gave little reason to hope for a favourable termination of her complaints.

At the commencement of her illness, her mind seems to have been prepared for that which proved the event; and when I first spoke to her on the subject, (which it was some time before I could get courage, or self command enough to attempt,) she expressed her willingness and desire, rather to depart, if it was consistent with the will of God. She told me that from a child she had always envied those who were taken soonest out of this world, provided there was reason to entertain a good hope respecting them; and if it would please God in mercy to fit and prepare her for the solemn change, she should deem it a privilege to go, as she did not think herself calculated for active usefulness in life, or to bring glory to His name.

This state of mind continued without interruption, and she always spoke of the eternal world, and her nearness to it, with an animation of countenance, which no other subject was capable of exciting. Of this we have had many striking instances; for often, while suffering under the

D

immediate pressure of the more distressing features of her disorder, a word or two on this topic has operated as a cordial, and she has seemed to forget her anguish while contemplating "the glory to be revealed."

While conversing with her one day on this subject, she repeated those lines by Dr. Watts, "To Thee my waiting soul aspires

With ardent hope and strong desires"

and then added, they are strong desires.'

She told me she thought she had fully examined her own heart, and hoped she desired her dismission from the right motive: 'it is not,' said she, from my bodily sufferings that I most desire release, but from the difficulty I find, in living in this world, as a Christian should live, but,

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"There I shall see His face,

And never, never sin"

At another time, 'It may appear strange to some, but indeed I should look upon any increase of my complaints with pleasure: I don't desire to

But tho' this, in submission to the will of God, was the prevailing wish of her heart, she never

rejected any thing that was recommended with a view to her benefit, but punctually used all prescribed means and medicines. I mention this, because some of her friends have been under a mistake in this point, a mistake which I feel myself bound to remove, for tho' she most desired to depart, and to be with Christ, which she judged to be far better; yet she was not unwilling to live, if such was the will of God concerning her.

She was enabled to receive affliction as from the hand of her heavenly Father, who chastened her for her profit.

She often expressed to us her conviction, that it was all sent in mercy; and one day in particular, when suffering much she said, I know I shall not have one pain more than is necessary, and when the Lord's purpose is fully accomplished, he will release, and take me to himself.'

She did indeed possess her soul in patience; and during her long, and trying illness, thro' the course of which, though she did not suffer acute pain, yet was it of such a lingering, distressing nature, that she could scarcely be said to be one hour at ease,

yet, through all the painful stages of it, we do not remember to have ever heard her utter a repining word.

One evening when some very distressing increase of her complaint was apprehended, she very sweetly, and with much emphasis, quoted these words of the apostle : 66 none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy."

But another time, speaking of what she suffered from the burning heat of her mouth and throat, (in consequence of the thrush,) she said, 'but what a mercy it is not what Dives felt! I often think of this, and then it makes my pain seem light!'

To a young friend, who remarked that notwithstanding all her sufferings, she was disposed to envy her, while witnessing the happy and resigned state of her mind, she said, 'I don't wonder at it, if indeed I am going! sometimes I think I desire this too earnestly; but I do endeavour after resignation to the holy will of God. Pray for me that faith and patience may not fail.'

Our house at Hackney was situated near the church, by whose bell we were frequently reminded of the uncertainty of life, and that another soul had entered an eternal world. On those occasions she would express her earnest desire, that her summons might soon arrive ; and in particular I recollect she one day said to me, as I was standing by her bedside; O! when will that bell toll for me? I begin to look up and long;' and then as if checking herself, added but I desire to do and suffer the whole will of God; this has been my frequent petition, and I am not unwilling to have it answered.'

To one, who, on taking leave of her for a short time, expressed a hope that she might see her again on her return, she said, "I hope not-I hope to be in a better world by that time!'

She was exceedingly weak and exhausted that morning; so much so, as to be scarcely able to speak to us; but having once touched on a subject so near to her heart, she could not forbear enlarging. I was not present, but the exhilarating effect of the conversation, was visibly pourtrayed on her countenance when I re-entered