r
qualifications of his mind, that had long been under religious influence
and impressions.

In his public and private life he fully answered the expectations of his
numerous acquaintance and friends, as well as the most sanguine wishes
of an anxious and affectionate father, who yet seemed disposed to
indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friends kindly endeavoured,
by many pious and philosophical discourses, to awaken him to a
consideration of his former piety, and humble trust in an all-wise
Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolation consists in
resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker, even in the
severest afflictions; who, although he may have thought fit to deprive
us of some, for the many remaining blessings we may still be in
possession of; and that a firm reliance on Providence, however our
affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the only
consolatory source that we can have recourse to in the gloomy hours of
distress; and that such dependance, though often crossed by troubles and
difficulties, may at length be crowned with success in our most arduous
undertakings, and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected
happiness.

[_A&M_, Preface:

One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence,
however the affections might be at war with its dispensations, is
the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours of affliction;
and that generally such dependence, though crossed by difficulties
and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last.]

"Afflictions all his children feel,
Affliction is the Father's rod;
He wounds them for his mercy sake,
He wounds to heal."

[James Montgomery: The Grave. In _The Wanderer of Switzerland_
(1806). Stz. 1:

A bruised reed he will not break,
Afflictions all his children feel;
He wounds them for his mercy's sake,
He wounds to heal!]

The clear, calm sunshine of a mind illumined by piety, and a firm
reliance upon Supreme wisdom, crowns all other divine blessings. It
irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils attendant on our
nature; it renders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that
cheerfulness and resignation which has its foundation in a life of
rectitude and charity; and in the full exercise of Christian principles
we may find still increasing happiness.

[_NY Weekly_: Chearfulness (quoting Dr. Blair):