moment t

In reply; the tear stood in his eyes; his hand trembled as I pressed it;
his heart was full; he could only say, "Sir, a poor old man thanks you
for your kindness to him and his family. God bless you, sir; I hope we
shall soon see you again." Thus we parted for that day. CHAPTER V. It
has not unfrequently been observed, that when it is the Lord's pleasure
to remove any of his faithful followers out of this life at an early
period of their course, they make rapid progress in the experience of
Divine truth. The fruits of the Spirit ripen fast, as they advance to
the close of mortal existence. In particular, they grow in humility,
through a deeper sense of inward corruption, and a clearer view of the
perfect character of the Saviour. Disease and bodily weakness make the
thoughts of eternity recur with frequency and power. The great question
of their own personal salvation, the quality of their faith, the
sincerity of their love, and the purity of their hope, are in continual
exercise. Unseen realities, at such a time, occupy a larger portion of
thought than before. The state of existence beyond the grave, the
invisible world, the unaltered character of the dead, the future
judgment, the total separation from everything earthly, the dissolution
of body and spirit, and their reunion at the solemn hour of
resurrection--these are subjects for their meditation, which call for
serious earnestness of soul. Whatever consolations from the Spirit of
God they may have enjoyed heretofore, they become now doubly anxious to
examine and prove themselves, "whether they be indeed in the faith." In
doing this, they sometimes pass through hidden conflicts of a dark and
distressing nature; from which, however, they come forth, like gold
tried in the furnace. Awhile they may sow in tears, but soon they reap
in joy. Their religious feelings have then, perhaps, less of ecstasy,
but more of serenity. As the ears of corn ripen for the harvest, they
bow their heads nearer to the ground. So it is with believers; they then
see more than ever of their own imperfection, and often express their
sense of it in strong language; yet they repose with a growing confidenc