aves in Egypt, than suffer the reductions of
their sensual appetite.

Since Jesus Christ appeared on earth, there is a general belief that
the kingdoms of this world will ultimately be subject to his dominion.
But we may ask, who hastens his coming, by now yielding up his own
heart to his entire control?

Our Lord imposed no rigorous ceremonies on his disciples. He taught
them to enter into the closet; to retire within the heart; to speak but
few words; to open their hearts, to receive the descent of the Holy
Spirit.

The holy Sabbath has not only an external, but a deeply spiritual
meaning. It symbolises the rest of the holy soul, in union with God.
Oh! that all Christians might know the coming of Jesus Christ in the
soul! Might live in God, and God in them!

God alone knows how much I love you.

TURN FROM SELF TO CHRIST

You are not forgotten, my dear E. God has engraven you on my heart.
If you have not consented to the thoughts that have crossed your mind,
do not be afflicted on account of them. The examination and dwelling
upon these thoughts, brings them again to life. Be on your guard
against everything that entangles you in self. God is a Father who
bears with the innocent faults of his children, and wipes away the
stains they have contracted. The greatest wrong you can do to God is
to doubt his love. He regards the simplicity and purity of the
intention. It is right to cherish great self-distrust, to realise your
weakness and helplessness; but do not stop here. Confide as much more
in God, as you hope less from yourself.

Do not afflict yourself, because you do not at all times realise a
_sensible_ confidence in God, and other consoling, happy states. Walk
by faith, and not by sight, or positive perception of the good you
crave. Let us, my dear E., be closely united, and walk together; not
according to the way we might choose, but according to the way God
chooses for us.

I love you tenderly.

ASSURANCE.

Notwithstanding all that is said to me, my dear M., in opposition to my
state, I cannot have one doubt of its reality. There is within me an
inward testimony to the truth; so deep, that all the world could not
shake it. It is the work of God upon my heart, and partakes of his own
immutability. It seems to me that all the difficulties of theologians
concerning this state, arise from viewing it, not in the light of
divine truth and power, but in the light of the creature.