LETTER IV.

To her Mother.

1795.

O My dear mother, are we not poor, weak, frail mortals in ourselves! for my part, every

day I live I feel the great depravity of my nature, which without the interference of divinelove, would forever lead me astray, but all praise and glory be attributed to that God who who has led me to that fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, where I may wash and be cleansed! I long much to be with you, yet may the Almighty's will be done: I have every reason to be thankful, for His arm has been extended to preserve me unstung amidst thistles. You who were in

though for a short time, must know my very unpleasant situation, better than my pen can describe, and though this is but a small village, its inhabitants are alike engrossed, having their

thoughts groveling in earthly vanities, when they know not the minute their tottering cottages may be rased, and the unprepared possessors be compelled to quit their beloved abodes. The Lord be praised, who though he afflicts, does not shut up his bowels of compassion, from us. Last, being's day for seeing company, I had more time for retirement; and in the evening on opening my bible, this promise in the 54th of Isaiah (with others in the same chapter) was comfortably instilled into my soul," thou afflicted, tossed with tempests, and not comforted, behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires, &c. &c.” I do every thing I can `that I think may be the means of drawing the hearts of

receive them as. His

to him who is ready to

adopted children, if they

will not be deaf to his kind entreaties.

may she

I feel much for my dear think seriously before her precious soul takes flight into unknown regions: may God in mercy retard it in its aged castle, until the north wind blow, and by its powerful influence

make her sensible of her wretched condition ; then may the south wind, breathing its benign influence, calm the severity of the former, and discover a royal advocate, who is ready to do all, the most undone sinner can want or expect! May my dear also imbibe advantage by her correspondence with our beloved Eliza ; may she be convinced of her state, and of the great peace and happiness which the sons and daughters of Jehovah enjoy: but I rely on the mercy and power of Him who has drawn the hearts of so many of our very undeserving family to Himself. Have you heard any thing of our dear has done hitherto, from danger, and grant that he may yet be one of those diamonds which compose our royal Master's diadem. Some branches in the vine shoot up with great velocity, while others with less speed advance, I trust with equal firmness: your Judith has been one of the latter. I acknowledge I have not as yet experienced the great comfort of silent waiting on my dear Lord, which you were so kind as to recommend me by experience, and by giving

: may God keep him as he

me a desire of it; but consider, my dear friend, your outward tranquillity and quiet state, while I am exposed on all sides to thistles and briars, from which, without the aid of an invisible, but supporting arm, I could never escape unhurt; but I must not repine, and as He who said, they should not be ashamed that wait for Him, cannot lie, I will wait in faith,

LETTER V.

To her Mother.

1795.

I AM sorry your health still continues poorly. I trust in the great Physician that if it be his will to afflict the body, he will of his great and never ceasing mercy, instil the more solid comfort into the soul, and patience to endure his chastening, which is all sent in love. Read from 5th to 8th verse of the 12th chap. of Hebrews, and 11th verse of ditto, there is comfort both for you and me; may we receive it as such. O may you and I my dear mother, go on from faith to faith, from grace to grace, overcoming through the strength of our dear Almighty champion, all enemies both spiritual and temporal: though our bodies may be sore pricked with thorns and briars, and our hearts grieved for all remaining sins, let us with humble faith rely on the promised word for help, remembering that he that loveth us will love us to the end, and the more he chastens, the more strength he gives to endure, &c.