was requested to visit a good, but poor half-witted man.  He went accordingly, and accosted poor Richard with the question, ’Do you intend to go to heaven?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘don’t you?’ ’But heaven is a long way off,’ said Mr. Hill.  ‘I don’t think so,’ was the reply.  ’Then what do you think?’ ‘I think,’ said the man, ‘it is only three steps.’  ’Well, Richard, what are they?’ ’The first step is out of self; the second into Christ; and the third into Glory.’  So Mr. Hill went back, and told his friends that he had been to preach to Richard, but Richard had preached to him.—­I ventured to speak to a friend, who sat beside me in the Chapel, about coming to class.  To my surprise, she said she had for some time thought of speaking to me on the subject.  Surely this was the suggestion of the Spirit.  The Crystal Palace has great attractions just now!  I hope to see the palace of angels and of God.—­Quarterly fast.  It was good to be at the prayer-meeting in the morning; better at noon; best of all at night.—­After a very restless night, my husband rose very poorly and feeble.  I prayed with him before he got up, and now I feel it good to pray for him.  About noon he had another attack of paralysis, which lasted about two hours, and at tea time he was seized again.  Through mercy, he is better.  By looking to the Rock that is higher than I, my mind has been sustained.  While kneeling by the bedside of my afflicted husband, I have been blessed, and found that as my day so has been my strength.—­My husband and daughter are both better; thanks be to God!  I cannot but acknowledge that He afflicts in love.—­’Because I live ye shall live also,’ was a portion in one of my dreams this week.  I think of it with pleasure, and believe it will be so; my heart aspires after this inheritance, but not with so much fervour as it ought.—­I purpose, God willing, to commence another afternoon class next Tuesday, at three o’clock, for the benefit of some who may find it more convenient:  I trust it is with the approval of God, whose blessing I implore.—­The dying year has been marked by many blessings to me and mine;—­much nearness to my heavenly Father; but it has also seen many wanderings.  I have just now been endeavouring to surrender myself freely and fully unto the Lord, whose I am, and whom I desire faithfully to serve.  I seem surrounded by His presence.  It is now eleven o’clock; but how many will depart before twelve!  Happy event to those who are prepared, having built upon Christ!  Here rests my hope:  ’Other refuge have I none.’  Glory be to God on high!”

“1852.—­Although I have been suffering from cold, the Lord deals very gently with me.  Others of my dear family are now under the rod.  These things are painful; but looking at them in the light of eternity, I find love is mingled with them all.  Oh! that from these dispensations we may derive all the good our heavenly Father designs.  We cannot believe He willingly afflicts the children