This said, he again, in his usual manner, so strength ened my visual ray, that instantly I saw the place was filled with the heavenly hosts, who unweariedly ministered to the dying woman; and she, notwithstanding in the embraces of Death, was so transported with holy joy, that she forgot the pains of dying. So fervently glowed the seraphic flame in her heart, and in such profusion the joys of approaching eternity were poured into her soul, that all sensation of pain seemed to be gone. By this time the lamp of nature only glimmered in the socket, she lay supinely stretched on her bed, longing and waiting for the dissolving moment, and so long as her voice continued articulate, she dispensed instructions to her friends, adoring the riches of electing, redeeming, and regenerating love. At last, perceiving that nature's sparks were almost extinguished, with eyes, sublimely elevated, and holy triumph smiling in her countenance, with a voice which could scarcely be heard, she said, "Come, Father, come; Thou knowest I am waiting thy command."-These were her last words, and in a few moments after she quietly departed, and her glorified soul joined in fellowship with the ministers of heaven, formerly her invisible attendants. Now, swift as though they carried her to the blissful regions of eternal day; where she was received with joyful acclamations by all the hosts of the heaven of heavens; and the ever-adorable Redeemer pronounced her blessed, saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord; thou hast been faithful over a few things, therefore thou shalt be a ruler over many.' On which I thought a crown of righteousness was put upon her head by the pierced hand of the Redeemer; a palm of triumph given to her, and orders issued to put her in possession of one of the mansions near the jasper throne; where she strove to out do Magdalen in praise, and to exalt her voice even above that of Mary, the mother of our Lord. Here was emulation without anger, the most earnest contention without any tincture of pride. Who should be least in their own esteem; who should most glorify and exalt sovereignly free and distinguishing grace, were the springs of all their heavenly debates. Here Manasseh vied with the sweet singer of Israel, the man after God's own heart; the crucified Thief, with Enoch and Abraham; Ruth the Moabitess, with Deborah, the mother of Israel; Jairus the Jailor, contended with Paul the apostle; and babes from the womb claimed right to sing louder than Solomon the wisest of men. Here parents strove to surpass their children, and children to exceed the praises of their parents; masters their former servants, and servants their masters; ministers their people, and people their ministers; and every one urged his claim by rational and consistent arguments. As I was listening to the sweet contention, and gazing on the unutterable glories of the heavenly world, my beloved sleep departed, the unwelcome morning rushed in upon me, and bereaved me of the precious delights I had enjoyed in the night. So I awoke to disappointment and sorrow, finding myself still in the tents of Keder, possessed as heretofore of that unclean nature whence every evil to me proceeds, and still to go burdened and groaning because of a body of Death, whilst in this tabernacle. Yea, after all, perhaps to be tired of this world, and yet afraid to venture into another. G. WILSON, LEEDS. |