CHAPTER XVIII. Her Marriage-Removal to Frankfort-Interesting RevivalExtracts from Letters-Mr. P. invited to Bangor-Communication from a Friend in Frankfort-Revival in Bangor-Letters— Illness and Death-Extract from Funeral Sermon. THE fond hopes which had been cherished in many hearts, that Miss Cushing would again take up her residence in Bloomfield, were not to be realized. Providence had intended her for another sphere of usefulness. After spending three months with her friends in B., she gave her hand in marriage to the Rev. CHARLES G. PORTER. A few days previous to this event, she made in her journal the following entry: "Am soon to enter upon new duties. Blessed Jesus! without thee, I can do nothing. Oh, remember me in mercy. Is it not a way marked out for me, by thine own hand, and wilt thou not provide for every want? I ask not for riches or honor, or long life, but for a preparation for that important and responsible place thou art appointing me." Her journal continues: "Dec. 29. This evening, the greatest step of human life is to be taken: O God! remember and bless us. Prepare us by thy grace to promote thy cause on the earth, and for all thy holy will. "Jan. 5, 1843. On our journey to Frankfort. Have left my dear friends to go among strangers. Am to be as a mark for the arrow; and oh, how insufficient! Lord Jesus! go with me, and strengthen me with every needful grace. "FRANKFORT, Jan. 7. The Lord has, I believe, directed us to this place, and prepared the way for the labors of my husband with this little church, only fourteen in number. "To-day, the little flock met at our boardinghouse for conference. They appeared to be united in their desires for a revival of religion; for the conversion of sinners; and may we not expect the Lord to pour us out a blessing, while the church stand pleading and waiting at the altar? Is he not holding out the sceptre of mercy to us? And is there not now a sound of an abundance of rain? And has he not chosen his servant to gather in a harvest of precious souls in this place? Yes, I must believe it. "Jan. 8. To-day, three have professed Christ, by baptism, and joined the church. May the little one become a thousand. "Jan., 2nd week. The Lord is indeed in this place; sinners tremble under the dispensation of truth. Some are inquiring what they shall do to be saved, and soliciting the prayers of Christians. After meeting, one young lady repaired with others to our room, and fell upon her knees, while prayer was offered for her; she seemed as though she could not rise, until God had had mercy upon her. The church are indeed wrestling with God in prayer for the conversion of sinners. "Jan., 3rd week. Prayer-meeting every afternoon, and lecture every evening. Crowded assemblies; many rise for prayer. A little company of misses came to my room, that prayer might be offered in their behalf; they seemed willing to bow the knee, but do they feel sufficiently humbled? O Lord, help them to press into the kingdom of heaven. May the cloud of mercy break upon sinners, that there may be a great turning to the Lord. "Jan., 4th week. The cloud of mercy seems to break; sinners are prepared to praise the Lord for his goodness. May God carry on his work. "Feb., 1st week. Meetings every afternoon and evening. Some are rejoicing, and others mourning for sin. Thirteen baptized. "Feb., 2nd week. Confined to my room, by indisposition. Does not the Lord see that I need this affliction? Dare not ask for recovery, for fear it may not be his will. But though thus confined, can still pray for sinners, that God would continue to pour out his Spirit. "Feb., 3rd week. Still confined from our place of worship. But some dear youths, who are without hope, assemble in my room for prayer. How blessed to lead the inquiring soul to Jesus. "Feb. 26. The Lord still continues to pour out his Spirit; two more baptized." The following extract from a letter to her sister, written about this time, will not be uninteresting: "FRANKFORT, Nov. 10, 1843. ** "DEAR SISTER: * This is a beautiful village, with a pleasant society, and we are experiencing a revival of religion; such an one as I never before witnessed. Mr. P. has preached almost every evening since we came here. All classes have shared in this work; Universalists, Unitarians, and I believe I am safe in saying, Infidels, and some who could not read, are now the humble followers of Christ. *The greatest solemnity and stillness attend every meeting. It is deeply interesting to hear little children speaking forth the praises of God, and telling what he has done for their souls. Old men, with little boys, in the same meeting, declare alike the blessedness of the religion of Christ. A number of little misses frequently come to our room for religious conversation and prayer. "The sight of my eyes often affects my heart. We see those who have been the most gay and thoughtless, now weeping for sin, and willing to bow before God, while prayer is offered for them. "Almost every meeting, we have new evidence of the power of God. The stout-hearted arise before a crowded assembly, and beg the prayers of Christians; those they once hated and shunned. "You may ask what kind of preaching it is, that produces this effect? It is the plain, simple truth of the Bible, attended with divine power; it goes to the heart, and sinners cannot resist. Mr. Porter frequently says to me, 'Well, I know not what I shall preach from this evening;' but when the hour arrives, his mouth seems to be filled with arguments, and the congregation appear as though they were hearing for eternity. They seem to say, by the silent tear and earnest look, 'What shall I do to be saved?' Between fifty and sixty have, we trust, been made the subjects of this revival. * * "There is no probability of our leaving this place at present; we do not feel that we ought. It is a delightful field of labor, and a glorious harvest will, I doubt not, be gathered into the church. Our hands are full-and blessed be the name of God! Dear sister, his goodness to me and mine is wonderful. He does indeed bless the labors of my husband, and I would be humble in view of his great mercies." * * "March 12. Nine more baptized. Some seem almost persuaded to be Christians; but oh, how useless to be thus persuaded. As well might they have gone on thoughtless, as to come thus far, and no farther. May God have mercy upon them, and make them altogether Christians. "March 20. The Lord be praised that he is still lending a listening ear to the cries of his people, and displaying his Almighty power in the conversion of sinners. "March 26. Eight to-day followed their Savior in the ordinance of baptism. Oh, may God still have mercy upon sinners in this place; that they may not stand condemned and trembling when he shall come to judge the world. I would place my |