T78 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. a man with his friend ; and on all occasions of importance sought his direction and his blessing. His prayers were no vain oblations ; but were often remarkably heard and an- swered. We shall give the following instance as worthy of being preserved. His father, being deeply exercised with affliction, and under painful apprehensions about the safety of his state, he said to his son, " Oh, son, this passing into eternity is a great thing ! This dying is a solemn business, and enough to make any one's heart ache, who hath not his pardon sealed, and his evidences clear for heaven. I am under no small fears as to my own state for another world. Oh that God would clear his love! Oh that I could cheerfully say I can die, and am able upon good grounds to look death in the face, and venture upon eternity with well-grounded peace and comfort !" Mr. Janeway, seeing his dear father so deeply afflicted with despondency, presently retired for the purpose of wrestling with God in prayer. He most devoutly prayed, that God would lift up the light of his countenance upon him, and fill his soul with joy and peace in believing; that so he might leave the world with joy. Arisingfrom his knees, and coming to his father, he asked him how he did, but received no immediate answer. His father continued some time unable to speak, but wept exceedingly. After recovering himself, he burst forth into these expressions : " Oh, son ! Nowhe is come ! Now he is come ! Now he is come ! I bless God, I can die. The Spirit of God hath witnessedwith my spirit that I ama child of God. Now I can look up to God as my Father, and to Christ as my Redeemer. I can now say, This is myFriend: - this is my Beloved. My heart is full, it is brim-full. I can hold no more I now know what that means, The peace of God which passeth understanding. That fit of weeping which you saw me in was a fit of overpowering love and joy. It was so great, that I could not contain myself; nor can I express what glorious discoveries God bath made to me. Had that joy been greater, I question whether it would not have separated my soul and body. Bless the Lord, 0my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name ; who hath pardoned all my sins, and sealed that pardons. Oh ! now I can die. 1 bless God, I can die. I desire to depart and to be with Christ." The son was partaker of his father's blessing on two accounts. First, that his father was so clearly satisfied about the safety of his state. 'And, secondly, that this was
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