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never in contrition; quick-sighted in the faults of others, but blind to all his own; sees a mote in a rival, and overlooks a beam in self. He loves to be flattered, but hates to be searched; talks much of relieving the poor, but steals half that is in the poor's bag; cannot endure waste in the ointment, but sells innocent blood for half the value. He strains at a gnat, and swallows a camel; he treasures up wrath in religion, and cries not when God binds him for his dissimulation.

To love the Lord above every object, is doubtless the criterion of a saint; but as the carnal mind is enmity, and as the law stirs that enmity up, it is not expected to be found in an awakened soul, when the anger of God appears against it, and servile fear is predominant; which fear always has the wrath of God for its object, as filial fear has the goodness of God for the object of it. Moreover, all the time we doubt whether God loves us, or no, our love will be clogged, it will be smoking flax ; but it will not flame till a sense of God's love to us draws it forth. We may love a creature that does not love us, for nature loves nature, and corrupt affections love corruption, With my flesh, I love the law of sin;" but we cannot love God, till he loves, or discovers a love to us : moreover, "Where little is forgiven, the same loveth little." Again, love works according to

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the proportion of faith; if faith be weak, love will be languid; if strong, love will be warm, for faith works by love, Gal. v. 6.

There must be a love to him, where there is a restlessness for him, a dissatisfaction with every thing short of him, and an earnest desire for him, and the heart making diligent search after him; "O thou whom my soul loveth, tell me where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon," Cant. i. 7. But that which swallows up all our love, is a love-visit from Christ, when he visits us with his free, and full salvation; and faith in full exercise receives it, with a sense of God's love to us, shed abroad in our hearts-then," Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory," 1 Pet. i. 8.

LETTER XVI.

TO MR. T:

W. H.

Church Street.

Dear Sir,

I RECEIVED thy kind epistle, but have been out of town this week. I should be glad

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to see the weather settled before I undertake

so long a journey; however, toward the latter end of next week, will send you my appointments, as soon as I can procure a supply in my absence. I hope to see you in about eleven days, but cannot be certain, because I am so at a loss to get curates in my absence.

I would wish to put the dissenters at B. to no inconvenience on my account, nor to bring any odium on them, for harbouring, countenancing, or encouraging such a one as myself. My God is the same to me, whether in a barn, or in a cathedral. Your barn would be the best by far, as that can give no offence, and will contain the people; whereas, if the weather be fine, the other will not: however, I shall leave this matter with you, only wish to be no intruder. Legions are in expectation of the Coalheaver at G. and I believe that God will not let me travel thither in vain. Farewell, may providence and grace be the support and comfort of thee and thine, me and mine, is the prayer and desire of, Dear Sir,

Your willing servant in Christ,

W. H. S. S.

Dear Sir,

LETTER XVII.

TO THE SAME.

:

I RECEIVED thy kind letter, and thy kind offer, and humbly thank you kindly for both. I hope ever to acknowledge with gratitude, your many unmerited favours to me, and to have you in remembrance before God, in my poor im perfect petitions; for this is all that those who are poor in pocket, and rich in faith, can do. I have got a bad cough and cold upon me, which generally falls to my share in the winter season; but a good hope through grace, more than counterbalances all bodily afflictions. There is a mansion above, prepared for poor sensible sinners, where the inhabitants shall no more say, "I am sick." Excuse haste, Dear Sir, as it is Friday afternoon.

Ever your's to serve you

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LETTER XVIII.

My dear Friend,

TO THE SAME.

GRACE, mercy, and peace be with thee. I take this opportunity of informing thee, that I am somewhat better of my cold, and hope to be out to-morrow, though I am rather hoarse. My God has been good to me in this affliction, and does, (to the honour of his name be it spoken,) maintain my heart in faith, and my soul in hope; and suffers not my confidence to be shaken, or moved. Ah, my dear friend, the Lord Jesus is a present help, and an unchangeable friend, when all other refuges fail, when all earthly comforts vanish, and when our souls shall say, I have no pleasure in them,

I bless my God, I know whom I have be lieved; and I know that he will own, and acknowledge me to the end: and my earnest prayers are for you and your's, that you may share in the saving benefits of a dear Redemer's cross, as the only refuge from satan's rage, from a guilty conscience, and from the anger of God. The prophet tells us, he is a hiding-place from

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