s enabled to wade through, without, knowing what course to
take when I got to the other side. I do not mention this as being in the
whole applicable to thy case; but as a fellow Christian traveller towards
the celestial city, I earnestly intreat thee, in the love of the gospel,
never to consider thyself on a level, or at liberty to act in full scope,
with the man of business, who thinks himself created to pursue the things
of time without being responsible to his Creator for endeavoring to reach
a situation in life which would enable him to prepare for eternity. Thou
wilt not be long at a loss what to do if thou dost not overlook the secret
motive in thy own breast. Do not grieve at losing a little of what thou
hast; it will come again, if for the best, and may bring the double reward
of peace. If thou attendest to that directing Hand which has hitherto
preserved thee as a monument of thy Heavenly Father's mercy, thy victory
is already sure, though thou mayst not know it. It is not for the test,
consequently not permitted, that we should always see our way. Were this
the case there would be no exercise of faith. The servant of the prophet
was blind as to the power which preserved them, when he saw a host of the
enemy encamped against them: he cried out, "Alas, my master, how shall we
do!" But his master answered, "Fear not; for they that be with us are more
than they that be with them;" and the prophet prayed that the young man
might be made to see. And when his eyes were opened, what did he see? Why,
he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them.
The Lord's chosen people are continually encircled with these chariots of
fire, otherwise it would not be possible to be so mercifully preserved
from harm. Should it be insinuated to thee that thou art not of this
chosen race, let me tell thee, we become children of the Most High as soon
as he has raised in us a desire to serve him, and we become willing to
abide under his protecting wing whatever changes may take place in our own
feelings during the operation of his holy hand upon us.

Nothing is more important in the life of a Christian than the manner in
which he turns to account the opportunities for serving his Lord which
continually spring up before him.

6 _mo_. 23.--Going last evening to Wenington, to repeat my French
lesson, my friends there asked me to call with them on a sick person;
feeling quite free to do so, I went with them. On sit