Memoirs of Mrs. Hawkes, late of Islington. By Catharine Cecil [pp. 239-271]

]Memoirs of MIrs. Itaokes.
when it would be prudent to reveal the sorrows of the breaking heart to the most confidential friend. Mrs. Hawkes did,
indeed, suppose, that as Mr. Cecil was her spirituIal father,
and constant counsellor, from whose conversation she had
derived so much instruction and consolation, that it would be
allowable for her to express her smothered griefs to such a
friend. In this, however, we are of opinion, that she misjudged; and we are confirmed in our judgment, by the conduct of this man of wisdom. For when, on a certain occasion,
she alluded to her domestic trials, her pastor, in a manner
bordering on the austere, repressed all further communication on this delicate subject. Pastors who open their ears to
complaints of wives against their husbands, however justly
founded, clearly manifest their want of a deep knowledge of
the human heart. On another occasion, when tile same subject was distantly alluded to by Mrs. Hawkes, his answer
was accompanied with an air of so much severity, that, as
appears by the record in her jopurnal on the occasion, her
feelings were deeply wounded, for she understood him to
insinuate, that, probably, she might blame herself, at least in
part, for what she endured.
Under the pressure of increased trials, Mrs. Hawkes wrote
the following letter to Mrs. Jones:
"I am sorry to find my dear sister like myself, infested with many anxieties,
though of a different nature. Ilaiane have been very heavy indeed of late. For
some time past, I have not been enabled, (in the degree I have been graciously
assisted heretofore,) to roll back my burthen on the Lord. But he saw me ready
to faint, and mercifully vouchsafed me timely help. Let none fear trouble with
such a compassionate Saviour for a sustainer; for verily he is not an High-Priest
that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but who hath a condescending and tender sympathy with us under them; which he will manifest
in the time, and manner, and measure, which his infinite wisdom sees best. As
for me, I am quite ashamed of myself; truly it may be said,' If thou faint in
the day of adversity, thy strength is small.' Small, indeed, is my strength, or
rather, feeble is the hold which faith takes of an Almighty arm. I am willing
to allow, (for who is not willing to make self-excuses,) that my trials are peculiar, and my present bodily weakness and languor does much towards enfeebling
the mind also; yet I have still much to be ashamed of. Our great business in
life is to glorify God, and to speak abroad his praise;-and the fittest time to do
this is under suffering. It is easy enough to sing when the sun shines: but
when the heart and flesh fail, then to rejoice in the Lord, becomes the true
servants of so good a Master. In the grave the tongue is silent. It can no more
publish to fellow-sinners, and fellow-sufferers, that' The Lord is good, a strong
hold in the day of trouble;' and that his tender mercies are more in number
than the sand of the sea. It is therefore the living only that can praise him;
and of all living, the afflicted believer, whose every trouble is sanctified, has
reason to be loudest in the song."
To which Mrs. Jones returned the following answer:
VOL. XI. NO. 2. 33
1839.]
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