deceived. And, oh, what secret, but sweet communion have I had with my Saviour time after time! A sermon dear papa preached some time ago upon Christ's hidden ones' gave me sweet joy; for I had the inward conviction, which I knew no human being could have given me, because I told it to no one, that I was one of 'Christ's hidden ones.' And oh, dear Mrs. R—, it has been the staff of my life ever since; and in every trial -for the young have trials as well as the old-I have found a sure refuge in my Saviour. I have ventured to write this to you, as you seem so anxious for my best interests. And now, dear Mrs. R- I must remain your affectionate friend,

"J. WHITMORE WINSLOW."

May we not appropriately close this chapter of his "Memorial" with an ascription of praise and thanksgiving to Him who had placed His secret seal upon this dear child as His own, and whose hidden adoption into the family of God cannot admit of a doubt. "This also cometh from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."

CHAPTER II.

New epoch in Whitmore Winslow's life-Memorable conversionLetter to his father-Reply-His baptism-Subsequent reflections -Spiritual fluctuations-Letters from his grandmother-Visit to Paris-Letters to his mother-Letters to his cousin.

BUT a more decided and solemn epoch in Whitmore Winslow's history was about to unfold. The time had arrived, when, in the purpose and providence of God, he should no longer remain 'Christ's hidden one.' The Lord was about to call from his seclusion this secret disciple, and to withdraw the veil which had so long concealed the kingdom of God within his soul. The Chief Shepherd of His flock has declared, 'I will both search and seek out my sheep;'* and they are designated, when thus called, a people sought out.' That the subject of this memorial had not already confessed Christ before men is not to be ascribed, as already intimated, to any deficiency of moral courage, or any desire to shrink from the obligations which an open profession of Christianity involves. He did not wish to steal in ambush to heaven, nor did he + Isaiah lxii. 12.

* Ezekiel xxiv. 11.

love to bear Christ's yoke in his youth less because he loved unchecked liberty better. His very sincerity formed his chief hindrance. He hesitated ere he took the solemn and decided step, lest in so doing he should deceive others, and yet more fearfully and fatally deceive himself. He knew he was not far from the kingdom of God; yea, that there were blissful moments when he felt assured that he had crossed its threshold and had ' seen the King in his beauty;'-and still he lingered. But the Lord, 'whose he was, and whom he served,' was about to take the work in His own hands, and in His own way bring forth his righteousness as the light, and his judgment as the noonday.'

It was on Lord's-day evening, November 9, 1851, that the subject of the discourse was taken from 1 Kings xviii. 21: "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him." "Decision for Christ" was the topic naturally illustrated and enforced by the passage. On our return from the sanctuary, Whitmore was absent from the family circle. As this was occasionally his habit after public service, his vacant place did not occasion particular inquiry. Retiring to my room for the night, a note addressed, "To dear Papa," in his handwriting,

LETTER TO HIS FATHER.

59

arrested my attention. I read its contents, with awe-struck emotions. It was as follows:

"Sunday Night, November 9th.

"DEAREST PAPA,-What I am about to tell you I do tremulously, but with a conscious sense that it is my duty. Your sermon to-night was irresistible. Long, long, have I been halting between two opinions; not whether I should embrace Christ or not, for He has long been my Saviour and the staff of my youth; but whether it was right for me to confess it, feeling, as I have done, that my conduct has often been so contrary, that to make such a profession would seem but hypocrisy. This, then, has hindered me. I feel myself so vile in my own eyes, and in those of yourself and the world. But vile as I am, Christ is mine, and I dare not, dare not at the peril of my peace of conscience, hesitate one moment to confess it. Though great the responsibility-great my weakness-heavy the crossGod may give me grace to bear it, and to choose in the place of worldly ambition to serve Him who has saved

me.

Dearest Papa, it is indeed a struggle with me to say this-I almost fear I have said too much—but pray for me, that I may have more grace and greater holiness. I tell this first to you, dear Papa, for it is under your ministry my soul has been led to Christ. May the Lord guide me in the right path!

"Your affectionate Son,

"WHITMORE."

Such was the announcement which met my

eye.

The effect was stunning-overpowering

indescribable. The first sensation was that of a pleasant dream that seemed too blissful to realize. But in a moment the beautiful vision assumed a form too real and palpable to admit of a doubt. The heart throbbed-the eye was moistened the cup of gladness was more than full. I remembered the new and strange emotions which trembled in my breast when as an infant he was first folded to my heart-my firstborn child-the thrill of that moment still lingers. But now that he was born again,' clasped in my arms, a new creature in Christ Jesus,'—my spiritual child-my son in the Gospel-pardoned, justified, adopted, saved, for ever saved!-oh it was the very depth of joy--joy unspeakable! My child was a child of God! The prayers which preceded his birth—which cradled his infancy— which girdled his youth-were answered-my son was Christ's! The weary watchings-the yearning desires-the trembling hopes of years

were at rest-OUR FIRST-BORN WAS AVOWEDLY THE LORD'S.

Unequal from the excitement and emotions of the occasion, added to the fatigue of the day, to a personal interview at that moment, a few lines responsive to his note were sent to his room :—