“I scarcely know how the last fortnight has escaped.  O the rapidity of time! well might one say, ’O time than gold more precious, more a load than lead to fools.’  I am thankful, all my solid happiness is derived from God; and though I have many earthly comforts I can say, ’All my springs are in Thee.’  I long to drink more freely of those living fountains, and to draw constant supplies from the inexhaustible fulness of the ever-blessed and adorable Jesus.  Oh! it is sweet to meditate on this loved theme.  Rising into God we lose ourselves, and seemed wrapped up in Deity.—­Having met with a little disappointment, my mind is in some degree unhinged; I have been begging of God to undertake the matter, and overrule all for the best, which I hope has been the case; yet I find it hard to give up my own will.  Lord, help me.  I accompanied my father and mother to see cousin Hannah, who is apparently declining.  Her prospects in life were exceedingly bright, but happiness is not in them, as there can be no enjoyment without health.  What a mercy, afflictions spring not out of the dust:  I am again called to experience it.  Our apprentice, servant maid, and Eliza, are all in the scarlet fever.  Better than I could expect considering the pressure upon me, I am constrained to say, judgment is mixed with love.  May we lose nothing but dross, and shine brighter for being in the furnace.—­I am informed by letter that cousin Hannah is no more,—­it says nothing how she left this world.  I long to know—­will to-morrow inform me?  I purpose to be at her funeral, if God give leave.  O Thou, who wast to the Israelites both a pillar and a cloud, if Thou go not up with us, suffer us not to journey; for Thou knowest my heart, I wish to please Thee.—­We went to Kirkby to the interment of my late Cousin, who, I am informed, died happily.  Nearly her last intelligible words were, ’Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’  So she closed this mortal scene, and left her blooming prospects, fair estates, and all the bright anticipations of youth, for the lone silence of the tomb.—­I feel more endeared than ever to the invisible world, being warned as I believe, by some departed friend, to give diligence.  I am also reminded by the death of my cousin how vain are all things here below.  Perhaps it was her kind spirit—­who can tell?”

  A QUESTION ASKED.

  Does marriage, like the features of a fair and lovely face,
  Lose all its sweet attractions, when age comes on apace? 
  Do soothing acts of kindness and words of comfort go,
  When troubles are assailing, and pleasure’s cup is low? 
  No, surely heav’n design’d it more to ameliorate
  The lonely state of humankind, when first He form’d a mate.