I quoted them amongst the friends of the deceased, and added such words as were given me at the time.  There was a deep silence:  what was the impression I leave; I only discharged a duty, and could only reach the ear, but do Thou, whose instrument I am, effectually touch each heart, and save them all.  Penelope informs me, that the poor man I visited when in Sinnington, has begun to attend the house of God.  May his good desires end in sound conversion.—­I visited poor Fanny; with tears of joy starting in her eyes, she said, ’Glory be to God, I feel my soul so happy, that I would fly if it were possible.’  Truly in this home of poverty, the power of divine grace is exemplified.  I have also seen neighbour G. for the fourth time; it is delightful to visit her:  she appears fully sensible of her state, and has received a little comfort; but not the clear witness of her acceptance.—­In consequence of sickness, I laid a little longer than usual; but my meditations were sweet.  For a time my mind was borne as on eagles’ wings, far above the things of earth; I seemed to breathe the atmosphere of heaven, and to commune with Jesus in heavenly places:  this baptism delightfully sustained my mind through the trials of the day.—­Probably this is the last Sabbath of my residence in York.  Some think we are missing the path of providence:  I do not know; but this I can say, I am willing to stay, or willing to go, and earnestly desire, that the will of God may be done in me and by me, whether in public or retirement.

  In silence, lo!  I sit
    To hear Thy gentle voice;
  And lowly at Thy feet,
    Share Mary’s nappy choice: 
  Speak as Thou wilt, but speak within,
    And make my nature wholly clean. 
  This day of hallowed joy,
    The day the Lord arose,
  Thy glorious power employ,
    And vanquish all my foes;
  To me the power of faith impart,
    And reign triumphant in my heart.

Another week has elapsed, and we are still in York.  O Lord, direct our path, and guide us by Thy counsel.  I would leave all in Thy hands:  I think I do.

XII.

COUNTRY LIFE.

  “COME, MY BELOVED, LET US GO OUT INTO THE FIELD; LET US
  LODGE IN THE VILLAGES.”—­Cant. vii. 11.

In the spring of 1829, Mr. Lyth retired to a country residence, which he had built upon a small estate, between three and four miles from the city.  The propriety of this step, as it seemed to involve the sacrifice of many religious advantages, was by some intimate friends regarded with grave suspicion; and it may fairly be doubted, how far a Christian man, with the view of enjoying the fruits of his industry, has a right to withdraw himself and his family from a sphere of usefulness, and privilege, to one of comparative retirement.  Can he be equally useful?  Will his family enjoy equal privileges?  If not let him pause, for he is under a higher law than that