Thus did Mr. Morell commence his pastorate at Norwich, with every prospect of a large and lengthened success in the fulfilment of its duties. Everything in the people whom he served, the city that was now his home, and the relations he sustained to others, warranted the hope of a useful and happy future. But the purposes of God with regard to him were very different from what he and others supposed. The field of service divinely intended for him was on high, not on the earth.

No, we know not what is before us. Then, seeing, however bright and promising may be the prospects on which we look, that the day of our earthly life may close where we expected it to begin, what use should be made of existing opportunities for accomplishing the purpose of being, and doing permanent service for the good of others and the honour of God! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

Let such opportunity pass, and it may never return. Say you will do to-morrow what you are asked to do to-day, and it may devolve on another to fulfil the service. Oh see then, that each duty as it presents itself is performed by you, and yours will be the honour of being found by the Master at His coming doing as He requires, and fulfilling your appointed life-work on the earth.

At the end of six weeks after his ordination Mr. Morell left Norwich for Baddow, with the view of being married by his father. But ere the day for this had come, he had a severe attack of hæmorrhage from the lungs. This was followed by a form of consumption which, in spite of all medical appliances, hastened to the accomplishment of its fatal purpose. From the circumstances occupied by Mr. Morell at the moment, and the assurance and joy with which he had contemplated his prospects for the future, it was natural that he should for a while refuse to believe that the hand of death was upon

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him. But when he accepted the truth of his situation, and turned wholly to Him whom he loved and wished to serve, for comfort and support, his joy abounded, and his deathchamber became a scene of triumph.

It was in such words as the following that he gave expression to the feelings that possessed him.

"I have sincerely committed my soul into the hands of Christ, and He has accepted, I believe, the surrender. I am prepared. There are things to make me cling to earth." "At another time," says his father from whom I quote, "his language was: 'I have no strong earthly affections; nothing now to detain me here; nothing that I would wish to live for, nothing but. I know what suffering there will be there, and that I feel; but, for myself, I have relinquished all, committed, given up to God. This world is nothing to me, I believe I am prepared; and if there be a preference it is rather that I should die, I would rather die than live; that seems strong language,

but it is truth; I should prefer it.' He was often on the same day heard whispering to himself, as if dwelling on each word with deep interest, Fesus-the Mediator-of the New Covenant.

"During the whole of the day before he died he remained perfectly serene. 'What a mercy it is,' said I, 'that you have the knowledge of God to support you under this affliction!' 'Yes,' he replied, 'and of His Son Jesus Christ; I never like to separate them! I am surprised by the consolation I enjoy! In this corner, in this sick chair, I have been permitted to hold delightful communion with God. Some time ago I was harassed with fears, and with some sceptical feelings; but, thanks to God, they are gone. I have been thinking to-day I might possibly yet live; but if this should not be, I am willing to depart; but, were it not for the grace of God and the sacrifice of the Saviour, I should at this moment be most miserable!' He conversed in a similar strain the next day, alluded to the prospects placed

before him and just within his grasp, but without painful emotion: concluding, 'as to the body, I am a poor weak creature, but, (with energy) strong, strong in religion! my consolation is great, greater than I could have expected or conceived; I may say in the language of Scripture, I long to depart and to be with Christ, whom, not having seen, I love!

"The day on which he died he came downstairs as usual, and frequently conversed in a delightful strain, full of tranquillity and hope. We could all perceive however an increasing debility every hour. In the evening he sat up later than usual, freely and fluently prolonging the conversation, and without much fatigue. After some allusions to his temporal affairs, he added: 'I have nothing on earth to make me anxious; I have been enabled to give up all.'

"After he retired, he slept for a few hours, but somewhat disturbed; when he awoke, he was more restless both in body and in mind than he had ever been before;