THIS VOLUME Is particularly, and most respectfully, addressed to the young females of the American Zion; accompanied with the earnest prayer, that they may be inspired, by a contemplation of the character here drawn, to the attainment of those illustrious virtues and that eminent holiness which adorned the life of their sister who has passed before them to heaven, BY THE AUTHOR. MR. E. FRENCH. DEAR SIR. It has afforded me much pleasure to learn that you have in press "The Mountain Wild Flower," by the Rev. Charles Lester. The subject of the memoir was a member of my church, and I was minutely acquainted with her history. After examining the MS. I am satisfied that it is an ac. curate and faithful picture of her life and character; a picture highly drawn, but true to the original. Mrs. Bise was considered by us all a most extraordinary woman. Truth, in this case, is not only stronger, but much better than fiction. Mr. Lester is fully adequate to his enterprise; and it is my decided impression that his work will be appreciated by a generous public. Sincerely your friend, and respectfully your obe't ser't, Austerlitz, May 5, 1838. TIMOTHY WOODBRIDGE. AUTHOR'S PREFACE. In the summer of 1837 I passed a few days in the quiet retreat of the pastor of Green River. And as I wandered through that sweet valley and over its circumjacent hills, I was surprised at the affectionate and reverent mention of the name of Mrs. Bise. Her character seemed to be stamped deeply upon the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory was embalmed in their tenderest affections. She was spoken of with enthusiasm and tears; and I often heard the desire expressed that a sketch of her life and character might be written. On this hint I took up my pen, and now present to the reader this unvarnished tale. I have often read portions of it to those who knew her best, who have assured me that not one fea. ture is overdrawn by a single shade. The facts, in regard to her intellectual power and religious eminence, are wonderful; but who shall limit the intellectual gifts bestowed by "The Father of Lights," or the moral excellence produced by the grace of the Spirit? If this work is not written in the stereotype form of Religious Biographies, it may disarm the severity of Criticism to remark, that the Author has marked out a track for himself, and has prepared himself for the undertaking, by avoiding reading a single book in this department of literature while writing it, or for a year previous. He has been guided only by the nature of the sub. ject and the impulses of his own feelings. It may be hoped that the appearance from time to time of sketches of women, remarkable for piety and intellect, may exert a conservative influence upon the female mind of our country, which is frittered away and misguided by the frivolous literature with which we are flooded; and literature, too, (if it merit the name) which is produced, with the most entire carelessness in regard to its moral tendency. Such an effect is vastly desirable when we consider the mighty influence which is put forth by the |