t would
militate against my usefulness, I was perfectly exonerated by her
from all obligations to such a union; that, whatever her own
feelings might be, she begged that they would not influence
me,--that God would give her grace to subdue them,--that she
shuddered at the thought of standing in the way of my duty and
usefulness.

Knowing, as I did, that her fondness for me was extravagant, I
could not wound the heart which was the seat of such elevated
feelings, or help appreciating more highly than ever the principles
of mind which could give rise to such noble sentiments, and such
martyr-like disinterestedness of soul. In subsequent interviews, we
mutually agreed--should Providence permit--and (at her suggestion)
should neither of us change our minds, we would get married in
three or four years. During this interval, I had at times
agitations of mind as to the advantages of such a step, in regard
to my ministerial labours, but determined to rely on the Divine
promise, "Blessed is the man that sweareth to his own hurt, and
changeth not." This promise has been abundantly fulfilled in me. We
were married on the 10th of September, 1828. A more affectionate
and prudent wife never lived. She was beloved and respected by all
that knew her. I never saw her angry, nor do I recollect that an
angry or unkind word ever passed between us. Her disposition was
sweet, her spirit uniformly kind and cheerful, sociable, and meek.
Her professions were never high, nor her joys rapturous. But in
everything she was invariably faithful, and ready for every good
word and work. In her confidence, peace, and conduct, as far as I
could discover, without intermission, the poet's words were clearly
illustrated:--

"Her soul was ever bright as noon, and calm as summer evenings be."

Though her piety for years excited my respect, and in many
instances my admiration, it was nevertheless greatly quickened and
deepened about six months before her death, during the Conference
held at York. From that time I believe she enjoyed the perfect love
of God. At least, as far as I can judge, the fruits of it were
manifest in her whole life.

Several days previous to her death, when her illness assumed a
mortal aspect, and she became sensible that her earthly pilgrimage