an obstacle in the way of our removal; but there is this consolation,--if
the work be of the Lord he will not frustrate his own design; if it be not
his doing we must submit to have the whole overturned.


In a few days he became aware of her critical state.


9 _mo_. 29.--The indisposition of my dear wife has taken such an
alarming turn that I yesterday began to have serious apprehensions as to
the issue. I have watched with her night and day, and my prayers have been
unceasing for her restoration, I trust not without a due reverence to the
divine will. But I did not feel as though nature could give her up until
yesterday, when as I stood retired by the bed-side of my dear lamb,
endeavoring to feel after resignation, I gave her up as fully as human
nature, through divine aid, was capable of. Then it sprang in my heart,
Where is the man that can offer up an Isaac? He shall go for me, and I
will send him. There seems a spark of hope that even now, when the knife
is lifted up, the voice may yet be heard,--"Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
for now I know that thou fearest me."

My precious dear has been to me in my late exercise a never-failing
instrument of strength, comfort, and encouragement: in general her faith
has been much stronger than my own. Should it please Heaven to restore
her, O that there may be an increased desire that it may be for no other
cause, but that her heart, her hands and her feet, may unite with mine in
sounding forth our Redeemer's praise, if required, even to the ends of the
earth.