*I find my fellowship with heaven is increased since I wrote last: the King of eternity makes me capable of communing with him, and though I tread but the outward borders of his sanctuary, he causes me to hear his voice, inviting me to come forward. He assures me, he will help me to overcome, and gives me to inherit all things. But at the same time, he shews me my works are not perfect; and that I must watch and strengthen the things that remain. I find my safety and happiness depend, upon my dependance on Jesus. I want every moment to begin afresh the life of faith; to forget all things else, and be (as you said) “a person of one business,” I have been much tempted lately, but I count it all joy, for it profiteth my soul. I have gained more self-contempt, and I love an empty spirit, because then there is room for Jesus.
“O what are all our sorrows here, If, Lord, thou count us meet With that inraptur’d host t’ appear, And worship at thy feet?”
It will soon be our employ. O let us now live in eternity! Antedate the joys above, by bringing all you have and are, to his feet. Cast all you have before him, and ascribe salvation to him, who of a stone, hath made a daughter of _Abraham_.
I think the grace you want most is thankfulness. Stir me up to patience. Pray that I may be nothing,
“Mean and vile in my own eyes, Only in his wisdom wise.”
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_Norwich, May 6._
THE Lord hath of late kept me much from reasoning myself into perplexity. When any thing occurs which I cannot understand, I carry it to him, who is a _wonderful Counsellor_: and he wipes away the tears from my eyes, by assuring me he is all my own. I feel a constant necessity of walking with the Lord, as I first received him: and I retain peace, as it was imparted, by simple faith. Who knows the value of faith? None but they who constantly exercise it, to their own profit, and the Redeemer’s glory.
*I think your fears of deceiving the people, are only the result of strong temptations. We cannot see clearly in the time of a storm. This is not a season to examine whether we be in the faith: neither is reason alone sufficient to determine in spiritual matters. One thing is needful in your present situation, even to cast yourself upon the Lord, just as you are. _Now_ come to him who waiteth to be gracious; who saith concerning sin or infirmity, “I will cleanse the blood which I have not cleansed.” I fear, you have reasoned with the enemy, while you should have been looking unto Jesus; and by living a little beneath your privileges, have been ready to give up your claim to them. But Jesus was present, though your eyes were holden: And,
“Round you and beneath are spread The everlasting arms.”
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_Sunday Night._
THE Lord who inclined your heart to write, will reward your labour of love. I find him faithful who hath promised, _My grace is sufficient for thee_. I feel a measure of that love, which shall overcome by enduring: all I have and am is but a small offering; but this I can give up to Jesus. Ever since I tasted his love, I have been led in the way of the cross. It is a royal way: the King of kings walked in it: and while I tread in his steps, I experience the rugged way is pleasantness, and the thorny path is peace. Since I have more than ever gone through _evil report_, I have found more increase of faith and love. I cannot sufficiently praise the _friend who sticketh closer than a brother_. His banner over me is love, and my soul confesses he doth all things well.
I praise him on your behalf also. He rejoices over you to do you good. O lean on your Beloved with all your weight; so shall you find a sure support. If storms rise and winds blow, they will only settle you on the rock which cannot be moved. Believe simply; believe constantly; so shall you love steddily and entirely. I know no other way for the just to live, but by faith; and as we exercise faith it grows, ’till we can say in all circumstances, _This is the victory_.
I bless my God, I feel no desire to vindicate my conduct. I know the light of heaven shone on my path, and I am content to be approved of God alone. I feel my heart is given up without reserve, and see fresh cause to be daily more devoted to him. Blessed be God for Jesus Christ! In him I enjoy all I want. Bear me on your heart before him, and ask him to lead me to the thing and place he chuseth.
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_July 22._