"inclined to go in. Who knows, I thought " with myself, but the LORD may have directed "me hither. I went in, and near the door finding a seat unoccupied, I entered into it, and sat down. The minister was discoursing "on the mercies of GoD, in sending His Son "to be the Saviour of the world, If this "Saviour was my Saviour, I thought, how "happy should I be! I felt myself considerably "affected, and frequently turned my face to the "wall and wept. And many times, during the ❝ continuance of the service, so much was my "heart interested by what I heard, that I wept "aloud, and could not refrain:

"I had disturbed some of the congregation, "it appeared, by my behaviour; so that, as "soon as the service was finished, two or three "of the men came towards me with much

66

anger, asking me what I meant by coming "there to interrupt their worship with my "drunkenness. But when they discovered the "real state of the case, and I had told them

the whole desires of my mind, they almost "devoured me with kindness. This served very "much also, under God, to convince me, that "their religion must be the true religion, which "produced such effects.

"Not to fatigue you with my relation, it "will be sufficient to observe, that from that “hour my mind began to discover hope. And "as the kind people, into whose congregation "I had thus entered, undertook to instruct me "in the principles of the Christian faith, I soon

"learnt, under GOD, the fulfilment of the "Jewish scriptures in the Christian. And now "I find cause, every day, more and more, to "bless the LORD for what He hath done for 66 my soul.

"One little event more" (he added) "I will, "if you please, relate, which happened soon "after my going into this church. My business "of selling my pens obliged me to go to another "city, about twelve miles distant from the one "where I dwelt; and calling at a pastry-cook's

shop, who occasionally dealt with me, a cir"cumstance occurred which became highly "serviceable to me in my new path of life."There sat in the shop a venerable gentleman, "dressed in black; the mistress of the house "stood behind the counter, and I was just "within the door. A poor beggar, looking "miserably ill, came in for a tart."

'Ah!

John,' (cried the old gentleman) 'what, you have left the infirmary.

'declared to be incurable?

Is your disorder

Yes, Sir,' (re

Well, John, (an

plied the poor man) they say they can do nothing more for me.' swered the old gentleman) there is one Physician more which I would have you try: and He never fails to cure. And He doth it also without money and without price.' "The poor man's countenance seemed to brighten "at this; and he said," Who is he?' It is the LORD JESUS CHRIST,' (said the gentleman) Pray go to him, John; and if He be pleased to heal your body, it will be a blessed re

(

covery for you indeed; and if not, He can and will heal your soul.' "The poor man "did not relish the advice; for he went away “looking angrily. As for me, I cried out (for "I could not refrain) May the LORD bless you, "sir, for what you have said in your recom"mendations of my Master and Saviour! He " is indeed all you have described Him, for He "hath cured both my body and soul, Astonished "at what I said, the gentleman expressed his "surprize, in observing," I thought you were 'I < a Jew!" "I was, sir, (I answered) once; but by grace I am now a Christian. He caught "me by the hand, and intreated me to go with "him to his house, where I related to him, as "I have to you, the means under God of my "conversion. And when I had finished my

story, at his request, we dropped on our knees "in prayer. And oh! sirs, the fervor and "earnestness with which he prayed, and the "thanksgivings which he expressed for the "LORD's mercy to my soul, never shall I forget. "The recollection, even at this distance, con"tinues to warm my heart."

When the poor man had finished his narrative, my friend and I looked at each other, then at him, and then upward. One sentiment, I am persuaded, pervaded both hearts; and this was the language, Great and marvellous are Thy works, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! Just and true are Thy ways, Thou KING of Saints!

My companion offered him money, at which he seemed hurt. "I am sorry" (he said) "that

you should think so unfavourably of me." Well, but" (answered my friend) "we have "detained you from your employment; and it "is but just, that as you have so highly con"tributed to our pleasure, we ought not to "make it detrimental to your interest." " I "should be very sorry" (replied the poor man) "if my diligence would not make up for those ❝ occasional interruptions, which are so sweet "and refreshing in my own heart, while giving "satisfaction to others. No, sir, I thank you "for your intentions; but I cannot accept your "offer. Besides, I need it not; I have enough "and to spare. GOD supplies all my wants, " and enables me sometimes to help the wants " of others."

The poor man took his leave, after mutual wishes and prayers for our spiritual welfare. And the night being now advanced, after reading the scriptures, and prayer, we departed each to his chamber.

The town clock struck five, just after I awoke from a state of sleep much refreshed. I called to mind that sweet promise of God to His people, and found cause to bless Him, in that it had been again verified to my experience; When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.*

I recollected also, that many of the LORD'S children were at that moment in a state of pain and suffering, and, like Job, complaining that

Prov. iii. 24.

wearisome nights were appointed unto them. I felt my heart drawn out, under the fulness of the impression, to adopt the language of the sorrowful sisters, and to tell the LORD, Many whom Thou lovest are sick.+

When we consider the defenceless state of sleep, and the many dangers to which our poor fallen nature is then peculiarly exposed; not merely to the ravages of enemies, against which bolts and bars might cast up some little security; but the carelessness of friends, from which none but His watchful eye, who never slumbers nor sleeps, can guard us; how suitable is that sentiment of the church of old, to form the first impression of the mind at the dawn of day; It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not; they are new every morning.*

I have often thought, when looking upon some dear child of my affection, in its unconscious state of sleep, what creature of all God's works is so truly helpless, and so much exposed to danger, as man in that season! But I have not unfrequently found relief therefrom, in the assurance that this very state, in the necessity of it, implies the existence of a peculiar superintendance. And, indeed, the eventual experience of thousands is continually bearing testimony to the truth of that precious promise; My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

↑ Job vii. 3. + John xi. 3.

* Lam. iii. 22. || Isa. xxxii. 18.