them that love God_, _and are the called according to his purpose_. By way of concluding these general remarks, which are only designed to stir up the mind by way of remembrance, and not merely to inform you (because you already know these things) I would take this opportunity of making only a few general observations on my late affairs—which may, indeed, be very uninteresting to others, but it more especially relates to the little circle of my own friends, to whom God has made me useful, and who esteem me only for the truth’s sake. I cannot, I do not expect any others to notice it, except as usual, to turn it into ridicule, and go on to hold it up, as well as myself, to contempt; but this I am so inured to, that I regard it not, and though they ever intended much evil against me, I am fully persuaded that God means it for good. In the first place, I would bow my knees to the God of all grace and mercy, and adore him for his stupendous love and condescension, his power, his faithfulness and truth, which have been so long and so conspicuously manifested to me, during the whole of this long and heavy affliction—the health of body, the kind and miraculous providences, which have been so abundantly bestowed upon me—the comforts and multiplied favors which have been showered upon one so unworthy as I am, and while deprived of the means of providence, I look back with holy wonder, rapture, and surprize, at the wonder-working hand of my good God and Father; but above all, for the aboundings of his grace in my soul, through the gracious teachings and leadings of his Holy Spirit, that he has more than ever led me to see the evil, the infinite evil there is in sin, the depth of human depravity, the justice of God in the damnation of sinners—his patience, kind forbearance, long sufferings and amazing mercy. These subjects have deeply affected my heart, and, I hope, yea, I am sure, have overcome, melted me into godly sorrow, and deep humility. The glorious plan of salvation has more than ever been opened to my wondering view, and the ever gracious Almighty Spirit has made me savingly acquainted with the person, the love, and the work of the dear Redeemer, with the stability of his everlasting covenant, and the eternal transactions of the Holy Three; before all worlds, concerning the complete salvation of guilty man.