I shall be pleased to hear that Mrs. M. continues better, and that the work of God prospers in your hands, and soul. The prayers of both will be esteemed a privilege by, Rev. Sir, your obliged, humble servant in Christ,

D. MAXWELL.

LETTER LXIII.

TO THE REV. A. MATHER.

November 2, 1788.

"Gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity," for such wise ends, and salutary purposes, as fully justify the Divine procedure, and richly repay the sufferer. I hope Mr. M.'s happy experience bears testimony to this truth. I shall be glad to hear that he is restored to former health and usefulness, and that his path of duty is so clearly marked, as to supersede the necessity of listening to any one for direction. I believe the soul that walks closely with God, will in most, if not in every case, have the line drawn for him by unerring Wisdom. Attending continually to an indwelling God, we hear the small, still voice, saying,→ "This is the way, walk ye in it."

I now begin to believe, that the Lord's very gracious dealings with me are intended for higher purposes than merely the comfort of my own soul; and, therefore, do more frequently, and

explicitly than ever, endeavour to tell those that fear God, what he has done for me; if, peradventure, the simple recital may be in the smallest degree profitable to them; though herein, satan withstands me greatly. Yet upon every proper occasion, I endeavour, in weakness, to offer it up as a sacrifice to my God (with a single eye to his glory,) upon that altar which alone can sanctify the gift. I feel more than ever called to wrestle in mighty prayer for the prosperity of Zion; more especially for some particular souls and this morning, I think I obtained faith for one, together with the strongest hopes for many, who all so pressed upon me, so crowded before me. while in secret before the Lord, that a necessity was laid upon me by the Hearer of prayer himself, to be importunate for them: but for all, one blessing only was in view,-entire sanctification; or what we sometimes call Christian perfection.

This important doctrine of our holy religion, more especially as it relates to experience, now almost wholly occupies my mind; at least, all the time I can spare from business, &c. &c. and I really think the Lord has prepared a people here for entering the good land. O that he would bring them in! Assist them by your prayers. The injurious bar of unbelief prevents their taking immediate possession, not seeing clearly it is by simple faith alone.

How shall I sufficiently praise the Lord that I am still a happy inhabitant of that delightful land? Still struggling to scale the mount of

holiest love, I have gained some steps, but feel restless to reach the summit. My God is to me as a place of broad rivers, wide and deep. I rest in him; I dwell in him. Sinking into him, I lose myself; and prove a life of fellowship with Deity so divinely sweet, I would not relinquish it for a thousand worlds. It is, indeed, a narrow path; but love levels every mountainmakes all easy.

“O Love Divine, how sweet thou art !”

When I look back, I rejoice to see what I am saved from when I look forward, it is all a pure expanse of unbounded love. Surely the heaven of heavens is love.

May you, more than ever, find this Divine principle overflowing your soul; sweetening every bitter cup; making every burthen light. But I am called away, and must conclude by saying, I would hope your remaining years will be peculiarly devoted to the interests of Christian perfection; promoting it by every possible means; and may the Lord succeed your every attempt, prays, Rev. Sir, your obliged, humble servant in Jesus, D. MAXWELL.

1789.

Lady Maxwell's multifarious engagements-Diary continued-She again visits Bristol-meets with many perplexities respecting Hope Chapel.

Lady Maxwell's engagements during this year were so numerous and important, that she had but little leisure left for friendly correspondence. The care of many of the churches now devolved upon her; and the constant attention which these demanded, nearly absorbed the whole of her time. To one of her friends, she thus apologizes for long silence. "I have often wished, and intended to write you, but have been prevented. Though the pen is necessarily, and almost constantly in my hand, even to the injury of my health, I can seldom enjoy the privilege of writing to a Christian friend. My peculiar situation deprives me of many privileges. How, then, can I sufficiently adore the goodness, and admire the power, that, while thus situated, keeps my soul alive to Divine things." But though she was thus obliged to remit all avoidable correspondence, she continued her diary nearly with

course.

as much frequency and fulness as ever. To this, therefore, we shall, for this year, again have reAnd surely, it must be encouraging to every faithful and laborious servant of Jesus, to observe in the experience of this eminent saint, such a remarkable accomplishment of that precious promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

January 25. Still I have cause to sing of mercy. My God is still gracious in secret and public, opens my mouth in his cause, and causes my pen to move swiftly upon the delightful theme. He enables me to devise liberal things for my fellow-creatures, and draws out my soul to the stranger, the ignorant, and the poor; and enables me to go on my way rejoicing. The trials which he permits, he supports me under, and delivers me from; frequently disappointing my fears. But I feel ashamed I do not make greater progress; that my love is so cold; that I come so continually short. Yet my God bears with me, in the most tender manner. O the height and depth of redeeming love! Still the Bible is a source of uncommon comfort and profit to me; and still I have sweet times of refreshing in secret prayer.

February 7. Innumerable opportunities are now given me, for promoting the temporal and spiritual good of my fellow-creatures. I am not permitted to reason, and thereby weaken