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To Mr. J. T.

"December 14, 1832.

"You speak of the death of H., and of the pleasing testimony he bore in life and death to the religion of Jesus. This is joyful intelligence to a pastor, though solemn and affecting to know that another of his beloved flock has gone, to be met no more until the judgment. This is the blessed fruit of his labors to prepare his people to live the life and die the death of the righteous. 'What,' says the holy apostle, ' is my joy and crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye, at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ?' May all the members of our beloved church so let their light shine, that others shall take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus! It is the vital power of the gospel in the members of a church, which renders that church efficient and powerful; and it is the grace of God kept vigorously alive by watchfulness and prayer in the heart of each individual member, which makes each efficient as a holy man, in his appropriate sphere, and makes up the aggregate of holy efficiency and power in a church."

To Mr. J. T.

"March 28, 1833.

"I am rejoiced to hear that brother H. will probably remain with our people for some time longer; this is kindly ordered of the Lord, and doubtless in answer to prayer. A praying church will always be a prosperous church; they resort to Him who holds at his disposal all hearts, and gifts, and graces. Prayer and love will carry a church through fire and through water, and bring her in triumph out of the severest conflicts. May my beloved people abound in both of these holy exercises, as I believe they do. I hope the brethren and sisters will render

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MEMOIR OF SAMUEL GREEN.

to Mr. H. all the assistance and encouragement in their power, in visiting. I know our dear people must stand in special need of faithful pastoral visits. Do not expect, however, too much of him. I know from experience, that even a pastor can do but a small part in this way, of what the heart fervently desires. There is a noble spirit here, (N. Y.) among the pastors. Churches are multiplying. The churches may not be so rich and full; greater sacrifices on the part of the members and pastors may be demanded; but more laborers are brought into the field; more activity and a better spirit are induced."

To the same.

"The interest you express in the welfare of me and mine, do not allow me to withhold an expression of my warmest gratitude.

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"The Lord, who is sovereign possessor of all things in the world and in the church, appointed most manifestly all these circumstances for me, and in his holy providence laid this necessity upon me. Indeed, the hand of God is so visible to me in all this protracted bodily infirmity, as well as in the manner in which I have been sustained, comforted, and cheered by the hand and voice of Christian friendship, that for me to murmur, would seem to be nothing short of flying in the face of God. God help us to remember that our sacrifices and sufferings are nothing, compared with those of Jesus Christ in our behalf!”

CHAPTER XVII.

RESOLUTIONS-LETTERS TO MR. C. S.-MR. J. G.-MR. J. M.-LEAVES NEW YORK-ELIZABETHTOWN-EASTON

MAUNCHUNK-READING-MORRISTOWN-NEW YORK AN

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"MARCH. 1. Have felt very desirous to write one or more letters to my beloved flock, since I have been in this city, and have several times begun to collect my thoughts and look over the field of their wants, but found the effort greater than my shattered nerves would sustain, and postponed it from conscientious motives. I have much to write them, and long to communicate my full soul; but God interposes, and informs me that for the present it is 'his will to instruct my dear people by other tongues, and warn them by other messengers. Lord, thy plans are wisest and best, though it may seem otherwise to weak mortals!

"Sweet submission! To infirmities of body, and a darkening prospect of recovery, there is added an oppression of heart, which none but a pastor in bondage can know; yet, not my will but thine be done!'

"Have repeatedly, since my sickness, blamed myself for not having sufficiently sympathized, when I was in health, with my sick brethren; and accordingly RESOLVED, should God restore me to health, that I would be far more attentive to my sick brethren, and strangers who might be in the city, or within the reach of my attentions, and would feel it a paramount duty, however pressed with other cares, to devote more time to them. God has taught me by my travels in foreign countries, and by protracted sickness, to know something of the heart of the stranger and of the sick. Preserve, O Lord, in my bosom those vivid impressions through all coming days! I am now often suddenly surprised at the heartless and indifferent inquiries which are made of me about my health and circumstances, and the utter coldness with which any account from me is listened to. I am not, however, pained or troubled by it; I have myself been faulty in this thing. Besides, I find that human sympathy is nothing to be compared to a heart fixed, trusting in God.

"RESOLVED, I will remember that calling at the door of a stranger or a sick man, and leaving a card or name, with kind respects, even when time, health, or other circumstances do not admit of an interview, produces a very pleasing impression.

"RESOLVED, That I will cultivate more of a fraternal, loving spirit towards all my ministerial brethren, and towards all the dear servants of the Lord Jesus Christ with whom I may have any intercourse; suppressing the first risings of jealousy, envy, and selfishness in all its forms, as hateful to God, and injurious to his cause, as well as to my own soul.

"RESOLVED, That I will pray more for, and rejoice more in the labors and successes of my dear brethren. Oh that I may have hereafter, more of the enlarged and Christ-like spirit of Paul!

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"March 12. Have not yet wholly recovered of the partial relapse occasioned by attending a public meeting February 20, and have felt rather discouraged about a speedy restoration to health: find myself so easily thrown back; soreness and excitement about the chest, stomach, and bowels are unexpectedly, and from slight and even no known causes, induced. Lord, help me to feel that thy time and way are the best! A removal of thy rod, before the work of subduing, sanctifying, and instructing me is completed, would be a curse instead of a blessing."

The succeeding letters contain much useful advice to all churches, while they unfold the strong workings of pastoral affection.

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To Mr. C. S.

"December 4, 1832.

I have this moment received yours of the 30th ult., for which I renew my thanks. The death of any of my beloved people always affects me; it is hard parting with them. I always feel as if I had not said and done all I should have done before the final meeting. Our sister K. had long been a weary pilgrim, and I doubt not has now gone to enjoy an eternal rest. Our young brother H., I pretty distinctly remember. The voice of God hereby is exhorting all the young men to be sober minded, and to work while it is day.

"The Lord alone can preserve the church in love and holy fellowship. In the holiest church on earth there are sufficient combustibles in the remains of unsanctified nature, to create a fire which would devour it. The constant pressure of his hand alone smothers these latent sparks. In a church so large as ours, how great is the responsibility, especially of her officers! How deliberate and cautious in the adoption of every measure! How cool,

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