Cuckfield,
Aug. 7, 1801.
I AM still indulging hopes that thou art better, as my most merciful God in Christ Jesus permits me still to remember thee in my poor prayers, which at times are but weak and feeble, cold and lifeless. Nevertheless, God knows the mind of the spirit; and sometimes poor and lifeless prayers bring their returns to us, to convince us of the prevalent intercession of Christ, who has much incense (I mean his own merit, and the abundant fulness of grace, and of the Spirit, which God has given us in him), that he should offer it, with the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar, which I believe to mean his glorious godhead; and the faithfulness of him in his offices, is signified by the gold. Hence arises great encouragement to prayer, the sacrifice of the human nature in union with the divine, and that human nature so filled with all the fulness of the godhead, and of grace; and being by the oath of God consecrated a priest for evermore, ever to live and make intercession for us, prayer must prevail, when his name, office, finished work, and merit, be pleaded in behalf of miserable sinners, who have no confidence in the flesh. And I hope God will convince you of this, that he regards the prayers of the destitute, and will not despise their prayers.
Poor Mr. B. is very ill, incapable of getting out, and so weak as not to be able to ride, walk, or sit. We are in the midst of harvest, and corn is very fine, but it has rained every day since I left town. The Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and be gracious unto you, is the prayer of,
Your most affectionate Friend and Brother,
W. H., S. S.
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