“I remain, Dear Sir,

  “Yours most respectfully.

“My mother continues very ill; how it will terminate I know not.  Her affliction bows her down to the dust; and though she casts herself upon the Lord, she seems to have no joyous feeling.  I have been with her night and day.  Sometimes sorrow overcomes me; but the promise, which I received some months since, when I was praying for her, follows me daily:  ’At evening time it shall be light,’—­At the Watch-night service Mr. Wood desired us, on our return home, to take pen and paper, and testify whom we would serve.  To Thee, O Lord, I plight my vows; in the strength of Thy grace, I WILL SERVE THEE.  Thou, who seest me, ratify the decision in heaven.  Help me to perform what Thou requirest of me.  My talents, my time, my body, my soul; be wholly Thine.  Amen, and amen.

MARY LYTH.

  Here with the closing year,
    I would my vows renew;
  Humbly before Thy throne appear;
  In mercy do Thou deign to hear,
    Descend, and bless me now.”

“1828.—­When I awoke, this blessed admonition was given me for a morning repast; ‘Abide ye in My love;’ and sweet it was to my taste.”

  A BIRTHDAY THOUGHT.

  No cold wish do I express,—­
  Many birthday’s happiness;
  But in heart sincerely pray,
  God may dwell in you each day;
  Every day, a birthday prove,
  Born anew in Jesus’ love.

“I was sent for to visit L.G., but she did not come to see me.  Oh! what a deplorable case! without God! without hope! and without desire!  Her friends, who had come for me, seemed concerned on her account.  Lord, lay to Thy mighty hand; the work is Thine.  Praised be Thy name, for opening my eyes, once equally blind, though at a much earlier period.  I am a much greater debtor to grace, because of its long continuance, great forbearance, and incessant efforts to win my worthless heart.”

  MY WEDDING DAY.  LINES ADDRESSED TO MY HUSBAND.

  Full thrice seven years I’ve shared your home and name,
  Nor yet extinguished is affection’s flame: 
  By reason tempered, now with steady heat,
  It brighter glows, fed by endearments sweet. 
  Hail then the day, that made us one on earth,
  Yet not with pipe, and song, and foolish mirth;
  Bather to God let us our vows repay
  With hearts united;—­at His footstool say
  “We will be Thine; call us Thy love, Thy bride,
  And let us shelter in Thy bleeding side.” 
  So when dissolved the matrimonial chain,
  We die, to live; and live, to meet again. 
  Transporting thought! through our Redeemer’s love,
  We have the promise of a house above;
  Death disappears, with all his sable train,
  And light, and life, and love for ever reign. 
  Come then, my love, let us together rise,
  Forget the things behind, and seek the prize;
  By fervency of spirit daily show
  We pilgrims are, and sojourners below: