YOUR’s came in a seasonable time, as the return of prayer. I felt some pain because I did not hear from you sooner. But our God doth all things well; he shall supply all your wants, and make all grace to abound towards you. He delights to complete the work he begins, and happy is the soul that does not resist his will. He will call for the corn and will increase it, and will lay no famine upon you. Great is his faithfulness! Hearken diligently to the Shepherd’s voice. He will teach us to profit by the present cross, and keep us in the spirit of sacrifice.
I feel my need of patience. I am closely and constantly exercised, but his grace is sufficient even for me. He generally teaches me by applying his word to my heart, so that I have cause to esteem it more than fine gold. I was greatly oppressed some nights ago, and found immediate deliverance from these words, _As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend_ Jerusalem. _Defending also he will deliver, and passing over he will preserve it._ I find much union with you, and believe you bear my burdens, and abide in prayer for me. I cannot forget you, and our friend in heaven remembers you for good.
I can no longer refrain from saying, Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Let none beguile you of your simplicity, or the reward that attends it. I believe your light is shining out of obscurity, and will shine unto the perfect day. You are coming unto the light that your deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. In his light you behold yourself of _the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh_.
*_They have great peace who love his law, and nothing shall offend them; he keeps us night and day._ I pleaded this promise last night, and made it my own by believing. He did keep my imagination, while I slept, subject to himself. Since I returned into the country, I have been blest with peace, which temptation of various kinds did not ruffle. My determination to know nothing but Jesus crucified, is much strengthened. This moment I can give up all for him, and do all things through him strengthening me. I have a testimony that I please him, and count his dear reproach greater treasure than the wealth or praise of men.
Be faithful in all things; this is your privilege; live up to it this moment. You know the way, walk therein, and pray always for
_Your affectionate sister, And obliged friend_.
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REJOICE in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. For he is become your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning are ended. I believe your sun shall no more go down, but you shall dwell on high. Your place of defence is in the munition of rocks; bread of life is given you; your waters shall not fail. Your eyes see the King in his beauty, and he will cause you to know him who was from the beginning. I drink with you into one spirit. Help me to bless God for the consolation; it increases by being mutual. My soul seems lost in wonder, love and praise, and is melted into thankful tears. Every sensation of gratitude in earth or heaven is bought with thy blood, O precious Jesus! the power to feel my obligations to him, proceedeth from above, and when we reach the top-stone, we shall still shout “Grace, grace unto it.”
*I have all this day been in a disposition to cast my crown at his feet. I cannot express how much I choose to give all the glory to Christ my Lord. All within me acknowledges he is worthy to receive all glory. My love to Mrs. ――――. Tell her, not one tittle shall fail of all the good things God hath spoken to her of. Only let her be strong, and not stagger at any of the promises. I believe, I need not say, pray always for
_Your most affectionate sister in Jesus_.
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To Mrs. _E. D._
_My dear friend_,
I Know you will rejoice to hear, God has gotten himself the victory, in the most stubborn heart, that ever submitted to Jesus.
He is my king, and makes me sit In willing bonds beneath his feet.
Praise him, O my soul, praise him, O my sister, for still he is bringing lost sinners to God. Yea, he has brought _me_ to God. I feel myself weak as helpless infancy; but Christ my strength is with me: at last I am a fool for his sake.