He
replied, 'Yes.' He is apparently near death. Hitherto my mind has been
graciously supported though sometimes painfully exercised. He rallied
again, and slept calmly for awhile. After tea, the difficulty of
breathing returned. The Rev. David Hay came in, and prayed with him;
also Mr. Thompson, a little after. It was evident the hand of death
was upon him. He could scarcely bear us to speak. Once he said
'Mary'--perfectly recollected. Mr. Hill asked him, 'Is Christ
precious?' to which he replied in the affirmative, and shortly after
inquired, 'What o'clock is it?' The answer was given 'About ten;'
and at eleven the 'weary wheels of life stood still,' and my beloved
husband left me to mourn his absence. I sorrow, but not without hope;
and hear a whisper in my heart, 'Thy Maker is thy husband, the Lord
of Hosts is His name.' My mind is comforted; my resolutions are
quickened; but my sense of abasement is great, at the little
improvement I have made of such lengthened privileges. 'Enter not into
judgment with Thy servant, O Lord.'"

[Her feelings under this painful bereavement were deep,--too deep for
expression; but she maintained under it a calm spirit of resignation,
which some might have mistaken for indifference. The writer sees her
yet, as she stood for some minutes, pale and motionless, leaning on
the side of the coffin, just before it was closed; and gazing in the
face of the dead. There was no tear; she did not even imprint a kiss
on the inanimate clay, for it was but the image of him whom she had
loved. Her thoughts were in heaven. At length stroking the face, now
insensible to her touch, she said, "Poor John, I shall soon meet you
again."]

"My dear John was consigned to his bed of dust, to wait until the
resurrection morn. Mr. Bourne came home with us. His conversation
helped to cheer the gloom of parting for a little season. My mind was
consoled with the joyful hope of being guided through the wilderness
by Him, who so condescends to a worm of earth as to say, 'Thy Maker is
thy Husband.' Amazing love! I was again permitted to tread the courts
of the Lord's house. Visited J.H. in the afternoon, and spoke plainly
to her husband.--Met the dear people, but was far from being satisfied
with myself. I want a stronger faith, and more ardent love to the
souls of those who are committed to my care. My precious husband has
now been fourteen days in the eternal world."

And can I wish him back,
Again to suff