London, September 29, 1762.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I THANK you for another proof of your care for my soul, in the enquiries you make. I bless my Lord, his grace is sufficient to make me answer, without hesitation, every question you propose. I have for many months enjoyed such a continuance of the presence of my beloved, as makes me feel I am less than the least of his mercies. The beholding of him, who is fairer than the sons of men, the sight of Christ crucified, prevents the touch of pride, and makes me hate the garment spotted by the flesh. The testimony that I desire is not from man, and the approbation of God never makes me high-minded. Rather I rejoice to him with reverence. He teaches me to delight myself in him: and I feel, I cannot be displeased with any thing that is his choice, I know that I please him; for he testifies of my works, that they are wrought in him.
Indeed Jesus is unspeakably precious.
“Words are too mean to speak his worth,
Too mean to set my Saviour forth.”
He daily makes to me new discoveries of his grace and power, and every fresh manifestation more effectually unites my heart to him who is altogether lovely. I love my friends in him: he gives the affection I feel, and it always leads to him. I believe, when I quit the inconveniencies of mortality, I shall love with greater “strength and elegance,” every friend to whom Jesus has now united my soul. And what we now know in part, we shall prove in eternity, God is love; and whoso dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. My desire for you is, that you may increase with all the increase of God, and return to us in the fulness of the gospel of peace. I believe you will, and that you will be a blessing to me and many.
I think Mr. Bell is willing to take any advice you think proper to give him. I repeat what I said before: they that seek dissension, are not friends to the work of God. I trust you labour for peace, and the God of peace shall be with you always.
I daily give up all to Jesus, and have no sacrifice to make, which is not offered up already. He gives me strength for all he calls me to bear: and I find it easy for the love which believes, to endure all things.