fear, but I had no conception of it as a motive to the love of God, and
of active duty; nor did I consider it as a source of inward peace. Books
had not been of any great service to me, for I had no one to guide me in
the choice, or to assist me in the perusal. I went to my daily task of
devotion with a heavy heart, and returned from it with no other sense of
comfort but that I had not omitted it.

"My former friends and acquaintance had been decent and regular; but
they had adopted religion as a form, and not as a principle. It was
compliance and not conviction. It was conformity to custom, and not the
persuasion of the heart. Judge then how I must have been affected, in a
state when sorrow and disappointment had made my mind peculiarly
impressible, with the conversation and example of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley!
I saw in them that religion was not a formal profession, but a powerful
principle. It ran through their whole life and character. All the
Christian graces were brought into action in a way, with a uniformity,
and a beauty, which nothing but Christian motives could have effected.

"The change which took place in my own mind, however, was progressive.
The strict consonance which I observed between their sentiments and
actions, and those of Dr. Barlow and Mr. Jackson, strengthened and
confirmed mine. This similarity in all points, was a fresh confirmation
that they were all right. The light of religion gradually grew stronger,
and the way more smooth. It was literally a 'lamp to my feet,' for I
walked more safely as I saw more clearly. My difficulties insensibly
lessened, and my doubts disappeared. I still indeed continue hourly to
feel much cause to be humbled, but none to be unhappy."

When Lady Aston had done speaking, Sir George said, "I owe a thousand
obligations to my mother, but not one so great as her introduction of me
to Mr. Stanley. He has given a bent and bias to my sentiments, habit,
and pursuits, to which I trust every day will add fresh strength. I look
up to him as my model: happy if I may, in any degree, be able to form
myself by it! Till I had the happiness of knowing you, sir, I preferred
the company of Dr. Barlow and Mr. Stanley, to that of any _young_ man
with whom I am acquainted."

After some further conversation, in which Sir George, with great credit
to himself, bore a considerable part, Miss Aston took courage to ask me
if I would accompany them all into the garden, as she wished me to carry