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the interesting circumstance with which it was connected. Sometime prior to Dr. Bedell's visit to Newark, he had, at the request of my sister, sent her a copy of the air, and it had been used on several occasions by the choir of the Church. On the occasion of his visit, it was sung immediately after the sermon, to his evident surprise and gratification, and produced, as might well be imagined—the author being generally known-a most powerful effect upon the audience. Immediately after the service, when he had returned to my house, and was reclining upon the sofa, some remark was casually made in regard to the manner of its performance-he observed, that there had been a slight mistake, and rose at once to play it upon a piano forte in the room. The feeling and expression with which he then played, I have never heard excelled. It was the last time.

"The words to which he adapted the air were those of that beautiful hymn,

Rock of ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee.

"The music, as corrected by himself, I here subjoin, persuaded that it will be acceptable to the religious public.

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"Connected with Dr. B.'s extraordinary taste and fondness for music, is a circumstance, which, though trivial in itself, is yet calculated strikingly to illustrate the noble integrity of his Christian character. He had taken an active interest in the operations of the Society attached to the Musical Fund Hall, and had frequently attended its Concerts of Sacred Music with satisfaction and delight. His presence there, however, gave offence to some of his religious connexions. The circumstance reached the ears of Dr. B. His resolution was taken at once, and upon a suitable occasion soon after, it was publicly avowed. He stated what he had heard, and what were his own views, and concluded by declaring his decided purpose never to enter again with similar intent the walls of that building, quoting in his own peculiar and emphatic manner the language of the Apostle, (1 Cor. viii. 13.) 'Wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth.' Thus did he become all things to all men, that he might by all means save some." "

For a few of the first years during which Dr. Bedell ministered in Philadelphia, his health was comparatively good; though when contrasted with most other men, he was even then weak and infirm. He had been delicate in his constitution from his

earliest childhood, and has often said he had never known the enjoyment of what others would call good health. After he had been connected with St. Andrew's Church about four years, his health seemed to be manifestly undermined. He had engaged in labours quite too abundant for his constitution to endure. Frequent spitting of blood, and increasing debility and failure of appetite, appeared to indicate to others, that his course was nearly finished. For several of the past years of his life he was kept in being and in active effort, beyond any of the expectations of his friends. The kind providence of God had favoured him with the kind attentions of a physician, Dr. John K. Mitchell of Philadelphia, whose remarkable skill in his profession, united with the tenderest concern for his patient's comfort, a clear understanding of his constitution and habits, and the most untiring assiduity in watching over his health, was blessed from above, to the preservation of his life, and mitigating his sufferings, for several years after it was supposed by others that he was very near the end of his course. In the spring of 1829, when the writer of this sketch was first brought into that intimate connexion with Dr. Bedell which was closed only by death, he was confined, as he had been for a large part of the winter, under what was by most of his friends supposed to be a final attack of his disease. From this, however, he was again restored to his ministry, and to the surprise of his friends, enabled to undertake not only his previous

labours, but even a still larger measure.

The letters to Mr. Henderson which follow, are in reference to this confinement. In introducing them, Mr. H. remarks:

"The following was written at a time when he was decidedly convalescent, though still confined within the house. It was upon these occasions especially, that Dr. Bedell was accustomed to express, though briefly, the pious emotions of his heart. His personal piety was rather retiring in its character, seeking not the notice of others. He was satisfied that the world should know him, not so much by his professions as by his conduct. When, however, he did speak with his tongue,' it was out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with divine affection.'"

"My dear Friend,

"PHILADELPHIA, May 4, 1829.

"I am once more, in the providence of God, permitted to take my stylus in my hand, though little can I think, and less can I write. It is now nearly six weeks that I have been confined to the house, shut out from those occupations which have been my sole business and sole delight. But with all this I have only to say, goodness and mercy have followed me, and it is the Lord, he hath done what seemeth him good. Since I have been convalescent the weather has been very much against my rapid recovery, and it is now five days since I have enjoyed the luxury of the open air. Cold rain and cold wind have kept me housed. Had it been clear and warm yesterday, I should have been permitted to attend Church.

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"Yesterday was the first out of eight Sundays that I have been

permitted to attend the house of God.

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