LECTURES IN SOUTHERN CITIES. 17 



the poetical quotation referred to our race and not to 

 animals, myriads of which were created, died, and were 

 buried in the forming strata where we now find their re- 

 mains, before man was called into being. Bishop Polk 

 sustained my views, and his lady appeared to acquiesce." 



In connection with his lectures in New Orleans, a 

 circumstance occurred which gave him peculiar pleas- 

 ure. Among his auditors was a young lady, who, 

 in consequence of bereavement in her family, was 

 suffering under depression of spirits, without the 

 consolations of religion. His animated descriptions 

 of Nature, with the religious reflections by which 

 they were attended, gave a new tone to her feelings, 

 and, at the same time, awakened a practical interest 

 in religion. Becoming aware of this fact, and having 

 an acquaintance with herself and her family, he en- 

 deavored to lead her in the right path. From the 

 correspondence which ensued with this accomplished 

 young person, brief extracts are here given. The 

 first is from a letter of Mr. Silliman, written shortly 

 after his departure from New Orleans. 



On the Mississippi River, April 1, 1845. "I am sure, 



dear Miss H , you will pardon me while I wish gently 



to encourage those happy movements which I trust are 

 divinely prompted, and that our heavenly Father is gently 

 drawing you to Himself by the cords of love, and this may 

 be a happy crisis, not to be safely neglected. The fears en- 

 tertained by you are natural to a delicate and susceptible 

 mind and a sensitive conscience ; but they are allayed if 

 we look at the invitation, so earnest, so comprehensive, 

 and kind : * Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy 

 laden, and I will give you rest.' * Yea, come and buy wine 

 and milk without money and without price.' In compli- 



VOL. II. 2 



