I was and still am grieved to see you, so ill as you are, attending to that shop; you really hasten your own end, and deprive yourself of a little wholesome air, which in your state is so much needed. I have now a comfortable bed, and a good room, entirely at your service; and there is no want of any thing, nor any creature in the way to make you uneasy-all love you, and you know it.
It is my earnest desire that you would write to N. and let him come, and weigh, and take your goods, as you will want nothing here but your wearing apparel; and here are drawers upon drawers for all your clothes. I have no doubt but the adversary is busy enough with carnal reason, but strength shall be equal to thy days; "For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister," Heb. vi. 10. Whosoever receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me, and him that sent me, John xiii. 20. And he that receiveth a prophet, a righteous man, or a believer in Christ, he shall receive a prophet's reward, and a righteous man's reward, and this comes from the God of truth, the lips of truth-the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Let no man or devil beguile you of this reward, for you have received me into your faith, heart, conscience, and affections; And I know that Christ sent me, and you believe this, and received me as such, and therefore did receive him also. Moreover "He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law," and, "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him;" for "We know that we are passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." And, "By this," says the Son of God, "shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another;" and I know that you love me, and God knows I love you.
It is true we are poor, worthless, sinful wretches, and have cause daily to loathe ourselves on the account of the evils that are n us; but no self-loathing is to rob us or deprive us of the comforts of faith, nor of the comforts of hope in a Saviour, for he came to save sinners, yea, the chief of sinners; nor will he take notice of any other. He leaves the self-righteous to swell, to boast, and to banter, till pride becometh their ruin; "I came not to call the righteous."
And now, my dear James, as God has prepared a way for you, and provided a room for your reception, a dutiful and affectionate son to receive you, do come, and bring Mrs. B. with yon, it is my wish. God bless you.
Ever your's in Christ Jesus the Lord, W. H., F. S.
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