'We sat together close to the pulpit. I was deeply moved by
Mr.--'s manner of praying for "our friends," and I put up this
prayer for my companion, which I recorded, as it rose in my
heart: "Author of good, Source of all beauty and holiness,
thanks to Thee for the purifying, elevating communion that I
have enjoyed with this beloved and revered being. Grant, that
the thoughts she has awakened, and the bright image of her
existence, may live in my memory, inciting my earth-bound
spirit to higher words and deeds. May her path be guarded
and blessed. May her noble mind be kept firmly poised in its
native truth, unsullied by prejudice or error, and strong to
resist whatever outwardly or inwardly shall war against its
high vocation. May each day bring to this generous seeker new
riches of true philosophy and of Divine Love. And, amidst
all trials, give her to know and feel that Thou, the
All-sufficing, art with her, leading her on through eternity
to likeness of Thyself."
* * * * *
'I sigh for an intellectual guide. Nothing but the sense of
what God has done for me, in bringing me nearer to himself,
saves me from despair. With what envy I looked at Flaxman's
picture of Hesiod sitting at the feet of the Muse! How blest
would it be to be thus instructed in one's vocation! Anything
would I do and suffer, to be sure that, when leaving earth, I
should not be haunted with recollections of "aims unreached,
occasions lost." I have hoped some friend would do,--what
none has ever yet done,--comprehend me wholly, mentally, and
morally, and enable me better to comprehend myself. I have had
some hope that Miss Martineau might be this friend, but cannot
yet tell. She has what I want,--vigorous reasoning powers,
invention, clear views of her objects,--and she has been
trained to the best means of execution. Add to this, that
there are no strong intellectual sympathies between us, such
as would blind her to my defects.'
* * * * *
'A delightful letter from Miss Martineau. I mused long upon
the noble courage with which she stepped forward into life,
and the accurate judgment with which she has become acquainted
with its practical details, without letting her fine
imagination become tamed. I shall be cheered and sustained,
amidst all fretting and uncongenial circumstances, by
remembrance of her earnest love of truth and ardent faith.'