:^ Library of the Gmthectn IMerary 
 
 ij] Society. ^ " « ||| 
 
 ^1^ « Genestiio f bos.'' ^/ 
 
 /^ // 
 
 
4 
 
 _,,LLECTION 
 
 \ OF 
 
 LETTERS, 
 
 SACRED SUBJECTS. 
 
 ►>**4* 
 
 Co LOS. iii. 17. 
 
 ^prdorDeed^ do all in the 
 Lordjejits, 
 
 D U B LIN: ^ 
 
 Primted by'b. dugdale, no. 150^ 
 
 capel-street. 
 
 rCBMOSMDocMaMaaMaaNooooeaQ 
 MDCCLXXXIV. 
 

 I 
 
 O^h 
 
 r-\ 
 
 IT' { 
 
 '■ IK. .4 
 
!• >•*»■, 
 
 L-//a^yau/-i CS'm/x 
 
 r 
 
 AOVEI^TlSEltiENT. 
 
 HIS Colledlion was pub- 
 liflied feveral Years ago in 
 Sh E F F I E L'D, and unlverfaMy well 
 received, but as it is little kuo .vn 
 \fki Ir E LAN D , the Editor hopes 
 it will prove acceptable to all 
 Lovers of pure and undejiled Re-^ 
 Ufion. This Colledion is en^ 
 rrched with feveral felecled froai 
 the Arminian Magazine, and 
 other publications. 
 
THE 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 T O T H E 
 
 FORMER EDITION. 
 
 I. TT will be eafily difecrned by the leader 
 JL of this collection^ that the various Au- 
 thors, however obfcure in their life and repu* 
 tation, have acquired a thorough acquaint- 
 ance with the way$ of God, and arc deeply 
 experienced in his work. The letters them- 
 i&lvcB will fufficicntJy evince the truth of this. 
 For they are evidently the producftior.s, not 
 of fuch as are n)ere Novices in tjue, vital re- 
 ligion, but of luch raiher as have penetrated 
 into the *' Intel iora Regni," the hidden myf- 
 teries of the kingdom of grace. By this it 
 will appear plain, that they will be received 
 and undei flood by thofe only, who are endu- 
 ed ^ith forociwhaL.of the jikiC knowledge and 
 ^^experience; or are really definjus fo to be. 
 And to th^m, JLttle doubt can be made, but 
 they vill be more acceptable, than perhaps 
 ^ any thir;g of this kuid, which has been before 
 prefentcd to the world. The reafon for this 
 opinion is obvious: becaufe, I do not know,, 
 ^ that there is any volume of lettdrs belides, 
 / on the fame fubjed, wrote by forr/any difFer- 
 ' ejit hands, coming from perfcns fo different 
 {^ in their genius, dilpofkion, and uadei (land- 
 ing •. 
 
( V ) 
 
 ing ; and confequently difplaying tlie glorioui 
 works of God in fo different, yet clear, and 
 linking a light. What can w6 imagine there- 
 fore, more entertaining, more profitable, or 
 more edifying ? 
 
 2 It has been the general opinion of men wife 
 and learned, that a colle<i:\ion of polite letters, 
 wrote by perfons of tafte and abilities, are a 
 valuable treafure : becaufe in them we may 
 difcovcr, commonly at lead, more of the tem- 
 per and the whole turn of mind of the wrltej-, 
 than in any other compofitions whatever. How 
 extremely valuable then, in the efteem of fuch 
 as have received the grace of our Lord Jefus 
 Chrift, and the wifdom that comes dawn from 
 above, will be, we may reafonaoly fappofe, 
 a colledkion of fpiritual letters, clearly fetting 
 forth, and thereby forcibly tecommending 
 the power of godlinefs? Free juftification 
 through faith in a Redeemer's bloud, arid that 
 work of God which is afterwards carried on in 
 the beheving foui, againft many and various 
 temptations, under the conduct, and by the 
 operation of the fpirit^ are the interefting fub^ 
 jeds of thefe epillles. And the latter often, 
 fo exprefled by fome of thefe writers, in the 
 account they give of their experience, as may 
 poflible be found a moil lively comment upon 
 fome remarkable deep and weighty j^illages 
 of fcripture. Particular'y fuch as i^iefe : Thi 
 God of hope fill you ^witkalhpeace and joy in be- 
 lieving^ that ye -may abound in hope, ifirou^h tht 
 
< Vi ) 
 pOTiJoerSpf ihe Holy, GhJlr-^That the God jof piir 
 Lird Jefus Chrifi^ thcF4lh£l\ 9} glofj^ may give 
 utuo you tligjpint of wij'flomi end nvehtian. in thd 
 knowledge oj him : T^iey^s tf.you/ undaxftfifid^ 
 tng being enlightcJied^ that ymt may know lohaii 
 is the hope oj hu c ailing ^ and what the riches of 
 the glory oJ hi^ inh^rif^tice in the faints^ and ivhat 
 is t^e exceeding g^reatn^/s: of his power. to m-ward 
 'whfi believey'- according to, the working of i his 
 mighty poiv^rr-ffor thiSiC^t/4< I bow my knees to. 
 the Father of our. Lord Jefus Chrifti, that he 
 would grant you^- according to the nches\of his 
 glory , to be Jirm^ thened with mighty by his fpirit 
 in the inner man \ that Chriji may duuell in your 
 hearts by fait h-^ thap.yet being rooted andgrounded^ 
 in loT^^ may be able to- comprehend^ with cdl: 
 faints y whatislhe bre^adth^ and lengtlu,and deptJii 
 and height. ; and to * know' the love of Chnfi which 
 paffeth knowledge^ that ye might be filled with all' 
 the fiilmfs of Gcd,—-And this I fray^ that your 
 love may abound jet more and more in knowledge^ 
 and m alljudgfnent ; that ye may approve things 
 that are e^feUent ; jbat ye may. be fincere^ and 
 'wHMn.t offencei t^llthe day of Qhfjfi \ being filk^> 
 edwith ail th fruits $f righteQufnt^fs^ which are 
 by Jefus ChriJi^ unto the glory and pratfe of God, 
 And if we may Jbe allowed , to coaiider. them 
 in this light, wiiich after a perufal, I believe, 
 will not be thou gin unx^aAona.ble^ they niuil 
 furely be unfpcaKably-prcdous.to thofe who 
 ai<;,apv?;s cf ^he.wojjtof God. 
 ^- \ .. : 5.B1U 
 
.'^» "feut leaif t ii^v one -(hp'd , ., 
 think; by what tes bebn faia, thai rhey are 
 exalted beyond -the defert of m6re hum^n' 
 oompolitions,^^ whidv -wiU -always be Haf^e' to 
 imperfeaiom,- it may be needful to ob reive, 
 that i^wouid not attempt to acquit theni of 
 m^^ inekgancics arid ifia<:ciiracies ofexpref- 
 hon, orcv^n of fome'^iftak'es an''^ errors. 
 The candid reader, therefore, is defired, if he 
 finds any thing not agreeable to his judgment, 
 toremembertheyare Wrote by men': and by 
 men who make no'pretenUons to infallible in-- 
 fpiration., But at- thfe feme time he is like wife 
 defired! impartially to wdigh the fubllance, 
 and, for the fake of his own profit, to give the 
 jaft elleem to what is truly valuable. This 
 he may furely be pcrfuaded to do, notwith- 
 llanding fome parts in ay' hot'exacliy concur 
 with his fentiment-s. For moderation and 
 chriftian love towards thofe, who differ from'^ 
 us in their opinions, ought carefully to be cul- 
 tivated in all ferious minds ; the contrary hav- 
 ing been the occafioii of many very apparent 
 evils, 
 
 4. For my own part, I take mofl peculiar 
 delight in thofe writings, which exalt to the 
 utmoil Chrift my great Redeemer, his infi- 
 nitely meritorious life, paflion, and death, and 
 the exceeding great efficacy of the fdHdifying 
 influence of his fpirit. Wherefore thofe books, 
 or fermons, or converfations, which, however 
 ftrongly they may enforce the inward work 
 
 of 
 
I ( viii ) 
 
 orGod in the foul, yet fpeak but fparingly or 
 flightly of Chrift*s adorable r'rch merits, to me 
 feem to dimmilh their luftre, lofe their 
 llrength, and become far lefs ufeful. Nor 
 can it be efteemed, on the other hand, fuita- 
 ble to the chriftian plan, under a pretence of 
 extolling the fufxeriijgs and atonement of a 
 crucified Saviour, to depreciate, by omitting 
 to mculcate, the fandifying work of his fpi- 
 rit. We can never fufficiently admire, or ex- 
 patiate upon the former ; but then we ou^t 
 iikewife as largely and fully to treat of the 
 latter. May it pleafe God, there fore, to give 
 unto all thoie, whom he has vifi:ed with bis 
 grace, '\ A found judgment in all tnmgs {per- 
 taining to his kingdom"! May he alfo profpcr 
 with his blelling, iHs little work, that it may 
 be to the glory of his name, and the happy cfta^ 
 blifhment of mar-y chriitians in knowledge, 
 grace, and expe4ience t 
 
 c^- 
 

 COLLECTION 
 
 O F 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER I. '^Z. 
 [From Mr. Charles Perronet.^ 
 On Communion with the Father and the Son. 
 
 X HE anfwer I gave you before was too con 
 cife for the importance of the fubjeft. It is wor- 
 thy of all our thoughts^ demands all our time, and 
 fhould be the whole pjrfuit of life. To kno'uj the 
 only trus God, and Jefus Chrijl, is eternal life. 
 He that redeemed us, hath purchafed the moft 
 perfect grace for all that believe : and with every 
 other gift beflows ht7nfelf. 
 
 Gifts, Graces, Manifeftations, are fmall things 
 without God dweUing in us, and making all we 
 receive to center in himfelf. The image of God 
 is too divine for lefs than God to fatisfy its wants, 
 or employ its large capacities. Our fall is too 
 great to be repaired by any thing fhort of indwplj-ng 
 B Deity. 
 
I - 1 
 
 Deity. Nothing can reflore the foul, but Tefuj 
 df fcendina: as Lord of the foul, and actuating the 
 graces he beftows. 
 
 Our Creation was the zS: of three Divine Per- 
 fons in ojie undivided Jehovah. So is cur Re- 
 demption : each undertakes a particular part ; 
 each beftovv's his gifts, and vouchfafes diftin£l 
 mariifeftations of the Godhead. Man had at firll 
 free admiflion to God ; yet not without a Media- 
 tor of Accefs. All we receive now, is through a 
 Mediator of Atonement. Sin feparated from 
 God : only by a Mediator could favour be reftored. 
 There is no Mediator without equality : Reftora- 
 tion implies that equality ; and equality proves the 
 poffibility of reftoration. We are fent to the 
 Lord Jefus : the Father gives us to the Son. Thus 
 we drav>- nigh to God through Jefus Chrift. The 
 Son reveals the Father : thus we know God, en- 
 joy his favour, have free accefs, and become One 
 in the beginnings The whole is by the Father 
 giving the Son to us, and bringing us to the Son. 
 Jefus tranfacls all with God. And whatever he 
 did on earth, or doth in heaven, is brought into 
 the foul ; we die, rife, live with him, and his 
 Spirit prays in us. 
 
 The fame will it be in Glory. But we are firfl: 
 with Chrift in Paradife. Then the Son prefents us 
 to the throne of his Father, where we (hall behold 
 his face for ever. 
 
 Our fellowfhip is with the Father and his Son 
 Jefus Chrift. We equally adore the Eternal 
 Spirit ; apply to him, with the Father and Son, 
 for Grace, and receive peculiar manifeftations 
 from him. He bleflfes, fan6t:fiss, and reveals 
 bimfelf, 'in them that come unto God through 
 Jefus ChPift. 
 
 Each 
 
 ^ 
 
[ 3 1 
 
 Each Divine Perfon vouchfafes to bear a 
 peculiar relation to n?, aflumcs a peculiar 
 chara6ter, and afts a diftinft part in our redemp- 
 tion. God is undivided in his Effence, but diflin6t 
 in Perfonality : and what in one part of Scripture 
 is aTcrlbed to the undivided Godhead, is in other 
 parts afcriljed feparately, to each perfon. The 
 Son fends forth Grace, which implies the whole of 
 our Redemption, , Pardon, and Holinefs ; all pur- 
 chafed favour. The Father fheds abroad his Love, 
 oppofite to the wrath which is due to difobedience. 
 The Spirit vouchfafes Communion, which through 
 his agency we receive with the Father and the Son. 
 And this Communion is oppofed to Separation 
 from God. 
 
 So in future Glory> God is eternally One ; blit 
 each Perfon will communicate a peculiar part of 
 our joy. Yet, whether in this or the world to 
 Gome, whatever is the a(£t of one, is the a6l of the 
 whole Trinity. The Son can do nothing of himfelf 
 beeaufe of his perfect unity with the Father : and 
 the Father and Spirit do whatever the Sen doth, 
 beeaufe of an undivided effence. 
 
 Under the Old Covenant, God appeared diftant 
 and more fevere : in the New, he draws nigh, 
 and is more benign. In the Old, Gcd is mo(t 
 fpoken of: in the New, Chrift. In the formet 
 difpenfation, Chrifl is peculiarly confidefed as a 
 Governor : in the latter, as an Advocate and 
 Atonement. This the apoftle has an eye to, when 
 he ranges the General AJfembly. Firft, and re- 
 motefl from God, are the myriads of Angels ; then 
 the Church of the firfUhorn, the Old TeUament 
 faints, who are nearer. Thefe he p!a<m before 
 God as a fudge ; la ft, the fpirits of juftmen madi 
 perfe^, by the bringing in of a better' hope, the 
 Gofpel-difpenfaticTi. Thefe he gives to Jefus, 
 B 2 . as 
 
 \ 
 
[ 4 3 
 
 as a Saviour, Mediator, and Sacrifice. Thus the 
 order of the united hoft is preferved, and the 
 Climax raifed as high as it can go, God dying to 
 redeem ! 
 
 It is undeniable, there is One fpoken of in the 
 Old and New Teftament, called Jehovah op 
 Sabbaoth ; and all that the moft High God is 
 or doth is afcribed to him. It is certain, he is 
 defcribed as a6ting fubordinately, and at the wilt 
 of another. And it is as certain, there can te but 
 One Jehovah, and that Jehovah can be no 
 lefs than himfelf. Infinity admits of no Degrc&s 
 or Multiplicity. It is One : it is Equality : the 
 leaft inferiority makes the diftance Intinite. But 
 he that afcended, firjl defcended. He de/cended /';?/■# 
 the lower parts of the earth (a term for human con- 
 ception) he came down from heaven : yet, as God, 
 he was in heaven while on -earth. He came not to d* 
 his own will. But the Divine Nature couW do ne 
 other will : nor he fent :, nor fcrve ; nor be ether 
 than equal, undivided Jehovah. Therefore, the 
 nature fpoken of is the created exiftence of him 
 who is Jehovah, the beginning of the creation of 
 God ; by whom God created all things ; who ap- 
 peared to the fathers ; led Ifrael through the wilder' 
 ncfs ; was manifefled in the fie fh, died, afcended, 
 and will judge the world. 
 
 When I firft fought the Lord, X found no in- 
 tercourfe open with him, though his Spirit daily 
 changed my heart, and drew me from all outward 
 things, to feek my all in Uncreated Good. The 
 nrft fix months I was refreihed by various influ- 
 ences of grace, which drew me after heavenly 
 things, but difcovered nothing of him from whom 
 they came. I was all defire, all fervour ; and, on 
 the ftretch for divine communications, as one dead 
 to ali below. Outward things could not allure 
 
 me. 
 
[ s ] 
 
 me, becaufe I had renounced them, and devoted 
 myfelf to the Love of Chrift But it was not 
 till after much joy and forrow, that I knew the 
 mighty All, for whofe fake all was and is, the 
 firft, eternal fpring of all things, in whom they 
 begin and end. 
 
 After this, I was three months in deep diflrefs, 
 through the lofs of thofe meltings of heart, of 
 that light and joy, and pov/er to approach God in 
 prayer. Then Chrifl rellored the graces I had 
 poiTefTed with double increafe, and the revelation 
 of himjelf. The grace I received came now with 
 Jefus Chrift himfelf in fo clear a manifeilation, 
 that from what I daily experienced, I could have 
 preached him to all the world. If I had never 
 heard the name of Chrift, I could have declared 
 him to be God and Man, and the Mediator be- 
 tween both. 
 
 Now I fought Grace ; but Jefus above Grace, 
 and all that could be imparted. Whatever help or 
 ftrength I obtained, it feemed a fmall thing if he 
 came not with what he beftowed. The Son of 
 God was now my refuge from every ftoi"m ; my 
 friend, my hiding-place on all occafions. I talked 
 with hirn ; he feemed to look upon me with 
 precious fmiles ; became my delightful abode ; 
 gave me promifes, and made all my exiftence glor)' 
 in himfelf, fixing all my defires upon his Love, 
 and the glorious difplay of his own perfon. I 
 could relilli only Jefus : to have been a moment 
 with him, I would have given up all befides. I yN2,^ 
 fo engaged with Chrift, that the thought how he 
 had been defpifed whih on earth, drov%*ned my 
 eyes in tears: and the thought, that now he 
 poflefled all fulnefs, fo fatisfied my largeil" defires, 
 that I had no choice, whether to exift or not : 
 whatever was myfelf , was no more. It feefiied to 
 B 3 make 
 
[ 6 ] 
 
 make no part of my Happinefs. All centered in 
 Jefus, and him alone. 
 
 Before I experienced this, I had never known 
 that Prayer was offered up to CAriJf, but only in 
 his name. But now all my cry was to him, as he 
 was the only perfon of the Godhead I beheld. At 
 firfl he difcovered himfelf as the Holy Lord, and 
 Ruler over Jiis Redeemed : then as a Father of his 
 adopted Children, a fnend, an intimate and con- 
 defcending Companion : lall: of all, as the Spoufe 
 of his Church, of all Believers ; which character 
 exceeded every other. Every manifeftation more 
 abundantly knit my heart to himfelf, his word, 
 and commandments. I could truly fay, Hqu) dear 
 are thy counfels to me, O God ! AlUiiy Jludy is in thy 
 commandments. 
 
 The Scripture difplays the relation God (lands 
 in to his people, in a multitude of facred characters. 
 Some of thefe relate to this world ; fome to the 
 other : but all prove div^.rfity of experience ; and 
 that one Jiar differeth from another, both in grace 
 and glory. 
 
 Juft after my uniting with the Methodifts, the 
 Father was revealed to me ; and foon after, the 
 whole Trinity : I beheld the diftinft Perfons of 
 the Godhead ; and worfhipped one undivided Je- 
 hovah, and each perfon feparately. After this, I 
 often had equal intercourfewith Chrift and with the 
 Father : afterward, with the Spirit alfo. But after 
 four years, my ufual Communion was with Chrift 
 only : though at times, with the Father likewife ; 
 and not wholly without the Spirit. Of late I have 
 found the fame accefs to the Triune God. When I 
 approach Jefus, the Father and Spirit commune 
 with me ; but not in the degree as before. What- 
 ever I receive now, centers in taking leave of 
 Earth, and hading to another place. I am' as one 
 
 that 
 
[ 7 ] 
 
 that is no more. I ftand and look back on what 
 God has done ; his calls, helps, mercies, de- 
 hverances ; and adore and devote myfclt with 
 new ardour. 
 
 In rpeaking of thefe things, it is hard to find ut- 
 terance. And human weaknefs, intermixing much 
 of Imagination, caufes the Truth to be reje61:ed. 
 If it be afked, *' In what manner I beheld the tri- 
 une God ?" I anfwer. It is above all defcription : 
 it differs fo much from what is human. Who can 
 defcribe Light, fo as to make himunderftand that 
 has never feen it ? And he that hath thus feen 
 God, can no more defcribe what he has feerif 
 than he that hath not. In two of thefe Divin^e 
 Interviews, the Father fpake, while I was in agony 
 of prayer for perfe6t Conformity to himfelf ; twice 
 more, when I was in the depth of forrow ; and 
 each time, in fcripture words. 
 
 The Manifeftations to the Patriarchs were 
 Outward, and therefore admitted of being de- 
 fcribed. But what I relate was not Outward : it 
 was not any External Vifion : it was not what we 
 commonly call Faith : it was not an Imprelfion 
 upon my mind, but different from ail. While the 
 Soul is under the power of Faith, the perfon of 
 Chrift is often prefented to the imagination. But 
 what I fpeak was not this ; rather I fuppofe, it 
 was a fimilitude of what is feen in Eternity. But 
 ftill only a fimilitude : for while we are in the body, 
 all the operations of God's Spirit are wrought upon 
 our body and fpirit, infeparably conjoined. We 
 are now compofed of a material and immaterial 
 part : and nothing can poffibly a6t upon one, 
 without affe6i:ing both. But by and by~ we 
 fhall be, for a feafon, pure Spirit : afterward?, 
 joined to a fpiritual Body, fo totally different 
 from this corruptible body, that what we then 
 
 ^ perceive 
 
[ 8 ] 
 
 perceive will be different from all we perceive 
 now. 
 
 It may be afked, " Was the Appearance glo- 
 rious ?" It was all divine: it was Glory, I had 
 no conception of: it was God. The firft time the 
 Glory of him I faw, reached even to me : I was 
 overwhelmed with it, body and foul, penetrated 
 through with the rays of Deity. 
 
 " But was it light ?" It was not brightnefs, 
 more than darknefs. Our common acceptation 
 of Glory above, is that of fomething glittering^ 
 and fomething that is our own. But here are two 
 miflakes : I. We do not confider the difference 
 between this and the other world. To us. That is 
 excellent which is bright and fhining : but v/hat is 
 excellent to them, is of a kind, which hitherto 
 we have no conception of. 2. We imagine Glory 
 to be fomething that is our oivn ; whereas it is all 
 things centering in God. Separate from him, 
 there is nothing glorious : fpotlefs Souls would 
 loath themfelves, and their grace and glory, could 
 it be pofleffed out of God. But there he is the 
 firft and the lafl, the mighty All. All things are 
 by him, and all things are to him ; flowing back 
 to their firft rife, and refting in him as their eter- 
 nal Center. There the clamour of felf-feeking 
 and felf-complacency ceafes, or it would not be 
 Heaven. We only know. That God is : and he, 
 being what he is, is our All. 
 
 In confequence of this, I could never reft in 
 Grace abfent from God. After I had beheld him, 
 nothing but his prefence could fuffice. This 
 wrought in me much thankfulnefs, that the dark- 
 nefs of the Mofaic Difpenfation is pafl ; that the 
 true light (hines on us, and we are admitted within 
 the veil, to fee what many prophets and righteous 
 men could not. The feeble now exceed in com- 
 munion 
 
\ 
 
 Z P 1 
 
 mnnicn tvlth God, the chief under the old cove- 
 nant : and the lead in the Gofpel State enjoy 
 more of the Divine Nature, than the greateft be- 
 fore Chrift came. It alfo caufed me to give up 
 all thoughts of an Heaven, that was not God 
 himfeif above all things, and all things in him : 
 his prefeiKe making the bleffednefs of the out- 
 ward Manfion prepared for us. 
 
 Though /t doth mt appear what we Jhall be^ 
 yet the things of earth are patterns of things 
 above. Whatever is now, will be hereafter, only 
 exifling in a different mode. And that which 
 we were in our iirft creation, the fame will re- 
 main for ever. Man is compounded of Body a:nd 
 Soul ; and will be fo to eternity. He has now 
 many faculties and capacities ; and fo he will 
 have hereafter. And this diverfity of powers, re- 
 quires diverfi'ty of employment. The outward 
 man was formed for the outward things, which 
 God difpUyed in the Creation. But all blefTedn^ft 
 lies in union with his Spirit : here is the rife and 
 center of all Enjoyment, the Channel through 
 which all d^fcends, and wJiat alone conftitutes 
 Heaven. Whether on Ea;rth or in Heaven, we 
 derive nothing from God feparate from himfelf ; 
 but hy being one Spirit with hrm, we receive the 
 Gift through union with the Giver. 
 
 Our Underftan-ding rifes higher than the Senfes, 
 contemplating the Works and the Attributes of God. 
 But the foul has capacities higher than this ; Ca- 
 pacities of admitting an immediate intercourfe with 
 God. Here, indeed, human language fails. But, 
 if I may be allowed the exprefllon, this Part of the 
 Soul cannot iloop to any thing lefs than Union 
 with God. The Underftanding, meantime, can 
 rife no higher, than to contemplate his perfec- 
 tions : and the Senfes can rife no higher than to 
 
 be 
 
[ lo 1 
 
 be employed In remote, indirefl: participations of 
 God, through thofe outward things which are fo 
 many vehicles to convey^ tlie Knowledge of God, 
 by the manifeflation of his power, wifdom, and 
 goodnefs in thefe his loweft works. 
 
 Let it not be conceived from any thing which 
 has been faid. That the foul poffefles God's in- 
 communicable Eflence, or enters into that Union, 
 by which the Three are One Jehovah : or that 
 through the grace of the Lord Jefus, we partake 
 of the Divine Nature in the fame manner that 
 God exifls in himfelf. The former is the error of 
 yacob Behmeny and Mr. Lavj ; the latter of fuch 
 fpiritual writers as Arndt. All that God is, is 
 incommunicable and incomprehenfible. There- 
 fore, v/e cannot partake of the leaft degree : no, 
 nor conceive what it is. Only it is fomething di- 
 vine, which bears a correfpondence with the per- 
 fe6tion of the divine nature. And our Redemption 
 is a reftoration by being united to Chrift, not as 
 the Father and Son are united, but as branches in 
 a vine. 
 
 But as we were made for e^rnals as well as 
 internals, and for intercourfe with creatures as well 
 as the Creator, one alone does not cprpplete our 
 Happinefs, without both : only thi^difference : 
 Immediate participation with God exceeds what 
 is received through the mediuip of creatures ; and. 
 himfelf dwelling in us is n^Sij^than all outward 
 difplays of his Divinity. ^^ 
 
 When Adam was formed, it was In the likenefs 
 of God. Firfl, A divine refemblance of God in 
 his Natural and Moral Perfe6l:ions. His fimilitude 
 in the Natural, is the ground of it in his Moral 
 Perfedions. Whatever Wifdom and Power is in 
 God, we have fomething correfpondent therewith 
 in ourfelves Again : as Truth, Juftice, and 
 
 Mercy, 
 
r »i n 
 
 Mercy, are in God, fo there is the fimilitude of 
 them in us. What God really is, we have no 
 dire6t perception of, and can receive no real com- 
 munication of. But by looking intO ourlelves, 
 we know the fame mufl: be in God, only in a man- 
 ner fuitable to his infinite nature, and infinitely 
 differing from ourfelves, in kind as well as in 
 degree. 
 
 Secondly, The Divine Image we were formed 
 in, was the nature of the created exiftence of 
 Chrifl ; as he is the beginning of the creation of God, 
 We are not of the nature of Angels ; "but of Chriil 
 in his finite exiftence. This made the Church 
 capable of being his Spoufe. And this relation 
 feems to be a caufe, why we were redeemed. 
 The facred nearnefs to himfelf made it worthy of 
 Chrid to fuffer for us. 
 
 This image confifted, thirdly, in man's being 
 the Vice-God, or head of the Creation. Let them 
 have dominion, faid God, over all the Earth, 
 
 Paradife was an early refemblance of the glorious 
 place of God's abode. Adam took pofleiTion of 
 it, and was fet to drefs and keep the Garden. But 
 as Paradife muft have been a large place, and as 
 God's Vicegerent muft have had no employ unfit 
 for a divine ftation, his office muft have promoted, 
 not hindered the defign, of his being created in 
 the likenefs of God. To keep the garden was to 
 preferve it in the order wherein God had planted 
 it. To have made this the work of his hands, 
 would have been finking him into earth : fome- 
 thina: like the toil allotted to him, after his tranf- 
 greflicn. Neither coufd the hands of one man 
 have drefled fuch a garden : nor does it feem to have 
 been a work, that hands could have any part in. 
 
 Adam was endued with- intuitive Difcernment. 
 
 Reafon was beneath ,himi and was the Serpent's 
 
 '-- Vf^"^ ^ prerogative; 
 
[ 12 ] 
 
 prerogative ; bearing the fame proportion ta 
 Adam's Knowledge, as groping in the dark does to 
 walking in the clear light. By his Authority he 
 gave names to all Creatures, and, by his intuitive 
 Difcernmcnt, he fuited the name to foraething 
 peculiar in the nature of each. 
 
 'Jhe Creation fecms to be hieroglyphlcal, 
 pourtraying the Creator. All that which affe6ted 
 the outward fcnfcF, was emblematic of fome attri- 
 bute of God, and a vehicle to convey a delightful 
 communication of it : fo that through the crea- 
 tures the Creator was conveyed, and man made 
 to center in God. 
 
 His fupreme Joy confifted in direQ: incercourfe 
 with God : the next, in contemplating his Ex- 
 cellencies : the loweft, in what he beheld of the 
 outward manifeftation of God, or tafled in the 
 hieroglyphic Garden in converfe with Eve, and 
 exercifing his office of ruling over the Creation. 
 Thefe completed his joy, and were the type of 
 what he v/as to enjoy more perfectly above. 
 
 Hereafter the Soul is to enjoy the fulnefs of 
 God, and to dwell in his immediate prefence, 
 having abilities to contemplate his excellencies, 
 and by means of the Refurreftion-body, to enjoy 
 the local Heaven, and the fellowfhip of the Saints. 
 Thefe conjointly will complete the Joy, which no 
 one of them alone would do. 
 
 What the Refurre<3:ion-body is, and what its 
 capacities are, we know not. But we know 
 its powers will be amazing : and thefe employ- 
 ments equal and fultable to them. And both, the 
 Body and all its offices, are fubfervient to the 
 Soul's receiving its full happinefs. 
 
 The Houfe not made with hands is' all divine. 
 The City has the glory of God y and her light is like 
 a jafper Jlone, clear as chryfaL The vjall is of 
 
 jafper. 
 
[ 13 3 
 
 jafpery the city of pure gold. The gates have an- 
 gels for ever and ever attending on the favoured 
 inhabitants : and each is faid to be made of one 
 pearl, to fhew that the work was beyond eftima- 
 tion. God and the Lamb dwell in the city, and 
 are the light and temple thereof. The light and 
 walls are jafper, to which he that fitteth on the 
 throne is compared. The light of the city enters 
 not in, but flows out on thofe that are not holy 
 enough to enter. Neverthelefs, they walk in the 
 light of it, as the inhabitants of its fuburbs. 
 
 The fame may be faid of Grace as of glory. 
 Many are fo engaged with outward things, that 
 though they are fpiritually employed, yet their 
 dwelling is not within the City, but in the diflant 
 light of it. I long for better things iov you : and 
 wifh you to be engaged in fecuring to your- 
 felf a place, where God and the Lamb dwell for 
 ever ! 
 
 In the internal Heaven is God the Spirit, under 
 the emblem of pure -water, termed a river, for its 
 abundance, proceeding out of the throne. The ex- 
 periences of Grace below, are from the Father 
 and the Son. And the enjoyment of glory will 
 be from God and the Lamb, and from the throne. A 
 throne is the higheft glory of kings : and to reiscn 
 is the higheft office, and the moft a6live part "of 
 kingly greatnefs. This we fhall pofTefs with ' 
 Jefus, as Co-heirs of his kingdom. For, as one 
 experience of Grace, fo does one manifeftation of 
 glory differ from one another. And that which 
 proceeds from the throne, is the higheft that is com- 
 municable. This is from the Faither and the Son, 
 in glorious, eternal fellowihip, through the fpirit 
 ot one undivided Jehovah. There is no curfe, but 
 ail is now as if God had never been offended : no 
 C {m, 
 
t 14 ] 
 
 fin, forrow, grave ; but the beatific vlfion, and 
 immediate accefs to it. 
 
 The throne of God and the Lamb is in the city. 
 So the place out of which the Hving waters ifiue, 
 is itfelf their abode. They fee his face ; which 
 implies accefs, and a nature capable of knowledge, 
 fellowlliip, and union, with him we behold. His 
 name is en the tr foreheads ; his nature in their ef- 
 ience^ and appearing in their countenance. On 
 this is founded the pofTeflion of all they enjoy. 
 
 In our ilate of probation, God was our center : 
 vet not fo fully, but there were appetites as well 
 as capacities for other thing?. In heaven, he is fo 
 our center, that there remains no appetite, no ca- 
 pacity for any thing but God ; therefore, no pof- 
 llbility of falling : not that the j'>Iace makes us 
 immutable, neither our hclinefs : but when God 
 engages his omnipotence on our behalf, that is 
 our immutability. 
 
 Many are the hinderances of our^jijpmmunion, 
 at leall: of our full Communion with the Father 
 and the Son : unobferved Sloth, fecret Unfaith- 
 fulnefs to the grace we have received : not perhaps 
 doing what God forbids, but omitting to do what 
 he requires. Hereby a dying infenfibility fteals 
 upon us, and our garment is deftroyed before we 
 find it is hurt. It is hurt by our not prefTing 
 near, but being content to hve at a diflance from 
 God : by our ceafing to watch ; or to firive by 
 our thruiling away the crofs, or neglecting to 
 bring forth fruit meet for repentance. If we 
 fail, Vv'e do not rife inftantly, and fly to be reccn^ 
 ciled to the Son. When his vjrath is kindled hit 
 a little^ then we might draw near ; but we keep 
 off, till our heart is hardened. 
 
 Some lofe all their Communion with God at 
 once; but moft bv flow degrees. They do not 
 
 add 
 
c 15 ] 
 
 add the graces of the Gofpel to Fai||i, and fo 
 gradually lofe their fpiritual fight, forgetting that 
 the defign of Grace is to purify nature, and that 
 all is vanity but the Love of Jefus. Hence they 
 indulge themfelves in the common things of lik, 
 as food and drefs. -They allow themfelves all they 
 like, and only facrifice the offals to God. Can 
 thefe retain Communion with him ? How few 
 will make themfelves poor with Chrill, and fliare 
 poverty with his members ? So God cannot deal 
 bountifully with them, becaufe they are flraitened 
 in their own bowels. 
 
 Other Hinderances are : We do not humble 
 ourfelves as little children. We do not bear, yea, 
 in a fenfe, fubmit to the froward, giving pLicc 
 Uiito wrath. We do not fludy to improve by 
 the daily crofs : we do not fee the need and the 
 ufe of it. 
 
 We do not behave to thofe under us with proper 
 mildnefs, and as confidering the greateft among us 
 is to be the leaft. We do not fee the good of being 
 of no reputation, of being defpifed andrejecled of 
 nfen. Nay, perhaps there is a groffer hinderancc. 
 We are not exactly temperate. Even in the ad- 
 vanced ftages of grace, this may be the cafe. 
 When nature is decayed by age or trials, then wc 
 endeavour to repair it by Drink. Nay, let Chrift 
 be our Cordial. Be content with him and let him 
 do what feemeth him good. 
 
 In the beginning of my Converfion, I was much 
 led by divine impreflions in lleep. Some warned 
 me of temptation or fm ; fome of approaching af- 
 fliftion : others quickened me in the way, or 
 comforted me through hope of feeing the pro- 
 mifes fulfilled. When my experience was leaft, I 
 had mod of thefe •, but they were never wholly- 
 withdrawn. 
 
 C 2 I feemed 
 
[ i6 3 
 
 I feeiAl In my fl»ep to be often with Chnfl- 
 I carried him an infant in my arms. I heard him 
 fpeak. I walked with him, and faw him work 
 Miracles. I helped to fupport him in his Agony : 
 faw him crucified, and was crucified with him. 
 I faw the approaches of the Lafl: Day, and waited 
 the trumpet's found. Another time we all flood 
 before Jefus. I cried in an agony to be made fit. 
 i was made fo, and rejoiced. 
 
 In September 1761, I returned from the Weft 
 to Brentford. One for whom I had been forrc^>^- 
 ing for years, had greatly finned in that place ; 
 and I knew it not. I dreamed, and faw a glorious 
 Building. None might enter into it that were not 
 holy. At my firO going in, I faw many looking 
 one way, and attending to one thing. I looked 
 the fame way, and faw our Lord furrounded by a 
 fmaller company. I went near; but there was a 
 partition that incircled them, and none might go 
 in that had not on white robes. Chrift Jefus was 
 fpeaking. I got near him, and alked, ** Where 
 I was to be ?" He pointed near to his feet. Im- 
 mediately a door opened, a^id a white robe covered 
 me. I went in, and fell at his feet; and, in an 
 agony of Prayer for that man, awoke. 
 
 Now feek ye the Lord ! And all ye that love 
 him, fee that ye hate the thing that is evil. All 
 that have communion with him, follow righteouf- 
 nefs : ye that are Jefus's flieep, hear his voice ! 
 He calls you to die with him, to rife, and live forever ! 
 O, let us devote Body and Soul to him 1 And let 
 us part from all that is unlike the Refurre£bion-Iife 
 of both the outward and inward man ! Be willing 
 to faffer, that ye may reign ; and patiently over- 
 come, that ye may inherit all things. 
 
 CHARLES PERRONET. 
 
 Shorehaniy May 1772, 
 
 LET- 
 
C 17 ] 
 
 LETTER II, 
 
 [The Rev. Mr. Fletcher to the Rev. Mr. Wefley, 
 alking Advice concerning his entering into 
 Holy Orders.] 
 
 Rev. Sir, Nov. 2^, i7S^. 
 
 A 
 
 S I look on you as my fpiritual Guide, and 
 cannot doubt of your patience to hear,^nd your 
 experience to anfwer a ferious queftion propofed 
 by any of your people, I freely lay my cafe before 
 you. Since the firil time I began to feel the Love 
 of God 'filed abroad in my heart, which was, I 
 think, when feven years of age, I refolved to give 
 myfelf up to Him and the fervice of his Church if 
 ever I was fit'for it; but the corruption which is 
 in the world, and that which was in my heart, 
 foon weakened, if not erafed thofe firfl characters 
 that G^race had w^rote upon my heart : however, 
 I went through my iludies with a defign of going 
 into Orders, but aftervv^ards upon ferious reflections, 
 feeling I was unequal for fo great a burden, and 
 difgufted by the neceflity I lliould be under to 
 fubfcribe to the doctrine of Prcdeftinatlon, I 
 yielded to the defire of my friends who would have 
 me go into tlie army ; butjufl before I quite en- 
 gaged into a military employment I met with 
 fuch difappointments as occafioned my comingttp 
 England. Here I was called outwardly " tl^e 
 times to go into Orders, but upon prayin^^ lo 
 God that if thofe Calls were not from Him they 
 might come to nothing : fomcthing always blailed 
 C 3 the 
 
[ i8 ] 
 the defigns of my friends, in which I have often 
 admired the goodnefs of God, who has fo many 
 times hindered me from milling into that impor- 
 tant employment as a horfe does into the battle: 
 but I never was more thankful for this favour than 
 fince I heard the Gofpel preached in its purity. 
 Before I had been afraid, but then I trembled to 
 meddle with Hcly Things, and refolved to work 
 out my falvation privately, without engaging into 
 n way of life which required fo much more grace 
 and gifts than I was confcious to have : but yet 
 from time to time I felt warm and ftrong defires 
 to cafl myfelf and all my inability upon the Lord, 
 if I fhould be called any more, as knowing that he 
 could help me and fliow his flrength in my weak- 
 nefs ; and from time to time thofe defires were 
 encreafed by fome httle fuccefs that attended my 
 exhortations and letters to my friends. 
 
 I think it necefTary to let you know. Sir, that 
 my Mafter often defired me to take Orders, and 
 laid that he would foon help me to a Living ; 
 lo wliich I coldly anfwered I was not fit, and tfiat 
 befides I did not know how to get a title. The 
 thing was in that ftate when about fix weeks ago 
 a Gentleman I hardly knew, offered me a Living 
 which in all probability v/ill be vacant very foon ; 
 and a Clergyman that I had never fpoke to, gave 
 me of his own accord, the title of Curate to one of 
 his Livings. New, Sir, the queff ion wliich I beg 
 you to decide is, whether I mud and can make 
 ufe of that titl^tto try to go into Orders. For as for 
 the Livings were it vacant, I have no mind to it, 
 becaufe I think I could preach with more fruit in 
 my country and in my own tongue. I am in fuf- 
 pcnce : for on the one fide riniy heart tells me I 
 mud try, and it tells me fo whenever I feel any 
 'kgree of the Love of God and man : tut on the 
 
 otl er^ 
 
[ 19 3 
 
 other, when I examine whether I am fit for It, ^ 
 fo plainly fee my want of gifts, and efpccially o' 
 that foul of all the labours of a Mmirter of thfe 
 Gofpel, Love, continual, univerfal, flaming 
 Love, that my confidence difappears, I accufe 
 myfelf of pride, to dare to entertain the defire of 
 fuppbrtlng one day tlie Ark. of the Lord, and I 
 conclude that an extraordinary punifhment will 
 fooner or later overtake my raihnefs : as I am in 
 both thofe frames fucceffively, I mufl own Sir, I 
 do not fee plainly which of the two ways before 
 me I can take with fafety, and I fhallbe glad ^ to 
 be ruled by you, becaufe I trufl God will dire6l 
 you in giving me the advice you think will heft 
 conduce to his glory, the only thing I would have 
 in view in this affair : I know how precious is your 
 time, I defire no long anfwer, perjiji or forbear 
 will fatisfy and influence 
 Sir, 
 
 Your unworthy Servant, 
 
 JOHN FLETCHER. 
 
 LETTER m. 
 
 [To the fame.l 
 Rev. Sir, London, May 26, 175^. 
 
 I 
 
 F I did not write to you before Mrs. Wefley 
 had aiked me, 'tis not that I wanted a> remem- 
 brancer within, but rather an encouragS" without. 
 There is generally upon niy heart fuch a ferife of 
 my unworthinefs, that I dare hardly open my 
 mouth before a child of God fometimes, and 
 
 think 
 
[20 ]■ 
 
 think It is an unfpeakable honour to (land before 
 one who has recovered fomething of the image of 
 God, or fincerely feeks after it. Is it poffible 
 that fuch a finful worm as me fhould have the 
 privilege to converfe with one, whofe foul is be- 
 fprinkled with the blood of my Lord ? The 
 thought amazes — confounds me, and fills my 
 eyes with tears of humble joy. Judge then at 
 whatdiftance I mufl: fee myfelf from you, if I am 
 fo much below the leafl: of your children ; and 
 whether a remembrancer within fuffices to make 
 me prefume to write to one, whofe fhoes I am not 
 worthy to bear. I rejoice that you find eve- 
 ry where an increafe of praying fouls. I doubt 
 not but ^he prayer of the jull has great power 
 with God ; but I cannot believe that it fhould hin- 
 der the fulfilling of Chrift's gracious promifes to 
 his Church : he muft and will certamly come at 
 the time appointed, for he is not flack as fome 
 men count (lacknefs ; and though he wouid have 
 all come to repentance, yet he has not forgot to 
 be true and juft. Only he will come with more 
 mercy, and will increafe the light that fliall be at 
 evening-tide, according to his promife in Zach. 
 xiv. 7. I fliould rather think that the vifions are 
 not yet plainly difclofed, and that the day and 
 year in which the Lord will begin to make bare 
 his arm openly, is ftill concealed from us. I mud 
 fay concerning Mr. Walfti, as he faid once to me, 
 concerning God. I wifh 1 could attend him every 
 where as Eliflia attended Elias ; but fince the will 
 of God calls me from him, I mufi: fubmit and 
 drink the cup prepared for me. I have not {een 
 him, unlefs for a few moments, three or four 
 times before divine fervice : we mufi: meet at the 
 throne of grace, or meet but feldom. O when 
 will the communion of faints be compleat ? 
 
 Lord 
 
[ 21 1 • 
 
 Lord haften the time, and let me have a place 
 among them that love thee, and love one another 
 in fincerity ! 
 
 I fet out in two days for the country. O may 
 I be faithful ! harmlefs like a dove, wife hke a 
 ferpent, and bold as a lion, for the cemmon 
 caufe ! O Lord do not forfake me, fland by the 
 weakeft of thy fervants and enable thy children to 
 bear with'me, and wreftle v^'ith thee in my behalf I 
 O bear with me dear Sir, and give me your blef- 
 fmg every day, and the Lord wit! return to yott 
 fevenfold. 
 
 I am, 
 
 Rev. Sir, 
 
 Your unworthy Servant, 
 
 JOHN FLETCHER. 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Fletcher, to MifsF — , and 
 Mifs R— .3 
 
 Dear Sifiers, Odober i, 1 759* 
 
 I 
 
 Have been putting off writing to yoti, left the 
 action of writing fliould divert my Soul from the 
 awf^il and delightful worfliip it is engaged in ; but 
 now conclude I fhall be no lofer, if I invite you to 
 love him my fcul lovetli, to dread him my foul 
 dreadeth, to adore hire my foul adoreth : fink 
 with me, or rather let .ae fmk with you, before 
 the Throne of Grace ; and while Cherubims veil 
 their faces, and cry out in tender fear and ex- 
 quifite trembling. Holy ! holy ! holy ! let us put 
 our mouths in the dull, and echo back the folem.n 
 
 found.. 
 
C 22 ] 
 found. Holy ! holy ! holy ! Let us plunge our- 
 felves in that ocean of purity : let us try to fathom 
 the depths of divine mercy j and convinced of the 
 impoffibiiity of fuch an attempt, let us lofe our- 
 felves in them ; let us be comprehended by God, 
 if we cannot comprehend him ; let us be fupremeiy 
 happy in God ; let the intenfenefs of our happi- 
 nefs border upon mifery, becaufe we can make 
 him no return. Let our head become waters, 
 and our eyes a fountain of tears—tears of humble 
 repentance, of folemn joy, of filent admiration, 
 of exalted adoration, of raptured defires, of en- 
 flamed tranfports, of fpeechlefs awe. My God 
 and my all ! — your God and your all! our God 
 and our all ! Praife him ; and with our fouls 
 blended into one by divine love, let us with one 
 mouth glorify the Father of our Lord Jefus Chri/i ; 
 our Father y who is over ally through all and in us 
 all. I charge you before the Lord Jefus v;ho 
 giveth life and more abundant life. I intreat you 
 by all the a6tings of faith, the ftretchingsof hope, 
 the flames of love you have ever felt, fmk to great- 
 er depths of felf-abafing repentance, liO^ to great- 
 er heights of Chrift-exalting joy ; and let him 
 who // able to do exceeding abundantly more than you 
 4ifk or think, carry on, znd fulfil in you the zuork of 
 faith with power ; with that power whereby he 
 fubdueth all things unto himfelf : befledfafi in hope, 
 vnmoveable in patience and love, always abounding 
 in the outward and inward labour of love, and 
 receive the end of your Jaith, the falvation of your 
 fouls. 
 
 I am, dear Sifters, 
 
 Your real Well-wifher, 
 
 JOHN FLETCHER. 
 
 LET- 
 
C 23 ] 
 
 L E 'J' T E R V. 
 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Fletcher, to the Rev. Mr. 
 
 Wefley.] 
 
 Madeley, June 6, 1781. 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 I 
 
 Rejoice to hear that your fpirltual bow abide* 
 in ftrength. I would have wifhed you joy about 
 it fince my arrival, if I knew where a letter could 
 overtake you. I heartily thank you about the 
 direftlons you give me to hinder my bow. To fi^.- 
 fplit, from breaking quite. Now I mufl: imitate 
 your prudence, or the opportunity of doing it will 
 loon be loft for good. 
 
 I would do fomething in the Lord's vineyard, 
 but I have not fl:rength. I can hardly, without 
 over-doing myfelf, vifit the fick of my Parifh ; I 
 v/as better when I left Switzerland, than I am 
 now ; I had a great pull back in venturing to 
 preach in the fields, in the Cevennes, to = about 
 two thoufand French Proteftants. I rode thirty 
 miles to that place from Montpelller, on horfe- 
 back, but was obliged to be brought "back in a 
 carriage. And now that I am here I can neither 
 ferve my Church, nor get it properly ferved. 
 Mr. G — s owns, the place is not fit for him, nor 
 he for it. He will go when I can get fome body- 
 to help me : could you fpare me brother E ? 
 
 It would be a charity. Unlefs I can get a Curate 
 zealous enough to ftir among the people, I will 
 give up the place : it would be little comfort to 
 me to (lay here to fee the dead bury the dead. I 
 thank G®d however, for refignation to his will. 
 
 A« 
 
\ 
 
 [ 24 ] 
 
 As foon as I {hall difcein it clearly, I fhall follow 
 
 it, for I truft I have learned in what ftate foever I 
 
 am, therewith to be content. What a blefTmg is 
 
 Chrift to the foul, and health to the body ! 
 
 When you go to, or come from the Conference, 
 
 be fo good as to remember that you have now apil- 
 
 grim's houfe in the way from Shrewfbury to 
 
 Brofeley ; and do not go and climb our hills witli-* 
 
 out baiting. At our firft interview, I fhall afk 
 
 your thoughts about a French Work or two I have 
 
 upon the anvil ; but which I fear 1 fliall not have 
 
 time to finilh. Be that as it will, God needs not 
 
 the hand of Uzzah nor my finger, t%keep up his 
 
 ark. I read with pleafure and edification, your 
 
 Arminian Magazine. Your ftorehoufe is inex- 
 
 hauftible. ^.TChe Lord ftrengthen you to Nejior^s 
 
 years, or rather, to the ufeful length of St. John's 
 
 life. It is worth living to ferve the Church, and 
 
 to teach Chrift iaffe^to love one another. 
 
 I am. Rev. and dear Sir, ,, 
 
 YourafFe6tionate, though unprofitable Servant, 
 
 JOHN FLETCHER. 
 
 LETTER VL ' 
 
 [Td the fame.] ^ 
 
 Madeley, June 24, 1781. 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 A 
 
 to Mifs L- , I believe her to be a fira- 
 
 ple, holy follower of the Lord. Nothing throws «;?- 
 fcriptural Myfticifm down like holding out the 
 promise of the Fathef, and the fulnefs of the 
 Spirit, to be received noix)^ h^Jaith in the two 
 Promifers, the Father and the1yc,*z,. Ah ! what is 
 
 tbe 
 
\ 
 
 c 2; 1 '*•• -', 
 
 the penal fire of the Myftics, to the burning love of 
 the Spirit, revealing the glorious pov/er of the 
 Father and the /5"o«, according to John xiv, 26, and 
 filling us with all the fulnefs of God ? Plain Scrip- 
 ture is better than all Myftic refinements. 
 
 When I was at N , near Geneva, three 
 
 Miniflers received the Word, and preached the 
 Truth. When perfecution arofe becaufe of the 
 Word, the two Paflors were afraid ; but the Cu- 
 rate of the firft Paflor, a Burgefs of the town, 
 flood by me. This Timothy opened his hbufe, 
 when tl Atea flors ftiut both their pulpits and 
 houfes ; ^Jp^eard him preach a Difcourfe before 
 Icame a^lf M^orthy^fj'i'z/, Sir, upon the heights 
 and depthpl.OT nolinefs. He wrote an apology for 
 me, which he fent to the head of the j^erfecuting 
 Clergy, and fo flopped the torrent of wrath. Pie 
 made obfervations upon the mifchief done to 
 Chriflianity by abad Clergy, fuchas George Fox, 
 and you. Sir, would not difown. When I told 
 him of you and the Methodifls, he expre^a gre|^ 
 defire to come to England, to hear you^tt) i^i 
 the Englifh brethren, and to learn Englifli, that 
 he might read your Works, and perhaps tranflate 
 fome of them. He can have no Living in. his 
 own country, becaufe he will notfivear to profe- 
 cute all ivho propagate Arminian 'Tenets : which is, 
 more honefl than the Clergy, many of whom ar 
 Arians, Socinians or Deills, and do not fcrupic 
 to take the Calvinian Oaths ! I fhall endeavour 
 to wait upon you at Leeds at the time of the 
 Conference : in the mean time, 
 
 I am. Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 Yoyr obedient Servant, 
 And afFe6i:ionate Son in the Gofpel, 
 /^ JOHN FLETCHER. 
 
 L E T- 
 
 '^fir 
 
 /3p^ 
 
[ 26 ] 
 
 LETTER. VII. 
 
 [From the Hoiifekeeper at Kingfwood-School 
 to the Rev. J. Wefley.] 
 
 Kingfwood, Oct. 30, 1748. 
 Dear and Rev. Sir, 
 
 W: 
 
 HEN I look back upon my paft life, and 
 fee the directing and over-ruling hand of my gra- 
 cious God, 1 am aftoniflied, and cry out, Lord, 
 what is man ? and what am 1 ? an u(|d^teful, re- 
 bellious worm, not worthy the grOTnd I tread 
 upon. Even in this lafl: call of liis Providence, 
 how have J redfted, and mixed bitter draughts in 
 my own cup, which the Lord never deiigned for 
 me? But it was my perverfenefs and littlenefs of 
 faith: LHftened to the voice cf the enemy, rather 
 than the voice of God: I could not trufl him, 
 though he had been my refuge \\\ every time of 
 trouble. How did he gently ftrive to fubdue my 
 ilubborn fpirit, calming my fears, and fhining in 
 upon my foul with fuch clear, demonftrative 
 light, that I could no longer withlland. I then rofe 
 up, and feebly followed the fmall ftill voice. ^ I 
 foon found obedience brings its own reward. ^^1y 
 anxiety, my doubts, and diftrufi: all vaniflied, 
 and a Iweet calm fucceeded, which has continued 
 ever fince. 1 know not v/hat the Lord is about 
 to do with nre; but I am enabled to leave it all to 
 him. O may I never again take the matter out 
 of his great hand; but lay my body, foul, and 
 fpirit, all that I have and am, at his feet ! Q^at 
 he would make me as. a weaned child^ iimply 
 ing up to him for all things! 
 
[ 27 'J 
 
 The fpirit of this family is a refcmblancc of ihc 
 houfhold above. As far as I can difcern, they 
 are given up to God, and purfue but the one 
 great end. The Lord in a pecuhar manner, pre- 
 terveth us from the rocks on either hand, and we 
 fafely walk between them. Having our G(^d for 
 our guide, what can harm us.'' Nothing {wt loi- 
 ing fight of him . and for .this there is .ltd necef- 
 lity. 
 
 1^ any is afraid this fchool willeciipfe and dark- 
 en others, or that it w-ill train up foidiers to pro- 
 claim open war againft the God of this world, I 
 believe it is nor a groandlefs fear. For if God con- 
 tinues to blefs us, ^*one of thefe little ones fliall 
 chafe a thoufand." I doubt not but there will a- 
 rife ambafladors for the King of kings from this 
 obfcurefpot, that Ihall fpread his glory all abroad, 
 and bring many fouls unto the knov/ledge of the 
 truth. 
 
 Dear Sir, we beg your conftant prayers, with 
 thofc of all the brethren with you. May the Lord 
 bear you all as on eagles wings, and comfort and 
 cflablifli your hearts together ! This day 1 felt my 
 ipirit minghng with my beloved London friends : 
 and it was fvveet confolation. It will not be long 
 ere we Hiall meet in our Father's houfe, to rejoice 
 together throughout an happy eternity. -Pray al- 
 ways for 
 
 Your unworthy, 
 
 affectionate Servant in the Gofpel, 
 
 MARY DAVEY- 
 
 D 2 
 
% r -8 J 
 
 LETTER. VIII. 
 
 [To the fame, From a poor, happy Woman, then 
 
 living in the Orphan-Houfe at Newcaftle.] 
 
 Newcaftle, Nov. i, 1748. 
 11 ev. Dear Sir, 
 
 I 
 
 Think we never had a more blefTed time in 
 this lionfej lince it was a houfe. I know of no 
 
 tiling amifs betwixt Siller M and me: but we 
 
 cannot be as one foul (as you exprefs it) ; for you 
 know, fhe muft have a little pre-eminence, 1 am 
 exceeding willing that ftie fnould; and fo we live 
 in great peace, and, I believe, in love. 
 
 You may expedl plain dealing from me ; and if 
 I thought you diftrufted me, I would not write j 
 but I am fully perfuaded you do not: and there- 
 fore why (hould I hide a heart from you, that is 
 quite uncovered before the all-feeing eyes of God ? 
 1 may poffibly deal too openly with others; but I 
 am fully convinced, I never can with you. Nay, 
 I could heartily wifh that you faw all that is in my 
 heart; you could then be a better judge of it 
 than I am myfelf. 
 
 I know not how to agree to the not working. 
 I am Hill unv/illing to take any thing from any 
 body. I work out of choice, having never yet 
 learned, how long a woman can be idle and inno- 
 cent. I have had as blefled times in my foul fit- 
 ting at work, as ever I had in my life ; efpecially 
 in the night-time, v»'hen I fee nothing but the 
 light of a candle and a white cloth, hear nothing 
 but the found of my own breath, with God in my 
 fight and heaven in my fcul, I think myfelf one 
 of the happieft creatures below the Ikies. I do 
 
 not 
 
[ 29 ] 
 not complain, that God has not made mc fcr 
 fine thing, to be fet up to be gazed at; bur I can \ • 
 ly blefshim, that hehasnr;ade mejuft what ' 
 creature capable of the enjoyrrent ofhirnielf ' 
 to the window and look out, I ieethemocn ai- 
 I meditate a while on the lilence.4 of the iii^hi:, 
 conhder this world as a beautiful firuclure, the 
 work of an almighty hand ; thcnn" lit down to 
 work again, and think myfel"f one & the happieit 
 beings in it. I do not rnurmur bftauHe I have 
 not what they call goods of fortiin^ or a little 
 Ikin deep beauty ; but I am happy J- becpuf,^ as 
 long as God lives, I fhall enjoy hiiri^. fo long as 
 there is a heaven, I fliall pofTefs it. if iliis thoi;ght 
 cannot make me happy, without any'.€bing elle, I 
 deferve to be milerable. Then hoAv cani enough 
 adore that Redeemer, who bought qji thefe privi- 
 leges for me with hi own blood ? Bift here v/ords 
 fail me, and lean fay no mere : I firkdeep into mv 
 own nothingnefs, and cry out, with aftoniihment, 
 O what has God done for me ! 
 
 O pray for me, that I may no^more be found 
 unfaithful. Dear Sir, pray foirfme, that f may 
 be always watchful and ferious ;/that all my con- 
 verfation may adorn the gofpej.' To the divine 
 protedlion I commit that which is dearell to mc 
 ctn earth, and remain . 
 
 Your affcdlionateand lovinp child, 
 
 JE ANNIE KEITH. 
 
 i' 
 
 L E T- 
 
[ 30 ] 
 
 LETTER. JX. 
 
 [From IVfrs. Elizabeth Mann, to Mr. Weftey.] 
 
 I 
 
 London, September 14, 1749. 
 Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 Triifl you do not forget to pray for me •, for, 
 indeed, I have need. I feel myfelf now, as at all 
 times, a poor helplefs creature, unable to do any 
 thing without the mighty power of God, unlefs it 
 be to lin againfthim ; and the more I feel of my 
 own weaknefs, the more I defire to feel of 
 It. I think I would fain be nothing, that Chrifl 
 might be all in all : it is fo blefled and plcafant a 
 thing, to receive all from him, who is fo ready to 
 l)eftow upon me, that I would not accept of any 
 ftrength or help, but what cometh from him a- 
 lone: and, indeed, I have need of ro other. His 
 grace is fufficient for me. O, what a myftery is 
 the life of faith ! how weak is the foul that hangs 
 on Jefus •, and yet, how ftrong .'' Of itfelf it is not 
 able to ftand againft the leaft enemy, but muft 
 neceflarily fall a prey to the weakeft, even of its 
 inbred foes : but through him it is able, not only 
 to wreftle with llefh and bKTod, but with principa- 
 lities and powers: with the rulers of the darknefs 
 of this world; and with fpiritual Avickednefs in 
 high places : and is made more than conqueror, 
 through his love, who is become the Captain of 
 our falvation. 
 
 I often meditate on the happinefs of thofe fouls, 
 who have wholly ceafed from their own works, 
 and feel every moment that it is Chrift thatwork- 
 
 eth 
 
[ '31 ] 
 ctli all their works in them ; and arc always fenfi- 
 ble, that it is not themfelves that fpeak, but the 
 Spirit of their Father, which fpeaketh in them : 
 and whofe every thought proceeds from that foun- 
 ain of all holinefs and perfection. O what a hea- 
 ven is there opened in that foul ! and what a burn- 
 ing and (liining light is it to all around ! Within 
 all is holy and undefiled, ffnd there is nothing to 
 annoy ordifturb that peace,which continually flow- 
 eth as a river : and I think to all without them, 
 their words muft come with life and power. O 
 what a reft is this ! how worthy of the Almighty 
 Author, to beftow on all that fear and wait up- 
 on him ! iVnd yet, it is no wonder, that human 
 nature fhould ftagger at the greatnefs of the pro- 
 mife through unbelief: efpecially, as it isfo much 
 the intereft of the great enemy of mankind, we 
 fhould : indeed he does not much concern himfelf, 
 when men give only a cool aflent to the truth of 
 the promife : but, when a foul is ftirred up to fol- 
 low hard after it, then the devil ftirs up all the un- 
 belief of our nature, and is continually fuggefting, 
 how can thefe things be? But when a foul is en- 
 abled to furmount thefe oppoiitions, and can ftea* 
 dily behold the promife, though it be afar ofF, 
 how inexcufable is it, if it be not every moment 
 panting and longing for the poiTeflion of it ? Butj^ 
 alas ! where falls this ceniiire ? It overwhelflf^ 
 myfelf: now my foul earneftly defires, and pan^ 
 after that glorious liberty : but how often is it dtib 
 and languid, in the purfuit thereof: nay, perhaps, 
 for fome moments, I lofe fight of the high prize 
 of my calling. O when Ihall this be fo no 
 more : when fhall my foul cry without ceafing, 
 *' Come Lord Jefus, and fet up thy kingdom ful- 
 " ly in my heart ; and reign thou thyfelf the Lord 
 y of every motion thcrc.'^ 
 
 Peaip 
 
 -2L 
 
 rr^ 
 
[ 32 ] 
 Dear Sir, help me by your prayers, not only to 
 follow after this reft, but to attain it. And 
 that the Lord may blefs you in all your ways, 
 and profper the work of your hands upon you, 
 and fill your foul with all his fulnefs, is the prayer, 
 and unfeigned defire of 
 
 Your ufiworthy Daughter, 
 
 ELIZABETH MANN. 
 
 LETTER X. 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Wefley, to Mifs .} 
 
 February 21, 1759. 
 
 JL RCBABLY, Mifs , this may be the 
 
 laft trouble of the kind, which you will receive 
 from me. Therefore you may forgive me this : 
 and the rather, when you confider my motives 
 to it. You know, I can have no temporal viev7 : 
 I can have none but a faint, diftant hope, (be- 
 caufe with God all things ;are poiTible) of doing 
 fome fervice to one whom I'love. And this may 
 anfwer the queftion which you might naturally 
 afk, " What would you have ? What do you 
 want with me ?" I want you, |fet,:.jfi be a con- 
 vert to my opinions ; but to be JT member of 
 Chrift, a child of God, and an helppof his king- 
 dom 1 Be any thing, as to outward profelHon, 
 fo you are lowly in heart : fo you refift and con- 
 quer every motion of pride, and have that mind 
 in you, which was-alfo in Chrift Jefus. Be what 
 you pleafe befides : only be meek and gei.tle, and 
 in patience poflefs your foul : fo that one may 
 truly fay to you 
 
 CalB3 
 
V 
 
 i 33 1 
 
 Calm thou ever art within. 
 All unruffled, all ferene ! 
 
 Hear what preacher you will : but hejir the voice 
 ofGcd, and beware of prejudice and everyhinkind 
 temper ! Beware of fooliili and hurtful defires, 
 or they will pierce you through with many for- 
 rows. In one word, be any thing, but a trifler : 
 a Trifler with God and your own Soul. It was 
 not for this, that God gave you 
 
 <« A mind fuperior to the vulgar herd !" 
 
 Nq, Mifs , no ! But that ycu might em- 
 ploy all your talents to the glory of him that 
 gave them. O do not grieve the holy Spirit of 
 God ! Is he not flill driving with you ? Striv- 
 ing to m.ake ycu, net almoft, but altogether a 
 chriflian ? Indeed you mufl be all or nothing : 
 a faint, or a devil ! Eminent in fin, or holi- 
 nefs. The good Lord deliver ycu from every 
 fnare, and guide your feet in the way of peace ! 
 How great a pieafure would this give to all your 
 real friends, and in particular to. 
 
 Your affectionate Servant, 
 
 For Chrift's fake, 
 JOHN WESLEY. 
 
 L E T[^ T E R XL 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 
 Colchefter, March 20, 17^9* 
 
 M 
 
 Y Wife, Mifs , furprifed me laft 
 
 •'ghr, by informing me, you are left miftrefs of 
 
 a large 
 
[ 34 1 
 a large fortune. Shall I fay, agreeably furprifed 
 me ? I cannot tell : becaufe I believe there is 
 another world. And I do not know, what influ- 
 ence this change may have on your condition : 
 therefdhe I am in fear, and in hope. You may 
 be hereby far more happy, or far more miferable 
 in eternity ! O make a fland ! Confidcr the 
 fituation you arc in : perhaps never before were 
 you in fo great danger. You knew a little of your 
 natural tempers : now ycu have means of in- 
 dulging, and thereby inflaming them to the utter- 
 moll. And how many will incite you fo to do ? 
 Ho\y few will dare to warn you againil it ? Now 
 what food will ycu have for pride P What in- 
 finite temptations, to think m.ore highly than yc4i 
 ought to think ? You do fo already. But oh, 
 where will you flop ! The good Lord arrefl the 
 ftorm in mid career ! Hov/ impetuoully new, 
 (unlefs God interpofe) rciuik fe^f-will whirl you 
 'Aong ? How deeply (unlefs he help) will you 
 fliortly be immerfed in practical atheifm ? As 
 ten thoufand things will concur to drive Gcd out 
 of your thoughts, as much as if he were not in the 
 world. But above all, how will ycu efca'pe from 
 being fwailowed up in idolatry ? Love of the 
 v.'orld, fuch as you never knew before ! 
 
 Hitherto you have been greatly fuperior to 
 every delicacy iny^c^.- but even this may aflauli 
 A ou now : and perhaps raife in you other de/ires, 
 v/hich you are now a ftranger to. At prefent, you 
 are above the follies oi drefs : but will ycu be lb 
 a twelvemonth hence ? May you not eafily flilfiE 
 into the pride of life, in this as well as other ijp- 
 fiances ? Efpecially confideringhow your vanityvii^ 
 be gratified thereby. For who will not admire 
 and applaud your admirable tafte ? It will unly 
 remain for you to marry iom^ agreeable perfon, 
 
 that 
 
[ 35 ] 
 
 that has much wit and fenfe, with httle or no 
 religion ; then it is finiftied ! Either you will 
 be thro-uj^hly miferable in this world, or mifera- 
 ble to eternity. 
 
 " But what bufincfs is this of yours ? Cannot 
 vou let me alone ? What jiavc I to do with you ?" 
 Believe me, I could very eafify let you alone, if I 
 had not a real and tender good-will toward you : 
 and if I did not know (what perhaps you do not) ^ 
 that you have need even of me. You v/ant 
 friends who underfland you v/ell, and who dare 
 tell you the whole plain truth : and yet not in a 
 furly, imperious manner ; for then you could not 
 receive it. I Have endeavoured to do this once 
 more. Will you ncft fiprgive me ? I cannot 
 but think, if you do not' thank, you will at leail 
 excufe. 
 
 Your affeciiionate Servant, 
 
 JOHN WESLEY. 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Wciley, to .] 
 
 ■ Dear Sir, May i6, 1759. 
 
 OlNCE I received your favour, I have had 
 many thoughts on worldly and chrif!:ian prudence. 
 What is the nature of each ? How do they difi'cr ? 
 How may we diftinguifh one from the other ? 
 
 It feems -worldly prudence, either purfues 'world- 
 ly ends, riches, honour, eafe, or plcafure ; or 
 purfues chrifhian ends, on Tj.orldly maxims^ or by 
 'worldly means. The grand maxims which obtain 
 in the world are, the more power, the more 
 
[ 36 ] 
 money, the more learning, and the more repu- 
 tation a man has, the more good he will -de. 
 And whenever a chriftian, purfuing thenoblefl 
 ends, forms his behaviour by thefe maxims, he 
 v/ill infallibly (though perhaps by infenfible de- 
 grees) decline into worldly prudence. He will 
 ufe more or lefs of conformity to the world, if 
 not in fin, yet in doing fome things that are good 
 in themfelves, yet (all things confidered) are not 
 gDod to him : and perhaps at length ufmg guile, 
 or difguife, Emulation or difllmulation, either 
 feeming to be what he is not, or not feeming to 
 be what he is. By any of thefe marks may 
 worldly prudence be difcerned fiom the wifdcm 
 which is from above. 
 
 This, chrifii an prudence purfues cTiriJlian maxims 
 and by chrijiian means. The ends it purfues are 
 holinefs in every kind, and in the higheft degree ; 
 and ufefulnefs in every kind and degree. And 
 herein it proceeds on the following maxims, The 
 help that is done upon earth, God doth it himfelf : 
 it is he that worketh all in all. And that, not by 
 human power : generally he ufes weak things to 
 confound the ftrong : not by men of wealth ; moft 
 of his choiceft inftruments may fay, *^ filver and 
 gold have I none :" not by learned or " wife men 
 after the flefh : no ; the foolifh things hath God 
 chofen : not by men of reputation ; but by the 
 men that were as the filth and ofF-fcouring of the 
 v/orld : all which is for this plain reafon, " That 
 no flelh may glory in his fight." 
 
 Chriftian prudence purfues thefe ends upon 
 thefe principles, by only chriftian means. A truly 
 prudent chriftian, while, in things purely in- 
 different, he becomes all things to all men, yet 
 wherever duty is ct)rtcerned, matters the example 
 
U^/ 
 
 1 
 
 ' [ 37 ] . 
 
 of atll mankind no more than a grain of fand. Hit 
 word is then. 
 
 - Non me, qui <:actera vincit 
 
 Impetus, at rapidocontfafius evehor orbi. 
 
 He will not, to gain the favour, or fliun the 
 hate of all, omit the lead point of duty. He can- 
 not prevail upon himfelf on any account or pre- 
 tence, to ufe either fimulation or dlilimulation. 
 There is no guile in his mouth : no evafion or 
 ambiguity. Having one defire, one defign, to 
 glorify God with his body and with his fpirit \ 
 having only one fear. 
 
 Left a motion, or a word, 
 
 Or thought arife, to grieve his Lord. 
 
 Having one rule, the word of God ; one guide, 
 €ven his Spirit, he goes on in child-like fimplicity. 
 Continually feeing him that is invifible, he walks 
 in open day. "Looking unto Jefus, and deriv- 
 ing ftrength from him, he goes on in his fteps, 
 in the work of faith, the labour of love, the 
 patience of hope, till he is called up, to be ever 
 with the Lord 
 
 Oh, that this were In all points your own cha- 
 ra£ker i Surely you defire it above all things. 
 But how (hall you attain ? Difficulties and hin- 
 derances furround you on every fide ! Can you 
 bear with my plainnefs ? I believe you can } 
 Therefofe I will fpeak without any referve. I 
 fear, you have fcarce one friend who has not 
 more or lefs of the prudence which is not from 
 above. And I doubt you have (in or near your 
 own rank) hardly one example of true chriftian 
 prudcQce I Yet I am perfuaded, your own heart 
 K ftdvifei 
 
C 33 3 
 advifes you right, or rather God in your heart. 
 Oh, tha* you may hearken to his voice alone, and 
 let all creatures keep fjjence before him ! ' Why 
 fnould they incumber you with Saul's irmour? 
 If you cffay to go forth thus, it will be in vain. 
 You have no need of this, neither of his fword or 
 fpear : for you truft in the Lord of Hofts. Oh, 
 go forth in his ftrength ; and with the ftones of 
 the brook, you fhall overthrow all your enemies ! 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 Your obedient Servant for Chrift's fake, 
 
 JOHN WESLEY. 
 
 LETTER Xlir. 
 
 [To the Rev. Mr. Weil-y ] 
 Rev. Sir, - Feb. 1761. 
 
 I 
 
 Have jufl received yours, for which I thank 
 you. But alas ! how apt are we to miftake in 
 judging of others ? You imsL^in^ faying and doing, 
 are with me tlie fame thing : but indeed they are 
 not. For though, blefled be God, I have much 
 light in many things, I have {['ill very little power. 
 O how wide is the difference, between an Out- 
 ward and an Inward Chriftian ! * I now know, I 
 may be outwardly devoted, and given up to the 
 Work of God, and yet, whenever Jefus draw? 
 near to blefs me, never be found at home : never 
 liftening to the ftill, fmall Voice, by which alone 
 true WifJom can be learnt. But I am not circum- 
 fpefit in outward things : indeed I am not. I gm 
 very negligent in denying myfelf and taking upn: , 
 crofs. Any thing that would help me in il.c 
 
 pratiiv ; 
 
[ 39 J 
 pra6tice of this, would do me much fervlce. Never 
 was my foul in more danger than now ; and I feel 
 the want of inward Holinefs more than ever. It 
 is a very dangerous precipice, to be blefl. to the 
 fouls of others, and needs the whole Omnipotence 
 of God, to fave us from being deftreyed therebry'; 
 For I often find a Work of Mercy, nay, a Means 
 of Grace, ftand between my Soul and Chrift. I 
 have toiled till my body was almoll: laid up, w-h^ii 
 all the time it would have been more pleafing to 
 God, had I been hewing wood or drawing water, 
 with my foul evenly carried out after Him. O 
 Sir, Holinefs, Holinefs is the thing we want ; to 
 have Jefus our all in all ! Till this is efFefted, 
 whenever I point another to the Lamb of God, 
 fomething in rhyfelf cries, " Behold me ! behold 
 me 1" And I feel the weight of thofe wprds, 
 
 \ ■" Yea though by faith vafl hills I could remove. 
 Yet all is nothing without perfe6t Love." 
 
 And why fhould this be delayed any longer ? 
 
 r-What amazing Anfv/ers to many Prayers, have 
 
 Woth you and I received, with regard to outv/ard 
 
 things ? And will not tl\e fame love more a|)un- 
 
 dantly conftrain him to l^lefs us in our foul^'? ' 
 
 — Surely this is an acSsptable time ! Yet 
 
 the devil continually flrives'^to difcourage me, 
 and fuggefts, " God will not d© for tliee as he 
 has done for others." But I wZ/Ttrud him : and 
 I do believe, if from this ti:1?^ 'we fix our eye 
 fteadily on the prize of oi^igh calling, the Lord 
 will fhortly bring it into c^hearts. The Lord's^ 
 ear is not heavy, nor his hand fliortened that it ^ 
 cannot fave. O that we may now pierce heaven 
 with our cries, and never ceafe tilf we fee his 
 E 2 full 
 
 ^jrl 
 
L 4'> ] 
 
 full Salvation ! May the Lord renew your ftrcngthy 
 and fill your foulwith love! 
 
 I am, yours, &-c. 
 
 M. R. 
 
 ■1% ^^ -^-* ».%.* ^^ g I ifc% ^^ ^ ■ -I ^ *"— • ■* ^».%. fc»^ ^ ^ ^Ik. w #. ^ ^ 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 T 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 Dear Sir, March 7, 1 761, 
 
 HE Lord has of late laid me on the hearts of 
 many of his children : fo that feveral of them 
 faid, they could not reft, till he had delivered me. 
 For this fortnight he has been many times very 
 nigh; but ytt the Tons of Anak feemed to tri- 
 umph, till on Thurfday morning, being at prayer, 
 I felt an hope, that he would keep me every mo' 
 ment. Yet I durft not fay, " Chrift has delivered 
 me :" but ** he will bruife Satan under my feet 
 Ihortly." And \ felt, as it were, a claim to 
 Jefufl, fuch as I never remember before. On 
 Friday I faw his exceeding willingnefs to fave, 
 and could almoft believe. At InterceiTion, I felt 
 every word fnik into my foul : yet foon after [ 
 was furrounded with fuch forrow and anguifh, 
 that I could not forbear crying cut exceedingly. 
 I then felt a little power to believe ; and my foul 
 w as calm. And I could not pray for any thing, 
 but that he would do with me what feemed him 
 good. When I waked this morning, my foul 
 feemed abfoliuely empty : only I found power to 
 lie before Jefus. After we left you, we went 
 to Mr. Jay^s^ when the power of God was 
 prefent indeed, and even I could fay, «* He 
 
 -IK'lll 
 
 ^V 
 
[ 4' 3 
 
 w/// keep me without fpot unto the day of re- 
 demption.'* 
 
 What tlie Lord has done, I know not ; but I 
 find an exceeding great change. Thofe fins that 
 held me in the clofefl bondage, I know not what 
 is become of them. I am accufed ahiioft every 
 moment ; but before I can look, the thing is gone. 
 I feel no defire, but for Chrifi: : no fear but of 
 lofing my hold of him. Yet I am often fo tempt- 
 ed to give it up, that it isalmofi: more than I can 
 bear.. I have but li.t.tle love for God, though I 
 love nothing To well. I feel a little difference eve- 
 ry hour, and I long to fee Jefijs glorified. Yet I 
 do not feem to be fo joined to him as I would : 
 only under his peculiar care, it feems, the man 
 of; fin is taken out of my heart, but I am not af- 
 fured he fiiall never return. I find more need of 
 walchfulncfs and prayer than ever, and of the 
 means of all kinds. May there not be a meafure 
 of pure love, and doubts remain ? Be that as it 
 may, I will trufi: in Jefus. And though a hoft of 
 foesfurround me, I know he can deliver me from 
 them all, and cafl them under my feet. 
 
 I remain, yours, d>cc. 
 
 M. B- 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 I 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 'Dear Sir, May 5, 1761 
 
 F one who has fo much more grace than me was 
 
 deceived, how can I fiand againd all the fnare* 
 
 thrown in my way ? I have no fecurity but this : 
 
 E 3 I ana 
 
[ 4^ ] 
 
 I am ail u'caknefs : Chrift is all ftrength. I dare 
 rot look forward in any thing : I only judge for 
 this moment. O pray for me, that the Lord may 
 teach me in all things ! The ways of God are pail 
 finding out : may his dear Will be done I 
 
 In order to obtain the bleffed fruit of-Iove, your 
 fureft way is, firft to get the Root, It is the Will 
 of God, you fhould now receive it ; and then all 
 the reft will follow. O let us look to Jefus ! He 
 knows our inmoft foul, and he will heal our every 
 wound Do you fear you have not begun to be a 
 Chriftian ? O how dreadfully did I fear this, the 
 laft quarter of an hour before the Lord gave me 
 the great bleffing ! Continually was Satan darting that 
 at me, ** Thou art not juftified !" For a time it 
 much difcouragcd me. But I found the readieft 
 way was, to go immediately to Jefus, and fay, 
 (whether I co\M feel it or not,) ** I caft me afrefh 
 on thy atoning blood. I will truft in it ; and if I 
 perifli, I will peri(h at thy feet ! I ivtll believe ; 
 for I am thine.'* I held to this, whatever Satan 
 could fay. And this going continually to Chrift, 
 is all we want in every ftate. Were you ever fo 
 polluted, wafh in the all-cleanfing blood, and you 
 (hall be white as fnow. O fly every moment to 
 y/)ur Ark 1 I know the Lord is nigh to blefs 
 you. Caft yourfelf, again and again, on that 
 freeious blood that flowed fo freely for you ! 
 Claim your Saviour I He is all your own : he 
 hath given himfelf for you f Yea, his very life 
 he did not with-hold, but bought your holinefs 
 with l*rOod divine. 
 
 I am, yours, &-C. 
 
 M. B. 
 
 ft 
 
 L E T- 
 
I 
 
 [ 43 ] 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 tFrom Mifs B. to a Friend.] 
 Dear Friend, May 29, 1762. 
 
 See there is a jealoufy in God, which I did not 
 fo clearly difcern before. Well, this I can fay, 
 blefled be his Name, all my will is his, and I re- 
 nounce, from the bottom of my heart, every 
 comfort that does not fpring from his pure Love 
 alone. But this I know, God has fo laid your 
 burden upon me, that I muft continue to cry ex- 
 ceedingly for you. Oh take warning by me f 
 That Saviour who feeks your heart^,is jealous above 
 all you can conceive. He will not have a di- 
 vided heart ; no, not in the leaft degree. O that 
 he may now defcend, and fill your foul with the 
 pure flame of his Love ! I know there is a fur- 
 fmrc ^r»r you to pafs through, and the longer before 
 you enter, the hotrci 1. ."-" '^row. But fear not, 
 my dear Friend ! He that will walk with yoii i" 
 the Son of God. The prefent difficulty is here : 
 how to enter into this furnace ? But is not God 
 faithful ? And will he not fhew you, how to put 
 away all That which his Spirit abhors ? I know 
 he will : only let your weapons be earneft Prayer, 
 conftant and continued, (whether you feel a de- 
 fire to it or not.) And in a fliort time the Lord 
 will guide you, as his pillar of fire did the Ifrael- 
 ites, till every enemy is fallen before you, and you 
 arc in full poffeflion of the promifed land ! 
 
 I am yours. Sue. 
 
 M. B. 
 L E Tj 
 
o 
 
 [ 44 ] 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 Dear Friend, June 5, 1762. 
 
 How blind and dark is all human wifdom ! 
 teach me, my Saviour, by thy Spirit ! I thought 
 God called me to give up correrponding with you : 
 and I found, I could readily comply. But whether 
 he dots call me to it or no, I cannot fee. I ratlior 
 think, he does net. It feems to me at prefent, I 
 am to continue this prayer, ** Let thy Star appear, 
 5nd I will follow it.:" and that in the mean time, 
 fSm to continue writing ; only with the clofeft 
 prayer and {l:ri6teft watchfulnefs. 
 
 The burden I feel for you is very heavy ; much 
 heavier than I ufed to feel for my own foul. But 
 if in a little .meafure I am like my" Lord, what 
 does his tender heart feel for you? The way you 
 are to take is ftraiffh^befcre yCU : fly. to your 
 
 '-fcvirig, bleeding, dying Saviour. ' See him hanging 
 on the accurfed tree, his head drooping beneath 
 your load, and crying in the midll of his agony, 
 ** Fear not ! all thy fms were laid on my head, 
 and I bore them all away! Return unto me; for 
 J have redeemed thee ! Wound me not afrefh ! 
 Renounce all for my fake, and I will adorn thee 
 with the robes of my Righteoufnefs." O accept 
 the offer ! He is jc?wr Saviour. Caft yourfelf juft 
 as you are, upon him ! 
 
 Shutting yourfelf up will not do. The root is 
 within. Cut) off every thing that would nourifh 
 ^t. Thofe things, we here fa'fly call Innocent^ are 
 
 -^tlie ri^ht eye to be plucked cut. If you were be- 
 *" •. Tieging 
 
[ 45 1 
 fjcging ftrong enemies, and had no hopes o£ con- 
 quering but by ftarvmg them, would it be inno' 
 centy now and then to throw them a little bread ? 
 O beware of fuch innocent things, as may coft 
 you your life ! And ought you not to guard others, 
 as well as yourfelf, againft them ? Remember, you 
 are anfwerable, if you do not teach us, the rtri<5t- 
 cft, narroweft path of Self-denial ! Yet God will 
 he better pleafed with your facrificing yourfelf to 
 him, than if you were to fave the whole world. 
 I am, yours, Sec. 
 
 M. B. 
 
 LETTER. XVIII. 
 
 [From Mifs B. to a Friend]. 
 
 Dear Friend, July 6, 1762' 
 
 X Do find enough in Jefus : I dare to fay, I 
 love him with all my heart. Therefore the diffi- 
 culty on my fide is done away, and I am not 
 tempted as before, concerning ^ow. ButO! be- 
 ware, left m any degree^ \ fhould prove a tempta- 
 tion to you. I fear left you fhotdd fo reft on any 
 created Good, as to feel lefs need of Jefias to reft 
 on. O fly for refuge, reft and Happinefs to your 
 bleeding Lord ! Though you (hould feel as if he 
 did not hear or anfwer, yet force yourfelf upon 
 him, and plead the promi'e. That he will not J end 
 you a 'warfare at your oivn cojl, AndtD! be ear- 
 neft with him, to tear away your All, if you can- 
 not ^ive it ! O that you may caft your whole foul 
 on Jefus, and find in his Love your abiding home ! 
 What heights and depths of Holinefs have many 
 
 attained 
 
[ 46 ] 
 attained with half the helps and half the time that 
 we have had ? My dear Friend, from this mo- 
 ment, let us know nothing but Chrift ! But let us 
 remember! If we would know Him, we muft 
 know him crucified. Yea, we mufl. be crucified 
 with him, or we can never reign with him. 
 
 How may you be crucified with him ? The thing 
 you want is Faith : Faith to believe that from this 
 moment the Captain of the Lord's hoftwill go be- 
 fore you, and lubduc all your Enem.ies beneath 
 your feet ? By the power of that Faith, you would 
 fay to the mountain of Sin, ** Be thou caft into the 
 fea, and it would obey. O cry for Faith ! May 
 Jefus bleis you!" Pray/^r us, as we do ior you f 
 I am yours, &c. 
 
 M. B. 
 
 LETTER. XIX. 
 
 I 
 
 Dear Friend,- July 1 6, 1762 
 
 Have many fears left you fliould find fuch a 
 Reft in the enjoym.ent of your Friends, as fhall 
 hide from your, eyes your need of Chrift to reft 
 in. When I cry earneftly for you, it feems to me, 
 that this is the very hinderance. And I tremble, 
 left I fliould be one, and you infenfible of it. 
 Were you ienfible of the danger, and watchful a- 
 gainft it, I fhould be no more hurtful to yoi/, than 
 you were to me the laft two months, when I real- 
 ly fought with all my might. 
 
 Sure I am, that my Jefus, who has faved you 
 from ten thoufand dargers, is now waiting, yea 
 longing to fill you with the Faith that opens hea- 
 ven. And though we find our heart full of cor- 
 ruption, 
 
[ 47 ] 
 ruption, yet I am a witnefs, if we difcern and ftrive 
 againft it, it will not long hinder, but God will 
 fooii cljiroy the man of fm^ by the breath of his 
 mouth. 
 
 I blefs God, I find the crofs very profitable : 
 though at times it has lately lain fo heavy upon 
 me, that without a very particular afliftance, the 
 fiielh would have failed before him. I am not con- 
 fcious of any will to lay it down, but reft in this, 
 Thy will be done in all things ! It is enough : I 
 can truft him to keep my will from ever departing 
 from him. He does keep me night and day. 
 
 I find Jefus very prefent with my foul. And 
 his Spirit continually reproves me, if I fpeak ufe- 
 lefly, or too much, or any thing in the leaft de- 
 gree contrary to love. But I am not always fo 
 on my guard, as immediately to hear his voice. 
 Therefore I fall exceeding fhort of the perfect 
 Law : but I know my intereft in the atoning blood. 
 And my will does not err; though as a child juft 
 learning to read, I make a thoufand blunders. 
 Pray for me, and help me by pointing out the very 
 narroiv^Ji path. 
 
 I am yours, &c. 
 
 M. B. 
 
 LETTER XX, 
 [From Mrs, W. to the Rev. Mr. Wefley.] 
 Dear Sir, May 2, 1-61. 
 
 I 
 
 Rejoice at your approving of my ardour fpr 
 the caufe of God, in whofe ftrength I hope to 
 go on, fo as to amaze myfelf, as well as thofe, 
 
 who 
 
{ 4« 3 
 who depend upon finning as lon^ as they live. 
 The Lord has gracioufly given me a clean heart, 
 and r hope to ufe it in his fervice. I find I fpeak 
 lefs than I did, and what I do fpeak, 1 know is 
 according to the will of God. And he enables 
 me to baffle the aflaults of wife, reafoning men, 
 by fimply declaring, ** I love the Lord with my 
 whole heart, mind and foul." 
 
 I was thought to be ftepping into eternity laft 
 week. But the Lord fpared me, to go up with 
 my children and fervants, to Jerufalem, to wor- 
 fhip. He was there of a truth : I rejoiced exceed- 
 ingly, that ever I was born. I delivered my 
 children into the Lord's hands, with all I have, 
 and all I am. I find my love to the Lord, deep 
 and folcmn, and can always rejoice in him. It is 
 not in my power to defcribc the blefiiings that are 
 fhowcred upon us. I truft the Lord will enlarge 
 my powers, and that I fhall enrploy them all for 
 his praife. I think, he is willing to give me as 
 much as any daughter he has on earth. O pray, 
 that I may fo ufe the grace received, as to gain 
 fouls for him. Do not think I boaiV, I feel my- 
 fclf a fcrap of dull:. But the Lord has lifted me 
 up. And for his own glorious name's fake, he 
 will fufl-ain me to the end. I am not able to 
 ftir, unlefs Jefus help me : I am nothing ! Chrift 
 is all in all ! 
 
 Before you left town I was agonizing with ex- 
 cefs of defire to love God alone. I knew the 
 power was ready, whenever I alked for it in faith. 
 I found it was like throwing myfelf into a rapid 
 ftream, where I muft fwim or perifh. The Lord 
 gave me faith, and a fweet fcrenity. Satan af- 
 fauhs ; but Jefus keeps the citadel. Yet as I get 
 ftrength, my inward trials are flronger, and 
 {Ironger. But I rejoice, knowing they (hall all 
 
 work 
 
[49 J -' 
 
 work together for good. To love Jems is heaven 
 upon earth. But I know no greater pain, next 
 to hearing his name blafphemed, than to be de- 
 barred from declaring his mercy wherever I am. 
 O what a day will that be, when we ftiall fee his 
 face, and live with him for ever ! 
 
 Pray that I may be fteady. I carry much fail, 
 and need much ballaft. But the voyage is fliort. 
 My Pilot commands the winds, and I do not fear 
 gaining the wifhed-for port. 
 
 I remain yours, &c. 
 
 M. \Y. 
 
 LETTER XXL 
 
 I 
 
 [Erom the fame ] 
 Dear Sir, May 30, 1761 
 
 Cannot tell how often I have been prevented, 
 when I have intended to anfwer your encouraging 
 Letter. Indeed, Sir, I muft praife the Lord Je- 
 fus. O he is lovely, and is more precious to me 
 every day. Glory be to his name, he fulfils his 
 promifes to my happy foul every hour : and I am 
 in pain, when I am not fome way employed to his 
 honour. His tender care of me, melts me down, 
 till I lofe myfelf in him. And when I think, 
 how near the time is come, that will deliver me 
 to my Beloved, my foul grows too big for my 
 breaft, and I almoft faint for joy. O wiiat a call« 
 ing is ours ! To live with Chrift Jelus my Lord, " 
 and that for ever ! And does he not give us a 
 foretafte of our blifs ? Becaufe my bodily ftrength 
 was little, he has renewed it. Inftead of creeping 
 out of bed at ten, I am now waked by my 
 Spoufe, and rife at four, and all my family meet 
 F before 
 
[ 5° ] 
 before five. Prayer is fvveet. I would not accept 
 the empire of the world, to keep me from that 
 food of immortal fouls. When temptations har^ 
 rafs, till my body almoft faints, my Lord is pre- 
 fent with me. And gloiy be to his name, I can 
 count it a blefling, when 1 am the moft tried. I 
 know it comes tlirough him, to me his child, 
 whom he eyes with earneft tendernefs. 
 
 My fon is much bldl. He cries aloud for a 
 clean heart, and attends the ordinances with keen- 
 nefs. Harriot is a proof of what the Lord can do 
 in' a child. Her prayers are indeed furprifing. 
 Many are ftruck at her confident petitions and 
 boldnefs, in declaring her love to the Lord. My 
 houle is a heaven uopn earth. Hallelujah to the 
 Lord. 
 
 I am yourSj ^c. 
 
 U. W. 
 
 LETTER. XXII. 
 
 [To the Rev. J. Welley.] 
 Dear Sir, May 30, 1760. 
 
 I 
 
 Hope your love will pardon my feeming neglect, 
 in not anfweringyou fooner. I was much affect- 
 ed with the trial you mention ; but it is difficult to 
 write, unlcfs I knew the particulars. And even 
 then 1 fhould be utterly infufficient for the tafk. 
 But this I know, it temptations increafe, God will 
 give a proportionable increafe of itrength. 
 
 You are fet as a Mark for the devil and his chil- 
 dren to fhoot at, and that in every kind. You 
 may exped it. And who would not be willing, 
 
 yea, 
 
[ SI ] 
 
 TC2, more than willing, to bear all that men and 
 devils can lay upon them, to have fuch fruit olf 
 their miniftry, as God is pleafed to blefs you with ? 
 I truft, nothing will be able to induce you to flirink 
 in any meafure from the work that God hath fet 
 before you. My continual prayer to God is, that 
 you may be, not only preferved, but blelTcd and 
 ftrengthened, and made more than conqueror. 
 
 that fimpathy of fpirit ! O that bearing one ano- 
 thers burdens! Who can conceive it but they that 
 feel it ? I pray God ta fulfil in me the prayer and 
 deiire of your foul. I trufl he will ftill keep me 
 a little child, and yet make me a Father in Chrifl:. 
 
 1 cannot find, upon the clofeft examination, any 
 decay in my love to God, or that I love him lefs 
 at one time than another. I am now, and alwayr, 
 happy in God. Love him Icfs! No, I cannot. 
 Every repeated inftance of his goodnefs, creates 
 in me ftrong€r returns of thankfulnefs and ado- 
 ration, till I am many times loft in wonder, love 
 and praife. , 
 
 Timefeemsto me to fly exceeding fwift. I fee, we 
 are on the brink of eternity: and therefore long 
 to make the very beft ufe of the prefent moment. 
 I find fometimes a kind of heavinefs through temp- 
 tations, but no fainting in my mind. Yet I have 
 fometimes found, as if my mind would have cleav- 
 ed too much to thofe that excel in virtue. But 
 the Lord, by fome blefled means or other, pre- 
 vents it; fo that in fome fenfe, I ftand alone, as 
 /hough there were only God and myfelf in the 
 world. 
 
 O pray for me, that he may fulfil in rt»e all 
 the good pleafure of his will, and make me juft 
 what he would have me to be ! 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 Your affeiSlionate and loving Sifter, 
 
 RUTH HALL, 
 F 2 LET- 
 
I 
 
 I !1 I 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 Honoured Sir, May 14, 1757 
 
 Dto not forget you, but bear you ever on my 
 heart before the Lord. I often find communion 
 with you, though abfent in body. O the length 
 of the love of Chrift ! it reaches through earth's 
 remoteft bounds, uniting the children of God in 
 one, and joining earth to heaven. I find no de- 
 fire to fpeak any thing of myfelf : but becaufe I 
 believe it my duty, therefore I do it. Yet proper- 
 ly, it is not of myfelf, but of God : for I am no- 
 thing, God is all in all! And fuch he is to me: 
 he is allmydefu-e, all my hope, joy, love, delight. 
 Yea, the Three-One God, is my heaven on earth, 
 and will be fo for ever. 
 
 The entire refignation I feel, is that from which 
 my greatefl: happinefs flows. But this does net 
 at all hinder my enjoying God, firft in his chil- 
 dren, then in the leaft of his mercies. The con- 
 ll:ant aim of my foul is, to give glory to God in 
 the higheft, and to eftablilh peace and good-will 
 among men: yet am I fully willing, that all I fay 
 or do Ihould be fet at nought, and forgotten by 
 God and man. 
 
 From the relation I fland in to my heavenly Fa- 
 ther, I beft conceive the relation I am in to you : 
 and therefore cannot but long, that you may in- 
 creafe, though I ihould decreafe. And O! per- 
 mit me, from the fulnefs of my heart to fpeak: 
 I know the Lord Jefus loves you, and that you are 
 a chofen VelTel unto him, feparated to plant and 
 eftablilh his Gofpel. And viewing you in this . 
 chara(Ster, I am not worthy to unlofe the latcbet 
 
 of 
 
I 53 ] 
 of your fhocs. But if I may take the liberty to 
 fpeak, as to a Chriftian Friend, I may alk, Do 
 you love the Lord Jefus more than any perfon or 
 thing ? Do you find more happinefs in thinking 
 or fpeaking of him, than in thinking or fpeaking 
 of any creature? Does your foul dehght in him ? 
 This is what my foul defires for you : and I pray, 
 that whatever is a hindrance to it, may be remov- 
 ed ; and that you may be kept refllefs, - till the full 
 image of God be ftampt upon your heart \ I fhall 
 acknowledge it a favour, to have a Line from you : 
 I delire you will continue to inftrucft, exhort, re- 
 prove, and pray for your affc<Slionate, though un- 
 v/ortby Daughter in Chrift, 
 
 s. c 
 
 LETTER II 
 
 [From the fame.] 
 Honoured Sir, June i8, 1751 
 
 M 
 
 Y foul muft ceafe to love God, before I 
 ceafe to pray for you. There are heights and 
 depths in the Lord Jcfus, tbiu I cannot compre- 
 hend. Neither have I apprehended that for which 
 I am apprehended of Chrift Jefas: but this one 
 thing I do ; forgetting the things behind, I reach 
 forth to thofe before, and am ftill determined, 
 nothing lefs than All fhall fatisfy my foul. I find 
 my love rifes higher, and links deeper into him, 
 in whom dwells all the fulnefs of the Godhead bo- 
 dily. "O I long to be 
 
 *' Plunged in the Godheid's deepefl fea, 
 And loft in his immenfity I" 
 
 F 3 The 
 
[ 54 ] 
 
 The Lord has lately given me a larger manlfef- 
 tationof himfelf, from which I find a fuller union 
 with him. O who can explain the myftery ? The 
 more I have, the lefs I feem to have : the ftrong- 
 er I am, the more deeply fenfibleam I of my own 
 weaknefs. The more I know of God, the more 
 I fee, that I know nothing of him in comparifon. 
 Yet does my foul centre in him, and reft in him 
 continually. And yet I cannot reft ; for I feem 
 but juft beginning to be a Chriftian. Let not me, 
 who have juft put on the havnefs, boaft like them 
 who are putting it oft'. 
 
 I am fully employed for my Lord ; but do daily 
 o-et time for meditation and prayer. I am more 
 perfuaded than ever, that nothing ftiall, for one 
 moment, hinder the Lord Jefus from loving me, 
 or my foul fi'om loving him, in time or eternity. 
 I am^ dear Sir, your affectionate Child, 
 
 S. C. 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 [To the fame.] ^ • 
 
 Honoured Sir, London, Dec. 31, 1757. 
 
 w> 
 
 HAT a wonderful depth is there in the Pfo- 
 vidence of God! We may well fay with the Apof- 
 tle. How unfearchable are his judgments, and 
 his ways paft finding out! But wh.it we know not 
 now, we, fhall know hereafter. And this we 
 know even now, All things ftiall work together 
 for good to them that love God. ^ 
 
 I am not infenfible of my prefent trials It is 
 the heavieft and clofeft I have ever met with : and 
 
 had 
 
w^ 
 
 [ 55 ] 
 had not the eternal God been my reKigc, I fliculd 
 have funk under it from the beginnmg. But he 
 is faithful, and as my day is, fo he makcth my 
 flrength to be. I have no room to complain. 1 
 am not yet "forfaken of all men, and dying in a 
 cottage." Neither am I as they who wandered in 
 Iheep-fkins and goat-lkins, and lodged in dens and 
 caves of the earth. But 1 am ready. My fpirit 
 isrefolutely fixt. " To fuffer all his righteous will." 
 
 I know nothmg by myfelf, yet am I not here- 
 by juftified : but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 
 Andfurely he hath faid, *' I have created in thee 
 a clean heart, and renewed a right fpirit within 
 thee." O the depth of Love Divine ! I can fay 
 no more. My thought is too big for utterance, 
 
 I have no deiire to give up my friends, but blefs 
 God for the good I receive through them. Yet 
 if God himfelf cuts off the ftream, he will lead mc 
 to the fountain. Therefore 1 am free from every 
 creature J for God is all-fufficient. But I do not 
 believe it is the delign of God to feparate us; on- 
 ly to purge away the drofs of nature, that there 
 may be a more firm and fpiritual union, than hath 
 ever been yet. 
 
 Indeed I grieve and joy on your account. I 
 grieve for the trial you have had, as well as the 
 many others which you muft have. May the 
 Lord bear you above them all ! But I joy in this, 
 that I believe the one defire of your foul is, to be 
 wholly given up to God. And I pray God, that 
 thofe who fpeak evil of you may be ajfhamed, 
 while they behold your good converfation inChrii>, 
 O that you may go on, through evil report and 
 good reporc, denying yourfelf, in the minuteft cir- 
 cumftance, wherein you are liable to get hurt, 
 and continually watching the morions of your heart, 
 till all that is in you is «*Holinefs to the Lord.' 
 
 What^ 
 
[ 56 ] 
 Whatever Is amifs in this, you will forgive : 
 and continue to in{lru61:, reprove, and pray for 
 ) our ever affe6tionate Child, 
 
 S. C 
 
 L E 'i T E R XXVI. 
 
 [Fjonj Mrs. S. R. to the Rev. Mr. Wefley.] 
 
 Brirtol, Feb. i, 1758. 
 Pvcv. and dear Sir, 
 
 I 
 
 Am thankful if my Lord continue to make me 
 a bleffing to your foul. For O ! how I long for 
 you to be holy, in fpirit, foul, and body ! Has 
 God fixt a refolution in your foul, to grafp the 
 glorious prize ? Do not you depend too much 
 upon any creature ? We muft not fay, " Lord, 
 work by this or that perfon or thing. Work as 
 thou wilt, and how thou wilt I Only finifh thy 
 work in my foul.'* O dear Sir, It is a good, but 
 painful fight: indeed it is fighting up to the knees 
 in blood. Nature will not fubmit to die. But 
 away with it ; crucify it; crucify it I "The fins 
 that murdered God ihall die." 
 
 Dear Sir, ufe much private Prayer, and much 
 good will come out of all this. Let us ftand ftill, 
 and we fhall fee the great falvation of God. In 
 the mean time, having our eye fingle, our inten- 
 tion pure, determined to be en the Lord's fide. 
 
 O how good is God to my foul ! I do not need 
 /in to humble me. Fcr he breaks me in pieces 
 with his ten thoufand bleflings. I find a life that 
 never dies ; a hidden life above. Neither pain 
 nor eafe, fmiles nor frowns, life not death, can 
 part me from my Love. 
 
 I am 
 
r 57 ] 
 
 I am fometimes tempted, becaufe I do not 
 labour more with my hands. But O ! the third I 
 feel for fouls! Iknow not but the Lord lays his 
 hand on my body in mercy, or I fhould have little 
 time for retirement : for I could be fpeaking and 
 going about ail the day. O Sir, let U5 make halle 
 to live I 
 
 The Lord grant you the defire of your foul upon 
 me ! O that I may be like my fpotlefs Ma/ler ! 
 The thought makes my heart leap again. This is 
 all I third for, and fhcrt of this I will not live. 
 Jefus has purchafcd all for me. Pray help me by 
 your prayers. 
 
 O my Father, look up 1- The chariots and 
 horfe-men of Ifrael ! O for faith to lay hold on 
 all the promifes ! Let us pray more than ever, 
 and the Lord will keep us from every fnare of 
 the devil ! 
 
 I am your affedionate Child and Ssrvant, 
 
 S. R. 
 
 ^^^S^^^Jr /^"l %• 'y "~ %' 'y *^^^*y ^^ \^^^ *^ %^ 
 
 LETTER XXVIL 
 
 [To the fame.] 
 
 Dear Sir, May 14, 1763* 
 
 I 
 
 Have wrote nothing more concerning Jenfiy 
 Cooper, Nor has fhe wrote any thing of her hil 
 fix months experience, except what may be found 
 in her Letters. I have often wifaed fhe had : for 
 during that time fhe ripened apace. She was fa- 
 voured with much of the divine prefence ^ and 
 obeyed that command, " Hear ye him.'* She attend- 
 ed to the voice of her Shepherd, and her ccnver- 
 
 fation 
 
[ s8 3 
 
 fatlon was in heaven. She Uved as one recleenried 
 from the earth, and of all the chriftians I ever con- 
 verfed with, I never obfcrved fuch fervent love to 
 a!l, as I faw in her : and in the acquaintance I had 
 with her, particularly the lafl fix months, I never 
 faw any thing that had the appearance of evil. 
 
 It is a mercy that we are enjoined to be follow- 
 ers of thofe who through faith and patience in- 
 herit the promifes. They overcame through 
 the ftrcngth of him who loved them, and wafhed 
 them from their fins in his own blood. And the 
 fame Lord who is rich in mercy unto all that call 
 upon him, has alfo undertaken our caufe, and he 
 who has delivered, and doth deliver, will continue 
 to deliver to the end. 
 
 I praife the Lord I feel peace, and underfland 
 more fully the love of the Father, in giving his 
 only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth on him 
 may not perifh. Jefus has truly opened a new 
 and living way into the holiefl. An open door is 
 fet before us ; we may enter in and find pafture. 
 I rejoice in that word. It hath pleafed the Father 
 that in him fhould all fulnefs dwell, and from his 
 fulnefs we receive grace for grace. O how fweet 
 a life is the life of faith, which teaches us to de- 
 pend on Chriil: alone for all we want : which 
 faves the foul from all cenfidence in the flefh, 
 while it enriches and fills it with love, peace, joy, 
 Ibng-fuffering. It debafes, empties, and finks it 
 into nothing, fo that all boafling is excluded. 
 There is hardly any thing fo blefl to me as reading 
 the word of God, and fometimes I think I never 
 believed the Bible till within thefe lafl nine months ; 
 every word feems fo fpoken to my heart ; I fo 
 feel, All is yours. 
 
 May the Lord abundantly blefs you, and fill 
 you with all his life and love, I often think that I 
 
 do 
 
r 59 J 
 
 do not enough love and honour you, or fee the 
 ufe God makes of you in his vineyard. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. 
 
 J. C. M. 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, to the "Rev. Mr. 
 Wefley.l 
 
 Philadelphia, Sept. 25, 1764- 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 Y 
 
 OUR kind Letter, dated in January laft, 
 through the negHgence of thofe that received the 
 parcel, did not reach me till within thefe few- 
 days. It found me at Philadelphia, jud returned 
 from my Northern Circuit ; and waiting only for 
 cooler weather to fet forwards for Georgia. Per- 
 haps that may be ipy Ne plus ultra. But the Gof- 
 pel range is of fuch large extent, that I have, as it 
 were, fcarce begun to begin. Surely nothing but 
 a very loud call of Providence could make me fo 
 much as think of returning to England as yet. I 
 have been mercifully carried through the fummer's 
 heat ; and, had ftrength permitted, I might have 
 preached to thcufands and thoufands thrice every- 
 day. Zealous Minifters are not fo rare in this 
 New World as in other parts. Here is room for 
 a hundred Itinerants. Lord Jefus fend by whom 
 thou wilt fend. Fain would I end my life in ram- 
 bling after thofe that have rambled away from 
 Jefus Chrift. 
 
 For 
 
[ 60 ] 
 
 For this let men defplfe my name, 
 I'd fhun no crofs, I'd fear no fhame : 
 All hail reproach ! 
 
 I am perfuaded you are like minded. I vvifh you 
 and all your dear Fellow-labourers much profperi- 
 ty. O to be kept from turning to the right band 
 or the left ! Methinks for many years, we have 
 heard a voice behind us faying, " This is the way, 
 walk in it." I do not repent being a poor, de{- 
 pifed, cad out, and now almoft worn-out Itinerant. 
 I v/ould do it again if I had my choice. Having 
 loved his ov^rn, the altogether lovely Jefus, loves 
 them to the end ; even the laft glimmerings of an 
 expiring taper, he blefled to guide feme wandering 
 fouls to himfelf. At New-England, New- York, 
 and Pennfylvania, the word hath run and been glo- 
 rified. Scarce one dry meeting fince my arrival. 
 All this is of grace. In various places there hath 
 been a very great ftirring among the dry bones. If 
 you, and all yours would join in praying over a 
 poor worthlefs, but willing Pilgrim, it would be a 
 very great aft of charity, he being, though lefs 
 than the leaft of all. 
 
 Rev. and very dear Sir, 
 Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jefus, 
 
 G. WHITEFIELD. 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 [From the Rev. Mr. Wcfley, to Mrs. S. R.] 
 My dear Sifter, Dublin, April 4, 1758. 
 
 o 
 
 That I could beof fome ufe to you ! Hong 
 to help you forward in your way. I want to have 
 
 your 
 
- [ 6: ] 
 
 ycur unc!erftanding a mere lamp of light, always 
 Ihining with light from above ! I want you to be 
 full of Divine Knowledge andWifdom, as Jordan 
 in the time of harveft. I want your words to be 
 full of grace, poured out as precious ointment. I 
 want your every work to bear the (lamp of God, 
 to be a facrifice of a fvveet fmelling favour. 
 Without any part weak,, earthly or human : all 
 holy ; all divine. The great God, your Father 
 and your Love, bring you to this felf-fame thing ! 
 Begin, Soldier of Chrift, Child of God I Walk 
 worthy of the vocation wherewith thou art called ! 
 Remember the Faith I Remember the Captain 
 of thy Salvation ! Fight! Conquer! Die — and 
 live for ever ! 
 
 I am yours; Sec. 
 
 J. w. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 [From Mrs. S. R. to the Rev. Mr. Welley.] 
 
 Briftol, March 20, 1758. 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 F, 
 
 ROM the ground of my heart, I thank God 
 and you, for all your tender, fatherly care of my foul 
 anJbody. Itakeit asaninilanceof the love of God 
 to me : what could he do rhore for me than he 
 has done ? The Lord gran': I may bring forth 
 much fruit to his glory 1 
 
 The things which formerly would have made 
 me fly from him, nov^r make me cleave to him. 
 At prefent, through the tender mercy of my God, 
 I find my foul loofe from all below ; and the con- 
 ftant cry of my heart is, « Fat' t, thy will be* 
 G done." 
 
[ C2 ] 
 done." I often examine, Whether my Affedions 
 do not ftart afide, to any perfon or thing ? But 
 to this hour, (the Lord be praifed !) I can fay, 
 to no Creature do I give the Love that belongs to 
 Chriil. As that was my befetting fin, I well un- 
 derhand the nature of it. I watch the leaft occa- 
 fion, and were I to find any thing like \i, I 
 fhould give up all pretence of being faved from fin. 
 For if there is a grain, there is a root. And then 
 my abode could not be long here. 
 
 I can anfvver the Queftions you put to me, as 
 before the throne of God. By his power, 1 do 
 know how to fleer between extremes^ of regard- 
 ing you too little or too much. As a Minifler of 
 Chiirt, and my Father and iMafter, J do rever- 
 ence and love you. Yet if God fhould fay, Do 
 not write or converfe any more ; if he fhould fliew 
 you it is not right ; I am this moment ready to do 
 his will : it is my meat and drink. If I was not 
 thus free from every creature, I could not enjoy 
 uninterrupted communion with God. I hope my 
 will is brought into entire rubje(ftion to Chrift. I 
 find it a great thing to be his Free-man : to be en- 
 tirely difengaged -from all things here below. 
 With man this is impoflible : but with God all 
 things are pofTible : feeing he has all power in 
 heaven and earth. My heart's delire and prayer 
 to God is, that I, and all his fervants, may keep 
 ourfelves from idols. A^ay we always remember, 
 that while we are here below, we are in an ene- 
 my's country : that cur adverfary the devil, as a 
 roaring lion walketh about, feeking whom he may 
 devour. If we keep this always in view, and look 
 to the Lord for help, we fliall, doubtlcfs, be mere 
 than conquerors through him v/ho hath loved us. 
 
 When I thought I fliould die, I longed to be 
 gone. But v,'hen I fcnnd I fliould hve, I was rc- 
 
[ 03 ] 
 %ncd. I had no power to cliufe any thing; but 
 I was often adiamed before God, for his goodnefs 
 to me : moft of the time I was much tempted, 
 which fhewed me tRe freenefs of his mercy, and 
 my own unworthineis. 
 
 O how do I thirtl: for more hollnefs! I behevc 
 we fhall need all the grace that God will give, if he 
 fend his iudgments upon the land. How thank- 
 ful am I," that I am free. O Eternity,- Eternity ! 
 What is any thing worth, but a fmgle and a pure 
 heart : which may God give you and me, and all 
 that feek liim ! This is the prayer of, 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 S.R. 
 
 LETTER XXXf. 
 [From Mrs. E. M. to the Rev. Mr. Wefley.] 
 Rev. and dear Sir, Potto, Nov. 4, 1 769. 
 
 X Find the greateft reafon to adore my dear Re- 
 deemer, for his love towards me, who gives me 
 the fweet experience of the increafe of his life in 
 my foul. I find the Lord always before me ; yet 
 by different operations of his fpirit. I fee an infi- 
 nite fulnefs in Jefus, and feel my heart drawn out 
 with a ftrongdefirefor greater degrees of his love. 
 I fee myfelf the moft unworthy, weak, and igno- 
 rant of all his creatures. My path is exceeding 
 narrow, and my dangers daily great, yet the Lord is 
 always fufBcienr, and I can tvuft him at all times. 
 At other times I find my fpirit loft in his fulnefs, 
 and fwallowed up in the ocean of his love. My 
 G 2 foul 
 
foDl Iks in the duft before himj while Idefire all his 
 creatures to praife his name. After fuch ftrong 
 confolations I often find myfelf much aflaulted 
 with men and devils. In which moments I hear 
 my Saviour whifper to mc, "It is given to thee 
 not only to believe, but to fuffer for my fake." • I 
 then feel fuch a patient relignation of myfelf, and 
 all things, into his hand, that I do not find a 
 wifh in my heart, but what I can facrifice to him, 
 which gives me conliant happinefs, and a power 
 to rejoice in all things. I often find the greateil 
 danger in rry mofi: profperous moments^ both for 
 body and foul*, at which times the enemy is fure 
 to whifper, now take thy eafe; but I lock to 
 Chrifl. for firength, to defpife, and fight, and 
 conquer all my enemiies. As to my conduct:, I 
 defire to fhun every appearance of evil, both in 
 word and work. I thank the Lord who fo keeps 
 jne, that I know nothing by mylelf ; yet by this I 
 am not j."ftiBed : for I look to be daily plunged 
 Into that fountain w hich is opened for fin and un« 
 ckannefs; to be wafhed from all my pollution I 
 caft myfelf entirely upon him, who faves me for 
 his own name's fake, and truft to be fwallowed up 
 in his fulnefs every moment, for I know no end 
 thereof. 
 
 I am, Rev. and dear Sir, yours, &c. 
 
 E. M. 
 
 LETTER XXXIf. 
 
 [Found in the Biudy of the Rev. Mr. Jofeph 
 Belcher, late of New-England.] 
 
 Dear Brother, 
 
 Y. 
 
 O U R S 1 receivecl, and thought on that 
 queftion, b*ing Hotv to live in this World fo as to 
 
 live 
 
[ 6; ] 
 /he in Heaven P It is one of the common pleas of 
 my heart, which I have often occafion to ftudy^ 
 and therefore takes me not unprovided. - It is 
 hard to keep the hehn up again ft fo many cro^s 
 winds as we meet withal, upon this fea of fire and 
 glafs. That man knows not his own heart that 
 finds it not difKcult to break through the entangle- 
 ments of the world. Creature- fmiles ftop and en- 
 tice away the afFeclions from Jefus Chrift; crea- 
 ture- frowns encompafs and ^empeftuate the fpirir, 
 that it thinks it doth well to be angry. Both ways 
 grace is a lofer. We had all need to watch and 
 pray, left we enter into temptation- The greateft 
 of your ccnfliifls and caufes of complaints, feem 
 to have their original here. Temptations follow 
 tempers. As there are two predominant quali- 
 ties in the temper of every body, fo there are two 
 predominant fins in the temper of every heart. 
 
 Pride is one in all men in the world T will tell 
 
 you, familiarly, what God hath done for my foul, 
 and in what trade my foul keeps towards himfelf. 
 I am come to a conclufion to look after no great 
 matters in the world but to know Cbrift and him 
 crucified. I make beft way in a low gale : a high 
 fpirit and a high fiiil together will be dangerous, 
 and therefore 1 prepare to live low. 1 defire not 
 much: I pray againll: it. My ftudy is my calling, 
 fo much as to tend that without diftradion, I am 
 bound to plead for, and more I defire not. By 
 mv fecluded retirements, I have the advantage to 
 obferve, how every ^ay's occafions infenfibly wear 
 off the heart from God, and bury it in itfelf, 
 which they who live in care and lumber cannot 
 be fenfible of. I have feemed to fee a need of e- 
 very thing God gives m.e, and to want nothing 
 that he denies me. There is no difpenfation, 
 thougk afHi(5\ive, but either in it or after it, I 
 G 3 find, 
 
[ <J<5 ] 
 
 find, I could not be without it, whether it be ta- 
 ken from me or not given to me ; fooner or later 
 God quiets me in himfelf without it. I caft all 
 my concerns on the Lord, and live fecurely on the 
 care and vvifdom of my heavenly Father. My 
 ways, you know, are in fome {enCc hedged up 
 with thorns, and grow darker and darker daily: 
 but yet I diftruft not my good God in the leafi, 
 and live more quietly in the abfence of all by faith, 
 than I fliould do, I am perfuaded, if I poiTeiTed 
 them. I think the Lord deals kindly with me, to 
 irjake.me believe for all my mercies, before I have 
 them, that they will then be Ifaacs, fons of laugh- 
 ter: the lefs reafon hath to work upon, the more 
 freely faith cafls itfelf on the faithfulnefs of God. 
 I find that while faith is fteady nothing can difqui- 
 et me, and when faith totters nothing can eiirablifh 
 me. If I ftumble out amongft means and crea- 
 tures, I am prefently loft, and can come to no 
 end : but if I flay myfelf on God, and leave him 
 to work in his own way and time, I am at reft, 
 and can fit down and fleep in a promife when a 
 thoufand rife up againft m.e ; chei efore my way is, 
 not to caft beforehand, but to work with God, 
 by the day : * Sufficient to the day is the evil there- 
 of.' I ..find fo much to do continually with my 
 calling and my heart, that I have no time to puz- 
 zle myfelf with peradventures and futurities : as 
 for the ftate of the times, it is very gloomy and 
 tempeftuous. ' But why do the heathen rage .'*' 
 Faith lies at anchor in the midft of the waves, and 
 believes the accomplifhrn^nt of the promife, 
 through all thefe overturnings, confufions, and 
 feeming impoffibilities. Upon this God do I live 
 who is our God forever, and will guide us to tie 
 death. Methinks I liebec«'ii ed in his bofom, as 
 Luther in fuch a cafe, I am. not much concerned, 
 
 let 
 
[ 6^ 1 
 
 let Chrift fee to It. I know prophecies arc now 
 dark, and the books are fealed, and men have 
 been deceived, and every ciilern fails, yet God 
 doth continue faithful, and faithful is he that hath 
 promifed who will do it, I believe thefe dark times 
 are the womb of a bright morning. Many more 
 
 things I might have faid, but enough. Oh ! 
 
 Brother, keep dole to God, and then you need 
 fear nothing, Maintain fecret and intimate com- 
 munion with God, and then a little of the creature 
 wil! go a great way. Take time for duties in pri- 
 vate, croud not religion into a corner of the day : 
 There is a Dutch proverb, ' Nothing is got by tliie- 
 ving nor loft by praying.* Lay up all your good 
 in God fo as to overbalance the fweetnefs and bit- 
 ternefs of all creatures. Spend no time anxi- 
 oufly in forehand contrivances for this world ; 
 they never fucceed: God will run his difpenfati- 
 ons another way. Self-contrivances are the ef- 
 fects of unbelief. I can fpeak by experience, 
 would men fpend thofe hours they run out in plots 
 and devices in communion with God, and leave 
 all to him, bv veniurefome believing, they would 
 have more peace and comfort. I leave you with 
 your God and mine. The Lord Jefus be with 
 your fpirit. Pray for your own foul, pray for 
 Jerufalem, and pray hard for your poor brother. 
 
 LETTER XXXIIL 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Y. 
 
 OU afk me what I "think are the genuine 
 '* properties of an humble man." The queftion is 
 very important ; it deferves a ferious conjQderation, 
 ind a full anfwer. You know I have not the ad- 
 vantages 
 
[ 68 ] 
 
 vantages of age, and long experience, yet ncver- 
 thelefs I will tell my friend freely what I think arc 
 the marks and properties of one who is humble : 
 and though I will not fay but humility may difco- 
 ver itfelf in other ways, yet I will venture to af- 
 firm wherever the following properties are found 
 in any one; he is an humble man. 
 
 He forgets not his former finfulnefs, and out- 
 ward meannefs under the highefl fpiritual difco- 
 veries, or the greatell: advancement in fortune and 
 worldly circumftances. 
 
 He overlooks his own righteoufnefs, and de- 
 pends intirely upon that which is of God, by 
 faith. 
 
 The loweft and meaneft good work, is not be- 
 low him. 
 
 He is forward to lubmit to every truth God hai 
 revealed, even thofe which flefh and blood arc 
 moft averfe unto. 
 
 He lives neither from, nor unto himfelf, but 
 unto and from the Lord Jefus Chrift. 
 
 He highly prizes the leaft favour from, God, 
 deeming himfelf lefs than the Icaft of all his mer- 
 cies. 
 
 He never thinks himfelf good enough. 
 
 He fmites and chides himfelf for fmall faults, as 
 for great ones. He quietly bears burdens, and 
 takes affronts without a noife. 
 
 He labours more to glorify God in afHidions, 
 than to get out of them. 
 
 He feeks not after great things. He fays a little 
 will fatisfy nature, lefs will fatisfy grace. 
 
 He rejoices in the graces, and fuccefs of others, 
 as well as his own. 
 
 He will rather bear an hundred wrongs, than 
 revenge one. 
 
 Tho' he may be of the very beft abilities, he 
 
 will 
 
r ^9 ] 
 
 will not dirdain to be taught by the meaned per- 
 fpns. 
 
 , He deems himfelf to have no wifdom to dire£l, 
 or power to defend himfelf, without the light and 
 power of grace. 
 
 He prefers every one, (that in truth he can) 
 unto himfelf; thinking fiber ly of himfelj as God 
 has dealt unto him the meafure of faith. 
 
 Thefe are fome of the properties of an humble- 
 man. And my dear friend, who can forbear ad- 
 miring tile amiable character! who can avoid, 
 wilhing himfelf the happy owner of thefe blelTed 
 qualifications? Here give your heart full vent! 
 Let all your foul deiire this precious mother Grace. 
 May the good Lord give you an abundant mea- 
 fure thereof; then will your holinefs and happi- 
 nefs alfo, be fuch as is wiHied, and heartily prayed 
 for, by 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your affectionate Brother, and humble Servant. 
 
 LETTER XXXIV. 
 
 June, 24th, 17^6. 
 
 X Hope my dear Sifter is preffing forward, ftill 
 going on to perfection. The crown of eternal 
 life is jufl before you. Jefus faith, be thou faithful 
 unto death y and I will give thee a crovcn of Itfe . 
 Compared with this, what are all the toys of this 
 life? What are the riches, gain or honours? yea 
 what is life itfelf? Account it dung, for foit is, 
 compared with Chrift. O v/ho would not love 
 fuch a Saviour ! " Jefus all the day long is my joy 
 and my fong." My life is hid with Chrift in God : 
 
 And 
 
[ T^ J 
 And when Chriil who is my life fhall appear, r^tn 
 Ihall I alfo appear with him in glory ! I cannot 
 exprefs how weak, helplefs, and unworthy, I feel 
 myfelf ; yet Jefus careth for me, and helpeth me 
 to caft all my care on him. His love is better 
 than wine ! O that he may fill your foul therewith ! 
 my dear, contend not about a name, but pray that 
 your foul may be filled with the fimple, humble 
 love of Jelus. 
 
 Itruftdear * * * * is growing in grace likewrife, 
 may the Lord make her fimple and humble, and 
 fill her with all the mind that is in Chrift. Ad- 
 vife her to retire with Jefus, from the multitude: 
 for he is the bridegroom of the foul, and the chief- 
 eft among ten thoufend : that he would ever look 
 on us, may give occafion to our crying out. Why 
 me. Why me ? O amazing depth of Love divine ! 
 
 Loft in wonder gaze no more. 
 Fall and filentiy adore ! 
 Peace be with your fpirit. 
 
 I am your affeflionate, Sifter^ 
 
 LETTER XXXV. 
 
 o- 
 
 My dear Sifter, 
 
 'N Tuefday laft I received yours, and do great- 
 ly rejoice that you defire to partake of that holi- 
 nefs, without which you cannot lee the Lord with 
 comfort. O that you may ever account all things 
 but dung, that you may thus win Chrift ! Hold 
 faft the beginning of your confidence ftedfaftunto 
 the end j forgetting the things behind, reach forth 
 to thofe before, it hath never entered into the 
 heart of man to conceive, the things God hath 
 
 pl'C- 
 
[ 7« ] 
 pared for therr, that love him. But thus much 
 you can conceive, that they are far, incompara- 
 bly far fuperior to all earthly bleffings. O that 
 your heart and mine may be abundantly more fen- 
 iible ot their worth I 
 
 I find daily need to pray unto the Lord, to 
 give me a deeper fenfe of the greatnefs of his 
 mercies towards me, and of my utter unworthi- 
 nefs of the leaft of them. Accordingly 1 find my 
 blefled Lord Jefus, doth anfwer my prayers. I 
 know not how to declare hisgoodnefs ! Let fJence 
 fpeak his praife I Meet me my dear love, at the 
 throne of grace at ten in the forenoon, our Jefus 
 Avill certainly meet us both, and all our friends 
 who will join with us. I fhall be glad to. fee you 
 all, when Providence makes my way plain. 
 I am your affectionate Sifter, 
 
 L E T T E Pt XXXVL 
 
 My dear, Nov. 22d. 1758. 
 
 A RAISE God for what he hath already done : 
 let thofe give thanks, whom the Lord hath re- 
 deemed, and delivered, from the hand of the ene- 
 my : but you know a greater deliverance is at hand. 
 What have you to do, but to fight your way through 
 againfi: the world, the iicili, and the devil ? It is a 
 .good, though painful fight. Lhilefs you yield, 
 you cannot but conquer. It is true, you will firft 
 conquer by little and little : for " more of his life 
 and more you have, as the old Adam dies.'* 
 But there is alfo an inftantaneous conqueft : In a 
 moment fin Ihali be no more. You aro gradually 
 dying for a long tirnc : but you will die in a mo- 
 ment. 
 
nicnt. O haften to that happy time ! Pray flrivc 
 and hope for it. 
 
 I am your affedlionate Brother/ ^c. 
 LETTER XXXVI. 
 
 I 
 
 My very dear Friend, Dec. 1^,1761, 
 
 Am by the kind and indulgent Providence of 
 God, got fafe from the * * * * . And at my re- 
 turn, to heighten my joy, I met with your kind 
 and chriftian epiftle. 1 heartily thank you for the 
 tindeferved favour of making me welcome to your 
 houfe, and attendance : but my dear Friend, hew 
 will my place be filled up and Lack of fervices fup- 
 plied ? There is a very large harveft and but few 
 labourers : and belidesbad as I am, I am not quite 
 bad enough yet to be laid up in the harbour. I 
 muft take feveral voyages to fea, and endure ma- 
 ny a ftorm yet, aijd when I am quite unfit for the 
 ocean, I hope God will provide f\ r me fome fuch 
 Jiavea as you kindly offer, until he takes me up 
 to the place of everlafting reft. Mean time I am 
 unfeignedly defirous, and do often fervently pray, 
 that i may be guided by an unerring Pilot, that t 
 may neither dafli agalnft the Pvocks, nor founder 
 on the Sands, but (though fliatterecL and weather 
 beaten, and ladly impaired in my rigging) be full 
 fraught v.'ith all the treafures of Heaven, that facli 
 a crazy vefTel can hold, when 1 creep into the 
 creek of privacy, to converfe with htm 'vohom- wy 
 foul loveth the refidue of my ufelefs days. .; 
 
 If you find that thinking on fo worthlefs, find 
 infigniiicant a creature, raifcs your rr.ind to Jefus 
 Chrift, cr tf \ou wreftle with God for me, your 
 
[ 7.^ .1 
 
 thoughts will anfwer very valuable purpofes; 
 otherwife, if you faw all the weaknefles and folly 
 which attend me, in the fame dilagreeablc light I 
 fee them myfelf, you would never think of me, 
 without pity and commiferation. 
 
 I have had a very evident proof lately, that the 
 Lord Jehovah reigneth, and doth what ever feem- 
 eth good in his fight : one would have thought 
 that the doflrine which we preach would have met 
 with a very cold reception in the place where I 
 have been, and of confequence the Preacher of it 
 the fame, but, contrary to human probability 
 quite the reverfe has happened unto us both. 
 The dodrine diftilled as the dew, and funk into 
 many hearts; while many are enquiring ixj/iatfiall 
 njje do to be favedp fome are faying what (hall we 
 do to be more abundantly holy ? BlefTed enquiries ! 
 furely the Lord will fave, viz. juftify the penitents, 
 and give more, yea, fill them with righteoufnefs, 
 who liunger and thirjl for it. 
 
 My own foul has often been watered from the 
 inexhauftible ^juntain : but along with thefe hap- 
 py times of refrelhment from the Lord's prefence, 
 I have had many fevere trials, and a-ffauks-^from 
 the enemy of my own foulj but I believe that all 
 his malice ihall devolve upon himfelf, and on- 
 ly make me more cautious, and awaken in my 
 heart a more implacable refentmeat, and lading"- 
 indignation to him, and all his wicked ways. Let 
 me have an intereftin your neareft approaches to 
 your Redeemer, and I hope I ihall not fin againfr. 
 God in forgetting to pray for you: while I re- 
 main, Your ever aifedioi: ate Brother 
 
 find inviolable Friend. 
 
 \x T r 
 
I 
 
 [ 74 ] 
 
 LETTER XXXVII. 
 
 My dear Friend, June 23d, 1 760. 
 
 Was juft ready to think you had flighted mc 
 in not anfwering mine, when your acceptable e- 
 piftle came to hand, and happily prevented fuch 
 a furmife. 
 
 It gives me great pleafure to hear from my 
 friends, whom I love: but the accounts you gave 
 of yourfelf, gave me more than ordinary fatisfac- 
 tion. When you can leave all unto the Lord's dif- 
 pofal, doing your duty, you are certainly fafe and 
 happy. Refignation to the will of God is a blef- 
 fed grace. The fure way to hell, is to follow our 
 own will ; but the fure way to Heaven, is to fol- 
 low the will of God in all things. Our dear Re- 
 deemer fays unto all his followers, learn of me J or 
 I am meek, and lo'vuly in heart, i ^ d ye Jh all find 
 refi to your fouls. But we cannot learn this excel- 
 lent leflon without making his \Vill our law at all 
 times. We fliould labour daily to die more and 
 more to fenfe, and all feniible objects and enjoy- 
 ments, retiring more into ourfelves into the centre 
 of our fouls, and there worfhip God who dwelleth 
 in us, in fpirit and truth. I know, my dear, 
 you cannot have much outward folitude, and 
 therefore you have more need of inward retire- 
 ment, and recolleiTtion, that the hurry of bulinefs 
 and company may not hinder your inward pray- 
 er, and mental worfhip of God. While your ex- 
 ternal fenfes are attentive tinto, and employed 
 about the affairs of your ftation, let your foul at- 
 tend to an indwelling God, and always hear hirn 
 
 fneak 
 
[ 75 1 
 i peak unto you. llien it will participate more nnd 
 more of the divine nature, and feel the moft len- 
 fible enjoyment of the divine prefence : And as 
 this will be extremly delightful, fo it will be mo- 
 rally perfedling above any thing elfe. 
 
 The laft week but one, the Lord gave me op- 
 portunity to learn obedience by the things which I 
 luffcred ; the laft, he gave more health, and much 
 of his loving, fweet, and powerful prefence.^ 
 Thefe are the two ways he hath of purifying fouls 
 to himfelf ; by the fire of affliction, and inward 
 burning, and by the fire of divine love. The lat- 
 ter is more pleafant, but the former is more like 
 the way m which he led his beloved Son : But it 
 is not for us to chufe, let the Lord lead us in 
 which way he wlUeth. 
 
 My dear Friend, aim at all that height of holl- 
 nefs which Chrift hath purchafed for, and proniif- 
 ed to beftow upon you. The dear Lord will blefs 
 you, if you ufe that grace you have already receiv- 
 ed. I hope to keep you company in the heaven- 
 ly journey. I am refolved through the grace of 
 God that noihing fliall hinder me. I long for all 
 the fulnefs of God. 
 
 ** Oh ! what is virtue, why had I, 
 " Who am low, a tafte fo high ? 
 
 Sure that God which has infpired this defire,will 
 alfo fulfil it, in my poor heart, and in my friend's. 
 When you are favoured with free accefs to the 
 King of King's, think of, and fpeak for him, 
 who is unalterably, 
 
 your faithful Friend, and humble Servant. 
 
 Ha LET- 
 
I 76 1 
 
 LETTER XXXVIir. 
 
 ' My dear Friend, April 19, 1760. 
 
 I 
 
 Have often thought of you iince I left you, 
 and it may be, you have not always forgot your 
 unworthy Friend: Though I do not deferve to be 
 thought of, nor mentioned, I rather indeed de- 
 iire, 
 
 " To be little, and unknown, 
 
 '* Lov'd and priz'd by God alone." 
 
 I always conlider myfelf, either kneeling before 
 my Saviour as a fubje^l before his prince, or 
 ftanding in his prefence, as a fervant before his 
 mafter, that I may hear what my King will grant 
 of his princely beneficence, or what he will com- 
 mand as a mailer. His gifts arc many, and great, 
 and his commands are dearer to me than thou- 
 fands of gold and rdver. Sometimes I feel all my 
 foul carried up unto, and fixed in God, as in its 
 proper centre and place of reft, without much 
 care or eftbrt of my own, then all earthly things 
 difappear, and all their relifh, while all my heart 
 is filled with love, and tears of joy ftreams down 
 my face. Then nothing is diiagreeable but the 
 thoughts of returning again into this world. Oh ! 
 who can explain the blefTednefs of thefe moments 
 Dt abftracSlion ! it is the beginning of celeftial hap- 
 pinefs, an anticipation of that exceeding and eter- 
 nal weight of glory referved in heaven for thofe- 
 who Icve the appearing of Chrift. At other times 
 I come down a little from this fupreme height of 
 
 joy - 
 
C 77 ] 
 joy and there Teems comparatively fome diflance 
 between my beloved and my foul, then it fpends 
 itfelf in ftrong defire, and never ceafeth pleading, 
 till I lean again on ni} Redeerder's breaft. 
 
 Iconrtantly defirc to do and fuffcr fomething for 
 my Lord ; but alas ! I a.ri nc-r able, without his 
 help, to bear one crofs. withi'tar- f one temptation, 
 nor do one good work, fo that he muft gi^e what 
 he commands, and then I fay " Command what 
 thou wilt and it fhall be done." 
 
 I imagine my friend to be growing in grace, and 
 in the knowledge of God daily, I hope I have not 
 thought amifs. Tell me, my dear*** When f.ivj 
 ypu him -vuhom my foul Joveth P Do you go forth and 
 grou up as a calf of the fi all? Is there more me- 
 lody in your foal, from the fweet Turtle's voice 
 that entertains your ears in the neighbouring 
 groves, than from the inhabitants of the burgh ? 
 I conceive you anfwer, yes. But this is an un- 
 fatisfa<5tory conjefiture : put me out of fufpenfe, 
 as foon as you receive this, and be affured I am. 
 
 Your afFedionate Brother, &c. 
 LETTER XXXIX. 
 
 I 
 
 My very dear Friend, May 12, 1 760. 
 
 Received your kind, and Chrifllan Letter from 
 the hand of my good Friend ***. It gave me joy 
 to hear from you, and more efpecialiy fo, in that 
 it brought me intelligence of your fpiritual profperi- 
 ty, which anfwers my defires and prayers. As I 
 have made mention of you in my fupplications to 
 God, fo I fhall now have more abundant occafion 
 to thank him on your account. 
 
 H z A3 
 
[ 78 ] 
 
 As you obferve it is an infeparable property of 
 ^race, always to excite our thirft for more. When 
 our Lord faid, " He that drinkeih of the water 
 which I fliall give, fhall thirft no more," He meant 
 he iiiali not any more inordinately defire the 
 perifhable things of time and fenfe. But whofo- 
 ever drinketh of that blefled life-giving water, 
 fliall ever fay, 
 
 " Infatiate to the fpring I fly, 
 I drink, and yet am ever dry : 
 Ah ! who againfl fuch charms is proof. 
 Ah ! who that loves, can love enough !" 
 
 Accordingly, they who have the largeft and 
 ftilleft communications of his divine goodnefs, and 
 blefled prefence, fee, and feel mod of their own 
 littlenefs, helpleflnefs, and unworthinefs, and fo 
 do ever cry, 
 
 '' I loath myfelf when God I fee, 
 And into nothing fall ; 
 Content if thou exalted be, 
 . And Chrift is all in all." 
 
 I believe you have now learnt the happy art of 
 devoting all you do to God, by a pure and fmgle 
 intention : and therefore continue in the fervice 
 and worfhip of your Saviour, even when you are 
 difcharging the duties of your ftation, as when 
 you are more immediately employed in devotional 
 exercifes. Yet neverthelefs, get every moment 
 you poffibly can from your bufincfs to fpend in 
 private ; for this is for ingaL'tering, the other for 
 expending. Privacy is for exercifing more imme- 
 diately the graces of prayer, love and thankfulnefs, 
 aad enjoying the clofeft communion with the dear 
 
 object 
 
[ 79. 3 
 
 obje6t: of your affe6l:ions j and the incumbrance of 
 bufinefs, for employing faith, patience, watchful- 
 nefs, felf-denial, and refignation, which are as 
 neceflary in their place, and altogether as accept- 
 able to God as the other. In both let this be your 
 motto, Whatever thy hand fitideth to do^ do it with 
 all thy mights 
 
 Your not having at all times the fame degree of 
 joy, may be accounted for, from the alternate ex- 
 ercife of the graces above. It is doubtlefs more 
 joyous to commune with God in fecret than to be 
 more immediately employed in watchfulnefs, and 
 felf-cknial among a multitude. But it is an un- 
 fpeakable blefling, and comfort, that in both cir- 
 cumflances, God ftands in one relation unto you, 
 even that fweet and endearing one of a father. 
 
 I thank Gad I am yet in the number of the 
 living, -whofe names are written in Jerufalem, and 
 my life is hid with Chrift in God. I hav^ had a 
 tolerable ftate of health ; how the report of my 
 death was fpread, I cannot tell : but had it been 
 true, it would have been my unfpeakable gain ; 
 and it will, (Oh I blefled profpe<5t) be true e'er 
 long 1 Lord hallen the defirable period ! Mean 
 time let us in patience poflefs our fouls ; and live 
 by the day, the hour, yea the moment with God, 
 not knowing what may be on th'fe morrow : always 
 {landing prepared for that laft and beft fcene of 
 human life. When our fpirits fhall ftand upon 
 our quivering lips, ready to launch out into an 
 untried eternity. May they publifh as they fly, 
 the blood of Chrifl cUanfeth from all Jin. 
 
 I am inviolably yours, &c. 
 
 LET- 
 
I 
 
 [ 80 3 
 
 LETTER XL. 
 My Dear, Nov. 3, 1760. 
 
 Received your kind and welcome letter, I give 
 you hearty thanks for your love unto and care of 
 me: I fnall always think it my duty, and an ad- 
 dition to my happinefs, if I fhail fo behave as to 
 deferve the continuation of your favour. I think 
 the leafl I can do, will be to give you love for love. 
 The defign of our correfpondence being im- 
 provement, in the divine life, what will be mofl 
 to the ufe of edifying, will therefore be moft 
 agreeable to our intention, and I know it v/Ill be 
 ,, moft pleafmg to my friend. I have thought fome- 
 times that nothing is more likely to obfl:ru<5t or 
 hinder our rifmg higher into the life and love of 
 God, than too great activity of thought, or too 
 liberal ufe of the imaginary powers. The enemy 
 it may be has the greateft accefs unto us at 
 this avenue, and has moll command of this faculty. 
 If the things are quite innocent about which we 
 think, yet that filence may be difturbed in which 
 the foul ought, with compofed recolIeCtion, to 
 wait for the manifeftation of the love of God: 
 unreflrained excurfions of the imagination, keep 
 the foul too much in a6t:ion, unfit it for thofe di- 
 vine impreflions, which feldom come down but 
 when the fpirit is profoundly calm and filent. See- 
 ing then there is fo great lofs in indulging our ima- 
 gination, even on thefe innocent iubjefls, we 
 (hall find it very requifite often to ceafe from thofe 
 thoughts which are only the images of external 
 things and extend not to fpiritual objects. This 
 practice excludes not that thinking which is natu- 
 ral 
 
[ 8i J 
 
 ral to the foul, nor that general, conftant fight* 
 and apprehenfion which it has of God. 
 
 It is certainly of great ufe in the divine life to re- 
 tire from the irregular workings of our fancy, into 
 that filent awe that dares not move before the 
 Almighty : this fits the foul for divine inlighten- 
 ings, and fpiritual embraces ; for the more quiet 
 we are, the lefs refiflance we make to any fuper- 
 natural impreiTion ; and the eafier we perceive 
 the beginnings of divine attra6lron, and Co yield 
 ourfelves unto it. When the foul hath attained 
 the power, frequently to throw itfeif into this 
 filent ftate, (which power muft be attained by 
 habitual pra6i:ice,) it will then come to clearer in- 
 ternal manlfeftations, and intelle61:ual fights of the 
 invifible world : many times receiving quickening 
 glances from eternity, with thofe ftrong infufions 
 of love, which often bring the foul into a rapture. 
 The enjoyments of this Itate fully recompence the 
 felf-denial neceflary in the attaining it. 
 
 Again, in this recollected and filent waiting on 
 God, we come more fully to perceive the true 
 ground of our union and onenefs with all the chil- 
 dren of our heavenly father ; and the reafon of our 
 having more clofe and intimate communion with 
 fome, than others. The general ground of the 
 union of faints, is that likenefs which they have 
 one to another, being all partakers of one, even a 
 divine nature, and being caft all into one mould, 
 by one fpirit afluating them. The reafon of fpe» 
 cial communion with fome more than others, is, 
 I ft. By being begotten unto the divine life by one 
 inftrument. Had we lived among the primitive 
 chriftians, we fhould have feen fomething of this : 
 thofe who were brought to the knowledge of God 
 by St. Paul, had a peculiar endearment to him, 
 and to one another j and fo, no doubt, it was 
 
 with 
 
C S2 3 
 
 with tliofe who were converted by Apolfos, Ct* 
 phas^, and others. But even among thefe we fhall 
 find fome, who are ftill more particularly endeared 
 to each other. The reafon of this is, 2dly, Their 
 having an agreement in their natural difpofitions. 
 It is not improbable, that this was the reafon of 
 our Saviour's pecuHar union with St. John. The 
 whole bulk of believers are called the body of 
 Chrift ; now as in the natural body, fome bones 
 are joined unto, and locked in one another in a 
 peculiar manner; fo in the myftical body of 
 Chrift, fome of the living members are united, and 
 their fpirits locked, or mingled in one another, as. 
 they all are not. This flows from the fuperior 
 harmony, and fmgular agreement of their nature 
 and fpirit. Grace does not deftroy our natural 
 difpofitions, but rectifies them by tliat heavenly 
 principle, which reduceth our fpirits unto the 
 highefl perfe£i:ion, by bringing them to their pri- 
 mary model and frame. The more alfo we ari(e 
 above the animal life, into the divine, and the 
 nearer we are both to God and one another \ 
 the fitter inftruments we become to convey the 
 pure ftreams of the heavenly life, with whom we 
 are fo united. 
 
 My fubje6t having detained me fo long, I have 
 not time to fay any thing refpe6t:ing myfelf; but 
 that I feel fomething of this happy union v/ith 
 _you, and heartily ^^fire to improve it. Believe 
 that I love, think of, and pray for you. I hope 
 I fhall fee you once again here, or elfe hereafter 
 for ever. 
 
 lam unalterably your's, &c. 
 
 L E T- 
 
I 83 1 
 
 LETTER XLI. 
 
 My dear Brother, OS:, i 7th, i 760. 
 
 X HE chrlftian union- and fellowfhip I have 
 often found with you, does not depend upon local 
 fituation, but can fubfift even when the fubjeds of 
 it are remote from each other. Though I am now 
 abfent from you in perfon, I am intimately near 
 you in fpirit, rejoicing to think of your union 
 with, and enjoyment of Chrift Jefus. I hope my 
 dear friend {lands fafl: in that blefled liberty where- 
 with Chrift hath made him free, and is not in any 
 meafure entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 
 O prize liberty ! Often think, now you have 
 grace, how miferable you was wont to be without 
 it. Only defire one thing on earth, to make 
 your calling and eie<5lion fure. Be a man of one 
 bufmefs, and intention. Let Chrifl be all in all 
 unto you; let him be your bread to feed you, and 
 your wine to chear you : your fun to Avarm and 
 enlighten you, and your fliield to defend you : 
 your rock to ftand upon, and your hiding place 
 from the wind : the fource of your happinefs, 
 the centre of your fpirit, and the obje6t of your 
 undivided afFeci:ions. Let Jieaven be full in your 
 eye, Chrifl: in your heart, ;ind the world, (where 
 it fhould be) under your feet. Be a companion of 
 angels, and the fpiritsof juft men made perfefl-, in 
 your contemplations ; a friend to chriftians in your 
 converfaticn, and an imitator of the lovely Jefus 
 in all your tempers. Be covetous of grace, am- 
 bitious of glory, and voluptuous in fpiritual enjoy- 
 ments. Be timorous of ycurfelf, fearlefs of men 
 
 and 
 
[ 84 ] 
 
 and devils, and undaunted in faith. Be little in 
 your own eyes, high in the favour of the faints, 
 and great in the eileem cf God. Be fo great an 
 enthufiaft as to piize an infelt Chriil, and fo weak 
 and filly as to feek all your happinefs in God: 
 though in your own efteem environed with involun- 
 tary infirmities, yet in the eyes of your fpettarors 
 unreproveable. Such as none but devils and wicked 
 men can hate, as none hut envious and malicious 
 creatures can malign, and as God, ang- Is, and 
 good men will never fail to love. Be an incarnare 
 angel, a living inftrudor, and a friend of God. In a 
 word, be a pilgrim on earth, a free man of the 
 new Jerufalem, and a candidate for the higheft 
 glory in heaven. 
 
 You may eafily perceive that I have a fingular 
 refpe6t for you, in that I would have you fingu- 
 larly good : and that I may contribute all I can 
 toward^ it, I intend through the grace of God, to 
 help you by my prayers, and animate you by my 
 example. God forbid that I fliould recommend 
 any thing to you, which I do not purpofe to prac- 
 tice myfelf. The dear Lord Jefus help me to love 
 his narne, and people, and fervice, abundantly 
 more than I ever did. Ruth's behaviour to Nao- 
 mi her mother, ftiall be my condu6t to Chrift 
 Jefus, I fay unto him, *' I will not leave thee, nor 
 return from following after thee : for whitlier thou 
 goeft, I will go, and where thou lodgeft, I will 
 lodge ; thy people fhall be my people, and thy 
 God my God." Though death might part Ruth 
 and her mother for a time, yet even that fhall, (I 
 fleadfaftly believe) be a means of bringing me more 
 immediately into the prefence and enjoyment of 
 him vvhom my foal loveth. The Lord mr^ke his 
 face to fhine continually upon the head, and 
 heart, of my dear, dear friend ; and give him 
 
 ptai-^ 
 
[ 85 1 
 
 peace in this life, and everlafting joy in that which 
 16 to come. 
 
 I am, Sec, 
 
 L E T T E Pv XLir. 
 My very dear Brother, 
 
 G 
 
 RACE, mercy, and peace be mukiplied up- 
 on you from God even our Father, and from our 
 Lord Jefus Chiift. I have often thought of you 
 iince I faw you, and have alfo made mention of 
 you in my prayers to God. I believe the Lord 
 Jefus will abundantly blefs you, if you alk enough, 
 and waver not. You have exceeding great reafon 
 to thank God for what he hath already done, and 
 as great encouragement to expe£l more. What a 
 bleiiing it is, you were not loil among the rich 
 ones of the earth, but are faved among the tents 
 of Judah. What fliall I fay to induce my dear 
 friend to be thankful ? Ponder the loving kind- 
 nefles, and tender mercies of God in your heart. 
 Think, O! think, what fcenes of mercies have, 
 interfperfed ihall I fay ? Nay : have filled, in one un- 
 interrupted fucceflion, your whole life ! Let your 
 heart, your lips, your hands move only to his 
 praife. Think meanly of yourfelf, and that every 
 thing God does for you, is infinitely more than 
 you deferve. When you do good, and the fub- 
 jecls of your beneficence are unthankful, or even 
 make ungrateful, or unkind returns, commend 
 the deed, and them unto God, who judgeth righ- 
 teoufly, and who will not be unfaithful to forget 
 your labour of love. Pray to Jefus to difcover all 
 the fubtle, and fecret workings of pride, felf-will, 
 I and 
 
 / 
 
[ 86 ] 
 and unbelief, that may yet remain in your foul. 
 Let not the leaftuncharitablenefs have any place in 
 your heart", no not even toward your vvorft enemies. 
 Be muph in the cxercife of love to God, and all 
 men; and in refignation to the will of God. If 
 men fpeak evil of you, you are rever the worfe ; 
 or if they commend you, you are never the bet- 
 ter. We are no more, or lefs, than we are before 
 God, always confider yourfelf {landing bcfc re 
 him, as a ftone before the carver, entreating him 
 to make of you his holy image. 
 
 Beware of the world. Be fufpi clous that it is 
 intending to xio you mifchief, in one refpe£l or 
 other, if it poffibly can : and therefore ftand pre- 
 pared, and fortified againft. it, as you would 
 againft a formidable enemy. 
 
 I thank God I have had fometimes pain, and 
 fometimes eafe, fince I left ***. I am in the arms 
 of Chrift: He putteth his right hand beneath me, 
 and his left hand embracethme. I love him, and 
 will not go from him. 
 
 f cry, ** Tis hell from thee to part ; 
 <* Prefs me clofer to thy heart." 
 
 I fliall be glad to fee you again. Oh ! that we 
 may meet improved in grace. The good will of 
 him, who dwelt in the bufh, and who accompanied 
 the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, 
 preferve and blefs you for ever. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 L E T- 
 
I 87 I 
 
 LETTER XLIIL 
 My very dear Friend, 0£t. 6, 1760. 
 
 A: 
 
 .FTER myufual morning.exercife, I am now 
 fet down with a defign to appropriate fome porti- 
 on of my time to the agreeable employment of wri- 
 ting to my friend, whom I dearly love, and highly 
 cfteem. Who knows the powerful effects of chrif- 
 tian friendlhip? The Icve which forms it, isftrong- 
 er than death, many iv at ers cannot quench it : It's 
 flame afcends toward heaven, nor can it be con- 
 fined by time, or fpace* How valuable is a faith- 
 ful friend ? 
 
 ** The friendlefs owner of a world is poor ; 
 *' The world in purchafe of a friend is gain.**^ 
 
 I acknowledge myielf indebted unto the kind 
 providence of God, which firft afforded me the 
 benefit of your acquaintance, in which I find a 
 real pleafure. But if our friendfliip affords fuch 
 joys on earth,- where many things occur to inter- 
 rupt, and imbitter it ; what delight will it excite 
 in heaven, where all things tend to further and im- 
 prove it? And may not this lead our thoughts a 
 itep higher ? What is the friendfliip fubfifting be- 
 tween created beings, compared with that fellow- 
 fliip which we have with the glorious Redeemer ? 
 The latter as much exceeds the former, as the me- 
 ridian fun outfliines the fl:ars5 for as they borrow- 
 all their luftre from the fun, fo the friendfliip of 
 chriftians derives its being fi'om their union with 
 Chrift. Without this it would have its foundati- 
 on in felfifli principles, and carnal affc^ions, and 
 I 2 • its 
 
[ 88 ] 
 
 its end in worldly confequences: The motives tin^ 
 to it could be no higher than the low things ap- 
 pertaining to the prefent time, fuch as beauty, gain, 
 or pleafure ; and it would of confequence ebb and 
 flow, as they had, or had not, a good arpe(St op- 
 en it. Whereas the friendfhip of true believers is 
 founded on the infinite love of God, fixed upon 
 an immoveable bafis, the fimilitude of their fculs ', 
 and conducted by inviolable integrity, to the end 
 of mutual edification. It is not bound by time, 
 nor fubjecfl to decay: firm, and lafiing as its foun- 
 dation, the love of God.. It is kindled in holy 
 fculs by the breath of God, and preferved in life 
 and vigour by the fame, and fo of the moft noble, 
 and excellent nature. A celeftial plant growing 
 on earth. The foil is indeed too barren, and the 
 climate too cold, for its arriving at full maturity •, 
 but e'er long it will have its euth'e confummarion, 
 and perfedt completion, in the heavenly foil, in 
 the blaze of the Sun of Righteoufnefs, and in the 
 climate of immortality. It rs nor dependant on the 
 caprice and uncertainty of outward circumfbances, 
 and a local fituation. There are now many high 
 mountains, broad rivers, and extended plains be- 
 tween us, but they are unable to ftop the flight of 
 our fpirits, or prevent their mingling with each 
 other. Oh ! that our fouls may cleave more clofe- 
 ly to the dear Lord Jefus, and in him to one ano- 
 ther. 
 
 If I might be permitted to fuggeft any thing by 
 way of advice, I w^ould fay, read the beft books, 
 keep the beft company, and hear the beft preachers 
 you pofilbly can. Secure God for your Father, 
 his children for your companions, and heaven for 
 your portion. Let your heart be full of Chrift, 
 your converfation feafoned with grace, and your 
 eye ftedfaftly fixed on eternal glory. Let this 
 
 . world 
 
r 89 J 
 
 world be confidered as an inn, hollnefs your high- 
 way, and the new Jerufalem above, the end of 
 your journey. Receive all, and do all the good 
 you can v/hile you have opportunity. Be a ftrari- 
 ger on earth, of the houfehold of faith, and an 
 expe(51:ant of the king'^om of God. I pray God 
 you may be a plant of renovsrn, apolifh'd fhaft in 
 his quiver, and a vefTel unto honour. May you 
 be the favourite of God's throne, and the delight 
 and pleafure of his foul. In fhort, may you be 
 Chrift*s follower on earth, his witnefs in judgment, 
 and a (harer of his glory in eternity. 
 
 With regard to myfelf, my health is but poor, 
 my body w^eak, and my ftrength little. My foul 
 is dependant on Chrift Jefus, loaths the world, 
 thirfts for more righteoufnefs, and longs for it's 
 cverlafting home. My aim is> the higheft degree 
 of holinefs on earth, and the feat which is ncareft 
 to Chrift in glory- Ambitious^ creature ! Yet I 
 believe I have one above me in this bleffed ambiti- 
 on ; however I will follow hard after you, as yoa 
 follow after Chrift-, while I remain, your inviola- 
 ble Friend, &c. 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER XLIV. 
 My dear Friend, April 20th, 1760. 
 
 Know nothing will give you greater fiuisfa^li- 
 on, than to hear of the fuccefs of the Gofpel a- 
 mong the helplefs fons of men. And though I 
 know you to be far from that credulity, which re- 
 ceives every rejxjrt, yet you are too well acquaint- 
 ed with the fovereignty, and unlimited preroga- 
 tive of God, who giveth account to none of his 
 ways, nor is confined to one mcafure of dealing 
 I 3 with 
 
[ 90 ] 
 with his creatures v to rejcdl every thing as enthu- 
 fiafin, cant, or deUifion, merely for having forac 
 extraordinaiT and uncommon circumftances at- 
 tending it. You know well th^t the divine Being 
 hath his ways in the whirlwind, and his footfteps 
 in the great deep, where we cannot trace them, 
 and is as unconfined in his beneficence and grace, 
 as in his might and power. If therefore what I 
 am going to relate, bears the eilential marks of his 
 grace and goodnefs, and is confonant to his pro- 
 mifes,we need not fear an unpardonable provocation 
 in afcribing it unto him ; but on the other hand, 
 we may juftly fear the worft of crimes, and the 
 greateft of punilhments will be the confequence of 
 our flighting, or efpecially afcribing unto another 
 caufc, what is fo worthy of God. 
 
 About the middle of laft month, a few honeft 
 people in a neighbouriag town met together, as 
 they had often done before, upon a religious oc- 
 cafion, to improve their acquaintance with their 
 Ptedeemer, and (ufing all diligence) to make their 
 calling and ektiion fure. God who always counte- 
 nances every well defigned undertaking, and ne- 
 ver fails to meet with his people in the way of 
 his mercy, when they are found in the way of 
 their duty, was prefent in a very remarkable man- 
 ner, where thefe two or three were alTembled to- 
 gether. They began their blefFed exercife with 
 lingin| an hymn, and in joining their fervent pe- 
 titions, and offering them to the throne of grace, 
 which is always eafy of accefs to every faithful ap- 
 proacher. After deep recollection, complaints of 
 the depravity of their nature, and their deep re- 
 volt from God, with intermingled thankfulnefs 
 for their free juftification through faith in Chrift, 
 broke the folemn filence. Convincing light from 
 heaven {hone upon their minds, and dilcovered at 
 
 once. 
 
E 91 ] 
 dnce, both the prefent defers and Impurities of 
 their hearts, and the neceflity of their beirg dean- 
 fed from all fil thine fs ot fiefh andfpirit, and of their 
 per f ei^in^ holinefs ifi the fear of God. Though an 
 aftonifliing fight of indwelling fin, made them 
 tremble, yet moved by an internal principle of 
 grace, and' the facred influence of the Holy GhofI:; 
 and encouraged by the great and precious pro- 
 mifes of Gc d ; through the mouth of one, they 
 poured the full ftream of their defires, in the at- 
 tentive ear of their companionate R.edeemer. 
 
 And he who hath faid, afk and ye Jhall receive^ 
 was prefent, and faithful to fulfil his promife. Up- 
 on the occurrence of thefe words in prayer, " Thou 
 " God of Abraham, Ifaac and Jacob, hear for 
 ^' the fake of thy Son, Jefus Chrifb/' one faid, 
 (unable to confine the joy he felt, in his own 
 breaft) " BlefTed be the Lord God for ever, and 
 ever more, for he hath cleanfed my heart ! 
 Pratfe the Lord, O my foul, and all that is "juithin 
 me praife his holy name /" More like an inhabitant 
 of heaven, than eartli, he cried *' Glory, Glcry ! 
 Glory! be to God, he hath cleanfed me from all 
 unrivhteoufnefs /" 
 
 Another, being in agony of prayer, i])oke to 
 this purpofe. " I hold thee with a trembling hand, 
 but will not let thee go : I fee b/ an eye of faith, 
 my Saviour turn to his Father, to his God, and 
 my God ! Now he turns his face to me !'' &rc. 
 And in a little time he burft out in the fame exfta- 
 cy of joy and praife, as the former, faying ; " BlefT- 
 ed be the Lord for evermore, he hath clean- 
 fed my heart I" Repeating the fame many times 
 over. 
 
 A third was heard to fay, " To my own appre- 
 " heniion, I am hanging over the pit of h-ll by 
 *^ a flender thread;" while another cried with a 
 
 loud 
 
[ 92 ] 
 loud anddifmal cry : ** I am in hell! I am in heilt 
 " Save me! Save me, or I perifli." 
 
 A fifth was quite differently affe^ed, and with 
 a voice full of melody, a countenance full of joy, 
 and a heart full of happinefs, cried ^* Glory be to 
 •^ God for evermore, for he hath pardoned all 
 «' mvfms!" 
 
 This continued for the fpace of two hours, fome 
 praifing, extolii' g and magnifying God, in more 
 exalted devotion than is common to the prefent 
 Hate of things : others praying to their Creator 
 and Saviour with unufual earneftnefs and fervour. 
 Some in the finplicity and warmth of their hearts 
 laid, as is natural for perfons in fuch circumflan- 
 ces, **0 that my hufband, O that my children 
 had been here to night ! Others, O that my wife, 
 O that my friends, O that all the town had been 
 here to night !" 1 his was a time indeed of refrefh- 
 ing from the prefence of the Lord : (To compare 
 little things with great) A fecond Pentecoft. 
 
 If all the world our Saviour knew. 
 
 Sure all the world would love and praifehim too I 
 
 The night following, the fame perfons aflem- 
 bled together again, and the power of the Lord 
 was prefent to heal the wounded, to comfort the 
 difconfolate, and to deliver thofe which were 
 bound. As the God of all grace, whofe mercies 
 are new every morning, and repeated every even- 
 ing, had greatly purified and enlarged the hearts 
 of three the proceeding night, fo he did the fame 
 for three more this night, and unto one he gave 
 the knowledge ol: falvation, by the remifhon of 
 his fms. Lord how wonderous are thy bleflings, 
 how ftupenduous are thy works ! Here we may fay 
 whh as great pix^priety and with far greater won- 
 der, than when we view the works of the creation : 
 
 « Thefc 
 
[ 93 3 
 <* Thefe are thy works parent of good :'* You maf 
 eafily perceive that notwithftanding my natural pre- 
 judice, (unto which you ?re not a ftranger) againft 
 every thing which has the appearance of diforder, 
 or is in the leaft irrational j this has baffled tny car- 
 nal "duifdom, and fully gained the approbation of 
 my faithlefs mind. It would do my dear friend 
 good to fee what a furprifing change there is in the 
 tempers and converfation of thefe highly favoured 
 people. You cannot cotaverfe with them, but (if 
 invincible prejudice prevents it not) you feel all 
 your fpirit exhilerated and your foul glowing with 
 heavenly ardor, every grace quickened and all your 
 powers ftrongly gravitating to the God of your 
 fiilvation. The humility and meeknefs, the feri- 
 oufnefs and gravity, the love and gentlenefs, 
 which you difcover in their artlefs behaviour, come 
 with greater energy, and much better recommend- 
 ed to your conquered heart, than all that the moft 
 able orators can fay from the pulpit, upon thefe 
 graces. • You are conftrained to acknowledge 
 that God is ivith them of a truth. 
 
 I have already tranfgrelTed the ufual limits of a 
 letter, and trefpaffed upon my friend's patience, 
 but I yet beg his indulgence, while I offer my 
 hearty petitions to almighty God, in behalf of my 
 friend and myfelf , for thefe divine favours. 
 
 '' O! thou author of being, and of all bleffed- 
 ** nefs ! Thou inexhauftible treafure of goodnefs! 
 ** Who didfl: create man in thine own bleffed 
 " image, and likenefs, and has given us indubita- 
 " ble proofs of thy willingnefs, yea defire that we 
 ^' fhould be recovered unto our unfinning flate ; and 
 " who, for the fame, haft made the moft ample pro- 
 " villon, in thy well beloved Son Jefus Chrift; 
 " look upcn thy helplefs fervants, and for the 
 " fake of him in whom thou declarefl thyfelf well 
 " pleafed, fulfil in us all that which thy own felf 
 
 intendefl. 
 
[ 94 ] ■ 
 *' intendeft, in the great and precious promifes^, 
 ** thou haft made unto us, and all who beheve. 
 '* Circumcife thefc hearts to love thee, with all 
 ** our heart, and foul, and mind. From all our 
 ** idols, and from all our fihhinefs, good Lord 
 •* do thou deliver us, and for the glory of thy 
 ** great name, let thy Son's precious blood cleanfe 
 '' us from all ftn\ that there may be no occafion 
 " of ftumbling in us, that the difciple may be as 
 ** his mafter, and that we may perfect holinefs in 
 * ' thy fear, that fo we may be part of that church 
 ** tor which our de<»r Redeemer gave himfelf, that 
 " he might prefent it unto himfelf, a glorious 
 " church, not having fpot or wrinicle, or any 
 " fuch thing; but thatitfliouldbeholy, andwith- 
 '* out blemifli ; and we being as he is, even in 
 *' this world, may, with all his fandlified fons and 
 " daughters, be exalted unto his throne, and 
 ** enjoy everlafting bleflednefs ia his prefence. 
 ** Amen. I am 
 
 Your, inviolable Friend in Chrift Jefus. 
 
 LETTER XLV. 
 
 Dear Brother, Dec. loth. 1760. 
 
 JL OUR. profitable letter found me ill In a fever, 
 from a violent cold. The ftate of my mind was 
 exactly as you defcribed. With amazement I cri- 
 ed out, furely thefe are the caufes of my complaint ! 
 I immediately endeavoured to reduce your advice 
 to practice : And what was the efFe(^ .'* O blefled 
 be God, I know not how, or where to begin to 
 tell you ! My burdened mind got free, as a bird 
 out of a fnare : My cares were caft on my ever 
 faithful Lord j my foul was ftayed on him who is 
 
 God 
 
[ 95 ] 
 God over all, bleffed for evermore. My freed 
 and enlarged heart, enjoyed his fweet, and preci- 
 ous peace. This ftatc I have been in ever fmce, 
 my happinefs increafing daily more and n^ore. 
 Blefled be my adorable Redeemer, I have nothing 
 to complain of; all is glory, happinefs., and hea- 
 ven ! J have neither fear, nor care but ho w I may 
 live unblameably in the prefence of my Bel ved. 
 Now I every moment find, not only uni n, but 
 communion alfo, with the Father, and the Son, 
 through the Holy Spirit. I am fo elevated that I 
 forget to eat my neceflary food : Even now while I 
 am writing, my foul is expanded to grafp the in- 
 finite. O if we were now together, how fliould 
 we extol, adore, and pratfe our ever living, and 
 ever loving Jefus ! But alas ! how barren is hu- 
 man language, let filence fpeak his praife. 
 
 How my dear Lord will deal with me, or difpofc 
 of me for the future, I know not, but I fay, 
 
 " Jefus, I come thy will to do, 
 " I come thy will to fuffer too." 
 
 But for this I nave need of all the light and 
 ftrength, and wifdom God will give me. O help 
 me, help me all you can: Do not with-hold from 
 me any advice which you believe will be ufeful to 
 me. I find retirem.ent, folitude, and ftillnefs to 
 be very helpful, and now, (I thank God) I have 
 better opportunity for the lame than ufual. 
 
 But while I fpeak of the goodnefs of God, how 
 fhall I defcribe my own helplelTnefs, ignorance, 
 weaknefs, and infirmity ! I cannot defcribe it, 
 but you can tell a little, by what you feel in your- 
 felf. I am loft in thought I how can it be, that 
 fuch infinite wifdom, goodnefs, love, mefcy, and 
 power, can join themfelves, to fuch vilenefs and 
 
 poverty ! 
 
[ 96 ] 
 poverty! Angels cannot tell! O my foul be con- 
 tent to feel, and enjoy, and fay was ever love like 
 thine ! Let me hear how Jefus deals with } our fouL 
 I am your aftedtionate Friend, &c. 
 
 LETTER XLVI. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Friend, May 1 1 th, i yda 
 
 Now think it very long fince I heard from my 
 dear Friend, I hope it will not be much loriger be- 
 fore Lfeeyou; then Ihall we be able toiVrengthen 
 each others hands in God. By this time, I truft, 
 the ftorms are pretty well over, and that you had 
 
 comfortable meetings with Mr. C ', at your 
 
 own houfe. 1 fe: t you a few lines by him. 
 
 Do you flill outride all your trials :■ Do you grow- 
 more hoi; every day, by every thing you meet 
 with ? You will foon be harboured in eternal reft. 
 I fhould be glad to have your underftanding a lamp 
 of divine light, > our foul full of fpirltual wifdom, 
 and knowledge, as Jordan of water, in the time 
 of harveft : I would have all your words to be full 
 of grace, as ointment poured forth-, and all you 
 are, a facrifice of a fv.eet fmelling favour, without 
 any part weak, earthlv, or carnal. O mav your 
 Saviour, and your love, bring you to this felf 
 fame thing Rejpice, foldier of Chrift ! child of 
 God ! walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you 
 are called. Remember the captain of ) our fal- 
 vation. Fight ! conquer ! die, and live for ever ! 
 What you faid was made a great blcffing to my 
 foul, for this is what I long for, this is indeed 
 being as a city fet upon a hill, and giving light to 
 all about it. But O what weaknefs do I find ! 
 
 yet 
 
t 97 ] 
 Yet God is my ftrcngth: he enables me to go on 
 day by day ; living upon him, and looking up un- 
 to him. I have been tiied fince I came here, by 
 God, men, and devils ; through all I cry. Thy ivill 
 be done, O my dear friend, it is well there is d 
 day coming, that will make amends for alL While 
 we look to the captain of cur falvation, we need 
 H'Ot fear what men can do, or fay unto us. Pray 
 for me, I have need thereof, having a weak body 
 and foul; but my fure trufl is in the God of 
 ftrength, and pov/er. Give rily ]t>ve to a! triends, 
 accept the fame yourfelf. 
 
 From your affe6iionate Sifter, &rc. 
 
 LETTER XLVII. 
 
 My Dear, March 28th, 1760.. 
 
 I 
 
 Expected to liear from you much fooner than I 
 did, however your letter was welcome when k 
 came: you have greatly the advantage of me, yoa 
 always know where I am, but I do not know v/herc , 
 you are; yet nothing can part us but fin, arid 
 furely that fhall nev<!r do :t. Since I heard lafi 
 from you, I have been vory ill in bo -^y, and much 
 tempted arrd grieved in fpirit. t often look with 
 longing eyes to my Father's houfe, and groan 
 to be cloathed upon v/ith my houfe from heaven: 
 Yet I can alwavs fay, My dear Father, T/i\ ivill 
 be done, I find I am more an inhabitant of heaveti 
 than earth ; few underhand me, or are willing fo 
 to do; however I am determined to (land or fali 
 with Jtfus, and not with the muUitudc. He is the 
 hfe of my life, and the foul of my Toul; I find 
 fuch a friendia hjn?, as my tongue cannot exprer^. 
 Xi O my 
 
I 5S : 
 
 O/iiv iicar friend, I bear the burden of ihe Lcrd; 
 lam paJne^^ to fee fo few willing to be cojilbrnicd 
 to Jefus. One i? of ]\iul, another of AdoIIgs, nnd 
 nnoiJier ofCephs?, but whoof Chrifl: ? hew many 
 make their reheion to confill in culwiird things - 
 how true is tlip.t parable ci" the fewer! cnfy ere 
 fort of ground brought forth fiuit, thougji lour re- 
 ceived ihe {^td o{ the kingdom. Thefe things, 
 with ni2ny more, are the caulcs of my trouble 
 daily. Hut what Ihall I do ? labour lo live to God 
 (in a wicked world) in heart, nnd in all my con- 
 verfation, and be ready to hear thnt welcome word, 
 <?/-//>, 7?:y /ovr, arid cjme a^.vny. jMy foul at pre fen t, 
 rclrs in Cod, and daily labours to be approved of 
 him : in all I do, I look to him alone, I live on 
 him' alone, and I live to lilni alone, and fo am 
 happv in him alone. This is the prefent flate of. 
 my mind. Jefus loves mc, he tries, and proves 
 me, and leads me a way I kirow not : but it is 
 enousfh that I remain in the i.crd's hands, as clay 
 in the hands of the Potter. As to the fight I have 
 cfmvfelf, words cannot c>: pre <s: how weak, how 
 feeble, how poor, how helplefs, how ignorant ! I 
 feem to be : fomerimes I think I do not know 
 what I am good for ! O love and mercy ! O free 
 Frace! O infinite companion! what fhall I fiiy I 
 It is God,; it is Jefus ; it is the friend of Tinners I 
 Mx dear love, labour, fuffer, d e and conquer! 
 foldier of Chrift, go on, and win the well-fought 
 field. Keep your "garments white and clean, fit 
 for eternity. I pray God that this may be the lot 
 of my dear correfpondent, and your hearty friend, 
 V. ho inviohblv loves you. 
 
[ 99 ] 
 
 L K T T E R XLVlIf. 
 
 My dear Friend, Jan. 12th, i^ :. 
 
 i. HOU G 11 \vc are ahfent ia hociy, vet I trufc 
 weareprdent in fpirit ; and may the Lord Jefiis srivc 
 (IS more abundiintly that mark of oiirbeinj his llr^ 
 ric ehildren, \iz. our (ove cnt to another. God 
 
 f^ is love. When Vv^e are like cur divine mafter, \vc 
 ihall be eminently loving nlfo. Love indeed alone, 
 
 p' I fee, can conquer this rebellious heart. O that I 
 could truly fay, *' I yield, I } it;ld at kft, o'er- 
 whclmed by love, and fail, and own thee conquer- 
 or f" you bid rae write freely; I will endeavour 
 Co to do. Indeed when I am writing it Teems al- 
 ways, as if I v.as talkin>!: lo my own heart, and 
 ! ciiraint is intirely bniiifhcd ; but when I cm in' 
 cmpany with God*s dcsr children, I find myfelf 
 • reatly iinv^blc lont^cnnn* mouth, i.nd fo cftinics 
 I rtfuTc, 
 
 '* ir>h rifrhtcofners to impart, 
 ^' By hieing it within my heart." 
 
 I find there is no other wny of going rn unto 
 perfcclion than bv lavinsr afide eveiy v/eighi, r.rd 
 cfpecia'ly the lin which moll ea Uy befsts us, ar.d 
 freaoily locking unto Jefus. He who is the captain of 
 iVaV riilvriiicn, cots e;o btiore me, r.nd would, ( 1 
 knew quickly dellrov a!i his,, and my foes, if I 
 ciid but follow liim ful'y : but, alas t hov/ often 
 roes Satan citbcr -divert, or drive caiifc from lefu;. 
 Tlie croud of my enemies are mis:hiier than I, my 
 ^oura'-rc fails, and ! lofe fijhr of my ^r^At hreh 
 pilen : ^i'. 1 ' :;ve srood le.ifon tw " . :k.ere is 
 K .1 mtvcv 
 
C ^'^^ ] 
 
 rncrcy in Chrifl for every returning finner. 
 Though my heart Is prone to wander TrGm, and lo 
 leave the God 1 love, yet no fooner do 1 return 
 towards him, than 1 find my Lord willing to re- 
 ceive me. 1 have been this laft week pall, much 
 befet with wandering imaginations, and this, and 
 the other was reprefented unto my mind : When 
 I v/as faithful, and refcluteiy turned from the re- 
 prefentations, the temptations wrought together for 
 my gcod;but if any wife I gave way unto them they 
 brought hurt and condemnation to my poor fouL 
 I find it very hard ro give up my whole heart to 
 Ood, and it Teems to me th;u if God vv^as to com- 
 mand me to give it to any creature in the univerre,ir 
 would not be half fo hard as to give it to him, who 
 is altogether worthy of it,yea and altogether lovely. 
 What a proof is this of the depravity of our na- 
 ture, and total apoftacy from our original recti- 
 tude,, that we lliould be fo prone to forfake him 
 "who is the fountain of light, hfe, and love, and 
 hew out unto ourfelves broken cillerns which caa 
 bold no water! Ln Jtsus there is a fountain of 
 living waters, ever full and ev?r flowing ; rhere 
 we may drink, and yet no fear of its being ex- 
 haufted. O ! the riches of Tefus's love 1 may I, 
 and you be wholly taken up therewith. 
 
 I find at times, that my eye is evil, becanfe God 
 is good. O ! how deeply am I fallen from all that 
 is good. I ord giv- me to feel it yet more abun- 
 dantly, that I ma . cry more earneftly to thee who 
 art the giver tf every good, and perfect gift j then 
 wilt thou alTuredly fupply my wants. Thy 
 promifes are made unto thofe who believe, and 
 pray •, ( : that thou wouldft ie.u them all to my 
 poor foul. 
 
 1 defign to fet apart fome part of the Saturday, 
 every week, for ciofe examination of myfelf, that 
 
 by 
 
[ »"I _ ] 
 
 bv the light of Cod's fph'it I may difcover v/Iia^ 
 i'aults 1 have been guilty of, or what progrefs i 
 have made in grace the proceeding week. 
 
 Though we may never meet more on earth, yet 
 ihall Avc, (Itruft) join in Tinging the fong of Mofes 
 and the I.amb, which fliall never have an end, but 
 employ a whole eternity. O blefled expectation 
 of living for ever to pra fe Immanuers dying love! 
 l^ray remember me at the throne of grue, re- 
 prove fi cely whatever you fee, or fear amifs in me : 
 probe the wound to the bottom j that any evil 
 which lies concealed may be brought to light, that 
 fo I may come to the good Phylician to be healed. 
 O may you fink deeper, and deeper into God, 
 till you be wholly loft in his fuUnefs. 
 
 " Till he niore of heaven beftow, 
 *' And let the veflel break 
 *'* Let your ranfom'd fpirit go, 
 ** To gralp the God you feek.'* 
 
 So prays your aJeciionate Sider, 
 
 and humble Servant. 
 Tcufday 
 
 P. S. JNlr. E was this morning flruck Vvith a 
 
 palfey, which prevented our friend meeting with 
 us: M. M. fupplied the place : God gave me to 
 fee myfel! very proud, and foolilh ; and that in- 
 llead of falling at the feet of all, I wanted them 
 to be at mine. O the precioufneis of that blood 
 which can blot out lins of fo deep a dye ! But I 
 want to be made inwardly clean : nothing I find 
 but a new heart will do. 1 can truly fay 1 Icatli 
 myfelf, but this does not bring^i«jn\ility into my 
 heart 5 nothing but Jtsu's fove ca^ do that. 
 Pray much for me, and the good L(>kl> grant I 
 mav be earncft for myfelf. Adieu. 
 
 K 3 I. E T- 
 
I 
 
 [ 102 ] 
 
 LETTER XLIX. 
 My dear Friend, Jan. 20th, lydr^ 
 
 Heartily thank you for writing fo foon : I truft 
 to follow your advice. Sure my compaflionate 
 Jks u s will not fufFer me to ftop fliort of the mark^ 
 for the prize of our high calling, but his power- 
 ful ai;m will fupport, and help me, I truft to go 
 toward perfe<Slion. I feel more and more I can da 
 nothing, and that all my ftrength eonlifts in hang- 
 ing on Jesus. I feel often my own will as a 
 mountain which feems to ftand between my foul 
 and God j but I know, if my fpiritua! Zerubbabel 
 fliall appear, it fhall, before him, become a plain. 
 I find power to carry my difeafed foul to Jks us, 
 for him to heal it, and I believe he will perfed^ 
 his ftreng h in my weaknefs : I feel fuch a teftimo- 
 ny of the faithfulnefs of God, that I cannot help 
 believing he will feal all his promifes to my foul. 
 I fee the word of God {o firm and fteadf aft, that 
 it feems indeed I have fure ground to build upon. 
 How can I have furer,, fince Jtsus has fworn to 
 deflroy, and drive out all my foes before his face? 
 
 ^^ My captain leads me forth 
 " To conqueft and a crown." 
 
 I find I come far fhort of being wliat I ought to 
 be; and yet indeed I ftand aftoniftied at Good's 
 mercy to one who is fo prcne to leave him as 1 amf 
 Whenfoever I return unto him, I find him will- 
 ing to receive me ; when I fall at the feet of his 
 mercy, I find free boundlefs compaflion for ever 
 roll in his adorable breaft. He is the friend of fin- 
 
 ners. 
 
irefs^ and tlefTed be bis dear name, he Is my 
 friend. 
 jj^' I had a very great blefUng^on Sntnrd£iy st Bro- 
 
 W ther G s.^ In the morning while at nrsyers, 
 
 I'' I felt fuch a witncfs that I Ihould Hand on Sion^;> 
 Hill, and behold the fair beauty of the Lamb that 
 died for all, as made me amazed ! O what a bkf- 
 fing is it, that tiiere is an^ eternity, wherein to en- 
 joy God, and aferibe praifes unto h«Ti ! Lord- 
 tune, and prepare my heart now on earth, that I 
 may be more fit to join the blefled quires above. 
 1 ake away every jarring ilring, then (hall all be 
 harrnony and love. 
 
 I have jull: now jorncd a few moments in prayer 
 
 with my fifter, and both err fciils were greatly 
 
 refrefhed : Our jefus was witli m indeed, and his 
 
 power refted on our hearts. She fecms to be rather 
 
 « ^better, though Hill in pain and feverlih. 
 
 P M— has great confidence that God xvill give 
 
 " her a new and fan6lified heart : flie found on Sa- 
 turday, while at prayer with Mrs. *** a furprifmg 
 change in her whole foul, attended v,'ith an uncom- 
 mon decree of hsppinefs ; and on Sunday at pub- 
 lic worfhip, thefe words were fpoken to her heart 
 w- ith great pbwiir, mji ivill Jl?ali be thy "juill, and 
 thy will Jhall be my luill. Afterwards fhe found 
 power to give herfelf wholly unto her Maker, to 
 be difpofed of as he pleafed : all her idols were ta- 
 ken away from her, and all thofe things which en- 
 tangled her foul, are beneath her feet : fhe is 
 brought into i fubmiffive patient waiting for all the 
 bleflings her Saviour has to beftow upon her. 
 Blefled {late! amazing goodnefs! and all thefe 
 bleflings flow from the crofs of Chrift : 'tis his 
 dear, and precious blocd which purchafes all things 
 ior us. 
 
[ i'04 ] 
 On Sundiy Mr.^** preached from Gal. vi. 14,- 
 } :.y !<.. Fro n which he took occallon to ihcw us, 
 th.n by wliat Christ did upon the crofs, Jic not 
 r:ily.]>.'.id our dfbr, and miule fiitisfa^lion for 
 < iir. fins; bnt iilib procured that power, which 
 wlien conmranlcated unVo us, from him, enables 
 us to hcnv all tiie cal.muties, croiies,*' jxiins, and 
 i\i'}eriii^ incident unto us in this vale of tears ; 
 a".d 10 crucify and deftroy every lult, motion, 
 a;vJ '."ni-ul dcilre o/theflei.h. He alfo obferved 
 that all our temporal enjoy',r^-..ts were purcl^ifed 
 thereby, wdiich obfervaiion has (ince greatly en- 
 deared to me the neceiraries and conveniences of 
 life which I erjov. This I think is the purchafe 
 o'f my Saviour's Blood, the blood of liim who 
 is God, the blood of him who is the cbjccl: of 
 my love. O that I might feel- this precious 
 blood, vv'hich has procured my ford, and rai- 
 ment, and every other bleffing of life, always 
 fprinkled upon ray lieaij:. 1 iincj much want of 
 ■fimplicity of ipirit, for trit>^jL.(^^i;ri*cJ0'!-ce with thofe 
 v/ho do rejoice,"' ycf I cannot,(as I dei]re)mourn 
 with thofe v»'ho mourn. 1 feel pity, and Icve to 
 them, yet I have not that deep fenfe of their fuf- 
 ferings, which I apprehend I cught to have. O 
 that this felf love wi*'s tuflt^ into the love of God, 
 then would it llovrmore freely to my fellow crea- 
 tures. O that I niight ceafe from all felf feeking, 
 and feek only to know Jcfus ChriA, and him cru- 
 cified. May he bind my fpirit to his crofs, and 
 fubdue my v/ill, and make it fubject to his own 
 and unite my foul unto himfelf. I blefs God, I fee 
 his hand more abunclanily io all thi-igs, and there- 
 fore in fonie meafiu'e oa?i in all things iefi^>.'ipy- 
 felf unto liim. I know by that little, littTe^t'aft^ I 
 have had, what a reft there muft be, wli&i'« there 
 'is a conftant freedom froni iiiordiha'te.'iai'e, evil 
 
[ 105 ] 
 dcfire, and every other fm : whtm all is folic! joy, 
 firm peace, and ftedfail rejoicing in hope of that 
 day when faith Ihall be fwallowcd up of fight, 
 and death in i-mmonality. Glory be to God that 
 you, my happy lifter, enjoy this perfect liberty v 
 bur do you go on alfo toward your full confum- 
 mation of blifs! there is ftill much behind! reach 
 forth unto the whole mind which is inChrift ; till 
 you have gi^wn up into him your living head in all 
 things. 
 
 I give God thanks, that he does make tl;ie bar- 
 ren wildernefs, a garden of Eden unto you. B^ 
 hold the holy Jefus ! fee he holds out for you the 
 crown of righteoufnefs, which e'er long youi' Lord 
 will give you < he full poiTeflion of ! O that we may 
 both meet in thofe realms of blifs ! this is the un- 
 feigned p raver "o} '. V -^ 
 
 Your affeclion ate Sifter, in Chrifk. 
 
 LE T T E R L. 
 
 I 
 
 My Dear Sifter, 
 
 RFTURN you hearty thanks for yours: 
 and it is matter of praife that our dear Jefus made 
 you ufeful unto any one foul, and that his gofpel 
 is likely to .tak,^^lace fin that barren town. 
 
 I blbfi^^^t^mtJldr carrying on his work in my 
 foul. OriJi^CjuiJwMJIfcLe fifth inftant, the Lord did 
 manifeft hfmfelf ilfrtf me in fuch a manner i\s I ne- 
 ver experienced before : it app«^ed to me as if I had 
 been taken up into heaveni^'and the fpirit peculi- 
 arly opened the fcripttir€s - unto me. My heart 
 was abundantly jSlied :v.ith peace, and love and 
 praife. 'IJ^efc words were powerfully impreft up- 
 on my mindi ** I will water thee every moment, 
 
 , 4 4 ""'' 
 
[ io6 ] 
 
 nntl keep ihee niglit and day." And indeed from 
 that time mv foul has been as a watered garden : 
 the Lord has broke down the Avail of partiiion 
 which ftood between my foul and him; all that 
 day I could tru'y lay there was nothing flocd be- 
 tween Gi d and my believing heart, for i {,\w the 
 Lord, as it had been face to face. Ever lincc I 
 find that the Lord has fubdued all things in me, 
 unto himfelf O that he may deftroy all that is, 
 or ever would be capable of offending him, and 
 I truft he will. I find Christ exceeding preci- 
 ous to my foul. In evei y action I can fay, 1 do 
 this unto t\\Q LojLD : evil has not any power to 
 hurt me, it would, but grace is lliperior, and 
 Jesus is love. 
 
 I find much happinefs at this time, and a wiU 
 hngnefs, that God Ihould blefs every foul b-jfore 
 me, if it fcemcth good in his fight. Not that I 
 can be in the leaft contented without any of the 
 blelUngs he h.th to give : all my cry is, let the 
 liORD be glorified, and ir.y J):;<us exalted, and 
 I aik n3. iiiGre. In a low degree I can fay, thy will 
 be done. And I do fleadfaftly believe it will not 
 be long before he will bring my foul into the per- 
 fect liberty of his children. Bear me on your 
 heart, up to iv.y dear Redeen^er's tlirone. God 
 has anfrvirred ever . pray r, but tha: for purity of 
 heart, and he will furely anfv/er that, Lord 1 do 
 believe, help my unbelief. 
 
 'Glory be to God only, for it is he who hiih 
 trod 'he xvine-prefs alone, it is tlfe Loud of holts, 
 the great J^hovah^v' the Alr.i^hiy God, the 
 I'rince of i^eace, ^at al ne can. do this thing. 
 LokD thy arm alone can bring fnkation ! O let 
 the angel of the covenant dcfcend,* and roll aWajr 
 tlie ftonc of unbeliei-', and let rffc behold a riling 
 God in mv heart; il\?x when the fui of Ifracl, and 
 
Pr 
 
 [ i-7 3 
 
 of Jiidili is fought for, it may not be found. 
 
 Lox^vD fiy amen to my hearty prayer. Help me 
 
 Saviour, fpeak the word, and perfect me in love. 
 
 My dear friend, go forward, I blefs Go'^, for 
 
 wliat you arc, , and what you do. Lovejisus 
 
 } et more abundantly, f .r he is altogether iov.lw 
 
 J^ec he offers you a whole eternity of love. He 
 
 has made) (11 a royn' dade-n, a crovjii of ir/orv in 
 
 his hand, W, has nun-ber' d yon amon;T the happy 
 
 few, who h:ivj wa'hed and made their gannenrs 
 
 white in the blood of the lamb, and who iliail 
 
 walk with him in white, being wor.hy. You 
 
 have thus far overcome, hold on a little longei", 
 
 anvj you v. ill lit down v/ich oar dear llEDiiVMHR 
 
 on his exalted, ^^\\\ blifful throne! the Loiii> 
 
 give you all* the nnnd which is in liiirife.h miJi '^u- 
 
 \ r:J\ v'yn, e-7'en as ///' // 'i/re. 
 
 I am your inviolable Friend, 
 
 and humble Servant. 
 
 L E T T E R LI. 
 
 Mv dear Friend, Feb. 20th, 1761. 
 
 OM Tuefdav laft we had a h'nppy meeting, the 
 power of the Lord was inoft amazingly 
 prelent: lie did indeed iit on my foul, r/ a rrfi- 
 tier''s fire, and vjas vnt-) me as fu. ers foaf), I was 
 afTiired he was deftro; ing the man of i\n. 
 
 On Wednefday f wept tears of love and joy, 
 moft of the d :y : and in the evening I feemed ftript 
 ot a'l felf fufticienc; , and felf-willj and felt fuch 
 propenlity in my foid to cling to Christ, that 
 1 cou d cO:nparc myfelf unto nothing, more fitly, 
 th'.<n a drov.ming man, v/ho catches at every twig 
 in his reacli. 
 
 On 
 
! los ] 
 
 On ThuiTday mcrning as a few of us were at 
 prr.yer, I felt my foul emptied of whatever defiled 
 and burdened it, and a cliange palled upcn all its 
 powers, then i rejoiced treatly in the Lord, but 
 I could not fay I had a clean heart. Yet I believe 
 I lliall never rrore feel thofe evil tempers in my 
 foul, which in times paft kapve had a being in it. 
 Since then at times it has feemcd to me, as if I 
 had been furrouojied with the powers ot'darknefs, 
 yet though, in tflis fenfe, in floods of temptarion, 
 I find power to^ruft God, and caft myfelF upon 
 him. 1 havarffiad at fome times iiiore happinefs 
 and meltings of heart from infudons of love, than 
 I have had thefe few days ; but I think thefe have 
 been abated by the pain, 1 felt from the furround- 
 ing temptations I juft mentioned. I have furely 
 tailed of my Lord's cup. it frcms, as if my Sa- 
 viour has given n:e an eftate, but has not yet put 
 me in full pofTeflion of it. J cannot think my foul 
 has yet entered into the fulleft reft which remains 
 Jor the chi dren oj God on earth. I cannot yet rejoice 
 ever morey pray vJithout ceafm; and in every thing 
 give thanks." Yet 1 do fay, thy vuiU, O Lord, be 
 don'-, I caft my foul en Jefus, and though I have 
 fometimes queftioned myfelf, whether 1 was not 
 angry, or provid, } et upon the moft fo lemn ap- 
 proaches unto the throne of grace, and the moft 
 unfeigned defires offered up to God, to fhew me 
 how it was, 1 cannot find, that in thefe inftances 
 he doth condemn me, though the devil doth. 
 Saturday Evening. 
 
 Glo y I Glory ! Glory ! be to my God, I can 
 now fay the T>ord haseftablifiied my foul in his 
 grace and favour more abundantly than ever! 
 While I was converfing with one of m friends 
 upon the deep things of Grd, and excelle -t pri- 
 vileges of the gofpel, I was ftrengthencd to beheve 
 
 the 
 
C 109 3 
 tlic great and precious promlfes, and felt the viv , 
 tue 01*1110111, or had them acco . pHIhed in my foul. 
 In our little meeting, one alktd me if God had 
 fulfilled, that bleffed promife unto mc, Ezek. 
 xxxvi. 26. J neiv fieart ixjiIl I give you. i durft 
 not, could not fay but he had. While we were 
 at prayer I was ftill farther co 'vinced cf the truth 
 thereof. I could appeal unto my dear Redeemer : 
 %hou hufl c^eanjed my heart i That blefl'ed pro- 
 mife was powerfully and fweetly applied to my 
 ioyous foul. 1 e are c ean through tie -word ix^hich I 
 have fpoken unto you. And ever fmc£ I have been 
 enabled to rejoice greatly. O bleffed Jeius, he is 
 a precious Saviour 1 Blefs the Lcra, O ny ful^ 
 and all that is vjithin nu^^hefs his holy nam^y'who rr- 
 deemeth. thy life from dejiru^tnn, and croivneth thee 
 vjith loving kindnejfesy and tender mercies : wfiofor- 
 giveth all thine iniquities and heilth all thy dif- 
 €'Jes, The good Lord is alfo greatly pouring his 
 f^^irit upon many of your friends and mme. They 
 are on the full ftretch to eternal life. O what 
 glorious gofpel days do we live in I May our lives 
 be fpent in praife and obedience, may our latter 
 end be full of peace and triumph, and our eter- 
 nity Iplifsfui. lo prays 
 Your affectionate, but unworthy Sifter in Chrift. 
 
 LETTER LII, 
 My dear Friend, Feb. 28th, 1761. 
 
 I 
 
 Have nor King to tell you, but more and more 
 of the goodnefsof Ood! amazed I ftand ! O won- 
 drous love! my foul lies humbled in the duft! T 
 can truly fay I think mylelf the meaneft of alls 
 ' L 'but 
 
[ no :i 
 
 bur Jefus has, (in mc)deftroycd th^ works o^ the 
 devil, and brought in everlafting righteoU fricfs, 
 and the effects thereof are quietp.efs, and alTurance 
 forever. 
 
 At our meeting to day the mighty power of God 
 overwhelmed us! Sifter K. funk down in her 
 chair and then fell to the ground, (drying, " Lord 
 this day feal me thine abode for everi Dcftroy 
 my enemies for they are thine alfo. O come I^crd 
 Jefus! furely thou wilt come, and wilt not tarry. 
 We then kneeled down to prayer ; Ihe continued 
 ftill to call on God with all her might for fome 
 time, till the Jiord heard and anfwered. She 
 then faid " praife God for mc, he hath fealcd mc 
 '* to the day of redemption! The Saviour has 
 *^ made mc, all glorion nithiny my name is writ* 
 ** ten in the Lamh'' s book of life, ahd his name 
 *' /■/ zjuritten on my forehead f I npi the bride y the 
 " Lavtb*s wife / O my Chrift ! Lord ! I the vileft of 
 *^ all, but thou haft blotted out all ray fins! O 
 ** thy great power ! I never did any thing but fin 
 ** againft thee? till nt)w, but 1 flvail do thy will, f 
 *^ (liall now glorify thee in all ihings ! Lord ! favc 
 '* all my friends, I Lord fave all the world I 
 
 My foul was truly affefted with this, and furtk 
 down into deep humility before God. I faid. 
 Lord, how haft thou raifed up unto thyfelf, chil- 
 dren even of thefe ftones ! O that I fliould be 
 a witnefs of thy love! indeed my foul ftands 
 amazed! four in one houfc, who know Jsfus, and 
 the full power of his refurreclion ! O that we may 
 adorn the gofpel in all ihings, and be fully like- 
 our mafter, in meeknefs, and lowlinefs of heart. 
 I fee at a diftance, there is fuch a height and depth 
 in his love, unto which I have not attained, thijif 
 it makes me long to improve in every circum- 
 ftance, and thirft for more of that mind which is 
 
 in 
 
[ I" 3 
 
 in Chrift: even for perfe*^ holiners as much a* 
 ever I did for freedom from evil tempers. 
 
 1 frequeutly feel a painful fympathy with thofc 
 fouls which ai*e awakened, but not joined unto 
 CliKll by one fpirit. And fuch a love to all the 
 ni embers of his myfiical body, that I think I could 
 willingly lay down my life for their faktsto bring 
 one of them to the knowledge cf Jefus. My foul 
 is perfectly refigned unto the will of God, though 
 1 feel the ftrongeft defire to depart, and to be witli 
 him, whom my foul loveth. 1 fee b y faith a crown 
 of glory held forth unto me, and the l.ord bid rrc 
 fight for it, and afTures me of a conquell overall 
 that fhall oppofc me. I am like a new born babe 
 hanging every moment on him in whom my great 
 ftrength iicth. Satan is continually tempting me, 
 but 1 fee clearly when he apprcacheth to bring the 
 temptation, the door of my heart is Ihut, and the 
 enemv cannot enter in. 1 alfo difcover, as the 
 (bul grows in, grace, it gets farther put of the ene- 
 mys rqach. jMy foot is fet on fatan's neck, and 
 falvationis appointed for walls and bulwarks. O 
 that I may ever ftand on an high hill, and have 
 (as you exprefs it) my eiiemies, as crawling infecla 
 at the bottom thereofi I defire to fol'ow your 
 advice and leani.of all who are taught of God, and 
 are fimple of heart. When any doubt arifes in 
 niy mind, whether, fuch a thought or word, or 
 action, w^s iinfulj forafpeedy, and fure folution 
 of this, I turn from all things, unto God, and de- 
 fire hira to Ihine upon my underftanding, and 
 confcieace, and convmce me truly of what qua- 
 lity my actions are, and what fpirit I am of; and 
 he has always gracioufly anfwered to the great fa- 
 tisfadion of my foul. , ., 
 
 * On Saturday at morning preaching, I was t^l-; 
 ling ihe Lor;l »tl\at thejce was nothing but what'!' 
 L 2 weiild 
 
[112] 
 
 would willingly give up for him ; I had a (Irong im- 
 preilion that fo it uas, for, the fpirit fimgcftcd, 
 •* ihoii hafl given me all, for then haft given me 
 ** thy whole heart." It was alfo rrp|)jied lo my 
 mind in the morning, crife^ fime, for ihy light is 
 come, and the glory of the Lord » rtfen upon thee. 
 Lord! what am I! I am ncrhing ; but thou att 
 all in all. 
 
 I am very glad, that God gives you to drink 
 into his loving fpirit, and that' you rife higher; 
 ^nd higher into his Hfe and likerTefs. , O m\ dear, 
 lie has abundantly more to beftow f 'let us join in 
 blefling and praifing our dear Jefiis, ?.nd meet at 
 fome hour in the day, at the thrbne of grace. 
 Glcry be to God, wc fliall meet, e*cr long at his 
 right hand, and fee his lovely face, without a 
 dimming vail; we ihall join that enraptured num- 
 ber, wiiich came out' of great 'tribulationsy and 
 wajjjsd and made the/r rohe'i white in the'bhod of 
 the Lamb. ' We fhaU'caft oef q'owps ^lot^ his 
 feet, and afcribe, fdvarioiri ^glo'rj'^,' hoilbiir, and 
 pruife to God, and the Lamb for 'ever! Precious 
 Saviour! O how rich, that grate which is* fo' free- 
 ly bcftowed j how amazing that love, which in- 
 duced him to leave the bofom of his father, and 
 ^mpty hirnfelf ti^ his glorj^, yez?, and- fuffer death, 
 €vert the death of the c/ofs,' that Wt, Tile creatures', 
 mi'ght ' be brought Ihtd^' the fa\^iir, 'and retlored 
 unto the irpage of G6d!''U t^hat wdinay both love 
 him more abundantly, until weVife to all the glo- 
 rious height of humble love. And what will be 
 the end ? O rapturous profpeSlf' Vbrr//^//9w, ttW 
 fut en incorrupt icn^ ^and^fhls morjii!^ 'iviltput clni^- 
 mortality, and prAyef ll^ai^'bie fw^allbwed Uj?'^tof 
 praife! then Will all be . unfading, Aever ':e'n^*;fe 
 blifi : forrow an'^Tighrn^ fhafl, ftee^^ and 
 
 temptations be 'flo'i^o're'l 'tiie'V.earI;or'd Jef^^ 
 
 near 
 
C "3 ] 
 near to your, heart, and make you faithful and 
 fruitful; holy, and happy.j then will your ftate be 
 fuch as is wifhed, by 
 
 Your ever loving, but unworthy Sifter. 
 
 LETTER LIII. 
 
 I 
 
 My very dear Brother, March lo, 1761, 
 
 Hope we are both agreed with Chrift, accord- 
 ing to the articles of peace propounded to us in a 
 preached gofpel. We have made him our foun- 
 dation, aTid-£ity of refuge ; in whom we have re^ 
 demption through his blood, the forgivenefs of fins, 
 acccrding to the excellency and riches of his free, 
 grace, wherein he hath abounded unto us, and all 
 who believe, on his blelFed name. 
 
 Nov/ what prudemial means fhall we ufe In or- 
 der to grow in this divine knowledge ? as you are 
 better Ikilled in this happy art, and further advanc-^ 
 cd in grace, and <;hriftian holinefs, f think you 
 fliould point out thofe means by which you attain- 
 ed-the p'tarl of pcrfe6i: love; and by grace Iwil' isB** 
 low your dire6ttons. But as you aiked the queill*^^ 
 I will venture to give you my opinion. 
 . Firft, 1 defire to hear, read, mark, learn, an^ 
 with a good fpiritual apoflle inwardiy digelf, 
 God's mod holy word, and make it a Handing rule 
 in all refpefts, 0/ my ;faith and pra6lite. ., < -^ 
 
 Secondly, I cltfir^-to pray, with all prayer,, pri-* 
 vate iand public, mental a^nd vocal, at all time^, 
 and in ^v^ry place, and if) tvepy ftate, and circunj- 
 flance of life : and alfo make my Maker's law th^ 
 fubje6tof my rneditations in tho^aight feafon upo» 
 mv bed. 
 
 L 3 Thirdly, 
 
[ i.-i5| ] 
 
 Thirdly, I.defire to fail, or ufe abftlnenee^ aa, 
 my bodily hcalih and cbnftitutioi? will admit. ' "' ';j 
 
 Fourthly, I defire to communicate at all proper 
 fe-ifons, but earneftly long for fan6tified altars, 
 holy minifters, and living,, communicants: Lord 
 how long ? 
 
 Fifth' y, I defire to<Jo good unto all men, friends 
 and enemies, according to my little ability as the 
 word of truth direfts ; and lay out- my ftrength in 
 liis fervice at home and abroad, in the way and 
 manner he IhalT point out, according to his uner- 
 ring^ providence. 
 
 JSlxthly, I dcfire to hew Agag in pieces; to put 
 away every Dalilah, arid to facrifice every Ifaac : 
 If required, to pluck out every right eye, to cut 
 off every right hand, to fpare none, though ever 
 fo near and dear unto the old man: and I hope all 
 this without partiality. In a word, I defire to put 
 on the whole divine panoply, whereby I fliall over- 
 come all the infernal powers of hell and death: and 
 after I have done all this, I defire to look over, 
 and through all fhadows, unto the eternal Saviour, 
 who died on mount Calvary, with all the faith he 
 has given mc, till I be rooted, and grounded in love^ 
 and able to comprehend ivitfi all faints what is the 
 breadth, and lengthy and' depth, and height-, and to 
 know the love of Chriji 'which pajjeth knoivledge ; that 
 I may be filled with all the fiillnefs of God, What can 
 a worm do more to gain the prize ? limy friend will 
 itake notice of any means' I hlive omitted, or ihew 
 me better than I have mien ti6ne<l, 1 wjll;com-pIy 
 with his dire6tions. I want to fave my foul, and 
 that God's own way. I have already feen his v/on- 
 ders in the land of Egypt, in the red fea, and in 
 the barren wildernefsi and IhaHInot fee his glory 
 
[ ir5 ] 
 in the land of prcnjlfel I cannot fear! his mercy 
 endureth forever! 
 
 I remain your affefiionate Friend, 
 
 but very unworthy Brother. 
 
 LETTER LIV. 
 
 My dear Friend, Feb. aSth, 1761. 
 
 IVX AY grace, mercy and peace, be multipli-. 
 ed unto you from God, and our Lord Jefus ChriiT: ; 
 who is the fountain and foundation of all cur blef- 
 fings. Ohl how highly favoured are we! Gcd's 
 image ftamped on duft ! when lofl, redeemed by 
 the blood of the Son of God, and now fupported 
 by his glorious love ! O that we may never live bc- 
 lieath our privileges ! 
 
 " Raife our groveling fpirits up, 
 ** To our calling's glorious hope*" 
 
 My foul lieth in the dufl before him, in whofc 
 fight angels veil their faces. 1 prove that the Lord 
 delights in thofe who are of an humble fpirit. I 
 fmk into nothing in my own efteem, more' and 
 more, as I draw nearer to God, and become moce 
 like birh. My dear friend help me by your pray^ 
 e'rs. 1 fincertly thank youy and God my Saviour, 
 for the ufeyou have already been of to me : my God 
 fhall reward you feven fold for all your kindnefs 
 tome.' .' / ,n' 
 
 ' Oil! that death may be written in large cha- 
 ra£^ers on every creature,yea on. a 11 cteated good in 
 this world, that we may even now anticipa te the hap- 
 pinefs of the next, and partake of the blifs of thofe 
 
 who 
 
[1.6] 
 
 who are before the throne of God, and feive him 
 day and night. 
 
 I have fuund a da ly trofs fince I came unto this 
 place, tVom a cjuarter I lend expe6ted It, but it 
 has been a greater blciTing to me, than I can con- 
 ceive (be want of it could have been: fo that I 
 have had true rcil:, and more of the loving power- 
 ful prefence of God, than for feme time before. 
 
 let us praife the Lord with every breath.^ 
 
 I doubt not btrt my dear friend has had much 
 ccmniunion witji Jefus, fmcc v^e parted. Is be 
 not fairer than af] the children of men ? Yes: he 
 is ah'jgether lovciy / 
 
 My defire and prayer to God for you is, that 
 you may fihk deeper into him, and ilill be fefs in your 
 own eftecm: and be fi'kd with the trueft teiider- 
 nefs and long-fiiifering to all the children of God, 
 yea all the children of men. Oiir meeting again, 
 
 1 hope will be to our advantage ; till then may the 
 God of peace be with you. 
 
 I am your affectionate, &c. 
 
 LETTER LV. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Friend, May 2, 1760. 
 
 Heartily thank you for your profitable letter, it 
 has been of fingular ufe,and great comfort to my foul, 
 I fee the more I have of the prefence oF God, and 
 the more I defire to have : the more I fee of his 
 goodnefs, and lefs I think of my own, which hum* 
 bles me to the dull before him, while I am loft in 
 wonder, filled with love, and tears of joy. If bu- 
 finefs calls me in the midft of this fweet and blefled 
 communion with my dear Saviour, which is often 
 
 the 
 
[ >I7] 
 
 the cafe, I leave you to judge how difagrcep.bk 
 company is at fucha time, yet even then I tccl my 
 will entirely refigned to that wiiich.is my duty ; I 
 cart all my care on him, who caieth for me, and 
 I find him all-fufficicnt, a prefent help in time of 
 need. 
 
 1 have not always the fame degree of joy, for at; 
 fometimes 1 fcei all my foul carried unto, and cen- 
 tered in God, that ) am wrapt up in hb embrace ; 
 but at other times 1 hang a dependant creature up- 
 on him, and fay in myfelf, it is a thoufand tines 
 more than I defcrve, that I can now call God 
 my father and my love. ■ 
 
 When uews came that you was dead, I thought 
 what can I want for him v/hichhe now hath nor, 
 or for myfeli, but that I may be like him. I 
 couid not indeed think it a crime to droo -n in- 
 debted tear for one God had made fo ufeful to 
 my foul. 
 
 Hut bleffed be God you are fpared a little 
 longer : and afk the unworthieA of human crea- 
 tures : *' teil me, when faw you him whom my 
 foul loveth." He is prefent with me, my dear 
 friend, whom your foul loveih. I fhould think 
 myfelf the moft miferable wretch living, even in: 
 the midil of the greateil conduence of worldly 
 bleffings, if he was abfent for one hour. 
 t: . ** O ! 'tis hell from thee to part, 
 Prefs me clofer to thy heart !" 
 
 And I thank the God of my life and falvation, I 
 can anfwer to your other enquiry withfatisfa^Ttion, 
 ** Do you grow in grace ?" I believe I do. But 
 O Lord, give me, give me to grow more abundant- 
 ly like unto thy blcfled fclf. 
 
 Pray for me, and if I may not fee you, write to 
 me as often and as plain as you can. God blefs. 
 you., farewell. 
 
 I am, &;c. 
 
 L E T- 
 
tn8 1 
 
 LETTER LVI. 
 
 My dear Brother, Feb. 9, 1760, 
 
 VV HOM, for Chrift's fake, I love, and 
 cfteera, wifhing grace, mercy and peace, may 
 attend you all your days. 1 have often thought 
 of you fince I had the happinefs to fee you ; and 
 I hope you have not forgot poor me, who am 
 lefs tlian the Icaft of all faints. You knew when 
 I was with you, my weaknefs, and the many 
 trials I laboured under. 'lis true, I have 
 changed my place, but 1 have not changed my 
 company. I ftil! carry my wicked heart about 
 with me, which I find to be deceitful above 
 expreiSon, and defjierately wicked beyond com-- 
 parifon : the devil, and it, are caudng me con- 
 tinual troube : I groan, being burdened. Oh ! 
 t-liat Jefus would foon end this war within. Ncv^r 
 did chafed hart pant more eager'y for the cooling 
 ftream, than my weary foul for the perfect liber- 
 ty of the children of God. Hope deferred, makes 
 the heart fick. Oh ! what- a happy moment^ 
 would that be, when I fhould be able to fay, I li^ 
 no longer, but Chrift liveth in me, the fole mo-' 
 narch of my pure, and fimple heart! as for all 
 other things, I do indeed count them but dune 
 and drofs, fo I may win Chrift, and the prize of 
 perfeO- holinefs. 1 have too much fought water 
 in broken cifterns, I nowdefirc to ^v> to the foun- 
 tain. I count money, and honours, and pleafures 
 poor, little, empty, infignificant things: a dram 
 of grace is worth a thoufand wjrlds. Oh! give 
 me grace, I alk no more. 
 
 I hope 
 
[ U9l 
 
 I hope my friend is going on tc^ards pcrfeclion, 
 fougetting the things behind, and the things pre- 
 fent, which would alienate his mind from God, 
 and ftop the intercourfc between the lovely Jefiis, 
 and his foul 
 
 I was exceeding glad to hear the comfortable 
 account you gave Mr.***, of the fuccefs of the 
 gofpel in that part of the vineyard where you are 
 labouring. The good Lord increafe it more and 
 more. 
 
 I am entered into another man's labours in this 
 place, he hath prepared the way before me. 'i he 
 Redeemer is carrying on a glorious work in this 
 city : you would be pleafed to fee what a large 
 congregation we have ; on Sunday evenings it is 
 computed there are four thoufand hearers, and 
 the fociery encreafes weekly, and I hope th-le arc 
 but the beginnings of good days. 
 
 I beg you would pray for us, that in all things 
 we may approve ourfe;ves the miniiters oF Chrift, 
 and ftcwards of the myfteries of God. I kindly 
 thank you for the laft advice you gave me, when 
 you hft me in London, and i thank God he hath 
 preferved me from falling into the temptation. 
 1 hope you will not fait to pray for me in particu- 
 lar 4 I am fure I do love and pray for you, who am 
 Your afFe£tionatc Brother, &c, 
 
 LETTER LVIf. 
 
 My dear Frieiid, May 3 , r ydo. 
 
 A HE queftions you defire mc to i^folve, arc 
 undoubtedly rcfpeaing one of the mod important 
 
 aiTairs 
 
L 120 ] 
 
 ifialrs of human life; and therefore deferves a 
 folid confideration, and an ingenuous anfwer. 
 
 I ft, " Is it lawful for a believer to many with 
 an unbeliever ? 
 
 2d. " Is it expedient for a believer to marrv 
 with one of a different opinion in religion, and 
 v.ho worfliips God in a different place and mode 
 though a child of God." 
 
 With regard to the firft : let it be carefully 
 obferved that nothing can be lawful whi.h God 
 has dire£lly or indirectly for'jidden : now I can- 
 not conceive but he hath forbidden this : be not 
 unequally yoked together with unbelievers, there- 
 fore it is unlawfu". 7 he firft propofiti: n will be 
 grarted. If it is faid with refpect to the fecond, 
 that the spoftle only forbids chriftians to marry 
 with heathens, and his words afiecl not thr 
 prefent cafe. It niay be anfwered they do affeCl 
 the prefent cafe notwithftanding : fcM" there can 
 be no real, and fpecific difference between an 
 unconverted perfon, though baptized in the name 
 of Chrift ; and an heathen The difference can 
 only be in the name, and external things, 
 which change not their nature and difpofition, . 
 nor their real chari£ler with God, whojudgeth 
 not according to appearance, but according to 
 the heart Is an heathen an enemy to God 6y 
 wicked works ? So is an unconverted cbriftian. 
 Is an heathen an idolater ? So is an unbelieving 
 chriftian. He is either covetous, or a lover of 
 pleafurCj both which are idolatry. The heathen, 
 and the merely nominal chriftian, a<ft both from 
 the lame principles, and with the fame Intemions. 
 Whereas there is a real and fpecific difference 
 between a child of God, and a child of fatan*; 
 th^ former is a partaker of the divine nature, 
 2 Peteni. J. Has the Holy Ghoft abiding within 
 
 him. 
 
C lit ] 
 
 /mi. John xiv. 17. i Cor. ii. IQ, And Rom. 
 
 vili 16. His body is a temple of the Holy Ghoft, 
 
 .md God dweileth and walketh in him. 2 Cor. 
 
 vi. 16. But an unconverted perfon with ail he 
 
 reiinements of birth, education, and the 'orm of 
 
 Todiineis, is at enmity with God, being only born 
 
 ifcer the flefh, for the carnal mind is emriity 
 
 gainft God. R.om. viii. 7. The devil worketh 
 
 md relgneth in his heart. Luke 11. 24. Yt^a 
 
 ulmrelf iyeth in the lame, without God in the 
 
 T.^orld. Eph ii. 12. Now nothing can be more 
 
 certain than that all are unlawfully married, whom 
 
 God does not join together : and can we think 
 
 that God will join a partaker of his nature, unto 
 
 Due polTefTed of the devil, orthatChrift will unite 
 
 :>ne of the membe-rs of his myftical body, unto a 
 
 imb of fatan ? Can any thing be more unhke- 
 
 :y, or more contrary 10 the nature and wUdom 
 
 of God. 
 
 Kefides let us confider t"he evils which have 
 followed fuch unequal marriages, both in the 
 antient and modern times, and we may ealily 
 read the unlawfu'nefs of them in the punifliments 
 entailed upon them. In the old world : the fons 
 of God: i. e. the pofterity of righteous Seth; 
 faw the daughters of men ; u e. the defcendants of 
 wicked Cain, that they were fair, not that they 
 were pious , and they took themfelves wives which 
 the chofe, not wliich God chofe for them: 
 and what wiis the confequence ? Bv and by, we 
 read of an uaiverfal defe^ion from Gud, and 
 godlineis. Gen. vi. 5. T//^« God faw the vjichd- 
 nefs of man 'waf great in the earthy and a'i th- ijn.i-> 
 ginations of th/r thoughts of his heart rxjere on^y fv^l^ 
 and that continually. And what was the end and 
 ifliie oi al! ? An un vr^a' corruption, brought oa 
 an epidemical defolatlon : God deterraincs to '^e- 
 M ftroy 
 
[ 122 ] 
 
 ilroy thofe who would not mortify the lufls of the 
 flelli, but joined themftlves with the daugiiters of 
 Belial. Therefore the Lord f aid 1 will dejiroy from 
 the earth the men which I have created. 
 
 Though Sanapfon's wife, who was a daughter of 
 the uncircumciled, pleafed him hugely for a time, 
 yet his affections were fcon alienated from her, and 
 what was the end thereof I need not inform you. 
 Judges xix. Mofes himfelf, fcarcely efcaped being 
 ilain of the Lord, for hearkening unto his 5vippo- 
 rah, and deferring the ordinance of circumcifion. 
 Exod. iv. 24. And you find Solomon, of a wife 
 king, become an apifh dotard, and of a pious wor- 
 fhiper, becomes a grols idolator; and all by means 
 of ftrange wives, r Kings, xi. 4, 5. 
 
 When the old ferpcnt is in the heart of a wife 
 who lyeth in your bofom, he has a fair opporlunity 
 of winding himfelf into yours alfo. Faithful Abra- 
 ham had fuch a fenfe of this matter, that he could 
 not die, and go to paradife contentedly, untjLJie 
 made his fteward take an oath in the name of the 
 God of the whole earth, that he would not take a 
 virife for his Ton Ifaac, of the Canainites where he 
 dwelt, bur from among his own kindred. Gen. 
 x:xrv."3, 4.- - ^ 
 
 How very few indances have we among our- 
 felves in the prefent day, of the believing hufband 
 or wife," converting the contrary party; bur hv>w 
 many mciricholy examples haVe we, ot the unbe- 
 lieving h'-ilhand or wife, reconverting the other 
 party to the world and the devil? and no wonJer, 
 that ihti ierpent, and Eve twifted togcthtr, fhould 
 be a cord ftrong enough, to draw any oi Ad^-m's 
 poftcrity to. eat of the forbidden fruit, as it d^d ihcir 
 father : neither is ifxo be wondered at, that G(5d 
 fhould withold his bleiTings from matches of Satan's 
 
 makiiig. 
 
 I therefore 
 
C 123 ] 
 
 I therefore conclude upcn the whole, that it is 
 far from being lawful for a believer to marry with 
 an unbeliever; and therefore to be avoided by all 
 who wcuid efcape the difpl-afure of God, and 
 would have his blefiing upon them in that facred 
 ftare. 
 
 The other queftion fhall be confidered, but not 
 having leifure at^prefent, 1 mufl: exercife your pa-* 
 tience till the next poft. 
 
 I remain your affedionate Brother, ^c. 
 
 LETTER LVIIT. 
 
 My dear Friend, May 6, 1760. 
 
 X Suppofe by this time you have had the oppor- 
 tunif) of p^rufingmylafl ; butlam at an uncertain- 
 ty u^hat your fentiments are concerning it, yci ne- 
 vcrtiielcfs sccordinsr to my promife I will give you 
 my tlicughis on ycur feccnd enquiry. 
 
 " Is it expeditnt for a believer to marry with 
 ** one of another opinion ? 6^c " 
 
 I think my dear friend, not in any wife : 'tis 
 granted it is iawtul, but it will be found to be high- 
 ly inexpedierit in thcfe particulsrs. 
 
 ift. The greateil: part of tliat fpiritua? flrength 
 and cchiioit, v/hith ihoufd, and maybe given and 
 receive d beiwf^en a chriflian m;:n and his wafe, will 
 be loft, and a foundation laid for perpetual jarrs 
 and difputes. 
 
 Althouuh there may be difTerenc^ of opinion in 
 a nation without breach of charity, yet there 
 fcarcely can be diftVrence of opii.ion between man 
 and Wife, without f.lienation of affection. And 
 the more fuicere either, or both parlies are, 
 M 2 the 
 
[ 124 1 
 fhe more earned they will be to have their cwn ftn- 
 timents regarded. Though the work of Cod ibicr 
 the fubflance of it, the fame in the minds of all 
 men, yet it is not eafy to fay, what a difference, 
 different opinions m?y make in many circrm- 
 flances of it. They who are brc light unto God by 
 one f}lUm of do6trine, have a vein of enj(/)Eneni?, 
 a turn of experience, Eind a method of. fpeaking 
 peculiar to themfelves ; which does not fo exactly 
 :-?ree v/ith zny other. And what sn inconceiva- 
 bfe lofs muff it be^ if but fome part cf that help, 
 which they might give to each oiher, is wanting. 
 Nothing elfe can pollibly make op their lois. if 
 they are loving, good naiured, and gerercus pec- 
 ]ie, they may poffibly live together without out- 
 rageous quarrels; yet alas, this is but a little mat- 
 ter toward that good they ftiouid do to one anc- 
 ihcr, m the gieat affair of their falvaiion! 
 
 V you was to form an iclea of the happieft cou- 
 ple in the world, you would conceive them to be 
 of one heart, and of one way in all things, if pof- 
 iible, but efpecially in the matter of religion. A 
 want of this, would give a notion of their want 
 of happinefs in each other, and you could not avoid 
 thinking, but as tar as ihey were wanting in agree- 
 ment in their opinion, they would be wanting in 
 their feliciiy. 
 
 2d. Another thing which makes it inexpedient 
 is an hindrance in their private devotion. Mutual 
 prayer is m,off prevalent. 1/ t'wo, (fa) s our Savi- 
 our) of you, /hall agree on earthy as touching any 
 thing they Jbali ajk, it fhall be done jor them of my 
 Father^ "vjhich is in heaven. Matt, xviii. 19. 
 But hov/ much of the energy, and profit of prayer 
 will be loff, when perhaps they think it right-^nly 
 to pray with a book, and the other judges it quite 
 
 prcferible 
 
 I 
 
C 125 ] 
 
 preferable to piciy as the fplrit fhall aiTtlT-, and give 
 him utterance. How uncomfortable is thi disa- 
 greement : how many fweet and excellent blef- 
 fings are loft, for want of rtiutual prayer. It is a 
 forry condition for a woman, in a married ftate, 
 to receive httle, or no beneSt from her hufb'and's 
 prayers in private: would not every woman which 
 makes religion her bufmeis and happinefs think it 
 the greatetl: lofs fhe could fuftain ? and the difad- 
 vantage would be equally great on the man's part. 
 
 3d. Again ; the fame inconveniences would alfo 
 occur in tamily as in ilcret prayer. 7 here would 
 be continual hindcrances to the performance of that 
 duty, without which every family muft live niifc- 
 rably, and expofed to the difpieafiire of God. 
 Four out thy fury upon the heathen, and upon the fa" 
 miiies^ which caii not upon thy r,ame, 
 
 4th. Let it alfo be obferved, how uncomforta- 
 ble ;ind unfeemingly it would be in public worlfiip, 
 for the ""e whom God hath made one flefh, and 
 who live as fuch on the v/eek-day, to part on. 
 the;Sunday : and as fcon, it may lie, ,as they go 
 out at I'hvi: cwn door, to their public devotion, turn 
 their backband go different ways.as though rhey were 
 utter itrangefs to each other. Vfho could bear the 
 thoughts c/this ? if they love not one another they 
 a^-e moft wretchedly miferable ; if they do, it ren- 
 ders this reparation more difficult ftill But, 
 
 5!:h. What muft become of the education of the 
 children ? this hereby, w^lj be rendered almoft im- 
 praaicable. \{ theg|sire both of them cc^nfcienci- 
 cus in their profeffion, they will be loth that their, 
 children fhould not he educated .in the farap way 
 T/hich they judge to be the beft in the, world, and 
 in which they place, and find their fupreme happi- 
 nefs. How liard will it be for a tender mother to 
 fee her children, brou.2;ht up, before her eyes, m'" 
 ivi 3 a 
 
[ 126] 
 
 a "wav (he difapproves ? and will it not be equally 
 hard for the loving and obedient wife, to thwart 
 her huftjand's ccunfels to his children, and caution 
 them againft that, unto which he warmly advifes 
 them ? and yet one of thefe (he muft do. She has 
 but this alternative either to difobVIge her hufband, 
 or offend her confcience. It will be equally diffi- 
 cult ta the hufband to fee his children trained up 
 in the way he would not have them to go ; and 
 yet he W)ll: find it difficult to grieve a loving and 
 tender wife. So that between the two, the chil- 
 dren will remain uneducated, er taught in their 
 tender age, to halt between two opinions, and in 
 their advanced years have no religion at ?ll. Thefe 
 things are of great weight with me, and I believe 
 will be with every one who thinks of them. They 
 will I hope ever deter me from taking fo indirect 
 and dangerous a ftep. And I pray God they may 
 have the fame weight with my dear friend. I 
 heartily commend you to the providende and di- 
 rection of Almighty God. 
 
 While I remain your afFe£l.ionate Brother, &c. 
 
 LETTER LIX. 
 
 My dear Friend, June 14, 1760. 
 
 _ Received your very agreeable letter ; it was 
 Eenj?.min*s mefs indeed, and ja full it was running 
 over when ir came to hand ryet I believe there 
 was not any lofl. 
 
 The lafi:, and the former favours of which you 
 ipeak, and for which you fo heartily thank God, 
 and rpc, are, in my eitcem few and infignificant, 
 the reafon of this is, I look at them in love, 
 
 which 
 
 I 
 
L 1^7 ] 
 which never thhiks it does enough, and you look 
 at them in gratitude, which never thinks it makes 
 Sufficient returns : both are bleflcd difpofitions. 
 
 That, my dear friend, is the happieft way ot 
 deceiving others which you mention ; to be better 
 in reahty, than in appearance. 
 
 I never fear you being habitually unkind, or 
 ungrateful, if it is at all fo, it will be only when 
 you are more fo to yourlelf, by groundlefs reflec- 
 tion, than to any others. 
 
 You delire me to help you all I can; The 
 love I have for your foul) together with my own. 
 interefl in doing good, are motives fufficient to 
 induce mc thereunto, without my dear friends 
 felicitations. Next to my own growth in grace,, 
 and perfonally giving glory to God, nothing is 
 more defired by me. Nor would any thing, be- 
 lides the enjoyment of God, give me greater hap- 
 pinefs, than to be capable of doing, it. 
 
 *' You think the being grieved, when thofe you 
 love, behave unkindly to you, argues a de- 
 (e£t in your hoHnefs." H we would fee this in 
 a clear light, we muft, ift. Enquire into the na- 
 ture of the unkindnefs, 2d. Into the nature, and 
 degree of your grief, before we can fay whether 
 it argues a want in, or is a branch of holinefs. 
 
 If the ur.kindnefs of your friend, diihonours 
 God, brings a fcandal upon religion, and guilt 
 upon his own conlcience ; then you have the 
 dear Redeemer for the pattern of your grief. 
 lie looked round about on them ivith anger ^ being 
 grieved for the hardnefs of the r hearts, Mark 3. 5. 
 But if it only efFe£ts your own private charadler, 
 or intereft, or efpecially your hiuuour and incli- 
 nation ; to be grieved to a degree of unhappinefs, 
 cannot but argue want of relignation to the will 
 of God. For fuch an unkindnefs may be per- 
 mitted 
 
L 128 ] 
 
 niitted by God Almighty lorTomc good purpofe, 
 to yon, and ilioukl not only •be fubmitted unto,- 
 but thankfully cliofen. 2d, If the nature, and 
 degree of your griei* is only fuch as as^ifes .from 
 that fympathy vim have with your friend, and 
 which you would have had upon the coniide- 
 r.uion of fo ungenerous an adion done byhini to 
 any other, you could not be without this giM'ef, 
 but you miifi be without an hatred to Cm, a-rid af- 
 fection to the {inner, which wjll not confilt with 
 holinefs. 
 
 But if it greatly wounds your quiet,diO-urbsyour 
 peace and hinders your enjoyment ot God; it ar- 
 gues too great an attachment unto, and, it may 
 be, dependance upon your friend: which cannot 
 be withour the foul, lefs, or more being drawn 
 from its fixednefs, and full complacency in God 5 
 and inclining more unto other fpiritsthan it fliould. 
 In this c-rSc there is great need of mortification to 
 the refined pleafure of particular friend ihips, 
 and to know no man after the iieih, that the foul 
 may more clofely adhere to Chrill [efus, its true 
 and proper centre. 
 
 Though you have been, without reafon, kept 
 from the beneiit of afTembling with your brethren 
 in that particular way you mention, yet if you 
 are hereafter permitted, I would not have you 
 refufe to go. For ill:, it would have too great 
 an appearance of captioufnefs, which you fliould 
 be entirely free from : 2d, it would be in effe<St 
 flighting an excellent means of improving in holi- 
 nefs : and 3d, it would look like refentment. 
 
 The bed way of making the calumnies, and 
 afperlions, f dfly caft upon you, difregardcrd bgr 
 others, and profitable to yourfelf, is to offer them 
 up to God in a facrifice of pure thank fulnefs, 
 that you are accounted worthy to fuffer any 
 
 , thing 
 
L i^9 J 
 tiling tor his lake : and by letting all your obrerv- 
 ers fee, by the v.hole tenor of } our converlation, 
 that there muft be a flrarge force committed up- 
 on your pure mind, before you cou'd be guilty 
 of the things afcribed unto you. When this is 
 the cafe, hard words will not break your head, 
 but gladden your heart : and that dirt maiicioufly 
 thrown at your character, will return upon thofe 
 who caft it 5 whi e it will make your name more^ 
 fweet in the ears of all who know you better, and 
 love you more juftly ; and will alfo brighten your 
 crown in the realms of immortal glory. 
 
 You fee how I have unawares forgot myfelf •, 
 and almoft confumed my paper^. before i have faid^ 
 ane word aboitt my own fouk 
 
 I ha^ve lately had a great deal of pain iii' my 
 ht ad, which has brought me very low in my (pirits, 
 and greatly dimin fhed my ftock of ftrength: But 
 1 do not urge this by way of complaint, nor yet 
 as an apology fo-r any defe^V in me. No : 1 thank 
 the dear Jefus for all the pain I have felt j I dare 
 lay, if I had wanted any part of it, it wou'd have 
 been a lofs to me. I know affuredly that all things 
 work together for my good', even by this token, I 
 love God. 
 
 1 believe I have grown in grace lately, but not 
 in the fame rcfpe<lb, I did fome time iince : not 
 in joy and tranfporis ; but in humility, patience, 
 and refignation : thefe graces I have had occafion, 
 in a peculiar manner toexercife; whieh, tho* they 
 do not fo immediately uiher in the harveft of joy- 
 ous extafies, yet they will, they already do return 
 with fom.e degree ot joy, and bring thdr fheaves 
 of fpiritual advantage with them. 
 
 This is my laft, beft, and m.oil: determinate re- 
 folution, to die, through the grace of Chrid 
 ftrengthcning me, rather than intentionallv grieve 
 
 his 
 
[ 130 J 
 
 his holy Sphit. My bed, and the furniture of 
 my room, the ftoncs in the wall, and the beams 
 in the timber of my habitation ; yea the inviliblc 
 fpints of every order, which attend m midnight 
 hours and my noon d<\y wailcs, are all witneifes of 
 of the refoiutions i have made, and repeated in 
 their prel'ence : and 1 do not only confirm them 
 with the tears which now flow from my eyes, but 
 I would, if it was expedient, fign them with the 
 blood which runs in my veins. My God knows 
 1 fear nothing, but ofr^-nding him, nor defire any 
 thing but to be l:ke unto, and with him. 
 
 Pvjv dear friend pray for me. I know no one like 
 minded, who naturally cares for my foul. I thank 
 God for. the eare you have exprefled for it. It 
 is not a hard lalk to return the. favour, t do not 
 fciil to pray for you : who am 
 
 Your affc6lionate Brother and Friend, 5cc. 
 
 LETTER LX. ' 
 
 Bath, Ocl. 30, I 765. 
 To t'hye who love the Lord Jj^i C/inJi in or about 
 
 M , , — — , — p-—, Feace be mutip ted 
 
 to you from God the, Father, and from cur Lord 
 J J:i> Crfift^ through the operation of the Holy 
 Ghf.JJy Anieji. 
 
 B 
 
 D Y the help of divhis providence, and the af- 
 ilttance ot youi' prayers,! came fare hither lall Sa- 
 turday ic'naiglit. 1 was and ain ftili a good deal 
 weighed down under the fenfe of mine infuificiency 
 to preacli the unipeak^bij iiclies of Chriil: to poor 
 dying (ouls. i his place is liie Ic'at of fatan s gau- 
 dy tkrorif^ . the Lord hath uevertlieieis a few names 
 
 "* here. 
 
[ M« ] 
 here, that are not aihamcd of him, and of whom 
 he is not aihamcd,. botu among the poor and 
 among the rich ^ There are not many of the Lift, 
 though blelild be God for anv one ! tis a great 
 mir icie if one camel palles through the eye of a 
 ncwdle; or, in other words, if one rich perfon 
 enters into the kingdom of God. I thank God 
 that none of you are rich in the things of this 
 worid, you are freed from a dreadful fnare, even 
 fron Oivcs's' portion in- this world INlay you 
 kno^v the happinefs attending your flate ' it is a 
 mercy to be drove to the throne of grace even by 
 bodily want, and to live in dependance on divine 
 mercy even for a morfel of bread. 
 
 1 have been fowmg the feed that the Lord hath 
 given both in I'ath and Brill:ol, and 1 hope your 
 prayers have not been ioftupon me as a miniftcr ;for 
 though I have not been able to difcharge my ofnce 
 as i would, the Lord hath in iome meafui'e ftood 
 by me, and over-ruled my fooHlhnefs and hclplefs-' 
 nefs. 1 am much funported by the thought that 
 you bear me upon your hearts, and that when you 
 come to the throne of grace to beg a bleiling for 
 me in the name of Jefus, the Lord dotii in no v.'ilb 
 caif you out. With regard to the ftate of my 
 fouL I find, blefled be God, that as my day is, fo 
 is my Itrength to travel on, ' Without minding 
 much e tiler g)od or bad report 
 
 Sslf abfence horn you anfwers two good ends in. 
 regard of me: I feel more my infurficiency, and 
 the need of being duly ordained of Chrili to., 
 preach his gofpelj and 1 Ihall value the more the 
 worth of my privilege with you, p eafe God [ re- 
 turn fafely to you 1 had yclterday a m^jit advan- 
 tageou odfer inad^r ot g )ing free coit to my own 
 c»)antry, (i c. France^j to iee my mother, bro- 
 thci-s, and iiiters la tue flelh., who ai i have not* 
 
 letn 
 
:1:cn for near eighteen years, but I find my re- 
 iatic ns in the fpirit are nearer and dearer to me than 
 my relations in the fle(h : I have therefore refufed 
 -he kind otil r, th.u I might return among you, and 
 be comforted by the mutual faith of you and me« 
 I hope, my dear brethren, that you improve 
 much under the miniltry of that faithful fervant 
 of God Mr. b- — , whom Providence blelTes 
 you with; make hafte to gather the honey of 
 kno'.vledj^e and grace as •it drops from his lips, 
 and may I find the hive of your heart fo full of 
 it at my return, that I may Ihar^ with you in the 
 heavenly llore. in order to this, intreat the 
 liOrdto ftir up your hunger and thiril aftei' Jefus' 
 flefh and blood, and toincreale your defire for the 
 fincere milk of the word When people are 
 hungry they will find time to go to their meals; 
 and a good appetite doth not think that a meal a 
 day is too much : as you go to Ipiritual meals for- 
 get not to pray all the way, and to feaft your fouls 
 in hopes of hearing fome good news from heaven, 
 and from "efus, the faithful loving friend which 
 you have there ; and when you return home, be 
 lure to carry the unfearchable riches of Jefus's 
 dying and rifinglove to your houfes, in the veflel 
 of a believing heart ; let light be attended with 
 warmth of love. Ee not you fatisfied in knowing 
 the way to heaven, but walk in it immediately, 
 conftantly, and joyfully ; be all throughly in 
 earneft. You may impofe upon your brethren by 
 a formal attendance on the means of grace, but 
 you cannot deceive the ieaicher of hearts. Let 
 him then fee your hearts llruggling towards him, 
 and if you fall through heavinels, floth, or un- 
 belief, do not you make a bad matter worfe by 
 continuing hope'efs in the ditch of fin and guij.t. 
 Up.aad away to the fountain of Jefus, blood, y; 
 
 will 
 
[ ^33^1 
 
 will not only wafli away the guilt of paft fins, 
 but ftrengtUcn you t;o tniniple all iniquity under 
 foot for the time to come. Tiiever foiget that the 
 foul of the dijjgent Ihall be made hit, and that the 
 Lord will fpue the lukewarm out of his mouth. 
 Get therefore that love which makes you diligent 
 in bufmefs, fervent in fpirit, ferving the Lord. 
 
 You know the way to get this love is, ift. To 
 confider the mercy of God; 2dly, be frequently, 
 if not continually, plying tlus faith with all the at- 
 tention of your minds, and fervour of your hearts, 
 «' Lord, I am loll, but Chrift iialh, died 1" 3dly, 
 to tF.y aduallv to love as you can, by fetting your 
 affections on Chriftwhom you fee not, and for his 
 fake, on your brethren whom you fee; 4thiy,'to 
 ufe much private prayer for yourfeives and others, 
 and to try to keep up communion with God, and 
 with your abfent bre-thren. 
 
 I beg, in order to this, that you will notnegle6t 
 the affembling of vourfelves together as the manner 
 of fome is ; and when you meet in fociety, be nei- 
 ther backward nor forward to fpeak; efteem 
 yourfelves every one themcancft in the comp^my, 
 be glad to fit at the feet of the loweft ; if ycu are- 
 tempted againft any one, yield not to the tempta- 
 tion, and pray for much of that love which hopeth 
 all things, and puts the befl conflructions even up- 
 on the worft of thinsjs. I beg for Clirilt's flike I 
 may find no divifion and no offence amone you at 
 my return. If there be any connylaticn in Chrift, 
 if any comfort of love, if any ftllowfhip of the fpi- 
 rit, if any bowels of mercy, fulfil ye rny joy, that 
 ye be like-minded, having the fame love, beiVig 
 cf one accord and of one mind. Let no:hin2^|b?, 
 done through ftrife or vain glory, but in lowlinefs 
 of mind, let each efteem oih.rs better th--{n him- 
 felf. I earneftly beg. the continuance of your pra^^- 
 N trs 
 
[ '34 ] 
 CIS for me, both as a minifter,and as your companion 
 in tribulation i as in particular, that the Lord 
 would keep me from hurting his caufe in-thefe 
 parts, and that when Providence iTiall bring mc 
 back among you, which I hope will be this day 
 fortnight, I may be thoroughly furn'fhed for every 
 good word and work. 'I hat the biciling of God 
 in Chrift Jefus, may crown all your hearts and 
 your meetings, is the eaineft prayer of, my very 
 dear brethren. 
 
 Your unworthy fcrvant in the gofpel 
 of our common Lord, 
 
 J- F. 
 
 P. S. I had iiot time to finifh this letter yeflerday, 
 being called upon to preach in a market town in the 
 neighbourhood. The dragon fhewed fome of his fpite 
 and^venom to little purpofe. A gentleman church- 
 warden would hinder me getting into the pulpit ; 
 and in order to this, curfed and" fwore, aiid took 
 another gentleman by the ccl'ar in the middle of 
 the church. Notwithftanding his rage, I preached ; 
 may the Lord raife in power, what was fown in 
 weaknefs. 
 
 LETTER LXI. 
 
 Oakhall, SufTex* Sept. 23, 1766. 
 
 To thofe who love or fear the Lord Jefus at M 
 
 ^ J grace, peace, and love, be muUipIi- 
 
 fd unto you, from our God and Saviour Jefus 
 Chrifl! 
 
 X ROVIDENCE, my dear brethren, called 
 me fo fuddeniv from among you, that I had not 
 
 time 
 
[ '35 3 
 time to take my leave of you, a<id recommend 
 myfelf to your priyeri ; but I hope the good fpi- 
 4UJ:j>f our God, which is a fplrit of love and fup- 
 plication, hath brought me to your remembranwC, 
 as the pooreft and wcakcfl of Chrifl's miniflers, 
 and confequently as him whofe hands ftand moft 
 in need of been llrengthened and lifted up by ycur 
 prayers. Pray on then for yourfelves, for one 
 another, and for him whofe glory is to minifter 
 unto you in fpiritual things, and whofe forrovv it 
 is not to do it in a manner more fuitable to the ma- 
 jefty of the gofpel, and more prciirable to 
 your fouls. My heart is with you neverthelefs 
 I bear patiently this bodily reparation for three rea- 
 fons. 
 
 I. The variety of more faithful and abler mini- 
 fters which you have during my abfence, is more 
 likely to be ferviceable to you than my prefence 
 among ycu, and I would always prefer your profit 
 to my fatisfa6tion.. 
 
 II. I hope Providence will give me thofe oppor- 
 tunities of converfing and praying with a greater 
 variety of experienced chriftians, which wi!l tend 
 to mine own improvement, and I truft in the end, 
 to yours. 
 
 III. I ffatter myfelf, that after fome weeks ab- 
 fence, my miniftry will be recommend by the ad- 
 vantage of novelty, which (the more the pity) 
 goes farther with fome than the word itftlf. In 
 the mean time, I fhall give you fome advice, which 
 it may be, will prove both fuitable and ferviceable 
 to you. 
 
 I. Knd FAVOUR to improve daily under the 
 miniftry that Providence blefles you with: be care- 
 ful to attend it with diligence, laith, antl prayer. 
 Would it not be a .^reat lliame,if when minifters come 
 tkirty or forty miles off to offer you peace and par- 
 N a don, 
 
[ 136 ] 
 
 don, iTrengih'and ccmforf, in the naifje of God, 
 any of you fhculd flight the gloricns mciTagre, or 
 hear ir as if it was nothing to you, and as ff ycru 
 heard it rfot ? Sre then,' that 'ybu '*neV'erccrrie 
 frorh a fermon, without being mcyre deepfy con- 
 vinced cf fin and righteoufnefs : in order' to, 
 this, • - - <• - ->. . 
 
 2. Ufe much prayer before yciiga' tc churcK: 
 confider that your next appearance there, may 
 be in a coffin ; and entreat i he Lord to give you 
 now fo to hunger and- thirft after righteoufnefs, 
 
 , that you may be filled therewith./ Hungry .piei^- 
 pfe never go falling from" a feail'. Call to mind 
 the text I preached from the laft Sunday but one, 
 before I left you. Wherefcre laying o fide all ma- 
 
 ' lice^ and all guile, and hypocrify, and' envies, and 
 itJl evll-fpeaking ; as new-born 'babes, defire t/iejt;=» 
 cere milk qJ iJie ivtrd thrJ ytu-niay grovJ 'thertb^ , 
 xPet. 2; I;- ■• f- -■•'^^' • ' • •■ ' ; 
 
 3. When you are under the" word, bev/are "of 
 fitting as judges, and no^ like criminals ; many 
 juds:e of the manner, matter, voice, or perfon of 
 the preacher \ ycu perhaps judge all the congre- 
 gation, when they ihculd judge themfelves guilty 
 cf eternal death, and yet worthy cf eternal life, 
 throu£:h the V/orthinefs oT him, wh"o flood and v/rs 
 conderxined at I'ilate's bar for them. The'mcmfitt 
 you have dene crying to God as guilty, or thank- 
 ing Chrifl as reprieved (Criminals, ycu have reafon 
 to conclude, that this advice is^-kVelkd -at ycu. 
 
 - 4. When you have been at a. means of grace, 
 tpd do not find yourfelves fenfibly quickened, let 
 it be matter of deep hrm.iliation to you. For 
 want of repenting cf their unbelief, and hardnefs 
 of heart, fcm.c get into a habit of dt^idnefs and in- 
 dolence, fo that ihty come to be as infenfible, and 
 as little afnamed cf them.felves for it, as floni?s. " 
 
 5. Ecware 
 
[ 137 ] 
 5- Beware of the inconfiftent behaviour of thofc, 
 who complain that they are full ot wandering in 
 the evening under the word, when they have fuffer- 
 cd their minds to wander from Chrilf all the day- 
 long. O ! get acquainted with him, that you may 
 wafk in him, and with him. Whatfoever you do 
 or fay, efpecially in the things of God, do or fay 
 it, as if Chrift was before, behind, and on each 
 fide of you. Indeed^heis fo, whether you confi- 
 der it or not ; for when he vifibly appeared on 
 earth, he called himfeif the Son of Man which is in 
 heaven ; liow much more then is he prefent on 
 earth, now, that he makes his-iranaedi-aie appearance 
 in heaven. Make confcience then, to niaiatain a 
 ienfe of his blefltd prefence all the day long, and 
 all the day long yen %vill have a continual feafl: ; 
 far can you conceive any thing raorc delightful, 
 than to be always: at the fountain of love, peace, 
 beauty and jay ;. at the fpiing of power, wifdom, 
 gcodnefs and truth } can there lie a purer, and 
 more melting happinefs, than to be with the bed 
 of fatherS) the kindeficf brothers, the- mofl gene- 
 rous of bencra£>orS) and the trnderjil: of hufbands ? 
 now Jefus: is all this, and much more to the believ- 
 ing foul; 0\ beljeve my friends, believe in Jefus 
 now, through a continual now.; and until you find 
 you can thus believe, mourn over your unbeliev- 
 ing heart,,, drag it to him as you can ; think of the 
 efficacy of his blood fhed for the ungodly, and wait 
 for. the fprrit of faith from- on hi^h^- 
 
 6. Some of you wonder why you can't believe ; 
 why you cannot: fee Jefus with the eye of your 
 mind, and delight in him with the ntTcclions of 
 your heart. I apprehend tlie realbn to l)c one of 
 thefe, or perhaps altogether. 
 
 I: You are not poor, loil, undor.c, helplefs, 
 
 defpairing frnners in yourfelves. You indulge fpi- 
 
 N 3 ritual 
 
[ 138 3 
 rkual and refined fclf-risrhteournefs ; you are not 
 yet dead to the ]aw,?.nd quite flain by the ccmmand- 
 ment. New the kingdom of Iieaven belongs to 
 ncne but the poor in fpirit ; Jefus carne tofave 
 none but the left. What wonder therr, if Jefus is 
 little to )cu, and if you do not live in his king- 
 dcniof pcace^ rightccufnefs', and jcy in the HofV 
 Ghoft? 
 
 II. Perhaps you fpcnd yci:r lime in curious rea- 
 fonings, initead of carting yourfclves as forlorn fin- 
 Eers at Chrift's ieet, leaving it to him to blefs you, 
 when, and in the manner and degree he pleafes. 
 Know th^t he is the wife and fovereign Gody and' 
 that it is your duty to lie before him as clay, as 
 fools, as finful nothings. 
 
 III. I'erhaps al;b, fome of you wilfully keep 
 idols of one kind or other: you indulge fome fin 
 againrt: light and knowledge, and it is neither mat- 
 ter of humiliation nor confefTion lo you. 1 he love 
 of praife, that of the world, that of money, and 
 that of fenfual gratifications, when not lamented; 
 are as implacable enemies to Chrift, as Judas and 
 Herod. Hov/ can ye believe, feeing ye feek the 
 honour that cometh from men ? hew then your 
 Agags in pieces before the Lordy run from, your 
 Delilahs to Jefus refolutely ; cut ofFthe right hand, 
 and pluck out the right eye that offend yc'u : 
 ** Come from among them, and be feparate, 
 " faith the Lord, and I will receive xou." Ne- 
 vertheiefs, when you flrivc, take care not to make 
 yourfelf a rightccufnefs of your firlving ; remem- 
 ber that jufiifying righteoufnefs is finifhed and 
 brcu£;ht in, and that your goodnefs can no more 
 add to it than your f;ns diminilli it. Shout then, 
 «' the Lord your righteoufnefs j" and if you are 
 undone finncrs, hum'^bly and yet boldly fay,. " in 
 the Lord have I rightecufnefs and ftrength." 
 
 When 
 
[ ^'39 ]■ 
 7. When I was in I.cncon, Itncie'nvcurcdtc irake 
 tlic bell of my time ; that is to fay, to hear, ic- 
 ceive, and pra61:ife the wordr Acccrclinely, I. 
 went to Mr. Whitfield's tabernacle, and heard 
 him give his fociety a mofi: (weet exhortat'cn upon 
 love. He began by cbferving tha^when thc'apuf- 
 tlc St. John was old, and pafl walking and preach- 
 ing, he would not forfake the affennbling himfeif 
 ■ with the brethren, as the manner of too many is- 
 upon little or no -pretences at all ; on the contrary,, 
 he got himfeif carried to their meeting, and with 
 his laft thread of voice, preached to them his- 
 final fermon m.ade up of this one fentence, " My 
 little children, love one another." I wifh, I pray, 
 I earneflly befeech you to follow that evangelical^ 
 apoflolical advice ; and till God makes you all*' 
 little children, little in your own eyes^ and fim* 
 pie as little children; give me leave to fay, 
 my dear brethren, love one another, and of 
 courfe, judge not, provoke not, be not fhy of 
 one another, but bear ye one another's burthens, 
 and fo fulfil the law of Ghrift •, y^^, bear with 
 one another's infirmities, and do not eafily caf^ 
 off any one, not for fin, except it be obftinately 
 perfifted in. 
 
 My fhect is full, and fo is my heart of good 
 v/ifhes for, and firong longings after you all. I 
 have jull room to tell you, I hope to be with 
 you in three or four weeks time. O let me have 
 the comfort of finding you all bciieving and lov- 
 ing. Farewell, my dear brethren : the Llcifing 
 of God be with ycu all ; this is the earnefl de- 
 fire of 
 
 Your unworthy miniller, 
 
 J- F. 
 LET- 
 
Y 
 
 L 14^^ ]■ 
 
 h E T T li R LXII.. 
 
 To Mifs H ^.. 
 
 OU fefm net to have a- clear, idea of ihc 
 liappinefs of the lov^ of Jefus, or. at leuft of your 
 privilege of loving him agairv: your duilnefs of 
 pnv:ite } rayer arifes from.the want of a familiar 
 i'riendfliip with kfus ; to obrvjate "which, go to 
 your clofct, as if. you W;as going to meet the 
 deartfl friend you ever had ;, cail yourfelf Im- 
 mediately, at- his- feet,, bemoaa< y^our coldnefs be- 
 fore him, extol his love to > ou, and let your heart 
 break with a defjre to love him till it can a61:ually 
 melt v/ith h.is love ; be importunate, and get your 
 Lord to avenge you. tf your, adverfary, I m.ean 
 your cold heart. 
 
 You z{k foTBe directions to get a mortified 
 fpirit ; in order to get it, get recolle6led. Re- 
 colle6licn is a dwelling with one's felf, and be- 
 ing abftradled from crt-atures towards God : it Is 
 outward and inward :. outward recolIe61ion con- 
 fills, firft, in filence, which cuts of fuperfluous 
 words, fpeaks of necefiity, and that for the glo- 
 ry of God :• fecondly,, in folitude, or a being 
 wifely difentangicd from the world, a keeping 
 quietly to one's bufinefs, or a fhutting the door 
 of one's fenfes ; in an inward deep attention to 
 Jefus' love, and in a continual care of entertain- 
 ing holy thoughts, for fear of fpirltual idlencfs. 
 Through the power of the fpirit, let recolle6i:ion 
 be fteady even in the midft of hurrying bufinefs. 
 Secondly, let it be calm and peaceable. Third- 
 ly, let it be laf!irg : Watch and pray, left you enter 
 
 into 
 
fi\ 
 
 [141 1 
 
 into ttmptati'in. In 'order to this> beware of en-' 
 ga^ng too deep and beyond neccflity into out- 
 ward things, of being captivated or entangled in 
 heart by any troublefcme worldly defire or af- 
 fection ; of wilfully committing fmall. faults. Re- 
 coile6tion appears vaftK' neceffary ; becaufe for 
 .want of it, prayer is ufelefs, imagination and 
 wanderings prevail, the heart gets loofe and roves 
 every where ; whereas we pals eafily from recclr 
 lection to delightful prayer again. Without re- 
 colkctiorjf, WQ cannot find out nor crufh fm in itf 
 firil riflings ; therefore it will break out in every 
 unmortified perfon. To this I might add, thaj: 
 without reccl(e<Stion,. we cannot know or deny 
 ourfelves to any puroofe. In reco!le6tion, let your 
 mind a6t according to grace, it will probably lead 
 you, either to contemplate on Jefus crucified, dy- 
 mff, rifmg, interceding. Fourthl) , watch your 
 flwfes, fupprefs ycur paflions. Fifthly, keep be- 
 fore God, in refpeOful filince of hearrt. Sixthly, 
 watch and fellow the motions of grace, and feed 
 on the promifes. 
 
 But take care here, ifl. To be more taken 
 with thoughts of God, than YCjJrrdF. 2('ly, To 
 confider, how harcly recolie£tion is got fcmt^timer, 
 and how eafijy loll, sdl; , Not to. ufc much 
 forced labour to faife a particular frame. 4thly, 
 Not to fret, tire, nor grow impatient, if 
 you have no comfort ; but meekly to acquiefce 
 and conftfs yourfelf unworthy of any, determining 
 quietly to wait for the fmiles of Jefus. The fol- 
 lowing m.otives may flir you up to the purfuit of 
 recoil 6tIon : ift. We mud forfake all, and die to 
 all firfu by reccllection ; idly, Without which, 
 God's voice can't be heard in the foul. 5d1y, It 
 is the only altar on v/hich to offer our Ifaacs. 4thly, 
 It is indrumentally a ladder (if I may fo fpeak) to- 
 
 afcend 
 
afcend into God. 5thly, It is the rendezvous of 
 God and the foul. 6thly, By it, the foul gets to 
 its centre J cut of it, it is reftlefs. 7th]y, Msn's 
 foul is the temple of God : recoIIe6lion, the holv 
 of holies. 8thly, As the wicked by recollection 
 find hell in their breafts, fo faithful fouls heaven, 
 pthly, Without it, all means of grace pro\'e ufelefs, 
 or make but a flight imprelfion. lothly, Recol- 
 le6i:ion empties the foul that God may fill it. 
 
 I give you thefe hints, not to fet Chrift afide, 
 but that you may, according to the light and pow- 
 er given, take the ftone and place it upon the 
 chief corner ftone : cement them with the blood 
 of Jefus, 'till the fuperftru6lure in fome meafure 
 iinfwers the excellency of the foundation* 
 
 J- F. 
 
 ^^ i»»< ^ ^ »%■ ** -** ^-* *-^ i- .-^ >^..%. >--j ^-^^ * — , m . ^% ^^ M^ ^ 
 
 LETTER LXIII. ^ 
 
 My very dear Friend, 
 
 A Came to this p'ace on iSaturday laft, in compa- 
 ny with Mr. C. and Mr M. we had a good jour* 
 ney. We fpent our time in convcrfing upon the 
 things appertaining o the kingdom of God, in the 
 moft fokmn and devout m.mner we could; and at 
 intervals fung a few verfes of an hymn, the whole 
 attended with mental prayer, by thefe means wc 
 came here, not only with a good confcience, but 
 forwarded in our fpiritual journey. It is a good 
 thing ta have only one bufmefs on earth, to make 
 our calling and election fure ; and only one end 
 in view, to glorify God. 
 
 We had a iove-feafl at * * on' Sunday evening, 
 atwhV]. there were near eight hundred precious 
 
 fouls 
 
C H3 ] 
 fouls prefcnt. Our Lord was with us, and k laadfe 
 the place where we were aflembled the houfc oX 
 God, and the g<^te of heaven indeed, 0/if /ictw 
 amiable are thy tabern'<cL-s, th'iu Lord of ftojh f 
 
 Moftthat were prefcnt had reafon to thank God 
 for the great coiifolation, and one received re- 
 miffion of fins ! we parted on Monday morning 
 with tears, tho' in expectaiion of feeing one ano- 
 ther again (hortly. That was fulfilled in us. " See 
 how thefe ChrifiEians love. '* 
 
 It greatly rejoices my heart to fmd a revival or 
 the work of God in this place alfo. Brother M. is 
 very lively, and preaches chriltian perfection with 
 all his might, and "everal are ftirred up tj feek 
 more holincfs. On Saturday evening we h.id a pri 
 vate meeting with thofe who deiire to go on to 
 perfeqtip'n'. Some prefcnt fpake largely of receiv- 
 iiiagkne accomplilhment of the promifes of God, 
 bjE^fimple aCl of faith; and faid believe, believe, 
 altogether: I fpoke my mind freely upon the ne- 
 cellity of waiting for the fulfilling of the great and 
 precious promifes, in a diligent ufe of all the 
 means ot grace, in mortifying the deeds of the bo- 
 dy , and crucifying the flefh with its aftcvftions and 
 lufts : and vigouroufly doing good to the utrnoft 
 of our power, and patiently fuffering evil, at the 
 fame time having alloui expectation from Chrifl, 
 and our faith fteadih' fixt on the pro nifes, I offered 
 this to their conflderation as the moft fcriptural, 
 and fafe way of growing in grace and arriving at 
 the meafure of the ftature of perfect men in Chriil:. 
 
 I find much comfort and edification lU the com- 
 pany of your friend. I thank God for her ex- 
 ample, and advice. The dear Lord Jefus blefs 
 and reward her. 
 
 My foul is atprefent thirfting for more of God : 
 I long for all his fullaefs : I pray for 3 our abun- 
 dant 
 
C H4 ] 
 dant profperity j I wifti the happinefs of all man- 
 kind. . 
 
 L:t your heart be given every moment to God 
 alone, and hvt as many thoughts as poflible from 
 all other tilings, to centre immediately in him. 
 Strive to be little in }0ur own eyes, and alfo in 
 nppearance. Oh! that we may drink more abun- 
 viant'y into the humble, fimple, loving fpirit of 
 Chrift! 
 
 I. remain yours affe(5tionately, &c. 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 Ptcv. and liighly efteemed Sir, Aug. lo, 1741. 
 
 G 
 
 Lory be to God /or his great goodnef^, for 
 fparing me lo long, in the outward pj'ofe{]io*i^^ 
 religion without the power, to let me lee his gtWt 
 falvation through your preaching. I attended the 
 field preaching at firft, and not from curioiity; 
 
 yet Mr 's preaching had little or no effaSt 
 
 upon me. I ufed to fay his difcourfes are irregu- 
 lar, yet at the fame time [ was raviflied with the 
 hymn fung before the fermon, and often thereby 
 melted into tears of love and joy. But it pleafed 
 God to come nearer my heart, and draw me by 
 a fermon you preached at Kennington from Pfil. 
 xl. 15. I was then convinced I never v/as in that 
 ftate : another from you on the one thing needful, 
 which I ufed to think I had chofen becaufe I was 
 outwardly religious, had the fame effedl upon me. 
 I. then fiv clearly that to be religious, was to be 
 renewed in the image of God By the light 
 my heaven'/ Father giveih me,, I now perceive, 
 vhcnl look back at thefe things, how he was 
 
 -then 
 
C H5 ] 
 
 tiicii -urawiHg mc to my Saviour: for ramctimcs, 
 when I was under the word, which I conftantly 
 attended, efpecially when delivered by you, I have 
 been in great joy, and thought well of my ftatc, 
 that I had faith and forgivenefs of lins, at other 
 times I doubted of it, yet was deeply convinced of 
 my vilenefs, and deferving nothing but God's 
 wrath and eternal damnation : yet I reafoned with 
 fome of our brethren that I might have forgive- 
 nefs, and not have that feeling fenfe of it. Lord, 
 how prone man is to juftif > himfelf ! I wanted 
 them to think me in a good ftate, which only 
 difcovered my pride. 
 
 Some time after, 1 heard you at the barn at 
 Deptford, preach on this vei-y fubje<fl:, which dif- 
 courfe took me all to pieces : I was quite unhinged. 
 Now faid 1, to thofe along with me, I Ihall from 
 this time iit down in the owed room, among 
 thofe who are jull awaki^ned. Yet fuch was the 
 flubbornnefs of m heart, it would not permit me 
 to join with m) brethren in fm^ng hymns, as wc 
 came home. 
 
 I ufed to fa , Mr. W. and Mr. N. are very cre- 
 dulous, to take )Ou for iaints, as foe n as any 
 of you can fay you have received fuch or fuch a 
 gift, and declare yourfelf to be juilified: why 
 here is fuch a talking about gifts, if I was to re- 
 ceive a gift, I Ihould keep it to myfclf, without 
 making fuch a declaration. But God afterward*; 
 Ihewed mc that herein 1 erred. 
 
 One time 1 argued with my brethren againll 
 being delivered from evil thoughts ; but this th:: 
 Lord w.s pleafed to reveal to mc the fame night: 
 before our little company broke up. The words 
 of our Lord came with power into my foul, even 
 in a moment, by which I was convinced of this 
 part of my miftake : Make the tns good, ar.d its 
 
[ hg] 
 
 fruit will be good aJfo. I immediately acknowledged 
 the fame, and fhall never again have reafon to 
 doubt ot that. 
 
 Thus my heavenly Father led me on till the 
 Stinday morning before Chriftmas day laft, when 
 he was pleafed to manifeft himfelf further unto me, 
 and make me feel, and experience in my heart, 
 the forgivenefs of my fins. I may truly fay he 
 found me when I fought him not, for I know not 
 a time when I went to the Foundery with more in- 
 difference : I ufed commonly to be there before the 
 fcrvice began, but then I well remember 1 had not 
 any warm defires in me. Mr. H s was at that 
 time difcourfing upon the love of God ; uncxpeft- 
 cdly, in a moment, as quick as thought, I fenfi- 
 bly felt my heart open, I received his love with a 
 clear fenfe of the pardon of my fins: my foul 
 burned with this manifeftation, it was overflowed 
 with love, and tears of joy ftrcamcd from mine 
 eyes. I felt myfelf inexpreffibly changed : all un- 
 belief was taken away, and my foul united unto 
 God. 
 
 I was in fuch a delightful ftate, that inftead (a$ 
 I purpofed) of keeping this gift to myfelf, I now 
 wanted the fervice to conclude, that I might tell 
 thofe who feared God, what he had done for my 
 foul. The hymn at the conclufion added to my 
 comfort, which was. 
 
 " Now I have found the ground wherein, 
 *' Sure my foul's anchor may remain,'* &c. 
 
 I returned home very joyful, declaring what the 
 Lord had done for my foul. 
 
 I went in the forenoon to White Chapel church, 
 where 1 met with an explication of what I had re- 
 ceived. The whole fervice contributed to the con- 
 firmation of my faith. The Pfalms for the day 
 began, O give thanls unto t^e Lord, and call up9n 
 
 his 
 
[ 147 1 
 hii namCy tell the people what things he hath done* 
 Never was my heart more lifted up ! never did I 
 read thcfe lines in this light before ! O let your 
 fangs be oj hiwy and praife him, and let your talking 
 be of all his ijuondrous "i.orks f The coUe(St of the 
 day greatly concurred, ** Grant us fo perfectly, 
 and without all doubt to believe in thy Son Jefus 
 Chrift, that our faith in thy fight may never be 
 reproved. " The epiftle alfo made me reckon my- 
 felf no more a ft ranger and foreigner , but a fellow 
 citizen with the faints of the houfehoid of God. 
 The gofpcl alfo confirmed mc in the words of St. 
 Thomas, I faid my Lord and my God, 
 
 Thus good fir, I have given fome account of 
 the great things God has done for me, and what 
 I have already attaiiied. Glory be unto his name 
 for what he hath beftowcd upon me. But alas 1 
 fince then, I have oftncr than once fallen into 
 anger^ which grieves his fph-it. 1 am not yet, 
 but I eameftly defire to be delivered from inward 
 fin : it appears exceeding finful j I feel my own 
 hclpleflhefs, neither do 1 truft in any thing paft. 
 i often fay, 
 
 " Gifts alas, cannot fuffice, 
 
 And comforts a'l are vain ; 
 While one evil thought can rife, 
 
 I am not born i^gain : 
 Still I am not as my Lord, 
 
 Thy holy will I do not prove," &c. 
 I know my Saviour is able to help me, and I 
 firmly believe he will carry on the work he has 
 begun in my foul. I defire to wait his time and 
 manner till I have full redemption, till I arrive at 
 the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in 
 Chrifi Jefus: 'till I am fully renewed in the 
 image of God ; till I am made a partaker of the 
 divine nature, till all old things are done aivay, till 
 1 timfo born of God, as not to commit /in in any mea- 
 O 2 Aire, 
 
■ [ 148 ] 
 
 fure, till I am funeiified wholly in /pint, foul and 
 Body. 
 
 And may the God cf glory prefcrvc and blcft 
 your preeious life long among ns, and give you a 
 double portion of his fplrit; that after you have 
 been the happy mftiument of bringing many, very 
 many fons to g^ory, you may fhine as the bright- 
 nefs of the firmament in the kingdom of your 
 Father for ever, is the prayer, Rev. Sir, 
 
 Of the unworthy A. L 
 
 ^% Sa */ -^ -* ■^^ «v ^* ^-. *^'^ \^m^ M. ^ wV *^^M M ^^\ "ir— ' ^ - 'fc^ ^^ # ■ 
 
 L E T T E R LXV. 
 
 I 
 
 PiCT. Sir, Dec. 27, 1742 
 
 Received your kind and pious Letter, and 
 ihould have wrote fooner to acquaint you with my 
 liatc, fincc you was fo good as to defire it : but 
 the reafon why I deferred it was, my being out 
 cf all hope of receiving any benefit from any means. 
 I have wearied all my friends and correfpondents 
 with my vain complaints, and am now myfelf 
 tired of complaining. 1 he Almighty does not re- 
 gard my languid fuiful prayes^ : he hath hid him- 
 ielf from me, and fliut me up in thick darknefs. 
 My heart is hardned from his fear, nor can I fee 
 my want, nor mourn my milery. I have not even 
 a notionat faith, nor any will, or endeavour to 
 :urn. The little fpark of grace I once had is to- 
 tally extinguished, I have not any concern at all. 
 I cannot fee fin, nor can I pray from my heart, 
 either for myfelf or others : yet do I make a con- 
 ftant life of all the ordinances of Cluift : I would 
 not willingly commit any fin, nor can I allow it in 
 otherjs^ and am unwilling to bring a fcandal upon 
 
 the 
 
C H9 1 
 %c people of God. I fliould not think any duty 
 toa hard if my heart were but affected. But alas i 
 woe is me, I am tyed down by a thoufand, yea ten 
 thousand chains, and can no more lift up my 
 heart to God, than I can reach heaven with my 
 finger. My foul is quite dead. 
 
 I was fometime ago wifliing to be in this or 
 that place, and ftill as my defires for God grew 
 weaker, would wifh I was but as I was the year, 
 or month, or week before : but now I cannot have 
 any ienfe of my lofs. The brethren here have 
 prayed for me, but I am ftill more hard and more 
 blind. I have no notion of death, or hell, or 
 judgment, or eternity; nor hay£ I any fenfe of 
 the law of God. If at any time I have a faint 
 remembrance of the grace I once had, how I w^s 
 affecfted fome years fince, and find fome forrowfor 
 the lofs of my Saviour; or if a verfe of an hymn 
 aife£ts me, and forces a tear from my fiinty hear*,' 
 yet it continues not, but is like a flaihof lightning 
 immediately gcme.- 
 
 I greatly loiig to fee you, or your brother here: 
 perhaps the word might come again with power 
 to my foul. I am yet alive, therefore I will not 
 fay it is impoilible for God; to change even me: 
 fome miracle of grace may make even me a mo- 
 nument of mercy; I. would tain fee my wants, 
 and mourn my lins, and grieve under the burden 
 of my woe: for i cannot conceive it poiiiDlei^ 
 ihould love Chrift without extremity of need 
 compels me to it. O wr tched foul, this is thy 
 fad condition ! I cannot find any way of rcturninr^ 
 for I cannot repent : I have ieveral tirnes fervent y 
 prayed for one beam of light, but hav-e found no 
 anfwer. 
 
 In ihort, 1 have taken a great deal of pains to 
 
 deftroy. myfelf ; the more i ftrove, the more I 
 
 O 3 was 
 
['50] 
 ''^as entaRgled. I know I formerJy fought God 
 ilncerely, but when I endeavoured to give up my 
 whole heart unto hnn, the devil laid all his fnares 
 for me, iind I am now his captive. I have betray- 
 ed my ioul by endeavouring to preferve it. Their 
 condition is preferable to mine, who live in open 
 protaneneis : for were they once convinced of 
 their danger, they would glad'y embrace the Savi- 
 our j but i have a double vail upon my hearts 
 a^-'d if I perifh my pimiflmient will be far greater. 
 When I look upon myfelF in this hght, I do think 
 the;-.: is not a iDore wretched creature breathing. 
 I wander al)out like a defolate exile. I have loft 
 my reafbn, and my underftanding is taken from 
 me. I have no peace, but a fearful expe<Station 
 of judgment. Gh! that the Son of God would 
 look upon me in my loft eftate, and force me to 
 be f ivcd by grace ! if 1 lliould be reftored again I 
 will prize his mercy ; and furely then I fhall ferve 
 him all the reii of my days. But, O 'tis a fad thing 
 when one can lot repent, or even fincerely defirc 
 it ! my hands hang down. 
 
 I have a thought fometimes to caft ofTthc form, 
 fmce I have loft the power of religion. I would 
 fain die, if death would fet lue free; but I am not 
 willir^; to quit all hopes of heaven. 
 
 I beg you will enquire of the liOrd for me, 
 and wi-eftle with him in my behalf, and if my day 
 of grace is not yet over, O befeech him to give 
 me the comfort of his help again, and that his fpirit 
 may ftrive with me. Iftnta letter to fhis pur- 
 
 pofe to Mr. M a fortnight ago, but received 
 
 ng anfwer. Perhaps the Lord fliewed him I was 
 .oft, and he might be unwilling to tell me fo. 
 
 But I beg Mr. W s would join with you in 
 
 praver, and let me know what the Lord wiU fay 
 concerning me. I fl;all impatiently wait the an- 
 fwer. 
 
C '.5« 1 
 
 ffvcr, for I would fain know the vforii. I wiU 
 yet wait upon the Lord, if 1 pertfli, 1 will n(-t 
 periih for want of aiking: I will draw near unta 
 God with my lips, tho*' my heart is far from him. 
 
 Thus I have givenyouadefcription of hellupoLx.. 
 earth : but I am confident you wiH not think much 
 to. labour for my foul, or angrily reproach my un-- 
 profitaWenefs, notwithftanding the good advice 
 you have alt^pn givea mc,^ fcems to be loft upon, 
 mc. I have fpun this to an unreafonaWe length,. 
 but I bwope you: will excufe my weaknefs,. 
 
 Who am your moft unworthy Servant, A. N. 
 
 P. S. I have juft received: a mod comfortable 
 
 letter from Mr. M d; it has given, me hope 
 
 thAt ly even I fhall yet know and love Jefus Chrifl;., 
 
 LETTER LXVL 
 Rev. $ir> 
 
 I 
 
 Know your love and care for our fouls ii 
 great, and therefore I fend you thefe few lines 
 to infoxm you how the blefled Jefus deals with us l 
 I find my foul grow ftronger and ftronger in the 
 Lord daily. He hath given me to eat of the /5/V/- 
 dfn mannay and the tree of life^. and given me tht 
 ivhite Jlom, Muith the new name written therein^ 
 which none knotv f/tve thoje loho receive it : and hath 
 revealed himftlf unto me, ia the manner he doth 
 not unto the world. My foul is joined to Chrift. 
 lean pray without ceaflng. The love of God is 
 abundantly Ihed abroad \n my foul ; yet I conti- 
 nually hunger and thirft for more.. O how I dc- 
 fire to do the will of God on earth, as angels do 
 it in heavco ! the Lord hath given me to believe 
 
 that 
 
[ T5^' ] 
 
 th.u whuifocvci' I afk the Father in tlic name of 
 Jt'iushdWill do it for me. I fee; his word and 
 promiie appUed: he does give me what I alk. O 
 that i could exprefs the love I feci to God^ and 
 ;iil inaiiJcind : I could freely lay down my lite for 
 the lalvation of any one iinner in the world. 
 Great and inexpreflible is that love wherewith Je- 
 Ills loverh us. Sweet to my foul are all his coni- 
 raands. If at any time i have any tsinptation to 
 break any of them, my whole heart rifeh up 
 againil it ; and Tor the love I have unto the law- 
 giver, and to the purity of his law, I would ra- 
 ther die than break the leaft commandment. How 
 can I offend fo loving and gracious a Saviour, 
 I wou'd not do any thing which might difpleafe my . 
 heavenly Father. In all things wherein I fee the 
 will of God, he enables me to do it joyfully. 
 
 I am always lefs or more happy in the Lordi 
 Indeed fottRjtimes I think there is fomething like a 
 vail which covers that great glory of the Lord, 
 which at other tiihes I fee: but I then lie at the 
 Saviour s feet, and wait till he gives me that light 
 of his glorious face again. I air never without him, 
 but fometimes he docs fill my foul fo much with 
 his lovely prefcnce, that my body can fcarcely 
 bear it, and I cannot at all exprefs it. 
 
 Within thefe few days 1 have had a peculiar 
 fenfe of my unworthinefs, and fuch a finking into 
 humility as I have not always ; fo that I think my- 
 felf utterly unworthy to lie at the feet of Chrift: 
 if I could find any place near unto him, lower than 
 this, I would lie there. But he has honoured me 
 with a place at his dear feet, and his wings 
 overfhadpw me, iand keep me from all florms. 
 O that I could praife him fufficiently ! 
 
 Dear Sir, remember me in your prayers, and 
 praifes : and may Jefus Chrift continually blefs 
 
 you. 
 
[ t53 3 
 
 jGiT. I believe he will. O faitlitul fhepherd- et 
 the flock ! your feet are beautiful wherever you 
 carry the glad tidings of peace. Blefled be yctir 
 goings out,, and comings in ; your rifing up, and 
 your lying down. May Jefus be with yeu f«r 
 ever and ever. 
 
 FronoE your unworthy Friend in Chrifl' Jefuo, 
 
 E. V. 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER LXVIL 
 My dear Brother^ 
 
 Received your Letter, and I heartily wKR the 
 Lord may manifeft himfelf unto you this day, and 
 give you his fpirit to bear witnefs with your fpirit 
 that you are a fon of God. I beg of you, reft 
 not night or day, tifl you reft inr Jefus Chrift. Let 
 me alfo entreat you to hear and^eaveunto Mr. W, 
 for I aflfure you he is a good man, and I, ,and ma- 
 ny fouls in this country were greatly blefled ii¥ hear- 
 ing the word of the Lord from his mouth. 
 
 When I came down here, I found the people 
 running from town to town, and not one in fifty 
 knew what they went for : but when I told them 
 what God had done for my foul, they cried, away 
 •with fuch a felhvj from the earth , Jor he is nof fit 
 tfi live, 
 
 Mr. I /ent for me, and feemed much of- 
 fended that I was fo bold, but the Lqrd put word* 
 in my mouth that he could not gainfay: and \n- 
 d^td all that came to difpute with me, whether 
 
 Pr ns, or ftill ones, were not able totonfute 
 
 what 1 faid, though they would not be convinced 
 by it. And though there was not a man in iht^Q 
 
 pans 
 
1 154 i 
 
 parts that would agree to what I faid, even when 
 1 proved it agreeable to the word of God, yet he 
 has given me fuch a witnefs of his love that if all 
 men in the world were to oppofe me, they could 
 not ihake my foul. I reft on my Lord's words, for 
 he has faid, / will never kave t/iee, nor forfake thee. 
 Seeing that the Lord hath made ufe of fuch a weak 
 worm as me, and has giyen me to love all his crea- 
 tures, fo that I cannot defire the death of a fly or 
 w-orm, and a burning zeal for all men's fouls, I 
 will run and not faint. 
 
 When Mr. W. began to preach out of the 
 churches, in Moortfields and Kennington-Com- 
 mon, I was deeply convinced of my lofl condition, 
 and felt in myfelF the fentence of condemnation, 
 when the dear Saviour of finners fpake peace to my 
 foul: and ever fince he has continued unto me 
 fome fight and fenfe of his love; though for a 
 year or more I was^ fcmetimes brought very low, 
 and at other times I have been fo full of love, that 
 tears of joy have flowed from my eyes, to think that 
 Jefus would love and look upon fuch a wretch as 
 me. A little before 1 came from London 1 was at 
 St. Paul's, at the facram^nt, as I kneeled before 
 him, the love of God was fo great in my heart, 
 that I thought I ihould have fallen to the ground, 
 and from that time I have had a fteadfafl confi- 
 dence, and a lafting peace : and no other do6lrine 
 than that I heard from the beginning, hath any 
 place in my mind unto this day. 
 
 I defire that you, and all the brethren would pray 
 that I may ftand faft unto the end. The Lord 
 works very vifibly and powerfully among us : we 
 have frefti tokens of his grace every week, yea in 
 fome weeks fix or feven are brought to the know- 
 ledge of falvation by the remlffion of their fins \ 
 and man) rho have been defpifers, arc now thank- 
 ing 
 
[ «S5 ] 
 ing God who hath opened their eyes. The Lord 
 generally maketh a fhort work among us; fomc 
 have found the glad tidings experimentally true in 
 three times hearing. 
 
 At my coming into this country, nomanftood 
 with me, but my name was caft out by profeflors 
 and profane, fo that I was like an owl in the de- 
 fert ; but a few who were brui fed by the hand of 
 God foon heard of, and received the doflrine of 
 confcious pardon, and in a little time feven of 
 them found it verified in themftlves : but Mr. 
 I — m reproved them for ccnfefhiig it before the 
 world : accordingly he fent for me,, and de- 
 fired me not to fpcak fo bold!), it would 
 make the country ufe us ill. I tcld him if every 
 man in the world was to caft ftones at me, I would 
 tell what God had done for my foul, and v/hat he 
 is willing to do for others: for I loved all man- 
 kind, and feared no man. 
 
 1 he people of the neighbouring towns have fre- 
 quently fent for me, to hear of this new doQ:rine : 
 for they were quite fure that no man could know 
 his fins forgiven in this world. But I proved it 
 from the written word of God, and from the doc- 
 trine of the church of England. In a little time 
 many cried out, " Lord grant this thing unto me !" 
 Our number of believers foon increafed to thirty ; 
 then I found 1 muft fpeak publicly among them, 
 for the people thronged, and filled my. houfe. In 
 thii I found cowardlinefs in my flefh, and craved 
 for death, or that God would take my fpeech from 
 me rather than call me to it : but flill I found my 
 mind full of matter, and when I fpoke, the peo- 
 ple ftarted as if I had thrown fire-brands at them. 
 So the Lord fetting to his feal, and owning the 
 word, I had not any excufe ; then I faid. Lord, 
 if thou fendeft me to hell to preach to devf.'s, thy 
 
 will 
 
n 
 
 >iil be \jOT\t, At the people's requefl, I now 
 preach every night lathe v/eek in general, and the 
 svork increafes much, and yet I am (in a fenfe) 
 rilorje. I want to have fome correfpondence with 
 
 xv'Ir. W y, my heart is knit to him, as the heart 
 
 of oncj man, and fo are many of the children which 
 God lias called by my mouth. Some of them in- 
 d- ed tailerh into flillnefs, and they fay I have the 
 fpiiitof convi-Slion, but not fhe gift of building up 
 of iDuIs: but however thofe who ftand fail as they 
 received Chrift, they are more holy and happy, 
 and To I think as well built up. 
 
 I bee: you would let Mr. W — y know how all 
 '-> with us, and defire him to pray for me, for I owe 
 rnyfeU unto him: entreat him to fend me a letter, 
 and let me know h^s mind of thefe matters. Give 
 rny kind love to all friends with you : I fhould be J 
 glad to hear from you. '«| 
 
 I remain your unwvj-rthy Brother in Chrift, i 
 
 J. N.^# 
 
 L E T T ^ E R LXVIII. 
 
 Rev. Sir, May 4th, 1741. 
 
 VV HEN you left Briftol I had a great fight of 
 the promifcd land, aud furely I did tafte of the 
 fruit thereof: but now it feems at a greater dif- 
 tance, yet I cannot doubt but my Lord will ap- 
 pear the fecond time, without fm unto falvation, 
 and it may be very fuddenly. O that I may be 
 found watching! fometlm-^s I find my foul fo poor 
 anJ heavy, fo dull, and naked of fpiritual comfort, 
 that I have nothing left but a fenfe of pardoning 
 love : Yet at fuch times I have foimd a greater 
 
 refignation 
 
[ 157 ] 
 
 refignatlon ta the will of God, than at fprne 
 others. 
 
 I earneftly long to do tijic will df my heavenly 
 Father None but the icarcher of hearts knows 
 how my foul thirfts to lovp and ,^bey him. My 
 fpirit groans to he delivered f oni the bondage of 
 corruption : 1 want to be nearer to Chrill: and to 
 become one fpirit with hirn, in a fuller lenfe of 
 the word, than I have yet attained. ' 
 
 Since the beginning of laft week I have had,'al- 
 moft continually, a finking and deprtfllon in my 
 fpirit, attended with an inward trembling, v/hich 
 fo affe8:s my bcdy, as if my life was departing 
 from me. O that it might be a fymptom of the 
 old man's death. O that Chrill might be fully 
 formed in me. This clofe exercife of mind brings 
 fuch a lownefs of fpirit, and inward mourning, 
 that my heart feems to bleed with contrition," arid 
 I could be content to weep my life away at the feet 
 of Jefus: in the midft of this I find fettled peace, 
 and fclid comfort. 
 
 In this flate, I do not find I can a{k, or defire 
 joy or grief, light or darknefs. but to be kept from 
 oftend'ng God, and empowered to ufe, as I ought, 
 the talents he g'lves me, ihat they may anfwer the 
 ends of his glory, my advantage,and his people's good. 
 I never fee the power of God morcvifibly, than when 
 it is perfefted in my weakne'Sjin doing theleaH. eood 
 to anypther: for many times T cannot hefp alking 
 pardon of my Lord for my poor, yea finfiil manner 
 of performing my duty in an) rc^'pei^ ; and efpe- 
 cia'ly.in admonjfhing and reproving others • and 
 yet th'i. Lord doth frequently bie/s to others, thofe 
 labours T Irive ne^d to repent of my feff.'. ^t the 
 prefent } find liich felf-abafernerit, as makesmc 
 x hateful to myfelf when others fpea]^ wtU of me. 
 1 ■ ''' p . ' I find 
 
[ i5« 3 
 I find I can now declare my rhind unto you with 
 grear ijtedom, as irequcnd. I can in writing unlo 
 others; :^nci thcugk I',pi.ak from the ovcitiouing 
 love, and great abunds.nce of my heart, yet 1 am 
 afraid ]f.a{t this fh.ould be a means ot tlitir thinking 
 of nie above what 1 really am., i am fo fuJl of 
 weikn'^fTes and ii^firrniuec), that i fear Itaft my ccn- 
 verialionfh< uld rather be a'ltumbiirig-block, than 
 an agreeable exumpie. i hiive ofien reflected upon 
 myfclf for my bein;^ kfs watchrui at Tome oUier 
 times, than when in your prefence. If I always 
 faw mv fe!f as feen by my maker, f fhould net be 
 liable to thefe changes. ' I couid at this time tell 
 ycu the innicft fecrets of my heart ; and 1 could 
 be willing that there were a window opened in my 
 breaft, that all the children of God might lee every 
 thing which pafl'es there. 
 
 It is not fo cafy a mxatter to difcover the ftate of 
 another, by the flri£teft perfonal examination, as 
 by a daily oblervation of their behaviour in their 
 refpeftive callings, how they fpehd their time in 
 private, and whether they buy up every opportu- 
 nity of doing: good. If our foul is but yet partly 
 renewed in the image of God, there is not any 
 timiC for trifling ; and if it is v/hol!y renewed, there 
 15 not any inclination unto it, but an infatiate dc- 
 fire of doing every thing for God. They fay, 
 my Father worketh hitherto, and I work. O that 
 none of us whcj have received grace, may ever be 
 guilty of waft ng our Lord's goods, or neglecting 
 the improvement of the talents we have delivered 
 unto us. But, O Lord, grant that we may be 
 burtiirg and (hining lights, and adorn thy gofpel 
 in all things. O that I may be a p^arl in your 
 crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. 
 
 I am your unworthy Friend in Chrift, 
 
 , S. D. 
 
 LET- 
 
I 
 
 [ 159 ] 
 
 LETTER LX. 
 Rev. and dear Sir, Augud. 23, 1742. 
 
 Dcfirc to praife the Lord, 1 find h^ h ftil! witli 
 me, and I tru(]b he wiil continue with me in all 
 my temptations. When the cremy comes in as a 
 flood, the ipirit of the Lord lifts up a flandard 
 againli him : when troubles are ac hand, I go and 
 f ill down before, him* and humbly aft. his help, and 
 he comforts me with his love, and makes a v/ay for 
 my efcape, fo that I am able to bear them. I am 
 happ) beyond all exprelTion when I feel and knew 
 tha» Jetus loves me, even me, a poor, weak, fmful 
 creature: I am frequently imfaithfi;!, and at every 
 turn grieving the holy fpirit, and yet his love is 
 not t'dken from me, but very great toward me. I 
 pray I never may be left to my own deceitful heart, 
 for then I (hall run into ail manner of wickednefs, 
 hvt may I be kept by thy power, O Lord, i/irougk 
 Ja-t^ unto (nil fa "jstion. 
 
 D^ar Sir, the time, I believe is haftening c^, 
 v^h< n I (hall rejoice evermore, prey 'without cerfinZy 
 and in evrry thin^ ^ive thanks , fcr this is the vjill of 
 G« d in Chr'fiy ^f us concerning f!ie. The hope of 
 this IS a bl'tiring untonie, it lift'o ZVj fiinring fpirits 
 up, and quickens every power of my mind. Lafl 
 Su id'>y I was at St Paul's, I felt the love of Go4 
 fo ih-d abroad in my heart, as I cannot exprefs, 
 and ''uch rweetnefs, and joy in my foul, as mj 
 tongue can never explain. Meed his nane was as 
 vintment poured forth', and this I can truly fay ' 
 
 ". 'I hy name a Tweeter odour caft, 
 •* Than Lebanon with cedars grac'd." 
 
 Pa I had 
 
I i6o ] 
 
 I had fiich glorious thoughts and apprehenficiis 
 of God as I never had in all rny life before : and 
 furely I had atafle of that perfe6^ love of God, 
 ■with whJch I hope to be filled to all cteInit3^ O 
 how 1 long for the meek and lowly mind which is 
 ajfo in Chriftl then, only then fhall I find reft to 
 ttij foul.' . . . 
 
 I have many trials and temptations, and feme- 
 times I am afraid I fhall fall by them. JViihout are 
 fightings and iviihtn are jears-'^ but I pray to be de- 
 iiveied from the plague of mv own heart, which 
 IS worfe than, any thing elfe to me, and I find help. I 
 begy-bu would" ah\) pray for me thatlmay nof faint 
 in the end, but th^t 1 may fun with fteady patience, 
 the race fet'before me ; a-iways looking unto Jefus 
 who has been fhe author until he become the finilh- 
 €r of my faith. 
 
 ,' My mafter^s behaviour is often a very great bur- 
 then and trial to me, yet even in this, when I look 
 tQ jefus, f am a fcon^ueror. One or other of the 
 ftill brethren are often with him, and I think he 
 jfeems to incline to their way very much, he fays 
 there is much fweetnefs and love among ihcm. 
 When I tell him v/hat I think of him, he tells me, 
 I cannot fee all things clearly yet, and what is fin to 
 rne may net be fo to him : 1 think by this rule one 
 Mii^ht have an excufe'for the breach of any ccm- 
 rna'ndment. That which is (inful in itfelf, is finful 
 to every one who does it. But I leave them to 
 their own mafter tciland or falf'v although I know 
 by experience, to be in their. company, is hurtful 
 tome. jl.r - '., .fi,;. 
 
 I defire to know nothing but Jefus Chpift, and 
 him crucified, and fimply to love and follow him 
 whitherfoever he goeth, through fire aqd water, 
 and all trials he may permit to come upon rne till 
 he brings me into the wealthy place. I truft he 
 
 iv'ill 
 
[ i6i ] 
 
 will give me power to deny myfclf, and take up 
 my crofs daily. I have yet many fooli<>i,and hurtful 
 defires ; but the ftrongeft is that offollowin^ Jefus; 
 and [ fay of ihe ether, thefe fhalj he dcftroy by tJrt 
 fptrit of his mouthy and by the hrichtneft of /^'/ 'yj^-^ 
 fearing, I am lefs than the leaft of all my father's 
 children, yet I truft I fnall be a jewel in the Lord't 
 cabinet, and your crown of rejoicing" in that day 
 which is approaching. I fhould be glad of a few- 
 lines from you, if it was the Lord's will, if not, 
 his will be done. May the Lord dire6b and bi^fi 
 you in all you do and fay, and fill you with the 
 biefling of the gofpel of peace. 
 
 I am your unworthy Sifter, ^c. 
 
 E. H. 
 
 LETTER LXL 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 H 
 
 Ftherto God has helped me? I ftill defire to 
 be inwardly, and ■perfe6tly, fan6tified, united Xd 
 Chri/f, filled With God, and guided -by the Holy 
 Ghofl:. I delight in God above all temporary 
 good, yet I have not perfe6i: love, L have not re» 
 ceived the littlfe" child m the riarrie of Jefus' My 
 conceptions of chriftian perfe6lion ; may be fome- 
 times too high, and at other feafons too l:»w. The 
 mce I know oi God and myfclf, the more I am. 
 fienfible th -t I knew littl .^ of f ither I Lcve is that by 
 which I u d rftand moft of his nature. Light i< 
 that whtreb I conceive beft of his glory. O! 
 what nied of taith, t: cift down realonings I and 
 of divine love to fatisfy the '^mpty and hungry Toull 
 Chriftian converfatibn has been eininently bleft to 
 P 3 «nc| 
 
me ; and now that I am in a great meafure deprive- 
 ed ot iU I pray that Jefus would manifeft himfclf 
 to me more than ever. . May h& convince, me of 
 what is wrong in my heart, and manner of life; 
 ap;i- }et if he did not fuftain mc, this convidion 
 VolIc be intqleratle! I hope you, and my other 
 dt^r fy.rnds pray for me. 6 ! that 1 may be found . 
 
 faithful. My kindeft love to &c. peace, be 
 
 with you ; and may I fee you agam tliat v^e may 
 prii!i< the Lord together. ..: - 
 
 1 am your'aiTt6tionate Brother, &c. 
 
 T. W. 
 
 L .|..S^.,T.E R LXII. 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 JL HE late converfation we had, ; together with 
 your i-avour in writing caufed much unity of fpirit 
 with. you. I have often thought the wifdom and 
 xindeiftanding which God has given you, will 
 prove in effect a misfortune, linlcfs you- ^re care- 
 ful to join with them the fimpiicity qt a little child ; 
 ijuwce jpu muft pecefTarily lole much of the Ayeet 
 converfation of the limplc followers of the jf^'amb 
 from the very notion tht;y have of you, > 
 
 I know yop clearly fee that all gifts withotit cha- 
 rity Avill profit you nothing, and i trull your con- 
 tiijual prayer to God is, that with all his other 
 HelHngs, he wpuld increafe .in you abundantly 
 cvqn this grace; of the Spirit. 
 
 I know the will of God concerning you is that 
 you IhoUid be perfe<5t and entire, lacking nothing. 
 With'refpecl to your, prefent trials, you may re- 
 ^uember 1 told you I was UQt altogether a llranger 
 
 to 
 
[ 163 ] 
 
 CO it, from the apprelienflon of its being e'er long 
 my own cafe, -and therefore I have 'inuve<rrnyieit 
 to the lofs of any ov all things if the Lord call mc 
 to It. 
 
 One day in my retired monrents, the language 
 of my heart was, " Lord I cannot bear fiich and 
 fuch a trial with the grace I have, I pray thee give 
 me more ; " and that fcripture was applied with 
 great clearnefs, ** I will b- a father to the father- 
 lefs, and defend the cauie of the widow. " O may 
 the Lord give you to feel from thofe blefied words 
 what he did to unworthy me : I had not the leaft 
 fcruple left, but was enabled fully to cafl: my c*<rc 
 upon the Lord. I know my God iliali fupply all 
 my wants out of his abundant fullnefsl doubt not 
 my brother, but that he whofe you are, and, 
 whom you ferve> will be with you, and when you 
 pafs through the fire it fhall not burn you, neither 
 il^all the waters overflow you: this dark and clou- 
 dy day '{hall e'er long end infunfhine! only be' 
 faithful, be obedient. , 
 
 At prefenc my hu&and and child are in a bati 
 ftate of health. The Lord is Tifiiing both your 
 houle, and mine ; and this I am certain of, it is in 
 great love to our fou -s I he wijl^hat^ us pafs thro' 
 and thro' the fire, till we leave 'all our drofs, and 
 come forth more pure than^i^e gold! May the 
 gracious defigns ot a dear Redeemer be anfwer^d 
 i^pon us for his nanies fake ! 
 
 My kind love to )^our dear wife, if in the lahd 
 of the, living: tell her fhe has reafon to bjefs the 
 Lord from, the rifing of the fun to the going down 
 thereof. ' ' - • • 
 
 He is cutting Ihort: his work in righteoufnefs. 
 He is about to take her from 't^ie 'evil to trotnef 
 the^ angels are, hovering round her, to do their 
 Jaft and moft' delightful ofiice!"tacdnVey4ier-fotil 
 
 into 
 
[ K^4] 
 into Abraham's bo fcm! then all will be broid 
 ctvfrniiy! all linhr! ail love' then her happy fpl- 
 jit ili.iil .-^•e-itly mjiiglc with ^thofe around the 
 throne, and fmg hallelujah to God and the Lamb, 
 ioc ever and ever. J truil our prayers to God 
 toi- you v/ill not be wanting, 
 
 From your i;ffectionate Sifter in Chrift. 
 
 h E r T E R LXilf. 
 Dear and worthy Sir, ]uWjy, 1.742. 
 
 Very heartily embrace this opporttinf^b'^Hvrit*. 
 ing my mind unto yoUj to inform you what the 
 Lord has been doing for, and in my foul. Since 
 I was v/ith you in Branford, we began our march, 
 and fuch a one I never Had before. Wh^n I came 
 tO'xiiy quarters the firft night, Ihad not anyplace- 
 of fecrecy for prayer : but I made a clofet of the 
 neccfTai'y place, and Chrifl: made a paradife 6f it 
 ijnto me. Here I met my divine mafter. He is 
 no refpecter of places, more than perfons. I could 
 have been contented to have made that place which 
 ^as my clofet, and my paradife, my bed alfo, for 
 the inexpreffible fweetnefs 1 felt in the prefencc 
 and love of my Redeemer. " ' ^' ' "''^^^^^ ' ■ " ■ "'^'^ ^ 
 
 The next night when I came to my quiartcrs, 
 I was, if poffible, many times more happy than 
 before. O the fweet prefence of Chrift which I 
 ihere found! I cannot forbear to fpeak of it, and 
 yet an angelic tongue cannot defcribe it. What 
 wondrous work is this he hath done in my 
 ppor Jieart! I. am as if I was filled with ^he love 
 pf God, and fwallowed up with the thoughts of 
 tCod, and hit love towards me ! when I think of 
 
 hi> 
 
L 165 1 
 
 Ills having fixed his love on fuch a vile unworthy 
 creature as me, who hy uafme was as black as hell, 
 I am melted intotears. O the love of Chrift to 
 poor iinners"! he is -fairer than the Tons o£men: 
 yea he is the chiefeft ailiong ten thoufand, and al- 
 together lovely. I was going orj in the broad way 
 to deftruclion^ but he prt^vt^nted me by the blcTs- 
 ings of his goodnefs : if he had not had coinpaf- 
 ,/iononme, where (hould I have laiided ? furely 
 I muft have landed in hell. O my dear Lord, 
 how fhall I niourn for my ilns; how flialf I praife 
 thee for the pardon of them ! coniider O my .foul 
 the countlefs multitudes of beneiits th'v God has 
 befiiowed upon thee, and be thou confoumicd" 
 and aihamed of thy ingrrititude. 
 
 I entreat almighty God to give me help, th'a'^ I', 
 may prefs forward toward the mark, for the prizt 
 of the high calUng of God In Chrijl Jefus. For f ; 
 ara not to re(l in any thing, oi; h\.^^^ mearure_of 
 grace attained on this fide of heaven | but.ffin be. 
 feeking after farther difcoveries of Cliriil, ilnti! f " 
 enter within the vail, where the wicked ceafe from' 
 troubling and the weary en'oy ah cverliiuing reft." 
 O for perfect freedom from lin ! yet it^ cleaves ' 
 unto me in all my duties ; I cannot jgf t rftL df it, 
 however I Ihall one day be free 
 
 I had only one in the whole troop, who woiJcL' 
 converfe and pray with me, and he is" gone after-''^ 
 the other : the dog is returned to hi^ vomit, and • 
 the fow to her wallowing in the mirei fo .1 am left 
 alone among a company of bears and lions. But 
 Qod is all-fufhcient : he adds propbrtionatc* 
 firength to my faith, for which I thank his dear - 
 name. 1 hope, dear Sir, you wil) cxcufe me in 
 writing unto you, and take the trouble to read 
 this, for I had no body to break my mind to. I 
 would have got fome body to have wrote for me, 
 
 to 
 
[i66] 
 
 to have done it better, but they would have 
 thought me mad for writing fo much no ifenfe. 
 If you would be fo kind as to fend me two or 
 three lines, they would be fweet as honey to me. 
 So no more at prefent from 
 
 Your loving Brother and humble Servant, 
 
 J. H.^v 
 
 ^r^^ %'^/ *">^' 'W ^' r ^' W ••< %" ' i "^ ^ I • JF ^m ^ 
 
 LETTER LXIV. 
 
 G 
 
 lev. Sir, October 2, 17421 
 
 OD has been pleafc'd to make my jou-ney 
 much ihorter than i ciipecced v,hf-n I Idt you. 
 When I met mv filters in brnd on Monday night, 
 they all Itrove to comfoft me under the crofs. 
 The day I fet out two of them joined \y\xh. me iti 
 prayer, and my foul was much comforted and 
 ftrengthened ; 1 reiigned myfelf into the hands of 
 God, looking upon inylelf to beflripl of all out- 
 ward he'ps, 1 r-rifr myfelf upon the never-failing, 
 and great mercies of God. 
 
 It wis on Friday I fet out, T found the Lord 
 very prefent with me'on the way. When 1 came, 
 to the inn on '•'aturdly, F aOced the maid whether " 
 they got un\Z CO Z<^ ^'o church there, or no^ /he 
 faid they were to have liberiy v^ go to chui'ch, 
 but that they very feldom had. On Sunday I 
 went to church* but thought it ftrange to hciii- a 
 few finging, and all the reft unconcerned in the 
 matter. \* hen I returned back agaiii, one aiked 
 me how I liked their church, 1 anfwered, there 
 were but a few people in it which was a want. He 
 then beoan monftrouHy to condemn the minifter, 
 and fws; .*• he could make as good a fermon him- 
 
 fclf. 
 
[ 167 ] 
 felf. I told him If he was a preacher he wouid 
 lead men to hell, not to heaven : his nioutii was 
 flopped, and he looked confounded, while all in 
 the room looked one on another. After the even- 
 ing fei vice I fpent my time in reading, iinging, 
 and praying : my lieart was in great peace, yet 1 
 could but mourn as a dove in my folitude. f Teem- 
 ed as a (heep wandered from the fold, or as a branch 
 cur oflF from the vine, or a member from the body : 
 my heart is fo united unto my fillers m band, 
 that when I am frx>m them, I think pan of myfelf 
 is wantiri^. O the blpffedncfs of tlr^ communion 
 of fain :s I I often t.hmk of the hippm-c-fs my bne- 
 thrtn and filters enjoy, and it causes me to giieve 
 that I am abfent from them: which fometimes makes 
 me fear that 1 love the cbildi en of God better than 
 their I ather, and the m.eaiis of grace better than the 
 Will oi God. It is enough that Jefus loveth me, 
 and btareth me up in hib arms. i iiis fight and 
 fenfe of God's prefence made me aftiarned of my 
 grieving, and comforted me gjeatly: my heart 
 vvys i's melted wax, and my foul was. much Jium- 
 bied before God. 
 
 On 'Monday I fpake freely to two women in the 
 Waggon, one of which was a Scotch woman ; fhe 
 told me the people, of S : dand loved Ci^d, and 
 kept the fabbath ^b ftrictly «hat onemuft not carry 
 water through the dreets on that day. InHeed (he 
 had a good defire to be laved. I exhorted her to 
 pray, and not faint,, not even for wandeiin/ 
 thoughts, of which fhe complained. Wh:!^ I de- 
 fired the other not to fwcar, {he told mc I fiiould 
 quarrel with my huil'Jand, if \ wo'jIJ not let him 
 fwear. 
 
 When I met ir.y hufb:ind he could not fpeak for 
 joy to fee nu ; i was alfb vc'ry glar to f»:f him, Hit 
 diti not feel that great flutter in my breali:, as I '^id 
 ■^: ' upon 
 
[ 168 ] 
 
 upon any fudden joy, before I was united ^fo God, 
 Many came to welcome me to Portf'moiith, and 
 picfefifed to be glad to fee me; but when I open- 
 ed my mouth to reprove them for fwearing-, they 
 all fled :iw^.y from me. 
 
 As fcon as I was alone with my hu(band he told 
 me he' had been in very great dangers at fea : laik- 
 < d him, if be had been killed then, what would 
 have beei his everlarting ftate } " If I had died 
 I. fhvHiUi have been faved for the fake of Chrilf who 
 (^]cd to redeem all men." I faid, do you think >ou 
 deferve hell ? '* No, my dear, for I do not fwear 
 *' 'and game as bad as my companions.*' I told 
 him, your heart is juft the faine wirh theirs, only 
 the grace of God retrains you more than they ; 
 you have never done one good th ^ng in } cur life, 
 but has always finned againlT- God, continually : 
 he was g-reatly ftruck at that exprelTion,' his heart 
 condemned him, and he began to rehnt, and afked 
 if I had any petition to afk of God in his behalf. 
 I pr?.ycd with him with gre"at freedom and errlarge- 
 ment of spirit, and confidence in God ; his eyes 
 were melted into many tears, and he faid, ** I am 
 <« vet-y wicked indeed. It 1 couUI live with you I 
 '' fhould lovf God, bu.^ it is impoiTible on board 
 ** a man of war." 1 faid, all things are poflible 
 wirh God, He is rble to fav^ unto the uttenmjiy 
 either by land or f<':a. When he alkcd me to iiee 
 the ViciorV'man of war, I tcld him if all tlie cu- 
 riofities of the worl J coulj be brought tos^ether in 
 one p'acp, I v\'ould not lofe the time to fee tliem, 
 I could fpend it better. In fhort, I fpake veryifiee- 
 ly unto him of the things appertaining to the king- 
 dom of God. 
 
 He faid, he once read fo much till he was ajmoil 
 melancholy at the fight of his own wickednefs,'and/ 
 had like to have gone into defpair •, he told the 
 
 chap- 
 
I 1^9 3 
 chaplain of li-, who bid him leave off reading Co 
 much, and he would be well again ; I told him 
 the chaplain was not his friend, for that God was 
 ftrivingtol3r.ingliim to a good date. He revealed 
 his fins unto him that he might through penitence, 
 and faith in Chriil: be forgiven. He faid alfo, you 
 once told me in one of your letters that you did 
 not know till lately the nature of true religion, 
 now you do : O that I might know the fame, but* 
 tf we fo much as go to prayer here, we are laugh- 
 ed at and reviled; and ho^v fhouid one know reh- 
 glon, and be acquainted with God, if one has not 
 opportunity -to enquire -of him in prayer? I an- 
 fwered, my dear, you fhouid not he kept from 
 prayer for the fear of heing laughed at, for this 
 would be the cafe if you were not -on boariJ a Ihip : 
 I, you know am in l^ondon joined unto a fbciety 
 of people who are feeki'ne; th^' Lord, and the men 
 of this world fay all manner of evil of us falfely. 
 So It was ever fince the fiir*. perfecutfon began in 
 Clin, and it has been continued, in one way or 
 other, everfince. If you wasinl'.ondon, androfe 
 at five o'clock every morning, ^ 1 do, to hear the 
 fcriptures expounded, the r^cn.who.know not God, 
 would think you mad, therefore 1 fay we muH not 
 be kept from religion by a little foolifh laughter, 
 or rf we fhouid fafFer greater inccnveniencics. 
 
 { V/'a«i at Portfmouth only one cby, and then fet 
 out for London ag^ji^, . ,JL was.in mg,ny ten^ptations, 
 but I prayed unto the Lord, and he flreniithencd 
 me. Firit,, fatan teinpted rde to: think my friends 
 did not love me, but I thought if God loves me, 
 it is enough : then he tempted me to Iaiiss;h at idle 
 things', and to fay light words, I cried unto 
 the Lord, Lord fave me or I pertfh, and I found 
 help in time of need. There v; ere but two perfcns 
 in pompany with mc, [ fpeak of their fwearing 
 Qw again 
 
again and ag^in, but with little fuccefs. A ft-agc- 
 player came in by the way, when I reproved him^ 
 he laid nothing, but Teemed in much confufion. 
 ' When I came home my fpirit rejoiced greatly. 
 
 how I love the ordinances and people of God ! 
 
 1 have a fmall trial, in want of work, but the trou- 
 hle of it docs not tarry long, I fly unto the Saviour, 
 and he taketh it away. Yet the thoughts of my 
 poor hufband's condition return upon me, and fo 
 opprefs me that I am well nigh overcome. My 
 foul is wonderfully drawn out in agonizing prayer 
 for him. It may be the Lord wril have compaf- 
 fion on him. Cries, and tears, and prayers (hall 
 not be wanting in his behalf. 
 
 Finally, the Lord, fheweth me that my heart is 
 polluted with all rrianner of fin ; I draw near unto 
 him as a man full of difeafes to a ph) Tician from 
 whom he expe£ts help. I doubt not but his blood 
 will heal all my maladies, and make me throughly 
 whole. Now, vt^hen I pray my heart appeareth, 
 fo unclean, compared with the holinefs of my 
 Maker, that I am afliamed, and blufh before him, 
 while I remain in profound filence, quite helplefs 
 at his feet. Here I defire to be, here t am deter- 
 mined to wait, till the Lordmakethme.ashe wilU 
 Dear Sir, pray for . 
 
 Your weakeft daughter In Chrifl, 
 
 LETTER LXV. 
 
 ' Rev. Sir, London, July 5, 1742- 
 
 M, HE following lines are the refult of great ^ 
 joy which I aUnoft continually feel in my heart : ^ 
 
 '?. • :n^-, ''the 
 
[ '/t 1 
 
 the Lord is now reviving and carrying on his work 
 m my foul. I know that my Redeemer Fiveth, 1 
 teel that 1 have redemption through his bicod, even 
 ihe forgivenefs of my fins. His fpirit is continue. 
 ally bearing witnefs with my fpirit, that 1 am a 
 child of God, I have not any doubts or fears re- 
 fpecting my flate. I feel a continual hunger and 
 thirft after righteoufnefs, and that I might partakft 
 more and more of the divine nature, of the power 
 and fulnefs, and prefence of God. God's prefence 
 on earth, is heaven begun ; it is fweet indeed t6 
 my foul, as marrow and fatnefs, fweeter than 
 honey or the honey comb. O that I might always 
 enjoy the light of his countenance ! O that my foul 
 might always be enflamed with divine love! I do 
 always love him in fome meafure, but I wifh to 
 love him more abundantly, I would have my foul 
 chp.rTged into the nature of. love. I want to be like 
 the angels above. My co:ninual prayer is, that Ii 
 may not commitfin, but that the Lord would ac- 
 complifli in me his will, by r<:(}bring me unto the 
 me o Jure of the fthture of a perfe^ nuiii in Chrifl: ; by 
 creating me ajter hmfelf\ and fanSiifying me wholly^ 
 171 body, fjuly and fpirit. 
 
 At intervals Lfind fome hidings, fome withdraw- 
 ing of God's prefence from me : but O what ap 
 aching void do I then feel in my foul ! I am then 
 reillefs, and importunate in my defires and endea- 
 vours after God till he return. At fuch times I 
 feel as if it was a worm gnawing my foul; and 
 nothing in the univerfe can give me any eafe or 
 fatisfa6^ioni The effect this has upon me is, I fee 
 the emptinefs of the whole creation, without the 
 Creator; I feel myfelf to be nothing but a heap 
 of vanity and confufion. I find no remedy but 
 crying, God be mercijul unto me, and help me a 
 poor finner. 
 
 0.2 I defirc 
 
t 172 T 
 
 I deflre to-glvc glory to the grace of God, I nox«' 
 feel much power over outward and inward iin : 
 far greater power than I have had for iQiiie years, 
 even from the time 1 was in my fifft love. ** O my 
 Lord and my God, do tho<u continue robeftow 
 on me thy poor hclplcfs creature, this power con- 
 tinually : yea, do thou augment and encreafe it 
 day by day. " 
 
 1 am deeply convinced of the neccfHty of a- pur* 
 heart, a iingle eye, and a new creation: yea ra- 
 ther I am convinced of the impoflibility of my foul 
 being happy without it. For indeed I can relifh 
 110 other happinefs, but what confifts in the love 
 of God, and in being like unto him, and in act- 
 ing conformably to his will. None of the trifling 
 \\aniiies,'or httleperifhlng things of this world, can 
 fatisfythe great deilres of my immortal fpirit. The 
 Lord hath given me a foretaftc of heavenly de>- 
 ^ light, in contemplating the amiable perfe(ftions of 
 the divine nature, and feeling my foul exhi'arated 
 by his loving prefence, v/hich has kindled fuch a 
 .iiaming deiire in my fpirit for God, as can never 
 be fatibfied but with all his fuLlnefs. There is 
 fomething in me continually craving. There 
 feems to be an emptinefs in me, a lack of fome- 
 thing eflential to my foul's happinefs: which lack, [ 
 well know is the perfect ftature of a man in Chrift. 
 1' is that alone can make me happy. The want of 
 which is the cavife of thefe pantings, thefe defires, 
 theie achings and ftrong appetites, which do per- 
 peiuaiiy put me upon crymg unto the Lord that 
 he would transfer his image to my fciil. That he 
 would dtftroy all my fin, both outward and inward, 
 both c-riginal and actual: that h^ wculd purify 
 ray heart, byrefloringme unto perfeflrightecufnefs 
 and true holinefs, and making me a partaker of 
 the divine nature, by lifting up the light of bis 
 
 coun- 
 
[ 173 ] 
 
 countenance upon me, fo that I may continually 
 fit under the droppings of his fanduary, and his 
 fhadow with great delight. 
 
 Thefe are the defires the Lord has given me, 
 and fure I am he will fulfil the defire of my foul 
 according to hispromife. He that fh all come ^ will 
 eome^ and will not tarry. I have already obtained 
 the falvation which fome, v/ho are of little minds, 
 fpeak of. I -am faved from guilt, from fear that 
 ^iveth great torment, and from the dominion of 
 Im. I do not commit fm in St. John's fenfe. J 
 am ahnofi continually looking unto Jefus. I almoft 
 pray without ceafing, and am thankful for the glo- 
 rious manifeftations of the Lord. I r«joice fre- 
 •juently. But will this fatisfy the mighty defires 
 of my foul ? no, it cannot, it will not, it does not» 
 1 am not yet fwallowed up in God. I am not yet 
 without intermifilon in a flame of love. 7 his, this 
 is, dear Sir, the thing I aim at. Help me by youf 
 prayers. I very much long to fee you at my houfe. 
 It is the very great love I have unto you, and the 
 expeftation I have of being profited by you, has 
 made me fo bold. 
 
 From y6urs in Chrlfl, J. A, 
 
 LETTER LXVL 
 
 Rev. Sir, April 24, 1742. Briftol. 
 
 I 
 
 Rejoice at this opportunity of writing unto you. 
 At firil, indeed, I found an unwillingnefs unto it, 
 but I prayed unto the Lord that he would fliew 
 me if it was riglit I Ihould, I find my foul does 
 rejoice in God my Saviour. I feel a peace which 
 pafles all underflanding, and which furmounts all 
 doubts and fears. I have power over all fin, for 
 0.3 when 
 
C 174 1 
 
 vheiilfeelltfllrinmy heart, IdlreSily look up unto 
 the Lord Jefus, and he takes it tVom me ; yet the 
 enemy tells me that I am under a deiufion, becaufe 
 I do not reafon, that therefore I refifl the fpirit : 
 and when he \\'ould convince me, I will not per- 
 mit him : but 1 commend my caufe to Jefus, and 
 he fhtws me it is my l^ufinefs to live unto him from 
 hour to hour, and from moment to moment. 
 Glory be to my Saviour, for he is nothing but 
 k)vc ; I could praife him till I could fpeak no long- 
 er. I fetl burning defires, and hungrings, and 
 thirflings which are flronger than death. I look for 
 the Lord Jefus coming into my heart to feal me 
 his abode, and make me one fpirit with himfelf. 
 I have a fure hope that he will accomphfh his work. 
 1 hear his voice, and feel hi^ love. I cannot tell 
 what Jefus does for me, for it takes away my 
 ilrength. I think I fliall not be long in this world. 
 I find my outward man decays more and more. 
 I could rejoice greatly to meet death this hour. 
 Come Lord Jefus! but he knows beft. My time 
 is in his hand, and I know he will 'finifh the work 
 of hohnefs in my poor heart. Now, even now I 
 feel my heart in great peace. 
 
 Dear Sir, pray for me, that I may have no will 
 but that of God's, and that I may be faithful to 
 death. O that I may to the utmoft improve the 
 talents God has bellowed on fuch an unworthy fin- 
 ner as I am. What matter of praife it is, that I 
 ^am alive to hear the everlafting gofpel of Jefus 
 Chrift! What fhall I render unto him for all his 
 benefits. The name of Jefus is more to my foul 
 than all the world. Every moment he gives me 
 frefh tokens of his love. He creates all things new, 
 Kvery moment opens nev/ fcenes of fpiriiual plea- 
 fure. What fhall I do to love Jefus? I long to 
 love him with my whole heart. O Lord give me 
 
 ftrenglh 
 
[ n5-] 
 
 ftrength to rejoice evermore, to pray ivithout cecfmgy 
 Mfid in every thing tQ give thanks* 
 
 1 hope I Ihall never forget to offer my weak 
 prayers for you. May the l>Qrd Jefus blefs you, 
 and be with you, and lead you ^y his holy fpuit 
 into all truth. May he fill your heart with his 
 love this hour, and to all eternity. So prays, frora 
 her heart, your daughter, 
 
 and unworthy child in the gofpel of Chrifl:, 
 
 S. C. 
 
 I 
 
 LETTER LXVII. 
 
 My dear Friend, Jan. 5, 1760. 
 
 Greatly rejoice that the Lord hath calfed you 
 out of darknefs, into his marvellous light. O may 
 the light ihine clearer and clearer unto the perfect 
 day. In order to this you have great need to watch 
 and pray, that you may be faithful to the light you 
 already have. The not being faithful to grace gi- 
 ven, fccms to be the reafon why fo many, after 
 years experience in the grace of Chrift, are ftill 
 babes, and perhaps weaker than at the beginning : 
 whereas St Peter exhorts us to grew in ^race. 
 
 Self-examination is a moft excellent help to our 
 growth, as it a means of bringing us acquainted 
 with our natural depravity, for certainly as we 
 come to know this, in a right fenfe, we fhall not 
 only fee, but feel the neceflity of a growth in ho- 
 linefs, and fo be put upon ufing every means, and 
 help for this end. It is undoubtedly a great blefling 
 to have faith, but it is much greater to keep and 
 •increafe it : without which we fhall have to anfwer 
 for the abufe of it. 
 
 But 
 
[ ne ] 
 
 But the great queftion is, how, dear Madam, 
 >ou and I may grow in grace by ufing the means 
 of grace ? for nothing is more vifible than that 
 many do this, who do not profit in holinefs : and yet 
 nothing is more certain than that the fault lies n6t 
 in the means, \yhich are well calculated to anfwer 
 the end. i. We muft take fpecial heed that w6 
 do not make the means, the end, and fo reft in 
 them as if they were the lad thing we have to aim 
 at. We fhould ever keep in mind that right tem- 
 pers, and right afFe£lions towards God and man, 
 is the thing in purfuit and not the mere praying, 
 hearing, or reading, &c. 2. We fhould carefully 
 avoid wanderings, flothfulnefs, and formality in 
 duties : for the heart in duty, is the heart and foul 
 of duty. Without this, our praying and reading'^ 
 &c. are no more devout and fpiritual perform-^ 
 ances than the motion of a clock is a vital a6lion.. 
 But if we always look to Chrift, and holinefs in 
 duties, and perform them with fervour, life and 
 earneftnefs, we ihall not fail to profit in righteouf- 
 nefs and true holinefs. 
 
 A clean heart is entirely defireable, and necefla- 
 ry; and in order to it, iny dear, the more you 
 confider that all your trials are appointed or per- 
 mitted of God, the more will you be helped toward 
 it, by them. Deadnefs to this >yorld, and efp^i- 
 ally to our own will and defire, is quite ncc^eirary 
 to the life of Chrift. Defire always to feel the 
 love of God fticd abroad in your heart, 2Lf^ be not 
 too eafy without it: and defire this, jBOt only for 
 the ineffable fweetnefs it gives, but chiefly for the 
 property of it, which is to kill fin, and the nature 
 of it, which is holinefs. Wkhout this, you may 
 love yourfelf, but you cannot love God for his 
 amiable perfection, and infinite holinefs, which js 
 the right way of loving him. 
 
 Ifhould 
 
t i7r]i 
 
 I (Kould think niyfclf very happy, and be very 
 thankful, if I am made of any ufe to. my dear 
 friend ; let all the glory be given unto God, it is 
 his due, I am not incapable of getting good from 
 you. Do not think too highly of me, it would 
 lefl'en my prcfirablenefs to you.. I am a worm qf 
 the earth, (though not an ear(h-worm) and am efi- 
 compa/Ted with many infirmities, ^vh'ch, the more 
 you are acquainted with me, the more you wi]l 
 difcover: neverthelefs, I JoVe the l^ord Jefus 
 Chrifl; and 1 believe with all the capacity I have 
 at prefent, but have need to increafe therein da)'- 
 ! by day. Pray for me, as I do for you : who am 
 Your affecliGnate Sifter and Servant. 
 
 LETTER LXVIII. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Friend, Feb, 25 I7<5r 
 
 Received yours with joy, I thank Gcd, whd 
 h?»s raifed you up again, as alfo on account of 
 
 Mr. furely our God heareth, and anfwereth 
 
 prayer. O how good it is to commend our caufe 
 unto him ! " His ear attends the fot'tefr prayer* 
 
 Indeed, my dear, as you obferve, it is a very 
 difficult thing for a genercus and gracious heart, 
 to love- enough, and not too much. I have not 
 found any other w«y to keep ckar of this extreme 
 but by w^alking clofely with God, and earneftly 
 commending myfelf, and them to God: praying 
 fervently that the Lord would more abundantly 
 blefs them for all their kindntfs to me, and at the 
 fame time endeavouring all I could, to lead them 
 nearer to God. The wcunds ycu got from the 
 unkindnefs of others, and that fmking of your foul 
 
 into 
 
[ «78 1 
 
 iirtd idolatrous fbndnefs, of which you complklp, 
 •is occafioned by the want of more inward fpirftual 
 flrength. My (ove, you want a more watchful fpi- 
 rit, that you may, in the midft of thefe hinder- 
 ances you meet with, keep your atlcnfion fixed on 
 the bleffed Jefus ; fo fiiall his love flow into ydyr 
 hearr, and be your continual ftreneih. 
 
 I hope it is not a namfe you aim at, as it h 
 abundantly more than a name, even a new nature 
 which you want. ^ 1 think you will find it befl-, not 
 to reafon about what God has already done for 
 you, but rather pray him to pour out his fpirit 
 more and more upon you, which is the only thing 
 you want, and this w^ill help you to believe all the 
 promifes of God, while the fpirit applies- them 
 with power to your he^t. I am g^reatly defirous 
 indeed oF your profp^cfrity, and fo is your Lord : 
 Jefus loves you, but you do not come to him fo 
 freely, and conftantly as you ought, or. you would 
 have more abundant life. Bur now take up your 
 crofs, and after your dear, mafler go. Be a faith- 
 fulwitnefs for him, among his enemies, and he will 
 witnefs clearly to your heart that you are al! his 
 own. O may the dear Lord Jefus blefs you with 
 an increafe of his love... 
 
 My God is. fliil my guide, and his arm is my 
 fure defence, Ihave fecn much, very much of his 
 goodnefs, fmce I' wrote laft. And I remain. 
 Your inviolable Friend, 
 
 LETTER LXVIiL 
 
 My dear Friend, Nov. i6, 1760. 
 
 I 
 
 T 
 
 HE two quedions you aHt in your lafl, ar€ 
 very weighty, and deftrve to be duly coniidcred. 
 
[ 179 J 
 
 " Do you, now, believe you love God with alf 
 " your heart ?*' " Are you nothing afliamed 
 ** among the oppofers of this glorious truth?" 
 
 If I can anfwer to the former, I certainly can to 
 the latter: for I could not love God with all my 
 heart, if I wasafliamed of this, or any gofpel truth ; 
 and if the latter as neceffarily includes the former, 
 I can anfwer heartily in the affirmative to both. I 
 know not that I have, in the leaf}:, been afhamed 
 of the doctrine of Chriftian Perfection, nor ofprc- 
 fefling my humble confidence in ChriO:, of my un- 
 feigned love unto him, nor of my tjelicf that he 
 had and would fave me from fm. And with re- 
 gard to the prefent ftate of mind I am in, though 
 1 have been varioully tried from every quarter, from 
 pretended friends, and profefled enemies, and from 
 the prince of darknefs, yet my heart (lands fail be- 
 lieving in, cleaving conilanlly unto, and ardently 
 loving the Lord Jefus. He is the fole monarch of 
 my dc;voted foul. I defire nothing befide him : I . 
 have his loving, fweet, and powerful prefence sre- 
 nerally with nrie, and when he is not fo fenfibly 
 and delightfully prefent, I am in an agony of pray- 
 er, and ceafe not 'till he returns; at the fame time 
 I can fay from my heart, thy will h done. This 
 is the language of my naked heart. 
 
 *^ Oh 1 'tis hell from thee to part, 
 " I^ref^ime clpfer to thy heart." 
 
 Since I ^zv(x^ here I have had great Cre.^dom, and 
 fweetnefsboth in preachirtg .aad prayer. It is my 
 only defign, and delight to do my Saviour's v/ork 
 and will. This I do at prefent in fome fmall de- 
 gree ; but I cannot teH you how much I long to 
 (ove God mpre abundantly than ever I did, that 
 my, obedience flpwing ffon\ love, may be ex ten- 
 five 
 
kve ?.s my powers, and delightful to my foul. And 
 yet I have already, very frequently, fuch love to 
 Jefus Chriil:, it is fo fhed abroad in my heart, that 
 it fills my foul with heavenly comfort, and makes 
 me ready to lay down my life for Chrift, or the 
 brethren. 
 
 I tnink this 1-9 a fhort {ketch of the fituation of 
 rr.y mind, as near as I know it. I flioiild he glacf 
 if you v/ould favour me with the beft advice ami 
 kelp -you can give me. 
 
 i rcmcrnbrr the happy moments we once enjoy- 
 ed, with gratitede to God, and affeOion to you : 
 and if ever Providence ihall indulge us with a re- 
 turn of the fame rpportunities, it will be our duty 
 fo give tliank?, and I heartily pray we may have 
 wifdom from God to make the beft ufe of them we 
 poifiblycan. 
 
 You know it wag not my confl:ilutional, of be- 
 fciting fm by nature, furioufly^ and fuddenly to 
 rcfent thofe who oppofed me; neither am I in 
 much danger from that quarter yet: I am in vaftly 
 more danger from thofe who love me, and fo think, 
 and fpeak too well of me. Delicate praife, nicely 
 adminiftred, is hard to withftand : it fteals imper- 
 ceptibly into the heart, and does mifchief, before 
 the unwary perfon fufpe61s any harm. Yet even 
 from this doth the T-ord prefeive me, with much 
 application unto him. 
 
 There are feveral perfons'here, who are deeply 
 fcnfible of the neceflity of an entire change of the 
 tempers and difpofitions of their fouls', in order 
 to their glorifying God on earth, in a- holy con- 
 verfation; and their being capable of being in his 
 pr^fence for ever hereafter. They now perceive 
 their grand miftake lay in this, in thinking, that 
 altho' fuch a full renewal of foul, in the image, 
 and Mkenefs of ChriA, might be n^ceflary to eter- 
 nal 
 
[ iSi ] . 
 
 ndl glory, yet tliat God would cflfcfl it before he 
 removed them from this life. Too great, or ra- 
 ther too falfe a dependance on this, betrayed them 
 into prefent indifterence. And it is to be feared, 
 this is too common a cafe. The holy fcriptures 
 bid us fight, and wreftle, and run ; to ufe a. I di" 
 tiirence tv 7nake our calling, and eleSlton fure : and 
 when we do thts, we may faffily leave the tim^ 
 when, and the manner how, God will accomplilli 
 his great work in us, to his fovcreign will. But 
 when we relax our earneftnefs, upon a miftaken 
 prefumption of our being made holy fometime, 
 wc are in the way to foul apoftacy, and not in 
 the way to final falvation. From this, and all 
 the devices of fatan, good Lord preferve thy 
 people, and my dear frien^^ in particular. 
 I am, with much affe<Slion, 
 
 your unworthy brother. 
 
 »»»i^<4«»«;<^ > >)i»(<4>>iii<<*>>)ia;^ 
 
 LETTER LXX. 
 
 I 
 
 My very dear friend, July 20, 1750. 
 
 r is now Sunday evening; and after the la- 
 b^)ars of another fabbath, I am weak and weary, 
 but in a happy fituation of mind, and a very 
 good humour, going to write to my friend. 
 'Tis to be hoped I fhall make fome amends in this, 
 for my fhort comings in the laft. It is ti'iie, I 
 was not overcome of openneis, and exprefiions 
 of fi-eedoiTi, yet the Lord knoweth, I had not, 
 neither have I any thing at prefent, in my heart 
 toward you, but love, and good will 1 believe I 
 have very few fuch friends. I heartily defire our 
 friendihip may be continued, and oui' ufefulnefs 
 
 R to 
 
[ iSi J 
 
 i4i) c.ich other encreafed much more than ever, I 
 think it is founded on a h»re bafis,the love of God. 
 And 1 doubt not biu it will continue through this 
 life, and be renewed in diftant worlds, to conti- 
 nue to all eternity. 
 
 My meaning, with reg.ird to particular friend- 
 ih'ip, was this : we may deiire the favonr, and 
 help of one, or more chriftian friends, and for 
 the fake of the fpi ritual profit we expert from them, 
 we may do, and forego many things to continue 
 in their efieem, without betraying pride, a want 
 of humility, or feeking ihe honor wliich cometh 
 of men: but we cannot indulge a defire of ef- 
 teem and favour from pe^ pie in general ; efpeci- 
 ally when our dehre is warm and importunate, 
 and favour and efteem the end of our purfuitj 
 without difcovering an unmortified affection to 
 the things of this world. There is no good, or 
 ill in men thinking highly, or meanly of me, far- 
 ther than I am enabled to do lefs or more good 
 imio them, or receive lels or more good from 
 them. If they think me the beft faint on earth, it 
 does not make me at all better, it may make me 
 abundantly worfe, if I learn to diink more highly 
 of myfelf, than I ought to think thereby: on- tlvc 
 other hand, if they think me an ungodly hypo- 
 crite, or an incarnate devil, it does not make me 
 either more unholy, or unhapf.y, if I am not an- 
 gry thereat. Let us always confider ourfelves, 
 neither more or lefs, than we are before God, 
 and i€ v/ill cure us of this difeafe. 
 
 Your meafurc of doing good, may not always - 
 be adjufted by ycur defire of it, but by your power 
 to do it. Your defire may exceed your circum- 
 ftances, and if followed, would involve you in 
 
 evi k 
 
evils which would over-baiance the gocd, H<)W- 
 evef, thei« are very lew who err en this hand ; an4 
 where they do, a Httie difcretion will put then? 
 into tht' vvtiv «2airi. 
 
 I have, this inornin^, jii ft been preaching" frcru 
 Hcb. 13, xiii, xiv. Lei us therefore go J(,rth unt* 
 him IV i thou t the campy hearing his reproach, P'.r 
 here have ive ,♦/-; ccnlinu'm^ city, hut we fcek one ti 
 come. How indifpenrib'iy necefTarr, thought I, is 
 it, that I fjiould he fully determined to take this ad- 
 vice myftir, who nm roing to e^iforce it upon 
 others. I l>fted up my heart to him. from whom 
 I receive cverv r^ood <^ift 1 need, and he srave me 
 power to rG'jCflv':; npon this grpat enterprise. I 
 v/ent fofih, andcxhtcrtcd my brethren to the fame,. 
 and, (if 1 Knew my heart) was as wiiiing to go be- 
 fore them, as to have them follow me. So I now 
 look- upon myfelf, as inMted under the banner, and 
 amoni;r the finTerers of Chriil. I cannot dcfcrt thi? 
 pod, or fly. fpom any danger I am lawfaily called 
 unto, without fhamcful difhonour to my prcfeilion, 
 ancta|reat prejudice to my foul. Bat I hof e to 
 ftancrin the might of my glorious Captain. 
 
 My foul was very much affected vviih joyfu! ex- 
 pectation, when I came to conGder, " We have 
 no continuing city here, but we feek.one to come. 
 It put new life into all my powers, and courage 
 into m) heart. Said f, am I in quefl of a cit/ 
 which has foundations, whofe Builder, and Maker 
 is God ; which has no needlbf a temple, the Lord 
 God Almighty, and the Lamb, being the temple 
 of it; nor of the fun, and moon, the glory of God, 
 and of the Lamb being the light thereol ; how can 
 my heart languifh r how very tranfient is the fea- 
 fon of reproach, and then I fliall be advanced to 
 durable honour; how very fhort the time of fui- 
 fering, and then I fhall be raifed to everlafting 
 R 2 happineff. 
 
happlnefs. Oh ! my dear friend, what a blefling 
 it is, that we are only fojoiirners here*: I would 
 liOt have otherwife for a thoufand worlds. 
 
 I cannot negle6l to give you fome Httie account 
 ef the iindeferved favours, I receive from God 
 daily. My cup of confcktion frequently runs over, 
 fend my fprings of comfort never ceafe altogether. 
 
 *^ So many wonderoiis gleams of light, 
 *' And gentle ardors from above, 
 " Have made me fit like feraph bright, 
 *' Some moments en a thsone of love : 
 " Ohi what is virtue, why had I, 
 " Who am fo lov/, a tafle fo high?" 
 
 1 fay, and fay it from my heart, before my 
 Makei-, who knoweth me better than I know my- 
 ielf, unto all-created good, thou art not my God : 
 thy prefence, with the abfence of my beloved, 
 ■would be a ftate too intolterable to fuflain: the en- 
 joyment of thee, without thefruit'on of the tlefled 
 Jefiis, would be a deftnution net to be jj^ne. 
 When I fee my dear Redeemer, and the "tity 
 cf his grace and holinefs, and the glories of his 
 kingdom, all tjiat the world calls great or good, 
 appears as nothing in my eyes : when his love is 
 ilied abroad in my heart, as it ufually is, in fome 
 confiderable degree, 1 can wink all-created beauty 
 into deformity, and all fenfitive enjoyments lofc 
 their relifh. 
 
 •' Loril^ I love thee, thou kncv/eft, who knows 
 all things ; elfe why do all the faculties of my foul 
 thus clamour after thee, and cleave unto thee ? if I do 
 r.ot love thee, why would I die rather than offend 
 thee? V/hy do I fear hell lefs than thy frov/n, and 
 defire heaven lefs than thy fmile ? why do I ccn- 
 tlmiallv Icng more for thee, than for my daily 
 
 .{ccd ? 
 
C .85 ] 
 food ? and v. hy is all company a burden unto mr-«, 
 which in the leall keep me from convcrfing with, 
 iim\ delighting myfelt" in thee ? my Lord tell me^ 
 if i/.efe are not figns that I love thee.'* 
 
 Thus I often plead v/ith, and appeal unto my 
 dear Redeemer; and I cannot exprefs how much 
 I defire.to be nearer unto him, and more like him. 
 Come, thou happy moment, which fiiail take 
 away this painful diilance between me and my 
 Beloved. My eyes fee it at a diftance ; it comes 
 upon the wings of time, it will fhortly arrive: let 
 patience, O my foul, have her p8rf€6t' work, , and 
 the defire v/ill come, which will be a tree of life. 
 IWp me, help me, my good friend, by your 
 prayers; and may the God of all grace, make his 
 gracious free to fhine upon you, enrich you with. 
 all heaven'y treafure, and fill you with all the life 
 of God; that like a ftately vellel, riding before a 
 profperous gale, you may return from the hazard- 
 ous, but well-condu6ked voyage, into the havea of 
 everlafting reft. So unfeignedl)r prays^ 
 
 Your affectionate Brother, 
 
 and inviolable I'Viend. 
 
 L £ T 1^ E R LXXL 
 
 My very dear Friend/ ^ Aug. 9, 17(50. 
 
 1 HAVE but very little time to write in, it 
 being already near the pod-hour. Pa0ing over the 
 formal ceremonies of receiving yours, &c. let mc 
 tell you, I am much concerned for your want of 
 health, and (hould be abundantly more, if it wa5 
 not, that I ftedfaflly believe, that all things fhall 
 work together for your good. 
 
 R 3 I thank 
 
[ is^ J 
 
 I thank God my health has lately been a little 
 better than ufual. My foul is foHdly happy. I 
 hunger and thirft after righteoufnefs, and I believe 
 the Lord wil! fulfil my largefl deilres. I wifli I was 
 more abundantly humble, and watchful. If I had 
 a thoufand times as much ftrength, and ten thou- 
 fand tongues, and all eternity before me, I fhould 
 think all vaftly too little to praife my Redeemer 
 with. Help me to praife him; and pray unto 
 him that I may be more faithful, and fruitful, 
 unto death. 
 
 M. D. died on Thurfday was fortnight, very" 
 happy, in full aflurajice of faith, with a clean heart, 
 and clear prorpe6t of eternal glory. I preached 
 her funeral fermon on the Sund^^ following, to a 
 large congregation, from Gen. 49. xviii. 1 have 
 voaited for thy falvation^ O Lard. And laft Sunday 
 I performed the like fervice for Mrs. H. There 
 were a larger company than before. After fermon, 
 we bore her relicks to the church yard, attended 
 with feveral thoufand hearers, and an incredible 
 multitude of aflFe6ted fpe6tators, while we fung the 
 praifes of the Lord, and the happinefs of thofe 
 ^vho die in him. So folemn a fight I never faw 
 before I Lord, when (hall I be the occafion, and 
 fubje<St of fuch a folemnity ? the portion of fcrip- 
 ture fae made choice of for this occafion, was the 
 language of her mind, and the pi6i:ure of her ftate, 
 in the latter part of her life, and at her death. 
 Pfalm 119. Ixxv, Ixxvi. I know, O Lordy thai 
 thy judgments are right y and that thou in fatthfulnefs 
 liaft ajfii^ed me. Let, I pray thee^ thy merciful 
 kindnefs he for my comfort^ according to thy word 
 unto thy fervanf. 
 
 Time flies, and the pofl cannot flay: eternity 
 is julT: at hand, and the world going to conclude 
 its flabbard tale. The Lord give us a fafe, and 
 
 fpeed J 
 
[ i87 3 
 
 fpeedy flight, " where change (hall be no more." 
 Adieu. Adieu. 
 
 LETTER LXXIL 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Friend, May 23, 1761, 
 
 Sincerely rejoice on Mr. D 's account, and 
 
 I hope by this time I may alfo congratulate you 
 on account of your having entered into that Iiappy 
 land of uprightnefs, which is always favoured with 
 God's peculiar fmile ; where he keeps his own in 
 perfe£l' peace, and everlafting reft. May you 
 fweetly abide in Jefu's love, and be filled with his 
 abundant fullnefs. 
 
 You bid me tell you what I think of you. I 
 will fpeak freely : I believe you are not far from 
 that love which cafteth out all flavifh fear. The 
 Lord hath arretted you, and made'- you a prifoner 
 oThope: you are, for a time detained in the wil- 
 dernefs, but your Lord will, with his own arm de- 
 liver you. Beftrong, behold, fear not, Jefusthc 
 Captain of your falvation goes before you. He 
 will fend forth judgment unto vidtory ; and 
 deftroy all your enemies. When he hath made 
 you all fair, then v/ill he behold no fpot in you. 
 You fhall as perfe6lly bear the image of the hea- 
 venly Adam, as you have born that of the earthly 
 one. Your Saviour has, does, and will blefs ycu 
 for evermore. Yea he will keep ycu night and 
 day, and water you every moment. 
 
 But remember this, as your Lord was a man of 
 foiTows, and acquainted with grief, therefore muil 
 you, as long as you abide in this earthly taberna- 
 cle, drink of the fame cup your Saviour drank of, 
 
 and 
 
I i58 ] 
 
 . J:.f, ]cCs or mere, be baptized w/V/5 t^e baptifmy 
 vj^ich he '.vdi htiptizfd ivitJi. Every cne that is per- 
 y ■-..'/, fiaUh as hiy M<ijhr. You arr called to be 
 cciilo.med ro ^ fuiTerina', as wc!]. as a glorified 
 S-v^oLir: snd rr.nft h?ive ftllcwflvlp ^vi^!4 him iji his 
 fuiurini;, that you may partake of his glory. 
 Th.roagh iBuch tribubricn all ihe founts enter iiato 
 the kingdom of Ggc?^ and efpccially tho^e who 
 enter deepefi: irto. rirs fpirit of it oa earth, and 
 higheil iiiro the -o^lortcs of It in heavtn., Yet ble/Ted, 
 are they who foilow Chiiit Tii the pain-fully pleafant 
 path of iegener?.tion,. and aBide with hinn in all his" 
 tempULloiif.. Tiieir crown niall be as much dlf- 
 tinguilhed for its brighrnefs in heaven,, as their ^xiir 
 ferings were diftinguifhed for tlieir blacknefs on 
 earth. The- way of the crofs, is the fure v/ay to 
 eternal glory,. 
 
 Do not think that a bare freedom from evil teni- 
 pers, is the higheft chrirtlan pei^sftion you caa 
 poflibiy arrive at; but aim at peifecling holinefs 
 in the fear sf. God. Neither expert,, when yoii 
 fhall come into this flate, to appear ia your ov/n 
 eyes, a fine, wife^. and glorioiK> creature, no : ex- 
 pe£l to be like a- httle child, that f.as to learn to 
 walk, and almoft every tiling to afic of its parents. 
 Expe£t to he aiioaidied, as well at your ignorance, 
 fimplicity, littlerKfs, artd meannefs, as at the infi- 
 nite blelTmg beftowed upon you, and the incon- 
 ceivable change wrought in you. An unutterable 
 depth of humility, teachablenefs, and mildncTs, is 
 the fupreme height of that pcrfe£kion, which none 
 can conceive but thofe who arrive at it. 
 
 You cannot follow your mafter, and fight under 
 your captain^ unlefs you are clothed with all the 
 armour of God. And then you will find many, 
 and hard battles to fight ; but victory. Aire victory 
 will enfue. Do you now walk in wLLte with Chrift ? 
 
 If 
 
[ iSp ] 
 If you do, prrJfe your loving Lewi, and look to 
 Jefus every moment. Go forward, and may the 
 Lord teach you by his blefTed fpirit, and refrefh 
 you by his love. If not, now dare to believe, lay 
 hold on the hope fet before you ; the glorious hope 
 of perfeQ: love. Jefus will give you all you fland 
 in need of- The Lord will bury you in his grave, 
 that you with him may rife. Then, when he who 
 is your life may appear, you alfo may appear with 
 him, and be tor ever will) the Lord. Even nov/ 
 behold the fair beauty of the Redeemer, lie ar the 
 feet of the ever living, ever loving Jefus : let your 
 foul reft in his mighty hand, that he may form and 
 mould it into his own image. He waiteth and 
 wanteth to be gracious, cleave unto him, and lofe 
 yourfeif in him. 
 
 Ihe Lord does work, and who fl:iall hinder him ? 
 A week fince, a few friends came to fee me, we 
 joined together in prnyer, particularly for Nanry^s 
 deliverance ; the Lord poured upon us the fpirit 
 of grace, and cf fupplication, m which we conti- 
 nued an hour and an half : tl.e I>ord, the great de- 
 liverer, heard and anfwcred us. He gave her the defire 
 of her heart. Thefe were fome of, her exprefTions. 
 *'Lord, I do believe 1 My foul hangs en thee' 
 thou wilt feal me to the day of redemption ! O 
 blefTed Jefus, thcu wilt keep my foul for ever !• 
 glory be to thee'/' In fuch phrafes as thefe fhe 
 abounded for a confiderable time : fhe fince remains 
 happy. Our God is indeed, a God that heareth 
 prayer. Whatever we alk according to his will, 
 he will do it for his own name's fake. 
 
 I blefs the Lord, I feel my foul lying fafe in 
 his mighty hand, and I am kept in perfe(Sl peace. 
 While I am in a multitude, my foul is retired with 
 Jefus from the noife and (hew thereof. Yet how 
 little is that I have received, in comparrifon of 
 
 that 
 
t 190 ] 
 
 th.'.t I f^e before me, atrd'at wKich I aim. Grace 
 i3 of a growing and encrealing nature, and where- 
 ever the cacUiiibrances of fclf indulgence, pride, 
 cvil-defire,- unbelief, &c. are cleared away, it will 
 not fail to ripen into perfe<5lion. Many, it maybe, 
 have received a. larger Uock than [ bave, byt it is 
 niy duTy, and I believe, ever will be my care and 
 pleafure, to be thankful for what 1 have, and to 
 pray for what I want. I want to have my life" 
 more feyfibly hid with Chrill: in Godj and to be- 
 lieve, love, and obey in a fuller manner, and lar- 
 ger meafure, than I do atprefent. Yet a little, a 
 very little while, and eternity will be here, and 
 land us Hife in the wifhcd for port. We fliall meet" 
 in the realms of endlefs day. We ihall then fee 
 the glorious face of our beloved Jefus, without a 
 vail. The painful diftance Ihall fubfift no more. 
 We (hall, even we fhal! behold him oUr- his great 
 white throne, and delightfully caft our crowns at 
 his feet^ and hail the Lamb who dtecUto^ redeem us 
 unto God, in endlefs fbngs, v/hicK angels cannot 
 learn. I am his by twice ten thoufand ties, which 
 bind me to his heart. He is my- God; and my all. 
 Is he not yotu- God? furelyhe is. Do not yoa 
 love him with all your heart.? ** He is ahogether 
 lovely. Behold the Lamb of Godthattaketh away 
 the (in af the world. '*■ Can you hold out any 
 longer ? will you yet re fafe to give him your hearty 
 who has bought it with blood divine .? O I now 
 ktredeeming^lov:e.make an entire conqueil of your 
 yielding heaxr-. 
 
 ' 1 am^ your afFe<5tionate Sifter, 
 
 in the dear Lord Jefus, 
 
 LET- 
 
[ >9. ] 
 
 LETTER LXXIII. 
 
 My dear, dear friend, Sept. 2, 1760. 
 
 Received yours, and am heartily glad, and 
 unfeignedly thankful to hear you fpeak in fo hea- 
 venly a drain. I think a joyful fpirii lives, and 
 breathes in every line. Thanks be to my God, 
 who is all- fuilic lent to fill the largeft defires or 
 our immortal ibuls. A.re our dcllres of holincfs, 
 boundlefs? {o are the promifes oF Golj and 
 boundlefs alfo is the proinifer. Who can iind 
 oiR the Almighty to perfedtion ? his being is an 
 oceaa of infinities, where all our thouglirs arc 
 drowned J a fountain of living v/atcrs, where our 
 thirfl: is quenched, and our fouls reFrelhed ; an 
 intxhauftible ftore, where all oar wants are fup- 
 plied*, and a blciled centre, where all our wilhes, 
 defires, and afFeitions meet. 
 
 O I how I long to rife higher into his divine 
 image, and fink iower into the humble mind of 
 Chrift. liOrd, when ihall I appear be'ore thee ? 
 what fliall 1 do to fet forth thy praife? If I had 
 ten thciifand tongues, I would praife thee with 
 them all: if I had ten thoufand hearts, I would 
 love thee with them all : if i had ten thoufand bo- 
 dies, I would gladly facrifice them all to thy fer- 
 virc. O bleiTed Jefus, what can poffibly be too 
 dear for thee, wlio has not fpared thy precious 
 blood, but has ihed it freely for fo unworthy a 
 creature! my demerit cxiks thy boundlefs grace. 
 
 Thy love fent thee into my nature, and the 
 
 'voild wherein 1 dwell ; and ihall it not draw m / 
 
 ■cart into thy image and glory.'' Be gone, ye 
 
 Mifhly f rifles, 'vckd every creature enjoyment, 
 
 whicii 
 
[ 192 J 
 
 wiiich would detain me from my Lord's embrace: 
 you Ihall not flatter my afFeclions ; you could not 
 recompence my lo s. O Lord, thy name is as 
 ointment poured forth, more exquifitely delight- 
 ful than the richeft perfumes of the apothecaries, 
 or the powders of the merchants, yea, than the 
 moft finilhed pleafures of fenfe. How fweet it is 
 to love Jefus ! Oh ! that T had a more fimple, 
 humble, loving, and teachable he^rt. I long to - 
 be all like Chrift, for thelve 1 have unto him. 
 
 But I forgot m) felf, that I am writing to one 
 who knows Jefus, and his charms better than I 
 do. My dear friend, teach me how to know and 
 iovc him better. I have had fome happy inter- 
 views with S. H,. which put me in mind of the 
 Yorklliiie timee : Lord, when it is good for us, 
 thou wilt reftore and repeat them; till then the 
 abfence of them will be for the beft. Farewell 
 for ever, in the Lord Jefus. 
 
 L E T T E K LXXIV. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 1 adminirters matter of joy, and thankfulnefs 
 to me, and all who look upon themfelves as O'-an- 
 ge s and pilgrims, here below; to hear that one, 
 and another, is landed fafe upon that happy fhore, 
 where the v/icked cafe from troubhng ; and the 
 uxary are at reft! what 'S there w^orth living for ? 
 to die to behold his blefled face without a veil, is 
 a bleffm^ indeed ! 
 
 There we fhall fee his face and never never fin. 
 There from the rivers of his grace, drink endlefs 
 pleafures in. I pray God this difpenfation may 
 
 have 
 
C >93 ] 
 
 iiavc a fanSlified effl-cl upon you. Mny the great 
 teacher of IlVacl teach you ; and may I be a finiplc 
 learner at your feet. 
 
 I find it is with feme difficulty I write to you on 
 any fubje^lfave that of defiiin^^ your help ami ad- 
 vice for my own foul. I abhor myfeff in duft and 
 afhes. I am weak ias helplefs infancy. I find the 
 defire of my foul is to gain by every lofs, to keep 
 my eye on the mark. I would chufe the niofl: ex- 
 cellent Way. 1 defire ever to fee God in all, and 
 all in God. I would be fo fully certified of th<^ wif- 
 dom and goodnefs of God in every diJpen fat ion, as 
 to" fay from the ground of my heart,- " Thy will 
 be dohQ.*^ ' Let us be tharfkRil for* the mehifure of 
 thife gi^aces we find iii ourfelyes', and prefs forwards 
 till ^ve expenenceall that the 'Lord has prom i fed 
 to give. • ■ _ ' . 
 
 i>et me give you a hint with refpccb to vour 
 children. You kacywThe Lt^rd hath entrUfted you 
 with iheir routs as ^^■e;l a^ their bodies: ' it'fhoulcf 
 be !nalfer« of great momerft with you to take heed 
 into ^vhofe faimiiy they are caft. 
 
 The Lor^ be' with you on your journey: if 
 Providence rtiould cafl: your lot in our circuit I be- 
 lieve many hearts would rejoice. Remember me 
 aflVctionatf^ly to all friends. 
 
 Fi%m^vouf affectionate Sifler in Chrift, 
 
 ' '' R. H: 
 
 L E T T E R LXXV. 
 
 Much tikheintd Friend, 
 
 : -^ f\ 7MI if i: ^t .: , . i 
 
 h/\ai'4j*win(ng'ton^gJe6t ihk opportunity of let- . 
 tirref (hee he^fT^ frora me, although I hivc'little .to 
 
 'r.'f GOft(tcrnii:g niyfelf. 
 
 S I fee 
 
[ 194 ^ 
 
 I fee the beauty of tholinefs, and 1 long to aitam 
 to it, but alas, I am (low of heart, I feel my un- 
 belief keeps me from the glorious liberty oi the 
 tnildrcn of God. Yet I have a full aflurance, the 
 Vfork of falvation is carrying on in my foul ; and 
 at the mcft barren times, I cannot doubt, but I 
 fhall witneis full redemption, in the blood of Jefus I 
 I am much tempted to put the day afar ofF, and 
 give up my confidence, and to fay how is it poflV- 
 ble for me to attain fo great falvaiion ? but as I 
 wait upon the Lord, I find my ftrength renewed 
 in him ; and I am fully convinced his grace is fuf- 
 ficient for me. O! that my eye v/as continually 
 looking up to Jefus ; for when I keep clofe to him, 
 Jie confirms me in my belief, that it it his will i 
 Ihould be perfeQ:. indeed my friend 1 meet witlj 
 many interruptions in my way, but 1 long for that 
 day to come, which Ihall burn as an oven ; that 
 neither root, nor branch, of unrighteoufnefs may 
 remain in me. Fain would I give up my whole 
 foul, and body to the fervice of my God, that I 
 may dwell in his houfe forever. O! pray forme 
 that I faint not, but that in due time, I may reap 
 that falvaiion, which at prefent I ftedfaftly believe 
 my Saviour has purchafed for me. 
 
 Great peace do I enjoy, and at particular times 
 my Lord communicates much of his love to me : 
 he feems to deal v/ith me as a parent with a fickfy 
 child : he difcovers to«ie what is hurtful and fuffer? 
 me not to feel his anger : but I yet feel the depth 
 of ingratitude^ in me ; for furely if I loved hiHi as I 
 ought, my heart wpujd be filled with thankfgivinc, 
 and my lips would continually fpeak of his praife. 
 
 I remember in my fir ft: letter to »hee, I obferved 
 if thou couldeft fhew me a religion more holv, or 
 more lovely than cur own principles lead to, I would 
 rradily «Tibr*ce it. So far I mud confefs; it haf 
 
 pleafcd 
 
 I 
 
E 19 5 ] 
 pleafed God through thy miniftry, to give me a 
 more perfe6t view of the glorious law of libeny, 
 t'han I had ever conceived before; yet he has not 
 tn the leaft convinced me, that any outward ordi- 
 nance I have not yet complied vviih, could be ac- 
 ceptable to him, but fhews me my whole heart ig 
 what he require* of me j and if I may fo fay, I 
 am more eftablilhed in primitive Quakerifm, than 
 1 ever was in my life before. My heart is enlarged. 
 My taith is cncreafed.. Often after hearing you, 
 my foul has been filled- as with new wine But I 
 could not remain long here. Mj ov/n unprofitable 
 thoughts hcWc returned upon me ; and indeed at 
 prefent, fhefe feems to be the grcateft enemies I 
 have to encounter with. O! when fhall I be able 
 lo^fay? I lolonger live, butChriil liveih in me. 
 
 I can truly fay ; all the enjoyments, and friend- 
 fiiips of this world appear as vanity in comparifon 
 of (he love of God" in Chrill Jefus; Yet I fear I 
 flill love my own eafe too well ; and' 1 know the 
 fear of man is not overcome in me ; but I trurt my 
 God will cleanfe the temple of my heart from all 
 !d^^c!9, and take up- his^ abode In me. For this great 
 felvai.ion my foul hungers and thirds. 
 
 You have provoked me to good v/orks ; and if I 
 was never to hearfrcm you more, if I am faithful 
 to the gift received, I know I .{h?A\ be a more 
 living member in the church ; for I can now de- 
 clare to others, what God has done for my foul. 
 
 I cannot help defiring to fee thee, or thy bro- 
 ther, and I hope Providence will permit me to 
 hear one of you a few times before I go into 
 
 H fhire, and if thou haft leifure, I lliould take 
 
 it as a favour to have a few lines from thee, whilft 
 
 I remain in this barren place, friend C wJl 
 
 convey them to me. 
 
 S 2 \fay 
 
[196] 
 
 May the great God of truth, blefs thee in all thy 
 undertaking^. Ma veil thou dwell in the fecret 
 place of the moft firgh ; and abide under the (ha- 
 ddw of t'lie Almighty ; is the fincere defire of tin 
 real, tbcugh 
 
 Unworthy Friend,^'--' ; ^ 
 - •• : S. P. 
 
 ?. rv-ri/O; --rr -• 
 
 L E X,\^^.:^ K,^ . UCK^l/- 
 
 I 
 
 NDEED, my good frieod^. I want mu^h'tc* 
 bear of thy recoveiy, and .wa^ in. hop.j^ f.ftTCuld 
 have had a line frGm.thee. My^dufHes- fbi;,-tl)y 
 welfare are fti;o^;g,,/akhp!;ghI have not wrot^ to 
 :hce. The u'0>>.. in me goes on biu. flcwly ;'ytt 
 iiiy Lord doth '"^oi with-hold his t^omforts ; , )?uiJ 
 dare not judge. of irjy.ftate, frora^'hat I fecl.^f hj^ 
 tcmforu only, but from what I overcome alfc. 
 
 Peace with God, through our Lord Jefus Chrifl, 
 is continued to me, and I much long. Jo be filled 
 with the fulnefs of his love.. At times,., ijn$.e I have 
 been in this place, my foul hath rejoi.ced ip Go^ 
 my Saviour, and I Jiave had a witnefs jn..mVTcl(;i 
 that I am \Vii.cr_€^his,Provid^nce has pjaced mej. yet 
 I muft cqnfefs,' l.haye not fo frequently/ fearfed in 
 his prefence, as when. I. had the privilege Vf "hear- 
 ing youj biit I beireY*e he never yvjllfprfake me : 
 he is a i*rier;d' which itickjeth^cjpfer than a brother ; 
 and I am often 'rnade to think, If I'was in a dun- 
 geon, or defart, I fhould be happy in the enjoy- 
 ment of hirh. If he was to iake his fpirit frcrn me, 
 and all temporal joys were mine, I know I fhould 
 be wretched without him whom my foul jovcth. 
 
 ^ I fully 
 
[ 197 1 
 
 I fully, and conflantly find, nothing without ho- 
 linefs can make me happy ; and nothing with it, 
 can make me mlferablel 1 feel no unholy defire in 
 me, but I often beg, that my heart may be fearch- 
 cd as with a candle, that 1 may not deceive my- 
 feir, or others. 
 
 When I am writing to others, I moftly feel fuch 
 divine comfort, and heavenly joy break in upon 
 my foul, that I cannot forbear confeiTmg how good 
 my Lord is to me; but when this fervency of fpi- 
 rit is abated, I am ready to reflect upon myfelf, 
 and fay, perhaps I Ihall make my friends think f 
 have attained to more than I really have. I would 
 fain he without guile. I often wifli I could difco- 
 ver my heart as it is; Lord, fhew me the depth of 
 evil, that is in me, is my fincerecry. The things 
 of this world, give me no delight. At times, I 
 feem as one who has nothing to do with them; 
 and I long to get home, that I may enjoy my 
 Beloved without intermiflion ; for it feems to me, 
 as if the end of my days would be a time of great 
 rejoicing. And yet, when I confidcr how many 
 have tailed of the good word of life, and longed 
 as I do to dwell with Jefiis, and have neverthelefs 
 forfook him, it fi\h me with ftrong defires, that he 
 would fpcedily finifh his work, and take me to 
 himfelf. But I know this is wrcng; I ought to 
 have no defire, but that 'his will may be fulfilled in 
 me. Surely it is his will, that I fhculd be without 
 carefulnefs ; therefore, I truft he will preferve me 
 from the cares of this world, and in his own time 
 prepare my foul for his abode. It feems to me, 
 as if he was emptying me, in order to fill me with 
 the riches of his love ; but alas! (elf is flill alive: 
 I feel, and abhor it; for I know I cannot enter iiT- 
 lo Canaan until this grand enemy is flain. When 
 I think on what I once was, a great change feems 
 S3 to 
 
[ 198 ] 
 
 to be wrought in me ; but when I compare what I 
 r.m, with what I ought to be, I find the work is 
 but begun! I am filled with admiration, at the 
 goodnefs of God to itie : of all his fervants, I feem 
 to do the leaft for his glory; and yet his banner 
 over me is love ! O ! that I may be faithful. If 
 works were to juftify us, where muil I appear ? 
 Lord! thou knoweft none can love thee, but thofe 
 who defire to ferve thee-, and thou accepteft of the 
 little mite which is offered up in pure love to.thee; 
 an,d if i abide iri thee, rhou wilt purge me, that I 
 may bring forthfruit to thy praife. 
 
 I often think, if it was pofTible for an unregene- 
 rate roufto feci the happinefsour Mafter beftows 
 on his followers, furcly they would forfake all, and 
 follow liiffi ; and no longer feek-happinefs in the 
 pleafures, or profits cxf this- world,- but eonfefs, na 
 blifs comparable to the love of Jefus ! '^ 
 
 I have been conftrained (fince I -have been in this- 
 place) to vindicate your doQrrines: Ifincerely wifh,' 
 that all who hear you, 'v^'oulH <kj you the juflice 
 not to condemn ;'what' the.y do not und'erftand. 
 
 In the love and fellowship a£ the-Hbfy Ghoii, 
 my foul tenderly falntea.thet?- i-«t. ' r ■ 
 
 I renrrainitiiy unworthy Friend. • 
 
 :i •• r S..P. 
 
 LETTER LXXVII. 
 Eftecmed Frler-:^, ' 
 
 R 
 
 Emaining under a living fenfe l)f the good re- 
 ceived by rhy rxiiiiillrv, obliges me to think it my 
 ciuty to let thtc-hjKiif ifofn. me. 
 
 liliil 
 
[ ^99 1 
 
 I {1111 keep the prcml fed land in flgn 
 {low!y towai'Js it. J would gladly be fcimd entire— 
 lacking nothing. I find a loinging defird in my 
 heart, to be made a partaker of the divine nature* 
 The enemy of my foul does not make war againft 
 me, by llirring up any of: my palTions,' but by 
 ftriving to lull me afleep, ithat- heiinay rob me. oi 
 mine inheritance, -by c^ufing me to rell: fhoit of 
 the promife; but I firmly believe,-., that nothinc: 
 will prevail with me, lo leave off wieftling, till 
 I receive the blefTing. : ; 
 
 f'loag to know the will of..my. heavenly Father 
 more *perfe6tly,' that all my time m.a^- be fpent to 
 his glory; T-he profits and pleafure^ of this world, 
 appear in my eyes, altogether lighttr than vanity* 
 i chink I may fafely fay, -my. ti^-i\ire is in heaven* 
 My affections are not fet qn* things below, i am 
 fure, the ftrongefl: defixe of my foul, is, .t;hat Jefus 
 would make his abode with, me, and fulfil his will 
 in me. I feel no other defire at prefent, as to my 
 temporal affairs, but that Provi;dence may order 
 tliem mofl for my ij)iritual advantage. One thing 
 have'I defiFed of the Lord; that will I feek after: 
 that I ma]^ <lwell in the houfe of the Lord, all the 
 days of my lifje ; to behold the beauty of the Lord, 
 and to enquire in Ixis- temple. I have found a great 
 change iri the fruit of my imagination, fince I firil: 
 heard you ; w^hich encourages me to hope, I fhall 
 witness :t he thoughts; of my heart to be good con- 
 tinually: when this blefled change comes, I*fha}I 
 be at reft ; for " Lord, thou knoweft my defire 'is 
 to awake with tjiy likenefs, haften the time, I be- 
 feecli thee ; for nothingcan fatisfy me, but thy having 
 full dominion over me 1. O! quicken me with thy 
 fpirit, that I may call upon thee." I know it muft 
 be my corruptions, which hinder me from con- 
 ftantly enjoying my God. O ! may I receive faith, 
 
 to 
 
[ 200 ] 
 
 ft) overcome all things. Our Saviour bids us be of 
 ffood chear \ ke has overcome the ivorld^ and f be- 
 lieve, all that foHow him, fhall obtain the vifkory. 
 I know my Lord often breaks bread to my hungry 
 foul, and hands forth to me the wiry^ of the king- 
 dom. He himfelf creates In my heart, a grateful 
 remembrance of his love to me, by pouring into 
 my foul thankfgiving- andpraife. 
 
 O ! hc'W Tweet, how glorious it is, when we 
 open the door of our hearts, .and the Lord of life 
 comes and fups wiifi us? 'Tis impoffibie for me 
 to tell thee, how unv/onhy I fee myfelf of every 
 bJelfing I enjoy ; yet feel fuch afliirances of love, 
 fuch divine confolaiicn, as caufes my eyes often to 
 overflew with rears of joy } how full of blefTing-s 
 does my pafJ life appear to me now} every bitter 
 cup I have drunk, I plainly fee was a healthy po- 
 tion to my foul ! I felt the drawings of my Father's 
 love from my very infancy I his holy fpirit was 
 ftrivinec with me; and when I rebelled, he brought 
 me back, and baptized me in the water of afflic- 
 tion, and then fealed his pardoning love to me. 
 In my latter days, he has brought me acquainted 
 with his choiceil: fervanis ; increafed my faith by 
 them^ and driven me a promife, of dwelling In the 
 land which fioweth v/ith milk and honey* 
 
 Yet am I fcijl ungrateful, to this bell of bene- 
 faftors! I know, I do not love him as 1 ought; nor 
 fcrve him as I defirc. I find great relu£lance in 
 reproving fin ; yet it grieves me when I behold it. 
 I would fain perfuade others (by being holy in all 
 manner of converfation) to feel^ after the good 
 which I enjoy. O ! may I thus attain to be a 
 preacher of righteoufnefs. I have often wifhed 
 my heart were laid open for all the world to be- 
 hold it; for I am fure, they would fee my affec- 
 tions arc not fet upon it, nor any thing in it. 
 
 I know 
 
J 20T 3 
 
 I know- dyery deed, and every tllcught miifl he 
 broug:lu toli^hr; nnd therefore 1 admire at people's 
 being fo very -nliTch againll: confelling tlieir faiihs, 
 one to another,/ I believe thofe who keep ilncUy 
 to truth, in ttlling* their eXperiidrHes, dk)'* much 
 good to alhiTff, 'whether thc?y are f^eeking the Lord, 
 or othdrwife; and I can therefore fry, I have felt 
 ereat comfort, in telling others how the Lord dea's 
 •with me. •■■'■■•'■ " ^v.... • - — -' 
 
 1 behevr many of. your hearers would find it 
 morepfpfirabte for their owii fouls, wire they to 
 wait upon the Lord before the ferv/ice be-gins j r-and 
 to feel after him all the time, if 'hsply they m;^y 
 find hijn. O ! may tlie Lord preferveug frem k'n- 
 nrng intt)^ arjy extrerne, and^give us ^ rjght jiidg- 
 ili k nV fr a] ! .till nes^ J J "* . . ; .* . . . \ . j 
 \ havej ffeyeral tiipes^been wjth ^fcm/e . of the 
 €T>VtVlli'^ofE^glanJ,^wh^ to.diicoui;fe 
 
 abou't t^e ffiings^of Gbdi^.T.^ cLi'l^^ ,lie clad to know 
 what bo(iks tlioii'Vculdeft^^ acfvUe Teekin^ jO''^'is tp 
 readf 'fof it Teetns't'o rrf^,. t^iaVtfiey know riot* how 
 to' make' a right' choice' for themfelves. .1 iiave 
 found comfort iri converTms^' V('1t{i- theni/ "' V hcpe 
 a true e^ofp^el minift^ ' will foon be fent'.uiitb 
 
 ■them.- ' :'■*■.;"■'.'.,.:*.';.:";"■-*-•■ 
 
 I meet with feme who^are'feekinsr aftir fic'li- 
 
 ig<^ dhe'ai^othtr to go^' 
 I'believe\hotJ haif reafon fof nbt l^tTn^mV'hear 
 from' thee ; but I "do nOt think it'is it) prevent my 
 wriring'tt? thee, artd therefore take, th'is freedciii. 
 1 (fan truly fay, I holcl ho man's peffon in admira- 
 rron; bfit I know 'tis' the will of my Father', that^l 
 Oiould htghly efleem thofe In love, wliohi he has 
 made inflrumcnts of good to me ; for''whic:h reafcn, 
 it would be :a refrclhing to me to hear of thy wel- 
 fare. 
 
[ 202 } 
 iParc. I am fiire it is my fervent dtfire, that tHc 
 people over whom the Lord has made you over- 
 ieer, may become a church without wrinkle or 
 'pot, that the dtfire of fhv foul may be fatisficd. 
 In the fuloTv-ihip of the Holy Ghoft, 
 
 I remain thy unworthy Friend. 
 
 S. p:^ 
 
 LETTER LXXVIIL 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 T 
 
 HY Letter I received, and have long thcu^^Ht 
 to anfwer it. At times,, my foul has be^n full of 
 love; but I have not had opportunity to write to 
 thee at thofe feafons; yet I cannot refrain telling 
 thee, Iftili retairra lively gratkude, a ilncere fhank- 
 fulnefs to the Ahiiighry, for bringing me acquainted 
 with you ; and 1 earneftly defire, that I may not 
 be a forgetful hearer. I hope it has not only been 
 a blcffin.^; to my own foul, but has diffufed itfclf 
 to c thers alfCK i ftnd a conflant defire to improTe,. 
 not bury, the one t;.lent committed to me ; not 
 thi.t i may receive nnv prai:'e ; no, verily. I know 
 I g -in the contempt of the world, by fpeoding my 
 time with poor Timers; for'l already hear, that I 
 fay, and do thinj^s ihat I never thought of: yet, I 
 carneftly defire I iv.zy be employed by the Lord^- 
 people, if but as a htwer of.ilone, or a drawer of 
 Water; for I plainly perceive no member in his 
 church is to ftand idle; no vefiel in his houfe is to 
 be ufelefs. I defire no extraordinary gifts to glo- 
 rify my Father: all my wifh is, that he would glo- 
 rify himfelf by me, in the way and manner he thinks 
 beil. There is no blefii'ig, I fo conftantly, and 
 
 fervently 
 
{ 203 j 
 
 fervently dcfirc, as lowlnefs o{ heart. Pride is 
 the ftrongeft hold, (he enemy of my foul has in 
 me: I abhor it mod of all Cm, yet I okener feel it 
 ftir in me rl\an any other evil whatever; but I 
 know if I «;ntinue looking unto Jefus, i (hall be 
 more than conqueror. 
 
 Several of our friends have agreed to meet toge- 
 ther, on piirpofe to declare our experiences freely 
 to each other. Laft third day, I felt a great re- 
 lu£tance to go, hearing a Papift and feveral (Grang- 
 ers were to be there, on my account. My heart 
 was very heavy, becaufe I thought I (lioujd have 
 nothing to fay to them. I beibiiicht the Lord, and 
 he comforted me; and blelfed be his holy name, 
 he give me power to declare tuily and limply, his 
 dealings with me; and I have caufe to believe his 
 blelling attended it. I went home rejoicing. 
 
 The next evening 1 went to a fociety of church- 
 men, which is kept at a Shoemaker's houfe. They 
 read and prayed, and then concluded with finging. 
 When they had done, I read a letter of S ■ 
 
 D 's to them, and gave them a fermon on 
 
 Perfection. Some of them are very loving to me, 
 but other's are biggotted againrt the Quakers, and 
 (I bflieve) think { have fome defign upon them. 
 But I can truly fay, I have no party to fet up; I 
 have no defue .to promote any thing amongft them, 
 beiides holinsfs. Poor creatures, they are igno- 
 rant as ret ; but the Lord does not defpife the day 
 of fmall things. 
 
 At times*, I have full afTurance given me, that 
 1 fhall be made whole : the day of my redemption 
 feems to draw near. At other times, the happy 
 day feems to be far off". 
 
 I grow ftronger, for I feel my own weaknef* 
 every day^ All Hn appears exceeding fmful to me : 
 I often think what manner of perfon I ought to be 
 
 in 
 
[ ^04 1 
 in all holy converfatlon. O ! that all your hearers 
 may be heartHy concerned to brin^ forth fruit to 
 ihe glory of God; (of I am fure, unlefs we do, 
 t)ur condemnation will be greater than theirs who 
 defpifeus! 
 
 1 find an entire freedom, v/hen I am writing to 
 ihy brother, or thee. An imfpeakable blefl'mg it 
 is to me, that my God has removed all party reii* 
 gion farfiom nie. T cannot cr) up what God has 
 done, in cppcfition to what he is doing : fo long 
 as WL trid) love our head, Chrift jefiisy I am fiire 
 ^ve lliali love his members, fnppofe our judgment 
 l)e nC'L convinced of the truth oi ever) opinion they 
 hoid. 
 
 iitbinkrl may fliy, if ever I heard the gofpel 
 preached in my life, I did it lately by a poor man, 
 who came to vifit us. He ea'rneilly preffed us all 
 to die to fin, and live unto righteoufnefs. O! that 
 the Ix)rd would raife up more fuch plain, honeft 
 teachers, of a noble Catholic fpirit! then ff^ould 
 we piofper. 
 
 I have this day tafrtd how good the Lord is y 'he ' 
 has refreihed me with his prefence, but O ! " my' 
 friend it isimpoffible for me to tell thee how much' 
 I long full) to enjoy him. If thy butniefs will ad- 
 mit,. I Should be glad. to hear from fhee. In tlte 
 love of our dear Lord Jefus I remain, 
 
 Thv Friend,' ' 
 
 •s. p. 
 
 L E T T E R LXXIX. 
 
 X Rctiirh my deaf friend manj thanks for fo Toon 
 aniV^nng my letter^ -I hore'-X.fan .bkrs God ios ' 
 * ' his 
 
 I 
 
[ 205 ] 
 
 his great goodnefs to you; and It (hall be my 
 prayer to my heavenly Father, that he wodld give 
 you all that may conduce to make you liappy in 
 life, eaf; and joyful at the approach of death, and 
 meet to ppTtake of thofe pleafures that are at his 
 right hand for ever. Let us yield ourfelvcs unto 
 God ! I hope the Lord v/ill give you grace to (land 
 firm to the truth, unto 'the end. Indeed I have 
 ever found it good to be on the Lord's fide : and 
 though as poor, faint-hearted, blundering a crea- 
 tur?: as ever was kept in the v/ay ; ye^I blefs the 
 Hame of the Lord, who has not fuffered me v/il- 
 fully- and wickedly to depart from him. 
 
 I fee many running the heavenly race, 'and I 
 would <rl.i{ily run with them ; but alas ! I find 
 myk I; too weak to keep pace with them : yet bl'"::r- 
 fed be God, 1 am refolved by his grace, that though 
 I cannot run with them, I will creep after them ; 
 and I hope fliortly to fit at the'r feet in the New 
 Jcrufalem. But I cannot be content to have my 
 iViendTake mv pace: I woiilj have him a runner: 
 may the Lord grant he may be clad with zeal as 
 with a cloak. I believe you fee many things at 
 prefent that might amufe a carnal mind, there are 
 many fmooth ways to hell : how diiSicult it is to 
 avoid them ail! what care and prayer dees it re- 
 quire! 
 
 " The path of virtue far more ru>T;r ' " 
 «' Bat Oh! it leads to cverlafling^bhfs ! 
 
 My bed love to all friends, ^ 
 
 I am, <i-c. 
 
 K. G. 
 T L E T- 
 
[206 J 
 
 LETTER LXXX. 
 
 Dear ***. 
 
 G 
 
 OD is love: Chrlft's yoke is eafy. If the 
 Lord IS our fhepherd we (hall wAnt nothing. Shall 
 we ever meet in heaven ? I hope we fhall. Yet a 
 few moments more, and he that fbali come, vuiU 
 come, and will not tarry. We Ihall (hortly behold 
 him without a veil. That av/ful day will fui-eiy 
 come. It will little avail us then what opinion we 
 are of; but what we really are. Lord fearch, and 
 try me, that 1 may not be confoundec^ at that 
 day. 
 
 I have changed my place of abode, and find 
 many^new trials; but, indeed, the Lord is good 
 to me, and his grace will be fufficient for me. 
 We have nothing to fear but fin, if we have given 
 ourrtivcs to the Lord. I fear the love of many 
 waxes cold ; but let us be humble and watchful. 
 Devote ycurfelf to the Lord, and then you cannot 
 cxpe£t too much from him : he will far outdo your 
 higheil expeftations. God is a tried Friend; but 
 let us prepare for temptation?: When fhall we 
 ier.ve ail for Chriil ? When fhall we glory in no- 
 ihing but his crofs ? When v,:e are as v/ife as wc 
 ought to be, we fhall. O Lord, teach us this blef- 
 fed lelTon. I think I do love Jefus Chrifl ; and 
 how am I beholcen to him lor this? But O my 
 ^sr Lord and God, my Kinar and Saviciw, help 
 me to love thee better. My wifli fcr you is that 
 you may truly know, and then I am fure ycuv/i'l 
 love him. You wil' find him a fympathizing 
 Friend in all yourafHiclions ; a f^rong Deliverer in 
 
 a'! 
 
[ 207 ] 
 
 ■all your trids ; and a wife Adviferin every doubt- 
 ful circumftance. The Lord blefs you. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 E. G. 
 
 LETTER LXXXI. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Have often thought of my dear friends at L — 
 fince I left you. 
 
 1 have now no one to fpeak my mind freely and 
 fully unto, but Jefus Chrift : in his attentive and 
 compaflionate ear, I pour out my frequent prayer; 
 and tie hears and helps me fpe^dil^ Ai-thai having 
 now noliumin helps or comforters, I need nonej 
 
 " Chriil; is all the world Jto me, 
 " And all my heart is love." 
 
 I had a little illnefs the other week, but it was 
 acceptable to me, and good for me. Nothing is 
 amifs my Saviour doth. I need not be careful about 
 any thing. For I know all things do, and will 
 work together for my good, fo long ai I love him, 
 which 1 intend to do for ever. Oh! the fweet- 
 nefs of that rcil:, which is obtained by leaving all 
 defire, but that of pleafing and enjoying Jefus. 
 One day here is better than a thoufand. What 
 are all the riches, pleafures, and honours of this 
 world, when compared with the treafures of 
 Chrifl's grace, the fweetnefs of his love he puti 
 upon the faints ? They bare not fo great a propor- 
 tion to them, a> the fmalleit grain of fand, to the 
 |»rcatcft xnountiin, or a fecond of time to ten thou- 
 T 2 - fand 
 
[ 208 ] 
 
 Ian J agcF. IF we always fee them in thisitght, 
 and feel them make correfpondent impreflions upon 
 our minds, liow eafy will it be to prefer them to 
 the other ! How unable will the things of time be 
 to warp our juderments, or draw cur aflFe^lions to 
 their intereil ! With what patience fhall we bear 
 affli6licns, lofTes, and difappointments: and with 
 what eafe ihall we deny ourfelves of any thing that 
 wotiid rob us of our Savicuf's love! How light 
 would flander and difgrace fit upon us, while con- 
 fcious we are approved, and honoured of God ! 
 W hat a fmall thing to be poor, in this world, when 
 v/e have wealth enough at home, in heaven! and 
 how can we polTibly want pleafure, while we re- 
 joice in hope of the glory of God ! 
 
 Let net your heart fay, " But this is not the 
 CTifQ with nW* When you examine your (late, 
 put mercy and loving klnunefs enough in (he op- 
 pofite fcale to your demerit, and unworlbinefs. 
 When you reafon ; let not unbelief but faitlv-draw 
 the conclufion, and when you are tempted, think 
 not of your own weaknefs, but of Chrill's ftrength. 
 God be with your fpirit. 
 
 Farewell. 
 
 LETTER LXXXIL 
 
 M 
 
 Y good Friend will not be furprizcd if I 
 
 tell him, I have been fome time hefitating whether 
 i fhouU write or not. By the light I have f fee 
 fo much darknefs, and fo much vilenefs, that I 
 tear almoft to write a fingle fentence, left I (houl<^. 
 be guilty of that mockery, which is an abomination 
 to the Gpd of f\acerify. 
 
 You 
 
[ 209 ] 
 
 You have fometimes gently reproved me for 
 ftimplaining ; but is there not a caufe? I can, I 
 muft complain • but not of my Lord : He is ftill 
 gracious, or my ingratitude had funk me beyond 
 the reach of mercy, long e'er now. Thefe line? 
 are a proof that he is gracious and merciful \ flow 
 to anger y and of abundant kindn^fs. This (hews yoU 
 that I am out of hell. Nay more, you muft glo- 
 rifv the Lord with me, for he tells me '* I am thy 
 falvation." O my brother, what a good Saviour 
 is this that faveth mel what a great Phyfician is 
 he who healeth me. It is true (and I mufl pro- 
 claim it aloud upon the houfe tops) that Jefus 
 Chrift does fave even me. 
 
 Since I left L my foul has been in prifon, 
 
 *' Deep called unto deep, at the noife of his water 
 " fpouts; all his billows ran over me." I have 
 been indeed like Jonah in the whale's belly ; yet 
 out of the bdly of hell I cried, and he heard me. 
 1 funk down infenfibly, till I became as if I had 
 had no God: temptation poured in like a flood: 
 and for feveral days, I thought I could gladly have 
 contented myfelf to have been a Ao^ rather than 
 a man. But in a little time he returned, and with 
 loving kindnefs he gathered me. Did I not think 
 you acquainted with thefe things, I fliould wave 
 telling, what mufc appear enthufiafm to a natural 
 man. \n the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, he 
 let me fee that Chrift's body was broken for me ; 
 that Chrifl's blood was fhedforme: he healed my 
 backflidings, and loved me freely. For three whole 
 days^I found his peace and lovefo eminently in my 
 heart, that I began to think he had perfe6ted me 
 in holinefs. O how good It is *' to go by the foot- 
 ** fteps of the flocks, and feed one's kids befides the 
 ^' fliepherd's tents I" but now I know he hath not 
 yet brought me forth, I have not "yet attained; I 
 T3 feel 
 
[ 210 ] 
 
 fccj my heart yet impure : but pray forme, while 
 I tell you with reverence, rrven I begin to feel my* 
 confcience "quick as the apple of an eye." I do 
 not feel that humility I want in telHng this, — I fear 
 to proceed — but pray for me. 
 
 Let me entreat you my dear friend, to prefs for- 
 ward, and ilrive to beheve. Leave reafoning, and 
 come nakedly to Jefus Chrift, Believe on the Lord 
 J ejus Chrifiy and thou Jhalt be faved. 
 
 I know I am unworthy to fpeak in my Mafter's 
 name, yet I cannot contentedly fee you groping in 
 the dark, without: telling you of the Sun of Righ- 
 teoufnefs. Indeed there is no humility in faying 
 I am a pattern ot mercy : 'tis plain truth, and I 
 feel it : if he faves me, he is not willing that any 
 fhould perifh. Novo is the accepted time for you. 
 Caft not thefe words behind you, for God is wil- 
 'ling you fhould now be faved. lam grieved, my 
 foui mourns, becaufe you dare not fay *' The Lord 
 is my right(^oufn-fs.''^ You (land at a distance ; you 
 do not venture on him. O commit your foul 
 unto the Lord. He is able and he will keep it, 
 and prefent it fpotlefs at h.s Father's right hand. 
 While you feek him in his ordinances, fland Jlilly 
 and fee the falvation of God. 
 
 Pray for me that I may be kept from the evil 
 that is in the world. I hope to remember you (if 
 living) before my Father's throne, while 
 
 I am yours, ^'C. . 
 
 LETTER LXXXin. 
 
 I 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 __ SHOULD have anfwered ycur kind letter be- 
 fore, but focn aftep^he leceiptcf i', I f<t offfor 
 
 N , 
 
I 211 ] 
 
 N , and am but lately returned. I have been 
 
 fometimes tempted to leave off writing to any one, 
 unlefs I was obliged to it ; becaufe I have tliought, 
 what I could fay was fo ufclefs, that my friends 
 might fpend their time much better, than in read- 
 ing my letters : But it is a bafe humility ; a plant 
 not of God's right-hand planting ; and I muil not 
 yield. Indeed, I appear as it were, a beaft before 
 God; and often wonder, that any one lakes notice 
 of me. I feel myfelf more than ever I did, to be 
 poor, and blind, and naked : but poor as I am, 
 like the widow, let me cart in my mites, and wifh 
 you good luck in the name of the Lord. Right 
 glad am I, that you have fo fweet a.feufe of the 
 pardoning love of God. Glory be to him for free 
 grace I 
 
 *< That we — Children of wrath and fm, 
 " We fhould be call'd the fons of God !" 
 
 O I my brother I do you not feel the •p'ower of 
 that word ? tken Jhall you loath yourf elves in your 
 own eyeSy vjhen 1 am pacifiedto'-jjards you, I think 
 I am fick of wandering away from the fountain of 
 life: I want to be a garden inclofed. When will 
 my Lord appear, and lead captivity captive. He hath 
 received gifts for me, rebellious as I am ; and here 
 will I reft. He hath chofen me in the furnace of 
 affliflion. I am the Lord's; for he hath bought 
 me with the price of his precious blood. And 
 now, 
 
 '* My feeble foul (hall win the day, 
 
 " Tho' death and hell obftiiia the way.'' 
 
 But fatan thrufts hard at me, that I might fall. 
 I have need to ^rafp my fhield ; to hold fa ft my 
 
 confidence. 
 
f i:2 ] 
 
 confidtncc. I to!d you before, that the cnemv 
 would moft oi a'l aflauk ycu at this quaf rer : there- 
 fore, Paul wifely faith, Jbove all i ah the jhieH of 
 faith. By faith, we fhall remove mountains, flop 
 the mouths of lions,, and out of wenkntfs be made 
 
 This laying hold of the ftrensth of God, is won- 
 derful : it made one Cry out of old, "^Through 
 Chriil I fhall do Vciliantly: I can do all things 
 through Chrift {Ircngtlienin^ me." What would 
 have become cf fo infignificant a creature as me, 
 had it not been for this ? O, Chritl is all in all to 
 my foul ! 
 
 " When I appear in yonder cloud, 
 *' With all his favcur'd throng; 
 
 " Then I fnall fmg more fweet, more loud, 
 " And Chrift ihall be my fong." 
 
 O learn to love a precious Chrift ! you can never 
 love him too much. Look on him, 'till you arc 
 changed into his image; till you are fealed to the 
 day of redemption ; I mean, till you are fwailowed 
 up in love. 
 
 The work of God goes on at L -. Many are 
 
 awakened. Many are converted. Many are added 
 to th<e church of fuch, as I believe, fhall be faved. 
 The fields are v/hite, ready unto harveft : pray the 
 "Lord of the haivefl that he would fend forth more 
 faithful labourers. 1 believe fatan's kingdom has 
 got a feverc blow, the Lord be praifed ! Imufl tell 
 you fomething remarkable: one that had been 
 mourning under a fenfe of fm a long time, was 
 lately taken ill. For three days and three nights 
 fhe was in ftrong agony of body and foul. With 
 but very little intermiiTion, fhe cried out all that 
 time, Jefus, thou Son of DavJd, /;«tv mercy on me f 
 
 At 
 
C 213 ] 
 
 At lail, raifing her voice, (he flioutcd aloud, 
 *' Amen! Halklujah! Glory be to God in the 
 
 highcd!" and fell back, and expired.- Let us 
 
 join her, and cry Hallelujah, 'till with all the glo- 
 rious throng above, we more perfediy fing to all 
 eternity, " Worthy ts the Lamb 'to receive honour, 
 and hlejjtng, ^nd praifc:' Even To Lord Jefus. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 LETTER LXXXIV. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Y OUR kindnefs of the 5th ult. now lies be- 
 fore me, and was as a cordial ; for when I received 
 it, it gave great ccmtort ant; renei ^^ ^,1" .».!...., ^c 
 that time under fomediftrefs. Indeed, I have fufFered 
 many things lately, for want of the fpirit of Lli. I 
 do not find my eYil nature willfufFerme to fay, " It 
 is the Lord, let him do what he w/7/.'* But upon 
 every little crofs, my will is ready to rife in rebel- 
 lion againft God : I am fit to murmur, complain, 
 and become impatient upon every crofa that vifits 
 me. O how different is my temper of mind, from 
 the difpofjtion of the blefled, the redeeming Jefus! 
 He was meek and lowly in heart; 1 am peevifhand 
 haughty in fpirit. His ^hole life was made up of 
 a feries ct temptations, of aflRitlions fpiritual and 
 temporal, at which he repined not, but committed 
 himfelf to Him that judgeth rightecufly : but I am 
 an unrefigned and wretched creature, without a 
 due conform>ity of temper and difpofition to my 
 Lord. O that I could always fay with finceriry 
 
 and 
 
[214] 
 
 ant] truth, « Not as 1 will, but as thou uilt, 
 Lore/, 
 
 This is my prefent /Tate, in which I am not with- 
 out hope, that that Sariour who died for me, will, 
 oi his* free grace and tender love, deftroy all thefe 
 works of fatan which ftill remain in me : that he 
 wiil wafh me in his blood, fandify my nature, and 
 in his due time beat down fatan under my feet. 
 But we muft patiently wait the Lord's ccm«ig, 
 and Hf that Jball come, will come, and will not 
 farry, 
 
 I am your fmcere friend. 
 
 LETTER LXXXV. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 ■*^ 
 
 X Received yours, and can afTure you it came in 
 an acceptable time. 
 
 " O what is friendfhip! why impreft 
 
 " On my weak, wretched, dying breaft!" 
 
 You are welcome to a6t the part oi a patient, 
 4»nd trolible me . (as you call it) with your com- 
 plaints: you may depend upon the beft affiftance 
 your unworthy friend is able to alford. 
 
 1 am ferry your hafte Mi unbelief caufes you to 
 have hard thoughts of him, who is love in the ab- 
 fira6t. Your reafons for fuch a conduft: are not 
 Jiifncient. Forget not to offer praife for the mer- 
 cies you have already received : by this means wili 
 you be enabled quietly to wait, and at the fame 
 time, earneftly to contend, for an increafe of that 
 fiith, which will produce in you a greater abun- 
 dance 
 
[ 215 3 
 
 -riance oi all the fryits of the fpirit. As a meair^ to 
 this great end, pray for patience with )ouiieiL 
 Your unenfincfs many times arifes, when you rc- 
 niember thofe mercies by which you are dil>.in- 
 -^uifhcd from many who are around you, from con- 
 tiderini^ what ungrateful returns } .^u haTe made h^r 
 this wafte of love. 
 
 It would be well for you to dwell mere upcii 
 the loving-kindnefs of him, who hath calied you 
 out of darknefs into his marvellous light. This, 
 ^vill ha>^e upon your mind a transforming influence. 
 You will perhaps reply, " But you little know 
 how many are m) hinderances." — I am not entirely 
 ignorant of what hurtful impreiTions your mind is 
 fufceptible : and 1 muft intreat you, if you intend 
 to grow in grace, to fet a double watch upon that 
 dangerous avenue to your foul, yoyr imagination. 
 You feem very fenfible of the ba0BBt6ts of givinif 
 loo'c to this excurfive faculty : an^^Byou narrowly 
 ex mine your own heart, you wST perhaps find, 
 that that infenfibility to the things of God, of 
 wiiieh I have heard you complain, is cccafioned 
 ,. by your imagination being too much employed 
 with things of a contrary nature. 
 
 It IS a great thing to keep the heart with all d*- 
 ligence, for truly ct it are tlie ifTuts of life, i on v ill 
 find occafion often to remember the words ol cur 
 i ord ; He that will be my difcipU^ muji deny hirn^ 
 feit\ takfk up his crcfs, and Jo How me. Yonr hr]-*- 
 pinefs will greatly depend upon a right divifion or 
 your time. Your bufinefs requires many hou's of 
 the day : may tlie Lord liclp you to employ wiat 
 is given up to his immediate fervice to the befl: 
 advantage. 
 
 It is cur miCrcy, that v/e have not an high-ptieft 
 that cannot fvmpa?hize with our infirmities, but 
 who was in all points tempted like unto us; and 
 
 the 
 
[ 2i6 ] 
 
 the. rcafon for it is g;vrn hy the apoftle, T/iai he 
 fiiight hf able to fuccour thofe nvho ore tempted* 
 I am, with the greatef> fincerity. 
 
 Your friend, &c. 
 
 *-^ »-** ^ ^ w^ K. ^ if ^^\ W^ tf ■ >^ -^^ ^^ fc\ 'M^ #■ *-^ ^— -^-^ 
 
 ^^••^^ ^^r" •■» ^^^F^^"i %"i^ ^^ ^' *^ ^^ " ^^yw^^-* 
 
 LETTER LXXXVI. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I v K T ncthing difcourage you from the pur- 
 fuit of that (late of perfe61:ion, which is attainable 
 to a!l thofe who feek the Lord jefus in fincerity 
 and truth; and then no difficulty will he found fo 
 great, as to be unfurmountable by bis grace. This 
 I have in feme meafure experienced : for fure 
 there was nf vejfc fon of Adam called to a fenfe of 
 fo many fins aaSiad really committed. My whole 
 life was nothi^ but a varied fcene-of defeQ:ion 
 from God : fo that my foul was fpotted like the 
 leopard, or rather infe6ted like the leper's (kin. 
 
 But yet, my friend, notwithftanding all this evil 
 in my nature, I can fay, and that with a reafcn- 
 ablc afiiirance, that the f-lood of Chr'tjl cleanfeth from 
 all fm. Mv fins were as fcarlet, but the redeeming 
 Jefus hath made them whiter than fnow. I have 
 taped that the Lord is gracious, and that his mercy 
 enduretk for ever. With me the work of grace 
 has been carried on in a regular progreffive man- 
 ner, firft by ftrong corvi6l:ions, then by juftifica- 
 tion through the blood of Chrift, and now, I hope, 
 the Lord is carrying on the work of fanclificstion. 
 Thefe dates have iheir different temptations, and 
 peculiar trials, under \vhich there ftems nothing 
 fo defirable as thegrnce of an humble, metk, and 
 quiet fpirit. When wc can take up cur crofs 
 
 daily 
 
[ iX7 ] 
 
 daily with a fipnllar fpirit to our Saviour, and fay 
 with freedom of heart, Father, thy will be done ; 
 then ihall we be able to rejoice in temptations, and 
 experience the truth of our Lord's words. His yoke 
 is eafyy and his burthen light. 
 
 My trials are chiefly of the internal kind: thefe 
 daily affli6t me ; but the Lord delivereth. me out of 
 all. And what i's fingular is, that in all the anxiety 
 and diftrefs under which I labour, I have not the 
 leaft difpofition to complain to man: nor can I ob- 
 ferve that any perfon conceives I fuffer, or is ap- 
 prehenfive of my trouble. 
 
 I hope the work of grace profpers in the heart*" 
 of our friends here. The Lord is loving to everv 
 man; and would we call out the various idols 
 which poffefs our fouls, and by his fovereign aici 
 deflro'y the anticnt inhabitants of the land, then 
 would he abide with us for ever. But alas! how like 
 the Ifraelites of old, do we retain too great a friend- 
 fh"ip for the former images that engaged our affec- 
 tions ; and norhing but divine grace can reflrain us 
 from worfhipping the antient idols of Caiiaan. How- 
 happy iliould we be, would we efchew our plea- 
 fures, and continually refift all feli-love, thea 
 fhould we go on from flrength to flrength. 
 I am, with due refpefi:, yours fincerely. 
 
 L E T T E R LXXXVil. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 T 
 
 HOUGH it Is impofTh^e for words ^o ex 
 
 pre% the Jenfe I have of th: many obligations ^ am 
 
 und-T to you, yet I muil make the attrmp , by 
 
 thanking you for the kind enquiry ycu made in 
 
 ^ your 
 
[ 2l8 ] 
 
 oui; letters to Mr. *** after the^flate of my foul, 
 i can Qy little elfe but Praife the Lord, my foul, 
 r.nd 'jorget not all his benefits. He has not only 
 faved my life, but is fl;l! crown'ng that life, he fo 
 wonderfully preferved, with his ioci'ing kindnefs and 
 hourly niercits. I cannot dillrufl: the tender mer- 
 cy of my God, either in time cr in efernity : and 
 I can truly fay, that every bleilins I ha:Ve experi- 
 enced, or can defire for myfelf, 1 wilh and fray 
 may defcend upon ycu I hope ) cu do not forget 
 to pray that. I may giorify God with n":y body and 
 fpirit which ^re doubly his. I find I cannot love 
 him as I would; buti rejoice in the pro^pe£l of 
 that biifsiul hoiu", v/hen I ihall call the crown he 
 gives at his feet, and cry without ceafing, with itn- 
 wearied ardour, Worthy is the Lamb that ivas Jlain, 
 to receive all honour, and ^lory, and praife. The 
 thousrht of this employ, oltentimcs overwhelms 
 me in joy that is unfpeal-.able a?id full of glcry. 
 
 O dear Sir, praife the Lord with me, until we 
 magiiit'y his name for ever. I truft I fnall meet 
 your happy fpirit in that day, entire and lacking 
 no'thingj without fpot or blemiih, before the 
 throne. May he who fits thereon dire 51 your heart 
 into fiis per fe<^ love, and to a patient waiting for the 
 coming of Chrifl* 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 LETTER LXXXVin. 
 
 To the SOCIETY at Norwich, 
 Dear Brethren, Jan. 2i, 1761. 
 
 VJ RACE, Mercy, and Peace be to you, from 
 God even our Father, and from our Lord Jefus 
 
 Chrift 
 
L 219 . 
 
 Chriil. Yovr'r [tuil lives are a year ioriii'er, ana 
 
 your future lives a year fiiorter than when 1 wroic 
 
 ^laft unto you. Arc you proportionaLIy advanced 
 
 in grace, and reduced in nature r 
 
 Vou are many of y6Uj already born of Goci, 
 v.'afned, juflified, and fanciified; and you Jiop-.^ 
 to be gloritied through the fplrit, and ir.crft of 
 leiusChnll. Thus much you experience: there- 
 fore you are a chofen generation^ a royal priefr- 
 hood,.- a peculiar people, an holy nation. What 
 for? That you- 7nioht Jhoiu forth the pratfes of hiv:^ 
 ivho hath cal'ed yen cut of darknefs, ihto his riarve!' 
 Ions light, and out of the kingdom oj Jatcr. unto Ccd ; 
 to rece:ve forgiveji^fs of finsy and an inhcritanc. 
 Ainong the fdii^rfird. Thus writes Psul, tiius writt?. 
 Pet^r.. 'Therefore fhew j.9« the nectiTary and bler^ 
 fed eH*c6t5, which refult from fucii a "tbte. Let 
 ail} our thouarhts, worda^ and a6^-ions,, be in Chrifr, 
 thiough Chri'l,. and unto Chriil. Alh'b done, is 
 wfll done; and though undeferving of i^ny rc« 
 ward; yet is To aciptnble to our dear i.'avicur, 
 that 51 has the proirjff, both of this life^ and of 
 that which is to conic. 
 
 If ihe teim finiefs perfeclicn be difguiirii! to 
 fbrne, fure chrKtian perfecf'on wil! be grau-f^ul to 
 all who know ChrifV. 'Tis to love God v/nh all 
 our heart, ir.ind, foul, and dreng^u T^us is 
 fciiptural perfeclicn. Tliis is the wc^r^f c: God. 
 This is his ccniaiand. Yea; ?.nd it is liJJifral to 
 v\\Q regenerate to defiVe ih-s. /, .c .^11 the Tons cf 
 God? Should you not then be ML=\vcrs, (*i"nitn- 
 tors) of God as dear children? is C'.i-n- ycur 
 head, hcly ? lliould not you his member? be holy 
 alfo? Are you endued with the gift of th-e fpirit ? 
 fiiould > ou not ihcn bring forth the U uit cf the fpirit ? 
 Coiifidcrall this. Why {hould we neole6t, rcfufe, 
 «r objeQ to be what is- mofl intcrefting, ard ad- 
 
 w' 2 
 
[ 220 J 
 
 vantageous m our ftate ? And fo ncceflary, that 
 i^hough we cariTiot be faved for it, yet we cannot 
 be fa-ved without it. Are ye trees of righteouf- 
 nefs? Let the trees be known by their fruit. 
 
 Though you are in a flate of falvation, yet mud 
 you flrive, to work out your faivation with fear 
 and trembling. Give, my brethren, give all diii- 
 gence to add to your faith, virtue; to virtue, 
 knowledge ; to knowledge, temperance ; to temr 
 perancc, patience; to patience, godlinefs; to god- 
 linefs, brotherly-kindnefs ; to brotherly-kindnefir, 
 charity. For if thefe tilings be in you, and abound> 
 they make you, that yon fliall neither be barren^ 
 or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jefu& 
 Chrifl. TTiUs let us fee what our Lord and we 
 fhall bring it to at laft. Are ye trees of rightepuf-^ 
 nefs ? Let the trees be kncwn by their fruit.. 
 
 'Tis well known, wc muft go through manifold 
 temptations into the kingdom. Our foes will dif- 
 putc it with us, f very inch of the ground to hea- 
 ven. But what then? Greater is he, who is in us, 
 than lit' who is in tiie world. You may, nay you 
 mufr, ftiind in the evil day; and when you havf 
 tii^ne all ftr.nd. li you don't, the fault is your own. 
 The cffed your ihame. \^» are not tempted 
 above that we are able. WjfevtT fall, we never 
 fin, through the want, bi»hrough th^ abufe of 
 grace. Nor is it enough «fcand our ground, but 
 we mufl conquer alfo, or not enjoy the crown of 
 Iife» Therefore when the flcfh tempts you, flee^ 
 and pray ; v/hen the world tempts you, watcj 
 pri . ; und when the devil tempts you, refiij 
 pr::^ So fliall ye be more than conquerors. 
 >c trees of righteoufnefs? Let the trees be known 
 by their fruit. 
 
 Suffer me to prefcribe to you a method, how to 
 live one day well. It may ferve for every day after., 
 
 bv 
 
 
[ 221 J . 
 
 l^y repeating it. Nor will I prefuqfic to lay a biir- 
 then on your fhoulders, and not touch it with my 
 ov/n fingers. 
 
 As foon as you awake in the morningj empicy 
 half an hour in five things. Blefs God for the 
 mercies of the night pafl; pray for the blefTings 
 of anew d?.y '^ examine wefl your cv/n heart; 
 meditate upon fomc fpi ritual fubjeft;: and laflly, 
 plan the bufmefs of the approaching day. Theu 
 rife at four o'clock, but never later than five, i 
 Well. While you' put on your ctoaths, praifc, 
 or pray, mentally, but fuitably to your ftate. 
 Then fpetid another half hour in fecret medUation^ 
 praife, and prayer. After this call your familr 
 tbscether, read a chapter, and as Vou have ability 
 nrfdleifure,. expound it to them. Then fing a 
 hymn, and ^conclude- with ptayer. Pray always 
 before and after meat : thus take the curfe from off 
 y our V I £t u a Is- ; a h d "b li- fs ' God f of ' f h e l^ e n e fi t 
 of them-. Begin, proceed in, and lay by work, 
 thus. Begin with that which fholild never ceafe, 
 >)r^ayer i'n yoiir rnind;' while you are at your wo'k^ 
 meditaft, praife, or pray, 'or converfe religioufly 
 with tHofe about you: this will not hinder, but 
 furthef your labour. As often as you can, retire a 
 few minutes to prayer, amine o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, and three in the afternoonV It would be'wcfl 
 fo fpend a little time- in sprayer with your family, 
 immediately after dinner. In the evening ccnflantlv 
 obferve the fame order of devotion in your family, 
 as in the morning. At going to bed, revife the 
 tlmi'ghts, words, and actions of the paft dav. 
 V/hat appears amifs, beg pardon for : what is well 
 blefs God alone for ; and never clofe your eyes to 
 deep, with any unforgiven fin upon your confci- 
 ence. Are you trees of righteoufnefs ? Let the 
 trees b^ known by their fruit. 
 
 U 3 Never 
 
[ 222 ] 
 
 Never negleft lhis,or ibme fuch method of walk- 
 ing with God. Do all feelingly, fervently, and 
 devoutly, as from the fpirit of God in you. Cuf- 
 tcm will make it familiar, eafy, and plcafant to 
 you. And if you thus fpend every week-day, you 
 will no doubt keep the fabbath-day holy. You 
 will furely attend the word, the Lord's table, and 
 all occaficnal meetings. All this will help you to 
 attain to tlie meafure of the flature, of perfect, 
 men in Chi ill. Are ye trees of righteGufnefs ?. 
 Let the trees.be known by their fruit. 
 
 In a word,, diligently ufe every means, and z% 
 diligently cxercife every meafure of grace. Be fer- 
 vent in fpirit, ferving the Lord.. In every things, 
 invariably aim at his glory, out of a pure heart,, 
 and good confcicBce,. and faith unfeigned. Are ye 
 trees of righteoufnefa? Let the trees, be known h-^ 
 their fruit. 
 
 To the everjafling praife of Qur deai^ Jefus be it 
 known to you, that his work of gr^ce profpcrs in 
 thefe parts. Our congregatioas., are generally 
 large: new members are added to our focieties, 
 and our old ones go on in full affur^ance, and feme 
 of them in the triumph of faith, to heaven. Are 
 '»ve trees of righteoufnefs ?. May we have our fruit 
 unto holinefs, and the end everlafting life. Pra)[ 
 or me, and rii pray for you, wiio am 
 
 Your afFe£tionat€ Brother^ 
 
 L E 
 
[ 223 1 
 
 LETTER LXXXIX. 
 My dear Father, Dublin, July 23, 1755. 
 
 HO' I am far diftant from you in perfoa, 
 yet I am intimately near you in fpirit and affecftion. 
 
 At prefent I write unto you, with abundance 
 of tears flowing from my eyes, proceeding from 
 the fuUnefs of love in my heart. My intent in 
 writing unto you, is not to procure your favour, 
 that I know you give me out of paternal aiFedlion 
 and a fenfe of duty; nor for your fubflance that 
 I do not want*, but my byfinefs with you is far 
 more important ; Ibefeechyou, O my dear Fa- 
 t;her, to feek the one th'ni^ needful. To lay afide 
 every weight, and the fin (viz, wordly mtndednefs) 
 which does mojfl: eafily bcfet you : And to ufe all 
 diligence to make your calling and election iure. 
 Renouncing your own righteoufecfs, 'which is but 
 as filthy rai^Sj make application to Chrift, that 
 you may be interefted in his blood, and righteouf- 
 nefs. Tis by taitkin. his blood we arc juftified; 
 ^tis by faith in his blood we are fan6lified : yea, it 
 i^ the blood of Chrift which cleanferh from all lln. 
 
 Oh!, that I could but impart unto you fome of 
 the (w'eetnefs, and. comfort, -which 1 now feel in 
 the enjoyment of the love of God. Tho* it would 
 be hell to me, to return unto a natural unregene- 
 rate ftate again ; yet 1 would willingly part with 
 the love of Godi for a little time, that you might 
 know what it h to love him, and to have Chrift 
 formed in your hear' by faith. I could with St. 
 Paul, wifh myfelf, (temporally) accurfea for you 
 and the reft of my relations according to the fief>. 
 But though I cannot, by this or any other means 
 J rf\n ufe, meri: thi? bki!ing for you, or confer 
 
 it 
 
[ 224 ] 
 
 it upon you; yet there is.tlie fume unexhauftible 
 fullnefs of mercy, and love in Chriftfor you, as 1 
 uiid many mop:^ have found. If you turn hear- 
 tily unto ])i II, you will, you afTuredly wHl meet 
 with the fame welcome, and blrfled treaaneiit 
 that others have done. There is bah-n in pile^d: 
 his- arm is Eot fliortened, thiit it eannpt faye jr or 
 his car grown heavy that it cannot hear, but' lit 
 has the fame compaffionate heart, cordial" love,.. 
 and exquifite tendernefs toward returning prodi- 
 gals, and felt righteoufnefs renoiuicin^ pLari^es,. 
 as he had feventeen hundred years ago> when af- 
 fectionately crying: Cg;;;^ ufitg nie all\qilieti labour 
 and are hraijy icden^mid kyiJtlt gifife yp,u reji^2ir\di iovr 
 r o wf ul 1 y com pi ai q i ng, ye ■ ixi'tll n ot . qo^nifi, fA.fne. ikot 
 ye might have iije.. ' /'. "' ; ^ ' '.' 
 
 Yet as \ have often told you, wlitn' preleiSt, u>> 
 I tell you now I am abfer.t^ that you muft com^e unto 
 Chrift 1 ere on earth, in the way of repentancej. 
 and f^ithj or you can never a^^end, to- his king- 
 dom and g^'<5ry in heaven,, 
 
 Chrift muil come down into our hearts, byhj^' 
 fpjrir 5 or we can never arife to happincfs in e^ter- 
 nity, not even by his merit. Our hc<irts. muft" be- 
 come his throne here, if ever we have a feat im 
 his throne hereafter.. Converted \Ye ,rnu,ft b^j^ or 
 be condemned* Changed from nature to grace, 
 while living, or change our place from earth, to 
 hell, when dead. Without renovation in lime^ 
 no reiurrection to eternal happinefs in eternity. 
 What mu it dogs and fwine do in the palace pf 
 the king of heaven, and in the garden of paradife,. 
 and iuch we realty are, until renewed in the image 
 of God. 
 
 \ know you are an honcfl man among your 
 neighbours, and a loving and refpe^ful father 
 unto your children; but honefly is not regenera- 
 tion. 
 
[ 225 1 
 
 tion. Though you are civilized, you arc not fanc- 
 tifieJ. Do not take it ill. 1 hink me not undu- 
 tiful, becaufe faithful unto my conference, leaft of 
 all think me unkind, becaufe I tell you the truth. 
 Ye muft (notwithftanding) be born again. 
 
 Pray attend the word of God where it is preach- 
 ed in t/ie demonjiration of the fpirit, and oj poiver j 
 and do not by any means neglecSt private or fami- 
 ly prayer. May the bleffing of God attend every 
 means' you ufe, and make them fpirit and life unto 
 you : ma; he give you grace, with peace in this 
 world, and everlafting happinefs in the next, is 
 ihe unfeigned prayer, of 
 
 Your dutiful Son. 
 
 LETTER XC. 
 
 Cork, March 23, 17^5. 
 My very dear, and loving Father, 
 
 OURS I received with thankfuhiefs. I might 
 inform you how much 1 efteem you, and how 
 great pleafure the hearing from fo kind, and in- 
 dulgent a parent gives ire : but this would neither 
 be as expreflive of my true affedion, or fo ufeful 
 and beneficial to you, as to watch for your foul, 
 and pray for your falvation. I am thoroughly 
 convinced this is the trueft inftanee of rational 
 and exalted kindnefs. Every claim to this amia- 
 ble character is quite defe<£live and vain, if it does 
 not extend to our fpiriiual interells, and our eter- 
 nal welf \re. 
 
 1 hope, my dear Father, you do not negle<St 
 ihe one thing needful. All worldly things, tho* of 
 the mofl excellent kinds^ are but like the molt 
 
 aefpicabie 
 
r 226 ] 
 
 defpicable cIiafFj %vhen compared with the bleflings 
 Govl beftows upon his children here, and the in- 
 eftimable trealure he hath hiid up for th^m here- 
 after. Oh! how dark and gloomy is that man s 
 jlate, who has not an interell in our dear Re- 
 deemer, tho' he may fwim in the river of fenfuaf 
 pleafure, baik in tiie warmeft beams of human 
 honour, and have the Ipoils of k ngdo'^.s at his 
 ieet, compared to his, whofe privilege it is co- 
 live under the benign influences of heaven, in the 
 prorpe.51 of glory, and in divine communion with. 
 His God, tho* Cloathed i-i rags, and fituate vndi 
 Lazarus upon the dunghill. 
 
 1 have delayed, for iome- time, to write unto 
 you, expecting Mr. W. coming to this place, .in. 
 order that I niight inform you when and how I 
 hope to CO. e into England j btis^ his irar\'ing beeii. 
 prevenred in his intention of coming nere, has-: 
 rendered me incapab' ; of giving you any infor« 
 maticyn, notwithiland: .L. my d;;iiy. • j^ " 
 
 I unfeignedly thank .< ;d ! a.nki my nfual flatc 
 of health, and diipoaiioa of mind, tho' neither- 
 exempt froi-Hbodii; pains, f'Ui contiicts, or out- 
 ward crofTjs, yet the Lord gives me frrengtn ac- 
 cord; ;)g to my day j a .d, v/hich is not a lutle to- 
 rny comrji:t, i& pieafeJj la lome fmall meafure, to 
 give.fuecefs to my unworthy kiboui's. Some iin- 
 II eri which were far oiT, arc brought nigh to .God 
 by the blood of Chriftj and others convinced of 
 tieii diftance trom him, and has an earneft dehre 
 tp return unto hira. 
 
 1 need not tell you, that 1 think often of, and 
 delire to be witnyou*, but while this cannot be, 
 GoJ. will give me conteiumem :. however, may 
 you, and ail my i^Utions ana friends, live under 
 the heavenly i'ighr, and healing wings of Jefus 
 Chriil. jNIay you have brighter and brighter 
 
 maniteftatiODi 
 
[ 2i7 ] 
 
 manitcftatlons of his inimenfc and amIaMc per- 
 fcdtions ; and may you, by thefc heavenly views, 
 grow daily in his huly and divine image-, tlicn 
 your happinefs will be luch as is wifhed tor, 
 
 Bv \our molt obliged, and dutiful ^on, 5cc 
 
 L E T T E Pv XCI. 
 
 My dear friend, Jan. ip, 1758. 
 
 w 
 
 IliV'T^ can comfort a foul that is painfully 
 diitrefleil for Tvant of io-ve ? It may be fome allay 
 to one's mifery, to think that others love that God 
 whom we would love, but cannot. What can 
 afflift that foul which is free from every creature, 
 and fixed on God alone r One can fcarcely thinlc 
 that any could be fo bafe, v/ith refpedt to God, 
 and wretched with regard to Inmlelf, as not to 
 love him; and yet this wretchednefs I feel. Wri- 
 ting juft now on my own condition, preffes it 
 deeper on my troubled heart. I had no iooner 
 come to this conclufion, { do not love the Lord 
 Jefus Chrlll, but it occurred to me, yet othets do: 
 here I found a pleating {ktisfaftion. I then blefl- 
 ed God for you, and others of my friends, wha» 
 ofier him what is due. from all, biu what I ftilt 
 witlihold, t/tL' ioze of the ix^hol^ keart. 
 
 As the ftate 1 apprehend your foid tq be m, 
 affords nie matter of pi'aife, and adluaily excites 
 it \ jfo the ftate you muft judge my foul to be ir>,^ 
 from the account I have given of it, wil aiford 
 you matter of prater, and Ihould actually excite 
 it, while it occasions your pity. 
 
 I formerly threatened you with letters, know- 
 ing, that if you have pntience, it was not given 
 
A 
 
 [ 228 3 
 
 to be wrapped up in a napkin, but for exercife: 
 and now I am going about the performance of it, 
 I may tell you before hand, I am wretched, and 
 dcfire your prayers, fhall be my fubje£l: the va- 
 rious parts of which, I fliall unfold, explain and 
 infift on, as I fee occafion. But you may cxpeft 
 I fliall do this in different humours; you muft 
 look for nothing of unchangeablenefs in me, till 
 iny worfl:, my oldeft enemy, felf, expires. 
 
 Perfedl love, unfpotted charity j not to be fub- 
 je£b to any inordinate affedlions, any irregular 
 defire of any kind, in any degree: to have no 
 one affe£lion of the foul at any time exercifed on 
 an impioper obje£t, or in an undue manner ; to 
 love every creature in a due fubordination to the 
 love of God, and each in their order, according 
 to that meafure of his image which they bear, 
 and the relation they ftand in unto him ; I fay, 
 thefe are things fo great for a finner to attain to, 
 as to be almoft incredible. Yet if you can, in 
 cool blood, affirm each of thefe particulars of 
 yourfelf, 1 knov/ not how I could, confident 
 w t that charity, which hopeth, and bclieveth 
 all thfngs, difbelieve you 
 
 Eiu how fliall ' attain them ? Methinksl hear 
 you earneftly exhort me. Caft off: prefs on ; 
 f ^ h; : wreftle, and be ftill. All this is ever 
 fcuiiding ill n^y ears ; but alas ! I lind no door 
 of hope. 1 lie old man, if not the ftrong one, 
 has Itiil poffeffion, and much goods aid up in 
 ftore lor many years. >.o f traits can expell 
 him ; for however clofely he may be befleged 
 without, he hasprovilion enough to fubfift on 
 within : and he can refifl: all power, but omnipo- 
 tence. It ou fay there needs no other. Engage 
 this en your f de, and you fliall be more than a 
 Conqueror* How ? By prayer. 1 do pray ; 
 
 but 
 
I 229 ] 
 
 but it lecms as though he regarded jt not. Join 
 me in the petition, and it may be I fhall prevail. 
 Thus you fee, tis proper my fubje<5l fhould be— i 
 I am wretched, pray for me. 
 
 Still, that you may not be found lefs la the 
 fight of God, than your greateft friend or flat- 
 terer,' whether yourfelf or another, either fays you 
 are, or thinks you to be, is the ardent prayer of 
 Your friend and brother, &c. 
 
 LETTER XCII. 
 
 To Mr. Thomas Hanby, occafidned by the 
 fudden Death of feveral near Relations, by 
 . Mr. Thomas Olivers. 
 
 My very dear Brother, 
 
 A 
 
 Few days ago, I was informed of the awfui 
 .breach which divine Providence lately made in your 
 family : a breach, Vv^hich loudly deitiands the great- 
 eft pity, and fofteil: fympathy of every friend.-^ 
 To iofe the v/ife of your youth, — or your firfl-born 
 and only fen, — or, even, a diftant relation, — is 
 doubtlefs, a heavy trial ; but to have all thrfe taken 
 'away, and that by a fing'e ftroke, is a trial of the 
 firfi magnitude: and every oneinfuch circumftances 
 muft feel, unlefs he be pajl feeling. I doubt 
 not h^t you feel your fhare. Your heart is young 
 and uuexperienced in fuch fcenes of woe, and 
 therefore they fall on you with douhle (veight. O! 
 it is well you .hav- Omnipote-ce to fupnort vou, 
 or you wofild (Iv^ bcnea h/) :; »o«d! }OU would 
 fall to rife no mire , 
 
 X Til. 
 
[ ^30 ] 
 The cloud of this difpenfation may, in all pro- 
 bability, be fo thick at prefent, that you cannot 
 fee the hand which diieded it. But it fiiall foon 
 become trajij parent ; and then you fhall fee the 
 hand, jind heart of your beji Father; and acknow- 
 ledge, it was unmixed goodnefs, which intended 
 the ftroke, and unerring wifdcm, v]\\\c\idir?^€dit 
 fo near your heart. Till this appears, be flUnt ; 
 and when it does, you poall -adore. You have often 
 recommended to others. Not to forrow as thofe 
 'who have no hope. Let me recomrr-cnd the fame 
 to you. Let thofe tears v4iich evidence your ten- 
 der affection for your late friend, equally evidence 
 your fubmiflion to your divine Father. Tou hav* 
 heard of the patience of ^ oh, With v/hat deep re- 
 verence I with what unfeigned fubje8ion! did he 
 receive the repeated tidings of his complicated C2\-\- 
 mities! The Lord gave^ (aid he, and the Lord hath 
 taken avjay^ and blejfed he the name oj the Lord, 
 And when he was llrongly folicited to murmur at 
 the difpenfation, and blafphcme its Author, he re- 
 jected it with abhorrence; -IVhat! faid he, fjall I 
 receive good at the hand of God, and floall J not re- 
 ceive evil^ It is then added, to his immortal ho- 
 nour, In all this J oh finned Mt, May God fay the 
 fame of you! " I took away a diftant relation, — 
 and in this he fmned not. I took away his fon^ 
 his only fon — and in this he finned not. I then 
 tore from his bleeding heart, a tender wife, lately 
 entwined about it — and in this he finned not. The 
 Jirft meffenger of heavy tidings was fcarce arrived, 
 when io! a fecond followed ; and ere he had deli- 
 vered his more awful mcffage, beheld ! a third trod 
 upon his heels — and in all this he fnned not." 
 May you thus have a teftimony that you pleafe 
 God, and it fhall turn to your honour before a f- 
 fembled worlds ! 
 
 It 
 
[ 231 ] 
 
 If you have been a means of helping your friend 
 to conquer the difficuhies of life and death, Ihe is 
 now blefpng the day llic became yours. And I hope 
 you were — and that fhc, and her new born fon,- 
 are now two Ihining forms before the throne, re- 
 joicing in the prefence of the Lamb. May } ou 
 follow them to your Father's country ! — May you 
 weather out every dorm, which fliall rife againf!: 
 you on the ocean of time! — and when tlie voyage 
 of hfe is over, they lliall meet and hail you on the 
 tejefiia! /Irand, and bid you ten thoufand welcomes 
 to- their blefTed abodes :— and it may be,, a^ hen the 
 all-bountiful Redeemer, all-righteous Judge, fhall 
 alUgn you your reward, that they will be officious 
 in arriiying you in the garments of light ; and in 
 adorning your head with an immortal wreath ; and 
 \n putting the emblem of vi6lory, and a golden 
 harp into your hand. — O that I was mafler of the 
 language of immortality ! O that I could fpec k 
 hke the difembodied! how loudly would I call on 
 you! how poiverfully would \ perfuade ycu, to 
 ghgv ! to burn f with ardent defjre \ vixlh hoiy af-- 
 Je^ions ; Vf\{\\ flaming zeal — for: that better 'world/ 
 for that better company! far. that better enjo^-- 
 ment,. 
 
 Imagine, for a few moments, that your late- 
 companion is perm-tted to, do this, and that you. 
 hear her addre-fling you in the following manner. 
 
 " O thou blefl'ed among mortals !- who vv^fl:, 
 for a few fliort-liv(id rocments, my*deareft friend 
 on earth — thou fijidjsft by jad, but 1 by jcyful ex- 
 perience, that thcs fweetell earthly enjoyment is 
 foon over. TKou^feefl- as through a glafs darkly, 
 but I with the lull blaze of ete rrral d^y, that all on 
 earth which -it^oTXiih qzW good ami ^r eat , isonK empti- 
 nefs, vanity^, and difappointmen'. We, the in- 
 habitants <^fuiidouGfd day, .look down from our 
 X 2 exalted 
 
[ 232 ] 
 exalted fummlts, and behold your ivcrld and all 
 its glcry^ only as a fpeck of darknrfs, encompa[fc(l 
 by an hfmlte Qcecm of light— Wt fee how clojeh 
 eternity befets you en every /tde ; while you, like 
 niiliions of intelligent atoms, croud each other 
 wli'hjn your little fphere ; thoufands of which are 
 daily hovering on the ver^e, while other thoufands 
 are pafJJng over / —We Hkewife fee, with eyes of 
 pity, how eagerly you toil amidft darkneff,fnaref, 
 and deaths, and all for the trifles of a moment, 
 while ftiGTjiitY, greedy etern'ity ! not fatisfied with 
 the flaughter of fix thoufand years, Hi!! waits, with 
 its wide extended jaws, to fwallow up allfucceeding 
 generations /— O ! how dee* all heaven piry your 
 folly, m Jlii^htinr, the awful concerns of eternity ; 
 and in defpifing the infinite fource of all blefTed- 
 nefs ; only for the bubbles zr)(^ Jhadows of a dif- 
 ordered vjorld- 
 
 But^ with ineffable pleafure, we behold the 
 happy few, wKr have declared eternal war with 
 the prince of darknefs ; who defpife the empty 
 enjoyments of a vain world ; who rife fuperior 
 to their own degeneracy, and feek their all in 
 God.— -Such are efteemed by ycu, O ye blind- 
 mortals ! as the filth and ofF-fcouring of your world; 
 but wc, through all our different orders, efteem 
 t;hem as fome of the brightrjl ornament's of ours. 
 You long to drive them from earth ; but we, to 
 receive them into heaven. And when he who 
 bought them with his blood, fhall fign their 
 happy difmiffion ; a detachment of celeflial 
 meflengers, a convoy of flaming guards, fhalT 
 fafely guide them through death, and fwiftly con- 
 duct them home. Then, then ihall the living 
 doors fpontaneoufly fly open to admit them— 
 and all the tongues, and eyes; and hearts of heaven, 
 fliall bid them a thoufand w elc cm cs-.n- while the 
 
 mighty 
 
fa'tghty concaye, made vocal by the univerfal ac« 
 clamations, reverberates the ^ found. — Till then, 
 their lot is to iabour i^ndfuffer ^ to obey God, to 
 re/tjl the devil, to renounce the world, to crucify 
 Ihemfelves. O ! with what foft regard, tendet 
 pity and deep compafTion, do we behold their toil, 
 their difficulties, their enemies, their dangers! 
 yea, how do we almoft tremble, to fee their ever- 
 hiking fate To often weighed in a doubtful balance' 
 but all the mighty powers, of heaven rejoice, and 
 through all their countlefs myriads, bow in grate- 
 ful homage, to that exalted Name.yr\iKh prepon- 
 derates the fcale. . 
 
 ** But, O thou! th^ late partner of my weal 
 and woe, whofefriendfhip followed me through 
 life, through death, and ftill follows me beyond 
 the grave ; wh^t foods / what oceans of imrnor- 
 tal pleafure ! fills.! over flows and deluges my difem* - 
 bodied capacity on thy account! O how t exult / 
 and triumph, on feeing thy face towards Zion f 
 with what inconceivable extacy do I behold thee 
 labouring up the (kies, .and beckoning to iliy fel- 
 lows, to follow after ! Joy— extacy-— tranfport— 
 glory— /Vr^^y^,-— and wider I— -^nd fill 'wider tx^ 
 pfnd my happy foi fit, on every profpe^l of thy 
 arrival to- this happy world! It exalts my moft 
 exalted joys; — it heightens my highefl praife, to 
 think that my dearefl:' earthly friend fhall foonfhine 
 brighter than ten thoufand funs ; and that ere long 
 we fhall fit, down together, at ImmanuePs'feet, to 
 recount the dangers we have efeaped on earth, and ; 
 to repeat thfe (lory of redeeming love, , 
 
 ** Till then, go on in the name of thy great 
 Maftdr. Let nothing on earth obflru^ ^h P^ff^g^y 
 or retard thy motion, towards a blifsful immortality.. 
 Let thy eye b^ ever fixt on that facred ray which 
 proceeds from -the throne. of God, and which, in . 
 X\3 great : 
 
t 234 ] . 
 
 great mercy, glimmers through the fkie?. Lctr^ 
 direQ: thy fteps through all the darknefs and dan- 
 gers of time, and point out thy way to this world 
 of glorious light ; and when thou arriveft, whole 
 floods of endlefs day fhall be poured on thy afto- 
 nifhed fight. Let thy ears be always open to the 
 ■(acred calls of thy divine Mafler, and let them con- 
 tinualy attend to the humble complaints of his af- 
 fli6led fervants ; and in a fhort time thy enraptured 
 foul fhall be filled with the founds of thefe mighty, 
 thefe thundering hallelujahs, which burfl for ever 
 around the tremendous throne. JLct thy tongue, 
 row feeble and fauitering, and which fhall foon be 
 filent in the grave, publifh abroad xhvough all the 
 earth, the Love which aftonifhes all heaven. Pub- 
 hfh,. O publifh ! its exalted heights, its profound 
 depth; its immeafurable length and breadth!— 
 Tell the rebellious fors of earth, of immenftty con- 
 traded to a fpan ! — Tell them of Infinity- ciuihtd 
 beneath their load! — Tell them oi Immortality dy- 
 ing in their (lead ! — Employ in this fervice, thy 
 bejl Jlraini, and thy loudejl accents ; and, in a fhort 
 time, thou fhalt have a tongue of celeftial fire, and 
 a voice which (hall reach the moft exalted of all 
 our radiant orbs.— Let thy 'vuhole Joul ; thy 'whole 
 firength; thy ivhoie time -^ be employed for Him , 
 who lived! who bled/ who dyed for thee! O! be 
 aftive as fire ; be humble as the dufl: ; be ferious 
 as death ; be folemn as the grave ; Let thy faith 
 be like Abraham^ \ thy meeknefs like Mofesh j thy 
 patience like Jo^'s; thy prayer like Elijah'^ -^ thy 
 
 thy joy 
 
 -vhat rifing joy ! — what /welling pleafure ! what 
 Ireaming, fhining! flaming glory fills this place ! 
 —How mighty ! how huge is the reward of hea- 
 ven! 
 
C 235 1 
 
 ven !— ^// is hJinite—AW is eternal— Ajid all is 
 mine! — Adieu." And now, as flie returns, ima- 
 gine you hear ihe lejj'ening fciindj;, " HALLI/ 
 LUJAH—HaiLelu J AH— Hallelujah." 
 
 Thus ^i\Q being dead,, yet rpeaketh- ATcy the 
 important admonition have its due effefi: on 3 our 
 mind! May the found of it enter your very foul, 
 and follow you wherever you go: fo fliall your 
 abundant lofs become your more abundant gain I 
 
 7 he advantages intended you by tliis viiitatiofl, 
 are, firfl:, to convince you, more deeply, of the 
 mutability of all earthly comforts. Through the 
 medium of this difpenfation, you fee more 
 clearly how flu6tuating thefe things are, and how 
 little they are to be depended on. Ycu fee that 
 riches, honours, friends, health and h'fe, may be 
 at our command this hour; and in the next, make 
 themfelves wings and fly away. With what clear- 
 nefs do you now behold that all flelh is grafs, 
 and the glory of man as thejiower of the grafs fSS/' xth. 
 what advantage do you now read that the fi.p^ion 
 «f this world paffeth away : pafleth away, even, 
 while we are beholding it; and that with yi/ri 
 fpeed, that ere we have a full view, it is out of 
 our fight. Happy are they who have a divine con- 
 fdence that an unchangeable God is their Father \ 
 and who have a lively hope of an inheritance incor- 
 ruptible , and und'' filed,' and that fadeth not away! 
 May that confidence and hope increafe in you daily, 
 and be preferved ftedfaft unto the end ! 
 
 A fecond advantage intended, is, that you may- 
 fit more loofc to the world and its enjoyments. 
 Wretched as thefe enjoyments are, there is fome- 
 thing in them fo peculiarly enfnaring, that it is 
 alrnofi: impofllble to poffefs them and not be de- 
 ftroyed : and it is much to be feared, that thou- 
 fands, who have p^vercome every other difficulty, 
 
 V wilj. 
 
[ 236 I 
 
 vi]>^ after all, Ic dafhed in pieces on this roek* 
 ]jiu this is not tcr want of caution : the facred ad-, 
 monitions are for ever founding in our ears; Be, ^.4,^ 
 ^orfcrmed to this world -^ Set your affe^ions on things 
 ahrjr^^s^ and not en things on earth 'f. Lo'vs yiot th^e ttjorldy 
 nor the things of the world -^ Little ehijdren ke.ep 
 your/elves from idols » Now, if after nfl.iliere fa^ 
 therly infl:ru^:ions, and kind commandsj we ftirt 
 incline to wander, the bleffed G'/)d will'hedge up 
 our way withhrierSj if we break through thefe, 
 he will in mercy, conceal fome thorn untfer our 
 favourite flower,, or mix our fwieet delight with 
 gall. If this proves inefFedual, and the little im- 
 pertinences oj earth ftill cleave to us, even, like 
 the flefh to the bone; in this cafe, God is 
 obliged to put us to more pain, and (in order to pre- 
 vent our eternal ruin) to fave us hj fuch means a& 
 are like tearing the fieflo fmn the hones. O what a , 
 privilege is j^wr/ v// prefent. Your mofl gracious 
 Father is now telling yau, that you mufl be all his 
 own ; that he ivili have all your heart j , that yoii 
 
 (halt ht fully blefTed. And ralher than, the world 
 
 or ffn or fatan fhould deflroy^ or hurt, or eVeu 
 
 touch you to your Jifadvantage, that he will inter- . 
 
 pofe with all his wifdom, and power, nntl mercy, 
 
 and truth;, and that nothing, but the m\)fl wilful: 
 
 obftinacy, ihall be able to harra you. O what 
 
 n:h mercy and aftonifhing goodnefs is this 1 and 
 
 how unutterably great is your privilege! May it 
 
 teach you to praife and adore its divine Author, 
 
 with the moft pure and warm afFe6tion ! May it 
 
 teach you to watch with the ftrideft attention over 
 
 your heart ; and to keep at the utmoft diilance from 
 
 the defire of the ftefli, the defire of the eye, and 
 
 the pride of life I' And may it teach you to look 
 
 on yourfelf only as a ftrangcr and fojourner on 
 
 earth ; 
 
[ 237 ] 
 earth; only as a poor pilgrim, who Is traveHing 
 through a vale of tears, In fearch of a better coun- 
 try ;' who is iwging his way to eternal life, through 
 the valley of the Hiadow of death! 
 
 A third advantage inltnded, is, to quicken you 
 in your way ; to caufe you to mend ydtir pace and 
 double )our diligence. We all have conftant need 
 of this. Our work is Jo important, and our ftrcngth 
 fo little \ and cur time fo Ihort, that we ought to 
 be broad n-'ji'ake, and all alive and on fuUJJretch con- 
 tinually. I'lit this is not pleafi-'g^to flefh and blood ; 
 not agreeable to our wretched hearts: thefe love 
 to be at reil: and quiet, and ever incline us to fall 
 afleep. To prevent thi?, We have need of all the 
 grace of Cod, and of the afTiftance of all his dif- 
 penfatioiis, Affli6lion (your prcf^nt difpenfatlon) 
 is of fmguiar ufe m this cafe; bccaufe, thereby^ 
 the foul is purged of that groffnefs which occafiions 
 its dulnefs and flupidity.' Hence we often find^ 
 that perfdns in affliclion are zealous and ai^ive^' 
 who, at other times, arc co!d and negli^enf. With" 
 what fervency do they then call upon God ? With 
 what fteadinefs watch over their own hearts ? With 
 what impartiality examine themfelves ? With what 
 indignation vow againft fin ? With what holy re- 
 folutlon devote themfelves to God ? And with 
 what detp humility, ferioufnefs and circumfpec- 
 tion walk before him ? 
 
 How often have you defired God to hefp*you, 
 t^uf to double your diligence? Hew often have 
 you be^i^ed, \tith flrong crying and tears, that he 
 would do it by ^^«)> meuns, fo it mit^ht be done 
 cffe6lually. 
 
 And behold! he is now anfwering ycrr prayer: 
 he is now granting the requcfl- of ycur lips ar;d ihe 
 defire of vour heart. May the m^an? by vhitli 
 
 his 
 
[ 438 j 
 
 his infinite and adorable wifdom is promoting this 
 defirable end, promote it more abundantly day by 
 day! May you continually increafe in zeal for the 
 glory of God, and in pity for a dying world ! May 
 }ou fee, in the cleareft light, what numberlefs 
 icenes of mifery ! what univerlal ruin and deftruc- 
 tioji, covers the wjiole earth I And may you fee 
 how the common enemy lieth in wait for unwary 
 fouls; how he firft captivates; then blindfolds 
 them ; then drags them in his curfed chain to cter* 
 nal death; and then triumphs over hir prey, and 
 infuits fhe throne of God t May holy indignation 
 againd this enemy of God, this devourer of hu- 
 man-kind, fet you all on fire ! And may the deep- 
 cil compaffion, and the mod generous ccicern for 
 your fellow fufFerers, foften and melt and enlarge 
 your foul ! And may thi.f caufe you to found the 
 name of Jesus, and publifh his great Salvati- 
 on, with all your might ! O may you fly with 
 the facred TIDINGS, to the eall and to the weff> 
 to the north and to the fouth-! And may you 
 eftecm it your higheft honour, an<;l make it your 
 chief concern, to be inflrumental in plucking dy- 
 ing fouls out of the jawsof dcflruftion ; to be in - 
 ftrumenta! in turning them from darknefs unto light^ 
 and from the pozver of fat an to the living God, that they 
 may receive the foroivenefs of fms, and an inherit 
 tance among them that are fanSiificd by Faith which 
 is in yefus. 
 
 That you may thus zQ: your part on earth ; and 
 quit the flage of life with honour ; and rejoice in 
 the day of accounts ; and be for ever with them 
 whom your foul lovcth, is the fincete and fervent 
 pray^ of your fympathizing 
 
 Friend and Brother, 
 
 Aug. 19, 1766. '^^» ^-^ 
 
t 239 ] 
 
 LETTER XCIII. 
 
 My much rcfpecbed Friend, Feb. 29,1 760. 
 
 /\ Deep fj-ife of my own inability, and your 
 great fuperiority to nriK, almoft in every thing, 
 has, till now, forbid my writing unto you. I 
 can lincerely rank myfelf among them who have 
 reafon to blels God for your coming inco this 
 country. If I ever Ihill again be favoured with 
 your company and converfarion. you will, I trult, 
 have lefs reafon to chide me for thofe things, yp^j 
 {q many times judged reprcveablc in me. You 
 had not been gone above two days, bt^Fore I was 
 convinced of fevcral things, which 1 ingennoufly 
 acknow edge did not before appear amiis. What- 
 ever I have been,.! am not an Antinomian n_>\v. 
 I never was more fenfible of my dependanct; upon 
 God, for all things. I think it my indlipeniible 
 duty to alk, at his -beneficent hands, th-j minutcfi: 
 bleliing my neceflity calls for. I am, as you once 
 juftly obftrved, but a child in.hqlineis ; but I can 
 tru'y fay, i dsllre and dcfign, to be an obedient 
 one. When I know my Father's will, i immedi- 
 ately apply myfe'f to the doing, or raifcring of it 
 with all that power he g ves me. Jiijy happintfs, 
 diftindl from every other confidetsplpn, conii'cs 
 in doing his blefled will. You ma)'^Vemembei »o 
 have told me, I fhould meet with many ti'ials. .liis 
 has indeed been exa£liy true. My experie'' • : .s 
 been fomething extraordinary ; but let u;-. >. h 
 gratitude acknowledge, my Itrength has bcm 
 e^Lial to my evciy d^y- I find an increafe of eve- 
 ry thing which is true, juil, virtuous, comircnd- 
 
 abie. 
 
[ 240 ] 
 
 able, and of good report. This I fpeak to tlie 
 praife of God. Of how great things is the human 
 mind capable. I did not think once, that my fa- 
 cukies could have been raifed thus, from the 
 ruins of the fall. My defires and averflons are, I 
 trull, turned toward their right and proper ob- 
 jects. The Lord makes thofe difcoveries to my 
 underflanding, which draw my afFe(ftions to things 
 above. My very body is a temple of the Holv* 
 Ghoft, and is employed in the fervice of God. 
 Help me niy dear fncnd, to praife God for thcfc 
 ineftimable mercies. Pray excufe whatever you 
 fee amifs in this. I promife myfelf great fatisfac- 
 tion, when J Ihall have the happinefs of being a 
 fpc<Stator oi their improvement at L— ds. Give 
 mv Kind love to all friends, accept the fame your- 
 felf, 
 
 From your ever loving, 
 
 and faithful friend, &c. &c. 
 
 LETTER XCIV. 
 
 My dear, and much refpeiSted Father, 
 
 St. Auftle, May 6, 1758.' 
 
 T. 
 
 HE reafon of my filence fo long, is from 
 my expectation of hearing from you, in anfwer 
 to my laft. Since 1 wrote laft, I have en'oyed as 
 good a ftate of Ivalth, as I have ufually had n 
 time pail: ; for which I unfeignedly pr;.ife .God. 
 who is the giver of this, arid every other blefling. 
 I have been in fome danger lately, of fain^g into 
 the hands of unreafonable and finful men, but 
 the Lord hath reftrained their power, and kept 
 
 me 
 
[ HI ] 
 
 me from their maKce. Some cf the gentlemen <rf 
 this country are very much averfe to the way, 
 which they are pleafed to call herefy, ^n vjh'ch we 
 ivorfljip the God of our Fnth^m, And this is not 
 to be wondered at, for as it was in th« beginning, 
 lb it fs now, ihoie who are born after the flefti, 
 peifecute them who arc born after the fpirit. But 
 when almighty God isdifpofed to work his great 
 works among finners, impotent men, tho' ever fo 
 combined together, c?.nnot prevent it. The Lord 
 is making known his falvation, which is through 
 faith, unto the people: where his name is record- 
 ed, tho' by very imperfect ambaiTadors, yet his 
 powerful grace is difplayed. Mm are enquiring 
 the vjay to Zion, lAj'ith their faces thithervjard^ vjeep'- 
 
 I cannot,, once again^ help cxprefllng my con- 
 cern for your falvation. I make this the fubjedt 
 of my prayers; and fhall it not have a place in my 
 Letters ? O my dear Father, do not flight, or ne- 
 gle£V that which our Lord calls, the one thing need- 
 ful\ without the enjoyment of this, we can nei- 
 ther be happy in time, or in eternity. I often 
 think, with wifhful concern, of your declining 
 age, and diminifhing flrength. Your days on 
 carth> even in the courfe of x^ature^ cannot be 
 many. The weaknefs of your vital powers, the 
 infirmities which attend you, and the inflances 
 of mortalitv which furround you, call loudly unto 
 you to confider, and pi-epare for your latter end. 
 There is no way of facing death with courage, 
 and lookmg undaunted on the tomb into which we 
 ace going; no afTurance of happinefs in yonder 
 world of fpirits, but by an affured intereft in the 
 holy life, and propitiatory death, in the glorious 
 lefurrtClicn, and prevalent mtcrcefTion of our ado- 
 rable Redeemer. As I have often told you in 
 Y times 
 
 if 
 
[ 142 ] 
 t mes pafl, fo I tell you again, that the o^Jv w?.y 
 of obtaining falvation through Chrift, is by faith. ^ 
 In order to this, earneftly befeech the God of all 
 grace, to give you a true and deep fenfe of the 
 depravity of your nature, the exceeding finfulnefs 
 of fin, and your utter guiltinefs in confequence of 
 it. Pray that you .may be enabled to renounce 
 your dependance upon your own righteoufnefs. 
 Let the fpirit of God convince you of the entire 
 necedity of helufr born again of the Holy Ghoft. 
 In this difpofition come "unto God, in the name 
 ofChnff; ^elus, that you may, with Chrift, re- 
 ceive pardon of fill your fins, peace with God, 
 adoption into his family, fandifying grace, and : 
 everlafting glory. And remember for your encoii- 
 ragement, that you are invited. Hs / everyone 
 tfiat thirlleth, come ye to the waters, Szc. Calf to 
 niird what our Saviour faith: Come unto me all ye 
 that labour y and are heavy laden y and I ivi 11 give you 
 reft. Do you labour againft fm ? Are yob burden- 
 ed with the guilt of it ? Chrift bids you ccme ! 
 Chrifr, the mighty God, the everlafting Father, 
 the Prince of peace, bids you come. What pow- 
 er can prevent your accefs unto him ? Chrifl, the 
 ocean of love and mercy, b.ds you come : here all 
 your fms, however many, or mighty, are fwallow- 
 ed up. That he is willing you fhould come unto 
 him ; witnefs thofe bitter paias and fufferings which 
 he endured, and that precious blood which he Ihed 
 for your fake. Nay, you have the infallible teft:- 
 mony from his own mouth : And him that cometh 
 vnto mcy I luill in no-voife caft out. Hafte, then ; 
 O hafte untothe Saviour of finners! F'y, fly unto 
 the Son of God ! Dcflru^tion purfues you while 
 'vlthout ; fafety is within the city of refuge. The 
 Lord make you iuillin<^ in tl^e day of his power. May 
 '■-^MX heart become his rtfidence, and mayh"s me- 
 
 > . ''' 
 
[ 245 1 
 fit be your pafTport into eternal glcry. This is tht 
 prayer of 
 
 your dutiful Son, &c, c^c. 
 
 LETTER XCV. 
 
 I 
 
 My very dear Father, Dec. 30, 1756. 
 
 T gives me no fmall pleafure to h^ar fr^m any 
 of my friends; but gratitude and duty bind me 
 to love,, and value you moft, from whom I have 
 proceeded. I earnefily care for) cur prefcnt, and 
 eternal welfare. If I knew how to do you good, 
 it rtiould not be undone. But if God has given me 
 a concern for your falvation, aijd a pity to your 
 foul, how much more cempaflion hath- he towards 
 you, "ju^o /pared not his Givn Sbriy but deH'V€re{i him 
 up for us all : hoiv then ivill he not tvith him freely 
 give us all things ? Greater ^ve hath no man^ than 
 that a man lay down his life J or his jr lends ; but God 
 commended his love unto us, that ivhile we were yet 
 Jtnnersj yea enemies, Chrifl died for us. Fly i 
 then ; O fly, my dear fatluT, and fly J O my foul ! 
 to the precious, precious blood of Jefus, that he 
 may be made ours by faith. That his righteouf- 
 nefs "may cover us, his grace enlighten us, his 
 power defend us, his goodnefs comfort us, hismfr- 
 cies embrace us, his fpirit fcindify us, and his 
 kingdom entertain us for ever What ihoufd ri- 
 vert our minds from fo glorious a purAjit ? Blefled 
 are thev who are in the heavenly chafe.- Ch ! now 
 make hafle.to the Canaan of happineTs. Fear riot 
 to find out the much-negle£led path ; though it 
 lieth through a lonely wildernefs, the Lord v/ill be 
 a pillar of a cloud by day, and of fire by night. 
 
 He 
 
H-^ will giiTcle VQU if the ur.y of uprightnefs. 
 'I'houi^h the Tea be rough, and the winds rage, 
 >v'j h;ive an unerring Piiot at the I^ltn, who 
 \viy a/TiM-ecilv brinsr «s to the haven -where we 
 v/ouU be, >if ».vc cof^tmue in the fhip. Look! O 
 look beyond the narrow ^bounds of tim?, and take 
 a furvey of a boundlefs eteinity : Itrltch forward 
 to the heavenly plains, where happlefs is clad 
 in everlafling green; ?.nd where, amid rhe^erdant 
 landfcape, /Ireams of endleOi pleafures roa. My 
 befl: wifhes for all my relations, my fihal duty to 
 you, while 
 
 I remain vour ever affectionate Son, 5ec, 
 
 m 
 
 t 
 
 :tionate ;bon, ac. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 
^■r 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 X'