ed me in answer to prayer, though I am still very weak. During
my affliction my mind has been variously exercised; sometimes I could
cast myself with all my concerns upon God; at other times was much
depressed; once in the multitude of my thoughts within me, it was
suggested, as if a voice spoke to me, 'What things soever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'"

I thank Thee for the comfort given,
When agonized with pain;
The love infused--the taste of heaven,
That cheered my heart again;
In answer to the faithful prayers
Of many a fervent soul,
Disease retired--for mercy spares,
And makes the sinner whole.

VI.

GROWTH IN GRACE.

"AS THE TENDER GRASS, SPRINGING OUT OF THE EARTH, BY
CLEAR SHINING AFTER RAIN."--2 Sam. xxiii. 4.

God doeth nothing in vain. Cloud and sunshine, stormy winds, and
steeping rains, have each their appointed purpose; and in their season
contribute to bless, and refresh the earth; that it may bring forth
its increase for the service of man and beast. You have often seen,
how after a shower in the cheerful spring-time, the green meadows
have suddenly put on a fresher and livelier hue; and the tender grass
seemed to grow before your eyes. Just so, in the higher economy of
grace, seasons of trial and affliction have their definite design;
only here the effect is not determined by an irresistible law; but
suspended upon the conduct of man. The heart must be open to receive
the genial influences, which are thus mysteriously communicated;
the will must submissively bow under the dispensations of an allwise
Providence; and, especially, seasons of affliction should be seasons
of earnest prayer. Then will they be followed by a marked increase of
spiritual life and power. Mrs. Lyth benefitted by her afflictions; and
although she more frequently mourns over her own unprofitableness, her
growth in grace is clearly apparent in her journal, which we resume.

"1820.--Although I have the victory I cannot yet say the old man is
dead; some seeds of peevishness yet remain to be destroyed. Praise
God, I hate the garment spotted by the flesh. 'All peace, all love,'
is the desire of my heart, and the longing of my soul.--A day of
fasting and prayer; but separation from every thing that defileth is
what is pleasing to the Lord. May this be my continual abstinence.
Amen.--Not able to procure a substitute to meet my husband's class, I