GRACE, mercy, and peace be with thee, and all that love our Lord Jesus Christ, in sincerity and truth. I have heard that you are coming to town at Christmas; I beg that you will make my house your home, as long as you stay in town. You visited me when I was a beggar upon the dunghill, and the good Lord having raised me up from that state of real want, I shall be as glad to see you now as I was then; and that you may share in what it has pleased God to give me; for I hope that no worldly prosperity will ever make me forget, either the coal-sack, or the cobler's seat.
I bless my God for all these undeserved favours, but these are not the portion of my lost and defenceless soul; no, he has saved poor, wretched, worthless me, and my soul exults in this better part, that shall never be taken away. Betty, Jesus Christ, the darling Son of God, is the only hope and help, guide and guardian, of poor lost sinners; he is our all in all, and make him such, for, "The ransom of a man's life is his riches," says Solomon. All the real peace, happiness, joy, comfort, rest, or love, that ever was found, felt, or enjoyed in this world since Adam fell has been found in the communion and fellowship of the Son of God.
The covenant of grace in the days of old, and the gospel in our days are published that we might have fellowship with the Father, and with the Son, Christ Jesus; and what is all religion without this? Our fellowship with the Father and the Son, is to be known by faith and love; "Believe," says Christ, "that I am in you, and you in me;" and, "He that loveth dwelleth in God, and God in him:" these are the evidences of our union and communion. This, Betty, makes us happy, comfortable, useful, and fruitful; and without this we are miserable, restless, barren, and fruitless; for "Without me ye can do nothing;" no more than a dead branch that is out of the vine. The only way to keep this union up, is by watching our inward frames, and the handyworks, and dealings of our God with us, searching the scriptures, meditating thereon, constant in our prayers, and thanking God for every favour, spiritual or temporal; and see that you be not slothful in these things.
By the help of my good God, I have been enabled now for thirty years, to keep moving on in the work of the Lord, without having a name to live and being dead; "The diligent soul shall be made fat." I am here in my little cabin at the chapel, day and night, and no spot so sacred, and so highly esteemed by me as this; it is to me, Bethel, Mount Tabor, the little hill Mizar. Many a heavy load have I cast off here, and many a heavenly ray, many a sweet foretaste of better days, have I had in this little cot. I did intend to have seen O. before now, but this bad, cold weather, has prevented me; besides, my old weather-beaten tabernacle cannot stand the fatigue of the camp, or the barn labour of forced marches, and therefore I shall indulge myself, and hug my winter quarters till Betty, the white serjeant, comes to my head quarter, to tell me how matters prosper in those parts, where Jesus Christ comes with his word, and whether she thinks this the time to send peace upon earth, or a sword and a fire.
Remember me to your husband and family, all of whom I hope are well, and likewise to Mr. G. when you see him. A happy Christmas, and may the blessed Son of Mary, be the son of Betty, for Christ is conceived in the hearts of believers, as well as in the womb of Mary; hence Christ's confession, "He that hath my word and keepeth it, the same is my mother, my sister, and my brother."
Ever your's,
W. H., S. S.
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