been converted, and is under the influence of right principles, can he expect to derive consolation, except from the exercise of faith in the Redeemer? Suppose, for example, by a patient investigation he is led to perceive, that he has not deceived himself, that he always has been a disciple from the hour he professed to be one, and that the causes which led to this decision, were what he judged them to be, when he first felt their operative power, he has arrived at the satisfactory conclusion, that he is sincere; but will he substitute his sincerity in religion, in the place of a Saviour? Ought he to derive his highest consolation from this source, or to place any dependence on it? And is it not to this refined species of delusion that we may ascribe most of those fears and misgivings, which agitate and convulse the feelings of many, through every period of their religious history? Instead of looking to Christ, depending on Christ, living by faith in Christ, and honouring him, by a steadfast belief in the efficacy of his death, and the fidelity of his character, they are looking to themselves for some moral discovery, which they have never made; for some spiritual attainment, which they have never acquired; and for some elevation of feeling, which they have never reached; but to expect, while thus engaged, to enjoy the full assurance of hope, or to anticipate, with unruffled confidence a state of future glory, would be no less unscriptural, than it would prove delusive.

This is one of the great mistakes which is often committed by the children of the pious, and which should be guarded against in the first days of their profession, or their future path may be shaded by the darkening clouds of doubt and suspicion, and though they may have intermitting seasons of enjoyment, when faith springs up under some powerfully exciting cause, yet they will never enjoy that perpetual sunshine of bliss, which beams on the soul, which lives the life of faith in Him; nor can they expect to depart in the extacy of bliss. And yet they are safe. As their fullest assurance would never make their final salvation, more certain, neither will their perpetual misgivings, render it less secure; and though like the amiable

youth, whose obituary has given rise to these remarks, they may, while living, feel the perpetual alternation of hope and fear, of deep despondency and elevated joy, yet, like him, they may, in their last moments, enjoy a calm which no fear can ruffle, and fall asleep in Jesus, under a firm persuasion, that they shall be for ever with the Lord.

MRS. MANSFIELD.

THE late Mrs. Mansfield, who resided at Derby, till within a few years of her decease, received her earliest religious impressions, when reading the following words, "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."* When she began to distinguish herself, by her devout attachment to the cause of the Redeemer, she had to endure the opprobrium of her relations, and the reproaches of the world; but she held on her way with such steady firmness, and displayed so much excellence of character, that she ultimately triumphed over all opposition, gained the esteem of those who once reproached her for her enthusiasm, and had the gratification of seeing her two daughters imbibing her faith, and following her steps.

Psa. ix. 10.

Her views of divine truth were remarkably correct; and she gloried in the high and distinguishing doctrines of free grace-frequently lamenting the departure of the present day from those principles which "humble the sinner, exalt the Saviour, and promote holiness." Possessed of a clear and strong intellectual capacity, she easily discriminated between truth and error, however specious the covering of the latter might be; and never employed equivocation in the avowal of what she believed.

The ordinances of the Lord's house she greatly delighted in; and, whenever her health would permit, punctually attended divine worship three times on the Lord's Day, and the early morning prayer-meetings; together with all week-day services, even when advanced beyond her 70th year. Private prayer she devoutly and habitually regarded; and those who attended upon her testify, that for many years she never received either nourishment or medicine, without first looking up to God for his blessing upon it.

After having "adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour" for a long period of time, and considerably contributed to the promotion of the rising cause of Christ at Derby, she removed to Birmingham, to reside with her daughters, the eldest having entered into the marriage union with Mr. Charles Glover.*

* See page 103 of this work,

Having long laboured under great bodily infirmities, it was apprehended that the approaches of the last enemy would have been in a lingering and painful manner: under the expectation of this, she bowed with calm submission to the will of God; and, fully sensible of her own weakness, prayed for the upholding power of the Spirit of Christ, that He might be glorified in her sufferings. Though enabled for a long course of years to bring honour to the Lord, by a close walk with him, and entertaining pure evangelical views of his method of freely justifying a sinner through faith in the blood and righteousness of his own dear Son, no one was more free from those presumptive notions which too frequently characterize the abusers of this glorious truth. Deeply abased in her own eyes, she put away from herself the consolation arising from an assurance of her personal interest in this invaluable blessing, thinking it "too great to be bestowed on such a wretch!" Indeed, few persons had more abasing views of themselves, or lay lower in their own eyes. "She hoped all would be well;" but would say no more. A peculiarly severe jealousy over herself continually predominated; and while she was indulged with affluence and every earthly good, her great concern was, that all might be well between God and her soul.

Thus this venerable matron, approximating to her eternal rest, lived low in the dust, with her