DCLXVIII.

May 30, 1805.

I

DEAR MOTHER,

AM at Cricklewood with a cold in my head. Yesterday I dined with my poor old friends, James and Peg, and I do not believe that I have dined with them before for nearly two years. Old Peg was making a pigeon pie, which, with some asparagus, was the entertainment; and the outlandish folks were the subject of our conversation.

Since I began this your epistle has arrived. You have twice mentioned something of sharp exercise, though not a hint of what it is but, says Peter, "who shall harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?" Nothing can ever prevail against truth, honesty, and a good conscience. Exercise thyself, therefore, in these, and the wonderful Counsellor will plead thy cause. I would sooner that twenty persons should injure me, than that I should be permitted to injure them. God is good;

Read, meditate, watch and wait, and pray, but always with submission to his will, as he knows what is best for us.

Yesterday Satan laid hard at me; last night I had a good time.

W. H. S.S.

DCLXVIII.

May 30, 1805.

I

DEAR MOTHER,

AM at Cricklewood with a cold in my head. Yesterday I dined with my poor old friends, James and Peg, and I do not believe that I have dined with them before for nearly two years. Old Peg was making a pigeon pie, which, with some asparagus, was the entertainment; and the outlandish folks were the subject of our conversation.

Since I began this your epistle has arrived. You have twice mentioned something of sharp exercise, though not a hint of what it is but, says Peter, "who shall harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?" Nothing can ever prevail against truth, honesty, and a good conscience. Exercise thyself, therefore, in these, and the wonderful Counsellor will plead thy cause. I would sooner that twenty persons should injure me, than that I should be permitted to injure them. God is good;

compassion, tenderness and love, than of late; nor have I ever had more pressing upon me for relief; nor did I ever see the goodness of God pass so conspicuously before me. I have had several wonderful accounts of good success in the work, for which God has marvellously furnished me. These things endear him to us, draw out the mind after him, and give a sweet spring to gratitude; while thank-offerings rise up and flow out, at which the best Beloved comes into his garden and eats his pleasant fruits.

The small comforts of hope are milk; the enjoyment of love is wine; the promises are honey-combs, and the power and sweetness that attend the meditation on them are the honey: with these the Lord feeds us, and with these (when returned) the Lord himself is fed. "I have eaten my honey-comb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, O my beloved." O what condescension is this! He is our glory, and we are the crown and glory of him. All his offices and characters would fall to the ground, were it not for us. He could not be a priest, if there were none to minister unto; nor an advocate, without sinners to plead

shepherd without sheep; nor a physician without patients; nor a master without servants; nor a father without children; nor a husband without a wife; nor a bridegroom without a bride. Surely "it is not good that man should be alone." And of that which was our Father's hath this Jacob gotten him all this glory. Hence the church is called "the glory of Christ."

I have consulted the little scrap of honour, and she would be much hurt if you do not make her house your home; this is her earnest request. I have this week corrected the last proof sheets of my new book, which I think I may call, an everlasting task for all the disciples of Moses.

John tells us that, if any man bring not the doctrine of Christ to us, we are not to receive him into our house, nor bid him God speed, on pain of being partakers of his evil deeds. I know of none who are greater enemies to the grace of God than Arminians. Mother must do as she pleases; but, was I in her place, I should part with no land to the enemy, on which to sow tares.

God bless you and the little ones.