expected from heaven in the behalf of an ambassador sent by him. The approbation and testimony of hypocrites and worldlings is both a curse and a scandal to a man of God: "Wo unto you, when all men speak well of you."

I am not allowed to approach many pulpits; therefore I am determined to publish from the press what God is pleased to impress on my soul, that I may cast my hook where I am not allowed to speak for myself; and it hath so well succeeded hitherto, that I do not know which hath been the most useful, the words of my mouth, or the scribble of my pen. However, I am for fish, or nothing; for a mere outward reformation brings nothing home: a man must be converted, otherwise he cannot enter into the kingdom of God; therefore I hope to endure what falls to my lot for the elect's sake, not for the world, that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory, 2 Tim. ii. 10.

Take no heed to all the words that are spoken, my son; but fear thou God, and his king; and meddle not with them that are given to change. When men become surfeited with Christ and his gospel, it is manifest that they never attained to any thing of him but his name; and, when they depart from their profession of that, the world and sin soon find them out, and hold them fast; and, if grace prevent not, they will eventually drown them in destruction and perdition. Christ Jesus and good works always go together. It is

the branch that abides in the vine which bringeth forth much fruit; and shall be purged, that it may bring forth more. The promise and righteousness of God stand engaged to make the elect fruitful: "They shall bring forth fruit in old age, to shew that the Lord is righteous." In Christ is our fruit found; and they that will have none of him shall have barrenness enough.

Those who take forth the vile from the precious are to be as God's mouth. The gospel is to. be preached in all the world, for a witness against some, and to convey a witness to others: it is a savour of death unto death, and of life unto life. While souls are converted, and hypocrites discovered, the work of God goes on; and such ministers are a sweet savour unto God, in them that perish, and in them that are saved.

I wish none to love me but those who love Christ; nor do I wish any minister or ministers to speak well of me, but those that speak as the oracles of God. As Christ was, so are we in this world: if they love him, they will not hate us; and if they keep his sayings, they will not reject If they have got the same experience with us, they must defend our testimony, or speak against their own. Those who are made free by the truth will be valiant for it; and those who are blessed with the faith of God's elect will earnestly contend for it, as it was delivered unto the saints.

ours.

Thy safest place is at the Saviour's feet; thy

happiness and fruitfulness depend on a close union with him, and walking in him. That thou mayest long enjoy the light of his countenance; walk in the faith and love of him; watch his hand, and cleave to his heart is the prayer and desire of,

I PRA

PRAY you to excuse my not answering your letter immediately, as I am not mistress of my time. The Lord knows how happy I should be in such employment! But it is otherwise appointed, and I am content. Dear sir, I never can sufficiently thank you for your last fatherly letter;

such comfort I never before experienced. Yours brought me joyful tidings, that you do not doubt of my eternal election; and that the Lord told you to look on me as one of his children, and to receive me. I cannot tell you, sir, the half of what I felt on the occasion; my joy seemed quite full for a little while. May the Lord increase my faith, make me grow daily in his grace, and never more suffer me to neglect the means he hath appointed to save such a sinner as I am! I sometimes enjoy very happy moments, but they are of short duration. Satan buffets me much at times: but I am enabled to see that he has not the power over me which he once had; for I can no longer be happy in the company I used to keep, nor with the vain amusements in which I once delighted. I am never so happy as when I am left alone to reflect on what great things the Lord hath done for me: and yet, dear sir, to you I must own with shame, that I am but a babe in faith, and very weak. Not that I think the Lord is not able to pardon me; God forbid I should! but I have found myself out, that I have been a desperate sinner: and, though I do not now prac tise what I used to do, yet I am never satisfied with myself; nor am I as yet assured of my entire part and lot in Christ. The devil is continually coming with 'If you could do this, or that;' and I know I can do nothing. And at other times, again, I am favoured with many happy moments, many comfortable assurances; and yet I am not

thoroughly happy, for there is a powerful application of the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ still wanting.

You tell me, sir, it is the witness of the Spirit in my own conscience that must establish my heart. Then, dear sir, I will tell you truly, that the Spirit does not bear witness to me that I am sure of heaven; for I am sometimes almost without hope, and ready to give all up; and can neither pray nor think of any thing good: and yet, in the midst of all these doubts, fears, and contradictions, I am often told, as if whispered in my ear, that I shall be happy in time. Many texts have come with power to me, when in great distress; such as these, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee;" "Trust in the Lord, and he will bring it to pass." These, and many more, have come with power; and yet unbelief hath stept in, and chased all these comforts from me,

You see, dear sir, I am not established; but I will wait on the Lord, and beg of him to enable me to keep what comforts I have; and to help me to press forward, as I have been enabled to see that there is salvation in no other name but in that of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, as the Lord hath made me sensible that I am in the right road with respect to the means of his own appointment, and hath brought me out of darkness, and from all manner of popish abominations, it plainly appears that he careth for me: therefore I patiently hope, in God's good time, to be set at