LECTURES IN SOUTHERN- CITIES. 19 



five hundred miles from me. Till then, and at all times, 

 believe me your very affectionate and faithful friend." 



From the Reply of Miss H- . " Since I received your 



letter, expressing such affectionate solicitude for my welfare, 

 I have had a long conversation with Dr. Hawks, and his 

 kind convincing arguments, with yours, persuaded me of my 

 duty ; but still I hesitate to receive such a gift unworthily. 

 I know you will blame my delay, my dear sir, but not more 

 than I do myself. I cannot tell why it is that I so long to 

 join myself to those who belong to our Saviour's supper, 

 and yet shrink from it ; but I look forward with an earnest 

 hope that I may be fully prepared for the next communion. 

 Dr. Hawks seems to be all we could look for or wish in a 

 pastor, but still I cannot talk to him with the freedom I can 

 write to you. You claim my first gratitude for exciting 

 feelings which have added much to my happiness, and I 

 trust that in time they will perfect it here and hereafter." 



In a subsequent letter, under date of June 4, 1845, 



she writes : 



" Your visit here was gratifying to many, but I think to 

 few more than to myself. I shall never forget the hope 

 that your lectures opened to me of higher sources of enjoy 

 ment than any I had ever known, I saw you so cheerful 

 and gay, and withal so devout whenever a serious thought 

 could be introduced with reverence, that I began to feel 

 how much of my life had been wasted on trifles to the 

 neglect of higher privileges. You will be glad, my dear 

 sir, and sympathize with me in the increased happiness I 

 now feel, when I tell you that last Sabbath I joined the 

 communicants. My mother, (mother-in-law,) and I went to 

 the table together. Dr. Hawks interested himself very 

 much in us, and his persuasive arguments dispelled all my 

 doubts." 



