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But, in that little, was manifested a mind superior to the circumstances in which she had always been placed. She spoke of the glooms which disease will sometimes bring over the hopes and prospects of the future; and, though her confidence in the truths and promises of religion, was too firm to be shaken, she seemed to be the victim of fears and doubts and those gloomy apprehensions, with which a diseased body so often afflicts the mind. With a clearness of expression, such as experience alone can give, she alluded to the influence of the body upon the spirit, withdrawing it from its appropriate range, either to prey upon its own existence, or to fret itself against the walls of its prison-house,—to the difficulty of pursuing continuous thought, and of catching more than occasional glimpses of that region where the mind finds its proper aliment, and objects worthy of its attention. She spoke of the kindness of the friends who had visited her afflicted family, and expressed her gratitude for the letters which she had received. Her conversation was characterized by clearness and appropriateness of expression, by correctness of remark, and sometimes by superior intelligence. She had recently been so ill, that after a few minutes' conversation I took my leave, regretting that I could stay no longer. I left their dwelling, having witnessed a scene of domestic suffering, and a form of domestic piety, which none can contemplate without being made better. The impression of it will never be effaced from my recollection. Amidst the discontents and repinings of society, I shall often recall the spectacle of this suffering family, and think of the value of that religion which has been their support. I am, &c.
W. Gabimell.