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 the pleasing task; affording her, by this means, a comfort and delight, which, she confessed, had made her one of the happiest of women. She added, that during her son's absence, she loved to meditate on the holy volume, whose divine truths had filled her soul with humble hope and joy; and afforded her that peace, which the world can neither give, nor take away! and that it was unspeakably pleasing to her, to think she owed all this, by the blessing of Providence, to her beloved son.

Parents have a natural claim on their offspring for support; and relieving aged parents, when bodily strength decays, infirmities and wants increase, is not only an act of mercy, but also an act of justice, an imperious duty,—a repaying in kind, what they did for their children in their tender helpless years, and to "withold from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it," and "shut up our bowels of compassion when we see them in need," argues an extreme hardnes of heart. How dwelleth the love of God in such a one? Can the merciless hope for mercy, who will shew no mercy!