Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/251

Rh you would do well to bestow some portion of your time to record and elucidate, many passages which, when you are gone, may speak for you. The event of your death, however dreaded, must be met by the greater part of your hearers, and, although they may have remaining to them the sacred writings, yet you are aware, that a preacher is necessary. I have compared you to some of the general elements of life, whose good and salubrious existences are not known, until they are lost. I consider you employed in removing the scales from the darkened eye, fortifying the timid mind against the approaching dissolution of nature, securing it from the blandishments of delusion, and leading it to arm against the terrors of calamity and pain. I myself am indebted to you in hundreds of instances for light, and most important information. I need not repeat my best wishes to you; they present themselves to me in full, whenever your memory occurs to me. I feel that it is hereafter, when you and I are liberated, that I shall derive a part of my happiness from the perfection of your friendship. May the least and lightest pains infest you here; this is the utmost a mortal dare wish, or request."

"Yes, my dear Sir, I am now sensible of the value of existence; and the assurance of immortality has become my greatest happiness. The time was, when, to my serious moments, immortality appeared garbed in horror; many a time have I wished I had never been born; but, blessed change, I can now perceive that light, which shined in me, even then,—although my darkness comprehended it not; but, blessed be God, my eyes are at length opened. O! may God, all-gracious, watch over you, and preserve you from every evil. The Almighty in great mercy hath loaned you to a benighted world; may the rich blessing be long continued."

"Gratitude, dear and honoured Sir, calls upon me to acknowledge my great obligations for the glorious declaration of those important truths, of which, until I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Murray, I was entirely ignorant. From that blessed era, I date the commencement of my terrestrial felicity. It is to you, as an instrument, I am indebted for a glimpse of the beautiful harmony of the sacred writings; I can now behold, with devout admiration, the great salvation promised us by the word, by the of Jehovah, in that holy book, which, although possessed by many, is neither understood nor valued, except by a few elected individuals. I much wish for your continued instruction; and I know you take pleasure in considering it your duty to impart your knowledge of the Redeemer to the creature, whom He hath purchased