Why should not he whose touch dissolves our chain,
Put on his robes of beauty, when he comes
As a deliverer? He hath many forms;
They should not all be fearful! If his call
Be but our gathering to that distant land

For whose sweet waters we have pined with thirst,
Why should not its prophetic sense be borne
Into the heart's deep stillness, with a breath
Of summer-winds-a voice of melody
Solemn, yet lovely?'

"Tell me what you think of these, that I may compare our tastes; they struck me as abounding with poetic beauty and feeling. It is so sweet to commune about such things! Oh! that beautiful mystery, the intercourse of mind with mind!

"I shall do as you advise in reference to 'Solomon's Song,' and defer inquiry until I can consult Calmet. I like the questions you have prepared.

6

"Friday. I have this morning been copying your remembrances of Mr. Stratten's sermon for Mr. Dennant, writing a note of thanks to Mr. Mayhew for the loan of his Blair's Lectures,' transcribing some lines of Mrs. Hemans's, for the purpose of committing them to memory during the operation of entertaining leeches, which is to be my game this evening, and, in fact, have been full of literary business.

"We have been thinking much of poor

to-day, who is now about arriving, I suppose, at the end of his long journey. I had a little chat with him on joining a Christian church, and he seems to me to be in the error Russell beautifully points out, and

guards against,the placing too much dependence on our own feelings, rather than a simple reliance on the intercessory work of the Redeemer. I trust he will receive the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and at length be guided into all truth. The cause of Christ is, I hope, advancing here; the Sunday evening congregations are generally good, and our school is increasing. Oh! let us ever petition, Build thou up the walls of Jerusalem.' With respect to self-examination, dearest, I cannot write on this subject; wait till I see you, and we will talk it over. I am sure it tends to humble the mind, and this is a blessed effect, but it is difficult to make scrutiny of that which lies within. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?'

"I have begun to read the book you recommended on 'Love to God,' and have no doubt of deriving great pleasure from it. The title is alluring enough, is it not? Holy principle! let it ever be cherished in our breast towards each other, and towards 'Him that loved us.'

"Saturday evening. My most valued and beloved of friends, the unexpected delight of receiving a letter from you to-day, has filled me with mingled feelings of overflowing happiness and tender concern. I grieve to hear of your indisposition.

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*

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* But we are both in the hands of

One who doeth all things well,' and while his arms of love and mercy surround us, we must be safe and

K 3

happy. Let us ever commend each other to him, and securely rest under the shadow of his protecting wings. In sickness or in health, he is a covert for his people; and, confiding in him, we may ever be tranquil and happy. Oh for an abiding faith, that could constantly and triumphantly assert, ' My Beloved is mine, and I am His.' 'The Lord is my Shepherd.' 'God is the Rock of my salvation.' Alas! that there should ever be a cloud between us and our Father! It is sin that obscures our view, but when the veil shall be taken away,' we shall see him clearly. Oh! which of us shall first be admitted into the full brightness of the heavenly glory? Which of us shall first wear the 'golden crown,' and become a worshipper in the New Jerusalem? It is painful to us to think even of a short separation, but in heaven we part no more; and mingled love and praise will there be our sole employment. For love is indestructible, its holy flame for ever burneth; from heaven it came, to heaven returneth.' Therefore, how bright are our prospects! Oh! let us rejoice alway,' for we, I trust, have 'a peace, which the world cannot give nor take away.' "How I congratulate you, dear on the unlooked-for pleasure of a visit from your friend S——— ! It must have afforded you a high degree of enjoyment to see any one of the dear circle at Meck. You must contrive to spend a day with her.

"Mr. Flower is expected to occupy our pulpit tomorrow. You think of me, dearest, on my silent sab

baths. But, as Roza says, though I am denied a streamlet, I have access to the fountain."

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*

TO A YOUNG FRIEND.

66

Tuesday afternoon.

'My dearest

I am so grieved at the idea of sending E. without a letter for you. But it is the will of our Father to incapacitate me for writing, and we will rejoice in all his dispensations. I am in bed, and Mr. B― tells me to remain here till the evening, but an effort must be made to say one word to you. A few lines cannot harm me. I feel deeply for you, my beloved friend, in your present circumstances. Your situation is a responsible one, but I feel assured that grace will be given you to fulfil all its duties. Take this beautiful text for your comfort, Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.' Yes; he careth for the lambs of his fold, and no man shall pluck us from our Shepherd's arms. Do not, my own beloved -, give way to depression of spirits. Why should you not be cheerful? You have no sorrow to bear alone. Let us strive to be happy, to rejoice evermore' in our Jesus. We are one in him; and possessing him, we possess all things. I feel your kindness in opening to me your secret feelings. You shall have my prayers, and we will pray for each other. Oh! may the windows of heaven be opened,

and pour down blessings upon you. Do not be anxious about me, love. I am rapidly recovering from

the influenza and every other disorder."

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*

Every one is kind to me to a degree that is overwhelming. But I am now so well that I scarcely need these attentions. For the last week I have been a wonder to myself; dining and drinking tea in the dining-room every day; and this morning I rose to breakfast, as a kind of birth-day celebration-the first time I have breakfasted with the family since the 20th of August. In truth, nothing ails me now but a little occasional languor, and a cough, which still remains unconquerable, though I am taught to believe it will subside in spring.

I have

"Jan. 20th. (In bed.) Dearest Fjust received your very kind letter, with an elegant little volume designed as a present to me, and am quite touched with this instance of your affection. Accept my sincere thanks, and believe that I shall very highly value such a beautiful and excellent memento of your love. I thank you, dear F——————, for your kind wishes respecting my health. In my own judgment, I am certainly improving, and think that my complete recovery is very probable; but one or two