work for me to do on earth, I trust I am willing to do it; but if not, I
have no wish to stay."

In the afternoon, the beloved invalid broke forth with the following
expressions: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;" emphatically
adding, "What a very precious promise!" and, after a short pause,--"Come
now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool," remarking, "and this was under the old
dispensation. Oh! I hope my sins are gone beforehand to judgment; but
there seem to be so many fresh sins, I have so much time that I do not
improve as I ought; but the poor weak body and this weak mind too!" On
its being remarked, that we did not serve a hard master, he seemed
comforted, and continued, "Oh! that I could see the pearl gates; but I
fear I have not faith enough, nor love enough to love Him perfectly who
first loved me, and died for me, yes! even for _me_! Oh! I desire to
throw myself at his feet; how I wish I could love him better, and serve
him more."

The whole of Fourth-day he seemed fast sinking, and calmly spoke of death
as very near. He craved for patience, again and again, making use of
many sweet expressions as his end drew near. "O Jesus! sweet Jesus,
come!" and placing his hands together, supplicated thus: "Oh, dear Lord!
if it be thy will, be pleased to take me, for the sake of thy dear Son."
And, again, "Thy will be done." He remarked, "I believe I am passing
through the dark valley of the shadow of death;" and on the hope being
expressed that he would be supported through, he responded, "Through
mercy!" Soon after this, he sank into a quiet sleep, which lasted some
hours; and, shortly after waking, the unfettered spirit took its flight
so gently, as scarcely to be perceptible to those around.