cordance with His will, to some little quiet spot where

we may spend our days in His service."*

"Feb. 1849.-I do sincerely sympathize with you in being so hedged in with temptations, and I wish with all my heart you could leave all. I know it must be a great trial to resist temptation when it seems almost incumbent for the sake of peace, when those with whom we are are only workers of iniquity and children of the devil. Satan may desire to have you, but thanks be to God who is able and willing to fight all our battles, and bring us off more than conquerors, having loved us and given His own Son for us. It is indeed a comfort to have one's bosom friend to whom one can tell all we feel, but oh, what a mercy to have an everlasting God and Saviour, who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, having in His flesh-dwelling days been 'tempted in all points, like as we are, yet without sin.'"

Over the four succeeding years (1849-52), space compels me very quickly to pass. During these years we resided at the West-end of London, and my dear

*I would not again sacrifice the means of grace, as we have done, for any consideration, unless we really wanted bread and every door was shut.

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wife found at least a partial home amongst the people under the pastoral care of that laborious, earnest, and honoured servant of God, Mr. John Foreman. Under his ministry she was often privileged to profit, and, whenever she was unable either to reach her "home" at East Street, or to accompany me to my various stations, (which indeed was but seldom,) she was most thankful, here, to find that spiritual dew distilling upon the sown seed; and that true "unity of brotherhood," which is "like the precious ointment upon the head that went down even

to the skirts of the garment."

Here did she form a few friendships which were as cordials to her spirit, while the cares and conflicts of time pressed heavily; and when at last the days drew nigh when she could have no pleasure in them, when the keeper of the house trembled, and the silver cord began to be loosed, then was the firmer cord of Christian kindness tried and found a true "help in the time of trouble."

In January, 1853, she was delivered of her fifth child. The previous month had been a peculiarly anxious time, and called forth the exercise of that patience which at length worked experience of the

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THE BARK DECAYS

nearness of a 66 God of hope." With much conflict, I left her early in the morning of the 16th, to preach at Cheshunt, and driving back immediately after the morning service, I found the trouble passed, and the smile of a thankful heart succeeding. For the first fortnight her recovery appeared to hastenbut now a change took place-great weakness kept her a prisoner, and a sore cough grew distressingly. Our fears were indeed raised, and gradually confirmed, when at the end of a few weeks, two physicians declared consumption to have taken deep root, and a speedy close of her precious life inevitable.

To attempt a record of our feelings under this unexpected stroke would perhaps be unprofitable, and most certainly impossible; but the exercises of her own mind, at this period, she has left behind in several letters-two of these to her sister I give :

"My dear Sister,

"Lisson Grove, Feb. 15th, 1853.

"I am very much obliged to you for offering to take my dear little Sarah; I will willingly trust her with you; for the children all love you, and I know

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you will take care of her.. I am only allowed yet to walk from the bedroom to the library; however, I am, through mercy, decidedly better, and I pray that God will still go on to be gracious, and spare me, if His sovereign will, to see my dear children all walking in the fear of the Lord. If not, I pray that I may be able to say, 'Thy will be done.' The Lord has indeed been very good; I have enjoyed more of His presence, and sweeter communion with my God, than in any confinement before. So, my dear sister, we sometimes realise the truth of the promise, that 'all things work together for good to them that love God.' I am getting tired, so, for the present, dear Rebecca, good bye.

"Your affectionate sister,

"SARAH BLAND."

"Lisson Grove, April 12th,-22nd, 1853.

"My dear Rebecca,

"I am happy to tell you, through mercy, the doctor pronounced me better. The wheezing (which he was so anxious about) in my left lung was improved, and he was as pleased to find it so as if I had been his own daughter. I am now under one of the most

eminent Homœopathists-but you will hear all particulars from Brother George, who is among my most constant and anxious visitors.

"Now, my dear sister, I know that

'Life, death, and hell, and worlds unknown
Hang on His firm decree.'

"It is our duty to use the means; but afflictions are sent in love; and I desire to kiss the rod, and say, 'Do with me as seemeth good in Thy sight.' There is a precious hymn that I have been turning over and over in my mind for the last few days, beginning thus

'I've found the pearl of greatest price!

My heart doth sing for joy,

And sing I must-a Christ I have!
Oh, what a Christ have I'

(Indeed, this has been very precious.)

'My Christ-He is the Heaven of Heavens,
My Christ, what shall I call?

My Christ is first, my Christ is last,

My Christ is all in all.'”

By the last of these letters it will be seen, that, on the avowal of several practitioners in the old regime