sanctified. 
 
 Your orders respecting Benson's Commenta- 
 ries came too late ; they were already bound 
 as you had before directed. I applied to cou- 
 sin Samuel for the money, and paid Mr. Burch 
 four dollars for the numbers, and six dollars 
 eighty-seven and a half cents for binding. I 
 will thank you to inform me how you wish 
 them sent, and also how much we are indebted 
 to you for the articles you left here that were 
 unpaid for. 
 
 Mr. Buckman has purchased a farm over 
 Schuylkill, and removed his family. Mr. White's 
 class meets at Mr. Peterson's. I joined it last 
 winter on account of the meeting house being 
 so cold. I like it much better than my former 
 
XETTERS OP MISS BUNTING. 7 
 
 one. Mrs. K. told us last week in class, that 
 she had experienced a great blessing, even the 
 sanctifying influence of Divine grace. Her 
 mind, she said, was enlightened by reading a 
 little work, styled the " Christian's Manual." 
 I send you a copy of it as a token of my regard, 
 I have found the perusal of it profitable. Mr. 
 White's time among us has nearly expired. 
 His labours have been much blessed. One 
 hundred new members have joined in the last 
 two years. Before he was stationed at the 
 •academy I did not know an individual who pro- 
 fessed to enjoy the perfect love of God ; but 
 now many declare boldly their hearts are 
 cleansed from the indwelling power of sin. 
 May their number increase daily. Dear old 
 father Wilmer has gone home to possess his 
 eternal inheritance in the skies, and to meet 
 with ^better company, who wait for him above. 
 His illness was short, but severe. Through all 
 his sufferings he maintained a solid peace, and 
 said, " Religion is true." He had such views 
 of the heavenly world as enabled him to say, 
 " I almost see the spires of the New Jerusalem." 
 To his wife he said, "If this be death, there is 
 no pain in it, — it is only passing away." May 
 it not be said, the path of the just shineth 
 brighter and brighter unto the perfect day ? O 
 that our sun may set in as clear a sky as his 
 did. Upward of fifty-six years he was the 
 leader of a class. I rejoice to say, my dear 
 cousin, that Jesus still is the blessed source of 
 all my happiness and joy :— 
 
8 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " Fully absolved through him I am, 
 From fear and guilt, from sin and shame." 
 
 While I am favoured with his presence all things 
 please and delight me ; but if he be absent, all 
 things disgust me. Let others seek for happi- 
 ness where they may, or in what they may ; 
 nothing but a deeper acquaintance with God 
 shall satisfy my soul. I long to be perfectly 
 free, and to have my heart unreservedly given 
 to the Lord. I am day by day pursuing holi- 
 ness, and hate every appearance to the contrary. 
 Let me have your prayers, my dear cousin, that 
 I may be filled with the fruits of righteousness. 
 When I consider that heaven and eternal glory 
 will, if faithful, shortly be our portion, my heart 
 swells with rapture and delight. Hallelujah. 
 Praise the Lord. 
 
 Kitty sends her love, and says she would 
 have availed herself of this opportunity had she 
 known of it in time to. answer your too long 
 neglected letter. My love to Aurelia, Sally, 
 and Rachel, not forgetting C. Clark. Tell 
 Sally, I fear she nas forgotten me. I hope soon 
 to find myself mistaken by receiving a letter 
 from her. Remember me affectionately to the 
 doctor, and believe me yours sincerely, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1826. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, — I must confess I was 
 disappointed in not receiving a few lines from 
 you by cousin James, I am conscious my 
 last did not merit an answer. Our correspond- 
 ence is a very unequal one. The benefit is all 
 on my side ; but as you delight in doing good 
 to your fellow pilgrims, I am encouraged to 
 hope for a continuance of your letters. 
 
 When I last wrote I informed you of my in- 
 disposition. Through mercy I am measurably 
 restored ; but my afflictions inform me that I 
 live upon the borders of eternity. This deters 
 me from expecting much pleasure from the 
 world. I feel that I am journeying to that 
 place of which the Lord hath said, " I will give 
 it you." I have to bless God for a greater 
 nearness to him. For a year rjast he has had 
 the entire possession of my heart. I walk not 
 after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The vani- 
 ties and pleasures of this world I have under 
 my feet. I am endeavouring to live but for 
 one thing, which is to please the Most Higti in 
 all I think, say, or do ; that my life may be 
 a scene of constant devotion. I am sensible of 
 wanting in a greater degree a spirit of sacri- 
 fice. I am striving daily to lose sight of self, 
 that Christ may be all in all. It is on his arm 
 that I lean for constant support. 
 
10 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " How can I sink with such a prop, 
 Who bears the world and all things up V 
 
 I have just returned from camp meeting ; 
 it was near the ground where I was last sum- 
 mer. The meeting was much larger ; excel- 
 lent order ; many, very many converted and 
 renewed, I am more in favour of this kind of 
 meetings than ever. Our preacher, Mr. Pease, 
 is a warm advocate for them. I was in the 
 same tent with him and his wife. Last Friday 
 was our lovefeast at the Academy. Such a 
 time I never saw in that house. Ten new 
 members joined. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
 and forget not all his benefits." I feel as if he 
 was about to revive his work in this city. O 
 that converts might be multiplied as the drops 
 of the morning, until the whole earth shall be- 
 come vocal with the praises of our Immanuel, 
 Perhaps you recollect Martha Boyl ; she has 
 left her poor mother, and gone to enjoy the 
 blissful realities of heaven. Daniel Ellis has 
 also taken his flight to the paradise of God. I 
 was much comforted by his peaceful death. I 
 feel assured that he is now in his heavenly Fa- 
 ther's house, enjoying even more than he an- 
 ticipated. O the joy that is laid up in glory 
 for the faithful ! May the thoughts of heaven, 
 and of angels, — but above all, of Jesus, excite 
 you and me to be holy in all manner of conver- 
 sation, and so to pass the waves of this trou- 
 blesome life, that finally we may chant a hymn 
 of praise to God and the Lamb for ever. We 
 are all tolerably well, except sister Kitty, whose 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 11 
 
 health has been delicate all summer. I am in- 
 clined to hope she is now mending. She, with 
 Mr. De Haven, unites with me in a tender of 
 regard to yourself and doctor. I have been 
 trying to persuade cousin Elizabeth Bunting to 
 visit you this winter. I think it very important 
 for her to travel. I tell her you will perhaps 
 return with her in the spring. May I not hope 
 to see you if we both live 1 Your friends would 
 receive you with open arms. Time would fail 
 me to say all I wish. I have for a year past 
 met in band with a few devoted females. This 
 has been a blessed means of grace to me. I 
 wish the bands were more general. Our charita- 
 ble association affords me employment for every 
 spare hour. Dr. Harrington has subscribed to 
 our missionary society, and also gave me a 
 number of books to distribute among the poor. 
 I think him a good man. Mrs. Schober is well. 
 Margaret Pepper's health has greatly improved. 
 With the hope of soon hearing from you, I re- 
 main your unalterable friend, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 Philadetyhia, Jan. 31, 1828. 
 My Dear Cousin, — I hope I need not apolo- 
 gize for my long silence. I trust you know 
 my heart better than to suppose it has been 
 caused by any diminution of affection, or dis- 
 regard to your feelings. I feel my heart is 
 
12 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 united to you in bonds not to be weakened by 
 time or distance ; and while we keep near to 
 our Lord and Master, our fellowship will be the 
 same. 
 
 Time, my cousin R., with broad pinions, is 
 swiftly passing away, and rolling its millions 
 into the world of spirits, among whom several 
 of my Christian friends have been numbered 
 through the past year. Especially I deplore 
 the loss our Sabbath school has sustained in 
 the death of Miss E. Watkinson, whose memory 
 deserves to be embalmed by the affectionate 
 regrets of those who can rightly appreciate 
 what is due to exalted piety. Eliza possessed 
 many charms, but none shone more conspicu- 
 ously than her true Christian meekness and 
 humility. Although the last agonies of expir- 
 ing nature were painful in the extreme, yet she 
 obtained entire victory over her latest foe, and 
 in death's final agonies was heard to whisper, 
 Hallelujah ! hallelujah ! 
 
 " Early, bright, transient, chaste as morning dew, 
 She sparkled, was exhaled, and went to heaven." 
 
 Have not we too a hope, which is an anchor 
 to our souls, that after we have taken a few 
 more turns in the world, the hand of death will 
 burst our prison house, and " beneath a brighter 
 sun, and in a nobler soil, transplanted from this 
 sublunary bed, shall flourish fair, and put forth 
 all our bloom ?" 
 
 Gladly would I recount the ten thousand 
 favours that have been conferred ujoon me 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 13 
 
 during the last year ; but I find I cannot, for 
 they are endless. Upon the strictest scrutiny 
 of my heart and life, I think without dissimu- 
 lation I can say that I am still bending my 
 course onward in the pathway of self-denial ; 
 and amid the bustle and various pursuits of 
 life, I aim at that love that " ihinkelh no evil, 
 speaketh no evil, and never faileth." " What 
 sinners value I resign." It is enough for me 
 to know that my beloved is mine, and I am 
 his. I have been very jealous over myself for 
 some time past, lest the former gifts of God 
 should be in vain, by my stopping short of the 
 blessings Jesus has designed for me. This 
 impression drove me to agonize for a renewal 
 of the signature of love Divine. Glory to my 
 covenant-keeping God, whose solemn vows 
 are upon me, I did not plead in vain. The 
 Lord stamped me afresh with his Spirit's 
 seal, and graciously assured me thai no sin has 
 dominion over me. An ineffable sweetness 
 has since filled every power of my soul. I 
 have such discoveries of the all-sufficient Good, 
 as claim all the affections of my soul. How 
 cheering is a heart-felt union with a holy God ! 
 Satan would inject that my highest and most 
 specious attainments are the effects of self-love, 
 acting under several guises. I know in whom 
 I believe. The Lord, my keeper, stands omni- 
 potently near, and grants such views of my own 
 entire helplessness, as levels all self-compla- 
 cency, and drives me to seek daily supplies 
 from the Lord my righteousness. I implicitly 
 
14 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 confide in him, having no confidence in the 
 llesh. Surely the arm that has preserved me 
 for more than ten years from the evils that are 
 abroad in the world, will continue to defend 
 and be my guide even unto death. I long to 
 have all my senses locked up in God, that I 
 may constantly enjoy the fruition of perfect 
 love. 
 
 I must now tell you that we intend moving 
 from the city. Mr. De Haven has rented a 
 house in Frankford. He will ride into Bank 
 daily, which he thinks will improve his health. 
 We purpose changing our residence in the 
 month of March. It is with difficulty I can 
 bring my mind to leave the invaluable privi- 
 leges that I have so long enjoyed. It appears 
 almost like a banishment to me as there is no 
 society of Methodists in the village. I have 
 many attachments to Philadelphia ; but the 
 Sunday school is the strongest. Long have I 
 breathed out rny soul in desires for a more en- 
 larged sphere of activity, and that I might be 
 the instrument of benefiting the souls and bo- 
 dies of my dying fellow beings. But it appears 
 the wise Disposer of events intends shutting me 
 out from the limited circle in which I have been 
 favoured to move. I want to submit to the will 
 of Him who cannot err, without murmuring or 
 retraction of heart; and let the way open where 
 it may, be more than ever active in the best of 
 causes. I freely resign myself into the hands 
 of my heavenly Potter, to be moulded and 
 fashioned as he pleaseth. We have a gracious 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 15 
 
 season of refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord at the Academy. More new members 
 are admitted than I have ever known : four- 
 teen to sixteen join every few weeks. A 
 prayer meeting is held in our Sunday school 
 room on Saturday evening, which is so much 
 crowded that numbers cannot get in. 
 
 Use your interest for me at the throne of 
 grace. And that our Jesus may bring us safe 
 through this wilderness, to meet and part no 
 more, is the earnest request of your sincerely 
 attached cousin, H. S. Btj>~ti:sg. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Frankford, Aug. 22, 1828. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, — I find, upon reflection, 
 I have not been as punctual in answering your 
 valuable letter, as it justly merited. The only 
 excuses I can offer, is being often absent from 
 home, and since we have moved, an unusual 
 weight of earthly care has rested upon me, 
 owing to sister Kitty's ill health. As it regards 
 our removal to this place, though I am very 
 sensible of the many privations that result from 
 it, yet a conviction that our coming here was 
 providential reconciles me to the change. We 
 have a female prayer meeting that meets on 
 Monday evenings at our house. I think you 
 would enjoy our little class. We do not num. 
 ber more than twelve ; yet the presence of the 
 Highest makes up every deficiency. Our 
 
16 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 leader is a local preacher, who travelled under 
 Mr. Wesley in England. He possesses all the 
 purity of a father in Israel, and every word he 
 utters is to the point. I seem of late to have 
 an open intercourse with Heaven, and great 
 liberty in pleading for the fulfilment of the pro- 
 mises, both for myself, friends, and the Church 
 of Christ ; especially for the prosperity of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom in this ungodly place. 
 I pray that the Lord may raise up some one 
 who will be instrumental in rousing the sleep- 
 ing inhabitants of this village. I called to-day 
 on one of our ministers in the city, who en- 
 couraged me to expect that we shall have 
 preaching established here every Sabbath. 
 You have undoubtedly heard of the interesting 
 visit we have had from Mr. Case, Sunday, and 
 Peter Jones. They favoured us at Frankford 
 with a meeting, and though the day was stormy, 
 they took up a very good collection ; and the 
 ladies here have engaged to raise twenty dol- 
 lars yearly for the support of an orphan child 
 among the Indians. 
 
 The Lord has been graciously at work for a 
 year past at the Academy. Brother Charles 
 joined society last March, and evidences his 
 sincerity by an upright walk and chaste con- 
 versation. I feel myself under renewed obli- 
 gations to love and praise God for this manifest 
 answer to prayer. I have been blessed with 
 another opportunity of attending a camp meet- 
 ing, where several of my gay acquaintances 
 were convinced of righteousness and of a 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 17 
 
 judgment to come ; and after calling on the 
 Saviour some time for mercy, finally obtained 
 the consolations of the Holy Spirit. Many 
 believers wrestled earnestly to be cleansed from 
 all sin. The preachers combined their forces 
 to urge upon the people the necessity of holiness. 
 I had such a sense of the severe purity of the 
 Deity as laid me in the dust. A review of my 
 very imperfect services confounded me. I saw 
 a field of light which I longed to walk in. While 
 I continued to importune, such ravishing con- 
 templations of the character of God were 
 granted as I can no way describe. What an 
 immensity of love ! My every want shall be 
 supplied from his fulness who jiUeth all. I was 
 abundantly satisfied with a deeper draught of 
 the water of life, and put in possession of a 
 heavenly calm. I am persuaded no enemy 
 can rob me while I continue to cleave to the 
 immaculate Lamb of God. 
 
 I returned from the meeting in a steamboat. 
 The passage was rendered truly a blessing to 
 me by the society of a hundred Christian 
 friends; and the hours were delightfully be- 
 guiled by singing and prayer. My soul was 
 filled with praise, ardent, cordial, and melted 
 into thankful tears. Since I came home, on 
 reflecting and examining my state, I find I 
 have obtained a solitariness and departure from 
 all creatures, and a sweet flowing of soul into 
 God, the ocean of delights, that I never before 
 experienced. The benign Jesus never was so 
 lovely in my eyes 
 
 2 
 
18 toWTEKS OF MISS BtfN*fIN€*. 
 
 Our Church has sustained a loss in the death 
 of Mr. Anthony Palmer. He died very sud- 
 denly, and has left a wife and five children to 
 deplore their loss. Also Mrs. Whitehead, one 
 of our oldest members, has been released, after 
 suffering for more than twenty years. I was 
 privileged to be with her in the trying hour, 
 and my faith was much strengthened to see 
 with what hepaenly composure a Christian can 
 meet the untried, untold agonies of dissolving 
 nature. I expect you have heard, through the 
 Advocate and Journal, of the breach that has 
 been made in my circle of friends-, by the death 
 of Mary White. Yes, she has gone from this 
 stage of fear fid trial, to mingle with the pure 
 spirits before the throne of God. Surely it 
 more than ever becomes me to be " all eye, all 
 ear, all expectation of the coming foe ," 
 
 As Hester is writing, and will no doubt in- 
 form you of the health of Willett, and our 
 friends in general, I shall only say that we are 
 as well as usual. I think we have improved 
 since we removed, though sister K. is still 
 very slender, and has some alarming symp- 
 toms. She sends much love, and says she is 
 under great obligations for your kind letter. 
 She regrets that she was not aware of cousin 
 James returning, that she might have written. 
 Mr. De Haven unites with her and myself in 
 a token of regard to the doctor. With the 
 warmest sentiments of love and friendship, I 
 remain yours, Hannah. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 19 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, March 25, 1831. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, — Your thrice welcome 
 letter was a solace to my aching heart. The 
 Lord, in the infinitude of his wisdom, has 
 thought fit to wound me in the tenderest point. 
 The death of my precious sister hath left a 
 chasm which stares fearfully upon me. This 
 stroke brought me near to Jordan's flood. I 
 almost breathed the chilling airs of death ; yet 
 my soul was inconceivably happy in God. I 
 could and did glory in tribulations also ; and 
 you can judge what I felt when lying without 
 the privilege of speech, or the society of 
 friends and hearing the hollow sound of the 
 hearse conveying the form I most loved on 
 earth to be consigned to the dust of death. 
 Nature would have sunk under^uffering so 
 acute, but grace triumphed. Goer deigned to 
 be more to me than all he had removed. He 
 considered my trouble, and knew my soul in 
 adversity. I do not, dare not suffer myself to 
 contemplate the mere earthliness of this event ; 
 but view the happy spirit of my sister, as 
 having all the storms outrode, found the rest 
 we toil to find, landed in the arms of God. 
 She has gone to put on her attire, washed white 
 in the blood of the Lamb, and to walk the 
 streets of the New Jerusalem with all the un- 
 numbered throng who compass around the 
 throne with vision blessed. Hallelujah i halle- 
 lujah ! We shall, if faithful, one day conquer 
 
20 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 too ; for whether calms or storms await us, 
 Jesus lives to lead us through. 
 
 I rejoice to testify, my dear cousin, that my 
 hope of final salvation hath obtained a stability 
 and consistency by my recent trials, that have 
 more than compensated for the loss ot.friends, 
 health, and absence from the public means of 
 grace. Through the communication of the 
 Holy Spirit I enjoy an humble, resigned frame 
 of mind, and often have sweet intercourse with 
 a risen, glorified Saviour. I am sensible that 
 it is but a little while that I shall occupy a 
 place among the living ; and it becomes me 
 not to suffer my affections to settle very per- 
 manently on the empty shadows of this dying 
 world. Thank God, the lustre of it has long 
 since been put out. Bless the Lord for the 
 expectation of soon exchanging this stormy sea 
 of trouble for a peaceful haven. Yet if ever I 
 am so blessed as to gain the port of bliss, it will 
 be grace that brought me there. 
 
 It is quite gratifying to hear that there is 
 some hope of your family and Cousin James' 
 residing in the city. If my life is prolonged 
 I calculate on spending some pleasant, and I 
 trust profitable hours with you on the shores of 
 time. I am thankful your health has so much 
 improved. I have been regaining my strength, 
 and find walking and riding out in pleasant 
 weather very beneficial. Mr. De Haven has 
 borne his loss with true Christian fortitude. 
 This affliction has not been lost on him, but 
 has been the means of bringing him much 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING* 21 
 
 nearer to God. When my sister lay so long ill, 
 the Methodist friends visited her very often, 
 and she received much profit from their pray- 
 ers and exhortations. Had she been raised to 
 health again, it was her intention to join our 
 society. This will in some measure account 
 for the step Mr. De Haven has taken. He 
 attended our Church, and found the means 
 calculated to farther him in the Divine life. A 
 month since he cast his lot among us at the 
 Academy. We have had an excellent preacher 
 stationed there the two past years. There is 
 nothing special doing ; but we have had a gra- 
 dual increase. The sweet children committed 
 to my care are well, and I feel very inadequate 
 to the charge, but look to the Lord for the aid 
 of his Holy Spirit. Our friends here are blessed 
 with health. Much love to the doctor, and 
 Cousin J. Murray's family. I trust we often 
 meet at the sprinkled throne, and there pour 
 out our sorrows into the bosom of Him who in 
 all our afflictions is afflicted. I am, as ever, 
 your invariable friend, Hannah. 
 
 Extracts of letters to Miss Hannah Bunting, 
 Philadelphia, March 19, 1824. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, — How it gladdens my 
 heart to find you in so pleasant a frame of mind. 
 Do not fear a delusion ; for it is our glorious 
 privilege to be happy. Religion was not de» 
 
22 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 signed to make us uncomfortable, but rather to 
 smooth the rough and thorny path of life, and 
 enable us to view, with a holy indifference, the 
 smiles and frowns of a vain world. Never did 
 I enjoy a more constant and uninterrupted com- 
 munion with God than since I last wrote to you. 
 I sensibly feel that I am growing in grace, but 
 I am not without my conflicts. Satan has 
 sorely buffeted me. "Bless the Lord, O my 
 soul, and forget not all his benefits ;" for none 
 of those things have moved me, but rather 
 proved a stimulus to greater diligence. I long 
 to become strong in the Lord, and to prove all 
 the power of transforming grace. May nothing 
 satisfy you or myself but that full assurance of 
 faith promised in the Gospel. May we be 
 enabled to serve our gracious Master in all the 
 beauty of holiness. While I am writing, my 
 heart burns within me, with intense desire, to 
 possess all the Lord is willing to bestow, or we 
 are capable of enjoying, while bound in this 
 prison of clay. If the little foretaste we at times 
 have is so ravishing, what will it be when we 
 shall drink continually of those streams which 
 make glad the city of God ! To that happy 
 country may we be finally brought. So prays 
 your Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, July 2, 1824. 
 My Dear Cousin, — You can perhaps judge 
 the sensations of my heart on reading the ac- 
 
LETTERS 01 MISS BUNTING. 23 
 
 count cousin B. gave of the state of your health. 
 It almost overwhelmed me ; but, on farther 
 considerations, I thought your situation rather 
 enviable than otherwise. My summons may 
 come much sooner than yours. Be that as it 
 may, I think we can both say, "Welcome death, 
 the end of fears ; I am prepared to go." Put 
 this event, with the others of your life, into your 
 almighty Father's hand, and pray for resigna- 
 tion to his Divine will. Then you may boldly 
 say, "Now let all my enemies exert their 
 utmost power, I will not be afraid." Afflictions, 
 pain, temptations, may await me ; waves and 
 storms may go over my head ; Satan may sift 
 me as wheat ; the waters of death may prove 
 bitter to my taste ; yet will I not be afraid. — 
 No, my dear Hannah, He that died for you will 
 take care of you, heal your infirmities, support, 
 and deliver you out of all your troubles. The 
 love, promise, and strength of Jehovah, all 
 stand engaged for the preservation of a poor, 
 dependent believer in Jesus. I am not yet 
 weary of the narrow, happy way. The farther 
 I travel in it, the more pleasant it becomes. 
 Glory to God that he ever inclined my heart 
 to walk in the way of his commandments, for 
 they are not grievous, but joyous to my soul. I 
 know my attainments are small, yet, bless the 
 Lord, I have enough to make me happy. Many 
 years have I lived in the constant assurance that 
 God is my God, and Christ my Saviour. This 
 has borne me above the varied ills of life, and it 
 will bear us both to the realms of bliss. I know 
 
24 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 that only our bodies are separated ; in spirit we 
 are closely united. May we he more frequent 
 than heretofore at the throne of grace, pleading 
 for each other, as well as for our dear fellow 
 immortals. What a work is left for us to do ! 
 The pathway of duty always yields me delight. 
 My soul has been greatly comforted by walking 
 in it. When I bear the cross, it bears me. 
 Cleave closer to your Saviour's side, my dear 
 Hannah ; he is our only refuge. May he lay 
 beneath you his everlasting arms. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same, 
 Philadelphia, August 25, 1824. 
 
 My Veby Dear Cousin, — Can it be possi- 
 ble that I have never answered your last letter,, 
 although it proved so great a source of com- 
 fort to me 1 If I have not, it was not inten- 
 tional. I shall therefore trust to your good- 
 ness for forgiveness, believing our friendship is 
 too firm to be interrupted by an apparent ne- 
 glect. My heart swelled with gratitude to find 
 that as your body grew weaker your confidence 
 in God increased. This will continue ; yea,, 
 under all the pains and pressure of sickness, 
 Jesus will sustain you, and when the " weary 
 wheels of Life stand still,, at last," then under- 
 neath and around you will be laid his everlast- 
 ing arms. Hail, happy day 1 when these clay 
 tenements will burst, and our ransomed spirits- 
 
LETTEHS OF MISS BUNTING. 25 
 
 go to enjoy that felicity wc have so long been 
 contending for. 
 
 I have just had such views of the bliss that 
 awaits those that faithfully endure to the end, 
 as filled me with wonder, love, and praise. — 
 Human language is quite too poor to paint what 
 I have experienced since I last wrote. Never, 
 no never did I conceive it possible for a mortal 
 so frail and weak in every respect as I, to par- 
 take so largely of angels' food. Without hesi- 
 tating I can say the Lord is deepening his work 
 in my soul. I am striving to "scale the 
 mount of holiest love." Some steps I am confi- 
 dent I have taken, but feel restless to arrive at 
 the summit. Come with me, my dear H., and 
 venture your all on Jesus ; he has " enough for 
 all, enough for each, enough for evermore." 
 His Spirit will abide with us constantly ; and 
 never more leave his temples. 1 am not with- 
 out temptation. Satan is very busy with his 
 temptations ; but Jesus hath given me the 
 shield of faith, and I strive to use it to the best 
 advantage. I hope in time to have more skill ; 
 yet I do not take thought for the morrow. — 
 Every moment I need the merits of a Saviour's 
 death. May my future life speak forth his 
 praise, and may I glorify him in my body and 
 spirit, which are his, and only his. Your sin- 
 cerely attached cousin, Hannah. 
 
26 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING* 
 
 To the same. 
 
 April, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Hannah, — I rejoice to know that 
 you have a true friend who sticketh closer than 
 a brother : yes, and he will in every strait re- 
 lieve you, and be your God and guard through 
 all the weary wanderings of this mortal life. 
 Our little moment of time will soon be ended. 
 Of how small consequence is it, then, whether 
 our path through this world be rough or smooth, 
 so the heaven of heavens be finally our portion. 
 I have felt my mind awakened up for a few 
 days past, by reading Mr. Wesley's Plain Ac- 
 count of Christian Perfection, to see the neces- 
 sity of giving myself more fully to God. 1 
 have resolved to be more faithful in private duty. 
 I am convinced I know nothing of the depths 
 of religion compared with what thousands have 
 enjoyed. My aim is to be found in a holy frame 
 continually, that, whether at home or abroad — 
 whether I lie down or rise up, " God may be 
 in all my thoughts." My dear cousin, let us 
 emulate those who walk in the higher paths of 
 Christian attainment. We live in a day when 
 the Gospel light is diffused in its glorious efful- 
 gence ; and yet our light I fear is too much like 
 that of the moon — pale and cold. Come, then, 
 my dear friend, and " let us anew our journey 
 pursue." No matter what we meet with on 
 earth, for eternity is near. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 27 
 
 To the same, 
 Philadelphia, April 20, 1826. 
 Thanks to my dear cousin for her last kind 
 letter. It was replete with encouragement. — 
 I fear you are inclined to judge too favourably 
 of me. My heart upbraids me in ten thousand 
 instances for remissness of duty. The word 
 of inspiration says, " It is not of works, lest 
 any man should boast." No, bless God, I glory 
 in the merits of a crucified Saviour, and feel 
 that— 
 
 " Fully absolved through him I am, 
 From guilt and fear, from sin and shame." 
 
 I live no longer, but Christ liveth in me ; and 
 the life I live daily is by faith in the Son of 
 God. When I have his presence all things 
 please and interest me ; but if he be absent all 
 things disgust and weary me. I would not be 
 found a moment from his blessed side, for we 
 are safe only while there. The path of self- 
 denial becomes more pleasant the farther I pur- 
 sue it. The more I know of God, the more I 
 desire to know. Is it not a great mercy to be 
 one of his little ones, yea, to be the least of all? 
 I have no higher aim than to be one of the 
 least of Jesus' witnesses, to lie at his feet con- 
 tinually, and learn of him to be meek and lowly 
 of heart. 
 
 I am pleased to find my dear Hannah can 
 sing the triumphant song, " O grave, where is 
 thy victory ! O death, where is thy sting !" I 
 feel like joining you. I sometimes have such 
 
28 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 views of my heavenly inheritance as make me 
 long to be gone, and to be at home. 
 
 Let it be our business, my dear H., to get 
 ready to die, for our days will soon be num- 
 bered. I feel the seed of mortality sown deep 
 within,— the strife will soon be over,-^-it can- 
 not be long before our kind Father will release 
 you and me from this state of trial ; we shall 
 change a weak, sickly body for an incorruptible 
 one. I close with the hope of soon meeting 
 you in person. May the blessing of God at* 
 tend you. Sincerely your 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same 
 Philadelphia, June, 1826. 
 My Deah Hannah, — Your letter was a 
 cordial to my drooping spirits. My mind is 
 unusually sad, owing to the painful separation 
 from my dear cousins ; but ere long our freed 
 spirits shall mingle in another world, never more 
 to return to these sickly shores. There we 
 shall behold the King in his beauty, even him 
 whose name is Love. Do we not delight, even 
 here, to meet him in his ordinances 1 There 
 we shall be with him always. Glory to God 
 in the highest for the prospect ! Nothing so 
 delights my soul as contemplating the joys of 
 heaven. While I meditate on the felicities of 
 the happy dead, a sombre hue is cast on all 
 sublunary concerns. I find the seeds of mor- 
 tality springing up daily, sufficient to remind 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 29 
 
 me that what I have to do must be done quickly. 
 My greatest concern is, lest I am not given up, 
 as I ought to be, to bear patiently protracted 
 suffering. Is it not strange, that though the 
 way our blessed Jesus passed through to glory 
 was ignominy, pain, and the cross, yet we who 
 call ourselves his followers should desire an 
 easier path ? 
 
 I am still climbing up the mount of holiness, 
 and feel a renewed determination not to rest 
 until I come into the happy possession of all 
 my mind is capable of receiving. 
 
 Dear II., permit me to remind you never to 
 lose sight of the high attainments in grace you 
 are called to. Let the language of your heart 
 be,- 
 
 " I cannot rest in sins forgiven ; 
 I want the earnest of my heaven." 
 
 God grant you that unhesitating faith which 
 receives the blessing. Yours, 
 
 H. S. Bunting. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1826. 
 My Dearest Hannah, — Your letter relieved 
 my mind of a weight of anxiety, and silenced 
 all my fears. Kitty and myself were quite 
 uneasy on account of the day you left proving 
 so very stormy. Undoubtedly the great Su- 
 preme watched over you for good. What a 
 skilful leader — what a tender guide is the God 
 of the Christian ! From the dust he has raised 
 
30 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 us to become partakers of all the high privileges 
 and immunities of his Church militant, and, if 
 faithful, ere long we shall chant a hymn of 
 praise and conquest in the Church triumphant 
 to Him whose advocacy has availed with the 
 Father in behalf of rebel worms. What returns 
 shall we make for all his benefits? May we 
 .strive to live each moment as he would have us, 
 and spend and be spent in the service of our 
 Redeemer. How much I have wished you 
 could have stayed some time longer, and heard 
 Bishop George preach one of his melting ser- 
 mons. My heart dissolved as wax before the 
 flame ; it was a weeping time. He was at Mr. 
 Pease's Saturday night meeting ; Mr. Sheer, a 
 preacher from the Baltimore charge, attended 
 also last week. He is in every sense of the 
 word a son of thunder, a Boanerges ; his visit 
 lias already been blessed to my needy soul, and 
 I believe to hundreds of my brethren and sisters. 
 I feel roused to exert all the feeble energies I 
 possess in fighting the good fight of faith. — 
 1 ruly, I have been of late sifted by the subtle 
 tempter, who often fills me with distress while 
 using the public means, with a dread lest I 
 yield to his insinuations ; but, oa meeting my 
 naked heart in private, I rind nothing lost in the 
 contest but the dross of nature. My foes must 
 fall before me while I can simply raise the 
 shield of faith, or wield the Spirit's sword. God 
 grant me skill, courage, humility, and vigilance 
 in the combat, that I may put to flight the ar- 
 mies of the aliens, and laugh to scorn their cruel 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 31 
 
 power. 0, to be always on the look out, and 
 wait with calmness the succours and supplies 
 of God's grace. Haunah, you are not ignorant 
 of my exposures. Turn which way I will there 
 is danger. Send up your earnest cries to Hea- 
 ven that I may never fall from my steadfastness. 
 Your spiritual wants, dear girl, lie near my 
 heart, and if your cousin's scanty petitions reach 
 the skies you arc abundantly supplied. I would 
 only say, on all occasions embrace the cross; 
 behind it are hid more than can be conceived ; 
 only by bearing it joyfully will you come into 
 the possession of rich treasures, the spirit of 
 Christ, and power to win souls. Who would 
 not do violence to flesh and blood to be enabled 
 to— 
 
 " Pluncp into the Godhead's deepest sea, 
 And 1)3 lo^t in his immensity .'" 
 Mary Ann will tell you of the delightful feast 
 wc enjoyed together at Ebenezer. Many bore 
 noble testimonies. I heard Mr. Cookman 
 preach an able discourse from, " As he reasoned 
 of righteousness^ temperance, and judgment to 
 come, Felix trembled." The latter part of the 
 sermon was beyond expression solemn. It has 
 not yet lost its effect on my mind, and I trust 
 never will. 
 
 I found a letter among some waste papers, 
 written by a coloured Methodist preacher, who 
 accompanied poor J. Bankson to Africa. I 
 enclose it for your perusal ; it interested my 
 feelings. From your ever affectionate cousin, 
 
 Hannah, 
 
32 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the same. 
 Philadelphia, May, 1827. 
 My Dear Cousin Hannah, — I must ac- 
 knowledge your very interesting letter of March 
 last deserved a much more speedy answer ; but 
 a variety of unforeseen events combined to ren- 
 der it quite impracticable. Though we were 
 separated for six weeks to the distance of two 
 hundred miles, yet you were the subject of my 
 daily thoughts. I think I fully entered into 
 your peculiar exercises with regard to being 
 among those who are entire strangers ; but I 
 was not long in Baltimore before I realized that 
 I was among my Father's children. The sea- 
 sons I there enjoyed I trust will be remembered 
 by me in eternity. All the circumstances X 
 wish to relate could not be contained in the 
 small compass of a letter. I shall have to de- 
 fer much until we meet. The conference was 
 far better than any I ever before attended. 
 The greater part of the time during the day, 
 two houses were open for public worship. — 
 Light-street, where I attended, was often filled 
 to overflowing. The meeting frequently com- 
 menced in the morning, and did not close until 
 midnight. There was preaching every evening 
 in thirteen of the Methodist churches. On the 
 Sabbath, during the sitting of conference, there 
 were thirty-nine sermons preached by our mi- 
 nisters. Truly, God has many living members 
 among this dear people ; but, as is too gene- 
 rally the case, numbers have to all appearance 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 33 
 
 the form, without the power of godliness. I 
 was blessed with the privilege of attending a 
 number of excellent classes. The testimonies 
 I heard excited me to redouble my diligence. 
 The S.inday schools are much better regulated 
 than any I have known among us. I cannot 
 say that the sermons I heard could be ealied 
 great preaching ; but this I am bold to declare, 
 that the word was dispensed in its purity, and 
 proved the power of God unto salvation to 
 many souls. I formed some acquaintances 
 that were such as I desire to imitate in every 
 respect. 
 
 Tne scenes of eternity were brought very 
 near to me while visiting the sad, solitary spot 
 where the sacred relics of my dear cousin Daniel 
 lay. That afternoon will be recollected by me 
 while memory holds her seat. The grave yard 
 being two miles from town, we were under the 
 necessity of riding, Sophia being too small to 
 walk such a distance. When we reached the 
 gate we were at a loss to know how to enter. 
 This difficulty was soon removed by the ap. 
 proach of the sexton, an old gray-headed co- 
 loured man, with a key. You can scarcely 
 imagine a more lovely picture than was pre- 
 sented to our view. Tne sun shone with un- 
 usual brilliancy on a river which rolls majesti- 
 cally by the mansions of the silent dead. The 
 contrast between the white grave stones and 
 green grass was very striking. The little hil- 
 locks were ornamented with flowers of various 
 Inuts, and many w<re almost covered with rose 
 % 
 
34 LETTERS OF HISS BUNTING. 
 
 bushes, planted, methought; by some friendly 
 hand. Cousin Anna pointed out to me, with 
 silent grief, the three narrow houses where, in 
 less than three years, an only sister, a beloved 
 husband, and an invaluable mother had been 
 deposited ; and then retired to some distance 
 to give vent to her full heart. The powers of 
 expression are inadequate to paint the emotions 
 that swelled my aching bosom. However, I 
 did not sorrow as those without hope. No : I 
 felt assured that " He who was dead, but is 
 alive for evermore, has the keys of death [ nd 
 hell," and has opened a way from the tomb, 
 where all must see corruption, to a state of 
 glory. 
 
 It only remains for us, my dear cousin, while 
 we remain in this land of exile, to acquit our- 
 selves as good soldiers of the cross of Christ, 
 in the midst of a crooked and perverse genera- 
 tion ; at all times showing, by an upright walk 
 and chaste conversation, that we have learned 
 to— 
 
 " Scorn the trifles of a da}', 
 For joys that none can take away." 
 
 Sorely, Hannah, we shall yet gain the well 
 fought day, as we serve under a commander who 
 has never fought but to conquer. God grant 
 that, as we approximate toward our final home, 
 we may become more willing to sutler for 
 Christ's sake. Tiie Gospel nowhere promises 
 to exempt the children of the Most High from 
 painful trials and sore temptations. Glory to 
 God for ever for the assurance that is left us 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 35 
 
 on record, that Divine grace shall be sufficient 
 tor all who put their trust under the shadow of 
 the Almighty. I feel, my dear cousin, that I 
 have need to be ashamed before the Lord for 
 the small improvement I have made of the glo- 
 rious means I have for some time past enjoyed. 
 Tis well for me that our High Priest bears the 
 iniquity of my holy things. I have no fruit of 
 the Spirit in the fulness I desire or expect. I 
 am afraid of being too much outward. I would 
 " the veil of outward things pass through, and 
 <jz»f in Christ to live." Yet, mean and abject 
 as "'I am, I find my spirit so united with Jesus 
 that I am persuaded nothing shall separate me 
 from his love. I daily draw, from a union with 
 him by simple faith, that " sweet repose which 
 none but he who feels it knows." But there are 
 depths of the Divine nature I want to fathom. 
 Use your interest for me at the throne of grace. 
 I often feel a sweet union of spirit with you. 
 My heart is gladdened at the thought that I am 
 aided by your supplications. We are favoured 
 greatly at the Academy in having so good a man 
 as Mr. F. for our pastor. Our beloved Eliza 
 Watkinson is more seriously ill than she has 
 ever yet been. I know not how it is, but tears 
 fill my eyes whenever I think of losing her. I 
 never met with one apparently so dead to 
 earthly joys. What a varied scene is human 
 life ! The time seems very long since I last 
 saw you. I am indulging the hope that Lydia 
 and myself may meet you at the Belleville camp 
 meeting on the 18th of June. I have not heard 
 
36 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 from her. My friends tell me I look much bet. 
 ter for my journey* I feel somewhat recruited, 
 bat I am not ignorant that fatal disease is 
 f listened upon my slender constitution. I know 
 the time is not far distant when the cold earth 
 will be heaped high upon my eoffin lid. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Hilton, July 22, 1827. 
 My Dkar Hannah, — What can I say to 
 solace you under the affliction you are now 
 called to suffer? Methinks I hear you answer 
 that you are not without the consolations of 
 Divine grace, and find that around and under- 
 neath you are the everlasting arms. It is sweet 
 to lie passive m the hands of so wood a Father, 
 and "know no mill but Ms" When the mea- 
 sure of your pain is filled your release wdl be 
 signed, and your sou?, which has so long been 
 clogged by a feeble, sicklv body, will go to 
 "grasp the God you seek." There is a glo. 
 rious resting place for the way-worn pilgrim in 
 a land where our " spirits ne'er shall tire." Ah! 
 how much we have, dear H., to make us long 
 to be at home ! Added to our own inward con- 
 flicts is the painful sight of the indifference and 
 apathy of those we love, to their immortal in- 
 terests. I very much fear that nothing but the 
 cold grasp of death iri-l! awaken some af them 
 to a sense of their state, — when it rany be for 
 ever too late. 
 
LETTE11S OF MISS BUNTING. 37 
 
 I do sincerely wish, my dear cousin, that wc 
 knew more of God, and the things that he hath 
 prepared for them that love him. Why is it 
 that the things of time " delight us so V 1 am 
 convinced that we do not dwell enough on hea- 
 ven and its glories. These should have the 
 pre-eminence in our meditations. May we no 
 longer remain so circumscribed in our acquaint- 
 ance with D vine things, but rise to nobler 
 things than this poor earth can afford. My heart 
 has been much drawn out in prayer for you. 
 Believe me your ever affectionate 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 January, 1828. 
 My Brloved H., — Your letter should have 
 been answered sooner, but want of time pre- 
 vented. Gladly would I spend some time with 
 you, hut circumstances forbid : however, we 
 have much to remind o us that the period is not 
 far distant when we shall he united in b'iss 
 eternal, never a^ain to feel the pang of parting. 
 Yet, my dear H., we can even now repair to 
 the mercy seat in closest union of spirit. In 
 prayer we make our nearest approaches to the 
 sinner's Friend, and 1 e open to the influences 
 of Heaven. Tien it is that the Sun of right- 
 eousness dissipates our darkness, and imprints 
 his lovely image on our souls. Glory to my 
 God for the unusual liberty I have of late ex- 
 perienced in thit duty. How often do we rise 
 
38 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 early, and are employed until late, in providing 
 for these poor bodies, which will soon be cold 
 and inanimate. In future let our best energies 
 be exerted in laying up treasure against the 
 time to come. May we more than ever learn 
 to trust in God. This I am daily aiming 
 after. I want to rest immovably in the will of 
 my dear Saviour, and look to him alone to 
 satiate the capacious desires of my soul. — 
 While I remain an inhabitant of this ever vary- 
 ing world, I calculate on being the subject of 
 numberless afflictions, which I would not ask 
 to be released from, as they have invariably 
 proved my best friends. I think I feel a mea- 
 sure of that love which shall overcome by en- 
 during. I fully believe that when it ceases to 
 be necessary I shall suffer no more. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Frankford. Aug. 9, 1828. 
 
 My Dear Cousin Hannah, — I am grieved 
 that your letter should remain so long unan- 
 swered. Contrary to my expectations, I went 
 to Blackwood, and I praise God for it. I 
 wanted all my dear cousins to be there, and 
 enjoy the meeting with me. It was held on the 
 same spot where, for the last time in the woods, 
 I bowed with my friends Mary and Eliza* to 
 worship and adore Him who sitteth between the 
 cherubim. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 39 
 
 ** Eariy, bright, transient, chaste as morning dew, 
 They sparkled, were exhaled, and went to heaven." 
 
 *' O when will death, (now stingless,) like a 
 friend, this mouldering, old partition wall throw 
 down ; give beings, one in nature, one abode f 
 
 While at camp meeting I boarded with Mrs. 
 S. The first afternoon there was an excellent 
 public prayer meeting : in the evening Mr. 
 Prettyman preached from, Whosoever ealleth, 
 &c. Friday, Mr. Sovereign preached from, 
 Strive to enter in, &c. In the afternoon I 
 took tea with S. A. Budd, and w r e went to- 
 gether to prayer meeting. I never saw happier 
 people. C. Lippencott prayed until the very 
 heavens seemed to open and dropdown fatness. 
 Mr. Armour cried out, We want to go to hea- 
 ven sailing ; yes, sailing, sailing, my Lord. 
 From the commencement of the meeting I was 
 in an agony of prayer* My head seemed wa- 
 ters, and my eyes a fountain of tears. I beheld 
 before me a vast field of religion which I had 
 not yet explored. I felt I had not the grace 
 that was requisite to keep me in the situation 
 in which I am now placed. The view of my 
 wants did not discourage me. No ! I was led 
 to believe that God would enable me to prove 
 to the uttermost the gift unspeakable, and give 
 me to increase with all the increase of God. 
 Mr. Walker preached in the evening. I was 
 surprised to hear the dear old man. His text 
 was Rom. xv, 13, Now the God of hope, &e. 
 Mr. Cookman exhorted ; said an idea of his 
 venerable father had pleased him much, when 
 
10 LETTERS OF MISS HUNTING. 
 
 he described the Christian''*) soul as being of an 
 elastic nature, and with every fresh communi- 
 cation of grace it distended and enlarged, even 
 through the endless ages of eternity. Satur- 
 day Mr. Scott preached from, If we say we 
 have no sin, &c. H? is truly a preacher sent 
 of God. Mr. Pittman exhorted. The ser- 
 vants of the Most High seemed to combine 
 the:r forces to have judgment begin among 
 professors : pressing upon them the necessity 
 of being holy; and it was not without efFect. 
 In the afternoon Mr. Thompson preached, and 
 in the evening Mr. Cookman, from the parable 
 of the prodigal son. Sunday, Mr. Pittman, 
 from Eph. i, 13. Sermon more than two hours 
 long. In tiie afternoon, Mr. Force, " A good 
 treasure.*' In the evening. Mr. Petherbridge. 
 Sabbath eve there was prayer meeting in Mrs. 
 Steward's tent. A daughter of Hugh M'Curdy, 
 and another of Andrew M'Casky, who have 
 long been a weight upon my mind, beinj* 
 teachers in our school, and destitute of religion, 
 were this evening humbled in the dust. I was 
 by them both, and pointed them to the great 
 sacrifice, when they got a glimpse of the Sa- 
 viour's willingness to save them from sin, which 
 filled them with joy. Two of their fellow 
 teachers were also put to the heart in this 
 meeting ; one a niece of Mr. Palmer's, who 
 came to meeting through much opposition, and 
 she awoke us before day, praising God lor his 
 pardoning mercy. Her companion had her 
 fears calmed on Monday. O Hannah, this 
 
 1 * 
 
T.V.TTEHS OF MISS BUNTING. 41 
 
 day I seemed full of love, full of God. My 
 soul was satiated, though still reaching for 
 more. 
 
 I must here say something of a sermon I 
 heard the first Sunday in July from Mr. Ham- 
 met, who is the stationed preacher at Rich- 
 mond, Virginia, and is travelling to the north 
 for his health. His text was, " But of him are 
 ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto 
 us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and 
 redemption." He first called our attention to 
 the ahject state of fallen man ; then, in a sub- 
 lime and clear manner, pointed out the wisdom 
 of God in creation and redemption ; proving 
 that the interposition of a Saviour can alone 
 appease the wrath of offended Heaven. He 
 drew a very nice, and I must say to me new, 
 distinction hetween justification and regenera- 
 tion. But my feelings were overpowering when 
 he dwelt on the two last points, sanctification 
 and redemption. Fathers and mothers in 
 Israel, he cried, what will make a babe in 
 Christ happy, will not suffice for you. Would 
 I could pen the train of ideas that flowed on 
 this part of his subject. It was just what I 
 needed. He then declared that it was his 
 opinion the apostle here intended by redemp. 
 tion the resurrection of the body ; and ad. 
 vanced it as his belief, and brought many pas- 
 sages of Scripture to prove, that as soon as we 
 put off this mortal body, we shall be exalted (not 
 as some imagine to paradise, or the antecham. 
 ber of heaven, but raised) to the highest courts 
 
42 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 above, wnere God dwells. This view of (he 
 subject delighted me ; and although it was an 
 excessively warm afternoon, my soul took wing, 
 and my spirit was ready to burst its tenement 
 of clay, and longed to join the Church above. 
 
 I wrote yesterday to Lydia. Received a 
 letter this week from D., dated May 4. It lay 
 in the post office here some time. I did not 
 think of inquiring for letters. 
 
 I calculate on seeing you in September, if 
 nothing occurs to prevent. 
 
 Yours, Hannah. 
 
 Aug. 10. — Just returned from our little 
 class, and truly Jesus was there. I find these 
 little meetings very profitable, though Method- 
 ism does not gain ground here as yet. I ex- 
 pect that God will open some door. Do pray 
 for us, dear H. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, June 11, 1829. 
 My Dear Hannah, — I should have em- 
 braced an earlier opportunity of writing what 
 has occurred within the last week, had not a 
 multiplicity of cares prevented. Yes, amid all 
 our engagements, methinks there is an affec- 
 tion subsisting between us, that is not lessened 
 by time or distance. Let us console ourselves 
 that though absent in body, we are present in 
 spirit ; partakers of the same grace, heirs of 
 the same portion. And what a stimulus is 
 here ! 
 
LKTTERS OP MISS HUNTING. 43 
 
 I have just returned from my class. Tears 
 of gratitude bedew my cheeks for what my 
 soul enjoyed while holding converse with my 
 God and Christian friends. What should I do 
 without religion to cheer me under the compli- 
 cated sufferings of decaying nature, and the 
 numerous ills of life 1 I am assured that the 
 storms which roll over this tempestuous ocean, 
 will more quickly blow us into port. Glory 
 to- our great Deliverer! Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Jan., 1830. 
 
 I have been cheered by the company and 
 sympathy of our friend, Mary Ann Walker. 
 We went together to prayer meeting at five 
 o'clock on Christinas morning. I enjoyed the 
 two first prayers, and was just thinking it was 
 a better meeting to me than usual when I was 
 seized with fainting. Dear Mary Ann accom- 
 panied me to the door, where I was glad to 
 sink just in the spot you once occupied in a 
 like situation. I here lay insensible for some 
 time ; but while gasping for breath, I felt that 
 I had that faith which defies pain and death. It 
 was a matter of no consequence tome whether 
 I ever again breathed the vital air. But ah ! 
 my passport was not signed. I could not yet 
 go home. I was in a delightful frame through, 
 out the day. It was with sensations indescri. 
 bable that I commenced the year 1830, It 
 
44 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTlNd. 
 
 appeared a new era in my existence, and that 
 I was only alive by miracle. I saw the Imper- 
 fections' winch marked my daily course ; yes, 
 and felt them most keenly too: yet I resolved 
 never to unloose my hold on the promises. I 
 am assured it is my heavenly Father's will that 
 a weak worm like me should live unspotted in 
 so foul a place. O that the close ot* this year 
 may find me arrived at a completion of every 
 Cnristian grace. Amid the varied ills of life I 
 cannot forbear exclaiming. — 
 
 "O hud ofrst. for thee I sigh, — 
 
 When wi'l the moment couip, 
 
 When I sh 11 1 ry my armour by, 
 
 And dwell in pssaee at ho.r. ^ ?" 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 October 23, 1R30. 
 Mv Dear II., — Though it is late at night, 
 and my body is worn down with the toils of a 
 day of care, yet I will, as I have told my dear 
 II., sho\y at least a disposition to acknowledge 
 J'our last favour. Elizabeth will say more than 
 I can write respecting my dear sister. I believe 
 the Lord hath marked her for his own. My 
 fond heart hath said, *• Father, if it be possible 
 let this cup pass from me." But I have been 
 enabled to say from my heart, "Nevertheless, 
 holy and righteous Lord, not my will, bvt thine 
 he done." She may live for months, or even 
 years ; but from present appearances, it is not 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING* 45 
 
 likely that her frail bark will bear many more 
 surges. It would be superfluous to beg your 
 intercession at the sprinkled throne. 1 long to 
 hear her testify that "Jesus has all her powers 
 possessed," and so attracted her by his charms 
 as to wean her from every tie that would chain 
 her down to earth. You and I, dear H., have 
 been put by a Father's hand, during the past 
 summer, into the furnace. It has been said 
 that God had but one Son without sin, and 
 none without affliction. Truly I can say my 
 sickness was the means of increasing my con- 
 fidence in God. " My hope was full, O glo- 
 rious hope, of immortality." I believe I was 
 too much elated with the prospect of being 
 released from my prison house. It appears 
 the Lord has much suffering in store for me. 
 Re that as it may, I trust I shall he enabled (o 
 stand in my lot until the building be finished, 
 and the topstone brought forth with shout ing, 
 " Grace, grace unto it !" Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Feb. 25, 1831. 
 
 My Dear Cousin H., — Your welcome let. 
 ters were thankfully received by me. The 
 weakness of the flesh impeded the impulse my 
 spirit felt to send you an immediate answer. 
 These disinterested proofs of your affection are 
 enough in themselves to convince me you are 
 under Piviae influence. Grateful tears steal 
 
46 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 down my cheeks at the remembrance of the 
 instances innumerable I have experienced your 
 real friendship. I have thanked the Lord a 
 thousand times that ever he cast my lot among 
 your family in early life. My mind received a 
 bias from mingling in your society which I 
 esteem one of the choicest gifts of Heaven. 
 All, all beneath the sun would be dark and 
 desolate, were every dear friend of my heart 
 sundered from me by the icy touch of death. 
 The world cannot ensnare me by any of its 
 grosser allurements ; but the temptations it 
 holds but to me under the forms of pure, 
 refined, elevated enjoyment, resulting from 
 earthly connections, are ensnaring. Yet I 
 think, if I am capable of judging my state, 
 God has the empire of my soul, and all earthly 
 attachments are subordinate. I rejoice to 
 testify that my hope of final salvation has ac- 
 quired a consistency and stability by my recent 
 trials. Through the communications of the 
 Holy Spirit I possess an humble, resigned 
 frame ; believing that while I implicitly rely on 
 the Divine veracity, it will go well with me, liv- 
 ing or dying. I find it will not do forme to dwell 
 too much on the earthly circumstances merely 
 of my late severe bereavement. No ! I have 
 by faith to follow the flight of my dear sister's 
 spirit, which " bright angels have carried home, 
 away to the New Jerusalem." While she is 
 welcomed by the heavenly choirs above, is it 
 not right that our voices below should join the 
 consoling and enrapturing strain ? Yes, dear 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 47 
 
 companion, go, from a suffering Church be- 
 neath, to reign for ever with thy Lord ! Yet, 
 dear Hannah, when I view the trust committed 
 to me, and consider my entire impotence to 
 perform my part, it almost overwhelms me. 
 My cry is, that the Lord will either qualify me 
 for my duty, or take me hence. 
 
 I have regained my strength of body sur- 
 prisingly since L. left me. Have not ventured 
 (o go out but once, and then took a severe 
 cold, from the effects of which I am now suf- 
 fering. I am very glad you heard Mr. Pittman. 
 I am much concerned for your Church at C, 
 and pray that efficient ministers may be raised 
 up for your profit and the sinners who sur- 
 round that village. 
 
 It is expected that several Cherokee Indians 
 will be present at the missionary anniversary. 
 I have a ticket in keeping for 3^011. I wish you 
 could be present at the meeting held here on 
 Tuesday evening. My soul was abundantly 
 refreshed at the last. We had Edmund Yard's 
 help. D. Welsh is able to sit up ; — fears she 
 feels too much from the disappointment of 
 returning to earth again. I had a letter of 
 some length from her, written while supported 
 up in her bed. I wish you had it. I am sure 
 it would warm your heart, as it did mine. 
 Did not the account of Mr. Peyton cheer you? 
 I knew him, and could prize his worth. I 
 dare not indulge myself to write more. Con- 
 tinue still to carry your needy cousin H. to the 
 throne. Hannah, 
 
48 Li ITERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, June 16, 1631. 
 
 My DeaK Cousin Hannah, — I was truly 
 glad to see a letter once more traced by your 
 hand. You nsk me to write what my arrange- 
 ments are. This I am quite at a loss to do. 
 
 I have filled a page with my concerns : yet 
 to how little import have I written ! I don't 
 know that you will have the patience to peruse 
 it, but I love to pour my most minute affairs 
 into your friendly bosom. Ah ! the lapse of 
 time can never heal the wound which has been 
 inflicted by the cold touch of death. Every 
 change of season brings to my remembrance 
 recollections too interesting to be resisted, vet 
 too painful to be indulged in ; but I do not 
 waste my strength and consume my spirits 
 with hopeless sorrow. Blessed be God, I 
 feel the anchor of my hope holds me strong 
 and steady, while the waves of sorrow are 
 tossing me hither and thither, every moment 
 threatening with shipwreck this frail bark. I 
 think I am weaned from all hope of pleasure 
 God sees fit to blight, and willing he should 
 appoint to me a life of weakness. I do not 
 feel a wish with respect to the continuance of 
 my stay below. I can say with Mr. Payson. 
 " If God should refer the matter to me, 1 
 should refer it back again to him." No doubts 
 obscure the sunshine of my mind, yet languor 
 and disease often clog my spirits, and I find it 
 fUfitcmlt at times to rise above the pressure. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 49 
 
 Still I preserve a settled peace, from a con- 
 sciousness that I have no other desire than to 
 please God. 
 
 The last letter I received from Lydia afforded 
 me solid comfort. It contains some of sister 
 Sutton's experience. She remarked that " the 
 Lord did not in the time of her weakness and 
 extremity require hard things." How con- 
 soling ! What would hecome of me if he did \ 
 Jesus covers my defenceless head with the 
 shadow of his wing. 
 
 How is my dear H. progressing ? O let us 
 flee from the world, and live alone for God. I 
 am here in this favoured city, surrounded by a 
 living ministry ; yet, alas * it is not my lot to 
 have strength sufficient to attend the courts of 
 Zion, while you have not very often the word 
 preached. So, my cousin, as we are shut out 
 from the streams, we must endeavour to drink 
 more copiously at the fountain. 
 
 Yours, H. S. Bunting. 
 
 To Miss Mary Ann Walker. 
 
 Philadelphia, July, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Marv Ann, — You have been the 
 subject of my frequent thoughts since we parted. 
 Your situation appears peculiarly interesting. 
 Watching the gradual decline of a dear bro- 
 ther's health is no doubt a continual source of 
 anxiety to your feeling heart. I, my dear 
 sister, can enter into your sorrows, as I was 
 4 
 
50 LETTERS OF J1ISS BUNTING. 
 
 called, some time since, to pass through the 
 same painful trial. The Lord of hosts was 
 with me : he undoubtedly sustains you at this 
 melancholy season. You shall have a daily 
 interest in my approaches to the mercy scat. 
 
 Since my return I have been touched in a 
 tender point. Daniel Ellis, a first cousin, 
 dear to me as a brother, has been lodged in 
 the garner above. He resided in Baltimoie, 
 and has left a wife and child to feel an irre- 
 parable loss. T nere were but a few weeks' 
 difference in our ages. He joined the Me- 
 thodist society a short time before I did. We 
 perfectly coincided in sentiment, and from 
 childhood were much united. I feel that in 
 death we shall not be divided. To the eye of 
 human reason it may appear dark, to view him 
 swept away in the bloom of youth, and in the 
 midst of usefulness. But shall not God do 
 what he will with his own ! Daniel did not 
 bleep as do some. His labours in Sabbath 
 schools were unwearied. He frequently walked 
 seven miles out of the city to a factory, to su- 
 perintend a Sunday school. But his labours 
 are ended ; — -he has bid an eternal farewell to 
 this passing world, and is now enjoying the 
 delights of heaven ; seeing things that have 
 never entered into the heart of man, and which 
 in this life are impossible to be conceived. 
 I rejoice that I am but a stranger in this land 
 of guilt, restless, and sighing for my native 
 home. My dear sister, soon « our weary feet 
 shall enter the peaceful abodes of lasting nedt. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 51 
 
 The trials of this short life will soon be 
 o'er." 
 
 I have been considering the very many pri- 
 vileges I am blessed with, and fear my attain, 
 ments bear no proportion to them. I am sen- 
 sible I might be more wholly given up to God. 
 I long to gain the whole image and mind of 
 Christ, and can indeed say I feel no burden, 
 and can complain of no want, but that of entire, 
 sanctijicution. I know that my Redeemer's 
 sufferings and victory are the eternal destruc- 
 tion of the power and indwelling of sin ; there- 
 fore I cannot rest until I become all glorious 
 within. Do pray, my dear Mary Ann, that I 
 may at all times, and under all circumstances, 
 appear what I profess to be, a temple for the 
 indwelling God. I feel quite anxious to hear 
 how you are progressing in the pursuit after 
 holiness. Assert your claim, — maintain your 
 rig.it ; — lay hold of those blessings which are 
 purchased and promised so fullv for you. Why 
 linger in the dark valley of unbelief? Tarry 
 no longer, but come and partake of the joys of 
 free salvation. Would that I could encourage 
 you. I feel my own weakness; bat in Christ I 
 ran do valiantly : so can you, my sister. There 
 nil our strength lies; — we are only mighty in 
 his might. 
 
 I hope, my dear girl, you will favour me 
 every opportunity with a letter. Do not be 
 formal. My breast is so weak, that I cannot 
 sit long with my pen. This 1 hope will be a 
 sufficient excuse. I think my last visit -to 
 
-f»2 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Crosswicks was a benefit. As to perfect 
 health, I do not expect it ; neither can I say I 
 wish it ; tor the will of God is mine. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Mary Ann, — I have just been 
 reading your last kind letter to me, and feel I 
 can by no means do it justice. Our corres- 
 pondence is a very unequal one ; the benefit is 
 all on my side. As you delight in doing good, I 
 hope you will still favour me with the produc- 
 tions of your pen. 
 
 I am distressed to find by Lydia's letter, I 
 have wounded you. Believe, dear sister, that it 
 was not intended. I was then peculiarly situated. 
 It does not do always to judge from appearances. 
 Far be it from me to cause a heart already big 
 with grief a moment's uneasiness. No ! rather 
 would I use my utmost to soothe and comfort 
 you. Mav I not expect forgiveness ? In fu- 
 ture I will be more guarded. 
 
 I feel I need constant supplies of grace to 
 act my part. I blush at my many deficiencies, 
 and stand astonished at the long suffering pa- 
 tience of a good God. Instead of cutting me 
 off in anger, he blesses me with increasing 
 favour. Since camp meeting I have felt an 
 insatiable desire to be entirely taken up with 
 God, and the things of God ; that no melan- 
 choly void may be found in my life, or a mo 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING.- 53 
 
 ment hang unemployed. I realize that time 
 is short, and know that I am fast tending to 
 the silent grave, where no work nor device is 
 found. 
 
 I ardently pray that my dear Mary Ann's late 
 painful bereavement may conduce to forward 
 the great work of entire sanctification, which 
 I fully believe God hath wrought in your trem- 
 bling heart. Venture along, and God will yet 
 perform the work of faith in power. Jesus, 
 your Advocate, is above : you are his, and he 
 is yours. Look to him, then, in a simple and 
 familiar manner, and with great assurance. We, 
 my dear sister, are journeying to a land where 
 imperfections, regrets, and privations shall be 
 known no more for ever. Should not the con- 
 templation of those joys which we believe are 
 in reserve for us lead us to God, and animate 
 us to make sure work for eternity ? The waves 
 of affliction which may yet beat upon our frail 
 barks shall only waft us nearer to the promised 
 haven. 
 
 Your dear brother Samuel has already ob- 
 tained the prize of eternal rest, which we are 
 still toiling for. May we be enabled to shout 
 victory, victory, as we pass along this valley 
 of tears, through the blood of the Lamb. There 
 are some intimations of a gracious revival in 
 this highly favoured city. The ark of the 
 Lord has appeared to rest for some time back. 
 Now I believe it will move forward. The 
 fields are white for the harvest. Last Sabbath 
 evening we had a good meeting at the Acade* 
 
5-4 LETTERS OF MISS HUNTING. 
 
 my : my feelings were much excited. Two of 
 my Sunday scholars went to the altar to be 
 prayed for. One of them, whose mind hiss been 
 exercised for this year past, obtained a clear 
 evidence of her acceptance. I think I may 
 calcuiate on the conversion of seven of them. 
 They are from twelve to sixteen years of age, 
 a very important time of hie, jusi as the cha- 
 racter is forming. How neeuiul is a Divine 
 Teacher to guard unthinking youth from the 
 numberless dangers that surround them. My 
 heart is warm, and deeply interested in the wel- 
 fare of Zion. 1 long to see her prosper : no 
 sight is so desirable to me. Write frequently, 
 and believe me yours sincerely, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same, 
 Philadelphia, Oct., 1825. 
 
 Mv Dear Sister, — I received your highly 
 prized and interesting letter, every line of which 
 evinced the Christian spirit. 1 had one, and 
 only one objection to ask ng the favour of \ our 
 company to our little bind. — I feared taking 
 more than one stranger at a time, as it never 
 had been done by any of the members. You 
 cause me to blush by saying you imputed it to 
 your inferiority in religion. 
 
 Could you, dear Mary Ann, read my 
 poor heart, and discover its secret ft. Ids and 
 windings, you would in a moment discover 
 your mistake. When I take a retrospective 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUSTlXG. 55 
 
 view of my life, and mark the multiplied errors 
 of judgment, and numberless infirmities, that 
 have crowded every step of the way, I am led 
 to wonder why a righteous God lias not long 
 ago cut me down as useless lumber. I fear 
 nothing that I have ever done will stand good 
 in the great day of retribution. But when the 
 accuser of souls comes upon me like a flood, I 
 run to my hiding place, even the cleft of a dear 
 Saviour's side. There I find a shelter from 
 the violence of the storm, and put all my foes 
 to flight by toiling them, though I am unworthy, 
 he is altogether worthy. Clothed with the robe 
 of his righteousnei>s, — 
 
 " Bold can I stand in that groat day, 
 For who aught to my charge shall lay ?" 
 
 For some time past I have been unusually 
 pressed with the cares of life. Blessed be God, 
 I have not been moved by them : they have 
 rather been the means of drawing me more 
 closely to Him whom my soul loveth. 
 
 I was pleased with the satisfactory account 
 you gave me of your dear brother's death. 
 Surely, my dear sister, you have great cause of 
 thankfulness for the undoubted evidence he has 
 left that God, in the wise dispensations of mercy, 
 has taken him to an early rest. 
 
 M Frae from doubts, and griefs, and fears, 
 In the haven of the skies, 
 Can you weep to see the tears 
 Wiped for ever from his eyes ?" 
 
 Our Sabbath school continues to prosper be- 
 yond my most sanguine expectations. Two of 
 
56 LETTERS OF JIISS BUNTING. 
 
 the girls have joined the class I meet in. You 
 would be delighted to hear them declare so con- 
 fidently what God hath wrought for them. You 
 will hear, through my letter to Lydia, that I 
 have changed my abode. I hope you intend 
 visiting the city soon. Do come while there 
 is so favourable a prospect of a general shower 
 of Divine grace. Write me when to expect 
 you, and persuade Lydia to accompany you. 
 I remain your unalterable friend, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To (he Same. 
 Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1825. 
 My Loved Friead, — I must say I was 
 somewhat disappointed in not receiving a line 
 from you by the bearer of Lydia's. True, I 
 am indebted, I believe ; but I hoped you would 
 not stand on formality. I have missed your 
 society very much. Since you left us we have 
 had many excellent meetings. You will re- 
 joice with me to hear that dear M. W. has 
 obtained peace of mind: her very countenance 
 is changed. Last Sabbath she was baptized. 
 Mr. Pease returned the week after you left the 
 city ; he found his brother alive, but extremely 
 low. After remaining with him a week, he 
 was under the necessity of returning to his 
 charge. He has not a gleam of hope for his 
 brother's recovery ; you may know the parting 
 was no small trial. Ah ! my dear Mary Ann, 
 our path is a checkered one, — none are exempt 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 57 
 
 from suffering. How joyfully could I quit this 
 scene of sin and labour, and be well pleased to 
 lay this feeble body in the bed of the grave, 
 in full and certain hope of a joyful resurrec- 
 tion. This reflection often exhilarates my 
 fainting spirits. 
 
 I hope, my dear sister, you have found ere 
 this the blessing of perfect, uninterrupted peace. 
 Remember, it is only to be retained by a faithful 
 discharge of every duty. Nature may shrink ; 
 but be steadfast, be bold, and soon you will sing 
 the conqueror's song. 
 
 R. W. last week was quite overpowered with 
 the love of God. Her brother B. had gone to 
 a ball. When she retired to rest, her heart 
 was much drawn out in prayer for him. Two 
 hours after some of the family came into her 
 chamber, and found her shouting the high 
 praises of God. It was a language they did 
 not understand ; they thought her dying, and 
 sent immediately for her brother. He was by 
 her in a few minutes, and ran for a physician ; 
 who came, and pronounced it a fit of the hys- 
 terics. But dear Eliza could rejoice with her. 
 O, my dear sister, how precious are the com- 
 forts of the Holy Ghost ! May we ever be alive 
 to his sacred teachings. Grace can do every 
 thing for us, but nature nothing. Let us press 
 onward : the Captain of our salvation goes be- 
 fore, and levels every difficulty. J. has called 
 for the letter — so I must close abruptly. 
 
 Yours, Hannah. 
 
68 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the Same, 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1826. 
 
 My Dear Sister, — As usual, your letter 
 brought with it a blessing to my needy soul. 
 My heart often glows with gratitude to the 
 great Giver of all my unmerited blessings, for 
 the privilege of Christian friends and corres- 
 pondents. I certainly feel myself flattered bv 
 your early remembrance of me, notwithstand- 
 ing the numerous claims upon your attention. 
 I will here (stop, and lift my heart to Heaven 
 fur power to clothe my ideas in a manner that 
 will mutually profit us. Tnere is, I am aware, 
 danger in being superfluous in communicating : 
 Hot only with the tongue, but the pen may be 
 uselessly employed. 
 
 No doubt the heart of my Mary Ann bleeds to 
 
 find her lamented so soon forgotten. We 
 
 swiftly pjss the shadowy scenes of life away. 
 We come up as flowers, arid flee away as sha. 
 dows. O lr dear friend trod truly in the nar- 
 rowest path in the narrow way. May we strive 
 to walk in the same track. How few Christians 
 ciaim their own. Let it not be said of us we 
 walked unworthv of our high and holy calling. 
 ls.it may we imitate those who gained the sum- 
 mit of the mount of holiness, and are now par- 
 takers of its rich rewards. You have, my dear 
 sister Mary, put some close and weighty ques- 
 tions to me. With trembling I shall strive to 
 answer them. Without hesitancy I can say I 
 have no tormenting fear ; though at times my 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 59 
 
 timid nature would fain shrink from the public 
 cross. If I yield in the least, I suffer loss. I 
 possess Jin evidence clear us the situ, that my 
 one aim is to ple;>se God in all things, small 
 and great, I would sooner die than ojfend him. 
 I am not ignorant of my numerous mistakes 
 and errors in judgment ; but I daily cast my 
 infirmities into the abyss of God's mercy, and 
 fee! assured that he forgives mo tor Josns' 
 sake. In this way I preserve an inviolable 
 peace, with a conscience void of offence. Ec- 
 stacy of j iy I seldom have; but in all things 
 my heart d.ssolves in thankfulness. As it re- 
 gards temptations. I confess I am sometimes 
 at a loss ; but, by earnest prayer, the light 
 of the Holy Spirit emanates from above on 
 my pith, suid I endeavour to act accordingly. 
 My mind is never dark, yet often I am in hea- 
 viness with the pressure of my own wants, the 
 Church, and the wretched state of a guilty 
 world. In prayer, the concerns of life intrude 
 at times, but I seldom rise until mv mind is 
 fixed, and my whole soul engaged and absorbed 
 in hol' r aspirations to almighty God. 
 
 I fear I have not fully satisfied you, mv dear 
 girl ; but pardon me, and look over my imper- 
 fections. I feel it my dity to encmi-a^e you 
 to believe the calm you now possess is perfect 
 love. Do hot raise the standard too high ; put 
 it not out of reach. You cannot too much 
 lament your past remissness ; but there is dan- 
 ger in depending 0:1 your lamentations. The 
 time past is for ever gone. It only remains 
 
GO LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 with you to receive a complete Saviour ; and 
 tor the time to come live a life hid with Christ 
 in God. Hannah. 
 
 [In the interval between the last date and 
 the following letter, I resided chief of the time 
 in Philadelphia, and was privileged with being 
 frequently in the company of my beloved Han- 
 nah, both day and night. I sometimes went 
 with her in her visits of love and mercy to the 
 sick and poor, and was witness to the solici- 
 tude and affection she manifested for them : 
 her care for them was unremitting. At one 
 time I recollect, after assisting her in making 
 some cloaks for some Sunday scholars belong- 
 ing to the school of which she was teacher, we 
 did not finish them until nine o'clock ; and 
 though it was dark and rainy, she would take 
 them home that night. We did take them, and 
 she had the satisfaction on the next day, which 
 was Sabbath, of seeing the children at school, 
 with their cloaks on. This is only one instance 
 out of many wherein she regarded not her own 
 ease, if she could do good, even to a child. 
 Many, very many no doubt, will rise up in that 
 day, and call her blessed. The good she has 
 done to the bodies and souls of all she had in- 
 tercourse with, will never fully be known until 
 eternity shall unfold it to view. To me she 
 was a true Christian friend in the fullest sense 
 of the word ; constantly inciting me, both by 
 precept and example, to diligence in every 
 good work. M. A, Walker.] 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 61 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Crosswicks, July 29, 1827. 
 
 My Dear Friend Mary Ann, — Although 
 I feel very unfit for writing, yet as a convey- 
 ance offers, I cannot forbear assuring you that 
 you still live in my affectionate remembrance. 
 Though I have not written, my heart has been 
 daily with you. I returned yesterday from 
 Hopewell camp meeting, and have not yet 
 recovered from my fatigue. This I hope will 
 be a sufficient apology for the unconnected 
 manner of my letter. 
 
 While I united in the shady groves of Belle, 
 ville and Hopewell to worship, with adoring 
 multitudes, Him who dwelleth between the 
 cherubim, an ineffable sweetness filled every 
 power of my soul. Never did the foot of time 
 fall so noiselessly. Surely the Lord, my keeper, 
 stood omnipotently near. My life and health 
 were precious in his sight. Although consider- 
 ably exposed, I did not take the least cold. 
 
 I could say much of the profitable sermons 
 I heard delivered by the heralds of free grace. 
 As Lydia has written, and I expect given, you 
 a minute account of our meeting at Bt'llevillo, 
 I will mention something of the latter. 
 
 There was but one circle of tents, and that 
 was small ; yet souls were convicted and con- 
 verted. One young girl from Trenton was set 
 at perfect liberty. The preachers dwelt too 
 much on doctrinal points to be profitable. 
 
 I do feel that my treasure is growing in 
 
62 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTINQ. 
 
 heaven. My " soul feels ever bright as noon, 
 and calm as summer evenings are." I am 
 waiting and expecting that God will fully ac- 
 complish for ine all that he has promised. 
 W hen I look at what is before me, even in this 
 life, to possess, I see I am but a babe in 
 Christ. Pray, my dear friend, that I may ne- 
 ver be found dozing at my post, or wasting the 
 golden moments that (Jod has graciously allot- 
 ted trie to gain the Divine image, and win souls 
 to Jesus. I know that nature is fast sinking, 
 and I must shortly bury every worldly interest 
 in the grave. When an eternity of growing 
 bliss is unfolded to my imagination, I am quite 
 lost and enraptured in the contemplation.— 
 There I hope to dwell with my dear Mary 
 Ann. If ray imperfect petitions are heard in 
 heaven, you are lacking no good thing. 
 
 Thursday evening is held very sacred by 
 me, I have felt unusual liberty on that oc- 
 casion. Do be very importunate in your 
 addresses for me. 
 
 I shall return home this week. Do write me 
 a long letter. My love to your dear parents 
 and sisters. I trust they will have their health, 
 Tell me if yours is improved, and whether you 
 are engaged in the Sabbath school. I have 
 felt the loss of your society since I have been 
 here. Believe mc your invariable friend and 
 sister, Hannah. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 63 
 
 To the same. 
 
 FranJeford, Aug. 19, 1828. 
 
 My Dear Friend Mary Ann gave me 
 another proof of her tenderness by not upbraid- 
 ing me with neglect. The Lord, who inclined 
 your heart to write, will reward your labour of 
 love. 
 
 Truly God is good to Israel, even unto me, 
 Our passage home in the steamboat was ren- 
 dered peculiarly pleasant and profitable by 
 singing and prayer. My soul was lost in love 
 and praise, and melted into thankful tears. I 
 felt a solitariness and departure from all crea- 
 tures, and a sweet flowing into God. Jesus 
 never was more lovely in my eyes. Since my 
 return 1 have been favoured with time for re- 
 flection and examination, and I do find my soul 
 is much invigorated and built up by the precious 
 means we have so lately enjoyed together. I 
 seem to have an open intercourse with Heaven, 
 and great liberty in pleading for the fulfilment 
 of the promise for myself, my friends, and 
 the Church of Christ, Especially I desire the 
 prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom in this 
 dark village. O, I agonize that God may raise 
 up some one who will be instrumental in rous- 
 ing the sleeping inhabitants. I think you would 
 be delighted to meet in our little class.* We 
 do not number more than twelve, yet the pre- 
 sence of the Highest makes up for every dc- 
 
 * I was precrcnt when it was formed. 
 
64 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 ficiency. Our leader, Mr. Mosely,*j* possesses 
 all the purity of a father in Christ. Every 
 word he utters is to the point. M. K. has had 
 a severe attack of spitting blood. I earnestly 
 pray that this dispensation may bring her to feel 
 the importance of walking more closely with 
 God. 
 
 I went to the city on Monday, and attended 
 the funerals of three of my friends : — Cousin E. 
 Dorsey's, at eight o'clock in the morning ; Mr. 
 Palmer's, at nine ; and Mrs. Whitehead's, at 
 four in the afternoon. ' ; Death is already at 
 the door : — he knocks. What mail defends our 
 untouched hearts ? What miracle turns oiT the 
 pointed shafts, which from a thousand quivers 
 are daily darted ? We stand as in a battle ; — 
 throngs on throngs around us falling, wounded." 
 You may recollect I mentioned having spent 
 the evening before camp meeting with Mrs. 
 Whitehead, and had no expectation of seeing 
 her again in the body ; but, to my surprise, on 
 returning, I learned that the silver cord was not 
 yet loosed. I hastened to her chamber. On 
 entering, an awe I cannot express pervaded my 
 mind : — it was the felt presence of the Deity. 
 Dear saint, she knew me perfectly ; and though, 
 for many years she had been a fearful, doubting 
 Christian, (but conscientious in the extreme.) 
 I was now delighted to hear her, with a strength 
 of voice that astonished me, profess an un- 
 shaken faith in Jesus. Her sun set without a 
 
 t Since decoasod. See his death mentioned in letter 
 dated March 1, 1830. 
 
LETTERS OF 3II£S BUNTING. 65 
 
 cloud. Our parting was affecting. She gave 
 me her dying blessing. I assured her we 
 should meet very soon above. My dear Mary 
 Ann, " what webs of wonder shall unravel there, 
 — what full day pour on all the paths of heaven, 
 and light the Almighty's footsteps in the deep !" 
 
 41 How shall the blessed day of our discharge 
 Unwind at once the lab'rinths of our fate, 
 And straighten its inextricable maze." 
 
 To this happy place, O holy God, bring us, 
 after our days of toil are ended. 
 
 Ever remember, my dear sister, that discou- 
 ragements will always prove a hinderance to 
 your growth in holiness. God must deny him- 
 self if he casts away his own image, even the 
 soul that is one in desire with himself. God 
 lives, and, blessed be his name, he is the Sams 
 almighty Friend who has guided a'nd guarded 
 you through the heedless days of childhood up 
 to youth. Surely he will be your Rock of de- 
 fence now in sickness, when you most need his 
 care and support. " The name of the Lord is a 
 strong tower, the righteous rufmeth into it and 
 is safe." Continue to shelter under his wings. 
 Yes, it will be over, the mortal strife will cease, 
 and your immortal spirit spring to its source — 
 the bosom of your God. Do write rae every 
 particular concerning the state of your body 
 and souL I trust you have learned the simpli- 
 city of believing. I found sister Kitty's health 
 improved. We have had a succession of com-* 
 pany of late. Thank God, the privilege of be- 
 ing sometimes alone has not been denied roe, 
 5 
 
66 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 I long to hear from Crosswicks ; I am almost 
 afraid to flatter myself with the hope of meeting 
 you there. I have not seen M. C. since we 
 parted after meeting in the grove. I hope she 
 may stand fast. Give my best wishes and re- 
 gards to Sarah Ann. I pray that you may be 
 a mutual help to each other ; and when we all 
 come to cross the Jordan of death, then may 
 we prove that we have not followed a cunningly 
 devised fable. So breathes the heart of your 
 constant, sincere friend, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Frankford, Jan. 18, 1829. 
 My Dear Mary Ann, — I eagerly embrace 
 the first leisure moments that are at my com- 
 mand, to assure you that I still feel a warm 
 interest in your welfare, and long to know what 
 the present state of your health is. I have not 
 heard a word respecting it since we parted. I 
 have passed a delightful winter, and can truly 
 say that the past year has been by far the most 
 favoured of my life ; vet I tremble on calling it 
 over and inspecting my conduct, so many de- 
 fects, with misimproved moments, rise in retro- 
 spect before my view. Thus my days roll on, 
 but little done for God, and this is my burden ; 
 but I can appeal to the Searcher of hearts that 
 I v/ish, above all things else, to improve time to 
 aome valuable purpose. I know that through 
 Divine assistance I am making some progress 
 toward heaven, though far from what I ought, 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 67 
 
 or what the Lord designs I should. The ser- 
 vice of my Master is not irksome. I expe. 
 rience that in keeping his commandments there 
 is great delight. He has of late given me a 
 clearer demonstration of his favour : the witness 
 of the Spirit shines indisputably clear. At 
 times such a manifestation of the Divine pre- 
 sence is granted me that I am constrained to 
 cry, Enlarge my heart, or withstay thine hand. 
 By firmly believing that God is both able and 
 willing to preserve me from the corruptions of 
 a gay world, I enjoy a constant liberty from 
 sorrow, fear, and sin. Perhaps you may wish 
 to know what success our preachers have met 
 with in this village. Our prospects are brighten- 
 ing. The Academy in the afternoon is crowded 
 with attentive hearers. Our parlour in the 
 evening is also filled. The night meeting has 
 become very interesting ; we have a sermon, 
 and afterward a prayer meeting. A number 
 profess to be seeking religion. Some time back 
 we established a Methodist Sabbath school ; 
 we have forty scholars and six teachers, three 
 of whom, one female and two males, are under 
 deep conviction of sin ; also one of the scholars, 
 an orphan girl, fifteen years of age. Did my 
 friend know the difficulties and discouragements 
 I have contended with here, she could rejoice 
 with me that the Lord has not forgotten this 
 corner of his vineyard. Great as the trial 
 was for me to leave Philadelphia, most willingly 
 would I spend the remnant of my days in 
 Frankford, could I see a living ministry esta~ 
 
68 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 blished. You will be surprised perhaps to learn 
 that we expect to return in March to the city 
 to live. I shall feel much at parting with the 
 little society. The Lord knows best ; there- 
 fore, as in our former removal, I cheerfully 
 submit. Does my dear sister still enjoy the 
 perpetual sunshine of a spotless mind 1 Are 
 you enabled to rely on Him who has ever been 
 your sure, unerring friend 1 and though your 
 cup has sometimes been mingled with tears, 
 Jesus has been a shelter to you from every 
 stormy wind that blew, and every swelling tide 
 of wo. Yes, he is truly a calm and sure retreat 
 in the day of calamity. Go onward, my friend ; 
 shortly you shall be taken to a world where 
 holiness dwells in perfection; where death 
 shall be done away, and all our souls be peace. 
 Even on earth — 
 
 " There is a scene where spirits blend, 
 Wh-ire friend holds fellowship with friend ; 
 Tnough sunder'd far, by faith we meet 
 Around our common mercy seat." 
 
 M. W. is thought to be dangerously ill. The 
 doctor says her lungs and liver are both dis- 
 eased. I expect to visit her next week ; they 
 are still out of town. I have not seen her 
 since Chester camp meeting. Thus we lan- 
 guish and die. Your friends are all well in the 
 city, as far as I know, but I am seldom there. 
 Mr. Force has been out to preach for us. He 
 continues to take scores of souls into the out- 
 ward Church. I thought much of you during 
 the meetings at New-Year and Christmas* — 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 69 
 
 Shall I not soon expect a few lines from you ? 
 Believe me, I am, as ever, your affectionate 
 friend, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, March 1, 1830. 
 
 My Much Loved Friend, — It gave me 
 much pleasure to receive your thrice welcome 
 letter. Do not, for one moment, attribute my 
 silence to want of affection. Could this dull 
 clog fly as rapidly as thought, we should have 
 had many interviesvs. I estimate the price of 
 a real friend far above rubies. As such I con- 
 sider my dear Mary Ann. The dark billows 
 of affliction have rolled over me since I gave 
 you the parting hand, yet, blessed be God, I 
 have been upborne on the unyielding wave, 
 My dear sister's health has apparently been 
 very much on the decline. Her symptoms are 
 of a most alarming nature ; she has again 
 raised some blood, and at this time she is suf- 
 fering severely from a blister. We have been 
 under the necessity of weaning her dear babe, 
 who has been very ill of a fever, but is now 
 recovered. You can, I know, judge how great 
 a charge I have on me. I view with intense 
 gratitude the mercy of my Father in heaven, in 
 granting me strength to perform the duties 
 which devolve upon me. I suffer much from 
 my side and throat, but infinitely greater is the 
 mental anguish I endure while daily watching 
 
70 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 the gradual ravages of dire disease upon my 
 nearest earthly relative. Yet when I compare 
 my trials with what they might be, and with 
 what others are called to endure, I am dumb 
 before God. The promises of the Gospel are 
 my chief support. I find them sufficient food 
 for my hungry soul ; yet Satan is permitted to 
 assault me on every side, and cast his tempta- 
 tions thick as autumnal leaves that strew the 
 ground. My own deeds are loathsome to me. 
 I have no staff to lean upon — no rest — but 
 Jesus. I have a greater contest with the in- 
 ward motions of my soul than with my outward 
 actions. "I view an idle thought as actual 
 wickedness." I endeavour to criticise the 
 movements of each day, and have cause to fear 
 that I am not more than half awake to my own 
 immortal interest, and that of others. I see the 
 exceeding broad command of God, and am look- 
 ing and longing for 'power to fulfil it. How true 
 it is, my dear friend, that man in his best estate 
 is as a flying shadow. Is it not important, then, 
 that we should fix our affections on those Di- 
 viner objects whose nature is everlasting ? 
 
 Our mutual friend, Eliza Abbott, has taken 
 her flight to endless glory. I was permitted to 
 gaze on her sweet corpse when the happy spirit 
 had fled, and I asked to be endued with grace 
 to walk in her footsteps. I shall not soon for- 
 get my last interview with her a short time 
 previous to her death. I left her glorifying 
 God with a loud voice. E. Ogden witnessed 
 the closing scene, and could give you a more 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 71 
 
 minute account. She was struck with death in 
 the evening, and expired at twelve o'clock at 
 night, — had her senses until the last, — called 
 each member of her family, — gave them her 
 commands, and took leave of them with much 
 composure ; after this, her language was, — 
 " Come, Lord Jesus. Fain nry spirit would be 
 there." Elizabeth asked her if death was rob- 
 bed of its terrors ? With emphasis she replied, 
 " It is stingless. O had I strength I would tell 
 you what I feel." E. requested that when she 
 was no longer able to speak, to give a sign if 
 she still felt happy, and saw her way clear to 
 a mansion in the skies. This she did by rais- 
 ing her arms in token of victory. Dear Julia 
 was enabled to resign her up into the hands of 
 God a few days before she was called to take 
 her final leave ; and I am rejoiced to find how 
 much she has been supported under this heart- 
 rending stroke. She requests me to send much 
 love to you, and would consider it a favour to 
 have a letter from you. Do send a few lines 
 of -consolation, and the Lord will repay you. 
 Also, our venerable father in Christ, Mr. Mose- 
 ley, has gone to swell the heavenly choir. — 
 Surely he has entered the heavenly Canaan, like 
 the weary traveller arriving, joyful, though fa- 
 tigued, at his journey's end. Triumphant, like 
 a victor after a severe campaign, he exchanged 
 this cold, howling wilderness for the beatitude 
 of heaven. Upward of fifty years he has con- 
 tended for the faith. I trust never to forget 
 the admonition he favoured me with, while I met 
 
72 LETTERS OF MISS HUNTING. 
 
 with his little flock in class at Frankford. How 
 delightful is the purity of a father in Israel. 
 The last conversation I had with him in his 
 little cottage, which was as perfect a picture of 
 neatness as I ever beheld, has till this moment 
 left a Divine sweetness on my mind. O that 
 1 may so run as to be permitted to join with 
 him in the rapturous enjoyment of the vision 
 of God. M. S. lies very low ; her family 
 had no idea she would have lived to see this 
 hour, as they watched, expecting to witness 
 her last breath three weeks ago. She has 
 somewhat revived, but the hope of her re- 
 covery is very slender. During the first month 
 of her illness she was very uncomfortable in 
 her mind ; now she can exult in God. I never 
 saw a person more peaceful ; it is a privilege to 
 hear her converse. I could enlarge greatly on 
 thio subject, but it would exceed the bounds 
 of my letter to say all I wish respecting her, 
 or S. W., who, you may recollect, had such pe- 
 culiar manifestations. They still continue 
 with great increase. She often lies days and 
 nights together without eating or sleeping, 
 yet a more healthy person you could scarcely 
 find. I was with her twice at those seasons, 
 and a more angelic sight I never witnessed. 
 Truly, we know but in part. Our finite minds 
 cannot grasp infinity. The prospects at Frank- 
 ford continue flattering. They have a gradual 
 increase of members. Mr. Huckle's sons have 
 bought the academy, and rent it to the society. 
 They are now collecting money to convert it 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 73 
 
 into a house for religious worship. Pray most 
 earnestly for success to attend their efforts. 
 
 Lord, grant that we may, amid sick and 
 dying friends, experience Jesus to be all and in 
 all to our trembling spirits. Our Churches in 
 the city remain much as they were when you 
 left. I hope my friend is enjoying much of the 
 consolations of the Holy Spirit. Bodily afflic- 
 tions are only given for your profit, that you 
 may become a partaker of God's holiness. 
 This I know you realize, and can see a Father's 
 hand in all, and that he is leading you step by 
 step to his kingdom. Yes, my dear Mary, 
 Christ has a firm hold on you, however feeble 
 your grasp of him ; therefore let your soul 
 cast itself on him, and adventure there all its 
 weight. You and I, my dear girl, will not 
 much longer attempt the boisterous ocean of 
 life. Already our feet are wet with the swell- 
 ings of Jordan. Almost, by an eye of faith, 
 we espy the other shore, and hear the heavenly 
 songsters. 
 
 I am gratified to hear, by Mr. Thatcher, that 
 you have been in the midst of a glorious out- 
 pouring of the Spirit. I trust my dear friend 
 has obtained a glorious shower. Remember 
 me in your best moments. Friday I held sa- 
 cred. Write me very soon, and believe me 
 your invariable friend, Hannah, 
 
74 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the same. 
 Philadelphia, April 20, 1630. 
 
 My Dear Friend, — Your letter came safe 
 to hand, and was a source of gratification. 1 
 have thought very frequently of you during the 
 conference. I have had few opportunities of 
 worshipping in the sanctuary ; but when I have 
 enjoyed this high privilege, the adorable Jesus 
 has revealed his lovely face, and on hearing 
 the height that a Christian may attain, I felt a 
 painful thirst to bear more fully the Divine im- 
 press. J cannot^ — will not be satisfied to feed 
 upon the stale manna of past experience. My 
 aspiring soul longs for a daily supply from the 
 fountain head of bliss. 
 
 The insidious tempter leaves no means un- 
 tried to throw me off my guard- Alas ! his 
 designs are too successful. I often feel as if 
 
 I could weep tears of blood, if they could atone 
 for my defects. Had I not the advocacy of 
 my blessed Redeemer to present to a holy God, I 
 should indeed despair of gaining perfect purity. 
 Praised be the Lord my righteousness for his 
 unparalleled love to a frail worm. I have 
 man} T hours of inviolable peace, and solemn 
 nearness to him in public and in private. — 
 While I write, my soul is raised to him in hea- 
 venly enjoyment. Eternity affords a glorious 
 prospect. With joy I can welcome the cold 
 embrace of death, and fear not its icy arms. 
 
 II It is he alone that can heave the massy bar, 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 75 
 
 the gross impediments of clay remove, and 
 make us embryos of existence free." 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the same. 
 Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1830. 
 My Very Dear Friend, — I am aware ap- 
 pearances are very much against me. I trust 
 you are too well acquainted with my heart to 
 suppose my silence is intentional. The Lord, 
 in the infinitude of his mercy, has seen proper 
 to lay me in the furnace. The past summer 
 has been one of trial, yet the tender love of a 
 Father was mixed with every ingredient in my 
 cup of sorrow. I will endeavour to give you 
 some account of the changeful scene I have 
 passed through since I last wrote you. In the 
 month of June I resorted, with my dear sister, 
 to the Pine Cottage, for the benefit of the air 
 and water. I know not that she was much 
 recruited. While there I found myself sur- 
 rounded by those who were immersed in the 
 spirit of the world. I could not endure the 
 pain of passing the Sabbath among a people of 
 sucha spirit. As I had no conveyance, I walk- 
 ed to Pemberton to unite in the worship of 
 God. The house was filled ; 1 took a seat on 
 the stairs. A crowd of busy, and not unpro- 
 fitable recollections occupied my mind. How 
 often, thought I, have the feet of my dear friends, 
 T. E. and M. A., pressed this sacred floor, 
 and all suppliant at the Saviour's throne, their 
 
76 LKTTEKS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 sighs and prayers have ascended to God. Mr. 
 Steward preached, and described the resurrec- 
 tion. Fancied I saw the tomb of my friend T. 
 bursting, and she springing from her dusty bed, 
 waving a victory palm, and, on a golden harp 
 striking the anthem, ever sweet and new, of 
 redemption. Sarah Ann Budd called the Wed- 
 nesday following, for me to accompany her to 
 Mrs. Beohm's female prayer meeting. Just as 
 the sup. had shed his last rays over creation, S. 
 and myself arrived at the hallowed spot of earth 
 where dear Eliza's cold remains in solitude 
 have slept three years away. Ah ! I exclaimed, 
 unheeded o'er her silent dust the storms now 
 heat, while we are wandering up and down this 
 weary land of shadows, conversant with temp- 
 tation and pain. Our souls and bodies we can 
 trust with him who numbers every particle of 
 dust, and when made perfect through the blood 
 of *;>rinkling, may we be found worthy to join 
 with yonder saints who walk the golden streets 
 of New Jerusalem, and compass around the 
 throne with vision blessed. As we entered the 
 parsonage, where prayer was wont to be made, 
 S. pointed out the shrubbery which had been 
 planted by the hand of my own Mary Ann. I 
 had sweet union with your spirit, — but I fear 
 I am tedious. From the cottage we went to 
 Asbury, hoping the jaunt would prove of service 
 to my poor suffering sister. The ride was as 
 much as she could bear. We stayed a few 
 days with cousin A. and D., and stopped at 
 Hilton, intending to remain a week or more. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 77 
 
 Hannah was taken ill, so we returned home ; — 
 left Lydia. It was a disappointment I could 
 but ill bear. I then went with K. to Frank- 
 ford, and boarded there for some weeks. [ 
 stole offal every interval to assemble with the 
 humble followers of the lowly Jesus. I cannot 
 describe, in the language of mortals, what my 
 feelings were to witness what God had wrought. 
 A neat house is filled with attentive hearers. 
 Two r.lasses are formed, and some respectable 
 heads of families have joined. You would be 
 surprised to hear the prayers offered up by those 
 who were recently running the downward road. 
 From Frankford we removed to Jenkentown, 
 ten miles from the city. There I was relieved 
 from a crowd of gay, volatile boarders ; yet the 
 family were destitute of the fear of God. Not 
 a place of worship in the village; — this was 
 more than I could bear. Germantown being 
 rive miles distant, I rode there, though a 
 stranger, and begged the circuit preachers to 
 hold meetings in Jenkentown. This request 
 they have attended to, and now have regular 
 preaching in a room, formerly occupied as a 
 ball room. May the Lord take his own cause 
 in hand in this part of the country, where infi- 
 delity stalks at noon day. Hicks's opinions 
 are generally received by the inhabitants of this 
 town. I was quite sick for two weeks ere I 
 returned home. Immediately on my arrival I 
 was taken with intermittent fever, and just as I 
 was recovering was seized with spitting blood. 
 I had a return of it a few days after the first 
 
78 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 attack. The doctor prohibited me from speak- 
 ing. I kept my bed for some time ; — side 
 and breast were blistered ; — tartar plaster was 
 applied where I had a blister. This was the 
 most severe suffering I ever experienced. I 
 walked the floor a night and day in agony. I 
 took, for a long time, small portions of sul- 
 phur and calomel. Am now able to perform 
 my duties almost as usual ; yet I find a great 
 difference in my breast, as the blood I raised 
 came from the lungs. It is more difficult for 
 me to write than you can imagine ; so you will 
 use much forbearance with the hasty manner I 
 have penned these lines. 
 
 O that I had strength and room to speak of 
 the kindness of Him whose fatherly chastise- 
 ments have been upon me. Though I can say 
 my mind was kept perfectly calm under my 
 most terrifying symptoms, and though it was 
 a solemn thing to look death steadily in the 
 face, yet I felt it would be gain to die with 
 Jesus near, the rock of my salvation. I have 
 been much shut out from public means, but the 
 Lord's providences are effectual instead of or- 
 dinances. I am sure I never felt my mind in 
 a sweeter frame than it has been this evening. 
 Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! whether calms or 
 storms await me, Jesus lives to lead me 
 through. I don't feel, dear Mary, like sitting 
 down at home this side of Jordan. I expect 
 the day is not far distant when we shall rest in 
 the bosom of our God, " safe from diseases and 
 decline." My dear sister lies apparently as a 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 79 
 
 wreck on the shores of time. Her disorder has 
 continued to progress daily, for some weeks. 
 She has suffered with a sore throat. Some days 
 she keeps her bed almost entirely. You can 
 judge what my feelings are ; I have, if I am 
 not deceived, fully resigned her up to God ; 
 yet I long to see her in a more comfortable 
 frame. If ever you wrestle in prayer, let it be 
 in her behalf, that the cloud may burst in bless- 
 ings on her head. 
 
 Do write very soon, and comfort the heart of 
 your tried friend, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Nov., 1830. 
 My Dear Mary Ann, — I was led to adore 
 the God of love for providing sympathetic 
 friends. The reception of your kind letter was 
 like a balm to my troubled heart. Yes, I know 
 you can fully realize the dark post of observa- 
 tion infinite Wisdom has placed me at. My 
 precious sister lies as a wreck upon the shores 
 of time ; we know not what hour her immortal 
 spirit may launch into the boundless ocean of 
 eternity. Ah ! my friend, nothing but strong 
 evidences will do at such a moment. I am 
 earnestly crying that the bright beams which 
 stream from her heavenly Father's reconciled 
 countenance may illumine the gloomy vale of 
 death. She has an unshaken confidence in the 
 arm of Omnipotence, yet the arch foe of God 
 and man is not idle. Alas ! he is too successful 
 
80 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 in damping her joys, and weakening her 
 faith. How my soul longs to see her scorn 
 his cruel power, and dare the pointless shafts 
 of death. My friend, urge her suit. We have 
 had many sweet visits from those who, I believe, 
 are filled with faith and the Holy Ghost ; and 
 the chamber seems a consecrated spot. The 
 air of it almost inspires devotion. I am sorry 
 your dear mother is so much of a sufferer. O 
 that God may proportion strength according to 
 her day of trial ; and may you, my dear girl, 
 be strengthened both in body and mind. I 
 have had another quite serious attack of spit- 
 ting blood : now quite unfit for writing. Lord, 
 grant that our afflictions may prove of a trans- 
 forming nature* 
 
 Your true friend, Hannah. 
 
 Extracts of letters from H. S. Bunting to D. 
 Welsh, one of her Sabbath scholars. 
 
 Mount Holly, August 21, 1831. 
 My Ever Dear Deborah, — You have been 
 laid with such unusual weight upon my mind 
 that I cannot resist the desire I feel to send a 
 few lines as a testimony of the intense interest I 
 experience continually for your welfare. I trust 
 that while disease is making deep ravages on 
 your shattered frame, you still experience that 
 religion is the power of God unto the complete 
 salvation of your soul from sorrow, fear, and 
 sin. Languor, no doubt, often impedes the 
 impulse your spirit feels to rise on contcmpla* 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 81 
 
 tioif s wing, and hold converse with the Deity ; 
 and Satan, a wily foe, takes advantage of your 
 weakness, and suggests a thousand nameless 
 temptations, calculated to damp your spirit, and 
 weaken your faith. Do not give place to him 
 for one moment ; fly to your hiding place, even 
 to that dear side which was cleft to take you in. 
 There, in Jesu's mighty name you can go, 
 and conquer death, your final foe. I want my 
 dear D. to take courage, and remember that 
 the Holy One of Israel hath said, " It is not by 
 might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the 
 Lord." Feeble as you are, in the strength of 
 grace you can " run through a troop, or lea}) 
 over a wall," Yes, I firmly believe that my 
 dear D. is — 
 
 *t As an iron pillar strong, 
 
 And steadfast as a wall of brass ;" 
 
 and that nothing shall be able to separate her 
 from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 I have been quite ill for two weeks past. 
 * l O when will death this mouldering old parti- 
 tion wall throw down, and give beings one in 
 nature one abode ? Happy day ! that breaks 
 our chains, — that manumits, — that calls from 
 exile home." Thank God that while I am 
 tossed by the winds that blow during the voyage 
 of this life, " my mind still has heaven and 
 peace within." But I am restless, and sigh for 
 the blissful period when, from this dull load 
 released, I shall join the hallelujahs of the 
 skies, and unite with the loved ones, who have 
 gone a few days before, in a song of praise to 
 6' 
 
82 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Him who sitteth upon the throne, and to the 
 Lamb for ever. When I daily bow before the 
 throne of grace, you are not forgotten in my 
 feeble supplications to our common Father. 
 May you dwell under the shadow of the Al- 
 mighty. H. S. Bunting. 
 
 To the same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Dec. 1831, 
 
 My Dear Afflicted D., — It rejoices me to 
 know that you are a dear member of the body 
 of Christ, and that all the arrows of affliction are 
 pointed with love. I believe you are weaned 
 from all pleasure God sees fit to deny you ; 
 then why, my dear D., do you weigh yourself 
 down with burdens which do not belong to the 
 present hour 1 We are not promised gt ace now 
 for next year. The hope of future glory is the 
 most perfect cure for despondency. The op- 
 pressive melancholy you indulge in is cutting 
 ilie very sinews of your soul ; and the discou- 
 rapement you give way to is an exceeding hin- 
 derance to your spiritual fervency and affection. 
 O that you would believe more fully that " God 
 is love," — that his requirements are all easy ; 
 then I think you would have more mercy on 
 your poor body. Your meditations of the Re- 
 deemer are sometimes very sweet, though your 
 mind is so much weakened that you cannot 
 follow a train of thought for any length of time. 
 Soon you will be released from this weakness, 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 83 
 
 and be where you can praise God continually 
 without weariness.. 
 
 "And when I bend to that Being on high. 
 Who ruleth the waters, whose throne is tiie sky, 
 Thou still art remember'd, my sister, and there 
 Thy name is breath'd forth in stillness and prayer." 
 
 There is no faith worth having but a tried 
 faith, and yours, I think, has been fully tested. 
 Nothing will be lost in the fiery trial but na- 
 ture's dross. Your foes must fly while you can 
 simply raise the shield of faith, or wield the 
 Spirit's sword. We are still inhabitants of a 
 world liable to constant revolution ; but we 
 are journeying to a land where we shall know 
 no change, except from " glory to glory." We 
 shall there join the unnumbered millions who 
 surround the throne in an unceasing song of 
 praise : — 
 
 "O glorious home! O bright abode ! 
 We shall bo near, and like our God." 
 
 Consider the Apostle and High Priest of your 
 profession, Christ Jesus, who endured such con- 
 tradiction of sinners against himself, — he will 
 be your rock, the fortress where your soul may 
 take shelter from all her foes, fie will cover 
 your head in the day of battle. Though you 
 walk in the midst of trouble, he will sustain your 
 fainting spirit, — will arm your breast with stead- 
 fast patience, and, when the grace of resignation 
 is fully perfected, sign your release, and gather 
 you among his jewels. 
 
 Yours ever, Hannah. 
 
84 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Extracts of letters to Miss L. Bunting. 
 Philadelphia, April 20, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Cousin L., — Frequently have I 
 found myself conversing mentally with you 
 since 1 received your last letter. As usual, it 
 afforded me much satisfaction. You give me 
 many friendly cautions to be careful of my poor 
 body. 3Iy health is much improved : my soul 
 and body have both been strengthened. Peace, 
 constant peace, is the inhabitant of my bosom. 
 Glory ! glory ! Jesus is a satisfying portion : 
 " His love possessing, I am blessed, secure what- 
 ever change may come," 
 
 I went to our lovefeast on Friday evening 
 last, with but little expectation of enjoying my- 
 self; but as soon as the first hymn was read, 
 my heart melted into tenderness before theLoid. 
 Stream after stream of Divine love flowed into 
 my soul, and I never felt greater liberty in own, 
 ing my Lord. Truly it humbles my soul when 
 I contemplate the mercy of God toward me, the 
 most unworthy, 
 
 I have been quite cheered of late with a 
 prospect of a revival in my Sunday class, Se- 
 veral of the children have been under serious 
 impressions during the winter : this spring their 
 convictions have been much deepened. I meet 
 them on Saturday afternoon at our house : they 
 attend well, and I have found it a means of 
 strengthening my own soul. How true it is, 
 "if we bear the cross, it will bear us." With 
 the pious Bramwell, I confess that " I dread the 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 85 
 
 bitter cup of a useless life." Dear L., farewell. 
 Yours ever, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, July 23, 1825. 
 My Dear L., — I cannot deny myself the 
 gratification of writing, although this extremely 
 warm weather affects me seriously. I am jea- 
 lous over myself, lest there is not as great a 
 willingness in me to suffer, as to do the will of 
 God ; so that 1 rejoice with trembling. I have 
 been sifted of late as wheat : all the grace I 
 have has been tried. I have been in heaviness 
 through manifold temptations ; a sense of my 
 own nothingness has humbled me in the dust. 
 But though I am cast down, I am not forsaken. 
 I am sensible " God only designs my dross to 
 consume, and my gold to refine." I consider 
 it no small favour that I am not permitted to 
 rest in what I have formerly felt. The vase. 
 the unbounded desires of my heart are far from 
 being satisfied. I want to sink lower, and still 
 lower in my own eyes, that I may come nearer 
 to my God. Do not think that I have let go 
 my hold on the Saviour ; no, no ! I could 
 testify of the efficacy of Jesus' blood to wash 
 the foulest sinner clean. I have a full as. 
 surance that God is my God, and Christ my 
 Saviour, even from the indwelling power of 
 sin. I feel thankful I can write thus freely 
 to one who knows my heart. I trust my dear 
 L. has, ere this, emerged from her state of 
 
86 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 needless disquietude. Did you witness my 
 streaming eyes and agonizing heart on your 1 
 account, you would not think me unconcerned. 
 
 Do not mistake me, L. I do not suppose 
 your danger so great as to cause this distress. 
 No ! I am only grieved that you will not claim 
 your own. Nothing can he stronger in the 
 universe than simple faith. Look upon Jesus 
 steadily, rely on his merits, believe with a 
 simple heart, and you shall prevail with God. 
 You will find, by reading H.'s letter, that dear 
 cousin Daniel Ellis has exchanged a state of 
 suffering for a peaceful and glorious immor- 
 tality. I received a letter from Baltimore 
 giving a particular account of his death. My 
 friend remarks, that " although Daniel's feel- 
 ings were not those of ecstatic joy, yet they 
 were those of a soul struggling to throw itself 
 entirely on Christ, who is the only foundation 
 of his hope." Can you not join with me, dear 
 L., in praise that another has escaped to the 
 skies ? When shall we bid adieu to this stormy 
 sea? "O haste the hour of joy and sweet 
 repose." 
 
 I would employ every moment to perform 
 and press on in the name and strength of 
 God, to certain victory. Satan hath suggested 
 that when the storm rises higher my faith will 
 fail ; but God is strong, and in him is my hope. 
 I have not a doubt but that I am the Lord's, 
 and that my present exercises are directed for 
 my good. I am admonished not to expect 
 long life, and constantly feel the deep necessity 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 87 
 
 of a habitual preparation for death. I view 
 every thing earthly to be fleeting and fading • 
 but the prospect of heaven is glorious, and that 
 glory will riever fade. My love to all my dear 
 friends at Crosswicks. Pray for your affec- 
 tionately attached cousin, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 17, 1825. 
 
 My Dear Cousin,*— With pleasure I seat 
 myself to relate some of my exercises since 
 we separated on Friday. O how I desired 
 your company in the evening at our lovefeast. 
 Such a season of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord I have seldom witnessed. I have 
 an unusual degree of comfort and joy in the 
 Holy Ghost ; and I feel this evening as if God 
 would fully and eternally save me. I know 
 that whether I live or die, I am the Lord's. 
 For several nights I could not compose myself 
 to sleep ; my heart was so continually ascend- 
 ing heavenward. I have been seeking for a 
 complete dedication of myself to God ; have 
 also been contending with unlooked-for tempta- 
 tions. But, as you say, " What could I do 
 but flee to the Saviour?" Your frame of mind 
 delights and cheers me. Satan may tempt, 
 but destroy us he cannot, while seated by the 
 Saviour's side* My constant cry is, li Save 
 me from the world and sin, and all the accu- 
 ser's power." 
 
 My dear L., how sweet is the silent hour of 
 
88 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 twilight ! It fits the mind for contemplation 
 and communion with God. I have just re- 
 turned from this delightful employment. I had 
 sweet union also with your spirit. My feelings 
 were past describing. The moon shone through 
 my chamber window, and caused a pleasing 
 sadness. Those lines struck me forcibly : — 
 
 " How oft thy bright beams through my casement 
 appoar; 
 To far distant lands they extend : 
 Illumine the dwellings of those that are dear, 
 And sleep on the grave of my friend." 
 
 I am cheered with the hope, that when you 
 and I have done with the pain and strife of this- 
 checkered scene, we shall be taken to a higher 
 and better world, to sing an eternal song of 
 praise among the angels* While many are sa- 
 tisfying themselves with the performance of a 
 dull round of services, let us exert oiarselves to- 
 obtain a clear knowledge of God and our duty,, 
 that we may at last obtain a full reward. I 
 tremble when I think of the privileges I enjoy* 
 Do pray, dear L., that I may improve them as 
 I ought. 
 
 The Divine presence overshadowed me 
 while attending the Salem lovefeast. Scores^ 
 of mourners pressed forward to the altar. I 
 was gladdened by the sight of another of my 
 Sabbath scholars praising a sin-pardoning God. 
 The family retired to rest before I began my 
 letter ; but I know not how to cease. I love 
 to tell you all my heart. God bless you.. 
 Believe me,, as ever, yours. Hannah- 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 89 
 
 To the same. 
 Philadelphia, Dec. 8, 1825. 
 
 My Much Loved Cousin, — Again I tender 
 my thanks for your kind remembrance of me. 
 The time appears long since we met. A few 
 nights since I had a delightful interview with 
 you in my sleep, conversing on the love of 
 God. I awoke, and found it a dream ; but 
 was cheered with the hope that our spirits 
 would shortly unite in the kingdom of our Fa- 
 ther. The account I hear of your health alarms 
 me. I have been trying to realize parting with 
 you ; but my heart revolts at the idea of con- 
 tending with the sorrows of life without your 
 sympathy and friendship. However, the pro- 
 bability is, we shall not long be separated. 
 
 O, Lydia, how valuable is religion ! It en- 
 ables its possessor to view with indifference 
 this world's smiles and frowns. My path is 
 becoming brighter : the world has lost its 
 power to charm me. I know but little of rap- 
 ture ; but while engaged in holy contemplation, 
 I am often lost to all below the skies. But I 
 have still to fight my passage through this 
 land, where snares surround me. 
 
 Let us ever dare to be singular, and live a 
 life hid with Christ in God. I trust you now 
 enjoy a fulness of the blessings of Gospel 
 liberty, and that a full tide of peace is flowing 
 into your soul. Soon, my dear cousin, the war 
 will be ended, and our treasure enlarged in the 
 New Jerusalem, — 
 
90 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 •'Where hope shall in fruition die, 
 And all our souls be love." 
 
 My expanding soul can never be satisfied 
 until I awake in the likeness of my Redeemer. 
 " Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty," 
 ehases away all my gloom. My causes of 
 gratitude are without bounds. As it respects 
 my health, I cannot complain ; yet I am sen- 
 sible the seeds of a mortal disease are deeply 
 sown within my vitals. Last evening I had a 
 severe chill, which lasted an hour. These 
 calls bid me stand in constant readiness for 
 the joyful summons* Courage, dear L., we 
 shall see the paradise of God, and be admitted 
 there. I remain, yours, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 1826. 
 Dearest Lydia, — Your letter afforded me 
 infinite pleasure. I am very certain you did 
 not wish to be with me in the grove, more than 
 I wished to be blessed with your society. May 
 I not say, " Twins, tied by nature, — if they 
 part, they die." I scarce turned without some 
 tent, bench, or walk reminding me how often 
 we talked down the summer's sun. Many 
 pleasing and painful recollections pressed upon 
 my mind ; yet I forbear. God witnessed my 
 anxious solicitude on your account. Dear H. 
 and M. A. were not forgotten. I trust my im- 
 perfect breathings are registered on high, and 
 I hope will descend in copious showers upon 
 
LETTERS OF MISS 1SUXTIXG. 91 
 
 each of my beloved friends. Without any 
 doubt, Lydia, your meek submission to the 
 Divine will arose as incense to the skies. God 
 never directs us to make a sacrifice, without 
 affording us strength accordingly. Hope, my 
 dear L., is still your happy portion : yes ; 
 hope, blooming with immortality. I am per- 
 suaded you have nothing to fear with regard to 
 an interest in the atoning blood. If you have 
 cause to doubt, I might despair of salvation. 
 The point on which you fail, if I may be per- 
 mitted to judge, is, that you look too much at 
 your own unworthiness and helplessness by 
 nature, instead of relying simply on the Saviour, 
 the sinners' friend. Take courage ; your kind 
 Father will grant your aspiring soul a fuller 
 knowledge of himself and you shall yet sing, 
 with all your friends in light, " His everlasting 
 love to man." 
 
 Mrs. D. intends holding a female prayer 
 meeting. With trembling I have consented to 
 attend. Hold me up by your prayers. I have 
 covenanted to bear every cross that the Lord 
 requires of me ; and of iate my faith has been 
 unusually strong. It has been mercifully given, 
 as I have had to contend with various trials. 
 I would gladly know what to do, or suffer, that 
 will enable me to sink more into the will of God. 
 I abandon myself wholly to his direction. — 
 Bless his holy name, I do not serve him for 
 naught : he affords me many sweet draughts 
 from the Rock. My path through life is strewed 
 with many mercies. My life and health were 
 
92 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 precious in his sight, while exposed to the in- 
 clemency of the weather on Blackwood's hal- 
 lowed ground. Our prospects here are bright- 
 ening ; but I trust the present are but as the 
 drops before a plenteous shower. God is verv 
 gracious : receiving out of his fulness, I can 
 lack nothing essential to my happiness in time 
 or in eternity. I disdain and reject the plea- 
 sures of sense, that would deprive me of, or 
 unfit me for the celestial enjoyments that flow 
 from an intimate acquaintance with the Deity. 
 Did you witness my silent tears that flow when 
 I think of the weeks and months that must 
 pass away ere I again behold your face, you 
 would suppose my heart felt keenly ; but I am 
 cheered with the hope of meeting never more 
 to part. Your ever affectionate 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To tJie Same. 
 Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1826. 
 Will my dearest Lydia pardon my silence 
 when I tell her it has been my wish to write, 
 but could not for want of a suitable conveyance ; 
 and as I have now succeeded in separating my- 
 self from company, the few moments I have 
 stolen shall be employed in writing to you. I 
 praise God on your account for the Saviour's 
 last legacy, — peace. What more can we ask ? 
 Is it not Heaven's best gift ? Let us show 
 forth our gratitude to the author of it by lying 
 passive in his hands, willing to be moulded ac- 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 93 
 
 cording to his pleasure. I am, my dear Lydia, 
 using my utmost to obtain that self-command 
 that may enable me to have every thought 
 brought into captivity to the obedience of 
 Christ. Until I gain this conquest, I despair 
 of walking worthy of my holy calling. W hen 
 the candle of the Lord shines bright upon my 
 path, I am inclined to say with the psalmist, 
 " I shall never be moved." In the hour of 
 temptation I find how weak I am. Through 
 all I have many intervals of unalloyed felicity, 
 communing with Mm who remembers that I am 
 dust, and does not require of me more than I 
 am able to perform. 
 
 I am endeavouring to enter with more spirit 
 into the work of God. When I consider the 
 immense value of an immortal soul, I dare not 
 remain inactive. I find I shall surely suffer 
 loss by shunning one cross. The tender-hearted 
 Saviour constantly admonishes me of the short- 
 ness and uncertainty of life ; and I am not only 
 shown what I ought to do, hut with what spirit 
 I ought to do it. The more I know of earth, 
 the less I discern in it to value. How does this 
 mortal frame press down the soul ! My spirit 
 is clogged with a body of pain and weakness; 
 but my heart is cheered and gladdened with 
 Jesus' love while writing, and I expect the Lord 
 will finally grant me an abundant entrance 
 into the land of eternal life. In all your devo- 
 tions, recollect your tempest-tossed Hannah. 
 Never are you forgotten in my feeble approaches 
 to the throne of grace. This will need youv 
 
94 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 forbearance ; my head is quite unfit for writing ; 
 but I can, with sincerity, say you are dear to 
 the heart of your affectionate cousin, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Jan., 1827. 
 
 Yorn mind, my ever dear Lydia, I flatter 
 myself, was fully satisfied with regard to my not 
 writing by cousin P. The perusal of your let- 
 ter caused my heart to thrill with emotions 
 of joy, and my soul was filled with praise on 
 your account. Lydia, continue to believe sim- 
 ply and constantly, and God, your Father, will 
 lead you beside the still waters of consolation. 
 Look up to a present and faithful Deity. The 
 strong armour of unbelief shall be broken be- 
 fore Mm. May the Lord grant unto you, and 
 to your cousin who is now addressing you. that 
 entire cleansing which the blood of Christ alono 
 can effect. 
 
 The first hours of this year my mind was 
 thrown back on the multiplied mercies of pay 
 past life ; and especially the year which has 
 just closed, which has been the most peaceful 
 and happy one I ever passed. Yet I revert 
 wiih deep regret to the many golden moments 
 wasted and misemployed, which I should have 
 diligently improved in doing or receiving good. 
 God is my record, and angels my witnesses, 
 that I do sincerely and devoutly promise, in the 
 strength of my covenant-keeping Jehovah, that 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 95 
 
 the little span of my frail existence which may- 
 yet remain shall be employed in cutting oft* all 
 useless conformity to, and correspondence with 
 this vain world, and seeking a more intimate 
 acquaintance with my Redeemer. Ah, Lydia, 
 the few days that have already gone of 1927 
 cause me to groan in spirit that I have not 
 more faithfully fulfilled my resolutions and 
 awful engagements. I find a few moments 
 spent in closely inspecting the hours of each 
 day, have a tendency to quicken my devotions. 
 "Few are the faults we flatter when alone." 
 My aim is to have one eye on death, and one 
 on heaven. 
 
 I lately attended a lovefeast at Zoar.. Some 
 of those Africans caused me to sink as in the 
 dust. I was both pleased and profited. Many 
 professed to have obtained the second blessing 
 even before they had received any instruction 
 on the subject from man. The Holy Spirit con- 
 vinced them of the necessity of it when they lived 
 in parts of the country destitute of religious so- 
 ciety. Shall these poor creatures enter into this 
 glorious liberty, and we. who have here a little, 
 and there a great deal of such advice as is cal- 
 culated to inform our judgments and affect our 
 hearts, live and die without gaining the very 
 summit of Christian holiness ? No ! methinks 
 I hear you answer, " Though others satisfy 
 themselves with living on the surface, I will con- 
 tend for all the mind that was in Christ." 
 
 My health is not good, — have not been able 
 to leave my room to-day. I have written a 
 
90 LETT^IiS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 part of my letter in bed. While reading Bax- 
 ter's Saints' Rest, my soul was fired with the 
 expectation, in a very few years at most, of 
 leaving this low earth, for the society of Jesus 
 and the saints above. I feel nothing like set- 
 tling anywhere short of heaven, or reposing 
 my soul on any thing below God. Remember 
 me to all whom you know I love, and intercede 
 earnestly for me at the mercy seat, which is the 
 highest obligation you can confer on your 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, March 9, 1827. 
 Dearest Lydia, — A iew leisure moments 
 shall be employed in acknowledging your very 
 kind remembrance of me, which I esteem as a 
 fresh proof of your love. It is very soothing to 
 my feelings to find that I have one friend whose 
 affection is not to be lessened by either absence 
 or distance. I am sorry that I have not more 
 time to devote to the pleasing task of laying 
 open my whole heart to you ; for rely on it, 
 Lydia, I keep nothing back from you. I de- 
 light to repose every care and desire on your 
 faithful bosom. With us, I am persuaded 
 "thought meets thought." How sweetly will 
 our spirits mingle in a brighter and better world, 
 " where all is calm, and joy, and peace." How 
 my soul swells with gratitude that my dear 
 cousin can, and does rejoice in God daily, and 
 delights in doing his holy will. How shall we. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 97 
 
 how can we sufficiently praise our Saviour for 
 a full and complete salvation which is as free 
 as the air we breathe ! I atn convinced we are 
 in an error for not meditating more on the srreat 
 things God hath wrought out for us. Let us, 
 Lydia, dwell on the blessed theme. What is 
 ihe price with which we have been bought ? — 
 even the precious blood of our dear Immanr.cl. 
 It was established by his last agonizing groan, 
 when he cried out, "It is finished /" Yes, and 
 the Gospel of Christ has been fully attested by 
 the painful and shocking deaths of thousands of 
 noble martyrs, whose blood has watered the 
 earth. Reading the account Fox gives of the 
 sufferings of holy men, enabled me more than 
 ever to realize the value of a redemption which 
 has been obtained at so dear a rate. 
 
 Truly, dear L., as your letter declares, life is 
 but as opening flowers, which blow but to fade 
 and die ; but our minds can take a nobler flight, 
 and view by faith an eternity of growing bliss, 
 where we hope to join with the myriads who 
 cease not day nor night to praise the great 
 Eternal, triune God, for redeeming grace and 
 dying love. As it respects my experience, I 
 can say the Lord's glory is my only happiness. 
 The way of the cross is where my soul most 
 prospers. I am astonished when I look back 
 at the victories I have gained over my natural 
 timidity, which you are not ignorant of. No- 
 thing but miraculous grace, and the renovating 
 influences of the Divine Spirit, could have ena- 
 bled me to do such violence to mv feelings. I 
 7 
 
98 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING, 
 
 am grieved at the slow progress I make, but 
 past aid encourages me to lean my fainting 
 head on Christ the corner stone. I have at- 
 tended St. John's and Nazareth lovefeasts. 
 The first was not so profitable, which I attri- 
 buted to my silence. At Nazareth I tried to 
 do my duty, and the two days following my 
 soul was filled to overflowing with the consola- 
 tions of grace. Lydia, believe me ever your 
 affectionate Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1827. 
 My Dear Lydia, — As usual, I cannot enjoy 
 the leisure and quiet that is desirable when 
 communicating with the friend of my heart. 
 The day is hastening on, when, in a more 
 healthful and peaceful region, our union and 
 communion will be complete. Let us, my dear, 
 " walk thoughtfully on the shore of that vast 
 ocean we must sail so soon, and put good works 
 on board, and wait the wind that shortly blows 
 us into port." I still retain the holy Comforter 
 in my soul ; vet I am far, far from having all I 
 desire of the mind of Christ. I see the* fulness, 
 and I am astonished that I am not all light in 
 the Lord. Our friend, Eliza Watkinson, is still 
 an inhabitant of earth, but is just ready to launch 
 into eternity. I saw her on Wednesday last : 
 before I left her, I inquired if the Lord was still 
 her support ? She replied that her enjoyments 
 were much greater than when she was stronger 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 99 
 
 in body ; that grace was proportioned accord- 
 ing to her trial. 
 
 What is life, my dear L., but a sea of troubles, 
 — an ocean of uncertainty ! The longer I re- 
 main on earth, the more highly I am taught to 
 value religion. " What treasure untold is to be 
 found in that heavenly word." It produced a 
 heavenly calm within the breast which the world 
 cannot take away. May I ever be enabled to 
 witness to the truth of it, by perfect purity and 
 love. I have felt an increase of grace since I 
 last wrote ; but O ! Lydia, your last letter 
 caused me to lick the dust. Did I not know 
 that the Prince of peace ever lives to plead my 
 cause with the Father, I should give up all as 
 lost ; but I firmly believe, that through the rich 
 blood that Jesus shed, my tempest-tossed soul 
 unit be raised to heaven. Dear cousin, " give 
 to the winds your fears." The Rock of ages, 
 cleft for us. will cover our defenceless heads 
 in the day of battle. How many proofs have 
 you already had of the care of your heavenly 
 Father. Do be very careful of your bodilv 
 health. My heart shrinks at the idea of being 
 left in this world without your friendship and 
 sympathy. Believe me ever your sincerely 
 attached cousin, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia. Xov. HO, 1327. 
 My Dear L., — With sensations of melan- 
 choly I seat myself to relate what has trans- 
 
100 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING 
 
 pired since I last wrote. The Tuesday after 
 cousin E. left the city, dear E. Watkinson was 
 struck with death. Her friends, for nearly two 
 hours, thought that life had nearly ebbed out, 
 but to their surprise she revived, and on the 
 day following gave directions for her funeral, 
 and with the utmost composure told how she 
 wished her effects disposed of. I saw her on 
 Wednesday evening for the last time. I found 
 her perfectly sensible, though unable to con- 
 verse. She gave me her hand, and called me 
 by name ; but I was forced to leave the bed im- 
 mediately, as she was struggling hard for 
 breath. The doors of the chamber were kept 
 open to admit the air, and those who moved her 
 had to refrain from breathing. Precious saint ! 
 The last conflicts of expiring nature were pain- 
 ful in the extreme. I seemed almost to enter 
 the valley of the shadow of death with her. 
 Sleep forsook my pillow, while she grappled 
 with her last foe. On Friday evening the con- 
 test ceased, and her spirit burst the shackles of 
 mortality, and ascended to her God, and our 
 God. At one time, when she appeared to be 
 going, she said to those around her, " Fight on, 
 my fellow soldiers, fight !" The strife had not 
 yet ceased : — she looked at her mother, and 
 cried as in an agony, " O, death's struggles are 
 dreadful! dreadful!" Thank God, she left 
 testimony that the victory was completed. Her 
 last words that could be distinguished were, 
 '* Hallelujah /—my Father /" On Saturday I 
 called to take my final look at her corpse. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 101 
 
 Never before did I gaze on a countenance so 
 serenely beautiful in death! The bright day 
 of eternity has now dawned (I mentally ex- 
 claimed) on thee, Eliza, never more to close. 
 How sudden the transition from a state of deep- 
 est suffering and anguish, to a state of glory 
 and happiness, unalloyed and eternal, in the 
 kingdom of heaven ! According to her request 
 her remains were taken to Pemberton for in- 
 terment. I hope to see the day when I shall 
 visit the graves of my two dear friends that now 
 lie in that village. I have realized, my Lydia, 
 the dissolution of the body to be a serious thing. 
 Nature has shrunk at the prospect, but my 
 Lord dispels the gloom. Then welcome the 
 tomb. O, glory ! how delightful the prospect. 
 Death is but a shadow, a bridge, a stepping 
 stone to that blissful abode, — 
 
 " Where the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, 
 And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." 
 
 Our lovefeast was held on Tuesday even- 
 ing. If I could have quieted my conscience, I 
 should have remained silent. The constant 
 aspirations of my soul were, " Lord, bind me to 
 thy bleeding cross, and give me strength and 
 courage to rear it." The meeting commenced 
 and ended just to my mind. Our presiding 
 elder, and members appeared to know what the 
 Lord required of them. But I am wasting the 
 midnight oil and my strength, and must there, 
 fore say farewell. Ever your affectionate. 
 
 Hannah, 
 
102 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1828. 
 My Dear Lydia will not have to complain 
 of her letter remaining long unanswered. I 
 sometimes feel a sadness steal over my mind 
 on reflecting how many hills rise, and rivers 
 roll betwen us ; but when I consider the ines- 
 timable privileges my dear cousin is now blessed 
 with in New-York, I feel gratitude swelling my 
 bosom, especially as I find you prize your 
 blessings so highly. How true it is, that " plea- 
 sures brighten as they take their flight." I 
 expect shortly to be almost entirely shut out 
 from the invaluable public means of grace. 
 My brother-in-law has taken a house in Frank- 
 ford, and, if nothing prevents, we shall move 
 there the first of March. I calculate much on 
 the opportunity I shall have of communing with 
 my own heart in secret. My dear L. will be 
 gratified to learn that Mr. Force has not 
 " laboured in vain" among his charge. More 
 than one hundred have been admitted into the 
 Church since last spring. The work is still 
 progressing in a glorious manner. At the five 
 o'clock meeting, on Christmas morning, there 
 were more out than we have ever had since I 
 attended ; and our watch night was so crowded 
 that scores had to stand. Dr. Sargent preached 
 from, " As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no 
 pleasure in the death of the wicked," &c ; after 
 which dear Bishop George exhorted. The re- 
 mainder of the time was spent in prayer for the 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 103 
 
 mourners, who crowded to the altar, and filled 
 the church with their cries. Last evening I was 
 at a lovefeast in Salem church, and was mea- 
 surably blessed ; but my body was a great en. 
 cumbrance. With delight I anticipated the 
 period when my spirit would no more tire. 
 How rejoiced I am that frames and feelings are 
 not the criterion we are to judge our standing 
 by. Many times before we are fit for devotion. 
 we have to wrestle with dulness and stupidity ; 
 yet He v/ho made us remembers that we are 
 dust, and pities us in our low estate. The past 
 year has gone, with all its changes of joy and 
 sorrow. Friend after friend has departed to 
 join the anthems of the skies. The hand of 
 death will soon transplant us to a more conge- 
 nial soil, where life's dull vanities will no more 
 " these anxious breasts ensnare." 
 
 We know, dear L., in whom we trust, — 
 *i his call we follow to the land unknown, and 
 turn our eye of faith undaunted on the tomb." 
 I have been led for some days past into a close 
 investigation of my state. I still have heart- 
 felt union with the holy God. If time would 
 admit, I would gladly recount the mercies that 
 have marked my path. I am under ten thou- 
 sand obligations to render God an oblation of 
 all my soul and body's powers. May our 
 Father seal us his for ever. Yours, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
104 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 13, 1829. 
 
 Although I have so recently written to my 
 dear Lydia, I feel inclined to seize on the first 
 leisure moment, to say how grateful your letter 
 was to me this evening. I felt great liberty in 
 urging my dear class to embrace religion, and 
 make a friend of Christ, ere I am parted from 
 them. Could you feel what I feel, in being 
 torn from my interesting charge, I am sure you 
 would pity me. An attachment of eight years 
 is not easily severed. C. M'N. told me she 
 had fixed upon a person to take my place. I 
 could scarce refrain from answering her with 
 my tears. Mr. Force preached a soothing 
 sermon. At the close, he dwelt largely on the 
 triumph the faithful Christian obtained over 
 death. I was meditating on the victory our 
 Eliza had won, when he mentioned her as a 
 dying witness, and repeated her last words. It 
 was with difficulty f could suppress the emo- 
 tions of my full soul. This afternoon we held 
 our monthly prayer meeting with our scholars. 
 I forced myself to go, but implored the Lord 
 to spare me ; yet the cross was laid upon me, 
 which, in great bodily weakness, I endeavoured 
 to lift ; after which, Z. White and myself 
 visited the sick until dark. 
 
 What cause have I for thankfulness, that the 
 Most High ever clears my way before me, and 
 overturns mountains of difficulty. I am often 
 led to wonder at myself. Sure never a more 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 105 
 
 timid soul existed. To grace I am an immense 
 debtor. Dear L., I do daily discover such 
 beauty and sweetness in the all-sufficient Good 
 as charms and overpowers every affection of 
 my soul. I have felt more anxious than usual 
 to hear from you. Several times you have 
 been the subject of my night visions. I 
 dreamed you had taken your flight to the New 
 Jerusalem, the saints' everlasting abode. Ah, 
 Lydia ! I cannot paint the utter loneliness my 
 poor heart experienced : — how was I relieved 
 on awaking to find it not reality. Do not, my 
 dear, indulge in those forebodings of future 
 evils. Struggle against those discouraging 
 fears which augment the difficulties of the way. 
 God hath committed the keeping of your soul 
 to his Son. How are you blessed in the society 
 of your fond mother. You are privileged 
 beyond me in this respect ; but hush ! my 
 murmurings : — my heavenly Father's smile 
 makes up for every deficiency. I am thankful 
 to find that my dear cousin has a Friend who 
 sustains her, and carries all her burdens. I 
 am persuaded God will always be with you, 
 and make your weakness more than conquer. 
 Believe me as ever yours, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Frankford, March 28, 1&23. 
 My Dear Cousin Lydia, — It always gives 
 me pleasure to hear from you, especially after 
 so long a silence. I began to feel quite de- 
 
106 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 pressed in not receiving a letter from you 
 sooner ; yet my heart is still united to you in 
 bonds of love, too strong to be weakened by 
 time or distance. My soul is penetrated with 
 the deepest gratitude for the sustaining grace 
 kind Heaven has afforded me during the scene 
 of pain and turmoil I have been called to pass 
 through. Although I was never so completely 
 exhausted, still my mind was not uncentred. 
 
 Well might the intelligence of my friend 
 Mary's departure to the regions of eternity 
 strike you with solemn suprise. The evening 
 before she was taken ill she read the parable 
 of the ten virgins, and sung the first and third 
 verses of the hymn that begins with, " The 
 Lord my pasture shall prepare," &c. After 
 remaining some time in silent devotion, she 
 rose from her knees, and told Zipporah that 
 she could not pray, as all her prayer was 
 turned to praise. This employment, in which 
 I have so often united with her, is now to be 
 commensurate with eternity. " A perpetuity 
 of bliss is bliss" indeed. I have lost an inva- 
 luable friend in Mary ; one who has often 
 favoured me with her counsels and reproofs. 
 I find many who are ready to commend, but 
 too few who are willing to point out my errors. 
 But it is all over now : I have followed her to 
 the house appointed for all the living. I saw 
 her remains committed to their original dust in 
 the Academy yard. I looked while they co- 
 vered her with the damp soil and the solid 
 clods of the valley. I turned away, and shnd- 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 107 
 
 dered to think that the worms would now crowd 
 into her silent abode. But why need I indulge 
 in sorrow and tears ? The spirit is not there : 
 it has "sprung to its Source, the bosom of its 
 God." I feel that this sudden stroke has had 
 its influence on my heart. I never felt so for- 
 cibly that the slender thread of my life is liable 
 to be broken by every breeze. Would to God 
 I could ever be found upon my guard, and 
 watching unto prayer. Ah ! my dearest Lydia, 
 how unlike am I to my Redeemer in meek- 
 ness, humility, patience, and every grace. I 
 long to have his fair image fully stamped on 
 my soul. 
 
 Perhaps you may wish to know how I am 
 pleased with my change of residence. This I 
 can say, that it has already been rendered sacred 
 by the presence of my adorable Saviour. 
 " Where'er I am, where'er I move, 
 I meet the object of my love." 
 
 I am dying to the creature : I have learned 
 the instability of all earthly enjoyments, and 
 can view with indifference this world's low va- 
 nities. My aim is now to seek the high and 
 holy intercourse with God in my chamber, as 
 many of the outward means are denied me. 
 You know, Lydia, I am a warm admirer of na- 
 ture. I now have an opportunity of beholding 
 her in her loveliest garb. Our house is every 
 thing I could desire. I often anticipate the 
 pleasure I shall enjoy in your society here this 
 summer. Do not think of my meeting you at 
 Hilton, unless you comply with my request. I 
 
108 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 have felt my mortality of late : my side and 
 breast remind me that I should be a stranger 
 and pilgrim on earth. 
 
 I cannot say how glad I am you prize your 
 privileges so highly in New- York. O, my Ly- 
 dia, expect continually the direct witness of the 
 Spirit. Lay all your reasonings at the Re- 
 deemer's feet. It hath never entered into our 
 hearts to conceive the heaven of love we might 
 possess in our present state of being. 
 " Saviour, to our hearts be near, 
 Exercise the Shepherd's care." 
 
 What an ever varying scene is life ! Do 
 cheer me often with your letters. There are 
 some charming walks aroand this village which 
 would delight you. As ever, yours, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Frankford, Aug. 20, 1828. 
 My Beloved Cousin Lydia, — I find myself 
 inadequate to the task of writing, as my bodv 
 is suffering from indisposition, and lean scarcely 
 sit up ; therefore you must make every allow- 
 ance. I have been, for some time past, jealous 
 over myself, lest the former gifts of God should 
 have been received in vain, by my stopping 
 short of the blessings Jesus has designed for me 
 to possess. This impression drove me to ago- 
 nize for a renewal of the signature of love Di- 
 vine. Glory to my covenant God, whose solemn 
 vows are upon me, I did not plead in vain. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 109 
 
 The Lord stamped me afresh with the Spirit's 
 seal. Never could I cry out with greater con- 
 fidence, that " what sinners value, I resign." 
 It is enough for me to know that God is mine, 
 and I am his. How much I desire to go hence, 
 and to be no more seen as an inhabitant of 
 earth. I cannot help being glad to-night that 
 I am nearer heaven than when I first believed. 
 Do, dearest L., pray that my general conver- 
 sation may show a mind mortified to the world, 
 and devoted to Immanuel, and that I may obtain 
 an entire restoration from the ruins of the fall. 
 
 The keenest sensibilities of my heart were 
 awakened on perusing your precious letter. 
 There is nothing of an earthly nature that I so 
 much desire as the society of my Lydia. Then 
 I could enter into a particular detail of Black- 
 wood camp meeting, &c, where I unexpectedly 
 met with dear Mary Ann. From her I learned 
 the account of your declining health. O, Ly- 
 dia, my fears are all awake. The pure air of 
 your native hills will much better suit a consti- 
 tution which is already too much impaired to be 
 trifled with. " The feast of reason and flow of 
 soul" that I enjoy with a few individuals I es- 
 teem as a rich boon of Heaven. "What is this 
 sublunary world ? A vapour ! a vapour all it 
 holds : too low they build who build below the 
 stars." 
 
 I felt very much like saying, " Glory to God !" 
 when I met with Budd Sterling at the camp 
 meeting ; for a more complete transformation 
 I never witnessed in any one. The expression 
 
110 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 of his countenance, and plain appearance, be- 
 speak the devoted follower of the Lamb. Our 
 tent was in nearly the same spot where he ob- 
 tained the pearl of incalculable worth. This 
 sacred wood awakened many tender recollec- 
 tions. It was there, for the last time on earth, 
 I united with my dear Eliza and Mary to wor- 
 ship the Holy One of Israel. In the grove I 
 oftentimes felt as though their sainted spirits 
 hovered near. I never commenced a meeting 
 with a mind so entirely recollected. During 
 the first few days it appeared as though I should 
 weep my life away on account of my unfruit- 
 fulness. The preachers all seemed to aim at 
 arousing professors to seek for a fulness of 
 love to God. In a prayer meeting, where many 
 "were rejoicing on Friday evening, I could only 
 groan for inward -purity and personal holiness. 
 Every thread of my handkerchief was wet with 
 tears of contrition. I went into the congrega- 
 tion with a weight resting on me that was new. 
 It was a solemn struggle of the soul to obtain 
 faith without a mixture of unbelief, and a con- 
 fidence free from all fear. On Monday I ob- 
 tained such a draught from the rock as enabled 
 me to approach the Saviour with faith, free- 
 dom, reverence, and love. The manifestations 
 I had on that day will not soon be obliterated 
 from my memory. 
 
 I am happy to learn that my dear cousin's 
 path is shining brighter. Rely on it, discou- 
 ragement is an exceeding hindcrance to spi- 
 ritual fervency and affection ; and a writer 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. Ill 
 
 says, "We dishonour the Saviour when we 
 make our depravity greater than his merit and 
 sufficiency." 
 
 We have much of the presence of God here, 
 but this is not heaven. Now we have this 
 treasure in earthen vessels. While in the body 
 we must calculate on being the subjects of tempt- 
 ation, disappointment, and pain. 
 
 Shall we not meet at Crosswicks ? I will 
 indulge the hope. My warmest love and sym- 
 pathies to my dear cousins J. and E. Their 
 tears must cease to flow when they reflect that 
 their dear little innocent was taken from the 
 evil to come. May I presume on the favour of 
 a few lines on the receipt of this ? Believe me, 
 as ever, yours, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Franhford, Oct. 10, 1828. 
 
 I have my fears that my dear cousin has 
 concluded, ere this, that new scenes and faces 
 have, in a measure, effaced her from my me- 
 mory. This thought pains. After my return 
 from Crosswicks I was quite ill. 
 
 Ah ! my Lydia, I never so sensibly realized 
 the slender hold I have on life. Sister K. has 
 a violent cough, and is never well. When I 
 reflect how many have been hurried into a 
 world of spirits during this sickly season, I 
 am constrained to say, What are we, o* our 
 fathers' houses, that God hath such respect 
 unto us ? 
 
112 LETTERS OF MISS BUXT1XG. 
 
 Your letters, dear L., have been a great so- 
 lace to me. May our God repay you tenfold, 
 as I am quite incapable of doing them justice. 
 I was glad to learn that you had been to Cro- 
 ton camp meeting. I felt as though you were 
 there, and daily offered up my requests to the 
 Hearer of prayer, that you might obtain all 
 that your ardent soul desired. The weapons 
 of your warfare are not carnal. I trust to hear 
 you testify, this is the victory, even your faith 
 in the word and oath of Jehovah. 
 
 The account you gave of the last night's scene 
 at Croton deeply interested me. I almost fan- 
 cied I saw and heard Mr. , when he offered 
 
 himself up as a willing sacrifice for poor sin- 
 ners. Never was I so much in favour of camp 
 meetings, for never Mas my soul so profited by 
 them as during the past summer. The one 
 held at Chester was, without exception, the best 
 I ever attended. Mr. E. R. preached the first 
 sermon, from, " that there were such a heart 
 in them," &c. During his first prayer the 
 heavens seemed to open, and pour upon him 
 the great salvation. From a full soul he de- 
 declared what the Lord had done for him. After 
 him four preachers rose in succession, and pro- 
 fessed to be living in the enjoyment of the same 
 blessing. Mr. P. preached on Wednesday, 
 and many were cut to the heart. His voice is 
 just suited to preach to thousands. His text 
 was, " Be ye also ready." An old woman of 
 seventy, under deep convictions, came trem- 
 bling into the altar. I gave her my place to 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 113 
 
 kneel : she did not rise till God had released her 
 from the burden of sin. This was a glorious day. 
 
 Thursday, I went into the altar at eight 
 o'clock, and continued there until past one. 
 What I experienced during this time language 
 cannot describe. 
 
 Friday, Mr. Doughty preached his last ser- 
 mon, and finished his labours. The description 
 he gave of the manner in which a Christian 
 should die affected me much. The next day 
 he was seized with the disease which termi- 
 nated his mortal career. A short time before 
 his departure he told his friends that the com- 
 fortable truths of that Gospel he had preached 
 to others were his only support in the hour of 
 trial. Just before he breathed his last, on be- 
 ing asked what his prospects were, he said they 
 were "blessed." 
 
 Mr. Force had us assembled at the hour of 
 twilight every evening for prayer in our tent. 
 These were seasons I wish never to forget. I 
 was led to inquire why the mourners were not 
 all comforted. If ever I laid hold on the horns 
 of the altar, it was then. There T agonized for 
 the fulfilment of the promise, " Where the Spi- 
 rit of the Lord is, there is liberty." " The moun- 
 tains flowed down at the presence of God." 
 My soul was filled with holy love and humble 
 joy. The Divine presence was universally felt. 
 The song of deliverance from the iron bondage 
 of unbelief burst from the hearts of many peni- 
 tents, who had long sought with weeping, down- 
 cast eyes, the favour of their offended Judge. 
 8 
 
114 LETTERS OF MISS HUNTING. 
 
 Crosswicks meeting you have no doubt 
 heard from. I would only say, I felt your 
 absence; but the presence of Jesus cheered 
 me during my stay on a spot hallowed by the 
 recollections of former days. I regretted not 
 having more of the company of dear H. Since 
 my return I have been privileged to hear Mr. 
 H. preach several sermons. Grateful tears 
 till my eyes when I reflect on the benefit I 
 derived from those discourses. I do indeed 
 sigh to be free. Yes, dear Lydia, while I 
 write, I possess the Spirit's sure witness, that 
 in a very short time, glory to God! you and I 
 shall, in his dear image, arise from the tomb, 
 with glorious millions, to praise him at honie,-r 
 " Home, — home, — sweet home ! 
 Prepare us, dear Saviour, for glory, our home." 
 
 I know not how to say farewell. Do you 
 not intend to visit me in the long winter, if we 
 are spared to see it ? I am, as ever, yours, 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same, 
 
 Franhford, Dec. 19, 1828. 
 With propriety my dear Lydia may feel 
 surprised at my not answering her unmerited 
 letter which 1 have this day received. It re- 
 mained two weeks in Philadelphia before it 
 was sent to Frankford. My cousin does in- 
 deed enjoy glorious privileges, and I adore 
 God that you are improving them, though hun- 
 dreds of professors use them to their own con- 
 demnation. Such a patient perseverance as 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 115 
 
 you have pursued, will not fail of meeting with 
 a triumphant reward in heaven. 
 
 I must, at your request, say something 
 respecting our infant society in Frankford. 
 The first Sabbath after you left we had an ex- 
 cellent class meeting. Mr. Mosely was with 
 us. The meeting was led by a Mr. P., who 
 has lately moved near this place. I believe he 
 was sent to us by that same benevolent Being 
 who, when on earth,, delighted to visit destitute 
 villages. The week following Mr. I. came, 
 and had a large congregation afternoon and 
 evening. He both pleased and profited me. 
 
 The next appointment Mr. filled, and 
 
 annoyed me with his attempts at Greek. I was 
 rejoiced to hear Mr. C. again, the brother who 
 was here when you were with us. He led the 
 class, and a young lad and Miss E. remained. 
 They will, I think, both join with us. I am 
 inclined to think my feeble cries have reached 
 the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, in granting 
 me a female companion here, to cheer my 
 lonely pathway. She has been my kind as- 
 sistant in raising a Methodist Sabbath school. 
 We called at every house that we thought 
 advisable. O, Lydia, my heart sunk within 
 me on learning how many who have the pure 
 Gospel brought to their doors, wilfully neglect 
 to worship the living God. We invited every 
 family to come to our meetings, which has 
 greatly increased the number of hearers. The 
 school has been formed but one week : twenty- 
 eight children have entered their names. I 
 
116 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 wish time would admit of my entering into a 
 minute detail of our adventures in searching 
 after these young immortals. It is an employ, 
 ment I would wish to spend my life's short 
 day in. I met with several members of our 
 Church, who interested me with accounts of 
 their spiritual welfare. 
 
 I have only given you the fair side of the 
 picture. The obstacles that are often laid in 
 my way appear almost insurmountable ; and a 
 knowledge of my own incapacity prostrates me 
 at the feet of sovereign mercy. Every particle 
 of my faith is now put to the test. I must so- 
 licit your ardent prayers. 
 
 Last week I went into Philadelphia to attend 
 the Academy lovefeast, which I have not done 
 before since Mr. Lybrand left the city. My 
 timid nature would fain have framed an excuse 
 to remain at home. I had many things to pre- 
 vent me from going, but I went ; and was 
 enabled to appear as a fool before men through 
 the constraining influence of the love of Christ, 
 
 I read the account of the death of Mr. Law- 
 rence in the Advocate, and thought of you, 
 which is no uncommon thing when I am pe-* 
 rusing the interesting pages of that paper. I, 
 and E. have given me a strong proof of their 
 love ; I only regret they could not stay longer 
 with us. I feel my heart bound to them by 
 new ties of gratitude. 
 
 Endeavour, my dearest L., to rise above 
 your fears, both with respect to yourself and 
 others, Cast all your care on Him who is your 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 117 
 
 sure, unerring friend. I believe both our 
 souls would wither, did not the rough winds 
 sometimes arise to blow away the dust from 
 our branches. 
 
 I have heard from Baltimore since I last 
 wrote. Mrs. B., a dear saint with whom I 
 became acquainted there, has, since I left, 
 been afflicted with a cancer in her breast. 
 She has submitted to an operation. When the 
 physician was excited to tears on witnessing her 
 sufferings, she calmly said, " The cup which my 
 Father hath given me, shall I not drink it ?" My 
 prayers you know are offered to the giver of 
 every perfect gift for you. May they be answered 
 to the consolation of your spirit. Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Frankford, Feb. 18, 1829. 
 My Dear Cousin Lydia, — Your letter I 
 received, and shall endeavour to lose no time 
 in answering it. My tenderest sympathies were 
 excited on hearing the series of afflictions that 
 had befallen friends I so much love. I had 
 not heard a sentence from New-York or Cross- 
 wicks since cousin I. was here. You may 
 suppose my mind was anxious. I asked God 
 frequently in prayer to grant me the favour of 
 a letter. In this, as in many other instances, 
 I have proved the truth of the promise. The 
 Lord grant that you and I, my dear L., may 
 daily so live in the exercise of prayer, as will 
 enable us to possess that holy resolution of 
 
118 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 soul that is essential to prepare us firmly to bear 
 the cross on all occasions, and in all compa- 
 nies. I give glory to God that the tenor of 
 your letter discovers that you are getting on 
 the track I so ardently desired you should. 
 What an inestimable blessing to know how to 
 look to that all-sufficient Jesus, who hath said, 
 " Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father 
 which is in heaven is perfect." While you 
 gaze on his loveliness, may all the powers of 
 your soul be taken up with God, and the things 
 of God. You do well to unite with those de- 
 voted sisters. It will prove of infinite advan- 
 tage to you. 
 
 During the past winter I have endeavoured 
 to acknowledge the Lord whenever an oppor- 
 tunity offered. Bless his holy name, he has 
 not left me without Divine aid. Covenant 
 class, and several lovefeasts, have been pre- 
 cious seasons. I made a sacrifice of my natu- 
 ral feelings ; my shyness and timidity were 
 conquered, and the strength of the Lord was 
 perfected in my weakness. I am not ignorant 
 that my heart and performances need daily a 
 fresh washing in the blood of Jesus. When I 
 survey the height of enjoyment a Christian may 
 attain, my soul kindles with new ardour to 
 grasp a larger measure of every grace of the 
 Spirit. I know there never was a period of my 
 life when my soul was so weaned from sublu- 
 nary good. I am well assured what world I 
 am most concerned for, and what things most 
 interest me, The cause of Christ is dearer to 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 110 
 
 me than all the world beside. The desire I 
 experience for the salvation of my fellow mor- 
 tals who are deeply degraded by sin, is inex- 
 pressible. I have been frequent and fervent at 
 the mercy seat, praying for the conversion of 
 thousands. Especially have I struggled to 
 hold the Lord to that promise, " Ask what ye 
 will in my name, and it shall be granted." 
 How wretched should I be if there was no 
 God to fly to in secret. 
 
 We still have a very cheering prospect of a 
 revival in this village. Many are awakened to 
 see themselves guilty in the sight of God. 
 Our Sabbath school is very interesting. I 
 never feel more in my element than when 
 with those dear children. My heart aches at 
 leaving them and the society here, though of 
 course I cannot but be gratified at the prospect 
 of returning to a circle of long known and 
 highly esteemed friends. If ever I partook of 
 the feelings of a missionary, it has been while 
 visiting families who live in every direction 
 around this place, as if there were no God 
 taking cognizance of their actions. When we 
 meet I hope to give you some account of my 
 adventures. 
 
 The severe weather we have had has tried 
 my slender frame. My side is much affected, 
 and my throat also. Nothing keeps me so 
 effectually loose from earth as bodily affliction. 
 I expect to be called to drink deep draughts 
 of it. I have no idea my faith will fail in the 
 furnace. 
 
120 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 " Welcome sweet hour of full discharge, 
 That sets our longing- souls at large ; 
 Unbinds our chains, breaks up our cell, 
 And gives us with our God to dwell." 
 
 Father Hood has, ere this, gone to bask in the 
 full fruition of glory, and join with those veterans 
 of the cross who exult around the throne of God. 
 Sixty years he has panted for the skies. I 
 called to take a last look at him a few days 
 since. Never before did I see one favoured 
 with such constant ecstaeies. Farewell : — 
 what a thrill of pleasure warms my heart to 
 think that soon we shall meet to part no more. 
 Ever your affectionate Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, May 14, 1829. 
 
 My Beloved Lydia's letter arrived at a 
 very acceptable time, when my body and spi- 
 rits were worn down by moving. 
 
 Could I have overruled events, I should not 
 have delayed writing until this late date. It is 
 a mercy, and not a small one, that " distance 
 can never change the heart ; the pleasing ties 
 of friendship rend." No, my dear cousin, those 
 ties are rather strengthened, than weakened ; 
 and though so far removed, my heart has often 
 beat with anxiety, lest the series of affliction 
 your family have passed through, may have 
 been more than your slender frame can bear 
 without injury. But I am comforted with the 
 assurance that you are in the hands of a gra- 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 121 
 
 xous God, who causes all things to work toge- 
 ther for good to those that love him. Go, 
 dearest L., onward and upward in the same 
 course you appeared to be in when last you 
 wrote ; and I have no doubt but you will — 
 " Deeper sink, and higher rise, 
 And to perfection grow." 
 
 For some time past my feeble body has 
 been put out of order by affliction. May the 
 rod thoroughly fit me for the Master's use. 
 O pray, dear L., that I may from this time 
 forth have grace clieerfully to surmount the 
 daily difficulties of life ; that the everlasting 
 arms may encompass me while passing through 
 " the furnace fires." I dare not repine under 
 the ravages of disease and pain. No, it would 
 ill become me to refuse the state my Master 
 designed for me. But what manner of per- 
 son ought I to be in all holy conversation and 
 godliness, — who " such a strict account must 
 give." My highest aim is, while I inhabit this 
 house of clay, to realize, in the fullest sense of 
 the expression, a " life hid with Christ in God." 
 As a branch derives life from the tree, even so 
 does my dependent soul from Jesus. I am sel- 
 dom joyful ; but, glory to the Saviour of sinful 
 men, I am never left comfortless. I desire a 
 daily increase in strength, that I may hold fast 
 a good profession, without wavering, unto the 
 end. 
 
 The time seems tediously long since we 
 met ; but religion cements the bond of our 
 friendship. The time is not distant when we 
 
122 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 shali join with those of our friends who have 
 already reached the peaceful harbour, and are 
 now ascribing salvation to God and the Lamb. 
 Tell my dear cousin I., that I love him too 
 well to be willing that he should live without 
 an experimental knowledge of God. I want 
 him to go to Mount Zion ; and tell E. I expect 
 to meet her on its everlasting heights, where 
 we shall together sing of God's redeeming love. 
 Surely our life passes away as a " tale that 
 is told." Do we not feel ourselves as strangers 
 far from home ? But as we are travelling 
 through this world, we can and do look for- 
 ward to a better country, which faith displays 
 to our wondering sight. I must now say fare. 
 well. Believe me, as ever, your tenderly 
 affectionate Hannah. 
 
 Tc the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1829. 
 My Dear Cousin, — I had not the most dis- 
 tant idea when we parted that such a length of 
 time would elapse ere it would be in my power 
 to address a line to you. It would be super- 
 fluous to offer any apology for not sooner pour- 
 ing into your friendly bosom my joys and sor- 
 rows. I have had my share of each since I 
 saw you ; but my Saviour, I am sensible, 
 " watches every numbered hair, and all my steps 
 attends." I feel disposed here to give glory to 
 his name, that " he teaches my hands to war, 
 and my fingers to fight." Since we separated 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING; 123 
 
 my design has been more than ever with stead- 
 fast eye to mark every step. It was said of 
 the Lamb of God, " He was oppressed, afflicted ; 
 yet he opened not his mouth." I tremble when 
 I observe how I have failed in showing forth a 
 patient spirit while harrassed by numerous per- 
 plexing occurrences which have followed in a 
 train for some time past. I detect my frail 
 nature revolting at pain. Rest I am resolved 
 to be a stranger to, until I can not only suffer 
 willingly, but be enabled by grace to glory in 
 tribulations. The Lord my keeper has stood 
 M omnipotently nigh" since I have been passing 
 through this furnace of temptation and sorrow ; 
 and I have lost nothing but the filth of self and 
 pride. Often have I recurred to the conversa- 
 tion held on our way from the Haverstraw 
 camp meeting. How cheering, how profitable 
 is an interchange of Christian feeling. I re- 
 joice that I have in any measure attained to 
 that sober, chastened, dependent frame of mind, 
 which enables me to leave events with God. 
 
 Lydia, why will you thus give place to the 
 tempter. Your religion, though silent in its 
 operation, is great in benefit ; and there are 
 times and seasons when the Lord requires you 
 to leave your beloved obscurity, and be num- 
 bered among his faithful witnesses. Who is 
 there to bear testimony of the religion of Jesus 
 if his followers refuse 1 God grant that you 
 and I may be obedient, and willingly do violence 
 to our feelings, that we may eat the good of the 
 land. When we are made perfect through the 
 
124 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 blood of sprinkling, an abundant entrance will 
 be administered unto us into our Father's house. 
 Dear sister Kitty's health is very delicate ; — 
 has almost constantly a blister on her breast. 
 Continue, dear L., to hold up my hands by your 
 faithful supplications. I believe I have often 
 felt their efficacy. I have not forgotten you, 
 nor my dear E., during the sickness you have 
 had in your family. I sometimes shudder to 
 think how many forms disease assumes to pull 
 down these tenements of ours. I revert to my 
 visit to New. York as one of the most pleasant 
 I ever made. Dear E.'s patient, quiet spirit 
 has often been a lesson to me. I must con- 
 clude. Bear with the imperfections of this, as 
 I have written at intervals. Believe me yours, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Feb. 8, 1830. 
 My Ever Dear Lydia, — Had I followed 
 the bent of my inclination you would have re- 
 ceived an immediate answer to your last ; but 
 a train of unforseen events has deterred me 
 from an employment I take great delight in, 
 which I think my dearest cousin has had suf- 
 ficient proof of in days past. Varied indeed 
 have been the circumstances through which I 
 have passed ; yet with the deepest gratitude I 
 must acknowledge, that the smallest favours are 
 only bestowed upon me through the atonement 
 of the immaculate Son of God. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 125 
 
 We are settled in as comfortable and conve- 
 nient a habitation as I could ever ask or desire. 
 The toil of moving was sweetened by the so- 
 ciety of dear Mary Ann. Ah, Lydia ! I wish 
 I could say that my sister K.'s health is mend- 
 ing. It is indeed a severe trial to watch the 
 ravages of disease in the form that is nearest 
 to us by the tender ties of nature. It was with 
 feelings I cannot describe, I greeted the first 
 moments of 1830 I had calculated long since 
 to have " slumbered with the dreamless dead 
 from all my toil." I have commenced watch- 
 ing the motions of my soul most narrowly. — 
 How often have I to mourn that my mind is 
 filled with foolish fancies. What but a Sa- 
 viour's blood can wash these failures from my 
 soul. Blessed be God, I have felt and con- 
 tinue to feel from my own experience, " that 
 there is now no condemnation to them who 
 are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the 
 flesh, but after the Spirit." I find I have more 
 boldness in the cause of my Redeemer, I can 
 join with you in the firm persuasion that an 
 awful wo will be denounced against me, if I 
 refuse to own my Lord. This duty has been 
 pointed out to me as with a sunbeam. I be- 
 lieve that we who have tasted of the good word 
 of life are frequently wanting in declaring it. 
 May we be enabled to stir up the gift of God, 
 and excite each other to diligence. E. Abbott 
 is now no more. It is well ! She made sure 
 work. Our friend, E. Ogden, witnessed her 
 triumphant flight. For some hours her cry 
 
126 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 was, " Come, Lord Jesus ; fain nry spirit 
 would be there." E. asked if death was a 
 terror to her : " Mo," she replied, " it is sting, 
 less. O, if I had strength I would tell yo& 
 what I feel." When her voice was lost if 
 death, she threw up her arms in token of vu 
 tory. Eliza lived in the enjoyment of perfe* 
 love six years. I never found her mind la- 
 bouring under a cloud. Though the dark wave 
 of affliction hath oft rolled over us, still we are 
 upheld by an invisible power. 
 
 " O how it lifts my soul to think, 
 
 Of meeting round the throne ; 
 Eternal joys we there shall drink; 
 
 There sorrows never come." 
 
 Mr. Higgins has been favoured to see a 
 gracious work of God at the Academy, I have 
 cause to rejoice that I ever heard the sound of 
 his voice. It would be superfluous to ask your 
 prayers, as I know they daily ascend for m3. 
 May our joint supplications continue to ascend 
 till they are lost in everlasting praise. 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 15, 1830. 
 My Dearest Lydia, — Such were my en- 
 gagements on the reception of your last kind 
 letter, that 1 could not answer it as I wished 
 without delay. I was encouraged to hope that 
 you intended to favour me with a visit this 
 month, and I daily looked for you. What has 
 changed your plans ? O, Lydia, did you know 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 127 
 
 how much I need your sympathy, I think a 
 personal interview would not be denied. The 
 time never seemed so long as since we parted. 
 Sister K. is something better ; yet her cough 
 is very troublesome. Dare not flatter myself 
 with a hope of her recovering her wonted health. 
 I am sometimes ready to faint, but when I con- 
 sider what Jesus endured for me, every sigh is 
 hushed. Was it not that God 
 
 " Gives my gasping soul to see 
 Jesus crucified for me." 
 
 I know not where I should lay my fainting 
 head. What amazing condescension that we 
 know, and feel a Father's presence. Let us 
 be encouraged then, my dear cousin, to 
 " Press to our native skies, 
 Mighty in prayer ; 
 Heaven's bliss is perfect— pure- 
 Glory is there : 
 What makes its joys complete ? 
 What makes its hymns so sweet ? 
 There ive our friends shall meet- 
 Jesus is there." 
 
 You will no doubt expect a long letter, but 
 this privilege is denied me. Dear L., believe 
 me, this heart beats as warmly as ever, and 
 takes as warm an interest in ail that concerns 
 you as formerly. I have feared for you of late 
 on account of your health. May the Lord 
 spare you to me. I know not how to part 
 with your dear sister D., so great a blessing is 
 a congenial mind. Dear H. stands much alone ; 
 - r - hope their new preacher may possess a 
 tongue of fire. The cause of Frankford is un« 
 
128 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 dertaken by God himself. They are preparing 
 tho academy there for a place of worship. I 
 have raised about thirty dollars toward defray- 
 ing the expense of repairing. Remember me 
 before the sprinkled throne. You are never 
 forgotten by ycur affectionate cousin, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Philadelphia, July G, 1830. 
 My Dear L., — I will snatch a moment to 
 say that we reached home at five o'clock yes- 
 terday. K. bore her journey pretty well. I 
 cannot tell how anxious I am to hear from dear 
 H, Let me receive a line by the first post. 
 The concern you and my friends manifest for 
 my dear sister, has cemented the bonds of 
 union. K. says she will never forget the pains 
 you took to make her comfortable. May every 
 purchased blessing, bought by blood Divine, 
 rest upon each of you. I know I do not appre- 
 ciate the blessings that are granted me as I 
 ought, or I should have been more submissive 
 when called to leave you and dear H. — 
 " Naught that is seen is half so fair as face of 
 faithful friend, fairest when seen in darkest 
 day:' 
 
 The week spent in the city I remember, and 
 shall never forget our burning words, that ut- 
 tered all the soul, — sorrow with sorrow sighing, 
 hope with hope exulting. My kindest sym- 
 pathy to my loved cousin H. and all friends. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 129 
 
 With the confident expectation of soon hearing 
 from you, I remain yours, Hannah. 
 
 To tfie same, 
 
 Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1830. 
 
 My Ever Dear Cousin L. has, ere this, 
 concluded me ungrateful for the repeated fa- 
 vours she has conferred upon me. May the 
 Lord reward you for pouring the sacred balm 
 of friendship into this heart, that assuredly 
 knows how to appreciate its worth. You may 
 have heard of my indisposition, which has been 
 the chief cause of my silence. Even now it 
 seems almost out of the question for me to 
 write, owing to the weakness of my breast. I 
 wish to enter into a minute detail of the man- 
 ner in which I have passed my summer, but 
 must dispense with doing so. and give you only 
 the outlines. I was two weeks at Frankford : 
 the house was crowded with gay and fashion- 
 able boarders ; — I stood alone in the midst of 
 multitudes ; — I said to my soul, u Come not 
 thou into their secret." Every leisure moment 
 I stole off to worship, and unite with the fol- 
 lowers of the lowly Jesus. It would be im- 
 possible for me to describe in the language of 
 mortals what my feelings were on many of 
 those occasions. 
 
 You would be astonished to hear the now of 
 
 soul many possess in prayer, who were, not 
 
 long since in the high way to ruin. Two 
 
 classes are formed, and the Lord hath pro- 
 
 9 
 
130 LETTERS OF MISS BVljECWG. 
 
 vided leaders for each. From Frankford we 
 went to Jenkentown, ten miles from this, and 
 stayed three weeks, My acquaintances were 
 out of my reach, but I was enabled to cast my 
 lonesome soul on Him who is able to make up 
 every deficiency. I was pleased to meet with 
 Miss Palmer, who resides near this village, and 
 is still holding ou her way to " the better land." 
 I was glad also to rind one who could talk with 
 me of you, — the friend of my childhood, the 
 friend of my heart. I could not feel clear 
 to leave this place without relieving my mind 
 of the bitter reflection of having passed near 
 a month with those who knew not God, without 
 making an effort for their salvation. For this 
 purpose Miss P, and myself went to German- 
 town to solicit the circuit preachers to hold 
 meetings in Jenkentown. This they have since 
 done, and it is now a regular appointment. — 
 Miss Pepper has rented a large ball room, and 
 has had it fitted up for worship. 
 
 For two weeks before I ventured home, |T 
 had chills and fever. I had not been home 
 more than a day before I was taken to my bed 
 with intermittent fever. I had but just recover- 
 ed from this when I was seized with spitting 
 blood : — had two attacks. This has left me 
 very much enfeebled ; yet I am much better 
 than I anticipated. The Lord has permitted 
 me to be tried, yet the flames have not kindled 
 upon me, neither have the billows overwhelmed 
 me. I feel deeply humbled under a continua- 
 tion of the unmerited mercies of my God. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 131 
 
 I have felt that it is a solemn thing to look 
 death steadily in the face ; yet, under my most 
 terrifying symptoms, my mind is kept perfectly 
 calm. No ; blessed be God, I did not " faint 
 in the day of rebuke." I am striving more 
 than ever to set my face full toward Zion, since 
 I so soon must die. And I have just learned 
 that my dear cousin also has been severely 
 afflicted ! My soul does magnify the Lord 
 that you are yet spared to me. Ah ! my dear 
 L., if we should be so happy as to reach hea- 
 ven, we shall acknowledge that it was grace 
 which brought us there. 
 
 I have changed my class to Tuesday after- 
 noon : it is much nearer for me. Some of our 
 members are wholly devoted to God. Mr. 
 Higgins is the leader. He said to me this af- 
 ternoon, " Sister Hannah, we have not always 
 to be in this field of battle." You were imme- 
 diately presented to my mind. Yes, thought I, 
 the tempests must and will break down these 
 tenements of ours, and " let our ransomed 
 spirits go, to grasp the God they seek." D. 
 Welsh is now a class mate of mine. Had we 
 your spirit to join with ours — but hush ! my 
 heart ; though distant we are still united. D. 
 has been sinking gradually since you saw her. 
 She dreamed that you and herself were walking 
 in a graveyard together and read on a stone 
 this passage, " Be ye also ready ; for in such 
 an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." 
 The more I know of D. 3 the more I feel like 
 sitting at her feet, to take lessons of patience 
 
132 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 and humility. How is my dear friend, Mrs. A. ? 
 I desire an interest in her prayers. I am pass- 
 ing through deep waters, and never needed the 
 supplications of my friends more. Let this 
 lead my L. to importunate prayer, that in all 
 my tribulations it may be said that I " sinned 
 not." I am, with sincere affection, your cousin, 
 
 Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Mount Holly, June 21, 1831. 
 
 My Dearest Lydia, — I can no longer for- 
 bear the pleasure of thus silently addressing 
 you. I wish I Could give you some idea of 
 the benefit. I derived from your last letter. — 
 Tears of gratitude to God, and love for you 
 chased each other down my checks, while I 
 was perusing its sacred contents. It found 
 me unable to sit up, " restless and sad at sultry 
 noon," and suffering much from the drawing 
 of a large blister. 
 
 Last Saturday week I raised blood, but by 
 keeping very o t uiet it soon ceased. The pure 
 air of this village has been of benefit to me. 
 My cough is something better, but I am in- 
 clined to think it will never leave me. How 
 many of our friends, dear L., are already tri- 
 umphing in the skies. Death and hell are for 
 ever vanquished by them ; while we, beset with 
 a thousand snares, still maintain the field. If 
 I had to depend on my own works to recom- 
 mend me to God, I should long since have 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 133 
 
 given up the strife. A weak and languid frame 
 so depresses my spirit, that I am oftentimes 
 ready to sink ; yet often when least expecting 
 it, God, my Father, fires my soul with new 
 joys and fresh hopes of heaven. I could sav 
 much if my strength would allow me ; but as 
 it does not, I must leave the rest until we meet, 
 if this favour is ever again to be ours. With 
 the hope of a speedy answer, I shall close, 
 begging my dear L. to guard her health with 
 the utmost precaution. When the master shall 
 have done with us here, we shall calmly rest 
 for ever, where there will be no more pain, — no 
 chilling blasts, — no sudden changes. I am, as 
 ever, your fondly attached Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Crosswicks, July 24, 1831. 
 My Dear Cousin Lydia, — The lassitude 
 which this excessively warm weather has caused 
 to pervade my shattered frame, almost discou- 
 rages me from attempting to write. The con- 
 sciousness that I am addressing one who will 
 make every needful allowance acts as a stimu- 
 lus to my pen. It would be needless for me 
 to repeat how often I have wished for the pri- 
 vilege of your society since I have enjoyed the 
 rural delights of this endeared spot. I cannot 
 tell you all I have felt since I have been se- 
 cluded in those peaceful shades. But as I 
 wandered from room to room, I could not for- 
 bear exclaiming, "Loneliness seems so unnatural 
 
134 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Iwre" I have marked many of the well known 
 paths that you and I, dear L , have rambled 
 through in " happy childhood's hour," and 
 sighed to think that in all human probability 
 we are never to trace them together again. 
 Yes, Lydia, — 
 
 " The sickly dream of life, 
 
 From us will vanish soon ;" 
 
 and death our wearied spirits will redeem from 
 these low regions of unvaried pain. Hilton's 
 brook will glide as softly as before ; — " its 
 landscapes smile, — its golden harvests grow," 
 when our names are heard no more below. 
 But though we may never meet again on these 
 mortal shores, yet " death's interposing tide 
 cannot, will not spirits one in Christ divide." 
 This morning, at the family altar, I enjoyed the 
 heart-felt presence of the Deity. My heart has 
 felt a tenderness of affection toward all my dear 
 friends in New-York since I left them that I 
 cannot describe. The last interview I had with 
 dear Mrs. Arenfred, is remembered with mourn- 
 ful pleasure. When, O " when shall we three 
 meet again ?" I wish it were so that our 
 friendly souls could oftener mingle. Cousin 
 H., I suppose, has given you an account of the 
 camp meeting, and of the extraordinary effort 
 I made to get there. I am confident that the 
 strength which was then imparted, was in an- 
 swer to prayer. By my God I can run through 
 a troop, or leap over a wall. 
 
 " Thus while I dwell in this low scene, 
 The Lamb is my unfailing screen ; j. 
 
XKTTEES OF MISS BUNTING. 135 
 
 He is my shield and hiding placo-. 
 But when I see my Father's face, 
 I'll need no more a hiding placed 
 
 I went with Hannah to gaze on the hallowed 
 spot where our dear D. sleeps in sweet repose. 
 Her grave is marked by a pure white stone, 
 with this inscription, " She sleeps in Jesus" 
 My health has improved since I have been 
 here. By keeping a perpetual blister on my 
 breast my cough is much better*, Farewell. — 
 Farewell. Ever your Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Mount Holly, August 30, 1831. 
 My Dear Lydia, — I am unwilling for cou- 
 sin E. to depart without thanking you for your 
 refreshing letter, which I received during the 
 week which T passed at Mrs. B.'s, in Pember- 
 ton. With a glowing heart I can acknowledge 
 the tender compassion of God, who still con- 
 tinues to me a good portion of strength. My 
 cough has nearly left me. I came here yes- 
 terday, and expect to return to Philadelphia on 
 Thursday. A few hours before I received 
 your letter, in the silence of my chamber I had 
 such sweet intercourse with your spirit, [in. 
 Christ,] that I almost fancied you were present 
 with me. I was led to exclaim, " goodness 
 infinite ! — goodness immense ! and love that 
 passeth knowledge ! — words are vain ! — lan- 
 guage is lost in wonders so Divine. Come, 
 then, expressive silence, muse his praise." 
 
136 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 Have you heard that Mrs. Cook is enthroned 
 in paradise by her royal Lord, whom she so de- 
 lighted to confess below ? Mr. Collins, too, has 
 no doubt gained the utmost wish of his heart, 
 by being permitted to see his crucified Jesus ; 
 and dear Mr. Porter's spirit has also burst from 
 its dwelling in clay. Hallelujah ! Hallelujah I 
 we shall conquer too, and with all the holy and 
 the happy unite in praising the wonders of re- 
 deeming love, in that blessed region w r here God 
 himself presides. I am praying that you may be 
 invigorated both in body and mind at Croton r 
 and that afterward I may embrace you at Phila- 
 delphia. Farewell, my dear, dear L., and believe 
 me ever your affectionate Hannah* 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1831. 
 My Dearest Lydia, — It appears almost in- 
 credible that I have suffered so much time to 
 elapse without sending a line to one who seems 
 almost as a part of myself. Yet so it is, that 
 the seasons I had intended to devote to writing- 
 have invariably been broken in upon. But 
 this much I know, — could I sit by your side for 
 one short hour, your mind would be fully satis- 
 fied that my silence had not been designed. 
 Last Sabbath morning I went to a lovefeast at 
 Asbury, over the Schuylkill. I never was at a 
 place which I think bore so near a resemblance 
 to heaven. One of the preachers- from the 
 Baltimore conference attended the meeting. F 
 
 D 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 137 
 
 cannot tell you how holy an atmosphere sur- 
 sounds him. 
 
 InJenkentown I believe the Lord intends to 
 establish a living ministry. Under the same 
 roof where my suffering sister spent a month, 
 and where my soul was often in an agony ot 
 prayer that salvation might come to that house 
 and neighbourhood, a class now meets ; and five 
 of the inmates of that dwelling belong to it. I 
 spent my time very profitably while there, visit- 
 ing a number of families ; but I will desist 
 speaking so much of myself, yet not until I say 
 something respecting my bodily and spiritual 
 health. For two weeks I have not been so 
 well ; it has been with difficulty that I have 
 kept up, owing to a severe cold and cough. It 
 grieves me that I am in no better plight to ad- 
 dress you, but I dare not defer writing any 
 longer ; yet when I tell you how I have passed 
 this sacred day, you will doubt my being very 
 sick. At six o'clock this morning, E. C. and 
 an humble few of like precious faith met with 
 me in prayer meeting. At nine, E. and myself 
 visited D. Welsh. It was a hallowed hour. 
 You did not seem far distant. I have not 
 strength to write all the messages D. sent you. 
 She told me she was confident there was no 
 other way for God to bring her home, but in the 
 path she now treads ; and her soul rejoices that 
 she is called to drink a portion of that cup her 
 Master deigned to choose. Permanent peace 
 constantly resides in her bosom. I heard Mr. 
 Holdich at ten o'clock, and Mr. Hodgson in the 
 
138 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 afternoon. Mrs. Bateman came home with 
 me, and our tears flowed together. Dear L., 
 Jesus is my great Rock • — " Nothing beside 
 my God I want ; nothing in earth or heaven." 
 May the consolations of the Holy Spirit fill your 
 .soul continually. May we cease to breathe ere 
 we cease to breathe our souls out in adoration 
 and .praise to that Divine Being who alone is 
 worthy to be magnified by all the inhabitants 
 of earth and heaven. Lydia, I stand in need of 
 your most devout supplications. The cares 
 and ways of the world oppress my heart. The 
 searcher of hearts alone knows my sorrows. 
 My prayer is, that our kindred souls may be knit 
 still more closely, and we continue a mutual bene- 
 iit to each other while crossing the waves of this 
 world. As ever, yours, Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 1, 1832. 
 Mv Dear, Dear Lydia, — Is it possible that 
 I have lived to see the commencement of an- 
 other year 1 What is life ? We find nothing 
 abiding this side the grave. How short the 
 interval between the cradle and the tomb ! Let 
 us pause and consider that every hour of the 
 past year has numbered its slain, and held out 
 to our view that we too are mortal. Whether 
 we are to see the close of the present year, is 
 known only to God. But what is the grave to 
 us but a thin partition dividing time from eter- 
 nity, and earth from heaven ? The time is not 
 
LETTERS OP MISS BUNTING. 139 
 
 Far distant when God will redeem all his saints 
 from the power of the grade* 
 
 My dear L., I still possess a steadiness of pur- 
 pose " to conquer though I die." The Lord 
 still has the sole possession Of my heart. For 
 sixteen years I have given it to him mOre often 
 than the day, and would I now withhold from 
 him the wreck of my being, and grow slack with 
 home in view 1 No ! let me rather " spread 
 every rag of canvass to catch the winds of 
 heaven, and enter the haven of rest under full 
 sail." 
 
 Much I could say to you that my strength 
 forbids my writing. I am kept a prisoner 
 within doors, yet the time does not drag hea- 
 vily. No ! the presence of Jesus make& every 
 season please. " When I am happy in him, 
 December 's as pleasant as May." 
 
 I keenly felt the disappointment of not see- 
 ing you : perhaps it was for the best, but I 
 could not see it so. I have needed your 
 friendly bosom to repose my griefs. How 
 very near your spirit hath seemed to-day ! For 
 I remember that this time last year you were 
 with me. O, little did I think that one short 
 year would bring such changes! But what 
 else can we calculate on here ? Soon I shall 
 sing for ever, " My sorrows all are o'er." 
 Farewell, my precious Lydia, my " sister spi- 
 rit," farewell ; — heaven's joys are durable. — 
 May the Lord bring us to dwell together there. 
 Yours, Hannah. 
 
140 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, Jan. 17, 1832. 
 
 My Dear Cousin Lydia, — As I have been 
 so remiss in answering your letters of late, I 
 thought it advisable to improve the first leisure 
 in thanking you for your last favour. I never 
 received a line from you when I stood in greater 
 need of a sympathizing friend. 
 
 I have been called to drink " one drop ofmy 
 Saviour's sad cup." Thankful have I taken it, 
 knowing it is prepared and mingled by the hand 
 of a skilful Physician. I believe, my dear cou- 
 sin, that the more spiritual we desire to be, the 
 more bitter shall we find the present life, be- 
 cause we shall more sensibly feel in ourselves, 
 and more clearly discern in others, the depth 
 of human corruption. But my sorrows are not 
 worth a name when I think what my Saviour 
 endured when he was on earth, working out the 
 salvation of an ungrateful world. 
 
 I have filled two pages on self; but you will 
 pardon me, as it is a relief to my mind. I have 
 felt much concerned for your health. May I 
 be spared the agony of losing you. How it re- 
 joices my heart that one so dear to me is so 
 faithful a witness for her Lord and Master. 
 Go on, dear L., your reward will be glorious. 
 
 My soul enters deeply into the sufferings of 
 my dear cousin Eiizabeth. I too have known 
 the pain of parting with a dear parent. May 
 she be strengthened by the Most High, and be 
 enabled to cast her sorrows on Him who wept 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 141 
 
 at the grave of Lazarus. My ardent prayer is, 
 that it may sink her deeper into God, make 
 heaven more desirable, and earth less pleasant. 
 It is past ten o'clock, and my side warns me 
 to cease. May I indulge the hope of seeing 
 your face in the flesh ? I have much to be 
 thankful for in kind friends. I place much de- 
 pendence on your prayers. I know not how to 
 cease. Your affectionate Hannah. 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, March 2, 1832. 
 
 My Dearest Lydia, — I am grieved that 
 you should have to write two letters ere you 
 could receive an answer. But I am sure if 
 you were with me and saw my great, debility, 
 you would pardon my apparent neglect. 
 
 If I am not entirely laid aside, I hope soon 
 to spend some time in Crosswicks. Miss P. 
 has been very kind. I have frequently rode 
 out with her, which has been reviving after 
 being almost entirely housed during the winter. 
 Ho w gladly would I be found waiting with you 
 in the courts of Zion ! But it matters not 
 whether you sing the Lamb in hymns below. 
 and I in hymns above, as the kingdoms are but 
 one. I am indeed sinking ; but I can see my 
 earthly tabernacle falling and decaying without 
 dismay. Why, my dear L., should we be un- 
 happy at the thought of a departure from a 
 temporal accommodation, where the storm is 
 so often felt ? 
 
142 LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 
 
 I have suffered much from pain in my breast. 
 I never had so much cough. If it were not 
 for a mixture I take, prescribed by Dr. Physic, 
 I believe sleep would scarce visit my eyes all 
 night. I perspire considerably ; which, with a 
 loss of appetite, has brought me quite low ; yet I 
 do not keep my room, but have to lie down most 
 of the day on the sofa. I can give you no 
 idea of what I suffer from a constant weari- 
 ness and weakness. I think if the return of 
 spring and pleasant weather do not revive 
 me, I shall not long remain an inhabitant of 
 earth. 
 
 I sometimes think the Lord may see it need- 
 ful to continue me in affliction, because of my 
 anxiety to be gone. I could not put forth a 
 breath to direct God's disposal of me ; and 
 whatever may have been the past ; however 
 dark and trying, even for years to come, my 
 latter history may be, I feel it is enough for me 
 to know that Jehovah is my God. Blessed be 
 the Lord for ever, he does at times draw aside 
 the curtain of mortality, and give me a view by 
 faith of my heavenly inheritance. 
 
 I wish the power of expression were granted 
 me, that I could give you .some idea of the con- 
 solation I derive from your letters. May you 
 be repaid double. Tell Mrs. A. she feels now 
 much nearer to me than ever. It is needless 
 to say 1 love her. And' now, dear L., I must 
 cease. May I ask the favour of a letter soon ? 
 How shall I say farewell. God bless you. 
 Your cousin. Hannah. 
 
LETTERS OF MISS BUNTING. 143 
 
 To the Same. 
 Philadelphia, April 11, 1832. 
 
 My Dear L., — Your letter came to hand 
 when I much needed so sweet a cordial. But 
 a few hours before I had an attack of raising' 
 blood, which was more severe than the one I 
 had when in New-York. I have kept my bed 
 most of the time since, yet sit up as much as I 
 can bear. Every week I feel myself more 
 enfeebled by disease. 
 
 Our friend Mary Ann spent a few hours with 
 me two weeks since, and promised to write 
 and let you know of my changes. My strength 
 will not allow me to enter into particulars. 
 When we meet, which I trust will be in a few 
 weeks, I can say all I wish. 
 
 I am indulging the hope of having you with 
 me during the month of May. I know not 
 what my state will then be ; but O Lydia, if 
 you could be with me ! It is more than a year 
 since ypu have been in this city. I doubt my 
 being an inhabitant of it much longer for you 
 to visit. Come, then, while I have some 
 strength left to enjoy your society. Dear Han- 
 nah I hope to see ; but you know she cannot 
 leave her charge long, and cousin B. I fear 
 will be prevented by imperious duties. Ah ! 
 dear Lydia, again has death entered Hilton's 
 peaceful shades : — " The fireside shows a va- 
 cancy ; the churchyard bears an added stone." 
 
 Words are too poor to paint what my feel- 
 ings have been for some weeks ; but this I can 
 say to the glory of God, that my heart has beep 
 
144 LETTERS OF Z.llriS KUMTA'G. 
 
 as the lake whose calm the whirlwind hath not 
 broken ; and I have been enabled to make an 
 exclusive surrender of myself, and all that con- 
 cerns me and mine, into the hands of Israel's 
 God ; since which I have experienced a calm 
 repose in him which Satan hath not been able 
 to deprive me of. Tell my cousin E. to be 
 very importunate in her supplications for me : — 
 love to her and dear cousin I. I wish to see 
 them both once more in the flesh ; but if this 
 is not granted, I hope to hail their joyful arri- 
 val in that blessed world where they, with me, 
 and you, dear L., have so many tender ties. 
 How I prize Mrs. A.'s prayers ! My soul 
 does magnify the Lord for the interest I have 
 in the petitions of many of his saints, and for 
 the intercessions of my adorable Saviour. I 
 should have fainted long since but for these. 
 My tenderest regards to Mrs. Arenfred, M. 
 Morgan, A. Smithman, my dear cousin J. War- 
 dell and family, and all I love. Lydia, if you 
 knew ray languishing state, I think you would 
 cheer me with an immediate answer, assuring 
 me, if possible, you will be with me early in 
 May. Class meeting I am now shut out from, 
 but Jesus is my all. How shall I close? 
 Farewell, dear, dear L. ; and may the peace of 
 God continue your daily portion. If I never 
 write again, or we meet no more on earth, the 
 time is not far distant when we shall together 
 gaze on the uncreated beauties of the Three in 
 One, in the midst of the throne. 
 
 Yours, Hannah. 
 

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