through my study of his word, with prayer for that teaching which he hath promised, to lead me to a different view of the gospel of Jesus Christ, than I had embraced and not only so, but to lead me from seeking the favour of the world, and my own glory, to seek God's favour, aim at his glory, and derive happiness from him. A happiness I have therein tasted, to which I was before a stranger: that peace of God which passeth all understanding, and which as much excels, even in this world, any thing I had before experienced, as the cheering constant light of the noonday sun exceeds the shortlived glare of a flash of lightning, which leaves the night more dark and gloomy than before. Having found that good I had long been seeking in vain, I was desirous to tell all I loved, in proportion as I loved them, what the Lord had done for me, and how he had had mercy on me; that they might find, what I knew they too were seeking, true happiness. Come, taste and see how gracious the Lord is, and how blessed they are that put their trust in him, was the language of my heart. But, for want of experience and prudence, forgetting my own principle, that none can come to Jesus except he be taught of God, (John vi. 44-46,) I was much too earnest, and in a hurry said too much, and went too far: and thus, out of my abundant love, surfeited you. Forgive me this wrong! It was well meant, but ill-judged, and worse received.-O, my dear sister, I wish you as happy as I am myself, and I need wish you no happier in this world. To call God my father; to confide in his love; to realize his powerful presence; to see by faith his wisdom choosing, his love providing for

me, his arm protecting me; to find him (my sins notwithstanding,) reconciled to me, and engaged to bless me; to view him seated on a throne of grace, bowing his ear to my poor prayers, granting my requests, supplying my wants, supporting me under every trial, sweetening and sanctifying every trouble, manifesting his love to me, and comforting me by his Holy Spirit; to look forward to heaven as my home; and to be able to say at night, when I go to rest, If I die before morning, I shall be with my gracious Lord, to enjoy his love for ever; this is my happiness and what is there in the world worth comparing with it?

Peace with God, peace of conscience, peace in my family, peace with all around me; these are the blessings of peace which God gives his people. May God give them to you! I say no more upon doctrines only search the scriptures, and pray to be taught of God. If I have said too much this time on the subject, I will say less next letter. Only acknowledge me as a brother, and do not quite disown me, as an incorrigible fanatic, because I believe the scriptures, and exhort you to read them, and pray to understand them....

"I have written a book, now in the press, which will be published in three weeks time, giving an account of the grounds and reasons of the change you so much wonder at; chiefly for the use of my former friends. As you used not to consider me as a fool,

reading

do not condemn my book as foolish, lish, without rea it, and that attentively; and, where we differ, do' make it a part of your prayers, that whichever of us is mistaken may be directed to the truth.ly

Y

Writing to Mr. and Mrs. Ford jointly, September 28th, after allowing the truth of their position, "that it is possible for a person, engaged in the concerns of the world, so to spend his time in his business, as to be doing his duty to God and man," "he makes the following remarks: HowAde ever, by the way, observe, that very few thus ma nage their worldly business. Of this you may judge. He, who thus does his worldly business, has it sanctified by the word of God and prayer? He goes about it because it is the will of God he should do so. He orders it all in conformity to his revealed will, as far as he knows that will; comparing his conduct continually with the word of God. He depends upon the Lord for a blessing in his undertakings, and seeks it in prayer. What the Lord gives, he receives with thankfulness; as a gift undeserved; as a talent committed to his stewardship; and aims to use it to his glory: not, with the miser, as a talent wrapped in a napkin, or buried in the earth not as provision made for the flesh, to -fulfil the lusts thereof, with the prodigal: but in temperance, moderation, and a liberal, compassionate beneficence. When the Lord crosses him, he submits, and says, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good: and, when things look dark, he does not murmur or distrust, but says, the Lord will provide."

Another series of letters may also here be adverted

to, extending from the year 1778, to 1785, and addressed to the husband of my mother's sister. They are almost entirely religious, but being chiefly occupied in urging first principles, they will not furnish more than a few extracts in this place, illustrative of the writer's zeal, faithfulness, and spiritual wisdom.

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August 11, 1778. Religion was so much the subject of conversation with us when you were in Bucks, that I hope it will not be a disagreeable subject of correspondence.. I am so deeply sensible of the importance of religion, that is, of the concerns of eternity, the interests of our immortal souls, and the way and manner wherein we may be accepted by a just, holy, almighty, and eternal God, that I am naturally led to think every one as much impressed with the sense of these things as I am; though I have abundant evidence that there are but very few, who pay much regard to them: and, of those who do pay some regard, most are so much blinded and prejudiced by the world, by Satan, and by sin, that their religion is one of their own making, and they know little of that religion which the word of God proposes to us. You may remember that, though I told you my views of religion over and over, yet I laid little stress upon that. I told you withal that I did not want you to believe them because I taught them, but because the Lord taught them. The Bible being the word of God, his message to us, able to make us wise unto salvation, the great point I laboured to impress upon your mind was, the absolute necessity of taking our religion from that book alone, and the obligation we

are under to search the scriptures daily to know what indeed they do contain; to receive what they contain as certain truth, however man, even learned men, and preachers, may contradict them, and however contrary they may be to our former notions and conceptions, and how mysterious soever some things in them may appear. The next thing I laboured to impress was, the necessity of prayer, in general, for whatever we want; but especially, when we read the word of God, that we may be enabled by the Holy Spirit to understand it."

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January 15, 1779. Whether you know it or not, (I hope you will know it,) before you can serve God with comfort and acceptance you need these two things: first, forgiveness of sins. You have been sinning against God in thought, word, and deed, all your life; as we all have. Your sins of heart and life, of omission and commission, stand against you, and, till they be accounted for and forgiven, your services cannot be accepted. Every duty you do is short of its perfection, and as such adds to your sins and needs forgiveness. In this case the gospel reveals forgiveness, through the blood of Christ, freely given to every sinner who believes. Believe, and thou shalt be saved. Accept this freely, as it is offered, and seek, by prayer, for faith to believe this record which God gives of his Son: and then, your sins being forgiven, you will no longer look upon God as an austere master, or severe judge, but as a loving father, and will with acceptance and comfort pay your services, though imperfect. For, secondly, you need moreover a willing mind,