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MEMOIR OF MRS. TATHAM.

voted to destruction, they rushed on securely to their own ruin, taking neither warning nor advice, but rejecting finally the salvation of God. And how soon this prediction of our Lord was fulfilled, is too well known in the world. History never recorded a more awful destruction than this; yet the same voice which spoke this, still threatens destruction to all impenitent sinners, and calls aloud on all men to repent and believe the Gospel, on pain of everlasting damnation. But who lays these things to heart? Who is in earnest to flee from the wrath to come, and to bring forth fruits meet for repentance?'

Thus clearly and forcibly was Mrs. Tatham wont to express herself on the high and solemn subjects presented to her in the Bible. But the main object of her devout contemplation was, God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself; for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, had shined into her heart, to give her the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ; so that she not only understood the mysteries of the kingdom of God herself, but it was given to her to make others know them. Much of her speaking and writing was in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power.

CHAPTER XII.

MRS. TATHAM'S DEATH-HER CHARACTER-REMARKS

CONCLUSION.

For the last two or three years of the life of Mrs. Tatham, her pen was not much employed; at least the writer has not been able to obtain any of its productions during that period. She maintained the tenour of her way with undiminished interest, retaining the use of all her intellectual faculties amidst the slow and gentle decline of her bodily strength.

Considering her great age, and the impaired condition of her sight, it cannot indeed be any matter of surprise that the practice of

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should now be discontinued by her. She had written much; but the pen of this ready writer, which had been in constant activity between fifty and sixty years, without ever perhaps having traced a line which "dying she would wish to blot," is laid down, not to be resumed again.

Throughout a considerable period of her life, Mrs. Tatham was accustomed to commit her thoughts, upon various subjects, general and sacred, to writing. She has inscribed, with great exactness, some thousands of

remarks upon, and illustrations of, portions of holy Scripture. Indeed, the whole productions of her pen, partly in the form of a diary of her life, partly of observations upon a great variety of subjects in general, and especially of a vast body of notes upon various parts of the sacred volume, are so considerable and extensive, that, if placed together, they would comprise several volumes. She held the pen of a close and deep observer, and of a devout, practical, humble Christian; and by this means, her personal improvement was ever advancing, and her mastery of the subjects which belong to general edification was greatly extended.

In the latter years of her life the tone of her spiritual piety was obviously deepening, her deadness to the world was complete, and she rose into a very elevated region of delightful thankfulness and continual praise to God. During the last year of her lengthened course, it may be truly said that praise dwelt upon her lip, gratitude and holy joy beamed from her countenance, prayer was made by her without ceasing, and with her whole being she glorified God. The work of grace in her soul was rapidly ripening, and the new-creating Spirit of Jehovah broke forth, where He had long resided, in a mighty degree and manner of operation, and there appeared the last finishings on the Divine image in the blessed immortal soul, every imperfection and infirmity then fleeing for ever away. Not a day passed with

out some conversation between her and Mr. Tatham upon the exchange of worlds; as her heart, and her home, and her treasure were in heaven, so her conversation was fully there. And now the mighty transition takes place, she quits earth for heaven, is absent from the body to be present with the Lord.

It was observed on the Thursday prior to her depart

ure that she was remarkably cheerful, but on retiring that day to her chamber, and laying down in bed, she was seized with a violent fit of coughing, which continued nearly two hours. Complaining of a sense of tightness in her chest, her medical attendant suggested that it might be relieved by a blister, but she declined its application. She told Mr. Tatham that she did not feel much joy, but she exclaimed,-" My faith is strong; I can venture my soul upon God's promise."

On Sunday morning, about 10 o'clock, Mr. Tatham, addressing her, said—" I hope you find the Lord Jesus precious to your soul?" when she replied, "He is very precious!" Her attention was then called by him to the promise-which she had often felt to be exceeding great and precious-of the presence of the Divine Shepherd with His people when passing through the valley of the shadow of death. In attempting to respond to this blessed assurance, which she was then realising, her speech faltered, and her last words fell indistinct upon the ear. She speedily ceased to moan, and though Mr. Tatham and a servant stood by her for some time, they could not tell when she ceased to breathe; she was like one falling into a deep sleep, and passed from the limits of mortality without either sigh, or groan, or struggle. She gradually sunk, as the setting sun, shedding to the last those declining rays which gilded and gladdened the dark valley.

"Her end was full of peace,

Fitting her uniform piety serene;

'Twas rather the deep, humble calm of faith
Than her high triumph; and resembled more
The unnoticed setting of a clear day's sun,
Than his admired departure in a blaze
Of glory, bursting from a clouded course.'

Thus died Mrs. Tatham, on Sunday morning, January

22, 1837; and when her retiring spirit was upon the wing, and began to be disencumbered of frail flesh, what were her feelings of liberty, of light, of burning purity, of gratitude, of love, of victory! What a close and cheering approach of some of the holy angels, familiarising themselves, and along with themselves, the objects and circumstances of that world of spirits where they have been at home for many ages.

What an ascent such a departing spirit must have had to the high and holy place! What an entrance there! What a sight and embrace of the adored Saviour!

What a general joyful welcome there was to meet her! What a particular welcome of children according to the flesh, and children and friends in the Lord! What a new song thrills, transports, and engages her for ever!

And now, having let our thoughts go forth after her emancipated spirit, can we avoid anticipating the consummation of this glory which shall be at the future judgment? At length the great, and notable, and allcomprehending day of God will arrive. Then there will be a general stir in the regions of the blessed, a stir in the midst of the throne of Deity; a rustling of angelic wings, a new kindling of fire, and breathing of sweetness among redeemed spirits, longing for the possession of their glorified bodies, and their final appearance and triumph in an approving judgment !

Behold the gracefully majestic and ardent appearance of the once crucified God Man, rising from His lofty seat at the right hand of God! He shall descend with a shout. The voice of the archangel shall be heard. The trump of God shall be blown. The revolving flight of worlds shall be arrested. The dead shall be raised in countless multitudes. The living shall be changed.

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