The Remarkable Experience of
MRS. ANN RAY.

[Concluded from our last.]

As I was about to write to Mrs. R. the relation who acted a mother's part to me, to let her know of the small-pox being in the house, and prepossessed with the idea of dying, I said to myself, "It would not be right in me to die, and not declare what God had done for my soul." I therefore wrote her a simple relation of what had passed, adding," I had never till lately known what the love of God, in his dear Son, was; and that I could triumph in life and in death,". believing she would rejoice with me in all this. But by the next post comes a large sheet of paper, and the post after that another, filled with her fears and concerns for me, that I was turned Methodist; and severe invectives against the whole sect, particularly the preachers; earnestly entreating me to have nothing to do with them; and threatening, that if I had, she would discard me for ever. I was thunderstruck with the contents of these two letters, as I had never heard a Methodist preacher, nor knew any; and Lad only drank tea with two women, with whom I had no conversation. The agitation of my mind was now so great, that I burst into tears, and wept incessantly a whole day. Afterwards, I was more composed; and some Scriptures were opened to me, respecting taking up the cross, for saking all for Christ, &c. I answered the letter by saying, “I could not deny what God had done for my souf; but as to the Methodists, I had not any knowledge of them." But herein I shamefully prevaricated; for tho' I had not heard a preacher, i knew these women were Methodists; and now recollect I had been at one of their prayer-meetings: but 1 endeavoured to shelter myself under Ms. Hervey; by which means I expected to hold Christ and my friend 100. After I had sent my letter to the post, I thought much on the

transaction, and prayed mach, and prepared my mind to receive Mrs. R.'s answer as wholly discarding me; but, on the contrary, it was of the most endearing and soothing nature, telling me she was now convinced I was no Methodist; and begged I would compose myself, lest it should be fatal at my sickening for the small pox. As soon as I had read it, it was suggested, Now you have denied Christ to keep your friend! —I sunk under the thought; and lost the light of his countenance as suddenly as I had found it! I was immediately seized with the small pox, took to my bed, and lay the whole time in darkness, under the apprehension I had denied Christ; and so indeed, in some sort, I had. The Lord dealt very tenderly with my body: the disease was a good sort, I was well. nursed, and soon got well again; — but my soul could not be healed! No doctor, no nurse, found I for that!-no instructor, no healing medicine! - all within was dark, uncomfortable, and distressing; —all without was smooth, because Mrs. R. seemed satisfied; but I pined for Jesus and his ordinances; longed to know his people, who they were; wished to be among them; and frequently repeated the question of the spouse, "Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou causest thy flock to rest at noon, for why should I be one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?” He answered,

If thou know not, go thy way by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds tents." I understood it to direct me to join those few poor Methodists that met for prayer at the woman's house with whom I had drank tea; but then I saw plainly if I did, that I should be ruined, as to worldly con cerns. Mrs. R. would then cast me off, I should lose the situation I was in as teacher, my character would be gone: in short, all things must be parted with. I therefore hesitated, procrastinated a whole long twelve

months. O shameful ingratitude! O that I could now be more deeply humbled for this base folly! At length I devoted myself to the Lord afresh; and gave myself wholly and solemnly up to him upon his own terms, to forsake, all, to sell all, so that I might once again enjoy "the pearl of great price!"- that I might win Christ, and be found in him! I surrendered the favour of my friend Mrs. R. my reputation, my situation, and, finally, my life, if called for. Having done this, I went the first opportunity I had to the little prayer meeting, determining to go constantly, and leave the event. Our company consisted of only five or six, all very poor women. The report of my joining this poor despised little company soon spread abroad; - all wondered at it, and were astonished that Mrs. P.'s teacher should go amongst such poor ignor ant people. On the other hand, my attending induced others, both men and women, to join. We met once

a week, at five in the morning; on a Sunday evening, after church; and once on a week-day evening. We read a chapter in the Scriptures, prayed, and sung hymns. I was the reader, being by far the best scholar. Mr. M. a preacher, who lived ten miles off, hearing our meetings increased, and that I was amongst them, sent his respects to me, and if I pleased, would come and give us a sermon. Highly delighted, I embraced the offer: he came, preached so as my heart answered the words. He came a second time; then the mob rose, surrounded us in the street, and stoned us I felt several upon my back, shoulders, &c. but was not really hurt, though in the midst of the mob. These words strengthened me, "Who can harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" I got home safe; but this extravagant, imprudent conduct, as it was called, finished up my character in the world. I was now all that was bad in every one's mouth, except three or four friends, who thought I meant well, but acted very imprudently.

Things were now arrived at such a pitch, that several of the young ladies' friends took them from school

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on my account; declaring they should come no more till I was gone. This compelled Mrs. P. to part with me. She told me, if I did not desist from going amongst the Methodists, we must part. I replied, on those terms we must; for I never would be prevented going to their meetings, while any of them were in the town. Mrs. P. acquainted my mother (as I called her) with my resolution, who wrote me a short letter of dismission from any acquaintance with me. I suffered much in my mind from making this sacrifice. One time I thought it was the height of ingratitude: then these words were suggested," If any one love father and mother more than me, he is not worthy of me;" and calmed the various struggles of my mind. These words also wonderfully supported me, "When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up." I had now several gentlemen came, at different times, to talk with me, and persuade me out of my enthusiastical notions. Just before I was called to speak with these, it so happened, I was always in my closet at prayer; and how dark and distressed so ever in my mind, as soon as i eatered the room, and they began arguing, I was bold as a lion; and in the issue, their fallacions arguments strengthened my faith: so gracious and so good is the Lord to feeble worms that trust in him?

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I had three months notice to provide myself with a situation; but a teacher was hired, and eame to the house before that period was up; during that interval, I had prayed much to be directed where to go, and what to do; and found my mind led to London, as a place where the gospel was most plentifully preached, and where I believed the Lord would certainly provide for me. I did not like to stay at the school after this new teacher came, and I knew not where to go till I could get ready for my intended journey; but my heavenly Father, who knew what things I needed, had provided me a place; for a widow lady and her two daughters, who lived together, offered me their house for my home, till I could settle myself. Thither, therefore, I went; and was treated with every