man, but had been a little more anxious for the approbation of God and my conscience. A good name was an idol, and the Devil has run away with mine; no doubt in many cases I have justly deserved it, and now it is my duty, privilege and mercy, to learn what God means by this trial. Hence the command, Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it; and the men of wisdom shall see thy name. I have taken the highest seat in God’s house, but the dung hill and the lowest form in the school suits me now. I have been building my nest in the tree of creature friendship, but this storm has blown it down, and now I am glad to embrace the rock I wet with the showers from the mountains of trouble; but I find shelter, hope, and solid rest in Jesus and his finished work. I shall be more fit to preach when I return, than I was before; but I will never preach again, till the Lord evidently calls me out. I ran once, but I ran too fast, and fell into trouble. When God lifts me up again, I shall stand more surely and safely, because I hope to stand in the Son, to abide in the vine, to continue in the truth, to keep in the love of God, and all that these expressions imply. I trust you and your’s are growing in grace, that you still find the Saviour precious, your helper and deliverer. The Lord is with me, and I know it, and the good of it will be seen after many days. Kind respects to those who still secretly esteem me for my master’s sake. Your’s, _Ruhamah_. LETTER XL. _Valley of Achor_, _June_ 1_st_, 1819. Dear Miss SMITH,