October 28, 1773

My good Friend: — Having an opportunity of sending my hearty love to you by Mr. I — — n, I could not avoid embracing it. You are often on my mind and in my prayers. Really, my dear Madam, you are one of them by whom I find the truth of what I believe concerning the communion of saints, I experience it in its comfort; for I feel with you, rejoicing in your joys, and taking part in your sorrows. I have a good account of your health, a great blessing (may it continue); and of your spiritual health, which is a greater: may that increase! and it will, as you live more in, on, and to Christ Jesus; coming daily as a poor sinner to live on a rich Saviour. This is the great secret of the Gospel. Nothing should keep you from Christ. However you feel, whatever you have done, at all times, in all places and frames, go to Jesus. I have been at this lesson a great while, and though very dull and stupid, yet, through marvelous grace, I have learned something. When things go well, we are apt to rest in them: I do not; my Jesus makes them well; I thank him, and rest in him, and not in his gifts: I enjoy him in them; and when things go badly, inward or outward, I would not stay from him to complain or murmur one moment, but, rejecting myself entirely, take him for my whole complete happiness. Let things go as they will, I look at Jesus through them, and would make use of them to lead me to live more upon him. This seems easy; but try it. I wish you a better scholar at it than I am. I hear you had a warning to be ready at the next door. I pray for its good effect. When

the messenger comes, may every M lift

up his and her head with joy!

I grow old, and find marks of the tabernacle’s wearing out fast; but I know in whom I have believed. To him I commend you and yours. Mrs. R. joins in every good wish to all yours and you. Do not fail to pray for

W. R.