Lambeth, January 24, 1767

My very dear Friend: — I have waited till I am quite wearied out. Many a look and prayer have I sent ward, but all in vain. No tidings could I get, till Mr. told me of

your state. And on his information I am encouraged to inquire after you and yours, and after a very, very long letter, which I wrote upon my coming home from Bath. Pray give me some accovmt, for indeed I long to know about these matters. The letter was upon a subject that I scarce ever mentioned before to anybody; it was my own experience; and I would not have it lost for a great deal. I have been trying it by Scripture, and I could give you infallible proofs of its being agreeable to the Word of God; and perhaps may, when I hear from you next. It will be some satisfaction to me (as I never take copies of

anything) to read my own history at.

Before that time I may have got a little lower, and have drunk deeper into the knowledge of Jesus. That seems to be the end of living, to have self abased, and Jesus exalted; and these two are inseparable. As self sinks in esteem, Jesus rises. When self is nothing but sin, then Jesus is a glorified Saviour. When self is nothing but misery, then Jesus is all heaven. I have been led to take particular notice of this lately from these views:

First, the person of Jesus; he was Jehovah. All the glory of the Godhead was in the man Jesus. And what was his appearance? mean, to the last degree. A worm, and no man, the very scorn of men, and the outcast of the people. What was his form? a servant, a poor servant. What were his tempers? meek and lowly, yea, meekness and lowliness itself: a perfect original, of whom all his disciples may learn to be meek and lowly. His way to glory was humility; so is ours. His glory, indeed, was his humility; so is ours. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted, was true of the head as well as of the members. O that you and I may be in this conformed to him! because herein,

Secondly, our fellowship with him consists. Whatever a man sees in himself great or good, is an absolute hinderance to the enjoyment of Jesus. Whatever he sees vile and wicked, therein (if he has faith) he will enjoy the Saviour. The more he sees, the more enjoyment; for that which humbles the sinner brings him nearer to the Saviour. The humblest sinner is capable of the closest communion, and is thereby fitted for the largest communications of Jesus’ love. The emptiest hold the most, and the emptiest receive the most. O for daily emptying! This self, this full self, what reasonings, what legality, what self-righteousness has it, and all to keep us from being filled with the fullness of Christ: this is your grand enemy, that idol SELF. The Lord crucify it by his own almighty grace! and to induce you to apply to him for this power, I would recommend it to you.

Thirdly, in reading the Bible, take notice of the persons to whom the promises are made. Their character is always one and the same! the poor in spirit; the contrite and broken in heart; the hungry, the thirsty, the meek and lowly. Take this general promise as an instance, God giveth grace to the humble, and with grace he gives all things. See how I get writing on without intending it: I only sat down to inquire about you,

and all our dear friends; Miss at the

head of them. Lo! here is a long scroll started up. In love remember me to all friends, and, if you please, with my hearty

prayers for their welfare at. Mine

eyes have tears for them, Dear Jesus reveal himself so to you in his glory, as to eclipse all created good, and yourself especially. So prays a poor sinner, W. R.