Letters on Spiritual Subjects
‘It is a certain fact,’ remarks Foster, ’ that whenever a man prays aright, he forgets the philosophy of it, and feels as if his supplications really would make a difference in the determinations and conduct of the Deity. In this spirit are the prayers recorded in the Bible.’ Mrs. Winslow, whose life was baptized in devotion, whose soul was clad with prayer as with a garment, presents a striking illustration of this beautiful thought. While ever deeply conscious of the solemnity of prayer, recognizing it to be, what it truly is, the most exalted exercise of the soul, the most elevated state of thought and feeling of which the mind is susceptible, — yet none engaged in the exercise with more simple views or with a more childlike spirit than she. Convinced that God answered prayer in a way consonant with the Divine purpose, and worthy of His own character, she yet so wrestled, and argued, and reasoned with Him, as if, in the words of the profound thinker we have just quoted, her ‘supplications really could make a difference in the determination and conduct of the Deity.’ And so must we approach the mercy-seat, not as philosophers, but as Christians, — not as slaves, but as children, feeling that if prayer cannot move God to us, prayer yet can move the lowly suppHcant towards God. The ‘Thoughts ’ we are about to glean from her private record and her letters, will give us a deeper insight into the interior of her inner life, and exhibit her views on some important doctrinal and experimental points of divine truth.
ox COMMUNION WITH GOD.
“How little is this understood! A cold, formal, heartless prayer often; and if not in God’s own children altogether heartless, yet how little real communion, — oh, how little! No interchange of love, no confession of sin, no adoring gratitude, no emptying of the burdened heart into the loving heart of God. This is communion, and such as even the angels themselves behold with delight, while they can but imperfectly un- [164j derstand the happiness known only to the saints of God. How was I privileged this morning, confessing my own and my children’s sins, and giving myself and them up into the Lord’s hand, to do with us as seemeth Him good.”
“Taplow, July 9th. — The Lord has been very gracious in suffering me to draw near to Him, and granting me much of his sensible presence. Dr. Love, in his ‘Letters,’ describes my experience better than I can myself. If ever my heart truly rejoices, it is in the view of what God is, as seen in Christ, irrespective of my personal interest, and yet not losing sisfht of mv union to Christ. Dr. Love, whose attainments were giant-like, compared with my poor speck of knowledge, expresses this more fully; but his experience is mine. On the same ladder the Lord has placed my foot, though he is higher up by many rounds than I. TThen the character of God is unfolded in Christ, — His infinite greatness, overpowering goodness, and glorious perfections, — my soul is filled with inexpressible joy; I feel swallowed up in their vastness, and weep, without being able to say why I weep. Oh, if a glimpse now and then is so overpowering, what must the full vision of that glory be? The body here could not contain it. God be praised for the little view, and for the full revelation that awaits us in that better, brighter world above.”
“12th. — Dr. Love remarks, ‘How sweet is the bitterness of that repentance which is truly divine and gracious! The same light which opens the springs of godly sorrow, also uncovers the fountain of divine joy.’ These words express my own experience, and which I had thought was peculiar to myself; and have therefore seldom advanced it to others, lest I should mislead or perplex those to whom I wish to do good. Still I think dear Dr. Love did not deal sufficiently with the manhood of Christ. He seemed to look too little to God in Jesus. What comfort or sympathy can a poor sinner desire from looking to an infinitely holy God out of Christ? “When God spoke to men, He came down clothed with a cloud; and when this same God speaks to us, it is in Jesus, robed in the cloud of our sinless humanity. Thus revealing Himself, we look and live. It is then we behold Him in all the milder rays of divine liht and glory, and adore, love, and bless Him who says, Fear not, it is Z”
TO HER SON H-
“I received your long and interesting letter, and thank you for it.... When you enlisted under the banner of King Jesus, you commenced the life of a soldier, and are therefore called, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ to fight manfully. Your enemies are the word, Satan, and the flesh; this last is the greatest of all; it lies down and rises up with you, and wherever you are, this enemy is always at hand. But you are exhorted to put on the whole armour of God, and to stand; and by faith in Christ you shall conquer. Keep your eye steadily upon Jesus. Be not surprised at the conflict you wage; it is an evidence that you are Christ’s true disciple. If you were not a possessor of spiritual life, you would have nothing to oppose you from within. Those who are dead in sin know nothing of this warfare. A corpse floats down with the stream; but where there is living faith in the soul, it stems the tide, buffets with the waves, and makes its way through all that opposes it. Be of good courage, keep close to Jesus, and you have nothing to fear from within or without. God, who is our Sun and shield will give grace and glory; and no good thing will He luithhold from them that walk uprightly. Be diligent in the use of all the means of grace, and may the Lord abundantly bless your soul, and provide for all your wants.”
To the same. — “I did not mean to write to you this time, but you are so good yourself in writing to me, that I could not bear to pass you by.... It is a mercy to be kept with our eyes, and our hearts too, up to the dear Saviour, that we may be ready when He gives the summons. This world is nothing more than a wretched, dying vanity. But the bright world to which we are travelling has substantial blessing and happiness unutterable to bestow. Oh, then, what folly to grieve here, and suffer our affections to wander from God!
I am glad you attend Mr. S ’s. The prayer-meetings will
revive your fainting soul. I do not recollect what first led me there, but it was the Lord who directed my steps. The steps of a good man are ordei-ed by the Lord. May He meet with your soul and bless you. Many a time have I poured out my heart for you in that sanctuary, and my fervent prayers were offered up for your salvation. Those were blessed times. I often think of them now. May Jesus keep our soul going out after Him. I had rather seek Him sorrowing from morning to night, than not to seek Him at all, or feel cold and barren in my soul. Kiss the little ones for grandmamma.”
TO HER SOX, R. F. VT.
II
I earnestly hope nothing will induce you to relinquish jour habits of temperance. How earnestly and constantly I pray that God may keep you from everything that, by slow and insidious steps, might lead to certain and, perhaps, irremediable ruin. Anything in the form of drink, but simple water, — I mean, of course, of an intoxicating nature, — is dangerous. I have, in the course of my life witnessed such sad, such awful effects resulting from moderate drinking, that my heart sickens at the very remembrance of it. Place nothinoto your lips stronger than water. No one but God can know how anxious I am that all my professing children may be kept walking in the fear of God, and in the love of the Spirit. Remember Him who loved you unto death; live to Him and for Him, and resolve rather to die than do aufrht dishonourin<^ to His dear name, who, in so remarkable a manner, called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. Dear child, bear with a fond and anxious mother; for you know not how mv heart goes out after you. The Lord has wonderfully kept me these twenty-eight years in His blessed way, and has never permitted me to bring dishonour upon His dear cause. And yet I feel that I as much require His upholding hand, and His restraining grace, at this moment, as I did at the first. Ld him that thinketh he standeih take heed lest he fall. Jesus is very precious to my soul. I feel I cannot live without Him. He is my all-in all. The world, and all its glory and riches, is as dross to me in comparison of Him whom my soul loveth. And yet I find the Christian life to be one of constant warfare, and feel, at times, as though a host were encamped against me.
“Again, let me exhort you to keep close to Christ. Make Him your Counsellor and your Confidant; Him to whom you may entrust all your concerns, and into whose ear you may breathe all your wants. Keep an open heart with Christ; you need no other friend. Do all you can for His cause, and He will take care of you. Walk in uprightness before Him, in heart, lip, and life. Should you discover failures, go at once and confess them, and get your pardon sealed to you afresh by the Holy Ghost. Never keep a sensf of guilt upon the conscience when it can be removed at once by the blood of Christ. There is not a more holy exercise in the Christian’s life than
ki the confession of sin to God. I mean by this, that confessing sin to God has a sanctifying influence on the heart, maintains purity, and keeps the conscience tender. You need not wait until you can retire and fall upon your knees; you can do it in a moment. The heart lifted up in silent prayer is sufficient. /, the Lord search the heart. I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth. Put on Christ, walk in Christ, and may God bless you and make you a blessing.”
The subject of prophetic truth, doubtless the more solemnly urged upon her attention by the remarkable aspect of the times, of which she was a close and spiritual observer, began at this period to interest and occupy her thoughts. The doctrine of the Lord’s second coming, — the signs which appeared to herald, and the events which probably would be ushered in by his glorious advent, — seemed to be the great truth which particularly arrested her attention. AVe gather her sentiments and feelings on these interesting topics of inquiry, from her diary and correspondence: —
“Awoke this morning at about six o’clock, and read ‘Hugh White on the Second Advent,’ and was led to lift up my heart to the Lord to direct my mind into this important truth, and enlighten what was dark in me on the subject. In the course of the day, felt much tried at my want of spirituality, my coldness and worldliness. I besought the Lord to revive in my soul every drooping grace of the Spirit, to save me from sad declension, quicken me afresh by the power of the Holy Ghost, and draw me nearer and yet nearer to himself”
“My dear 0, Lord’s day, Torrington-square.
“Have you ever read the Rev. Hugh White on the Second Advent? If you have not, obtain it, and read it. I am perusing it with deep interest, and, as far as I have gone, I can enter fully into his views. I am longing to have my eyes open to the subject more than they were. It appears to me a delightful theme for close and prayerful investigation. Do give it your attention. May the Lord unfold His own truth to your soul and mine! Mr. Evans’s mind is also opening to this truth. Could I but be sure that He would indeed soon come, how my soul would rejoice; but of this I cannot so far see any clear evidence. Oh, for more weanedness from the world! Oh, to love Jesus more, and to have Him more in our thoughts! How soon we may behold Him in all His glory, coming in the clouds of heaven, with all His saints and holy angels! May the Lord keep us watching and waiting, and looking for the summons, and enable us to say, Come^Lord Jesus, come quickly! I grieve that I have so long neglected to search into this glorious subject; but I am only now just beginning to investigate it, with much prayer, as I read that the Lord would lead me into the truth, and keep me from all error in judgment. But as it opens upon me, I feel my soul led out in grateful praise and thanksgiving. Do get the book I have mentioned, and read it with prayerful attention.” The following unfinished letter, addressed “to her pastor, on the subject of the Lord’s Coming, and found among her papers, it is believed was never sent: —
“My dear and beloved Brothee,
“I send you th enclosed, and hope, if you can spare the time, you will give .it a perysal, and compare it with the Word. Truly it behoves us, ts much as it did Daniel, to search diligently to know and understand the signs of the times. God was far from being angry with His “servant at that time; and if the apostles wrote and spake so much of the coming of the Lord in their days, as it is now nearer to us than it was to them, it is assuredly of the greatest consequence to examine for ourselves. Truly I can say, for one. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! I trust you will make time to investigate this subject, and may the Lord enlighten all our minds. That some great movement is going on in the kingdom of Christ on earth, is as evident to my mind as that I live. “We cannot close our eyes to what is passing all around us. The wheels of God’s wonderful providence are moving onward, and I think that none who love Him but must be prayerfully anxious to watch the way He is taking with His church. My heart is at times overwhelmed with the thought of His near approach. How dehghtful the prospect of being with Jesus, our dearest and best friend on earth and in heaven! To see Him whom we have loved, communed with, confided in, gone to in every time of trouble, and found Him a present help! And then to meet with those dear to our hearts, who have got there before us to welcome us home! I long to see Jesus; He is very, very precious to my soul, and I trust He is to yours.”
To one of her sons in America, who held what she considered extreme views of the Lord’s coming, she thus faithfully writes: — 8” There is no doubt but that the coming of the
Lord draws nigh, but as to the exact time no man knows, nor can know; therefore you have been wrong in fixing a time, and running into extravagance, and causing the infidel to boast and tauntingly to ask, Where is the yfomise of His coming f The believer is so to live, that whether he goes to Christ, or Christ comes to him, he may be found with his lamp brightly burning, readv to obey the summons. While you have fixed in your mind that you shall certainly be on earth at the coming of the Lord, should death arrest you, you might in one sense be totally unprepared for the event, and probably disappointment and anguish would fill your heart. Such has been the case with some, who as fully expected the Lord as you do; and yet the Lord sent for them, and they had to pass through the dark valley of the shadow of death, that they might swell His train when He really did come. Two members of our church were sadly tried when the Lord sent for them, and for some time their minds wer’*^latly distressed, and they met the last enemy with reluctance. Now, see the danger of fixing the time as to the designs of God towards us. I long for the coming of Jesus, and would leave the world; but as I know not the dav nor the hour, let me be readv to meet Him in whatever way He might appoint. It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power y
It has been remarked — and the reader will have gathered fi-ora these pages confirmation of its truth — that she was a close and intellisrent observer of the characteristics of the times in which she lived. Events which to others might pass as trivial and meaningless, would, to her deeply spiritual and observing eye, be replete with interest and pregnant with significance. She read the journals of the day, and studied the movements of the age, with but one object, — the development of God’s purpose in the progress of His truth and kingdom in the world. It is thus she records her sentiments on this subject: —
“The Lord God will sift His church, and throroughly purge His floor. He has commanded His ministering servants to separate the precious from the vile. This duty they have most awfully neglected, but now He is about to do it Himself; and what He does will be well done. Satan is endeavouring to overturn, but God holds him in His hand, and will overrule all his wicked designs, for the welfare of His church, the honour of His truth, and the glory of His nnme. So shall the precious be separated from the vile, and the world be driven out of His church. The work began in Scotland, has commenced in Eno-land, and will go on until the whole is accomplished. Then comes the Bridegroom, in the clouds of heaven, to meet His bride, purified by fire from all her dross. The time is drawing nigh. Everything indicates it. How strange that any who profess to be the disciples of Christ, should be indifferent to what is passing before their eyes at this momentous period! Surely the wise virgins are slumbering. Oh, that the church would awake and rejoice at the glorious prospect that is before her! The Lord Jesus is on His way. Puseyism is the forerunner of His second coming. It is preparing the way of the Lord. How truly can God overrule all things to accomplish his own purposes, — even Satan’s device, to work His will, and do His chosen people good.”
“clouds breaking.”
“The Lord is about to do a great work in the nominally professing church of Christ. He is preparing the way for His second advent. Error, in the shape of semi-popery, is spreading like wildfire, and this will finally consume the chaff, and leave the pure wheat yet more pure. Satan thinks differently; but God designs much good to His church, by permitting the abounding of this error. The church of Christ has nothing to do (in its union) with this world; but Satan has contrived to mix up the world with the church, and now a holy and jealous God has put His own hand to the work, and a complete and final separation will take place. I have long seen His blessed hand like a bright light rising in the darkness that has obscured the glory of His church. To me, it grew more distinct as the darkness grew more palpable; and while many, trembling for the ark of God, were quaking for fear, I have been enabled to keep my eye upon the little bright” cloud which grew brighter to my view. And oh, how my soul has rejoiced! for I could discern the faithfulness and love of my God, in that He was not unmindful of his promise, and that His eye was upon, and Hjs heart still toward, His church.”
It was probably in its prophetic light that she was led to study the Lord’s parable of “the pearl of great price,” and to offer an interpretation differing entirely from the one generally
received.
“I can trulv say,” she writes in her diary, “0 Lord, come quickly, and take Thy one church — Thy bride — to the home prepared for her. This is the ’ pearl of great price,’ the church — not Christ — hidden in the field. Jesus comes down, parts with the last drop of His precious blood to purchase this ‘pearl,’ and also the field — the world — for the sake of the pearl which is the church. The world is now kept in existence for the sake of the church alone; and when the church is complete and brought home, the world, being of no further use, will be burnt up and destroyed. Now the matter in dispute stands thus; either the church purchases Christ, or Christ purchases the church. As the church had nothing wherewith to purchase Christ, then Christ must have purchased the church; and such was the magnitude of the price, that none save God’s own Son could have bought it. In this sense Christ died for the whole world. He purchased the world for the sake of the treasure that was hid in the world. To sum it up in a few words, — ‘the pearl of great price,’ and the ‘treasure hidden in the field,’ are identical — the elect church of God. Christ parts with all that He had, even life itself, to complete the purchase; and on the day of His public espousals with His church He will wear the pearl in His crown of rejoicing; and the world in which it was hid, and from whence it was taken, will then be consumed.”
As sustaining this interpretation of the parable, she was wont to quote Toplady’s beautiful and familiar hnes:
“Deathless Principle, arise!
Soar, thou native of the skies I
Pearl of price, by Jesus bought,
To his glorious likeness wrought;
Go, to shine before his throne,
Deck his meditatorial crown:
Go, his triumph to adorn;
Made for God, to God return.”
The study of God’s general providence necessarily implies attention to His particular providences. The eye that is broad awake to scan with prayerful interest each new sign in the political and ecclesiastical firmament, eager to trace some indication of God’s unfolding purposes towards his church, was not likely to overlook His more especial dealings in individual history. We find her, therefore, thus recording what she entitles
“god’s dealings in his leadings.” “The text last evening is from the 146th Psalm, 8th verse: The Lord raiseih them that are lowed down. It was excellent truth, and most comforting to the tried believer. How little do we think of whose care we are under, and whose lovinoeye is ever guiding our way through the wilderness, causing all things we meet to work together for our good! Thus has He led me. He has brought me into the wilderness to teach me, to lead me to cHng closer to Himself; to brighten every grace of the Spirit; to wean from a dying world, and to show me this was not my rest, because it was polluted. Here He o-ave me precious faith, and then tried the faith He gave. When bowed down, He lifted me up. He shut me out of the vain things of a poor empty world, and shut me in to Himself. He gave me my work to do, and fitted me for it. Every moment was occupied in doing His will. Whatever I needed I went to Him for, and never was denied one good thing. He proved himself the Husband to the widow, the Father to the fatherless, the home of the stranger. His name to me has been a strong tower, into which I could flee and be safe. His Spirit came upon me with all His life-giving, converting, and re converting power; filling my dwelling with the richest blessings of heaven. Oh, what returns can I make for all His abounding goodness to me? Shall I not sing the loudest in heaven?”
“GRATEFUL RECOLLECTIONS.”
“Reading a New York religious journal, I observed an account of the erection of a new place of worship in Oliver street, the former one having been destroyed by fire. This little circumstance recalled to my mind many trying yet hallowed scenes that have passed away for ever, yet cannot be forgotten. It was in that sanctuary I sometimes worshipped, the pulpit being then occupied by the late Rev. John Williams. When my soul has been oppressed and desolate, finding comfort nowhere else, I have repaired thither, and have found it. Dear Mr. Williams was an eminent man of God, and a deeply experienced preacher of the gospel. The precious truths, as they fell with so much weight from his lips, were often clothed with a remarkable degree of the unction of the Spirit. And although I have gone there often with my heart overwhelmed within me, I have yet been enabled, by his ministration?, to look afresh to the Rock that was higher than I. Oil, that I could then have seen how blessedly and wisely the Lord was training me and mine for better things to come; causing me to pass under the rod, that He might bring me into the bond of the covenant!”
“the true source of spiritual joy.” “I believe that our joy and rejoicing in Christ Jesus depends upon our faith, that is, our believing more firmly the matter-of-fact truths revealed to us in the Bible. Do I believe that Jesus Christ lived, and died, and rose again from the grave, and is now alive in heaven, and is there for us? In proportion as we are thoroughly persuaded of this, we can and must rejoice. It is written. In vjhom ye also trusted; after that ye lelieved ye tuere sealed with the Holy Sjnrit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance. Eph. i. 13. Therefore it follows, that in proportion to our firm belief of these divine verities, these glorious realities, we shall not only rejoice, but be transformed into the Divine image. Another mistake common to many Christians, is the habit of looking for ever loithin for some evidence of their adoption; and finding nothing there satisfactory, they do not and cannot rejoice. Now, this is a serious defect. It is not by looking within ourselves, but, on the contrary, it is by looking quite out of ourselves, and directing the eye alone to Christ, — to what Christ is, and where Christ is, — that can alone give us real consolation; and in proportion to our faith in Him, we not only rejoice, but our evidences brighten, and the Spirit within, whose office it is to glorifv Christ, bears witness wnth our spirit that we are born of God. The life of God in the soul of man is one of the most glorious works of God. It is a greater work than that of creation. He says. Let there he light, and in a moment there is in the soul the light of life. The sinner looks to Jesus, believes, and is saved. He lives now for God and for a glorious eternity. The Holy Ghost, having full possession of the soul, carries on the great work of sanctification. He has written on the heart, Iloliness unto the Lord; and the constant prayer of the renew-ed soul, as a result, will be, Lead me in the way of uprightness.^^” THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY.
“Life is a journey, often a short one, and always uncertain. But there is another journey. The believer is travelhng through a waste howhng wilderness, to another and a glorious region, where ineffable delight and happiness await us. The road is narrow, the entrance strait, so strait that thousands miss it and perish in the wilderness; but true believers, under the teaching and convoy of the Holy Ghost, find it and walk in it. The King, in His infinite love and compassion, has made a hedge about them, separating and defending them from the many beasts of prey that lurk around them; and although they hear their bowlings and behold their threatnings, they are safe from their power. But their strongest foe is within themselves, — a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. From this there is no escape but by constant watchfulness, and earnest cries to their best Friend and Guide for protection. And were it not for this faithful Guide, how often, discouraged by reason of the way, would they turn back! But He watches over them by night and by day, strengthens them when weak, upholds them when falling, encourages them when cast down, defends them when attacked, provides for them when in need, leads them by living streams, and causes them there to lie down in pleasant pastures, and on sunny banks. And as they advance they obtain brighter views of the good land they are nearing, and they long to see the King in His beauty, and the land that is yet very far off, and to meet those that have already arrived on that happy shore.”
“GODLY SINCERITY.”
“Never pay a compliment at the expense of conscience or of truth. Fear God. Never say what you do not really feel. Confess those sins of heart which no eye sees but God’s. Assume nothing that does not belong to you, and comes not from vour heart. Beware of adopting another person’s experience as your own. Let the fear of God dwell richly in you. Let your heart be right with Him. Do all with your eye upon eternity. Think little of time, except to improve every moment. Have an abiding sense of the Lord’s presence with you, and do not be satisfied without it. Never suffer your politeness to carrv you bevond truth. Fear God. Let truth dwell in your heart, and nothing but truth flow from your lips.
Pray, and look for the answer. Aim always to have the consciousness of God’s ear harkening. Be not satisfied with an empty, lifeless form, nor leave the throne of grace without a recognition. Honour the Spirit, and the Spirit will honour you. Plead for His indwelling power. Grieve Him not, lest your heart grow cold, and your soul become barren. Strive to live on high, and you will live holily; and to live holily is to live happily.’’
“UNHOLY JEALOUSY,”
•A suspicious, jealous spirit is one of the most corroding evils and uncomfortable states of mind an unhappy individual can be tormented with. It makes its subject, and all others, miserable. It impairs confidence, weakens friendship, separates the best friends, and produces incalculable mischief far and wide. It was jealousy that hurled the sinning angels from heaven. It was jealousy that caused the fall of our first parents, and drove them from paradise. It was jealousy that led to the first murder. It was jealousy that produced hatred and revenge in Esau towards Jacob. It is marked in God’s word as a hateful, God-dishonouring, soul-destroying sin. Let us beware of it, watch and pray against it, and the moment we detect its workings within us, crush it at once. It is the offspring of Satan, and the destroyer of mankind. Let us also beware of engendering and encouraging dislike to any one with whom we associate. This evil unchecked, tends to corrode the whole inner man, sours the temper, and causes us to be an annoyance to every one around us. The instant we discover the hateful feeling, let us go at once to Jesus, lay the heart open before Him, unveil the festering wound to His loving eye, and He will heal, and give us the victory over ourselves.”
“the unity of the spirit.”
“The Spirit recognises His own image wherever He meets with it. If I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, (and if I have not the Spirit of Christ, I am none of His,) the same Spirit dwelling in another will acknowledge it. The Spirit is a Spirit of love as well as of holiness. And this He has made the test of our sonship. We know we have 2)a-^sed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. Not brethren only of the church at Ephesus, or of the church at Rome, but brethren in Christ having his own blessed image engraven on the renewed soul. “Whenever vre feel not this spirit of union, we might well doubt our spiritual life and our allegiance to the Son of God. If I meet a besrar in the street, or a poor woman at an applestall, or one of the great of the earth, and discern in that individual the Spirit of Christ, I ask not of what church he is, or to what communion he belongs: my heart goes out in love to him, and this is the one and self-same Spirit recognising His own image in another. How is it with you? Do you love Christ’s image wherever and in whomsoever you meet it? Do you speak unkindly or think uncharitablv of anv of God’s redeemed ones, because they are not of vour sect? Then you mav well doubt vour sinceritv. The love of the Spirit — the love wdiich he inspires in the heart — is an unselfish love, a holy love, a uniting, cementing love, a bond of union to the one family of God, and to Christ the one Head. Again I repeat the unfailing test. By this shall all men know that ye o.re my discij)les, if ye have love one to another.”
“growth in grace.”
“There is such a state as growing in grace. Not that I believe, in one sense, I am a whit better now than I ever was; for in my flesh there dwelleth no good thing. ‘She flesh is the same that it ever was, and will continue the same until laid in the grave. But is there not such a thing as knowing more of God, and more of the absolute certainty of the truth of the gospel? Is there not such a thing as knowing more of Christ, His excellence, preciousness, and fulness, through the teaching of the Holy Spirit? And will not this advancing knowledge confirm and establish our souls, strengthen our confidence, promote our happiness, and lead to holiness of heart, and of life? This growth in divine knowledge, this knowing more of God in Christ, is calculated to invigorate the new man, and thus to keep in subjection the evil which we feel is ever striving for the mastery. This is growing in grace, and this is grace growing in us. Then let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, this Divine Indweller of our hearts. Also to know more of our wretched, lost condition, our helplessness and unworthiness, is growing in grace; for this view of our state will cause us to value that precious blood that can alone atone for our sins, and to cleave more closely to Christ, endearing Him to the heart, and glorifvins: Him in the life.”
The writings of the Rev. C. G. Finney, an American Presbyterian clergyman of much and deserved celebrity, are extensively and favourably known in this country. Some of his theological views were not considered as strictly sound; favouring, as it was supposed, the notion of a certain degree of moral ability in the sinner. It would appear from the following quotation, found in Mrs. Winslow’s journal, that his views on this point have become essentially modified; thus ranking him more decidedly amongst the orthodox, as he previously was amongst the most zealous and useful divines of his age. It is with peculiar satisfaction we transcribe the extract for the present work: —
“In a recent publication by the Rev. Mr. Finney, I met with the following statement from his pen: — ‘I have thought that (at least in a great many instances) sufficient stress has not been laid on the necessity of Divine influence on the hearts of Christians and sinners. I am confident that I have sometimes erred in this respect myself. In order to rouse sinners and backsliders from their self-justifying pleas and refuges, I have laid (and I doubt not others have also laid) too much stress upon the natural ability of sinners, to the neglect of showing the nature and extent of their dependence upon the grace of God and the influence of His Spirit. This has grieved the Spirit of God. His work not being honoured by being made sufficiently prominent, and not being able to get the glory to Himself of his own work, He has withdrawn or withheld His influence.’ How much it is to be regretted that Mr. Finney did not make this discovery earlier. Much mischief might have been avoided, and much more substantial good accomplished.”
ON THE CONDUCT OF A MINISTER’S WIFE.
“.... Every time I bow my knees before God, I pray for you that you may be spared to your dear husband, and be increasingly fitted for the all-important work He has given you to do. Oh, how important the care of precious souls — souls that are destined for an endless eternitv! A minister’s wife is, of all others, placed in the most responsible situation in the church of God. Much of his usefulness depends upon her. She must be a helpmate to the Lord’s servant, and a servant of the Lord herself. His mind is to be kept free from the little cares and annoyances that would interrupt and distract
PARE^’TAL INDULGENCE. 179
him in his studies; and, above all, his ears closed to the trifling gossip of those who talk much, but do little for the cause of a precious Saviour. I am persuaded that Satan is ever on the watch to make a handle of everything to impair the usefulness of God’s ministers. Be humble, prayerful, and watchful, always feeling: vourself as much called to aid the work in vour way as he is in his. And may God bless you both, beloved children.”
ON PAKENTAL INDULGENCE.
“How necessary it is to bring up children in the nurture and fear of the Lord! Without this, even in a worldly point of view, they and others are often miserable. No children are so happy as those who have been early taught implicit and immediate obedience to a parent’s wishes, or will, or commands. Would that parents more universally felt that, when they suffer their children to disobey them, they are absolutely teaching them to sin against God by breaking one of His commandments, and one to which the promise of long life is given. No wonder if God, in just displeasure, remove the child from such tuition. Remember what a solemn and instructive lesson the Holv Ghost has eriven in the historv of Eli. There is much danger, from an amiable wish to gratify a child, of counter-orderins: our own orders. If you once direct a child to do a thing, however unpleasant it may be to yourself or the child, insist in firmness upon immediate and full obedience. There should be no demur, nor delay. Prompt obedience is as lovely in a child, as its enforcement is dignified in a parent. The firm and gentle constraint of parental authority commands respect, and even inspires reverence and love in the child towards the parent. Thus, then, if you desire your children should grow up, cherishing for you profound esteem and affection, insist upon this filial duty — the duty of implicit obedience — and commence earlv. To begin right is the wav to end right.”
The death of an amiable and much-loved daughter-in-law, the
wife of her son E, whom she had fondled as an infant,
and who, in later life, clave to her with an affection the most tender and inseparable, was a sore bereavement. She was never so conscious of her own weakness as when imder trial; and yet, to those who knew her best, she never, in reality, more fully exhibited the strong marks of a Christ-chnging,
180 MEMOIR OF iMKS. MARY WJNSLOW.
God-honouring faith as then. This problem will be* of easy solution to the Christian. It was at the moment of felt weakness, that Christ’s own strength was perfected in her, and His grace found sufficient fur her need, A letter to a daughter-in-law in America describes her state of mind mider this calamity.
“My DEAIi J Leamington, March lOtb, 1844.
“You will be grieved to hear that the Lord has seen fit to lay His heavy hand upon us, and to take to Himself,
most unexpectedly, our dear, precious S. She has gone,
leaving us all to mourn her loss, which, I doubt not, is her eternal gain. The stroke has been most afflictive to every member of the family, Ijut to none more so than myself. She was tenderly and deservedly beloved by all, and we shall miss her in a way that few can be missed. To me no daughter could have been more devoted, or more tenderly and sincerely affectionate. During intervals of her illness, her mind was taken up with eternal things, and her thoughts of Jesus were sweet. The Lord had been for some time preparing her for this event — it was a preparation for heaven, for glory, and for the full enjoyment of Himself. During the most trying period of anxiety I ever passed through, the Lord mercifully supported me. Prayer was offered for her by the whole church in John-street, I may say morning, noon, and night; and also by all who had the happiness of knowing her, who could pray. But the Lord had need of her, and He took her from the evil to come. She was an obedient wife, a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a most affectionate daughter to me. I never knew what it was to have a care, when with her. She always thought of me, and everything she imagined would contribute to mv comfort, she did. Alwavs cheerful, and never out of temper, her home was made happy for all. I never knew a more unselfish person in my life; her whole aim and study was to make all happy around her. She ever considered her husband’s interests above everything else, and to please him was the first thought of her heart. He never left her, but hung over her until the last, with the most tender, heart-rending solicitude. Dear, precious saint; she has escaped from a world of trial, sin, and sorrow, and is now with Him she loved.
The stroke has been almost too much for dear E ’s state of
health. But after all, there is one Friend from whom death cannot separate us. In imagination I have followed her into the presence of Jesus, witnessed her adoring, sinless gratitude and love; her pure spirit recogniing those once known and dear to her, around the throne of God. Mj thoughts have been much in heaven, and I seem, sometimes, (so real has it
been,) to wish to be there. Dear J, live more and more
for eternity. That the Lord may keep you and me, and all we love, in close readiness for the summons, come when it will, is my prayer.”
From ‘her Diary. — “March 20th, 1844. — Dear S ’s
death has brought eternal things very near to me. Heaven seems always before me, and in imagination I am constantly there. I long to be gone. I much enjoy, in anticipation, the blessedness of that place where Jesus is, where He unveils His beauteous face, and we shall behold Him without a cloud between. My sweetest meditation, lying down and rising up,
or waking in the night, is heaven. Dear S ’s pure spirit
walking in white, enjoying the unutterable bliss of perfect freedom from sin, in the presence of Jesus, her dearest, her best friend, is before me. She once heard of Him with the hearine: of the ear, but now her eyes behold Him. I can scarcely realize that she has outstripped me in the race, and has reached the goal before me. The first shall he last and the last first. How often have we conversed together of Him, as we walked arm-in-arm to the house of God. Now she sees Him — is at His side — adoring gratitude fills her soul, and boundless love beams in every look. Dear relations, too, meeting to part no more for ever. What do we not owe a good and gracious God for the hope of immortality beyond the dark and dreary
grave! Precious S was mercifully preserved from all
those dismal forebodings, which the thoughts of death and the grave often create in the dying believer. Before she knew her danger she was there, safely housed in the mansion prepared for her. Thanks he unto God for His unspeakalle gift! And now, my dear Lord, my soul waits and longs for the fruit springing from this -dispensation. Oh, let it not pass away without a rich and mighty blessing. It may but God can speak, if not in affliction, yet in prosperity. The work is His. When He begins, none can hinder. If He speaks but the word, it shall be done.”
TO A FRIEND.
“Dear Sister in Jesus, — AprH 4th, 1844.
“Accept my thanks for your little volume; it just came at a moment when most acceptable and most needed. My beloved daughter’s death has brought heaven verv near to me. It appears but a step and I am there. I have followed her departed spirit into the presence of Him whom she loved; have beheld her wondering delight, adoring gratitude, and overwhelming love, while she gazed on Him whose precious blood redeemed her soul from all sin and sorrow for ever. I have imagined the recognition of her dear relatives who had gone before her, and have fancied the holy joy of her pure spirit in meeting them again. Oh, heaven is worth living for! A life of trial and of tribulation is as nothing when compared with the mighty blessings that await the believer in Jesus, when he drops the body of sin and of death. After recovering, in some measure, from the shock of her sufferings and death, my mind turned to the bright scene above, and there my soul has been more or less regaled ever since. I have been, and still am, looking to the things that are not seen, and that are eternal. It seems to have raised me some feet above earth, and I prav that I may not only le kept there, but rise higher and still higher. Precious Bible! precious revelation of God’s most gracious doings of eternal mercy to such sinners as we are! Oh, to look bevond that dark and dismal srave, and remember the word that says. Absent from the hody present with the Lord! My soul does rejoice at this moment in God my Saviour. Oh, He is very, very precious — none like Him on earth or in heaven. ISfuch as I anticipate of happiness in meeting dear, very dear relatives in heaven, it would be no heaven to me if I did not see Jesus, my best, my dearest, my constant friend, who, with unceasing patience, tenderness, and mercy, has followed me through all my wanderings in this wilderness world, and has never, no, never left nor forsaken me for one single moment. To know Him aright, is a little heaven begun below. The nearer we get to Jesus here, the more we taste of the blessedness that awaits us above. Never, dear friend, be satisfied with what you know of Him now. Press on to know more and more. And what a humiliating reflection it is, that we require often trial upon trial to rouse us from our slumbers, not only to our duty, but to our sweetest, highest privileges! Dearest Jesus, help Thy pilgrims to live more like pilgrims, above a poor dying world, and more in full view of the glory that awaits them when they shall see Thee face to face. Dear friend, forgive me; but my heart is full of this one subject, and I can seldom write, speak, or think of anything
else. Precious S ’s death has been in some measure new
life to my soul. I thank God for it; oli, it was a mercy to her and a mercy to me. Jesus does all things well. I cease now to think of her in the grave; I see her with the eye of faith alone. Let us aim in all things to follow Him who, despisinothis world’s show, left us an example how we should walk The world and its nothings are often a sad snare to God’s saints. Oh, that by faith we may overcome it all, and keep close to Jesus. Ye are not of the luorld, even as I am not of the world. Let us try and not attend to its gewgaws, and keep a more steadfast, unwavering eye upon Christ. He has gone a little before us, and stands beckoning us to follow. One word before I close. Live for eternity. Let go your hold upon the world. I need this exhortation myself, as much, perhaps more, than you do; but receive it from an aged pilgrim who, as she nears the solemn scenes of eternity, and more realizes the inexpressible joys that await, and the welcome that will greet us there, is anxious that all the believers who are travelling the same road, might have their hearts and minds more disentangled from earth and earthly things, and themselves unreservedly given to Christ. Have your lamp trimmed and brightly burning, for every day and every hour bring us nearer and nearer to our home.”
The heart must be right with God, that can maintain a fixed, filial, and confidential intercourse with the Holv One. As the proximity of the compass to some false attraction deranges its movements, and perils the bark it steers; so the Christian’s heart, brought too near some creature object, or some earthly good, flies off from God, and thus disturbs the serenity, and retards the sanctity of the soul. But how enviable the conscious nearness to God, unveiled in the following familiar epistle to her family! —
“I could not forbear telling you how graciously God is dealing with my soul. There seems no distance between the Lord and your unworthy mother. He draws nearer and still nearer day by day. I cannot describe, for language fails me, His exceeding gentleness. His tender, His almost speaking love to my soul. How condescending is He in all His deahngs and varying dispensations! I go to Him often in perplexity, not knowing where to look; and as a babe is hushed to quietness, soothed and comforted on its mother’s bosom, so the Lord cairns and quiets me. Even down to old age I will carry you, is His promise fulfilled in my experience, I cannot describe the inconceivable enjoyment, mingled with much sorrow for sin, I have had for these many weeks. And as I cannot descriae, so I must leave it, praying that should the Lord ever cause you to feel the world, and all that you have loved, insufficient to impart one grain of real happiness, you may find in Jesus all, and more than tongue can express, of what your soul needs — an everflowing, overflowing fountain of indescribable happiness and holy enjoyment. This is my sweet experience. I lie at His feet a poor, saved sinner, in sure and certain hope of eternal life already begun — heaven foreshadowed and foretasted. May this encourage you, in a time of deep need, to apply for, and expect similar blessings. Never, never could it enter into the heart of man to conceive the rich gifts there are in the heart of Christ for His saints. But He has revealed a little to my weary spirit, and God be praised for His wondrous condescension and grace, so richly bestowed upon the chief of sinners.
The communion of the Lord’s Supper has ever been regarded by the spiritual Christian as an occasion of especial nearness to Christ. It is then he seems to be brought the closest to tho cross. All other objects vanish from his view, and, like the disciples on the mount, he feels himself with ‘Jesus only,’ This was pre-eminently Mrs, Winslow’s experience. The occurrence of this institution was always a season of broken- I hearted and endeared communion with Jesus. She brought nothing of her own to the Lord’s table but her emptiness. Lying at this beautiful gate of the temple in all her helplessness and need, she fastened her believing eyes but upon one object, ‘expecting to receive something from Him,’ or ‘seeking to catch somethinor out of His mouth,’ It was seldom indeed, if ever, that she was sent empty away, Happy for the church of God would it be if such scriptural and simple views of tho nature and design of this ordinance more generally prevailed! She thus describes her feelings on this hallowed occasion: —
“I trust the Lord was with us last evening, at His own table to bless us. It is generally to me a feast of love, and of close communion with Christ. I then feel I am more at liberty to make any especial request at the hands of the Lord. While I am trying in my poor way to remember Him, is it I likely that He will not at that moment more especially remember me, the child who is looking full in His blessed face, for an answer to her request? It is a season of remembrance on both sides. Jesus and His redeemed one meet together in close contact and sacred fellowship. It is, too, a season of melting love. The heart is softened; Christ crucified for my sins is placed before the eye; deep repentance and holy afiection fill the soul.”
It was to one of her family passing through a season of relative and painful anxiety that she penned the following letter so replete with comfort, and glowing with holy, elevated feeling: —
‘■’■In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee, for Thou wilt answer me. The Lord has favoured me this morning with such a blessed interview, that my heart is full of His goodness, and expression fails me quite. He is the same, the very same that He ever was; and all that He says is true, blessedly true. He spake to Abraham, to Jacob, and to Moses, and to all the prophets; and He speaks to you and to me, the unworthiest of all, the poorest of the poor, and the vilest of the vile. Every new trial, and every fresh cross, drive me into the very bosom of Jesus; and it seems as if I could lie there, and feel the very throbbings of His loving heart. In the cup of trial we are called to drifik, there is no wrath, all is love, though faith may be tried, and we may for a season weep. Dearest child, lang-uasre fails me to tell you of the sweet condescension of my God and your God, to my waiting, wrestlmg soul, this morning. I could do little but weep, and my tears fall even while I write. Surely His name is love, and we shall see how needful this trial of our faith was. Whatever draws or drives us to Christ is a mighty blessing. “Who can be permitted to have intercourse with God, and not find it a blessing? Can we come in close contact with Infinite Goodness and not get good? Dear child, all God has said to us in His word is true; heaven is true, and we are very near it. It is all around us. Jesus is there before us — there to welcome us. Oh, to realize it! try and realize it. Every dispensation of His loving providence is to cause us to realize all that He has said. He wants us to be more and more like Himself, and therefore we should be more anxious to derive the full benefit of the aflBiction, than that it should be removed. This is a time for wresthng prayer with God, our own God. How needful are these high winds and storms to cause us to chng to our heavenly Pilot, and to speed our way to our blessed harbour of eternal rest. May this season of trial be fraught with a large blessing. The Lord, I trust, after He has tried our faith and
blessed the affliction, will restore dear to us again. He
has ordered every circumstance attending it. Be fully persuaded of this. Satan often endeavours to work upon the wretched infidelity of our nature, by leading us to look at second causes. The Lord has done it, and the reason He will bv-and-by reveal to us. Prayer is continually offered up here on her and your behalf, by your loving people. They have proved their love to Jesus, and to you as one given to lead them in the way to glory. I am thankful the Lord has sent dear Mr. Evans to comfort you at this time. May He make you a mutual blessing. Mr. Franklin is to preach. The post has come. The Lord be praised for the good news. May He give us grateful hearts for all His mercies”
“I received yours, and was glad to hear of your safe return home; and that the Lord not only preserved you in your journey, but was blessing your labours. He is everything to us; wnthout Him we are wretched, and with Him we have all that can be desired. What would heaven be without Jesus! On Friday eveninsr I had a most blessed season. The Lord drew sensibly near, filled my heart with love, and my mouth with arguments. I felt I loved Him better than the dearest object on earth, and could appeal to Him for the truth, who alone could search the heart. It was a season of mutual love and holy confidence. I pleaded for my children and for my children’s children, while His loving eye was upon, and his heart towards me. I wept for sin, and wept for ioy. God caused all His goodness to pass before me, and this it is that breaks the heart of a poor sinner. It was one of those special seasons I have been favoured with in my pilgrimage. I was again favoured at family worship; to my own soul it was a solemn, endearing season, while I prayed for the conversion of the whole household and all that were dear to me. The enemy has since sueeested that some heavv trial was near, and that this was sent as a preparation. Well, I am His, and in His own lovino; hands, and can fullv trust Him for all.”
TO HER SOX R. F. W-
“I was glad to get your last, and am anxious to encourage you to keep up the correspondence during the little space that is now allowed your mother in this vale of tears. It is a world lying in the wicked one, and we are encompassed about with a body of sin and of death. It is a mercy that it is as well with us as it is; and above all, that our gracious and long-suffering Father has given us such a bright and good hope of a better one to come. God be praised that, vile as I am, that hope shines brighter and brighter as I draw nearer the
end of my race. There is such a thing, my dear R, as,
in a measure, living with God even here. Take Him as your dearest and best Friend. Treat Him as one to whom you can fully confide your all. Never be afraid of opening your whole heart to Him, however hateful you may feel it. Did you but more know the depth of that love that is in the heart of Jesus, you would never be reluctant to go to Him for all you needed. It is to know the character of God as your Father in the person of Jesus Christ, that can alone give you confidence in Him. Dear child, a few years and you pass away to millions and millions that await you. Waste not the little space allotted you to prepare for them. I pray for you; you will never know how often until we meet alDove. Oh, that I might have the happiness of meeting you and all my dear children in heaven! Is it not worth livino- for? Is it not worth dvino; for? The ’ signs of the times ’ declare that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. All sanctified hearts seem to feel this. I seem myself, like a vessel that had weathered storm after storm, and tempest after tempest, and at last was brought within sisfht of mv desired haven, but have not vet cast anchor. But oh, the land is in siht, and it looks delightful to the eve.
Jesus is on his way. Dear H, who was always looking
for Him, will come with Him Remember, that to
walk in the precept is the way to the full enjoyment of the promise. We must not expect the comfort of the one without the observance of the other. Rather than incur debt, exercise the most risiid self-denial. Go not asrainst God, and God will be for you. None ever disobey Him, but are sure to pay the penalty of disobedience: I speak now of His own children. The wicked are turned into hell, but His own elect are punished here. Some mens sins go before to judgment; some mens sins folloiu after. The Christian has been brought to judgment here, and acquitted. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. And aerain, TT’e are chastened of the Lord, that we should not he condemned with
188 MEMOIR OF MR>. MARY Y-IXSLOW.
the worJd. 1 Cur. xi. 32. Xover undertake a cause* without kneeling down and asking the Lord for wisdom and grace. If Solomon felt it needful to d(j this, well may you. Christ says, Without me ye can do nothiufj. Be not fearful you will lose your cause by so doing; but only trust your case in the Lord’s hands, and if a just one, lie will prosper you. Walk in His fear, and you need fear nothing else. The account of your visit to Mount Pleasant, and of our friends there, was very interesting to me. I never lose sight of old friends, particularly those whom I hope to meet in another world.”
While on a visit to her sou E, at Taplow, Bucks, she
met with a slight accidout, the consequences of which might have been severe, to which she thus gratefully refers: —
‘’Tajjloiv. — Came here on the 25th, and am much recruited
in strength. Mr. and :Irs. E called, and passed an hour.
A few days ago, on returning from visiting a sick cottager, and while conversing for a few minutes in the’road with the medical man, about the young woman I had just left, his horse backed the chaise; and before either of us could get out of the way, he was force 1 against the wall, and I was thrown down, the wheel passing over my foot. I fainted, and was carried home; but on examination, no bones were found to be broken, only a few cuts and bruises received, and so the Lord preserved me from the greater evil. Enough of this, but not enough of God’s tender love in it all. Had my hip been dislocated, as my dear mother’s was by a much less accident, I should have been crippled for the remainder of my life. What you said of God’s adopted children was very sweet to me to-day. How often one word — a simple sentejice — when applied by the Holy Ghost, gives comfort, and lifts one up! How much we need these helps all through our weary pilgrimage! We are such forgetful creatures; too often forgettmg what we are, and what a God He is.”
“I have often thought of the goodness, kindness, and tender sympathy of God, that though man had sinned and was at enmity with his Creator, Benefactor, and Friend, so that the ground was cursed for his sake, there should yet be so much m this world to comfort, to alleviate, and delight; so much still hngenng of its pristine beauty to resale and please. And 11 this world is still so attractive, so lovely to the eye
* Her son to whom these holy admonitions were addressed was then practismg at the American Bar.
and pleasing to the senses, what must that world be which infinite love has gone to prepare for the redeemed and pure spints designed to inhabit it!”
“I want to learn to live by the dav, trusting God for the daily supphes of His grace, and for the leadings of His providence; leaving the morrow in His own blessed hand who imows how to give, and when to withhold.” ’
Frora her Diary. This is a lovelv day. Have had nearness to Jesus m prayer. Felt I loved Him above all earthly love. Could recall all His past dealings, watchful providences unwearied care, from inftmcy to the present moment i delight to trace before Him His wondrous dealings all mv journey through. Oh, what a God He has been to me! and what return? often the basest. How often these thouo-hts bring forth tears from my aged eyes, in the remembranc? of what He has been to me, and what I have been to Him I ihwk I love the saints above better than the saints below iheir pure spints look so lovely to me. Oh, the puritv of heaven! what attraction has it to one conflictino- at every step with an unholy nature! Precious Jesus,” help and strengthen Thy unworthv one in doing what is right in Thy sight. I am Thine, and thou art mine.”
“I have just been trying to sing to your tune, my dear child, that sweet hymn which we have often sung together,
‘There is a fountain fiU’d with blood,
Drawn from Emmanuel’s veins.’
Oh that you and I, and all we love, may be washed in that blessed Fountain. May we live more to the honour of Him whose precious blood it is. Oh, for more grace, more love, more engagedness of heart in His blessed service, more weanedness from a poor dying, disappointing world, which at best
! is but a cheat, promising much, but performing little. The poor King of the French, Louis-Phihppe, who°a few weeks ago, sat proudly upon his throne, has just landed in England,
f seeking an asylum in the political storm. When the steamer
tthat bore him and his family approached the shore, seeing a number of people assembled,” he was afraid to land, thinkmg he should be insulted. In vain the people on board endeav° cured to encourage him; he insisted upon the vessel stopping until an individual went on shore, and returned with the assur-! ance to the dethroned monarch, that no indignity would be offered him. He then ventured to land, shook hands with several individuals, bowed to all around him, and stepped i hastily into the carriage that awaited him, expressing his grati- ’ tude that he was on English ground, and that he had been received with feelings of courtesy as a stranger in distress. Oh, what a world is this! What a mercy that we have a Friend who rules over all. and who has said, / change not.”