deeply humbled when I heard my name announced as one of the collectors for the next year. This, I thought, is a new duty: how can I fulfil it? I shall have to take up a great cross. However, my time for doing good may be very short. I will endeavour to perform the task so unsought on my part, but so pressingly laid upon me."

The office thus assigned to her she fulfilled with successful zeal, but with great opposition from without, especially on the part of her father; and, at the end of the first year, (so imperative had parental requests become,) she felt compelled to relinquish the engagement. In looking back on the year, she writes: "Our collection in Glazedale amounts to the sum of £10. 98., exclusive of Missionary boxes, which raised £1. 1s. 10d." But, though she was thus denied the opportunity of prosecuting her pleasing toil, the cause of Missions did not languish in her affections. Of many visits to meetings held at Whitby, and to others in her native dales, she speaks with lively interest. Thus, alluding to one at Whitby, held in February, 1826, she remarks: "I was, I hope, lastingly benefited by the able discourses and speeches of Messrs. Dawson, Lessey, Newton, and others. Mr. Dawson, according to my judgment, made the best speech I ever heard." The fame which "the Yorkshire farmer" subsequently maintained goes far to justify the sentence of approval here pronounced.

The visitation of the sick, and the office of ministering to the necessities of the poor, became favourite pursuits. Under date of February 224, 1829, we have the following:-"I have just been reading two of Mr. Wesley's sermons; one on the danger of riches,' the other 'on dress.' To the present time, I have not had much money to buy unnecessary clothing, or to give away. But I think I take more delight in visiting and relieving the sick and poor, than in pursuing any worldly object. Should I ever be entrusted with more of this world's goods, I trust I shall be enabled to lay them out in such a way that I may at last give up my stewardship with joy."

In the latter part of 1826, Mrs. Ash was engaged with others in the formation of a Sunday-school at Glazedale, commencing with about fifty children. Many years she laboured assiduously, and with much fervent prayer, in this department.-Yet, during a great portion of the time over which our narrative has now spread, she suffered from a debilitating sickness, which more than once appeared likely to be fatal. We find her residing for some months at a distance from home, with a relative, a medical gentleman, that she might obtain the benefit of his oversight and treatment. On another occasion she stayed awhile at Hovingham, for the sake of the mineral springs for which that charming locality is noted. And many of her visits to distant friends were prompted, in great part, by desire to profit by change of air. In the midst of this protracted affliction, she maintained her Christian equanimity and fortitude. Her religion had a power more than sufficient to counterbalance the irritation of pain, and the no less distress

ing influence of languor. She felt that she could face death with composure, seeing that his sting had been drawn by Him who is "the Resurrection and the Life." She was equally content, if so her Lord should ordain, to pass a few more years in suffering, that His image might be more completely formed within; that "patience" might have its "perfect work;" and that she might fully prove, even in the most painful circumstances, that "the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Accordingly she writes, on September 16th, 1827 :-" I do indeed feel thankful for the comfortable and continual sense I have of the presence and help of my Saviour. I cast my all upon Him, and feel no anxiety. I desire only that the will of God may be wrought in me and by me, however this affliction may terminate. I can truly say, I have neither feared living nor dying the last two years. Praise God, O my soul, for the daily support He gives me!" Again, on March 17th, 1828:I have of late been reduced to a very weak state, so much so that many of my relatives and neighbours thought I should not recover. At present I am a little stronger, and have been able to ride to hear preaching, although scarcely able to sit so long without fainting. The Lord is ever merciful to me, and proportions my strength to my day. ......I live by faith, and often feel that all the promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus."

But, perhaps, the most severe test to which her principles were put, about the period which has just been reviewed, arose from an attachment which had subsisted for some time between herself and a young gentleman moving in a similar sphere to her own. Herein she gave convincing evidence of the subordination of all her interests and motives to the fear and love of God, which had indeed become her ruling principles. The attachment was formed when the object of it was, to all appearance, a partaker of true religion. It seems to have been thoroughly sincere on her part, the result of careful thought and intelligent esteem. As time passed away, it became stronger; and could she have reconciled herself to the prospect of passing life with one who had lost the favour of God, and become absorbed in worldly pursuits, she would, doubtless, have been united to her first choice. But, about two years after the commencement of the acquaintance, she tells us that her friend had "by reasoning and unbelief” lost the joy of religion. She therefore took her solemn and painful resolve. Many passages of her journal attest the distress of mind she endured; and many were the prayers she offered up, that her friend might once more experience" repentance unto life." The acquaintance was broken off and resumed more than once; but the conviction became more and more powerful, that she ought not to unite with one who was now a stranger to vital godliness. Thus, at length, she came to the decision to crucify what now appeared an unhallowed affection, and to honour God by making the sacrifice which conscience imperiously demanded.

In the sequel, she seems to have enjoyed great peace of mind, and felt that increase of inward strength which invariably attends the consciousness of having performed a duty. There is reason to conclude, that she acted not only conscientiously, but wisely. By obeying the voice of Heavenly wisdom, she averted much mental anguish, and withdrew from a path which must have been strewed with thorns; nay, she probably escaped calamities more dire,—her own backsliding, and the loss of her soul. Happy, if all young Christians would exercise an equally firm determination to enter into no alliances in which it is not clear that their facilities for serving God will be undiminished, and that their own presence cannot be construed into a sanction of irreligion. Were there more of circumspection, and of high principle, in this grave matter, doubtless much domestic infelicity would be prevented, and the number of Christian families increased in a compound ratio.

The subject of our narrative was now thirty-one years of age. Thus far she had sought to glorify God in her body and spirit; had been useful in the sphere which she occupied; and had just crowned her past service by a striking act of self-renunciation. It may not be presumptuous to suggest, that her heavenly Father, whom she had so diligently sought to serve," with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind," now rewarded her by transference to a more extended field of usefulness, where her own piety might grow unchecked, enjoying the fostering influences of congenial intercourse; and where, thus assisted, she might, with greater power and success, "adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour."

In accepting an offer of marriage from the Rev. William Ash, a widower with five children, she could not but be the subject of considerable anxiety. Her sentiments are related with artlessness and honesty, showing how acute was the exercise, and how little she intended the record for other eyes than her own. The proposed union. met with great opposition from her relatives and friends; and nothing short of conviction of duty led her to break through the barriers which were thrown in her way. It is really affecting to read passages like the following:-"I don't know that I have a relative or friend in the world, but who thinks I am acting imprudently.......I feel these things deeply; and sometimes conclude I shall have nothing but sorrow through life. I do dislike to give my dear parents pain; but, as far as I know, I have endeavoured to act conscientiously. I am perfectly willing to go or stay. If the Lord design me to go, I believe He will induce my parents to give their consent." Again, a little later:"My thoughts are very much agitated about the important step I may probably take in a short time. If I mistake not, my own nature, my relatives, friends, neighbours, and the great adversary, oppose my taking this step; but I believe God approves. If I thought He did not, I would not take it, did all the others approve. Yet, at times,

when I associate these things with [a consideration of] the public and responsible situation I shall have to occupy, I think I should sink, did not Divine grace support me."

With a full persuasion, however, that she was following the cloud of providential guidance, she was led to take the momentous step, and was married on the 9th of April, 1833. She proceeded immediately to Leicester, where Mr. Ash was then located. The union proved a singularly happy one. It had been formed with a pure desire to please God, whose counsel and direction had been prayerfully sought; and not without a satisfying conviction that His blessing would attend it. The result attested, that He who guides the meek in judgment, and teaches them His way, returned in happiness and honour the respect which had been rendered to Himself. Her first record after marriage contains the following statement:-" Thus far I have found myself happy and content in my new situation, one hundred and seventy miles from the parental roof. I am endeavouring to do my duty to my kind husband and affectionate children; but I need meekness and wisdom. My mind is kept in peace, and my earnest desire is to make superior improvement of my improved opportunities." Shortly after, she writes:-"I find myself increasingly happy, contented, and comfortable. I do indeed feel perfectly satisfied with the way in which my God has brought me hitherto. As an individual, I am favoured above many who are more worthy. I sometimes think my earthly felicity is as great as I can expect it to be. We are mutually agreed to serve God, and His cause, and each other. The children seem to improve, in every sense of the word; more especially, since Elizabeth's conversion at the commencement of the new year." And again, after some little lapse of time :-" Bless the Lord! my trials, since becoming itinerant, have been fewer than at any period of my life which I recollect.

'What am I, O Thou glorious God!

And what my father's house to Thee,
That Thou such mercies hast bestow'd
On me, the vilest reptile, me!

I take the blessings from above,

And wonder at Thy boundless love.""

In relation to the family with which she had become entrusted, Mrs. Ash proved herself a kind mother, a considerate guardian, and a faithful monitress; taking a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of her charge, caring for their temporal comfort, and seeking to train their forming character into correspondence with the high-toned principle which distinguished her own. She watched over their health with unremitting care, and tended them in sickness with an assiduity and fondness as exhaustive of strength as it was indicative of affection. She had the satisfaction to see this family rise up in domestic order, in the fear of God, in increasing intelligence, and in capabilities for

Christian usefulness. And, when its members had attained to maturity, she beheld several pass before her to the spirit-land, leaving an undoubted testimony that they "received the promise of eternal inheritance." She writes, June 28th, 1840:-" Our children, five in number, are fast rising to maturity, are steady and obedient, members of the Society; and I trust there is much good in their hearts toward the Lord. By His help, we try to order our conversation aright before them, praying the blessing of heaven upon them daily, and trusting that they will be pillars in the church when we are in the dust of death." One of them she had the pleasure to see happily united in matrimony to Mr. James Fox, of Otley. But, as if to illustrate the truth, that "here we have no continuing city," sickness and death broke in upon the circle, and in a few short years three of its choicest ornaments had sunk beneath the wave of eternity. Hence the records which follow :

"March 21st, 1854.-Our dear Elizabeth Mary, our eldest daughter, departed this life in the faith of Christ, December 8th, 1853, after a severe affliction of more than two years' continuance."

"May 15th, 1856.-On the 18th of April, our second daughter, Anne Maria Fox, exchanged time for eternity, leaving an affectionate husband, and two lovely children; and having buried one fine little boy, who was taken to an early rest' in heaven, at the age of two years. Anne Maria was converted about the age of eleven, and retained the grace bestowed, to the last. When her eyes were closing in death, she exclaimed, "There is light, light, light, in the valley! and no deception.""

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'May 20th, 1860.-Our third daughter, dear Charlotte, died at Colne, February 2d, 1859. At the age of ten years she began to manifest the Spirit's operation, joined the Society, and continued a useful member during her life. Toward its close, her prospect of heaven became clear and beautiful; and she repeatedly declared that Christ was precious. In intellect, and in person, she was a fine specimen of her Creator's power and wisdom. 'All flesh is grass;' but she had studied and loved the word of God, which abideth for ever."

In her capacity, as a Christian minister's wife, Mrs. Ash was faithful, zealous, and exemplary. The success of her husband's labours engaged her warmest sympathy. From time to time she notes encouraging evidences of the progress of the work of God; offering praise for that bounteous grace with which the great Author of all good waters the seed sown, and "gives the increase." On arriving in a new Circuit, she invariably took a survey of events in the preceding one; and she had the pleasure, again and again, of counting the increase of members by hundreds.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Ash's health was always delicate. At times she was the subject of extreme weakness; and her efforts to make herself useful were, from this cause, much diminished. Her abilities