him at L. for great and wise ends, for the comfort of the godly, and the confusion of his enemies, which I think is evidenced in two particular professors high in the esteem of the professing world; one of them standing and warning people not to hear J. as he was out of his mind; the other went from house to house forbidding people to go to hear so dangerous a man, as he certainly was mad. God has struck both these men with actual madness, and they are in a mad-house at this time. Another person withdrew from his ministry, and declared the same; he lately died raving mad, after a profession of religion for many years. Thus God's hand is known towards his servants, whilst his indignation is poured forth on his enemies. Excuse my long epistle, but I could not forbear. I know your goodness will put up with my weakness, and I beg an interest in your prayers in my behalf; and, in my poor imperfect petitions, I hope ever to bear you on my mind at a throne of grace, that the Almighty may long continue your usefulness. I am greatly obliged to you for your invitation, and hope I shall see you after Christmas. I have many things to communicate to you, which I cannot write at present. Perhaps the country air would be found very useful to you, more so than any medicine: you think thus, my house, my all that I have, is at your service; and, believe me, there is none in the world I should be so happy to see as yourself. Do me the favour of a line or two when

if

you find time and opportunity. May mercy and peace rest with you and yours, and the Israel of God, prays your unworthy servant in the precious Lord Jesus Christ,

T. S. M.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER VIII.

To Mr. T. M.

GRACE, mercy, and peace, be multiplied. I have, from the first time I saw Mr. J. at your house, indulged a full persuasion that he is a chosen vessel, and Satan himself seems aware of it too. Persons fitted for the ministry by men meet with little opposition: the world loves its own, and they that are of the world the world will hear; nor is it Satan's interest to raise any persecution against such from whom he receives no injury, nor the sinner any benefit. He that pleases all, profits none. God has now taken poor J. in hand, and I have no doubt but he will make him useful after he hath fitted him for the work. All God's children must be taught of him; much more those whom he appoints to be as his mouth

to others. And, indeed, a real chosen vessel stands in need of no small share of afflictions, crosses, trials, humbling dispensations, and humbling grace, to keep him steady; especially one in a public character; that he may have ballast, and not be overset, or left to make shipwreck of faith. "Not a novice," saith the Spirit, "lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil." If that text was to be applied with power to every person that is now in the office of the ministry, we might reverse the order of the following text, and say, God gave the word, and few there were to publish it. It requires too much patience to tarry in Jerusalem till endued with power from on high; especially by those who know not themselves, their own insufficiency, the majesty of the Lord, nor the importance of the work.

The hand of God upon those three men is truly awful, and serves to shew us that a long and empty profession, head notions, and a vain confidence, are no armour of defence against the attacks of Satan. J. in my judgment is a poor, broken-hearted sinner; and God has promised to look to, and dwell with, such: and there is no fighting against God's temples and prospering. Here is a Mr. D. who preaches at B. C. the same who went lately to L. to add affliction to his bondage; who, I hear, is still preaching against him. If he proceeds I shall expose his emptiness, for he is nothing but a wooden vessel. Blessed

are they who, feeling the terrors of the Lord, fly from the wrath to come, and embrace the Rock for want of a shelter! Such souls are not without a strong hold in times of trouble, and God knows them that put their trust in him.

I am sadly afraid there are too many, not only at L. but all over the nation, who are set down. short of the promised rest, and built up, but not on the foundation that God has laid in Zion: nor can it be otherwise expected, when we consider the workmen who have laboured among them. Who can cast up the highway that never was in it? and how can they labour to purpose who were never partakers of the fruits? I think God has taken his fan in hand at L.; he will thoroughly purge his floor, and separate the chaff from the wheat, and the vile from the precious.

God's judgments attending the enemies of his servants may serve to awe those who are for healing the wound slightly, daubing with untempered morter, and crying Peace, where the blood of sprinkling has never spoken. God's judgments attended the magicians in Egypt as well as their pupils. The words, mad, and bad spirit, are very commonly used in our days, and plentifully poured forth on all those who know the plague of their own heart and the efficacy of the atonement, and who enforce and insist upon regeneration as essential to salvation and a meetness for heaven. Preaching conviction, conversion, faith, repentance, and a knowledge of salvation by the forgive

LETTER VII.

To the Rev. Mr. HUNTINGTON.

MY VERY DEAR AND MUCH VALUED FRIEND,

Nor receiving an answer to my letter has caused me not a little trouble, fearing your mind might be prejudiced against us; but, blessed be God, this morning I have been relieved on receiving yours. My partner in life stood trembling to hear the contents; and, when I came to your kind invitation, her heart burst with gratitude, declaring your good-will towards us the greatest of any earthly comfort she enjoys. May the Almighty preserve your bodily health, and his presence be continually enjoyed by you, that you may, in the Lord's hands, be made a blessing to thousands yet. I have reason to bless the very hour I first knew you; and may a sense of gratitude remain on my soul for the goodness of God to make me acquainted with you, for the many precious opportunities I have been favoured with in hearing you preach, and in conversation with you. At B-k B-s, the first sermon I heard you preach there, the Lord set in with the word, which will never be forgotten to the end of my days, though the enemy tried to baffle me out of