"I cannot half his love express, Yet, Lord! with joy my lips confess, O Lamb of God, in Thee; "It is Thy precious name I bear, "And when I in Thy likeness shine, O Lamb of God, in Thee!" M. J. D. One of his favourite hymns, which always made his face brighten, was that beautiful, full hymn of Newton's, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds." Another favourite was, "A little while our Lord shall come," which was subsequently sung at his funeral. MARCH 14.—Mr. B., an eminent surgeon, who had before attended him when he lost his eye, came from E to see Augustus, and to meet his uncle. He thought there was amendment in some of the symptoms, and gave us a faint hope of his recovery. His uncle left us, having much comforted us by his christian kindness and prayers. MARCH 15.-Our beloved friend, O'B., came to see Augustus; he is one of the oldest friends of his parents, and his visit was felt to be a special comfort in our affliction. We heard also from India, of the prospect of their early return to England. Augustus felt much at this intelligence; he did not expect to meet his beloved parents here. They would not arrive in time to see him on earth, but he could look forward with deep joy to meeting them in heaven. MARCH 17.-The change of medicine has done much good. Augustus is better. Our dear friend, O'B., left us. In reference to this visit, he wrote as follows, after the departure of Augustus to the Lord:-" Yes, that sweet smile he gave on Saturday night, when I mentioned the blood of Jesus, spoke more to my heart than many words could have done. I have never forgotten it, have often mentioned it since to others, and am truly thankful that I was permitted to witness his calm state of mind, and the reality of what I have only heard by report through others." season. From this time, Augustus rallied for a My nervous system was so shaken, that I was obliged to leave home for change of air, and rest. His sight was so far restored, that he could read his bible, and even write again. He was also able to keep a diary. On the 30th, he wrote the following letter to his dear parents, entirely by himself. None of us saw it, until we received a copy of it from his father, after his decease. It will shew how truly this dear boy was taught of the Holy Ghost, and what deep lessons he learned in his affliction. W March 30, 1845. 66 MY OWN BELOVED PARENTS. "As it has pleased the Lord in "his tender love to have strengthened me "both in my head and my poor body, I could "not let another mail leave this country "without sending you, if it were only but a "few lines, not only for the joy it gives me, "but also because I know it will cheer your sorrowing hearts to see your precious Boy's "writing again. We have all prayed much "that our Heavenly Father would support 66 66 you under this heavy trial. 'His will be "done.' The Lord has some good purpose "in it, dear papa and mamma. When he "sends affliction and chastisement, it is in "the tenderest love; he will also give grace "and strength to bear it. I have felt this very much he has given me so much 66 66 peace and joy in my pain. I desire nothing "else but his Glory in me, (that whether "I should depart and be with him, or be "spared a little longer,) His name might "be glorified in me abundantly. Yes, dear "parents, I have no desire to recover, except"ing I serve (Him). I do much dread that "this poor vain world and the many things '(in it) might again draw my youthful heart 66 "from following my precious Saviour. If he 66 66 sees fit to allow us to meet again on this Earth, Oh! it will indeed be joy; but if "not, we shall meet in a better land; there "we shall never shed one tear of grief or "pain; and we shall see his face. REV. xxii. "3 and 4. The Lord give us much resigna"tion and submission to his holy will, and grace to leave it patiently in his hands to "order and to plan. I can thank the Lord "indeed for this affliction. He has taught 66 66 66 me how vain the poor things of this World are; how unable to make one happy. He "has taught me of his love and my thorough "vileness, but the Lord never teaches us "(our) utter worthlessness in his sight, with"out teaching us more of his love. My Bible "and Hymn Book are my daily companions; "but it is only lately that I have been able "to read them myself, my eyes and my head "have been so giddy. Oh! what a privilege "to have that precious Book to cheer us through this world of sickness and sorrow! "So many thanks, beloved papa and mamma, 66 |