him the reasons why his faith was exercised on earth-every dark providence is unfolded-and that which constitutes the happiness of the place is enjoyed by him-even intimate communion with that Saviour whom, on earth, he loved and served. All his sorrows are now wiped away by the hand of infinite love; and we will not sorrow even as others, which have no hope; for, I trust, 'ere long, we shall participate in his bliss. Oh, may we be followers of them who, through faith and patience, are now inheriting. the promises!

"One of the delights of heaven appears to be the sweet acquiescence of the will of the Saints with the will of their Lord. May you have grace given you in this to imitate its blessed inhabitants!

"A firm reliance upon the exceeding great and precious promises, which are given us in God's holy word can, and, by the power of the Spirit, will produce in the mind calm submission to the divine conduct, and cause the Christian,

71 Thes. iv. 13.

8.2 Pet. i. 4.

in the most trying circumstances, to say, Thy will be done. The God whom your dear parents served will not forsake their dear children; for they too are his by adoption and grace. He will guide you by his counsel, and afterward receive you to glory. I trust, yea, I feel persuaded, my dearest friend has felt the support and consolations of the gospel. I have longed to be with you, that I might pour the balm of sympathy into your wounded hearts; but I trust your consolation has been superior to that which human friendship, however sincere, can impart. I hope we shall soon see you here; perhaps the change of scene would be serviceable to you.

"Adieu!-May the comforts of the God of Abraham support your minds! and be assured you are constantly interested in the imperfect supplications of your sincere friend,

"ELIZA."

Another correspondent, to whom application was made, has kindly supplied the following

9 Psalm 1xxiii. 24.

extracts from Miss Gilbert's letters: the first, written at the time of her father's death, dis

covers the greatest filial affection and duty, with submission to the divine will.

July, 1814.

"It is more than probable that before you receive this, my dear and honoured father will have entered into his eternal rest. Such is the nature and advanced state of his disorder, that we are not permitted to entertain a hope of his recovery, nor indeed that he will survive many hours. You will therefore suppose that we are all in a very mournful and distressed state.But oh, what shall I do, when bereaved of such an endeared and revered parent!-a parent from whom I have experienced so much affection, from whom I have received so many wholesome and pious instructions. Oh, the thought rends my soul with anguish! I know not how I shall endure it. Surely it requires more grace than I feel I possess, to support so heavy a trial. Do pray, earnestly pray, that I may be resigned to the will of God, and exemplify a holy acquiescence in this most painful dispensation of Providence.

"It is, indeed, a sovereign antidote to excessive sorrow, that this separation will not be final; we shall soon meet again in a happier world. My beloved parent is going only a little before us. He only leads the way,—we too shall quickly follow him to the bright realms of bliss. It is truly consoling and animating, to hear the dear suffering saint, amidst all his afflictions, conversing with holy composure and elevation of soul, on the faithfulness of God, and the immutability of his promises. These subjects long afforded him the highest satisfaction and delight; and now they are the support of his soul. He fears not the approach of the last enemy, but calmly and patiently awaits his dismissal from a world of sin and sorrow to a world of perfect light, joy, and peace.

"The gospel bears his spirit up,

He trusts a faithful God;
The sure foundation of his hope
Is in a Saviour's blood."

"The solemn and most distressing event has now transpired, and my beloved father is no more. Alas! those eyes which once beamed

with intelligence and affection, are now closed by the hand of death. That countenance, which a short time since was animated with benevolence and kindness, is now covered with "a mortal paleness;" and that tongue, which so often extolled the blessings of the covenant, the glory of the Redeemer, and the unchangeableness of Jehovah in all his purposes of grace, must now "lie silent in the grave." But, although the mortal body be committed to the dust, the immortal soul has been wafted to the celestial paradise,-it has joined the glorified spirits before the throne, and is now with that enraptured throng, celebrating the lofty praises of God and the Lamb. Were it not for this consideration, and the hope of finally joining that heavenly society, which my sainted father has already realized, my loss would be overwhelming."

Nov. 25, 1815.

"The date of this epistle will doubtless remind you that this day is the anniversary of that on which I was born; and, with the Patriarch, I would say, Few, yet, alas! evil have been the days of the years of my pilgrimage.1 On such

1 Gen. xlvii. 9.