Her Passion for Souls

Compassion for the well-being of souls is one of the most holy and spontaneous impulses of our religion. In this consists what is termed, the ‘energies of Christianity.’ Christianity is not a person, l3ut an idea; and the development of this idea in the soul of those who believe and obey the truth, inspiring all its faculties, and consecrating them to God, is the power or energy of Christianity. “The expulsive power of a new affection,” as Dr. Chalmers beautifully expresses it, dislodging from the heart its reigning selfishness, inspires it with the feeling and sentiment of the purest benevolence, which yearns to make others partake of its joy. AVhen Andrew found the Messiah, moved by the impulse of a discovery so great, he went in quest of his brother Simon, and “brought him to Jesus.” The impassioned exclamation of the Jewish queen, as she contemplated the threatened massacre of her nation, may befittingly express the intense and holy solicitude of a pious heart, yearning to save the objects of its love from a more certain and appalling doom, “How can I endure to see the destruction of mv kindred?” And vet, while thus I write, we are far from speaking of personal faithfulness on the subject of religion as either a facile or a pleasant task. Nay, it is probably the most difficult and delicate of all Christian duties. To conquer an instinctive feeling of delicacy and reserve; to assume an appearance of superior sanctity; to chill, perhaps, affection; forfeit friendship; and to rouse a feeling, if not of hostility, yet of dislike, and yet hQ faithful, demands no ordinary grace.

We have already spoken of her passion for souls. Never was the subject absent from her mind; it entwined itself with all her thoughts, engrafted itself on all her actions, Ijreathed in all her prayers. Her views of eternity were so realizing, her conviction of the truth of the gospel was so strong, and her iiEii PASSiOX For. sot:ls. 211

sense of the preciousness of the Saviour was so great, that the interests of the soul rose before her eve with a maonitude so vast, and a solemnity so overpowering, as to lessen the comparative importance of every other object. No one crossed her path, and her pen traced no lines, without a word that spoke of a world to come. With singular appropriateness might she have embodied her deep and holy passion in the expressive language of the poet: —

“For me, when I forget the darling theme,
Be my tongue mute, my fancy paint no more,
And. dead to joy. forget this heart to beat.”

In illustrating the importance of a direct appeal to individuals on the subject of personal religion she would frequently quote a touching incident, related to her when at Cambridge, of the late excellent Rev. Charles Simeon, On one occasion he was summoned to the dvinsr-bed of a brother. Entering the room, his relative extended his hand to him, and with deep emotion said, “I am dying, and you never warned me of the state I was in, and of the daneer to which I was exposed from neslectinsr the salvation of mv soul!” “Xav, my brother,” replied Mr. Simeon, “I took every reasonable opportunity of bringing the subject of religion before your mind, and frequently alluded to it in my letters.” “Yes,” exclaimed the dvins; man, “you did; but that was not enoueh. You never came to me, closed the door, and took me by the collar of my coat, and told me that I was unconverted, and that, if I died in that state, I should be lost. And now I am dying, and, but for God’s grace, I might have been for ever undone!” It is said that this affecting scene made an ineffaceable impression on Mr. Simeon’s mind. To this startling fact she would add another, scarcely less affectine, authenticated by the gentleman to whom it referred. A distinguished American clergyman was especially and deeply concerned for the conversion of a member of his conorresration who, from his great wealth and moral worth, occupied a position in society of considerable importance. He had for years attended the faithful ministrations of the pastor, but as yet gave no evidence of a change of heart. Regular in his attendance at the sanctuary, fascinated with the eloquence of the preacher, and generous in his expression of admiration, he yet remained immersed in the world and without the pale of the church. His minister

212 ME>K)IR OF MRS. MARY V.’IXSLOW.

yearned for his conversion. Calling upon him early one morning, he requested a private interview. He at once disclosed his mission. In a conversation, brief but pointed, earnest but affectionate, personal but courteous, he pressed upon his friend’s serious attention the immediate consideration of his soul, the claims of eternity, and the duty of immediate submission to God. The solemn appeal was listened to with kindly respect, but with the Ijrief, emphatic reply, “1 have no time for these things,” “Not time!” exclaimed the beseeching, faithful minister, “then, sir, you must y?/?.f? time!”’ With these brief but thrilling words, uttered with the profoundest solemnity, he hjft him. The merchant repaired to his counting-house, and was soon immersed in the world. In vain, however, he strove to give his thoughts to business; the words, “You must find time,” still vibrated on his ear, and excluded every other thought from his mind. Quitting the scene of his gains, he returned to his home, bowed down under the conviction of his lost condition as a sinner. The Spirit of God was now moving, as of old, upon the dark, disordered elements of the soul, and soon a new creation was to spring forth — holy, beautiful, and deathless. In a few davs the obiect of this holv solicitude and personal appeal became a new creature in Christ Jesus, and afterwards a distino-uished and useful member of His church.

Such was the tender faithfulness to souls she was wont to urge upon all Christians, and which she herself so beautifully exemplified. Application of gospel truth in the pulpit, and direct personal appieal out of it, were points upon which she would insist with an earnestness and solemnity of manner peculiarly her own. It was no slis:ht evidence of the sincerity and depth of her holy sympathies, that she shrunk not from the task of addressing, on all the momentous subjects of religion, individuals occupying high places of responsibility in the land. She was frequently, and with tears, heard impassionately to exclaim, “Oh, who will warn — who will entreat them?” Copies of letters thus addressed, were found among her papers, one or two of which may be given, as illustrating this noble feature of her Christian character.

“to the duke of

“Understanding that your Grace knew Colonel Mackinnon, of the Coldstream Guards, and having heard that he died a a 1

LETTERS TO THE DUKE OF. 2l3

believer in the Lord Jesus — a truly converted and holj man — I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy of a small book of prayers, composed by himself, and expressing, as I trust, the true breathings of his heart. A few friends of his, I have understood, finding them among his manuscript papers, published them after his death. I should hope, however, that at a later period of his life, clearer light was vouchsafed him, as from one of the prayers, which I shall mark, it is evident he then had not. I presume that as you knew him when a young, gay, thoughtless man of the world, his conversion will not be entirely without interest to you. In the praver to which I have referred, it is evident that he is mixing: up hi repentance and reformation, ni some degree, with the atoning, finished work of the Saviour. Now it is clear from the gos pel of Christ, that he could not be saved by any work done in him, nor for any work of merit done by him. God pardons, justifies, and saves poor sinners for Christ’s sake alone. It is Christ’s obedience and death vrhich honours the law of God, and which satisfies divine justice on our behalf. The Holv Spirit works repentance, faith, and every other Christian grace in the believer, as a fruit and consequence of his free justification, not to justify him, or to fit him for being justified. As a believer he is already justified by the Atonement made on his behalf by the Lord Jesus. We are saved as sinners, not as saints; and if we come to Christ lost and undone in ourselves, having nothing to commend us to His notice, or to propitiate His favour, and seek this great mercy with our whole heart, we shall surely find Him, and He will manifest Himself unto us as He does not unto the world. The Lord grant that you may have this precious blessing before you go hence. It is a perilous and an awful thing to be satisfied with a form of godliness without the vital, saving power. Except a man,, says Christ, he horn again, he ca7inot see the kingdom of heaven. Eternity and an immortal soul, surely, are solemn realities, and not to be sported with. God, with whom we have to do, is holy as well as merciful, and righteous as well as gracious. Justice must be satisfied, and holiness must be honoured, ere mercv can reach the sinner. Jesus Christ is alone able to save you from eternal ruin; and if you have not sought Him with the whole heart, I would most affectionately and earnestly implore your Grace to lose not a moment in this all-momentous work. The mistakes of time cannot be rectified in eternitv. You cannot

214 MEMOIR OF Mr.S. MVRY WIXSLOW.

return to make good the errors of the present. It is, therefore, of infinite moment, that you should be sure that you are building your hope of heaven upon the one, only foundation, which is, Christ Jesus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt he saved. I do not thus address you because I think you are a greater sinner than myself, or than thousands who are basing their acceptance with God upon unscriptural and fatal grounds; but because the Lord has laid you much upon my mind; and situated as you are — encircled by the pomp and gilded vanities of this poor, dying world — it was not likely that the truth, the precious truth, would reach your ear. I pray God that you may be faithful to your own soul, and be led to examine yourself, and ascertain if you are prepared to stand at the bar of God. He may summon you at any moment — at midnight the cry may come, ‘Prepare to meet thy God!’ Come to Jesus then, just as you are. He wnll receive, and welcome, and save you, for He will in nowise cast out any who come to Him. Come as a poor, bankrupt sinner; come empty and self-loathing; come with a life of sin, and rebellion, and folly: only come to Jesus, and He will be gracious and and save you, without money and without price. This is from one who wishes to meet you at the right hand of Christ.

“TO LOKD, ox HIS ILLNESS.

“My Lord, —

“I have heard with regret that you are ill, seriously ill, and likely soon to stand before God. Permit me, with unfeigned respect and sincere sympathy, to approach you with the question. Are you ready? Are you prepared for the solemn change that awaits you? Eternity, with its dread realities, is before you, and you have a soul to be saved or lost for ever! What, at the present moment, can be of such importance to you as a correct knowledge of your real condition as a sinner in the sight of a holy God, who searcheth the heart? You must be sensible that you have hitherto lived in neglect of your soul, in forgetfulness of God, and in oblivion of eternity. The world with all its pomps and gaieties, its interests and honours, has had complete control of your mind, and full possession of your heart. You have lived without God and without hope in the loorld. That you may have observed the forms of godliness I admit, but God will not be mocked with a mere oxterrrI work; He has to do with the heart His langiiaire is, Mij son, give me thy heart. And now, mj lord, you “areaboiit to anpear in the presence of this holy Lord God, who is just to Himself, while He is most merciful to the sinner. Most earn’-stly and respectfully do I urge upon von the immediate consideration of the things that make for vour eternal peace. Trifle not with jour endangered and immortal soul. Even now, at the eleventh hour, jou mav find mercy. The fatal error in your present state may be “a false security, or a rehance upon the mere mercy of God’s character, not knowinf that if He does not accept you in the righteousness of Chrisf He is to you, and will be to all eternitv, a consuming fire. Flee to the Saviour now as a lost, self-ruined, and helpless sin ner. Listen to His own most gracious and encouraging word God so loved the world, that He gave His only-hegoSen Son that whosoever believeth in Hira should not perish, hut have everlasting life. Do not reply, ‘I do behave,’ if vour belief is but the bare assent of the understanding to the ‘truth of the yospel. With the hp:art man believeth unto righteousness. ^If with the penitent jailer, you truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,^ if your faith is a simple coming to Jesus, as a lost, undone sinner, receiving Him with your whole heart, you’ will experience a joy, and peace, and hope, which nothing in this poor world could ever give or take away. Cease not to wrestle with Him in prayer until He bless you. Yield your heart, if now a conviction of guilt burdens it, if now a sense of sorrow saddens it, to the gracious invitation of the Saviour, Co-nrie unto me, all tje that labour and are heavy laden, and I u- ill give you rest. Seek that rest nowhere else but in Christ. The heart of Jesus overflov.’s with love to sinners. It was to save sinners He condescended to live, and consented to die. He came to seek and to save that which luas lost. Those who seek Him with the whole heart shall certainly find Him. Oh. lose no time! Every moment is of more value to you now than ten thousand worlds. Close your door, and exclude every object from your mind but Christ. Be importunate, and give Him no rest until you yourself find rest in His atoning work, and the Holy Ghost, in the riches of His mercy, ap|oiies to ‘your conscience that precious blood of Christ that can alone im’part peace to a poor, guilty, condemned sinner. Banish from your mind the notion of making your peace with God. It is only the Lord Jesus who can make our peace, by becomino-, as Ho has done, a peace-ofFering to God for us. To Him, then, flee, who saves to the uttermost all luho come unto God by Him

to the akchbisirop oj’, ox baptismal regeneration.

“My Lord Archbishop, —

“Observing, by the papers, that the case of Mr. G is

soon to come before you for adjudication, I presume to address you on the subject. It is as a fellow-behever in the Lord Jesus that I take this liberty, feeling that the question, that is to pass under your consideration, is closely connected with the glory of God and the honour of our Redeemer. Eternity is before us, and at the tribunal of God you and I will soon stand, pardoned, I humbly trust, by the blood and justified by the risrhteousness of Christ. It is with a close realization of this solemn fact I now write. The doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration, — a doctrine which, by those who hold it, is made to take the place of the renewing, quickening power of the Holy Ghost — is a dogma not found in the Word of God. That it may be taught in the writings of men I admit — and it is appalling to reflect Low ir.any souls, deluded and ensnared by this error, have gone to their account ’ with a He in their right hand,’ caught in this net oi Satan — but it has no place in the Bible. The Word of God is the Christian’s sole rule of faith. It is from this word we are to draw the truths we believe — by this word we are to order our steps — and by this word we shall be judged in the last day. ‘To the law and to the testimonv.’ A most solemn admonition meets us at the close of this sacred record. If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto hiia the jylagues that are written in this hook. Thus jealously has God guarded the purity of His holy word. He has spoken it, and I believe it. Baptismal Regeneration has been added by the dictum and teaching of men as a doctrine to be believed. For this He has a controversv with His church. I believe that He is siftins; her, and is showing, by the existence and spread of Puseyism, the great iniquity of those who have engrafted, and would engraft, upon the revealed word an error so fatal to souls, and so dishonouring to the work of the Holy Spirit. I do most respectfully and earnestly implore you to ponder well your position. Seek counsel from the Most High. May He enable you to set aside the world’s opinion, and to act with your eye fixed upon the great white throne and in view of an endless eternitv. How many have passed into the eternal world fatallv deceived by this error! Baptized in infancy, they were tauo-ht to view themselves as spiritually regenerated, as made the children of God; and they died, it is to be feared, with no more light and no more grace, believing they were safe. Terrible delusion! I beseech you to enter your solemn and decided protest against this insidious and spreading error. Who can tell but that God has placed you in your present eminent position, in order to deal a death-blow at this unscriptural and fatal dogma. AVhen the Jewish nation was to be massacred, Mordecai said to the queen: If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargetnent and deliverance arise to the Jeius from another quarter.... And luho knoioeth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this f May the Lord God impart to your grace all wisdom, prudence, and faithfulness to do His will in this, and in all things connected with His fflorv. Soon will He come whose riorht it is to reign! All the devices of Satan, and all false doctrine, and erroneous teaching of men, will then vanish before Him. Oh, let us meet our God with unspotted hands! Cleansed by the blood of atonement, and sanctified by the indwelling Spirit, we shall stand complete, not having spot or lurinJde or any such thing. Regard me as one who prayerfully desires to see you, in your present position of responsibility and influence, act boldly for God, for His truth, and for His one church, so that His dear and blessed name be not dishonoured.

TO A G, ESQ., OF NEW YORK.

“Dear Friend, — May 3, 1848.

“I was much grieved to hear that your dear mother was no more. I believe she loved the Lord Jesus, and that she is now with Him who loved her, and washed her from her sins in His own most precious blood. I cannot forget her. Very dear was she to me. Many hours of happy inter course we have had together; and the sincere, disinterested affection manifested towards me and mine has never been foro-otten. I never cease to love, or can forsret old friends. And oh, what a joy it is to know that, although she is gone from earth, I shall see her again, and enjoy a far more delightful intercourse with her above than ever I did below. God be praised for this eood hoce through grace. This, mv dear

10”

Mr. G, was vour dear niotlier’s hope, and it is mine, and

oil, may it be yours! Time is hort, and eternity, with all its solemn realities, is before ns. Oh. let me urge upon you to give your mind, your heart, your every power, to seek earnestly and perseveringly an interest in the Saviour of sinners! What can the world do for you at a dying hour? “What could the wealth of ten thousand worlds avail you when you stand before the judgment-seat of Christ? When I last saw or heard of you, you were an unconverted man. But how is it with you now? Do you love Jesus, the sinner’s Friend? Are you reconciled to God? Do you know Christ for yourself? Sincerely do I trust that God will answer your precious mother’s ten thousand prayers, offered up for you, her only child and her beloved son. You were evervthino- on earth to her. May you meet her in heaven! Shall I tell her when I meet her there (for soon my time will come), that you are on your way to glory? Write and tell me what are your views on the all-important subject of religion, and what are your hopes for eternity. Oh, flee to Jesus! He requires no work from you in order to purchase salvation. It is His own free gift of everlasting and unchanging love. Go to Him, then, as you are; He will open His arms to embrace you, more glad to receive you than you are to come. He came into the world to save sinners — poor, helpless, lost sinners — sinners that could do nothing to save themselves. To them he says, Look unto me, and he ye saved. Him that cometh unto 7ne, I will in nowise cast out. I will not weary you, but will conclude, only expressing the hope that you will let me hear whether you have been brought to sit at the feet of the Son of God, that I may carry the news to your dear mother, whom ere long I hope to see, when we shall know even as we are known, and when all tears will be wiped from our eyes for ever. Believe me, heaven is worth living for, and worth dying for. It is all true. Heaven is true, and Christ is true, and God is true, and His word is true. May He bless you, dear friend, and save your never-dying soul.

TO E T C, ESQ.

“Dear C, June 3, 1848.

“Poor Mr. 0 is dead! Have you heard of it.

If so, what was the state of his mind? Write and tell me. His poor wife, how I feel for her! Is not this a solemn call to

US all? What is our life? How uncertain! and yet is it not awfully true that poor wretched man rushes heedlessly on, thoughtless of what awaits him in an endless eternity? Oh, that we w)io profess to haye our eyes open — we who profess to know the way, the truth, and the life — did but so let our light shine around us, that others might be led to seek the same mighty blessings that await all who value their own souls! Dear friend, this is a solemn warning to you and to

me. Poor 0 is gone! and we are trayelling fast through

this wilderness world, and soon shall pass away too. Let us, then, feel more like pilgrims and strangers here. Let us not seek our rest where our precious Jesus had no place to lay His head. Let us rejoice more in the prospect of that glorious inheritance prepared for us above, where He is who hath loved us unto the death. Oh, for ten thousand world would I not haye my portion here! But I only intended when I took my

pen to inquire of you any particulars of poor 0 ’s state of

mind before he departed. He was your friend, I presume, or what the world calls a friend. Will you not go and see his poor wife? Be, in the best sense, the good Samaritan to her now. Visit her in her sorrow, and lead her mind to Jesus, the Friend of the friendless. Such has He been to me and mine, and as such I can commend Him to all. Oh, that all did but know Him, then all must and would loye Him! My love to your wife. I wish I knew her better.

TO I W, ESQ., BOSTON, U. S., ON THE ATONEMENT.

“Dear Friend, — London, June 6, 1848.

“Although I have not written to you for some time, yet you have been much in my thoughts, and I determined, in the strength of the Lord, to address you once more, and, perhaps, for the last time on this side of eternity. You and I are hastening fast through time. At the longest period of our existence it is but short. But, oh, our spiritual existence! where and when will it end? Never, never! It is a solemn and awful truth, yet to the Christian delightful. As long as the existence of God Himself, so will be ours. Because I live (says Christ), ye shall live also. It is a blessed thought that the Triune God — the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — are all engaged in the salvation of a poor sinner. The Father so loved the world as to give His only-begotten Son. The Son,

220 MEMOIR OF mi:?. MARY WINSLOW.

Jesus Christ, came into the world to save sinners. And it was through the Eternal Spirit He offered himself without spot unto God. The whole seventh chapter of Hebrews is full of the precious Atonement made by Christ for the redemption of the soul. Without the shedding of blood there can be no remission. I could wish, if possible, to be much in earnest on this subject; as it is Aere, my dear friend, I fear that we differ. If I am not saved by the Atonement made on Calvary, I am yet in my sins, and am unsaved. To ])e sound in the doctrine is needful (as you justly observe), for who can build a hope of heaven on any other foundation than that which is laid, Jesus Christ himself, the chief corner-stone? This one foundation is — God manifest in the flesh — offered and making a full and sufficient atonement for the sins ot His people, laid to His account by the hands of Eternal Justice. He loas made sin for us who knew no sin, that v:e might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Without the Divine Atonement, I repeat, I am lost for ever. No mere creature could atone for the sins of millions of the human race. It was the Divinity of Christ that made efficacious all that he did and suffered. His resurrection was a receipt from Divine Justice that ample satisfaction had been given for the broken law of a holv God. All our righteousness is but as filthv rasfs, and how can we commend ourselves to God but as we stand in a better righteousness than our own? I feel my journey drawing to its close, and if I had to put my finger upon one single good action that I have ever done during my life that was not tainted and defiled by sin, as a term of my salvation, I should be eternally separated from God. Sin is mixed with every thought, and nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from its defilement. If Christ is (not the power of God) not God Himself — God in our nature — He could not have atoned for one single soul of Adam’s race. On this doctrine of the Atonement hangs our everlasting happiness. Our eternal all is at stake. Oh, let us never forget that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners! My only hope is in this; and I believe I shall be saved through the ^acarious sacrifice made on the cross, when he exclaimed. It is finished. The Holy Ghost, too, the Third Person in the glorious Trinity, performs His part in this great work, in applymg the atoning blood to the conscience, renewing, sanctifying, and taking possession of the soul here, and fitting it for the full enjoym.ent of

L’XIOX Yv’lTII CllKIST. 221

the glorj that awaits it hereafter. May the Lord the Spirit open our eye to see, and our heart to receive the truth as it is in Jesu.i. Love to all your circle,

TO J. T, ESQ., ox REALIZING OUR ONENESS WITH CHRIST.

“Dear Christian Friend, — May 30th, 1848.

“I have just received yours, and hasten to answer it. I am never Letter prepared to reply to a letter than when I first receive it. The memory is treacherous, and at 74 (this is, I suppose, the case with all dying mortals) particularly so. But I am wronsr; the believer in Christ is, in a sense, immortal. For although the body dies, it only sleeps in Jesus, and shall be raised again at the last day. Three times in one chapter Jesus says, / icill raise it up again at the last day. Here is comfort for you and me. Is Jesus increasingly precious to you? I gather from your letter that He is so. Bless Him for it. He is faithful to all His exceeding great and precious promises, and by them we are made partakers of the divine nature. Keep hold of your oneness with Christ. If we lose sight of that blessed truth, we are at sea in a moment. I in you and you in me. Think, then, that Jesus and you are one; one in time, and one in eternity; never separated, and inseparable. Oh, how this precious truth should be ever present with us on all occasions, at home and abroad, in public and in private, living or dying! Dear brother, go on to know more of the power of the resurrection of Christ in your soul, that you may thereby glorify Him who is your life, and that you may be more abundantly useful in His service. I am glad to hear that you have been able to do good in the name of your beloved Lord. Time is short — life is uncertain. Let us, then, employ the talent God has given us, that we may have more abundantly. Each believer has his or her gift, whatever that gift may be; and Christ says, Occupy until I come. Let us not bury our talent in earthly things, for these pass away, and we shall live for ever. AYe are on a journey the most eventful that ever an immortal undertook. We must press forward. There is no standing still in this journey. We are to follow on to know the Lord; to grow in grace. You have already travelled some stages in this heavenly road since I saw you; but there is much of the good land yet to be possessed. We are to go forward to know more of Christ and of our election of God; so shall we be happy in our souls and established in the truth. I am often grieved in meeting some, professing godliness, who seem to be standing still in the same place for years, and know no more of God than at the first.., Let us, then, live near to Christ, and go oftener to Him. I find, from long experience, that confession of sin is one of the most healthfid exercises of the renewed soul — constant and immediate confession. If we confess our si)is, He is faithful and Just to forgive us our sins. If I feel a corruption in my heart, dishonourinor as it must be to God, what am I to do? If I sit down to reason it away, I might as well attempt to create a world. Then what am I to do? Take it at once to Jesus; tell Him all about it; and the faith that carried it to Jesus will overcome it in His name. Precious faith, with which we are to fisht all our battles, and overcome in the name of Jehovah-Jesus. Oh, what mighty privileges has the follower of the Saviour! We learn to deal unceasingly with God, and God deals unweariedly with us. Let us aim in all things to glorify Him, for in a little while, lie that shall come will coyne, and will not tarry. Let us keep a purified conscience by constant confession. We need not alwavs retire to do this. In the street, in company, or anywhere, we can lift up our heart to Him; and a thought, a sigh can reach His heart, and He can manifest His forgiving love. I think, if there is a verdant spot in this wilderness world, it is where a poor believing sinner, with a contrite broken heart, sits at the feet of Jesus. The sinner confessing — Jesus pardoning — the blood applied, and the conscience cleansed —

all guilt removed, and the redeemed of the Lord rising from his knees, rejoicing in the Lord his God. Such have I often experienced, and therefore I commend it to all who are followers of the Lamb. We have had trials of sickness; but the Lord often tries the faith of His saints, that they may try His faithfulness in the fulfilment of His promise. He is ever with them in all their troubles, and in all their concerns He is equally con^erned. When we depart from Him He chastens, but does not lose sight of us, no, not for an instant. His glory is closely connected with all we say and all we do. Know ye not that your bodies are the teinples of the Holy Ghost f Oh, how should this keep us watchful, lest we grieve this blessed Inmate! The Lord bless you and increase you in all spiritual knowledge, prays yours in a most precious Jesus.”

It is a lesson which the church of Christ, in “these last days,” has been practicallj learning, that the broadest spirit of Christian charity may exist in connexion with the most inflexible fidelity to Christian truth. A union that demands, as a holocaust upon its altar, the right of private judgment, freedom of conscience, and the privilege of ‘speaking the truth in love,’ is wantino; in all the essential elements of a true and holv union. No individual ever maintained more strenuously the unity of the church of God, and at the same time bowed with profounder reverence to the supreme Headship and authority of Christ, than the subject of our memoir. To those who knew her but partially, she might have appeared, at times, exclusive in her views, and stern in her spirit. But to those who knew her long and well, that exclusiveness was but an uncompromising attachment to God’s word, and that sternness but the intensity of her love to souls. As illustrating these happy features of a truly catholic Christian, we quote from her letters and journal: —

TO HER SOX, REV. I. D, W-

“I have just had a sweet visit from my own dear pastor Mr. Evans. How full of Christ is the heart of this dear man of God! Oh, that we were all more like him, or rather more like Christ.... Where I see the love of Christ most prevail in the heart, there I see love to the saints. Love ye one a7wther, even as I have loved you. Blessed be God there are no separating walls in heaven; and of this be assured, wherever you meet with one who bears much of the image of Christ, you will find no bigotry or exclusiveness, but a prevaihng love to all who are conformed to the same image. Let us beware of a spirit of sectarianism and exclusiveness, for sure I am, God is displeased with it, and will show His displeasure in due time. Let us live above all unholy, unrighteous feelings, and have little to do with those who hold them, for evil communications corrupt good manners. God is love. Heaven is one ocean of love, and believers are commanded to love one another, even as Christ hath loved them. The Spirit does not love to dwell where love is not the prevailing feeling. In fact where the Spirit is, there will be love; and the manifest want of this grace in any, is a proof that the Spirit of Christ is not in them.”

224 MK.MUIJI OF Mils. MAKY WINSLOW.

TO ANOTHER OF HER SONS.

“If God will, I shall come to-morrow, and remain over the Lord’s-day. May the Lord direct all my step?, and all my doinirs. and hedge up mv way where I would so Vv-ronfr. 1 shall see you, please God, soon after you receive this. 1 iong to hear more about the sailing of that precious ship called the ‘Evangelical Alliance.’ I was fearful of a wreck on the slavery question. May the Lord, the Pilot, conduct her safe-Iv throu2;h all the dangers of her boisterous voyage. His banner over her is Love; and her freight is composed of precious gold, and jewels of the first water.”

On a subsequent occasion she again alludes to this subject : —

“I rose early, and after a hurried breakfast, prepared to go to Exeter Hall, to the Meeting of the Evangelical Alliance. The place was filled, many standing. The meeting was not of that animated character that was exhibited at the first gathering at Liverpool; but still it was truly gratifying to see so many happy faces assembled together, to join heart to heart to aid in this alliance of Christian love and fellowship. The first speaker said a few words which, to me, were anything but encouraging. He remarked that we were not to expect much, or look for any great results at present, &c. I could hardly sit patiently, and listen to his unbelieving speech. “We are to ask for, and expect great things, from a great God. Dr. Liefchild followed, and spoke well. Then Mr. Bickersteth, who also spoke much to the purpose. And then a hymn, and a long, a very long prayer, from a vicar. A Wesleyan minister followed, and after him !Mr. Baptist Noel rose, and spoke with great energy, earnestness, and a clear head, but without excitement, for above an hour, and much to our satisfaction. Others were to speak, but, it being late, we were obliged to leave. There was, in my judgment, a deficiency. There needed more of the humble acknowledgment of sin, — the sin of disunion, want of love, &c., — and looking to the Holy Spirit for help, which always indicates the Divine presence. There was this great lack. Nevertheless, it was cheering and pleasant to witness the union.”

FROM HER DIARY.

‘* The love of Christ in the heart of the believer, is the cement that unites the church together as one body — Christ the Head. The Spirit of Christ in me recognises and acknowledges His own likeness in another, and goes out to that Christian in holy love. This is the sweetest of all Christian fellowship. It is thus the Lord is preparing His church on earth for the blessed place He has gone to prepare for it in heaven. He is spiritually educating and training her for her glorious inheritance above. It is ready, and the invitation from the lips of Jesus will soon be heard, Enter into the joy of thy Lord. And oh, the unspeakable happiness and joy of the redeemed and glorified family! With a calling so heavenly, and with a hope so glorious, what manner of persons ought we to be in all manner of holy conversation and godliness?”

‘• Then let the rude tempest assail,
The blasts of adversity blow,
The haven, though distant, I hail,
Beyond this rough ocean of woe.
When safe on the beautiful strand,
I’ll smile at the billows that foam,
Kind angels to hail me to land,
And Jesus to welcome me home.”*

TO A MINISTER OX THE AXTI-STATE-CHURCH MOVEMENT.

“On reading your excellent remarks on the Anti-state-Church Association, I felt a union with your conciliatory spirit, and a sympathy. with your views. With you, I think, as I did indeed from the first, that the movement was inexpedient and unwise. No one upon earth, calling himself a Christian, and in realitv one, could more earnestly desire than mvself. the severance of the Church of Christ from the world; and no one could more deeply deplore, or sincerely mourn over, such an alliance, than I. The Church of Christ upheld by the world, is contrary to Christ’s express word, — Ye are not of the luorld, even as I am not of the luorld. My kingdom is not of this world. He who is the Head and Husband of the Church, surely is able to sustain and guide it through the wilderness, and conduct it at last to glory. It is not the puny arm of man that can accomplish this great work. From the moment that I saw the serpent head of Popery, under the disguise of Puseyism, rear itself in Oxford, from that moment I felt that God Himself was about to accomplish a great work, and by this very thing at wiich all were alarmed and which all deplored.

* Miss Tavlnr.

“What is impossible with man is possible with Him. And when I saw, and firmly believed, that God was beginning to purify His one church, and with His fan thoroughly to sift His floor, separating the precious from the vile, I did deplore such an organization; and wondered that its promoters did not so discern ’ the signs of the times’ as to see God’s own hand working. It appeared to me like Uzzah’s attempt to steady the ark. And though I feared not like sad consequences as befel him, still the attempt seemed to me as unnecessary and feeble. I fear it has done no real good, and has but resulted in widening the separation already too much existing between the truly spiritual of God’s people within the Establishment and those without its pale. At the same time I do call in question the motives of those who have embarked in the movement.”

TO MISS M. C, ON HER BAPTISM.

“Taplow, Lord’s-day.” I do rejoice to hear that the Lord is evidently in your midst, and with you, my young sister, in a particular manner, who has led you to acknowledge Him before a gainsaying world, and His church here below. Not that you are one bit more safe, or more in Christ than you were before your baptism: but you have showed vour love to Him in obevino; His sweet command, and casting away all confidence in what you once thought would do quite as well. You have now openly put on Christ — buried luitfi Him in bajjfism wherein you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised Him from the dead. So, beloved one, I trust, as in a figure, you were baptized in the likeness of His death, and your death, too, to the world, and the flesh, so you will be helped to go on your way rejoicing in Christ Jesus. Precious Jesus! how sweet to walk with Thee, taking up every cross we meet in the way, Thy love making it light and pleasant. Oh, to have faith simply to follow the Lord wherever he sees fit to lead us; to live for eternity, manifesting that we are not of the world, even as He was not of the world. So let us walk as He walked, taking His word only as our guide and directory; and I am persuaded, that if we go to Jesus and inquire of Him only. He will make our path plain before us, yea, and will travel every step of that way with us, too, We shall walk in God’s company when Jesus is with us, and we walk with Him.... Whilp T do wish to enforce upon all bpliovers the great duty of obeying Jesus in all He commands, I do not wish to attach any undue weiirht to this sweet and most expressive ordinance. And yet I do think it is the duty of every believer to follow Christ, to walk as He walked; and in so doing, I believe it will add much to his comfort, consolation, and advance in the divine life. May the Lord lead us all safe- lj and uprightly in the way, and the glory shall be to His holy name for ever and ever.

TO THE HON. AND REV. B. W. N, ON UNITY OF JUDGMENT

IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

“.... I am informed that you are writing a work on the church.... How important to remember that we are Christ’s servants; that He hath given us all needful direction, and left us not to our own wisdom in any one thing connected with His glory, and the spiritual welfare of His one church. How necessary that in His church there should be unity of judgment in what He has taught and enjoined. The exhortation is. Be of one mind. I beseech you., bretJtren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ., that ye all speak the same thing., and that there he no divisions among you; but that ye be 2^€rf€ctly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment., 1 Cor. i. 10.... Dear brother in Jesus, examine, in prayerful attention, the word of God. Lay the case before the Lord, and when you pray, expect an ansiuer. Jesus is the very same — as full of compassion, sympathy, gentle, tender love, as when he walked the streets of Jerusalem. Oh, aim to get his listening ear. Without me., He says, ye can do nothing. It is as needful to hearken and to expect an answer, as it is to pray. The Lord does in reality bow down His ear to what His child would say. lliis poor man cried., and the Lord heard him. Dear brother, bear with an aged pilgrim who has almost got home — the pearly gates in view. Heaven seems a glorious reality, and I shall soon be there. It is all around us. Oh, to live for Him who died for us, and in constant communication with the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. I am seldom in town, but when I am, I occupy my place in John-street, and have found it pleasant to hear and see you in that pulpit, where but a little while ago I heard my beloved friend and pastor for so many years.”

To an eminent missionary, who, in his fervent and somewhat indiscriminate denunciations of slavery, had alluded in strong terms to the system in the United States, without recognizing the existence, and encouraging the labours, of those Christians in America who, amidst obloquy, self-denial, and loss, were toiling for the extinction of the evil, she addressed the following affectionate and faithful remonstrance: —” Beloved Brother in Jesus, —

“I rejoice that the Lord has so graciously blest your work of faith and labour of love among the poor slaves in the West Indies; and may He go on to bless you. I feel it, however, a duty I owe to many dear people of God, to endeavour to correct an unintentional mistake into which you appear to have fallen, with respect to slavery in America. It is in the Southern and not in the Northern States, that slavery exists; and even where it has its stronghold it is yielding to the force of public sentiment. In the non-slave-holding states there exists a noble band of Christians, who have come boldly forward to grapple with the evil, and whose labours God is blessing. You speak from hearsay, but I from personal observation. Durins; mv recent visit to New York, the first anti-slavery meeting was held by men who, in the fear of God, went forth with their lives in their hands, boldly and fearlessly protesting against the system. They took the spoiling of their goods joyfully; their dwellings were assailed — their sanctuaries were outraged — their persons were endangered; but God upheld them, and has so marvellously blest their efforts, that the little band has become a great one, continues to increase, and will increase, I doubt not, until there exists not a slave in America. These dear men are not to be overlooked, but acknowledged and affectionately encouraged, by all who love the cause of universal emancipation. I am personally acquainted with some of them, and a witness to what they endured for Christ’s sake. We, in this land, can speak quietly on this matter, but it is quite another thing to confront the foe on his own ground, which these men of God do. God bless them and uphold their hands, until they shall see the blessed gospel carried through the length and breadth of the land; and not a slave in that highly-favoured country be found who shall not, in all the glory of his freedom, both from the bondage of Satan and of man, stand up to praise God for having inclined the hearts of His people to advocate their cause. May the Lord bless you, and keep you near himself, that while you are

labouring for the souls of other?, your own soul may be continually refreshed from the Fountain of living waters, is the sincere prayer of, yours in the dear Redeemer.”

TO HER NIECE, MRS. G., OX COMMEXCIXG THE DIVINE

LIFE ARIGHT.

“Dear M, March 30.

“I have only time to write a few lines in answer to

your question. Mr. E never did preach one thing and do

another. He does not himself baptize, as his health would not admit of it; but that he has been baptized is certain, and your informer has been misinformed.... Mav the Lord direct you in every step you take in this heavenward journey. It is most important and eventful. Nothing on earth can possibly be of equal moment to you and to me. Oh, to be quite sure that we are right! Short may be our journey, as we have seen by many dear to us. They have passed away, and we are following. The scene unfolding before us is grand — it is most glorious. The prospect to me, at times, is most dehcrhtful, and soon shall I see Jesus, mv best Friend, with whom I have had sweet comm.union here, and so many precious souls dear to me, among the millions that surround the throne. Oh, commence this journey right. Everything depends upon a risrht beorinninc:. One wrons; turn in settino: out, and all will be wrong the whole of the way. The starting point for the saint of God is the finished work of Jesus — to know he is pardoned and accepted in the Beloved of God the Father. It is then he knows his election of God, and can say, ‘I am saved! ‘He then can run the race with holv delifjht; and though he may necessarily have many enemies to contend with, both from within and from without, yet He who has once set him upon his feet and bid him go forward, will vratch over him, by day and by night, guide him and correct him when needful, and assuredly enable him to hold out to the end. And then the reward! — Corae ye Messed of ray Father. I do not say that all the children of God have equally clear and distinct evidences of their sonship; but I do say they onglit to have it, and it is their own fault, and not Christ’s, if they have it not. I would inquire of such, Has Christ spoken peace to vour soul? Has He manifested himself to you, according to His promise? If He has not, do not rest yourself, or give Him rest, until you have that mighty blessing. It is for any poor, needy, seeking sinner. Seek it until you receive it, and be not satisfied without it. Ye shall find me when ye seek me with your whole heart.’ Many who, from not setting out aright, have gone on sickly and infirm all their journey, are never truly happy in themselves, or capable of administering to the happiness of others. Jesus Christ is the same now that He ever was. He that spoke to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob — who was with Moses in the wilderness, and with the Apostles in their labours — who appeared to Saul of Tarsus, and to many others, after His resurrection, is the very same now. He is not changed one bit. He is as ready now to make Himself known to His saints, and to speak sweet peace to their souls, as He ever was. Only believe, and you shall see, and your soul shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glorv. Oh, to have the Lord alwavs with us, by dav and by night, and not to rest without we are sensible of His precious presence! Seek for Him; for everything indicates that His coming draweth nigh. Have your lamp bright and shinino; — plenty of oil in vour vessel.”

TO OXE OF HER SOXS OX PUBLIC PRAYER AXD READING.

“.... have often wished to say a word on the subject of public prayer and reading. You know my dislike to preaching in prayer; and you also disapprove of it. And yet I think many ministers are apt to fall into the same evil, although I know some who never do. Prayer is the most holy exercise of the soul, and should be the pure breathings of the renewed heart in humble, earnest petition, as in the presence of a holy God. And when the soul feels in the presence of God, and loses sight of the worms of the dust who are listening to Him, there is no self-seeking or wish to please the ear of man, but humbly to get the blessed ear of God himself. This may be a difficult matter at times, but the more it is tried, the more the Lord, the Spirit, will aid the effort. My opinion is, that both prayer and preaching should be what the poorest might understand and feel, and also meet the warmest desires and approbation of the most cultivated intellect. How sweet is the simple, precious truth just as the Scriptures give us! May the Lord bestow every gift and grace of His Holv Spirit, and anoint most richly for^His own work. Again, I have observed that in reading the Scriptures in public, there is ox INTERCOURSE WITH GOD. 231

frequently this defect. For instance, the epistles are often read in a devotional tone of voice. Now, they are merelv letters to the churches, and should be read in the same tone of voice as one would read a letter, and not as if one were praying. Then, again, the gospels are mere narratives, or details of the history of the church and the apostles, and should be read in the same manner in which one would read any other history. Some of the Psalms may be read in a more solemn and devotional tone of voice, but not all. Those that David offered as prayers should be read as prayers, but no others A person with a refined taste and a cultivated ear would soon detect the inconsistencies. I think a good reader is almost as necessary as a ^podi jpreacher; indeed, the one seems essential to the other.”

TO HER SOX, REV. G. E. W, ON INTERCOURSE WITH GOD.

“.... As it respects what is generally called ‘news,’ I have none to tell; but as you will expect to hear from me, I can have a little chat with you; for how strange it would be if a Christian mother had nothing to say to a believing child, without adverting to this poor dying world, while professing to be striving for another and a better! Is there not enough in a precious Jesus to engage all our thoughts and all our hearts? We love to talk of an absent friend who is dear to us; and what friend is there like Him? And should He not be dearer to us than the dearest object on earth? He is that Friend thatsticketh closer than a brother, and a Brother born for adversity. Let us not for a moment imagine that when things go smooth with us here, that we are no more to see tribulation, that we shall have no more time of trouble. If we forget or neglect Him in prosperity, will He hear and answer us in adversity? Oh, let this base ingratitude be far from us. Let Him be our chief joy now. Let us keep very near to Him, and let no idol come between our soul and our best, nearest, and dearest Friend. Believe me, when I have passed an hour in company with the worldling, and the precious Saviour has never been mentioned, I have felt, when upon my knees, guilty before Him, and have hid my face in shame; and more so still, when He has condescended to seal a fresh pardon through the application of His precious blood, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Oh, how dead are the unconverted to this heavenly, holy intercourse between a child of God and his Heavenly Father! Truly, the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Ilim. ... I wish you had one day set apart at your own house, or in the church, for meeting and conversing with those who are inquiring their wav to Zion. Good Mr. does this, and also has a particular service with the believers every week, to know the state of their souls. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flock. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath inade you overseer, to feed the church of God, luhich He hath purchased with His own blood. Oh, walk in the truth, to the glory of Him who will have you render up an account of your stewardship at that great day, for which all other davs were made.”

The reader will not fail to have remarked how strong a hold upon her faith and Christian feelings the doctrine of our Lord’s resurrection maintained. It might almost be said to have been the truth which the Holy Spirit unfolded to her mind. She saw, as wnth the keen eye of the acutest theologian, the intimate and essential relation of this single truth to the whole Christian scheme. This one fact of the gospel verified, she knew that all other doctrines were true. Her whole Christian life was a constant dealing with the life of Jesus. In the grace that sanctified her, in the strength that supported, and in the consolations that soothed her, she was a constant witness of the fact that — Jesus teas alive. She was never known to linger at His empty grave. Often has she been seen to weep at His cross, never at His tomb. The sufferings of Christ have been known to dissolve her whole soul into penitence; the resurrection of Christ to fill it with the sublimest joy. And who, with any spiritual apprehension of this truth, will charge her with exaggerating either its importance or its preciousness? The resurrection of Christ is the resurrection-life of the Christian. A living Christ dwells in him — a living Christ intercedes for him — a living Christ upholds, guides, shields, and comforts him; and when “Christ, loho is our life, shall appear, then we also shall appear with Him in glory.”

“I experienced much comfort and enjoymeipt this morning, in meditating on the resurrection of Christ. I felt that He was really risen; that my best and dearest Friend was truly alive and in heaven for me; there, seated at the right hand of God, loving and watching over me and mine, and that I was safe in His hands, come life, come death. I fell upon my knees, and poured out my soul in adoring gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving. I long for another fresh token of His love in the conversion of all dear to me. I thought of the stone rolled from the door of the sepulchre, while Mary was pondering in her mind how it could be accomplished. The Lord, who can do all things, can remove the stone that lieth upon the dead, and the dead shall live to praise and bless His holy name.”

“The only way which a good and gracious God has pointed out to us in the Scriptures, in which we may be enabled to o-o on our heavenly journey is, by lookixg unto jesus, not only when we first commence, but all our journey through. In the first place, we ought to be well assured that Ave have really and truly been reconciled to God through the precious peace-speaking blood of His dear Son. If we have sought Him with our whole heart, we have found Him; and if we have found Him, we must know that all our sins are freely forgiven for His sake. Ye shall find me luhen ye seek vie with your whole heart. This is true, for God, who cannot lie, says it.”

“LOOKING UXTO JESUS.

“Wherefore droops thy trembling soul?

Wherefore saddon’d is thy brow?
Clouds around thy path may roll.

But thy God is present now.
Kaise thine eyes, the cross is there,

Steadfast still, though tempest frown;
Lift up thy head, and make thy prayer,

Claim thy Saviour for thine own;
Make through Him thy deep appeal,
LooKixo uxro Jesus, hneel.

“He, the Author of the faith

Which thy Spirit shall renew,
In His sacred hour of death

Finish’d thy salvation too.
Learn thy Saviour’s power to see;

He. th.e life, the truth, the way,
Interceded e’en for thee,

Ere thy heart had leam’d to pray.
Lift thy heart, and raise thy hand,
LooKixfr UN’TO Jesus, niand.

“When the water-floods of grief

Round thy helpless head shall rise,
When there seeraeth no relief,

Look toward the eternal skies:

There beliold how radiantly

Beams the star of liiith divine;
Yesterday it shone for thee,

And to-day it still shall shine:
Ask no aid the world can give,
Looking uxto Jesus, live.

‘• When thou feel’st, by many a token,

That the flesh shall soon decay.
And the golden bowl be broken,

And the silver cord give way, — Then beyond the darksome vail,

‘J rust that He thine eyes shall bless
As the light of life shall fail,

Keep the Sun of Righteousness
Ever brightening in thine eye,
And looking unto Jesus, die.”

From her Diary. — “October 31st, Torrington-square. — My visit to Leamington has been very sweet and refreshing. I heard the blessed gospel of a precious Jesus from the lips of

, with unspeakable delight. My heart did praise and

bless the God of all grace. Oh, that He might make him increasingly useful in His blessed cause! I heard him last Sabbath, on the power of the Holy Spirit in Christ. It was great indeed, and blessedly establishing to the soul travelhng to a vast eternity. The text was, And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding the Spirit of counsel and ryiight the Spirit of knowledge., and the fear of the Lord. In the evening the sermon was a solemn warning to Christians against the present state of worldliness and covetousness, especially in railroad speculation. It was searching and powerful, as well as convincing.”

“December 28th. — What condescending ways our God takes to teach His own beloved ones those things that make for their peace and happiness, and His glory! And oh, how He bears with our mistakes! How gently and tenderly He has ever dealt with unworthy me! Not with harsh rebukes, but by the loving dispensations of His providence, He has taught me, through the Spirit teaching within, when I erred, and pointed out the path of duty. Oh, that I may ever listen to the ‘still small voice,’ and be led instantly to obey it! We too much neglect the Avhisperings of the indwelling Spirit, and tluis He is grieved. When there is that which leads to self-denial for Christ’s sake and for the glory of God, we believe it can only be from the Spirit. I think that, by much prayer and watchfulness thereunto, we shall not be left to mistake on this point. I believe I have been instructed in this way, and the Spirit has been showing me, when I have neglected a duty towards one who has no other claim upon me than that he is poor, and greatly needs help.... How tender and gentle are the dealing’s of a o-ood and 2:racious Father to His child. Oh, for stronger faith to live above the policy and precepts of this poor dying world! How often does covetousness transform itself into the shape of prudence, and thereby we are likely to be deceived. Lord, give an upright heart to thy creature, and forgive all my sins and transgressions. Take awav the love of the world; and let not even the love of the best creature (the dearest) come between Thee and my soul. I would be for Thee, and for Thee only, and not for another.”

“I would delight mvself in God. Oh, for a lift above the perishing things of a perishing world! For more of heaven in my soul! Precious Jesus, draw near, and bless the waiting soul of thy handmaid. Lift upon me the light of Thy countenance, which is sweeter and better than life; for what would life be without it? Thanks be to Thy blessed name for the good hope Thou hast given me of life eternal. Oh, to be with Jesus? — to see Him in all His glory — to mingle with the pure spirits, myself a pure spirit! to unite with them and live in adoring gratitude and praise to Him who brought us there! Oh, has not heaven attractions beyond all the fading glory, wealth, and empty honours of a poor, unsatisfying world? Oh, to believe to the full all that God has promised!’

“Confined to my room to-day with a severe cold, attended by a great deal of lassitude. I am thankful I am without pain. My memory very much fails me. I trust and pray the Lord will not detain me here anv longer than He will use me for the good of all about me, or until I lose my memory quite, and become a burden. Whatever I forget, oh, may I never forget that J&SW5 Christ came into the luarld to save sinners. More, too, would I ask at His loving hands, — that as the body weakens, the mind may be strengthened to retain the precious things appertaining to the glorious gospel of the blessed God. Lord, enrich my soul with precious truth, and enable me to say to those around me. Come all ye that fear the Lord and I icill tell you what lie hath done for ray soul. 0 my soul, wait thou only upon God.”

“I believe that every doctrine, as well as every word, of

God is only effectually profitable as it is worked out by the tryinn; providence of God in the soul’s deep experience. Ileadknovledge will not do. Hearing with the outward ear does but little for the soul, enables it to make no headway towards heaven, or unfolds to us the tenderness of Christ, or the real character of God. The truth as it is in Jesus is more known in one deep trial than a year of smooth sailing. Worldly prosperity is but indifferent soil for the Christian to grow in. It rather stunts the soul; and nothing but an Almighty arm can save from the sleep of death.”

Xot only was she permitted to see her children, but her children’s children, avowing her covenant God as their God and Portion. She thus gratefully records the interesting event: —

From her Diary. —” The work of grace in the family has

filled our hearts with wonder and joy. Three of T ’s

children, I do trust, have been brought to surrender their hearts to Jesus. The Lord is answering my prayers; He has dropped the mantle of His love upon my grandchildren, and called them into His kingdom. The work in their hearts is a gentle drawing with the cords of love to a Father’s reconciled bosom, where, I trust, their precious souls will be screened from all the evil of an evil world, and be prepared to serve Him here and hereafter. Their convictions of sin have not been deep, but God the Spirit works as a Sovereign in all He does; and what they know not now they will know hereafter, as he leads them onward. Perhaps, if they knew what a bed of impiety lies deeply seated in their hearts, they would at once sink into despair, and give up all for lost. But the Lord will, by little and little, make them acquainted with their own hearts in the same proportion as they know His heart. Oh, how wisely He acts in all His dealings with His children! He gives no account of any of His matters, but acts as a Sovereign on His throne.”

“In my private reading this morning, went through God’s gracious dealings with the children of Israel, in the third chapter of Joshua, in dividing the waters of Jordan, and taking them over in safety to the good land He had promised to Moses. Afterwards, I read the same in the family, and found much liberty in speaking a little from it. It was sweetly encouraging to my own soul; for Joshua’s God is my God; and, although I hear no audible voice from heaven, I hear the still small voice of the Spirit speaking to my inmost heart. Blessed be God for the precious revelations of His holy will concerning us! I am in a wilderness, but God is with me. I walk by faith, and not by sight. He is in all things concerning me. I find it the hardest thing to sit still when in difficulties. My busy, unbelieving heart is ever for doing or undoing, — planning and arranging better and quicker than a good and wise God. Oh, to be still and wait patiently on God! this is my wisdom. I thank Him for keeping me from betraying outwardly my spirit, however the storm may have raged within, and thus brinD:ino: dishonour on Him whom mv soul loveth. I bless him for preventing grace, for restraining grace, for a throne of grace, where I can relieve my burdened heart, and tell Him all, keeping nothing back, good or had. Oh, is not this a mighty privilege? The God of Heaven, the Creator of all worlds, stooping in love to simple dust! Had sweet access to Him this morning in private. His presence humbled and melted my heart with deep contrition. How I loathe myself, at such favoured seasons, in dust and ashes before Him!”

“Have been forcibly impressed with the truth, that the kingdom of God comes not with observation. A stander-by knows nothing of what is passing within the soul of the believer — the mighty work which God the Spirit is carrying silently on. The hidden evil is revealed — his soul, in sorrow, flees to Jesus — the Comforter applies the blood to the accusing and disturbed conscience — the throne is erected — the Kinoreigns supreme — the soul rejoices; — all this transpires in the believer without any outward sign, and the world knows it not. And so the kingdom of God’s grace in the soul worketh secretly and silently, and without observation.”

“My memorv fails me Lord, whatever else fails me,

never, oh, never let me forget Thee, nor cease to pray and praise while I have breath to do it! Oh, thou blessed and Eternal Spirit, help my infirmities, and open both my heart and my mouth! Oh, take of the things of Jesus, and show them to me, that I may be enabled to ask and expect great things from Thee for His dear sake! Lord, teach me to pray! I would sit at Thy feet as a little child and learn of Thee. Lord, help me! Strengthen me, for I am poor and needy! My soul trusteth in Thee; let me not be put to shame. Suffer me not to grieve Thy Holv Spirit, or dishonour Thee before the rising generation! Thou hast promised never to leave nor forsake me, and, even down to hoar hairs, to carry me.”

“How wonderful is God in all His great and gracious dealings! He places us, as soon as the spiritual eye is opened, in His school. First, the infant-school; and then onward and upward, from class to class, losing no opportunity of spiritual instruction. Many hard lessons have we to learn and to relearn. But, oh, the unwearied patience and tenderness of our Teacher! Some of His children are slow learners, dull scholars, and require the discipline of the rod to stimulate them to more earnestness, attention, and submission. Some imagine they have arrived at the end of their education, and sit down at their ease: but presently they are called upon to solve some hard problem, and they find that they know less than they thought, and for their boasting are sent back to a lower class, and made to commence where they first began. Such is the school of Christ. Lord, teach me more and more of Thyself, and of my own poverty, misery, and weakness. And, oh, unfold to my longing eyes and heart what there is in Thyself to supply all my need, and in Thy loving, willing heart, to do all for me, and all in me, to fit me for Thy service here, and for Thy presence hereafter! Sanctify abundantly all Thy varying dispensations to the welfare and prosperity of my soul, and increase in me every gift and grace of thy Spirit, that I may show forth Thy praise, and walk humbly and closely with Thee. Thou knowest what a poor, worthless worm I am, and how utterly unworthy of the least mercy from Thy merciful hands; but Thou lovest to bestow Thy favours upon the poor and needy, such as me, thou most precious Lord. Thou hast been a good and gracious, sin-pardoning God to my soul, and a very present help in every time of trouble. Leave me not, nor forsake me, now that old age is overtaking me, and grey hairs thicken upon me. I know Thou wilt not. Thou, who hast been with me all my journey, wilt not leave me now; for Thou art faithful that hast promised. I feel my dependence on Thee more than ever. Without Thee I can do nothing. Helpless as an infant, I hang upon Thee, to do all for me and all in me. Oh, what a Friend is Christ to me!”

“111 in bed with influenza. The Lord still gracious and kind. All is in love. No good thing does He withhold. Mercy, mercy, mercy, all is mercy. The bush on fire, and not consumed, — such am I. Sin enough in my flesh to kindle a flame that never could be quenched; iDut the Spirit is there to overcome; and faith, however weak, is ahvays a conqueror. Faith honours God, and God honours faith. Little faith never need to hang its head; it can do wonders with God, and for God. It is His own gift, and given like Himself, full and free, and it is ever pointing to eternity.”

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raries

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