LETTER IV. To her Sister Judith. Sept. 9, 1795. WHAT a happy spirit that is which dear Eliza was directed to in a dream! to look simply to our beloved Lord in every thing, not to ourselves or our own works; if we fall, to lean upon him to rise again, knowing and depending on His strength: though we fall we shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth us with his hand. What wonderful kindness has he bestowed upon me, blessed be His name, that my many falls and yieldings to temptations did not provoke him to cast me off for ever, but has brought me here, where without a church, without a minister, or ordinances,* I have felt * Alluding to the Church, as by law established. more peace than ever I did before; it would be the highest ingratitude not to acknowledge the debt I owe Him, the giver of every good and every perfect gift: May I, in the whole course of my life, be it long or short, live to his glory, and never grieve his Holy Spirit, as I have done continually! What a shocking thing to see so many running on in the broad way to everlasting destruction, who at the same time think themselves perfectly safe, expecting the mercy of God, without considering we can build on no other foundation than that which is already laid, even his Son Jesus Christ. Have you read Cowper's Poems? they are wrote in the spirit of Christianity; I cannot forbear giving you a sample of them : "A soul redeem'd demands a life of praise, OUR dear LETTER V. To her Sister Judith. Sept. 25, 1795. expects soon to sail for Gibraltar. In his way through Bristol he spent a little time with Eliza, who took him to hear a gospel minister, who I have no doubt said something adapted to his state. Who knows when it may occur to his mind with double force? And though the seed may be for a short time hid, and, as it were, a grain of mustard seed, it may yet take the deeper root, and bring forth the more fruit, to the glory of our dear Saviour, who came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. And should we not be the most ungrateful creatures in the world, did we not love and delight to serve our dear Lord, who has been so kind as to call us when we were rebels and enemies; to call us to what? To be heirs with God, and joint heirs with Christ! And when called by Him, why not follow Him through evil, as through good report? Oh that we may never draw back, nor be of that unhappy number in whom He has no pleasure! LETTER VI. To her Sister Judith. 1795. I CONGRATULATE my beloved Judith upon her safe arrival at, and trust the journey and change of air will be of use to you, but indeed bodily exercise profiteth little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of this life and that which is to come. I am more and more convinced every day, that all the illness I suffered at Bath, and last winter, was through divine mercy to keep me from the vain and giddy world; and though I did not feel much attachment, yet I was ashamed to take up the cross, and dare to be singular; but glory to Him who has in some degree enabled me to come forth from the wilderness, leaning upon my beloved. O I never again doubt, but cast all my care upon Him who careth for may |