I trust you are growing into an increasing acquaintance with the Lord Jesus, and the work of his Spirit on the heart. I have often admired that grand promise in the book of Job, “Thine age shall be clear as the noon day.” It is very blessed to look back on the way the Lord has led us, and the work he has wrought in us—may he give you special light to see it. The Queen of Sheba admired many things about Solomon’s buildings, and the Holy Ghost has thought fit to record this one among the rest—the ascent to the house of the Lord. Blessed be God you have got up some of those steps; and though you may be sensible of many a stumble, and many a fall by the way, yet you have not fell from God, nor out of the way, and as sure as your hope, faith, and mind is supremely placed on him, you will gradually ascend that road, which you will find lead you to glory at last. Perhaps you have ascended seven of those steps: first, God has shewed you in some measure, and at times very deeply, that you have no good in yourself. Second, he has been pleased to let in a ray of light into the mind, by which you have seen something so precious in Christ, that you could truly say, you would willingly part with all for him. Third, the blessed Spirit has bowed your will, or rather given you another will, a new will, by which, you have made a most blessed choice of the Lord Jesus, who is the object of the Father’s delight, so that you could see your will and the will of God, perfectly correspond. Fourth, the Lord has given you to believe in Jesus, to present salvation: your heart has most divinely rested upon his finished work, and you have found it very safe. Fifth, you have enjoyed the privileges of the children, in fellowship with those who love God, at his table, in his house, and in his word. Sixth, the habitual sanctification of the mind, in various actings; sometimes of faith, hope, love, humility, patience, and self-denial. Seventh, a resting satisfied with Christ, as all in all; anxious for more knowledge of him, that you may feel your confidence in him grow—that you may be more than ever devoted to his glory. Thus you can say, to the honor of the blessed Spirit, that he has led you up some of those steps of experimental knowledge—and let me assure you, from the most undoubted authority, that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. I feel great pleasure in writing this short note—blessed be God nothing alters the religion of the heart, only it must be tried, something will surely try it; all the spoils that were taken from the enemy among the Israelites, was to go through fire, or through water, and as we are the spoils Christ has taken from the enemy, so we must go through the water of common trials, and the fire of uncommon afflictions—but hark! how graciously he speaks, For I will be with thee, Thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee Thy greatest distress.