solation which God gives us to times, the spirit would fail: but these afflictions work experience. taste of at such count it all joy!' "I believe what Mr. C. says is quite right. Too many, from a manifestation of joy, such as you have had, suppose themselves in a high state of favour; and afterwards they are brought very low to humble them. But the dealings of God with His people are various. Some receive the blessed 'witness' earlier; and some, later. Some see more of the depravity of their fallen nature before that time; and some afterwards. Therefore we should expect, and pray, to be led as God sees fit; and not prescribe anything. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.' Manifestations of joy are given us as refreshments, to help us on our way; but are not to be trusted in. We are still weak, and must expect to feel so, the next time we are assaulted with that powerful Enemy, who fights with us through the instrumentality of the unbelieving world—the religious world- our friends and our enemies our appetites our business-our lawful cares-and our natural propensities. One way or other, he will strive to hinder our running the race. But faith is our shield: we are saved, in all these, by the vigorous exercises of faith.-If I should be a means of hurting your mind at any time, the best way to disappoint the Enemy in his machinations is, to tell it me directly. I do expect he will try to avail himself of me: therefore be prepared : "For truest friends, through error, wound our peace.'" FROM MRS. HAWKES TO MRS. JONES. "I HEARTILY thank my dearest sister for her most welcome letter. Human friendship is an uncertain good, and a hackneyed theme: but I was delighted more tremendous; but then the soul is in exertion, labouring for the port; and the joyful expectation inspires courage to row against wind and tide. But we have committed ourselves to the Lord; and as a King will he reign over His people: for a good man's steps are ordered by the Lord,' both in the spiritual and natural life. "There is much in us which is not in subjection; we are frequently for taking the reins of government out of His hands, and choosing for ourselves; but the Lord will subdue all unto Himself. We are a long time learning this one short lesson, 'Without Me, ye can do nothing.' Nor is it possible to understand it, save by the experience of total helplessness. But to doubt of God's help at these times, comes from that Enemy, who is ever employed in attempting to counteract the designs of our Gracious King towards us. "What Mr. C. said of a scrupulous conscience is highly just. I never knew any one that was really in earnest, who had not been much afflicted by this old, tried temptation of the Enemy. And as he finds it succeed so well, no wonder he continues to practise it. But, as that great man wisely observes, 'Here you must feel your way out.' But be comforted with this consideration, that light is at hand. We must first pass through this dark valley. But notice particularly how PILGRIM passed through it. I well remember, when travelling this part of the road myself, how my heart used to ache with the conflicts I had to sustain. Day and night did the Enemy follow me with his scourges. When eating, it was either too much, or the wrong sort; or it was not with proper gratitude. If I spoke, it was through pride, to seek praise; or it was idle talk and wasting time: indeed, there was not an action in which the Enemy did not follow me, and give me a buffet at every step. If it were not for the con solation which God gives us to taste of at such times, the spirit would fail: but count it all joy!' these afflictions work experience. "I believe what Mr. C. says is quite right. Too many, from a manifestation of joy, such as you have had, suppose themselves in a high state of favour; and afterwards they are brought very low to humble them. But the dealings of God with His people are various. Some receive the blessed witness' earlier ; and some, later. Some see more of the depravity of their fallen nature before that time; and some afterwards. Therefore we should expect, and pray, to be led as God sees fit; and not prescribe anything. One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.' Manifestations of joy are given us as refreshments, to help us on our way; but are not to be trusted in. We are still weak, and must expect to feel so, the next time we are assaulted with that powerful Enemy, who fights with us through the instrumentality of the unbelieving world-the religious world- our friends and our enemies - our appetites-our business-our lawful cares-and our natural propensities. One way or other, he will strive to hinder our running the race. But faith is our shield: we are saved, in all these, by the vigorous exercises of faith.—If I should be a means of hurting your mind at any time, the best way to disappoint the Enemy in his machinations is, to tell it me directly. I do expect he will try to avail himself of me therefore be prepared : "For truest friends, through error, wound our peace."" FROM MRS. HAWKES TO MRS. JONES. "I HEARTILY thank my dearest sister for her most welcome letter. Human friendship is an uncertain good, and a hackneyed theme: but I was delighted an to-day, in the consideration that yours and mine was now cemented by divine love, built upon a foundation that cannot be moved. Your letters are unspeakable cordial and help to my drooping spirits. To know I am under such a Divine Leader, ought to reconcile me to my journey, however painful or dreary. Yet I am ever ready to faint, by reason of the way. I believe, that when poor Christian was getting up the hill Difficulty, he was at one time so hard put to it, as to be obliged to scramble upon his hands and knees. I have, of late, seemed reduced to the same expedient; for my burdens are so various and so heavy, I can neither walk nor run; but toil, and pant, and creep forward. Thanks be to God, however, my aim through and under all is upwards— to get on, if by any means.' And sometimes He condescends to grant me a gracious revival by the way, whereby I gain breath a little, and fresh determination to press on; taking for my encouragement that it is no new thing; because our Lord foretold us, that in the world we should have tribulation, but that in Him we should have peace. Lord, in mercy grant me that peace! Prayer, as you say, is my only resource; with faith, hope and patience - waiting till the vision shall speak. Indeed, when I am enabled to pray, I get on. But I have been lately subject to so much bodily languor and weariness, with agitated nerves, that my mind seems capable of little more than breathings. "I have been comforted by that very expression in the Lamentations, Hide not Thine ear at my breathing.' The Spirit helpeth our infirmities, and, as Owen says, 'intercedes within; while a Mighty Advocate is interceding without, at the right hand of the Father.' With such helps, and such promises, how weak is that faith which sinks! and yet my spirit did sink under the apprehension of fresh disturbances and agitation lately. . . . The waves rose : very rapidly but I endeavoured to recollect my lesson, and look at the Master of the storm, and at His will in the affair; and the storm in some measure abated. Pray for me, that I may be enabled to say, 'Thy will be done.' He knows how feeble and how frail I am-that 'I am become like a bottle in the smoke;' and He will not crush, but deliver. "I am endeavouring to improve occasions. A thousand occurrences arise, as my days and hours pass on, which give me an opportunity of getting some slight view of my own heart; as little crevices in a shutter or door admit a ray of light, by which, if one cannot discover all that a dark room contains, one may see some few objects.-Oh, self! self! thou tormenter of my peace!-Well, I hope not to be mourning over the ruins, but looking to the recovery. I can say with truth, my heart smites me, and I am filled with shame when I consider how little I render to the Lord for all His benefits; and how much unbelief, foreboding fears, and inward depravity, pride, impatience, and self-will, yet remain. However, the process of the Refiner is, I trust, still going on; and my earnest prayer is, that, like Job, when I am tried, I may come forth as gold.' Every stroke I more than deserve; but every favour, every mercy, is the purchase of an adorable Saviour freely bestowed, for His own Name's sake.-Pray for me, that I may ever thus think and feel; for I can do so no longer than enabled by grace." The correspondence between MRS. HAWKES and her sister illustrates the advantage which Christians derive from mutual communication on the subject of their spiritual trials, and encouraging experiences of support under them ;-a practice which is abundantly exemplified in Christian records both of ancient and modern times. |