I can never sufficiently thank you for your christian sympathy, affectionate concern, and fervent desires for my best interests, that you can weep with those that weep, especially for the afflictions of Joseph. _Amos_ 6th. This is a most blessed and decided evidence that the love of God reigns in the heart; and though this principle is often hid from its happy possessor, perhaps it is better seen by others; but if our love is genuine, it bears a resemblance to the love of God, to his Son, and to his children. Now as dear Mrs. Brown is often in bondage about her part and lot in Christ, and as love is the most decided proof of that interest, let us examine this subject. Hence the Saviour compares a believer who is not clear about his interest in the favour of God, or has seen it and lost it, to a Woman having ten pieces of silver, and having lost one. Mind, it is a Woman, not a careless Man, who, if he had lost any thing would give a general look and pass it by rather carelessly, only perhaps saying, Well, I am very sorry I have lost it too—and here the matter rests—but to a Woman assiduous, careful, attentive, and vext with her loss. The nine pieces of silver refer no doubt to the graces of the Holy Spirit, but the tenth to the knowledge of the reality and enjoyment of them. Time was, perhaps you could say, you knew and believed the love that God had for you, and no doubt but you had love in return. But the scene has since changed, and you have had to combat with enemies without, and worse within; and on account of their prevalency, you have often been permitted to question the reality of all you experienced before, while busy Satan has suggested, Where is your religion now? Where is your love to Christ? Are you a Christian? Up starts Unbelief, and says, I will never believe a person can be a partaker of Christ, be in Christ, love Christ, or ever be one of Christ’s, that can think as you think, say as you say, or do as you do. No, no, says carnal Reason, why it stands to common sense, that a converted person is a changed one altogether. Now Mrs. B. looks within, thinks deep of it, while the dust these things have raised, blinds her eyes, that she sees not her spiritual signs, but listens to those suggestions, and rashly concludes against herself, that, perhaps, all her past experience was but fancy. Under these fears we live too long. _Ephraim_, says God, is an unwise Son, for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children. But perhaps some sweet idea occurs about Christ and his love, his work and his word; or some very precious sermon, chapter, or hymn. This comes and revives the old work; Satan withdraws, hope springs up, and a thirst for God is felt again. Now we begin to stir, to light a candle, to sweep the house, and to search diligently for the sense of God’s love, favor, and pardoning mercy. Sweeping is self-examination, comparing spiritual things with