University of Virginia Library

Boston, Dec. ye 31.

It wanteth but two hours to the Midnight, and the
End of the Year. The family are all abed, and I can
hear nothing save the crackling of the Fire now burning
low on the hearth, and the ticking of the Clock in
the corner. The weather being sharp with Frost, there
is no one stirring in the Streets, and the trees and
bushes in the yard being stripped of their leaves, look
dismal enough above the white snow with which the

ground is covered, soe that one would think that all
things must needs die with the year. But, from my
window, I can see the Stars shining with marvellous
brightness in the clear sky, and the sight thereof doth
assure me that God still watcheth over the Work of
His hands, and that in due season he will cause the
flowers to appear on the Earth, and the time of singing
Birds to come, and the voice of the Turtle to be heard
in the land. And I have been led while alone here to
think of the many Mercies which have been vouchsafed
unto me in my travels and sojourn in a strange
land, and a sense of the wonderful Goodness of God
towards me, and they who are dear unto me, both here
and elsewhere, hath filled mine Heart with thankfulness;
and as of old time they did use to set up Stones
of memorial on the Banks of deliverance, soe would I
at this season set up as it were in my poor Journal a
like pillar of Thanksgiving to the praise and honor of
Him who hath soe kindly cared for his unworthy
Handmaid.