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it seemed indeed a foretaste of that inconceivable felicity with which the redeemed will bow before the throne, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." We continue our extracts:

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'June 4th, 1861.

'I rejoice to think that God's goodness to me has kindled a flame of love and gratitude in your heart. The Lord directed me to Mr. Abrahams; and, with regard to my remaining there, I had my instruction from God through Mr. Tatham (of Eastbourne) last Thursday. He had previously read the 7th of Micah; but it did not strike me so much then as since. After a confirming discourse he said, 'Ruth, when she went gleaning in the fields of Boaz was bidden to keep close to the maidens (i. e., Gospel ministers); they will cry, Lo here, and lo there! but, if the renewed soul gathers ears of corn, or hears to profit, he is to abide by the man.' He knew nothing about me; but they were words fitly spoken.

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"Mr. Abrahams preached last Sunday (he being in the country during my deep conviction and after-repentance) from 1 John v. 8, 'There are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.' It seemed as if he were addressing me personally all through. He dilated on the everblessed Trinity and their mutual work in bringing the soul into the mysteries of the kingdom; and my heart echoed a hearty response. I could have said, It is enough, I desire no further confirmation from a witness among men of the reality of what I have passed through. I was filled with astonishment, and these things seemed too wonderful for me. In the evening the subject was re

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sumed, and what I heard came home with such divine power to me, that I secretly lifted up my heart to the Lord to strengthen and quiet my body to sit and hear it. Mr. A. described vividly the poor prodigal that had wasted his substance; but was now penitent, saying, 'Is he to go to hell? No, no; strip him of his rags, and bring the best robe and put it on him, and the ring of everlasting love on his hand, and bring hither the fatted calf, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again, was lost and is found.' He spoke also of Ephraim, that had joined himself to idols. Is he to be lost? No, no.' I felt it was meant for dear John and myself, though we were both unknown. Toat soul must be insensible indeed that receives a spiritual benefit from a minister, and does not feel grateful for it.

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E. B."

How beautiful it is to trace the work of the Holy Spirit on the regenerate soul; ever is it in accordance with His own inspired word, that says, "Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake." Dear Ebenezer felt it a solemn privilege to attend the Lord's house. He went there praying for a blessing, and he obtained it, for his heart had been made single and upright. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

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"June 10th, 1861.

'My dearly beloved Sister,-Your letters are welcome to me, because I know out of the abundance of your heart your mouth speaketh; and you bring forth good things because your heart is circumcised.

"Oh, that my love for my Saviour may wax stronger and stronger; that I may follow hard after Him, and endeavour to keep His sayings and His commandments: that He would sprinkle my poor imperfect obedience with His own blood, that it might be acceptable in His sight. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.'

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"I feel dry and empty. Alas! my Beloved has withdrawn Himself. Oh, that He would come again unto me, that I might feel His sensible embraces; that He would kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, for His love is better than wine. Whilst the King sitteth at His table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.'

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"When wilt Thou come unto me, Lord ?

Oh, come, my Lord, most dear;
Come near, come nearer, nearer still-
I'm well when Thou art near.

When wilt Thou come unto me, Lord?

I languish for Thy sight;

Ten thousand suns, if Thou art strange-
Are shades instead of light.'

E. B."

" June 15th.

"I have not yet been blessed with another visit from Him whom my soul loveth. I yearn at times for Him to come again unto me. Oh, that the ever-blessed Spirit would subjugate pride, evil thoughts, vain imaginations, and every hurtful thing within me that keeps Him away; and that He might reign unrivalled on the throne of my affections. Oh, that I might feel the warmth of His breath, which is sweeter than myrrh and frankincense, and all the goodly spices of the

merchants; sweeter than the summer zephyr that has rippled o'er a bed of choicest flowers, and comes surcharged with a thousand perfumes. My poor words fail me. 'Who is sufficient for these

things?'

"Dost mind the place, the spot of land,

Where Jesus did thee meet?

And how He got thy heart and hand?
Thy Husband then was sweet.

Dost mind the garden, chamber, bank—
A vale of vision seem'd?

Thy joy was full, thy heart was frank,
Thy Husband much esteem'd.
Whate'er thou found'st Him at thy best,
He's at thy worst the same;
And in His love will ever rest-
Thy Husband holds His claim.
Don't say He's gone for ever, though

His visits He adjourn;

For yet a little while, and lo

Thy Husband will return.'

ERSKINE.

"What a mercy to be able to understand these Gospel Sonnets.

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May I be kept sensibly dependent on God for all things. He is Jehovah-rophi; He can kill, and heal, and make alive: and none can deliver from His hands. I am still weak and delicate; but have felt no check on my spirit in praying for recovery. Hoping we may meet some day in the flesh, to talk of these glorious things.

Believe me, your loving brother,

E. B."

"June 24th.

'My Beloved withholds Himself; but I know He is mine, and His desire is towards me. He will come again unto me even as He has promised.

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I would fain praise and adore my heavenly

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Father for setting His everlasting love upon me in eternity, and choosing me in Christ Jesus, His well-beloved Son. I would praise and adore my dear Redeemer for becoming my Surety and Lawfulfiller, and bearing away my sins in His own body on the tree; and that in His own triumphant cry, 'It is finished,' my salvation was comprended: I would praise and adore God the Holy Spirit for stooping to one so low, and mean, and worthless; working in me that repentance that needeth not to be repented of, and revealing so great a salvation unto me. Oh, depth of love! Oh, height of grace! Sing praises unto our God, sing praises. 'He lifteth the poor out of the dust, and the beggar from the dunghill, that He may set him with princes, even the princes of His people. Who is a God like unto our God? This is our God; we have waited for Him: this is the Lord, and He will save us. . . You know all things work together for good to them that love God, and are the called according to His purpose.' He will make the crooked places straight, and the rough places smooth, in His own time and way. May we be kept sensibly dependent on Him for all things; if we forget where our strength lies, we shall assuredly rue our folly. I am a poor weak nervous creature; but, blessed be His holy name, He has upheld me: my expectation is alone from Him, and I believe He will still support me. Give my kind love to your husband and the children; and may they be brought to know the Lord in early years: it will save them from many a hurtful way. May your daughters be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. 'Happy is that people that is in such a case; yea, happy is that people whose God is the Lord.' E. B."

(To be continued, D.V.)

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