When I awaked in the morning, I found a calm on my spirit to which I was not accustomed, and which I attributed to the vision: but it was suggested to me, that such whose names were written in the book of life were never acquainted therewith; and immediately that text of St. Paul's came to my mind, wherein he makes mention of some whose names were in the book of life: but I found that visions would not satisfy a soul under strong convictions, any more than the letter of the word without the application of the Spirit.

Soon after this, in hearing you, (and I came that night not knowing that I ever should get back again,) I saw on a sudden a brilliant star over your head, and felt a sensation of joy; but something within said, 'That is not for you; it is only a manifestation for him;' and I found this gleam of comfort gone. But, from this, and the vision before, my soul seemed somewhat supported for a time: and, when I went to bed, I entreated the Lord, that, if he intended to pardon me, he would manifest it to me that night. And the very manifestation which I wished for appeared: for, in my sleep, I was in an open country; the heavens seemed to be opened; and a bright light, beyond that of the sun, shined on me. Whereupon I was filled with joy; longed to leave this world; and threw myself down, in hopes of leaving my body there, and that my spirit would ascend; but something told me, that would not

be the case yet. But, when I awaked in the morning, I found it fulfilled. And indeed, as I found my dreams and visions of troubles fulfilled, so also have I since found my dreams of comfort fulfilled.

The star which I saw over your head, sir, continued with me for some time, both in reading the word and in prayer: and it appears to me, that the daydawn and daystar had begun to shine in my heart; for the wrath, desperation, and rebellion, of my heart, were soon gone; and what I felt in my spirit was pure, peaceable, and gentle; and the joy, satisfaction, and love to God, which I received and felt under the word, are beyond all description! for, as I cannot find words to express my trouble, so neither can I find language sufficiently expressive of the joy I experienced at my deliverance!

After my happy deliverance, I tried to bring those sins to remembrance which lay so heavy on me during my trouble: and I believe the devil tried to get me back into my old hole; but the door was shut, and my sins were gone. The Almighty, who pardons like a God, gave me such views of the covenant of grace, and of my interest in it; and such a feeling sense of the forgiveness of my sins, attended with such a love to God, his people, and his ways; that, were it always to be with me as it then was, my business must be managed by others, for that, as well as every thing else respecting time and sense, appeared

not worth notice. However, I have since found my affections catching at these things, and have longed for a return of this sweet frame of spirit. But, blessed be God, his word is fulfilled: though we are not taken out of this world, he keeps us from the evil of it. The Lord has permitted my faith to be tried pretty much since my deliverance; but I found that, by these things, I got more established.

I remember, when I was first delivered, your mentioning, that what we felt in our first love would not last always; but that there wouid come a day of adversity, to balance the day of prosperity: but, had all the world said so then, they could not have made me believe it, my love, joy, and peace, were so great! But though, at the dawn of day, the darkness makes the first light in the east appear beautiful; yet, when the sun arises, and shines in its splendour, there is a more glorious appearance: so it is with a Christian in his first love; there is great joy. But it appears to me, that an established Christian, who is enabled to quench the fiery darts of Satan, and live more by faith than sense, shines like the sun in his splendour, and, if I may so speak, gives more glory to God, and has more satisfaction himself; for afterwards there is that confidence in God which nothing can shake. I speak from my own experience. It appeared now in reality, as Paul says, that old things had passed away, and all things were become new. And the

change was so great, that it seemed as if I had got into a new world; and, instead of death appearing awful and dreadful, I have envied those, in that respect, who have, according to the nature of things, seemed to be nearer the end of their race than myself.

Thus, sir, have I given you a short account of the Lord's dealings with my soul. I find it impossible to give you the whole. But I entreat your prayers, that God would be pleased to keep me always humble. I remain, sir,

I RECEIVED yours; and shall take the liberty of printing it, as I know there are many, who are

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struggling with the terrors of the law and their own corruptions, who will be glad to compare notes; especially such who have made a long and shining profession, and lived in daily expectations of heaven, till convictions have seized them, and brought them to the verge of hell, where their whole work has been burnt up. Every man's work," saith the apostle, "shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is. If any man's work abide, which he hath built [upon the foundation], he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire."

If the fiery law, the fire of wrath, and Satan's fiery darts, were to lay hold of every professor in our day, as they laid hold on Paul, the fire would be much larger than the dreadful fire of London, and a deal of wood, hay, and stubble, would be consumed, 1. Cor. iii. 12. Profession would be like the garden of Eden before the flame, but behind it a burnt mountain, or a desolate wilderness, Joel ii. 3. However, "By fire and by sword will the Lord plead with all flesh, and the slain of the Lord shall be many," Isa. lxvi. 16. Blessed is the man whom the Lord brings through fire, and through water, and out into a wealthy place. An experience of the terrors of the Lord makes men dread the thoughts of looking back; and a foretaste of heaven, at his happy deliverance,