the glorious plan of redemption open to my delightful perception more and more, and the Spirit witnesseth with my spirit, that I have my part in it by the gift of faith.  I believe the record, that God giveth to us eternal life, and I put in my claim as a sinner.  I account it a ’faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief,’ I still enjoy the ordinances of the gospel:  my memory, as you know, is much impaired:  I recollect very little of the sermons I hear; but I think I never heard with so much attention.  I am delighted, instructed, and fed at the time, and the subjects open to me without my being able to recollect the order or the words of the speaker.  O let me recommend this dear Lord to your heart and confidence; commit all your concerns to him; mistrust no part of his providential dealings with you; his wisdom shall manage for you, and you shall one day say, ‘He hath done all things well.’”

“MARCH, 1811.

“I am daily on the lookout; one year and three months will complete my threescore and ten.  I do not know one individual alive whom I know in my school-days; it has been the case for many years.  I do not long for my dismission, neither am I tired of life; but nothing in this world, unless closely connected with another, interests me; and Oh, I am tired of sin; still it cleaves to me; in all things I come short, and many duties neglect altogether; for I still have a considerable, share of health, and might do some good, had I will equal to my opportunities; as to the power, it is not in me, but I know I have it in my blessed Head, and for the asking.  I cannot but long to be delivered from sin, and sinful apathy in particular; for really my heart must be wickedly fertile, to find out opportunities of moral transgression.  Food and raiment are mine without care; my children, under God, care for me.  I have my dear little room, my Bible, and books founded on it.  I have a dear pastor and Christian friends, lively ordinances, and also much of the Lord’s presence at times; my cup runs over with blessings, but my gratitude bears no proportion; my zeal for the glory of God and the good of my fellow-sinners seems buried under self-indulgence and apathy.  O that the goodness of the Lord may lead me to repentance.

“And now, my dear friend, let me know how it is with you and your dear family.  The severe winter is past; how have you got along? with what temporal comfort, and how has the Lord dealt with your soul?  Has the barrel of meal or the cruse of oil failed?  Does the opening spring cheer your spirits, and furnish a song of praise?  Does it find you in a situation to dig your garden, sow your seeds, and make provision for future comfort?  Has the Lord turned your captivity, and dried up the bitter waters that flowed against you?  How are your eyes, after all the briny tears that have steeped them?  How are your poor nerves, after all the