believer. Nor can they, certainly, be altogether. strangers to the christian life, who can sincerely say with the apostle, "That which I do I allow not; for what I would that I do not; but what I hate that I do," &c. Such is the frequent experience of the best of christians; and this experience, though very painful in itself, is yet well adapted to empty them more and more of pride and self in every form, and to render the Saviour, who is the end of the law for righteousness to all believers, and in whom all fulness dwells, for the supply of all their wants, more and more precious to their souls. To him, then, resort with faith and prayer, and in him repose your trust, under all your dif ficulties and discouragements; and rest assured, that you will still find his grace sufficient for you, and his strength made perfect in your weakness, for the whole of the work and warfare to which he calls you.

But I have already passed the bounds which I had prescribed to myself; and it seems to be almost superfluous, if not indeed assuming in me, to have made the observations respecting your case which I have done; or to have suggested hints of advice to you, who are already so well instructed, and who have such excellent guides in the pious, judicious, and experienced authors, whose writings you may daily peruse.

Henry is an excellent commentator. But I would, in preference, recommend Scott to you, for your assistance in consulting the Sacred Oracles of God; as the latter is not less, if not even more evangelical than the former, and his notes and practical observations are peculiarly instructive, interesting and impressive.

In Newton's Works, especially in his letters, you will find such a plenty, and variety, and excellence of

advice, admonition, consolation and encouragement, conveyed in the most pleasing and engaging language and manner, that you will see reason enough for my being ashamed of scrawling a line on any subject touched by the hand of such a master, in my communications to any friend, who is possessed of his valuable volumes. One of my subordinate inducements towards sending you the two volumes of his posthumous works, was rather of a selfish nature; I mean the expectation that such a present, considering how much valuable and suitable instruction it contains, would have a tendency to preclude your asking any communications from my pen, sterile and sluggish, as I know it is, and as you will now feel it to be. I believe you have Buck's Miscellaneous Works: and his treatise on Religious experience, and Young Christian's Guide, you will find peculiarly worthy of your attention. I wish you had also Scott's Theological Works. They are generally very valuable; and his Essays on the leading doctrines and duties, &c. of christianity, are pre-eminently excellent. But in recommending good books, it is difficult to know where to stop. Still, however, let the inspired word of God be chiefly studied, with earnest prayer for the teaching of his spirit, by which alone it can become effectual, for making us wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ; and profitable to us for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness, and for furnishing us thoroughly unto all good works, and thus advancing us in our progress towards christian perfection.

While I have been saying so much about books, I suppose you have been feeling, with a lively sensibility, and therefore need not now be reminded by me,

how peculiarly thankful you ought to be, to the God of your mercies, for having so graciously and so seasonably prepared, the dear wife of your bosom, the amiable and beloved partner of your soul, to be indeed an helpmeet for you, and a most pleasant and useful companion to you, in the christian as well as in the natural life.

What a privilege, to be united in the bonds of the sure, well ordered, everlasting covenant of grace! What a blessing and happiness, to be prepared to dwell together as joint heirs of the grace of life, as mutual helpers of each other's faith and joy on earth, in the way to glory and felicity, complete and everlasting in the kingdom of heaven! May the Lord establish his covenant with you both, and build you up a sure house, and be indeed a God to you and your seed after you; and more and more bless you both, together with the dear children which he has graciously given you and spared to you, and make you all blessings indeed to each other, for time and eternity!

Have you now at length sought the kingdom of God and his righteousness, in preference to all other things? May you not then hope, and with confidence believe, that all other things, needful and good for you, shall be added to you?

And if it would be best for you, the Lord you know, could easily bless your latter end, as he did that of Job, more than your beginning, with worldly good and crea ture comforts! But in bestowing on you. his grace, he gives you the best blessings of his favour; and his grace will most effectually teach you to be content with such things as you have of a worldly nature.

I cannot but cherish the pleasing hope, that in due time, the way may be opened for your return to Charles

ton, where your situation may be more pleasant, and the sphere of your usefulness be much more enlarged, than it probably is at present. But your times and mine are in the Lord's hands. May he prepare us for all his appointments, and dispose and enable us to say, in all circumstances, the will of the Lord be done!

You have probably seen in the newspapers, the advertisement respecting the design of forming a Bible Society in this city. A meeting, in consequence, took place this day, at 1 o'clock P. M. in the Hall of the South Carolina Society, on Meeting-street, when and where were present, about sixty I believe, of the friends to this design; and among these were several of our leading, influential characters, judges, lawyers, physicians, merchants, planters, &c. &c. Mr. Thomas Lowndes was called to the chair, and Mr. William H. Gibbes was the secretary, at this meeting. It was unanimously agreed, that a Bible Society should be es tablished in this city, and that the persons present would, with others that may come into the measure, be members of it. A committee of seven was appointed to draught a constitution for the society, and to lay it before another meeting of the citizens, to be holden on Monday next. Thus far appearances are promising, in favour of this most charitable and important undertak. ing; and it is hoped, that the smiles and the blessing of heaven, will crown it with success, and make the institution a source of rich, of everlasting blessings to many, who, through the scriptures distributed by this charity, may be made wise unto salvation, through faith in our divine Redeemer. What can you, and your friends around you, do to help us, in doing the greatest good that we can do to our fellow mortals, by giving to

those who want, and who would improve, that inestimably precious Book which contains the words of eter nal life, and which alone shews to fallen, ruined, perishing men, the way of salvation?

From the length of this, you will readily perceive, that I do not calculate writing often to you. But be assured, that your communications to me, and the more frequent and particular they may be, the better, will always be highly acceptable to me.

In very affectionate regards and best wishes, to Mrs. S. and yourself, Mrs. K. cordially unites, with your sincere friend,

ISAAC S. KEITH.

FINIS.

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WM