Remarks on Christian Experience

True religion, as we have had occasion to remark, is essentially experimental in its nature. Find it delineated where we may — in the sacred volume, or in the uninspired records of the saints of God — its nature, its phases, and its effects are identically the same. Who can trace the histories of Abraham, of Moses, and of Job — read the psalms of David — glide along the enchanting stream of prophetic truth — listen to the discourses of Jesus — peruse the letters of His apostles, or catch the last tones of inspiration as they float from the lonely Isle of Patmos, and not feel that true Christianity is nothing less than the life of Jesus dwelling in the soul of the believer? But Christian experience varies; it may be more strongly developed in some individuals than in others. One believer may present a more robust type of this essential characteristic of Christianity than another. It is not, perhaps, difi&cult to account for this difference. He may have been more an object of God’s especial dealings, and consequently he has had closer dealings with God. He may have been more variedly tried, more heavily afflicted, more frequently chastened; he may have been led into a deeper insight into his own heart; he may have been permitted more thoroughly to learn his native vileness and weakness, and by a process most painful and humiliating; he has had more to do with providential dispensations — he can tell of blighted hopes, of disappointed schemes, of withered flowers, of broken cisterns; he has become more closely acquainted with God; has learnt more of Jesus, has kept a closer eye upon the hidden work of the Spirit in the heart; and thus, by these varied processes, he has become a more deeply spiritual and experimental Christian. Of this class was the honoured subject of our memoir. Christian experience, in some of its most holy, lovely, and touching unfoldings, was pre-eminent in her religious life and correspondence. Not merelj do we trace it in the recorded exercises of her own soul, but also in the intense, holj concern she felt and expressed for the religious progress of others. To the illustrations already given, a few more are added, gleaned alike from her private journal, and her general correspondence. The following touching resume of past experience is taken from her diary.

“‘Faint yet pursuing,’ is my present motto. Hitherto has the Lord been with me, and so far has He brought me on my eventful journey. On looking back, I have much to mourn over, and I have much to be thankful for, — mercy and goodness, faithfulness and boundless love, have followed me every step of the way. The Lord has gently and tenderly led me on. Once, and but once, He laid His hand sorely upon me. But it was the rod of the ’ covenant, ordered in all things and sure.’ It pressed heavily. I could not discern a Father’s hand. Overwhelmed, almost stunned, with the suddenness of the affliction, I lost my hold and confidence in Him who had said, ‘//e would never leave nor forsake me.’ The enemy seemed to sift me as wheat. Bereaved of an aff’ectionate husband — deprived of fortune — friends far away — in a strange land, heart-broken and alone — while the pitiless storm raged over me, I would steal away and weep in secret agony. Such was my state and such my misery, when the Lord sent a man of God to me with a message of love to my soul. He spoke of the unalterable love of Jesus, and of His never-failing compassion, even while He chastened. He opened up and unfolded the precious truths of the gospel with such power accompanying every word, that I once more raised my head, and lifted up my heart to God as my Father still; who though He had chastened me, yet His anger was turned away, and I was comforted. Many, since then, have been the trials I have had to pass through, but the Lord has stood by me, and delivered me out of them all. Strength has been given to me equal to my day. The precept was laid upon my heart, Oioe no -in the anything; and I have been enabled to walk in that’hee in old and God has fulfilled the promise. Your bread me outyou, o/iid your luater shall he sure. I was led to wa seen enough 111 an unseen Protector, Provider, and Friend. I ,q Thy name, to bed owing anything but love. I repaired to and chastened, wanted, feeling I was His child and doubly so hast kept my child. As such, I called upon Him in every tlou most precious counsel in difficulty, for strength in weakness, for healing in sickness, for supplies of grace to uphold and keep me near Himself, my best, my only Friend on earth and in heaven. He never, no, never failed me. His ear was ever open to my cry, and His love shed abroad in my heart, was my joy and. my comfort by day and by night. My children are grown up — some are walking among those that fear His name; and I still pray and believe that the promise will be fulfilled which He gave me in the early days of my lonely widowhood — will he a Father to thy fatherless children. How can He be a Father, and one be lost? Not so. Lord, for Thy word shall never fail of all that Thou hast put Thy name to,”

“How is it with Thee now, 0 my soul? Is thy God still gracious, and art thou yet upheld and comforted? Has old age overtaken thee, and thy pains thickened upon thee, and is thy God still faithful to His promise? Yes, oh yes! He is all and everything He has said He would be. He is my joy by night and by day. My comfort in sorrow — my stay in trouble — my strength in weakness — the lifter up of my head, and my portion for ever. God be praised! God be praised! “” Still, I have cause to praise and bless the God of my salvation, and the God of all my comforts. ‘His loving-kindness, oh, how great!’ I am, however, still called to fight, to watch and pray. The world with its cares, unbelief with its fears, and Satan ever on the watch to tempt, harass, and allure: and yet, in the midst of it all, the Lord indulges me with much nearness to Himself, and a subdued heart at a throne of grace. I pray, and praise, and weep before Him, and feel He is my Father in heaven. Jesus is precious. I felt to-day as if I could say I loved Him better than all created beings, however near and dear to me. But, while thus pouring out my heart to Him, I thought of poor Peter, and remembered how little he knew of his own heart when he said so boldly that he was willing to lay down his life for his beloved Master. I acknowlot vvl my inability to do better than Peter, but could say, closely a.^ to love Him supremely from my very heart, and to kept a clo:iove to every other love beside.” heart; andy 28th. — This day I am nearly three-score years more deeph during that period the Lord has borne with my was the honde wilderness, while goodness and mercy haveence, in some the way. What shall I do, or what can I say was pre-eminenod of love! Oh, for a heart filled with grace, [262, that I may make some little return for sucn an ocean of goodness! But no, I must still come a poor, needy, unworthy sinner to the throne of grace. The dust is my proper place; there must I lie. But a little space may now be left me; my journey may soon come to an end. How glorious does the gospel appear to my soul! It just suits my case. Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for His unspeakable gift. And oh, the thouo-ht, that if I had been the only sinner on the face of the earth to be saved. He must have died — He must have been that Man of sorrows — He must have sunk down to the utmost depth of degradation — He must have grappled with death, hell, and the grave — He must have shed every drop of that rich blood that eleanseth from all sin, ere I could have entered the kingdom of heaven! Oh, then, how vile am I to serve Him so ill, and make so few returns of love for such an ocean! God knows it is my desire to love Him supremely, to live to Him, and to live for Him, and Him only. But oh, this heart of mine! what can I do with it? Lord help me! Help one that is willing to be helped, and looks alone to Thee for that help she so much needs.”

“I felt humbled at what passed last evening — too much trifling conversation. I do hope the Lord did bring me to His footstool this morning with a broken heart. I think there is more danger in being with lukewarm professors than with the unconverted. I shed many tears, and abhorred myself before Him. Oh, the exquisite tenderness, compassion, and long-suffering of Jesus towards such a one! Oh, for more wisdom, discretion, and the power of the Spirit within! Blessed be His holy name, for every precious promise He has left to encourage our souls in this incessant warfare. Trying it often is; there is no other help but to run to Jesus, and the Fountain opened for sin. It is there we get the broken and contrite heart, and fresh strength to go on in spite of all that opposes us in our progress homewards. Lord, strengthen Thy poor, aged, feeble one, and keep me moment by moment, as in the hollow of Thy hand. Leave me not to dishonour Thee in old age. Hitherto Thou hast upheld me, and not suffered me outwardly to dishonour Thee. Thine holy eyes have seen enough to cast me off for ever; but oh, for ever blessed be Thy name, though Thou hast in some measure rebuked and chastened, and caused me to see and lament my sin. Thou hast kept my secrets within Thine own loving bosom, thou most precious

266 MEMOIR OF MRS. MARY ^YIXSLOW.

Son of God. This it is that breaks ray heart, and causes tears to run down my aged checks. AVhat, oh what shall I render unto Thee for Thy wondrous goodness and patience towards me? Nothing have I to render. I am poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee moment by moment. God be praised for such a Sav.iour, just suited in every way to my necessities. Oh, for a heart to praise and bless His holy holy name!”

“There is, in the Christian mind, such a proneness to be satisfied with a little. No pressing onward and upward. We receive a little, and then sit down and live upon it until it is all exhausted, and our verv bones stand out from leanness. We forget, that the oftener we apply for more, the more welcome we are, and the holier and happier we become; and not only this, but the more we receive, the more we feel our need of deeper supplies, grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We need to know more of Jesus. The more frequently we go to Him, the better we shall know Him. Always welcome. Never will Pie frown a poor beggar from His footstool. He upbraids us for not coming. Ye will not come unto Me. Why should our grace droop, and languish, and die, when we can repair to the Fountain of living water, at all times and under all circumstances? Oh, the blessing of having such an Almighty Friend in glory, waiting to be gracious to us, whose power is infinite in heaven and on earth, and whose love, like Himself, is from everlasting to everlasting!”

“It is a lovely day. Experienced a precious nearness to Jesus in prayer. Felt I loved Him above all earthly love; that to me He was the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely to my soul. Could recall all His tender dealing, watchful providence, unwearied care, all-protecting hand, from infancy to the present moment. I delight to trace before Him His wondrous, unwearied love, in His providence all my journey through. Oh, what a God h<is He been — and what returns? Often the basest. How humbling is this! How often does the remembrance of what He has been to me, and what I have been to Him, bring tears to my eyes.”

“What a grief it is to me to see those professing Christ, and vet living to the world. If ye love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. Oh that all this evil might be subdued in me! Truly can I say, in my flesh dwellcth no good thing. Lord, put thoughts in my heart, and suitable words in my mouth, that I may speak to sinners — one word followed with Thy blessing! Only make me a humble instrument of some good where I am. Dear Lord, wilt Thou condescend to use me for Thyself, and for the good of those around me? Often am I afraid of speaking, lest I should do more harm than good by exciting the enmity of the carnal mind. Lord, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Help me. I am Thine, and Thou art mine! Oh, thou blessed Spirit of all grace, truth, and power, work that in me that shall Idc for Thy glory, and the good of poor dying souls. Never did I more feel my incompetency to do anything, or to speak a word for Christ. I can talk to those who love Thee, and enjoy it; but faithfully and fearlessly to speak to and warn the empty professor and the unrenewed sinner, I shrink from it. Precious and beloved Jesus, help and strengthen Thine unworthy one in doino; what is riht in Thv sig-ht.”

“Oct. 1st. — The Lord has brought me in safety to town through His tender and never-ceasing mercy. T“hat thanks do I owe Him for His watchful providence over me moment by moment. Among other blessings would I praise Him for the affection and devoted love of my children. I have paid the three in the country each a ^-isit; and never did a mother meet with more tenderness and love — anticipating my every wish, and watching over me as a nurse her tender babe. God be praised for all His unmerited favours.”

“I cannot see God for one moment out of Christ. I behold Him in all His glorious attributes in Jesus, the Son of His love. He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. I often feel, in drawing near the throne of grace, I need a Father’s pity. I go to Him -as my Father. At other times I feel I need all the sympathy and tender compassion of Christ’s manhood. And, again, I feel I need the power of the Holy Ghost within me, to teach, to sanctify, and to heal. Thus a Triune Jehovah is made known to us through Jesus. And these three — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — are, one and all, engaged in the glorious work of saving fallen sinners. God be praised for what we do know. God be praised!”

“Had precious nearness to-day in pleading for my children — much sweet, holy liberty in prayer. Oh, how blessed are these opportunities, when heaven seems opened, and God reveals the love of His heart, and His willingness to do all we ask! Felt, too, much brokenness of heart, under a deep sense of my imworthiness of such imboiinded love. It is a great comfort to me to think that the Lord knows me altogether. I would have no concealments from Him. He graciously permits nic to come with an open heart.”

“0 Lord, my God, bring salvation to my house again. Make bare Thine holy arm. Remember Thy gracious promise given to Thine handmaid in the time of her deep sorrow. For ever blessed be Thy name for the consolation then afforded her, and for what Thou hast so wonderfully accomplished. But, dear Lord, there is vet to be a fulfilment of Thine own

precious word. Remember, too, in great mercy. Lord,.

Open Thou his eyes to behold himself a sinner in Thy sight, and Thyself able to save to the uttermost. Oh, lay him low in the dust of self-abhorrence at Thy dear feet, there to sue for pardon through that precious blood that can alone cleanse from sin. Have mercy ere he goes hence; and may he leave a testimony behind him to the precious fulness of Thy great salvation.”

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. Oh, to walk with an open, unveiled heart with God. To have no concealments, not the shadow of a wish to conceal; but rather rejoice that He who loves us knows us altogether just as we are. He alone can heal all our diseases, and help all our infirmities. He has graciously undertaken to meeten us for that place He has gone to prepare for us. What a Saviour is ours! God be praised for His unspeakable gift.”

“How utterly impossible for me to choose for myself This is the second time in my life, when in the providence of God, I have had to decide upon a point of some moment, and which might lead to important results. I have carried it again and again to the Lord, but to this moment no light has shone upon my way. I think I feel willing to have no wish to determine for myself I do desire that the will of the Lord should be done in me. Precious Jesus, my Guide, my Guardian, my unceasing Friend, undertake for me. Still I am to walk by faith throu2;h the wilderness.”

“I believe that every word of God is only profitable as it is wrought out in the soul, often by trying providences. Head knowledge will not do. Hearing with the outward ear profits not the soul. It makes no headway towards heaven, and knows nothing of the love of Christ, or the real character of God. The truth as it is in Jesus is more known in one deep trial than in years of smooth sailing. Worldly prosperity is unfavourable soil for the true Christian to grow in. It benumbs the soul, and nothing but the Almighty power of God can keep it from the sleep of death.”

“My posture is still waiting lipon God. To know His will is my chief desire. Be stilly and know that I am God, These words were applied to my soul to-day with much sweetness. I think, small crosses stir up the corruptions of the heart more than deep afflictions. The flesh frets; pride is set in motion; and at once the soul is called to conflict with a host of enemies that lie dormant until roused to strive against the Spirit. Satan, then is busy, and the soul has, with all speed, to betake itself to its stronghold. Oh, it is then the throne of grace is a blessed resource. Jesus is most precious.”

“Blessed, thrice blessed, is the prospect of eternal companionship in heaven with those from whom we differ in judgment upon earth.”

“What a brittle thing is all the glory, wealth, and honour of this vain world! How empty and what trash does it appear! And yet men sell their souls to grasp it, and at last pass away from it and find it all a phantom. How unceasing is Satan in for ever bringing it before our eyes, in some form or other.”

“How much stronger faith it requires to go to the Lord in our little difficulties than when greater troubles press us. I feel, at times, almost ashamed to bring my small trials, and feel as if it required an apology. But, oh, in a moment I am helped, at such a season of temptation, to prostrate myself before the Lord, and humble myself for the pride of my wretched heart; for it is that, aided by the enemy, that creates the suggestion. In one sense, all our circumstances are trifles in the sight of a great Almighty God; but if Christ hath said that the very hairs of our head are numbered, how much more does He condescend to care for what is a trouble to us.”

The following presents the “child of the light walking in darkness.” This was not often her dreary path; but when so, like her blessed Saviour on the cross, her faith never relinquished its hold on God.

“March 6th. — Good and gracious has been the Lord to me in all outward comforts; but my soul has been led to walk in a dark way, and although I do feel Jesus more precious than ever, I have not that abiding enjoyment of His presence as formerly. I am greatly straitened in myself, and particularly in family prayer am greatly tried. My mind is confused, and my memory fails me, and the presence of so many becomes a snare to me, that I feel I am sinning in attempting to address the heart searching God in such a state of mind. The Lord, the Spirit, has withdrawn His sensible presence, and my soul has been in great trouble. I search for the cause, and the more I search, the plainer I see great cause indeed wherefore He should leave my soul to barrenness and wandering. Surely, I have followed Him of late like sorrowful Mary, and would cry, Oh, that it were with me as in days that are past! And yet, Jesus is not out of sight, and I feel that the wealth of ten thousand worlds could not compensate for the loss of the light of His countenance. I feel, at times, that I am His, and that He is mine; but still there is a want in my soul that He only can meet. Lord, help me, and revive Thy work for Jesus’ sake. I never before had such wrestling with God, and never before walked in such a dark, bewilderinor wav. 0 Lord, show me the why and the wherefore. Subdue my sins, give me deep repentance, and set my soul once more at happy, holy liberty.”

“20th. — Bless the Lord, who has heard the voice of my supplication, and though He bore long with me, has again spoken peace and comfort to my troubled, tempest-tossed soul. My soul rejoices in God my Saviour, in whom is all my hope and my salvation.”

Let those who fear the Lord, who are walking in darkness and have no light, be encouraged to trust in the Lord. “Light is soxDU for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” We propose following these extracts from her private papers with selections from her general correspondence, as still further illustrating the experimental character of true godliness.

TO LADY B. OX THE SEALING OF THE SPIRIT.

“Dear Lady B, Leamington, March 17th.

“.... How poor and trifling is everything else, compared with the glory of God in the salvation of His saints — in their well-being and their progress homeward. It is a certain thing, that there is no standing still in our heavenly course. We have too many enemies to contend with to allow of this. We have need, indeed, of all the help we can obtain from above and below, to keep our feet from falling, and our heart steadfast in the way to glory. What is all the pomp, and wealth, and rank of this poor fleeting world, in contrast with the glory that shall soon be revealed in all them that love His appearing? In ichoin also after ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Sjnrit of jyornise ivhicJi is the earnest of our inheritance. Eph. i. 13, 14. This passage of Scripture is very precious, and it is most important that we should be experimentally and practically acquainted with it. It is not peculiar to the apostles and the disciples of old; but it belongs to you and to me, and it should be a question of great moment to us both? Have I been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise? Have I the witness in my soul that I am a child of God? Have I really believed, and am I thus sealed as an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ Jesus? Have I made my calling and election sure to mvself? Oh, are not these important questions to put to ourselves, particularly when we know not how soon we may be called to render in an account to God? One step and we are there — in the very presence of a holy, heart-searching Jehovah. Is there anything upon earth of equal importance to this? Earnestly, then, would I urge you to press onward; and if yet unacquainted with the sealing of the Spirit, which is the earnest of your heavenly inheritance, to go again and again until you obtain it. It is for you. It is the certain pledge of God’s eternal, unchangeable love to your soul. Oh, do but try for it. Though faint at first, it will increase more and more. It is the image of Christ stamped upon the soul of His redeemed one. Oh, to know this precious Jesus is life eternal. The world is passing awav, and we are passing away, but this will never pass away. I feel as if standing on the very verge of the eternal world — full in view before ‘’me — and I cannot but say to all I love, The Bible is true — God is true — Jesus is true — all that He has said is true. He stands ready to receive, to pardon, to sanctify, and to SEAL as His own, all who come to Him, and has promised that He will cast out none that come. I should like to hear that all is well with you, and that you are making progress heavenward, homeward, and that Jesus is increasingly precious to your soul. Oh, I do love the saints. I have this one evidence that I have passed from death unto life, because I love the brethren. All who love Christ, I love. And I shall love them even better when I get above. Heaven’s atmosphere is love. Christ’s heart is an ocean of love. Let us endeavour to have as much as we can of heaven in our souls while here. AVe have but a brief space left to show our love to Christ. Let us work for Him, live for Him, live to Him, and look forward to living with Him. There is such a thing as a most blessed fellowship and communion with the Saviour. I once heard Mr. Evans say, ’ there were some professors of religion who did not know when the Lord was with them, or when He was not.’ Is not this a most painful truth? Oh, how can these walk happily or holily in such a state of soul? ...”

TO THE SAME. ON A SPIRITUAL MINISTRY.

“Your pastor has been obliged again to leave you; but oh, what a mercy, although the under-shepherd is away, the Chief, faithful Shepherd never leaves his flock. How much the soul needs the constant supplies of spiritual food to sustain it in health and vigour! Christ is the bread of the spiritual life, and Christ is the sum and substance of the gospel; and therefore the gospel is needful, that we may grow in grace. And

now, dear friend, you will be without it at, I fear. Your

work, then, is before you. ‘Ask anything in My name, and it shall be done unto you.’ You want the gospel; it is more needful for you than your necessary food; you want it for yourself, for those you love, for the poor around you. I do not urge you to wander, seeking an under-shepherd that you think will suit; but I do say, go to Jesus, to the compassionate, the Chief Shepherd, and ask Him to send you one after His own heart. Do not be satisfied with going once, or twice, or thrice, but go, and continue to go, taking no denial. The Lord loves importunity. A greater blessing God could not send you than this. You will honour Him by asking, and He will honour you by giving. If the man that comes does not preach Christ from first to last — if he puts anything else in as a substitute — God has not sent him. Then go and tell the Lord. Oh, let this be a grand transaction between God and yourself....”

TO THE SAME. ON CONFORMITY TO THE WORLD.

““What a difficult matter it is to be in the world, and yet not to be of the world! Our Lord has said of his disciples, They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Christ himself carried out this principle. He passed through the world as one who was not of it. Oh, that we could but imitate His holy example, and aim only, while in it, so to let our light shine, that others mav take knowledofe of us that we have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him. It should be our whole endeavour to do all the good we can in it and for it, and yet to set at nought its spirit, its principles, and its maxims. ‘How can this be?’ I think I hear you say. Go to Jesus, and ask of Him strength for any duty that devolves upon us. Without Me ye can do nothing. And yet with Christ strengthening us, we can do all things. What a present helper is Jesus! When we are called to go amongst those who know not God, let it be from an absolute duty, and with a desire onlv to do good to their souls, and after much prayer — honest, sincere prayer — to be preserved from evil. Oh, how much need have we to watch over our hearts, and ask the Lord to purify our motives in all that we do! We have need to keep close to our dearest, our best Friend, and beseech Him to save us from ourselves. How can a believer walk through this world safely and securely, but as he is upheld by a strength that is Omnipotent? .... I am passing through a world lying in the wicked one. I belong to another kingdom, which is not of this world. I am a subject of the kingdom of Christ; hence it is my duty and my high privilege to obey and to serve. And, oh. His service is no slavery; it is perfect freedom. Dear friend, see, then, our hio-h calling! He has called you and me to come out of the world and to be separate, in principle, in practice, in heart. I once sat by the bedside of a dying saint. She had devoted her life to the Lord, and no one could say but that she walked as a believer should walk. But, oh, her great grief, when she was about to appear before Him was, that she had lived too much to the world. Her sorrow was great; and, although she expressed no fear as to her acceptance in Christ, yet, on looking back upon her past life, she saw so much to deplore of heart-departures that her sorrow in this respect obscured, in a measure, her prospect of the endless glory that doubtless awaited her, and which, I believe, she is now enjoying with Him she loved — ’ chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world!’

TO A BELOVED FRIEND. ON LOOKING TO JESUS FOR

EVIDENCES.

‘’Dear and beloved Friend, — Tuesday Evening.

“I have just returned from service, and found your kind letter. Many, many thanks. I have long wished to write and inquire how it was with your soul, which, I believe, is as dear to Christ as the apple of His eye.... Precious friend, look full at Jesus. Look no longer to your own weak, sinful heart. Look upon Me, and he ye saved. Ordy believe and you shall have eternal life. It is the record God has given of His dear Son we are called to believe; and the moment you believe this with all your heart, you have peace. All your trouble arises from your looking for evidences within; and when Satan blinds your eye, and you cannot find them, directly you think you have no part or lot in this matter. Your salvation does not hinge in the slightest degree upon what is done in you or by you, but what Christ has done for sinners; and if you are a sinner, then Christ has done it for you. Oh, look and live! Keep your eye upon Jesus. Try and realize the simple, plain, matter-of-fact truth that God was in Christ Jesus! that He came into the world for the express purpose of saving sinners, the vilest of the vile; and that He rose from the dead, and is now above, at the right hand of the Father, to fulfil every promise he has left in His last will, signed with His own blood. Now, faith does not consist in belie vino; that I am a believer, but in believing in Jesus Christ; and all the rest — joy, peace, love, hope, and every other blessing — will assuredly follow. Oh, how simple is faith, and how many make a Christ of it, when it is nothing more than believing! But, lest I should mislead here: this faith is a divine operation, and is the gift of God; Imt all that we have to do is to deal with the matter-of-fact truth of the Gopsel. In the Acts of the Apostles, you will find that they invariably stated to sinners the things concerning Jesus, and when they heard they believed and rejoiced. You do not find they looked into their own hearts for evidences when they were called to believe. They received the truth at once, and rejoiced with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. AYe are to look for comfort only to Christ. The bitten Israelites looked at once and direct to the brazen serpent, and were healed; and when we want (renewed) healing, we must look again and again. Oh, the precious fountain for sin and uncleanness! I am obliged to come again and again to it. May the Lord disperse every dark cloud from your mind; for well I know, Jesus loves not to see His child mourning in unbelief. The weakness of the body often affects the mind; but, let what may be our feelings, Jesus’ love is always the same, and the Lord changes not. What I have written, you know, beloved friend, as well as I do. And vet often when a cloud comes over the mind, it is the privilege of one who is travelling in a lighter part of the road to speak a word of consolation. Cheer up, beloved of God, it is all right; for God, even our own God, is with you, to do you good; and every trial you now meet with is to make you cling closer to Jesus, that you may know Him better and love Him more I am fighting on my way, often sorrowing and rejoicing at the same time, — mourning for my sins, while I can and do rejoice that Christ has made an all-sufficient atonement for all, past, present, and to come; which, while it humbles me in the dust of self-abhorrence, makes me incrcasino-ly lone: to be like Him. Onlv believe, and it will be well with you throusfh time and throughout an endless eternity.”

TO THE SAME. THE EVERLASTING LOVE OF GOD.

“.... It is so pleasant to talk of an absent friend, — a friend that one dearly loves, and longs to see; particularly if the person with whom you are conversing is especially interested in the subject. As I sat musing alone, I thought of Christ, and then of you; and as I am too far to hold a conversation, I must write a little about Him we both love; and xce love Him because He first loved us. If we feel one particle of love to Him, be assured it is a proof that He loves us. But still there are seasons when our hearts are so cold and insensible, that it would not do always to have this as a test of His love to us. What a mercy of mercies to have such a God to deal with, who cannot cease to love, because He cannot chano-e! How much solid comfort is in this thought! How it quiets and soothes all our doubts and fears, and puts Satan’s ‘ifs’tothe blush! There is no uncertainty with God. His thoughts of love towards us have been from everlasting to everlasting. He loved us when we were wandering far from Him, andlfar from happiness. He loved us when we knew Him’ not. He loved us out of Satan’s kingdom into the kmgdom of grace, and He will love us into the kingdom of glory. Our doubts and fears may harass us, but they can make no alteration in His eternal purposes. Jesus is alive; never fear! He is risen and at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven, and is the executor of His own will, entrusting it not to the highest angel in heaven. Let us then encourage our hearts in the Lord, and know that while we are looking to Jesus, He is at that very moment looking on us with a heart overflowing with love, as eternal as Himself, May He draw us nearer to Himself, and conform us to His own lovely image.”

TO THE SAME. SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT.

“.... I was rejoiced to hear that you were enabled (if it was only for a moment) to cast yourself upon Christ. Be assured the time will come when He will enable you to do it wholly. He is leading you by degrees, to see what He is, and what He is to you; and for wise purposes. He is teaching you many hard lessons, that you may be prepared to teach others; and thus He is fitting you for future usefulness. Let me not, in thus speaking, put a stumbling-block in your way. There is such a fulness in the boundless love of Christ’s heart, that there is no necessity for stavinsr out of it for one moment. It was framed for sinners; and there is room enough for you, for me, and for ten thousand more. Oh, let us enter in at once and feel at home, no longer strangers, but at home with a loving Father and a precious Christ. This is what I covet for you. I pray you may be led to cease from all teaching but that of the Eternal Spirit, and with the word of God in your hand. May God pour into your soul such a sense of His wondrous love for you, as will enable you to triumph over all the host of foes within and without. And when you see His holy face, and can cast a thought on me, oh, remind Him what a poor one He has in your unworthy sister.”

TO LADY L. ON ANTICIPATION OF HEAVEN.

“Beloved in the Lord, — April 21st.

‘’ I grieve that I was obliged to leave home without seeing you again; but if we meet no more on earth, there is a blessed world where I expect to meet you, and all we love who have preceded us there. Let us keep our eye and our hearts upon it. Earth is but a stage erected as our passage to

POWER OF Christ’s resurrection. 277

the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us. And what a place must that be, which Infinite power and love has engaged to provide! Oh, let us not lose sight of heaven for a moment. How prone we are to allow our minds and hearts (treacherous hearts!) to become entangled with the baubles of a dying world. No wonder Christ exhorted us to watch and pray. Heaven is our home — our happy home. “We are but strangers and pilgrims here. Try and realize it. Let us keep ourselves ready to enter with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb. In a little while, and we shall see Him, not as the ‘Man of sorrows,’ but the ‘King in his beauty.’ Shall we not know Him the moment we get there? Shall we not recognise that blessed countenance, which so often cheered and encouraged us when cast down? Dear friend, we shall. Then, let us fight against earth and all its false attractions, for it passeth away. Let us keep close to Christ; go to Him on all occasions, and never be satisfied without an interview with our best beloved. Were the Queen to invite us to visit her, and we went to the palace, but did not see her, should we return satisfied or pleased? Just so with the King of kings. Tlnien we go to Him, let us not come away without having an interview. T’’e must speak to Him, open our whole heart to Him, while He opens His loving heart to us. This is communion, and there IS no communion without it. May all your children be led to choose the one thing needful. What a mercy for a family to have a praying mother! Love, tender love to you.”

TO MISS M. THE POWER OF CHRISt’s RESURRECTION.

“Dear Sister in Jesus, — y 4th.

“What shall I say to you for my apparent neglect

of your kind and considerate letter, when dear was with

you? I take shame to myself that I have not before thanked you for it, and trust it is not now too late.... God be praised for the precious Gospel, which reveals to us the whole will of God. What should we do without the Bible? and what should we do without Jesus, the source and substance of the Bible? and what should we do without the Spirit’s holy teaching? God be praised for all; all is Iwundless, fuhomless love, from first to last. Dear friend, I have often had you in mv mind since I saw you at Leamington, and thought I would write and induce you to tell me now and then how gracious

God was dealing with you. He is full of love. No tongue can tell how gracious He is to unworthy me; and is He not so to you, dear friend? Could you live without Him? I cannot. He is the health and joy of my soul. His name is as ointment poured forth. What will heaven be, where we shall see Him face to face? Do you not at times long to be there, a pure spirit, in due time inhabiting a glorified body, mingling with the happy beings, many of whom we knew and loved, around the throne? Mighty are our present privileges. What could we do without a throne of grace? Do we not need it every step we take, and at each turn of Providence? Let us, then, endeavour, dear friend, to live more on high, — more in full expectation of our great change. I believe that a constant looking to the glory that awaits us, will enable us to live above the trials of the way; will strengthen our faith to overcome, and cause us to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; realizing in our soul’s experience, that all is true that our God has told us and promises us. The resurrection of Christ is to me a blessed confirmation that all else that is revealed is true. If Christ be risen from the grave and is in heaven, then my soul is as safe as if I were there at this moment. Every other revealed truth rests upon this one; and if this is a verity, all else is so. Now we have but to believe this, and joy and gratitude, love and hope, at once spring up in the souL Then comes the question. Lord, luhat loouldst thou have me to do? The believer will not be satisfied with merely being saved. Though this is a great mercy, there yet are enjoyments, I do believe, experienced as we travel onward in the heavenly journey, that far, — oh, how far! — surpass the paltry glory of this poor passing world; experienced only by those who are united to the living Vine. May the Lord help you to go forward, to know more and more of the power of His resurrection, — to follow on to know the Lord. The more we have to do with Christ the more we shall know of His excellencies, His sympathy, and His exquisite, boundless love. Pray for me, that I may be more anxious to press forward, and not be satisfied to know these things in theory only, but in my soul’s sweet experience. In a little while, and we shall be there. I believe, from the signs of the times, we may hope soon to see Him whom we love, coming in the clouds of heaven, to take His weary Church to Himself, Think of me when waiting before our mutual Friend.”

to mrs. t. jesrs with his saints ix sickness.

“My dear Friend, —

“I hear from dear E, that your dear husband is

very ill. Perhaps this illness is not unto death, and that he will yet be spared to you, and you to him, a little longer in this vale of tears. But oh, when faith is in lively exercise, how sweet is the thought of going home; dropping the weary, worn out body for a season, in full confidence of one day being united to it ag-ain! How kind it was in Jesus to give us that promise from His own dear lips, / iviH raise it up again at the last day! That identically same body; but oh, how changed, how beautified! Then soul and body in re-union shall stand before a holy Lord God, and Christ shall fully see and perfectly enjoy the travail of His soul. Tell him that all that Jesus has said is true; that He is in heaven who died for sinners; and that no believing soul, however great his sins, can be lost while Christ lives. He has said to him. Because I live, ye shall live also. The same Jesus who, a poor and despised Man of sorrows, trod the streets of Jerusalem, is in heaven, as full of goodness, tenderness, and love, as when here below. He is now with you, and is watchino- beside the sick-bed of vour dear husband, saying to him, ‘Fear not, it is I. It is I that lived for you, that died for you, that rose again for you, and am now waiting to welcome you home. I have prepared a place for you.’ Absent from the body, we shall be present with the Lord. When his eyes close on earth, at that very instant he will open them upon Jesus Himself. Comfort him with these precious truths. May God be with you.”

TO THE SAME. FORESHADOWINri OF THE COMING GLORY.

‘• April 13th. “.... We must not lose sight of each other, for the time is shortening. The present signs speak loudly to us. Prepare to meet thy God I But oh, what a pleasant prospect is before us, almost in full view. Jesus is at hand, and if He does not soon come to us, we shall soon go to Him, our best and dearest Friend. Oh, to see His foce, once so wearied and careworn, traced with sorrow and with grief, — and that because our sins were laid upon Him, — but now resplendent with glory; His countenance beaming with ineffable delight upon HisVedeemed, blood-bought family, rescued from the power of hell, death, and the grave. Can we conceive of anything to equal such a scene? The Bridegroom rejoicing over his bride, saints singing, angels admiring. Endeavour to reahze this, dear friend. Take your walks in the good land flowing with milk and honey. I am never so happy as when I am able so to do. To hold converse with spirits around the throne; above all, with Him who sits upon it. Nothing in this fading world can equal it. A throne of grace, with a broken heart for sin, and a pardoning Saviour, is a verdant spot in this wilderness....”

to mrs. a. ox the confession of sin.

“Dear Sister in the Lord, —

“.... AYhile I recommend this dear Christian friend, as a companion, sweet it is to think how soon, how very soon, we shall be fitted for the companionship of Jesus Himself, beholding Him in all His unveiled beauties. Does not the thought often gladden your heart, and fill your eyes with tears of joy, and holy contrition for sin? I cannot conceive of holy joy unaccompanied with godly sorrow. Confession of sin should make up one -half of our lives. Only acknowledge thine iniquity. And when we remember that we have to do with One so willing and so able to pardon, it becomes then a mingled feeling of pleasure and pain. By confessing sin, we gather strength to resist it; thereby the enemy of our souls is foiled, the conscience is kept tender, the heart is sanctified, and the blood of Jesus becomes increasingly precious. Let us constantly flee to the cleansing fountain; fjr if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we CONFESS our sins, lie is faithful and, just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Oh, to go and acknowledge the hidden, concealed evil of our hearts — that sin that no eye has seen or can see but God’s holy eye. Is not this a high privilege? And who can subdue sin in us but Jesus? I misfht as well attempt to remove mountains, as to reason away one corruption of my fallen nature. But if we, the moment we detect it, carry it to Jesus, He will do it all for us. This is one of the most difficult lessons to learn in the school of Christ. I am but just beginning to learn it, and therefore I am placed in the youngest class, travelling to Jesus more as a little helpless child, for Him to do all for and all in me, Mv fancied strensrth is all vanished, mv boasted reason turned into follj, and now, thus living on Christ in childhke simphcity, my peace, joy, and consolation, are past expression. Oh, the love, the matchless love of Jesus to a poor sinner lying thus at His dear feet, waiting to receive a welcoming smile beaming from His countenance. Dear friend, keep close to Him. Let not the world or its cares come between you and Christ. If there is a cloud, rest not until it withdraws. Go again and again, should there be but a shade, until it is put away, and you see Him who loves you. I think, if it were possible to be sensible of shame in heaven, we should be ashamed of our sins, — above every other, of the sin of unbelief.... You may, perhaps, wonder why confession of sin should be the subject upon which I have chiefly written. I had just returned, when I took up my pen to address you, from my confessional — the throne of grace — so sweetly refreshed and so blessedly pardoned, that I could not refrain from recommending it to all I love and write to, as one of the most hallowed exercises of the Christian. I often repair to it heavily laden, and return as though nestling beneath the wing of the Saviour. I tell Him all that is in my heart, and what I could not tell the dearest friend on earth. He keeps all my secrets; and while I open my sinful heart to Him, He unveils His loving, gracious heart to me. This truly happy intercourse with God, I would urge upon all whom I love, and who love Him. Nothing must be kept back. Descending to particulars, we must deal with God in small as well as in great matters. One lifting up of the heart — one thought darting heavenward, when surrounded by clouds, is sufficient for Jesus. Lord, help us so to live and so to die.”

TO MES. R. GRATEFUL REVIEWS.

“Dear Friend, — October 5th, 1852.

“My own dear pastor, Mr. Evans, has often said to me, ‘Dear sister, what a poor world it is!’ And such I find it increasingly. We shall soon be gathering up our garments in preparation, I trust, for a better. What folly to wish to stay in a wilderness longer than is needful. You and I are daily nearing our heavenly home, and Jesus stands ready to put us in full possession of our glorious inheritance, prepared for us before the foundation of the world. With adoring gratitude I look back on all the way He has led me, and stand in wondering praise at His long-suffering patience, gentleness, kmdncss, and forbearance. My heart seems ready to melt into contrition in view of the ten thousand, thousand sins, wilful and aggravating, that I have committed against Him, who loved me with an everlasting love, and with loving-kindness drew me to Himself. I think, were it possible, there would be weeping in heaven. But not so. My tears will be wiped away there. Repentance is not a thing to be once done and then done with. Not so. The more I see of Jesus, the more He opens to me His loving heart, the deeper is the sorrow for sin. I lie down in the dust of His feet closer than ever I did before. I can truly say, I abhor myself in dust and ashes before Him. Sins of early days are brought before me as if just committed — over them I weep. As I get nearer the land of glory, the light dawning from thence shows more vividly the darkness within, and the hatefulness of that which crucified the Lord of life and glory. I am nearing day by day my heavenly inheritance. It seems at times almost in view. It is but a step, and I am there. I am led often to live [as it were] my life over again; and how plainly do I see now the why and the wherefore He dealt with me, in leading me through trials and tribulations. How good is the Lord! At present my feelings are blended. I rejoice while I weep. Oh, there is none like Jesus in earth or in heaven. I sometimes long to be there. I am quite sure the nearer we get to glory, the atmosphere becomes clearer, and we can see afar off. Stephen, when departing, saw Him standing at the right hnnd of God, ready to welcome His first martyr home. What will heaven be! Let us live more in preparation for it, and i ‘-alize it more than we do. I find nothing so keeps the heart right, as having constant communication with Christ.... As soon as we are born again. He puts us to school, the Holy Ghost being our teacher; and many hard lessons we have to learn. Some of us are dull scholars, and require to learn the same lessons over and over again, and often need the rod. The hardest task we have to study is ourselves. Another lesson is, to hunger and thirst for more, not satisfied with what we do know, but to follow on to know more of the matchless love that there is in the heart of Jesus. And this, I believe, we shall be learning out through eternity, and never come to the end of it. ()]i, let us hold fast our oneness with Christ! And not only pray, but go not away without an answer. The blessed spirit who indites the prayer, responds to it, and thus we know we have the ear of God.”

to mrs. w ox entering fully into christ.

“Dear Friend, —

“.... Many years haye I laboured with you, and yet you haye not arrived at the state in which I have Ion? wished to see you — full of the Holy Ghost and of ioy. And why is it? What hinders? All things are ready — the table is spread — Christ inyites you. There is every thing in the gospel to fill you with gladness and joy, above all with real happiness, such as this poor world knows nothing of. This is what I covet for myself and for all God’s redeemed ones. It is a mercy and a great one, to know that Ave are saved; but this is only the beeinnino- of blessinors. Greater blessings await us journeying through the wilderness to the land of glory. Suppose we have faith in Christ, and a good hope through grace, this is but the first round in that ladder that reaches from earth to heaven. We are to ascend hio-her and higher, always looking upward, never downward, lest we become dizzy and fall. Oh, it is only looking to Jesus that keeps us ascending. They go from strength to strength every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. As I have often said before, we cannot be stationary in the divine life — we are advancino; or recedins:. It must be one way or the other. How many, dear I believe to Christ, do I find, who, after years of profession, are just in the same spot at which they set out! They know no more of Christ than they did at the first. Now in worldly things this would not be so. But, oh, when such riches await us — honour, glory, and immortality — how dihgent and earnest should we be to make progress in the way, and so glorify our God! Every stage on the road brings us nearer to our happy home. Oh, the ioy of soon beins; with Jesus! Heaven is very near. The eternal world is all around us. Oh, to realize this continually! We do not dwell sufficiently on these glorious realities; we do not brins: them home to ourselves. We are either too much engaged with earthly things, or are looking more within the dark recesses of our hearts, than to the glory that awaits us, and into the possession of which we might be any moment introduced.

“In studying the prophecies, there might be much benefit in our researches, if we found more of Jesus. It is the looking to Jesus — the going to Jesus — the confession of sins to Jesus — the constant application of His blood — disclosing to Him all we fear, all we doubt, all we hope, all that is in our hearts, which, dear friend, I would have you cultivate. Let nothing come between you and your best Friend. Never forget, you and Christ are one — one in time and one in eternity. The world, and all its riches, glories, and honours, is as dross when compared with the blessedness of our union with Jesus. Do not be satisfied unless in prayer you have the presence of God. Rest not in mere prayer. I must feel that I have the ear of God when I draw near to Him; and when I have not a sense of His presence, I am not happy; and I go again and again, until He lifts up upon me the sweet light of His countenance; and if ever I have had the broken and the contrite heart, it has been when He most shone into my soul. Oh, the wondrous condescension of our God! He does even now leave the heavens and come down to bless us. How boundless is the love of God to the feeblest of His little ones! Excuse all my mistakes. I write thus in haste, and I am as busy as an old woman of seventv eisrht can be, Mv tender love to vour husband. May you both grow daily in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ.”

TO THE SAME, ON HEARING THE VOICE OF JESUS.

“.... Do you think that you have souorht the Lord all these years, and that He has not heard you? But, you will reply, ‘He has not answered me.’ TVell, that is your fault, and not His. You have been looking within vourself. instead of looking full at Jesus, He, who was once a poor despised Man of sorrows, is now risen from the dead, and having paid the full penalty of your sins and mine, is now ready to hear your plea, and to send into your soul a full sense of pardon. Wrestle with Him until He answers. Jesus will speak, and speak comfortably to you. Once I pleaded with Him, and I did not rest until He said, ‘I am thy salvation.’ I went to my bed unconverted; I rose in the morning a saved sinner — an adopted child of God. I never closed my eyes to sleep until Jesus spoke peace to my longing heart. Oh, how sweet and how wonderful was the voice of Christ to my soul! And this voice I have heard again and again since then. When in deep trouble, often has He spoken words of comfort and rich consolation, allayed my fears, and soothed my sorrows. Oh, such a Jesus is He! He cannot but hear you, and cause you to hear Him. His love transcends the united love of all creatures, as the Infinite exceeds the finite. Do not rest without a sense of it. On my knees this morning, I had such a blessed interview with the Saviour of sinners, as I would not exchange for a thousand interviews with all the kinsrs of the earth. The Spirit seemed to bring you so fresh to my mind afterwards, that I could not help again urging you, in the dear, loving name of Jesus, not to stop short of this blessing, that you too may be enabled to say, I sought the Lord and He heard me, and saved me from all my fears I find confession of sin — sins of heart, lip, life — a season of penitential communion with Jesus, and a time of refreshing from the Lord. He loves to hear your voice. He waits to be gracious. Think of Christ waitino- and listening to hear your voice pleading with Him. Jesus never turns awav from the broken-hearted sinner, and never can. When you hear the precious voice of Jesus, you must let me know. ‘My sheep hear my voiced You cannot mistake it. Read the Psalms of David. David’s God is the same as He was in David’s time. ‘’ I, the Lord, change not.^ Deal with Him as such, and rest not until you can say, ‘He has spoken peace to my soul.’

‘My soul, ask what thou wilt,

iliou canst not be too bold.
Since for thy sake His blood was spilt,

What else will He withhold? ’

to the rev. j. h. e. a word ix season to a pastor

in illness.
” Beloved Brother, —

“Has He who is all love, nothing but love to you and to me, again laid that loving hand upon you, and taken you aside for a little season, that He might converse with you alone; that He might show you more privately what is in His heart, and lead you deeper and deeper into that mine of unfathomable wealth that is in store for you and me, and all that are His own elect? Oh, what a God is ours! how gracious, how mighty in all His deahngs with us! And has He not to do with us moment by moment? His dear loving eye is upon you in your sick chamber, in your retirement. Who can separate you from Christ? not from his love only, but from Hunself. He is in you, and you are in Him — a partaker of His nature; one with Him, ‘through time and through eternity. Blessed thought! Oh, to live for Him and Him only! Jesus is watching over you with the tenderest sympathy, such sympathy as mortals know nothing of. He is now most kindly, most mercifully dealing with you. He has some communications to make to your soul, be assured, which can be done in no other way. So the Lord works with His beloved ones. In a little while, and we shall be with Him, see and love Him as we now desire, but cannot. And yet we might have more of heaven below than we have. If we had more constant dealings with Him than we have, how much more real happiness should we experience! To be with Jesus is heaven below and above. Heaven itself would be no heaven to me if He were not there. No, though all I loved on earth were there, and He not, it were no heaven to me, nor you either, beloved brother. The presence of our God will make that place of bliss all that it ever will be to us throughout an endless eternity; and when I think how near we are, and how soon we may be there, how trifling does all the glory of the world appear! Oh, to live on high; to get closer and closer to Jesus, and see in a Father’s heart all that the feeblest of His tender weaklincrs can desire I Dear brother, the Lord has brousrht me to live more as a helpless infant upon Him day by day, and so enter more fully into that truth, Without Me ye can do nothing. How sweetly does the spirit work in us after truth; and although we need and acknowledge it, yet it is only by deep experience and by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit we are effectually taught. Dear brother, you know all this a thousand times better than I can tell you; but still it is a comfort to speak together of Christ’s doings, and the way He takes with us. There is not a circumstance but infinite wisdom and love are in it. Christ is in the furnace with you now, and not a hair of your head shall be injured. He is at your side moment by moment, and you shall see the wherefore He has laid you aside from your pleasant work. May you listen and hear what the Lord would say unto you in this providence. There is a voice. It is not in the strong wind, it is not in the earthquake, it is not in the fire. It is the ’ still small voice’ of our Jehovah-Jesus, that will sweetly, blessedly speak to your soul. The voice of His Spirit within. When He speaks comfort, who can, what can give disquietude? When Jesus speaks, all is hushed into silence; for there is no voice like His. Is He not the same who spake to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, and to Moses in the wilderness; and who tabernacled in the flesh for a season here below? Is He not the same who spoke to Saul of Tarsus, after his resurrection, and who stood by him in

THE LORD THE REFUGE IX THE STORil. 287

the storm, to encourage his heart? And is He not the same to you and to me now? I feel He is the same, and I desire to go to Him as such, expecting great things, since He is a great God and a great Saviour. Therefore He says, Open thy mouth icide and I v: ill fill it. I fear I may Avearv you, though I coukl write a vohmie on the subject. Precious, precious Jesus, bless, oh, bless my beloved brother; heal him, and lift up upon him the light of Thy countenance, and draw him nearer and nearer to Thyself.

TO HER SOX. THE LORD THE REFUGE IX THE STORM.

“I wrote to you, that I have had for several days a sore conflict, greatly tried by sin within, and by cross-providences without. I was in a storm, and had no more power to guide it than an infant conflicting with a giant. I went to my stronsrhold again and again. I felt that Christ could do it. I lay prostrate at His feet, pleading the promises as fast as the Holy Ghost brought them to me. In a short time afterwards I was placed just in that position that was the most trying; but all was calm, peace, and quietness. It was the Lord. Oh, how grateful I felt! I retired to my room, to thank the Lord for His goodness. He tried my faith, and at last brought me down powerless at His feet, who has said, All ‘power is Mine in heaven and on earth. By these things we are taught experimentally wherein our great strength lies. Mere head-knowledge will do no good. The Lord is the helper of His people, and there is no other. Thus the Holv Ghost works in the souls of the redeemed. Precious Jesus! Thou art that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, or the tenderest and dearest object on earth. I was led this morning to reason with the Lord in His own words, Without Me ye can do nothing. If you have ever beheld a vessel in a fearful storm, followed by a sudden calm, you can fancy my situation. The Lord be praised for His goodness. My soul desires to give Him the glory.”

TO MRS. LIEUT.-COLOXEL P B, IXDIA, OX KEEPIXO

ax opex heart with god.

“Dear, very dear Friexd, —

‘’Througli the kindness of dear Mr. C, I have

obtained your address, and a kind message from you. Thus does the Lord unite His own family in the blessed bonds of

Christian love. Oh, may this be to us a sweet earnest that this union, commenced in the wilderness, will continue throughout a blessed eternity! Since I last saw you, we have made some rapid strides towards the haven of rest. I trust, if we meet no more in this vale of tears, we shall meet there. There will be no wide ocean to separate the one dear family of God, and we shall know as we are known. There will be perfect knowledge, perfect purity, perfect love. Oh, may a view of the blessings awaiting us encourage our hearts to press on to know more and more of the power of the Lord’s resurrection in our souls! By faith are we saved, through the finished work of Jesus Christ; and if the Holy Ghost has taken possession of our hearts, we shall manifest it by a holy walk and conversation before a gainsaying world. Oh, that you may follow on to know more and more of the truth as it is in Jesus! Be not satisfied with your present measure of faith. Press on for more. Greater things await you. Jesus stands ready to bestow all you need, all you ask. When you go to Jesus to make known your requests, go in the expectancy of prayer. The importunate prayer will meet with an answer. Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble; Thou wilt prepare their heart; Thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. Psa. x. 17. When I go to the throne of grace, I cannot be satisfied unless I feel I have the ear of God. I cannot be happy if I have not communion with Him my soul loveth. Perhaps you will reply, ‘But I do not know or feel that I love God.’ Well, go and tell Jesus that. If your heart appears cold, hard, and insensible, take it to Jesus, and tell Him how it is with you. He will warm, soften, and fill it with His love. Go, under all circumstances, and tell Him all you feel, and all you do not feel. Oh, keep an ojjen heart with the Saviour of sinners! Make sure of heaven. Let nothing of an earthly nature come between you and it. Let it be your chief work, and occupy your best thoughts. Look not behind, but press forward, and Christ will give you life and love, joy and peace in believing. Keep close to Jesus, for He is your life. In all your fears, failures, and discouragements, go to Him, and tell Him all. Oh, live for eternitv! Realize vour adoption into God’s family. Never rest until you know you are born of God. Go again and again until He answers your prayer, and satisfies you on this all-important point, I sought the Lord, and He heard me. There must be first union, and then communion. I hasten to conclude.

Oh, that I might meet you in heaven! My journey on earth cannot now be much longer. Jesus is ready to receive me, and my prospect at times is bright and glorious. I shall know you then. Perfect knowledge we shall then have. Heaven is worth living for, and it is worth dying for. I commend the loving Saviour to you. He is all that He says He is. His heart is ever towards you, and His eye is ever upon you.”

“Dec. 19, 1851. To the Same. — “Deeply has my heart felt for you, my dear, widowed friend, since I heard how the Lord had dealt with you in removing your dear husband. I know what that widowed heart feels, from having passed through the same myself while in a strange land. I do feel for you; though, lono; before this reaches you, I trust the Lord has comforted your soul with the consolation which He alone can impart. All these thinos are to lead you to Himself: and He savs now to you, ‘Daughter, give me thy heart. I have taken thy husband, but I will be unto thee better than ten husbands, for I am the Husband of the widow. Look unto Me, and be saved from all your fears.’ I have heard no particulars of your sad bereavement, and write at a venture. Should you return to this country, how much I should like to see you once more! The Lord is still keeping me here, and preparing me for the great change from earth to heaven. Who would not be a Christian? Dear friend, I do trust that this heavy affliction has brought you nearer to Jesus, and that you can now saw, ‘■ He is my Saviour and my God.’ The Lord does nothing in vain. All His dispensations are intended to awaken us to a full and just sense of our responsibilities, and of our accountability to Him. He has made us, and made us for Himself; and what a mercy to be brought to know this, and to turn to the Lord! He loves us too well unnecessarily to afflict us. Nestle now under His loving, protecting wing. Get close to Jesus, Open all your heart to Him, His ear is open to all your requests. Take Him as your Husband, Brother, Friend, Counsellor, and present Help in every time of trouble, I have had you much in my thoughts and in my heart. If you can, drop me a line. I may not be long here, Jesus, the very same Jesus that once was on earth, is waiting to welcome all who seek and love Him here into the realms of eternal blessedness. No more tears there — no more sorrow — no more sin; all glory begun and never ending. Make your calling and election sure; and endeavour to induce others to come to Jesus, and partake of the same mighty blessings. Farewell! If you see the dear C s, give my love to them both.”

TO THE HON. F. T, ON MAKING SUEE OF SALVATION.

“My dear Friend, — Leamington, March 9, 1853.

“AVe are still journeying onward, but vjliere? is the C{uestion. Is it not a solemn thought? Should we not examine well our chart and the wav-marks, to see if we are in the ris-ht way? Should this be left to an uncertainty by a wise man? Again I repeat the solemn truth, we are on an eventful journey, which must terminate in eternal life or in eteiTial death. Men, blinded by the enemy, will keep fully occupied with everything and anything but v>-hat would conduce to the soul’s salvation. Beware of Satan’s wiles! Turn in upon your own soul, and ask vourself, ‘Am I ready to erive in mv last account to the Judofe of all the earth? Can I stand before His scrutinizino; eye? Can He look upon me, and see no spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? Can I appear in perfect holiness before Him who cannot look upon sin but with the greatest displeasure?’ Dear friend let me entreat you to be honest with your own soul. Eternity, eternity, with all its solemn realities, is before us. Flee at once to Jesus, the Saviour of poor sinners, nor leave Him until He speaks peace to your soul. Wrestle with Him fur this mighty blessing; for, sure I am, if you do, you will get it. Give no rest to your soul, until you can say, ‘My soul is saved! Christ is my surety! Christ is mine, and I am Christ’s!’ How busy is Satan when a poor sinner is about securing a glorious inheritance! He suggests, ‘You are saved. You go to church; you say your prayers; you give to the poor; you do no harm; you have often good thoughts in your heart. What more can you do? Are you not in your duty when you attend to your parliamentary concerns — the concerns of the nation? Oh, what a wily foe is he! He will try every means to keep a soul from seeking Jesus as a lost sinner; and you will never find Him until you do. How would it gladden my heart to hear you say, ‘I have found Him of whom Moses and the prophets have written.’ Leave Him not until He speaks peace to you, and sends you away rejoicing in Him. I long to see you going on your way heaven wnrd, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and helping on all who may be halting or have got entangled in this world’s wilderness. Take this world in its best attire, it is but a wilderness of bitter-sweets. Dear friend, give up your whole heart and soul to Jesus; He will accept you just as you are. He has said, I icill manifest mrjself unto you.’’ Go and plead this promise. And, now, why has Jesus laid you so near my heart as to cause me to write this long letter? Because He loves you. Ever since the memorable day we met, your salvation has been near my heart, so that I do know that the Lord loves you, and that you are dear to Him.”

To the Same. — “Wednesday morning. It is vain for me to promise to see you in the evening. I ‘.m old and feeble, and cannot do as I could wish. I am nearing my heavenly inheritance; and as this poor body must be laid by for a while, it also is preparing for its quiet resting-place. But, oh, could I but tell you of the blessed prospect that is before me, while I gaze into the better world, and am sometimes favoured with glimpses of the glory that awaits me — of Jesus! If you and I are ever saved. He bore all our sins in that fearful moment when He hung upon the cross. He must have paid the full penalty to the uttermost ere we could get to heaven. Oh, think of this? And how we ought to love Him! Was there ever love like His? And was there ever sorrow like His? It is this that often breaks my heart, and melts it into deep, deep contrition for sin.”

To the Same. — “June 15. My Christian brother, as I believe you really are one of Christ’s little flock, I wish to say a word, seeing I may not meet you again in this poor, passing world. It is a poor world, could we possf.ss the whole of it, with all its hopes and glory. You mentioned having a better record of the Forbes family than mine. My son is preparing a family tree, and I should like your record, if you can spare it. But, oh, dear friend, how much better /or you and me to be a living branch of Christ Jesus, the true Vine! According to the regular course of things, we are hasty^ning to the period when the summons must come to each of us, ‘Come up hither!’ Oh, the change from earth to healen! The thought of seeino- Jesus face to face! Think, the joy of that moment! And vet how few I find are living in the fall and joyful expectation of this coming event. And why? because they

292 MEMOIR OF MRS. MARY WIXSLOvr.

have so few transactions with Jesii?. They have so little to say to Him, so little to do with Him. He may be a friend or an enemy, they are not quite sure. They have a sort of hope, but it is fleeting and uncertain. What a poor life is this! Dear, worthy friend, I am more and more jealous on this subject, and would urge upon all I love not to rest short of knowins: their reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Aim to walk with God even now! To live upon Jesus — to hold sweet, holy converse with Him — to go with an open heart and tell Him all! He will never frown your soul away. He will smile a welcome, and listen to all you have to tell Him, And when, conscious that we fall short of what we ought to be. He says, Only acknoicledge thine iniquity. Let us set out afresh to run the heavenly race — warmed with the love of Christ in our heart, anointed with the Holy Ghost, heaven in view, a crown of glory awaiting us, and Jesus on the throne ready to bid us welcome. All, all is true. Heaven is true, Christ is true. TThile everything around us appears what it is not, fixing our eyes on the glory that awaits the Christian, we can exclaim to the world lying in the wicked one, Arouse from your slumbers, and come to Jesus. He stands ready to receive all that come to Him, and will in nowise cast out. It is worth ten thousand worlds to know Him, whom to know is life eternal! All would send love, but I am alone in my room, where the Lord has often made himself sweetly, blessedly known to my waiting soul. It has often been a Bethel to me. There is none on earth or in heaven like Jesus — the chiefest among ten thousand, the altogether lovely. Oh, love Him! Give your whole, your undivided heart to Him. If I had a thousand. He should have them all. Adieu.

“Believe me, affectionatelv, vour sincere friend and fellow-traveller to a better, brighter world.”

to lady l, ox the necessity of the holy spirit.

“My dear Friend, —

“How is it, above everything else, with thy soul, that better part, that must live for ever? And yet, though we know this, how much more are our thoughts engaged with this present evil world, and our poor decaying bodies, than concerned to know what awaits us in an endless eternity.

Is not this one of Satan’s devices? He will endeavour to encrase our thouorhts with often the veriest trifles that would shame a child, in order to hide from us the eternal realities of the glorj that awaits the believer. Oh, let us beware of Satan’s devices! Many hard conflicts have I had with him through my long and chequered life; and, had I not been upheld by Jesus, the sinner’s Friend, I should have made shipwreck of my faith long since. But this dear Friend stands readv to help you too. Recollect, He is a present help in every time of need. You are now in a wilderness; but a wealthy land lies before you. Make your calling and election sure. Make sure your acceptance in Christ. Is there, or can there be, anything on earth of equal consequence to this? A soul saved, or a soul lost! Come, just as you are, to Jesus. The prayer, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ springing from a real sense of our need, and breathed from a heart feeling its awful sinfulness, and the utter impossibility of salvation in any other wav, will, in due time, be responded to by the Holy Spirit, tVe cannot utter one real prayer but b, the Holy Ghost. He it is who shows us our iniquity and helplessness, teaches us how to pray, and what to ask for, and then responds to our prayer. Oh, dear friend, pray over your Bible, that this same blessed Spirit (the th’rd Person hi the blessed Trinity) may unfold to your mind the precious truths it contains. You do not know how anxious I am for your soul’s welfare. I long to see you going on your way rejoicing. Never rest until you can say, ‘I have found Jesus, and my soul is saved!’ You can go to Jesus, the same as did the disciples when He walkea the streets of Jerusalem. He is the same loving, tender, condescending Jesus that He was then, and will never deny Himself to any who feel their need of Him. I am looking forward to my great change. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. The only thing worth living for, is to be prepared for the full enjoyment of the glory that is now prepared for all who come to Jesus. Come, just as you are. Be assured of this, if you have one wish in your heart to love Jesus, it is because He has first loved you; and the Holv Spirit is giving you the desire to wish to love Hnn. Excuse all blunders. Make allowance for poor old eighti/. I am not far from my happy home, and it looks so inviting. Oh, the welcomes! oh,’ the joy! oh, the meeting with those that have gone before! “We meet to part no more for ever!”

to miss s, ox running the christian race.

“My dear Friend, —

“I have not forgotten my promise, to drop you a line of remembrance, I have often thought of you, and my hope abideth that you have really and truly set out on your journey heavenward. May the Lord speed you on your way. May He keep you, moment by moment, looking unto Him who is vour life. Mav you be led to see unceasinfifly that this world is not M-orthy of one anxious thousrht. It is all passing away, and we shall soon stand before the great white throne. As you have commenced your journey, so go forward. Do not rest where you are. We are on a race-course. The point from which we start is conversion; the goal to which we run is heaven; the prize for which we contend is a crown of glory, which the righteous Judge will give us at that srreat dav. If, dear friend, you have started in this race, So run that you may oltain. How few lay these great things to heart! The world and its trifles so eneross the thouirhts, that God and Christ, and eternitA with our vast responsibility, are shut out of sight; and Satan, the great foe of mankind, gains his point, unless Sovereign grace interferes, and opens the blind eye to see the danger, and Jesus the Refuge. Oh, what a mercy of mercies to know all this, and to act upon it! Yet how many are satisfied with the form of godliness, while they know nothing of its power. They go to church, repeat many prayers, yet never feel sin a weight, a grievous burden, nor shed one tear before God for having sinned against Him. Oh, it is with a holy, heart-searching God that we have to do. And the soul is of more value than ten million worlds. What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soid? These are solemn, awful truths; but only by a few are they laid to heart. May the Lord enable you to bring your heart to Him, who alone can heal it thoroughly; and may he lead you in the right way. I believe that none will ever come to Jesus until they feel that they are lost and undone in themselves. He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Oh, come as you are — blind, wretched, helpless, and in that state cast yourselves at the feet of Jesus, and He will not spurn you from His presence. Read the third chapter of John’s gospel to all whom you may find anxious about eternal realities. May you be made a blessing to manr. A great work has been done in you, and a great work is to be done by you. All who know the Lord should let their light shine before raen, that others niiorht be led to the true heht. Oh, the mercv of beins in the right road — the narrow road, that leads to life eternal. Dear friend, study your Bible with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Read the first and second chapters of Ephesians, and pray over these precious portions of God’s word, that the Spirt mav lead you into all the richness, fulness, and sweet-J- ► v 7 7

ness therein; that with an assured hope you might not onlv go on your way rejoicing, but may also be instrumental in leading others to examine for themselves. Oh, what is all the grandeur, wealth, and honour of this fleeting world, compared with the srlorv that awaits the believer in Jesus? Kinsrs and queens pass away, and leave their crowns; but the Christian sroes to his. and wears it throuorh etemitv — ever bright, ever pure.”

To an aged Christian, whose trembhng faith her letters had often nourished, and who, since her own departure, has gone to unite with her in the sons of the Lamb, she thus encourao’- ino:lv writes: —

TO LADY MARY F, OX WAITING UPOX GOD,

“Dear Sister ix the Lord. — London. May 25. 1348.

“For as such I hail you, TVe are travelling fast, and are nearing at every step our heavenly home. We shall both see Jesus soon — oh, how soon! — and know even as we are known. All that he has spoken is confirmed truth. Then, let us take Him at His word, believe it, and go on rejoicing in Christ Jesus. “What a mercy of mercies that He has condescended to call us out of darkness into His marvellous light, and to translate us into the kinsdom of His dear Son! What do we not owe Him for this rich display of sovereign mercy? I often have to exclaim, Lord, why me? such a poor sinner as I am to be brought nigh unto God — adopted into His familv — made an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ Jesus? Such are we in Him. Let us hold fast our oneness with Christ, then we shall be better enabled to walk with God. We are journeying to the inheritance which the Lord our God has given to us, through a world crowded with temptations on either side, which would divert us from the way, if it were possible. Our worst foe. the body of sin and death, we bear about with us. But our Jesus is for us, and withal we can say, More are they who are for us, than they who are against us. God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are on our side, and these are Almighty. Dear friend, seeing these things are so, what manner of persons ought we to be, in all manner of holy conversation and godliness! God he praised on your behalf, that He has brought you so far. We may not meet in this vale of tears, but I shall meet you above, and shall know you amongst the goodly company that are around the throne upon which Jesus sits, in all the majesty of heaven, waiting to welcome his pilgrims home. Let us endeavour to allure all we love to join us on the way. I have just been bringing all mine, one by one, to Him who is able to save to the uttermost. I know something of His power and unparalleled love towards poor sinners. Let us pray on for those who are dear to us. Our God hears and answers prayer. On him let us wait, and wait unweariedly until He answers. In waiting on Him for those dear to us, we shall receive a blessing for our own soul. We cannot approach Lifinite Goodness without getting good. And oh, how blessedly refreshing and invigorating is the lifting up of the light of His countenance upon our weary and tried souls! It is a wonder that we are not oftener at His gracious footstool. What could we do in this poor dying world without a throne of grace, and a God of grace upon the throne, in our every time of need? Oh, let us keep close to Him who loved us with an everlasting love, and with loving-kindness has drawn us to Himself. In waiting upon Him, let us not be satisfied without the feeling that His ear is hearkening to lis. This is very important — I must feel that he hears me, the blessed Spirit bearing witness with my spirit that God, even my God and Father, hears his poor child’s pleadings. This is the privilege of all the dear family of God. To each one He says, Ask, that your joy -may he full He upbraids His disciples for asking so little; Ask luhat you will in my name, and it shall he done unto you. There He sits at the right hand of God, to make intercession for us. He is waiting to be gracious. Let us, then, trim our lamps, that at His coming we may be found quite ready. The Lord bless you with much of His sensible presence, is my prayer.”

TO MRS. W. EXCOUEAGEMENTS TO PRAYER.

“My Dear Christian Friend, — Nov. 24.

“... trust the Lord will in due time answer your prayers, as it respects your dear children. All power is mine, says Christ, in heaven and on earth. Oh, the mightv power of prayer with God our Father, in the name of H^s beloved Son! We must get to heaven before we know what that power has been in its fullest sense. Command ye me. Oh, the luxury of prayer! We have intercourse truly, familiar intercourse with God. To talk with God. To go and shut the door, and tell God all, all that is in our heart. To feel that He is listenine: to hear what we have to saw to Him: and then to wait and see what He will say to us. Dear friend, such, as you know, is the privilege of all the saints. It may be long ere you see your prayers answered; for faith must be brought into exercise; and often, when we are ready to give all up, then the Lord comes, and, although in a very different manner to what we expected, He answers our prayers, and puts our unbelief to the blush. Oh, to have such a God to deal with, and to know that He is always dealing with us in His providence and by His Spirit! Glorious is our high calling in Christ Jesus. It is He who says, Ask anything in my name, and I luill do it.’ Is anything too hard for me? saith the Lord. What could I do with such a heavy charge laid upon my heart, if I had not such a God to deal with? Fifty-seven immortals, bearing my name, do I think of, and pray for. Some are converted, others still in nature’s darkness. Is there not work enough here for one poor pilgrim? But such is the power of the Most High, and such the fulness of Christ, and such the boundless love of God in Jesus, that I am greatly encouraged to make large demands upon Him in the dear and all-prevailing name of His own Son and of my own Saviour. So you see I would try to encourage you, too, to pray on, and

to expect an answer when your faith is fully tried

I have been £rreatlv exercised as to the path of dutv for.

But I gave myself to prayer, which, in all circumstances, adverse or otherwise, is my stronghold. I can find my way to the heart of God, when I cannot elscAvhere do good, or shape things as I would wish. He is, and ever has been, a present help to me in all my troubles, trials, and adversities. I would not now have been without them all. It was in love He dealt

1 with me.... This is the God I have now to do with, day by day, moment by moment. I rest on His loving, Fatherly care; and no tongue can tell the rich enjoyment of sitting in all the helplessness of infancy at His feet, and know that He is listening to all I would say to Him, and all that I would need to say, though unexpressed. Oh, how few really know God! I meet with many hearsay Christians, who have heard of Jesus, as Job did, with the hearing of the ear, but who have no ]iersonal acquaintance with Him. They have never come to Christ as poor, wretched, blind and naked; and therefore they know nothing of that peace which the application of the atoning blood alone can impart. They have never come in contact with Christ. They only believe what others say of Him, and know nothing of a blessed recognition, a oneness, and a holy intercourse between Jesus and the poor sinner, saved by sovereign grace, and eternal, everlasting love. Pray on; wrestle with Christ.”

TO THE SAME, OX THE OXFORD TRACTS.

“The Lord, I believe, is answering prayer by all these things that at present alarm us. I have long regarded the church, the one church, composed of all the chosen of God, as comparable to a house out of order, with nothing in its right place; so that it has been my constant prayer, ‘Lord, when wilt Thou come and set Thine own hand to the work, putting down the work of men, and causing Thine own ordinances to be duly honoured?’ When the ‘Oxford Tracts’ first made their appearance, I remarked that the Lord was about to commence His own work, in His own way. That Baptismal Regeneration would do it. From that moment I have been watching events: and when the Papal Aggression came, it gave me no alarm. Jesus reigns. Oh, that He would appear in this awful state of confusion, and cause His own people to come out of Babylon, shake off the dust from their feet, and separate themselves from the ungodly. The Lord is about to do a great work, and what we have to do is to humble ourselves before Him on account of the abominations of the land. I believe that His hand is in this ‘A2:D:ression,’ — in the confusion that confounds our senators, and in all that is now going forward; and if we watch and pray, we shall see it plainer and plainer. My soul rejoices in God my Saviour, and I have no fears nnr misgivings. Mv pravers arp about to bo answorod.

and the one elect church will be purified from all the dross, and will stand forth, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible 05 an army luith banners. I have had a blessed praying time this morning, and could open my mouth wide, and ask great things concerning His one church. Thirteen ladies have engaged to meet every morning, at eight o’clock, in united prayer for the Queen. Oh, I do know something of the mighty power of prayer, particularly united prayer. In the midst of all the public excitement, my little bark is riding serenely through the storm, and soon I shall drop my anchor in the still waters of eternal rest and glory.”

“... I feel that one reason why many real Christians do not go on their way rejoicing, is, that they deify the humanity of Christ. Thev feel they are comino; to a holv God, who cannot look at sin without infinite displeasure; and this view of Jesus repels and throws them back. Whereas Jesus is the very same Jesus now that He was when He walked the streets of Jerusalem. Though His body is glorified, He is not altered. His heart is still the same, full of sympathy and love, ready to listen to all we have to saw to Him, and to do all we ask Him to do, and in the best possible way. Precious Jesus! is He not altoo;ether lovelv? He is evervthing to mv soul. Life were an achin<? void without Him. Now and then He lifts the veil, and gives me a blessed glimpse of the glory that awaits me and all who love His appearing.”

TO MRS. C, ox HEAVEN, AN INCENTIVE TO

PERSEVERANCE.

“Dear Friend London, Feb. 10th, 1840.

“How is it with the poor body, and how is it with your precious soul? Looking forward, I trust, to your blessed meeting with Him, who so loved you as to die that you might live with Him in that place He has gone to prepare for you. Only think of this! Jesus is above, and is ready to welcome you home. Let us hourly realize this, — realize heaven, with all its glories. Your dear sister stands ready, amongst many more, to welcome you there. And more than all, and above all, is Jesus, with a countenance radiant with love, prepared to rejoice over every emancipated soul that leaves this world of sin and sorrow, to enter into the enjoyment of what He has prepared for it. And behold the goodly company around the throne; and believe, that if there is joy in heaven among the angels of God over a sinner that repenteth, there is also a joy among saints and angels over every released saint that reaches heaven at last. Glory to Him who hath done such great things for us! When Lazarus departed, angels attended him, nor left him until they bore him to Abraham’s bosom. I believe this is the case with all who love the Saviour. They are absent from the body, and that same moment they are present with the Lord. AYhat rapture to fall at His feet, and to hear Him say. Come, ye blessed of tay Father! Oh, that the saints of God would live more in the anticipation of the glory that awaits them! There is much of heaven to be enjoyed even on earth. Let us live, too, more in holy familiarity with Jesus. Nothing is too much beneath His notice. As dear old Mr. John Newton says, ‘If the buzzing of a fly is an annoyance to us, it is our privilege to carry it to Jesus.’

“The question again recurs, how is it with your soul? Are your prospects growing brighter and brighter as you travel on? Do you find Jesus nearer and more precious day by day? What progress have you and I made? We have had our conflicts, our wanderings and backslidings many; but still onwards we must go. There is no standstill in this journey. AVe know less or more of Christ than we did a year ago. Tell me when you saw Him last, and how you feel in the prospect of soon being with the beloved One for ever and ever. I am not happy here without Him, and should be miserable indeed, were I not quite sure of seeing and dwelling with Him in glory. Jesus is all in all to my soul, and life would be wearisome indeed were it not so. He makes up the sum of my happiness here, and will be my joy, my life, and my glory hereafter. Dear friend, let us speed more our journey, nor loiter in the way. I must conclude. The Lord is prospering His work amongst us.”

TO MISS C, ox THE INTP:RCESSI0N OF CHRIST.

“I am sitting in my quiet room, beloved friend, where I have been blessing and praising God for His ten thousand, thousand mercies, in giving me such an all-sufficient Saviour and precious Intercessor as His beloved Son. Having taken a body like our own, though free from all taint of sin, He is both able and willing to make intercession for us with a holy, holy Lord God, who cannot but behold sin with infinite displeasure. What a mercy for such as we are, who feel the taint of sin in all we do and saj, to be enabled to present all our petitions in the dear name of God’s Son, with whom the Father is ever well pleased! Such an intercessor was needful. God has said to Jesus, ‘If thy children backslide, I will chasten them ivt’th the rod; nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from them, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail! “We often sin, and deserve a Father’s rod; but Jesus, at the right hand, prays, Father, forgive them! Such is Jesus to us, making intercession moment by moment, and presenting all our petitions in His own blessed name. Is not this most blessed? Does it not give us an inexpressibly endearing view of Jesus, our elder Brother, our Brother born for adversity?

And now I am going to tell you good news. Dear “W is

converted. He has found Jesus precious to his soul. It is a mercv to see anv askino- their way to Zion, with theii faces thitherward. I believe that God is about to work like Himself; and to overturn, overturn, and overturn, to accomplish His own blessed will. Let us, who are of the day, watch and pray. Who would not live for eternity? Is it not strange that we can for one moment lose sight of heaven, and the increasing glory, as long as the existence of God Himself, and grovel in the dust to gather pebbles, for the pleasure of throwinsr them afterwards awav? Man walks in a vain show, and, blindfolded, goes down to the grave unsaved! Join me in praising God for His great and distinguishing mercy to us, in opening our eyes, and leading us to His beloved Son, that we might be saved with a sure and everlasting salvation. Let us keep close to Jesus, and pray for each other. I thank you again for the nice help to my blind eyes. The spectacles are always at my side.”

TO THE SAME.

“I have written to you of the Lord’s goodness to us in the

conversion of W. The Lord is srood indeed. Mv soul

rejoices in God my Saviour. Let us ever trust Him for His unchanorins: and unchano:eable love. From everlasting to everlasting He has loved us; and all the varying dispensations of His loving providence are only to prepare us more completely f jr the place He is now preparing for us. Let us aim lo see Him in all things, and to have Him ever present wiili us. How sweet to walk through the wilderness with our hand in His hand, feeling that He is leading us safely along the narrow road that leads to everlasting life! Dear friend, may Jesus be more and more precious to you and me. Cannot you repeat from yom* heart these lines with me?

Is there a thing beneath the sun
That strives with thee my heart to share?

All! take it thence, and reign alone,
The Lord of every motion there.

‘J’hen shall my heart fi’om earth be free,

When it hath found repose in thee.”

“None but Jesus can make us happy here and hereafter, Onlv believe, and wait the time when we shall more fullv understand this great mystery of godliness. Oh, the glorious prospect that is before the feeblest child of God! Look often at your inheritance. Take your walks in the garden cf love above. See Jesus there, no lonsrer weariner a crown of thorns, but a diadem of glory, in the very same body He carried up with him. There is your dear sister among the number, and oh, how many that I love who are waiting to welcome me home! Dear friend, realize it. It will tend to strengthen your faith, and brighten your hope. My loving love to your cousin.’*

TO HER SOX 0, A MOTHER’s PRAYERS,

“I have just had an interview with the Lord our

God, and a blessed one it has been to my soul. And do you think I forgot you all? Oh, tltat the Lord miht be to you Tvhat He was to the family at Bethany — the Martha, and the Mary, and the Lazarus, whom He loved! I have been asking great things for you all; for, while He held out the sceptre, my heart was full, and mv mouth opened wide to ask much for you all, and all whom God has given me. Oh, what a mihtv privilesre is the believer’s — to have holv intercourse with, and blessed access to, the God of heaven! May we never lose sight of it, but ask much, and expect what we ask for, God is leadinor us in a rio:ht wav to the New Jerusalem above; and all we have to do is, to keep a steady eye upon Him; for, he assured. He will never leave nor forsake us. All is true, as God is true. Keep your eye intently upon Him. Take no step without Him, Beware of forming plans in your own mind, and then coming to ask counsel of God. Never let us forget that God has to do with us every moment of our existence, and we ought to have to do with Him. We are not to be like the world around us. but to walk humbly and closely with God. Blessed be His name, he gives me at times such blessed access to Him, that I can testify it is real, it is true. My soul seems swallowed up in God, I feel heaven so near, that I am almost in the actual presence. Yes, Jesus is above. Our own Joseph lives, and for you and for me He has said it, and I believe it. Oh, I do think He will give us a revival. He will do again what he has once done. What blessed nearness to Himself He gave me one morning when I descended from my room, and said ‘Look out for the Lord, fur He is near you! ‘Oh, may He appear once again for us, and revive His work in all our souls, and in His churches! How do I long to see it! To-day He has given me fresh testimony of his unchanging love, and that He is near to us, oh, how near! May he suffer no root of bitterness to spring up among us, and the Spirit be grieved, and the work be hindered. God be gracious to us, and come and bless us! We cannot do without Him, for He is our joy, our life, our all. Without Him, the world, and all it calls good, is a wretched wilderness; with Him, a wilderness can be a paradise to our souls, and a little heaven below.”

TO THE SAME ON CHRISTIAN UNION.

‘• “Wednesday Eveninp. “You are just now preaching, and I have been praying for you again and again. I am alone in the drawing-room. I was just thinking, after reading about the Evangelical Alliance, could you not write a work on the Unity of the Church, grounding your subject on the passage, Love ye one another as I have loved youf Love to the brethren springs from the love of God in the renewed soul. This love surpassing all creature love, and enkindled by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, must necessarilv unite the one familv of God. If the Holy Spirit dwells in me, when communicating with another, who also is a temple of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit within me will surely acknowledge His own image in the other, and love will necessarily flow out towards the individual. Therefore the apostle says. We know that ice hove parsed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. If the Lord lay this subject with power on your mind, and open it to you, so that you can write upon it, it mav be a great blessing to the church of God. The love of Christ to His saints is to be the measure of their love to One another.”

TO MRS. n, ON THE INFINITE LOVE OF CHRIST.

“Dear Friend, — January 17.

“I must not forget to wish you a ’ happy new year,’ in the best sense of the wlord. Oh, that in this new year, you and I might grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ more rapidly than we have hitherto done! Thus we shall grow in meetness for our heavenly inheritance. Christ has gone to take possession of heaven in our behalf. He would not delegate this to the highest angel in glory. He knew that He was the fittest One to do this. It was love, infinite love, that brought Him down to earth. It was infinite love that led Him to pass through the tremendous conflict, when He grappled with death, hell, and the grave. It was infinite love that sustained Him in it, and that brought Him out of it a royal Conqueror. It was infinite love that bore Him back to heaven, where he is now, and where we shall be also. Oh, for this hope, this good hope, through grace, let our hearts abound with holy love towards Him.

“And now, what have we to do here, but to glorify Him ■vvho has done such o-reat thino-s for us! The influenza has been raging, and many, strong and healthy, have been summoned into eternitv What a storm v life is this I

Gale after sale, all to show us that this is not our rest, but that

—.-■.

a better awaits us, even a heavenly. Who would live away? Who would desire to dwell on these lower grounds, where sickness and sorrow, the sad consec{uences of sin, follow in our wake? In heaven, our happy home, we shall enjoy perfect holiness and perfect happiness. Oh, that you and I might live for that, towards which time is so rapidly hurrying us! Dear friend, keep close to Jesus and a throne of grace. If you feel your heart cold, go at once, and He will warm it. If you feel it hard and impenitent, go, and He will soften and awaken it to sweet contrition. Go, under all circumstances and with all frames. All your difficulties, however small or however great, you have a right to bring to Jesus, casting all your care ujwn Ilim for He careth for you. Dear friend, Jesus wants you and me to live more upon Him, like little helpless children. I hardly know how to dismiss this darling theme, so full of consolation is it. May the Lord bless and keep you very near Himself.”

TO MRS. C. G, ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD.

“My DEAR Friend, — Sept. 9. 1839.

“I was not aware, until I called to inquire after you this evpuinof, that the Lord had taken your little one. My heart tenderly sympathizes with you; for I know, Ijy sad experience, what the feelings of a bereayed mother are. May the Lord be gracious to you, and whisper sweetly to your heart, ‘All is well!’ He has mercifully housed your sweet flower, and when you sret above you will find him there, bloominor in eternal youth. We know not when our little ones are so early removed, from what evil a eracious God has taken them. He sees the end from the beginning; we cannot discern a single step. How much better, then, to leave all in His dear hands, who loves them better than we can, and because He loves them, takes them home. All His dispensations are designed to draw us closer to Himself, and He would remoye every object that comes between Him and us. Your faith, as well as mine, has been sharply tried; but Jesus is watchino- us both, and not one trial too much shall we haye. His loving eye is upon you; let yours be up to Him. Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, is a promise which has been worth untold gold to me. I never knew it to fail. If He did not remove the trouble in my way. He did so in a far better way. I have felt for you. and have brought your case before the Lord. May he sanctify abundantly the discipline of the covenant. Whom he loves He chastens. Let us make sure work for eternity. There are some who take these things for granted. Now in a matter of such tremendous importance, God is too o-ood to leave us to an uncertainty. There is such a thing as knowing that our sins are forgiven, and having the witness of the Spirit with ours that this is the case. Look not so much within for evidences, as to Christ, who has done the great, the mijrhtv work for us who believe with all our heart unto salvation. The Lord bless you.

TO MISS B, OX THE SOLEMNITY OF DEATH.

“My dear Friend, — Feb. 17. 1851.

“... cannot but feel that it is a solemn thing to hear that one is so soon to enter the eternal world before me, so much younger than mvself. And vet this awaits u.s all; and blessed is the thought, that if we are really what we profess to be, we may rejoice when tlle summons comes to brinof us home to God. In a little while, and we shall meet to go no more out for ever. Should not this make us to rejoice in the prospect before us, and cause us to trim our lamps afresh, and be quite ready when the message comes? It is a solemn thing to die; and yet how few are thoroughly prepared for it! May we be found in readiness; this only can be as we are livino- and walkins: with the Lord. Death, to the believer, is but passing out of a world of sorrow and sin, and entering upon a world of indescribable glory. If we lived more in anticipation of the happiness that awaits us, earth would have less hold on our heart’s best affections. Love to all.”

TO MISS M. II., LIGHT IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS.

“Leamington. March 28th.

“Dear Sister in a most precious Jesus, —

“I must address you thus. Although a stranger to you, I am not a stranger to Him who loves you, nor a stranger to the road you are now treading. As an old pilgrim, who has walked the narrow way for many years, and has passed through many trials and change.^, I thought I would drop you a line; and perhaps the Lord may make it a comfort to your soul, which will not prevent niy son, when he is more at leisure, from ffivinff you his views of your case. The Holv Ghost IS leading us — sees fit to guide us just as, in His own wisdom, He sees best for our advancement in the Divine life. As I have in some measure trodden the dark path you now tread, I may be rpialified to speak a word in season to you. The changes — oh, many there are! — through which the believer passes, are richly calculated to mature his graces, to confirm him in the truth of the Bible, and render Jesus more precious. We are to follow on to know the Lord; and, in proportion as we know Him, we shall trust in Him in the dark day as well as in the bri2;ht noon-dav, when the sun of His blessed countenance is upon us. But although your way is now dark, there is no necessity why you should remain in darkness. The ear of our loving Father is open to the cry of His child, and His heart is ever towards you. He delights to hear you ahvavs; and a sigh, a groan, a desire, is lyrayer though you utter not a word. Besides, a throne of grace is ever at hand; and, as you yav you cannot prav, go and tell Jesus. Keep nothing back 11”

LIGFiT TX SPiniTlAL DAKKXESS. 307

from your dearest and best Friend. He requires an open heart. He has given you His and He asks yours in return. Have no secrets with Him, and He will have no secrets with you, “Whatever vour feelinss, no matter how bad, take them to Him; for He has engaged not only to save you from all evil, but to save you from yourself.

“It is no uncommon thins: for God’s beloved ones, dear to Him as the apple of His eye, to walk sometimes in spiritual darkness. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servajit, that icalketh in darkness, and hath no light! Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Not many years ago, I was called to walk in much darkness, after a long and blessed period of sweet, holy, and uninterrupted enjoyment of His presence. I was greatly distressed. I searched dilieentlv for the cause, and I saw clearlv enough whv the Lord should have hid from me the liijht of His countenance. In a little while, I felt I must flee from myself to Jesus. I humbled mvself before Him, confessed my sins, and gave Him no rest until He appeared for me again, and restored me to the sweet enjoyment of His presence. This He did. Oh, the blessings of importunate prayer! Think of the wonderful condescension of God, to say to us, ‘Co.aimand ye me.’ Will He withhold any good thing from us? You will, perhaps, reply, ‘not if we walk uprightly.’ Well, if we have not, let us go and tell Him so. Confession of sin is one of the sweet, holy, and profitable exercises of the soul. It endears us to Christ, and endears Christ to us. It brings us into a lirokenhearted, contrite communion with a loving, sympathizing Saviour, purifies the heart, and keeps the conscience tender and watchful. Have I said enough, without wearying you, to induce you to go at once to Jesus, and lay bare your whole heart before Him? He waits to be gracious. You need not be long in darkness. Fervent, importunate prayer will bring light into your soul, and Jesus, with all the tenderness and compassion of His nature, will show you He is yours, and that you are His through time and eternity. Z the Lord, change not. AVe change, evervthing around us changes! but our gracious God and Father changes not. Go to Jesus, and all will be well. When He visits you, let me know, that I may praise Him on your behalf.”

308 MEMOIR OF MItS. MARY WIXSLOW.

to miss r. the superlative excellence of christ.

“Dear Friend, —

“AYhat a high and holy privilege it is to walk in the fear of the Lord all the day long! And not in the fear of God only, but also in the love of the Spirit. I have sensible access to God, To listen to His still, small voice, and to feel an echo to it in our hearts, is not this a mighty privilege, worth a thousand worlds like this? What is all the pomp and glory of this dying world, compared with five minutes’ such communion with the Holy Lord God, manifesting Himself in the face of Jehovah-Jesus? Beloved, this is your privilege and mine. God, in His rich mercy, causes us to enjoy it every day, and all the day long. AVhat could we do in this world of manifold temptations, had we not a God to go to, ever ready to be a present help? Suffer no distance to arise between you and vour best friend. He has undertaken for us in all things. We want Him as our Counsellor, as our Guide, as our Protector, as our Deliverer, in ten thousand ways. How needful and how sweet to be ever sitting at His feet, looking up and meeting His eye bending down upon us in love! I took my pen to address you, and my thoughts ran into this subject; my heart filled, and I could not but express what was passing there. Jesus is indeed very precious to my soul. All creature love sinks into nothing before it. If ever a mother loved her children, I have; but what are they, or all their love, compared to Jesus? The more I see of the fulness, the boundless love of Christ, the more I sink in the dust of self-abasement before Him.

“And now you are in the house of mourning. If the dear mother is safely landed, blessedly housed in the mansion long prepared for her, should it not be a house of joy? In her Father’s house above, at home with God, freed from all pain, sin, and sorrow for ever, saved from the evil to come. What joy were this! Heaven is a place, and a place of the most perfect enjoyment; and the presence of Jesus makes it all that an immortal soul can desire. Its happiness, too, is ever increasing, as well as the capacity of the soul expanding, to receive and enjoy an ever-growing knowledge of God. Were our faith but stronger, we should clap our hands when our dear ones were taken to their heavenly home, and say, with Mrs. Isabella Graham, *I wish you joy!’ May the Lord comfort your hearts, and fill up the void He has made amongst you, and cause you to rejoice.”

TO HER SOX 0.

“London, Wednesday. “... TVe returned yesterday from Taplow. The Lord brought me in safety here again. May He condescend to use me for Himself the little space that is now allotted me here below! It seems as if my time hitherto had gone to waste, and I had been an unprofitable servant. May the Lord forgive, and grant me all the grace I need to do His will! I

was glad to find your interesting letter, Mrs. W called

yesterday. I gave her the work on the ‘Recognition of the Saints in Grlory,’ of which she is doubtful, and fears it leads to carnality. She says the ‘Glory of the Redeemer ’ is a great source of comfort to her. I have just been pleading with the

Lord to make the books a great blessing to the. All

hearts are in the hands of Him with whom we have to do. He can bless them. Oh, how many things I have to ask Him for! and I believe He hears me always. There is never a work to be done, but Satan will endeavour to raise up an adversary. I have just been reading the Lord’s deliverance wrought for Hezekiah when the Assyrian king came upon him. He is the same God now, never having changed since Adam fell. Hezekiah’s God is our God. Let us encourage our hearts in the Lord, and keep close to a throne of grace. Take care of your health.”

TO E. AND M. W. OX THE NEARXESS OF HEAYEXLY

SPIRITS.

“Dear Friexds, — March lO.

“AYhv have I not heard from you for so long a time? How is it with your poor bodies, and, above all, how is it with your precious souls — souls that Jesus loves, and for whom He shed His precious blood? Oh, may we never forget what it cost the Son of God to redeem us from endless perdition. We must remember from what we are redeemed, and to what we are redeemed. Eternal woe would have been our portion in infinite justice; but now eternal felicity will be our portion, and that, too, on the ground of infinite justice. Bless the Lord for His wondrous goodness in providing such a plan, by which He could be a just God, and a holy God, and yet save lost and rebellious man. Help me to praise, and let us encourage each other to love Him more, day by day. I want to love Him to-day better than I did yesterday, and so through an endless eternity. Dear friends, how little, in general, do we think of these things! The trifles of a day, yea, of an hour, occupy our thoughts, and cause us to grovel here below. Gladly would my soul be on the wing, ready to mount upwards at His bidding. In a little while, and we shall see Him as He is. We know not how soon. The heavenly world is all around us, and could we leave the clay, we should behold the air filled with the heavenly messengers sent down to minister to us, and to guard us from the evil power of darkness. Oh, the care of the Good Shepherd! His wakeful eye is ever uDon us, and His lovinar heart is ever towards us.

“... Since I last wrote I have had a severe attack of influenza. It is the Lord, and a part of the discipline of the covenant,... And now I must hasten to close. Let us take courage, and press onward, keeping our happy home in view. In a little while, and we shall be there. Let me hear from you both. I hope the dear invalid is better. Never mind. We shall have new bodies, more beauteous than the brightest angel in heaven, and standing, too, nearer to the Saviour than they. Oh, I would encourage you both, dear, dear sisters, and myself, too, in anticipating the glory that awaits us!...”

TO THE SAME ON TELLING JESUS.

“I have thought much of you both, beloved in the Lord, and wished to tell you so, but we have been in much anxiety on dear E ’s account, who has had an attack of inflammation on the lungs.... 0 was to have accompanied

his brother to New York on business, but her illness prevented, and the steamer leaves to-day without them. So the Lord has ordered it. Praise to His holy name, who hedges up our way, sometimes with thorns. Oh, we shall see, when we arrive in heaven, how wonderful has been the wisdom that has guided us in all our journey through! Only realize your oneness to Him, then you may be quite certain that all that takes place, small or great, is in that covenant that is ordered in all things and sure. Nothing is uncertain with God. We walk by faith in Him, and not by sight. Oh, carry all your wants to Him, nothing doubting that He not only hears you, but is every moment watching over you! All is well, and though dark clouds come between, there is a bright light behind them. Go at once with jour trouble, be it what it may; nothing is too trivial to carry to Him. In this you honour Christ, showinoyou believe His words, ^Yithout me ye can do nothing. Now, then, Jesus will do all tilings for jou, and all things well. A sparrow falls not to the ground without Him. You are of

more value than many sparrows. E is better. Oh, it

has been, I trust, a time of deep searching of heart! She was left alone with God, Solemn thousrht! AYe often need be compelled to turn aside with God, and hear what He will say to us. Ye w-ant no intruders there. Ye want to speak to God alone. Oh, doubt not that God does even now speak to His saints by the still small voice of His Spirit, so that we can respond, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. He openeth the ear to discipline; and how sweet it is to Avait and listen, to hear what God would say to us. Be not satisfied with praying, but wait for the answer, for it will come in some way. Let me have a line. I always remember you (one time in the day, perhaps,) in my prayers.”

TO TIER SOX 0, ox A GOOD MIXISTER OF CHRIST.

‘’ How often it is, that while God is in His owm way answering our prayers, unbelief will mist our eyes, and tempt us to fret and repine at His dispensations, not thinking that this is the way He takes to accomplish what we wish. Last Lord’s-day was very refreshing to my soul. I went into the sanctuary, and then the Lord gave me a little insight into His doings. Do you recollect what I wrote to you, that a dear, aged Baptist minister once remarked, that ’ when God means to make a man rich, He takes away his money? ‘How often we think we could do the Lord’s work better than He can

Himself! F sent his carriage to take me to Mr. C ’s

yesterday, where I spent most of the forenoon, Y^hat a dear, precicus Christian he is! I think He is one of the most lovely saints I ever met with. His gifts for the ministry- are not great, but what he has he honestly lays out in the service of the Lord — his whole heart devoted to Him, and his whole life a constant aim to glorify Him. Holy, upright, v.-alking closely with God, and evidently experiencing much of the approving smiles of the Saviour. And although his holv fear of oflfendino; may incline a little at times to leoralitv, it is vet a most lovely spectacle to behold. He will receive a Well done, good.

and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

“... Oh, to look into eternity, and in its light to see the folly and madness of ung-odly men. How do I lone* for the end of all things; for the coming of the Lord to put all things straight! for even the Church of Christ has wandered far from the right way, and has greatly dishonoured her Head.. I found it very sweet to meet at the Lord’s Table.

Dear Mr. E recognised me, and gave me one or two of

his kind looks, but I was too much engaged with Him, who is one ocean of love to mv soul, to take much notice. He returned thanks to the Lord for preserving me in the time of danger, and for bringing me among them again. When will

the book be out? I long to see it. Love to A and the

dear chicks.”

to miss j, soothing thoughts in illness.

“Dear Friend and Sister, —

“I liear that you are not well. Do drop me, if only a few lines, and tell me all about yourself. Oh, dear friend, the world is one vast hospital filled with diseased inmates, and only one class can ever hope for a perfect cure. We shall all be well when we get above. This is not our rest, nor our home. We seek a better, and, blessed be God, our best Friend is preparing it for us. When we get there, we shall find it far beyond our highest and most enlarged expectations. Oh, help me to praise and bless His holy, holy name!.... There are seasons when, alone in my little sanctuary in this house, I am favoured with such precious glimpses of the glory that awaits the Christian, that I could shout aloud, It is all true! The atmosphere between this world and the other seems clearer and lighter, and but a step and I am there. What a meeting around that great white throne, basking in the glory emanating from the countenance of Him who so loved you and me as to live for us, to die for us, and to live again, and to say, Because I live ye shall live also. Oh, let us encourage each other in the way! Our poor bodies, too, will be raised again, glorious bodies, beautified and prepared for the reception of the glorified spirit. The prospect is opening fast before me. Satan would try hard to mystify, or withdraw us from the simplicity of the nrecious Gospel. But let us come to Jesus, and bring to Him all our cares, large and small, and tell Him all that is in our hearts.

“P.S. I am still at L, and thank God for giving me

such a home for the little while I am here. I am fed with the sincere milk of the precious Gospel, by him whom the Lord gave me in infancy to nurse for Himself. I am watched over with the tenderest care, as a babe that can do little for itself. I have no care. I talk to Jesus, and tell Him all I wish and all I want. Sweet to close the door, and admit Him to my heart, confessing my sins again and again — the sins of my whole life, as the Holy Spirit brings them to remembrance. Repentance, I find, is not a thing once done, and ever after done with. Oh no! I go again and again, as sin arises in the mind, lay myself at the feet of Jesus, there to confess, weep, and love — no rebuke, all pardoned. Oh, the wondrous, the ocean-Hke love of Jesus! Who can fathom it? Dear friend, we can have some little glimpses elsewhere of Heaven. Cheer up! we shall meet above, and spend an endless eternity together. Oh, what a gathering there! I love to anticipate it, and do, in a measure, realize it. How beautiful they look clothed in the wedding garment, clean and white, — the infinite righteousness of Christ Himself Why should we not rejoice? Let not the enemy keep you back. When he comes in like a flood, go directly to Jesus, and He will fight your battles. Let us pray for one another. Once more, farewell!

‘For us the Lord intends

A bright abode on high;

The place where sorrow ends,

And nought is known but joy;
With such a hope let us rejoice,
We soon shall hear the Bridegroom’s voice.’”

TO MRS. C. W. J, ON HER CONVERSION.

“My dear Friend, —

“Although so lately known to nn-, yet having seen how blessedly Jesus — my Jesus and your Jesus — has drawn you to Himself, I can and do rejoice over you as one of the redeemed of the Lord, and a willing candidate for a crown of glory. Oh, dear friend, let no man take your crown. Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. You and Christ are one. You are now called out of the world’s wide wilderness, and you have taken up the cross to follow Jesus. You are now a soldier of the cross, and it is written, Fight the good figJit of faith; lay hold of eternal life. What an honour to be called, as you have been, to own your Lord and Saviour before a gainsaying, Christ denying world! For this you can never be grateful enough.

“Oh, to grace bow great a debtor
Daily I’m constrain’d to be!
Let that grace. Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.”

Oh, that Jesus might indeed bind you to Himself with cords of love! Never forget that you and Jesus are one. All your concerns are His concerns. All your cares are equally his cares. Therefore you are to be careful for nothing, for He careth for you. See what an honour it is to be a child of God, and to have grace given to walk boldly forth and OAvnHim as your Saviour, Sovereign, and Friend. I do, indeed, rejoice with you, and rejoice over you. Hold fast your profession. You must expect to meet with scoffers, and those who would lead you far from Jesus. But cling; firmly to Him, and hold fast to His word. I would say here, that confession of sin is a most sanctifvino; exercise of the soul. When you feel in your heart that you have grieved the Spirit, at once confess it to your dearest, best Friend; and He will, by the application of His own precious blood, not only give a sense of pardon, and grace, but will strengthen your faith and confidence in Himself. Do not forget this. It is of consequence that you do not. Let me write to you as a tender mother would to her beloved child, I have felt all this toward you. And oh, the prayers I have offered up for you! You will never know until you get to glory. Let me meet you there, beloved friend. I bear you in mv best affections. When you meet with sufferings, remember your dear Lord met with such before you; and it is a great honour put upon you to be as He was in this

present evil world. I do not wonder that said that you

had ‘united yourself to a vulgar religion,’ for so said the multitude when Jesus was on earth, and when the Apostles went forth to preach Christ. The religion of Christ is not the religion of the world, but is in opposition to the world, and therefore the world will ever hate it and its followers. But there is a cross Christ’s true disciples have to take up. Ask the Lord to strengthen, uphold, and comfort you. <” P.S. The following lines, dear friend, suit you: — ‘Jesus, I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow ‘I hee;
All things else for thee forsaken,

Thou from hence ray all shalt be.

‘Perish every fond ambition,

All I’ve sought, or hoped, or known,
Yet how rich is my condition,

God and heaven are still my own!

* Let the world despise and leave me,

It has left my Saviour too;
Human hearts and looks deceive me,

Thou art not, like them, untrue.

‘And whilst Thou dost smile upon me,

God of wisdom, love, and might.
Foes may hate, and friends disown me,

Show Thy face, and all is bright.

Go, thou earthly fame and treasure,
Come disaster, scorn, and pain,
In Thy service pain is pleasure,
With Thy favour loss is gain.

‘I have call’d Thee, Abba Father,

I have set my heart on TTiee;
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather,

All must work for good to me.’

o”-

“The enclosed Paper on ‘Religious Progression,” I had printed. We are to go forward. The Christian’s watch-word is — Follow on to know the Lord, You have just commenced your heavenly race. You are to go on to know more of this great and glorious salvation. May the Lord Jesus teach you, and bless you with much of His sensible presence.”

to mr. w. d. l, in soul darkness.

“Dear Brother in Jesus, —

“I think I must write a line to you; I have long wished it, but did not know how to intrude myself upon you. My dear son has sometimes given me a sight of your kind letters, which has led me to lift up my heart to the Lord in heaven to bless you, and to cause His face to shine upon you, filling you with joy and peace in believing. The love of God’s saints to each other is as far superior to the natural love of relationship, or to the common friendship of the world, as the heavens are higher than the earth. This love emanates from God. It is a Divine cement that unites the one family of heaven. We know toe have jjassed from death unto life because ive love the brethren. How sweet is this most precious evidence of our sonship! Hail it, dear friend, as a grand evidence of God’s eternal, everlasting love to you. I have passed my threescore years and ten, and am looking out for the messenger from my Father’s house to bring me to my happy, blessed home. It is almost in sight. I am favoured with some precious glimpses of the glory that awaits me..., Oh, to come to Jesus just as we would have done when He walked with His disciples here below! ‘Precious Jesus, Thou Son of God, bless my young friend, and lift up upon him the light of Thy countenance, and say, It is /, be not afraidj My heart is full of love towards you. I think I know a little of the road by which the Lord is leadino- you at this moment. Oh, let us bow our neck to the cross, for Jesus is walking with us every step of the way!... When tried, rush at once into the very bosom of Christ, and feel the warm pulsations of His own lovino; heart, and rest vour head there. All will be well. He is with you now, and will never leave nor forsake you. Prav for us, and may the richest blessings rest upon you, beloved friend.’

to e. s. excouragemext to come to jesus.

“Dear Sufferer, —

“How have I thought of you since last evening; you looked so ill! My long letter, written some days ago, would not, I fear, be of much comfort to your heart. But Jesus loves you, and He will comfort you, I know. One glance of His loving eye beaming upon your inmost soul will be all-sufficient for your peace, and rich consolation under your present suffering of body. The body is but the casement to the jewel, which is rich and valuable enough to place in the crown of Him who died and who rose again, and who at this moment is seated on His throne in glory, waiting to welcome all who feel their need of Him, and can do nothing for themselves. It is upon such, Jesus has His loving eye. While you think you will try and do your best to please God, you will find you will come short, and will be weary of your eflforts. But when you cast yourself, in all your helplessness, upon His mercy and power, and His word which says. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, then, my beloved friend, you will find Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, all that He has said He is, and ever will be, to every needy one who looks to Him for help. A glance, a sigh, a desire, He never, no never will overlook. His heart is one ocean of love — love to sinners, as sinners, not as saints. He loves the saints too, but He first loves them as poor, lost sinners, that can do nothing for themselves, and who come to Him to be saved. Oh, how welcome you are now, just in your present state of mind, to the heart of Jesus! His heart is yearning over you at this present moment. I will say no more. I have been to prayer for you, dear friend, for you are laid much upon my heart.”

TO THE SAME. THE DESIRE TO LOVE CHRIST PRECIOUS.

“Do not attempt to answer my note of yesterday; there is no necessity for it. I only thought I would give a word of comfort in your trouble. The poor body’s necessities call for all your energies and patience, without having to write and answer notes. Be assured of this truth, — you would never have had a wish to love Jesus if He had not first loved you. That love is divine in its character, and springs from the power of the Holv Spirit. It never grew in nature’s soil — it is above and beyond fallen nature. It comes from Christ, and quick returns are made to Christ. And if we have but one spark in our souls, it will kindle into a holy flame. Oh, to be a living member of Christ’s living body! We are the members, and He is the Head. These are great mysteries, which you will better understand as you travel on in the narrow road that leads to the land of glory. Go with all you want to Jesus — keep nothing back. Gro with all the simplicity of a babe, and tell Jesus. He will bow down His loving ear, and listen to all you have to say to Him. I must not weary you, but finish with what I began with — that if you have the faintest wish throbbing in your heart to love Jesus, it is one of the sweetest evidences that you can have that He first loved you. Now, the more you know Him, and have to do with Him, the more you will love Him.”

TO HER SON O, ON THE SUDDEN DEATH OF A DEAR

FRIEND.

“Saturday Kveninj?.

“I received yours this afternoon. I saw, by the papers tins morning, that Mrs. Alers Hankey had gone to her happy home, and immediately wrote, as the Spirit led me, a word of comf jj t to the afflicted daughters. She is safe, I have not the shadow of a doubt. She is with Jesus. Little faith can get to heaven. It w;is a happv dismissal, just such a one as, in all her w(akne; and trembling, suited her, sparing her much bodilv and mental sufFerin£r. How much do I see the tender love and sj.npathv of Christ in dealing with her thus! He knew all h?r feebleness, and how Satan would attempt to harass her in a lingering illness; and so He took her away as in a deep si »ep; and before she knew that she was dying she was safely 1 ).lged within His loving bosom. Oh, the goodness and gentleness of Jesus — our God-man Mediator! How beautiful does the tender sympathy of the manhood appear in its union with the power and o-lory of the Godhead! Such is Christ to me.... Every now and then, the thought of the gracious dealings of our God towards dear Mrs. Hankey, as it respects her sudden and gentle dismissal, passes over me with much sweetness! What a realizing view it gives me of the exquisite character of Jesus — His gentleness, tenderness, and sympathy! Oh, how enviable such a death! Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be — just as He would have it. Only would I say, ‘Let me see Thy face all through the dark valley.’ My soul at this moment rejoices in God my Saviour. He is all to me, livinsr or dvimr. The last tmie I saw dear Mrs. Hankev, she sat listening: with the deepest attention, and with tearful eyes. And when we parted, she kindlv drew me towards her, and kissed me affectionately.”

“Lord’s-day. — This clause in one of the Psalms has been very sweet to me to-day: For God is for me. What, then, need the believer fear, here or hereafter? This is His comfort. Christ and he are one in time and in eternitv. Looking: into ‘Bridge on Faith,’ these words met my eye: ‘Suffering times are self-recollecting times.’ And we may add, suffering times are, or ought to be, fruitful, growing times. Every branch that beareth fruity He purgeth it that it may bring forth more

fruit. Oh, that it may be so with dear E and me! I

have followed you with my prayers to-day, that the Lord might heal the sick, strengthen the weak, and bless His own word to saints and sinners. Love to all.”

What pen could have given so faithful a delineation of her elevated Christianity as her own has unconsciously presented

THE REALITY uF TRUE RELIGION. 319

in the foregoing utterances of her heart? The impression on the mind of the reader must be, how real is true religion, and how earnest is its spirit! And yet there is nothing in that religion, as thus exhibited, that the lowHest subject of grace may not experience. Precious is the sentiment with which the chapter closes — “littlp: faith can get to heaven.”