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46

THE GARDENER'S FORETHOUGHT

state is ours. I want a contempt of the world, more heavenly-mindedness, more humility, and, in short, very much of that which God alone can bestow. One lesson, indeed, I have learnt-that real solid satisfaction and happiness is to be found in nothing but God. May we have grace to improve it throughout our future lives. Pray for me, my dear, (I do for you, daily,) that I may have more of Enoch's spirit."

"April 1st, 1844.-Be sure the Lord will provide. It is my constant prayer that we may be prepared for whatever His will is concerning us, whether life or death, prosperity or adversity; yet, this I would say, I would rather wear out in the brine of adversity than rot out in the honey of prosperity. Let us trust the Lord where we cannot trace Him."

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'April 25th, 1844.—I often look back with pleasure at the dealings of the Lord with us, and at the sovereignty of his grace in plucking us as brands from the everlasting burning. We might have been walking with those whose paths lead to endless destruction; but oh! to grace what debtors we are constrained most willingly to be! May we fix our views on Him who fixed his love on us in all our designs and in every circumstance of life, for we know

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not what temporals are most conducive to our real interest, and frequently with equal eagerness and ignorance solicit those things which would not be good for us. Our heavenly Father alone knows what is best for us, and our prayers should be offered with entire dependence upon His goodness, and so with full submission to His sovereign will; for he overrules the schemes and contrivances of such shortsighted mortals as we, and makes them subservient to his own wise and gracious eternal purposes.. Therefore, let us trust in the Lord, and all will be well. While, upon entering another year of our lives, let us take for our motto-"The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.""

In the summer of 1815, she was united in marriage with the writer of this memorial.

But, while around the early days of that new life, officious memory loves to cling, with tearful regrets and fond longings for their return; the prayerfulness that covered our union as a sheltering robe abides still in my thoughts, both to draw forth thankfulness to the Giver of its spirit, and to administer correction for the too-oft slackness and lukewarmness suffered since. Alas, that zeal, like that which, upon

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