BARTON -W. STONE. Q5
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er I have been with you at all seasons, serving theLord with all humility, and many tears, and temptationswhich befell me, by the lying in wait of the Jews. Andhow I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you,but have showed you, and have taught you publicly andfrom house to house, testifying both to the Jews, andalso to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faithtowards our Lord Jesus Christ.’? Perhaps I do not ex-aggerate when I say that in reading these few verses hisutterance was obstructed by his feelings a dozen times.Tears started in his aged eyes and flowed plentifullydown his furrowed cheeks. |The effect was overwhelm-ing. His tears spoke volumes—they spoke to everyheart and were responded to in tears from every eye,eloquent of the deep feeling of every heart. Who thatconsiders the circumstances of this parting scene canwonder at the deep feeling manifested upon the occa-sion. | Yes, said the venerable Patriarch, ye know from thefirst day I came among you, after what manner I havebeen with you at-all seasons, serving the Lord with allhumility and many tears, and temptations. His mindreverts to the memorable winter of 796, when he firstoccupied the pulpit, in this consecrated house; and inrapid succession, the thrilling and soul-stirring events ofhis religious life, for near 47 years, pass in review beforehis mind: and the deep fountain of his feelings is stir-red, and finds vent ina copious flow of tears. The au-—dience too, is furnished with ample materials for themost soul-stirring reflections and comparisons. Theaged of his friends look back to the period of his firstintroduction to them, and they contemplate him as hecame in and went out before them, in the days of hisyouth. They think of his auburn locks—his bloomingcheeks—his smooth and handsome features—his ani-mated and piercing eye—his dignified and manly bear-ing. But time, all-conquering time, has destroyed thesebeauties of the outward man. They look upon him ©now, as for the last time he stands before them. But
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