"
On inquiring one day, where that line was to be found, "At ease in his
possessions," he remarked, "I do not think I have been at ease in mine, I
have endeavoured to live loose to them." A hope being expressed that his
illness would be sanctified to him, he quickly replied, "Yes, and not to
me only, but to all of you." He gave some directions, in the event of
his death, with much composure, observing: "It seems an awful thing for
me to say thus much, but a great favour to be so free from anxiety." In
the night he was heard to say: "No merit of mine, it is all of mercy,
free unmerited mercy!" On a young man in his employment coming to assist
him, previous to going to his own place of worship, when about to leave
the room, he thus addressed him: "Mind and make a good use of the time,
and do not be afraid of looking into thy own heart, but suffer the
witness to come in and speak, whether it be in the language of
encouragement or reproof. Many persons go to their places of worship,
where much of the time is spent in singing and in music, which please the
outward ear, but this is not religion! It is when we are brought to see
ourselves as we really are, sinners in the sight of a holy God, that we
are led to seek a Saviour, and to cry, in sincerity, 'A Saviour, or I
die! A Redeemer, or I perish for ever!'"
On its being remarked to him, that it was consolingly believed, he was
one of those who had endeavoured to occupy with his talent, which, if
only one, it was hoped, had gained an increase, he replied,--"That will
only be known at the great day of account, when weighed in the balance.
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