Ditton.
THIS comes with my love to you and all friends, hoping your souls prosper, and am sorry I could not come to you; I did set out to come, but it was so dark and late that I went back again, but my heart was in a measure with you. O how did the devil work me because I could not come; but I know we should meet oftener together, if you prayed for it more; all things are possible to them that pray in faith, for God says he will be inquired of, that he may do these things for us; and, blessed be his name, it is right we should.
O my dear brother and sister, tell God of every trouble you meet with as soon as it comes, for when you try to help yourselves you fall into a bad temper, and grieve the Spirit of holiness, and Satan leads, you into darkness. I thought to-night he would work you, and tell you we should meet no more; but do not believe the father of lies; as soon as you find he works on you and makes you cross, go directly and tell God of it, and the Lord will soon bruise his head, for God tells us to cast our cares on him. The devil loves to see our souls bowed down with our own cares. O thou enemy of all truth, we defy thee in the strength of Jesus, and through Christ we hope we shall rejoice in heaven, when you will burn world without end: O Lord, deliver us from him because he tempts us.
I have had a letter from Mr. H.; he gives his love to you both, it is something of the language of Canaan. O my dear souls, keep close to Jesus, and let that be your chiefest work. Follow, my dear friends, that weeping spirit of meekness, that is the frame we walk safe in, and beware of a light spirit and a light conversation; keep from sinners, and keep humble, and may the Lord bless you. My soul shall weep for you all: remember me to all friends. My wife gives her love; the Lord bless thee, Amen.
W. HUNTINGTON.
*