“For all these blessings I desire to be grateful to the God of providence, whose is the earth and the fulness thereof; but these I cannot take as the substance of the promise; neither have they been the chief matter of my prayers.  The salvation and the life I have wrestled for, is that which Christ died to purchase, and lives to bestow—­even spiritual life, and salvation from sin.  My God knows I have held fast this view of the words, seeking first the kingdom of God for my children, leaving temporals to be given or withheld, as may best suit with the conversion and sanctification of their souls.  I have not asked for them health, beauty, riches, honor, or temporal life:  God knows what share of these consists with their better interests; let him give or withhold accordingly.  One thing I have asked of the Lord, one thing only, and will persist in asking, trust in him for, and for which I think I have his promise—­even the life of their and my soul. 1 Thess. 5:23, is my petition for me and mine; verse 24, my anchor of hope, preceded by Jeremiah 49:11.”

“EDINBURGH, March 17, 1789.

“This day from the head of his own table did the Lord, by his servant Mr. R——­, proclaim his name the I AM, and called on me to write under what I would, for time and eternity.  My soul rejoices that God is, and that he is what he is; nothing less than himself can content me, nothing more do I desire.

“This great I AM is my portion—­what can I ask beside?  He hath opened my eyes to see his excellency; he hath determined my will, to choose him for my portion.  He hath arranged and set in order a rich testament sealed by the blood of his own Son, containing every blessing for time and for eternity.  All my heart’s desire is there promised, and faith given to believe there shall be a full performance.  What have I to say then, but, Amen, do as thou hast said?  Father, glorify thy name.  Thou hast said, ’Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh; and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them.  And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers:  and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.’  Amen; Lord, do as thou hast said.  Behold, I take hold of thy covenant for myself and for my children.  It is well ordered in all things, and it is sure.  My heart accords to every part of it.  Wilt thou guide us by thy counsel while we live, and afterwards receive us to thy glory?  Amen and amen—­do as thou hast said.