_To Mr. R―――― S――――._
_Strath-martin, August 10, 1742._ _Dear brother Robert_,
I Can never let a letter of yours lie long unanswered. The love I bear to you and yours is unfeigned, and I continually remember you before the LORD. His word runs and is much glorified in these parts. I trust it also makes advances in your soul. How is it with you, my dear brother _R――――_? Do you grow in grace? Is the world more under your feet than usual? Do you find a real, solid, abiding rest in JESUS CHRIST? Or is it only transitory and superficial? It is a very uncommon thing to be rooted and grounded in the love of JESUS. I find persons may have the idea, but are far from having the real substance. To say, “I am a poor sinner,” and to be a poor sinner indeed, are two different things. Methinks I hear my dear man say, and so they are. Well then, let us go to JESUS, and he will make us poor and yet free. Blessed be his name, I feel the power of his precious, life-giving, all-atoning blood more and more every day. I was happy when at _London_. I am ten times happier now. The LORD hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. How is my dear _Peter_? Is his heart yet established and settled upon the rock? Or is the dove only fluttering about the door of the ark? If so, may the dear Redeemer reach out his almighty and extended arm, and take him in! Dear _B――――_ I hope grows, because he seems to see more of his heart. We shall certainly bear fruit upwards, in proportion as we take root downwards. May the eternal spirit breathe upon this letter, and bless it to your soul! O my brother, keep close to JESUS. Do not be content, unless you feel a sensible growth in your soul. Accept my hearty love from,
Ever yours,