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LETTER XLVII.

August 2, 1779

MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,

Wz remembered you and yours, very par

ticularly on the 7th of May last. Blessings on the birth of that day. I knew more about it in 79, than I did before.

And more reason to honour and esteem you. I send you, enclosed, a little token of respect. You had it in the last war, and it is now again expedient, yea, necessary, I hope for your helping hand in this good work. Some must fight, and others must pray. One is as much wanted as the other. If Moses does not pray, Joshua does not conquer. Prayers gained the victory. Asa has a great army of one million one hundred thousand good soldiers: but he does not trust so much to them, nor conquer so much by them, as by his prayers. Jehosaphat's prayer

of faith vanquished a vast host without fighting. Read Chron. v. from the 18th to the 23d verse. On this account I beg of my dear friend, to join us. You have some praying people at

call upon them to unite on this occasion. Remember, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, James v. To-day it will avail as much as it did in the time of Elias. May God give you the spirit of prayer, that you may join the goodly company throughout the land, who will be on their knees next Sunday at eight o'clock. it is your duty; may you esteem it your privilege and I wish you growing communion with your God, more delight daily in approaching the throne of his grace, and more blessings coming from him on you and yours. We have already many hands lifted up to engage the Lord of hosts on our side. Mine are engaged, and I trust will not hang down till peace return.

Mrs. Romaine is with me and well. With her and my best wishes, I am in our dear Lord your friend and obliged servant,

W. R

LETTER XLVIII.

BLACK FRIARS, Nov. 30, 1779.

MY GOOD FRIEND,

I HAVE beet taught to weep with them that

weep; they cannot but feel with and for one another, who are joined to the Lord in one Spirit. That you suffer seems grievous to the flesh. I sympathize with you; but I also find the Lord is with you, supports you, yea he comforts you, therein I do rejoice. My prayer is for much patience under his hand, and much profit from his rod. Let me direct your attention to Hebrews xii. from the 5th verse to the 14th. The whole matter turns upon the character of the person who afflicts-is it in wrath, or in love? does he punish as a judge, or correct as a father? mind how the sentence begins; "MY SON, keep this upon your heart; you have fled to Jesus, you have taken the

benefit of his atonement and of his righteousness." You are therefore the adopted child of the most high God. And you must not think he changes his love when he changes his dispensations. He is ALWAYS your father, and say his rod is for the present, not joyous but grievous; yet mind, ver. 11, it only seemeth; the flesh seems to be hurt, but really it is not; it is only in appearance: look nearer, you may easily see love sending, love inflicting, and wait a little; you will have reason to thank your Father for the blessed fruits of his love. If you live you will find them very rich and ripe. If he spare life, my first journey shall be at; I have great fellowship with the afflicted. I shall hope and pray for your support and comforts; my God has promised both. May they be abundant! This summer has given me great occasion to learn the same lesson with you: and I can set to my seal that God is good and doeth good; nothing but good to his children. To his tender care I commend you, and yours. Look above, live above; both your joys and sorrows make Jesus, at least you wish to make Jesus your ALL. I am, in him, your dear friend and

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servant.

W. R.

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LETTER XLIX.

Saturday, March 29, 1777.

I

MY GOOD FRIEND,

this

HAVE an opportunity of sending my respects to you by Mr. — but I choose to give them to you under my own hand. Although I do not see you, yet you have a place in my heart, and in and for the Lord's sake, who changeth-not, I remember in my best times, you and yours. One proof of it I hope to give you summer, if I am spared. Age is coming on fast. Infirmities many and great; travelling is a bur den. But before I go hence, I purpose once more to visit my friends: I feel towards them some of that grace mentioned, Rom. i. 11, 12, which grows by giving and receiving. As indeed all the gifts of Christ do: the more you use, the more you have you become richer for what you lay out. Such a wonderful fulness flows from

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