"Sept. 10. If it can please thee, spare me from these sufferings, so heavy, so painful to my soul. What philosophy can explain the mystery of these changes? this hour, in the full assurance of hope, rejoicing in the promises; the next, the promise, and promiser, appearing as though they were not, and the past as a shadow that deceived. But is not this the suffering most needful for me? Oh, may I confide in Him who sits as a purifier; he will apply the fire as it is needed to perfect a depraved heart. God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and can aid at all times, and in all places. Oh for that love which overcomes the world, and raises above pain. But I find that I cannot be patient without him. Alas! what Christian grace can I exercise, without his aid?

"Sept. 14. How full of anguish have been the last few days! a scene of darkness and doubt. But praise is due to Him who is kind even to the unkind, for his Holy Spirit, giving patience to endure.

"Oct. 2. Yesterday, missionary concert. Though few were present, the Savior fulfilled his gracious promise, and was in our 'midst;' showing us that his kingdom was an everlasting kingdom, that would break in pieces all others; and that the knowledge of God would eventually cover the earth, as the waters cover the mighty deep. How pleasing there to contemplate the dark corners of the earth, as soon to be lighted with the glorious gospel of the blessed God! How delightful to reflect that his promises would all be fulfilled; that not even one jot, or tittle of his word would fail of accomplish

ment.

Oh how inferior to the word of God did the

words of all others appear; all other ties, to that which binds to Christ.

"The sanctuary was indeed to us the temple of the Most High, and to meet in his name, not only peaceful, but blissful."

It is evident from the above extract, that Miss C. was not only friendly to missions, but that she was deeply interested in them. Would it were thus with every Christian; that they not only made it a point of duty, but esteemed it a privilege, to attend the concert of prayer for Foreign Missions. Were this the case, might we not hope that the sanctuary would more frequently be made to them the house of God and the gate of heaven? And is it not for the want of that philanthropy, which the genius of the gospel inculcates, that these meetings are so thinly attended, and in many places wholly neglected, even where there are churches composed of the professed followers of Him who has left the command, "Go ye out into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature?" While we are commanded to "honor the Lord with our substance, and the first fruits of all our increase," and to let our light shine before the world; can we wonder at the low state of religion in our churches, when they contain so many, who either from a spirit of covetousness, or false humility, think they can do nothing, either by their substance, or influence, to promote the cause of the Redeemer ?

Must there not be a more ardent desire to do good, and a greater spirit of self-denial manifested by those who bear the name of Him, who when on

earth, had "not where to lay his head," before the dark places of the earth, now "full of the habitations of cruelty," can be illuminated by his gospel?

To all those who plead that they are too poor, or too insignificant to do any good, except in the contracted sphere of themselves and families, after reminding them of the widow's mite, we would say in the words of the poet,

"Beware, lest thou, through sloth, which would appear
But lowliness of mind, with joy proclaim

Thy want of worth: a charge thou wouldst not bear
From other lips, but with the blush of shame,
Or pride indignant: then, be thine the blame,
And make thyself of worth; and thus enlist
The smiles of all the good, the dear to fame.
'Tis infamy, to die, and not be missed,

And have all soon forget that thou didst e'er exist.
Rouse then to deeds of high and holy worth;

And thou an angel's happiness shall know;

Shall bless the world. The good begun by thee, shall onward flow, In many a branching stream, and wider grow.

The seed, that in these few and fleeting years,

Thy hands unsparing and unwearied sow,

Shall deck thy grave with amaranthine flowers,

And yield thee fruit divine, in heaven's immortal bowers.'

Miss C. was not only a spiritual, but an active Christian. Nor could she be satisfied with a situation, however eligible, or lucrative, unless confident it was one in which she could do the greatest amount of good to that cause which was ever near her heart. Hence, though prospering in business, we frequently find her pleading with her heavenly Father, to release her from those cares which necessarily attended the business in which she was engaged; that she might be able to devote herself

more exclusively to his service. Under date of Oct. 4, she says:

"O my Father, release this heart from the merchandize of this world. How long shall I stand at this counter to study the expenses, the profits, the fancies of this fleeting world? How long must this immortal mind be laboring for the things that perish? To be dilligent in the business of this world, is just and honorable, But, O my Savior, one thing have I desired of thee, that will I seek after; that I may be released from these distracting cares, and more entirely devoted to thy service.

"Oct. 11. I stretch forth my hands unto thee, O God, and my soul thirsts for thee, as in a dry and thirsty land. I ask not for the vain pleasures, or honors of this life, but for that honor that comes from thee.

"I long to be perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect; that I may thus show forth his praise. Would sit at thy feet like a little child, and learn of thee. Have I ever been sufficiently humbled to receive instruction from thee? Alas! how little have I learned! Fifteen years in the school of Christ, and yet, how scanty my knowledge. Shall I be 'ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth? O my Father, without knowledge in greater measures, my spirit faints, and sickens. It lives but to mourn, without a participation of thy fullness. Thou hast said, 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of me;' would ask of thee only; for all wisdom, and all knowledge, compared with thine, is folly.

CHAPTER XI.

Adaptation of the Gospel to the Wants of Man - Painful Anticipations Striking Death-Perplexity with regard to the Path of Duty.

"OCTOBER 15. How various are the properties of the human mind; all bestowed by God, for distinct and noble purposes; for pleasures high, holy, and heavenly. But alas, how fallen! all its powers and dispositions perverted. That law which should direct and govern, disregarded and broken-mercies idolized, and God 'not in all the thoughts.'

"But oh, the kindness of our heavenly Father, in the provisions of the gospel; every way suited to the wants and woes of the fallen but deathless spirit. See it, with the accompanying influences of Divine grace; enlightening the understanding, restoring the alienated affections, regulating the desires, tempering the will, until every thought is brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ, and the redeemed spirit made meet for his kingdom in the heavens. Wonderful restorative!"

The reader will see by the following extract, that Miss C. remembered her religious teachers. Were this the case with every Christian; did fervent prayer more uniformly precede their attendance on