the spiritual edifice is to be brought forth with shoutings of "Grace, grace unto it!"

12th. We have this day been called to follow one of our neighbours to the tomb. When taken sick she was unprepared to meet God; but she earnestly sought, and we have reason to believe found, pardon and peace through the merits of a crucified Saviour. Her last words were, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Brother Harmon preached an appropriate discourse on occasion of her death, at the Episcopal church, from Job xxx, 23; “I know thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living." Her husband was in great distress, but subsequently found peace, and became a member of our society.

For several days past I have felt rather stupid, and have not realized so much of the presence of God as I could wish. Sometimes I have thought it was owing to my bodily weakness, and at other times to the want of faith. But whatever has been the cause, I now feel greatly quickened, and am resolved, more than ever, to be a whole-hearted Christian.

April 9th. I have enjoyed another Christian sabbath, and have been permitted to join my brethren in the house of prayer. It was, indeed, a memorable time. Brother Harmon, though feeble in health, did great justice to those deep words of the apostle, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature," &c., 2 Cor. v, 17. I was led to look back more than six

teen years, to the time when I experienced this new creation. But a consciousness that the work had been wrought was not my only consolation my rejoicing was the testimony of a good conscience, while the Spirit of God bore witness with my spirit that I was a child of his. And I felt I should much rather die to-day, than backslide and wound the cause of God. Of this, however, there is no necessity. Even were I to live as long as did Enoch, it would be my duty as well as my privilege, like him to walk with God. O that every faculty of my soul may be awake to spiritual action!

Tuesday 11th, I visited Mrs. G., a Presbyterian, and sympathized with her in her afflic tions. She is surrounded with much of this world's goods, but the consumption will soon, no doubt, remove her hence. She says that when she thinks of the sins she has committed since she became a professor, she is afraid : at other times the thought of death appears very pleasant. At her request I prayed with her, and found it a profitable time to my own soul. May the Lord cut short his work in righteousness, and prepare her for his heavenly kingdom!

21st. We have this day paid our last respects to the mortal remains of cousin H. S. His disease being a lingering consumption, many and severe were his afflictions; insomuch, that at times he was almost impatient to be gone. The last time I saw him was several days before his death. We talked a little about our mutual afflictions, and much about our heavenly inherit

ance.

Though he thought he should not live through the night, he was perfectly tranquil and happy, and maintained the same blessed frame of mind to the last. He died in the

26th year of his age. The Rev. Mr. Hollister, an Episcopal minister, preached the funeral sermon from John xi, 25, 26, "Jesus said unto him, I am the resurrection and the life," &c. It was a solemn and profitable season to my soul: indeed, I often find it more advantageous to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting.

May 28th. I attended quarterly meeting in Utica. The last time I was there on a similar occasion, the following scripture would have been strikingly applicable: "By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small?" but now one might exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" Within the last few months hundreds have been converted to God in the city and its neighbourhood; and it was truly animating to sit with them in love-feast, and hear them declare with so much simplicity and earnestness the wonderful works of God. The venerable Bishop M'Kendree, being present, preached in the forenoon with remarkable eloquence and impressiveness, on, "God so loved the world," &c. Bishop Hedding preached in the afternoon, but we could not stay to hear him. our way home we stopped at a school-house, and heard brother W. M. Willet discourse from, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" My heart was truly humbled within me when I

On

realized that God, who is the best of beings, and the source of all true enjoyment, is my Father and my God. O who would not be a Christian! Who would not seek the friendship of him who always has been, and who always will be, willing to defend those who trust in him! Others may choose as they please, but with the prophet Jeremiah, I will say, "The Lord is my portion, therefore will I hope in him."

June 7th. I am again severely afflicted with a pain in my side; so that some of the time I am obliged to keep my bed. Still I rejoice that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Doubtless I needed checking a little. Having an opportunity to obtain a little money by sewing, I went quite beyond my strength; though I did not design to do wrong. It appeared reasonable that I should do all I could to maintain myself, and have a little to give for the support of the gospel. Possibly, however, had I spent a little time in visiting the sick, or in some other work of mercy, it might have been more pleasing to God as well as more conducive to health. Still I intended to do right; and if I erred, I can only say, "Father, forgive." And if he sees it not best to intrust me with health, I hope to be fully resigned; and finally to be saved, even though it be "as by fire." Afflictions, in themselves, do not possess any saving virtue. They are efficacious only as far as they lead one to trust in the "Hope of Israel." Thus sanctified, they "work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal

weight of glory." And I have no doubt that thousands will bless God in eternity, that they were made to "pass through the fire and through the flames."

June 12th. This afternoon I have been to visit dear brother Smith,* who, for months past, has been in a decline. Though in much bodily pain, he was measurably resigned to the will of Heaven. Still he felt greatly distressed in view of his past unfaithfulness and consequent unworthiness. He was reminded that looking at his own unworthiness would do him no good; but that he must look to Christ, remembering that his blood alone "cleanseth from all sin." Here was his only hope-his only refuge. He rejoiced at intervals, and then again doubts seemed to trouble him. I retired in secret, and felt my heart much drawn out in prayer that he might find full redemption before we left. Several of our brethren being present, brother S. desired that prayer might be offered on his behalf. After singing, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand," &c., we joined in prayer for him, and the divine presence seemed to fill the place. With the greatest apparent emotion he exclaimed, "Glory, glory, glory to God!" He then said, "I thank thee, O blessed Father, for this unspeakable privilege. Thou hast sent my

*SETH SMITH, father of A. W. SMITH, the able professor of natural philosophy and astronomy in the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. A particular account of the death of this excellent man will be found in the ninth volume of the Methodist Magazine, pp. 397, 398.-ED.