grief, although in broken accents, often interrupted

by sighs and tears. What earthly friend is so qualified to succour and relieve, as He who in all our affliction is afflicted, and who commands us to cast our burden upon the Lord, and has promised to sustain it? In his heart is combined the tenderest affection, with the most consummate wisdom and power; so that while we are certain of a gracious hearing, we feel the strongest assurance that he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. The threshold of the mercy-seat is a safe and quiet haven, in which we cast anchor and ride secure, sheltered from the waves and the winds which had despoiled us of lading and tackle. In the very act of pouring our sorrows into the compassionate bosom of our Father who is in heaven, the heart loses half its load. In many instances relief is immediately provided; and when deliverance is delayed, the soul is often brought into such a lowly, patient, submissive frame, that, rising from our knees, we either go away, like Hannah, no more sad, or, like Paul, we are enabled even to rejoice in tribulation. There is an extraordinary example of the power and efficacy of prayer, in the life of Mrs. HUNTINGTON. It is a touching relation, from her own pen, of the line of conduct she pursued, during the solemn hour of her husband's departure.

"The days and nights of solicitude drew near a fatal close. I could not think of his death. At that prospect nature revolted. I felt as if it would be

comparatively easy to die for him. But the day before his death, when all spoke encouragement, I felt that we must part. In the bitterness of my soul, I went into the garret. It was the only place I could have without interruption. Never shall I forget that hour. Whether in the body or out, I could scarcely tell. I DREW NEAR TO GOD. Such a view of the reality and nearness of eternal things, I had never had. It seemed as if I was somewhere with God. I cast my eye back on this life; it seemed a speck. I felt that God was my God, and my husband's God; that this was enough; that it was a mere point of difference, whether he should go to heaven first or I, seeing we should both go so soon. My mind was filled with satisfaction with the government of God. 'Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises,' seemed to be the exhortation given me upon coming back to this world. I do not mean that there were any bodily or sensible appearances. But I seemed carried away in spirit. I pleaded for myself and children, travelling through this distant country. It seemed as if I gave them, myself, and husband up entirely. And it was made sure to me, that God would do what was best for us.

"From that time, though nature would have her struggles, I felt that God had an infinite right to do what he pleased with his own; that he loved my husband better than I did; that if he saw him ripe for his rest, I had no objections to make. All the night he was exercised with expiring sufferings, and

God was pouring into my soul one truth and promise of the gospel after another. I felt it sweet for him to govern. There was a solemn tranquillity filled the chamber of death. It was an hour of extremity to one whom Jesus loved. I felt that he was there, that angels were there, that every agony was sweetened and mitigated by ONE, in whose sight the death of his saints is precious. I felt as if I had gone with the departed spirit to the very utmost boundary of this land of mortals, and as if it would be easier for me to drop the body which confined my soul in its approach toward heaven, than retrace all the way I had gone. When the intelligence was brought me that the conflict was over, it was good news. I kissed the clay, as pleasantly as I ever did when it was animated by the now departed spirit. I was glad he had got safely home, and that all the steps of his departure were so gently ordered.

"It would be in vain for me to attempt a description of my feelings the next morning. I had never seen such a sun-rise before. It beheld me alone. Were I the only created being in the universe, I could not, perhaps, have felt very differently. I went into the chamber in which he died. There, on the pillow, was the print of his head. The bed of death was just as when it resigned, for ever, the body of him who was all the world to me. God wonderfully supported me.

"But why do I dwell on a description which, even now, is almost too much for me? How did God

sustain a creature who was weakness itself! How mercifully he has carried me through all my successive trials! Truly it was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in my eyes.”

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Such support will God give to the meanest of his children, if they seek it in the same way. 'The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant."

CHAPTER V.

THE MOURNER'S ADVANTAGES.

There is a secret in the ways of God

With his own children, which none others know,
That sweetens all he does; and if such peace,
While under his afflicting hand, we find,

What will it be to see him as he is?

Come, then, affliction, if my Father bids,

And be my frowning friend: a friend that frowns
Is better than a smiling enemy.

We welcome clouds which bring the former rain,
Though they the present prospect blacken round,
And shade the beauties of the opening year,
That, by their stores enrich'd, the earth may yield
A fruitful summer and a plenteous crop.

SWAIN.

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WHAT manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" Such was the exclamation of the passengers in the ship with Christ, when they saw him controlling the elements of nature, and speaking the perturbed and foaming ocean into soft and sound repose. The miracle was effected with all the ease of omnipotence, and the dignity of one