LETTER XVI. TO MISS N. * MY DEAREST M--I was concerned to hear you had not received the attentions from * which you expected. Let me remind you, my dear, of what you already know, that every individual has his own standard of kindness, and by that he is regulated. We must not permit ourselves to every occasion to think how we should have acted; but remember, that what would be real unkindness in us is not so possibly in the case of another person, who views the subject in a different light. After all, however, we are often unable to repress a sigh at the little attention paid by the generality of persons to the finer feelings of the heart. The truth is, we are by nature selfish; and it is only in proportion as religion prevails in the soul, that it becomes benevolent, and concerned to promote the happiness of every human being in every possible way. It is our felicity to know, that a capacity for doing good is by no means confined to the learned; so far from it, they are often tempted to devote that time to literary pursuits which ought to be employed in the active duties of benevolence. Moderate talents, like small coin, may be brought into use every hour; while those talents we so often wish to enjoy, can perhaps be seldom turned to advantage, except for the gratification of the possessor. Indeed, I have often asked myself with severity, Why do I so much lament not having enjoyed the advantages which others possess? Is it because I could have done more good than is now in my power? Foolish reasoning! does not my Creator know best what means are necessary to fit me for the station he designs? Let me, then, in this, as well as in every thing else, acquiesce in his will, while I diligently strive to improve the opportunities he has bestowed. By the vigilant improvement of one talent, it may be increased sevenfold. Part of our discipline here, my love, is to learn contentment; and, to render this more easy in an intellectual sense, let us remember the period is fast arriving when we shall be perfect in knowledge. I know of no species of knowledge which may not in some way, or at some time, be consecrated to the service of the Most High. It is an insult to the Almighty, while we profess to devote our talents to his honor, to let them lie aside and rust. Unworthy, indeed, is the most highly cultivated intellect of his acceptance; yet we know He will graciously accept the surrender of the meanest. Let us labor to render our intellectual faculties as little unworthy of an offering to him as possible. LETTER XVII. TO MRS. B AFTER your very long silence, my dear Ann, your letter was exceedingly welcome; but really I must not be put off as I have been. I shall most certainly call on Mr. B. to interpose his authority, unless I perceive an immediate reformation. Seriously, though, my dear friend, I am too much interested in your welfare not to be anxious for you to be a good correspondent. Happy am I to hear such a good account of you and the family. What is the infant's name? I hope dear William's mamma will be no way concerned, that he does not yet begin to display his eloquence; she must remember that many have been long before they began to speak; but then, in after life they have often abundantly compensated for their delay by speaking much to the purpose. How I should like to have been present at the baptism. May all e petitions offered be abundantly fulfilled. I have done myself the pleasure of working you a flounce. May you feel half the pleasure in wearing it which I have realized from your last token of affection. Indeed, I often think of the kindness I received from you and dear Mr. B.; and when depressed by long absence from almost all who are dear to me, I transport myself to F, once more take my seat at your hospitable board, and listen to the supplications at the family altar. May the fire of devotion ever burn bright and clear on that altar, and the sacrifice of praise ascend to your heavenly Father, like incense perfumed in the merits of the dear Redeemer. Ah, my dear Ann, we sometimes think wealth important, health important, ease important; but, after all, what is there of any importance, compared to walking closely with God? Let us then aim, my dear, so to enjoy our comforts as to be led nearer to God by them, and let us cheerfully resign them when called upon, knowing that in all our sorrows, privations, and conflicts, Jehovah designs the good of our spirits. I have lately suffered so much from pain, that I am the more gratified to hear of your health. I hope that invaluable blessing will be iong continued to you. Since I last wrote, I have been much better; but within this fortnight unpleasant symptoms have returned, and I fear After this statement, I need not tell you that I suffer both by night and day; but O, my dear friend, it is in the hour of suffering that we experience most of the tender compassion of our Saviour. Pray that I may glorify him under all circumstances. "How short are all our trials here, Give each of the dear little ones a kiss for us. MARTHA. I NEED not inform you, my dear, that some of the adverse scenes of life are literally trials. They try the character. They reveal that character both to ourselves and others. Sometimes they call for the utmost strength of mind, the greatest selfdenial, and the constant exercise of prudence. If the individual possess none of these qualities, or possess them only in a small degree, the mind becomes enervated, and perhaps never recovers its proper tone. On the contrary, if these qualities are brought into action, they are strengthened, and the whole character becomes far more exalted. You complain, my dear, of want of time. Now, I do not exactly know how you distribute it; but I certainly agree with you, that it is very desirable to appropriate some part of every day to the cultivation of your mind. In attempting this, you must not be discouraged. Remember, my dear, it is not crowding the mind that makes us wise; hence, many who have comparatively little leisure, have more real knowledge than others, who have all their time at their disposal. In one instance, knowledge has time to take root; in the other, one plant is continually preventing the growth of another. It is frequently found, that where there has been most blossom there has been the least fruitfulness. Let us always endeavor to discriminate between a well cultivated mind and an overburdened memory. O, when shall I be able to be actively employed in the service of God? I am resigned and thank HAPPINESS attend you, my dear friend! It really appears a long time since I held communion with you through this medium; so I believe I must even indulge myself with scribbling a letter, especially as I hope it will be the means of obtaining a benefit. Yes, my dear friends, I have a favor to ask of you. I want your special prayers. After Christmas I am going to take a few little girls for the purpose of undertaking their education. I feel it is something to engage to impart knowledge, even of the lowest description; but what is that, compared to cultivating the understanding and the heart, with a view to the eternal welfare of the immortal spirit! Pray for me, my dear friends, that in this and every other pursuit I may glorify our God and Saviour. LETTER XX. TO HER BROTHER. Ir is enough, my dearest brother-1 will try to wait patiently, and say, with you, The will of the Lord be done. These few words, "It is the Lord!" seem to me omnipotent. They hush the loudest storm. I suppose, before you receive this, dear E. will have left Cannon-street. I shall long for the time when you will meet at S; and hope the pain of separation will be amply compensated by the pleasure you will enjoy at your retreat. As for me, I must be comforted by the idea of your happi ness. O the rest of heaven! who can tell what it will be after the common toils of life, but especially after pastoral anxieties and sorrows! Ah, my brother, how often I think what he must be called to endure. LETTER XXI. TO THE SAME. AH, it was all in vain! The hearth was touched and re-touched in vain; the fire was made to blaze in vain; in vain the dinner was prepared, and the homely dessert was spread! He came not to cheer our spirits and strengthen our faith. Well, the weather is bad, and perhaps he might have taken cold; so I will even bear my disappointment as heroically as I can. I believe, however, I must begin by confessing, that notwithstanding all my efforts, my spirits are lower than usual. I hoped, and hoped; but here is the very day come that I thought would open to me a scene of usefulness, and provide me with the means of comfort; but my hopes are disappointed. Pray for me! Well, we will change the subject. Do you wish to take a peep at us just as we are at this moment? Here is Miss C- at the desk, F-sitting by the drawers, working away briskly. Charley is on my bed, playing with a few toys, and calling out every minute, Look, look, look, at which I have enough to do to express my feigned astonishment. Andrew is at the table building a house, and taking a geometrical lesson; by-the-by, I should tell you how learned we are. No, no, I will not boast. I must not tell you how carefully we cultivate the heart and the understanding; nor what pains we take to draw forth the affections, regulate the temper, fix the attention, quicken the perceptions, strengthen the memory, &c. But here is Mrs. D. with some plums for the little ones. What heart that feels and knows any thing of love, but is refreshed and soothed by the simplicity of childhood! O to be as å little child! My dear baby, I am so glad to hear she is pretty well; and yet I seem to grudge her growth, when I cannot mark her daily progress; but I am consoled for this loss by knowing that she comforts you. Her brothers talk of her; and many a fair dream, my dearest brother and sister, no doubt we mutually indulge, as we look forward and see these little creatures spring into life. May Almighty God bless them, and make them blessings, is all the full heart can utter. And surely God will bless them; yes, he will. LETTER XXII. TO MRS. B, MY BELOVED ANN-You will be surprised to hea that I have relinquished my intention of receiving. pupils; not, indeed, from choice, but from necessity. It is no smali disappointment, at the moment I was hoping to live to some useful purpose, to be thrown back into a state of unusual infirmity and partiai helplessness. My days and my nights are wearisome; but we know affliction springeth not from the dust. Pray for me, that the language of my heart may ever be, "The will of the Lord be done!" LETTER XXIII. TO MISS H form a ready excuse for my silence, if I felt less afTHE pain I am enduring would, my dearest L-fection for you than I do; but as it is, while I can Indeed, my weakness makes me more anxious to guide the pen, it must be employed in your service. write; for I long for you, my love, to be benefited by my afflictions. God Almighty bless you, my dear, and help you to view all compromises with the world in the light that sickness, death, and judgment throw upon them! Let us beware of approaching to the verge of what we may suppose to be innocent. Let us remember, that whatever destroys our sobriety of mind and renders us unfit for communion with God, is dangerous, highly dangerous. Pardon me this strain, but I am jealous of you. LETTER XXIV. TO HER YOUNGER BROTHER. MY DEAREST BROTHER-I am not able to write to you, but I avail myself of a hand which is ever at my service. Much it relieved the anxiety I felt on your account, to see you and hear from your own lips that you were comfortable. I think of you while lying on the bed or reclining on the chair. I think of you, and the ardent wish of my heart is, that you may be useful; useful by your exertions, your example, and your prayers. I, alas, can do no good. I am laid aside early in life; but you, my brother, have still the prize of health, with all its advantages, in your hand. May Jehovah hear me while I pray, that you may make the most diligent use of them, and that my affliction may stir you up to renewed devotedness. I know we to sympathize in the changes you have experienced; but be of good cheer; for though the ways of Providence are mysterious, they are ways of love; and ere a few years have rolled away, you will give thanks for those trials which seem the most severe. I have had the advice of an eminent surgeon: sometimes I think he may be of service to me; but ow I am more inclined to fear, that neither medicine nor regimen can be of much use. Pray for me, my dear P, that I may patiently suffer the will of God. Give thanks for me, also, that in this hour of suffering I have so much to alleviate its pangs. How I long to be of service to you; but I cannot. Well, my brother, you must take the will for the deed; and when Providence has prepared your mind, I hope you will be indulged with a competent portion of the good things of this life. Evening draws on, and admonishes me to close. Adieu, my dearest P -; may all the wishes of a sister's heart alight on you! Your ever affectionate LETTER XXV. MARTHA. MY TEAR FRIEND-That part of your letter relative to the Sunday school gave me real pleasure. I assure you, before twelve months are elapsed, I expect to have the gratification of hearing that you rival us. Expect much, my dear, and then you are likely to pray for much; and where much is asked, much will be given. After all, the best plans will go but a very little way towards the prosperity of a school. Its teachers must be persons of prayer, persons whose minds are deeply impressed with their infinite obligations to redeeming love, and who are anxiously concerned to bring the dear children to Jesus. Let this, my dear, be our constant aim, and then, though we should see no fruit year after year, we need not be discouraged, knowing who hath said, "In due time ye shall reap if ye faint not." Those who sow in the youthiu mind must in general wait long ere the seed spring up; but oh, when the time of reaping comes, who does not exclaim, "This is worth all our exertions, all our prayers, and all our tears?" Similar to this were my feelings lately, when I saw one of our scholars go forward to the sacred board. With this I send the rules we adopt. The accompanying papers are pasted on boards, and hung up at the head of each class. By this means all the children are taught at once, and considerable time is saved for their spiritual instruction. Winter is making rapid advances. How admirably the changing seasons are adapted to impress our spirits with a sense of our own mortality; and surely if we are properly affected with this consideration, it will lead us to self-examination. It is long since we met. A winter and a summer have passed away. LETTER XXVI. TO MR. B. kind remembrance of me. It is indeed no small DEAR SIR-I am obliged to you for your very privilege to have a share in the good wishes and fervent prayers of the excellent of the earth. afflictions. May those consolations you so benevoI was much concerned to hear of your repeated lently wish for others, be ever realized by yourself and your dear family, in the hour of perplexity and sorrow. I long to hear how the concern fares in which you have recently engaged. Permit me to wish, that the blessing of the Almighty may rest on all the labors of your hands. I feel much my absence from that dear spot in which you are so deeply interested. May I solicit you to supplicate not only that I may be blessed here, but made a blessing! O how fast is life pass ing away, and as yet how little have I done or suffered for the Redeemer! of love among the dear children. I believe many I hope ere this you are able to renew your work of them are more attentive to your exhortations than you allow yourself to imagine. May the seed which has been sown with so much care, take deep root, and finally spring up to yield an abundant harvest; and in that great day, when hidden things shall be made manifest, may it appear that your sacrifices, your anxieties, and your prayers were by no means in vain. In that day, how many will bitterly regret, that they made no more sacrifices for the good of souls! but, who will regret that they made too many? O to act, to think, and to speak as having that day ever in view! Then, when we meet the Redeemer, may we be felicitated by hearing him say, "I was ignorant, and ye instructed me; sick, and ye visited me." Remember me affectionately to Mrs. B. May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, rest on you! Yours, respectfully, MARTHA REED LETTER XXVII. TO MISS HR. WITH what cheerfulness, my dear Miss H., should I take up my pen, might I hope to be of any service to you. But what arguments can I use that have not been used? What promise can I point out to you with which you are not already acquainted? I can sympathize with you, I can pray for you; but alas! what can I do more? Yet I must write a few lines, merely to show you, that though it is not in my power, yet it is in my will to comfort you. One During this period what advances have we made cause of your present distress I doubt not is your in faith, in holiness, in love, in humility, in peni- viewing the character of the Deity in a wrong tence, in spirituality, in gratitude, in meekness? light, or looking at some of his perfections to the For myself, I have deeply to lament, that, notwith- exclusion of others. Surely you have forgotten standing the rich culture I enjoy, I am continually that the Divine Being is love. Ah, do not, I becompelled to exclaim, "My leanness, my leanness!" seech you, think of him merely as an inexorable Yet I hope I have learned to exercise more depend- judge; but think of him as the God and Father of ance on the Saviour. As we see more of ourselves, our Lord Jesus Christ. Be thankful, my dear, that my dear friend, Jesus will be more precious in our you feel your need of the Saviour; and wait paeyes. Let us rejoice that God has promised to com-tiently till he reveals to you your personal interest plete his work; and that we have not been permitted in the covenant of his grace. Many eminent saints to return to the world. If we have any desires for have been suffered to walk in darkness for years; communion with him, any faith in the Redeemer, but what sinner did we ever hear of, who wished to any dependance on the Holy Spirit, let us praise be made holy and accepted through the Redeemer, him for his past goodness, and supplicate still larger that was finally rejected? blessings. Remember me very kindly to Mr. B, and tell him, if you can, how anxious I am for his prosperity. May the Lord bless you temporally and spiritually, and finally administer to you individually an abundant entrance to his everlasting kingdom. Yours. affectionately, MARTHA As it relates to your departed relative, let me beg you to endeavor to dismiss the subject. When once an individual has quitted our world, it is not for us to decide on his state. I hope and believe, that God will render the preaching of his word effectual to your comfort and consolation. I well recollect being in a similar state of mind to yours. Fearfulness came upon me, and horror overwhelmed me. I chose death rather than life. seemed bound up. Ah, there is a melancholy pleaBut God watched over me, and caused this dark- sure in retracing those paths which I have trod with ness gradually to subside. Let his goodness to me anguish, and in fancying I once more behold those encourage you. Do not be dismayed if you cannot spots which have witnessed my sorrows. Alas, for ascertain one evidence of Christian character-me, that I feel so indifferent to Him who is my reCome to Jesus as a sinner. If he seem to disregard deemer, my life, my all! Pray that I may love him you, tell him (for he kindly permits us to do this) with all my soul, and mind, and strength; that I he has promised to cast out none. Wait on him, may so love him, as not to be able to enter into soand whatever you doubt, doubt not his willingness ciety, without endeavoring to kindle around me to save. Time forbids my adding more. May he this holy flame, nor to give rest to my spirit, while bless you with peace, and make your latter end to there remains a human being over whom I have increase greatly. Yours affectionately, any influence, who is unacquainted with his matchMARTHA REED. less glories! Do not let us exclaim, as the language of despair, What can we do? but let us utter this exclamation in faith, and God will find us employment. Adieu, my dear; send me particulars of yourself, and a piece of spar for my chimneypiece, that I may look at it, and say, It came from my friend. Your affectionate LETTER XXVIII. TO MISS B PERMIT me, my dearest Eliza, to express the sympathy I feel for you under your present trial.Thanks be to God, you are no stranger to the source of true consolation. Let me, however, remind you of the sympathy of Jesus-a sympathy inconceivable and inexhaustible. Remember, my dear, the character he sustains. He bears the name of friend, of father, of elder brother. And ah, how well does he fulfil the tender relationships they imply. It is beyond the power of man, it is beyond the power of angels, to describe his faithfulness as a friend, his care as a father, his tenderness as a brother. O that you may be enabled, under this and every trial, to contemplate the Saviour as yours in all his characters. I know not that I can wish you greater blessing. But is it necessary for me to remind you of the sympathies of Jesus? O no, it is already done by every thing around you. Yes, we see, we feel, his tenderness in the trifling occurrences of each passing day; in the looks, the words, the actions of our associates. We see it in their smiles, we feel it in their progress. What shall we render to that God, who has brought to light those joys which endure for ever, and opened a new and living way to his heavenly habitation! There the inhabitant shall no more say, I am sick, and the days of his mourning shall be ended. I am not much better; the winter is unfavorable to me. I wish, however, to commit myself patiently to God, and wait his will. Be assured your joys and sorrows are ever mine. THE evening is lovely, the sky looks beautiful and serene; how much I should like a gentle ramble with you, my dear friend, over some of the delightful hills by which you are surrounded. Well, it is of little consequence, if we do but meet together in the heavenly world. It is nearly seven years since our friendship commenced. Have we assisted each other as much as we possibly could in the way of holiness? Have the trials we have mutually suffered increased our patience, our meekness, and Christian charity? Have our mercies filled us with gratitude, and led us to a simple reliance on the providence of God? Alas! I feel compelled to exclaim with the poet, "O how exceeding short I fall Of what I ought to be!" I have left my dearest brother's, and it has cost me more than I ever thought it would; but I can and do rejoice in his happiness, though I have no longer the felicity of watching his looks and obeying the language of his eye. O that I may learn wisdom from the pain I have so deeply felt, in being repeatedly separated from those in whom my life LETTER XXX. TO THE SAME. MARTHA. MUCH as I am pressed for time, I cannot but write a few lines to you, my dear friend, in hope they will reach you before your departure. I rejoice that you can ask for the fulfilment of that gracious promise, "I will never leave nor forsake thee." O that you may at all times feel your interest in it, and then you will be able to go any where, or become any thing, with cheerfulness and gratitude. Rest assured you are always the subject of my sympathy and my prayers. Supplicate for me that I may live to the glory of God. I feel that I am nothing; but this should not discourage me, for Jehovah can make the meanest vessel a vessel of honor. Farewell, my dear. May the angel of the covenant guide you, and send you prosperity! Your affectionate LETTER XXXI. TO THE SAME. MARTHA. your kind inquiries and your affectionate solicitude I FEEL much indebted to you, my dear friend, for for my beloved father. Last Thursday he was able to sit up for a few hours, and since then he has made considerable progress. What renders his recovery the more remarkable is, that only a few days ago we received information from quite sufficient to retard his amendment. Thus mercifully is the Lord dealing with us! Let us wait upon him, and be of good courage. He who is so ready to communicate spiritual blessings, will not withhold from us any good thing. I can say but little of my own health. Last Wednesday I was seized with a violent pain in the optic nerves, which affected my sight; and soon after, the whole of that side was attacked with a dead stupid feeling. After this statement, I need scarcely tell you I am in constant danger of a stroke; but, my dear, I am in the hands of God, and that is enough, quite enough! Excuse this short letter from Your affectionate MARTHA. LETTER XXXII. TO THE SAME. MY DEAR FRIEND-It gave me great concern to hear of your illness. I hope you are by this time completely restored. You have, indeed, proved, that it is through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom. Well you have proved, also, that our God is faithfulness and truth. I hope you are enjoying much of the divine presence, or, if you are walking in darkness, that you are still staying your- | Have I, however, any right to this consolation? I self on the Lord. My Sabbaths here are my worst am often at a loss to discover any resemblance to days. I sigh, but sigh in vain, for those privileges the Saviour. If I do resemble him, the likeness is with which I was once favored. Pray for me that faint indeed; and yet I would still be aiming at the my present trials may be sanctified so as to cause mark, and pressing forward for the prize. the seed, long since sown, to spring up, and bring 12. Since I have been from home, I think I have forth much fruit. learned to set a higher value on the means of grace. May I never forget, that, where much is given, much will be required. Truly I have been led with the finest of the wheat! I expect to reach home in a few days. From this period may I patiently suffer, and cheerfully obey the will of God! O my Father, fulfil my spiritual desires; as to my temporal concerns, I would have no will but thine. May the Almighty bless you, my dear, and cause you to prosper more and more till you are dismissed from this vale of tears, and admitted to the joy of your Lord. Glorious period! blessed are those sorrows which prepare us for its approach. Your affectionate MARTHA. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL. October 13, 1813. A gentleman related at the dinner-table the experience of a pious woman who is recently dead. I lamented in myself the want of that humility which shone so conspicuously in her. If I had more humility I should not have such hard thoughts of Ged. 24. The time appears long since I saw my family. O to be enabled to look forward by faith to the period when we shall enjoy the unceasing smiles of Jehovah, and the society of all our friends. 27. Had no opportunity for private devotion, which affected my spirits through the day, and prevented me from fully enjoying its public services. Slept at Mr. L.'s, and took the opportunity of conversing with the servant. O for greater zeal in the service of God! 28. I am now in the way to W- The road is finely interspersed with hill and vale. While admiring them, I found it hard to set my affections on things above. My soul is almost lifeless. O for the special influence of the Holy Spirit, that I may enjoy communion with Jehovah. 30. Last night we travelled across P. From the hill we had a fine view of the sea and surrounding country. There we were benighted, and hardly escaped a precipice, not being able to distinguish the road; but my mind was preserved from alarm, trusting in Him who watcheth over his people at all times. Descending the hill the horse fell, but we were not injured. These occurrences forcibly reminded me of the Christian's journey through life. May the tender providence of God preserve us from all the dangers of the wilderness. November 3. I have been to much pain lately. O that I may learn to be more thankful for health and ease! 5. A friend who promised to take me to the Sunday school has neglected to call, and I am disappointed. How important it is to seize every means of doing good. I seem, in reviewing the past, to have lived only to myself. Lord, quicken me, and grant that I may return to my own dear little pupils with renewed devotedness! I trust this separation has made me more solicitous for their spiritual welfare. O that I may have a deeper sense of my own insufficiency; and then, if God permit me to be useful, I shall freely ascribe to him all the glory. Lord, revive my love to thyself, and help me to abound in love to my fellow-creatures. 10. The Sabbath has past. In the evening the text was, "Call upon me in the day of trouble." I need to be often reminded of this delightful obligation. O to be favored with clear and scriptural views of the Almighty, so that every hard thought may be for ever done away! Who could hope to overcome such powerful enemies as the Christian has to contend with, had not Got engaged to bring him safely through? but since he has promised to defend his people, who shall dare to despair? What a comfort, to be assured that God is on our side What an unfeeling heart I possess; my ingratitude overwhelms me. Lord, undertake for me! 17. What a changing scene is this! Parting from some friends and saluting others. Be anxious, then, my soul, more than ever, to prepare for that world where there is no change! 18. What a variety there is in nature-we had some delightful prospects to-day! If our world is so beautiful, what must heaven be? Why, then, have I so little inclination to dwell upon its glories i Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings " Thy better portion trace." 19. Arrived at home in safety. O for gratitude to our preserving God! How innumerable have been thy mercies while away! How many calamities might have befallen me! O that the kindness of Jehovah may influence my spirit! 20. Went to the funeral of a person to-day, who for some years previous to his death was blind and deranged. May I learn from this to be thankful that I am exempted from such awful calamities! 23. My mind is much relieved. I came home full of anxiety; but God has dissipated my fears, and in the day of temptation he has made a way for my escape. How seasonable is divine assistance! Help me, O Lord, to be very thankful for all thy mercies. 24. I am afraid I do not cordially approve the plan of salvation. This compels me to say, "Lord, search my heart, and try me, and lead me in the way everlasting." 25. My mind was much impressed this morning with the shortness of life; consequently I saw more beauty in the figures employed by the sacred writers when they describe its vanity. We may well be compared to a shadow, and the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cut down! How consolatory is the thought that Jehovah is the same, and that his years change not. 26. How sadly impatient I am at a trifling indisposition. O that I could properly feel my dependance upon God! Health and all our comforts are at his disposal. This is a pleasurable reflection. Does he behold me cleaving to the earth, and depending on the streams instead of the fountain, he can immediately imbitter them, or cause them to be dried up! Does he behold me bowed down with sorrow, and distracted by disappointments, how soon can he scatter every cloud, and lead me by a way I knew not. Do I believe this?-then let me confide in Jehovah, and fear nothing. O how elevated is the Christian's life, when he lives up to his privileges! 29. My mind has been much harassed of late with spiritual enemies, and anxiety for those who are dear to me. But I hope God has imparted a confidence in himself that will still bear me up. Tomorrow is the Sabbath; and on that hallowed day I trust we shall experience the renewal of our soiritual strength. - I am very weary to-night. What a mercy to have a bed to lie on, and reason to hope I shall |