WATER FROM THE WELL-SPRING. FOR THE SABBATH HOURS OF AFFLICTED BELIEVERS: BEING A Complete Course of Morning and Evening Meditations FOR EVERY SUNDAY IN THE YEAR. BY EDWARD HENRY BICKERSTETH, M.A., RECTOR OF HINTON MARTELL, DORSET. "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY, 56, PATERNOSTER ROW: 164, PICCADILLY. PREFACE. THIS little work was first suggested by the seclusion of a beloved sister in the chamber of suffering. Shut out for many years from the public and social means of grace, and tried in a furnace of peculiar affliction, she needed, as our now sainted father said of her, the richest cordials of Scripture; and it has been a brother's privilege from week to week to send her some few lines for her Sabbath meditations. These having often proved (blessed be God!) words in season to her, a selection from them has been made, and adapted to more general circulation;* and now, with additional musings Since these pages were first sent to the press, this beloved sister has fallen asleep in Jesus. The last lines she traced in the author's Bible, a few days before her death, touchingly express her experience-"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." on many kindred passages of the word, the present little volume has been formed, which may the God of all consolation bless to some sympathizing sufferer. A few original hymns and poems have been added at the close. Perhaps any apology for the shortness and unconnectedness of these portions is unnecessary, as those who are versed in the school of sickness know well that it is only a few thoughts expressed in a few words which can be borne there. But they have been written, and are now sent forth, with many prayers that they may be for the glory of Jesus and the solace of his afflicted ones. Hinton Martell Rectory, July, 1852. |