might be named, who knew her worth, and now lament their loss. Many and severe were the trials of her life, which she endured with patience and becoming fortitude. Although she was a woman of piety, and firmly believed the great truths of the gospel, such was the jealousy she indulged over her own heart, and so solemn did she consider a public profession of Christ, that she never could collect sufficient resolution to become a visible member of the Reformed Dutch Church, though there, it was her delight, from her youth, to perform her public devotions. Some months before her decease, her flesh and heart began visibly to fail. The trials of her heart especially were enlarged through many doubts, fears and temptations. Under all these, she was employed in fervent prayers to her Lord; while the directions, the truths, and the promises of the gospel, were welcome to her heart, although the desired assurance and consolation in Christ were not immediately granted. Indeed, the pains of the decaying flesh, and the severity of conflict in the failure of the heart, which I have described in this discourse, were all, most seriously realized in the person of M" Lewis. While beneath this oppressive load of affliction, the visits of her old friend Dr. Kuyper, and other Clergy of the Dutch Church, were highly gratifying. I have frequently observed, that after prayer, on her behalf, she would for some time, be solemnly engaged in silence with her God. True is that promise, at evening time it shall be light, Zech. 14. 7. For, when the shadows of death were cast upon her, the light of the Lord shone upon her heart, and enabled her to repeat with confidence, one of her favorite texts, into thine hand I commit my spirit, thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth. In this frame of mind she continued, until her spirit quitted its mortal body, to inherit its everlasting portion in endless light and glory! I cannot but express my sincere wish, that the surviving children, grand-children and friends of the disceased M Lewis may, on this occasion, learn the most solemn lessons of their own mortality; and the vast importance of the Lord becoming their Redeemer, their strength, and their portion; without which, neither present, nor future felicity, can be enjoyed.Young Children,-testify your respect for the memory of your departed Grand-mother, by being obedient to your Parents, and by practising the many advices you have received to Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Let every branch of the family realize how short a time we have to live; the necessity of pardon and peace from a crucified Saviour, to meet death and judgment. In the possession of these, may you resolve with Job, All the days of my appointed time will I wait until my change come. Then shall you prove the truth and virtue of the text, that when flesh and heart fail, the Lord will be the strength of your hearts, and your portion for ever. The subject of this discourse is certainly calculated to teach all in this assembly very interresting and important lessons. How frail, how decaying is our mortal flesh! In the midst of life, we are in death. David, when under a solemn impression of this humiliating fact, thus addressed his Lord, when thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. SELAH. Psm. 39. 11. For the body is as a garment to the soul; in it, sin is like a moth, which by degrees, fretteth and weareth it away first the beauty, then the strength, and finally the contexture of its parts. Whoever with attention has observed the progress of a consumption, or any other lingering disease, or the slow and silent advances of old age, will need no further illustration of this correct and affecting similitude. Nor will such be at any loss to discern the propriety of the reflection which follows upon it, Surely, every man is vanity. SELAH. That is, NOTA BENE; mark it well, study it attentively for your improvement. Our spirits too, our heart, however vigorous in the pursuits of life, will soon become languid, and finally fail. In this state, like a second childhood, how much shall we need the cordials of friendship; and more especially the smiles of a compassionate, faithful Saviour to soothe our steps to the grave! Let these reflections convince you of the value of health, and the strength of life while you possess them. As members of society, and connected with your respectivè families, and especially as accountable to your God, while hastening to the dust: improve your time and talent; perform your various duties with fidelity and affection for the advantage of all with whom you are connected. Let not one present, whether young or old, pass through life, without leaving behind them the impress of their feet in paths of virtue and beneficience. Be wise, and consider your latter end, before flesh and heart shall fail; and see, that the Lord is now the strength of your soul. Oh, what mercy, pardon, peace and strength, do you need to prepare for your last conflict in death! no other rock, no other strength will be adequate for your support, but what are found in Christ alone. Possessed of these most invaluable blessings, you will determine with Paul, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For, to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. AN HYMN. The God of love will sure indulge Yet not one anxious murmuring thought Beneath a numerous train of ills, Parent and husband, guard and guide, Our Father GOD, to thee we look, RIPPON'S COL. END, |