though my outward tabernacle is thus sinking in decay, my spiritual strength is daily renewed; the vigour of my mind is not abated; my understanding is clearer, and my faith stronger than ever.  And though, by the light that shines upon my soul, I discover more of my natural depravity; the Lord, by his Spirit, graciously draws me to himself, the true remedy; and blesses me with a sense of his presence.  Glory be to His name for an interest in the blood of sprinkling.  Here is the source of my happiness, and all I want is here.  THEN—­I had a father and mother who loved and cared for me:  NOW—­my father is gone to his reward, and my mother is sunk in decrepitude, daily waiting her release; and I, myself a mother, have resting upon me the care and anxiety of a family; but I have inherited the promise, which descends from generation to generation.  THEN—­I looked forward to what might be my future portion:  NOW—­I look back through five and twenty years, in which goodness and mercy have followed me until now; although my passage through the wilderness has all along been marked with unfaithfulness.  Here my heart fills with gratitude.  What shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness towards me?  THEN—­I had many friends, who are NOW passed away; but Jesus is my never-failing Friend, and through His grace, I hope soon to meet again those, who ‘through faith and patience have inherited the promises.’  THEN—­I had much to endure and suffer; but NOW—­five and twenty years of trial and suffering are over, with only one regret, that I have not suffered more patiently, and expected more largely from Him, who orders all things for the best.  What still awaits me is only known to Thee; but prepare me for the event, and let Thy will be done.  This is my heart’s desire, uttered I believe, in the spirit of resignation; but it is Thy doing, and to Thee be all the glory.  And now, I present to Thee my dear husband, and my five children:  let us all be Thine—­Thine to guide, Thine to save, Thine to govern, and Thine to crown.”

“Seven years ago my dear father entered into rest.”

  This day, replete with memories dear,
    The well-known image brings to view
  Of him, whose name I still revere;
    Whose worth till lost, I never knew. 
  My father, (still the name is sweet!)
    Now in a fairer region dwells: 
  Him gladly will I go to meet,
    Though wild between us Jordan swells.

“My dear mother continues very feeble, and much of my time, night and day, is devoted to her.  She suffers from manifold temptations; yet I am encouraged to believe she will be delivered.  Make no long tarrying, O my God,—­Yesterday and to-day I have been severely and painfully exercised on account of my mother:  still I hang upon the word of the promise, ’In the eventide it shall be light. Yesterday she said, ’The will of the Lord be done.’—­She tells me this morning she enjoys peace.  Her memory is much impaired.