required to lay under the rod, but when we measure time as did the
Apostle of old, and think of it as a vapour that quickly passeth away, or
as a shadow that abideth not, we see that it is but for a little moment
that our chastening can endure. I cannot forbear beholding my day as far
spent; but I do rejoice to see heaven as a place of rest for me,--yes,
even for me! through the blood shed for my sins on Calvary's Mount. This
mercy in Christ Jesus, how precious it is to dwell upon."

Alice Waller loved the company of all those that loved the Lord Jesus,
and especially the messengers of the gospel were acceptable to her. On
one occasion when receiving a visit from a friend, whilst laid upon her
bed of suffering, she, in great contrition, expressed her sense of her
heavenly Father's love and mercy to _her_, a poor creature, adding, "I
feel bound to tell of His marvellous goodness to me, even to me, by night
and by day upon my bed, in seasons of trial I have been comforted by my
Saviour's presence."

In the beginning of the Sixth Month, 1850, she became more poorly, and
both herself and her children were impressed with the belief that her end
was drawing near; on the 15th she passed a very trying day, but in the
evening revived a little and spoke most sweetly of the fulness and
clearness of her hope, and her perfect confidence in the love and mercy
of her God, extended to her for the sake of her beloved Saviour; she was
full of sweetness and affection to all around her, her heart overflowing
with gratitude to God and man. "Dear Hannah C. Backhouse," she remarked,
"visited me a short time before I came here, and she said, 'I believe
Jesus has thrown his arm of everlasting love around thee, and is drawing
thee nearer and nearer to himself, and he will draw thee nearer and
nearer, till at last He will press thee into his bosom.' It was a sweet
message; I have often thought upon it since, and I now feel such close