ther to me. Religious instruction I received from her in my earliest childhood; Watts's Hymns and First Catechism I learnt from her lips. No more shall I have the benefit of her counsel. I loved her, and was beloved by her. I grieve lest the thought of losing me might have preyed on her spirits! But now she knows all, and methinks would urge me onward in that work from which she would once almost have dissuaded me. These thoughts comfort me, and yet I mourn, I will not murmur, but will endeavour to submit, as I know my heavenly Father does all things well. I have deserved this chastening! I have been slumbering. May this visitation arouse me, and lead me to a more unreserved dedication of myself to the service of my God. I feel, my dear friend, that I need not request your prayers. I believe that I have them at all times. May I ask them for my brothers? O that God would make the death of their mother the means of spiritual life to them! I can add no more my heart is full. Pray, dear Sir,

that I may submit, and patiently endure all that my heavenly Father lays upon me."

In this afflictive dispensation, how much was the Divine chastening tempered with mercy! Not only was the mind of George Milward now more exclusively devoted to the great work, to which he believed himself called, but the removal of his aged parent from this world spared her a trial of a far more overwhelming nature than any she had anticipated. In how many of the events of life, which for a season seem dark and incomprehensible, does the Lord speak to his people as he did to Peter-" What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter !"

The opening year found the subject of this memoir devoutly engaged in preparation for the approaching Ordination, and reference to the Journal will show how ardent was his desire to give himself wholly to the work of the ministry. "Pray for me," was his request in a letter to a friend at this

season, "that in the step I am about to take, I may have singleness of heart and simplicity of purpose. It is not for great things I pray or hope, my prayer is that I may be found faithful."

January 12th, 1834.

The mercies which my heavenly Father has vouchsafed to me during the past week have been so distinguished, that I cannot but record my grateful remembrance of them. Troubled on every side, and anxious, my mind has been wonderfully supported, and I have been enabled to repose in confidence on the goodness of my God, believing that He would undertake for me. O merciful Father, I desire to remember thy continued love to me. Oh let me never forget thy mercy, or doubt thy readiness and willingness to aid me. Especially at this time look upon me. Thou hast brought me thus far on my journey, and what thou hast in reserve for me thou knowest. If it be agreeable to thy will that I should enter the sa

cred ministry, prepare me, gracious Father, for that great work. Lord Jesus, do thou appear for me, by thy Spirit assist me in my studies, let them be begun, continued, and ended in thee. Oh may thy glory be ever before me. Blessed Spirit, enlighten my mind, grant me a right judgment in all things. Refresh my soul with communications of my Saviour's love. Let my Spirit be sanctified by thee, and let all irregular and sinful propensities be wholly extirpated from my heart. Oh be with me at all times, for my dear Redeemer's sake. Amen.

February 2nd, 1834.

I would record the continued mercy and love of my heavenly Father. Oh that my heart were so enlarged that its every desire were towards God. On Friday last was the anniversary of the Institution. Our dear Principal expounded the 31st of Ezekiel, and affectionately exhorted us to make a rededication of ourselves to God. I felt my heart humbled on looking back, and could

not but pray my merciful Lord and Saviour to spare me another year. In prayer I experienced great brokenness desiring to be the Lord's.

of spirit, only How mysterious My dear mother

His dealings with me! gone! But I have a High Priest who can be touched with a feeling of my infirmities, though I have, now that my beloved mother is removed, no longer a sympathizing friend on earth, yet, in heaven I have. Blessed

Saviour, I would be thine.

for thine own.

Take thou me

Be thou my all. None other do I desire beside thee. Oh do thou, by thine Almighty grace, transform me in the renewAmen.

ing of my mind.

April 28th, 1834.

This day I completed my 26th year, and I have been looking over my Diary since my last birth-day. My soul, dost thou not feel humbled at the retrospect? Thy heavenly Father has dealt very kindly with thee; mercies unnumbered have been thy portion, but yet thou hast made but little progress