He knows our frame, that it is but dust; he that made us is acquainted with the inmost recesses of the heart. Therefore let dissolution come and he is happy that trusts in God. Let joy spring up anew in our hearts, as we advance in life, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The believer is safe, for his life is hid with Christ in God. Do you feel this assurance my aged friend? If so, then take courage. A few more setting Suns, will land you beyond the reach of sin and temptations; bear your pain a little longer; say to Satan his time is almost over with you, as you soon expect to be out of his reach, like certain insects: let him take the younger trees and spoil them if he can; yet he can do nothing but by permission. How I pity the aged that are without hope and God, in the world. When they reflect, how many prayers they have rejected, and the wooings of the Holy Spirit and how long the dresser of the vineyard has come and sought fruit, and found none, and that he will say assuredly: "Cut it down." They may have a hope but it is flimsey as the spider web. Their hope will fail and where are they? And when we say to the aged sinner,"Repent ye" what then?--does he? No! he turns away, and says it is time enough yet. Blessed Jesus help me to love thee more and serve thee better! as I advance in life! let my prospects for heaven be clearer, and brighter unto the perfect day! We have for many years professed faith in Jesus, to be children and heirs of the promised inheritance; and are we such in truth, my dear friend? Are we like autumn bearing fruit, and coming to the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe? When we honor God, he blesses us; and then when our gray hairs are thus formed in the ways of righteousness, we shall receive a crown of glory. How is it my dear friend, are you waiting for the coming of our dear Saviour? Many that are young, wish to remain on account of their children, or other friends; and we are permitted, and sometimes we promise to live better. I do not wonder we fear death for it is the penalty of our transgression, and after all, it is the gate to endless joy. I sincerely hope when we die, we shall die like Christians: have our reason and the presence of our king, to conduct us safely over the cold stream of Jordon. I pray God that he will keep us by his Almighty power, for it is through grace that we are saved, not of ourselves but by the gift of God. I leave you with these reflections and may you grow in grace, and in knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and write, that my soul may be refreshed. Remember those in connection with your prayers, and that the God of peace may rest down upon you, is the desire of your unworthy friend. ABIGAIL HOUSE. Y DEAR FRIEND: Had I a thousand tongues I could not describe to you the low and disconsolate feeling with which I am oppressed. Not a friend who careth for my condition, I have out-lived all their affections; and what remains? Why, a trembling fear, that I shall not make God my only trust, my reason and my experience teach that there is no trust nor abiding confidence in anything; but the promise of him who has said:I will never leave nor forsake those that put their trust in me!" Even down to old age we shall find our promises sure: and I, even I, cannot help being cheered, while I write, notwithstanding I feel the chilling blasts of despair, while my nature is so closely allied to the cold region. Storm and Sunshine is our common lot; and what are all our ups and downs when compared to one that has no hope? His way is always dark and drearalways in opposition to the just requirements of God. Not subject to his law, neither indeed can be, while his heart is drawn away by his own legitimate desires, and less sunny days appear in view. We would fondly hope such ones will escape the gloomy prospects which threaten them, and may some kind and gentle hand wipe from their eyes the tears of repentance and sorrow. Then would their hearts flow with gratitude and love, and peace, like a river, glide with radiant hues, and hope be like an anchor that will hold the vessel fast; then onward and upward, will our pathway of duty lie, seeking the happinesss of others; and every days work will strengthen and animate us on the journey of life, and at its close we shall receive a rich reward, and hear the sentence of "Come ye blessed of my father inherit the joys of thy Lord." Yours in haste, ABIGAIL HOUSE. A BEAUTIFUL DESCRIPTION OE CHRIST. Given by Publius Governor of Judea-Taken from the Life of Colby. There appeared in these our days, a man of great virtue, named Jesus Christ, who is yet living amongst us, and of the Gentiles is accepted as a Prophet of truth, but by his own Disciples called the Son of God. He raised the dead, and cureth all manner of diseases. A man of stature, somewhat tall and comely: with a very reverend countenance; such as the beholder may both love and fear. His hair is of the color of a fillbert, full ripe, and plain almost down to his ears: but from his ears downwards, somewhat curled, more orient of color, and waving about his shoulders, In the midst of his head, goeth a seam or partition of his hair, after the manner of the Nazarites. His forehead is very plain and smooth; his face without spot or wrinkle, beautiful with comely red. His nose and mouth so formed as nothing can be reprehended, His beard somewhat thick, agreeing in color to the hair of his head not of any great length, but forked in the midst, and of an innocent, mature look. His eyes gray, clear and quick. In reproving; he is terrible, and in admonishing courteous and fair spoken, pleasant in speech mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen him laugh: but many have seen him weep. In proportion of body,— well shaped and straight; his hands, and arms right delectable to behold, In speaking, very temperate, modest, and wise. A man of singular beauty surpassing the children of men. Lenox, Ashtabula County, Ohio, May 24th, 1857. MUCH ESTEEMED BROTHER: Yours of April 29th is received, with forty questions on immortality, and be assured it was a source of comfort and consolation: I often experience a drouth or famine, not for the want of bread nor of water, but for a word of consolation. I am thankful I have the word of truth whereby a peaceful spirit can be obtained and cultivated to profit-the promises therein contained will never fail us, and I truly believe our Heaven y Father will not withhold any good thing from those that walk uprightly. We need not live to three score years to know this truth: that everything on earth will fail us, which shows most conclusively, where our trust should be. I do not hesitate to say, his grace is sufficient for all who put their trust in him. Even down to old age he is still our strength and supporter, thanks be to his precious name that he hath given us hope in his mercy. My heart's affections are stirred up within me while I write, and think on this great subject, the Gospel, that makes us wise unto Salvation. While we anticipate being like him, who suffered death for us when we shall see him as he is, what manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness? How much need of strength when we have done all to stand; girt with truth in this, our evil day, when was the time we did not need the whole armor on? Surely our enemy has always been seeking whom he might devour. How often are Saints led to say in times of temptation, that their feet had well-nigh slipped, and then the promise is applied: that he will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able to bear, but will make a way for their escape; there is a balm for every wound. Our life is hid with Christ in God-can we realize our safety? How many there are, it is to be feared are crying for peace and safety when sudden destruction will come upon them and there will be none to deliver. Yet will they say, is not the Lord among us-the world is now what it ever was, hostile to the followers of Christ, and still how much pains there is taken to blend them together. There is no neutral position for any man: they will be for, or against; and if we sow to the flesh we must reap corruption. May we be increasingly prepared to sow to the Spirit, and obtain eternal life. How my heart is grieved from time to tive when I see the dear Saints groping in darkness and blinded with the gods of this world, and can hardly understand how easily the Holy Spirit is grieved, even if they do not consider it a crime, and pass on until they do not think it necessary to be guided by its sweet influences. O may it be our constant desire to say with the Psalmist: "Take not thy Holy Spirit from us, that we may teach transgressers thy ways; that sinners may be converted unto thee." The greatest desire I have is to see the children of God, growing in grace and knowledge of God, and see them joined together fitly, to be of one heart, and one judgment, but how can I expect it until the scriptures are fulfilled, for in the latter days there shall be great falling away. I think we can discover many who have already apostatized. THE PILGRIM'S SONG. My rest is in Heaven, my rest is not here; It is not for me to be seeking my bliss, Ꭱ |