this state, and for two or three years past, less than ever.

I was at church the last Sunday, and, as the weather was moderate, had a pretty good congregation, as times go. I preached on the blessedness attainable, in this life, by all who truly receive the gospel. I felt considerable liberty in speaking, and, as I conceited, treated the subject with an unusual degree of perspicuity, in a word, I thought I had, in a measure, done justice to it. But what was the effect? I speak not now of others, but of myself. I know, well enough, what effect it ought to have upon me when I am enabled, at any time, to discharge any of the duties of my office with a degree of propriety: it surely ought to make me humble and thankful, considering that every good gift is from the Lord, and of myself I can do nothingno, not even think a good thought. But, my dear sir, what a riddle-what contradicti on, are we to ourselves! So great a sense have I of my ignorance, unworthiness, unprofitableness, and a thousand deficiencies cleaving to my best performances, that I know I ought to blush at the most distant thought of human commendation, or a desire of praise from men-but such is my remaining infirmity, I find I cannot wholly

suppress it-I found a strong attack from this quarter last Sunday, which much disquieted me, on my return from church; and though I struggled against it, and endeavored to look to God for help in that time of need-yet I am convinced the old man is not dead. Lord, what is man!Surely, in his best estate, he is altogether vanity. How forcibly do these painful experiences teach me how frail I am, and how defiled in every part-and, by necessary consequence, point out, in the clearest manner, the excellency of the gospel, and of that full and free salvation, which is therein revealed. How does it endear to my soul the Lord Jesus Christ, and shew me what a suitable Saviour he is? I know, I feel the necessity of his perfect righteousness to justify me in the sight of a holy, sin-hating God, and that he must be my all for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. When a sense of remaining infirmities and imperfections has this effect, to take us more and more out of ourselves, and all self-sufficiency, and to drive us near to Christ, and a more simple and entire dependance on him alone for every thing, then, I believe, it has the effect the Lord intends by permitting such inward evils to remain with his people in the

present state of probation. Most gladly, therefore, would I glory in my weaknesses, if thereby the power of Christ may more eminently rest upon me.

I know the Lord hates sin of every kind and degree, and, I trust, he hath brought me to hate it also; and I have a thousand times prayed, in my poor manner, for the total destruction of it, and that I never might feel pride, self-love, and vain-glory any more. But after all, I do feel these evils remaining, and therefore seek my consolation in the answer given to the apostle, "My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength is made perfect in weakness."

In

the mean while, a sense of our imperfections need not break our peace, or weaken our confidence in God, while the desires of the heart are upright, and we are conscious of no allowed guile.

With great respect, I hasten to subscribe myself

Your sincere friend, &c.

D. JARRATT.

LETTER VII.

MY EVER DEAR FRIEND,

IN my last letter I gave you but a mortifying and gloomy picture of christian experience, yet I might have enlarged the portrait and been more lavish of shades, and yet have drawn the picture nearer to the life. Ah! My dear sir, what is it we put our hands unto, that is not, more or less, contaminated by the touch of our fingers. What dead flies are to the ointment of the apothecary, such are pride, self-vain thoughts, &c. to our most splendid services, or performances: they infect and spoil all we do. Where is the place so sacred as to exempt us from the intrusion of these flies? Neither the study, the closet, the pulpit, nor even the Lord's table, can hinder their access. But I consider the present, to be our militant, state, and these are the enemies we have to contend with; and the Lord permits them to continue in the land for the exercise of the several

christian graces, wherewith he endows, or furnishes his people, and enjoins them to use for wise purposes. Slay them not, lest my people forget. We may infer from the love God bears to his saints, as well as from his hatred to sin, that if he could not, or would not, overrule these things for good, he would immediately put an end to their existence, and his people would see war no more, in the world, or, know what these inward conflicts mean.-But, blessed be the Lord, we are not under the law, but under grace; and therefore, though sin wars and fights, it shall not conquer and reign: nor does it at all affect the safety of our state, while we wrestle and strive against its remains; and though it affords us disquietude within, yet it shall not separate us from the love of God, who has taught us to hate sin in every shape and degree to mourn over unvoluntary failings, and to loath even the garment spotted with the flesh. He knows that we have a desire (for that desire he himself bestowed) to love him more and serve him better: he knows we are grieved at our short comings and great deficiencies-and yet he suffers us to struggle on-but he does not leave us to contend alone; no, his arms are un

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