I thank Thee for the comfort given,
    When agonized with pain;
  The love infused—­the taste of heaven,
    That cheered my heart again;
  In answer to the faithful prayers
    Of many a fervent soul,
  Disease retired—­for mercy spares,
    And makes the sinner whole.

VI.

GROWTH IN GRACE.

  “AS THE TENDER GRASS, SPRINGING OUT OF THE EARTH, BY
  CLEAR SHINING AFTER RAIN.”—­2 Sam. xxiii. 4.

God doeth nothing in vain.  Cloud and sunshine, stormy winds, and steeping rains, have each their appointed purpose; and in their season contribute to bless, and refresh the earth; that it may bring forth its increase for the service of man and beast.  You have often seen, how after a shower in the cheerful spring-time, the green meadows have suddenly put on a fresher and livelier hue; and the tender grass seemed to grow before your eyes.  Just so, in the higher economy of grace, seasons of trial and affliction have their definite design; only here the effect is not determined by an irresistible law; but suspended upon the conduct of man.  The heart must be open to receive the genial influences, which are thus mysteriously communicated; the will must submissively bow under the dispensations of an allwise Providence; and, especially, seasons of affliction should be seasons of earnest prayer.  Then will they be followed by a marked increase of spiritual life and power.  Mrs. Lyth benefitted by her afflictions; and although she more frequently mourns over her own unprofitableness, her growth in grace is clearly apparent in her journal, which we resume.

“1820.—­Although I have the victory I cannot yet say the old man is dead; some seeds of peevishness yet remain to be destroyed.  Praise God, I hate the garment spotted by the flesh.  ‘All peace, all love,’ is the desire of my heart, and the longing of my soul.—­A day of fasting and prayer; but separation from every thing that defileth is what is pleasing to the Lord.  May this be my continual abstinence.  Amen.—­Not able to procure a substitute to meet my husband’s class, I ventured myself, sensible of my own unfitness, and earnestly begging God to speak by me.  One person went out, but whatever was the cause, thank God, I felt that my work was with the Lord.—­Went to see poor old Sarah; found her confined to her bed but happy in the Lord:  nature was fast sinking.  I wished her to have a nurse, but she thought she could do alone, as she had a candle, and the Lord was with her:  left her, but found means to procure a nurse for the night.—­A few days ago I was awoke with the words, ‘What shall I do for thee?’ My answer was, ‘Lord, that I may live more fully to Thee, and for Thee.’  Unutterable sweetness filled my soul, and now, while I write, I feel it still.  Glory be to God, His love is ever new.  To walk with Him, transcends all earthly enjoyment.—­During the last week I have learned my own weakness.  Unaided by divine