I HAVE found in my mind some degree of reluctance in writing to you, as many who were formerly enemies, have in their distresses, fled to me, and afterwards have been no small plagues and scourges to me; and I have been the more backward, on account of the scuffle about – at P. for my enemies are very glad to see me take notice of any, who have in: commonsense lain under any scandal; nevertheless, if the work upon you be of God, I wish earnestly to see you through, and out of it.
To set our secret sins in the light of God's countenance, and quicken us to feel the guilt of them, and the bondage and wrath which the law reveals, and works in the convinced sinner, is God's work; and all that come to Christ for pardon, peace, and rest, must be taught of God out of the law; "Every one that hath heard, and learned of the Father, comes to Christ," and none else; hence the blessing, "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law; that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked," Psal. xciv. 12, 13. You will never come out, till you are humbled to accept the punishment of your iniquity.
When we are brought to believe it is for our good, and that in very faithfulness God afflicts us; to fear carnal ease; to fear being given up to our own heart's lust; to fear our convictions should go off, and not terminate in pardon, peace, &c. and when they appear to abate, and yet no deliverance wrought out for us, we find a feeling after them, and a struggling to get under the load again; to an hungry soul thus taught, even these bitter things are sweet, when compared to carnal security. These things attending our convictions, will end in submission to the will of God, and is no less than accepting the punishment of our iniquity. You will never hasten this work, by any carnal means that you can devise; to persevere in prayer, watching thereunto, reading and meditating, waiting and quietly hoping for the salvation of the Lord, is what God requires of sensible sinners, whom he is teaching his way.
Farewell.
W. HUNTINGTON, S. S.
*