May 25, 1765

My dear Friend: — Having an opportunity of sending a note by dear Mr., I

could not withhold my pen. What thanks ought we to give to our gracious Lord for his mercies to you! What ought you yourself to give! Can you look back upon any part of your life, especially the last part of it, and is there anything upon which you cannot write. This is mercy? Oh, it is all, from the first to the last, to them who are chosen, and called, and believe, and live by faith of the Son of God, mercy — from everlasting to everlasting! A mercy before time, a mercy in time, a mercy beyond time! Where is the fountain-head, the spring of this mercy? In the covenant of the eternal Three. What gives rise to it? Nothing but the mere grace and free love of the Divine persons. A motive cannot rise but in the purpose and breast of God himself. But on whom do the streams of this fountain flow with their quickening, comforting, sanctifying, glorifying streams? On the miserable, and none else; for none else are the objects of mercy. On such as you and me. Mercy has made a rich provision to supply all our wants, to pardon all our sins, to save us from all misery, to entitle us to all glory. And what! is mercy chiefly glorious in reserving all its blessings to another world? the greatest it does, but not all. All are now enjoyed in reversion by faith; and all things are working together in Jesus’ hands to bring about the full and final enjoyment, that the mercy which is above all the works of God may have for ever and ever all the glory. So far I wrote on Saturday night, on Mr.

sending me word he should go on

Monday.

Sunday Morning.

What a mercy does this day call to our remembrance! The Saviour, risen and ascended, sends down the divine and faithful witness for himself — He shall testifrj of me — bear witness to my person, Jehovah self-existent — my work as perfect as Jehovah could make it. He shall testify of my grace, how free it is, how full it is, and shall enable the sinner, any poor wretch, however vile in his own eyes, to trust his soul in the hands of Jesus. And having enabled the sinner to do this, then he will testify of Jesus, that he has received him, that he is safe in the arms and may be happy in the enjoyment of Jesus’ love. Thus he will make the soul enamored with Jesus; there will appear such consummate beauty, such infinite loveliness in his precious person, as will eclipse the glory of all other lovers. There will appear such true happiness in fellowship with him, as will quite dethrtjne the former idols. And when the foolish heart would depart, he will not let it. Then will he testify of Jesus, “To whom wouldst thou go? Who has eternal life to give, but him? Turn, turn again to thy rest, O my soul!”

If the soul is mourning? He will testify of the joy that is in Jesus. If the soul be burdened? Cast the burden, says he, on thy Lord. If the soul has lost any creature comfort? Let it go, says he, Jesus is still thy salvation and thy great reward. If the soul be grieved with indvvelUng sin? It is pardoned, says he; and the Spirit of life, which is in Christ Jesus, hath made thee free from the law of sin and of death.

Whatever the wants of the believer are, the Spirit’s office is to testify of Jesus, there IS THE THING YOU WANT; and to glorify Jesus THERE YOU HAVE IT FREELY.

My friend, what mercy is this! The Spirit Jehovah abides with you, to testify of Jesus and his perfect salvation; and to glorify Jesus by enabling you to live safe and blessed upon him, making him not only all, but also ALL in all. And when he has taught you thus to glorify Jesus, he will keep you, (oh, that ’s sweet!) by his almighty power, till he bring you to the heaven of heavens — the sight and enjoyment of dear Jesus, eternally dear and lovely Jesus.

Is it indeed so? Why, then, commit yourself to this glorious Immanuel. Wait for the Spirit’s teaching you all his ways, and showing you all are well. Remember, he lias lent you your chief earthly comfort only just so long as he pleases. When he takes it, hush, not a sigh: Be still, and know that lam God, a sovereign — This commands resignation; but the Lamb’s voice is all love. I take him away, that you may love me more, and be happier in my love. Let it he so, my dear Lord; he thou but present, ALL is well. The Lord bless you and yours.

W. R.