interposes arrests the powers of darkness-veils in a measure, the heavenly glory, and pours the soul-composing medicine of redeeming love into the heart. I look forward to that day, when all my ransomed powers shall be so formed, as easily to bear the dazzling brightness of unveiled Deity. Hail, auspicious morn! Indeed it is very desirable to make the most of our present fleeting moments.

I seem to derive the greatest advantage from a lively faith in constant exercise. This secures what I already possess, and increases the little stock. In secret prayer and meditation I obtain enlarged views of the full salvation of God; and what is thus discovered, faith goes out after, and according to its strength are its returns. I prize much the Divine teachings: with eager attention I listen to the heavenly lessons, and pant to reduce them to practice. I daily feel the need of the precious blood of sprinkling, dwell continually under its influence, and most sensibly prove its sovereign efficacy. It is by momentary faith in this alone, that I am saved from sin. Dear Miss R. must be satisfied with a small abstract, as I have not time to, enlarge. When she can conveniently write, I shall always be pleased to hear from her; and when I can spare a few minutes, will, for my own advantage, make a return.

There is no remarkable revival amongst us here particular souls are blessed. I frequently meet a few young women, who are alive. I hope

some have entered the promised land, and others are struggling in. A full salvation has this last year been more insisted on in public, which has answered valuable purpose. Assist us with your prayers, that "a little one may d become a thous sand, and a small one a strong nation."

D. MAXWELL. *

LETTER LXVII.”

TO THE REV. A. MATHER...

REV. SIR,

Sept. 11, 1790., Your letter, returned from Edinburgh, found me at Carlisle, where I had gone:upon business.

* In the month of August, Lady Maxwell again visited a few of the Chapels under her care in England. On her return, she wrote as follows in her Diary :

"September 2d. I set out for Carlisle, Wigton, and Workington, on Lady G's business, on the 18th of Angust; and returned here (Coates) yesterday. In the course of these fourteen days, the Lord has been eminently with me. He preserved man and beast, and gave me my heart's desire respecting the business I went about. He also gave me numberless opportunities of attempting the temporal and spiritual good of others, with power to use them; and much,, very much, fellowship with the Father and the Son. In general, I enjoyed the witness of sanctification, and often a plenitude of the Divine presence. Truly my God was good to me. He strengthened for unusual exertions in his cause ; and when tempted and tried, he succoured and comforted me more especially at one time, when Deity so condescended to visit me, as turned my heaviness to joy unspeakable, and put a song of praise in my mouth. I am unable to tell of all the kindness and tenderness my God hath shewed me since I left home. O that I may be faithful and humble!"

3

I am sorry to see by it that you are still very poorly. Our God knows "what best for each will prove :" and we are warranted to believe that all his dispensations towards his people, whether joyous or grievous, are conducted upon this principle. I hope he will soon restore you to health, and continue your extensive sphere of usefulness to a late period. It is very desirable to fill up life with action, but it is possible to over do ; though I believe the case seldom occurs. Indeed I should not be surprised if it often did. When God is the object of supreme affection, who can love too much, or do too much. Divine love cannot be bounded by the frigid laws of cool reasoning, however just.

I hope the state of your health will admit of the free use of your pen, in the weeks of your retirement and relaxation, whereby you may essentially serve the best interests of your fellowcreatures; and this will the more easily reconcile your active spirit to a narrow circle.

I must now give you a few words upon the chapter of self, as I know you will expect it, and also thoroughly understand me in so doing, I would preface it by saying, as Mr. Cole carried my last, he must have forgot to deliver it: but I would add, it was, perhaps, as well he did; as I suppose every minute of your time during Conference, was fully occupied. My God still condescends to shew the sweetest complacency. Herein I discern the fulness of that satisfaction, which the blood of Christ hath made for me. It is full reconciliation. O what praise is due to

him! In the course of my last excursion, my God made much of his goodness to pass before me; gave me my heart's desire respecting the business that carried me from home; and much, very much, delightful fellowship with heaven: often a plenitude of the Divine presence; and one very remarkable manifestation of the Holy Trinity. A few days after, when tempted and tried, Jehovah came down in solemn grandeur; so surrounded me, so penetrated my inmost soul with a sense of the presence of Deity, and so filled me with a heaven of silent love, as baffles all expression. This glorious interview, you may believe, soon scattered all my foes, and left me lost in wonder, love, and praise! and, perhaps, a little strengthened for a few exertions in the best of causes. I find it matter of thankfulness, that this continued intercourse with Divinity, does not make humanity a cross to me; and that though my God keeps me united to himself, yet he lets me down, and enables me willingly to perform the necessary duties of life, and often affords as much enjoyment when so employed, as when in secret with himself. Hitherto, (to his praise I would speak it) he has given me to see what things are necessary, what things are lawful, what things are expedient, and what are not. And I would venture to say, he has given me a small measure of light into what is, and is not, consistent with that state of gospel liberty, of which he has condescended to let me taste. It is but a taste; and what I chiefly want is a deeper entrance into the holiest. My way is plain;-the door is

open-a glorious field is before me. My God invites me forward; but I do not seem yet to have faith sufficient to receive all that is offered. Let me have your thoughts upon this, and your prayers; that every fresh manifestation of the love, power, and goodness of God, may fully answer the gracious end of sovereign love. The peculiar privilege of God's children, has been more insisted on in public this last year than formerly here; of consequence, they increase who seek it, both in numbers and grace. May our God raise up many witnesses of it. That Mr. M. may enjoy it, in all its heights and depths, in his own soul, and teach it successfully to others, is the prayer of his well wisher in the Lord Jesus, D. MAXWELL." 560 75

LETTER LXVIII.

TO MRS. JOHNSON.

Oct. 13, 1790.

As you expressed a desire in your last to hear from me, I wish to gratify it, without expecting an answer, except the Lord gives you power and liberty to favour me with one. You pain me by the reason assigned for your long silence: "A sacred restraint laid upon you, not understanding for what those blessed manifestations were to prepare me afraid to touch the tender soul, knowing my feelings must be exquisite." It led me to cry to the Lord, that he would show me clearly, and fully, what he designed by his very gracious dealings with me; and also enable me to fall in