us to look straight forward to the hope set before us-" Refuge, refuge."

Another crook lies in providence; that is, a prosperous rebel rolling in wealth and health, and a broken-hearted sinner crossed all day long, and chastened every morning. But Jacob's and Esau's blessings decide the matter. God was the God of Jacob, but not of Esau. When God becomes a man's portion, though he may even then envy the prosperity of many sinners, yet he will change states with none of them.

Another crook lies in election and reprobation, free will and free grace; in justification by faith (with Paul) and by works (with James). But one becalming voice of peace, attended with a beam of all-subduing and soul-dissolving love, makes these crooks as straight as an arrow. The worst valley to be exalted is the valley of the shadow of death. Every thing of death is in a measure felt, and more is feared; and yet it is not the king of terrors, nor the substance of damnation, but the shadow. The beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon us, and turning the shadow of death into the morning, exalts this valley. The mountains to be made low are three. 1. Mount Sinai.

God enjoyed, set us on a level with this.-The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us. 2. The mountain of the Lord's house, or Christ the rock that is higher than we.One act of faith sets our feet on this: " by faith we stand." "Thou hast set my feet on a rock, and established my goings." There is one hill more, called a mountain of brass, which is election. But justification always levels this, for "whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified." And justification sets us above all condemnation, and secures us from damnation.

From yours in the sinner's Friend,

W. H. S.S.

DCCXIII.

March 30, 1803.

The Cabin, on board the Providence, outward-bound, at sea, under sail, the wind at south-west, bound for the Friendly Islands, and the Fair Havens by the Cape of Good Hope.

ONE of the crew, through grace an able seaman, is sick, laid aside by the captain's orders, for the sake of overhauling the rigging, examining the log-book, pumping the vessel, and casting out some part of the burden, in order to lighten the ship, that she may combat the waves with more of her planks above water. The scurvy and leprosy much attend the crew in these climates, for which bitter herbs are profitable, though not palatable, as they strengthen the stomach, help digestion, promote appetite, and make the roasted lamb taste the sweeter. Keep at sea, for there is no haven in these climates commodious to winter in. Expect the wind Euroclydon, for the north wind often precedes the south, and chills, hardens, and makes us tremble; while the effects of the latter, in its warming, melting, and soul-dissolving

influences, appears the more conspicuous. Abide in the ship, for there shall not an hair fall from thine head. Nevertheless thou wilt fall into a certain place (called great strait), where two seas meet-the troubled ocean of inbred corruptions and the flood of infernal rage. And here it is hard work to come by the boat, being attended with a tempest that often lies on us, when neither sun, moon, nor stars appear, as we think; though our sun never goes down, nor does our moon withdraw itself the whole eclipse is upon our eyes, and not upon the ordinances of heaven.

If the ship labour much, it will not be amiss to undergird her. Lash her up with the girdle of truth; this will keep her sides together; for she can never bulge, heel, nor rage, if truth be her cordage; it is experience that makes her cordage cleave and stick fast. Wonder not if she appears for a time ungovernable, and should not answer her helm; for "the things that I would not, that do I."

Keep the soldiers on board; let none of them flee out, under colour-faith, patience, meekness, submission, resignation, humiliation, self-abasement, &c. for unless these

ing is dangerous, for the fast is already past. At such seasons the wind varies, and every gale is contrary; and it will be so till we can refit and recruit at another festival. "Bread shall be given them and their water shall be sure."

Sound often, and observe the soundings; for when all is purged away you will find a clear bottom, and an anchorage within the vail; and be sure to cast out with your own hands the tackling of the ship, for every one that proves his own work shall have joy in himself and not in another.

Should the storm continue long, and every attempt fail, loose her rudder bands, strike sail, and let her drive; his power is made perfect (or all-sufficient) in our weakness. If no sail of love appears unfurled, confide in the love that is in him, and leave the charge of the vessel to him that gathers the wind in his fist, and rides upon the storm. He is the ship's owner; "we are not our own." As soon as the wind abates cast anchor-the kedge anchor first out at the stern; then look back, and see what he hath done." He hath delivered, and we trust he will yet deliver." It is experience, past experience, that worketh hope.

Should the ship still drive, let go the sheet