a man who was almost a prodigy of wickedness and cruelty. They were probably struck with the majesty and greatness of God, and with such examples of holy fortitude and steadfastness manifested by the apostles and others. They became disciples, they were separated from the world, and were sanctified by Jesus Christ. This administers encouragement to those who are placed in families where prayer is banished, and perhaps ridiculed, for there were believers even in Nero's family. Let such persons keep alive our holy religion in the midst of the greatest trials and discouragements, and God grant that this may be the experience of us all. Amen. LETTERS. TO MR. H., ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE. MY DEAR FRIEND, I cannot express the emotions of soul which I felt on receiving from your valuable son an account of the death of his dear mamma. I often realize in my mind, and think I see you in various postures, and with indications of heartfelt sorrow and pungent perplexity. Oh! the piercing pangs of grief attending such a separation! They cannot be explained nor pictured but in idea. I have felt, I daily feel, for you and your dear children. Your and their loss is great indeed. More -But stop, my friend: the sluices of sorrow ought not to be kept open, but the torrent of grief abated, lest it swell beyond the bounds of Christian moderation, and overwhelm the soul. How favourable to mourners is the blessed gospel! Gaze not, therefore, on the dark side of the cloud. The black and sable dispensation is tinged with radiant beams of the Sun of Righteousness, which portend a glorious coming day. Could you hear the dear departed spirit, her language would be,"Refrain from tears; I am well: weep not for me." Consider, my dear friend: He who gave her, reserved a superior right to her: this she, through grace, sweetly acquiesced in: and though she gave herself to you for a time, yea, till time with her should be no more, she gave herself to the Lord "in an everlasting covenant, never to be forgotten." The Lord, her first, her best husband, was not willing to bear her absence any longer, and therefore sent his chariot to convey her home, saying, "Arise, my fair one, and come away." My friend, you will likewise consider that you and she are not far separated; for although all communication be now broken off, you are yet, and will forever continue, in the same house, even the house of mercy; that divine, capacious, and beautiful structure which, Jehovah hath said, "Shall be built up forever." In that house are many mansions. We are in the lower apartments, while she is admitted to the large upper rooms, where Jesus keeps the feast with his disciples; and by-and-by I hope the Lord will give us a gracious token, and say, "Come up hither." You know, sir, it is an evil time: a gloomy prospect attends the land: her righteous soul may in mercy be taken from the evil to come. However, it is in the Lord's hands, who says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Difficulties and increasing cares, it is true, devolve upon you; but know that the Lord is all-sufficient. It makes not much difference whether burdens be essened or increased, if strength be but in VOL. IV.-4 L |