what way to steer. I am independent, therefore need not marry to obtain a settlement: but I want to be in the midst of God's people, and associated with those who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, I am placed amidst the enemies of God, yet I am kept and preserved blameless amongst those who set not their hearts aright. O for a true spiritual discernment, that may choose the thing that is right, not following my own inclinations, but obeying the will of God continually.'

I

When Mr. Tatham first became acquainted with her, she was in respect of dress a fashionable lady; and her person, her mental accomplishments, and her piety, more than justified his preference; and when he found himself blessed with a prosperous and increasing trade, amply sufficient to support a family, he sought her hand in the sacred bond of marriage. She had before that time returned to Leeds, and after a correspondence of some months, when Mr. Tatham paid her a visit, how was he filled with astonishment and disgust, (such are his own words now before the writer,) when he beheld her altered appearance, and found that the formerly gay and accomplished Miss Strickland had laid aside all outward ornaments, and had made choice of a dress much more plain and simple than that of the lowest servant in the house! He expostulated with her on the impropriety of such a transition, but he soon found that she had far outrun him in the ways of piety, and that she had, in this matter, followed the convictions of her mind as to the meaning and force of God's holy word, where it is written, Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," This and many other scriptures of similar import swayed and regulated her conduct in this particular. Mr. T. adds,

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MEMOIR OF MRS. TATHAM.

with beautiful simplicity, that though convinced that this was the case, still he had hard work to bring his proud heart to approve the standard she had adopted, and that he was led to cry more earnestly to God for direction himself, that in all things he might be conformed to his righteous will.

They were married in the Old Church at Leeds, Feb. 6, 1787; and one who was a witness of the solemnity declared, that though her dress on that occasion was exceedingly plain and humble, a more beautiful bride never passed out of that church than Mrs. Tatham; and had but fifteen days been added to her life, this happy union would have continued fifty years.

CHAPTER III.

RE

EXTRACTS FROM HER WRITINGS-ON TEMPTATION-ON CEIVING AN INJURY-ON JUSTIFICATION-ON SANCTIFICATION.

Ar an early period of her life, Mrs. Tatham adopted the practice of writing, and of writing correctly. Her mind, naturally vigorous, had been strengthened and quickened by an excellent education, and was more and more improved and disciplined by grace. Divine as well as natural truth was now absorbed as the food of her intellect, and the former was adopted as the direct rule of her conduct and manners. It is not certain at what age she first employed her pen in inscribing her Diary, or in transferring to paper her sentiments and views of subjects of a general nature, or those of a sacred and spiritual kind. It is probable that she had recourse to this method of self-discipline at least as early as from the time of her becoming a member of a Christian church. As a mean of personal improvement, it must have been advantageous to herself; and hereby being dead, she yet speaketh to others. Reading, it has been said, makes a full man ; speaking, a ready man; and writing, a correct one. All who were intimate with Mrs. Tatham know how careful and exact she was in her language, and they will now have an opportunity of seeing how clearly and accurately, how judiciously and devoutly, she could write on themes of vast and holy interest. She was much given to meditation as well as to prayer; and

whilst her general reading was extensive, in the Scriptures of truth she searched and meditated day and night.

The reader has now arrived at a date in her life under which are several papers written by her, expressive of the sound, and large, and discriminating knowledge, to which, at that time, she had attained on theological subjects, some of which shall now be introduced.

ON TEMPTATION.

October, 1786.-St. James, and other apostles, speak of temptations as being common to the most holy of men, and also as matter of joy and rejoicing to such as are exercised thereby, if so be they are not overcome by them. Yet he seemingly contradicts himself and the other apostles, where he says,

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But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." I have been led to search out the cause of this seeming contradiction. 1st, It may be observed, that all temptation hath a tendency to sin; but all temptation is not sin: there are diversities of temptations, and diversities of causes from whence temptations proceed. Some come immediately from the remains of our corrupt nature, and are in themselves sinful; others arise from the infirmity of our nature, and these every Christian hath to contend with so long as he sojourns in a tabernacle of clay. There are temptations which come directly from the enemy of souls: these our blessed Lord severely laboured under, and so do the generality of his peculiar children. There are temptations also from the world, with which every one has to struggle while he is continued in the world. Sometimes two or more of these temptations meet together; and sometimes the whole are combined: then, indeed,

the furnace is heated seven times hotter than usual, and a soul escaping through these temptations is a miracle of grace beyond the conception of man. But wherein can two or more of these causes meeting together, be made profitable to us, or become a cause of rejoicing? When the infirmities of our nature and Satanic injections meet, but are wrestled against and overcome through the power of Christ dwelling in us, we gain power over our grand adversary; our spiritual strength is increased, our experience deepened, and thus we are made more meet for activity and usefulness in the Church of Christ, and for the performance of many duties of which we should otherwise be incapable. When natural infirmities and temptations from the world and the things of the world occur separately, and are overcome and withstood to the end, they are matter of rejoicing and great joy to such as are exercised therein; but when all these meet together and are overcome, there is yet more abundant reason for rejoicing, and joy in the Lord; because such an one being, as it were, tried to the uttermost, is thereby purified; for temptation either works to the increase or decrease of grace in the soul. What are the temptations which St. James speaks of as sinful in themselves, and which our Lord himself warns us of, and bids us pray against? They are those that proceed from an unsanctified heart; which, when provoked by outward temptation to sin, it is difficult to escape from, unless a miracle of grace interpose to rescue the soul. Thus, when persecution or tribulation ariseth because of the word, men seldom stand; and where corruption and infirmity meet together, the snare is generally fatal. Now, if temptations are evils in themselves, and such they must be if they proceed from an unsanctified heart, how are they to be esteemed blessed who endure them ?