Incidents and reflections containing illustrations of Christian truths

Preface

In preparing the present volume, the writer has endeavored to show that the tender mercies of the Lord extend to all the creatures whom He has made; that his dealings with men are designed to make them "partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust;" and that this happy result is effected through his own Divine power and spirit, acting immediately on the mind, or through such means as He may see fit to use.

The desire of the author will be answered, if, through the Lord's blessing, some of his readers may be instructed in the way that leads to peace, and may be encouraged so to follow the leadings of the Spirit of Christ as to receive the full fruition of those blessings which his outward coming among men was designed to procure for mankind.

In the anecdotes which have been introduced, care has been taken not to make use of any incidents of whose authenticity there was a reasonable doubt. Many of them are taken from the autobiographies of writers whose statements are thoroughly to be relied upon. Of the remainder, several occurred within the knowledge of the author himself, or of persons whom he knew and confided in.

Some foot-notes have been introduced, giving short sketches of some of the persons mentioned, and occasional references to sources whence further information may be derived.

Part I.— Operations Of Divine Gkace

Chapter I. — Teaching of Divine Grace. Among Barbarous People. The Young Man of Feeble Intellect. Martha Eouth when a Child. The Friend of Push River. Theodore Parker and the Water Turtle. John Churchman when Young. Job Scott's Early Impressions. Are we ( 'hristians? The Boy that Died a Martyr. The Norwegian Boy. Tenderness of Conscience in < hildren. Tempted to Buy a Cigar. William Williams and the Little Girl. The Child and the Tavern-keeper. The Boy in a Street Car. William Hone and his Daughter. Dr. Vinton and his Patient. Mary Capper's Experience. John Fothergill's Childish Oath, 9

Chapter II. — Converting Power of Divine ( hace. The College

Student. Mary M . The Young German Baptist. John

Flavel's Message. E. Worth's Neighbor. Daniel Stanton's Experience. The Scotch Virago Reformed. Edward Wright's Awakening. Special Reasons of Visitation, . . . .27

Chapter III. — Conversion by Instrumental Means. Gospel Ministry. John Ashton. John Estaugh's Preaching. Baptizing Power of True Ministry. Effect on Joseph Pike. Samuel Neale's Awakening. "What Can this Old Fool Say?" William Williams' Reproof. Dreams. David Ferris. Of the Oh worthy Captain. Of the Pasture Field. Of Giving Way to Provocation. Of Washing Linen. Of the Dangerous Ferry Boat. Of Helping a Neighbor. < )f Going to Hell. Warnings and Accidents. S. Grellet at St. Gilles. Racing Horses. The Privateer " Tartar." The Singer and the Poor Laborer. The Widow of Lyons. Example. Effect of on an Infidel. "Aunt Mary's Practising." " Master's Life." Madagascar Convert. Mountebank Preacher. Acknowledging

C i ) N T E N T S . V

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the Wrong. German nationalist Convinced. " His Life a Sermon." French Hospital Matron. Swearing Pilot. The Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the < hurch. The Clerks and their Bibles. Mechanic and Lady. Responsibility for Influence. Presbyterian and his Store Boy. Thomas H. Benton's Mother. The Coachman's Mother. Consistency. The Unfaithful Cooper. The Irritated Professor. .John Churchman and Armed Vessels. Blessing on Cards, . . 40

Chapter IV. — Obedience Essential. Secret Society. Use of Wine. First-day Train. Samuel Neale's Gunning. Wine Merchant. ■ Beer Saloon. The Clerk who could not Swear. James Kennedy. The Man who Would not Travel on First-day. Fruits of Disobedience. Resisting Conviction. Jane Pierce's Friend. John Churchman, .lob Scott. Joseph Hoag. Work of Regeneration. John Richardson. Job Scott. Samuel Neale. A Stratagem of Satan. Thomas Ellwood. John Griffith. John Thorp's Advice. James Naylor's Testimony. Source of Spiritual Knowledge. John Cowper. David Ferris. Thomas Story. "What will become of us?" Taulerus. Danger of Delays. Hannah Gibbons. Joseph Hoag. The Travelling Salesman. The Man Without Elope. A Neglected Duty. Elizabeth ( ollins 80

Part Ii.— Fruits Of The Spirit

Chapter V. — Repentance. Confession. Restitution. Boy in a Store. Young Woman who had Stolen. Young Man who had Burnt a School-house. The Stray Sheep. Let him that Stole Steal no more. The Honest C oal Merchant. Dr. Johnson's Repentance. Dr. John Todd. The Tramp. Abraham Lincoln's Honesty. The Boy who couldn't be Dishonest. The Robber and the Gold Watch. Self-Restraint. The Little Shoes did it. Warning in a Saloon. Samuel Bettle's Sermon. Edward Wright and the Drowning Boy. Plainness. Daniel Wheeler. John Richardson. Job Scott. God Does not Need These. Jacob Green and the Skeleton. Joseph Booth. The Early Methodists. She took up the Cross in all things. Michael Robson's Convincement. David Ferris. Samuel

VI CONTENTS.

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Neale. Unprofitable Amusement. Half an Hour to Live. Cardinal Mazarin. Playing Cards. Could not Give Up the "World. Dr. Johnson and David Garrick, . . . .121

Chapter VI. — Love. Benevolence. The Kind Scotchman. Widow Green's "Wood. The Strong to Help the Weak. Genius for Helping. Abraham Lincoln and the Pig. A. Lincoln and Cogdal. Joseph Rachel's Bond. Lending to the Lord. The Chicago Children. Boad Mending. Measuring Wood. Robert Moffat and the African "Woman. Dying for a Friend. Peace Making. Thomas H. Benton and John Wilson. Duke of Wellington on War. Humility. Keep Inward. Foreign Travel. Giving Up Religious Conviction. Watchfulness. John Richardson. Abigail Bowles. Resist Temptation. The Banker's Clerk. The Backsliding Methodist. Submissiveness. The Child and the Cemetery. The Sick Son. Bounty Money.' Abraham and Richard Shackleton. Learning to Chew Crusts, 159

PART III.— THE LORD'S CARE OVER HIS PEOPLE. Chatter VII. — Divine Help, Healing and Protection. Thomas Story and Drinking Healths. John Richardson Healed. Joseph Hoag and the Woman in Despair. Joseph Hoag's Injury. Endre Dahl Shipwrecked. The Highland Weaver. The Railroad Engineer. John Wesley's Prayer. Providential Preservation. Daniel Stanton in a Storm. Vessel on the ( 'oast of Norway. The Poor Schoolmaster. Unexpected Relief. The Honest Costermonger. The Conscientious Mechanic. Bishop Gobat and the Hyena. Catharine Phillips and the Hostile Fleet. The Convicted Colonel. The Uneasy Captain. Trusting in God. Support under Suffering. William Leddra. James Renwick. Dying Grace for Dying Hours. The Resigned Cripple. " Couple Heaven with it." John Churchman in the Dead Timber. ( )ld Davids Weapons. Nicholas Wain. Thomas Story. Friends During Indian Wars, . . .196

Chapter VIII.— Faith. William Bray. The Crippled Man. The Timid Slave. Abraham Lincoln's Trust in God. Emancipation Proclamation. The Doctor taken at his Word. Divine

CONTENTS. Vll

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Guidance. David Sands and Remington Hobby. < leorge

Withy's Impression to go Home. John Knox Saved f i

being Shot. Matthew Warren's Wife. Elizabeth L. Redman and the Escaped Prisoner. Prepare for Death. A Lantern for the Footstep. Joseph Lybrandand his Stolen Child. Healing a Breach. Thomas Waring. R. Bourdman Saved from Drowning. Dr. Guthrie and the Paralytic. Daily Bread. Widow Safford. (hanging Residence. John Richardson. Joseph Hoag. The Decayed Meeting-house. Joseph Hoag and the Slaveholders. Thomas Story and the Practice of Law. John Richardson and his Step-Father. Frederick Smith and his Wife, 231

Part Iv.— Services To Be Performed By The Followers Of Christ

Chapter IX. — Concern for Others. Restore thy Brother. John Churchman and his Drowsy Friend. William Baily. Elizabeth Bathurst. Job Scott. Christian Woman and her Drunken Brother. Joseph Hoag and the Elder. Reproof for Swearing. The Moorish King and the Sack of Earth. Frederick of Prussia and the Mill. James Naylor. Andrew Fuller. The Swiss Colporteur. Mary Swett. John Wesley and the Swearers. Satan's Book. A Box on the Ear. The Motion was in Himself. Bishop Simpson and Brother Swank. Illustrations. The Two Mines. The Queen has sent for Him. Geraldine Hooper and the Dress. The Soldier who did not Intend to Fight. The Drowsy Committee Woman. The Remedy that Cures. John Churchman and the Watch. Food in Winter. The Potter's Care. The Polished Clam Shell. Rowland Hill and the Pigs. The Snuffers. The Pilot, . . 267

Chapter X. — Prayer. Thomas Chalkley and the Privateer. The Religious Wife. Prayer for Bread. Ministry. Thomas Story and America. John Churchman and Great Britain. Job Scott's Prospect. Job Scott Shut Up. Willing to be Silent. Resolved to do Better. The Emptied Pitcher. Burning the Bad Bushel. . Waiting on the Lord. Robert Barclay's Testimony. Tennent's Extremity. The Norfolk Preacher. Women Preachers. Mary Collet. Mary Brantingham and the Poacher.

Vlll CON T E X T S .

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George Withy and the Unitarian Minister. James Naylor's Preaching. The Trumpeter. Conscientiousness in Small Things. Thomas Willis. Elizabeth L. Redman and the Slave Dealer. " Ephraim is a Cake not Turned." " Quench Not the Spirit." How to Listen to Preaching. John Finch Marsh. Richard Jordan at Richmond. Barbara Everard. Job Scott's Care. Thomas Wilson. Isaac Penington, .... 295

Chapter XI. — Ministry Continued. Prophetic Visions. John Richardson. Joseph Hoag. Peter Gardiner. Miles Halhead. John Roberts. Dr. Leifchild's Sermon. James Simpson's Sermons. James Simpson and the Deist. Maintenance of Ministers. Remarks of John Richardson. Of Thomas Story. Joseph Hoag's Experience. Industry. Daniel Stanton. John Parker. John Ranks. John Simpson. When to be Silent. Thomas Stiiry. Joseph Hoag. William Bray. John Churchman. Without Outward Information. Joseph Hoag. John Churchman. Communion of Spirits. Thomas Story. Robert Scotton and the Indian Woman. Richard Shackleton's Advice, 323

Chapter XII. — Religious Meetings. Individual Labor. Drowsiness. George Withy. William Hunt. Grace at Table. John Richardson. David Ferris. Meat versus Bones. Dr. Manton's Sermon. Balaam's Ministry. Religious Opportunities. .John Richardson at Bermuda. Thomas Story at Bristol, t utbbert Featherstone. Sarah ( rrubb and Ann Baker. Joseph Oxley. Religious Controversy. Thomas Story and Dr. Gilpin. Thomas Story and a Priest. Job Scott and a Baptist Preacher. Isaac Penington. A Crooked Spirit. Religious Conversation. William Lewis. Richard Shackleton. Tbe Two Merchants. The Teacher's Influence. . . . 354

Part V. Rewards Of Faithfulness

Chapter XIII. — Joy. Hope. Peace. Job Scott. Thomas Wilson. Thomas Thompson. William Hornold. Thomas Camm. Samuel Bownas. A. F. Priscilla Richardson. Epidemic in Philadelphia in 1699. John Fletcher. Peter Gardiner. John Churchman. Death of a Skeptic. Mary Griffin. Comfort Collins 381

Part I Operations Of Divine Grace

CHAPTER I.

Teaching of Divine Grace among Barbarous People. The Young Man of Feeble Intellect. Martha Routh when a child. The Friend of Bush River. Theodore Parker and the Water Turtle. John < Ihurchman when Young. Job Scott's Early Impressions. Are we Christians? The Boy that Died a Martyr. The Norwegian Boy. Tenderness of Conscience in Children. Tempted to Buy a Cigar. William Williams and the Little Girl. The Child and the Tavern-keeper. The Boy in a Street Car. William Hone and his Daughter. Dr. Vinton and his Patient. Mary Capper's Experience. John Fothergill's Childish Oath.

The great and blessed doctrine that our Saviour, who came into the world to redeem man from sin, visits the hearts of all by his Spirit, and shows unto them how they should walk to secure the Divine favor, so lies at the foundation of all practical religion, that it is illustrated by almost every incident of a religious nature ; and is thus being perpetually brought into notice.

A few years ago, I was listening to the remarks of a friend, who told us of a conversation he had had many years before with a man in England, who was probably a sea-captain. He was speaking of barbarous people among whom he had travelled, among whom he said there was no trace of religion at all. After some time, my friend asked him whether these degraded people seemed to know the difference between actions, as to their being right or wrong— for example, between telling the truth and lying ; being honest and stealing, &c. "Oh, yes," said the Captain, "they know all about that." In their further conversation the question was put, as to how these people came to know the difference in the moral character of their acts? After a little thought, as if it were a subject new to his mind, the Captain replied, " It must be from the Divine Spirit, you know."

It was interesting to observe the testimony thus borne to die truth of the Apostle's declaration, that " The Grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men :" and teaches them to " live soberly, righteously and Godly." This teaching is often present and effective in the minds of those who might be supposed almost incapable of appreciating it, from want of mental development ; and who are quite unable to form any clear intellectual conception of many points of theological dogma. As an instance of this, may lie mentioned the ease of a young man of feeble intellect, who desired to become a member of a religious body in New England. He presented himself to the church committee. The first question put to him was:

" Do you understand the doctrine of the Trinity ?"

" No ; I can't say I do."

" Can you give the committee a definition of regeneration ?"

" I don't think I can."

" Well, what do you understand by foreordination ?"

" Take plenty of time to answer," said a kind-hearted old deacon, thinking the candidate was confused.

" I don't know much about it," said the young man.

" Can't you give us some opinion respecting God's decrees?"

" I'm afraid not," he replied.

"Well, then," said the minister, a little impatiently, " what do you know?"

Promptly came the answer, " I know that I am a sinner, and I know that Christ died to save me, and I want to join the church to get more help from Christ and his people."

Every member of that committee felt rebuked, and one of them said afterwards, " I learned from that moment to respect the spiritual knowledge of the humblest man or woman, and not to think so much of that knowledge which comes from the head alone."

Those quite young in years are often made sensible of the visitations of the Grace of God, showing them those things in their conduct which are displeasing to their Heavenly Father, and awakening a sincere desire to become his obedient children.

It is related of Martha Routh,* a ministering Friend of England, who visited America near the beginning of the present century, that being placed at a day-school where she had not much of the company of other Friends' children, she deviated from the simplicity of language inculcated by her parents at home. Sometime afterwards, two Friends, ministers, came to visit the families of the meeting to which she belonged : " At which" she says, " I greatly rejoiced, though I did not expect to be so found out and melted down under that ministry as proved to be the case. After reminding us who were children, of the example of our parents, how carefully Ave had been brought up, and the steady attention manifested in the discharge of their duty, that we might act consistently with the principles of Truth ; they said, ' What a loss and pity it would be, if any of us should deviate therefrom when out of the sight of our parents, in not using the plain language' — which I well knew was my own case. I seemed like one broken to pieces, and could scarcely forbear weeping aloud.

" As soon as I could get to my cousin Mary Beadley — who had learned to write before me— I got her to write me a letter, which I directed to a scholar to whom I was much

*Martha Routh was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1743, and died at London in 1817. She was a fervent laborer in the ministry of the Gospel; and visited America in that service in 1794, and again in 1801. See Memoir in Friends' Library, vol. 12, p. 413, etc.

attached, expressing a hope that she would not be offended that I could not any longer give her the title of ' Miss,' but must call her by her proper name, as well as the other girls, though I should love them no less but rather better, because I knew it was acting contrary to the mind of my parents, and the way in which Friends spoke to one another.

" When I went to school again on Second-day morning following, it was under as much weightiness of spirit as mind or body could well bear ; but going early, few were in the school, and I took my seat close to that of my governess, whom I loved much. When she came in, she spoke to me in her usual kind way, as did the other girls, and took no notice of my change of language or more serious deportment."

A writer in " The Journal" of Philadelphia, who was born a member of the Society of Friends, in the limits of Bush River Meeting in South Carolina, in giving some reminiscences of his early life, relates the following incident : —

" I remember about this time being left in the nursery by my parents under the care of the housekeeper on a First-day afternoon, whilst they made a social call, when my choleric temper was soon quite aroused by having my childish privileges curtailed, as I thought, by my brother and sister. I immediately retired in disgust to the kitchen to vent my angry feelings in a boyish pout, but in this state, I heard a still small voice saying, ' Now this is all wrong ; go right back to thy brother and sister, overcome this angry feeling, and enjoy thyself in their company and their innocent sports and plays.' Then I immediately, like Paul, conferred not with flesh and blood, but obeyed the injunction. O, the sweet peace that accompanied it. Nothing since has ever surpassed its serenity and heavenly enjoyment, easing every burthen, and making all things light, not only for that afternoon, but through all my boyish labor of the following day. This peace of mind was afterwards lost by boyish unfaithfulness."

INCIDENTS AND 11 E E L E C T I N S . 18

The remark that the peace of mind which followed submission to the Divine command was afterwards lost by unfaithfulness, is alas, a too common experience of poor, frail man. There can be no advance in our heavenly journey, nor any of that sweet comfort which attends a sense of the Lord's approval, without filial obedience to what He requires of us — without seeking in all things to know the Divine will, and to be conformed thereto.

Theodore Parker* relates an instructive incident that occurred to him in his childhood.

"I saw a little spotted turtle," he writes, "sunning itself in the shallow water. I lifted the stick in my hand to kill it ; for though I had never killed any creature, yet I had seen other boys, out of sport, destroy birds, squirrels and the like, and I had a disposition to follow their example. But all at once something checked my little arm, and a voice within me said, clear and loud, ' It is wrong.' I held my uplifted stick in wonder at the new emotion, till the turtle vanished from sight.

" I hastened home and told the tale to my mother, and asked what it was that told me it was wrong. She wiped a tear from her eye, and taking me in her arms, said, ' Some men call it conscience, but I prefer to call it the voice of God in the soul of man. If you listen and obey it, it will speak clearer and clearer, and always guide you right ; but if you turn a deaf ear or disobey, then it will fade out little by little, and leave you in the dark without a guide. Your life my son depends on heeding that little voice.' "

There are many witnesses to the truth, that the Grace of God which bringeth salvation, which is the Spirit of Christ our Redeemer shining in the heart, visits the minds of young children, causing them to fear their Creator, and pointing out what they must do and leave undone. And

* A Unitarian minister, and a voluminous writer on theological and literary subjects. Born at Lexington, Massachusetts in 1812; died at Florence, Italy, in 1860. 2 there are few things that bring more true pleasure to the heart of the sincere Christian, than to see those young in years bending their necks to the yoke of Christ ; and becoming followers of the Saviour. He can rejoice over such, because he knows they have entered on the only path in life which leads to pure and unmixed felicity. It is sweet indeed to trace the dealings of the Lord with those who yield their hearts to Him in early life. Such are often made a blessing to others in a far higher degree than they themselves can know.

John Churchman* thus relates his experience : " I early felt reproof for bad words and actions, yet knew not whence it came, until about the age of eight years, as I sat in a small meeting, the Lord by his heavenly love and goodness, overcame and tendered my heart, and by his glorious light discovered to me the knoAvledge of Himself. I saw myself and what I had been doing, and what it was which had reproved me for evil ; and was made in the secret of my heart to confess that childhood and youth, and the foolish actions and words to which they are propense, are truly vanity. Yet blessed forever be the name of the Lord ! in his infinite mercy and goodness, He clearly informed me, that if I would mind the discoveries of his pure light for the future, what I had done in the time of my ignorance, He would wink at and forgive : and the stream of love which filled my heart with solid joy at that time, and lasted for many days, is beyond all expression.

Job Scottf says : " I can well remember the serious impressions and contemplations which, at that early period of

*Born in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, in 1705; died 1775. He travelled extensively as a minister in America; and in 17.50 crossed the ocean and labored in the service of the Gospel lor more than lour years in > ireat Britain, Ireland and Holland. See Journal in Friends' Library, vol. (i, p. 176, etc.

tBornat Providence, Rhode Island, in 1751; deceased at Ballitore, Ireland, while on a religious visit to that country in 1793. A deeply spiritual minister of the Gospel. For an account of his travels in America and Great Britain, see published Journal.

INCIDENT S A N I) R E P L B C T I N S . , 15

life, [ten years of age] and for some years before my mother's decease, attended my mind, as I sat in meeting with her, and on my way home. I even had longing desires to become truly religious and to serve and fear God, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did, and others that I read or heard of.

" I am fully persuaded of the great advantage, and spiritual usefulness to children and others, resulting from frequent silent waiting on the Lord. I have seen lively and convincing evidence of it, even in children very young in years ; and fully believe the impressions of Divine goodness have been such to their minds at some such seasons, even when there has not been a word uttered vocally, as have lastingly remained and powerfully tended to beget the true fear and love of God in their young and tender hearts. And oh ! that parents were more generally concerned to do all they could towards leading their tender offspring into an early acquaintance with, and relish of Divine things ; best learned, and most livingly and experimentally sealed upon the soul, in a state of silent introversion, and feeling after God.

" Almost as early as I can remember anything, I can well remember the Lord's secret workings in my heart, by his grace or Holy Spirit ; very sensibly bringing me under condemnation for my evil thoughts and actions, rudeness and bad words, (though not frequent in the use of them) ; disobedience to parents; inwardly wishing, in moments of anger, some evil to such as offended me; and such like childish and corrupt dispositions and practices ; which over and beyond all outward instruction I was made sensible were evil, and sprang from a real root of evil in me."

Anna Shipton* relates that when travelling in Italy, she stopped at a large hotel. She says: "Great was my astonishment in the evening when I descended to the table d'hote, to find a small table spread for me alone in a large and magnificent saloon lighted by one solitary lamp and warmed by the faint flame of a wood-fire recently ignited.

" The rain poured in torrents ; the wind howled through

*An English writer, the author of several small books of a religious nature.

the long corridors, and echoed through the solitary saloon with its fresco paintings and gorgeous decorations.

" At the close of my dinner, a lady in deep mourning, enveloped in a mantle and shawl entered the room. Supposing from her appearance that she had just arrived in that tempestuous weather, I hastened to offer her the seat I had occupied, and stirred the pine wood into a cheerful blaze.

" As the pale face of the stranger became lighted up by the kindling flame, I was struck by the deep dejection of her countenance, that told of some recent sorrow.

" She was lately a widow, and now mourning an only child, a fair, promising daughter of seventeen, in the dawn of life's morning given to God. She had returned for the last time from the seminary where her education was completed, and the still youthful mother welcomed her companionship, to be no more interrupted ; both had awaited this day with impatience.

" On the first evening of her return, with her arm clasped around the waist of her mother, and her blooming face pillowed on her breast, the young daughter told forth her happiness. And then there was a long pause, as if some perplexing thought had entered her mind and shadowed the face that seemed to have known no cloud of care ; and then she said slowly,

" ' Mother ! Are we Christians ?'

" ' Yes,' replied the widow, a little startled at the earnest tone of the question, ' Christians ! Yes, I hope so !'

" ' Then,' continued the daughter, ' we do not live like Christians. We are just like other people. We take the same amusements, do the same things. If we are Christians, should we not live for Christ ?'

" These words from the lips of her child, who had never known the trials and sorrows of her own life, awakened in the mother new views of a future, which she had imagined was to be one of social enjoyment and cultivated talents. Mother and daughter took counsel together how Christians could serve Christ, and both personally desired to know how this new life could be lived.

" They had not long to wait to know the way of God more perfectly. Fever broke out in the neighborhood, and the widow's only child was one of the hr.st to sicken and fade.

" It was the messenger of the Lord to prepare the way before Him. Six long, anxious weeks oi hope and fear passed by for the mother, marked by an amount of heaventaught wisdom in the child that I never before traced in one of her years, — so much of the trial and temptation more common to riper age was comprised in her experience. The Lord was moulding and maturing the young spirit for its eternal home.

" 'I only wish to live to serve Christ !' was the expression on her lips, whenever a dawn of hope brightened the heart of those who watched beside her. And the Lord heard it.

" A lady left her own family of five children to help the mother to nurse her only child ; and when remonstrated with on the danger and cruelty of incurring the risk of infection to her children, she meekly replied that she had obeyed the Lord in coming, and she trusted her children to his care, who bade her leave all to Him. Her family and herself were preserved from the fever. The words and example of this young disciple, ' whom Jesus loved,' were made instrumental in the religious awakening of the eldest son of her nurse and of several other persons.

" A physician of great eminence, who was also a friend of her family, was called in to see her. She inquired of him if he thought she would recover. He replied that most assuredly she would. On which she reproved him with a sternness which startled him, telling him that he knew the falsehood that he had spoken ; and with a power and clearness that came from the Holy Spirit's teaching alone, she set before him the Saviour whom he rejected, and the wisdom and power of God which he despised.

" During these six weeks this girl of seventeen, Avith so little [outward] instruction in the things of God but with a heart that longed to serve Him, lay down upon a bed of fever and suffering to accomplish the desire of her heart in ways she knew not ; and died to live with and serve Christ forever, where neither tears nor death can come."

It is interesting to' note the manner in which vouna;

persons are sometimes visited by the Day-spring from on High, and the effect produced on their susceptible minds by the company and appearance of those who are endeavoring to walk in the footsteps of Christ's flock.