"Boston, June 11, 1847.

"My Friend: I have your letter of yesterday; and, in reply, I offer it as my opinion that the Unitarianism growing up among us the few years past has so much philosophy as to endanger the Christian character of our denomination, and to make us mere rationalists of the German school, which I dread more than anything in the way of religious progress. The church at —— may be of use in spreading Christianity; but it may also be a reproval to it. I do not feel sufficient confidence in it to give money to keep life in it until I see evidence of some of the conservative influences that my own beloved and honored pastor is calling back among us.

Your well-wisher and friend,

"A. L.

"P. S.—I fully agree in the opinion that —— is an important point for the dissemination of truth; and, before giving aid, I must know the man before I help support the minister, having small confidence in the teachings of many who enjoy considerable reputation as teachers of righteousness. I may have expressed doubts and fears that may not seem well founded; but I feel them."

The following entry in his diary will give some idea of Mr. Lawrence's exactness in his daily business:

"Saturday, July 24, 1847.—Enclosed in a note to the Rev. —— ——, of ——, a fifty-dollar bank-note, of the Atlantic Bank, No. 93, dated Jan. 1, 1846, payable to George William Dodd; letter A at each end of the bill, and A. P. P. in blue ink, in my writing, at the top. Sent the letter to the post-office by coachman, and paid the postage; he keeping a memorandum of his having delivered it, and paid for it.

A. L."

"Sept. 14.—Professor ——, of the Baptist College in ——, has called, to whom I shall give a parcel of books for the use of the college, and also a good word, which I hope will make him remember in whose service he is engaged."

"Sept. 15.—Delivered him about two hundred and fifty volumes, various; all of value to him and his college, he said. He is a young man (under thirty years) and a minister."

"September 16, 1847, Sabbath-day.[12]—'O most blessed Lord and Saviour; thou who didst, by thy precious death and burial, take away the sting of death and the darkness of the grave! grant unto me the precious fruit of this holy triumph of thine, and be my guide both in life and in death. In thy name will I lay me down in peace and rest; for thou, O Lord, makest me to dwell in safety! Enlighten, O Lord, the eyes of my understanding, that I may not sleep the sleep of death! Into thy hands I commend my spirit; for thou hast redeemed me, O thou covenant-keeping God! Bless and preserve me, therefore, both now and forever! Amen!'

"These are suitable thoughts and aspirations, such as every Christian may profitably indulge on retiring each night. His bed should remind him of his grave; and, as the day past brings him so much nearer to it, the appearance, when summoned hence, should be the point most distinctly before him. If he pass on with the 'Well done,' no time can be amiss when called up. O God! grant me to be ever ready; and, by thy blessing and thy mercy, grant me to be allowed to join company with those loved and precious ones whom I feel entirely assured are at thy right hand, then to be no more separated!

Amos Lawrence."

Fac-Simile of Mr Lawrence's Hand-writing in 1847.

The following note and memorandum by Mr. Lawrence will show how he dealt with an old debtor:

(TO MR. G.)

"My dear Sir: If you have any mode by which I can have the pleasure of receiving your note and interest, amounting to twenty-three hundred dollars, to be vested by me for the benefit of your wife, I shall be pleased to do it, having long since determined to appropriate this money, whenever received, in this way

"Yours, truly,

A. L.
"For himself and brother A."

"Mem.—Mr. —— was an invalid, and confined to his house at that period, and sent for me to call and see him. I did so, and he seemed much affected at my offer; but told me he was in better circumstances than I had supposed him, and declined the proffered aid. The information thus given me in this last interview was most welcome: from that time, I never mentioned his debt. After his decease, it was paid by his sons; and the family has been prosperous since. I spent the money for others in need, and am rejoiced that all his are so comfortable."

Many of our readers who can look back a few years will recall to memory the manly form, and fine, open countenance, of William L. Green, who was so suddenly cut off at the very threshold of what promised to be an honorable and useful career. He had come to Boston from his native town of Groton; and, after serving an apprenticeship, had entered upon a successful business. He had endeared himself to a large circle of friends, and possessed such qualities of mind and heart as had made him the stay and hope of his parents in their declining years.