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and I believe also that I have a friend often too much for his feeble frame. above.'

Sept. 15. Being in a very exhausted state this morning, from having had no rest during the past night. He continually cried out for strength and patience to wait the Lord's appointed time; then said, Oh! come, thou dear Lord Jesus, and take me home to thyself; then I shall be happy; I want nothing else but Christ, bless his dear and precious name.' One of his sisters remarked that he was far beyond her, as she could not feel that the sting of death was taken away, nor did she so earnestly long to be gone. This greatly distressed him, lest he might be deceived, and he burst into tears (having a high opinion of her religion). But he was reminded that she was not brought into dying circumstances; that when that period arrived, no doubt suitable strength would be communicated to her, agreeably to God's faithful word of promise: this quieted him. His sufferings being so great the preceding night, and dreading a recurrence, he very simply inquired If the Lord would be displeased by his praying for a measure of composure as he had not asked that favour lately, the Lord being so very kind to him.' He was answered, Certainly not, as we were encouraged to make our requests known with submission to the will of God.' At this he seemed satisfied, and was very frequently in mental prayer. A complete change had taken place; his spirit was meekened and humbled; he was most affectionate and kind to every one; his countenance was extremely peaceful, which was evident to all that visited him, and he manifested much contrition for having caused his friends such constant uneasiness. How frequently did he crave forgiveness at the Lord's hands, and at their's; and although he believed he had obtained pardon, he could never forgive himself: conviction of past sins, and keen remorse of conscience, were

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His sufferings were very great, but the consideration of having procured them all to himself silenced him; so that for the most part there was an accepting the punishment, feeling the justice of God in thus afflicting him.

Sept. 17. Mr. Sloper called on him, having for many years had him much on his mind; who with some others, was powerfully impressed that he was an elect vessel, and notwithstanding all the dark and trying dispensations that followed, there was a secret persuasion, at the worst of times, that kept the soul from sinking: damped it was numberless times, during the last thirteen years, but it never died. Mr. S. engaged in prayer, and conversed with him and others in the room, and went away fully satisfied that the Lord would take him to glory having realized what he had frequently before anticipated with respect to him. It was an affecting meeting; much pleasure was manifested on all sides; the Lord was in the midst. On his being informed that Mr. S. would call on his return from the country, the following Monday week, he said I hope I shall have left this vale of tears before that time; then I shall be happy.'

Sept. 21. This was rather a trying day, as the dear sufferer had had no sleep for several nights and was in a very exhausted state, having only taken liquids for the last ten days, he was scarcely able to articulate from the accumulation of phlegm, the difficulty of breathing was also much increased. He frequently cried out, I am dying, I must die and what shall I do? O thou blessed Jesus, do take me home, home, home, sweet home. I shall not be able to go through such another distressing night.' One standing by his bed side said The Lord is able to support as he has hitherto done, he replied, I know he is, bless his dear name.'

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On Wednesday, Sept. 22, the day on which he departed, he was perfectly sensible, but suffered greatly

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in his body, having been considered in dying circumstances for the last two or three days and could only be heard by placing the ear close to him: indeed it was supposed that he was too far gone to speak again, when he lifted up his arms and voice, and with a heavenly countenance said, Oh, thou blessed Jesus, take me home; sweet, sweet home! home! home!' He then closed his eyes apparently quite exhausted. This was thought to be the last effort of nature, as he lay for some time almost motionless. After this he revived a little, and occasionally took something to moisten his mouth which was in a dreadful state; but what a mercy, no murmurings! although he had continued in one position since Friday, wishing so to remain, as he dreaded being moved, lest it should cause suffocation; therefore begged he might not be disturbed until removed into his coffin, which he repeatedly said must soon take place. He anxiously inquired the time night and day; about half an hour before he breathed his last, he again asked: when told about a quarter to five, nodded his head, being quite sensible, having not long before raised both his arms, without speaking, looking up with a delightful smile; he then replaced his arms in the bed, and moved his lips, when to the astonishment of all present he exclaimed in an ecstacy of joy, looking earnestly at his mother, You are a dear, good mother,' and embraced her then added, I am going, I am going, I am gone!'

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Whether anything visionary was preceptible could not be ascertained. He then shut his eyes, and opened them once more: after which he closed them again for ever, without a sigh, groan or struggle. Such was the peaceful end of one who was indeed a brand plucked from the everlasting burning; never was there a greater display of God's rich, free, and sovereign grace!

Some have lived to see of the travail of their souls, and are satisfied, they have for many years sowed in tears, but have now reaped in joy; they went forth weeping, but have returned rejoicing: the Lord has far exceeded their most sanguine expec. tations, so that they can from their hearts say, with a feeling sense of the Lord's great goodness, "He hath done all things well!"

"Behold God's patience lengthen'd out,
To those who from him rove;
And calls effectual reach their hearts,
To teach them God is love!"

Lewes.

IN THE PRESS.

The Bond Family Refuted, and the Children of Zion Encouraged the Substance of a Sermon preached by the Rev. S. Turner, at Sunderland, on Nov. 16, 1841. 8vo. Dr. Hawker's Morning and Evening Pertions. Large Print, New Index, and Memoir of the Author. 8vo. Rev. H. E. Head's Defence Against the Charges of the Bishop of Exeter.

Les Actes des Apotres. Traduction Nouvelle et Literale. Royal 8vo. being a Specimen of an intended New Translation of the Holy Bible into French.

Lord's Day Literature; or, the Book of Psalms considered with reference to Christ and his Church. By R. B. Sanderson, Esq. 1 vol. small Svo.

shook her by the hand most affectionately, saying, Good bye, good bye, my dearest mother,' and endeavoured to press her hand to his faltering lips; he also extended his left hand to the nurse on the other side of the bed, and said, Good bye,' with the cheerfulness of a school-boy going The Pre-Requisites for Confirmahome to his parents. His last tion; or, Five Letters to the Bishop words on looking upwards were of Salisbury. By the Rev. O. Piers, Can I see? can I see? can I see?' Vicar of Preston. 12mo.

POETRY.

STANZAS,

WHEN from the shores of earlier days I launched upon life's glittering sea, I sought no knowledge of God's ways, Nor asked his aid to shelter me.

Then, buoyant on unbroken hope,
Adown the stream awhile I steered;
But ah! it failed to bear me up

When the dark thunder-cloud appeared. Though dauntless long I stemmed the wave,

The wave which threatened to o'erwhelm; Great Pilot! 't was thy power didst save, Unseen Director of the helm.

Now, riding on a calmer sea,

Though rude winds shake the surface yet, Let me aloft thy power survey,

Nor thy delivering grace forget.

That grace, which came unasked, unsought,
Which saw me staggering in the strife;
That grace, which with the tempest fought,
And lifted me again to life.

That grace, which in the stormy hour
Whispered a word, remembered still;
Implanting hope of mightier power,

Bright visitant from Zion's hill;

Which bade me, while my years were few, Set my desires on things above; Unfolding to my mind a view

Of suffering, bleeding, dying love. Which uttered all the solemn tale

That renders Calvary's hill renowned : 'Twas in humiliation's vale

My proud knees sought their native ground.

'Twas when stern trouble blanched my cheek,
I learnt the attitude of prayer;
Aaron my brother well can speak,
And surely he was with me there.

I cried,' Deliver, not alone

From earthborn troubles raging high; Change this obdurate heart of stone,

And let me Abba Father cry.'

Thus frequent at the mercy-seat
With my petition still I come,
A suppliant at my Saviour's feet,

To guide and guard to heaven my home.

Oh! the brief years which lead our days
From manhood to the time of youth,

Fancy may clothe with ecstacies-
What are they in the glass of truth?

A bridge of sighs; hopes withered, crushed;
Affections dislocated, gone;

The youth with large ambition flushed,
The man dispirited, forlorn.

'Tis thus, but do not yet despair,

For when the charm is broken now,
Religion points to prospects fair,
To brighter laurels for our brow.
Happy the man, whose early hours
Are sprinkled from the cup of woe,
If sorrow lead him to the bowers
Where never-fading flowerets grow.

A YOUNG DISCIPLE.

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Who leads into the light of day,
Doth to ourselves ourselves display,
And brings to Christ the living way?
The Spirit.

Who leads into the ways of God,
And to that rich atoning blood
Which on Mount Calvary freely flowed?
The Spirit.

Who does the Saviour's love reveal,
And the sin-wounded Spirit heal,
Gives heavenly peace and joy to feel?
The Spirit.

Who is the pledge of endless peace,
And seals the blood-bought soul's release,
To make its heavenly joys increase ?
The Spirit.

Who does reveal the Son of God,
And all the treasures of his blood,
Which is the soul's eternal food?

The Spirit.

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Hail wondrous scheme of sovereign grace,
Contrived to save the fallen race,

Before the world began;
At this I'm lost in deep surprize,
What moved thy mercy to devise,
So wonderful a plan!

'T was to complete thy great decree,
Thou, who doth fill immensity,

To this low world came down ;
In human flesh to suffer pain,
Endure thy people's sins, and gain
A church to call thine own.

Now spotless, they before the King
Shall be presented, free from sin,

And clothed in thine array;
No law shall dare them to upbraid,
For thou their debt hast fully paid,
And swept their crimes away.

Then safely may they travel on,
To yon blest seat where thou art gone-
To paradise above.

Thus, child of grace, his mercies view,
And praise his name to think that you,
Are saved by boundless love.

S. CROFT.

STANZAS FOR CHRISTMAS.

Bring me the harp, some seraph bring,
Whose tones of old, the minstrel-king
Woke with prophetic fire;
When loud he sang, in strains sublime,
A greater David's birth in time:

His offspring and his sire.

Himself Christ's special type, he shewed The history of the Incarnate God,

In what himself did share : Thus told Christ's anguish and relief; His victory-scenes, and scenes of grief; His conquest and his care.

We thank thee, bard esteemed of heaven,
The glorious anthems thou hast given,

Oft lift our souls above:
On angels' wings we mount, we fly:
Faith pierces through this lower sky,
And drinks redeeming love.

Then would we sing, as I would now,
Immanuel's praise, to whom we owe
Salvation full and free;
And louder yet the song should roll,
If God the Spirit to my soul,

Would witness 't was for me!

DELTA.

A BIRTH-DAY THOUGHT.

THROUGH the year that now has flown,
God has many mercies shewn ;
And our worthless lives are spared,
Still his goodness to record.
Changing scenes we often meet-
Snares beset our wandering feet-
Earthly ties and friendships end,
But oor God's a changeless friend.
Lord, thy providence I own,
Thou preserv'st, and thou alone :
And thy grace, through trials past,
Has upheld from first to last.
On thy goodness I rely,
To thine arms of love I fly;
Safe preserved from every ill,
Keep, O Lord! thy servant still.
Woking, Surrey.

J. JENKINS.

HYMN FOR A PRAYER-MEETING.

Most glorious God, thou Lord of all,
Jesus by name, on thee we call ;
Oh do not turn thine ear away,
But teach thy children how to pray.
Dear Saviour let thy power be known,
And let a southern breeze be blown,
To chase all mists and clouds away,
And bless us with some heavenly ray.

Dear Jesus, fill our souls with love,
Send down the Spirit from above;
That each one present now might say,
Christ is my life, my light, my way.

Oh! that some poor dear sinner now
May at thy glorious footstool bow;
And cry on bended, suppliant knee,
Dear God of Love! remember me.
Portsea.

A HYMN.

O thou glorious, mighty Jesus,
God of angels, King of saints;
We poor sinners bow before thee,
Prostrate fall before thy face.
Oh, enable us to praise thee
In a song of solemn sound,
With the bright angelic legions
Who encircle thee around.

T. P.

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