who hitherto has done, and will continue to do, all things well for him, when he comes to die. Sufficient for his expectation, that his God assures him, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Isaiah xliii. 2, 3. This good old man expects the Lord will so order his departure, that as the water of Jordan divided its course, and made a safe passage for the Israelites to the land of Canaan, so neither would the Lord forsake him in death, but support him by his presence and his care, leaving his troubles like the gathered waters behind him. But his expectations go BEYOND DEATH. Though at death his frail body shall return to the dust, his flesh shall rest in hope for the morning of the resurrection; and his soul, when absent from the body, shall instantly be present with the Lord. And in that great day appointed for the consummation of all things, the Christian finally expects that his body and soul shall be re-united, and received to the celestial state of perfect holiness and eternal blessedness, to sing the praises of God and the Lamb for ever and ever! All these most interesting subjects, which form the substance of the believer's expectation, the aged Christian will assure you are not founded upon his own merit, nor his personal fitness, but wholly upon the grace and faithfulness of God, the perfection of the work of Christ, the operation of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and the never failing promises recorded in the Bible. At present, while in the body, he will sum up the whole in the last words of David, Although my house be not so with God; (as I could wish) yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. 2 Samuel xxiii. 5. These are a few outlines of the aged Christian. The formation of his religious character, his employment in reviewing the events of his long life, and his expressions of feeling under the infirmities and afflictions of age. We have likewise glanced at the virtues which distinguish his character from others; and have stated a few of the subjects of expectation on his future happiness. It is therefore now necessary to ask, What uses should we make of this description for ourselves? When an artist has finished a painting, he is solicitous to place it in a position where the light and shades of the piece may be seen to the best advantage; and if this description be pronounced a likeness, or a resemblance, we will attempt to find a place suitable to receive it. Suppose we place it in a FAMILY, it will not be despised by any but the ungodly, and virtuous relatives and friends will admire the features, while some aged person may wish that he was like him. Introduce it to the light of the WORLD, and let the public eye gaze upon it, certainly it will show the care of God in his providence over man to old age, while it will bring to recollection the value of such a gracious man in society. you please, present the likeness to the eye of IN If FIDELITY, if infidelity may have an eye to see, and without question; the long life of a man, exhibiting the virtues of Christianity, is one of the most positive evidences of the authenticity of the Scriptures. THE CHURCH is unquestionably a suitable place to exhibit this resemblance, for there it will be viewed in all its parts, illustrating the grace of the Lord Jesus, who forms the character; and there it will be viewed by young and old with pious admiration, and as worthy of the most devout imitation. But, if my reader is disposed to call this piece a MINIATURE, I can have no objection to his wearing it is his bosom, for the purpose of correcting his own character, so far as it is drawn according to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and to HIM be ascribed all the glory. Amen. Internal evidence assures the man Who feels it of the pow'r of truth divine; Its hidden bevuties of a place in heav'n. But rich experience will produce rich fruit, Thoughts, words, and actions, in one golden chain Ja CHRISTIAN beauty, flourish where it may. Swair. CONVERSATION Between Mrs. Stevenson and the Widow Lee, on the Death of her venerated Husband. MR. and Mrs. Lee, married in early life, were in easy circumstances, and favoured with a son and two daughters, who lived to form honourable connexions in society. Few aged couple lived in greater warmth of conjugal affection for each other than they, or were more highly esteemed for their exemplary piety and godliness, whether in the family, the church, or in the neighbourhood in which they lived. Mr. Lee, in the 77th year of his age, received a stroke of appoplexy, which speedily terminated in death; and the event produced those keen sensations in the breast of the widow Lee, that her mind became disconsolate. Mrs. Stevenson, a pious lady, made her bereaved friend a visit, in hope of soothing her sorrow. Being introduced to the widow's chamber, the following conversation passed between them. Conversation between Mrs. Stevenson, &c. 37 My afflicted and bereaved friend, Mrs. Lee, I could not suppress a desire to give you a call, and inquire after your health; at the same time indulging a hope, that I should find you submissive to the will of your heavenly Father, who has called away your earthly companion. Mrs. Lee dropt a tear, and expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Stevenson for her visit. I know, my dear friend, said she, that I am under the greatest obligation to be submissive to the will of my heavenly Father, but the stroke which separated my kind husband from my arms, was so sudden and severe, that it shook my nervous system, and my better judgment seems to have failed. Indeed I must confess, that at times I am ready to say, I do well to be angry, but indulging a little more reflection, and I am more angry with myself for possessing the thought. Mrs. Stevenson replied, At your advanced years, when the animal nature declines, the nervous system must be expected to relax and grow feeble, and no surprise, my friend, that you should bend beneath so heavy a stroke. And although your judgment now swerves from the will of God, in this afflictive event, I hope the cloud may soon disperse, and that you shall say, his will is love! Besides, you have enjoyed so much mercy from the Lord, and walked before him so many years, you cannot be altogether ignorant of Satan's devices, for he never fails to take advantage of our afflictions, to |