of his own work—and as engaged to help, protect, bless, and bring us home to glory. I know not what the Lord intends to do with me, and when he is precious to my soul I do not care what he does with me. I have then no will of my own. I neither want to preach or be silent, leave this place or abide in it, that is no trouble to me then—but when nature, sin, sorrow, and Satan trouble me, I feel like a wild Bull in a net. At times I feel compunction, godly sorrow, and self-abasement: this is the lowest seat in the College of Christ. Here is safety; but, alas, even these we may be proud of, so that we really get weaned from frames and feelings, and rejoice that Jesus is the same. Hence the command, Rejoice in the Lord always. He is always the object of faith, hope, love, and joy; our feelings are not, though we highly esteem them—nor can we rest without some sensations of joy in the Lord—I trust the Saviour will be precious to your mind; keep you near himself; and when sin is striving for the mastery, you may have grace given to call on the Lord—_and be sure to cry out before you are hurt_, for you may not be able when the hurt comes; for such is the nature of sin, that, like the leprosy of old, it is of a deadening nature; it makes the guilty stupid, till God is pleased to quicken us again; and when we feel the wounds sin has made, we want the Saviour to heal us again, which he kindly does. Your’s, truly, _Ruhamah_. LETTER XVI. _Valley of Achor_, _December_ 17_th_, 1817. Mrs. HUTCHINGS. MY DEAR MOTHER, FOR such has been your affection and concern for me, which I trust will never go unrewarded by the dear Saviour. Many have been the attempts to keep you from attending my feeble ministry, to hurt your mind, to distress your spirit, and to perplex your heart, but having obtained help of God you continue to this day, only grieved that my enemies have at last gained that end they have been so long aiming at, and because you cannot make me as comfortable in my captivity as your heart desires. The Lord takes the will for the deed in the hearts of those who desire to fear his name, revere his truth, love the Saviour, trust his word, and hope in his finished work. This I trust is the case of the dear friend to whom I now write. This is an act of free favour from a good and gracious God, and where these things are to be found, the Spirit has begun a work he will never leave or forsake. May it be clearer to your mind, more powerful upon your heart, more evident to your faith, and produce in your soul such a hope as will never fail, till you see God in glory.