I, who am the very filthiest dunghill-sinner, that ever God suffered to live; that I, even I, should partake of his grace, as well as preach it: oh, it is astonishing! Surely if ever I get to heaven, (and I must not doubt of getting thither) I shall beat Mary Magdalen, and Paul, and Peter, and Manasseh, all to nothing. They had not half to pardon that I have: and yet, glory, glory, glory be to Jesus, I am among his pardoned ONES. Who, then, shall sing his praise in such a high note as I can? None, no not one of them all. I am the most indebted to free grace of all that ever were saved out of hell. May my experience tend to the strengthening of your faith!

-, you almost overcome me with kindness. I shall be afraid to call and see you, lest you make me proud: for what have I good in me? Nothing. What good do I? None at all. Whatever good is in man, whatever good is done upon earth, the Lord doeth it himself. Down, then, with man: lay low his lofty looks, and up with Christ. Exalt him; too high we cannot raise him, too low we cannot humble the sinner. I' would have you, therefore, not to look at me, but at my precious, dear Master: look unto him, and you shall be saved. Look unto me for any thing, and you shall infallibly be disappointed...

Present my hearty love, in the bowels of Christ Jesus, to your sister — ~. I find great fellowship with her, as a member of the same body, and actuated by the same spirit: and tell her, from me, that she cannot make too much use of Christ. The more she uses him in all things. the happier will she be. To this I can set my seal. Proba

tum est.

when I

I fail not to remember Mr. am near, and have freedom with my precious Master. May you never want his presence! My wife joins in thanks, and is, with me, yours in the Lord Jesus.

W. R.

LETTER XLV.

October 28, 1775

MY DEAR FRIEND,

HAVING an opportunity of sending my hear

ty love to you by Mr. I could not avoid embracing it. You are often on my mind and in my prayers. Really, my dear friend, you are one of them by whom I find the truth of what I believe concerning the communion of saints. I experience it in its comfort; for I feel with you, rejoicing in your joys, and taking part in your sorrows. I have a good account of your health, a great blessing: may it continue! And of your spiritual health, which is a greater: may that increase! and it will, as you live more in, on, and to Christ Jesus; coming daily as a poor sinner, to live on a rich Saviour. This is the great secret of the gospel. Nothing should keep you from

Christ. However you feel, whatever you havedone, at all times, in all places and frames, go to Jesus. I have been at this lesson a great while, and though very dull and stupid, yet, through marvellous grace, I have learned something. When things go well, we are apt to rest in them: I do not. My Jesus makes them well; I thank him, and rest in him, and not in his gifts: I enjoy him in them; and when things go badly, inward or outward, I would not stay from him to complain or murmur one moment; but, rejecting myself entirely, take him for my whole complete happiness. Let things go as they will, I look at Jesus through them, and would make use of them to lead me to live more upon him. This seems easy; but try it. I wish you a better scholar at it than I am. I hear you had a warning to be ready, at the next door. I pray for its good effect. When the messenger comes, may, every up his and her head with joy!

lift

I grow old, and find marks of the tabernacle's wearing out fast; but I know in whom I have believed. To him I commend you and yours. Mrs. R. joins in every good wish to all yours and you. Do not fail to pray for

W. R..

LETTER XLVI.

BLACK FRIARS, Jan. 24, 1777

MY DEAR FRIEND,

OUR journey is settled for Thursday morn

ing next; we move slowly. Hope to be with you on Saturday, perhaps to dinner. Will you desire Mr. B to give me leave to speak to his people on Sunday morning: I shall take it as a favour. I have seen poor D: he is a very great penitent. The Lord has brought him through the fire, a miracle of mercy. Before this reach you, it is likely, he will be adoring the love of a triune God. My journey has been with much prayer. He that makes men to be of one mind in a house, will, I hope, unite us to himself by his loving Spirit, and render us useful to each other, as iron sharpeneth iron. I do not,-I cannot forget your family. I am, with great respect in one common Lord, yours,

W. R.