Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/46

36 to his presence, when he thus addressed me: "My son, the object of my soul's affection, for whom, during many years, I have wept and prayed, you see your weeping, praying father, now totally unable to utter a prayer, nor shall I ever pray in this dear family again. Let me, my dear, before I leave you, have the felicity of seeing, and hearing you take upon you the character you will very speedily be called to sustain; let me hear you pray in the family, before I depart. There was something terrible in the thought of his departure, though we had for many years been taught to expect it, not only by his declining health, but by his conversation, which had rendered us familiar with death. I cannot remember a day, on which he did not, on his first appearance in his family of a morning, say, "blessed be God, we are one day nearer our eternal rest:" yet the thought of assuming his place in his family, in his presence; this was more terrible to me, than death itself. I became convulsed, a cold perspiration was diffused over my frame; my father saw my agony, and bidding me sit down, took my hand, and addressing me in the language of sympathy, most affectionately, most tenderly said; "you have, my poor boy, often addressed your heavenly Father, and have not felt abashed: ought you to venerate your feeble, earthly father, more than the God who made you? At the throne of grace I am upon a level with my son, and I need redeeming mercy as much as yourself. Let me, my dear child, be blessed with the privilege of seeing, and hearing you, in your new, and highly responsible character, this night." I was dumb, I could not speak: my mother was requested to summon the family. "Come," said my father, "come near me, my children. God is about to remove from you your father, your supplicating father; but my God, your God, will never leave you, nor forsake you. He will give you, in your brother, a friend, a guide, a father; you must consider him, when I am gone, as in my stead; you will unite with him in prayer, you will follow his direction, and God will abundantly bless you together. My prayers on his behalf are graciously answered; they will, my beloved children, be answered on your behalf also; for, who hath promised, is faithful, your father hath proved faithful. Our God is indeed worthy to be trusted,  service is perfect freedom; serve the Lord, my children, and be happy; obey your dear mother, strengthen the hands of your brother, and felicity will be your portion." He would have proceeded, but weakness prevented; recovering himself, he called upon me to make good his expectations; I kneeled down by his bedside in