And as faith and hope are thus engaged as soon as the Lord appears, to our joy so love and rapturous joy and thankfulness follow. We love him because he first loved us. I will love thee, O Lord my strength—I love the Lord because he hath heard the voice of my supplication—she loved much because much was forgiven, and here repentance flows as divine love is felt—repentance is the tear of love dropping from the eye of faith; and in these feelings how sweet is obedience—we can _run_ the way of his commandments when his love enlarges the heart, but when it does not, then, wait I say on the Lord, till power is felt again rising and falling, ebbing and flowing, running and waiting in the spirit of our minds, is the road the Lord leads his people in a time state; and it is a mercy to know that the Lord has fulfilled that precious truth in us—thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, for this evidences us to be his chosen people according to his word, and we need no clearer testimony. Conscience can bear witness when the blessed spirit gives fresh light, that these things which I have written have been and now are carrying on in the souls of those who are called by the grace of God; and surely he that hath begun the good work will carry it on till it is consummated in glory. But this we know also, that a daily cross dead weights, powerful besetting sins, heaviness and despondency, a tempting devil, many cares and snares, losses and crossed darkness, weakness, stupefaction, and reluctance to all that is good—stormy days and dismal nights must be the lot of all who are taught of God. The old man of sin and Satan working upon it, will often cause the sad outcry of—Oh, wretched man that I am, for the good I would I do not, and the evil in thought word or deed I would not, that at times do I. Blessed be God however, in our worst moments Satan cannot rob us of this _will_ to do that which is good; and most _sincerely_ I would believe unceasingly, I would hope always firmly, I would confide steadily, I would love the sacred Trinity supremely, I would be patient without a murmur, I would commune with Christ at all times, I would resist the devil always, I would deny self continually, I would fly from every sin, I would hear without wandering, I would pray without ceasing, I would be always giving of thanks, I would universally promote the Redeemer’s cause, I would ever plead for his truth, I would be always kind to his poor, I would bring in the whole world to adore him, I would get home this moment to see him, I would have an increasing knowledge of him, I would be overcome with his love, I would bless him for what he is in himself, I would be holy as an angel of light. * * * * *