Northampton, Saturday Morning,
Aug. 18, 1792.
GRACE and peace ever be with thee, as I am fully persuaded that the good work is begun in thee, and that it will be revived in the midst of the years, and that refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord: thou halt had the former, and thou shalt have the latter rain in its season; and the husbandman must wait for it literally, and so must the husbandry spiritually.
As to your getting into the judgment-seat, and judging yourself, it is right if you stop there; but as to passing a final sentence, it is not your office, nor your province. Your writing bitter things against yourself will never stand for any thing, as God does not subscribe to it; and as to listening to the devil and unbelief, you may depend upon it, they will never prophesy any good concerning us. God's language is, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him" His blood has a voice both in heaven, and in earth; his righteousness shall answer for us, in time to come; that I may be found in that, says Paul, and not in my own, in that day. The atonement gives an answer, both to justice and conscience; and his obedience gives an answer to every precept of the law, and an answer of admittance at the gates of heaven. The Saviour's plea, and office as an advocate, shall one day silence Satan, conscience, and Moses. " Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established: believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." It is for sin that he visits with a rod, and it is in very faithfulness that he afflicts us.
All the powers of earth, or hell, shall never set one sin on the book of God's remembrance, against the child of God. Blessed is the man that trusts in the Saviour's satisfaction, God will remember that man's sins no more, in a judicial way. He knows our weaknesses, and infirmities, and has made provision in the fountain opened, which is for the benefit of the household of faith; and sure he shall cleanse their blood that he hath not cleansed for the Lord dwelleth in Zion for that purpose, Joel iii. 21.
Tender my love to Peg. and James, and to all friends. I shall go from hence on Monday morning, if God permit. We have had very heavy rain all last night, and all this day, so that I cannot get out. I shall send word from Birmingham, and when I shall be at Hath. The Lord be with you all.
Ever yours in the Lord Jesus,
W. HUNTINGTON.
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