THE JESSAMINE. 245 



but they were full of joy ; and I learnt the -value 

 of the pain that kept me awake to recall this mer 

 cy to mind, and to meditate on the great love of 

 my Saviour.' 



While she said this, her tears again stole forth ; 

 but her countenance wore an aspect so heavenly, 

 that I soon betook myself to the Jessamine walk, 

 to wonder why I had never thanked God for not 

 allowing me to be born among Socinians. 



A whole year, I think, this blessed woman lin- 

 gered in tortures indescribable ; and latterly she 

 would not admit into her room any but those who 

 were obliged to enter it ; so great was the delicacy 

 of her feelings for others. She, however, used to 

 speak from her bed to those in an adjoining apart- 

 ment, the door being placed ajar, and very sweet 

 was her conversation. One day, after a week of 

 dreadful agony, she asked her maid to lift her from 

 her bed, to try if a change of position w T ould bring 

 any relief ; she was accordingly, seated on a low 

 chair ; and, laying her head on the girl's shoulder, 

 in a very soft, but animated voice, she murmured, 



1 Mary Heaven !' and instantly departed thither. 



I placed some delicate Jessamine flowers in her 

 coffin: and most delicious it was to gaze upon her 

 placid countenance, with a vivid recollection of her 

 bitter sufferings, and an equally vivid assurance of 

 her present bliss. Never did the beautiful hymn, 

 commencing, 'Ah, lovely appearance of death,' 



21* 



