DIARY.—REFLECTIONS.—SICKNESS.—LETTER PROM REV. DR. SHARP.—CORRESPONDENCE.
On the first of January, 1850, Mr. Lawrence, as usual, reviews, in his property-book, the state of his affairs during the preceding year, with an estimate of his expenditures. The entry for the present year is as follows:
"The amount of my expenditures for all objects (taxes included) is about one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. I consider the money well spent, and pray God constantly that I may be watchful in the use of the blessings he bestows, so that at last he may admit me among the faithful that surround his throne."
The above entry will give some idea of the fidelity with which his trusts had been fulfilled, so far as regarded his worldly possessions. Each year, as it rolled by, as well as each successive attack of illness, seemed only to stimulate him in his efforts to accomplish what he could while the day lasted. No anxious fears disturbed him as he looked forward to the near approach of "that night when no man can work." That night to him was but a prelude of rest from bodily weakness and suffering, and the forerunner of a brighter day, of which, even in this world, he was sometimes permitted to obtain a glimpse. He says:
"My own health and strength seem renewed. That cholera attack has changed the whole man; and it is only now and then I am brought to a pause that quickens me in my work when again started. A week since, I ventured on two ounces of solid food for my dinner, differing from what I have taken for many years. Nine hours after, in my sleep, I fainted, and was brought to life by dear N. standing over me, giving ammonia, rubbing, and the like. Fasting the day following brought me back to the usual vigor and enjoyments. Do you not see in this the sentence, 'Do with thy might what thy hand findeth to do,' stereotyped in large letters before me. This it is that brings me to the work at this hour in the morning."
"March 24.—Received a letter from Rev. Mr. Hallock, Secretary of the American Tract Society, saying that the Society will publish Dr. Hamilton's lecture on the literary attractions of the Bible, which I had sent them a few weeks since; and will supply me with two thousand copies, as I requested.
"Received also, this morning, another tract of Dr. H. from sister K., in London; called the 'Happy Home,' which finished that series to the working people. After reading this number, I feel a strong desire to see the preceding nine numbers."
(TO THE REV. JAMES HAMILTON, D.D.)
"Boston, March 24, 1850.
"Rev. and dear Sir: I need not repeat to you how deeply interesting all your writings which I have seen have been to me; but you may not feel indifferent to the fact that the lecture you delivered four months ago, on the literary attractions of the Bible (which I received from my sister, Mrs. Abbott Lawrence, a few weeks since), is now in process of republication by the American Tract Society, agreeably to my request. I hope to assist in scattering it broadcast over our broad land; and thus you will be speaking from your own desk, with the speed of light, to an audience from Passamaquoddy to Oregon. Will you do me the favor to give me a copy of 'Happy Home,' from which I may teach my children and grandchildren.
"Respectfully your friend, and brother in Christ,
"Amos Lawrence."
(TO A COUNTRY CLERGYMAN (ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL).)
"Boston, May 16, 1850.
"Rev. and dear Sir: I make no apology in asking your acceptance of the above, as I am quite sure it cannot come amiss to a poor clergyman, situated as you are. I pray that you will feel, in using it, you cheer my labors, and make me more happy while I am able to enjoy life, in thus sending an occasional remembrancer to one for whom I have always felt the highest respect and esteem.
Your friend,
"Amos Lawrence."
The above letter contained a draft for one hundred dollars, of which Mr. Lawrence makes the following memorandum, dated on the 18th:
"Mr. —— acknowledges the above letter in very grateful terms, being what his pressing wants require."
In a letter to President Hopkins, dated June 22, Mr. Lawrence says: