affliction, on purpose that he might make himself known to me; and then having made me meet, to take me to glory.

"When I tell some persons, that I have nothing to depend upon in myself to recommend me to God, they reply, O you are much better than some of your neighbours, and therefore this may well be a ground for confidence. I find, when considering what passes within, that I have so much amiss in me, that I have never done any thing in my life which in itself deserves the name of good. Yet I am not cast down, because I know that there is mercy in Christ.

"I was always desirous to avoid gross sins, and to become acquainted with the plan of the Gospel; but as to any thing like a deep, serious impression, amounting to a surrender of the heart unto God, I was not acquainted with, until about the time of the operation."

Her language as to the necessity of the whole heart being given up to God was vigorous; pointedly marking out how completely unavailing it was to attempt compromising matters between God and the world. 66 My children and my diseases," said she, "are nothing to me, because I hold Christ in high esteem. Whenever you hear the bell go out for me, rejoice, for all my sufferings will be ended. I have told my sister and all my friends, not to shed a tear for me when I die, but to praise God."

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"What I desire for my family is, that they may know Christ. have no anxiety about them on any other point. I can leave all the rest to God. I sometimes think for a moment that I trust too much in God, under the idea that I have done nothing for him."

Upon this observation it was remarked, that there was no danger of our putting too much honour upon God. The reply was, "I am fully convinced of this." The idea arose

from a lively impression of her own utter worthlessness.

"At other times, for a short period, I am ready to ask, Am I not deceiving myself? How is it that I am entitled to this privilege?" The answer is, In the life and death of Christ.

"How much pleasure have I found in that beautiful petition in the Communion Service: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit !" What relief have I obtained in prayer!"

About the middle of July last, her minister was constrained to express his admiration at that thorough submission to the divine will which was so excellently manifested in Mrs. A. He does not recollect before to have observed, at least not to that extent, or in so striking a degree, taking all circumstances into consideration, the poet's description:

"Pleas'd with all the Lord provides; Wean'd from all the world besides." "I cannot for a moment conceive, that the Lord's dealings are unkind. I seem to think it impossible."

As her minister was leaving his parish for almost a fortnight, he named some persons whom he thought would be willing and able to enter into religious conversation, should there be a lack of this description. This was the reply: "I am never at a loss for consolation, as I always find relief in prayer."

On the pastor's return, and inquiring, "What has been the state of your mind during my absence?" the answer was, Comfortable; satisfied that the Lord is not doing any thing unkind. I have been grieved to-day at the recollection of my own vileness; and then again so overcome with the remembrance of the Lord's loving kindness, that if I had had strength, I could have sung aloud,

'My Shepherd is the living Lord,' &c.

I see nothing so valuable as Christ."

One of Mrs. A.'s sisters, bidding her farewell, said, "If I were as happy as you, I could be content to have a cancer in my heart." This idea evinces the joyous state of her mind.

An excellent clergyman in the neighbourhood being on a visit to her pastor, kindly called with him, and expounded the beginning of John xiv. We used arguments to fortify her mind against the assaults of Satan, under the impression that he might be permitted sorely to harass her. Very little, however, of this was experienced. As Mrs. A. had so much to contend with in the body, might she not be spared that fierce conflict with the grand adversary which some are called to endure? In allusion to this visit, on the following day, she spoke of it as a refreshing season, and in strong terms stated, how highly she prized the pastoral visits with which she had been favoured, both from her own minister and some of his clerical friends. While she reserved the highest glory for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, she expressed, in appropriate terms, her sense of obligation to the ambassadors of Christ, who called upon her in her affliction; esteeming "them very highly in love for their work's sake."

"I feel no more afraid to die, than a person who is in health is afraid to go to sleep. The Lord's will be done, whether in affliction or death."

A kind friend, conversing with her, observed, " Every real Christian would wish to say the same, but every one hath not made this attainment."

Mrs. A. added, "I really can say from my heart, The Lord's will be done. My afflictions have been my greatest mercies. When I had to undergo the operation, I cast myself at the foot of the cross, where I have remained ever since,

and trust still to remain. A Christian will no more live without prayer, than a man will live without food. When I was down stairs, and found myself low spirited and poorly, I came up stairs, engaged in prayer, and went down quite cheerful."

A clergyman's widow, in allusion to Mrs. A. said; "I found her in such a composed, happy state, that I asked her if she suffered any pain?"

"I am never without pain," was the reply; "but when sudden shoots dart through me, I then am obliged to cry to the Lord to enable me to bear it. I desire to bless God; my sufferings are the least of my thoughts. These are taken up in admiring his great love to me, an unworthy sinner. It is since my illness that he has shown me what a lost, undone, miserable sinner I am. O what a mercy it is that he led me to himself for all my happiness! What should I do now without Christ? I can truly say, that his name is sweeter to me than honey and the honey-comb. He is more to me than all the world besides. I can leave all, and I long for the welcome summons. Were life and health offered me, I should much rather die. O how precious is Christ to me? I cannot praise him as I ought. In the world above, I shall know that I have not had one pain too much." When parting, Mrs. A. added, "We shall meet in glory."

"When recovering from a for→ mer illness, I was very peevish and cross, and wished to be moved about; but now I feel myself happy any where. It is wonderful how any one's disposition can be thus changed in so short a time. It does not alarm me in the least to hear the solemn bell; I wish to go whenever it pleases God to take me. I hope I shall not live long enough to have the lump now forming break."

This expression was considered as bordering more on impatience, than any other observed by those who narrowly watched the workings of Mrs. A.'s mind. If there was a period when the appearance of dread from increasing suffering was visible, this was the day; yet even then her mental state was very desirable.

August 14. "All that I wish is to be humble at the feet of Jesus; and, bless the Lord, he keeps me there. I believe, that this affliction was the means of bringing me to the knowledge of the Lord. What a wonderful support has he been to me! It is not I, it is all Christ's work. I cannot tell a thousandth part of what he has done for me. I hope that I shall die with prayer in my mouth."

Her husband, with tears in his eyes, mourning for her this morning, said, "All things seem against

me.

"The wife replied, "Put your trust in the Lord, you need not fear. I am an example; look how he supports me under this great affliction. Can he not support you under less? Bless the Lord, I never have a doubt, a fear, or a despairing thought."

August 17. A lady calling in, and observing, "You have laid a long time ill," Mrs. A. with cheerfulness replied, "O no, it seems a very short time, but a bit of a while. It appears as if the Lord were calling me at the eleventh hour."

She was so animated with a sense of the Saviour's presence, as frequently to speak of herself as much supported as if she saw Christ at her right hand. She expressed herself very emphatically on the subject of dying; saying, "I do not think that I can feel death. I had my father to see me t'other night. I asked him if he would read a prayer to me, which he attempted, but could not proceed for weeping. Said I, Why JAN. 1824.

do you cry? you have reason to rejoice in my consolations."

August 22. A tumour having burst, which produced an effusion of blood, Mrs. A. shortly after remarked to her pastor, "When I first saw the blood which appeared since you were last here, I was startled; but I soon thought, Is not the Lord able to support me under this also? And this has since been my consolation."

Mrs. A. frequently expressed her deep anxiety for the spiritual welfare of her children.-"Could I hear my children with weeping say, What must I do to be saved? I do assure you, that it would give me more delight, than if I were informed that an estate had been left to each; if at the same time they were proceeding in the vanity of their mind, and living without God in the world."

Her affections were so much deadened to the things of time and sense, that she seemed scarcely to be living in this world. Doubtless she was not of, though she was in, the world. May we diligently pursue this desirable disposition!

When this excellent hymn of the revered Mr. Newton was repeated, "Let worldly minds the world pur sue," &c.

Mrs. A. was much struck with it, and particularly with the last lines, which she repeated:

"If thou hadst not lov'd me first,

I had refused thee still."

"This," said she, "altogether describes my experience. I have been favoured in general with consolation since I last saw you; and if I have known any thing like despair, it did not last more than two minutes." Sept. 2. "You never have a murmuring thought?" "Murmur, Ma'am, no;" with emphasis, said Mrs. A. 66 I cannot murmur. Oh! murmur! murmur! If I murmured, I should be

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A reference being made to a sermon preached on the preceding Sunday, Mrs. A. said; " Many people think themselves very good because they are not so bad as their neighbours. I never thought so of myself, I never could fancy myself, good or righteous.-I really think the Gospel will soon be taken from this place. If so, those who love the truth will feel the loss; but those who do not love it, will rejoice. What a poor, disconsolate place will this be then!"

Sept. 30. "Whenever I find myself in more pain than usual, I pray to the Lord, and I soon find myself easier. I did not think it possible, that any one could have enjoyed the comfort that I have before death. Whatever is my pain, the Lord always gives me patience to bear it."

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With reference to her youngest child, only two years old, Mrs. A. said, My sister has kindly taken my child. I have often prayed to God to provide a mother for my little one; and it was my wish that my sister should be the mother, but I could not think of making the request. My sister made the proposal, and I joyfully accepted the offer. How much does the Lord give me that I want! My heart overflows with gratitude. I would rather part with my food than my prayers. I cannot live without prayer; it is so sweet to me."

Mrs. A.'s joy was so extended, as scarcely to be supported by human nature. If the new creation can be the subject of such delight here, what will be enjoyed by the redeemed in the bright world above? Oct. 7. "I am very weak indeed, but all joy-all joy! Christ is with me. My joy is such, that I wish, if I had strength, to make the room ring with singing praise to God."

Oct. 8. "I had hoped to have kept feast in heaven.

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Oct. 28. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to Mrs. A. with some of her attentive neighbours; to whom she expressed what a feast the holy ordinance had been to her. She was much exhausted and greatly reduced, but contented and happy, knowing that ere long she should be with Jesus. On another occasion, Mrs. A. said,

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My pain is so great, that it is inexpressible as well as my joy. I never desired any thing so much as I do to die, unless it were to obtain the pardon of my sins."

There was nevertheless, habitually on her part, a willingness to wait the Lord's time. On being asked, what she considered to have been her master-sin? Mrs. A.'s re

ply was; "I consider my principal crime to have been, the breaking of the sabbath; but sin appears to me so hateful, that I seem to have broken the whole law of God. I am sure the Lord knew no other way of bringing me to himself, but by visiting me with very severe afflictions. I hope that I shall not have very acute pains in my last hours: but why should I doubt such a God, who has been so very kind to me!"

The same friend, the night be

fore her death, asked her, how she found herself? whether her faith was strong? and if Christ was precious to her now? Affectionately pressing her hand, Mrs. A. replied: "You may tell all my, and all your friends, that there never died a happier sinful creature out of this world, through the precious blood of Christ."

Inquiring of her affectionate attendant, "Do you think that I am dying?" who replied, "I think so." Mrs. A. with triumph exclaimed; "Death is swallowed up in victory," &c.-1 Cor. xv. 55, 56, 57.

Instances like this before us, have a voice to the families and relatives of such excellent deceased characters. You have sustained a serious loss in being bereaved of such friends. You have, however, this best of consolation under your circumstances; an assurance, that your loss is the incalculable gain of your departed relatives. Mark well the merciful points of the dispensations, and listen attentively to all the admonitions which they furnish. A light which has shone with more than common brightness has been kindled among you, proving to you that the Bible is its own witness; and that the God of the Bible not only did great things for such as were sanctified thousands of years since, but that he is still the same Almighty Benefactor. Recollect, you will have to give an account of the warnings and instructions administered to you by departed connexions, either in their counsels or line of conduct. Pray, that the Holy Spirit may so enable you to consider this, that it may become to you in particular the power of God to your soul's salvation.

The case before us furnishes the young with the most wholesome instructions. Mrs. A. began to pray for chastity at ten years of age. If this line of conduct were universally adopted, " watching thereunto with all perseverance,

we should not witness that misery which appears on all hands from licentiousness. If you would avoid the danger, disgrace, and misery into which many fall, be always upon your guard against sinful thoughts, words, and conduct. Every thing that offends against purity of heart and life is forbidden in the seventh Commandment.

We observe here, also, the vast importance of having Christ for our friend. See how happy his Spirit and consolations can make us, under situations that are the most trying to flesh and blood. All must die; and though all may not die from a cancer, there are many diseases that can make us as loathsome to ourselves and others. Let us meditate upon these things, not only when death is immediately before us, but habitually, and let us from the heart make this our daily prayer; "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." To do this with a prospect of success, we should "set the Lord always before us," mindful, that in his own person, he hath taught us how to live and how to die. We should from the first dawn of reason remember the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. We should diligently seek after Scriptural provisions for ourselves and others; always deeply impressed with the absolute necessity of being thoroughly furnished to all good works by the grace and Spirit of Christ. What is the Saviour's own declaration? "Without me, ye can do nothing." How is it pointedly written respecting the Holy Ghost? "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Nor must we at the same moment forget the needs be for the drawing of the Father, since Eternal Truth hath said; "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.",

G. K.