account of dear Elisha's state of mind; and thought the church would miss him much, where he lived. But, is not the Head of the church alive from the dead? Doth he not live forever? Is he not able to raise up helpers in Israel? Yea: and he will do it, in his own way and time, though oft much out of, and contrary to, man's way and expectation. All then that we have to do on such occasions, is, to submit wholly to his Divine will,-wait for his law,—and walk carefully in it. This is an exercise, proper for all times, and occasions;-equally so in sickness and in health. And though many sorrows may attend, and severe conflicts assail us, yet, as we here abide, we shall conquer all opposition, and know all things to work together for good. Please to let dear Ruth have this short letter. It is to serve as one, to each of you; and why not? for what can I say more? or what can repetition do? She knows on what her soul must anchor; and let her not look out for human help. Her God is allsufficient, in every time of trial, if rightly relied upon, for preservation and deliverance. It is possible, that I have delayed this too long; but I write now, just when I first seem ready. And now, a little is quite enough, if you and I (for varied afflictions are allotted me) can say and feel with the poet, in regard to the goodness of our God, in all his dispensations. "Good, when he gives, supremely good, Even crosses, from his sovereign hand, Are blessings in disguise." Full in this faith and assurance, at this time, I conclude, and rest, dear Isaac, thy, and dear Ruth's, I trust, in some degree, sympathizing friend, JOB SCOTT. My love is often in motion towards many dear friends in your country. BRIEF MEMOIR OF RUTH WALMSLEY, Daughter of Solomon and Sarah Miller, wife of Elisha Kirk, of York-town, and afterward, of Thomas Walmsley, of Byberry, Pennsylvania. Ruth Miller, the eldest of eight daughters of S. and S. Miller, was from early life, of a sweet and amiable disposition, and an example to her younger sisters, as well as to the young people of her acquaintance. The gentle impressions of Divine Goodness upon her youthful heart, were not disregarded. She embraced the visitations of the Light of Truth, received in her innocent mind; and hence, she saw the safety and propriety of rendering obedience to her parents, and felt the happiness of living in love and tender affection towards her brothers and sisters. Her choice in yielding obedience to the dictates of this pure and safe guide, was not without a cross to her own will-or that selfish inclination, which is common to human nature. But she was willing to take up this yoke of restraint upon her selfish desires, in order that she might find rest and peace within. She learned meekness and lowliness of mind, and a quiet spirit became the conspicuous ornament of her soul. Yet she was innocently cheerful; and as she shared the affection and friendship of her young companions, so she enjoyed the social converse of the friendly circle, while bounded by innocence and circumspection. Nor did she esteem it a mark of impoliteness, or want of proper attention to the company, when the channels of social converse seemed to close, to observe silence and quietude. For, in an opportunity of this kind, among a circle of her young friends and acquaintances, when they were alone, her mouth was first opened in testimony, by way of exhortation. A few weeks after this, she appeared in the ministry, in their public meeting for worship, her mother being indisposed, having remained at home, while the rest of the family attended. It is an evidence of the power of sympathetic feeling, if not of a real communion of spirit, that, during meeting time, the mother's mind was very strongly drawn towards her daughter Ruth. She had such a sense of her being under religious exercise, and of her being called to the ministry, that, on their return she asked another daughter that was there, who preached. Being slow in replying-she asked, whether Ruth had not spoken in meeting. On the sister's inquiring why her mother should think so-she adverted to her feelings and travail of spirit, during meeting time, on her account. What were the consolation and satisfaction of a pious, concerned parent on this occasion, language is inadequate to describe. As she was concerned to be obedient to the clear manifestations of Truth, she grew in her gift; and after her marriage with Elisha Kirk, in the year 1780, and their settlement in York-town, she became eminently useful in society. She was also serviceable in the neighbourhood, and by her kindness and affability, the sweetness and humility of her spirit, and her many amiable qualities, she became much endeared to her friends and neighbours. In the year 1786, during the absence of her husband, on a religious visit to New England, Ruth had a season of severe illness. Her little son also was sick at the same time. Their case was concealed from her husband for some time; but the fever increasing, and not knowing how it might terminate, it was judged best to inform him by letter. This was received by him at Newport, on Rhode Island, and he returned homewards on account thereof, as far as New York. But, receiving more favourable information there, he went back and finished his visit. In this closely proving season, Ruth's mind was divinely supported, and the kindness and sympathy of her friends and neighbours were administered and gratefully accepted by her. Her maternal cares and duties towards a rising family precluded her from travelling much in the exercise of her gift as a gospel minister;-yet we find that in the 4th month, 1788, she left at home an infant of six months old, while she performed a religious visit to the families of Newberry meeting-a striking evidence, among others, of her dedication to the service of her Divine Master! Previous to the death of her husband, in 1790, she had become the mother of seven children, most of whom died in their infancy. In the 12th month, 1789, she buried her youngest son, about nine months old. About three weeks before the father's decease, she followed to the grave the remains of a lovely daughter, aged two years and five months; and her only surviving son, nearly five years old, was bu ried the very day of his father's death. To her sen sitive mind, these successive bereavements were the occasions of deep felt trial and probation-under the pressure of which, there is cause to believe, she was divinely supported by the heavenly Comforter, and that the everlasting Arm was felt to be underneath, holding up her head above the billows and waves of affliction. About two weeks before her husband's death, he one night awoke out of a sound sleep, and inquired of her whether she was awake. After some other conversation, he told her he thought she had not quite given him up, but still had some expectation of his recovery. She said her hope was less than it had been some time before. He replied, "Thou must not have any; but give me up cheerfully, and thou wilt get along better than thou dost expect.There will be a way provided for thee, and our little daughter. I think our son will be taken away." A few days before his departure, he conversed pleasantly with her, endeavouring to cheer up her mind under these close trials, and said, "I have given up to be contented with every trial, and desire it may be so with thee, for these things are all in wisdom." On the day preceding his close, he mentioned the joy that he felt, and the glory and brightness which he saw, and which he was going to enjoy-and asked his wife if she was not glad of such a time. She said she felt more comfortable, than she could have expected at parting with him. Thus, through mercy, her mind was divinely sustained and clothed with calmness and resignation to the will of heaven. Some time after this event, being more at liberty from domestic cares and the confinement to the nursery, her expanding mind found an enlargement of |