Year: 1861




1t was on dark rainy afternoon Of last
October while the winds were stripping the
trees of their last withered leaves, that a
Christian man received letter from one of
the most eminent physicians in Philadelphi
whittier his wife had resorted for medical
treatment, conveying the assurance that
disease which might and finally must prove
fatal, had fastened itself on his beloved com.
panion. This opinion had for some time
been anticipated by him, but only as a posi-
biity and now a dark cloud settled sudden.
ly on him. He strove to lealize the Saw
ior's presence and love, and find CONSCIOUS
support and sympathy in this; but he could
ouly feel sure that God is good and gracious.
\ covering Of coud was over him, while he
looked into dark, dark valley before him,
through which q loved one was about to pass.
The shadows Of twilight were gathering
His two little children had laid aside their
childish sports, and were seated with him at
the tea table, cheerulIy talking Of an absent
mother whose return was daily expected but
only, as their father now knew, soon again to
leave them On that last journey from which
there is no return. They knew not his
thoughts and feelings, as he gave them their
meal, reminded by the vacant chair that soon
she who had occupied it would leave it for.
ever. The meal was over, and he sat in ST.
lence and darkness of soul, wondering at
what God had brought before him, and gazing
at the messenger who, in definite form, was
seen drawing near his beloved partner.


Soon, his little daughter, who is not yet
four years old, climbed upon his knees, and
nesting her head On mis- bosom, told, as was
her custom, of her little dongs through the
day Her father ieard the words, but did
not give them the usual attention But one
thought occupied bis mind. Looking to the
future be was striving to see light beyond
the grave, aud his silent prayer was O
God, my Savior, send forth thy light from
thy prcseoce, where sin and sorrow never en-
Ter O Thou who art acquainted with
griel, give thy servant light Oh this mysteri-
lett lis heavy heart when his little daughter,
breaking from her previous prattle, said
Papa, must we 60 through deaths dark
vale 10 get to Leaven ? Now he heard her
and answered, Yes, my DEAR when she
added, but We will not lear any evil, will
veg


The fourtain Of her fathers heart vas
now opened, and the cloud of darkness was
dispersed. The light which he had been
seeking broke upon him, and made even the
dark vale radiant with the brightness of
Heaven. He caught up the words of David
in the eighth Psalm, % Lord, our Lord,
how excellent in all the earth, is thy name
8 Out Of the mouths of babes and suckIings,
hast thou ordnined strength. that thou might
est sill the enemy and the avenger.


The shadows of evening were closing over
earth. Father and child were silent for |
time. She saw not his face, and knew not to
what he was applying her words but she felt |
the heavings Of his bosom, as her head rested |
upon it, and caught the falling tears on her
upturned lace AID as if with quick gym
pathy taught by heavenly teacher, shc
again spoke But, papa, our heavenly
father knows what is best tor US in ererWhing
doesn't he, papa g


Sympathizing fricnd-experienced Chris.
divine What could have
been said more ftting-more instructiDg-
more sympathzing-more cheering?


All narrated is strictly true. How pre-
cious is our Savor's love How constant, aud
tender, and compassionate is his care


How wonderful is his way Of speaking to
MS servants How precious is his truth,
and how precious in this instance, his minis.
ering child