66 66 which our will has no part. Thus it was with Jesus: In him was no sin, yet he was tempted in all points as we are:" before his pure eyes did that enemy display all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them :-to his spotless soul he suggested disturbing doubts, and presumptuous expectations; but in the Son of God they found no place. Again; what I mean is a state consistent with a growth in grace; for Jesus, though always pure, "increased in wisdom and stature, and in 'favour with God and man." Is not such a state expressed and described in the thirteenth of the first book of Corinthians? and is it not commanded in these gracious words, "Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks?" Does the Apostle add, "This is the will of God concerning you?" And after praying, "Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly :" does he not pray, that your whole spirit, soul, and body, (after they are so sanctified,) may be preserved blameless to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ ?" Then follows the glorious promise, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." And is not the same thing promised in the sweet passage you named; "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you," &c. And again, did he not "swear to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life." By the state I weakly attempt to describe, I mean, that degree of humble love which excludes every temper contrary thereto; and faith that excludes the remains of unbelief, and every tormenting fear; "for he that feareth is not made perfect in love." It is "fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus 66 Christ," through the Spirit, by whose abiding witness we can say, "Abba, Father-my Lord and my God," with an unwavering tongue. I know this precious Gospel salvation is even derided by some, and exploded by many. Perhaps you may have conversed with some of these; and not have met with many who have dared to speak for God in this respect. Some of my expressions may therefore appear odd or unusual; but, compare them with Scripture, and mention with freedom any of them you wish me to explain. As I know your situation, you will excuse the liberty I take in advising you not to meddle with opinions: these insensibly eat out of the soul the precious life of God. Dispute not with any; or, if they seek hurtful disputations, it is a good way to propose prayer. But it may be well, as much as may be, to avoid the company of those who love vain controversy. Endeavour after a calm, recollected spirit-a heartfelt union with a holy God. Sweet truth-God is love, and love is the Christian's all. Love in us is his nature imparted: it is the fulfilling of the law, perfect law of liberty. Whosoever "loveth his brother," hath fulfilled the law to his neighbour and he who "loveth the Lord his God with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength," hath fulfilled the law to him also. To such" his commandments are not grievous;" not a task-a wearisome burden, but a delight: "They are ways of pleasantness-they are paths of peace. And as we are under a law of love to God; so God, our God in Christ, is under a covenant of love, in which is made over to us all he is and all he has to give; his every attribute; his wisdom to guide and teach; his power to protect, and help, and strengthen; his faithfulness, his truth, his mercy, &c, all sealed over, and secured by covenant promise and covenant blood. O my dear sister, what a blessed portion is ours! Let us determine to prove it all. We may, I trust we shall, and together praise in endless day, the great Three One. I am ever yours in him, H. A. ROE. LETTER XVII.-To the Same. MACCLESFIELD, Aug. 4, 1775. I THANK YOU, my dear sister, for your last, and would have written sooner, but a violent rheumatic pain in my head prevented me. I clearly see in your experience a deepening of the work of God. He is preparing your heart for his perfect love: he is emptying you of self, that you may be swallowed up in him he is crucifying you to the world, that you may live to him, and for him alone: he discovers to you the beauties of holiness, that your soul and all its powers may be captivated thereby, and enlarged to ask and receive all his goodness waits to give. It is no marvel that Satan shoots his fiery darts, and employs his strongest batteries to prevent this work of grace: he ever did, and he ever will. This precious salvation entirely overturns his kingdom in the believer's heart: he hath no more place, no more power: he finds no inward evil now (in those thus saved) to close in with his temptations. His every dart is now repelled; quick-sighted love discovers all his snares, and armed with the strength of Omnipotence, we more than conquer ! The temptations you find, are the same I was followed with, when the fountains of the great deep of inbred corruption were discovered to my view: yes, I experienced them all, and ten times more. Mr. Fletcher's Polemical Essay, especially in his address to imperfect believers, seeking Christian perfection, was made a great blessing to me. This, with Mr. Wesley's Plain Account, answered every objection, every doubt: and I earnestly recommend them to your serious perusal. These will lead you to see we are sanctified, as well as justified, by faith alone, and not for our merits, fitness, or deservings; but faith lays hold of the blood of Christ, as the procuring cause of our holiness, and which alone cleanseth from all sin. This blood is all sufficient:-as prevailing now as ever it will be. What then does the believer (hungering and thirsting after righteousness, or inward purity) wait for? The promise is, They shall be filled. Why delay? We may come just as we are; and if so, we may come this moment. It is said, Acts xxvi, 18, "We are sanctified by faith in Jesus" and the work in that verse is plainly distinguished from justification, or the forgiveness of sins, both being there clearly promised. If then it be by faith alone, it must be also instantaneous, in the same manner as our pardon was. Did we not receive the one in a moment, by, and in the act of believing? And why should we stumble at coming the same way for the other? "By grace are ye saved through faith,” in all the different degrees of that salvation which we can receive in the body. If by grace, then it is no more of works, and if not by works, we need wait for none :-we may come just as we are, yea, just now. May the Lord, while you read these lines, open the windows of heaven, and fill your spirit with his pure love. Do you thirst? Behold rivers of living waters gushing out of your Redeemer's wounds, water that will wash your inbred sin away. not the Holy Ghost waiting to apply the efficacious blood, and make you white as snow?-Hovers he not over you?-knocks he not even now at the Is door of your heart? O let your inmost spirit cry, But sup with me, and let the feast Amen, Lord Jesus, answer the prayer of thy child. Be it unto her as her soul desireth; fill her heart, and fill it now. I feel for the trials of your present situation, but the sweet love of Jesus shall bear you above all. Take no thought for the morrow, but momentarily live to God, and for God, and nothing will be able to harm you. I am, my dear friend, yours in the best of bonds, H. A. ROE. LETTER XVIII.-To Mr. Robert Roe, upon the nature of faith, and in what sense the act of man. MACCLESFIELD, Aug. 12, 1779. DEAR COUSIN,-I can still see all your doubts and scruples in no other light than as temptations and suggestions from an enemy, who is, and ever will be, watching and endeavouring to break your peace. And though I believe you will be brought through them all to the haven of bliss, yet you permit him to rob you of much comfort, which you might enjoy; and he would rather employ you in answering his lying suggestions, than that you should be momentarily looking up to, and depending on Jesus for all you want. For my own part, if it were not to answer your queries, I should never enter into the nice distinctions you do. I have much more to learn myself, and am convinced many would solve your scruples much better than I can. Indeed, to speak properly, no one can do it :-it is the work of God. Yet, I am ready to impart what himself hath freely given. But, I beseech you to |