spirit, with which a lawyer pleads at the bar. But on the contrary, that _blessed servant_ of Christ who stedfastly pursues the narrow path, who conquers every rising of self-love in its first appearance, and constantly refers all the good he does or speaks to the author and giver of all good, _he_ shall be kept in all his ways, and blest in all his works. And though his soul may pant for retirement, as thinking he should there enjoy nearer communion with God, and make higher advances in the divine life, this _may not_ perhaps be immediately permitted him: but in order that his future crown may be the brighter, _God may make_ his present usefulness a _sure sign_ to _him_, that he ought to continue his constant labours for others, though it should be with much temptation, fear, and trembling. However this is very certain, that God to a servant _thus sincere_, will point out a plain path, either by _inward leadings_ which cannot be mistaken, or _outward providences_.――Adieu! Pardon the weakness of this; let me see you the first time you have to spare, and believe me _Your ever obliged and affectionate servant_, **** * * * * * _Dear Sir_, WHATEVER the Spirit of God makes useful to my heart, either from scripture or from spiritual authors, I thankfully receive, and give him the glory: but I well know there is but one great touch-stone, by which all doctrines are to be tried; and therefore I hope your kind fears for me, lest I should not enough esteem the written word of God, are needless. I am so far from setting any human writer on a footing with this, that I scarcely _read_ them at all, _i. e._ in comparison of my bible. I _look_ over some few, but this is very different from the manner of reading you recommend, and which I strive by the grace of God to practise; nay, it would be the greatest slavery to me you can conceive, if I were obliged to read many religious books: however I return you the sincerest thanks for your care, and beg you will _in all_ things watch over me with a “godly jealousy.”――But my dear friend, could you imagine that I enquired after the _state_ of your _mind_ according to the _common acceptation_ of the word? I only desired to know what spiritual blessings you had both from without and within, that I might share them with you. And this I was emboldened to do by the sweet account you had given in your former letter, of the blessings you enjoyed at _Bristol_. The Lord refresh your soul continually with the rich streams of his redeeming love, and may his everlasting arms be beneath you! I know your present state, of hanging as it were in suspence between the visible and invisible world, is a dispensation big with divine love. And was I to pray for you that prayer which my soul most loves, it would _be_, “that you _should_ lie in the hand of God