CHAPTER 44.

Satisfactory visit to Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey....Introduction to some of the Ladies' Committee....Death of Mr. Cappe's sister....Her character contrasted with that of a late celebrated duchess, who died the same evening, in their walk through life, and in their departure out of it.... Singular accident of the Author; the various minute independent circumstances required for her preservation....Lessons to be learnt from such deliverances,

IN returning home, I stayed some time in London, and had a lodging in Essex-street, near my old friends Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey, with whom I spent a considerable portion of every day, with more complete satisfaction and uninterrupted enjoyment, than I had ever done since their leaving Catterick. Often did we look back on those trying scenes, as on a troubled sea, long passed in safety; and the only sentiment excited by the retrospect, was that of ardent gratitude to the merciful hand, by whose guardian care, through the course of a long eventful period, we had hitherto been preserved in peace and comfort! I had the satisfaction of keeping the birth-day of my venerable, aged friend, then entering on his eighty-third year. He was become very feeble, in consequence of the repeated slight paralytic attacks already mentioned; and his eye-sight failed him so greatly, that it was not in his power to read much, or for any long time together; yet such is the force of habit, that he delighted to sit

with a book open before him, that he might refer to it whenever he found himself able. He had still great pleasure in hearing the discussion of literary, inoral, or religious subjects, by the numerous friends, some or other of whom generally visited them every day and although he could no longer take an active part in the diffusion of pure religion and virtue, the great object of his whole life-he could still instruct by his patience, cheerfulness, and resignation, under the growing infirmities of old age, and supply a living example of the character pointed out to imitation, by the royal bard of Israel, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man

is peace.

I had the pleasure, whilst in London, of being introduced to many worthy, excellent persons, and among others, to some of the Ladies' Committee; also of bringing forward by subscription, the poems of an unlettered Muse, which have since passed through three editions, and obtained for their author, Charlotte Richardson, some degree of celebrity, together with the means of a more comfortable maintenance.

On my return home, in November, 1805, I found my sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Cappe, declining very fast; she lingered however, until the 1st of April, 1806, and then expired in the seventy-third year of her age. perhaps ever trod the path of through the course of a long life, deviating steps. In the faithful discharge of every relative obligation, she was exemplary. De

Few persons humble duty, with more un

voted to the service of her friends, and regardless of her own gratification, every returning day still found her diligent at her post, labouring for others; and her reward even in this world was great, for she truly enjoyed "that peace of mind which passeth all understanding."

It is remarkable that when confined to her bed during the last fortnight, and delirious at times, from extreme feebleness, the same habits continued. "What did we come into this world for," she would say, "but to be good and to do good?" and then she would extend her weak, emaciated arms, as if knitting, sewing, or spinning, still endeavouring to occupy herself with the greatest assiduity: and the last day of her life, was really a day of triumph. "I hope," she said, " I am very thankful, but I never can be sufficiently thankful for the unspeakable blessings I now enjoy;" then clasping together her trembling withered hands" happy, happy, happy," she exclaimed, "thus to go to heaven, surrounded by such friends." And these were among the last words she was able to articulate.

This very same evening was rendered memorable by the death of an illustrious female in London, the late Duchess of D.; but in a state of mind, alas! how dissimilar. Let us pause for a moment, to contrast their different situations and subsequent characters. The one, possessing exquisite beauty, fine talents, rare accomplishments, fascinating manners, and naturally of a very amiable disposition; placed in a rank, the most elevated, entrusted with a fortune the most splen

did, no wonder that she attained the highest celebrity, not in her own country alone, but throughout the whole of civilized Europe. But was she therefore happy? For a time indeed, she seems to have pleasantly, as well as gaily, danced the round of fashionable dissipation and folly; but when wearied of these enjoyments, and that greater stimulus of gaming became necessary, how miserable did the sequel prove!-The other, born in a comparatively humble station, in whom there was nothing to admire except her virtues, and these known only within a very narrow circle; possessed of no talents or beauty, to obtain applause, and without any other ambition than simply to do her duty, had neither leisure, time, nor fortune, to bestow on amusements. Contrast them as they passed through life-contrast them in the moment of their departure out of it, and then say, which of the two characters would the voice of wisdom recommend to the imitation of her votaries ?

Ought not instances like these, to have some effect in sobering the vain ambition of parents for their children? should it not convince them, that happiness does not always result from fine accomplishments, and a splendid establishment; but rather, that whatever be the rank, situation, or acquirements, to "fear God and keep his commandments, is the whole duty of man."

In the summer of the year, 1806, I met with a very singular accident. Dining at a gentleman's house in Wakefield, I swallowed a piece of gristle of a breast of veal, which stuck in the

throat, so as entirely to compress the windpipe, and to prevent the possibility of breathing. The extreme danger of my situation was instantly perceived, and the cause discovered. It happened that Dr. Hird of Leeds, had accidentally called upon the family, and been prevailed upon to stay dinner; and the thought struck him, whilst all the rest of the company were running for assistance in various directions, to dash a quantity of cold water into my mouth, which producing a sudden contraction, gave instant relief, by dislodging the gristle. In a minute or two more, all would have been over, and I verily believe that this was the only expedient that could have been effectual, Dr. Hird, therefore, was the agent under Providence, to whom I was indebted for the preservation of my life. The sensation was exceedingly distressing, being I doubt not, precisely that which is experienced by strangulation. I was fully conscious of my situation, and rejoiced in the presence of Dr. Hird, knowing that it would be a great consolation to my three daughters, (none of whom were present) and to some other kind friends, to learn afterwards, that every thing had been done, of which the circumstances would admit.

It was a maxim of my late husband's, to inquire of every passing event, what it has to depose concerning the providence and government of God. On an occasion like this, I could not be unmindful of the salutary advice; and it was obvious to remark, that had the accident happened the day before, or the day after, both of which I spent in