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If not inconsistent with the plan of your Miscellany, permit me to beg the favour of you to insert the following Question; and I should, at the same time, solicit some one of your judicious Correspondents to add to your kindness by a reply. SIGMA.

A MINISTER, whose lot the great Lord of his church and people hath cast into a wilderness situation, and who hath a large congregation, considering the distance he is from any town, hath been requested to itinerate round the neighbourhood, where there is no gospel. Would it be acting right to shut up his own chapel one part of the Lord's Day, in order to preach to those who, if so inclined, could frequently attend upon his stated labours?-It should be observed, that being in the heart of a manufacturing country, the people will not attend on any other but the Sabbath-day.

QUESTIONS

PROPOSED BY VARIOUS CORRESPONDENTS,

WHO WILL BE GRATIFIED BY JUDICIOUS ANSWERS.

What is the best way to obtain support under, or deliverance from, the fiery darts and blasphemous suggestions of Satan? and if melancholy or outward troubles have any share in occasioning these trials, how are they to be cured? A. B.

What is the meaning of John iii. 13, "No man hath aseended up to Heaven but he that came down from Heaven; even the Son of man, who is in Heaven"

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L.

A. B. requests a few remarks on that beautiful parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard. - Matt. xx.

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What is the scriptural meaning of a Christian making his calling and election sure?

G. H. R. will thank any Correspondent to reconcile the two following texts, apparently contradictory :

Is. xxviii. 16, "He that believeth shall not make haste."
Is. xlix. 17," Thy children shall make haste."

A person wishes to know, What judgment he may form of himself, who has long sat under a stated minister, with an earnest desire to profit, yet thinks he never received any benęfit; but has found himself more edified when he has heard other preachers occasionally? He wishes to know, Whether he ought not to attend upon another minister, whose preaching he thinks has been blessed to him, though he is of a different opinion as to some non-essential points?

MISS I. THOMPSON,

Obituary.

died Aug. 10, 1803,
in the fifteenth year of her age.

THE Conversion of a soul at any period of life, is so inestimable a mercy, as to inspire angels with joy and gratitude; but if this change be effected in early life, the blessing is more abundant, and calls for the loudest praise.

The subject of this obituary, the daughter of Mr. Thompson, a respectable linen draper, in High Holborn, was an early victim to death; but, blessed be God, an carlier trophy of divine grace! It was her privilege to be brought up by parents who watched over her spiritual interests with a Christian solicitude; and enforced, by an endearing carriage, what they recommended in word. Knowing the dangerous tendency of the mode of bringing up children at many boarding-schools, it was their concern to place her, and a younger sister, under the care of a pious lady, at Islington, who, conceiving religious instruction to be a necessary part of female education, endeavoured to fix upon her mind a serious regard to the best things.

At the time Miss Thompson was in this school, several of the young ladies were under serious impres sions. One of these earnestly rePresenting to her the importance of paying a due attention to the salvation of her soul,- from that period a visible change was discovered, both in her deportment and disposition. She expressed to her younger sister what a great sinner

she

was; how deeply she was at fected; and sought opportunities for retirement, for the purposes of reading the Scriptures and secret prayer.

Her parents, on every other Sab. bath, indulged her and her sister with dising at home, and attending divine worship at Tottenham

Court chapel. Mr. Moody's visit was remarkably useful to her, especially his farewell-sermon. Under this she wept excessively; and on returning home, when it was remarked, What an affectionate dis course has been delivered! -she. replied, "It was a farewell-sermon indeed!" and added, as if she had had some presentiment of her death, "I am sure I shall never hear him again!" This assertion proved true; for in two months after, she broke a blood-vessel. The consequence was a decline; of which she died in about twenty weeks.

On the night she ruptured the blood-vessel, her mother was greatly alarmed; but she, on the contrary, was quite composed. She was, therefore, supposed to be insensible of her danger; and being asked. the next morning if it was so, she answered, "I expected every mo. ment to be my last; but had not the least fear of dying." For some time previous to her illness, the general tenor of her prayer was,, That God would prepare her for the hour of trial; and on being informed, after the bleeding was stopped, that the physician apprehended a consumption would ensue, she exclaimed," Pleasing news! May it be a lingering one, that I may be well tried!"

During a confinement of five months her frame was diversified; but seldom was she in great distress. To most of the questions put to her, such answers were given as discovered a mind divinely enlightened, and placed on things above. On being asked, If she knew the precise time when she was called? She answered," No; I have been drawn by the cords of love; but this I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see." Seeing her mother weep, she said, "Think what troubles and trials I shall escape, to which you have been exposed! Why should my mother weep, seeing her child is

going to glory!" and then repeated,
with considerable energy,
"Then while ye hear my heart-strings
break,

How sweet my minutes roll!
A mortal paleness on my cheek,

And glory in my soul!"

Being informed one day, of a friend at the point of death, who anxiously wished to be restored, she answered, "What is there to attract her here!

"All is vanity I see!

"Lord, I long to be with thee !"
Having had two or three very
good days, in the advanced stages
of the disorder, it was suggested,
if she should have one or two more,
there would be some hopes of her
recovery. She shook her head,
and said, "Do not say so, I would
not come back again into the
world!" A friend. one day, asked
her, If she did not find the enemy
busy with her?
"I find," replied
she, with great firmness, "that
there is one above him." Indeed,
she seemed, in general, to possess
a sweet composure and fixed de-
pendence on Christ. One of the
ministers of Tottenham Court
chapel having paid her an unex-
pected visit, was requested to re-
new it; which he frequently did.
On one of these visits she intimated,
that it had been for some time on

her mind to go to the Lord's Ta-
ble; and said, If not improper, it
would gratify her to commemorate
his death, who had taken her sins
himself. The minister, pre-
upon
vious to administering the sacra-
ment, had thought, as this very
young person appeared peculiarly
calm and confident, perhaps the
work of conviction for sin was ex-
tremely superficial; and, therefore,
put several questions, tending to
discover whether that were the case:

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Well, Miss, as you are but young, have never been permitted to run into outward sin, and have had a religious education, I suppose you must have a pretty good heart?' "O no, no,” replied she, with a solemnity on her countenance not to be described, "deceitful above all things, the chief of sinners, viler than the thie :- -I abhor my

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self!" "If then you are so great a sinner, do you imagine Christ will save one so vile as you?' "Yes," was her answer; "I can trust my soul in his hands, who died for the vilest." Many more questions to the same effect were put, and answered with as much propriety. Being told of a neighbour, who said, on hearing of her illness, That she would be sure to be happy, for she had no sins to answer for, she replied, with emphasis, "I am glad I do not think so!" her illness, paid her several visits, An intimate female friend, during which were not a little impressive.

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ed,' says her friend, What a mercy
At our first interview, I remark
it is that you have not now a God
to seck; having been enabled, by
divine grace, to commit your all
unto him while in health!'
"O
yes," she replied, "it is a mercy,
for which I can never be suffici

ently thankful! Had this illness
commenced a twelvemonth ago, I
know not how I should have borne
it!" Upon enquiring into the
general, I enjoy a solid hope of in-
frame of her mind, she said, "In
terest in the Redeemer; but I do
not feel any rapturous joys; nor
can I say that I am wholly free
from doubts and fears. However,
I desire to be thankful for that de-

gree of serenity with which I am
indulged." The second time I saw
her, she was considerably worse;
and her cough so troublesome, as
From what she dropped at inter-
to prevent much conversation.
mind was calm, and free from dis-
vals, I could perceive that her
tressing fears. Among other things,
she said, "I have often thought,
with much pleasure, upon a verse
in Dr. Rippon's Selection: -
"The arrows that shall wound my flesh,

Were given from above;
Dipt in the great Redeemer's blood,

And feather'd all with love !"

Our last meeting was solemn and affecting; and left on my mind an impression which time can never efface. When I entered the room, she exclaimed, with animation and sparkling eyes, "The physician has given me up; and I have no desire

to live!"

My feelings, at that Conversion of an aged Sinner.

time, cannot be described;

-- to

see one so near eternity, even on the very brink, looking forward to death, not only calm, but also joyful and triumphant! "Yesterday," said she, “ I had the ordinance ;, and though not wholly devoid of fear, yet, upon the whole, I found it a refreshing, pleasant, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity to my soul!" She seemed desirous that her death might be sanctified to her young friends; and wished to see some of them, to inform them of the supports which she had felt, and which only religion could yield. "Tell them," said she, "they can never be happy till they find the Saviour. Fron experience I can say, his ways are pleasantness, and his paths peace!" Speaking of the joys of Heaven, she said, with a look I shall never forget,

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"See the kind angels at the gates,
Inviting me to come!
There Jesus, the forerunner, waits

To welcome trav'liers home.”

After spending a little time in prayer, she said, "This is the last time we shall join the work of prayer; but not of praise." None could approach the bed of this dear child without being astonished at the supports she found under all her sufferings. After being reduced almost to a shadow, and nearly exhausted with two or three hours incessant coughing, she said, with a sweet smile, "One moment in Heaven will make amends for all

this!"

On the Saturday evening before her death, she said, "I should be glad to spend my Sabbath to-mor row in Heaven; but I suppose my mansion is not prepared." The evening before her departure, she told her mother, "When I am in these violent sweats, I think of what my dear Saviour suffered when he sweat drops of blood for me;" and on the morning her happy spirit took its flight, she requested her mother to read a chapter; and immediately fled to read her name in the Lamb's book of life, and see his face for ever and ever!

M.W.

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I

On the 18th of October I was called to visit a poor man of the na ne of Owen, in dying circum. stances, residing at Drayton, in Berkshire; and who died on the 25th, at the great age of eightysix. A gracious woman, who has been quite blind for years, requested me to go with her. She had been a few days before, and prayed with him; but he discovered an utter aversion. However, he had some knowledge of the Scripture; and said, as Felix to Paul, “Go thy way for this time; - when I have a convenient season I will send for thee : " but she still persisted to talk to him; and when she was in prayer by his bed-side, he endeavoured to push her away. When. I went with her, I found him very ill; and as he was deaf, seemed so prejudiced, and so far advanced in years, I felt much discouraged. went, however, up to his bed-side, and spoke to him, but, poor man, he seemed more inclined to speak of temporal concerns than spirit. ual; and when the friend above mentioned spoke to him, she could get but little or no answer. I endeavoured to converse with him on the state of his soul; pointing out the difference of having a knowledge of the truths of the gospel in his head, and an experience of them in his heart. I also read part of the third chapter of St. John's Gospel; and part of the Religious Tract, entitled, "Exhortation to Sick Persons ;" and then conversed about what was read. He listened with very great attention, and discovered much earnestness to hear, putting his head close to mine for that purpose; and, to my great surprize, was melted into tears; tears, I trust, of genuine contrition. When I was reading of the misery of the damned, and the holy nature of the joys of the blessed above, he said," Oh, to be banished from the presence of my God for ever!" with emotions of grief in his coun tenance, as though banishment from God would be the worst Hell he could suffer. I asked him, If

he was afraid it would be his case? He said, "Yes," with a heart deeply affected. It was truly moving, as well as pleasing, to observe with how much earnestness he endeavoured to tell us, both by his manner in laying his hand on his heart, and as well as his feeble voice would permit, that he now had some experience in his heart of what we were talking about; although, poor creature, it was with great difficulty he spoke, as he had the thrush very bad. When we were about to take our leave, he seemed unwilling to part from us; and said, with a peculiar emphasis, "The Lord go with you, and be with you to your journey's end I went away greatly refreshed with my visit, admiring and rejoicing in the riches of free grace, so evidently exemplified in this poor aged sinner. I felt a full satisfac. tion that the Lord had called him at the eleventh hour; and thought, how great was the encouragement for private Christians to visit the sick, as it appeared probable, that it was by means of our visit, that the Lord had given him the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We went again on the zoth instant. I asked him how he was? He replied, "I am a poor creature;" and shook hands with each of us very heartily. His heart seemed one with those he esteemed the people of God: he proceeded to speak out of the abundance of a heart full of divine joy and peace in believing; spoke much of the necessity of being born again ;-and it was truly wonderful to think what a discovery he had of Christ, whom he spoke of only as the propitiation for his sins; of his righteousness, as his; and of him as his refuge, strength, and portion; and of the great comfort he found in him. Ch what should I do without Christ!" exclaimed he; and continued exerting himself as fast as he could utter words, exulting in Christ as his salvation, and longing to be with him; exalting his name, and shewing forth his praise! At another time he said, Christ was more to him than a thousand worlds.

On the 23d, when a Christian friend prayed with him for the last time, he seemed much pleased; and tho' too far gone to converse, yet he appeared to join earnestly in prayer. Thus died in the Lord an aged sinner; but being "plucked as a brand from the burning," is now, we hope, singing the praises of redeeming love in glory. R. L.

RECENT DEATHS.

whose

Lately died at Gloucester, the Rev. Thomas Stock, A. M. aged thirty-three, Rector of St. John and St. Aldate, in that city; loss will be most severely felt by many serious persons. Mr. Stock and Mr. Raikes, of the same city, were the two first who instituted Sunday-Schools for the instruction Mr. Stock's of poor children. endeavours were confined to the establishment of schools in his neighbourhood;-but Mr.Raikes's exertions, by constantly recommending the plan in the Gloucester Journal, which he printed, have been crowned with the desired suc. cess, by the general adoption of them throughout the country.

Jan. 1st, died the Rev. T. Berry, Baptist Minister at Newcastle upon Tyne, in the fortieth year of his age. He departed in the highest triumphs of faith; but has left a distressed widow and five young children, wholly dependent on the benevolence of his friends and the public.

was

Friday morning, Feb. 3, died the Rev. Henry Cox Mason, A. M. Rector of St. Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey; Chaplain to Lord Onslow, and Secretary to the Institution for Relief of the Deaf and Dumb. On Sunday afternoon, the 19th, his funeral - sermon preached by the Rev. W. Goode, from Rom. viii. 37; and in the evening, Dr. Rippon improved the bereaving providence at his meeting-house; when a subscriptionbook was opened for the family of A striking likeness the deceased. of Mr. Mason, from a miniature by Robinson, is just published by Mr. Branwhite.

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