'Tis past and gone, and in its place,
Nought but the cloud appears:
It is the Sun of righteousness
Must gild this vale of tears.
"Fulfilled some errands on the Lord's account. Passing a spot where a person once a member resided, I called to see how her mind was affected now. She was much pleased, and said the Lord had sent me, as she was wishing to see me, having had her desires after eternal life revived. Some others, to whom I was directed, were equally disposed to unite themselves with the people of God.—Two days ago cousin evidently altered for the worse; she has spoken little, but been remarkably patient, through her protracted affliction. This morning she expressed her confidence in God; and a few minutes after eleven her happy spirit returned to God. We sorrow, but not without hope,—Her remains were conveyed to Sinnington for interment. Past recollections seemed to drink up my spirit; only one survivor—upon the spot—of all those whom long association has endeared to me. We called upon Mr. B.; but ah! how changed! completely paralyzed,—apparently incapable of much impression, and yet, I fear, unsaved! I spoke to him, and also his son, on the necessity of making their peace with God, and then prayed with them; but my mind was afterward pained because I had done the work so inefficiently.—The last fortnight I have several times visited a little boy, sinking in decline. When first I saw him, he appeared quite ignorant of his sinful condition; but divine light has gradually beamed upon his soul. The last time, he expressed a confidence I had not observed before. His mother tells me, she has often heard him engaged in earnest prayer; and once, perceiving him much worse, she said, 'Bill, thou's very ill.' 'Yes,' he replied, 'but I shall soon be better.' When near death, he asked, 'Do you see who's come for me?' she said, 'No, who is it?' He answered, 'Jesus;' and clasping his hands, said repeatedly, 'Lord, help me!' then placing them together, under his head, gently passed away.—While endeavouring to do my Master's will, I carry my heaven about with me. My soul enjoys peace, with a deep sense of my own nothingness. 'Christ is all; other refuge have I none.'"
All praise to God, whose sleepless eye,
Observed my tender years;
And blessed me with parental love,
Parental prayers and tears.
Through every lane of life I trace
His providential care;
In many a time of need, His grace
And guardian hand were there.
His still small voice of love I heard,
When in the blush of youth;
I paused, and listened to the word
Of everlasting truth.
Resolved I was, and re-resolved,
But many a conflict knew;
Till God, in Christ, my sins absolved,
And unbelief o'erthrew.
What shall I render to the Lord?
What can a sinner do?
I'll rest upon His precious word,
And take His grace anew.
XIX.
THE INWARD MONITOR.
"THE LORD SHALL GUIDE THEE CONTINUALLY."—Isaiah lviii. 11.