CASE 4.--A female was early in life united with the church, and conscientiously performed the external duties of Christian life. She had for many years little if any happiness in the performance of her religious duties, yet would have been more unhappy if she had not performed them. She married a gentleman who, during the last years of his life, was peculiarly devoted. During this period, in attending upon the means of grace she experienced an entire change in her religious feelings. She felt, as she says, that 'now she gave up all for Christ. She felt averse to everything which she believed to be contrary to his will.--To the will of Jesus she could now submit for ever, with joyful and entire confidence.--She now loved to pray, and found happiness in obeying the Saviour.' She made, as she believes, at that time an entire surrender of all her interests, for time and eternity, to Christ, and since then her labours in his service have been happy labours. Before they were constrained by conscience, now they are prompted by the affections. She does not think she was not a Christian before. She had repented in view of the law, but she had not, till the time mentioned, exercised affectionate faith in Christ.[43] She now often prays most solicitously for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of the church. She loves to meet weekly in the female circle for prayer, and labours to induce others to attend with her. Her little son, nine years of age, is, as she hopes, a Christian; and her daughter, just approaching the years of womanhood, has recently united with the church. Two years since her husband died under circumstances peculiarly afflicting. She prayed for resignation, and never felt any disposition to murmur against the providence of God. She sometimes blamed herself that she had not thought of other expedients to prolong, if possible, the life of one that she loved so tenderly; but to God she looked up with submission, and said in spirit: 'The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?' Her husband she views as a departed saint, whom she expects to meet in a better world. She cherishes his memory with an affection that seems peculiarly sacred, and the remembrance of his piety is a consoling association connected with the recollections of one now in heaven.[44] [43] Are there not many in all the churches who have been convicted of sin, and who have perhaps repented, but have not exercised full faith in Christ? [44] That the marriage bond becomes more sacred, and the reciprocal duties of affection more tender, between two hearts that both love Jesus, I have no doubt. The feelings of this pious widow favour the supposition; and the facts recorded in the biographies of Edwards, Fletcher, and Corvosso, fully confirm it.