high but gently declining bank of the river, at the point in the Cove most favourable for an extended view. The attention of the passerby might not be arrested by the style of its architecture, but its elegant situation, and the peculiar neatness and taste with which the grounds are arranged by the hand of nature and adorned by art, would immediately fix the eye. The vines wandering over the piazzas, the dense shrubbery climbing the windows, the shade and fruit-trees forming a forest, define this spot as the abode of ease and happiThis was the home of Elizabeth's child

ness.

hood.

A knowledge of the scenery that her eyes first saw may account for some traits of character which her life developed. In childhood and youth the shore of the Hudson was the home she loved. Íts waters she almost idolized. For hours together, when a mere child, would she wander alone upon the beach, or muse on the rocks, while the waters broke gently over her tiny feet, or rock on the waves in a little skiff, guided by a brother's hand. She was truly and emphatically nature's child. If ever one grew up in the midst of society uncontam

inated by its associations and ignorant of its evil ways, this child did.

But while she derived her purest pleasure from the world around her, she did not neglect the duties which she owed to her parents and herself. With a disposition naturally sweet, and softened by her fondness for communion with the beauties of nature, she entered as cheerfully upon domestic duties as on the more attractive pleasures which the out-door world presented. Her love for parents, brothers, and sisters, was unbounded. Her heart leaped for gladness when she could make them glad, and the tear of delight would gather in her eye when to others she had given joy. It was, therefore, not strange that she should become the idol of the domestic circle.

At school her advancement was so rapid as to afford to her teachers and parents the highest gratification, and the powers of mind which she developed gave strong encouragement for future usefulness.

CHAPTER II.

ELIZABETH'S AWAKENING AND CONVERSION—PUBLIC PROFESSION OF RELIGION.

Ar the age of fourteen we date the commencement of her religious character. To intellectual and personal attractions that won universal admiration, she added the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. The pearl of great price was the brightest jewel that she wore, and it shone with a loveliness and lustre rarely surpassed. Elizabeth became a most eminently pious woman, and because she was so distinguished in the circle of her friends it is believed that her history, though humble and brief, will be useful to others, affording an example of high Christian attainment, and great success in faithful, unassuming efforts to do good.

She was first awakened to a sense of her condition as a sinner, by an occasional sermon which the Rev. Mr. Remington, of Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y., preached in S S -S. This excellent clergyman was not so much dis

tinguished for the brilliancy of his powers of mind, as for the ardent piety of his heart, and the earnest sincerity with which he presented the simple gospel of Christ. He died suddenly, a few years ago, and never knew that he was the instrument in God's hand of turning to righteousness one who is, doubtless, now shining as "a crown of his rejoicing," in glory.

With that diffidence which ever characterized her, she concealed her incipient anxiety on the subject of religion. Perhaps she would not have cherished the secret so closely, had she not found sympathy in the breast of a young companion, an inmate of her father's family, who was awakened at the same time. They were of the same age, and quickly detecting each other's seriousness, they commenced a systematic and persevering effort to secure the salvation of their souls:

Such a determination, made without any special counsel from others, may appear incredible, on the part of two children only fourteen years of age. But they took the best guide, the word of God; they sought by prayer, the best counsel, the teaching of the Holy Ghost. Without disclosing the state of

their feelings to any one but to Him who seeth in secret, they pursued the diligent and constant study of the New Testament, and resolved to seek until they found the pardon of their sins.

Their closet was the wide world. Its roof was the arch of heaven. Its music was the ceaseless roll of the waters that broke on the rock-the altar where they knelt to pray. In a secluded spot just under the verge of Mount Murray, a low flat rock, rising but a little above high water mark, projects into the river. Here is a sweet and secure retreat from the world. Its solitude is seldom disturbed save by those who would be alone.

There is a touching interest in the case of these two young inquirers, that to my mind exceeds description. They read the promises, "Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find," and they resolved to persevere until they received forgiveness and found peace. In this retired spot they studied the Scriptures together; they knelt and together prayed for pardon; they wept and mourned together on account of sin and thus, day after day for several successive weeks, they continued the struggle till