oo much
to increasing weakness. Lord, save me from spiritual sloth. While I
write, let inward religion be communicated."

XXI.

THE WIDOW.

"SHE THAT IS A WIDOW INDEED TRUSTETH IN GOD; AND CONTINUETH
IN SUPPLICATIONS, AND PRAYERS, NIGHT AND DAY."--1 Tim. v. 5.

How often does it happen, that when death first enters a family
circle, and creates a breach; it is the signal of its speedy
dissolution! one falls, then another, and another, until the central
point of attraction is removed; and the individuals who are left, are
by the force of circumstances, each made to feel themselves the centre
of a new circle of interests, which in time will melt away as
former ones have done. The occurrence of such an event is to those
immediately concerned a season of solemn admonition. The question
instinctively arises, who next will fall? and each may put it to his
own heart, "Lord, is it I?" The death of Mr. Jackson was the first
breach in a family, which by God's blessing had for many years enjoyed
a happy, and undisturbed unity. Twelve months had just elapsed,
when Mrs. Lyth was called to mourn the loss of a husband; and _we_
a _father_, whose retiring and unostentatious worth, was best known
within the sacred precincts of home. Their union, at first entered
into in the fear of God, had been maintained through the chequered
scenes of life in uninterrupted peace; years had only more strongly
cemented the bonds, by which they were united, and for nearly half a
century the vow, "Until death us do part" had been annually renewed.
A year or two before death dissolved the contract, it was found
necessary to purchase a new wedding ring; and the aged couple, with an
affecting simplicity, solemnly repeated the marriage ceremony in
token of their unchanged, and unabated attachment: but the hour of
separation was at hand.

"1853.--During the last six weeks, many circumstances have occurred
for the trial of our faith and patience; which, through grace, I
recognize as the appointments of mercy for my benefit. They have led
me to rest more simply on Christ by faith, which 'is the evidence of
things not seen, and the substance of things hoped for.' My soul pants
after God. He is my centre, my joy, my crown. Nevertheless, my own
unprofitableness would discourage me; therefore, stripped of all, I
hang upon Jesus, my Saviour and my all.--Our highly esteemed friend
Mr. Whitehead has passed from earth to heaven. Twelve days ago he
ca