Do not talk of repenting about writing to me; I hope to receive many epistles from you as full of the ebullitions of a regenerated soul as the last. Your petitions on our behalf have been answered; we have sweet, and happy meetings in the name of the Lord and every thing is going on prosperously amongst us: join with me to bless the Lord for the same.

My dear wife unites with me in christian love to yourself,

C. DRAWBRIDGE.

having had the privilege of sitting under the sound of truth from his childhood, besides being blessed with God-fearing parents, and numerous serious friends and connexions. But Satan held him fast, and refused to let him go, until He that was stronger than he stretched forth his all-conquering arm, and with an omnipotent hand snatched him as a brand from the burning; then was the prey taken from the mighty, and the lawful captive delivered. How marvellous a display is this of the free, discriminating grace of God, in thus

RALL, WHO SWEETLY FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS, SEPT. 22. 1841, AGED 23 YEARS. THE following is a sketch of the last days of one who was the subject of many prayers. He was for some years led captive by Satan at his will, by whom he was actuated to deeds that have caused much anguish of spirit to his family and friends, and compelled them most earnestly to besiege a throne of grace on his behalf, that the Almighty would stop him in his mad career, and implant His most holy fear in his heart, that he might depart from evil, and seek those things which can alone yield comfort here and happiness hereafter. All prayer and precept seemed, however, for awhile of no avail to draw him from the paths of sin. All human means that were tried proved fruitless. Affliction after affliction was laid on him. He encountered perils by sea and perils by land; still his heart remained unchanged; judgments did not awe nor mercies melt him. Often has his life been almost miraculously preserved when in imminent danger, so that of him it may truly be said, "Preserved in Christ Jesus, and called." The mind is filled with painful sensations when reflecting on the sad lengths to which he was permitted to go; and what increased the magnitude of the sins, was, that they were against light and knowledge, he December, 1841.]

one, who had for so long a time set at nought all his counsels, and would heed none of his reproofs ! How strikingly is that declaration verified, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy;" and again, Not of works, lest any man should boast."

It was suggested by some of his friends, that probably a sea voyage might be the means of reclaiming him, to which he at length consented; when, after the necessary arrangements, he set sail from Portsmouth, on board the ship Larkins,' June 6, 1838. During the voyage he was visited by heavy afflictions of body, such as brain fever, acute inflammation, and for a time almost total blindness. These continued afflictions so reduced his strength, that it was the opinion of the surgeon of the ship that he could not survive until he reached Calcutta, and that if he did, the climate would so affect him, that he never could return to England: but the all-wise disposer of events had otherwise ordained it; and at the latter end of November following, he reached Falmouth, having been most miraculously preserved, as the ship struck upon a rock off the Scilly Islands, and in this perilous situation the Captain and twenty-two passengers left the ship, as she was filling fast with water. The crew kept pumping until nearly exhausted, and about giving up, when providentially

assistance arrived, and the wind being favourable, they run her aground into Falmouth Harbour; where, without money, or clothing, amongst strangers, was this poor prodigal: all he saved from the wreck, and brought home in his pocket-handkerchief, was his Bible, Common Prayer Book, Hart's Hymns, and Fowler's Selection. In this distressing situation he wrote to his parents, requesting they would send him some money, to enable him to reach his native home; when, by their assistance, he arrived in London, in a state of great exhaustion and destitution, where he was received and kindly treated by a dear relation, who administered to him those comforts of which he greatly stood in need. He reached Lewes, and once more his parental roof, on December 10, greatly altered in his appearance; a fit of sickness shortly followed, produced by being exposed to constant wet, cold, and excessive fatigue, which he had so recently encountered. These circumstances, with his former dissipated habits, no doubt laid the foundation of that disease which terminated his existence. For some time hopes were entertained that he was an altered character; but alas! his heart remained un. changed, and as his health and strength increased, was gradually drawn again into the paths of vice, although he never renewed his acquaintance with his former abandoned companions: still he was a prey to temptation, having no power to resist what was so congenial to his nature.

In May, 1840, he was married. This again was a circumstance that might have been supposed would have caused some consideration; but the Lord's set time was not yet come. The first hymn in Kent's beginning, "There is a period known to God," &c. was a true transcript of his character. In the autumn following his health and strength declined, and symptoms of an unfavourable nature made their

appearance, which continued to increase, until they baffled all medicine; and change of air was recommended.

On May 6, agreeably to the advice of his medical attendant, his dear mother went with her afflicted son into the country, as the most likely means of restoring his health; though it was not anticipated that any real benefit would be derived, as it was considered that he was the subject of a mortal disease; nevertheless it was thought expedient to try the effects of change of air. During his stay there a friend called on him, and said, that according to human appearances his time here would be but short; that although all were mortal, still his disease was decidedly a consumption. At this he appeared greatly affected, for, as he afterwards said, he had no idea that such was the case but expected to return with his health improved. From this period there appeared a death to all outward things, so that he could enjoy nothing, and at times manifested great uneasiness at the prospect of dissolution. His dear mother, who had for many years been sowing in tears on his account, was now watching with intense anxiety to receive the answer to her fervent petitions, but could perceive no life working in him; still as she had been enabled at times sweetly to commit him into the Lord's hands, and there left her cause, she was upheld by a secret persuasion that he would not depart hence without leav ing a testimony that he was one for whom the dear Redeemer suffered.

At this time he appeared to have but little desire to read himself, or to hear another; and this was a source of much concern to his friends, especially as his strength gradually declined, and unfavourable symptoms increased. During his stay in the country he heard Mr Vinall twice at the Dicker. One sermon in particular made a great impression on his mind; the text was taken from 1 Pet.

ii. 25, For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." He often spoke of this discourse, never having before heard with such power: he frequently wished he could again have the opportunity, thinking he should hear differently to what he formerly did. How often was it a source of regret to him, that he had so many times neglected the means of grace, when able to attend them. About this time his child was removed by death, which greatly affected him. Finding he gradually declined, instead of deriving any benefit from the change, he returned home on the 11th of June to the abode of his parents. On the following Sabbath evening he went to chapel in a fly, for the last time; he was very attentive whilst there, and expressed himself as very glad that he had been permitted to go.

In consequence of his wife being in a delicate state of health, and not equal to attend on her husband during his affliction, he returned to his parents, where she frequently saw him when able so to do; and one evening, not long previous to his decease, on taking leave of her, said, 'It may probably be the last time I shall see you.'

On hearing this she burst into tears, He said, 'Do not cry, Naomi, it is all right; rejoice! rejoice! She replied, Are you hap. py, then?' He said, 'Oh yes, I am happy, all is well!']

On July 1 he was seized with fainting. On recovering from this he seemed greatly distressed, thinking he was going to die. The next day his anguish increased. On his mother's entering the room, he cried out in an agony, Oh, my dear mother, what shall I do? I have had no sleep during the past night, and I feel so very ill." He was unable to leave his bed the whole day. Some Psalms were read to him at his desire, after which he appeared more composed. On the following day he was enabled

to speak rather freely on the state of his mind, saying, he felt himself to be a vile polluted sinner, and expressed an earnest desire that the Lord would pardon him, and not cut him off in his sins. He was somewhat encouraged whilst his mother was reading to him, and made several remarks on the word of God. From this period a change evidently took place, so that he felt a hatred to those things which he once delighted in, and loved that which he formerly despised. The Lord's people were now the only company that he wished to see, and he said there was nothing in the world worth living for, nor had he the least desire to be raised up again; his earnest and continual cry was that the Lord would condescend to appear for him, pardon his sins, and take him home.

Aug. 14. On his mother's going into his room, he was greatly exhausted from violent coughing and profuse perspirations during the night; he seemed rather irritable; when she reminded him that his sufferings were light compared with what many endured, he replied, I know I ought not to complain, when surrounded with so many mercies, but I feel so rebellious at times I cannot help speaking hastily; still I do not mean it, and am sorry when such is the case. I wish I could feel more gratitude; instead of which I daily grow worse. With assistance he went down stairs, and said, 'I am once more permitted to lie on this sofa, yet how many times more the Lord only knows! but it cannot be long. Oh, my dear mother, what shall I do? if I read, or try to pray, I cannot; and I feel myself a most vile sinner.' Reply was made that the great apostle Paul, Mary Magdalene, and others in the word of God, were such sinners, yet they obtained mercy, Christ Jesus having come into the world to save such characters: but he said, Surely not such a vile, filthy wretch as I am.' He was then

·

greatly distressed lest he should die without being pardoned. Oh' said he, ' what a mercy it is that the Lord has laid his afflicting hand upon me; how kind and gracious he is in dealing thus gently with me. When I reflect on the mad course I have been pursuing, it almost breaks my heart; and if I had my choice, I would rather suffer any affliction, than go on as I formerly did.' He then wept most bitterly on thinking of his past life, saying, Surely I am too great a sinner to be pardoned.' It was remarked that he did not always feel himself such a sinner: No,' he said, but I am such a blind, ignorant creature, I know nothing, nor can I express my feelings as others do: but do, O Lord, have mercy upon me, and pardon all my sins; thou hast been very kind in so mercifully preserving me to the present moment. I feel a secret hope that the Almighty will appear for me before I leave this world; I do think he willyes-he will-he will!' He then again wept, and said, I have no desire to live one moment longer, if I could but be sure that the Lord loved me, and would take me to himself.'

Aug. 21. When his mother visited him in the morning, she perceived he had been weeping. On inquiring the cause, he replied, I have cause indeed to weep;' and in anguish of spirit he cried out, O mother, mother! what shall I do?' She answered, You can do nothing, the Lord must do all for you:' he added, 'I feel I cannot, but my earnest desire and prayer is that the Lord would be gracious, and have mercy on such a poor, miserable sinner." After remaining quiet for a short time, he said, I have those words of Mr. Hart so much on my mind,

"Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity joined with power.'

He attempted to sing the hymn, but his breath failed. He was asked if

he felt Jesus stood ready to save him? He replied, I am afraid to say as much as that, but I have a hope that such is the case, which revives me: Oh what a mercy that I was not cut off in the midst of my sins, but that this affliction was laid upon me.' He was then melted into tears at the Lord's great goodness towards him, also that so many of God's people were permitted to pray for him. Surely,' said he, this would not be the case, if the Lord did not intend to save my poor soul; who can tell, but like the thief on the cross, the Almighty will appear for me at the eleventh hour, if not before.' On hearing the Account of the Death of one of Mr. Turner's children, he was much struck, and said that it was so like himself, but that he was incapable of expressing his feelings. He was greatly affected on the following lines being quoted, and said, That is it :'

་

"Myself into thy arms I cast,

Lord, save, Oh save my soul at last.” When speaking of his sufferings and privations at sea, (he having gone to the East Indies, as before mentioned, in 1838,) he said, I deserved all that I endured; but I was at that time the most miserable wretch in the world, for bad as I was, I could not bear to hear the horrid blasphemies of the sailors: I can never describe my feelings at this period.' Many times when on watch he was tempt. ed to put an end to his existence, by casting himself overboard; and once in particular he threw one of his legs over the gangway, but was sud denly checked by the powerful appli cation of these words:

pared into the presence of his Maker, prevented his committing the rash

act.

On one occasion after experiencing much anguish of spirit, and great distress of mind, he said, ' I feel so happy; I do think, my dear mother, you will have reason to rejoice after all your trials: surely it must be the Lord that has caused such a change.' On asking in what way he felt happy, if he believed the Lord had pardoned his sins? he replied, Yes, and now I am not afraid to die! Precious, precious Jesus! how I wish I could love thee more. I feel such a desire to bless and praise the dear Lord: Oh! that I had power to do so.' His feelings quite overcame him; he burst into tears, not of sorrow but joy, and his peaceful countenance bespake the serenity of his mind. After this he called it all in question, and repeated the following lines as expressive of the feelings of his mind,

""Tis a point I long to know,

Oft it causes anxious thought,Do I love the Lord or no?

Am I his or am I not?"

a great

His

It is with me,' he said, trial lest I should be deceived.' feelings then overcame him, so that he could say no more, but wept for some time. At a subsequent period he cried out in the greatest distress, I am very ill, I must die, and I can never go through death's dark valley: if I was sure the Lord loved me, not one moment longer should I wish to live. O Lord! do appear for me, and pardon all my transgressions. I am indeed a vile, wretched sinner, but do, O Lord, have mercy upon me. I cannot describe the sufferings of my mind, not knowing how to express my feelings; and when I look at my past life I am afraid-it pierces me through.'

Sept. 3. He said, I wish I were more happy, and could say, All is well!' Then, clasping his hands together, and looking up, he cried

In

out most piteously 'O Lord: do have mercy upon me.' After this he appeared calm, and a sweet peaceful smile was visible on his countenance. He had previously said to his two sisters, who visited him, 'I wish I were more comfortable, and could speak to you; but I am so driven by the enemy. Oh if I were sure all would be well with me, I should like to die, for to depart and to be with Christ is far better than to remain here. Oh! then I could say, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." I do hope the Lord will not forsake me after all his goodness and forbearance towards me; but if I am deceived-.' He then seemed much exercised. the evening a kind friend called to see him, read a Psalm and engaged in prayer, which were greatly blessed to him. He was likewise favoured with a good night, and during the next day was very composed; which he remarked he believed to have been granted in answer to the petitions offered up the preceding evening. He spake of the Lord's goodness in keeping him from fainting, which he feared would have been the case: and he continued The things which were asked for are what I want to make me happy; and the Lord having answered in part, who can tell but that the whole will be accomplished? I do desire and hope that the Almighty will hear prayer on my behalf, for I feel that I cannot pray for myself as others do.' It was pointed out to him that the shortest prayers are frequently the most effectual, as the scriptures abundantly testify. said, Bless the Lord, O my soul: and do enable me to praise thee with my whole heart: I desire to do so.' Then affectionately kissing his mother he said, 'I love you dearly, and should the Lord be pleased to appear for me, and take me to glory, we thall only be separated for a short time, and then meet to part no more. I hope I shall be able to say in my last moments, I am happy, all is well!

He