SIR,

With the remarks of A. Z. on the communication of Amicus, in an early number of your interesting work, I have been much pleased; and think they must be approved by every reflecting mind.

The ground there taken, must be considered a full vindication of the practice, so far as it obtains, of relating the particulars of death-bed scenes.

It is proper to show how

"The chamber where the good man meets bis fate,

#Is privileged beyond the common walks of virtuous life,

quite in the verge of heaven."

Influenced by these considerations, I proceed to commit to your disposal, the following brief recital of the most interesting incidents, and the closing scene, of the life of Mrs. Abigail Williams, who died in Norwich, in the month of April last, aged fifty-nine

years.

The place of her death, was also the place of her birth, and here are recorded all her earthly hopes and joys, -her griefs and agonies.

Her earliest years were peculiarly marked with the kindness of Providence. Of a naturally amiable and sprightly disposition, she was thus far prepared for the high enjoyment of her lot. The eldest of the family, and surrounded by an affectionate groupe of brothers and sisters, her childhood and youth glided most pleasantly and imperceptibly by.

At the age of nineteen, she was happily connected with Gen. Joseph Williams, a gentleman of high respectability, of extensive mercantile engagements, and in very prosperous cir

cumstances.

Scarcely had she become a parent, when she was made to feel the value and importance of the relation, by the removal of an affectionate mother.

It is not known whether this afflictive event had any peculiar effect in in

ings. She was early trained to correct opinions on essential points; and she was occasionally, through the season of childhood, the subject of many tender impressions. As she advanced in life, she became more uniformly thoughtful

and serious.

The operation of grace upon her heart was silent; but it was soon manifest to those around her, that there was a progress, which promised a fixed and permament christian character. For some years, however, she hardly ventured to express the hope which she secretly cherished. But having for a very considerable period, with great uniformity, exhibited the excellencies of the renewed spirit, in the various relations sustained, and duties to which she was called ;-she at length professed herself a disciple of the Saviour. The issue of her eventful life has confirmed the hope that this solemn act was ratified in heaven. It was in the height of worldly prosperity that she thus vowed allegiance to the Lord; and amid the smiles of Providence, she did not forget the humility and active benevolence, which should visibly characterize the saint. It was more manifest, still, to others than to herself, that she was conscientiously obedient to the precepts, and studious of a strict conformity to the example of her Divine Master.

When the outward circumstances, and earthly prospects of the rising family, were suddenly altered, by one of the frequent vicissitudes of trade, the native dignity of her character, and the ennobling inspiration of grace, were conspicuous.

Within a few months, and under cırcumstances of peculiar aggravation, her name was written widow. She was left in a state of great debility, with a family of ten children, most of them quite young, and one an infant.

Meekly submissive under this distressing bereavement, with filial confidence she cast all her cares upon Him who has graciously proclaimed himself the widow's God, and the Father of the fatherless :--And in Him, the widow, and the fatherless found mercy.

Of St. Paul, on his conversion, the Saviour said "I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." And as he by peculiar grace was prepared for peculiar trials; so saints of later times are prepared for the severe afflictions before the n, that the power of grace may be more conspicuous.

This remark is strikingly applicable to the case before us. We have seen how unclouded and brilliant was her early prospect, and how fair and full was the promise of uninterrupted earthly joy-but her sky was soon overcast, and the storms of adversity beat with increasing vehemence upon her.

They whose first years are passed in the indulgences of prosperity, are not usually best prepared for scenes like these.

Her fortitude, however, augmented, as her trials increased; and she was enabled to discharge with fidelity, the numerous and arduous duties of her responsible station. Her children, all grown up to manhood, under the dews of maternal counsels and prayers, can bear testimony that, if they have not become wise unto salvation, it is to be ascribed, not to any delinquency on her part, but to their own misimprovement of the religious culture with which they have been favored, and their negJect of the precious, and ever memorable example which they have had continually before them.

For many years she was kindly spared to them; and having trained them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, she had the happiness of seeing some of them walking in the

truth.

It was her lot also, to mourn over one child, amiable and beloved, who mysteriously perished in the prime of life, and found a nameless grave an.idst the billows of the deep. On this dispensation, she could not but adopt the apostrophe of the Psalmist,-"Thy way, O God! is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known."-Yet, reflecting that the Lord had done it, she could say, "It is well."

But He who ordained this afflictive and mysterious event, was preparing to show her family, by another, and more distressing visitation, that clouds and darkness are round about him. Her

earthly trials were to be consummated by an almost unprecedented accumulation of personal sufferings and agonies, which should be left untold, but for the happy illustration they furnish of the rich supports afforded by the gracious presence of God with his people, in

their severest distresses.

The trials which had hitherto been sent upon her, seemed to have had their legitimate operation upon her heart,— to have brought her into a state of sweet submission to the divine will ; to have weaned her from the world; and made her more spiritual, more meet for heaven.

And if she might not be spared longer, to behold the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living; might she not, at least, be permitted to approach the "dark valley," by some one of the thousand avenues which have less of anguish and of horror?-Had some ministering spirit gently whispered that the "Summons" was at hand; and admonished her friends that soon they should see her face no more; at the same time announcing that the process of discipline was through, and that nothing remained to her but a speedy and easy transition to the presence of her Saviour, and to her heavenly inheritance; they might have said," It is

enough!"-But He who ruleth among the children of men, had other purposes; such as could not be anticipated, and such as were eminently calculated to try her faith and patience.

A tumour of inconsiderable size, had for some months been observed upon the upper part of her face, but causing no pain, had excited no serious apprehensions. As it gradually increased, an inflammation ensued; and it soon became so painful and swollen, as to occasion deep solicitude. Various meaus were tried for her relief, but without any other effect than a temporary mitigation of the anguish. The nature of the evil had not hitherto been ascertained; but now, its swift and destructive progress clearly indicated that it was an occult cancer, mysteriously fulfilling its ministry of woe.

Amid her anguish, and apprehensions, she maintained a steady confidence in the wisdom and kindness of her God; and a calm submission to his will. In anticipation of the method of treatment which was likely to be recommended, it was her desire to be

directed entirely by intimations of the Divine pleasure. A consultation of surgeons was held on the case; the result of which was, that an operation was the only possible remedy; and yet that the probability of any essential benefit was so small, they could not, with confidence and decision, recommend a measure certainly severe, and which might be fruitless.

It was accordingly left entirely with her to determine whether they should proceed or not. During the evening she appeared agitated in contemplation of the fearful crisis which had arrived; -but He was with her, whose presence is light in darkness.

In the morning, giving glory to God for his kind interposition it removing all her fears, she declared her determination and her readiness to submit to the course which had been suggested. She had not been flattered with any prospect of essential relief, nor did she indulge sanguine expectations of a favorable result; but she was moved by views of duty alone, to try all means for the preservation of life.

The operation occupied forty minutes-minutes prolonged, by intensity of anguish, to hours.

During this scene, some female members of the Church with which she was connected, were in another room, engaged in fervent prayer for her, that her strength might not fail.

The entreaty of these sympathizing friends prevailed; and the sufferer was enabled to bear the anguish with true christian heroism:-her spirit leaned on God. She afterwards expressed her deep conviction that nothing but the divine presence could have sustained her through such protracted agony; and that their zealous interest was instrumental in bringing down that heavenly aid, which they so warmly invoked.

The immediate effect of the operation was more favorable than had been anticipated; and her acknowledgments of divine mercy in the temporary relief she experienced, were unremitted.

Until about the fifth day previous to her death, there was some hope of ultimate benefit. Aware, however, that her state was critical, she improved this period of comparative ease, in im. parting pious counsel to her children and friends.

An unfavorable change of symptoms soon indicated that the day of her de

parture was at hand. The intimation was clear to her own mind; and she received it with pious tranquility. A state ensued, resulting probably in part from the operation, and partly from the natural progress of the disease, which was not eradicated-very nearly allied to the Tetanus.

It will be readily perceived, that her sufferings from this time must have been extreme. Thus she continued until her death, sometimes agonized, and then favored with a momentary quietness. Still, as opportunity was afforded, she spoke to her children, and those around her, of that Redeemer in whom she trusted, and of that grace which she found sufficient for her.

On the Saturday evening previous to her death, after being convulsed with agony, she entreated her children to be composed, and said with eyes raised to heaven, and hands clasped, "O, Lord Jesus, prepare me to go in a moment;" adding, "I think I cannot live through another such turn.”

She soon had another spasm, and was thought to be dying: many relatives coming in, she desired them all to be silent, and appeared to be fervently engaged in prayer. She then requested them to "pray that she might have an easy passage over Jordan ;" and a few moments after, was heard saying in a low voice, "I am almost through; and His rod, and His staff, they comfort and sustain me."

On the following morning, a physician coming in, she asked with peculiar solemnity, "When shall I stop breathing?" Such was her anguish, that even to breathe was almost insupportable; and immediately addressing her Saviour, she exclaimed, "Good Lord Jesus! come quickly!"

This day was indeed a Sabbath to her soul: she felt that her eternal Sabbath was near, and rejoiced in anticipation of that rest which remaineth to the people of God. She requested one to repeat "The dying Christian to his soul"-into the spirit of which she was fully prepared to enter. To her daughters she expressed regret at their detention from the sanctuary, as it was the communion season ;-"But Jesus can be present with us here :"-She then requested them to sing a hymn, that she might have the satisfaction of spiritual fellowship with the saints around the table.

On Monday morning she said, "Is

it possible I have come to the close of life, and feel so much composure?" and then repeated at intervals the I nes: "Let me languish into life"-"Lingering about these mortal shores !"

As her father, an aged venerable saint, stood by her bed-side, deeply pondering, with a grieved, yet tranquil spirit, on this visitation-looking upon him she caught his feelings, and said with the utmost tenderness of filial affection, “You see I am going before you: God bless you, protect you, preserve you, and carry you safely through -Farewell!"

She expressed to her friends a desire "to be carried out of the world in the arms of prayer." She was conscious that her last day was come; and though it was a day of agony, it was also a day of peace and transport. While able to speak, she continued to bear testimony to the goodness of God.After she became speechless, and her friends thought her unconscious, to one who, taking her hand, put the inquiry, she intimated by an affectionate clasp, that "all was peace within." Patient, though suffering, she waited until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when the happy spirit left the frail and fallen fabric.

And now, what to her, are all the trials of the present life? they have passed away as a vision of the night. Removed far from this tumultuous scene of changes and sufferings, with all her recollections of past vicissitudes she mingles thanksgiving unto God, who ordained them in wisdom and in love, and who now shews her their influence in accelerating her fitness for the glory which hath followed. And may it not be suggested, that even here, all her sufferings were counterbalanced by the increasing evidence of her interest in the divine favor, furnished in the peculiar supports she received. For she felt that the promise was fulfilled: "When thou passest through

the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

It has been already intimated, that through the former part of life, her hopes of spiritual safety were by no meanssanguine. She frequently expres sed a wish for more satisfactory views of her own condition. She had experienced such afflictions as are common to mankind; and had sustained them with fortitude-she hoped with true submission; she cherished the belief that her trials had been sent in parental kindness, and that they had resulted in her essential improvement. Still, she was not without apprehensions; but trembled when she thought upon the deceitfulness of the heart.

In her solicitude, she even expressed a desire to have her professed christian graces put to a severer test than had been hitherto applied, before she should be brought to the decisive trial. And so it was appointed unto her! and she came forth from the furnace of affliction, as gold purified seven times. She found one continually beside her, who was like unto the Son of God; the testimonies of her adoption were rich and abundant; she rejoiced, she triumphed.

How abundant is the consolation thus flowing, to her surviving friends, from the very circumstances which, in themselves, were so fraught with bitter anguish! O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Unto others also who may be in heaviness, through manifold afflic tions, may the trial of their faith, though it be tried with fire, be found unto praise and honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

VERUS.

No. III.]

D. D.

THE name of TRUMBULL is interwoven with the civil, literary and ecclesiastical history of Connecticut; it may be added, with that of jurisprudence and the fine arts. This family came from the West of England, and were among the early settlers of Massachusetts. A branch removed to Lebanon in this State in 1700. The subject of the present memoir was born at Hebron, August, 1735. He was graduated at Yale College, in 1759, during the presidency of the venerable Clap-of whom he always spoke with the highest respect. Dr. Trumbull, unmediately after taking his degree of master of arts, was employed as assistant teacher to the Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, in his celebrated Indian charity school, first established at Lebanon, afterwards removed to New-Hampshire, and out of which grew the respectable seminary of Dartmouth College. He was at the same time engaged in the study of theology, under the direction of the evangelical, zealous and laborious divine just mentioned. With such a pattern before him, hardly any situation in the country, at that period, could have been more favorable for the successful prosecution of studies preparatory to the christian ministry. Dr. Trumbull, according to the general custom of those times, was licensed the next year. He commenced preaching at North-Haven, August, 1760, where he was ordained the December following, successor to the Rev. Isaac VOL. 2-No. III.

[VOL.II.

Stiles, father of President Stiles.In this place he laboured, seldom absent for any considerable time from the people of his charge, and rarely unable to perform for them the various duties of his office.

It may be interesting,perhaps useful, to the readers of this work, especially to those of the clerical function, to be furnished with a detail of the last hours of so eminent a servant of Christ. The little known, is as follows. His health had been good during the winter, especially for a person of his age, until Sabbath, the 25d of January, when, although not altogether well, he went through as usual with the public exercises of the day. On Monday he rode a considerable distance to visit a sick parishioner, who had been prayed for on the Sabbath; but was unable to do the same the following day. The next day he became still more affected by disease, and seemed satisfied in his own mind that he should not recover, and could not long endure the present attack. Thursday morning he told his family and friends that he felt confident his end was near; but his attending physician not perceiving decisive symptoms of speedy dissolution, no great alarm was excited on the subject. On the 30th ult. his voice was not heard in the sanctuary; still, he was comfortable from day to day, and nothing appeared to forbid the hope that his valuable life might yet be prolonged.Tuesday morning, however, February the first, he was evidently much weaker and more distressed. Late in the afternoon he was thought to be 15