sicians tell me that I am not very ill, but I think I am-I feel that I am. True it may not be dangerous, but that is uncertain; God only knows what the event may be-it may terminate in death, may it not?" "Uncertainty," I replied, " is engraven on all terrestrial things; but I trust you will soon be restored, and have many years of usefulness added to your life." He paused for a moment-and then replied with much energy, 66 Yes, I hope so too, there is nothing else that makes life desirable, but it is probable that all my work is done, and this idea induced me to send for you-we shall be companions in eternity.-If we are Christians indeed, we shall be angels in the world to come. I insist on it that you visit me, and let nothing prevent it." 66 Seeing him rather anxious I said, My dear friend, make yourself quite easy on that subject, I will come to see you daily." At this his countenance wore a smile, and with much apparent pleasure he said, " Will you ! Then I am satisfied." Perceiving his eyes directed toward the table, I asked him if he wanted any thing? "Yes," he replied, give me that book-look at that page-fold down the leaf, and recollect that I give to you as my charge, that if the disease increase, and death is approaching, you read to It was me that Chapter: it has afforded me much pleasure, and comfort already, and I hope it will again put it in your pocket.' Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the soul, and the Chapter entitled, "The Christian rejoicing in the view of death and judgment." The person in attendance now gave him some refreshment, after which he lay in a composed state for some time-all was silent, and I hoped he was going to sleep, when fixing his eyes on me he said, "Knill, I have seen very little of you since your arrival in Petersburg. I am sorry this should be the case, why was it ?" I answered we have had our appropriate work, and each of us has been labouring in his own sphere "Yes, yes," said he, "it is all well; yes, it is all well, this affliction is well also; I have not been so spiritually minded as I ought to have been, and as we all ought to be- may God grant that this affliction may be made a blessing to me." On the Saturday following, which was the last time I saw him, he said to me in the most solemn and affecting manner, "There is a great work going on, and all of it is preparing for the judgment day; there it will be tried: What a scrutiny! What a day!" I made no reply; but he looked as if he anticipated an answer, when I said, "That day will be the most joyful and glorious you have ever seen." "Yes, if I am saved," he replied. It was then observed, "All who believe in Jesus shall be saved; and you have believed, have you not?” "O yes.""Christ is the only Refuge, and you have fled to Him, have you not?" "He is my only Refuge.' "Christ is the foundation of his Church, and for many years you have been resting on him, have you not ?"-" Yes, O yes, this subject has occupied my mind a good deal this morning, and very pleasant it has been to my soul." I replied, "Let us thank God for this mercy." Fearing that he might be exhausted, I endeavoured to turn his thoughts to another subject, and remarked I saw your friend to-day, and he was much rejoiced to hear you were better. He smiled and said, O, did he." I then spoke to him of the recovery of another of his friends, to which he replied, "I am very glad." I now arose to come away. He perceived it, and said, "What! are you going to leave me!--you shall not leave me-stop, I wish to say to you, Knill, labour for Jesus Christ as long as you have breath in your body." It entered my very soul. I felt it as a voice from the tomb! 66 Yes," said I, I have devoted myself to 66 "that is his service: for this cause I left my native land."--"That is right," he replied, "Christ is worthy: Christ is worthy : Preach the pure Gospel-warn every man to beware of trusting in his own righteousness. O what a day is coming! What a day will the judgment day be! What scenes will then ap pear! You know there is a propensity in men to trust in themselves; but warn them. O could I but give you a view of my thoughts on that subject."" Do not attempt it," I said-" No, no, I will not," he replied, "the subject is too vast-but this let me tell you, that dreadful beyond description will it be for all those who are not placing all their hopes of heaven on the Lord Jesus Christ." I again arose to come away. "What," said he, "Will you go, I have more to tell you." "Yes," said I," But you wish me to preach; and how can that be, if you prevent me from going home to prepare my sermons." He then held out his hand, and with much composure and complacency took a last farewell. After this he spoke very little, but rapidly sunk under his disease, and on Monday the 22d of January 1821, he expired. Doctor Paterson and some other Christian friends were present, praying for an easy dismission at the moment when the spirit took its flight to realms of day. Here Reader for a moment pause, and meditate on the unutterable felicity of heaven. How great must be the joy of the spirits of the just made perfect! 66 "Once they were mourning here below, But now their faith is changed to sight. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat, for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." May this be the everlasting portion of all who read these pages, through Jesus Christ our Lord.-Amen. On the Saturday after Mr. Venning died, his remains were committed to the dust. That a man of such transcendant benevolence should be favoured with the esteem of persons of the most exalted character, will not be thought strange, and that he did possess their esteem is certain both in his life and after he had ceased to breathe. The influence, patronage, and support, which he acquired, are a stiking part of his history, and |