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 called upon us, and conversed and prayed sweetly with my husband.  Little did I think it would be his farewell visit.—­My husband and myself are both invalids.  He has had several attacks upon his chest, and much difficulty of breathing.  At these times however, his expressions of confidence in God are unwavering.  For myself, I want no other refuge, I only want more faith.  I would be all the Gospel requires;—­willing to live, ready to die, but oh!  I see much imperfection.—­These words are often running in my mind,—­

  ’Until he doth the cloud remove
  He only chastens whom he loves.’”