but we could not but regret the necessity for parting with it. We set out, however, to the founder's, and after a walk of some length came to the river, which we had intended to cross by a floating bridge of boats; but here the Lord shut up our path. The bridge of boats had been carried away during the preceding night, and the river could only be crossed by a ferry, the fare of which was two cash each person. As we only possessed one between us, our course clearly was to return and await God's own interposition on our behalf.
When we reached home, we found that Mrs. Jones had gone with her children to dine with a friend, in accordance with an invitation accepted some days previously. Mr. Jones, though himself included in the invitation, refused now to go and leave me to fast alone. We carefully searched our cupboards, and though there was nothing to eat, we found a small packet of cocoa. This, with a little hot water, somewhat revived us; and again we cried to the Lord, and "the Lord heard, and saved us out of all our troubles." While still on our knees, a letter arrived containing a remittance from England. And this timely supply not only met the immediate and urgent need of the day: in the assured confidence that that God, whose we were and whom we served, would not put to shame those whose whole and only trust was in Himself, the writer's marriage had been previously arranged to take place just fourteen days after this date; and this expectation was not disappointed; for the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but His kindness shall not depart from His people, neither shall His covenant fail. And though during subsequent years our faith has often been exercised, and sometimes severely. He has ever proved faithful to His promise, and has not suffered us to lack any good thing.
A somewhat different though not less manifest answer to prayer was vouchsafed early in the year 1859. The dear wife of the writer was brought very low by illness, and all hope of recovery was gone. Every remedy tried had proved unavailing, and her physician, Dr. William Parker, had nothing more to suggest. Life seemed fast ebbing away. The only ground of hope was that God might yet see fit to raise her up in answer to believing but submissive prayer. The afternoon for the usual prayer-meeting among the missionaries had arrived, and the writer sent a request for prayer, which was most warmly responded to. Just at this time, a remedy which had not been tried was suggested to the mind of the writer, and he felt that without delay he must hasten to consult with Dr. Parker as to the propriety of using it. It was a moment of anguish. The hollow temples, sunken eyes, and pinched features, denoted the near approach of death; and it seemed very questionable whether life would hold out till this could be done. It
