your kind expressions of regard for me. Indeed, my dear, I do feel most sincerely concerned for your welfare, both as it respects your body and your soul; but when we seriously reflect on the vanity of the one, compared with the infinite importance of the other, the former seems to dwindle into insignificance, and the eternal safety of the latter should occupy our most serious thoughts. With reflections of this kind, I am persuaded you are not unacquainted—your long and painful affliction must have urged inquiries like this, Wherefore doth the Almighty contend with me?' and indeed this is a subject that demands an impartial investigation; for we know that he doth not "willingly afflict or grieve the children of men," but that he hath some end to answer for his own glory and our good. We ought, therefore, under such circumstances, to aim at his end; and whether it be to mortify us to the vanities of

time, or to shew us the evil of sin, or what not, let it be our prayer, that such desirable blessings may be accomplished, though it be by our suffering in the flesh: and then, when the affliction is thus sanctified, we may lawfully ask that it may be removed; but perhaps not till then. You will never regret this long and painful illness, if it be but the means of deadening your heart to the world, so effectually as to constrain you to seek all your happiness in GOD. We are but the creatures of a day, and short-sighted, and know not to what lengths of sin we might run, did not the LORD interpose by his afflicting hand, and say, "Hitherto shalt thou

go, &c." Let us then justify his conduct to us under the most severe dispensations. Yours, my dear, is a school of discipline; God grant you may have a teachable disposition, and learn every important lesson, which will turn to account in that day when the

thoughts of all hearts shall be revealed! but, before that awful period, may you be enabled to choose decidedly that better part which ensures the best happiness here, as well as eternal felicity hereafter! Trials like yours demand present consolation. If you would be happy under the chastening rod, look to JESUS he sees your sickness of body and mind, and stands with open arms to rescue every sin-sick soul. All the fitness he requires is, that you feel your need of him; but, if you do not feel yourself a sinner, and so, willing to be saved, remember that JESUS CHRIST is exalted on high," a Prince and a "Saviour, to give repentance, as well as the "remission of sins;" but recollect, at the same time, that we have no right to expect it if we do not ask. Seek then, my dear girl, an interest in him by fervent prayer; the means are.ours-the blessing is his. Let me hear how it is with you. Open your mind; you

may

do it with safety. Accept my best love, and present it to all near to you and dear to me in the best bonds.

Yours most affectionately,

LETTER II.

M. C.

Margate, Nov 21, 1800.

I am sorry, and so are all your friends here, dear to hear so indifferent an account of yourself; but be sure, my dear, so soon as the affliction has accomplished that for which it was sent (and not a moment sooner) it will be removed. All our times are in the LORD's hand, and such a long and painful trial would not have taken place in your history, but for ends the most wise; though, perhaps, the most opposite means are taken to what we could

wish. By and bye, when the curtain is drawn aside, we shall see things in a proper light, and justify God in all his ways. All the while you are so agitated, as you express, I cannot but fear, that your wishes, that the LORD may incline you to seek his face, do not terminate in an absolute application to the blood of sprinkling for pardon. Then, be assured, your peace would flow like a river. Though you would feel sorrow to think you had sinned, perhaps against light and knowledge; yet, believe me, you would have such joys, as are not to be conceived of, unless they are experienced. But suppose you have never yet felt, as you think you ought: what hindereth, but that even now you may come? Yet there is room; the Fountain is still open. "Ask and it shall be given, seek " and ye shall find." Beg of the LORD, and give yourself no rest, till you are enabled to "cleave unto him with full purpose of heart." Remember, JESUS CHRIST is exalted on high,

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