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the promises of that precious book, a portion of which he generally prevailed upon them to read in his hearing. In all his addresses to his youthful visitors, there was such an air of gravity, sincerity, earnestness, and solicitude, that at once won their affection, and awed their levity. A few days previous to his death, he took an affecting leave of each, and having obtained permission, he invited two of them to follow him to his grave. Towards the members of his own family, especially for a brother at home, from whom he had never been separated, he felt and manifested the deepest concern, and did we not know that the heart is a hard and flinty thing, it would have astonished any renewed mind to have observed how such tender appeals and touching exhortations could be so easily resisted and withstood.

A short time before his death he remarked to a friend, "I am not afraid to die, for I have a good hope!" "I am very happy to hear you say so," replied his friend, "Will you tell me upon what your hope is founded?" "It is founded," he replied,

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upon the mercy of God, through the merits and intercession of Christ." "Then, my dear young friend," continued his visitor, "depend upon it, your expectation shall not be cut off. Yet a little while, and you will realize far more than the good hope which you possess anticipates. All things are yours." He then most tenderly and affectionately commended his spirit and his immortal interests to the care of the good Shepherd, and left the sick chamber, deeply impressed with what he had heard and "Make yourself perfectly easy," said he to me, "your son is

seen.

safe for eternity."

And here I cannot omit observing, that my dear son was every thing in retirement that he seemed to be, when under ministerial instruction and examination: he loved, not only in word and tongue, but in deed, and in truth. Not amongst the least of the proofs afforded, that the change wrought upon him was radical and sincere, was the very great anxiety which he manifested, to make reparation, as far as in him lay, for past omissions of duty, and past injuries inflicted; and in those instances wherein he considered himself the aggrieved party, he freely forgave the aggressor. In consequence of his previous irregularities, a breach of long standing existed between himself and one whom duty and religion demand, should be honored; but as soon as his heart became softened by Divine grace, he anxiously longed, and earnestly prayed for a reconciliation: it is consoling to be able to add that his earnest and prayerful desire was most fully and graciously realized, which greatly tended to strengthen his faith in a prayer-hearing God. This dear youth spent a very large proportion of his time in searching and in studying the sacred volume: he read therein, and literally "medi

tated day and night." The subject of death was a frequent topic of conversation, and the nearer he approached the solemn crisis, the more calmly and deliberately did he dwell upon the theme. "I hope I shall experience the presence of my Saviour in the dark valley; I feel a strong assurance that I shall." He was surprisingly careful and methodical in the settlement and arrangement of his little worldly affairs, and with his own hands he gave to several persons some token of esteem.

About forty-eight hours before he expired, a great change became apparent; his respiration was most distressingly difficult, and his little remaining strength became perfect weakness. Every change that was made with the hope of alleviating his agonizing sufferings, appeared only to augment them, but yet not one murmuring word escaped his lips. “I deserve far greater sufferings than these-I deserve hell. May it please thee, O Jesus! to soften my affliction; 'but not my will but thine be done.' If after these painful days, and wearisome nights, are ended, I should find myself safe in my Saviour's arms, how delightfull will be the change. My thoughts are so constantly occupied in the contemplation of heaven, and its holy joy, that I scarcely ever think of hell, and its undying torments: I trust mine is not a false hope, not the hope of the hypocrite. God has said, 'Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' I trust I have come unto him with all my load of guilt; and that he has, according to his most gracious promise, received me graciously, and loved me freely!" Observing my uneasiness, he said, "Do not weep, mother, I shall go to Jesus, and be for ever happy with him; I have been examining my heart, and I find in it evidences of love to God. Oh! that this mortal conflict were over; pray for me that I may not sin against God by impatience.” In the evening an old friend calling, to make kind enquiries, was invited to his bedside: having taken a seat, he expressed his concern at finding him so very ill. "Yes," replied the sufferer, "I am indeed very ill, but I have found it good to be afflicted: God has been very gracious to me, and he has given to me a good hope." He then made anxious enquiry after his friend's son, who was also considered to be in a consumption: being informed that his case was considered hopeless, he replied, "I have had a present made me, since I have been ill, of a book, the title of which is, ' Jesus shewing Mercy,' which I should very much like Henry to read, because I have found its perusal most useful and encouraging. Pray tell him to read it carefully, and tell him to prepare to meet me in heaven. I cannot wish him a greater blessing than that when he is brought into my present circumstances, he may feel as calm, as peaceful, and as happy as I now do." The youth to whom this affecting message was sent, expired just a month after

my son, and it is a pleasing fact to be able to state that his friends entertain a hope that he also, like my son, was made a monument of saving grace.

At his own particular desire many passages of the Pilgrim's Progress were read to him in the course of the night. The last day of his mortal life was spent in much the same way as the preceding; his shattered trembling house of clay wanted close and constant attention, but the happy hours of his release from the burden of the flesh drew nigh-his mind continued perfectly tranquil, indeed a calm and dignified serenity marked his every word and action; his loins were girded, his lamp was trimmed, his light was burning, and he longed for the approach of the bridegroom. In the evening, a kind and attentive friend visited him. He greatly delighted in her society, and she also felt deeply interested in him; and often has she shed tears of affection and sympathy on his account: she remained with him till within half an hour of his departure, and frequently have I heard her express her deep regret that she did not witness his happy exit from this world of sin, temptation, and woe. About nine o'clock in the evening one of her sons called, in order to accompany her home. My son being aware that she was sent for, enquired which son it was that was in waiting, and on being informed that it was one of the younger children, he said "If it had been one of the elder brothers, I should have wished to have spoken to him." On his mother representing to him that he was a very thoughtful and steady boy, the dear sufferer called him to his bedside, and spoke to him faithfully, plainly, and affectionately, alluding to the nearness of his own death, and urging him at once to come to Jesus. Finding himself greatly exhausted, he said to me, "I will now try to compose myself to sleep." But it was a vain attempt: he slept no more until his eyes were closed in death. Already were his extremities cold, the damp dews of death were gathering thick upon his pallid face, and other indications of his immediate departure were obvious, not only to his kind attendant, but to himself. "How long do you think I shall survive now?" he asked with the utmost composure. "I cannot possibly answer your question my dear," I replied, "but I think all will be well with you before six to-morrow morning."

"I am quite ready to be gone," he added. A very short time before he expired, a young friend called to make enquiries after him. Being aware of his call, the dying youth requested to see him. To this request I very gently remonstrated, but with an anxious and imploring look he said, "Only just for one minute." The boy having been admitted, my son said to him, "George, I am just going to die, but I have a good hope of life everlasting! Do you seek to know the Lord."

Almost immediately after he had left the room, my dear son said to me, "Mother, I am now actually dying." "Blessed are the dead," I replied, "that die in the Lord," "I am the resurrection," saith Jesus: "I am the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Perceiving that he was really going, I rang the bell; his brother Benjamin entering the room, I said to him, "Come and see your brother," and I then burst into tears, but was compelled to refrain giving vent to my feelings, finding that my grief distressed and disturbed the sufferer. "Benjamin," articulated the departing brother, "I am now in the article of death. My faith is fixed on God. He has been very gracious and merciful to me. Do you by prayer and supplication seek his favor. He is now my confidence and my support.". He then raised his right arm, and pointing his finger upwards, distinctly, and emphatically exclaimed "Heaven!" Thither his disembodied spirit instantly winged its wondrous way, and doubtless received an abundant entrance into the joy of the Lord.

There is one incident more, so immediately connected with the closing scene, and which sheds so much lustre upon the last word that my dear departed son gave utterance to, that I must not pass it over in total silence. About a fortnight before his death, as we were conversing together upon spiritual subjects, he said to me, “Mother, if it should please God to enable me, in my last moments, to leave a testimony behind me, to the power and truth of the gospel, how consoling it will be to your mind. But it may possibly happen that I may not have the ability to give utterance to my feelings, even though they should prove to be of the most heart-cheering character. Should such be the case, and my confidence in the mercy of God remains unshaken; if I enjoy peace within; if the fear of death is vanquished; if I then have a good hope, I will hold up my finger-remember that, mother." Notwithstanding my beloved son was enabled, with his latest breath, to leave a testimony for God, never to be forgotten, yet that not even the shadow of a doubt might rest on the mind, but that every encouragement for hope in his death might be afforded, the given-signal was permitted to be made, although he had never been once reminded of his words after their utterance. Is any thing too hard for the Lord? His abundant grace and mercy towards my son supply an answer, and my faith is encouraged to hope, and to expect greater things than these. "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad."

"Let those that sow in sadness wait

'Till the fair harvest come;

They shall confess their sheaves are great,
And shout the blessings home."

C. P.

POETRY.

THE LEARNED SNAILS.

THE hero of my wondrous tale,
Sir Silverline, the travelled snail,
Was deemed by all a learned fellow.
He had a most distingué air,

Which made the small mollusca stare,
When he rode out from Garden-square,
In his claret cab, picked out with yellow.
Sir S. has wandered far and wide,
From Strawb'ry-hill to Melon side,
To see and study men and measures;
And much his searching gaze descried
Of "Honesty," and "London pride,"
And "Thrift," they say, where'er he hied,

In this routine of toils and pleasures.

His house, though rather too confined,

Was most recherché of its kind; But nothing made him half so noted As those re-unions he gave,

Where all the fair and all the brave,
Gentle and simple, fool and knave,
The spread of uselessness promoted.

There they read papers, made reports,
And drew conclusions of all sorts,
To prove what no one ever doubted;

Measured the truth by names, and then
These learned snails, like learned men,
Dashed Esto! with imperious pen,
Or moved that all the facts be scouted.

The Sabellulim versed in Greek,
Or something no one else could speak,
Came first of all the Snalian orders-
The Nectrinophagi were classed
Above the Apricotian caste,
And then, because the lowest, last,
The revellers in Strawberry borders.

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