eem as
a sister in Christ, and to whom thou didst look for fresh
communication from and through that written word, which she could
read and thou couldst not. Oh, how did she prove as a broken reed
unto thee; how did she neglect thy necessity, and her own opportunity
of bringing forth fruit in its season. Thou hast been no loser. The
Lord passed by the slothful servant, the unfaithful steward, who
neglected to give thee thy meat in due season, and himself took her
place; took thee from that household which was not worthy of thee,
and led thee to those mansions of bliss which himself purchased and
prepared; set thee at that table which shall never be drawn, where
thou shalt feast on all the fulness of God, and drink of those
pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. No need of old
mistress now; no need of any earthly vessel now, nor of that written
word which thou didst so highly prize. The Word made flesh has
removed the veil that shaded the glory of the God-man from thine
eyes; flesh and blood could not behold it; of this he has unclothed
thee--left it with us to look upon and mourn our sin. Thee he has
introduced into the full vision of eternal day, where thou knowest as
thou art known, and seest as thou art seen. O that full communion
enjoyed between a holy soul and the perfection of holiness! O that
light of life, that ocean of love, that inconceivable blessedness.
How hast thou outrun us, brother Pero; how distanced us in a moment.
Oh, could I not watch with thee one hour? Oh that I had received thy
last blessing, instead of which, conscious offence, deserved rebuke,
painful compunction wring my heart; and perhaps the rod of correction
may be suspended, and now ready to fall on my guilty head.

"Father, O my Father, am I not still thy child--still thy
adopted? Have not I an Advocate with thee, Jesus Christ the righteous,
whom thou hearest always? does not the blood of Christ cleanse from
all sin? yes, O yes. This is my universal remedy; thousands and ten
thousands of times have I experienced its efficacy. Father, I again
apply; blessed Spirit, do thine office. Wash me, and I shall be clean;
purge me, and I shall be whiter than snow. I confess my sin, I
acknowledge mine iniquity. Thou didst bring to me an old disciple,
near and dear to his and my Saviour; thou didst require me to minister
unto him all that he needed; the honor was great, the opportunity
valuable. Thou didst empty thy servant for a tim