though we may be tempted to doubt it, during the season of comparative darkness and dejection, yet we ought to believe the kind declaration of our compassionate Redeemer, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." "The time of love will come," if it be anticipated by faith, and earnestly prayed for, when the shades of darkness shall be dispersed, as the fogs and mists of a hazy morning, are scattered by the rising sun, and when we shall see that the Lord's time for administering the strong consolations of hope, is the best. Sometimes on the eve of an extraordinary affliction, he lifts up, upon his people the light of his countenance, and they pass through the divided waters in peace: but in general the "intended mercy" is reserved till they are called to enter the dark valley, when they see only the shadow of death in their passage, and are heard to sing as they walk through it, "O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.*

* 1 Cor. xv. 55-57.

MRS. ARGILE,

LATE OF ILKESTON, DERBYSHIRE.

What a fine scene usually opens on the imagination of mortals, as the sun of the nuptial morn arises, and when the voice of the bride, and the bridegroom intermingle their notes in the harmony of bliss!! But alas, how soon may this scene be turned into the desolation of woe, and all the pleasant things of anticipated felicity be laid waste. The passage from the altar to the tomb, is sometimes long, and intersected with many bye paths of evil; but occasionally it is contracted within a short span of time, and the bride has scarcely thrown off her ornaments before she has to prepare for death.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; for the fashion of this world passeth away.*

THIS excellent woman died of a decline, within six months after her marriage. She had for some years been an honourable member of the Church under the care of the Rev. J. Shaw, whose ministry was blessed to her conversion. Mrs. A. manifested great love for the scriptures, was diligent in the means of grace, discovered a warm

* 1 Cor. vii. 29-31.

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attachment to the people of God, was anxiously concerned for the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom; according to her ability was liberal in supporting benevolent institutions, and zealously employed her talents for the good of the rising generation. For more than seven years she was an active and useful teacher in the Sabbath school. In the enjoyment of health, and in the bloom of life, she was enabled, by Divine grace, to choose that good part that could not be taken from her. She was mercifully preserved from the paths of vice, and had her fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. On her sick-bed she was highly favoured with divine consolation, and rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. To some persons, who visited her, she said,

''Tis religion that can give

Sweetest pleasure while we live-
'Tis religion must supply

Solid comforts when we die.'

Though she was much afflicted, yet she experienced so much of the power of religion, that the close of her life resembled a day without clouds, and her sun set in a clear and serene sky. Those sacred truths and divine songs she committed to memory when in health became invaluable sources of comfort under her affliction.

The recital of a few of her expressions in the

prospect of death may serve to describe, in some measure, the happy state of her mind. She frequently said, with a smile, I know I love Christ, and I know he loves me. He is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely.' One day, after she had been speaking of his glories, till she was quite exhausted, she reclined for some time upon her pillow until her strength was recruited, and then broke out, repeating in the most distinct and energetic manner,

No: they are not.' This she repeated several times. On another occasion, having expressed her entire submission to the will of God, she added,

'Dead be my heart to all below,
And all below be dead to me.'

With a smile of ineffable delight, she said, Yes, my heart is dead to all below.' A friend

remarked,' Then you are not afraid to die?" She answered, No, no! I have not been afraid to die for some time past.-I know whom I have believed, and that he will never leave me he will never forsake me.'

For some time before her death, her mind was so completely abstracted from this world, that she could scarcely bear to hear worldly subjects introduced. When she had been exceedingly ill during the night, she would say, I am still waiting I thought I should have been with my heavenly Father before this morning.' I told her she seemed like a ship that had arrived in sight of the long desired port, and was driven out to sea again. Yes,' she said, it is so.' This led me to exhort her to look to Jesus for fresh supplies of his Holy Spirit, that she might wait patiently a little longer, and then she would reach the desired haven. With these sentiments she most cordially acquiesced, and repeated the expressive words of the Poet,

A few more rolling suns at most

Will land me on fair Canaan's coast.'

One time she said, 'My afflictions are heavy, but I am not sweating great drops of blood. What are my afflictions compared with those of my blessed Jesus?'

As she drew nearer the grave, the attractions