saying to me, 'You have not been doing my work in my way? you have been too hasty. Now sit down, and be content to be a quiet idler: and wait till I give you leave again to go on in your labours'." In respect to his PERSONAL COMFORT, he had said---“ I have attained satisfaction as to my state, by a consciousness of change in my own breast, mixed with a consciousness of integrity. Two evidences are satisfactory to me:-- 1. A consciousness of approving God's plan of government in the Gospel. 2. A consciousness, that, in trouble, I run to God as a child." These evidences Mr. C. illustrated even in his diseased moments before his death. On that afflicting dispensation I shall not here dwell, as I think nothing can be added to what my friend, his successor, has so well said in the second of his Funeral Sermons, and 'which Mrs. Cecil has quoted toward the close of her Memoir. Such was Mr. Cecil. I sincerely regret that some masterly observer did not both enjoy and improve opportunities of delineating a more perfect picture of his great mind. I have, however, faithfully detailed the impressions which his character made on me, during a long course of affectionate admiration of him nor have I shrunk from intermingling such remarks, as every faithful observer must find occasion to make while he is watching the unfoldings of the best and greatest of men.. CHRISTIAN PARENTS, and particularly CHRISTIAN MOTHERS, may gather from the history and character of our departed friend every possible encouragement to the unwearied care of their children. While St. Austin, Bishop Hall, Richard Hooker, John Newton, Richard Cecil, and many other great and eminent servants of Christ, have left on record their grateful acknowledgments to their pious mothers, as the instruments under the grace and blessing of God, of winning them to himself, let no woman of faith and prayer despair respecting even ber most untoward child. Mr. Cecil's MERE ADMIRERS should feel what a weight of responsibility his ministry and his character have laid them under. They gave him the ear, but he laboured for the heart. They were pleased with the man, but he prayed that they might become displeased with themselves. They would aid him in his schemes, but he was anxious that they should serve his Master. How soon must they meet him at that judgment-seat before which all must appear, to receive according to what they have done in the body whether good or evil! His SINCERE FRIENDS are called to imitate his example--to follow him as he followed Christ---to live above this vain world---to sacrifice every thing to the honour of Christ and the interests of Eternity--to bear up under pain and weariness and anxiety, leaning on Almighty Strength: till they join him in that world where weakness shall be felt no more! JOSIAH PRATT. |